ih電子鍋 sr-fc188 One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy advanced technology to identify and track drones back to their landing spots. That is according to briefings from his office. Federal authorities have said that the drones do not appear to be linked to foreign governments. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. After a 15-year pause in executions, Indiana prepares to put to death a man who killed 4 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials are preparing to execute the state’s first death row inmate in 15 years. Joseph Corcoran was convicted in 1999 in the fatal shootings of his brother and three other men, including his sister’s fiancé. If Corcoran is put to death as scheduled Wednesday it will be the state’s first execution since 2009. Corcoran's attorneys have asked a federal court to stay his execution, arguing it would be unconstitutional because he has a serious mental illness. Indiana officials have refused to discuss how they obtained the sedative used for lethal injection. No media witnesses will be permitted under state law. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 46 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.4 people inside vehicle that went into Phoenix canal able to escape, authorities say

Parts of Australia will be hit by a dreaded heatwave as temperatures exceed 47C - breaking December records. It will be an “extremely hot” and windy start to the week for the majority of the country, as residents prepare for the sweltering tempertures. Melbourne will likely hit 40C on Monday, marking its hottest day since January 2023 and the hottest December day in five years. Meanwhile, in Penrith and Richmond, in Sydney, temperatures are anticipated to reach 35C on Monday and up to 41C on Tuesday. A heatwave has arrived at the doorstep of several states across the country, with some areas set to become severely impacted by the heat. Picture: Weatherzone The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe-to-extreme heatwave warning for those in the northern parts of the country, including Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and northern and western Queensland, where temperatures are anticipated to climb well into the mid-to-high 40s. The low-intensity heatwave is expected to stretch down to northern and western NSW, and northern Victoria, where temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-high 40s. “Some areas in western NSW could approach December records, with temperatures at 46C or 47C,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said. The sweltering conditions are likely to affect Bourke, Ivanhoe, Jindabyne, Narrandera, Tibooburra, Tumbarumba and Wilcannia. The Country Fire Authority has issued extreme fire danger warnings for the majority of Victoria, with a total fire ban in the Mallee, Wimmera, South West, Northern Country, North Central, Central and West and South Gippsland districts – including Melbourne and the Greater Melbourne regions – until midnight Monday. “Those extreme fire dangers ... are at the upper end of extreme – in the 90s – and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that tomorrow we will see areas tip into perhaps some of those catastrophic fire dangers,” CFA chief officer Jason Hefferman said per Sky News. A moderate fire ban has been issued for the majority of NSW, with a high fire warning issued for the North West Slopes, Greater Hunter, North Western, Upper and Lower Central West Plains, the Northern and Southern Riverina regions. A total fire ban has also been issued for the eastern region of South Australia, with an extreme fire warning for the Mid North, York Peninsula, Mount Lofty Ranges, Murraylands, Upper and Lower South East. Melbourne is set to swelter on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele Thankfully, the sizzling heat won’t be around for too long in the southern states. A cool change will arrive for those in the southern half of the country between Monday and Tuesday, particularly in NSW, Victoria and parts of eastern South Australia, giving much-needed relief. However, there won’t be much relief for those living in the northern parts of Australia, including much of the NT and Queensland until later in the week. Following the cool change in the south, the heatwave will trap itself in the northern areas and will continue its grip. Temperatures in some areas of Australia will hit the mid-to-high 40s. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology It will be partly cloudy day in Brisbane, with a very high chance of showers and a thunderstorm and a maximum temperature of 28C. In Sydney, residents can expect a mostly overcast morning, with a slight chance of drizzle before clouds clear in the afternoon and a top of 29C. Melbourne will have a mostly sunny and windy day, with a maximum temperature of 41C. The morning will be sunny, though clouds are likely to come in from the west in the afternoon, bringing a slight chance of showers in the late evening and a cool change. It will be similar conditions in Adelaide, which will have a sunny morning and a slight chance of a shower, most likely in the evening. There is a slight chance of a thunderstorm in the late afternoon and early evening, reaching a top of 38C. For Perth residents, it will be partly cloudy day with a slight chance of rain and a maximum temperature of 25C. There will be a high chance of showers in Hobart, with partly cloudy skies and a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, reaching a top of 33C. It will be a sunny day in Canberra, with light winds and a maximum temperature of 37C. Darwin residents can expect a partly cloudy day, with thunderstorms in the morning and a medium chance of showers in the afternoon and evening, reaching a maximum temperature of 35C. Originally published as ‘Catastrophic’: Sweltering heatwave tightens grip on the country Environment Don't miss out on the headlines from Environment. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories News ‘Intense’: Inside couple’s incredible survival Using old XXXX beer cans for collection, the couple had to drink water from the muddy creek. Read more Breaking News ‘Being lied to’: Icon’s warning for Aussie state The American-Australian musician has issued a chilling warning over an “out of touch” proposal that could set Australia back. Read moreSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook a large area of Northern California on Thursday, knocking items off grocery store shelves, sending children scrambling under desks and prompting a brief tsunami warning for 5.3 million people along the U.S. West Coast. The quake struck at 10:44 a.m. west of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County, about 130 miles (209 km) from the Oregon border, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, some 270 miles (435 km) away, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. The tsunami warning was in effect for roughly an hour. It was issued shortly after the temblor struck and covered nearly 500 miles (805 km) of coastline, from the edge of California’s Monterey Bay north into Oregon. “It was a strong quake, our building shook, we’re fine but I have a mess to clean up right now,” said Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile, a store packed with food, wares and souvenirs that is a main attraction in Ferndale. “We lost a lot of stuff. It’s probably worse than two years ago. I have to go, I have to try and salvage something for the holidays because it’s going to be a tough year,” Kreitzer said before hanging up. The region — known for its redwood forests, scenic mountains and the three-county Emerald Triangle’s legendary marijuana crop — was struck by a 6.4 magnitude quake in 2022 that left thousands of people without power and water. The northwest corner of California is the most seismically active part of the state since it’s where three tectonic plates meet, seismologist Lucy Jones said on the social media platform BlueSky. Shortly after the quake, phones in Northern California buzzed with the tsunami warning from the National Weather Service that said: “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.” Numerous cities urged people to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution, including Eureka. In Santa Cruz, authorities cleared the main beach, taping off entrances with police tape. Aerial footage showed cars bumper-to-bumper heading to higher ground Thursday morning on California highways 1 and 92 in the Half Moon Bay area south of San Francisco. “I thought my axles had fallen apart,” said Valerie Starkey, a Del Norte County supervisor representing Crescent City, a town of fewer than 6,000 near the Oregon border. “That’s what I was feeling ... ‘My axles are broken now.’ I did not realize it was an earthquake.” Cindy Vosburg, the executive director for the Crescent City-Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce, said she heard alarms sound just before shaking began and the city's cultural center downtown started to creak. “The earthquake seemed to go on for quite a few seconds. It was a rolling earthquake,” Vosburg said. “Just as it would start to subside, the building would roll again.” Vosburg, a former resident of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, said it was the strongest earthquake she felt since the 1989 Loma Prieta quake struck Northern California. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has signed off on a state of emergency declaration to quickly move state resources to impacted areas along the coast. State officials were concerned about damages in the northern part of the state, Newsom said. White House Spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said President Joe Biden was briefed on the earthquake and that FEMA officials are in touch with their state and local counterparts in California and Oregon. Crews in Eureka, the biggest city in the region, were assessing if there was any major damage from the quake, Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel said. Bergel, who works as a resource aid at a middle school, said lights were swaying and everyone got under desks. “The kids were so great and terrified. It seemed to go back and forth for quite a long time,” she said. Some children asked, “Can I call my mom?" The students were later sent home. In nearby Arcata, students and faculty were urged to shelter in place at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. The campus in was not in the tsunami hazard zone and after inspections, “all utilities and building systems are normal and operational,” the university said in a statement. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said residents experienced some cracks in their homes’ foundations, as well as broken glass and windows, but nothing severe. There also have been no major infrastructure problems, building collapses or roadway issues, and no major injuries or deaths have been reported, he said. Honsal said he was in his office in the 75-year-old courthouse in downtown Eureka when he felt the quake. “We’re used to it. It is known as ‘earthquake country’ up here,” he said. “It wasn’t a sharp jolt. It was a slow roller, but significant.” Michael Luna, owner of a Grocery Outlet in Eureka, said that besides a few items falling off shelves, the store on Commercial Street was unscathed by the earthquake. “We didn’t have any issues but a couple of deodorants fall off.... I think the way the earthquake rumbled this time, it was a good thing for our store because the last earthquake was a huge mess," he said. They evacuated customers and closed their doors temporarily until officials lifted the tsunami warning, he said, rushing off the phone to attend to a growing line of customers at check-out. The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, known as BART, stopped traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland, and the San Francisco Zoo’s visitors were evacuated. Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator for the Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, said the computer models indicated that this was the type of earthquake that was unlikely to cause a tsunami and gauges that monitor waves then confirmed it, so forecasters canceled the warning. This quake was a strike-slip type of temblor that shifts more horizontally and is less prone to cause tsunamis, unlike the more vertical types, said National Weather Service tsunami program manager Corina Allen in Washington state. The California Geological Survey says the state’s shores have been struck by more than 150 tsunamis since 1800, and while most were minor, some have been destructive and deadly. On March 28, 1964, a tsunami triggered by a powerful earthquake in Alaska smashed into Crescent City hours later. Much of the business district was leveled and a dozen people were killed. More recently, a tsunami from a 2011 earthquake in Japan caused about $100 million in damages along the California coast, much of it in Crescent City. Dazio reported from Los Angeles. AP writers Christopher Weber, Jaimie Ding and Dorany Pineda in Los Angeles; Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz, California; Sophie Austin and Tran Nguyen in Sacramento, California; and Seth Borenstein in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report.FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Jacari White scored 19 points as North Dakota State beat Western Michigan 98-62 on Sunday. White had five rebounds and five assists for the Bison (10-4). Jacksen Moni added 16 points while shooting 7 for 10, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc while they also had seven assists. Masen Miller finished 5 of 9 from 3-point range to finish with 15 points. The Bison extended their winning streak to seven games. The Broncos (3-7) were led by Chansey Willis Jr., who recorded 22 points and five assists. Marquese Josephs added 12 points for Western Michigan. Markhi Strickland also put up eight points. North Dakota State took the lead with 19:23 left in the first half and never looked back. The score was 49-28 at halftime, with White racking up 13 points. North Dakota State extended its lead to 73-38 during the second half, fueled by a 9-0 scoring run. Darik Dissette scored a team-high eight points in the second half as their team closed out the win. North Dakota State next plays Monday against CSU Bakersfield at home, and Western Michigan will host Valparaiso on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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EDMONTON — Leaders of the Prairie provinces are urging Canada to act on American concerns over illegal cross-border traffic of people and drugs to stave off the looming threat of 25 per cent tariffs. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday that Canada must do better to address the concerns of its largest trading partner. Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump promised Monday to impose the tariffs on his first day in office in January. He said he would keep the tariffs in place until Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent drugs such as fentanyl from entering the U.S. Kinew said 25 per cent tariffs would mean a recession for his province and that Canada needs to show the new U.S. administration it's serious about security and tackling the drug crisis. He said it begins with Canada’s pledge to NATO allies to spend two per cent of its gross domestic product on defence by 2032. "First and foremost, (it’s about) hitting that target of two per cent spending on defence,” said Kinew. “That gets us in the game just to be taken seriously as a security partner with the U.S. If we don't do it, it's going to become a trade problem." In a video posted to social media, Alberta's premier said Canada needs to reach its pledged commitment on defence. "If their trade partners are looking to be free riders on American security interests, that's also going to harm the relationship," Smith said, adding, "You also have to take seriously the asylum seekers." Smith added in another post that the incoming Trump administration has "valid concerns related to illegal activities" at the border. The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, with $188 billion in bilateral trade in 2023. Last year, energy products accounted for more than 80 per cent of that trade, or about $134 billion. Smith said the vast majority of Alberta's energy exports to the U.S. are "delivered through secure and safe pipelines," which "do not in any way contribute to these illegal activities." In Saskatchewan, Moe said he understands Trump’s position on border security. “As Canadians, we can all benefit from additional border security stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants across our borders,” he said in a social media post. He said his province plans to use all levers at its disposal to stop the tariffs and will approach the U.S. directly. Moe added the proposed tariffs would hurt Saskatchewan’s export-based economy and drive up prices on both sides of the border. Speaking to CTV early Tuesday, Moe said his government would represent Saskatchewan interests alongside the federal government, fellow premiers "and on our own when necessary." "We have a strong relationship with a number of the administration that President Trump has appointed," Moe said. In 2023, Saskatchewan’s exports to the U.S. amounted to almost $27 billion after hitting a record high of $29 billion in 2022. Its top exports include crude oil, potash and canola. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has convened an emergency meeting for Wednesday with the country's premiers to discuss the tariffs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. — With files from Jeremy Simes in Regina and Brittany Hobson in Winnipeg Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press

Percentages: FG .400, FT .632. 3-Point Goals: 10-21, .476 (Carpenter 4-9, Thomas 3-4, McCubbin 2-3, Brookshire 1-3, Haney 0-2). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 2 (Daniel, Hammer). Turnovers: 11 (Thomas 5, Brookshire 2, Carpenter, Lax, Loos, McCubbin). Steals: 7 (Brookshire 2, Thomas 2, Carpenter, Daniel, Lax). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .385, FT .652. 3-Point Goals: 5-13, .385 (Brown 3-4, Lane 2-5, Hamilton 0-1, McMullen 0-1, Nutter 0-2). Team Rebounds: 1. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Edwards, Hamilton). Turnovers: 17 (Brown 6, McMullen 5, Lane 2, Nutter 2, Edwards, Peters). Steals: 7 (Lane 3, Brown 2, Edwards, Nutter). Technical Fouls: None. A_148.

The Celestron PentaView LCD digital microscope has been a joy to review, and we loved being able to use it as a whole class. Pupils have learned so much, thanks to its multiple viewing and image projection capabilities, and have found it a fabulous tool for collaborative work. Head: 180-degree rotating LCD module with touch-screen monitor Eyepieces: Digital camera provides 10X magnification Objective lenses: 4X, 10X, 20X, 40X and 60X Stage: Mechanical stage with XY navigation Light source: Adjustable 6V LED and toplight Condenser: N.A. 0.65 Focusing: Dual (coarse and fine) Extras: AC adapter, USB cable, AV/TV cable, 8GB SD card, touch pen, 10 prepared slides, dust cover, hard carry case, adjustable diaphragm with built-in RGB filters Add-ons: Celestron have a range of prepared slides and insect specimens Celestron has designed the PentaView LCD with a wealth of professional touches, such as high magnification, XY stage navigation, adjustable dual lighting and a very stylish and durable carry case. It has also been great to be able to photograph and video tissues and live specimens, both in the laboratory and during fieldwork. Celestron PentaView at Amazon for $465.59 Overall, the Celestron PentaView LCD digital microscope has been great fun to experiment with, and a fantastic addition to our microscopy suite. We highly recommend it for use in schools and at home. The best microscopes for kids are wonderful learning tools for budding young scientists, and older children and students would benefit more from the best microscopes for students . Celestron PentaView LCD Digital Microscope Design LCD monitor allows multiple viewers High magnification Multiple professional features The PentaView LCD digital microscope by Celestron has been designed with many professional features that allow for high magnification images, still and moving, to be viewed, captured and projected to multiple observers simultaneously. This facilitates a high level of collaborative group work in the lab, in the classroom or in the field, and enhances the teaching and learning experience hugely. Although the PentaView does not have an eyepiece lens, the LCD screen provides 10X magnification. The rotating nosepiece has space for four of the five objective lenses that come with this microscope. The fifth, 60X objective lens can be exchanged with any of the others easily, by way of a simple screw fitting. Thus, 600X magnification is achieved. The digital 4X zoom function increases the magnification further, to 2,400X. Other professional features include an XY mechanical stage with a sturdy side clip; this allows the slide to be held securely in place, then navigated in horizontal and vertical planes, enabling you to explore the specimen systematically without needing to touch it. The PentaView also has two sources of illumination: one at the bottom to shine light up through the slide and another at the top, an adjustable spotlight that illuminates the stage and slide from above. Both lights are dimmable, and the two can be used at the same time. Additionally, the rotating diaphragm disc also houses three filters, red, green and blue, to enhance images if required. Designed with group viewing and photography firmly in mind, the LCD digital screen, with SD card and USB lead, transformed this microscope into an educator's dream tool. We loved being able to demonstrate how to prepare a cell slide, then use the digital LCD screen to talk through what could be seen during the navigation and focusing set-up processes. We were then able to photograph a model example and project it onto a Chromebook, using the USB cable, then use the Chromebook’s casting technology to send it to our Smartboard. Similarly, video footage of microorganisms in pond water was captured, cast and viewed by groups of excited pupils as well. Finally, the portability of the PentaView is also worth noting. The microscope is reasonably lightweight, so can be carried by adults and older children. It can also be powered by batteries, so you can use it outdoors or in locations without a power source. The projecting function remains possible in the field when combined with a laptop. Furthermore, the PentaView comes with a delightful carry case. It is rigid, yet light and attractive. There is a choice of handle or body strap, so it is comfortable to carry. Performance High magnification Decent resolution Captures and projects still and moving images The Celestron PentaView LCD digital microscope is on the cusp of performing brilliantly. It is capable of high magnification: 2,400X is much higher than most reasonably priced light microscopes. However, this performance is not matched by a respective high resolution. Similarly, although the PentaView is capable of photographing still and moving images, it does not allow the streaming of moving images in real-time. When considering increased magnification, we expect the field of view to reduce, subcellular structures to enlarge and resolution to increase also. The first two patterns were noticed when moving up through the range of objective lenses of the Celestron PentaView and with the digital zoom. As expected, resolution improved with higher magnification lenses. At 40X magnification, we observed a mass of onion cells separated by a dark boundary. The cytoplasm was seen as yellow, due to staining with iodine, and the nuclei appeared as dark brown circles. By the time the magnification had increased to 400X, although the image appeared to be somewhat grainy, the cell edges could be defined as multi-layered, and fine focusing allowed the cellulose cell wall to display a textured, fibrous appearance. We could also differentiate the outer edge of the nuclei, the nuclear membrane, as well as bodies within the cytoplasm that could have been mitochondria or other sub-cellular vesicles. However, when switching to the digital zoom, even though the viewable image enlarged as the field of view reduced, there was no further improvement in resolution. We did manage to improve the clarity of some of the high-powered images by experimenting with the colored filters. Unfortunately, the variable light function was not as useful when compared to a light microscope because the LCD screen made automatic adjustments for optimum viewing brightness. We can see how this might be useful for beginners, but as professionals, we wanted to be able to override this and make luminosity decisions for ourselves. Pleasingly, the LCD display on the Celestron PentaView provided highly engaging demonstration capabilities, in real time. The whole class of 18 pupils were able to see the 109mm monitor and learn how to navigate through the Z plane layers, ignoring slide and coverslip scratches and fluff to identify the cheek cells of interest, and how to use XY navigation to locate groups of cheek cells, increasing magnification to focus on whole cells and their visible organelles. Real-time viewing was paramount when observing pond life as living creatures were continually moving and feeding. The PentaView’s limitations became apparent, however, when larger audiences were present. The small screen was no longer adequate for good visibility, andcasting was only possible for still images or videos, rather than real-time streaming. Functionality Excellent for demonstrations Images can be enlarged to screen size Can be used for field studies The Celestron PentaView digital microscope comes into its own when used to enhance the learning experience, using its group viewing capabilities as a demonstration tool. Pupils’ ability to conceptualize the topic material advanced to a greater extent and more quickly upon witnessing what could be achieved with the PentaView digital microscope. What’s more, their microscopy skills developed more rapidly as well. Being able to link the monitor directly to a laptop and Smartboard amplified this functionality even further. It is just a shame that the screen cannot stream live imagery to the Smartboard. This would enable larger audiences to watch demonstrations in a lecture theater or auditorium, for example. Nonetheless, we were all of the same mind: that the PentaView’s teaching functionality is magnificent. However, the grainy imagery left professionals feeling that it wouldn’t be the microscope of choice for industrial microscopy. Many light and compound microscopes in a similar price range produced images with more clarity and higher resolution. Interestingly, within the classroom, pupils were not aware of this limitation and were perfectly happy enjoying what the PentaView had to offer. Because of its portability, the Celestron PentaView was used both on location and in the classroom. It was great to see pupils collaborating so well. The ability to watch the amoeba and other pond life as a group, rather than having to take turns, enhanced pupil engagement and enthusiasm all round. The microscope was lightweight and the carry case had a very comfortable shoulder strap and rigid top handle. When considering some of the more professional design features, though, the Celestron PentaView falls short in a couple of important areas. The top light is included in many microscopes to make the examination of solid objects possible. Unfortunately, on the PentaView, this light is not very powerful and the working distance is small. These factors restrict the size and type of solid objects that can be viewed, and we wouldn’t recommend it for this purpose. Furthermore, there was a quality control issue with the XY navigation knobs. When attempting to maneuver the stage backwards and forwards in the Y plane, the knob span in its casing, without moving the slide. We tightened the knob a few times to temporarily resolve the problem. Unfortunately, the thread became so loose that this mechanism became unusable. Eventually, we discovered that we could apply a small force manually, while turning the knob, to achieve the desired movement. Annoyingly though, this affected our ability to focus whilst navigating, as we only have one pair of hands! A final improvement suggestion, to increase functionality, is to be able to override the light adjustment setting. If we vary the LED output, it needs to affect the final image on the LCD monitor. Should you buy it? ✅ You would like to demonstrate to a large audience: The LCD screen can easily be viewed directly by up to around 20 people. By projecting photos and videos, you could increase this tenfold. ✅ You would like to photograph your specimens: The digital camera and SD card allow you to capture both still and moving images. Overall, the Celestron PentaView LCD digital microscope has been a great addition to our microscopy suite. Fantastic for group work and demonstrations, we would highly recommend it to aid teaching. It has been great fun to experiment with for teachers and pupils alike. The Celestron PentaView is a decent, affordable, digital microscope that advanced our teaching and learning experience hugely. If you want a microscope capable of demonstrating to a large audience, high magnification and the ability to photograph and video your specimens without breaking the bank, this could be the ideal microscope for you. If the product is not for you ❌ You would like to examine solid specimens: You would need a digital magnifying visualizer for this. ❌ You want to also view your specimens ocularly: You would need a trinocular microscope with a camera tube port. For a trinocular microscope with a camera function, Swift does the SW380T compound trinocular with up to 2,500X magnification. We thought it was a pleasure to use during our Swift SW280T review . If you would like to magnify and project solid objects, Celestron does the MicroDirect 1080P handheld digital microscope . This captures photographs and video directly onto an SD card and doesn’t need a computer to project to a screen. How we tested the Celestron PentaView LCD digital microscope During a science lesson, pupils prepared and observed cheek and onion cells. By using the Celestron PentaView, we were able to project previously captured images onto the smartboard, so that pupils knew what they should be looking for; we then used the model examples to navigate the cells and pick out organelles to the whole class simultaneously. This technique was used frequently during the microscopy topic, and pupils' competence and understanding progressed more quickly than that of previous groups. Later, pupils were able to observe and video living organisms when carrying out pond studies. Because of its portability, the Celestron PentaView was carried outside, in its beautiful carry case, and samples were pipetted onto slides directly. Back in the classroom, pupils also had fun examining the prepared slides that came with this microscope.Prairie premiers urge action on security amid Trump's tariff threats

An Ontario court has sided with media commentators who suggested the Canadian Union of Postal Workers was a terrorist sympathizer for participating in a protest a decade ago in Ottawa that featured a Hamas flag. “Their belief that CUPW supports Hamas, a terrorist organisation, is, in my view, honestly held based on proven facts. It does not have to be a reasonable belief. But it must be an honest one,” concluded Justice Graeme Mew of the Superior Court of Ontario. The case, which has as much to do with journalistic ethics as it does with the fraught politics of the Middle East, dates back to a July 2014 march organized by the Association of Palestinian Canadians, which was joined by some postal workers who had been invited by their union. But, it only resolved on Thursday. The defendants in the case were Jerry Agar, then a host on the now-defunct Sun News Network and a freelance columnist for the Toronto Sun, then owned by Quebecor but now owned by Postmedia, the same company that owns National Post, and Avi Benlolo, at the time the president and CEO of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies and now CEO of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative and a columnist for National Post. “This is an important vindication of the right to engage in debate and express honestly held views,” said Benlolo in a statement. “This is an important victory for me and one that will be meaningful for the Jewish community.” The Ottawa Citizen, another Postmedia newspaper, covered the protest at the time and interviewed Adam John, the man who was carrying a Hamas flag, who said that while a connection could be made between the flag and the terror group, it was meant to be supportive of Islam in general not Hamas in particular. The presence of the flag, and the long history of CUPW activism on Gaza, formed the backdrop of the commentary that followed, and the lawsuit. Agar, wrote in the Sun: “Would you want a terrorist sympathizer coming to your door every day?” On the Sun News broadcast, where Agar was filling in for the regular host on The Source, a current affairs program, Benlolo, who had been booked as a guest, said the CUPW leadership “has a history of partnering up with hate groups, anti-Israel groups” and said it was “shocking” that the union “should be so political and siding and partnering up with a hate group like Hamas.” CUPW sued, arguing that Agar and Benlolo argued, essentially, that the union and its members were terrorist sympathizers, that CUPW supports Hamas and was not at the rally to support “ordinary Palestinians” and that this was defamatory. It also argued that Agar’s Toronto Sun opinion piece was libellous. The postal union has long taken a strong stance on the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, with its official policy on peace and disarmament stating that “the occupation of the West Bank and siege on Gaza are major obstacles to justice and a lasting peace,” and expressing support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. Its policies have been heavily criticized in newspaper columns and were once criticized, the court ruling says, by Bob Rae, then a Liberal member of Parliament. “I continue to be astonished by the extent to which ideas which should be on the ‘loony tunes’ margins of politics have now been adopted by a union which represents thousands of members,” Rae previously said, according to the ruling. The court ended up siding with Agar and Benlolo. “We are disappointed with the outcome,” said an email from CUPW media relations. “We will reach out when we have more to say.” At issue was not just CUPW’s history and expressed political views surrounding Gaza and Israel. The ruling also dealt with an emailed statement, sent by a CUPW spokesperson, to journalists who had asked whether the union supported Hamas. The spokesperson did not explicitly disavow that, and that served as a key bit of evidence in the judge’s decision. Benlolo, however, attempted to use a truth defence in court — typically the hardest-to-use defence against accusations of libel or defamation. Although the court noted that when Sun Media contacted the postal union for comment, it “did not take the opportunity to distance itself” from any association with the Hamas flag, and that it supported the Canadian Boat to Gaza initiative, a 2011 push for a flotilla to take humanitarian aid past an Israeli blockade to Palestinians in Gaza, this was not evidence enough that CUPW knowingly marched with Hamas supporters or supports Hamas, or that mail carriers are terrorist sympathizers. That defence failed. The two men also defended their statements as “fair comment,” a popular legal defence against allegations of defamation or libel. It requires, however, that the defendant make his or her statements without malice and that they have some grounding in fact. Again, the judge took up the issue of CUPW’s failure to disavow Hamas when reached for comment. “A plausible interpretation of CUPW’s unwillingness to address the question ... is that CUPW wanted to avoid directly answering the question,” Mew wrote. “While I am not suggesting that CUPW’s failure to take the opportunity to deny its support for Hamas could reasonably be construed as an acknowledgment that it did, in fact, support Hamas, it nevertheless left the door open for Mr. Agar and Mr. Benlolo to make the comments that are the subject of this action.”‘ The judge concluded that a banner that ran during the conversation — “Supporting Hamas?” — was a question, not a statement of fact. CUPW, in attempting to counter the defence of fair comment, noted that it “repeatedly denounced violence, terrorism, racism, and all that Hamas stands for (albeit without specifically mentioning Hamas),” the judge wrote, which was ignored by the defendants, and that the support for BDS or the presence of a Hamas flag of which organizers were unaware were “incapable of forming a factual basis for the assertion” that CUPW was a Hamas sympathizer. The judge disagreed, finding that CUPW’s long history of activism provided enough factual basis for the opinions expressed. “Comment does not have to be reasonable. It can even be farfetched or extreme,” the judge wrote. “The necessary factual substratum for the opinions expressed by the defendants has been adequately demonstrated.” He also found that Agar and Benlolo acted without malice and honestly believe what they said. National Post was unable to reach Agar for comment. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .

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(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Sunday, Dec. 22 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 1 p.m. ESPN — Illinois vs. Missouri, St. Louis SECN — Kent St. at Alabama 2 p.m. ACCN — American U. at Virginia BTN — Detroit at Wisconsin 3 p.m. ESPN — Brown at Kansas ESPN2 — Diamond Head Classic: Oregon St. vs. Charleston, Quarterfinal, Honolulu 3:30 p.m. SECN — Charleston Southern at Georgia People are also reading... 4 p.m. ACCN — Rider at NC State BTN — Southern U. at Southern Cal 5:30 p.m. ESPN2 — Diamond Head Classic: Loyola of Chicago vs. Oakland, Quarterfinal, Honolulu 6 p.m. ACCN — LeMoyne at Notre Dame 7 p.m. FS1 — Georgetown vs. Seton Hall, Newark, N.J. 9 p.m. ESPN — Diamond Head Classic: Nebraska vs. Murray St., Quarterfinal, Honolulu 11:30 p.m. ESPN2 — Diamond Head Classic: Charlotte vs. Hawaii, Quarterfinal, Honolulu COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S) 3 p.m. ABC — NCAA Tournament: Louisville vs. Penn St., Championship, Louisville, Ky. GOLF 11:30 a.m. GOLF — PGA Tour: The PNC Championship, Day 2, Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Fla. 1:30 p.m. NBC — PGA Tour: The PNC Championship, Day 2, Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Fla. HORSE RACING 3 p.m. FS1 — NYRA: America’s Day at the Races NBA G-LEAGUE BASKETBALL 10:30 a.m. NBATV — Winter Showcase: Indiana vs. Texas, Orlando, Fla. 1 p.m. NBATV — Winter Showcase: College Park vs. Osceola, Orlando, Fla. 7:30 p.m. ESPN2 — Winter Showcase: TBD, Championship, Orlando, Fla. NFL FOOTBALL 1 p.m. CBS — Regional Coverage: Tennessee at Indianapolis, L.A. Rams at N.Y. Jets, Cleveland at Cincinnati FOX — Regional Coverage: N.Y. Giants at Atlanta, Detroit at Chicago, Philadelphia at Washington, Arizona at Carolina 4:05 p.m. FOX — Minnesota at Seattle 4:25 p.m. CBS — Regional Coverage: New England at Buffalo, Jacksonville at Las Vegas, San Francisco at Miami 8:20 p.m. NBC — Tampa Bay at Dallas PEACOCK — Tampa Bay at Dallas NHL HOCKEY 12:30 p.m. NHLN — Carolina at N.Y. Rangers 8 p.m. NHLN — Seattle at Colorado SNOWBOARDING 4:30 p.m. NBC — FIS: World Cup, Copper Mountain, Colo. SOCCER (MEN’S) 8:35 a.m. FS2 — The French Cup: Olympique de Marseille at AS Saint-Étienne, Round of 64 9 a.m. USA — Premier League: Chelsea at Everton 11:30 a.m. USA — Premier League: Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Noon CBSSN — Serie A: Empoli at Atalanta 2:50 p.m. FS2 — The French Cup: Paris Saint-Germain at RC Lens, Round of 64 TENNIS 11 a.m. TENNIS — Next Gen ATP Finals: Final The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV . Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

This color-changing desk lamp is one of my favorite home office upgrades of the year

WASHINGTON - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin no longer plans to travel to South Korea, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt this week to impose martial law. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said planning had been underway for a trip in the near term but it was determined now was not the appropriate time. The official said South Korea had been consulted regarding the change in travel plans. Austin will leave office by Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated. Yoon's declaration of martial law late on Tuesday sought to consolidate power, ban political activity and censor the media. It sparked outrage in the streets and concern among South Korea's international allies. South Korea's defense minister, who recommended the move, has resigned. Fighting for his political future, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as a replacement. Kim had recommended Yoon declare martial law on Tuesday, according to the interior minister, a senior military official and the opposition's filing to impeach Yoon. The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War. The commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, General Paul LaCamera, warned American troops in a statement on Wednesday to stay vigilant, avoid areas with protests, and tell superiors of travel plans in case "something unexpected" happens. Austin's trip to South Korea would have come at an important geopolitical moment in the region. U.S. and South Korean officials say more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to take part in pushing back Ukrainian forces. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Russia's defense minister last month and pledged to expand ties with Moscow in all areas, including military affairs, under the comprehensive strategic partnership he signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which includes a mutual defense agreement, North Korean state media said. Moscow and Pyongyang have dramatically advanced ties since their leaders held a summit in September last year in Russia, and the North has since shipped more than 10,000 containers of ammunition, as well as self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers, according to South Korea's spy agency. — ReutersBefore the advent of television in India, cricket lovers had to rely on the radio to get the latest news about the action within the stadiums. Ball-by-ball commentary on the radio had its own charm although there were no visuals. Some of the commentators described the action so well that listeners felt that they were watching the proceedings with their eyes. One of the pioneers of cricket commentary on the radio was Ardeshir Furdorji Sohrabji Talyarkhan, a very well known sports journalist of those days. He was famous for his commentary as well as newspaper articles. He belonged to the Parsi community and was popularly known as Bobby Talyarkhan. He was one of the earliest cricket commentators in India. His radio commentaries played an important role in popularising the game among the laymen. Back then hockey was India’s most popular sport because the Indian hockey team was acknowledged as the best in the world. India’s footballers were also hogging the limelight. But the cricketers were losing most matches. However, Talyarkhan’s cricket commentary was so erudite and descriptive that it drew the people towards cricket. His very first commentary was heard in the year 1934 when the Bombay Quadrangular tournaments used to be played between teams made up of players from different religious communities. The teams were named Hindus, Muslims, Parsees and Europeans. Talyarkhan had a superb command of the English language and his vocabulary was extensive. He was never at a loss to describe the players and their actions. But he had a drawback too. He disliked sharing the microphone and did the commentaries all by himself throughout the day. Usually, commentators find it very stressful to do this. Harsha Bhogle once narrated the problems of commentators who had no partners to share the job. “If you felt thirsty, or your throat dried up after speaking non-stop, you would naturally want to take a break and sip some water or tea. Or perhaps you may need to go to the washroom. But if a commentator is all alone, then he cannot leave his seat. Only AFS Talyarkhan was capable of doing it all alone.” Historian, author and cricket fan Ramachandra Guha has written that Talyarkhan brought to cricket broadcasting a rich, fruity voice and a fund of anecdotes. His self-control was superhuman, for he would speak without interruptions. His career with All India Radio ended when AIR insisted on having a team of three commentators to which Talyarkhan disagreed and then he walked out of the commentary box forever. There were several other famous commentators too such as Pearson Surita, Balu Alaganan, and Anant Setalvad who became household names. Parliamentarian and quiz expert Derek O’Brien has written that radio commentary used to compel the listeners to use their imagination. Derek’s favourite commentators were Berry Sarbadhikari, Dicky Rutnagur and Kishore Bhimani. Commentators Balu Alaganan and Anant Setalvad were good cricketers when they were young. Balu Alaganan captained the Tamil Nadu (then called Madras) Ranji trophy side. He led the star-studded team to its maiden Ranji trophy victory in 1955. But apart from commentators, also in the commentary box would be a few ex-players to provide the expert comments. This correspondent remembers one occasion when Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was the expert. The situation in the match was that India was struggling and the case was hopeless. Defeat was certain for India. But each of the commentators gave their own opinion about what tactics would be best for India to follow. One said all the fielders should be placed on the boundary line, and another talked of bowling only on the leg side. After a while, one commentator turned to Pataudi and asked, “If you were the captain today, what would you have done in this situation?” Pataudi gave him a very brief reply. “I would have prayed to God,” he said. Every time Pataudi was a member of the commentary team, his sense of humour, quick repartee, and keen observations made listening to radio commentaries a wonderfully enriching and rewarding experience.It’s one quantum leap for mankind. Parallel dimensions are no longer restricted to Marvel flicks. Google’s cutting-edge quantum chip Willow has prompted discussions among scientists about the possibility that we may indeed be living in a multiverse, per a study published in the journal “Nature.” Google physicists floated this theory after the hardware took just five minutes to solve a computational problem so complex it would have taken today’s most advanced super-computers approximately 10 septillion years to crack — more than the age of the universe, per a post on the Google blog. “It lends credence to the notion that quantum computation occurs in many parallel universes, in line with the idea that we live in a multiverse,” declared the founder of the Google Quantum AI team, physicist Hartmut Neven. Parallel universes and quantum computing have been connected before, first by British physicist David Deutsch. However, this marked the first time that a major tech executive literally dubbed their achievement out of this world, er universe, Newsweek reported. Unlike traditional computers that employ 0s and 1s, quantum computers rely on infinitely smaller bits called qubits, TechCrunch reported. These process info at much higher speeds, potentially allowing them to solve complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of traditional computation machines. Along with being faster, Neven claims that Willow is also less error-prone than other quantum computers because they’ve paradoxically found a way to reduce the likelihood of glitches by adding more qubits. Traditionally, increasing this number was associated with increasing the probability of errors. Astrophysicist turned science writer Ethan Siegel claimed that the success of quantum computers doesn’t necessarily prove the existence of a multiverse, the Daily Mail reported. “You can have quantum mechanics work just fine, both physically and mathematically, without introducing even one parallel universe,” Siegel wrote in his essay for Big Think . Regardless, experts believe that Willow’s capabilities are astonishing. Professor Winfried Hensinger, director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies, deemed Willow’s achievement a “very important milestone” in the field of quantum computers. “This result increases our confidence further that humanity will be able to build practical quantum computers enabling some of the highly impactful applications quantum computers are known for,” he said. Google believes Quantum computing has “promising applications” in various fields from discovering new drugs to cybersecurity.