TOLI's Mature commercial sheet flooring from CBC Flooring offers architects and designers a beautiful and sustainable flooring product for healthcare, university and retail environments.

The newspaper asserts that Ranked Choice Voting "cratered" voter engagement. That's bullshit. by Wm. Steven Humphrey

Starting in January 2025, Portland will have the most diverse, and politically balanced City Council in the history of our city. Full stop.

The reason why we’re able to celebrate this indisputable fact is thanks to charter reform and ranked choice voting, which allowed citizens from every demographic and Portland neighborhood the opportunity to serve their city (and the rest of us to vote for them). 

But despite those two objectively correct statements, local media continues to platform the dishonest cynics who have been fighting charter reform and ranked choice voting from the beginning. The Oregonian, who loves writing intellectually dishonest headlines like this, really outdid themselves with this recent post-election article: Portland’s ranked-choice debut causes voter engagement to crater; 1 in 5 who cast ballots chose no one for City Council. 

Let’s break it down, shall we? Using the word “crater” to describe Portland’s voter engagement, and attempting to lay the blame on the doorstep of ranked choice voting, is not only an unethical choice, it’s factually incorrect. While overall voter turnout wasn’t what it was in 2020 (79%), Portland engagement still reached 74.5%—that’s still three-quarters of our total population. Does that sound like overall engagement “cratered” to you?

 And perhaps it’s true that one-out-of-five voters chose not to rank any candidates for City Council and mayor—though, as a reasonable person, I might wait until that number got a little bit higher before labeling it as “cratering.” And yes, it is absolutely correct that a historically large group of candidates ran for City Council this year, which probably stunned some voters who aren’t used to doing a lot of research. BUT! And let me say this loud and proud so everyone in the back can hear it: Having a lot of candidates who love their community and want to serve it is A VERY GOOD THING. (And it’s even better for democracy.) And while we can definitely do more as a city to make sure minority and low-income communities have the information they need in future races, according to the Oregonian’s own numbers, four out of five Portlanders successfully filled out their ballots without their brains exploding. So actually, I’d call that a big win. 

And that’s my problem with this poorly headlined article: The main thesis seems to be that just because one-in-five Portland voters chose not to cast votes in two races, this is somehow the fault of ranked choice voting. That’s bullshit. And here’s why: Let’s imagine ranked choice voting never existed, and Portlanders were still choosing just a single candidate for every office. Thanks to the general ineptitude of the current City Council—which inspired so many people to run against them—a huge number of candidates would’ve still been on that ballot. And if that had occurred, voters would have been confronted with the exact same conundrum.

Oh, and if you do happen to dip into the O’s article, here’s a little media studies trick: While most news outlets claim objectivity as their guiding star, if you want to spot potential bias, head to the final paragraph of just about any article, and see who gets the last word. In the case of this Oregonian story, the last word was given to a failed conservative Council candidate, Bob Weinstein, who freely admits he was never in favor of charter reform in the first place, and issued this damning indictment of ranked choice voting: “It’s very anti-democratic, to me, to have a result like this.”

I’m curious: Which of the following results is the most “anti-democratic”? Was it three-quarters of the population voting? Was it the large number of candidates who, after 100 years of being shut out of elections, were finally given a chance to fairly compete? Was it the actual result, which was getting (as mentioned before) the most diverse and politically balanced City Council we’ve had in the history of our city? Or was it “anti-democratic” simply because he lost?

Unfortunately, we’ll probably be reading a lot more thoughtless headlines and hearing a lot more anti-Charter Reform language from Portland’s conservative business class. Frankly, the old system worked GREAT for them, giving the wealthy an outsized voice and control over policy in City Hall. And even though the new council will have conservative voices who will fight valiantly to ensure the rich continue getting richer, that’s not good enough for those who want absolute power. In short, if you like what conservatives did to Measure 110, keep an eye out on what they’re planning to do to Charter Reform.

For the rest of us, there’s an old saying: “Progress, not perfection.” We’re sorry to break the hearts of the Oregonian headline writers and the bad actors who have dominated Portland politics for over a century, but new, vital forms of government—like any new plan or system that regular folks like you put into action every single day—will NEVER be perfect from the start, and need time and grace in order to operate at top proficiency. That said, if one-in-five voters refusing to choose a candidate in two races is the worst thing to happen in an election where we make sweeping changes for the very first time? I’d say democracy continues to be in pretty good shape. 

But that’s just my opinion—from deep in the “crater.”

From absorbents and apparel to eye, foot, hand, fall protection and more, ASSE Safety 2015 attendees reviewed innovative products and services June 7-9 at ISHN's booth in Dallas's Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The votes have been counted and the winners are below...

The latest research by Van Trader, the UK's leading used van marketplace, shows that the most searched van in 2012 was the Ford Transit, just ahead of the Volkswagen Transporter.

Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary.

Globally, actively managed ETFs have captured a quarter of flows

Multichoice Group has announced that its Nigerian subsidiary lost 243,000 subscribers across its DStv and GOtv services between April and September 2024. The pay TV platform in its financial result for the year ended September 30, 2024, published on Tuesday, said the high cost of food, electricity, and petrol has forced many of its customers […]

The post MultiChoice Nigeria loses 243,000 subscribers in six months first appeared on Business Hallmark.

[Business Day Africa] Africa's biggest pay-television company Multichoice Group has reported a 99 percent dip in half-year profits on the back of subscriber decline and foreign exchange volatility in the operating environment.

Investors keenly comparing Swiggy to its main competitor, Zomato, which has already experienced two years in the stock markets

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he will nominate Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida for Secretary of State.

My professorial wife, Suzanne Shu, is doing some very interesting research in the marketing department of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. Recently, she was invited to give a talk on special consumer choice topics to the PR firm, The Richards Group. The Richards Group represents a number of well-known clients such as AIM Investments, Comcast, Corona Beer, Fruit of the Loom, The Home Depot, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Nortel, and Sub-Zero Freezer Company.

In any case, we are planning to cover some of the same topics presented to The Richards Group in a series of posts over the coming weeks. Thanks for tuning in!

Steve Shu
Managing Director
S4 Management Group
Email: sshu@s4management.com
Web: http://www.s4management.com

Double Fun Watersports in Destin, FL, offering double-decker pontoon boat rentals, was the Silver Winner in the "2017 Finest on the Emerald Coast" Reader's Choice Award in the Recreational Rentals category. The contest was sponsored by Northwest Florida Daily News.

HIIT your best exercise workout choice outdoors or at the gym for losing weight.

A well balanced diet begins with making healthy food choices.

ChoicesDirect DVD and Video's with FREE Delivery

choicesErental DVD Hire (www.choiceserental.com)

If you lead a busy life and find yourself constantly on the go, taking care of your car may often get put on the back burner. However, neglecting regular car maintenance can lead to a build-up of dirt, grime, and even damage to your vehicle's exterior. That's where an express car wash comes in. Offering quick and efficient service, an express car wash is the perfect solution for busy individuals who want to keep their cars looking their best without sacrificing precious time. 

Speedy Service

When time is of the essence, an express car wash offers a swift and efficient solution. Unlike traditional car washes, which can take a considerable amount of time, an express car wash boasts quick turnaround times. With automated systems and dedicated technicians, an express car wash ensures your car receives a thorough cleaning in a fraction of the time.

Convenience at Your Fingertips

One of the standout features of an express car wash is its convenient nature. With no appointment necessary, you can simply drive up and have your car washed in a matter of minutes. This eliminates the hassle of scheduling and waiting around for your turn. Additionally, many express car washes offer extended operating hours, allowing you to fit in a quick clean even during the busiest times of the day. 

High-Quality Cleaning

Despite its speedy service, an express car wash doesn't compromise on quality. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and specially formulated cleaning solutions, these car washes are designed to deliver a thorough and effective clean. From removing stubborn dirt and grime to shining your car's exterior, an express car wash ensures your vehicle receives the attention it deserves. Moreover, many express car washes offer additional services such as tire cleaning, interior vacuuming, and even detailing options, allowing you to customize your car wash experience based on your needs.

For busy individuals, an express car wash is the ultimate convenience. With its speedy service, flexible operating hours, and commitment to quality, an express car wash offers the perfect solution for keeping your car in top condition without sacrificing precious time. By taking advantage of the convenience and benefits that an express car wash provides, you can ensure your vehicle is always shining, protecting your investment and making a positive impression wherever you go. Visit your nearest express car wash and give your car the care it deserves.

Learn more about an express car wash near you today.

75% on ANY 2nd item of your choice when you buy an item at regular price

January 27, 2006 – Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had reached a settlement agreement to fine ChoicePoint $10 million. The fine is a result of two data breaches last year that exposed personally identifiable financial data of 160,000 consumers to identity thieves. The exposure led to more than 800 cases of identity theft.

(Telecompaper) MultiChoice Group says that revenue increased by 4 percent year on year to ZAR 25.4 billion on an organic basis in the six months to September thanks to disciplined inflationary pricing and revenue growth for new products. On a reported basis, revenues declined by 10 percent, hit by foreign...

(Telecompaper) MultiChoice says it will update its DStv Stream platform by letting viewers rewind live television channels by up to 24 hours and improving Watch from Start functionality and Cloud PVR Recordings, which it introduced on 12 November. The Cloud PVR Recording feature lets customers record live shows for viewing or re-watching within 30 days...

Forgoing watching Arnold at the RNC last night, I tuned in instead to the streaming video keynote from the Apple Expo 2004 in Paris. It was the first public demonstration of the Tiger OS and several other hardware and software products. For something to really rock your world, take a look at the new IMac G5.

In today’s world, journaling has become an essential daily routine for many people. It’s a great way...

In today’s world, journaling has become an essential daily routine for many people. It’s a great way...

Our culture champions our ability to choose. Fr. Stephen suggests that choices are not quite as central in our lives as we imagine.

Fr. Stephen considers what it means to be a "convert" to the Orthodox faith within the context of modern American culture.

Frederica speaks on the abortion issue at the Festival of Orthodox Christianity, hosted by North Texas Orthodox Missions in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Frederica Mathewes-Green reads the first essay she ever published, a secular, feminist presentation of the pro-life cause.

First of all, this is not a film about abortion -- what is it about?" Fr Joseph interviews Dn Adam Roberts about the new documentary, "In the Name of Choice." [Available @ inthenameofchoice.com]

Fr. John Whiteford tells about St. Mitrophan, the first Chinese priest and martyr of the Boxer Rebellion, and encourages us to stand firm in the Faith.

Exploring the characters of Frodo, Gollum, Harry, and Voldemort from these two great works beloved by millions, and what they remind us about concerning love, sacrifice, choice, and more.

Join Michael in a discussion about what well-being and non-being really mean, and how we often do things we think are beneficial but really are not in our best interest and lead us father from God rather than towards Him.

Join Michael in a discussion of what Christ said in the Gospel accounts, and what the New Testament in general says about being a thief or thieves, and how the symbolism of the thief applies to us and the choice of salvation or condemnation.

Fr. Steven stirs the pot of current moral difficulties facing all Orthodox Christians

Are there uniform criteria for Orthodox Christian cultural choices? The answer may not be the same for everyone.

Fr. Michael presents the first of a series of blog posts that have not yet been shared as podcasts. Here he deconstructs the notion that choice translates into freedom.

Fr. Michael Gillis reads a blog post from 2010, entitled "Choices and God's Will". "For the overwhelming majority of the people in the world throughout history, what they would eat, where they would live, what work they would do and even whom they would marry was not a matter of their choice. As far as such matters were concerned, God’s will for their life was determined for them. The choice was not whether or not to harvest the grain on the master’s estate; the choice was whether or not to entrust yourself to God, not grumble against your master, work with your whole heart, and love your fellow laborers. The only real choice for a Christian has always only been: “Will I be a Christian right now, today?”"

Only we can unite ourselves to Christ in His Great Self-Offering for the salvation of the world.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the Triodion season and the significance of the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee for us all.

On the Sunday of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Fr. Tom reminds us of the constant, unseen warfare that surrounds us. How are to understand the role of the Angels in our lives? Do we remember that they are our constant helpers? While this is true, we're not to forget that nothing will override our personal free-will and that we must choose always to be a disciple of Christ first and foremost if we are to benefit from the Angels' help.

The Last Judgement is not so much about the trial as about the revelation of truth, of acts, intentions, and the nature of our being.

Fr. Gregory talks about one of Britain's own- St. Chad, a saint taught by their own St Aidan in his monastic school at Lindisfarne and belonging with his own three brothers to a missionary team that worked in Northumbria and in the north-western part of the ancient kingdom of Mercia in the generation after St Aidan’s death.

Fr. Lawrence Farley argues that Brittany Maynard took only this life—and not the life to come—into consideration when deciding to commit suicide.

A talk by Linda Couri, a former Planned Parenthood employee who has both professional and personal experience with abortion issues, will be presenting an inside perspective on the pro-choice mindset. What are the values, goals, and motivations behind those who are pro-choice and what can we do to best address this complex and often hostile audience? Linda, who now serves as Associate Director of Lay Ministry Formation for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, will share her story and her own uncomfortable yet solid reconversion to the Christian faith. This talk was given at the 3rd annual Sanctity of Life Sunday presentation of the Orthodox Christian Clergy Association of Greater Chicago on January 30, 2011.

Under co-option, parties can fill vacancies in the assembly and councils without holding a by-election.

In this paper, we propose a novel dexterous technique for fast and accurate recognition of online handwritten Kannada and Tamil characters. Based on the primary classifier output and prior knowledge, the best classifier is chosen from set of three classifiers for second stage classification. Prior knowledge is obtained through analysis of the confusion matrix of primary classifier which helped in identifying the multiple sets of confused characters. Further, studies were carried out to check the performance of secondary classifiers in disambiguating among the confusion sets. Using this technique we have achieved an average accuracy of 92.6% for Kannada characters on the MILE lab dataset and 90.2% for Tamil characters on the HP Labs dataset.

This paper reports on the outcomes from a pilot study targeted at mothers of school children in Melbourne, Australia. The aim of the study was to engender a positive view of technology in the participants and to introduce the concept of Information Technology (IT) as a potential career. Mothers were given the opportunity to develop basic IT skills and learn about different IT career pathways for their children with an emphasis on their daughters’ choices. Mothers were offered an evening course over a four week period that was designed to introduce them to a range of social media and Web 2.0 tools. Their opinions were documented using both questionnaires and informal discussions. It explored whether their attitudes towards IT can be changed by up-skilling and introducing them to the technologies their children commonly use. The findings of the pilot study suggest that addressing this demographic has the potential to make the participants question their pre-conceptions about IT careers for women.