Features
The 1970 girls: the terrific ten
By GERRY POSNER I have always thought I was privileged to have grown up when and where I did, but I have learned that my children’s generation has also been imbued with this same feeling. In particular, I refer to 10 girls, now women, all born in 1970, who are all now just past 50, and who share this same sentiment. Their story almost makes one cry for a time gone by.
The ladies are: Jill (Margolis) Atnikov, Allison (Hyman) Axelrod, Davina ( Muchnik) Golden, Michelle Golfman, Jodi Hyman, Lisa (Golfman) Kroft, Marni (Fingold) Miller, Jackie (Rosen) Nash, Lisa (Hamburg) Weidman, and Samantha ( Zimberg) Adelman.
These are names known to many readers of the Jewish Post & News and beyond. They are women who have made a conscious effort to be connected ever since their earliest days together. There is what seems to be an unshakeable bond between all of them and their feelings of “ closeness” shine through and in all of them.
The reality of this deep friendship is best summed up in something Jill Margolis Atnikov wrote. Even though the girls were never at the same school together, “We have been friends for at least forty-nine years.” Organizations like Kadima, BB Camp, BBYO cemented the ten girls together in ways they could not have imagined. Whatever it was that tied these women together, it worked. Jackie Rosen Nash says, “We were all in close proximity to where we lived so we were able to be together. I could walk to everyone’s house. I can picture everyone’s house as they were.” That is a remarkable statement and I bet each of the group could describe all of their respective homes to one another.
Not all the women live in Winnipeg now. Out of the 10, there are five remaining in Winnipeg, with Michelle Golfman in Toronto, Marni Fingold Miller in San Diego, Jackie Rosen Nash and Lisa Hamburg Weidman in Vancouver, and Davina Muchnik Golden in Chicago. Included in this group are two sets of first cousins, as in Lisa Golfman Kroft and Michelle Golfman; and Jodi Hyman and Allison Hyman Axelrod. Between the 10 of them, they have added 14 more Winnipeg descendants (of a kind – since some of them are first Winnipeg removed). And, although they have gone on separate paths, what links them still is their desire to stay connected.
Davina Muchnik Golden works today as an educational assistant with two teenage daughters. Jodi Hyman is a Nurse Educator at Cancer Care Manitoba. Jackie Rosen Nash is a personal shopper (I sure could use someone like that). Marni Fingold Miller, mother of two children – both over 20, is an interior designer. Lisa Golfman, with two sons both over 20, is a small business owner in Winnipeg. Jill Margolis Atnikov is a Pharmaceutical Representative, a small business owner in Winnipeg and is mother to a 21- year-old daughter. Allison Hyman Axelrod, mother of two sons – both close to 20, also works in Winnipeg as a Senior Customer Success Manager in the Human Resource and Wellbeing Industry (you have to love that title). Michelle Golfman has another title I love, as she is a Director of Philanthropy. Lisa Hamburg Weidman works as an Education Intervention Specialist (I bet you never heard that term when you were growing up) and she has three kids – two over 20 and one just under 20. Samantha Zim-berg Adelman lives in Winnipeg and works as an Educational Assistant with two kids, also in the 20-year-old range.
Based on the ages of the children of these women, I suggest there is a further opportunity to tie some of them even more tightly together. Maybe it has already happened.
One theme that seemed to emerge after reading emails from several women was a really strong feeling for the Winnipeg Jets. As Lisa Golfman Kroft put it, “We used to stalk the hockey players from the Winnipeg Jets.”That thought was echoed by her cousin Michelle, who wrote that “ no matter where we are in the world the “ Winnipeg Jets” were and always will be our “ home team.” I think the group better plan a session together soon to help the Jets, who seem to be floundering right at this moment and need all the help they can get.
Lisa Hamburg Weidman reflected on the way the ten of them came together. She says “There were so many facets of community that connected us and brought us together. We were never all in the same school at the same time, but we were always connected. There were so many different circumstances that always brought us together.” Golfman Kroft adds, “We don’t see each other as often or speak to each other often but when we do, it’s like no time has passed.” Samantha Zimberg Adelman commented that “Sharing our love of music and concerts from when we were kids until now” was a common thread. Hyman Axelrod put a different slant on it when she wrote, “ I love how we have instilled in our kids the importance of these friendships. My kids always report back to me when they bump into one of the girls or their families. They know saying hello is important.” What was crucial to Muchnik Golden was “the time spent at the beach at Gimli for us to be together.” You would have thought that over the years, ten women (men too) would have had many disputes and arguments which might have affected their relationships, but Marni Fingold Miller’s take on it is “We recognize how unique this friendship is. We know each other’s shtick, but we continue to love each other.” I identified well with the comments of Jodi Hyman who suggested “There is something to be said for true friendship. We were bound together through growing up and participating in Jewish community youth programmes, to sharing many laughs as well as tears as we move through life’s joy and losses. Although we may be geographically spread out, we will always be united through our Winnipeg routes and true friendship.”
Now these lovely ladies have made the point of meeting together at reunions in different locations over the passing years. The accompanying photos give a glimpse of the genuine joy of the women as they met together on several occasions. Sadly, the plans in 2020 for the big 50th birthday reunion were shelved due to Covid. What they did instead was to initiate birthday Zoom calls as each woman hit the magic 50 and they did a catch up.
It is not an easy thing to do, that is, to retain life-long friendships. Life sends one off in different reactions and yet these women remain attached to this date. Was it the Winnipeg weather, the close knit community, the lack of cell phones and internet access, the fact that the parents knew each other? Who knows for sure? What is known is this: These women savour the memories. Not that long ago, at a reunion in Scottsdale, Arizona, they played a game called the “Voting Game”. This game tries to uncover the truth about your friendships. The players in the game vote anonymously for the particular player who is described by a particular question. As Jill Margolis Atnikov wrote, “ No doubt there were screams of laughter as we were taken back to our childhoods. One question in particular brought out the laughter as in ‘Who had the worst high school photo?’ On this question, there was unanimity though they never told me who that was, nor did they send me the photo.”
I think most of us would agree there is great merit in sharing memories of what each did for their childhood birthday parties, what they wore to Sweet 16 parties, who their first crush wa,s and on and on. What one forgets, another remembers.
I get it. While you do not have to be from Winnipeg to feel this way, it is likely that most of us who were privileged to have grown up at the time when we did and where we did, have experienced in some small or larger way, these same feelings. I am doubtful whether my grandchildren and the children of the group of ten will have these same kinds of relationships and memories. But that is another story.
Features
Why casinos reject card payments: common reasons
Online casino withdrawals seem simple, yet many players experience unanticipated decreases. Canada has more credit and debit card payout refusals than expected. Delays or rejections are rarely random. Casino rules and technical processes are rigorous. Identity verification, banking regulations, bonus terms, and technological issues might cause issues.
Card payment difficulties can result from insufficient identification verification. Canadian casinos must verify players’ identities before accepting card withdrawals. If documentation are missing, obsolete, or confusing, the request may be stopped or denied until verified.
Banks and card issuers’ gaming policies are another aspect. Some Canadian banks limit or treat online casino payments differently from card refunds. In such circumstances, the casino may recommend a more reliable withdrawal method.
For Canadian players looking to compare bonus terms and payout conditions, check https://casinosanalyzer.ca/free-spins-no-deposit/free-chips. This article explores the main reasons Canadian casinos reject card payouts, from KYC hurdles to bank-specific restrictions, so you know exactly what to watch for.
Verification Issues: Why Identity Checks Matter
KYC rules must be activated by licensed casinos. Players need to submit proof of their identity, address and age. If any documentation is missing, expired or unclear, the withdrawal will be denied. In Canada, for instance, authorities like the AGCO or iGaming Ontario have been cracking down on KYCs by demanding that submitted documents – whether photo ID, utility bills or bank statements – be consistent with all account details.
Common errors are submitting screenshots, cropped photos or documents with names, dates or addresses that aren’t entirely visible. Just the slightest differences in spelling or abbreviations or formatting can get these blocks triggered.
Another possibility is that the account was red flagged if previous withdrawals were already made without partial verification. Keeping precise, readable documents helps facilitate approvals and cuts through delays and frustrating red tape, as Canadian gamblers access their winnings both safely and quickly.
Timing Matters
Verification isn’t always instant. Documents being submitted during the busiest times, or on weekends or holidays can only prolong that approval process, and the withdrawal sitting pre-approved – or refused for that matter – until the casino reviews the paperwork. A lot of players feel disappointment not due to mistakes, but only for that a verification team still hasn’t checked their documents! This can be especially frustrating when winnings come from free chips or bonus play and players are eager to cash out.
Keep personal information current and only submit clear legible files to reduce the processing time. Ensure that any scans or photos are sharp, fully visible and there is no detail missing. Preventing Gaffes With submission guidelines to read over ahead of time and directions for following them exactly, verification issues can often be significantly minimized, avoiding delay in accessing winnings and making the lie down withdrawal process that much smoother at Canadian online casinos.
Banking Restrictions and Card Policies
Not all credit or debit cards are eligible for casino withdrawals. Many Canadian banks restrict transactions related to gambling. For example, prepaid cards, virtual cards, or certain credit cards may allow deposits but block withdrawals. Even if deposits work, a payout can fail if the bank refuses incoming gambling credits.
Cards issued outside Canada can also be declined due to international processing rules. Currency conversion restrictions may prevent a CAD payout to a USD card, depending on the bank’s policies.
Banks keep an eye on abnormal or frequent transactions. Online casinos can flag large or multiple withdrawals as suspicious and in such cases may impose temporary blocks on withdrawals or outright decline the withdrawal until the issuing bank confirms them with its account holder. Contacting your bank in advance will avoid any surprises and make withdrawals go more smoothly. What to consider when using your card in Canada:
- Check if your card type supports gambling withdrawals (prepaid, virtual, and some credit cards may not).
- Confirm whether your bank allows international online casino payouts.
- Be aware of currency conversion restrictions.
- Monitor withdrawal frequency to avoid triggering fraud alerts.
- Contact your bank ahead of time to authorize or clarify online gambling transactions.
- Keep alternative withdrawal methods ready, such as e-wallets or bank transfers.
Being aware of these constraints prevents Canadian players from having declined payouts, delays and waste of time when it comes to handling the casino money properly.
Wagering Requirements and Bonus Conditions
Many Canadians chase casino bonuses, including deals built around free chips, but these offers always come with conditions, Wagering requirements usually require players to bet a multiple of the bonus before withdrawing. Attempting a payout before meeting these conditions will be automatically declined. Not all games contribute equally: slots often count 100%, table games 10–20%, and certain features nothing at all.
Misinterpretation of this, can make it appear as though a withdraw should be valid, while the casino believes there are unmet bonus requirements. Some casinos also impose a minimum withdrawal amount and will cap card payouts. And if you have more than the minimum in your account, a limit set off by your bonus could limit withdrawal. By testing these issues early on, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation. How to manage bonus conditions effectively:
- Have a close look at the terms of the bonus – check out wagering requirements, game contribution and time limits.
- Track your progress – note how much of the bonus has been wagered and which games contribute most.
- Plan your gameplay – prioritize slots or eligible games to efficiently meet wagering.
- Check withdrawal limits – ensure your balance meets minimums and bonus-specific caps.
- Avoid early withdrawals – never attempt a cash-out before meeting all conditions.
- Use trusted sources – platforms like CA CasinosAnalyzer can clarify real requirements and prevent surprises.
Following these steps helps players meet bonus conditions without stress and makes bankroll management smoother.
Features
What is the return on investment of US military spending on Israel?
By GREGORY MASON A recurring theme of Israel’s critics is that were it not for US spending on its war machine, it would be unable to wage genocide. I will leave the genocide issue (sic, I mean non-issue) aside as it has been well covered here and here.
Of course, right now (March 11), the war is going well for Israel and the US. In fact, the Israeli and American air forces are showing a level of coordination enabled by decades of close cooperation between the two militaries. I recall a conversation with an IDF colonel, the commander of a base near Eilat, in 2010, during a mission that gave participants access to high-level military briefings. Tensions between Israel and the US had soured, as they periodically do, and I asked whether this ebb and flow in political posturing affected military operations. The colonel said political leaders come and go, but the cooperation between the Israeli and American militaries is very tight. To quote him, “they need us as much as we need them. We are their eyes and ears in this part of the world.”
Many on both the right and left call for the US to disengage from Israel, especially with respect to defence spending. First, let us look at facts.
Table 1 readily shows the impact of the war in Ukraine, with Russia’s spending also reflecting wartime demands. Israel’s total commitment of 5-6% of GDP amounts to $45 billion in defence spending, reflecting its perpetual need to defend itself and maintain a permanent reserve force. Table 2 elaborates on defence spending as a share of public spending. Unlike other countries that have been free riding under the US military umbrella (and Canada is the most egregious of the lot), Israel has made very substantial commitments to its own defence. The $3.8 billion spent on hardware for US equipment is a fraction of Israel’s total defence budget of about $43 Billion. All U.S. financial aid to any country for military hardware must be spent on U.S.-manufactured equipment by law.
Critics of US defence funding for Israel miss two key points. First, as Table 3 shows, financing sent to Israel does not involve troop deployment. Israel does not want the US to station troops within its borders. The costs of maintaining troop deployments and all the associated support costs for NATO, Japan, and South Korea are orders of magnitude higher than the financing for the hardware it provides to Israel.
Second, and the current joint US/Israeli operations in Iran bear this out, Israel has dramatically improved the equipment platforms it purchased. Examples include:
- The F-15 has benefited from Israeli wartime use, resulting in major improvements, including a redesigned cockpit layout, increased range through fuel redesign, improved avionics, new weaponry, helmet-mounted targeting, and structural strengthening.
- Because Israel was an early partner in the fighter’s development and had access to its top-secret software suite, the Israeli version of the F-35 is a radically different plane than the model delivered. Improvements include increasing operational range, embedding advanced air defence detection, and integrating the fighter with Israel’s defence network, creating extensive system integration. This proved instrumental in the rapid establishment of air superiority in the 12-day war in 2025.
- The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) program has benefited from a joint research and development relationship between Israel and the U.S.
- Finally, Iron Dome has contributed to U.S. air defence development, particularly the Tamir interceptor technology, battle management, target discrimination, and the development of a layered air defence system.
No senior military or political official questions the return on investment American gains by funding Israel’s acquisition of U.S. military hardware.
Features
Why Returning Players Often Stick to a Few Favorite Games on Platforms Like Gransino Casino
Many online casino players develop clear preferences over time, and Gransino Casino highlights how familiar games often become the center of regular play sessions.
Online casinos typically offer large catalogs filled with hundreds of different slot titles. While this variety allows players to explore new experiences, many returning users gradually settle on a smaller group of games that they revisit regularly. This pattern appears across many digital gaming environments, where familiarity often becomes just as important as novelty.
Platforms such as Gransino Casino demonstrate how this behavior emerges in practice. Even though players have access to many different titles, returning visitors frequently gravitate toward games they already know and understand.
Familiar mechanics reduce learning time
One reason players return to the same games is that they already understand how those titles work. Each slot game has its own rules, bonus features, and payout structure. When a player first opens a new title, they often need a few minutes to understand the paytable, special symbols, and feature triggers.
Once that learning process has taken place, the game becomes easier to approach in future sessions. Players do not need to spend time reviewing instructions or exploring unfamiliar mechanics. Instead, they can begin playing immediately with a clear sense of how the game operates.
On platforms like Gransino Casino, this familiarity can make certain titles stand out as reliable choices. When players know what to expect from a game, the experience often feels smoother and more predictable during short play sessions.
Personal preferences shape long-term choices
Another factor influencing player behavior is personal preference. Some players enjoy specific visual themes such as mythology, adventure, or classic fruit machine designs. Others may prefer particular gameplay features, such as free spins, cascading reels, or bonus rounds.
Over time, players tend to identify the games that best match these preferences. Once they find titles that align with their interests, they are more likely to return to those games rather than start the search process again.
This pattern can be seen on Gransino Casino, where players browsing the lobby may explore different titles at first but eventually settle on a smaller group of favorites that suit their individual style.
Habit formation in digital gaming
Habit formation also plays a role in why players repeatedly choose the same games. In many digital environments, users develop routines that guide how they interact with a platform. This behavior is visible across streaming services, mobile games, and online casinos.
Once a player has established a routine, returning to familiar content often becomes part of that pattern. For example, a player might log in and immediately open the same slot they played during previous sessions. The familiarity of the interface, symbols, and features can make the experience feel more comfortable.
Platforms like Gransino Casino support this behavior by maintaining consistent game availability and allowing players to locate previously played titles easily within the lobby.
Exploration still remains part of the experience
Although many players develop favorite games, exploration remains an important part of the online casino experience. New titles continue to appear on casino platforms, introducing different mechanics, themes, and visual styles.
Players often alternate between their familiar choices and occasional experimentation with new games. A player might return to a favorite slot for most sessions while occasionally trying recently released titles to see if they offer something interesting.
The wide selection available on Gransino Casino allows this balance between familiarity and discovery. Players can continue returning to the games they enjoy while still having the option to explore new additions within the platform’s catalog.
Ultimately, the tendency to revisit favorite games reflects how players build their own routines within digital entertainment environments. Familiar titles offer a comfortable starting point, while new releases provide opportunities for occasional exploration, creating a mix of consistency and variety within each player’s experience.