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Winnipeg physician Tamar Rubin publishes first full book of poetry
By BERNIE BELLAN
Becoming a doctor requires a tremendous amount of dedication, intelligence, and empathy – and those are just some of the attributes that one might suggest are prerequisites.
But, as I’m sure most of us have discovered over the years, practicing medicine is an art form that may often complement other artistic sides that many doctors have, but of which their patients – perhaps even their colleagues, may be unaware.
Recently I was sent some publicity material about a Winnipeg doctor by the name of Tamar Rubin who, as the material noted, is an accomplished poet whose writing has appeared in a number of poetry journals. (She has also written for several medical journals.) I was also sent a copy of the first fully published book of her poems, titled “Tablet Fragments”. (The title of the book, as Tamar explains in her prologue, is a reference to the tablets Moses brought down from Sinai, then smashed.)
Here is how Tamar is described on the website of the publisher, Signature Books:
“Tamar Rubin grew up immersed in Hebrew, Jewish traditions and texts, in a secular household, the daughter of an immigrant mother. In becoming a physician, she learned yet another language: medicine.
“The poetry in Tablet Fragments, Rubin’s first published collection, weaves between the texts of all her learning, deploying evocative biblical mythopoetics and the precision of medical science.
“Writing as a diagnostic eyewitness to the complexities of her life, Rubin explores the natural history of familial and romantic relationships, the impacting of migration and displacement, and her composite identities as outsider and insider; as doctor and her own body; as daughter, lover, mother and poet.”
After I finished reading the poems in “Tablet Fragments”, of which there are 71, I spoke with Tamar Rubin – about her background, her medical practice, and her poetry.
Tamar told me that her mother was born in Israel, her father in Canada, that her parents met in Israel and that they eventually moved to Toronto, which is where Tamar was born and raised.
After obtaining her undergraduate degree at McGill, Tamar went to the University of Toronto for her MD, followed by training in pediatrics at University of Alberta, subspecialty training in clinical immunology and allergy at University of Manitoba, and then further training in pediatric immunodeficiency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio.
Tamar finally settled down in Winnipeg in 2017 with her husband (who is also a doctor) when she began her current career as a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital, specializing in allergies and immunology. Tamar told me she trained under well-known allergist Dr. Allan Becker and now trains f other students who are enrolled in the allergy and immunology program at the Rady Faculty of Medicine.
She says that her work now is primarily in the “academic sector of medicine.”
At the same time Tamar is busy raising her two children, a two-year-old and an eight-month old. I wondered then how she has any time to write poetry – between juggling a demanding career and looking after two very young children. She admitted that it was much more difficult to find time to write poetry, noting that “I used to be a little more disciplined about it. I write when I can.”
I was intrigued by the notion of a poetry-writing physician, although doctors as writers is quite common. In fact, the discipline that doctors must bring to practicing their profession certainly lends itself to the same sort of discipline required of a writer. I mentioned to Tamar that in the past we have excerpted poems from another Toronto Jewish doctor, Ron Charach, although it’s been some time since we’ve heard from him.
In fact, some of the poems in “Tablet Fragments” require a mathematical-type of analysis, as they are laid out in a quasi-geometric fashion that requires several readings in order to grasp their meaning. Tamar acknowledged that some of her poems are “more accessible than others”, but when I admitted that I had some real trouble trying to figure out how to read some of the poems because they were laid out in such a quizzical manner, she simply laughed and said I could read them any way I wanted.
Tamar’s poems cover the gamut of her life experience, including her upbringing, her consciousness of her Jewishness, her closeness to her mother and grandmother, challenges in her own motherhood, her work as a physician, as well as a range of other subjects. While they are personal, they are not soul-baring. While some are more difficult to read than others, for the most part they are all quite easy to read.
Here is an excerpt from one about Tamar’s mother and grandmother, titled “Perennial”:
For thirty-one years, my mother tried not to miss her. Every week,
a little water or the trickle of a few ice cubes
dropped
in black earth. Years back, in the muck of Toronto, April,
my grandmother visited from Israel, left
a Christmas cactus
the vast beach of my mother’s Mediterranean
mother – oranges, mangoes, brown skin, hot
tempers, a bowl of warm milk for stray cats –
all packed inside this…
I asked Tamar what she derives from writing poetry, which, she explained, she’s been doing ever since she was a young girl.
She answered that “writing poetry explores some vulnerabilities and leads to a common experience – just as in friendship, when you explore a vulnerability, it can lead to a connection.”
“Tablet Fragments” is available from Signature Editions at http://www.signatureeditions.com/index.php/books/single_title/tablet_fragments.
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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.