Advocates of ranked-choice voting (RCV) commonly claim that their preferred method of deciding elections boosts civic engagement, channels the true will of the people and strengthens our democracy. But for all the empty rhetoric, RCV may actually have significant voter-suppression effects. A study from Stanford University found that voter turnout in mayoral elections declined relative […]

In 1775, John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, succeeding Peyton Randolph. In 1844, Samuel F.B. Morse transmitted the message “What hath God wrought” from Washington to Baltimore as he formally opened America’s first telegraph line. In 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan, was dedicated by President Chester […]

I’m immeasurably fortunate to have enjoyed a lifelong appreciation of music. All kinds, but especially that of the classical realm and particularly those works devoted to the piano. Ever since my first paycheck I’ve always invested in the quest of musical enlightenment. The woman that still chooses to live with me today well recalls my […]