TOP TWO PRO: Fair and Effective Representation For Washington State

Discussing William U'Ren's political impact.

This article examines a simple change to voting rules with electing the Washington State House of Representatives that allows for minority representation. I provide a definition of the term fair and effective by calling to attention State House districts with a bi-partisan delegation: offering that increasing the number of bi-partisan districts, by way of changing election rules, could better meet statutory requirements of fair and effective representation.

Liberal Democrats Sensational Surge in the 2010 British General Election: Multi-Party Politics in a Two-Party System

NICK CLEGG

The following examines the Liberal Democrats (LD) role in the 2010 British general election. That year’s election is widely considered a remarkable event (Quinn, 2011, p. 403) with the surge, in the media, of the LDP. The party’s surge was triggered by unique events such as the country’s first-ever televised leadership debate, where LD leader Nick Clegg stood among the two other leaders of the UK’s main parties. Clegg made a good impression on voters, along with a sensational splash in the media. The leader’s approval ratings soared. The press was clamoring for or against the party and its leader. Thus the phenomenon of “Clegg-mania” started.

Christmas With Zoroaster!

Zoroaster

The late Freddy Mercury, singer of one of my favorite Rock bands Queen, has a heritage from the Zoroastrianism tradition. Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, died in 1991 due to the HIV virus. I was sad about this and in listening to the news regarding his memorial, it was reported that a Zoroastrian priest officiated over the service. I looked into the Zoroastrian faith and am struck with how similar it is to Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

The Amygdala: An “Exciting” Part of the Brain

"If I Only Had A Brain!"

The brain is usually referred to as if it were a single organ. However, the brain is a system with multiple and distinct components performing certain tasks for the body and mind. One such component, the Amygdala (amygdaloid nucleus), plays an important part in our emotional processes. It can jolt our bodies in fear, form emotional memories, helps us feel our dreams and can shape the effects of certain stress disorders and phobias. Indeed, the amygdala is where the excitement is at in our bodies.

More Important News

One of the best meta-media names for the collaboration between Pat, Dave, Paul and I is "Sirvana". That said, Sir Paul McCartney is a really down to earth person. He's rock royalty too and with roots in the working class city of Liverpool. I could relate as Nirvana has roots in the US northwestern city of Inverness, Washington. 

Dave Grohl has been a frequent guest to the Obama White House. The Foo Fighters have rocked the executive branch of the US government many times. Still, I bet it irks Dave that the president hasn't knighted him. And Pat? Forget it -- he's half black and it distresses me that race is still an issue in American politics.

As far as names for the collaboration go, there is no consensus. It's been decided to call it "The Nirvana Reunion" and "Thee Beatles" -- to convey the project is something new and not a nod to musical endeavors past. It was initially thought to alternate between each name every other week. After many days of discussions, the lighting-quick pace of today's technology was considered and our plans changed. Instead, the two names will alternate every .0000012 of a second. This way web surfers have a good chance of seeing both names as much as possible. The algorithm for this exciting new technology is being coded as we speak, and if all goes well, it should be included on the next version of every major browser at the end of 2014 when the names are officially debuted.

At that time, any media using the new names will have to have their legal people contact our legal people -- for legal reasons. Any use on social media, blogs, SMS text etc. will have to be cleared for permission. This situation is a result of the 2010 "Citizens United" ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States. We have also filed the paperwork for a new super PAC called, "Americans For A Better America" that will make contributions to political campaigns in the US and United Kingdom.

That's it for now. More news as it happens. 

What A Great Week!

It was a blast playing the 12.12.12 Sandy benefit show and Saturday Night Live with Dave Grohl, Pat Smear and Paul McCartney. I really liked jamming with Pat and Dave again -- and what a great experience playing with Paul!

The collaboration came out of the Sound CIty film that was produced and directed by Dave. He asked me if I wanted to play with him, Pat and Paul? I said YES! It was a wonderful day -- Paul came in with this cigar box guitar and started playing some mean slide on it. He said it was in a "D". Hearing that, Grunge instincts took over my left hand and I dropped the E on the bass to D. Pat and Dave got into it and the tune took shape. Paul flashed a riff and we picked it up. I busted another one out and everyone picked it up. Things started coming together.

Old Hickory

Old Hickory

Andrew Jackson was a populist president serving from 1829 to 1837. His election reflected the new phenomenon of universal white male suffrage. The common man could now vote and Jackson felt he spoke for ordinary people against special privilege. This perspective manifested itself with his administration’s policies - in some ways that proved tragic.