'My Generation' gets whole new spin

Tonights 6 o'clock news ended with this video from a group of 40 British seniors (average age: 78) called The Zimmers. The seniors are a YouTube sensation with their timely cover of The Who's My Generation. The video has been viewed by 1.5 million people since its posting April 2.


In it, the group get their message out that these old folk aren't ready for a rocking chair just yet. They smash guitars and over turn drum sets, ala Townshend and Moon. They re-create The Beatles' walk across Abbey Road. They hold up a sign stating the plight of many seniors, "I'm bored in old people's homes."

The group's name is a tongue and cheek reference to a British brand of walker. A whole new meaning of kicking it old school.

Later,
Kenaz

For pete's sake, say no to drugs!

Or you will end up like the Toronto loser whom Hamilton cops charged with theft and drug charges after a strange series of events at the McMaster University GO TRANSIT complex.

Police say a GO bus driver had left his bus for a washroom break yesterday afternoon. When the driver returned, he found the bus' doors had been pried open and the cash box was missing. Several students pointed the finger of blame at a man sitting in nearby bus shelter. McMaster Security approached the 22 year-old, who admitted the theft. While making the arrest, officers noticed a bag next to the man who denied it was his. A search of the bag turned up a quantify of crystal meth, ecstasy and a suspected date-rape drug. Also in the bag (dum-de-dum-really dum) ... the Toronto man's I-D. Doh!

Later,
Kenaz

Huge blaze rips through business on Lottridge

Spec photo

The Ontario Fire Marshall has confirmed arson as the key motive in a massive fire at a Recyling Service on Lottridge Street. The fire, spawned several alarms and sent some 100 fire fighters to the sight.

The fire had started shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday among about 1,000 empty plastic rain barrels and about 40 storage containers filled with old computer parts -- all stored behind the building, which backs on to CN rail tracks that bisect the neighbourhood bounded by Barton and Burlington streets and Gage and Sherman avenues.

The fire quickly moved up the wall and onto the roof of the sprawling 250,000 square-foot complex, which is vacant except for the recycling business -- called simply Recycling Service -- which occupies about 10,000 square feet. Several hours into the fire, the roof over the recycling business collapsed, igniting other computer parts stored inside. Though the fire had been contained to that area by yesterday afternoon, the fallen debris was making it hard to put out.

Samples of the smoke plume taken by the provincial environment ministry's mobile testing facility found no dangerous levels of styrene, toluene or xylene -- chemicals that would commonly be associated with such a fire. Hopefully quelling rumours of another Plastimet like catastrophe. In 1997, a warehouse filled with bales of scrap plastic -- just two kilometres west of yesterday's fire -- burned for four days, creating an environmental disaster and leaving a tragic medical legacy that would later be linked to the cancer death of Hamilton firefighter Bob Shaw.

Preliminary damage estimates are in the range of a quarter million dollars. The Fire Marshall says he'll wrap up his investigation some time later today and turn the building back over to the owner.

Video of the fire from the Hamilton Spectator

Slideshow of the fire from the Hamilton Spectator

Later,
Kenaz

30 Years of Star Wars

Friday was the 30th anniversary of the release of Star Wars and the beginning of the Summer blockbuster era. I remember that day in 1977 so well even though I was only seven years old. My sister Cherylanne took me to the old Tivoli Theatre on James Street. We couldn't get in because the movie was PG-13 and my sister didn't turn 13 until September. We went home and our mom took us the next night. We sat in the front row, and from that day until "Return of the Jedi" I had to have the figures, ships and almost everything Star Wars. The collection's gone now, I played with the figures like they are meant too and not just kept in a package on a shelf, so they where not worth a whole lot when I sold them a couple years. I think I got $100 for them and a stuffed Chewie who smelled a little funky. I'm not sure what happened to the large scale Millenium Falcon and X-Wing Fighter though.

Since then the Summer movie season has been full of garbage slasher flicks and teen shlock, long live the origional Star Wars trillogy. May the force be with you!


Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton the good

Three good news stories to report from the 'Hammer' today. A north end park was cleaned up and the area BIA is committing itself to keeping it that way. Hamilton will soon be one local calling area and a shake-up at city hall should bring some respect back.

Woodlands park on Barton street between Wentworth and Sanford is on the receiving end of some new trees and continued upkeep. The city will plant 35 new trees in the park thanks to a $5,000 donation from Siemens Power Generation and the Barton village BIA will look after the grounds. I caught the story while I was on my lunch break down at Hotz Environmental, who was on hand at the park in case any hazardous waste was found. Congrats to all the kids who participated, it's nice to see someone has good old fashioned values. I have fond memories of playing in summer and winter at this park growing up, and it would be a same to loose it to the crack heads, hookers and gangs.

Canada's telephone regulator, has cleared the way for local calling throughout the boundaries of the city of Hamilton. It has approved Bell Canada's application to make Hamilton a single local calling area. The changes will take effect in November. Suburban politicians have been pushing the initiative, virtually since amalgamation back in 2000. It doesn't come without a cost. Bell's residential customers will pay a 30 cent monthly surcharge for the next three years. The surcharge is 17 cents for business customers. Small cost for being able to make a call from one end of the city, it seems so obvious, why has it taken seven years?

And finally, the news that Lee Anne Coveyduck will be replaced June 1st couldn't be more sobering and the date couldn't come fast enough. The manager of Hamilton's building and licensing department is going out in a blaze of glory(wink). More concerns about the department came out today. According to the Spectator, one in three Hamilton homes built in the past 18 months was under construction before the city issued a permit. And city officials are admitting that's true. That's despite the fact it's in clear violation of Ontario's building code act, that states no construction can begin on any building without a permit being issued. The city says it is taking steps to address the issue with the development of an updated procedures manual for building inspectors.

The new accountability and transparency subcommittee approved by council to set up the new integrity commissioner's office spearheaded by Joanna Chapman should stem the bleeding. The Dundas book seller is one of four community members on the committee. She's joined by David Broom, Ted Charuk and Denise O'Connor.

Later,
Kenaz

My vision for Sherman Avenue North

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Good day, good riddance

The work week has come to an end and so has my employment at Tomco Steel after eight months. I'm not saddened in any way, in fact I'm a little relieved. I've been trying to get my temp agency to reassign me for quite a while do too the rather juvenile attitudes of the boss Steve and his employees.

I first wrote about my situation back in February in a post entitled "I hate Mondays, ask me why?". In a nut shell the afternoon foreman was a complete idiot who in deed succeed in getting me fired for refusing to work an OPTIONAL overtime Saturday shift. I guess the bigger idiot was Steve who actually did the firing, then rehired me within the same day.

The biggest idiot in hind sight was me, I went back to a company that showed such lack of morals when it came to treating temps. To prove my point here is the second email I sent to my temp agency boss on April 26.

I know we have had this conversation before, but I don't feel you understand the situation. The situation at Tomco is getting slightly worse. It's tough to do your work in amidst an atmosphere of back stabbing and hurtful lies.

The culprits haven't changed they have only multiplied since the incident with Gary the then afternoon foreman. Things where looking better when I went to days away from the problem. But have returned as Steve decided to bring the problem back to days and ignore the problem. The man (Gary) is a spiteful human who has no people skills and I feel enjoys getting on peoples case for no reason.

The second problem is their mechanic Mark who for what ever reason finds it humorous to make comments to you as your passing like "your crazy, stop talking to yourself" (?) Apparently a bigger joke as his buddy a machine operator Adam chimed in with his agreement. This comment was brought to Steve attention, not much was done.

Side note, Adam is known for his lack of attention span, and has been told about his smart mouth, but as long as he's saying things about me behind my back or as today make his comments while pointing or starring at you. (Today was either threatening bodily harm or trying to get someone else to do so) Oh course as his nature, he pathologically denies ever talking.

As I have mentioned to you, it doesn't look like Tomco ever wishes to evoke a work environment that work suite my type of personality. I like to work hard, quietly with people who don't have these types of hurtful attitudes and for a boss that doesn't feel temps are disposable people. I mean if I'm so bad at my job and have such a bad attitude why have I been their since October. (These comments have been made by any or all of the above people the last by Steve).

I don't like being blind sided, I wish to work for you some where else if Tomco refuses to deal with the issues and desist the harmful actions. I do have the right to file a Ministry of Labour Claim against the above persons if I feel their actions deliberate and I will. I hope this letter doesn't strain or relationship, my intention is quite the opposite, a good working relationship can only occur if both sides are happy and that's what it was at the start with Tomco and I hope again or somewhere else with your help.

For eight months I continually proved that I was a damn great packer and one of the best they had. Not my words, Steve's on many occasions. To back up the point all they had to do is read the production sheets. So, that brings me to today, at 3:00 o'clock I got the call, I was fired for get this "being unable to keep up with the machines and thus causing damage!" First of all if I couldn't keep up with a punch press set at 32 parts per minute, why did Adam turn it up to 42 ppm when I was packing by myself!

The joke is on me Adam you got me. You broke the punch and pinned it on me, Steve took the easy way out and got rid of me. So long Tomco, Adam, I miss all your drunkin' tales and childish temper tantrums. Watching a grown man(?) throw around a three step latter because he pinched his fingers (no more painful than cracking your fingers with a tack hammer) and then sulk about it, is down right funny. Oh well good news, he left work early to go camping, hope a bear mistakes him for the rat that he is an makes a snack out of him.

Anyway, off to enjoy my long weekend(Victoria Day, in Canada) the temp boss says he's working on something for me for next week, closer to my home. Crossing my fingers.

Later,
Kenaz

Bob Sherwin will be missed

I was extremely sad to read that former CHML and CKOC radio personality Bob Sherwin had passed away. He died this afternoon at Hamilton General hospital after suffering a severe heart attack on Sunday. Sherwin has been a fixture on Hamilton radio since the 1970's. I have fond memories of listening to his weekly Big 500 countdown on CKOC as a kid. I know god has a master plan for all of us but why take the good souls so young? Mr. Sherwin was only 52.

Later,
Kenaz

Remembering a great mom

The roses my mom planted so many years ago have only started to come up this year,



my tulips are coming to their end of their cycle



and moms lilacs that I continue to grow in her memory and because I love their colour are coming up beautifully.



Since 1999 the meaning of Mother's Day changed for me forever. Still the day for thanking the women who brought me into the world for everything she did to make me the man I am today. May 13 is also the day I reach towards the heavens and ask her to continue to steer me towards what ever destiny lies in wait and ask for her beacon of light to enlighten me so that I can defend against the evils that hide in the shadows. Forever grateful, your son Kendall.



The poem "A Mother's Love" hangs in my dining room and keeps the memory of my mother alive. Please enlarge the photo to read it.

Today was a great day, I watched the young guns of Canada capture gold in Russia and bring home yet another World Championship to complete the trifecta. Joining the juniors and the women Canada yet again showed who where the King and Queen's of hockey. The heat has already started to get to me so, the hair went. Should be a lot more comfortable under the hard hat at work. That's all for now.

Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton's for the birds!

Three in fact! Since my first post back in March about this years Falcon Watch update here in Hamilton, there has been new additions to the family. Here is a capsulized look at the new events.

April 9, 2007 - Three eggs are noticed the scrape and may be four. The cold weather is still keeping Madame X close to the nest.

April 16, 2007 - The fourth egg is seen. The cold weather is still keeping Madame X close to the nest but it looks like things will warm up a bit later this week. Falcon fans will be interested to know that the Falconwatch TV monitor and information signs are now on view in a storefront in Jackson Square Mall. Look for the display in the aisle closest to King Street, on the James St. side of the Sheraton hotel.

May 8, 2007 - Madame X is being one protective mama!. No interviews allowed! Around 11:50AM today Madame X started twisting and turning. A short time later a bit of white appeared, and at 11:52:44 a little black beak and eye line were clearly visible. One here, ?? to go!

May 9, 2007 - At approximately 12:25 the second chick of 2007 emerged. The adults take turns incubating, with a couple of 'shift changes' observed. During the afternoon several clear views of both chicks and the two remaining eggs. Two here, two to go.

May 11, 2007 - At 07:07 in the morning the adults did a food exchange and a clear image of THREE CHICKS and the remaining egg are captured. Three here, one to go.

Click on the link to see pics of the aw! so cute chicks and the proud parents.
http://www.hamiltonnature.org/hamfalcam.html

Later,
Kenaz

Chief Brian Mullan lies again

The families of Lucas Deane, Paul Haggerty and the entire community deserve to read today's report on how police botched the surrender of accused double-murderer Corey Rogers. In case you don't remember Lucas, 18, and his 19-year-old friend Paul Haggerty were stabbed to death outside a Barton Street bar in the early hours of Feb. 17. Two other young men were wounded. Within hours Hamilton police arrested Corey Rogers -- who had been named CrimeStoppers Most Wanted the previous month.

Deputy Chief Ken Leendertse must have sprained his wrist patting himself on the back and congratulating his officers for their "good police work." What he didn't say was that exactly one week before the homicides, Corey Rogers called 911, identified himself and said he wanted to turn himself in. Instead of doing their damn job and sending cops over immediately to make the high-risk arrest, the call-taker told Rogers he'd phoned at a bad time and suggested he walk to police headquarters and turn himself in.

Rogers obviously never showed up. Rogers wasn't arrested until he fell into the arms of cops who finally traced the phone call and waited outside his home until he came home. Not exactly the stuff Sherlock Holmes mysteries are made of.

Hamilton police say they are serious about transparency and regaining the public's trust and doing the right thing, then why are they trying to hide the report? The report was delivered today by Niagara police who conducted an impartial review at the request of Mullen, after the debacle. Instead of answers, we only get more questions and that isn't what Lucas Deane's grieving grandparents deserve.

It took ten weeks to get the report, one that both Mullan and board chair Bernie Morelli promised that when the report was ready, they would share it with the public. Morelli further promised the families and public a full accounting of what happened and said his intention is to release the entire report.

Mullan said he called for the external investigation because according to interview with The Spectator "There's an obligation to give a total and accurate depiction to the community as to what happened because the community is concerned" and "we have an obligation to ensure the families know exactly what happened in great detail."

What is Mullan hiding from the public, we deserve the whole report and not and edited one that seems most likely since Morelli has already ran to his lawyers to talk about censoring the report. Enough is enough, the corruption in Hamilton has to end.

Later,
Kenaz

In memorium of my mother

On May 7, 1999 an incredible women was taken from her family far too early. In memory of my mother Bernice Oliphant I had this tatoo designed and inked based on my drawing shortly after. The ivy leaves represent my mother who switched her first and middle name when she was quite young. The barbed wire represents the ties that bind and sometimes strifes the relationship between son and mother. The peace symbol is self explanitory, Psalms 23:4 is my favourite verse from the bible. The verse tells us not to fear the unknown certainties that come with the passing of a loved one and even when things look their bleakest their is always someone willing to light your way. The word "kid" is something that you will always be called by your family no matter how old you get when your the youngest of ten in total. Mothers Day should be celebrated every day and childhood memories should never be allowed to fade.

One of my favourite poems that deals with memories of family good times is "O for an hour of childhood!"

Ford, Samuel Payne


O for an hour of childhood!
On of those olden hours
When life was bright with sunshine,
And garlanded with flowers;
Ere the happy family circle,
That sat by the old stone hearth,
Was tearfully torn asunder
And scattered about the earth.

Could my childish wish be granted,
And Time turn back in his flight;
Which one of those hours of gladness
Would I have return to-night?
They are all of glad remembrance,
Though a few are dimmed with tears;
Say, which of those precious moments
Shall I call from the mist of years?

Shall I ask for the festal evening,
When father, and mother, and all
Were gathered together rejoicing
In the crowded Christmas hall?
And the gay, glad hours flew speedily,
With music and mirth, and chat?
Ah, no! for i see in the distance
A pleasanter hour than that.

Shall I ask for a summer morning,
When the birds are singing of love,
With never a cloud to darken
The bright blue sky above?
And trip with my little sister
All over the verdant lawn,
Plucking the flowers that blossom
As day begins to dawn;
And then spring cheerily forward
To the top of the pine-clad hill,
To see the sun rise in his beauty?
There are happier moments still.

Shall I ask for a time so often
Enjoyed in the "long ago,"
When after an hour's careering
So merrily over the snow,
An army of laughing loved ones,
All happy, and merry and strong,
We cheerfully tuned our voices
And joined in some sweet old song?
O! passing pleasant those hours were,
Nor shadowed by one regret,
Still ever there cometh the memory
Of holier moments yet.

May I have but one hour only?
I would have one most like heaven,
One calm, sweet hour, with all at home
On some quiet, Sabbath even?
Would list again to the voice of prayer
From hearts to God devoted,
And join again in the songs of praise
That round the old rooms floated?
Would kneel again at my mother's knee,
Beneath her smile of light,
And fall asleep with her lips on mine,
Kissing a fond "good-night"?

Later,
Kenaz

Questions still linger in the wake of CD's closing

CD Sports Bar on Ottawa Street North no longer has a business licence to operate legally in Hamilton. The place that became notorious after stabbings, shootings including one fatal incident and a multitude of complaints from fed up residents.

This should be the final word of the closing chapter in this notorious saga, but this story has a cliff hanger that needs to be solved. If the bar owner's licence expired in early April, why didn't the city's licensing committee know this until the last minute leading up too a meeting that would have decided whether to revoke or fail to renew the licence? Only then council was told there was no valid licence in force.

That means that since the expiry date of April 9, the business had been operating without a licence. City staff knew about the expiry. And during this period of unlicensed operation, someone was shot after leaving the bar.

Municipal policy around business licence renewal is as "flexible". In advance of expiry, business operators receive communication. And after it expires, there is a grace period during which city staff work with business owners on licence renewal.

I don't get a grace period to pay my city taxes or any bill, why should any business be able to operate without a licence? There can't and shouldn't be any gray area here, have a licence, operate your business, or close your doors, period.

The foreward to this tale should read CD bar owner no longer has the right to own, operate or be a partner in any business that serves alcohol in light of his arogance to the laws that he says he never violated and says he will obey regardless. Secondly, the city's licensing department, already in the midst of an overhaul, needs to revisit its standard protocols and tighten their lax way of enforcement.

Later,
Kenaz

Those that we have lost in April

07
Johnny Hart, 76, American cartoonist (B.C., The Wizard of Id), stroke.

08

Sol LeWitt, 78, American artist known for his role in the Conceptualism and Minimalism movements, cancer

11
Kurt Vonnegut, 84, American novelist and social critic, brain injury from a fall.

Ronald Speirs, 86, American World War II commanding officer of Easy Company (Band of Brothers).

14
June Callwood, 82, Canadian journalist and activist, cancer


Don Ho, 76, American Hawaiian musician and entertainer, heart failure.

15
Brant Parker, 86, American cartoonist who co-created The Wizard of Id.

16

Gaetan Duchesne, 44, Canadian NHL player (1981–1995), heart attack.

Stan Daniels, 72, Canadian writer and producer (Taxi, The Mary Tyler Moore Show), heart failure.

17

06Groucho Marx and Kitty Carlisle in A Night at the Opera (1935)
Kitty Carlisle Hart, 96, American actress (A Night at the Opera), television personality (To Tell the Truth) and singer, heart failure.

23

Boris Yeltsin, 76, first President of the Russian Federation (1991–1999), heart failure.

29

Josh Hancock, 29, American baseball relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, car accident.

Ontario governments should go "FLICK" themselves

The Ontario government is supporting a campaign aimed at getting young people to cut energy use with the gutter scrapping title of "Flick Off." The campaign was launched British billionaire Richard Branson who stops at nothing in order to get publicity. This stunt is even worse than his awful attempt at a reality show, anyone remember the 2004 turkey "The Rebel Billionaire"? The tongue-in-cheek campaign alludes to a four-letter word and the logo uses a typeface that makes the capital letters "L" and "I" look like a "U."

On the website homepage, a call to action says: "We need you to FLICK OFF, and tell everyone you know to FLICK OFF. The more you do it, the cooler it gets. Apparently they mean the planet. "The campaign's website uses such phrases as "Go flick yourself," and "Are we flicked?" to punch up their double meanings.

The answer to the second question if your the ad agency is yes their a bunch of flickin' idiots if they think this campaign is appropriate for viewing by children.

In another bonehead move by government officials, this time the City of Toronto who refused to pick up 12,000 spent batteries collected by 500 Grade 7 and 8 students in Scarborough during a clean up the environment collection drive.

The science teacher who runs the environment club, says she called Toxics Taxi – the city's free pick-up service for hazardous waste expecting praise for her young student efforts – only to be told by a staff person that the service is for residences only. Because they are considered an institution the city refused to pick up the batteries.

That left the teacher and students frustrated with a government headed by a mayor who erroneously claims Toronto to be the greenest city in the world. Their is very little green left in mudville. The teacher punctuated her frustration by pointing out the obvious to anyone except the brain drains at city hall. The batteries are from homes, to which the city staff person countered, "No, it's an institution."

A student wrote an insightful email to his local councillor, Brian Ashton, in March to air his concerns. "If we just threw the batteries in the garbage, they would be sent to landfills and over time, they would start leaking into rivers and oceans, which could cause major acid rain, which is very harmful to the world," he wrote. Ashton at first offered the lame excuse of not receiving the email. Then tried to cover his lie when pressured saying he would make sure the batteries are collected and that the club receives a $250 cheque from the city budget.

I hope these kids passion to save the environment continues and one of them takes the torch from David Suzuki some day and continues the fight to change the attitude of people who continue to destroy the planet all because it would mean loss of money for corporate and government misers if we made products that lasted forever instead of ending up in a landfill.

Later,
Kenaz

Four 'Speed Freaks' pay for their thrill

Sherman Ave North has been as long as I can remember one of Hamilton's hot spots for disillusioned teens and young adults looking for the adrenalin rush of a car going fast. The traffic lights at Sherman and Barton act as their Christmas tree. The perfect quarter mile stretch of black top between the corner and the rail tracks near Biggar beckon them to raise hell. The light hits green and the neighbourhood is summoned to the sound of a poorly modified six cylinder car tearing down the street towards the drivers imaginary checkered flag.

This wasn't the scene description of some clone of one of those 'Drift Racing' movies, it is the disturbing reality that is plaguing our streets. Yesterday was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, perfect for relaxing and getting ready for another busy work week. But not for four people who are in hospital after their vehicle struck a hydro pole on Sherman Avenue North at Biggar Avenue.

Around 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon I, like everyone else wondered why their hydro suddenly went out. Then the blaring of numerous ambulances, fire and police vehicles told us something was serious. Of course the nosey had their opinions and observances, but I'm the type who subscribes to the mind your own business and wait for the truth to unfold theory.

The truth came out today, police say a Toyota Corolla was speeding when it lost control, skidded across the road, sheared off a hydro poll before coming to rest on its roof. The driver suffered life threatening injuries, 2 others received major back injuries while the 4th man is said to have minor injuries. Alcohol appears to have been a factor, according to investigators.

The need to show off ones 'Machismo' has been around since the invention of the automobile and not much has been done since to curb the deadly tide of speed related accidents. Unfortunately, the want-to-be 'Kings' are no longer taking their game to the back dirt roads, they are endangering everyone sharing the main streets they choose as their victory road.

As a side note, I once heard of a cop in I think Los Angelas, I could be wrong. Anyway, he was an officer in charge of street crimes, and part of his duty was to try to stop the kids from tearing it up on the streets. Sick of busting the same guys sometimes nightly for 'speeding' as their was no 'street racing law', and then eventually watching the tickets going unpaid, this cop decided to get angry. But not in a forceful way, he decided to appeal to their need to show off.

With the approval of his superior's and the help of a few good cops, he took an older squad car and supped up the engine with parts confiscated in earlier busts. All on his own time, the super cop transformed the plain black and white into 'Super Fuzz'. While in his new car on patrol, he would then as usual stop a kid for racing. Instead of the standard spiel and a ticket, he would offer the opportunity of a life time. Bring it or sing it.

The deal was, bring your car to the local drag strip on the next Saturday, and race the cop in his squad car. The prize, the ticket gets ripped up and all the bragging rights that goes with silencing a cop. The catch was, the car had a nice 360 installed and the cop had some pretty decent drag racing stills. The results, the cop rarely lost and many of the kids started slowing down as they got to know the consequences of messing with this lightening rod.

I'm not saying this approach will work in Hamilton, as death doesn't seem to scare these wasted youth, but it's something better than nothing.

Later,
Kenaz

Caledonia should say farewell to Fantino

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino has a rather sinister track record, one that includes police brutality, racist policing, use of excessive force against protesters and bathhouse raids and other homophobic policing.

And now on the one year anniversary of the occupation of Caledonia by native activists protesting a housing development being built on what they claim is their land, the cries for Fantino to resign, once again rage with the ferocity of a banshee cry.

The latest storm of controversy to suck up the "Don of Commissioners" surrounds his bizarre e-mail sent warning the Haldimand County Mayor and councillors that he would hold them responsible for violence resulting from future anti occupation protests by a group known as "Caledonia Wake Up Call." The group is critical of the OPP's handling of the standoff with natives occupying a 40-hectare tract of land.

Fantino's e-mail rant was apparently triggered by one councillor's comments supporting the leader of that group, Gary McHale. The OPP boss then in true dictator fashion, took the sole initiative to villainize a man because he expresses a different opinion, calling him "a lightning rod for confrontation and potential violence."

The e-mail went on to say that if further violence resulted from a McHaleled protest, Commissioner Fantino would support any lawsuits filed by officers, would pass on the ensuing policing costs to the county and would recommend that the OPP not renew its contract with the county when it expires in September, 2008.

Caledonia tax payers need to wake up their city council and demand their voices be heard. Fantino needs to leave and a new police force brought in to restore public trust. The man is an out of control bully with way too much power, and before he does something completely stupid that could potentially cost lives he should be replaced.

Long live free speech.

Later,
Kenaz

Condolences for the 33 destined ones at Virginia Tech

Condolences to the friends and family of Jocelyne Couture-Nowak, the Nova Scotian French teacher who's life was cut way to short by senseless violence. Couture-Nowak was one of the 33 innocent souls who died on the campus of Virginia Tech on Monday, gunned down by a desperately woeful soul, Cho Seung Hui, who later took the cowards way out of life and killed himself.

I wish to also condemn all the "faceless" hate mongers who used the anonymity of inter net chat groups to condemn an innocent man minutes after this tragedy occurred. Instead of waiting for the facts to unfold, these cyber terrorists decided to target a man, who only crime was a similar name and similar heritage. In turn he was barraged by death threats, racial slurs and demoralized. When the real "devil" revealed himself, it was too late, the damage was done. Two crimes where committed, first the loss of 33 innocent people, then the loss of a mans dignity for no reason.

This kind of inter net terrorism will only stop when the owners of these chat type sights and blog sights put measures in place that bans anyone who spreads hateful messages. Stocking and threats on the web is no different than doing the acts in person, when will law makers get in step with the times.

Lastly, I find it appalling that Canadian and U.S media outlets decided to play the sickening tape of a ranting, delusional Cho Seung Hui. His so called "manifesto" was nothing more than pure fiction from a sick mind.

Later,
Kenaz

Congradulations Drew Lee

The kid with the iron will and the one who had every citizen in Hamilton last summer full of emotion after he was brutally beaten in an unprovoked attack has returned to school. A remarkable achievement for Drew Lee, considering he had to be induced into a coma for 12 days at McMaster Children's Hospital and had casts on both legs because of his injuries from the Aug. 5 assault.

Also, congratulations to Detective Constable Daryl Reid, the detective oversaw the investigation into the attack and charged an 18-year-old man in December with 16 criminal offences, including aggravated assault. Reid has already received a Crime Stoppers award. He was presented with a police award by Chief Brian Mullan and police board chair Bernie Morelli.

He may walk with a limp and speak like someone who had a stroke, but something tells me he will prove the doctors wrong and some day walk again. Good luck.

Drew was on his way home when he was grabbed and pulled into a parking lot near Main Street East and Sherman Avenue South by a man just after he had parted from friends. Police say the attacker repeatedly kicked and stomped on the boy's head. An elderly woman saw the assault and screamed at the man and he eventually fled as Drew lay motionless in the lot. The scum remains in custody and is awaiting trial dates.

Later,
Kenaz

Excuse me sir, is that a monkey in your pants?

Wildlife smuggling is a lucrative business for smugglers willing to take the risks.
the trafficking in illegal imports racks up $8 billion to $10 billion US a year in sales. Hot commodities for trade include rare butterflies, birds, fish, snakes and mammals. Some are bought by sleazy collectors or dealers in exotic pets. Other creatures, or their parts, are destined to be consumed as aphrodisiacs or food. Many animals die en route, of course, and even those that survive can rarely be returned to their homes.

One man arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after an 18-hour trip from Asia had two lesser slow lorises, or pygmy monkeys, stuffed into his underwear. When inspectors opened some of his luggage, birds of paradise flew out. His travelling companion had a pair of leopard cats in his backpack, Johns told the New York Times. Another man is accused of smuggling reptiles from South Asia in his prosthetic leg.

Later,
Kenaz