Fineman: The Politics of Pittsburgh - Newsweek Howard Fineman - MSNBC.com

Fineman: The Politics of Pittsburgh - Newsweek Howard Fineman - MSNBC.com What Pittsburgh Can Teach the Country
A city down on its luck has an optimistic young leader. The scene there mirrors our national situation. Maybe we can all learn something from Luke Ravenstahl.

What Pittsburgh and America need, above all, is vigorous, shrewd, knowledgeable and optimistic leadership. We need to unite community and country in common effort. And—just a thought—perhaps we need to turn to the generation coming up after the baby boom.

Maybe I’m just a homer — isn’t everybody, in one way or another? But if Pittsburgh can take the next step, so can the country; conversely, if this city fails, so does the country, at least in my mind.

Homer fits him well. At least he told the world that he's a homer himself.

I'm from Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is my home. But, I'm not a homer.

The saga of Pittsburgh and the saga of the nation are NOT linked as this homer states in his article. Sure, there is overlap. But, wondering if Pittsburgh can take the next step and that being a sign for the rest of the country is silly. That's something only an ugly 'homer' would write and try to 'sell.'

Pittsburgh can stand and fall on its own merits. Pittsburgh is a bit of an island even when it comes to political thought.

Perhaps the old benchmark, "Will it play in Peoria?" is being conjured with his thoughts. If Pittsburgh can get vigorous, shrewd, knowledgeable and optimistic leadership, then the White House can be filled with leaders of the same moxie.

Who is going to burst this homer's bubble by explaining that Pittsburgh is still without vigorous, shrewd, knowledgeable and optimistic leadership, even from its 27 year old mayor? A unicorn is cute, rare and mythical but not a vigorous, shrewd, knowledgeable and optimistic leader.

There are hopeful signs.

Did he see the billboards with the hands on hips?

The 88 neighborhoods are remarkably intact — a rarity.

Our city's neighborhood nightlife is such a draw that parents go "out on the town" at wee hours of the night. Intact? Rarity?

... The real problem of this region is political. I’ve been around, and I’ve never seen a place more desperately in need of unified, inspirational, smart political leadership. The government structure is, to put it mildly, a mess: too many bureaucrats and elected officials doing not much.

Hold the phone. He talks of four problems, not one real problem. One is government structure. Two is the abundance of bureaucrats. Three is too many elected officials. Four is not much action from the many elected officials.

Pittsburgh needs to understand its situation before Pittsburgh can begin to grapple with the possibilities of building its solutions. Talk on one front, say elected officials who do squat, can influence what to do in other matters. This is a quagmire. But, first things first.

I agree we have too many elected officials who do nothing. Furthermore, the do nothing elected officials don't have the mental capacity to see the real problems and offer creative solutions to those problems. They can't attack the roots as they are not smart enough to know about them or they are not creative enough to address them.

Pittsburgh of 2007 has plenty of elected officials with do-nothing attitudes except to fill their power-hungry ways of self-preservation. So, we've got to throw the bums out. We need to clean house. But, we might not want to toss out the baby with the bathwater. Our governmental house might be in fine order, except for the slobs who have been squatting there in recent times.

It is important to replace, re-direct, then reform. We can't put the reform of government into the hands of those who should be replaced. We can't allow the lazy politicians of today's Pittsburgh be the ones to build themselves new structures.

We need to be certain that the efforts of replacement are geared to bone-headed politicians and not directly linked to the structure of our government.

Democracy is messy. Community interactions are scary. Getting along is hard work and not always about being neat and tidy. Problems with process and the problems with people in leadership roles (and would be leadership roles) are two distinct elements. Multiple conversations are needed. Otherwise, its all just wasted gibberish.

The writer mentions the 129 other independent municipalities in surrounding Allegheny County. Well, they are throughout the county, not around it. And, the other municipalities might go a long way to making for one of the best features of the region -- mentioned above -- the intact neighborhoods. Edgewood is not the same as Wilkinsburg. Verona and Oakmont and Plum are not the same. West Mifflin and Duquesne are different. I tend to feel that the 129 different municipalities is a strength. Otherwise, we all might be in the same boat, without diversity with bigger headaches.

The writer also gets it all wrong by saying "The mayor is in a constant tussle with the county, run by County Executive Dan Onorato." There is no tussle. Even Tom Murphy and Jim Roddey were on the same page and talked constantly as late as 2002.

Saying that the county has bigger access to state funds is weird reporting too. The big projects are in the city -- stadiums, convention center, tunnels under river to North Side, slots parlor, new arena. Some go elsewhere, like the Mon Valley Toll Road or a warehouse around the green fields of the airport -- creating sprawl.

The county's income stream is limited in more ways than that of the city. The county's 'bread and butter' is the property taxes -- and Dan Onorato has been as was written -- a do-nothing elected leader.

Access to state funds has gone to the city for its bailouts. Act 47, I.C.A., and other state spending stop-gap goodies have come to the city, not the county. PAT's meltdown isn't getting state aid. Dan Onorato's knees are worn with all the begging he has done to the state's do nothing elected leaders.

Ravenstahl was reported to have said, "No one would pay attention to urban issues." Does he do that himself? What urban issues does he care to address? Cats running at large? Transportation?

The state's budget-control office that shares space with the mayor is not just symbolism. Self-determination has gone down the drain and it isn't being sucked back by Luke nor any of the do-nothing leaders.

I agree that "the notion of going hat in hand to a Philly guy is galling beyond words." But, sadly, Onorato and the others do not share that view. Pittsburgh needs to have a new attitude. We need to get the city to pull its own weight.

Ravenstahl is pushing biotech, proudly noting that more than a million square feet of “wet lab” space is on the drawing board.

Ravenstahl might as well be pushing a rope up the river if he is pushing biotech. Ravenstahl needs to let the market place and the science take care of itself. Ravenstahl should be worried about good government. Ravenstahl should be worried about city-wide wellness. Ravenstahl should worry about ways to prevent the next deaths from the next fire from the next poor family that resides in our neighborhoods.

But what the city and region need most is unity and optimism.

The city needs unity like a hole in the head. We need freedom. We need a rule of law, not a rule of a few men (or boys). We need government officials to focus on governmental concerns, not biotech plans.

Ravenstahl can’t be a new Lawrence because he can't thing and do the things that should be done. Ravenstahl is in a tough spot because his principles are soft. One aim of Lawrence was to clean the air. That's something we all share. Biotech is not everyone's domain.

Ravenstahl wants to convene the corporate chieftains who belong to something called the Allegheny Conference, but he would go to them to beseech rather than command. He has little bargaining power.

Telling statement. Ravenstahl wants to kiss butt to the Allegheny Conference. I say screw them. The Allegheny Conference is often what is wrong about this region.

I don't agree that the city needs to attract those in their 20s. If they come when they are 20 but leave with they hit 30, it is all a waste. The city can't even keep what it has. The city needs to be square with the residents of Pittsburgh. First things first.

Polar Bears swim in an Endless Pool-simulates arctic stream

Swim Pools are OPEN!

Polar Bears swim in an Endless Pool-simulates arctic stream The polar bears at the Central Park Zoo have been going with the flow - and going against it as well. An 'Endless Pool' has been installed into their exhibit that has, literally, been making waves!

Meanwhile, Dr. Fu operates on a monkey. Polar Bears in Pgh Zoo demand a flume too.

We'll be at the zoo on Father's Day. I'm going to coach the bears in an butterfly workout. Be there at 2 pm to witness the coaching session.

New bike lane is more like a logo -- where is the lane?

It was great to hear about the new bike lane that is starting to show up on city streets. Then I saw one last night. That is not a lane. It is only a logo.

There are real bike lanes throughout Christchurch, NZ. We rode on those lanes throughout the month of May. They are in the same general area as our lanes -- but -- our lanes are without lines. Our lanes are but hints of a bike lane.

Do all the bike lines in Pittsburgh NOT have a line? I'm looking for a painted line that goes along the side of the street for the length of the street. Generally there are two -- one for each side of the road. Pittsburgh has none.

Sure, it is more paint. Sure, it is more time. Sure, the Pittsburgh roads generally are not with the freshest coat of paint, even for yellow lines and cross-walks. But I'm wanting real lines for the bike lanes.

Furthermore, the bike lanes in New Zealand have a background color at major intersections. They are not put through the intersections, but rather only at the end of the road at the edge of the intersection -- for about 10-15 meters (yards).

That extra paint is very nice -- but that might be too much for our broke city to cover.

The bike lanes in Christchurch were with red paint. The ones in Auckland had green paint. Pittsburgh has a little logo with some arrows. That's not enough.

In other cities in other nations they often have the bike lane next to the sidewalk, then the parked car, then the traffic in the street. That would be interesting to try on a city street or two.

The bike lanes in China often have a physical fence to keep the cars and bikes with a divide. That is great. It would be nice to set up a road or two in Pittsburgh with those added guard rails -- as a test.

Luke is going to do a bike ride on Monday at 11 am. Big deal. Ask for lines on the road for the duration of the bike lane. Autos won't follow them all the time, but they will provide extra reminders to both bikers and drivers.

Finally -- I want to see those share the road signs with additional statements -- no bikes on the sidewalks. I saw a guy in Oakland zipping along last night. He was way, way, way too fast to be on the sidewalk. If I had seen him sooner, I would have done more than beep my horn.

Bikes on the sidewalk need to be with those under the age of 7 or at slower than walking speed. Walk the bikes on side WALKS.

Bikers who are on the sidewalks with speed should have be fined $50 or more -- and have their bike taken away for a week. We're talking bike jail, bike court, bike ER and bike row office next. (That's a joke.) And, citizens should be able to file the complaint against bikers who are on the sidewalks. (That's not a joke.)

What do you suggest with iPod listens?

I've been doing a lot of listening to my iPod. I'm open to a few suggestions. What do you like? I'll post some of my better audio subscriptions later.

Republican Candidate For Mayor Not Backing Down - News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Republican Candidate For Mayor Not Backing Down - News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh DeSantis said he wants debates in the race for mayor, and he wants to debate not only Ravenstahl, but also any other candidates that get into the race.

Libertarian candidate for mayor, Mark Rauterkus, will also be on the ballot this fall.

The wind up, the pitch.... either a strike or a home run

This from Tom Gillooly on a local email discussion group about Dr. Ron Paul and his bid for US President.

Last year, I saw Jon Stewart interview another libertarian, John Stossel (MSM investigative reporter). It began well, but as soon as Stossel said something to the effect that he trusts business and the market more than government, Stewart cut him off with an anti-corporation rant, and ended the interview. He started something like that in his interview with Ron Paul, asking if reducing government wouldn't give more power to corporations.

Paul handled it perfectly, first distinguishing between businesses like Halliburton that make money by using government, from those that make money by selling a product or service that people want; then putting entertainers like Stewart himself in the latter category.

The same pitch that Stossel had swung at and missed, Ron Paul knocked out of the park.

I call myself a "free market" candidate. I hate the corporate welfare efforts and folly. We've got a lot of corporate welfare Republicans -- like Tom Ridge, former PA Governor. These are interesting times and big distinctions.

Pittsblog backs into a liberty discussion

See: http://pittsblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/up-up-and-away.html

Pittsblog But the regulatory gauntlet is daunting, and there aren't enough people in town who are trained to manage it.

This is not the way I'd want to skin the cat. If the regulatory gauntlet is daunting, and it is even more than daunting, then I'd want to streamline that process. We need to extend freedom and liberty to eliminate and rid the process of daunting regulations. We need to get more into a buyer beware mode. We need to get off the backs of those who want to sell supplements. We need to open up a few tax-free-zones but switch the free pass to whole segments of marketplace advancements. Cut red tape. Get government out of the position of playing boss of a nanny state. Put more responsibility upon the consumers, the drug makers, the doctors, the health-care advocates, the pharmacy experts.

Don't have the D.A. and the State-Commerce-Auditors do 'crack-downs' on gyms for selling "Gator-Aid" and other supplements.

I hate steriods. Here I'm talking about the 'roids' that are famous for short-cuts to building bulk, HGH and such. I won't use them. I'll teach others about their troubles. But I'd like to sidestep the need for Pittsburgh to recuit a bunch of human capital so we have people who are trained to manage the hurdles of a bloated, over-taxed, public sector process of agencies, permissions and plain-old red tape.

If we had 10 people take that on as a mission, getting to the roots of the problems, from positions of power in certain offices -- the thaw of our economy would begin.

This is why Libertarian thinkers, such as Ron Paul, would be a boom to America at this time.

Today's blog is brought to you by the Trudeau/Hayden Moving Sale

Trudeau/Hayden Moving Sale

Chez nous 91 S 24th Street in South Side on Saturday, June 16, 2007 from 9 to noon (no earlybirds please).

Books, Action Figures, Hats Galore, Costumes, Games, Videos, Ceramics. Stuff you would never find at a regular Sidewalk Sale.

Please don't phone...just come

Wilburn is moving to Canada. After the house sale comes the sale of the house as well. It is a wonderful find. Hardwood floors, plenty of space. The house is going to go onto the market in a week or two. The family is headed to their camp in Canada shortly, then they'll be into their new home in Toronto by mid-August geared up for the new school year.

Mayor Ravenstahl asks 10 to resign - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Mayor Ravenstahl asks 10 to resign - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Insane. This is goofy.

Doing a national search for ten directors at one time is going to absorb the time and energy of many people.

I agree that I'd not want to keep all ten directors should I become mayor. But, I'd not fire them all in the summer of a re-election year.

Rather, evolve.

Furthermore, the Parking Authority boss heard about the request to resign from a reporter it seems. He said "no comment." He was off the job yesterday. So, what's that about? Was he at the US Open too?

Time to open the Pgh Cereal Bar

After a year and a half of negotiations, CSPI has come to an agreement with Kellogg Company to adopt nutrition standards for the foods it advertises to young children. This is an historic commitment, and thus the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), the Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), and two Massachusetts parents will not proceed with a lawsuit against the company.

According to the agreement with Kellogg, foods advertised on media—including TV, radio, print, and third-party Web sites—that have an audience of 50 percent or more children under age 12 will have to meet new nutrition standards. In addition, Kellogg will not:

• Advertise to children any foods in schools and preschools that include kids under age 12;
• Sponsor product placements for any products in any medium primarily directed at kids under 12;
• Use licensed characters (Shrek, SpongeBob, etc.) in mass-media advertising directed primarily to kids under 12 (for example, on the labels of food packages unless those foods meet the nutrition standards);
• Use branded toys in connection with foods that do not meet the nutrition standards.

Video: CSPI Executive Director discusses the settlement.

More information: Press release and related documents

Police: Community input casts doubt on baby sitter in fatal fire

We talked about this with our family and my wife's first reaction was -- where were the dads? A focus is upon the babysitter, the moms -- and not the dads?

One of the dads was on a TV interview talking about defense of his wife. Time will tell.

Police: Community input casts doubt on baby sitter in fatal fire Investigators have doubts whether a teenage baby sitter who was supposed to be watching five children killed in a row house fire really exists.

Witnesses and neighbors are providing information that 'has a tendency to cast doubt' on the baby sitter's existence, Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Diane Richard said.

'Legally, and in all fairness, we will continue the investigation so we can completely rule that out,' she said.

The blaze, reported at about 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, ...

Coach Tomlin brings fathers, sons together

Coach Tomlin brings fathers, sons together “As much as I love what I do, and you guys know I love what I do, it’s a clear second to what I do with those guys over there,” said Tomlin, motioning toward his family. “Coaching is what I do, just like whatever job you guys do is what you do. Dad is who I am.”

Tomlin addressed nearly 1,000 fathers and their children during the Steelers All-Pro Dad Father and Kids Experience at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex June 9. The event provided fathers the opportunity to spend quality time at the Steelers practice facility with their children and to gain insight on parenting.

Great messages. Continue to read the story on the site of the New Pgh Courier.

Last Chance to sign up for the Crafton Crocodiles is tomorrow -- Friday -- 9:30 am at Crafton Park's Pool

Our swim team has been making good progress so far this summer. Practices started on Tuesday. I know of a number of kids who have been taking naps -- and sleeping by 8 pm.

Yesterday, my son, Grant, went to sleep at 5:30 pm and didn't get up until 6 am. He was back in the pool at 7 am. But, Grant has had a touch of jet lag. Some of the other kids don't have that excuse -- but -- they've been swimming practices for 2 hours. That has a way of getting the kids to sleep in the evenings.

We're working a lot on the breastroke -- as that can be the hardest to master.

Practices are every week day except July 4 from 7 to 9 am at Carlynton High School and from 9:30 to 11:30 am at the outdoor Crafton Swim Pool, 112 West Steuben Street, Crafton, PA 15205.

The cost is $30 per kid. Plus, $25 for raffle tickets. Plus, you need to have a Crafton Pool tag -- or else pay an extra $35. That gets you a t-shirt, swim cap, banquet.

Dates:

June 16, Car Wash, Busy Beaver from 9 am to 1 pm.

June 22, Team Photos

June 28, Flick n Float (movie at the swim pool) from 8 to 10 pm. Open to public. Pay at the gate.

June 30, Relay Carnival at Scott Pool. Arrive at 8 am.

June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3 = Water Polo clinic and shoot out with Crafton Celebrates

July 4, (1K swim + 5K fun run) ** details later. Open to public.

July 5, Crafton at Green Tree, arrive at 5:45 pm

July 10, Scott visits Crafton, arrive at 4:45 pm.

July 14, Crafton at Mt. Lebanon outdoor pool. Arrive at 7:15 am.

July 18, South Fayette at Crafton, arrive at 4:45 pm.

July 24, Championship Meet at Crafton, arrive at 4:45.

July 25, Private Swim Team Party fro swimmers and families at 8 pm to 10 pm.

July 26, All Star Meet at South Fayette, arrive at 5:15 pm

July 27, last swim practice

July 29, Crafton Team Banquet and slide show at 6 pm.

Water polo Clinic in August. Details in another posting. Open to public too.

JS Online: City camera funding rejected

JS Online: City camera funding rejected A Milwaukee Common Council committee on Wednesday voted against spending money for 15 pole-mounted video surveillance cameras, throwing the cameras' future into doubt.

But Mayor Tom Barrett said he would push to fund the cameras, which he has touted as part of his crime-fighting plans. And the funding dispute could be a political minefield for both the mayor and aldermen when residents expect them to follow through on the promised cameras.

Pittsburgh - Going Through the Motions - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper

Tonya says hire them all.

Pittsburgh - Going Through the Motions - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper 'If a young person put in an application, then hire them,' Payne said at city council's June 5 meeting. 'Hire them all. We need to make it a priority to find work for every one of those kids.'

The program's cost is $125,000. The ballpark figure to hire 726 young people? About $1.2 million for eight weeks of work.

That solution, give them all a job pulling weeds, is not ideal, to say the least.

Google Gadgets: AnswerBall

First came the computer on the mayor's desk in the mayor's office. Soon, Dick S would be fired from the inner circle of Grant Street's fifth floor to call numbers at the weekly bingos in senior centers. Since Google released this new gadget, there is no need for a chief of staff.

Google Gadgets:� AnswerBall Ask a question to AnswerBall and it will give you the response! Got a question? Just concentrate, hold the mouse button down to shake AnswerBall and release it to get the answer!

Na na na naa. So long. Good Bye.

On the last day of school, the 6th and 7th graders at Frick ISA (Middle School) left the building and headed to the buses past rows of teachers and staff who stood at the doorway and down the steps raising their voices, waving their hands. "Na-na-na naaa, Na-na-naa Naaaa, Soo long -- Good Bye. (repeat at will)

Interesting site. Sweet wishes.

Now -- if only the Pgh Public School Administration would get in gear an hire the necessary teachers for that school. This is the time to send out those job offers. This is the time to snag the Spanish Teachers and others who are with special teaching skills in foreign languages.

Two full time Spanish teachers are needed at Frick. Meanwhile, the two that start the year never finish it. I think there were five or so that were used. Double classrooms was the norm for too long. Hiring teachers in September sucks. That isn't the way to run specialized educational classes and schools.

German teachers and others with language class responsibilities are NOT easy to hire AFTER the school year begins, for a middle school, for Pgh Public Schools.

Hire!

Meanwhile, retain, retain, retain. The great teachers and staff that are at the buildings now who are slated to retire should be given contracts NOW for positions they'd like to retain in the year to come. Sign em up for another year NOW, not later.

Remember how there was a great boys basketball coach at Perry Traditional H.S. He was able to retire from his teaching position only to be told that he'd NOT be allowed to continue to coach boys basketball. Everyone wanted him to come back. He wanted to come back. But no. The school board policy was such that it couldn't be done. So, the great coach had to go to a suburban school and continue to coach.

As a family highlight, our son got the leadership award at Frick. And, his classmate from Phillips, T.S., got the student award. Well done guys. And well done Phillips Elem. School (graduates). FWIW, it is lame to say one graduated from Elem. School.

Both of our boys gave school presentations on our trip to New Zealand. The slide show will be posted here soon, I expect.

A new storm is brewing -- and we've got another big hole in our roof

Wouldn't you know -- today the roofers returned and put a big hole in our roof to extend the height of the chimney. What ever happened to the luck of a sweep that will shake off on you? Perhaps the sweeps are really lucky and the roofers sing another tune. (Understanding Hint to hidden blog meanings: Mary Poppins movie and Dick Van Dyke. -- Chim chimmeny, chim, chim cha roo, ...)

Ugh.

The worst is when the rain comes into the second floor via the ceiling light fixtures and drags all this crud -- like our house had been smoking for 125 years with tar and soot baked the bones. But hey, this is the South Side. I doubt that there smokers lived in the house, but the mills blanketed every thing.

Quiz: What's this?

In honor of West Virginia getting table games, here is a quiz question. What's the 'table game' shown in the photo above?

Friendly Father's Day Reminder

This weekend is Father's Day. Not many shopping days remain.

I'll be working as a volunteer at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium with a Dad's group on Father's Day. We'll be rewarding dad's with golden dad goodie bags.

International Mess -- USA Style

The US government has decided to refund travelers who spent an extra $60 to expedite the processing of their passports. The State Department decided to make the refunds as the government continues to grapple with a massive backlog of passport applications that have been flooding their offices as new rules are set to go into effect.

This is a big-time mess. Shame on the USA on this.

Getting a passport is a major problem these days. It was reported that it is taking nine months to get a regular passport from the US. Unreal.

Furthermore, those with trip plans are getting crunched too. The horror stories are hard to understand yet alone believe.

Passport services are nearly impossible to obtain from the US these days.

Tuesday takes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

If we are not rule of law -- then we are rule of men. I'd rather have rule of law -- and will work hard against rule of men. Onorato should be in charge, as he thinks he can do what he wants, how he wants it, and when it should apply -- even if it is 2002 for him. That is no way to govern.

Tuesday takes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review What Constitution? One of the wags with whom we regularly converse marvels at how the laws of Pennsylvania and the state Constitution have become dead letters for Allegheny County Council members and Chief Executive Dan Onorato regarding the now-scuttled smoking ban and base-year property assessment system, respectively. 'What has become of us?' he asks. Good question.

Corporate Welfare Looks like this -- and Dan Onorato is leadership for the future? He is stuck in the past as he backs this give-a-way.

Tuesday takes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review PNC Financial Services Group says it will acquire Yardville National Bancorp. of New Jersey for $403 million in cash and stock. This is the same banking giant, fresh off a $6 billion-plus acquisition of a big Baltimore bank, that posted a first-quarter 2007 profit of nearly half-a-billion dollars and had a 2006 profit of $2.6 billion. Tell us again, PNC, why you need $48 million of taxpayer money to help you build your new Three PNC Plaza skyscraper?

Pentagon Confirms It Sought To Build A 'Gay Bomb'

cbs5.com - Pentagon Confirms It Sought To Build A 'Gay Bomb' (CBS 5) BERKELEY A Berkeley watchdog organization that tracks military spending said it uncovered a strange U.S. military proposal to create a hormone bomb that could purportedly turn enemy soldiers into homosexuals and make them more interested in sex than fighting.

Pentagon officials on Friday confirmed to CBS 5 that military leaders had considered, and then subsquently rejected, building the so-called 'Gay Bomb.'

Ron Paul interview from Capital Hill with Tucker Carlson

I wasn't able to watch the debate, as we were out of the country. Now I get to catch-up on some YouTube snips. Here is one of Ron Paul in NH's debate.


New:

Allegheny County Controller's Port Authority Rider Survey

Feedback.

Allegheny County Controller's Port Authority Rider Survey

Ron Paul Registry has 28 now from Pittsburgh

Ron Paul Registry: "Pittsburgh, 28"

Nice site, plus, it has a good petition of principles about what he stands for. I just signed.

Keeping up with the Jones now means Table Games In W. Va.

PA does NOT have 'casinos.' Rather, PA has a a few slots parlors.

kdka.com - Table Games In W. Va. May Mean Hit For Pa. Casinos (KDKA/AP) WEST VIRGINIA The votes have been counted and now that table games have been approved to come to Wheeling Island in West Virginia, some here in Pennsylvania are beginning to wonder if it will hurt the casinos coming to our area.

The Meadows in Washington County is slated to open its doors on Monday.

The Meadows has been open for years. A new area for slots is going to open, sure.

Back in the U.S., back in the U.S., Back in the U.S. of A.

We're home as of Saturday night, 11:30 pm.

Our ride from our house to the airport, Cheers Ravi, came at 12:45 pm. We left Christchurch on a 3 pm flight to Auckland. Then it was an 11-hour-five-minute flight to L.A. In L.A. we check the time, and it was 12:35 pm -- still ten minutes before our ride from Ravi was to arrive to pick us up at the airport. Weirdness.

Then we went to Chicago and Pittsburgh.

Saturday night the All-Blacks played a test match against Canada. I still have no clue who won or when. We were on the flight to L.A. by the time the haka would have been performed.

New Zealand All Blacks rugby team official website, New Zealand Rugby Football Union Rampant All Blacks forward power and superior attacking skills in the backs ran France ragged in a nine try feast to win by a record 61-10 in the second Iveco Test at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

So, the All Blacks won, again, big. But, two big time players are now hurt.

We got some departure gifts from Ravi -- and I was hooked up with a flash All Blacks bottle opener / key chain. I looked at it and asked -- does it work in the northern hemisphere.

On the way out of Auckland on Quantus I enjoyed a "Ginger Beer." Quiz question. Does it or does it not include alcohol? What are the big brands for 'Ginger Beer?' -- as a bonus question.

On the flight home, we saw lots of movies. The on-air entertainment, Q, features a TV screen right in the seat back in front of you. A remote and you can listen to CDs, radio, news (feature wasn't working however), movies, encore movies, TV, UK TV, Australian TV, art flicks, flight-progress and even computer games. We all watched 'Wild Hogs' and a bunch of other stuff.

Next -- fighting jet lag and getting the other four bags from American Airlines. We had them all going through customs. But only one of five made it to Pittsburgh. The plane switch in Chicago was quick (50 minutes).

The new house construction looks great. Still a bit of work to do, but huge progress has been made.

I'm an uncle -- one more time.

A new baby has arrived, MEGAN JANE. She was born Thursday, June 7th at 2:30 PM. 7 lbs 13 oz. and 21 inches. She is beautiful. Takes pacifier. Looks like her sister. Both she and her mom, (my yougest sister) are perfect. They will come home in the AM.

Excellent news for travels home. And, a brilliant reason to be headed home, among others.

Hope to see her soon.

Zappala tabs McKeesport for auxiliary county courthouse

The Daily News - Zappala tabs McKeesport for auxiliary county courthouse Parties have been engaged in discussion for years - envisioning a Mon Valley location for satellite courtrooms, row offices, bond clerks and attorneys. Now, the project is becoming more than a vision.

Dates for summer swimming with the Crafton Crocs - 2007

Exclusive WTAE/Pittsburgh Trib Keystone Poll Released - News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Look how they write this sillyness to try to sway public opinion. My spin is that the Ron Paul was not even a foil in the questions -- and he can claim the 24 percent. It is a race that is too close to call at this point.

Exclusive WTAE/Pittsburgh Trib Keystone Poll Released - News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh Rudy Giuliani may be the front-runner nationally for the Republican nomination, but in Pennsylvania he's in a dead heat with John McCain. Both are pulling 29 percent of the vote.

Mitt Romney is a distant third at 12 percent. The undecided vote still sits at 24 percent.

Looking at the PDF of the results, the 24% percent should get an extra 6% boost for those who say 'other' -- giving a total of 30%. That means Guiliani and McCain are both down by 1-percent.

If the polling people can't ask a question that has all the answers, they should be fired. This is trash reporting.

Might as well ask, do you favor the teaching of I.D. or Adam & Eve? Stupid question just like the stupid poll.

Onorato: County Will Appeal Assessment Ruling

kdka.com - Onorato: County Will Appeal Assessment Ruling "This administration is not doing a reassessment, let me be as clear as day," Onorato said. "We are not reassessing 550,000 properties in Allegheny County, not when other counties in this Commonwealth are allowed to use a base year."

When does this become 'treason?' When does this become grounds for impeachment?

If this Administration isn't going to follow the constitution -- Dan needs to NOT take another oath of office for public service. Onorato gave his word. Onorato was sworn into office when he agreed to uphold the constitution of the US and of Pennsylvania.

This is no mini separation of power.

Onorato could have done something. He failed, repeatedly. He needs to do something else. Going back to the courts is not good enough for me an my neighbors.

The mini separation must stand for the North to South and East to West distance for the container of creativity that Onorato has been able to exhibit in solving this problem. Onorato's capacity to fix this bread and butter issue has been next to nil. Mini fits.

In the meantime, many people are wondering how the decision will affect them. Depending on the State Supreme Court's decision, it could affect counties across the state.

Exactly. People are getting jacked around again. Are we going to get two, three or four property tax bills? Are we going to get them one week after they were due? Are we going to get extra mailings from county council with homestead exemption campaign literature too? Yanked here. Yanked there. Where is the sanity? It isn't in 2002 -- when Onorato was County Controller.

When 2009 comes, the year the reassessment was ordered, will 2002 amounts still be valid? Will 2002 values still be valid in 2012? In 2016? In 2020?

Another big problem is the fact that spending throughout the years has not been flat, as is the case in other counties. Allegheny County spends -- for tunnels under the river, for stadiums, for arenas, for demolition of other buildings, for river-front parks.

Furthermore, Allegheny County has not done anything about the expansion of the nonprofits. Nothing has been done about re-tooling the RAD Tax. Nothing has been done about regular funding for mass transit. Nothing has been done about mergers beyond 9-1-1, including the dual dog-license sales departments, except adding cats.

We've got some of the greatest health care opportunities and hospitals in the world for the rich who can afford it. But Allegheny County has done nothing new about getting sensible delivery of health care and wellness services to public workers, those who have retired, our seniors nor our citizens -- yet alone the infants. Except -- (drum roll please) -- four new hires (two are replacement workers) are due to be on the job working for the Health Department as inspectors at restaurant by the end of 2007. Big time cause for celebration for Allegheny County.

City, Heinz Field Battle Over Admin Fee For Police

kdka.com - City, Heinz Field Battle Over Admin Fee For Police"We don't feel that venues should be forced to pay this fee. We already pay a 5 percent amusement tax and that should be enough to cover any administrative services," Heinz Field Manager James Sacco said.

Here is a solution for the Steelers. Buy the stadium. Then we can talk about the 5% amusement tax.

Or, how about the Steelers benefits from the RAD tax are removed.

Whey in the world do people who buy a car, a computer, and a washing machine in Allegheny County have to pay increased sales tax -- 1% extra -- so it can go to the Steelers?

Seems as if the Steelers are NOT concerned with the wefare of their customers if they don't want to hire the police just to avcid the administrative fees.

Seems that the Steelers are not concerned with police corruption either.

The Steelers and the NFL, as well as the other sports teams and leagues, often hire their own goon squads to patrol for black-market sales of logo merchandise. Perhaps those security details should be hired throught the area around the stadium to police for ticket scalpers, illegal parking, trash makers and drunk drivers too.

The Pittsburgh Steelers organization runs the risk of now becoming the worlds biggest cry baby.

PG West: Langley out, but makes point in PIAA baseball playoffs

PG West: Langley out, but makes point in PIAA baseball playoffs Leo's squad made it to states. We missed not seeing the squad play this year.

Final practice with Andy and Martin. Good-byes in full force.

From NZ Wharenui pool

Coach Martin and Coach Andy are going to help lead a mini-swim camp for the regional swim program (Canterbury) on Friday and Saturday. So, we had our last workout with them tonight. Our series of saying good-bye to our new New Zealand friends is in full force.

The boys have one more swim practice, Friday night. I'll also coach on Saturday morning. It seems that the boys are going to play 9-holes of golf on Saturday morning with Hamish.

Saturday is going to be our travel day. A.M. swim practice (or golf). Then onto the plane at 3 pm in Christchurch. Land and leave Auckland at 5:30 pm. Then we fly to L.A. and land on Saturday around noon. I'll post the exact times later. The there is a flight to Chicago and another to Pittsburgh. We'll be home on Saturday night about 11:30 pm. All local times, of course.

I've got a lot of new resources on swimming, thanks in part to Arjun Haszard. I didn't realize all the history, but the swim club, Wharenui, had been the best in New Zealand for many years. Then in recent times, 1990s, a couple teams from Auckland have come on strong. Even when Arjun was swimming (he was a national champion in the 800 and 1500) Wharenui finished nationals in second place in the team standings.

At one Commonwealth Games competition, New Zealand got the gold, silver and bronze medals in the women's 400 I.M. All three swimmers were from Wharenui. That's an amazing feat. Amazing.

The swim resources and insights I'm now with are really exciting. Furthermore, we made a visit today to a kayak shop and are working up some plans for importing some gear as well.

From Paddle-kayak

From Grant

After our final violin class -- we played. We visited Laser Strike. We played a double game of laser tag. Grant and Erik love it. It was 37 minutes or so.

On our way to the swim pool, Grant's bike handle-bars became loose. He couldn't ride his bike. A bolt must have come undone and slipped. The bike isn't able to be used. Grant had to run the rest of the way to the pool. More running was after practice too. We have to get the bikes back to the rental outfit soon anyway.

From Grant

Eventful -- July 4th at our house

Everyone is invited to our 4th of July party -- 108 South 12th Street. It is a low key event. No food, except what people bring. We just supply the lemonaid.

Our house has been under some construction while we were away. Join us and check out the new deck and top room.

Last year, candidate for PA Governor, Russ Diamond, attended.

I'm inviting Ron Paul this year.

Allegheny's base-year property tax system unconstitutional - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Allegheny's base-year property tax system unconstitutional - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Now it's everyone's problem.

The property tax mess that Onorato has made worse has always been everyone's problem. Now it is Onorato's problem too. Onorato ignored the constitution. Onorato ignored his promises to fix the problem from four years ago when he hammered upon Jim Roddey. Onorato is a big part of the problem in this unfolding saga.

Once again these uncreative politicians are fine to go to court for solutions. Rather than judges leading the region, we should have real leaders. Court decisions are NEVER the BEST solution.

Onorato thinks that the judge does not have the authority to rule upon the consitution? Onorato doesn't have the authority to igore the consitution.

Onorato wants to be a base-year county. In other words, Onorato wants to live in the past. In other words, Onorato is content to let the rich get richer and the poor pay more. In other words, Onorato is unfair. In other words, Onorato doesn't want to do his job. In other words, Onorato is interested in buying time, to coast, rather than do the heavy lifting that faces this region.

The assessment system is broken. It needs to be fixed. I want to see it fixed. This venture is a major priority of mine.

Pittsburgh can't live in the past and expect to thrive.

Pittsburgh is dropping its population because people see how unfair it is around here -- and then they depart, voting with their feet.

As a "Geo-Libertarian" -- I look forward to the time when we get these issues out into a community-wide discussion and shift again to a Land Value Tax.

Sprawl, Dan, Sprawl. Dan is going to beg and then sprawl himself on this issue. It is going to hurt him.

It is never a waste of dollars to be fair. It is never a waste to uphold the constitution. It is never a waste to think again about justice when justice isn't happening. This issue will be a sure way to waste political capital -- Onorato's capital.

Funny too how there is another plea to run to the state for a fix, if it can't come from the judges. The state legislature needs to do this and do that. Wrong. I want to be self reliant. I want to fix our own problems. Folks from the other part of the state can't fix our problems. And, the local state reps, such as Tom Petrone and Wayne Fontana, are not capable of fixing these problems either.

Onorato will do all he can to shift the blame to others in this issue as well.

The property tax is the most hated tax when the other taxes are lower. People hate to pay all taxes. When the other taxes increase -- or were to increase -- such as income tax or sales tax -- then the property tax is NOT the most hated tax.

Furthermore, the property tax is the most hated as it is not fair. It is a joke. People hate bad jokes that hit hard upon their family budgets.

Finally, there is one solution that I've talked about a great deal in the past. I'll again raise this concept -- "ASSESSMENT BUFFERING." That's the key to making this reassessment process work.

Bower Round-a-bout

 

Today Erik, Grant and I took a rather long bike ride, in part, along "Bower Road" here in Christchurch. Dick Bower coached the boys last summer at Camp Chikopi in Canada.

Coach Bower would love New Zealand, for many reasons. Bower Road is very near to QE II swim pool. And, it is very close to the beach.

We rode to "Bottle Lake" and did some real mountain biking on trails, up and down some hills, through pine forrest, along the side of sand dunes, past animals (sheep, cows, horses, geese), over lumber roads, and around wetlands. We got there and home after a solid 70 minutes of pushing along with our bikes on roads and side-road trails.

The ride was wonderful. Grant only fell about three times. For a long time in the woods he was the leader. We were too busy to take photos, except of this one for Coach.

Steelers, Majestic Star's Barden must talk, Onorato says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Steelers, Majestic Star's Barden must talk, Onorato says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The Steelers are renters. The Steelers don't have a stake in the North Side. The Steelers should talk to the Sports and Exhibition Authority. Then, if the Steelers should purchase Heinz Field -- then we'll talk.

Sell Heinz Field to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then the Steelers will be 'stake holders' and we'll then begin to worry about them making good impressions with neighbors.

Don Barden is going to build his own place with his own money. Don Barden will own the slots parlor. Don Barden is making an investment in the city.

If I'm Allegheny County Chief Executive, I'm putting the Steelers into talks about their ownership of Heinz Field. How much is still owed? How can we get the public money back? How can we be sure that the Steelers stay in town -- and own their own stadium.

If the Steelers own Heinz Field, then the Steelers can't easily move the franchise. The team would be invested in the area.

Duquesne high school will close

Sigh.

Duquesne high school will close Residents decry state board decision; no plan announced on where students will attend in fall

More than a year ago I talked with public comment and elsewhere about how the city schools, PPS, needed to do much, much more with and about Duquesne.

This is a big deal. Plans needed to be made. Efforts to understand the situations needed to occur. I was pushing the school board and others in the community to go in these directions.

Our region is too small to have a failure of such magnatude. When Duquesne falls flat, and that has been the situation for a long time now, we all fall. Those kids are our neighbors. Their struggles are not just for the streets of Duquesne -- but they wander everywhere else in the region.

When Pgh Public Schools had the "right sizing plan" it failed to address the needs of those in Duquesne. The schools in Hazelwood were closed. That pushed more students away from that border. The nearby schools are full. There isn't any capacity to merge without serious upheavals.

The "right size" for the past quickly becomes the "wrong size" for the present.

Think again. Think without blind spots. Think it through.

Those people are getting stabbed in the back. They have outrage, and it is deserved.

To solve the problem, shut down the high school over a three year period. Don't allow for any freshmen next year. But, if the students who are there want to continue -- let them do so.

School closings should only occur as part of a phase in process over years. Same too with school openings.

Steel Valley, West Mifflin, Woodland Hills and others throughout that area need to watch out. They can't be dumped upon. A phase in would help in many ways.

Here is another suggestion: We should have a few boarding options in our public high schools.

In Christchurch, a city about the same size as Pittsburgh, there are about 30 high schools. Plus, there are a few public high schools with dorms. There are resident halls at a few boys schools and a few girls schools. Some are private and some are public.

Swim Log

SC Meters with development group (Erik was in this group).

Pull 800 meters with stroke count less than or equal to 15 on every 4th length.

4 x (4 x 100)
# 1-4 = pull @ 2:10 with 3 breaths or less on last 25m
# 5-8 = swim @ 2:15 with first 25m with 10 strokes or less (long push-offs)
# 9-12 = swim @ 2:30 with 5 flip turns, perfect. (No breathing in red zones on first and last flip turn.)
# 13-16 = fast @ 2:05 -- perfect

Kick with fins:
6 x 25 underwater
6 x 25 on side with 4 breaths or less at surface
6 x 25 on back underwater for first half of each length
6 x 25 with fins on hands kicking legs and arms in head first fashion
6 x 25 with fins on hands using a pull bouy and going feet first

easy 100

Arkansas: I love ma, I love pa. I love good ol Arkansas

Ravenstahl gets 'face' time as possible rising star in national politics Then there are the Internet blogs.

Hi Mrs. Ravenstahl!

I got to meet Mrs. R, Luke's mom, at a D-party endorsement event at the IBEW Hall on the South Side. I was outside, of course, just to mingle with the folks on the sidewalk. While I was there, she came up to me and we had a nice chat. She like my blog, so I was told.

I told her that I try my best to be real, grounded and not vile -- nor driven by envy. Those were NOT my words, but my intended feelings and desires.

I too have good friends in Arkansas. Politically, that city is home to General Wesley Clark, a regular swimmer. The best buddie I have had the pleasure to know from Little Rock was Paul Blair, a great swim coach and gentleman who founded the Little Rock Dolphins. Sadly, Paul died not too long ago. He grew up in our region and was no stranger to Pittsburgh.

When I coached in the Southwest Conference, when there still was a SWC, the Univ. of Arkansas swimmers were in a relay in the next lane from our team -- and they set a world record. That was cool. It was a short-course meters mark in a sprint freestyle relay. They were flying. It was a pleasure for our swimmers to just get washed down the pool in their wake.

He urged the students in the crowd to "overcome those people who will try to rattle you. ... Somewhere back in Pittsburgh, a columnist is writing his or her perspective on how I could be doing better, a talk show host is flooding the airwaves with half-truths, at my expense. ... Do I care? No."

Then there are the Internet blogs.

"Many of them are interesting in the way they portray what I'm doing," he said. "Very negative. And my mom, she reads those all the time. ... It bothers her more than it bothers me."

I'd love to have this interview on a podcast. Too many ... for my tastes. I'd like to not read between the lines as much.

The negative talk reminds me a bit of the approach Tom Murphy took. Murphy always used the word, "NAYSAYERS." To him, "naysayers" were worthless. I was a huge Tom Murphy naysayer.

Murphy killed our city because he didn't listen to the naysayers. Time will tell what Luke does. To me, Luke looks to be in the same rut that Tom Murphy resided within in the last 8 years (or more) of his career.

In a rich life, there is both a ying and a yang.

For an eagle to 'soar' -- it needs both the right wing, left wing plus plenty of tail feathers.

To listen to the naysayers is mandatory, in my opinion. To do what naysayers suggest isn't.

I understand that everyone can't be pleased all the time. Fine. But I don't understand how some can feel so cocksure as to think that they know it all and can shut down their receptive senses from certain quarters.

Pittsburgh is too small to have an administration that caters to only certain populations and sub-groups. We need to get on the right track and then have everyone's input -- to fire on all cylinders.

Two more examples:

In athletics, I love to go up against an arch rival. Competition is welcomed and desired. Athletes want to be pushed and stretched by serious challengers.

In academics and with research, it is a practice by some brilliant people to send their latest works to their harshest critics. Enemy evaluations are solicited before the papers get published in peer review journals.

Time will tell how Luke behaves.

Quiz: What happens when an English Chap in Christchurch "punts?"

From NZ Punting

Hint: Erik and Grant are very good at it. They could earn some income doing it in the summer months, once they get older.

GOP Bill Aimed At Ending Teacher Strikes

I haven't been happy with our Republican friends in Harrisburg, as they haven't done what was "right" for the most part. This on the other hand is a "no brainer." Special Interest Groups should not be allowed to derail our children's educations.

By Tracie Mauriello, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HARRISBURG -- A group of House Republicans is striking out against teacher strikes.
Led by Rep. Todd Rock, R-Franklin, the lawmakers this morning introduced legislation that would ban teacher strikes, mandate a negotiation schedule when talks stall and require public disclosure of negotiating positions throughout the process.
"The legislative solution we are introducing today has nothing to do with punishing or taking away any legal rights from teachers in Pennsylvania's 501 school districts," Mr. Rock said. It "has everything to do with ... restoring to every Pennsylvania child the legal right to a strike-free, uninterrupted public education."

Do I expect that the Democrat-led state legislature will do what is right? Absolutely not. There isn't a hefty tax-increase included (unless you talk about funding these Special Interest Groups).

Thirsty?

 

Four-fifths of the world is covered with water. Thirsty for more?

New Zealand has the best water in the world. Pittsburgh has a great deal of water as well.

Milford Sound photos -- yet to come

 

Many photos are yet to be uploaded. Milford Sound was great trip with lots of impressive sights. Here is a teaser.

Maori and Auckland photos

From NZ auckland-1

Went to Auckland Museum and have uploaded a bunch of photos from there and some other places in the biggest city in New Zealand.

Look around and you'll even find some videos. One is a haka. Enjoy.

Quiz: Lake in New Zealand

Today's quiz question: It is said that nobody drowns in this lake. It is in New Zealand. Photo from our visit to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Why would it be so that nobody ever drowns in this lake?

(Click image for larger view of the lake.)

Put your answer (or guess) into the comment of this blog post.

Pittsburgh violence rate outpaces U.S.

Pittsburgh violence rate outpaces U.S. Pittsburgh violence rate outpaces U.S.
2.6 percent increase here last year; that's double the rate of nation

Ouch.

How about if violent crime were to decrease, not just stay on pace with the rest of the nation.

Superintendent Moffatt concurred that crime prevention begins with civilians.

"We're constantly on the lookout to have better development in our relationship with the communities, and we're going to have to do more of that," he said. "Communities have to step forward -- there has to be more collaboration between the police officers and the communities we serve."

Right on.

Ron Paul on The Daily Show

Well, Congressman Ron Paul was on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" tonight. He did well. He didn't appear, or sound like a very old man. John McCain, who is a year younger, sounds older.

His appearance was pretty straight forward. I went in with an open mind, perhaps even wanting to like him. He earned a good "B." He was a classic politician, not "funny" like Al Gore can be. Or Rudy Guiliani.

It is a major coup for a second-tier candidate to be on the Daily Show. I hope that he's on again. I'm just glad that Stewart would welcome any Republican. The comedian was a very vocal champion of John Kerry's, and all but endorsed him. I'm sure he's had other Republicans on, but he's still very much in the Liberal's corner.

Ron Paul continues to do "all the right things."

It's still Rudy Guliani's race to lose...and Fred Thompson might just be the spoiler. It won't be Ron Paul, even though I like him a lot more now than before.

Been away for a while. What have I been missing?

I've been on the other side of the world -- and doing my best to stay in the loop with Pittsburgh's political and cultural happenings. It is time to put my ear to the ground and figure out what I've been missing?

Nationally, I think the political news it Ron Paul's momentum.



I'm open to other suggestions and ideas as to what I've missed. It is time for us to re-enter the American mindset of being a Pittsburgher again.

In our extended family, I've yet to miss the arrival of our newest baby. Our boys will be getting a new cousin. The birth is any moment now. We were just talking about new baby names and Catherine suggested "Jade."

Another new development -- a new roof and deck re-make.

But, there has got to be more beyond the primary election. We'll be getting three new members to city council, of course, but -- that only means that three that are there now won't be returning. The new members are not yet elected as that happens with the general election.

Magical beach side tour

From NZ-yellow-eye...

While the boys and I were at the Neptune Swim Meet, Catherine, my photo impaired wife, enjoyed a magical tour of splendid nature around Dunedin, New Zealand. She set out at 1 pm on Saturday with the digital camera. Her images are posted in the web album above.

For the first part of the day, she thought she had broken Erik's digital camera. But, no. It was set to the 'download mode' and not the photo taking mode. That was fixed with an easy flip of the switch.

Catherine was keen to see the giant albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins and more. See got a treat. They were all there and in volume.

Seems that the wind needs to be right for the giant albatross to come back into their nests. Their wings are so long that if the wind is weak or if the wind direction is such they can't land. They need a bit of a runway to land and head into the wind to slow. The conditions were perfect and they were flocking in to feed their chicks.

The albatross nests around Dunedin are the only place in New Zealand where they are to be found. All the others are in sub-artic islands, except for this colony.

These are huge birds -- with 3-meter wing spans. We saw some of the junior-types on other trips, but were not with these. Their flight is so impressive. They move, swoop and seemingly float just above the rolling waves of the ocean. Feathers at the tips of the wings right to the water's surface among swells and waves.

Then the yellow-eyed penguins -- such a hoot. The eyes are yellow as are the areas around the eyes. They surf in the waves to the beach then plop -- stand upright and waddle to the hillsides to their nests. These guys spend the day in the ocean and the nights at their land-based nests. Swimming, they look a bit like ducks. Then when they go vertical on land, Catherine said it was a riot to see.

The blue penguins are smaller and more to themselves and less in a clan. They nest in these small boxes that had been built for them by the local farmer.

The penguins avoided the sea lions. But, the sheep and penguins got along fine. The sheep help to keep down the height of the grass giving the penguins better footing to get to their nests. If the grass was tall, they'd be finished.

The bad guys are nasty, ugly, blood-thirsty critters that are hated. We're talking about the ferrits and the stoaks. Neither are native to this island. Now that they are here -- they've gone and made a real eco mess.

These stoaks kill tons of birds and there are traps for them all over the place. They kill for the thrill -- not even for the food. So, if one gets into a hillside, it will knock out a handfull of nests in one swoop. Three nests were hit recently until it ended in a trap.

The local farmer lways has a rifle with him as he walks and if he spots a stoak or ferret -- he'll shoot it. Drivers too aim for them if they are on the roads.

When we were driving in Queenstown, I saw one in the headlights running across the road into the bush. The traps are marked with pink triangles so the rangers know where they've been placed.

The Price of Delaying the Inevitable in Iraq

Wait and see turn around of roles is predicted.

The Price of Delaying the Inevitable in Iraq This wait and see attitude in Washington, and the promised reassessment of events in Iraq later on, strongly motivates the insurgents to accelerate the killing of Americans in order to influence the decision coming in three months. In contrast, a clear decision to leave would prompt a wait and see attitude in Iraq, a de facto cease fire, in anticipation of our leaving, the perfect time for the Iraqi factions to hold their fire on each other and on our troops and just possibly begin talking with each other.

Ron Paul updates

June 4, 2007: Congressman Ron Paul will be a guest on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" tonight at 11:00 pm ET.

http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml

The third GOP presidential debate will be held tomorrow night, June 5, at 7:00 pm ET in New Hampshire. CNN will broadcast the debate with Wolf Blitzer as the moderator.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/

Sunday Forum: In praise of property taxes

Right on.

Sunday Forum: In praise of property taxes property tax remains the best way to fund schools.

The Pgh Comment had a post about this too.

Your Coaching Resource - Team Travel

ASCAOnline - Your Coaching Resource One of the “truisms” of swimming that coaches intuitively understand, even when they can’t verbalize it, is that Team Travel will “break swimmers loose” from their previous performance levels and allow them to “move up” when ten more meets in the home environment might not achieve that. How does this work?

South Carolina swim coach, Gibb Steps Down at South Carolina

CollegeSwimming.com::Gibb Steps Down at South Carolina Gibb described a commitment he and wife Gena had made to be good parents, but when pressed against the similarly-demanding rigors of Division I coaching, said “really, only one of us has done a great job [of parenting].” Coaching in the SEC he explained, “is a 24 x 7 job and if you don’t work hard at it, you’re going to get passed by.”

Free from the constant pressure to recruit, he plans spend time with his wife and four children, while also getting back to the basics of “why I got involved in coaching to begin with – to teach kids to appreciate and love swimming.”

Good choices.

Syracuse: Athletic Director Explains Decision to cut swimming

CollegeSwimming.com::Syracuse: Athletic Director Explains Decision The problem, Gross explained, came down to money. “We don’t have the resources to compete the right way in swimming.” Chief among those needs was a facility that he pegged in the $35-40 million range. “If we were gong to have a swimming program here then its very important that we have the resources to do it the right way and that would mean a new facility.”

Not that a hockey facility wouldn’t necessitate its own costs. “Obviously we’re looking at some other facility changes that will impact eighteen teams. To do it for just two is tougher. If we’re going to fundraise we need to help as many teams as we can help.”

Ouch, again.

Residents of Hill get a say in plans for new arena

Residents of Hill get a say in plans for new arena Ms. Ismail said city planners sent out about 14,000 fliers to residents in the Hill and Uptown areas to inform them of this evening's meeting and the other opportunities to participate.

'We don't want people to come back and say we were not informed of the process,' she said. 'To be heard is to be there. It is not our plan. It is their plan.'

Can residents show up to the meeting with a video camera? Or, will the meeting occur without the "PERMISSION" to video the events????

What about those who do NOT show up to the meeting?

Those who attend also will have a chance to sign up for one of six focus groups

Why only limit people to ONE of the SIX focus groups?

Divide and conquer works that way.

I'm not there at the meeting in the Civic Arena. However, I'd like to know what is going on. And, I'd like to sign up for all six focus groups.

Hazelwood's new houses come from URA after six or seven years

Hazelwood welcomes new houses The $1.5 million project featuring four townhouses and two single-family homes is being developed under the auspices of the Urban Redevelopment Authority. It has been planned for six or seven years, said Jerome Dettore, executive director of the URA.

City officials are there to break ground -- as in BEGIN -- a project for new housing that took six or seven years to hatch.

The land had been vacant for years prior to the planning process began.

This place is six minutes away from Oakland but more than ten years away from the creation of a new bedroom where one could reside. And, these public officials are now going to celebrate.

Doug Shields described this a 'connected to everywhere.' With connections like these, what good has it done? These are more often connections to to nothingness that the URA gets to administer. This is a connection to a $300,000 gap -- for someone else to pocket.

The best thing to do is to cut those connections with government money. They are costly connections that don't perform well. And, because they exist, the marketplace energy goes elsewhere.

It is dumb to build a new home next to one being built by the URA. The URA has a $300,000 gap it can close. So, it is better to invest in another area in the region -- or the world.

In turn, nothing gets done for ten years. And, when something does get done, it is a joke.

This is nothing but a long-winded success story of fleeting glory yet to be delivered -- that makes Democrats gald where cronies get $300,000 richer.

Carrick wins City League baseball title - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Carrick wins City League baseball title - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Carrick answered with six runs in the second inning, and Fricke tossed a two-hitter, as the Raiders rolled to a 13-0 victory in five innings Wednesday at Herb Field in Ross.

This is sad. Why in the world is the Pittsburgh Public Schools Championship Baseball game being played in Ross Township?

That game should be at PNC Park. Period.

I don't care too much if the WPIAL games are played in Washington County. Fine. But, the PPS Championship game is different.

Canterbury Rugby League (CRFL)

Canterbury Rugby League (CRFL) Canterbury has called up a clutch of current and former Bulls Bartercard Cup players for today's centenary season representative match against Auckland at Rugby League Park.

Cheered for the home, winning team, today.

One Veteran Reporter Talks Candidate Coverage

There is a misconception that the media, of all shades and colors--print, broadcast, whatever--is responsible to cover all candidates, regardless of the local race.

I was the editor of a community-based newspaper for four years and I gave coverage to those candidates in my readership area to a degree far beyond anything else in Pittsburgh.

Over the years I've also been in other newsrooms, from radio to newspaper (my experience in these matters really started in Portage, Pennsylvania, in 1982). The fact of the matter is, the "big guys" from newspapers, TV to radio in town don't cover "niche" candidates because they don't sell newspapers, don't generate "must listen" radio.

For the most part, "niche" candidates are in it for the vanity. This is not the case for our dear friend Mark Rauterkus, who operates this very blog. The fact of that matter is, Mark is more dedicated to many ideas that just don't ring all that vital with editors of our newspapers, television or radio stations. And when it comes to radio interviews, he cannot speak in the soundbites and use the buzz words that make for a good broadcast (sorry, Mark).

Remember when Richard Caliguiri used to run for Congress every two years? He bankrolled a back page, full-page advertisement in the City Paper (or maybe it was the other entertainment weekly I can't remember that has since shuddered)? Caliguiri, who claimed to be a distant relative to the former Mayor of Pittsburgh (but their names with spelled with inverted "i's" and "u's") was the last great Independent candidate in the city.

He created a firestorm with that picture, naked and in the "Thinker's" pose. Who knows whatever happened to Mr. Caliguiri? I ran stories on him, and when he announced his candidacy two years after that first race, Congressman Mike Doyle told the electronic media that I broke the story. (I was also in my 20's and was eager to make a name for myself. Those opportunities just don't exist in 2007, especially when most people do it via blogs like this one.)

Caliguiri spent his own money for the picture and the advertisement. Before and after that race, he would only be referred to as the kooky guy who always runs, using the former Mayor's name. I have an audio tape from election day 1988 when my friend Padre George Saletrik and I were analyzing returns at our California University of Pennsylvania college radio station. Rev. Saletrik, then 20 or 21, knew of Caliguiri only because he was the "kooky guy who always runs."

The real thing is money. The media is in no way, shape or form, responsible to cover these candidates. To think otherwise is absolute, fundamental delirium. In fact, Mark and I have talked about this over and over again. He knew that I was "the guy" who covered the "fringe" candidates back in the day, but I also know why no one ever does it anymore.

Money. Period. End of Discussion...okay, maybe a little more.

Ross Perot was the standard bearer for off-beat, non-traditional candidates because he was a billionaire throwing a tantrum with his own billions.

If an Independent or Republican--especially in the city--is to ever be taken seriously, they will have to establish themselves as major fundraisers (or wealthy enough to make a name for themselves...and apparently that "grass-roots" candidate does not exist). Otherwise, they are considered vanity seekers or kooks. Guys like Mark have good ideas...but they won't fly without serious support from the taxpaying public: fundraising.

In the city, Republicans have almost exclusively run candidates who never spent a moment seriously raising money. Bob Hillen and Joe Weinroth have asked for money in the recent past, but few others have ever broached the subject.

Republicans who run for office in the city also almost always disappear into the ether after losing one race. Even the talented ones. It's just that disheartening when you work against a Democratic party that rules with an iron fist.

I am one of those guys who have been asked to run several times. I have even considered it, but alas, I would be in the race to win, and there's no chance that I could win over the fact that I'm a Republican living in the city. And I don't have my own money to flaunt, and have no interest in making countless telephone calls to potential donors. That's the only way to be taken seriously. Background folks should run the websites, post the video blogs, etc.

On a national level, Libertarians had their moment in the sun about a decade ago (Western Pennsylvania over the past 17 years or so have only had idealists running as Libs). Since then, they have completely fallen off the political landscape. Long thought of as only champions of legalized marijuana, the local Libertarian party is filled with highly-intelligent people who should be behind the scenes of someone else's campaign.

Again, I have covered the kooks, vanity seekers, and dreamers (thank God for guys like our friend Mark...his passion is unmatched), and would do it again if I was in charge of the editorial content of some sort of newspaper.

But I'm not and, perhaps unfortunately, there's no reason for anyone else to cover the "unconventional," unless, like Richard Caliguiri, they put their money where there ass is.

She wants more women to run for political office

She wants more women to run for political office Ms. Lawless, 32, co-author of the book, 'It Takes a Candidate: Why Women Don't Run For Office,' said the three most common reasons that women cite for not running for office are family responsibilities, doubts about their qualifications and that they haven't been specifically asked to run.

Well, I'm not so sure I agree.

People don't run for office -- people of both genders -- because they have better things to do with their time, money, efforts and emotions.

People don't run for office because it is a 'sink.' And, the sink (think sink hole) is massive.

The ROI (return on investment) for a campaign is fleeting. It isn't nill. But, the return is but a fraction of what is invested into the endeavor.

As to being asked to run, I think it is more telling when there are those who ask you NOT to run. I've been asked to NOT run for office many times. And, around western PA, the really interesting conversations happen when folks are bumped from campaigns, elbowed out, discounted as being "nutso", and are given perks to bail out.

Furthermore, there are plenty of times when I've seen people beg others to run -- only to be upset later. I've asked others to run for office. I've done that a lot. I've recruited candidates. But, I've not gone to great lengths to get them to run. I won't be a beggar to get a candidate into the public limelight. And, what does that say when there are others who are asked to run by having their arm twisted -- rather than being self appointed.

You need to know what you're getting into by being a candidate. Think it through. Think it through with others. Ask questions. I'll visit with you. But make your own decisions. And, make your own decisions to not run as well.

You can run to a problem. You can run from a problem. Or, you can stand and face the problem. Or, stand and face other directions. Life isn't generally an "ON" vs. "OFF" decision as there is a third option of "NEITHER."

I've got better things to do in life as well. But sure, I can stand from office, but at the same time I can do part of it from New Zealand.

Another huge problem as to why people don't run for office -- men and women -- is the media. In Pittsburgh, the media is a big, big problem. The is little trust there.

I feel that more people would get interested in running for office if there was more trust in the fourth estate. I'm talking about the local newspapers, radio shows, TV shows and bloggers (all new media) could be counted upon and trusted.

In other cities, with better media trust, the coverage is such that opportunities are presented to candidates to get their messages out to the people. With the universal understanding of better media dealings comes the associated opportunities of getting better candidates to enter the process.

We have people winning Pittsburgh elections who do NOT have web sites, could NOT build a web site, and can't get media coverage. They are flying under the radar, by design. They rely upon a few key alliances. They run under a party banner and can thrive when there are little hopes of being exposed. This angle of attack for candidates and campaigns is alive and well in Pittsburgh, sadly. They don't have a story to tell. They don't have solutions to deliver. And, they don't have the skills and tools to bring to the job at hand.

Our political landscape in Pittsburgh isn't healthy in terms of its coverage of candidates and campaigns. Hence, we have what we have -- too often. This is the same concept that frustrated Bill Peduto. He pulled out -- because of this very reason.

Furthermore, DeSantis can run, because of this very reason.

This needs to be fixed, and our best hope is to fix it ourselves with a 'surge' in online communications. Bloggers have done a great deal to help in these areas in recent times. But, there is still a lot to do.

Of interest in the article is the mention of children. Humm. Only three men mentioned "it" -- in surveys of thousands of men and women running for office. That is a telling fact that doesn't fit with my situation. I'm a man but I'm talking about children, kids, the youth and the future -- all the time. I don't ONLY talk about my kids and our kids -- but it is a pressing theme for justification of my acts and what I'm about.

A big part of the reasoning for my decisions to stand for office is children. I want our world and our city to thrive so our kids can enjoy opportunities here and be free to make their own lives for themselves without departing the region.

The comes the end of the story. The "punch line."

"Any man will run for office, but women hold themselves up to an unrealistic bar," she said. "When women run, women win."

B.S. Talk about holding up to an unrealistic bar is followed with an unrealistic statement.

How about this instead. "We all win when women run." Or better, "We all win when good people become candidates more often." Or better said for Pittsburgh, "We all lose when nobody runs because nobody gets coverage."

Trib gets it wrong by printing Onorato is running unopposed in November

GOP mayoral candidate DeSantis unfazed by obstacles - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Party pride didn't deter another Democrat, county Chief Executive Dan Onorato, from pursuing Republican voters. Onorato, who will run unopposed in November, used an automated phone bank to woo Republicans. They rewarded him with 1,844 write-in votes, nearly triple the 623 netted by Matthew Drozd Jr., the son of County Councilman Matt Drozd.

Onorato has locked up the D party nomination and the R party nomination. Sure. But, Onorato, come November, will have opposition.

The media might like to say that Onorato will run unopposed, but that statement is at odds with the truth.

Ron Paul Odds Slashed Dramatically: 15 to 1 from 200 to 1

Ron Paul Odds Slashed Dramatically: 15 to 1 from 200 to 1: "Ron Paul Odds Slashed Dramatically: 15 to 1 from 200 to 1

It was only two weeks ago that 2008 Presidential candidate Ron Paul was listed at Sportsbook.com with odds of 200 to 1. In fact, early in the month he was not even offered on the political betting menu. My how things have changed in the past month."

I too, like Dr. Ron Paul, would NEVER propose nor would tolerate any TAX being placed on the internet. Not for gambling. Not for anything. The internet needs to remain free from taxes.

Furthermore, I've said all along that the internet is going to be the death of casinos. The slots parlor due for Pittsburgh might have a bit of hope as a small-fry operation, but little else.

However, the speculation in the article about the political moves that are pending by Dr. Paul are groundless. Ron Paul will NOT switch to a third party. He will stay in the primary process all the way until the end -- when voters of each state get to make their votes for the nomination to the White House. So, there won't be any party switching in 2007 nor 2008 for Ron Paul.

It is too early to tell if Ron Paul will win his party nomination. To say anthing else is foolish. Is is WAY TOO EARLY. However, I think he'll stay in to the end. Others will fold over time. He won't. He'll grow and stick to the tasks at hand. For Ron Paul, unlike many of the others, running for office isn't about stepping stones and career advancement. Rather, he is there to prove points that make sense about this nation and how it should operate.

No wonder New Zealand has a serious brain drain

See recent photos of our trip to Auckland. They say it a lot like we say "Oakland."

One island in Auckland's bay (harbor) is 600 years old.

They city is dotted with 48 volcanos. Some of the craters have been 're-developed.' But this is a famous one, called Mt. Eden.

The other in the distance is called "One Tree Hill." But, the tree is gone now. Grant stood on the stump.

More insights to come later. Running out to the pool for a trip on a bus to Dunedin for a weekend swim meet.

We got up at 5 am in Auckland. Grant called his classmates. Then today we travel to Christchurch and again farther south on a bus. So, we are going from North to South nearly the length of the country.