...or should I say a complete jack-ass.
US Republican Senator George Allen has apologised for calling a man of Indian descent by a name which means monkey, saying he never meant to cause offence. Before Mr. Allen opens his big mouth again, maybe he should check out the definition of 'racist'.
Allen called SR Sidarth, who has been monitoring Mr Allen's re-election campaign for Democratic challenger Jim Webb, "Macaca" at a Republican rally.
"This fellow over here with the yellow shirt, Macaca, or whatever his name is, he's with my opponent," Mr Allen said.
Macaca is a genus of monkey which includes the macaque and reese.
Furtermore Allen showed how red his neck really was when he added "Let's give a welcome to Macaca here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia." Stupid, considering Mr. Sidarth was from Virginia.
On Monday, Mr Allen's spokesman, Dick Wadhams, said the name Macaca was a variation of Mohawk, a nickname Mr Allen's team of advisers had given the student because he had a Mohawk haircut.
But on Tuesday, Mr Allen, who is widely expected to try to run for president in 2008, said the name was "just made up" and that he had no idea the word referred to a monkey.
I'm not sure what dictionary Wadham read but I'm sure it's bookmarked at monkeys uncle.
Maybe Allen's campaign song should be 'Dueling Banjos' because all I see when I look at his picture is the mentally challenged kid from 'Deliverence'.
The kicker, in his younger years he wore a Confederate flag lapel pin in his high school yearbook photo and had the flag hanging in his living room.
Allen is my early favourite for 'loser of the year'.
Later,
Kenaz
Friday, August 18, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Middle East in Crisis
Timeline of recent events
Aug. 14, 2006
The shaky ceasefire held along the Lebanese-Israeli border on its first day, while leaders of the warring groups both claimed victory.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olhmert said his country's forces had delivered "a major blow to Hezbollah," while Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Islamic militant group, claimed a "strategic victory" over Israel.
Olhmert said Israel will continue to pursue Hezbollah.
Nasrallah claimed his militant Islamic group had achieved a "strategic, historic victory" against Israel. He also said it was the wrong time to publicly discuss disarming Hezbollah, which is a condition of the UN ceasefire.
Israeli troops clashed with Hezbollah militants in three separate skirmishes on the first day of the ceasefire, but there were no reports of major hostilities hours after the ceasefire came into effect.
Israel, Hezbollah both claim upper hand as ceasefire holds
Aug. 11, 2006
The UN Security Council votes 15-0 to adopt the resolution that calls for an end to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. It authorizes the deployment of UN peacekeepers to help Lebanese troops take control of south Lebanon as Israel withdraws.
Earlier in the day, the U.S. and France come to an agreement on the final wording of a draft UN resolution to halt the fighting. Both sides send the text to the governments of Israel and Lebanon. The draft calls for a "full cessation of hostilities." It tells Hezbollah militants to stop all attacks immediately and tells Israel to end "all offensive operations." After the fighting stops, Lebanon is to deploy its armed forces throughout southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws. The draft is presented to the UN Security Council for a vote.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert accepts the draft resolution, and will recommend that his government approve the deal in its meeting on Aug. 13.
But, the military offensive that expanded earlier on Friday continues. Israeli air strikes kill at least 14 people across Lebanon, including 12 in an attack on the Abboudiyeh border crossing into Syria. This leaves only one open border crossing from Lebanon into Syria.
Explosions are also reported in Beirut's southern suburbs. Israeli warplanes also hit three vehicles in the Lebanese city of Baalbek, killing at least one person.
Hezbollah fires more than 150 rockets into Israel.
UN prepares to vote as Israel expands Lebanese offensive
Aug. 10, 2006
The Israeli security cabinet decides to hold off a planned expansion of its ground offensive, to give diplomats a few more days to work on a ceasefire proposal. But Defence Minister Amir Peretz says the military will use "all of its tools" against Hezbollah if the UN ceasefire talks are unsuccessful.
Israeli forces take control of Marjayoun, a predominantly Christian town about eight kilometres north of the Israel-Lebanon border. Israeli warplanes drop leaflets that warn of a "painful and strong" response to Hezbollah, and tell residents in three southern suburbs to evacuate their homes. Lebanese officials say at least four civilians are killed.
Hezbollah fires 110 rockets into northern Israel by mid-afternoon, reportedly killing an Arab Israeli woman and her daughter.
Israel takes key town, delays expansion of push into Lebanon
Aug. 9, 2006
The Canadian Embassy in Beirut says Ottawa has booked two ships with room for about 2,400 Canadians still wanting to flee Lebanon. It says the ships will leave from Beirut to an undisclosed location next week.
Israel's security cabinet decides to expand its ground offensive in Lebanon toward the Litani River, about 30 kilometres from the Israel-Lebanon border. Just hours before, Maj.-Gen. Udi Adam is replaced as commander of Israeli forces in Lebanon by Maj.-Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky, the deputy chief of staff.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council continues to debate a draft resolution seeking a ceasefire to the fighting in Lebanon. In a televised speech, Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah warns Israeli Arabs to leave Haifa, as he threatens to intensify attacks on the Israeli city. He also says he approves of Lebanon's proposal to deploy 15,000 Lebanese troops to south Lebanon.
Eleven Israeli soldiers are killed during fighting with Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon. And at least four missiles from Israeli ships strike suburbs south of Beirut. Israeli air strikes also hit the largest of Lebanon's refugee camps for Palestinians and destroy a building in the Bekaa Valley, leaving a woman and four children under the rubble.
Israel to broaden ground offensive against Hezbollah
Hezbollah leader warns Arabs to leave Haifa
2 more ships to take Canadians from Beirut
Aug. 8, 2006
The UN Security council meets and representatives of the Arab League presents it with a new ceasefire plan, which involves Lebanon deploying 15,000 of its troops along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel is seriously considering this proposal, calling it "interesting," but says Hezbollah guerillas must be disarmed and removed as a threat first.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military drops leaflets in the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, warning people not to drive or their vehicles will be bombed. And Israeli air strikes hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, as Israeli forces also try to get control of the militant group's villages and sites used to launch rockets at northern Israel.
Hezbollah and Israeli troops exchange gunfire in near Bint Jbail, a militant stronghold that Israeli troops have been trying to capture for weeks. Hezbollah reportedly attacks Israeli troops near the town of Naquora, killing two Israeli reservists. The militant group fires about 90 rockets on northern Israel by the afternoon.
Arab League to present new ceasefire plan to UN
Israel to bomb all moving vehicles in southern Lebanon
Aug. 7, 2006
An Israeli air strike kills six civilians and wounds two people, all from the same family, in the village of Ghazzaniyeh. At least 49 people die in Israeli attacks.
Hezbollah rockets wound at least five people. The Israeli army says Hezbollah guerrillas killed two Israeli soldiers with an anti-tank missile in south Lebanon. Hours later, another Israeli soldier is killed by sniper fire.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora again calls for an immediate ceasefire during an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Beirut to discuss the UN Security Council draft resolution on a ceasefire.
The Lebanese government proposes sending 15,000 Lebanese troops to the Israel-Lebanon border to stand between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese troops would take control of south Lebanon and Israel would withdraw from the region. Lebanon would assert its control of the region and take control of Hezbollah strongholds.
Amnesty International holds vigils around the world calling for a ceasefire, including one outside Montreal's Mount-Royal metro station.
Lebanese PM renews ceasefire plea
Amnesty calls for Mideast ceasefire at Montreal vigil
Aug. 6, 2006
About 80 missiles hit towns across northern Israel, killing 15 Israelis and wounding dozens more — the deadliest attack on Israel since fighting began. Hezbollah also sends rockets into Haifa, killing three and wounding 40 others.
Israeli air strikes and artillery kill at least 13 people in southern Lebanon. Lebanese security officials say the bombing raid lasted for half an hour. Israeli soldiers move into the Lebanese town of Qana.
Diplomatic efforts continue to end the fighting. Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri rejects the U.S.-French draft resolution because it did not include the government’s plan for ending the fighting. The Lebanese cabinet votes unanimously to deploy 15,000 Lebanese soldiers to help 2,000 UN peacekeepers if there is a ceasefire and Israeli forces pull back.
At home in Montreal, Quebec politicians and Jewish and Muslim Canadians march through the city streets, calling for an end to the conflict in the Middle East.
Mideast fighting escalates amid efforts to secure ceasefire
Israeli commandos in gunfight near Tyre
Aug. 5, 2006
Israeli forces storm an apartment building and attack suspected Hezbollah guerillas in the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre. The raid was planned to destroy suspected Hezbollah launchers for long-range rockets. The Israeli army also drops leaflets on the city of Sidon, warning residents to leave the area immediately.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah fires more rockets into Israel.
Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting continue as the U.S. and France agree on a draft UN resolution after weeks of negotiation. The draft does not call for an immediate cessation of violence, but calls for Hezbollah to stop all military operations and for Israel to stop its offensive drive against Lebanon. The resolution would allow Israel to strike back if Hezbollah were to break a ceasefire. It also calls for a buffer zone in south Lebanon occupied only by international and Lebanese soldiers.
In Ottawa, about 1,000 people gather on Parliament Hill to protest the fighting in Lebanon.
Anti-war protesters rally on Parliament Hill
Israeli commandos in gunfight near Tyre
U.S., France agree on draft Mideast resolution
Aug. 4, 2006
Hezbollah rockets hit the Israeli city of Hadera, 75 kilometres south of the Israel-Lebanon border. There are no casualties, but the strike marks the farthest south that Hezbollah attacks have reached. Israeli authorities say about 190 rockets hit northern Israel.
Israeli air strikes hit Christian areas north of Beirut for the first time, killing four civilians and wounding 10. Air raids damage four bridges on the main north-south coastal road linking Beirut to Syria, further isolating Lebanon.
Liberal foreign affairs critic Keith Martin demands the Tories call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East conflict and calls for the Harper government to give more funding to aid organizations.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper tells a news conference that principles, not polls, will govern how the Conservatives establish policy, as 80 protesters gather outside the Conservative caucus retreat in response to Harper's refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire.
The body of Maj. Paeta Hess-von Kruedener comes home. Canadian military officials, dignitaries, colleagues, friends and family gather for a repatriation ceremony at CFB Trenton.
Liberals demand Tories call for immediate Mideast ceasefire
Harper remains firm on Mideast crisis, softwood
Canadian UN observer's body returned home
Aug. 3, 2006
Early in the morning, Israel launches air strikes near Beirut for the first time in nearly a week.
One Israeli soldier is killed and four others wounded in a battle with Hezbollah guerrillas in Ayt a-Shab in southern Lebanon.
At least eight Israeli civilians are killed as a result of rocket fire, while four Israeli soldiers are killed in clashes with Hezbollah and two others are wounded.
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah says his militant group will stop firing rockets on Israeli cities if Israel stops its attacks on Lebanese towns. He threatens to fire rockets at Tel Aviv if central Beirut is attacked.
A statement from the Israeli military says that its bombing of the Lebanese village of Qana was a mistake and that its attack guidelines would be evaluated and updated as a result.
Israel resumes attacks on Beirut
Hezbollah leader offers ceasefire, but threatens Tel Aviv
Qana attack a mistake, Israeli military concludes
Aug. 2, 2006
Hezbollah launches more than 210 rockets into northern Israel, the highest daily number in the conflict. One of the rockets hits Beit Shean, about 68 kilometres from the border, marking the deepest rocket strike into Israel so far. Another Hezbollah rocket hits the West Bank. An Israeli-American is killed and 58 other people injured across the country, police say.
A series of Israeli air raids, including a strike near a hospital in Al Jamaliyeh, kills 15 Lebanese civilians, witnesses say.
About 10,000 Israeli troops move into southern Lebanon, where they conduct house-to-house searches for Hezbollah fighters.
Mohammed al-Safadi, Lebanon's transport and public works minister, says the Israeli attacks have caused an estimated $2 billion US in damage on the country's infrastructure.
Israel renews strikes near Beirut
Hezbollah launches record number of rockets into Israel
Aug. 1, 2006
Israeli troops land by helicopter in northeastern Lebanon and launch strikes on a Hezbollah stronghold in Baalbek, their deepest ground attack in Lebanon since fighting began. The military confirms that it captured several guerrillas in the Baalbek operation.
Heavy fighting near the Lebanese border village of Aita al-Shaab kills three Israeli soldiers. The Israelis say they struck dozens of Hezbollah militants during the fighting.
Israeli planes hit Shia villages in south Lebanon and attack Hezbollah positions elsewhere in the country.
Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati asks Muslim countries to send weapons to Hezbollah to help in the fight against Israel.
Israeli troops push deeper into Lebanon
July 31, 2006:
Israeli air strikes resume in southern Lebanon less than 12 hours after the government announced a 48-hour suspension to investigate the civilian deaths in Qana.
One of the air strikes kills a Lebanese soldier in Tyre. Other air strikes took place in Taibe to support Israeli ground troops, the military said.
Hezbollah rockets hit Kiryet Shmona in northern Israel. No casualties were reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert apologizes for civilian casualties after an Israeli air strike in Qana, but pledges there will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah in the coming days.
Overnight, Israel's security cabinet approves expanding the military ground operation in southern Lebanon by a near-unanimous vote.
Israeli air strikes resume in Lebanon
Israel battling a 'vicious force': cabinet minister
Israel votes to expand ground attack
July 30, 2006
An early morning Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese town of Qana collapses a building, killing 28 people, many of them women and children. Lebanese officials say the civilians killed had taken refuge in the basement of the building.
Israeli officials say the neighbourhood was targeted based on intelligence that Hezbollah fighters had used it to launch rockets at northern Israel. They also say civilians were warned several days ago to leave Qana.
Hezbollah launches 157 rockets into northern Israel — the highest one-day total during the offensive. The rockets injure 13 people.
Following the Qana attack, Israel agrees to a 48-hour cessation of bombings over southern Lebanon while it investigates the incident. U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli says Israel and the UN will co-ordinate a 24-hour window for civilians to leave southern Lebanon if they wish.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cancels a planned visit to Beirut, hours after the air strike on Qana.
Israeli air strike kills dozens of civilians
Israel agrees to 48-hour suspension of air strikes
July 29, 2006
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives for talks in Jerusalem. Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah says he will co-operate with the Lebanese government in negotiations toward ending the crisis.
France drafts a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The proposal calls for a buffer zone in south Lebanon to be patrolled by international forces and the Lebanese army and the release of two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah.
Israeli officials reject a UN call for a 72-hour ceasefire to allow civilians to leave the region and help aid workers bring in humanitarian supplies. A government spokesman says the ceasefire is unnecessary "because Israel has opened humanitarian corridors to and from Lebanon."
An Israeli air strike on a house in the Lebanese village of Nmeiriya kills seven people, including a mother and her five children and another child.
Two UN peacekeepers from India are wounded in an Israeli air strike near their border post in Adaisseh in southern Lebanon.
Israeli warplanes struck the Lebanese side of the Syrian-Lebanese border, blocking fleeing refugees and humanitarian aid.
Israeli troops withdraw from Bint Jbail, saying their mission is finished. Israeli radio reports that Israeli troops had killed 50 guerrillas in the town over a week-long battle. Hezbollah leaders, however, say they had defeated the Israeli forces, killing 18 of their troops.
Hezbollah fires rockets at the northern Israeli town of Safid.
The last of Ottawa's scheduled ships from Lebanon leaves Beirut, carrying hundreds of Canadians, but Foreign Affairs officials say they'll continue to help any Canadians who want to leave. An estimated 13,000 Canadian have left Lebanon during the daily evacuations.
Nasrallah ready to talk as Rice returns to Mideast
2 Indian UN peacekeepers wounded in southern Lebanon
Canadian evacuees reach 13,000 as 2 ships leave Beirut
July 28, 2006
Israeli defence forces say their warplanes hit 130 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight, including a base in the Bekaa Valley where long-range rockets were stored. Lebanese security officials say the raids killed three people and wounded nine, including four children.
The Israeli army says it has killed about 200 Hezbollah guerrillas since it launched its offensive more than two weeks ago. Hezbollah refutes the claim, saying it has fewer casualties, but provides no number.
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud tells CBC's Nahlah Ayed that Hezbollah has the complete backing of his government.
A United Nations official says the UN will remove 50 members of the unarmed Truce Supervision Organization from posts along the border between Israel and Lebanon to ensure their safety.
Canada's evacuation effort rescues more than 1,000 people, 877 of them Canadians, from Beirut, leaving by boat for Larnaca, Cyprus.
U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair announce that they will seek a UN resolution to send a multinational force to south Lebanon to end the conflict.
Missiles hit Hezbollah base, buildings and hideouts, Israel says
Lebanese president gives full backing to Hezbollah
UN removes unarmed observers from border
Ottawa winds down daily Lebanon evacuations
Bush, Blair call for multinational force to keep order in Lebanon
July 27, 2006
Israeli jets carry out air strikes, including more than 30 bombing runs in the southern region of Iqlim al-Tuffah. The air strikes hit roads in the south and east, as well as a Lebanese army base in the north. An Israeli missile strikes the car of a Lebanese policeman in the eastern city of Zahle, killing him.
Ground fighting and rocket attacks continue along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah rockets hit a vacant laundry-detergent plant in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shemona.
The Israeli cabinet votes to call up reserve units, but rules out expanding its military campaign against Hezbollah.
Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon says the international summit in Rome on the conflict gave Israel permission to continue its operation in Lebanon. European Union officials vehemently disagree, saying that nearly every country represented at the conference called for a ceasefire.
Ayman al-Zawahri, second-in-command of al-Qaeda, says the militant group now sees "all the world as a battlefield open in front of us." In a video message broadcast by Arab television network Al-Jazeera, al-Zawahri threatens to retaliate against the "crusader coalition."
Canadian Foreign Affairs evacuates 1,724 people out of Beirut. The department says that daily ship departures from the port will continue until Saturday and that the Canadian Embassy in Beirut is no longer contacting registered Canadians to board evacuation ships.
Mideast foes trade air strikes, rocket attacks
Israel calls up reserves, but won't expand military operation
'We will attack everywhere,' al-Qaeda leader warns
Evacuees pack Beirut port, after talks fail to bring ceasefire
Postcards urge PM to call for Mideast ceasefire
Wife of Canadian UN observer prays for a 'miracle'
July 26, 2006
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert apologizes to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for the bombing of a UN post in southern Lebanon the day before. Olmert says the attacks were a mistake and promises a full investigation.
A preliminary UN report says UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon called the Israeli military 10 times in six hours asking them to stop bombing in the area, before the post was hit.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper calls the attack a "terrible tragedy" but says he doubts the attack was deliberate.
Olmert also says Israel wants to establish a two-kilometre-wide "security zone" in south Lebanon, free of Hezbollah guerillas.
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah says they will start firing rockets capable of reaching deeper into Israel.
Israeli troops continue to fight for control of Bint Jbeil, a Hezbollah stronghold. About 20 Israeli rockets hit a southern suburb of Beirut, another Hezbollah site.
U.S., European, Arab and Canadian officials – including Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay – meet in Rome and say they should work towards a ceasefire, but can't agree on a plan to put it in place. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the summit must work to end the violence, but they cannot return to the "status quo" of instability in Lebanon. Annan says any solution to the region's violence must include Iran and Syria.
Canadians trying to leave Lebanon head for the city of Tyre, where they board a Canadian-chartered ship waiting offshore, headed for Cyprus.
Harper doubts UN post deliberately targeted
Israeli troops battle Hezbollah guerrillas for control of border town
World leaders want ceasefire, but fail to work out details
Stranded Canadians shuttled to waiting ship in Lebanon
July 25, 2006
Saudi Arabia's king urges Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon, warning the violence could plunge the Middle East into a regional war if a ceasefire can't be forged.
The United States says it won't pressure Israel for a quick end to its military campaign against Hezbollah.
Opponents to Israel's military campaign in Lebanon and Gaza organize a general strike throughout the West Bank.
Demonstrators in Ramallah briefly clash with Palestinian police, throwing rocks as police beat them back with sticks.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reaffirms Washington's commitment to a future two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Saudi Arabia pledges a $1.5-billion US donation to Lebanon to help with the reconstruction of the country and to restart the economy.
Hezbollah rockets kill a teenage girl and injure more than 30 people in northern Israel.
Israel says its troops are focused solely on crushing Hezbollah outposts and rocket-launching sites near the border with Israel. Israel says it has no intention of sending ground forces beyond southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military seals off the Lebanese border town of Bint Jbeil, a Hezbollah stronghold.
However, Israel says it will open safe delivery passages into Lebanon for humanitarian aid.
Israel air strikes hit a United Nations post, killing three UN observers, including a Canadian. One observer is missing. Officials say the observers are from Austria, China, Finland and Canada. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says the UN post near Khiam, Lebanon, was clearly marked and Israel had assured them it would not be targeted by Israeli forces. Annan calls the attack "apparently deliberate".
Saudi king warns of regional war if strikes continue in Lebanon
U.S. won't pressure Israel for quick end to violence: Rice
July 24, 2006
Canadian soldiers help about a dozen Canadians flee from Tyre and get on a Cyprus-bound ship chartered by the Canadian government.
Three Palestinians die and eight are wounded after the Israeli military shells Beit Lahiya, a town in the Gaza Strip.
A Canadian-born pilot serving in the Israeli Air Force dies after his helicopter crashes in northern Israel.
An Israeli helicopter crashes near the Lebanese border, injuring six soldiers and sparking a huge fire.
Humanitarian aid begins to arrive in the port of Beirut after the Israeli navy lifts its blockade.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives in Beirut on a surprise visit. She says a ceasefire is urgently needed, but only if conditions exist to make it sustainable.
UN emergency relief chief Jan Egeland announces that $171 million is needed to deliver food, medicine, clean water and sanitation services to the Lebanese people over the next three months.
Canadian soldiers help dozens escape Lebanon
Canadian-born pilot killed in Israeli helicopter crash
Israeli troops capture 2 Hezbollah guerrillas in fierce fighting
Annan, Rice intensify diplomatic efforts to end conflict in Lebanon
'Significant' American aid on way to Lebanon
July 23, 2006
Hezbollah militants continue to launch volleys of rockets into northern Israel, killing two people in one attack on the city of Haifa.
Israel conducts air strikes on Beirut, Tyre and the southern port of Sidon, where Israeli missiles destroy the Sayyed al-Zahraa religious complex, which is linked to Hezbollah. Israeli troops bomb a textile factory in al-Manara, a Lebanese border town, killing one person.
John Bolton, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, rejects Syria's offer to enter talks with the U.S. to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Saudi Arabian officials, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, meet with U.S. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington, D.C., to discuss a ceasefire.
UN emergency relief chief Jan Egeland visits Beirut and calls for an end to the violence, saying the "disproportionate response by Israel is a violation of international humanitarian law."
The Department of Foreign Affairs announces that it has chartered a ship to take up to 1,000 Canadian citizens out of the southern Lebanese port of Tyre on July 26. The transportation out of Tyre means that Canadians there won't have to make the potentially dangerous trip to Beirut, where most Canadians are leaving Lebanon.
Explosions rock Lebanon, Israel
U.S. rejects Syrian call for ceasefire
Saudi Arabia seeks Lebanon ceasefire in meeting with Bush, Rice
Beirut bombings violate humanitarian law: UN
Ship will take Canadians from Tyre: Ottawa
July 22, 2006
Israel sends troops, tanks and bulldozers into southern Lebanon, seizing Maroun al-Ras, a large Lebanese border village.
Government spokesperson Avi Pazner says the attack is not an invasion and Israel has no intention of re-occupying Lebanon. "There is not yet a decision on an invasion of Lebanon," Pazner says.
Israeli planes fire missiles at communications towers in the mountains of northern and central Lebanon. The Lebanese Broadcasting Corp., the nation's leading private network, and two other TV stations go off the air within seconds.
Maj.-Gen. Sayyed Hassan Firuzabadi, the chairman of the joint chiefs of Iran's armed forces, says Iran would not join the fighting in the Middle East.
The Department of Foreign Affairs announces that about 2,000 more Canadians have been transported out of Lebanon to Cyprus.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announces that the number of refugees within Lebanon — 700,000 people displaced within the country by some estimates — could result in a "major humanitarian disaster."
Israeli forces enter southern Lebanon
Nearly 2,000 Canadians safely out of Lebanon
Lebanese refugees a potential disaster, Annan warns
July 21, 2006:
Israeli tanks and troops mass along the Lebanese border to prepare for a ground invasion. The action is designed to push Hezbollah back to create a buffer zone. A military radio station broadcasts warnings to southern Lebanon residents to leave the area.
A United Nations post near the Israeli-Lebanese border is hit, but reports about the attack's origin are conflicting. The Israeli army says Hezbollah rockets fell short of their targets and struck the post. An unnamed official at the UN post tells Canadian Press an Israeli artillery shell hit the building. The post is used by the UN interim force, which patrols the border established by the UN when Israeli troops withdrew from Lebanon six years ago.
Israeli troops — believed to be more than 1,000 soldiers — cross into Lebanon for the third straight day. Israeli air strikes hit Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and south Lebanon, sites thought to be Hezbollah strongholds. A section of Lebanon's oldest bridge, which is part of the Beirut-Damascus highway in central Lebanon, collapses after being hit with four Israeli missiles. Senior military officials say their offensive will not end until Israel can create a buffer zone by forcing Hezbollah to retreat behind the Litani river, 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Hezbollah launches rockets into northern Israel. Five rockets hit Haifa and injure at least six people. The militant group says it has fired about 900 rockets into Israel in the past 10 days.
Israel's ambassador to Canada, Alan Baker, rejects previous warnings of possible war crimes charges, saying Israel is attacking legitimate Hezbollah military targets.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she's heading to Israel to work toward a diplomatic solution but did not call for a ceasefire. She says the illegal Hezbollah attack on Israel was the cause of the violence, and a ceasefire would only be a short-term fix.
Israeli army massing on Lebanese border
Rice sees no quick fix in Mideast
July 20, 2006:
The first boatload of Canadians arrives in Cyprus, after a 15-hour trip from Lebanon. At least 1,375 Canadians leave Beirut on ships headed for the Turkish port of Mersin. The ships begin arriving in Turkey at night. Nearly 100 people fly to Ottawa on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government plane and the rest will take flights chartered by the federal government.
Three Israeli soldiers are wounded in two separate clashes with Hezbollah guerrillas inside southern Lebanon. Hezbollah says it destroyed two Israel tanks on the way to the border town of Maroun al-Ras. Israeli jets strike homes believed to be used by Hezbollah in the Lebanese town of Hermel, wounding three. Fighter jets also destroy another alleged Hezbollah site, a five-storey building in Baalbek.
The Israeli Army says a full-scale invasion of Lebanon is still a possibility.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan condemns Hezbollah's "provocative attack" and Israel's "disproportionate" response during a special session of the United Nations Security Council. He calls for an end to the hostilities. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour says that war crimes charges may be warranted against Israel and Hezbollah if steps aren't taken to protect civilians.
World leaders' reactions are split. Canada and the U.S. say Israel's response is measured. France and Russia condemn the air strikes, calling them an overreaction. Annan also says humanitarian groups cannot reach the more than 500,000 people in Lebanon who have been displaced or affected by the bombing.
Israeli troops cross Lebanese border
Canadians reach Cyprus after gruelling trip from Lebanon
70 troops off to Cyprus, navy ships on standby
'Hostilities must stop,' UN chief Annan says
July 19, 2006:
Canadians board the first ship out of the port of Beirut, chartered by Ottawa to rescue them from the strife-torn region. About 261 people board the ship, forcing the rest of the roughly 1,800 Canadians wanting to leave Beirut to stay one more night.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper makes a surprise announcement that he and his wife, Laureen, will fly to Cyprus and shuttle about 120 Canadians back home. He later flies to Cyprus with a skeleton crew to make room for those fleeing Lebanon.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora appeals for an end to the hostilities, which have left 300 dead and 1,000 wounded, the first official casualty figures out of Lebanon.
It is one of the deadliest days since the conflict began. Israeli troops clash with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israeli strikes kill at least 58 people in Lebanon and Hezbollah militants kill at least four Israelis. Hezbollah fires a rocket into northern Israel, killing three people – two of them children – in Nazareth. It marks the first direct hit on a holy town during this conflict. Israeli warplanes drop 23 one-tonne bombs – also known as "bunker busters" – on a suspected Hezbollah bunker. The militant organization says none of its members are killed.
There are 80 Israeli air strikes overnight.
Diplomatic efforts to cease the fighting continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaking via telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Hezbollah bunker bombed: Israeli military
Stranded Canadians begin boarding evacuation ship
Harper to fly to Cyprus to help with evacuation
July 18, 2006:
Israeli air strikes kill 11 Lebanese soldiers at an army base near Kfar Chima, as soldiers were heading for bomb shelters. Another 35 soldiers are injured.
The southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, and a coastal road north of Beirut are hit. Hezbollah rockets hit Israel, many in the northern city of Haifa.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan calls for an international force to stop the fighting in Lebanon. The U.S. and Israel have indicated they're not keen on the idea.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel will continue to hit Hezbollah targets until the soldiers captured by Hezbollah are freed and Israelis are safe from attacks.
Israeli air strikes overnight level almost 20 houses and buildings in Lebanon. The military says it has crushed about 50 per cent of Hezbollah's arsenal. A Christian suburb in Beirut is hit for the first time since the offensive began.
Israeli missiles hit Lebanese army base
July 17, 2006:
The Israeli army sends ground troops into Lebanon for a quick operation involving a small number of troops to reduce Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel, according to officials. Israeli warplanes pound Tripoli in northern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley in the east. At least 15 people are killed.
Nine Lebanese army soldiers are killed and more wounded in attacks on military bases at the nearby port of Abdeh on Lebanon's northern coast, Lebanese security sources tell Reuters. The Israeli air force also hits the eastern city of Baalbek. Six Lebanese civilians are killed in an air strike on the village of Aitaroun, witnesses tell Hezbollah TV, the Islamist organization's television station. In Gaza City, Israeli air strikes destroy the Palestinian Foreign Ministry building. Nine Lebanese civilians are killed in a missile attack in the city of Tyre — all from one family, six of them children.
In a news conference, the Israeli military says it hit 60 Hezbollah targets on Sunday alone.
Hezbollah fires hundreds of missiles back into Israel, some reaching as far south as Arafula, about 60 kilometres south of the border. A rocket fired from Lebanon hits Haifa, destroying a three-storey building and killing three people. Hezbollah rockets also hit the northern Israeli town of Safed, Israeli officials say. Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank city of Nablus ambush Israeli troops, killing one and wounding six others.
Israel says it would consider a ceasefire if Hezbollah agrees to pull back from the Lebanese border and release two captured Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah rejects Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's ceasefire offerings of July 18, saying they were just an excuse to let Israel continue its attacks. The ceasefire proposal does not curtail the air strikes — they continue in Lebanon and Israel late into the day.
Canada leases six ships from Cyprus to retrieve Canadians who want to leave strife-torn Lebanon, the Department of Foreign Affairs says. The ships will be able to transport about 4,500 people a day. Ottawa says the evacuation could begin by the middle of the week, but will only proceed if the vessels are allowed safe and secure passage.
Israel, Hezbollah trade attacks
Ottawa: Ships ready to take Canadians from Lebanon by midweek
July 16, 2006:
For the first time since fighting began, Israeli warplanes drop bombs on central Beirut, its suburbs and a major power station. Seven Canadians are killed, most of whom were members of an extended family from Montreal on vacation in the village of Aitaroun: Ali El-Akhras, his wife Amira and their four children aged one, four, six and eight.
Hezbollah carries out a missile attack on a rail repair plant that kills eight people in the Israeli city of Haifa. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warns that the attacks on Haifa would have "far-reaching consequences."
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay announces plans for evacuation of Canadian citizens from Lebanon.
Leaders of the Group of 8 industrial nations issue a statement calling for Israel to end its military actions in Lebanon and Gaza and for "extremist forces" to return Israeli soldiers captured in cross-border raids.
G8 calls for Israeli withdrawal, release of captured men
July 15, 2006:
Fifteen people, including a number of children, die in an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese police. Israel expands its range of targets to include the northern port city of Tripoli. Eighteen Lebanese villagers are killed while fleeing when missiles hit their vehicles en route to the southern city of Tyre.
Hezbollah fires rockets for the first time at the Israeli city of Tiberias, 35 kilometres south of the Lebanon-Israel border. No injuries were reported. Rockets also hit other cities along the border, including Nahariya, Safed, Mahanayim, Hatzor, Ben Ami and Karmiel.
More Israeli air strikes on southern Beirut as Israel sends troops into Gaza
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa calls on the United Nations Security Council to tackle the crisis.
July 14, 2006:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada is concerned about the "escalation of violence in the Middle East," adding that it is essential that Hezbollah release two captured Israeli soldiers and Hamas do the same with two others. On his way to the G8 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Harper indirectly appealed to the governments of Syria, Iran and Lebanon, asking them to "encourage the recognition of Israel's right to exist." Harper says Israel is simply defending itself against Hezbollah and he describes Israel's response to the kidnapping of its soldiers as "measured."
Israel pounds Lebanon, destroying Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut and smashing city roads and runways. Shortly after the attack, the organization's official television station, Hezbollah TV, played a recorded audio speech. Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the group's secretary general, says, "You want an open war, we will go to the open war. We are ready for it. War, war on every level."
Meanwhile, reports surface that a Hezbollah rocket in the northern Israeli town of Meron has killed an Israeli woman and a four-year-old girl.
The United Nations Security Council meets in an emergency session to discuss a request by Lebanon to condemn the Israeli attacks. It is unable to agree on a response, but issues a brief statement calling for countries in the region to co-operate with UN efforts to arrange a ceasefire.
'Escalation is inevitable' unless Israeli soldiers released: Harper
Hezbollah leader vows 'open war' on Israel
Intense diplomacy to stop Mideast fighting
July 13, 2006:
Israeli air strikes target Beirut's international airport, destroying runways and fuel storage tanks. Other attacks hit highways, including the main highway between Beirut and Damascus, and military bases. The Israeli strikes kill about 60 people in Lebanon. Israel's navy enforces a sea blockade of ports in Lebanon. Israel insists that Hezbollah will not be able to return to its former position along the international border.
Hezbollah responds to the first wave of Israeli strikes by firing more than 100 Katushya rockets into northern Israel, killing two civilians. A rocket hits Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, but Hezbollah does not claim responsibility.
Israeli assault on Lebanon and Gaza continues
July 12, 2006:
Hezbollah militants in Lebanon conduct a raid into Israel, killing as many as seven Israeli soldiers and wounding another eight. The militants also capture two Israeli soldiers.
Israel's Defence Ministry says the Lebanese government would be held responsible for the kidnappings.
Israeli rockets target roads and bridges in southern Lebanon in an apparent attempt to block escape routes and troops enter the country to search for the abducted soldiers. Eight soldiers are killed and two are injured during fighting with Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert calls the Hezbollah attack "an act of war."
Later,
Kenaz
Aug. 14, 2006
The shaky ceasefire held along the Lebanese-Israeli border on its first day, while leaders of the warring groups both claimed victory.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olhmert said his country's forces had delivered "a major blow to Hezbollah," while Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Islamic militant group, claimed a "strategic victory" over Israel.
Olhmert said Israel will continue to pursue Hezbollah.
Nasrallah claimed his militant Islamic group had achieved a "strategic, historic victory" against Israel. He also said it was the wrong time to publicly discuss disarming Hezbollah, which is a condition of the UN ceasefire.
Israeli troops clashed with Hezbollah militants in three separate skirmishes on the first day of the ceasefire, but there were no reports of major hostilities hours after the ceasefire came into effect.
Israel, Hezbollah both claim upper hand as ceasefire holds
Aug. 11, 2006
The UN Security Council votes 15-0 to adopt the resolution that calls for an end to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. It authorizes the deployment of UN peacekeepers to help Lebanese troops take control of south Lebanon as Israel withdraws.
Earlier in the day, the U.S. and France come to an agreement on the final wording of a draft UN resolution to halt the fighting. Both sides send the text to the governments of Israel and Lebanon. The draft calls for a "full cessation of hostilities." It tells Hezbollah militants to stop all attacks immediately and tells Israel to end "all offensive operations." After the fighting stops, Lebanon is to deploy its armed forces throughout southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws. The draft is presented to the UN Security Council for a vote.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert accepts the draft resolution, and will recommend that his government approve the deal in its meeting on Aug. 13.
But, the military offensive that expanded earlier on Friday continues. Israeli air strikes kill at least 14 people across Lebanon, including 12 in an attack on the Abboudiyeh border crossing into Syria. This leaves only one open border crossing from Lebanon into Syria.
Explosions are also reported in Beirut's southern suburbs. Israeli warplanes also hit three vehicles in the Lebanese city of Baalbek, killing at least one person.
Hezbollah fires more than 150 rockets into Israel.
UN prepares to vote as Israel expands Lebanese offensive
Aug. 10, 2006
The Israeli security cabinet decides to hold off a planned expansion of its ground offensive, to give diplomats a few more days to work on a ceasefire proposal. But Defence Minister Amir Peretz says the military will use "all of its tools" against Hezbollah if the UN ceasefire talks are unsuccessful.
Israeli forces take control of Marjayoun, a predominantly Christian town about eight kilometres north of the Israel-Lebanon border. Israeli warplanes drop leaflets that warn of a "painful and strong" response to Hezbollah, and tell residents in three southern suburbs to evacuate their homes. Lebanese officials say at least four civilians are killed.
Hezbollah fires 110 rockets into northern Israel by mid-afternoon, reportedly killing an Arab Israeli woman and her daughter.
Israel takes key town, delays expansion of push into Lebanon
Aug. 9, 2006
The Canadian Embassy in Beirut says Ottawa has booked two ships with room for about 2,400 Canadians still wanting to flee Lebanon. It says the ships will leave from Beirut to an undisclosed location next week.
Israel's security cabinet decides to expand its ground offensive in Lebanon toward the Litani River, about 30 kilometres from the Israel-Lebanon border. Just hours before, Maj.-Gen. Udi Adam is replaced as commander of Israeli forces in Lebanon by Maj.-Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky, the deputy chief of staff.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council continues to debate a draft resolution seeking a ceasefire to the fighting in Lebanon. In a televised speech, Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah warns Israeli Arabs to leave Haifa, as he threatens to intensify attacks on the Israeli city. He also says he approves of Lebanon's proposal to deploy 15,000 Lebanese troops to south Lebanon.
Eleven Israeli soldiers are killed during fighting with Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon. And at least four missiles from Israeli ships strike suburbs south of Beirut. Israeli air strikes also hit the largest of Lebanon's refugee camps for Palestinians and destroy a building in the Bekaa Valley, leaving a woman and four children under the rubble.
Israel to broaden ground offensive against Hezbollah
Hezbollah leader warns Arabs to leave Haifa
2 more ships to take Canadians from Beirut
Aug. 8, 2006
The UN Security council meets and representatives of the Arab League presents it with a new ceasefire plan, which involves Lebanon deploying 15,000 of its troops along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel is seriously considering this proposal, calling it "interesting," but says Hezbollah guerillas must be disarmed and removed as a threat first.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military drops leaflets in the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, warning people not to drive or their vehicles will be bombed. And Israeli air strikes hit Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, as Israeli forces also try to get control of the militant group's villages and sites used to launch rockets at northern Israel.
Hezbollah and Israeli troops exchange gunfire in near Bint Jbail, a militant stronghold that Israeli troops have been trying to capture for weeks. Hezbollah reportedly attacks Israeli troops near the town of Naquora, killing two Israeli reservists. The militant group fires about 90 rockets on northern Israel by the afternoon.
Arab League to present new ceasefire plan to UN
Israel to bomb all moving vehicles in southern Lebanon
Aug. 7, 2006
An Israeli air strike kills six civilians and wounds two people, all from the same family, in the village of Ghazzaniyeh. At least 49 people die in Israeli attacks.
Hezbollah rockets wound at least five people. The Israeli army says Hezbollah guerrillas killed two Israeli soldiers with an anti-tank missile in south Lebanon. Hours later, another Israeli soldier is killed by sniper fire.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora again calls for an immediate ceasefire during an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Beirut to discuss the UN Security Council draft resolution on a ceasefire.
The Lebanese government proposes sending 15,000 Lebanese troops to the Israel-Lebanon border to stand between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese troops would take control of south Lebanon and Israel would withdraw from the region. Lebanon would assert its control of the region and take control of Hezbollah strongholds.
Amnesty International holds vigils around the world calling for a ceasefire, including one outside Montreal's Mount-Royal metro station.
Lebanese PM renews ceasefire plea
Amnesty calls for Mideast ceasefire at Montreal vigil
Aug. 6, 2006
About 80 missiles hit towns across northern Israel, killing 15 Israelis and wounding dozens more — the deadliest attack on Israel since fighting began. Hezbollah also sends rockets into Haifa, killing three and wounding 40 others.
Israeli air strikes and artillery kill at least 13 people in southern Lebanon. Lebanese security officials say the bombing raid lasted for half an hour. Israeli soldiers move into the Lebanese town of Qana.
Diplomatic efforts continue to end the fighting. Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri rejects the U.S.-French draft resolution because it did not include the government’s plan for ending the fighting. The Lebanese cabinet votes unanimously to deploy 15,000 Lebanese soldiers to help 2,000 UN peacekeepers if there is a ceasefire and Israeli forces pull back.
At home in Montreal, Quebec politicians and Jewish and Muslim Canadians march through the city streets, calling for an end to the conflict in the Middle East.
Mideast fighting escalates amid efforts to secure ceasefire
Israeli commandos in gunfight near Tyre
Aug. 5, 2006
Israeli forces storm an apartment building and attack suspected Hezbollah guerillas in the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre. The raid was planned to destroy suspected Hezbollah launchers for long-range rockets. The Israeli army also drops leaflets on the city of Sidon, warning residents to leave the area immediately.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah fires more rockets into Israel.
Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting continue as the U.S. and France agree on a draft UN resolution after weeks of negotiation. The draft does not call for an immediate cessation of violence, but calls for Hezbollah to stop all military operations and for Israel to stop its offensive drive against Lebanon. The resolution would allow Israel to strike back if Hezbollah were to break a ceasefire. It also calls for a buffer zone in south Lebanon occupied only by international and Lebanese soldiers.
In Ottawa, about 1,000 people gather on Parliament Hill to protest the fighting in Lebanon.
Anti-war protesters rally on Parliament Hill
Israeli commandos in gunfight near Tyre
U.S., France agree on draft Mideast resolution
Aug. 4, 2006
Hezbollah rockets hit the Israeli city of Hadera, 75 kilometres south of the Israel-Lebanon border. There are no casualties, but the strike marks the farthest south that Hezbollah attacks have reached. Israeli authorities say about 190 rockets hit northern Israel.
Israeli air strikes hit Christian areas north of Beirut for the first time, killing four civilians and wounding 10. Air raids damage four bridges on the main north-south coastal road linking Beirut to Syria, further isolating Lebanon.
Liberal foreign affairs critic Keith Martin demands the Tories call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East conflict and calls for the Harper government to give more funding to aid organizations.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper tells a news conference that principles, not polls, will govern how the Conservatives establish policy, as 80 protesters gather outside the Conservative caucus retreat in response to Harper's refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire.
The body of Maj. Paeta Hess-von Kruedener comes home. Canadian military officials, dignitaries, colleagues, friends and family gather for a repatriation ceremony at CFB Trenton.
Liberals demand Tories call for immediate Mideast ceasefire
Harper remains firm on Mideast crisis, softwood
Canadian UN observer's body returned home
Aug. 3, 2006
Early in the morning, Israel launches air strikes near Beirut for the first time in nearly a week.
One Israeli soldier is killed and four others wounded in a battle with Hezbollah guerrillas in Ayt a-Shab in southern Lebanon.
At least eight Israeli civilians are killed as a result of rocket fire, while four Israeli soldiers are killed in clashes with Hezbollah and two others are wounded.
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah says his militant group will stop firing rockets on Israeli cities if Israel stops its attacks on Lebanese towns. He threatens to fire rockets at Tel Aviv if central Beirut is attacked.
A statement from the Israeli military says that its bombing of the Lebanese village of Qana was a mistake and that its attack guidelines would be evaluated and updated as a result.
Israel resumes attacks on Beirut
Hezbollah leader offers ceasefire, but threatens Tel Aviv
Qana attack a mistake, Israeli military concludes
Aug. 2, 2006
Hezbollah launches more than 210 rockets into northern Israel, the highest daily number in the conflict. One of the rockets hits Beit Shean, about 68 kilometres from the border, marking the deepest rocket strike into Israel so far. Another Hezbollah rocket hits the West Bank. An Israeli-American is killed and 58 other people injured across the country, police say.
A series of Israeli air raids, including a strike near a hospital in Al Jamaliyeh, kills 15 Lebanese civilians, witnesses say.
About 10,000 Israeli troops move into southern Lebanon, where they conduct house-to-house searches for Hezbollah fighters.
Mohammed al-Safadi, Lebanon's transport and public works minister, says the Israeli attacks have caused an estimated $2 billion US in damage on the country's infrastructure.
Israel renews strikes near Beirut
Hezbollah launches record number of rockets into Israel
Aug. 1, 2006
Israeli troops land by helicopter in northeastern Lebanon and launch strikes on a Hezbollah stronghold in Baalbek, their deepest ground attack in Lebanon since fighting began. The military confirms that it captured several guerrillas in the Baalbek operation.
Heavy fighting near the Lebanese border village of Aita al-Shaab kills three Israeli soldiers. The Israelis say they struck dozens of Hezbollah militants during the fighting.
Israeli planes hit Shia villages in south Lebanon and attack Hezbollah positions elsewhere in the country.
Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati asks Muslim countries to send weapons to Hezbollah to help in the fight against Israel.
Israeli troops push deeper into Lebanon
July 31, 2006:
Israeli air strikes resume in southern Lebanon less than 12 hours after the government announced a 48-hour suspension to investigate the civilian deaths in Qana.
One of the air strikes kills a Lebanese soldier in Tyre. Other air strikes took place in Taibe to support Israeli ground troops, the military said.
Hezbollah rockets hit Kiryet Shmona in northern Israel. No casualties were reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert apologizes for civilian casualties after an Israeli air strike in Qana, but pledges there will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah in the coming days.
Overnight, Israel's security cabinet approves expanding the military ground operation in southern Lebanon by a near-unanimous vote.
Israeli air strikes resume in Lebanon
Israel battling a 'vicious force': cabinet minister
Israel votes to expand ground attack
July 30, 2006
An early morning Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese town of Qana collapses a building, killing 28 people, many of them women and children. Lebanese officials say the civilians killed had taken refuge in the basement of the building.
Israeli officials say the neighbourhood was targeted based on intelligence that Hezbollah fighters had used it to launch rockets at northern Israel. They also say civilians were warned several days ago to leave Qana.
Hezbollah launches 157 rockets into northern Israel — the highest one-day total during the offensive. The rockets injure 13 people.
Following the Qana attack, Israel agrees to a 48-hour cessation of bombings over southern Lebanon while it investigates the incident. U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli says Israel and the UN will co-ordinate a 24-hour window for civilians to leave southern Lebanon if they wish.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cancels a planned visit to Beirut, hours after the air strike on Qana.
Israeli air strike kills dozens of civilians
Israel agrees to 48-hour suspension of air strikes
July 29, 2006
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives for talks in Jerusalem. Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah says he will co-operate with the Lebanese government in negotiations toward ending the crisis.
France drafts a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The proposal calls for a buffer zone in south Lebanon to be patrolled by international forces and the Lebanese army and the release of two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah.
Israeli officials reject a UN call for a 72-hour ceasefire to allow civilians to leave the region and help aid workers bring in humanitarian supplies. A government spokesman says the ceasefire is unnecessary "because Israel has opened humanitarian corridors to and from Lebanon."
An Israeli air strike on a house in the Lebanese village of Nmeiriya kills seven people, including a mother and her five children and another child.
Two UN peacekeepers from India are wounded in an Israeli air strike near their border post in Adaisseh in southern Lebanon.
Israeli warplanes struck the Lebanese side of the Syrian-Lebanese border, blocking fleeing refugees and humanitarian aid.
Israeli troops withdraw from Bint Jbail, saying their mission is finished. Israeli radio reports that Israeli troops had killed 50 guerrillas in the town over a week-long battle. Hezbollah leaders, however, say they had defeated the Israeli forces, killing 18 of their troops.
Hezbollah fires rockets at the northern Israeli town of Safid.
The last of Ottawa's scheduled ships from Lebanon leaves Beirut, carrying hundreds of Canadians, but Foreign Affairs officials say they'll continue to help any Canadians who want to leave. An estimated 13,000 Canadian have left Lebanon during the daily evacuations.
Nasrallah ready to talk as Rice returns to Mideast
2 Indian UN peacekeepers wounded in southern Lebanon
Canadian evacuees reach 13,000 as 2 ships leave Beirut
July 28, 2006
Israeli defence forces say their warplanes hit 130 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight, including a base in the Bekaa Valley where long-range rockets were stored. Lebanese security officials say the raids killed three people and wounded nine, including four children.
The Israeli army says it has killed about 200 Hezbollah guerrillas since it launched its offensive more than two weeks ago. Hezbollah refutes the claim, saying it has fewer casualties, but provides no number.
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud tells CBC's Nahlah Ayed that Hezbollah has the complete backing of his government.
A United Nations official says the UN will remove 50 members of the unarmed Truce Supervision Organization from posts along the border between Israel and Lebanon to ensure their safety.
Canada's evacuation effort rescues more than 1,000 people, 877 of them Canadians, from Beirut, leaving by boat for Larnaca, Cyprus.
U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair announce that they will seek a UN resolution to send a multinational force to south Lebanon to end the conflict.
Missiles hit Hezbollah base, buildings and hideouts, Israel says
Lebanese president gives full backing to Hezbollah
UN removes unarmed observers from border
Ottawa winds down daily Lebanon evacuations
Bush, Blair call for multinational force to keep order in Lebanon
July 27, 2006
Israeli jets carry out air strikes, including more than 30 bombing runs in the southern region of Iqlim al-Tuffah. The air strikes hit roads in the south and east, as well as a Lebanese army base in the north. An Israeli missile strikes the car of a Lebanese policeman in the eastern city of Zahle, killing him.
Ground fighting and rocket attacks continue along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah rockets hit a vacant laundry-detergent plant in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shemona.
The Israeli cabinet votes to call up reserve units, but rules out expanding its military campaign against Hezbollah.
Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon says the international summit in Rome on the conflict gave Israel permission to continue its operation in Lebanon. European Union officials vehemently disagree, saying that nearly every country represented at the conference called for a ceasefire.
Ayman al-Zawahri, second-in-command of al-Qaeda, says the militant group now sees "all the world as a battlefield open in front of us." In a video message broadcast by Arab television network Al-Jazeera, al-Zawahri threatens to retaliate against the "crusader coalition."
Canadian Foreign Affairs evacuates 1,724 people out of Beirut. The department says that daily ship departures from the port will continue until Saturday and that the Canadian Embassy in Beirut is no longer contacting registered Canadians to board evacuation ships.
Mideast foes trade air strikes, rocket attacks
Israel calls up reserves, but won't expand military operation
'We will attack everywhere,' al-Qaeda leader warns
Evacuees pack Beirut port, after talks fail to bring ceasefire
Postcards urge PM to call for Mideast ceasefire
Wife of Canadian UN observer prays for a 'miracle'
July 26, 2006
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert apologizes to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for the bombing of a UN post in southern Lebanon the day before. Olmert says the attacks were a mistake and promises a full investigation.
A preliminary UN report says UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon called the Israeli military 10 times in six hours asking them to stop bombing in the area, before the post was hit.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper calls the attack a "terrible tragedy" but says he doubts the attack was deliberate.
Olmert also says Israel wants to establish a two-kilometre-wide "security zone" in south Lebanon, free of Hezbollah guerillas.
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah says they will start firing rockets capable of reaching deeper into Israel.
Israeli troops continue to fight for control of Bint Jbeil, a Hezbollah stronghold. About 20 Israeli rockets hit a southern suburb of Beirut, another Hezbollah site.
U.S., European, Arab and Canadian officials – including Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay – meet in Rome and say they should work towards a ceasefire, but can't agree on a plan to put it in place. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the summit must work to end the violence, but they cannot return to the "status quo" of instability in Lebanon. Annan says any solution to the region's violence must include Iran and Syria.
Canadians trying to leave Lebanon head for the city of Tyre, where they board a Canadian-chartered ship waiting offshore, headed for Cyprus.
Harper doubts UN post deliberately targeted
Israeli troops battle Hezbollah guerrillas for control of border town
World leaders want ceasefire, but fail to work out details
Stranded Canadians shuttled to waiting ship in Lebanon
July 25, 2006
Saudi Arabia's king urges Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon, warning the violence could plunge the Middle East into a regional war if a ceasefire can't be forged.
The United States says it won't pressure Israel for a quick end to its military campaign against Hezbollah.
Opponents to Israel's military campaign in Lebanon and Gaza organize a general strike throughout the West Bank.
Demonstrators in Ramallah briefly clash with Palestinian police, throwing rocks as police beat them back with sticks.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reaffirms Washington's commitment to a future two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Saudi Arabia pledges a $1.5-billion US donation to Lebanon to help with the reconstruction of the country and to restart the economy.
Hezbollah rockets kill a teenage girl and injure more than 30 people in northern Israel.
Israel says its troops are focused solely on crushing Hezbollah outposts and rocket-launching sites near the border with Israel. Israel says it has no intention of sending ground forces beyond southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military seals off the Lebanese border town of Bint Jbeil, a Hezbollah stronghold.
However, Israel says it will open safe delivery passages into Lebanon for humanitarian aid.
Israel air strikes hit a United Nations post, killing three UN observers, including a Canadian. One observer is missing. Officials say the observers are from Austria, China, Finland and Canada. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says the UN post near Khiam, Lebanon, was clearly marked and Israel had assured them it would not be targeted by Israeli forces. Annan calls the attack "apparently deliberate".
Saudi king warns of regional war if strikes continue in Lebanon
U.S. won't pressure Israel for quick end to violence: Rice
July 24, 2006
Canadian soldiers help about a dozen Canadians flee from Tyre and get on a Cyprus-bound ship chartered by the Canadian government.
Three Palestinians die and eight are wounded after the Israeli military shells Beit Lahiya, a town in the Gaza Strip.
A Canadian-born pilot serving in the Israeli Air Force dies after his helicopter crashes in northern Israel.
An Israeli helicopter crashes near the Lebanese border, injuring six soldiers and sparking a huge fire.
Humanitarian aid begins to arrive in the port of Beirut after the Israeli navy lifts its blockade.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrives in Beirut on a surprise visit. She says a ceasefire is urgently needed, but only if conditions exist to make it sustainable.
UN emergency relief chief Jan Egeland announces that $171 million is needed to deliver food, medicine, clean water and sanitation services to the Lebanese people over the next three months.
Canadian soldiers help dozens escape Lebanon
Canadian-born pilot killed in Israeli helicopter crash
Israeli troops capture 2 Hezbollah guerrillas in fierce fighting
Annan, Rice intensify diplomatic efforts to end conflict in Lebanon
'Significant' American aid on way to Lebanon
July 23, 2006
Hezbollah militants continue to launch volleys of rockets into northern Israel, killing two people in one attack on the city of Haifa.
Israel conducts air strikes on Beirut, Tyre and the southern port of Sidon, where Israeli missiles destroy the Sayyed al-Zahraa religious complex, which is linked to Hezbollah. Israeli troops bomb a textile factory in al-Manara, a Lebanese border town, killing one person.
John Bolton, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, rejects Syria's offer to enter talks with the U.S. to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Saudi Arabian officials, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, meet with U.S. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington, D.C., to discuss a ceasefire.
UN emergency relief chief Jan Egeland visits Beirut and calls for an end to the violence, saying the "disproportionate response by Israel is a violation of international humanitarian law."
The Department of Foreign Affairs announces that it has chartered a ship to take up to 1,000 Canadian citizens out of the southern Lebanese port of Tyre on July 26. The transportation out of Tyre means that Canadians there won't have to make the potentially dangerous trip to Beirut, where most Canadians are leaving Lebanon.
Explosions rock Lebanon, Israel
U.S. rejects Syrian call for ceasefire
Saudi Arabia seeks Lebanon ceasefire in meeting with Bush, Rice
Beirut bombings violate humanitarian law: UN
Ship will take Canadians from Tyre: Ottawa
July 22, 2006
Israel sends troops, tanks and bulldozers into southern Lebanon, seizing Maroun al-Ras, a large Lebanese border village.
Government spokesperson Avi Pazner says the attack is not an invasion and Israel has no intention of re-occupying Lebanon. "There is not yet a decision on an invasion of Lebanon," Pazner says.
Israeli planes fire missiles at communications towers in the mountains of northern and central Lebanon. The Lebanese Broadcasting Corp., the nation's leading private network, and two other TV stations go off the air within seconds.
Maj.-Gen. Sayyed Hassan Firuzabadi, the chairman of the joint chiefs of Iran's armed forces, says Iran would not join the fighting in the Middle East.
The Department of Foreign Affairs announces that about 2,000 more Canadians have been transported out of Lebanon to Cyprus.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announces that the number of refugees within Lebanon — 700,000 people displaced within the country by some estimates — could result in a "major humanitarian disaster."
Israeli forces enter southern Lebanon
Nearly 2,000 Canadians safely out of Lebanon
Lebanese refugees a potential disaster, Annan warns
July 21, 2006:
Israeli tanks and troops mass along the Lebanese border to prepare for a ground invasion. The action is designed to push Hezbollah back to create a buffer zone. A military radio station broadcasts warnings to southern Lebanon residents to leave the area.
A United Nations post near the Israeli-Lebanese border is hit, but reports about the attack's origin are conflicting. The Israeli army says Hezbollah rockets fell short of their targets and struck the post. An unnamed official at the UN post tells Canadian Press an Israeli artillery shell hit the building. The post is used by the UN interim force, which patrols the border established by the UN when Israeli troops withdrew from Lebanon six years ago.
Israeli troops — believed to be more than 1,000 soldiers — cross into Lebanon for the third straight day. Israeli air strikes hit Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and south Lebanon, sites thought to be Hezbollah strongholds. A section of Lebanon's oldest bridge, which is part of the Beirut-Damascus highway in central Lebanon, collapses after being hit with four Israeli missiles. Senior military officials say their offensive will not end until Israel can create a buffer zone by forcing Hezbollah to retreat behind the Litani river, 30 kilometres north of the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Hezbollah launches rockets into northern Israel. Five rockets hit Haifa and injure at least six people. The militant group says it has fired about 900 rockets into Israel in the past 10 days.
Israel's ambassador to Canada, Alan Baker, rejects previous warnings of possible war crimes charges, saying Israel is attacking legitimate Hezbollah military targets.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she's heading to Israel to work toward a diplomatic solution but did not call for a ceasefire. She says the illegal Hezbollah attack on Israel was the cause of the violence, and a ceasefire would only be a short-term fix.
Israeli army massing on Lebanese border
Rice sees no quick fix in Mideast
July 20, 2006:
The first boatload of Canadians arrives in Cyprus, after a 15-hour trip from Lebanon. At least 1,375 Canadians leave Beirut on ships headed for the Turkish port of Mersin. The ships begin arriving in Turkey at night. Nearly 100 people fly to Ottawa on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government plane and the rest will take flights chartered by the federal government.
Three Israeli soldiers are wounded in two separate clashes with Hezbollah guerrillas inside southern Lebanon. Hezbollah says it destroyed two Israel tanks on the way to the border town of Maroun al-Ras. Israeli jets strike homes believed to be used by Hezbollah in the Lebanese town of Hermel, wounding three. Fighter jets also destroy another alleged Hezbollah site, a five-storey building in Baalbek.
The Israeli Army says a full-scale invasion of Lebanon is still a possibility.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan condemns Hezbollah's "provocative attack" and Israel's "disproportionate" response during a special session of the United Nations Security Council. He calls for an end to the hostilities. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour says that war crimes charges may be warranted against Israel and Hezbollah if steps aren't taken to protect civilians.
World leaders' reactions are split. Canada and the U.S. say Israel's response is measured. France and Russia condemn the air strikes, calling them an overreaction. Annan also says humanitarian groups cannot reach the more than 500,000 people in Lebanon who have been displaced or affected by the bombing.
Israeli troops cross Lebanese border
Canadians reach Cyprus after gruelling trip from Lebanon
70 troops off to Cyprus, navy ships on standby
'Hostilities must stop,' UN chief Annan says
July 19, 2006:
Canadians board the first ship out of the port of Beirut, chartered by Ottawa to rescue them from the strife-torn region. About 261 people board the ship, forcing the rest of the roughly 1,800 Canadians wanting to leave Beirut to stay one more night.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper makes a surprise announcement that he and his wife, Laureen, will fly to Cyprus and shuttle about 120 Canadians back home. He later flies to Cyprus with a skeleton crew to make room for those fleeing Lebanon.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora appeals for an end to the hostilities, which have left 300 dead and 1,000 wounded, the first official casualty figures out of Lebanon.
It is one of the deadliest days since the conflict began. Israeli troops clash with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israeli strikes kill at least 58 people in Lebanon and Hezbollah militants kill at least four Israelis. Hezbollah fires a rocket into northern Israel, killing three people – two of them children – in Nazareth. It marks the first direct hit on a holy town during this conflict. Israeli warplanes drop 23 one-tonne bombs – also known as "bunker busters" – on a suspected Hezbollah bunker. The militant organization says none of its members are killed.
There are 80 Israeli air strikes overnight.
Diplomatic efforts to cease the fighting continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaking via telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Hezbollah bunker bombed: Israeli military
Stranded Canadians begin boarding evacuation ship
Harper to fly to Cyprus to help with evacuation
July 18, 2006:
Israeli air strikes kill 11 Lebanese soldiers at an army base near Kfar Chima, as soldiers were heading for bomb shelters. Another 35 soldiers are injured.
The southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, and a coastal road north of Beirut are hit. Hezbollah rockets hit Israel, many in the northern city of Haifa.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan calls for an international force to stop the fighting in Lebanon. The U.S. and Israel have indicated they're not keen on the idea.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel will continue to hit Hezbollah targets until the soldiers captured by Hezbollah are freed and Israelis are safe from attacks.
Israeli air strikes overnight level almost 20 houses and buildings in Lebanon. The military says it has crushed about 50 per cent of Hezbollah's arsenal. A Christian suburb in Beirut is hit for the first time since the offensive began.
Israeli missiles hit Lebanese army base
July 17, 2006:
The Israeli army sends ground troops into Lebanon for a quick operation involving a small number of troops to reduce Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel, according to officials. Israeli warplanes pound Tripoli in northern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley in the east. At least 15 people are killed.
Nine Lebanese army soldiers are killed and more wounded in attacks on military bases at the nearby port of Abdeh on Lebanon's northern coast, Lebanese security sources tell Reuters. The Israeli air force also hits the eastern city of Baalbek. Six Lebanese civilians are killed in an air strike on the village of Aitaroun, witnesses tell Hezbollah TV, the Islamist organization's television station. In Gaza City, Israeli air strikes destroy the Palestinian Foreign Ministry building. Nine Lebanese civilians are killed in a missile attack in the city of Tyre — all from one family, six of them children.
In a news conference, the Israeli military says it hit 60 Hezbollah targets on Sunday alone.
Hezbollah fires hundreds of missiles back into Israel, some reaching as far south as Arafula, about 60 kilometres south of the border. A rocket fired from Lebanon hits Haifa, destroying a three-storey building and killing three people. Hezbollah rockets also hit the northern Israeli town of Safed, Israeli officials say. Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank city of Nablus ambush Israeli troops, killing one and wounding six others.
Israel says it would consider a ceasefire if Hezbollah agrees to pull back from the Lebanese border and release two captured Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah rejects Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's ceasefire offerings of July 18, saying they were just an excuse to let Israel continue its attacks. The ceasefire proposal does not curtail the air strikes — they continue in Lebanon and Israel late into the day.
Canada leases six ships from Cyprus to retrieve Canadians who want to leave strife-torn Lebanon, the Department of Foreign Affairs says. The ships will be able to transport about 4,500 people a day. Ottawa says the evacuation could begin by the middle of the week, but will only proceed if the vessels are allowed safe and secure passage.
Israel, Hezbollah trade attacks
Ottawa: Ships ready to take Canadians from Lebanon by midweek
July 16, 2006:
For the first time since fighting began, Israeli warplanes drop bombs on central Beirut, its suburbs and a major power station. Seven Canadians are killed, most of whom were members of an extended family from Montreal on vacation in the village of Aitaroun: Ali El-Akhras, his wife Amira and their four children aged one, four, six and eight.
Hezbollah carries out a missile attack on a rail repair plant that kills eight people in the Israeli city of Haifa. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warns that the attacks on Haifa would have "far-reaching consequences."
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay announces plans for evacuation of Canadian citizens from Lebanon.
Leaders of the Group of 8 industrial nations issue a statement calling for Israel to end its military actions in Lebanon and Gaza and for "extremist forces" to return Israeli soldiers captured in cross-border raids.
G8 calls for Israeli withdrawal, release of captured men
July 15, 2006:
Fifteen people, including a number of children, die in an Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese police. Israel expands its range of targets to include the northern port city of Tripoli. Eighteen Lebanese villagers are killed while fleeing when missiles hit their vehicles en route to the southern city of Tyre.
Hezbollah fires rockets for the first time at the Israeli city of Tiberias, 35 kilometres south of the Lebanon-Israel border. No injuries were reported. Rockets also hit other cities along the border, including Nahariya, Safed, Mahanayim, Hatzor, Ben Ami and Karmiel.
More Israeli air strikes on southern Beirut as Israel sends troops into Gaza
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa calls on the United Nations Security Council to tackle the crisis.
July 14, 2006:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada is concerned about the "escalation of violence in the Middle East," adding that it is essential that Hezbollah release two captured Israeli soldiers and Hamas do the same with two others. On his way to the G8 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Harper indirectly appealed to the governments of Syria, Iran and Lebanon, asking them to "encourage the recognition of Israel's right to exist." Harper says Israel is simply defending itself against Hezbollah and he describes Israel's response to the kidnapping of its soldiers as "measured."
Israel pounds Lebanon, destroying Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut and smashing city roads and runways. Shortly after the attack, the organization's official television station, Hezbollah TV, played a recorded audio speech. Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the group's secretary general, says, "You want an open war, we will go to the open war. We are ready for it. War, war on every level."
Meanwhile, reports surface that a Hezbollah rocket in the northern Israeli town of Meron has killed an Israeli woman and a four-year-old girl.
The United Nations Security Council meets in an emergency session to discuss a request by Lebanon to condemn the Israeli attacks. It is unable to agree on a response, but issues a brief statement calling for countries in the region to co-operate with UN efforts to arrange a ceasefire.
'Escalation is inevitable' unless Israeli soldiers released: Harper
Hezbollah leader vows 'open war' on Israel
Intense diplomacy to stop Mideast fighting
July 13, 2006:
Israeli air strikes target Beirut's international airport, destroying runways and fuel storage tanks. Other attacks hit highways, including the main highway between Beirut and Damascus, and military bases. The Israeli strikes kill about 60 people in Lebanon. Israel's navy enforces a sea blockade of ports in Lebanon. Israel insists that Hezbollah will not be able to return to its former position along the international border.
Hezbollah responds to the first wave of Israeli strikes by firing more than 100 Katushya rockets into northern Israel, killing two civilians. A rocket hits Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, but Hezbollah does not claim responsibility.
Israeli assault on Lebanon and Gaza continues
July 12, 2006:
Hezbollah militants in Lebanon conduct a raid into Israel, killing as many as seven Israeli soldiers and wounding another eight. The militants also capture two Israeli soldiers.
Israel's Defence Ministry says the Lebanese government would be held responsible for the kidnappings.
Israeli rockets target roads and bridges in southern Lebanon in an apparent attempt to block escape routes and troops enter the country to search for the abducted soldiers. Eight soldiers are killed and two are injured during fighting with Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert calls the Hezbollah attack "an act of war."
Later,
Kenaz
Arch Oboler Marathon
This weeks marathon over at Kenaz's Old Time Radio includes the works of Arch Oboler. Arch Oboler's Plays was a radio drama series written, produced and directed by Arch Oboler. Minus a sponsor, it ran for one year, airing Saturday evenings on NBC from March 25, 1939 to March 23, 1940 and revived five years later on Mutual for a sustaining summer run from April 5, 1945 to October 11, 1945.
Leading film actors were heard on this series, including Gloria Blondell, Eddie Cantor, James Cagney, Ronald Colman, Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Elsa Lanchester, Peter Lorre, Frank Lovejoy, Raymond Massey, Burgess Meredith, Paul Muni, Alla Nazimova, Edmond O'Brien, Geraldine Page, Gale Sondergaard, Franchot Tone and George Zucco.
Click on the radio in the side bar to go to my live365 home page. There you can get your weeks free trial and listen in.
Enjoy,
Kenaz
Leading film actors were heard on this series, including Gloria Blondell, Eddie Cantor, James Cagney, Ronald Colman, Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Elsa Lanchester, Peter Lorre, Frank Lovejoy, Raymond Massey, Burgess Meredith, Paul Muni, Alla Nazimova, Edmond O'Brien, Geraldine Page, Gale Sondergaard, Franchot Tone and George Zucco.
Click on the radio in the side bar to go to my live365 home page. There you can get your weeks free trial and listen in.
Enjoy,
Kenaz
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Former McMaster and Tiger-Cat running back is earning praise from Redskins'
Early reports from training camp have been effusive in their praise of the former Hamilton Tiger-Cat and McMaster Marauder.
USA Today called him the player of the opening week for Washington. The Hampton Roads (Virginia) Daily Press said his has been the most impressive showing by anyone at camp. And the Roanoke Times says he's taken significant steps toward making the team.
Most important, however, has been the praise of head coach Joe Gibbs, whose opinion is the one that really matters in the end. Gibbs has gushed at Jess' quickness and called his promising. This will lead to more work.
Some of that work came last week in a controlled scrimmage with the Baltimore Ravens.
In front of 47,000 fans -- more people than he'd ever played in front of in his life -- Lumsden collected a game-high 32 yards, including the Skins' only touchdown on a 12-yard run.
On Sunday night (televised on NBC at 8), he's expected to get even more work and a longer look when Washington visits the Cincinnati Bengals in both teams' first exhibition game.
The Redskins are deep at running back so Jess' could have an uphill battle to land a spot, but it wouldn't be his first.
He's even managed to get the attention of the team's rabid fan club, in an interview, on thehogs.net this was exchanged:
You saw a lot of action in Saturday's scrimmage, you saw a lot of special teams work... obviously that must have given you a lot of confidence. What positive and/or negative feedback did you receive from the coaching staff after the game?
Jesse: You know, there are always corrections to be made, so I need to do a few things better on special teams and I need to do a few things better on offense but I did receive some very positive feedback and it definitely helps.
THN: I thought your teams work was excellent. There were a few kick returns where you were the first one down the field and kept your lane... I'm sure Danny Smith was probably happy with that...
Jesse: He's always very quick to compliment somebody if they do something right.
Perhaps the only misstep in coverage of him thus far has been American newspapers' insistence on calling his alma mater McMaster College. Yeesh.
Later,
Kenaz
USA Today called him the player of the opening week for Washington. The Hampton Roads (Virginia) Daily Press said his has been the most impressive showing by anyone at camp. And the Roanoke Times says he's taken significant steps toward making the team.
Most important, however, has been the praise of head coach Joe Gibbs, whose opinion is the one that really matters in the end. Gibbs has gushed at Jess' quickness and called his promising. This will lead to more work.
Some of that work came last week in a controlled scrimmage with the Baltimore Ravens.
In front of 47,000 fans -- more people than he'd ever played in front of in his life -- Lumsden collected a game-high 32 yards, including the Skins' only touchdown on a 12-yard run.
On Sunday night (televised on NBC at 8), he's expected to get even more work and a longer look when Washington visits the Cincinnati Bengals in both teams' first exhibition game.
The Redskins are deep at running back so Jess' could have an uphill battle to land a spot, but it wouldn't be his first.
He's even managed to get the attention of the team's rabid fan club, in an interview, on thehogs.net this was exchanged:
You saw a lot of action in Saturday's scrimmage, you saw a lot of special teams work... obviously that must have given you a lot of confidence. What positive and/or negative feedback did you receive from the coaching staff after the game?
Jesse: You know, there are always corrections to be made, so I need to do a few things better on special teams and I need to do a few things better on offense but I did receive some very positive feedback and it definitely helps.
THN: I thought your teams work was excellent. There were a few kick returns where you were the first one down the field and kept your lane... I'm sure Danny Smith was probably happy with that...
Jesse: He's always very quick to compliment somebody if they do something right.
Perhaps the only misstep in coverage of him thus far has been American newspapers' insistence on calling his alma mater McMaster College. Yeesh.
Later,
Kenaz
Harper is drowning in the Mid-East mire of turmoil
Governments, like the one created by Orwell love to change history. More interestingly still, they sometimes totally re-create it.
Last month, Stephen Harper's starting point for the mid-east crisis was Hezbollah's seizure of two Israeli soldiers as bargaining chips and its periodic cross-border rocket attacks. Now, as events accelerate forward, the prime minister has taken out his sharpie and began editing.
This week's startling move to appoint a Muslim Liberal as a special Middle East and South Asia adviser follows last week's subtle "adjustments" in Harper's original approval of the Israeli assault on Lebanon as "measured." Both are, of course, just political BS.
Instead of admitting he has no clue what he is talking about, the prime minister went shopping for someone knowledgeable in mid-east affairs. That man was Wajid Khan. His job now is to is to be Harpers "mind speak" editor and readjust the dates for the first salvoes of war. Harper now has an adviser who can be either ignored or used to embarrass Liberals. The later will not happen, but should. Harper will maintain his carefully crafted image of a leader who isn't afraid to make unpopular decisions.
This is the prime minister's public persona. In contrast to his progressive Conservative election campaign performance, Harper in power is the Reformer.
Ruling as if he has a majority and from within a closed inner circle, he is simultaneously trying to change the country and secure a second mandate. Spring saw that process advance surprisingly effortlessly while summer is proving hard work.
By beginning his Middle East history in early July, the prime minister forgot a lot of things Canadians remember. He skipped Israel's earlier invasion and 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon.
Was it amnesia or the more severe problem of myopia. Had Middle East events not followed their predictable course, Harper might have scored a hat trick by defining his leadership, moving Canadian foreign policy to the political right and wooing Jewish support away from Liberals.
Instead, in the Middle East as well as in Afghanistan, Harper is now on the other side of the peace issue to most Canadians and particularly Quebecers with the power to deny a majority.
If it wasn't for war Americans wouldn't learn geography. It's now as apt to say that foreign affairs are a way of teaching new Canadian prime ministers history. It's time for Harper to sink or swim.
Later,
Kenaz
Last month, Stephen Harper's starting point for the mid-east crisis was Hezbollah's seizure of two Israeli soldiers as bargaining chips and its periodic cross-border rocket attacks. Now, as events accelerate forward, the prime minister has taken out his sharpie and began editing.
This week's startling move to appoint a Muslim Liberal as a special Middle East and South Asia adviser follows last week's subtle "adjustments" in Harper's original approval of the Israeli assault on Lebanon as "measured." Both are, of course, just political BS.
Instead of admitting he has no clue what he is talking about, the prime minister went shopping for someone knowledgeable in mid-east affairs. That man was Wajid Khan. His job now is to is to be Harpers "mind speak" editor and readjust the dates for the first salvoes of war. Harper now has an adviser who can be either ignored or used to embarrass Liberals. The later will not happen, but should. Harper will maintain his carefully crafted image of a leader who isn't afraid to make unpopular decisions.
This is the prime minister's public persona. In contrast to his progressive Conservative election campaign performance, Harper in power is the Reformer.
Ruling as if he has a majority and from within a closed inner circle, he is simultaneously trying to change the country and secure a second mandate. Spring saw that process advance surprisingly effortlessly while summer is proving hard work.
By beginning his Middle East history in early July, the prime minister forgot a lot of things Canadians remember. He skipped Israel's earlier invasion and 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon.
Was it amnesia or the more severe problem of myopia. Had Middle East events not followed their predictable course, Harper might have scored a hat trick by defining his leadership, moving Canadian foreign policy to the political right and wooing Jewish support away from Liberals.
Instead, in the Middle East as well as in Afghanistan, Harper is now on the other side of the peace issue to most Canadians and particularly Quebecers with the power to deny a majority.
If it wasn't for war Americans wouldn't learn geography. It's now as apt to say that foreign affairs are a way of teaching new Canadian prime ministers history. It's time for Harper to sink or swim.
Later,
Kenaz
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Peacekeepers' Day in Canada
Over fifty years ago, Lester B. Pearson, Canada's leading diplomat and later our Prime Minister, won the Nobel Peace Prize for his epochal plan to send troops from UN Member States to get between warring factions in international trouble spots. The legacy of that contribution is being implicitly honoured in several provinces and cities across Canada.
While Peacekeepers' Day in Canada falls on 9 August, specifically to commemorate the deaths of nine Canadian UN peacekeepers whose aircraft was shot down over Lebanon on that date in 1974, it also more contemporaneously remembers the 110 peacekeepers killed so far in far-flung places where the United Nations has intervened to save lives.
Canada's involvement in United Nations peacekeeping dates back to 1948, when it contributed to the force sent to the Middle East to monitor a ceasefire between Israeli and Arab armies. Over the years, Canadian peacekeepers have participated in 66 missions in the Middle East, the Balkans, India-Pakistan, Africa and Central America.
Lester B. Pearson assisted in the formation of the UN Charter in 1945 and was President of the seventh UN General Assembly in 1952. He was an initiator of the idea of peacekeeping as a meaningful UN role and recommended that UN troops be sent to Egypt to restore peace during the 1956 Suez crisis, for which he was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize. He was Canada's Prime Minister from 1963 to 1968.
Peace to all our fallen heros.
Later,
Kenaz
While Peacekeepers' Day in Canada falls on 9 August, specifically to commemorate the deaths of nine Canadian UN peacekeepers whose aircraft was shot down over Lebanon on that date in 1974, it also more contemporaneously remembers the 110 peacekeepers killed so far in far-flung places where the United Nations has intervened to save lives.
Canada's involvement in United Nations peacekeeping dates back to 1948, when it contributed to the force sent to the Middle East to monitor a ceasefire between Israeli and Arab armies. Over the years, Canadian peacekeepers have participated in 66 missions in the Middle East, the Balkans, India-Pakistan, Africa and Central America.
Lester B. Pearson assisted in the formation of the UN Charter in 1945 and was President of the seventh UN General Assembly in 1952. He was an initiator of the idea of peacekeeping as a meaningful UN role and recommended that UN troops be sent to Egypt to restore peace during the 1956 Suez crisis, for which he was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize. He was Canada's Prime Minister from 1963 to 1968.
Peace to all our fallen heros.
Later,
Kenaz
Monday, August 07, 2006
Canadian soldiers deserve answers not semantics
What I said was, this mission is worthwhile … and you are the right kind of folks to do it," the chief of defence staff told reporters.
Infamous words from Gen. Rick Hillier as he saw off 140 soldiers for a six-month deployment in Afghanistan.
The deaths of four soldiers again have raised questions about what is exactly Canada's role in Afghanistan.
Two roadside bombs hit a Canadian military convoy just west of Kandahar on Friday, a day after the deaths of four soldiers. One of the bombs detonated between two vehicles, but there was no major damage and the convoy continued to drive through the danger zone.
A day earlier, four Canadian soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in attacks near Kandahar in the bloodiest day of fighting so far for Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Vaughn Ingram, Cpl. Bryce Jeffrey Keller and Pte. Kevin Dallaire of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton were killed Thursday when Taliban militants attacked soldiers with rocket-propelled grenades on the outskirts of Kandahar.
Earlier in the day, Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid of Truro, N.S., was killed near Kandahar when a roadside bomb exploded near his armoured vehicle. Six other Canadians were wounded on Thursday.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is playing word games with the people of Canada. He is distorting and changing the scope of the mission in Afghanistan with every misleading syllable that spills from his forked tongue. Canadians believed that the focus of this mission when it began was one based on reconstructing a country destroyed by the Taliban. The mission's original mandate was development, diplomacy and defence. Today it appears to be solely combat.
Harper insisted it's only through combat missions that Afghanistan will eventually be at peace.
Twenty four Canadian soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice, another eighty-four have been injured, for what? For Harper's piece of mind. So he can report back to his American chess masters and say what a good boy am I?
Canadian soldiers role in the UN is of one pacifism, not as a pawn in a war we can't win.
Later,
Kenaz
Infamous words from Gen. Rick Hillier as he saw off 140 soldiers for a six-month deployment in Afghanistan.
The deaths of four soldiers again have raised questions about what is exactly Canada's role in Afghanistan.
Two roadside bombs hit a Canadian military convoy just west of Kandahar on Friday, a day after the deaths of four soldiers. One of the bombs detonated between two vehicles, but there was no major damage and the convoy continued to drive through the danger zone.
A day earlier, four Canadian soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in attacks near Kandahar in the bloodiest day of fighting so far for Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Vaughn Ingram, Cpl. Bryce Jeffrey Keller and Pte. Kevin Dallaire of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton were killed Thursday when Taliban militants attacked soldiers with rocket-propelled grenades on the outskirts of Kandahar.
Earlier in the day, Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid of Truro, N.S., was killed near Kandahar when a roadside bomb exploded near his armoured vehicle. Six other Canadians were wounded on Thursday.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is playing word games with the people of Canada. He is distorting and changing the scope of the mission in Afghanistan with every misleading syllable that spills from his forked tongue. Canadians believed that the focus of this mission when it began was one based on reconstructing a country destroyed by the Taliban. The mission's original mandate was development, diplomacy and defence. Today it appears to be solely combat.
Harper insisted it's only through combat missions that Afghanistan will eventually be at peace.
Twenty four Canadian soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice, another eighty-four have been injured, for what? For Harper's piece of mind. So he can report back to his American chess masters and say what a good boy am I?
Canadian soldiers role in the UN is of one pacifism, not as a pawn in a war we can't win.
Later,
Kenaz
Friday, August 04, 2006
Come on in to Duffy's Tavern
My latest playlist over at "Kenaz's Old Time Radio" features fourteen hours of Duffy's Tavern. Duff's was an American radio situation comedy (CBS, 1941-1942; NBC-Blue Network, 1942-1944; NBC, 1944-1952), often featured top-name stage and film guest stars but always hooked those around the misadventures, get-rich-quick-scheming, and romantic missteps of the title establishment's malaprop-prone, metaphor-mixing manager, Archie, played by the writer/actor who created the show, Ed Gardner.
In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here---oh, hello, Duffy."
Duffy, the owner, was never heard (or seen, when a film based on the show was made in 1945 or when a bid to bring the show to television was tried in 1954). But Archie always was---bantering with Duffy's man-crazy daughter, Miss Duffy (played by several actresses, beginning with Gardner's real-life first wife, Shirley Booth); with Eddie, the waiter/janitor (Eddie Green); and, especially, with Clifton Finnegan (Charlie Cantor), a likeable soul with several screws loose and a knack for falling for every other salesman's scam.
The show featured many high-profile guest stars, including Fred Allen, Mel Allen, Nigel Bruce, Bing Crosby, Boris Karloff, Veronica Lake,Peter Lorre, Tony Martin, Gene Tierney, Arthur Treacher and Shelley Winters. As the series progressed, Archie sllipped in and out of a variety of quixotic, self-imploding plotlines---from writing an opera to faking a fortune to marry an heiress. Such situations mattered less than did the show's quietly clever depiction of earthbound-but-dreaming New York city life and its individualistic, often bizarre characters.
Duffy's Tavern was Gardner's creation, and he oversaw its writing intently enough, drawing also on his earlier experience as a successful radio director. His directing credits included stints for George Burns and Gracie Allen, Ripley's Believe It or Not, and The Rudy Vallee Hour. Gardner also brought aboard several keen writing talents, including theatric humourist Abe Burrows, future M*A*S*H writer Larry Gelbart, and Dick Martin (later famed as the co-host of television's groundbreaking Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In).
Early in the show's life, however, its name was changed---first to Duffy and, for four episodes, Duffy's Variety. A staffer for Bristol-Myers (whose Ipana toothpaste was the show's early sponsor) persuaded the company's publicity director to demand the name change because the original title promoted "the hobby of drinking" too much for certain sensibilities. Bristol-Myers eventually admitted the staffer had little to go on other than a handful of protesting letters, and---to the delight of fans who never stopped using the original name, anyway---the original title was restored permanently. The name change was often subverted by the Armed Forces Radio Network; when the AFRN rebroadcast those episodes for U.S. servicement during World War II, the announcer referred to Duffy's Tavern.
Radio's Duffy's Tavern didn't translate well to film or TV. Burrows and Matt Brooks collaborated on the screenplay for the 1945 film, Ed Gardner's Duffy's Tavern, in which Archie (with regulars Eddie and Finnegan) was surrounded by a throng of Paramount Pictures stars playing themselves, including Robert Benchley, William Bendix, Eddie Bracken, Bing Crosby, Cass Daley, Brian Donlevy, Paulette Goddard, Betty Hutton, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake and Dorothy Lamour. The film's plot involves a war-displaced record manufacturer whose staff---those not sent off to war---drown their sorrows at Duffy's on credit, while the company owner tries to find ways around the price controls and war attrition that threaten to put him out of business. The movie was a box-office disappointment, and the 1954 syndicated TV series---lacking the heavyweight guest stars and, according to writer Larry Rhine, weighted by Gardner's inability to adapt to camera work ("He couldn't act, and he wouldn't learn camera . . . He thought he could do TV, so he left radio, but he was a bad actor and knew it")---failed to gain viewer support.
Duffy's Tavern inspired a number of future TV series set in neighborhood taverns. Examples are Archie Bunker's Place, the low-keyed spinoff from the groundbreaking All in the Family, which moved the now-title character from the loading dock and the taxicab to running a blue-collar bar with his usual repertoire of malaprops. There was also the soap opera Ryan's Hope (whose title family oriented around tavern-owning Irish parents) and the 1980s situation comedy classic Cheers (which was co-created by James Burrows, the son of Duffy's Tavern writer Abe Burrows.) Duffy's Tavern may also have given Jackie Gleason inspiration for his "Joe the Bartender" sketches. These usually began with Joe (Gleason) in a conversation with an unseen patron, Mr. Dunahy, before being joined (usually at Dunahy's request) by a Finnegan-like, cheerful dolt, Crazy Guggenheim, (Frank Fontaine).-Wikipedia
Please click on the radio in the side bar to go to my live365 home page. Once their click on the listen button.
Later,
Kenaz
In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here---oh, hello, Duffy."
Duffy, the owner, was never heard (or seen, when a film based on the show was made in 1945 or when a bid to bring the show to television was tried in 1954). But Archie always was---bantering with Duffy's man-crazy daughter, Miss Duffy (played by several actresses, beginning with Gardner's real-life first wife, Shirley Booth); with Eddie, the waiter/janitor (Eddie Green); and, especially, with Clifton Finnegan (Charlie Cantor), a likeable soul with several screws loose and a knack for falling for every other salesman's scam.
The show featured many high-profile guest stars, including Fred Allen, Mel Allen, Nigel Bruce, Bing Crosby, Boris Karloff, Veronica Lake,Peter Lorre, Tony Martin, Gene Tierney, Arthur Treacher and Shelley Winters. As the series progressed, Archie sllipped in and out of a variety of quixotic, self-imploding plotlines---from writing an opera to faking a fortune to marry an heiress. Such situations mattered less than did the show's quietly clever depiction of earthbound-but-dreaming New York city life and its individualistic, often bizarre characters.
Duffy's Tavern was Gardner's creation, and he oversaw its writing intently enough, drawing also on his earlier experience as a successful radio director. His directing credits included stints for George Burns and Gracie Allen, Ripley's Believe It or Not, and The Rudy Vallee Hour. Gardner also brought aboard several keen writing talents, including theatric humourist Abe Burrows, future M*A*S*H writer Larry Gelbart, and Dick Martin (later famed as the co-host of television's groundbreaking Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In).
Early in the show's life, however, its name was changed---first to Duffy and, for four episodes, Duffy's Variety. A staffer for Bristol-Myers (whose Ipana toothpaste was the show's early sponsor) persuaded the company's publicity director to demand the name change because the original title promoted "the hobby of drinking" too much for certain sensibilities. Bristol-Myers eventually admitted the staffer had little to go on other than a handful of protesting letters, and---to the delight of fans who never stopped using the original name, anyway---the original title was restored permanently. The name change was often subverted by the Armed Forces Radio Network; when the AFRN rebroadcast those episodes for U.S. servicement during World War II, the announcer referred to Duffy's Tavern.
Radio's Duffy's Tavern didn't translate well to film or TV. Burrows and Matt Brooks collaborated on the screenplay for the 1945 film, Ed Gardner's Duffy's Tavern, in which Archie (with regulars Eddie and Finnegan) was surrounded by a throng of Paramount Pictures stars playing themselves, including Robert Benchley, William Bendix, Eddie Bracken, Bing Crosby, Cass Daley, Brian Donlevy, Paulette Goddard, Betty Hutton, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake and Dorothy Lamour. The film's plot involves a war-displaced record manufacturer whose staff---those not sent off to war---drown their sorrows at Duffy's on credit, while the company owner tries to find ways around the price controls and war attrition that threaten to put him out of business. The movie was a box-office disappointment, and the 1954 syndicated TV series---lacking the heavyweight guest stars and, according to writer Larry Rhine, weighted by Gardner's inability to adapt to camera work ("He couldn't act, and he wouldn't learn camera . . . He thought he could do TV, so he left radio, but he was a bad actor and knew it")---failed to gain viewer support.
Duffy's Tavern inspired a number of future TV series set in neighborhood taverns. Examples are Archie Bunker's Place, the low-keyed spinoff from the groundbreaking All in the Family, which moved the now-title character from the loading dock and the taxicab to running a blue-collar bar with his usual repertoire of malaprops. There was also the soap opera Ryan's Hope (whose title family oriented around tavern-owning Irish parents) and the 1980s situation comedy classic Cheers (which was co-created by James Burrows, the son of Duffy's Tavern writer Abe Burrows.) Duffy's Tavern may also have given Jackie Gleason inspiration for his "Joe the Bartender" sketches. These usually began with Joe (Gleason) in a conversation with an unseen patron, Mr. Dunahy, before being joined (usually at Dunahy's request) by a Finnegan-like, cheerful dolt, Crazy Guggenheim, (Frank Fontaine).-Wikipedia
Please click on the radio in the side bar to go to my live365 home page. Once their click on the listen button.
Later,
Kenaz
Sunday, July 30, 2006
July 30 1994 The death of a child spawns the birth of Megan's Law
Jesse Timmendequas is charged with the murder of seven-year-old Megan Kanka in New Jersey. Kanka's death inspired Megan's Law, a statute enacted in 1994 requiring that information about convicted sex felons be available to the public. Versions of Megan's Law have been passed in many states since her murder.
Megan had last been seen riding her bike outside her home in West Windsor Township, New Jersey, on July 28. Her parents found her bike on the front lawn and immediately began to search for her. The following day, her body was discovered in Mercer County Park. Jesse Timmendequas, who lived across the street from Kanka and had two prior convictions for sexual assault, was arrested.
In the aftermath of this horrible crime, Megan's parents lobbied state legislators for a new law, arguing that if they had known about Timmendequas' background they would have been able to protect their daughter. New Jersey and several other states passed laws following the public outcry. A database of all types of sex offenders is now accessible through a 900 number and CD-ROMs at police stations around the state.
Yet problems have arisen from Megan's Law. Apparently inspired by the circulation of flyers describing his previous sexual offense, Michael Patton committed suicide in July 1998. In addition, homosexuals who were prosecuted years earlier for consensual sex with adults must be registered in this database. People in some communities have driven sex offenders out of town, often using violence and illegal means. Evidence as to the ability of Megan's Law to actually protect children or deter crime was inconclusive in the first few years of its enactment.
Similar Laws
Ontario's Ontario Sex Offender Registry was sparked by the brutal 1988 murder of 11-year-old Christopher Stephenson at the hands of Joseph Fredericks a convicted pedophile on federal statutory release. At the 1993 inquest into Christopher's death, the coroner's jury recommended creating a national registry for convicted sex offenders, requiring them to register with their local police service.
Christopher's death highlighted the need to provide police services with greater ability to monitor sex offenders in our communities. Agreeing with the jury's recommendations, the Government of Ontario took the initiative and introduced legislation to create Canada's first provincial registry of convicted sex offenders.
With the encouragement and support of the Stephenson family, victims' groups and law enforcement organizations, Christopher's Law (Ontario Sex Offender Registry 2000) was proclaimed on April 23, 2001, making the Ontario Sex Offender Registry a reality.
A Canadian national sex offender registry
A key problem with Ontario's registry is that police can't keep track of people who move to other provinces, where they don't have to register as a sex offender.
"When people who are on the registry in Ontario move to Saskatchewan or wherever, they're not registered again," said Conservative MP Randy White. "So they can escape the registry just by leaving Ontario. Unless you have a national registry with guidelines, it's not going to work as well."
In March 2001, then-federal Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay said there was no need for a national sex offender registry because the computer system police used to track criminals was sufficient.
Police disagreed, saying the system could be improved because it didn't track the addresses of sexual offenders. They said the system used in the United States allows speedier access to information by forcing offenders to register.
Alberta made noise about setting up its own registry as well, but opted instead to list information about some high-risk offenders on a government website that any member of the public can read.
Other provinces considered their own databases. In April 2001, British Columbia approved legislation to set up a registry. Saskatchewan, however, said it would wait for the federal government to act before it made a decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, Ontario continued to put pressure on the federal government. Ontario's former premier, Mike Harris, said his province would help other provinces set up a registry by sharing its software and by offering them legal advice. Harris also said that if the federal government didn't set up and pay for a national sex offender registry, the government of Ontario would.
On February 14, 2002, Ottawa changed its stand and agreed to set up a national sex offender registry. In December of that year, Ottawa introduced legislation to create the registry. The law was given royal assent on April 1, 2004 and the registry came into effect on December 15, 2004.
Unlike Ontario's registry, the national registry won't be retroactive. In other words, people convicted for sex crimes before the law came into effect won't be included - not those in jail, not those already released.
Offenders will be added as court officials from the provinces determine who should be on the list from among the population of prisoners being released or finishing conditional sentences in the community.
The information will be available to police forces nationwide through the Canadian Police Information Centre database, and will include fingerprints and physical descriptions, as well as photographs, in some cases.
In cases where officials believe the community is at risk from a certain person, individual police forces can decide to issue a public warning.
List of Canadian Links
Victims of Violence
related links
Megan had last been seen riding her bike outside her home in West Windsor Township, New Jersey, on July 28. Her parents found her bike on the front lawn and immediately began to search for her. The following day, her body was discovered in Mercer County Park. Jesse Timmendequas, who lived across the street from Kanka and had two prior convictions for sexual assault, was arrested.
In the aftermath of this horrible crime, Megan's parents lobbied state legislators for a new law, arguing that if they had known about Timmendequas' background they would have been able to protect their daughter. New Jersey and several other states passed laws following the public outcry. A database of all types of sex offenders is now accessible through a 900 number and CD-ROMs at police stations around the state.
Yet problems have arisen from Megan's Law. Apparently inspired by the circulation of flyers describing his previous sexual offense, Michael Patton committed suicide in July 1998. In addition, homosexuals who were prosecuted years earlier for consensual sex with adults must be registered in this database. People in some communities have driven sex offenders out of town, often using violence and illegal means. Evidence as to the ability of Megan's Law to actually protect children or deter crime was inconclusive in the first few years of its enactment.
Similar Laws
Ontario's Ontario Sex Offender Registry was sparked by the brutal 1988 murder of 11-year-old Christopher Stephenson at the hands of Joseph Fredericks a convicted pedophile on federal statutory release. At the 1993 inquest into Christopher's death, the coroner's jury recommended creating a national registry for convicted sex offenders, requiring them to register with their local police service.
Christopher's death highlighted the need to provide police services with greater ability to monitor sex offenders in our communities. Agreeing with the jury's recommendations, the Government of Ontario took the initiative and introduced legislation to create Canada's first provincial registry of convicted sex offenders.
With the encouragement and support of the Stephenson family, victims' groups and law enforcement organizations, Christopher's Law (Ontario Sex Offender Registry 2000) was proclaimed on April 23, 2001, making the Ontario Sex Offender Registry a reality.
A Canadian national sex offender registry
A key problem with Ontario's registry is that police can't keep track of people who move to other provinces, where they don't have to register as a sex offender.
"When people who are on the registry in Ontario move to Saskatchewan or wherever, they're not registered again," said Conservative MP Randy White. "So they can escape the registry just by leaving Ontario. Unless you have a national registry with guidelines, it's not going to work as well."
In March 2001, then-federal Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay said there was no need for a national sex offender registry because the computer system police used to track criminals was sufficient.
Police disagreed, saying the system could be improved because it didn't track the addresses of sexual offenders. They said the system used in the United States allows speedier access to information by forcing offenders to register.
Alberta made noise about setting up its own registry as well, but opted instead to list information about some high-risk offenders on a government website that any member of the public can read.
Other provinces considered their own databases. In April 2001, British Columbia approved legislation to set up a registry. Saskatchewan, however, said it would wait for the federal government to act before it made a decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, Ontario continued to put pressure on the federal government. Ontario's former premier, Mike Harris, said his province would help other provinces set up a registry by sharing its software and by offering them legal advice. Harris also said that if the federal government didn't set up and pay for a national sex offender registry, the government of Ontario would.
On February 14, 2002, Ottawa changed its stand and agreed to set up a national sex offender registry. In December of that year, Ottawa introduced legislation to create the registry. The law was given royal assent on April 1, 2004 and the registry came into effect on December 15, 2004.
Unlike Ontario's registry, the national registry won't be retroactive. In other words, people convicted for sex crimes before the law came into effect won't be included - not those in jail, not those already released.
Offenders will be added as court officials from the provinces determine who should be on the list from among the population of prisoners being released or finishing conditional sentences in the community.
The information will be available to police forces nationwide through the Canadian Police Information Centre database, and will include fingerprints and physical descriptions, as well as photographs, in some cases.
In cases where officials believe the community is at risk from a certain person, individual police forces can decide to issue a public warning.
List of Canadian Links
Victims of Violence
related links
Friday, July 28, 2006
Bus Ride Limbo
For everyone who uses public transit regularly, this story should hit home. The following is a transcript of the e-mails I had with The Hamilton Street Railway. This is the bus company here in Hamilton,Ontario.
This is no means a slag on the whole company and the usually reliable service they provide, but as the old adage goes one rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel.
22/07/06
From me to the HSR
Today was the first time I used your brand new "trip finder". According to your schedules I should have gotten on the 5C Deleware at Ewen Rd tonight at 7:15pm. In fact it arrived at 7:25pm. That was fine it's Saturday, it only took 10 minutes to arrive at McNab. Here is where the problem starts. I should have been able to catch the 7:45pm Barton. No 7:45pm, no 8:00pm. In fact your driver never showed up until 8:15pm. A gentlemen boarding in front of me beat me to the question "How often do the Barton buses run on Saturday? Your driver answered what I already knew, "15 minutes". This man had been waiting since 7:30! The kicker came when your arrogant driver answered the mans lengthy wait concern with an "Oh really"
Even better when an obviously intoxicated man smelling of booze got on your driver had the time to great his buddy with a handshake. It makes me wonder where your driver was.
I don't expect much to be done as the HSR seems to take a rather arrogant approach to their "customers" and main source of revenue as evident by many of your drivers, especially on these routes.
24/07/06
Reply from the HSR.
Hi Kendall,
There were two buses that should have arrived at Main/MacNab at the times you specified. There should have been a 7:45pm bus as you indicated and unfortunately I am unable to see any tracking for that bus so I will file a complaint with our operations team on your behalf listing a "No Show" so they can investigate that bus' whereabouts.
The 8:00 pm bus was running 13 minutes late as per our tracking and didn't arrive at Main/MacNab until 8:13 pm. The tracking reading on this bus was accurate which means the bus passed the bus stop pole node at that time and the system registered the late arrival at that location. Not sure what caused this delay so I will ask operations to investigate that as well.
The 8:15 pm bus arrived there at 8:17 pm and was running two minutes late. This is also an accurate reading as per our tracking. Buses are permitted to run one minute early or 3 minutes late and still be considered on time.
The process at HSR dictates that our operations team investigate and respond to a complaint within 10 business days at which I will let you know the outcome.
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
27/07/06
Final word from the HSR.
Good Morning:
Our operations team has now completed this investigation. They report that appropriate action was taken at the time they interviewed the operator.
Yes my letter had a very harsh tone, but for good reason. I grew up taking the Barton 2 route and have watched it go from the bus that hustled to pick up every rain soaked passenger and when you got on you where met with a sympathetic courteous driver. Unfortunately, drunks, users and gang punks have fried the nerves of this routes drivers to the point everyone is taking the heat. These are the good drivers, this one; probably once sat amongst these sad souls and shared their stories.
Hopefully some more Provincial money can come Hamilton's way so they can hire better drivers.
Later,
Kenaz
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Another Kenaz Marathon
This morning I've uploaded a new 14 and a half hour marathon of comedy over at Kenaz's Old Time Radio. This weeks feature is the "Great Gildersleeve" and "The Bickersons".
The Great Gildersleeve
You're a brii-ii-iight boy, Leroy!—Harold Peary at the height of his popularity as classic radio's Great Gildersleeve.
The Great Gildersleeve (1941-1957) was the arguable founding father of the spin-off program, as well as one of the first true situation comedies (as opposed to sketch programs) in broadcast history. Hooked around a character who had been a staple on the classic radio hit Fibber McGee and Molly, The Great Gildersleeve enjoyed its greatest period in the 1940s, when Harold Peary graduated the character from the earlier show into the sitcom and in a quartet of likeable feature films at the height of the show's popularity.
The Bickersons
The Bickersons, was an American radio comedy (1946-1951). Born on The Chase and Sanborn Hour and refined on the lesser-remembered Drene Time it stood the already-typical domestic presentation of radio and its infant offspring, television, so squarely on its head that there were those who feared the show. The show's married protagonists spent nearly all their time together in relentless verbal war, and many people believed that the show was more than merely detrimental to the nation's post-World War II health.
Please click on the radio located on the side bar to listen.
Later,
Kenaz
The Great Gildersleeve
You're a brii-ii-iight boy, Leroy!—Harold Peary at the height of his popularity as classic radio's Great Gildersleeve.
The Great Gildersleeve (1941-1957) was the arguable founding father of the spin-off program, as well as one of the first true situation comedies (as opposed to sketch programs) in broadcast history. Hooked around a character who had been a staple on the classic radio hit Fibber McGee and Molly, The Great Gildersleeve enjoyed its greatest period in the 1940s, when Harold Peary graduated the character from the earlier show into the sitcom and in a quartet of likeable feature films at the height of the show's popularity.
The Bickersons
The Bickersons, was an American radio comedy (1946-1951). Born on The Chase and Sanborn Hour and refined on the lesser-remembered Drene Time it stood the already-typical domestic presentation of radio and its infant offspring, television, so squarely on its head that there were those who feared the show. The show's married protagonists spent nearly all their time together in relentless verbal war, and many people believed that the show was more than merely detrimental to the nation's post-World War II health.
Please click on the radio located on the side bar to listen.
Later,
Kenaz
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Mideast 'Conflicted'
The question should not be whether Hamas and Hezbollah need to be disarmed, but how best to achieve this. While I condemn any act of terror or violence, I have
also to be against using this as a reason and justification to do anything in the name of it.
For example, Palestinian militants attacked military targets and captured a soldier. Hezbollah militants attacked military combatants and captured soldiers. Israel targetted civilian infrastructure, bombing a Palestinian power plant that supplies power to over 70% of the population in the region, leaving civilian population without power for up to 6 months! Over 50 Palestinian civilians have died in the invasion into Palestine territory. Israel also attacked civilian infrastructure in Lebanon, destroying their international airport and devastating an economy driven by tourism. 28 member nations of the UN voted unanimously in support of a resolution calling for an end to the Israel incursion, however USA VOTO'd it. But that is no surprise, as USA government provides $3. BILLION annually in foreign aid to Israel.
Bush has declared that Israel has the right to do this because two soldiers were kidnapped. It is bsolutely absurd to make an entire country pay the price for Hezbollah. Lebanon is full of peaceful people of all faiths who are caught in the middle.
Isreal is overreacting on an extreme scale...the death of this many people over 2 soldiers abductions!?They also have the stronger military and claim to have the moral highground, if that were the case they would be wise to show restraint. What are they teaching to other countries in similiar situations? That if they have the bigger gun they should use it?? This is not how the modern world should act. Have they not learned the lessons of WWII? To tempt fate towards a mid-east war is insane!
We are now seeing Canada take Isreals side against the Muslim people who have had their lands occupied and their resistance demonized. Harper should not be standing beside their decision. Bush's support for Israel has nothing to do with right and wrong. Our Prime Minister is sending the message that Canada is no longer free thinking nor peaceful. Gone are our days as a U.N. peacekeeping nation. Now, under Stephen Harper, we seem to be a lapdog serving the war policies of U.S. President George Bush. Canadians are being bombed and killed and Prime Minister Harper seems to have no problem whatsover with this.
Why are world leaders and the world media so silent about the abuse of power that Israel is displaying in Lebanon?
With deep regret, this is but just another sorry chapter in this drama that has played itself out for centuries. This will not be the last one either. It seems that these two cultures are just inherently pre-determined to squabble with one another. Regrettably, there does not appear to be any end in site. Even more regrettable, no outside party will help with a neutral state of mind.
Later,
Kenaz
also to be against using this as a reason and justification to do anything in the name of it.
For example, Palestinian militants attacked military targets and captured a soldier. Hezbollah militants attacked military combatants and captured soldiers. Israel targetted civilian infrastructure, bombing a Palestinian power plant that supplies power to over 70% of the population in the region, leaving civilian population without power for up to 6 months! Over 50 Palestinian civilians have died in the invasion into Palestine territory. Israel also attacked civilian infrastructure in Lebanon, destroying their international airport and devastating an economy driven by tourism. 28 member nations of the UN voted unanimously in support of a resolution calling for an end to the Israel incursion, however USA VOTO'd it. But that is no surprise, as USA government provides $3. BILLION annually in foreign aid to Israel.
Bush has declared that Israel has the right to do this because two soldiers were kidnapped. It is bsolutely absurd to make an entire country pay the price for Hezbollah. Lebanon is full of peaceful people of all faiths who are caught in the middle.
Isreal is overreacting on an extreme scale...the death of this many people over 2 soldiers abductions!?They also have the stronger military and claim to have the moral highground, if that were the case they would be wise to show restraint. What are they teaching to other countries in similiar situations? That if they have the bigger gun they should use it?? This is not how the modern world should act. Have they not learned the lessons of WWII? To tempt fate towards a mid-east war is insane!
We are now seeing Canada take Isreals side against the Muslim people who have had their lands occupied and their resistance demonized. Harper should not be standing beside their decision. Bush's support for Israel has nothing to do with right and wrong. Our Prime Minister is sending the message that Canada is no longer free thinking nor peaceful. Gone are our days as a U.N. peacekeeping nation. Now, under Stephen Harper, we seem to be a lapdog serving the war policies of U.S. President George Bush. Canadians are being bombed and killed and Prime Minister Harper seems to have no problem whatsover with this.
Why are world leaders and the world media so silent about the abuse of power that Israel is displaying in Lebanon?
With deep regret, this is but just another sorry chapter in this drama that has played itself out for centuries. This will not be the last one either. It seems that these two cultures are just inherently pre-determined to squabble with one another. Regrettably, there does not appear to be any end in site. Even more regrettable, no outside party will help with a neutral state of mind.
Later,
Kenaz
Granpa Gilbert Bells cabinet
In yesterdays post I stated that my Grandpa Gilbert Bell was a carpenter by trade. These are a couple of pictures of a cabinet that he hand crafted. It was handed down first to my mother and then to my sister after she passed away. Its quite a beautiful piece, very traditional yet goes with any modern furniture.Thanks to my sister for sending me these pictures. Click on the thumbnails for a better view.
Later,
Kenaz
Later,
Kenaz
Grandpa Gilbert Bell's WW1 Papers
Tonight I did a search for my Grandpa Gib Bell's World War 1 service record at Collection Canada's online library. I already knew he was part of the Canadian Over Seas Expeditionary Force but I didn't know what regamend he served with. This I found to be the 122 Over Seas Battalion.
Attestation Paper
Medical History Sheet
Discharge Papers
This a copy of my Grandpa Gib Bells World War I military record as part of the Canadian Expenditionary Force from 1916-1919.
I have written for more information on the 122 I will update if I receive anything in the mean time I found this painting depicting the men of this unit leaving for duty in Gravenhurst.
Gravenhurst Company 122 Battalion Departing-by Andrew Miles
*Update July 19,2006
I received some information from the reference liabrary that was of great help to understanding the movements of my Grand Fathers Battalion. Here is what I have learned.
From "A guide to sources relating to units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force" compiled by Barbara Wilson provides an outline and sources of archival information about this battalion.
Organized in October 1915 under the command of Lt-Col. D.M. Grant
Authorization published in G.O. 151 of 22 December 1915
Mobilized at Huntsville, moved to Galt on 13 October 1916
Recruited in the Muskoka District beginning 1 December 1915
Left Halifax 2 June 1917 aboard the "Olympic"
Arrived in England 9 June 1917. Strength: 20 Officers, 686 O.R.'s (Other
Ranks)
Absorbed by Canadian Forestry Corps, Sunningdale, Berks., in June 1917
Disbanded by P.C 2342 of 1 September 1917
Band
Colours presented by ladies of Muskoka District at North Toronto Station on
26 April 1917. Deposited in Court House, Bracebridge in May 1921
Perpetuated by the Northern Pioneers which, in 1936, was absorbed by the
Algonquin Regiment.
As you can see, once the battalion arrived overseas, the 122nd battalion
became part of the Canadian Forestry Corps. From the start of the First
World War, Canadian Expeditionary Force units were required to maintain a
daily account of their 'Actions in the Field'. These logs were called War
Diaries and they are a historical record of a unit's administration,
operations and activities during the First World War.
From "The Official History of the Canadian Army in WW1"- COLONEL GWL NICHOLSON
The Canadian Forestry Corps
Canadian forestry units are said to have "helped to defeat the submarine ... more
surely than a fleet of ships". So enthusiastic a claim might be hard to substantiate, but the statement contains a considerable amount of truth.
British pre-war timber imported chiefly from Russia, Scandinavia and North America was valued at some forty million pounds sterling each year. The war brought an
increased demand for lumber, but, because of U-boat sinkings, there was a steadily
diminishing merchant fleet to carry it. The prior demands of munitions, food, forage and other essentials upon the depleted shipping made it impossible for Britain to continue to import Canadian timber on a sufficiently large scale to meet her war requirements. It was necessary therefore to begin felling English forests and converting them into lumber. A British inquiry, in January 1916, whether Canada could supply expert timbermen to produce lumber in the United Kingdom68 was followed a month later by an urgent request from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor General for 1500 skilled lumbermen. The War Office suggested that Canada might enlist in the C.E.F. a battalion of lumbermen, to be dispatched to the United Kingdom in small companies.
Note: My Grandfather was a carpenter by trade as stated on his Attestation Papers. More interestingly, after the war he continued in the trade making caskets.
The Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville, Ontario currently has an exhibit that runs until this fall called "Muskoka at War 1914-1918".
The curator of the exhibition said the following in an article entitled:
"Recalling the war to end all wars : Men, women, and even a horse from
Muskoka travelled overseas to do their part in the First World War":
"Muskoka had an important role to play with its own Battalion, the 122nd,"
said Bev Easton, curator of a new exhibit at Huntsville's Muskoka Heritage
Place. "Before this battalion formed, a number of Muskoka men did go and
fight overseas under many different regiments and battalions."
Later,
Kenaz
Attestation Paper
Medical History Sheet
Discharge Papers
This a copy of my Grandpa Gib Bells World War I military record as part of the Canadian Expenditionary Force from 1916-1919.
I have written for more information on the 122 I will update if I receive anything in the mean time I found this painting depicting the men of this unit leaving for duty in Gravenhurst.
Gravenhurst Company 122 Battalion Departing-by Andrew Miles
*Update July 19,2006
I received some information from the reference liabrary that was of great help to understanding the movements of my Grand Fathers Battalion. Here is what I have learned.
From "A guide to sources relating to units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force" compiled by Barbara Wilson provides an outline and sources of archival information about this battalion.
Organized in October 1915 under the command of Lt-Col. D.M. Grant
Authorization published in G.O. 151 of 22 December 1915
Mobilized at Huntsville, moved to Galt on 13 October 1916
Recruited in the Muskoka District beginning 1 December 1915
Left Halifax 2 June 1917 aboard the "Olympic"
Arrived in England 9 June 1917. Strength: 20 Officers, 686 O.R.'s (Other
Ranks)
Absorbed by Canadian Forestry Corps, Sunningdale, Berks., in June 1917
Disbanded by P.C 2342 of 1 September 1917
Band
Colours presented by ladies of Muskoka District at North Toronto Station on
26 April 1917. Deposited in Court House, Bracebridge in May 1921
Perpetuated by the Northern Pioneers which, in 1936, was absorbed by the
Algonquin Regiment.
As you can see, once the battalion arrived overseas, the 122nd battalion
became part of the Canadian Forestry Corps. From the start of the First
World War, Canadian Expeditionary Force units were required to maintain a
daily account of their 'Actions in the Field'. These logs were called War
Diaries and they are a historical record of a unit's administration,
operations and activities during the First World War.
From "The Official History of the Canadian Army in WW1"- COLONEL GWL NICHOLSON
The Canadian Forestry Corps
Canadian forestry units are said to have "helped to defeat the submarine ... more
surely than a fleet of ships". So enthusiastic a claim might be hard to substantiate, but the statement contains a considerable amount of truth.
British pre-war timber imported chiefly from Russia, Scandinavia and North America was valued at some forty million pounds sterling each year. The war brought an
increased demand for lumber, but, because of U-boat sinkings, there was a steadily
diminishing merchant fleet to carry it. The prior demands of munitions, food, forage and other essentials upon the depleted shipping made it impossible for Britain to continue to import Canadian timber on a sufficiently large scale to meet her war requirements. It was necessary therefore to begin felling English forests and converting them into lumber. A British inquiry, in January 1916, whether Canada could supply expert timbermen to produce lumber in the United Kingdom68 was followed a month later by an urgent request from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor General for 1500 skilled lumbermen. The War Office suggested that Canada might enlist in the C.E.F. a battalion of lumbermen, to be dispatched to the United Kingdom in small companies.
Note: My Grandfather was a carpenter by trade as stated on his Attestation Papers. More interestingly, after the war he continued in the trade making caskets.
The Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville, Ontario currently has an exhibit that runs until this fall called "Muskoka at War 1914-1918".
The curator of the exhibition said the following in an article entitled:
"Recalling the war to end all wars : Men, women, and even a horse from
Muskoka travelled overseas to do their part in the First World War":
"Muskoka had an important role to play with its own Battalion, the 122nd,"
said Bev Easton, curator of a new exhibit at Huntsville's Muskoka Heritage
Place. "Before this battalion formed, a number of Muskoka men did go and
fight overseas under many different regiments and battalions."
Later,
Kenaz
Friday, July 14, 2006
Rookie Kicker Gets Tiger Cats First Win
A "Little General" and a new kicker was just what the struggling Hamilton Tiger-Cats needed to pull out their first win of the season, 20-17 over the Calgary Stampeders at Ivor Wynne Stadium Friday night.
Mark Myers, the 23-year-old rookie kicker called to Hamilton earlier this week from his Florida home, nailed a 44-yard field goal with time expired to give his new team their first victory of the season.
With the win, the Tiger-Cats break the goose egg and improve to 1-4, while the Stampeders drop to 3-2.
Corey Holmes, who returned to the line-up after missing two games with a turned ankle, gave Hamilton the 17-14 lead with 6:48 left in the game on a 15-yard touchdown run up the middle, but a 37-yard field goal by Calgary's Sandro DeAngelis tied it at 17 with less than two minutes to go.
DeAngelis the southern Ontario native desperately wanted a tryout with the Cats who incredibly refused to even give him a look. He is currently the best field goal kicker in the league.
Calgary won the last meeting with Hamilton, the third game of the season, on a last-second field goal, a 23-22 score. The game marked Hamilton's Little General Ron Lancaster's fourth return to the CFL as a head coach after Greg Marshall was made a scape goat and fired for the sad effort the team made forth in the previous weeks.
Hamilton receiver Terry Vaughn's 10 receptions on the night made him the CFL's all-time receptions leader with 973 in his 12-year career, one more than former Tiger-Cat Darren Flutie. His three-yard reception from quarterback Jason Maas in the fourth quarter to set the record.
Vaughn also holds the record for the most 1,000-yard receiving seasons with 11. Entering tonight's game, he is ranked third in career receiving yards with 13,267, trailing Flutie (14,359) and record holder Allen Pitts (14,891).
THE GOOD
DeAngelis went three-for-four, hitting from 40, 42, and 37, while missing from 39 yards out in the second quarter, only his second miss of the season. Myers, who replaced the inconsistent Jamie Boreham, also hit a nine-yarder in the third that gave the Ticats a 10-4 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Tiger-Cats thrilled the thunderous crowd of 26,944 after a goal-line stand that began with Calgary at first-and-goal from the two. Calgary quarterback Henry Burris' third-down scramble to the line was stopped short by the Tiger-Cats defence on the last play of the half to preserve a lead.
Hamilton scored first when Tay Cody's 22-yard interception return gave the Tiger-Cats the ball on Calgary's 39 yard-line at 4:47 of the first quarter. That sent the Tiger-Cats off on an 11-play drive that took 7:01 off the clock. It survived a botched play deep in scoring territory when an awkwardly pitched ball from Maas to Ranek got bandied about in a crowd and fell to the ground at the two-yard line.Calgary was called for roughing the passer and two plays later Maas kept it for the one-yard score.
THE UGLY
Hamilton, marched up the field and looked like it was turning over a new leaf with first-and-goal at the eight-yard line. But a time-count violation put them back to the 13-yard line. Two plays later, they went for the major at third-and-goal from the one. Ranek fumbled the pitch from Maas and Calgary's George White recovered it at the eight as the Tiger-Cats came away empty and the crowd grumbled its disapproval.
Click on the title link for full stats.
In other Cat news former QB Danny McManus and receiver Darren Flutie where named the fourth of nine nominees in the Greatest Quarterback-Receiver Connections in CFL History contest. A program that gave fans the opportunity to vote for their fav's online.
The two were first teammates with the B.C. Lions (1993-95), then the Edmonton Eskimos (1996-97) before both headed East to join the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. They spent five years in Steeltown before Flutie retired after the 2002 season as the CFL's career leader in catches (972) and playoff receptions (85).
Ron Lancaster and Hugh Campbell of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Khari Jones and Milt Stegall of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Warren Moon and Brian Kelly of the Edmonton Eskimos are the other entrants named thus far.
Danny Mac and Flutie where great, but I remember having to hear Moon to Kelly for the TD way to often back in their day, especially against the Cats. So my vote has to go to them, but that could change.
It will be interesting to see who makes the cut when the full list comes out. so many great combos to choose, Doug Flutie/Allen Pitts-Calgary; Clements/ Gabriel-Ottawa; Dewalt to Fernandez-B.C; Condredge Holloway/Cedric Minter-Toronto and of course the ledgendary combo of Sam Etcheverry-Hal Patterson from the Alouettes.
Later,
Kenaz
Mark Myers, the 23-year-old rookie kicker called to Hamilton earlier this week from his Florida home, nailed a 44-yard field goal with time expired to give his new team their first victory of the season.
With the win, the Tiger-Cats break the goose egg and improve to 1-4, while the Stampeders drop to 3-2.
Corey Holmes, who returned to the line-up after missing two games with a turned ankle, gave Hamilton the 17-14 lead with 6:48 left in the game on a 15-yard touchdown run up the middle, but a 37-yard field goal by Calgary's Sandro DeAngelis tied it at 17 with less than two minutes to go.
DeAngelis the southern Ontario native desperately wanted a tryout with the Cats who incredibly refused to even give him a look. He is currently the best field goal kicker in the league.
Calgary won the last meeting with Hamilton, the third game of the season, on a last-second field goal, a 23-22 score. The game marked Hamilton's Little General Ron Lancaster's fourth return to the CFL as a head coach after Greg Marshall was made a scape goat and fired for the sad effort the team made forth in the previous weeks.
Hamilton receiver Terry Vaughn's 10 receptions on the night made him the CFL's all-time receptions leader with 973 in his 12-year career, one more than former Tiger-Cat Darren Flutie. His three-yard reception from quarterback Jason Maas in the fourth quarter to set the record.
Vaughn also holds the record for the most 1,000-yard receiving seasons with 11. Entering tonight's game, he is ranked third in career receiving yards with 13,267, trailing Flutie (14,359) and record holder Allen Pitts (14,891).
THE GOOD
DeAngelis went three-for-four, hitting from 40, 42, and 37, while missing from 39 yards out in the second quarter, only his second miss of the season. Myers, who replaced the inconsistent Jamie Boreham, also hit a nine-yarder in the third that gave the Ticats a 10-4 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Tiger-Cats thrilled the thunderous crowd of 26,944 after a goal-line stand that began with Calgary at first-and-goal from the two. Calgary quarterback Henry Burris' third-down scramble to the line was stopped short by the Tiger-Cats defence on the last play of the half to preserve a lead.
Hamilton scored first when Tay Cody's 22-yard interception return gave the Tiger-Cats the ball on Calgary's 39 yard-line at 4:47 of the first quarter. That sent the Tiger-Cats off on an 11-play drive that took 7:01 off the clock. It survived a botched play deep in scoring territory when an awkwardly pitched ball from Maas to Ranek got bandied about in a crowd and fell to the ground at the two-yard line.Calgary was called for roughing the passer and two plays later Maas kept it for the one-yard score.
THE UGLY
Hamilton, marched up the field and looked like it was turning over a new leaf with first-and-goal at the eight-yard line. But a time-count violation put them back to the 13-yard line. Two plays later, they went for the major at third-and-goal from the one. Ranek fumbled the pitch from Maas and Calgary's George White recovered it at the eight as the Tiger-Cats came away empty and the crowd grumbled its disapproval.
Click on the title link for full stats.
In other Cat news former QB Danny McManus and receiver Darren Flutie where named the fourth of nine nominees in the Greatest Quarterback-Receiver Connections in CFL History contest. A program that gave fans the opportunity to vote for their fav's online.
The two were first teammates with the B.C. Lions (1993-95), then the Edmonton Eskimos (1996-97) before both headed East to join the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. They spent five years in Steeltown before Flutie retired after the 2002 season as the CFL's career leader in catches (972) and playoff receptions (85).
Ron Lancaster and Hugh Campbell of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Khari Jones and Milt Stegall of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Warren Moon and Brian Kelly of the Edmonton Eskimos are the other entrants named thus far.
Danny Mac and Flutie where great, but I remember having to hear Moon to Kelly for the TD way to often back in their day, especially against the Cats. So my vote has to go to them, but that could change.
It will be interesting to see who makes the cut when the full list comes out. so many great combos to choose, Doug Flutie/Allen Pitts-Calgary; Clements/ Gabriel-Ottawa; Dewalt to Fernandez-B.C; Condredge Holloway/Cedric Minter-Toronto and of course the ledgendary combo of Sam Etcheverry-Hal Patterson from the Alouettes.
Later,
Kenaz
Diary of Fate Marathon
Well it's a scorcher here in the Hammer, and I'm enjoying every minute of my weekend off. Just my luck 99% of the Cadbury Adams plant I work at is air conditioned, I managed to get stuck in the 35+ degree "dungeon" taking my turn scraping burnt sugar off the trays used to mold the candy.
Next weeks a whole new game, a new high tech tray washing machine is set to go. This machine will handle the toughest goo at turbo speed. This means no more KP duty for me listening to another temp whine about his problems and worse try to be a "tray room manager". Sorry I laugh, hee hee, no such job exists. Back to packaging I go, hi ho, hi ho. This guys already dillusional, thinking he will be the head oompa loompa of all the new temps hired to work on the new machine. His new job title, button pusher! Good luck, all the instructions on the machine are in German!
Anywho, starting tonight Kenaz's Old Time Radio will be airing a Diary of Fate marathon. I've uploaded all 24 episodes.
Diary of Fate is a mystery and horror program where Fate tells the story and always wins by the end of the story.
I've also included some great news cast from WWII and three episodes of Box 13 from last weeks marathon that had the highest rating.
Click on the radio in the side bar to go to my home page while your keeping cool.
Later,
Kenaz
Next weeks a whole new game, a new high tech tray washing machine is set to go. This machine will handle the toughest goo at turbo speed. This means no more KP duty for me listening to another temp whine about his problems and worse try to be a "tray room manager". Sorry I laugh, hee hee, no such job exists. Back to packaging I go, hi ho, hi ho. This guys already dillusional, thinking he will be the head oompa loompa of all the new temps hired to work on the new machine. His new job title, button pusher! Good luck, all the instructions on the machine are in German!
Anywho, starting tonight Kenaz's Old Time Radio will be airing a Diary of Fate marathon. I've uploaded all 24 episodes.
Diary of Fate is a mystery and horror program where Fate tells the story and always wins by the end of the story.
I've also included some great news cast from WWII and three episodes of Box 13 from last weeks marathon that had the highest rating.
Click on the radio in the side bar to go to my home page while your keeping cool.
Later,
Kenaz
Monday, July 10, 2006
Guess The Corporate Mascots
Can you guess the names of the corporate mascots in the Mark Ryden painting "Dead Characters"?
The first picture is the origional, the others are closer looks at the characters
ANSWER
From left to right:
(Jesus Christ)
Speedy - Alka-Seltzer
The Michelin Man (aka Bibendum) - Michelin Tires
Elsie the Cow - Borden
Reddy Kilowatt - your local electric company
Big Boy - Big Boy Restaurants
Nipper - RCA (US), HMV (UK), and JVC (Japan)
Speedee - McDonald's
Speedy (dead) - Speedy was last seen in the 1980's, in a joint commercial for Alka-Seltzer and H&R Block, making the logical link between income taxes and heartburn. He was also involved in the "Save Big Boy" campaign in the mid-eighties.
The Michelin Man (alive) - The Michelin Man got the name Bibendum from an early ad which featured the Latin phrase "Nunc est bibendum", which means "It's time to drink". The ad depicted the Michelin Man drinking a glass filled with nails and broken glass. The Michelin Man still appears in television commercials today.
Elsie the Cow (life support) - Elsie the Cow still appears on milk products from a regional producer in Texas and Louisiana. Elsie also appears on cheese products marketed by the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative.
Reddy Kilowatt (missing, presumed dead) - Reddy Kilowatt was created in the 1920's at the Alabama Power Company, and over the years was licensed to hundreds of different local and regional power companies. In 1998 he came to be owned by Northern States Power Company. Shortly after they merged with another company to form Xcel Energy, Reddy disappeared from public view. Foul play is suspected.
Big Boy (critical condition) - Bob's was the first of the Big Boy restaurants, but the concept was franchised across the US under a variety of names, including Elias Brothers, JB's, Frisch's, and Shoney's. Today a small number of Big Boy restaurants still exist in California and a handful of other states. (Miss the big guy. It was a sad day when one of the best burgers in Hamilton left town back in I think the early eighties?)
Nipper (alive) - Nipper, who still appears around the world today, is probably the oldest mascot in the list (unless you count Jesus Christ). He was an actual dog who really cocked his head quizzically when hearing a gramophone. Francis Barraud completed the now famous painting of Nipper in 1899, seven years after Nipper passed away. That same year he sold the painting and its copyright to the Gramophone Company (UK). The Berliner Gramophone Company (US) acquired the US rights to the trademark a year later.
The Nipper mascot descended over the years to a number of successor companies, including the His Master's Voice record label, which today survives as music retailer HMV, a subsidiary of EMI; the Victor Talking Machine Company, which merged with RCA, and which after passing though the bowels of GE, is today owned by Thomson Electronics (RCA consumer electronics), and Bertelsmann AG's BMG division (RCA record label); and JVC, which began life as the Japan Victor Company, a subsidiary of RCA-Victor.
Speedee (retired) - Speedee was replaced in the early 1960's by a clown, and has not been seen in advertising since. The Speedee mascot can still be seen at the world's oldest operating McDonald's restaurant in Downey, Califonia.
Later,
Kenaz
The first picture is the origional, the others are closer looks at the characters
ANSWER
From left to right:
(Jesus Christ)
Speedy - Alka-Seltzer
The Michelin Man (aka Bibendum) - Michelin Tires
Elsie the Cow - Borden
Reddy Kilowatt - your local electric company
Big Boy - Big Boy Restaurants
Nipper - RCA (US), HMV (UK), and JVC (Japan)
Speedee - McDonald's
Speedy (dead) - Speedy was last seen in the 1980's, in a joint commercial for Alka-Seltzer and H&R Block, making the logical link between income taxes and heartburn. He was also involved in the "Save Big Boy" campaign in the mid-eighties.
The Michelin Man (alive) - The Michelin Man got the name Bibendum from an early ad which featured the Latin phrase "Nunc est bibendum", which means "It's time to drink". The ad depicted the Michelin Man drinking a glass filled with nails and broken glass. The Michelin Man still appears in television commercials today.
Elsie the Cow (life support) - Elsie the Cow still appears on milk products from a regional producer in Texas and Louisiana. Elsie also appears on cheese products marketed by the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative.
Reddy Kilowatt (missing, presumed dead) - Reddy Kilowatt was created in the 1920's at the Alabama Power Company, and over the years was licensed to hundreds of different local and regional power companies. In 1998 he came to be owned by Northern States Power Company. Shortly after they merged with another company to form Xcel Energy, Reddy disappeared from public view. Foul play is suspected.
Big Boy (critical condition) - Bob's was the first of the Big Boy restaurants, but the concept was franchised across the US under a variety of names, including Elias Brothers, JB's, Frisch's, and Shoney's. Today a small number of Big Boy restaurants still exist in California and a handful of other states. (Miss the big guy. It was a sad day when one of the best burgers in Hamilton left town back in I think the early eighties?)
Nipper (alive) - Nipper, who still appears around the world today, is probably the oldest mascot in the list (unless you count Jesus Christ). He was an actual dog who really cocked his head quizzically when hearing a gramophone. Francis Barraud completed the now famous painting of Nipper in 1899, seven years after Nipper passed away. That same year he sold the painting and its copyright to the Gramophone Company (UK). The Berliner Gramophone Company (US) acquired the US rights to the trademark a year later.
The Nipper mascot descended over the years to a number of successor companies, including the His Master's Voice record label, which today survives as music retailer HMV, a subsidiary of EMI; the Victor Talking Machine Company, which merged with RCA, and which after passing though the bowels of GE, is today owned by Thomson Electronics (RCA consumer electronics), and Bertelsmann AG's BMG division (RCA record label); and JVC, which began life as the Japan Victor Company, a subsidiary of RCA-Victor.
Speedee (retired) - Speedee was replaced in the early 1960's by a clown, and has not been seen in advertising since. The Speedee mascot can still be seen at the world's oldest operating McDonald's restaurant in Downey, Califonia.
Later,
Kenaz
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Box 13 Marathon
Starting tonight and running for the next week Kenaz's Old Time Radio will be running a 14 hour "Box 13" marathon. The first thirty of the fifty-two episode series starring Alan Ladd will be aired in order.
For those new to the genre Box 13 was a syndicated radio series about the escapades of mystery novelist Dan Holiday (Alan Ladd), a former newsman. Created by Mayfair Productions, the series premiered August 22, 1948, on New York's WOR and aired in syndication on the East Coast from August 22, 1948, to August 14. 1949. On the West Coast, Box 13 was heard from March 15, 1948 to March 7, 1949.
To seek out new ideas for his fiction, Holiday ran a classified ad in the Star-Times newspaper. "Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything -- Box 13." The stories followed Holiday's adventures when he responded to the letters sent to him by such people as a psycho killer and various victims.
Sylvia Picker appeared as Holiday's scatterbrained secretary Suzy. Supporting cast members included Betty Lou Gerson, Frank Lovejoy, Lurene Tuttle, Alan Reed, Luis Van Rooten and John Beal. Vern Carstensen, who directed Box 13 for producer Richard Sanville, was also the show's announcer.
Among the 52 episodes in the series were such mystery adventures as "The Sad Night," "Hot Box," "Last Will And Nursery Rhyme," "Hare And Hounds," "Hunt And Peck," "Death Is A Doll," "Tempest In a Casserole" and "Mexican Maze." The dramas featured music by Rudy Schrager. Russell Hughes, who had previously hired Ladd as a radio actor in 1935 at a $19 weekly salary, wrote the scripts, sometimes in collaboration with Ladd. The partners in Mayfair Productions were Ladd and Bernie Joslin, who had previously run the chain of Mayfair Restaurants.-wikipedia
This is my first "marathon" and if it works out I will run the rest of the series and others the likes of Gunsmoke and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar. To listen now either click on the title link or click on the radio in the side bar.
Later,
Kenaz
For those new to the genre Box 13 was a syndicated radio series about the escapades of mystery novelist Dan Holiday (Alan Ladd), a former newsman. Created by Mayfair Productions, the series premiered August 22, 1948, on New York's WOR and aired in syndication on the East Coast from August 22, 1948, to August 14. 1949. On the West Coast, Box 13 was heard from March 15, 1948 to March 7, 1949.
To seek out new ideas for his fiction, Holiday ran a classified ad in the Star-Times newspaper. "Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything -- Box 13." The stories followed Holiday's adventures when he responded to the letters sent to him by such people as a psycho killer and various victims.
Sylvia Picker appeared as Holiday's scatterbrained secretary Suzy. Supporting cast members included Betty Lou Gerson, Frank Lovejoy, Lurene Tuttle, Alan Reed, Luis Van Rooten and John Beal. Vern Carstensen, who directed Box 13 for producer Richard Sanville, was also the show's announcer.
Among the 52 episodes in the series were such mystery adventures as "The Sad Night," "Hot Box," "Last Will And Nursery Rhyme," "Hare And Hounds," "Hunt And Peck," "Death Is A Doll," "Tempest In a Casserole" and "Mexican Maze." The dramas featured music by Rudy Schrager. Russell Hughes, who had previously hired Ladd as a radio actor in 1935 at a $19 weekly salary, wrote the scripts, sometimes in collaboration with Ladd. The partners in Mayfair Productions were Ladd and Bernie Joslin, who had previously run the chain of Mayfair Restaurants.-wikipedia
This is my first "marathon" and if it works out I will run the rest of the series and others the likes of Gunsmoke and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar. To listen now either click on the title link or click on the radio in the side bar.
Later,
Kenaz
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Classic Mastercard and Visa Commercials
10 Classic Icons From Leading Consumer Brands Star in MasterCard Commercial.Included in the commercial are: Count Chocula®™ (General Mills), Chef Boyardee®™ (ConAgra Foods), Mr. Peanut®™ (Kraft Foods), the Pillsbury Doughboy®™ (General Mills), Charlie The Tuna®™ (Del Monte Foods), the Jolly Green Giant®™ (General Mills), the Morton Salt Girl®™ (Rohm and Haas), Mr. Clean®™ (Procter & Gamble), Gorton's Fisherman®™ and the Vlasic Stork®™ (Pinnacle Foods).
The 10 characters are seated at a "family style" dinner table passing various dishes to each other. Count Chocula accepts a plate of broccoli from the Jolly Green Giant. Voice over: broccoli... $1.79 on debit card. Charlie Tuna serves himself some tuna casserole from the dish and offers, "Casserole, anyone?" as he passes the dish to Count Chocula. Voice over: tuna... $3.59 (screen reads, "three pouches of tuna ... $3.59"). A roast is passed in front of Count Chocula - much to his delight. A plate of crescent rolls are shown as the Morton Salt Girl feels tempted and then finally pokes the Pillsbury Doughboy in the stomach. He replies with his trademark laugh, "Hee Hee!" Voice over: crescent rolls... $1.99. The Vlasic Stork is shown next to Chef Boyardee. Voice over: getting everyone together for dinner... Vlasic Stork: "You certainly are in a pickle!" Everyone at the table chuckles. Voice over: ... priceless. Charlie Tuna walks in to the kitchen with a stack of dirty dishes and comments, "I'm stuffed to the gills." Mr. Clean is shown in the kitchen waiting patiently for the dishes. The spot culminates with a variation on the MasterCard's traditional ending. Voice over: there are some things money can't buy ... for everything else there's Debit MasterCard ... accepted at your favorite supermarket.
A single gal is in distress. Who's she going to call? The mighty Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, the X-Men. No... Underdog is here! This is from Visa put out 2005 and in the same vein.
The 10 characters are seated at a "family style" dinner table passing various dishes to each other. Count Chocula accepts a plate of broccoli from the Jolly Green Giant. Voice over: broccoli... $1.79 on debit card. Charlie Tuna serves himself some tuna casserole from the dish and offers, "Casserole, anyone?" as he passes the dish to Count Chocula. Voice over: tuna... $3.59 (screen reads, "three pouches of tuna ... $3.59"). A roast is passed in front of Count Chocula - much to his delight. A plate of crescent rolls are shown as the Morton Salt Girl feels tempted and then finally pokes the Pillsbury Doughboy in the stomach. He replies with his trademark laugh, "Hee Hee!" Voice over: crescent rolls... $1.99. The Vlasic Stork is shown next to Chef Boyardee. Voice over: getting everyone together for dinner... Vlasic Stork: "You certainly are in a pickle!" Everyone at the table chuckles. Voice over: ... priceless. Charlie Tuna walks in to the kitchen with a stack of dirty dishes and comments, "I'm stuffed to the gills." Mr. Clean is shown in the kitchen waiting patiently for the dishes. The spot culminates with a variation on the MasterCard's traditional ending. Voice over: there are some things money can't buy ... for everything else there's Debit MasterCard ... accepted at your favorite supermarket.
A single gal is in distress. Who's she going to call? The mighty Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, the X-Men. No... Underdog is here! This is from Visa put out 2005 and in the same vein.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)