Features
12-year-old Gregory Hyman really is a one-man band!
By BERNIE BELLAN
At the beginning of May I posted to Facebook that anyone who had an interesting story about how someone was coping during this period of self-isolation could contact me and I would consider writing a story about that person.
That led to the following response from Rishona Hyman, who herself is well-known as the owner of Aqua Essence Swim Academy: “My 12 year old son is releasing his debut album next week called Basement. It will be available on all streaming platforms May 12th and presale starts May 5. On the album Gregory plays all the instruments and mixes all the music on his own. He does this all with no help from his non musical parents – who can’t even carry a tune.”
I contacted Rishona and asked her to have Gregory call me so that I could talk with him about his interesting solo project.
On Friday, May 1st, I talked with Gregory about what led to his interest in music – and how he went about acquiring the skills needed to produce his own digital recording.
Gregory told me that he is a student at St. Johns Ravenscourt. It turns out he discovered early on that he has a precocious ability to learn different musical instruments.
Gregory has not only taught himself how to play an assortment of different instruments, he also writes his own songs, and sings them as well, he proceeded to explain to me during the course of our conversation.
And, as Rishona noted in her email to me, Gregory was just about to release his first digital album – on May 12.
Gregory explained that “I’ve always been into music, but it really started when I started playing guitar (at age five). I started off by taking classical guitar lessons.”
Because of his classical guitar training, Gregory said, “I was able to teach myself acoustic guitar and electric guitar.”
“I started to get into rock and metal music,” he added, when his father (Hartley) began to introduce him to heavy metal bands, “such as Black Sabbath and Guns ‘n Roses”.
“I really wanted to be in a band – and be a musician,” Gregory noted, “and singing, at the time, came naturally for me because I would just sing along to music. I started taking voice lessons last year – which has also helped me as a musician.”
Because of his classical music training, Gregory observed, he was able to learn other instruments by going on Youtube and watching teach-yourself videos how to play those other instruments.
“One day,” he related, “we were out of town, at a friend of my father’s house, and the dad had a set of electric drums. I just went over and started playing them. He gave me a basic lesson how to play them – I fell in love with drums.
“Then, a few years ago,” Gregory explained, he got a drum set of his own and he’s been able to add drums to the musical instruments he had already learned to play.
I asked Gregory whether he’s learned any other instruments, in addition to three different types of guitar and drums. He answered that he’s been also able to teach himself “a little bit of piano – some basic chords.”
He added that “I don’t really play bass, but with the guitar training I’ve had I am able to play some things on the bass as well.” (Later during our conversation Gregory noted that “I also play tuba for band class.” I asked him, tongue in cheek, whether he plays tuba on the album that he was working on – and which has been released by now. His answer was “no”.)
We talked about his album (which will be available by the time this is read) “on all the major streaming platforms” (including “iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, Tik Tok”, Gregory added later during our conversation).
He explained that “during this time of self-isolation I decided I would record this entire album because I’ve been writing my own songs, I have all the equipment to record – I have a mixer, I have all the instruments…I’ve watched a lot of videos, so I learned how to put out my own album.”
“So, what I did is I spent the last four weeks tracking different instruments, finishing writing some songs (that he hadn’t quite completed when I spoke with him but which, he said, will be done by May 12).
“I was able to record 11 songs,” Gregory said. “I was able to record the entire album by myself – in my basement.
“The album is called ‘Basement’ ” (for self-evident reasons). “The album is under the name ‘GMH Rocks’ because that’s my stage name that I chose years ago.”
Gregory noted though that, even though he is currently a “one-man band, I am looking for a bassist and a drummer to help me in the future.”
I asked him how he would describe the type of music on his album.
“I don’t know whether I would classify it as a certain style of music,” Gregory answered. “To me it’s a mixture of rock, indie music, and a little bit of punk, but it’s really just a chance for me to show what I can do.”
If you would like to see samples of Gregory’s music, go to
https://linktr.ee/gmhrocks
Features
BOOK REVIEW: “Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege”
Reviewed by MURRAY BENDER “Thinking on your feet”—quickly defending a position in a coherent, persuasive manner—is a situation that many people find challenging and stressful. “If only I had said this.” or “Why didn’t I say that?” Hindsight is always 20-20.
Following the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, it has become increasingly necessary for diaspora Jews to “think on their feet” as they unwittingly face a barrage of tough, sometimes hateful, questions about Jews and their Israeli homeland.
Why is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Why doesn’t Israel return the land it has stolen from Palestinians? Why are Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian farmers? How is Israel different from apartheid South Africa? Why can’t I criticize Israel without being called antisemitic? Is it true that Jews control the world? The list of potential questions is nearly endless.
Engage or hide? This is the difficult choice that confronts Jews as they look to deal with anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli behaviour. Fortunately, author and journalist Melanie Phillips comes to the rescue with her practical and insightful book, Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege.
According to Phillips, the dilemma has no single answer. “People need to decide how to behave in accordance not just with the specific circumstances but also with their own attributes and limitations.”
Some regard engagement with their opponents as a sacred duty. “They believe it is a betrayal of the Jewish people not to uphold Israel’s case.” Ohers may be uncomfortable with such a direct approach, but “those who decide to keep their heads down and avoid any altercation may well find that this leaves them with a permanent sense of regret and even failure,” she says.
As a result, it’s probably a good idea to adopt some sort of balance. And that’s where Phillips’ 150-page handbook comes in.
She starts by providing context around the “crisis of legitimacy and acceptance” from which Jews are reeling post-October 7. On the basis of extensive conversations with Jews from across the U.S., Britain and Australia, the author found that many “were near stupefied by the terrifying hatred and irrationality that was unfolding around them.” Again and again, they asked: “What should we do? What can we do?”
In response, Phillips offers a pragmatic approach to help prepare for the inevitable conversations, including a number of key principles:
- Get smart rather than emotional
- Stop playing defence
- Find common ground
- Be positive and confident
- Keep physically safe
Based on these overarching criteria, she provides an extensive list of quick and clever retorts to a range of different situations, emphasizing that “it’s our duty to our children and grandchildren to fight for truth and justice.”
So, the next time it is necessary to “think on their feet,” diaspora Jews will be able to respond quickly and confidently to those difficult questions about themselves and Israel. And they can thank Melanie Phillips for coming to the rescue.
Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege by Melanie Phillips is available online from Amazon and Indigo.
Features
ESports Meets Casinos: Overview of Bet Sport Gaming
ESports has become part of the interactive entertainment of online casinos. In fact, many fans already have the opportunity to use Dragonia Casino Bet Sport options while watching the matches of their favorite teams. The hybrid entertainment model opens up many possibilities and increases audience engagement. When video games intersect with betting, it creates a unique collaboration where participants have the opportunity to get a completely new experience right in their own home. At the same time, you can continue to enjoy the usual viewing of familiar tournaments and competitions.
How ESports and Casinos Interconnect
ESports has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that attracts spectators. Traditional casinos are focused on luck. But now they are introducing additional methods of encouraging their customers. Among such options, eSports events deserve special attention. Such bet sport offers combine the usual excitement with an element of competition. The structure of the casino entertainment provides participants with the opportunity to test their skills and reveal their own hidden talents. There are several forms of integration of eSports mechanics into the structure of a classic online casino:
- Competitive betting. Online casinos provide the opportunity to bet on eSports tournaments, which is similar to the usual sports betting. In addition, the possibilities are significantly expanded compared to simple viewing platforms.
- Skill-based casino games. Games inspired by eSports encourage players to actively participate in what is happening on the screen. The games reward the player’s results with certain prizes.
- Interactive arenas. Some casinos broadcast eSports events in real time. This allows players to follow the games directly online, which creates a feeling of real participation in familiar entertainment.
- Cross-platform interaction. Online casinos are introducing eSports-style leaderboards and achievements to attract more participants.
Such innovations appeal to new participants. Cultural changes are part of the development of the infrastructure of the classic casino, and eSports fans find a new environment for entertainment and communication.
Growth of ESports Betting
Global eSports revenue in 2025 exceeded $1.5 billion. Each bet sport option has made a significant contribution to the development. Surveys show that over 60% of players will express interest in betting on eSports, which reflects the demand and the need to develop an updated infrastructure for participation.
ESports events attract 15-20% more new participants compared to conventional casinos. The eSports betting market will exceed $20 billion by 2027, according to analysts’ forecasts, which encourages new participants to more actively watch tournaments and participate in various types of activity.
Why Fans Choose ESports
Bet sport gambling is gaining popularity. This is due to several reasons. For example, large casinos in Las Vegas and Macau now host full-fledged eSports tournaments alongside traditional entertainment. Venues are also experimenting with separate fan zones where sports betting and classic gambling are available.
Some of the most popular eSports disciplines are League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Some online casinos even introduce eSports mechanics into slots so that players can try something new.
In short, the intersection of eSports and casinos is a natural development of the industry. Competitive play and an optimized betting system create a comfortable environment for true fans who want to diversify their leisure time.
Features
Card Game Traditions: Complete Review from Casino Online Lolajack Experts
Card games have been around for centuries. They are constantly evolving and improving. For example, there are now many different formats of online games available. On sites like casino online Lolajack https://Lolajack.com/ca/, you can choose a title according to your preferences and skills. The traditions of card games date back to ancient times. To better show yourself, it is worth familiarizing yourself with these features. This way, you will gain experience, have a good time, and get acquainted with something completely new.
Roots of Card Games
Card games directly reflect cultural identity. They have a unique mathematical structure and thoughtful moves that make even professionals think. Depending on the tradition, the rules differ, but the basic principles always remain similar. Each game has a unique origin:
- Poker. It originated in the USA back in the 19th century. During its existence, many variations of gameplay have appeared. It combines risk, strategy, and psychology; therefore, it requires high skill from each player.
- Baccarat. This game has ancient origins. It appeared in the 15th century in Italy, after which it spread throughout Europe. Now it is the basis of any operator like casino online Lolajack.
- Rimmy and bridge. Card games require the cooperation of participants, so coordinated communication is important here.
- Blackjack. This is the perfect combination of skill and chance. The player needs to learn to make decisions quickly and monitor the circumstances.
Card games have their own origins and characteristics. Currently, they are an integral part of any online casino, offering a wide range of opportunities for participants.
Why Card Games Are So Popular
Experts from casino online Lolajack emphasize the importance of card games in many cultures. For example, poker remains the leader for a reason. There are more than 100 million active players worldwide who compete and work on their skills. Blackjack also does not lag behind the trends. The level of participation exceeds 40% of regular online casino users.
Every year, the level of online card games grows by 10%. This is possible due to digitalization and increased player awareness. In addition, seasonal events also increase the involvement of participants during peak periods.
Traditions of Card Games
Unique events attract the attention of fans. For example, the World Series of Poker attracts not only participants but also millions of viewers around the world. Sites such as casino online Lolajack also give participants the opportunity to try their hand and compete with professionals.
Baccarat is associated with high stakes. This is especially noticeable among the Asian audience, who like to put probability theory into practice. Blackjack also has an appeal among math lovers. The probabilities of the model and observations directly affect the decisions of players. Online casinos strive to ensure that participants have the opportunity to communicate and find an activity option according to their own preferences.
As a result, card games remain the true leaders of the gambling market. They not only entertain, but also develop attention, perseverance, and social skills. A large selection of various variations of classic games allows you to choose the version that suits your preferences. Developers do not lag behind trends and do everything possible to surprise fans.