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The Max Blankstein legacy
By GERRY POSNER Thanks to former Winnipegger Murray Blank-stein, I was fortunate enough recently to obtain, read and savour a book just released on the life and works of Canada’s first Jewish architect, one Max Blankstein. He, of course, was more than just Canada’s first licensed Jewish architect as his children, three of whom prominently followed in his footsteps as architects, and others, including their descendants, have made notable achievements in various other endeavours, including those related to architecture.
The book was the result of the efforts of the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation and members of the Blankstein family. The fact that the book honours the memory of a man who died at a young age of 58 and who was only professionally active in the field for about 26 years, speaks volumes about the prodigous amount of work produced by Max Blankstein during this period. The book categorizes his work into different types of uses, selecting representative examples of his building and commercial blocks, theatres, single family residences, apartment blocks, institutions, warehouses and service buildings.
Max was versatile. The book lists his work, principally in Winnipeg, but also elsewhere in Manitoba and Saskatchewan where the research effort was able to document what Max had designed. The length of the list is staggering. Winnipeg was then, and remains to this day, the beneficiary of his skill and dedication. Max’s life is reconstructed, beginning from his days in Odessa in what was then Russia and now Ukraine. The book even includes photos of two of the buildings he designed in Odessa that were still in existence at the time this research was being undertaken. Accessing records in Odessa going back to the first decade of the twentieth century took considerable effort.
In Canada, the story traces Max’s arrival in July of 1904 and his receiving certification as an architect in Manitoba some six years later. However records show that by 1907, Max as an architect or designer was filing applications for building permits with the City of Winnipeg. On September 19, 1910, the Province delivered his certificate of compliance in accordance with the provisions of The Architects Act (1910), which statute had just been passed into law that year.
One of the best parts of the book is the clear and effective descriptions of the buildings Max designed and I make that statement as someone whose knowledge and understanding of architecture is very limited. Thanks must be paid to Murray Peterson and Susan Algie from the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation, who did the research and writing for the book. Just the number of photos and drawings which they were able to reproduce makes this book worthwhile. Another feature of the book is the history that is interwoven into the story, so that the reader gets an appreciation of where Max was, the obstacles he faced along his path to and in Winnipeg, the political turmoil affecting the world, and the impact of that on an immigrant’s experience. That allows the reader to get a perspective of the time and place.
Still another aspect of the book is that it gives the reader an idea of how Winnipeg was the place to be at that time – or at least part of it, prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, which cut 8,000 nautical miles off the shipping distance to and from Canada’s west coast. The book also deals with the effects the First World War had on finance, investment and development in Western Canada. Max benefited from the time when Winnipeg was taking off and was the fastest growing city in North America. Much of his work occurred in the period between 1904-1920 and there are visible remnants of his work even today.
A significant component of Max Blankstein’s architectural imprint was in the theatrical world. Max had a keen sense of theatre design and so he was often called upon to design venues for theatres across the three prairie provinces of Western Canada, including in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Neepawa, The Pas, and Regina. And for anyone who grew up in Winnipeg and was fortunate to haver attended the Uptown Theatre at 394 Academy Road – well, that structure was a Max Blankstein special. I know this. As a child, I was there almost every Saturday afternoon and even then, I realized how unusual was this theatre. It seated 1200 on the main floor and another 427 in the balcony. The interior was styled as a Morrish village. Who cannot recall the dark blue ceiling with twinkling stars, a moon and the towers from the exterior of the building set inside on each side of the proscenium?… a sight to behold.
The book gives a far better insight into the detail of the structure than I could ever do. And lest I forget, Max was involved in the construction of some of the most well known Jewish institutions and buildings of his day. He was the designer of the Winnipeg Hebrew Free School (the first Talmud Torah at 121 Charles Street) – and later a branch at 220 Andrews Street, the Mount Carmel Clinic on Selkirk Avenue, the Adas Yeshurun Synagogue (demolished). As well, he provided design input for the Shaarey Shamayim Synagogue (at 129 Dagmar Street) in Winnipeg prior to its merger with the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. That building is still standing, but it has not been a synagogue since 1949 when its replacement was opened on Wellington Crescent. Do yourself a favour and take a look at that building on Dagmar today.
Check out as well some of the houses Max designed. They are charming. Just as fascinating for me, aside from the story on the works of Max Blankstein, is the family tree and the people in the Blankstein family who followed their father and grandfather into the profession of architecture or in corollary fields. Their names are readily identifiable and I suggest to you that you will come to realize what a force this man was just by virtue of his progeny. Perhaps the most telling aspect about Max and his family is revealed in a piece of paper found in the wallet of his eldest son Wolfe, after Wolfe’s death in 1990. It was in Wolfe’s handwriting and is as follows: “Architecture is a social art. One looks at paintings or sculptures but people live and work in buildings. It is the most expressive art of all and therefore the slowest to change. Architecture is also the most visible of all arts. Buildings shape the environment, paintings and sculptures only adorn it.”
Thus, if you want to learn little bit about the buildings around you even now and appreciate a bit of history along the way, this is the book for you. Moreover, you might want to take in the display mounted by the Winnipeg Architectural Foundation (WAF) on the subject of the Max Book now on at the Winnipeg Millennium Library with plans, photos, artifacts and explanatory notes.
The book was officially launched in Winnipeg at McNally Robinson on November 29 with appearances by co-authors Murray Peterson and Susan Algie.
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Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.