Bombproof

Prelude

As the world rotates and society wanders into irresponsible and neglectful deterioration we haven't any idea what the future will ensue. Personally, I think we will continue to experience additional doom and gloom. We've all heard the saying everyone has a star in the sky that looks after them and at times I think it's true. A lot of us probably know at least one person who has "fallen in a deep well of shit" but somehow miraculously returns, "smelling like a freshly picked bunch of roses." For some peculiar and suspicious reason (no matter what type of trouble they have gotten themselves into) the little tweety bird will always be chirping on their shoulder and the sunshine will always shine in their world.

Throughout time individuals have dodged the bullet and avoided penalties for their inappropriate commitments...they always seem to be prepared for the worst. Some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth while others have that exceptional talent known as the gift of gab. Numerous politicians fall into those categories. They are "special" human beings with some trickery and hidden skill. It's amazing how they will conduct their behaviour with the populace. One day they are kissing babies and shaking hands with the electorate and the next day they are dishonest and shameful. It illustrates an excellent example of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde disorder. It constantly mesmerizes me to the limit how these legislators can look at themselves in the mirror and encounter no guilt or disgrace.

I wasn't surprised or startled when David Livingston was sentenced to four months in jail. You may ask who is David Livingston? Well, he was Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's chief of staff from 2012-2013. He was also the bureaucrat and "naughty boy" who supposedly deleted the gas plant e-mails. Remember those infamous gas plants that were cancelled in 2011 by our "trustworthy, responsible and honest" provincial Liberal government?

The "righteous and upstanding" liberal gang said it would cost (tax payers' money of course) $230 million but some how their calculation was "slightly" sinfully incorrect. The true cost was $1.1 billion. Sounds like just a simple arithmetic error. Their "fun with numbers" was certainly untruthful, but this is what politicians bring about, dishonesty, deceitfulness and untrustworthiness. Five will get you ten if these fiberals owned their own private business they wouldn't make a blunder like that. Why you ask? They'd be using their own cash and not tax payers' money.

Besides four months in jail, Livingston received twelve months probation and is required to perform one hundred hours of community service. Hmm, rather a stiff penalty given to an individual who I believe was the fall guy in the gas plant scandal. Obviously we all know politicians never take responsibility for their mistakes. Wait a minute, politicians don't make mistakes.

McGuinty and his successor "Mommy Wynne" (remember she cares about everyone) were completely blameless and totally innocent of their wrongdoings. Of course they are, politicians never fuck up because they care too much about the public. Meanwhile I recall "Mommy Wynne" saying in a defensive voice, "it was a political decision, it was a political decision" when she was challenged by the opposition about the gas plants in a segment at Queens Park.

I find it extremely odd and moreover quite baffling that McGuinty resigned on Feb.10/13 after three consecutive terms as Premier of Ontario...it was a very surprising and sudden move for him to vacate his position. Nevertheless his reason was the Ontario Liberal Party needed a renewal. Really, a renewal? Sounds to me the Fiberals didn't need a revival, instead McGuinty decided to "jump ship" because he was receiving too much "heat" from the gas plant fiasco. In fact, he was so determined to depart from politics he didn't "run" in the next provincial election in his own riding of Ottawa South. Two years after he quit he took a part-time job with a business consulting firm, Price Waterhouse Coopers Canada.

Some analyst gave different reasons for McGuinty's departure such as labour relations with the spoiled babies we refer to as teachers, continuing his political career at the federal level, spending more time with his family and other controversies like the mismanagement of Ornge Ambulance. Although I find those intentions quite logical, I'm still strongly convinced the gas plant farce was the icing on the cake for McGuinty.

I always wondered why Livingston would destroy any confidential information especially e-mails from the gas plants on his own free will without McGuinty's authorization and knowledge. Livingston's deputy, Laura Miller, was also charged but later on was found not guilty. Getting back to Livingston, for him to make that decision and carry out the offence I find truly confusing and unbelievable...why would he jeopardize himself? However, five will get you ten that question and many other queries were asked at his trial.

I believe Livingston knew all the particularities of the gas plant crime, he was McGuinty's number one guy. The court obviously thought he was guilty but I still believe he took the blame and punishment for a situation he was only aware of. On the flip side, if he actually did what "they" said he did he might have been forced to "play" that game or else the consequences would've been more severe.

When an individual accepts a high caliber position, namely the Premier's Chief of Staff, they will familiarize themselves with numerous things they may or may not want to have the knowledge of. Welcome to the political theater, full of gimmicks, schemes, fun and games, fun for the whole family.

Epilogue

Politicians are like actors...they can portray and imitate many emotions. They also know how to cover their ass and pass the buck. It wouldn't surprise me at all if required they would sell out their own mothers. This incident enhances my belief politicians can get away with anything...even murder. I wonder if this gas plant mess would be a good Hollywood movie. With a good cast, director and screenplay it possibly could be a successful film, if nothing, more educational to tax payers. And now we all know as Livingston realizes what happens when people play and hang around with politicians, especially Fiberals.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with Negligent Behaviour

Truth vs Fiction

Prelude

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary of Current English defines the word promise as an assurance, especially regarding future actions and also specifies the sign of future achievements. In our lifetime we have made more than a handful of promises, one specific commitment is the vow we absorbed on our wedding day. People make promises to other persons. sometimes they're honored and from time to time they don't materialize. Promises in the workplace can also be unpredictable and changing as the title song in the 1968 Broadway musical, "Promises, Promises" expresses.

Besides being the last day of school before their summer vacation, I think it's safe to say children (both past and present) have two other favorite times in their lives, Christmas morning and Halloween night because of many presents, treats, and goodies. Every three or four years prior to election adults also receive a "gift bag." These gift-givers are "caring" and "responsible" politicians who will do just about anything to solidify your vote, hell, they may even help you paint your house. Their treat and goodie bag is concentrated towards grown-ups, promising the taxpayer many benefits. This year's players, especially Horwath and Wynne, are busting at the seams with their pledges. Well, boys and girls let's take a look at what type of treats and goodies our three "crusaders" are enticing or shall I say smooth talking us with their campaign objectives.

Doug (I'm the new kid on the block) Ford, (guy on the right) Progressive Conservative Party:

- opposes the carbon tax

- wants to freeze minimum wage to $14 an hour

- cut corporate tax rates to 10.5%

- pledges 20% tax cut for middle class

- reduce gas prices by 10 cents a litre by cutting cap-and-trade, fuel tax

- decrease hydro charges by 22%

- hopes to reduce hospital wait times and provide health care with a fresh look

- wants an outside audit performed on Wynne's spending

- no provincial income tax for minimum wage earners

- claims minors should receive permission from their parents before an abortion is executed

- maintains Hamilton, Ontario can use the province's "handout" of $1 billion for other ventures and won't be limited to the L.R.T. (Light Transit Rail)

- will fire the C.A.O. (Chief Administrative Officer) of Hydro One

- reduce size and cost of government with no layoffs

I do tip my hat to him since he "appears" to be focused on the average taxpayer. However, on the flip side with all of his cuts, I do have some concern where he is going to make up the lost revenue. I also wonder if publicly announcing he will freeze the minimum wage at $14 an hour was a harmful statement...it will probably cost him a lot of votes.

Andrea (make the rich pay) Horwath, N.D.P. (New Democratic Party)"

- free childcare for families earning under $40,000 a year

- $12 a day child care for most other families

- increase hospital funding by 5%

- smaller school class sizes by hiring more teachers and E.A.'s (Educational Assistants)

- increase taxes by 1% on people earning more than $220,000 a year and 2% on folks earning $300,000 a year

- cut hydro rates by 30%

- create Hydro One as public ownership

- 15,000 more long-term beds

- new 3% tax on vehicles that cost over $90,000

- spend billions in Ontario Works a.k.a. welfare and Ontario disability payments

- cut auto insurance rates by 15%

- increase the corporate tax rate from 11.5% to 13%

- give everyone full dental coverage

- give everyone free prescriptions

- transform student loans to grants

In summary, it never ceases to amaze me that the N.D.P. truly despises people that have more money than the common man. For some bizarre reason inside their twisted minds, they have the god given right to financially punish these individuals. It should also be noted Horwath is a high roller with no limits. She is extremely generous with taxpayers' money and our debt will continue to increase at a fast-moving rate.

Kathleen (I'm honorable, honest and admirable) Wynne, Liberal Party:

- plans to hire 3,500 more registered nurses

- give $822 million to hospitals

- $575 million for free drug care to seniors

- 1.8 million people will pay $200 or more personal income tax

- cannabis duty will collect $115 million

- $800 million for drug and dental coverage

- $2.1 billion for mental health care

- 20,000 businesses will pay an average of $2,400 a year for employer health tax

- $2.2 billion for free childcare for some parents

- $680 million for home health care

- $1.8 billion for developmentally disabled

- $2.3 billion for welfare, 3% annual raises for 3 years

- $935 million for colleges and universities and more apprenticeships

In summary, Wynne is a big spender like her contender Horwath. She is desperate to accomplish re-election once again. In my opinion, she may be the best political con artist I have ever seen. If she is acclaimed the doom of this province will continue and our hole will be so deep it will be absolutely impossible to climb out of.

Before the last election in 2014, I held a certain belief and confidence in political polls. L.O.L., that was then. Now my conviction on those surveys is very simple...they mean diddly-squat. I think they're unreliable and definitely open to doubt. A typical and perfect example was the 2014 Ontario Provincial election. Conservative leader Tim Hudak was predicted to win by a landslide. The final results of the election completely astounded me...Liberal leader Kathleen Wynne had won with a majority government.

Epilogue

It will be ever so interesting to see which party will win the election on June 7/18 and moreover quite amusing to see if the Premier will keep his/her promises. Don't you find it puzzling and truly suspicious that these politicians never say the word guarantee or the phrase word of honor when they are babbling on about their treats and goodies? I will vote for Ford not because the Conservatives have the magic wand to fix things but I believe they are the lesser of the three evils. I strongly dislike Horwath and Wynne and distrust both women. I consider those two leftists females as extremely dangerous women and place them in the same category as someone who is drunk and driving on the highway at a blistering speed.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return with "Bombproof"

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Coming Soon: Shock Collars for Population Control

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Superstar

Writer's note: I apologize for not having "Pride and Joy" as scheduled. However it will be available in the very near future.

Prelude

We depend on so many things. Do we insist or do we expect everything to function properly all of the time? Is it our demanding or assuming nature as human beings that our computer works when we turn it on, the toilet function properly when we flush it, our furnace operates appropriately when we switch it on or our vehicle immediately starts when we turn the key? Yes, we certainly anticipate more than a few things in our lives. As time passes by, I think a lot of us (myself included) take people for granted, not in a deceiving practice but in our subconscious...a harmless and unselfish manner. It's part of our human nature mindset.

People perform favours for other folks. Individuals help, assist and support one another. Their good deeds and acts of kindness are always appreciated. One group of human beings that transpires into that category are recognized as MOTHERS. They have alternative names such as MAMA, MA, MOMMY and MOM. They "wear" many hats and their job description is very extensive. They do a fantastic job trying to achieve all of their duties.

Let's talk about childbirth for a moment, just thinking about it plants my mind into a new dimension of pain. To help produce a child is very easy for a man, with the exception of the male seahorse...that fish gives birth. For the human male it's simple...one, two, three, wham bam, thank you ma'am. Meanwhile, when a woman becomes pregnant, she is constantly going through a period of physical and emotional adjustment.

In the meantime us guys continue our daily routine and habits. We have no idea what women are experiencing with the new and strange physiological and mental changes to their bodies. Childbirth consists of agony and discomfort. It's truly amazing how women deal with and tolerate that degree of suffering, but somehow they do it, many more than once.

According to Stats Canada there were 4.1 million Canadian MOTHERS in 2011 and 447,700 stay at home MOTHERS with at least one child in 2016. The nineteenth century saw MOTHERS conducting all household responsibilities including raising the children. It wasn't until the 1940's we saw a lot of women enter the workforce on a full time basis in various fields of employment.

My mother (R.I.P. and God rest her soul) was one of those ladies. She would work Monday to Friday at her nine to five office job. MOM started her career as a bookkeeper in 1960. When she finished her stretch at the office MOM would arrive home and begin her second stint of work. She would prepare supper and afterwards wash the dirty dishes. It never "dawned on me" or my father (R.I.P. and God rest your soul) that we should have got off our fat asses to assist her. On weekends she would continue to make breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as clean the house and do laundry.

I know my MOTHER wasn't the only MOM who executed multiple tasks. When I look at it now, I have to ask myself the question, when did these women receive a break from their unlimited and never ending chores? Another question arises...did we really appreciate our MOTHERS to the hilt, probably not.

Mothers have plenty of talents. They keep families shoulder to shoulder and manage family stress better. When a child comes home crying because they have fallen down and scraped their knee it's MOMMY who comforts and eases the pain of the wailing youngster. The majority of the time it was MOM who made their offspring's lunch for school. And it's MOMMY who is their when their child is sick showing compassion and reassurance, trying to soothe the ill little one.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The only gender who are best suited to perform the obligations of a MOTHER are females. Women are the best MOTHERS and men are the best fathers. The L.G.B.T.I.Q/Q (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer/Questioning) can LIKE IT OR LUMP IT!

Sadly, every so often MOMMY's pass away while their child/children are very young. Death is never welcomed and always unwanted at any time, but to lose either parent (since I'm talking about MOMS) specifically a MOTHER, it's absolutely heartbreaking. I was lucky but I do have friends that weren't as fortunate as I was, losing their MOM'S when they were attending school...tragic and devastating.

Women are second to none when we talk about taking care of, looking after, tending and raising children. They are foremost and the finest when we speak of nurturing. It's in their physical makeup-blood, genes and cells. As usual though, nothing is perfect and there is always one or two rotten apples in the bushel.

We have all heard the saying "the wicked stepmother." It's a stereotype phrase for stepmothers who are hateful, mean spirited, insensitive and at times physically hurtful. It probably still occurs but not as rampant as it use to be. Occasionally my MOTHER had mentioned to me her stepmother (circa 1925) was evil and unkind. My E.A. (Executive Assistant) has always been a magnificent and wonderful stepmother to my sons. She consistently shows love, respect and courtesy towards my two boys.

When I was in grade six at Mohawk Trail Public School in Hamilton, Ontario I recall our class had to memorize a poem titled, "Somebody's MOTHER) by Mary Dow Brine 1816-1913. The verse is quite sad and very true to life. Check it out, it might bring a tear to your eye.

Epilogue

So to all the MOMS out there, past, present and future enjoy Sunday May 13/18. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project Puritan will return with "Truth vs. Fiction"

Unheard Voices

Prelude

Protests are part of every day life and date back to the Biblical era. Usually they are public demonstrations expressing opposition and objection to specific government policy. There are various types of protests...rallies and demonstrations, sit-ins, marches, picketing, vigil, civil disobedience and strikes. One of the earliest demurs was the reign of Seth-Peribsen (Skhemib) in ancient Egypt prior to 2700 B.C.

Some gripes are peaceful while others can transform into sheer ugliness and violence. Usually when these events become aggressive it's the demonstrators that initiate the chaos. However, sometimes the police or military will retaliate in thorough bloodshed. Case in point, the date, June 4/89, the place, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China. Chinese citizens were involved in a democracy movement against China's communist government. News reports stated the Chinese military killed hundreds of demonstrators.

I used to listen to late night talk radio show www.Coast To Coast.com hosted by George Noory. One evening he was interviewing a guest who was a British reporter and present at Tiananmen Square the day of the murderous happening. His story was a "little" different from the original news accounts. He stated it was barbaric savagery by the Chinese military...tanks were purposely and literally driving over people. He also said there wasn't a few hundred that died...15,000 were killed.

It really sickens me when I see revolters change into raging lunatics. Two examples I recall are the 2010 G-20 Summit conference in Toronto, Ontario and just recently U.S. (United States) President Donald Trump's Inauguration on Jan. 20/17 in Washington, D.C. These morons destroy everything in their sight. They throw bottles and large objects, set vehicles on fire, smash businesses and loot...an individual who is rabid is more civilized than these assholes.

These fuck heads don't show any respect or consideration whatsoever for people's property. I could never understand why these motherfuckers ventilate their so called frustration and anger on innocent store and business owners, smashing their buildings...they should thank their lucky stars they don't live under a Chinese regime.

Of course I must include the pathetic morons called, "We are the Ungovernable." Around 10:00 p.m. on March 3/18 about thirty of these low-life fucking jerks decided to participate in a rampage and vandalism of stores on Locke Street in Hamilton, Ontario. These gutless fuckers (they were a masked mob dressed in black) caused over $100,000 damage to small businesses.

These yellow belly milksops didn't announce any ideology whatsoever, no purpose, no cause, no motive for their disgusting behaviour. The same old question always emerges and irritates me on a continuous basis. What did the store owners do to inspire these fuck heads to vandalize their stores? Unquestionably nothing. In fact they probably don't even know each other as well as never even met one another. But somehow these fuckers wanted to engage into senseless destruction of private property.

It's a shame we can't adopt a Singapore law. If an individual is caught vandalizing public or private property they receive three whacks across their back with a piece of river road performed by a martial artist. After the third blow the victim will fade into unconsciousness and end up in the hospital for a lengthy and painful visit. Five will get you ten if this was to happen to any members of, "We are the Ungovernable" they would quickly change their name to, "We are the Governable."

On the flip side there are peaceful demonstrations. When Ontario teachers take to the road to Queens Park (Ontario Legislative Assembly) in Toronto, to voice their displeasure to the government, they are loud but that's as far as it goes. In spite of that, the teachers' unions (who nevertheless are always disgruntled) and government always appear to be camouflaged as two peas in a pod...the two sides always end up kissing and making up.

The Million Man March is a traditional protest held every year since 1995 in Washington, D.C. by African-American men. The purpose is to place black issues (economical and social factors) back on the nation's political agenda. As far as I know, this march has been fairly tranquil.

The Quebec Student Protests on May 22/12 was Canada's largest protest in Canadian history where 250,000 students marched in Montreal disagreeing with increases to their tuition...there was no violence reported.

Three Canadian M.P.'s (Member of Parliament) a N.D.P. (New Democratic Party), a Conservative and a Liberal (sounds like the start of a joke) travelled to China in the 1990's. Their intention was to discuss, educate and persuade the Chinese government about human rights.

As if these Canadian clowns were going to influence the Chinese to observe and comply with human rights...a complete waste of Canadian tax payers' money and time and effort from the three bone heads. I recall telling the story to my long time and very good friend Uncle Block and his reply was very genuine and realistic, "what about human rights in Canada?"

Which brings me to my next point. Private organizations and individuals also "worry" about problems far and abroad. I was greatly mystified after reading Canadian women were journeying to Washington, D.C. to take part in a protest against President Donald Trump the day after his inauguration. They were angry about his inappropriate comments about women and women's rights in general.

The Hamilton Spectator, Jan. 22/17, reported there were a thousand men, women and children who attended a rally at Hamilton, Ontario City Hall, who also voiced their negative opinions about Trump. I ponder how vocal these anti-Trump people are with problems about women's rights in third world, communist and certain middle east countries.

I may be going out on a limb, but I wonder if these protesters can't see the forest because of the trees. In my opinion they wasted their time and effort on an issue and individual that has absolutely nothing to do with the Canadian political playhouse...Canadians, as sure as the Miami Marlins not winning the 2018 World Series, are not going to change or alter conditions in the U.S.

Women in modern civilized countries have gained a lot of sanctions throughout the years. Case in point, women won the right to vote...1919 in Canada and 1920 in the U.S. Without a doubt women should have the same rights and opportunities as men and be treated with respect and equality.

Getting back to the Canadian anti-Trump ladies, they should take a long and serious look in their own backyards. Canada has significant problems of neglect on women's rights...there has been decades long violence against Indigenous women. According to the R.C.M.P. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) from 1980-2012 there were 1,181 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women. However, as stated by some grass root organizations and the Ministry of the Status of Women the number is closer to 4,000.

Here are some disturbing statistics from the Canada's Women's Foundation.

(1) half of all women in Canada have experienced some sort of physical or sexual violence since they were 16 years old.

(2) 67% of all Canadians say they have personally known at least one woman who has experienced sexual or physical abuse.

(3) on any given night, 3,491 women and their 2,724 children sleep in a shelter because it isn't safe at home.

(4) on any given night about 300 women and children are turned away from shelters because they are full.

I think the obvious question is why don't these anti-Trump demonstrators exhaust all of their drive, energy and passion, lobbying the provincial and federal governments on issues that affect people in Canada and stop wasting their time on matters in a foreign country, that they know will have no impact whatsoever.

Certain people and organizations will always protest against just about anything. On the rare occasion protests may be convincing, but for their duration it is nothing more than exercise or a social gathering for the participants.

The Canadian Aboriginals have voiced their concerns numerous times to the government in the forms of protests and sit-ins, but how persuasive and successful have they been...they always claim the government isn't doing enough for them

Epilogue

For the most part, we as Canadians should protest more often, especially when our governments (municipal, provincial and federal) decide to create new or increase taxes or reduce our benefits i.e. our C.P.P. (Canada Pension Plan) that (by they way, Harper and Trudeau) we have paid into our entire working life. If there were vast and enormous amounts of tax payers "taking it to the streets", maybe, just maybe, the government would listen. However, (I'm the first to admit) most of us do diddly squat...we will either continually bitch or write about the cancerous administration that steals OUR money and controls our lives.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return with "Pride and Joy"

The Door Has Finally Closed

Prelude

I think most people believe the day we are born a hidden number is assigned to each one of us and sooner or later throughout our lives that digit will be called and we will cease to exist anymore. It's absolutely impossible to escape that dreadful situation, eventually it will occur, like Rod McGaha's smooth jazz song titled, "We Fall Down".

On Saturday Jan. 6/18 I received a phone call from my neighbour's youngest daughter telling me that her father had passed away. My E.A. (Executive Assistant) and I knew it was just a matter of time when his life would finally expire. Back in March of 2017 his wife saw her final sunset. The two had been married for sixty-eight years. After she perished my neighbour's health started to decline and a couple of months before he passed on he was bedridden.

Let me tell you about my neighbour. He was a ninety-five year old Japanese man who worked hard all of his life. My E.A.'s uncle (who occasionally worked with my neighbour) said his work ethic was superior. In my opinion he was a sincere and genuine human being...a true Christian. He would always lend a helping hand to his fellow man and woman. If the neighbours needed help with any home improvements, he would be at their doorstep with the appropriate tools. When he was mobile, copious amounts of time he would clear snow off many neighbours' driveways and sidewalks with his snow blower, obviously something he didn't have to do but wanted to perform that duty through the goodness of his heart.

About ten years ago I was home alone brushing my teeth in the bathroom. I leaned on the sink and suddenly the entire basin came off the wall and fell to the floor and of course water was pouring out of the hot and cold copper pipes from the wall...it was a clean break on both lines. I quickly picked the sink up and managed to position the couplings into the wall pipes, reducing the water flow immensely.

So there I was, standing and holding my washroom sink, thinking isn't this grand, how do I get downstairs to shut the main water valve off without dropping the sink and flooding the bathroom. It didn't take me long to realize there was no alternative so I released the sink and raced to the cellar turning the entire water system off in the house. But now I had another problem...I couldn't use any water.

Once again I phoned my reliable and faithful neighbour and told him about my dilemma. Within minutes he came to my rescue bringing over two steel caps and placed them on the wall pipes. Now, at least I could use the water again. He had a vast assortment of items and tools in his basement. With the exception of the washer and dryer his cellar was filled with, well, the only way I could describe it is, he had anything and everything...it was like a mini hardware store.

He was very mechanically inclined and always assisted the neighbours...without fail eager to please them. My E.A. and I had our fair share of his helpful personality, for example: loaning me his portable pump when I had a flat tire on my car, bringing over a cement mix and tools so I could fill in some cracks between the bricks to stop the wasps entering the house. He installed a kitchen counter top and sink for us. He also guided and directed my E.A. on placing a back splash on the kitchen wall. I must say she did a magnificent job but she also had an excellent teacher or shall I say Master. My E.A. had purchased a gas barbecue and our marvelous neighbour helped her assemble the unit. He also gave me major assistance on erecting a section of ceiling in our rec room...to tell you the truth I didn't have a clue what I was doing.

I can't say enough about our departed neighbour. Numerous times we would see him carrying his tools or some sort of material to other neighbours' homes, it was quite evident he was performing some sort of work for them. The man was truly talented...he knew a lot of things about a lot of things.

I labelled myself as the messenger of death because I notified a lot of neighbours of his passing...I did the same when his wife died. It's not a nice undertaking but it had to be done. Every so often he would pay us a visit. He would sit down in our kitchen having a glass of wine and chit-chat. He had all the characteristics of being a superb neighbour. I can honestly say he will be remembered as a legend on my street...an individual with high renown.

Epilogue

All of us in the neighbourhood will miss him. Not just his continuous helping hand but more significantly his witty humour, friendliness, unselfishness and considerate demeanour. I personally thought he was a fantastic neighbour, great friend and sometimes a father figure. I conduct all my writing in our living room with smooth jazz music playing on the television. On occasion I will hear a song and think the last time I heard that tune my neighbour was alive and well. I then look out the window and stare at his house and suddenly I become teary eyed. Hopefully he has joined his soul mate in a carefree world, full of happiness and forever life. Rest In Peace and God Bless your soul Mas Miyasaka...dam it, I miss you.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return with "Unheard Voices"

The Wrong Direction: About Face

Prelude

Many men and women partake in different pastimes throughout their lives while other folks engage in activities when they retire. Relaxation, amusement, entertainment, rest, piece of mind or simply something to do are reasons for the change in routine. Some interests may include hobbies such as macramé, paper tole and model ship building. Sports such as golf, slo-pitch, co-ed baseball and bowling are popular leisure interests. Most of the time the cost is very reasonable to receive some fun and joy. It's also extremely wholesome to get involved in extra-curricular ventures...truly healthy for the mind, bod and soul.

It's tough enough trying to figure out politicians but I'm finding it more frequent I'm questioning what is the motivating force behind people's ideas and what are they really trying to accomplish, if anything at all. What inspired me to write this rant was an article I read in the Toronto Sun on Jan. 20/18 titled, "Canadians march for women's rights to protest Trump"...the title completely bewilders me. Thousands of women (and some men) from all over Canada marched in protest for women's rights, equality and empowerment. The hurdle I just can't seem to jump is what the hell has Trump got to do with the rights of Canadian women? Did he somehow move to Canada without any of us knowing about it?

Of course our teenage Canadian "ruler" put his "two cents" into the "marvellous" and "spectacular" protest. He offered assurances that equality and women's rights will remain priorities for his administration. He also stated "it's incredibly inspiring and motivating to see so many people come out and support women's rights." I wonder what Trudeau means when he says, inspiring and motivating? Perhaps he is thrilled that his Canuks are slamming Trump and not himself for his disgraceful and dishonourable goings-on. I still can't help to ask myself the question over and over, why Trump? He has nothing to do with Canada's political system.

I'm willing to bet five will get you ten Trump doesn't give a flying fuck about the Canadian protesters and in fact doesn't care about American protesters. Here's a thought, why don't these Canadian demonstrators protest women's rights in countries such as China, Iran, North Korea and Ethiopia...now that would be something to bitch about.

Meanwhile back at the ranch there's plenty of major issues and serious problems that reside in Trudeau's want to be fantasy land that the Canadian Trump haters could protest about. Here is a simple quiz that I created. It's a simple yes or no answer to each question, here we go.

• Do we have poverty?
• Do we have unemployment?
• Do we have homelessness?
• Do we need more women's shelters?
• Is our judicial system a fucking joke?
• Are a lot of Indigenous people under hardship?
• Is our government dishonest and corrupt?
• Is our health care system in critical trouble and grave danger?
• Is there too much violence in our cities?
• Will our children and their children be severely burdened with government debt?

I answered yes to every question, and would hope the Canadian Trump bashers would do the same. However, if politicians were to take this quiz they would reply to each question with a five or ten minute answer manipulating the question in their favour. I recommend the Canadian Trump protesters regroup and start a witch hunt on the disapproval of Canadian politicians, specifically Justin (please take my picture) Trudeau...I find it difficult to call him Prime Minister.

Some folks may ask what's my problem with Justin (I never worked a day in my life) Trudeau. Well for starters I think he lives in an enchanted fantasy fairy tale land where all inhabitants, including newcomers are beautiful, wonderful and magnificent people and develop into upstanding Canadian citizens and evil has been abolished. The sun constantly shines and the birds are always tweeting their soft melodies and everyone understands each other, sharing their thoughts, feelings and money...it's one big happy family.

Trudeau has raised our taxes (no surprise there, Liberals love the word tax), "donated" our money to other countries, welcomes terrorists into the country and opens the borders so anyone and everyone can just walk in and say, "Hi, I'm here, cheque please." I honestly think "picture boy" would welcome Klingons and Romulins.

An article in the Toronto Sun on Jan. 11/18 stated 92% of all families in Canada will encounter a tax increase of over $2,200 beginning in 2019 according to the Fraser Institute...isn't that fucking lovely. The following makes my blood boil. The Toronto Sun (Dec. 31/17) wrote in an article "Trudeau calls on Canadians to work together in 2018 in such categories as openness, compassion, equality and inclusion." Can you believe the audacity of this guy. He's asking us to be upstanding and morally correct citizens, meanwhile, he was found guilty of ethics violations for his previous extravagant Christmas vacation...how shameless. He is the supreme hypocrite.

What's really frightening about our pretender (who's never met a camera he didn't like) he is a direct bleeding heart whenever I.S.I.S. is mentioned. He strikes me as an outright soft-hearted idealist and it truly sickens me. He has said many times I.S.I.S. fighters can be a benefit to Canada. Do we have to remind "snapshot boy" that these I.S.I.S. fuckers have killed many people specifically Canadian soldiers. And by the way, these fuck-heads enjoy killing women, Hmm...I wonder if that falls under the heading of women's rights.

The left hemisphere of my brain finds it absolutely hilarious while the right hemisphere thinks it's completely disgusting and appalling when "our leader" states these shit-head I.S.I.S. fighters can be rehabilitated. An article in the Global News Nov. 30/17 had Trudeau say, "we have methods of de-emphasizing or de-programming people who try to harm our society." Golly gee Justin why haven't you tried your secret laboratory mind alterations on the psychopathic fuckers like Paul Bernardo or Robert Picton.

I know how our crafty Liberals will rehabilitate I.S.I.S. fighters.

House of Commons

Prime Ministers Office

Ottawa, Ontario

Justin - Hello Junaid. Welcome back to Canada.

Junaid - Glad to be back Prime Minister

Justin - You were gone for a long time fighting for I.S.I.S.

Junaid - I believe in Allah. I will sacrifice my life for him.

Justin - You are one of many jihadists returning to Canada.

Junaid - Canada is a great and magnificent country not like that evil hell Trump world. You welcome us back with open arms.

Justin - You will always be welcomed here Junaid.

Junaid - Thank you Prime Minister. May your star always shine.

Justin - I hate to bring this up but I'm getting a lot of pressure from the Canadian people about I.S.I.S. fighters returning to Canada.

Junaid - Believe me Prime Minister, we're harmless.

Justin - I know that. However would you be interested in a rehabilitation program?

Junaid - You don't have to worry about me Justin, I'm a true Canadian.

Justin - I just heard you say you would sacrifice your life for Allah.

Junaid - I was just kidding, now about this program.

Justin - Is six million dollars sufficient?

In an article in the Mountain News on Jan.18/18 Trudeau stated to an audience at McMaster University on Jan. 17/18 there are about sixty former I.S.I.S. fighters that have returned to Canada and our intelligence agencies are continuing to monitor their progress. "I assure you, we are very safe here." Hmm...as Dick Mac would say, "something fishy going on here." After reading an article in the Toronto sun Jan. 22/18 I'm getting the impression that Trudeau and counterpart Public Safety Minister, Ralph Goodale, are watching a completely different movie than the C.S.I.S. (Canadian Security Intelligence Agency) are viewing. There appears to be some disagreement but read the next paragraph and you be the judge.

The C.S.I.S. states the terrorism threat in Canada posed by jihadists is ever-changing, hard to pin down and requires continual monitoring. The C.S.I.S. has never before faced a terrorist threat of the scope, scale and complexity of Sunni Islamist-inspired terrorism. In summary an article in the Toronto Sun Jan. 24/18 said Canada's top spies say terror attacks in Canada are likely to continue and our country is on the I.S.I.S. hit list. But we must remember those comforting and uplifting words from our "big cheese", "I assure you, we are very safe here."

This is the guy who travels to China and discusses trade and human rights. I really wonder how interested and attentive the Chinese are when "photo boy" starts proclaiming human rights. He comes across as an advocate for evil and sinister individuals. A prime example of this was refusing to increase prison life sentence from 25 to 35 years. Using Paul Bernardo as an example our "crusader" said, we all know Bernardo will never be released from prison...hey Justin, don't hold your breath, you dam well know our judicial system is absolutely fucking ludicrous.

Here's an example on how he and his counterpart "Mommy Wynne" of Ontario steal from the poor and give to the rich. An article in the Toronto Sun on March 30/17 stated the Feds and Ontario Liberals "invested" (or shall I say gave away) $200 million dollars of our money into Ford's Canadian Operations. Ford earned a global pre-tax profit of more than U.S. $10 billion in 2015. More outrageous and shameful Liberal on goings.

Epilogue

I suggest to the Canadian citizens who are voicing their concerns against Trump take an look in your own back yard. Arrange and execute a plan and protest the mismanagement of this country and stop wasting your time bitching about Trump and the United States. I just wonder how many females, particularly government employees, have experienced some sort of sexual harassment in their work place. Some incidents are starting to be made public. It wouldn't surprise me if the amount of occurrences are very staggering.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return with "The Door Has Finally Closed"

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Truseau's Next stop: Sicily.

Uberized cab driver tries second job.

A Word To The Google Feminists.

Fade In Fade Out

Prelude

In the course of our lives we've seen numerous fads come and go. The definition of a fad is an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short lived. A trend is a general direction in which something is developing or changing and has a much longer life span. Trends are also called a movement and fads are also referred to as crazes.

Fads can be categorized into different groups, one in particular is fashion. Tie-dye shirts, butterfly collars, suspenders, bell bottoms, denim, polyester, checkered print pants, guys wearing sweaters around their necks, fanny packs, nylon track suits, penny loafers, London Fog windbreaker jackets and unisex clothing were all part of the industry of yesteryear.

Remember when watching movies at drive-in theatres was in demand and well liked, or about folks experimenting with the South Beach and/or Atkins diets? Novelties like the hula-hoop, yo-yo, Rubiks Cube, superball and the Troll dolls were ingenious marketing schemes. Flag pole sitting was a craze in the early to mid 1920's, and telephone booth stuffing was popular in the 1950's.

Water beds certainly had their heyday. Their popularity sky rocketed in the late 1970's and into the 1980's but quickly dwindled by the 1990's. In 1989 an article in the L.A. Times said water beds were a $2 billion a year industry...that kind of money back in those days, WOW!

And of course we can't forget about hairstyles like the afro, shag, ducktail, pixie, the Roaring Twenties look, mullet, perm and males exhibiting longer hair than women are now appearances of the past.

One fad that has flooded the market in recent years is the sleeve and body tattoo. First though, let's talk about the regular or customary tattoo. What I mean by that is one or two tattoos on an individual's body, not one-half, three-quarters or their entire figure plastered with ink.

An article in Tattoo Artist Magazine stated the annual revenue for the tattoo industry in the U.S. (United States) is $2.3 billion a year. Some historians claim Otzi the Iceman (dating between 3370-3100 B.C.) had the earliest tattoo. The following statistics from http://shoulditattoo.com/ show the age demographics of tattoo: Millennials 18-35-47%, Generation X 36-50-36%, Baby Boomers 51-69-13% and older 70 plus-10%. Fifteen per cent of Millennials have five or more tattoos and almost one-third of all people ages 16-25 have a tattoo.

The first documented professional tattoo artist was in the U.S. in 1846. He was a German immigrant named Martin Hildebrandt. He tattooed many soldiers who fought on both sides of the American Civil War.

Throughout decades past, tattoos have always been popular with armed service personnel, especially the navy. A lot of criminals have tattoos to signify and enhance their psychopathic behaviour...one that comes to mind is Charles Manson and his swastika tattoo on his forehead.

A tattoo artist can charge $150-$250 an hour and have a minimum fee of $100. However sleeve tattoos can cost $1,500. A sleeve tattoo is a large tattoo or collections of tattoos that "supposedly" have a unified theme that covers most or all of an earthling's arm, shoulder to wrist. A body tattoo is a tattoo that covers a person's front and/or back of their body. How can people afford this ridiculous rage? I think it's money foolishly spent, but those same folks may say I waste money on beer.

Ms. Maud Stevens Wagner was one of the original women to have sleeve and chest tattoos. She was a circus performer and in 1904 met Gus Wagner who was a tattoo artist. Later on they married. Her husband would teach her the art of tattooing and she started her own tattoo business. Her daughter received her first tattoo when she was nine years old.

For some odd reason, sleeve and body tattoos are extremely popular in professional sports, specifically soccer and basketball. One reason could be the players can "show them off" to the spectators. Professional athletes such as A.J. Burnett-baseball, Jeremy Shockey-football, Brent Burns-hockey, David Beckman-soccer and Chris Anderson, Dennis Rodman (retired) and Lebron James-basketball have spent mega bucks on "painting" their bodies, mind you, they can afford their senseless mania blanketing their bodies with strange matter.

It's always amazed me why someone would want to grossly plaster their limbs and/or body with tattoos. It looks like a large hideous birthmark. According to www.Inked.com, some of the reasoning is people love the art, to be trendy and stylish, express creativity and produce self-expression and individuality. I can think of other ways to convey my imagination and display my identity and making myself heard. It sounds to me these folks have a low case of self-esteem and want to attract attention. Also a very expensive way to be with the "in crowd".

People can express their creativity and reveal their fondness rather than "decorating" their bodies with designs. Writing, drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, sculpturing and music are methods of publicizing a person's creativity and self-expression. Maybe a hidden talent will be launched. Crafts such as knitting, quilting, pottery, glass, embroidery and woodworking are also excellent endeavors of showing identity and making oneself heard. Again an unknown skill could be discovered.

Over the years the purity of tattoo parlors and equipment has developed into a safer hygienic environment, but there are still medical uncertainties and risks if folks choose to be inked. The Mayo Clinic states people receiving tattoos may acquire the following repercussions:

• allergic reactions
• skin infections
• blood borne diseases (contamination of blood), hepatitis B and C,
• M.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) complications
• scar tissue and
• possible H.I.V. (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

The tattoo removal business has escalated 440% in the past ten years in the U.S. to over $1 billion. According to www.CreditDonkey.com 25% of all tattoo recipients say they regret obtaining a tattoo, women make up 73% of all tattoo removals and there were 45,000 medical procedures in 2013 for tattoo removals.

In an interview with N.B.C. News, Shelly Novello, founder and C.E.O. (Chief Executive Officer) of Ink-B-Gone Precision and Tattoo Removal said an average client will spend $800-1200 to have a tattoo removed. She also stated a typical tattoo takes one and one-half years to remove...some come out at on time but most take five or six treatments...it must take years to remove a sleeve or body tattoo. Ms. Novello's Denver office sees 200 people a month.

Epilogue

Most things don't last forever. Notice I said most things. Unfortunately taxes and deceitful politicians will never disappear, they will be around till the end of time. Fads, trends and styles leave us but not necessarily forever. Aviator sun glasses, record players, vinyl albums, Chia Pets, women's jelly sandals and 3D movies made or are making a reappearance. Some items and activities are just premature departures . We can always say farewell for now but maybe we will see you again. As far as sleeve and body tattoos, we'll see if the next generation has more sense of respecting their bodies instead of defacing and uglifying them and of course misusing and wasting their money.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

Puritan will return with "The Wrong Direction: About Face"