Backlash rolls against POLITICIANS in Harrisburg

Here is a nice effort. They have a fiddle MP3 knock off radio ad too. Critique follows.

YCOP Announces Multi-Media Campaign Targeting State Legislators Who Voted for Unconstitutional Pay Increase

HARRISBURG (Aug. 15, 2005)If the state legislators who voted themselves an unconstitutional pay raise thought the summer heat would evaporate the matter from the collective conscience of the taxpayers, they thought wrong.

Young Conservatives of Pennsylvania (YCOP) is producing a multi-media campaign comprising a web site, radio ads, billboards and bumper stickers to fan the flames of a grassroots brushfire across the Commonwealth and encourage repeal of the unconstitutional measure.

The first leg of the campaign begins this week with the launch of InformedPA.com and radio ads that will air on stations in the portion of the state represented by State Senate President Pro Tempore Bob Jubelirer, who voted himself a whopping 34% pay increase.

Visitors to InformedPA.com can hear the radio ads, view the billboards that YCOP will begin popping up later this summer, make a contribution for a "Remember The Pay Raise!" bumper sticker, or even sponsor another InformedPA billboard.

"Instead of defending the unconstitutional pay raise and ignoring the growing public outrage, legislative leaders should rush forward to repeal the measure," said State Chairman Chris Lilik.

For more information on this project please visit www.InformedPA.com.

For starters, I love the bumper sticker, "Remember the Pay Raise." Perfect. Get one if you wish. That's classic and gets two thumbs up.

A negative ad is a negative ad. I'm not fully against negative ads as I often rail against negative ads -- being negative myself.

The bluegrass fiddle music that plays in the background of the radio ad is over the top and hits me as "elitist." Stuffy republicans want to talk down to the people about a 30-year state senator and play hick music to score points is out of whack.

Background music is needed, for sure. But make it blend into the background. Make it pop, a solo rif or more like an orchestra.

Putting a photo on a billboard is POSITIVE -- even if it is a hit. The hit isn't strong enough. I think, in the end, it is going to be a help, not a hit.

I have questions about the motivation of the overall goal, but perhaps that remains to be proven and waits for another wave of postings.

For example, the voting record for the state politicians, with a listing of all their names, only goes an inch deep. No elected politician in Harrisburg raised a voice on the floor of either chamber to object to the middle of the night legislation. I think that the list is presented to give a lot of cover for a lot of people who need the cover.

Compendium Institute and its software: Anyone else in Pittsburgh fiddle with this?

Are there others in Pittsburgh doing anything with this open-source software utility? MeetUp, huddle, whatever?

Compendium Institute Compendium has three key elements: a shared visual space where ideas can be generated and analyzed, a methodology that allows the exploration of different points of view, and a set of tools for quickly and easily sharing data both within and beyond the boundaries of the group. The process enables people to negotiate collective understanding 'on the fly,' capture the discussions, and share representations of their knowledge digitally across communities of practice -- an approach crucial in keeping collaborative efforts on track and on time. More...

Happy Life without a law degree

Pittsblog has a thread and reactions to life in Pittsburgh as a lawyer. Sorry to take this out of context, but anyway... My $.02 posted over there includes:

The low risk mindset in business means tiny action in new/emerging business, and coldness to the entrepreneur spirit.

Hence, the upside is more like a rolling hill and less like a mountain peak.

Plus, we've got a FORTUNE 500 culture too. Heavy rewards are associated with staying within the box, protecting what you've got.

Finally, the fortunes around here came with a tightness to the goods, the carbon-based products and the raw materials.

Bankers were eager to give millions to six-color, perfecting, waterless, plateless printing press -- but wouldn't give a nickle for a book idea, brand building, or knowledge content delivery unless a dozen patents and a Fortune 500 sponsor was to co-sign.

Lawyers in Pgh are asked to play DEFENSE all the time. That ain't as much fun just for variety's sake.

Yet we are wired to work hard, build, make things -- and the lawyers have their noses to the other grindstone with lower satisfaction, frankly.

Jeepers, it sucks to be you. But it is fun to talk about your quagmire of gloom. =;0

The only thing worse than being a lawyer in a town with a Fortune 500 mindset is being a lawyer in the political realm in a town without an ounce of common sense in how to govern and budget.

Insights from Operation Clean Sweep on repealing the Pay Raise in Harrisburg

The latest news from Operation Clean Sweep, an effort to kick-out greedy politicians from public office brings this insight.

The proposed bill in Harrisburg to repeal the "unvouchered expenses" portion of the pay raise is sponsored by Rep. Will Gabig of PA's 199th District. Although it may seem like a good idea on the surface, we say to Rep. Gabig: "Not good enough!"

We demand a FULL repeal of HB 1521, the pay raise bill, including the salary increases for the executive and judicial branches. The wording could be very simple; something like "HB 1521 is hereby repealed andt his repeal goes into effect immediately. All unvouchered expense reimbursements already received by legislators shall be turned over to the General Fund within ten days."

What's curious is Rep. Gabig's reasoning that the unvouchered expenses are unconstitutional. We absolutely agree and have argued this point since July 7. But Rep. Gabig voted YES on the pay raise and initially stated he would accept the unvouchered expenses. Is Rep. Gabig admitting that he just wasn't sure what the PA
Constitution says and has personally violated it by voting for an unconstitutional bill?

That would be a severe offense for a member of the General assembly, as their oath of office swears them to defending and upholding the Constitution. We believe Rep. Gabig's actions are a clear violation of his oath of office. We also view his sponsorship of this bill as nothing more than disingenuous backpedaling.

We're going to see a lot of this kind of backpedaling over the coming months. We'll also have to withstand the incumbents' usual ploy of delivering those oversized novelty checks to try to buy our support. We say ignore them. We can't be bought. We have principles. If they `stick it to us' once, they'll surely do it again if they get the chance.

The Sunday PG had a story on the pay grab on its front page.

The Sunday PG also devoted a good chunk of its front page on the lack of news from the British tabloids. So, our front page news is about their lack of decent front page news? That's worthy and par for the course in Pittsburgh.

Blog Fest III coverage

My only quibble with the article and photo rests in perception of civility among the blog readers and comments at "political blogs."

My impression is that the folks in the real world as well as those online have been respectful on all most all instances.

City's bloggers actually get together face-to-face: Many of the roughly 30 bloggers at Thursday's 'Blogfest' at Finnigan's Wake bar said they have steered clear of politics lately -- writing about it often provokes a burst of brutally negative responses from one side or another, which are no fun to get.

'I never write about politics -- the conflict gets a little too hot,' said Robert, who did not want his last name used. Rather, on his new blog 'Gclectic,' he writes a lot about engineering and geek culture.

Central Park Bench: Skateboard park petition

Don't do it!

Central Park Bench: Skateboard park petition: "Skateboard park petition

Don't.

There are a few other, much, much better ideas. I'd strongly suggest you DON'T do the skateboard park. Give me a call or email -- and I'll be happy to explain, in person, in detail.

I was at the opening of the skateboard park in Pittsburgh at McKinley -- just behind the Liberty Tubes. On opening day THREE kids went to the E.R. THREE on the first day.

Ranting on Republicans. Wanting urban votes for suburban candidates with D history. No thanks.

Letter sent to a Trib reporter and CCed as a LTE:

RE: http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/westmoreland/s_363299.html

Harrisburg Republicans have serious problems. Money flows to NEW Republicans. They don't do anything to grow their own.

Hence, W.PA witnesses money to the former Dem to defeatt Alan K. and money to the turncoat Dem, Michael Diven, to loose to Wayne Fontana in MY State Senate special election.

I was in the Diven, Fontana race. That fact was failed to be printed in your article. Both the D and R out-spent me about 500 to one. Yet Diven only out-voted me five to one.

It would be best if you mentioned my name as part of the race on May 17, 2005. As a Libertarian, I got 2,542 votes from a base of 250 registered Ls on a PRIMARY election day. Those great numbers, and more than 7% in a three way race, can't be ignored.

I'll be back.

Would you like me to mail you a copy of my campaign audio CD?

Thanks for the article and for telling the whole story. Not a single Libertarian voted for the outlandish pay raise. I would HAVE not only voted with the people, but would have been objecting in the open all along.

KDKA: Pittsburgh Task Force Not Firm on Slots Money for Arena

Does anyone care to inform KDKA TV that Tom Murphy is NOT one of the two most powerful politicians in Pittsburgh. Mayor Murphy is a lame duck who was a marathon runner and he couldn't even keep the Pittsburgh Marathon alive.

If Murphy wants money from slots to go to the new hockey arena, then that is good enough reason to object to the concept.

KDKA: Pittsburgh Task Force Not Firm on Slots Money for Arena The two most powerful politicians in Pittsburgh agree that some revenue from a slot machine parlor to be located in the city should be used to build a new arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

But the task force charged with studying the idea says there's no consensus on how the money should be used.

Mayor Tom Murphy and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato are both pushing the new arena proposal.

But the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force, which is studying the impact of the standalone slots parlor to be built in the city, says there are too many options on how to use the city's share of those revenues to commit to arena funding.

The group is supposed to issue its recommendations on the project -- and how to use the local revenues -- by November.

The standalone slots parlor should NOT be built in the city. Rather we should have the new parlor operators purchase the Pittsburgh Convention Center. Then the slots income could begin in earnest at the close of the 2006 MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game.

It makes no sense to wait while a new casino is built. We have a suitable building that is sitting empty that can be a great site for the casino in the short-and-long term.

County Council Candidate website: Jim Burn, D

Link, not an endorsement, follows. Jim Burn I am running for Allegheny County Council in District Three because I see many issues that are similar to what we have been facing in Millvale, where I have been Mayor for the past 12 years.
I don't see much if anything at all in terms of a "platform" at the nice looking site.

Final Three Shows for the band: The 3 of Us

These folks sing, "A Nation of Burgers and Fries." They have a few recorded CDs and are a PA band. Figures that one is going to move out of state. Bitter ending.

Their one tune was on my campaign CD. They play folk -- and make great music with a mix of voices. Grassroots and great.

We hope that you'll be able to join 'The 3 of Us' as we finish another chapter in our musical journeys. Jeff will be moving out of state at the end of August, and we have decided to retire "The 3 of Us"; but take with many fond memories from the last decade +. We have dedicated nearly 1/3 of our lives to meeting great people and hopefully spreading some good music and goodwill along the way. We have, appropriately enough, 3 more appearances where you can catch us in the next week:

Sunday, August 14th - The Wolf's Den Restaurant Patio - Knox, PA - 4:00 - 7:00 - 814-797-1105 - www.wolfsden.com - This is an Open Mic, so if you're one of the marvelous musicians that we've met along our journeys we encourage you to bring your instruments and help us entertain.

Friday, August 19th - The Franklin Club Car Cruise - Franklin, PA - 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 21st (OUR FINAL SHOW!!!) - The Wolf's Den Restaurant Patio - Knox, PA - 4:00 - 7:00 - 814-797-1105 - www.wolfsden.com

We hope that you'll make room on your schedule to come out and say hi. As a special parting gift, we're offering all 'The 3 of Us' merchandise for only $5!!!!! Better in your hands than gathering dust in our garages, so if you've been hoping to pick up a copy of Allegheny Hideaway or Sketches, this is a great opportunity.

Just some fun facts about the year we were formed:

Bill Clinton was less than 1/2 way through his first term;

The top grossing movie of 1994: Forrest Gump;

Top Pop / Rock Single of 1994: Ace of Base - The Sign (boy, we bucked that trend);

In 1994 Gas cost $1.09 / gallon;

Top news stories of 1994: The "Republican Revolution"; O.J. Simpson; The Major League Baseball Strike cancels the World Series; Susan Smith; Tonya Harding & Nancy Kerrigan; South African elections; John & Lorena Bobbit; and the death of Jackie O'.

What a long strange trip it's been. Hope to see you this week.

Jerry, Jeff, & Jenny

It is hard to say if I'll catch one of the final shows. But, I'll try. And, you should too if you can. I'm sure sad that they're going to split.

Reunion tours can be fun too!

Blog Fest was well attended -- even by the PG

Another nice party from those instigators at www.PghBloggers.org was held.

I was the one with the tye-die t-shirt and kids in tow who seemed as if he just arrived from spending the day at the outdoor swimming pool.

Tim McN and a PG photographer was present. We didn't get our photo taken.

---

John of Drinking Liberally was there too. That event was a bit later, but at the same venue.

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In other blog and wiki stories these hours, this is of interest and makes for a good reason to attend those types of gatherings.

Posted by Steve Outing: Mainstream Press Messes Up Wikipedia Story

This is an item about a story that I got wrong -- and so did many blogs, and mainstream media on at least four continents. And for those people distrustful of what they read in mainstream media (not to mention, blogs), it will probably encourage that viewpoint.

Here's the story: On Monday, the wire service Reuters carried this story
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050805/wl_nm/media_wikipedia_dc) about comments that Wikimedia president Jimmy Wales made to a German newspaper. In it, Wales supposedly said that the Wikipedia open-access Web encyclopedia ould impose stricter editorial rules to prevent vandalism. The Wales quote from ueddeutsche Zeitung read: "There may soon be so-called stable contents. In this case, we'd freeze the pages whose quality is undisputed." Reuters repeated that.

The story spread worldwide. Bloggers wrote about it (including me http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=31&aid=86822). Lots of mainstream news outlets carried it, citing the German paper's report.

But there's a problem: Wales didn't say that. He told me in an e-mail exchange and a phone call this morning: "The interesting thing is that the media simply made up the story about us permanently locking some pages. It's just not true. ... There is absolutely no truth at all to the story. None, zero. It is a complete and total fabrication from start to finish."

Wales says the problem appears to be in the translation. He was in Germany recently and was interviewed by dozens of reporters, including from the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. He thinks the SZ reporter may have misinterpreted his comments. Then Reuters apparently translated his comments in German back to English, and his meaning got turned into something he didn't say.

(Here's what he did say, as relayed by Wales on Slashdot.org (http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?cid=13256889&sid=158204&tid=187)
: "I spoke to one journalist about our longstanding discussions of how to create a 'stable version' or 'Wikipedia 1.0.' This would not involve substantial changes to how we do our usual work, but rather a new process for identifying our best work." In other words, no announcement -- just a mention of longstanding internal discussions.)

Meanwhile, bloggers and mainstream news organizations trusted the Reuters report (and thus SZ's) enough to write it up on their own without contacting Wales to confirm that it was accurate. The faulty news spread quickly around the world.

Obviously, this is a rather sad indictment of media practices. An inaccurate report can quickly circle the world. It's not just a case where blogs pick up bad items and the blogosphere amplifies them; the same thing can happen with mainstream news outlets.

And here's yet another angle to the story that's unflattering to mainstream media. Wales says: "The story seems to have legs, even though we've contacted Reuters and every other outlet to try to get a correction, no one seems to care at all. ... No response. We're important enough to write about, but not important enough for them to listen to at all." ... Well, here's at least one correction. Mea culpa.

It stinks to get the news wrong at the first blush. It stinks much worse to not correct the errors when given the opportunity for a second take.

The FREEDOM march in DC needs a registration? Well, 254 comments flew up on that guys blog.

EschatonFREEDOM!

The Carpetbagger Report makes the obvious point that it's a bit odd that one has to register - name/telephone number/address - to participate in a 'freedom walk' along public streets between public monuments.

Odd concept of freedom.
-Atrios 9:52 AM
Comments (254) Trackback (0)

High Schoolers Want More Demanding Work

High School kids are not asking for more lock-downs at bed-times. (See the story in the next posting). I think kids thrive and welcome opportunities to face challenges. Every kid can't be pushed in every setting. But too often we push nobody in any setting.

By Monisha Bansal

(CNSNews.com) -- American high school students generally want more difficult coursework, but are willing to cheat in order to handle the pressure that accompanies the more challenging work, according to the Horatio Alger Association, which released a report Tuesday on the "State of Our Nation's Youth."

"The state of America's youth provides invaluable insight into the attitudes, perspectives, and goals of America's young people," said Anthony Hutcherson, communications specialist for the Horatio Alger Association.

"There is no sense that the status quo is acceptable. What students are saying is that we want to raise the bar. We want to do things differently," said Peter D. Hart, president of the firm that conducted the survey.

Eighty-eight percent of students aged 13 to 19 said schools weren't doing enough, and that they would work harder if expectations were higher, the survey results demonstrated. They called for more real-world learning opportunities, earlier advice about careers and more opportunities for advanced placement courses.

"Four years after No Child Left Behind (Bush education initiative), there is no difference in how students rate their own schools. It's acceptable, but not impressive," said Hart.

The survey also revealed a high level of dishonesty among today's American teenaged students. Half of them admitted to cheating and 97 percent said they knew students who had cheated.

"In a world where all institutions from athletes to business corporations to the media are not playing by the rules, you can hardly be shocked that students say that they are cheating," said Hart.

Nitika Sethi, a high school junior from Vienna, Va., explained that "there is a drive to get the grade and students are willing to go to new limits to get a certain percentage at the end of the marking period."

The survey reported that 80 percent of students considered pressure over grades a problem. Combined with the many other issues potentially producing anxiety for teens, like the threat of terrorism, Hart concluded that high school students are facing a "more serious world than ever before.

High Schoolers Cheat, But Want More Demanding Work -- GOPUSA

Group wants curfew center opened again - No need if they just reopened CHAUNCY'S

Better than a cerfew center -- just re-open the Station Square nightspot formerly known as CHAUNCY'S.

Group wants curfew center opened again - PittsburghLIVE.com

Street-savvy youngsters in Pittsburgh know the police can't touch them for breaking curfew, but their late-night carousing has at least one neighborhood group calling for changes.

Chauncy's was famous for drinks, thugs, gun violations, high-life and bitter-sweet endings in the parking lots. The nightclub resided in a commercial district -- away from homes, sleeping kids and easy for police to buzz with "raids."

Once the casino opens, we might have a suitable replacement as well. Perhaps we can get the casino's bar to call itself CHAUCY'S and then we'd have a real magnet for maggots. The upside is that the police don't have to babysit at a curfew center.

I'm one who would rather not build a new jail but provide better things for people to do instead -- like recreation. Let's start a dozen water polo teams around town.

Rep's "Charity" Dig Just Plain Wrong

There's an taped radio interview of Jess Stairs, R-Mt. Pleasant, complaining that his constituents are upset that he was going earmark his enormous pay raise to charitable organizations.

Is Mr. Stairs oblivious to reality or just THAT STUPID.

If he receives an additional $11,000 in his paycheck and Mr. Stairs donates some, or all, of that to charities...HE STILL GETS A TAX BREAK! And it's also been reported that the $11,000 would also be put toward his pension fund.

He gives nothing up by giving it away. Sure, his favorite pork "pet projects" get funded, and he gets patted on the back by all of the machine politicians that keep him in power. D or R, the pay grab was wrong.

Guys like Harry Readshaw, D-Carrick, did the right thing. Told everyone from day one that he wasn't going to accept the greedy pay raise. Mr. Readshaw, in a career before politics, was a full-time funeral director. Heck, sometimes you call the Readshaw Funeral Home on a Saturday and Harry might answer the phone!

Mr. Readshaw is the rare Pennsylvania public servant. He probably took a pay cut to have the distinction of driving four hours to Harrisburg. The best thing ever in Mr. Readshaw's political career was when he lost his bid for City Council more than a decade ago. He's done a much better job in our state's Capital.

Guys just like Stairs and state Senator Sean Logan--who was going to take the pay raise before radio's Fred Honsberger said that he might run for the seat himself--are not worthy of our trust when it comes to personal gain. Some of the guys are more honest: "I work 24/7 and deserve every cent I get," says the elected leader least qualified to lead.

True leaders say this pay grab is wrong. I don't want any part of it. "My constituents, many of whom are far more educated than I, don't make nearly $69,000, let alone $80,000 annually," is the right thing to say.

Too bad we don't have more more "leaders" who know how to lead.

'Open government' referendum for Pittsburgh fails to get on November ballot

The PG gave a good amount of ink to a proposition that didn't get onto the ballot. Sadly, the effort didn't get enough signatures. The bar is high in terms of the total numbers needed to get onto the ballot. But, such is life.

So, the amendment is off -- but -- David T is on. Things would have been much better to get both onto the ballot. There is a bit of zip when there are multiple areas of concern rather than a lone-wolf effort.

However, getting the 4,000 signatures will help with voters when it comes to pulling a lever on election day. It gave a bit of a kick-start to the outreach of the campaign.

'Open government' referendum for Pittsburgh fails to get on November ballot: "Open government' referendum for Pittsburgh fails to get on November ballot

Pittsburghers won't have a chance to vote for an 'open government' referendum on Nov. 8, but they will be able to vote for the referendum's creator -- longtime activist and Squirrel Hill resident David Tessitor.

Tessitor, former head of Pittsburghers for Open Government, is running for mayor as an independent candidate.

He met a deadline yesterday to file more than 1,000 signatures with the Allegheny County Elections Division, and he joins two third-party mayoral hopefuls, Titus North of the Green Party and Jay Ressler of the Socialist Workers Party.

Joe Weinroth is the Republican nominee for mayor and Bob O'Connor is the Democratic nominee.

The referendum needed 8,493 signatures to get on the November ballot, and a group of 100 volunteers managed to collect about half that number over the last seven weeks, Tessitor said.

If approved by voters, the referendum would have amended the city charter to require that all public documents and video of public meetings be made available on the city's Web site.

It also would have created a citizen advisory panel, open to any city resident, property owner, taxpayer or business owner. The panel would give residents more opportunities to voice their concerns to the mayor and City Council.

'It's designed to open government communication in two directions,' Tessitor said.

He said Pittsburghers for Open Government will conduct a new signature campaign either during the winter or next summer.

Now the pressure is on Weinroth to not finish the election in third, fourth or fifth place.

If the Green Party and Socialist Party candidates are any good at all, and if they would choose to work together by showing up at the same events and on the same blocks to door-knock -- then they might be able to beat the Republican candidate. But, that would be asking a lot.

The Socialist Party has a history of running candidates for Mayor as a party awakening effort. They buzz about themselves and have more meaningful meetings.

The Green Party in the area has a long, long way to go to get on its feet so as to have some strength in issues as well as candidates. I am hopeful that they will now have something to brag about and build up the organization. The Greens in other parts of the country are much stronger than what we have in Pittsburgh. But, Pittsburgh should be a hot-bed for Green-party activity. People often put a high value on being "sustainable" and on being "friendly to the environment." But, the transition to Green Party Politics is not generally made in the minds of many locals.

BlogPac.org :: Pennsylvania = a blog aggregator

Seems that the PghBloggers.org site has had some reorganization. The summit is on Thursday. I'll try to attend and get the keen, in-person insights.

Another lineup of blogs in politics is blogpac.org/section/pennsylvania/

BlogPac.org :: Pennsylvania Writing a blog post is not enough. Reading a blog post is not enough. Commenting on a blog is not enough. The next step requires doing something.

BlogPac.org is that next step -- a group of bloggers not content to simply write words or read them, but eager to take action on the pressing issues of our day.

BlogPac is waging politics online.

Declaration of Action - another site dedicated to kicking out the bumbs in Harrisburg

Declaration of ActionThis is our house.
Something's wrong.
We need to fix it.

GOP wants urban voters

GOP wants urban voters - PittsburghLIVE.com

Republican leaders on Thursday used Pittsburgh -- a city controlled by Democratic elected officials for seven decades -- as an example of where the GOP hopes to expand its membership with minorities and inner-city voters who traditionally align more with Democrats.

Despite what Jo Ann Davidson says, the GOP gave up on the urban center. It might like to troll for votes from time to time -- to perk up the hopes of the likes of Rick Santorum. However, the GOP does not want to do anything with candidates, backing, support, insights, teamwork nor real interactions among citizens.

'We believe there are many people that populate these urban cities that are Republican-leaning,' said Republican National Committee Co-Chairwoman Jo Ann Davidson. 'We're not giving up on the urban centers.'

Theme was: "Give Us A Chance, We'll Give You A Choice: Strengthening Lincoln's Legacy."

Should be: Get out of our way, otherwise, we'll take our toys and turn our backs: Strengthening the Top Down Attitudes of History.

The GOP is doing "outreach." Great concept. But, GOP outreach is not about locking arms. The GOP need is less to do with a broad GOP party base and more about getting a broad vision of the GOP's party leadership. The GOP needs more urban leaders. Today's GOP wants urban voters for suburban GOP candidates.

The best way for the GOP to attract more Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and other groups is to recruit and support candidates for local office races from those populations. Associate with the grassroots players. Support them in running for local office.

Another way to grow the party is to have some standards of principle. Don't pimp yesterday's Democrats as the next great hope for leading Republicans. The Harrisburg City Councilman Otto Banks, a former Democrat who switched to the Republican Party early this year. Banks, who is seeking re-election in November as a Republican, said he spoke in the session about how he became attracted to the GOP because the party offers blacks "a choice to become captains of our own ship, so to speak."

WRONG. The Diven story comes to life again. I talked to many Republicans who were not impressed with the new Republicans who left the Dem ranks in name only.

The best example of Republican outreach as talked about in the article is a poor pitty.

Urban voters and urban citizens and urban leaders who want a real alternative to the Democrats should come be a part of the Libertarian party. I tried for a number of years as an Urban Republican. I walked miles in those GOP shoes -- and the fit wasn't there for me.

Our Media Rocks

Ourmedia.org promises to be the world's largest repository of grassroots media.

Wow. This is great stuff.

I've been using these tools more and more -- and using my own website less and less. I've got so many images and video clips that need to be organized. Perhaps this is the ticket to getting our digital dust in order.

My username is "Rauterkus." No data there yet. Stay tuned....

Athens Games to cost $16 billion - up by 18 percent

SI.com - More Sports - Sticker shock: Athens Games to cost $16 billion - Tuesday August 9, 2005 4:55PM The cost of the Athens Olympics is expected to rise to $16 billion, 18 percent higher that previously estimated.

By the way, how much did the US Senior Games cost the city?

What about the cost of the Bassmasters?

Sure, there are city costs, and there are all costs from every agency combined.

Just wondering.

AOL Founder's Latest Lifestyle Choice

I should have stayed in publishing with those numbers being tossed around. I do want to point out that I did waste a number of months meeting and dancing with AOL folks in the days of its AOL Greenhouse. I was seeking funding for my company. But, my ideas were too big for them. (see the posting below)

AOL Founder's Latest Lifestyle Choice: "AOL Founder's Latest Lifestyle Choice
Case Invests $20 Million in Firm That Markets Healthful Living
By Annys Shin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 9, 2005; Page D01
America Online Inc. founder Steve Case is investing $20 million in a producer and distributor of yoga and Pilates videos, part of his ongoing bet that activities once associated with a new-age lifestyle are going mainstream.
Case is going into business with Jirka Rysavy, chief executive of Gaiam Inc., who lives in a cabin outside Boulder, Colo., with no running water and an outhouse for a master bath. Rysavy said he and Case had 'an alignment in mission.'

An article in the LA Times talked about a guy -- perhaps it was Rysavy??? -- who was in deep do-do with the FDA because of his "healing labels."

Limitations

The story below come from Dr. Robert Schuller via a friend. Given Pittsburgh's recent fishing frenzy, it fits.

A tourist walked down a pier and watched a fisherman pull in a large fish, measure it, and throw it back. He caught a second fish, smaller this time, measured it, and put it in his bucket. Oddly, all the large fish that he caught that measured ten inches or more he discarded. All fish smaller than ten inches he kept. Puzzled, the curious onlooker questioned, "Pardon me, but why do you keep the little ones and throw the big ones away?" The old fellow looked up and without blinking an eye said, "Why, because my frying pan measures only ten inches across!"

Foolish? Of course. But no more so than when you throw away the biggest ideas and the most beautiful dreams that come into your mind simply because your experience is too limited, your self-confidence too undeveloped to enable you to grab hold of the big opportunities God sends your way!

Start growing now. Think big. Big things happen to big-thinking people. Nothing big happens to little-thinking people.

Call for papers for online event that seems interesting

Attend an exciting conference as a speaker. The invite to submit a proposal to a unique event from November 18-20, 2005: "The Webheads in Action Online Convergence: Bridges in Cyberspace".

Call for Papers are due September 15, 2005, via online at http://users.prof2000.pt/wia/oc.

Conference organizers: Webheads in Action Community of Practice.

Webheads is a world-wide, cross-cultural, and vibrant online-community of educators with an open enrollment. It was created in 1997-8 by Vance Stevens, in Abu Dhabi, Maggi Doty in Germany, and Michael Coghlan, in Australia, for ESL learners and facilitators as a student-teacher community. It has expanded to encompass a myriad of educators involved in e-learning in TESOL EVOnline (Electronic Village) and other language or cultural-based curricula.

Webheads meet online regularly to explore the latest synchronous and non-synchronous communications technologies, including video and voice, to adapt and demonstrate new innovative ideas for e-learning and classroom curriculum. These educators also display a deep warmth and dedication to helping others. They are evolutionary and enterprising scholars who are harmonious and know how to have a lot of fun. (About the convergence:

The conference is free of charge, and participation is open to all. Registration is via our conference Moodle: http://www.opensource.idv.tw/moodle/ . The conference will be held via whatever medium the presenter wishes to use (our hosts are contributing voice enabled online spaces to this event). Events can be synchronous or asynchronous. The more developed of the presentation writeups will be encouraged to join us in publishing a proceeds.

Proposals can be for events in just about any duration or format that can be mounted in the form of a presentation or collaborative event online. Interaction can be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous presentations can be held in one of our voice-enabled presentation portals, or given as a webcast, or presented as streamed audio and/or video either as a presentation or panel discussion.

Asynchronous events might include bulletin board discussions, online poster sessions, perhaps integrated with a content management system, or whatever the presenter imagines might be effective. The topics can be pedagogical or technical, and can range from reports of research or practical work with students over the Internet, to descriptions or explorations of how interaction takes place over the Internet (technically or socially; e.g., how communities form to effect this interaction).

Oak Hill -- for subsidized housing or for sports fields ???

Neither sounds best.

Pittsburgh Tuesday takes - PittsburghLIVE.com The Oak Hill debate: All one really has to know about Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy's latest scheme to dismiss it is this -- the public subsidy for Hizzhoner's plan to build 250 houses in Oak Hill would be, by one accounting, about $60,000 per home (including public infrastructure). But a competing University of Pittsburgh plan that would take the property off the tax rolls for a sports complex doesn't exactly shout 'best use!' There is another choice, of course -- private development through private financing that creates wealth instead of transferring it.

I don't trust Mayor Murphy to cut any deal that is going to be a long-term benefit for the city and its citizens.

I don't think the out of town developers should hang their hat upon a letter from the former housing authority director that says Pitt won't get the property. That's old news from a departed (thankfully) boss of an agency that didn't perform well.

Notice how the Water and Sewer Authority is holding a keystone chip in the bargins for the development. Why didn't Murphy think to put a parking lot up there too, is beyond me. The wires are all tangled and confused -- by design.

Pitt has to do a great deal of self evaluation as well, before it gets support for expansion. Pitt moved into the South Side with the football facility and broke a number of important promises. They can be fixed and need to be fixed before they screw up again.

Chat: Youth Sports Done Right: Creating a Better Environment for Youth Sports

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, 3 to 4 p.m (ET)
WHERE: http://www.edweek-chat.org

This chat will focus on the environment of high school athletic events and will use as its jumping off point Maine's Sports Done Right initiative, a national model for creating a more positive athletic experience for young people.

As young athletes increasingly complain about unruly fans, overbearing coaches, and the pressure to perform (on the playing fields and in the classroom), Maine's initiative is designed to instill core principles and supporting practices to guide athletic experiences. The standards include promoting sportsmanship over a win-at-all-costs mentality; increasing opportunities for learning through sports; and holding parents and community members to higher standards and behavior.

The initiative is backed by a $397,000 federal Department of Education grant and has been endorsed by both the state's governor and commissioner of education. School and sports leaders from more than thirty states have requested copies of the initiatives seminal report, "Sports Done Right: A Call to Action on Behalf of Maine's Student Athletes."

As Director of the Maine Center for Sport and Coaching, Karen Brown is guiding the implementation of the Sports Done Right initiative and will be our special guest for the chat. In her role as director Ms. Brown also develops, inplements, and oversees professional development programs to improve the quality of coaching for Maine youth.

Join us for this discussion with Karen Brown. Submit your questions in advance.

No special equipment other than Internet access is needed for this chat. A complete transcript will be posted soon after the chat ends.

FCC -- opening new band of spectrum for community wireless in limbo now. Anti-corporate letters are being requested.

Stephen Ronan's call to digital divide subscribers asked for a contact to the FCC about techie matters. A good case for a letter follows, should you have an extra moment in the next days. (before August 11)

In March, 2005, the FCC made an an innovative and helpful decision to open a new band of spectrum for community wireless folks and others to use: the 3650 to 3700 MHz band. The original plan was for an unlimited number of licensees throughout the country, with an easy online application process, no eligibility restrictions to speak of, and with all licensees having a mutual obligation to cooperate and avoid harmful interference to each other.

That band is currently used for Fixed Satellite Stations. That use would continue in and near those facilities which are mostly on the East and West Coasts. Exclusion zones around those facilities would prevent much usage nearby. For that reason, some coastal cities, such as New York, Philadelphia and the Bay Area would not benefit much if at all from the new rules, but the great majority of the geographic area of the country including rural areas would benefit. Many metropolitan areas (Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit,
Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, and Tucson) would benefit.

A map on page 66 of the FCC's Order clarifies the areas that are
outside of the FSS exclusion areas.

The power limits and other aspects of that FCC decision would make it much easier for free and low-cost networks to be deployed that could reach greater distances, with radio signals carrying broadband Internet access through walls and ceilings and other
obstacles more effectively than low-power WiFi devices. More
detail here: http://makeashorterlink.com/?N13563D8B

So far so good. Now the unfortunate turn of events that aims to hinder community access to technology elements. After the original FCC decision was issued, a period for opposing the decision opened and some corporate interests filed Requests for
Reconsideration. Nine parties have done so including Intel and Motorola.

The big boys are asking for severe restrictions on who can use the spectrum. Rather than opening it for anyone to use, Motorola is requesting that the 50 MHz of spectrum be divided into two 25 MHz blocks with each auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Intel and a couple of others signed another petition calling for all that spectrum also to be divided among two exclusive licensees in most major metropolitan areas.

The Wireless Communications Association called for half the 50 MHz of spectrum to be made available to just one exclusive licensee in each rural and urban area that isn't already excluded by the presence of Fixed Satellite Stations.

The filing of the Petitions for Reconsideration and their availability for review was published in the Federal Register last week, setting off a fifteen day period for opposition to the Petitions for Reconsideration to be filed. Those comments are due
by August 11 (there still may be an opportunity to file comments "ex parte" after that but it's better for them to arrive before the deadline if possible).

Heartland citizens and advocates in the U.S. should consider filing a brief comment thanking the FCC for their original decision to open up the spectrum for nonprofit community groups and all others to share while committing to not interfere with each other's networks. In your comment opposing the attempt to instead have much or all of the spectrum auctioned off to the highest bidder.

You can review previous comments that have been filed, including the Petitions for Reconsideration at the FCC web site by entering 04-151 in the search bar in the top left corner at www.fcc.gov.

It is easy to file a comment. Just enter 04-151 in the proceeding number here:
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi
. Complete the brief form, selecting Reply to Petition for Reconsideration in the drop down box at the bottom, and then
either upload your comment or type it into the text entry box.

Submit a couple of paragraphs identifying your and/or your organization's interest in equitable access to technology, thanking the FCC for opening up the spectrum for uses that can bridge the digital divide. Then oppose the idea that the rights to the spectrum would instead be auctioned to the highest bidder would be a huge help.

Joe, say it ain't so. Under construction Weinroth for Mayor site. Might allow us all the time to clean the garage.

Thank goodness Pitt has a new football coach, the Pens have a new player (a first round draft pick no less), and my garage needs to be cleaned. None of those activities thrill me -- but all are much more desired than getting involved in the mayor's race, 2005, general election.

The web site of Joe Weinroth is at http://www.JoeWeinrothformayor.com -- and here is a snapshot from my browser. Yes, it is reduced by 65% -- but the name has the text right over the face. The faded Pittsburgh flag, the all yellow background, the ALL CAPS TEXT -- ouch.

What did you do on your summer vacation?

Tell us. Pointers welcomed in the comments area of this blog.

We've done a lot and still have more to do including two trips. Next, my wife is headed to Chicago for Phonak University, a gathering with 300 or so Audiology students from around the world. She is on staff for the three day camp.

My mother has done a wonderful job this summer putting together a family newsletter. She sends out only five copies of it -- one to each family. The grandkids have been the contributors for each weekly edition.

In the weeks to come, I've got to get our digital assets better organized and online, such as what Andy has done.

Andy Carvin Program Director, EDC Center for Media & Community, went to Africa.

Last night, I put together a short vlog (video blog) about tradition kente weaving in Ghana's Ashanti region. Kente, perhaps the most famous West African textile, is brightly colored, coming in a variety of patterns, some reserved for use by Ashanti royalty. The video was shot in the historic kente weaving village of Bonwire, about an hour south of Kumasi. Three weavers are featured, each using a traditional loom to make the cloth. The video also contains music performed by Ghanaian drummer Obo Addy, used with permission from Alula Records. There are two versions of the video: high resolution (13 megs) and low resolution (two megs).

High res video

Low res video

Production notes: The video was shot on July 23, 2005 in Bonwire village, Ashanti Region, Ghana, using a Konica-Minolta dImage A-200 digital camera. The Quicktime files shot on the camera were uploaded to a Macintosh G4 laptop and edited with Final Cut Pro HD 4.5. Both versions of the video were compressed using the 3ivx compression codec. Total editing time was about 90 minutes, including compression.

St. George in Allentown -- we'll all miss you

Another one bites the dust, sadly.

On the WTAE TV 4 news, my neighbor, Garry, was show passing the basket.

Sermons from SUUSI are on another blog

Three theme talks from our weeklong summer church camp, SUUSI, are posted at the seldom used SUUSI blog.

Thanks Ken and presenters.

Art for justice sake on August 16

ACORN is starting a Low Income Civic Participation Drive/Fight to Raise the Minimum Wage!

Art for Justice Sake is a benefit art auction and music festival slated for 5 to 10 pm on Tuesday, August 16, at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, at Fifth and Shady Avenues.

Acoustic music by Mark Dignam, Jay Hitt, Lauren Demichiei from Lushwell, and the spoken word artist "phate."

Purchase art, listen to music, enjoy high tea refreshments, explore displays of local artwork, and tour of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts galleries.

Jason Miller, 100 fly, Pitt and Green Tree Coach was scratching to get into the finals

Way to go Jason. He was hoping to get into finals in the 100 fly. Well, he was very, very close. How exciting.

: "24 Donaldson, Davi 20 Longhorn Aquatic 56.05 55.47T
r: 0.70 25.73 55.47 (29.74)
Swim-Off Required --
26 #Miller, Jason 21 Team Pittsburgh- 55.68 55.48T
r: 0.75 25.69 55.48 (29.79)

Jason swam a 55.48, improving his seed time of 55.68. He was 2 for 2 in terms of lifetime best times. He also made the olympic trials cut time, of 55.59.

Time to get into finals = 55.47
Jason's time on Saturday = 55.48
Olympic trials cut = 55.68
Jason's prior best time = 55.68

Eric, Jason's coach, mentioned a couple of days prior that he thought that if one swam better than the Olympic Trials cut time, then one would get into finals. He was very close to that prediction.

FYI, the finals are held in three heats.

Ben Michaelson, 23, of Club Wolverine in Michigan was first in the 100 fly prelims, 53.23.

Nearly 80 swimmers were in the event and four ended with D.Qs (disqualifications).

In the finals, the race was won by a guy from South Africa. Rola Schoeman, 25, swimming with Tucson Ford Dealers. We saw Schoeman win the 100 free on Thursday. Schoeman's time in prelims was 53.33 and he went 53.08 in finals. Ben was 4th, but another Wolverine got 2nd.

USA Swimming hires a local coach for performance areas

Here comes some great news for a local coach who now gets an opportunity to work with national sports-science applications and swimming leaders. Way to go Dan McCarthy. I hope and imagine he'll be able to bring back tons of new opportunities for local teams, coaches and swimmers as well.

USA Swimming - Home: "USA Swimming is proud to announce that Bailey Weathers and Dan McCarthy have joined the organization as the first Sport Performance Consultants, a newly created position in the Field Services Department. In this role, Weathers and McCarthy will provide sport science and technical education and support to coaches and clubs with the goal of enhancing athlete performance.

If the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater drops the live musicans -- I'll be there to picket. Join me in the outrage and protest too.

There is serious grounds for a GRIEVANCE against the Pgh BALLET if it goes ahead and runs a season with recorded music.

Sure, the Pittsburgh Musicians Union has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. But that's not as much as a stink as what will occur when we take to the streets.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_360469.html

Skeptical, forlorn, -- what's the word to describe these onlookers?

The new boss of the Pgh Public Schools is standing up, before others in the city. Look at this photo and give your best description of these skeptical citizens.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05218/549656.stm

The old boss, Dr. John T, was able to improve student achievement. He did. Test scores were improving. But he's on the way out. The test scores were not the sticking point. It takes more than test scores to be a success.

A few of Dr. T's downfalls include the driver, the office remodeling, the spending on the wrong credit card for clothing, his salary. But, sadly, those are the type of issues that the Pittsburgh media can get its simple mind around. Test scores too, fit into that "narrow vision of the world mindset."

Dr. T was a success, in many ways, who had run his course in Pittsburgh. His time here ended.

Let's hope and insure that Roosevelt's tenure in Pittsburgh is a success on many, many fronts, that include and go beyond test scores. We crave some political advancements, some fiscal champions, better community bonds, more civic interactions among all the hours of the day, and so on.

But for now: Skeptics rule. Pittsburgh citizens are going to watch, crossed armed. If Mark Roosevelt goes nose to nose and puts a hand in our chest for handshakes and yanks into the classrooms of the schools -- and gyms, swim pools, auditoriums, and libraries too -- then we'll start to smile.

Time will tell how he does by what he does. But, it takes two to tango. Let's dance.

Cyber Dissident Gets 5 Years In Prison

This article is going up on the blog for a short time. I'll take it down again, soon. We're headed back to China in October, 2005 and hope to go again in 2008 for the Olympics.

Cyber activist Zhang Lin was sentenced to 5 years in prison for posting reports and essays on the Internet which "jeopardised national unity and territorial sovereignty, spread lies and disturbed public order and social stability." First jailed in January, Zhang’s sentence also includes the loss of his political rights for 4 years after his release.

Reporters Without Borders have already expressed their outrage at the ruling, saying "The Chinese judges were deaf to Zhang's plea of not guilty on the basis of the right to free expression because, in their view, expressing oneself on the Internet is a crime." Evidence used to convict Zhang included punk rock lyrics in one of his essays and an interview he gave to foreign news media. Zhang has 10 days to file his appeal.

Zhang Lin is another example of the Chinese government’s restrictive attitude toward the Internet. In April, journalist Shi Tao was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he provided an overseas Web site with a summary of an official document alerting journalists to possible social instability around the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown. Last month China also confirmed plans to establish "a long-term mechanism" monitoring internet cafes, which are visited by some 40 million people a day. Over the last couple of years China has closed thousands of net cafes amid fears that they can affect the "mental health of teenagers" while spreading "unhealthy online information".

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/03 /china_internet
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3? id_article=14586
http://yuantown.blog- city.com/shi_tao.htm

State Rep Encourages Residents to Visit State Capitol Building

Rep. Jeffrey Habay (R-Allegheny) would like to encourage area residents to visit the Commonwealth's historic Capitol, located in Harrisburg.

Guided tours of the Capitol last about 40 minutes and are offered every half hour, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Capitol is closed for tours on New Year's Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving.

Visitors can also explore the hands-on Welcome Center, which provides the opportunity to read, listen and interact with 18 colorful and informative exhibits. The center is located in the East Wing and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A gift shop is also available.

Many consider the Pennsylvania Capitol to be one of the most beautiful in the nation. At the building’s dedication ceremony in 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt described Pennsylvania's Capitol as "the handsomest building I ever saw." Tours allow visitors to view the architecture and the collections of art and sculptures from the Italian Renaissance-style statehouse while exploring Pennsylvania government at work.

Due to the high demand for Capitol tours, it is important to schedule a tour as soon as possible in order secure a convenient time and date. Reservations are only necessary for groups of 10 or more; otherwise, visitors can join the tours at their convenience. Please note that the tour guide office does not require school approval of a field trip before a tour is scheduled.

Reservations can be made by calling Habay's district office at (412) 492-0270 or the tour office at (800) 868-7672. For more information about tours of the State Capitol, log onto www.legis.state.pa.us.

Rep. Jeffrey Habay
30th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(412) 492-0270
(717) 783-7426
www.JeffHabay.com
Contact: Erin Shay
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 705-2024
www.pahousegop.com

Visiting with a former Pitt student in Southern California. 

Please run the VCRs -- as I'd love to have this on tape

The Duel in the Pool is slated to be televised on NBC from 4-6 pm on Saturday, August 6 and from 1-2:30 pm on Sunday, August 7th.

Thanks.

Pete is gone.

Today I got to see a number of old friends. The visiting turned up this news of another, dear friend, who I won't be able to see. He passed away just two days ago. Pete was a housemate of mine. We lived together in a house in Long Beach for nearly a year.

Peter Alan Leighton
Tuesday, August 2, 2005

NAPA

Peter (Pete) Alan Leighton, 55, passed away on July 29, 2005 in Napa. He was born August 30, 1949 in Bronx, New York. In 1973, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Texas at El Paso. He was owner and partner of NorCal Aquatic Services, Inc. until 2000. He also was a swimming coach for many years in Texas, Cupertino and Stanford University. He most recently worked for Royal Coach Limousine Service.

Pete is survived by his life partner, Lezlie Riley of Napa; a sister and her husband, Marcie and Dave Cohen of Schertz, Texas; a niece, Allyson Cohen, and a nephew, Rich Cohen.

At Pete's request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Richard Pierce Funeral Service and Crematory, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa. Friends may sign the guest book at www.rpfsc.com.

Pete was a healthy guy. He coached at Cinci Marlins, Stanford, Dads Club. He'd take the crisp drawer in the refrig and turn it into a salad container.. He'd slice and dice vegies and fill that unit -- no bowl required.

He rented the home -- and I rented a room. The garage was his office and store-room. Then he was a dealer for The Finals -- and then some other companies. Later he merged with NorCal and moved there.

When I was there, he helped give me the confidence to start up my own publishing company. He was a rock that came along at a important time in my life. Pete was genuine, stable, hard working. He knew sports and had a great coaches perspective. But, he was low keyed, clam, collected, just himself and personable.

A day in the life as members of the Jason Miller fan club!

Today was great fun. We got to cheer for Jason Miller. He swam the 200 fly at USA Swimming's National Championships in Irvine. Jason was the swim coach this summer for the Green Tree Great White Sharks. He is going into his senior year at Pitt.

Jason improved his time by 2-seconds!

Way to go. He was great.

Speaking of inspiration --- Michael Phelps won the event. He was within a finger's length of world record pace at the turn after 150 meters.

More news and photos later.

South Side Works called into question

A new report by the Allegheny Inst, a conservative think tank, makes some sense and needs close examination:

One reason for the tax revenue shortfall is that the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) still owns the four parking garages within the SSW project’s footprint, rendering them tax exempt. The estimated loss of taxes from the tax exemption is calculated to be around $700,000. Presently, the URA is still waiting for private sector bids on the parking garages, but to date none have been made.

Of course we have some serious parking problems. The best way to fix things in this realm is to sell off the Parking Authority assets. Liquidate the Parking Authority. But notice, now the URA is doing Parking. We've got mixed missions among the various authorities.

That web they've woven is complicated and just needs to be cut apart.

The Port Authority does PARK and RIDE lots. The URA does Parking Garages. The Housing Authority does land leases to private developers. The Stadium Authority holds debt from Three Rivers Stadium -- that is long gone. The Water Authority does redevelopment deals.

When the government officials do the redevelopment efforts then the developers and builders become the rules. Roles have switched.

We need to simplify. We need smart solutions. We need to have government worry about the governing and not the other follies.

Who runs this town?

Winning by more than a body length...

Phelps won the 200 meter fly in great form. He was within a finger's length of world record pace at the turn at 150. Phelps didn't swim the 200 fly at the prior week's World Championships in Montreal. That's Phelps with the blue warm-up jacket and head turned to clap for the other swimmers on the podium. 

Pitt's fans and Pitt's swimmers at Nationals

Grant and Erik and I in Irvine, California, in the stands after finals of the USA Swimming National Championships.  
Swimmers from Pitt at the USA Swimming Nationals in Irvine in August, 2005. Both guys are education majors and grew up in Pennsylvania.  

Police Tip line for City of Pittsburgh = 412.323.7141

The attack was bogus! The link from WTAE.

Tips go to: 412.323.7141

Why not press charges? The police should press charges on the fake attack. This is an enforcement issue too. Pittsburgh has a bad way of doing follow-up and enforcement. Besides the egregious affront to the already strained Police, the reports have tarnished our city neighborhood and left residents and visitors frightened.

I agree with M of the Gypsie Cafe who wrote in the NAN email: "If nothing else, a public apology by these two is certainly in order. The only good to come of this is that we were reminded to be vigilant which is never a wasted message."

Police released descriptions of the attackers of the couple on the South Side in the early morning hours about 5 days ago:

Suspect #1 - white male, stocky build, black short hair, 5'9", 180 lbs, mustache, wearing a white shirt and blue jean shorts.

Suspect #2 - white male, 5'11", 180 lbs, black short hair.

Both actors hair was cut short, almost shaved on the sides.

(see the comment...)

Grassroots news on two ballot efforts

Put this on your 'radar.' Time will tell what comes about from these efforts. It is a bit early to do much but speculate and lift to get the paperwork done and delivered.

From: Celeste Taylor

Open Government Press Release-Home Stretch! Pittsburghers for Open Government

www.openpgh.org

Information + Public Participation = Power to Change Things!

Press Release

Wednesday-August 3, 2005
Contact: Celeste Taylor
PFOG Project Director
412-628-7867
celeste@openpgh.org

Pittsburghers for Open Government Petitioning In The Home Stretch

• PFOG President Dave Tessitor resigns from the Presidency of Pittsburghers
for Open Government and launches his campaign for Mayor.
Project Director Celeste Taylor is now the Acting President.

• Open Government petitioning that began six weeks ago now enters into the
home stretch with 70 active petitioners representing a very diverse and long
list of organizations talking to Pittsburghers about the Open Government
Amendment, collecting thousands of signatures and is now having their
petitions notarized.

• PFOG petitioners will team up with the League of Young Voters and Coro
Fellows this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to do petitioning at several events
and in Pittsburgh neighborhoods. ACORN will have its petitioners out this
weekend as well.

• On Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 10 am, PFOG Petitioners will provide a report
on the final numbers, and their petitioning experiences to City Council and
to the community.

• At the close of the petitioning period, Pittsburghers for Open Government
will continue with their work to ensure that Open Government becomes a
reality in Pittsburgh. Activities will include non- partisan Pittsburgh
public policy education and advocacy, voter education, voter registration,
voter verification and election protection.


Public Service Announcement -- Thank you to all of our partners especially the
Maurice Falk Fund and the Kingsley Association. Thanks to Pittsburgh for
Open Government Board members, coalition groups, petitioners and most
importantly, the thousands of citizens who signed the petition, believing in
the power of the people, and who want Open Government in Pittsburgh NOW! It
is time to wrap up petitioning in your communities so please, make sure you
have talked to all of your neighbors about the Open Government Amendment and
have your petitions NOTARIZED. Attend the City Council Meeting on Tuesday,
August 9th at 10 AM to share your Open Government petitioning experience.
You can drop your petitions off or mail them to Kingsley Association-6435
Frankstown Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Contact Celeste Taylor at
412-628-7867 if you have questions or need help.

Boogie Boards on both coasts

Some personal notes follow:

Catherine's talk and keynote in Colorado last week went well.

A theme talk from SUUSI (our summer church camp experience) is posted at another one of my little used blogs: http://suusi.blogspot.com.




I picked up a new AB Wheel at Big 5 sporting goods here. It was on sale. Perhaps I'll get a dozen or so for the swimmers too?

We now own sets of boogie boards on both coasts. These are great toys for the surf with the boys. But, they are too big to lug home and re-use on the following trip to the beach. Generally, we don't go back to the same places. So, we leave them for others to enjoy after we're gone.

I would love to post some digital photos -- but -- don't want to take the digital camera to the beach.

We visited with Colin, Mary and their kids last night at their home -- with a swim pool. Great time. Their youngest was adopted last year from China. She is sweet. I started to teach her a few favorite sign language words: boy, girl, mom, dad, shoe.

Colin and Mary were talking to the boys about the Space Shuttle's foam. The vibration and temp changes help to knock off the foam from the rocket. Colin pointed out that if the foam fell off and didn't hit the shuttle, everything would be fine. Foam, how big is it? Mary said that if one looks real close you'd see the word, "kowabunga." Boogie boards are glued to the side of the rockets.

White caps, foams, waves, wipeouts, crabs, vanity license plates, -- it is all washing over us now as the tides shift.

Wiki wonderings revisited from elsewhere

Amy Gahran posted to a jourrnalist site about Wikipedia as a Lead Source. A fellow journalist
criticized her decision to cite a Wikipedia as a rsource in a publication specifically intended to provide leads.

Many people doubt Wikipedia's credibility, but over time I've found it's proven to be a remarkably reliable and responsive repository of information. It's especially useful for following fast-moving or niche topics.

Of course, Wikipedia info, as with all sources, should never stand alone. Wikipedia's strength is as a source of leads, overviews, and basic definitions. It is a collaborative project. When searching for leads, it always helps to access a diverse base of perspectives.

Journalists find leads wherever, and then triple-check. Wikipedia offers credibility similar to a government official, advocacy group, and professional organization. Those sources are routine in reporting.

Wikipedia is an especially robust starting point for nearly any topical research project.

Henry Haller's Letter to the Editor about GWB and GOPers of history

To the Editor:

As a high school student, I was inspired to take an interest in politics by the 1964 Presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater, and thus I must take issue with David Shribman's assertion that "the Republicans eventually embraced the Arizonan's creed." (Revolution of '64, PG, July 31) In fact, the administration of George W. Bush more resembles that of Lyndon Johnson than it does any hypothetical Goldwater administration.

First there is the spending. While Senator Goldwater advocated reduced spending, President Bush increased spending by 33 percent in his first term - more than any President since Lyndon Johnson. Senator Goldwater was an advocate of states' rights; he would have found appalling the Bush administration's attempted intervention in the Terri Schiavo case, and the Bush Justice Department's crack downs on medical marijuana and assisted suicide. Finally, Senator Goldwater was a firm supporter of the Bill of Rights, and would never have signed a bill such as the Patriot Act that violates our First and Fourth Amendment rights. These are only a few of the many ways in which Senator Goldwater was far more libertarian than these so-called conservatives of today.

Henry Haller

Personally, I didn't get into politics to any great degree at such a young age. I always voted and cared a great deal about "communities" -- but did little "study" of the editorial and op-ed views until I became a student of journalism with a news/editing degree at Ohio University.

Good points with the letter, Henry.

Public School Reports

Education Law Center/PA School Reform Network is releasing two new reports containing data analysis and policy recommendations addressing achievement and opportunity gaps in Pennsylvania public schools. The reports and a related toolkit allow parents and community leaders to compare the status of their school district to other districts and to state averages. All of this will be a kick-off for our "Closing the Gaps Campaign" to intensify our school improvement efforts during the 2005-2006 school year.

A three page summary is attached to this email for your review. You may click on our web site at www.elc-pa.org and read the reports and toolkit in their entirety. On the left side of the home page, click on "Reports and Data about Achievement and Opportunity Gaps." When reviewing the reports, you may especially be interested in Appendices E and F of the Achievement Gap Report which show where your district ranks among others statewide. In this location you will also find a listing of districts that have made significant progress in closing achievement gaps among subgroups of students.

Reactions welcomed.

Getting ready for some football

Crews working OT on renovations - PittsburghLIVE.com There should be no delay-of-game penalties at six Western Pennsylvania high school football stadiums this fall.

A lot of nothing but hot air from Murphy's expresions without doing all the homework!

Tom Murphy and I have something in common. We both are gambling skpetics. However, Murphy liet the city spiral downward so that the only way we could come back to life was with a gambling bill.

City leaders advised on slots gambling, its impact 'I am a gaming skeptic,' said Murphy, as he left an hour into Lendler's three-hour talk. 'I think it will have consequences to the city both positive and negative, and it's important to understand that now.'

Too bad Murphy didn't leave after one term into his three term stint.

Championship Meet and the close of the swim season

Last night was the Championship Swim Meet for our summer swim league. I think the final team standings had: Crafton, Scott, Lebo, Green Tree, South Fayette.

Green Tree and Mt. Lebo were in a tight battle for third headed into the final relays. In the dual meet, Green Tree won out in the relays and was able to win. The same fate might have played out in the Championship meet too.

Last year, Green Tree won. But Coach Mike S., last year's coach, went to Crafton for this year. There was a bit of movement among the team's stars and that was all healthy as Green Tree had lots of new swimmers on its squad this year. Anne, a Green Tree assisant from 2004 went to Scott in 2005.

It is a great league and the kids, by and large, had a great season of summmer swimming.

South Fayette did a wonderful job of hosting the championship meet. The All-Star meet was today, since it was rained out in the early part of the week. Storms stopped three meets this summer -- more than they had for the past decade.

Erik, 10, won the breast event and was second in the relay and near the top in the free. Grant, 7, scored in the top 5 in fly and free and was second in the free relay. They both wore swim caps -- to go with their tapers. Next year we'll shave! (half joking)

The officials were tough on the DQs, and that is great -- IMNSHO. (in my not so humble opinion) We need to teach the kids that you gotta follow the rules. One bad pull, one bad stroke, one bad touch -- and you're done. Poof. That lesson alone is a great one for the kids to realize.

Next year, it would be great to get an additional team or two into the league. Perhaps a city-based squad could materialize or else another from the south burbs.

Jason Miller, a Pitt swimmer who is headed into his senior year, was our first-year head coach. He did a wonderful job. Jason is swimming at Senior Nationals next week in Irvine. Best of luck to him there. Thanks for all the work with the kids -- and with the line-ups.

The funny story of the night: Sophia, 5, was called into action. She is a good little swimmer and her older sister was in the meet. Sophia was only entered in the All-Star Meet -- not Championships. But, when a swimmer didn't show up -- we needed Sophia for the 8-and-under free relay. Thankfully, the lost-and-found had a suit that fit Sophia perfectly. She did a :32 split, dropping 4 or more seconds, and keeping her team right in 3rd place, going anchor.

Moments like that make swimming magical. Plus, we don't have the same heat stroke considerations!

Training Camp -- HEAT stroke

This is the time of year the footballers are getting ready to put on the pads. Steeler camp is starting. But the college, high schoolers and midgets are gearing up too. Furthermore, the women's volleyball squads are starting to hit the gyys too. Western PA has a great tradition with the great game of volleyball.

An online coaching site put out a message (pointer below) that makes sense and is worthy a replay, with slight adjustments. No matter how hard we work, or how good we are, our bodies will shut down when they can't cool themselves off, and the result can be death.

Full blown heat stroke is not new. In the past, football teams saw players fall a few times a week -- if not a few times a day. Coaches and players ran, crawled and otherwise navigated through serious conditioning drills.

Victims of heat stroke are often the one who are very strong and very healthy. The best athletes and ones who aim to impress are at risk.

In the olden days, deaths were seldom. These years, deaths are more frequent.

Lives are saved because everyone gets in tune with an emergency plan, in place before the emergency. Everyone knew what the plan was, and everyone was watching out for their buddies. In the old days, TUBS OF WATER and bags and bags of ice were at the field. Dinky ice packs aren't enough.

It's no hotter now than it was years ago, but we're not as acclimated to the heat now. There is more air-conditioning. We're heavier, and (for some reason) we think that soft drinks actually quench thirst.

Everyone on you team should know the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and they should be prepared to act, because quick, decisive, correct action SAVES LIVES.

Hat tip to Wayne of http://www.mycoachonline.com.

Restricting eminent domain

Finally! I've been harping against eminent domain for years. We need to curb the powers of eminent domain on many fronts. Here are some pending measures. These are reactions to the recent ruling from the highest court. I'd rather see leaders shape the powers of government on a more proactive basis. But, this is a start.

The bills are awaiting action, and the waiting might last forever.

Restricting eminent domain - PittsburghLIVE.com Two bills are awaiting action in Harrisburg -- and more legislation is in the works -- to protect property owners from a U.S. Supreme Court decision last month that allows governments to take private property in the name of economic development.

Rep. Tom Yewcic, D-Johnstown, introduced a pair of bills in the House that would bar governments from taking property from one private owner and giving it to another. Sen. Jeffrey Piccola of Dauphin County, a Republican gubernatorial hopeful, has a team of lawyers working on a bill for the Senate, as does Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park.

One interesting provision: If, after the property is taken, it is ever used for a "nonpublic purpose," the deed must go back to the original owner or the owner's heirs.

That's something to consider but would be silly in the real world. As property is taken with eminent domain, that property is purchased at "fair-market value." So the original land owners got their just compensation. They should NOT have the right to the property again should the public use be vacated.

I worry greatly about rights that last forever. We don't have a good track record in these matters. Look no further than the treatment of the Native Americans for some examples.

Consider the real world actions when a highway is built and then later turned into a bikeway and the path of public right of way can be greatly reduced or even given back in full. Even if it is only a generation away, the state should not have to go back to the original owner's heirs. The red tape alone would be a sizable hurdle so as to keep well enough alone and NOT return the property. Plus, the only one's to benefit are some lawyers.

The market place doesn't work that way. When I buy a car from you, I can sell it if I want to when I want to and to anyone who wants to buy it. I don't have to give back the car to seller of the car.

I do like the spirt of limiting eminent domain. But, we've got to be real.

The other avenue that needs serious attention is the "blight" designations. When a property is called "blighted" then it is easier for the state to take it. But with Murphy's actions (and that of city council too) most of downtown Pittsburgh is under the umbrella of "blight."

I want to see some blight reduction bills!

If I was mayor, or if I was a city council member, I'd get rid of all blight in the city or at least in my council district. Poof. With the stroke of a pen and a new designation -- the charge to take property with eminent domain got much more difficult.

To prove the point, consider this quote from the article:

When you run into (blighted) areas, a lot of times you'll find a lot of these properties have liens on them that exceed the value of the property," Gariti said. Often, the properties have been abandoned and the owners can't be found. "The only way they can be reused is if we clear the title to the property" by taking the land through eminent domain.

If owners of existing property can't be found -- often -- then I have no faith in the government to find past owners and heirs of past owners of property that was taken by eminent domain long ago. And, if the governement is mostly using eminent domain (ha, ha) to take these types of "abandoned property" then impossibible would be found within the suggested bill.

Mostly, I'd hate to see property owners hide from the government when they posses a net loss asset and then re-appear to the government in future generations when the property is being given away by the government.

We don't need more dumb laws with good intentions.

When property is no longer needed by the state, that property should be sold to the highest bidder.

Piccola said he's not sure he wants to prevent governments from using eminent domain as a development tool because it can help revitalize blighted areas.

Piccola is NOT sure. I am sure. I do want to prevent governement from using eminent domain.

Ex-Murphy aide gets probation - PittsburghLIVE.com

There are two sides to every story, given Pittsburgh is a two newspaper town with the PG and Trib. Notice how the Trib hooks the public employee to Mayor Murphy in the headline as a former executive assistant. Same story with slightly different insights follows from the PG's coverage.

Ex-Murphy aide gets probation - PittsburghLIVE.com
A federal judge on Friday sentenced a former executive assistant in Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy's office to four years probation and 100 hours of community service on a federal money-laundering charge.

U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Chatiqua Good, 33, of the 1600 block of Buena Vista Street, Manchester.

Prosecutors said that from December 2002 to February 2003, Good conspired to launder drug money by buying real estate along Columbus Avenue in Manchester.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti said the charge against Good was the result of a multiagency investigation into drug-trafficking on the North Side that eventually led to the seizure of multikilogram quantities of heroin. Good was fired as a result of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the same news was covered in a different way with the PG:

PG: Ex-city aide gets probation

Ex-city aide gets probation A former neighborhood policy assistant for Mayor Tom Murphy was sentenced in U.S. District Court Thursday to four years' probation on federal money laundering charges, officials said.

Chatiqua Good, 33, of the 1600 block of Buena Vista Street on the North Side, pleaded guilty in September 2003 to helping a relative, Michael Keith Good, launder $70,000 in drug money from her desk in the City-County Building, said U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan.

In taped conversations, she plotted with Michael Keith Good, who she called 'Uncle Mike,' to purchase a $70,000 apartment building on the North Side and place the deed in the name of another relative, so as not to raise suspicions about where he got the money.

Chatiqua Good also must perform 100 hours of community service.

Four years of probation is nothing. The 100 hours of community service is a joke. I think she is very, very lucky. Workers who are employed by government have a higher duty to earn and keep the public trust.

In China, a worker for the state who would do something like this, yet alone for drugs profits, would be put to death. That might be too harsh. However, what we have here is far to soft.

Bassmaster Classic live discussion transcript

Bassmaster Classic live discussion transcript Welcome to today's chat with Don Hopey on the ongoing Bassmaster's Classic. Don is here and starting to answer questions. Just a reminder that the questions go a moderator before the answers are sent to the room.

My questions are within the text.
The chat room was a little lame as it is moderated. The questions were nice. But, this isn't 1995, is it?

Lump Camp meets Swim Taper -- Championships today.

Yesterday was our greatest day ever for lump camp. We did nothing and are so proud of our accomplishments.

The day started early as I helped my wife get into a taxi for the airport. She is now in Colorado. This trip is special for her as it is the first time she is speaking to a professional organization and giving the "keynote address." She is a presenter at many events, worldwide. But her main mission is to give 'tutorials.' So, this opportunity has a different twist. She'll also be giving a tutorial on another day.

The night before, we got her lap top set up with some music for the presentation. She'll be playing a country western song that deals with the kids being little for just a while. She helped to write the standard for babies and kids -- and their ears are little, but just for a while. I'm sure she'll provide a great and inspired talk and with iTunes, a slice of music as well.

At home, our first duty is to "hold thumbs" that everything goes well for her in Colorado. To hold thumbs is sorta like crossing our fingers. The tradition of holding thumbs comes from M, of South Africa and Northwestern.

Our second activity at home for this ultimate lump camp was play computer games. Grant's is loaded with Star Wars and I'm getting quite good. He and I often play together. Not multi-player, rather he or I will do the shooting while the other moves the character around the battle. Our sidestepping coordination is now perfected. Erik played an entire Madden NFL season, going with only 3 defeats, winning the Super Bowl, and getting to half-time in the Pro-Bowl. He plays at the New England Patriots. I don't know if that is a political statement or his hard-headed individualist notion of not cheering for the same team that everyone does.

Breakfast and lunch is on your own, fully. We do practice violin.

We had a bit of park time in the afternoon for some catch, but we didn't overdue it. We took a walk to get subs and gyros for dinner! On the way was the TV interview with KDKA.

We also took a walk to the riverfront for sunset. Saw ducks, baby ducks, geese and rats.

In our walk, I got to explain to them about a "swimmers' taper." I love great tapers. As a coach, our team always does very, very well at the championship meets. This season's taper got bumped with church camp last week as we didn't get in any swimming. Paddling, caving and a fun were replacements. That was good enough for this summer's season, but it won't work in the future. We didn't even go to evening swim practice. But we sayed up past 11 pm.

Another motivation to dink around with a few more games of Star Wars on the computer is to get their personal clocks shifted to west coast time. We'll be headed to California soon and will want to be in the groove when we get there.

There won't be many more days like this in our lifetimes. Go Green Tree Great White Sharks.

Shrink 'em, bounce 'em or sue 'em = Throw the bums out, And they're all bums.

This outrace is still a hot topic in the media. Let's fire a few new logs on the campfire and keep it burning.

Shrink 'em, bounce 'em or sue 'em: "Thursday, July 28, 2005
By Brian O'Neill

Could it be that Pennsylvania's ruling caste has finally gone too far?

The backlash against America's Largest Full-Time State Legislature for its audacious midnight money grab is wide. But is the reaction to this 16 percent pay raise strong enough to last? Or will Pennsylvanians soon return to being the meek sheep we've always been?

August 22 -- Operation Clean Sweep tv date with PCN

Russ Diamond, Operation Clean Sweep founder, will be addressing the PA Press Club luncheon on Monday, August 22 in Harrisburg. The luncheon will be broadcast statewide on PCN that evening. Stay tuned for broadcast time.

South Side violence in early morning -- a block away

The talk of the neighborhood today was generated by TV crews in the wake of a couple of thugs that seemingly hit a couple late at night. It was a "Brutal Attack." The assult lifted the tv news crews into the streets to get interviews.

I talked, while walking on East Carson Street with my kids, to KDKA's M.R.J.

Q: "Oh how the South Side has changed. Are you fearful?"

A: Sure, there have been some changes. But people have a short memory. There have been troubles here in the past. There are troubles throughout the city every week. We need to do a better job of looking out for each other. Some of that happens here and it happens elsewhere in other neighborhoods too.

Q: "But there used to be families?"

A: Families are making a bit of a comeback to the South Side. We have lived here for 15 years and there are more parents and younger kids in recent months than in the past decade.

My exact quote that aired: "These things are going to happen, sadly. We have to work as best we can in the community to prevent them and to look out for each other."

The next KDKA NEWS story, H. Ward, 29-years of age, may sit out the entire Steeler season. Then came the coverage of the Little League players who testified against their coach. The coach, it seems, offered money to one player to hurt another to keep him on the bench and out of the game. A few minutes later came a story of how State Senator, Jane Orie, is trying to raise the bar with new laws and stiffer penalties against "predators."

Victims, our prayers are with you to get well soon.

I've not heard much about the NAN (Neighborhood Awarness Network). I'll need to check into those efforts in the days to come. I hope that the organizers didn't burn out on those efforts.

e-Democracy '05: The UK's Largest E-Democracy Conference

November 9, 2005, CBI Conference Centre, London.

Early Bird Registration Rates until end August
http://www.headstar-events.com/edemocracy/

e-Democracy '05, hosted by Headstar, VoxPolitics and the Hansard Society, is set to be the UK's largest ever dedicated e-democracy conference and exhibition, with 200 delegates and one of the strongest speaker line-ups ever assembled. Topics to be covered include e-voting, e-campaigning and e-consultation, and much more including
interactive workshops.

http://www.headstar-events.com/edemocracy/

All registrations received before the end of August will qualify for an Early Bird registration rate of 95 pounds for public sector and 145 pounds for private sector delegates.

Sponsorship opportunities, email Claire Clinton, claire -at- headstar -dot- com.

Want to enter into the Green Building Alliance Dragon Boat for Sept. 17's festival?

The Green Building Alliance is extending invitations to join the Green Dragon Boat team! The GBA is looking for individuals to form a Green Team through the Three Rivers Rowing Association and participate in the Dragon Boat Festival in the South Side Riverfront Park on September 17, 2005. No prior rowing experience is necessary – just an enthusiasm to get out onto our rivers and have a lot of fun! Expect four practice/training sessions between August 23 - September 17. Cost for four training sessions is $65/person and to compete in the Dragon Boat Festival costs $40/person – Total $105.

Send an email expressing your interest to Karen Puff at karenp@gbapgh.org by August 15th. Indicate the best times for you to participate in practice sessions – weekdays, weeknights or weekends. And mark your calendar for September 17th for the Festival.

League of Pissed Off Voters:hosts a Smackdown 2005 in Pittsburgh

For what its worth... and I'm not sure what that is or isn't. This isn't my cup of tea. The indy part is more of a GREEN, LEFTIE, all DEM thing mostly. The smack down was mainly an anti-Bush thing as well, I think. But, it is local. The national organization might be as big as western PA and eastern Ohio. ???

League of Pissed Off Voters:�Smackdown 2005 Input: "SMACKDOWN 2005 Application

SMACKDOWN 2005 is a national conference for League organizers and trainers and our allies. The weekend will offer performances, inspiring speakers, beginning, intermediate and advanced level trainings in voter organizing, as well as time to scheme, strategize and build with some of the dopest young organizers del mundo. It will take place from August 4 - 7 on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA. Hotel accommodations will be provided for all participants. Everyone who wants to participate in the conference needs to fill out the application form below. The application deadline is July 14, 2005.

Penn State's Keefe wins silver medal in open water swim at Worlds

Rather than bass fishing, I dream of more high speed excitement without the motors on our rivers. How's this for an event to revisit for the future?

Centre Daily Times | 07/19/2005 | PSU's Keefe wins silver medal PSU's Keefe wins silver medal

From CDT staff reports

MONTREAL -- Penn State junior swimmer Margy Keefe captured second-place for the United States in the 5K Open Water Swimming race with a time of 55 minutes, 44.3 seconds.

Keefe came within 4.2 seconds of becoming Penn State's first world champion swimmer. She led at the halfway point and at the 4.5K mark, but she was eventually passed by Russia's Larisa Ilchenko, who successfully defended her world championship in the same event with a time of 55:40.1.

From the start, the Australian and German..."

A race could start at Station Square and go to Sandcastle and back. Or, the race could start at the POINT and go up and back on each of the rivers.

The junior races could start upstream and finish downstream. Say from the boat ramp in the Mon on the South Side to Station Square or else the West End Bridge.

I'd love to take the open-water concept to the next level with fin swimming, snorkels, wet suits, and floating teather balls tied to the swimmers' waists.