Features
NHLer Zach Hyman Speaks Out Against Anti-Semitism
It’s been a breakout NHL season for both Zach Hyman and the Edmonton Oilers. For the first time since the 2005-06, the Oilers are playing in the Stanley Cup final.
At the outset of the season, if you were someone who bet on sports online, you probably wouldn’t have backed the Oilers to be in the Cup final series. Then again, if you were going to bet on an Edmonton player to enjoy a 50-goal season, Hyman wouldn’t have been your first choice, either.
That both outcomes would occur in the same campaign is truly remarkable.
Hyman, who netted a career-high 36 goals for Edmonton during the 2022-23 season, followed up with a 54-goal output this season, making NHL history in the process. He’s the first player of Jewish descent to record a 50-goal season ever in the NHL, a league that’s been playing games since 1917.
“I’m very proud of who I am,” Hyman told Sportsnet. “I’m proud of being Jewish. I’m proud of growing up in the Jewish community . . . and I’m proud of where we come from.”
Raised in the Jewish community of Toronto, Hyman is the grandson of Holocaust survivors. He was schooled in Judaism from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Hyman, though, is more than merely a spectacular hockey player. He’s someone who will always be willing to stand up for his people. When antisemitism reared its ugly head in Canada, Hyman didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the pulpit professional sports affords him to speak out against such intolerance.
Hyman: Antisemitism Must Be Eradicated
Hyman looks at what’s going on around the world and most significantly, in the areas where he and his family reside and is justifiably alarmed. There’s been a rapid escalation in antisemitic acts since the conflict between Israel and Palestine began in October of 2023.
In the USA, the Anti-Defamation League reported a 337% increase in hate crimes against Jews between October-December 2023 from the same time frame in 2022.
“Antisemitism has been rising for years, and it’s now reached the point where . . . it’s scary,” Hyman said. “It’s very clear that antisemitism as a result of what’s going on has been on the rise. Jewish people . . . don’t feel safe. There are attacks on synagogues. My high school [in Toronto] has had two bomb threats. This is just for being Jewish. It’s just because you’re Jewish. There’s no other reason.
“We live in Canada, in the US, where these things shouldn’t be happening. And we can’t turn a blind eye to it. Being a Jewish person doesn’t feel comfortable right now, and that’s a scary feeling.”
As much as he worries for his fellow Jews, Hyman believes that everyone of all faiths should be extremely alarmed at the hatred being directed toward his people.
“Even more so for people who are not Jewish, it’s important to recognize the rise in antisemitism, and to speak out and say, ‘Hey, no matter what’s going on in the world, there are Jews in North America who have nothing to do with what’s happening elsewhere, who do not feel safe.’ Hyman said.
“And that’s not OK. That should not should not be the case. And it’s on full display.
“Full display.”
College Protests Also Alarming
Hyman played US college hockey. He looks at what’s taking place on US college campuses, where some protesters are calling for Jewish genocide and he is utterly shocked that such talk is not being condemned by the university hierarchy.
“I went to the University of Michigan,” Hyman said. “I was a Jewish student athlete. If I was on campus and my president was not able to say that [a call for genocide] is not OK, I wouldn’t want to be at that school. It’s outright scary.”
Hyman worries about what the lack of de-escalation of such protests could lead to if they continue unchecked.
“This is a clear wakeup call,” he said. “The people who are going to those schools are the next generation of leaders in the United States. For representation to not be able to speak out against genocide, to say ‘This is not OK . . .’”
It’s not merely Jews that Hyman fears for if the slide down this slippery slope continues unabated.
“We need to protect not just our Jewish students, but all students against hate speech,” Hyman said.
Talking The Talk And Walking The Walk
Hyman’s pride in his Jewish faith assures that he’ll never shy away from the chance to speak out about issues that are impacting his fellow Jews.
He feels a responsibility to do so.
“As somebody that young Jewish kids look up to — not just an athlete, but as a proud Jewish person — I think it’s important that when things are really tough, a community binds together,” Hyman said. “It sticks together and fights antisemitism.”
He can draw upon evidence within his own family tree as to what horrors can result if such hate crimes and hate speech continue without resistance. As a youngster, Hyman knew that his grandfather walked with a limp, but didn’t know why.
As he grew older, the answer was explained to him. Hyman’s grandfather had been shot in the leg by German soldiers when en route to a concentration camp during World War II.
“A lot of my friends growing up have very similar stories,” Hyman explained to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector. “Grandparents who have gone through the same thing.”
Those events took place nearly a century ago. Society allegedly has evolved since that terrible time in the existence of humanity.
“We’re in the year 2023,” Hyman said. “It’s supposed to be getting better. We are supposed to be trying to eradicate hate, racism, antisemitism . . . any type of prejudice.”
Features
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?
Features
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.
Features
Remembrance of Things Present
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login