Way too much snow on the ground, and while it is nice to see -- it would be nicer if it was gone within two days. But alas, it is freezing outside and I am looking forward to Spring sometime hence.

But before that -- I have serious business. First, as Santa Claus again this year - and dancing to a melody of "swing, cha cha, rhumba and then the twist". Way too much pressure!

And then some serious Christmas shopping; overdue office work, blah, blah, blah.

anyway -- happy holidays.

nov 23

It is not as if I don't like to post. It is like talking to yourself and since that is something I can't do because I keep getting into an argument with myself and then I don't talk to myself for days. So I will stick to posting or at least thinking about posting.

Went to Las Vegas for four days with my wife and two friends. It is a great place to visit if you want 4 days away from reality without sitting in the sun.

My youngest son turned 26 today. Maybe that is why I have grey hair or almost no hair. But it appears that i survived the ordeal.

For those waiting for me to fulfill my promise, I am copying the convention presentation (sans music unfortunately) for delivery. Should be done by the weekend.

stay well
allan

nov 17

After getting ready to resume a life of normality -- I am making a detour and heading off for four days of intense rehab -- actually not rehab -- more a religious retreat -- actually not a religious retreat -- it is a trip to Las Vegas -- but same difference.

A much needed respit -- in the last four weeks, I had to deal with receiving an Honourary Membership in the Canadian Chiropractic Association; receiving a formal thank you at an event by the Grand Master of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Ontario (for the fund raising related to Tim Horton cards for the Military)-- it took them almost 6 months to catch me; and then the fire side chat last Thursday to the CCA convention. All sounds great but I would like to return to my underground bunker.

So now I need a few days to figure out what new mischief I can get involved in -- I am already formulatng some ideas. (bad to the bone)

Aftermath

I think I have survived. I will not quite know until next Tuesday morning -- but so far the prognosis it good.

What did I survive from?

The last month or so.

About ten months ago I was asked if I would do the opening for the Canadian Chiropractic Convention in Toronto this last weekend. Ten months ago it sounded like a good idea. Something like buying a large ticket item with no money down payable in a year. Well eventually the rooster comes back to the hen house. So was it for me the last month.

Since anything worth doing is worth overdoing by at least three or four times -- I spent what would be conservatively guessed to be about 20 to 30 hours to create a 40 minute fire side chat -- inclusive of a video and audio show. Good thing I was not being paid for the work!!!

I did it, presented it and it is now over and done. As part of the project I went through over 35 boxes of material and discarded and shredded 29 boxes of material going back to the mid 1970's. My staff is happy and I am going through withdrawal.

One of the letters I came across was from Dr. Ian Coulter, President of CMCC in 1983 advising me to learn how to say "no". That is a piece of advice that I have unfortunately never learned to adopt.

So now I am back at my first day of continual work in three to four weeks. I am sad that at least two of my clients have not forgiven me and have gone elsewhere for legal work. I guess that is the price to be paid -- I am only sad that they had to go through that process.

But I am slightly rejuvenated - still in need of chiropractic care for the tension and ready to rock and roll.

And lastly, I would sure like to know who it was who had to hit by blogsite over 40 times in one day! wow -- hope it was helpful.

be well
allan

A trip to Oshawa

In the late 80’s, Ed, a Real Estate Agent, contacted me about a problem he was having. He owned a house in Oshawa that he was using as an investment property and leasing it. The problem was that he had two tenants, one leasing the first floor and one leasing the basement. At the time, basement apartments were generally contrary to municipal by-laws.

Ed had been charged with a by-law infraction which required a court attendance.

Ed asked for my assistance in dealing with the matter. I advised him that he had little chance in obtaining a not guilty finding. He was very concerned about the matter, and eventually persuaded me in attending with him on the trial date. I expected a finding of guilt and a fine of about $500.00. Ed still asked for my attendance.

I don’t recall exactly what time of year the trial took place, but the weather was sunny and mild and the drive uneventful.

When we arrived at the courtroom there were about a dozen women who were there as an “accused” or were representing their spouses. The only males in the courtroom beside Ed and myself were the Judge, Crown Attorney, and the building inspector.

We were about number 4 or 5 on a list of about a dozen cases.

One after another the charge of breaching the municipal by-law concerning basement apartments was read, each accused pled guilty, the facts of the case were read into record, and the Judge fined the individual $500.00.

After observing the first two cases, Ed was looking pretty forlorn. By the third case, I advised Ed that I thought we had a good shot at a not guilty finding. He was to say the least suspect and was ready to pay the $500 fine.

Our case was finally called. I took my place with Ed at the defendant’s table. The Judge asked for the charge to be read. He then asked for a plea. When I directed Ed to say “not guilty” the Judge, the Crown Attorney, the stenographer and the court clerk all perked up. There was a general awakening in the courtroom. The Judge looked a little suspect and the Crown Attorney and the building inspector grinned.

The Judge asked the Crown to proceed. He called the Building Inspector to the stand and after being sworn in, he was asked to provide the results of his investigation. He reviewed his notes, which were glanced at by the writer prior to the giving of evidence. Based upon the testimony of the building inspector there was no question that the basement apartment of Ed’s house was being rented and occupied.

It was my time to cross-examine the Building Inspector. I asked him how tall he was. The crown jumped up and the Judge asked me what I was doing. I asked for an indulgence indicating that I had only a few questions after which everything would become patently clear. He advised me to go ahead with some caution.

The inspector answered, to my best recollection, 6 feet or so. I then asked him what he weighed. The crown began to rise, the Judge gave me a glare and I indicated that there were just a few more questions. The inspector, again to my best recollection, indicated about 180 lbs.

I asked him if he was in good health. The glares again came from the Judge, but before any objection, the inspector said “good”.

My response was, “you would have to be in good condition” to carry around your typewriter when you do your inspections. The inspector was confused. The Judge sat up straight and the Crown looked uncomfortable.

The inspector said that he doesn’t carry his typewriter to the residences. I responded that he must since his notes were typewritten. The Judge was now glaring and the crown had his head in his hands.

I then indicated that if what he was producing were not his notes taken at the time of inspection where were they. He indicated that he did not have them. Only the typewritten notes.

The Judge stared at the Crown who jumped to his feet and indicated that the Crown was withdrawing the charges. We attempted to hold back our grins, but without much success.

As I left the courtroom, the remaining women asked quietly what had happened. In more than a whisper, I said “plead not guilty”.

Ed was a happy camper and a couple of years later, the Ontario Government changed the rules so that basement apartments became, subject to meeting building standards, legal.

The moral of the story is that even though lawyers have the courtesy of the court to proceed at the top of a trial list in court, never go first. Watch and observe what is happening. You never know what the first two or three cases will reveal.

a true courtroom story

And for your reading pleasure:

Back in about 1981 or so when the dollar limits of Small Claims Court were $600.00 I was living at the northwest corner of Don Mills and Steeles Avenue in Markham, Ontario, being a simple a walk across the street into Toronto. My office was at 2 Sheppard Avenue East in North York (Toronto), Ontario.

I was asked by an older (50’s or 60’s) individual to defend him in a Small Claims Court Case involving about $500.00. His company had leased a car from a dealership in Dunnville Ontario, a small town south of Hamilton. He had missed a payment or so, and the dealership issued a claim against him personally and not his company. Based upon what I knew about Mercantile Law he had a slam dunk defence.

He really couldn’t afford the legal fees for me to travel to Dunnville, so we finally agreed (since the case was being heard in October) that my recompense would be a basket of apples.

We (Bill, and Helen) drove to Dunnville. The case was about 6 or so on the docket list. I listened while each lawyer introduced himself or herself to the Court. It became apparent that any lawyer from a town larger than a couple of thousand population was going to be in very big trouble. Lawyers from Hamilton, London, St. Catherines, Niagara Falls were being treated with less deference than their small town breatheren.

At the morning break, my client expressed his opinion that our attendance at trial was going to be a large waste of time. As soon as the plaintiff, from Dunnville, its lawyer, from Dunnville, and the Judge from Dunville got a whisper of me being from Metropolitan Toronto, we would be toast.

I advised my client to sit in the back of the courtroom when the case was called. I told him nothing more.

Our case was finally called. The plaintiff was given a nod by the Judge. The other lawyer was welcomed to the Court by the Judge. He then looked over his spectacles and asked who I was.

My response was simple. “Allan Freedman”, your Honour. “And where are you from Mr. Freedman”. “From Markham, Ontario, your Honour”. “And where is Markham, Ontario?”

I replied: “Sixty miles south east of Barrie, your Honour”.

My client started coughing. I heard a lot of snickering in the courtroom.

I won the case.
The end of another long weekend. The weather was great and I actually did everything in moderation.

Friday night, I was taken, kicking and screaming, dancing. My wife is great and like most things, I faked it. Not having put on the dancing shoes for a few months, it was like getting back on a bicycle -- the "body memory" comes back quickly. A great way to get exercise (if I wanted exercise.) But I need all the spousal points I can get.

Saturday, a little bit of work, a little bit of motorcycle riding and then a nice quiet night at home.

Sunday, a lot of riding -- to Brantford and back taking in all of the back roads. A literal pain in the neck by the time I got home.

Monday, a day back at the office, And now, smoking a cigar (my only vice) and getting ready to do some more work while watching playoff baseball.

The remainder of the week will be crazy, at best -- ending in a short trip to Sudbury to start a hearing before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

I really, really have to get down to preparing for my monologue for the CCA convention. Time to come up with some new one-liners or an entire new audience. The new audience might be easier to come up with.

Anyway, too all, a very healthy, happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

October

Its the end of the first week of October and the days go by very, very rapidly.

I haven't put away the car or motorcycle like last year at the beginning of October. I am either more optimistic or desperate as to what little down time I may have. Merely put 3K on the bike. If I wondered where the time went it probably ended up in the client files, presentations, ad nauseum.

I actually received a complimentary copy of a text on Alternative Treatments in Cancer Therapy. I wrote the chapter on Legal Issues. I would like to say it was fun -- but I would be really, really lying.

Now I just have to get ready for a quick trip to Sudbury (for anything but fun) and then prepare my monologue for the CCA convention. Being funny and witty can really be difficult so I will likely merely be sarcastic.

I should probably be writing some more articles for DC Canada -- but they don't seem to be in need and I never do articles for advertising -- so I can just back off and if they need me they can find me. I am sure the time will be filled -- it is like putting your finger in a glass of water and then removing it -- the void always seems to get filled.

Most importantly, Dr. Herb Lee is turning 100 on November 5, 2010!! Now that is news worth reporting.

Be well and be good.

Labour Day and Beyond

Summer is over. It doesn't matter that it is not September 20th or 21st. It is labour day and time to stop wearing white, etc. The weather had been wonderful in Toronto until this weekend. Not one lousy mile or kilometre did I put on the motorcycle. Just plain lousy weather. Bad enough that I actually went into the office today and took out all my frustrations on ripping up useless copies of printed documents. I am committed to going almost paperless within 18 months. That is just about when the warranty will run out on the scanner.

I now have to put my attention to dealing with the various clientelle issues together with preparing for a number of lectures and presentations.

I have a power point presentation ready for next week and then I have to get ready for another presentation a week later. I also have to get geared up for the opening of the Chiro Convention in November. I guess I have two months to worry about that one.

I finished proof reading a chapter I did for a medical text coming out of Montreal. And I even got in one road trip -- albeit in the sports car -- through New York State into the Atlantic States and up to New Brunswick, through PEI, back to T.O. through Quebec. 5 days - 4000 k. Too short in time and distance.

So now back in the saddle and back to those 1/2 day work days -- ie. 7 in the morning until 7 at night.
Ok. Ok.

So I haven't written anything for a while. It is not as if I am getting paid big bucks for putting non-earth shaking facts on the internet.

I have been way to busy -- and just last week I had to spend time with about 150,000 of my closest friends at Port Dover at the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally. It may not be an event that will change the world -- but it does add some respit from a crazy world.

I will be back soon to putting my trivia on the internet.

be well
Brian Seaman had graduated in 2002. In about 2004 we were chatting about the ill state of professional practices and how graduates just didn't get the "big picture" when it came to setting up an office.

It has always been my belief that a professional school, like chiropractic colleges, should teach students 3 fundamental things. First, how to diagnose a condition. Second, how to deal with a patient health problem. And third, how to create the environment in which those processes will take place. It does not matter how wonderful a diagnostician or practitioner a graduate might be -- if they are unable to create the office envirnment in which to carry out those functions they will be doomed to failure. This can come in many forms: not hiring proper staff; bad accounting methods; inappropriate leasing; over consumption of practice equipment etc. etc etc.

But lecturing has its limitations. Looking at drowsy faces at 8:00 am. on a Wednesday morning, there may have been a few students who were able to survive the two hours of diatribe even if it was mixed with ill humor, sarcasm, wit and words of "worlds ending and impending disasters".

During the conversation with Brian, we stumbled on the idea that the students should be required to "walk the walk" before stepping into the "real" world. This would be based upon the students being put into groups of between 4 to 6 students and being required to create a business plan involving anything from the establishing of an office; associating, purchasing a practice or any variation. The project would require that the students do a demographic study; lease or buy property; create an office design; cost out the leaseholds, equipment and office supplies; do a bank proposal including financial statements; create office policies and marketing; deal with insurance and patient documents. It truly was to be the creation of an office.

The first year of its use would be 1985. I was going to name it the "Seaman Project" but was a little concerned about the maturity of my students. I was then going to use Brian's initials, but I had even more concern about the title "BS Project", so it eventually became the Jurisprudence Project.
It just doesn't quiet down. When I thought I would get some time to do some more writing, I end up with a few more urgent issues. I just finished dealing with a judicial review application but more will be said of that when the decision is released in late August. The results were as expected and quite satisfactory, even though a little sad for the individual on the other side of the application.

Anyway, by the time I had taught my risk management course for a few years -- consideration was given to increasing the information that was to be taught to graduating students in the area of practice management. The course was being taught by a chiropractor, but was a little off the mark for what was necessary to establish a professional practice. This was not unusual since I knew of no professional school in Canada that was preparing professionals for anything other than their specific discipline. I graduated from law school with almost no knowledge relating to matters relating to practice. It was a matter of "trial by error".

In about 1980 or so, I was asked to co-teach a course in practice management and by 1982 I was left to start teaching both risk management and practice management. At its "height", I was teaching a third year course preparing the students for risk management issues in practice and a fourth year course in practice management. While it would have been easier just to provide the information myself, it was not a "legitimate" method of presenting information to the students.

As such, I cajoled, dragged in, begged, pleaded and coerced individuals to assist in the teaching of the course through guest lectures. From about 1982 until the completion of my teaching, the students had the privilege of having lectures given by the following individuals: Ernie Wolkin, Paul Carey, Greg Dunn, Jo-Ann Willson, Sil Mior, Jean Moss, Chris Paliare, Linda Rothstein, Ian Roland, Maureen McCandless, Doug Brown, Nick Tantalo, Harry James, Len Goodman, Don Nixdorf, and a further group of architects, accountants, bankers, and chiropractors.

These individuals who gave of their time and expertise to provide the students with invaluable information that very few people could afford to obtain on an hourly basis. I was never quite sure that the students understood or appreciated what they were receiving, but occassionaly years after graduation I would meet a student who would actually express appreciation for the depth of information that was being provided to them by these experts.

The information being given to the student through the lectures should have been enough. But a chance discussion with Dr. Brian Seaman, a 1982 graduate, of Halifax, Nova Scotia and a member of the Board of Governors of CMCC led to a new dimension in chiropractic education. An innovation that I have been proud of ever since.
It has been a couple of wild weeks which have involved dealing with Human Rights Complaints; privacy issues; judicial review applications and the usual amount of aggravation.

But back to history.

By the middle of start if the 80's I was teaching 2 hours a week for the entire school year. It was actually quite enjoyable because the students were deeply interested in knowing and being prepared for what was going on in the real world. The third year course prepared the students for clinic and the fourth year course was to provide information on the establishment and operation of a health care clinic.

The issues in chiropractic in my first ten years of being involved in the profession were interesting, entertaining and adventurous. I took great pleasure in fighting some of the battles which continued with respect to the attitude of hospitals, governments and other health care workers. I didn't appreciate chiropractors being referred to as "mr" and I appreciated even less the attitude of a hospital or medical doctor who thought that patient information was not going to be provided to a chiropractor, even with the consent of a patient. Pro Bono work dealing with such nonsense was rewarding.

I recall one incident in the late 70's; early 80's where a west end Toronto newspaper writer decided he would do an expose on chiropractic. It was worse than junk science with no factual information -- just basic nonsense about the educational background and training of chiropractors at CMCC. It was a two part series. I recalled the writer's name and so I did a little research. It turned out the writer had been a pharmacist who had run afoul of his licensing body and had his license revoked for fraud. My letter to the publisher gave a polite request for the writer to refrain from any further such reports or he could deal with the fallout of the lack of integrity of the writer. My language was a little bit more colourful, but in any event he must have gotten the message. We never heard from the writer on the issue again. As I said, those were interesting times.
Sometime in the last century, probably near the end of the 70's I was asked by Dr. Terry Watkins to participate on the Publication Committee of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. At the time Dr. Michael Wiles and Dr. Janice Wiles were the editors of the Journal.

My first article in the Journal was entitled "Privilege". Interestingly, the principles set out in the article in 1977 are pretty much still applicable today. I have had the pleasure of writing further articles for the Journal over the decades dealing with matters involving risk management and business law. Dr. Watkin's leadership as the head of the Publications Committee was more than commendable and his dedication was paramount for the development of the publication to a worldwide respected journal under the subsequent leadership of Dr. Allan Gotlib.

It is my not so humble opinion that the profession of chiropractic in Canada owes its reputation to a few very well established and credentialed entities: the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic; the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association; the Chiropractic Research Foundation and the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board. There may be disagreement among readers but I find that the four groups have something in common -- actually something they lack -- an overwhelming desire to not pigeon hole chiropractic care and a philosophy based upon public protection.

Anyway, in addition to being published in the JCCA, my diatribes have also appeared in the Canadian Chiropractic Magazine and Dynamic Chiropractic. The articles speak for themselves. I hope that they have had some impact on profession.

So now back to the late 70's. I did a short two year sojurn of teaching at Senecca College in a Business Course. Again, fun and a distraction at the time, but alas you can only juggle so many tasks at one time. Actually not true, but when the task is not fun -- my favourite thing in life is being able to say hausta la vista!
1982 was a pretty good year. Ian Coulter had become President of CMCC, Doug Brown nominated me as the first Honorary Member of CMCC which was given to me by Richard Luck at the CMCC Homecoming Gala and some time around that time I was invited to speak at the Alberta Chiropractic Convention. It was a wild event which must remain between myself, Dr. Luck and all those that spent the Saturday evening telling stories until 2:00 am (Dr. Carter, Dr. Gushaty, Dr. Ball, Dr. Ladell, spouses, Dr. Luck and maybe more). It was during this time that I learned that Dr. Luck has tried to walk on water. I also met Dr. Tom Amalo (but that is another story.)

It was also the year that I became the only Canadian (foreign) member of the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys. I was given a warm welcome in Denver at their annual meeting. I quickly learned that anything that happens in the USA will reach the Canadian border within 5 years.

During the early '80s I travelled with respect to the chiropractic profession to Kansas City, Denver, Detroit, Lake Geneva (Wisconsin), Banff, and Vancouver. Interesting times.
The Grand Ballroom of the Inn on the Park holds about 1200 people. There were about 1100 people in attendance. A few more people than were originally estimated. I was supposed to be introduced but since there were still tables being set up -- I merely went to the podium and started the proceedings.

I was not educated to be a comedian even though some of my students thought I might be a joke. But what the heck the most they could do is "boo" and it was not like they were paying me for the work. I started by telling a story which was supposed to be a joke -- it was a little religious in nature but it got some laughs. What I forgot was that right after telling a religious joke I had to introduce a Minister to say the invocation. He took it in good stride.

Before and after introducing any speaker, ie students, faculty etc I would tell a joke and do some one liners. It became a little disconcerting since I would (without bragging) get a great laugh and then about 30 seconds later there would be further commotion and more laughter. It took a while for me to realize that what I was saying was being translated into French at some tables which resulted in a delayed reaction.

I recall introducing Dr. Stu O'Brien who was a clinician at the time. Dr. O'Brien had a reputation of being a little too self-assured. In addition he never wore socks if he could get away with it.

When it came time to introduce Dr. O'Brien as he was walking to the podium I told him I had two questions for him. The first was whether the pair of socks that I produced were his. The second was -- "if he had to do it all over again -- would he still fall in love with himself". That got a big laugh and even a bigger laugh when he no longer could do his speech from memory and had to go back to his table to get his written copy.

The rest of the night went well and at the end, I produced my hankie -- waved at everyone -- said goodnight and turned the hankie into a cane. The trick went over very well.

It was an amazing evening and has made me remember with fondness the class of '82.

p.s. the Inn on the Park ceased to exist a number of years ago.
7.

In 1981 I had been asked to introduce Dr. David Drum as a speaker at the graduation banquet. To show how ridiculous my memory is -- it was held at the Holiday Inn City Hall. Alan Thicke was the main speaker and there was an additional chiropractor who was speaking. I recall his name but will not mention it since his talk was far from successful. Actually, if you want to receive an ovation from an audience, I learned from him that just keep talking 20 minutes past your allotted time and the audience will clap until you shut up and sit down.

The difficulty was that I had to stand up and introduce David right after the long winded speaker. The audience was not happy and I had to try and get them back in the right mood. I suppose it went ok because, as I have indicated the next year they wanted me to be the Master of Ceremonies. and here is that story.....

As I recall, to the best of my recollection, I was asked in about February if I would take on the task which was to happen in May. This is the class which, in first year, I was to read the riot act to. It was made up of some fantastic individuals who would become leaders of the profession including Brian Seaman and Peter McGee.

I inquired as to the number of participants and was told about 350 people. Since I had not done a banquet before I was a little hesitant but being that I have never been smart enough to turn down a challenge I accepted.

My late father-in-law was a tailor. When he heard what was involved he decided I needed a new custom made tuxedo. Things were looking good. I then started on my list of stories, introductions, jokes, etc. That started taking at least an hour a day. I still have the same jokes in my repertoire.

By March the organizers indicated to me that the attendance had increased to about 600 people (and not because of my participation). Again, I was too stupid to worry.

I decided that I would step up the event and visited a magic shop. I bought two items. One to throw a flame and the other to turn a hankie into a cane. The latter was easy. When I showed the first trick to my secretaries I proceeded to burn the hair off my hand and arm -- so that idea was put to rest.

By the end of April I was told that attendance was now at about 800. It seems that all 150 or so students would be attending with their significant others and a litany of family members. Still no problem.

The date eventually arrived and I travelled with my wife to the Inn on the Park. As I was entering the building I was accosted by Mark Robson and a couple of other individuals who indicated that they had underestimated the participation. Apparently the crowd now numbered 1100 and tables were being set up as the event was to begin. I really must have been in a fog because I wasn't ready for the payback the students were giving me for the attitude that I must have had when teaching them. But what the heck they promised to triple my fee -- I negotiated for 4 times (4 times zero is ...... well you work out the math.)

I entered the banquet room -- there was pandemonium in people getting to their tables. I had to introduce myself. More to come.
6.

Life was pretty consistent during the first, second and third years of my sojourn at CMMC. By the end of the 3rd year, I was spending some time with the Dean discussing the issues surrounding the practice management course taught to the students. After assisting Dr. Padachuk with the course for a year, it was determined that my course requirements should increase to include more issues of risk management and practice management.

The course eventually evolved into a two year course -- third year involved the risk management issues necessary to be dealt with prior to entering into the clinic; and the fourth year course involved matters of importance to a new practitioner including issues involving the establishment of a practice. My still active speeding reading allowed me to grade the 150 or so chiropractic legal reports and two full sets of exams - all in my spare time.

By 1982, I had met up with Alan Adams and Ian Coulter. Both individuals were superb academics and logicians who could approach a problem with the efficiency of a military officer. There were ups and downs, renovations to the premises and legal matters which shall continue to remain subject to the 75 secrecy code (as if there is one).

Dr. Coulter became the first non-chiropractic president of CMCC and was required to deal with some of the more important issues within the profession and CMCC's history including accreditation. His vice-president was Kitch Hayman and then Jean Moss and the dean was Alan Adams and then David Dainty.

In 1982, Dr. Rich Luck was chair of the Board of Governors, Dr. Doug Brown and in about February 1982 I was asked by Mark Robson of the graduating class of 1982 to be the graduation banquet master of ceremonies........
5.

I spent the summer of 1977 revising my lectures – actually I did it while babysitting a newborn son, the second of three. The material was taking on a flavour beyond merely being the diatribe of a lawyer talking to a jury.

I can’t recall much of the teachings of 70’s other than a couple of incidents which are embedded in my diary of interesting escapades. The first involved a fourth year class that wanted to “strike” in the name of student power. It was an interesting battle of wills. In any event, the students were in school, in clinic and not picketing on the streets. The second incident involved me being asked by the Dean, Terry Watkins, to go into the first year class and advise them of the attendance policy of the school. It was like Daniel walking into an arena filled with Lions. The students led by Peter McGee advised me in no uncertain terms that such demands were beyond the realm of maturity. During those days, students actually attended the classes that they were paying for. The first year class was the class of 1982 – a very, very memorable class.

During me early years at CMCC I met up with legends in the chiropractic profession, many of whom have been friends through the decades. In particular there is the legendary, Douglas M. Brown, a prolific writer, a wit beyond compare, a defender of the faith in all things CMCC and many more things that would fill a litany of chapters in the history of chiropractic. We first met at a CMCC fundraiser. I was handling the wheel of fortune. He was handling another money grab. Not that I am overly competitive, but there was no way that I was going to let a chiropractor beat me at separating attendees from the cash in their wallets. It’s a lawyer thing. Anyway, we introduced ourselves and have been friends ever since.

I also had the privilege of meeting such individuals as Dr. Herb Lee, Richard Luck, Len Cunningham, Ken Smith, Darrel Ladell, Ed Demchuk, Paul Carey and Leo Rosenberg. Not all paths were crossed with the greatest of ease. In some cases, there were downright battles that were fought. But those are other stories.

By now, you should realize that while I am travelling through my history of chiropractic, I am not at liberty to set out all of my experiences, trials and tribulations. I am bound by what is commonly referred to as “solicitor – client privilege” meaning that there are certain adventures that can’t be told by me under pain of disaster. But there are still adventures that are outside of my constraints, so there is more to talk about.
4.

After two or three months of preparing lectures, Prof. Rozeiu sent me a copy of the course outline last used. I was a little embarrassed. I had been preparing lectures concerning the establishment of laws, the Magna Carta, the Napoleonic Code, ad nauseum The course outline give to me set out lectures on Intentional Torts, Negligence etc. It was a relief to know that the lectures would actually have some relevance.

So, after hand writing out nine lectures, getting my best suit pressed and being sent off to school on the first day of lectures, I stood in front of the fourth year class in September, 1976. It was a stressful situation. The students were my age or older and frankly had just about as much experience in life as I had. I just had one thing that they didn’t -- a law degree.

I had always wanted to teach. In third year law school I had been offered a teaching position at McMaster University in the MBA program. I would be entered in the course, teach and continue my articles. It would be a great set up except that the Law Society would not allow a part time articling program and not wanting to postpone the inevitable ordeal I passed on the once in a lifetime opportunity. The next great opportunity presented itself at CMCC.

Sitting in the class at 1900 Bayview Avenue were such future chiropractors as Howie Vernon, Bob Haig, Roberta Koch, and John Cosgrove. Since I am doing this through long-term memory and without reviewing extraneous documents, I apologize to anyone whom I forget to reference.

My first lesson was not so much of what I taught the soon to be doctors of chiropractic but what the students taught me. It is a simple lesson that animal trainers and teachers learn early in their careers -- “show no fear”. If you do, you will be eaten alive. So, I held my ground and acted as if I was speaking from experience – all at the ripe old age of 27 years. I also learned the second important lesson: “The key to success is sincerity, and once you can fake sincerity you have it made.” The lessons were coming fast and furious.

I remember the year going by rather uneventfully. I met some interesting individuals on staff: Don Sutherland, Terry Watkins, Lee Anderson, Adrian Grice, Jean Moss, Glen Engel, Brian Schut, and Don Henderson. There were many, many more but even my memory doesn’t work that well. I do recall being at the Christmas Party and being one of the few people who did not eat the potato salad and being quite grateful for the next few days.

I also remember attending at Graduation in May 1977, being the first of continuous graduations that I have attended religiously since that first convocation. It was always my favourite day of the year!
3.

I continued dealing with the plan of management set out by Allan Gotlib, overseen by Dr. Kilgannon and visited CMCC once or twice a week for adjustments, modalities and even a time on a table trying to stretch me to new heights. Each visit added to my belief that chiropractic could do for me what nothing else had been able to accomplish -- pain relief and much more mobility.

I eventually corresponded with Alfred Rozeiu in the early spring of 1976 (having now become a member of the legal profession) with respect to the potentiality of my teaching the course that used to be taught by Dr. Homewood and as required by the Drugless Practitioner’s Act of Ontario as it related to chiropractic licensure. We met, chatted and then he arranged for an interview with Dr. Herb Vear, the Dean of CMCC.

When I met with Dr. Vear, he invited me into his office and while he finished a phone conversation, I was able to view the multitude of pictures on his wall which were made up mostly of World War II fighter planes. Dr. Vear had been in the Air Force during the War. We spent most of the interview talking about his adventures and ordeals during the War. I didn’t have to say too much.

I was offered the position and Professor Rozieu subsequently advised me that I would be providing 9 lectures to the 4th year class starting in September, 1976. The course was entitled “chiropractic jurisprudence”. I had no idea what that was, so I spent a couple of months preparing lectures on “jurisprudence” as I understood the term in law school. Boy, was I wrong!
Five in a row and still counting. I am really getting the hang of this. Another realization -- do a posting whenever you get five minutes -- so at 8:13 am. here it goes.

2.

That first visit to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College at 1900 Bayview Avenue in the City of Toronto was obviously not going to be my last. Allan Gotlib, as I recall, indicated that I would need 9 or so treatments. I remember asking if I could get them all at once. As I recall, I didn't realize that an intern, at that time, might have to see a patient for nine visits to get a credit -- actually I needed a lot more than nine treatments and still need treatment.

I have and continue to take exception to those people who say that when you see a chiropractor once you have to see him or her forever. it is a ridiculous statement no different than suggesting a trip to a dentist should be a one time visit. My bad habits continue and it takes chiropractic care to keep me on my feet -- 190 lbs standing on two 9 inch bases -- you can do the science.

Anyway, back to our story -- I continued with the care -- involving adjustments, modalities and even being hooked to a bed which tried to stretch me to a new height -- literally.

When I received the first adjustment -- I must say I acted rather abruptly and mentioned something about the legal system. Dr. Kilgannon was not all together happy about not being told I was a lawyer (I was only an articling student). Eventually the conversation became more cordial and we discussed the teaching of "jurisprudence" at CMCC. It had been taught by the esteemed Dr. Earl Homewood.

The next chapter of my adventure was into the world of jurisprudence at CMCC and meeting with Alfred Rozieu and Dr. Herb Vear................
Another day another post. Actually two. I posted an index to assist in finding the articles on such things as valuations, contracts, associates, and agreements of purchase and sale. Good sailing.

Now I am moving in a different direction. I had sort of promised myself that one day I would put into writing all of the people who I have come into contact with in the health care professions starting back in 1976. Not that it matters to anyone in general, but I am going to try and do this in chronological order. This should keep me blogging for a few weeks or months. So here goes:

1.

My first contact with the chiropractic profession came when I returned to Toronto from attending law school at the University of Western Ontario. I had spent three years complaining of an ear ache and was astutely diagnosed as it being a matter of "tension" and being prescribed valium. Nice way to keep a person with ADDDDDDD (not yet a known problem) smiling through law school. A friend from back in early school was enrolled at chiropractic college and as an intern was rubbing his hands in glee when we decided that I should seek a proper diagnosis and treatment at his hands. The person in question was Allan Gotlib, who is now Editor in Chief of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

I attended for the assessment which as I remember it was termed a "subluxation". I had been x-rayed and after a consultation it was determined that an upper cervical adjustment was what was needed. Being anxious for the treatment but not exactly co-operative, soon to be Dr. Gotlib called upon Dr. Bob Kilgannon to assist in the treatment. It would work like a charm and a pain that I had suffered with for years was gone within days as I remember it. I still need treatment from time to time -- but that will be a story for a future time. Needless to say, I remember that first treatment as if it happened yesterday. Too bad it hadn't happened decades earlier.

More about that first visit and subsequent visits and more persons tomorrow and thereafter.
Three days in a row. I really have to get back on the motorcycle.

I received my copy of Dynamic Chiropractic Canada. Nice article if I do say so myself. My secretaries like the titles more than anything, ie. "legal manipulations; don't worry be happy; tick-tock; the smell test; the big picture". In another life I might have been a writer for a rag that you would read in a checkout line in a grocery store -- but that is another story.

If DC requests another article -- it will be dealing with "running through the thorn bushes". Use your imagination.


Two days in a row for posting a blog. Amazing.

Anyway, it was sunny and 21 degrees in Toronto today. Another day spent in the office and putting out fires. My latest article appeared in DC Canada -- title was to be "the big picture" but literary discretion always wins out. Now I am tossing around the next article. It will likely come to me at about 3 am in my sleep and then I will forget it by the next morning.

Still having a respit from dancing until my wife is ready to put on the dancing shoes. Having the honourary title of "least dedicated and most entertaining member" of the dance studio gives me certain indulgences in terms of attendance.

Apparently I have volunteered to participate in the Chiropractic Convention in Toronto in November. I am sure that I will be able to get myself in some kind of trouble at the function. After all, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Rules and Regulations

I think that there may be rules of conduct when creating a Blog - like assuming a responsibility to post every day, twice a day or three times a day. My problem with HDADDDDD is that I move from activity to activity without regard to such rules. You either get my attention in 15 seconds or its time to move on. So, sitting and writing a Blog is something that requires commitment. Except for 37 years of marriage, 34 years of practicing law and 32 years of teaching -- commitments are a general pain. So I apologize for not providing any words of wisdom that can be put to paper.

Frankly, it is spring time in Ontario -- and there haven't been many springs in Ontario in the last few years.

So the motorcycle is now operational - even if the pipes have to be changed and I burned the hell out of the air horn. The sports car is getting serious mileage and is my favourite daily activity. Other than that -- everything is done on an ad hoc basis.

Responsibility

Apparently there seems to be an unwritten rule that if you have a Blog you are supposed to maintain the Blog which means you have to contribute to the Blog. So much for rules.

Anyway, I made it through my Cuba trip with very little to report on. If the saying is: "what goes on in **** stays in ****", then I have nothing to report because nothing happened.

The interesting thing is that upon my return, I had two clients who actually said they missed me. (Obviously because I did not access a cell phone or a computer.) After 34 years of practice it was a nice experience.

I must unfortunately report that I may have taken a very large step to growing up or maturity. The weather in the Toronto area this week was glorious with sunny skies and temperatures in the high teens. Considering that I have a motorcycle and sports car ready to be taken out of winter storage - I left both of them hibernating. The first days of nice weather are dangerous in terms of driving and drivers. I can't believe I did not sucumb to the urge to be as crazy as the other drivers on the road. Oh well, growing up can be the pits.

I have now received confirmation that I somehow volunteered to do an opening presentation at the Canadian Chiropratic Convention in Toronto in November, 2010. Six months away. That is a tight schedule in terms of preparing to the point of looking like it is not a prepared presentation. I have promised myself that it should be a wild experience -- pictures, etc. I can't mention the title of the speech but considering that I came up with "legal manipulations" as my by-line in Dynamic Chiropractic Canada you can expect the topic and presentation to be irreverant. Besides, what are they going to do -- not pay me; fire me; give me an attitude adjustment ??.

be well.

Olympic Report

Actually any report that I could give can be seen in the local newspapers -- so I will not bother to report other than two of my three sons are having a great time partying in Vancouver. It really looks like they are having a blast (for those of you born after the 80's -- that means having a good time).

The weather has been sunny, the temperature is above zero and no snow on the ground. I am tempted to crank up my motorcycle but that would bring on the snow without any question.

I have just about had enough of the winter even if it has been relatively mild. I have now booked the annual trip to Cuba for an overdose of mojitos and cigars. It is my destination of choice since there is no reason to take my computer. A week of doing nothing -- I can't wait to be bored to death. It is an interesting feeling - but just for a short period of time.

And when I get back, the next weekend the clocks are set back an hour -- I am always amused by the fact that it is reported that we get an extra hour of sunlight -- not if you wake up at sunrise. But, nevertheless -- it will give me a reason to get the motorcycle ready for when the snow and salt disappear. and then, and then, and then -- I get ready to bring out the car - none too soon. yee haw! but never fool with mother nature - she has a way of waking up and biting you on the rear.

Yada Yada Yada

Alright so I have a limited vision of the world. My entire range of interests amount to: motorcycling; health care issues; ballroom dancing; television and such bad habits as cigar smoking. What the heck -- you only come this way once and it isn't a trial run.

But for the most part I spend my days dealing with cynics and persons who actually have to be paranoid. In my case, "just because I am paranoid, doesn't mean the world isn't out to get me." It is the nature of the legal profession. However, there are times that even I can get some major enjoyment out of the interaction that comes from being a part of the legal profession.

Even more so, I have spent decades dealing with risk management in the profession of chiropractic and all of the difficulties that arise in health care. Well -- will wonders never cease. Yesterday I received an email indicating that the CTV Olympic web site was up and operational. Within that site is a health and wellness area and to my utter amazement -- there it was -- the chiropractic corner. It is spectacular, fabulous and a tribute to the profession and the CCA.

So check it out -- once, twice or a dozen times -- and tell your friends, family, associates and strangers. It is worth a visit.

To the CCA -- congratulations on a job very well done.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/health/index.html

and enjoy the Olympic games. me -- I will be watching from my couch, eating popcorn and drinking Pepsi.

Optimism

If I recall correctly, I do not think that I ever sat through an entire episode of the Tonight Show going all the way back to the 60's. I have seen tidbits from time to time, but having ADDDDDD, and trying to be asleep by 11:00 there was not a chance that I was going to survive a full episode. But, like all the baby boomers who say they saw the Beatles live or were at Woodstock, I had to see at least a portion of Conan O'Brian's last episode. Conan made a point of indicating that he had no time for cynics -- they were not the type of person with whom he wished to associate with.

What is relevant to my posting is his comment about not wishing to entertain people who are cynics. I do not believe that cynicism and paranoia are synonymous. That is why, I have repeated over and over and over the phrase: "hope for the best, plan for the worse, and expect the unexpected".


That being the case, here is what I hope for the chiropractic profession:

I hope that the profession can continue to provide the care to the public that is so unique to the profession.

I hope that the profession can deal with its weakest links and ensure that the public is protected by those who are elected to the role of "self governance" for the profession.

I hope that the public's knowledge of chiropractic grows by leaps and bounds year after year.

I hope that every chiropractor comes to the awareness that continuing educations involves knowledge of all things ranging from clinical practice to practice management to research on a global and invidual basis.

I hope that every chiroprator comes to the awareness that the guardians of the profession are its educational institutions, its professional associations, and its publications.

I hope that every chiropractor comes to the awareness that there are living legends involved in the chiropractic profession who should be acknowledged and who supported in their advancement of the interests of the profession.


back to you soon.

Here I go again!

First I was young and innocent. I knew very little and was happy in my ignorance. In the 50's there was no internet; no VCRs; four or five channels on TV and I didn't bother reading the newspaper. Learning all the countries in Europe was about as much as I knew about the world.

Then I went through my teens and eventually by my 20's I knew everything. In fact my parents would ask me questions and when I asked why, they would retort: "Because you think you know everything. But that will end by the time you reach 30". Sometimes I would take a position and my mother would say: "You're right and the rest of the world is wrong". (said with a great deal of sarcasm).

My opinion now is that I know more and more about less and less until I am going to know everything about nothing! Anyway back to the topic of this note.

Keeping that in mind, on occassion I will read "Letters to the Editor" in any journal, magazine or newspaper. That is what has happened in the last few days when reading a chiropractic publication, and I am rather disappointed by what I read.

The first letter dealt with the concern of the writer with respect to the amount of articles that are written concerning the fraudulent practices in chiropractic as they relate to consulting companies. While I could not care less about the organizations and consultants that make money on advising practitioners as to how to practice properly, I am deeply disappointed that the tone of the letter was with respect to the sympathy that the author had for the miscreants. Having sympathy for the practitioner who commits fraud and brings disrespect to the profession is just beyond my understanding. The author uses the word "fair" in dealing with fraudsters is just unbelievable. Give me a break.

The second letter is even worse. It deals with the justification for treating a patient anytime anywhere. It would bring a smile to any party who prosecutes inappropriate behaviour. Being licensed in Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, New York, or Michigan does not let you set up shop or even treat anyone in any other jurisdiction. A professional is obligated to abide by licensing requirements. The end does not justify the means. And as far as treating 400 to 600 patients a day, whatever happened to an examination, diagnosis, and plan of management -- 400 treatments in even a 14 hour day (14 hours x 60 minutes divided by 400 treatments - well, you do the math) and simply put-- Give me a break.

These two letters can be summed up simply with the phrase -- Deja Moo -- as in -- I have heard this bullshit before and it gives me a subluxation.

be well.

January 2010

Ok -- so I don't post every two hours, every day, every week or for that matter every month. Sometimes the adage works: "It is better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you are stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".

Besides, I have been busy. Two more articles on line with Dynamic Chiropractic Canada. The one title" "Can you Pass the Smell Test" I really wanted to simply call "The Stink Test" but I bow to the greater wisdom of those who buy their ink by the barrel. The next article was entitled "Self-Defence" but again changed to "The Dangers of Self-Defense". The next is in the works.

I also had the pleasure of donning the Santa Clause outfit and doing another event at the Chinese Mall in Markham, Ontario. I did a Polka -- at the Dance Studio -- my title is: "Least dedicated Most entertaining".

As far as New Years' Resolutions -- well I went on a diet over the holidays and gained 4 or 5 pounds, so that is over and done with. My office is now neat, tidy and uncluttered. My staff will take care of finishing off that Resolution. So the only one left is to smile more; ride my motorcycle more; and live more. I also promise to put more information on the blog -- but don't count on it.

Finally, for those of you who travel to this site looking for info - you have to appreciate how blogs work -- you have to dig deep and go back, back, back into the postings.

Be good and be well.
allan