Features
Top Manitoba Infectious Diseases specialist also amateur herpetologist
By MYRON LOVE Dr. Yoav Keynan is a man who wears many hats. The Israeli-born clinical scientist who specializes as the scientific director of the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID) at the University of Manitoba; he is an associate professor in the university’s Max Rady College of Medicine (the Departments of Internal Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Community Health Sciences); he is an infectious diseases consultant in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Manitoba HIV Program Ad Honorem professor at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellin, Colombia, clinician-scientist.
And, as if that were not quite enough to keep him fully occupied, he is also an amateur herpetologist – a passion he shares with fellow reptile husbandry enthusiasts across Canada.
Keynan says that he collects snakes of the genus Pituophis – a group of nonvenomous snakes native to North America. “We have reptile expos in Manitoba once or twice a year,” he reports. “Mainly though I keep in touch with fellow reptile husbandry enthusiasts online.
“Reptiles are low maintenance pets.”
Keynan recalls that he first became interested in snakes when he was nine-years-old growing up in the small community of Omer, which is near Beersheva in the Negev. And it was in Beersheva – at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev where he began his medical journey in the late 1980s.
Following graduation in 1994, the newly minted doctor did an internship at the Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba and completed his residency in 2004 at the Carmel Medical Centre in Haifa.
That same year, he received his certification in Internal Medicine.
Keynan came to Winnipeg in 2005 to work with the late Dr. Frank Plummer at the National Microbiology Laboratory. Plummer had an international reputation in research pertaining to the treatment of HIV. The Israeli researcher was also fortunate to be able to train with Dr. Keith Fowke, earning his Ph.D. in 2014 in the area of Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology and Viral Immunology.
“What I find intriguing about internal medicine and infectious diseases,” Keynan observes, “is the complexity of the medical issues. The discipline requires good problem-solving skills. As well, infectious diseases is a field of study which you can never fully master because viruses and bacteria are continually changing. There is always something new to learn and something that you have never seen before.”
According to his University of Manitoba webpage, Keynan’s research “focuses on immune and genetic determinants of immune activation and the role they play in HIV acquisition, progression and end-organ dysfunction. The laboratory is using a multidisciplinary approach to the study of pulmonary infections among HIV infected individuals, combining epidemiology, clinical aspects as well as study of the microbiome and the interaction with host immune responses”
As the HIV specialist can report, the treatment options for HIV patients today are such that. for many patients, one pill a day is enough to keep the virus sexually non-transmissible. New infections disproportionately affect people experiencing structural barriers and who have social determinants that adversely impact health.
For the past seven years, Keynan also points out, he and his team of researchers into the treatment of HIV have been collaborating with colleagues in the Colombian city of Medellin. He describes Colombia as a “beautiful country with a complex history”.
“The researchers we are working with are amazing,” he says. “We have enjoyed a very productive collaboration.”
Other areas of research for Keynan revolve around early markers of tuberculosis acquisition and determinants of susceptibility – also in collaboration with colleagues in Medellin – and the potential for new as well as repurposed drugs for the treatment of Covid-19.
Keynan has been recognized in recent years for his research efforts and teaching, receiving a Doctors Manitoba Scholastic Award and two Manitoba Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) teaching awards: Med II Best teaching in small group setting, and the Canadian Foundation for Infectious Diseases/ AMMI, Dr. John M. Embil Mentorship Award in Infectious Diseases.
Within our Jewish community, Dr. Keynan has served – appropriately – on the board of the local branch of the Canadian Friends of Ben-Gurion University.
Dr. Keyman is the father of two daughters – Adi and Rotem – and he is happy to report that the two Gray Academy grads are both currently enrolled in the Faculty of Science at the University of Winnipeg.
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.
Features
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.