An opening of one's knowledge,capabilities, vision and guidance. The Kenaz is about creating a relationship,learning and allowing room for interpretation. When you are in the darkness,an opening with light is the best and most gracious thing to have bestowed upon you. This is a great time for putting energies into new opportunities. Come share my world as I see it.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Summer 2009 Rune and Tarot Reading




What does the summer have in store for me?

































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The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most popular Tarot spreads, providing varied insight into many aspects of a complex situation and your role in it. The Cat People Tarot paints a picture of faraway lands trod by mystical archetypes and their feline companions. This deck is a perfect tool for dreamers and idealists, and is a great choice for divining the nature of human imagination.
Click for DetailsThe card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. The Emperor, when reversed: Immaturity. Ineffectiveness. Lack of strength. Indecision. Inability to make progress. Feebleness. Failure to control petty emotions.
Click for DetailsThe card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. The Chariot: Perseverance. Major effort. Possible voyage or journey. Rushing to decision. Riding the crest of success or popularity. Adversity, possibly already overcome. Turmoil. Vengeance. Need for supervision. Need for attention to details. Urgency to gain control of one's emotions. This card suggests that one can achieve greatness when physical and mental powers are maintained in balance.
Click for DetailsThe card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Knight of Pentacles: A mature and responsible person. Reliability. Methodical and patient person. Persistence. Ability to conclude a task. Laborious, organized, capable and dependable person.
Click for DetailsThe card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Queen of Wands: A sympathetic and understanding person. Friendly, loving, honorable and chaste person. Practicality. Feminine charm and grace. Capacity for meaningful expression and love. Gracious hostess. Sincere interest in others.
Click for DetailsThe card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Five of Swords (Defeat): Conquest. Defeat. Destruction of others. Degradation. Adversaries may arise. Revocation. Infamy. Dishonor.
Click for DetailsThe card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Death, when reversed: Stagnation. Immobility. Slow changes. Partial change. Inertia. Narrowly avoiding a serious accident.
Click for DetailsThe card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Narrow-minded. Maliciousness. Bigotry. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. Prudishness. A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person.
Click for DetailsThe card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Queen of Pentacles: Prosperity and well-being. Wealth. Abundance. Luxury. Opulence. Extreme comfort. Generosity. Security. Liberty. Magnificence. Grace. Dignity. A rich person who is generous and charitable. A noble soul.
Click for DetailsThe card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. The Hanged Man, when reversed: Lack of sacrifice. Unwillingness to make the necessary effort. failure to give one's self. Preoccupation with the ego. False prophecy. Useless sacrifice.
Click for DetailsThe card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Wheel of Fortune: Destiny. Fortune. Outcome. Felicity. Godsend. Special gain or unusual loss. Result. Approaching the end of a problem. The influences affecting the outcome of a problem. Inevitability. Unexpected events may occur. The course of things from beginning to end. Advancement for better or worse. Progress. Good or bad luck depending on nearby cards.




































The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.
The left rune represents an important element of the past. Ansuz is the spoken word of God. This rune is reversed, indicating that you are misunderstanding the divine voice or failing to hear it all. The word is always correct, so you must strive, whatever the difficulty, to hear correctly. Be wary of the advice you are given, for it may prove incorrect. Do not attribute infallibility to fallible sources...
The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Man refers to Mankind and your interaction with the whole of human population. This rune is reversed, suggesting a separation from your fellow man. There is a lack of harmony in your interaction with others, either because you do not accept society or society does not accept you. Alternatively, this rune may also represent your separation from nature, and your ability to rise above the base level of being. As the rune is reversed, this may suggest an incomplete level of spiritual attainment or an intellectual block.
The top rune represents a force that works for you. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful - although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised - the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.
The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Algiz plainly shows the antlers of the elk that it represents. The elk is the object of the hunt, and hence Algiz speaks to the pursuit of goals and the thrill of that pursuit. The rune is currently shown reversed, so this could suggest a failed endeavor or a lack of effort. Algiz is also representative of a protective hand (fingers open wide), so the reversed form may indicate a failed defense.
The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Berkana, the birch tree, is representative of rebirth, fertility, and a positive outcome to ventures undertaken. It is also the rune of families. Here the rune is reversed, warning you to be heedful of new beginnings, lest they sour. Rebirth is either delayed, or totally disrupted. There is also a warning of family troubles.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Two more Canadian soldiers killed by IED's















I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.


A Canadian combat engineer, described as a great guy to be around, was killed in southern Afghanistan yesterday when one of two roadside bombs he was trying to defuse exploded. Corporal Martin Dube, 35, was the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan in a week.

In making the grim announcement at Kandahar Airfield, Brig.-General Jonathan Vance said the "energetic" Dube was someone who believed in the Afghan mission and was eager to make a difference.

"The IED that Martin was dismantling could have killed an entire family, as it was deliberately aimed at passing traffic," said Vance, the senior commander in Kandahar.

"His actions, his sacrifice, saved the lives of innocents."

Vance praised Dube, who was from the 5e Regiment du Genie de Combat based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City. Dube's death brings to 120 the total number of Canadian soldiers who have died during the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.

A period of relative calm for Canadian soldiers trying to bring stability to Afghanistan was shattered Monday June 8 when a makeshift bomb cut short the life of an infantryman on foot patrol in the treacherous Panjwaii district of Kandahar province.

Pte. Alexandre (Pelo) Peloquin, 20, of the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, was based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City. Peloquin was from the Laurentides region north of Montreal but was living in Val Belair before he left in mid-April on his first mission to Afghanistan, said spokesman Alex Maille. He is the 12th Valcartier soldier to die in the mission.

Peace.



Sunday, May 31, 2009

Sojourn on Randy Steele

Did anyone in Hamilton not know and love Randy? Few people are blessed with such generosity of spirit, warmth of personality, a rich pedigree of creativity and an upbeat outlook on life that would make the biggest Grinch smile and not to mention loving family man and community crusader. It's no wonder their isn't a single person in Hamilton who wasn't personally touched or inspired by Randy's charm and genuine warm personality or moved by his works. Randy will be remembered across the city for his unfailingly warm and courageous bearing, his feisty news and local culture reporting for CHCH (including his "Steele's Town" feature).Cancer snatched away his voice before taking his life;a cruel cut; but even that couldn't silence him - he just moved another passion, his sharp, incisive photography, toward the front. We are all both richer for having known him and poorer for having lost him so soon. My heart breaks for his beautiful family, for they know and feel most keenly what he meant.

Later,
Kenaz

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Some solace for shooting victim

For almost three years, Travis Bailey has lived with open hate for the teenager who fired a shotgun blast into the back of his head. Yesterday, he watched Thomas Riordan, 20, walk out of court in shackles to begin a 6 1/2-year prison term for attempting to murder him.

Only one hour earlier, Bailey watched as the same man who nearly killed him was sentenced to life in prison without chance for parole for 14 years for murdering a young Waterdown man later that year. Under Canadian law, both sentences run at the same time.

"I'm glad it's done. I can finally sleep easy," Bailey said. "Now I know justice has been served."

Three years ago, on May 7, 2006, Bailey was a hardworking father who'd separated from his partner. By 10 p.m., after a long day nailing shingles, Bailey had kicked off his boots and was partying with his roommates and girlfriend. He heard about a scuffle at his apartment earlier that day when someone showed up looking to collect a drug debt from a tenant and had been run off by another tenant brandishing a pool cue. When he heard someone down below on the back stairway knocking loudly, he stepped out of his apartment door and looked down and saw an angry Riordan standing there demanding to know where the guy was. Bailey told him he didn't know who the guy was.

Riordan in a paranoid rage started swearing, delusional that Bailey was hiding the guy. Riordan started to walk away, then, spun on his heel, pulled out a shotgun, cocked it and fired.

Then the life sentence for Bailey started. The blast left him blind in his right eye and paralyzed on his left side. His appearance is that of an elderly stroke survivor, 23 surgeries, endless rehabilitation has left him battling long bouts of depression, severe memory loss and seizures.

The acquired brain injury has left him with seizures, and sudden falls are a constant worry, even with his walker. But what hit him hardest was losing precious years with his young children during their most formidable years. Instead of birthday cake and trips to see Santa, Bailey's family had to endure trips to various care homes and rehabilitation centres.

Thomas Riordan

It's sad that second-degree and attempted murder only gets you 14 years in this country but that's the gift the Canadian justice system gave Thomas Riordan yesterday. The Hamilton man, now 20, was handed a life sentence with no chance of parole for 14 years for the second-degree murder of Michael Walsh, 22. His life sentence runs from the day he was arrested.

The victim, who worked as a general labourer for a local cement company, had gotten himself mixed up in a drug deal gone bad. The father of one child was beaten, stabbed and shot to death after four men kicked down the door to his room over the tavern shortly after midnight on Oct. 11, 2006.

Shane Riordan, 21, who stood watch while his brother and two other assailants inflicted deadly retribution, was sentenced to seven years in a penitentiary for manslaughter. He will have three years, two months left on his sentence after getting double credit for pretrial custody.

Court heard the slaying was instigated by a local drug dealer who had a beef with Walsh. Earlier on the night of the homicide, the drug dealer and four others, including the Riordan brothers and a 16-year-old getaway driver, met at a Park Street South residence.

Thomas Riordan took the rifle, the butt of which he sawed off to make it easier to conceal. Shane Riordan took a large knife, which allegedly was ultimately was used by another of the assailants. A youth, who cannot be identified, took a heavy candlestick. The group allegedly smoked pot and drank whisky to steel themselves for the assault on Walsh at the Waterdown tavern.

The Riordan brothers are a couple of remorseless cowards who should have gotten the full 25 years for second degree and 10 years for manslaughter. Two families are forever changed by a couple of drug addicts and a flawed justice system.

Later,
Kenaz

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Quebec soldier latest hero lost in Afghanistan















I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.


Trooper Karine Blais was killed Monday when the vehicle she was travelling in hit an improvised explosive device in Shah Wali Kowt, north of Kandahar City.

Karine Blais lived life in a small town, but she had big dreams.

She grew up in the Quebec riverside village of Les Méchins, and became a familiar face in the community while working in the local convenience store. She wanted to return one day to build a house there. But it was her desire to join the army, so that one day she could drive a tank and become a mechanic, that ensured she would never return to the place she loved.

On Monday, the 21-year-old died in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan, just two weeks into her first tour of duty there.

Blais was killed while riding in an armoured vehicle in the Shah Wali Kot District north of Kandahar city. She was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment battle group, based at Valcartier, Que. Four other soldiers were hurt in the blast.

She is the 117th Canadian soldier to die in the Afghan mission since 2002 – and the second woman – the majority of whom were killed by roadside bombs.

Capt. Nichola Goddard of Calgary, who was killed in battle in May 2006, was the first woman killed in Afghanistan.

After graduating from the Polyvalente de Matane high school in a nearby town, Blais went directly into the army. She was stationed at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City, and has been with the forces since 2006.


Peace.



Monday, April 06, 2009

The hammer falls in Hamilton on three murder trials

In the part of this universe that we know there is great injustice, and often the good suffer, and often the wicked prosper, and one hardly knows which of those is the more annoying.-Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)


Hamiltonian's know too well the sage of this quote. Recent justice has been neither swift nor hard. Sometimes justice felt like it was administered with a whiffle bat instead of the iron "Hammer" that forged the chains and shackles to which freedom was grounded for many birds of prey in the past. Leaving the preyed upon feeling the sting of a misfired blow from a blind justice system.

This weekend four men finally felt the sting of justice as the gavel fell in three highly publicized Hamilton cases.

Rogers sentenced to life in jail

Corey Rogers -- the dangerous fugitive who tried to turn himself in a week before going on a stabbing rampage -- has been found guilty of murdering two teens and wounding two others.

The jury found Rogers, 24, guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Paul Haggerty, 19. Second-degree murder for the death of Lucas Deane, 18. Attempted murder for the stabbing of Kenny Clark. And aggravated assault for the knifing of Lee-Anthony Newell.

The first-degree murder conviction draws an automatic life sentence with no parole eligibility for 25 years. Justice Ramsay also handed down 12 years for the second-degree murder, as well as six years for the attempted murder and one year for the aggravated assault.

Paul Haggerty's father, says his faith in the police and the justice system was shattered in the wake of Rogers' botched surrender.

"Today, our faith has been restored a little bit."


I couldn't agree more.
origional post about the botched arrest from 5/9/07 entitled "Chief Brian Mullan Lies Again"
full story and victim impact statements

Aziga guilty verdict makes history

A Hamilton jury made legal history Saturday when it convicted an HIV-positive man on two counts of first-degree murder for deliberately infecting two Toronto women who died of AIDS-related lymphomas.

The nine men and three women jurors deliberated approximately 25 hours over three days before returning with a verdict at 5 p.m. The jury also found Johnson Aziga, 52, guilty on 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault and one of attempted aggravated sexual assault.

The daughter of S.B., who was present in court for the verdict, said she was grateful to the jury for finding that her mother’s death was a murder and not just an unfortunate public health incident .

“I thought that any person who would have common sense and who would have that evidence in front of them would find the same way that I felt — that he was guilty. How could you not connect that (sex) act with the sequence of events that led to her death.”


Aziga returns to court May 7 for sentencing and at that time, the prosecutor and Crown council intend to file victim impacts statements from family members of the dead women, along with the surviving complainants. Five of Aziga’s former sex partners are HIV positive and four have tested negative.

full story

This man inflicting these women with a slow, painful deadly disease did far worse than if he had used a gun and ended their life swiftly. Aziga deserves not only 25 years without parole, but declaring him a dangerous offender would give him possibly the rest of his natural life to find the remorse for his victims that he seemingly lacks.

Brothers admit to killing

A Hamilton man has pleaded guilty to two brutal crimes committed five months apart that ignited the city's outrage in 2006.

Thomas Riordan, 19, yesterday admitted in court he murdered Michael Walsh, 22, when he burst into a tiny room in the American House Tavern in Waterdown in October 2006 and fired two rifle bullets into Walsh as he lay helpless on his bed.

Riordan also pleaded guilty to trying to kill Travis Bailey, 22, in early May that year by pumping a shotgun blast into Bailey's face, blowing out his teeth, shattering his jaw and leaving him brain damaged, paralyzed on his left side and blind in one eye.

Standing next to his younger brother in the prisoner's box, Shane Riordan, 21, pleaded guilty yesterday to manslaughter for guarding the kicked-in door while his brother shot the young father of one. Walsh was also stabbed in the stomach and clubbed in the head with a heavy candlestick by two other people.

Walsh's sister,

"Our society looks to police and the courts for some kind of justice, but no matter what we feel, it will never be enough."


full story

Later,
Kenaz

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Spring Tarot and Rune Reading

What does Spring 2009 have in store for me?






The Celtic Cross spread is one of the most popular Tarot spreads, providing varied insight into many aspects of a complex situation and your role in it. The Cat People Tarot paints a picture of faraway lands trod by mystical archetypes and their feline companions. This deck is a perfect tool for dreamers and idealists, and is a great choice for divining the nature of human imagination.
































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Click for DetailsThe card not shown but at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. King of Pentacles: An experienced and successful leader. A person of character and intelligence. Business acumen. Mathematical ability. Loyal friend. Reliable marriage partner. Successful businessperson. Wise investments. Ability to acquire money and valuable possessions.
Click for DetailsThe card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. The High Priest: Mercy. Kindness. Goodness. Forgiveness. Inspiration. Compassion. Servitude. Overt reserve. Captivity to one's own ideas. Tendency to cling to ideas and principles even if outdated. A person to whom one has recourse. Conformity. A religious r spiritual leader. A person with a sense of historical importance.
Click for DetailsThe card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Seven of Swords (Futility): New plans. Wishes. Fortitude. Perseverance. Hope. Confidence. Fantasy. Design.
Click for DetailsThe card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Nine of Swords (Cruelty), when reversed: Doubt. Suspicion. Slanderous gossip. Shame. Scruple. Timidity. Shady character. Reasonable fear.
Click for DetailsThe card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Seven of Wands (Valor): Success. Gain. Overcoming obstacles and challenges. Advantage. Victory.
Click for DetailsThe card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Nine of Pentacles (Gain): Accomplishment. Discernment. Discretion. Foresight. Safety. Prudence. Material well-being. Love of nature.
Click for DetailsThe card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Five of Cups (Disappointment), when reversed: Hopeful outlook. Favorable expectations. New alliances. Affinity. Return of an old friend. Reunion.
Click for DetailsThe card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed: Benefit. Profit. Temporary gain. Improvement. Passing success. Momentary advantage. Temporary favor.
Click for DetailsThe card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: Stalemate. Unwanted proposal. No immediate solution to present difficulties. Confession. Declaration.
Click for DetailsThe card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Knight of Pentacles: A mature and responsible person. Reliability. Methodical and patient person. Persistence. Ability to conclude a task. Laborious, organized, capable and dependable person.







































The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.
The left rune represents an important element of the past. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved...
The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Wunjo is the rune of joy. The reversal of this rune suggests that joy is withheld. Since joy is frequently communal, this rune often suggests loneliness. Alternatively, some have seen Wunjo as the rune of perfection and the rune of the gods. Therefore this rune reversed could signal a feeling of separation from one's deity, or as imperfection in an important work.
The top rune represents a force that works for you. Laguz is the most strongly feminine of runes, representing water. Deep sexuality is suggested by this rune. Through Laguz, water is seen as the ocean - vast, uncontrollable, ever-changing, and vital. When interpreted as the returning tide, Laguz can also predict the inevitable return from a long journey.
The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful - although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised - the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.
The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.

Friday, March 20, 2009

4 Canadian soldiers killed, 8 wounded in Kandahar















I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.


Master Cpl. Scott Francis Vernelli, Cpl. Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes

Four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight others wounded in two separate roadside bomb blasts outside Kandahar City on Friday. Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli and Cpl. Tyler Crooks — both of November Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment — died when an improvised explosive device exploded near their patrol in the Zhari district, about 40 kilometres west of Kandahar. The incident happened about 6:45 a.m. local time. One Afghan interpreter was killed and another injured in the attack.

Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, both of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb around 8:45 a.m. local time in the Shah Wali Kot district. That region is about 20 km northwest of the city and has seen an increase in Taliban activity.

All the soldiers who died were based in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. All of the injured soldiers are in stable condition in Kandahar and were able to call their families.

The soldiers were nearing the tail end of a four-day offensive that was the largest joint U.S.-Canadian offensive since the Korean war. The offensive, which began Tuesday, saw Canadian and U.S. soldiers split into two battle groups. They went into a large swath of land in Kandahar's Zhari district to engage Taliban forces, who usually try to organize munitions and prepare plans for the fighting season in the summer.

These wonderful Canadian men were, at the moment of their deaths, engaged directly in the continuing work to keep the insurgency sufficiently at bay to ensure safety for the population and to preserve our ability to meet the objectives of the Afghans, the international community, and the government of Canada.

And those objectives are intended to meet the needs of a desperate Afghan population. Success in war is costly.

Vernelli, 28 was married with a six-month-old daughter, described as an enthusiastic and dedicated father. A terrific athlete, very funny and, ironically enough, always able to joke at the worst of times.

Crooks, a native of Port Colborne, Ont., was a keen and motivated soldier who loved dirt-biking and was a Texas Hold 'em card shark. He died on his 24th birthday. He's remembered by his friends as the kind of guy who would do anything for you without even being asked.

Bouthillier, was a 20-year-old from Hearst, Ont., was a joker who always had everyone laughing. His enthusiasm and his unswerving duty for work inspired other soldiers.

Hayes, 22, who grew up in Ripples, N.B., was a proud and dedicated soldier who always put his friends and family before himself, his friends remember him not only as a friend and a comrade-in-arms, but a brother who Inspired them to stand up in the face of danger and do what was right.
-Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance

The latest deaths bring the number of Canadian military fatalities in Afghanistan to 116 since Canada's combat mission there began in 2002. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed.

Peace.



Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Term limits for city politicians not a bad idea

When it comes to electing people to city government, voter turnout is often embarrassingly apathetic commonly hovering just over 30 per cent in Hamilton. But this doesn't stop us from bitching about the problems with the pivotal services the city provides like water we drink, the transit we ride, the sewers, policing and fire protection.

Because of this lethargic behaviour of voters incumbents in municipal office are notoriously difficult to unseat. As a result, many municipal politicians are able to cling to office for years, often well past their effective abilities. At Hamilton's city hall, for example, almost half the councillors have been in office for at least 15 years, the exact percentage as Toronto.

Fairness and accountability at the municipal level sounds like an oxymoron, especially in Hamilton going back in recent years to the DiIanni scandal and to the currant councils credibility issues. Term limits was one of Fred Eisenberger's promises in the last election and Progressive Conservative MPP Norm Sterling echoes the concern and is asking for a review to be undertaken at Queen's Park. Scheduled for debate in the Legislature on Thursday is Sterling's resolution calling for the creation of an all-party select committee to look at municipal governance in Ontario's big cities. The proposed review would focus on cities with a population greater than 500,000, such as Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and Mississauga.

We need a compromise on term limits to encourage new blood to flow into city politics bringing with them enriched nutrients at the same time cutting out the cancers that kill any attempt at new growth and development . I suggest no more than two consecutive terms as a councilor, but no limitations on someone re-entering in the future for another two terms. It prevents councilors from becoming career pariahs sucking money out of municipalities in the way of wages and benefits without offering any useful input. Like we see in the Federal Senate where Senators spend less than a third of their time actually working.

Really good Councilors can, jump from councilor to mayor. That would give you 4 uninterrupted terms (16 years) in municipal politics before either jumping to the provincial or federal levels or taking a term off.



City of Hamilton
Members of Council (2006-2010) and their years of service.



Mayor Fred Eisenberger-Serving as Mayor since December 6, 2006.

City of Hamilton Ward Boundaries






Ward 1..................... Ward 2................ Ward 3 .................Ward 4
Brian McHattie .......Bob Bratina..... ...Bernie Morelli ..Sam Merulla
2003.........................2004......................1991.................2000



Ward 5 ...................Ward 6 ......................Ward 7 ................... Ward 8
Chad Collins ......... Tom Jackson .............Scott Duvall .............Terry Whitehead

1995........................1988...................2006....................2003



Ward 9 .........................Ward 10 ................Ward 11 .......................Ward 12
Brad Clark ...................Maria Pearson .....David L. Mitchell ........Lloyd Ferguson

2006......................1991....................... Glanbrook 1986 - 2000 .Ancaster-1984 to 1994
....................................................................Hamilton in 2001........Hamilton-2006


Ward 13 ......................Ward 14 ..................Ward 15 .............
Russ Powers ..............Robert Pasuta .......Margaret McCarthy
1982 Dundas..................2006.....................Flamborough 1994
2001 Hamilton............................................Hamilton 2000

Later,
Kenaz



Monday, March 09, 2009

GTO Soldier latest to die in Afghanistan














I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course.


Trooper Marc Diab, 22, from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed in an attack in Afghanistan on Sunday. He was serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group based in Petawawa, Ont. The Canadian soldier died and four were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near their armoured vehicle on patrol northeast of Kandahar city. The soldiers were conducting security operations in the mountainous region of Sha Wali Kot district — a known entry point for Taliban fighters.

Soldier was dedicated, religious and loved sports
-Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance talking about Trooper Marc Diab, 22

Diab's death brings the number of casualties in Afghanistan to 112 since Canada's combat mission there began in 2002. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed. There are 2,830 Canadian troops serving at Kandahar Airfield and Camp Nathan Smith, the home of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar city.

Peace.