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"Daily Times at 91: Building the future by respecting the past" By Jagaban Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinibu
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that for the nation to develop as a federation, the federal government must devolve powers to the states and relieve itself of the numerous burden it has placed on itself, saying there was too much concentration of power at the Centre.
Tinubu said Nigeria was currently practicing what he called unitary federalism in total violation of the principles of federalism as practiced by other countries.
Delivering a lecture entitled "Daily Times at 91: Building the future by respecting the past", the former Lagos state governor also took a swipe at the nation's budgetary system which is said lay too much emphasis on the intake of dollars, a system which he said had long been abandoned by other nations.
He said Nigeria need to break away from the self-imposed dollarization of our fiscal space. The intake of dollars determines our budgets. We operate under an implicit dollar standard. However, the global dollar standard was formally abandoned over 40 years ago.
Represented by the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the APC national leader said: "the Constitution declares Nigeria a federation of 36 states. However, we still grapple with the vestiges of our past under military rule. In many ways, we still function like a unitary state despite the constitution.
"More powers and resources need to devolve to the states. The Federal Government is taking on too much. We cannot flourish with over concentration of powers at the centre. Some of the 68 items on the Exclusive Federal List should be transferred to the Residual List, as it was in most federal constitutions.
"A notable feature of even our own 1963 Constitution was the extensive powers granted to the regions which enabled them to carry out their immense responsibilities as they best saw fit. This was because the regions inherently had a better sense and feel for the needs of their populations simply by virtue of the fact that they were closer to the people than was the centre.
"Some items which ordinarily should be state matters like police, prisons, stamp duties, taxation of incomes, profits and capital gains, regulation of tourist traffic, registration of business names, incorporation of companies, traffic on federal truck roads passing through states, trade, commerce and census among others were transferred from the Concurrent to the Exclusive List.
"I'm opposed to federalism operated as a unitary monster. As Lagos State governor, I challenged several Federal Government decisions for overreach and for violating the principles of federalism.
We created additional local governments because the constitution empowers states to regulate local council affairs. Today, those 37 additional councils have helped Lagos significantly as development centres. We took the Federal Government to court on issues like the regulation of the hospitality industry, fiscal planning, and on who had the authority to issue Certificates of Occupancy.
"Regarding electrical power, we must move beyond limiting states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity to areas not covered by the national grid. Our problem is a lack of power yet, we preclude states from helping to resolve this chronic problem that stabs at the very heart of economic development.
"It is not right to say states can generate power but cannot sell it where they want. Without yielding any countervailing benefit, this policy suppresses the generation of needed power instead of enhancing."
The former Lagos state governor endorses the analysis of Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and others that current interest rate levels in the country bridle growth by making borrowing for long-term investment too costly.
While saying that Government correctly seeks fiscal stimulus to energize the limping economy, he argued that efforts in this direction are perhaps too modest given the situation that confronts us.
He said "Our monetary authorities have done better recently but they need to take additional steps to increase the fiscal space available to government and the private sector. I endorse analysis of Governor Ambode and others that current interest rate levels bridle growth by making borrowing for long-term investment too costly.
"Monetary authorities appear to be more concerned with battling inflation than in sparking growth. However, the nature of our inflation – mainly cost driven – is beyond the purview of interest rate policy to contain. Instead of surrendering growth to curb inflation, current policy sacrifices both.
"Also, the varying exchange rates distort economic and monetary signals. The vast rate differentials is fertile ground for currency arbitrage and speculation. This means that too much money will chase rentier opportunities in the financial sector instead being plowed into vital investment in the jobs and equipment needed for the production of actual goods.
"More fundamentally, we need to break from the self-imposed dollarization of our fiscal space. The intake of dollars determines our budgets. We operate under an implicit dollar standard. However, the global dollar standard was formally abandoned over 40 years ago.
"Instead of this outdated mechanism, we should base our budgetary calculations on the quantity of naira needed to foster the highest growth possible without pushing inflation too high. Such a change in perspective will remove the ideological blinders that thus far have impeded our ability to define our political economy and its path to growth.
"It also will open the fiscal space so that government can undertake even greater steps to stimulate the real economy in ways that provides jobs and builds the infrastructure needed for sustained economic development."
Tinubu argued that no modern nation with a significant urban population has attained prosperity without an industrial base capable of employing larger numbers of people and of manufacturing goods for domestic consumption and export.
According to him, "to one degree or another, English, American and Chinese governments employed industrial planning to lift their economies during their earlier stages of development. These nations represent the past, present and immediate future of economic achievement. Their success justifies their policies.
"Yet we depart from what has proven the most effective avenue to prosperity for a large developing nation", adding that as a nation, "We must press forward with a national industrial policy fostering strategic industries that create jobs and spur growth. Tax credits, subsidies and the insulation from the negative impact of imports for critical sectors should be integral to this plan. We must remember a national economy cannot grow beyond the capacity of the infrastructural that serves it.
"Thus, we need a national infrastructure plan closely linked to the industrial plan. New infrastructure is needed where the new industrial work will take place. We must conquer the political and bureaucratic bottlenecks preventing affordable, reliable electrical power. This impediment places us literally and figuratively in the dark regarding our economic condition.
"The problems are not technical in nature as reliable electricity is a staple of economic life in nations less endowed than Nigeria. We must persuade and convince those factors that currently impede our national quest for reliable power to move aside so that we can achieve this crucial precursor to economic vitality.
"Our farmers need a reprieve. We need to increase farm productivity by taking a few critical steps. For example, commodity exchange boards and futures markets to ensure minimum farm incomes and encourage production must become part of our rural economies."
He maintained that the Nigeria nation "stand at a moment where history will be made for better or worse. Other nations have faced tough times. Those which overcame their challenges did so by using creative insight to accurately assess their shortcomings and to identify solutions that would serve them into the future.
"Nigeria must act in similar fashion. Nothing that any other nation has done is beyond our grasp if we commit ourselves to the task. We have much work to do to create the Nigeria we seek so that the Daily Times may continue to report on the progress of this nation for another 91 years or more. In doing so, let it chronicle the rebirth of Nigeria as a nation much more prosperous and great than when it was first conceived."
The APC leader who went down memory lane to chronicle the contribution of the Daily Times to Nigeria's political development said "In less than a decade, the Daily Times shall celebrate its centennial. By God's grace, we all shall gather again to mark that occasion. But we must ask, what type of Nigeria will Nigeria be ten years hence? If we want to render a good and pleasant answer, we must begin to shape that reply today.
"Thus, I am here as a Nigerian to speak of what we must do as Nigerians to construct a better land. To some degree or another, our successes and failures belong to all of us. Therefore, this is not the time nor the place to apportion blame or accolade.
"Instead, I present a vision that I hope can be embraced by all Nigerians regardless of creed, place of birth, social station and political affiliation. Nigeria is at a juncture where it must redefine itself or forever forfeit the right of way to a better future.
"The primary challenge of our time is our political economy. The slump in oil prices exposed the weakness of our economy for even the blind to see. The truth be told, we always knew this weakness existed.
"Yet we did nothing to cure it when fixing the gap would have been less painful and less urgent. Through indifference, selfishness or ignorance we failed to forge a consensus on how to resolve the collective problem. This failure speaks to a problem of our politics because the decision on how to structure the economy is essentially political in nature.
"For all the energy invested in politics, the output has been minimal. In short, our politics has been directed at the wrong things. Because of this, Nigeria has too long travelled a self-defeating economic road.
"Dare not think that we can afford to sit idly and outwait the low oil prices. We cannot fool ourselves into believing that the prices will rebound to prior levels and things will return to normal. That normal many of us pine for was never good enough. It was simply the prelude to the troubles of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
"To merely wait as if waiting is all we can do is to be like the wishful man who does nothing although he knows a great storm approaches and he has a gaping hole in the roof of the house he just bought.
"He concludes the rain will not enter his house because such a thing would be unfair since the hole was caused by the mischief of the former owner and not by his own hand. Some might call this man's belief one of undue optimism. Others might deem it foolhardy. Either way, it is costly, perhaps fatal.
"The impersonal forces of the economy owe us nothing that we do not doubly owe ourselves. We must break from the inertia that has characterized our approach to major national problems.
"We need to summon a greater love of our fellow Nigerians. Such empathy will compel us to embrace ideas to reform the political economy in a manner that lends greater justice and prosperity to all Nigerians.
"Then we must have the courage not only to envision the beautiful thing, we must have the bravery to embark on the hard work and progressive reforms needed to turn the fine dream into a living and material reality.
"Our economy has been one where too many people and resources were left idle and thus made poor by virtue of this static predicament. Joblessness or poverty became the byword describing the lives of most people. The industrial base we were developing vanished under a torrent of imported goods.
"Agricultural production was insufficient to satisfy our needs. Even then, much local produce was allowed to rot on the vine or in transit due to poor farm-to-market physical and financial infrastructure. The harder a farmer worked, the poorer he became. The more a city resident looked for a job, the more frustration overlook him for not finding one.
"The businessman who wanted to invest in a factory to create jobs and goods found that interest rates and high production costs due to erratic power would turn his balance sheet crimson and were foes too strong for him to overcome. While the productive sectors of the economy floundered, the rentier and financial sector flourished.
"Those fortunate enough to have access to high finance, made windfall profits merely by virtue of being in the so-called right place at the right time. They did nothing of true economic value. They simply funneled money from one hand to the other. At the expense of the rest of the nation, they profited handsomely from this financial juggling act.
"The economy became an ungainly and unbalanced albatross. Any growth in the economy only compounded the distorting instead of curing them. The fall in oil prices exposed this economic model for the lie that it was. Now we must fashion a new political economy.
"In due course, the present recession will end. This should come as some relief. In itself, however, it is not cause for celebration. Far from it. The end of recession does not mean the beginning of prosperity. If we conflate the two, we will shun the labor required to properly reform the political economy. Things will remain as they are. Repeated downdraft and contraction will chase us as surely as night chases day and day chases night."
Those in attendance include former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, senator Bala Ibn Na'allah, Senator John's Lidani, Senator Sanusi Dagash, Prince Tony Momoh, Sam Amuka, Pete Edochie, senator Moa Ohuabunwa, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, senator Shehu Sani, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Hon Ado Doguwa, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator T.A. Orin, Gov. Willie Obiano and his deputy, Gov. Yahaya Bello and his deputy, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Gov. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Patrick Dele Cole, Senator John Danboyi, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, Gov. Raul Aregbesola, Kabiru Tanumi Turaki who represented former President Goodluck Jonathan, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina and a host of others.
Previous Africa needs new financing models to bridge development gaps by Ag.President Yemi Osinbajo speaking at the 10th Anniversary of the Africa Finance Corporation.
Next Building the future by respecting the past By Asiwaju Jagaban Bola Tinubu


A few years ago I underwent a dietary change in order to lower my cholesterol.
I didn't have much trouble cutting out fatty foods and going on a low-fat diet. There are plenty of products available these days to make it easier. They have low or non-fat salad dressings, cheeses, sour cream and ice cream. They even have non-fat hot dogs and bologna for pete's sake.
Mmmm. Potato chips. Greasy, salty, crunchy, tasty potato chips. Mmmm. With tons of sour cream and chive dip. Mmmm.
Before my "diet," I could (and occasionally would) eat an entire large bag of chips in one sitting. And I'm not talking about the single serving size, I'm talking about one of those family picnic-sized bags that come two to a box.
To me, chips might as well be crack because once I get started I don't have the ability to stop. In fact, the Lay's Dill Pickle variety are SO addictive, I'm not sure they aren't laced with it. Maybe I ought to just check the label. Well, whatta ya know.
But this doesn't really surprise me. Remember their old ad? "No one can eat just one!"
Actually RRD has a sour cream and chive rice crisp that fools me into thinking I'm eating healthier. But I don't think eating the ENTIRE BAG is considered healthy. You have my empathy.
Tortilla chips. We go to a Mexican restaurant and by the time the food arrives we've done away with a basket and a half of chips and salsa/queso. Really, I should just order a margarita and make that my supper.
Now I'm intrigued. Don't remember ever seeing a bag of pickle flavored potato chips.
I"m going to have to remember this one---especially since all I ever buy is regular, sour-cream or bar-b-que!!!
Cool Ranch - love em! Never tried the Chili/Sour Cream chips but they sound deliciously dangerous.
Tortilla chips - the exact reason I find it painful to go to a Mexican restaurant.
Vinegar and salt - very close to pickle except the pickle chips are less "vinegary" and more "dilly." Duh. I think you'll like them. Lemme know!
Mom - Don't even THINK about buying pickle chips. That just wouldn't be nice.
Pringles must also have crack in it. Remember their saying, "Once you pop the fun don't stop." Just thought I'd bring this up.


BST Paint is determined to do he job right the first time. With 12 years under our glove we will make every job look right and bright.
Another Peters Painting has been providing professional, high quality painting and parking lot striping services in and around the Bozeman area for over 20 years. We strive to maintain and exceed our reputation for prompt professional customer services and superior workmanship no matter the size or scope of your painting project.
McGree, a born and raised Montanan, is a painter of light and reflections of both the natural and abstract worlds. Energized by steep mountains, changing weather, colorful seasons, vast spaces and moving water, her work amplifies the ordinary.
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Paint and wall covering contractors are experts in the specs, application and removal of paint, wallpaper and other wall coverings. They can help you choose the paint color and finish, wallpaper style or specialty covering that best suits the needs of your Big Sky, MT home, whether the job is for the interior or exterior. In addition, they can strip off old paint or paper and prepare surfaces through sanding, skim coating and other processes. Many can handle decorative paint treatments and materials such as plaster.
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Find a paint and wall covering contractor on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to Big Sky, MT paint and wall coverings. You can also look through Big Sky, MT photos to find examples of paint jobs and wall coverings that you like, then contact the professional who worked on them.


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You are here: Home / Mike Tirico / AHMAD RASHAD, ROD THORN, RYAN NEWMAN, KERRI WALSH-JENNINGS, JAMES HINCHCLIFFE AND ACTORS WILL FORTE & FRANK GRILLO TODAY ON "LUNCH TALK LIVE WITH MIKE TIRICO" & "THE RICH EISEN SHOW" ON NBCSN
AHMAD RASHAD, ROD THORN, RYAN NEWMAN, KERRI WALSH-JENNINGS, JAMES HINCHCLIFFE AND ACTORS WILL FORTE & FRANK GRILLO TODAY ON "LUNCH TALK LIVE WITH MIKE TIRICO" & "THE RICH EISEN SHOW" ON NBCSN
Today at Noon ET on NBCSN – Lunch Talk Live with Mike Tirico – Guests Include NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman, Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh-Jennings, INDYCAR Driver & NBC Sports Motorsports Commentator James Hinchcliffe, and NBC Sports' Rebecca Lowe and Jimmy Roberts
Today at 1 p.m. ET on NBCSN – The Rich Eisen Show – Guests Include Ahmad Rashad, Basketball Hall of Famer & Former Chicago Bulls GM Rod Thorn, and Actors Will Forte and Frank Grillo
Today at 11 a.m. ET ON NBCSN – NBC Sports Football Flex Features Chris Simms' and Ahmed Fareed's Top Five NFL Uniforms
STAMFORD, Conn. – May 19, 2020 – Former NBC Sports commentator Ahmad Rashad, former Chicago Bulls general manager Rod Thorn (who drafted Michael Jordan in 1984), NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, beach volleyball player and three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh-Jennings, INDYCAR driver and NBC Sports motorsports commentator James Hinchcliffe, and actors Will Forte and Frank Grillo highlight today's guests across Lunch Talk Live with Mike Tirico and The Rich Eisen Show on NBCSN.
Weekday Lineup on NBCSN (7 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET):
7 a.m. – 9 a.m. PFT Live (LIVE)
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. PFT Live
11 a.m. – Noon NBC Sports Football Flex
Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch Talk Live with Mike Tirico (LIVE)
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The Rich Eisen Show (LIVE)
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Lunch Talk Live with Mike Tirico
Lunch Talk Live begins at Noon ET on NBCSN, with Newman, Walsh-Jennings, Hinchcliffe, and NBC Sports' Rebecca Lowe and Jimmy Roberts.
The hour-long show airs weekdays at Noon ET on NBCSN, with an encore at 3 p.m. ET, and streams on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Select content and interviews will additionally be hosted on NBC Sports' YouTube channel and social media platforms. The full show will also be available on The Mike Tirico Podcast.
Today's Lunch Talk Live guests, which feature dynamic and cross-sport pairings, include:
NASCAR driver Ryan Newman
Three-time Olympic gold medal beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh-Jennings
INDYCAR driver and NBC Sports motorsports analyst James Hinchcliffe
NBC Sports' Rebecca Lowe
NBC Sports reporter & host Jimmy Roberts
The Rich Eisen Show, which will be presented live on NBCSN from Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m. ET through June 12, follows Lunch Talk Live today at 1 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
Today's guests on The Rich Eisen Show include:
Former NBC Sports commentator and NFL player Ahmad Rashad
Basketball Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bulls general manager Rod Thorn
Actor Frank Grillo from Showtime's Billions
Actor Will Forte from the film SCOOB!
At 11 a.m. ET on NBCSN, NBC Sports Football Flex, a one-hour show showcasing the most topical news and analysis from NBC Sports' digital football content, features Chris Simms' and Ahmed Fareed's Top Five NFL uniforms.
"It put everything into perspective…To get out of the car to pure silence was really a moment that helped me understand how big of an event it was without the fans there," Kevin Harvick told Tirico yesterday about winning NASCAR's return race at Darlington.
Click here for more quotes from yesterday's shows.
Filed Under: Mike Tirico, NBC, NBC Sports Network, Uncategorized

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On Supreme Court Docket This Week: Big Elections Case
Decision on congressional maps in North Carolina could be wide-reaching
Posted Dec 4, 2022 9:35 AM CST
The Supreme Court building in Washington, DC. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
The Supreme Court is about to confront a new elections case, a Republican-led challenge asking the justices for a novel ruling that could significantly increase the power of state lawmakers over elections for Congress and the presidency. The court is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a case from North Carolina, where Republican efforts to draw congressional districts heavily in their favor were blocked by a Democratic majority on the state Supreme Court because the GOP map violated the state constitution, per the AP. A court-drawn map produced seven seats for each party in last month's midterm elections in the highly competitive state.
The question for the justices is whether the US Constitution's provision giving state legislatures the power to make the rules about the "times, places and manner" of congressional elections cuts state courts out of the process. "This is the single most important case on American democracy—and for American democracy—in the nation's history," said former federal judge Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative who has joined the legal team defending the North Carolina court decision. The Republican leaders of North Carolina's legislature told the Supreme Court that the Constitution's "carefully drawn lines place the regulation of federal elections in the hands of state legislatures, Congress and no one else."
Three conservative justices already have voiced some support for the idea that the state court had improperly taken powers given by the Constitution when it comes to federal elections. A fourth has written approvingly about limiting the power of state courts in this area. But the Supreme Court has never invoked what is known as the independent state legislature theory. It was, however, mentioned in a separate opinion by three conservatives in the Bush v. Gore case that settled the 2000 presidential election. If the court were to recognize it now, opponents of the concept argue, the effects could be much broader than just redistricting.
The most robust ruling for North Carolina Republicans could undermine more than 170 state constitutional provisions, over 650 state laws delegating authority to make election policies to state and local officials, and thousands of regulations down to the location of polling places, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. Luttig, who advised former Vice President Mike Pence that he had no authority to reject electoral votes following the 2020 election, is among several prominent conservatives and Republicans who have lined up against the broad assertion that legislatures can't be challenged in state courts when they make decisions about federal elections, including congressional redistricting. That group also includes former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
(Read more US Supreme Court stories.)


is the ultimate destination for all ocean lovers. Set in the Pacific, Maui is surrounded by a silver sea. Marquesas islanders and Tahitians reached Maui by canoe and settlement dates back to AD500. Located 2500 miles from the nearest continent this Hawaiian island has a character of its own.
The lifestyle is laid-back. The sea and the golden beaches that wrap Maui are intrinsic to the lives of locals and visitors. Maui has world-class surfing beaches and each shore has a different temperature. Share the surf with sea turtles, this is the place to be a water-baby.
The high season in Maui is from mid-December to mid-April. Hotel rates are higher at this time. Rates also peak at Christmas and New Year. For a less expensive and quieter holiday avoid these busy times.
Flights from the mainland to Maui often involve one stop-over. However, there are direct flights from main American cities. Once on the island there is a multitude of things to do. There are horse trails and tracks to walk. Try hiring a bike and meandering along the cycle lanes.
Driving around Maui's up-and-down roads can be fun. There is lots to see on dramatic drives, jungles, steep cliffs, waterfalls and there is always a place to stop and test the water. A Hawaiian feast, a Luau, is a must-do. Savour imu-cooked pig, fresh fish, abundant salads and afterwards dance the hula under the stars.


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Publius Project
Attribution Policy
Considering Rules and Governance
Foundations for Participation
Essays & conversations about constitutional moments on the Net collected by the Berkman Center.
Not the Digital Democracy We Ordered
Essay by Matthew Hindman, December 9, 2008 in response to Internet and Politics 2008: Moving People, Moving Ideas
Additional responses include: The New Activism: Why Volunteering Declined in Campaign 08, by Ari Melber, Participation and Polarization in the Networked Public Sphere, by Henry Farrell, A Response to Working Hypothesis for Internet and Politics 2008, by Sunshine Hillygus, The Revolution of the Online Commentariat, by Peter Daou, and From the Bottom-Up: Using the Internet to Mobilize Campaign Participation, by Dana Fisher.
Without the Internet, Barack Obama would not have been elected President of the United States. But even as information technology has assumed unprecedented importance in American democracy, its effects on the public sphere and on campaign practice remain misunderstood.
Let us start with the obvious: Obama raised $500 million online. Without the infusion of online cash, Obama would almost certainly have lost to Hillary Clinton in the primaries. And while Obama might have won the general election without boatloads of money, his campaign organization and overall strategy would have looked radically different.
Yet Obama's fundraising success owed much to the fact that online audiences are not, in fact, highly fragmented. Forget the Internet caricatures offered up by journalists, campaign staffers, and even the candidates themselves. The contemporary media environment many not be as concentrated as it was in the Cronkite era, but online news audiences are far more concentrated than (rapidly declining) newspaper readership.
Moreover, as the 2008 campaign ramped up, online audience concentration—already potent—increased substantially. The largest news organizations, along with the largest left-leaning political sites, were the biggest beneficiaries.
The increase in traffic to top sites coincided with greater institutionalization and commercialization in the online public sphere. Media organizations both old and new—from The Atlantic and Time to Politico and The Huffington Post —have rounded up stables of bloggers that function much the way op-ed columnists have long functioned at elite papers. The individual blogs that got most political traffic in 2004 seem quaint by comparison.
What we did not see in 2008, though, was the professionalization of the blogosphere. That is because professionalization was present from the very start. There was never a moment—never—when the majority of blog traffic didn't go to highly-educated professionals with degrees from Ivy League-caliber schools.
Institutionalization of blogging has brought some benefits, particularly in making the blogosphere marginally less male and less white. In much the same way that many newspapers seem to have a "quota of one" for female and minority voices on their op-ed pages, several top online publications have been forced to expand beyond one gender and a single ethnicity.
Institutionalization has also inspired some prominent efforts to dilute the elitist character of online discourse, though with only mixed success. The Huffington Post's "Off the Bus" project, for example, has consistently produced quality content. A close look at the bios of those participating, though, suggests that these new voices are not the sort of folks who bring a lunch pail to work.
The increase in financial resources available to campaigns is inseparable from another shift. In addition to all of the other firsts it involved, the 2008 cycle will be remembered for taking database-driven campaigning far beyond previous heights.
Both campaigns constructed statistical models of turnout and partisanship for every voter on the rolls in every swing state. While this was not unprecedented, the Obama campaign's dedication to information-centric campaigning was a difference in degree so profound that it became difference in kind.
Every aspect of the campaign information infrastructure was dramatically better than 2004. Data from myriad sources—state voter files, the candidates' Web sites, field contacts, private information vendors—was integrated into a single system. In just a couple of presidential cycles, the statistics used to model voter attitudes and behavior have gone from rudimentary cross tabs, to the same sorts of cutting-edge learning algorithms Amazon and eBay use to predict consumer behavior.
As the election approached, the Obama campaign constantly pushed the latest models back out to field staff, and even the volunteers knocking on doors and manning the phones. And the models worked. As DNC chair Howard Dean told the National Press Club, "We can predict with 85 percent accuracy how you're going to vote based on your credit card data without bothering to see what party you're in."
In truth, Dean's claim oversimplifies the power of these models (and glosses over some key weaknesses). But his comments do force us to ask some uncomfortable questions.
Campaign databases improve with every election cycle, and the voter models get better every year. If 85 percent is the correct number this year, at what point will the number be 95 percent? How do voters feel about having their political leanings inferred from their subscription to Golf Digest, or—hypothetically—their purchase of condoms at the local pharmacy?
Whatever the implications for democratic theory, there is no denying that database-driven campaigning represents an enormous shift at both the tactical and the strategic level. For any campaign, the key metric is dollars per vote. Information-centric campaigning allows campaign professionals to measure and track the return on their spending almost in real time.
Better information on voters also allows use of the old school techniques that are most effective at getting people to the polls. Databases can provide knowledge about voter preference that neighbors, ward captains, and shoe leather provided in an earlier era. Campaigns can mobilize their base without also energizing their opponents.
Such database-driven campaigning has complex, even contradictory, implications for citizenship. The more predictable the leanings of a voter, the greater the incentive one campaign or the other has to get him or her to the polls. Better modeling of partisanship, turnout, and campaign tactic effectiveness should result in a large and durable increase in voter participation.
Yet more information can also produce new forms of digital redlining. Obama improved over Kerry's performance partly by being able to reach solidly blue voters in otherwise red parts of swing states.
Now instead of unfriendly counties or regions being ceded to the opposition, it is the unpredictable voters—those for whom data are sparse, or for whom the models don't predict well—who are being ignored.
Long term, this means that true swing voters are likely to shrink as a portion of the electorate. Among other things, information-centric campaigning is a recipe for increased political polarization.
For some, the notion of political candidates keeping extensive data on every citizen is alarming and creepy. Though a few safeguards exist (particularly with the use of credit information), there remains potential for abuse. Some worry that microtargeting might be Orwellian in its effectiveness, and that telling citizens exactly what they want to hear crosses the line from persuasion to manipulation.
Such fears are, as of yet, overblown. Thus far it is much easier to predict a voter's preferences than to convince her to change them.
But the single most important thing about information-centric campaigning is that it provides a framework for constant, incremental improvement.
Statistical models of voter behavior will continue to get more accurate with each passing election. This is certainly progress, of a sort. But it is becoming increasingly clear that database-driven citizenship is not exactly the digital democracy that many have been expecting.
Matthew Hindman is an assistant professor of political science at Arizona State University. His first book, The Myth of Digital Democracy, has just been published by Princeton University Press.
All Spotlight Essays
Free Culture Research Workshop
Free Culture Research Workshop 2009 at Harvard Law School
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Open ICT ecosystems transforming the developing world
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ICT Diffusion: Have we really made any progress?
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Internet and Politics Conference
Participation and Polarization in the Networked Public Sphere
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A Response to Working Hypothesis: Internet and Politics 2008
by Sunshine Hillygus
The Revolution of the Online Commentariat
by Peter Daou
Youth and Media Policy Working Group Initiative
Moving Beyond One Size Fits All With Digital Citizenship
by Matt Levinson, Deb Socia
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Online Safety: Why Research is Important
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View all thematic areas »
Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University


Rubies are one of the precious stones selected for wedding rings. The visual charm of the stones is the main reason for which people opt for ruby rings. With a lot of variation in shape, sizes and dimensions, Ruby engagement rings offer a lot of features for customization. Besides, the taste and aptitude of the people also influence the choice of a particular ring. Here are ten beautiful engagement ring designs made of ruby that you may find living up to your taste.
In this ring, the beautiful halo cast around the stone is something you will love. The red stone in the centre is surrounded by small diamonds. The pear-shaped stone is set on a golden frame. The ring shimmers with beauty, and this is an ideal wedding gift. You can opt for this engagement ring to enhance your class.
Vintage ruby rings are popular among the people. in this ring, the purple and shiny silver colour of the stones bask in beauty. It is elongated in shape, with a large stone in the centre. The ring has long edges and looks sophisticated with the purple stone at the base.
This ring shimmers in beauty with a single ruby in the centre and as many as twelve diamonds all over the ring. It has a fine polish, and the white gold used in the body looks attractive. The ring has a sleek and shiny finish, and the four projections in the corners of the stone adds to its beauty.
If you are looking out for a ruby-diamond combination in the ring, you may go for this one. With pave diamonds and beautiful rubies, you will get the classiest taste of ornaments in this gem. Gift it for wedding purpose or use it as an engagement ring, it has all the shine and power to refine the looks.
You may be a lover of antique gems, and it so, look out for this ring. It has an alternate setting of red and white stones. The red rubies are large and the sharp-cut edges add to the sophistication. The stones are placed on a gold body, altogether defining the richness that enhances your guise.
This is a four-double pronged ring made of ruby. The square shape of the stone is complemented with a thin ring. The dark red colour of the polished stone in the centre captures the most attractive spot in the ring. With the polished gem with sharp-cut edges, it enhances the beauty of the ring altogether.
If you are looking out for a Celtic ruby engagement ring, this one may live up to your taste. Innovation drives the design of this ring. The small red stone is placed in the midst of an intertwined metallic body. It is a classy specimen of Celtic ornaments and is apt as an engagement jewel.
This is a fine ruby solitaire engagement ring with a translucent red tinge. The beautiful pear shape of the ring goes well with the faceting. The strawberry-red hue enhances its looks. Along with detailed art at the edges, the sharp edges emit the shine.
You can choose from these ruby ring designs when you plan to purchase an engagement ring. The right choice of rings make them timeless assets, which have much more than their functional value in them. You may also look out for sapphire ring designs and personalize your choice according to your taste.


Paysafecard offers customers the convenience to make payments online- without the hassle of having to provide bank account details or credit card information- in a fast, simple and absolutely secure process. Accesses the Paysafecard website is easy to navigate and it is available in more than 10 different languages for its global clientele. Essentially, Paysafecard is a pre-paid card that enables you to directly make your payments right over the web.
Paysafecard is simple to start using! First you must purchase vouchers at destinations offline that provide you with a personalized pin number for your Paysafecard account. More than 230,000 retailers in Europe sell the vouchers and in various amounts.
You are entitled to use up to 10 vouchers for one payment. All you have to do is select Paysafecard as your payment method and then type in your personal pin code of the voucher.
Paysafecard is an excellent option if you do not wish to share or expose your personal credit cards details or bank account information when making an online transaction. Therefore, you will be able to may payments securely by not disclosing any of your personal details with the merchant.
The customer service staff at Paysafecard welcomes customer inquiries and comments. If you have questions or concerns the support staff will gladly assist you to find the perfect solution to fit your needs. They may be contacted through telephone, live chat or your questions may be answered already in the FAQ section of the Paysafecard website at www.paysafecard.com.
Another great advantage of this service is that you will not overspend since you already know what funds you have on your card before you spend. Therefore, you will be able to manage your transfers and money consistently.


Extend the life of your tools with this industrial strength non-toxic, biodegrable, wood resin remover. Perfect for blades, bits, files, wrenches, etc. and anything that comes into contact with wood.This cleaner has unique properties for breaking the molecular bond and lifting the dirt and debris from all surfaces as opposed to dissolving the material like other cleaners.


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UK's oil industry 'entering final decade of production'
An Edinburgh University study has predicted the UK's oil production will end within a decade Credit: PA
Simon Johnson, Scottish Political Editor
Simon Johnson
Oil and Gas UK
North Sea oil
The North Sea oil industry is entering its final decade of production, according to new academic research that rejects Alex Salmond's claims during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum campaign of an impending second boom.
An Edinburgh University study of output from offshore fields estimated that only around 10 per cent of the UK's original recoverable oil and gas remains untapped.
It also concluded that fracking will be barely economically feasible in the UK, especially in Scotland, because of a lack of sites with suitable geology. The researchers warned that the UK will soon have to import all the oil and gas it needs.
Official figures published last week found that oil production increased by 2.9 per cent last year following a recovery in the price. However, capital expenditure dropped by around 20 per cent and it has emerged there were 60,000 job losses in the industry last year, 20,000 more than expected.
The Scottish Government is expected to set out its view on fracking shortly after imposing a moratorium on the controversial method of extracting gas in January 2015.
Alex Salmond predicted a second oil boom before the 2014 independence referendum
The study started with a quote from Mr Salmond, the former First Minister, who predicted in March 2013 that: "There can be little doubt that Scotland is moving into a second oil boom."
It also cited the opinion of the N56 pressure group, which was founded by Dan Macdonald, an eminent Nationalist businessman. The group claimed before the September 2014 referendum that Scotland is set for an "oil bonanza that heralds a new golden age for the North Sea lasting for another century."
But Professor Roy Thompson, of the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences, who led the study, said this was not "tenable" and noted that N56 had presented "no geotechnical evidence, from either drilling or production tests."
He said: "The UK urgently needs a bold energy transition plan, instead of trusting to dwindling fossil fuel reserves and possible fracking.
"We must act now and drive the necessary shift to a clean economy with integration between energy systems. There needs to be greater emphasis on renewables, energy storage and improved insulation and energy efficiencies."
The study, published by the Edinburgh Geological Society, took into account the long-term downward trends of oil and gas field size and lifespan, alongside the break-even costs for fracking.
Analysis of hydrocarbon reserves shows that discoveries have consistently lagged behind output since the point of peak oil recovery in the late 1990s. The research predicted that both oil and gas reserves will run out within a decade.
Alexander Burnett, the Scottish Tories' energy spokesman, said: "If this turns out to be the case, it will be devastating for the north east economy. It's now more essential than ever that both the Scottish and UK governments work together to maximise what's left in the North Sea.
"But what cannot be ignored in the wake of this report is how the SNP used North Sea oil to sell a lie to the people of Scotland."
A Scottish Government spokesman said the offshore oil and gas industry "has a bright future, and, with the right regulatory and fiscal environment, the basin has up to 20 billion barrels of oil equivalent remaining – and this year has seen one of the biggest new discoveries of untapped oil in recent times."
Deirdre Michie, chief executive of industry body Oil & Gas UK, said: "There are up to 20 billion barrels of oil and gas resources still to be recovered on the UK Continental Shelf, based on production forecasts provided by the Oil and Gas Authority. Production has increased over the last two years and we expect that to continue to rise."


Do Babies And Cats Speak The Same Language?
Babies really do love animals.
Some may get scared of the bigger dogs, but we've yet to see one who is scared of a little cat.
This little kid appears to speak the same language as her cat.
Yes, we know what you're thinking.
It sounds totally crazy, but we have proof.
The child's mother decided to film to show just how much a baby and a cat can understand one another.
It's all very crazy, but it makes for an intriguing video.
The cat is just not listening to the owner and is far too busy meowing at the kid.
They both get on so well!
The cat manages to stay away from the toys in the crib and just focuses all attention on the kid.
Understandably, the parent wasn't all that impressed at neither of them acknowledging her.
There's nothing worse than trying to join a conversation when you don't know what's being said.
We have to agree with her, but this video was so cute!
The video ahead will totally make you believe that cats and children can communicate with one another.
Click play to see how it all plays out.
Don't forget to share it with your friends and family.
If they love animals, this will be a great treat for 'em.


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Washington fends off Eagle aerial assault in shootout, wins 59-52: Instant Reactions
Chris Petersen's home opener didn't go exactly as planned, but he walks away with a win against a favorite for the FCS crown.
By Ben Knibbe@KnibbeBen Sep 6, 2014, 3:56pm PDT
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touchdown.
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Going into the game, Washington defensive line coach Dave Choate told Adam Jude that he believed the Eastern Washington offense was just as good as Oregon's. He was only slightly hyperbolic, though his Huskies were able to pull out a victory against the Eagles 59-52.
This game had all the looks of an FBS vs. FCS blowout to start the game, when the Huskies jumped in front 21-0 to start the game. The Huskies received the kickoff and marched down the field with Kasen Williams at the focal point of the offense. Several plays were intended to target Williams down the field, though he only received two targets on the drive. The legs of Cyler Miles were used as a weapon, both scrambling and on designed runs, including a touchdown off of a read option keeper.
After Eastern Washington fumbled the kickoff, it took only three plays for Lavon Coleman to reach the end zone. After forcing a three-and-out, Shaq Thompson took the ball for the first time in his Husky career. Eight yard run, one yard run, 57-yard touchdown. Just like that the score is 21-0 Huskies.
The Eagles and Vernon Adams Jr. were not going to be held down for long. The first of four go-route touchdowns from Vernon Adams to his receivers went over the head of Marcus Peters. After the play, Peters was seen heated, directing his anger towards sophomore safety Kevin King, who was late in his help over the top, held by a pump fake to the other side of the field by Adams. Peters was burned, and the throw was absolutely perfect to Cooper Kupp.
Through the rest of the half, Adams had, as mentioned, three other go route touchdowns, all along the sideline, one to more to Cooper Kupp. Each of Budda Baker, Jermaine Kelly and Darren Gardenhire were burned along the left sideline, and adside from the one over the top completion, the Eagles weren't able to complete a pass against Peters.
Now, the scoring didn't stop at 24-21, as the Eagles had a whole other touchdown! John Ross, the fastest player in the Pac-12 conference beat everybody up the sideline while not running at full speed on a bubble screen. The pass wasn't on target (Miles was high on most passes to the flats) nor did it arrive all that quickly (happens when Miles is the quarterback). John Ross is just ridiculously fast. 55-yard score.
Lavon Coleman also had a feature drive, though his lack of speed was on display when he had nobody in front of him and wasn't able to pull away on a 54-yard run. Dwayne Washington finished it off. The Huskies finished the half up 37-31 (misseed PAT by Cameron Van Winkle) and each team had over 300 yards of total offense. To say the offense looks better under Miles is an understatement, though it is the ground game led by Washington and Coleman that is doing the lion's share of the work.
The second half featured more and more offense, as Vernon Adams broke the record (according to Percy Allen) for the most touchdown passes ever by a Washington opponent, finishing with seven. No matter who the Huskies put in the secondary, there was no answer to be had for the Eagles passing attack. It basically consisted of vertical throws down the sideline for touchdowns, passes to the flats for yards, and Vernon Adams scramble and throws for third-down conversions.
The Huskies appeared to have stopped EWU on one quarter possession, but a personal foul penalty on Marcus Peters gave the Eagles now life, and the possession turned into (what else?) a touchdown. Peters was promptly removed from the game by the coaching staff, and didn't return. Travell Dixon took his spot and showed up to play. Dixon is a very physical corner, and that doesn't mesh too well with the off coverage favored by Kwiatkowski and his staff (Instant dot on this).
Neither defense could get a single stop in the second half until Travis Feeney recovered a fumble forced by John Timu and Shaq Thompson halfway through the fourth quarter, with the Huskies up 52-45 following a touchdown and two-point conversion. Miles followed that up with his third rushing touchdown to put the Huskies up 59-45, but two fourth-down conversions on the ensuing drive by EWU kept their hopes alive, as they scored again to bring the game within one score.
After a failed onside kick, by Vernon Adams of all players, one first down finished the game off.
Instant Dots from a true barnburner of a game.
Petersen is really enjoying a running back stable. Jesse Callier started the game and received the first few carries. Even along the goalline, he rotated between Dwayne Washington and Coleman. Throughout the game, eight different players received carries. Callier, Ross, Washington, Coleman, Miles, Cooper, Mickens and Thompson. At the goalline, from what I saw, if the play involved a read with a QB keeper option, Washington would be the running back getting the call, otherwise it was Coleman. Going forward, these are the two guys to watch. I want to see some triple option with these two and Miles.
Most of the vertical route touchdowns by Adams and company came against physical defense, with little help over the top. One reason we are seeing a lot of soft coverages being called might be the fact that the younger secondary just isn't good at being physical at the line of scrimmage. Budda Baker was just shoved aside when he attempted to jam his man at the line. The only players who seemed to be effective with it were Peters and Dixon. If the team is modifying the scheme to incorporate more players, it would make sense that the Alabama transfer would see the field less.
That being said, I would expect to see Dixon starting opposite Marcus Peters against Illinois as the Juskies are able to employ more physical defensive coverages.
Cyler Miles has a weapon that Jeff Lindquist doesn't have, his legs. Lindquist is regarded as the better passer of the two, but when he can't pass with any accuracy like in the Hawaii game, it won't matter. Miles may not have any arm strength, and it definitely shows when he is trying to get the ball out on bubble screens, but his running ability adds a whole 'nother option to the offense.
Danny Shelton is the best player on this defense, and probably the team. There are a lot of standouts, with Hau'oli Kikaha and Marcus Peters being the two most notable, but Shelton is a nose tackle who can now rush the passer. There are no nose tackles in the Pro Football Hall of Fame because nose tackles don't rack up counting stats like tackles and sacks. Shelton now has six sacks on the season, through two games. While facing triple teams on most every play.
Let's just dedicate this final Dot to stats.
The teams combined for over 1,100 yards of total offense and 109 points.
Danny Shelton recorded four sacks.
John Ross had another touchdown of over 50 yards (55-yard reception)
Cyler Miles rushed for three touchdowns.
UW rushed for a total of 356 yards, and average of 6.2 yards per carry.
Let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Washington Huskies Vs Eastern Washington Eagles Game Updates
Five Takeaways From The Eastern Washington Game
Instant Reactions: UW wins shootout against EWU
Washington vs EWU - 4Q Recap - Huskies Win 59-52


FreeSkies, a DJI 3rd party app developer and SDK partner, announces the full release of their first consumer product, CoPilot for DJI. The free iOS app allows users of all experience levels (even a 7-year-old first-time pilot) to capture smooth and dynamic video using a keyframe-based autonomous mission planning interface. Initially proposed in research at Stanford's Computer Graphics Lab, FreeSkies' 3D path planning interface allow users to select 3D waypoints to design camera motion beyond the traditional Orbit, Cablecam, Selfie smart shots. Each 3D waypoint represents the viewpoint of the drone and by selecting the playback feature, users can visualize the entire video to be captured long before actually flying.
Until now CoPilot has been available for $19.99 USD, but is now available for free download on the App Store.
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There is a need to measure ammonia gas concentrations under clinical and industrial conditions, and for environmental protection.
Now researchers at the C.S.I.C, Spain, have developed a new ammonia gas sensor device based on Schottky platinum/n -gallium arsenide barrier diodes with discontinuous platinum films which have excellent sensitivity between room temperature and 150°C (L. M. Lechuga, A. Calle, D. Golmayo and F. Briones, J. Appl. Pkys., 1991, 70, (6), 3348–3354).
The devices have a dual metallic configuration consisting of a thick deposited platinum circular dot and a thin porous platinum film evaporated over and outside the contact dot. Gas-induced modification in Schottky diode electrical properties are monitored by measuring changes in the diode capacitance as a function of time.
In synthetic air it was possible to measure ammonia concentrations above 150 ppm with response times lower than one minute.