I Love You

Prelude

The Oxford Canadian Dictionary defines the word love as an intense feeling of deep affection or fondness for a person or thing. I believe the 1986 song by Anita Baker titled "Sweet Love" is very fitting.

All of us have travelled the road of endearment at least once in our lives and cherished someone. There is no set interval for love...it can occur at any time, day, night, winter or summer. The feeling may strike immediately or the duration may take a period to develop. A lot of individuals experience an ecstatic and blissful state of mind...they are literally on "cloud nine." When a couple are in love it can be the utmost beautiful and magnificent emotion they have ever encountered. When Cupid fires his arrow people can be truly head over heels on each other.

When I retired I had a part time job delivering prescription drugs to customers. Back in the early 1980's I worked with a fellow somewhat older than me who had the same last name that was on the receipt of one of my "scripts". When I delivered the medication a lady came to the door and I asked her if she was any relation to my ex co-worker. She replied, "yes, that was my husband...he died of leukemia a couple of years ago...I miss him so much." My client was a weekly delivery and every time she greeted me at the door, her cute little dog would accompany her. She explained to me her pet couldn't understand where her hubby had disappeared to and every time her door bell rang her dog would think it was her spouse. Anyway, she would always reminisce about her deceased partner and consistently say to me "I miss him so much." The smooth jazz song by Kim Waters titled "Forever Yours" is very fitting for the lady...the power of love still in full bloom never expiring.

Love hides in a lot of familiar surroundings such as high school, post secondary institutions, the work place, bars, extra curricular activities like recreation leagues and hobbies and social functions. A lot of people believe love will keep them hand in hand for an eternity as the 1965 song by Sonny and Cher titled "I Got You Babe" and the 1975 song by The Captain and Tennille titled "Love Will Keep Us Together." It's a delightful belief that love will last forever but from time to time, for some people, sadly, their ship will sink. Whenever the love bug has departed, there is a very strong possibility that the adoration and passion is gone, gone for good, gone forever, never to return as the 1979 song by Earth, Wind and Fire titled "After The Love Is Gone" specifies.

When the expression, "I don't love you anymore" or "I want a divorce" is announced it's like an emotional bomb that explodes and can rip a person's heart into millions of pieces...it can be extremely crushing and devastating and very difficult to accept.

Remember our parents era, a high majority of their generation stayed together for decades unless there was a death in the relationship. My parents (R.I.P. and God rest your souls) were married for thirty-five years until my father's death. My E.A.'s (Executive Assistant) parents have been in holy matrimony for sixty-seven years. Our neighbours (across the street) were in their union for sixty-eight years until the wife's passing. A few of my friends are working on their late twenty or thirty year membership, but I must mention, only a few.

The term divorce is widespread...you could call it a world epidemic. The following is from "The Richest", May 1/14 with the top ten countries with the highest divorce rate: United States-53%, France-55%, Cuba-56%, Estonia-58%, Luxembourg-60%, Spain-61%, Czech Republic-66%, Hungary-67%, Portugal-68% and Belgium-71%...Canada is somewhere between 40 and 50%.

My E.A. is divorced. She has five siblings. Out of the six children five are divorced. A plentiful number of my friends, co-workers and acquaintances have been subject to the dissolution. I had a marital breakdown and wouldn't wish it on anyone. It can be heart rendering and possess overwhelming sorrow and misery...it could be called a living death.

Back in 1989 a co-worker invited myself and other staff members to his wedding. The reception was fun and enjoyable. Then, four days later (yes four days later) we found out he was filing for divorce...the honeymoon wasn't even finished. Needless to say all of us were shocked...it had to be one of the shortest marriages in history.

Hollywood is certainly no stranger to divorce over the past century. A lot of big name actors of the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's were involved in estrangement, some of them multiple times. The environment they exist in, is, shall I say a completely and different universe...we haven't the slightest indication how that world turns.

Sadly enough divorce can be exceedingly cruel, hurtful and upsetting. Both parties can be spiteful and vindictive...it can very easily turn into a continuous battle. When couples with children split it can generate additional pain with distressing circumstances. A few years ago I recall reading that some so called relationship experts suggested for parents to remain married for the children's benefit and well being. I'm no marriage counsellor but I definitely don't concur on that theory. Children are not stupid. They can very easily pick up on things, particularly if the family routines are different and not functioning smoothly.

Life is extremely precious, our number can be summoned at any time. If the lifestyle isn't cheerful between parents on the home front, surviving can be exceedingly miserable and dismal, plain and simple people want to be happy in their relationships...it's human nature.

We've all heard the phrase high school sweethearts. Young lovers "tie the knot" fresh out of high school and all of a sudden their bubble bursts. The time frame may vary from a few to numerous years. My E.A. and a handful of my friends are in that grouping. The 1977 song by Billy Joel titled "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" when he sings about "Brenda and Eddie" is a good example.

The phrase "Till Death Do Us Part" maybe will be changed to "Till Separation Do Us Part."

Jack and Jill sitting in a tree,
K-I-S-S-I-N-G,
First comes love, then comes marriage,
Oh look who's holding the divorce papers.

Every so often Hollywood will produce comedies about divorce...however divorce is absolutely and by any means no laughing matter. It is tragic for the parties involved, the children and relatives. At one time you are planning to live the rest of you life with the one you love with all your heart and then BANG it's splitsville. At times I think divorce might be some type of disease.

Epilogue

I think all of us need love in our lives. People will always surrender to love and they gratify themselves in marriage or live with each other...this is a slice of human composition. Nothing in life is guaranteed...Oops, taxes (especially from Liberals) and death are carved in stone. I think we can include love and divorce as reality.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "The Infamous Vanishing Act"

Monkey Business

Prelude

Government isn't difficult to recognize. They develop hare-brained and foolish ideas and their decisions, actions and final results, most of the time are absolutely preposterous and costly to you and I. It's truly unacceptable and offensive how they waste our tax money (at all three levels) and increase and/or create new "charges", conning and deceiving us. When we talk about public safety, government should be 100% legitimate, valid and genuine and utilize sound judgment and basic common sense...they say they do, but it is quite obvious they don't.

I read an article in the Toronto Sun on July 8/17 about the payout terrorist Omar Khadr received ($10.5 million) from the federal government. Our teenage P.M. (Prime Minister) and his Liberal gang are an outright disgrace to Canada and humanity as a whole. Our heedless leader (who never worked a day in his life) is rewarding terrorists for their violent and barbaric behaviour.

It's his congenial way of showing hospitality towards religious fanatics who want to destroy our customs and traditions. Did I mention they're also devoted murderers and take absolute pleasure in killing innocent people. Our P.M. youngster (anyone want to take my picture) appears to have a real weakness and affection for these fuckers. Remember he reinstated convicted terrorist Zakaria Amara's Canadian citizenship in the spring of 2017. One of his 2015 election campaign promises was terrorists should keep their Canadian citizenship. To reinforce his statement an article in www.Huffpost.com on Oct. 28/15 stated the lefty said terrorists should keep their Canadian citizenship even if they attack Canada. Can you believe this ludicrously and shameful attitude? But does it surprise me, not really because this is the ruler who said in 2013 he admires China's dictatorship and was very remorseful when President Fidel Castro died...am I sensing Trudeau would love to regulate Canada under a dictatorship?

Before you Trudeau lovers start screaming at me, I am fully aware the Conservative government under P.M. Stephan Harper participated in a previous payout in 2007 to a Syrian-Canadian terrorist named Maher Arar...he was suing for $37 million and settled for $10.5 million.

Again, our so called Charter of Rights and Freedoms and legal system operates in many mysterious ways. The Toronto Sun also stated in a column by Candice Malcolm the Supreme Court decision about Khadr said it was up to the government to decide how best to respond to the judgment...so the bleeding heart Liberals show warmth and love towards homicidal insurgents. It's extremely sad but increasingly sickening that Canadian soldiers who died and were injured in Afghanistan never came close to receiving a compensation package these fucking terrorists acquired.

Khadr sued the Canadian government for $20 million for violating his civil rights...unfavorably he was born in Toronto, Ontario so he is a Canadian citizen. My belief is elementary...a terrorist has no rights, everything is stripped, even their citizenship. You would think our "caring" Liberal boys and girls in Ottawa could legislate some sort of terrorist bill that would override these brutal fanatics rights. Yeah right, try telling that to Trudeau...he lives in a continuing fantasy world.

The rest of the world must really wonder about our justice system, especially when we deal with terrorists...it's very evident, it's a fucking joke. The payouts of Maher Arar in 2007, Omar Khadr in 2017 and reinstating convicted terrorist Zakaria Amara's Canadian citizenship in 2017 is downright disgraceful and disgusting. But the gang at the House of Commons thinks differently...it sickens me they're such forgiving advocates. They display shameful behaviour by rewarding these demons for their vicious behaviour. The entire terrorist regime must have a lengthy laugh at Canada. They probably admire this nation because they can always proceed with their violent beliefs...if caught they might be compensated, Canada cares for everyone.

Sadly though, not everyone. I read an article in the Toronto Sun on July 14/17 titled, "Canadian war vets fight for disability benefits while Omar Khadr counts his millions." The New Veteran Charter (N.V.C.) came into effect in 2006. It ended a practice of disabled soldiers receiving life long pensions which was replaced with a single settlement plan that resulted in many veterans receiving a fraction of what others received in the past. One of Trudeau's campaign promises was to change the N.V.C. for the betterment of disabled veterans but as usual he's done diddly-squat...doesn't surprise me. The Equitas Society (a watchdog group fighting for disabled veterans) says the government is haggling over compensation for disabled veterans.

The government says they have no social contract with veterans...make up and change the rules whenever it's suitable for the controllers. A social contract is an agreement between the people of the state and the government of the state. The first social contracts were written by philosophers John Locke (1632-1704) and Jean Jacques Rosseau (1712-1778). They saw good government coming from social contracts. I think it's quite apparent they only time government enjoys any social contract is when they benefit.

Some people may ask, do Canadian veterans deserve any compensation? There was no conscription (like the Vietnam War), our soldiers volunteered...it was their choice. True enough, BUT, first of all they placed their lives on the line trying to fight terrorism and keep us safe. Secondly they're employed by the federal government. Let's use a firefighter for an example. They volunteered for the job, no one forced them into that type of employment but if they are injured (doesn't matter the extent) he or she will be fully compensated. Again, dirty little tricks by the government.

As frightening and sadly it is, it's sage to say terrorism is alive and well in this country. Let's take a look at Rehab Dughmosh. This psychotic radical was charged by the R.C.M.P. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) with 21 terrorist related offenses while uttering death threats to customers at a Canadian Tire store in Scarborough (a borough of Toronto, Ontario) on June 3/16...she was equipped with a golf club, knife and bow. She has pledged allegiance to I.S.I.S. more than once and constantly says, "I don't believe in your laws."

She also stated in her latest court appearance "I meant to harm those people", regarding the Canadian Tire incident. On April 24/16 she left Canada for Syria to fight for I.S.I.S. but was detained in Turkey and was returned to Trudeau land...she was also charged with that journey. This deranged woman is extremely dangerous to society. The R.C.M.P. were investigating this lunatic and provided the citizenry with a "comforting" statement, "she is no outstanding risk to public safety"...are they sure they have the correct individual...what does it take to be classified as dangerous? It should be interesting to see what type of sentence she receives, or maybe she'll be awarded with some form of compensation.

The Trudeau crowd are terrorist sympathizers. They show compassion, tender-heartedness and kindness to these bloodthirsty extremists who CRAVE to destroy Canada. Sometimes I wonder if Justin actually jumped down the rabbit hole so he and Alice could take selfies together and he was hypnotized with the fantasy land and never came out of the trance.

Epilogue

It won't surprise me if this inappropriateness with terrorism continues. Trudeau and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale should resign immediately and never again enter the political theatre. I will put this quite simple, very clear and extremely straightforward, I'm absolutely ashamed to be a Canadian.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "I Love You"

---

Read about Uncle Block's Road Trip.

Inseparable

Prelude

I enjoy reading the Mountain News. It's a community newspaper that caters to residents that live on the "mountain" in Hamilton, Ontario. In the Jan. 12/17 edition I read an individual's comment in the editorial section titled, "Pay $50 million to Canadians rather than British Monarchy." I never (for the life of me) knew that Canadian tax payers paid into the Crown...63 years old and still learning.

Canada separated from G.B. (Great Britain) after being granted autonomy, in most of it's affairs, in 1931 by the Statute of Westminster. Canada obtained "complete" independence from G.B. through the Canada Act in 1982...however you wouldn't know it.

We all know Canada was an ally to G.B. in both World Wars. It was certainly an extremely tragic and devastating good deed, considering numerous Canadians were killed or seriously wounded in combat.

After reading the Mountain News article I decided to do some research of my own. I read a piece in MacLeans magazine, July 14/09, which stated the Queen costs Canadians more than what the Brits pay and Canadian costs are rapidly increasing. Expenses include Royal Family visits and the price of operating offices of the Governor General and the ten provincial Lieutenant Governors.

The Ontario Lieutenant Governor employs nine staff members. The B.C. (British Columbia) office is very expensive to manage because of it's 102 room official residence for it's Lieutenant Governor...what the hell goes on there?

C.B.C. news reported on Jan. 15/15, in 2011-2012 the Ontario Lieutenant Governor's expenses were $1,359,100 and for all other Lieutenant Governors their cost was $6,344,802. The Federal government pays the annual salaries for all Lieutenant Governors (ten in total) which is $126,241 each...in other words you and I "donate" our money.

The Lieutenant Governor is the representative of the Crown in each province. Some of their responsibilities are, (1) promote a sense of identity...my thought, identity to what...we are all Canadians, (2) representing the Queen in the province...my thought, appoint one of the provincial ministers, (3) acting as the provinces' official host...my thought, Premiers are the head of their provinces so why not be the emcee, (4) supporting social clauses...my thought, I don't recall ever seeing these delegates protesting with anti-poverty groups or march in Pride Parades, (5) recognizing outstanding citizens...my thought, politicians can perform the same task. I think you see where I'm going here...needless bureaucracy.

Then we have the Governor General...the Commander-in-Chief of Canada. He or she is the representative of the Crown at the Federal level that regards the Queen as the head of state. Their salary is a nice chunk of change, just under $300,000 a year. According to Yahoo Finances April 20/16 the Governor General's office expense for 2014-2015 was $20.86 million.

An additional support of $22.06 million was given from other government branches such as the Department of Defence, the R.C.M.P. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and the National Capital Commission which focuses on preserving official residences and is responsible for the Ministry of Heritage...sounds like government babysitting government.

Here are some job duties for this overpaid bureaucrat, (1) summon and dissolving of Parliament...my thought, the Speaker of the House of Commons can conduct that function, (2) reading the Throne Speech...my thought, again, another task for the Speaker, (3) giving Royal Assent which makes acts of Parliament into law...my thought, a simple job for the politicians, (4) promoting a sense of identity...my thought, oh my, here we go again with that word identity, we don't need a high priced official proclaim to us who we really are.

The Lieutenant Governors are appointed by the Governor General and the Prime Minister (P.M.) of Canada and the Federal cabinet. The Governor General is appointed by the Queen of England on advice from the P.M., sounds like an exclusive boys and girls club...reminds me of our Canadian Senate.

The Monarchists League of Canada (M.L.C.) is Canada's Constitutional Monarchy. It was founded in 1970 and federally incorporated in 1976. The are a non-profit organization that describes themselves as a national patriotic society supporting Canada's Constitutional Monarchy. They "claim" it only costs each Canadian $1.53 a year (the price of a Tim Horton's coffee) to support the Crown. They also maintain the Constitutional Monarchy plays a vital role in Canada's identity...between the government and the M.L.C. they certainly want to ram THEIR identity down our throats.

Some of their suggestions to promote the Crown are as follows: streets and public buildings or similar suitable public places be named after the Queen and members of the Royal Family, asking your faith leader to include prayer for the Queen and Royal Family at every service and buy stamps with the Queen's picture on it. I look at the stamp as a very self-centered item because Canada Post outlets MUST carry stamps with the Queen's picture on them

In the past the Canadian government has eliminated some of the monarchy traits. The British Red Ensign was replaced with the Maple Leaf flag, God Save the Queen was exchanged for O, Canada and the Royal Mail was renamed Canada Post. It was suppose to be the start of a new identity, but of course the government only pruned a couple of branches off the 100 year old oak tree.

After these changes, supporters of monarchy were, shall I say, devastated and formed the M.L.C. They actively lobbied the federal and provincial governments, individual politicians, crown corporations, government agencies and the media (they definitely solicit the correct groups) through organized letter writing campaigns and behind the scenes manoeuvering. Hmm...I wonder how effective the latter is? L.O.L. The M.L.C. has 20 branch offices and contact groups throughout Canada.

Then we have the almighty Government of Canada state on their website Canada is a Constitutional Monarchy and is essential and relevant for our identity, contributing to the sense of unity and pride among Canadians. What the hell does government know about harmony and self-respect and why is it so necessary, crucial, mandatory and fitting for our lives? Life will go on, with or without monarchy.

Many people are fascinated with monarchy, specifically the Royal Family...it's like they are spellbound and mesmerized. My parents (R.I.P. and God rest your souls) were two such individuals who were absorbed with monarchy. They were born in Canada and so were their parents. My mother adored Queen Elizabeth 2, admired her so much she had a collectors china pate or her picture located on her buffet for numerous years.

My father also honoured and praised royalty. He served in World War 2 and saw plenty of action. Whenever I "challenged" him on any monarchy subject he would become very annoyed at me and the "debate" would be finished in less than ten seconds. I also recall when Canada's new maple leaf flag became official on Feb. 15/65. My father was angry and irritated...he was absolutely opposed to the change. He stated we didn't fight for that flag in the war.

For some people the Royal Family is enchanting because it reminds them when they were children fantasizing about Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses and the Royal Family is reality. They are also modern day celebrities and they receive a great amount of publicity. Maybe you could say people look at royalty the same way they do with actors and athletes...at least actors and athletes provide us with entertainment.

Throughout my life I've had acquaintances with many Brits. I can honestly say I found them to be truly friendly and pleasant individuals. Two of my very good friends were born in Scotland, an old high school buddy in Glasgow and a fellow football coach in Edinburgh. One characteristic I noticed was if they were advocates of monarchy, they undoubtedly didn't preach the Crown to other people.

I have always been perplexed why Canada never celebrated our first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald's birthday, but we commemorate Queen Victoria's natal day...it's a statutory holiday and most people receive a day off with pay from work. Through some research I discovered MacDonald wasn't, shall I say, your politically correct P.M. If that's the reason we don't observe his day, there must be at least one bureaucrat we could recognize his birthday as a holiday. I'm sure there are a lot of countries that acknowledge their first President's or P.M.'s birthday.

The M.L.C. should be very happy with such titles like the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, Royal Ontario Museum, Royal Mint, Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Canadian Institute and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They must also be delighted with some of our highways named after certain Kings and Queens and the Queen's picture on our currency.

I read some disturbing quotes from our teenage P.M. in an article from the Toronto Sun Feb. 11/17 titled "Canadians are proud of our unique identity." Kellie Leitch who is campaigning for the Leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada says she will protect and promote Canadian values. Meanwhile this is what our adolescent P.M. had to say: "Canada has no core identity, no mainstream and is a post national state." Now I ask you, how the hell do we encourage and reinforce our identity when this juvenile (which I remind you again, he never worked a day in his life) is slamming and trashing any identity we try to maintain...he is patronizing Canadians.

Epilogue

By no means whatsoever I wrote this rant to taunt, ridicule or mock anyone from the U.K. (United Kingdom)...that was not my objective and goal. In my opinion U.K. folks are some of the nicest and personable people you could every meet. If I came across offending anyone, my deepest apologies. We are Canadians and have values and traditions. We work hard and most of us abide the laws and rules of the country. Our ancestry revolves around many backgrounds and countries. We like to say eh, and are known for ice hockey, maple syrup, back bacon, Tim Horton coffee franchises and our winter wonderland. We have talented actors and musicians. Calgary Alberta, Toronto Ontario and Vancouver British Columbia are classified as world class cities...sorry Chris Murray, City Manager for Hamilton, Ontario who stated in his high priced irrational thinking that Hamilton was a world class city...must be something in the ventilation system at City Hall. We have a simple identity...we are Canadians. We don't require the government and the M.L.C. to contribute and nurture our identity with monarchy. Whether it's a cost of a Tim Horton's cup of coffee for every Canadian once a year or not, the money we "donate" to the British Monarchy could be granted towards poverty, health care, our armed forces and women's shelters to name a few.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "Monkey Business"

---

Want to know why Hamilton's taxi drivers seems so miserable lately? Click here.

Anytime Anyplace

Prelude

There has always been some sort of peril starting a new business as well as preserving established enterprises. Government interference, correct location, mechanical breakdowns, bills, taxes, quantity and quality of the product or service and employees are key factors for entrepreneurs new and old if they desire to maintain a successful operation. One of the worst nightmares a business owner wants to experience is to be slapped with a major law suit...however it does occur, a lot of times with devastating results.

I read an article in the National Post on March 12/17 titled "Ontario garage owner gets chance to fight liability for teen injured in stolen car." I will paraphrase the write-up. In July 2006 two teen boys (15 and 16 years old) stole a car from a garage owners' lot in Paisley, Ontario...Paisley is 94 miles west of Barrie. Their joy ride turned out to be absolutely horrendous with traumatic consequences. The 16 year old who drove the vehicle (he had never driven before) crashed the auto and his 15 year old friend received, as the National Post stated, "catastrophic brain injuries."

Prior to the accident both boys had indulged in drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. For some bizarre reason the shop's owner would always have his customers' vehicles unlocked, with their keys inside the ash trays. He also took no action to keep people from trespassing on to his property when it was closed...there was a previous auto theft.

The injured teen sued the driver and the driver's mother. He also sued the business owner and the jury found him responsible for the majority of the blame...37% negligent. The owner will have his chance to dispute before the Supreme Court of Canada in the near future. He believes he shouldn't be held accountable for the severe and agonizing injuries the teen suffered.

I would usually say when are individuals going to start taking full responsibility for their behaviour...the two boys were old enough to realize, stealing a car is a criminal offence, case closed. However, this story is mind boggling...I think the garage owner was also partaking in booze and pot. I find it extremely weird and highly unusual he would leave his customers' vehicles unlocked and the keys in the ash trays...talk about an unwritten invitation for auto theft...it completely blows me away...I almost find it fake news and impossible to believe that this was his ongoing practice. I wonder if his customers knew about his total lack of security for their automobiles.

I think most of us, at one time in our lives, had to leave our vehicles overnight at the garage. How many lot owners park their customers' cars outside, unlocked with the keys in the ash trays...five will get you ten, not one. The "normal" proprietor would at least lock the cars and store the keys inside his shop...it's simple fucking common sense. If this was the owner's regular routine (it sounds like it was) he is an idiot and a very stupid man...maybe that's how the jury viewed him as well as being supremely irresponsible.

Getting back to the brain injured teen, stories such as his bring a tear to my eye and must rip the parents' hearts in to pieces...it's a crying shame, so tragic and sad. The boy never had the opportunity to enjoy his remaining teen years and take pleasure in his years of a young man and we can't forget the endless heartache and excruciating suffering the parents will always experience. We could only imagine if the car was locked and the keys were inside the shop's office on that night in July 2006 life would've been different for the boy and his parents.

Then there was Stella Liebeck. Her name probably doesn't ring a bell but she was the woman who made headlines when she spilled a cup of coffee on herself while she was at a MacDonald's drive through in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1992...it's hard to believe that was 25 years ago.

She was a passenger sitting in her son's car...the vehicle was idle. She had just purchased the coffee and placed it between her legs to mix the cream and sugar when it tipped scalding her thighs, buttocks and groin...she received skin grafts for third degree burns. A jury awarded her $2.7 million because MacDonald's coffee was TOO hot. It's very unfortunate that she received a critical injury but was that case the birth of what may sound like ridiculous and preposterous law suits to permeate the court system in the near future? A good possibility.

When I was working towards my Recreation Leadership diploma at Mohawk College (Hamilton, Ontario) in 1988 I recall a lesson on Risk Management and Liability. The instructor mentioned a story to the class. I will paraphrase what she said. A teenage boy was climbing a tall fence that surrounded a high voltage unit. There were many signs posted on the fence...Danger, No Trespassing...sadly they didn't discourage the youngster. Somehow he made his way into the restricted area and being curious he touched a component and was instantly electrocuted. Again, another devastating case of a wasted young life and massive sorrow for the parents. The utility company was sued and found negligent. The point my teacher was conveying, you can never have enough safeguards in place and signage just isn't good enough.

Lawyers represent their clients in a court of law. Certain lawyers will grab what seems to be the most asinine and ludicrous cases. Which brings me to one of my favourite sitcoms, Sienfeld 1989-1998. The program is entirely fictitious but in many ways it's true to life...a lot of daily realism. I honestly believe that's why it was so popular and still is today...dealing with simple every day activities of peoples' lives.

The following three episodes come to mind with respect to this rant. "The Postponement," 1995, Season 7, Episode 2, "Kramer" has burned himself with hot coffee and sues the coffee shop. In "The Caddy," 1996, Season 7, Episode 12, "Kramer's" face is disfigured because he is smoking and sues the tobacco companies, and in "The Abstinence," 1996, Season 8, Episode 9, "Kramer" is injured in a car accident because his driving was distracted looking at a beautiful lady wearing just a bra on her upper body and sues the woman. Of course, he hasn't any difficulty finding a lawyer, the extraordinary "Jackie Chiles." Could those episodes have been the start of crack pot and absurd law suits or at least enhancing the idea of suing anyone for anything?

We've always heard about the loser burglar who injures himself after a robbery and sues the homeowner. Or about Richard Overton. In 1991 he sued (he must have been ahead of his time) Anheuser-Busch for misleading advertising and deceptive marketing for emotional and psychological stress. He declared beautiful women didn't come to life on a beach after drinking six beers as the commercial stated...the case was thrown out of course...I would hope so.

Then we had Allen Heckard. In 2006 he sued Michael Jorden and Nike owner Paul Knight for $832 million. He claimed to suffer emotional pain and suffering because people often mistook him for the basketball superstar...he finally dropped his law suit. Maybe Allen should've taken up drinking. I wonder if some lawyers who represent their clients with zany law suits are having financial dilemmas. It also sounds like there are a lot of Lionel Hutz's in the law profession.

Epilogue

Law suits will never cease. Sadly accidents will always happen, just not on our roads and highways but in every day life. People may be sued because someone fell and injured themselves on an icy sidewalk or customer fell and seriously hurt themselves while tripping on a torn piece of carpet in a restaurant...it's like Murphy's Law...if it can happen it will. There is certainly a high risk for business owners. Whatever their product or service they're selling the consumer, they must maintain and insist at all times, everything is top quality and to provide a safe environment to their clientele and employees. The expression "cover you ass" has been installed into everyone's minds...it's here forever, never to be abolished.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with Inseparable

It's Difficult To Wave The Flag

Prelude

I must admit we do have some conditions to be thankful for in our liberal state of Canada. We're not a war torn nation. We don't have terrorists targeting our cities...yet. A high majority of citizens live a seemingly decent lifestyle and the country is basically free from disease, famine and natural disasters.

However, I believe a lot of people have the same opinion as I do. Most of the time, all three levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal) are thieving bandits. They are very dishonest, irresponsible and certainly enjoy dipping into our pockets...I call it government behaving disgracefully.

This spurious carbon tax (the actual tax isn't fake, it's real) in my opinion is a deceiving scam and nothing more than an enormous tax grab (more like a theft grab) from who else but our Liberal government...but we must remember they care so much about us, especially our children.

Our adolescent Prime Minister adores, and is "devoted" to his fellow Canadians but also to everyone as he said in a Toronto Sun article on April 21/17, "to those fleeing persecution, terror and war, Canada will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength." I haven't any idea how diversity is our strength. The country's strength comes from people who own businesses and companies and from the folks who work hard for a living but Trudeau wouldn't know about that...he never worked a day in his life, and let's not forget guys and gals, he's never met a camera he didn't like..."won't you smile for the camera."

Our teenage big cheese undeniably advertised the country's open door policy on immigration with his diversity statement, and he doesn't care about the safety of Canadians and the security of the nation...here is proof. An article in the Toronto Sun May 25/17 titled "Canada has dozens of jihadists walking free, yet authorities won't charge them." The story stated there could be over one hundred jihadis because the heads of our security agencies say so. They have compiled lists, they have the names and have a sense where the radicals are but won't do anything about it.

Which brings me to another point. I was totally appalled when I read our proprietor awarded a terrorist with a Canadian citizenship. I believe it was in all the newspapers but my reference was written in www.NeverAgainCanada.com. The fanatic's name is Zakaria Amara and he is serving a life sentence (yea, right a life sentence)...he was convicted of terrorism. He came to Canada as a teenager and became a Canadian citizen. This is what the fucker had planned for innocent Canuks: detonate bombs downtown Toronto, co-ordinate shooting sprees at the C.B.C. (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) and the T.S.E. (Toronto Stock Exchange), planned to siege Parliament Hill in Ottawa, carry out executions and beheadings of politicians including PM (Prime Minister) Stephen Harper.

Under PM Harper this blood thirsty inhuman madman Amara's Canadian citizenship was terminated forever and after he had served his sentence he would be deported. But along came our bleeding heart Liberal crusader (you know him, the guy who's never worked a day in his life and is the ruler of Canada) and he reinstated the psychopath's citizenship. This mother fucker maniac wanted to kill a multitude of innocent Canadians...is our golden boy PM (who lived the life of Riley all of his life) exhibiting delusional behaviour?..I find his decision completely outrageous and disgusting.

Then we have the problem with the illegal border crossings that Trudeau and his gang don't have a clue on how to deal with, or maybe they do but they don't care. An article in the Toronto Sun March 17/17 stated Trudeau lifted the visa requirement for Mexican travelers in Dec. 2016 against the wishes of some immigration and border security experts. Since the new year, hundreds of Mexicans have been taking advantage of Canada's generous asylum program...of course they are, why wouldn't they? Remember, diversity is what makes Canada strong, not hard working Canadians.

The penalties for violent crimes in Canada is, putting it mildly, a fucking joke...you may recall my rant on Nov. 8/15 titled "Meet the Devil." Some vicious criminals don't serve their entire sentence because of an absolutely ridiculous title called Statutory Release Law. As soon as these criminals set foot inside prison, one-third of their sentence is automatically reduced.

How many time have we heard pedophiles, savage sex offenders and violent criminals are released from prison and living in half way houses...shadowing their prey very easily. Again Liberal thinking ass backwards...more caring about the offender than actual public safety, SHAMEFUL!!

We have read about our military over the years and I think we all agree it's inadequate...unquestionably no disrespectfulness whatsoever to the men and women who serve, or have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Years ago I read a very agreeable book titled "The Trouble With Canada" by William D. Gairdner Ph.D. Many of his points I found interesting, one in particular he stated, "beginning in the 1970's Canada abandoned it's historical foundations and fell under the spell of socialism." Looking at that comment forty plus years later, I think it's safe to say we are our brothers keeper.

Getting back to our military, Mr. Gairdner stated one of the real functions of government is to provide an armed forces for the protection of the country's citizens against foreign invaders...undoubtedly I concur. But for some mystifying reason our "commander" ignores our essential safety.

An article in the C.B.C. news on March 22/17 was about the 2017 Federal Liberal Budget, specifically the defence budget. It stated billions in defence equipment purchases were postponed until the 2030's...a fair chunk of change, $8.4 billion. These Liberals are promising to put the money back and spend it somehow over the next twenty years...are we really suppose to believe that tale?

So they want to save the money...SAVE IT FOR WHAT? Do these outrageous keepers of the state realize evil lurks and there are fucking lunatic such as North Korea's Kim Jung Un and I.S.I.S. who have a thirst for annihilating western civilization. Maybe Trudeau wants to welcome these people (who, by the way, want to kill us) with open arms into their Liberal fairy tale...L.O.L., we must remember "diversity is our strength."

I was extremely annoyed and angered (like many other Canadians) when our "loving, passionate" and "devoted" Justin expressed his sorrow and mournfulness towards the death of Cuban President Fidel Castro. He stated Castro was a larger than life figure and a legendary orator. Here we go again, Trudeau living in his own little fantasy world.

I couldn't believe our naïve PM refers to this tyrant like a popular and likable saint. Castro was an evil dictator ruling a communist state. He was a mass murderer and created brutal oppression, persecution, despotism, subjugation, and maltreatment among the Cuban people...supremely disgraceful on Junior's behalf.

We always hear about politicians saying Canada is a caring nation, but do we ever see THEM provide their own money or homes for refugees. Don't you find it strange Trudeau and Wynne preaching the Syrian refugee crisis like a Mississippi Baptist minister spreading the work of God, but neither of our two "thoughtful" and "considerate" Liberals offered their personal assistance or help (money and/or shelter) to the refugees. We may be a caring nation but the reason for that is the politicians manipulate our way of thinking and THEY receive all the glory and credit.

Remember all those years we were ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN to watch the American Super Bowl commercials during the game. Some how that has changed now and we've been given the honour and privilege to see the American commercials, however the Canadian way of competing still occurs. I always pondered when I'm watching a U.S. (United States) program on an American television station, I see Canadian commercials. This is a form of Canadian competition provided by the C.R.T.C. (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission) and is called simultaneous substitution.

It's an American signal replaced with a Canadian signal. According to our supposedly impartial (I see them as a dictatorship) C.R.T.C. the reasons are to protect the rights of broadcasters, to promote local broadcasting and creation and to keep advertising dollars in Canada. As far as I'm concerned this is, as usual, extremely underhanded and devious trickery from the government. Think about it, it's total control by the government, telling us what we can and cannot watch, forcing us to view what the state thinks is good for our minds and wallets.

I will use this prime example. "The Price Is Right" is broadcast on C.B.S. Detroit and City-TV Toronto each week day at 11:00 AM. I select to watch the show on C.B.S. Detroit but I have to view Canadian commercials...the reason, simultaneous substitution, the product of the C.R.T.C. Here's my objection and gripe. If I want to watch Canadian commercials I'll tune into City-TV and if I decide to watch American commercials I should have the choice to do so...but I don't have any say in the matter. Again, government regulation and restriction...the vomitous undertaking of the C.R.T.C. has always infuriated me and it certainly seems it hasn't changed.

It always amazes me why it's so expensive to eat out at restaurants. Earlier this year my E.A. (Executive Assistant) and myself treated her parents for brunch...it was her mother's birthday. We ate at the Symposium Restaurant located on Rymal Road East, Stoney Creek mountain. Her folks had omelettes and we had hamburgers, hers with fries and mine with soup. Beverages included ice tea, coffee, water and get this, a four ounce glass of orange juice that cost $4.25. The final bill for our simple and straight forward chow was seventy dollars. Why is it when we see American family restaurants advertising their "grub" they cater to the consumer at a much cheaper price and the same of more quantity such as establishments like Applebee's, Bob Evans, Denney's, Longhorn Steakhouse and Perkins?

As usual our governments enjoy controlling us and in this case it's the federal supply management policies, better known as marketing boards. The Supply Management controls (there's that word again) the price of milk, cheese, butter, eggs, chicken and turkey and are a shared jurisdiction between the Federal and Provincial governments. That's the reason why my E.A. paid thirty-six dollars for an Easter Butterball turkey of just under fifteen pounds...fucking absurd.

I read an article in www.Huffpost.com Dec.23/14 titled "The Real Reason Canadians Pay Higher Prices Than Americans For The Same Products." Besides explaining Supply Management the article also mentioned another interesting point why we get defrauded. Economist Ross Mikitrick found for large industrial users, electricity rates in Chicago, Illinois were 6.12 cents per kilowatt hour. Rates in Toronto, Ontario were double that figure and blames Ontario's rising electricity costs due to ill advised and expense feed-in tariffs for wind power and other expensive types of electricity...that was three years ago and the Liberals are "still putting it to us."

I read a very thought provoking and informative story in the Toronto Sun on June 9/17 titled, "Think June 9 is too late for tax freedom day? Just wait." The article was written by Charles Lamman, Director of Fiscal Studies and Miloagros Palacios, Senior Economist at the Fraser Institute. The feature was about the extortion, oh, I meant to say taxation in Canada.

Tax Freedom Day was developed by the Fraser Institute and is the day you start working for yourself. Prior to that day all the money you earned was taken by all three levels of government. The average Canadian family with two or more people will pay $47,135 in total taxes, 43% of their $108,674 annual income...this is highway robbery. Governments are spending $41 billion more than the taxes we currently pay...tax, tax, tax, these crafty so called managers enjoy the thievery...no wonder it's hard to get ahead.

McGuilty and Mommy Wynne's track records are far from mediocre, in fact they're disgusting: putting people's lives at risk during the winter on highways, giving OUR MONEY to teacher's unions, increasing and creating new taxes and we can't forget about the Ontario debt that continues to escalate and the scandals they produced were underhanded, corrupt and scheming...a couple of Liberal soundrels.

The rant wouldn't be complete without telling you how my City of Hamilton, Ontario Councilors mismanage our tax money. Senseless spending on bike lanes, two-way conversions and pedestrian crossovers and other idiotic projects but avoiding paying strict attention to public safety and infrastructure.

Some folks may be saying, well Puritan you're so negative on this country why don't you pack up your bags and move to your perfect kingdom. At 63 years of age it's not that easy to relocate especially when most countries are melting in to a Liberal cesspool.

Epilogue

There are plenty state of affairs at all three levels of government that are ill-advised, improper, undesirable or plainly said, WRONG. If these ludicrous "leaders" don't start making adjustments and reorganize their asinine spending this nation will proceed to decay...we might be on our way now. Canada is preparing to celebrate it's 150th birthday and numerous individuals will be partying and paying tribute to their homeland. In spite of all the hoopla, it's no big deal to me...it's just another day.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with Anytime, Anyplace

Disenchantment

Prelude

I always enjoyed playing, watching sports on television and attending the games live. I competed in North American Football (my favourite), hockey and baseball. My long time and very good friend Uncle Block suggested I write a rant about sports...I accepted his advice and here it is.

As a young boy and teenager I participated in organized sports in Hamilton, Ontario. I played three years of house league hockey at Inch Park Arena. My third year I was selected for an all star tryout...I was cut after the first practice.

Back in those days (early 1960's) the rinks weren't enclosed. Whenever I played the temperature was frigid and the wind was biting cold. I remember my father (R.I.P. and God rest your soul) taking me to my games at four and five o'clock on Saturday mornings...he would be frozen stiff watching his son compete.

I played two years of baseball, one year of fastball at Buchanan Park, the other year of hardball at Holbrook Park. I also partook in high school football, one year of junior and two years of senior at Westmount Secondary School.

Like most boys during my childhood and teenage years I was athletic...active and energetic, but just an average kid when it came to possessing any real talent. It was safe to say there wouldn't be any sports team scout knocking on my door wanting to recruit me.

Since my preferred sport was the grid iron pastime, I decided to endeavour coaching football...the year was 1972. As it turned out, I coached the pigskin sport for thirty-two seasons at various levels. In the spring of 1985 I travelled to Austin, Texas to watch the Texas Longhorns (my favourite college football team) practice for a week. The purpose of that trip was to acquire any ideas for my coaching betterment.

I have many wonderful memories of my amateur career, but three occurrences were absolutely remarkable and outstanding. In 1977 I was Head Coach for a peewee (12 and 13 year olds) team for the Hamilton Minor Football Association and we won the city championship...it was a very dramatic season since our record was 4 wins and 4 losses before we entered the playoffs.

I received the Seymour Wilson Award presented by the Hamilton Football Officials Association for service and contribution to amateur football in 2005...it was an exceptional and magnificent honor.

In 2006 I was Defensive Co-ordinator for the Steel City (Hamilton) Ironmen Junior Varsity team (ages 14-16 years old) of the Ontario Varsity Football League and we won the Ontario Provincial Championship. Winning both championships has sensations some coaches would never experience...to say it mildly, extreme joy, elation and ecstasy.

My last year of coaching was 2006. I contemplated returning to the Ironmen grid iron in 2008, but my conscience kept saying, you went out a winner and have a championship ring.

I did consider coaching high school football a few years ago. However, I thought I can do without being present at the practices and games freezing or saturated from a cold rain...my days were finished...I put my time in. Oddly enough, now, I don't miss coaching at all.

I have appeared at a good deal of Professional sporting events throughout my life. I have been present for many Hamilton Tiger Cat games of the C.F.L. (Canadian Football League), watching the Detroit Lions of the N.F.L. (National Football League) square off against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers and the Buffalo Bills, also of the N.F.L. play the Dallas Cowboys.

Major League Baseball (M.L.B.) was always pleasurable. I witnessed the Toronto Blue Jays in their initial years and saw a Detroit Tigers game at their old ballpark, Tiger Stadium. I had a marvellous and fantastic time taking weekend trips to Cleveland, Ohio with four good friends (sadly one is no longer with us...R.I.P. and God rest your soul you left us way too early) and watching the Indians...oops, is that racist, oh well. We did that venture twice, one year for the New York Yankees and the next year for the Blue Jays.

I travelled to Buffalo, New York on an organized bus trip in 1976 and watched the Buffalo Sabres of the N.H.L. (National Hockey League) take on the Soviet Wings of the Soviet Union...the final score was 12-6 for the Sabres.

Myself and some of my buddies would journey to Toronto when the Chicago Black Hawks (oh, oh, racist sweaters) of the N.H.L. would check in for a Saturday night game. We stayed overnight at a five star hotel located in the heart of downtown...we did this more than once.

A very good friend (still great friends today) of mine's uncle was the manager of the beautiful, upscale and luxurious building. If I remember correctly, there was no fee for our overnight lodging. When we returned to our rooms there would always be a tray of snacks and beer on ice...absolutely without a doubt, a complete and total class act. Sadly enough my friend's uncle passed away some time ago...R.I.P. and God rest your soul...you were a super nice guy.

The number of games I have viewed on television or listened to on the radio is a considerable amount. My favourite professional sports teams were the Chicago Black Hawks (N.H.L.), Green Bay Packers (N.F.L.), New York Yankees (M.L.B.) and the Ottawa Rough Riders (C.F.L.)

The last hockey game I watched in it's entirety was a 1985 Stanley Cup Playoff game between the Chicago Black Hawks and Edmonton Oilers.

Some folks have stated the league has "cleaned up" the game, from what it use to be in regards to fighting and cheap shots. Every morning I lay on my couch with my coffee and my bottle of tap water and watch the sports highlights from the night before and still see players brawling and/or inflicting inexcusable and unsportsmanlike physical actions on each other.

I recall a game on Nov. 15/16 where Johnny Gardreau of the Calgary Flames was deliberately slashed with a stick by Minnesota Wilds Eric Staal...the end result, Gardreau received a broken finger,

I don't doubt if for one second, Canada owns hockey...it's the country's game and Canucks are the best in the world. Many Canadians will insist and persistently argue that fighting is part of the game. I've always tried to comprehend, what component of the game?... I have never agreed with that rationale.

When a fight occurs at a hockey game a multitude of fans behaviour transforms into a state of euphoria...they have an extensive and vast pleasure watching two players physically assault one another or better known as beat the shit out of each other...I just can't understand the mentality.

When two people engage in a physical altercation their objective and full intention is to SERIOUSLY INJURE each other and nothing less...is that amusing?

I wonder if anyone has ever asked Don Sanderson's family or friends if they support fighting in hockey. On Dec. 12/08 Sanderson who was a 21 year old defenseman for the Whitby Dunlops of the Allan Cup Hockey League was in a fight with Brantford Blast forward Corey Fulton. Sanderson's helmet fell off and he dropped to the ice hitting his head. He was in a coma for almost three weeks and died Jan. 2/09...HOW FUCKING AMUSING IS THAT?

Chris DiDomenico, a player with the St. John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League was quoted in the Star Jan. 3/09 (a day after Sanderson's death) and said, "I don't think there's anything wrong with fighting. If two guys want to drop the gloves it's totally up to them."

A player has just died from an unnecessary and pointless incident and he still thinks fighting is O.K.? I wonder if he would "change his tune" if a family member or close friend died from a hockey fight? I guess his generation is what we call desensitized.

It's horrific when parents experience the loss of a son or daughter, but lose a loved one in a hockey game due to senseless and idiotic fighting is DOWN RIGHT FUCKING WRONG!!! You may say it's only happened once...once is TOO MANY! Tell me, is death due to fighting part of the game?

My E.A. (Executive Assistant) any myself watched the third period of the gold medal hockey game of the 2010 Winter Olympics between Canada and the U.S. (United States) on television...to say the least, it was sheer entertainment...a true classic.

The game had a soaring calibre of skill and artistry...it was spectacular with continuous end to end action...an outstanding and splendid extravaganza...Canada won 3-2. Undeniably, there wasn't any fighting or cheap blows...the way hockey should be played.

Keeping with hockey, I find it very odd players don't wear full protective face shields, such as a steel cage or plastic visors. The risk of receiving a puck, stick or skate into the face is highly probable as Sidney Crosby experienced on Dec. 14/16 in a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. Crosby received a puck and a stick in the face on two separate occasions. Some forums I "surfed" stated the N.H.L. prohibits full facial protection unless for medical reasons. An article in the Hockey Writers on Dec. 14/15 stated in the year 2015 alone there were an incredible number of injuries suffered from pucks, sticks and even skate blades to the face.

If full facial protection is actually outlawed by the N.H.L. I find it truly absurd. It's really strange that there is a lack of health and safety rules for players about full facial protection.

Our eyes are a precious, priceless and vital feature of the human anatomy. Occupations like firefighters, construction, road and factory workers (to name a few) are regulated by law to wear their full and proper protective apparel and abide by the health and safety mandates.

Other reasons I have read for the absence of full facial protection, they are uncomfortable, players have a harder time controlling the puck and the cameras can't acquire a clear shot of the player's face...now really, is this a photo shoot or a hockey game?

The full cage or visor doesn't appear to hinder the performance of the Canadian Women's Hockey Team...they just keep on winning world titles and gold medals...they are the best on this earth.

I was an avid C.F.L fan for many years. When the league expanded in the 1990's with some American teams and the Ottawa Rough Riders franchise collapsed in 1996 my enthusiasm (didn't have to be curbed) was basically shattered and ruined.

For some time now C.F.L. teams have had sponsors on their sweaters...they are located on the upper front by the players' shoulders. I find it completely amateurish. Hold on a minute now, before you start screaming, I am not calling the players amateur, on the contrary the players are excellent athletes...polished and talented. When I see the advertising on the sweaters it reminds me of the jerseys of a tyke or peewee minor football team.

The 2016 Grey Cup was held in Toronto on Nov. 27/16 at B.M.O. (Bank of Montreal) field. The Grey Cup is a championship trophy awarded to the best team in the C.F.L.. The Ottawa Redblacks defeated the Calgary Stampeders 39-33 in overtime.

The seating capacity at the B.M.O. field is 26,500 but was expanded to 35,000...attendance was over 33,000. It was the first outdoor Grey Cup game for Toronto in 34 years. I do question the decision of having the game at B.M.O. field and not the Rogers Center. Since 1976 the Grey Cup attendance has been over 50,000 at every game and the Rogers Center, it seats 52,000 plus.

The Grey Cup is a prestigious event...it is the highest honour and privilege a C.F.L. team can obtain. Players and coaches work extremely hard and diligently all season to play in that classic. It's unreasonable teams should have to play the most important game in their life in the cold, rain or snow.

It never ceases to amaze me Wynne's Ontario has foolish and ridiculous rules and the 2016 Grey Cup followed suit. The Toronto Sun on Nov. 24/16 reported the Calgary Stampeders mascot (a horse called Quick Six) was forbidden on the field for the game. The article also stated the Ottawa Redblacks mascot team, the chain saw crew (they slice a touchdown "cookie" from a log) were also disallowed on the field. I'm really "shocked" the authorities didn't ban both teams' cheerleaders.

The Calgary Stampeders were also prohibited from practicing on the B.M.O. field...they rehearsed their game strategy at an indoor complex. Considering the magnitude of the game, coaches and players want to get "a lay of the land" or in other words familiarize themselves with the actual field for the greatest game of their lives.

I find it highly peculiar that the three largest populated cities in Canada which are also homes to C.F.L. teams, have below average attendance. Montreal Alouettes and B.C. Lions (Vancouver) is just over 20,000 and the Toronto Argonauts is 16,380. Toronto used to play at the Rogers Center but moved to B.M.O. field for the 2016 season...my guess, they couldn't afford the Rogers Center.

The C.F.L. has lost some of their traditions. For many years the Hamilton Tiger Cats would host the Ottawa Rough Riders every Thanksgiving afternoon...it was a huge and notable rivalry...for some reason it no longer happens. Each C.F.L. team would play four pre season games, now there are only two...dam difficult to assess and judge their talent. Even though teams have free agent camps we must acknowledge squads have a large number of athletes competing for positions...the Ottawa Redblacks 2016 roster was 84 players.

A few years ago the New Orleans Saints of the N.F.L. were found guilty of placing a bounty on opposing players. Their coaches, specifically Defensive Co-ordinator Greg Williams paid out bonuses to Saints players who would intentionally injure opposing teams players.

This is FUCKING REPULSIVE and DISGRACEFUL These "unworthy coaches" are supposed to be advocates of the game and act as decent and respectable professors of the sport...true role models...what does that teach our kids. On March 21/12 Head Coach Sean Payton was suspended for one year and Williams was suspended indefinitely, however, Williams' penalty was overturned a couple of years later.

As far as I'm concerned the staff that was involved in this putrid and sickening escapade should be banned from coaching forever...never to coach again, any where or at any level. It reminds me of my high school senior football Head Coach announcing to the team at one practice, "if you're not out there to hurt someone, you shouldn't be playing this game"...absolutely deplorable and shameful.

Epilogue

My interest in professional sports has dwindled immensely. Free agency certainly doesn't help...favourite players are here today and gone tomorrow. Free agency started with baseball in 1969. Curt Flood of the St. Louis Cardinals was the first player to "test the waters" and in 1993 the N.F.L. commenced their journey into free agency. Numerous players jump from team to team to team for the almighty dollar. I've been disconnected with my favourite teams for quite some time...I just can't get excited any more. Notwithstanding that, I continue to watch the sports highlights every morning and still have a "grip" on professional sports. I can summarize my feelings on professional sports with the 1970 Gordon Lightfoot song titled, "If You Could Read My Mind", with the lyrics, "but the feelings gone and I just can't get it back."

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with, It's Difficult To Wave The Flag

The Stars Above

Prelude

And if only one thing had happened differently: if that shoe lace hadn't broken; or that delivery truck had moved moments earlier; or that package had been wrapped and ready, because the girl hadn't broken up with her boyfriend; or that man had set his alarm and got up five minutes earlier; or that taxi driver hadn't stopped for a cup of coffee; or that woman had remembered her coat and got into an earlier cab, Daisy and her friend would have crossed the street and the taxi would have driven by. But life being what it is - a series of intersecting lives, out of anyone's control - that taxi did go by, and that driver was momentarily distracted and that taxi hit Daisy and her leg was crushed...scene from 2008 movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Have you ever sat back and contemplated what your life would've been like, if just one different event occurred...your lifestyle would have substantial changes. Let's take myself as an example. If I didn't resign from the H.F.D. (Hamilton Fire Department) after six years and instead, stayed "on the job" for thirty years...complete change.

If my E.A. (Executive Assistant) would have followed through on the position as a police officer (she was offered the job) with the O.P.P. (Ontario Provincial Police)...complete change.

If a very good friend of mine would have answered yes to a question in his final interview with the Toronto Police Department (he was already fitted for his uniform)...complete change.

It's very obvious all of our lives would've turned out completely different. Isn't it strange how the smallest incident or circumstance can have so much capability in a person's existence.

Here is an example of my own destiny, if I wasn't transferred to Station #3 from Station #1, if I decided not to take that E.A. (Educational Assistant) course at Mohawk College and turn down a part-time job at H.P.H. (Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital) and later on decline a full time position at H.P.H., I would have continued working as a firefighter.

The following is my own fictitious episode of destiny and how things do interconnect.

Just as a man was leaving his apartment to go to a bar his telephone rings...it's his brother and they talk for a lengthy time. When the conversation is over he leaves his dwelling. Since it's a warm and pleasant evening he decides to walk to the bar. When he finally arrives, the lounge is closed due to a hydro problem. He chooses to go to another bar and "flags down" a taxi but the driver says he already has a fare to pick up but radio's him another cab,

Fifteen minutes later his taxi appeared and he sits in the cab. The man realizes he forgot his cigarettes at home and asks the driver to stop at a store. En route to the bar they encounter a water main break and the cabbie has to take an out of the way detour. The man finally arrives at the bar only to see a line up of patrons. He stands at the end of the line behind two women and "strikes up" a conversation with them.

Eventually all three of them walk into the bar together...the bar is extremely crowded. The man continues to talk to the one woman and they "hit it off" for the remainder of the night. Within a week they're dating and a year later they get married . Fifteen years of marriage and three children later the couple divorces.

Think about it, if one of those events didn't occur, if the man's brother hadn't phoned, if the man would've gone to his second choice bar originally, if the weather was inclement, if the first bar was open, if he decided to go home after finding the bar was closed, if the first cab wasn't already taken, if the man didn't smoke, if there wasn't a water main break, he would've entered the bar at an earlier time and not stand in line behind his future wife, he would've never been married and had three children and worst, become divorced. It's amazing how timing plays a vital role in everyone's lives.

Timing is very important, just not in sports but life in general. If the quarterback didn't overthrow his receiver, the receiver would have caught the ball for a touchdown. If a driver hadn't "run" a red light he wouldn't have been in a traffic accident five minutes later.

Life is full of ups and downs and surprises...some good and unfortunately some bad. Is it fate that people are dealt certain cards in their lives that will determine their future? Some people believe in the theory, everything has a reason and there's a reason for everything. I used to believe that principle but then I ask the question, why are innocent people, especially children given a death card or serious illness...have they conducted their behaviour in such a harmful and sinful manner their destiny will be complete misery. If somehow, the theory is true, why did my E.A.'s niece pass away at 13 years of age or why did my very good friend's son be diagnosed with schizophrenia a few years ago?

Or how about myself. If some other couple would have adopted me rather than my parents, my life would have been completely different...different friends, different schools and a different upbringing.

There is so much evil in the world and sadly it will continue. Did you ever think about what the world would've been like if certain devilish people had one or two things change in their lives. Let's use Adolf Hitler (1889-1945?) for example. He was highly interested in art before entering World War 1. He produced hundreds of works and sold them, trying to make a living during his years in Vienna, Austria, 1907-1913.

At that time Vienna was one of the most important centres of art having the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts School. Hitler applied twice to the school but failed the academy's art admission test. He also had a big enthusiasm in architecture but couldn't pursue that dream without his high school diploma...he never graduated.

So is it safe to say, if he would have passed the art admission test or had his high school diploma, would Nazi Germany have ever existed and World War 2 occurred...some historians think there was a very good possibility of that happening...we'll never know.

As you probably noticed, I put a question mark beside Hitler's year of death. I don't think it's improbable he escaped to South America (as many other Nazi's did) hours before the Red Army swarmed Berlin in 1945. Five will get you ten, there had to be some sort of escape plan in place. On the flip side, some historians stated Hitler's health wasn't good...he was suffering from Parkinson's disease, so maybe he accepted the defeat and fall of the Third Reich and chose to commit suicide. There are a few theories about when and where he died.

Let's talk about people who died at a young age...specifically soldiers who died in combat in the last century. What if, simply put, they didn't die in conflict. The service men returned home and became married, had children and their children had children, all kinds of new life is produced and family generations are created...more people who's fate would be a mystery.

Epilogue

We can't go back in time or change history. Sometimes I ponder it would be entertaining and enjoyable if we could jump in a time machine and travel back to the past, but technology hasn't managed to build one...yet. However it is reality how different incidents and individuals dictate how our lives will be determined. If it isn't fate or destiny, what could it be?

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "Disenchantment"