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By David Zarnett Opinion Tues., April 30, 2019 In January 2019, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the regulator for private cannabis retail, announced the winners of its lottery for 25 cannabis retail store licences. The lottery is part of the Ford government’s strategy to privatize the sale of non-medical cannabis. Since the announcement of the lottery winners, the process has been marred in controversy as there were no pre-qualifications for lottery applicants, only 25 licences were provided for the entire province that has approximately two million cannabis users, and the overwhelming majority of licence winners had no prior experience in cannabis retail. What has received far less attention is that the government sold the licences for well below their market value, leaving more than $200 million on the table at a time when it is making significant cuts to essential social services. The winners of the lottery paid $10,075 for their licence, which … [Read more...] about Cannabis licences sold well below market value
Wellness
Singapore leaders extend congratulations, well-wishes to Japan Emperor Akihito
SINGAPORE: President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have extended their well-wishes to Japan Emperor Akihito on his abdication from the throne, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday (Apr 30).Emperor Akihito is Japan’s first monarch to abdicate in more than 200 years. He will step down on Tuesday, with his son ascending the throne on Wednesday. “Reiwa” era.Mdm Halimah conveyed her deep respect and appreciation to Emperor Akihito on behalf of the people of Singapore.“Your Majesty leaves behind an indelible legacy for Japan. Your tireless and selfless efforts in working for the people of Japan have become synonymous with the peace and stability of the Heisei period,” Mdm Halimah wrote.Mdm Halimah also said that Emperor Akihito would be remembered as a well-respected monarch who displayed compassion, dedication to peace and wholehearted devotion to his country and people. Mdm Halimah also placed on record her … [Read more...] about Singapore leaders extend congratulations, well-wishes to Japan Emperor Akihito
Rural wells running dry, villagers seek aid
Wells and lakes have dried up, as have streams, which are the traditional source of water for tens of thousands of villagers. There was less rainfall during last year’s rainy season, so the traditional sources of water dried up early, according to U Soe Win, a resident of Shaw Phyu village in Meiktila township, Mandalay Region. “We want no gold, just give us water,” U Soe Win said. U Soe Win said some of the wells and underground ponds still have water but it has turned salty so that even cattle would not drink it. “The water shortages started earlier this year. Water ponds we used for drinking are now dry and the pond at the monastery is no longer safe for drinking,” he said. U Soe Win said that while they suffer from water shortages every summer, this year the problem is more severe. “Some kind-hearted people came to distribute drinking water, but it was not enough. We hope social service groups will come to … [Read more...] about Rural wells running dry, villagers seek aid
Avengers and Game of Thrones prove the worth of a tale well told
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By Peter Howell Movie Critic Mon., April 29, 2019 If you could have collected the sighs of satisfaction emanating from movie theatres and home TV rooms this past weekend, they would have been as loud as thunder. We collectively attained peak movies and peak TV in the same time frame, as stories years in the telling reached thrilling climaxes: Avengers: Endgame and the “Battle of Winterfell” episode of Game of Thrones. It bodes well for an entertainment industry that has felt under siege by the advancements of digital technology. Avengers: Endgame is the 22nd and final film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, which began with Iron Man in 2008. Endgame also concludes the epochal battle for survival — MCU superheroes vs. supervillain Thanos — that began with last year’s Avengers: Infinity War, which ended with one of the biggest cliffhangers in movie history. Endgame brought the Marvel fan base out like … [Read more...] about Avengers and Game of Thrones prove the worth of a tale well told
Tales of travel industry success well told
Travel Massive touts itself as the go-to network for travel industry founders, leaders and creators to be successful by provide the resources and tools for startups, tours and activities, and creatives in the tourism industry to build connections, learn, and share their stories. The network got its start in Sydney in 2011 and now has more than 50,000 in 71 countries. Perhaps due to the long break for the Thingyan festival, the crowd showed up in force for a good event that featured three entrepreneurs in the local tourism and hospitality industry invited to tell the stories of how they built their successful businesses. The trio invited by Yangon Travel Massive each came from a different backgrounds and each took a different path to reach where they are today, running businesses worthy of admiration. The three speakers were Thazin Wah aka “Bo” of Green Gallery and Bodhi Nava Café, JochenMeissner of travel agency Uncharted Horizons, and Thomas De Van of Kumudra Hill … [Read more...] about Tales of travel industry success well told