Beep

Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. Potter Stewart (1915-1985)
Censorship is telling a man he can't have a steak because a baby can't chew. Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Censorship feeds the dirty mind more than the four-letter word itself. Dick Cavett (1936-)
Censorship is advertising paid by the government. Federico Fellini (1920-1993)

Prelude

The Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English defines censorship as the practice of officially examining books, movies, etc. and suppressing unacceptable parts. The government in all it's forceful operations and actions designate themselves as overseer and decide what the population can watch or listen to. The watchful eyes and ears of the regime are unyielding to allow the people to eyeball and hear certain words and scenes on television. Ruling and controlling the citizens the way they feel is fit for all of us.

According to Wikipedia censorship started in 399 B.C. when Socrates refused attempts by the Greek state to censor his teachings and was sentenced to death by drinking poison. Although censorship covers a wide range of topics, I will sound off about editing out in the media, specifically television.

Our big brother lookout in Canada is called the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission or better known as the C.R.T.C. It's a public organization and was created in 1976 which took over responsibility for regulating telecommunications carriers. The agency is operated by thirteen people who are appointed by the Canadian Cabinet and has their headquarters located in Gatineau, Quebec.

I despise T.V. censorship and it infuriates me to no end when I see it happen right before my eyes or ears. I pay $115 a month for my satellite dish and it makes my blood boil when suddenly a word or part of a scene is deleted. For example, I was watching the 2004 movie "Sex and the City" on Slice T.V. who are based out of Toronto, Ontario. My E.A. (Executive Assistant) and I were huge fans of the series and we both agreed the film was excellent.

Just prior to the movie starting the content warning was displayed. It stated the movie contained adult situations, sex, nudity, and coarse language. It also declared viewer discretion was advised. I thought this is typical and so the viewing audience has been warned. It's such a simple decision, watch or doesn't watch, it's the individual's choice. But for some sickening and disgusting reason, the warning was just not good enough.

Ten minutes into the movie the "F" word had been removed twice compliments of the C.R.T.C. so my satellite provider told me. So the C.R.T.C. was starting to "cleanse" the movie. In all honesty, I couldn't believe it. These rulers with unrestricted authority just aren't satisfied with the visible warning but also want to weaken or maybe even ruin the movie for the viewers. Think about it. What gives them the right to spoil our leisure and relaxation time? Downright shameful. The "F" word usage in this movie (like most other films) is very appropriate. I will describe one scene.

Mr. Big and Carrie are moments away from getting married when suddenly Big has pre-wedding anxiety and reneges on the marriage. As he drives away in his limo Big realizes he has made a huge mistake and says, "Fuck, what am I doing?" and immediately orders his driver to turn around and head back to the gala occasion. Big knew he screwed up. The "F" word emphasizes his emotion of the situation and stresses his blunder is entirely wrong. It sounds a lot better than just saying, "What am I doing?"

I would also like to use the 1986 Academy Award for Best Picture, "Platoon" as another case in point. It's the Vietnam war and the film focuses on a platoon of soldiers, many of them, some fresh out of high school, fighting a war halfway around the world. Of course, the "F" word will be plentiful, it's obvious, it's a no-brainer. Once again the "F" word will enhance the realism of the movie. But sadly enough the C.R.T.C. screenplay police will hide from our virgin ears that horrendous and dreadful "F" word.

I ask myself what is the C.R.T.C. trying to accomplish (besides annoying individuals) with this utter nonsense. I would really enjoy hearing their "reasoning." Maybe their "logic" is in the same "thinking" as the ridiculous philosophy of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario when they proclaim the purpose for high alcohol prices is social responsibility. What a bunch of bullshit that is.

Maybe the auditory enforcers are trying to keep our young people from hearing those hideous words. However, five will get you ten if you walk by a group of teenagers it will be noticed that their dialogue is very well lubricated with the "F" word.

Epilogue

Sometimes I wonder how free we really are. Sure, we have more autonomy and democracy than North Korea, Iran or China but either way you look at it, people are under government control. We can watch or listen to our favourite shows but be aware you might hear that beep noise. Government doesn't like it so we're forced not to hear it. They treat us like children but we must remember the C.R.T.C. knows what is good and moral for all us grown-ups. They're like the rest of government, they truly care about us. With a beep beep here and a beep beep there, here a beep, there a beep, everywhere a beep beep. They have the expertise to know what is acceptable for adults. I'm a big kid now.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "Another Piece of Reality"

A Special Treasure

Children re-invent your world for you. Susan Sarandon (1946-)

A child is an uncut diamond. Austin O'Malley (1858-1932)

Seven things every child needs to hear: I love you, I'm proud of you, I'm sorry, I forgive you, I'm listening. This is your responsibility. You have what it takes to succeed. Sherrie Campbell PhD. (Birthdate unknown)

Prelude

Seconds tick into a minute, minutes flow into an hour, hours revolve into a day, days drift into a month and months proceed into a year. It's certainly amazing time stops for nothing, unbroken and continuous. What's even more staggering is the older we age the faster time moves along. I don't know if it's just my judgment but I found the past two years (2017, 2018) have elapsed by in a fast moving pace. My grade twelve geography teacher was undoubtedly correct when she stated to her class in 1973, "The older you get, the faster time goes by".

Most folks marry or live common-law and a very high number have children through conception or adoption. I suspect it's almost ninety percent. I was married in 1986 and divorced in 1997. I had two boys who will be thirty-one and twenty-nine in 2019. A lot of us have children in that age bracket.

Do you ever have the sense it feels like yesterday when we were mixing baby formula and changing diapers? Or how about shopping for baby food and clothes or celebrating your child's first birthday?

I think it's safe to say a lot of parents escorted their kids trick or treating...a lot still do. I did even when I was divorced and enjoyed every minute of it...it was a lot of fun. I recall one year I had to lug my youngest son's pillowcase that was full of candy...it was just too heavy for him to carry. One of the numerous duties in the job description of being a father.

Some parents have extremely horrible and dreadful circumstances when their baby was born. When I retired I obtained a part-time job delivering prescription medications to a pharmacy's customers. I remember one client that always had my heart cry for her. It was a regular delivery (once or twice a month) of canned liquid protein nourishment, usually five or six cases with twelve cans in each case. The "food" was for a lady's ten-year-old son who was confined to a wheelchair. He would sit in front of the T.V. set watching cartoons. His body was always and constantly motionless with his head tiled to the right. It was truly heartbreaking and painful to witness. What was even more agonizing and upsetting is that young boy will never experience what other children have in their lives such as friends, going to school and playing sports. So sad.

Back in 1988 my ex-wife and I received a memorable scare when our first son was born. He was two months premature and if that wasn't frightful enough he had a chance of becoming severely brain damaged or die. He laid in an incubator with numerous tubes and wires attached to his tiny body. I say tiny because he was the size of my right hand.

It was disheartening enough that he was a premie but the possibility of brain damage or death was truly traumatizing. His body was also jaundiced which completely puzzled the doctors. However, one specialist assured my wife and I they would track down the source of my son's mysterious illness.

The staff were true to their word and finally diagnosed my son's problem as a vitamin E deficiency. He received a blood transfusion (good thing there wasn't any Jehovah Witnesses present) and over a period of time he became a healthy baby. Today he is six feet, four inches tall and a solid 230 lbs. His sickness was unquestionably unique, so unusual a doctor told me there was an article in The New England Journal of Medicine about my son's dilemma. Overall an outstanding and sensational job performed by all the staff at the neonatal ward at McMaster Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario.

People say history doesn't repeat itself but sometimes it inches in through the back door and people will say, "Oh no. Not this again." When my second son was born in 1990 he entered the world two months premature and the size of my right hand. Once again my ex-wife and I were frightened and afraid. Who would ever have thought we'd be observing another premie rerun. As usual, his minute body laid in an incubator with tubes and wires attached to his tiny frame. Fortunately, he was basically healthy. The only problem, he was eager to see the world before "regular" newborns. As usual, we had all the faith, trust and confidence with the entire staff in the neonatal ward at McMaster Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Today my second son is very healthy, stands six feet, two inches tall and weighs 190 lbs.

Adversely not all parents have successful and cheerful results le we experienced. According to The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine 150,000 babies are born each year with birth defects and 3% of all children born in the U.S. have a major malformation at birth.

Tragedy doesn't always occur at birth. Gut-wrenching and horrible situations may strike at any time. In particular my E.A.'s (Executive Assistant) 13 year old niece passing away from cancer or my long time and good friend's son being labelled with schizophrenia in his late teen years. Sadly some parents can't rejoice with their children because their child was taken away from them for some godforsaken and unknown reason. There is no rhyme or reason how the circle of life is cut short for certain individuals.

Our kids can give us great pleasure, a lot of happiness and enjoyment but when they reach adolescence some youths may become very rebellious towards their parents. Nevertheless we must not forget we were that age at one time in our lives giving our parents a difficult and exhausting stretches of our nasty behaviour. In general it's just a small chapter in most kids' lives. Their teen years may be troublesome but chances are they will outgrow their wayward actions. We did.

Personally, I think a high majority of kids especially teenagers don't receive enough good publicity. Most of them are decent, respectable and courteous. Let's take a look at high school kids for a moment. For more than a few years many considerate, thoughtful and kind-hearted youths from S.T.M. (St. Thomas Moore) Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario volunteer their time on Halloween night for a worthy cause. About a week prior to that "spooky" evening the students would place flyers in home owner's mailboxes.

The circulars explained the high schoolers would be collecting non-perishable food items for a food bank. If people were interested in donating they were to leave their contribution on the front porch of their homes. The students would pick up the offerings prior to the ghosts and goblins invading the neighbourhoods.

We always provide the needy cause with two or three canned goods. Last year I offered a tooney (two dollar coin) to one of the girls. The reason for my gesture, I explained to her, I thought it was a wonderful and magnificent job she and her fellow students were performing. I was amazed she refused my token of appreciation. I verbally tried to persuade her to accept my monetary gift but she was absolutely adamant and rejected my gratuity. She told me the students aren't allowed to take any money. Undoubtedly I admire and respect these young people. I tip my hat to them.

Another event that involves good-hearted high school kids is the annual Terry Fox walk and run at Sherwood Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario. Most of the student body participates in the event that has been going on for 23 years and raises about $1,500 a year. Once again the high school unsung crusaders.

I never imagined my guys working full time and owning automobiles. One day you're changing their diapers and the next day they are out with their buddies having a few beers. The time hasn't come for me, yet, but it's another chapter in our lives when we are given new names, Grandpa and Grandma.

Epilogue

I'm extremely proud of my dudes. They work hard for a living, are law-abiding and responsible mature adults. I hope other individuals can say the same about their children. Some folks have encountered sunny and rainy days raising their kids but in the long run everything usually works out. So here's a suggestion for moms and dads who have children. Next time your child/children are around give them a big hug. Why you ask? Because they're wonderful kids and tomorrow is here before you know it,

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "Beep"

Jeepers Sneakers

A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.

Michael LeBoeuf (1942-)

Prelude

We take a lot of things for granted including our wardrobe and specifically our footwear. There are numerous stores that sell all sorts of women's and men's clothes with a wide variety of style. We can purchase casual or formal attire and if a consumer shops around enough they may obtain a decent price for what they're looking for. However, it appears there are more specialty boutiques catering to women's fashion than there are shops for men.

Back in 2010, I was experiencing a stabbing and piercing pain in the sole of my right heel. At times the discomfort was unbearable...irritating so badly I had difficulty walking. I paid a visit to my family doctor and he immediately diagnosed my problem as Plantar Fasciitis. The following is from the Mayo Clinic: Plantar Fasciitis is a heel pain that involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. My physician gave me a written prescription to Bio Ped.

Bio Ped is a recognized and reputable foot care establishment. After two visits I walked out of their store wearing custom made orthotics in my running shoes. Orthotics are molded plastic inserts placed inside both shoes. They were a miracle. I can truly say I've never encountered that agony since wearing the orthotics. Now if I can just eliminate my gout.

The Bio Ped employee that served me was tremendously professional and courteous. She strongly suggested to me I purchase a certain type of running shoe called New Balance 623. Being the foot care specialist and expert she was I agreed to her recommendation and bought the shoes. They turned out to be an excellent investment. They were a superb, terrific and comfortable fitting running shoe.

I wear a size eleven 4E. Usually I've never had any difficulty buying my specific running shoes until 2017. I required a new pair and drove to National Sports on Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton, Ontario. I also hiked across the street to Sport Check located in Limeridge Mall. My shoes were on sale at both stores for seventy dollars, regularly one hundred dollars and sometimes more. Unfortunately either store didn't have my size in stock. However, the salespeople at both outlets assured me they receive shipments every day and proposed I check back periodically. I accepted their advice and returned three days later to both stores.

My visits to both spots was increasing my mood of disappointment and complete discouragement. At Sport Check they still didn't have my size. The sales clerk offered to phone Eastgate Square in east Hamilton and Oakville, Ontario to find out if they had my correct size. I asked the saleswoman if they do have my size can they ship the shoes to this store. Her reply was simple. No we don't do that. Nevertheless she did mention I could order the shoes online and she would initiate the transaction but it was up to me to finish the order. I declined and walked out of the store extremely pissed off. And on top of that I wasn't driving to Eastgate Square and certainly not Oakville (58.7 km's/36.5 miles).

I drove across the street to National Sports and noticed "my" running shoes were still on sale (as they were at Sports Check also). Once again I asked the sales associate if my size was available. He walked into the stock room and quickly returned with the same old story. I asked him if he would order a pair for me and guess what his reply was...we don't do that. That term seems to a regular phrase. Then he added some additional disturbing news. His store doesn't receive my type of shoe in a 4E. This time I walked out of the store irate and livid.

I felt I was in a no-win situation but what really infuriated me was the lack of customer relations both stores had. In my mind their fucking policies stink. I wasn't going to settle for any other type of running shoe. New Balance 623 are by far the utmost comfortable pair of running shoes I have ever owned. Straightforwardly speaking they are without a doubt the finest home for my feet. So I decided to phone my orthotics gal at Bop Ped and ask her to recommend a running shoe at her business. The phone call was successful. She would order a pair of New Balance 623 running shoes for me and the cost would be one hundred dollars. Obviously I was very happy and gave her the green light.

Perhaps you might be asking yourself what's wrong with ordering items online. Five will get you ten we all agree the brilliance and intelligence of computer hackers is unlimited. Their understanding and knowledge of that device is amazing. For those reasons I'm very leery and skeptical of conducting business affairs online. And of course I'm the first to admit I'm a downright moron when it comes to computers. You could almost say they intimidate me.

I've noticed in the past ten or more years (you probably have also) when individuals inquire or purchase an item or service a very high majority of sales representatives will say, "have a good day" as the customer is about to leave. If I remember correctly that phrase "have a good day" originated in the United States long before Canadians started that lingo.

I would like to share the following true story with you. In the spring of 1985 a friend and I attended the University of Texas spring football camp in Austin, Texas for one week. We arrived on a Sunday and returned home on the following Sunday. Since the camp's practice sessions were a steady days, weekends off event I decided to partake in some shopping on the Saturday. I was focused on acquiring items for my girlfriend (she wasn't present on the trip) who later on became my wife and then my ex-wife.

I was browsing through a large mall and walked into a department store's jewellery section. I saw a beautiful woman's gold chain with a gold state of Texas pendent attached to the necklace. I was eager to buy it but noticed it was pricey. My cash flow had decreased immensely and it didn't help the exchange rate was forty percent. I asked the saleswoman if I could see the necklace and she removed it from the display case. She stated it goes on sale Monday with sixty-five percent off.

Now this is how my twenty seconds of fame occurred. Puritan - Damn. That's too bad. I'm from Canada and I'm returning home tomorrow.
Saleswoman - You look familiar. I recognize your face. I saw your picture in the paper. You're visiting the Texas football camp.
Puritan - Yeah that was me.
Saleswoman - Since you're leaving tomorrow I'll give you the discount price on the necklace today.
Puritan - That would be fantastic. Thank you very much.

The Austin American - Statesman newspaper wrote an article about my friend and I attending the football camp. The feature also had a picture of us and Head Coach Fred Akers. You have to admit it's not every day two Canuks fly to Austin (1412 miles/2275 km's) to watch the Longhorns practice.

In my opinion the sales clerk went out on a limb. Furthermore she demonstrated excellent, top quality and first class customer relations. I still wonder if that situation was to take place in Ontario would the same result transpire?

Epilogue

In my opinion National Sports and Sports Check are prime examples of two large enterprises that really don't give a rat's ass about going that extra mile for their customers. As far as I'm concerned the customer relations, well, they don't have any. Maybe one day they may encounter liquidation. I wonder how they would react to their final dance and last hurrah. Is it possible they may ask themselves why did this happen?

The End

The Havenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with
A Joyful Delight

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Christmas Erosion

Hello folks, Puritan here. I hope everyone is doing well. It's hard to believe another year has elapsed and again I ask myself where has 2018 vanished to. It casually glided in and felt like it zoomed out like a cat running away from a dog. Anyway, it's that time of year again for all of us to take our glasses off and let our hair hang down. Hopefully, each one of us will obtain the festive mood of Christmas to hang loose and chill out.

As usual, the year had many disturbing events from all levels of government. Our juvenile and please take my picture Prime Minister gave a handsome reward to an ex I.S.I.S. savage...only in Canada, you say? Absolutely disgraceful and totally disgusting.

Finally a lot of once brain-dead Liberal voters finally came to their senses and decided they had enough of the shameful and deceitful Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, they ousted her. However her reign, misconduct and dishonesty, she managed to waste billions and billions of taxpayers dollars according to Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk. As far as I'm concerned Wynne is an embezzler and should serve a lengthy prison sentence...I think life without parole would be appropriate. The authorities should also incarcerate her predecessor Daulton McGuilty and serve a prolonged prison stint. Life without parole sounds good to me.

And of course, I can't forget about the circus returning to Hamilton, Ontario council chambers on Dec. 3/18. The big top "performers" didn't waste any time raising our water tax even though the tricksters had an $18 million surplus from last year's budget...routinely screwing the taxpayer again. It seems each year these jokers have a set figure tattooed into their brains of 4.5 or 4.6 percent for a water increase. Let's not forget about the L.R.T. (Light Rail Transit). If that ridiculous and foolish nonsense flies all I can say is God help us. Maybe in the future the bozo's who continuously elect these councilors will finally wake up from their comatose state and choose individuals who know what they're doing.

In the past decade, I can truly say things are becoming coo-coo. I'm not referring to politics but how moronic busy bodies thrive to attempt and change our thinking and traditions. My long-time good friend Uncle Block sent me a very annoying e-mail. It was about a Cleveland, Ohio radio station banning the 1944 Christmas song, "Baby It's Cold Outside". Supposedly some unsound people phoned the station to complain...they insisted the song resembled date rape.

Another good friend sent me an additional e-mail. A meddler by the name of Dan Joseph had students at a Virginia University sign a petition to ban the all-time classic 1942 Christmas song, "White Christmas" because it was racist. I suggest Mr. Joseph return to the institution and have his medication increased.

Then we have a twit by the name of Kyna Hamill who is a Boston University professor. In 2017 the dipstick maintained the 1850 first-rate Christmas song, "Jingle Bells" is racist.

Last, but not least, there is control freak Jennifer Sinclair, an elementary school principal in Elkhorn, Nebraska. She demanded candy canes be disallowed in her school because the shape had a look of a J for Jesus, the red is the blood for Christ and the white is a symbol of resurrection. Other objects prohibited by this autocratic lunatic were Christmas trees, a Santa, reindeer as well as green and red items. Thank goodness the school board placed this power hungry bone head on administrative leave. She's another tyrant who should be committed.

I shake my head in disgust and anger thinking what makes these pinheads' brains tick. Are they bored with their lives? Do they have too much time on their hands? What right do these morons have to have the audacity to censor and control our lives. These shitheads are like dictators...if they don't like it then no one will like it...censorship for everyone. It makes me wonder what happened to these people when they were "growing up." Did they have an uneasy childhood and this I their way of seeking attention or did they fall out of a tree and hit their head?

Of course, Christmas wouldn't be the same without hearing John Lennon's (1940-1980) tune, "So This Is Christmas" and watching the commercials related to his song. Without a doubt it is extremely sad there are all sorts of misery occurring in third world countries. Once again I become very annoyed of the U.N. (United Nations). The organization was established on Oct. 24/1945 to combat and eliminate poverty-stricken nations. The conglomerate insists countries "donate" money to fight the developing kingdom's hardships. As far as I'm concerned their track record is an utmost failure. Maybe Lennon's song should be changed to, "So This Is The U.N. and What Have You Done?"

Epilogue

It's very bothersome that a holiday custom is being undermined at a steady rate. So folks all I can say if you want to listen to "Baby It's Cold Outside", "Jingle Bells", and "White Christmas" as well as indulge in eating candy canes, be my guest. And for some pathetic reason if anyone wants to challenge your behaviour you know what to say...GO FUCK YOURSELF!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Have a good one.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return in 2019

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Perpetual Illogicality

Prelude

Most of us have moral standards and use common sense. A lot of us are fundamentally honest, respectable and law-abiding. We indulge in our daily activities without inconveniencing and irritating other people...in simple words, we just do our own thing. Usually, human beings are allowed to make decisions for themselves whether it's determining what colour they should paint their kitchen or making a more serious resolution such as skydiving. But then we have a government who takes extreme pleasure in making choices for the populace, for some bizarre purpose they "think" it's their social obligation to the citizens.

The government's viewpoint on smoking has always baffled and puzzled me. They are constantly and aggressively "advising" us how harmful smoking is, not just to smokers but to the folks who breathe in second-hand smoke. However, the "leadership" still allows the populace to participate in the habit. I think we all admit smoking can be very unhealthy, but nevertheless, I believe if individuals have a desire to smoke they should have every right to do so.

Some anti-smoking activists are of the opinion if people smoke they should pay their own health care. I completely disagree. What about the inhabitants who partake in activities like skiing, snow boarding, skydiving, teen-agers who are under 16 years old riding bicycles without wearing a helmet or the fucking idiots who stunt drive...I think you know where I'm going with this. Anyway, getting back to smoking, the government knows smoking is unwholesome so why doesn't "our caring" politicians ban smoking altogether.

Let's not forget how devious and crafty the group (who state they oppose smoking) can be in true form. It's very obvious the regime has declared war on smoking. They observe it as an evil crime and a national crisis. My E.A. (Executive Assistant) is a smoker and pays $118 (as of Nov. 2018, we all know it will increase) for a carton of Matinee King size cigarettes. Doesn't it daze you how phony the government can be? They say one thing but go against their morals on the flip side.

My E.A. is an avid reader, on an average she'll read one book a week. Her choice of fiction will vary from soft romance to conspiracy thrillers. Some while ago she brought to my attention a book she had just started to read titled "Fire Brand" by Diana Palmer. At the beginning of Diana's book, there was a page titled "Dear Reader" and she was talking about smoking and how it was totally accepted in the past and now it's in the same category as cocaine. What absolutely shocked me was when she said, "these days smoking is so taboo that I'm not even allowed to have a character who smokes in my books". Can you believe this outright insanity?

Smoking affects people in many different ways. I smoked for forty-five years and thoroughly enjoyed it especially drinking a cup of coffee, guzzling beer and after a big meal. I smoked a large (25 cigarettes) pack a day. When I indulged in adult beverages I could be easily up to two packs a day. Finally, my day had arrived. Most mornings I would be coughing, hacking and some times vomiting...at times I thought I was going to pass out...it was very scary. There were a couple of occurrences that motivated me to finally give up the "butts".

I saw a doctor (he was a smoker for thirty-five years) who checked my lungs and breathing and said, "You have to quit smoking. I know it's tough but you have to quit." Sometime later I had a chest x-ray. I was extremely anxious (it was many years ago for my last x-ray) about the final outcome. When I received the results I was surprised and truly relieved and happy...they were negative. That day my smoking was terminated.

My mother (R.I.P. and God rest your soul) started smoking when she was sixteen years old and smoked till the day she died...she was in her ninety-third year. I think you will agree with me when I say back in the early days of our parents and our generation numerous people smoked. It absolutely infuriates me how Hollywood has jumped on the anti-smoking crusade. With movies set in the modern day, the audience will be lucky to see one or two characters smoking. What irritates me, even more, is when I watch movies that are set in the era from 1910-1980 and only twenty-five percent of the individuals are smoking...it isn't true fact or history.

For example, two movies that enter my mind are "Public Enemies", 2009 and "Lawless", 2012. Both of these films were based on true stories, circa the 1930s. In my opinion, not enough people are smoking and therefore takes away the realism from the movie. During those years numerous people smoked...it was part of their everyday lifestyle. So the next time a Vietnam movie is produced maybe we won't see the cigarette packs attached to the soldiers' helmets and out of a platoon of thirty or forty GI's we'll only notice one or two grunts smoking. It's very unworthy Hollywood is attempting to camouflage and hide a part of history.

I've never been a believer in second-hand smoke. For one reason I was brought up in that environment for twenty-five years...both my parents (R.I.P. and God rest your souls) smoked. I know I wasn't the only child to breathe in second-hand smoke. An article in C.B.C. radio Jan. 20/15 titled "Michael's Essay: Exploding the myth that second-hand smoke causes cancer" helps support my view on second-hand smoke is just a tall tale.

The write-up stated on a program called, "As It Happens" an E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency) employee was being asked about the harm of second-hand smoke and he/she said, "sure it's crappy science but I look at the outcome - a smoke-free America". The column also mentioned why don't anti-smoking activists stick to the facts instead of alarming everyone with the assertion that passive second-hand smoke causes lung cancer when it clearly doesn't. I would like to see the true, accurate and real statistics of restaurant and bar employees who were exposed to second-hand smoke and contracted any respiratory problems.

Don't you find it hilarious but moreover spineless the government bullying and using their usual extortion techniques making people pay outrageous, ridiculous and inflated prices for tobacco at convenience stores but the Indigenous populace can manufacture and sell their cigarettes at one-sixth of the absurd government price...without a doubt truly gutless and chicken-hearted.

Unquestionably all three levels are making it more annoying and irritating for people to smoke. It's quite similar to the bike lane rubbish automobile drivers have to tolerate with every day. I live in Hamilton, Ontario and find it utterly preposterous that folks can't smoke in parks. I shake my head in disgust...outright vomit. An article in CTV News on Feb. 25/17 said Health Canada wants to ban smoking in apartments, condominiums and post-secondary school campuses and raise the legal age of buying tobacco to twenty-one years old. The government stated tobacco costs $17 billion in health care and indirect economic cost. They also said 37,000 people die annually from smoking-related illnesses. I have a solution...why doesn't the government just ban tobacco?

An article in C.B.C. news on Nov. 21/17 reported Health Canada "calls for" a big tax hike on cigarettes. As of Nov. 21/17 taxes on smokes amounted to 68% but the government said they must raise the tax to 80% to get smoking levels down by 2036. Again, why not outlaw tobacco?

Lastly, C.B.C. news wrote on Nov. 15/17 a study found the smoking of contraband cigarettes increased more in 2017 than in the last four years. L.O.L. I wonder why. I'm assuming when the article referred to contraband that also included the purchases of cigarettes on native reservations. I have another recommendation, prohibit tobacco.

The marijuana "circus" is sure to create great amounts of pandemonium...a real sideshow once it becomes legalized. Originally the government stated that pot could only be smoked inside but later changed that ruling. Our "clever" bureaucrats want to forbid cigarette smoking in apartments but allow weed to be smoked in apartments. They better get their act together.

Epilogue

In my opinion sooner or later individuals will only be allowed to smoke inside their own residences. Smoking in your backyard, car or on the sidewalk will be forbidden. More absurdity and another infringement of our rights. The government is so two-faced I can't help but laugh at them. They constantly sermonize to us like a boisterous evangelist in the southern U.S. preaching to his congregation about the harmful dangers smoking causes. But do they really care? Seriously ask yourself that question. When did government care about anyone except for themselves. The boys and girls in Ottawa are nothing more than unreasonable hypocrites. Politicians, agencies, organizations and advocates all proclaim that smoking tobacco is just as bad as using heroin. Funny heroin is illegal but tobacco isn't. I wonder why? Would it be the caring authority worships and adores their tax money they receive. Would government actually lower themselves to that level? I think most of us know the answer to that question.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project

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Thank You for Smoking

The First Kickoff

Prelude

Some of you folks may be aware of my once keen and committed interest in coaching football in the past. I coached for thirty-two seasons with various teams at different levels. The age groups ranged from eleven years old to men in their late twenties and early thirties. The O.V.F.L. (Ontario Varsity Football League), N.F.C. (Northern Football Conference) and the C.J.F.L. (Canadian Junior Football League) entailed teams throughout Ontario. I also spent a good quantity of time at the high school environment and three years with H.M.F.A. (Hamilton Minor Football Association). Every league I was affiliated with was extremely competitive. However it's somewhat odd where it all began.

October 1971

By a twist of fate I happened to walk by Buchanan Park on a Saturday morning. It is a 7.8 acre sports park located at 11 Columbia Drive in Hamilton, Ontario on the west mountain. I was amazed to see an organized flag football game taking place. The more I watched the game, the further fascinated and intrigued I became...I had never witnessed this type of football before and stayed for the entirety of the game.

One of the coaches was a high school acquaintance of mine and I talked to him at the end of his game. I inquired about the league and asked him if he required an assistant coach for next year and he agreed to take me on...he would coach offence and I would instruct the defence...it was my beginning of many years on the gridiron.

The league was governed by Regina Mundi Roman Catholic Church and a chapter of the C.Y.O. (Catholic Youth Organization). There were two divisions, a junior (ages 11-13 years old) and senior (ages 14-16 years old) with four teams in each group. Most junior players represented four catholic elementary schools, (Regina Mundi, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Jeromes and St. Catherine of Sienna) and the senior squads were members from a few secondary schools. A lot of players attended Regina Mundi parish, other participants exercised their faith at alternative Roman Catholic churches.

Flag football, back in those days, was very similar to North American football. The only difference was instead of tackling the ball carrier, the play would be terminated when a defender would remove a one foot long rectangular piece of vinyl attached to a one inch cloth belt (worn around the player's waist) by means of a piece of Velcro. There were different coloured flags; red, blue, green and yellow.

The strategy of the game was identical to our traditional football...running, passing and full contact blocking on offence and different alignments, stunts and blitzes on defence.

The team names were synonymous with the C.F.L. (Canadian Football League) eastern conference teams: Alouettes, Argos, Rough Riders (now Red Blacks) and Tiger Cats. Each player was given a sweater (it was his to keep through a registration fee). The C.Y.O. crest was on the front and a number on the back. The colours would correspond with the respective C.F.L. team.

September 1972 Buchanan Park

Our team was the Alouettes (ages 11-13 years old) and we practiced at the same park we played at...150 feet away. The roster consisted of, give or take, twenty players who attended different schools. Anyone who joined automatically made the team...there were no cuts and we practiced approximately one and one half hours three nights a week. You couldn't compare our rehearsals to that of a tackle team...they weren't that intense and disciplined...it was church league flag football.

Since the game field had no goal posts, the kicking game with the exception of kickoffs and punts was abandoned. A team attempting a P.A.T. (Point After Touchdown) would be awarded two points from crossing the goal line from their opponents five yard line. We had a lot of talent my first year and won the championship. The flair continued in 1973 and 1974 winning back to back championships.

At the end of each season a fundraiser occurred with the help of the league executive and men's committee of Regina Mundi parish. They would organize a turkey roll on a Friday night in late November. It was fun and light-hearted incorporating gambling games like crown and anchor, over and under and poker. Tickets were sold for various prizes including many frozen turkeys. The grub was simple but good...salads, buns, cold cuts and of course adult beverages could be purchased. The profits from this "stag" would be placed into the C.Y.O. fund, specifically the flag football league. The Friday night shindig was for a good cause and everyone had a great time.

I recall one year at the fundraiser winning a forty-ouncer of rye whiskey. After the event myself and a friend (we both assisted at the function) finished up at his parents' house where he lived...needless to say both of us were "nine-tenths in the bag." We sat in the kitchen and cracked open my "forty pounder". Time ticked by and the second part of the "shindig" I remember, was standing at my parents' side door (I lived with them, R.I.P., God rest your souls) and entered their house falling down the stairs to the basement. As far as I can recollect my mother came to my rescue and put me to bed. However I did learn my lesson...I haven't drank rye whiskey since that night in 1974.

In 1975 the flag football league was going to be terminated. The president was resigning and no one volunteered for the position. I couldn't accept the league was going to fold...coaching these kids was truly rewarding and fulfilling and I looked at it as a very enjoyable extracurricular activity of mine. So I made a few phone calls and the league was back in business...yours truly was the new El Presidente. I had marvellous and spectacular support from the past president, priests and the parish men's committee...everyone was extremely co-operative and eager to help in any way that was needed.

I made a couple of changes when I took over as president. Sadly I abolished the Senior Division...it was hanging by a thread. Secondly, I thought it would be more logical if the players would play for their actual school instead of travelling a great distance to practice. For example, our team was the Alouettes and we practiced at Buchanan Park...St. Vincent DePaul school was across the street. The farthest any player would have to journey would take ten minutes, if that. Now the teams were the St. Vincent DePaul Alouettes, St. Jerome Tiger Cats, St. Catharine of Sienna Argos and Regina Mundi Rough Riders...it was much more convenient and favourable for the players attending practice. I was also hoping some rivalries might be created.

One may assume I was indulging in a conflict of interest as league administrator and head coach for the St. Vincent DePaul Alouettes, however no one complained. Some of my managing duties of the league were organizing a schedule, recruiting coaches, referees and groundskeepers, applying for a lottery grant to help subsidize for belts, flags, sweaters and footballs. I recall giving a monetary donation to he St. John's Ambulance Foundation so they would be present at our games if first aid was required...they gladly accepted the money but their attendance was invisible. Everyone worked in tandem and the league was a smooth sailing ship.

I knew St. Vincent DePaul school had a great deal of talent but nevertheless so did St. Catharine of Sienna Argos who were coached by a personal friend of mine at the time. The 1975 championship consisted of my friend and I facing off...the Argos were victorious and my three year bubble had burst. I had a new coach orchestrating the offence that year but I wasn't happy with him and asked him to resign. It just wasn't because we had lost the championship...there were other issues during the regular season.

Before the 1976 season had started I was able to bring back my original coach of 1972-1974 inclusive. I was entering my fifth year of flag football and an urge and desire to advance to the H.M.F.A. (Hamilton Minor Football Association) for the next year. The 1976 season had an indication of having a lot of potential and a promising year for the Alouettes. It was also looking like a championship rematch of last year between us and the Argos. As I previously stated we (as coaches) weren't that strict or regimental with minor authority and rule among the players. I recall one player in particular who quite often attracted my attention. It wasn't so much he was a nuisance but how his behaviour would occasionally switch.

I regarded the entire scenario as exceptionally comical...it was continuous throughout the season. The player's older brother was a good high school buddy of mine and still a great friend today. Every so often he would visit our practice and observe how his little brother was "performing." Now this is where it becomes humorous.

Whenever the youngster observed his older brother approaching, the boy's demeanour would miraculously change into an extremely well behaved 13 year old lad...it was absolutely remarkable, like a halo had just popped out of nowhere and was sparkling two inches above his head...complete magic. The older brother would only stay for ten or fifteen minutes and then pulled a Hank Snow, "Moving On." Needless to say once he left the boy's halo instantly disappeared and he returned to his regular manner...in this case it was safe to say older brothers RULE.

The West Mountain Alouettes of the H.M.F.A. practiced on the east side of Buchanan Park since I had started with flag football in 1972. I was always intrigued with that league and knew it was time to move onward with something more competitive and challenging. I made the decision 1976 would be my last year with the C.Y.O. and pursue a head coach position for any pee wee (12, 13 year olds) team with the H.M.F.A.

Anyway, the 1976 season finished just the way I had predicted...running neck and neck with our rival St. Catherine of Sienna throughout the season and a repeat of last year's championship game. This year we were victorious at the grand finale. It was an exceedingly delightful triumph and very satisfying way to depart my five year stint. The league also honoured me with their recognition and presented me with a lovely plaque at the banquet.

Epilogue

I enjoyed my duration in flag football. The last two years were hectic but at the end it was very self rewarding and I hope numerous people had some fun. I encountered scores of really good kids and adults and it helped me learn and expand my knowledge of different football tactics and ideas...specifically on defence. My two years as President was a worthwhile experience and a positive addition to my resume. However, to this day I still wonder what Pope Paul VI (the Pope at that time) reactions and comments would be if he discovered I was Head Coach and President for a C.Y.O. football league...I'm not Roman Catholic, I'm Protestant.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "Perpetual Illogicality"

Negligent Behaviour

Prelude

The Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English defines the word "priority" as something that is given special attention, and prioritized to put tasks in order of importance. The Oxford Canadian Thesaurus of Current English gives the following examples of synonyms for priority: a primary issue, most important consideration and a prime concern. Most people have priorities in their lives, working, food and paying the bills enter my brain...they're essential requirements. Government also requires significant demands. Numerous times though they are upside down and sideways with plenty of twists and turns and how many times we as tax payers have said in anger, "what the fuck are they doing?"

So, here I to again for yet another rant on the "Ambitious City" aka Hamilton, Ontario, I just can't help myself. This thoughtless gang at 71 Main Street West is really something else to be desired. The lack of common sense amongst City Council continues to shock and amaze me. The latest mess our "leaders" created was their pothole dilemma.

On Feb. 14/18 CH news reported H.S.R. (Hamilton Street Railway) buses were being rerouted in Ward 1, on Main Street West, in the eastbound lanes between Leland Street and Dalewood Avenue because of a great deal of potholes. I will return to that costly bureaucratic blunder shortly. I've always said public safety and infrastructure should always be number one and two on every municipalities hit parade.

So City Council OK'd a $75 tax hike for the average household in "The Hammer." However, each ward's rate will vary. On March 3/18 the Hamilton Spectator stated the 1.9% property tax increase included emergency road repairs and the hiring of ten paramedics and purchasing one ambulance. Tax payers might think City Hall is starting to spend our money sensibly and finally transforming into responsible people. In spite of that, don't become too thrilled by any ingenious endeavours by the City Hall crowd.

A price tag of $19.4 million was included for emergency road repairs to fix potholes. The problem is these illogical "people" leave things to the last minute until there isn't any other choice than to perform repairs. The recruitment of ten more paramedics is kind of a smoke and mirror thing. Since the paramedics work a two platoon, four squad system there will only be an additional two and "one-half" life savers working at any given time. Acquiring another ambulance will be added to the city's original fleet.

Nine police officers were also commissioned but because the police department works the same system as the paramedics, we will only see two more officers working at any given time. The article never mentioned if the new hires for both services was to replace retirements.

It doesn't take me much to become infuriated (that's one of the reasons I write these bitches, to blow off steam,) but a write-up in the Hamilton Spectator on March 2/18 titled, "Would you pay more for a pothole paving blitz?" The article went on to say City Council will debate on adding an extra seven dollars to tax bills in 2018 to help pay for a $20 million pothole paving blitz. This is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING and all these councilors should hang their heads in utmost disgrace.

I don't care it it's seven or one hundred and seventy dollars. This is where our tax money should be going in the first place, not fucking bike lanes, pedestrian crossovers and two-way conversions as well as money towards all the artsy-fartsy groups. This irresponsible and wasteful city hall contingent is so out of touch with reality sometimes I want to puke. They just can't comprehend that potholes can have extremely serious consequences and are a section of infrastructure. Oh, by the way, new toboggan hills were also on our tax hike agenda...just what we fucking need.

A story in C.B.C. news on March 1/18 stated city hall received a record number of complaints because of the amount of potholes throughout the city damaging vehicles...they expect five hundred by the end of the season. Now, wouldn't you think the city hall gang would be more proactive? Sorry, silly question, why would they be? If they require money just raise taxes.

If you or I owned a business and we were constantly forking out money on a problem we knew could be fixed immediately, obviously and logically we would take appropriate action. But for some strange and warped reason the "rulers" continue to procrastinate and of course waste our money. The bureaucrats blame it on the weather...fair enough, but I've seen potholes that have existed for days, weeks and even months.

We must not forget these "scholars" came up with the "brilliant" idea to erect a fence around Albion Falls located on the east mountain. It's sole purpose was to deter people from climbing into the gorge. When I first heard of that proposal, I thought to myself, sounds like a good idea. But as usual the fence was erected and the so called logical idea once again developed into another laughable and ludicrous city hall project...the fence was six feet high. Maybe the "intellects" thought the process was to discourage most senior citizens from becoming too energetic.

Councilors also want more pedestrian crossovers, according to the Mountain News on Feb. 1/18. There is a list of ninety requests and crossovers are "estimated" to cost between $25,000 and $70,000 each. You dam well know all of them will be installed (without any debate) but our "leadership" have to discuss and then increase our taxes for road repairs. Once again their irrational thinking makes me want to heave.

Getting back to the Main Street West pothole crisis, on Feb. 15/18 the Hamilton Spectator reported that public works manager Dan McKinnon stated, "all hands on deck" to repair potholes throughout the entire city but isn't it funny? I saw many potholes weeks later...I wonder where all the hands were.

On March 5/18 C.B.C. news stated the city hired a contractor to perform a shave and pave on Main Street West but a week earlier our "top bananas" tried to figure out how to pay for the work.

Once again I have to laugh out loud on the downright foolishness and mismanagement of these people. In this case some tax payers just didn't pay out of their pockets but also with mental anguish...their thirty minute commute turned into a two hour drive of frustration and anger. Let's give another big cheer for city hall, as usual irritating and annoying vehicle owners. Some people may ask what was council suppose to do? The work had to be done. My take on that is the road should never have become that bad in the first place.

Then we are "blessed" with Ward 1 Councilor Aidan Johnson, the Main Street West pothole problem was located in his ward. On March 2/18 the Hamilton Spectator said "Councilor Aidan Johnson spends zero on roads." Each Hamilton councilor receives money for the wards...it's called participatory budgeting. Instead of spending on necessary things such as infrastructure, he paid out cash on street plans, bike lanes (of course), a water bottle refilling station, renovations to Westdale Theatre and hired a consultant to help figure out the best way to execute his participatory budgeting...Johnson, you really didn't do that did you? That is one of your job duties as a councilor...I'm fucking speechless. Johnson still had $800,000 in his fund. That kind of cash can fax a hell of a lot of potholes.

Like Johnston, his greenie predecessor, Brian McHattie, also thoroughly enjoyed putting money away for his "personal rainy days." It must be said both of these irresponsible individuals are crusaders against the automobile. Johnson is a perfect example of a politician who doesn't understand serious and crucial needs, specifically public safety and infrastructure...HE JUST DOESN'T CARE! It was reported he did spend some money on sidewalk repairs.

This careless and thoughtless "ward leader" (like McHattie) is more interested in bike lanes and creating chaos for vehicle owners. This guy also stated his Main Street West pothole problem was "ravages of climate change." OK, wait a minute, time out, enough of this rubbish. For starters I don't believe in man-made climate change, read my rant (if you haven't already) on April 29/17 titled "The Green Bubble Will Never Burst." Secondly, if there is such a monster (I think the monster is most of the bureaucrats) why did the creature only "attack" Johnson's ward. Maybe, just maybe, maintaining the road has been neglected in the past.

Epilogue

So the councilors added $19.4 million to this year's (2018) budget trying to keep up with the pothole problem. If this gang would manage our money wisely and with common sense, they would always have money for potholes but I guess that's too much to ask these money wasters. And as days turn into nights we can't forget our water rates, oh, I mean water tax. Once again they increased it by 4.5%. Politicians know as long as they have unlimited cash flow from tax payers, they will always misuse our money on needless and pointless things. The entire city hall administration once again fail to realize that public safety and infrastructure are an essential importance. Maybe I'm just a whiner and I just don't get it.

The End

The Harvenut Puritan Project
Puritan will return with "The First Kick Off."

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