Mitchell Thompson
United States
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Articles by Mitchell Thompson
The Social Security Bridge Strategy: How to Maximize Lifetime Income by Delaying Benefits
One of the most consequential financial decisions you will make in your 60s is when to claim Social Security. Claim at 62 and you receive benefits for more years, but at a permanently reduced amount. Wait until 70 and you receive 77% more per month for the rest of your life. The math favors waiting. The emotional reality makes it hard. Watching your savings decline while you sit on a benefit you could be collecting feels uncomfortable at best and reckless at worst.
Divorce in Your 40s and Early 50s: The Financial Checklist Nobody Gives You
Divorce in your 40s and early 50s occupies a specific financial territory that does not get discussed enough. You are not in your 30s, when the asset base is smaller and the runway to rebuild is long. And you are not in your late 50s or 60s, where the gray divorce conversation addresses concentrated retirement wealth and compressed timelines.
The Social Security Bridge Strategy: How to Maximize Lifetime Income by Delaying Benefits
One of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in your 60s is when to claim Social Security. Claim at 62 and you’ll receive benefits for more years, but at a permanently reduced amount. Wait until 70 and you’ll receive 77% more per month for the rest of your life. The math seems straightforward, but the emotional reality is harder. Watching your savings decline while you wait for a larger benefit feels uncomfortable.
Author Correction: Binary vector copy number engineering improves Agrobacterium-mediated transformation - Nature Biotechnology
Correction to: Nature Biotechnology https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-024-02462-2, published online 4 November 2025. In the version of the article initially published, in Fig. 5b, the “pVS1 R106H (1:10 dilution)” image was a duplicate of the “RK2 WT” image. Fig. 5b has now been amended with the correct “pVS1 R106H (1:10 dilution)” image in the HTML and PDF versions of the article. Additionally, the Supplementary information has been updated to include Supplementary Fig.
Gray Divorce: 5 Financial and Tax Considerations for Couples Over 50
Divorce after 50—often called “gray divorce”—is becoming increasingly common. While it carries many of the same emotional challenges as any divorce, it also brings unique financial and tax implications that demand careful attention. At this stage of life, decisions made during divorce can have long-lasting consequences. Longer life expectancy, shifting social norms, and changing personal priorities are driving more couples to separate later in life.
Quantitative dissection of Agrobacterium T-DNA expression in single plant cells reveals density-dependent synergy and antagonism - Nature Plants
Abstract Agrobacterium pathogenesis, which involves transferring T-DNA into plant cells, is the cornerstone of plant genetic engineering. As the applications that rely on Agrobacterium increase in sophistication, it becomes critical to achieve a quantitative and predictive understanding of T-DNA expression at the level of single plant cells. Here we examine if a classic Poisson model of interactions between pathogens and host cells holds true for Agrobacterium infecting Nicotiana benthamiana.
Machine learning-led semi-automated medium optimization reveals salt as key for flaviolin production in Pseudomonas putida - Communications Biology
Abstract Although synthetic biology can produce valuable chemicals in a renewable manner, its progress is still hindered by a lack of predictive capabilities. Media optimization is a critical, and often overlooked, process which is essential to obtain the titers, rates and yields needed for commercial viability. Here, we present a molecule- and host-agnostic active learning process for media optimization that is enabled by a fast and highly repeatable semi-automated pipeline.
Tax Planning for Small Businesses: Strategies to Maximize Savings and Minimize Stress
Are you a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of tax season? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs find themselves scrambling to gather receipts, calculate deductions, and meet filing deadlines at the last minute. However, there’s a better way to approach your business taxes that can save you time, money, and stress: proactive tax planning. Tax planning is more than just an annual chore; it’s a crucial aspect of financial management for small businesses.
Binary vector copy number engineering improves Agrobacterium-mediated transformation - Nature Biotechnology
Abstract The copy number of a plasmid is linked to its functionality, yet there have been few attempts to optimize higher-copy-number mutants for use across diverse origins of replication in different hosts. We use a high-throughput growth-coupled selection assay and a directed evolution approach to rapidly identify origin of replication mutations that influence copy number and screen for mutants that improve Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) efficiency.
Genetically refactored Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
Abstract Members of Agrobacterium are costly plant pathogens while also essential tools for plant transformation. Though Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) has been heavily studied, its polygenic nature and its complex transcriptional regulation make identifying the genetic basis of transformational efficiency difficult through traditional genetic and bioinformatic approaches.
The pGinger family of expression plasmids
New Results doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.01.23.524619 Abstract The pGinger suite of expression plasmids comprises 43 plasmids that will enable precise constitutive and inducible gene expression in a wide range of gram-negative bacterial species. Constitutive vectors are composed of 16 synthbuetic constitutive promoters upstream of RFP, with a broad host range BBR1 origin and a kanamycin resistance marker.
Engineering Pseudomonas putida KT2440 for chain length tailored free fatty acid and oleochemical production - Communications Biology
Chemicals All chemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (United States) unless otherwise described. Plasmids and strains Plasmids and strains used in this study are listed in Supplementary Tables 10, 11. The plasmids and strains have been deposited in the public version of JBEI registry (http://public-registry.jbei.org) and are physically available from the corresponding author upon request. All plasmids were constructed via Gibson or Golden Gate Assembly using standard protocols.
Ottawa Mayoral Candidate Mark Sutcliffe Under Fire Over Endorsement From Controversial MPP Lisa MacLeod
News by Mitchell Thompson, Reporter Ottawa Mayoral Candidate Mark Sutcliffe is drawing the ire of community groups across Ottawa after touting an endorsement from Doug Ford’s controversial former Minister of Social Services, Lisa MacLeod.
Ranking the top College and University teams in Canada — Canadian Baseball Network
June 26, 2021 A national ranking of Canadian college and university baseball teams By George S. Rigakos and Mitchell Thompson Carleton University What is the top college or university baseball team in Canada? Unfortunately, unlike US college baseball competition under the auspices of the NCAA, NCJAA or the NAIA, Canadian college and university baseball is in no position to declare a bona fide national champion.
Amazon warehouse workers in Canada pushed into dangerous race against time
Amazon warehouse workers say a version of the company’s infamous “time off task” productivity-monitoring system is operational in Canada — and it’s pushing them to race against seemingly arbitrary digital timers, at the expense of their health. Court documents in the United States show that Amazon uses the scanners to help monitor workers’ productivity. Back in 2018 an attorney for Amazon confirmed there are penalties for too much “time off task” between scans.
Functional analysis of the fatty acid and alcohol metabolism of Pseudomonas putida using RB-TnSeq
Genetics and Molecular Biology Mitchell G. Thompson, Matthew R. Incha, Allison N. Pearson, Matthias Schmidt, William A. Sharpless, Christopher B. Eiben, Pablo Cruz-Morales, Jacquelyn M. Blake-Hedges, Yuzhong Liu, Catharine A. Adams, Robert W. Haushalter, Rohith N. Krishna, Patrick Lichtner, Lars M. Blank, Aindrila Mukhopadhyay, Adam M. Deutschbauer, Patrick M. Shih, Jay D.
Structural Mechanism of Regioselectivity in an Unusual Bacterial Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase
Terminal alkenes are easily derivatized, making them desirable functional group targets for polyketide synthase (PKS) engineering. However, they are rarely encountered in natural PKS systems. One mechanism for terminal alkene formation in PKSs is through the activity of an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD).
Fungal seed pathogens of wild chili peppers possess multiple mechanisms to tolerate capsaicinoids
Physiology Catharine A. Adams, Kolea Zimmerman, Kristi Fenstermacher, Mitchell G. Thompson, Will Skyrud, Scott Behie, Anne Pringle DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01697-19 ABSTRACT The wild chili pepper Capsicum chacoense produces the spicy defense compounds known as capsaicinoids, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, antagonistic to the growth of fungal pathogens. Compared to other microbes, fungi isolated from infected seeds of C.
Massively Parallel Fitness Profiling Reveals Multiple Novel Enzymes in Pseudomonas putida Lysine Metabolism
Research Article | Molecular Biology and Physiology Mitchell G. Thompson, Jacquelyn M. Blake-Hedges, Pablo Cruz-Morales, Jesus F. Barajas, Samuel C. Curran, Christopher B. Eiben, Nicholas C. Harris, Veronica T. Benites, Jennifer W. Gin, William A. Sharpless, Frederick F. Twigg, Will Skyrud, Rohith N. Krishna, Jose Henrique Pereira, Edward E. K. Baidoo, Christopher J. Petzold, Paul D. Adams, Adam P. Arkin, Adam M. Deutschbauer, Jay D.
Ontario woman seeks home for 66-year-old Mary Pratt painting
As baby boomers downsize, Canadians are facing a simple question: who wants my stuff? Sunday on Cross Country Checkup, guest host Michelle Eliot asked Canadians how they're dealing with unwanted family heirlooms and collectibles. The following three callers shared stories about the curious items they've held onto and their attempts to find new homes for them. For more than six decades, Anne Wheatley Hicks, 76, has held on to a painting of her favourite doll.
'I was never so afraid of a turtle': When unexpected wildlife encounters go wrong
Nature may be beautiful, but it can also be vicious. On Sunday, Cross Country Checkup host Duncan McCue asked Canadians to share their unexpected wildlife encounters with everything from bears to leeches. While some callers looked back on these moments as positive, moving experiences — like one caller who came face-to-face with a hummingbird — others had more uncomfortable meetings. But even when nature took a bite — literally — these three callers found humour in their unfortunate encounters.
Hamilton Spectator finds new audience with podcast
A piece of Hamilton history and a true anomaly in the annals of Canadian crime reportage — the story Robert Badgerow, the first Canadian tried four times for the same murder — is now a podcast by the Hamilton Spectator. In 1981, Diane Werendowicz, a 23 year old nursing assistant, was found dead in a ravine in Stoney Creek. The paper covered the case regularly thereafter. It was 17 years before a killer was identified.
Arthur F. Burns Fellowship is now accepting applications - JSource
American and Canadian journalists can now apply for the The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship, a German exchange program for working reporters. The program is open to American, Canadian and German journalists between the age of 21-40, who are employed by a newspaper, news magazine, broadcast station, news agency or who work freelance or online.
When should media organizations de-index stories from web searches?
In the digital era, information about anyone is only an internet search away. That can be good, or, if you’ve had something embarrassing written about you online, a curse. Some people are now asking media companies to remove stories from online search results. But there’s no clear guidelines on how media professionals should respond.
Applications open for 2018/2019 William Southam Journalism Fellowships - JSource
The William Southam Journalism Fellowships are offered to Canadian journalists, in mid-career who are selected to spend a year at Massey College on a journalism project.
Canadian Hillman Prize now accepting submissions - JSource
The Sidney Hillman Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Canadian Hillman Prize honouring excellence in public interest journalism. Since 1950, the Sidney Hillman Foundation has honoured journalists, writers and public figures who pursue social justice and public policy for the common good. Sidney Hillman was the founding president of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union of America, a predecessor union of Workers United, SEIU.
Critic says new Globe and Mail freelance contract isn't fair for writers
The Globe and Mail has received criticism for a revamped freelance contract that one critics says doesn’t treat authors fairly. Content Writers Group — formerly known as the Canadian Writers Group — founder Derek Finkle said the provisions in the Globe’s “amended and restated” freelance contract take away rights freelancers previously retained, with no extra compensation in sight.
Applications open for the Fellowship for Aboriginal Investigative Journalism - JSource
The Fellowship for Aboriginal Investigative Journalism will provide a 12-week, paid placement with the award-winning APTN Investigates team based in Winnipeg, Man., this coming spring. Recipients will produce a 22-minute original investigative documentary providing information, analysis, and insight on an issue facing First Nation, Métis or Inuit peoples in Canada. The journalist and APTN will retain complete editorial control over the fellowship project.
Entries for 2018 Dalton Camp Award now open - JSource
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting announced The Dalton Camp Award in 2002 to honour the memory of Dalton Camp, a distinguished commentator on Canadian public affairs. The Dalton Camp Award will go to the winner or winners of an essay competition on the link between democracy and the media in Canada. In 2017, there was one Award, open to all eligible entrants, consisting of a prize of $10,000, as well as a bronze cast medal by the late Canadian sculptress Dora de Pédèry-Hunt.
Canada has one monument to volunteers who fought in the American Civil War — and it’s in progress
Canada’s only monument to volunteers who fought in the American Civil War is currently in progress. While U.S. cities grapple with whether or not to remove Confederate statues, the Grays and Blues of Montreal, a Civil War re-enactment group mostly known for firing off muskets at the Montreal Highland Games, is getting ready to unveil a monument to the 40,000 Canadian volunteers who fought in the war.
A third of Canadians say the Bank of Canada’s plan to raise interest rates will hurt their finances
Roughly one third of Canadians think the Bank of Canada’s most recent interest rate hike will hurt their finances, just as nearly three-quarters say their living costs have increased over the past three years, according to a new poll.
2017 an economic win for Canada, no matter what happens in second half: report
With quarterly GDP figures putting it near the head of the G7 pack, it would take a major disruption to make 2017 anything but a big economic win for Canada. But looking ahead to 2018, things are less certain, according to a recent report from Toronto-Dominion Bank. “Whatever happens over the remainder of the year, 2017 will go down as a very good year for the Canadian economy” the report said.
Home sale may be slowing in Toronto, Vancouver, but don’t expect prices to follow
Housing sales figures may be declining in Toronto and Vancouver, but with listings remaining scarce, economists are warning that significant gains in affordability may prove elusive. Existing home sales in Toronto fell 15.1 per cent in June, a second-consecutive monthly decline that left resale activity 42 per cent below its March peak, according to a report from TD Economics.
Who is Marshall McLuhan? Meet the Canadian media theorist who predicted the internet
Canadian professor Marshall McLuhan rose to prominence as a media theorist while teaching at the University of Toronto in the 1960s. He is celebrated as the man who predicted the rise of the internet, and on his 106th birthday, Google is honouring him with his own doodle. Here’s what you need to know about McLuhan and his ideas. Who was he? Born in Edmonton on July 21, 1911, McLuhan’s family moved to Winnipeg when he was four.
Ontario to kick off 150th anniversary celebration with replica of giant duck
In just over a month, the Ontario 150 Tour — a celebration of the province’s 150th anniversary — kicks off in Toronto with Royal Canadian Navy ships, competitive lumberjacks and an American replica of a 30,000-pound duck that’s been travelling the world since 2007. On June 30, the William Lyon Mackenzie fireboat will escort said giant duck to Toronto’s waterfront as part of a weekend-long celebration.
S&P/TSX is looking for a sector to lead the way out of sluggish decade
The S&P/TSX composite index is still languishing near its pre-crisis highs, making the past decade one of the worst 10-year stretches in the post-war period, according to a recent study from the Bank of Montreal. And things may not get better anytime soon. Since 2007, the TSX index has risen less than 1 per cent annualized, owing largely to the ripple effect of the 2008 crisis and the global oil supply glut, said BMO senior economist Robert Kavcic.
Sixth straight month of GDP growth bolsters case for rate hike
First quarter GDP momentum continued through April, a trend economists say gives the Bank of Canada added reason to hike its benchmark rate either this summer or fall. Statistics Canada figures released Friday show GDP rose 0.2 per cent in April after rising 0.5 per cent in March, marking the Canadian economy’s sixth consecutive monthly expansion.
Environment minister says Canada committed to addressing climate change with or without U.S
Canada is poised to play a leading role in pushing the terms of the Paris climate agreement forward following the United States’ exit, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna says.
Britany Spears’ Instagram Targeted by Russian Hackers: ESET
Turla—a Russian hacker group that has previously attacked government sites, firms, diplomats and embassies—targeted Brittany Spears’ Instagram account earlier this year. A study by Czechoslovakian IT company ESET Security found, hidden in the 7,000 comments on a photo of Spears, a code designed to link up with malware disguised as a Firefox security extension.
After the flood: Incredible photos show how Toronto islanders are adjusting after deluge of rain
Nearly two weeks after heavy rain submerged about 40 per cent of the Toronto Islands, residents and explorers are still there and learning to adjust. In late May, Mayor John Tory toured the soaked island in very tall rubber boots. He announced ferry service would be closed to all except the island’s 700 or so residents and events would be suspended until at least July 31.
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Ontario to kick off 150th anniversary celebration with replica of giant duck
In just over a month, the Ontario 150 Tour — a celebration of the province’s 150th anniversary —kicks off in Toronto with Royal Canadian Navy ships, competitive lumberjacks and an American replica of a 30,000-pound duck that’s been travelling the world since 2007. On June 30, the William Lyon Mackenzie fireboat will escort said giant duck to Toronto’s waterfront as part of a weekend-long celebration.
Resupply mission to Alert, Nunavut falls short as stubborn fog prevents RCAF transports from landing
Operation Boxtop, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s semi-annual re-supply mission to the world’s northernmost community, hit a snag earlier this month— fog kept RCAF planes from landing and left the site with one-third of the fuel expected. On April 20, a CC-150 airbus departed from Trenton with a team ready to deliver 1.5 million litres of low-sulphuric and jet fuel to Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut — the Earth’s most northern base.
Six months after organizing, bargaining at Vice Canada goes on
The Canadian Media Guild has said Vice Canada "appears intent" on stalling negotiations and avoiding specific language during bargaining for Vice Canada’s new collective agreement. The negotiations, which began Aug. 11, are the first for the newly formed bargaining unit at Vice Canada, formed after 69 per cent of its employees voted to unionize earlier this year.
Mezuzah cases and concentration camp papers: Holocaust artifacts appearing on eBay
After eBay publicly committed to taking down posts selling Nazi and Holocaust artifacts, sellers continue to post listings for clothes, utensils and heirlooms they say are from the 1940s, marking them as “rare,” “original,” and “Jewish.” Toronto social media manager Chaya Lalonde says she was shocked to find a sponsored eBay advertisement for a “World War Two Jewish cigarette holder” on Kijiji while looking for a gift for her son.
New regulations could change how Canadian journalists can use drones
College of North Atlantic journalism instructor Jeff Ducharme sees forthcoming Transport Canada drone regulations changing how journalists use drones significantly—and maybe for the better. Currently, reporters using drones are covered by commercial drone-user regulations, which are slightly more stringent than recreational drone rules. For recreational users, no certificate is required so long as the drone weighs less than 35 kilograms and is flown safely, according to Transport Canada.
10 months into strike, Chronicle Herald union file labour board complaint
After 10 months on strike, the union representing journalists at the Halifax Chronicle Herald launched a complaint to the Nova Scotia Labour Board, alleging unfair bargaining practices, which the company denies. Members of the Halifax Typographical Union told the Coast the “newspaper’s management is bargaining in a manner designed to end union representation’ and preventing an agreement from being reached.” On Nov.
Black Press launches a new Vancouver Island wide daily newspaper
Black Press, the British Columbia-based news company with a near monopoly on Vancouver Island, has launched a free daily after a string of newspaper closures. The new paper, the Vancouver Island Free Daily, launched Sept. 27 and is being helmed by managing editor Philip Wolf and content editor John McKinley, with Wolf describing it as “more of an aggregation,” of Black Press content across the island.
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