U of T research contributes to instant verbal translation

When Microsoft’s chief research officer took to the stage in Tianjin, China, last month, his language skills made an auditorium of hundreds of native Mandarin speakers applaud wildly.

But he only spoke English at the conference. As he explained new developments in instantaneous translation and interpretation, Rick Rashid’s English spoken words were simultaneously translated robotically to Mandarin.

The stunned crowd applauded the new computer system that can recognize human speech patterns, thanks to a University of Toronto research team.


See my report in the Toronto Observer.

Awareness, preparation the best defence against life-threatening allergies

For the third time since classes resumed this autumn, the issue of how schools accommodate children with allergies has people talking.

Last week, a mother from Vaugn made headlines after asking her son’s school to remove an acorn tree from the school grounds.

See my report in the Toronto Observer.

Jarvis bike lane protester arrested during removal

Toronto Star photo

A protester was arrested and charged Tuesday morning after blocking the removal of the Jarvis St. bike lanes.

Toronto physician Tomislav Svoboda was arrested around 11 a.m. on Jarvis St. near Shuter St.

“As a family and public health physician, I’m concerned about safety,” Svoboda said.

See my report in the Toronto Star.

FoodShare mobile food market brings relief to Toronto’s food deserts (with video)

The parking lot at 90 Mornelle Ct. is nestled by high-rise apartment buildings. Fast food joints and convenience stores are steps away while the two nearest grocery stores are both located up steep hills.

But at this parking lot, on a wet and windy October morning, Marlon Neil and his son Israel have bought plantain, ginger, grapes, carrots and much more.

Every week, the Mobile Good Food Market sends a box truck full of nutritious food to Toronto’s food deserts — high-population areas where fresh food is far and expensive — to be sold at wholesale prices.

See my report in the Toronto Observer

Section 37 funds cause a stir in Scarborough

Councillors question use of limited Planning Act funds
 
It’s a bureaucratic regulation that lasts all of five sentences, but one small section of the Ontario law has Toronto City Council fuming over how to spend the $300 million it brings in each year. Some councillors say communities like Scarborough are missing out.

See my report in The Toronto Observer.

My video on the Great Canadian Appathon

I did a video for our magazine class about the Great Canadian Appathon. The story will be posted in a few days when we have our website launch, but here's the video:

Scarborough cookie factory sells treats at cheap prices

This is one of the sillier stories I've done; even got kicked out by security for it. I was sure to lace the article with puns.

These bags are on sale for $2 each.

Venture northwest of the Scarborough Town Centre and it is easy to start smelling something sweet in the air.

It starts with a whiff passing the chain restaurants along Progress Avenue, and it gets stronger as the inconspicuous industrial outlets west of Brimley Road get closer.

Nestled among the industrial grey is a sign with two red logos: Kraft and Dad’s Cookies.

The Dad’s Cookies Outlet Store sits adjacent to a cookie factory, which has been in operation since 1966. During normal business hours, the public can get Kraft cookies and crackers at kooky prices.

See my report in The Toronto Observer.