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.
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.
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.
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.
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