Franklin Adam Lyons, (born October 1, 1982) is a Canadian lawyer and Notary public. He is an associate attorney at the law firm of Edward Royle & Associates.
Early life
Lyons was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, and graduated from Vincent Massey Secondary School and Neuchatel Junior College. He earned a Bachelors of Arts degree from McGill University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor Law School in 2007 and a Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2010. Lyons received his call to the bar in 2008.
Legal career
During law school, Lyons worked at Sutts, Strosberg LLP with Harvey Thomas Strosberg. He articled at the Crown Attorney's office in Windsor, Ontario in 2008. He began the practice of law as an Assistant Crown Attorney in Dryden, Ontario. He has been in private practice in Toronto, Ontario since 2010, except for a brief period as an Assistant Crown Attorney in Kingston, Ontario. He has appeared at various levels of court in Ontario including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal.
In the media
Lyons provided commentary regarding Stephen Harper's proposed anti-bullying legislation in response to the suicide of Rehtaeh Parsons. He was also arguing a case the day of and the day after a shooting at the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse and provided commentary on that tragedy.
Public service
Lyons is serving on the Board of directors of the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario. Lyons is also presently serving on the Board of the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO).
Notable cases
Lyons was one of the lawyers involved in the project traveller case, which was part of the Timeline of Rob Ford video scandal.
R. v. Lampshire, 2009 ONCJ 94 (CanLII).
R. v. Rawn, 2012 ONCA 487 (CanLII).
Early life
Lyons was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, and graduated from Vincent Massey Secondary School and Neuchatel Junior College. He earned a Bachelors of Arts degree from McGill University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor Law School in 2007 and a Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2010. Lyons received his call to the bar in 2008.
Legal career
During law school, Lyons worked at Sutts, Strosberg LLP with Harvey Thomas Strosberg. He articled at the Crown Attorney's office in Windsor, Ontario in 2008. He began the practice of law as an Assistant Crown Attorney in Dryden, Ontario. He has been in private practice in Toronto, Ontario since 2010, except for a brief period as an Assistant Crown Attorney in Kingston, Ontario. He has appeared at various levels of court in Ontario including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal.
In the media
Lyons provided commentary regarding Stephen Harper's proposed anti-bullying legislation in response to the suicide of Rehtaeh Parsons. He was also arguing a case the day of and the day after a shooting at the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse and provided commentary on that tragedy.
Public service
Lyons is serving on the Board of directors of the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario. Lyons is also presently serving on the Board of the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO).
Notable cases
Lyons was one of the lawyers involved in the project traveller case, which was part of the Timeline of Rob Ford video scandal.
R. v. Lampshire, 2009 ONCJ 94 (CanLII).
R. v. Rawn, 2012 ONCA 487 (CanLII).
Srully Abe Stein is a blogger. He is currently a student at Columbia University in New York City.
Early life and education
Yisroel Stein was raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, by a Hasidic rabbinical family. His father is the tenth generation of the founder of the Hasidic movement the Baal Shem Tov and his grand father is the Rebbe of the Hasidic sect.
Srully went to the Yeshiva of the Viznitz Monsey community in Kiamesha Lake, New York, where he was a student in the rabbinical Semikhah program. Yet, at the same time he started to quietly challenge his upbringing.
Early adult life
After his divorce he slowly "came out" as an Atheist, and as being Off the derech. Then he became famous through several news articles that written about him, as well as making waves in the community, where some praised him, while some attacked him. His family kept close ties with him, even now when he moved to Morningside Heights.
He started school at Columbia University's School of General Studies in fall of 2014, studying Political Science and Philosophy.
Writings
His philosophy in all his articles are strongly focused around Hasidic thought. Even when he totally rejected any kind of Jewish practice, he writes that "The real way of Chassidus, is seemingly the best way in Yiddishkeit."
Yet at the same time he rejects it as being false. He wrote two of his articles "My Ailing Soul" and "Infinite and Finite", doubting the basics of the Jewish Hasidic thought. "The subject of "feelings", emotions, excitement, etc. and God. In other words, to understand if feelings and becoming emotional or "feeling" that we're speaking to a Creator means that there really is a Creator, or it's just a natural feeling. In other words, understanding the difference between spirituality and God." he writes, and goes on to explain how all the Hasidic concepts of God and "The Tzadik are "no more than a feeling." and "Because (one) he believes, he perceives it as God."
In year 2013 he start moving closer to the Jewish Renewal movement, after being exposed to "Romemu" - a Jewish Renewal congregation in Manhattan. He started to study the teachings of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, especially his book Jewish with Feeling: a guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice, that he is quoting a lot. When Reb Zalman passed away he wrote "In our generation, I don't know on how many people we can point and say: they implanted a movement that will bloom and grew, and keep up for many generations to come. Reb Zalman did.
Jewish renewal is (that's how I feel it) doing to the Jewish world what Hassidus did 250 years ago. A long lasting spirit, to help every human being get to the greatest satisfaction and achievements in life." Through that he developed a Neo-Hasidic approach to Judaism, to a point that he claims that the Hasidic movement is like a Modern enlightenment movement. Although it is commonly accepted that the Hasidic movement was just the opposite, strongly pious and religious, he writes as a note on Gershom Scholem's book Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism (1941): "We own to credit the Baal Shem Tov and the Hasidic movement for the Jewish enlightenment and Haskalah that we have today. Like Sabbatai Zvi and Sabbatianism, it triggered the need of redefining and reinventing Judaism and religion. Hasidism took it even further by actually teaching us many of the basic ideas; how to stand up against the ‘accepted’ Jewish norms and traditions for what we feel Judaism is really all about. Once again, I am starting to feel kind of proud to be a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov - the founder of Hasidism." At Romemu he became a student of Rabbi David Ingber.
Right now he mostly writes on his Facebook page, where he has hundreds of followers. His views are attracting a very interesting and odd crowed, of religious and secular people that follow his posts, and the comments on his writings often go into deep philosophical and theological arguments.
Early life and education
Yisroel Stein was raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, by a Hasidic rabbinical family. His father is the tenth generation of the founder of the Hasidic movement the Baal Shem Tov and his grand father is the Rebbe of the Hasidic sect.
Srully went to the Yeshiva of the Viznitz Monsey community in Kiamesha Lake, New York, where he was a student in the rabbinical Semikhah program. Yet, at the same time he started to quietly challenge his upbringing.
Early adult life
After his divorce he slowly "came out" as an Atheist, and as being Off the derech. Then he became famous through several news articles that written about him, as well as making waves in the community, where some praised him, while some attacked him. His family kept close ties with him, even now when he moved to Morningside Heights.
He started school at Columbia University's School of General Studies in fall of 2014, studying Political Science and Philosophy.
Writings
His philosophy in all his articles are strongly focused around Hasidic thought. Even when he totally rejected any kind of Jewish practice, he writes that "The real way of Chassidus, is seemingly the best way in Yiddishkeit."
Yet at the same time he rejects it as being false. He wrote two of his articles "My Ailing Soul" and "Infinite and Finite", doubting the basics of the Jewish Hasidic thought. "The subject of "feelings", emotions, excitement, etc. and God. In other words, to understand if feelings and becoming emotional or "feeling" that we're speaking to a Creator means that there really is a Creator, or it's just a natural feeling. In other words, understanding the difference between spirituality and God." he writes, and goes on to explain how all the Hasidic concepts of God and "The Tzadik are "no more than a feeling." and "Because (one) he believes, he perceives it as God."
In year 2013 he start moving closer to the Jewish Renewal movement, after being exposed to "Romemu" - a Jewish Renewal congregation in Manhattan. He started to study the teachings of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, especially his book Jewish with Feeling: a guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice, that he is quoting a lot. When Reb Zalman passed away he wrote "In our generation, I don't know on how many people we can point and say: they implanted a movement that will bloom and grew, and keep up for many generations to come. Reb Zalman did.
Jewish renewal is (that's how I feel it) doing to the Jewish world what Hassidus did 250 years ago. A long lasting spirit, to help every human being get to the greatest satisfaction and achievements in life." Through that he developed a Neo-Hasidic approach to Judaism, to a point that he claims that the Hasidic movement is like a Modern enlightenment movement. Although it is commonly accepted that the Hasidic movement was just the opposite, strongly pious and religious, he writes as a note on Gershom Scholem's book Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism (1941): "We own to credit the Baal Shem Tov and the Hasidic movement for the Jewish enlightenment and Haskalah that we have today. Like Sabbatai Zvi and Sabbatianism, it triggered the need of redefining and reinventing Judaism and religion. Hasidism took it even further by actually teaching us many of the basic ideas; how to stand up against the ‘accepted’ Jewish norms and traditions for what we feel Judaism is really all about. Once again, I am starting to feel kind of proud to be a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov - the founder of Hasidism." At Romemu he became a student of Rabbi David Ingber.
Right now he mostly writes on his Facebook page, where he has hundreds of followers. His views are attracting a very interesting and odd crowed, of religious and secular people that follow his posts, and the comments on his writings often go into deep philosophical and theological arguments.
The Commando Selection Training Course of the Australian special forces is one of the toughest military courses in the world, like other selection courses it is an "interview" to gauge a candidates potential for further Commando reinforcement training.
Prerequisites
All currently members of the Australian Defence Force have the opportunity to attempt selection. Civilians are also able to apply to attempt the Commando Selection and Training Course through the Special Forces Direct Recruitment Scheme (SFDRS). SFDRS members are required to complete initial Recruit Training before completing the Rifleman Initial Employment Training (IET's), at the School of Infantry, Singleton. Those who successfully complete the IET's will be qualified Riflemen, but are required to undertake further training known as Accelerated Infantry Training (AIT's).This course is designed to train the members in advanced Infantry Minor Tactics and build mental and physical robustness in order to prepare the participants for subsequent Commando Selection. SFDRS members who are unsuccessful at any stage of their training are subsequently posted to one of the Infantry Battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment. Before attending the Commando Selection and Training Course, the members must pass a series of tests, previously called Barrier Tests, Special Forces Screen Test and now called the Special Forces Entry Test, to ensure the members possess a basic ability to potentially endure the rigors of selection.
Previous Barrier Test
During the previous barrier test, candidates were required to complete the following minimum standards over a 24 hour period (usually compacted into 6 hours):
* Run, Dodge, Jump (RDJ) test with webbing (7kg) and weapon in 50 secs
* 60 push ups in battle PT kit, less webbing and weapon
* 100 sit ups (dressed as above)
* 10 chin ups (dressed as above)
* 1.5 miles(2.4km) run in 11.00min (dressed as per RDJ)
* 2 min tread water and 400m swim in 18 minutes (full Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform)
* Pack march (20kg pack), which the candidates must walk 9 miles (15km) in 2hrs and 30min.
Special Forces Screen Test
The Special Forces Screen Test was conducted over approximately a 7 hour period and includes a range of physical assessments. There were also cognitive screening aspects to the test, which involved an interview before a Special Forces panel. Both of these activities were designed to determine the candidates suitability to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course.
To be assessed as suitable, the candidate had to complete a fitness assessment involving:
* Push ups (cadence)
* Chin ups (cadence)
* Vertec (vertical leap)
* Flexibility Test
* Sit up Test
* Beep Test (Level 10.1)
* Agility Test
* Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery Test
* Pack March (5km carrying 40kg)
* Swim Test (2min tread water before swimming 400m in DPCU)
There was no minimum standard during this testing and the candidate will be measured against all other candidates. At the conclusion of a Special Forces Screen Test, a Selection Advisory Committee was convened to determine whether candidates have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether suitable to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course.
Current Special Forces Entry Test
Special Forces Entry Test: SFET for Commando Selection is conducted once a year, during which candidates have to complete a number of physical, tactical and cognitive tests over a short period of time (usually compressed into 6-8 hours). The test includes maximum push ups, sit ups and heaves to cadence; a 2.4km run for time (dressed in full uniform, 8kg webbing and Rifle); a timed pack march (with a pack weighing an additional 20kgs); an extensive swim test (in full uniform). Candidates will also be required to complete a number of cognitive tests designed to test and assess their mental and behavioural suitability for selection as a Commando. Additional tests including tactical planning exercises and individual interviews are also conducted. Once this has been completed the individual results will be measured against all applicants, with only the top 80-100 applicants selected to commence the Commando Selection and Training Course.
Commando Selection Training Course
Not a lot is publicly known about the Commando Selection and Training course. Having mastered basic Infantry skills during the Infantry Initial Employment Training and Accelerated Infantry Training, the Commando Selection and Training Course is designed as both a selection and training course. This is a very challenging and arduous course that is conducted over 6 weeks.
A large part of this course is focused on the employment of the Commando in the field operational environment. Therefore, much of the course is conducted in the field. The course also requires Commando reinforcements to participate in live-fire, field firing activities, conducted by night and day, using live ammunition, and a range of supporting weapons.
At the completion of this training, candidates should be proficient in the basic Commando tactics at the team and platoon level, by day and by night, in the field operational environment. On successful completion of the Commando Selection and Training Course you will commence the 15 month Commando Reinforcement and Training Course (CRTC) continuum known as the reinforcement cycle .
The Commando Reinforcement and Training Course consists of the following:
*Commando Movements and Tactics Course Course (4 weeks)
*Special Forces Weapons Course (including heavy weapons) (3 weeks)
*Advanced Close Quarter Battle Course (4 weeks)
*Commando Urban Operations Course (6 weeks)
*Close Quarter Fighting Course (2 weeks)
*Advanced Marksmanship Course (2 week)
*Special Forces Demolitions Course (2 weeks)
*Special Forces Breaching Course (2 weeks)
*Special Forces Basic Parachute Course (including water insertion) (3 weeks)
*Commando Vehicle Operators Course (4 weeks)
*Commando Amphibious Operators Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Military Roping Course (2 weeks)
*Helicopter Insertion and Extraction Techniques (2 weeks)
*Combat First Aider Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Signals Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Foreign Weapons
*Advanced combat first aid course
This training is only the start. On the successful completion of the CRTC candidates earn the right to wear the coveted Sherwood Green Commando Beret and posted to either the 2nd Commando Regiment. Commandos will be expected to undertake a range of further Commando specialist courses once within the unit. Below are just a sample of courses that they may be exposed to during subsequent Commando specialist training:
*Advanced Driving Courses
*Further Advanced Breaching Courses
*Mortar Operator
*Special Forces Sniper
*Special Forces Climbing and Mountain Warfare
*Arctic Warfare
*Language training
*Special Forces Military Working Dog Handler
*Advanced Combat Survival
Prerequisites
All currently members of the Australian Defence Force have the opportunity to attempt selection. Civilians are also able to apply to attempt the Commando Selection and Training Course through the Special Forces Direct Recruitment Scheme (SFDRS). SFDRS members are required to complete initial Recruit Training before completing the Rifleman Initial Employment Training (IET's), at the School of Infantry, Singleton. Those who successfully complete the IET's will be qualified Riflemen, but are required to undertake further training known as Accelerated Infantry Training (AIT's).This course is designed to train the members in advanced Infantry Minor Tactics and build mental and physical robustness in order to prepare the participants for subsequent Commando Selection. SFDRS members who are unsuccessful at any stage of their training are subsequently posted to one of the Infantry Battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment. Before attending the Commando Selection and Training Course, the members must pass a series of tests, previously called Barrier Tests, Special Forces Screen Test and now called the Special Forces Entry Test, to ensure the members possess a basic ability to potentially endure the rigors of selection.
Previous Barrier Test
During the previous barrier test, candidates were required to complete the following minimum standards over a 24 hour period (usually compacted into 6 hours):
* Run, Dodge, Jump (RDJ) test with webbing (7kg) and weapon in 50 secs
* 60 push ups in battle PT kit, less webbing and weapon
* 100 sit ups (dressed as above)
* 10 chin ups (dressed as above)
* 1.5 miles(2.4km) run in 11.00min (dressed as per RDJ)
* 2 min tread water and 400m swim in 18 minutes (full Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform)
* Pack march (20kg pack), which the candidates must walk 9 miles (15km) in 2hrs and 30min.
Special Forces Screen Test
The Special Forces Screen Test was conducted over approximately a 7 hour period and includes a range of physical assessments. There were also cognitive screening aspects to the test, which involved an interview before a Special Forces panel. Both of these activities were designed to determine the candidates suitability to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course.
To be assessed as suitable, the candidate had to complete a fitness assessment involving:
* Push ups (cadence)
* Chin ups (cadence)
* Vertec (vertical leap)
* Flexibility Test
* Sit up Test
* Beep Test (Level 10.1)
* Agility Test
* Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery Test
* Pack March (5km carrying 40kg)
* Swim Test (2min tread water before swimming 400m in DPCU)
There was no minimum standard during this testing and the candidate will be measured against all other candidates. At the conclusion of a Special Forces Screen Test, a Selection Advisory Committee was convened to determine whether candidates have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether suitable to attend the Commando Selection and Training Course.
Current Special Forces Entry Test
Special Forces Entry Test: SFET for Commando Selection is conducted once a year, during which candidates have to complete a number of physical, tactical and cognitive tests over a short period of time (usually compressed into 6-8 hours). The test includes maximum push ups, sit ups and heaves to cadence; a 2.4km run for time (dressed in full uniform, 8kg webbing and Rifle); a timed pack march (with a pack weighing an additional 20kgs); an extensive swim test (in full uniform). Candidates will also be required to complete a number of cognitive tests designed to test and assess their mental and behavioural suitability for selection as a Commando. Additional tests including tactical planning exercises and individual interviews are also conducted. Once this has been completed the individual results will be measured against all applicants, with only the top 80-100 applicants selected to commence the Commando Selection and Training Course.
Commando Selection Training Course
Not a lot is publicly known about the Commando Selection and Training course. Having mastered basic Infantry skills during the Infantry Initial Employment Training and Accelerated Infantry Training, the Commando Selection and Training Course is designed as both a selection and training course. This is a very challenging and arduous course that is conducted over 6 weeks.
A large part of this course is focused on the employment of the Commando in the field operational environment. Therefore, much of the course is conducted in the field. The course also requires Commando reinforcements to participate in live-fire, field firing activities, conducted by night and day, using live ammunition, and a range of supporting weapons.
At the completion of this training, candidates should be proficient in the basic Commando tactics at the team and platoon level, by day and by night, in the field operational environment. On successful completion of the Commando Selection and Training Course you will commence the 15 month Commando Reinforcement and Training Course (CRTC) continuum known as the reinforcement cycle .
The Commando Reinforcement and Training Course consists of the following:
*Commando Movements and Tactics Course Course (4 weeks)
*Special Forces Weapons Course (including heavy weapons) (3 weeks)
*Advanced Close Quarter Battle Course (4 weeks)
*Commando Urban Operations Course (6 weeks)
*Close Quarter Fighting Course (2 weeks)
*Advanced Marksmanship Course (2 week)
*Special Forces Demolitions Course (2 weeks)
*Special Forces Breaching Course (2 weeks)
*Special Forces Basic Parachute Course (including water insertion) (3 weeks)
*Commando Vehicle Operators Course (4 weeks)
*Commando Amphibious Operators Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Military Roping Course (2 weeks)
*Helicopter Insertion and Extraction Techniques (2 weeks)
*Combat First Aider Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Signals Course (3 weeks)
*Special Forces Foreign Weapons
*Advanced combat first aid course
This training is only the start. On the successful completion of the CRTC candidates earn the right to wear the coveted Sherwood Green Commando Beret and posted to either the 2nd Commando Regiment. Commandos will be expected to undertake a range of further Commando specialist courses once within the unit. Below are just a sample of courses that they may be exposed to during subsequent Commando specialist training:
*Advanced Driving Courses
*Further Advanced Breaching Courses
*Mortar Operator
*Special Forces Sniper
*Special Forces Climbing and Mountain Warfare
*Arctic Warfare
*Language training
*Special Forces Military Working Dog Handler
*Advanced Combat Survival
Acharaya Surinder Sharma Shastri is a renowned Canadian Hindu priest and author.
He is responsible for the creation of the Hindu Heritage Centre and publishes the annual North American Bhaskar Panchang which is read by Hindus across North America. He came to Canada in the 1980's as a Hindu priest at Hindu Prarthana Samaj in Toronto. He then moved to Vaishno Devi Mandir. Following his time there, he started building the Hindu Heritage Centre. He has also written the Bhasker Panchang series that is published every year. The Bhasker Panchang is a Panchangam made for North America. Calculations for this panchang are all done by Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri
He is responsible for the creation of the Hindu Heritage Centre and publishes the annual North American Bhaskar Panchang which is read by Hindus across North America. He came to Canada in the 1980's as a Hindu priest at Hindu Prarthana Samaj in Toronto. He then moved to Vaishno Devi Mandir. Following his time there, he started building the Hindu Heritage Centre. He has also written the Bhasker Panchang series that is published every year. The Bhasker Panchang is a Panchangam made for North America. Calculations for this panchang are all done by Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri