Which state has the highest per capita marijuana use? Who has the most horses? Deer-collisions? What about suicides? Rice production? There will be some stats on this graphic by our friends at 1bog that will not surprise you, such as the state with the largest economy or the most wind farms, but some of the stats will likely blow your mind.

If you call Connecticut home, your standard of living and economic opportunities are almost two times better than that of someone in West Virginia. That basic inequality shouldn’t be news to any American who’s spent a day outside. But rarely has it been put in such a stark visual form.

The images here are screenshots from a sweeping interactive data visualization by Rosten Woo and Zachary Watson for the American Human Development Project. The infographic maps something called the American Human Development Index — a rough, one-stop measurement of quality of life across America based on things like education, life expectancy, and income — and lets you compare it to a raft of other factors, from political activity to local homicide rates. Think of it as a medical chart from the nation’s annual physical — one that reveals some serious health problems.

ericmortensen:

2010 Election Results

Fun tool where you get to choose your own solutions to the federal budget deficit issue.

66% of my savings came from spending cuts.

Generally speaking, I’m a fan of smaller government and lower taxes, but with a budget deficit this ridiculous some taxes will have to be involved. 

Myself and my wife (and our child) at the United States Marine Corps 235th Birthday Ball.

“So it’s true… freedom is not free, but the United States Marine Corps will pay most of your share.”
- President Barack Obama

The Commandant’s 2010 Birthday Address 

Today marks the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps

JOURNAL OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
(Philadelphia) Friday, November 10, 1775

Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.

Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the General.

America needs to amend its constitution to allow for a multi-party system, implementing proportional representation.

For example, Arizona (where I live) has 8 Congressional districts.
Instead of dividing the state into gerrymandered  districts where if 50.1% of the district votes for a candidate, that party wins the entire district, envision the entire state as one district. 
For argument’s sake, let’s say 38% voted Republican, 38% Democrat, 12% Libertarian, and 12% Green.
3 seats would go to Republicans, 3 to Democrats, 1 to Libertarians, and 1 to Greens.

This allows for a more accurate representation of the political views of their constituents.

Now, of course, to get this amendment passed, we’d need the support of the very two-party system that would be hurt by such a change.