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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.

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The Allure of Cherry Scents in Modern Fragrance Trends

Cherry-scented perfumes have become the new darling of the fragrance world. Thanks to their fruity notes and unique ability to bring out sophistication and warmth, cherry perfumes are an emerging trend in the modern world of scents.

One of the most famous perfumes of the generation is the Tom Ford Lost Cherry and the well-loved fragrance is simply unbeatable. They’re so developed, deep, and warm. For customers looking for a more affordable option, perfumes like Ambery Cherry have found a nice middle between luxury and attainability.

Why Cherry Scents Are Having a Moment

Cherry fragrances offer sophistication, freshness, and complexity. These perfumes strike a perfect balance between sweetness and adulthood, making them suitable for any occasion and mood. Cherries are a symbol of indulgence, delectability, and nostalgia. There are several fragrance users who want more than just a nice and simple scent; they’re looking for a story too.

For this reason, a lot of perfumers have gotten extra inventive with their cherry notes, including other notes that establish a unique story. Almond notes, tonka bean, smoky undertones – anything that can place wearers directly on a unique pedestal in an olfactory universe. With this newfound creativity, cherry-scented perfumes have become a genre of their own in the world of luxury perfumes.

Cherry Fragrances and the Senses

Just imagine the moment when someone with cherry fragrance sprays it on their skin. The first notes that blossom through are of tangy, sweet cherry juice. You are then transported to an orchard bathed in sunlight. That is the kind of sensory experience you get with a cherry fragrance.

They’re the right mix of elegant and playful and warm and bold. Again, the likes of Tom Ford Lost Cherry have raised the bar when it comes to making a perfect fragrance. This has, in turn, resulted in the likes of Ambery Cherry becoming easily available to the masses.

Cherry Scents as Personal Statements

Fragrances are not just some additional accessory but an extension to your personality. Cherry fragrances, with their warmth and alluring nature, allow the wearer to make some pretty unforgettable, striking statements everywhere they go. The kind of people who stop and give them a try are people who enjoy timeless elegance while remaining modern and fresh! There is something about cherry fragrances that intrigues you. You just can’t pinpoint what it is but they smell divine.

Finding the Perfect Cherry Fragrance

Given that cherry fragrances are so hot right now, you might find yourself doing a double take as you try to navigate your next move. The best way to decide is to choose one that aligns with your personal style. If your tastes run to the daring and complex, Tom Ford Lost Cherry might tickle your fancy.

If you are after a comparable experience at a more appropriate price tag, there are options like Ambery Cherry as alternatives. They make cherry perfumes accessible to everyone, no matter how deep their pockets are. This will only mean that more of us will experience and fall in love with this note.

Embrace the Cherry Trend

Cherry perfumes are for everyone but many already know this, especially now that there are affordable alternatives. For those who are regular shoppers at luxury perfume counters, don’t let this amazing scent escape your growing collection. Welcome to the beautiful world of cherry perfumes. Now that there are pocket-friendly yet luxurious editions, what is stopping you from considering them?

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Exploring the Technology Behind CrazyVegas’s Seamless Gameplay

With the fastest load speeds, the smoothest play, the most reliable form of security and so many more exciting extras, going with this CrazyVegas online casino really is like magic. But what’s behind all these, you ask? What are the crazy ins and outs of the system that continually delivers the fun and excitement to you, the player?

Advanced Servers for Lightning-Fast Performance

Nothing ruins an awesome gaming experience quite like lag — or bugs. Overheated servers, not enough server-pressure points, and even the choice of a hard drive over a solid-state drive because if the host is lagging, you’re lagging. And at CrazyVegas, we don’t do “lagging,” or its little brother, downtime.

Because as cool as all of the above is and more, we are focused on keeping the good times rolling with as little interruption on your desktop, tablet, or mobile and hassle-free infrastructure.

Cutting-edge Graphics Powered by HTML5

The design makes or breaks the online casino. Some even say it’s as important as games. With HTML5 used in CrazyVegas, there’s nothing to worry about. The game design and graphics look and act just about the part. All modes can be played on any size screen without a clumsy or confusing transition.

From playing that latest slot to getting into that poker final and anything in between. There’s a clear view of all the visuals and there are no visual bugs that make it painful on the eyes. All thanks to magical HTML5.

AI and Machine Learning for Personalized Experiences

Beneath the system, the AI and machine learning algorithms are creating a uniquely designed gaming world for each player. CrazyVegas uses AI to analyze players’ input and then provide real-time gameplay and promotional offers depending on this player’s preferences.

If the AI detects this player has a preference for games that require more strategy (e.g. BlackJack) then this could result in higher table games or even more game tips to help you play and win. This has made the system create an experience built for the people who play it. But decentralized at the same time.

Secure Transactions with Blockchain Integration

Security is paramount in any online casino, and CrazyVegas doesn’t disappoint. By utilizing blockchain technology, this online casino can provide an unprecedented level of security (and transparency) online — beyond anything else in the industry. With blockchain, user funds are safe and games are fairer.

Any transaction (e.g., deposit, withdrawal) is encrypted and transmitted securely, channeled onto a decentralized contract ledger that ensures your money plus data are safe from any kind of hack.

Mobile Optimization

With the days we live in now, online gaming is a form of relaxation and this casino is just as good as its competition. It is mobile-friendly, meaning a customer can play whenever, wherever!

Thanks to the design and discomfort of cookies, this online casino is for any player. It doesn’t matter if you are at home or just about anywhere, you can definitely play your favorite games on your mobile.

Fair Play with RNG Technology

One of the most important aspects of online gaming is fairness. CrazyVegas has this well covered and uses Random Number Generator (RNG) technology throughout its games to ensure that all game outcomes are entirely random.

Third-party independent testing ensures this remains the case, and our users can be certain they are all in with a fair and equal chance. And with us, the gameplay really is a play that can be trusted!

The Future of Gaming at CrazyVegas

As technologies evolve, we evolve too. CrazyVegas always follows the edge of the possible and even more, providing all the incredible tech pieces to give you more depth and more awesomeness in your gambling. Imagine walking into your VR casino, chatting with other players and a dealer in real time, or using AR to make your gambling appear right on your dinner table! All the tech pieces are endless, and we will take it all to provide the best new experiences to our players.

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Remembrance of Things Present

Bill Marantz

By BILL MARANTZ When I woke up, on Monday, November 11, I forgot it was Remembrance Day. Or, as the “Chosen People” call it, Groundhog Day. Aka: “today.” True, as usual, I had pinned on a fake poppy (that, as usual, had fallen off) but that is the extent of my involvement in this memorial holiday. You don’t have to be reminded of something you can’t forget.

Take the Holocaust.

Please. As far as Velvel Marantz is concerned, Yom Hashoah is redundant. An annual guilt trip I’ve been on since the age of ten, shortly after Donald Trump’s previous incarnation made an ash of himself, and his “Final Solution” was revealed. To atone for the sin of being born in Canada, and being too young to be forced to risk my life on a European battlefield, I would lie awake, in bed, and torture myself with fantasies of being tossed into a roaring fire, kicking and screaming, as the iron door shut behind me. In my innocence, I didn’t realize it was not my European brothers and sisters that were fuel for Adolph Hitler’s “ovens,” but their lifeless remains.

When I learned the true details of their martyrdom, I had a slightly less harrowing nightmare to conjure up. One that involved “shower rooms” that dispensed Cyclone B, rather than H2O. This may seem like a rather morbid turn of mind but I am not an exception, but the rule. That’s what Judaism is all about. Remembrance of things present. Every morning, the first thing we do, is count our blessings. Recite fourteen prayers of thanks that can be summed up in a single prayer: “Thank you, ha’Shem for letting me wake up.” And every Saturday, and Jewish holiday, we recite a passage from the same book we’ve been reading for several thousand years. Lest we forget where we came from, and where we don’t want to go.

Again.

It’s like a joke my late friend Ron Brooker, who worked for Fox films, used to tell. The Jolson Story and Jolson Sing Again were such big hits that they were thinking of making another sequel: Jolson Sings Again and Again.

Jews dominate the movie industry but we don’t all go to the synagogue. Or “Temple,” as my New York cousins say. Not all Jews are created equal. There are secular Jews, self-hating Jews and assimilated Jews, who don’t “identify” as Jews (to use the current jargon). But there’s no escape. It’s like the Mafia. “Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!” Judaism is not a choice; it’s “bashert.” A blessing and a curse. Like winning a Gold Medal in the women’s 100 meter butterfly and still having to pee, standing up. To paraphrase my favorite author, Isaac Bashevis Singer: “If you ever forget you’re a Jew, don’t worry, there will always be a Gentile around to remind you.”

Which is why I don’t bother to celebrate Remembrance Day.

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