This is the first time I've had all week to sit down and write, so I guess I better get to it. I spent a quiet New Years at home, a little wine and really enjoying seeing Dick Clark still showing young punks like Ryan Seacrest how its done. The throat cancer hasn't slowed the old fox that much. Keep going strong Dick. The rest of the show sucked, I don't care about Xtina and I wish Fergie would keep her London Bridge shut. I hate that song!
This weeks has been a mix bag really, for Christmas I bought my self EA Sports NHL 2007 for my PC. This is the only video game I can achieve some respectability at. In the past I've had some bad luck with with games on disk, I bought NHL 2005 at a "Cheepie" second hand place and the damn thing never worked, it would load and then freeze up my computer. On Christmas past I got NBA 2000 it worked until it was taken out by a crash caused by Windows ME (stop laughing, I know this was the worst Windows platform ever). I tried to reload the game the other day, but it must have gotten damaged. Damn! The only games I have that work are Duck Hunt and Who Wants to be a millionaire (Regis' annoying voice drove me insane). So I notice EA Sports has a program called EA Link in which you download a small program that allows you to download the game after you purchase it online. Great, I cough up my credit card(securely of course), start the first of three parts to the process. The 2.5GB took four hours and several restarts of the program to complete. Here's the fun part, the next step requires you to shut down all running programs, including all anti- virus programs and even your screen saver to give the program exclusive link to the internet. Of course they don't tell you that. After five times to complete the download, I get a rude popup saying that I've maxed out my attempts for the week! Did some digging through the EA forums and tech support(?) found out I needed to waite 48hours for my attempts count to reset. Fine, last night I shut everything down, gave EA big brother complete control of my PC and started part two and three, the actual install of the game. Crossed fingers and staying up until 6am I finally have the game installed. A little blurry eyed on afternoons at work, but feeling happy. Note to self, read the damn instructions first!
Watching the news Wednesday morning and I had to start laughing when I heard about the theft of the bronze statue from a park in Oakville. Christ, where do you get a few hundred pounds of metal melted down? A back alley foundry? Psst, hey buddy wanna buy a statue? Apparently it was that easy, nobody knew the statue was missing for three days! Good news is, they found the head. I've never shyed away from a cheap pun so here goes, I guess the crooks couldn't get a head in life.
Some other good news in Hockey, it was nice see Stevie Y's number retired in Detroit. Total class act and humble almost to the point of annoying. The Canadian Juniors keeping rolling, defeating the U.S 2-1 in a shootout. Carey Price will have to keep standing on his head in the net as the kids head into the gold metal game.
Finally, did someone cross a Golden retriever with the DNA of B.T Barnum and get Donald Trump? The "Donald" is a modern equivalent to the best snake oil salesman of all time. Yes he is smart, ruthless and could sell you your own watch. What he spent and made on building his empire, he could have included a personality in the deal. He shows he has no class, by continuing to carry on like a child, hurling fat jokes at Rosie O'Donnell. For the fourth time yesterday he went on a talk show and unloaded his useless name calling and then tossed in the my buddy(Barbara Walters) thinks so too. Donny sure looked stupid when his friend said publicly that she never regretted hiring Rosie and backed up the point with the Time article called The Views newest host, the "Best hiring of the Year". I think the "King of Bling" has his weave in too tight and it effecting his judgment. If he's just trying to drum up interest in the next installment of his reality show, starting on Sunday, this stupid stunt could backfire.
Later,
Kenaz
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Second Annual Kenaz Awards
The awards for those who made the headlines in 2006 in the spirit of this site. The nominees where taken from the many posts I made this year and cover local, canadian and international persons that made headlines.
Welcome to the second annual "Kenaz Awards". Still no glitz, no glamour, no expensive bling. Just a cold beer and some cheese to celebrate the stories that made you cheer,jeer,get angry,cry or say 'Good lord!".
Missed The Boat Award
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Celebration for Democracy comes early
The world and the people of a fledgling democracy where given an early New Years gift yesterday when dictator and convicted mass murderer Saddam Hussein was marched to the gallows and hanged at approximately 10 p.m. last night.
Saddam was executed for crimes against humanity -- particularly for the mass murder, torture and imprisonment of residents from Dujail after his motorcade was fired upon during 1982.
congratulations again to Iraqi leaders, long eager to dispense with Saddam and the trials that have given him a platform before the world, seemed intent yesterday on ending his life as quickly as was legally possible after his conviction in November. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the preservation of human rights required Saddam's execution after his final appeal was rejected Tuesday.
The location of the gallows was not disclosed.
This quote from one of thousands of former victims of Saddam's brutal regime sums up the tide of relief that awashes the community. Apparently Lionel Richie was a favourite of Saddam. How ironic, I can almost hear the chorus of "Celebration" emanating from every Iraqi home.
Later,
Kenaz
Saddam was executed for crimes against humanity -- particularly for the mass murder, torture and imprisonment of residents from Dujail after his motorcade was fired upon during 1982.
congratulations again to Iraqi leaders, long eager to dispense with Saddam and the trials that have given him a platform before the world, seemed intent yesterday on ending his life as quickly as was legally possible after his conviction in November. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the preservation of human rights required Saddam's execution after his final appeal was rejected Tuesday.
The location of the gallows was not disclosed.
"We are happy he has been killed. He put fear into everyone. We had to have a picture of him hanging in the house and, if you were caught without the picture, you didn't know what was coming to you."
This quote from one of thousands of former victims of Saddam's brutal regime sums up the tide of relief that awashes the community. Apparently Lionel Richie was a favourite of Saddam. How ironic, I can almost hear the chorus of "Celebration" emanating from every Iraqi home.
Later,
Kenaz
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Ripped from the headlines
Well, another Christmas is in the books and it's back to work tomorrow. I hope everyone had a great hollidays. I'm looking forward to a great 2007. I offer today a series of highlights from the world of news, sports and entertainment. As well as the links to the full story.
Saddam could hang next month.
Iraq’s highest appeals court upheld the death sentence for Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s national security adviser said Tuesday.
"The appeals court approved the verdict to hang Saddam," the official, Mouwafak al-Rubaie, told The Associated Press.
On Nov. 5, an Iraqi court sentenced Saddam to the gallows for the 1982 killings of 148 people in a single Shiite town after an attempt on his life there.
The decision of the appeals court must be ratified by President Jalal Talabani and Iraq’s two vice-presidents. Talabani opposes the death penalty but has, in the past, deputized a vice-president to sign an execution order on his behalf, a substitute that has been legally accepted.
Once those steps have been taken, Saddam and the others would be hanged within 30 days.
more...
Bedard makes court appearance
Canadian athlete Myriam Bedard made a brief court appearance on child abduction charges Tuesday and was remanded back in custody until Friday.
The Olympic gold medallist, who faces extradition to Canada on charges of abducting her 12-year-old daughter, was sent back to the detention centre where she has been held since the weekend.
Friday's hearing will determine whether Bedard should remain in custody until her extradition hearing. more...
Canadian kids start their quest for gold with a shutout
Goaltender Carey Price stopped 31 shots for the shutout in Canada's 2-0 win over host Sweden to open the world junior hockey championship Tuesday.
Price extended the country's shutout streak at this tournament to 211 minutes 50 seconds, as Canada hasn't give up a goal since its final round-robin game of the 2006 world junior tournament in Vancouver.
more...
Two major upsets at the juniors
The world junior hockey championship opened with major upsets Tuesday as Germany defeated the U.S. 2-1 in overtime and Belarus edged Finland 4-3.
more...
Saying goodbye to 'King' James
The James Brown statue on Broad Street, his hometown, was draped in an American flag and a red scarf as several dozen people gathered Tuesday to pay their respects to the late singer.
Flowers were left at the base of the statue in tribute to Brown, who died Monday in Atlanta. He was 73.
more...
Ripped from the back pages, "STFU!"
The way Kirsten Norman tells it, the vanity license plates on her Volkswagen Jetta were meant as a tribute to a friend who died from cancer. The Commonwealth of Virginia, however, had a different interpretation of "STFU-PLS." Acting on a September e-mail complaint that the acronym stood for "Shut The Fuck Up Please," more...
Later,
Kenaz
Saddam could hang next month.
Iraq’s highest appeals court upheld the death sentence for Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s national security adviser said Tuesday.
"The appeals court approved the verdict to hang Saddam," the official, Mouwafak al-Rubaie, told The Associated Press.
On Nov. 5, an Iraqi court sentenced Saddam to the gallows for the 1982 killings of 148 people in a single Shiite town after an attempt on his life there.
The decision of the appeals court must be ratified by President Jalal Talabani and Iraq’s two vice-presidents. Talabani opposes the death penalty but has, in the past, deputized a vice-president to sign an execution order on his behalf, a substitute that has been legally accepted.
Once those steps have been taken, Saddam and the others would be hanged within 30 days.
more...
Bedard makes court appearance
Canadian athlete Myriam Bedard made a brief court appearance on child abduction charges Tuesday and was remanded back in custody until Friday.
The Olympic gold medallist, who faces extradition to Canada on charges of abducting her 12-year-old daughter, was sent back to the detention centre where she has been held since the weekend.
Friday's hearing will determine whether Bedard should remain in custody until her extradition hearing. more...
Canadian kids start their quest for gold with a shutout
Goaltender Carey Price stopped 31 shots for the shutout in Canada's 2-0 win over host Sweden to open the world junior hockey championship Tuesday.
Price extended the country's shutout streak at this tournament to 211 minutes 50 seconds, as Canada hasn't give up a goal since its final round-robin game of the 2006 world junior tournament in Vancouver.
more...
Two major upsets at the juniors
The world junior hockey championship opened with major upsets Tuesday as Germany defeated the U.S. 2-1 in overtime and Belarus edged Finland 4-3.
more...
Saying goodbye to 'King' James
The James Brown statue on Broad Street, his hometown, was draped in an American flag and a red scarf as several dozen people gathered Tuesday to pay their respects to the late singer.
Flowers were left at the base of the statue in tribute to Brown, who died Monday in Atlanta. He was 73.
more...
Ripped from the back pages, "STFU!"
The way Kirsten Norman tells it, the vanity license plates on her Volkswagen Jetta were meant as a tribute to a friend who died from cancer. The Commonwealth of Virginia, however, had a different interpretation of "STFU-PLS." Acting on a September e-mail complaint that the acronym stood for "Shut The Fuck Up Please," more...
Later,
Kenaz
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas 2006 Photo
Just got back from my sisters. She took this photo of me using her new digital camera and once looked at it I thought it would look much better in black and white. I love vintage clothes, eye wear and hats. Both the hat and glass frames are period 1930's replicas.
Later,
Kenaz
Later,
Kenaz
Saturday, December 23, 2006
'Celebrity' looks didn't help this loser
You can't make this stuff up.
E.T should have stayed home!
Police in Hamilton made a quick arrest in connection with a robbery, after the suspect was described by his victims as resembling a character from a movie. A couple was robbed of cash inside an apartment on Wellington Street South early by a pair of men, 1 of whom was armed with a hand gun.
The victims, in their words, told police the primary suspect resembled ET -- The Extra Terrestrial. Once the description was put out by police, a cab driver called to say he'd just dropped off a man resembling ET.
A short time later police found a man, matching said description, and found a hand gun in a nearby garbage bin. 24-year-old Patrick Hoover of no fixed address has now been charged with robbery.
Later,
Kenaz
E.T should have stayed home!Police in Hamilton made a quick arrest in connection with a robbery, after the suspect was described by his victims as resembling a character from a movie. A couple was robbed of cash inside an apartment on Wellington Street South early by a pair of men, 1 of whom was armed with a hand gun.
The victims, in their words, told police the primary suspect resembled ET -- The Extra Terrestrial. Once the description was put out by police, a cab driver called to say he'd just dropped off a man resembling ET.
A short time later police found a man, matching said description, and found a hand gun in a nearby garbage bin. 24-year-old Patrick Hoover of no fixed address has now been charged with robbery.
Later,
Kenaz
Friday, December 22, 2006
Kenaz's Twelve Days of Christmas (on the cheap)
Booming commercial construction is sparking demand for ornamental trees, leading to a 44 percent increase in the price of a pear tree, which helped push the price for buying all the items in the "The Twelve Days of Christmas," up 3.1 percent to $18,920.59 US according to a CNN study.
With the cost of gift giving ever on the rise and for those like me who don't think Christmas giving should place you in the poor house. I offer you my rendition of the popular carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for working stiffs like me. All the gifts are legitimate items that I found on E-Bay. Total cost $65.67 + $50.00 Shipping! (I'm serious)
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
The Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
The Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping Christmas glass for your tooth brushes,
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven year old WWE Rowdy Roddy Piper T-Shirt,
Ten lords a-leaping Christmas glass for your tooth brushes,
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve neon drummers ear plugs,
Eleven year old WWE Rowdy Roddy Piper T-Shirt,
Ten lords a-leaping Christmas glass for your tooth brushes,
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds!
Happy Hollidays,
Kenaz
With the cost of gift giving ever on the rise and for those like me who don't think Christmas giving should place you in the poor house. I offer you my rendition of the popular carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for working stiffs like me. All the gifts are legitimate items that I found on E-Bay. Total cost $65.67 + $50.00 Shipping! (I'm serious)
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
The Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
The Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping Christmas glass for your tooth brushes,
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven year old WWE Rowdy Roddy Piper T-Shirt,
Ten lords a-leaping Christmas glass for your tooth brushes,
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds.
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve neon drummers ear plugs,
Eleven year old WWE Rowdy Roddy Piper T-Shirt,
Ten lords a-leaping Christmas glass for your tooth brushes,
Nine lady bears dancing ornament
Cow Milk Maids 1000 Piece Jigsaw,
Seven swans cell phone face plate,
An ugly silk six geese flying tie,
Five golden onion rings from Harvy's, sorry I'm getting kind of hungry.
A how to call hunting birds video ,
Three styrofoam hens covered in feathers,
A two turtle dove coin from the Isle of Man,
And the Partridge Family Christmas CD and a pack of Bradford pear tree seeds!
Happy Hollidays,
Kenaz
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Kenaz's naughty and nice list
This my list of the people and businesses that I've personally had the pleasure or displeasure of dealing with in 2006. I've included a letter grade and all the documentation that led me to create this list. I've deleted from the emails certain information that I do not wished to be published for obvious reasons.
Kelly Temporary Services
11/07/2006
Back on June 7, 2006 I filed a claim with the Ministry of Labour against your Hamilton, Ontario branch of Kelly Services because of their illegal refusal to pay overtime.
I currently work at Cadbury Adams and have since April 24. The pay structure is as follows: one week 57.5 hours, the second 22 hours.
I have always filled out my time card in accordance to Kelly Service guidelines, which states that for week one I would be entitled to 44 hours paid at the regular rate and then 13.5 hours overtime. Up until the May 28 pay week I was paid properly.
Since then Kelly wrongfully has decided that I was only entitled to 57.5 hours straight time, no overtime. When I confronted the branch manager here in Hamilton, I was told that there pay structure falls under the category "averaging of weeks". In which then I would be paid no overtime.
On further contact I was told that I had been filling out my time card wrong and trying to be paid for hours I didn't deserve. This is totally a lie. The Cadbury Manager looks over and signs my card and when I asked if it was correct I always receive a yes. I wouldn't assume a company wouldn't willingly send a temp service more money then they had to?
Talking to the ministry I have been totally assured that Kelly is in the wrong for assuming that they would be allowed to average work weeks without any agreement from the employee(me) and the ministry. On that point I asked the branch manager to fax me the agreement that she said I signed that said that they could average. They haven't (because it doesn't exist, and if it did I have the right to veto it).
As I mentioned above at one point I was being paid correctly, last weeks pay showed a deduction (unauthorized) classified as an overpayment for this earlier sum. I again confronted Kelly on this point, at this time I was told if I went ahead with my claim against them and won (which at this time is set at $238.80 for the $47.76 underpayment in overtime x 5 pays and growing) Kelly Hamilton would be forced to cancel my contract and anyone else who has filed at Cadbury and replace them (I'm assuming with people who will agree to there illegal terms of employment).
Kelly Services Canada has a great reputation and provides many people the opportunity to work, so I assuming this Draconian approach to employer and employee relations is a local problem. Thus, I assume this can be handled in an appropriate manor by either setting this branch manager and her employees straight or removing them.
I would love to see this matter end with the appropriate resolution of Kelly reimbursing me the money owed and correctly paying me for overtime on all pays in the future. I have had no problem with my current work placement and wish to continue working for Kelly once this contract ends. But as is, because of a couple rouge managers, that possibility looks tough.
08/08/2008
To:The Regional Manager for Kelly Services
Hi,
I am currently a temp working for your Hamilton office and have a couple of concerns about your managers at this branch.
Back on June 7, 2006 I filed a claim with the Ministry of Labour against your Hamilton, Ontario branch of Kelly Services because of their illegal refusal to pay overtime.
I currently work at Cadbury Adams and have since April 24. The pay structure is as follows: one week 57.5 hours, the second 22 hours.
I have always filled out my time card in accordance to Kelly Service guidelines, which states that for week one I would be entitled to 44 hours paid at the regular rate and then 13.5 hours overtime. Up until the May 28 pay week I was paid properly.
Since then Kelly wrongfully has decided that I was only entitled to 57.5 hours straight time, no overtime. When I confronted the branch manager here in Hamilton, I was told that there pay structure falls under the category "averaging of weeks". In which then I would be paid no overtime.
On further contact I was told that I had been filling out my time card wrong and trying to be paid for hours I didn't deserve. This is totally a lie. The Cadbury Manager looks over and signs my card and when I asked if it was correct I always receive a yes. I wouldn't assume a company wouldn't willingly send a temp service more money then they had to?
Talking to the ministry I have been totally assured that Kelly is in the wrong for assuming that they would be allowed to average work weeks without any agreement from the employee(me) and the ministry. On that point I asked the branch manager to fax me the agreement that she said I signed that said that they could average. They haven't (because it doesn't exist, and if it did I have the right to veto it).
As I mentioned above at one point I was being paid correctly, last weeks pay showed a deduction (unauthorized) classified as an overpayment for this earlier sum. I again confronted Kelly on this point, at this time I was told if I went ahead with my claim against them and won (which at this time is set at $238.80 for the $47.76 underpayment in overtime x 5 pays and growing) Kelly Hamilton would be forced to cancel my contract and anyone else who has filed at Cadbury and replace them (I'm assuming with people who will agree to there illegal terms of employment).
Kelly Services Canada has a great reputation and provides many people the opportunity to work, so I assuming this Draconian approach to employer and employee relations is a local problem. Thus, I assume this can be handled in an appropriate manor by either setting this branch manager and her employees straight or removing them.
I would love to see this matter end with the appropriate resolution of Kelly reimbursing me the money owed and correctly paying me for overtime on all pays in the future. I have had no problem with my current work placement and wish to continue working for Kelly once this contract ends. But as is, because of a couple rouge managers, that possibility looks tough.
Your speedy reply would be most valued,
10/08/2006
I'm sorry Eilyne I haven't been able to return your calls. Kelly has placed me down at the other Cadbury plant and I am currently working afternoons this week.
I would like to thank you for anything you have done for me in getting the overtime that the Hamilton Kelly reps where not paying me.
Of the original $389.84 ($64.94 x 6 pays) that they owed I received $254.92(4 pays) today. I hope the remaining will come in the next day.
This will go along way in keeping my relationship with Kelly Services perfectly happy.
Thanks again,
26/08/2006
Christina,
I will try to make this brief, but let me say I am extremely disappointed with both Cadbury and Kelly.
The manager of Cadbury, Green Rd. Showed total lack of professionalism by terminating my employment.
I hope I can clear up the sketchy details Christine eluded to in her cell phone message. I had an altercation with one Cadbury's 2nd tier machine operators, not supervisors as indicated. I'm not sure this strictly a wording problem, but I take "supervisor" to mean Geg? This was not the case.
The problem started on Tuesday when I placed on the Aqua 1-4 machine. This brought me contact with a particular machine operator, and three other Cadbury employees.
While working there doing what was required, plus more. More meaning questioning the work ethic of the people working there. In question was the sharing of the cleaning duties. When candy that is coated in sugar is being packaged as was on Tuesday, the bi-production is an accumulation of sugar in bins under the machines as well as in vacuums occurs. I cleaned this any time it was my turn to do so. All other persons did not or did an inadequate job of doing so. A point that is easily substantiated by looking at the waste report. I.E myself-30kg all other persons combined less than 20kg.
When I brought this to the attention of the machine operator, I was told this was my job and the others didn't have to. I let this slide.
For the other two days, I worked under the conditions that included many rude and hurtful comments that included being referred to as stupid, a couple of times in a foreign tongue (stupid in most languages is the same). Other times my mental state was questioned, without reason and leaving me with no recourse.
This continued until Friday morning around 3:30am when in an attempt to wrap a skid, I first had to motion too this machine operator to remove her arm from the packaging wrap. At this time I was told to go back to my machine, rather rudely.
At this point I became angry, I asked firstly in a stern matter if this person could be quiet and do something. A culmination of three days of verbal abuse from someone who I saw do little work.
At this point her and one of the other Cadbury employees stormed off taunting(laughing) that they would have me fired. I met in a civil manor with Greg and explained each point. At the conclusion I went back to my job (at another machine). I was assured not to worry about my job.
Later, while dropping off my time card, I witnessed this machine operator sitting next to Greg in his office. Her(machine operator) demeanor in a matter of seconds changed from laughter to a scared look.
It was implied by Greg this was because I had threatened her. I was shocked and again hurt by such a lie.
I feel a need to know why Greg has decided to treat me this way, when he knows my work ethic is never an issue. This can be verified by Frank and the other supervisors at the Ewen Rd sight.
The right thing for Kelly to do would have phoned me at home on Friday, not my cell phone. Which I in fact have told you was my number of contact ONLY during work hours. I didn't check my phone until Saturday.
Having said that, the problem now is I am out of a job because of a lie, I request Kelly to immediately find me another long term position with another company or talk some sense into Cadbury.
Of note I will be contacting both Cadbury Canada head office and/or the labour board if I feel my rights do not get respected. I feel justified in saying I was terminated without cause. Voicing a complaint is not justifiable for termination. I would be interested if you could fill me in on these "sketchy" details that you have agreed with and decided to grant Cadbury's termination request.
This termination will cause me hardship and I hope you have a conscience and decide to do what is right and stand up for your employees.
29/08/2006
Hi,
I wish to update my claim by saying that Kelly Services has in fact re-paid me all of the money they owed in overtime and I no longer need to have a claim against them. Thank you for the attention.
*My tenure with Kelly was full of mistrust, lies and deceit. I do give them credit for doing their part in giving me the long term employment but treating me in this fashion was completly in excusable. I've happily moved on to another temp agency (Trebor Personnel) and another long term placement with Tomco Steel. I've been with Tomco for three months now, and enjoying it and hope to be hired soon.
definitely on my naughty list: Overall Grade C-
Hamilton Street Railway
22/07/06
Today was the first time I used your brand new "trip finder". According to your schedules I should have gotten on the 5C Deleware at Ewen Rd tonight at 7:15pm. In fact it arrived at 7:25pm. That was fine it's Saturday, it only took 10 minutes to arrive at McNab. Here is where the problem starts. I should have been able to catch the 7:45pm Barton. No 7:45pm, no 8:00pm. In fact your driver never showed up until 8:15pm. A gentlemen boarding in front of me beat me to the question "How often do the Barton buses run on Saturday? Your driver answered what I already knew, "15 minutes". This man had been waiting since 7:30! The kicker came when your arrogant driver answered the mans lengthy wait concern with an "Oh really"
Even better when an obviously intoxicated man smelling of booze got on your driver had the time to great his buddy with a handshake. It makes me wonder where your driver was.
I don't expect much to be done as the HSR seems to take a rather arrogant approach to their "customers" and main source of revenue as evident by many of your drivers, especially on these routes.
24/27/2006
Reply:Hi Kendall,
There were two buses that should have arrived at Main/MacNab at the times you specified. There should have been a 7:45pm bus as you indicated and unfortunately I am unable to see any tracking for that bus so I will file a complaint with our operations team on your behalf listing a "No Show" so they can investigate that bus' whereabouts.
The 8:00 pm bus was running 13 minutes late as per our tracking and didn't arrive at Main/MacNab until 8:13 pm. The tracking reading on this bus was accurate which means the bus passed the bus stop pole node at that time and the system registered the late arrival at that location. Not sure what caused this delay so I will ask operations to investigate that as well.
The 8:15 pm bus arrived there at 8:17 pm and was running two minutes late. This is also an accurate reading as per our tracking. Buses are permitted to run one minute early or 3 minutes late and still be considered on time.
The process at HSR dictates that our operations team investigate and respond to a complaint within 10 business days at which I will let you know the outcome.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
27/07/06
Good Morning:
Our operations team has now completed this investigation. They report that appropriate action was taken at the time they interviewed the operator.
7/12/2006
Hi,
To say the least today was not a good day for bus travel for me. I have only made one complaint to the HSR this year and that was because a Barton 2 bus heading east did not show up at all. This was confirmed by the HSR after they checked the route information from the transponder and a satisfactory reply by email was received.
I rely on the bus every day to go back and forth from work and up to this month have not had many problems. Unfortunately this month I have had to make three phone calls regarding the 55A bus from Bell Manor heading East at 3:24pm not showing up at all or leaving earlier than scheduled, and before the 5 minutes allotted. I had to wait until the 3:53pm bus that doesn't get me to Arvin Ave until 4:03pm. Both times causing me to be late for work as I start at 4:00pm, I have an understanding boss, but it is my character to hate being late. Neither call was replied too.
That brings me today. I was late again, this time it was the 10 Beeline that didn't show up. Like clock work I arrived at Main and Sherman at 2:45pm to catch the 2:54pm Beeline to Levi Loop. Between that time two Beelines passed heading to King and Jones. I asked the second driver who arrived just before 2:54 which usually happens, if that 10 went to Levi Loop as it wasn't marked either on a card in the front window or on the side sign, she shook her head and stepped off. No other 10 Beeline arrived until 3:27pm which again arrived at my destination at 4:05.
That brings me to the bus problems I encountered coming home. I caught the 55 to Bell Manor at 12:39am like usual, on time. It arrived at Bell Manor by my watch perhaps just after 12:44 by seconds. The Barton 2 usually waits for this bus and then departs. I believe the Barton bus either left early or didn't show up at all. Oh, the 1:12am didn't show up until 1:17am as can be confirmed by my call to the HSR overnight dispatch who wasn't any help at all. First, one dispatch transferred me to another operator who said I was wrong and that both Barton where on time.
As a suggestion, when you phone the bus check information line, the last option is to press zero to get an operator to discuss problems with bus check, this is not the same as customer service apparently as you then are transferred to another answering machine that tells you that no one is in at customer service? To elevate the problem I suggest including a link to a bus route customer service who is in.
I'm sorry if this e-mail is long but I had a lot to say. I'm not for complaining but when you rely daily on public service and the weather is turning cold, these type of occurrences without reason are more than annoying.
*No reply was ever offered
*My feelings about the HSR are a mixed bag. As for their drivers 99% of them are friendly, on time and careful to detail, the other ones like these ones should look for other employment. The same could be said for their operators who man the 24 information service. Most are courtious and even humerous, considering the amount of wackos who must phone to complain about stupid things. One nice women made my day when she told me about a guy who phoned to ask if the King St bus heading downtown was still being detoured because of the Santa Claus parade. He was kindly told that all buses where back on their original routes because it was Sunday and the parade has been over for a day.
The biggest problem for the HSR is one of not enough buses to handle the increasing ridership numbers, especially during peak hours thus causing severe delays. Dedicated bus lanes and more "Beeline" routes (ie Barton St, in which during the rush hours these buses would only stop at key intersections). This would speed up travel times significantly.
Some grinches may work for the HSR but the everyday elves do a pretty good job keeping the shop flowing. Overall rating: B
Muskoka Herritage Place
25/07/06
Through some correspondence with and digging around at Library and Archives Canada I landed on your site that pertained to my Grandpas WW1 Battalion the 122 which became the Canadian Forestry Corps. I would love to attend the exhibit but unfortunately work obligations prevent me from traveling up from Hamilton.
So I was wondering if at any point their will be pictures from the exhibit posted? Or if you know of a site where I could find such? I am trying to put together an online diary of my Grandpa Gilbert Bells war participation and any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
From the original correspondence with the library.
"Muskoka had an important role to play with its own Battalion, the 122nd,"
Said Bev Easton, curator of a new exhibit at Huntsville's Muskoka Heritage
Place. "Before this battalion formed, a number of Muskoka men did go and
Fight overseas under many different regiments and battalions."
Thank you,
15/08/2006
Reply:Dear Mr. Oliphant:
It is wonderful to hear that you are researching into your family’s past and sharing your discoveries on the world wide web. At this time our temporary exhibit plan does not have an online web component. Many of the items on display are on loan from private owners and as such we do not have any legal right to share these images. Your inquiry has opened a discussion on the feasibility of obtaining permission for such a project in the future so perhaps at some time Muskoka Heritage Place will be able to post images of its exhibits online.
If there is any other way I may be of help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sara White
Museum Assistant
Muskoka Heritage Place
website: www.muskokaheritageplace.org
*Wonderful organization that was truly helpful and informative
Rating: A+ and a big happy face sticker
YH Acting
27/09/2006
I phoned YH two days ago and have not received any reply so I will try again in this form.
I would like to have the matter of apparent charges that you say I owe cleared up. You sent to collections a bill for some $180.00 for unpaid yearly fees and other charges that date as far back as 2004.
First of all, not once have I received any type of communication from YH detailing these charges. If I did you would have been reminded that I expressed to you many times that I no longer wished to be represented by YH.
On a couple of occasions YH continued to book me for work and every time I reminded you of the fact that I was not resigning with you. Every time it was communicated that I only had to pay the 15% royalties fee, which each time I did.
My account should read a zero outstanding balance and considered closed permanently. I wish you to communicate to CRS (the collections company) this error in order to save my credit rating and bring this all to an end.
Thank you,
10/10/2006
I am still waiting for you to reply to my numerous queries as stated below. I have been patient. I have not received anything from you in a way of a bill outlining these charges and as I stated you where told I no longer wished to be part of YH, so these charges are errors. I have contacted Dan Mackenzie of ACTRA and if you haven't already heard from him I'm assured that you will.
I wish for you to reply in a timely matter.
5/10/2006
Only form of reply:GOOD DAY
YVONNE HAS BEEN AWAY AND WILL BE BACK TO ANSWER YOUR CALLS MONDAY. SORRY FOR THE DELAY.
LUCY
*This company can be likened to fruit cake. It tasted great at the time, but it will eventually bite you in the ass. "Caveat emptor" Rating:D-
ACTRA
12/10/2006
Good Day Dan,
We had a conversation earlier in the week concerning YH Acting and them sending an account to a collections agency for money that I don't owe. I was wondering if you had a chance to talk to Yvonne. The collections agency has sent we a written notice dated Sept 29 looking to collect or threatening court action. I hope with your help YH will realize their error and call of the "dogs". Hope to hear from you soon.
20/10/2006
Reply:Kendall,
Yvonne has assured me that she has, for the time being, called off the collection agency. I understand that she has mailed you a detailed account and reasoning for her billing. I would suggest that you review it and see if you can come to a mutually acceptable agreement.
Sincerely,
Dan Mackenzie
Manager of Communications, Organizing & Membership
ACTRA Toronto Performers
*A nice guy with a tough job Rating A
*It boggles my mind that the Ontario government has no intention of ever regulating the acting industry. Thus allowing these type of companies to continue thumbing their noses at the most basic of rules that govern fees and other charges a company is entitled to charge.
*My seven years in the background performing business was full of laughs but it ultimately ended in misery. I was riding high at the beginning of the year, looking forward to getting my few last hours in and finally obtaining my ACTRA apprenticeship. I did a commercial late in 2005 and thought I was in control of my destiny. Was I ever wrong. The commercial was canned by the client and as far as I know was never produced. The check for the shoot ended up taking four months to arrive. That agent never gave me an further work and never gave me any feed back. Another agent LCA closed up shop and moved to PEI, without any kind of notice, some people had paid their yearly fees already and where never repaid.
Once I got my required 2000 hours and sat on the cusp of ACTRA membership I watched my bookings dwindle to to a trickle. Even in the lean winter months I usually did pretty good, but something had changed dramatically. Directors where looking for younger extras so thirty something males where becoming endangered. This caused a change in the attitudes of Casting Directors and Agents who where forced to trim their rosters of their older clients and frantically try to replace them with younger untrained clients. In the end sets where full of "kids" who couldn't understand the simplest of directions or where their for a quick buck. Basically I was tired of the drama and the attitude. Sets where ramped with gang members, unskilled Assistant Directors (usually promoted third A.D's) who turned a blind eye, causing an unpleasant work environment.
The worst example of an AD gone mad was the one on Cinderella Man. Mr. Brown is a failed actor with complete contempt for extras, even though he moonlights as a bit part actor (a step above a good extra). Any shoot he was part of, you where assured that someone would be belittled, treated like a child; forced to almost beg to leave to use the restroom or get water. Even for medical reasons. Worst yet forced to endure conditions of extreme cold or heat for extended periods without relief. In one incident a shoot required all extras to reenact an event that took place in winter. Heavy period coats, scarves, the works. Mr. Brown frowned upon asking the director to relieve the extras, in consequence after three hours in this condition one elderly man passed out. I believe a strip of Mr. B's hyde is still under the finger nails of one of the EMT's. The man was fine after getting some fluids.
By April it was apparent that my time was over. The number of shoots where picking up but my work and many others where not. It was fun while it lasted, I'm just sorry it ended the way it did.
Overall Rating:Experience gained A
Ministry of Employment Standards
28/08/2006
Hi Kendall, further to your email inquiry of June 28, 2006, re: status of claim filed June 7, 2006. Claimes are investigated in the order in which they are received. We are currently working on files filed on May 15th and you will be contacted once the file is assigned to an employment standards officer.
While I understand the time it takes for a process like this must be frustrating, please be assured that although the Ministry receives a high volume of claims annually, the Ministry is committed to protecting the rights and entitlements of employees in Ontario by strictly enforcing the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
My apologies for the delay in responding, as your inquiry got lost in numerous emails.
Thanks for your patience.
*As stated above in an email to Kelly Services I did in fact receive all the money I was owed, within days of receiving notification that my claim had been processed and was ready to proceed.
Overall Rating: A
Tomco Steel
Looking ahead to 2007
Later,
Kenaz
Kelly Temporary Services
11/07/2006
Back on June 7, 2006 I filed a claim with the Ministry of Labour against your Hamilton, Ontario branch of Kelly Services because of their illegal refusal to pay overtime.
I currently work at Cadbury Adams and have since April 24. The pay structure is as follows: one week 57.5 hours, the second 22 hours.
I have always filled out my time card in accordance to Kelly Service guidelines, which states that for week one I would be entitled to 44 hours paid at the regular rate and then 13.5 hours overtime. Up until the May 28 pay week I was paid properly.
Since then Kelly wrongfully has decided that I was only entitled to 57.5 hours straight time, no overtime. When I confronted the branch manager here in Hamilton, I was told that there pay structure falls under the category "averaging of weeks". In which then I would be paid no overtime.
On further contact I was told that I had been filling out my time card wrong and trying to be paid for hours I didn't deserve. This is totally a lie. The Cadbury Manager looks over and signs my card and when I asked if it was correct I always receive a yes. I wouldn't assume a company wouldn't willingly send a temp service more money then they had to?
Talking to the ministry I have been totally assured that Kelly is in the wrong for assuming that they would be allowed to average work weeks without any agreement from the employee(me) and the ministry. On that point I asked the branch manager to fax me the agreement that she said I signed that said that they could average. They haven't (because it doesn't exist, and if it did I have the right to veto it).
As I mentioned above at one point I was being paid correctly, last weeks pay showed a deduction (unauthorized) classified as an overpayment for this earlier sum. I again confronted Kelly on this point, at this time I was told if I went ahead with my claim against them and won (which at this time is set at $238.80 for the $47.76 underpayment in overtime x 5 pays and growing) Kelly Hamilton would be forced to cancel my contract and anyone else who has filed at Cadbury and replace them (I'm assuming with people who will agree to there illegal terms of employment).
Kelly Services Canada has a great reputation and provides many people the opportunity to work, so I assuming this Draconian approach to employer and employee relations is a local problem. Thus, I assume this can be handled in an appropriate manor by either setting this branch manager and her employees straight or removing them.
I would love to see this matter end with the appropriate resolution of Kelly reimbursing me the money owed and correctly paying me for overtime on all pays in the future. I have had no problem with my current work placement and wish to continue working for Kelly once this contract ends. But as is, because of a couple rouge managers, that possibility looks tough.
08/08/2008
To:The Regional Manager for Kelly Services
Hi,
I am currently a temp working for your Hamilton office and have a couple of concerns about your managers at this branch.
Back on June 7, 2006 I filed a claim with the Ministry of Labour against your Hamilton, Ontario branch of Kelly Services because of their illegal refusal to pay overtime.
I currently work at Cadbury Adams and have since April 24. The pay structure is as follows: one week 57.5 hours, the second 22 hours.
I have always filled out my time card in accordance to Kelly Service guidelines, which states that for week one I would be entitled to 44 hours paid at the regular rate and then 13.5 hours overtime. Up until the May 28 pay week I was paid properly.
Since then Kelly wrongfully has decided that I was only entitled to 57.5 hours straight time, no overtime. When I confronted the branch manager here in Hamilton, I was told that there pay structure falls under the category "averaging of weeks". In which then I would be paid no overtime.
On further contact I was told that I had been filling out my time card wrong and trying to be paid for hours I didn't deserve. This is totally a lie. The Cadbury Manager looks over and signs my card and when I asked if it was correct I always receive a yes. I wouldn't assume a company wouldn't willingly send a temp service more money then they had to?
Talking to the ministry I have been totally assured that Kelly is in the wrong for assuming that they would be allowed to average work weeks without any agreement from the employee(me) and the ministry. On that point I asked the branch manager to fax me the agreement that she said I signed that said that they could average. They haven't (because it doesn't exist, and if it did I have the right to veto it).
As I mentioned above at one point I was being paid correctly, last weeks pay showed a deduction (unauthorized) classified as an overpayment for this earlier sum. I again confronted Kelly on this point, at this time I was told if I went ahead with my claim against them and won (which at this time is set at $238.80 for the $47.76 underpayment in overtime x 5 pays and growing) Kelly Hamilton would be forced to cancel my contract and anyone else who has filed at Cadbury and replace them (I'm assuming with people who will agree to there illegal terms of employment).
Kelly Services Canada has a great reputation and provides many people the opportunity to work, so I assuming this Draconian approach to employer and employee relations is a local problem. Thus, I assume this can be handled in an appropriate manor by either setting this branch manager and her employees straight or removing them.
I would love to see this matter end with the appropriate resolution of Kelly reimbursing me the money owed and correctly paying me for overtime on all pays in the future. I have had no problem with my current work placement and wish to continue working for Kelly once this contract ends. But as is, because of a couple rouge managers, that possibility looks tough.
Your speedy reply would be most valued,
10/08/2006
I'm sorry Eilyne I haven't been able to return your calls. Kelly has placed me down at the other Cadbury plant and I am currently working afternoons this week.
I would like to thank you for anything you have done for me in getting the overtime that the Hamilton Kelly reps where not paying me.
Of the original $389.84 ($64.94 x 6 pays) that they owed I received $254.92(4 pays) today. I hope the remaining will come in the next day.
This will go along way in keeping my relationship with Kelly Services perfectly happy.
Thanks again,
26/08/2006
Christina,
I will try to make this brief, but let me say I am extremely disappointed with both Cadbury and Kelly.
The manager of Cadbury, Green Rd. Showed total lack of professionalism by terminating my employment.
I hope I can clear up the sketchy details Christine eluded to in her cell phone message. I had an altercation with one Cadbury's 2nd tier machine operators, not supervisors as indicated. I'm not sure this strictly a wording problem, but I take "supervisor" to mean Geg? This was not the case.
The problem started on Tuesday when I placed on the Aqua 1-4 machine. This brought me contact with a particular machine operator, and three other Cadbury employees.
While working there doing what was required, plus more. More meaning questioning the work ethic of the people working there. In question was the sharing of the cleaning duties. When candy that is coated in sugar is being packaged as was on Tuesday, the bi-production is an accumulation of sugar in bins under the machines as well as in vacuums occurs. I cleaned this any time it was my turn to do so. All other persons did not or did an inadequate job of doing so. A point that is easily substantiated by looking at the waste report. I.E myself-30kg all other persons combined less than 20kg.
When I brought this to the attention of the machine operator, I was told this was my job and the others didn't have to. I let this slide.
For the other two days, I worked under the conditions that included many rude and hurtful comments that included being referred to as stupid, a couple of times in a foreign tongue (stupid in most languages is the same). Other times my mental state was questioned, without reason and leaving me with no recourse.
This continued until Friday morning around 3:30am when in an attempt to wrap a skid, I first had to motion too this machine operator to remove her arm from the packaging wrap. At this time I was told to go back to my machine, rather rudely.
At this point I became angry, I asked firstly in a stern matter if this person could be quiet and do something. A culmination of three days of verbal abuse from someone who I saw do little work.
At this point her and one of the other Cadbury employees stormed off taunting(laughing) that they would have me fired. I met in a civil manor with Greg and explained each point. At the conclusion I went back to my job (at another machine). I was assured not to worry about my job.
Later, while dropping off my time card, I witnessed this machine operator sitting next to Greg in his office. Her(machine operator) demeanor in a matter of seconds changed from laughter to a scared look.
It was implied by Greg this was because I had threatened her. I was shocked and again hurt by such a lie.
I feel a need to know why Greg has decided to treat me this way, when he knows my work ethic is never an issue. This can be verified by Frank and the other supervisors at the Ewen Rd sight.
The right thing for Kelly to do would have phoned me at home on Friday, not my cell phone. Which I in fact have told you was my number of contact ONLY during work hours. I didn't check my phone until Saturday.
Having said that, the problem now is I am out of a job because of a lie, I request Kelly to immediately find me another long term position with another company or talk some sense into Cadbury.
Of note I will be contacting both Cadbury Canada head office and/or the labour board if I feel my rights do not get respected. I feel justified in saying I was terminated without cause. Voicing a complaint is not justifiable for termination. I would be interested if you could fill me in on these "sketchy" details that you have agreed with and decided to grant Cadbury's termination request.
This termination will cause me hardship and I hope you have a conscience and decide to do what is right and stand up for your employees.
29/08/2006
Hi,
I wish to update my claim by saying that Kelly Services has in fact re-paid me all of the money they owed in overtime and I no longer need to have a claim against them. Thank you for the attention.
*My tenure with Kelly was full of mistrust, lies and deceit. I do give them credit for doing their part in giving me the long term employment but treating me in this fashion was completly in excusable. I've happily moved on to another temp agency (Trebor Personnel) and another long term placement with Tomco Steel. I've been with Tomco for three months now, and enjoying it and hope to be hired soon.
definitely on my naughty list: Overall Grade C-
Hamilton Street Railway
22/07/06
Today was the first time I used your brand new "trip finder". According to your schedules I should have gotten on the 5C Deleware at Ewen Rd tonight at 7:15pm. In fact it arrived at 7:25pm. That was fine it's Saturday, it only took 10 minutes to arrive at McNab. Here is where the problem starts. I should have been able to catch the 7:45pm Barton. No 7:45pm, no 8:00pm. In fact your driver never showed up until 8:15pm. A gentlemen boarding in front of me beat me to the question "How often do the Barton buses run on Saturday? Your driver answered what I already knew, "15 minutes". This man had been waiting since 7:30! The kicker came when your arrogant driver answered the mans lengthy wait concern with an "Oh really"
Even better when an obviously intoxicated man smelling of booze got on your driver had the time to great his buddy with a handshake. It makes me wonder where your driver was.
I don't expect much to be done as the HSR seems to take a rather arrogant approach to their "customers" and main source of revenue as evident by many of your drivers, especially on these routes.
24/27/2006
Reply:Hi Kendall,
There were two buses that should have arrived at Main/MacNab at the times you specified. There should have been a 7:45pm bus as you indicated and unfortunately I am unable to see any tracking for that bus so I will file a complaint with our operations team on your behalf listing a "No Show" so they can investigate that bus' whereabouts.
The 8:00 pm bus was running 13 minutes late as per our tracking and didn't arrive at Main/MacNab until 8:13 pm. The tracking reading on this bus was accurate which means the bus passed the bus stop pole node at that time and the system registered the late arrival at that location. Not sure what caused this delay so I will ask operations to investigate that as well.
The 8:15 pm bus arrived there at 8:17 pm and was running two minutes late. This is also an accurate reading as per our tracking. Buses are permitted to run one minute early or 3 minutes late and still be considered on time.
The process at HSR dictates that our operations team investigate and respond to a complaint within 10 business days at which I will let you know the outcome.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
27/07/06
Good Morning:
Our operations team has now completed this investigation. They report that appropriate action was taken at the time they interviewed the operator.
7/12/2006
Hi,
To say the least today was not a good day for bus travel for me. I have only made one complaint to the HSR this year and that was because a Barton 2 bus heading east did not show up at all. This was confirmed by the HSR after they checked the route information from the transponder and a satisfactory reply by email was received.
I rely on the bus every day to go back and forth from work and up to this month have not had many problems. Unfortunately this month I have had to make three phone calls regarding the 55A bus from Bell Manor heading East at 3:24pm not showing up at all or leaving earlier than scheduled, and before the 5 minutes allotted. I had to wait until the 3:53pm bus that doesn't get me to Arvin Ave until 4:03pm. Both times causing me to be late for work as I start at 4:00pm, I have an understanding boss, but it is my character to hate being late. Neither call was replied too.
That brings me today. I was late again, this time it was the 10 Beeline that didn't show up. Like clock work I arrived at Main and Sherman at 2:45pm to catch the 2:54pm Beeline to Levi Loop. Between that time two Beelines passed heading to King and Jones. I asked the second driver who arrived just before 2:54 which usually happens, if that 10 went to Levi Loop as it wasn't marked either on a card in the front window or on the side sign, she shook her head and stepped off. No other 10 Beeline arrived until 3:27pm which again arrived at my destination at 4:05.
That brings me to the bus problems I encountered coming home. I caught the 55 to Bell Manor at 12:39am like usual, on time. It arrived at Bell Manor by my watch perhaps just after 12:44 by seconds. The Barton 2 usually waits for this bus and then departs. I believe the Barton bus either left early or didn't show up at all. Oh, the 1:12am didn't show up until 1:17am as can be confirmed by my call to the HSR overnight dispatch who wasn't any help at all. First, one dispatch transferred me to another operator who said I was wrong and that both Barton where on time.
As a suggestion, when you phone the bus check information line, the last option is to press zero to get an operator to discuss problems with bus check, this is not the same as customer service apparently as you then are transferred to another answering machine that tells you that no one is in at customer service? To elevate the problem I suggest including a link to a bus route customer service who is in.
I'm sorry if this e-mail is long but I had a lot to say. I'm not for complaining but when you rely daily on public service and the weather is turning cold, these type of occurrences without reason are more than annoying.
*No reply was ever offered
*My feelings about the HSR are a mixed bag. As for their drivers 99% of them are friendly, on time and careful to detail, the other ones like these ones should look for other employment. The same could be said for their operators who man the 24 information service. Most are courtious and even humerous, considering the amount of wackos who must phone to complain about stupid things. One nice women made my day when she told me about a guy who phoned to ask if the King St bus heading downtown was still being detoured because of the Santa Claus parade. He was kindly told that all buses where back on their original routes because it was Sunday and the parade has been over for a day.
The biggest problem for the HSR is one of not enough buses to handle the increasing ridership numbers, especially during peak hours thus causing severe delays. Dedicated bus lanes and more "Beeline" routes (ie Barton St, in which during the rush hours these buses would only stop at key intersections). This would speed up travel times significantly.
Some grinches may work for the HSR but the everyday elves do a pretty good job keeping the shop flowing. Overall rating: B
Muskoka Herritage Place
25/07/06
Through some correspondence with and digging around at Library and Archives Canada I landed on your site that pertained to my Grandpas WW1 Battalion the 122 which became the Canadian Forestry Corps. I would love to attend the exhibit but unfortunately work obligations prevent me from traveling up from Hamilton.
So I was wondering if at any point their will be pictures from the exhibit posted? Or if you know of a site where I could find such? I am trying to put together an online diary of my Grandpa Gilbert Bells war participation and any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
From the original correspondence with the library.
"Muskoka had an important role to play with its own Battalion, the 122nd,"
Said Bev Easton, curator of a new exhibit at Huntsville's Muskoka Heritage
Place. "Before this battalion formed, a number of Muskoka men did go and
Fight overseas under many different regiments and battalions."
Thank you,
15/08/2006
Reply:Dear Mr. Oliphant:
It is wonderful to hear that you are researching into your family’s past and sharing your discoveries on the world wide web. At this time our temporary exhibit plan does not have an online web component. Many of the items on display are on loan from private owners and as such we do not have any legal right to share these images. Your inquiry has opened a discussion on the feasibility of obtaining permission for such a project in the future so perhaps at some time Muskoka Heritage Place will be able to post images of its exhibits online.
If there is any other way I may be of help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sara White
Museum Assistant
Muskoka Heritage Place
website: www.muskokaheritageplace.org
*Wonderful organization that was truly helpful and informative
Rating: A+ and a big happy face sticker
YH Acting
27/09/2006
I phoned YH two days ago and have not received any reply so I will try again in this form.
I would like to have the matter of apparent charges that you say I owe cleared up. You sent to collections a bill for some $180.00 for unpaid yearly fees and other charges that date as far back as 2004.
First of all, not once have I received any type of communication from YH detailing these charges. If I did you would have been reminded that I expressed to you many times that I no longer wished to be represented by YH.
On a couple of occasions YH continued to book me for work and every time I reminded you of the fact that I was not resigning with you. Every time it was communicated that I only had to pay the 15% royalties fee, which each time I did.
My account should read a zero outstanding balance and considered closed permanently. I wish you to communicate to CRS (the collections company) this error in order to save my credit rating and bring this all to an end.
Thank you,
10/10/2006
I am still waiting for you to reply to my numerous queries as stated below. I have been patient. I have not received anything from you in a way of a bill outlining these charges and as I stated you where told I no longer wished to be part of YH, so these charges are errors. I have contacted Dan Mackenzie of ACTRA and if you haven't already heard from him I'm assured that you will.
I wish for you to reply in a timely matter.
5/10/2006
Only form of reply:GOOD DAY
YVONNE HAS BEEN AWAY AND WILL BE BACK TO ANSWER YOUR CALLS MONDAY. SORRY FOR THE DELAY.
LUCY
*This company can be likened to fruit cake. It tasted great at the time, but it will eventually bite you in the ass. "Caveat emptor" Rating:D-
ACTRA
12/10/2006
Good Day Dan,
We had a conversation earlier in the week concerning YH Acting and them sending an account to a collections agency for money that I don't owe. I was wondering if you had a chance to talk to Yvonne. The collections agency has sent we a written notice dated Sept 29 looking to collect or threatening court action. I hope with your help YH will realize their error and call of the "dogs". Hope to hear from you soon.
20/10/2006
Reply:Kendall,
Yvonne has assured me that she has, for the time being, called off the collection agency. I understand that she has mailed you a detailed account and reasoning for her billing. I would suggest that you review it and see if you can come to a mutually acceptable agreement.
Sincerely,
Dan Mackenzie
Manager of Communications, Organizing & Membership
ACTRA Toronto Performers
*A nice guy with a tough job Rating A
*It boggles my mind that the Ontario government has no intention of ever regulating the acting industry. Thus allowing these type of companies to continue thumbing their noses at the most basic of rules that govern fees and other charges a company is entitled to charge.
*My seven years in the background performing business was full of laughs but it ultimately ended in misery. I was riding high at the beginning of the year, looking forward to getting my few last hours in and finally obtaining my ACTRA apprenticeship. I did a commercial late in 2005 and thought I was in control of my destiny. Was I ever wrong. The commercial was canned by the client and as far as I know was never produced. The check for the shoot ended up taking four months to arrive. That agent never gave me an further work and never gave me any feed back. Another agent LCA closed up shop and moved to PEI, without any kind of notice, some people had paid their yearly fees already and where never repaid.
Once I got my required 2000 hours and sat on the cusp of ACTRA membership I watched my bookings dwindle to to a trickle. Even in the lean winter months I usually did pretty good, but something had changed dramatically. Directors where looking for younger extras so thirty something males where becoming endangered. This caused a change in the attitudes of Casting Directors and Agents who where forced to trim their rosters of their older clients and frantically try to replace them with younger untrained clients. In the end sets where full of "kids" who couldn't understand the simplest of directions or where their for a quick buck. Basically I was tired of the drama and the attitude. Sets where ramped with gang members, unskilled Assistant Directors (usually promoted third A.D's) who turned a blind eye, causing an unpleasant work environment.
The worst example of an AD gone mad was the one on Cinderella Man. Mr. Brown is a failed actor with complete contempt for extras, even though he moonlights as a bit part actor (a step above a good extra). Any shoot he was part of, you where assured that someone would be belittled, treated like a child; forced to almost beg to leave to use the restroom or get water. Even for medical reasons. Worst yet forced to endure conditions of extreme cold or heat for extended periods without relief. In one incident a shoot required all extras to reenact an event that took place in winter. Heavy period coats, scarves, the works. Mr. Brown frowned upon asking the director to relieve the extras, in consequence after three hours in this condition one elderly man passed out. I believe a strip of Mr. B's hyde is still under the finger nails of one of the EMT's. The man was fine after getting some fluids.
By April it was apparent that my time was over. The number of shoots where picking up but my work and many others where not. It was fun while it lasted, I'm just sorry it ended the way it did.
Overall Rating:Experience gained A
Ministry of Employment Standards
28/08/2006
Hi Kendall, further to your email inquiry of June 28, 2006, re: status of claim filed June 7, 2006. Claimes are investigated in the order in which they are received. We are currently working on files filed on May 15th and you will be contacted once the file is assigned to an employment standards officer.
While I understand the time it takes for a process like this must be frustrating, please be assured that although the Ministry receives a high volume of claims annually, the Ministry is committed to protecting the rights and entitlements of employees in Ontario by strictly enforcing the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
My apologies for the delay in responding, as your inquiry got lost in numerous emails.
Thanks for your patience.
*As stated above in an email to Kelly Services I did in fact receive all the money I was owed, within days of receiving notification that my claim had been processed and was ready to proceed.
Overall Rating: A
Tomco Steel
Looking ahead to 2007
Later,
Kenaz
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Putin's regime is out of control
"When you are so corrupt and used to living beyond the law, you are used to getting what you want," Kasparov said at the rally. "Let's not forget Putin was not elected; he was appointed by Yeltsin."-Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov
Kasparov spoke those words to about 2,000 coalition left and right-wing Russian politicians Saturday in an anti-government rally in Moscow. All calling for free elections next year, in hope of bringing an end to Putin's increasingly authoritarian regime.
Putin in an effort to portray to the world a picture of a leader who is tolerant and caring appeared to the state run media to allow the rare protest rally. Far away from the cameras authorities pulled hundreds of opposition activists off buses and trains and detained them along with scores of others, in many cases without explanation.
Since Kasparov retired from the professional chess circuit last year he's used his formidable intellect to challenge his most formidable opponent yet — Vladimir Putin.
Putin doesn't allow for open and fair elections and the imposing police presence at the rally was an attempt to intimidate those who might call for dissent. At issue is a new electoral law that will allow the government to label anyone as an extremist in order to ban them from running in the elections. The law also sets thresholds that will make it nearly impossible for small parties to be represented in parliament.
Putin's brand of democracy is quickly erasing everything Russian's had won before. Reforms achieved after the collapse of the Soviet Union have all but disappeared and the deliberate attempt to silencing media dissent, especially from the television networks is evident with the recent murder of senior Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya — a vocal critic of the Kremlin's policies in Chetchnya — and the mysterious poisoning of former KGB spy and Putin critic Alexander Litvinenko in London.
When will the world council step in an declare the Putin government unjust and force his hand to allow open elections. Maybe Kasparov is Russia's answer, as Lech Walesa
was Poland's working class saviour.
Later,
Kenaz
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Humbug judge needs to lighten up
The provincial judge who made the decision to banish the Christmas tree standing in a Toronto courthouse lobby because it might offend non-Christians proved that political correctness has gone way to far. No one was offended by the symbol of happiness, This is plainly, one judge with a serious hate of the season. Many groups have offered their opinion on the matter, this is only one.
Every culture in Canada has the right to celebrate their traditions as they see fit. That is what makes Canada a great country, especially at this time of year. I enjoy the cornucopia of decorative and religious symbols that adorn our homes and businesses this time of year. It brings beauty to the city on days when things seem gray and bleak. What these judges need to legislate is the line between festive celebrating and blatant over commercialism. I'm talking about the barrage of tacky advertising with Santa hocking every conceivable consumer good.
Please, a Christmas tree is not offensive, stupid "Bell Canada" adds with beavers mistaking an elderly white bearded gentlemen for Santa is, and so is this judge. Who needs to relax, try some egg nog and enjoy the season.
Later,
Kenaz
"It's so stupid. I'm at a loss for words," said Muslim Canadian Congress founder Tarek Fatah. "The judge should take a trip to the rest of the world. Christmas is celebrated by Muslims in many countries -- they should ban political correctness, not Christmas trees.
"If people are offended (by a Christmas tree), I'm glad they're offended. I think it indicates a serious mental disorder when people want to bring down other people's happiness."
The group issued a press release calling on Muslims to "celebrate Christmas with their Christian cousins and light up Christmas trees to send a message to the Ontario judge that she is wrong on all counts."
Every culture in Canada has the right to celebrate their traditions as they see fit. That is what makes Canada a great country, especially at this time of year. I enjoy the cornucopia of decorative and religious symbols that adorn our homes and businesses this time of year. It brings beauty to the city on days when things seem gray and bleak. What these judges need to legislate is the line between festive celebrating and blatant over commercialism. I'm talking about the barrage of tacky advertising with Santa hocking every conceivable consumer good.
Please, a Christmas tree is not offensive, stupid "Bell Canada" adds with beavers mistaking an elderly white bearded gentlemen for Santa is, and so is this judge. Who needs to relax, try some egg nog and enjoy the season.
Later,
Kenaz
Friday, December 15, 2006
Praise for the Matthew Daly Jury
After a full week of deliberations, the jury did the only thing they could when they sentenced four men in connection with the May 2001 murder of Burlington teenager Matthew Daly.
The men and women of this jury should be praised for their deliberate and careful attention to detail. They asked for clarification from the judge concerning the definition of "first degree murder" and "second degree murder". What they where told from all I understand of law, basically it boils down to one factor. Did the accused plan to murder Matthew?
Early on in this case like many, I thought fair justice was only a murder conviction for all involved and nothing else. As the case unfolded in became clear that these "men" did not start off the tragic evening with the intent to murder. As the events unfolded it became clear that blind hate took hold and steered these men down the path that led to the untimely death of a bright star.
It is now up to the judge to send a message to Sam Nop, Vuthy Chak and Fadil "Neil" Mujku. Who have been found guilty of second degree murder. Stephen Papadopoulos has been found guilty of manslaughter. A message that tells the country that the justice system has had enough of senseless hate and they are ready to start making those who commit these type of crimes pay to the fullest the criminal code allows.
Chak was a young offender at the time of the murder and will be eligible for parole in less than two years. A judge will set parole eligibility for Nop and Mujku on January 29th, the same day Papadopoulos' manslaughter sentence will be finalized.
A fifth man, whose identity is protected under a strict publication ban and who is also charged with first degree murder, will go on trial next year in the case.
Background Story
Four or five blows to the head and neck was the cause of death of Matthew Daly. He died in hospital about 12 hours after he was ambushed and attacked at about 3 a.m., May 19, 2001, while walking home with his girlfriend, Erin Keller, from a Nelson High School graduation party in Burlington.
The assailants were angry because Daly and his buddies had ejected a group of Hamilton men from the party less than two hours earlier. They came back to the party armed with bats and clubs, clubbed, kicked and punched Daly until he was no longer moving.
At this point, four of the attackers ran away but Nop stayed behind and delivered four or five more blows to the victim's head.
Later,
Kenaz
The men and women of this jury should be praised for their deliberate and careful attention to detail. They asked for clarification from the judge concerning the definition of "first degree murder" and "second degree murder". What they where told from all I understand of law, basically it boils down to one factor. Did the accused plan to murder Matthew?
Early on in this case like many, I thought fair justice was only a murder conviction for all involved and nothing else. As the case unfolded in became clear that these "men" did not start off the tragic evening with the intent to murder. As the events unfolded it became clear that blind hate took hold and steered these men down the path that led to the untimely death of a bright star.
It is now up to the judge to send a message to Sam Nop, Vuthy Chak and Fadil "Neil" Mujku. Who have been found guilty of second degree murder. Stephen Papadopoulos has been found guilty of manslaughter. A message that tells the country that the justice system has had enough of senseless hate and they are ready to start making those who commit these type of crimes pay to the fullest the criminal code allows.
Chak was a young offender at the time of the murder and will be eligible for parole in less than two years. A judge will set parole eligibility for Nop and Mujku on January 29th, the same day Papadopoulos' manslaughter sentence will be finalized.
A fifth man, whose identity is protected under a strict publication ban and who is also charged with first degree murder, will go on trial next year in the case.
Background Story
Four or five blows to the head and neck was the cause of death of Matthew Daly. He died in hospital about 12 hours after he was ambushed and attacked at about 3 a.m., May 19, 2001, while walking home with his girlfriend, Erin Keller, from a Nelson High School graduation party in Burlington.
The assailants were angry because Daly and his buddies had ejected a group of Hamilton men from the party less than two hours earlier. They came back to the party armed with bats and clubs, clubbed, kicked and punched Daly until he was no longer moving.
At this point, four of the attackers ran away but Nop stayed behind and delivered four or five more blows to the victim's head.
Later,
Kenaz
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Say it isn't so
It was a shock to me when it was announced Sunday on Ch Hamilton that Jerry's Man Shop went into receivership.
The yellow awning overhanging onto James Street North at Cannon was a perfect fit as for the neibourhood as is the mustard three button suit jacket that I purchased a couple years ago from Mr. Sherman. (The one I'm wearing in the picture, above)
Bernard Sherman has since the late 1940s been the cities man to go to for their business and casual wear. So what happened? The reason why one of the city's iconic businesses, and oldest men's clothier, is in jeopardy is a mystery to even Sherman, who is 80 years old.
This is the busy season for most clothing stores and Jerry's is no different. The display windows were lit, decorated with Christmas ornaments, featuring pinstriped suits. Hopefully as Mr. Sherman said in an interview, this is only temporary and the multi-time winner of the Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Awards, will be back in business.
The business has been handed down from generation to generation in Sherman's family over the past 90 years. He sold it to a numbered company last year, and had planned to retire. But he says the new owners asked him to stay on and run it for a year, because of his experience and contacts.
Okay, I couldn't end this post on a sour note, so I would thought I'd share this funny moment that happened to me Monday afternoon while heading into work. I was on the Beeline heading into Stoney Creek, the number 10 was detouring into the Eastgate
Mall turning circle as it does before continuing east. So picture this, the bus stops for a women in the turning lane who also wishes to turn into the mall, to do so. A bus from a private company in the lane coming the opposite direction also wishes the women would make her turn. The man driving the other bus makes a clear gesture, heeding the right away to the women, who doesn't respond and decides blocking four lanes of traffic is a great idea. Impatient, but in a 'jolly' mood, the driver makes an exaggerated motion to turn the car and drive into the mall both with his hands and mouth. This apparently woke the women up, and she made her turn. The funny part is in case you didn't get the hint, the bus driver was dressed as Santa. This caused some laughter from the driver of the HSR bus, myself and the couple of passengers in front of me who had the perfect seats.
Later,
Kenaz
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Help make a difference
http://www.salvationarmy.ca/I walked into the mall on Friday to look around and was immediately drawn to the work of a Salvation Army volunteer. I don't carry much money on me as a rule, so I felt a little cheap in only placing a dollar into the familiar kettle. My meager contribution was graciously accepted by the friendly Army associate and I reciprocated with much praise for everything this great organization does.
On my mothers side, the "Sally Ann" was held in great esteem. From my mother, to my Aunt, back to my Grandma, all where part of Salvation Army. Over in my family photo link you will find a picture of my Grandma wearing her Army bonnet.
Our conversation went from my family history onto a heart warming story that was published in the Spectator of a small girl running up to a Salvation officer, hand full of change and then spotting the candy machine in the mall. After a little soul searching, helping someone else won over her sweet tooth and the red kettle was a few coins fuller.
Before I went on with my day, I couldn't help voice my displeasure with those who abuse the kindness and generosity of the Salvation Army. Those who find enough money to pour alcohol down their gullet, yet don't have enough to feed and clothe their children and rely on handouts.
I don't mean to sound preachy but these people make me sick, always looking for a handout, never a hand-up. With that the lady thanked me sincerely for my views and as I walked away I couldn't help feeling a little more enlightened. I totally relate to the message of The Salvation Army organization. A message of understanding, peace and hope delivered to those who wish to receive the gifts offered by the good book, in a way that doesn't hit you over the head. A that point I felt that maybe the Salvation Army has finally found a home in my heart.
As I continued on with my afternoon, the thoughts of the contributions they make where not lost. In the middle of winter, many hard-working families fall on tough times, and can no longer make ends meet. The Salvation Army is always there to provide food, clothing and shelter in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
This is just one example of the many great humanitarian acts that the Salvation Army has carried out over the last 100 years. It started in 1865 when William Booth left the Methodist ministry to preach as an independent evangelist in the slums of London's East End. Many converts were won, but they didn't feel 'at home' in churches, so Booth set up Christian Mission Centers. He adopted the name 'Salvation Army' in 1878. At first, the Army was persecuted by church people because it was so unconventional. But the organization was successful at attacking social problems of the day - hunger, homelessness and poverty.
Today the Salvation Army serves people in 102 countries around the world. In addition to physical humanitarian aid, providing the necessities of food, shelter and clothing, they also help people facing personal problems, such as single parenthood, alcohol and drug abuse, offering counseling, and work therapy.
And whenever disaster strikes, the Salvation Army mobile canteens bring food, clothing, blankets and medical supplies. Workers comfort victims, help reunite families and find emergency shelter. A Christian organization, the Army is organized in a military pattern, adhering to the New Testament concept of enlistment in the service of God as soldiers who subject themselves to Divine authority and discipline.
Unlike secular aid organizations, the Salvation Army is dedicated to providing help and hope to all the hurting. The Salvation Army relies solely on donations to operate and continue their work. The soldiers with their red kettles are out in force at shopping centers for their annual Christmas fundraising effort. In the giving spirit of the season, I hope you'll drop what you can into a Salvation Army Bell Ringer's bucket this year, to help keep this organization going strong.
Later,
Kenaz
Friday, December 08, 2006
Yet another dirty Hamilton cop
The reputation of the Hamilton Police department has taken yet another shattering blow. This time, a veteran cop is accused of ignoring a woman's domestic abuse complaint and telling her he was once her customer at an illegal massage parlour.
Constable Rick Mowers faces Police Act charges for neglect of duty and discreditable conduct related to a call at the woman's house, but nothing related to allegations he once paid her for sex.
Mowers' predicament began Dec. 6 last year. He and Constable Chuck Beasley responded in separate cruisers to a child custody dispute in Millgrove.
The mom says she was loading her sons, 2 and 8, into a taxi to escape an abusive household when her partner arrived and called police. She says both officers spoke to them for an hour. Then Beasley left and Mowers stayed behind.
The mom says she told Mowers, a cop for 16 years, that her partner choked her and kicked her in the head a week earlier. She told him she'd phoned police on the day of the beating for advice on escaping an abusive relationship. Mowers, she says, did not take notes, ask questions or investigate her allegations.
What he did say, according to the mom, is he'd once been her customer at a massage parlour called Chelsey's that used to operate behind the Piccadilly strip club on Barton Street East. Vice and drugs officers raided Chelsey's in December 2003 on sex related charges.
Here's where the story gets predictable. The complaint makes its way through the system until it gets to an internal Discipline Review Committee of superintendents and the service's lawyer. In June, that committee decides Mowers did act wrongly, but then goes on to identify his mistakes as "nonserious" rather than "serious," which are the terms used within the Police Act.
A serious act carries with it a hearing, a pay loss of three days or more and a black mark on an officer's record for five years. A nonserious act requires no hearing, costs less than three days pay and stays on the record two years.
Some redeption occurred when the decision and appealed to the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services. In October, OCCOPS ruled that "there is sufficient evidence to warrant a hearing into the conduct of Constable Richard Mowers."
A hearing is set for Jan. 16. Mowers continues to perform his regular duties in the meantime.
Mowers it seems is no virgin to controversy, this is Mowers' second time before a Police Act hearing. In the late '90s he was convicted of two counts of neglect of duty after a complaint that he did not arrest a man who breached a court ruling ordering him to stay away from his wife because of an assault charge.
He was also convicted of not conducting a proper investigation for not getting an interpreter for the couple.
I can't believe the arrogance of our police. This is the second time their committee has tried to sweep serious charges against one of their own under the carpet recently. The first was when Hamilton police cleared two officers after they arrested a black man for a break-in -- despite descriptions of a white suspect -- and never checked his alibi. OCCOPS ordered a hearing. The officers pleaded guilty to not checking the alibi.
I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record, but when will this city get rid of these filthy 'pigs'. Oh, and as note as the story in the Spectator points out, so far, no one is questioning that Mowers may be in the habit of paying women for sex at massage parlours. What?!
Later,
Kenaz
Constable Rick Mowers faces Police Act charges for neglect of duty and discreditable conduct related to a call at the woman's house, but nothing related to allegations he once paid her for sex.
Mowers' predicament began Dec. 6 last year. He and Constable Chuck Beasley responded in separate cruisers to a child custody dispute in Millgrove.
The mom says she was loading her sons, 2 and 8, into a taxi to escape an abusive household when her partner arrived and called police. She says both officers spoke to them for an hour. Then Beasley left and Mowers stayed behind.
The mom says she told Mowers, a cop for 16 years, that her partner choked her and kicked her in the head a week earlier. She told him she'd phoned police on the day of the beating for advice on escaping an abusive relationship. Mowers, she says, did not take notes, ask questions or investigate her allegations.
What he did say, according to the mom, is he'd once been her customer at a massage parlour called Chelsey's that used to operate behind the Piccadilly strip club on Barton Street East. Vice and drugs officers raided Chelsey's in December 2003 on sex related charges.
Here's where the story gets predictable. The complaint makes its way through the system until it gets to an internal Discipline Review Committee of superintendents and the service's lawyer. In June, that committee decides Mowers did act wrongly, but then goes on to identify his mistakes as "nonserious" rather than "serious," which are the terms used within the Police Act.
A serious act carries with it a hearing, a pay loss of three days or more and a black mark on an officer's record for five years. A nonserious act requires no hearing, costs less than three days pay and stays on the record two years.
Some redeption occurred when the decision and appealed to the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services. In October, OCCOPS ruled that "there is sufficient evidence to warrant a hearing into the conduct of Constable Richard Mowers."
A hearing is set for Jan. 16. Mowers continues to perform his regular duties in the meantime.
Mowers it seems is no virgin to controversy, this is Mowers' second time before a Police Act hearing. In the late '90s he was convicted of two counts of neglect of duty after a complaint that he did not arrest a man who breached a court ruling ordering him to stay away from his wife because of an assault charge.
He was also convicted of not conducting a proper investigation for not getting an interpreter for the couple.
I can't believe the arrogance of our police. This is the second time their committee has tried to sweep serious charges against one of their own under the carpet recently. The first was when Hamilton police cleared two officers after they arrested a black man for a break-in -- despite descriptions of a white suspect -- and never checked his alibi. OCCOPS ordered a hearing. The officers pleaded guilty to not checking the alibi.
I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record, but when will this city get rid of these filthy 'pigs'. Oh, and as note as the story in the Spectator points out, so far, no one is questioning that Mowers may be in the habit of paying women for sex at massage parlours. What?!
Later,
Kenaz
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Hamilton Police black and blue in 2006
I'm guessing Hamilton Chief Brian Mullan's letter to Santa starts with a new suit. One to replace his tattered and hole riddled suit of armour that he currently wears. While he's at it I bet he's wishing some elves could sprinkle a little magic dust over his entire force and make the miriad of troubles disappear.
Well, unfortunately this isn't "Never, Never Land" and unless serious changes are made at the top, Mullan's reign as top cop won't end with "Happily Ever After".
2006, to say the least hasn't been a good year for morale and public trust for Hamilton Police. Corruption, bribery, drunkeness and racism are a few of the allegations that have been lobbied against the once solid "blue wall" of honour. The cracks are getting wider with each volley.
Let's look at the dishonour that faces Mullan and his team of damage control consultants.
* The Michael Dixon case. He is a black trade-show worker who was mistakenly arrested by officers allegedly chasing a white suspect. The officers were later disciplined for not properly following up on his alibi. Dixon has launched a human rights racial discrimination complaint and civil lawsuit.
* Police Service Board member Jane Mulkewich says she fears racial bias is a systemic problem in the service. Officers are outraged by her remark and are angry Mullan did not come to their defence.
* Eight officers are currently facing Police Act Charges on a variety of matters ranging from sexual harassment to drinking on duty and ignoring calls to attempting to extort money from the public.
* Another officer was recently criminally charged with bribery.
*Most recently a Hamilton police constable has been fined three days pay for failing to investigate a pizzeria manager's claim he had been assaulted by a patron.
What the Police are saying in their defense,
* Officers say their workload has become unmanageable thanks to a rising number of officers on sick leave, increases in calls for service and complicated and voluminous paperwork.
* Some officers are unhappy about a recent round of promotions, saying those who volunteer and take continuing education courses are rewarded more than people who have the skills to be good supervisors.
* Mullan's appearance at parade is being met with a money-where-your-mouth-is attitude from his officers.
Interesting note, all these problems come at a time when Police association members have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2005. It sounds like at lot of buck passing to me. In reality its more like a few bad apples are finally being culled from the barrell and creating a stink. The problem is, we don't know how far the rot has gone. Have these bad cops corrupted the new generation so badly, it has left Hamiltonian's questioning how safe they are?
Later,
Kenaz
Well, unfortunately this isn't "Never, Never Land" and unless serious changes are made at the top, Mullan's reign as top cop won't end with "Happily Ever After".
2006, to say the least hasn't been a good year for morale and public trust for Hamilton Police. Corruption, bribery, drunkeness and racism are a few of the allegations that have been lobbied against the once solid "blue wall" of honour. The cracks are getting wider with each volley.
Let's look at the dishonour that faces Mullan and his team of damage control consultants.
* The Michael Dixon case. He is a black trade-show worker who was mistakenly arrested by officers allegedly chasing a white suspect. The officers were later disciplined for not properly following up on his alibi. Dixon has launched a human rights racial discrimination complaint and civil lawsuit.
* Police Service Board member Jane Mulkewich says she fears racial bias is a systemic problem in the service. Officers are outraged by her remark and are angry Mullan did not come to their defence.
* Eight officers are currently facing Police Act Charges on a variety of matters ranging from sexual harassment to drinking on duty and ignoring calls to attempting to extort money from the public.
* Another officer was recently criminally charged with bribery.
*Most recently a Hamilton police constable has been fined three days pay for failing to investigate a pizzeria manager's claim he had been assaulted by a patron.
What the Police are saying in their defense,
* Officers say their workload has become unmanageable thanks to a rising number of officers on sick leave, increases in calls for service and complicated and voluminous paperwork.
* Some officers are unhappy about a recent round of promotions, saying those who volunteer and take continuing education courses are rewarded more than people who have the skills to be good supervisors.
* Mullan's appearance at parade is being met with a money-where-your-mouth-is attitude from his officers.
Interesting note, all these problems come at a time when Police association members have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2005. It sounds like at lot of buck passing to me. In reality its more like a few bad apples are finally being culled from the barrell and creating a stink. The problem is, we don't know how far the rot has gone. Have these bad cops corrupted the new generation so badly, it has left Hamiltonian's questioning how safe they are?
Later,
Kenaz
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