Tax Day letter to editor from Mark C

Mark C wrote:

I had a "tax day" LTE in the Trib today (4/13/2007). I emailed it early Thursday morning and they printed it on Friday. It was based on some information in the 2006 1040 Instruction Forms. It's bizarre what you find in these stupid forms and what it actually means if you just think about it.

Mark

PS -- LP member Tom Gillooly here in Pittsburgh suggested a military comparison at the end and that seemed much better than what I had originally.

www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/letters/send/s_502433.html

Taxing stuff Friday, April 13, 2007

Consider two obscure claims in the 1040 instructions for filing the 2006 federal income tax:

** Almost 200 million taxpayers file a return ("Message from the Commissioner," Page 2).

** The 2006 estimated average total time burden to file for an individual is 24.2 hours ("Estimated Average Taxpayer Burden for Individuals by Activity," Page 81).

How many people working 2,000 hours per year would it take to file these 2006 tax returns? (Assume, for laughs, that each corporate and organizational filer in that 200 million needs only 24.2 hours, too.) About 2.42 million people.

Consider also that the number of 2006 active-duty U.S. military personnel was 1.38 million.

Unbelievably, it takes about 1 million more people just to file 2006 federal taxes than to serve as America's 2006 active duty defenders.

Conscription and insanity are alive and well, thanks to Congress and its IRS.

Mark Crowley, Plum

Flux was fun

Braddock, wow.

I got a private tour and was able to get a peek at the old swimming pool within the Carnegie Library of Braddock. The pool seemed to be 23 yards long?? And, best of all, it was 4-feet deep in the shallow end. The pool at the Carnegie Library of Homestead is only 2.5 feet deep in the shallow end.

Chatter with, to and about Bill Peduto

Hi Bill,

Remember the open letter I sent you about campaign finance reform's yet unfinished work?

Other issues.

It would be good to talk to you.

What about the closed Neville Ice Rink? Care to help?

There are dozens of issues we should have a conversation about.

Please call.

I will mark - please give me time to first meet with my supporters - I owe it... (... snip ... blog cut... )

Bill did write back to me, again. That's good. My reply:

You're decompressing. But, I'm gearing up. However, on April 28, my family and I head to New Zealand until June 9. Then I'm into summer swimming season at Crafton.

Plus, none of your supporters are running for County Executive & Mayor.

And, my slate of candidates is now up to 12! I think (... snip ... blog cut... ). He is a great candidate, and we'll see how Twanda does -- if she emerges.

This week: On Tuesday, 7 pm at Phillips School on the South Side, Sarah Street, I'm hosting a meeting among any interested community members to talk about the city's RFP about Neville Ice Rink. Can you send some supporters over there? Any hockey friends?

Furthermore, another meeting is slated for TalkShoe.com on Thursday night at 9 pm on the same topic. Sign up with TalkShoe.com to get a PIN.

Second Open Web / Phone Conference: 9 pm on Thursday, April 19 at http://www.TalkShoe.com.

To join the live phone call conference, call: (724) 444-7444 - Talkcast ID: 3177

Surf to http://www.TalkShoe.com and "sign up" for a TalkShoe "PIN" (personal identification number) before the session. It is easy and free. Then you can join the conversation with only a telephone call.

Questions, insights and tips about getting onto the agenda, please call or email Mark Rauterkus, Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412 298 3432 = cell.

Finally, my $.02 tip for tonight. I think you should gear to a switch to Indie on Jan 1, 2009. But, you've got to have a pit bull in the race in the D primary in 2009.

---

I've been put off before. I'm patient. But, I really don't like it when those on Grant Street don't return phone calls. And, I'm sorta relentless.

There has been a bit of chatter at some of the other blogs about Peduto, again, about the final decision for the 2007 general election. All in all, there is now a wedge problem. In a nutshell, some need to get wedgies.

My neighbor's pet name for one of my kids is 'Wedge.' He calls the other 'Spike.' Simple tools. Effective. Efficient. Other simple tools: ballots, votes, word-of-mouth.

Official: No Slots Money For Schools In 2007-08

No slots for tots, yet. We are still holding our breath. We are turning blue.

kdka.com - Official: No Slots Money For Schools In 2007-08 Slot-machine gambling in Pennsylvania will not provide enough revenue to allow school districts to cut property taxes for the 2007-08 school year, Gov. Ed Rendell's top budget official said Friday.

The state budget secretary, Mike Masch, made the legally required certification in a letter to Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak, disappointing some state gambling regulators who had hoped that the reductions would be possible in the coming school year.

Masch also used the opportunity to press the case for an increase in the state sales tax, as Rendell proposed in February as a way to offset further cuts in rapidly rising school taxes.

What about money for the budget for the City of Pgh? Wasn't there money expected in 2007? Didn't the OVERLORDS insist that money be put into the mix? Will some of the windfall come just for the sale of the license, even though the slots parlor isn't earning a nickle yet.

Other sites are making money. Other sites have paid for their license too. I'm not even sure if Barden's $50-million was given to the state yet since there are legal challenges.

Creating Passionate Users: How to host a product/feature design party

Creating Passionate Users: How to host a product/feature design party

Process.

Rivers Club - Saturday, April 21

Ron Morris is doing his radio show next Saturday morning at the Rivers Club. It is by invite only. Call 412-249-8662 to leave a message or speak with Angela Sceziorka.

From Logos

From chatter on TalkShoe.com today while Ron's show was in progress.

Maori Relics. Are there any in the Carnegie in Pittsburgh?

My family and I are starting the long process of packing for our pending trip to New Zealand. So, you start with the big stuff.

Are there any artifacts, relics or historical tribal trinkets that are on loan (or stolen) from the Maori people of New Zealand in Pittsburgh that should be returned?

I'm willing to take them with us, but I'll need to know soon, before we too far along in our packing.

Candidate: Patrick Dowd at forum last night

His opponent didn't show. Even Twanda showed up that night.

Dowd didn't stay.

Told ya: Peduto won't run as independent - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Told ya.

Peduto won't run as independent - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto announced today that he won't run in the November general election against Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

Next, the editors and reporters of the Trib are going to run a LONG LIST of other people who won't and can't run for mayor in 2007.

I'm very thankful to Bill for talking about the November 2007 election. General elections do occur in Pittsburgh. They are a part of the process.

CollegeSwimming.com::Slippery Rock Settles Title IX Suit -

The trend here is to NOT make 2nd class citizens. Meanwhile, don't end up with 3rd class citizens either.

The other trend is to do the option that is one step better than the worst possible option. I hate those types of decisions. I really hate them when it comes to education. Education needs to be about being right on. Education should be about excellence.

CollegeSwimming.com::Slippery Rock Settles Title IX Suit - In Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University, agreed to set aside $300,000 to enhance women's sports and be monitored for three years to ensure compliance with Title IX. The suit followed a July ruling by the U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose that the school must reinstate women's water polo and swimming.

The Women's Law Project's Susan Frietsche explained, 'The school has agreed not to treat their women athletes as second-class citizens and they deserve credit for this settlement as well.

'A banner day for college swimming!' proclaimed CSCAA Executive Director Phillip Whitten, who also added, “Presumably Ms Fietsche was not comparing them to the male swimmers who, if the women swimmers were second-class citizens, surely must be reckoned as third-class citizens.'

Mayors are bird-brains!

edmontonsun.com - Hockey - Mayors are bird-brains! OTTAWA -- Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien took his friendly NHL playoff rivalry with the mayor of Pittsburgh to a new level yesterday when he declared the nation's capital a penguin-free zone. As part of the shenanigans, O'Brien had arranged for a person in a penguin costume to interrupt the meeting and accost him.

After a brief struggle, two police officers arrested and handcuffed the over sized bird.

Word soon reached the office of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. After receiving photos of the penguin's arrest, Ravenstahl's office forwarded the pictures to a zoologist at the Pittsburgh Zoo - one of the most respected zoos in the U.S.

'In the zoologist's professional opinion, this was not a penguin,' said Dick Skrinjar, Ravenstahl's director of communications. 'It's a kiwi. So your mayor has made a mistake.'

I'm not going to pick on the Kiwi in this blog. That would be bad form as we're headed to New Zealand in two weeks.

But, let's review. Here is a Penguin. He lives on the North Side.

From Logos

Here is a Penguin mascot taken from a fan's blog. They crap on the neighborhoods called The Hill District.

Here is a photo of a building that the Penguins had covered and then abandoned. It has since gone bust. This is in the South Side.



Here are some kwel Kiwi designs. There they play a team game, rugby, and have a world famous squad called the All Blacks.

Finally, talking about handcuffs at sports venues is a subject that our mayor might blush about.

Flux returns this weekend on Saturday night

Should be great. I used to help with some of these events, way back. I hope to attend on Saturday.

She's a big donor to politicians, but it's news to her

You win some and you lose some with politics and media coverage. This is a win. And, the photos of the politicians are respectable.

She's a big donor to politicians, but it's news to her She's a big donor to politicians, but it's news to her
Allegheny County's biggest contributions come from 90-year-old widow

The headline, however, doesn't say anything about the ploy being from the Republicans.

She is a big donor to GOP politicians, and it is news to her.

This is another great reason to talk about campaign finance reform.

All politicians steal -- ouch. Except those who have no money. Being poor is a virtue. That's the way I want to be. I'm not interested in being a good theft. I'm not interested in being good at money laundering.

Politicians advance themselves by taking government money. Or, they take government services and put their names and photos on the public image elements. Or, they take now, it seems, from seniors who are wealthy and not at the top of their mental game.

---

Update: Politicians to return woman's trust fund donations

Shame on the P-G for these photos of Pat and Len

Is this funny or sad?

From people & vips

We heard from Twanda last night. Dowd gave an opening. David Adams won the night.

I was there. I've got some video too.

Last night's candidate debate among candidates for city council's seat in district 9 and 7 and city controller Democrats included a mention of my presence. It was nice to be recognized from the podium after the controller candidates gave their answers to the various rounds of questions.

I would have loved to have been a part of the presentations and would have done much like Patrick Dowd did. He gave his opening statement of 3-minutes. Then he departed.

Patrick could have stayed. He might have had another appointment. But, he should have ranted all night about the no-show opponent, Len Bodack, Jr.

There are five folks that are running for the Dem primary in the city controller race. Only one will emerge from the May 15 primary and advance to the general election. Then another election occurs. The winner of the general election in November gets to be sworn into office in January 2008.

KDKA Radio Host, Marty Griffin, is playing a bit from Twanda from last night's presentation. She talked a lot about 'accountability.' Nobody called her on the charges or the spending issues from her office. Well, there are a lot of reasons that perk into this story. It is fair to say that Marty Griffin has no grip on any of various issues.

It was amazing that Twanda showed up. I didn't expect the issue of her charges to come to a head there. Nothing was said, other than the words from Twanda that called for accountability, because there are far more important dragons to slay. The issue didn't hang like a lead balloon among those in that venue last night because the people there are smarter than the media that hosts radio talk shows.

The people there know Twanda. Last night wasn't about Twanda. People understand that the debate is more about a decision on May 15, 2007, and less about checks and spending from a member on city council.

Politics is about the future. The meeting hosted by B-PEP was about the future.

The corruption parts of the discussions for the D.A., investigators, and fact finders -- and they'll be all about the past.

A few callers to the show told Marty that the issues didn't correlate with Imus and Twanda.

In the community -- or should I type, "hood," the stand-off among the "authorities" and the "people" of color can't be ignored. When a gun of a police officer is pointed into the face of a young (less than 10-years old) girl of color in the back seat of a car, it isn't much of a stretch to think again about charges against a council women from others in power.

Bad things are happening on the streets. Really bad things. Kids are being shot. From time to time, the police are doing the shooting. School performance is bad. Economic hope is bad. This is ugly. Drugs, you name it. When things are so bad, a few pass-through checks is like a pimple on a donkey.

The corruption can't be excused. It is wrong. But, it is what it is. And, I have a thought that the people in District 9 won't vote for Tawanda unless they have a personal relationship with her.

Most of the people at the forum last night were looking past Twanda. Some were there to support Twanda. And those friends and family might allow her to win the Dem primary.

A large field of candidates makes it more difficult to unseat an incumbent. Twanda can win the primary. But, that won't guarantee another term. The general election is, thankfully, still a part of the political process.

My prediction: If Twanda wins the Dem Primary, David Adams will beat her in the general election. David Adams will end Twanda's career.

Interesting side note. At the end of the meeting last night, a benadiction was offered. The prayer asked for a DAVID to arrive, as in the Biblical David who took down the giant. David Adams was standing at his seat, next to the microphone and speaker. The spirit found in the message of that prayer was a serious endorsement for David Adams. It was just an interesting blogger's reflection.

My aggravation with the coverage from the likes of Marty Griffin goes to the show's content. He must have mentioned Twanda's name 100 times in the last hour. Meanwhile, he didn't mention the name of any others in the race. Zippo.

To take down those in power takes a one-two punch. One is the take down of those in power and their silly ways. The second act needs to be a build-up of the challengers. The limelight needs to go to others with alternative ways.

When the only tool you have is a hammer -- everything looks like a nail. The media and D.A. swing hammers -- but they don't do anything for a build up.

Paradise and another in studio guest were asked, "Are you disappointed in Twanda?" Neither were. I was not disappointed in Twanda as she showed up. I was disappointed that she didn't show up to the last debate at the library. I was HAPPY that she had the courage to show up.

The second fine remark from the guest said you let the charges run its course. You be patient.

All politicians steal. Twanda just joins the ranks of others. So, in a twisted way, Twanda's thefts, alleged, are not "show stoppers" to a candidate debate. Twanda has been beat upon in the media. Among neighbors, there was no need or desire to to see more bare-knuckle smack downs.

Footnotes:

Missing from the line-up of city council candidates: Ora Lee Carroll and Randall Taylor. Where where they?

In the controller's race, I talked to one guy who thought Mike Dawida won. His 2nd was a tie between Doug Shilds and Tony Pokora. I didn't see it the way he did. But, I don't generally agree with the political understandings of this friend.

The journalist in the audience were not the ones who were asking the questions. The TV 11 crew seemed to be getting interviews from spectators, not even talking to the candidates. So, it is no wonder that a hard-hitting question wasn't put up to Twanda. The MSM was not good for its watchdog role nor for the education of the other candidates.

Finally, when I ran for city council in a nine-person race, I didn't let any weirdness occur without a reply. When another candidate says something goofy, and I'm in the race, I went out of my way to challenge the double-speak and falsehoods. That helps to sustain a positive conversation. But those types of re-directed remarks take candidates off message. Plus, the put-down to the silliness of statements by others isn't the best way to earn votes for the speaker. Being brutally honest is valued in the conversation but it is discounted at ballot box.

If I had been a candidate in the city council district 9 race and on that panel last night, I would have repeated, word-for-word, a few of the statements Twanda just made, moments before.

Perhaps my script would have included: "I just heard something of keen insight. A speaker here displayed a tight grasp on the issues at hand. These words can't be ignored. I think it is worth my time at the microphone to repeat the words here in my notes. ... (blah, blah, blah) ... Right On Sister! Right On.

When I get the video opened, I'll fill in the blah, blah, blah part. The accountability line is on the radio.

Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter

Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter YING AND YANG IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA POLITICS Mark RauterKus

Frequent TAE contributor Mark Rauterkus takes a look at what citizens can do to make an impact on the political scene beyond casting a vote on Election Day. Mark's website is http://rauterkus.blogspot.com .

Feel invited. Feel welcomed. Feel Free. Show up!

My political presentation includes another, a from the League of Young Voters:

http://www.BootCampPgh.org

Blast from the past

Citizens get shaken by both the Elephant and Donkey (i.e., GOP and Dem party mascots). The money spills from his pockets. Libertarians don't treat fellow citizens and taxpayers like this.

BootCamp - Pittsburgh - a rich, but no charge, event of community and technology. Be there!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Justin Kownacki

Kownacki Productions, LLC

412-628-4231

jkownacki@gmail.com

http://www.bootcamppgh.org

FREE Internet BootCamp Announces Schedule

Pittsburgh, PA, April 12, 2007 – The organizers of last year’s wildly successful PodCamp Pittsburgh are pleased to announce the schedule for BootCamp PGH, a FREE one-day introductory event for internet users on April 21. The 25 sessions will cover the basics of blogging, podcasting, and “social networking” (i.e. making social and business contacts using websites like MySpace). Presenters include a wide range of experts, including popular podcasting musician Matthew Ebel, online entertainment guru and PodCamp co-founder Chris Brogan of Network2, the creator and cast of local web series “Something To Be Desired”, and Pittsburgh-based internet personality iJustine, runner-up in Yahoo’s recent national Talent Search. The event will be held at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, 420 Boulevard of the Allies, on Saturday April 21, from 9am-5pm. For more information and to register for FREE, go to www.bootcamppgh.org.

The 25 scheduled sessions include an introduction to blogging including a hands-on workshop where participants will create blogs of their own, a step-by-step guide to creating a podcast along with discussions of what to talk about and how to talk about it more effectively, an exploration of using the internet to expand small businesses, and a beginner’s guide to creating an online identity and posting photos using sites like MySpace, Flickr, and Twitter. Many sessions will be held in computer labs with high-speed internet access, so having a laptop is not necessary to attend, although they are welcome. Additional individual help will be offered throughout the day in the “Mentoring Lounge”. By the end of the day, participants will be able to start their own blogs and podcasts and will be fully prepared for the more in-depth topics that will be covered at PodCamp Pittsburgh 2, another FREE weekend event in August that’s expected to draw some of the biggest names on the internet. For more information and a complete list of the sessions and their times, go to www.bootcamppgh.org.

Matthew Ebel is a singer-songwriter whose last album was recorded using Garage Band, a standard piece of software that usually comes pre-installed on Macintosh computers. He is also the host of the High Orbit Podcast, which features “podsafe music” which can be used for free on any podcast. Mr. Ebel will lead the introduction to audio recording.

Chris Brogan is the community developer for Network2, the online guide to internet TV. He is also the co-founder of PodCamp, a worldwide movement bringing together the most influential names in “new media”. Mr. Brogan will be discussing the value of building an online community and will also help present the introduction to podcasting.

“Something To Be Desired”, the only ongoing web series set and shot in Pittsburgh and one of the longest-running shows on the internet, has been online since 2003 and has developed a devoted worldwide following. The cast, along with creator Justin Kownacki, who is also a co-organizer of BootCamp PGH and the upcoming PodCamp Pittsburgh 2, will offer performance tips and discuss finding your unique voice in order to create compelling content.

Justine Ezarik, known to much of the world as iJustine, came in second in the recent Yahoo! Talent Search, a national competition to find the next internet superstar, and is Pittsburgh’s top videoblogger. Her video shorts can be seen at www.MommyPackMyLunch.com, and her official blog is www.TastyBlogSnack.com. Ms. Ezarik will present numerous sessions throughout the day, including hands-on demonstrations of social media tools like MySpace and Twitter.

Other presenters include the co-founders of Pittsburgh Bloggers: Cynthia Closkey, Mike Woycheck, and Christina Schulman; Alex Landefeld of Silurian-Devonian Films and the Minute Lit podcast; Mike Sorg and the Wrestling Mayhem crew; Guru.com’s Jia Ji; Shawn Smith of weekly podcast Geek Riot; Jim Shireman of Pittsburgh sports blog and podcast Sportsocracy; Allegheny County Executive candidate Mark Rauterkus; Mark Juliano, VP of podcast hosting site TalkShoe; and more.

BootCamp PGH is seeking additional sponsors and is open to adding presenters. Interested parties should contact Justin Kownacki at jkownacki@gmail.com.

For additional information, Contact:

Justin Kownacki
Kownacki Productions, LLC
412-628-4231
jkownacki@gmail.com

http://www.bootcamppgh.org

Matthew Ebel

The Cast of “Something To Be Desired”

iJustine

Another potential media coordinator checks out.

People had suggested that I retain Kurt Vonnegut as my media coordinator. Sadly, that can't happen now.

Kurt Vonnegut, whose novels included "Slaughterhouse Five" and "Cat's Cradle," has died at 84.

Welcome Home Suzie -- What's up with C.V.?

The brother with a successful basketball program does not get a contract renewal from Chartiers Valley School Board. Then today the word is that the sister gets the gig at Duquesne Univ. women's team.

Video from candidate night at South Side Slopes will come online some day

The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Group had a candidate night. I got some video. It was a nice event if you like the drones of the Ds and Rs.

I didn't hear the word Freedom, Liberty, War, nor Children once. Justice was talked about with the Sheriff candidates. When they talked, I didn't tape, sadly. They were good and the contrast among the three was interesting.

Michael Lamb came late and only got to give a 3-minute statement at the closing. Mike Dawida came after others had talked and got 3-minutes by himself as well, without the camera.

Rick Swartz was there, as was Dan Onorato. I don't think I'll be able to post the video without injecting my thoughts along the way. With the candidates of district 9, I had no problem in letting the video flow without a peep. In some of these other instances, I'm leaning to a cut-and-paste reaction to what was said.

The night started with talks from Jeff Koch and Bruce Kraus. Some of what they said was missed as well, as I didn't get there until after swim practice.

All in all, I thought Doug Shields did a good job. Better than I expected. But, he had an easy night in that his only other heavy weight opponent was Tony P, a guy that has been parked on Grant Street for a long time too.

I heard that Comcast has an ON-DEMAND candidate debate among the D controllers in the field. Is this true? I don't have the digital cable package. Is it worth my watching? It is an on-demand, but without an extra charge, so I understand. Insights welcome.

As they say in the TV world, .... "Stay tuned!"

BootCamp PGH Schedule and Sessions

BootCamp PGH - BootCamp PGH Schedule/Sessions Media Politics - How new media changes political and community action using wikis, hybrid CDs and concept maps. Hosted
by Mark Rauterkus

If you are reading this blog, you need to clear some time for yourself on Saturday, April 21, 2007 -- and join me and a hundred or more other netizens at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for a Bootcamp. This will be a great day for blending community, technology and creativity.

We'll be talking about this schedule with all the presenters on WEDNESDAY, April 18 at noon on a TalkShoe Talkcast. That pre-event telephone / web conference call might give you insights on what's going to be covered, when and by whom.

Town Hall Meeting on the proposed riverfront park slated for April 19

New Riverfront Park - First Town Hall Thursday, April 19, 2007
5:30 PM at the Cork Factory (Strip District)

Come listen and ask questions as Councilmen Dave Fawcett and Jim Burn discuss the creation of a county-wide riverfront park.

RSVP to TownHall@ventureoutdoors.org
Keep an eye out for more Town Hall meetings to come!

I have plenty to say about this park concept. Plenty. But, I'll just go to the meeting and see what they have to say. However, I'm not able to get there right as the meeting begins. I'll be at swim practice until 6 pm. So, I really would love to get someone there, front row, with a video camera (perhaps mine) to capture the entire presentation.

iPods, Blogs and Beyond: Evolving Media Literacy for the 21st Century

NATIONAL MEDIA EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2007 - Alliance for a Media Literate America Welcome to the 2007 National Media Education Conference Web site!

The event is in St. Louis, June 23 to 26.

BootCamp is cheaper, closer and nearly as good. BootCampPgh.org is going to be better, I bet, if you are a newbie publisher.

Pittsburgh leaders set for China trip - Last Call

Last call: If you want to blog with me while Dan Onorato and others are in China -- let me know. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to blog on a DAILY basis about the trip, Pittsburgh's connection to China, all of our Chinese Restaurants, what it means to really REDD Up, and more.

Pittsburgh leaders set for China trip - Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh community leaders and company representatives are traveling to China on Friday for an eight-day mission aimed at building business relationships with the country, they announced at a news conference Tuesday.

Among those making the trip are Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Mike Langley.

We've got a blog dedicated to this activity, Allegheny.blogspot.com, so you don't need to feel as if you got hooked into blogging at this Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates Blog. There, we can talk like Emperors, with or without clothing.

Public statement from today to city council - 4-11-07

White House seeks "czar" to oversee wars: report - Yahoo! News

White House seeks "czar" to oversee wars: report - Yahoo! News: 'The very fundamental issue is, they don't know where the hell they're going,' Sheehan told the Post.

Sheehan said he believes that Vice President
Dick Cheney and his hawkish allies remain more powerful within the administration than pragmatists looking for a way out of Iraq, the Post reported.

'So rather than go over there, develop an ulcer and eventually leave, I said, 'No, thanks,' ' Sheehan told the paper.

Retired Army Gen. Jack Keane and retired Air Force Gen. Joseph Ralston were also approached and said they were not interested in the position, the newspaper said, citing sources.

Ralston declined to comment while Keane confirmed he turned down the job, the Post said.

Education Week: A Digital Decade

Education Week: A Digital Decade “Billions of dollars are being spent each year in an effort to prepare schools and students for tomorrow’s technological demands and challenges,” we wrote. “And the fast-changing landscape of educational technology only complicates the task for policymakers and administrators who seek to make ‘smart’ decisions about how to proceed.”

That was the news from 10 years ago. Today is is worse.

Twanda and two others, staffers, are in hot water

Humm.

If the Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board was functional, perhaps some of this could have been avoided sooner.

Regardless, Twanda is toast. She is sunk politically, I expect. So, let's not spend too much time wondering about her when we need to spend more time looking ahead. Who is the best qualified to be on council to take her place? Who has the best statements and vision for council district 9? Who is going to win the D primary? Who is going to enter the general election? Who can beat David Adams? And, isn't he, David Adams, the best for the job?

I'm name dropping here as he isn't in the D party primary. And, he wants to be on council. And, I know that the winner of the general election is the won to take the oath of office come January 2008.

Seminar for those interested inthe Pgh Gifted Center

Wed. April 18, from 3:30 to 7 pm, a seminar is being hosted by the Pgh Gifted Center.

Details here and on the Google Calendar for that date and time.

Excel 9-12. Slides, news release and video from Pgh Public Schools

In case you missed it:

Excel 9-12: "Education Committee Presentation

April 10, 2007

Florida and Puerto Rican manatees may be removed from 'endangered species list' - Wikinews

Great news.

Florida and Puerto Rican manatees may be removed from 'endangered species list' - Wikinews The Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service or USFWS has announced that the Florida and Puerto Rican manatee will most likely be removed from the Endangered Species List and have their status upgraded to 'threatened.'

Handling the panhandlers. Anyone home?

Return phone calls to the media and to citizens.

Handling the panhandlers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Councilman Jeff Koch, who represents Central Oakland including the main drag leading to the University of Pittsburgh, did not return phone messages.

Dick Skrinjar, spokesman for Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, referred questions to police and said those who are complaining should call the city's 311 help line -- 412-255-2621.

California authorizes $250M for L.A. Olympics - Tuesday April 10, 2007 4:12PM

SI.com - More Sports - California�authorizes $250M for L.A. Olympics - Tuesday April 10, 2007 4:12PM Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation Tuesday that authorizes $250 million in state money to underwrite the 2016 summer Olympics if Los Angeles is picked as the host city.

Just $250 Million. Heck PA could pay for that with slots income and still have money left over for property tax relief.

Widespread Panic -- has hearing protection

Ever hear of Widespread Panic? They are playing in Pgh.

Pointers and reviews are welcome.

Gordie Howe Statue

Gloveside Zen Photo - Gordie Howe Statue Just in time for the playoffs. This guy, even without a helmet, can absorb a hard body check.

Pennsylvania health care leadership committee action conference #6

April 13, 2007 – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Kearns Spirituality Center, La Roche University, Pittsburgh

co-sponsored by: Health Education & Legislative Action Fund of Pa (HELP), Just HealthCare - PUSH, and the sisters of divine providence

Hundreds of leaders of the health care reform movement from all corners of the Commonwealth have attended these action meetings. This is the first time the meeting will be held in western Pennsylvania and you are invited.

10 AM to Noon Open Strategy Session

noon – lunch available $7.50 (please RSVP*)

1 PM to 3:00 PM – “The Great Health Care Debate”

Proponents of the Governor’s private insurance based “Prescription for Pennsylvania” (HB 700) will debate supporters the public health trust single payer based “Family & Business Health Care Security Act” (SB 300).

All agree that something bold must be done. Both proposals are pending in the General Assembly – which of these two competing plans deserves your support?

Two weeks before the first round of voting and FRANCE has 12 candidates

Did you see the photo in the PG that showed pedestrians 12 posters in a row of frames that featured the dozen candidates for President of France.

With nearly two years to go, the US has that many candidates. But, how many will be around with 2-weeks before the election?

Consider local races and the depth of candidates.

I don't dream of ballot clutter. However, I think we should have "NONE OF THE ABOVE" in all races where there is only one candidate. I'd love to see "ALL THE ABOVE" as a built in option in all elections.

Hot scoop, exclusive insights on High School Reform Report

From planning-urban

You heard it here first. The long awaited report on high school reform for Pgh Public Schools is about to be released. A group of hand-picked weenies were locked away for months and months. They slaved at the request of Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. They didn't allow for any leaks -- until now.

They will report to the Pgh Public School Board within hours.

They want the students to learn more. They think it would help if the students were nicer to each other and had an environment where discipline isn't just a four-letter word. Plus, they'd like 'rigor' to become the new drinking word in all academic settings.

From people & vips

Hill hopes: The new arena can revive a community

Hill hopes: The new arena can revive a community The Hill District, potentially one of the most dynamic areas of growth and investment in the city, is fortunate to have committed activists speaking on its behalf on a variety of issues.

The Hill District can be and should be a dynamic place. Its modern-day potential is not realized. There is a long way to go.

However, I feel certain that The Hill District will always be in a state of flux, bad flux at that, when the NHL uses that neighborhood as a venue for the Pgh Penguins.

In my not so humble opinion, the Hill District will flourish and thrive once the Penguins play somewhere else.

Putting 18,000 people into your neighborhood for three periods makes for a lot of checking, a lot of slashing, a lot of bone crushing hits on quality of life issues.

The way to flourish is to buffer the special events by using the existing Mellon Arena as a civic arena. Drop the top decks. Hold more modest events. Squeeze 5,000 into seats there for non NHL events.

Put the Penguins into another area of Allegheny County.

That's the key to turning the Hill District one of America's greatest neighborhoods.

Onorato2007.com has opened AND it ain't all good.

Meanwhile, this blog, http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com, got a score of 65% good. So take that! Blow the trumpets!

Anyone want to blog with me about the 'redd up tour' as Onorato goes to China?

From china - sculp...

Dan Onorato is headed to China. I'm looking for some bloggers and others to help stitch together some content while he travels and nat.

Interested?

I've got a space reserved: http://Allegheny.blogspot.com.

Campaign 2007/City Council: District 3 race presents voters with varied styles

Campaign 2007/City Council: District 3 race presents voters with varied styles: Mr. Koch is counting on his just-get-it-done attitude to win a full four-year term, even if some of his efforts haven't yet come to fruition. Last month, for instance, he got the city to ask for proposals from groups that would reopen the Neville Ice Arena, which has sat empty for five years. But proposals aren't due until after the May 15 primary.

Jeff Koch speaks of the ice rink. Yes.

I don't vote in the D primary. But, if I did, I'd rather vote for a ZERO than a minus eight, according to my score. My range goes from plus 10 to minus 10. Sure, Koch is a zero. But, a zero is about eight points higher than Bruce A. Kraus.

Since Koch got the RFP out of city hall, after taking a year's time to do so, his stock is climbing. He might score a .25 soon.

Do Democrats Own the Internet?

No. Especially not in this town, with your help.

Patrick Ruffini :: Do Democrats Own the Internet? Following the Q1 money reports, bloggers and the pundits are all atwitter about Democrat online fundraising numbers. My friend Robert Bluey pens a column rounding up the story in Townhall. Other places with good thoughts on this debate are Kung Fu Quip (authored by ex-RNC Internet director Mike Turk), David All and the Bivings Report.

I have my own perspective on this issue, having led the RNC’s Internet operations in 2006 and now serving as an outside advisor to one of the GOP campaigns (Rudy Giuliani). And as someone who monitors trends on this daily (in my post last Sunday, I actually expected Obama’s Internet number to be higher), I think much of the commentary on this is missing the point.

Dems around her do NOT embrace open systems. I do.

But the article's author and I agree about the merit of comments being only a few short strokes away from a windfall of cash donations.

In their world, at this time, most of the talk is driven by money. Money, money, money.

In Pittsburgh, the talk and buzz does NOT need to be driven by money. Issues, trust, knowledge, solutions, relationships and deeds can count for 70-percent of the buzz. Money, machine, and media account for the rest.

The value of an open system approach on the internet is to build 'value' that won't show on the fiscal balance sheet.

Another article, same message.

Survey Gives Good Reviews to Online Product Reviews: "marketers should take away from the survey is that the brands that exploit the two-way communication potential of Web 2.0 will gain an edge over competitors. 'You want to find a way to engage with the community in a dialogue,' said Murray."

Federal Reseve Monopoly over Money. Ron Paul's latest newsletter hits home run for opening day discussions

The Federal Reseve Monopoly over Money Few Americans give much thought to the Federal Reserve System or monetary policy in general. But even as they strive to earn a living, and hopefully save or invest for the future, Congress and the Federal Reserve Bank are working insidiously against them. Day by day, every dollar you have is being devalued.

There is no 'inside baseball' in Ron Paul's statements. But, he does talk a good game of inside politics and inside economics.

Check out the article on his site, or in the comments.

18-seconds of video that is still giving fits to Pgh's Planning Board and now its Legal Department

Here

We are still waiting for an official policy from on the use of video cameras and recording devices for city planning meetings. Now the legal department is making sure the pending, unreleased policy is valid.

Oh my gosh.

Kiski Area needs a swim coach

Kiski Area is accepting applications for the position of Head Varsity Swimming and Diving Coach. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, three letters of recommendation, and clearances to: Ryan Berberich - Athletic Director, Kiski Area High School, 200 Poplar Street, Vandergrift, PA 15690 Deadline: April 16, 2007

Lou Dobbs interviews Ron Paul tonight

Congressman Ron Paul will be interviewed on CNN's Lou Dobbs program tonight between 5:30 - 6:00 pm CT.

This Wednesday, Congressman Paul will make his first campaign trip to Iowa. Here is the schedule of public events as posted by the Republican Party of Iowa.

Public comment to City Council, April 7, 2007. Handing voter registration form to Bill Peduto

On Wed, April 4, 2007, I spoke to both city council in the morning and county council in the evening.

I'll move these posts in the days to come, to the day that they were delivered. But, this one just got uploaded.

If the image or file does not play, hang tight. It will. It takes YouTube some time from the upload before the link becomes active.

Judges make a smack down of ballot access. On to the US Supreme Court

Ken K, past candidate for PA Governor and a leader in the ballot access movement wrote with some bad news:

I just received word today that the 3rd circuit federal appeals court has denied our request for an en banc rehearing of our ballot access case to have the 67,000-signature requirement ruled unconstitutional. (Background and other info regarding the ballot access lawsuit can be found at
www.paballotaccess.org/news.html.)

Our only recourse now is to appeal to the US Supreme court, which (of course) we are doing. We have 90 days to file the appeal, and extensions are routinely granted, I'm told.

So the courts have struck yet another blow for tyranny and against the plain meaning of the Constitution. No surprise. Another reason to vote Libertarian -- as if we needed any more!

Health Care takes center stage tonight in a debate

PA Gov. Ed Rendell has said that he'd sign the universal, single-payer "Family and Business Healthcare Act" once it passes the House and Senate. He agrees that that legislation is superior to his own set of health care bills.

To date, the story has not been told by the MSM. So far, SB 300 (the superior, citizen driven bill) has been ignored while the Governor's legislation, HB 700, has received the lion's share of attention. The two approaches are NOT similar. The two bills would have different impacts on PA.

At 9 pm on MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, PA Health Care, and a TV show, Progressives for Pennsylvania (host) are to stage a conversation with Gov. Ed Rendell (Prescription for Pennsylvania) and a leader of HELP Fund PA's Chuck Pennacchio (Family and Business Healthcare Security Act). Tune in to: http://www.pcntv.com/

More insights at http://www.helpfundpa.org.

Advance coverage.

Presently, a dozen states are considering universal, single-payer healthcare. Pennsylvania presents the greatest confluence of factors favoring passage: demographics, economics, and politics. There are 31 co-sponsors in the PA House and PA Senate among both Democrat and Republican.

Zen and the art of Nonprofit Technology: How do we do make change if we keep doing things the same way?

Zen and the art of Nonprofit Technology: How do we do make change if we keep doing things the same way? In other words, don't make a copies for a workshop, or for a colleague who isn't inside your organization, and definitely don't make a copy for your mother to read.

But it's a journal about technology and social change! This goes back to my constant refrain - the means are the ends. How can we talk about technology in social change, while, at the same time, publishing in a format that limits the availability of this knowledge to people privileged enough to pay for it? How can we talk about promoting change when we're not pushing this content into the commons?

The Public Library of Science is a wonderful example of a reputable, respected peer-reviewed journal where articles are freely available to the public. They say:

Published research results and ideas are the foundation for future progress in science and medicine. Open Access publishing therefore leads to wider dissemination of information and increased efficiency in science ...

President of Pgh FOP talks against paying $85 to police commander