For years, key members of the Democratic Party have been pushing for filibuster reform. According to one 2021 tally, 46 Democratic senatorsexpressed an opennessto transforming the filibuster, which prevents legislative action without a supermajority of 60 votes. And in 2022, Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley and Elizabeth Warren pushed for changes to the filibuster to pass key pieces of their agenda, such as voting rights legislation. But those efforts fell flat, largely because of opposition from Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who argued that eliminating or substantively tweaking the filibuster would create a more partisan Senate.That adds an ironic twist to last weeks results at the polls: Following an election that saw Republicans take back the White House, the Senate, and in all likelihood the House of Representatives, the filibuster may be Democrats best hope for preventing the mass adoption of right-wing policies.Given the somber election news, Democrats have mostly shut down the filibuster debate. Of the 12 senators reached for this pieceincluding Merkley, the most vocal on reformsnone responded to Fast Companys request for comment. Fix Our Senate, 2022s loud anti-filibuster lobbyist group, has since shut down its website and been wiped from the founders LinkedIn. Lobbyist group Common Cause, previously campaigned to fix the filibuster, wrote via email that it was still monitoring the election results, and would finalize our federal strategy for the incoming administration in the coming weeks.A brief history of the filibuster debateThe filibuster is not a constitutionally codified practice; in fact, it was born of an absence. While the House of Representatives has standing rules for how long a member can speak, the Senate was left unregulated. That gap was exploited during World War I, when 16 senators blocked President Woodrow Wilsons protections against German U-Boats, fearing that it would bring the U.S. into the war. Back then, the filibuster involved lengthy speeches and declarations, as dramatized in the 1939 film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Now, even the threat of a filibuster is often enough to kill a bill.The Senate responded by setting cloture rules in 1917, which would shut down delays in debate and voting. At the time, they set the watermark at two-thirds of the vote, which was later changed to three-fifths in 1975. That also happens to be the last decade one-party cloture was possible: No single party has held the necessary 60 Senate seats since 1979.Back then, a bipartisan vote for cloture may have been more achievable, but its increasingly rare in present politics. Steven Smith, professor of political science at Arizona State University, points to the mass legislative blockages of the Republican minority under Senator Mitch McConnell.[Democrats] have had to get a sizable number of Republicans to move forward, and thats often been impossible, Smith says. Weve been living in an era of intense partisanship, small majority parties, and truckloads of obstructionism. As a result, bills surrounding gun-violence protections, treatment of undocumented minors, and workers rights have all been shot down via filibuster.There are notable exceptions. In 2005, the Senate moved to bypass the filibuster for most judicial nominations; 12 years later, that precedent was extended to Supreme Court nominations. Most government spending bills are now passed through budget reconciliation, a Senate workaround that supersedes the filibuster. Smith argues that reconciliation may offer a strong enough pathway to legislative change that the filibuster can remain a low priority: The public doesnt care about procedural matters.Filibuster flip-floppingIn 2022, Democrats led by Senator Merkley rallied around filibuster reform in order to more easily pass voting rights legislation. Senators Manchin and Sinema blocked the move, but both announced theyd leave office in 2025, which opened the door for more speculation over the filibusters uncertain future. (Sinema herself warned the filibuster wouldnt survive without her.)But now, the Democrats have lost the Senate. What was once a block to their legislative priorities, the filibuster now represents something of a saving grace for the left-wingers. University of Chicago political science professor Ruth Bloch Rubin says that, while some senators will continue supporting filibuster reform out of ideological commitment, most will switch their position.Most people are pragmatic politicians and recognize that theres a lot of policies that Democrats want to protect [for which] a filibuster will be necessary, she says. Its just a valuable weapon in their arsenal, and to get rid of it [now] would be a disservice to the folks who put them in office.While Donald Trump may have pushed for filibuster reform to pass his right-wing policy initiatives, Republicans have generally remained hesitant. Per their theory of small government, the ability to block Democratic excess is more important than their own ability to pass bills.[Republicans] see it as a protection against further expansion of the role of government, says Arizona State Universitys Smith. This is certainly what McConnell has preached to them: In the long view, better to have a high threshold for getting things passed in the Senate.Sure enough, Senator McConnell announced last week that the filibuster will stand under the new Republican majority.Will we ever see filibuster reform?If outright abolition is all but impossible, thats not to say reform is dead in the water. Rubin references the move toward a talking filibuster, which would force senators to physically engage in the obstruction and not merely threaten it.Were actually going to make people read the phonebook, or Green Eggs and Ham, or whatever it is, and put in the work, Rubin says. Maybe just the fact that that takes time, is unpopular, and takes energy and resources will be enough to make people think twice.Reformers like Senator Merkley have also argued for a filibuster-free motion to proceed, which would protect the move to open debate from blocks. But Smith remains skeptical: Then the filibuster simply goes to the bill itself, and nothing has changed.The filibuster isnt the root of all policy woes. Rubin points out that large swaths of bills are stopped not by minority obstructions, but by disagreements within the majority party. To smooth out the legislative process, the Senate would also need to consider changes to debate tactics like carve-outs, where senators can withhold their vote unless a bill has specific clauses benefiting their position.The Democrats and the filibuster have endured a curious enemies-to-lovers arc. If they want to keep core government programs intact, theyd better get ready to use it.

Mexican designer Norberto Miranda has created an inflatable "museographic device" made from PVC with a built-in shelf supported by air pressure.Named Intermittent Dome, the structure was created for The Arts and Cultures Program at Instituto Tecnolgico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (TEC) in Monterrey, Mexico, and was tied to a workshop designed to teach students about upcycling in design.Made from clear PVC, the dome is six metres tall with striations marked by white PVC sheets that, according to Miranda, give the structure a "mise en abyme" effect.Norberto Miranda has installed an inflatable installation at TEC in Monterrey, MexicoOne of the circular bands that makes up the dome forms a shelf within the walls of the structure and is accessible from inside via four zippers."Zippers access air cells into what could be the thinnest shelf ever, 0.35 millimetres thick, totally suspended by air pressure," said Miranda."It has four access points and is a very silly process [to access] because it literally blows your face [when you open it]; we developed some skills to get the material passed the zipper but once inside it behaves pretty well."It is made out of PVCThe shelf runs around the perimeter and can be used to showcase items for educational purposes or student work.Air is constantly being pump into the structure to maintain the form. A vent at the top helps to modulate the temperature inside the structure, which is directly affected by the outside conditions.Read: Norberto Miranda creates inflatable bean galleries for travelling exhibit in Mexico"]"The dome has a hole in the last segment, that makes a natural ventilation at the top it gets hot if you put it outside at the straight sun," said Miranda."It does provide some shade, though, and shelter from the rain. Ultimately, it replicates the outside conditions, offering diffraction of light entering."It was created for design educationThough Miranda often works with recycled plastics through his design studio Bolson, he opted to use virgin PVC fabricated by Jalisco-based manufacturer Publiglobos to assure structural consistency and to achieve a see-through finish.TEC will host workshops in the dome geared towards upcycling processes, and Miranda said he will field proposals for ways to recycle the dome once the programming is complete.Miranda said it has a shelf that may be the "thinnest" in the worldHe said that some of the dome may be converted into the handbags Bolson is known for, but that he wants students to "develop the sensibility" addressing the afterlife of projects, noting that no matter what the entirety of the dome will be reprocessed.Miranda was featured in a cross-section of Guadalajara's design scene as part of Dezeen's North American Design 2024 series.Other inflatables meant for occupation include a "womb-like" installation created by Annabelle Schneider during NYCxDesign.The photography is courtesy of Norberto Miranda.The post Norberto Miranda creates inflatable classroom with world's "thinnest shelf" appeared first on Dezeen.

Architecture studio Javier Senosiain Arquitectos has created a wood-lined office space in Mexico City informed by an "animal's refuge" and other cave-like spaces.The 202-square-metre office was designed to be "adapted to the human being" and consists of several main cave-like chambers linked by curving pathways.Javier Senosiain Arquitectos has created a cave-like office in Mexico City. Photo is by Francisco LlubertIt serves as a Mexico City office for Javier Senosiain Arquitectos, an architect and office known for its organic architecture."The main idea [was] to achieve adapted spaces to the human body: similar to [the] maternal cloister, animal's refuge, the troglodytes that are sculpted under the ground, the igloo not a turn back but a meditated reconciliation," said Javier Senosiain Arquitectos founder Javier Senosiain.It is covered in maple root veneer. Photo is by Francisco LlubertThe space spreads out over one level of a wedge-shaped shared office building and contains a terrace on one side.Visitors enter through the main door, which opens onto a waiting area with a reception desk that leads into a curving hallway.The space is organised into various chambers. Photo is courtesy Javier Senosiain ArquitectosThis main hall branches off into a large work area, which contains two large snaking desks that look out over the terrace. On the other side, the main hall leads into a kitchenette, a material library and two enclosed offices.The larger of the two offices contains a circular meeting area with curved benches. Past it is another curvilinear desk and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.Read: "Every work is very different" in organic architecture says Javier SenosiainEach space is enclosed with overhanging, curved ceilings and walls clad in a marble-like maple root veneer, also used for the floor.Organically shaped columns, shelving and light pendants were distributed throughout the space, while ground-level lighting runs along the perimeter.Large desks snake through the main working area. Photo is by Francisco LlubertThe space was previously a "rectangular prism", which the studio converted by creating wooden framing in the space and then covering it with "thin strings of wood".According to the studio, the use of wood versus prefabricated or synthetic materials reduced the project's environmental impact.Private offices branch off a main hallway. Photo is by Tanya Picazo Navarro"The project is made out of wood in its structure and finishing; this wood certifies the planification and the legal felling of trees," said the studio."With this in mind, it also guaranteed a lower environmental impact, compared to the energy and resources used in prefabricated materials."Desks and other surfaces were covered in leather. Photo is courtesy Javier Senosiain ArquitectosLeather was used to cover the desks and other surfaces to create a "soft" working space."[Living] together in the workshop is like working in a warm and illuminated cave, with stimulating sensations that change from one space to another, an interplay of lights that change throughout the day," said the studio.This project has been shortlisted in the Workplace interior category of Dezeen Awards 2024. Other projects shortlisted in this category include Land Over Water Office by Firm Architects and Link Lab Creative Offices by Stay Studio.A circular seating area is designed for meetings. Photo is courtesy Javier Senosiain ArquitectosRecently, Latvian photographer Anna Dave released images of the studio's snake-shaped aparment complex outside of Mexico City.The photography is courtesy of Javier Senosiain Arquitectos unless otherwise statedThe post Javier Senosiain Arquitectos creates "illuminated cave" office in Mexico City appeared first on Dezeen.

Zaha Hadid Architects is building a scientific research center in Uzbekistan. They adopted a low-tech approach to create a comfortable climate. The building is visually appealing, and equipped with a clever passive cooling system that draws inspiration from the traditional local architecture.The center is named after the 15th-century poet, author, linguist, and statesman Alisher Navoi. Called the Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre, it is marked by big swooping arches and expansive glazing. The form is inspired by the traditional wind-catching towers of Central Asian and Middle Eastern Architecture, to remove the string from the desert heat.Designer: Zaha Hadid ArchitectsThe building is equipped with curvy supporting arches, which have been constructed from local bricks. The arches are built as hollow structures with openings that collect wind, and channel air into the building. During summer, the system will be offered support by electric fans and water misting to cool the air before it moves around the building. The hollow arched structures form a chimney effect, which enables the warmer air to escape through the openings at the top of each arch. The warm air rises naturally and escapes, building a pressure difference that pulls in the cooler air from lower levels, promoting ventilation throughout the building.These cooling principles are enhanced by the day-night cycle, extracting warmer air while trapping cooler air below, said Zaha Hadid Architects. Coupled with the high thermal mass of the centers structure, optimum conditions of comfort can be maintained with minimal energy consumption. Courtyards and skylights bring natural light into the heart of the center while deep roof overhangs provide its facades with effective solar shading in summer yet permit winter sun into the building to warm the interiors.The interior will occupy 23,000 sq m, and will also include the Navoi State Museum of Literature. It also contains research areas, a workshop, and a repository housing a collection of 3,500 historical books and manuscripts. 13 permanent exhibition halls will be placed around a central courtyard, promoting collaboration between literary education, research, and performing arts.The post Zaha Hadids Curving Science Center Is Marked With Big Swooping Arches & Expansive Glazing first appeared on Yanko Design.

DSLR cameras have evolved from their bulky forms into compact versions, that are now superseded by mirrorless versions that are more consumer-oriented. If you are someone who is a social butterfly, chances are you need high-resolution photo and video shooting equipment handy at all times. Sure, smartphones are the best bet when it comes to quick reels or IG-worthy stories, still they cannot match the details of DSLR or mirrorless shooters.Traditionally both these versions have an optical viewfinder to shoot the subject in the frame. Now, a designer has taken a completely different approach to what a camera should be like.Designer: Yasuaki MatsuuraThis is the Eye to Eye camera that takes a completely radical approach to digital photography both in form and function. Right where you would find the viewfinder and the lens of the digital camera, this one has a flush hollow part that lets the shooter see the subject without anything in between. This creates a direct eye-to-eye between the photographer and the subject right at the moment of capture. More than a mere gimmick, the digital camera actually shoots photographs.According to Yasuaki, the idea is to create a deeper connection between the two individuals and also let them be more aware of their visual surroundings. Since the subject knows the human eye instead of a lens looking straight him/her in the eye, the final shot has a more engaging emotion to it. Its beyond just the digital recording or picture shooting moment, staying as a cherished memory. This interesting gadget is a part of his art series, and a limited edition artwork that we are sure will have more interesting things to follow.The in-person interaction of this interesting digital camera can be a bit too much for shy individuals, however, more confident people can take advantage of this unique proposition.The post This digital camera with hollow viewfinder creates direct eye-to-eye contact for more engaging shots first appeared on Yanko Design.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking to create a warm atmosphere at home. And thats what our Product of the Week focuses on! This Espresso Martini Candle offers a stylish way to add some festivity to your decor.Its design is so realisticeven we thought it was a real wine glass when we first browsed across it The word candle was the scroll-stopper for us!This candle is infused with a rich roasted espresso scentwhich means it fills your space with that comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee Your home is sure to feel like a cozy cafe. Plus, it has real coffee beans. Talk about being authentic! Its dimensions5 inches in width and 7.5 inches in heightmake it an ideal centerpiece for your coffee table or dining area.Whether youre hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this candle sets the mood without the need for actual cocktails. It sure is a thoughtful choice for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.The cherry on the cake? Its sustainable! This candle is housed in reusable glass; once the candle has burned down, the elegant martini glass can be repurposed.Available now on EtsyFor more regular updates from Home Designing, join us on Facebook. If you are reading this through e-mail, please consider forwarding this mail to a few of your friends who are into interior design. Come on, you know who they are! Related Posts: 31 Low Light Indoor Plants That Flourish in Dim Spaces 15 Amazing Thanksgiving Dcor Ideas For a Festive Home Product of the Week: Dough Bowl Candle with Wood Wicks Product of the Week: Stacking Cappuccino Cups

Explore this beautifully modern 212 sqm two-bedroom house in Dnipro, Ukraine, designed by DA-Design Studio. With its sleek design and warm wood tones, this home is the perfect example of contemporary elegance. Its clean lines and minimalist palette keep the interior understated. Simultaneously, its super cozywith a special mention for the outdoor terrace giving stunning city views!In the open living and dining area, the base is set with soft neutrals complemented by olive green accents. With recessed lights around the ceiling perimeter and backlit shelving, we see beautifully layered lighting. The oversized sofas with clean lines are paired with green armchairs in the living area. A similar color palette is seen in the dining room, where chunky green end chairs create a statement. Throughout the space, potted plants tie the interior with nature.AdvertisementThe kitchen sees a mix of warm wood and black accents (these factor in luxury). A mini bar provides ample room to store your favorite drinks. We especially love the hanging shelvingletting you store essentials while saving space.The floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom give scenic outdoor views (these smartly double as decor ). The floating nightstands are super-savvyand equal parts classy. Finally, the interesting pendant lights and floor lamp add intrigue.This bedroom is as cozy as it gets. A velvet-upholstered bed against a wooden accent wall takes center stage. The slat wood partition with the closet offers functionality, sure, but also adds warmth to the space. It goes without saying that the open closet is suuuper luxurious!When a matte black standing tub is placed next to a massive window, the end result is a luxe spa-like bathroom.Who dreads work hours when the office looks like this? A wooden desk is paired with an ergonomic green chair. The standout feature is a small tree planted within a built-in planter on the desk Behind this setting, we see light oakwood cabinetry providing room to stock all essentials.When it comes to functionality and style this bathroom takes the prize! Two matte black wall-mounted toiletsand a similar style standing tubadd opulence. We see a separate cubicle for the shower, while the vanity and cabinetry are equal parts functional and stylish. A special mention for the large plants bringing the outdoors in.For more regular updates from Home Designing, join us on Facebook. If you are reading this through e-mail, please consider forwarding this mail to a few of your friends who are into interior design. Come on, you know who they are! Related Posts: 35 Stunning Black Kitchens That Tempt You To Go Dark For Your Next Remodel 21 Modern Sage Green Bedroom Ideas With Tips To Help You Design Yours 51 Modern Houses That Impress With Stunning Architecture, Pools & Landscaping 7 Types Of Interior Design Styles For Your Home

In case you'd forgotten how big Stalker 2 is, it's really big.I'd forgotten how big this thing is.

Valve has "been super happy with the reception of Steam Deck" so it's just announced a new Steam Deck OLED, and a "second experiment" in different colors.No specs changes I'm afraid, and only a hint of work on future hardware, but a sign of more color options to come if all goes well.

Save on laptops, monitors, accessories and even the new M4 Mac mini.