Michael J Armstrong
@profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
Associate professor of operations research at Brock University. I teach quality improvement & game theory. I research the economic aspects of cannabis legalization.
https://brocku.ca/goodman/faculty-research/faculty-directory/michael-armstrong/ ..
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Associate professor of operations research at Brock University. I teach quality improvement & game theory. I research the economic aspects of cannabis legalization.
https://brocku.ca/goodman/faculty-research/faculty-directory/michael-armstrong/
Biology
22%
Environmental science
21%
Reposted by Michael J. Armstrong
Here is a working link to the original Poppy File map, which shows about 3,300 of Toronto's Second World War war dead at the household level. Click on a home to see details. The First World War map follows in the thread /1 t.co/4P9GUkl8m0
Zohran Mamdani’s transformative child care plan builds on a history of NYC social innovations
Mamdani’s child care plans could set an example for other policymakers to follow, as Democratic and Republican voters say child care costs are a major problem.
theconversation.com
"of Mamdani’s campaign commitments, free high-quality child care for every New Yorker from 6 weeks to 5 years old – while boosting child care workers’ wages to match that of the city’s public school teachers – could be the most transformative."
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/zohran-mamda...
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/zohran-mamda...
Reposted by Michael J. Armstrong
'Manufactured crisis': Fentanyl seized at Canadian border by U.S. authorities plummets
After a brief spike in the volume of fentanyl seized in April and May, the numbers have plummeted to their lowest level since 2023.
nationalpost.com
'Manufactured crisis': Fentanyl seized at Canadian border by U.S. authorities plummets #CanadaSky #USpol #EconSky #cdnpoli #Canada nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Reposted by Michael J. Armstrong
Legal and Illegal Sources of Cannabis in Germany Shortly After Legalisation - International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
The aim of this study is to examine cannabis sources shortly after the legalisation of recreational cannabis possession and cultivation and liberalisation of medical cannabis prescription in Germany i...
doi.org
Good morning!
Our new paper compared different types of cannabis sources in a sample of 1500 users after cannabis #legalisation in DEU.
At the time of data collection in Dec 2024, about 50% of users have obtained at least some of their cannabis from legal sources.
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01574-3
Our new paper compared different types of cannabis sources in a sample of 1500 users after cannabis #legalisation in DEU.
At the time of data collection in Dec 2024, about 50% of users have obtained at least some of their cannabis from legal sources.
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01574-3
They're not the big-ticket items, but these 5 budget items could impact you | CBC News
They might not get the flashy headlines, but sprinkled throughout Tuesday’s budget and its digital-only annexes are several measures that could impact the lives of many Canadians. We take a closer loo...
www.cbc.ca
The Canadian government is cutting its reimbursement to veterans for medically prescribed cannabis from $8.50 to $6 per gram.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Budget cuts international student permits by 65 per cent in 2026 - University Affairs
Carney government also proposes $1.7 billion to recruit international researchers.
universityaffairs.ca
If the feds cut international student enrollment my 65%, there'll be no point in spending billions to attract new professors. Universities will be doing mass layoffs of their existing ones.
universityaffairs.ca/news/budget-...
universityaffairs.ca/news/budget-...
How AI is challenging the credibility of some online courses
AI agents can navigate course sites, consume materials and complete assignments, effectively simulating student engagement.
theconversation.com
"some researchers have raised concerns regarding the quality and student outcomes associated with asynchronous online courses. As well, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has exposed fundamental challenges to this mode of delivery"
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/how-ai-is-ch...
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/how-ai-is-ch...
Британские ученые доказали: в 1854 году в Крыму их генерал не ошибся (The Conversation) (The Conversation, Австралия)
Реконструкцию известного эпизода Крымской войны вывели на математический уровень. Была ли смелая атака британской кавалерии, в которой погибли две трети... | 28.10.2019, ИноСМИ
inosmi.ru
Or if you prefer the story in Russian:
могла ли атака легкой кавалерии в Балаклавском сражении завершиться успехом?
inosmi.ru/20191028/246...
могла ли атака легкой кавалерии в Балаклавском сражении завершиться успехом?
inosmi.ru/20191028/246...
Could the Charge of the Light Brigade have worked?
The Charge of the Light Brigade was brave but fruitless. Could it have worked if the feuding British leaders had interpreted their orders differently?
theconversation.com
In fairness, the British didn't do much better in that Crimean conflict ...
theconversation.com/could-the-ch...
theconversation.com/could-the-ch...
Reposted by Michael J. Armstrong
Rising temperatures in Bordeaux usher in a golden age for cabernet sauvignon
Grape growers are changing their approaches to adapt to the warming climate
www.theglobeandmail.com
The changing climate in Bordeaux has led the industry to welcome new grape varieties to maintain quality winemaking in the future, but Château Mouton Rothschild and other properties in Pauillac welcome “the golden age of cabernet sauvignon.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
‘Lick the science’: This university is using craft beer to show off its ag research
A Saskatchewan researcher has brewed a beer that allows consumers to taste and talk about advancements made in the agriculture sector.
www.ctvnews.ca
A PhD student studying beer yeast has put her theories into practice.
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
As tastes change, Alberta’s craft brewers expand their offerings | CBC News
According to Statistics Canada, beer consumption in Alberta has declined over the past decade. During the same time period, the market share of ciders, coolers and ready-to-drink cocktails has doubled...
www.cbc.ca
"The craft beer boom peaked in 2018 in the province, said Blair Berdusco with the Alberta Small Brewers Association"
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Fall Preview at Brock University
We can’t wait to welcome you to Brock University on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jump to registration Thanks for joining us for Fall Preview Day Missed out? Join us for Open House o...
discover.brocku.ca
On 2 Nov @brocku.ca welcomes potential students to visit the campus to learn about our programs & facilities in person.
discover.brocku.ca/fallpreview/
discover.brocku.ca/fallpreview/
Canadian travel to the USA by air is down 11%.
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Statistics Canada data indicate Canadian travel to the USA by land is 30% lower so far in 2025 compared to 2024.
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‘If there is no demand, we can’t operate’: Small landlords ponder future after foreign student cuts
The case for investing in student housing isn’t as obvious as it once was as the federal cap on international students enters its second year
www.theglobeandmail.com
"it could be difficult for property owners to hold on to their properties when they are losing money. He predicts the situation will lead many owners to default on the mortgages and face foreclosure"
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
American Spirits Exports 2025 Mid-Year Report: U.S. Spirits Exports Decline Sharply in Second Quarter
American Spirits Exports 2025 Mid-Year Report: U.S. Spirits Exports Decline Sharply in Second Quarter Amid Rising Trade Tensions Exports Declined 9% Year-Over-Year in Second Quarter 2025 WASHINGTON — ...
www.distilledspirits.org
"exports of American spirits fell 9% year-over-year in the second quarter, driven by ongoing trade tensions"
US spirits exports fell 85% to Canada, 29% to Britain, 23% to Japan, & 12% to Europe. 🍸
#EconSky
www.distilledspirits.org/news/america...
US spirits exports fell 85% to Canada, 29% to Britain, 23% to Japan, & 12% to Europe. 🍸
#EconSky
www.distilledspirits.org/news/america...
Reposted by Michael J. Armstrong
A toast to wine’s ability to inspire social and family celebrations
Wine Growers Canada gets behind Come Over October campaign to promote togetherness – and wine, of course
www.theglobeandmail.com
Canadian winemakers have joined forces with Come Over October, a community-driven movement that asks consumers to meet and share a glass of wine with someone this month. The campaign is expanding across Canada with the support of Wine Growers Canada.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
‘Why would we buy U.S. wines?’ Ontario vintners reap benefits of trade dispute
The grape harvest is well underway and sales of local wines are booming, thanks in part to the province’s ongoing boycott of U.S. wines and spirits.
www.ctvnews.ca
My @brocku.ca colleague Antonia Mantonakis discussed booming sales of Ontario wines with CTV.
www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
All government-run liquor, cannabis stores in B.C. closed as strike escalates
All government-run liquor and cannabis stores in B.C. are now behind picket lines, according to the union representing striking public service workers.
www.ctvnews.ca
"Government cannabis stores are on strike" is a headline that could only appear in Canada.
7 years after legalization, cannabis has become so ordinary that headlines like this are mere footnotes in the daily news.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
7 years after legalization, cannabis has become so ordinary that headlines like this are mere footnotes in the daily news.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
How the U.S. trade war uncorked a surprising boom for wineries across Canada | CBC Radio
Thanks in large part to the patriotic "Buy Canadian" movement, which has changed consumer habits and reshaped parts of the retail landscape, winemakers across the country say they're enjoying a rare a...
www.cbc.ca
"Ontario Craft Wineries, which represents more than 100 producers, said wine sales across all retail channels — from grocery and convenience stores to restaurants — have jumped by 78 per cent."
www.cbc.ca/radio/costof...
www.cbc.ca/radio/costof...
Crime doesn’t pay, but jury duty should
A Canadian federal report recommends paying jurors at least $120 daily. Provinces should take action.
theconversation.com
The new 2025 Ontario jury pay rate is 9 years overdue. Here's what I wrote about it back in 2018.
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@ca.theconversation.com
theconversation.com/crime-doesnt...
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@ca.theconversation.com
theconversation.com/crime-doesnt...
‘Long overdue’: Ontario juror pay increasing to $120 per day from Day 1 of service
Ontario jurors will be compensated $120 per day from the first day they serve starting Wednesday, a significant increase that some advocates applaud but add that more support for jurors is needed.
www.ctvnews.ca
I'm glad Ontario will finally start paying jurors from day 1, but disappointed the $120/day rate remains below the $146 legal minimum any other employer must pay.
Governments shouldn't ignore their own labor laws.
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www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/arti...
Governments shouldn't ignore their own labor laws.
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www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/arti...
Reposted by Michael J. Armstrong
For this Niagara winemaker, the local terroir can stand on its own
Gabriel Demarco of Cave Springs isn’t interested in making copycat wines
www.theglobeandmail.com
“We develop our entire portfolio of wine around what the site gives us. If that wine reminds you of someplace else, we’re not doing our job,” says Cave Spring winemaker Gabriel Demarco.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
"Canadians’ Visa card spending in Oregon this July was half that of July 2024."
Not enemies, but people: Why the world needs to rethink the language of war
Using the term ‘war’ when fighting alleged drug traffickers or terrorists serves to justify killing them without proof they’ve committed any crimes.
theconversation.com
"A brief look at the origins of the U.S. war on drugs shows how the term “war” can be used to normalize acts of oppression or violence."
theconversation.com/not-enemies-...
theconversation.com/not-enemies-...
Discover Niagara | Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Discover all that Niagara has to offer with the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival. Celebrate all things VQA with our signature wine and culinary events!
niagarawinefestival.com
The Niagara Grape & Wine festival takes place this weekend in & around St. Catharines, ON. 🍷 🍇
niagarawinefestival.com
niagarawinefestival.com