Goyette Looking Forward To Representing Canada

14 Days to go.

Danielle Goyette, a member of the Canadian women's hockey team, has been chosen as Canada's flag-bearer for the Torino Games.

Goyette will carry the flag at the opening ceremony in Turin, Italy, on Feb. 10.

"I will carry our flag for all the athletes," Goyette said at a news conference in Calgary. "I know that all of your hands will be with mine as we walk into that stadium."

Goyette, a native of St-Nazaire, Que., was a member of Canada's gold medal-winning women's hockey team at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. She was the leading goal-scorer on the squad that won silver in 1998 in Nagano.

Considered one of the pioneers of women's hockey, more from the CBC on her storied career.

Traditionally, the Canadian flag-bearer is a respected and successful athlete. This year, the field of candidates was narrowed when a few top athletes asked their sport federations not to nominate them for the honour. Some were concerned that carrying the flag would be a potentially strenuous and unnecessary distraction that could hurt their medal chances. Among the athletes who asked not to be nominated were Olympic gold medal cross-country skiing star Beckie Scott, world champion bobsledder Pierre Lueders, and Olympic speed skating medallists Cindy Klassen and Clara Hughes.

Goyette said she never considering withdrawing her name from consideration but empathizes with those that did.

"It's a personal choice and only the athletes know what they need to do to be at their best," she said. "I know pretty much all of them and I'll be behind them 100 per cent."
I have no problems with the decision of the athletes who choose not to bear the burden and endure the stress of being the flag-bearer. Carrying a flag in the opening ceremony isn't as important as raising the Maple Leaf at the medal ceremonies, so lets give these athletes all the opportunity to prepare themselves so that they can be at their peak when it counts. Go Canada!

Hopefully Goyette can join Catriona Le May Doan, Canada's 2002 flag-bearer, who won gold in speedskating as an athlete that can escape the ravishes of the "flag bearer curse". The previous two selections, moguls skier Jean-Luc Brassard and figure skater Kurt Browning, failed to earn a medal despite going into the Olympics as favourites.

I also found this cute side link at the cbc.ca/kids sites. This site offers a look at the olympics for kids. I like their reporting team of Dodger and Phil,



Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamilton Landmarks:Battlefield House

In 1812 the United States declared war on Britain, and invaded Upper Canada from the Niagara Penninsula. An American force crossed the Niagara River and captured Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in May 1813. With about 3500 troops, they moved on in pursuit of the British who had retreated to Burlington Heights (where Dundurn Castle now stands).

The American troops reached Stoney Creek on June 5, 1813 and settled down for the night. The Gage House was used as headquarters by the two American Generals, Winder and Chandler.

At Stoney Creek, a surprise night attack was made possible through the daring assistance of Billy Green, a local 19-year-old civilian. Billy Green went to Burlington Heights to warn the British that the Americans were in Stoney Creek. The British decided on a night attack and Billy acted as a scout, since he was a very experienced woodsman who knew the area well.

About 700 regulars of the 8th and 49th Regiments of Foot, under Lieutenant - Colonel John Harvey, stopped the American advance and allowed the British to re-establish their position in Niagara.

During the 40-minute battle hundreds of soldiers died and the British had captured the two American Generals and some field artillery. The Americans retreated to Forty Mile Creek (Grimsby) and then to Fort George.

The Americans never advanced so far into into the Niagara Penninsula again.

Site of the Battle of Stoney Creek


This engraving by Benson Lossing is from 'The Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812: Illustrations by Pen and Pencil of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics and Traditions of the Last War for American Independence', which was published in 1869.

[From the Hamilton Public Library: Special Collections]

Stoney Creek Battleground

The Stoney Creek Battle Ground

This map shows the location of the British and American troops before the Battle of Stoney Creek in 1813. The British advance from Burlington Heights is shown, as well as the camps of the American troops near the Lewis Homestead and the Gage Homestead.

The map is signed by William B. Ford, Ontario Land Surveyor, Hamilton, Ont. and appears in 'History of the War of 1812' by James Hannay, published by Morang & Co. in 1905.

[From Hamilton Public Library: Special Collections]

The Seat of the War in North America

This map was published in 1813 and 1815 by John Melish in his Military and Topographical Atlas of the United States. Colour is used to outline political divisions.

We have added a red dot to show the location of Stoney Creek. This map is only a small portion of the original, and shows the Niagara locations where battles were fought during the War of 1812.

The Seat of the War of 1812
[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada:
Cartographic and Architectural Archives Division]

If you look along the orange-coloured border line, you can see the British Fort George in Newark (now Niagara on the Lake, Ontario) and Fort Niagara now on the American side (Youngstown, N.Y.). The population of Newark at that time was 500 and at Queenston it was 300. (Hand-coloured engraving)


A View of Fort George


[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada:
Documentary Art and Photographic Division - colour engraving]
A View of Fort George, Upper Canada
from Old Fort Niagara
This view of Fort George from the American side illustrates the 'strategic checkmating' along the Niagara River during the War of 1812.

Fort George, military headquarters of Upper Canada, was built in 1796 to replace Fort Niagara, then in the United States.

American forces captured the fort in May 1813 -- just one month before the Battle of Stoney Creek in June of 1813. It was later largely destroyed by the Americans in December of that year on their withdrawal.


Battle of Queenston - October 13, 1812

"Which ended in a complete Victory on the part of the British, having captured 927 Men, killed or wounded about 500, Taken 1400 Stand of Arms, a six Pounder and a Stand of Colours."

This view of the famous 1812 battle is based on a sketch by James Dennis (1796-1855), an officer of the 49th Regiment of Foot who took part in the battle, and shows the American forces crossing the Niagara River from Lewiston under fire from the hastily assembled Canadian militia and British regulars.

The Battle of Queenston Heights is remembered as the action where Major-General Sir Isaac Brock fell.


The Battle of Queenston

[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada: Documentary Art and Photographic Division - Hand-coloured aquatint}

Canada West - 1849

Part of Canada West, 1849
formerly Upper Canada

By the year 1849 the County succeeded the District as the division for municipal and judicial purposes in Canada West. That along with recent transportation developments are shown in this section of Canada West. (Coloured print)

[From the Collections of the National Archives of Canada: Cartographic and Architectural Archives Division]

Smith's Knoll

Monument to Soldiers Who Fell at the Battle of Stoney Creek, 1813

In 1889, seventy-six years after the Battle, Allen Smith was ploughing his father's farm when he uncovered human bones and bits of cloth with the insignia of both British and American regiments.

The discovery led to more intensive digging and soon the bodies of 23 unknown soldiers were found. This area was known as Smith's Knoll and it was here where the American guns had been placed during the battle.

In 1908 a cairn was erected at Smith's Knoll to mark the last resting place of soldiers from both sides who had died in the short but violent battle.

Smith's Knoll is on King Street in Stoney Creek, just across the street and slightly east of Battlefield House Museum.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamiltonian's: E.D. Smith

INDUSTRIAL HAMILTON: A TRAIL TO THE FUTURE
E. D. Smith & Sons, Limited

Location: Winona, Ontario

Ernest D'Israeli SmithThe Canadian segment of the Smith heritage began in 1787 when Silas Smith came to southern Ontario from New Jersey. He was a given a deed for 600 acres of land (400 on the mountain and 200 below it) just east of what would eventually become Winona. It was there that he raised his family.

In 1853, Ernest D'Israeli Smith, great-grandson of Silas, was born. Originally studying to become an engineer, failing eyesight forced Ernest into becoming a farmer. Though his father farmed grains and vegetables, Ernest soon discovered that there was little profit to be had with those crops. Instead, in 1858 he began planting raspberries, blackberries, currants, and gooseberries on five acres of the mountain property that belonged to the family. Based on this initial experience Ernest moved into fruit farming on a larger scale, purchasing 85 acres below the escarpment and adding grapes, apples, and cherries to his list.

Frustrated with shippers who took part of his profit, in 1882 Ernest began transportation of his own fruit directly to wholesalers. This marked the beginning of the company which carries Ernest's name. Demand soon surpassed his own supply and he began buying and shipping other farmers' fruit as well.

E.D. Smith LogoIn 1889 E.D. Smith & Sons Limited (E.D.) started Helderleigh Nurseries, which concentrated on fruit tree and bush cultivation for other Niagara Peninsula farmers. However, orders soon came from across Canada for the quality shrubbery which the company provided.

Up to this point, E.D. had not been an actual industry. However, this would change in 1903 when surplus fruit had gone unsold for successive seasons. Ernest decided to make use of the excess produce by making jam. By taking raw materials and processing them into a product, E.D. as an industry was born. The first pure jam to be produced in Canada, it was originally made in the basement of the E.D. fruit house. However due to its success, a factory was built in 1905 for full scale jam production. Five years later, E.D. expanded its facilities to include tomato purée and ketchup.

Armand (standing, left) and Ernest (with foot on cart)In 1914, Ernest sent his eldest son, Armand, to England to establish a factory to help satisfy the overwhelming demand for jam. However, World War I was soon declared and an embargo was placed on food leaving Britain. Almost immediately after Armand had produced his first batch of jam, he had to close down the factory and return home. During the 1920's Leon (Ernest's other son) took responsibility for the development of the agricultural program. The depression which soon followed reduced demand for fruit, therefore Armand compensated by increasing sales of tomato purée to export markets. This led to contact with H.P. Sauce Limited (a food processing company from Britain) which eventually formed into a business relationship. E.D. began selling H.P. products in Canada. By 1942, World War II had greatly reduced commercial transatlantic shipping. This caused H.P. to choose E.D. as a Canadian manufacturer for its products. Six years later, H.P. acquired Lea & Perrins Limited, giving E.D. the Canadian rights to manufacture their famous Worcestershire Sauce.

Cans of Jam Being Filled by HandAt the end of World War II, the return of soldiers to Canada along with an increased flow of immigrants caused a dramatic increase in the demand for processed food products. The extra funds gained because of this allowed for the E.D. plant to expand its operations.

In 1948, Ernest died. Besides building up a successful business from scratch, during his life he had represented Wentworth County for ten years and was later called to the Canadian Senate.

Jam Boilers Circa 1910In 1956, E. Llewellyn G. Smith succeeded his father Armand as president of E.D. During E. Llewellyn's reign expansion continued. New, more efficient manufacturing techniques were introduced allowing for new products such as Garden Cocktail vegetable juice and a diet product line. In 1968 E.D. recognized the potential for growth that the food service industry had. This led to the purchase of Ware Foods Limited, an old Hamilton-based food processing company which made products for the restaurant trade.

Another acquisition was made in 1976 with the purchase of McLarens Foods Limited of Hamilton. This company produced pickles, olives, peanut butter, and maraschino cherries among other things. In 1981 E.D. consolidated its manufacturing and distribution operations, closing the McLarens plant in Hamilton. More restructuring was needed in order to compete with bigger Canadian corporations however. In 1985 E.D. released new products with a redesigned logo and a seal of quality on each in an effort to win over more customers. The company had diversified so much over the past ten years that by 1986 jam, a staple product initially, had become one of its lowest sellers. It was also during this year that the Prosperity Plan was introduced to reward employees for suggestions that saved the company money.

Llewellyn Smith Holding a Bottle of Garden CocktailBy 1989 the company could no longer financially support its wide product range and decided to focus on sauces and fruit products. This meant selling its Garden Cocktail vegetable juice to Cadbury Schweppes Canada Incorporated even though that product was its strongest seller. However, in 1991 E.D. bought the Canadian jam, marmalade, and syrup business of Campbell Soup Company Limited and the following year it began making sauces for President's Choice.

In 1993 the company spent almost $4 million to retrofit a recently purchased plant in Mississippi, helping to boost their production by 25% and putting them in a good position to face the future.

Later,
Kenaz

Famous Hamilton Landmarks:Canadian Warplane Heritage

Over 25 Years of Flying Heritage
A collection of over fourty aircraft has grown through the friendship of Dennis J. Bradley and Alan Ness. Their love of aviation and their desire to maintain and preserve Canada's aviation history saw restoration projects that were not only great pieces of workmanship but airworthy examples.

Bradley and Ness approached friends Peter Matthews and John Weir to become partners with them to acquire the first aircraft, a Fairey Firefly. This aircraft was to become the masthead of the museum's advertising and stationery and continues to this day to be incorporated into logos, crests and memorabilia. A tribute to the four flying founders is located in the museum's main entrance.

In 1972, the group moved into part of a hangar at Hamilton Airport and started to seriously seek out other restoration projects or flying aircraft. A Harvard Mark IV was to be the next acquisition, followed over the years by Supermarine Spitfire, Corsair, Chipmunk and Tiger Moth.

Hangar 4, followed years later by Hangar #3 for restoration, was purchased and the aircraft collection and the volunteers finally had a home. The group applied for foundation status, to be governed by its own volunteers, operating as the Canadian Warplane Heritage. Meanwhile, sufficient interest was being shown by those watching the aircraft being restored. More enthusiasts wanted to become part of the growing activities and the membership program began.

1975 saw the collection move into another area in Hangar 4 and the acquisition and restoration began on the B-25 Mitchell. The story of the arrival of this aircraft suggests a strafing of the airfield and the bombing of the runway with watermelons. In the same year, the Westland Lysander and Cessna Crane joined the collection.

It is impossible to compress over 30 years of history into one short story. Many aircraft have joined the collection, or have been traded or sold. Tragedy struck in 1977 at the Canadian International Air Show. Alan Ness lost his life when the Fairey Firefly he was piloting crashed into Lake Ontario. The aircraft would be replaced by another and Ness' memory is carried on through the awarding of the "Alan Ness Memorial Trophy" given annually to a deserving member of the museum.

The most ambitious restoration undertaking to date has been the Avro Lancaster. This aircraft stood guard over the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 in Goderich, Ontario. With the support of the Sulley Foundation, the Lancaster was acquired by Canadian Warplane Heritage in 1977.

There was a tremendous amount of work required to remove the "Lanc" from its concrete pedestal and prepare it for transport to Hamilton. The Canadian Forces accepted the transportation challenge, as a training mission to be performed by 450 Squadron. By moving the Lancaster to Hamilton via a Chinook helicopter airlift, valuable information was obtained by the military on the logistics of transporting large aircraft by helicopter. The aircraft arrived at the museum in 1979 and restoration began. It was not until 1988, that the CWH Lancaster Bomber, dedicated to Andrew Mynarski, VC, flew before 25,000 visitors.


Avro Lancaster

In 1998, the museum celebrated the 10th anniversary of the first flight of this historic aircraft with a Gala Dinner and Dance featuring the Spitfire Band followed by other events throughout the year.

In 1978 the first employee was hired. Although, it is through the world-wide membership of dedicated volunteers, the increasing responsibilities of a year round museum open daily, require full time staff. The staff members work alongside volunteers in every aspect of the museum's day-to-day operations.

Membership in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is open to all who share an interest in aircraft preservation. Funding for museum projects comes mainly from membership fees, private donations and sponsorships. The Ontario Government through the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, supports the museum through an operating grant. The Canadian Federal Government has recognized the importance of preserving certain aircraft of outstanding historical significance by certifying Canadian Warplane Heritage as a Cultural Property Institution.

On February 15th, 1993, a large part of Hangar 3 was destroyed in a devastating fire. Included in the destruction of the hangar were five museum aircraft, the administrative offices, engineering records and all ground and maintenance equipment. The aircraft lost were the Hawker Hurricane, Grumman TBM Avenger, Auster, Stinson and Supermarine Spitfire. The fire spread quickly, reaching temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees, through the north side of the building requiring the assistance of four fire departments and fifty-five fire-fighters. Volunteers who arrived to lend assistance could only watch helplessly as the fire was fought only a few feet away from the Avro Lancaster. At the time, the Lancaster was sitting on aircraft jacks. With fear that the roof might collapse, it was hours before the decision was made to allow the wheels to be installed and the aircraft removed. Also saved that day were two restoration projects, the Fleet Finch and Bristol Bolingbroke.

The museum battled back to design and build a 108,000 square foot delta-wing shaped building. With the support of the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Works Program, all three levels of government supported a new site that would house all operations of the museum under one roof. It was officially opened by the museum's Patron, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, on April 26, 1996.

The museum now houses over fourty aircraft, and also an extensive aviation gift shop and exhibit gallery. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The museum is closed Christmas Day and New Years' Day. Special events take place throughout the year and facilities including the main aircraft exhibit area can be rented for private events.


Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Group Tours of the facility, with the services of an experienced Tour Guide, are available to groups of twenty persons or more with arrangements made in advance. Many of the groups that visit are school children learning the theory of flight, aircraft design or military history. A visit to the museum is a worthwhile field trip to enhance many areas in the provincial curriculum.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of January 23, 2006-January 29, 2006

Introduction to Rune Readings

Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.

Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. In order to broaden your experience, we offer readings with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
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.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. Uruz is the name of the Auroch, an extinct prehistoric ox. This animal was strong and brave, and was the focus of rites of manhood in older days. Reversed, this rune symbolizes either the lack of challenge, or the lack of preparation for a challenge. This rune suggests that you must reach deep within in order to gain the power you will need, whether to get out of your current rut, or to face what appears to be a hopeless situation.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. 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.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Sowelu is a strong symbol, for it represents the sun. Unlike equatorial cultures that may see the sun as a harsh and imperial force capable of causing droughts, in the cold north the sun is a purely feminine force that gives life and allows crops to grow. In dark times, this rune represents clarity of sight and the victory of good over evil. Sowelu is irreversible, as the cycles of the sun and seasons are perpetual.

4.


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.

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Raido is the rune of riding, as in a cart or as cargo. It is seen here reversed, suggesting a disruption of travel or communication. Etiological analysis of this rune has also given it interpretations of advice or justice, and of being in a position of moral correctness. Reversed, there is an indication of the lack of solid council, or the holding of a position that is not morally sound.

If you are further interested in Rune stones, please check out a script I wrote about three years ago. The story tells of a women's chance encounter with the towns rune reader and physcic. Her reading leads to a terrible discovery about her ex-husband.Click here to read 'Evil Of A Different Kind'

Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton's Cultural History

Attempts at nourishing and spreading cultural economic activities have paid off for Hamilton over the decades. Dundurn Castle was refurbished as Centennial project. Local TV station CHCH introduced Canadians to Smith & Smith, which featured Steve and Morag Smith (the former better known from his stint as Red Green). Hamilton became a moderately important film and television adjunct of the Toronto film market.

Although never entirely out of the music eye, Hamilton gave birth or havens to a number of successful musicians of various genres over the years. Jazz-blues musicians The Washingtons were popular in the 1940s, and brother Jackie Washington continues to perform. Folksinger Stan Rogers was born in Dundas, where he lived until his death in 1982. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra under Boris Brott, although often troubled financially, achieved wide renown.

Among the rock-pop acts formed in Hamilton or by Hamiltonians were: Teenage Head, Forgotten Rebels, Junkhouse, and Appleton. Furthermore, Daniel Lanois, a solo artist in his own right and producer for U2, lived in Hamilton and recorded at Grant Avenue Studios. The Sonic Unyon label started fostered the Hamilton sound in the early 1990s.

Hamilton hosted several cultural and craft fairs since the 1970s, notably Festival of Friends and Earthsong, which made it a major tourist destination. Unfortunately, these fair trade venues and celebrators of world music declined in quality and ultimately disappeared, and their replacements have yet to find their niches.

Other Famous Hamiltonian's

Thomas Bain, former Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons
Robert Beatty, television, radio and film actor
Rick Campanelli, MuchMusic VJ
Wendy Crewson, actor
Sheila Copps, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada
Ken Dryden, former NHL hockey player, writer and politician
Adelaide Hoodless, 19th century education reform activist
Karen Kain, ballet dancer
Florence Lawrence, Hollywood's first movie star
Eugene Levy, actor and comedian (SCTV)
Marty McSorley, NHL hockey player
Steve Paikin, television journalist
Lorraine Segato, pop-rock singer-songwriter
Martin Short, actor and comedian (SCTV)
Tom Wilson-Junkhouse
Pat Quinn-Toronto Maples Leafs Head Coach

Later,
Kenaz

2006 Hooters Calendar

Sorry if it wasn't what you where thinking, but hey you have to admit January is one cut "chick".

Later,
Kenaz

A Look At The Canadian's Heading To Torrino

Cbc.ca Begins February 10th

Speed skating star Catriona Le May Doan carries the Canadian flag as she leads the Canadian team into the stadium for the opening of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

The 2006 Olympics starts in 21 days and Canada is preparing to cheer on their favourite athletes. Canada will send 168 athletes to compete in 15 mens and womens sports.

The Olympics is a unique event in which to see the stars we all know complete, the likes of Hockey superstars Rob Blake, Danny Heatley and womens ledgend Cassie Campbell.

Torrino will also be the place to see athletes compete in sports that don't get much media exposure outside the Olympics. Sports the likes of Bobsleigh and Speed Skating, that offer us a chance to watch incredible athletes the likes of Pierre Lueders and Jeremy Wotherspoon who are the Gretzky's of their respective sports.

Saying that, from now through the Olympics I will be offering my views of Canada at the Olympics. Today I offer an extensive look at all the athletes heading to Torrino.

Athletes Listed by Sport

* Alpine Skiing

Canada

Brigitte Acton
Patrick Biggs
Francois Bourque
Emily Brydon
Allison Forsyth
Thomas Grandi
Erik Guay
Michael Janyk
John Kucera
Sherry Lawrence
Manuel Osborne-Paradis
Jean-Philippe Roy
Ryan Semple
Genevieve Simard
Kelly Vanderbeek

* Biathlon
Canada

Martine Albert
Robin Clegg
Sandra Keith
Zina Kocher
Jean-Philippe LeGuellec
David Leoni
Marie-Pierre Parent

* Bobsleigh
Canada

Lascelles Brown
Suzanne Gavine-Hlady
Ken Kotyk
Florian Linder
Pierre Lueders
Heather Moyse
Kaillie Simundson
Helen Upperton

* Cross Country Skiing
Canada

Amanda Ammar
Chandra Crawford
Sean Crooks
Drew Goldsack
George Grey
Chris Jeffries
Devon Kershaw
Sara Renner
Dan Roycroft
Beckie Scott
Milaine Theriault
Philip Widmer

* Curling
Canada

Mike Adam
Glenys Bakker
Brad Gushue
Russ Howard
Sandra Jenkins
Christine Keshen
Shannon Kleibrink
Jamie Korab
Mark Nichols
Amy Nixon

* Freestyle Skiing
Canada

Deidra Dionne
Jennifer Heil
Kyle Nissen
Steve Omischl

* Figure Skating
Canada

Jeff Buttle
Marie-France Dubreuil
Patrice Lauzon
Joannie Rochette
Emanuel Sandhu

* Ice Hockey
Canada

Meghan Agosta
Gillian Apps
Todd Bertuzzi
Rob Blake
Jennifer Botterill
Martin Brodeur
Cassie Campbell
Delaney Collins
Shane Doan
Kris Draper
Gillian Ferrari
Adam Foote
Simon Gagne
Danielle Goyette
Dany Heatley
Jayna Hefford
Jarome Iginla
Ed Jovanovski
Becky Kellar
Gina Kingsbury
Charline Labonte
Vincent Lecavalier
Roberto Luongo
Carla Macleod
Rick Nash
Scott Niedermayer
Caroline Ouellette
Cherie Piper
Cheryl Pounder
Chris Pronger
Wade Redden
Robyn Regehr
Brad Richards
Joe Sakic
Sami Jo Small
Ryan Smyth
Colleen Sostorics
Martin St. Louis
Kim St. Pierre
Vicky Sunohara
Joe Thornton
Marty Turco
Sarah Vaillancourt
Katie Weatherston
Hayley Wickenheiser

* Luge
Canada

Grant Albrecht
Jeff Christie
Ian Cockerline
Sam Edney
Alex Gough
Regan Lauscher
Chris Moffat
Mike Moffat
Eric Pothier
Meaghan Simister

* Nordic Combined
Canada

Jason Myslicki

* Short Track
Canada

Eric Bedard
Jonathan Guilmette
Charles Hamelin
Alanna Kraus
Anouk Leblanc-Boucher
Amanda Overland
Kalyna Roberge
Francois-Louis Tremblay
Mathieu Turcotte
Tania Vicent

* Skeleton
Canada

Lindsay Alcock
Duff Gibson
Mellisa Hollingsworth-Richards
Jeff Pain

* Ski Jumping
Canada

Gregory Baxter
Graeme Gorham
Michael Nell
Stefan Read

* Snowboard
Canada

Jasey-Jay Anderson
Francois Boivin
Sarah Conrad
Justin Lamoureux
Hugo Lemay
Crispin Lipscomb
Alexa Loo
Dominique Maltais
Brad Martin
Drew Neilson
Mercedes Nicoll
Maelle Ricker
Erin Simmons
Dominique Vallee
Tom Velisek

* Speed Skating
Canada

Arne Dankers
Steven Elm
Kristina Groves
Clara Hughes
Cindy Klassen
Vincent Labrie
Brock Miron
Denny Morrison
Krisy Myers
Christine Nesbitt
Jason Parker
Francois-Olivier Roberge
Brittany Schussler
Kerry Simpson
Justin Warsylewicz
Kim Weger
Jeremy Wotherspoon

Later,
Kenaz

New Playlist Uploaded Over At Kenaz's Old Time Radio

1. Author's Playhouse- OffTokyoBay - 430106 32/44/sc 28:38

2. BennyGoodman - MadhattanRoom - 37-12-18 32/44/sc 29:04

3. Bobby Cisco - Tall Dark And Handsome Man - Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part Two) (Disc 6)The 32/44/sc 2:17

4. CallingAllDetectives- mystery - 480902 32/44/sc 8:06

5. ElleryQueen - TheAdventureOfTheMessageInRed - 45-11-07 32/44/sc 29:55

6. Etta James & Sugar Pie DeSanto - In The Basement - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1965-1966) (Disc 11) 32/44/sc 2:24

7. Forrest Sykes- Tonky Boogie - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1947-1950) (Disc 1) 32/44/sc 3:09

8. Howlin' Wolf - Sittin' On Top Of The World - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part One) (Disc 7) 32/44/sc 2:34

9. Jack_Benny_show- variety - 19xx 32/44/sc 21:21

10. John Lee Hooker- Leave My Wife Alone - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1950-1951) (Disc 2) 32/44/sc 2:47

11. John Lee Hooker - One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1965-1966) (Disc 11) 32/44/sc 3:02

12. Koko Taylor - Love You Like A Woman - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1967-1968) (Disc 12) 32/44/sc 2:08

13. Library_Book-OTR_-_Suspense- Myrna_Loy - 1945.09.20 32/44/sc 28:59

14. Lights_Out - Neanderthal - 1942-11-03 32/44/sc 24:48

15. Little Walter - Mean Old World - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1952-1954 Part One) (Disc 3) 32/44/sc 2:55

16. Lone_Ranger - The_Escape - 19xx 32/44/sc 24:42

17. Lights_Out_Uninhabited-1937-12-22-071 -Christmas Story 32/44/sc 30:00

18. Lowell Fulson - Trouble Trouble - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part One) (Disc 5) 32/44/sc 2:53

19. Lum and Abner-- comedy - 32/44/sc 21:30

20. Marshall ChessInterview - Marshall Chess Interview - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (Interview) (Disc 14) 32/44/sc 3:10

21. Muddy Waters - Trouble No More - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part One) (Disc 5) 32/44 2:41

22. Old Time Radio (OTR) - Club Of Doom - The Shadow Jan 18, 06 32/44/sc 24:04

23. Otis Spann - It Must Have Been The Devil - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1952-1954 Part Two) (Disc 4) 32/44/sc 2:42

24. Sgt. Preston of the Yukon - Ghost Riders - ep 14 32/44/scmp3PRO 24:55

25. Phil Chess Interview - Phil Chess Interview - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (Interview) (Disc 14) 32/44/sc 11:10

26. Solomon Burke - I'm Leaving On That Late Late Train - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1969-1975) (Disc 13) 32/44/sc 3:03

27. Sonny Boy Williamson - Ninety Nine - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part One) (Disc 7) 32/44/sc 2:39

28. The Calvaes - Anna Macora - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part Two) (Disc 8) 32/44/sc 2:24

29. The Corsairs - Smokey Places - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1960-1961) (Disc 9) 32/44/sc 3:03

30. The Vibrations - The Watusi - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1960-1961) (Disc 9) 32/44/sc 2:40

31. Tony Clarke - The Entertainer - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1962-1964) (Disc 10) 32/44sc 2:37

32. Vincent Price - Come as You Are - The Price of Fear 32/44/sc 28:40

Enjoy, Later,
Kenaz

The Best In Canadian Commercials

I thought I'd post some of my favourite Canadian television spots. These and more can be found at www.canada4life.ca

Oh, as a Kenaz p.a announcement on the 23rd, please don't forget to vote so we can send a message to our politicians that's it's time for change. Tell them "I AM CANADIAN!"

I remember this commercial for "Molson Canadian" from a while back, this teaches anyone who want's to mess with Canadians.

molson-canadian-no-doot-aboot-it

And in case you have never seen this ad entitled "Joe Canadian Rant" here it is. It is the most popular Canadian TV spot in history.

Joe Canadian Rant

Here's another great commercial from Molson. We should adopt this as our national anthem.

I Am Anthem

In this commercial Molson tries to disprove a couple more stereotypes about Canadians.
Canadians Are Polite

Later,
Kenaz

Canadian Gold Rush

The 2006 Golden Globes provided some great entertainment and some special moments for me. One of the biggest moments for Canadians came early in the evening when Nepean's (a suburb of Ottawa) Sandra Oh shook as she accepted the award for best supporting actress on a television series.

"I feel like somebody set me on fire," the Canadian star of Grey's Anatomy said. "This is fantastic. Look at all you people."

Oh began her career as a ballet dancer and eventually studied drama at the National Theatre School in Montreal. She then starred in a London (Ontario) stage production of David Mamet's "Oleanna" and appeared as the title character in the Canadian television production The Diary of Evelyn Lau (1993) (TV), beating out over 1,000 applicants. Her list of awards includes the FIPA d'Or for Best Actress at the 1994 Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels at Cannes, France, two Genie Awards (the Canadian Oscar), a Cable Ace Award, a Theatre World Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2003, she married writer-director Alexander Payne and their first film together was the Oscar-winning Sideways (2004).

Later on, another actor finally getting some credit, Philip Seymour Hoffman arrived on the podium to accept the Best Actor in Drama award for playing the title role in Capote.

"I just was given the best part of my life basically, and I know that," said the actor, who has returned to his usual stocky self after slimming down to play author Truman Capote.

Walk the Line, a biopic of country icon Johnny Cash, received several accolades as well, including Best Comedy or Musical. As expected, Reese Witherspoon picked up Best Actress for playing June Carter, while Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor for playing the Man in Black himself.

"Who would ever have thought that I'd win in the comedy or musical category?" asked Phoenix, thanking "John and June for sharing their life with all of us."

I can remember in an interview Phoenix told a story about an unnamed "journalist" who had the gaul to ask about his motivation for a scene for Walk the Line, in which an emotional Johnny Cash distraught over a death of a close person begins to slam his head into the head board of his bed. In his infinate stupidity, the man querried, "where you using the death of your brother as a motivation?" Phoenix using more professionalism than this guy will ever have, calmly replied something like I'm not a method actor, if you need to use a personal experience as motivation for a scene, than your not an actor.

Here! Here! it's a big difference between these three great actors who work tirelessly to learn their characters and someone like Russell Crowe who needs to keep five hundred extras waiting three hours while he "becomes a boxer". Cinderella man deserved much more credit for it's directing and co-stars than it got. Courtesy phone, for Mr. Crowe, it's your wake up call from your ego. It want's you check out.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of January 16, 2006-January 22, 2006

Introduction to Rune Readings

Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.

Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. In order to broaden your experience, we offer readings with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
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.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. Gebo means gift, and like many gifts, the rune may be understood on many levels. Gifts are generally positive things, for both the giver and the recipient. In many cultures however, gifts and favors carry with them an obligation to respond in kind. It is for this reason that gifts, and hence the rune Gebo, are frequently symbolic of friendships, marriages, alliances, mergers, and other bonds between people or organizations. Gebo is a strong rune and the unions represented are strong as well. Moreover, Gebo is not reversible, as true friendships are not easily undone.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one's life. In the harsh northern winter there is a halt to activity, and so delay or hindrance is frequently associated with this rune. The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Uruz symbolizes the Auroch, a member of the ox family that became extinct long ago. This rune represents the strength, bravery, and endurance of this animal of old. Uruz portends the ability to meet problems head on and to overcome them. When the world was new, warriors used to test their strength against the Auroch. Hence, this rune has come to represent the masculine principle and the capacity to meet a challenge.

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. Perth is the rune of chance and gambling. Throw the dice, read your fate. Gaming is a fine way to pass the night...as long as one is careful. Games of chance have outcomes that are hidden from us, and as such Perth represents secrets unknown. Perth symbolizes enjoyment and wild abandon, but be watchful, for Perth is also the rune of mystery and the outcomes unexpected. You cannot lose if you do not play, but neither can you win...

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Man represents Mankind. This rune evokes the image that although we must make much of our way in the world on our own, there is nevertheless an entire populous that shares similar experiences. Thus, this rune represents the relationship of the self with the whole - working together we can produce great results. Additionally, Man speaks to intellect and culture that separate us from the animals.

If you are further interested in Rune stones, please check out a script I wrote about three years ago. The story tells of a women's chance encounter with the towns rune reader and physcic. Her reading leads to a terrible discovery about her ex-husband.Click here to read 'Evil Of A Different Kind'

Later,
Kenaz

Entertainment Report: Cheers ,Sorrow and Giggles

TV ads for 'Karla' movie pulled

CHUM Ltd. and Alliance Atlantis are pulling advertising for the controversial movie Karla, based on the crimes of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo.

The networks said the 30-second television ads, which had been running since Jan. 10, would be inappropriate for their channels.

CHUM owns 33 radio stations, 12 local TV stations and 21 specialty channels including MuchMusic and Bravo! Alliance Atlantis has 13 specialty channels including the Life Network and Showcase. Officials from the networks have not indicated whether they were under pressure or received complaints.

"We're surprised about the boycott of the ads and we don't agree with that," said Sylvain Gagne, vice-president of Christal Films in Montreal, which is distributing the movie in Canada.

Gagne said his company was planning to buy air time for about 500 commercials in Ontario, only to be shown after 9 p.m.

Gagne told The Globe and Mail that the TV spots were "soft" and "well-intended."

Karla is set to debut Jan. 20 and will be shown in 100 theatres across the country, except in St. Catharines, Ont., where the crimes were committed. Karla Homolka is played by Laura Prepon from the TV series That '70s Show.

Homolka and her husband Paul Bernardo were convicted in the sex slayings of teenagers Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French in the early 1990s. Bernardo is serving a life sentence while Homolka completed her 12-year sentence in July.

The Ontario Film Review Board recently gave the movie an 18A rating, which means anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

As I said in a previous post on the subject of this movie, I may not agree with censorship but, the subject matter of this movie has left this country with too deep of a wound to allow this movie to be a comfort to anyone. I applaud CHUM Ltd. and Alliance Atlantis decision.

Actress Shelley Winters dies



Actress Shelley Winters has died of heart failure at the age of 85, according to her publicist in California.

Shelley Winters poses with her Oscar backstage at the Academy Awards, April 4, 1960. Winters won best supporting actress for her role in 'The Diary of Anne Frank.' (AP Photo)

Dale Olson said Winters died early Saturday in Beverly Hills. She had been hospitalized in October after a heart attack.

An outspoken star who went from a young blond bombshell to acclaimed dramatic actress, Winters captured supporting actress Academy Awards for The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and A Patch of Blue (1965). She donated her 1959 Oscar to the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam.

A history of literary hoaxes

Earlier this week, news broke of two literary fakeries. On Sunday, an exhaustive exposé on the Smoking Gun website alleged that bad-boy writer James Frey exaggerated and fabricated details in his best-selling addiction-and-redemption memoir — and current Oprah Book Club pick – A Million Little Pieces. It seems Frey’s violent and drug-addled youth — which the book at once embraces with a macho swagger and denounces with pious contrition — might not have been as harrowing or eventful as written.

On Monday, the New York Times reported that HIV-positive, androgynous author JT Leroy was himself a fictional creation. It appears 25-year-old Leroy’s “autobiographical” fiction about his life as a truck-stop hustler and homeless drug addict is actually the work of Laura Albert, the 40-year-old woman Leroy claims rescued him from the street. Meanwhile, Albert’s sister-in-law, Savannah Knoop, has been exposed as the mysterious figure in wigs and sunglasses that makes public appearances as Leroy, who along the way has befriended celebrities like Courtney Love, Billy Corgan and writer Mary Gaitskill.

Writers with a hard-luck memoir in the works may want to wait until the dust settles before approaching a publisher. With both of these swindles, industry insiders have spent the week alternately claiming they “suspected all along” that something was up and nervously defending their fact-checking processes. As for the rest of us, we can sit back and relish the juicy details of the latest incidents in the long, illustrious history of literary hoaxes.

Lampooning the Group of Seven

The Group of Seven is the epitome of established art, the oil-on-canvas equivalent of O Canada. It’s this air of respectability that Winnipeg’s Plug In ICA can’t resist. The gallery has rounded up works by 75 artists from across Canada for Fabulous Fakes With a Twist, an acerbic homage to the G7.The exhibition is a telling 21st-century comment on Canadian identity; the artists mess with the Group’s nature/culture divide, subvert its rugged, manly virtues with feminist comment and give some multicultural dimensions to its predominantly beef-eating British-Canadian outlook.

The works include, Early Snow with Bob and Doug, by Diana Thorneycroft

Diana Thorneycroft celebrates a more recent incarnation of Canadian nationalism in this intricate little photo work, which features SCTV’s McKenzie brothers splitting a two-four against a backdrop of wintry Group of Seven poplars and pines, oblivious to the circling wolves. (Thanks to the Group’s efforts in the cause of populist art education, even your average hoser can appreciate its works, eh?)

And, Jack Pine with Approaching Sasquatch, Steve Gouthro

Several of the show’s artists try to slip humans — or, in this case, humanoids — into the Group’s famously depopulated wilderness. Here, Steve Gouthro gives a tabloid spin to Tom Thomson’s iconic jack pine. The Winnipeg painter claims to have found the painting preserved in a peat bog near Canoe Lake, and suggests that it offers “an alternative explanation to the sudden demise of Canada’s greatest painter, Tom Thomson.”

Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton, Raise Your Hammer High For Davie A.

Hamilton's native son, NHLer Dave Andreychuk, has been put on waivers by the Lightning.

Professional hockey's new look has claimed another famous victim. Three months after Brett Hull retired from the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes, the Tampa Bay Lightning put Hamilton native Dave Andreychuk on waivers yesterday. The move will likely end Andreychuk's impressive 23-year NHL career.

If Andreychuk clears waivers as expected, the Lightning will assign him to their American Hockey League team in Springfield, Mass. That allows them to remove what remains of Andreychuk's $800,000 salary from this year's salary cap calculations.

But Tampa Bay general manager Jay Feaster said in a lengthy statement on the club's website that the Lightning would not ask Andreychuk to report to the minor leagues, where he has never played, and would still pay him for the rest of the season.

Andreychuk has another year on his contract but the club did not say whether he would be paid that amount, should he retire. Hull, the third-leading goal scorer of all time, cited that sea change as the reason for his retirement. And although Andreychuk has the second-highest goals, assists and points totals of any left winger in NHL history, his portfolio of superb skills has never included "fleet of foot."

The Lightning's captain, who hoisted his first Stanley Cup in the spring of 2004, didn't comment directly but many spoke on the stars behalf. "I think, obviously, an athlete wants to continue playing," Andreychuk's father, Julian ,told The Spectator yesterday. "I believe he understands the game and that it was passing him by.

"No one knew how the game would change. At the beginning of this season, there was the understanding that they would see how it goes. They gave him a good shot -- 42 games."

Andreychuk told The Spectator last week he was frustrated with his diminishing playing time and conceded that a full year without playing during the bitter lockout had affected his timing. But he also felt that after two months of adjustment, he had rediscovered his touch. He had six goals, five on the power play, adding to his NHL record for goals scored at a man advantage.

"When we entered into the contract with David this summer, both sides did so in good faith, recognizing that no one would work harder in the summer preparing for the new season than David," Feaster said on the club website.

"Both sides understood that it would take some time to work through the impact of missing an entire season. What neither side could foresee was the type of game the 'new NHL' would be upon its return: a game in which speed and quickness carry the day.

"After giving ourselves half a season to evaluate and analyse, it became clear to us that David's game was not suited to the 'new NHL.'"

This move was foreshadowed in Montreal in November, when Andreychuk was a healthy scratch from a game for the first time in four years. Last week, Sportsnet reported that Feaster was shopping Andreychuk to the other 29 clubs.

Feaster remains an Andreychuk booster and praised what he'd done for the club since GM Rick Dudley brought the big winger to west Florida in 2001.

"There were times early in his time here that he carried the entire club on his back," Feaster said. Andreychuk's cool professionalism helped settle Vincent Lecavalier, who was having enormous trouble handling the double pressure of pending super stardom and wearing the captain's C. Andreychuk took over the captain's job and helped Lecavalier and Brad Richards, another star centre, make a smoother adjustment to the NHL.

As his playing time decreased, Andreychuk was aware that his teammates were watching to see how he handled the situation. So he accepted his reduced role stoically.

"But it was hard to captain from the caboose," his father quipped.

Out of respect for Andreychuk's enormous contributions to the growth of the franchise, Feaster and head coach John Tortorella met with Andreychuk on Monday, trying to work out a way that they could remove his salary from cap consideration, not have him play in the minors, and still pay him. It is believed that a high-ranking official from the players' association was also involved.

"They don't make hockey players like Dave Andreychuk any more," Feaster said yesterday. "From the moment he came to Tampa, he led by example and he helped our young players understand how to be professionals."

Andreychuk's strong-willed dedication to win a Stanley Cup after 22 seasons, 1,597 regular season games and 162 playoff games helped inspire the Lightning's championship run in the spring of 2004.

Some people, including his father, tried to talk Andreychuk into retiring then, so his greatest hockey moment would also be his last one.

A look at Dave Andreychuk's carrer

Dave Andreychuk entered the NHL as an 18-year old for Buffalo, close to his home in Hamilton that he could still pretty much live at home. He scored a goal in his first game, and in his first full season he scored 38 goals, establishing himself as a natural scorer.

During his first ten years with the Sabres, the team won only one of nine playoff series. Midway through the 1992-93 season he was involved in a major trade that sent him to the Toronto Maple Leafs with Daren Puppa and a draft choice for Grant Fuhr and a draft choice. The move rejuvenated his career, as he finished the season with 54 goals, one of the few times a player has hit the 50-mark during a year he was traded.

Andreychuk scored 53 the next year to break Frank Mahovlich's team record for a left-winger, but again in Toronto he didn't win a Cup and GM Cliff Fletcher sent him to New Jersey for two draft choices. He signed with Boston as a free agent but was traded to Colorado in the same deal that involved Ray Bourque, but still the Avs made it no farther than the semi-finals in the spring of 2000.

After a return stint with Buffalo in 2000-01, Andreychuk signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is one of only four players to score 30 or more power-play goals in a season and is the second-highest scoring right-winger in league history, surpassing the 600 goal-mark in 2002-03 and the 1,300 point mark the following year while captaining the Tampa Bay Lightning to their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history and Andreychuk's first of his illustrious 22-year career.

Internationally, he has won a bronze medal with Canada at the 1983 World Juniors and three years later won another bronze at the World Championships.

stats and gallery of action photos

Tidbits

Played in two NHL All-Star Game (1990, 1994).Traded to Toronto by Buffalo with Daren Puppa and Buffalo's 1st round choice (Kenny Jonsson) in 1993 Entry Draft for Grant Fuhr and Toronto's 5th round choice (Kevin Popp) in 1995 Entry Draft, February 2, 1993. Traded to New Jersey by Toronto for New Jersey's 2nd round choice (Marek Posmyk) in 1996 Entry Draft and New Jersey's 3rd round choice (later traded back to New Jersey - New Jersey selected Andre Lakos) in 1999 Entry Draft, March 13, 1996. Signed as a free agent by Boston, July 29, 1999. Traded to Colorado by Boston with Raymond Bourque for Brian Rolston, Martin Grenier, Samuel Pahlsson and New Jersey's 1st round choice (previously acquired, Boston selected Martin Samuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft, March 6, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Buffalo, July 13, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay, July 13, 2001.

Andreychuk's first stop was to visit new friends at the Children's Hospitals

When Dave Andreychuk won the Stanley Cup he showed his class by immediately giving back his love to his fans of Hamilton. He showed up to McMaster Children's Hospital bringing the beautifully-polished trophy up and down the halls, visiting the children who are patients there and leaving the delighted kids with autographed photographs and specially-printed t-shirts. Dave then lugged the Stanley Cup up the hamilton escarpment to the backyard of his parents' home to the great delight of family, friends and neighbours who plastered their homes and garages with his pictures and then it was off to the newly renamed Dave Andreychuk Areana for a condragulatory speak.

more of the events

The cry of "Davie A!" will always be sunonomous with one of Hamilton's home grown children and forever the hammer will be held high in gratitude for everything this ledgend has accomplished.

Later,
Kenaz

The Murky World of Election 2006...

Just got a whole lot murkier. The lies and deceit from all four major party candidates are hitting Canadians fast and furious. These are from this week alone.

Video linkMartin says he only approved transcript of controversial 'soldiers' ad.

Liberal Leader Paul Martin told CBC News he only approved the transcript of a controversial ad suggesting the Tories would post armed soldiers on the streets of Canadian cities.

During a CBC News Town Hall meeting hosted by Peter Mansbridge on Thursday, Martin said the ad was pulled when he saw the finished product and realized it could be misconstrued.

But earlier in the day Martin made no reference of only signing off on the transcript, saying he approved the ad. He said it was pulled "because we felt that there were better ads. That's essentially it."

The ad, which was briefly posted on the Liberal website, features an ominous drumbeat underneath a voice-over that says: "Stephen Harper actually announced he wants to increase military presence in our cities. Canadian cities. Soldiers with guns. In our cities. In Canada."

The ad, which was never broadcast, stems from the Conservative platform which calls for 100 regular troops and 400 reservists to be based in major Canadian cities. But, according to that plan, their purpose would be only for humanitarian means or disaster relief efforts.

Martin said the ad was intended to criticize the Conservatives' policy, saying it would spread soldiers too far apart across the country.

But Mansbridge questioned Martin further about the ad, saying it makes no mention of policy and instead highlights the fact that would be soldiers in Canadian cities with guns.

Martin said it was when he and his campaign team saw the ad, and not just read the transcript, that they realized it was going to be misconstrued.

"When we saw what the ad looked like, it was very clear the message we were trying to convey would not be conveyed by that ad," Martin said.

Origional StoryTories lash out at Liberal attack ads.

The Conservatives reacted angrily to negative ads released on Tuesday by the Liberals targeting Stephen Harper, calling them "vicious" and "baseless."

Focusing on one ad that suggested Harper would station armed soldiers on the streets of Canadian cities, Tory MP Jason Kenney told a news conference in Ottawa that the Liberals have sunk to a new low.

Meanwhile Harper's own secret agenda is reveiled,

Tories would turn back Kyoto

A Conservative government would abandon the Kyoto accord and set new Canadian-made targets that are easier to meet, leader Stephen Harper said Thursday in Halifax.

Harper said Kyoto's emission targets couldn't be met within Canada or even internationally. He pointed to the country's woeful record on climate change since the agreement was signed in 1997.

"The Kyoto accord will not succeed at achieving its objectives and this government, the Canadian government, cannot achieve its objectives," Harper said while campaigning for the Jan. 23 election.

The Tory plan to cut emissions would begin with consultations with the provinces to create a made-in-Canada solution, something the Liberals under Jean Chrétien should have done before signing the Kyoto deal, said Harper.

"The Liberal government signed an international agreement that touches on provincial jurisdiction, without consulting the provinces," he said. "The result is that the government was incapable, and remains incapable, of meeting its obligations."

Kyoto calls for a six per cent cut in emissions from 1990 levels by 2012. However, Canadian levels have actually risen about 24 per cent since 1990. The United States, which never ratified the accord, has a better record than Canada.

Harper said any international treaty negotiated in the future would have to include the world's largest polluters: the United States, China and India.

To make things worse Harper or George W. light? was put on the hot seat over his remarks to U.S. conservative movement

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper faced questions over past remarks he made to an American conservative movement, comments the Liberals claim prove his allegiance to a radical right-wing agenda.

The comment is quoted in one of a series of controversial ads the Liberals released earlier this week. One quotes a speech Harper made eight years ago to a conservative American think-tank.

"America, and particularly your conservative movement, is a light and an inspiration to people in this country and across the world," the ad quotes Harper as saying.
Stephen Harper

Liberal Leader Paul Martin said Harper for years has "been courting and wooing the far right, the U.S. conservative movement."

But Harper defended his comment.

"I was the leader of a conservative organization addressing another conservative organization. And obviously we admire values of freedom and democracy and the promotion of our traditional values and I think we all understand that," Harper told reporters.

In the same speech, Harper also told the group that Canada was "a northern European welfare state in the worst sense of the term."

Harper said he wasn't serious about that quote.

"The other comment as you know was tongue-in-cheek."

"It was Mr. Martin during that period of our history who was actually cutting the social programs that I was only referring to in my analysis," he added.

And if you think Jack Layton is a viable choice, check this tap dance over his health care gaff.

NDP Leader Jack Layton, who has campaigned as a defender of public health care, is answering questions regarding a hernia surgery he had at a private clinic in the 1990s.

Layton had the operation at the Shouldice Hospital in the Toronto suburb of Thornhill while he was a Toronto city councillor.

But Layton told the Canadian Press he wasn't aware the clinic was a private facility.

"It's just part of the system," Layton said in an interview. "The doctor says, 'Go there.' You pay with your (Ontario health) card. It never occurred to me (it was) anything other than medicare, which it is.

"I can tell you now, if my doctor ever refers me anywhere, I'll ask him that question. It never occurred to me at the time. It wasn't a controversy at the time. It wasn't something on one's mind."

Layton stressed that the Shouldice facility is a not-for-profit facility that has been part of the Ontario medical system for decades

He said the surgery was well publicized at the time and that he has not been trying to hide his operation at the clinic.

"This was no secret, believe me," he said. "Heck, [Toronto] Mayor [Mel] Lastman came to visit me there. Every family I knew, every middle-aged man that ever ran into a hernia, went to Shouldice. It's part of the system."

Earlier in the campaign, Layton said he would not go to a private clinic nor would he send a loved one to a private clinic, even if he could get faster treatment.

And finally the Bloc Party is just making the Choice easier.

The leader of a Quebec provincial party is telling Quebecers not to vote for the Bloc Québécois.

Mario Dumont, who leads Action démocratique du Québec, said on Thursday that voting for the Bloc only isolates Quebec from the federal political process.
Mario Dumont leads Action démocratique du Québec.

The ADQ is a right-of-centre provincial party with five seats in the Quebec legislature.

"Go back two years ago, before the sponsorship scandal, the Bloc was really going nowhere," Dumont said. "People were questioning the relevance of the Bloc and its role in strengthening Quebec."

Dumont said the Bloc limits the province's influence on the national scene and acts more like a millstone around Quebecers' necks.

He said he would vote Conservative, but only recommended that voters not vote for the Bloc.

The Bloc won 54 of the 75 seats in Quebec in 2004, and for much of the campaign looked like they could increase that number by continuing to capitalize on Quebecers' anger at the Liberals over the sponsorship scandal.

Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said he respects Dumont's opinion, but that the only opinion that really counts is that expressed by the electorate on election day.

"Mario Dumont is not in the campaign," Duceppe said. "He can say whatever he wants to say."

This upcomming Federal election isn't going to be a slam dunk for any of the parties, nor for the voter. With the four leaders spewing lies to cover lies faster than a man on death row, we are left with few options, but I hope that people do not start looking at the Green Party of answers. Pleas we don't need to throw away valuable votes on single platform fridge parties who's only answer is "smoking a joint"

Later,
Kenaz