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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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Safely Viewing the Solar Eclipse with a Cereal Box: A Simple DIY Guide

 

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th promises to be a celestial spectacle, and witnessing it safely is essential. While specialized eclipse glasses are recommended, you can also create a simple and effective viewer using a cereal box and a few household items. Let’s dive into the steps:

Materials Needed:

  1. Empty Cereal Box: Grab an empty cereal box from your kitchen.
  2. White Paper or Cardboard: Cut a piece that fits snugly into the bottom of the cereal box.
  3. Tin Foil: You’ll need this to create a pinhole projector.
  4. Tape or Glue: To secure the paper and tin foil in place.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Trace and Cut: Trace the bottom of the cereal box onto the white paper or cardboard. Cut out the traced rectangle.
  2. Top Opening: Cut off the side tabs on the top of the box, leaving the center intact.
  3. Tin Foil Cover: Tape a piece of tin foil over one of the openings at the top of the cereal box.
  4. Viewing Position: Stand with your back to the sun and look into the larger hole cut into the top of the cereal box. The sun’s image will be projected through the hole in the aluminum foil onto the white paper at the bottom of the box. This allows you to safely view the eclipse without directly looking at the sun.

Remember, improper observation of the sun during an eclipse can lead to eclipse blindness or retinal burns. Use this cereal box viewer as a safe alternative to enjoy the cosmic event. Happy eclipse watching! 

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