Trashy government takes a holiday. Visions of sugar plums dance too.

I've posted policy advice about these situations in the past. It surfaces again. They don't have the best solution. I think I have a better approach.

City Council puts brakes on traffic camera proposal Mr. Peduto asked Public Works Director Guy Costa to change the trash collection schedule for part of Squirrel Hill. It is currently set for Fridays, but holidays push it to Saturdays, creating problems for strict Jews who cannot take out garbage during the Jewish Sabbath.
Mr. Costa said he will consider switching two East End collection routes.

Clearly, a problem exists. Something should be do so as to fix this situation. Those on grant street don't want to offend those in Sqirrel Hill.

Furthermore, when something is done, a postcard with Luke's photo can be sent to everyone's address. So, I look for four or five versions of the trash pick-up schedule, each with its own postcard and magnet for the the refrig.

Holidays present a problem for government. Government never sleeps. Police, firefighters and water should never take off. Same too for road treatments with snow and ice. Travel needs are always present. People need to park and expect traffic lights to work, even on holidays.

I don't think government should take any holidays.

Trash build-up doesn't take a holiday. Often, our biggest days of trash is on a holiday, because of the holiday.

The trash collection is just as important as the other duties of government.

I hate that the recreation center was closed on election day, because it was called a 'holiday.' That's not logical. On the 4th of July, I want to go to the swim pool. I don't want them to take a holiday.

On the day of Bob O'Connor's funeral, Mayor Ravenstahl, at the last possible moment, called for a city holidy. That was wrong, in my book. Senior centers had to close that day. Lunch was not provided. Socialization didn't occur. The seniors could have gathered at the senior centers to reflect on Bob's life, on their interactions with him, and spend time in community -- a vital role of life and a mission of government.

On the 4th of July, we want to watch fireworks. We want the parks to be open.

My trash day is on Thursday. I don't want to have it on Friday after a Monday holiday because more than half of the residents, myself included, can't remember the holiday schedule and tons of trash show up on the streets for days when a holiday schedule is used. The extra trash on the streets stinks -- literally. The mess gets spread.

To redd up -- we've got to have regular trash pick ups. We need to count on it and have a mission critical schedule that never changes.

I think we should take one holiday -- the 4th of July. And on that day, everyone with a government job should work a double shift because the citizens and voters want to have their services working.

So, the fix for the trash pick-ups for Squirrel Hill is simple. I'd want to tell the residents that trash gets picked up on a certain day of the week, every week of the year.

The workers should have vaction days, sick days, subs, temp workers and what ever else is needed to do the job. But the job needs to be done. This is what management does -- manage the work force as best as possible.

Grand opportunity to see exactly how government truly operates in the Commonwealth.

Who Watches The Watchers?

The case of former State Representative Mark McNaughton gives Pennsylvanians a grand opportunity to see exactly how government truly operates in the Commonwealth.

For the unaware, McNaughton decided to retire from the legislature instead of facing the voters of his district after supporting the Great Pay Raise of 2005. He was subsequently appointed to a seat on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board by Speaker of the House John Perzel, who cited McNaughton’s steadfast opposition to gambling and a desire to make sure the slots law is meticulously followed as significant reasons for the appointment.

As a result, the former legislator is slated to get a boost in pay after all, from roughly $72,000 to a whopping $145,000 plus some lavish perks. Unfortunately for McNaughton, The Philadelphia Inquirer recently discovered that he failed to list thousands of dollars of personal gambling winnings over the past few years on his Statements of Financial Interest, which are required by the State Ethics Commission from each lawmaker every year.

Oddly, McNaughton’s failure to report gambling winnings would not have even registered on the radar had he not abused the power of his former position by attempting to quash certain information in a very messy divorce proceeding. As a result, some of his federal tax returns, on which he did report the winnings, are now part of the public record.

McNaughton claimed ignorance in regard to the omissions, although instructions on the Statement of Financial Interest clearly list “prize winnings” as one of the sources of income to be reported. But even if we were to give him the benefit of the doubt and consider the matter an oversight, is this a quality we’d want in someone charged with overseeing the activities of a multi-billion dollar industry?

While it’s all a bit ironic - on many different levels - it could become even more so.

The penalties for violating the ethics regulations are a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one-year imprisonment. Such a finding would need to be reached by the State Ethics Commission and could potentially disqualify McNaughton from serving on the seven-member Gaming Control Board or in any other official capacity in the Commonwealth.

Coincidentally, the State Ethics Commission also consists of seven members appointed to their positions in exactly the same fashion as the Gaming Control Board: one appointee each from four leaders of the legislature and three from the Governor.

An optimist might view this scattered appointment system on the ethics panel as a way to keep things balanced so no individual is singled out for political punishment. A pessimist might view it as insurance to protect everyone’s cronies - a slightly twisted version of “equal protection under the law.”

While any citizen of Pennsylvania is entitled to file a formal complaint on this matter with the State Ethics Commission, Section 21.2 of the ethics regulations permits the Commission to launch its own inquiry.

The Inquirer story was subsequently picked up by the Associated Press and widely disseminated across Pennsylvania. Between seven appointed Commissioners and nineteen staffers listed on the State Ethics Commission’s website, surely one of these 26 must have caught this latest tidbit regarding McNaughton. If not, they’re not doing their jobs.

Here’s hoping that for once, a government entity in the Commonwealth will step up to the plate, do what’s best for its citizens and give them some hope that the public outcry launched after July 7, 2005 is actually being heard somewhere in Harrisburg. Even better, however, would be for Mark McNaughton to withdraw his name for consideration as a member of the Gaming Control Board.

Who watches the watchers? We’ll find out soon enough.

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PACleanSweep is a non-partisan effort dedicated to returning honor, dignity and integrity to government in Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.PACleanSweep.com.

Sports Montage: The Sports Blog That Strikes First, Strikes Hard, No Mercy

Sports Montage: The Sports Blog That Strikes First, Strikes Hard, No Mercy “I’ve never heard of a government turning down $290 million of private money to build a public facility." - Mario Lemieux

The Wabash Tunnel is a 'public facility.' The new arena is NOT a public facility.

The Wabash Tunnel was built with federal money but is owned now by PAT, a different public agency.

PAT owns the tunnel and wants to unload it. PAT does NOT want to maintain the tunnel. PAT knows that ownership has many downsides that can be long-term, significant and expensive.

Maintaining a new arena isn't on the list of top priorities for good government. We've got schools, courts, roads, and matters of democracy to attend to in this region. Watching millionairs skate and brawl on ice isn't high on the list when it comes to core activities.

If the Penguins want to be a good neighbor and a good corporate citizen in Pittsburgh -- the Penguins should invest in its own property and have control of its ownership.

US Steel owned the land and the mills to produce its products.

UPMC owns buildings and hospitals to employ its health care workers and care for patients.

Even the Salvation Army demanded ownership rights to land for the building of its Kroc Recreation Centers.

Get rid of SMG. Get rid of any and all hurdles to making its own opportunities flourish.

The key to this discussion isn't to look back ten years. The key is to look forward ten years. They key is to look forward 20 and 25 years too.

Final argument for moving Penguins -- could be more "iron clad" if the Pens owned the new building

Isle of Capri makes final argument for license ... the agreement between the Penguins and the Isle of Capri required any new owner to stay in Pittsburgh for at least 20 years if casino operator wins the coveted license.

'Anybody who buys [the Penguins] is required to step into their shoes,' he said.

He added that any potential owner who breaks the agreement could be subject to liquidated damages -- hundreds of millions of dollars, according to one estimate -- and possible court action to block any move.

The "at least 20 years" deal and the liquidation is something to bank upon. But, the outlook of saying, 'we'll sue' doesn't give much confidence.

I think the Pens should plan, design, build, and keep the new arena. Then the team can sell the seats, program it, insure it, heat it, upgrade it and do as they wish with the new building without needing to get the lame stadium and exhibition authority involved.

Then, should the Penguins want to move out of town, they'd have to manage a liquidation of the new arena.

The word on the street is that it will take $7-million to tear down the Civic Arena.

If the Penguins left town and had a building in Pittsburgh, perhaps we'd be sure to get a minor-league team associated with the Pens to play here.

Perhaps the Penguins leave in 2012 and want to tear down its building that opened in 2009. Fine. They could do that -- if -- they didn't tear down the Civic Arena in 2008 or 2009. The Civic Arena is a building that the Penguins do not own. The Pens only have a lease.

When a renter leaves an apartment that had been rented, even for a long time, the lease holder can't demolish the property. Moving out makes a vacancy, not an ownership switch.

Dan Onorato defending himself on arena and slots deals dealings

Dan Onorato is on the counter-attack with the noise generated by recent 'fix is in' talk. He went onto the Honz Man show on Tuesday afternoon at 2 pm. John Stagerwald has been on a few shows making noise about how the gambling mess and saying there was a lot of back channel arm twisting.

I ranted a bit about this buzz at city hall today in a 3 minute pitch.

Dan Onorato denies the saga that was unfolded by the journalist. Onorato wants names to be named too.

We might be splitting hairs in this one point, but Dan says that under any of the proposals, local tax dollars won't be used for the building, as is the case with PNC Park and Heinz Field. Zero is the amount, he contends, go from public sources into the building. To Dan, that was a good position to be in.

The IOC plan puts for $290-million, clean, and simple, so says Dan. There is no local money. This is a total different position that is out there.

Business Times say China slow-down with foreign investments

Business Times China, which has lured US$622.4 billion from overseas since 1978 and surpassed the US in 2003 as the largest recipient of foreign investment, is turning off the tap that helped feed two decades of growth.

With new restrictions on investment, China risks impeding its own modernisation efforts and invites a backlash from its trading partners, China specialists say.

Pittsburgh City Council overwhelmingly approves underwhelming budget

It is nice that there won't be any new taxes. It is nice that the ticket tax for consumers attending events hosted by nonprofits is going to be less. The parking tax drop of 5-percent was due to the state legislature's mandate. That's more like a bad joke as savings won't be passed to the consumers. But, all in all -- the new budget is an underwhelming work from a city still on the brink. Additional fallout is expected from the Murphy Administration. Some bad news gottchas still loom large. No real salvation is in sight.

AP Wire - Pittsburgh City Council overwhelmingly approves budget overwhelmingly approves budget

Legal Okay given to NOT advertise public meetings!

G.W. -- a Running Mate like few others -- sent me this letter. Here is a snip.

Friends of the Zeiss On Monday, City Council held a “Post-Agenda” session on funding for The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. As with all Post-Agenda sessions, this session was open to the general public. This was also one of the relatively few Post-Agenda sessions that was broadcast on the City’s Government Communications Cable Television Channel, City Channel Pittsburgh, on Comcast channel 13.

However, I only found out about this Post-Agenda session, inadvertently, when two people who attended the December 5 regular legislative session of City Council, where the Post-Agenda time and date was announced, informed me of the meeting. I did not attend the December 5 meeting, as I was scheduled to attend another meeting at that time.

As with many of the Post-Agenda sessions held in the past, the December 11 Post-Agenda included discussion of important City business, including the request for significant City funding from a major City institution. Yet few people knew this Post-Agenda would occur since it was not posted or advertised in any public location.

I discussed this matter with the City Clerk, and she informs me that the City Law Department has told her that posting or advertising the date and time of Post-Agenda sessions is not legally required. I would disagree with this legal interpretation.

Terms: Oversight, gangs, and playing the race card

This is called "oversight."


Gang members and they even wear their specific colors.



Watch the Video

Roll -- advice to backstrokers

Two guys doing backstroke at the Pitt Christmas Meet yesterday. The guy in the lead has a wave off his shoulder. The one in the back has a much better shoulder roll without the wave of water pushing on the brakes.

Honz Man: Bi-Partisan Fix Is In with John Stagerwald

On the radio with KDKA-1020 AM, John Stagerwald, sports, talks about the Pens and gambling and explains how there has been a bi-partisan fix about gambling.

There were no Libertarians who were part of these raw deals -- as were the Ds and Rs.

Furthermore, John S, name names. I'm not so happy to hear about a big scoop on how the fix is in -- but names are not named. This was exactly the same thing that Tom Murphy did.

Former Pa. lawmaker who opposed slots won $15K at casinos and a $150k job

The truth hurts. Then this player asks, 'it's not illegal?' -- but he was part of the process to make it legal. Duhh...

Report: Former Pa. lawmaker who opposed slots won big at casinos - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Former Rep. Mark McNaughton, who voted against the state's slots law in 2004 and opposed gambling for years before that, won $15,500 between 2003 and last year, according to tax returns obtained by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

McNaughton, a five-term Republican from Harrisburg, disclosed his winnings on federal income taxes, but not on his state ethics forms, the newspaper reported. He is set to take his $145,000-a-year post on the gaming board by the middle of next month.

'It's not illegal to gamble, is it?' McNaughton told the newspaper Friday.

Spoke today in city hall

I went to City Council Chambers to speak again today for 3 minutes. Some notes follow:

The meeting last week in city council chambers about the Carnegie Library's request for more funding was not advertised. It was a post agenda and was on TV, but not on the web site. We need the business of city governement to occur in public with notice. When meetings happen -- advance notice is justified.

The meeting schedule for next week is not posted yet today -- on either the web site or the little bulletin board in the reception area of the 5th floor of city hall. Telll the people in advance when the meetings are going to be held.

Using a simple Google Calendar, as set up already, for Pgh City Hall, would be effective and free. When I called 3-1-1 with this request -- they were worthless.

When a simple meeting schedule can't be posted in advance with clarity -- people wonder if more complicated things such as the budget can be managed. Or, what the heck are they trying to hide.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is looking for the cover of darkness, however. They've messed up the North Side branch and want to build a new library and abandon its historic, paid for, branch in the public park. I would not be willing to give the Carnegie Library additional funds as they are messing up what treasures and assets they've been charged to preserve.

I worry about 'broken promises' such as the Pittsburgh Promise. What about paying for the college education of those who have been home schooled or attend private / Cathlolic schools and reside in the city? And the funding amounts are 10-times too low, at least. It seems to be another promise that looks like it will be broken.

In other hidden business, I'm still upset at Dan Onorato and the Allegheny County Board of Elections for stopping the Libertarian Party's designated poll watcher from a witness to the tabulations for the November 2006 general election. What's up with that? What are they trying to hide? The law says that parties are allowed three people to witness all tabulations and vote counts. We don't want to run to the courts. I want to see a memo of understanding and letter from the Allegheny County Chief Executive, Dan Onorato, a Board of Election member. Dan can clear up the sins of the past unethical policy. What happened in the past was wrong. Tell the world that it won't happen again.

There were goofy things happening on election night. These facts came out at the Board of Elections meeting when I was there to protest our denied access. Five times a worker who was employed by someone other than the election department, pulled out a 'smart stick' (USB DRIVE) and inserted that into the electronic voting system / network. Witness to vote hi-jacking is strong and should not be ignored.

There are problems. A lack of trust is throughout. The way to fix these troubles is not to be more closed. Rather, be sure to be open, as described by the law and then some.

If Onorato was smart, he'd insist that five, not three, designated people from the Libertarian Party be present for all vote counts and tabulations. Go overboard. The law says three. But he should bend over backwards to welcome scrutiny. Fix it. Don't hide it. And pledge that it won't happen again -- on your letter head in an open letter to the workers and the voters.

Then comes the scrutiny of the 'red light cameras.' I asked Bill Peduto to look at the blog to learn what they are doing in New Mexico. I think if he made such a move in the legislation due in 2007 then there would be more support for the bill.

The tax lein by-back was on the agenda too. Here is another example of another ill set in place by Tom Murphy's Administration that city council played a role in allowing. City council is at fault too, as well as Murphy. But, that was then and some on council today were not part of those decisions. However, they are here now for the clean-up of the mess. But, if they don't understand the history and how their oversight was lacking back then -- they'll be sure to repeat many of the same mistakes.

I don't want to have the tax lein buy backs present opportunities for ONLY the LDCx. The LDCs are Local Development Corporations. Pittsburgh has a slew of LDCs and these LDCs presented a good deal of Tom Murphy power bases. The LDCs have played along with Tom Murphy's ploys and screwed up our city in serious ways. This $6-million investement today should not be another tool in our tool bag -- for LDCs only. Citizens and taxpayers and voters and private individuals should be able to move on these properties -- along with the LDCs. We should not see favored treatments to cronies. Even cronie organizations.

An additional point didn't get raised but was on the agenda. Again, it is a place where Tom Murphy screwed up in the past and the city pays today. And, the city council was sleeping at the wheel in the past.

Bill No. 2006-1008 reads: Resolution providing that the City of Pgh enter into a temporary professional services Contrace or Contracts with UPMC Work Partners for the purpose of paying Workers' Compensation medical claims for expenses which were incurred prior to December 31, 2005, at a cost not to exceed $716,353.

More than a half-million dollars is going out the door because folks in higher level Murphy positions didn't do their jobs. And, city council didn't do its job and be proactive in fixing things before a $700,000 bill must be paid.

I know people at UPMC and at AGH (Allegheny General Hospital). The contract for medical services was switched. Fine. But, it was switched poorly. Now the city pays dearly.

What's $700,000 -- well -- that much pays for all the city's crossing guards. That amount pays for four or five rec centers. It is a good bit of money. That's a big problem that makes for a big fumble. And the oversight is not to be found.

Another gloomy day in the city when looking at the actions of city hall.

Direct Action @ Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Civil disobedience by Philadelphia residents in protest of the Gaming Control Board's not responding to their demands for good information on the casinos proposed for their neighborhoods. keywords: PGCB, Casino-free Philadelphia, slots, casino, gambling, Pennsylvania, hallwatch

Notice that a member of the media got arrested. When was the last time a member of the Pittsburgh media got arrested for justice? Well, at least we have some who are blogging now, if that is any peace of mind.

The Busman's Holiday

The Busman's Holiday I have great respect for those bloggers who are so prolific and creative that they’re posting through the day with charm and passion.

Thanks Bob. Back at you. But, I name names. =;0

Perhaps you could take your workshop to this page and do a bit of an update on the Platform.For-Pgh.org wiki page. Think of it as a workshop assignment.

URA to Crush Longtime Pittsburgh Landlords

The Three Rivers Post & Standard � URA to Crush Longtime Pittsburgh Landlords You gotta love government meddlers when it comes to development. Their supporters always crow, crow, crow about what they build — even when it fails, as have many of their initiatives in the downtown Pittsburgh area . We are always reminded that nothing would have happened if the meddlers didn’t do their deals.

City Hall intrigue does not take a holiday during the holiday season - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

City Hall intrigue does not take a holiday during the holiday season - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Talk in certain Grant Street hallways has Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl considering offering Allegheny County Prothonotary Michael Lamb a high-level position in his administration.

But would Lamb accept?
I hope so. He should. He needs a job. He would be a good addition to the administration as he'll continue to offer the city fine public service.

Downtown efforts leave empty feeling - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Here is the rub. Chamber of Commerce folks and the PDP (Pgh Downtown Partnership) want big programs, big taxes, big organizations and big lies. Meanwhile, real people vote with their feet. The marketplace is too fluid and too much of a force for the big central planning types who are big, slow and stupid.

At this point in time, the volume of merchants who know best are long gone. There are not enough of the sensible around to counter act the big-time jokers who aim to soil our landscape by grabbing what they can for themselves with the next massive programming ploy.

Downtown efforts leave empty feeling - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Taxes are a problem, said Gerald Schiller, part-owner of several family-owned properties along Forbes Avenue and a frequent critic of government-driven rehabilitation efforts. 'Retailers are deserting Downtown, because they are being phased out of business by the city's tax policy.'

Schiller is particularly disturbed by a Business Improvement District tax increase on retailers. The 3.92-mill assessment, which provides money for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, will increase by 5 percent annually for the next five years. The tax is levied against property owners in a 90-block area.

Barbara McNees, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, supports the tax increase.

'We must keep Downtown safe and clean, not only for its current retailers and residents, but for visitors, new residents and others in the Downtown area,' she said.

We need real benchmarks too. Let's say things are going well, when they are not. Let's look at office vacancy rates -- but exclude the Lazarus Building. What's up with that? We have way to many blind spots, by design.

Those who make the rules, rule.

I have no hope that the new investment of $35-million for Point State Park will save downtown.

I have no hope that the new T-stop at Gateway Center is really needed to revitalize Fifth & Forbes.

I have no hope that the half-billion dollar tunnels under the Allegheny River will turn things around either. What's the attraction of the underground T? Were people afraid to swim across the river for shopping and cheering for the Pirates?

The surge in residential units is because the value of commercial spaces is at such an all time low.

We have more people willing to move downtown because less are willing to live in our neighborhoods.

They are thinning. They are taking away high-rise buildings and replacing them with green spaces. They are getting rid of density. They are putting capacity out by the airport and other green fields while they are doing demolitions on density and urban spaces.

Our economic engine is not on a rebound. We've choked the hope. We have places to sleep, but few place to earn a pay check are willing to locate here.

We're turning into a slumbering little town. Everyone that says we are building momentum are sleeping. Wake up soon, before the marketplace leaves the state.

Jumpcut - Group Game called, "Where am I?"

Have you seen Jump Cut yet? Check out this new group there to play a game called, "Where am I?" I've uploaded three mini videos there. You watch and comment. Jumpcut - Group Where am I?

Here's the game: Shoot a short video from wherever you find yourself - with enough scenery so that someone could guess where you are, but not too much - and post it here. The first person to guess the location in a comment wins.
tags: travel game
Upload

Sarah Heinz House, hard hat tour photos

Sarah Heinz House - hard hat tour

See dozens of images from a major expansion of a boys and girls club being built by Dick Corporation. It isn't as nice nor expensive as the Polar Bear exhibit at the zoo, but hey -- its for our kids! They are still looking for a couple million to close out the building campaign.

Ex-member of the US Congress, from Georgia, quits the Republican Party and joins the Libertarians.

Down South Jukein from R to L. Do you know the song?

BREITBART.COM - Ex-Rep. Barr Quits GOP for Libertarians Ex-Rep. Barr Quits GOP for Libertarians

By BEN EVANS, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON

A former Georgia congressman who helped spark President Clinton's impeachment has quit the Republican Party to become a Libertarian, saying he is disillusioned with the GOP on issues such as spending and privacy.

Bob Barr, who served eight years as a Republican congressman before losing his seat in 2002, announced Friday that he is now a 'proud, card-carrying Libertarian.' And he encouraged others to join him.

Click the comments for the entire article. Or, see the link above.

This fall, there has been a lot of talk about 'turn overs.' Pittsburgh needs a push to juke from various parties to the Libertarian team.

The Lynyrd Skynyrd song came to mind -- Down South Jukin'. Search Google on "Down South Jukeing" and notice the 5th hit is this blog. I'm high on the list for a miss-spelled rockin tune titles.

I post one happy holiday message with the song, "Oh Abraham" -- and then get this call

Hi. My name is Eugene Gershin. Perhaps we have met online, but more probably you don't know me from Adam. I monitor blogs for SamsonBlinded, and came across your post.

I'd like to welcome you to look at Obadiah Shoher's blog. Obadiah - an anonymous Israeli politician - writes extremely controversial articles about Israel, the Middle East politics, and terrorism.

Shoher is equally critical of Jewish and Muslim myths, and advocates political rationalism instead of moralizing.

Google banned our site from the AdWords, Yahoo blocked most pages, and Amazon deleted all reviews of Obadiah's book, Samson Blinded: A Machiavellian Perspective on the Middle East Conflict.

Nevertheless, 170,000 people from 78 countries read the book.

Various Internet providers ban us periodically, but you can look up the site on search engines. The mirror www.terrorism-in-israel.org/blog currently works.

Please help us spread Obadiah's message, and mention the blog in one of your posts, or link to us from rauterkus.blogspot.com. I would greatly appreciate your comments.

Best wishes,
Eugene Gershin

The things we see on the net are wild, from time to time. Last week when there was a missing young adult, sadly, the thread got attention from his friends. Life.

Told ya. Poppa Penguin says, 'hold the phone" on the adoption. Certainty chatter is a sure stinker.

So, one thing is for certain. My rant about "being certain" as a top priority (Dec. 13, 2006) rings like a bell.

Photos of bells I've used and seen are below. Play the video of the one on the bike -- for effect.

Watch the Video


Historic bells of an emperor (above) and a religious bell tower from a structure in a temple is below.

Oh, Abraham. A song from the past. Chanukah -- a stretch. But worth a listen.

New video for these times.

Chanukah began tonight.

From a new photo album that features Amy Carol Webb.

Amy Carol Webb

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Amy Carol Webb MP3 Downloads - Amy Carol Webb Music Downloads - Amy Carol Webb Music Videos: "Faith Fortitude Friends

Citizenship Celebration today for David

See my Google Calendar for the details.

David S, a 911 operator, North Sider, who recently ran for Pittsburgh City Council in the special election for Luke's former seat, is getting to take his oath of citizenship today. Way to go.

I hope he runs for public office again. He was talking about issues, more than personality.

More photos. Picasa only takes 500 per album

Buy some corn on the cob from a vendor selling from a hot pot built into the back of his bike.

From china - bike ...

Going to a bike party -- and uploaded more than 500 photos

From china - bike

Enjoy.

Another album is of my bike.

The org, Downsize DC is up in arms about this bill

Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress) H.R.4682
Title: To provide more rigorous requirements with respect to disclosure and enforcement of ethics and lobbying laws and regulations, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Pelosi, Nancy [CA-8] (introduced 2/1/2006) Cosponsors (162)

Multimedia bits and pointers

Heavy Or Not brews here:


• JumpCut.com/rauterkus



• Rauterkus.blip.tv



• Picasa Web Albums from Mark Rauterkus

Red Light Camera - insights about a new law for Pgh

I've crafted a 98 second movie about the pending bill that would bring 'red light cameras' to Pittsburgh's busy streets and intersections.

The devil is in the details. Here what they've found in New Mexico. I'd be okay with this as part of the deal in Pittsburgh too.

Do you think that those in Pittsburgh would insist that the same treatments be put into effect here?

Hope you watch the segment and agree. The photos are from my collection from our visits to China. Check out the crossing guards too.

The audio is from a podcast I'm enjoying, FreeTalkLive.com.

Examining the Libertarian Vote in Depth

This is a great article. Give it a read.

TCS Daily - Examining the Libertarian Vote in Depth By David Kirby & David Boaz

Libertarian Party candidates may have cost Sens. Jim Talent and Conrad Burns their seats, tipping the Senate to Democratic control. In Montana, the Libertarian candidate got more than 10,000 votes, or 3 percent, while Democrat Jon Tester edged Burns by fewer than 3,000 votes. In Missouri, Claire McCaskill defeated Talent by 41,000 votes, a bit less than the 47,000 Libertarian votes.

This isn't the first time Republicans have had to worry about losing votes to Libertarian Party candidates. Sens. Harry Reid, Maria Cantwell, and Tim Johnson all won races in which Libertarian candidates got more votes than their winning margin.

But a narrow focus on the Libertarian Party significantly underestimates the role libertarian voters played in 2006. Most voters who hold libertarian views don't vote for the Libertarian Party. Libertarian voters likely cost Republicans the House and the Senate—also dealing blows to Republican candidates in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Another telling quote:

President Bush and the congressional Republicans left no libertarian button unpushed in the past six years: soaring spending, expansion of entitlements, federalization of education, cracking down on state medical marijuana initiatives, Sarbanes-Oxley, gay marriage bans, stem cell research restrictions, wiretapping, incarcerating U.S. citizens without a lawyer, unprecedented executive powers, and of course an unnecessary and apparently futile war. The striking thing may be that after all that, Democrats still looked worse to a majority of libertarians.

re-public: re.imagining democracy - Richard Stallman - The free software movement

re-public: re.imagining democracy - Richard Stallman - The free software movement Could you explain free software activism?

Richard Stallman: First I’d better explain what free software means. Free software means software that respects the user’s freedom. There are four essential freedoms that the user of any software ought to have:

Freedom 0: the freedom to run the program, as you wish.

Freedom 1: the freedom to study the program’s source code and then change it so that it does what you wish.

Freedom 2: the freedom to distribute copies of the program when you wish.

Freedom 3: the freedom to distribute copies of our modified versions, when you wish.

Freedom 2 is the freedom to help your neighbor; freedom 3 is the freedom to contribute to your community. Both of them include both private distribution and publication–whichever you wish. Both include gratis distribution as well as sale of copies, whichever you wish

So what is free software activism? It is the struggle to establish and maintain these freedoms. This is a struggle because most computer users do not have these freedoms. They were taken away back in the 1970s, when a tiny fraction of society used computers; when use of computers spread widely in the 90s, what spread was the use of user-subjugating proprietary software.

Pens open to Plan B concept - Certain is as certain does

First published on Dec 13, 2006

I'm certain that being certain should not be the top priority, for sure.

The guy who has Blackberry -- the company that took a gamble on patents and nearly went dark and off the air a year ago -- is full of talk to the gambling control board.

How can you have a slots parlor and have certain results? To gamble is to take risks. There is mystery and uncertainty when you drop the money and panic and are left with the cold-hard-results.

The value of being certain falls to an owner of a sports team with a deal on the table who doesn't even own the team yet. Everyone thinks he'll own the team. But, it didn't close yet.

Pens open to Plan B concept - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 'Our plan is the only plan that brings certainty to this entire process,' McMackin said. 'There's clear-cut certainty the Penguins will stay in Pittsburgh. Under the concept of the other plan there is nothing but uncertainty.'

Under the backup plan, Forest City or Majestic Star would pay $7.5 million a year for 30 years, while the state would pay $7 million a year. The Pens would have to pay $8.5 million up front and $2.9 million a year, while forgoing $1.1 million a year in naming rights.

Balsillie said Isle of Capri's proposal is the best plan because it removes any doubt about the team's future and doesn't use 'taxpayers' money.'

'I see a three-for-one here,' Balsillie said, adding that Isle of Capri's proposal provides a sports and entertainment destination, economic revitalization in the neighborhood and a gambling facility.

'The promise of being a good neighbor isn't just a promise,' Balsillie said. 'It has to be fulfilled.'

Balsillie said he hopes to conclude his purchase of the Penguins by the end of the week.

Sports is about living in the present and not knowing what's going to happen, especially when played on ice with a little rubber puck at the center of attention.

I'm certain that taxpayer money is going to go into this new arena. For starters, the new arena is going to be built and then given to the public to operate. If they want to build a new arena -- do so and keep it.

I'm certain that the public will pay dearly for the new arena as their plans call for the take down of the old arena. When 1 + 1 = 2 we'll have a net gain. But, we're getting 1 - 1 = 0. We own the civic arena. We have it paid for now. We don't need luxery boxes for Disney on Ice nor a high school graduation.

I'm certain that we'll not have a civic venue with the new arena with low-rental costs, like we can manage wit the existing facility that will be torn down, according to their plan. We've got a historic structure that is authentic -- for sure -- for certain.

So much for a sure bet. The guarantee seems to be a broken heart and upside down priorities.

Joe Jencks is to play a house concert in Pgh on Jan 7

Check the Google Calendar for January 7, 2007.

From Joe Jencks ho...

Pennsylvania using Google Earth to promote tourism | News.blog | CNET News.com

Pennsylvania using Google Earth to promote tourism | News.blog | CNET News.com Pennsylvania using Google Earth to promote tourism

Tourism is nice. But why not leverage the utilities to service the people that are local, here now. Too often we're trying to make our Pennsylvania places, including our home town, into something that it isn't.

Google Earth and other tech tools can be used to help understand our places -- for those that live here, pay taxes and raise our kids here.

To jump on the notion of Google Earth for tourism is another tiny example of the tail wagging the dog.

Heck, the Governor wants to sell the PA Turnpike. It would go, we expect, to a firm with finance resources that resides outside the USA.

Wait. Perhaps there is a connection. Get Google Earth to help sell the PA Turnpike.

Perhaps Google Earth could have been used by locals to give feedback to the PA Turnpike Commission -- to point out potholes -- so it wouldn't have been so miss-managed and in need of a bailout.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Superintendent Mark Roosevelt Announce Partnership to Create The Pittsburgh Promise

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced a collaboration between the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Public Schools to develop The Pittsburgh Promise, a college access program and revitalization strategy for the City of Pittsburgh.

“Our goal with The Pittsburgh Promise is to help our children and their families plan, prepare and pay for education after high school,” said Superintendent Roosevelt. The Pittsburgh Promise would make higher education achievable for all Pittsburgh Public Schools students regardless of need or income. It also would enhance the economic development of the City.

“To advance the economic vitality of the City of Pittsburgh we need to invest in our neighborhoods, create a business friendly environment and strengthen our school district,” said Mayor Ravenstahl.

The Pittsburgh Promise will prepare students for success in the 21st Century by addressing the three primary barriers to college access: academic preparation, accessibility and affordability. As an integral part of the District’s Excellence for All plan for improving student achievement, The Pittsburgh Promise will begin working with students at a young age to make post-secondary education an achievable goal for
everyone.

The Pittsburgh Promise anticipates making funds available to Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates for tuition at an accredited post-secondary institution within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students would be required to make regular progress toward the completion of a degree or certification-seeking program and remain in good standing at the post-secondary institution. It is expected that the Pittsburgh
Promise will be funded through an endowment and an annual fundraising campaign from private donors.

An official cost analysis is currently underway. The Mayor and the Superintendent will be forming a joint task force to develop a comprehensive plan for The Pittsburgh Promise. Preliminary work has been done by members of the District’s High School
Reform Task Force and the Mayor’s Business and Economic Development Committee.

What is this saying?

An official analysis is underway. Perhaps someone got a clue that there might be some link between economics and education in this city.

If you get great grades and make serious progress in academic areas, kids will get into college. No joke. If you have a heartbeat, you'll be able to get into some college these days.

Isn't need also part of income too.

I don't think this is much of anything.

I'd love to see a deal cut with Mark Roosevelt and Mark Nordenburg. I'll broker it. It would go like this:

1. Every kid who graduates from any Pgh Public School and is in the top 20 in his/her class gets three years, including summers, of paid tuition to Pitt, CMU, Duquesne, RMU or Point Park.

2. Every PPS High School grad in the top 100 of his or her class gets automatic admission and a one year tuition scholarship to those schools.

3. Everyone who graduates from a PPS high school in good standing (regardless of class rank) gets a one year academic scholarship to CCAC.

4. Any kid that graduates from a PPS high school and presents a 4-year degree from any college/university within five years of his or her graduation gets a ticket into an semi-annual lottery run by the city so as to pick a free piece of property in the city-owned inventory. The graduate has to own the property for three years, or else some of the sale income goes back into the Pittsburgh fund. (i.e., 50% of sales price in year one; 40% of sales price in year two; 30% of sales price in year three.)

In the past, I've ranted about how the city should present a program to liquidate much of its land / property holdings on a regular basis to college grads and grad students who make a pittsburgh pledge.

A+ Schools Report in today's PG and on the web

A+ Schools has published the second annual "Report to the Community on Public School Progress in Pittsburgh," as an insert in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The report contains data about each school with a few blindspots.

The Report is based on the 2005-06 school year. So, the new Accelerated Learning Academies (ALAs) were not included in this year's Report. They were "reconstituted." The K-8s that were elementary schools last year are listed in the elementary section of the Report.

More to come from me.

In general, in my humble opinion, A+ Schools is but a bad joke. The organization used to have a web-based discussion group -- but that was taken down. I've never been able to see any minutes to any of the A+ School meetings. Who attends? When? What is said? The bold support from A+ schools for the 'right-sizing' came without a board vote.

The organization is built for political leverage and little else. Michael Lamb is associated with the effort, and that is one of the worst things he has ever done.

There are hundreds of things that A+ Schools could and should be doing. Our schools need lots of help and support with critical thinking among many sectors of the community. But, we've got another entity that strives for a scripted, elitist, top-down agenda.

Just as I don't want my schools to cater to some students and ignore others -- nor do I want organizations that are about our schools to do the same.

A comprehensive look at the schools that isn't comprehensive is fine. But, trouble comes when they say and think this is a comprehensive view. If they called it what it was -- I'd be fine with that approach.

There are serious blind spots in this report about our schools, about our school district and about our communities.

The ALAs (Accelerated Learning Academies) have been reconstituted. But, the kids that go to those schools have not been reconstituted. And, the performance of the schools that closed are just ignored and not a part of the report. What's up with that? If we reconstitute schools every year, we'll never need to put important data into a report.

Furthermore, getting base-line numbers of the old system is not welcomed when you have a new system. Let's erase all hopes of being able to fail. Don't publish the numbers of the old schools. Then the new schools numbers are never going to be worse that that of the old school -- because we're not going to reveal the numbers from the old school.

Shame on the report for selective reporting by not sharing results that enable us to look back. Perhaps 'history' isn't part of the new accelerated math and reading programs -- and that's another failure.

How did Knoxville Middle School stack up? How did Greenway Middle School stack up? Those schools just are NUKED from the report. There were kids that went to those schools last year. Those schools fed into other high schools.

The best thing we learned about Knoxville -- Hanna Montana was in a movie that was filmed there last month. The place is a nice movie set now. That's it. That's their version of comprehensive.

Perhaps they should have done a phone book. Perhaps they are trying to make a hype and PR brochure to get people to move into downtown loft apartments.

The expansion into the realm of charter schools is welcome. Next, let's see an expansion into private schools and catholic schools too.

My big knock when it came to the report last year was that there were no benchmarks as to how the kids in the city did with a contrast to those in suburban schools. Face the facts. A family that is able to move from one school setting because they see that the kids are not progressing as they should won't look at this booklet and say -- humm.... Frick vs. South Brook vs. Schiller ... ??? No way. People who are pulling their kids out of the school district are moving outside the city. The choices are South Brook vs. Baldwin. Or, Frick vs. Shaler. Or, South Hills or Montour.

This isn't being framed well. It isn't really a battle among city schools. The real contrasts need to be among schools in the region, city and not, public and not.

On the last page of the report is a call for opinions. I've given my opions on a number of topics central to our schools and communities -- at the A+ Web Forums in the past. Then they pulled the plug on that communication tool. They don't really want to hear my opinions.

With watchdogs like A+ Schools, we're sure to stay in a heap of trouble. Comprehensive trouble.

Court battle over 'base year' assessment system starts today

Court battle over 'base year' assessment system starts today The plaintiffs, homeowners from Pittsburgh, Franklin Park, Mt. Lebanon, Braddock and other Allegheny County municipalities, are mounting a 'full frontal challenge' of Allegheny County's 2002 base-year property assessment system, arguing the taxation method violates the Pennsylvania Constitution.

They want to see the county's system -- which relies on property values frozen indefinitely four years ago during the last full reassessment -- declared unconstitutional, and therefore invalid. The state constitution calls for uniform taxation of property.

Uniform is good. Onorato's plan is bad.

Commencement Dates at Mellon Arena

Commencement Dates Allderdice High School 1:00 PM
Sunday, June 17, 2007 Mellon Arena

Mellon Arena is the venue for high school graduations for:

Allderdice,

Brashear,

Carrick,

Oliver,

Peabody,

Perry, and

Schenley.

Do you really need luxery boxes for a high school graduation? Do you really want to go to a slots parlor after the high school graduation?

Perhaps the Mellon Arena can be turned into a charter school, say for bank tellers and those in cash businesses.

My point is that we should keep the building and turn it into a 'civic arena' again. Let the Pens do Plan B or whatever with the IOC. But don't let the Pens knock down an important civic building that has many uses beyond NHL games.

Excellence for All Parent Steering Committee

Excellence for All Parent Steering Committee

Why are all of the Excellence for All Parents Meetings scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. All the parents can't make the evening times.

I'd be happy if that meeting was taped and put onto the net. Or, if there was a morning briefing the next day.

Some parents can't make ANY of the evening meetings because we are with our kids.

Let's call a spade a spade -- and nothing else, please. It will be a SLOTS PARLOR.

Everyone.

The gambling license will be awarded shortly. A Slots Parlor is to open. It isn't a 'casino.' They have the right to conduct gambling at slot machines. That's it.

If we all call it what it is, a slots parlor, then we'll not see an easy expansion to table games -- without another handsome payment.

The stand-alone slots license sold for $50-million.

If there is to be an expansion to table games, we should expect them to pay an additional $300-million to $950-million. And, the approval should come after a voters have their say. And, by all means, the table games license should EXPIRE in the future.

I hate the fact that the slots license does NOT expire.

The worst thing we can do is do what the Post Gazette did in today's Sunday paper. There was a big, color, illustration showing a card game with chips so as to talk about the casino and traffic. Cards and chips won't be a part of this casion -- err --- SLOTS PARLOR. At least not in 2007.

Isle of Capri's casino proposal still favored City task force says its plan is strongest

Less than two weeks before the Pittsburgh casino license is to be awarded, the city's gaming task force is standing by its near endorsement of Isle of Capri, even as a group of ministers works to prevent the Hill District slots parlor.

The Carbolic Smoke Ball digs at Wikipedia

One of my favorites gets lampooned. Wiki news is there to view as well. I'm loving the Wiki University effort as well. Perhaps I'll restart the Mon U endeavor.

The Carbolic Smoke Ball WIKIPEDIA POSTED EXACT DETAILS OF AUGUSTO PINOCHET'S DEATH TWO DAYS BEFORE IT OCCURRED

Saturday Talk | ajc.com - about Pittsburgh's Ballet sans Musicians

FWIW, our Nutcracker boycott continues. They didn't get a donation from us this year either.

Nice ink about Pittsburgh in an out-of-town newspaper, LTE about music!

Saturday Talk | ajc.com Live music isn't just mere sound

While it's good to read that the musicians of the Atlanta Ballet are not struggling financially this holiday season ('Nutcracker joys missed,' Living, Dec. 2), I think this article does a great deal of harm to the cause of live music for the Atlanta Ballet and for any ballet or theater. It gives tacit approval to the replacement of live orchestra with recordings as long as the musicians can make up the money elsewhere. But the harm to the community of musicians, to the art form of ballet, and to the cultural climate of Atlanta is much bigger than whether or not lost income can be made up by teaching a few more lessons or playing another church gig.

Do we want to live in a community that does not value live music? I don't, and it's not just because I'm a musician. The iPod generation already expects music to come through tiny ear pieces. The artistic experience of being in a concert hall or theater with hundreds of other people, all experiencing the power and originality of the live performance, is something I want to have for myself and for my children. Presenting great art isn't about the bottom line; it's about something intangible that will never be replaced by electronic means because it is at heart human. The situation in Atlanta demands that musicians educate the audience to what we already know: live music is worth the price.

Here in Pittsburgh, the public responded with one voice when the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre tried to eliminate their resident orchestra, and the result is a company rededicated to the use of live music. I hope the residents of Atlanta come to the same realization before something precious is lost.

CYNTHIA ANDERSON, Anderson is an oboist with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra.

Brova!


We're getting ready for our holiday concerts. Grant plays first chair in the Phillips Elementary School performance as Erik moved to middle school. Erik's gig is Tuesday night.

In other fronts, our church pagent is now with two Marys. The one had a bad case of stage freight in today's dress rehersal. Seems that the dalmation is going to be put into a new role. Joseph -- quite a guy. This year he is Mormon-like and still not inclined to squak about a DNA test.

Changes Are Expected in Voting by 2008 Election - New York Times

This is a move to open-source software. We need to demand open-source.

Changes Are Expected in Voting by 2008 Election - New York Times The changes also mean that the various forms of vote-counting software used around the country — most of which are protected by their manufacturers for reasons of trade secrecy — will for the first time be inspected by federal authorities, and the code could be made public. There will also be greater federal oversight on how new machines are tested before they arrive at polling stations.

I've been harping about open-source since day one. The open-source part is every bit as important as the paper trail.

City Clerk & Webmaster for City of Pittsburgh -- Run with this Google Calendar for Pgh City Hall

Update: Some weirdness showed in the Google Calendar with meeting time shifts (as the wrong time zone was established) and the length of meetings. The start time and end times are the same now. So, it looks like this is ready for prime time.

My Christmas wish to Linda Johnson-Wasler, Clerk for City of Pittsburgh, and the Webmaster for the City.Pittsburgh web site -- a Google Calendar called Pittsburgh City Call.

I've set it up and can hand it off to you. Next, you'll need to feed it and leverage it within the City of Pittsburgh site. The gift comes from Google too. I've set up a Google Calendar and made it public and call it Pittsburgh City Hall. Come one, come all.

As of Friday, the city's website did NOT tell the public that there will be meetings on Dec. 18 and 19 (Monday and Tuesday) rather than the traditional dates (Tuesday & Wednesday). Meetings are shifted from time to time around Christmas. No big deal, unless you come the wrong date. Plus, a meeting is slated for December 27, 2006. Two meetings are also slated for the first week of January 2 & 3, 2007.

Yes, this is the 'hardest working legislative body' around, so says Doug Shields. Well, proving it on a Google Calendar is easy with these new utilities.

Philly Jury without brotherly love. Rejects voluntary-tax argument & link to Wesley Snipes

Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/09/2006 | Jury rejects voluntary-tax argument Jury rejects voluntary-tax argument
By John Shiffman
Inquirer Staff Writer

A Bucks County engineer who did not pay federal income taxes for three years because he said he believed such payments are voluntary was convicted yesterday of tax evasion.

A federal jury in Philadelphia deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Arthur L. Farnsworth, a former Libertarian candidate for Congress.

Farnsworth, who testified during the weeklong trial, has espoused his belief that tax payments are voluntary on his Web site, www.arthurfarnsworth.org.

During direct examination by attorney Mark Lane, Farnsworth said he had come to this conclusion after conducting his own intense legal research.

Farnsworth, 43, agreed with the government's estimate that he had grossed about $220,000 in 1998, 1999 and 2000. But he disagreed with the IRS's determination that he owed about $82,000 in taxes for those years.

Farnsworth, appearing confident and combative on the witness stand, testified that he had a good-faith belief that 'compliance is voluntary.'

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ara B. Gershengorn and Amy L. Kurland argued that Farnsworth's motives were rooted in his tax-protester philosophy, not his understanding of the law.

---

Raid in Pa. led to Snipes tax probe
Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - The tax-fraud investigation that led to the indictment of "Blade" star Wesley Snipes began with a raid four years ago in Pennsylvania, an IRS agent testified.

Special Agent James Morris, speaking in court Wednesday, said agents found documents in a man's home in 2002 that led to a nationwide investigation into fraudulent trust funds. Snipes owned one of those trusts, another witness said.

The testimony came in the trial of Arthur Farnsworth, who is accused of tax evasion.

When agents searched Farnsworth's home near Sellersville, they found documents suggesting Farnsworth owned several bogus trusts, Morris said. Among them was one designed to hide money and assets to avoid payment of federal income taxes.

Snipes owned a similar trust, according to testimony by Wayne Rebuck, a former director at the company that sold the trusts. Rebuck said he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy count in return for his testimony against Farnsworth.

Snipes, star of the "Blade" trilogy, "Jungle Fever" and "White Men Can't Jump," was indicted in October on eight counts of tax fraud. He was accused of trying to cheat the government out of nearly $12 million in false refund claims and not filing returns for six years.

The 44-year-old actor has said he is a scapegoat and was unfairly targeted by prosecutors, and has suggested he was taken advantage of.

Farnsworth, 43, who has publicly stated he hasn't paid federal taxes in years, was charged in November 2004 with three counts of income-tax evasion.

His trial in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia was continuing Thursday. Farnsworth's attorneys say the government did not prove its case against their client.

Rodriguez To Stay At West Virginia

Is this news grounds for lighting up some furnature?

Rodriguez To Stay At West Virginia - Sports West Virginia football coach Rich Rodriguez held a press conference Friday to confirm that he has turned down an offer to coach at Alabama and will remain with the Mountaineers.

There was speculation that Rodriguez would accept Alabama's reported six-year contract offer, but that ultimately proved inaccurate.

'I fully respect his decision and wish him the best,' said Alabama athletic director Mal Moore in a statement. 'I want to remind everyone of what I said at the outset of this process: my only objective is to get the best person available to lead the Alabama football program.'

Roll, Tide, Roll -- except over them thar hills of West Virginia.

I really think Pitt should play its spring game at Cupples Stadium on the South Side. That will be the team's next game. If that news was made public on the morning of the Gator Bowl, we could have a huddle around 10th Street and set fire to a couch or two to psych up for the Blue-Gold game.

You never know, a real 'Festivus Party' might ensue too. Festivus, the holiday for the rest of us.

Iraq Study Group: United States Institute of Peace

Iraq Study Group: United States Institute of Peace: IRAQ STUDY GROUP REPORT

PDF Download the report 962 KB

In our efforts to make this report available to all, the report may be downloaded, reproduced, and translated free of charge. The United States Institute of Peace would appreciate being informed of translations so that we may direct our international readers to the respective versions.

This is how you make a report available. It is without any restrictions nor copy protection.

Walkways above traffic make great sense. We need much more of this in Pittsburgh, especially in Oakland.

100 days and a Bob O'Connor birthday passes

Today is the birthday of the late mayor, Bob O'Connor. We miss you Bob.

Luke's been the mayor for 100 days.

Tom Murphy was mayor a year ago, finishing his 12 year term at the boss in city hall and of the D party in the city. About this time last year there was a photo of all the 'shovels' in Tom's office being cleared out as he was packing to leave.

That's plays right into the song, "Lay the Shovel Down."

In the last 100 days, we've had a chance, be it fleeting, to nuke the notion of the building of the tunnel under the Allegheny River. Now we look to the bypass being closed for a year so it will be harder to drive from the South (airport) to the Convention Center.

MacYapper was defending Tom Murphy last night on his show. Many of the ills we face in this city are going to be holding us back for years to come -- thanks to Tom Murphy. We've got to pin some blame on him and have it leave town so we can get to the solutions. But, we need to understand the past and history -- else we are sure to repeat the same mistakes.

I think it is a mistake for the mayor's office and its administration to do a lot of slow-dances with the neighborhood development coroporations. Murphy did a lot of swapping of spit with them. City council still does.

Last week Jim Motznik gave away (like it is his to give) $2,500 to a re-start of the Overbrook neighborhood group.

We need development groups. But, we need to get these relationships into a tighter focus. Bob O'Connor gave those interactions some focus in jump starting the redd up campaign. He had people putting on the work gloves and getting away from the blueprints and building of new upscale condos -- condos that take eight to ten years on average to be finished and another few to finally sell. (I'm a bit overboard. Some have sold quickly. All have taken long to materialize.)

Running Mate, Tom L. is doing the news on Saturday with AM 1360

Way to go Tom. How long have you had that gig? No wonder you've been quiet in the blogging world.

Great for you and 1360. What are the details?

Image Quiz: Can you tell what's going on here?

Hint: This has nothing to do with a traffic jam on the PA Turnpike, after it is sold and the new owners go bankrupt.

Hints: All slides are from the same, larger canvas. This is very old.

Pothole.

Co-ed.

I took these photos as we were visiting a museum.

If you can tell what's happening, leave a note in the comments area.

Snowfall 'hit at the worst possible time' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Traffic sucked last night. Locals know this. Everyone was stuck in it.

Let's fix it. No more Steeler games on Thursday nights. None. The mayor can tell the NFL that our stadium is not for lease on a Thursday night.

Snowfall 'hit at the worst possible time' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Traffic snarls were heavy leading in and out of Pittsburgh as workers headed home and Pittsburgh Steelers fans headed to Heinz Field on the North Shore, many arriving after the start of yesterday's game with the Cleveland Browns.

At one point, bumper-to-bumper traffic along the Parkway West stretched from the Fort Pitt Tunnels to Robinson Town Centre.

It took more than an hour for some people to get out of a parking garage in Oakland. Not even on the street. Then it wasn't any better.

One guy called into the radio show and said he had been on the Bloomfield bridge for more than an hour.

It took us far more than an hour to get to swim practice too.

I think the Steelers should play its games on Sundays at 1 pm. We should do this for economic reasons.

Calendar: Vacant Land Management in Pgh - hot news with buy-back of tax leins.

Forum: Green Strategies for Vacant Land Management in Pittsburgh is Wed Dec 13 noon to 1:15.

Pittsburgh to pay MBIA $6.5 million for tax liens Pittsburgh to pay MBIA $6.5 million for tax liens By CHRISTINE RICHARD, BLOOMBERG NEWS

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said the city will buy back tax liens from bond insurer MBIA Inc. that were used as collateral for debt securities and have been blamed for holding up redevelopment of the city's most blighted areas.

Pittsburgh will pay $6.5 million for the liens on about 11,000 derelict properties, according to an e-mailed press release yesterday from the mayor's office. Armonk-based MBIA controls about three quarters of all real estate with tax liens in Pittsburgh, and nothing could be done to improve the properties until the bills were paid or MBIA wrote them off.

12-year-old life saver in the surf saves two and gets national honors

ASCAOnline - Your Coaching Resource MORRO BAY, Calif. – Twelve-year-old Trent Popovich, a USA Swimming Junior Olympian, will be recognized today with the United States Lifesaving Association’s Heroic Act Award for his successful rescue of two young girls from the California surf on February 12, 2006. Popovich was surfing near the Cayucos Pier when he heard the cries of the girls, ages eight and 10, who were caught in the riptide. An accomplished competitive swimmer, he rescued both girls by lifting them on to his surfboard and swimming them to the shore.

The full article is in the comments. This part about the parents makes me smile. The photos of the surfers are mine, not the real lifesaver hero.

In local lifesaving news, we've got some who have made some serious saves in our neighborhoods too. They should get awards and honors.

Jim, Grant, Mark and Erik from the photo album "Beach in Maine." Click to see more photos.

Call out from Compos Mkt Research for parents of folks in middle school

A Pgh firm is currently conducting a research project on Public Education and is looking for qualified participants.

Parent/Legal Guardian of middle or high school aged children

Must live in a city neighborhood where children could attend a Pittsburgh Public School

Students can be currently attending a Pittsburgh Public School or any other type of schooling

If you could potentially qualify and are interested in coming into our downtown Pittsburgh offices for participation, please give us a call. If you know anyone else who may potentially qualify and is interested in participating, please pass the info along and ask them to give us a call.

412-471-8484 ext. 506
Calls will be returned in the evening between 5:00 and 8:45 pm.

In your message, please state your full name, mention the topic of the project, and leave a telephone number where you can be reached in the evening and/or a cell phone number.

I just volunteered. I'm not sure if it pays or not. Some of their focus groups give a token bit of cash.

Erik's first middle school swim meet, with photos & videos too.

Erik swam his first swim meet yesterday, at Greenway Middle School, now home to PCA.

This photo album shows a few photos and videos. Plus, we took the technique shots to aid in his science project. It is a test about push-off disances in different body positions.

Frick-swim

Wanta date? I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

I think I'll put the agenda calendar on my sidebar soon. Just testing. What do you think?

Sell the PA Turnpike... Look to the future of transportation and a better idea

So, they are taking bids for the sale of the PA Turnpike. Get your bid in by the end of the year. It took about ten years to get gambling expansion in the state. But the PA Turnpike can sell in six weeks. What's up with the rush?

How about if we take our best bid, and then hold a state-wide referendum.

This is how we'll get around Pennsylvania after selling the PA Turnpike and its owners go out of business years later due to infrastructure decay.

In China, when you purchase property, you can only buy it for 99 years. That's all. You purchase a house, you've got the deed for 99 years. You sell the house in 10 years, you can sell the deed for 89 years.

If PA sells the PA Turnpike, I think we should NOT sell it FOREVER. Sunset the sale. Sell the PA Turnpike for 99 years. Or, sell it for 30 years.

Don't sell the PA Turnpike forever. Then in 99 years, we'll be able to sell it again. In 99 years, our great grandkids will be able to reap another windfall from this deal.

It was stupid to sell the gambling casino licenses for $50-million without an EXPIRATION DATE. The licenses should be for 30 years on gambling. Then in 25 years, we can 'think again.' Really, it is our kids that will be able to think again. Let them decide what to do with their world.

Report warns 'free' Wi-Fi could spell trouble

I didn't jump on the Wi-Fi bandwagon in the summer of 2006. The Wi-Fi was to be hooked up the All-Star Game, but came late.

In some schools in the UK, they are unplugging Wi-Fi because of health concerns for the teachers and students. Now comes this report that hits more to some of my concerns months ago.

Report warns 'free' Wi-Fi could spell trouble: "Report warns 'free' Wi-Fi could spell trouble

Wednesday, December 06, 2006
By Corilyn Shropshire, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cities thinking about launching a wireless Internet network should know that Wi-Fi rarely comes without strings attached.

A study released yesterday by free-market think tank the Reason Foundation cautioned that municipalities should make sure the projects are both technologically and financially viable before jumping into the Wi-Fi fray.

Whether the Wi-Fi network is free or financed with taxpayer dollars, 'If officials get into the broadband [Internet] business, they are entering a field where the technology they bought today is obsolete tomorrow,' said Adrian Moore, a vice president of research at the Los Angeles-based foundation and one of the report's authors."

But on another front, it was good to hear that the University of Pittsburgh is rolling out Wi-Fi in Oakland and at each of its branch campus settings.

I love the idea that Pitt is doing Wi-Fi. That's who should be doing it -- because Pitt isn't really a governmental entity.

Note that the plans for a city-wide network, one that I'd fully support, have not been announced. I'd love to eat my words and see a Wi-Fi everywhere in the city, if not the county. But, I won't hold my breath.

The original report: Reason.org/wifibroadband/.

graffiti.maverick - on my exploratory committee...

FWIW.

graffiti.maverick - on my exploratory committee... I've always pretty much acknowledged that given my wacky politics and my refusal to join either party I couldn't win, but now I'm thinking if a 26 year old, with no real experience, can be mayor. Why not me. So I told Mike I'd form an exploratory committee to look into the idea. (no one just announces they're running for office. You always need to form a committee to investigate the possibility).

Welcome to the exploratory committee!

Josh had some pull with the media because he was still in high school.

LeRoy might have some great pull now, because he's in heaven.

This guy has a blog, at least.

It wouldn't be too hard to get onto the ballot, even as a Republican. But, you'll need to work about an hour for each of five signatures. So, you need 200 -- then you might expect to slave for 40 hours. And, the work needs to happen in a three week period.

To run for mayor as a candidate outside the D and R party, increase the workload by 20 times, at least.

As for electability, you are not only pretty, but modest as well. That combination is potent, as Bob O'Connor proved in 2005. In 2001 the public wasn't looking for pretty. In fact, our internal polls show that in 2001 pretty was a handicap. But, the trends may have shifted. Catch that wave, if you can.

Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center - PittsburghPlatform

Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center - PittsburghPlatform
# Nonprofit in Pittsburgh
# Hiring an executive director in December, 2006

Click the link for the details.

I've got a pending story to tell about job pointers I've been floating. But, this isn't the week to spill the details, so -- stay tuned.

But, don't delay on getting your application in the job with the Employment Center.

MacYapper: GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR BUTTS EDITION

MacYapper: GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR BUTTS EDITION If you people don't wake up and realize that I might have a point here, and at least weigh what other candidates have to say carefully, we're going to start another period of endless mediocrity in the 'Burgh.

And one thing we don't need in the 'Burgh is another period of endless mediocrity, run by old school pols.

Jeepers. MacYapper says "Think Again!" I'm olay with that, fur shore.

Perils for Pedestrians Episode 105: Dublin, Velo-City 2005

I've been a big advocate for a massive expansion of bike use in the City of Pittsburgh. While I like Bike-Pgh (the organization), I have felt that they have been too nice. While I like the approach to the rivers and more parks, I feel that the County Riverfront Park proposal of Dave Fawcett on County Council (and Jim Burn, D, too, I guess) is lame as it inserts bikes as a tourist thing when we really need bikes merged into transport to where people travel, and it isn't often to the river's edge. Bikes can flourish in certain parts of Pittsburgh. Got it? Well, this Google Video (like YouTube) on a past Velo-City conference in Dublin hits the sweet-spot in the campaign-presentation I've been craving. Check it out. Get your head around it. It would work for downtown, South Side, North Side, Oakland. And, the benefits will be local housing, residents. This isn't just to promote cycling. We can overhaul a few of our streets and have a huge upside for all, even those in cars. Perils for Pedestrians is a monthly series promoting awareness of issues affecting the safety of people who walk and bicycle. Perils For Pedestrians appears on public access cable stations in many cities across the United States and on DISH Network 9411 - The Universityhouse Channel.

BTW, I'll turn off the auto-play on this posting in a few hours. Comments about that are welcomed.

IamPgh -- does a bit on.... Mark Rauterkus

Just posted:

IamPgh � Mark Rauterkus Mark Rauterkus
NEIGHBORHOOD: South Side (Flats)
WORK: Swim Coach, Journalist, Political Activist
AGE GROUP: 40-50

I’ll ask up front that you, my dear readers, who may feel inclined to turn the comment section of this post into a vehicle for political argument to please refrain.

Read it there. Comment here, there and anywhere.

Allegheny County Democratic Committee

Allegheny County Democratic Committee: "Tuesday, December 05, 2006
More on the mayoral race"

We'll see if my comments at the Allegheny Dem blog stay on the site, or not.

Here is what I posted there.

In the blog posting above, you seem to hint that it's safe to say that all candidates will work with other public officials.

Why forget so quickly.

Mayor Tom Murphy, the biggest Dem in town for a dozen years, was NOT one to work with others. He was the best the Dems had to offer -- and he ruled the D party in town for years.

Tom Murphy didn't work well with others and the saddest thing of all was that the Ds with an ounce of juice really, hardly ever stood up to his folly.

There is little hope nor insurance that the Ds will offer a suite of candidates that work well with others. No guarantee at all.

Yeah, and Doyle is unbeatable -- so why did he take his Green challenger to courts in Harrisburg for an extended ploy to eliminate a challenger. That's unforgivable -- not unbeatable. They've already beaten up our shared democracy.

Jeff Koch is doing something on city council -- except it is as clear as mud

Here is a snip from the city clerk's web site showing the agenda of a pending (this week) Pgh City Council Meeting. This is a future city council meeting and we can expect a vote on something.

Bill number: 2006-0995

Resolution further amending and supplementing Resolution No. 180, effective April 5, 2000, entitled "Providing for an Agreement or Agreements, or use of existing Agreements and/or a Contract or Contracts, or use of existing Contracts, and for the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and/or services for various projects in connection with the Neighborhood Needs Program in Council District 3; and providing for the payment of the costs thereof," By adding new projects and by deleting various other projects. Total cost of all projects is not to exceed $970,000.
SPONSOR(S): JEFFREY S. KOCH

Wow. I bet you can't tell what is happening either.

We don't know how much money has been spent. We don't know how the money is slated to be spent. We don't know anything of the new spending plan for the money. We don't know squat.

This is a good example of why we have overlords in town running the city. The ones on city council are not responsible for being transparent and trusting when it comes to the spending of our money.

This makes for another good example of why those on council in a time of crisis should be put up for re-election every two years, not four. But, in this case with Mr. Koch -- that request will come true. Mr. Koch won a special election in March 2006 and will need to come before the voters in May 2007 for the primary and November 2007 for the general election, if he survives the primary challenges.

When bills such as these come before our city council, without specific insights in the slightest, then I'm saying we need different members on council.

In other city council news, I've put up a new public Google Calendar called Pittsburgh City Hall. If anyone wants to post dates and help to manage this calendar, or if you'd like to subscribe to this calendar, feel free to do so.

Mayor Ravenstahl will seek full term -- hardly. This election isn't for a 'full term' -- thankfully

Luke's in the race. Everyone knew he'd run for the job that he now holds. But, let's get the headline straight.

Mayor Ravenstahl will seek full term in office next year - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Mayor Ravenstahl will seek full term in office next year

Luke runs in the primary with a vote in May 2007. If Luke wins the D primary, he'll be able to advance to the general election in November 2007.

The winner of the November 2007 general election will take the oath of office shortly after the election is certified by the department of elections. That should occur a week or so after the general election, in mid-November.

The victor in the general election of November 2007 gets to serve as mayor for two years, the good lord willing. A full term of four years isn't going to be granted until after the election of 2009. Yes, another election and set of campaigns for Pittsburgh's mayor will occur in 2009 with its spring primary and fall general election.

I'm glad that voters get to choose who will be the mayor for the remainder of the term that began as Bob O'Connor was sworn to uphold the constitution and city charter in January 2006. I welcome the arrival of a full and robust election cycle in 2007, with both primary and general votes.

Come 2009, we'll do it again for the same office. That's great too, in my humble opinion.

We need a more robust system of self-government and democracy in this region. We need to supercharge all aspects of our self-reliance. That occurs, in part, on the campiagn trails and at the voting booths.

When the overlords arrived in the City of Pittsburgh, (i.e., Act 47 team and I.C.A. czars), I suggested that terms of service for all elected officials be cut in half. The mayor, controller and city council should come up for re-election every two years, not four years, when overlords are in town doing the jobs of the mayor, controller and city council.

We can talk about cutting the size of city council, from nine members to seven or five. We can talk about cutting the size of their budgets and perks too. But, perhaps we should cut the lenght of their time in office. Let's double-up on our democracy and vote more often. I want to better leverage the issues of the day with a match of the candidates.

The city's finance troubles of recent times came because of the poor jobs of the mayor, controller and city council. In these times of crisis, we need more accountability -- not less.

With oversight and its distressed status should come an automatic reduction in the length of terms.

Sure, some of those people have since departed. Let's keep them honest.

Thailand -- a photo opportunity thanks to Phipps

From texture - misc.

Bringing the tropics to Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens soon can walk into a lush, jungle-like paradise, with cascading waterfalls, streams, rocks, towering palm trees, the scent of jasmine and numerous wild plants native to Southeast Asia.

Welcome to Pittsburgh's mini-Thailand.

Next weekend, Phipps will open 'Tropical Forest: Thailand,' a $7.5-million, 12,000-square-foot exhibit that is part of the most ambitious expansion project the conservatory has undertaken since it opened in 1893, officials say.

Church and Christmas event: Eastminster's Light Up Night

Church event for Christmas, with buggy rides. (Click for larger view.)

Saturday, December 9, 2006, 6 - 8 pm at Eastminster Church (right across the street from Home Depot). Each year gets bigger and crazier (camels, sheep, live nativity, lights, drama and food). A great event for kids of all ages.

We won our swim meet on Saturday!

QCTimes.com / News / Vilsack returns to his boyhood home

I didn't go out of my way to see the political guy from Iowa -- err -- from the 'Burgh. But, I should have. I'd be interested in getting some feedback on the visit and events. What did you think?

QCTimes.com / News / Vilsack returns to his boyhood home: "Vilsack returns to his boyhood home
By Susan Schmeichel | Sunday, December 03, 2006

PITTSBURGH — At age 5, “Tommy” Vilsack loved chicken pot pies and orange Popsicles, the Iowa governor’s former baby sitter reminisced Saturday during the Democratic presidential candidate’s visit to his boyhood neighborhood.

Vilsack’s campaign stop Saturday in Pittsburgh was part of the candidate’s five-state “Courage to Create Change” tour which began Thursday in Mount Pleasant with his formal announcement of his candidacy. The Democratic governor returned to Des Moines on Saturday night to attend a fundraiser before continuing on to stops in Nevada and South Carolina. "

Christmas Cards begin to arrive

The first Christmas Cards arrived in the mail this week. The first two are from: Jason Altmeyer and his family, and George and Laura Bush.