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Yes —  ranked-choice voting (RCV)  can be  manipulated or “stacked” , though it is more resistant to traditional forms of election rigging than plurality voting. However,  strategic behavior ,  ballot design choices , and  candidate coordination  can still influence outcomes. Here are  ways the “deck can be stacked” in RCV : 1.  Candidate Cloning or "Crowding the Field" A group can  run multiple similar candidates  to dominate the ranked preferences of their voter base. If those candidates are eliminated, the votes transfer to another preferred candidate from the same faction. This is a subtle way of  amplifying one ideology or group’s influence  across the rankings. Example:  A progressive bloc could run three similar candidates, knowing that their base will rank all three at the top. If the first two are eliminated, their votes naturally go to the third. 2.  Strategic Ranking Recommendations Campaigns can ...

Ranked-Choice Voting: A Better Way to Elect Leaders? Introduction Ranked-choice voting (RCV) is gaining momentum across the United States as a reform aimed at making elections more fair, inclusive, and representative. In a political landscape often dominated by divisive campaigns and strategic voting, RCV offers voters more power and more voice. But what exactly is ranked-choice voting, and how does it work? What are its advantages and drawbacks? And can it truly improve American democracy? What Is Ranked-Choice Voting? Ranked-choice voting, sometimes called  instant-runoff voting , allows voters to  rank candidates in order of preference  rather than choosing just one. On the ballot, voters mark their  first-choice candidate , then their  second choice ,  third , and so on (usually up to 5 candidates, depending on the jurisdiction). Here's how the process works: First-choice votes  are counted. If a candidate receives more than  50% of first-choi...

1. Introduction Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound harvested from the root bark of  Tabernanthe iboga , a shrub native to Central Africa. Traditionally used by the Bwiti people of Gabon in spiritual and initiation rites, ibogaine has garnered modern attention for its potential to treat substance use disorders (SUDs), PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Its resurging popularity in clinical and anecdotal contexts contrasts sharply with significant concerns over safety and inconsistent legal status. 2. Historical and Cultural Roots Traditional users, including Central African foragers and Bwiti initiates, consumed iboga bark to induce prolonged ceremonial visions and endurance. Some historical accounts describe its use by hunters to stay awake and hike long distances . Psychiatrists and explorers first documented these uses in the 19th century, giving rise to Western interest. The psychoactive alkaloid ibogaine was isolated in 1901, and a synthe...

  The Evolving Landscape of AI Assistants: How Up-to-Date Are They? Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants have rapidly transformed the way people interact with technology. From answering simple queries to performing complex research tasks, AI models are embedded in our daily digital interactions. A critical question many users ask is:  “How current is the information these AI assistants provide?” This white paper explores the  data recency  of popular AI systems, explains the difference between static and dynamic knowledge, highlights which platforms offer real-time updates, and discusses the implications for users and developers alike. Understanding AI Training and Knowledge Cutoff AI language models are trained on vast datasets comprising books, websites, academic papers, code, and other digital content. However, once trained, most models are  frozen in time —meaning they don’t “learn” new information unless they are retrained or fine-tuned by e...

Optimizing Student Potential Through One-to-One Matching: The Role of AI, Adaptive Learning, and the Cradle to Grave Educational Model Introduction Education, at its best, is personal. A truly effective teacher-student relationship can unlock the highest potential of a student—academically, emotionally, and socially. However, in most classrooms today, the odds of an optimal match between teacher and student are low, and learning is often designed for the average rather than the individual. But what if every student could be matched with the ideal teacher—someone who not only understands the subject but understands  them ? With the power of artificial intelligence (AI), adaptive learning systems, and a cradle to grave educational model, the dream of a one-to-one educational match becomes achievable. This paper explores the statistical challenges of traditional teacher-student matching, the transformational potential of AI in personalized learning, and how cradle to grave learning ca...

Title: The $5 Lie: How Undocumented     Labor Undercuts American Workers and Fuels Political Deception In cities like Los Angeles, a silent but powerful shift has occurred in the job market—one that leaves legal citizens at a growing disadvantage. While the national conversation about immigration often focuses on compassion or enforcement, many Americans have overlooked the  economic consequences of undocumented labor —especially in lower-wage jobs. Imagine this: You're a citizen or legal resident. You apply for a job that pays  $15 an hour . After federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare deductions, your take-home pay drops to about  $13 per hour . Now imagine someone else walks in, undocumented, and offers to take that same job  for $13/hour —paid in cash and off the books. They don’t have taxes withheld. Their take-home pay is also  $13/hour —but the employer pays them less and saves big. This is  the $5 lie —the hidden cost advan...