Features
Toronto thoughts – 2020
By GERRY POSNER I belong to a large and getting larger group of former Winnipeggers living in Toronto.
And I suggest it is fair to say that there is a general feeing in this group that life in what was once known as “ Hogtown” isn’t exactly what we hoped it would be. It is likely many of us in this group have a range of emotions with respect to living here, but for most of us, living in Toronto provides no joy in our lives. Why? you might ask.
Well, the reasons are varied and many. I attach no greater significance to the order of presentation. Firstly, there are those, me included, who long for the quiet and easy pace of Winnipeg. To say that there is a frenzy here is to understate it immensely. That I do not have to work here is a blessing, but for those that do work, the pressure in traffic, parking and time is horrible. I suggest that there is a thought process one goes through in Toronto that was absent in, and I suspect remains absent in Winnipeg – even in 2020. That is to say, in Toronto one has to think ahead as to the best time to go anywhere, the speediest route to take in order to reduce possible traffic tie-ups, and lastly to find a possible place to park. There is a great deal of planning before one puts a foot in the car. Now, I know I used to complain whenever I had to drive from the south end of the city to the north end. But, that little trip is a sneeze compared to the pneumonia in Toronto.
On that note, let me add that the Covid 19 crisis has had one salutary effect. Driving now in Toronto reminds me of Winnipeg on a crowded day in the streets. Thus, the whole issue of transportation is a huge factor in the level of dissatisfaction for all of us “Peggers.” Even the subway, my preferred mode of transport, has breakdowns frequently and there are almost always service interruptions on weekends for work to be done.
Connected to the congestion issue is the noise that comes with it and the sounds of sirens all day long. I long for the quiet and solitude of Winnipeg. The quiet is a result in part due to the easy and more relaxed attitude of the citizens of the city. Yes, there are peaceful places to wander about in Toronto, but you are rarely alone. A walk along Wellington Crescent would serve me well right now.
Another area which affects many of us is the inability to integrate into the Toronto world. There are many of us who would be interested and ready to meet new people and to form new relationships with the residents here. Alas, there is not that same level of interest from the locals. It is not that they are unfriendly; I have found them to be quite social with me in conversation. What the root of the problem is that they are quite satisfied with the friends they already have without taking that next step to include newcomers into their fold. The result is that those of us from wherever we have moved tend to cluster together with the common thread being denial into Toronto society. This is not life’s greatest defeat, but it does make it seem like I am more of a visitor than a resident.
Of course, for some of us the problem about living in Toronto as compared to Winnipeg is the ability to own a home. Give up that idea. For $1,000,000.00 you can buy a home in Toronto – just no home that you might want to live in or, if you do, the home is located in an area where you would want to avoid. Ok, I exaggerate, but you get the drift of it all. When we moved here, we sacrificed space for proximity to our children and grandchildren. I deal every day with the absence of space – not a game changer, but a difficulty nonetheless.
Lest I forget, the weather, which they ridicule Winnipeg for (and you can count on that to happen), is no piece of cake in Toronto. The winters may not be as long or quite as severe, but Toronto lacks sunshine. Also, Toronto has cold winds and high humidity. I will take the prairie sunshine and the pleasant evenings in Winnipeg anytime. Let no one fool you into believing the weather here is better.
Finally, and for me the biggest challenge about living in Canada’s largest city and one I have commented on in other articles and conversations, is that inner sense of satisfaction (for me at least), of going into a room (in the days when you could put people together as in BC, or Before Covid) and having people recognize and greet you by name. Or, you could look around the building and know the names or at least the faces of those around you. It is a comforting feeling. I miss that feeling some seven years after my move to Toronto.
Therefore, when it is all said and done, although Toronto offers a lot (and the mayor here is quick to tell us that fact if we did not know it already), there are many good reasons to say to him: Mr Mayor, it’s not your fault – but I’ll take Winnipeg, thank you.
Features
Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
Features
Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
Features
Joe Kent Suggests Israel Behind Charlie Kirk Assassination, Controls US Foreign Policy in Tucker Carlson Interview
Joe Kent Suggests Israel Behind Charlie Kirk Assassination, Controls US Foreign Policy in Tucker Carlson Interview
After Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest of President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, he appeared on Tucker Carlson’s podcast on Wednesday.
While on the podcast, Kent, who resigned from his position on Tuesday, argued that Israel dragged the US into the war against the Iranian regime, suggested that Israel may have been involved in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, claimed that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States, and said that Iran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon.
Themes of Israel controlling US policy and conspiracy theories about Kirk’s assassination have become commonplace on Carlson’s podcast in recent months.
“We don’t know what happened with Charlie Kirk. I’m not saying the Israelis did this — I’m saying there are a lot of unanswered questions there, and there’s enough data to say there’s a good chance that President Trump feels he is under threat,” Kent said.
“The last time I saw Charlie Kirk on this earth was in June, in the West Wing stairway,” Kent said on Carlson’s podcast. “And he said very loudly to me … ‘Joe, stop us from getting into a war with Iran.’ Very loudly. He was single-minded.”
“So, when one of President Trump’s closest advisers who was vocally advocating against a war with Iran is suddenly publicly assassinated, and we’re not allowed to ask questions about that — it’s a data point. A data point that we need to look into,” Kent said, suggesting that Israel may have something to do with the assassination.
There has been no evidence to support claims of Israeli involvement in Kirk’s assassination. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged for murdering Kirk and potentially faces the death penalty. He was romantically involved with his transgender roommate, and prosecutors have reportedly argued that Kirk’s anti-trans rhetoric was a key factor that allegedly led him to shoot the Turning Point USA founder.
Kent also argued that the US is not really in charge of its own foreign policy: “Who is in charge of our policy in the Middle East? Who is in charge of when we decide to go to war or not?” he asked.
Ther former counterterrorism chief argued that Israel forced Washington’s hand by saying it would attack Iran and that the US would be forced to be caught up in Iran’s inevitable retaliation.
“The Israelis felt emboldened that no matter what they did, no matter what situation they put us in, they could go ahead and take this action, and we would just have to react. That speaks to the relationship — but also it just shows there was a lobby pushing for us to go to war,” Kent said.
In addition to claiming Israel was driving US foreign policy, he also claimed Iran was not close to achieving, or even pursuing, a nuclear-weapons capability. “No, they weren’t [on the verge of getting a nuclear weapon] — not three weeks ago when this started, and not in June [2025] either,” Kent said, referring to last year’s 12-day war between Iran and Israel
“The Iranians have had a religious ruling — a fatwa — against actually developing a nuclear weapon since 2004. That’s been in place since 2004. That’s available in the public sphere. But we also had no intelligence to indicate that that fatwa was being disobeyed or was on the cusp of being lifted,” Kent added.
Experts on Iran have widely dismissed the Iranian regime’s so-called fatwa against having nuclear weapons, noting Tehran has repeatedly lied about and tried to hide aspects of its nuclear program.
The interview occurred one day after Kent resigned from his senior intelligence position, saying he could not support the war and arguing Tehran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States. But it was Kent’s broader assertion, that pressure from Israel and pro-Israel voices influenced the decision to go to war, that especially drew swift pushback from the White House and national security experts.
In his resignation, Kent also drew parallels to the Iraq War, suggesting that similar dynamics shaped both conflicts by arguing that Israel pushed the US into the war.
“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent wrote in his resignation letter.
The Trump administration forcefully disputed Kent’s claims, maintaining that the decision to strike Iran was based on credible intelligence about threats to US forces and interests in the region. Trump dismissed Kent as “weak on security,” defending the operation as necessary to deter Iranian aggression and protect American personnel and allies.
“When I read the statement, I realized that it’s a good thing that he’s out, because he said that Iran was not a threat,” Trump said. “Iran was a threat.”
Kent himself previously described Iran as a major threat that needed to be addressed.
In a September 2024 post on X, for example, he wrote that “Iran has been after Trump since January of 2020 after he ordered the targeted killing of the terrorist Qasem Soleimani. This isn’t a new threat.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt lambasted Kent’s resignation letter as inaccurate.
“The absurd allegation that President Trump made this decision based on the influence of others, even foreign countries, is both insulting and laughable. President Trump has been remarkably consistent and has said for DECADES that Iran can NEVER possess a nuclear weapon,” she posted on social media.
Kent previously faced scrutiny during his US congressional runs in Washington state over links to far-right, antisemitic, and white nationalist figures, including Nick Fuentes.