BANISHED

A Rant

2006-08-16T09:20:00.000-04:00

People often talk the talk and then don't walk the walk. I know that. People often disappoint, and sometimes you can't really fault them for their shortcomings. Right now hundreds of law students about to enter their final year are going through an intense articling interview procedure (myself included). The competition is tough and the goal is to separate yourself out from the pack by demonstrating your strengths to the partner conducting the interview. Every student has their strengths and its in their interest to hilight them. Those strengths could be competitive grades, strong letters of reference, work experience and other less tangible qualities.

A friend of mine, and s/he shall remain anonymous, lied in an interview about their work/volunteer experience in an interview. This person has strong grades in law school and felt that by "exaggerating the truth", there would be a better possibility of a job offer. The lie, to this friend, was insignificant. It was simply a means of getting ahead in a competitive environment. The lie was to claim s/he had appeared at Small Claims Court on behalf of a client while volunteering at Legal Aid. This was simply not true. This friend of mine often complains about the dishonesty of law students and their slimyness.

This lie was unneccessary and unethical. It may make him/her more competitive in the articling search process, but it also hurts other students that have genuine legal experience. I just want to make it clear that this does not affect me personally, as I did not interview with this firm that the lie was told to. It simply bothers me that people think its ok to lie. Its NOT OK TO LIE IN AN INTERVIEW. People work very hard to get experience on their resume. Fabricating experience simply makes other people appear mediocre when they could in fact be well above average in their experiences.
My friend disappointed me and I told him / her that I felt that way. I hope s/he thinks twice before doing it again.

A MESSAGE TO MY FRIEND....If you're reading this, I hope you don't feel like I'm attacking you, I just needed to get this off my chest. On most other accounts, I find you to be a good person, this just bothers me so much. I sincerely wish you the best in finding an articling position.

T.G.I.F.!

2005-12-02T16:17:00.000-05:00

IT FINALLY ARRIVED!
My Tragically Hip box set finally arrived by mail today. I pre-ordered it before it was released on November 2nd, but it got lost in the mail and I had to call and complain at least 7 or 8 times before they finally sent out another copy of it. I think my mailman stole the first copy they sent me...its hard to blame him....who can resist the Hip?

The box set comes with a book that has all the concert posters from the tours of old and includes a DVD with a concert filmed in Toronto last year. For a Hip fanatic, such as myself, this is just plain awesome.

IN ELECTION NEWS....
STEPHEN HARPER WAS IN WINNIPEG today and announced that a Conservative government would reduce hospital wait times. Harper said that "We must treat all patients equally, regardless of ability to pay. There will be no private parallel system". This election is turning out to be a broad discussion of policy...I'm just dreading the post-Christmas campaign that is widely expected to turn negative. The Tories are still down in the polls, but the night is young...lets keep this wagon wheel rolling!

IS THIS SMART? Ummm...Ya, I think SO!

2005-12-01T13:26:00.000-05:00

Today Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada announced that if elected, they would immediately reduce the GST from 7% to 6% and then reduce it further to 5% within 5 years. The Liberals immediately denounced this move and claimed that Martin's income tax cuts would be more effective.

The Fiberal hypocrisy is unbelievable. This issue should hurt the Liberals, as people recall more broken promises from the Chretien era. The recent string of Surpluses are proof that Canada can lower its taxes and plan effectively for the future.

Not only is the Conservative Party announcement smart politically, but its also inherently conservative and should appeal to the base. Brilliant!

DAY 2 - Scandal, Scandal and maybe more Scandal!

2005-11-30T18:20:00.000-05:00

Today the Liberals received some disappointing news from the RCMP. They are being investigated for the unusually heavy trading of stocks that took place just prior to their announcement on income trusts.

Former Liberal Prime Minister, Jean Chretien filed with the Federal Court, his appeal of the Gomery Inquiry's findings against him. This happened on the same day that the Liberals announced former astronaut and first Canadian in space, Marc Garneau would be running for election in Quebec. The Liberals were hoping this would give them a fresh image for the future, but it was instead overshadowed by the Sponsorship Scandal. It seems that they just can't get away from who they are. And who are they? The epitomy of all that is wrong in politics today...corrupt and full of a sense of entitlement and arrogance. It is time for a change and I believe that Canadians agree with that sentiment.

I think its important to note that Shimon Peres has left the Labour Party in Israel to join Sharon's new Forward Party. This centrist new party should be capable of doing alot of good.

I've got to run to class, but more later.

Here We Go!

2005-11-29T23:36:00.000-05:00

I've decided that in the midst of my rush to finish off a paper and to cram before exams begin, to let my blog distract me once again. This may not be the smartest thing, but really, there is no way I'm going to ignore the election, and I need an outlet to discuss it, especially if nobody wants election talk during this holiday season.

My good friend, Yoni Lerman began his own blog just yesterday and has already posted his resignation. I urge all readers to check out his blog and to demand he continue!

Last wednesday night my baby sister, Zehava, got hitched to my new brother-in-law Yisrael Sabijan. My sister was a beautiful bride and everyone had an amazing time....I might just be a bit biased. I'll post some pics when they become available to me.

TODAY IS DAY #1 OF THE 2006 WINTER ELECTION. Will the Tories be smooth, or will they just have gaff after gaff. I pray for a Tory majority, but I know the reality is a minority best case scenario. Same sex marriage is not an issue Canadians care about. They care about health care, Liberal corruption, a strong economy and national unity. Maybe the Harper entourage should just spend the next 55 days travelling Quebec. Then they might have a shot of getting some seats there and could then show Canadians that they truly are a national party, capable of keeping it together.

In Willowdale, its all about Jovan Boseovski, Windsor West its Alfonso Teshuba, and in Windsor Tecumseh its Rick Fuschi. IF ANYONE KNOWS WHO THE TORY CANDIDATE IN MY HOMETOWN OF THORNHILL IS, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW.

I'm going to try to update the blog regularly during the campaign. I know I've said that before, but this time i mean it!

Back to Reality

2005-02-28T17:06:00.000-05:00

Friday, right before the Sabbath began at home in Toronto, reports started to come in about a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv that has now killed 5 and injured dozens more. This was the first such attack in 4 months. Israeli officials have pointed responsibility for the attack to Syria. Looks like Syria is getting some pressure from some nations to back off Lebanon so they're focusing on the Zionist enemies. Hopefully Abbas will control his people and take steps to prevent further acts of terrorism. A friend of mine was at the spot of the attack 24 hours before it happened, you can read his comments here.

Looks like another revolution. Not sure what will come of the resignation of the Lebanese PM today, but hopefully the Lebanese people can take back control of their lives and purge Syria and extremism.

On the domestic front, the Ontario Tories held their convention this past weekend in Ottawa. All reports that I've heard, both from the press and friends, has been very positive painting a picture of renewal and energy. Bring on 2007, looks like we're back!

And to conclude....I'm back in Windsor. Reading week is gone and I have moot court and exams to look forward to. Can't wait for the Summer....its snowing again.

Oh! The Raptors won a solid outing yesterday against the Lakers...very impressive.

HUH?!?

2005-02-24T16:29:00.000-05:00

Why must our government rule by opinion polling? I just don't understand why we would refuse a seat at the table for the American Missilie Defense shield. The U.S. is gonna go ahead with it whether Canada participates or not. The missiles will still be shot over Canada and now we have given up a piece of our sovereignty. Paul Martin was trying to reflect the opinion of the masses that Missile defense is a bad idea, but by refusing to co-operate, all he does is bitter relations with Washington again and accede leadership. Flip/Flop!

A shocker, by the way, Kofi Annan is talking tough against Syria, demanding that they pull their troops out of Lebanon. He's warning that the UN Security Council will take action if the Syrians remain there in April. I doubt anything will come of it, but its interesting to take note of.

No trades today before the deadline for the Raptors. Do people care?

Was watching the St. John's Maple Leafs lastnight take on the Hamilton Bulldogs. It was nice to see Matt Stajan in action. This guy is gonna be a star in the NHL some day. We lost 4-3 lastnight, but it was fun hockey to watch. I guess if there's no season next year, Torontonians can still watch the Leafs play....these guys would make it to the NHL....some of them at least.

Monarchy, eh?

2005-02-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

I used to be of the opinion that Australia and Canada are pretty much the same except for the accents and the weather. That thought has changed significantly since my trip to Europe. While the Americans have the bad reputation, Australians are loved by all even though they get drunk more than any other people I met during my travels. They were carefree and all about the partying. The Americans I met, just so that people don't get me wrong, were the nicest people anywhere I went. They were kind and down to earth and often supportive of their President (whom I support as well...foreign policy at least). Anyways, Aussies come from a pretty similiar background as Canadians do. They are part of the British monarchy and became independent, like Canada did, thru peaceful means.

In the past few years they have gone in a very different direction than Canada. Their citizens were attacked by Al Qaeda in Bali and they joined the war in Iraq. Canada did no such thing as we seem to think that we're immune from terrorism. In a recent poll, the Aussies said that they no longer support the monarcy (51%), but if Charles is made king, then 61% want change and choose to form a republic.
Interesting, eh?

I wonder what Canadians think. If you have any strong opinions on this please post a comment to me. Thanks

2005-02-22T18:28:00.000-05:00

Me and Bob. He's so cool

Reading Week

2005-02-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

I've gotten into the habit of writing an entry and then taking a break for a week or two at a time. This is not intentional, but I find that some days I just have nothing to say, or I've said it before. This is on top of the fact that I can be quite lazy and forgetful. In the past couple of weeks I've had quite a bit of work to complete and most importantly a new addition to the family. My nephew was born on February 10th at 11:37 PM. He was 8 pounds. The bris was this past Friday and he was named Reuel Chaim Tzvi (BOB). I couldn't be happier. This kid is so cute and I know that he is going to be the finest human being.

So what else is going on in the world? Looks like Prince Charles and Camilla are finally going to tie the knot, but the Queen will not be in attendance.

The federal Budget will come out on Wednesday. I expect to see alot of election goodies being given out. The possibility of an election is always possible with a minority Parliament, so the strategy is pretty similiar to the typical election year. On top of that, the Liberals will be trying to gain favour with the Bloc and NDP, so the agenda will likely be pretty left wing.

The Liberals may be dithering on the issue of Missile defense, but Paul Martin's choice for Ambassador to the USA is treating it like a matter of fact. While Paul Martin tries to spin the issue to the media as being an undecided issue, it is obvious to many observers that Canada will sign on. Its free security and all we have to do is say yes.

The Middle East is changing. The Iraqis are choosing a Prime Minister and the Lebanese may have a nice little revolution on their hands. If Syria is out of Lebanon then there can be real space for change in Israeli Lebanese relations. maybe.

One more thing. It looks like Paul Martin might actually be taking a stand on something. He's putting pressure on NATO to take steps against Iran. Once Iran has the power it will be a very scairy world.

No hockey talk today. Its just too sad.

2005-02-07T17:27:00.000-05:00

GOTTA LOVE IT!

Still Waiting

2005-02-07T17:03:00.000-05:00

My sister, Sarah, was due to give birth on Saturday....still waiting. As anxious as I am, I'm sure she's going out of her head. Every time the phone rings I jump. I'm still thinking that I'll be an uncle by the weekend, but who knows?

Most news outlets are reporting that a formal ceasefire will be declared tomorrow between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The summit in Egypt between Sharon and Abbas will be the first meeting of the two heads since the election of Abbas and the first time that Sharon will have met with any leader of the Palestinian people since the current intifada began. It is so important that people realize that this process remains very fragile and this is a baby step towards the dream of a true peace.

This week will be historic. Both Jean Chretien and Paul Martin will be testifying before the Gomery Inquiry into the Sponsorship Scandal. Chretien will be tomorrow, followed by the current Prime Minister on Thursday. I expect the typical stubborness that we've become so used to from Chretien. It is well known that Chretien's office took an active interest in the program and there's no way, in my opinion, that his hands are clean. This week is bound to be entertaining for the world of political hacks. Maybe Canadians will finally see the Liberals for what they are....(Use your imagination).

Interesting that Cuba has decided to crack down on smoking in public places. They have acknowledged the health risks of smoking and it will now be banned in restaraunts and won't be sold to children. Is this is the beginning on the end for the Cuban Cigar? Does this mean anything? Should I care? Whatever.

One more thing for today. Parrots are friends, not food. Read this report and tell me you don't wanna send this bastard to jail for his crime. Its just so wrong, sober or drunk. A fireman should know way better.

Bring Back MY HOCKEY

2005-02-03T18:31:00.000-05:00

OK, today seems to be the beginning of something...either the end or the beginning. Finally Bettman and Goodenow have returned to the table. This either means they will come up with something, OR they will come up with nothing and the season is GONE! All I know that I will take any NHL hockey I can get....even a 25 game season followed by the playoffs. The Leafs are so old that maybe they could still be fresh to play the playoffs after an abbreviated season!

I didn't watch much of the State of the Union lastnight, had to go for some ice cream instead, but the parts i caught were most excellent. The man has accomplished so much and has made this world a better place. The sight alone of the people at the address with their ink stained fingers spoke a million words.

The Skydome is now the Rogers Centre. It will always be the Skydome, but good for Ted Rogers. This is coming with significant and much needed upgrades the stadium and an increased payroll for the Blue Jays. This can only mean better times ahead for the Jays.

6 Israeli soldiers were injured in shooting attacks today in Gaza and the West Bank. This has to be stopped. You cannot negotiate while under attack. The moderate Palestinians must take control.

I'm Back!

2005-01-31T12:28:00.000-05:00

So after a two week hiatus, I have come back to life. My major memo, which is the most stressful and taxing assignment of First Year law school will be submitted today before 2 P.M.

There has been much going on that matters in the world recently and I'm going to try and point out what I think is interesting to me. On top of that, I think the world should know that my sister is due to give birth in just 6 more days, and there's not much else I can think about really.

On the hockey front, there has been little progress except agreeing to talk. They've had plenty of time, but now that the season is on the verge of cancellation, it looks like the two parties want to actually hammer out a deal.....without giving anything up! I found myself watching a Leafs game on Saturday night. It was from 2002 and we were playing the Flames. We were up 4-1 and Mogilny had 2 goals and an assist. I was getting way too into it...I mean it was an insignificant game and I was going nuts when Cujo made a big save! I'm desperate. I need my hockey.

Iraqis held there first election yesterday in 50 years. The joy that I saw in the people as they cast their ballots was simply inspiring. They were so grateful for democracy. I don't know how anyone could regret the liberation of Iraq after yesterday. 8 million voters and the violence did not deter. If they can make a fair and equitable constitution now, I will be very impressed.

Parliament comes back for its Winter sitting this week. Groundhog day is this week too....coincidence? I think not! Other than same sex marriage there's not much on Martin's agenda. I think that as long as Marting stays his course, the polls will stay the same and we'll be in minority purgatory for a long time to come.

Stephen Harper on the other hand, is doing all he can to make my Tories look a little more like the Reform Party. I believe in this merger, but I have my concerns when my leader says that the policy of party is to have no policy but for a free vote. He then goes ahead and produces ads promoting the Conservative Party's stance as being anti-same sex marriage! This looks an awful lot like party policy to me. Policy that has not been passed at a policy convention. Policy that I do not agree with, and policy that many Tories do not agree with. Stephen Harper is free to vote his conscience. I agree with holding a free-vote, but he should not be promoting SSM as party policy. The new Conservative party will never break through into the GTA or Quebec if this issue is at the forefront. I think its time for Stephen Harper to quiet down for a bit and let things play out in the House of Commons.

Sharon and Abbas haven't cancelled their talks yet....I'm staying optimistic...but this might hurt things. I pray it won't. I pray for peace.

Ok, gotta run to class. I'm going to try to post more often now. I will not be lazy.....ya, we'll see about that.

Progress and Yet Regression

2005-01-14T02:22:00.000-05:00

Major League Baseball, which I enjoy a great deal (Go Jays Go) has finally decided to implement a steroid testing plan. After a few too many high profile incidents (see Barry Bonds), baseball is going to clean up its act and renew the trust of the fans. I for one could not be happier. I want to watch some pure baseball, even if records aren't being broken yearly.

On the topic for Britain's Prince Harry wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I have grandparents that were holocause survivors and they most certainly would not find his costume funny in the least. Was he really trying to be offensive? I'm not so sure, but he should be more sensitive and realize that he's glorifying the uniform of the worst mass murderers in human history. This man will most likely never be King of England, but the people deserve better than to see this man who is supposed to symbolize greatness, simply wearing the costume of evil. An oral apology would be nice.

It has been 36 years since the murder of Gail Miller and the public still does not have a definitive understanding of what went wrong and how the justice system ultimately failed by putting David Milgaard in prison for a crime he did not commit. Monday marks the start of a public inquiry that will look into the matter. Let's hope the results are substantive and could induce some change. One day of jail time is a day that can never be given back. Let the criminals suffer, but an innocent behind bars is tragic.
"Twenty Years for nothing, well that's nothing new. Besides, noones interested in something you didn't do. Wheat Kings and pretty things, that's what tomorrow brings."
-38 Years Old, The Tragically Hip

On to mad cow. I don't think this is going to go away. Unless there is a mass culling of the cow stock, more cows with BSE are going to turn up. I think the Liberals are in denial and while trying to protect the reputation of Canadian beef, are simply putting a health risk in front of the Canadian people for the long-term. I believe that the beef on the dinner table is safe, but the longer we go without doing something drastic, the higher the risk will grow. Its time to be responsible for our own house and to cull the herd. Sad but true. If I'm way off on this, and I really hope I am, please E-mail me and tell me.

The Prime Minister will testify at the Adscam probe on February 10th. This stuff is really important and matters, but does anyone care anymore?

The 2000 year old hope

2005-01-09T02:38:00.000-05:00

Finally the day has come upon us where a semblance of democracy shall be seen amongst the Palestinian people. Today they vote in their presidential election to replace Yasser Arafat and it looks like Mahmoud Abbas is set to take that position. Abbas was a co-founder of the PLO and a vocal moderate in recent years, yet has been saying some comments that pander to militants in the last few weeks. I sincerely hope that he will work towards peace and not a violent uprising. Enough of the violence and bloodshed, and enough of the hatred. It is time for a negotiated peace settlement to come to fruition without the threat of more deaths. Israel has said that it will ease restrictions at checkpoint ahead of the election and reports from observers assert that this has happened. Perhaps things will change. Perhaps.

In an article on the Smoking Gun, it appears that Michael Jackson is going to be charged with some of the most disgusting and immoral acts imaginable. The descriptions of what he did with the young and innocent boys that he invited into his home are horrific. If he is proven to be guilty, he deserves much worse than jail time.

Mad Cow Disease. Hmmmm. I believe strongly that Canadian beef is safe, but a finding of a 2nd cow recently has me concerned. It appears that the government and the media are giving it a pass and there's little apparent concern. Why have there been 2 cows found in Canada and none in the U.S.A.? I'm pleased to see that the Americans aren't reversing their decision to allow more Canadian cattle into the U.S. for meat packaging, but I'm really curious as to why they are keeping steady.

Today is memo and Seinfeld day. Its all about the 2nd button. It can make or break a shirt.

Oh! One last thing. Apparently Saturday was Elvis Presley's 70th Birthday. His fans mourned and left flowers at Graceland. Its interesting the way fanatics seem to deny the death of their leader and keep on celebrating their birthday. Maybe its time to remember the good, but move on and live your life for yourself...and yes that goes for Lubavitchers too...at least the ones who still celebrate Menachem Schneerson's birthdays. He was a great man...but he's not coming back and is not the messiah. Sorry.

2005-01-06T13:54:00.000-05:00

So I'm starting to get some exams and assignments back from first semester and so far there's some awful and some mediocrity, and I'm not so sure if there's much good to come. Its starting to sink in that even if I am working harder than I ever have, I may not get the best grades. Really when it comes down to it I know that it doesn't matter, as long as I do my best and get through it. It still doesn't make it much easier when I get a disappointing grade. Such is life, nothing worthwhile comes easy.
Just needed to vent a bit there.

On a completely different front, it appears that Canada is finally going to be making a substantive and immediate difference in the Asian disaster. The first DART plane left today for Sri Lanka. Its about time. I wish them the best in doing everything they can in helping those so desparately in need.

Back To School

2005-01-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

Sorry to all my faithful for not having posted in a few days. My time in Toronto was much busier than anticipated and there was alot more running around involved than relaxation. I love my friends, but I blame them for this nasty cold I now have. Today was my first class back in school and I could barely concentrate. I'm going back to bed immediately after I finish this post. It was great being home and spending time with family and with friends, old and new. There was some hockey to watch and even a basketball game that I enjoyed. For all those that I didn't get around to seeing, I'm truly sorry and I hope to see you guys in February.

I need to sleep, but I think that my priority tonight will be to watch Canada defeat the Russians in the World Juniors. When it comes down to it, this game ought to be well played and fun to watch, regardless of the outcome. Like so many other Canadians, I think that most just want to watch some good hockey. I've started to wonder if people will keep away from the NHL once the lockout is finished, and I think that in Canada people will watch hockey until the cows come home...as long as its quality. If the Leafs are the worst team in the league come the start of the next season, the NHL will have alot of work to do.

A New Day of Triumph for Democracy

2004-12-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

The Ukrainian people have stood up for democracy like I have never witnessed before in my lifetime. Yes, I know that I was alive during the fall of the Iron Curtain, but I was very young and did not quite understand the circumstances involved there. Viktor Yushcenko, the Pro-Western society candidate in the Ukranian election finally prevailed over the Moscow-centric Viktor Yanukovych. After being poisoned and then having the election rigged, Yushenko was able to organize and rally his supporters to fight peacefully for democratic rights.

Those who know me understand why I am so skeptical of the U.N. and its ability to effect positive change. I have never been a supporter of Kofi Annan and have always felt him to be a little too partisan when it came to the Security Council. William Thorsell in today's Globe and Mail made an compelling suggestion for a replacement to Annan. He promotes Brian Mulroney as the leader that could straighten it out and make it relevant again. I could not agree more. Mulroney is comfortable on the international stage and understands the positive and the negative attributes of the United Nations. Its true that Canadian still have a dislike for our past Prime Minister, but when it comes down to it, he accomplished more in 8 years than Chretien and Martin have done in almost 12.

That's all for now. The tragedy in South Asia is so sad, I just don't know what I could say about it. I hope the people get the help they need.

BOXING DAY!

2004-12-26T11:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm not really THAT excited for Boxing Day, but it is an excuse to get out of the house and maybe buy something new for myself. The snow is coming down yet again and there's something about it that can just lift my spirits. I saw Meet the Fockers lastnight and I was on the floor laughing hysterically. This movie was so smooth and pulled at all the right places. I've never been a fan of Barbara Streisand before, but she was great in it.

Canada won lastnight over Slovakia, and yes I'm still so happy to be home.

Some worrying news out of the Holy Land. I was really hoping that the influence of Hamas wasn't quite so widespread, but maybe I'm a little naive in my hopes for a quick realignment of Middle East Politics. In order for there to be peace in Israel, the Palestinians must be more moderate and not support Hamas, either that or Hamas has to become more moderate themselves, which I do not see happening. Hatikva is still running strong. Can't give it up.

White Snow and Basketball

2004-12-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

There's just something about Toronto that could put a smile on your face. Of course this could just be when you compare it to Windsor. Its nice to be home and amongst friends and family. I went yesterday to the doctor with my very pregnant sister. We heard the baby's heart beat and it was simply amazing. A month and a half left and then I'm an uncle. So excited!

It snowed here yesterday and kept going throughout the night. I don't celebrate Christmas, but I love seeing a White Christmas. I think I'm going to need a solid snowball fight or two, this weather is just so conducive for it.

I'm not a huge basketball fan, and I definitely lost faith in the Raptors a long time ago, but lastnight I was at the game against the Jazz with my friend Jovan, and the Raptors played a solid game and came out on top. The ACC was pretty full and the environment was great. I hope they can keep it up.

In conclusion...I love Toronto!

2004-12-21T11:25:00.000-05:00

No description necessary, I think.

I'M ON VACATION!!!!

2004-12-21T11:01:00.000-05:00

Finally! This morning I wrote my final exam of the Fall semester. "Access to anything but fun", that's what they should rename the course. in Just 2 hours I'll be on my way home to Toronto where I'll enjoy 2 weeks of catching up with my people and seeing the family. Apparently its just a little colder in Toronto than it is in Windsor....hmm, no worries, its still better than Windsor any day of the week!

Tony Blair has decided to make a surprise visit in Iraq today to show his solidarity with the people there, and apparently will be making a stop in Israel later in the day. The British PM may be Labour, but he acts pretty conservative when it comes to his foreign policy. I've been pretty impressed.

On the domestic front, it turns out that Mike Harris isn't the devil and that someone else, who should actually be culpable, is going to jail for the tragedy in Walkerton. Stan Koebel and his brother Frank finally received there sentencing for neglecting the water quality of Walkerton. Stan is getting a year in jail, while Frank will be serving nine months of house arrest and community service. I wonder if this punishment is good enough for those that lost loved ones in this tragedy. I somehow doubt it.

On the HOCKEY front, there may not be any NHL this season, but the World Juniors are coming up pretty fast. In an exhibition game yesterday Canada defeated the Finland juniors 6-0. This is some quality hockey we get to watch over the holidays, so nobody should miss it. (and all that is going thru my head is GO LEAFS GO....so sad)

Lastly, today I noticed that France bestowed upon Bernard Landry, the leader of the Parti Quebecois, the French Legion of Honour. Now most of my friends now realize that I love France. No sarcasm there. I really loved being there this past Summer. The people were fantastic, not a single rude Frenchman, but it bothers me when the French government honours a Quebec separatist in this manner. To me it appears like a quite nudge of support and that is just unacceptable. France does what it wants, whenever it wants, and then goes and complains about other countries imposing their will on the weak...hypocrites, that's what i call them.

Ok, gotta go pack up. Home by 5, or bust.

What's Next?

2004-12-18T17:11:00.000-05:00

Things just keep moving along in this world. The NHL is at a standstill, but the Raptors finally made the the move we've all been waiting for and they got rid of that talented, yet unmotivated star Vince Carter! It's about time. Maybe we can start building this team around someone willing to work for celebrity, like Chris Bosh. We picked up Alonzo Mourning in the trade to the Nets, but apparently he's not going to ever play do to a recent illness. So be it. We've freed up some cash and now we move forward.

The Prime Minister of our great land is going to Libya to sit down and talk with Gadhafi. If anyone can tell me what the point of this is, please let me know. Canada has lost just about all of the influence we once had in the international community. We're far from the prominent state that had a strong part in taking down South African apartheid. Besides....do we really trust Moammar? I'm not so sure.

Here's an article about Liberal hypocrisy. Damn that Dalton McQuinty straight to hell. This article does some damage to my hero, Brian Mulroney, but I accepted long ago the common misconception that he was corrupt. People don't realize that a willingness to fire Ministers for acting incorrectly is the right thing to do, not defending their wrong actions.

On a personal front, I just downloaded (yes, I even paid for it) and I'm currently listening to the Hip show I was at in London back in November. The quality is excellent. God bless these guys, they're just so damn consistent with putting out solid music album after album.

Yesterday was my Property exam...let's not discuss this ever again. Onwards and upwards to Access to Guilt. Tuesday I go home. See you guys soon

Ok, Let's Keep On Going...

2004-12-15T14:07:00.000-05:00

Today was the toughest exam yet. I do not feel good about this, but I gotta keep moving and look forward to Friday's exam. Can't lose the momentum now, must focus on Property.

I was browsing my usual sites today and when coming to Warren Kinsella's (Chretien's brilliant spin doctor) I found this picture. I have loads of respect for Kinsella. He's intelligent and the best at what he does in Canada, but this hypocrisy bothers me. He supported John Tory in his mayoral race in Toronto, but now implies that he's too wealthy to govern in Ontario. Kinsella ran McGuinty's campaign and now has the audacity to accuse Tory of flip-flopping. Gee, I'm not sure what's better, consulting with the people and actually listening, like Mr. Tory has, or Making grand promises to the people of Ontario that you know will never be carried out, and then breaking them (Like McGuinty). Hmmm, I'm just not sure which is better. Liberals...they sure know how to get elected, but there's no principles!
Sorry for that rant, but I needed to get that off my chest.

Lost money on Nortel again today...not giving up on them yet.

That's all for now. Gotta get back to work... 6 more days

One Week To Go

2004-12-14T17:41:00.000-05:00

One week from today I write my last of the Fall Semester exams and I'll be home in time for dinner. Contracts is tomorrow, so that will be a real test of my ability to write a law school exam.

I went to the JCC today for services to honour my Mom. Led the services this morning and got an aliyah. This evening we had 7 of the 10 required, so I wasn't able to say Kaddish, but I learned a little with one of the men there and prayed by myself. I feel pretty bad about not being able to say Kaddish at all three services, but there's only so much I can control.

CNN reported this morning that Osama Bin Laden's #1 guy, Mullah Omar had been captured. Can't find any news articles on that now, so I'm thinking that maybe they had their information wrong.

Shimon Peres' party, the Labour Party (Ha'Avodah), was reported today to be unimpressed with Likud's offer to join the governing coalition and may stick around just for the disengagement. In my opinion, Israel needs Sharon now more than ever. That guy is fantastic, he has been able to crack down on terrorism while renewing hope for safety and security. Labour would be making a big mistake if they force an election right now.

The NHL labour dispute is set to keep going. The owners rejected the players' offer and gave a counter offer, only to have it flat-out rejected within 2 hours. No hope in sight, but I did realize the other day that the World Junior Hockey Tournament starts Christmas Day. That's usually good for some solid hockey.

Ok, that's it for now. Back to work.

2 Done, 3 To Go!

2004-12-13T15:29:00.000-05:00

Alrighty, today was Criminal and it was much better than I was expecting. Rather than a C, I think I may have pulled off that B... gotta ride that B curve sometimes. Contract law comes next.

Tonight is the 7th night of Channukka and I have to go to synagogue for my mother's Yaartzeit. Tough thing to do this time of year...or any time of year for that matter. Two years have come and gone, but I love her as much today as I ever did. Some days it feels like the whole ordeal was a million years ago, while days like today it is still happening.

On a brighter topic, friends are coming for the weekend to distract me from school, which is fine, cuz that last exam is very "poly sci".

The Jays have signed Corey Koskie , and the NHL is set to reject the Player's offer and come back with a counter. TSN claim things have never been more bleak. Its going to be a long winter. That Molsons commercial speaks to me.

2004-12-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

NOW...SEE THE DIFFERENCE?

2004-12-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO

2004-12-11T21:21:00.000-05:00

Today was the first snowfall of the year in Windsor where there was actually some accumulation! December 11....about average I think.
No hockey still... The longer it stays like this the more studying I'll actually do on Saturday nights. Quite the Shame. I have serious, learned, issues with doing work Saturday nights.
I spent the day at the library studying Criminal...still not memorizing jack squat!

The whole Ukraine crisis is seriously messed up. Thankfully the people have come thru in support of democracy. The guy who lost the election officially was clearly poisoned by someone, either the incumbent or Moscow....check out the pics, the time difference is only a matter of months. Makes you appreciate the democracy we live in....even if it does give unprincipled thieves public office over and over again

2004-12-10T13:45:00.000-05:00

At the Mother of all Parliaments this past Spring

Quick Intro.....

2004-12-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

MY First POST! Exciting times indeed. Some of you...if anybody actually reads this...might wonder, why the hell would Collis decide to make a blog now? I mean this guy is away at school and supposedly going crazy studying for his exams. Where does he have the time for this?
The truth is that I don't have the time for this, but these days I just can't seem to focus. Anyone that knows me well, can't imagine that I ever study, I just never really tried all that hard. I didn't enjoy York all that much and high school was definitely not taken seriously. I love law school though. The material is interesting to me and the work is challenging. So, after years of slacking off, I'm finally putting my mind in gear and working hard. The only problem is that I'm not used to it.
This whole studying thing is so foreign to me. C'mon, who really studies 24/7 for exams? that's right, keeners do, and I have never been one of those. However, times they are a changing and I gotta shape up, so I gotta hit the books. This is just me procrastinating. I'll get to Criminal law....just as soon as I've done this blog.

By the way...Yesterday's Supreme Court decision was solid. I back gay marriage rights fully completey, but I also understand the religious objection. This will be settled by the House of Commons, where it rightfully should be voted upon. The legislation will pass and this will finally put this important rights issue to rest. The court rightly insured religious rights to churches and mosques and synagogues, and I am very content.

Congrats to Michael Wilson on being awarded the Order of Canada!

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukka....missing the good people of Thornhill, see you in just 11 more days.

Cheers