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Articles by Nicole Thompson
GenAI is now in our childcare centres. But there isn’t any guidance
That is the problem we need to take seriously. The question is no longer whether early childhood educators will use GenAI. Many already are, or soon will be. The more urgent question is whether they are being given the right support to use it safely, ethically and in ways that align with Australian early childhood practice. These are the questions at the centre of my recent article on GenAI-supported reflective practice in early childhood education and care.
Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music to investigate historic sexual abuse allegations
TORONTO — The Royal Conservatory of Music will launch an independent investigation into allegations that one of its most prominent teachers sexually abused students in the 1970s and '80s, the organization said Friday. Their decision comes months after a former student published an essay accusing Boris Berlin of abusing her when she was a teenager, and a week after the music education and performance institute announced it was considering the option.
What Actually Happens When You Run ping
If you’ve taken an introductory networking or systems course, you’ve almost certainly used the ping command. It’s often the first tool recommended when something goes awry, and it’s commonly described as a way to check whether a device is reachable. Despite how frequently it’s used, many students and early-career professionals run ping without a clear mental model of what is actually happening under the hood. This can make troubleshooting feel like guesswork rather than logical reasoning.
A quicklist of Frank Gehry's accomplishments as one of the world's best-known architects
The Toronto-born, Los Angeles-based architect Frank Gehry died on Friday. A titan of his field, here's a summary of some of the awards and accolades he received over a career that spanned more than half a century: In 1974, he was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. In 1977, he was named recipient of the Arnold W. Brunner Memorial Prize in Architecture from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Alan Doyle wants to try everything once, so he co-wrote the musical 'Tell Tale Harbour'
TORONTO — To hear Alan Doyle tell it, he's stumbled into all his creative pursuits sincethe success of his folk-rock group Great Big Sea. The name and voice recognition he earned fronting that band got him opportunities: as an actor in Ridley Scott's 2010 film adaptation of "Robin Hood," as the composer for the CBC sitcom "Son of a Critch," as an author with three memoirs published so far and a fourth on the way. "I'm a guy in a band, that's my main job," he says.
Alan Doyle wants to try everything once, so he co-wrote the musical 'Tell Tale Harbour'
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'The Road Between Us' Oct. 7 film wins TIFF documentary People's Choice Award
TORONTO — A controversial documentary about a retired Israeli general's rescue mission on Oct. 7 has won the People's Choice Award for best documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival. "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue," directed by Barry Avrich, drew competing pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests outside its single screening this week. The list of winners was emailed out on Sunday morning.
Protesters gather outside TIFF premiere of documentary about retired Israeli general
TORONTO — Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters have started to gather outside the theatre where a documentary about a retired Israeli general's rescue mission during the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks is due to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival. Police are also outside Roy Thomson Hall, where “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” directed by Montreal's Barry Avrich, is due to screen this afternoon.
'Peak Everything' among 10 Canadian films up for Windsor International Film Festival prize
An eco-anxiety love story and a cautionary tale about late-stage capitalism are among the movies up for the Windsor International Film Festival's top prize. The southwestern Ontario film festival announced the 10 nominees for the $25,000 WIFF Top Canadian Film Prize on Wednesday.
TORONTO — Ryan Reynolds says mounting tensions between Canada and the U.S. haven't changed anything for him as a Canuck in Hollywood. The "Deadpool" star preached unity during an onstage conversation at the Toronto International Film Festival, when chief programming officer Anita Lee asked him what it was like being a Canadian in Los Angeles during this "elbows up" era of increased nationalism.
Fraud experts warn of smishing scams made easier by artificial intelligence, new tech
If it seems like your phone has been blowing up with more spam text messages recently, it probably is. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says so-called smishing attempts appear to be on the rise, thanks in part to new technologies that allow for co-ordinated bulk attacks.
TORONTO — Longtime TV journalist Travis Dhanraj says he's been "forced to resign" from CBC News. The former host of "Canada Tonight" announced his departure in an email to CBC staff that alleges a culture of "retaliation, exclusion, and psychological harm." Dhanraj stepped back from CBC News Network's prime-time program last fall, less than a year after he took the helm.
'A no-brainer': Some bosses happily giving staff Monday off along with Canada Day
TORONTO — Anyone who works Monday to Friday and is keen for a long weekend this Canada Day has likely had to do a bit of calendar juggling to cope with the ill-timed holiday. The stat day falls on a Tuesday this year, forcing many to work an odd Monday squeezed between days off, unless they burn a vacation day to eliminate the wonky schedule. Some startup companies say they're calling Monday a wash and giving staff a paid day off in order to smooth out the mid-week quirk and create a long weekend.
April Hubbard delayed MAID to accept Governor General's honour: 'Most artists never get a recognition like this in their lifetime'
April Hubbard changed the plan for her death so she could be there to celebrate her life's work at one of Canada's most prestigious arts ceremonies. The 40-year-old arts administrator and performer had pre-recorded her acceptance speech for the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards because she had expected to receive medical assistance in dying before Saturday's gala. "It's only in the last few weeks that I said, well, maybe I can make it.
'Nature of Things' looks at how parenthood changes men's brains and bodies with 'Dad Bods'
TORONTO — A new episode of CBC's "The Nature of Things," timed to Father's Day, explores some of the ways men's brains and bodies adapt to parenthood. The episode titled "Dad Bods" takes viewers across Canada and around the world to look at social and scientific elements of fatherhood. The Canadian Press spoke with director Christine McLean about how the doc, available now on CBC Gem, came together. CP: Tell me about the tone of the documentary.
TORONTO — Rick Mercer picks up the bottle of sparkling water he just ordered, puts on his glasses and inspects the label. "Where's that from? We're not having that in the shot if it's American. Jeez," he says, glancing at the video camera with an impish smile. It's a product of Italy, but he moves it out of the shot anyway. "Are we rolling?" We are. On this Tuesday afternoon in late spring, Mercer sits in a booth by the window at a Toronto restaurant.
Trad-moms and natalism: how the way we talk about motherhood is changing
The way we're talking about motherhood is changing, says Miranda Brady, a professor of communication at Carleton University.
TORONTO — Mike Myers will take to the stage in Toronto as part of a comedy fundraiser for a local cancer charity. The Canadian comedian will perform standup as part of "It's Always Something: Open Mike" at The Second City Toronto on May 12. "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" star Colin Mochrie will also perform, and improv comic David Shore is set to host.
Canadians remember Pope Francis for historic apology for residential schools
TORONTO — Pope Francis will be remembered by Canadian Catholics as a progressive leader whose approach to the papacy helped usher in a new era of Indigenous relations and make the church more responsive to its rank and file. The Vatican says the pontiff died Monday at age 88. Francis was the global leader of Canada's most popular organized religion. Nearly 11 million Canadians identified as Catholic in the 2021 census, second only to those without a religious affiliation.
'Nowhere more powerless than at a border': What immigration lawyers are telling U.S.-bound travellers about cellphones
TORONTO — The Canadian government has warned would-be travellers they may face more scrutiny at the United States border — including the search of electronic devices. Though immigration lawyers say there's no change in the law for Canadians travelling to the U.S., existing rules may be applied more strictly, as indicated by the updated advisory Global Affairs Canada issued Friday. That advisory warns that Canadians denied entry to the U.S. may face detention while they wait to be deported.
TORONTO — Tens of thousands of Ontarians are without power as an ice storm pummels parts of the province and threatens even more. A map from Hydro One, the provincial utility, shows nearly 50,000 customers were in the dark Saturday because of outages concentrated in cottage country, from Tobermory and Parry Sound to Peterborough. Environment Canada has issued freezing rain warnings for swaths of Ontario and Quebec that begin on the northwestern shore of Lake Huron.
Dina Pugliese rejoins 'Breakfast Television' alongside new host Tim Bolen
TORONTO — Longtime former "Breakfast Television" co-host Dina Pugliese is settling back into the chair. Pugliese announced her return on the show Monday by stepping onto the set in a moose costume before removing the mascot-style head to raucous cheers from the crew. Pugliese will also serve as a co-executive producer on the program, which she left in February 2023 after 16 years citing burnout.
Canadian writer Nadim Roberts earns prestigious Whiting Creative Nonfiction grant
Canadian journalist Nadim Roberts has been selected for a US$40,000 grant to fund his book about a storied highway project in the Northwest Territories. The U.K.-based Canadian writer is one of 10 recipients of the Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant. The Whiting Foundation says Roberts' forthcoming book "The Highway" uses the history of the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway to explore the legacy of colonialism and residential schools in Canada's Far North.
One-Skillet Lemony Paprika Chicken Thighs
Category: Chicken, Main Courses Servings: 4-6 We’d put this one in the comfort food category for sure — and in the repeat recipe category! Between the crisp of the paprika-laced chicken skin and the myriad of flavors running through the rice, seconds are guaranteed! 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on 1 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons salt, divided Pepper to taste 4 medium–sized carrots, sliced ¼-inch thick 1 large shallot, finely chopped 3 stalks celery, sliced...
Giller Prize to stick with Scotiabank as sponsor, despite mounting calls to drop it
TORONTO - The Scotiabank Giller Prize won't drop its lead sponsor, the organization's executive director announced as pressure mounted from some high-profile members of the literary community. The Giller Foundation's board discussed the calls to cut ties with Scotiabank over its investment in an Israeli arms manufacturer at a meeting last week, but they ultimately decided to stick with the bank, Elana Rabinovitch said in an emailed statement.
Canadian translator, Mexican poet win Griffin Poetry Prize
TORONTO — Canadian poet-translator George McWhirter stood alone at a lectern Wednesday night to accept the Griffin Poetry Prize he earned with his friend and longtime collaborator Homero Aridjis. The prodigious Mexican poet couldn't attend the ceremony in Toronto where his collection, "Self-Portrait in the Zone of Silence," won the $130,000 award because he was recovering from intestinal surgery.
Billy-Ray Belcourt on using short fiction to show a range of Indigenous experiences
Billy-Ray Belcourt has populated his first short story collection with a pantheon of Cree characters, each presenting a different possibility for modern Indigenous life. The cast of "Coexistence" started with just one couple. Belcourt wanted to write a story about queer, Indigenous partners who stay together, in which nothing traumatic happens. "I didn't see that represented in the literary landscape and so I felt a certain degree of urgency in portraying that kind of story," he said.
Father in agony following wrong-way crash that killed his son and parents
TORONTO — The father of a three-month-old boy who died alongside his grandparents in a wrong-way highway crash last week says his grief is agonizing. Gokulnath Manivannan says the pain of losing his son Aditya Vivaan and his parents is far worse than the physical injuries he suffered in the crash with a van that was being chased by police on Highway 401 east of Toronto.
Joe Flaherty was the 'only guy' who could get Eugene Levy to break character
Eugene Levy says his "SCTV" castmate Joe Flaherty was the only comedian who could get him to break character on stage. Flaherty's death Monday at age 82 prompted an outpouring of grief from his Second City colleagues, with whom he stayed close throughout his life. Flaherty was considered the elder statesman of the group, and was one of the driving forces behind Second City's presence in Toronto.
'funniest at the table,' a mentor to young comics
By Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press on April 2, 2024. Former cast members of SCTV are reunited at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival on Saturday, March 6, 1999 in Aspen, Colo. From left front row are: Dave Thomas; Catherine O'Hara; Andrea Martin; Eugene Levy; and Martin Short. In the back row are Joe Flaherty, left, and Harold Ramis.
How social media is influencing the romance novel genre -- and wider trends in fiction
A new generation of romance novel consumers hasmoved a long-standing three-way conversation between reader, writer and publisher onto social media, industry insiders say, speeding up an already fast-moving segment of the publishing world. Those involved in romance publishing say the genre has long been nimble, adapting to societal shifts and consumer demand at a comparatively breakneck pace.
New book based on sex survey offers unprecedented look into Canadians' bedrooms
Until recently, Tina Fetner's sociology students at McMaster University were skeptical when she presented statistics about sexual activity. Though researchers at Indiana University have long conducted surveys about Americans' sex lives, Fetner's students wanted to see Canadian data — whichdidn't exist. "As soon as you present U.S. data to them, they're like: 'Yeah, but that's not us,'" Fetner said. It peeved Fetner, too.
Mirvish Productions to mount open-ended run of 'The Lion King'
TORONTO — Simba is coming back to Toronto, and he intends to stay a while. Mirvish Productions says "The Lion King" will begin an open-ended run at the Princess of Wales Theatre in a year's time. It's a full-circle moment for the company, which last ran a so-called "sit-down" production of the award-winning Disney show from 2000 to 2004. The musical is a stage adaptation of the 1994 Disney animated film about Simba, a young lion cast out from his land when his father is killed.
Bernstein wins $100K Scotiabank Giller Prize in gala upended by protest
TORONTO - Montreal-born Sarah Bernstein won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in a 30th anniversary bash upended by anti-Israel protesters Monday night, when the usually staid gala was crashed by a handful of agitators. The Scotland-based author of "Study for Obedience" accepted the $100,000 award remotely from her home in the Highlands, where she had a baby just 10 days ago.
Bernstein wins $100K Scotiabank Giller Prize in gala upended by protest
Sarah Bernstein won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in a 30th anniversary bash upended by anti-Israel protesters. The Montreal-born, Scotland-based author accepted the $100,000 award remotely from Scotland, where she had a baby just 10 days ago. Just as her name was called at the Toronto gala, a protester interrupted the live telecast with anti-war slogans, forcing organizers to repeat the announcement.
Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events across country
Seas of orange flooded events across the country on Saturday as Canadians gathered to acknowledge systemic oppression of Indigenous people and observe the third annual National Day for and Reconciliation. The federal statutory holiday, adapted from the grassroots Orange Shirt Day, recognizes the abuse suffered by Inuit, First Nations and Metis people at hundreds of state- and church-run residential schools.
Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events across country
Advertisement 1 • • Article content Seas of orange flooded events across the country on Saturday as Canadians gathered to acknowledge systemic oppression of Indigenous people and observe the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team.
Teachers turn to AI to make workload more manageable, chart lesson plans
Toronto·New Droves of teachers are turning to artificial intelligence, who say the technology keeps their workload manageable, especially as they chart the course for a new school year. Advances in artificial intelligence are cause for both skepticism and excitement, teachers say Jessica Reid has thought about quitting the career she'd dreamed of since childhood hundreds of times.
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