July 4th follow-up

Since Vice President Dick Cheney was visiting Pittsburgh on the 4th of July to speak at an event in Oakland's S&S Hall. The VP was invited to our family's open house. An invite was faxed to the White House at the end of June. In mid-July a note came to me from Elizabeth Kleppe, Deputy Assistant to the VP and Director of Scheduling:

Office of the Vice President

Due to security concerns, mail delivery to the Whit eHouse has been delayed over the past several months. As a result, we did not receive your correspondence until after your event had taken place. We apologize for the delay in response, and thank you for the kind invitation.

Many of the readers of my email blasts were happy to learn of the Cheney's visit -- so as to make plans for protesting. As for the next visit, I'll be away again.

President's next visit

President Bush visits Pittsburgh again on Saturday at the Convention Center. The rally is on the heels of the Kerry-Edwards convention in Boston.

Tickets to the event will be available at two locations in Allegheny County beginning on Wednesday at 9:00 am.

1. Victory 2004 Center, 125 Hillvue Lane in McCandless (off Route 19 a quarter of a mile south of Cumberland Road), 412-369-7197. Open Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.



2. Bethel Park American Legion Post, 2409 Bethel Church Road. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Tickets will be available for committee members and their families only at both locations beginning at 3:30 this afternoon, as recognition by the Bush-Cheney campaign of all the hard work you do for the Republican party here in Allegheny County. Name, address, social security number, and date of birth are needed for each person for whom you are picking up tickets, and the person picking up the tickets will be required to show photo ID (as will every adult attending the rally on Saturday).

On Saturday, doors open from 1:15 and close at 3:30. The President is expected to speak shortly after 4 pm. Arrive early to avoid the wait in line. Arrive after 2:30 and run a risk of still
being outside as the doors close.

Known the world over as "football"

Pittsburgh's Heinz Field hosts soccer teams: Chelsea FC (London) and AS Roma (Rome) - at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 29 at Heinz Field.

Would be great if:

A regional soccer league could be formed and organized with play at the South Side's stadium, next to the closed South Vo Tech, owned by Pgh Public Schools. That facility is generally closed to community programs.

The Riverhounds facility, to be built years ago, would be under construction if not completed, within the city.

With Roddey on Jerry Bowyer's radio show

Fax sent to the WPTT station: ON-Air HOST:

Hi Mr. Roddey,

Talk of the next Pittsburgh Mayor SHOULD include both:
---> None of the above, and
---> a Republican.

Furthermore, on a personal note, I think it makes sense for YOU to mention me as a candidate as well. You rejected the opportunity to sign my petition to get me onto the ballot for that office in 2001. I've been busy in our community since then. I have written that I am the FRONT-RUNNER in the GOP side for that office.

If I call today, I'd ask you about your role as an Oversight Board Member and your postions on PARKs and RECREATION. I called for the creation of a NEW Pittsburgh Park District in a postion paper released in May. Did you read it? Can you react to some of those ideas?

Tom's on-air question was very well put and generated an interesting reply from Mr. Roddey. When Roddey talks only about the status quo -- he is talking only about sustaining the same old same old. It would have been easy to name the names and then offer none-of-the-above. But, he is NOT interested in a real power shift around here. J.T.'s none of the above mention was great!

The idea of a sell off or removal of PARKs from the realm of the city -- and the county -- and the schools -- allows a "down to the basics" with those governmental agencies. The city is diverted with PARKS. If the city didn't need to worry about parks -- then -- it would do the things mentioned (... police and fire protection...keeping streets plowed in the winter, pick up garbage) to a much better degree. These folks can't walk and chew gum at the same time.

Forever Gambling Sell Off

So, the $50-million slots license sale is "forever."

Right?

Gambling isn't my cup of tea. But, if those in Harrisburg are intent on getting drunk on the new incomes, just sell the rights for one generation. Allow our children and our children's children do the same.

Simple solution: Sell the $50-million licenses / rights for 10, 15 or 20 years. Not forever. Make those license expire. Sunset them. Then, a future auction can occur.

Senator Costa's email to me on July 20:

Thank you for contacting me to express your belief that the licenses authorizing the operation of slot machines in Pennsylvania should be issued for a limited period rather than an indefinite period. I appreciate your interest in this legislation and I understand your contention that the Commonwealth could generate additional revenue if licenses were issued for a definite period.

As you may be aware, the legislation that enacts the gambling expansion does not explicitly limit the term of a slots license. The license will be issued to the groups deemed most appropriate by the Gaming Control Board, and those groups will be obligated to pay the $50 million license fee. The licenses are subject to annual review, and the Board may revoke the license issued if there is cause to do so. If the license is successfully renewed, however, there is no additional fee for the renewal. If the license is revoked, however, it would presumably return to the Board who could re-assign it and the new licensee would again be assessed a $50 million fee. I realize that this proposal may not generate as much revenue as is possible, but it allows the Commonwealth to evaluate the applicants based on their merits rather than the amount that they can pay. I am confident that this legislation provides a sound licensing system that will allow the Commonwealth to create an honest and well-run gambling industry.

The press watchdogs have ask those questions of the represenatives and
senators. Tom Barnes wrote offline: "We've already asked such questions, mark, and legislative leaders have rejected the idea; it's a onetime $50 mil fee."

Citizens ... the time to put a bug into the ears of those in the State House and State Senate has passed. Some tried. A "historic bill" would be less of a historic give-a-way had there been a term limit. A license in Illinois sold for more than $500-million. Ours, at $50-million and forever, are selling for much less than is prudent.

Resign William Lieberman

The Oversight Board should not have anyone seeking the lone Pittsburgh Slots Parlor.

The Tribune Review reported, in part:

In a related matter, Roddey said oversight board Chairman Bill Lieberman should resign from the unpaid position if he succeeds in partnering with a group that wins a slots license. Lieberman has said he is seeking such a deal, but doesn't have one yet.

"If he is successful, he will have to step down from the committee," Roddey said.

"I respect (Roddey's) opinion," said Lieberman, who has said he will seek an opinion from the state Ethics Committee if he becomes part of a group with a slots license.

A number of groups are now in pursuit of a state license for gambling halls. And, the oversight board is going to control the new incomes that are due to the city. William Lieberman, a Republican who contributes to both parties, has teamed up with investors (Charles Zappala) to strike gold.

In another snip from a past press story:

"Lieberman has said he has not yet invested any money in a slots operation, and if he ultimately does, he will seek a ruling from the state ethics commission." (Post Gazette quote)

Lieberman may never invest in a slots operation, but might work hard to get an operation the slots license. The conflict is in the rub in who gets the slots operation opportunity. Lieberman does not need to invest money in the slots operation to make a sticking point.

As Leiberman forms or joins a partnership that entertains the notion of a pursuit of the lone slots license then the next breath should be about "resignation of his oversight board duties."

Ethical questions arise again.

Whistle Blower Costs and Bumsted's Perceptions

State Represenative Jeff Habay, R, of the near north burbs, is in some hot water these days with an ethical wrangle. A fee was charged and paid, costing Jeff more than $10,000.

In the Tribune Review, state-capital reporter Brad Bumsted wrote, in part:

What's on the line in this case, potentially, is Habay's political career. If Simpson agrees with the citizens' complaint, he could order a full-scale audit or refer the case to the state attorney general for possible criminal prosecution. The plaintiffs apparently don't have much to lose other than the "hundreds of hours" Radich said were involved in preparing the case and their expenses.

Apparently the cost of being a whistle-blower is lost upon Bumsted.

As to who is right and who is wrong with the apparent bad-blood being spilled among the participants is not the factor that is alarming to me within the Bumsted article. The opinion as to the apparent cost of defeat is not only out of touch, its out of place as well.

Brad Bumsted can be reached at bbumsted@tribweb.com or (717) 787-1405.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/pittsburgh/s_204364.html

Our shared well of democracy is not to be taken lightly, nor is its protection. And, in doing so, our resources and characters are stretched and meet great tensions.

Udin Hints at New Mayor

The PG article that talked about the all-star baseball game going to PNC Park in a couple of years had a quote from Sala.

 
"The city's taken some black eyes. It's good for the world to know, especially by 2006, that our problems will be behind us," Udin said. "We'll have a new mayor in office, and we'll be able to say to the world: Pittsburgh is back."

I wonder what Sala will do to help Pittsburgh get a new Mayor? Is Sala ready to stand up and say that Tom Murphy should resign?

The present mayor has no term limit. He can run again.

I expect Tom Murphy will run again -- and the chances of him winning the election for the D's primary is within the range of possible, if not probable.

Sala should ask Tom Murphy to resign. This should be made public soon, Sala.

 

Creative Eating and Playing

Oh I wish I could win the Weinermobile for a day. My submission at: http://kraft3.promotions.com/iwish/splash.do looks like this.
 

Budget blues: the Mayor closed Pittsburgh's 19 Rec Centers and 32 swimpools in 2003. Volunteers can fix our cooperation crisis. I'd set up a tour with badminton. I've got 5 nets, courts, rackets. We'd eat and engage in discussions for long-term  re-opening solutions

 
 

Nine Mile Run

Rachel Filippini of GASP issued an alert that warns of a threat to the progress of the Nine Mile Run stream restoration.
 

 

FUNDING of the ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS’ DOMESTIC PROJECTS has shrunk.

Federal funding, expected $1.6 million, seems to be $330,000. Meadville Land Services must pull all their workers and equipment out of the work site in a matter of weeks.

Although they are doing their best to leave the site as stable as possible by seeding the area with native plants, they are still a long way from finishing the restoration. The Army Corps of Engineers, who are supervising the implementation of the project, are expecting that funding will be cut next year as well, seriously jeopardizing the completion of the restoration.

If the restoration is left incomplete our stream will continue to suffer from serious stream bank erosion and degraded habitat for fish and other wildlife, and will remain inhospitable for human recreation.

Human recreation has not happened at the RECREATION CENTERS as well. Jeepers, for $300,000 plenty of the centers could re-open.
 
Even if the restoration proceeds, but at a much slower rate due to continued funding shortfalls, the stream and park may in fact be in worse condition — sediment will enter the stream during multiple summers of construction, invasive species will colonize the banks in between construction seasons, and park access will be limited. Not to mention the additional unnecessary cost of remobilizing construction crews each summer, reducing the amount of money available for direct restoration work.

Both SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER and CONGRESSMAN MIKE DOYLE were early supporters
of the initiative.

GASP asked citizens to say that the completion of the stream restoration project is essential! Is it really?

Urge them to ensure that full funding for the project will actually be reinstated in the next fiscal year!
 
Perhaps the home-owner association at Nine Mile Run can fund the rest of the project.

Total cost of the Nine Mile Run Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project is $7.7 million. The $2.7 million local match was met by the City of Pittsburgh more than two years ago. See that money go, how does one say, down the drain. Of the remaining $5 million expected from the federal government, $3.4 million is still needed to finish the work.

Marijke Hecht, Executive Director, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association at 412-371-8779 or marijke@ninemilerun.org

PG news snip

Marijke Hecht, 33, of Wilkinsburg, the executive director of the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, asked Onorato to push for more funding to complete the "re-streaming" of Nine Mile Run by creating an open stream that replaces the pipe the waterway was forced through years ago. Onorato said the city and county are working together to garner more state funding to fill the $3 million gap in federal funding cut from the Army Corps of Engineers budget.

Bill Frist

The LEFT -- is way out there again with name calling. This is how it should NOT be done.
 
Citizens for Legitimate Government, http://www.legitgov.org/ , called U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Republican from TN, a cat torturer.  Frist is a medical doctor. He called for the creation of Medical Courts in a wide-ranging speech on health policy at the National Press Club.
 
Sen. Frist urged the federal government, among other things, to "set up an expert medical court system with transparent decisions, limits on punitive damages, and scheduled compensatory damages to provide rapid relief to injured patients. This solution comes as an alternative to the trial lawyers being the prime stake holders.
 
That seems like food for thought and worthy of more investigation. But, the opening to the press release from the site with the "cat torturer" handle gives a great example of a serious stumble.

Linda and Desperado

Casino INDUSTRY and Linda fall out. Meanwhile, I'm soaking in some of the best music ever. Sure, it is out there -- but bring it on. I'm at SUUSI, our summer camp, hosted at Virginia Tech. The music here is always amazing. And this year, I'm taking some photos and snips of video to show my friends and family back home.
 
As for the story that follows, we don't do much drinking. Me none. Nor gambling. But, Linda, should you need a gig for later in the week, come on out here. We might, and that is a questioned "might," be able to fit you into a slot for our coffee shop -- Common Ground-- late in the week. The jam sessions are always open to new faces and talents.

LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Singer Linda Ronstadt was thrown out of the Aladdin casino in Las Vegas on the weekend after dedicating a song to liberal filmmaker Michael Moore and his movie "Fahrenheit 9/11," a casino spokeswoman said Monday.
 
Ronstadt, who had been hired for a one-show engagement Saturday night at the Las Vegas Strip casino, dedicated a performance of "Desperado" to Moore and his controversial documentary, which criticizes President Bush and the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
 
That dedication angered some Aladdin guests who spilled drinks, tore down posters and demanded their money back, said casino spokeswoman Sara Gorgon."We had quite a scene at the box office," she said.About a quarter of the 4,500 people in the audience got up and left before the performance had finished, Gorgon said.
 
Before her concert, Ronstadt had laughingly told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that she hoped that the casino performance would be her last."I keep hoping that if I'm annoying enough to them, they won't hire me back," she was quoted as telling the newspaper.A statement issued by the Aladdin said Ronstadt had been "escorted out of the hotel" just after her performance and said the performer would "not be welcomed back."
 
"Ms. Ronstadt was hired to entertain the guests of the Aladdin, not to espouse political views," the casino said.Ronstadt was not immediately available for comment.

Open Ways with Open Source

As mayor, I'd turn the city's technology front directly into a new direction. This proven direction would include an embrace of open-source software.

Significant developments have been happening around the world and around the halls of government in terms of open-source software. Other cities have made the move to open source software. The US Court system has made shifts to open source too. My 2001 platform had an embrace of open-source software, but it was hardly noticed. Those on Grant Street and in the media were clueless to these advantages and the cost savings. Now more and more aspects of the US government is getting jazzed about these aspects.

Advocating open-source software as part of the solution to Pittsburgh's ills was bold and insightful in 2001. In 2005, open-source software will be much more pressing, and just as brilliant.

For example, a circular from the Office of Management and the Budget (OMB) covered OSS. For education, this can expand the ability to apply for grants that have been unavailable in the past. Look for the section on Common Criteria important.

Article at Linux Journal

Polling's depth at university is fails at preschools

Quinnipiac University is a tiny little college with even smaller thoughts, actions and services. Most pre-schools have higher expectations for teaching what's right from what's wrong. Quinnipiac would be completely unknown, except for its name in the northeast because of its polling volume.

The signal to noise took another beating with another poll in PA, labeling it a 3-way Bush / Kerry / Nader race.

The academics there have been called on this in the past. Thumb sucking is a hard habit to break, whatever the age. They still REFUSE to include Libertarians among the mix of those who are eligible selections in the polls. Quinnipiac has been called on this in years past, but to no avail. To leave out candidates is to think like a child.

Please, people, BLAST them this time. We can't allow the media and its slaves to keep soiling our shared space called democracy.

Call the main number and ask for the polling institute and Doug Swartz, the director of polling: (203) 582-8200, doug.schartz@quinnipiac.edu.

Olympic Swim Coaches

Named for the staff and headed to Athens:

David C. Salo, Ph.D.

Bob Bowman

Jon Urbanchek, Teri McKeever, Richard Quick and Frank Busch.

Coach Salo, Irvine Novaquatics, authored a book, SprintSalo, published in 1989. That was the second book ever published by my company, an indie small press.

Bob Bowman is moving from Northern Baltimore to the University of Michigan after the games. He is Michael Phelps' coach. I got to know Bob when he was with the Las Vegas Gold and the Cinci Marlins.

More on the others and general observations about the Olympic Trials and movement still to come.

Dave wrote:

Thanks for the note and the support. Looking forward to getting to Greece and taking on the rest of the world. i think it will turn out to be a great event.

Lost in the Parks

A City Parks Public Meeting is slated for 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at the Schenley Park Visitor Center, 101 Panther Hollow Road, Contact: 412-682-7275.

Tell them what kind of signs would help you navigate and enjoy Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley parks. Join park users from around the city in a public forum to discuss how wayfinding, directional and identity signs could improve your park experience.

My list includes:

Directions to the 20 closed swim pools.

Instructions for re-opening the dozen closed recreation centers.

Contact info for various swim teams, coaching opportunities and programs within each park.

Rules for entering your vintage roadster into the Grand Prix.

Drafting Coaches to Politics -- with Chicago & Pittsburgh Roots

I lived and coached in Chicago. I met my wife there as she was getting her Ph.D. at Northwestern.

Furthermore, drafting "running partners" is a theme -- as is there a need to draft good candidates in general.

The Draft Ditka movement, mentioned here a while ago, picked up steam, then turned to State Party Chairmanship -- not US Senata. Ditka went to a House Republican Organization Fundraiser at Navy Pier. House GOP Leader, Tom Cross, HRO Chairman, Skip Saviano, and Deputy House Leader, Brent Hassert, were set to endorse a Ditka Candidacy. For the latest, contact: David Dring 312.505.0256 or Tom Pence 630.215.3017, or visit their site.

Football fans, Pittsburghers, ex-coaches and GOPers take note. Some are hoping to draft former Chicago Bears Coach Mike Dikta into the big leagues of Illinois politics. DraftDikta.com was created by staff members in the Illinois House to gather signatures to nominate Ditka as the chairman of the state's Republican party after the current chairwoman, Judy Baar Topinka, steps down at the end of this election cycle. Within days, the website had generated 6,000 signatures.

With the vacancy left by Jack Ryan for the GOP Nomination for U.S. Senate, Coach Ditka's name came to the surface.

There are some real heart warmers on the "Letters to Ditka" page worth reading. My letter went like this:

Coach,

I too am a Pittsburgh-native, coach, GOPer, and have had the same passion of you and helped here with Pitt Rocks fellows to save Pitt Stadium. That was my entry into serious politics. And, I'm still mad -- and expect to run again for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, in 2005. I'd love to have you visit Pittsburgh and hold a special event for you here in Pittsburgh. And, we'd put it into a TV show. How about a policy address to those beyond the Lincolnland -- from your homeland. Thanks for the consideration. Call my cell: 412-298-3432. We'll be in Chicago and would meet with anyone there in early August.

My efforts are now being put into motion so as to hold an event on September 11, 2004, in Pittsburgh with Coach Mike Ditka. We'd be able to attend the Pitt game vs. Ohio University. Want to help? Send an email ---> Ditka-Rocks@CLOH.Org.

More political spin: Phil Jackson is also free these days and might consider coming back to Chicago, and if it's not for DAAA Bulls it just might be for DAAA Elephants.

News Swells and a recent story that is the Top Story on Yahoo!

Former NFL coach eyes US Senate seat

CHICAGO (AFP) - A former NFL coach is considering a run for a US Senate seat, following a path already blazed by the likes of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (news - web sites), and former Minnesota governor Jesse "The Body" Ventura.

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, better known to his fans as the irascible "Iron Mike," is mulling a run for public office -- one in which his considerable name recognition would be a powerful asset.

"I'm getting excited about it," Ditka said in an interview with a Chicago television network Monday.

The 65-year-old NFL Hall of Famer stressed that he was just evaluating the idea, but that was enough to rev up his many fans in this Midwestern state, some of whom have already established a "Draft Dikta" campaign.

"We need more signatures on the petition. We want to present them to him this week and we need your help," read one entry made Monday on the "DraftDitka.com" website.

"Da Coach will do this if we push him!"

The people behind the website aim to collect 10,000 signatures to encourage Ditka to run, and say they have already passed the 6,000 mark.

Republican Party officials have not formally approached the 65-year-old about joining the race, but they are desperate to find a viable candidate to put on the ticket.

The previous candidate, millionaire banker Jack Ryan, quit the race late last month over a late-breaking sex scandal, and some Republicans who have been touted as possible replacements have reportedly balked at jumping into a campaign at this late stage.

Even before the sex rumpus, Ryan was trailing his Democratic rival Barack Obama by 20 points in the polls.

"Certainly, you wouldn't have to spend five or six million dollars for people to get to know (his) name," said Dennis Hastert, a US representative from Illinois and the most senior member of the state's congressional delegation.

Even this state's Democratic governor said he would welcome a Ditka candidacy because it would add spice to the race. "I love Mike Ditka. He's a straight talking guy who talks from the heart," said Rod Blagojevich.

There are still some hurdles left: Ditka's wife has said she will divorce him if he throws his hat in the ring, and he is not apparently even registered to vote in this state.

The Senate seat is currently held by a Republican, Senator Peter Fitzgerald, but he is stepping down after one term and voters will choose his successor in November.

Ethics -- "Not Engaged Here"

The City of Pittsburgh has an Ethics Commission, but it might not have any meetings in the past four years. There might not be any members to the commission, revealed City Council Member Bill Peduto. He put the blame fully on the current mayor.

We have not taken up campaign finance reform. Peduto also wants to raise that issue in 2004.

Sala Udin said, "The ethics commission does not exist."

Trib's mentions on Mayor's Race

Trib Story and GOP Urban Flight

My home is NOT up for sale. I am not a DEM, yet am a front-runner in the Mayor's race.

If the Trib's EDITORIAL REVIEW Board wishes to talk with me -- I'd be very happy to do so. I've asked for years to meet with them -- but they've not taken up the offer.

I hope you don't do too many articles on who else is NOT going to run for Mayor. Roddey in that race is a non-story. Or, to get the poison out of the discussion, do the article on Paul O'Neill and Glen Meakem before August.

Four years ago the Trib's fumbles were downright shameful.

However, your lead about URBAN FLIGHT was on the mark. This is a top worry in the city, not only for GOPers but also for the general wellness. An entire group of people voted with their feet. Pittsburgh is a one-party town and Pittsburgh is half of what it was. The departures were calculated. Hence, the repairs that need to be made are such a burden to accomplish. And, without functional watchdogs, they are nearly impossible.

We need the Trib's coverage to flourish.

Convention Center, its water course is working but

Don't you find it interesting that the $7-million water course under the new Pittsburgh Convention Center is working again -- but -- our swim pools in the city are not.

Talk about miss-placed priorities.

Newspaper reporter replied:

I do. The best part was when I called the Sports and Exhibition Authority for comment, they laughingly patronized me and tried to make light of the whole debacle. So I said, "if you built something at your house that cost $7 and it leaked or didn't work properly, you'd want to know why, right?"

He didn't have a response for that. It's amazing how these groups spend ,illions of tax-payers' dollars and then get upset when someone asks questions.

Alyson Walls

Fox Chapel Setting

The interesting email from Charlene is but a memory. Then Bob Glancy, RCAC Chairman posted.
"For months, western Pennsylvanians have seen a Fox Chapel mansion used as he staging area for John Kerry's presidential campaign, perhaps on the theory that a presidential candidate cannot have too many home states no matter how dubious his claim to live in any of them.

"Just last week, as hundreds of thousands of Allegheny County homeowners received their bills for school property taxes, that same Fox Chapel mansion was used to introduce Kerry's running mate to the public and the press.

"There, Kerry struck the themes that have shaped his entire political career: support for more government spending and opposition to middle class tax cuts. These, in fact, may be the only issues on which he's held a consistent position over the years.

"I am sure that countless middle-class homeowners disagree with John Kerry's contention that they neither need nor deserve a tax break. Until now, though, they might have imagined that Kerry and the liberal elitists around him were willing to pay their fair share of taxes.

"John Kerry doesn't have to worry about paying the property taxes on mansion in Fox Chapel, thanks in part to a seven-figure assessment reduction described in Sunday's Tribune-Review, a reduction based on the assessment of the Heinz-Kerry property as "farmland."

"This is more than an insult to the voters' intelligence. From a candidate seemingly unable to venture into public without railing about "tax loopholes," it is the rankest hypocrisy. The Heinz-Kerry estate is no more a farm than are the tens of thousands of back yards in Allegheny County in which a few square yards are dedicated to growing tomatoes or zucchini.

"If John Kerry is going to masquerade as a Pittsburgher, he should at least pay his fair share of taxes-or admit that he is a Boston liberal out of touch with the values of western Pennsylvania."

Snips of the POST-Gazette news:

"As a result, he's way off the mark. Mrs. Heinz Kerry does not receive the so-called 'Clean and Green' write-off because she has chosen not to apply for it."

But in a letter Heinz Kerry wrote, dated March 12, 2002, to former county Chief Executive James Roddey, she said she was "not writing to express my anger, but to point out that my property is being undertaxed."

She said two assessment notices sent in 2000 and 2002 both incorrectly reduced her property value and asked that "someone with the authority to do so will make the proper correction and bill me accordingly."

Romash said Heinz Kerry paid the higher amount.

Romash also turned the tables on Glancy and criticized President Bush, saying he saved $23,679 last year because of an agricultural exemption on his ranch in Crawford, Texas. In 2002, she said, Bush accepted an exemption that reduced the property from $2.1 million to $950,000.

Sam Wilson, head of assessment for Allegheny County, also characterized Glancy's criticism as "politics as usual" and said the Heinz estate is not assessed as farmland.

Although the county Web site lists it as a "general farm," Wilson said anything over 10 acres is put in that category, but it has no effect on the actual assessment.

"If it were underassessed, the school board and municipality would be in there beating it to death," he said. "Whatever's there is what a willing buyer and seller would transfer for that property."

He said Teresa Heinz Kerry has never applied for a reduction in taxes based on assessment of her property as a farm.

Mindy's concert was a success -- and lots of musical fun.

Mindy played a concert for us at the Green Tree Swim Pool. She is with her son, Aaron.  


Mindy and Aaron as the concert is about to begin, poolside. Later we'd watch a movie. Prior, we ate burgers and dogs with the members of the Green Tree Rotary. 

[412] Wishing for your presence and toe tapping

Hi Friends and possible "Running Mate(s),"

Let's consider the concept of "Running Mate" for a moment.

When I ran for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh in 2001, I have to admit,
I was a little weak in the "running mate category." In efforts to strengthen
that concern, I'd love to recruit you, and your ideas. So, as of now, the
auditioning for the roles of "running mates" for the pending Grant Street
shake-up is starting.

As we advance to the 2005 elections, I'd love for YOU to seriously
consider the descriptive handle, "probable running mate." You got this
email. You're reading it. Then you know. You HAVE made the short list.

Let's get a clear about this act of "running." If you're moving, you
could be "running" -- especially to those who are hiding. And, when one
runs, the direction could be "to" - "against" - or "with" something.

It is our honor to inform you you've been recruited to attend a
community concert or three (see below). Please consider these "toe tapping"
opportunities. We don't want to push our fellow running mates too far on
such short notice.

This weekend, our out-of-town RUNNING MATE magnet is MINDY SIMMONS. Mindy is
from Florida and visits Pittsburgh to present three concerts. You are
invited to any and all of them.


6 pm, Friday, July 9, Club Cafe (South Side, 12th Street).
Adults only (21 & over)
$5 cover
Theme: This IS America


8 pm, Saturday, July 10, lawn concert on the Green Tree Swim Pool.
This is community movie night, (flick at 9 pm). Thanks Rotary.
Kid's and parents welcome. Swimming, throughout, of course.


10:30 am, Sunday service, intergenerational concert, UU Church of the
South Hills, http://Sunnyhill.Org. Topic: Consider the Source.


Background:
http://S6.CLOH.Org
S6 = Sports, Spirit & Soul Song and Story Summit. The spirits are at the
night club, Club Cafe (over 21). The sports occurs on Saturday at the swim
pool. Sunday service covers the soulful elements.


Mindy Simmons:
Mindy is a church-camp friend, singer, songwriter, recording artist, and
Floridian with wit. Mindy travels, sings, plays guitar. I know you'll be
impressed with her performances.


Closing INVITE:
A blog feature at http://Rauterkus.com allows for your feedback and
comments on various issues. I'd love for you to share your ideas and
perspectives, i.e., We-HAV, Gambling, Act 47, etc. So, hope to see you at a
concert, and at the blog.

Thanks for the consideration.



Ta.

Mark Rauterkus http://Play.CLOH.Org
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell

412-Public-Remarks

My email blasts have an archive. Thanks for your understanding. The membership list is now 7,479. When the count reaches 10,000 or more, we'll unleash 'eVote' to the participants.

Ricciardi: No more cuts

City Council President, Gene Ricciardi, asked the oversight board to avoid further cuts. "There will be dire implications."

The ironic twist to the letter and pleading is that there were "dire implications" for the years of overspending from City Council. Too much spending went uncheck for most of the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, Jim Roddey is saying that the city could save by merging more services with outside governements. That not only includes merging operations with Allegheny County offices -- as the Act 4 report recommends -- but working with local agencies such as the Port Authority or the Airport Authority.

Hey.... Menion the new Pittsburgh Park District. That idea has merit too. It fits the mold. We need a local governmental agency that merges Citiparks, County Parks and Recreation and afterschool with Pittsburgh Public Schools. But, we need this to be more than an authority. We want true democracy (with a small "d").

John Murry wants a focus on helping business growth not on worrying about providing government jobs. Much growith can occur in recreation. The facilities are empty, robbing the kids. But, there are enterprising coaches and professionals who would be able to operate facilities and make money in the process -- making new business.

The new Pittsburgh Park District is the place for a tight structure, new culture, and hospitable to new and existing businesses.

Version 1 of a position paper
that calls for the formation of a new Pittsburgh Park District is at DSL.CLOH.Org.

Gene R: We can cut Citiparks from the city budget. We can cut some of these recreational facilities from the city's asset list. These elements can be put into stewardship with a new department. We can move permit office -- as of September 2004. We can do this soon. And, for the sake of the kids, we need to do it quickly.

Delano's take on Act 47 and Pittsburgh's Recovery Plan

PSF reply

Delano wrote, in part:

... From a political perspective, it was clear that these unions used every political card in the deck to try to block the plan....


Reply:
The political cards of the union leaders were not all played. The day Joe King gives, say a $3,000 donation, to a political candidate's PAC, such as myself, then -- we'll be getting to the real ace of spades.

The union folks didn't meet with citizens. They didn't build bridges to others. They just passed a lot of hot air.

Delano wrote:

... In the end, five Democrats -- Alan Hertzberg, Bill Peduto, Gene Ricciardi, Doug Shields, and Sala Udin -- voted for the plan. Whether it ends their political careers remains to be seen....

Reply:

In the end, the Act 47 vote is going to be a black eye on the people in coucil who approved it. But, ... the real end to their political career came with the past budget votes. City Council approved two annual budgets that were not legal. Key players on city council stood by for ten years (Udin, Ricciardi, Hertzberg) while the city did its tailspin. Council veterans have been on the crew of this voyage of destruction. The overall legacy, not one Act 47 vote, is going to fuel the real tide that throws the bums out of office.

Alan Hertzberg, who voted against one illegal budgets from Mayor Murphy, will see his career in council end because of WE-HAVE -- and anti democracy efforts. His political career in council could be toast due to the anger of many in the west end. Sure, Alan H. wanted to liquidate the PDF (Pgh Development Fund) and the URA. Sadly, it didn't pass and was too little, too late. Alan was on the URA board.

Jerry Bowyer radio show -- WPTT, 1360 am

Was on the Jerry Bowyer radio show on Thursday, July 1, 2004. Thanks Jerry.

Nice, short interview. Ranted a bit about how the city is so bricks and mortar based. I think they need to be doing much, much more with programs, coaching, instruction, leadership, community. I'm not so much of a hardware person -- more of a software guy.

Stadiums, convention centers, slots parlors -- all are not that important. What goes on in the community is way more telling. Those items are harder to see.

Cooperation is needed. Cooperation is hard to see in terms of bricks and buildings.

Only 74-degrees and pools are closed

On Monday, June 28, 2004, the sun was out. The high was 74-degrees. However, the swim pools closed. A call from downtown came to each pool. They were told to close. It was too cold to keep them open.

Why?

Joe King and Act 47

Joe King, head of the Pgh Firefighter's Union, said he has "done everything human-ly possible" to stop the passage of the Act 47 Recovery Plan with city council. The plan passed in a 5-4 vote on June 29, 2004.

No doubt, a lot of rants did occur. Many hours were invested in going to public hearings. Shoe leather was spent in efforts to meet citizens on the streets and pass around fliers.

However, .... Doug Shields would NOT move his vote. Nor did Gene, Sala, Alan, nor Bill.

The missing link, for those that never forget, was the link from the union to the citizens. And, the history of the firefighters help to Tom Murphy to get a third term in office is classic.

Joe King was called, not once, not five time, not 10 times, not 20 times.... Joe King was called dozens of times to meet in the past. He was closed minded. Union leaders need to go out of their ways to meet with all the candidates who are seeking higher offices in the city. Joe King should have done that three years ago. Joe King could have done that three months ago too.

Finally, Joe King said to the media that he backed the wrong horse. The Firefighters were wrong to back Tom Murphy in the 2001 election. But this is more than that. The error was really wrong as visits with the other candidates, despite repeated attempts, didn't happen. Joe, this isn't a matter of picking the right horse. It is a matter of removal of one's head out of the wrong end of the horse.

The Firefighters had the power to put Tom Murphy into office. I said last summer that they had the power -- the lynch-pin -- to get Tom Murphy out of office.

Furthermore, ranting with bullhorns on the street with Sala on the weekend before the vote is nothing more than a good excuse to blow hot air.

Venting can help, as I have done above. However, venting isn't going to get us anywhere. Pittsburgh is broke. And, we need alternative plans.

Joe King put an offer onto the table in January 2004 to pay for the now out of work Recreation Staff so as to REOPEN the Rec Centers. This was a $800-k offer, or more. Nice move. Didn't work.

Joe, we need to get the Firefighters to meet with me -- and others -- so we can build real solutions in terms of the parks and rec centers. We need some help with "liability insurance" and other technical issues. Your volunteers and your staffers can help.

For more insights, see the position paper at http://DSL.CLOH.Org.

[412] Celebrate our freedom -- July 4 house and park party w badminton

Hi Friends of Freedom,

You are invited to our July 4th party. Hope you can make it this year.

Come at or after 6 pm on July 4.

Details:

We are starting a little earlier this year as we'll play badminton and
other games in the park by our house. We have something for every age and
ability. So come to the house or directly to the park at 6 pm (or any time
after).

Badminton is a popular world-wide, full-medal Olympic sport. We obtained
some equipment from CHINA, where they have OPEN REC CENTERS and coaches.
We'll share. We'll even tell you a little bit about our five week trip if
you ask.

Games are slated for the Armstrong Park, on 12th Street between East
Carson and Sarah Streets. The park is one short block from our house, 108
South 12th Street. We are at the corner of 12th Street and Bradish, a gray,
wood frame. Look for the "Fire Mayor Murphy" sign in the front window.

Games in the park start at 6 pm, crafts at the house, water
balloon toss, regatta fireworks at dark (9:30-ish). We supply lemonaide,
chips, cups, napkins, spoons, forks (sometimes we even manage a fruit
salad). If you want other drinks and snacks please feel free to bring them
along. We have several beds to rest babies if little ones fizzle before
fireworks.

Don't miss the fun. Let's spend an evening smashing "birdies" around the
park -- birdies, not skeet.

FYI, we're inviting V.P., Dick Cheney as well. (His fax: 202-456-2461)
He might be 'game,' as he'll be in Pittsburgh at Soldiers & Sailors' Hall in
Oakland around noon on the 4th.

Confirmed out-of-town guests include our nephew, Cameron (Middleburry
College and his state's top student in 2003 ACT score) and Aunt Debbie
(Florida).

For more insights:
Mark at Rauterkus.com
cell = 412-298-3432
http://Rauterkus.com

- - -
Closing Pointer and Rant:

Today (sunny to 6 pm, high of 74-degrees) the public pools within the
city closed at 2 pm. And, the Post-Gazette story from today, (must read)

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04180/338610.stm

sums up conditions in a part of the city. We (Pgh Interfaith Impact
Network's Youth Task Force) were PROHIBITED from installing a computer lab,
at no charge to the city, at the Warrington Rec Center. Sigh.

A majority on City Council is set to squander their rights and
independence. Council bargained for our city to enter into a "distressed
status." The mayor rejoiced in its arrival. Within hours, our elected
council is set to yield to the unelected of oversight boards and appointed
authorities.

Elected city leaders: "Duty isn't pragmatic!" Pittsburgh's "UN-American"
mode of operation aims for solutions that are one step better than the worst
possible, again. To heal and soar takes much more.

Loyalist (loyal to King George) of 1776 didn't have to face scornful
emails wedged within an invite to cherish and celebrate at a free 4th of
July party. How sad for them. Thanks for reading and do consider a visit to
the South Side on the 4th. And as always, thanks for your dissent.



Ta.

Mark Rauterkus http://Play.CLOH.Org
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell


PS: - - - Other dates - - -
Invite 2: July 9, Club Cafe, concert with Mindy Simmons
(singer/songwriter). Theme: "This IS America." http://S6.CLOH.Org

Invite 3: July 11, Sunnyhill Sunday Service at 10:30 am --
Intergenerational Service and Music. Theme: "Consider the Source."
http://Sunnyhill.Org

Invite 4: I'm slated for a radio show, 1360 AM, on July 1 at 7:20 am to
talk about the ACT 47, Pittsburgh and a pending edition of the Park District
Proposal. http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/ Email your thoughts now.

Library Fumbles and lack of stewardship

NEWS RELEASE

For release: 2004 June 22
For more information -- Glenn A. Walsh:
Daytime: E-Mail < gawalsh at andrewcarnegie.cc >
Evening: Telephone 412-561-7876
Internet Web Site:

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION OF FIVE
LIBRARIES, BEFORE PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL JUNE 30

Pittsburgh, June 22 ñ Pittsburgh City Council will
hear from the public, regarding the historic value of
five Carnegie Library buildings, on Wednesday
afternoon, June 30, beginning at 1:30 p.m. In July,
City Council will decide whether these five libraries
meet the qualifications to be considered City
Designated Historic Structures.

The subject of the five public hearings is the
nomination of five original Andrew Carnegie-built
library branches, of The Carnegie Library of
Pittsburgh, which have been nominated to be City
Designated Historic Structures by the Pittsburgh
History and Landmarks Foundation. The library branches
nominated include the branches in the Pittsburgh
neighborhoods of Hazelwood (opened 1900 August 15),
Homewood (opened 1911 March 10), Lawrenceville (opened
1898 May 10), Mount Washington (opened 1900 May 31),
and West End (opened 1899 January 31).

TO READ THE ENTIRE NEWS RELEASE, CLICK HERE:
<
http://andrewcarnegie.tripod.com/lawrenceville/NR-CC-HRCdesig-lib.htm >

=====
gaw

Citizens Works (letter)

Letter was passed among many at a public hearing in City Council Chambers concerning the looming vote on Act 47

Citizens Voice

June 22, 2004

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for your interest, care and open remarks concerning our city. It is great to hear perspectives of citizens and public employees. To prosper, all of Pittsburgh must have the opportunity to speak freely. Your comments get noticed among some citizens. Thanks again.

A number of people have been gathering to make "better plans" for Pittsburgh. These plans evolve out of statements such as yours.

Please, you are invited to send a copy of your statement in an email to:
Act47-noise@CLOH.Org

People from Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, South Side and elsewhere are stitching the various remarks into alternative plans.

Parts of the Act 47 plans, and some initial statements from the I.C.A. (Oversight Board), are good. Other parts are NOT. All in all, the plans now on the table are NOT good enough.

We can do better. We must do better. The decline of Pittsburgh has been ugly. Furthermore, a recovery can't occur with lame plans and performances.

Issues and solutions that perk among us can't fit within this short thank you note and invite. However, trust that they are growing stronger, with your help, and many are on the internet now.

Open archives allow others to see postings. Subscribe to the NEW mailing list to stay in the loop or debate the merits of the ideas. Surf to http://CLOH.Org.

Thanks for the consideration.

(Names of some citizens deleted from blog.)

[412] Re-tooling sessions for the ACT 47 PLAN -- after a dip in the swim pool

Hi Neighbors,


Summary -- invites:
1. Today's public comments provided to City Council:
http://op-ed.cloh.org/opinion/june-15-2004.html
2. June 16, TV Show of Community Forum (read position paper)
3. June 17, South Vo Tech High School Community Forum
4. June 18, Green Sanctuary Benefit Concert at Sunnyhill.org
5. Brewing REVIVAL. Reject the Act 47 plan and COUNTEROFFER.


1.
Last month, all had agreement that the 'Save Our Summer' efforts was a
BAND-Aid upon a BAND-Aid. Some of the pools are to open tomorrow. Yeah!
However, opening limited swim pools might have really been just a new
BAND-Aid for a corpse. Is the body dead?


2.
Last chance to catch the TV broadcasting of the community forum on PCTV
21 is from 7 to 8 pm WEDNESDAY, (in about 24 hours), June 16. If you don't
have cable, email me off line and I'll try to share my tape.


3.
While some of the pools open, some of the schools are closing, including
South Vo Tech High School -- and Connelley Tech School for adult education.
Ouch.
Thursday, June 17, we'll gather at South Vo Tech High School Library at
6:30 pm to talk in another community meeting. You're invited. See South
before they NAIL THE DOORS CLOSED.


4.
Green Sanctuary benefit concert:
On Friday June 18, at 7:30 pm, Jim Scott, http://www.jimscottmusic.com,
holds a concert at Sunnyhill.Org. Advance is $8.00/adult and $10/adult at
the door. Kids are $4 and $6, respectively.
Call Amy at the church (voice: 412-561-6277 --- fax: 412-561-6592) to
reserve the ticket, and pay at the door.


5.
Some concerned citizens and leaders are starting to buck for City
Council to REJECT the ACT 47 Plan. A better plan can be crafted and made
into a counter offer. I expect that the counter offer would include elements
from the POSITION PAPER on PARKs.
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/

Version two of the position paper is starting to take shape. New sources
of revenues are getting examination.
For example: PA House Bill 1216 from 2003 gets more than $9-million per
year for the city -- or better yet -- for the NEW Pittsburgh Park District.
Mr. Ludwig predicts and documents $50-million in a SODA (Pepsi / Coke) deal
to happen mostly AT THE PARKS. The Citizens Police Academy, located in a
PARK, can get an upgrade and be made to MAKE money and offers services to
other areas beyond the city.

In a NUTSHELL, the ACT 47 Plan just released Friday, in my humble opinion,
is NOT good enough. It can be made better, much better.

If you'd like to help with input or debate on issues within and without the
ACT 47 Plan -- and be document centric to craft a COUNTER, then we're
meeting with others at 7 pm on FRIDAY at Ritters, a diner, 5221 Baum Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Their phone (for directions only) is 412-682-4852. By
the way, I'm NOT going to CHAIR this meeting -- but will be an active
supporter / participant.

As always, thanks for listening and doing all you do for our shared
community.



Ta.

Mark Rauterkus http://Play.CLOH.Org
xCoach at Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.Org http://Rauterkus.com
412-298-3432 = cell

PS: If you want to opt out, you can do so yourself. Or, email, and I'll
help you unsubscribe.

PS2: If you have no idea who I am -- we can fix that at our annual 4th of
July house party -- July 4th after 7 pm. We'll be playing badminton too.

PS3: Photos and more insights from our China trip might take a couple of
weeks, yet.

Before City Council, mid-June, 2004

My Name is Mark Rauterkus.My family and I live at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. Internet hang-outs are Rauterkus.com -- and CLOH.Org.

At 6:30 pm, on Thursday, June 17, 2004, I'll be helping to coordinate another community meeting. Everyone is invited. The meeting is on the South Side -- at South Vo Tech High School. We'll meet in the School LIBRARY. Come early as we'll be finished by 8 pm.

South Vo Tech is closing. Today is the last day of regular school for 450 students. Have a great and safe summer vacation.

A number of concerned citizens made objections concerning the decision to shutter South Vo Tech. This meeting won't be only with a focus of South Vo Tech -- but given the setting, it will be part of the discussion.

I advocated for a staged shut-down of South Vo Tech throughout a three or four year period. I think that the kids that are there now (9th, 10th, 11th graders) should be able to graduate -- even with night and summer school.

Otherwise, the drop out rate are going to be massive. The worst move possibe is what is school board has done. A couple hundred kids are NOT going to terminate their high school educations and NOT graduate.

The shift to CHARTER Schools is expected -- costing district MORE money. The outward migration accelerates. Families get yanked around again. And, the impact upon the other schools that must absorb the displaced South students is going to trouble everyone.

Students in HEATING & Airconditioning,
Plumbing,
Commercial Art,
Small Engine Repair,
Welding

Go to Brashier for academic work and still use the South Vo Tech Annex for trade work. Then the following year they'll need to move to Peabody. Treating High School students to a smorgasboard of four schools in their career within the district is a prime example of why we are in such a serious decline around here.

To phase out the school is a little more trouble for the ADMINISTRATION -- but in the long run it still gives the tax payers the same results -- and for the students it offers a world of difference.

When people see this treatment to other people -- they want no part of it for themselves. They choose to NOT come here.

Furthermore, this same group of kids won't be able to go to Connelley Technical School for adult eduation -- as that too has been closed.

These are Dr. Thompson and Bill Isler CAST-OFFs. A whole group of kids -- within a special category -- get flushed away. These kids are NOT the darlings of the CULTURAL DISTRICT.

The Vo Tech vision in this district is an undisputed failure. That burden goes to Mr. Fondy -- of the Teacher's Union (who has serious ties to South and yet he can turn his back upon them) -- and the TRADE UNIONS of Great Pittsburgh.

The UNOINS have been worthless here -- when it comes to our treasured future.

Another invite

On Wednesday, June 16 from 7 to 8 pm --- people in the city can tune into a TV Show on PCTV 21. Our last meeting held on the North Side at the National Aviary was turned into a show.

We talk about the Save Our Summer -- and beyond.

Looking back I called Save Our Summer a process that put a band-aid upon a band-aid and that it didn't address the real wound. I think I might have been TOO GENEROUS with Elsie Hillman's and Bill Truehart's efforts -- in tandem with Citiparks.

I think we have a new band-aid that has been applied to a system held together by old band-aids ----- but the new wrinkle is something that I've not seen before. Then I read the ACT 47 RECOVERY PLAN.

The band-aids -- are going onto a CORPSE.

They want to put on a big show -- work on this to save face -- but THE BODY is DEAD.

City Council -- you might have expired. The last breath of city life in Pittsburgh might be just a memory. When the ACT 47 Agreement is signed ..... we should all send flowers -- to have the aroma to cover the stench -- even if it is another tempory fix.

We need a Lazarus - like REVIVAL. To come back from the dead is going to take a lot of work. It starts with the understanding of cooperation and serious -- all day all night work in proactive ways. If you want ME to help you with the COUNTER OFFER -- as a REJECTION of the ACT 47 plan --- we can do it.

After swim practice.

[via China] Re: [noise] A call to action!

Hi All and Cori,

One suggestion from another was to get a legal opinion before you proceed in additional directions. With a legal opinion understood, then the conversations with others (elected officials, etc.) can be more measured.

As to the free speech matter --- I'd say, "That RIGHT, among others, is messy." Ours is a small price to pay. With RIGHTs come responsibilities -- within all sectors. Even as bystanders we must be more responsible from time to time.

By the way, I did see the photos and trucks in both the South Side and in Oakland for many days. I too have a 6-year old, our second child. But, as a point of contrast from China, I'd assume that those posters wouldn't fly here. And furthermore, second children are not permitted. To explain 'the more than one child freedom' to a family with more than one child becomes quite personal.

short snip --- but rather the pictures they use on their placards being that I had to explain to my then 6 year old the images she was seeing. I am furious at this manipulative method of getting one's point across. I am a avid believer in free speech, however, this group, whoever they are, show very poor
judgement and I will not tolerate it in my community. I hope that many of you feel the same way. --- end snip

So, we agree with the poor judgement part, but don't agree on how much to tolerate in community. Being free means we have to take it all, and explain / teach the younger ones all about living in an open society. IMNSHO, people should be free to show their poor judgements.

For me it is 9:30 am on Friday -- while you all are at 9:30 pm on Thursday. We are on the other side of the world -- as I type -- and Cori, we are on different sides of the issue as to what to do NEXT. Tell Abby (the kdis) that everything in China does NOT look upside down. However, we've discovered that it is much more difficult to run backwards without falling. At a recent sports practice we noticed that the kids from China were more skilled at running fast while moving backward than blond haired kids from North America. Kids from China do tumble from time to time, but not nearly as frequently. Our theory holds that it might be nearly impossible to run your second leg of a race in an over-and-back fashion, all while backwards. Just be warned. There might be something about being over here and running backwards in an "over-and-back race" that trips you..... just a hunch.

Well, here is hoping that the next time I see you ---- you're not going backwards.....

PS: today is our last full day in Chengdu. Catherine's class ended yesterday. To Hong Kong on Saturday. Then to Chicago on Tuesday.

June 1 = Childrens' Day in China

Today, Tuesday, June 1, is "Childrens Day" in China. I just found out about it. No school -- except at the International School. They do have school there. And, we are going to visit it for a half-day -- just for fun. All English at the International School. Sorta small -- yet -- here in Chengdu. One third grade class -- and the 3rd grade teacher has his daughters (3) swimming with Erik and Grant -- and I met them all at Sunday Church Service -- in a hotel conference room (only foreigners).

In the AM we're going to an amusement park at the edge of town.

Last week -- lots of running around to get it all in.

Went to a soccer game this past Saturday and ate HOT POT.

Our friend, Kevin.

This is Kevin. We got together with him for a play day on National Childrens' Day. Kevin swam on the swim team and was most friendly. His mom worked in D.C. and his dad was a big help with some meetings we had too.


China, and other nations around the world, celebrate CHILDRENS' DAY. This is a major vacation day. Most parents get a half or full day off of work to be with their children. We don't celebrate this in the US, yet! 

More photos of the amusement park are available. It was a bit like Kennywood -- but different.

about coverage of Pittsburgh's Parks Scene

Hello from CHINA --

Nice article on the closed parks and smaller offerings.

I'd love to see an article about the POSITION PAPER on Parks & Rec -- now online at:
http://DSL.CLOH.ORG/v1/

Plus we'll hold another meeting on in mid-June. Would love to get some ink about that as well as to create a discussion so as to cover next year -- and SEPTEMBER 2004.

The Save Our Summer is but a band-aid on a band-aid. It is no fix at all when looking about the real care we give to kids, to voice, to public responsibilities, to engagement.

Thanks for advancing the coversation in real and meaningful ways.

Visting with David G - a former Pgh guy in China

We had a fine visit with David G - a former Pittsburgh native in Chengdu today. I don't have time to type much now but I'll get a photo to his parents off line.

Seems that there are a few from Pittsburgh in the area. The foreign folks seem to bump into each other at places like Pizza Hut -- where we talked with 7 from Okl. State Univ. They were sorry about the Sweet 16 -- something that had slipped my mind.

I'm getting a lot of good photos for making into quizes in the future.

more opinions from friends -- not mine - but nods

My concern is the "little guy" --- the middle class is paying the price for the horrible Murphy Administration. If there is a time for outrage, I hope people show up in force. The outrage should also be thrown towards City Council as well. They have done nothing to thrwart the Administration. They could have been brave and bold, but they were not!

I would be inclined to shut down all non-essential city services before doing what they propose. Things that would remain:

1) Police
2) Fire
3) Garbage
4) Skelton staff for public works.

Re: Act 47

My hunch, we'll see a huge rush from the suburban locations to insert a 1.5 percent tax on their people too -- to follow suit -- so as to NOT get any money to Pittsburgh.

So, this move by the city is an anchor / weight that is going to pull down the rest of the region as well.

All in all, it seems to ad to the downward spiral.

snip of email to me:
They came out with 233 page report...does not look good (as I expected) and there will be outrage with the amount of tax increases including 120/ year occupation tax

City property taxes from 10.8 mills to 11.34 mills (a 5 percent increase)

wage taxes on city residents from 1 percent to 1.5 percent.

Commuters, who now pay no earned income tax to the city, would be charged 1.4 percent, although their home municipalities with a wage tax would take their tax share out before the city gets its share.

Rec Center Coaches

Shows the Badminton and Volleyball Coaches at an open Rec Center. We played there and got to play in 2005 as well. The badminton coach, left, was on China's national team for a while years ago. He is an excellent coach. 

[412] Tune in the TV Show -- read the positon paper -- offer feedback -- see ya on June 17

Dear Southwestern Pennsylvania Comrades,

Hello from China's south west. While I'm a foreigner, you don't need to miss me. You can still get a glimpse of me and some of the issues I hold dear -- on PCTV 21 -- the Pittsburgh Cable Access TV Station. http://www.PCTV21.com.

Our COMMUNITY FORUM about the closing of city parks PUBLIC pools and Recreation Centers (taped at the National Aviary) plays on cable at:

Tuesday, May 25 7 to 8 pm
Thursday, May 27 1 to 2 pm

Tuesday, June 1 5 to 6 pm

Thursday, June 3 1 to 2 pm

Sunday, June 6 4 to 5 pm

Tuesday, June 8 8 to 9 pm

Wednesday, June 16 7 to 8 pm

The show mentions elements of the released (to PUBLIC DOMAIN) POSITION PAPER:
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/
Please check it out, offer comments, pass the world. John Craig, former PG boss and leader of the Riverlife Task Force has. With your help, future versions are sure to help the region.

As a side note, the Oversight Board's recent letter to our Mayor talked about his lack of COOPERATION. Months ago, an AP article and public statements from mentioned that the fiscal crisis is much less of a problem than the cooperation crisis. Now the rest are coming to see what many have know for a long time. At the public parks, pools, rec centers and playgrounds -- we teach our kids how to play well with others. Well, no need to rant from CHINA in this email. Understand real solutions are being put forth from these quarters -- and I'd love to have you help with the buzz.

At 6:30 pm, June 17 at South Vo Tech Library (yes, the only high school pending a closure -- sadly) we'll hold another forum and have a presentation from Penn State Univ. Extensions that shows resources for program leaders, parents, volunteers, coaches. Please download, print and pass along the one page PDF to invite your circle of contacts -- http://Play.CLOH.Org/hot/sos-june.pdf

Please save the date for a concert: This IS America. Expect a wonderful event slated for 6 pm on Friday, June 10 at the South Side's Club Cafe... http://S6.CLOH.Org.

Finally, the web log of this China trip is on-hold until either our return, or for next year's Cannes film festival. No sense in a making a distraction from watching the show with date and times above -- nor from reading version one of the position paper -- yet alone the third Harry Potter.

To make public remarks, email Parks-Positions-Noise at CLOH.Org

Thanks for your help.

Mark Rauterkus
china at Rauterkus.Com -----> best while on the road

opening the other pools

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04141/319194.stm

Details on how to open the other pools are a part of the postion paper I released a few weeks ago.

I'd love to have you or someone in the PG staff look into this and REPORT upon it. http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/

Many items there would help advance the discussion.

For example, one staff of seven could open and operate 14 pools -- working at two pools per day. Five work, two are on days off. Each pool would only once per week. But, it would open and that would help.

The SOS crew know NOTHING about swim pools -- and they have said as much to me on many instances. But, yet they are tossing their weight around with demands.

These are PUBLIC swim pools and that first concept should not tossed away -- baby with the bathwater pun in there somewhere.

Re: Got Political Fever?

Hi John,

Good to see you are going to do the event again. I won't be attending -- again. I'm in China.

However, I'd love to have you help with a few things I'm doing. I think your contacts would be very interested in these efforts.

#1. June 18 meeting at South Vo Tech High School -- on the last day of school -- about pools, rec centers, summertime efforts, parks -- and a position paper.
http://Play.CLOH.Org
A PDF - one page - is linked there.

#2. The new position paper is out and being talked about some -- by John Craig - former publisher of the PG and Riverlife Task Force, etc.
http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1

#3. A concert is slated for 6 pm, July 9, Club Cafe -- theme: This IS America. Great for political types. To be on TV too. So, there is some studio time possible.

Thanks.

Let's do another vote effort and get my involvement. I think that there are some new avenues that need to be explored in a meeting that I could help lead / present.

Take care. Good luck.

Mark Rauterkus
china at Rauterkus.com -- while on the road.


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My digital camera is out of the shop -- thankfully. Weekend trip to Xian.

Good day today running all around the city with my boys. Got badmitton set -- played at a badmitton staduim. Went to swim lessons.

Catherine and the two Pitt Grad students really had a lot of hard work teaching today. China is getting their value out of them. The class with 13 -- all sharp as a whip -- often is filled with 20+ students.

Re: July 11 -- suggested service blurb

Thanks for taking care of the loose end on the service on July 11. It will be great. Mindy is a gas and very very talented.

China is something else. We are very happy to be here -- but a bit out of step with the ways that are all around us. But, we are flexible and trying.

The boys are both great and bad -- each day -- each in his own right. You know parenting. Man, if only they could get at bit more at ease with each other and stay that way. Now they are in a nap and doing well for 2 hours. But this AM -- Erik was under my skin. They it was Grant yesterday.

Catherine's class is going well. The students are smart as can be and very dedicated.

Our e-toys -- my digital camera, etc., are not doing that well. So, my web log is not where I expected it to be.

I'm not getting many high-level interactions -- yet -- but perhaps that is to be expected. I'm just with the boys and we feel more like tourists. I had hoped to interact more at the swim pool with the other coaches. Oh, well.

Each day is full of new eye - opening observations.

Got to go.

Thanks again. Full slide shows and details upon our return.

Re: have you had a chance to visit this position paper?

Hi Mr. Craig,

My replies to your email (below) follow:

The HELP CENTER is a "big tent concept." It can begin ASAP -- by July/August 2004. It gathers offices under one roof. Recreation departments, school athletics, WPIAL, volunteers, race coordinators, permit offices --- all under one roof. The HELP CENTER gives citizens a one-stop vantage point to volunteer / engage. The old ALCOA building (Regional Enterprise Tower) is a big-tent for the non-profit sector. We need this hub building for kids, recreation, play, sports, parks. So, let's craft a HELP CENTER.

In due time, the HELP CENTER evolves into a new, free-standing entity -- a new branch of government -- a Pittsburgh PARK DISTRICT.

So, the HELP CENTER is a catalist in early months. But, in later years, after referendums, the HELP CENTER is part of the mission and an on-going outcome for service to citizens, coaches, players, staffers and volunteer leaders.

The physical building that is the HELP CENTER is within part of South Vo Tech High School -- and perhaps expanding to more than the first floor in due time. The HELP CENTER could exist with the existing school in a phase out mode.

As the HELP CENTER as part of the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT -- the final outcome -- think of a new governmental entity. Illinois has this model. PARK DISTRICTS are their own taxing bodies, with own elected leaders, with their own jurisdictions. The PITTSBURGH PARK District would start after a chain reaction of mergers and then a spin-out.

Various steps include:
Citiparks flows into the County Parks Dept.
Pgh Public Schools (for after-school and sports facility use) blends, plus CCAC facilities, Point State Park, Pgh Parks Conservancy, Riverlife Task Force (parts), some of the RAD Funds, and then the County Recreation Department all blend with the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTICT.

Accountability rests with the people -- as there are elected leaders and votes throughout. Democracy and self-determination is a HUGE part of this endeavor. Its constitution is something to talk about in future rounds of discussions.

On your #2 below.
No. We agree.
The County's major parks should be part of the same system with all the parks. I want to merge all park efforts and recreational efforts within the city and county. We will need stages and phases, perhaps.
So we agree. There would be a single office. But, I dare not call this an "authority" -- with appointed leaders. Rather a unit of government with elected leaders. But, this PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT would have the authority to manage, direct, own, etc.

I don't call for a total "ELMINATION of the RAD TAX." A total re-think, yes. And, the position paper calls for some of the RAD Districts responsibilities now serve a new master, i.e., the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT. So, some RAD efforts, such as libraries, would still go to and flow via the RAD BOARD. Libraries are not parks. We still need RAD efforts to continue for NON-PARKs elements.

But, we'd need to unravel some of the RAD duties and incomes and re-tool it with the formation of the new entity.

Furthermore, with the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT, the region gets a NEW TAXING GOVERMENT. We get an overlay that can assert taxes upon residents in a regional manner. So, your benefit of RAD -- the only regional entity -- is now expanded upon as we'd keep RAD (altered some) and insert a NEW regional entity. Our regional toolkit is greatly enhanced in the concepts within the Position Paper.

As to the other counties that are beyond Allegheny -- and the RAD and their right to self-determine their interplay or not -- this too becomes an issue -- in the long term views. I think that the PITTSBURGH PARK DISTRICT starts quickly and with four to six principal partners in the mergers. However, the scope of the Pittsburgh Park District would be able to expand to include other municipalities (i.e. Wilkinsburg) and other school districts (i.e., Quaker Valley and Sto Rocks). Then, as the quilt expands and is made more of a benefit -- sponsorships will help to drive this -- I see no reason why the Park District can't become an entity with multi-county jurisdictions.

Furthermore this vision is already in place in ILLINOIS. The Peoria Park District serves an area that expands beyond the home county. Some places are incorporated into the Park District -- and others choose to remain outside of it. So, the city of Washington might not want to be part of this entity -- but -- the rest of Washington County could opt in.

But, first we have to crawl, then walk and take it step by step. The kids in the city need to get this flowing more quickly.

Thanks for your comments and time.
I read your summary, which in itself is quite a piece of work, and can report the following:


1. I am not familiar with what you regularly refer to as "the fledgling help center"; What is it? That said, you seem to put a great many eggs it the center basket and it is difficult to assess the efficacy of the suggestions until I have a better understanding of the center, its makeup, its authority, its budget, to whom it is accountable, etc.

2. There is a second theme to what you write that I do not embrace, if I understand things properly: That is that Pittsburgh's major parks should be operated separately from major county parks. I think major parks (city and county) should be under a single authority and if possible other major parks outside Allegheny County should be included in what would be one regional system.

3. Far from getting rid of the RAD tax, which as a matter of law is required to support parks, I would assign it even more responsibility for regional assets like our major parks as well as the programs in those major parks. The RAD is the only regional tax we have and we would be out of our minds if we eliminated it. I do not have any problem with a slightly different method of putting people on the RAD board, most particularly people from outside the county, if their attractions are to get support. The problem is that when the enabling legislation for RAD was passed the contiguous counties did not vote to participate, which was their mistake. If they change their minds and embrace a truly regional approach to major park and recreation programs I would put them on the board

---------

From: Mark Rauterkus [mailto:Mark at Rauterkus.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:59 AM
To: Craig, John
Subject: have you had a chance to visit this position paper?


Hi Mr. Craig,

I released a postion paper that deals with many issues including the formation of a new, democratic, PARK DISTRICT.

I'd love for you to read it and react.

I'm not too fond of the Riverlife Task Force, however. Sorry in advance.

http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/

change for goodness sake -- not for change's sake

Hi Alison,

The change we need and crave in Pittsburgh is not how it seems in your recent PG article. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04136/316574.stm

For starters, the real change is the move to tadpole status. Not so long ago, Pittsburgh was a major city, 4th largest in the USA. We are now a fraction of what we used to be. Those who have been forcing change are forcing the shrinkage. Those who are asking for a traditional view and legacy viewpoint are the one's who are most upset at our failures in the recent decades.

To stay a tadpole -- not quite. Naysayers know that not only are the days of being a tadpole here -- but -- the pond is shrinking too. The fast forward to the present was horrid and full of folly, shrinkage, management of decline, lost attitudes and missed priorities. The face of change in Pittsburgh has been full of robust acceleration to nothingness. The ones who are with pause are capable of really seeing the decline.

The tag of tadpole is the handiwork of the rulers. The power elite has starved the people and the real Pittsburgh.

The beginning of something new around here has always been more shrinkage. With changes for the worse, Pittsburgh's people grew and advanced elsewhere. Too many have left. Too many changed and chose pathways elsewhere. The precise stagnation we are now experiencing isn't a will against change. Rather it is a will against foolishness and hurtful changes.

The largest remaining primitive creature in our landscape is hype. The swamp is full of one-way thinkers. Back-patting won't fix Pittsburgh.

Encouraging changes, mergers and revisions in our budgets, our governments and our attitudes, may or may not be signs of dragging fiscal feet. Quicksand of our own making, to me, it seems, is to offer little but feel-good chatter.

Tonight was my birthday, and I enjoyed a meal with ethnic food never tasted. Yesterday I visited an art marketplace. Our recent walk along a riverfront park was next to the Fube River. So, I follow your logic, to a degree. I've told someone about something new and exciting in Pittsburgh. But, to get the ball rolling, as you say, it will take more than hype and conventioneers' talk. It would be great for our region if the PG really covered some new ideas and didn't scold for those who are NOT in the goose-step mode. To herald change, advance discussions and insist upon making changes for the better.

And, if interested in real changes --- I'd love to hear your feedback on the position paper I released at http://DSL.CLOH.Org/v1/ .

Oversight Board phone # as per Brian O'N's PG coverage.

Now you can call 412-288-3803
Ask them if they read the POSITION PAPER.

Consolidation worries with Tom at the HELM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04136/316927.stm


Mayor Tom Murphy's public support for consolidation is a joke. It has taken him 11 years in office to finally get 911 services to merge and make sense. There is little else more basic for people's welfare to pick up a phone in a time of dire emergency and call for help by dialing 911. That is a root service that needs attention. We can build stadiums and department stores in the Murphy Administration, but we can't fix roads, bridges and offer true public service.

The city's imminent budget problems, Murphy said, is the oversight board's job. The shame in that quote goes to how Murphy has given up on himself and his duty as Mayor. He MUST leave the office.

In an interview Thursday, Murphy said the Pittsburgh region would save the most money by focusing on dissolving school districts and police departments, rather than the city's government. WRONG. What Pittsburgh needs is a set of moves into the other direction from where Murphy would have us follow. I'd rather see MORE school districts with a horizontal split of Pgh Public Schools so as to make more, smaller, districts. Todays PPS District is too big and could be effective as a 9-12 district and a start-up of three to five smaller K-8 districts, each with their own elected boards.

James C. Roddey said that Pittsburgh won't solve the [consolidation] problems this year. So sad and so true. However, the biggest road block to progress is none other than Tom Murphy. We do need to start now, with discussions.

[via China] Fw: lazarus is empty and its best use

Hi,

I'm writting from Chengdu, western China, about the empty, subsidized Lazarus. The economy in China is overheating. One report credited China for 25% of the world's volume for economic transactions.

Rather than one store, (Walmart or Target), or even two, (Circuit City), let's convert the space into a home for 200 shops.

Chengdu's computer row has a number of larger buildings with seemingly countless vendors, dealers, reps, agents, and very brisk business. Hundreds of places sell digital cameras. Within blocks, computer desk makers, paper suppliers, printers, copy centers and more mp3 players than you can imagine.

The small business marketplace is Pittsburgh's weakness. More organic, diverse, cutting-ege, creative, companies with local owners are needed. I think all subsidized development is lame, but handouts to ONE corporate neighbor and not 200, is 200-times worse.

Ta.

Mark Rauterkus
China at Rauterkus.com

Working on PPS Athletic Reform since 2004, at least

[Parks] Fw: Sinking or Swimming?

From: rnbphoto7

From: Charles J McCollester
To: Gene Ricciardi ; Sala Udin

Dear Gene and Sala:
I'd appreciate it if you would share this with your colleagues. It was submitted to the P-G. It is in both text and attachment forms.
Charles McCollester


The issue of the pools, recreation and senior citizen centers is finally coming to a boil. The manifest unfairness and brutality of their closings last summer struck at the heart of the city's relationship to its resident workers and their neighborhoods. The very services that impact most directly the ability of the neighborhoods to
provide viable places to raise a new generation of Pittsburghers were not simply cut back proportionately, they were eradicated. This is a family survival issue.

Insult was then added to injury when duly elected officials were supplanted by not one, but two state-appointed commissions descending on Pittsburgh accompanied by the audible sharpening of knives as they informed the long-suffering residents that they need to tighten their belt and trim the fat. One of the commissions in a noble gesture of solidarity with the pain of our fair city will be reimbursed close to
a million dollars to tell us about our need to make further sacrifices. That million could fund all the pools for this summer. With governmental responsibility divided, the stage is set for a vigorous round of finger pointing instead of action while the Burgh sinks.

The central issue is how to adequately fund the city services of the City of Pittsburgh by developing funding streams that are not cut out of the hide of the resident and small to medium-sized local businessperson who presently bears the bulk of the burden. This can be done in three ways: extending the business privilege tax to the large presently-exempt corporations, banks and utilities; negotiating
reimbursement from the large ?non-profits? like hospitals and universities for services provided (while continuing exemption for churches and small non-profits); getting some fair sharing of the burden by the two-thirds of Pittsburgh's workers who live outside the city and pay very little for its wear and tear. Reform should neither be at the cost of our police and fire protection, nor decent union contracts for city workers who are nearly all residents. Reform should not be done on the backs of the children and elderly, nor should it undermine the health and safety of our citizens.

Much hope is being expended on the efforts of private generosity to mitigate the situation for the coming summer. The Elsie Hillman-Salah Udin initiative is one such worthy effort; the more apparently grassroots effort, Save Our Summer, is another. While these initiatives should be recognized and encouraged, they in no way should
be seen as a vehicle for the abrogation of either public input or responsibility. These pools, recreation centers, and senior centers are extremely valuable taxpayer-owned properties. They represent, with our great public parks, greenways and libraries, an important part of our historic legacy as Pittsburghers. There is a real danger that these building blocks of our common wealth as residents will be grabbed by private interests.

What is most distressing is the lack of public input. Unfortunately, this follows a longstanding Pittsburgh tradition that has ill-served us in the past. What we need is a public - private - community partnership to keep all the pools, recreation centers and senior centers open; every one of them for at least one year. We don't need another unelected group to make strategic decisions about what recreation the city of Pittsburgh is offering and where. Why ten pools? Why these ten? Who decided the winners and losers? The southern third of the city looks especially hard hit. What public process decided this? It is past time for City Council to exhibit some serious
interest in their responsibility as our elected representatives and fight for the preservation of these critical family and neighborhood assets.

We should invite all concerned citizens and neighborhood organizations interested in setting up Pool and Centers Committees to assist in the operation and promotion of the facilities in close coordination with city workers and their elected representatives. We need to honor union contracts as well as demonstrate respect for the knowledge and skill of city workers especially in the areas of safety, sanitation and maintenance.

In Philadelphia, when about twenty percent of the pools were deemed no longer viable, they were offered to neighborhood groups with assistance to take them over.

The critical failing of the former Pittsburgh pools system were the unreasonable barriers to access erected by a ridiculously bureaucratic and centralized system of passes and metal tokens. To operate efficiently each pool must control its own access and collect day fees from users - both resident and non-resident. Each pool must be allowed to retain the bulk of revenue it earns for its own maintenance and renovation. The pools should be understood as regional assets that can attract people from surrounding towns. We need maps to show people where the pools are and what parking or public transportation is available to access them.

Last summer's punishing of city families for the mismanagement of the city's affairs by the rich and the powerful was reprehensible. As the second summer approaches with our youth on the streets and old folks without a place to go, the whole mess is compounded by the proliferation of new imposed, unelected governmental structures that dilute both authority and responsibility. We need more participation,
democracy and accountability -- not less.

Pittsburghers unite! It is time to fight for our city.


Charles McCollester is a resident of Mt. Washington, professor of
employment relations and the director of the Labor Center at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania.

[via China] We are all doing well

Hi Mom,

Happy Mothers Day....
We are doing well. I'm having a bit of trouble with the internet and the computer.... plus with the digital camera, but things are fine otherwise.

Upon our arrival Erik had a bunch of nose-bleeds. They have ended.

Yesterday I had a bit of an explosion in my digestive system --- but that was just messy in the bathroom.

If that is the worst of it -- we are doing well.

Catherine is now teaching her third class. Yesterday the size of the class rose from 13 to 21.

Of interest, since 2000, they have had a 7-day holiday starting May 1. Then on the 8th and 9th -- sat and sun -- they get right back to work. So, there wasn't a typical weekend. Sat and Sun were work days.

Beijing was nice.

Bikes are everywhere - no helmets.

Our boys are a bit of a eye opener for the locals. We get a lot of stares -- but not too much. Lots of people don't understand English.

This is a huge city. First day the sky was milky -- no clouds, nothing but a white blur above. Hardly able to see the shine of the sun behind the cover. Then the second day the real smog came and has been with us since. Hardly able to see the buildings 3 or 4 blocks away. There is a smell in the air of car fumes, gas/deisel.

Our apartment is nice. It is on the 5th floor of a complex with 5 larger (24 stories) buildings. Guards at the gate, small playground, more exclusive than most other places I'm sure.

We are taking a lot of urban hikes.

More homework for the boys. Today in the afternoon we'll drop by the American Consolate office just for good measure. Then tomorrow we hope to start our looking for violins. Saw some in Beijing's department store for $50 with case and bow.

Love to all.

Mark, Erik, Grant and Catherine

Blunders - cut from the plan on parks

Heinz Field is on prime property and is used 15 times a year. Extra
escalators built in 2004 cost an amount equal to the entire Citiparks
budget.

PNC Park, built on prime property, is used by a team that isn¹t able to win. The new, glorious field attract fewer fans than Three Rivers Stadium. Opening day at PNC Park in 2004 came with 1,000 unsold tickets. Closing day at Three Rivers Stadium came despite a $30-million pubic debt.

Do not build a horse race track in the city. Fish in Pittsburgh have a better place to swim (new Zoo and Aquarium ) than the kids. Next we¹ll give horses a better place to race than our kids.

Close Pitt Stadium and say it was used only a few times a year -- if you overlook its offices, state of art strength and conditioning facilities, medical support for all sports, daily band practices, intramural venue, walking track, Track & Field venue, WPIAL, City and PIAA playoffs, graduations.

Do not rush to build a merry-go-round in Oakland and vacate 170 parking spaces in Schenley Plaza. Push for bike lanes and pedestrian bridges, not more cars parking on the street.

Don¹t close the Civic Arena. People don¹t go to the Circus and Disney On Ice wishing for luxury boxes.