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The new world of octogenarianism
By GERRY POSNER Recently, a group of six old time friends whose roots were in Winnipeg, reunited in Palm Desert, California to celebrate a new digit for them in their age as in an “8.” To their dismay a zero came after it. They never contemplated that when they were eight. The years seemed to have gathered steam and as some of them say, they are now on the slope heading down ever faster. Confession – I am part of this group of octogenarians.
Now, to be exact, of the six of us, one of us turned 80 in 2022 and another will not reach that lofty status until August. But in the big picture, it is 480 years all together. The six of us include: Dr. Ted Lyons a name familiar to many readers; Michael Nozick, another well known name; Larry Booke, whose name is the name of the accounting firm he led for many years as in Booke and Partners; Sheldon Gilman of Los Angeles, whose father was also a prominent accountant in Winnipeg before moving in the 1960s to Kansas City, Missouri, where he and his wife Helen remained; Dr. Irv Tessler, a psychiatrist living up in northern California in the redwood country and me. The picture accompanying the article identifies the faces to the names. Yes, I suppose you are saying to yourself or anyone around you, whatever happened to these guys? When I knew them, they were young and looked good ( well, if not good, at least decent).
The good news is that we are all still in the game and we know it. We all recognize that we were privileged to have grown up in the best of times and in the best of places. We knew a time when television only made its way into the Winnipeg world in 1954, when we were only 11. We, of course, knew not of computers, iPhones, or social media. Our social media was gathering together after school, AZA and USY. We grew up when crime in Canada was relatively minor and infrequent, when people left their keys in the car, when we were allowed to stay outdoors alone until the street lights came on and when the closest we came to a weapon was playing “Knifey.” Our bonds were strong as that was the foundation for friendship with no real distractions. We were far from the only group to have and maintain this kind of a relationship over the years. I know of others, older and younger, who have had similar close friendships as they too were part of this golden era.
For about the last ten years, we have assembled in the Palm Springs area, sometimes with spouses and sometimes not, and have spent about five days together at the very least. We are not so steeped in the past that we do not make it to the present – far from that realm. Yet, we do spend a great deal of time remembering what was both good and bad. Mostly our memories of the past are filled with nostalgia for what we had and worry for what the future holds for our grandkids. That subject is good for many lively discussions. What is impressive is that we try to stay away from political topics as we have within our group, a wide range of opinions ranging from a lover of Tucker Carlson and company to a supporter of MSNBC. The two views, from right to left are far removed from one another with the rest of the group somewhere in between. Wisely, we change subjects when we veer into the political arena.
The area most talked about when we meet seems to be health related. There is no lack of discussion on that subject. In the big picture, we are doing ok, but there are issues for us, a not so surprising circumstance for six AK’s. Surgeries we have had – from back to hip to knee to heart, not to forget my two hernia operations. Still, we are out there and we even had three of us playing Pickleball in Palm Springs this year at a decent level, so we have life in us still. In fact, three of the group still suits up for work every day or close to it.
When it it all said and done, probably our greatest accomplishment is that collectively we have 15 kids and those 15 kids have added 26 grandchildren to the total. I suspect these grandchildren will never meet or in fact even know of one another for the most part. But, at age 80, it is comforting to know we have had some usefulness in at least one area of life.
One might expect that at this so called advanced age, we might have words of wisdom emanating from our lips. My contribution to that topic was my ability to spell the word octogenarian without help from the computer. One of the group suggested that we should recognize that 80 is the new 40, but the aches and pains we suffer when we awaken would belie that thought. Probably our greatest insight is the recognition of just how little we know, irrespective of an ability to do a New York Times Spelling Bee every day and get all the correct answers.
What drives us in part is the desire to keep these California gatherings going for as long as we can. The time together rejuvenates all of us. We know each other well enough that one of us can often finish sentences that somebody else starts. We are linked, bonded and tied in friendships in a way our parents never knew and our grandkids will never know. I told the group I will aim to be there at age 90, if they agree to meet me at this same spot.
Features
BOOK REVIEW: “Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege”
Reviewed by MURRAY BENDER “Thinking on your feet”—quickly defending a position in a coherent, persuasive manner—is a situation that many people find challenging and stressful. “If only I had said this.” or “Why didn’t I say that?” Hindsight is always 20-20.
Following the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, it has become increasingly necessary for diaspora Jews to “think on their feet” as they unwittingly face a barrage of tough, sometimes hateful, questions about Jews and their Israeli homeland.
Why is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? Why doesn’t Israel return the land it has stolen from Palestinians? Why are Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian farmers? How is Israel different from apartheid South Africa? Why can’t I criticize Israel without being called antisemitic? Is it true that Jews control the world? The list of potential questions is nearly endless.
Engage or hide? This is the difficult choice that confronts Jews as they look to deal with anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli behaviour. Fortunately, author and journalist Melanie Phillips comes to the rescue with her practical and insightful book, Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege.
According to Phillips, the dilemma has no single answer. “People need to decide how to behave in accordance not just with the specific circumstances but also with their own attributes and limitations.”
Some regard engagement with their opponents as a sacred duty. “They believe it is a betrayal of the Jewish people not to uphold Israel’s case.” Ohers may be uncomfortable with such a direct approach, but “those who decide to keep their heads down and avoid any altercation may well find that this leaves them with a permanent sense of regret and even failure,” she says.
As a result, it’s probably a good idea to adopt some sort of balance. And that’s where Phillips’ 150-page handbook comes in.
She starts by providing context around the “crisis of legitimacy and acceptance” from which Jews are reeling post-October 7. On the basis of extensive conversations with Jews from across the U.S., Britain and Australia, the author found that many “were near stupefied by the terrifying hatred and irrationality that was unfolding around them.” Again and again, they asked: “What should we do? What can we do?”
In response, Phillips offers a pragmatic approach to help prepare for the inevitable conversations, including a number of key principles:
- Get smart rather than emotional
- Stop playing defence
- Find common ground
- Be positive and confident
- Keep physically safe
Based on these overarching criteria, she provides an extensive list of quick and clever retorts to a range of different situations, emphasizing that “it’s our duty to our children and grandchildren to fight for truth and justice.”
So, the next time it is necessary to “think on their feet,” diaspora Jews will be able to respond quickly and confidently to those difficult questions about themselves and Israel. And they can thank Melanie Phillips for coming to the rescue.
Fighting the Hate: A Handbook for Jews Under Siege by Melanie Phillips is available online from Amazon and Indigo.
Features
ESports Meets Casinos: Overview of Bet Sport Gaming
ESports has become part of the interactive entertainment of online casinos. In fact, many fans already have the opportunity to use Dragonia Casino Bet Sport options while watching the matches of their favorite teams. The hybrid entertainment model opens up many possibilities and increases audience engagement. When video games intersect with betting, it creates a unique collaboration where participants have the opportunity to get a completely new experience right in their own home. At the same time, you can continue to enjoy the usual viewing of familiar tournaments and competitions.
How ESports and Casinos Interconnect
ESports has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that attracts spectators. Traditional casinos are focused on luck. But now they are introducing additional methods of encouraging their customers. Among such options, eSports events deserve special attention. Such bet sport offers combine the usual excitement with an element of competition. The structure of the casino entertainment provides participants with the opportunity to test their skills and reveal their own hidden talents. There are several forms of integration of eSports mechanics into the structure of a classic online casino:
- Competitive betting. Online casinos provide the opportunity to bet on eSports tournaments, which is similar to the usual sports betting. In addition, the possibilities are significantly expanded compared to simple viewing platforms.
- Skill-based casino games. Games inspired by eSports encourage players to actively participate in what is happening on the screen. The games reward the player’s results with certain prizes.
- Interactive arenas. Some casinos broadcast eSports events in real time. This allows players to follow the games directly online, which creates a feeling of real participation in familiar entertainment.
- Cross-platform interaction. Online casinos are introducing eSports-style leaderboards and achievements to attract more participants.
Such innovations appeal to new participants. Cultural changes are part of the development of the infrastructure of the classic casino, and eSports fans find a new environment for entertainment and communication.
Growth of ESports Betting
Global eSports revenue in 2025 exceeded $1.5 billion. Each bet sport option has made a significant contribution to the development. Surveys show that over 60% of players will express interest in betting on eSports, which reflects the demand and the need to develop an updated infrastructure for participation.
ESports events attract 15-20% more new participants compared to conventional casinos. The eSports betting market will exceed $20 billion by 2027, according to analysts’ forecasts, which encourages new participants to more actively watch tournaments and participate in various types of activity.
Why Fans Choose ESports
Bet sport gambling is gaining popularity. This is due to several reasons. For example, large casinos in Las Vegas and Macau now host full-fledged eSports tournaments alongside traditional entertainment. Venues are also experimenting with separate fan zones where sports betting and classic gambling are available.
Some of the most popular eSports disciplines are League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Some online casinos even introduce eSports mechanics into slots so that players can try something new.
In short, the intersection of eSports and casinos is a natural development of the industry. Competitive play and an optimized betting system create a comfortable environment for true fans who want to diversify their leisure time.
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Card Game Traditions: Complete Review from Casino Online Lolajack Experts
Card games have been around for centuries. They are constantly evolving and improving. For example, there are now many different formats of online games available. On sites like casino online Lolajack https://Lolajack.com/ca/, you can choose a title according to your preferences and skills. The traditions of card games date back to ancient times. To better show yourself, it is worth familiarizing yourself with these features. This way, you will gain experience, have a good time, and get acquainted with something completely new.
Roots of Card Games
Card games directly reflect cultural identity. They have a unique mathematical structure and thoughtful moves that make even professionals think. Depending on the tradition, the rules differ, but the basic principles always remain similar. Each game has a unique origin:
- Poker. It originated in the USA back in the 19th century. During its existence, many variations of gameplay have appeared. It combines risk, strategy, and psychology; therefore, it requires high skill from each player.
- Baccarat. This game has ancient origins. It appeared in the 15th century in Italy, after which it spread throughout Europe. Now it is the basis of any operator like casino online Lolajack.
- Rimmy and bridge. Card games require the cooperation of participants, so coordinated communication is important here.
- Blackjack. This is the perfect combination of skill and chance. The player needs to learn to make decisions quickly and monitor the circumstances.
Card games have their own origins and characteristics. Currently, they are an integral part of any online casino, offering a wide range of opportunities for participants.
Why Card Games Are So Popular
Experts from casino online Lolajack emphasize the importance of card games in many cultures. For example, poker remains the leader for a reason. There are more than 100 million active players worldwide who compete and work on their skills. Blackjack also does not lag behind the trends. The level of participation exceeds 40% of regular online casino users.
Every year, the level of online card games grows by 10%. This is possible due to digitalization and increased player awareness. In addition, seasonal events also increase the involvement of participants during peak periods.
Traditions of Card Games
Unique events attract the attention of fans. For example, the World Series of Poker attracts not only participants but also millions of viewers around the world. Sites such as casino online Lolajack also give participants the opportunity to try their hand and compete with professionals.
Baccarat is associated with high stakes. This is especially noticeable among the Asian audience, who like to put probability theory into practice. Blackjack also has an appeal among math lovers. The probabilities of the model and observations directly affect the decisions of players. Online casinos strive to ensure that participants have the opportunity to communicate and find an activity option according to their own preferences.
As a result, card games remain the true leaders of the gambling market. They not only entertain, but also develop attention, perseverance, and social skills. A large selection of various variations of classic games allows you to choose the version that suits your preferences. Developers do not lag behind trends and do everything possible to surprise fans.