Posted By admin on January 8, 2024
'There's just some evil people out there' | Beaumont Jewish synagogue received bomb threat on New Year's Eve 12newsnow.com KBMT-KJAC
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Posted By admin on January 8, 2024
No bomb found after a reported threat at a synagogue in Davidson Fox 46 Charlotte
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No bomb found after a reported threat at a synagogue in Davidson - Fox 46 Charlotte
Posted By admin on January 4, 2024
This post is co-authored by@adieldar(Principal Data Scientist, Microsoft)
In the world of AI & data analytics, vector databases are emerging as a powerful tool for managing complex and high-dimensional data.
In this article, we will explore the concept of vector databases, the need for vector databases in data analytics, and how Azure Data Explorer (ADX)aka Kusto can be used as a vector database.
Vector databases store and manage data in the form of vectors that are numerical arrays of data points. Vector databases allow manipulating and analyzing set of vectors at scale using vector algebra and other advanced mathematical techniques.
The use of vectors allows for more complex queries and analyses, as vectors can be compared and analyzed using advanced techniques such as vector similarity search, quantization and clustering.
Traditional databases are not well-suited for handling high-dimensional data, which is becoming increasingly common in data analytics. In contrast, vector databases are designed to handle high-dimensional data, such as text, images, and audio, by representing them as vectors.
This makes vector databases particularly useful for tasks such as machine learning, natural language processing, and image recognition, where the goal is to identify patterns or similarities in large datasets
Vector similarity is a measure of how different (or similar) two or more vectors are.Vector similarity search is a technique used to find similar vectors in a dataset.
In vector similarity search, vectors are compared using a distance metric, such as Euclidean distance or cosine similarity. The closer two vectors are, the more similar they are.
Embeddings are a common way of representing data in a vector format for use in vector databases. An embedding is a mathematical representation of a piece of data, such as a word, text document or an image, that is designed to capture its semantic meaning.
Embeddings are created using algorithms that analyze the data and generate a set of numerical values that represent its key features. For example, an embedding for a word might represent its meaning, its context, and its relationship to other words.
Lets take an example.
Below two phrases are represented as vectors after embedding with a model.
Phrase 1
Phrase 2
(Image credits OpenAI)
Embeddings that are numerically similar are also semantically similar. For example, as seen in the following chart, the embedding vector of canine companions say will be more similar to the embedding vector of woof than that of meow.
(Image credits OpenAI)
they can be created using standard python packages (eg. spaCy, sent2vec, Gensim), but Large Language Models (LLM) generate highest quality embeddings for semantic text search. Thanks to OpenAI and other LLM providers, we can now use them easily. You just send your text to an embedding model in Azure Open AI and it generates a vector representation which can be stored for analysis.
At the core of Vector Similarity Search is the ability to store, index, and query vector data.
ADX is a cloud-based data analytics service that enables users to perform advanced analytics on large datasets in real-time. It is particularly well-suited for handling large volumes of data, making it an excellent choice for storing and searching vectors.
ADX supports a special data type called dynamic, which can store unstructured data such as arrays and property bags. Dynamic data type is perfect for storing vector values. You can further augment the vector value by storing metadata related to the original object as separate columns in your table.
Furthermore, we have added a new user-defined function series_cosine_similarity_fl to perform vector similarity searches on top of the vectors stored in ADX.
ADX as a vector database
Lets say you want to run semantic searches on top of Wikipedia pages.
We will generate vectors for tens of thousands of Wikipedia pages by embedding them with an Open AI model and storing the vectors in ADX along with some metadata related to the page.
Demo scenario
Now we want to search wiki pages with natural language queries to look for the most relevant ones. We can achieve that by the following steps:
Semantic search flow
Lets run some queries:
This query calculates similarity score for thousands of vectors in the table within seconds and returns the top n results.
Search query 1:places where we worship
Result:
Search query 2: unfortunate events in history
Result:
If youd like to try this demo, head to the azure_kusto_vector GitHub repository and follow the instructions.
The Notebook in the repo will allow you to -
You can start by spinning up your own free Kusto cluster within seconds -https://aka.ms/kustofree
We look forward to your feedback and all the exciting things you build with vectors & ADX!
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Posted By admin on January 4, 2024
Processor Surface Pro 9: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U processor Options with storage 256 GB and above built on the Intel Evo platform
Surface Pro 9 with 5G: Microsoft SQ 3 processor Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
Surface Pro 9: Intel Iris Xe Graphics Surface Pro 9 with 5G: Microsoft SQ 3 Adreno 8CX Gen 3
Surface Pro 9: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB (LPDDR5 RAM) Surface Pro 9 with 5G: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM Surface Pro 9 (Intel/Wifi): Removable7drive (SSD) options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Removable7drive (SSD) options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Screen: 13 PixelSense Flow Display Resolution: 2880 X 1920 (267 PPI) Color profile: sRGB and Vivid Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz Aspect ratio: 3:2 Contrast ratio: 1200:1 Adaptive Color Touch: 10-point multi-touch Gorilla Glass 5
Surface Pro 9 (Intel/Wifi): Up to 15.5 hours of typical device usage Surface Pro 9 (SQ3/5G): Up to 19 hours of typical device usage
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Length: 11.3 (287 mm) Width: 8.2 (209 mm) Height: 0.37 (9.3 mm) Weight1: 1.95 lb (883 g) (mmWave)
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Enhanced security with Microsoft Pluton Windows Hello face sign-in
Surface Pro 9 (Intel/Wifi): Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing) Front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video 10.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4k video
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing) Front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video 10.0 MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4k video Windows Studio Effects with Eye Contact, Portrait Background Blur and Automatic Framing
Surface Pro 9 (Intel/Wifi)
2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos8
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G)
2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos8
Windows Studio Effects with Voice Focus
Dual far field studio microphones
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): 2 x USB-C 3.2 1 x Surface Connect port Surface Keyboard port 1 x nano SIM
Surface Pro 9 (Intel/Wifi): Wi-Fi 6E: 802.11ax compatible Bluetooth Wireless 5.1 technology
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Wi-Fi 6E: 802.11ax compatible Bluetooth Wireless 5.1 technology Location: GPS, Glonass, Galileo and Beidou Support NanoSIM and eSIM support Supports 5G4 5G-NR NSA (mmWave): Release 15 DL 64 QAM up to 4.2 Gbps 4xDL CA (400MHz), 2x2 MIMO 5G-NR NSA (mmWave): Release 15 UL 64 QAM, 2xUL CA (200MHz), 2x2 MIMO 5G-NR NSA (mmWave) Bands: n257, n260, n261 Gigabit LTE - A Pro Release 15 with 4x4 MIMO and LAA LTE DL Cat 20, 256 QAM up to 2Gbps, 5xDL CA LTE UL Cat 13, 64 QAM Contiguous 2X ULCA LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 WCDMA: 1,2,5,8
Surface Pro 9 (Intel/Wifi): Designed for Surface Slim Pen 22 Integrated storage and wireless charging for Surface Slim Pen 2 with Surface Pro Signature Keyboard2 Supports tactile signals9 with Surface Slim Pen 2 Supports Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP)
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Designed for Surface Slim Pen 22 Integrated storage and wireless charging for Surface Slim Pen 2 with Surface Pro Signature Keyboard2 Supports tactile signals9with Surface Slim Pen 2 Supports Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP)
Accessories support:2 Surface Pro Keyboard Surface Pro Signature Keyboard Surface Pro X Keyboard Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Casing: Aluminum Colors:13Platinum Physical buttons: Volume, power
Accelerometer Gyroscope Magnetometer Ambient Color sensor
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G) Power supply Quick Start Guide Safety and warranty documents SIM Card access tool
1-year limited hardware warranty
Surface Pro 9 (SQ 3/5G): Battery Capacity Nominal (WH) 47.7 Wh Battery Capacity Min (WH) 46.5Wh
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Buy Surface Pro 9 (Specs, Price, i5/i7, Battery Life) - Microsoft Surface
Posted By admin on January 4, 2024
Get to know your way around Windows 11, from where to search to how to stay organized:
Select Search on the taskbar or press Windows logo key + S, then type what you want tofind. You'll get personalized search results for people, email, and files in local and shared sites, or from the web.
Use desktops to keep different tasks organized or for different parts of your life, like work and home. To create a new desktop, select Task view > New desktop. To switch between desktops, select Task view .
To change a background on a desktop, in Task view, right-click (or press and hold) on the desktop and select Choose background.
Your Microsoft account is your free all-access pass to Microsofts premier services. Sign in with your Microsoft account to access passwords, files, and more across your devices.
Learn more about Microsoft accounts
No mouse? No problem! Keyboard shortcuts provide alternate ways to do something you'd typically do with a mouse.
Press this
To do this
Windows logo key + Left arrow
Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen
Windows logo key + V
Open the clipboard history
Windows logo key + semicolon (;)
Open emoji panel
Windows logo key + H
Open voice typing
Windows logo key + S
Open Search
Learn more keyboard shortcuts
Save your photos and files in the cloud with OneDrive and access them from any device, anywhere. 5 GB of free OneDrive storage comes with your Microsoft account.
Learn more about OneDrive
Open Tips to discover surprising and useful things you can do with Windows.
Open Tips
Get your PC set up just the way you want it with the Get Started app.
Open Get Started
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Posted By admin on January 4, 2024
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Posted By admin on January 4, 2024
Jewish-owned grocery store in Toronto hit by suspected antisemitic arson attack National Post
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Jewish-owned grocery store in Toronto hit by suspected antisemitic arson attack - National Post
Posted By admin on December 31, 2023
Political cartoon done by The Buffalo News upsets the Jewish community WGRZ.com
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Political cartoon done by The Buffalo News upsets the Jewish community - WGRZ.com
Posted By admin on December 31, 2023
The Netherlands spied on Jewish Holocaust survivors, considering them a danger to democracy EL PAS USA
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Posted By admin on December 31, 2023
In the ongoing and intricate dialogue surrounding the Middle East, the term Zionism has found itself trapped in a web of misconceptions and mischaracterizations, compelling us to delve deeper into its nuances. As we navigate the labyrinthine history and geopolitical intricacies of the region, it becomes imperative for us to dissect the evolution of public perception regarding Zionism from a perspective that is both pro-Israel and pro-Zionistic. This journey necessitates not only emphasizing the authentic definition of Zionism but also safeguarding it against unwarranted vilification.
The founding principles of Zionism were deeply intertwined with the late 19th-century historical milieu, a period marked by the poignant predicament of the Jewish diaspora and an ardent yearning for a secure homeland. Emerging as a response to the systemic persecution faced by the Jewish people, the movement sought to provide them with a sovereign nation-state, a vision ultimately realized with the establishment of Israel in 1948. However, the ensuing years witnessed a transformative shift in the global narrative, particularly against the backdrop of the prolonged Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
At its core, Zionism manifests as a multifaceted and evolving political and cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th century. It passionately advocates for the establishment of a national homeland for the Jewish people in the historical region of Israel. Derived from Zion, a biblical reference to Jerusalem, the term encapsulates the profound longing to return to the ancestral homeland. Zionism, in its true essence, spans a spectrum of perspectives, ranging from secular to religious and left to right.
Regrettably, the term has been co-opted and weaponized in contemporary discourse, often wielded pejoratively or tethered to negative connotations. This mischaracterization not only oversimplifies a rich and nuanced historical and political movement but also impedes the possibility of engaging in meaningful conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader Middle East.
Pioneers of Zionism, such as Theodor Herzl, envisioned a sanctuary where Jews could liberate themselves from persecution and discrimination. However, the evolution of Zionism did not occur in a vacuum; historical events following its inception played a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 marked a watershed moment, transforming Zionism from a lofty aspiration into a geopolitical reality. The subsequent conflicts in the region, notably the Arab-Israeli wars and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further complicated the narrative surrounding Zionism.
The term Zionism has become entangled with broader geopolitical debates, often assuming a polarizing and controversial dimension. The intricate complexities of this conflict, replete with its geopolitical dynamics and multifaceted historical roots, have contributed to the distortion of Zionism. It is frequently reduced to a catch-all phrase associated with territorial disputes and geopolitical struggles, stripped of its original connotations of self-determination, identity, and refuge from persecution.
It is imperative to recognize that the changing perception of Zionism is not a monolithic phenomenon. Views on Zionism are as diverse as the societies that hold them, reflecting a complex interplay of historical, political, and cultural factors. Engaging in an open and respectful dialogue about Zionism that acknowledges its historical roots while critically examining its contemporary implications is paramount for fostering understanding and addressing the persistent challenges in the region.
In the digital age, where information traverses at unprecedented speeds, the peril of oversimplification looms large. Social media platforms and succinct news segments possess the potential to perpetuate superficial narratives, leading to a skewed understanding of Zionism. It is essential to recognize that reducing Zionism to a pejorative term not only oversimplifies a rich historical narrative but also stifles the possibility of constructive dialogue.
The term Zionism should not be wielded as a negative epithet. It is a political ideology with historical roots and cultural significance that warrants the same respect afforded to other ideologies. Criticizing specific policies should be disentangled from a blanket condemnation of Zionism, allowing for a more nuanced and informed conversation about the movements goals and historical context.
Adhering to the true definition of Zionism is paramount. It involves acknowledging the legitimate rights of the Jewish people to a homeland and understanding the intricate journey that led to the establishment of Israel. By doing so, we can transcend divisive rhetoric and contribute to a discourse that encourages mutual understanding, recognition of historical realities, and the pursuit of a sustainable and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As advocates for Israel and Zionism, an active engagement in shaping a narrative that reflects the historical integrity of the term is incumbent. Emphasizing its true definition and resisting the temptation to use it as an inflammatory or derogatory label fosters an environment conducive to open, respectful, and informed dialogue. This approach goes beyond mere advocacy for a political ideology; it is a commitment to understanding the multifaceted history and aspirations of a people who, like any other, seek a secure and peaceful existence in their ancestral homeland.
Welcome to my blog, where I invite you to join me on the unique journey of my life as a Jewish, Israeli young adult living and pursuing an education in the city of Toronto. In this diverse and dynamic metropolis, I find myself at the intersection of my Israeli roots and the rich culture of Toronto. Through this blog, I aim to share the experiences, challenges, and triumphs that come with balancing my identity as a Jewish individual while navigating the multicultural landscape of this Canadian city. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the academic halls of my school, each day brings new opportunities for personal growth. I'll be documenting the moments of connection, the celebrations of my heritage, and the lessons learned along the way. As a young Israeli adult, I hope to delve into the fusion of traditions, exploring how my Jewish identity shapes my perspectives and influences my interactions in this multicultural environment. From holiday celebrations to engaging in dialogues that bridge different cultures, I'll share the stories that highlight the beauty of diversity and unity.
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The evolution of Zionism: A call for understanding
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