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Companies like Imagine AR $IP.ca are already ahead of the curve in offering mobile based AR experiences, states #CNBC $SEV.ca $VST.ca $YDX.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 7:39 PM on Sunday, April 26th, 2020
http://www.smallcapepicenter.com/imagine%20ar%20squre.jpg
  • CNBC Article mentions “Companies like Imagine AR (formerly Imagination Park Technologies Inc.) are already ahead of the curve in offering mobile based AR experiences, partnering with teams like the Sacramento Kings to create future AR offerings.“
  •  “Those are the technologies that have to be invested in and expanded by [teams] because they’ve got to fill the void for [lost attendance],” Miller said.

By: Jabari Young & Megan Graham

With games suspended, sports leagues will not only need to refund consumers, but also prepare for the future of sports ticketing due to the economic impact caused by Covid-19.

  • U.S. leagues have been on pause since March 11, when the NBA became the first to suspend games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • There is a bubble on the verge of bursting throughout sports leagues, adding to the already mounting problems facing an industry currently on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. While leagues like the NBA, MLB and NHL have all suspended their seasons, a big bill could come due if they’re forced to outright cancel games, triggering a flood of calls from ticket holders for refunds. “It’s going be like what the airline and cruise lines are going through,” longtime sports exec Dr. Harvey Schiller told CNBC in an interview. “They are going have to come up with some general refund policy depending on the league.” The coronavirus is especially hurting the NBA and NHL, which are usually busy around this time as they gear up for playoff games and woo season ticket holders about renewal options for the next season. Clubs also lose the ability to continue tracking data from fans’ in-stadium spending habits and game day routines in an age of creating more personalized experiences in arenas. In a various conversations with team executives, who spoke to CNBC on condition of anonymity, some clubs have already refunded fans who requested it, while other teams are offering discounted prices for ticket packages once fans are allowed back.  But teams will not be able to retain fans’ money too much longer. With unemployment skyrocketing, affecting more than 20 million people within the last month, more consumers will demand refunds, setting off phase one of what some in the sports industry said will be a period of revamping ticket monetization concepts after the pandemic is over. Schiller said teams would need to “get creative,” especially during a period of fan-free arenas, at least until new safety protocols are established and a coronavirus vaccine or treatment becomes available. And even when fans are allowed back in arenas, clubs won’t be able to offer ticket packages with just merchandise, food and beverage items included. Concepts for sporting events will have to change for a new generation of fans, while still retaining established customers. Suffering at the gate Schiller, the former president of the defunct NHL franchise, the Atlanta Thrashers, said it’s not unusual for teams to take out loans and use projected ticket sales as collateral, as clubs need funding to sustain operations throughout the year. More than likely, he said, those loans aren’t in jeopardy, as banks know sports teams are good for repaying. But until fans are allowed back in, organizations will need to find a way to make up game day dollars, which accounts for a substantial percentage of yearly revenue. According to one of the sports execs, the average gate receipt for a non-playoff NBA game is roughly $1 to $1.5 million. Last month, NBC Sports estimated the league could lose $500 million in ticket revenue when factoring in postseason games. According to a outlook report by accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), gate revenue for the North American sports market grossed $19.2 billion in 2018, and is projected to increase to $21.8 billion in 2023. Marty Conway, a longtimesports marketing exec who developed digital and business strategies for organizations like AOL and the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles said he last estimated ticket revenue makes up roughly 36% of the NHL’s annual revenue, 30% of MLB’s and 22% of the NBA’s.  Conway, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, said the NBA and NHL are attempting to return not only for media dollars but “additional postseason ticketing revenues.” “Gate receipts are important; that’s real money,” added former CBS Sports president Neal Pilson, who predicted a limited return to sports this summer with so much still unknown about Covid-19. Ticketing 2.0 With ticket revenue at risk, team execs are already contemplating what the future of their sport will look like in a world with no or a limited number of fans at games, at least in the short-term. Many teams have added a variety of subscription packages to attract younger fans and those who avoid buying full-season packages, but that model needs another upgrade in the post-coronavirus world. Chris McGowan the CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment, the company started by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, said his team the Portland Trailblazers will  “use this opportunity to look at every aspect of our entire operation.”  “What are areas we need to improve, areas we need to change?” McGowan said. “We are having lots conversations about that.” McGowan added that “technology is going to be a big factor” in new ticket offerings.  Mark Miller is the CEO of TicketSocket, a Newport Beach, California company that specializes in white labeling ticket solutions. Asked what new methods teams can adopt to help preserve ticket income, Miller suggested leagues get innovative about selling “single seats digitally” via virtual reality. The VR concept is one both the NBA and NHL has experimented with for several years, as the leagues seek to provide a better experience for at-home viewers. In 2019, the NHL partnered with tech company NextVR and Disney to enhance the VR experience, aiming to bring fans “closer to the on-ice action” and “make them feel like they are at a live NHL game,” according to a statement by Chris Golier, NHL vice president of business development. And in 2017, the MLB partnered with Intel to launch its VR experience. Leagues will need to enhance their platforms in hopes to entice customers, and now could be the opportunity leagues to invest in more augmented reality (AR) and VR experiences, a market projected to reach over $100 billion by 2025.  Companies like Imagination Park Technologies Inc. are already ahead of the curve in offering mobile based AR experiences, partnering with teams like the Sacramento Kings to create future AR offerings.  “Those are the technologies that have to be invested in and expanded by [teams] because they’ve got to fill the void for [lost attendance],” Miller said. Don White, the CEO of Satisfi Labs, an artificial intelligence management platform company, said tech firms are already studying “how to make your couch into this real premiere event until we can get back live audiences.”  “It’s an expansion as opposed to a transition,”  White said. “Ticketing is an important concept. I don’t think we should get away from ticketing in general because the ticket will also be your paid access. I think for sports, it’s important the ticket stays in the system.” The loss of on-site advertising dollars will also be an issue for some clubs. McGowan said the Blazers hadn’t experienced any significant pullback from ad partners with games on hold, but the team is in daily communication with companies as financial circumstances change. But even though companies are honoring partnerships, the structure of those agreements could look different .
  • Sports marketing post-Covid  IEG, a consultancy that’s owned by Bruin Sports Capital, last week released a study estimating that $10 billion in sponsorship value in the U.S. could be disrupted by the sports and entertainment shutdown, with 20,000 sports and entertainment properties affected. The group said more than 5,000 brands are working through how to make up that value, while 120,000 active sponsorships have been impacted. The survey found that 62% of sponsors are re-evaluating their plans, while 20% are decreasing spending and 15% aren’t making changes yet.  David Aburtyn, a partner at Bruin, said this doesn’t mean that $10 billion is lost, but that some new business could certainly be lost. Going forward, he said brands are thinking about how to do things in new, different ways. “That’s an area ripe for creativity and innovation,” Aburtyn said. One certainty we’ll see: Different timelines in the sponsorship world. Typically, sponsorships are planned far out, but some brands right now are thinking about what they can do in the much nearer-term, Aburtyn said. But fan-less events has an impact for sponsors, many of whom use sporting events to bring clients or prospects. “You don’t have an ability to host people and give them experiences — that stuff is very valuable as a sponsor,” said Dan Parise, SVP and managing director for Scout Sports & Entertainment, a division of Horizon Media. Parise said he hasn’t had any conversations about replicating that, say, with a video call with a client or prospect aligning with the event.  “There’s a little bit lost on the impact of face-to-face,” when communicating via video instead of in-person, he said.  Right now with so much uncertainty about the months ahead, the tenor of business seems to have cooled. Scout’s Parise said there doesn’t appear to be an overwhelming desire to buy sponsorships right now. And existing sponsors are thinking through a litany of contingencies.  “I think existing sponsors are trying to think about the various contingencies that they could have — if baseball happens in this way, how do I shift my activation strategy? If it happens with fans, without fans?” Parise said. Potential sponsors might also be struggling themselves.  “There are a lot of businesses that are hurting,” Parise said. “It’s harder for the sales folks to be out there pounding the pavement to find new sponsors; they don’t want to be seen as insensitive during this time.”  So much is in flux, but fanless sports might throw the financials of the whole sports ticketing and marketing world off kilter.  “The economics are so cranked up, and they’re cranked up because of media advertising and gate receipts,” said Dave Morgan, founder and CEO of Simulmedia and longtime media industry executive. “If you take away the gate receipts, media advertising can’t spend more, and media advertising depends a lot on a physical venue and a physical integration with the fans. So I would say, sports without fans takes a huge part of the value component that makes the economics work. And the question will be, out of whose pocket will this come?” Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/24/sports-ticketing-will-look-different-as-teams-get-creative-without-fans.html?utm_content=127744186&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-10871904

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#Esports popularity explodes – SPONSOR Esports Entertainment Group $GMBL $TECHF $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 6:14 PM on Friday, April 24th, 2020

SPONSOR: Esports Entertainment Group (GMBL:NASDAQ) – Millions of people from around the world tune in to watch teams of video game players compete with each other. In first quarter 2020, YouTube reported 1.1 billion hours watched, an increase of 13% when compared to fourth quarter 2019. Wagering on Esports is projected to hit $23 BILLION this year although that number will likely be eclipsed due to the recent pandemic. Esports Entertainment Group is the next generation online gambling company designed for the purpose of facilitating as much of this wagering as possible.  LEARN MORE.

Esports popularity explodes

  • It’s a multi-billion dollar industry, with the top-tier players taking in huge earnings through prize money, sponsorship and endorsements
  • And now the growth and viewership of Esports has taken off during isolation as sports fanatics turn to what is one of the only alternatives to regular live competition

By Michael Roberts | posted on April 24, 2020

WITH traditional sports like footy and cricket taking an enforced hiatus during the COVID-19 crisis, Esports has taken control of the driver’s seat as viewers flock to watch their favourite sports stars try their hand at online games.

For the uninitiated, Esports or simply electronic sports, sees professional video gamers compete for glory in online tournaments, with sometimes millions watching around the world through streaming sites like Twitch.

It’s a multi-billion dollar industry, with the top-tier players taking in huge earnings through prize money, sponsorship and endorsements.

And now the growth and viewership of Esports has taken off during isolation as sports fanatics turn to what is one of the only alternatives to regular live competition.

Unable to host real life races, motorsports like IndyCar, Formula 1 and Australian Super Cars are all holding virtual tournaments to fill the void.

Ball sports are also getting in on the action too, with the NBA hosting an online players tournament and some of the biggest clubs in European football getting involved in representative gaming competitions.

With the Australian Supercars Championships suspended until June, a BP Supercars Allstars Eseries is taking place via an iRacing computer simulation platform, with Supercars drivers contesting the race from their respective homes.

The action is being broadcast live on Fox Sports, Kayo and on Facebook, with over 350,000 people tuning in from around the world to watch round one of the online action.

Australian Esports League Executive Director Darren Kwan said the COVID-19 shutdown had brought in a new type of audience to the Esports space because there was a lack of content.

“It’s a significant growth period for the Esports industry,” he said.

“It’s been a huge leap. It’s been explosive.”

Mr Kwan said virtual motorsport was easily the fastest growing market.

“Bringing in the superstar power of the drivers and the race teams into it really worked,” he said.

“You look at the existing races that had audiences of 800 watching and now they’ve got audiences in the hundreds of thousands watching.”

In a sensational coup, Supercars recruited Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen as a wildcard for round two of its Allstars Eseries, with the Belgian star finishing second at the virtual Barcelona circuit behind close friend Shane van Gisbergen.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Verstappen said the whole race was a lot of fun.

“These cars are definitely not easy to drive,” he said.

“I really enjoyed it.”

The races are proving a hit all over the country, including locally in Albany, with GoldMX radio host and self-confessed racing fanatic Damien Watson telling the Weekender he was impressed by the quality of production.

“It’s literally like watching the V8s on the weekend,” he said.

“You’ve even got Neil Crompton doing the commentary. They do a great job, it’s extremely professional. It surprised me.”

Mr Watson doesn’t just love watching motorsports; he is passionately involved in iRacing too and has even had the chance to race with the like of van Gisbergen during online practice sessions.

“I love watching them race, but I hate seeing how good they are compared to me,” he said.

“I have been on the track with a couple of them, and they make me look amateur, and I’ve been doing this most of my life.”

Mr Watson said iRacing had been around for about a decade, but participation had skyrocketed since the COVID-19 shutdown.

“It’s about three times the amount of users online you would normally see at any one time now,” he said.

“This is a way for Esports to get into the mainstream. This is reaching a target audience Esports could have only dreamed of.”

Such is the momentum, Mr Kwan said the Australian Esports League had been approached by local councils and state governments to set-up online tournaments for various PG-rated games where residents could get together and form some friendly competition.

“That’s something we never thought would happen,” he said.

“There are a lot of bored people at home who need this to take their mind off things.” Source: https://gsweekender.com.au/esports-popularity-explodes-australian-super-cars-gold-mx-albany-wa-damien-watson/

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Even a #coronavirus crisis can’t puncture #palladium prices – SPONSOR: New Age Metals $NAM.ca $WG.ca $XTM.ca $WM.ca $PDL.ca $GLEN #PGM

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 5:57 PM on Friday, April 24th, 2020

SPONSOR: New Age Metals Inc. The company owns one of North America’s largest primary platinum group metals deposits in Sudbury, Canada. The company has an updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate of 2,867,000 PdEq Measured and Indicated Ounces, with an additional 1,059,000 PdEq Ounces Inferred. Learn More.

Even a coronavirus crisis can’t puncture palladium prices

  • “The palladium market is still in a deficit,” said INTL FCStone analyst Rhona O’Connell, and demand should revive as the global economy recovers.

By Peter Hobson and Harshith Aranya

Analysts and traders have raised their forecasts for palladium prices, predicting the metal will remain undersupplied even as the coronavirus outbreak hammers auto makers, reducing demand, a Reuters poll showed on Monday.

The sister metals are used mainly in engine exhausts to reduce harmful emissions, though platinum is also used by jewellers.

Prices have whipsawed as virus containment measures shuttered car plants, spooked markets and disrupted supply routes, particularly from top producer South Africa.

Palladium surged to a record high of $2,875.50 an ounce in February, plunged to below $1,500 in March, then rebounded to around $2,200.

Prices will average $2,100 an ounce this year and $2,150 in 2021, according to the median result from a poll of 24 analysts and traders conducted this month.

A similar poll in January forecast averages of $2,000 this year and $1,700 in 2021.

“The palladium market is still in a deficit,” said INTL FCStone analyst Rhona O’Connell, and demand should revive as the global economy recovers.

“But the effervescence of the past few years” – prices surged more than six-fold between 2016 and 2020 – “is in all probability behind us,” she said.

The roughly 10.5-million ounce a year palladium market will see a deficit of 500,000 ounces this year, said Robin Bhar, an independent analyst.

Refinitiv GFMS predicted a 883,000-ounce shortfall, while Capital Economics said it expected a surplus of 300,000 ounces.

Palladium has benefited in recent years from a tightening of emissions standards that require auto makers to use more metal per vehicle. Auto makers account for around 80% of palladium use.

By contrast, platinum is used mainly in diesel vehicles that have fallen in popularity since 2015, when Volkswagen was found to have cheated in emissions tests, and its use in jewellery has decreased.

Platinum prices plummeted in March to $558, the lowest since 2002, before pulling back to around $770.

The poll predicted platinum would average $836 an ounce in 2020 and $945 in 2021 ? a sharp downward revision from forecasts of $948 and $1,013 in the poll three months ago.

(Graphic: Platinum and palladium prices IMAGE link: https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/nmovaabdvab/PGM%20Q2%20POLL.JPG)

Weaker economic growth because of measures to contain the novel coronavirus is likely to lead to lower consumption by auto makers, jewellers and other industrial users, such as glass makers.

“The scale of the demand-side destruction, along with the negative long-term chart set-up, suggests that downside price risks remain,” James Moore at Fastmarkets said.

Demand should gradually recover, driven in part by auto makers replacing some palladium with cheaper platinum, Saida Litosh at Refinitiv GFMS said.

Yet she still predicted surpluses in the roughly 8-million ounce a year market of 557,000 ounces this year and 670,000 ounces in 2021.

Source: https://www.marketscreener.com/PALLADIUM-89084/news/Even-a-coronavirus-crisis-can-t-puncture-palladium-prices-30445670/

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Posted in New Age Metals | Comments Off on Even a #coronavirus crisis can’t puncture #palladium prices – SPONSOR: New Age Metals $NAM.ca $WG.ca $XTM.ca $WM.ca $PDL.ca $GLEN #PGM

St-Georges $SX $SX.ca $SXOOF Provides Update on #Lithium Processing Technology Initiative & Iceland #Gold Exploration

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 2:44 PM on Friday, April 24th, 2020
  • Secured vendors and accepted proposals from third-party laboratories to further its lithium metallurgical processing technology’s advanced bench testing and its pilot plant
  • Up to recently, the Company had strategically divided the research workload between various laboratories to protect the intellectual property being developed
  • These segmented R&D silos will now come together and be integrated within the pilot plant operations

Montreal – April 24, 2020 – St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. (CSE:SX) (CNSX:SX.CN) (OTC:SXOOF) (FSE: 85G1) is pleased to announce that it has secured vendors and accepted proposals from third-party laboratories to further its lithium metallurgical processing technology’s advanced bench testing and its pilot plant.

Up to recently, the Company had strategically divided the research workload between various laboratories to protect the intellectual property being developed. These segmented R&D silos will now come together and be integrated within the pilot plant operations.

As previously announced on February 10, 2020, in the “Winter Update” press release, the Company expected to secure an agreement within the second quarter of 2020. The use of ready-made facilities will generate significant cost reductions and represent a faster alternative than the building of a pilot plant from scratch. St-Georges’ management evaluated different proposals from various potential providers that were intended to meet the Company’s requirements.

The main contractor retained tipped the balance in its favor with a wealth of experience and state-of-the-art, ready-made facilities that only required certain adjustments specific to the St-Georges process. The team expects an adjustment period, and plant trial runs during Q2 and Q3 2020, subject to Quebec COVID-19 confinement releases. Full pilot scale testing should be initiated in or around the beginning of this year Q4.

The Company is expecting to receive materials from Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: ICM) in accordance with the next phase of the on-going research and development program in place with the Company. Discussions are being held with various mines operators and mineral developers. Producers of spodumene concentrate have shown interest in supplying material for testing.

Quebec Lithium Resources

St-Georges also sourced material from a Quebec-based lithium project. The Company’s contractors will be preparing 10 to 15 tonnes of material that should yield results of approximately three metric tonnes of industry-grade spodumene concentrate suitable for pilot testing with the St-Georges’ process. The material should be available to the metallurgical team in the weeks following the Quebec government’s lifting of the COVID-19 lock-down. Sourcing local Quebec material qualifies the Company to apply for certain governmental grants, and the Company expects to apply for these grants in 2020.

Enrico Di Cesare, President of St-Georges Metallurgy Corp., commented: “Our partners’ facilities seem built for St-Georges. Under the circumstances, it would be non-sensical to spend time and money to replicate the facilities that they own. These groups have significant experience with concentrating, acids and solutions we will be using. In addition, it de-risks St-Georges by allowing us to focus on development work that is on-going. St-Georges looks forward to working with all our partners at CTMP (Centre de Technologie Minerale et de Plasturgie inc.), which has performed the early development work and will continue to work with the St-Georges team. We feel we will be able to accelerate the development and eventual market acceptance of the products we intend to produce. We believe this combination of laboratory work at bench scale and eventual large-scale pilot plant operations will accelerate our development work. We feel blessed to have two quality partners to move forward with, and we continue our collaborations with universities that specialize in this field of work.“

St-Georges Metallurgy Corp.

On February 27, 2020, St-Georges incorporated a new subsidiary, St-Georges Metallurgy Corp., and appointed Enrico Di Cesare as its President and CEO. This entity is owned 100% by St-Georges and will handle all metallurgical R&D, laboratory partnerships, metallurgical joint ventures, and related intellectual property.

In April, the Company has secured the services of a veteran metallurgist, Mr. Ian J. Cox, to work on the projects with a focus on both lithium and nickel

Ian has a degree in fuel and combustion science, from Leeds University, UK. With post-grad courses in project management from the University of Tennessee, leadership from Harvard, and finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he is an experienced project manager/process engineer with extensive experience in new process development and transition from development to design and operation. Ian has built a profitable business in highly competitive international markets. He builds strong multi-function teams with international joint venture/partnering experience.

Iceland Exploration Update

The previously announced work programs in Iceland (See September 3 2019 Press Release), were not finished due to extreme weather conditions. With the arrival of spring and the Icelandic government allowing people to circulate for work as the COVID-19 confinement directives are being eased, the Company expects to be able to finish its Thor sampling program and send those samples to Canada for processing in May, with Vopna and Troll to follow in June-July. No resolution has yet materialized in regard to drilling the Thor property. Management expects to be able to drill this summer, but no certainty can be given in that regard.

Covid-19 Impacts Assessment

The Covid-19 pandemic impacts all of the Company’s Quebec operations. Quebec North-Shore exploration operations are halted until further notice from the government. The Company is using this period to prepare its intervention plan to meet with the First Nations on whose ancestral territory the projects lie. The current process requires 60 to 90 days to receive the relevant permits. It is currently impossible to know when this process will be initiated.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson”

Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson

President and CEO

About St-Georges

St-Georges is developing new technologies to solve some of the most common environmental problems in the mining industry.

The Company controls directly or indirectly, through rights of first refusal, all of the active mineral tenures in Iceland. It also explores for nickel on the Julie Nickel Project & for industrial minerals on Quebec’s North Shore and for lithium and rare metals in Northern Quebec and in the Abitibi region. Headquartered in Montreal, St-Georges’ stock is listed on the CSE under the symbol SX, on the US OTC under the Symbol SXOOF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol 85G1

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release.

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Ontario to resume issuing new #cannabis store authorizations – SPONSOR: Spyder #Cannabis $SPDR.ca – $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:03 PM on Friday, April 24th, 2020

SPONSOR: Spyder Cannabis (SPDR:TSXV) An established chain of high-end vape stores. Aggressive expansion plan is already in place that will focus on Canadian retail and US Hemp derived kiosks in high traffic areas. Click here for more info.

Ontario to resume issuing new cannabis store authorizations

  • Ontario’s cannabis store regulator will resume issuing new store authorizations for stores that have met regulatory requirements, according to a notice posted to its website today.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) hit pause on new Retail Store Authorizations (RSA) in early April due to emergency measures enacted by the province to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

New store openings in Ontario are essential to maintaining the growth of Canada’s cannabis industry.

Ontario’s five-dozen cannabis stores put the province far behind Alberta and British Columbia – the provincial leaders in marijuana retail – which have opened 181 and 446 stores, respectively.

Despite that, Ontario’s adult-use cannabis sales rose 3% in February to 38 million Canadian dollars ($27 million), leading Canada.

“Restrictions imposed by the emergency order, including the pause to construction work, have delayed many new retailers in the preparation of their stores. However, the AGCO will resume issuing RSAs to those stores that have met all regulatory requirements,” the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario said in the statement.

Applying for an Retail Operator License (ROL) is the first step for businesses seeking to open a licensed cannabis store in Ontario. It also determines that store operators meet eligibility criteria.

The next step involves Retail Store Authorization (RSA) applications, which deal with the particulars of a physical cannabis store such as location, layout and security plans.

As of early April, Ontario’s cannabis regulator received nearly 900 Retail Operator License (ROL) applications for marijuana stores since it opened up the process to all comers on Jan. 6.

Ontario previously ordered private cannabis stores to close for two weeks as of April 4 because of the coronavirus. Soon after, the stores were given at least a 14-day window to continue serving customers through curbside pickups and home delivery.

Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/ontario-to-resume-issuing-new-cannabis-store-authorizations/

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#Mhealth Study to Test Cardiac Effects of Potential COVID-19 Treatment – SPONSOR: CardioComm Solutions $EKG.ca – $ATE.ca $TLT.ca $OGI.ca $ACST.ca $IPA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:35 AM on Friday, April 24th, 2020

SPONSOR: CardioComm Solutions (EKG: TSX-V) – The heartbeat of cardiovascular medicine and telemedicine. Patented systems enable medical professionals, patients, and other healthcare professionals, clinics, hospitals and call centres to access and manage patient information in a secure and reliable environment.

mHealth Study to Test Cardiac Effects of Potential COVID-19 Treatment

A French study will use a smartwatch and mHealth platform to monitor ECG data from COVID-19 patients being treated with hydroxychloroquine, a potential therapy for the Coronavirus but one that may have serious side effects.

  • An mHealth study being launched in France will use an mHealth wearable to monitor cardiac activity in COVID-19 patients being treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, a drug therapy eyes as a potential treatment for the Coronavirus.

Source: ThinkStock

By Eric Wicklund

April 22, 2020 – An mHealth study being launched in France will use an mHealth wearable to monitor cardiac activity in COVID-19 patients being treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, a drug therapy eyes as a potential treatment for the Coronavirus.

Researchers at the University Hospital of Marseille will be using a smartwatch develop by Withings and integrated with an AI-based mHealth platform developed by Boston-and-Paris-based Cardiologs. The platform is designed to remotely monitor a user’s ECG data for QT prolongation.

“A significant QT prolongation can lead to ventricular arrhythmia and potentially deadly consequences” Laurent Fiorina, a cardiologist at the Institut Cardiovasculaire Paris Sud (ICPS) and Cardiologs executive who helped launch the study, said in a press release. “It is thus important to closely monitor the QT interval during this treatment.”

“The objective of our study is to evaluate a new method for QT measurement using Cardiologs’ AI-based solution and ECG data collected via smartwatches,” added Professor Jean-Claude Deharo, head of the cardiac arrhythmia department at the University Hospital of Marseille and the principal investigator of the study. “Smartwatches are already used in the clinical setting but do not have validated QT analysis available. Combining these technologies will enable clinicians to overcome the practical limitations in the context of COVID-19 of the standard cardiac safety strategy that requires heavy patient interaction.”

Often used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites, hydroxychloroquine has be held up by several people – including President Donald Trump – as a potential means of treating the Coronavirus. But many in the healthcare industry have pointed out the drug’s potentially dangerous side effect.

Researchers are hoping to determine whether the treatment does pose a threat to a patient’s health – and whether this platform can be used in other non-COVID-19 treatments.

“This study has implications for risk management of drug-induced cardiotoxicity, even beyond the current COVID-19 and hydroxychloroquine context,” Professor Jag Singh, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientific advisor to Cardiologs, said in the press release. “Personal ECG sensors could potentially find a role in the management of these patients, but also add value in other routine clinical care, since over 300 commonly used drugs may have similar QT-prolongation risks as hydroxychloroquine.”

Source: https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/mhealth-study-to-test-cardiac-effects-of-potential-covid-19-treatment

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Posted in All Recent Posts, CardioComm Solutions | Comments Off on #Mhealth Study to Test Cardiac Effects of Potential COVID-19 Treatment – SPONSOR: CardioComm Solutions $EKG.ca – $ATE.ca $TLT.ca $OGI.ca $ACST.ca $IPA.ca

CLIENT FEATURE: Else Nutrition Holdings $BABY.ca An Award Winning, Plant-Based Nutrition Company For Small Cap Investors $MAT $KMB $BMY $ABT $WYE

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 6:08 PM on Thursday, April 23rd, 2020

Highlights

  • $CAD 10 million cash and runway for well over a year;
  • Backed By A Billion Dollar Global Nutrition Company;
  • MOU For International Distribution Of Products
  • US Product Launch Planned For Q2-2020;
  • “Best Health” Award At Global Food Innovation Summit In Milan;
  • Awarded Patents In 22 Countries, 44 Countries Pending;
  • Executives & Advisors From Globally Renowned Companies & Institutions

Why Else Nutrition?

  • Gives Small Cap Investors An Opportunity To Participate In Global Paradigm Shift Towards Plant-Based, Clean Label Foods For Toddlers & Children.
  • Entering Commercialization Stage After 7 Years R&D
  • Launching 1st Commercial Product Into US Market Q2
  • 100% Plant-Based, Organic Toddler Nutrition Product 
  • Market Research Survey Finds Over 60% Positive Purchase Intent For Else Product
  • Fills A Market Gap In Plant-Based Toddler Nutrition (12-36 months)
  • Subsidiary Of Billion Dollar Hong Kong Listed Conglomerate (H&H) Owns Approx 11.15% Of BABY
  • H&H Shares Have Voluntary 12-Month Hold
  • H&H Right To Maintain 11.15% Ownership Through Future Financings
  • Patented World’s First 100% Plant Based, Non-Dairy, Non-Soy Baby Formula

Here’s What The Experts Say

“Finally a high quality, nutritionally-dense, tasty, plant-based alternative that is low in sugar.  Else is filling a much needed gap, and providing an alternative for those looking to avoid dairy or soy, and a viable option for intolerances and other diet considerations.”

Nicole Silber, RD, CSP, CLC

Dairy-free, soy-free, plant-based nutrition for babies and toddlers

Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the “2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions” award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan.

The Product

Else Plant-Based Toddler Nutrition

Dairy-free | Soy-free | Corn Syrup-free | Gluten-free

Made with real, whole foods, it meets the highest standard for nutrition

  • Endorsed by leading pediatricians and nutritionists 
  • Ingredients, vitamins & minerals to support your child’s growth and development
  • 92% whole plant ingredients (almonds, tapioca, buckwheat) 
  • Organic & non-GMO
  • Made by the cleanest process possible
  • Globally patented 

Else Nutrition Holdings is an advertising client of AGORA Internet Relations Corp.

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Posted in AGORACOM Client Feature, All Recent Posts, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. | Comments Off on CLIENT FEATURE: Else Nutrition Holdings $BABY.ca An Award Winning, Plant-Based Nutrition Company For Small Cap Investors $MAT $KMB $BMY $ABT $WYE

Las Vegas Bookmakers Welcoming #Esports Betting – SPONSOR Esports Entertainment Group $GMBL $TECHF $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $TNA.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:49 PM on Thursday, April 23rd, 2020

SPONSOR: Esports Entertainment Group (GMBL:NASDAQ) – Millions of people from around the world tune in to watch teams of video game players compete with each other. In first quarter 2020, YouTube reported 1.1 billion hours watched, an increase of 13% when compared to fourth quarter 2019. Wagering on Esports is projected to hit $23 BILLION this year although that number will likely be eclipsed due to the recent pandemic. Esports Entertainment Group is the next generation online gambling company designed for the purpose of facilitating as much of this wagering as possible.  LEARN MORE.

Las Vegas Bookmakers Welcoming Esports Betting

  • Regulators have approved wagering on seven further esports events, plus the eNASCAR series that involves real-life pro drivers racing on virtual racetracks
  • Other events approved recently include two League of Legends tournaments and the 2020 Overwatch League

Apr 23, 2020 by Chris Sieroty

Before the coronavirus pandemic, race and sports books in Las Vegas dismissed the notion of posting lines and taking wagers on esports.

Why bet on video game competitions, when you could wager on the Vegas Golden Knights or a long list of NBA games.

But now, searching for an alternative to mainstream sports, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has approved bets on different esports series.

Within the past month, however, regulators have approved wagering on seven further esports events, plus the eNASCAR series that involves real-life pro drivers racing on virtual racetracks.

Other events approved recently include two League of Legends tournaments and the 2020 Overwatch League.

Prior to March 25, the control board had authorized sportsbooks to offer bets on only three major esports tournaments that were held in 2016 and 2017.

It is a regulatory decision William Hill and other bookmakers welcomed, but the new betting opportunities have yet to prove their financial worth compared to betting on the NFL or NBA. 

“Like most new markets, a lot of people don’t know that we have them up,” said Nick Bogdanovich, director of trading for William Hill U.S. â€œIt’s very possible that at some point this stuff will take off, you just never know when.”

Support comes from

Bogdanovich said the tickets have been slow for the esports market, except for the eNASCAR events, but he pointed out that people know the drivers in that event. 

The other events like League of Legends and Overwatch haven’t taken off as much and Bogdanovich admits he doesn’t know much about the video games.

“It’s more for people’s entertainment to get them through this gloom and doom time,” he said, “If it ever gets to where we’re writing serious dollars to it, I might have to sharpen up my acumen.”

Despite Bogdanovich’s skepticism, Blaine Grayboyes, CEO of GameCo, believes esports will be a draw for casinos. 

GameGo creates skill-based games for casinos and has partnered with another company to create an esports data platform. Graboyes said more people watch esports than play them.

“Therefore, the opportunity for more people to bet on esports is there as well,” he said, “What we’re doing is looking to offer the optimal solution in the marketplace for sports books like William Hill and others in Nevada and across North America.”

The new platform will deliver data about esports for sports books.

Graboyes said there is a generational shift going on and the kids who grew up playing video games are now the new customer for casinos.

“This is a great demographic for casinos to engage with now, especially if they want to grow their businesses over time,” he said.

GameCo has created skilled-based games for the casino floor that have the interactivity of video games with the thrill of winning money as the slot machine.

Graboyes said 80 percent of spending on his company’s games come from Gen-X and Millennials, but that same audience only spends about 20 percent on slot machines.

“So, it’s an opportunity to attract and monetize a completely different audience than the traditional slot machine player,” he said.

While Tom Brady and LeBron James are household names, Graboyes said the top gamers are absolutely celebrities to their fans.

Source: https://knpr.org/knpr/2020-04/las-vegas-bookmakers-cautious-welcome-esports-betting

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Posted in All Recent Posts, Esports Entertainment Group, Esports Entertainment Group Inc. | Comments Off on Las Vegas Bookmakers Welcoming #Esports Betting – SPONSOR Esports Entertainment Group $GMBL $TECHF $ATVI $TTWO $GAME $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $TNA.ca

Impact of #Coronavirus on Education in India – SPONSOR: BetterU Education Corp. $BTRU.ca $ARCL $CPLA $BPI $FC.ca #Edtech

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:23 PM on Thursday, April 23rd, 2020

SPONSOR:  BetterU Education Corp. aims to provide access to quality education from around the world. The company plans to bridge the prevailing gap in the education and job industry and enhance the lives of its prospective learners by developing an integrated ecosystem. betterU / Ottolearn launch FREE COVID-19 mobile resource toolkit to fight the global crisis – Click here for more information.

Impact of Coronavirus on Education in India

  • EDtech reform at the national level that is an integration of technology in the present Indian education system
Coronavirus pandemic has significantly disrupted various sectors in India including oil and gas, automobiles, aviation, agriculture, retail, etc. We can’t ignore that hardly a sector would remain unaffected by the crisis. The impact may be more or less. Same is with the education sector in India. Let us find out the impact of coronavirus on education in India with some possible solutions.

By: Shikha Goyal

Impact of Coronavirus on Education in India

As we know that due to coronavirus pandemic the state governments across the country temporarily started shutting down schools and colleges. As per the present situation, there is an uncertainty when schools and colleges will reopen. No doubt, this is the crucial time for education sector because entrance tests of several universities and competitive examinations are held during this period. Along with them how can we forget about board examinations, nursery school admissions, etc?

The immediate solution of coronavirus is necessary or if like these days pass then closure of schools and colleges does not even have short term impact in India but can even cause far-reaching economic and societal consequences. Let us tell you that due to the closedown of educational institutes it is estimated to affect around 600 million learners across the world. Remember here we are talking about the school going students.

First, let us see what all educational institutions are doing to fight against COVID-19.

Measures taken by the educational institutes are as follows:

– Closed schools

– Postponed or rescheduled the examinations

– Cleaning and sanitisation of premises.

– Consideration of long term uncertainty etc.

What is the impact of coronavirus on gold prices in India?

Education sector: Impact and concern during COVID-19

– As discussed above, all major entrance examinations are postponed including engineering, medical, law, agriculture, fashion and designing courses, etc. This situation can be a ringing alarming bell mainly in private sector universities. Maybe some faculties and employees may face salary cuts, bonuses and increments can also be postponed.

– The lockdown has generated uncertainty over the exam cycle. May be universities may face impact in terms of a slowdown in student internships and placements, lower fee collection that can create hurdles in managing the working capital.

– Another major concern is that it can affect the paying capacity of several people in the private sector, which is catering to a sizeable section of the students in the country.

– Student counselling operations are also affected.

– Several institutions may pause faculty hiring plans for existing vacancies which in turn affect quality and excellence.

– Structure of schooling and learning includes teaching and assessment methodologies and due to closure, it will be affected.

– Technology may play an important role in the lockdown period like study from home and work from home. In India, some private schools could adopt online teaching methods. Low-income private and government school may not be able to adopt online teaching methods. And as a result, there will be completely shut down due to no access to e-learning solutions. In addition to the opportunities for learning, students will also miss their meals and may result in economic and social stress.

– Higher education sectors are also disrupted which again pave an impact on the country’s economic future. Various students from India took admissions in abroad like the US, UK, Australia, China etc. And these countries are badly affected due to COVID-19. Maybe there is a possibility that students will not take admissions there in future and if the situation persists, in the long run then there will be a decline in the demand for international higher education also. Isn’t it!

– Another major concern is employment. Students those have completed their graduation may have fear in their minds of withdrawal of job offers from the corporate sector due to the current situation. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s estimates unemployment shortage from 8.4% in mid-March to 23% in early April. In the urban unemployment rate is 30.9%.

We can’t ignore that technology plays a crucial role in the educational system and the demand for the current situation is this only.

Possible alternatives or solutions for interrupted education during COVID-19

– With the help of power supply, digital skills of teachers and students, internet connectivity it is necessary to explore digital learning, high and low technology solutions, etc.

– Students those are coming from low-income groups or presence of disability, etc. distance learning programs can be included.

– To provide support for digitalisation to teachers and students.

– The necessity to explore digital learning platforms.

– Measures should be taken to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on job offers, internship programs, and research projects.

– EDtech reform at the national level that is an integration of technology in the present Indian education system.

We can’t ignore that at this time of crisis effective educational practice is needed for the capacity-building of young minds. Central Government and State need to take some measures to ensure the overall progress in the country. Time never wait, this tough time will also pass. Till then stay safe, stay at home!

Source: https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/impact-of-coronavirus-on-education-in-india-1587642880-1

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Hollister Biosciences $HOLL.ca Enters Into Definitive Agreement to Acquire AlphaMind Brands Inc. $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $OGI.ca $FAF.ca

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:20 AM on Thursday, April 23rd, 2020
  • Entered into a share exchange agreement dated April 22nd, 2020 among the Company, AlphaMind Brands Inc. and the shareholders of TargetCo
  • Alphamind Brands is developing a portfolio of certified legal mushroom based natural health products
  • The company’s “ready to ship” product SKU’s include Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Oyster and Reishi Mushroom based: liquid tinctures, concentrated mushroom powder(s), teas, and chocolate.

VANCOUVER, April 23, 2020 – Hollister Biosciences Inc. (CSE: HOLL, FRANKFURT: HOB, OTC: HSTRF) (the “Company” or “Hollister“) – a diversified cannabis branding company with products in over 220 dispensaries throughout California, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a share exchange agreement dated April 22nd, 2020 among the Company, AlphaMind Brands Inc. (“TargetCo“) and the shareholders of TargetCo (the “Definitive Agreement“), pursuant to which, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of TargetCo (the “Proposed Transaction“).  

Alphamind Brands is a Canada and US based growth stage company, that is developing a portfolio of certified legal mushroom based natural health products. It is also actively conducting R&D initiatives, led by Dr. Nikos C. Apostolopoulos, who is exploring psilocybin based pharmaceutical treatments.  The company’s “ready to ship” product SKU’s include Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Oyster and Reishi Mushroom based: liquid tinctures, concentrated mushroom powder(s), teas, and chocolate. 

“We are very pleased to have completed the next step in consummating this very exciting acquisition”, shared Carl Saling, Founder and CEO of Hollister Biosciences, Inc.  “It is a fundamental value of our company to improve the overall health and performance of our customers through our high-quality products and the health benefits associated with medicinal mushrooms are tremendous.  Not to mention, it is our continual objective to broaden our product scope and Alphamind, with its experienced management team, is a perfect foothold for us in the fast-growing market for medicinal mushrooms and complements our existing cannabis and hemp-based product offering.”

“I think we have found a great partner in Hollister”, shared Robert Birmingham, CEO of Alphamind Brands.  “We have medicinal mushroom based product SKU’s ready to ship and R&D is underway to develop an exciting IP portfolio surrounding psilocybin based pharmaceutical treatments. Being under the Hollister umbrella will allow us to access additional markets and leverage their existing manufacturing and distribution infrastructure and will be a fundamental part of the future growth of our business.”

The Proposed Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, Hollister will acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of TargetCo in consideration for the issuance of 6,000,000 common shares of the Company (the “Payment Shares“) pro rata to shareholders of TargetCo at a deemed price of $0.20 per Payment Share upon closing of the Proposed Transaction (the “Closing Date“).

The Proposed Transaction remains subject to certain closing conditions including, without limitation, (a) the receipt by Hollister of any necessary corporate and regulatory approval; and (b) each party’s representations and warranties in the Definitive Agreement being true and correct in all aspects as of the Closing Date, and each party meeting its terms and conditions and completing its covenants and obligations as contained therein. There can be no guarantees that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as contemplated or at all.

Hollister will not be assuming any long-term debt; no new control position will be created and there is no change in management or the Board of Directors of Hollister in connection with the Proposed Transaction.

In addition, the Company also reports that it will issue 500,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.12 per share to an arm’s length consultant pursuant to a consulting agreement in which services were provided from December 1, 2019 to the date hereof.  In addition, the Company will issue 90,400 shares to an arm’s length consultant pursuant to a consulting agreement in which services have been rendered since February 17, 2020 (See press release dated February 25th, 2020).  All shares issued pursuant to the consulting agreements will be subject to a four month and a day hold period from the date of issuance.

About Hollister Biosciences Inc.

Hollister Biosciences Inc. is a multi-state cannabis company with a vision to be the sought-after premium brand portfolio of innovative, high-quality cannabis & hemp products. Hollister uses a high margin model, controlling the whole process from manufacture to sales to distribution or seed to shelf. Products from Hollister Biosciences Inc. include HashBone, the brand’s premier artisanal hash-infused pre-roll, along with concentrates (shatter, budder, crumble), distillates, solvent-free bubble hash, pre-packaged flower, pre-rolls, tinctures, vape products, and full-spectrum high CBD pet tinctures. Hollister Cannabis Co. additionally offers white-labeling manufacturing of cannabis products.  Our wholly-owned California subsidiary Hollister Cannabis Co is the 1st state and locally licensed cannabis company in the city of Hollister, CA birthplace of the “American Biker”.

Website: www.hollistercannabisco.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

“Carl Saling”

CEO and Director

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The CSE has not in any way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

The securities to be issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act“), or under any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy such securities in the United States.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

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