S. Side group backs Station Square casino plan

File this under the category: "You can't bite the hand that feeds you."

I didn't attend the press event at 10 am at Cafe Allegro, but would have wanted to had I not been at swim practice until noon. Reactions from others welcome, about the facts.

I don't put a lot of 'faith' into the acts of the SSLDC. I've been at odds with them most of the time. They don't really represent citizens. Yet they (SSLDC) would try to grab that power and credit. They are a group in our community. But the SSLDC does not represent the community.

The SSLDC has been pushing the "south sider bus," funded by the Station Square money. Remember the folly of the Ultra Violet Loop. We're talking same sillyness.

The SSLDC must figure, and perhaps rightly so, that the Station Square project has some upside. But, if they are on the outside, their wishes won't get the play. So, they've sold their soul to the devel -- or just sold out by taking the first land grab.

Them theirs gold in thar hills -- and we're grabbing for it.

S. Side group backs Station Square casino plan: "S. Side group backs Station Square casino plan
Community group to receive money from developer

Thursday, July 20, 2006
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The South Side Development Co. today endorsed Forest City Enterprises' proposal for a slots casino at Station Square and agreed to work with the developer on the impact of the casino if it is built.

Months and months ago, folks were trying to sway me to embrace the Isle of Capri plan by coming out strongly against the Station Square location for gambling. That thinking is twisted in its own way too.

I'll need to get to the heart of the matter in the next posting, as to if they are putting on the pressure to do the right things -- or just worry about facade elements and roofs that are not black. So, my question to my neighbors and the SSLDC folks -- is this a skin deep endorsement as expected or is there some real issues that are being tackled?

Man taken from Dormont Pool in ambulance

Just two days ago I was at Dormont Pool getting signatures for the ballot and talking to swimmers. I know the pool manager there, Amy. She is a wonderful resource for the community and does a fantastic job. She taught the Lifesaving class I was in this spring for my recertification.

What I heard second hand, and what the P-G and radio was reporting are different. The better news is printed here and with the P-G. So, I'll let it rest at that.

Let's stay safe out there folks. Here is my far-fetched wish: If you are going to answer the call for the big guy or gal in the sky, do it on the lawn chair and not in the deep end.

Man taken from Dormont Pool in ambulance: "Man taken from Dormont Pool in ambulance

Thursday, July 20, 2006 by Dan Majors, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A man was taken to the hospital after being pulled out of the Dormont Pool unresponsive at 3:10 this afternoon.

The man, who is 32 or 33, according to Dormont police Chief Russ McKibben, did not respond to resuscitation attempts by lifeguards who had pulled him from the deep end of the pool. He was taken to St. Clair Hospital, then transferred to Mercy Hospital.

The pool was fully staffed today with 14 guards, with nine to 11 on duty at a given time, according to the chief. More than one guard responded to the man, who was in 9-foot-deep water.

Chief McKibben said he could recall no drowning at the pool in his 26 years in the borough.

Allegheny County homicide detectives are investigating."

Ohio Learn and Earn

Ohio Learn and Earn: "Learn & Earn will be funded by proceeds on slot machines at 9 venues in Ohio (7 at existing racetracks). Did you know that Ohio has lost billions of dollars in gaming revenue to our neighboring states? Learn & Earn will reclaim this money to invest in education and jobs here in Ohio!

LC says "park it" -- what's up with that?

OMG.

LC is appointed to the parking authority and TV 11 news reports he said, "park it" to Big Ben regarding his motorcycle.

Do we appoint new authority board members just to fill Ben's mind with messages of safer living?

What about the pressing parking issues that fill our city and neighborhoods? Does LC have something to say about those matters? Will the reporters even ask?

And the quote from LC is backhanded too. Along the lines of, "I don't have any adivce for him, but if I did I'd say 'park it.'" So the advice is given.

LC, talk about parking, please. Meanwhile, I'm going to relaunch a campaign saying we don't need authorities and we should NUKE the entire Parking Authority.

Taxpayer education - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Taxpayer education - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review A big problem with reining in government's grotesque spending is that to the average taxpayer, the exact conscription of wealth isn't fully realized. There's no clear 'impact' of the cost of government's growing greed -- which incidentally is no accident.

Going to work -- and -- what time is it?

Fingerprint time clock angers city works union

Tuesday, July 18, 2006
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The workers who patch and clear Pittsburgh's roads, maintain parks and repair public buildings may soon have to start and end their work days by being electronically fingerprinted.

News article hit on Tuesday. Heard Honz Man interview Koch Tuesday afternoon. Posted this on Wednesday. But it appears to be with a Thursday time stamp -- to prove a point.

No matter what, the technology and rules can be adusted and broken. People will out-fool the fool proof. And this isn't even billed as being fool proof.

If a worker lies about when he or she shows up and goes home -- send the person home forever. Termination would work wonders.

I happen to give the benefit of the doubt to Mr. Koch, our newest member of city council, who has been a public works employee for 25 years, when he said that there was NEVER any instance of one worker signing in for another in his Public Works Division.

But I'm all for an embrace of technology. Let's use it in an area where there will be a better bang for the buck.

A $70,000 fix for a problem that doesn't exist to much of a degree that could be fixed with a pink slip that costs a nickle is not worthy. How about if the $70k went to something more significant.

The folks in Hazelwood area I talked to a couple nights ago were tickled to get $5,000 for a ball field fix up from a grant. That came as a kid wrote a letter that talked about the horrid conditions of the fields she and her friends needed to play on. That $70 k could go a long way when applied to 14 various ball fields, for example.

Too many Steelers have died in 40s and 50s -- Roids? KDKA news

The Steelers get some good coverage with Big Ben doing a music video with the local band. "I'm mister right now!"

Then the KDKA TV coverage at 11 pm went into the more fatal news of the number of ex-Steelers who have departed this Earth. Dr. C. W., ex-coroner, chimed in too and put the issue on the table about steroids. Or, does steroids get mentioned out of envy?

My question for others to research: How many of the former athletes in East Germany have died? Are those numbers greater or less than that of the Steelers?

Lyle Alyzato (sp?) died and he was gulping a lot of pills in his day. A chapter in a book I published had a first-person encounter with him and his pharmacy. Toxic to say the least.

Wonder if that story will have any legs? Links welcomed.

Another call for signature helpers from Harold & David Posipanka

Dear Fellow Libertarians:

David Posipanka, of Homestead (Allegheny County's Mon Valley area), is the only Libertarian in the Pittsburgh area running for office under the LP label. He's running for the State House, district 35, against the incumbent Democrat, Marc Gergely.

David needs at least 300 valid signatures on his nomination papers, and spent much of last weekend out gettting them for himeself. But, he has only until Aug 1st to get them all turned in to Harrisburg. He could use lots of help. Below is a letter he sent me, asking for help.

Running candidates is what we're supposed to be doing as a party. So, I ask you to consider whether a few hours of your time on a weekend (or weekday) is too much to ask. I hope you'll make every effort to get out and collect some signatures for him. He's an excellent candidate -- someone you'd be proud to have represent your views to the public.

He'd be happy -- no, ecstatic -- to have you call and ask him where a good place to petition would be. Two years ago, I got lots of signatures for him at a Giant Eagle behind Kennywood Park. But he will likely have some better ideas.

His contact info is in his letter below.

---

Subject: signatures
From: posipanka, david

Harold...just an FYI...I have 125 signatures so far. I'm working till 5 this evening & intend to go back to Longfellow Drive in Munhall (I should get there about 5:20) to canvass till about 8:00. I'm getting about 25 signatures per hour there! Please forward my phone numbers to anyone interested in helping out. Home (412) 464-0660 evenings. Work (412) 673-1992 ext. 219 daytime. Cell (412) 983-5451 - weekends & when I'm getting signatures! Maybe you can send this e-mail to all on your distribution list. All Libertarians in the PGH area - please help! Thanks.....Dave.

Town Hall Meeting on Abuse of Power - Pittsburgh :: American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania

Town Hall Meeting on Abuse of Power - Pittsburgh : American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania

Join the ACLU and your fellow citizens for a town hall meeting about the ongoing abuse of executive power - and what we can do to fight back.

This meeting is Thursday night. I hope to attend so as to get signatures to get onto the ballot.

Funny to have Doug Shields on the line-up. I'll be interested, sorta, to hear what he has to say. City Council has fumbled its power. It is becoming marginalized. I wonder what slant Doug will take -- other than the long and winding road approach.

Tuned In: Couric to emphasize context when she anchors CBS news

Does blogger have a "context" shortcut widget? How do I get one and adjust its volume?

Tuned In: Couric to emphasize context when she anchors CBS news Among the approaches: A heavy online component, including daily, on-demand, Web-exclusive interviews; a blog; a radio simulcast of the newscast's first segment on CBS Radio News, and a 4:35 p.m. one-minute look at the day's top story that will be broadcast on 500 CBS affiliated radio stations nationwide.

Water Polo Clinic for 3 days to close out Crafton's season

Playing water polo and looking for the goal.

I've got the 'green light' to go ahead and promote a three day water polo clinic I'll be hosting at Crafton with our swim team.

The final two swim meets of the summer for the Crafton Crocs are the Championship Meet on Saturday, July 22 and the All Stars on Wednesday, July 26. However, the final swim meets do not mean everything ends. The coaches have been cooking up a few extra events. Thanks for the consideration and quick feedback.

Soon after talking about these season ending activities, we've got to think about swimming in the fall and throughout the year as well. For now, here is a close look at the final stages of the summer season.


Monday, July 24.
7:30 to 9 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School
9:30 to 11:30, swim practice at Crafton Pool

Swimmers who are NOT in the All Star Meet can still come to swim practice at
the High School, and/or come to practices and conditioning at Crafton
from 9:30 to 11:30.

Monday EVENING, July 24 -- CRAFTON Swim Team Fun Night at Crafton Pool at 8 pm.
All swimmers and families can attend.

Tuesday, July 25.
7:30 to 9 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School
9:30 to 11:30, swim practice at Crafton Pool

Wednesday, July 26.
7:30 to 9 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School
9:30 to 11:30, swim practice at Crafton Pool

Wednesday, July 26, All Star Swim Meet in the EVENING at South
Fayette. Swimmers show up at 5:15 pm.

Thursday, July 27
7:30 to 9:30 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School (Last practice
at the High School this summer.)

9:30 am to 11:30 am, WATER POLO Clinic and WORKOUT at Crafton Swim
Pool with all coaches. Open to all swimmers who want to play water polo.

Friday, July 28
8:30 am to 10:00 am, WATER POLO Clinic and WORKOUT at Crafton Swim Pool with Coach Mark. Open to all swimmers who want to play water polo.

Saturday, July 29
9:30 am to 11:30 am, WATER POLO Clinic and WORKOUT at Crafton Swim
Pool with Coach Mark. - Scrimmage Saturday Open to all swimmers
who want to play water polo and were able to attend on one of the
previous two days.
Swimmers who attended the clinic can be part of the scrimmages.

Sunday, July 30,
Swim Team Banquet for the Crafton Swim Team is at 6 pm at Crafton Park.

---

PENDING:

From Monday, August 7 to Friday, August 11, Coach Mark is hopeful that we'll be able to hold another water polo clinic at another facility, such as the city's MOORE PARK swim pool on Pioneer Avenue, OR at Dormont's pool, or Green Tree's pool or the Crafton Swim Pool? Those clinic times would be in the morning. Stay tuned.

Viral video killed the reality TV star - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Mike gets some ink in The Trib.

Viral video killed the reality TV star - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Michael D. Rechtenwald, an English professor and postdoctoral fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, thinks he knows where the road ends: mostly nowhere.

'I don't think this is a lasting fame,' he said. 'This moment, it's perhaps a flash in the pan.'

Rechtenwald, a culture maven who teaches a counterculture summer course, 'The Beats to Hip-Hop,' and has appeared on MSNBC's 'Scarborough Country,' said what's unique about the viral video phenomenon might not last for long. The viral video star has total control over his material and distribution, and is capable of gaining for himself 'lots of exposure with minimal cost' because of the limitless possibilities of the Internet.

We're No. 5! We're No. 5! - A sober look at population growth via Pheonix

We're No. 5! We're No. 5! No one could accuse Phoenix of having the nation's fifth-best health care system. That honor might go to Pittsburgh, with 46 hospitals and 336 doctors per 100,000 people. Metro Phoenix has 38 hospitals and 199 physicians per 100,000.

Pittsburgh is a place to heal, rehab and get an upper hand to wrangle with sickness.

Rauterkus rips plans for makeover of Point State Park while Fonata and Wheatley nod like bobblehead dolls

Press release just sent to PA Politics.

Leaders hope mayor's illness doesn't slow city's progress

Leaders hope mayor's illness doesn't slow city's progress Pittsburgh trying to sustain civic momentum

So, close Point State Park for a year. That will help sustain civic momentum.

This front page article ran on the same day that the news hit about Point State Park's year-long closing that nixes the Regatta, fireworks, Jamboree, and the Three Rivers Arts Festival. And, the event organizers were not told about this pending closure -- until the newspaper reporters told them seeking comment.

Duhh....

The optimism comes with behind closed door decisions from the Allegheny Conference about PARK spaces. Who voted them as stewards of our public spaces?

Let's call for a vote on those plans and I'm sure my side will win 90-10 -- without a dime in the budget for PR needs.

The public face of new optimism got a black eye on the same front page news coverage on July 13th -- must have been an unlucky day, if not week, for the city. This bad luck I rant about now comes on the heels of the worse news of Mayor O'Connor's health. So, the joy in Mudville is fleeting, for sure.

Point State Park renovations = ABSURD

Foolish looks like this:

Point State Park renovation to displace big events: "Arts Festival, Regatta, fireworks, Dollar Bank Jamboree to be shut out"

Really, really foolish looks like Fontana and Wheatley giving slaps on the back to each other for bringing home the pork in yet another project that won't have any hope of improving our lives.

FONTANA & WHEATLEY LAUD POINT STATE PARK PROJECT - 7/14/2006 FONTANA & WHEATLEY LAUD POINT STATE PARK PROJECT - 7/14/2006

Jeepers. These guys are clueless.

On the same day, the P-G had an article about Point State Park closing to the Three Rivers Arts Festival, fireworks, Jamboree, and Regatta -- it had another article in the wake of the All-Star Game about sustaining the forward progress the city had made in cration of some 'buzz' with tourists and the hoopla.

The All-Star Game and Fanfest and that 'big sport spectator-ville, red-carpet hype' has little appeal to me from the outset. It isn't what I'm about, yet I can appreciate its glitz as a pathway to a destination of 'Tickle-town USA.' Big farting deal to that, yet to each his or her own.

But then we are to let another turd into our common well of community with the year-long closing of Point State Park and allow them to call it 'progress.' What's up with that? And let's do the 'big dig' tunnel at the same time.

Before one was able to ride from Mt. Lebo and get off the T-stop at Gateway Center, go to a pep rally at Point State Park, and walk to a Steeler game over the Ft. Pitt bridge, on the sidewalk, with a fresh funnel cake from the push carts that could have been at the entrance of Point State Park.

In seasons to come, the Black & Gold nation pep rally will be held at a Park-and-Ride in Peters Township, with door-to-door service to Heinz Field so as to skip the downtown pedestrian hassle.

Think again.

But with the true cost of the ride on the T factored in, we might as well try to license passenger service for that ride from suburbia to the stadiums to the Hooters franchise. And while we're at it, lets insist that all ticket scalpers stand next to the Nacho vendors on the jail-trail keeping an eye out for the rewards for narking on the hidden homeless who missed the call from homeland security sitting service and private security guards employed by the casino.

The web they are weaving is getting tighter on our collective choke points.

Raj For Congress

Raj For Congress: "Take the Biden Challenge & Contribute Today"

Platform.For-Pgh.org wiki tops 1,000 pages and 122,148 home page visitors

Tell us about, who you are, where you live, work, play, organize and worship, and what organizations you watch and interact with.

Your input is welcomed. Go to the Wiki, Platform.For-Pgh.org, and start editing. The famous Wikipedia effort has a NPV, (neutral point of view). Meanwhile, my -- err, our wiki project, has a different slant in that it takes ALL POINTS of VIEW. So, you can feel free to put your rants about people, places, issues, solutions, and visions on the wiki on their own page or else blended with the discussion pages.

Furthermore, feel free to set links to your blog rants on suitable pages within the Platform.For-Pgh.org. If you've ranted about 'Highland Park' or 'Bill Peduto' -- you can add your blog link under the Links --> Blogs of suitable pages.

On the road again. New footnotes from life with and among the Running Mates

I've got to attend this event in the Boston area next month. Anyone else what to join me there? We won't be able to travel together, but I'd love to hook up with folks at that event. I'm not sure I'll be able to attend all three days, but I do want to go.

Road trip expected to Wikimania in Cambridge, Mass, in August 2006 (click for more insights).

Today I gave a kiss and hug to my wife and kids -- and they left town for a week. They are attending our annual church camp without me. This is the first time we've done this split for such a long time. So, I'm home alone with two cats. Grant was sad to leave his kitten behind, by the way.

Amy Carol Webb at the SUUSI bookstore in a past year.

Missing SUUSI is a big deal for me. I'll miss concerts by some of our best musical friends: Amy Carol Webb, Joe Jencks, Greg Greenway, and Mindy Simmons. Mindy and her son spent last night with and she's in a mini-car caravan with my wife as they make the 7 hour trip to Blacksburg. She left only AFTER I got a copy of her new CD, "If It Were Up To Me." It is wonderful and very politically engaged.

The title song, If It Were Up To Me, the world would be... Then Alice, after Alice In Wonderland, about the war. The tune, One World, that has been on my campaign CDs is the third track. Then, Try A Little Faith. Perhaps I should blog about the CD in length later. It is great. Her songs can be very pointed -- but not too over the top. Her voice is like silk.

Last night Mindy joined us along with Don Anderson to talk about an event in the fall -- we hope. Mindy does a 2-hour concert, a tribute to PEGGY LEE. Don Anderson and I were able to noodle about a special event -- and Don does a good job doing Sanatra. Don is a much better singer than Sanatra these days as Sanatra is dead. Today Don Anderson is at the Borders up 28 at Mills. He shared some of the backstage details of his act with Mindy and I and they traded insights.

Seems Peggy Lee and Frank Sanatra did perform together in real life. It could happen again.

Miss Mindy Simmons -- looking the part of Peggy Lee without the mole.

A local politician, state rep Michael Diven, a former opponent of mine in the PA Senate race in May 2005, has gotten into some hot water for getting dead people to sign his nomination petitions to get onto the ballot. This is old news to the political junkies out there. But the new news is the fact that I'm not going to overlook the dead people when it comes to my campiagn in 2006. No sir! I'm door knocking in heaven -- with the help of the spirit of Peggy Lee. If dead people are going to vote on November 7, 2006, I'm going to count on their support and vote.

I'm not asking them to sign my petitions, however.

Speaking of getting signatures for access to the ballot for the next election, that's where I should be now. One of the reasons I stayed home and didn't attend the weeklong out of state camp is because I'm going to hit the streets, fulltime, to get voters' signatures on my nomination papers. This act helps me, of course, as well as fellow INDEPENDENT candidate, Russ Diamond. Diamond is running for Governor. I'm the only Independent candidates in PA that is running for PA Senate on the Russ Diamond ticket. Others throughout PA are seeking PA House seats.

Today I'm hopeful to attend events in Polish Hill, South Side Works, Schenley Park (grand prix), Crafton (movie) and hit a swim pool or another park along the way. I already went to a church service too.

But, I could really use some company at these events throughout the week. Anyone want to help on WEDNESDAY night -- or SATURDAY morning, especially, let me know. We've got swim meets then and I'm sure I can get another 50 to 100 signatures in an hour or two at both instances.

On Saturday morning, we had our biggest swim meet of the season, a dual meet at Scott Township -- and our team, The Crafton Crocs, won! It was great to see so many of the kids on our side do so well. The depth of our team really showed. Many first year swimmers really got the hang of the sport this year and are putting together some inspirational races with smooth strokes and strong conditioning.

Crafton won by about 70 points. It was close for a swim meet.

This was the year Scott was to win it all, so they hoped. On paper, at the outset of the year, they had a good chance. But, we really have had a good summer of pushing our kids to faster times and it showed. In some races Scott got first place, but Crafton got 2nd, 3rd and 4th. So, looks like Crafton is going to win the dual meet championships again, in our 5 team league.

We practiced all week, to prep for the Scott meet, without starting blocks. But, we show up and they've got blocks installed. It was the first time ever. Great gamemanship there!

Grant, my 8-and-under breastroke speedster, did have a bit of trouble again, navigating to the 2-handed finish. Ouch. Rob Perkey, a state swimmer who just graduated, put his feet on the deck on a flip turn too. So, we'll have to do some extras to prep for the Championships, next Saturday, also at Scott.

My wife and kids will be home Friday night, we hope. Then Saturday is the Championship meet. So, their one-week taper takes hold while at camp.

Seems one of the traditions of the Crafton team is a team banquet slide show. Can't wait. Hope to get a copy of that one disk and share it here or at another URL. I'm not so swift at taking photos and coaching at the same time. Stay tuned.

The team photos did come, and they look splendid. Stay tuned 2. Erik was on his trip to an Amish vegie field on team photo day -- so some "GIMP" touch-ups are necessary to get his head in there. I don't use Photoshop. GIMP is the open source alternative.

Last year I was finishing the Pittsburgh Triathlon and then sleeping in the car as we drove to SUUSI, my wife behind the wheel. I was spent after the race and we arrived a bit late. But this year the triathlon is in August. But, it seems I'll be out of town for the race in 2006.

85 years young -- today

Sunday is a birth day.

Guess....

Tip, its not a person.

Tip 2, its double hard until you figure its summer-time birth, (of course) and that many in the area are sure to know this ....

Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/15/2006 | Court says campaign cash limit is invalid

I wonder if Bill Peduto will now get off his do-nothing stance and do something about campaign finance reform in Pittsburgh. Puduto has fumbled the ball for YEARS now on this topic.

Peduto thinks that Philly law and Pittsburgh law are connected. They are different. So, he used the excuse of the court challenge of Philly's campaign finance reform law as reson to not proceed and even hold a public hearing about the hoped for activities to clean up some of Pittsburgh's political process mess.

Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/15/2006 | Court says campaign cash limit is invalid: "Court says campaign cash limit is invalid
Former Controller Jonathan Saidel challenged the ordinance. The judge said it failed to define 'candidate.'

By Thomas Fitzgerald, Inquirer Staff Writer

The city's campaign-finance limits cannot be enforced against one potential mayoral aspirant because City Council did not define the word candidate when it wrote the ordinance, a judge has ruled.

SI.com - More Sports - Gunmen kidnap Iraqi Olympic committee chief - Sunday July 16, 2006 12:49AM

Sports Illustrated Gunmen kidnapped the head of Iraq's Olympic committee and more than a dozen employees Saturday after storming a meeting of sports officials just days after the coach of Iraq's national wrestling team was killed.

Sports happen in a complicated, networked, society -- where they should be hosted.

New rail route no sure thing - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

New rail route no sure thing - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Why vote palm cards

The Pittsburgh League (of Pissed Off Voters) is putting together a new palm card and we need help to fill in the "Why Vote" section. We are having a contest between today and Friday, July 21 at 5 PM for the hippest, BRIEF, statements about why it is in the interest of young people to go to the ballot booth twice a year for the rest of their lives. Send us your witty catch phrases. The winning statements will be used on the palm cards, which will be distributed throughout the Southwestern PA area.

Please send all entries to Jeremy at jerecp@bu.edu by Friday, July 21 at 5 PM.

---

My top suggestion:

Voting makes your teeth whiter.

My wife's suggesting: "So we don't have a president like we've got now."

That seems to be enough of a reason to go vote -- continually.

Charter School Public Hearing in Pgh

A public hearing has been scheduled by the Pittsburgh Board of Education for the resubmitted application for the Education InnovationsLAB Charter School.

We are seeking your support as we bring what will be the best K-12 public school in the District. For more information about the school, please visit www.educationinnovations.org.

Your testimony will go a long way in helping us get the school started. If you cannot make it, we can submit a short email from you as your testimony. However, you still need to call the District to be placed on the agenda. The number to call be placed on the agenda is: 412.622.3600. They will ask for your name, address, and telephone number. Make sure they know you want to be on the eiLAB Charter School public hearing agenda.

The meeting will take place: Monday 17 June 2006, 6:30 PM at the Pgh Board of Education Administration Building, Conference Room A, 341 South Bellefield Ave, in Oakland.

Again, put yourself on the agenda, even if you can’t make it. if you won’t be making it, email us your testimony (s.wilcox@educationinnovations.org) and we will submit it on your behalf.

Also notify ifif you have placed yourself on the agenda.

Tom Lingenfelter says “LET’S KICK BUTT”

Gov. Ed Rendell stated in April that he signed the pay raise because
sometimes “YOU HAVE TO KISS A LITTLE BUTT” – but Lt. Gov. Candidate Tom
Lingenfelter thinks Gov. Rendell has it all wrong and has made a campaign
promise to be the first butt kicking Lt. Gov. in PA history.

Lingenfelter and his running mate, Independent for Governor Russ Diamond, must clear the first hurdle of getting 67,070 voters to sign petitions to get on the ballot by July 29. This legislative requirement is 65,070 MORE signatures then needed by Rendell and Lynn Swann to get on the ballot!

Lingenfelter said his petition drive “Let’s Kick Butt” is asking concerned Pennsylvanians to get off their butts and get a little exercise collecting signatures to put Independent butt kickers, Diamond and Lingenfelter, on the ballot.

Ed Rendell has made it clear that his vote is for sale. Lingenfelter said “the midnight pay raise that legislators gave themselves, supported and signed by Rendell, has shown Pennsylvanians that the buying and selling of power must not be tolerated. Pacleansweep.com, founded by Diamond to “vote ‘em all out” is leading the charge to clean house in Harrisburg.

Fifty encumbent lawmakers have already been kicked in the butt and will not be returning next year. The chief payjacker, Ed Rendell, also needs to receive a swift one where it will do the most good. Lynn Swann, the GOP candidate, who has aligned himself with ousted payjacker Senator Jubelirer and the other half of the political duopoly, will not be doing any kicking.

Butt, it all comes down to 67,000 signatures. Lingenfelter, a former USA Counter-intelligence Special Agent and a real butt kicker said, “if you want to ‘kick butt’ give him a call at 215-230-5330 or check-in at www.RussDiamond.org and join Pennsylvania’s Butt Kicking team.

Amanda plans to compete in fourth Olympics

SI.com - Olympics - Beard�plans�to compete�in fourth Olympics - Friday July 14, 2006 8:13PM Amanda Beard is aiming for her fourth Olympics. Beard made her debut at 14 at the 1996 Atlanta Games, collecting a total of two gold medals, four silver and one bronze. Now 24, Beard is training for Beijing in 2008.

Baseball Begins to Listen to Sweatshop Foes

Baseball Begins to Listen to Sweatshop Foes Dave Zirin & Derek Tyner

Major League Baseball's All-Star game is supposed to be a breezy exhibition of the sport's brightest stars. It's also a place for baseball's corporate patrons to be wined, dined and reassured about the current state of the game.

CollegeSwimming.com reports that N.J. budget ills force cuts to Rutgers Swim Team

This sucks.

CollegeSwimming.com The casinos can remain open, but apparently not the swimming team. Following a turbulent week that saw the state government shut down over the legislature's inability to pass a spending bill, the Rutgers Board of Governors today approved a universitywide budget for the 2006-07 academic year that includes the elimination of men's swimming. The cuts are a part of a larger $50 million package of spending cuts across the state university.

The Scarlet Knights have been enjoying growing success under Chuck Warner. The men's team has moved to the top half of the Big East while sending swimmers onto NCAA's in three of the past four years. More importantly, the institution is New Jersey's flagship university.

There is plenty of talk in our region about how gambling is going to bring in all this money. Well, in Jersey, home of Atlantic City, what is going on there? They've had gambling. Now they get this mess up.

Gambling is bad. But the ill that comes in the wake of gambling's discussions are very bad for folks far from the slots and casinos. This is bad for everyone. We can't put a fire-wall around the gambling backlash crud that has already shown its face and is going to get worse.

If you hate gambling -- as I do. We've got to fight. One candidate for governor wants to NUKE the gambling law, by the way, Russ Diamond.

Any Rutgers grads, swim fans or common sense folks out there in or around Jersey want to fight for that swim program -- jump on board too.

Just "LAY THE SHOVEL DOWN" -- and say NO to the North Shore Tunnels

The light rail line on the North Shore, as it is going to be constructed, can't even pass around the north side of the WEST END BRIDGE. So, going down the North edge of the Ohio to the airport is just another 'false hope' and 'pipedream.'

This plan sucks. It should be stopped.

To go to the airport with light rail, use the blasted airport bus way for goodness sakes.

Small Brain Behaviors are NOT welcomed in our public arena

Clean Sweeper on a bike and feeling tidy.

Question: Shouldn't the goal be to get elected and THEN you could push for changes from the inside?

Not for me. And, not for the sake of my kids, their peers, and their kids.

I want to live in a world where there are NOT "insiders" and "outsiders." I want a world where people stand and fall on their own merits. When that happens, our public life is going to be much better.

When we are more able to elect great candidates regardless of the person's party designation, then we're going to soar in Western PA and throughout the state. When people have the real freedom to associate without fear of being less effective, then we'll be stronger too.

So, part of this fight, for me, is to fight against small brain behaviors from fellow citizens who are too quick to put labels on others and keep tiny, neat, small boxes around people and ideas that should NOT be there.

Concerning the drive for 5 on council -- from 9

We need people to write laws. Those people should be on city council. Then we need managers. They should be in the Mayor's Administration. Then we need journalist watchdogs. They should work at various places with editors who can see the big picture. Finally, we'll need voters to hire the right people for the right jobs.

Recently, our city council has been doing to much work for individual constituents. This happens because the Mayor's office has been kissing but with PNC, gambling, and the Rooneys -- All Stars, etc.

Then we have overlords who are out to lunch and bailouts that are worthless. The whole system is a mess.

My hope is that a cut to five on council will work to make council do only what it should -- and not be the mayor's complaint center (which all got the ax).

Garner puts All-Star Game in motion

Great game-coverage.

Garner puts All-Star Game in motion: "Phil Garner managed an All-Star Game in Pittsburgh the same way he played in the city a quarter-century ago. His NL players got their uniforms dirty, ran the bases aggressively, even pushed each other out of the way to get to popups.

The man once known as 'Scrap Iron' was tired of hearing how the AL had a tremendous advantage in talent and motivation, and he pushed nearly every button possible to try to squeeze out a surprise victory.

You all come back now, you hear.

Notary Rejection

This came in via email:

A volunteer for the campaign of Russ Diamond attempted to get a petition notarized in the office of Rep. Stanley E. Saylor (R-94)
today, but was refused. The constituent lives in the 94th Assembly district.

A call to the Cape Horn Plaza office by David Lynn, the campaign's Assistant Treasurer (that's me) confirmed that the staff was unsure whether or not nominating petitions could be notarized by the Assemblyman's staff.

If you think that's as ludicrous as it sounds, send Rep. Saylor an email at ssaylor@pahousegop.com. You can also call him and tell him what a great job he and his staff are doing. You can also call him at 717-244-9232 (Red Lion, PA) or 717-783-6426 (Harrisburg, PA.)

If possible, I plan to seek this notary's commission. If I'm not mistaken, a notary should be able to notarize any legal document, regardless of its content.

I'm going to take a few pages of my petitions to a local state rep in the next day or two to see if I get the same treatment.

PoliticsOnline - News, Tools & Strategies

PoliticsOnline - News, Tools & Strategies 'The on and off-line world of politics are no longer separate
realities...the leaders on the web are leading the world.'
- Phil Noble, founder PoliticsOnline

Call for this year's list of the 10 who are changing the world of internet and politics.

By the way, don't nominate me. I don't want to go to Paris France in October -- as I'm still scratching my head about the sportsmanship shown in the World Cup match with that head butt. So, I'm going to renew my "France, no thanks, pledge" that has served me well my entire life.

Besides, I'm going to be working to change the world in October with my own campaign for PA Senate. I don't need to take time out of that race for the award, this year.

Where is the award going to be given in 2007? By then, the Platform.For-Pgh.org wiki might hit 2,000 pages.

Jerry Bowyer - PittsburghPlatform - On-air hosting career is finished

Jerry Bowyer sent out an email saying that he has turned a new leaf and is now into coaching. Welcome to the profession, Jerry.

Jerry Bowyer - PittsburghPlatform When a football player blows out a knee, if he knows how to, he coaches. That’s what I’m going to be doing. Coaching the amazing and wonderful Susan Bowyer on how to manage a media company, and coaching seven astonishing kids on life and faith and entrepreneurship.

To me, coaching isn't quite as described in the email -- but I get his point.

Russ Diamond for Governor gets an endorsement

Russ Diamond for Governor The American Reform Party (ARP) has endorsed Independent Russ Diamond for Governor of Pennsylvania. The endorsement, conferred by the national ARP leadership, was jointly announced by the Diamond campaign and the ARP.

Bad News: Mayor O'Connor Diagnosed With Cancer

Bob O'Connor has been diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Legends & celebrities: Fun and a game ... but mostly fun

Another reason why swimming is so much better than baseball will ever be.

The legends & celebrities: Fun and a game ... but mostly fun 'The best thing about the whole day is showering with the former players.'

The life of party probably isn't you - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

So the media gets to go and, the coverage is built so as to rub it in on the locals. Big whup.

The life of party probably isn't you - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "The life of Pittsburgh's party probably isn't you

By Richard Byrne Reilly, TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, July 8, 2006

Pittsburgh's best All-Star parties are the ones you probably aren't invited to.

All bets off in New Jersey

All bets off in New Jersey
How long the casinos will be idle is not known, but all hotels, restaurants, retail stores, nightclubs, spas and bars that are not on the gambling floor remain operational, authorities said.

Tourism is expected to be harmed by the shutdown.

'The summer was anticipated to be a huge draw for the resort because of all the expanded casinos and new non-gambling attractions, like the $200 million shopping and dining complex, The Pier at Caesars, which debuted last week,' said the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The government crisis involves an impasse between Governor Jon S. Corzine and state lawmakers who were $1 billion apart on a balanced budget.

Sick and tierd of "redding up" for all-star company, n at.

Ready or not, here they come. Now Bob O'Connor needs a wake up call to catch his "get well soon card."

Perhaps he can turn a double-play faster than 6 to 4 to 3 with #9 on second.

So, what is that, Gene Alley to Maz to Donn Clendenon?

Flick N Float at Crafton Park's Swim Pool

Flick N Float
proceeds benefit the Crafton Swim Team

This year's movie: Sky High

Gates open at 8 pm on Monday, July 10 at Crafton's outdoor swim pool.
Movie begins at dusk. Snacks and refreshments available for purchase.

Cost: $3 per head.

Movie plays on the screen so you can watch while on a float in the water. Lifeguards reserve the right to admit or deny the various floats. Note: only “one man floats” are permitted. Keep mega floats at home as they are not permitted to enter the pool.

Feel free to pass the word and tell a friend and neighbor about this fundraiser and our presently undefeated, defending champion swim team.

Rejection, Dave Copeland's latest project

Rejection If you are not big enough to lose, you are not big enough to win.

I understand a bit about rejection too. I ran for office, three times. This most recent time was the first I didn't come in last place.

Some footnotes of our life

Yes, the wi-fi plan for Pittsburgh still sucks. They can try to put lipstick on a pig, but you still end up with nothing to brag about. If you want to blog about it -- do so, please.

That relay meet that was on the weekend -- and I wasn't at all excited to attend -- is over. We won by one point. Wow. I'm still not that happy about the meet's format, in general. There are better thing to do for the meet and I'll try to write up something for other members in the league for next year. And, I'd love to have that done in a few weeks, in advance of the championships.

Last night, we (Crafton) beat Mt. Lebo. I love beating Mt. Lebo. The meet was at our pool and was well run -- and we beat them by more than 200 points. Lebo did do a good job in a number of their races -- but mostly, it was our night.

Grant, my 8 year old, needed to swim up an age group as 10 and under. He still got first place in the 25 breast. Way to go.

Erik was in a very tight IM and cooked the competition in the breast and the pushoff to freestyle. Very Phelps-ish. But, he didn't have the killer finish that was needed to pull out a charge and win by a stroke. It was a touch, and I'm not sure who won, to be honest. Results and ribbons to come in a few days.

We purchased three lifejackets. We'll need them shortly.

The kids also got some new swim suits and I got a new pair of open water swim goggles. Toys are good.

I'm getting a nice pay day for all this coaching I'm doing. It does take a toll on getting to go elsewhere, like to City Council meetings.

Okay -- the 4th of July and the visit from Russ Diamind was a big success. We walked in the parade in Brentwood with the STOP folks. Lots of people came out -- even in the rain. Enjoyed some time elsewhere with others as well.

The press conference photos and message from me will come online shortly.

Our house party was a lot of fun as well. We got the four badminton courts put up on the park, as usual. Had lots of folks bring in the munchies. Nice mix of folks from neighbohood to church to university to political friends to our special guest, Russ Diamond.

Russ had some interesting discussions with a few other friends as well. One with Dan Sullivan on the 3rd and another with Wilburn Hayden about healthcare issues on the 4th. Those were important conversations and much more may come of those ideas. We were planting valued seeds.

We went to the fireworks on the 3rd in Cranegie -- and got 50 or more signatures and had lots of fun conversation with voters at the park.

After the fireworks -- it was lights out for Grant. A swimmer needs a lot of sleep.

Jessie -- and friend.

Cookies and rug rats go together at our house.

Ice balls by Patricia.

C.D. was going wild at the crafts table making a red-white-and-blue wind sock.

4th of July House Party photos

Catherine, Leo, Audrey, and Russ Diamond. That's my wife and parents with Independent Candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania -- on the 4th of July, 2006.

Ballot access show down in Philly soon

e appeal of the ballot access lawsuit will be heard at 1 PM on Monday,
July 10, at the federal courthouse at 601 Market St. in Philadelphia. There will be a rally immediately before the hearing in front of the courthouse starting at 12:15 PM and concluding about 12:45.

According to Richard Winger, a big audience at the hearing would really help. He cites a 1984 case in US District Court over the Wyoming ballot access law, where the state's attorney said, "Your honor, the Libertarian Party has no organization in this state". But the courtroom was filled with Libertarians. The judge said, indicating the audience with a gesture, "Looks to me like they have an organization in this state." The Libertarians won the case.

For more info about the lawsuit, visit www.paballotaccess.org. The case number is 06-2241, and I'll forward a courtroom number once I have it.

- Ken Krawchuck

Rendell's late budget -- again

An animal of a different color:

Rendell's call broke state budget gridlock The budget, which had been approved about four hours earlier by the state House, was then approved (in the senate) 28-21, with Democrats providing most of the votes. In Western Pennsylvania, senators and representatives voted mostly along party lines with all Democrats voting for the budget and all Republicans voting against it except Rep. Michael Diven, R-Brookline.

Gladly in a chain gang -- them, not me

Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/01/2006 | Blinq | Gladly in a chain gang: "This is the back story to why Richardson is taking a couple weeks off from his job - with his boss' OK - and heading to a park in Mundys Corner, Pa., about an hour and 20 minutes outside Pittsburgh, where today he begins his Survivor-style stunt for a cause.

He'll leave his son with his in-laws, and with his wife's blessings, join 13 other animal lovers who are trying to do without books, TV, radio, showers or cigarettes.

They must wear collars. They get a half-hour a day to call home or receive visitors. They share four tiny port-a-johns.

Some contestants have said they'll donate the car to an animal charity. Aija Nicole Gillman, 18, of Pinckneyville, Ill., explained in her application why she's competing: She feels, 'as Gandhi did, that you can tell a lot about a country by the way it treats its animals.'"

Keep you eye on the road, little doggy. Next someone will be asking for doggie helmets and doggie seat belts for cars. Wait, one of those has already been suggested. See the comments for the answer.

Russ Diamond pointers

Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor, pointers:

Audio Podcasts
Blog
Discussion Group
Downloads
Events
Issues
Volunteer

If you'd like to join me in Western PA this weekend, I'll be in Ford City tonight and tomorrow, and in the Pittsburgh area after that. There's a very special (and inexpensive -- only $17.76!) fund raiser on July 4. You can find all these details here:

http://www.russdiamond.org/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?

If you live in another part of the state, you can still get signatures at a number of locations. Any outdoor event is a great place to do this. Have a suggestion? Let us know. We'll post it here:

http://www.russdiamond.org/cgi-bin/sigevents.cgi?

If you need to download a petition, want to read a few signature tips and tricks, or if you need us to send you a petition, please go to Signature Central:

http://www.russdiamond.org/petition.html#top

Article: Opinion - Test your freedom IQ

Hex -- 20 Questions and Answers from A, B or C (mostly).

Article: Opinion - Test your freedom IQ As July 4 approaches, ask yourself how well you understand the principles upon which the nation was founded

The quiz has its purpose put up in lights, but that's the way the cookie curmbles in a free lunch kinda way.

What are you doing on the 4th of July? Anything for the sake of independence -- or to be more independent?

Murphy forced to get cozier with City Council

|

Murphy forced to get cozier with City Council: "Councilman Doug Shields, who asked for the investigation in 2004, said it 'is obvious now what happened. ... There was a conspiracy of sorts between [firefighters union President Joe] King and Mayor Murphy that each would get what they want and leave the city behind.'

The deal went down in the spring of 2001. We all knew what happened then. Why didn't he ask for the investigation in 2001?

Total Immersion Swimming - a marathon swim around NYC

Way to crow Terry. You're the man! Swimming is such a smart sport.

Total Immersion Swimming In June 2002, I swam the 28.5-mile Manhattan Island Marathon (MIMS), partially to celebrate completing a half century of life with a physical challenge. I also swam it to demonstrate how it was possible to easily complete a swim requiring considerable endurance by training for economy instead of super fitness. My first MIMS was a complete success. I enjoyed every mile, finished easily, took one-third fewer strokes than any other swimmer, and felt great the next day.

Meanwhile, we've got a relay meet in the AM. Got to be at South Fayette at 8:15 am check in for a meet at 9.

Boy, I hate this meet as I consider it a major waste of time. I didn't write up a letter to give to all the others on deck, as per my head coach's suggestion. I'll only offend. But I don't like to waste my time and go through motions -- like wasted strokes -- that don't really help in life.

Relays are an important part of swimming. Swimming isn't a team sport. But, a relay only event that is without real challenges is not welcomed.

Now, I post this the night before, not because I don't want a meet. No way. We really need a meet. But, so I can eat my words in less than 24 hours if I get it all wrong. If the meet experience turns out to be different, I'll blog about it. End of the pool. Corner of the world. This aint Manhattan pal.

Call for Speakers: Ohio LinuxFest

We get a "blog in" while I wait for a Youth Technology Summit and might need to trek to Ohio for a LinuxFest.

The fourth annual Ohio LinuxFest will again be held in Columbus, Ohio, and presenters are needed to deliver talks about Free and Open Source Software topics.

The event will take place on September 30, 2006, and proposals should be submitted by *July 10* using the on-line form available from http://www.ohiolinux.org/speak.html.

Once again, the LinuxFest will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Over 700 people attended last year, and a larger turnout is anticipated for 2006.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for companies and projects interested in having a booth on the exhibit floor.

Registration for attendees begins on July 1, and, as always, will be free. A conference pass may be purchased which will get you a t-shirt, lunch, and other goodies.

LinuxFest web site http://www.ohiolinux.org/

More than 700 look west and attend the event in the west -- in Columbus, Ohio -- on technology with an open source foundation.

Most Americans Endorse Third Party: Angus Reid Consultants

Most Americans Endorse Third Party: Angus Reid Consultants: "(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in the United States believe it is time to form a national political organization that could challenge Republicans and Democrats in different elections, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 50 per cent of respondents think a third national political party would be a good idea.

In American presidential elections, candidates require 270 votes in the U.S. Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2004, Republican incumbent George W. Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry received 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia. As far as the popular vote is concerned, Bush garnered 51.03 per cent of all cast ballots, with Kerry getting 48.04 per cent.

In 1992, Ross Perot received 18.9 per cent of the popular vote as a third party candidate, but won no electoral votes. In 1996, Perot garnered 8.48 per cent of all cast ballots as the Reform Party nominee."

Blog In called for Sunday at Sq Hill Library

pittsburgh bloggers | Write here in Pittsburgh... The long-awaited Pittsburgh BlogIN Feel free to use this photo as a Blog In logo.

Nail on the head insight about media by Poynteronline media critic

E-Media Tidbits from Friday, June 30, 2006, posted by Amy Gahran is called, Let's Link to Legislation

News organizations routinely cover the legislative process -- especially about the real or potential effects of bills and laws. In most cases the full text of those bills and laws, and information about their status, are
available online.

Why, then, is it so rare to see an online news story that links to the bill or law being covered? Or that at least cites the reference number so people can look up and follow the legislation on their own? Why do most news organizations consistently cite the party and state/district of legislators, but omit brief citations and links to the products of their efforts on our behalf?

For example, today's Washington Post includes this story: House Passes Bill Ending Ban On Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/29/AR2006062
902078.html). Nowhere does that story cite the specific bill number, let alone link to the bill text and info via the Library of Congress' Thomas (http://thomas.loc.gov/) online database. (For the record, the bill discussed in that story is H.R. 4761 (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:H.R.4761:) . There -- see how easy and brief that was?)

Similarly, an AP story
(http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/14934229.htm) which ran today on Philly.com reports on the Penn. General Assembly: "School districts would have to conduct exit interviews with students who are dropping out or withdrawing from school, or who have accumulated more than 10 unexcused absences, under a bill passed by the House 164-28 and sent to the Senate." Which bill? Hey, statehouse legislative info is online too! I found this bill: HB 1729
(http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2005/0/HB1729P4438.HTM) .

Here's why this common oversight bugs me so much.

The reason we report on the legislative process is to empower citizens to more easily follow what their government is doing. That makes it easier for citizens to get involved in the legislative process (something I discussed in my blog The Right Conversation (http://www.rightconversation.com/2006/06/writing_to_cong.html)
yesterday).

In legislative circles, having correct reference numbers goes a long way toward helping you find the right people to deal with and knowing where to get involved in the process. This makes civic involvement more effective, efficient, and rewarding. Little links and citations in news stories can help make all that happen.

...And yes, I realize legislative documents are long and ugly. So what? If key portions of the text are buried way down in the document, link to the document and then also provide a separate window or page giving the relevant text, with section citations. That content isn't protected by copyright, after all.

This is an easy -- and important -- problem to fix. Looking up legislation online and crafting a link from the reference number shouldn't be considered a burdensome task or a luxury. I think these days it's essential for legislative coverage, especially in mainstream publications. And empowering your audience always enhances loyalty.

Maybe use the upcoming Independence Day holiday to launch a new policy of linking to legislation. You might be surprised how much your community will appreciate this service.

I have plenty to say about this type of thinking and actions in the real world. First off, the linking would be nice. Most of all, the linking needs to happen in the online editions, more so than in the print editions. So, I endorse the concepts of the above article.

Secondly, linking isn't the only step needed to get to the promised land of citizen engagement. This is why I've crafted and toyed with the wiki framework at Platform.For-Pgh.org. A value added service, such as this local wiki, can go a long way to helping with clarity of thought for community-wide issues. But, this isn't an easy slam dunk proposition. Plenty of heavy lifting is involved. And, the journalists are a big part of the key, but so too are editors, management and most of all, citizen participants with specific issues and points of view to flog.

Thirdly, copyright, copyleft, public domain, deep-links, and many other "turf battles" can mount rather quickly in these efforts.
Books for sale on the streets in China -- where the freedom of the press needs to operate out of a container for the sake of mobility.

Furthermore, (4th) it would not be hard for the new state-house whip to wiggle the legislative agenda's digital dust by putting in aa new folder organization on a web site in Harrisburg. That might make hundreds, if not thousands of links go dead. That would suck for editors at newspapers.

Finally, I've been noodling on these issues for a few years now and I'm just steps away from releasing my more formal presentations to various players in our media spaces in the region -- and even some nationally. If you'd like to learn more, come on over to our 4th of July party and we'll chat.
I'm about to dive in -- and you could witness these spalshes.

Councilman cited for harassment

If I'm at a softball game, I want Jeff Koch in the stands.

Lending a hand -- not a fist.

Councilman cited for harassment Councilman cited for harassment

Thursday, June 29, 2006 By Jonathan D. Silver and Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

City Councilman Jeffrey Koch was cited by a Pittsburgh police officer for harassment and disorderly conduct during a girls softball game Sunday night in Brookline.

Mr. Koch will receive the citations in the mail from narcotics Detective Brian Nicholas.

The citations concern allegations that Mr. Koch used his chest to bump Detective Nicholas' brother, Joseph Nicholas, Brookline's softball coach, as he tried to break up a fight at the game, which took place at the Brookline Memorial Recreation Center in the 1400 block of Brookline Boulevard.

Joseph Nicholas, who is also a Pittsburgh police officer and is assigned to the Hill District station, was off-duty at the time.

In a statement released late yesterday, Mr. Koch said, 'Any citation given would be unwarranted. I did absolutely nothing wrong. It is my intention to zealously challenge any citations or allegations of wrongdoing.'

I don't know jack about this case. I've just seen media reports. But, I feel that Jeff did nothing wrong. Jeff is going to stand up to someone and step between trouble if it is on a field.

A bump of the chest, ... give us a break. Make Jeff citizen of the day.

In his statement, Mr. Koch described the incident as a "minor altercation that did not involve me. The only thing that I can say about this is that at no time did I act inappropriately, and at no time did I violate any law."

One of Mr. Koch's foes in the special election, Jason Phillips, of the South Side Flats, criticized Mr. Koch during the public comment period at council's meeting yesterday.

"I don't think a children's sporting event is the place to flex your muscle," Mr. Phillips said. "I believe you are guilty of at least bad judgment. ... When you do things like that, you put others at risk. You're supposed to be a pillar of our community. Please represent us. Don't embarrass us.

Phillips full statement should be made public. I didn't see it. Anyone got it?

However, a children's sporting event is a fine place to teach lessons and insist that we play well together. Bad judgement is running away. Bad judgement is closing the parks. Bad judgement is a do-nothing attitude. Bad judgement is swinging a fist.

It is hard to be a peace maker. It is easy to button your lips and hire an attorney. It is easy to pile on too, Jason.

Standing tall does NOT put others at risk -- it makes others more safe. Standing tall puts oneself at risk. Having our parks turn to violence is a sure way to have countless others risk their personal safety and peace of mind -- just going near a park.

Zone 3 tidbits

I noted that Tom L, frequent blog reader and regular running mate poster -- was elected to the zone 3 safety committee in some official capacity. Same too with Bob Hillen and the campaign manager for Bruce Kraus. Keep up the heat and good work guys.

Next, Zone 3 has been selected by The Pittsburgh Mediation Center, in conjunction with the Allegheny County Juvenile Court System to participate in “a neighborhood-based accountability panel, comprised of community members who volunteer to meet with first time juvenile offenders who ADMIT to a crime to discuss the offense, and hold the youths accountable for their actions to determine appropriate responses including community service, educational activities and/or restitution.”

The Pittsburgh Mediation Center will be present at the July Public Safety Meeting to do a brief presentation.

Interested panel volunteers should email our NAN leader at her cafe and she will compile a list for the center.

Around and about -- Schedule with Russ Diamond

Contact: Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor
Cell: (717) 383-3025
Email: media@russdiamond.org
Website: http://www.russdiamond.org
Schedule URL: http://www.russdiamond.org/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?

7/1/2006 6:00 p.m.
Ford City Heritage Days Parade
9th St & 4th Ave
Ford City PA 16226

Meet in front of the Hoagie Shop at 9th St & 4th Ave. Enjoy the parade with Russ Diamond!

Event Contact: John F. Czekanski, 724-763-8143, stoptax@alltel.net

7/2/2006 12:00 p.m.
Ford City Heritage Days
9th St & 4th Ave
Ford City PA 16226

Meet in front of the Hoagie Shop at 9th St & 4th Ave. Get signatures with Russ and the folks from STOP!

Event Contact: John F. Czekanski, 724-763-8143, stoptax@alltel.net

---

7/3/2006 2:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta
Point State Park
101 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh PA 15222

Join Russ and Mark Rauterkus at the Regatta and get signatures! Meet at the fountain at 2:00 PM!

Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com

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7/4/2006 8:30 a.m.
Brentwood Independence Day Parade
Brentwood
2900 Brownsville Rd
Brentwood PA 15227

Russ will be participating in this Pittsburgh area parade with friends from the S.T.O.P. group. It's time to ABOLISH property taxes! Let's make it "Independents" Day! See Russ off at the parking lot near Burger King (address above) and then cheer him on as he goes!

Event Contact: Nick Cenci, 412-881-1979, pghcenci@comcast.net

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7/4/2006 11:00 a.m.

Rosslyn Farms
Rosslyn Farms PA

Russ will make an appearance with Mark Rauterkus at Rosslyn Farms to shake hands with spectators!

Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com

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7/4/2006 12:00 p.m.
Meet 'n' Greet
Point View Hotel
3720 Brownsville Rd
Pittsburgh PA 15227

Shake hands with Russ Diamond and Mark Rauterkus!

Event Contact: Nick Cenci, 412-881-1979, pghcenci@comcast.net

7/4/2006 1:00 p.m.
Meet 'n' Greet
VFW Post 1810 Brentwood
3801 Saw Mill Run Blvd
Brentwood PA 15227

Shake hands with Russ Diamond and Mark Rauterkus!

Event Contact: Nick Cenci, 412-881-1979, pghcenci@comcast.net

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7/4/2006 4:00 p.m.
Press Conference
Home of Mark Rauterkus
108 S 12th Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203

Press conference with Russ Diamond. Media are invited.

Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com

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7/4/2006 5:00 p.m.
1776 Fundraiser for Russ Diamond's Campaign!
Paparazzi Ristorante
2100 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203

Come join Russ for the 1776 Fundraiser! Cost is only $17.76 for this very special event for a great cause! Please RSVP in advance!

Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com

7/4/2006 6:30 p.m.
Open House
Home of Mark Rauterkus
108 S 12th Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203

Come chat with Russ and view fireworks from the back deck (we ask that you do not bring your own fireworks - sorry.)

Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com

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7/5/2006 7:30 a.m.
Meet 'n' Greet
Tom's Diner
1715 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203

Come shake hands with Russ from 7:30-9:00 am!

Event Contact: Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432, mark@rauterkus.com

PA House OKs end to Kennywood tax

Kennywood -- and local officials seething RED thanks to Harriburg's nebbyness.

House OKs end to Kennywood tax Bars $1.5 million levy; W. Mifflin officials hot; Senate must vote on it

Friday, June 30, 2006
By Tom Barnes and Jan Ackerman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HARRISBURG -- The state House has angered West Mifflin officials by approving a bill to permit Kennywood Park to stop paying $1.5 million a year in amusement tax revenue to the borough and school district.

'This is a sweetheart deal for Kennywood,'' West Mifflin council President William Welsh said yesterday. 'Kennywood has tried to have the tax eliminated every year.''

Hummm.... Could it be another sweetheart deal?

How about if we gave Kennywood a slots license! That should fix em. I'd rather save Kennywood Park rather than the race horses and the PA race horse industry.

But seriously, I have advocated the ending of the RAD Tax. And, I think that the Allegheny County RAD Tax that is paid by Kennywood should end. That amount is less, I expect, than what it pays locally. But, the RAD Tax for Kennywood goes directly to other organizations that compete with Kennywood in a day-in-day-out basis.

Why should Kennywood subsidize the ballet? Or, why should Kennywood subsidize the Carnegie Science Center?

I don't want Kennywood to get any tax nor RAD money. And, I want Kennywood to pull its own weight. But, I don't think it is wise for Kennywood to charge its customers extra just to have that money flow to other nonprofits who are in direct competition with the park.

As for West Mifflin, and most of the Mon Valley --- well --- I don't know how much they are all on the up and up? That big bend in the Mon seems to match how staight the politicians operate in them thar parts.

We all love Kennywood, even standing in line for the Jackrabbit.

Scratch my back with a pink slip

Love him, but folks, getting fired is no big deal. And, M.L. is getting a radio job in the next breath.

Two Koreas struggle in meeting to create joint Olympic team - Thursday June 29, 2006 1:49PM

Sports are games of time, space and relationship, so wrote Kevin DeForrest, a friend and author. I fully agree.

The Olympics make a set of games with countless opportunities for interactions, relations and relationships. But, they happen in time.

Given this era, it is of little suprise that the North and South could get much established.

SI.com - Olympics - Two Koreas struggle in meeting to create joint Olympic team - Thursday June 29, 2006 1:49PM North and South Korean officials struggled to make a symbolic dream become a reality on Thursday when they failed to agree on the details of a joint team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the Asian Games later this year.

Delegates from the South and the North could not overcome major hurdles such as the composition of the teams and the selection criteria during a meeting, officials said.

Chairs at an art museum in Hong Kong. Each chair was made with different materials and texture. They are in a circle -- and empty.

Free and Open Source Software for K12 Schools

Free and Open Source Software for K12 Schools

[412] 4th of July -- Independent and a 1776 gathering

[412] 4th of July -- Independent and a 1776 gathering: "Dear Patriotic and Independent Neighbors! Our 4th of July schedule is listed below. I hope I can see you at our 16th annual open house or else at one of these events.

Come out as our special guest is Russ Diamond, Independent candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania. Russ and I are working to get ourselves on the November 7, 2006 general election ballot.

I'm running for PA Senate. Both of us are INDEPENDENTS, All registered voters in PA can sign the nomination papers. Your signature can help by presenting voters with a real choice on the ballot later this year. Assistance in the final weeks of our shared petition drive can be explained.

Russ and I are both reformers. I'm confident that Russ will shine brightly and dominate pending discussions on policies for Pennsylvania's future when contrasted with what is being offered by Ed 'Slots' Rendell and Lynn Swann.

Schedule for Independence Day:
8 am - July 4 -- arrival to the Brentwood Parade
Mid-Morning to the Rosslyn Farms Parade and Community Time
Mixer at Brentwood's historic Inn
Gathering signatures around town, including at Point State Park for the Regatta.

4 to 5 pm - Press / Media event with talks by Russ Diamond, Mark Rauterkus and others, including a progress briefing on the campaigns to any Allegheny County citizens, volunteers, and supporters at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. Pittsburgh, 15203 Call Mark Rauterkus, 412 298 3432 or email Mark at Rauterkus.com

5 to 6:30 pm - Russ Diamond fundraiser, $17.76 per person at Paparazzi Ristorante, 2100 East Carson Street, South Side, 15203 American cookout and softdrinks. RSVP necessary. Call Mark Rauterkus, 412 298 3432 or email Mark at Rauterkus.com

6 pm start - Mark Rauterkus & Family 16th annual Independence Day Open House. Meet and mingle with special guest, Russ Diamond, Independent for Governor. Early activites at the local park for badminton, crafts for kids, lemonaid, treats up to fireworks (visible from the deck). FYI, Sparklers and beyond are NOT welcome here.

Pre and Post 4th encounters with Russ include:

July 5, Dutch Breakfast with Russ Diamond at Tom's Diner at 1715 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh's South Side from 7:30 to 9 am.

July 3, an event is on tap for July 3 in Westmorland County. Ask for details if interested.

Notification of your expected attendance is desired.

Thanks for the consideration. Feel free to forward this message and pass the word. Stay safe!

Books as battle ground - by Bob Hoover

Scripps Howard News Service They've been arriving regularly since early spring, first in a trickle, now in a steady stream and by the end of August, a flood.

Inspired by the ongoing U.S. occupation of Iraq, the Bush administration's war on terror and domestic policies, the performance of the news media and the vicious partisan nature of today's politics, mainstream publishers are releasing an unusual amount of books on current affairs.

'Ten years ago, political books didn't sell very well,' said Patricia Schroeder, president of the American Association of Publishers. 'Now, in the last three or four years, the sales are off the charts. Look at the last election with the Al Frankens, Michael Moores, Bill O'Reillys. The publishers know this and they're responding.'

Schroeder, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives _ and a Democrat _ also brought up best-selling books by one-time Bush administration officials like former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and Environmental Protection Agency Director Christine Todd Whitman.

'I call it their 'exit strategy.' These people are loyal until they leave the corral and then they can write a controversial book,' she laughed.

Park Place -- you all rock!

The voices of Park Place sounded off loud and clear against an effort to re-zone some housing. Well done citizens. Your messages were fantastic.

The city staffers got it wrong and that is not a suprise to me.

The speakers in the hearing were perpared and the plans now before city council should go DOWN with a big thud.

Few clamor for Murphy details

Few clamor for Murphy details - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ... but few others are interested in hearing from him.

I feel as if this lead speaks to me -- exactly. To put a spot light on Tom Murphy so as to hear his saga about his firefighters dealing is a waste of time -- unless it is before the courts in terms of him serving jail time or not.

Every dog has its day in the sun. The sun has set for Tom Murphy. His day is done. To look for that to happen again in the future is a waste of time.

I saw Tom Muprhy the other week while he was with his family and I was with mine among the booths at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. I passed along a "happy fathers day" mention and nothing else. I have nothing else to say to him nor do I care that we look in back when we should be looking forward.

So, it looks like Tom Murphy gets to stop paying his attorneys and will be a free man, still, next Fathers Day. Above all, he is guilty of being a jerk and doing great harms to the city and region.

But we live in America -- and this isn't a place where behaviors like those made famous with Stalin's iron fist should be tolerated. I don't need to see the city purge its past boneheaded leaders. Nobody needs to hang from the light posts. Move on.

If Mary Beth B, the attorney who should be pressing charges, won't press charges -- shame on her. But it is her job, for now. And, it is her job to press cases to the courts not do a shell game and try to re-legislate Act 111.

The Q for MBB is getting Murphy off the hook -- and not getting Act 111 on the hook in his place.

Living Large at PNC Park -- as Bucs drop the first dozen

Tonight was a great night for baseball -- in terms of the weather. Temp was 72 to 68-degrees. Good company and treats too as we were 'living large' in the WS 1903 BOX -- in left field. Grant, Catherine and I went along with a bunch of audiologist, speech, language, and hearing-concerned individuals who were in town for the just concluded Alexander Graham Bell convention that was at the Convention Center.

Splendid party. Our row was shared with a women from Western Candada who was a house mate, years ago, in Eastern Candada with one of our friends (Shirley) in Chengdu, China. Small world story. Another game-day fan was from Brisbane. She met both Grants now -- our Grant and Grant Hackett, Austranian swim star and Crafton Swim Star.

Lots of fun.

The Pirates were but a side-show. Might as well have been at a bull-fight. (giggle)

There was nearly a Grand Slam from the Pirates.... but the catch was a few feet from the edge of the top of the outfield wall. That would have put the Bucs in the lead.

Saw and interesting run-down. First baseman, Casey, took the cut off toss from the outfield behind the pitchers mound and the runner at second went too far. He pushed him back to 2nd and then the runner went farther off of third -- so Casey switched his attention to the guy that was flirting with home plate -- running him back to third -- diving for the goal line, sorta, tagging him out at third before his knee touched the ground.

The pressing question on my mind tonight is about our swim team photos in the morning -- and if I'm going to have bags under my eyes.

Hat tip to the Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates : News : Pittsburgh Pirates News The Pirates continued to be on the vanguard in unveiling a permanent exhibit at PNC Park that celebrates the legacy of the city's two famed Negro League clubs: the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Grays. The shrine, located just inside the left-field gate, is the first of its kind at a big-league park.

Way to go. Let's celebrate our history. Let's understand about the past.

If we don't know where we've been, it is hard to know where we're going.

If we don't know history, then run the risk of making the same mistakes over again.

I'm one who always wants to make new mistakes -- and despise it when I repeat old ones. I'm known for my more original mistakes.

Test Drive OpenOffice.org

Microsoft today announced the opening of a "test drive" so that people can see what Microsoft Office 2007 might look like when it finally goes on sale.

The OpenOffice.org Community invites potential upgraders to go one better - download the full OpenOffice.org 2 office suite today for a test drive, and if you like it, use it free for as long as you like. It's the ultimate no-strings-attached test drive - if you enjoy the test drive, keep the car!

As office software becomes a commodity product, Microsoft has been forced to make significant changes to the 'look and feel' of MS-Office 2007. Because of this, analysts now agree that migrating to Microsoft Office 2007 will be a major upheaval with a significant cost impact.

Unlike changing to Microsoft Office 2007, changing to OpenOffice.org 2 does not require learning how to use office software all over again. Indeed, reports have shown migration to OpenOffice.org 2 is 90% cheaper than migrating to Microsoft Office 2007.

For more information and references to the reports, please see http://why.openoffice.org

Sure, this is great. But, rather than just say it is like a test drive and keep the car, one would be correct in saying that you can also keep the FACTORY that the car came from as well. Take the car, the specs, the insights and be wed to the community.

Life is great when we choose freedom.

Report: Reroute buses, redo Market Square

Some online reading. How nice.

Report: Reroute buses, redo Market Square The report can be found online at www.ura.org; www.downtownpittsburgh.com; or www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/.

The Carbolic Smoke Ball: PIRATES' SPECIAL ALL-STAR GAME CONSULTANT, MAYOR RICHARD J. DALEY, PUSHES JASON BAY INTO LEAD IN BALLOTING AMONG NL OUTFIELDE

Cute.

The Carbolic Smoke Ball: PIRATES' SPECIAL ALL-STAR GAME CONSULTANT, MAYOR RICHARD J. DALEY, PUSHES JASON BAY INTO LEAD IN BALLOTING AMONG NL OUTFIELDERS Jason Bay found himself atop all National League outfielders in fan balloting for the All-Star game today, and he has one man to thank for it: the Pirates' special 'All-Star Game Consultant,' Richard J. Daley, former Mayor of Chicago.

We are going to go to the game on Tuesday night. That will be my first time in PNC Park since the City League High School Baseball Championship Game -- won by Langley!

I'd rather go watch a winning team anyway.

I have not been to a Pirate game in a couple of years, other than to protest.

July 4th and 5th event planning -- heads up -- assistants welcomed

We are planning for a number of events on and about July 4 with Russ Diamond in Allegheny County.

Brentwood Parade

(Some other stops in the daytime.)

4 pm: Press Event and volunteer briefing on the South Side of Pittsburgh at our home and office, 108 South 12th Street, Pittsburgh, 15203.

5 pm: A $17.76 fundraiser with food.

6:30 pm: Our annual open house

On July 5, Russ Diamond visits and mingles for breakfast from 7:30 to 9 am at Tom's Diner at 1715 East Carson Street for breakfast before heading back to his home.

If you can assist or attend, please let me know via email or phone call. Bring some friends too. Specific details shortly.

412 298 3432 = cell

Independent Candidate for PA Senate, 42nd district, November 7, 2006

It is all Greek to me.... Greek sprinters admit to doping at '04 Olympics - Monday June 26, 2006 4:18PM

If Tom Murphy is going to help with a reform of conflict of interest laws and setting up new rules for those who make contracts, perhaps we should ask these Greek sprinters who wreck motocycles after taking roids to give a few pointers on how to ride on the wild side to #7, Big Ben.

Their motocycle crash was one of the overlooked moments in sports. It put a black cloud on the early moments of the Olympics back in Greece.

SI.com - More Sports - Greek sprinters admit to doping at '04 Olympics - Monday June 26, 2006 4:18PM Nearly two years after embarrassing the host nation on the eve of the Athens Olympics, Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou admitted they broke doping rules and accepted their bans from competition.

The runners dropped their appeals Monday before the Court at Arbitration for Sport. The International Association of Athletics Federations said they will be eligible to return Dec. 22 after completing their two-year bans, provided they pass the mandatory drug tests.

Finally a channel for Big Ten diehards

ContraCostaTimes.com | 06/26/2006 | Finally a channel for Big Ten diehards The Big Ten Conference is thinking outside the box. Beginning in August 2007, the conference will launch its own television network, which will be called -- drum roll, please -- the Big Ten Channel.

Well, OK, the name isn't much, but you have to admire the ambition.

'It will be a destination for all things Big Ten,' said commissioner James E. Delany, whose definition for 'all' is a little loose. Football and men's basketball games will be on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2, as stipulated by contractual agreement. But all the other things -- you know, soccer, tennis, swimming, diving and wrestling -- you'll find them there.

The Big Ten Channel involves a partnership with Fox Cable Networks and will be available to satellite and cable distributors and through the Internet, iPods and cell phones.

Let's ask the FOX how to fix the Chicken Coop & Murphy off the hook

Edited slightly:

Federal prosecutors won't indict former Mayor Murphy: "the EX-mayor would be working with Ms. Buchanan primarily on reforming state Act 111, which governs the binding arbitration which applies to police and firefighters contracts. He said they might talk to state officials about ideas like preventing contract negotiations during election season, or giving city councils some say over what kinds of contract provisions are agreed to between the parties before arbitration starts.

Hold the phone. Replace, Redirect, Reform. I don't want to have those folks have any hand in any reforms. No way. Ex-Mayor Tom Murphy is the last guy I want to be in a role for REFORMING conflict of interest measures.

There is a time to hear from Mayor Murphy -- and there is a time to run away quickly from all that he does. Listen just to figure out which way he is moving -- then go the other directions.

Drive to shrink city council gains steam

A couple have emailed me asking about this proposal, not sure what to think.

Drive to shrink city council gains steamFirefighters, city GOP want council cut to size

A referendum drive to cut the size of Pittsburgh City Council from nine members to five may have unprecedented momentum, council members and their foes agree.

First, I love democracy and I think we need to use it or loose it. We need to flex those community muscles and that means we should be putting three to six referendum questions onto the ballot every election for the next few years. So, I like the use of referendums a great deal.

I also love the concept of ballot access. This means that questions should be put to the public and made available for a general vote without a lot of undo hardships in terms of signatures of voters.

So, direct, honest candidates and questions should get onto the ballot with reason. As many know, this isn't the case now. Statewide candidates get onto a ballot with 2,000 signatures while nearly 100,000 are needed for those who are NOT with the old party label, D and R. That has to be changed.

We don't even allow for citizen led ballot questions in PA. The 'growing greener' vote of May, 2005, for example, was put onto the ballot by the Governor and blessed by the legislature. We, as citizens, should have the right to put up ballot questions too. In the city, there is that possibility.

So, let's vote. Let's have the discussion. Let's get the question on the ballot.

But, I don't like that these questions are HATCHED behind closed doors and are no put out into the open before they are put onto various petitions. The wording of the changes for the city charter need to be "sanctioned" in a much better way. I'm not sure we are putting forth the very best questions for general vote.

I know that the 'row-office reduction' and debate was centered around a very bad question. The question that went to the voters was much weaker than what I would have done. I bucked for individual questions for each row office, YES - or - NO, rather than the package deal that was crunched into one question.

Before I get into the ins and outs of if council should be dropped from 9 to 5, I want to see who is calling and giving out black petitions? Where are they Joe King and Bob Hillen? Will this be another fruitless exercise? There isn't a good track record of getting signatures. And, are we going to be spinning our wheels again?

The deadline is August 8. Why is this just getting media coverage now? Did I miss something back in April, May, and June?

I drove past a firehouse today and almost pulled over to walk to the folks there and ask these same questions. Where are the black petitions? Can I get some? Let's go!

Garbage Workers, City Don't Reach Union Agreement

ThePittsburghChannel.com - News - Garbage Workers, City Don't Reach Union Agreement Workers Threaten To Walk Out Before MLB All-Star Game

Oh no. The precious over-hyped All-Star Game might have serious talk of workers rights in the air -- to go along with the "No Sweatshop Protesters." And without wi-fi wireless, what will these red-carpet guests do?

Extras needed for a Pittsburgh Movie and Tailgate later

July 1 @ 5:00 pm - the Regatta at the Point
Join ths historic event to sing "It's a Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood" with Mr. McFeely for the film "A Tale of Two Cities".

Pittsburghers who now live in Los Angeles and New York have all gathered together to sing the song and now Pittsburghers will have an opportunity to be a part of the movie!

Go to www.thepittsburghmovie.com for more information.

If you come - look for the WIFMPIT Red Flag and wear red to show your support for our organization.

Check out the website for more information.

Pittsburgh Steeler Tailgate, August 19 @ The Best Western in Parkway Center

An all day tailgate party. Look for the WIFMPIT red flag and wear red to show your support.

Faith J Dickinson, Founding President, Women In Film and Media ~ Pittsburgh Chapter, www.WIFMPIT.com, A Member of Women In Film and Television International

Edited slightly and nuked phone.