Ron Paul Excluded in Iowa
Iowans for Tax Relief and Iowa Christian Alliance will host a presidential candidates forum on Saturday, June 30th in Des Moines. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney, Sam Brownback, Jim Gilmore, Mike Huckabee, Tommy Thompson, and Tom Tancredo will participate.
Ron Paul, however, will not participate. Why? Because he wasn’t invited.
We heard about this forum from numerous supporters in Iowa who asked why Dr. Paul was not going to participate. Those supporters assumed that Dr. Paul was invited.
The campaign office had not received an invitation so we called this morning; thinking we might have misplaced the invitation or simply overlooked it. Lew Moore, our campaign manager, called Mr. Edward Failor, an officer of Iowans for Tax Relief, to ask about it. To our shock, Mr. Failor told us Dr. Paul was not invited; he was not going to be invited; and he would not be allowed to participate. And when asked why, Mr. Failor refused to explain. The call ended.
Lew then called Mr. Steve Sheffler, president of the Iowa Christian Alliance, to talk with him. Mr. Sheffler did not answer so Lew left a message. He has yet to respond.
Why are the Iowans for Tax Relief and the Iowa Christian Alliance excluding the one Republican candidate who scored at the top of every online poll taken after the MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN debates? Why are they denying Iowans the opportunity to hear from the Republican presidential candidate whose popularity is growing by the day?
We couldn’t get answers to these questions from Messrs. Failor and Sheffler. Maybe you’ll have better luck. Their contact information is below.
It's ironic that on the same day we learned the Iowans for Tax Relief and the Iowa Christian Alliance excluded Dr. Paul from their candidates forum, we received a call from ABC News confirming Dr. Paul’s participation in its nationally broadcast August 5th debate to be held in Des Moines.
Kent Snyder, Chairman
Ron Paul 2008
Contact Information
Edward Failor
Iowans for Tax Relief
2610 Park Avenue
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
Phone: 563-288-3600 or 877-913-3600
Fax: 563-264-2413
E-mail: itr@taxrelief.org
Steve Sheffler, President
Iowa Christian Alliance
939 Office Park Road, Suite 115
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Phone: 515-225-1515
Fax: 515-225-1826
E-mail: slscheffler@iowachristian.com
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Iowa -- let it rain let it rain let it reign
Pittsburgh Pist-Gazette: Peduto Says Cool Hand Luke Out In Left Field
Pittsburgh Pist-Gazette: Peduto Says Cool Hand Luke Out In Left Field He Might As Well Ask For (Dan) Onorato's Resignation While He’s At ItGreat recap at the insanity that the rookie Mayor has caused.
During today’s City Council session, Councilman Bill Peduto read the City Charter rules as they pertain to the firings of department heads and directors. Something Mayor Lukey should have done prior to waving his hand, trying to get most of the 5th floor to disappear.
A couple of embarrassing points for an administration which is building its legacy on embarrassment ……
I don't like to have an insult of being on some kind of meds, however. That is just silly and does not help the cause. There is plenty to be upset about for what it is without putting in some fictional boogie man causes.
Working on a special event with Pirate game for end of summer for lifeguards and swimmers
Save the date: Sunday, September 30, 2007. That is the last game of the year for the Pittsburgh Pirates. We hope to pull together a special event with the game to honor and celebrate the end of the summer. And our special focus will be the swimmers, coaches, lifeguards and fitness participants and leaders who make the summer-time days safe and enoyable.
Ideas, co-organizers, volunetters are welcomed to join this effort.
Write to me via Mark -at- Rauterkus -dot- com or call my cell: 412 298 3432.
Ideas, co-organizers, volunetters are welcomed to join this effort.
Write to me via Mark -at- Rauterkus -dot- com or call my cell: 412 298 3432.
Nameless, faceless bloggers -- and why they occur withing and without the media
At another blog there is a thread about posting comments from those who don't sign their names.
One theory says that the anon postings are from those in the media. By and large, I don't agree.
Because one is in the media is not an excuse to use anon, UNLESS, you're media in Fiji. Fiji has had a military take over. The general / dictator has had a thing against bloggers and free press. So, anon bloggers and postings are needed, else one would be jailed or worse.
I venture that there are 100 or so that use, with monthly postings, the "Anon" handle. Perhaps 10% are media.
If there are anon posters in the media -- what the hell are they scared of? Are they chicken to stand by their words? Are they spineless?
For example, Jon Delano (KDKA) and Bob Mayo (WTAE) use their names, generally, I assume. Others in the media do as well.
The media has a job to do -- and that is to report. If the media people leverage influence to sway the news in ways they desire by using "anon" postings on blog comments, then there are concerns that should be pulled into the open. Does anyone want to pick a bone with media people posting in "anon" ways here?
My conclusion: I feel that they don't do that. It doesn't happen much.
Media posting in regular ways as anon is too bush-league for even the media around Pittsburgh.
Anon postings come from people who are citizens and fearful of powerful ones who are in government and in hiring capacities for other reasons. And, that fear is justified. And, those people are NOT generally 'media folks.'
Finally, I'm certain that the media folks READ blogs and do research. But, they'll be less engaged as people who 'post.'
Agree, or not? Use the comments and tell us why.
One theory says that the anon postings are from those in the media. By and large, I don't agree.
Because one is in the media is not an excuse to use anon, UNLESS, you're media in Fiji. Fiji has had a military take over. The general / dictator has had a thing against bloggers and free press. So, anon bloggers and postings are needed, else one would be jailed or worse.
I venture that there are 100 or so that use, with monthly postings, the "Anon" handle. Perhaps 10% are media.
If there are anon posters in the media -- what the hell are they scared of? Are they chicken to stand by their words? Are they spineless?
For example, Jon Delano (KDKA) and Bob Mayo (WTAE) use their names, generally, I assume. Others in the media do as well.
The media has a job to do -- and that is to report. If the media people leverage influence to sway the news in ways they desire by using "anon" postings on blog comments, then there are concerns that should be pulled into the open. Does anyone want to pick a bone with media people posting in "anon" ways here?
My conclusion: I feel that they don't do that. It doesn't happen much.
Media posting in regular ways as anon is too bush-league for even the media around Pittsburgh.
Anon postings come from people who are citizens and fearful of powerful ones who are in government and in hiring capacities for other reasons. And, that fear is justified. And, those people are NOT generally 'media folks.'
Finally, I'm certain that the media folks READ blogs and do research. But, they'll be less engaged as people who 'post.'
Agree, or not? Use the comments and tell us why.
R.I.P. -- times NINE
Nine firefighters died in Charlestown, South Carolina, in a furnature warehouse blaze. Seems the roof fell on them.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire.ap/index.html
Life is precious. Let's end this theme on the blog now, shall we.
Update:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire.ap/index.html
Life is precious. Let's end this theme on the blog now, shall we.
Update:
Terry Hoeppner, Big Ben's college coach, dies: "Indiana football coach Terry Hoeppner died today of complications from a brain tumor, a university spokesman said. He was 59."
Another RIP: WESLEY, (Wes) THOMPSON reports that his mother passed away.
Unfortunately the Lord chose to take my mother, Mildred Thompson, home on Sat. 6-16. Friends will be received fron 7-9 Mon., & tues. 2-4 & 7-9 at Thomas Smith funeral home 930, Center Ave B, Blawnox PA 15238. A service will be held Wednesday morning 10 AM.Hat tip to Kathleen Stewart of the western side of Pgh.
Pennsylvania lost a leader. RIP Dr. George Osborne
He was a leader at the PA College of Optometry, an audiologist, a professor. He helped to launch the Pennsylvania Accademy of Audiology. He hired a couple of Univ. of Pittsburgh graduates. He has been a pioneer in distance education. He was a pilot.
Last Friday, the College announced with great sadness that Dr. George S. Osborne, Dean of the School of Audiology died suddenly on June 14th.
The Memorial Service for Dr. Osborne is as follows:
Friday, June 22nd at 7 p.m.
Paoli Presbyterian Church
225 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301
Phone number at the church is 610-644-8250
Should you like to get a condolence note to the Osborne family, we ask that you send it to our offices here at PCO, and we will be sure to have all communications forwarded to the family.
PCO
Alumni Office
8360 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
Dr. Osborne's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to
PCO Foundation's George S. Osborne Scholarship Fund.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Presidential candidate Ron Paul drawing diverse crowds - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Article in the Sunday Trib about my favorite candidate for US President, 2008, Dr. Ron Paul.
Medical Marijuana should be defended.
Most of all to those who are NOT convinced already, my friends in Pittsburgh should get behind Ron Paul, because he is a home-town hero.
When was the last person from Pittsburgh in the White House -- as President?
This quote that "Everyone knows he's not going to be the nominee" is total crap. But, those are they types of quotes I expect from the Tribune Review.
Politics is partly about the power of ideas. And, if politics is going to improve, it needs to be ALL ABOUT the power of ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it is about money and NOT about ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it isn't about the future.
Polls that don't register his candidacy are not worth a wasted breath. But, the Trib cares about spreading the soiled goods.
Ron Paul's wife, Carol Wells, is also from this area. Not like T. Heinz. This are Pittsburgh's people.
Dormont. You gotta love this guy. He was a state track champion. He was class president. He didn't play football -- so his head wasn't bashed about!
Sure, there are a lot of good things that the government does. The government needs to protect freedom. Protect privacy. Protect the people from the government.
Greater words can not be said about a guy in politics if you listen to what Tom DeLay said about Ron Paul. "You always understand where he's coming from." That is key. That can't be discounted.
Earmarks never worked for Dr. Paul. YES!
I've said all along that we need to nix the earmarks in Western Pennsylvania that come here and HURT our economy. The tunnel under the river for light-rail expansion is a great example of an earmark that doesn't work.
Then the Trib goes out of its way to interview the opposition of Dr. Paul. Talk to Ds in Dr. Paul's area. Talk to DeLay, 'the hammer' -- an in-party foe to Dr. Paul. Paul won after a controversial redistricting. I remember that period. Texas had a strike. It was a mess.
Rudy Giuliani sharply rebuked him, so the article goes. Really, Guiliani was rude and dull and without any rebuke. Duhh. Rudy gets a thank you note for being one to tango with, but Rudy was flat foolish. Rudy's attack on Dr. Paul is going to be the telling moment of Rudy's career.
Presidential candidate Ron Paul drawing diverse crowds - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review What struck the candidate ... was the diversity of the crowd.Diversity works for Libertarians. Diversity works for me too.
'Young and old, hippie types and business types, Republicans and Democrats and independents, anarchists, people who hate the IRS and the Federal Reserve,' said Ron Paul, a Green Tree native, Dormont High School alumnus and Republican congressman from Texas' Gulf coast.
Medical Marijuana should be defended.
Most of all to those who are NOT convinced already, my friends in Pittsburgh should get behind Ron Paul, because he is a home-town hero.
When was the last person from Pittsburgh in the White House -- as President?
This quote that "Everyone knows he's not going to be the nominee" is total crap. But, those are they types of quotes I expect from the Tribune Review.
Politics is partly about the power of ideas. And, if politics is going to improve, it needs to be ALL ABOUT the power of ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it is about money and NOT about ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it isn't about the future.
Polls that don't register his candidacy are not worth a wasted breath. But, the Trib cares about spreading the soiled goods.
Ron Paul's wife, Carol Wells, is also from this area. Not like T. Heinz. This are Pittsburgh's people.
Dormont. You gotta love this guy. He was a state track champion. He was class president. He didn't play football -- so his head wasn't bashed about!
Sure, there are a lot of good things that the government does. The government needs to protect freedom. Protect privacy. Protect the people from the government.
Greater words can not be said about a guy in politics if you listen to what Tom DeLay said about Ron Paul. "You always understand where he's coming from." That is key. That can't be discounted.
Earmarks never worked for Dr. Paul. YES!
I've said all along that we need to nix the earmarks in Western Pennsylvania that come here and HURT our economy. The tunnel under the river for light-rail expansion is a great example of an earmark that doesn't work.
Then the Trib goes out of its way to interview the opposition of Dr. Paul. Talk to Ds in Dr. Paul's area. Talk to DeLay, 'the hammer' -- an in-party foe to Dr. Paul. Paul won after a controversial redistricting. I remember that period. Texas had a strike. It was a mess.
Rudy Giuliani sharply rebuked him, so the article goes. Really, Guiliani was rude and dull and without any rebuke. Duhh. Rudy gets a thank you note for being one to tango with, but Rudy was flat foolish. Rudy's attack on Dr. Paul is going to be the telling moment of Rudy's career.
School Sports -- merge the City League with the WPIAL
Now is the time, when school is out and when sports teams are not taking all the available attention, to have serious conversations about scholastic sports.
The Pgh Public Schools has its own "City League." The City League needs to be taken apart. Rather, the city schools need to merge in and among the schools in the W.P.I.A.L.
Talk of consolidation mergers and metropolitanism has loomed large in recent years. Both scorn and infatuation spills. I'm willing to push to make sports, our playgrounds and our extra-school activities be the ones to step to the line next and MERGE.
We need to get the city kids playing well with the suburban kids.
We need to get the city school administrators understanding the competition. The school administrators in the PPS district are too insulated from the rest of Allegheny County.
We need the boosters in the city to see how boosters in suburban districts operate.
We need to be competitive -- and competition in sports is a week to week, day to day, and minute to minute ordeal. In sports, we keep score all the time.
Let's merge.
The Pgh Public Schools has its own "City League." The City League needs to be taken apart. Rather, the city schools need to merge in and among the schools in the W.P.I.A.L.
Talk of consolidation mergers and metropolitanism has loomed large in recent years. Both scorn and infatuation spills. I'm willing to push to make sports, our playgrounds and our extra-school activities be the ones to step to the line next and MERGE.
We need to get the city kids playing well with the suburban kids.
We need to get the city school administrators understanding the competition. The school administrators in the PPS district are too insulated from the rest of Allegheny County.
We need the boosters in the city to see how boosters in suburban districts operate.
We need to be competitive -- and competition in sports is a week to week, day to day, and minute to minute ordeal. In sports, we keep score all the time.
Let's merge.
Ron Paul, the Mahatma by Gary North
Ron Paul, the Mahatma by Gary NorthGreat quote: The public does not know who Ron Paul is. But TV viewers who were politically active enough to go to the websites of the broadcasting networks are big supporters of Paul.
I was watching Gandhi recently, as I do every year or two. It is inspirational to me. It tells the story of a man who could not possibly win the battles he chose to fight, but did anyway. There is no doubt that it is a propaganda film, funded in part by the Indian government. It scrambles his chronology. But, on the whole, it got the story right. Mohandas K. Gandhi, a lawyer, was able to transform Indian politics. He did this through force of moral character and shrewd tactics that made every official response either 'Damned if we do; damned if we don’t.' I read 'The Gandhi Nobody Knows' when it was published in 1983, a year after the movie was released. I know the strange side of the man. But he mobilized a huge nation without recourse to violence. That was his great legacy.
I also like the movie because it is the story of a failed empire. By 1945, the British Empire had spent itself into near bankruptcy because of two wars. It was a pale shadow of itself. It would soon grow much paler.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
World Record gets cut by 10-seconds
Swimming World has some fantastic swim news for Americans. A new mega star is born. This, to me, is way more impressive than the U.S. Open.
On YouTube:
Flash! Ziegler Shatters Evans' World Record in 1500 Freestyle
MISSION VIEJO, California, June 17. SHE'S been tracking her idol for years, winning world titles and living up to the high expectations placed on her shoulders. Sunday night, swimming at the TYR Meet of Champions in Mission Viejo, California, Kate Ziegler passed Janet Evans on the long-course scene. Contesting the 1500 freestyle, Ziegler lopped an unheard of 10 seconds from Evans' 1988 standard of 15:52.10.
Already the winner of the 200, 400 and 800 freestyles at the meet, Ziegler saved her best for last and went 15:42, a time that is almost unfathomable. Ziegler, the two-time defending world champ in the 800 and 1500 freestyles, has been compared to Evans since she arrived as a rising force on the national scene. At the World Championships earlier this year in Melbourne, Ziegler posted a mark of 15:53.05, the second-fastest in history at that moment.
In Mission Viejo, she attacked the 30-lap event with a vengeance, moving ahead of world-record pace from the get-go. Obviously, since she broke the record by 10 seconds, there was never a question whether she would remain on target. It was only a matter of how low she would take the record, which was the oldest on the books, set March 26, 1988 in Orlando.
Considering Ziegler broke the oldest effort by such a large margin, one has to consider the swim as the finest performance in history. Forever, debate will rage as to which swims are the most impressive, but Ziegler at least can make a strong case for the distinction. Ziegler, of course, is trained by Ray Benecki of The Fish.
Check SwimmingWorldMagazine.com for more coverage of Ziegler's record-breaking swim.
On YouTube:
I got a 'tie' for Father's Day -- and I love it. Plus, my t-shirt got new hand prints
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| From Logos |
I have a new tie in the wardrobe. It has a fern pattern. I love it. The fern is a symbol of New Zealand. Word on the street was against giving dad a tie for Father's Day -- but -- they'd be wrong in this case.
I also have a t-shirt with nearly a dozen years of blooming hand and foot prints from my kids. These shirts are all the rage now. At the zoo today I must have seen a dozen of these styled shirts -- 'best dad, hand's down.' Clever. Must have been in a lot of craft catalogs in recent times. I am such a trend setter.
Policies that boost fathers are needed- PennLive.com
Policies that boost fathers are needed- PennLive.com: "Policies that boost fathers are needed
Sunday, June 17, 2007
BY RICK SANTORUM
I suppose it's flattering when people ask what office you're looking at next. Since last November, however, I've told anyone who asks that the only thing I'm running for these days is 'Father of the Year.'
I don't know how I'll fare when the returns pour in today, but I hope I'll do well in the Santorum precinct.
I know this: Losing last year's Senate race in Pennsylvania was a great blessing. It gave me an opportunity that won't be there a few fleeting years from now. The opportunity to be a more fully involved father of a family that will only be under one roof for a few more years. The opportunity of time. The opportunity of a lifetime for my six children, my wife Karen and me."
Blognetnews.com -- Pennsylvania's ranking of most influential political blogs -- Running Mates -- we're #7
Blognetnews.com � Pennsylvania: "Pennsylvania's Most Influential Political blogs"
The top 20 include:
Director advice at PNC Park last night: Hang in there!
Last night we had a nice time at PNC Park with a group of folks in Pittsburgh for an event that was hosted at the Univ. of Pittsburgh. My wife is involved with a teach the teachers conference that runs every other year. This was the second event and the third topic for 2009 is booked. (Practice management) This year's topic for the audiology educators was A.R.
Quiz: What is A.R.?
I'd type it here -- but want to make this more interactive and my spelling stinks.
A corporate sponsor, Starkey, was able to bring 45 or so to the game. Wonderful. It was a nice ending to three days of meetings.
BTW, the Pirates lost. BTW 2, some really young kids are going to see "High School Musical."While at the game I talked for a moment or two with one of the ten directors who has been given notice that his job would become advertised for a national search for his replacement. I'll keep his identity secret for fear of blowback for now. But, this gentleman is one of the very few that I'd feel confident that I'd want to interview for that post he currently occupies should I become mayor. He is good at what he does. He has always been honest and straight with me, personally, and in my quest of political insights into the budget and such.
I told him (and his associates -- sorry, no clues) that was with him my thoughts about how in the real world one should measure twice THEN cut once. That isn't the case with our young mayor -- nor with Onorato and Bland. So, this isn't just a youth knock. Mine is a process evaluation -- and they're clueless as to how to evaluate objectives and such.
After some nice conversations, and as we were getting back to the game and our respective groups, my parting words were, "Hang in there Scott." This advice needs to be repeated, in public. I hope he does hang in there and is around Grant Street when I'm mayor -- and the insanity dissipates.
Coaching Polar Bears at Pgh Zoo -- today at 2 pm
Father's Day -- and going to the zoo and aquarium. Sponsor, www.Fatherhood.org.
If I can coach in New Zealand, Canada, swim with hector dolphins and help to lead open water efforts as well as water polo at Crafton, I think I can coach a butterfly workout with the polar bears at the Pgh Zoo and Aquarium. Be there today at 2 pm.
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| From people & vips |
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| From people & vips |
Getting some advice on comments in other blogs.
Folks, I'm open to suggestions on the blogs of others -- as well as this blog too.
HaloScan.com - Comments If I were you I would focus on Bruce Kraus. I know you can beat him. You should represent the people on the Southside and be their voice.
Good luck !!
anonymous | 06.15.07 - 5:34 pm | #
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Two Pitt swim coaches (assistants) are moving on to other gigs
CollegeSwimming.com::Resignations in New Orleans and Pittsburgh Resignations in Pittsburgh
Coaches seeking an elusive college gig can rejoice as three vacancies were announced in separate announcements from Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Pitt assistants, Eric Stefanski and Eric Limkemann, are stepping down.
Stefanski (1994-98) will be introduced as the new assistant at the University of North Carolina and Limkemann will leave the coaching sidelines. Limkemann will dedicate himself to becoming one of the nation's top triathletes as he relocates to Dayton, Ohio with his wife.
Coaches seeking an elusive college gig can rejoice as three vacancies were announced in separate announcements from Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Pitt assistants, Eric Stefanski and Eric Limkemann, are stepping down.
Stefanski (1994-98) will be introduced as the new assistant at the University of North Carolina and Limkemann will leave the coaching sidelines. Limkemann will dedicate himself to becoming one of the nation's top triathletes as he relocates to Dayton, Ohio with his wife.
The Crossed Pond Blogger quoted about Ron Paul and Pittsburgh and Washington Post
The Crossed Pond - The Crossed Pond in the Washington Post If you head on over to your local newsstand this morning and pick up a copy of The Washington Post, you’ll notice a front page article about Ron Paul and his massive online reach. At the end of the article, you might notice some random kid from Pittsburgh is mentioned talking about how inspiring Ron Paul is, and how important is his message.
Pittsburgh mayor axes
Pittsburgh mayor axes status quo - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'He's doing this uniformly so it doesn't reflect any agenda,' said Ferlo, ...Heck, don't show an agenda.
I want an agenda to be visible. I want to have moves by city leaders to reflect an agenda.
When the ax swings and no agenda is reflected in the swinging -- it is a hatchet job.
And, when the ax swings and the no agenda is reflected, it is just a power play.
Relay Carnival Idea Discussion
Talkshoe.com
On Your Mark - Summer League Relay Meet ideas
Description: Our Summer Swimming League's Relay Carnival needs a drastic overhaul. I'll offer my suggestions to fellow coaches, parents and officials.
Start Time: 06/19/07 10:00 PM EDT
Duration (minutes): 30
On Your Mark - Summer League Relay Meet ideas
Description: Our Summer Swimming League's Relay Carnival needs a drastic overhaul. I'll offer my suggestions to fellow coaches, parents and officials.
Start Time: 06/19/07 10:00 PM EDT
Duration (minutes): 30
kdka.com - No Shortage Of Events This Weekend In Pittsburgh
For sure.
Pitt Audiology is hosting a teach the teacher even with people from around the US and different nations in town. So I'll be going to the Pirates game with them tonight. Then I expect to hit Flux.
The dad of one of my son's classmates is playing in the band that takes the Flux stage at midnight. I'm going to do my best to stay up to see them.
If time permits, after our swim team league meeting of coaches from all the teams, we'll hit the gay pride events. But I still need to print-up some water polo and biathlon handouts and update a web site with that and my Father's Day messages.
kdka.com - No Shortage Of Events This Weekend In Pittsburgh Any visitors to Pittsburgh won't be able to complain about a lack of entertainment this weekend, as the city is buzzing with a host of activities.
Pitt Audiology is hosting a teach the teacher even with people from around the US and different nations in town. So I'll be going to the Pirates game with them tonight. Then I expect to hit Flux.
The dad of one of my son's classmates is playing in the band that takes the Flux stage at midnight. I'm going to do my best to stay up to see them.
If time permits, after our swim team league meeting of coaches from all the teams, we'll hit the gay pride events. But I still need to print-up some water polo and biathlon handouts and update a web site with that and my Father's Day messages.
Mayoral candidates' Web presence and response is varied | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Politics: Local
Dallas is holding a mayor's race. And, Dallas may elect a gay mayor. But, this article covers some of the technology of being an eMayor and eCandidate.
I worry because the GOP write-in guy for mayor doesn't have squat on the net.
Koch and Kraus don't understand the internet. Ravenstahl's web and email replies as a candidate and as an elected official have been poor at best.
I worry because the GOP write-in guy for mayor doesn't have squat on the net.
Koch and Kraus don't understand the internet. Ravenstahl's web and email replies as a candidate and as an elected official have been poor at best.
Mayoral candidates' Web presence and response is varied | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Politics: Local Increasingly, in the case of state and high-profile city elections, a well-organized and appealing Web site can make or break a campaign.
But many of the tools billed as reaching out to voters provide nothing more than the illusion of accessibility, said Phil Noble, founder of politicsonline.com, which monitors how politics and the Internet interact. That's because most politicians don't know how to effectively use Web sites to reach people, he said.
Three Rivers Fishing Report - trend revealed
Here is how it works in the real world:
Remember how Steve Bland and Dan Onorato did the PAT cuts? Sorta the same way. They cut first and measured second. After the routes were cut, they then tried to figure out the impact and if that route should be cut or not.
In life, you measure twice then cut once.
Onorato and Ravenstahl don't understand how life works. That is another good reason to use the word, 'hack.'
They hack the city's department heads or they hack up the PAT bus routes without justifications and purpose to the desired mission and outcomes. The hacks are wreckless. Hacks don't have a process that thinks thing through. The hacks operate without rhyme nor reason. Hacks never learn how to "Think Again."
Cut this, cut that.... whack, whack, whack = hack.
Saying "Do more with less" and not being able to prove it -- just hacking away -- is the talk of a hack.
We want the city to provide value and be efficient. We understand that cuts should be made and must be made. But, how one cuts and how one guides is very important.
PAT needed to make changes. The department heads need adjustments. But terror can't work either.
Rather, evolve.
Three Rivers Fishing Report In organizations and companies I am familiar with, one reviews the job performance of an individual against the responsibilities and goals of that position to see how that individual adds up. You don't ask for resignation letters and then review their application for their job.Review in carpenter's terms: Ravenstahl cuts first. Mends second because the existing dead-wood can remain. Shops third with a national search. Picks fourth. Offers fifth. Hires sixth. Fills the dis-jointed part seventh. Introduces and trains eighth. Finally, gets onto life the new direction and his stamp upon the administration.
Remember how Steve Bland and Dan Onorato did the PAT cuts? Sorta the same way. They cut first and measured second. After the routes were cut, they then tried to figure out the impact and if that route should be cut or not.
In life, you measure twice then cut once.
Onorato and Ravenstahl don't understand how life works. That is another good reason to use the word, 'hack.'
They hack the city's department heads or they hack up the PAT bus routes without justifications and purpose to the desired mission and outcomes. The hacks are wreckless. Hacks don't have a process that thinks thing through. The hacks operate without rhyme nor reason. Hacks never learn how to "Think Again."
Cut this, cut that.... whack, whack, whack = hack.
Saying "Do more with less" and not being able to prove it -- just hacking away -- is the talk of a hack.
We want the city to provide value and be efficient. We understand that cuts should be made and must be made. But, how one cuts and how one guides is very important.
PAT needed to make changes. The department heads need adjustments. But terror can't work either.
Rather, evolve.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Carbolic Smoke Ball nails LUKE, but this last one isn't funny
Read and giggle.
Carbolic Smoke Ball PITTSBURGH - Mayor Luke Ravenstahl yesterday asked for a resignation letter from his sixteen-year-old grass cutter Noah Swayne in an effort to re-evaluate his performance.But, I wonder, does this mean more? If my wife did hair for her job, I'd not have a 'barber' to fire -- unless -- ...
In a statement, the mayor said he was 'not satisfied with the condition of my front lawn' and will conduct a nationwide search for the best candidate to assume the duties. Swayne is being asked to apply.
Swayne was a holdover from the O'Connor administration. He cut then-Mayor O'Connor's grass from April 2006 until O'Connor's death in September 2006.
Mayor Ravenstahl reportedly will ask for similar letters of resignation from his dentist, auto mechanic and barber.
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 CountryHomer fits him well. At least he told the world that he's a homer himself.
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.
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!
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.
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.)
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.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.
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.
Pittsblog backs into a liberty discussion
See: http://pittsblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/up-up-and-away.html
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.
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 SaleWilburn 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.
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
Mayor Ravenstahl asks 10 to resign - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Mayor Ravenstahl asks 10 to resign - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewInsane. 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?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
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.
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.”Great messages. Continue to read the story on the site of the New Pgh Courier.
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.
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.
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.'That solution, give them all a job pulling weeds, is not ideal, to say the least.
The program's cost is $125,000. The ballpark figure to hire 726 young people? About $1.2 million for eight weeks of work.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
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.
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.
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
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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
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.'
Monday, June 11, 2007
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:
Sunday, June 10, 2007
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 has been open for years. A new area for slots is going to open, sure.
The Meadows in Washington County is slated to open its doors on Monday.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, June 08, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, June 07, 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.
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.
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.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.
Mitt Romney is a distant third at 12 percent. The undecided vote still sits at 24 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.
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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| From Paddle-kayak |
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| 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.
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| From Grant |
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
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.
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-ReviewThe 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.
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.
Duquesne high school will close Residents decry state board decision; no plan announced on where students will attend in fallMore 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
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."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.
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."
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.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Quiz: What happens when an English Chap in Christchurch "punts?"
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| 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.
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