KidsVoice presents Kites for Kids, April 21 at Station Square, To recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: King Communications, 412-661-5411

Pittsburgh, PA (April 2007) – KidsVoice, a local non-profit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and beyond, is presenting Kites for Kids at Station Square on April 21, 2007 as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Many organizations work hard to prevent and treat child abuse. What makes KidsVoice different is its mission and unique model of advocacy. KidsVoice advocates in court and in the community to ensure a safe and permanent home for abused, neglected and at-risk children through collaborative teams including attorneys and other child experts.

A startling number of children are abused in our community. Each year, KidsVoice represents 5,000 children who come from every zip code in Allegheny County. KidsVoice vigilantly guides each child through the court process and coordinates every agency involved to meet the full range of the child’s needs, ensuring that the most appropriate services are in place to protect children from future harm, with the ultimate goal of providing a safe and permanent home for every child.

KidsVoice teams attorneys with in-house experts trained in such areas as mental health, education, child development, case management, and substance abuse. These professionals can recognize the signs of abuse and neglect among children and coordinate assistance to the family.

According to Scott Hollander, Executive Director of KidsVoice “Kites for Kids is an opportunity for KidsVoice to communicate a message of hope and advocacy and familiarize people with our role in protecting our most precious resource, our children. The kites symbolize hope, a happy childhood, and a chance to soar, which unfortunately many local children do not experience. We hope that thousands of people will join us and help send the message to our clients that the community supports and believes in them.

Kites for Kids will be held at Station Square as part of its Spring Fling on April 21, 2007 from Noon – 4pm. The event, which will feature demonstrations, crafts, games, kites and much more, is free and open to the public.

For more information on KidsVoice.

About KidsVoice
Founded in 1908 as the Legal Aid Society of Pittsburgh, KidsVoice is team of diverse professionals committed to creating possibilities for abused, neglected and at-risk children to achieve their fullest potential. KidsVoice advocates for the rights and well being of children in the courtroom, classroom or wherever their voices must be heard.

KidsVoice is a leader among child advocacy organizations, providing a voice of hope, a voice for rights and a voice of experience for children who otherwise who cannot speak for themselves.

[412] Saturday's tech event at the Art Institute of Pgh is open and worthy for all

[412] Saturday's tech event at the Art Institute of Pgh is open and worthy for all:


Hi All,

You are invited to a few comunity events this week.

1. The PDF attachment covers the schedule of a grass-roots technology
event hosted at the Art Institute of Pgh all day on Saturday. Anyone that
surfs the net will be interested. More than 100 are signed up. We'll be
talking podcasting, video, photos and a little politics. Political
discussions are being shaped online now. After you attend a few of
these seminars, you'll be able to host your own blog and more.

I'm presenting about media and politics at 3 pm with a spokesperson
from the League of Young Voters. At 2 pm I'm talking about 'building
your brand.'

http://www.BootCampPgh.org

2. We're meeting tonight at 7 pm at Phillips Elem School to talk about
the RFP (request for proposals) from the city of Pgh about the closed
indoor ice rink on the South Side. Additionally, we'll meet on
Thursday night at 9 pm via http://TalkShoe.com to cover the same
topic.

3. I have running mates and more are welcome. A slate of citizen
candidates running under the "Libertarian" banner is now collecting
signatures from any voter in Allegheny County. Your assistance is
requested. My aim is to get 10,000 signatures just to insure we can
get on the ballot. If you can lend me your autograph on the nomination
papers (form) -- please reply to me at Mark at Rauterkus.com, or call.

4. Visit my blog and various sites for more insights and to see some new videos.


Ta.

Mark Rauterkus Mark at Rauterkus.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://Elect.Rauterkus.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Attached PDF of News Release

Penn Hills Class of 77 Classmates

Classmates - My Announcements: Tonight there will be an online meeting that Mark Rauterkus is hosting on Talk Cast.

There is a talkcast meeting tonight if you can make it at 11PM EST. I know it's late but this is to accomodate people not on the east coast.

Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Talkcast ID: 3177

Your PIN needs to be obtained by going to TalkShoe. com. You'll need your PIN to enter the discussions for speaking and listening. Get that in advance of the meeting. It might take a few minutes.

Mark Rauterkus will play host and helper. The show is simply called, 'On your mark.' We've got to get started.

Jumpcut - Get $1K for winning a concest with a 2-minute video

Jumpcut - Group: If you had just two minutes to show someone what to see, feel and imagine about the future of our world and its resources, what would you do?

Get your message out by participating in the GreenWorld Contest and get discovered as a powerful new talent. Go to www.sffs.org for inspiration provided by leading green activists and organizations on burning issues.

The GRAND PRIZE is $1,000; your work featured at our May 9 GreenWorld Celebration during the 50th San Francisco Int'l Film Festival

2007 Endorsements from the 14th ward dem club

2007_Endorsements: "City of Pittsburgh Mayor = No Endorsement"

Bruce Kraus and Jeff Koch at a community meeting, South Side Slopes

View Video from my Picasa site.

Last week I went to a community meeting of the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Assn. It was a candidate night for the Democrats in the May primary.

I've got some uncut video to share. I'm not with a bunch of time to make it more, just yet. But, I want to share it before it is not able to sway any votes.

This bit starts when I arrived. I had swim practice that night, as usual. So, Bruce Kraus is giving a rant about St. Pats Day on South Side. The first question comes from the audience and deals with an issue near and dear to me, the closed indoor ice rink. By the way, the meeting I called to talk about that facility is slated for tomorrow, Tuesday, at 7 pm at Phillips Elem School on Sarah Street. Plus, we'll have a TalkCast (web and phone) meeting on Thursday at 9 pm via http://TalkShoe.com.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.rauterkus/Debates/photo#5054069263876508642


To share the video with your friends, use the mail-to button on the top of the page.

In November, for the city council district 3 race, I expect to be a candidate -- or have another serve in that role from the Libertarian ticket. So, if your guy does NOT win, there will be a way to work together for the general election.

A guy on the street told me that he sees 2-1 signs in favor of Kraus over Koch. But, signs don't mean much. To me, the signs are nothing but a waste. I'm glad most of the signs here are window sings. They, at least, don't look like litter on a stick, as Jim Ferlo used to say.

As always, reactions welcome.

The Busman's Holiday: Mayor's Ethics Nominee

The Busman's Holiday: Mayor's Ethics Nominee Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has picked his nominee to fill the vacancy on Pittsburgh's Ethics Hearing Board.

She's attorney Penny E. Zacharias, an associate at Buchanan Ingersol and Rooney.

This is how a revolution in local politics happens

Blast from the past:


Watch the Video. We want technology.

In the video, presenting with Kelly Ware and David Dunn at a public event hosted by the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network. David was in Boston today, running the marathon. I hope he survived.

PA Amber Alert: Alexis Roadside, a 4 year old white female child, approximately 3 feet tall and thirty five pounds

AMBER ALERT 04-16-07, SUSPECT: WHT FEM 41 YRS, BLNDE HAIR, 5 FT 100 LBS; CHILD: WHT FEM 4 YRS, SHORT DYED BLACK HAIR, VEHICLE: WHITE 1993 BUICK SDN PA TAG GKK-4359, IF SEEN CALL 911.

The Pennsylvania State Police has issued an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Pennsylvania State Police, Embreeville Station, Chester County.

The Pennsylvania State Police is searching for Alexis Roadside, a 4 year old white female child, approximately 3 feet tall and thirty five pounds. Her hair was recently cropped and dyed black. She was reported abducted by Veronica Roadside, a 41 year old white female with blonde hair, approximately five feet tall and 100 lbs. The vehicle used in the abduction is described as a 1993 white Buick sedan bearing Pennsylvania Registration GKK-4359.

Anyone with information about the abduction should immediately contact the police by calling 911.

This has been an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Pennsylvania State Police, Embreeville Station, Chester County.


Affected Counties: Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Berks, Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton

New Crime Prevention Program To Be Announced - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

This sounds like "Reverse 9-1-1." Yes?

Have you ever see the page in the Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki that is dedicated to this topic? http://69.36.175.17/wiki/index.php/911-plank Last edit 24 October 2006. Began 13 November 2005.

New Crime Prevention Program To Be Announced - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Police Chief Nate Harper will unveil a new crime prevention program Monday.

Citizens can sign up to get alerts about crime in their area.

The program was already tested on the North Side.

Now it is being expanded throughout the city.

The introductory meeting is from 6 to 9 p.m Monday at the Greek Orthodox Church on West North Avenue.

On the South Side, we've had good progress in the past years with NAN, (Neighborhood Awareness Network).

Often, the measure of success isn't counted in dollars and cents.

Blacksburg, Va Tech, -- on our minds

Bill Gupton, wearing the t-shirt. He wrote the note posted below. From people & vips

The photo above was taken in a dorm at Va Tech in Blacksburg. Our family, for the past six or seven years, has gone to a 'church camp' on the Virginia Tech campus.

---

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Board and the entire SUUSI community, I want to express my profound sorrow, sadness, and sympathy for the terrible tragedy that has unfolded this morning at the campus we all love, Virginia Tech. For many of you, this email will be the first you hear of what has been a shooting spree there, which has left more than a dozen dead, and an entire community in shock. As an extended part of that Virginia Tech community, we, too, feel the pain and loss they are suffering.

I have already reached out to our official contacts at Tech, expressing our solidarity with them in this day of mourning, and beyond. Our SUUSI Board meets this coming weekend, and we will be discussing possible ways in which the SUUSI community, can reach out as well -- perhaps through a collection earmarked to a memorial fund, perhaps something else. We will keep you posted and please, if you have any suggestions, send them along.

May this SUUSI Friends List serve as a community sounding board where we can grieve, console, and support one another, just as our full SUUSI community does (in person, one week a year; in spirit, 51 other weeks a year).

In sorrow and in hope -- Namaste
Rev. Bill Gupton, SUUSI Board President

Cutting Men's Swimming Hurts WOMEN too

The Post Online: "The move was made in order to ensure the school’s compliance with Title IX and to help the school’s mounting athletic debt, but it may have also made it harder for Ohio’s women’s program to succeed.

Racism-plank-Paul - PittsburghPlatform

Racism-plank-Paul - PittsburghPlatform It's disconcerting to see third parties become involved and presume to speak collectively for minority groups. It is precisely this collectivist mindset that is at the heart of racism.

Humm.

The women basketball players on the court don't have a radio show. They don't have the juice, such as that of Don Imus. They are college kids. They can try, but would not be successful in speaking out on their own.

We saw a bunch of people rally around the kids. The players need to battle Univ. of Tenn. They need to play ball, study, and be well-rounded student athletes.

I didn't like Imus picking on the players because they are kids. A pro player in the NBA would have the juice to duke it out with Imus.

Still, I agree that government doesn't need to get involved. But, people do. People did. Advertisers spoke too. That's great. That's part of the success of this saga.

Duquesne School District -- target with Marty Griffin

The voice of Pittsburgh, news-radio KDKA, was giving some coverage to the educational mess that is known now as the Duquesne School District. This isn't Duquesne University -- but a river town down the Mon, Duquesne.

More than a year ago, as the outrage was in a boil about the 'right sizing plans' that closed two dozen schools, I gave comment to the Pgh Public Schools. I spoke about Duquesne's schools.

This is a regional issue. But it is a city issue too.

One lady in the audience, a resident in my city council district, wasn't impressed with my willingness to talk on behalf of the students at Duquesne. She was worried about Knoxville School's closing. I too worry about Knoxville -- it should be turned into a second CAPA Middle School. But, we need to have wider perspectives from time to time. We talked, 1-on-1, later that night. I was glad she shared her opinions with me.

But, I have gone out of my way to raise the bigger issues.

The Pittsburgh Public Schools plan to rightsize was WRONG in that it closed buildings in the eastern/south edge of the city. Hazelwood and building over in that edge of the city, nearest to Duquesne, need to be open, strong, and with available space to accept students from Duquesne.

The Pgh Board of Education, and Mark Roosevelt, did the wrong things. We need to evolve the district to that area because of the on-going tragedy there.

Now, the kids in Hazelwood don't have a school in their own neighborhood. So, they are going farther away. And, the schools that they are headed to, elsewhere in Pgh, are full past capacity. But, there was a good school in Hazelwood.

We should be looking to re-open Burgwin and the closed middle school in Hazelwood.

Pittsburgh is too small to have a pocket of dispair. The schools in Hazelwood pull all schools down.

Passing an election day deadline. The gallop continues ....

Another way to look at The Burgh Report "More on Peduto's Withdrawal" is to ask, "Do you want to play DEFENSE or OFFENSE?"

In football, on third down, when the game (our city's general health) is on the line, with backs to the wall, I want to stay on offense. I'll choose to throw a 'hail mary.'

Otherwise, take a knee and punt. Or worse, don't punt -- just go home and quit.

Should you believe ("belive") Peduto punted. Then, Peduto is now on defense. Even when on defense, snap the chin strap on and blitz! Rush! Try to grab the ball. Don't huddle. Don't go to the sidelines. Don't go home.

The first play from a defensive Peduto, (in my not so humble opinion), to be called should be campaign finance reform. There is no time to wait.

Boston Marathon -- Weather -- Qualification Idea from my blog

If I was in charge of the Boston Marathon, I'd make a special rule in 2007. The wind and weather in Boston is bad. But, this is sports. The race must go on, of course.

So, here is the rule suggestion:

All runners in today's Boston Marathon who finish the race within two hours of his or her entry time get a special entry into the Boston Marathon in years 2008, 2009 or 2010.

Boston Marathon finishers in 2007 would qualify for a future Boston Marathon, for up to three years, by completion of the race within the seed time plus 120 minutes.

I'm not firm on the need of a 2-hour time range. It might be better to have a 3-hour time range to get the bonus qualifier entry. I'm not able to witness the conditions. And, it might need to be adjusted by age as well. Those in the race with sub 2:30 times might need a 2 hour window. Those in the race with a sub 3-hour time might need a 100-minute window. Those with entry times over 3 hours might need 200-minutes. Whatever.

The main motivation is to encourage the completion of the race. So, I'd really want to give a wide window. And, the idea isn't to complete the race and kill anyone. The weather is going to be brutal. Time is less of a factor.

Onorato thanked the king

Letter to the editor in Beaver Times from Oren M. Spiegler, Upper Saint Clair:

Beaver County Times Allegheny Times - Moving toward '1984' The latest indication that George Orwell's '1984' has come to fruition occurred at the recent Downtown rally for the Pittsburgh Penguins at which Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato thanked 'King' Mario Lemieux for working to keep the team in Pittsburgh.

What a guy, that Mario. He was 'gracious' enough to be willing to take the $450 million in public money that was showered upon him to support his violence-based sport, the 'regional asset' that trumps arts and culture.

We are not able to get the General Assembly to come together for a plan to provide long-promised property tax reform/relief after decades of exhaustive study and debate, but let a professional sports team's presence in this state become endangered, and state, county and local governments will mobilize to ask the team owner how high they (and we, those who pay the freight) need to jump.

I join Onorato in saying, 'Thank you and bless you, King Mario, for gracing southwestern Pennsylvania with your presence for at least another 30 years and for taking our money.' What would we do without you?

With his presence, let's see. What would we do. Live with more freedom. Live with more propserity. Live with more people. Live with better neighborhoods. Live with minor league hockey.

Patriots Day -- Rest Fast, Run Swift, Recover Fully

To Running Mates everywhere, now checkout out for a long night of pasta and slumber in advance of the 2007 Boston Marathon -- rest fast, run swiftly and may you recover fully.

The Boston Marathon happens tomorrow. I've got a few friends in the race. Hope everyone does well.

Pittsburgh should have a marathon in the future. I've got strong ideas on how that can occur in a prudent way. Let's make it happen in 2009.

Toastmaters Invite

From Rick H:

Speaking of feedback, I also invite you and your blog folks to http://edgewood.freetoasthost.com/ or any upcoming Edgewood Toastmasters. Heck, I'd like to have a FORMER WHISKEY REBELLION TOASTMASTERS reunion at the Edgewood Club. It meets not too far from where WHISKEY REBELLION did. Log on, check out the web page and let me know your thoughts too. Talk to and email you soon.

From Mark Rauterkus

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.