Mid-American Conference football goes all in on November weeknights for the TV viewers
Pro Picks: Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry go head-to-head in matchup of top 2 rushing leaders
NoneSEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks were struggling a week ago, coming off their bye having lost five of their last six games. That included a gut-punch overtime defeat at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 3. The outlook for the last-place Seahawks (5-5) was beginning to look grim. They suddenly have renewed optimism this week after an uplifting victory over the San Francisco 49ers that snapped a six-game losing streak against their arch-rival that dated to 2021. Seattle will play the first-place Arizona Cardinals (6-4) on Sunday for a share of the NFC West lead. How quickly things change in the NFL. “We’ve earned the opportunity to be fighting for the lead in the division going into the home stretch,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “So that’s the way we’re treating it. It’s very much like a playoff mindset for us at this point.” The win over the 49ers, which was capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Geno Smith with 18 seconds left, put the Seahawks in a much better place mentally than they’d been in over the previous six weeks. They're hoping it's just the start of something even bigger. “It can just spark something that you’ve been looking for this whole year,” wide receiver DK Metcalf said. “I know we started off very hot with the first three games, but, you know, when adversity hit, it’s all about how you respond. I think we responded the right way, and it’s going to carry us throughout the rest of the season.” While the Seahawks are feeling better this week, the Cardinals have plenty of reason to feel optimistic, too. After starting the season 2-4, Arizona has won four straight to put itself in first place in the NFC West. The Cardinals have a defense that is making big strides under the leadership of veteran safety Budda Baker and a top-five running game behind the dual threat of running back James Conner, who has 697 yards rushing, and quarterback Kyler Murray, who seems to be hitting his stride in his sixth NFL season. Murray has 2,058 yards passing with 12 touchdowns, and has rushed for 371 yards and four scores. Second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon has been impressed with Murray’s improved decision-making as Murray has thrown just three interceptions through 10 games. “There’s times that he probably wants to try to thread it a little bit, but understands when to pick and choose his spots,” Gannon said. “I think he’s done a phenomenal job with that and there are a lot of times throughout the game where you could say we like to put it in the quarterback’s hands, and you trust him to make the right decision for that point in the game.” Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will see a familiar face on the other sideline Sunday in rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who was Smith-Njigba’s college teammate at Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. The pair each caught three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ wild win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl, with Smith-Njigba having 347 yards receiving on what was a 573-passing yard day for C.J. Stroud, now the quarterback of the Houston Texans. “Late his freshman year, he really just stood out,” Smith-Njigba said of Harrison. “You could just see the growth and kind of who he is becoming. ... He’s passed a lot of people’s expectations, of course, but I knew he was going to be elite later on freshman year.” Murray is coming off one of the best games of his career after completing 22 of 24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown against the Jets two weeks ago. He also ran for 21 yards and two TDs. Murray currently ranks No. 3 in the NFL in quarterback rating behind Cincinnati's Joe Burrow and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. That has put him in the MVP conversation, particularly since Arizona has won four straight games. “I don’t play the game for the validation of others," Murray said. "But as a player, of course, sometimes the recognition and the words being said feel good. But it doesn’t satisfy me.” The most surprising part of Arizona’s four-game winning streak is the rapid improvement of the defense, which has allowed just 9 and 6 points, respectively, over the past two games. No touchdowns have been allowed – just five field goals. It’s just the second time over the past 30 years that the franchise has allowed 10 points or less over back-to-back games. Baker, a Bellevue native and former University of Washington football star, is the unquestioned leader of the bunch – he already has 100 tackles over 10 games - but the team also has a strong core of linebackers in Kyzir White, Mack Wilson and Zaven Collins. Metcalf and Baker have gone up against each other many times before, most famously when Metcalf ran Baker down on an interception return in 2020. “You really can’t prepare for a guy like that because his engine never stops,” Metcalf said. “He’s always going to be around the ball. He’s always going to affect the game with just his play effort and play style. ... Just got to try to minimize his playmaking ability as much as we can on offense.” AP Sports Writer David Brandt in Phoenix, Arizona, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Perma-Fix Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock
TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spokespersons from , co-founders of and Canada’s largest online donation and fundraising platform, are available for media interviews to discuss GivingTuesday, which takes place this year on December 3rd. As many Canadians continue to struggle under financial pressure and are turning to charities to meet essential needs, CanadaHelps is highlighting how communities can unite this giving season by engaging in generosity. As the world’s largest generosity movement, celebrates and encourages all forms of giving, including donating, volunteering, performing acts of kindness, and more. More than $13.6 million was donated within 24 hours via CanadaHelps.org to support registered charities on GivingTuesday in 2023. This year, the organization is aiming to surpass last year’s total. The holiday season is a critical fundraising time for charities with approximately 40% of annual donations being made in the final two months of the year on CanadaHelps.org. The generosity shown on GivingTuesday and throughout the rest of the year sustains the vital work of charities year-round. Generosity is especially critical given the record-breaking use of food banks reported across the country as Canadians struggle under financial pressures and turn to charities for daily essentials including food and shelter. Spokespeople can speak to findings from with insights on Canadians turning to charities for support, including: Spokespeople can highlight a variety of easy ways Canadians can participate in GivingTuesday, including donating to a favourite charity or cause, volunteering, fundraising, setting up a monthly donation, purchasing (as holiday season gifts and stocking stuffers), performing acts of kindness, and so much more. Like so many small businesses that rely on postal service to deliver packages, many charities rely on direct mail which represents a critical portion of their annual revenue. With the Canada Post strike, many charities are concerned that they will be forgotten among supporters who would normally mail in a cheque at the end of the year. Spokespeople can speak to the impact of the labour dispute on Canada’s charitable sector, can share examples of charities in select cities that are affected, and offer alternatives to traditional mail for giving. While the arts and culture sector provides significant personal and cultural benefits to Canadians, according to , only 6% of the population says they prioritize arts and culture charities as important causes they support. Spokespeople can speak to the unique benefits of arts and culture organizations in uniting people, some of the challenges facing these charities, and highlight examples of the impact of specific arts charities in communities across Canada. As Canadians search for the perfect gift to give this holiday season, spokespeople can discuss the variety of giving options for all budgets that can make a vital impact on charities and the communities that rely on them. Spokespeople can speak to creative ways that parents can use GivingTuesday to engage children in giving while also learning about specific causes of interest and impact. Companies across the country are embracing GivingTuesday as a way to make a positive impact. Spokespeople can highlight how businesses are supporting charities, how it benefits their organizations, and provide examples of how select companies are supporting this day of generosity. Spokespeople can speak to strategic ways of giving and using charitable tax benefits to receive up to 49% of their contribution back as a tax credit. They can also discuss how monthly donations and donations of securities are strategic ways to give and how these methods grew 11% and 32% respectively on CanadaHelps in 2023 compared to the prior year. For 11 consecutive years, fewer Canadians have been engaging in charitable giving. Canada Revenue Agency tax filer data shows donation rates declined from 23.4 percent in 2010 to 17.7 percent in 2021 (among those Canadians claiming tax receipts). Spokespeople can speak to popular causes Canadians are supporting, ways Canadians are giving, and how we can reverse declines in the number of Canadians who give. Canadians are increasingly disconnected and have shrinking social networks, which is correlated with lower rates of giving. Recent global data also highlighted how Canada is the second most polarized nation when it comes to giving, only behind Great Britain.* Spokespeople are available to speak to these trends and how generosity can unite communities this holiday season. GivingTuesday has global roots and has made a local impact. Launched in 2012 in the United States as a response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday and brought to Canada in 2013 by CanadaHelps, GivingTuesday is now celebrated in more than 90 countries. In Canada, an estimated six million Canadians have participated in GivingTuesday. CanadaHelps is Canada’s largest online donation and fundraising platform, and a charity advancing philanthropy through technology. For Canadians, CanadaHelps.org is a safe and trusted destination for discovering and supporting any charity in Canada. CanadaHelps also develops affordable fundraising technology used by more than 30,000 charities, and provides free training and education so all charities can increase their impact and succeed in the digital age. Since 2000, more than 4.8 million people have donated upwards of $3.2 billion through CanadaHelps. Connect with CanadaHelps on , , , and .Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more
Percentages: FG .557, FT .625. 3-Point Goals: 15-28, .536 (Joshua 3-3, Marshall 3-5, Klaczek 2-3, Reddish 2-3, Strand 2-4, Topuz 2-5, Briggs 1-3, Langford 0-1, Taylor 0-1). Team Rebounds: 0. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Adewale, Klaczek). Turnovers: 15 (Neely 3, Adnan 2, Klaczek 2, Strand 2, Taylor 2, Giralt, Joshua, Marshall, Topuz). Steals: 12 (Joshua 5, Langford 2, Marshall 2, Strand 2, Lindsey). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .340, FT .478. 3-Point Goals: 5-19, .263 (Alicea 2-3, Maldonado 2-6, Bargas 1-3, Pagan 0-1, Gonzalez 0-2, Saavedra 0-2, Uselis 0-2). Team Rebounds: 0. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 1 (Uselis). Turnovers: 19 (Perez 5, Alicea 4, Uselis 3, Saavedra 2, Bargas, Gonzalez, Guilfu, Pagan, Zayas). Steals: 4 (Bargas 2, Perez, Uselis). Technical Fouls: None. A_20 (12,000).
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition ushers in a fresh energy that demands attention as soon as you lift it in one hand. The design balances sophistication and everyday functionality with recycled carbon fiber and magnesium elements that feel solid and strong from the moment you crack open the lid. It weighs just 2.17 lbs (986g) and measures 14.37mm thin, making it Lenovo’s lightest X1 Carbon yet, yet it radiates durability, delivering a premium aesthetic that catches the eye. Designer: Lenovo The first impression starts well before you power on the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition—it begins with the packaging. Lenovo has truly refined this unboxing experience—and I don’t use the word ‘elevated’ lightly, but in this case, Lenovo has done just that. The care and precision in crafting the box, from its compact size to its perfectly tailored cutouts, enhances the excitement of revealing the X1 Carbon itself, making it feel like an experience designed with intention. The box itself feels as premium as the laptop inside, crafted with FSC-certified materials, free of plastics, and designed with bamboo and sugarcane-based elements. What immediately struck me was how compact and perfectly tailored the packaging felt. The interior layout is meticulously designed, with precise cutouts holding the X1 Carbon snugly. The slimness of the box complements the thin profile of the laptop itself, making the unboxing process feel intentional and elegant. It’s rare to find cohesive packaging with the product—almost as if Lenovo’s design team approached it as part of the laptop experience. The textures, cuts, and alignment all reflect an attention to detail that’s often overlooked. Pulling the X1 Carbon out of its place feels like lifting a piece of finely crafted hardware from its display case. The simplicity and sustainable materials make the unboxing as delightful as the laptop itself. Sliding this X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition into a compact backpack is effortless, and its Eclipse Black finish makes an immediate impression in a coffee shop or shared workspace. The ThinkPad logo, subtly cut into the top cover, adds a bespoke, premium feel to the design. Its precision-cut detail enhances the overall aesthetic while creating a tactile experience when holding or opening the laptop, reinforcing the premium craftsmanship that defines the X1 Carbon series—it’s a detail that sets it apart and gives the laptop a distinctive character. The design stays true to the timeless lines that define ThinkPad devices, then pushes further with aerospace-grade materials. This approach merges a lightweight feel with the reassuring sturdiness Lenovo is known for, showing off the brand’s craftsmanship in every hinge and seam. Weighing under 1kg (2.17 lbs) and measuring just 14.37mm thin, it defines portability without compromise. Lenovo’s use of sustainable materials—recycled carbon fiber for the top cover and 90% recycled magnesium for the palm rest and bottom cover—reinforces its focus on eco-friendly design while achieving MIL-STD 810H standards for durability. Opening up the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition reveals a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display that feels bold and luxurious. With a 2880×1800 resolution, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and Dolby Vision compatibility, the display delivers vibrant, true-to-life visuals with stunning contrast. Blacks feel deep and cinematic, courtesy of HDR True Black 500, while the 400-nit brightness ensures excellent clarity, even under bright conditions. The 120Hz refresh rate adds fluidity to everything, from scrolling documents to video playback. Its 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space, perfect for working on spreadsheets, presentations, or creative projects. Lenovo also includes Eyesafe certification, reducing blue light exposure to minimize eye fatigue during long sessions. Lenovo’s additions to the audio experience turn the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition into a personal theater on the go. Hidden beneath the keyboard, upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers wrap music, video, and calls in immersive sound rarely found in laptops this slim. Paired with Dolby Vision, the combination creates a cohesive watch-and-listen package ideal for content creators and movie lovers. For conferencing, Dolby Voice steps up with advanced features. Dual-array microphones capture crystal-clear audio while intelligently suppressing background noise. Spatial audio capture dynamically picks up multiple voices, while Privacy Mode focuses on a single speaker—ideal for busy offices or cafes. Dynamic leveling keeps voices consistent, ensuring clarity even as noise levels fluctuate. Under the hood, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) and Intel Arc Xe2 GPU. This hybrid architecture features performance and efficiency cores that optimize workloads seamlessly, whether you’re tackling creative projects, juggling spreadsheets, or attending virtual meetings. With 32GB LPDDR5x memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen 5 SSD, the laptop handles multitasking effortlessly. This configuration, courtesy of Lenovo, is the setup for our review unit, showcasing the impressive balance of speed and storage for professional workloads. AI takes center stage with Intel’s NPU 4.0, capable of delivering up to 47 TOPS (trillion operations per second), a measure of the chip’s ability to handle complex AI tasks like real-time transcription, video enhancements, and power optimization. Microsoft Copilot+ integration enhances productivity with features like Studio Effects for better camera performance and Live Captions for real-time transcription of up to 44 languages. Cocreator lets you turn ideas into visuals, processed locally for security and speed. Lenovo’s Aura Edition Smart Modes add thoughtful AI-driven customization to your experience. Shield Mode prioritizes privacy with screen privacy guards, alerts, and automatic VPN prompts when connecting to Wi-Fi. Attention Mode blocks distractions, silences notifications, and locks out specific websites for better focus. Collaboration Mode enhances video calls with tools like background blur, virtual presenters, and low-light improvements. Wellness Mode promotes healthier work habits with posture reminders and eye health nudges. At the same time, Power Modes allow users to switch between Battery Saver, Adaptive Power, and Performance settings for tailored energy efficiency. Lenovo claims the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition’s 57Wh battery can deliver up to 18 hours of life under ideal conditions, such as video playback with lower screen brightness. However, real-world usage often tells a different story, depending on workloads and display settings. In my hands-on experience, battery performance varied, with around 7-8 hours under typical conditions, including productivity apps, video calls, and browsing with 10-20 open tabs at 60% brightness. That said, more testing will be needed to fully evaluate battery life for the final review, particularly under heavier workloads or with the OLED display running at higher refresh rates. What I’m expecting is a notable improvement in battery life over its predecessor. While the previous Alder Lake model struggled to reach five hours under Wi-Fi tests, this generation seems capable of hitting 10-12 hours for light workloads. However, more hands-on testing will be needed to confirm this, especially with OLED display settings potentially impacting overall endurance. The Intel Core Ultra processor’s efficiency contributes significantly here, managing power dynamically without sacrificing performance. If you find yourself running low, Lenovo’s rapid-charging support will recharge the battery to 80% in under an hour—perfect for tight schedules or short breaks. If you’re running low, Lenovo’s rapid-charging support brings the battery to 80% in under an hour, giving you peace of mind on short breaks. Lenovo has taken tangible steps toward sustainability without compromising quality. The X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition incorporates a host of recycled materials: Despite its eco-conscious build, the laptop maintains Lenovo’s hallmark durability, passing rigorous MIL-STD 810H testing to handle shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. Even with its slim profile, the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition doesn’t skimp on ports. Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports handle high-speed charging and data transfers, while two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports ensure compatibility with older peripherals. An HDMI 2.1 output makes connecting external displays seamless, and the Nano-SIM slot allows for optional mobile connectivity. Other features include Wi-Fi 7 for blazing-fast wireless connections—a personal favorite for me, as I recently upgraded my internet to 5Gbps on Frontier, powered by three Eero Max 7 units, which are Wi-Fi 7 ready. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures low-latency peripheral pairing and future-proofs connectivity for years to come. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition delivers a masterclass in balancing portability, performance, and purpose. Its bold OLED display, Dolby-driven audio, and AI-enhanced performance make it a standout option for creative professionals, frequent travelers, and business users. The tailored Smart Modes and eco-conscious design only enhance its appeal, proving that innovation can coexist with sustainability. Lenovo’s attention to detail—from the refined build to thoughtful AI integrations—results in a laptop that feels forward-thinking and reliable. This ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition delivers the performance, design, and versatility needed for creating, collaborating, and enjoying content with style and precision.