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The very talented Matas brothers
By GERRY POSNER With all of the families in Winnipeg that have produced remarkable children in a variety of ways, surely one family that would rank right up at the top would be the Matas family. In this particular case, I refer to the three sons of Harry and Esther Matas. (The other Matas groups have also achieved much, but I am limited in space to cover all of them). The three sons of Dr. & Mrs. Matas – David, Manny and Robert have all reached some rather lofty levels in their respective fields and in fact, still continue to do so even to this day.
I suppose you would have to be asleep not to be aware of David Matas. It seems that singlehandedly he has taken on the cause of defending human rights around the world and has been a force in the pursuit of justice against former Nazis. His work is truly overwhelming in its depth and scope. In fact, there really is not enough paper to cover all of his accomplishments. Let’s start with the fact that in David Matas, you have a Winnipeg-born graduate from the University of Manitoba with a BA, a Master of Arts from Princeton, a Bachelor of Arts (Jurisprudence ) from the University of Oxford, and later a Bachelor of Civil Law. He is also a Barrister of the Middle Temple United Kingdom and, of course, a member of the Manitoba Bar. That was but the beginning for Matas. Matas served as a law clerk to the Chief Justice of Canada (a rather exceptional assignment ), became a special assistant to the Solicitor General of Canada and from there has continued on a path to what might be called achieving justice. He spent some years teaching at McGill as well at the University of Manitoba.
But it has been Matas’ work in human rights, his significant involvement in attacking the organ harvesting in China and his work for B’nai Brith in seeking justice for the victims of the Holocaust that has occupied David Matas over more than 30 years. The organizations that Matas has served in his human rights work are numerous and yet all, vital. His reach is extensive in terms of this work wherever there are abuses he uncovers.
In 2006, Matas along with former Winnipegger David Kilgour released the well known Kilgour-Matas report detailing the over 40,000 transplants of organs that had been harvested from members of the Falun Gong in China. In fact, so impressive was their work that both Kilgour and Matas were nominated in 2010 for a Nobel Peace Prize. I am hard pressed to come up with other Winnipeggers who have reached such an illustrious status. Moreover, he has been legal counsel to B’nai Brith for years, has brought to the attention of the Canadian Government and later prosecuted former Nazis living in Canada. For all of his contributions in so many areas to Canada, he was made a member of the Order of Canada. What I suggest stands out about David Matas is that with all that he has done, it has been done not for fame, not for money, and not for power, but just for the sake of bettering the world.
David went into law, but his brother Manuel went into medicine. Manny received his M.D. from the University of Manitoba and later a diploma in Psychiatry from McGill University. He became a clinical psychiatrist whose career spanned 42 years prior to his retirement. For most of his career, he worked in university teaching hospitals in Toronto and Winnipeg. He also worked for the Scarborough Board of Education. He was Medical Director of Adult Outpatient Psychiatry at the St. Boniface General Hospital for many years, as well as acting head of the Department of Psychiatry at the same hospital for several years. His subspecialty was ADHD. Manny was Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. He published many articles in peer-reviewed psychiatric journals and was a frequent presenter at national psychiatric conferences. After working at the St. Boniface Hospital for 20 years, he went into private practice with an office in the Medical Arts Building.
And, not to be forgotten, try this out” His book, “The Borders of Normal: A Clinical Psychiatrist De- Stigmatizes Paranormal Phenomena” was a #1 Amazon Best Seller in two categories: Parapsychology and Unexplained Mysteries. It was also a Whistler Independent Book Awards Finalist. This book, which received rave reviews, delves into many different aspects of the paranormal including dreams that come true, telepathy, ESP, visions, premonitions and near death experiences. Matas drew on his experience as a psychiatrist to examine the paranormal phenomena which, he claims, are in fact normal aspects of being human. Aside from all of that, Manny is a photographer, portrait artist and public speaker, father and grandfather.
Try growing up as the third brother with all of that around you. Robert Matas did just that and chartered his own course. Following receipt of an Honours degree from the University of Manitoba in Philosophy and a year spent at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Robert spent some eight years with the now defunct Winnipeg Tribune, both as a city hall reporter and later a provincial affairs reporter.
From 1980 through 2012, Matas became very well known for his work with the Globe and Mail in Toronto from 1980-88 and later in Vancouver from 1988-2012. Believe it or not, he had more than 5, 000 bylined articles in that paper over his career. During his time with the Globe, he served as the BC Bureau Chief, Western Canadian Desk Editor, National Correspondent, columnist, investigative reporter, feature writer and political reporter. Matas also provided commentary for radio stations in both Canada and the US. He also contributed to a book about government surveillance. In short, Matas was a serious journalist who covered local, provincial and national issues. Since retiring from the Globe in 2012, Robert has involved himself as a commissioner on the Vancouver City Planning Commission, also as a member of the City of Vancouver Independent Election Task Force. He has even co-edited a 50-page booklet on UBC’s 100 -year relationship with China. That might be something the Trudeau government might want to look at these days.
There they were in the 1950s – three Jewish boys growing up on Waterloo Street, just south of Corydon. Harry and Esther Matas may have had a glimmer of the future that lay ahead for their sons, but I believe they would be more than amazed at the heights the trio has achieved. The nachas is well deserved and, although Harry and Esther are not around to see this success, those of us that have any connection to any of the Matas brothers or even for those that do not, we can surely share the joy.
And, in fact, if you were to read the Matas family history which you can find online by Googling “Matas Family Winnipeg”, you would find a lengthy story about the extended Matas family, including grandparents Simon and Anna Matas and Max and Rose Steiman.
Their grandsons have done them proud. Best of all, the boys are very connected to one another and feel part of a large family network that includes children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and now great -nieces and great-nephews, along with many close cousins.
Features
5 Ways to Carve Out Gym Time in Your Life
From rewriting your brain and sticking to a disciplined workout regime, find the top 5 ways to carve out adequate gym time in your daily routine.
A Brief Introduction
It can be a hassle to find the time to work out if you are busy with everyday responsibilities. By incorporating a few practical strategies into your daily life, you can start being consistent with your gym routine.
- Remember Your Motivation to Prioritize
If you’re trying to be consistent, you need to know why you started out. People may have different reasons to commit their time to the gym. Be it to build muscles, lose weight, deal with stress, or improve overall health, having a clear vision of your goal will help you stick to it. With your reason to start always on your mind, you will now have a reason to keep showing up, day in and day out. This helps cut out excuses and prioritize your wellbeing.
- Reduce Your Barrier to Start
The more hurdles you keep on your way to start, the harder it will be to continue with your habit. The easy solution is to cut down on the effort it takes to get started. Pick an accessible gym over a fancier one that you would need to go out of your way to visit. By picking a gym along the route of your daily routine, you can seamlessly incorporate working out as part of your day. Be it near your workplace or your home, the location makes hitting the gym convenient.
It also helps if you plan ahead. Be it your preworkout, your protein shake, or other health supplements from flexpharma.is, make sure you are restocking before you run out. Anabolic steroids are possibly one of the most popular items that have methandrostenolone. Injectables, fat burners, and fusion steroids are some of the trending fitness products that have been creating a buzz across the world.
Keep your gym bag ready to go and lay out your workout gear ahead of time so that you are left with no excuses.
- Get a Gym Buddy for Accountability
Nothing helps drive athletes more than having a sense of community and camaraderie. People interested in weight training already know about the importance of a spotter. Having a friend, a partner, or a peer in the gym will help keep you on track to consistency. This also provides a sense of community, making it more rewarding to attend workout sessions regularly and push each other towards breaking new personal records.
- Incorporate Workouts in Your Daily Activities
It is impossible to make it to the gym every day without fail, be it due to work, family, or other responsibilities. For those days, make it a habit to not skip your workouts. There are many home workout videos and apps available that offer a range of exercise options with little to no equipment. You can start with mini-workouts like planks or squats during short breaks. It can even be as simple as going for a quick stroll for five minutes while stuck at work if you are pressed for time. The easiest way to increase your fitness and stamina is through Sermorelin, Semaglutide, and other cutting-edge peptides to start with.
- Rewire Your Brain
Science talks about neuroplasticity and the power of the positive feedback loop. Without having to learn more about cognitive sciences, you can still make use of these hacks to trick your brain into enjoying training. For every achievement, celebrate yourself. Be it a happy shout of victory on breaking a personal record or getting a new flavor of protein bar, with every celebratory action, you reinforce the positive effect of being consistent at the gym. By creating a positive experience, you make it easier for your brain to stay engaged and consistent at the gym.
Conclusion
It takes careful planning to commit to gym life. While hard work is always rewarded in the gym, in order to get to the gym day in and day out, you also need to work smart. By removing the common hurdles and being dedicated, you can make sure you reach your personal wellness goal.
Features
When will we most likely see an NFL expansion team from Canada?
It’s currently the middle of August, meaning that the biggest sporting show in North America doesn’t start for another three weeks. On September 5, the curtain will come down on the new NFL season as the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosts Baltimore Ravens at Arrowfield Stadium.
It’s not just Americans that love football though, the game and in particular the NFL is hugely popular north of the border here in Canada. Every week millions of Canadians tune in to cheer on their favourite teams and keep refresh their phones to find out the latest NFL standings.
What though, are the chances of Canadian NFL fans checking their phones to see how a Canadian team is doing in the standings? Read on to find out.
The History of NFL Expansion into Canada
Broadly there are two camps in Canada when it comes to NFL expansion. Those on one side of the debate claim that they don’t need an NFL team and that having one would cause harm to their own domestic competition.
On the other side of the battlefield are those who claim that the NFL is more popular in Canada than its own domestic league and that it is baffling that millions of Canadians are forced to support American teams when they could be supporting one of their own in the NFL.
Traditionally the second camp has been winning the argument, but only just. Which explains why many attempts for an NFL expansion into the country have failed, as the physical barriers to overcome have been, at times, overshadowed by the ideological ones.
From around 1975 to 2015, there have been numerous attempts to set up a franchise in Canada – particularly in Toronto – but none have taken hold. The closest that we have gotten to NFL action north of the border was when the Buffalo Bills played six regular season games at the Rogers Centre between 2008 to 2013.
(The fans might have loved the Toronto series, but it’s safe to say the Bill’s players didn’t particularly enjoy it.)
What’s Stopping Expansion?
Currently the argument for expansion is gaining momentum, but despite that there are still substantial obstacles to overcome. The key one is that there is no current suitable venue that the NFL see as being able to sustain a franchise.
In terms of supporter numbers, Toronto is the only feasible location for an NFL franchise. With a metropolitan population in excess of 6 million and an estimated football viewing audience of just under a million, it is by far and away the standout contender to host an NFL team.
Unfortunately, The Rogers Centre has since been turned into an exclusively baseball venue since being used as a temporary home for the Bills back in 2013. The next alternative in Toronto is BMO Field, the home of MLS side Toronto FC.
Whilst the 31,000 seater stadium is perfectly serviceable for MLS, its capacity puts it at below half of the average capacity of an NFL stadium (70,000).
What the Future Holds for Canadian NFL Expansion
There are three possibilities for a Canadian NFL expansion. The first is that the 18,000 seat expansion to BMO field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup satisfies the NFL. That would bring the total capacity at the stadium to just under 50,000, which would still make it the smallest stadium in the NFL but only by around 10,000 seats.
Or, that the stadium can be further expanded to bring it into line with other NFL venues and thus remove one huge obstacle to expansion. The other alternative is that work begins on a purpose built venue with the backing of local businessman and American entrepreneurs who are keen to see NFL played regularly in Canada.
Potential Timeframes
If the first two stadium possibilities are possible then we could see a Toronto based NFL team at the end of the decade. That’s a best case scenario. The most likely however is that BMO Field is deemed unsuitable for the NFL, leaving another venue to be found.
Unfortunately, 70,000 seater stadiums aren’t cheap and finding someone to finance a project of that size without the guarantee of an NFL franchise is highly unlikely. Until then, it looks like we’ll have to continue backing our own domestic league and enjoying the NFL from afar…
Features
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.
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.
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