Features
Dr. Lorne Brandes on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected how he now delivers medicine and some of the latest findings about the coronavirus
By JON VAN DER VEEN
To further understand the challenges and changes resulting from the pandemic, The Jewish Post & News has reached out to different members of the community to see how their lives have been impacted.
We contacted Dr. Lorne Brandes, who has had a long career as an oncologist, but who, upon retiring from that specialty, has been working as a practicing internist at Eaton Place Medical Centre. We wanted to know how Dr. Brandes has adapted to the restrictions imposed upon doctors such as him.
Lorne Brandes received his M.D. from the University of Western Ontario in 1968, followed by a Fellowship in Internal Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He became a professor at the University of Manitoba in 1975, where he conducted cancer research and was a tenured professor in the Faculty of Medicine, while also being an oncologist at CancerCare Manitoba.
I asked Dr. Brandes how Covid-19 has affected his work.
He said that he is now primarily working from home, but that the Eaton Place clinic remains open with several of his colleagues choosing to go into the office a couple times a week. Dr. Brandes said, “It’s an interesting transition but one that has worked out well.”
He went on to say that it’s been very easy to work from home since he has the same clinical programs on his computer that are at the office.
“I can do consults with other doctors from home, order x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, new prescriptions, old prescriptions, and blood work, I can do it all,” he explained. The only thing Dr. Brandes said he couldn’t conduct from his house were in-house examinations, but even that isn’t too much of a problem, he said, because most of his patients are follow-ups, so it’s quite easy to do appointments over the phone.
I asked him how then he was handling patient examinations, and if he was just treating the phone consultations as pre-screenings?
Dr. Brandes answered that since most people nowadays have a cellphone, they can take a picture of any physical findings like a rash or lump and send that to him. He could then assess the image and make the proper referrals or order any tests.
He offered the following example how a phone screening could work: “If I’m managing a patient with diabetes, I can send them to the lab to get their bloodwork done a couple of days before the phone call and then I have it to go over with them. I can make any changes to their medication that way. A very high percentage of patients have their own blood pressure gauge at home and to several of them I have recommended that if they are willing to go buy one, they’re only $70 now. They can therefore measure their blood pressure at home, take several readings, and then we can discuss it over the phone, and I know how their blood pressure is doing and if their medication is working well.”
Dr. Brandes also noted that it’s much easier for people to consult online rather than in person at the clinic because patients don’t need to drive downtown and wait in a lobby for him. As a result, he added, almost everyone keeps their appointments over the phone and they are much less likely to reschedule or cancel, especially since many people are staying at home for a large portion of the day during the pandemic.
At that point in the interview we began to talk about the virus itself, and the possibility of a vaccine being introduced in the near future. Dr Brandes suggested that we’ll be very lucky to have a vaccine by halfway through next year, but that he remains optimistic because there are multiple high-tech vaccines currently in the works. Yet, he also issued a warning that “There are a lot of unknowns… no vaccine is 100% effective, and that vaccines are less effective in older people.”
However, he also said that, similar to a flu vaccine – which is by no means 100% protective, a coronavirus vaccine doesn’t necessarily need to protect you from getting infected – it just needs to stop you from getting deadly sick. Moreover, whether a vaccine “will give long term protection, or if we’ll have to take it every year we just don’t know yet.”
I mentioned that I had read an Oxford study about the effect of the virus on twins. According to that study fraternal twins showed a greater variation in infections, whereas identical twins were likely either both be to be immune to the virus or both identically susceptible to the coronavirus, which suggested a genetic predisposition to becoming infected.
Dr. Brandes agreed, saying: “That makes a lot of sense. We know that you do inherit your genes and they do determine your immune response to a significant degree and that variations in the immune response may well be genetically determined.”
Dr. Brandes then offered this observation about susceptibility to the virus: Apparently studies show that people with Type A blood have a higher chance of getting a severe case of COVID-19. However, Dr. Brandes added the caveat that the blood type itself may not be responsible.
“Is it the blood type itself?” he wondered. “Not necessarily,” he continued, “because the blood type gene is intimately linked with what we call the HLA gene. Those are the tissue genes that are linked to the immune system. So, there’s no question, it’s very clear that there are huge differences in how people react to this virus, that are very likely, in a major part at least, linked to their immune system, and how they’ve inherited their immunity.”
I then asked about “pre-existing conditions” and which conditions specifically pose the greatest dangers.
Dr Brandes replied, “There is a clear link between worse outcomes in patients who have hyper-tension, high blood pressure, diabetes and so on. The high blood pressure link is very interesting because the receptor on the cells to which the virus links is called the ACE2 receptor and many of the drugs that are used to treat blood pressure bind to that receptor. So, whether having high blood pressure itself is causing a severe interaction with the virus and that receptor, or being on drugs which interact with that receptor, may modulate in a good way or bad way… these are the things we are learning.”
He went on to say that “We also know some young people have died from the virus with no apparent pre-existing conditions so that maybe takes it back to something in their immune system being wonky.”
Features
Methods of Using Blockchain on Gambling Sites: Explained by Robocat Casino
The world of online gambling is changing and chasing new tools to entertain visitors. Players demand more transparency, faster payouts, and complete control over their money, making traditional casinos seem outdated. Modern websites like Robocat Casino utilize blockchain technology, which is the digital foundation for everything from crypto transactions to provably fair games. If you’re unfamiliar with how casinos use blockchain, we’ll cover it below.
What is Blockchain in a Casino?
Blockchain is a system that records data in a way that cannot be altered. The technology operates using a decentralized ledger shared across multiple computers. Every transaction is recorded in the ledger, which is regularly updated and accessible to all participants.
These properties are useful for gambling sites like Robocat Casino. The digital ledger processes every bet and prevents alteration. As a result, every action is transparent, and players have no doubt about the website’s integrity.
All transactions occur on a decentralized ledger, so there is no central authority that could interfere. This ensures complete anonymity. This privacy has led to an increasing number of players choosing to bet at crypto casinos.
How is This Technology Used in Gambling?
There are several ways users might encounter blockchain technology at sites like Robocat Casino.
- Provably fair games. Traditional online casinos have always been criticized for their fairness, as players doubt whether the odds are truly in their favor. Blockchain technology eliminates this uncertainty. Systems with provably fair games use cryptographic algorithms and publicly accessible hashes to control the outcome of each spin or draw. This limits backend manipulation and ensures transparency between the website and the user.
- Greater anonymity and lower KYC (know your customer) requirements. Not all crypto casinos eliminate the KYC process, but many are more lenient than casinos that exclusively accept fiat transactions. Some sites allow you to play with just a wallet address, without the need for identification documents.
- Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals. With blockchain technology, you can forget about the five-day wait for funds to appear in your gaming account. When working with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, deposits and withdrawals are almost instantaneous. Interacting with cryptocurrency goes beyond speed. It offers low transaction fees and 24/7 global availability.
- Smart contracts. These are self-executing contracts based on the blockchain. In casinos, they can automate everything from loyalty bonuses to jackpot payouts. Such procedures require no human intervention, eliminating the risk of errors.
- Tokenized loyalty systems. Casinos can issue their own tokens as rewards. This is a cryptocurrency that can be sold or spent on the website. This approach creates real economic value for loyalty programs and motivates users to choose the casino.
The evolution of blockchain will lead to an expanded role at Robocat Casino and other gambling websites. Experts expect the use of decentralized applications (dApps) to increase. These operate on blockchain networks, rather than on a single server, and ensure complete decentralization of casinos. The absence of intermediaries or regulatory bodies will provide players with greater transparency.
Features
BlackRock applies for ETF plan; XRP price could rise by 200%, potentially becoming the best-yielding investment in 2026.
Recently, global asset management giant BlackRock officially submitted its application for an XRP ETF, a piece of news that quickly sparked heated discussions in the cryptocurrency market. Analysts predict that if approval goes smoothly, the price of XRP could rise by as much as 200% in the short term, becoming a potentially top-yielding investment in 2026.
ETF applications may trigger a large influx of funds.
As one of the world’s largest asset managers, BlackRock’s XRP ETF is expected to attract significant attention from institutional and qualified investors. After the ETF’s listing, traditional funding channels will find it easier to access the XRP market, providing substantial liquidity support.
Historical data shows that similar cryptocurrency ETF listings are often accompanied by significant short-term market rallies. Following BlackRock’s application announcement, XRP prices have shown signs of recovery, and investor confidence has clearly strengthened.
CryptoEasily helps XRP holders achieve steady returns.
With its price potential widely viewed favorably, CryptoEasily’s cloud mining and digital asset management platform offers XRP holders a stable passive income opportunity. Users do not need complicated technical operations; they can receive daily earnings updates and achieve steady asset appreciation through the platform’s intelligent computing power scheduling system.
The platform stated that its revenue model, while ensuring compliance and security, takes into account market volatility and long-term sustainability, allowing investors to enjoy the benefits of market growth while also obtaining a stable cash flow.
CryptoEasily is a regulated cloud mining platform.
As the crypto industry rapidly develops, security and compliance have become core concerns for investors. CryptoEasily emphasizes that the platform adheres to compliance, security, and transparency principles and undergoes regular financial and security audits by third-party institutions. Its security infrastructure includes platform operations that comply with the European MiCA and MiFID II regulatory frameworks, annual financial and security audits conducted by PwC, and digital asset custody insurance provided by Lloyd’s of London.
At the technical level, the platform employs multiple security mechanisms, including bank-grade firewalls, cloud security authentication, multi-signature cold wallets, and an asset isolation system. This rigorous compliance system provides excellent security for users worldwide.
Its core advantages include：
● Zero-barrier entry: No need to buy mining machines or build a mining farm, even beginners can easily get started.
●Automated mining: The system runs 24/7, and profits are automatically settled daily.
● Flexible asset management: Earnings can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time, supporting multiple mainstream cryptocurrencies.
●Low correlation with price fluctuations: Even during short-term market downturns, cash flow remains stable.
CryptoEasily CEO Oliver Bruno Benquet stated:
“We always adhere to the principle of compliance first, especially in markets with mature regulatory systems, to provide users with a safer, more transparent and sustainable way to participate in digital assets.”
How to join CryptoEasily
Step 1: Register an account
Visit the official website: https://cryptoeasily.com
Enter your email address and password to create an account and receive a $15 bonus upon registration. You’ll also receive a $0.60 bonus for daily logins.
Step 2: Deposit crypto assets
Go to the platform’s deposit page and deposit mainstream crypto assets, including: BTC, USDT, ETH, LTC, USDC, XRP, and BCH.
Step 3: Select and purchase a mining contract that suits your needs.
CryptoEasily offers a variety of contracts to meet the needs of different budgets and goals. Whether you are looking for short-term gains or long-term returns, CryptoEasily has the right option for you.
Common contract examples:
Entry contract: $100 — 2-day cycle — Total profit approximately $108
Stable contract: $1000 — 10-day cycle — Total profit approximately $1145
Professional Contract: $6,000 — 20-day cycle — Total profit approximately $7,920
Premium Contract: $25,000 — 30-day cycle — Total profit approximately $37,900
For contract details, please visit the official website.
After purchasing the contract and it takes effect, the system will automatically calculate your earnings every 24 hours, allowing you to easily obtain stable passive income.
Invite your friends and enjoy double the benefits
Invite new users to join and purchase a contract to earn a lifetime 5% commission reward. All referral relationships are permanent, commissions are credited instantly, and you can easily build a “digital wealth network”.
Summarize
BlackRock’s application for an XRP ETF has injected strong positive momentum into the crypto market, with XRP prices poised for a significant surge and becoming a potential high-yield investment in 2026. Meanwhile, through the CryptoEasily platform, investors can steadily generate passive income in volatile markets, achieving double asset growth. This provides an innovative and sustainable investment path for long-term investors.
If you’re looking to earn daily automatic income, independent of market fluctuations, and build a stable, long-term passive income, then joining CryptoEasily now is an excellent opportunity.
Official website: https://cryptoeasily.com
App download: https://cryptoeasily.com/xml/index.html#/app
Customer service email: info@CryptoEasily.com
Features
Digital entertainment options continue expanding for the local community
For decades, the rhythm of life in Winnipeg has been dictated by the seasons. When the deep freeze sets in and the sidewalks become treacherous with ice, the natural tendency for many residents—especially the older generation—has been to retreat indoors. In the past, this seasonal hibernation often came at the cost of social connection, limiting interactions to telephone calls or the occasional brave venture out for essential errands.
However, the landscape of leisure and community engagement has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, driven by the rapid adoption of digital tools.
Virtual gatherings replace traditional community center meetups
The transition from physical meeting spaces to digital platforms has been one of the most significant changes in local community life. Where weekly schedules once revolved around driving to a community center for coffee and conversation, many seniors now log in from the comfort of their favorite armchairs.
This shift has democratized access to socialization, particularly for those with mobility issues or those who no longer drive. Programs that were once limited by the physical capacity of a room or the ability of attendees to travel are now accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Established organizations have pivoted to meet this digital demand with impressive results. The Jewish Federation’s digital outreach has seen substantial engagement, with their “Federation Flash” e-publications exceeding industry standards for open rates. This indicates a community that is hungry for information and connection, regardless of the medium.
Online gaming provides accessible leisure for homebound adults
While communication and culture are vital, the need for pure recreation and mental stimulation cannot be overlooked. Long winter evenings require accessible forms of entertainment that keep the mind active and engaged.
For many older adults, the digital realm has replaced the physical card table or the printed crossword puzzle. Tablets and computers now host a vast array of brain-training apps, digital jigsaw puzzles, and strategy games that offer both solitary and social play options.
The variety of available digital diversions is vast, catering to every level of technical proficiency and interest. Some residents prefer the quiet concentration of Sudoku apps or word searches that help maintain cognitive sharpness. Others gravitate towards more dynamic experiences. For those seeking a bit of thrill from the comfort of home, exploring regulated entertainment options like Canadian real money slots has become another facet of the digital leisure mix. These platforms offer a modern twist on traditional pastimes, accessible without the need to travel to a physical venue.
However, the primary driver for most digital gaming adoption remains cognitive health and stress relief. Strategy games that require planning and memory are particularly popular, often recommended as a way to keep neural pathways active.
Streaming services bring Israeli culture to Winnipeg living rooms
Beyond simple socialization and entertainment, technology has opened new avenues for cultural enrichment and education. For many in the community, staying connected to Jewish heritage and Israeli culture is a priority, yet travel is not always feasible.
Streaming technology has bridged this gap, bringing the sights and sounds of Israel directly into Winnipeg homes. Through virtual tours, livestreamed lectures, and interactive cultural programs, residents can experience a sense of global connection that was previously difficult to maintain without hopping on a plane.
Local programming has adapted to facilitate this cultural exchange. Events that might have previously been attended by a handful of people in a lecture hall are now broadcast to hundreds. For instance, the community has seen successful implementation of educational sessions like the “Lunch and Learn” programs, which cover vital topics such as accessibility standards for Jewish organizations.
By leveraging video conferencing, organizers can bring in expert speakers from around the world—including Israeli emissaries—to engage with local seniors at centers like Gwen Secter, creating a rich tapestry of global dialogue.
Balancing digital engagement with face-to-face connection
As the community embraces these digital tools, the conversation is shifting toward finding the right balance between screen time and face time. The demographics of the community make this balance critical. Recent data highlights that 23.6% of Jewish Winnipeggers are over the age of 65, a statistic that underscores the importance of accessible technology. For this significant portion of the population, digital tools are not just toys but essential lifelines that mitigate the risks of loneliness associated with aging in place.
Looking ahead, the goal for local organizations is to integrate these digital successes into a cohesive strategy. The ideal scenario involves using technology to facilitate eventual in-person connections—using an app to organize a meetup, or a Zoom call to plan a community dinner.
As Winnipeg moves forward, the lessons learned during the winters of isolation will likely result in a more inclusive, connected, and technologically savvy community that values every interaction, whether it happens across a table or across a screen.