Control of the Senate hangs in the balance as votes continue to be counted

Published

1 year ago

November 11, 2022

William Howard

Control of the Senate rests on the final tallies in three states

As votes continue to be counted, it’s clear that control of both the Senate and the House will come down to the wire.

The results will determine the fate of Capitol Hill for the remaining two years of the Biden administration.

The House looks set to flip to the Republicans, but only by a slim majority.

The Senate is a different story. Here, three key races remain too close to call.

Whichever party wins two out of the three remaining contests in the states of Arizona, Georgia and Nevada will ultimately control the Senate.

President Biden says the predicted “giant red wave” fell flat on in its face. Biden is relieved that his Democratic party performed better than expected, and hopes to work with the Republicans.

Residents in Georgia are heading back to the polls

In Georgia, Democrat Raphael Warnock has kicked off his runoff campaign against Republican Herschel Walker.

The second round of voting is taking place after neither party managed to secure more than 50 per cent of the total vote.

Under Georgia law, a candidate has to win at least 50 per cent of the vote to be declared the winner.

If no one gets the required votes, the election is run again, but this time with just two candidates.

Speaking in the city of Atlanta, Warnock says this next race is about “competence and character.”

On the other side of the coin, Walker is scheduled to kick off his runoff campaign in Canton. Here, he will be joined by prominent Texas Senator, Ted Cruz.

Warnock stood beneath a mural of late Civil Rights icon and Congressman John Lewis, urging voters to “get it done!”

Boston Dynamics’ electric marvel or robot contortionist?

Published

1 hour ago

April 18, 2024

Mike Loder

Boston Dynamics has recently unveiled its latest creation, the electric Atlas robot, boasting enhanced agility and strength.

However, with its uncanny ability to contort and rise from the ground with an almost eerie grace, one might wonder if we’re witnessing the birth of the world’s first robot contortionist.

As this technological marvel flaunts its capabilities, one can’t help but ponder if we’re on the brink of a future where household chores will be effortlessly handled by robots moving like a fusion of ballet dancers and horror movie monsters.

With its cadaver-like movements and illuminated head, it’s hard not to speculate whether Atlas is destined to revolutionise robotics or simply rehearsing for a techno-horror rendition of The Nutcracker. As Boston Dynamics continues to push the boundaries of robotics, the line between science fiction and reality becomes increasingly blurred.

News

The Coffee confusion causing health concerns

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Mike Loder

As the morning sun peeks through the curtains, many reach for that familiar brew, kickstarting their day with a comforting cup of coffee.

It’s a ritual ingrained in cultures worldwide, offering a jolt of energy to combat the grogginess of dawn.

But when is the optimal time for that caffeine fix? According to registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD, the answer isn’t crystal clear.

Some experts suggest delaying that first sip until mid-morning or later. However, DiMarino reassures coffee lovers that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this dilemma.

Meanwhile, the science behind coffee production unveils fascinating insights into its instant variant. Whether produced through freeze-drying or spray-drying methods, instant coffee offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Yet, beyond convenience, recent studies delve deeper into coffee’s impact on our bodies. Research exploring the acute effects of decaffeinated versus caffeinated coffee reveals intriguing findings on reaction time, mood, and skeletal muscle strength.

Moreover, investigations into the gut microbiome shed light on coffee’s influence on liver cirrhosis patients. A study analyzing the duodenal microbiome in this population found correlations between coffee consumption and microbial richness and evenness.

So, as you sip your coffee and ponder the day ahead, consider not just the flavour in your cup but also the subtle impacts it may have on your body and mind.

News

Laughing in limbo Canadian Just for Laughs cancelled

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2024

ticker NEWS

The renowned Montreal-based Just for Laughs comedy festival, one of the world’s largest international comedy events, will not grace the calendar in 2024.

The Canadian company overseeing the festival announced its cancellation this year, citing efforts to steer clear of bankruptcy. Having marked its 40th anniversary in 2023, Just For Laughs has long been a beloved fixture on the city’s cultural landscape.

With its absence raising questions about which event will inherit the title of the biggest comedy festival, speculation arises whether Melbourne will seize the mantle, given its burgeoning comedy scene and the success of its own Melbourne International Comedy Festival.