Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Local Net & Minnesota Gubernatorial E-Debate

My observations for MN's Gov Race and the e-debate question about technology and broadband.
SAQ7 - Local Net | Minnesota Gubernatorial E-Debate - Oct. 9-19 Short Answer Question 7 - Which models of community involvement in broadband – be it wi-fi (wireless Internet), fiber, etc. - should be promoted or limited by the state or legislation? This might include the Windom municipal-owned fiber-to-the-home model, the Minneapolis franchise-like public-private wireless partnership, or other private marketplace models? Will you work toward a repeal/change of Minn. Stat. Ann. 237.19 requirement for municipalities to obtain a super-majority of 65% of voters before providing telephone services (including voice over the Internet)?

> Short Answer Question 7 - Local Net
>
> Which models of community involvement in broadband - be it wi-fi
> (wireless Internet), fiber, etc. - should be promoted or limited by
> the state or legislation?.

Seeing what the candidates wrote, I think that they all missed out on the big answer that I would have wanted to see.

What about the schools? What about the kids? What about educational needs?

I think it makes great sense to make investments in technology and broadband for our educational institutions. Then the marketplace can worry more about businesses. But, the marketplace needs to be pulled and pushed to care for the kids, for homework needs, for reserach, for study, and for parental involvement in school efforts.

Did others notice the same absence of info about schools in the initial responses?

+ Schools could be wi-fi hubs.
+ Schools can be places for experimental networks.
+ Schools can do outreach to school students in homes, with justifications.
+ Schools could be places to take caluclated risks with investments in tech and broadband.

Posted to: mn-politics-discuss@yahoogroups.com

Insights welcomed.

Pittsburgh Tuesday takes

Democrat sleaze: The Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee is engaged in what might be the most dishonest and sleaziest political smear job in the history of eystone State politics. Using partial, out-of-context quotes, it is attacking epublican 42nd Legislative District candidate Mark Harris. And it can only be ndicative of a party that thinks its candidate, Matt Smith, is in deep trouble. Mr. Smith should renounce this garbage. If he doesn't, "Matt Smith" will become synonymous with "sleaze."
Come out to hear both candidates at our church for a community forum with candiates from 7 to 8 pm on Monday, October 30, 2006 at 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebo. http://Sunnyhill.org.

Cleveland Columnist Who Shut Up to Speak Out - washingtonpost.com

The Columnist Who Shut Up to Speak Out - washingtonpost.comConnie Schultz Gave Up Her Platform to Jump on Her Husband's Bandwagon"
Read about family, couples, politics, media, campaigns and blah, blah, blah.

My only question, "Where is the first wife?"

CT Senate Debate On TV: Not Live, And No Local Media Allowed

courant.com | Senate Debate On TV: Not Live, And No Local Media Allowed: "Senate Debate On TV: Not Live, And No Local Media Allowed

When WFSB-TV, Channel 3, announced plans to sponsor the only debate of all five candidates in Connecticut's nationally watched Senate race, station general manager Klarn DePalma said the event reflects 'our commitment ... to deliver news and information to viewers in Connecticut.'

But it appears that the delivery is going to be delayed.

The Hartford CBS affiliate has banned representatives of the news media - other than its own - from Wednesday's 3 p.m. taping of the debate that is to be moderated by national CBS newsman Bob Schieffer before an audience of specially invited guests at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

After a news blackout of 27 hours, WFSB plans to show the canned one-hour event Thursday at 7 p.m.

'We're renting the hall, it's our debate, and we'll invite who we want to invite' - that was Channel 3's position, as paraphrased by Richard Foley, campaign manager for Republican candidate Alan Schlesinger. Polls show Schlesinger running a distant third in the race, and so, Foley said, 'we feel that we cannot make too many demands.'
The statement that this is 'our debate' is crazy.

Shame, shame, shame on WFSB-TV. Same to for any candidate that doesn't raise red flags while on the debate stage about the terms of the event.

Folks, our democracy is frail. We can't let junk like this onto our shared landscape.

Check out what they are doing in MN for the Governor's race. An on-going, on-line debate among all participants is a treasure to witness and makes a model that many others need to repeat in the election cycles to come.

Double zero - Post Gazette endorsement nails Petrone. Big win for Ogden, R, IMNSHO

IMNSHO = In my not so humble opinion. This is great news of Candidate Bill Ogden, R.
Double zero In the House, two painful non-endorsements
This is amazing news and a wonderful victory for Bill Ogden.

The P-G did NOT endorse Tom Petrone. Tom Petrone should retire from the state house. Other suggestions for Petrone will follow later.

Bill Ogden, Republican, was able to push out some of his ideas. However, he felt the interview didn't go as smoothly as it could have. Regardless, this is a big victory for Ogden.

Bill Ogden is much, much more than a personal trainer. He owns his own gym. He has been there for many years.

To call Ogden a 'personal trainer' is the same as calling Kevin Joyce, owner of a downtown restaurant, a cook or a waiter. Bill Ogden is a long-time small business owner. He employs people. He helps the economy by doing business here, in his home town.

How a blogger got in the middle of Foley story

We are investigative reporters.
How a blogger got in the middle of Foley story How a blogger got in the middle of Foley story

Monday, October 16, 2006
By Amy Schatz, The Wall Street Journal

MOORE, Okla. -- For three days, William 'Wild Bill' Kerr huddled over an old computer, trying to solve a curious mystery.

He wanted to figure out the identity of the congressional page who received the salacious instant messages that prompted Florida Rep. Mark Foley to resign Sept. 29, triggering the scandal that's rocking the House of Representatives just weeks before the election.

The 32-year-old conservative blogger said he felt the news media were distorting the story, and he suspected, among other things, that the page in question was over the age of consent.

Save the Internet song on YouTube

The production quality isn't top shelf, but the mix of the song's words, chords and concert setting is neat. Old folkie bloggers might like the tune's message.

I'm often upset with the media. It is nice to see that others share the same concerns.

OMG: Hannah Montana! ... HERE...

Series of made-for-DVD movies to be shot in Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Business Times: ... will star Emily Osment, co-star of the hit Disney Channel television series 'Hannah Montana.'
Do we still close roads, reserve street parking, and alter the bouncers on East Carson Street for film crews and movie stars if they are only working on flicks that are slated for a DVD release?

Let's not roll out the red carpet today, as it is raining. But we are in for something as it took a year of negotiatins for the one crew. It is bad when film crew talks with a city take longer than the creative work to author, direct, shoot and produce.

The broad range of financial support for Dept of Community and Economic Development means what, exactly?

Next months movie title, "Smart People" has its first casting call slated, TBA, in City Council Chambers. Keep watching this blog for details.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Joe Jencks on the Charts!

From Joe Jencks ho...
Joe played a concert for us on the South Side early in the year. His newest CD "Rise As One" charted at #24 on the Folk Music Charts in the US for the month of September! This marks the first time he hit the charts.

"Rise As One" is a live concert CD, celebrating the music of the labor movement in the US, and featuring traditional, modern and original music about workplace dignity. Visit www.joejencks.com for more info.

GrassrootsPA puts up telling quote of GOP Leader on behavior of Rs in leadership

Duhh....
GrassrootsPA � The Online Home For Pennsylvania’s Conservative MovementPA's GOP Chairman said, "We have a platform, but our guys didn’t read it. They lost their way,” Gleason said as he mentioned the pay raise, state budgets, approval of slot machine gambling, expansion of government and this year’s vote to raise the minimum wage as a few examples.

MP-N: Congressional Elections

Hi All,

I'm in Pennsylvania. I don't think Rick Santorum is going to win his re-election. The Dem in the race, Bob Casey Jr. is a real dolt who is a lazy worker, without much personality nor smarts -- but he'll win because there are no other options and Rick has worn out his welcome.

So, the notion that a vote for one person is also a mandate for something else needs to be put in the trash, where it belongs.

The post said, a vote for the R candidate in MN is really a post for Santorum to be a leader in the US Senate. I don't agree.

Politics is complicated. But, voting is simple.

A vote for a person on the ballot is a vote for the person on the ballot, at that time, for that post -- and NOTHING, or little else. That's the beauty of democracy. Politics is complicated. But voting is simple. And, we should keep it that way. All the other hang-ups and reading between the lines is not what really matters.

If you want to worry about the leadership of a legislative body, and that is a decent worry to ponder, then there are better things to do.

First, ask the candidate in your district if he or she will state support for or against those in leadership positions. For example, a guy running for state house can say that he will NOT vote for so and so as the speaker of the house. He'd vote for another person in the same party, I imagine. But those can be strong statements. And, we should ask those questions more and more of candidates.

Second, figure out where the tight elections are unfolding if the leadership of a body might tip -- and back those candidates in those locations with your funds and efforts accordingly. Those battleground districts and associated campaigns are ripe for influence from other quarters.

So, if you want Santorum out of the US Senate -- send money to Bob Casey. And, if you want to buffer his hope for Senate leadership, speak to Rs in campaigns in the US Senate and get a pledge that they'll NOT back Rick Santorum for leadership whatever.

It is interesting to see if these candidates choose to break ranks with expected leadership, or not.

Bob Casey to Paris Hilton: Watch your purse.

Bob Casey's remarks in the radio debate on Monday about more taxes for Paris Hilton was goofy. To make a point of Santorum being 'out of touch' and then to use the lines that Casey uses is ironic. Casey isn't the guy to hit a homerun against Santorum for being out of touch.

On KDKA Radio show following the debate, show host, Marty Griffin, was hitting in a negative way upon the mention of Bono. Senator Santorum mentioned Bono and Marty Griffin tried to dig for some humor in that and it backfired. Bono isn't a rock star that takes community involvement as a joke! The Bono mention in the debate was in a friendly, respectful way.

My unanswered question is, 'Do we all work hard?'

Then how can it be a 'do nothing Congress' and then they all work hard? The double talk from Casey is without logic.

Casey says to Santorum, "I don't know what you are talking about." (Not good Bob.)

Neither of those guys are going to get my vote. However, I give a big LOSS for today's radio debate to Bob Casey.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Veteran pols among hopefuls - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Told ya. Weeks ago I said that Jack Wagner would need to be in the list of potential candidates who are interested in running for mayor of Pittsburgh.
Veteran pols among hopefuls - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review He could face his most formidable challenge in the Democratic primary from state Auditor General Jack Wagner, who according to spokesman Steve Halvonik is considering a run. Wagner believes O'Connor was shepherding Pittsburgh toward financial recovery.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Posting to MN

Subject: Re: MP-N: Iraq .....and other things.

Hi All,

R. R. H. wants to arm the world, as we are armed, sorta. He said that is the only way to go.

Well, I think we can be more creative and come up with other pathways. For instance, consider the last time the USA nuked Canada. That would be crazy, right. There are many levels as to reasons why there isn't fear or threats of war and nukes between US and Canada.

Meanwhile, there was a time, not too long ago, when the situation between the US and Cuba was such that nukes were feared. They blinked. A disaster was dodged and a long period of US and Cuba isolation was a result. The Soviet friendship and subsidization for Cuba also went to nothing.

Interesting, today, many in Canada vacation in Cuba (interesting side note).

The roots to the solutions, I feel, are within the expression:

YOU DO NOT Generally BOMB YOUR CUSTOMERS.

When we have a free market approach, with free trade and free travel -- then -- more peace and prosperity occurs and fears, uncertainty, doubt and war becomes diminished.

Furthermore, the trade needs to be free, organic and citizen driven -- not from the state. We need to turn away from the "mega deals" and "government deals" within business realms such as is the case with OPEC, Haliburton, and reconstruction of infrastructure after bombs turned back the clock to stone age survivals.

So, the slogan and truth found within not bombing customers might not hold when it comes to bombing suppliers.

We need more and closer trading partners. But, let's not fool ourselves with a hope to have them work in sweatshops to meet the demands and hungers of our consumerism.

eVote Blog, call to Tuesday's County Council Meeting on Voting & Paper Ballots

eVote BlogASK COUNTY COUNCIL FOR PAPER BALLOTS FOR NOVEMBER
What are you doing Tuesday evening? Or, can you pen a letter and make a few phone calls for democracy?

Friday, October 13, 2006

Swim Coach gets hired for another gig

Tom Burchill formerly of Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club (Pittsburgh, PA) and Carmel Swim Club (Carmel, IN) has taken a position with Lancaster Aquatic Club, Lancaster, PA.
Too often, in Western PA, as well as other parts of the nation, we "EAT OUR YOUNG." Tom did a wonderful job as a swim coach, locally. He built up the program. He is a dynamic young coach. He moved out of state. His career hit a bump in the road. But now he's back in PA with a new team.

Good for Tom. Good for those in Lancaster and even throughout PA. I'm glad he is back home, sorta.

But I worry about the ways we treat our young coaches. We have problems in these areas and our systems are frail.

In other coaching news, not at all associated with anything -- the outcome of the bean-ball coach is now known. The judge ordered him to jail for one to six years. This is the guy who lost grips with what sports is all about and instructed a kid to hurt another, on his same team, before a baseball game. What a mess that was. The coach goes to jail to think about that for some time. As he was being escorted away, as show on TV, he still had this 'clueless attitude.'

Furthermore, a swimmer and son of fellow coach is now in a cast. He hurt his hand while playing goal in practice with the high school soccer team. Ouch. The Carlynton HS boys team is #1 seed in the WPIAL class AA. You can play soccer with your arm in a cast in high school. We'll see how the swim season goes, in a few weeks to come.

KnoxNews, injured paper gives interview and Reporter gets Pass NUKED by AD

KnoxNews: Today's Editorial ... the UT Athletic Department suspended the credentials of one of our sports writers, Dave Hooker, for not getting approval in advance for a player interview. Hooker worked through a source within the athletic department to arrange an exclusive talk with Inky Johnson, the popular cornerback who was badly hurt in the Air Force game.

That was a technical violation of the rules that the Sports Information Office issues in exchange for letting journalists have the access they need to conduct interviews and take photographs.

Other reporters covering the Vols have broken that rule in the past. But the Athletic Department decided to come down hard on Hooker.

Initially, the department contended that he had 'ambushed' the injured player on campus, in effect invading his privacy during recuperation. But Hooker has since provided UT with a tape recording of the interview, which clearly shows it was done by telephone and with Johnson's complete cooperation.

Mike Hamilton, UT's athletic director, says he just wants to look out for the 18- to 22-year-old student athletes who aren't professionals and shouldn't be overwhelmed by media attention. We'll grant there is validity to that concern. We don't want to treat these young men and women disrespectfully either, and Hooker didn't in the case of Johnson.

Unfortunately, it seems that some in the Athletic Department have another motivation as well - tightening control of news about the Vols and punishing the News Sentinel for some of its coverage.
So, how is the guy with the long hair doing? Well, he's a pro athlete.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court denies political choice

From hex
Pennsylvania Libertarian Party condemns decision to ban Senate candidate

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Libertarian Party today condemned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision to remove Carl Romanelli, the Green Party U.S. Senate candidate, from the state ballot.

This year, Democrat and Republican candidates for statewide office needed only 2,000 signatures to get on the Primary election ballot and the winners required no additional signatures to be listed on the General Election ballot. In contrast, all other parties and independents needed 67,070 valid signatures to attain the same end.

Although the Green Party submitted 95,000 signatures, the Democrats challenged and convinced the courts that thousands of signatures were invalid, leaving the party 8931 short of the required total. Pennsylvania’s signature requirements are extremely strict. Signatures are rejected for technicalities such as forgetting to enter the date or entering information in the wrong box. In addition, the courts have redefined “qualified electors” from its statutory definition of Pennsylvania citizens over 18 to registered voters.

Supreme Court Justice Thomas Saylor dissented from the majority opinion because of this redefinition. “I maintain my belief that, under the material provisions of the Election Code, citizens need not be registered voters to validly sign nomination papers on behalf of an independent political body candidate. Since I do not believe that Appellant should be denied ballot access based on the Commonwealth Court’s existing assessment, I respectfully dissent from the majority’s present percuriamruling.”

To further discourage future efforts by independents and third parties to undergo the Herculean effort to offer Pennsylvanians additional choices on the ballot, the court ordered Mr. Romanelli to pay $89,000 in court costs and all the Democratic Party’s legal bills, which are expected to approach $1 million.

Tom Martin Libertarian Party State Senate candidate for the 34th District in Centre County (http://members.aol.com/martin4senate/) noted “The two old parties have further strengthened their monopoly on who can run for office. The great economist Adam Smith had important points about monopoly: One: They are the great enemy of good management and Two: Monopolies need government support to last. What better proof of both of these observations then the political parties using government support to protect themselves from the voters.”

Mr. Martin also failed to meet the draconian signature requirements in his efforts to run as the Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Senate. He is now running as a write-in candidate.

With this year’s 67,070 signature requirement, Pennsylvania is the second worst state in the nation for ballot access. The Ballot Access Coalition has been pursuing a legislative remedy to this problem. The Voters' Choice Act (http://www.paballotaccess.org/voters_choice_act.html) is based on Delaware's reasonable ballot access law. Unfortunately, the VCA is locked in our legislature's State Government committee.

Ken Krawchuk, the Libertarian candidate for Pennsylvania Governor in 1998 and 2002, was outraged by the news. "This decision is the death knell for third parties in Pennsylvania. Who will undertake running for political office with the threat of a million dollar fine? Certainly not me! Unless we can convince the legislature to pass our Voters' Choice Act, this contemptible decision could drive me into political retirement. But I will still campaign full force against oath breaking judges who have made a mockery of our electoral process.
Press release from Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, 3915 Union Deposit Road #223, Harrisburg, PA 17109, 1-800-774-4487, www.lppa.org from, Chuck Moulton, Chair, Doug Leard, Media Relations

'Man of the Year' tanks in a landslide - 10/13/06 - The Detroit News Online

We watched the debate between Rick Santorum and Bob Casey -- and thought that was bad. My kids were into the debate, watching those jokers.
'Man of the Year' tanks in a landslide - 10/13/06 - The Detroit News Online

'Man of the Year' GRADE: D

Rated PG-13 for language including some crude sexual references, drug-related material and brief violence
Running time: 115 minutes

'Man of the Year' is a well-intentioned mess, a dated, yuk-it-up sloppy civics lesson with such a lack of conviction that it backs away from the very questions it poses, which is really too bad, because this movie should have afforded Robin Williams his best role in years.
Wonder what the reviewer / critic would have said about the tv debate last night.

Friday the 13th.


Feeling Lucky? Feeling Unfortunate?

How about the feeling of 'freeze out' or being 'left in the cold?'

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Bookstore workshops on South Side

Dr. SALLY G. HOYLE discusses and signs her book, Same Homework, New Plan, on Tuesday, October 17th at 7:00 pm at the Joseph Beth Bookstore on the South Side (SS Works).
Take back your family's evenings and weekends! Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sally Hoyle offers easy-to-follow steps that busy parents can readily implement to decrease homework meltdowns and help kids achieve their academic potential. Written for parents of kids ages 7 to 16, Same Homework, New Plan shows parents the techniques they need to win the homework war.
101 Ways to Become the Perfect College Applicant
is the workshop and book for 2 pm on Sunday, October 22. No matter where you are in your high school career, 101 Ways will provide you with tips and activities to make you a solid college applicant with a stellar transcript, a winning essay, and great recommendations, not to mention great test scores and a strong overall application package! Get the answers to your questions. Application Anxiety? Not a chance. Kaplan's got you covered.

Somehow, it’s supposed to be our fault when they refuse to give fair and equal coverage to all candidates on the ballot

Got a great email from another Libertarian in a campaign, Barry Hess, of Arizona. He's hacked off, as I have been for years, about the piss-poor media coverage and how they've grown fond pulling the wool over the eyes of the consumers and voters. (Blogmaster edited the text, slightly.)
Dear Friends of Liberty,

All over the United States, Libertarians who conquered whatever ballot access hurdles they made third parties face, are now finding that they still have only a third-class status, with that status enforced by one group: the Media.

In Texas, James Werner, LP candidate for Governor, was denied access into a debate organized by Belo Corp. They allowed four people, including gadfly Kinky Friedman, to debate, so the old argument that "Three's a crowd" couldn't be used this time. He's now moving forward on a lawsuit.

Also in Texas, Bob Smither is running against a Democrat and a write-in Republican in Tom DeLay's former Congressional district. He's the only candidate on both the Special and General elections ballots. According to both MSNBC and the New York Times, Smither doesn't even exist, but the write-in sure does. Luckily, the locals do know he exists, because he's walking the district, working hard, and quickly gaining steam in that race.

In Washington State, Bruce Guthrie, the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate, mortgaged himself to the hilt to the tune of more than $1 million for his campaign to meet debate requirements, and while the Media sponsors did finally agree to let him debate, it was touch and go there for a while, they still wanted to deny him equal access. It took $1 million on the table to even raise the question of having a fair debate.

In Ohio, Gubernatorial candidate Bill Peirce's campaign staff, in response to the Media locking him out of the debates, has resorted to wearing chicken suits in order to get any sort of press attention at all.

In Connecticut, Phil Maymin, candidate for the 4th District's congressional seat, had a stellar showing in a three-way debate, but pollsters won't include his name in their polls since he's gotten very little media play. The Media ignores him, since they, in turn, claim that they have no polling data supporting him.

This trend continues all over the country, in almost every race where we have a stake. This isn't new, of course. In 2004, my friend, Michael Badnarik, Libertarian Presidential Nominee/Candidate (on the ballot in all states), partnered with Green Party Nominee, David Cobb. They got arrested the night of the second debate between Bush and Kerry, right in front of the debate hall in St. Louis. Still, none of the major media even covered the story. A search on CNN.com that same night found zero articles on "Badnarik", because they had never covered him or his campaign.

In Arizona, I'm (Barry Hess) in the debates, and I'm holding my own. Some say I've won both debates so far. It has become clear that my true opponent in this race is neither Janet (D) nor Len (R). It's the second hand reporting and coverage of the debates, primarily by the newspaper of record, the Arizona Republic, that distorts our message, and attempts to marginalize any prospect of 3rd party gains. But most importantly, poor coverage violates the inherent right of the voters to judge for themselves by having all of the facts to consider.

The AZ Republic wrote, "Don't blame yourself if you haven't heard of Hess or much about his politics." Somehow, it’s supposed to be our fault when they refuse to give fair and equal coverage to all candidates on the ballot. You see, since Libertarians stand on principles, and refuse to take so-called “clean” election funding (which is out of the pockets of taxpayers), we are not “legitimate” candidates, running "real" campaigns. Never mind that they ignore all of our outreach events (or report them as only taking place at "gun shows"). Never mind that they ignore endorsements, fund-raisers, press releases, and all of the other tools that we use, the same as the other candidates. Somehow we just aren't campaigning 'hard enough' for them to take notice.

The actions of the AZ Republic, a big corporate media player, owned by Gannett, are unconscionable.

Other Libertarian candidates across the state are also suffering at the hands of the Republic, including Richard Mack, who is the only anti-war candidate in that race for Senate. The same 'skewing' happened with some of the Republican Gubernatorial candidates in their primary. Some of those candidates are now openly endorsing me over the Republican who won the primary, and they are joining our complaint about media bias on the record, and on streaming video for all to see.

I'm tired of it, I'm sick of it, and I'm fighting back. Effective immediately, our campaign will be attacking public enemy #1, the true opponent of 'clean elections' and an informed electorate, the Arizona Republic and their biases in reporting the facts.

Today marks the start of a new Hess For Governor campaign fund raising effort to raise at least $25,000 to purchase radio and print ads specifically attacking the blatant and shameless media bias of the AZ Republic, Arizona’s "newspaper of record".

Proceeds from this fund raising drive will be used to purchase spots in reputable media sources that have fulfilled their civic and moral duty to completely, accurately, and fairly report on the race for Governor of Arizona. These funds will not be used to attack the position or programs of Governor Janet Napolitano (D) or Challenger Len Munsil (R). The ads will specifically target the media bias of the Arizona Republic, and how it has abused the right of the public to have all of the facts about all of the candidates; not just those that support the Republic's own editorial biases and its desire to steer government policy and public opinion.

Now is the time to step up to the plate. We need to send a strong message to Big Media that we aren't afraid to go after them directly, and no longer play along, just waiting for them to throw us a bone once in a while.

On Nov 7th, every voter in Arizona will have three choices for Governor, not two.
Our goal: We will make sure they know which reporters can count to 3, and who just stops at 2.

(Sometimes, they'll count to 2.1, or 2.5, and then tell us we're lucky they even
mentioned us)

If you want to know what sort of radio and print ads we'll run, it'll be that simple a message:

We trust the voters to count to 3, but the Arizona Republic stops at 2. Wonder why?

If you are not convinced, go to the website and watch the two debates so far, and then compare what you see in the debates to the reporting the AZ Republic and others have done about it. Then please donate so we can go on the offensive against the real enemy of Libertarians and Democracy: Media Bias.

Help us send a strong message to the Media giants that "We're mad as hell. We're not going to take it anymore!" Donate. Even a small donation will go a long way in paying for print and radio ads. If you'd like to donate matching funds, please let us know. We know that the community can generate major funds when the cause is a good one.

As always, I remain at your service--

Barry Hess, Vice Chair of the Arizona Libertarian Party, and Candidate for Governor in Arizona

Millcraft may get $11M in funding - Pittsburgh Business Times:

Millcraft may get $11M in funding - Pittsburgh Business Times:
This is bad government.

Bob O'Connor said that the project wouldreceive no public subsidy. So then Fast Eddie, Gov. Ed Rendell, says otherwise. Bang, we're out $11-million!

And, the $11-million is only the start.

I don't have a favorable look upon future state investment for our downtown. I hate it because that means the free market is going to get put into the back seat and nothing else is going to happen, unless it comes with state money.

The price of downtown property just went up with bone headed statements like this. The people who are sitting on property just to speculate on them now don't need to sell them. They can wait it out and make a killing once the state enters the scene with a big old check.

Meanwhile, downtown slids deeper and deeper into its funk. Meanwhile, worthy projects elsewhere don't get attention.

Downtown is an anchor, a weight, a drag on the entire region. And this money means that the weight just got a lot bigger. The burden for picking our selves up with self reliance just exited the scene, if Ed Rendell keeps his job.

Ed wants to be important. I want the marketplace to be more important.

The state should see to it that there is a reliable funding stream for mass transit, not a bailout for some downtown building speculator.

Millcraft just arrived on the scene. Millcraft gets the upside from government money. Meanwhile the bill goes to the taxpayers. Meanwhile, the downward spiral that is downtown won't change.

With Bob O'Connor's approach, we had hope. He said no to eminent domain. Bob O'Connor said we'd take the fix up in baby steps without big development dollars flowing there from public sources. Bob's approach had merit and was a big change from the boneheaded deals of Tom Murphy.

Now Ed Rendell comes along and screws it all up.

Yes, downtown is important. But, it is important enough to leave government the hell out of the way.

When Millcraft gets this state money, it means that there will not be more oganic re-development with housing because property owners will sqat longer on low performing assets, waiting a generation or more for the big-fat government check.

Furthermore, we should never be in a conversation that talks about subsidized housing for rich people.

It would be better to take that $11-million and make a fix-up program for home-owners with low interest loans to get new roofs, sidwalks, porches, furnances, and such.

Spread the money around so no one person gets access to more than a $5,000 loan -- that gets paid back. That is what the URA used to do all the time. Then the purpose of the URA and government changed, for the worse, to become some mega developer for projects that always seem to fail.

Here is another idea: Take the $11-million and use it to cover this year's cash shortage associated with the new Convention Center. The Convention Center has a huge operational cost that is not being covered. The Convention Center has a bit of debt for the building of that 'white elephant' structure. The Convention Center's needs are now spilling over to gobble up $2-million from the RAD Funds. The RAD funds go to pay for Regional Assets, such as library costs.

The $11-million is nothing but the rich getting richer. And, the overall project will suffer. And, we've already given some serious money and benefits to the developer with cheap sales prices.

Plus, it is not as if this area has been neglected. The Lazarus and Lord & Taylor and numerous parking garages have been funded with serious investments. Now we're tossing good money after bad deals of the past. But the city and state will get the same failed outcomes.

The poison was about to come out of the system -- and leave it to Rendell to really screw it up.

I am firmly convinced that the state investment in this project is going to make for critical injury to Pittsburgh and the state. Investing this type of money in this type of project is a boneheaded deal.

To heal the city and the region, we must "Lay The Shovel Down." We must "Think Again."

And, what really hurts, is that Bob O'Connor had gotten that message. Bob wasn't going to cook up a deal with these types of funds to cause such harm to us all.

I have no confidence in the sitting governor nor in Millcrafts ability to own all of downtown. Nor do I want that to occur.


High rise living in the city should not come with public money.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

WPXI.com - News - Injury On Rugby Field Leads To McCandless Teen's Death

WPXI.com - News - Injury On Rugby Field Leads To McCandless Teen's Death Victim Suffered Concussion 1 Week Ago
Ouch. This is too much.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Save the date. Do you think the PA House will give us any gambling reform by then?
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Category 2 – Pittsburgh

Monday, November 20 – beginning at 9:00 a.m.

• Station Square Gaming, LP
• Isle of Capri

Tuesday, November 21 – beginning at 9:00 a.m.

• PITG Gaming, LLC

State gives $25 million for Point State Park work

State gives $25 million for Point State Park work
Sigh.

I love parks. I've done a lot of study of urban parks. I'm making some educational videos on parks now, even.

Today I couldn't bring myself to going to this event. I felt that I might have needed to have cooled off with either a swim in the fountain or a jump into the river.

Point State Park was closed for the September Great Race -- because of a facelift. That already started.

This is a joke. The money won't come as we don't need to pave the sidewalks in gold, just to make it a 'golden triangle.'

The new park next to the new underwater tunnel next to the the new T-stop (subway) with a glass roof....

"Lay the Shovel Down."

Their crap isn't going to help our quality of life in the city.

Switch from Adelphia to Comcast brings outages for Internet customers

My web services have been slow, very slow.
Switch from Adelphia to Comcast brings outages for Internet customers ... their cable TV works just fine but their Internet service is nowhere to be found.
Meanwhile, in MN, the e-democracy debate put forth this very issue (broadband) as the second question for all of the candidates to address. I have not heard any talks about broadband in the PA election, other than the tax break given to Comcast because Rendell does a post-game football show in Philly.

Google to combine spreadsheets and word processing | TG Daily

Just the other day I blabbed about WRITELY, a document editing software utility that runs on the internet and allows for group work on documents in a word processor interface. Well, it seems that the tool is now with a new name and sibling for spreadsheets.
Google to combine spreadsheets and word processing | TG Daily Google is expected to introduce today a hybrid version of its online spreadsheet and word processing applications today. As such, Writely, the company Google acquired for online word processing, will lose its original name in favor of the new title 'Google Docs'. The new software, Google Docs & Spreadsheets, will offer an integrated version of the two free online services.

Since one of the key features is online collaboration with other people, the big advantage to Google Docs & Spreadsheets could be that document originators can more easily configure user access to their slate of files. Previously, there was no integration between the two, leaving users to set sharing capabilities for both Writely and Google Spreadsheets separately.

Goodell, Ravenstahl to attend W&J homecoming - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Have a good time.
Goodell, Ravenstahl to attend W&J homecoming - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, and Luke Ravenstahl, mayor of Pittsburgh, will be among the more than 1,000 alumni at Washington & Jefferson College's Homecoming festivities this weekend. Goodell (class of 1981) and Ravenstahl (2003) will serve as honorary co-captains at the Presidents' 2 p.m. football game against Westminster. As part of pregame activities, Ravenstahl and Goodell will be joined by W&J president Tori Haring-Smith for the coin toss. Ravenstahl, 26, was the starting W&J placekicker for three years, and he still holds the school record for career field goals made and most consecutive extra points.
Perhaps Luke can test drive his speech on how to behave in a community while attending college. Then he can deliver that to the college kids locally after he has worked out the bugs in the talk and associated, ramped-up enformcement issues.

Open container -- expect to spend the night in jail.

Pee in public -- expect to have your semester come to a grinding conclusion, without grades.

Deface private or public property -- expect to pay for the damages, give up your student ID, do hours of community service, and pick a new college for next year.

Burn a sofa -- transfer to Morgantown.

Miss recycled trash pick up days by more than 12 hours, find a new apartment as the landlord is going to eject you after a neighorhood complaint.

Can't park your car in a responsible way, turn over the keys and take the bus until you graduate.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Times Leader | 10/05/2006 | State high court upholds Romanelli ruling

Good news honny. I don't have $900,000 in debt. Times Leader | 10/05/2006 | State high court upholds Romanelli ruling But first, there’s the matter of finances. He said he owes around $100,000 to his lawyer, but the lower court opinion also left him owing roughly $900,000 in legal fees. About $90,000 is court costs, he said, and the rest is owed to lawyers for Bob Casey Jr., the state treasurer and Democratic hopeful for U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum’s seat. Undemocratic democrats are the slime of the earth.

USA Swimming Names Coaches for Pan American and World University Games

Lane 9 News Archive: USA Swimming Names Coaches for Pan American and World University Games Leading the U.S. men's team at the 2007 Pan American Games will be University of Southern California Head Coach Dave Salo. Salo, who has coached Olympic medalists such as Lenny Krayzelburg, Gabe Woodward, Aaron Peirsol, Amanda Beard and Jason Lezak, took over at USC after serving as head coach of the Irvine Novaquatics from 1990 to 2006. Salo also served as the head coach for the United States men's teams at the 2005 World Championships and the 2001 Goodwill Games and was an assistant coach for the 2004 men�s Olympic Team, the 2003 World Championships team, and the 2002 men's Pan Pacific Championships team. In addition, Salo was a women's assistant coach at the 2000 Olympics and the 1999 Pan American Games.

Today's Erik's Birthday -- and Tomorrow is National Pee Outside Day

Erik is 12 today. He has his own blog, but I'm not sure he has ever seen it. http://eRauterkus.blogspot.com.

It is a good thing he came out on the 10th, and not the 11th, as he'd be sharing his birthday with an activity that is very common around here (on the South Side).

Plus, he took more than 36 hours to arrive. Holding off to the 11th would have been, out of the question.
Pee Outside Day, From Uncyclopedia

A national holiday to many residents of Pennsyltucky, Pee Outside Day was started many years ago by a group of pseudo-shaolin monks located in the major metropolitan area of Nachos Grande. One day when watching Double Indemnity, Ron (known to some as 'Roy the Short,' even though his first name is Ron) got up and decided he wanted to relieve himself in the parking lot of the local Burger King.

On the way there, the group of 15 came upon a drowning bus of orphan seals. How they were drowning, the world will never know. The point is that Ron and all of his buddies got together and saved those seals. Tickertape parades and random acts of mollusc-chucking ensued. After this, Ron and his crew proceeded to Burger King and did what they came to do. Word of the monumental event spread and earned a place as a shining moment in Pennsyltucky's history.

Fun Facts

'Pee Outside Day' was originally called 'Save Orphan Seals Day,' but was changed to be more politcally correct, since some seals said it was offensive that they would want to be saved.
Source: http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Pee_Outside_Day

Movie's joke & Flashback

Did you see the new Robin Williams political movie trailer yet?

An older ad for Rauterkus for Mayor

Government FINALLY Infringing on our Freedoms

For years I've heard liberals complain that the George W. Bush administration is infringing on our freedoms, yet no tangible evidence has ever been produced.

However, there is freedom infringement in local government: these incredible, dare I say illogical, un-American smoking bans.

I have NEVER smoked a cigarette in my life. Nearly all of my cigar smoking (probably about 15 cigars in my entire 39 years on the planet) has been on Virginia beaches, on top of a Gateway Clipper boat, or on my wrap-around Victorian front porch.

Last time I checked, cigarette smoking was legal. I rarely go to bars...if a friend invites me for a Ginger Ale, I know that there's probably a toothless barfly nearby. That's what you expect at the bar.

And when I go for a concert at the neighborhood Moose, I know that we'll reek of smoke the next day. To the point that we are sick in the stomach. You know what, WE JUST DON'T GO ANYMORE!!!!!

The morality police that want to curb YOUR right to do something legal. it doesn't matter if it's being done in other cities. It's an infringement of our freedoms.

Some complain that workers are subjected to the smoke. GET ANOTHER JOB! I couldn't care less if you don't have the educational wherewithal to get a better job. That's the breaks!

The smoking ban, here in Pittsburgh, is inexplicably championed by both parties. However, this is a Democrat-controlled burgh and county. That being said, there isn't a single Republican championing YOUR right to do something legal.

This is a slippery slope. Soon, your representatives will be attempting to draft legislation that'll curb your enthusiasm for your favorite adult beverage. New York has already fired the second shot...donuts and their tasty, tasty fats. Big Brother is watching!!!

Smoke 'em if you got 'em! This legislation is just un-American.

Outside Santorum's Sanctum - October 10, 2006 - The New York Sun

Bowyer on Rick Santorum in 2006.
Outside Santorum's Sanctum - October 10, 2006 - The New York Sun ... I find myself wondering what Rick of 1992 would say about Rick of 2006. 'Jerry,' he'd say wagging his finger at me, 'I know the guy's problem. He doesn't live here anymore and he's grown out of touch with the people of the district.'

Mr. Bowyer is the chairman of Newsmakers Leadership Group, a media company headquartered in Pennsylvania, and author of 'the Bush Boom.' His firm has solicited advertising from many political campaigns, including Mr. Santorum's.
Worthy read.

We miss you Jerry.

Rutgers and James Madison Use Internet Creativity in Attempt to Save Men�s Teams

We should hold an informational picket at Heinz Field when the nationally ranked Rutgers football squad (men only) come to play and get kicked by Pitt in a couple of weeks. Drop a not in the comments area if you are interested in joining us.
Lane 9 News Archive: Rutgers and James Madison Use Internet Creativity in Attempt to Save Men's Teams Rutgers and James Madison Use Internet Creativity in Attempt to Save Men's Teams -- October 4, 2006

PHOENIX, Arizona, October 4. BOTH the Rutgers swimming and diving team and the James Madison swimming and diving team have recently used the Internet in an attempt to save their men's teams from facing the axe after this season.

Chris Feaster, JMU's men's head coach, has worked with his team to create www.savejmuswimming.com. To help, our readers can visit their web site and click Feedback on the left navigation bar for contact information of people in place that can help save the team.

Additionally, the squad opened up the DDP Swim Team group on Facebook.com, a social networking web site primarily for college and high school students. The group, which stands for Duke Dog Pride, already has more than 4,000 members in less then a week of activity.

Meanwhile, Rutgers' site (www.saverutgersswimming.org) has plenty of information to help located in the top navigation bar, including a How To Help link. This link contained step-by-step instructions on how to help in the fight to save the Rutgers' men's team. It also provides sample letters to the school's A.D. (Sample Letter) and to the school's president (Sample Letter).

Americans Explain Their Views on Republican and Democratic Parties

Americans Explain Their Views on Republican and Democratic Parties Americans Explain Their Views on Republican and Democratic Parties

Criticisms outnumber compliments for both parties

by Lydia Saad and Joseph Carroll

...Nearly half of Americans can't find anything good to say about the Republican Party and just as many draw a blank on the positive attributes of the Democratic Party.

Monday, October 09, 2006

China's Spending For Research Outpaces the U.S. - WSJ.com

China's Spending For Research Outpaces the U.S. - WSJ.com

Do we care about R & D?


Mega mouse in front of my three wheeled bike -- on Chengdu's Computer Row.

The Phillips Elementary School Swim Team is ready for another season. Last year's squad is show here, stretching before its meet. The leader -- a big sister -- is now in the US Coast Guard Academy.

The Tartan Online : University to debut newly redesigned website

This is fodder for a humor bit from the judge and C.S. blog. CMU launches new sitw with threaded smoke signals, or some such spin. The Tartan Online : University to debut newly redesigned website Nationally recognized as a leader in computer engineering, computer science, and all things technology, Carnegie Mellon has left its own website unchanged for years. Now, www.cmu.edu is getting a facelift.

Designed with feedback from the campus community and other visitors, the new site is hoped to improve the Carnegie Mellon web experience. Carnegie Mellon students have long complained about the current website. “The website is not very intuitive, and the design is not attractive,” said Robin Chen, a first-year in H&SS.

Some say the season is over. It might not be the time for a wide-screen TV. But it might be okay for an iPod.

Apple iTunes

The BEAST and a view from Rachel Lea Hunter, candidate and Pitt Law Grad

I've followed the campaign cycles and emails from a Pitt Law Grad who now lives in the South (near DUKE, BTW). She is a Republican and a real anti-establishment reformer who cares about constitutional leadership.
...; Several months ago, I wrote about "the beast" which pervades our politics, government and community life. Some were upset by the use of the term and the referral to the beast in the Book of Revelation. Regardless of what you call it, no matter how much you want to pretend that it doesn't exist, I am here to tell you that "the beast" does exist and is here among us.

Part of this campaign has been about exposure of the beast. We see it in Washington with the Mark Foley scandal. We see it here in North Carolina with the guilty plea of Republican attorney Sam Currin for tax fraud. Both men were held up as paragons worthy of our respect while all the time their true natures were concealed. However, the veneer of respectability is beginning to crumble. The beast has been exposed by these and other scandals and by me. We now see it for what it is in all of its hideous ugliness.

SPOUSE CALLS FOR LENGTHY INVESTIGATION OF NCGOP
CHAIRMAN FOLEY BASHING FOR JUSTICE MARTIN

You think we have a constitutional government any more in America? Think again. We are living in nothing more than a sophisticated police state. The country is controlled by an oligarchy of "haves." The oligarchy is made up of very wealthy and powerful people. They control the money, they control the economics and they control our foreign and domestic policy. Most of all, they control us. Oh sure, they give us the illusion of freedom, but we are not really free. All it takes if is for "The Great Decider" to label us as an "enemy combatant" and we can be whisked off to prison, held incommunicado indefinitely and now tortured. That is what happened to José Padilla, an American citizen. It can happen to any one of us.

And so it is with Connie Mack Berry, Jr. What is occurring is nothing more than the beast flexing its muscle, desperately trying to hang onto power, using its manipulation of the mainstream media, the NC GOP and the legal Establishment. As I earlier wrote, what was done in Connie's past has been done. I cannot change that. He received a letter from Georgia stating that he was clear and that he could vote. Why would I have reason to look further? After all, he is a grown man in control of his own life. But the beast not only wants to dredge up the past but it wants to get Connie. Why? If elected, I will only be one vote on the court. Even if the justices all agree except for me, virtually all decisions will be 6-1. So it can't be that.

What the beast really fears is the loss of power and you people who are controlled waking up. And that the beast fears awesomely. You see, if I am permitted to be victorious, I will inspire a thousand more like me. The beast cannot risk this loss in power. Because if you do run and see the ugliness of the beast as I have, you will be incensed. You will throw the beast out. This it cannot have at all costs.

This is the real reason why the beast is attacking so fearsomely. Tell me, what has Connie done that is so terrible? Has he killed? Raped? Robbed? No. He has done nothing more than exercise his constitutional right to vote. As stated, he got a letter clearing him. In Georgia, someone formerly convicted need not do anything once their rights are restored. Connie moved here and thought it was okay. But no, now the beast has launched an investigation by the SBI and is looking to file a criminal indictment. What a waste of taxpayer dollars. I'm glad that we have resolved all the problems in the world, in our country and in our state that we are so concerned that the system will collapse if one man is allowed to exercise his right to vote. Felons have voted throughout the United States, some legally, others perhaps not, depending on their state. How many of these individuals have been prosecuted I wonder? I have not seen a prosecution ever. Except this one.

The US Constitution says nothing about forfeiting rights to vote. It gives all people the right to vote. This is nothing more than an attempt to disqualify people from voting, especially African Americans. Who makes up the bulk of the prison population? African Americans. You see, we have a prison industry in this country that depends on building more prisons and having more prison jobs, as creating wealth through manufacturing has long ceased. So we need to keep the industry going. We pass ever more laws to make more people criminals. And we don't want African Americans to vote, especially not them. If they could vote, why they would put a stop to some of these nonsensical laws! How to control them and stop them? Disqualify felons and use the laws and tools and disinformation to keep them from voting. That is the Republican strategy, the strategy of the NC GOP and the strategy of the beast. It is because they are so bankrupt and drunk with their power and they have absolutely nothing to offer us.

The News & Observer wrote its story. Then it retracted is story. Now it is coming out with another at the behest of the NC GOP-Mafia, their operatives and the legal Establishment, all of which are heads or tentacles of the beast. Which version is true? And ask yourself, why is this relevant anyway? Is this just a salacious tidbit to keep us distracted from the real actions and motives of the beast? Will this be like the movie "Absence of Malice" where the reporter comes around to the side of the maligned hero? Probably not.

For "Real" Justice

Rachel Lea Hunter

Rape, Justice, and the ‘Times’ -- New York Magazine

Sports & Society. Blogger to the rescue. A race story with political ramifications. And, media mix of with "blindered oafishness." Jackpot for Running Mates fodder.

This is a must read. It comes in three pages.
Rape, Justice, and the ‘Times’ -- New York Magazine He usually posts at least once a day—not standard autoblog rim shots, but carefully argued, deeply researched essays running 1,000 words or more.

50 Years

My mom and dad.
Audrey and Leo have been married for 50 years! They are doing well. We'll have a special year. And, its my dad's birthday season.

Mom & Dad in the middle.

I'm the oldest and am luck to have five younger sisters. All of us are married. L to R: John, Geri Ann, Mary Lee, Phil, my dad (Leo), my mom (Audrey), Bill, Margie, Catherine, me (Mark), Michele, Kevin. (Photo was taken in eastern PA, August 7, 2004.) Another photo / view. (Click for larger image.)

Olympics - Pound tells China to tighten doping efforts - Monday October 9, 2006 12:12PM

SI.com - Olympics - Pound tells China to tighten doping efforts - Monday October 9, 2006 12:12PM: "Dick Pound, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, encouraged China to step up its anti-doping controls ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

China has a special responsibility as Olympic host to tighten its anti-doping efforts, Pound said Monday.

'Much of my visit here in China will be for the purpose of encouraging the proper authorities, in both sport and government, to increase the effort to bring China to the forefront of the fight against doping in sport,' Pound said in a speech at Beijing's Sport University.

China is trying to shake a reputation for doping among its athletes, a drive that has gained urgency ahead of the 2008 Olympics.

China cracked down on doping following a string of scandals in the 1990s, when 32 swimmers were caught for drug offenses, two of them twice. It introduced tough new testing regimes and penalties, and 17 athletes were punished in 2004 with fines and competition bans of up to two years.

'An Olympic host country has the special responsibility, both at home and around the world, to demonstrate its commitment to doping-free sport,' said Pound, who also visited the testing labs at the China Doping Control Center. 'Now is the time for all countries, including China, to make sure that they have put into place programs necessary to remove doping from sport.'

Pound was given an honorary degree by the university on Monday. He arrived in China on Sunday for a four-day visit.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Point State Park announcement

Dear Friend of Point State Park,

Please join the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the Pittsburgh 250 Commission and the Riverlife Task Force as we make a major announcement about the future of Point State Park on Wednesday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m. on the lawn near the fountain in the park.

Point State Park is the most recognized symbol of Pittsburgh. Join us to hear how these organizations are working together to make the park a more valuable regional asset.

We appreciate your enthusiasm for Point State Park and hope you can attend this important event.
This is exactly how I don't want to hear news about my parks.

How Demon Wife Became a Media Star And Other Tales of the 'Blook' in Japan - WSJ.com

Playing second fiddle again.
How Demon Wife Became a Media Star And Other Tales of the 'Blook' in Japan - WSJ.com Blogs are even more popular in Japan than in the U.S. It may be that they represent an appealing outlet in a culture that discourages public self-expression. Japan produced 8.7 million blogs at the end of March, and the U.S. an estimated 12 million blogs -- making blogging far more popular in Japan, taking the countries' relative populations into account. An estimated 25 million Japanese -- more than a fifth of the population -- are believed to read blogs.
Well, one could play second fiddle ot a demon wife -- or what I really meant -- USA is behind Japan in terms of its reach in blogging.

Speaking of quaterbacks

This week's NCAA leader in passing efficiency is Pittsburgh's Tyler Palko at 191.3.

Ad and Worthy Ads

Bill Ogden is one I'm excited about for the November election.

Furthermore, I've turned on Google Ads for the blog. I'd love to get a new computer this fall.

Onorato, Ravenstahl Push 'Plan B' For New Arena

Onorato, Ravenstahl Push 'Plan B' For New Arena The Pittsburgh area's top two politicians are backing Plan B funding for a new arena. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato said that the plan - which will use gambling money and money ...

comment from another on a web forum:

pittsburgh is a waste and ravenstal and the rest of them are just new people with the same old dumb ideas about how to save pittsburgh. clean up the water in those rivers so people can use them and let developers build tall highrise apartment with good views which is one of pittsburgh's only permanent assets.

all the arpartments are dumps in the city. who would want to move back there there except overpaid teachers fleeing philadelphia and new jersey who are then on the public payroll

Build the highrises and stop building endless public housing!!!!

seattle guy

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Tech test: Google's Writely mostly hits the mark, but it's no Word killer

The way to beat Microsoft's Word is to use OpenOffice.com.

 Use OpenOffice.org

Tech test: Google's Writely mostly hits the mark, but it's no Word killer As a reporter, I'm never sure when the muse will strike or an editor will call. That's why I send copious notes and drafts of stories to myself by e-mail. As long as I'm within range of a computer with an Internet connection, I know I'll be able to tweak the latest version or do a quick fact check.

But as projects undergo revisions, my inboxes overflow and I start to feel the pain.

Then I started using Writely, a free word processor that runs in a Web browser, built by a startup called Upstartle and acquired by Google Inc. in March.

Writely is to Microsoft Word what Gmail is to Outlook: A speedy online program that retains familiar features of traditional desktop software and isn't afraid to introduce new ways of taking advantage of the Web. Unlike a boxed program, Writely runs on a server somewhere on the Internet.

But will Writely dethrone Microsoft Corp., which ships more than 90 percent of word processors used by U.S. consumers and businesses? Writely -- even as a beta test -- has the right stuff, but it needs some polishing.

It took less than a minute to register at www.writely.com and get a blank document open on my screen.... (See the rest of the article by clicking the link above.)

The Ravenstahls: Just a couple of 20-somethings

Not the fish. Oh no. What phychological reasoning can be attribute to this tall-tell sign???
The Ravenstahls: Just a couple of 20-somethings 'We're getting rid of them,' Mrs. Ravenstahl said of the four freshwater fish in the aquarium that burbled away in their dining room. 'He wanted them, and I didn't. And now he doesn't have any time to take care of them.'

Picture yourself at 26. Now add responsibility for 3,200 employees, a $429 million budget and the image of a city of 317,000.
The obvious is so bad, we dare not go there as I love swimming and fish swim. And, another said, "That's the point of fish. You don't have to be there to take care of them." But, let's ponder the other visual ramifications.


Fish & jello like dish, from a meal we shared in China.


People like to fish with a small net in the ponds in the parks.


Live fish are being scooped out of this truck near the market place.


Could this be what those who walk past the four plastic jack-o-lanters will see when they go to trick-or-treat at Luke's house? They'll have a tray with dry fish...

Jack Wagner eyes mayoral bid? - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

No, it did not escape my attention. I've blogged about the fact that Wagner would have to be in the list of those who might run for mayor for some time. I put up a list at another site too.
Jack Wagner eyes mayoral bid? - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review It may have escaped your attention, but it didn't escape ours.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner said publicly he would not rule out running if Pittsburgh holds its next mayoral election next year.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Jeb Bush - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Big tent or big broom closet in a PAT T-stop?
Jeb Bush - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Bush's appeal to Florida's highly diverse group of voters, along with his groundbreaking second term and success in expanding the so-called 'big tent' of the Florida Republican Party, appear to have propelled him into a commanding political position.
Pittsburgh is all hacked off because a beautiful young women with a Brit's twang, while here for a movie we'll never see, yacks poorly about our city. Great to have Luke dish out forgiveness to the dish and her dad to visit from Meadville to show her around. We don't suck that bad, seems to be the message.

Then Jeb Bush comes around and has to hide out in a broom closet in a downtown T-stop to evade folks in his face screaming for him to 'go home.'

Meanwhile, two get to taste, first hand, what it feels like to catch a zap from PAT Police 'stun guns.' This is sure to raise concerns about brutality and freedom of speech.

So, if peace protesters spread the message, "Go HOME" and pitch a fit in a skirmish. Do you think we should worry if this is the type of behaviors we'll need to display so as to woo kind remarks from the the next glamor girl to come to town?

And, was that women with Jeb good looking too?

Jeb Bush gets rude welcome: "Mr. Bush, accompanied by a security guard and a female aide, made a slow retreat toward the T-station at Wood Street."

This gives me another chance to show a travel image of a transit stop in China.
Maglev stop. No broom closet here. Spotless too.

Fester's Place: Force Harrah and PITG to raise on their Coase bids

Fester's Place: Force Harrah and PITG to raise on their Coase bids
Sure. Now is the time to force a sell off of the Convention Center for the slots parlor too. It opens faster.

The Convention Center is a big sink of money, both with capital and operations. This is a lone opportunity to sell it and make it a private building.

City's credit rating upgraded - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

City's credit rating upgraded - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Yes. This is good news. It means the city officials can pave a few more roads so as to win critical votes and sway elections.

Nevermind. I'm just being skeptical and bombastic at the same time.

Call for Videos for contest

Open Source Shorts is a screening of short films released under Creative Commons licences.

Creative Commons licenses provide a flexible range of protections and freedoms for authors and artists and build on the "all rights reserved" concept of traditional copyright to offer a voluntary "some rights reserved" approach.

With Creative Commons licences people are free to copy distribute and remix creative works without the threat of being labelled pirates. The screening will be followed by a short discussion on Creative Commons.

Support creativity support the commons.

This event is presented by local artist Kevin Flanagan at the Nuns Island Arts Centre, Galway at 5 pm Saturday 2nd of December, 2006.

I am currently seeking submissions. The criteria are straight forward. The film should be at most 10 minutes in duration, published with a ceative commons copyright licence and freely available to download from the internet.

I'm looking for variety and am open to different styles. Documentary, Narative/Non-Narative, Art films, and Music Videos.

To submit a film simply email kev.flanagan@gmail.com your details and a description of your film and a link where I can view and download it from.

End date for submissions is the November 10th.

http://kevflanagan.wordpress.com

http://kevflanagan.wordpress.com/open-source-shorts/

For more information on CC licences see http://creativecommons.org

Friday, October 06, 2006

Language Help with a price tag

If you are interested in additional language instruction for your child(ren), you might want this contact. Instruction is available in French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.

Institute of International Art and Languages

A German class is starting next week in Highland Park and will be held every Tuesday from 4:00 to 5:30. The German instructor is a native speaker (a German women) with a PH D. in Art history and she will teach German through visual art and craft.

The fee for 9 weeks (1h 30m) is $202.50.

Original source: Christine Frechard-Harbison, Institute of Art and Languages, 1135 Mellon St., Pittsburgh PA 15206, 412 661 0177

Read the sign in an urban park in Chengdu with greenspace and water front treatments for pedestrians.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

South Siders tell LCB 'enough already' to bar scenes

Chuck is a 'running mate' and he gets interviewed in the P-G about a pressing local issue, bars.
South Siders tell LCB 'enough already' to bar scenes

South Side residents and business owners say they are dismayed, but not surprised, that another orange 'public notice of application' for transfer of a liquor license has appeared on East Carson Street.

The notice of the pending application at 1311 East Carson has drawn a spate of protest letters to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

'Just what we need, another watering hole,' wrote Charles Nogal, who owns a ceramics business across the street. 'I think it is time to say enough already.'
A hell raising meeting was held last week on this issue. Jeff Koch didn't attend and he should have been there.

The meeting's prime presenter was Bruce Krane. Bruce Kraus was there and couldn't even keep his lips shut after being told to hold all questions and comments to the end, already. Yeah, we all know it is okay to call 9-1-1. Mr. Krane did do a nice job with the meeting.

We have a bar task force now on the South Side. It got decent coverage in the South Pittsburgh Reporter too. I'm sure that this group is making people quake in their boots now.

Presently, the South Side is over-run with bars.

Well, there isn't such a thing as a 'bar' in terms of the LCB (Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board). There are places to eat and some of these place can serve drinks. Every 'bar' on the South Side, and wherever else, needs to be able to deliver 30 hot meals to qualify as a joint that meets LCB requirements. That's like three packs of hot dogs and a hot plate, -- check.

We all agree that there are too many bars. But, not all of us agree on what to do about it. I'm a freemarket guy and made the observation after the meeting to any who might care to listen that 20 to 40 of these 200-or-more bars on the South Side are going to go out of business as soon as the gambling casino opens. Perhaps the slots parlor is granted to South Side's Station Square, then what!

You won't need a 'bar task force' to thin out the competition in a few months.

So, as I see it: There are short term worries. Then there are long-term worries.

Task force actions need to think about life here, before and after the casino opens.

Many of the bars are on the brink. Some have gone out of business. It is hard to keep the lights on and make a decent income when there are so many places. They are eating each other's hope for any of them to have a sustained business.

Frankly, the ones that are now just getting opened, are here way to late. They'll spend money on the re-hab and ramp-up. They'll not have a decent ROI (Return On Investment). They'll need to do something 'special' to survive in this marketplace. Otherwise they'll die.

Perhaps 20 will not be able to meet payroll. Perhaps some others will have their gas cut as they've slid on their bills. Some might need to churn with new owners as there are always new suckers who think that they want to own a cool venue in a hot area. There will be some corrections and they'll come from the invisible hand of the competitive forces of the marketplace.

Gotta run for now.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Statement before the the RAD Board

Statement before the On August 28, the Director of The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh came before you and talked about future plans for the Library system, including plans to repair damage done by a lightning strike to the historic Allegheny Regional Branch of Carnegie Library—the nation’s first publicly-funded Carnegie Library, built in the neighborhood where Andrew Carnegie grew-up. She failed, purposely, to tell you of plans to abandon this historic library in favor of building a new library structure three blocks away, while allowing the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to announce these plans only three days later!

They are playing the RAD board like a fiddle.

Glenn A. Walsh spoke before the RAD Board today, again. Here he was speaking before the Buhl and Old Carnegie Library on the North Side. It is the first of Carnegie's under his library formula.

Was that an election or a rubber stamp?

T. Martin posted something that caught my attention. The PA Supreme Court ordered that the retention vote for Nigro and Newman, one lost and the other won, was not an election. The voter numbers were not to count as a state-wide election.

So, if it wasn't an election, candidate Martin suggested that it was a 'rubber stamp.'

But, in this case, it was a historic stamp as one of the judges got stamped OUT.

Here are some rubber stamp images to ponder. Rubber stamps for sale.

Close up of rubber stamp.

Chop, chop, chop.

A more lavish, stone aged, timeless rubber stamp. These stone blocks are carved with a person's symbol / logo. They make nice tourist gifts as a reminder of a by-gone past.

Romanelli stuck with $90,000 bill for ballot dispute : The Morning Call Online

This is CRAP. I can't scream it loud enough. This sucks.

Un-democratic democrats are slime and the lowest thing in our political landscape today, in my not so humble opinion.

All democrats, this brings shame on you.

All friends of democracy need to pitch a fit on this too.

Romanelli stuck with $90,000 bill for ballot dispute : The Morning Call Online Romanelli stuck with $90,000 bill for ballot dispute

He is appealing ruling that found him short of required signatures.

By Josh Drobnyk Call Washington Bureau
| The state Democratic Party has hit Carl Romanelli and his attorney with a nearly $90,000 tab a week after the Green Party candidate lost a legal challenge to his bid to get on the U.S. Senate ballot.

The bill, submitted as part of a state judge's ruling that Romanelli is responsible for all costs associated with the challenge, includes more than $48,000 in attorney fees. It adds to what Romanelli described as a deepening campaign debt.
This is one of the major reasons why I pulled out of my race for PA Senate in the 42nd district.

I could be, and should be on the ballot on November 7. But, doing so puts me and my family on thin ice. Very thin -- as in $90k underwater thin.

This is a freeze out of the highest order.

Fighting for the right to vote is important. Fighting for the right to have your vote counted is also very important. But, they (un-democratic democrats) hi-jack who you can vote for -- and hi-jack ballot access -- and hi-hack questions that are presented to the voters. And, if you fight, you face a $90,000 bill.

When I went to court in the middle of August, 2006, the first thing I asked about was court costs. We were called to order, and I didn't sit down. "Your honor, I have a few matters that need your attention before we begin...."

Court costs were not part of the threat in the ballot challenge I was presented. But, I needed to know, up front, if my case would ever come to a point where I would be on the hook for paying for court costs. And, if I would ever be on the hook for paying for the opposition attorney fees. I wanted to have those facts understood and up-front before we were to proceed.

I hadn't even activated a bank account for my campaign. I had $0 in the bank in my PAC -- because the PAC wasn't even alive yet.

I was there without an attorney. I was there as a citizen candidate who had the right to be on the ballot because I had done the necessary paperwork and gotten the signatures to go before the voters for them to decide who should be the state senator.

It was estimated by a few good friends of mine that the opposition attorney had already racked up between $5,000 and $10,000 in legal charges. And, I hadn't yet begun to defend my campaign's hope of reaching the voters.

My court date was in mid-August, and today the newspaper are reporting today on yesterday's final outcome of the Romanelli appeal. That's the same timeline I was looking at.

It took another local, political friend, Titus North, and his team, more than a month of legal fighting, day-in-day out to get to a decision on his opportunity to be a candidate before the voters. His decision was known in mid September.
Titus North, Green Party Candidate for US Congress. He spent two weeks in a tent in Harrisburg to stay on the ballot. More than half of the challenges the Ds put before the judge were nothing but fiction.

I took this photo of Titus after Bob O'Connor's funeral mass on September 1. The proceedings in court were still underway that week.
This isn't unreal -- but a part of the bag of tricks of the un-democratic democrats. They have a standard play book, and this is what you do on 2nd down. Even if it is second down and less than a yard to go.

The United States sends men and women around the world to stand in harms way to fight for democracy. For what?

Wayne Fontana put that legal challenge against me -- and in doing so I feel that he greatly discounted the worth and dignity of all American veterans of all time. Wayne Fontana has a committee assignment that deals with Veterans Affairs. He needs to overhaul his sense of duty to them.

Wayne Fontana can stand up and tell veterans that they went to war to fight for this country and our freedoms and rights. Fontana can say, Democracy is important to our nation, except now, when Fontana is in charge of a stash of slush money that gives democratic cronies access to legal henchmen to knock down anyone who might offer peeps of challenges.

Bob Casey Jr, you stink.

Wayne Fontana, you stink.

Un-democratic democrats, you all stink.

Senator Jim Ferlo didn't file a challenge against his opponent. He doesn't stink.

US Congressman, Mike Doyle, you stink.

Tens of thousands of signatures that came from tens of thousands of citizens of Pennsylvanias didn't mean jack. Thousands of people got ignored. The judge sealed that decision and it was pushed along by the democrats. The big blame goes onto the backs of the democrats.

It took six weeks for the fight to occur in the courts. It took another six months of gathering signatures. Meanwhile, we have little else to talk about in terms of what Romanelli has to say on the issues. Skunked.

We all loose.

Perhaps Pennsylvania is 46th out of the 50 states in terms of job creation. But, I have a hunch that PA is 50th out of 50th in terms of its sense of democracy.

This is what is killing our state, our region and our city. People in power don't have respect for the big-minded values of what makes us different and something other than those we fight against.

Bob Casey Jr. does not get my vote.

Yes, it is being reported that the decision to knock Romanelli off the ballot is a big victory for Casey. No way. I see it in another way. Casey's goons knocked Romanelli off the ballot and knocked democracy in the teeth in doing so.

Then they issue a dental bill for $90,000 to be paid by the citizen candidate Romanelli. He works for the rail road. He went through hell just to get an attempt to try to serve his country and this is the thanks he gets -- from Casey and his cronies.

Perhaps it is Casey's wish to put PA back into the dark ages. He just wants to win. Screw that mentality.

Tiny brained leadership stinks. Fontana fits that mold too.

I'm glad I pulled out of the state senate race, before the judge, when I did. I'm glad I don't have a $90,000 bill to pay. Well, perhaps my bill would have been half of that. I'm still glad I don't have a $45,000 bill to pay.

Rick Santorum is no friend of mine. But Casey and Fontana and Doyle have proven to be mortal enemies to democracy. They don't believe that the people should decide, as I do.

Futhermore, I know of a lot of Democrats who are aiding and helping Rick Santorum. Likewise, I know of a lot of Republicans who are aiding and helping Bob Casey. When I ran as a Libertarian, I had a lot of help from Ds, Rs, Is, and Gs. People in the U.S.A. have a RIGHT to Free Association. It is understood and even healthy when there are different camps and different campers moving about from campaign and candidate -- as they so choose. Choice is great!

So, don't expect this crap to stick concerning how Romanelli, a Green, was 'funded' as some secret double agent for the status quo vangards. That is spin that resonantes with me much like what I've seen going down the drain in a toilet.

Romanelli took some campaign money from Rs. So what. Romanelli also took money from Ds, Greens and others. Casey takes money from Rs. Santorum takes money from Ds. So what. I'd love to see more and more folks fund third party folks because they love democracy.

It takes all types to make the world go around. Perhaps this is why Pennsylvania and our region are flat. Pennsylvania is old school. Pennsylvania is without the buzz of diversity, without inclusion. PA is where people get to ride on the laurels of their parents, Bob Casey, Jr.

People vote with their feet. People are leaving Pennsylvania. This is why.

People won't go out to vote for Bob Casey. Bob Casey and his cronies are clueless about democracy. Bob Casey is clueless about how to make peace.

Bob Casey doesn't win friend, influence people nor get votes by signing off on pay raise checks while State Treasurer, not showing up for work, nor kicking democracy in the teeth and sending a bill of $90,000 to those who just got kicked.

Hex... Humm.... Heartbreak.... Hardships... Healing

From Hex photos released to the public domain.

This photo collection is released into the public domain and is called, "Hex." Enjoy. Do what you wish with the images.
Template:Unencylopedia license - PittsburghPlatform: "Licensed under absolutely nothing. Have a field day. Abuse this for your own sick pleasures."
For most, it is hard to connect with the Amish. That relationship isn't "easy" to make.

Pennsylvania's legacy of being a place where religious freedom is respected is something that we should never forget.

Pop City - Giving Voice to Big Ideas

I was there. And, I've been the top point earner in the follow-up web site too. Big whup.
Pop City - Giving Voice to Big Ideas On a bright summery Saturday in September, hundreds of young Pittsburghers flocked downtown, clutching coffee and cartoon-like postcards, to fill classrooms at the Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA).

Sprout Fund boss, formerly with Jim Roddey and helper in the New Idea Factory, spreads some hype at the event. Click the image to see a snip of video.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Don't start school before LABOR DAY

We did not start school until AFTER Labor Day. We held out, because we were elsewhere, with a job, on travels, and not willing to come back for two days of school.

We love school. We don't love it before Labor Day in our family.

The "No Child Left Behind" slogan has a different meaning with us. We won't leave our children behind. We take em with us when we go.
INSIDE THE CAPITOL

Early start costs state

Starting school before Labor Day costs the state's economy $387 million, according to a report released last week by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee. That was music to the ears of Rep. Robert Godshall, R-Montgomery, who has legislation pending to prohibit districts from starting school before the September holiday.

'The study confirms what has been my contention all along, that starting the school year before Labor Day harms the state's economy, especially the tourism industry, and has a negative effect on jobs,' he said.

Photo shows my child, Grant, leaving us behind. Grant was in an open-water swim race on the first day of school this year, Thursday before Labor Day. We were in Canada, where we should have been. (Click image for a larger view.)

Pa. Supreme Court rejects Green's bid to relax ballot rule

This was more than a Green bid to call an election an election. I was on my knees in prayer that the election in the fall would be called an election too.
AP Wire | 10/03/2006 | Pa. Supreme Court rejects Green's bid to relax ballot rule: "HARRISBURG, Pa. - The state Supreme Court dealt another blow Tuesday to a Green Party candidate's U.S. Senate campaign by refusing to reduce the number of signatures that minor-party candidates need to run for statewide office.

In a one-sentence order, the court upheld a state judge's decision in August that required Carl Romanelli to gather an unusually high 67,070 signatures to qualify for the Nov. 7 ballot alongside Republican Sen. Rick Santorum and Democratic state Treasurer Bob Casey.

Romanelli had argued that the formula for calculating the number of signatures should be based on last year's judicial retention elections in which state judges run unopposed and voters cast up-or-down votes on whether they should serve additional 10-year terms.
I hate one line decisions from judges.

It would not take a constitutional convention to fix this mess.

Mini Linux PC breaks $100 barrier

Need a new computer?
Mini Linux PC breaks $100 barrier a tiny, 200MHz x86-compatible mini PC for $99, in single quantities.

Tag Time

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A gala is slated for the days ahead. The fundraiser items for sale in an auction are now online.
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