Features
Morley Hollenberg: The family tradition of entering into medicine continued
By GERRY POSNER Has there ever been a run of doctors in one family like the Hollenbergs? Just as, at one time,, if you thought of baseball champions, the New York Yankees would come to mind, so too it is with medicine and the Hollenberg family.
There sure were – and are, a lot of Hollenbergs who went into medicine. Looking at Eva Wiseman’s history of Manitoba Jewish physicians, ”Healing Lives,” offers a long list of Hollenbergs in the field.
Just think about such legendary names in the original generation of Hollenberg physicians: Mike, Abe, Joe, Charles and the youngest brother in the mix, Jake. As well, there were two women physicians who married into the family: Esther (Gorsey), married to Jake; and Dorothy (Osovsky), married to Joe.
From the five physician brothers flowed yet another eight doctors: Murray and Joan, children of Mike; Morley, son to Jake; Charles, Martin and Barbara, children of Abe; and Joanna and Robert, children of Joe.
Add to those names a member of the third generatiion of Hollenberg doctors: Abe’s grandson, Anthony , now head of the Department of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. As well, there are many other practicing Hollenberg physicians apart from the Winnipeg clan who are related.You get the picture.
With all of these accomplished Hollenbergs engaged in medical practices, one of them though took a different route in his career: Morley Hollenberg. He ended up in the research part of the profession rather than in medical practice. His contributions in research are staggering and still continue to this day.
Now, for those of us who are not part of a family business, it might be hard to wrap your head around the pressure, whether direct or indirect, to continue in the business. Morley seemed to have no issues with proceeding the way he did, but perhaps that is because he was so well grounded prior to entering medicine.
Morley’s early days, as for many others in Winnipeg were spent in the north end of the city, from 1942-1954, after which time Morley’s family moved south to 150 Waverley Street, which is where Morley’s brother Walter and sister Dorie grew up. Morley was a graduate of Queenston School, Robert H. Smith and later Kelvin High School. He continued at the University of Manitoba in the Honours Chemistry Programme that likely was the foundation of his success in the sciences.
But, he was also well rounded as he participated in the University Glee Club producing Broadway musicals ( I can vouch for that fact as he was with me in “Guys and Dolls”), also rowing with the Winnipeg Rowing Club. The result of Morley’s accomplishments, even in those early days, was recognized with his being awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, given for excellence in academia and outside interests.
It was then that the true depth of the Hollenberg medical talent started to emerge. From 1964-1968 Morley was at Oxford University in the Department of Pharmacology, working in the area of molecular pharmacology. He ended up with a Ph.D from Oxford. From there he went with his wife – the love of his life, Joan (née Omson), also of Winnipeg, to Baltimore, to attend Johns Hopkins Medical School.
Morley remained there for 11 years, from 1968-1979, which is where he obtained his medical degree and did his internship along with further research training.
Clearly, Morley was successful at Johns Hopkins since, during his tenure there, he was both an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics from 1973-1979 and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the Hopkins Department of Medicine from 1974-79. Some of his work there contributed in an integral way to the 1986 Nobel Prize won by Stanley Cohen of Vanderbilt University.
In 1979 Hollenberg accepted a position as Department Head at the University of Calgary to develop a new area of molecular pharmacology in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The lab Morley was associated with thrived and became famous for research into the area of hormone action in inflammatory disease.
That headship lasted for 11 years, until 1989. During the period from 1979 right up until the present, a span of 44 years, Morley has, in addition to maintaining his research programme, provided mentorship and guidance for graduate trainees for their MSc and PhD degrees, as well as for the younger faculty in their career development.
From 1980 right to the present, Morley has led a nationally funded research program investigating inflammatory disease and the training of undergraduates in that area.
Moreover, from 1999- 2022, it was Hollenberg who was the driving force behind the combined MD-PhD-MSc Leaders in Medicine program at the University of Calgary, from which many graduates have now assumed faculty positions in the Faculty of Medicine in Calgary.
Even with all the illustrious careers of so many Hollenberg doctors, Morley Hollenberg has truly achieved a tremendous level of accomplishment.
With all of that, there is yet another side to Dr. Morley Hollenberg, one that you would not expect. It became almost an alternative career: art. What began at age 10 under the guidance of a New York aunt, Morley rediscovered with a passion in Calgary and, in 1985, with the help of Master Chin Shek Lam and a close friend, Jack Wise, Morley began creating free-form Chinese brush calligraphy which, on the surface, would seem to be quite a distance from pharmacology.
As Morley puts it, “This art form represents for me an ideal medium for the visual expression of Nature’s secrets.” More significantly, in a way that links Morley’s work with his artistic passion, Morley says that “The brush strokes record visual images coming from the natural environment that surrounds us and from the microscopic world that is the subject of my scientific world.”
The result is that, even today, Morley continues both to conduct research at the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine and, at the same time, to work as an artist in his home studio. As Morley reflects on the main areas of activity in his life, aside from Joan and his two children, son Daniel Hollenberg (who resides in Winnipeg) and his daughter Elisa, of Toronto (not to forget the grandchildren in Daniel’s family, Mira and Isaac, now in Winnipeg), he says: “ I have begun a series of Mandala paintings, inspired by the images of the cells expressing the dually-tagged receptors that are the focus of my research.” And, he adds, “ The mandalas I paint reflect the cell images and match the photographs I take wherein mandala images appear. I find there is a common source of creativity both in the doing of science and the creation of visual art.”
Not many of us (Are there any?) can take our professional work and merge it with another passion to create a combination of two worlds. I suspect none of the previous Hollenberg medical stars ever reached the Morley Hollenberg level of success in both the sciences and the arts. Morley is grateful for it all.
Features
Football: Which team from Israel could we see in the European Cup next year?
With Europe’s club competitions heading into another summer of drama, Israeli football is on the table. The domestic season is done, trophies picked up and now a new batch of clubs can now try their luck against continental competition.
What are the prospects of these teams in Europe next year and who are they? It all starts with Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s title, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s cup win and the competition of the best Israel football teams against each other, as fans look to Champions League on Wincomparator to see what teams are in contention.
How Israel’s clubs qualify for Europe: The 2026-2027 spots
Qualification to join the European elite hinges on the 2025-26 Israeli Premier League table and the Israel State Cup. Israel will have one Champions League spot, one Europa League spot, and two Europa Conference League spots in 2026-27.
That means the league winner gets into the Champions League, the State Cup winner goes on to Europa League qualifying. The next eligible league’s finishers take the Conference League slots. It’s a good model as it provides a tangible reward for consistency at home, while at the same time demonstrating the importance of each playoff game. A top three finish can help a club’s summer, bring in better players and provide fans with a European tour before the next season’s start.
The Champion’s quest: Israel’s hope for the Champions League
Meet the 2025-26 Premier League winner: Hapoel Be’er Sheva
Hapoel Be’er Sheva have qualified for Israel’s Champions League after their Israeli Premier League title win with 79 points scored in 36 games. Ran Kozuch’s side closed the gap on the three-point lead but also showed significant strength in the attacking phase to secure a win in a crucial championship round with Beitar Jerusalem.
Their challenge also comes as their reward. Hapoel Be’er Sheva are only expected to begin in the second round of the Champions League, not the league round. To get to the main competition they need to pass through the first round of the other national champions in two-legged ties, and their seeding, fitness and sharpness in early-season competition could be a game breaker.
While the club has experience in Europe and a rabid Turner Stadium following, the path is tough. It takes one bad outing to wipe out a year’s worth of work. However, as long as the bedrock remains the same and they are able to put some depth into the team, the champions have the balance to fight.
Battling in the Conference League: Israel’s other European contenders
The State Cup winner and league runners-up
Maccabi Tel Aviv go to Europe after the Israel State Cup final 2-1 win against Hapoel Be’er Sheva at Teddy Stadium, Jerusalem. That win denied Be’er Sheva a home double, and also meant that Maccabi got into the Europa League qualifying, where they were put in the second qualifying round thanks to access-list rebalancing.
The Conference League qualifiers are Beitar Jerusalem who finished second in the league with 76 points, and Hapoel Tel Aviv who finished fourth with 60 points. The importance of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s cup victory lies in the fact that it unlocked the rest of the way in the league. Beitar’s season was particularly impressive as they scored 78 goals and lost just four matches. On the other hand, Hapoel Tel Aviv managed to remain above Maccabi Haifa in the final table standing, earning them a well-deserved European berth.
The Europa Conference League is no consolation prize for these clubs. It’s a realistic platform. Although there are still a few hurdles to navigate, Israeli sides consider this competition to be the most realistic one for European football in the autumn.
A look at past successes and future hopes
This group has reason for belief, based on recent history. Israeli teams can make significant nights in Europe, and Maccabi Haifa did just that, when they made it into the Champions League group stage in 2022-23, and then impressively took out Juventus 2-0 in Haifa.
There is significant monetary and sporting worth in qualification. A UEFA cup can make a difference to a club, as can better attendance, TV coverage and recruitment opportunities. The early storylines will be the draw for Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Champions League, as well as Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa league and the two Conference League routes — Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv. They all have tricky paths to follow, but all four provide Israeli football with a realistic European presence next summer.
Features
At one time one entire block of McAdam Ave. was almost totally Jewish
This story originally appeared in a November 2014 issue of The Jewish Post & News:
1994 McAdam Ave. reunion (names inside story)By GERRY POSNER (This story first appeared in November 2014.)
Once upon a time when life was simpler and gentler, there was a street in the north end of Winnipeg which was like all other streets in the city except in one significant way. Everyone, but for one family, living on McAdam east of Main Street was Jewish.
Features
Cheap Weed In Canada: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
Since legalisation, cannabis has settled into Canadian life as an ordinary, regulated purchase. And like groceries or gas, the price can vary a surprising amount from one shop to the next once you start comparing.
For a lot of buyers, that has turned the focus to value. Affordable options like cheap weed prove a lower price and a tested, quality product can go together. This guide explains how to shop smart in Canada without cutting corners.
Why Has Affordable Cannabis Become So Popular?
Because the novelty has worn off, and buyers now shop like they do for anything else. In the early days, people paid whatever the new legal stores asked. That has changed.
A few things drove that shift:
- A maturing market, with more retailers competing on price.
- Online sellers, whose lower overhead keeps costs down.
- Savvier buyers, who now compare rather than grab the first option.
- A wider range of formats and budget-friendly bulk sizes.
The result is a real focus on getting value for money. Crowdsourced figures put the early average near $6.85 a gram, and cannabis price data from Statistics Canada shows how legal and illegal prices have differed since 2018.
That gap is exactly why shopping around pays off. A careful buyer can pay noticeably less than a careless one for a comparable product. The sticker price is only where the comparison starts.
How Do Canadians Shop for Cheaper Weed?
With the same care they bring to any regular expense. A handful of habits make the biggest difference. These are the ones worth adopting:
- Compare the per-gram price. It is the only fair way to weigh two options.
- Buy larger formats. Bigger quantities almost always lower the unit cost.
- Skip premium markups. Plain flower beats pricey pre-rolls for value.
- Watch for sales. Online retailers run them often, especially on holidays.
- Match potency to the plan. A stronger product means you use less each time.
None of these involve settling for a worse product. They simply put your money to better use, the same way you would stretch your money on any other purchase. The cheapest sticker is rarely the best value, and the priciest is seldom worth it.
The same logic applies whether you shop in person or online in Canada. Read the label, weigh the cost per gram, and let the numbers guide you rather than the branding.
Is There a Catch With Low-Priced Cannabis?
Not in the legal market, which is the part newcomers miss. In Canada, every legal product is tested and labelled to the same standard, whatever it costs.
That means a budget option from a licensed seller has cleared the same checks as a premium one. It is screened for contaminants, and its potency is verified. Price reflects branding, packaging, and store margins far more than basic safety.
The genuine differences are in the finer points. Premium flower might offer a better aroma or a richer flavour, and some formats simply cost more to make. For everyday use, though, a well-priced choice usually performs just fine.
The real catch is buying outside the legal system. Health Canada’s overview of the Cannabis Act is a sensible read on what legal really means. Buying legal protects you, not buying expensive.
What Makes a Cheap Purchase a Smart One?
A couple of quick checks, mostly. A real bargain holds up to a second look, while a false one does not. The table below shows what to weigh.
| Check | Why It Matters |
| Is the seller licensed? | Only legal retailers guarantee tested product |
| What is the per-gram cost? | The headline price can hide a weak deal |
| Is potency on the label? | Higher strength can stretch your money |
| Are there bulk or sale deals? | These usually beat single-unit pricing |
| What does delivery cost? | Shipping can erase an online saving |
Any shaky answer there is a reason to pause. A licensed seller with clear pricing and labelling is the safe choice, while a suspiciously cheap unlicensed source is not. The legal age applies regardless, at 18 or 19 depending on the province.
Treat cannabis like any other considered purchase. Compare, check the details, and let value rather than habit lead the decision. That is how modest savings add up across a whole year.
Before You Buy
- Cannabis prices vary widely by retailer, format, and store overhead.
- Comparing the per-gram cost is the fairest way to judge value.
- All legal Canadian cannabis is tested, so cheaper is not unsafe.
- Bulk buys, sales, and plain formats keep spending down.
- Always buy from a licensed source, and factor in delivery fees.
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki on Pexels
Alt text: A shopper comparing prices online at home
Smart Savings, No Compromise
Buying affordable cannabis in Canada is not about chasing the lowest number you can find. It is about understanding what shapes the price and shopping with a little intention. Stick to licensed, tested products, compare the real cost per gram, and lean on bulk deals and online pricing. Do that, and an affordable choice stays a smart one, purchase after purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheap Weed Safe to Buy In Canada?
Yes, provided it comes from a licensed retailer. All legal cannabis in Canada is tested for contaminants and labelled for potency, regardless of price. A lower cost usually reflects branding and overhead rather than weaker safety, so a budget option from a legal seller is still a safe one.
How Do I Find the Best Cannabis Deals?
Compare the per-gram price, buy larger formats, and watch for sales from online retailers. Checking potency against price helps too, since a stronger product can mean you use less. The key is shopping deliberately instead of defaulting to the same brand or store each time.
Why Is Cannabis Cheaper Online?
Online sellers usually carry lower overhead than physical stores, and they run sales and bulk deals more often. That lets them price competitively while still selling tested, legal product. Just remember to factor in shipping, which can offset the saving on a small order.
Does Paying More Mean Better Cannabis?
Not necessarily. Price reflects branding, format, and store margins as much as quality, and all legal product meets the same testing standards. Premium options may offer a better aroma or appearance, but a well-priced choice often works just as well day to day.
