List of sections in Raise the Hammer, with links to each article in that section.
(return to Sections)
Anything - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2008/07/07
Interesting Circles - Like movies or songs, some books stand out because of the experience we share with them. Some people, too. Published 2008/07/07
I Know a Guy - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2008/06/05
I Know No Know - No one really knows what's in another's mind. Not even Dr. Phil or Tom Cruise. Published 2008/06/05
Think - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2008/04/30
The Voice Inside My Head - As long as there's only one, it's mine, and its not telling me to do anything outrageous, I listen to the voice inside my head. Published 2008/04/30
Two Great Willies - Each in his own way, Willie O'Ree and Willie P. Bennett have made indelible stamps on the arenas in which they have passionately lived their lives. Published 2008/03/24
Some Somes, Sums, and Always - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2008/02/14
Some - Sometimes, a collection of anecdotes is more than the sum of its parts. Published 2008/02/14
Industrious Us - Everything becomes an industry - an opportunity to make money and/or grab power. Published 2008/01/18
My Mind, My Poems, and My Money - Kevin busts out some guerilla poetry in a rant against graft, corruption and waste. Published 2007/12/20
Write Life Write - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2007/11/27
Busy as E.B. and a Bee - To much to do, so little time: a lament. Published 2007/11/27
Pet Dreams - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2007/11/08
Beautiful Wendel - There's not much time left for our old dog and I think she knows it. She's not even gone and I miss her already. Published 2007/11/08
My Favourite Things (a Poem) - A new take on an old refrain. Published 2007/10/22
My Favourite Things - Not your grandmother's favourite things. Published 2007/10/22
#$&% Jackson Pollock - Pollock's works, like the man himself, are too self-centered and chaotic to enjoy. Published 2007/09/28
What Can I Write About? - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2007/09/09
I Could Write About - It's been a summer of little writing, so picking one topic is tough when there are so many to choose from. Published 2007/09/09
Erin and Claire - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2007/06/27
Ships on Father's Day - There's nothing quite like being a dad. Published 2007/06/27
Oil and Water - Our abundance gives us the luxury to learn from it. If we manage and preserve our water properly, we can teach the world. Published 2007/06/27
Shooting Schools - It's time for those who perpetuate and profit from the slaughter of children to bear some of the responsibility. Published 2007/06/07
Independent Hits - The internet has made it easy to check out and support independent musicians, so why not do it? Published 2007/05/18
Live Life Like - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2007/04/30
Raise Your Hammer - Gravity Climbing Gym, like Hamilton, is a sweet secret destined to get out. Published 2007/04/30
Words - A poem by Kevin Somers. Published 2007/04/10
Word - If words lack succinctness, style, substance, or sincerity, what's the point? Fortunately, many people respect words and put them together beautifully. Published 2007/04/10
You Should(n't) - A Poem by Kevin Somers Published 2007/03/19
Should and Shouldn't - You should read this carefully, but you shouldn't take anything you read here too seriously. Published 2007/03/19
The Winner - Kevin nipped and tucked this poem before publishing it. Published 2007/01/24
A Beautiful Basket Case - Science and surgeons more interested in moolah than treating the sick have enabled me to turn back time and stay one step ahead of Mother Nature. Published 2007/01/24
Woe for Julia - A small paean to a great spirit. Published 2007/01/10
The Good, The Bad, and The Sad - The holidays came with black clouds this year. Published 2007/01/10
In My Opinion - Everyone has an opinion. In my opinion, most aren't worth hearing, but a few are worth sharing. Published 2006/12/13
Needs, and A Eulogy for Baby Boomer - Two poems by Kevin Somers. Published 2006/11/23
Why I Remember - Some memories are tragic, which is why we remember. Published 2006/11/08
Big Bob Bratina - After 41 years in radio, Bob Bratina should be ready for retirement. So why did he dive into the cutthroat world of municipal politics? Published 2006/11/08
Someone To Vote For - Brian McHattie, a genuine naturalist, environmentalist, and humanist, brings fresh air to the sprawl, mall, and pave-it-all mentality that permeates most elected offices, especially around here. Published 2006/10/20
A Day in the Paper - Kevin just read the news today, oh boy. Published 2006/10/06
Two Poems - Kevin injects a little class into the RTH oeuvre with a pair of poetic paeans. Published 2006/09/20
The Ten Amendments - Moses' version has been around for millenia. Perhaps it's time for a change or ten. Published 2006/08/30
TV Love - A poem by Kevin Somers Published 2006/07/05
I Saw It On TV - The world is beamed to my front door, through it, and onto my TV, where the choice of programming grows like cancer. Published 2006/07/05
Breaking Concrete - In a few hundred million years, archeologists for a new species will conclude we were dumber than the dinosaurs that preceded us. Published 2006/06/16
Rick Lintack, Architect - It's exciting to think of Hamilton as a city leading the way in urban renewal, seeking its full potential. Rick Lintack is helping to make this happen. Published 2006/05/05
On and Under - The normally affable Kevin Somers gets a few things off his chest. Published 2006/04/21
For The Road, Girls - If you were going to be on a deserted island and could only bring ten CDs, what would they be? Published 2006/03/18
The Big Top - In a world mired by inefficiency and ineptitude, watching The Big Top staff do their jobs is as good the food. Published 2006/02/15
Funny, Peculiar, Interesting Times - The Chinese curse, May you live in interesting times, is much more malignant than it first appears. Published 2006/01/27
If - If you think about it, if's a little word that provides plenty to think about. Published 2006/01/09
Pick a Card, Any Card - I'm increasingly defined by the cards that are pressed in my wallet, stuffed in a pocket, and riding on the ass of my life. Published 2005/12/14
Proponents do not have to rationalize the need for transit or look at alternatives (only alternative construction methods) since the need for transit and the benefits to communities, the environment and the economy are clear." -- From the Government of Ontario's New Transit Environmental Assessment Process
ISSN: 1715-1554
Fringe Festival Review: Because I Can (Aug. 21, 2008) -
Written by Allison McWood and directed by James Henderson, Because I Can is a screwball comedy that parlays a simple premise into a lively hour of very funny entertainment.
Karina Berschteyn
Mini-Downtown Update (Aug. 21, 2008) -
This has been a busy summer in downtown Hamilton with several reno projects, properties changing hands and many announcements of future projects.
Now that we're into the sunny dog days of
The Return of Streetcars to US Cities (Aug. 14, 2008) -
I was forwarded a very interesting New York Times article on the return of streetcars to US cities.
The article highlights their role in economic development. An important point that is very
From Road Warriors to Summer Streets (Aug. 13, 2008) - The first of three Summer Streets days was held in New York City this past Saturday. A nearly seven mile stretch comprising Centre St., Lafayette, 4th Ave., and Park Avenue from the Brooklyn Bridg
Hammer Love in Council, Spectator (Aug. 8, 2008) -
The Spectator caps a week of articles promoting sustainable urban revitalization with a Friday edition chock-full of Hammer Love that rides a welcome wave of sensible Council decisions.
Two-W
One-Way Streets More Dangerous for Children: Study (Aug. 7, 2008) - A study published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health in May-June 2000 demonstrates clearly that one-way streets in Hamilton carry a higher risk of child pedestrian injury than two-way street