Destined hero's pay the ultimate sacrifice

"Vir fortis natus" "Destined Hero" I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Yet another two heroes have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace. My thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies go out to the families of these young men. Don't ever feel as though your efforts are not being respected and acknowledged as our country is what it is today due to your efforts as well as those before you and those serving today. May you rest in peace. Sapper Matthieu Allard, 21, based in Valcartier, Que., was one of two soldiers killed by a roadside bomb in the Zhari district of Afghanistan on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2009. Cpl. Christian Bobbitt, 23, based in Valcartier, Que., was killed by a roadside bomb in the Zhari district of Afghanistan on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2009. Two Canadian soldiers killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan Saturday. Sapper Matthieu Allard, 21, and 23-year-old Cpl. Christian Bobbitt were killed in the Zhari district, west of Kandahar. Both were members of the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment and had been serving in Afghanistan since March with the 2e Batallion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos, based in Valcartier, Que. The two soldiers were killed when their re-supply convoy was hit by two improvised explosive devices. The two soldiers had left their vehicle to secure the area after an initial explosion near the town of Senjaray, when a second IED exploded around 3:20 p.m. local time. Brig.-Gen Jonathan Vance, commander of Task Force Kandahar- The roads in Kandahar are heavily travelled by Afghans, and soldiers like Christian and Matthieu work tirelessly under extremely hazardous conditions to try and prevent restrictions to the freedom of movement of Afghans, so that they can begin to live more normal lives. The two soldiers were part of a group of engineers who clear roads of IEDs. The two likely helped defuse half of the roadside bombs found in Kandahar province in July On the day the two men died, soldiers halted operations at two bomb-making factories and seized a quantity of bomb-making equipment. The total number of Canadian soldiers killed during the Afghan mission is now at 127. Peace.

HSR procedures are totally apathetic

Ridership is down 2 per cent for the first four months of the year -- a $600,000 hit to the budget if the trend continues all year. It's the first sustained revenue drop the system has seen since 1995.-July 22, Spectator Article

"There's no doubt in my mind that it's connected to the economy,"-transit director Don Hull.

This well may be part and parcel but after a recent problem I had on a bus and the disappointing way it was handled I believe many of the HSR's problems are internal. There was a recent case to back up my assumption involving assault to which drivers have done nothing out of fear of violating HSR policy.

Spectator Article Feb. 28-The Hamilton police services board is calling for a review of the relationship between police and the HSR after a woman was pulled off a bus and beaten...When the driver stopped, the girls dragged the woman off the bus and continued to beat her. Neither the passengers nor the driver intervened.

According to current HSR procedures, drivers are to report any on-board incidents to a superior and are not specifically required to intervene.

I have personally witnessed a similar incident and blogged about which fortunately ended different because of a driver who cared to challenge "HSR procedure"

Excerpt from my post from 5/21/07- I grabbed a bus for home, and the reality of the inner city came crashing down when I witnessed an attempted mugging of a young girl by two teen female "gang bangers" at the stop at Barton and John. Thank god it was broken up by the male bus driver before anyone was hurt.

This leads me to the most recent incident of HSR apathy and disregard for commuter safety. Here is a detailed account of the incident taken from the emails sent to the HSR and several city officials.

Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 1:57 AM
To: HSR Customer Service
Subject: complaint about a driver

Date:Tuesday 12:44AM
Bus Route Info:Barton 2 West Bound
Location:Bell Manor Loop

Incident: At 12:30 I got on the Barton bus, shortly after 4 males, obviously intoxicated, entered the bus greeted the driver in a way that I felt they knew each other in some way. One male carried a 24 of beer,entered first and proceeded to crack the cap and begin to consume it. The driver entered and I assume did his regular check before departing, never said anything to this passenger. This male then proceeded to pass this beer around and then crack a second and due the same. The foursome continued to drink, unattested by the driver until they departed at the centre mall. Several passengers noticed their behaviour a couple, including my self gave strong indication of the circumstance. I mentioned to the last of the foursome before he got off that his actions just got the driver in some problems, to this the driver responded with a "so what". If this driver is not reprimanded or/and removed from this route a copy of this email will be sent to the mayors office and need be it the Hamilton Police pending your reaction. Can I remind the HSR who pays their bills? The people who pay fares to ride your buses and who expect a safe commute.

From: HSR Customer Service
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:15 AM
Subject: RE: complaint about a driver

Hello,

Your complaint has been forwarded to our Operations team for investigation. Their process dictates that they respond within 10 business days at which time we will let you know when the investigation is complete.

Details of the action taken can not be disclosed as per the Federal Privacy Act which states that all communication between an employer and employee is strictly confidential.

To: Sam Merulla(Ward 4 Councillor), forwarded to Diane Piedimonte(Administrative Assistant to Councillor Sam Merulla, Ward 4) Don Hull(HSR Transit director)
Sent: Fri Jul 10 16:39:43 2009
Subject: Fw: complaint about a driver

Mr. Merulla,

I am forwarding a copy of the following email that has been sent to Mayor Fred, considering this HSR trip took place in your riding, the one that I currently reside in.

Automated Response:I will follow up asap.

To: Mayor Fred Eisenberger
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 4:31 PM
Subject: Fw: complaint about a driver

Mr. Eisenberger,

I ask you for a second of your busy schedule too hear me out. The following is a copy of the two emails that I have sent to the HSR concerning a driver I had the unfortunate pleasure of being served by back on June 23. As you read you will realize the HSR: which receives a lions share of mine, and the other thousands of commuters dollars annually to provide a sound transport system; failed me miserably, and now refuses to offer a basic rebuttal their own mandate says I am entitled too.

I have yet to hear from any of the above parties at this time about the outcome. The only ones who have shown any support where other drivers who apparently know in detail of the complaint.

Later,
Kenaz

Canadian troops bid farewell to Pte. Sebastien Courcy

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Pte. Sébastien Courcy from 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment A Canadian soldier fell to his death Thursday while conducting operations in the Panjwaii district of Afghanistan. Pte. Sébastien Courcy was a member of 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment -- known as the Van Doos -- based at CFB Valcartier outside Quebec City. He was the fifth Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan this month, along with at least 42 other NATO military personnel. Courcy, 26, arrived in Afghanistan in April and was part of an operation to separate the insurgency from the population in Panjwaii district. The young soldier had joined the military in 2006. This was his first deployment in Afghanistan. He is the 125th Canadian soldier to die since the Afghanistan mission began in 2002. Earlier this month, Master Cpl. Patrice Audet, 38, and Cpl. Martin Joannette, 25, were killed in a helicopter crash at an American forward operating base in Zabul province. Cpl. Nick Bulger, 30, was also killed this month when the convoy he was in struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan's southern Zhari district. Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud, 28, died from injuries he received on June 23 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol in the Panjwaii district. Peace, In a tribute to the fallen soldier, Padre Normand Cholette said he was an enthusiastic and meticulous soldier who served as a confidante to his brothers in arms.

Two Canadian soldiers killed in helicopter crash

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Cpl. Martin Joannette, left, and Master Cpl. Patrice Audet, right Master Cpl. Patrice Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Valcartier, Que. Cpl. Martin Joannette was with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, also based in Val Cartier, Que. Two Canadian soldiers have died in a Griffon helicopter crash in Afghanistan, along with another coalition soldier. Three other Canadians were injured. The killed Canadians have been identified as Master Cpl. Pat Audet, 38, and Cpl. Martin Joannette, 25. Both were based in Valcartier, Que. Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and Joannette was with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment. Two of the injured soldiers were able to return to duty, while the third was listed in stable condition. Insurgents were not involved in the incident, suggesting the helicopter may have suffered from mechanical failure possibly caused by a dust storm. Audet was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. Joanette, although younger, was on his third deployment. "Their contribution here in Afghanistan was incredible, and we will remember their sacrifice always,"-Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance. Canada lost four soldiers in as many days. Cpl. Nicholas Bulger died from an IED explosion on July 3, and Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud died the next day, succumbing to injuries he had suffered in a bomb blast the previous month. The latest casualties bring Canada's military death toll in Afghanistan to 124 since the mission began in 2002. Peace,

Canadian soldier from Quebec succumbs to wounds suffered in Afghanistan

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Michaud served as a mentor to his fellow troops and was a model soldier.-Col. Jean Marc Lanthier, commander of the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group A soldier injured last month in Afghanistan has died of his wounds. The soldier was identified as Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud, 28. He was wounded June 23 when he stepped on a mine in the Panjwaii district. Michaud becomes the 122nd Canadian soldier to die during the Afghanistan mission. Master-Corporal Charles-Philippe Michaud is from the 2e Batallion, Royal 22e Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City. Peace.

Bomb kills soldier,narrowly killing top commander

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Corporal Nick Bulger's job was to protect the life of Canada's top commander in Afghanistan, Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance. "IEDs are the tools of cowards," Brig-Gen.Vance Brig.-Gen. Vance's armoured vehicle slipped past a powerful, buried bomb in the restive Zhari district west of Kandahar City. Cpl. Bulger's vehicle, travelling just 15 metres behind, wasn't so lucky: It triggered an explosion that killed the married father of two girls and injured five other members of Brig.-Gen. Vance's security detail. The security unit is comprised mostly of veterans. And while Cpl. Bulger - the 121st Canadian to die in Afghanistan since 2002 - was on his first tour, he'd already made an impression. Bulger was a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. Peace.

Summer 2009 Rune and Tarot Reading

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

The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.

The left rune represents an important element of the past. Ansuz is the spoken word of God. This rune is reversed, indicating that you are misunderstanding the divine voice or failing to hear it all. The word is always correct, so you must strive, whatever the difficulty, to hear correctly. Be wary of the advice you are given, for it may prove incorrect. Do not attribute infallibility to fallible sources...

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Man refers to Mankind and your interaction with the whole of human population. This rune is reversed, suggesting a separation from your fellow man. There is a lack of harmony in your interaction with others, either because you do not accept society or society does not accept you. Alternatively, this rune may also represent your separation from nature, and your ability to rise above the base level of being. As the rune is reversed, this may suggest an incomplete level of spiritual attainment or an intellectual block.

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful - although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised - the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Algiz plainly shows the antlers of the elk that it represents. The elk is the object of the hunt, and hence Algiz speaks to the pursuit of goals and the thrill of that pursuit. The rune is currently shown reversed, so this could suggest a failed endeavor or a lack of effort. Algiz is also representative of a protective hand (fingers open wide), so the reversed form may indicate a failed defense.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Berkana, the birch tree, is representative of rebirth, fertility, and a positive outcome to ventures undertaken. It is also the rune of families. Here the rune is reversed, warning you to be heedful of new beginnings, lest they sour. Rebirth is either delayed, or totally disrupted. There is also a warning of family troubles.

Two more Canadian soldiers killed by IED's

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. A Canadian combat engineer, described as a great guy to be around, was killed in southern Afghanistan yesterday when one of two roadside bombs he was trying to defuse exploded. Corporal Martin Dube, 35, was the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan in a week. In making the grim announcement at Kandahar Airfield, Brig.-General Jonathan Vance said the "energetic" Dube was someone who believed in the Afghan mission and was eager to make a difference. "The IED that Martin was dismantling could have killed an entire family, as it was deliberately aimed at passing traffic," said Vance, the senior commander in Kandahar. "His actions, his sacrifice, saved the lives of innocents." Vance praised Dube, who was from the 5e Regiment du Genie de Combat based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City. Dube's death brings to 120 the total number of Canadian soldiers who have died during the Afghan mission since it began in 2002. A period of relative calm for Canadian soldiers trying to bring stability to Afghanistan was shattered Monday June 8 when a makeshift bomb cut short the life of an infantryman on foot patrol in the treacherous Panjwaii district of Kandahar province. Pte. Alexandre (Pelo) Peloquin, 20, of the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, was based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City. Peloquin was from the Laurentides region north of Montreal but was living in Val Belair before he left in mid-April on his first mission to Afghanistan, said spokesman Alex Maille. He is the 12th Valcartier soldier to die in the mission. Peace.

Sojourn on Randy Steele

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

Later,
Kenaz

Some solace for shooting victim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas Riordan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Later,
Kenaz

Quebec soldier latest hero lost in Afghanistan

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Trooper Karine Blais was killed Monday when the vehicle she was travelling in hit an improvised explosive device in Shah Wali Kowt, north of Kandahar City. Karine Blais lived life in a small town, but she had big dreams. She grew up in the Quebec riverside village of Les Méchins, and became a familiar face in the community while working in the local convenience store. She wanted to return one day to build a house there. But it was her desire to join the army, so that one day she could drive a tank and become a mechanic, that ensured she would never return to the place she loved. On Monday, the 21-year-old died in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan, just two weeks into her first tour of duty there. Blais was killed while riding in an armoured vehicle in the Shah Wali Kot District north of Kandahar city. She was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment battle group, based at Valcartier, Que. Four other soldiers were hurt in the blast. She is the 117th Canadian soldier to die in the Afghan mission since 2002 – and the second woman – the majority of whom were killed by roadside bombs. Capt. Nichola Goddard of Calgary, who was killed in battle in May 2006, was the first woman killed in Afghanistan. After graduating from the Polyvalente de Matane high school in a nearby town, Blais went directly into the army. She was stationed at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City, and has been with the forces since 2006. Peace.

The hammer falls in Hamilton on three murder trials

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

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

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

Rogers sentenced to life in jail

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aziga guilty verdict makes history

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

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

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

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

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

full story

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

Brothers admit to killing

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

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

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

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

Walsh's sister,

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

full story

Later,
Kenaz

Spring Tarot and Rune Reading

What does Spring 2009 have in store for me?

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

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

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