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
The Moneymaker Poker Tour 2025 Is Coming To Canada
This year, the highly acclaimed Moneymaker Tour is finally coming to Canada for the first time. Previously hosted just across the US, the Moneymaker Tour’s Canadian leg marks only its second time abroad. The first time was last year’s Moneymaker Tour Aruba, which was held in October. During this leg, the Caribbean island country also hosted a USD$200,000 (CAD$285,527) guaranteed Main Event.
Following this successful overseas experience, the team behind the Moneymaker Tour, led by its namesake, Chris Moneymaker himself, will host 23 events in Kahnawake, just some minutes from downtown Montreal.
Chris Moneymaker and his poker legacy
A certified living poker legend, Chris Moneymaker is credited with kickstarting the early 2000s poker boom. A former accountant who qualified via (what was then relatively new) online satellite means, Moneymaker went on to win the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event with a USD$2.5 million (CAD$3.5 million) prize. His win marked a turning point in the industry, as it convinced thousands that poker was now more accessible and promising than ever. Since then, Moneymaker has won multiple bracelets and has been included in the Poker Hall of Fame.
Over the years, Moneymaker has expanded his presence on the felt as a poker pro for ACR Poker, which is the US’ leading online poker site. Since 2001, it’s been known for its huge tourneys, secure gaming and banking methods, and an impressive roster of poker personalities. Moneymaker was officially brought on in this capacity in 2021. In recognition of Chris’ influence, the site has even begun hosting special weekly promotions called The Sunday Moneymaker, which offer supersized guarantees of up to USD$300,000 (CAD$428,397). This is, of course, aside from the Moneymaker Tour itself, which is also hosted in partnership with the operator across several US cities, nearby territories, and now in international locations, like Canada.
What to expect from the Moneymaker Tour in Canada
Set to be held from May 7-20, the Canadian leg of the Moneymaker Tour will be hosted in cooperation with local casino and cardroom Playground. As mentioned above, there will be 23 events, during which there will be a USD$980,343 (CAD$1.4 million) guaranteed prize pool across the board. From May 16 onwards, the events will be dedicated to the Main Event, where there is a USD$350,122 (CAD$500,000) guarantee.
Designed to provide an opportunity for poker players of all skill levels and backgrounds to experience their own extraordinary poker wins inspired by Moneymaker, the tour’s events notably feature considerably lower buy-ins. In the Canadian leg, for instance, the Main Event’s buy-in is only USD$805 (CAD$1,150). With this in mind, reports state that players from across Canada, the US, and other neighboring countries are expected to join in.
Per executives behind the Moneymaker Tour, this foray into the Canadian poker scene will ideally set the scene for future activations. That said, whether the tour will extend to other provinces is yet to be determined, considering that there are varying stances on gambling. For instance, in Alberta, there are still some delays in regulatory gambling launches. This has pushed back the legal release of potential gaming opportunities, especially in iGaming. However, since most citizens and legislators see the value in exploring this issue positively, it bodes well for any future poker events, including Moneymakers’.
Features
How to Determine the Best Canadian Online Slot Sites for Your Needs
Your choice of online slot site may be different between winning and losing. More and more Canadian online slot sites have been added to the market quickly, so finding a site that works best for you is pivotal. That diversity also means that not all sites are equal. Find one that has an assortment of games, and the security features you want, and is simple and user-friendly, depending on your taste. Here we are going to look at how you can get yourself lost in online slots in Canada and what makes a game juicy.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Canadian Online Slot Sites
There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when picking the best Canadian online slot sites. Knowing about these factors can help you have a safe and pleasant gaming experience.
1. Licensing and Regulation:
One of the first things you need to look at is if the site has a license or not. All good Canadian slot sites should hold licenses from respected and well-known authorities like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. This means that the site must meet very high standards of fairness and security.
2. Game Selection:
Online slot gaming is all about variety. Choose online slot sites that offer a wide variety of reputable developer games. Some of the most popular providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech, produce games with stunning graphics and exciting gameplay features. Experiencing other sites with their wider game libraries makes for a nice change too.
3. User Experience:
A simple and easy-to-use user interface makes your game more enjoyable. Check how user-friendly the website is, the game loaders, and the management of your account. In contrast, top Canadian slot sites with beautifully crafted websites save players from technical issues and dispense with the mindset that you are here to play.
4. Easy Payments:
Payment options should be secure and easy to use. Make sure the site allows for plenty of payment options—credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Also, make sure the site has implemented encryption to help secure your financial transactions and personal information.
5. Customer Service:
Good customer service can go a long way. Choose Canadian slot sites that provide professional support for assistance by live chat, email, or even phone if necessary. Great customer support ensures that if you face any kind of problem, it gets resolved as soon as possible.
To make it easier for you to locate and select the top Canadian online slot sites that meet these points, check out New Online Casinos. From the reviews and comparisons that this resource provides, you will be able to notice which sites really hit all those crucial aspects with other elements of playing games, only adding a cherry on top!
Top Red Flags in Canadian Slot Sites to Watch Out For
The main point is to avoid landing on sites that purport themselves as Canadian slot sites but are actually wolves in sheep’s clothing.
- No Licensing: Make sure the online casino is licensed to ensure fair play.
- Unrealistic Bonus Offers: Unrealistic Bonus Offers are also another warning sign, as too-good-to-be-true bonuses with high minimum turnover requirements may be designed to make players lose their money.
- Low Ratings: The poor user reviews may have an issue with customer support or even fairness.
- Limited Payment Options: Moreover, there are limited payment options and vague security measures to ensure your financial safety.
To avoid getting into trouble and to ensure that you have a safe experience with online slots in Canada, always take these aspects under the microscope.
Conclusion
The best online slot sites in Canada will have their game selection well-cataloged, helping you to browse the hundreds of options and figure out which are right for you. If you take all of these into consideration, you should be able to find a site that offers some fun and safety. Keep your eyes open for red flags all the time and use services like New Online Casinos to help you pick new casinos.
Features
Fitzdares Exiting March 31, Stake.ca Prepares for Highly Anticipated Launch
Ontario’s rapidly evolving online betting industry faces another significant shift as British bookmaker Fitzdares has confirmed plans to permanently withdraw from Ontario by March 31, 2025. The unexpected exit comes after two challenging years for Fitzdares, which struggled to establish a foothold in Ontario’s increasingly crowded and competitive gambling landscape.
UK-based Fitzdares, known for its premium betting experience and personalized service, entered the Ontario market in early 2023. Despite hosting exclusive Toronto events and significant investment in local marketing efforts, the bookmaker struggled to establish a foothold. Recent industry data shows Fitzdares captured less than 0.2% of Ontario’s betting volume, placing it well behind established competitors BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings.
Fitzdares confirmed it had stopped accepting deposits as of March 10 and will halt all new wagers by March 24. So if you’re signed up with Fitzdares, you have until midnight on March 31 to withdraw any remaining balances before the platform officially shuts down.
The departure of Fitzdares highlights the tough realities operators face in Ontario—a market that has rapidly expanded since its regulation began in April 2022. Today, more than 50 licensed brands compete fiercely for local bettors’ attention, making differentiation critical for success.
Amid this shifting landscape, anticipation is steadily building around the return of Stake.com—this time under its new Canadian-specific brand “Stake.ca.” Stake previously operated in Ontario but was forced to suspend services due to stricter licensing requirements introduced by iGaming Ontario and AGCO, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Now, after a lengthy hiatus and extensive preparations, Stake is gearing up to re-enter the province legally and fully regulated under its new Canadian-facing brand: Stake.ca.
Stake.ca has already launched an informational portal at StakeOntario.com, providing regular updates on regulatory progress and launch details. While an exact launch date hasn’t been publicly confirmed yet—currently listed simply as “coming soon”—the platform is widely expected to go live later this year.
Industry insiders point out that Stake is making significant investments to ensure full compliance with Ontario’s stringent regulatory standards. The company recently hired Canadian iGaming veteran Kris Abbott as its representative for Canada, demonstrating a clear commitment to successfully navigating local licensing procedures.
Stake originally gained global popularity through its innovative cryptocurrency-friendly betting model, extensive game library—including exclusive original titles—and robust sports betting markets featuring live streaming and unique betting experiences like Plinko and Crash games. While Ontario currently restricts crypto gambling transactions, industry experts predict Stake.ca will initially offer CAD-based payments with potential crypto integration down the line if provincial regulations evolve.
Stake.ca’s return has Ontarian gamblers fired up. Online forums and social feeds are packed with bettors hyped about its exclusive casino games, VIP rewards, live-streamed sports, and especially the real-time chat where you can talk to other members directly.
For now, Ontarian bettors will have to wait just a little longer—but when Stake.ca finally goes live later this year, it could significantly reshape the province’s online betting landscape once again.
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