PA VERIFIED VOTING HOME PAGE: "PA-VerifiedVoting.org
PAPER BALLOTS WITH ROUTINE AUDITS FOR PENNSYLVANIA'S ELECTIONS
What are Voter-Verified Paper Ballots (V-VPBs)?
Gambling interests leave nothing to chance Groups and individuals with an interest in securing a state license for a slot machine casino in Pittsburgh have pumped hundreds of thousands of dollars into the campaigns of key state and local politicians during the past four years, with $137,550 coming after the gambling law was passed in 2004.
Gov. Ed Rendell has received $147,688 since 2002 from members of the development family that owns Station Square, a potential casino site. Since the gambling law was passed, he also has returned $15,000 from a license candidate.
He and other politicians who have received contributions from potential applicants say the donations will have no impact on who gets the lucrative license, which will be awarded by a state board appointed by Rendell and top legislative leaders.
BuzzCharts: Jerry Bowyer on Black and White Employment on NRO Financial The current black unemployment rate is at its lowest point since the recession year of 2001. Black unemployment is also lower than the average for the Clinton years.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
8:00 a.m. until Noon
Buchanan Ingersoll PC, One Oxford Centre - 20th Floor, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh
Hosted by Congressman Mike Doyle, Allegheny County Councilman Dave Fawcett and the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area NMTC Community Development Fund Corporation invite you to attend a presentation on the New Markets Tax Credit ("NMTC") Program.
The NMTC Program has the potential to create both community development and financial rewards in Western Pennsylvania. Western Pennsylvania has been virtually ignored during the first three years of the NMTC Program. Congressman Doyle, County Council Member Fawcett, and the Corporation have taken the lead in an effort to change this and allow Western Pennsylvania to reap the benefits of the NMTC Program.
As a result, the presentation has been organized as a means of involving those persons whose professional and personal commitments lie in the community development area in support of an application for an award of tax credits under the NMTC Program that will be used solely for projects in Western Pennsylvania.
Prior to the presentation, program organizers encourage you to think of programs and projects within the scope of your organization's activities that are located in "low-income communities" and come to the meeting prepared to discuss the programs and projects and whether they qualify for the NMTC Program. Likewise, it would be helpful if would think about providing a commitment from your organization to support the Corporation's application under the NMTC Program. Your help will be of significant assistance to the Corporation in preparing a strong application for an allocation of NMTCs and increase its chances of success.
There is no charge for the presentation. Seating is limited.
Please RSVP at (412) 562-8437 or crimonek@bipc.com. If you have any questions in advance of the presentation, please call John Previs at (412) 562-8957 or previsjr@bipc.com.
The Harrisburg Patriot News and concerned citizens groups are calling
on the Judicial Conduct Board to investigate Chief Justice Cappy's role in the recent pay grab by the Pennsylvania legislators.
It was recently discovered that Cappy met secretly with legislators. Cappy and all justices and judges also received a pay raise in the legislation. Following passage, Cappy publicly released a letter praising the "courage" of the legislators.
Cappy's problem stems from Articles 2 and 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct which prohibits a judge from engaging in "political activity" and engaging in conduct that creates an "appearance of impropriety." Many believe lobbying legislators in secret is "political activity" and voicing approval of the legislators in a case that is sure to get to the Supreme Court creates an "appearance of impropriety."
OCS asks its members to join in on the call for an investigation by the Judicial Conduct Board by emailing a complaint to toni.schreffler@jcbpa.org. Let's keep the pot boiling!
New fund makes city rely on charity of nonprofits - PittsburghLIVE.com Mayor Tom Murphy signed a preliminary three-year agreement Aug. 5 with the newly formed Pittsburgh Public Service Fund, which makes few cash guarantees and is cloaked in secrecy.
LancasterOnline.com: News : Pay-raise foes claim harassment: "Pay-raise foes claim harassment
Say Senate operative sent to intimidate them
TheKansasCityChannel.com - News - Final Design For Downtown Arena Unveiled The final design for Kansas City's downtown arena was unveiled Thursday.
KMBC's Micheal Mahoney reported that it is a seven-story multipurpose arena that will take up almost 8.5 acres. The outside walls are made of glass.
PG's Anderson covers Osik's move to put coaching on hold He thought about his family. When asked for advice, 8-year-old Tyler suggested his dad should turn down the minor-league contract. So Osik did.
World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) program is an international Internet
competition. Organized in the framework of the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in partnership with the WSIS Youth Caucus, it is a program aimed at empowering youth by creating digital opportunity.
More info at: www.youthaward.org
WSYA Overview
Are you under 27 with a cool emerging project on the web? Are you a young designer, web developer, social entrepreneur, music producer or artist looking for international exposure? Are you passionate about using technology for social change? Enter now at www.youthaward.org and showcase your project to the world!
Sponsored by the Internet Society, the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) is an international competition for youth-led projects that bridge the content gap in the emerging Information Society. It is the first global “youth for youth” initiative; promoting best practice in e-content and technological creativity and demonstrating young people’s potential to create digital opportunities. WSYA is not only a showcase to the world for young designers, technologists and e-content creators, it also contributes on a global scale to reducing poverty, protecting the environment, sharing knowledge and empowering marginalized young people. We invite all local and
national chapters of the Internet Society to promote WSYA and support this dynamic, youth-led initiative.
Online projects may be submitted by all applicants less than 27 years of age until September 18, 2005 (by midnight, GMT) in three e-Content categories:
*Development: Rewards the best online platform for youth centred around issues of poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, social justice, health or peace
*Creativity and Culture: Celebrates the most innovative online platform highlighting young people’s potential for producing creative content, promoting multilingualism, creating new contemporary forms of culture and preserving indigenous knowledge and/or traditional culture
*Community Engagement: Showcases the most engaging online platform facilitating young people’s participation in global, national or local decision-making processes and sharing news/ideas to empower youth and build community
World Summit Youth Award finalists and category winners will be selected by members of the WSYA Jury. Comprised of 8-12 global experts in youth engagement, new media and social entrepreneurship, their creative minds bring diversity of perspectives and know-how to the WSYA. Projects will be evaluated on the basis of five criteria
*Content: Quality, comprehensiveness and impact of content
*Design: Usability and aesthetic value of site and graphics
*Innovation & Creativity: Demonstration of significant originality and initiative.
*Interactivity: Level of engagement and action offered by to site users
*Sustainability: Level of project sustainability over time.
WSYA is organized within the framework of the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society in partnership with the WSIS Youth Caucus. WSYA is sponsored by the Internet Society, Siemens AG and Logitech and is operating under the patronage of Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for the Information Society and Media. The WSYA Coordination Team is headquartered at the International Center for New Media (ICNM), an independent non-profit organisation based in Salzburg, Austria.
What’s 28 Feet Long and Eats Trash In the Waters Around Pittsburgh?
In 2003, PA CleanWays of Allegheny County, other non-profit groups, private sponsors and volunteers got together to create "The Tireless Project" to clean up tires and other debris in the rivers running through and around Pittsburgh.
Volunteers started by retrofitting a 28-foot pontoon boat for what they called “mild-duty river cleanup” and in the first year picked up over 32 tons of debris.
Last year, thanks to the support of the Sprout Fund, Tireless Fridays were instituted as a way to build the volunteer base and create awareness about riverfront blight.
The special initiative included five after-work volunteer opportunities throughout the summer organized at illegal dumpsites within or near the city center. Volunteers cleaned a blighted area and once the work was done remained at the site to celebrate their accomplishment of restoring the riverbank’s beauty with a waterfront party complete with food, entertainment, and of course tiki torches.
Over 140 volunteers came together to clean over 12.5 tons of trash and removed 185 tires from the shores of the three rivers. In addition, crews of youth volunteers from the Student Conservation Association and Venture Outdoors Summer Youth Programs assisted in cleaning litter from the South Side Waterfront Park and an illegal dump at Duck Hollow on the Monongahela River.
Two Tireless Fridays remain! The next event is August 19th at Duck Hollow from 4:30 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m. Musical performances are being offered by John Hayes and Frets & Feet (Daphne & Charlie Anderson).
"The Tireless Project" is a collaborative effort of PA CleanWays of Allegheny County and Three Rivers Rowing Association. Supporting partners include Venture Outdoors, Friends of the Riverfront, the Student Conservation Association and Pennsylvania American Water Company.
For more information, visit The Tireless Project webpage or to volunteer, email tirelessfridays@hotmail.com or call 412-381-1301.
Courtesy www.paenviromentaldigest.com, Holston & Crisci
The Dormont Pool was evacuated on Thursday due to a chemical spill. Hazardous materials crews were called to the scene when workers at the pool spotted a tank that appeared to be leaking hydrochloric acid. No injuries were reported, and the pool is expected to be open the next day.
In Chester County (population 500,000), at least two head trauma patients have died during the one-hour ride to Lancaster General Hospital. There are no full time neurosurgeons and no trauma center left in Chester County.
In Titusville, just north of here, the last orthopedic surgeon left earlier this year. Across the state, OB/GYN’s have dropped obstetrics from their practice.
And at present, only 4% of the doctors in Pennsylvania are under the age of 35.
High costs of medical malpractice insurance (and also the high probability of being sued) are driving physicians out of the state or into early retirement.
In 2003, though, the state legislature passed a reform bill which has had a positive effect. The 1,815 medical malpractice suits filed in 2004 were a 34% drop from the 2,751 average of the years 2000 to 2002.
The state representative who spearheaded that bill, Mike Turzai introduced another malpractice reform bill in June of this year and is coming to the Rogues breakfast on Saturday, August 20 to tell us about it. And to tell us how we may be able to help get it passed.
Rogues meet at 9 am, Saturday, August 20, 2005 at The Holiday Inn on Fort Couch Road in Bethel Park. Cost is $13. Please RSVP by Friday the 19th to 412 279.1222 or email me so that I can get a count for the Holiday Inn. You may still attend (PLEASE) even if you don't RSVP.
Please pass the word to people you know and invite them to join us this Saturday. This should be an informative session.
The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania is seeking sponsors for Pennsylvania Election Code legislation.
Several sections of the Pennsylvania Election Code (Title 25) have been deemed unconstitutional in federal court. States Ken Crippen, chair of the Legislative Action Committee of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, “The PEC needs to be updated according to judicial rulings. We cannot allow Pennsylvania statutes to contain sections that are unconstitutional.” The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania has thus drafted legislation that deals with three of the main topics at issue: filing fees, affiants for signature petitions and fusion of candidates with major political parties.
Filing Fees
Under present law, candidates are required to pay a filing fee when submitting nomination papers or petitions. In the case Belitskus et.al. v. Pizzingrilli (343 F. 3rd 632; 3rd Circuit 2003), the court ruled that the mandatory filing fee, coupled with no alternative means to gain ballot access, violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The LPPa bill proposes that the State add alternative means, in this case community service, for candidates to gain access to the ballot.
Affiants for signature petitions
Also, under present law, nominating petition affiants in Pennsylvania must be registered voters. In the case Morrill et.al. v. Weaver (224 F. Supp. 2d 882; 2002 U.S. Dist.), the court ruled that this unconstitutionally violates citizen’s rights to free political expression and association under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. The LPPa bill proposes that the requirement that nominating petition affiants in Pennsylvania must be registered voters be repealed.
Fusion of candidates with major political parties
In addition, the present law permits major parties to fuse candidates (cross nominate candidates across party lines) for local offices but preclude minor parties from exercising the same right. In Patriot Party of Allegheny County v. Allegheny County Department of Elections (case citation 95 F. 3d 253 (3d Cir. 1996)), the court ruled that “Pennsylvania’s decision to ban cross-nominations by minor political parties and to allow cross-nomination by major parties constituted the type of ‘invidious classifications’ prohibited by the Equal Protection Clause… The court noted that the Pennsylvania statutes laws treated minor and major parties differently and placed a more severe burden on minor political parties’ rights.” The LPPa bill proposes to eliminate these additional burdens on minor political parties.
David Jahn, Chair of the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party, states “the courts have found several requirements within our election code that contradict our constitution. This bill proposes common sense remedies to alleviate those concerns. All we need now are some sponsors willing to do the right thing.”
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States with over 600 officials serving in office throughout the nation. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information on the Libertarian Party.
Women sought for city posts - PittsburghLIVE.com O'Connor, 60, has promised that women will make up 50 percent of city boards, authorities and commissions if he becomes mayor. The Squirrel Hill resident and Democratic nominee is the overwhelming favorite against Republican Joe Weinroth. Democrats hold a 5-to-1 advantage over Republicans in registered voters in Pittsburgh, which has not elected a Republican mayor in more than 70 years.
Representatives of Key Communicators, Head Start Policy Council and Title I District Wide Advisory Council are welcome to attend these meetings.
All meetings are from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Board of Education Building in Oakland in Conference Room A.
On Thursday. September 29, 2005, to Meet & Greet the new PPS Boss.
November 17, 2005, Discussion
January 26, 2006, Discussion
March 30, 2006, Discussion
May 25, 2006, Discussion
Please mark these dates and times for the Key Communicators’ Meetings. You are asked to RSVP if you plan on attending. This will assist in the planning of refreshments, materials and in the event of a cancellation, we will know who to contact! Either call Wanda Spencer, 412-622-3617; or e-mail Donna Vlassich at dvlassich1 -at- pghboe.net.
JS Online: Coalition criticizes cultural district proposal" ... The Center for Housing Policy in Washington, D.C., reported that housing prices rose 10 times faster than average wages over the previous 18 months.
Philadelphia Inquirer | 08/17/2005 | Report weighs sites for Phila. slots parlors
'We only get one chance to do this,' Street said. 'They will be here forever.'
The city could make the most money, the report said, if it places a slots parlor along the Delaware River near South Columbus Boulevard and another near the Schuylkill Expressway and Route 1.
Under the state gambling law, the city gets 4 percent of a casino's gross revenue, which, under this combination, could be as much as $34 million. The city could also gain about 9,500 jobs, said Bernard E. Anderson, a professor at the Wharton School and cochair of the task force.
Among the financial benefits to the city would be a clause in the gambling law that calls for the casinos to help pay the operating costs of the Convention Center. That formula would save the city about $18 million a year. And the city is expected to gain $10 million to $15 million a year in city taxes on the casinos and their workers.
In reference to the editorial "Point of attack" advising us that "heads must roll" but that it is not a practical goal to remove all the legislators.
I disagree. It doesn't have to be just the two parties removing them. Independent candidates have won elections all the way up to the governorship of some states, and some have even made some strong runs at the presidency.
The public has proven time and time again that if Independent candidates reflect their view, they will elect them. The truth is most people support some Republican ideas and some Democratic ones. An Independent candidate who provides the public with the proper mix of both parties' best ideas would be a formidable opponent irrespective of being an Independent.
And being an Independent is the only way to do this honestly. It is my intention to be an Independent candidate against state Rep. Mike Veon when he is again up for reelection. If elected, the first two things I will do is introduce a bill that makes it a mandate for the public to approve by referendum any increase in taxes with no exceptions and, to return these outrageous raises to the taxpayers.
Dennis McKee, North Sewickley Township
CLO Cabaret Theater
655 Penn Avenue,, Saturday, September 3, 9:30 pm
412-456-6666
Momma Spell got back from performing three shows at the Knitting Factory NYC, as well one show at a new East Village venue called Scenic.
She has been busy with the Mofones and Hostessing events, this is the first offical Mama Show in Pittsburgh in a couple of years.
Did my best to remember everyone's email addresses for this evite. If I've overlooked an invitation to anyone for this event, please send the info along. And also, please do respond to this evite, but your official reservations for this show can only be made when you call 412-456-6666.
It's after hours in the Cultural District, and the Cabaret at Theater Square is the place to be! You can eat, drink and be entertained!
This is the Mama Spell spectacular you've been waiting for! Bring out your white shoes for their last hoorah this season!
CLO Cabaret Theater
655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Tickets: 412-456-6666
$10 at the door, $8 in advance
Education Innovations is looking for teachers, students, Pittsburgh
community members, and parents who would be willing to give their two cents worth on the ideal education experience for children. We are hosting a series of focus groups in mid to late September.
We are looking for specific feedback with each focus group so read the description before getting involved. All focus groups will take place at the Education Innovations, Inc. offices in the Kingsley Association at 6435 Frankstown Avenue, at the intersection of Frankstown Avenue and East Liberty Blvd.
Community Focus Group
*When: Wednesday September 14, 2005
*Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
*Location: Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
*Working Title/question: How does a school fit into the life of the community? What we are going for here is for your input on how a school goes beyond being located in a community, or how a school can be another friend in the community.
*Who we are looking for: Pittsburgh community members at large, parents, students, businesses, etc.
Critical Thinking/Workforce Forum
*Date: Wednesday September 21
*Time 6:30pm – 8:30pm
*Location: Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
*Working Title: "Critical Thinking: the foundation for a creative and productive workforce." What we are going for here is to gather expert opinion on the role of primary and secondary education in preparing students for the workforce. Further, we are looking for expert opinion on the role of scientific principles (inquiry, creative problem solving) in the creative workforce.
*Who we are looking for: workforce leaders, heads of science related companies, foundations who fund science/critical thinking initiatives
Teacher Focus Group
*Date: Wednesday September 28, 2005
*Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
*Location: Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
*Working Questions: What makes you /would make an innovative and creative teacher?
Who we are looking for: Teachers who teach in a school environment, whether charter school/public school, or private school, who would like to share their thoughts on how school systems (i.e., teaching, assessment, training systems etc.) make them./would make them innovative and creative teachers. If your child has had an innovative/creative teacher, feel free to nominate him/her by sending us their contact information. We will discreetly invite them to the forum.
If you are interested in participating in any of these focus groups, would like to be involved in the planning process, would like to receive an informational brochure on the Education InnovationsLAB Charter School, or would like to add to the list of potential, students, send email to:
info@educationinnovations.org or call 412.661.8751 xt. 150.
Source: Salvador Wilcox, CEO, Education Innovations, Inc., 914 Heberton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412.363.7707
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.
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...
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.
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: "Skateboard park petition
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.
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
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.
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)
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 - 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.
'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.
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 ActionThis is our house.
Something's wrong.
We need to fix it.
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.
'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.'
Wow. This is great stuff. 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?
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.'
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 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).
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