Pittsburgh wooing New Orleans conventions

The folks who are responsible for the utilization of the NEW Pittsburgh Convention Center should NOT be digging for new business by flogging events slated for New Orleans. Rather, Convention Center organizers should be drafting plans to jetison the debt and on-going burdens of upkeep of the white elephant.

Many gambling casinos got wiped out with the storm. Go to those workers and ask them to come to Pittsburgh to transition the convention center into a new casino. We should be striving to set up the new casino slated for Pittsburgh to be within the convention center.

Pittsburgh wooing New Orleans conventions Pittsburgh wooing New Orleans conventions

If Pittsburgh's officials took a proactive approach, this casino in Pittsburgh could open the day after the Major League Baseball hosts the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh in July 2006.

Psych Up for Back to School

Back to school. Let's start to count the months, weeks and days -- and make the most out of each moment. The photo shows Grant and Erik outside a school in China. We had purchased a smaller version to bring to Cameron, a cousin. Sadly, the gift broke in transit.

Cameron is starting his Junior year at Middleburry College. He'll go back to school this week too.

The family Labor Day picnic brings us time to play with other cousins who live in the North Allegheny school district. They all start to school tomorrow.

Grant already gave notice that second grade won't include as much fooling around as first grade.

This year (academic 05-06) is our last "gravy year" for our family. Both of our children attend the same school. Next year Erik is slated to attend FRICK Middle School for sixth grade.

Erik is in a reading club and is diving into the book, Library Card. And he has begun to tackled the first draft of his first essay. That's what I need -- more drafts of my comments before they are "finished." However, he can NOT write on the computer. He needs to be doing it on paper so that the edits can be clearly seen.

One day we'll look back at paper based homework and giggle -- how old fashioned. Old fashioned, like what is shown in the photo above.

Labor, Legacy and Lucky HEX

In these parts, we have a serious relationship with "labor." It stretches far past a giant parade and has much to say about politics and how we govern ourselves.

I've run for public office twice. Both times I was a serious underdog. Neither time did I get a penny as a donation from any "labor group." I'm not sure if that is a complaint or a brag. Perhaps it is a bit of both.

My wish is for open-mindedness. But, those in control have a good way of controlling information. When information is controlled, other system-wide controls are easy to maintain.

Labor gives its money and its endorsements to candidates. Those candidates are generally the candidates that are going to win. When the established candidates win -- and win with such frequency and domination -- then the citizens generally loose. Our downward spiral continues.

We need labor to help snap the cycle that has caused such a downfall to our greater, public landscape.

The labor endorsement should NOT be given with a wink, a handshake and a three or four figure check. And, there are those who know what really occurs -- so there is a major turn-off in many ways. Candidates who would be great public officials for the rank-and-file are rejected without hesitation.

The oak hex, illustrated above, stands for "courage" and "strength." I long for the time when labor's political quarterbacks leverage additional "courage" and "strength" with serious research into all possible options entering the public realm.

Too many ballot box decisions are made far in advance of election day. Labor has had a huge role in causing the cancer of our body politic to persist.

From what I've seen -- many union memebers have been working to change the status quo. Those efforts need to turn a corner and become more than a 'steamfitters' pipe-dream.'

Today's offers:

I'd be glad to meet with any union leadership team or union members so as to talk about my campaign. That's a no-brianer.

Furthermore, I'd be happy and eager to talk about how improves to our political landscape can occur when considering serious, system-wide adjustements to to political outreach among unions.

Union members: Be strong. Be with courage. To many candidates, a good way to act with courage and strength is to generate endorsements and donations to all candidates in the race, even Indies. And, another avenue of strength is going to build as labor takes the effort to look harder and longer at those who are NOT already in the office presently.

Happy Labor Day!

The weather could not be better.

Next weekend, Erik (my oldest boy), 10, and I are going to to make a bike trip. That Dam Ride goes 69 miles on Saturday and a return trip on Sunday with tent camping and group meals.

Next Friday night brings a trip for many Pittsburghers to Athens, Ohio as Pitt takes on the Bobcats.

I hope the weather smiles upon us next weekend too.

Now, we're headed to the parade.

John O's art of PSU player walking again

Artist site.

Hat tip to KDKA TV interview.

Jury Rights Day 2005

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3863 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
1-800-774-4487
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release:
Date: 09/05/2005

For more information contact:
Doug Leard (Media Relations) or David Jahn (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS

Recognizing the power of jury nullification

The Libertarian Party acknowledges September 5, 2005 as Jury Rights Day and calls for greater public awareness of the powers and duties of jurors – including the largely ignored power of jury nullification.

LP spokesman Tim Crowley, explained that, "Juries are empowered to consider matters of fact as they pertain to guilt or innocence, but they also are empowered to consider the morality of the law in question. That’s the power of jury nullification."

This power is seldom mentioned in today’s courtrooms, but it is real and has a long historical tradition in the U.S. and England. John Jay, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, said in a 1794 ruling, "The jury has the right to judge both the law as well as the fact in controversy."

This is by design. Our Constitution and its Bill of Rights specifically inserts juries into this process. It gives citizens a final say over lawmakers.

We should be thankful for this final say. An English jury stopped the religious persecution of our own William Penn. Juries protected members of the Underground Railroad. Juries sent a message that helped to end Prohibition.

Henry Haller, 2002 Libertarian candidate for Lt. Governor added, "Unfortunately, jury rights advocates have been arrested for distributing juror nullification pamphlets on the same city block where courthouses are located. Judges never inform juries of this power and believe it represents a threat to their domain."

Conscientious use of this pow! er represents anything but a threat. It can represent dignity for suff ering terminal medical marijuana patients victimized by cruel unintended consequences of drug laws. It can represent self-preservation for citizens confronted by a government that wants to disarm everyone but violent criminals.

For more information on this critically important power held by everyday citizens, contact the Fully Informed Jury Association, 1-800-TEL-JURY.

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.

Schools and Katrina

Thanks for the pointer to the offers from various colleges to absorb students. See the pointer in the thread about Semester At Sea.

Visit www.edweek.org for DUCATION WEEK's continuing coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on schools. Recent stories include a roundup of efforts to educate displaced students, insurance complications for the schools affected, the impact of previous natural disasters on schools, and a look at the management challenges ahead for the New Orleans school district.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/collections/hurricane-katrina/index.html

Pointers: Schools Open Doors to Katrina Victims as Recovery Begins
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/09/02/02region_web.h25.html
Houston-Area Schools to Enroll Evacuated New Orleans Children

ACORN is on the move

We started the day with every ACORN member we could reach calling their Congresspeople in outrage about how the people of New Orleans were left low and wet! One woman called me back to tell me that she told Santorum's aide that they got soldiers over to Iraq to start a war faster than they could send soldiers to NOLA to save people in the disaster!

So many of our staff and members are missing. ACORN's National Headquarters was in New Orleans. It is so horrible. Today, we found twelve ACORN families in various places, hungry, wet, thirsty, but alive. One family had nineteen people, cousins, grandmother, kids, etc. They suffered much, but searched for each other then stayed together. They have found homes with other ACORN families in Houston, and do not have to live in the Astrodome.

This heartened me, and I sent out a challenge to my church- I will take in a family, will you? We have several families who would open their homes. I think we should send out a church challenge to every church- we will find many takers.

Fundraisers, two are in the planning stages. The first, a fundraiser by Jazz musicians to benefit Jazz musicians who are victims of the hurricane. The second, a big fundraiser by several local musicians who have huge followings, which will raise money for resettlement, as well as temporary needs.Both of them will be staffed out by ACORN staff and members. We are looking for volunteers. We asked Rev Johnny Monroe from Grace Memorial Church to take care of the financial conduit, and he said he would.

See you in church on Monday.

Maryellen (see comments for contact info)

Tulane -- purchase the Semester At Sea challenge / opportunity

What's up with Pitt's Semester at Sea program -- other than its last tour? If I'm at TULANE or LSU -- I'd be happy to get a visit from those who run the Semester At Sea program.

KDKA: City, County Ready To House Katrina Refugees

KDKA: City, County Ready To House Katrina Refugees: "They are also waiting to see how many people in New Orleans would be willing to travel the long distance -- nearly 1,100 miles -- to Pittsburgh.

My only advice -- "Don't wait. Go. Go as soon as possible."

The details of the exact number can be ironed out after the buses get loaded. Send ten. Perhaps five return right away. Perhaps five return a few days later.

Fill the buses with some supplies and hit the road. Drop the supplies as you move southward. How many frozen perogies can you get in 24 hours on one of those PAT buses?

And, I'd not be too, too worried about getting all the people from New Orleans proper. Go to Dallas. Go to Houston. Go to the other counties and pick-up some people who are interested in the offer.

Otherwise, I'm very happy to see this news. I'm happy to see the outreach from city and county officials. Way to go.

My only tip -- (hardly advice) -- is to get 10,000 or so copies of a two or four page newsletter together that puts on paper the offer for travel and housing to Pittsburgh. Put the basics into words and make a few maps. Show the distance to Pittsburgh. Show the set-up around Allegheny County as to what areas have the spaces. Give a sample of the set-up. Give some phone numbers, web sites, and more FYI content.

It might be an impossible sell to get folks to Pittsburgh without a hand-out. Once people see something on paper -- and it doesn't need to look slick and glossy -- it becomes easier to understand and believe.

My only other hope -- (hardly advice and hardly a tip) -- is that the educational community is ready for the influx too. That extra capacity for the Pgh Public Schools doesn't look like a waste of money when you consider what those in Houston are facing. What suburban schools and what private schools are okay with students too? And, are the university leaders working their networks too?

A friend at LSU is still without email. However, a school in Florida has set up those professors and are offering services. That was quick thinking on their part -- and the benefits are sure to follow.

Water, Swimming, Boating and even Floating is getting a lot of media coverage these days -- for the worse and otherwise.

Total Immersion Swimming Swimming in Saddam's Pool -- or -- How to Practice TI in a War Zone
By CDR Bryan Caraveo

The link above is an interesting read.

As a coach, I know about "swim like a fish" techniques. As a participant in the Pittsburgh Triathlon, I did compete in the Clydesdale division too. But that limit was set at 190, not 200. My goal for the next time, is to be under that weight.

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Click image for larger view.


Quote from Mary Jean Iron. Card by a friend who is putting some of the income to relief efforts. 

The Community Artisans' Bazaar is starting to heat up with talents and efforts for those in the wake of the storm down south. Louisa Wimberger, creative force behind weehah! cards from Charlottesville, VA, was inspired by Amy Carol Webb's recent donation idea and designed this quotation card.

I find the quote SO relevant right now, when I am feeling grateful for even being able to buy a loaf of bread at the store, drink tap water, walk down a street, or pick up a phone and talk to friends/family.

My oldest childhood friend has lived in New Orleans for almost 15 years, and she and her husband just finally bought a house right in the city two years ago. All gone now, as you know. I can't get her off my mind, and feel quite helpless. So, here's my little effort from Charlottesville on a beautiful and sunny day.

The cards are $3.00 each, or a pack of 8 for $18.00. For the month of September and perhaps beyond, she will give half the proceeds of this particular card to the American Red Cross. Her donor plan allows her to cover the necessary costs but still set aside a substantial amount to donate to the relief efforts. She accepts orders via phone (434.923.0561). Cards can be sent for a minimal postage fee.

James, we miss you.

My kids had their second day of school today. James, a teacher's aid, has not yet been to the school. He is generally in the same classroom as Grant (my youngest on the left).

The last time we saw James was in Thailand. He took us to a Thai Boxing event, where this photo was taken.
James is flanked by Grant and Erik in this picture.  

Erik's teacher from last year, Dr. Smith, is not in school either. She is taking a year to study in Mexico. Erik and Grant are both in the Spanish magnet track at our local school. We wish Dr. Smith, a 4th grade teacher, great success in her year that is sure to bring lots of exploration abroad.

At the open house before school started, I did get to meet the new Mark R, the boss of PPS. But, I didn't take any photos.

The football schedule for Pittsburgh Public Schools got an adjustment from the past. For starters, South isn't in the league. Games at Cupples Stadium, on the South Side, occur on Thursday night, 7 pm; Friday at 7 pm; and three times on Saturdays at noon, 3:30 and 7 pm.

Bloggers Debate Code of Conduct for Political Sites - Pgh Bloggers drink beer without any agenda or even wireless gathering place

Bloggers Debate Code of Conduct for Political Sites On Saturday, more than 50 of the state's bloggers -- on the right and the left, the young and the old -- spent a day meeting each other and debating whether there is a need for a common moral compass for this new form of political communication.

Pittsburgh's bloggers gather to drink beer and eat wings -- every other month.

The idea that "no one has any business telling them what they should say or how they should say it" is only one side of the coin. There needs to be more said in terms of "responsibility."

I long for "peer review" as is the case in the academic world. Peer review is an important element among watchdogs -- and it is often absent.

Furthermore, the common moral compass resides within each person, not in some other agency. The hook to each moral decision resides with the person -- each with a name. This means that faceless, nameless and undercover phantom postings of blogs with content of consequence are out of bounds.

I am certain that many politicians and lawmakers are knocking on the doors of state board of election officials to raise concerns to keep their jobs and mask the flow of truthful reporting. My wish is that governmental workers document those concerns and statements and post them. Then people can see the thought (or lack of thought) process and in turn, vote the small-thinking and selfish out of office as soon as possible.

I have no use for any lawmaker who aims to make new legislation for bloggers.

A blog conference with meaning and purpose is a great idea.

If Virginia's political bloggers want more influence and credibility, they should begin by earning reputations for telling the truth, being upfront about who they are, and treating their audiences with intelligence and decency.

Philadelphia Inquirer - Election test starts online donations

Changes to the rules come very late in the game in New Jersey.

Philadelphia Inquirer | 08/29/2005 | Election test starts online donations: "With the deadline to qualify in New Jersey's first 'Clean Elections' only eight days away, rules have been eased for collecting the 1,500 small contributions candidates need to participate in the public-financing pilot program.

This is junk. Citizens are being asked to make $5 and $30 donations and the transactions are at a State Treasury Department site that isn't even open yet.

Prior planning prevents poor performances.

On the other hand, at least they are trying. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, seems as if efforts are dead in the water. Peduto was to champion a campaign finance reform bill, and I've heard NOTHING about this in months. Nothing, and I was on the committee.

A total of 2,500 guardsmen from Pennsylvania have gone or are going to New Orleans.

There is no schedule for their return; they will stay as long as they are needed. (KDKA TV is the source.)

Flashback: The Great Wall

Grant Rauterkus stands at The Great Wall in China in 2004. 

I'm in the process of uploading a lot of new images to the blogs. Some of these came from our trips to China. I'm not sure, yet, how to best handle the images for regular visitors of this blog. The utilities Picasa2 and hello from picasa, are sweet.

To live in die in 2005 is nothing more than poverty, age and skin color ... so it was said

A Represenative from Georgia is sounding off now about the conditions in New Orleans. He is strong in his talk about this saga being all about poverty and the frail urban treatments. This problem brews beyond New Orleans' dire situation.

This is a topic that we should be blogging about. But, it is hard to write and break into a conversation as talk can be taken out of context.

First things first. We need permission to blab. And, we need safe places to do so. And, frankly, this blog is not a "free flowing, anything-goes" space on the digital landscape.

Next, we need pointers to what he and others are saying. We need to pull those comments out for others to find or repost (even here). Then, after the light gets put onto the statements, in fair treatments, then we can reply and respond.

Parts of what is being said make sense. On one interview I heard him say that the US Senate's passage of a bill for $10.5 BILLION was not nearly enough. He was seeking $200 Billion for all urban centers to make programs to fix these urban poor situations. Humm....

At first blush, I find myself at odds with that concept ($200 Billion of new Federal money for urban programms).

I don't think they should start the printing presses so as to print new money to give away in new urban programs.

Now, let's see what we can find and begin to get a sustained conversation on these matters -- somewhere, somehow.

Clean sweep advocates need all the various tools at the ready -- from mops, to brushes, to brooms. 

A Clean Sweep Needs a Better Ballot Access Broom

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3863 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
1-800-774-4487
www.lppa.org

For more information contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) or David Jahn (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS

The Voters Choice Act

Harrisburg, PA – The state legislature’s pay increase has created outrage across the state causing groups such as the PA Clean Sweep organization (www.pacleansweep.org) to call for a “no incumbent” election in November.

Some challengers will confront the Democratic and Republican incumbents head on in the Primary Election. Other frustrated voters are turning their backs on the old parties and seeking third party and independent candidates with innovative new approaches to today’s challenges. However, third party and independent candidates face a critical challenge with Pennsylvania’s ballot access laws.

Under current law, Democrats and Republicans will need to gather 2000 signatures in 2006 to have their names placed on the statewide ballot. By comparison, third party and independent candidates must collect over 67,000 signatures, more than 33 times as many. This inequity seems to violate provisions of the state constitution requiring all elections to be “fair and equal”

“We must run a state-wide candidate in order to maintain our minor party status,” stated David Jahn, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. “The two old parties have their drawbridges up and moats filled. These insurmountable barriers are obviously designed to protect incumbents by denying Pennsylvania voters a choice of candidates. This protection squashes the democratic process and makes it difficult to provide voters with new choices on the ballot.”

Currently, the Libertarian Party is working with the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition (www.PaBallotAccess.org) to reform the state’s unfair ballot access laws. On Saturday, September 24th, at 4 PM, the Coalition will hold a kickoff rally in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg to introduce their Voters Choice Act with a reception to be held immediately afterwards at the Harrisburg Hilton, Second and Market Streets in Harrisburg, beginning at 6:15 PM. Both events are open to the public.

Per L.P. spokesman Doug Leard, “in November 2006, we need to send a strong message to Harrisburg about their under-handed pay increase. To do so, we need improved ballot access to provide the voters of Pennsylvania better choices. We are asking citizens to contact their legislators asking them to sponsor and support the Voters Choice Act.”

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.

Neighborhoods want slice of slots pie

Greed is deadly. Envy has been driving too many decision in Pittsburgh for too many years.

Neighborhoods want slice of slots pie: "But Pittsburgh Council President Gene Ricciardi yesterday proposed eliminating the middle man all together. He said the city itself should apply for the slots license.
He said an estimated $250 million in revenue the city could glean as a slots operator could eliminate city property taxes, reduce the debt, improve infrastructure and help fund a new arena.
Ricciardi said he'd ask council to pass a resolution supporting such an application. Council lacks the power to force such a move, however.

The city can't even do a decent job in the oversight of an ice rink, nor the management of outdoor swim pools, nor its own budget and pension funds.

Now a city leader wants to run a casino.

The city can't build a convention center that gets proper use because it forgot about the hotel space for visitors.

Deals don't get done to take care of the whole problem.

The city needs to focus on fixing roads and bridges -- not running a casino.

If you want to cut out the middle man, then give the casino license to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. That would be much better than what Ricciardi suggested.

PA Dem Candidate takes a page from my playbook from 2001 efforts

I ran for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, in 2001 in the Republican Primary. I didn't win, but I did put forth some bold stances. My "twisted logic" as many would say, made perfect sense to me and our situations in Pittsburgh.

I spent a lot of time in 2000 and 2001 in the recruitment of candidates to run against. I wanted others in the race I had entered.

I tossed my hat into the public arena as I announced my intention to run for mayor in August 2000. The Primary was in May 2001. And, I went out and talked to more than a dozen "serious" people who strongly considered my suggestions.

In time, a loyal opponent did step forward, James C. Carmine, Ph.D. He edged me in the vote total among city Republicans by a couple hundred votes.

Today some satisfaction comes in understanding that the forumla that I advanced in 2001 in Pittsburgh has taken root with others in other locations throughout the state in a long-shot congressional race.

I advanced the formula -- but would never claim to be the "founder" nor "inventor" nor "first" in these pursuits.

GoodWorks-PAC.org Democratic Congressional Candidate Calls for Competitors in Primary

GoodWorks-PAC.org has joined its first Congressional candidate, Joe Otterbein, in announcing his novel campaign (see story http://ydr.com/story/politics/81455/). Joe is following the GoodWorks-PAC game plan by calling for more Democrats to compete against him in the Democratic primary.

It’s counter-intuitive, but having more Democratic opponents in the primary campaign can actually help Joe win in November, 2006.

In Pittsburgh in 2005, sadly, the Republican candidate entered the primary without opposition. To be certain, I have yet to see Joe Weinroth run at all. But, his name was the only one put on the ballot. He is toast.

Bogus Blight Designation is the seed that starts the saga for taking land.

To fight eminent domain -- we should elminate the designation of blight in the city. With the stroke of a pen upon the legislation, property rights become fortified.

PLANK (repeated): I'd work hard to put a stop to all eminent domain efforts from any and all agencies in the city and the county -- as best I can.

Philly Future - Philly Blogs - The News YOU Write | Eminent Domain & Our Ardmore Story: "Lower Merion Township was using a fairly common tactic of creating a bogus blight designation that enables them to abuse the power of eminent domain to take private property from its own citizens and pass that property to another private party.

Faith, Fortitude and Friends -- helping in the wake of Hurricane from Indie Musical "Friend" - Amy Carol Webb

Amy Carol Webb Our friend has a great offer as a way to help raise funds for the American Red Cross. Running Mates, it is time to buy some Christmas presents.

Dear Friends and Family:

Give music and give help at the same time! Starting now, all proceeds from the sale of my "FAITH-FORTITUDE-FRIENDS" CD from my CDbaby page are going to the American Red Cross.

So many are suffering the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including musicians dear to us losing everything except the guitar they carried out with them. There will no doubt be benefit work on their behalf as soon as we can get organized and I will keep you up to date on that.

In the meantime, click to http://cdbaby.com/cd/acwebb3 and buy CD's for yourself, for your friends, for your church, school, community center, library, neighbors, Chanukah, Christmas, Solstice, Kwanza, birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, everything you can think of - and then send this link on to loved ones and colleagues in your circles. Everybody wins - music lovers get more music, and more people get more of the help they need.

Better yet, buy a couple CD's and then go give blood. Hey, take a CD to the bloodmobile and give it away! Find your nearest blood donation center here https://www.givelife.org/index_flash.cfm?

Many CD baby artists you know and love are participating at CDbaby.com, and what a great opportunity to explore artists you don't know, donating along side the ones you do. Check it out at - http://cdbaby.com/group/redcross?cat=15 - buy a pile! Derek Sivers, founder of CDbaby.com, is a genius with a heart to match his smarts. We thank him for setting this up.

We thank you for supporting independent artists - and through us, the long and arduous relief effort ahead.

Blessings,
Amy

Amy Carol Webb, singer and songwritter. Her outreach to those in the Hurricain's path comes via her talents -- all the proceeds of the sale of her CD. 

mcall.com - Legislature owes state real reform, not just distractions from their follies

Morning Call: Editorial about the bigger picture and real reform Legislature owes state real reform, not just distractions from their follies


In the waning days of the Roman Empire, the caesars placated the angry populace with circuses and bread. They diverted people's discontent with bloody spectacles at the Coliseum. None of it fixed any of the corruption that was consuming the republic from within.

There's a modern day group of little caesars who consider the state capitol their palace. And, it is a magnificent building, with a rotunda that is resplendent with classical architecture and gold leaf. Its denizens have been whiling away the days of summer hoping that angry Pennsylvanians will forget their greed. But Pennsylvania's plebeians aren't forgetting.

The international rush to help -- or not??

Do you think China will lend a hand to help in the clean up efforts of New Orleans? What's your guess? What can be expected from the international sources? 

Young Libertarian email open-ended question seeking negatives

Dear Mr. Rauterkus,
As, a newly found Libertarian, there are things that I would like to learn about this incredable party. I am a Senior in High School, am 17 years old, live in Sharon (Mercer County) and I have political aspirations someday. I want to be able to have discussions with people at lenghts and be able to defend the party and empress the greatness of the party to the people that don't necessarily follow politics that much. I visit lp.com often but that only says the good. I want to know the negative as well, so I know what I may be up against in a political debate with my Socialist friends, Democrat teachers and, sadly, this Republican society in general.

P.S. I would greatly appreciate an e-mail response back.

Sincerly,

My quick reply:
There is an upside and downside to each decision. The Libertarian pathway has its hurdles, but I'd not say there are many "negatives."

Freedom has to have an equal dose of RESPONSIBILITY. If you lack -- or if the community lacks -- the responsibility part of the solution -- then Freedom is chaos. That's the big negative. We don't generally know how to take care of ourselves. The do unto others as you'd do to yourself breaks down because people don't do well to themselves -- sadly.

2007 Pan Am Games

The sports to be included in the 2007 Pan Am Games include: men's indoor football, bowling, water skiing, skating (artistic and speed), and karate.

My first question: Why not women's indoor football as well?

And bowling would be fun -- if it was of all the types and styles. There are many types of bowling games played around the world. Wouldn't it be fun to have a decathalon of sorts with each of the games? There is 10-pin, duck-pin, candlestick, and some other games that I don't even know the names of.

We went to a bowling and sports facility in the Prague and saw a weird to us bowling game. There were three balls per frame. The funky shirt / uniforms were the same, but with a few more logos. I tried to trade for a bowling shirt was without any valued goods myself at that instance.

Now the quiz questions:

What city is to host the 2007 Pan Am Games?

When and where did I get to go to the Pan Am Games?

capitalwire.com has an interesting site

A search for "Rauterkus" at capitalwire.com turn up these hits:

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capitolwire.com 5/17/2005 Search Rank: 936
Mark Rauterkus: Libertarian candidate for PA Senate in the Special Election, releases regional regrets.

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capitolwire.com 4/1/2005 Search Rank: 304
Rauterkus: Open letter to residents of Western Pennsylvania.

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Archives) 5/1/2005 Search Rank: 152
Post-Gazette endorses Fontana for 42nd state Senate District, says he's a better fit than opponents Diven and Rauterkus.

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capitolwire.com 4/15/2005 Search Rank: 152
Mark Rauterkus, candidate for PA Senate: Tax Day, April 15. Going from BAD to WORSE.

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The Associated Press 3/31/2004 Search Rank: 123
Parents, nonprofits stepping in to keep Pittsburgh facilities open while officials debate funding.

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Tribune-Review 5/1/2005 Search Rank: 101
42nd District state Senate election expected to set spending record. The showdown pits Rep. Diven, a Democrat-turned-Republican, against Democrat Fontana and Libertarian Rauterkus. From Saturday's edition.

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The Associated Press 5/18/2005 Search Rank: 72
AP: Democrats hold onto both of two state Senate seats that were up for grabs in special elections Tuesday.

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The Associated Press 5/16/2005 Search Rank: 57
Mayors' troubles draw crowded races in Erie, Pittsburgh and Allentown.

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The Associated Press 5/16/2005 Search Rank: 48
AP: Election action in Tuesday's primary mainly local.

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The Associated Press 3/25/2004 Search Rank: 48
Parents worry free summer meals another casualty of Pittsburgh's debt.

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The links won't work, above, as the terms of the service are very restrictive. One can get a trial subscription for a few days at the site. Let me know what you think.

I'm far more impressed with an open-source approach as with the WIKI concepts. So, I'm not too excited to subscribe and see content that I can't link to and quote with liberal context and fair use understandings.

I've got more to explore there. Pointers and insights welcomed.

Superior writting contest rules and endeavor

This writting contest endeavor is a work of beauty in its construction and purpose.

http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/International_Wikinews_Writing_Contest
It's an attempt to increase the story output on Wikinews across all languages, inspired by the English writing contest in April. The basic idea is simple: Each contestant needs to write a story a day, or use a joker if available. When one fails to write a story within 24 hours, and runs out of jokers, one drops out of the contest. The last three persons to remain in the contest will be the winners.

Prizes, judges from each language, and contestants are needed. The hope is to start on September 1, 2005.

This would be a great first day of school activity for a college communication class or a high school engligh, media, journalism class. Or, spring this to a reading circle for adults or a group in a congregation. See if you and a buddy can have a mini-contest among yourselves within the larger contest.

Breakdowns among the scope of issues: Global, International, Federal, Regional, State, Local

All politics is local, some might say.

Others might feel that everything is about "self-interest."

I don't have a HARD LINE rule of engagement for myself. Principles apply, of course. But I try to never say never. For the most part, the bulk of my attention goes to local (family, neighborhood, city, state) matters. Sometimes I raise an international comment or mention about the war -- but those are more rare.

Among my party, there is a discussion brewing about dealing or not dealing with national issues. Talking about the war in Iraq takes away from getting people on the ballot for state-wide office and fixing the more local property tax messes.

As a guiding goal, I strive to be open-minded, prudent and effective. There are zillions of instances when I lurk, stay aware, ask questions, and allow for time to figure and ponder among peers who agree and argue. Going with the flow is fine when there is hope of educational value. I might go to a rally or picket and won't hold any sign, but mingle so as to ask questions, gather perspectives, and dig for knowledge details and personal lessons.

I don't generally blog about the war, but I do visit blogs about the war.

People also understand and want to hire (i.e., elect) local leaders with the understanding that these people often change jobs and springboard to other roles. A city councilman becomes a state senator who runs for Lt. Gov and wins a state audior general position -- like Jack Wagner, PA's Auditor General. Not that everyone needs to run for every higher office -- but the future is always rolling along. So, people don't want to elect a local official who is small-brained, cosmetic on litter patrol for his or her ward and can't see the big picture in life nor in politics.

This hiring trend with voter mindset is both a curse and a blessing. I can't defend it but do understand. For instance, we might find a great candidate for "dog catcher" who would be splendid in that role but would stink at the art of crafting legislation. If great "dog catchers" would only aspire to the dog-catcher hall-of-fame, we'd be set. But, too often we see good dog-catchers running for other offices.

Mark C, a freelance running mate of sorts, wrote this letter to the editor (not yet published):

Lt. Governor Knoll's attendance at a local serviceman's funeral ignited a storm of controversy. Family privacy, the Iraq War, patriotism, political attacks and backpedaling, and political strategies were thoroughly reported in the Pgh City Paper ("The Crass-y Knoll", John McIntire, 8/3/2005). One compelling aspect, however, escaped detection.

Knoll allegedly said that the Rendell administration opposed the Iraq War. It's not my intension to debate this she-said vs. family-heard question.

Instead, imagine if state governments routinely showed a libertarian streak and issued formal, stated positions in direct opposition to imposed federal policies. Consider state opposition to:

** The Patriot Act.
** The surveillance state.
** Out-of-control federal spending.
** Federal laws regulating firearms.
** Federal laws regulating marijuana.
** Mandatory emissions inspections.
** The Endangered Species Act.
** The income tax, its compliance and the IRS.

The above list is a fraction of the growing federal intrusions into state operations and into the lives of citizens.

Maybe it is time to reject Rendell, Knoll and their Republican counterparts who either welcome the power that comes with these intrusions or can only whisper their opposition when masked by sobbing at funerals.

Mark Crowley, Plum

I value state rights. I would like to see more open discussions. I would like to see clear distinctions among candidates among various offices. I think Mark C is on the mark with this trend.

Mark R of Pgh Public Schools -- visits in our future

The Urban League of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with A+ Schools, Greater Pittsburgh Alliance of Black School Educators, Leadership Pittsburgh, NEED (Negro Education Emergency Drive), New Pittsburgh Courier, Pre-college Component for the School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, The Pittsburgh Chapter Links, Inc., WQED Multimedia, YMCA of Pittsburgh, and YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh present the ACHIEVEMENT MATTERS COMMUNITY FORUM featuring MARK ROOSEVELT, New Superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools at 5 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at Schenley High School, 4101 Bigelow Boulevard.

Parents, School Personnel, Business and Civic Leaders and the community at lartge is invited.

Program notes:

Introduction by Henry M. Thomas, III, President and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Thomas is a professional associate and friend of Mark Roosevelt. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Education.

Question and answer with Mark Roosevelt, led by Esther L. Bush, President and CEO of the Urban League of Pittsburgh.

---

We expect to see the new Mark R at our neighborhood school tomorrow as part of a mini-open house to kick off the new school year. The first day of school for Pgh Public Schools for grades 1 to 12 is on Thursday. Grade K starts a week later.

Cookie Cruise with Bobby O

I went on the annual Bob O'Connor Cookie Cruise. Saw lots of people. Talked lots of politics. Had a great time.

Sadly, John M, the D.J., wouldn't play my requested song. He said, "No way." Jeepers. I felt that the song by Johnsmith, Don't Put Me In a Box, was fitting for both Bob and myself. It covers: Irish, Catholic, big family, grew up in the heartland, and all the colors of the rainbow too.

In other news, a number of candidates for the soon to be open seat for City Council District 3 were present as well. I count myself in that mix too.

Didn't see many other bloggers. But that might be par for the audience. A video crew or two were getting candid interviews.

The $25 donation was worth it. And, I stayed away from the hotdogs and cookies too!

And, the clincher: Bob O'Connor told me personally that he'll fix Pittsburgh once he's in office. So there. Guess I can rest my fears now.

Getting back to school means the return of music lessons too.

Tune up with the instruments too!

We had a good summer with music -- on our own. The teaching begins next week, as school schedules return.

Music lessons resume at the PMA (Pittsburgh Music Academy) on Tuesday with Jennifer. The PMA got three foot of water last year -- as it is in Carnegie.

Meanwhile, the Pgh Ballet is not doing the right things by holding its season with recorded music. We won't be going to the ballet anytime soon. Nor are they getting our donations. And we did go and did support them with modest cash gifts. Expect some pickets this fall as well -- from me! 

Flash Quiz: Chickens

One of these chickens is not like the other. Which one and why? 

These creatures are named Mable (white), Hurricane (black and white) and Violet (brown). They are the pets of my sister and her children in Quakertown.

We got to visit them before and after as we drove to New England on a weeklong trip.

Hint: The distinction for the one came as we traveled.

Finally, this posting is dedicated to all those "cat bloggers" among the reaches of the internet. Cat blogging has become popular. They won't be able to hold a candle to chicken posts.

Road Trip; Ohio Linux Fest, Oct. 1.

Ohio LinuxFest continues to grow and its 3rd event is slated for Oct. 1, 2005. Drawing from Ohio, the surrounding states, and Canada, the event has moved to the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Pittsburgh should have a YOUTH TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT -- and that event could be one of the biggest in the city every year. However, we've got candidates for mayor who might not be able to spell email.

And in the tech front, we have a push to make one organizer try to organize the tech organizations. One voice advocates are pin heads, in my book.

Bits & Bytes: Umbrella for tech groups gets less-than-warm reception Umbrella for tech groups gets less-than-warm reception

Made for Hollywood sports saga - Former Russian Olympic official, mob, fixed 2002 gold medal --> shot and killed

Most of the time, the real world provides all the drama we need in life. Here is a true story that has HOLLYWOOD movie written all over it.

SI.com - Olympics - Former Russian Olympic official shot and killed - Tuesday August 30, 2005 2:09PM Former Russian sports official gunned down

MOSCOW (AP) -- A former Russian sports official allegedly linked to the fixing of figure skating results at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City has been shot and killed, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported Tuesday, citing police officials.
Chevalier Nusuyev, former president of the Russian youth sports federation, was shot late Monday as he left his office in southwest Moscow and died shortly after being taken to a hospital, the report said. The unidentified gunman escaped by car.

Moscow police did not immediately confirm the killing. Nusuyev was allegedly linked to reputed Russian mobster Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov, who in 2003 escaped extradition from Italy to the United States on charges of fixing the figure skating results.
Tokhtakhounov spent nearly a year in a Venice, Italy, prison until June 2003 on U.S. charges that he helped secure a gold medal

There is more.... Mob, etc.

The next winter games are to be held in Italy too.

Scoop: A "Green Mayor" in the 'Burg' is Demanded!

Sadly, this read is published in New Zealand, not Pittsburgh. And, that "demand" seems more like a "prayer" and less of a urgent need that is strongly requested.

Scoop: A Green Mayor in the 'Burg' is Demanded!: "A �Green Mayor� in the 'Burg' is Demanded!
Opinion: United States Green Party

By Ceci Wheeler, Green Party
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

If readers are not acquainted with the Green Party of America http://www.gp.org/ it is because a national two-party structure has managed to block its existence from the time it was born in the United States, 15 years ago.

The Green Party, the party of the issues, presents to its new recruites with its 10-key values which dominates its national platform. These values are based on the needs of all the American people, specifically the poor and the working classes.

I've always understood that I'd get press (both as a candidate and with other endeavors) from other outlets, other than those in the city, well before it would come from the established press here.

SuperDome leaks. Isn't Heinz Field with the same feature?

When is the next ballgame slated for The Super Dome?

Doesn't Heinz Field leak when it rains too?

How many people could bunk down at Heinz Field in the time of a major community crisis?

And, what about numbers for those other larger community facilities?

Fresh Laundry

Panhandling laws beg lawsuit

"Why, oh, why" comes to light in this post, again.

Think again.

Downtown's "economic vitality" is the reason given for expanding laws and shrinking freedoms under the concepts of new panhandling laws.

Some must think that downtown's economic vitality hinges upon the down-and-out who are homeless.

The Downtown Partnership has been gathering its forces, plus the mayor and city council so as to leverage "partnerships" and gang-up upon the homeless folks.

I think of the playground order: "Pick on someone your own size."

City's panhandling limits beg lawsuit - PittsburghLIVE.com Civil rights advocates are warning that Pittsburgh's attempt to give the bum's rush to Downtown panhandlers could land the city in the same losing free-speech fight that has doomed anti-begging ordinances across the country.

In the name of economic prosperity, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is asking the city to limit when and where people can beg for money. Of particular concern are scraggly, unwashed homeless people who approach customers outside stores, restaurants and ATM machines. The partnership's proposal would outlaw begging at night and soliciting people as they enter many businesses.

Simply put: The keys to the revitalization of downtown's economic development don't rest with the homeless. Furthermore, those (i.e., PDP) that what to drive our partnerships on that pathway are not well suited for Pittsburgh's solutions.

Perhaps the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnerships is failing at its core mission of building partnerships and vitality.

SEA bills, debt and gambles miss. Place a better bet with a better direction. Sell the Convention Ctr as the Gambling Hall.

Tell me why! Why can't we kill off the debt of the SEA (stadium and exibition authority) by selling the Convention Center building as a stipulation of the new casino's opening.

SEA seeks help for center's bills - PittsburghLIVE.com The city-county authority had counted on the slots money to cover operating losses at the convention center, to pay off debt from its construction and to repay a 2004 loan taken out to cover earlier losses at the convention center. The state has allocated one slots-casino license for Pittsburgh, but such a facility is at least a year away from opening.

These guys are doing it all wrong. They are barking up the wrong tree with the wrong tune.

The time is right for the debt to go away. To get rid of the debt, get rid of its source. Then everyone wins.

In perpetuity --- phoey!

Mayor Murphy and the others who have been at the helm of the city have put us into a deep, deep hole. Years will pass before the city is able to lift itself. Hope is measured in decades as the debt is a "long-term obligation." Hence, the notion of a deal set by them that goes forever is no kind of deal at all.

The last deal that was cut, at the state level, is with the letting of the $50-million gambling casinos. That deal NEVER expires. That blunder is something I tried to prevent.

To sunset deals and legislation is generally wise.

To trust those who have broken the city to fix it -- in perpetuity -- is foolish at best.

City council wants more from nonprofits - PittsburghLIVE.com Council President Gene Ricciardi wants to make the charities' donations to the city a very long-term obligation.

'I believe it should be in perpetuity,' Ricciardi said. 'It should not expire in three years. If the nonprofits don't agree to that, then we need to go in another direction.'

New York's Power headed to South Central

We were charged on the highway today as we passed a convoy of eight cherry pickers from New York State headed south and west in Central Pennsylvania. They had EDISON Power logos on the doors and were chugging at moderate speeds (aprox 50 mph).

I told my sons to wave and give them a big salutes and thumbs up signs.

We are sure the men and machines with ample tools, road snacks and long-lists of jobs yet to do were headed to cover some of those in need in the wake of the storm.

Our prayers go out to them and they're families at home. Safe travels. Thanks for being so generous with your skills, energy and capacities.

OpenOffice.Org releases public beta 2

The second public beta release of OpenOffice.org 2.0 is now available for download, and techies everywhere should go get it. This beta release allows a broad user base to test and evaluate the next major version of OpenOffice.org, but is not recommended for production deployment at this stage.

I hope to press CDs with this program, and its source code, for handouts in the weeks to come.

This second public beta release is the result of many months' work
improving upon the first public beta announced in March, 2005. OpenOffice.org 2.0 introduces a new database module, implements the OASIS OpenDocument XML file format and a myriad of other new features and capabilities. The redesigned interface and enhanced document filters combine to make the application even more interoperable with other office suites and easier to use and learn, regardless of operating system.

OpenOffice.org Conference - 2005 is slated for Koper - Capodistria,
Slovenia, from 28 to 30 September.

OpenOffice.org is a fully featured open-source productivity suite available as a free download for major computing platforms in over 45 languages. Data is stored in an XML file format standardised for office documents by the international body OASIS. OpenOffice.org is developed, supported, and promoted by an international community of volunteers with its main sponsor and primary contributor being Sun Microsystems.

Soon to be held CMU events: College of Fine Arts

See the comments for full listings.

Carnegie Mellon's Regina Gouger Miller Gallery, Exhibition Animal Nature from August 26 - October 2, 2005, with opening reception September 2 from 5-8 p.m.

Cuarteto Latinoamericano concert at 7:30 pm on Thursday, September 22.

Philharmonic - Juan Pablo Izquierdo, Director of Orchestral Studies, conductor, September 28.

Drama Production of Lysistrata, the classic Greek “make love, not war” comedy, October 6 through October 15. See notes from Elizabeth Bradley, head of the School of Drama. "The notion that women, appalled by the cost of war, would rise together in protest to thwart aggression is an enormously .... "
BILL SEAMAN, lecture, 5 pm on September 6 to explore text, image and sound
through multiple technological forms, exploring the continuum between physical and virtual/media space. He holds a M.S. in Visual Studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and now heads the Digital Media Graduate Program at RISD.

And more.

Jerry's back

Jerry Bowyer promised you that he would be back on the Pittsburgh airwaves at the end of the summer, and he's true to his word!

Tune in this Thursday, September 1st at 3:00 pm to 101.5 WORD-FM. Jerry will do his show every weekday from 3-6 pm and looks forward to talking to his old friends on his new station.

Call the show and make Jerry feel at home at his new perch, as 412-921-TALK, (that is 412-921-8255.)

Cabela's -- Unreal.

What a store. Unreal. This one is in central PA near Rt. 78.  

This is a new development. Wonder what type of tax breaks were used?

The store is massive. Selection ranged from a trailer for six hunting dogs, log cabin for the hunting get-a-way, rods, guns, clothing and even flip-flops. The prices were okay. The selection is what is such an eye opener.

I guess one is a bit closer on Rt. 70 too.

While in Boston we went to REI and other fun rec shops.

Maine Street

We've been on our Maine visit. My two sons, 10 and 7, are now "surfers." They've been surfing, for real. I'm getting a burnt nose. And, the blog is idle, except for your comments.

Erik and Grant were both standing on the surf boards in the past two days. I was really proud of Grant for his last wipe-out, as he covered his head upon popping up for air. And, they're both good at it, too.

We're bunking down in Boston now -- and I guess we find ourselves in one of those 'hip' cities that Pittsburgh shouldn't try to become. See the comments for a new Allegh Institute report.

We'll hit a local UU Church on Sunday, Lexington and Concord tour and perhaps 5-wits.com as side trips. Perhaps we'll bump into Dave Copeland there. :)

Twins are our in future. Not ours -- more family visits. We didn't snag Stones nor Sox tickets, but have tuned into many of the games. So, we're not too, too "hip."

Disclaimer: As always, we have house sitters watching our pets as we are on the road. Nuff said.

At the beach

In Maine, summer 2005.

Summer Swimming Season Sendoff

We gathered this evening, with wonderful weather, at the Green Tree Swim Pool to celebrate a splendid year of summer swimming.

Here is a photo of myself and my two sons at one of this summer's swim meets.

Bill Straw, the head coach at Keystone Oaks High School, took the photo. He was our assistant coach this year.

I've got a lot of photos to organize and post in the months to come. Perhaps I'll start a "flashback" series and slip photos into the blog.

PA VERIFIED VOTING HOME PAGE

This site just came to my attention. What do you think?

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)?

Hardware for the kids

Green Tree Great White Sharks had its swim picnic and gives each participant a trophy. The ones on the team for five years get a special award. Medals were earned at the All Star Meet and the Championship Meet. 

Possible Casino Operators have been buying politicians for years.

The Post Gazette article on gambling money that flows to political candidates is a nice summary.

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.

The soft money is another major concern of mine. Untold millions have been put into various lobby interests and party interests too.

The state legislature has its own slush funds for the control of state-money, but there are other funds controlled by party that are for election efforts too. Real power comes as the various funds form a combination 1-2-3 punch. And on the bench sits a pipeline of addtional players who poised and perhaps poisoned with ambitions more giving to insure their sweetheart deals.

Some candidates have money. Some candidates have little. A great majority of candidates that have money did NOT get that money from the "support" of regular people who want "good government." Don't fool yourself. Most of the money came from people who want to buy off part of the system for their own benefit.

I am proud to say that I ran a campaign for state senate and was out spent 500-to-one by EACH of my opponents. Those guys spent money because the GAMBLING INTERESTS had given them money.

Goofy example: Gov. Rendell's money went to candidate Fontana, D, to be used to broadcast the message that candidate Diven, once a D now a R, voted for Gov Rendell's (D) budgets in the past.

The system doesn't make sense. And the scorecard used by the media to judge if a candidate is viable is not only worthless, it's harmful.

In 2005, I got 2,542 votes and raised $3,400. That means each vote cost about $1.33. In 2001 as a GOP candidate for Mayor, I got votes at $.60 each.

Meanwhile, in 2001 the big-boy Dems who ran for mayor got votes for $30 each. And in 2005, both of my state senate opponents raised nearly $1-million and got less than 20,000 votes for the victor and some 35,000 combined. They are in the range of $60 spent per vote, on average.

Reporters with newspapers and media should tell the public how much money the candidates need to spend to score a vote. What I'm talking about here is all election data that needs to be reported with different benchmarks. These numbers are easy to find and calculate.

Consider the other sums of cash that are spent in other ways from the operations of our governmental entities. Proclamations are given. Corporate welfare is given. Contracts are let without bids. So on and so forth.

Candidates who need to raise more than $10 a vote are not worthy to serve in public office.

Jerry Bowyer on Black and White Employment

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.

I don't know the scope of those numbers. I image that they are nation-wide.

I wonder if the numbers for locals or for our region hold to the same outcomes?

At the end of the article, the author states "that African-American citizens tend to be closer to the Republican party on moral and cultural issues, but that they have been persuaded that Republican economics are detrimental to their interests." I'll not bicker with that statement. However, I'm not sure what Republican party he is speaking of. Some of the Republicans are heavy spenders. Gov. Ridge grew the government in PA while in office. The state house and state senate are controlled by Republicans and the budget and taxes are increasing too.

"... It could be game over for the Democrats."

Wishful thinking is always welcomed. Same too with educated thinking.

However, I don't expect to see a big outward migration of African-American voters away from the "D" and to the "R" side. That move is just too hard to make. Going from "BLUE" (i.e., blue state = Democratic Party) to "RED" is a massive jump. And, to get a massive amount of voters within a block to make that jump is a massive pipedream.

However, going away from "BLUE" and landing in a "middle ground" -- but not all the way to "RED" is a different saga and offers different outlooks. I think it is possible to get a large number of black-urban-northeast voters to leave the Democratic party. A major exodus is possible, should the right motivations be presented with gusto and reason. This is would be a major blow to the "new-deal alliance" that Bowyer mentioned.

But, I don't see massive number of people doing a switch like that of Anakin Skywalker. Anakin, a Star Wars character, went from Jedi to the dark side. Going from D to R is a massive shift that some can make -- but most won't. Sorry. That notion is just too radical, too bold, too much. Human nature and some issues about the present day Republicans are such that there won't be a massive parade of individuals joining the ranks of the GOP -- even if unemployment was set to zero.

A middle ground is needed.

I don't think that there are two sides. Even a coin has three sides: heads, tails and the edge. One can roll a coin or spin a coin on its edge better than if it is flat on heads or tails.

My political registration when away from "R" and I could not become a "D" -- because the top Democrat in Pittsburgh is Tom Murphy. I can't be in a party lead by Tom Murphy. The Ds have killed our city in many ways, politically.

I've found a home in a party that isn't "RED" nor "BLUE." It is more of a middle ground. It was an easy transition. It is well suited for me -- being a Libertarian.

Some Ds might become Libertarians. Some might be more at home in the Green Party. Some as Socialist Party Members. Some are okay to reject all parties and be an INDIE.

I think that the smartest Republicans can see the value in the exodus from the ranks of the Ds. But, insightful Rs can't expect the former Ds to join the Rs.

If Republicans worked to make ballot access, debate inclusion, and other political hurdles of free assocation easier to navigate, as expressed in the Constitution, then we all win.

Breakfast meeting with Mike T as a speaker.

Roges meet at the H.Inn near S.H. Village. That's State Rep, M.T., from the North Hills. He has family ties to the USC area. 

Understanding the New Markets Tax Credit Program and Its Importance to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Region

Hold onto your wallets. Here is the latest ploy. If some running mates want to go -- take good notes and report back to us all, please.

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.

Operation Clean Sweep askes: What to do about Judge CAPPY?

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!

Cornell: Conference on Language and Poverty in October, 2005

See the comments for details.

Software Freedom Day, Sept. 10, 2005. Coordinate or blab about your event(s) here

I'm a software guy, not a hardware guy. The mind leads and the body follows, in my humble opinion. With the tech world, the software represents the brains while the physical computer is more like the skin, bone and muscle. Our technology needs in the fast changing world are often met and best understood with software solutions.

The software decisions facing people, government, schools and businesses present an opportunity to choose among either "proprietary software" or "Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)."

My strong Information Technology stance is choose in favor of FOSS. When we choose to discover, investigate, install, deploy, network, promote and develop in the realm of open-source software efforts, we choose a kind of software that allows the users to view and adapt the source code and in turn, suit one's own needs. Open Source Software is real empowerment. And, it is a real community effort. In turn the public good is advanced.

A vast majority of Free and Open Source Software comes without charge, gratis. The open-source licenses put the utilities out and available or free, which means elininates software license fees. Open Source tools make technology accessible and affordable to small business, researchers, political activists and even those in Africa.

The high cost of proprietary software is responsible for higher incidence of software piracy, locally and globally. A Business Software Alliance put software piracy in Nigeria around 84 per cent. Hence, ligitimate business among computer vendors in Nigeria becomes problematic. Moves to Free and Open Source software and operating systems can be an avenue to make for legitimate business.

The celebration of Software Freedom Day (SFD) encourages grassroot efforts to promote alternative solutions. More especially, SFD celebrates the freedom, innovation and education FOSS presents to the global community.

Thousands of SFD teams are holding a range of events and celebrations for these concerns. Linux User Groups (LUGs), seminars, public square discussions, Linux road shows, confluence shows, sports, and music avenues are all part of the wide scope of activities.

Software Freedom Day (SFD) celebrations are slated for September 10, 2006.

Fund gets $ from nonprofits for bailout of city (too little, too late, too fictional)

Dream on Mayor Murphy. The budget worked upon last year at this time called for this money for this year. Too late. This $5-million was to be here for 2005. The deal is just being cut at the end of August and won't go to city council until September.

Mayor Murphy is making a three year deal as a lame-duck that has around three months of time in the office. Mayor Murphy is out of here, but his ills are going to cripple the region for generations to come. He can't cut a good deal for the citizens.

The deal is cloaked in secrecy. What's up with that. The mayor signed a public document and the public needs to have the wool pulled over its eyes too. We need a pledge as well as the courage to be OPEN and HONEST.

The real insult to injury is the fact that Mayor Murphy pushed the non-profits to expand in the past 12 years. The Mayor's efforts helped put UPMC Sports Medicine onto the South Side Works so that the nonprofit could take valued riverfront property that was to be an extension of the existing neighborhood and new jobs with light-industrial and flex-office space and housing. No.

UPMC is a nonprofit that rents to the Steelers, a private, for-profit company that already got a millions in a public subsidy with the new stadium on the North Side.

Pitt got to move some of its football operations out of Oakland into land that should be fueling the economic future of the region.

Solutions to follow.

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.

The nonprofits are not stupid. And, the nonprofit leaders know that they can't trust Tom Murphy. Furthermore, they know that the deal that they are all signing isn't going to hold up come 2006. The entire saga is shameful. That is why they all insisted that it not see the light of day. The secrecy lessens the blush factor.

Solution: Establish a moratorium on nonprofit footprint expansion. Insist that all nonprofit growth be UPWARDS, out OUTWARDS. Growth needs to be with taller buildings, not rolling wide patches of land in neighborhoods.

A real inventory of nonprofit land is necessary. Then those benchmarks need to be shrunk.

LancasterOnline.com: News : Pay-raise foes claim harassment

Read how the Republicans are playing hardball with Young Conservative group.

LancasterOnline.com: News : Pay-raise foes claim harassment: "Pay-raise foes claim harassment
Say Senate operative sent to intimidate them

Final Design For Arena Unveiled

Those in glass houses should not toss stones.

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.

I spanked the KC Royals of MLB's basement the other day. Now let's ponder the new arena design.

One of the most pressing issues that Pittsburgh faces is the loss of the Civic Arena. If Mario wants a new arena, fine. Let him build it. If Fast Eddie Rendell, PA Governor, wants to see the new arena, let that be his mistake. But -- don't rip down the Civic Arena just to build a new one.

KEEP the Civic Arena.

1 1 = 2 = net gain.

1 - 1 = 1 = NO GAIN, no progress, no brains.

We can use the existing Civic Arena for the circus, Elmo on Ice, Carrick's graduation, and monstor truck pulls where there is NO DEMAND FOR LUXERY BOXES.

In other matters, Pittsburgh's Great Glass Building, beyond the H.Q. of Inspector Gadgett's villan and office space, should be on Pittsburgh's North Side. The Steelers' stage should REALLY be more like a Glass Cathedral. It can't be this big, but Pittsburgh's need is for a 3,000 seat, multi-purpose venue for many situations. Ask me about this some time in person.

S6 possible speaker: Keith Osik

S6 is a concept calling for a sports lecture series. Former Pirate, now minor-leaguer, college coach, father, Keith Osik, could give a good podium talk, I imagine.

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.

Wanted: A YOUTH Technology Summit. - deadline for international contest, Sept. 18

Okay, if we take the new Pittsburgh Convention Center and turn it into the casino, there are still many places were we can put the called for YOUTH TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT: Civic Arena, Hilton Hotel, PNC Park, South Vo Tech High School, Greenway Middle School, etc.

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.

Value TRIPLES in last week at Blogshares. Explain that!

This blog's value has soared in the past week to triple its former self. This value score seems to be hotter than the price of crude oil.

I know, it's all just a game and for fun. But why?

Can anyone explain the upclick?

Click the "blogshares" button on the left-hand side of this page to get to the proper page.

What's tireless, nearly 30-feet in length and lives for the trash on Pittsburgh's riverfronts -- engagement tonight!

No, the riddle's answer is not a parade of rats.

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

This sounds like a drip problem, not a spill.

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.

Rogues meet on Saturday, Aug 20 at Holiday Inn Select near S.H. Village

Original source: Herb Ohliger, herb138 -at- fyi.net

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.

Fixing Pennsylvania’s Unconstitutional Election Code

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.

For more information contact:
Doug Leard (Media Relations) or David Jahn (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS

Clarion County reaches major milestone for political organizational goals

The Libertarian Party of Clarion County (LPCC) is pleased to announce that it has reached the membership and organizational goals necessary to merit a seat on the Executive Board of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. The LPCC will now be able to convey the concerns of its members directly to the state level.

See comments for more.

Time to go home. Makes best sense to me.

Anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan calls her mother's stroke a "devastating blow" that has forced her to leave "Camp Casey" temporarily.

Sure, the stroke is a devastating blow. But it is well worth the exit.

People need to keep up the fight and avoid burn out. Too many times I've seen advocates get into a battle and leave it all on the battle field -- and be wiped out. You've got to fight the good fight as best you can -- and LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY.

Keep some of the forces at home. Be reasonable with yourself and your family. Be prudent. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, first.

I think it was a wise move for Sheehan to retreat. Her message got out. Her time there had concluded. Move on, even.

$7 Lawrenceville Rotary Corn Roast

Corn Roast with pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans and a drink are served on Saturday, August 20, 2005, from 11 am to 5 pm at the Arsenal Middle School Park at the corner of 40th and Butler Street.

Tickets available at Senator Ferlo’s office 3507 Butler (figures that there is PORK involved) and Slaughterhouse Gallery 5136 Butler.

Proceeds go to Lawrenceville Rotary scholarship funds, community fund and international fund.

Seeking candidates for County Council -- two special elections. Want to run as a Libertarian?

Two special elections are being held this November for two County Council seats.

One is County Council district 3, which contains: Aspinwall, Blawnox, Brackenridge, East Deer, Etna,
Fawn, Fox Chapel, Frazer, Harrison, Indiana, Millvale, O'Hara, Reserve, Shaler, Sharpsburg, Springdale, and Tarentum.

The other county council seat is for district 12, encompassing Dormont, Greentree, Ingram, and Pittsburgh wards 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, and 32.

We, the Libertarians, can put someone on the ballot without needing to gather signatures. As a Libertarian candidate, one would only expect that the candidate would be able to articulate reasonable libertarian positions that the county could adopt. Experts with reasonable issue positions, as well as experts with unreasonable issue opinions too, are on hand who'd be more than happy to help candidates hammer out two or three platform issues.

The Libertarians are looking through our database and contact lists to see if we can come up with one or two candidates for the ballot this November. If you're in one of these areas and want to apply for the job, please let us know!

If you know of a community leader who would be well suited for such a mission, tell us about him or her. I'll make a personal phone call to all leads provided by blogging's running mates and friends.

The filing deadline is September 12, 2005.

Just to be clear, I'm NOT running for any of these seats. I don't live in the districts.

The job of County Council Member is a part-time position that pays a nominal salary. Most members of County Council keep their regular jobs. Members of council can NOT run for another elected office while sitting on Council. And, we expect a few others on Council to migrate to other races in the near future. So, other openings in other council seats are expected.

KC's Royal Flush

It is 18 and counting.

At least our Pittsburgh flush was in the streets and not on the diamonds.

The KC Royals have lost 18 games in a row.

The ESPN news story made the KC team look worse than a Little League team.

Swim pool, one hour drive from Pittsburgh. Jay's swimmers go fast!

Somerset Area High School swim pool is where Jay O'Neil coaches. We visited, worked out, played and talked about swimming. When I coached a PLUM High School, Jay was a Junior and Senior. He has been coaching there for a few years now and is a dad to two children now.