News

Conflict between Israel and Hamas militants continues, world leaders plead for calm

Published

3 years ago

May 18, 2021

William Howard

Violence in Gaza has officially reached its second week

This grim milestone follows Israel launching another round of airstrikes on Gaza on Monday.

This comes as the Israeli military bombed much of the underground Hamas’ tunnel system.

Israel says it has attacked more areas in Gaza over the past week than it did in all of 2020.

It’s also being reported that Gaza has fired around 3,150 rockets into Israel since the conflict began.

Despite the high number of rockets fired, most have either fallen short or been intercepted by Israel’s so-called “Iron Dome” aerial defence system.

READ: Why Biden wants Israel-Gaza war to end, now | TICKER VIEWS

The toll on both sides of the Israel-Gaza war is horrendous, and the rockets and air strikes continue unabated.
Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre and Ticker News US political contributor

What’s it like on the ground as civilian?

“There is a tremendous amount of heartbreak here on the ground for the senseless loss of life in Gaza at the hands of Hamas”

Journalist @talexander_i24 is live on the ground in Tel Aviv and details the scenes.

International concern continues to build

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Israel should avoid civilian casualties. He also added that he is aware that “Hamas is again using civilian infrastructure and populations as cover for its operations”.

In the US, the nation’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken says both sides have an extra duty of care. He said, “a democracy has an extra burden” to protect innocent lives.

The United Nations is also expressing concern about the growing level of infrastructure damage in the Gaza region. The area was already struggling and impoverished.

NOW IN PALESTINE: Gaza bombed at 4:31AM. Israel is still going to play the victim. #GazaUnderAttackk pic.twitter.com/Mw0GEvRmuo
— Malak|FREE PALESTINE (@whaatdidusayy) May 18, 2021

The outbreak of violence began after months of rising tensions between the two parties.

These tensions escalated at a Holy site that is worshipped by both Muslims and Jewish individuals.

Hamas warned Jewish citizens to vacate the site before firing rockets in retaliation.

News

Boston Dynamics’ electric marvel or robot contortionist?

Published

3 hours 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

4 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

5 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.