Tides of change hopefully will cleanse the stench off Hamilton Police Services

Hamilton's police services board has taken the unexpected and somewhat surprising step of choosing an external candidate, Toronto police Staff Superintendent Glenn De Caire, to replace retiring police chief Brian Mullan. Some critics are wondering why one of the force's two deputy chiefs weren't promoted, while others say a new face and leadership is a good thing.-from The Hamilton Spectator, November 20,2009

In my opinion there isn't even a debate here the best candidate should fulfill the position ireespective of their current location. I don't think members of the HPS are good enough for a role as chief. They've been shown examples from Mullan that the police can break the law as they see fit. This has resulted in criminals being freed because the police violated constitutional rights. This has also resulted in innocent people losing everything (Michael Dixon) because their constitutional rights were trampled upon by HPS. The HPS have never been unable to deal with street criminals... But as far back as I can remember, they've been absolutely useless in dealing with the criminals in their own police force. Here's to the future, Chief De Caire please do your best to promote justice which is an inherent right given to us by our Constitution, not by the parts your predecessor saw fit to uphold in order to further his own political agenda.

If I may make one suggestion, much in the media has been made of the efforts the Chief has established in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto in trying to curb the gang and drug activity. Hamilton's Bartonville and surrounding area is a 4.3km forgotten area of crack houses, hookers, sleazy junk shops that area politicians and police have ignored, leaving; the few decent property owners and small businesses owners who care about bring decency back to an area that once was the home of some of the fiercest community pride this city has known, to defend for themselves. Please Mr. De Caire take a walking tour of the area and speak to the deli owner's and the working stiff's like myself who are willing too work for minimum wage to keep a modest home over his head and not take the cowards way out and live off our tax dollars. We need more undercover and uniformed beat cops, camera's and more police backed community and business organizations like ones formed on Ottawa and Stinston Streets.

In other positive moves Bernie Morelli is stepping down as chair of the Police Services Board hard on the heels of the board hiring the new chief of police. It seems right to extend that clean slate all the way to the PSB. New chief. New chair. The air hanging over city government already smells sweeter, it isn't ginger and spice but it's sure better than sh**.

Morelli is a passionate police supporter, maybe too so. Many times accusations of conflict of interest have risen because of the "brotherly" relationship between Morelli and Chief Brian Mullan. The PSB is a civilian board that oversees the chief. It sets the budget and the policy. It can also call for internal investigations when there are allegations of police wrongdoing, of which there have been a few during Morelli's iron fisted reign.

The Community Coalition Against Racism, which accused the police of systemic racism, has said Morelli needs to go. Others, citing the fact Morelli's son is a Hamilton cop and his brother was at one time also on the service, have cried conflict of interest and said he needs to go.

Bringing in De Caire a complete outsider is a stroke of genius, I applaud the oracle keepers who showed some insight, while everyone else was counting on passing the torch to another member of the old guard. For better or worse -- it does wipe the slate clean. De Caire has no affiliation with Hamilton. No friends, no enemies. Hopefully the board will see with the same clarity and pass the torch to someone looking to speak up and not sit idle and be dictated to.

Later,
Kenaz

Two sons of the Prairie die in Afghanistan

I found this fitting song composed by MacPhee, Schram, Howe in my files simply entitled "Ode To The Canadian Soldier "and uploaded to imeem. Please give a listen. The lyrics pay tribute to the men and women who are "Fighting for freedom and staying the course. Lieutenant Justin Garrett Boyes was killed by an improvised explosive device just 10 days into his second tour in Afghanistan. Two others were injured in the blast near Kandahar. Boyes, 26, was remembered as an 'easy-going Prairie boy.' Sapper Steven Marshall, of 11 Field Squadron 1 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Edmonton, Alta., was killed Friday afternoon when his patrol was struck by an IED in Panjwaii district, southwest of Kandahar city. Marshall, 24, had been in Afghanistan for less than a week when he died. He is the second Canadian soldier to be killed this week after Lt. Justin Boyes of was struck by an IED on Wednesday. The latest death brings to 133 the total number of Canadian soldiers who have died as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002. Peace,

Fall 2009 Tarot and Rune reading

For my 1000th post I give you my Fall 2009 Tarot and Rune reading. The question remains the same, "What does the fall have in store for me?" Once again the readings offer some interesting dichotomies. It looks like the season will be a positive step in the right direction. A new job, already looking solid, money is always tight and it looks like the "Devil" has had his card flipped for a change.

	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. Eight of Wands (Swiftness): Swift activity. Sudden progress or movement. Speed. Hastily made decisions. Too rapid advancement.
	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. Three of Wands (Virtue), when reversed: Assistance with an ulterior motive. Diminishing adversity. Beware of help offered.
	The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Devil, when reversed: Release from bondage. Divorce. Recognition of one's need by another person. Overcoming handicaps. The beginning of spiritual understanding. The first steps toward enlightenment.
	The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Eight of Swords (Interference): Crisis. Calamity. Conflict. Domination. Imprisonment. Turmoil. Bad news. Censure. Criticism. Sickness. Calumny.
	The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Three of Swords (Sorrow): Absence. Disappointment. Strife. Removal. Dispersion. Diversion. Opposition. Separation. Delay.
	The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Ace of Pentacles: Perfection. Attainment. Prosperity. Felicity. Great wealth. riches. Bliss. Ecstasy. Gold. Valuable coins or artifacts. Treasures. The combination of material and spiritual prosperity.
	The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Seven of Cups (Temptation): Fantasy. Unrealistic attitudes. Imagination. Daydreams. Foolish whims. Wishful thinking. Illusionary success.
	The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. Queen of Swords, when reversed: Narrow-minded. Maliciousness. Bigotry. Deceitfulness. Vengefulness. Prudishness. A treacherous enemy. An ill-tempered person.
	The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Page of Pentacles, when reversed: An unrealistic person. Failure to recognize obvious facts. Dissipation of ideas. Illogical thinking. Rebelliousness. Wastefulness. Loss. Unfavorable news.
	The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. Nine of Cups (Happiness), when reversed: Mistakes. Material loss. Imperfections. Misplaced truth. False freedom. Opposition. Differences. Dispute.

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. Ger is one of the runes that touches on the cycles of the year, in this case the fall harvest. These cycles are eternal, which is represented in the rune by the fact that it is unchanged by reversal. Ger can represent pregnancy or other forms of fruitfulness, and is especially indicative of the cycles of providence and karma - that which has been sown is now being reaped. This rune can also represent the cycles of wealth, for crops were frequently a sign of wealth.

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Berkana represents the birch tree. The birch is frequently symbolic of renewal, rebirth, birth, growth and fertility. This rune is a joyous one, representing good outcomes from ventures undertaken. It is the rune of the family and of a good household.

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Othila is the homeland. Unlike Fehu, this is the rune of immovable wealth. On a deeper level, this rune speaks to that which you inherit, be it material or genetic. Since Othila is seen reversed here, the obstacles you confront are among those things in your background that you take for granted and consider fairly stable. Problems from the "homeland", from familial inheritance, or from our own origins may be worked around, but they cannot be made to go away. Fortunately, for many problems, this is all that is required.

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

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge. The rune is shown reversed representing a state of darkness or ignorance. Either you are unable to obtain information that you need, or the information is being withheld from you. In darkness there is fear, but remember that darkness does not mean isolation. Friendship and comfort can still be available, although they are not immediately visible. Later, Kenaz

Pte. Jonathan Couturier died in a "useless war"

"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. It is always the same and it is always different. The latest Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan apparently considered the mission useless. The brother of Pte. Jonathan Couturier has told a Quebec newspaper the young soldier thought the mission was futile. Such a strong anti-war reaction is rare from a family following the death of a soldier in Afghanistan, but totally understandable given the mounting casualty list in a war that sees no end and people uncapable to change. Liberal Sen. Colin Kenny has called it futile, dubbing it Canada's Vietnam – a comment that has drawn an angry denunciation from military brass. Even Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean has waded into the issue, saying Canada's mission is improving lives in Afghanistan. He died and 11 others were injured when their vehicle drove over a roadside bomb. Lieut.-Col. Joe Paul, the battle group commander, says the 23-year-old Quebec soldier died yesterday morning when his vehicle hit an IED while returning from a mission in the Panjwaii district, southwest of Kandahar city. Paul says the soldiers were clearing a village with plans to have Canadian troops living among the Afghans there to provide security. Couturier is the 131st Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2002. Soldiers gather to say farewell Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan gathered as the sun was setting Friday to say farewell to a fallen brother in arms. Hundreds of soldiers lined the tarmac at the Kandahar Airfield as the body of Pte. Jonathan Couturier was carried in a flag-draped casket to a waiting military transport aircraft. (Sept. 18, 2009)

Pte. Lormand on his way home

"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. It is always the same and it is always different. Pte. Patrick Lormand, a 21-year-old infantryman remembered for his dedication to duty and his sense of humour, is the 12th Canadian soldier to die during the current rotation and the 130th overall since the mission to bring peace to his war-torn land began seven years ago. Lormand was on a patrol Sunday when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device southwest of Kandahar city. Four other soldiers riding with him received minor injuries.

Peace to Maj. Yannick Pepin and Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin

"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. A powerful roadside bomb blast hit an armoured vehicle that was part of a Canadian convoy on a road southwest of Kandahar, bringing to 129 the total number of Canadian soldiers who have died as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002. Killed in the explosion were 36-year-old Maj. Yannick Pepin and Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin, 21 who were hit by the IED explosion around noon local time in the Dand district, southwest of Kandahar city on Sunday. Both men were members of the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment and were stationed in Valcartier, Que. Pepin, the highest ranking member of the Canadian military to die in combat in Afghanistan, was the commander of the last two soldiers killed as part of the mission.

Charity starts at home

Every time Hamilton gets another "flood of the century" area politicians and citizens who aren't capable of higher inteligence look for a scapegoat to blame and pay for their own ignorance.

Sam Merulla, Councilor for Ward 4 went off half cocked a week and a half ago after he received a deluge of complaints from irate home owners standing in waste water and no insurance, denied because of previous claims. Merulla, always the opportunist sent out emails to the media laced with childish obscenities aimed at anyone who dared to challenge his self professed claim of being the crusader for the poor and ignored.

Give it a rest Merulla, insurance is meant to aide those in getting their homes and lives back together after a tragedy not to compensate idiots who use the system as a honey pot for free home improvements.

I have not had more than a small amount of water come into my basement when there have been heavy rains. I live in the Sherman and Barton area, which has had many flooded basements over the past few years.

I did not need to experience a flood first- hand to know that it would be unwise to have a finished basement. My basement is used for what it was intended to be, a storage area and laundry area. The storage is on shelves and the bottom areas have everything in sealed waterproof containers. There is nothing that is irreplaceable or precious in my basement. I have basic insurance coverage and my insurance rates are very low.

I would not blame the city if I was not capable of learning after repeated flooding in my basement nor would I expect my insurance to continue to cover my losses. I am upset that these people who fail to learn from past experiences continue to have the insurance companies pay to renovate the basements of their homes. My insurance rates went up thirty bucks a month for no reason and I've never had to put in a claim.

I am supposed to feel bad that a surround sound stereo and a white couch was damaged by the flood. Why would anyone put something that valuable in a basement that has had many floods? That's like leaving it on the front lawn and then complaining it was stolen.

People claim "the city has known about this problem for many years and continued to do nothing about it," yet they continue to live in the seventies when "wreck rooms" where the norm. The problem is not going away until we get a city council who sees merit in investing in infrastructure instead of higher profile items like the Red Hill Expressway.

An Expressway that every member of City Hall including Mr. Merulla touted as something that would improve the quality of life for all citizens of Hamilton. All the expressway has done is leave Hamilton with a woeful Red Hill Creek storm barrier not capable of handling even modest amounts of rain.

The people who are the most vocal on the TV, radio or in the Spec are the most ignorant. These people deserve to have no insurance, maybe they can invite Mr. Merulla over for a beer and sit in the basement and wait for the next flood. At least each would be eye to eye with the problem and hopefully the "plagues" that besiege Hamilton will be washed away.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein. In laymen terms quit pissing in the wind people.

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.