YMCA to add second Downtown site

So sad to say, if there is one thing that UPMC has messed up over the years -- it is fitness. UPMC has stumbled in this area so much that it must be scared to step onto the treadmill.

YMCA to add second Downtown site At the U.S. Steel Tower, the Downtown Y will team with UPMC, which is moving its headquarters into the city's tallest skyscraper, to operate a wellness center.

To partner with the Downtown YMCA is "interesting."

It might be a nice perk for the top brass at UPMC. How nice for them.

Would have been nice to see UPMC team with the Pens and get a real fitness and community center in The Hill as part of the CBA (Community Benefits Agreement) or in Uptown by Mercy.

It would be nice if the UPMC facility on the South Side had access -- as promised in our CBA -- before CBAs were called CBAs. Twice a month -- 24 times a year -- the community is to have access to the indoor football practice facility. Camps, competitions, community expos and a wide range of other things -- run by community organizations and leaders -- do NOT happen there.

So, who thinks this is true?

With UPMC, which will start moving in this spring (2008), nearly 10,000 people will work in the U.S. Steel Tower alone.

Is that saying UPMC will have 10,000 workers in USX or that there will be 10,000 workers in USX including some from UPMC?

This is what the Downtown YMCA should be doing more and more of. Taking care of downtown workers is not the core mission of the YMCA.

Breast training with Coach Gong in Chengdu, China. View Video

breastroke training in China View Video

Transportation blog points to Glenn's recap from SEPTA and PA's top court

Transportation Glenn reports with a recap of transfers in Philly.

Situation on saving Schenley and getting better high school reform

From Nick Larda:

Good evening everyone. My name is Nick Lardas. I am a resident of Oakland and am here to speak again as concerned parent, taxpayer and voter.

I came to ask you to stop spending on engineers and consultants to implement the current High School reform program until it can be more thoroughly studied and to save Schenley High School at Schenley High School.

One month ago without a complete plan in place and without allowing for public input, you voted, despite the protest of taxpayers and students, to proceed with spending money to dismantle Schenley High School and Frick Middle School, two of the most successful schools in Pittsburgh and to recombine them into three experimental 6-12 high schools. The only reason given for putting 11 year olds in the same school with 18 year olds is to reduce the school to school transitions from 2 to 1. You used as a major part of your argument justifying your decision that Schenley required $65-$80 million for asbestos abatement and restoration work which the school district could not afford and instead would spend about $50 million to create your experimental schools. You bolstered your argument with the claim that the plaster at Schenley was loosing its adhesion on a large scale.

Three weeks ago you posted on one of your many web sites limited information from the architects and engineers you hired to study Schenley High School.

I’ve reviewed that information and as a civil engineer who runs a restoration contracting business have come to a different conclusion than you have.

* The plaster is not experiencing adhesion failure throughout the school. It is failing where it was damaged by water leaks.

* The partial remediation/restoration option is the best value for the school district and will cost between $37.8 & $42.4 million depending upon whether you include air-conditioning or not and will upgrade the school for the next 30 years. There is no justification for the more expensive restoration if the money is not there.

* Asbestos abatement and demolition combined constitute only between 5 and 15% of the total costs depending on which option you look at.

* The renovation work needed at Schenley comes as no surprise to the board. The ventilation system was shut over 12 years ago and has yet to be fixed.

Of the letters and reports from October 2007 only one is based on actual materials testing. Wiss, Jenney, Elstner Associates made a visual inspection of the school and tested actual plaster samples. Page 6 of their report they states “The water penetration likely resulted in damaging the interior plaster finishes, some of which may not have been identified and repaired”. On page 7 referring to the plaster repairs of this past summer they state “It is likely that the current repair program identified the majority of damaged plaster that existed for some time” In other words, when your roof leaks or a water pipe bursts it damages your plaster ceiling and wall. If you don’t fix it eventually it falls down. Once you go around the house and find all the damaged plaster and fix it, it will stop falling down. There is no emergency.

Since the new reports show no fact based information that anything about Schenley’s physical structure has changed drastically since Astorino’s 1/31/06 Schenley High School Evaluation Study, I would like to point out some of conclusions scattered throughout that report.

On page one of the Asbestos Risk Analysis section they state “The plaster, overall is in good to excellent condition”.

One page 4 of the asbestos abatement section they state “However, if the capitol budget is limited, the alternative of minimal ACM remediation/removal, enclosure and encapsulation should be pursued”.

Your own reports show there is no sudden emergency and that Schenley can be restored for costs well below your alternative schemes.

Schenley High School & Frick Middle School work. For the sake of our children you cannot afford not to fix Schenley. Fix Schenley the building. And spend the savings to improve the programs in Schenley High School & Frick Middle School.

Respectfully Submitted by: Nicholas D. Lardas

Luke is against direct kickbacks to those who didn't ask for them

Luke leaves at the end.

Community Master Plan --- you won't be qualified to write it about your community!

PM Update: I'm glad to see other bloggers have found this video too.

They are hungry at the European Short Course Championships: Lazslo Cseh Downs Second World Record in IM

I.M. Hungry.

Lane 9 News Archive: European Short Course Championships: <font color=red>Flash!</font> Lazslo Cseh Downs Second World Record in As Many Days

Posting splits of 54.93, 1:54.24, 3:02.97 on the way, Hungary's Laszl Cseh became the first sub-4:00 man in the event as his 3:59.33 knocked more than a second off his global standard of 4:00.37 set in Trieste in 2005.

This gives the US Men, such as Phelps, some competition. The world is swimming very fast in advance of the Olympics. It is going to be an interesting year for international swimming.

Locally, best of luck to the swimmers who are in the annal Pitt Christmas Meet. It started today and goes throughout the weekend. Many of the region's top swimmers participate.

Best wishes for Coach Jay and the team in Somerset who is also hosting its first big prelims and finals meet there. I tried to get Jay to consider some interesting twists to that meet format -- some we picked up from New Zealand Swimming.

I'd love to see us do Adam & Eve races. That is a two-person relay based off the results of the 50-free. The fastest boy finalist is coupled with the 8th (if in an 8 lane pool) fastest girl. Second with seventh and so on. Kids from different teams mix it up in the same relay. Kids decide who goes first, boy or girl. Then one race in each age group is held. Prizes were given as well.

Pittsburgh being considered for Amsterdam flight, group says - Pittsburgh Business Times:

Pittsburgh being considered for Amsterdam flight, group says - Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh International Airport is 'on the short list' of airports under consideration for a direct flight to Amsterdam to be operated by Northwest Airlines/KLM alliance, according to a local group focused on air travel.

My wife and I expect to go to Amsterdam, for the first time ever, this May.

Letter to Editor: Real ID (ouch) and Ron Paul (yes)

Mark Crowley, fellow Libertarian, of Plum, wrote:

I had a LTE today (12/13/2007) in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review urging support of bills in the PA legislature to not implement the Real ID.

This was my fifth LTE on this general topic that I've submitted to assorted newspapers recently, but it's the only one to get printed. I suspect none before were printed because they didn't respond to something written in the papers. Right now the Real ID is below media radar.

I think this one was printed because today the Trib also chose to print an LA Times story where Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff said we need the Real ID. The Trib's front page below the fold story was titled, "Chertoff renews call for national ID." I think this getting printed has more to do with dumb luck than persistence.

Mark

PS -- I'm 2 for 2 on Ron Paul LTEs. I never dreamed Real ID LTEs would be that ignored more than ones about Ron Paul!

---

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/s_542472.html

Stop Real ID


In 2008 Pennsylvania begins implementing a federalized driver's license mandate called the "Real ID" that will include personal and biometric data linking us to government databases.

Like gun control, it will penalize innocent law-abiding citizens with higher fees and taxes, more bureaucracy, greater inconvenience, increased privacy risks and questionable security. Criminals and terrorists will work to exploit the ID's false sense of security.

Negotiations are also under way to share database access now among future participants of the North American Union and NAFTA Superhighway.

South Carolina, Maine, New Hampshire and Montana have rejected Real ID. There's hope that Pennsylvania will too.

We must urge our state legislators to reject Real ID. In the House ask your state representative to support H.B. 1351. In the Senate, ask your state senator to support Sen. Folmer's anti-Real ID legislation (bill number not assigned yet).

Act soon. If you're not worried about identity theft and illegal immigration now, wait until Mexico's bureaucracy has your personal and biometric data.

Mark Crowley, Plum

Open Source Geeks at Schools, take note

Open Administration for Schools 2.50, an open source, web based, school administration package is now available from:

http://richtech.ca/openadmin/

This version has many new updates, features, etc. outlined below:

1) Single Site SSL - OA will now run on the Apache SSL server to give encrypted communication between web browser and server. As a result, it has been updated to run as a single site per school (since SSL precludes the use of easy virtual sites).

Andy Figueroa, besides figuring out how to do it, and testing the results, has also written the docs for a clean debian/ubuntu server install for this.

2) Fee System - improvements to make this system more useful. It's still a baby in developmental terms. It has a new outstanding fees report with family totals; an additional receipts field to simplify transaction structures and rewritten payments and invoice scripting.

3) Transcript system - a new transcript system that can generate multiple page per student transcripts (with identical cool looks as previously).

4) Report Card system - a new rewritten report card script that has even more configuration options and now has a GPA setting. The code has been rewritten to make it more flexible (and configurable).

5) Rewritten student enrollment scripting to allow better looking editing and to support the 18 additional student fields. It also has a new 'Clone' function to clone other family members to speed up student enrollment.

6) Rewritten pdf generation reports to support alternate language characters (normally Spanish or French) in generated pdf's. This makes use of the input encoding module of LaTeX.

7) Pop up calendar for date entry on Attendance and Main pages (from the dynarch.com folks) (and scripts updated to support this)

8) A new Custom Staff Report (analogous to the custom classlist report).

9) Beginning support for alternate paper sizes rather than just letter paper (ie. A4) as used by schools outside of North America. It is an additional configuration option in master configuration file (defaultpapersize).

10) New single field reset system (called 'bulk updates' on the Start/End of Year page) to reset a single field in all student records, etc. This replaced the large number of separate scripts.

11) And other fixes and improvements to improve the code and better support languages other than English.

Les Richardson, Open Admin for Schools

Holiday Music from home made musicians in recent concerts

Proud dad warnings:

From Violin-Holida...

Erik and Grant, my kids, are both visible in this photo. The gathering is with musical children and adults from the Pittsburgh Music Academy while playing at PPG's Wintergarden.

Click images below to hear the sounds and watch the video. Hint: Hi-Def playback not required.

Jolly Old St. Nick and into Oh Christmas Tree View Video

At another concert, at Frick Middle School, Erik played with the strings.

Frick Middle School - Frosty The Snow Man - Strings

View Video

And for something more difficult, and not about the holidays, it is off to the races with William Tell...

William Tell ... Frick Middle School Strings - December concert, 2007. View Video

A few of the Pittsburgh Frick 6-8 musicians just after their strings concert. Erik Rauterkus, grade 7, is the one with the red tie.

From Violin-Holida...

Underdog

Plus, there is a tea party too!

Pittsburgh and the NFL nation turned its eyes to New England last Sunday evening for football. Well, it happens again this weekend -- but for something much more important -- politics and the leadership of our nation in the White House.

They are brewing some big ideas to share at a tea party in Boston for this weekend. I wish I could be there.

Heavy:

Official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers - NEWS

Official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers - NEWS What is the key to defeating the Jaguars?
Red zone efficiency
Control the line of scrimmage
Contain Taylor and Jones-Drew
Protect Roethlisberger

The key to beating the Jags this Sunday at Heinz Field is not listed on the quiz/survey now running on the Steelers home page. The key to winning the game is, "Score more points."

There are two very important keys to life: First is, "Show up." Second is, "Score more points."

We are not sure that Big Ben is going to 'show up' as he didn't practice the past two days due to a shoulder injury.

Hope he takes it easy and keeps "the clear" and "the cream" in the trainers locker. Would hate to see these footballers acting like they play baseball. (giggle)

We love Charlie Batch too.

Create Debate | Gather.com - wonderful framework

Create Debate | Gather About Create Debate: Join the open dialogue with the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates! There are no time limits, no mediators. YOU ask the questions. They give answers about the future of America. And we all can explore this unique format for presidential debate.

http://America.Gather.com/k/jz6FVIsITxUhEHcJBC4FBggGCgs=/

Create Your Own "best of" Category! - "Best of" categories and winners created by our readers - Main Feature - Main Feature Extra - Pittsburgh City Pa

Create Your Own "best of" Category! - "Best of" categories and winners created by our readers - Main Feature - Main Feature Extra - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh Category: Best political party Winner: Libertarians

The American Entrepreneur - Reasons why Onorato should move to the private sector

The American Entrepreneur - Newsletter Articles SIX REASONS WHY DAN ONORATO SHOULD NOT BE GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA

The headline grabs. The article continues.

Are you ready for some football? Grant and I are going to Sunday's game. His birthday gift.

My second son, Grant, has always wanted to go to a professional football game. He gets his wish on Sunday -- as his 10th birthday gift. He turned 10 on Dec 4. That's when we told him about the tickets.

Mom purchased the tickets from a friend / season ticket holder (or some connection) via work. Nice.

Word is that the seats are up high -- and under the roof if should rain.

I'm not too sure what we can bring into the game. Camera, binoculars, seat pillow, stadium blanket, pockets stuffed with a few snacks sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly). Is that okay?

I know that umbrellas are NOT allowed.

Tips, suggestions and other insights are welcomed.

Any tailgates out there that could float an invite our way? Post-game tailgates?

We might take the Gateway Clipper from Station Square -- as we can walk to Station Square. I had thought about hitting the brunch at the Hard Rock Cafe before the game. But, we've got a church gig / pageant.

And when is the game? Is it a 1 pm kickoff?

I remember going to a game with my dad at 3RS when I was little. The Steelers got their buts kicked -- as was generally the case. But that day, they were playing the Green Bay Packers. We left early and went to the Hilton Hotel lobby to get some player autographs of the visiting team. Bart Starr was one of my favorites. He went an entire season and only tossed 4 interceptions, I think. We saw Ray Ray Nitzke Nitzke. In street clothes, he could blend into the crowd.

After the game we walked up the stairs and over the Ft. Pitt Bridge. There was a swell of people heading out of the stadium and to those steps -- and for a few minutes, my feet didn't touch the ground. I was amused. Not scared. But felt very small -- among the fans.

The Pittsburgh Comet on the RIPPING of Civic Arena snd the new White Elephant

The Pittsburgh Comet Carl Redwood, Chair of the One Hill Coalition, underlined Frazier's point in commenting that there were no drawings of the view from the Hill District. 'Only walls and fences.'

The Hill gets the DUMPSTERS.

Don Carter has been a front man for the big guys for many years.

Null Space post says it (City Paper) was "Rigged"

Null Space: Best Political Activist
CP: Bill Peduto
Me: Doesnt Rauterkus get an honorable mention for setting some record for running in more local elections than anyone in history.

I made my comment on his blog.
The other consideration -- the Libertarians got a mention for best political party.
But, what gets my goat is that the best political activist section had N/A in third place.
I also gave comment at Bram's blog, PghComet.

Tea Party 07 - Ron Paul for President Mass Donation Day

Tea Party 07 - Ron Paul for President Mass Donation Day Please join us this December 16th 2007 for the largest one-day political donation event in history. Our goal is to bring together 100,000 people to donate $100 each, creating a one day donation total of $10,000,000.

Mark DeSantis on the radio with Ron Morris, Thursday atfternoon, 1360 AM

The following comes from an email blast of Ron Morris, the American Entrepreneur. I'll do my best to listen and chime in via TalkShoe. That is a wonderful experience and interface to interesting conversations. Hope JBinc and Travis and the others are there too!

Tomorrow, December 13, 2007, and Friday, December 14, 2007, Ron Morris
will fill in during the afternoon drive shift, from 3 PM to 6 PM, on the flagship station of "The American Entrepreneur" radio program, AM News Talk 1360 (WPTT).

As with many of the other "pinch-hit" appearances Ron has done on AM News Talk 1360, these shows will be a break from the business-oriented discussion that Ron features on "The American Entrepreneur" on Saturday mornings.

On Thursday, Ron will talk with one of Western Pennsylvania's biggest newsmakers in 2007, Mark DeSantis. DeSantis has become familiar to many over the past 12 months thanks to his run for the Mayoral office
in the City of Pittsburgh, a run that culminated in defeat last month at the hands of incumbent Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

While DeSantis has appeared on the air with Ron prior to the election to discuss his campaign strategy, he'll join Ron on Thursday to discuss (for the first time) his "day job". That being his role as President and Co-Founder of Mobile Fusion, a South Side-based tech firm that specializes in producing ISR technology (that's "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance") that acts as the "eyes and ears" of military forces that are about to embark on dangerous, often deadly, areas. The technology that Mobile Fusion produces is essential to modern-day warfare, where "the enemy" is more undefined than ever before.

Thursday's interview will provide a unique insight into the role that "Mayor DeSantis" would have walked away from had he won last month's election.

Plus, Thursday's show will feature a look at an ever-changing industry that has made local headlines within the last few days.

With the ongoing breaking news surrounding the sale of Kennywood Amusement Park to Parques Reunidos, a Spanish-based operation, many questions have been asked about what it all means. Joining Ron to help answer some of those questions, and to discuss the amusement park industry as a whole, will be Dennis Spiegel.

Dennis is the President of International Theme Park Services Incorporated. (ITPS). ITPS is a Cincinnati-based theme park management and consulting firm that has worked with over 450 theme parks worldwide in terms of all aspects of the implementation of a theme park, from design to construction, and all points in between.

Having worked with both Kennywood Park as well as Parques Reunidos during his 40-plus year career in the amusement park industry, Dennis is more than qualified to discuss the "big picture" implications of the sale to the region.

On Friday, we'll take a look at the "business" of art, specifically the work of a locally-based artist whose work has been lauded and recognized throughout the world.

Alan Smith is the business manager for the Burton Morris Studios, a Pittsburgh based company featuring the works of Burton Morris, one of the foremost purveyors of the "pop art" movement in the 21st century.
Alan will discuss the role that the studios play in the modern-day artistic community in Western Pennsylvania, the United States, and the world.

Also, we'll take a look at Apple's latest salvo in the "computer wars" between themselves and Microsoft, the Mac OS X "Leopard" operating system.

Joining Ron to discuss the Leopard is Silicon Valley computer industry analyst Nathan Brookwood. Nathan is the founder of Insight 64, a tech consulting firm based specifically on the computer industry. Nathan
will talk about what separates the Leopard from previous Macintosh operating systems, as well as from the Microsoft Vista platform released earlier this year.

In the ever-changing computer industry, an informed consumer is the best consumer and the one least likely to make a buying decision he or she will regret in the long run. If you're looking at getting a Mac for the holidays, or to start the new year, listen to Nathan Brookwood's analysis before pulling the trigger on that deal.

-Plus, both days will feature great "open discussion" with Ron on a variety of topics (not just business). Interested in sounding off on some of the latest goings-on with City and County government?

Wondering what's going to happen at the University of Pittsburgh now that Steve Pederson's back at the helm of the Athletic Department?

You can talk about it with Ron on Thursday and Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM on AM News Talk 1360 (WPTT), as well as via interactive podcast on TalkShoe.

Go Ron Go! Bring your A-Game, as usual.

Kennywood's open

Theory to ponder: Kennywood's pending sale was pushed over the edge because of the new Allegheny Drink Tax.

Blame Dan Onorato.

Blame the Dems on Allegheny County Council, plus the one R who is on his way out.

A top official spoke to the county council about the drink tax a month or so ago. He said that the move of the IC Light concert venue from Station Square to Sandcastle was 'on the rocks' because of the drink tax. He thought it might not 'wash.' He gave a stern warning.

I'll look for the video later.

The present owners may have just had enough. The park charges a RAD tax to its customers. Meanwhile, that RAD money goes to the county and then flows directly to Kennywood's local competitors, and I don't mean Six Flags.

The upside: Perhaps the new owners will have the cash to install that monorail it owns and is in storage and send the line from Kennywood, its parking lot, to Homestead and Sandcastle.

Pittsburgh Community Television - Auction Home Page - cMarket Fundraising Auction

Pittsburgh Community Television - Auction Home Page - cMarket Fundraising Auction Online Auction Open!

Here are some gift ideas. You might find a bargain among the great mix of offerings. Only 24 items.

In other PCTV 21 news, watch their Christmas special -- in three parts! Without cable, see http://www.pctv21.org for streaming video.

Special guest: Etta Cox, Lilly Abreu, Tim Stevens, Artistree, African American Council of the Arts, Susan Wagner, Phatman Dee, Dr. Vernell Lilly-Kunte Repertory Theater, African American Music Institute, Smokin' Jim Frazier and more.

Schedule:

Wed Dec 12 9am part 1; Thur Dec 13 7pm part 2; Fri Dec 14 7pm part 3:

Wed Dec 12 7pm p1; Sat Dec 15 8pm p2; Sat Dec 15 9pm, p3:

Sat Dec 15 7pm p1; Tue Dec 18 7pm p2; Wed Dec 19 9pm p3:

Wed Dec 19 7pm p1; Wed Dec 19 8pm p2; Fri Dec 21 9am p3; Thur Dec 20 9am p3.

IOC moves to keep match-fixing, illegal betting out of Olympics - Wednesday December 12, 2007 12:24PM

SI.com - More Sports - IOC moves to keep match-fixing, illegal betting out of Olympics - Wednesday December 12, 2007 12:24PM The IOC is taking steps to ensure that illegal betting and match-fixing are kept out of next year's Olympic Games.

President Jacques Rogge said Wednesday the International Olympic Committee might bring in a company that monitors gambling before the 2008 Beijing Games.

This is something to note. The IOC has already entered, headlong, into the "WAR ON DRUGS" with its fight against legal and illegal doping.

Now comes the battle against gambling and the ill effects of gambling's spill over onto the playing fields and medal stands.

People gamble everywhere. Mainland China has Playboy Casinos -- and I don't mean 'slots parlors' either.

The national sport in Thailand is boxing. Run by the military / police. These Thai Boxing venues are interesting places for betting. Nobody goes to a window like at a horse race track. Tons of transactions occur on the fly, right in the seats.

Some cultures bet on 'fighting fish' for pete's sake.

Now that the Olympics head to China, a host of new headaches, billions of them, concerning betting are sure to unfold. That's one battle I'm glad I don't have to get a grip upon.

"Bona fide betting companies can give us information and early warnings on abnormal betting partners," Rogge said. "They have their statistics, they have their computers and they can immediately say, 'This is not normal. Why is there so much betting?' Then they can inform us. And then we can act."

Rogge said the IOC would also try to bring together world sport's biggest federations for a betting seminar next year.

The meeting would be similar to the 1999 conference on performance-enhancing drugs that led to the creation of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Gambling "is something that, like doping, has to be attacked and has to be addressed in a concerted manner within the Olympic movement," Rogge said.

He said the goal of the seminar would be to come up with a common approach to fighting the threat of gambling and cheating, which has recently plagued sports such as soccer, tennis, cricket and horse racing.

The international governing bodies for cricket, soccer and tennis have signed an agreement with online betting operator Betfair to share information on suspicious matches.

Tennis authorities are investigating fourth-ranked men's player Nikolay Davydenko of Russia for a match that had irregular betting patterns.

UEFA said earlier this month that it had called in police to investigate match-fixing allegations involving 15 matches played in eastern Europe. UEFA officials now believe the number of affected matches may be greater.

Rogge spoke after the IOC executive board was briefed by former London police chief Paul Condon, who has been conducting investigations into gambling and corruption in cricket.

Condon said he did not believe the Olympics was particularly at risk.

"The bad guys can go to other events during the year when it's easier to get cheating carried out by sportsmen," he told reporters. "Elite sports men and women at the pinnacle of their careers, at the Olympics, are probably less likely to cheat for betting purposes than they would ... through drugs. But certainly on cheating for betting purposes, the Olympics is not a high-risk area."

Condon said the IOC has taken "robust steps" to head off the threat of gambling tarnishing the games.

Let's get Pittsburgh to put in a bid to host the global betting seminar for the I.O.C. We could hold it at the Convention Center -- and it would be a lot like the All-Star Game's fan fest.

A Smokey Robinson concert could be for the kick-off -- err, opening ceremony and parade of nations.

The brothers DeFazio could be the ones pegged to light the torch. The wrestler / politician and ex-chief of police (sheriff) -- they would be a certain hit with that audience. We don't even need Ali nor a West Virginia gymnast (Mary Lou Renton).

Hosting such an event could help to re-establish international flights to the Pittsburgh International Airport.

During the event, the participants could go to a mixer hosted by Westinghouse so that they can go home with plenty of new sales literature so they can build nuclear reactors in third world countries, with the proceeds from gambling, of course.

The closing ceremonies could be held at either Kennywood or Sandcastle -- given the new ownership is based in Spain!

How can gambling plague a sport like horse racing? Is that insane? The authorities in China are sure to worry about "the plague" in China coming from horses, not the plague of gambling on them. The feed, the bird flu, the disease opportunities, the mixing with farm animals, etc., etc., etc.

This is why Beijing, with its mega worries about feeding their millions of people, is not going to have any of the horse-specific events of the Olympic Games there. Those events are going to be held in Hong Kong.

Get out! Fix My Video works magic for clips under 15 megs

During the consumer beta, Fixmymovie.com allows for free enhancement of
video clips smaller than CIF resolution (352x288 pixels) and less than 15
megabytes (almost any video from a mobile phone or digital camera fits
these requirements). Further details may be found at
http://www.fixmymovie.com.

With this utility, video taken with a low-resolution cell phone can be merged into a newscast. Poor quality video can be blended into industry standard formats.

In a nutshell, the step from consumer to producer has gotten smaller. The step from consumer to broadcaster has shrunk. The jittery, dark, low-res video footage just got turned into Steven Spielberg quality, sorta.

USC School Board seeks a new member

The Upper St. Clair School District is currently accepting applications for school board director to fill a vacancy on the school board.

Information on how to submit an application is located on the school district website's announcement at this link: School Director Vacancy

According to Policy #2003, "Filling A Vacancy On the School Board," the vacancy must be publicized. Also, the policy states that interested applicants will be interviewed by "a committee of the whole board."

View the entire policy on page seven of this link: School Board Policy

The deadline for application is Tuesday, December 18th, 2007.

The Ron Paul Phenomenon . NOW | PBS

The Ron Paul Phenomenon . NOW | PBS: The Ron Paul Phenomenon Airs this Friday, December 14 at 8:30 pm on PBS

I'm open for a mini-gathering of up to 10 people to watch this show together. Some house rules:
RSVP necessary. Email to Mark -@- Rauterkus -dot- com. Or, call my cell: 412 298 3432.

No swearing!

We've got cats!

Optional drinking after on the South Side.

Street parking, on your own.

I'll serve hot tea, in advance of the Boston Tea Party.

Watch the video preview. It is great. Only a few minutes. Talks about the $4-plus-million day, Philly rally, and the guy who drove there is from Pittsburgh!

If you can host a party at your place, post it.

Bill Robinson's Call for "CBAs" (Community Benefits Agreements) have little on Al Sharpton

Sharpton urges police reforms and the activist threatens to lobby against Chicago's Olympic bid.

Construction site: From Pens Village

Sharpton may fight Chicago's Oly bid The Rev. Al Sharpton on Monday issued a series of recommendations for reforming the police department as he reiterated his threat to lobby against the city's Olympic bid if the mayor doesn't respond soon.

The headlines in the two daily papers show a bit of a contrast:

* Casinos' delay toll placed at $430M. (Trib)

* Casino owner won't heed 'ridiculous' design request (P-G)

This is begging at its best. I don't want to be a part of a community that feels it needs to 'beg.' As begging occurs, everyone becomes poorer.

Perhaps the CBAs are a way to step out of the rut where begging rules. But sadly, those with power have little need to interact with those without the power.

Citizens Benefit Agreement steps out into traffic and merges along the cross walks of community life. Joke: Why did the chicken Penguin cross the road?

Let's see, the delay of the Casino headline -- well -- to begin: It is NOT a casino. Don Barden has the right to open a 'slots parlor.' We didn't approve any casinos. Both the P-G and the Trib are calling this a 'casino.' They are wrong.

Slots parlor, slots parlor, slots parlor! Period!

When the operators of the slots parlor want to turn it into a casino, then they'll need to come back to the public approval process. Then we can extract another few billion from them. Another bid would be welcomed. And, this time, they'll bid on a casino that sunsets in the future. The slots parlor license goes forever, sadly, for now.

If the media gets it wrong, time and time again, then we'll have little leverage to get drunk again on the income of selling this exclusive opportunity with state-protection against competitors. We need to upgrade the slots parlor to a casino with a hefty price tag.

Suggestion: This is worthy of a few letters to the editor.

Finally, let's talk about the mega parking garage and the ridiculous request about its design. I'd like to 'pile on.'

Let's ask Don Barden (not beg, but ask) to put a football field on the top of his massive parking garage. The top floor can be a turf field to be used as the home field for the Perry High School team. And, we'll let the Pittsburgh Steelers hold their practices there too.

We need a multi-purpose football field, with ample sideline spaces for teams, bands, portable bleachers. Then we'll be able to hold state playoff soccer games, pee-wee football games, high school events and such there.

The next floor down can be community rooms, locker facilities and support spaces.

We'd want the field to be lighted for nightime use. In the winter, we'd want to be able to construct a bubble, such as with the one that protects at Duquesne University, but cover the entire field, please.

Really, I'd rather have a 50-meter swim pool, indoor-outdoor. Or, a speed skating oval. Or, even a velodrome would be nice. Provide a venue that is for international sport, not gridion. But, let's not be greedy in this begging exercise. And, it is going to be next to a slots parlor. So, football is a more natural fit for the roof.

iCommons.org - Warhol is turning in his grave

iCommons.org - Warhol is turning in his grave Warhol is turning in his grave

Speaker #28, to PPS Board, out of 30

Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian Party, speaking about high school reform. 

Sofa Sleeper to good - or not so good - home. Before Backyard Brawl special - or great for huntin' cabin.

This has to go! It hits the sidewalk for bulk pick-up by mid week. It is now on the first floor by the front door ready to roll. Help find a new home.

Pitt plays at WVU this weekend. So, we gotta give-a-way this sofa sleeper. It is still indoors! It is perfect for a tailgate if you got the brawn to move it. It is ideal for a hunting cabin. Works! Folds out into a bed. All the cushions are there. It is about 20 years old.

Call me: 412 298 3432.

Goes to the first person who has a truck to haul it away. It is on the South Side Flats. Would fit into a pick-up truck.

Matches are not included.

The point of CHOICE is not being delivered in these plans

Pittsburgh just got more Promising Superintendent Mark Roosevelt said the Promise alone won't stabilize enrollment. Parents and students need more choices. The district plans a new International Baccalaureate school for grades six to 12, a science and technology school and a university-affiliated school.

This gets to the heart of the matter in what I've proposed to the school board in some of my rants. Listen Brian.

When the I.B. program closes at Schenley High School, if it does, and it shouldn't, it will end a choice. There is no new choice by putting all of the I.B. Students into the new I.B. High that is now in the east -- at Reisenstein.

To increase the choices offered, offer TWO schools with I.B.

A new I.B. High coupled with the existing Schenley where I.B. is also present inserts choice.

Furthermore, the reduction of FRICK as a I.B. prep -- or ISA (International Studies Academy) magnet will diminish 'choice.'

The same held true when talking about the stadiums. Our city's landscape was diminished with the removal of 3RS (Three Rivers Stadium) and Pitt Stadium (where high school playoffs were once played) and the arrival of PNC Park and Heinz Field. The math was +2 -2 = NO NET GAIN.

If they had built Heinz Field and kept Pitt Stadium, then there would have been a net gain. The Peterson Event Center could have been built in Hazelwood, near to Panther Hollow.

With these schools, there is extra stength in the choice, options for families and flexibility of staff. For example, our elementary level music teacher is only in Phillips School for one day a week. The other days are spent at other schools. Same too could be the case for a teacher of Chinees or Japanees or Italian.

Likewise with the middle school program for the creative and performing arts. Rodgers Middle School is in the east part of town and it presently operates for grades 6, 7 and 8. Then some of those kids go to CAPA, downtown, for grades 9 to 12. Rodgers works! Same too with Frick.

Keep what works. Replicate it. Allow more options there!

If they want to make the Downtown CAPA a school for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12th grades -- fine. But expand the high performing school and retain the existing high performing school in the process.

Forcing all kids to downtown for grades 6 to 12 is NOT giving a choice.

Likewise, there a kids that attend FRICK in middle school years and then attend a different high school -- such as Alderdice.

Keep Frick as a high school and put the new Science and Technology High School program in at Westinghouse.

Even with Phillips Elem, our school has two programs. One classroom in each grade is called a 'neighborhood school.' Meanwhile, the other classroom in each grade is called a 'language magnet.' Parents, students and those who are considering a move into the area can make the decisions that best suit the needs of their students.

With real school choice -- and the Pittsburgh Promise details worked out, Pittsburgh can better itself. We must insure that is so. But, we must not fool ourselves into thinking that there are choices when new programs arrive only to gut the good that was already present.

A+ Schools evaluates the Pgh Public School district -- yeah right.

Mayor looks back on banner week The announcement of UPMC's pledge 'will be seen in the future as being a very important day in the city of Pittsburgh,' said Michael Lamb, the county prothonotary, city controller-elect, and a founding co-chair of A Schools, which evaluates the district. 'We will begin to attract people who wouldn't have considered Pittsburgh in the past.'

Did Michael Lamb end his conflict of interest yet? He is to be the independent controller -- not a board member with A+ Schools as well as the elected controller.

Memo to SEA about the loss of Outback at PNC Park

CBS to Open a Concept Restaurant in Boston

CBS is expanding its brand into restaurants, opening its first eatery, called CBS Scene, next fall in Boston. The 15,000-square-foot restaurant will feature table-side televisions running CBS programming, as well as a store selling DVDs of network shows, T-shirts and other merchandise.

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2007/12/09/kraft_cbs_focus_on_a_concept_restaurant

Perhaps they'd be interested in the location at PNC Park once filled by the Outback?

Amazon.com: Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device: Kindle Store

Don't put one of these on this year's Christmas list.

Amazon.com: Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device: Kindle Store: "Availability: Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available. Kindle Availability Due to heavy customer demand, Kindle is sold out. Because orders are prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis, please ORDER NOW to reserve your place in line. Your Kindle will not arrive by December 24th. Note that Kindles cannot currently be sold or shipped to customers living outside of the U.S."

Speaker # 28 -- you have 90 minutes to place a call

Back to the school board meeting tonight for more public comment. Join us. I just called and I'm #28. More than 100 have also spoken in past meetings. They are wearing everyone out.

Public hearing at the board tonight at 7 pm, Monday!

Sign-up at 412-622-3600 through noon for tonight's hearing and written testimony is accepted until 5 pm at boardoffice@pghboe.net.

There are two NEW board members, so at least there will be new faces. You can check out some previous testimonies at the Save Schenley website.

City Paper article.

Go -- call or write!

Thanks Jen for the update!

History Buffs -- and folks of community, literacy and redevelopment: Get to this hearing!

David Tessitor at City Council in Dec 4, 2007 about Carnegie Library of Pgh and North Side.

View Video

They want to close one of the very first library buildings built by Carnegie -- in the historic North Side. A grand park is with an abandoned building. The city is trying to fight abandonded buildings! This is the wrong way to go.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system should NOT close the wonderful, historic, beautiful building. The city can force its hand and make it stay open. Here, the city is trying to attack our history by being a sales agent for a goofy property for a replacement building.

Hearing set for opponents of new North Side library The Dec. 18 hearing begins at 5 p.m. at the New Hazlett Theater. Folks, the typical nonprofit weenies won't break ranks on this. PUMP, Pop City, RAD Tax takers and others are sure to sit on their hands and not raise a voice in opposition.

Hearing set for opponents of new North Side library
Sunday, December 09, 2007
By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A group of petitioners against the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's plans to build a new branch on the North Side has been given a public hearing before City Council Dec. 18 at the New Hazlett Theater in Allegheny Center.

Dave Tessitor, a resident of Allegheny West, said 40 people signed the petition in favor of reusing the old Allegheny Regional branch, which has been unused since it was struck by lightning two springs ago. Since then, library officials have closed in on a ground-breaking, with architectural renderings for a new construction on Federal Street on the site of an old gas station.

At several presentations earlier this year by Loysen + Kreuthmeier architects, North Side residents turned out to offer feedback on designs for what would be a one-story library. After the architects made adjustments, the majority of attendees favored the plan.

But Mr. Tessitor said there have always been residents who believe the Allegheny Regional branch, an 1880s-era landmark built as a library in what is now Allegheny Center, should remain the neighborhood's library.

"What's the biggest thing we have going for us?" Mr. Tessitor asked, answering, "History." He said he believes an old library, refurbished to be cost-efficient, could be a bigger lure to development up the Federal corridor than a new one built in an area of "underachieving real estate."

The new Carnegie Library has been cited as a potential leader in revitalizing what is now a blighted Federal Street.

Carnegie officials have said they cannot sustain the operating costs of the old building and that it is not suitable to new programming needs.

A pending agreement between the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority, which owns the parcel at Federal and Parkhurst streets, and the Carnegie Library is on hold until after the hearing.

The Dec. 18 hearing begins at 5 p.m.

Diana Nelson Jones can be reached at djones@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1626.
First published on December 9, 2007 at 12:00 am

Older video from the archives:

David Tessitor speaking to City Council about Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's failures on September 12, 2006.

View Video

New Swimming t-shirt

From Grant

Grant, my second child, now 10, is in a swim meet on Tuesday, tomorrow. I'm the volunteer coach. The Phillips Elem School team goes to the city-wide swim meet at Alderdice at 1 pm. So, we got new t-shirts.

Speaking of shirts, I pulled one out from my stash. It was a shirt I designed years ago when I coached in Illinois with the New Trier Swim Club.

Its inspiration comes from sailing shirts. When in a sailing race, there are few chances to have directions put onto paper and held in one's hands. The hands are busy with the lines and sails and such. So, the instructions for the course are often put onto the shirt, printed upside down so it is easily read by the one wearing the shirt.

From swim-drills

We did this for meet behaviors. It is called, Phase One. Phase Two has yet to arrive.

Communicate about participation months in advance.

Arrive early and be ready to swim at the start of warm-ups.

Act, stay and be dressed as a team.

Know your times.
(past, best, goal, dream, standard, actual)

Only positive talk.

Cheer weird.

Talk to the coach before and after every race.

Just drink water.

Update your improvements.

Sign-up for more meets.

This conversation about the t-shirt came from our talk about Grant's coach this year at the JCC. He is a great young coach and he has a tatoo on his arm that says, "To do:
1)
2)
3)
4)"

His body art is functional. The tatoo, on the inside of his lower arm, is a blank template of a to-do list. Then he uses a ball-point pen and writes down the things that he has to do. He gets points in my book for being clever.

Tomorrow, we get to wear new t-shirts for the swim meet! Grant is in the 10-and-under backstroke. More about the meet in a day or so.

Tonight (Monday), at 7 pm, Erik, plays violin at the Frick Middle School, Pittsburgh Frick 6-8, at the holiday concert. Perhaps he can use the concert as an excuse for added protection at school today -- given how his team won the football game yesterday. Erik loves the Patriots. And, most of those close to him have come to understand this about him.

Yesterday's concert at PPG Wintergarden with the PMA (Pittsburgh Music Academy) was great. Stay tuned for photos.

Drink tax causing hangover

Drink tax causing hangover Besieged by criticism of the new 10 percent tax on alcoholic drinks, Allegheny County Council members have seen the relationship between Democrats and Republicans take a decidedly acrimonious turn.

Representatives of both parties have vowed to try to set aside political differences to undo the damage done by the tax debate and the accusations it generated.

Remember, no Libertarian voted for the drink tax.

I'd expect that the members of council would have a set-up to pass the drink tax and then try to blow smoke as to why some were against it. It gave some cover. Then one was in the deal to vote for it and leave council. Now they will try to patch things up and do the lockstep boosterism as a legislative body, sign of solidarity, whatever.

Why in the world was the alternative without ever a chance of passing? That is the big lie here. When options are never with a chance -- we all face continual defeat.

DeFazio was sharply critical of the 'manner in which it was presented.' That's kill the messenger statement. Statements about the message are absent. DeFazio needs to know he has a vote. His votes speak volumes. His votes hold the truth. Those that vote for the new taxes are for the new taxes. That's honesty. DeFazio voted for both new taxes.

If DeFazio or others didn't want to see the tax, he could have and should have voted "NO." And, if he had any other idea, it should have been presented. But he is only good for sharp, critical jabs that try to twist the real truth.

It is one matter to fight against the cutting of services to residents. It is another to fight against the cutting of residents. The county is shrinking!

iJustine’s BIGGEST Talkcast ever | TalkShoe Blog

iJustine’s BIGGEST Talkcast ever | TalkShoe Blog: "Welcome to the BIGGEST Talkcast ever page (even bigger than Leo’s!), staring Justine (iJustine) Ezarik. She’s already been doing Talkcasts on Sundays at 8:45 pm with hundreds of participants. Justine will be having some very special guests…stay tuned"

I wonder about the special guest. Could it be Bill Peduto? I'm thinking the guest could be Todd Rundgren. Todd did a show this weekend. He is generally all about new technology. iJustine might have gone to the show and hooked up with him there and offered an invite to the talkcast.

PA Healthcare Lobby Efforts from Chuck P

If you haven't done so already, please contact the following Members of the Health and Human Services Committee of the House of Representatives. Tell them you appreciate their co-sponsoring House Bill 1660, the "Family and Business Healthcare Security Act" and also their pushing for hearings on HB 1660 at the earliest possible moment.

Yours in unity,

Chuck Pennacchio
____________________________________________

Health & Human Services

Oliver, Frank Louis, Chairman
Seip, Tim, Secretary
Myers, John, Subcommittee Chairman on Human Services
Pashinski, Eddie Day, Subcommittee Chairman on Drugs and Alcohol
Wheatley, Jake, Subcommittee Chairman on Health
Kenney, Jr.,George T., Chairman
Benninghoff, Kerry A., Subcommittee Chairman on Human Services
Reichley, Douglas G. , Subcommittee Chairman on Health
Sonney, Curtis G., Subcommittee Chairman on Drugs and Alcohol

Bishop, Louise Williams
Cruz, Angel
Curry, Lawrence H.
Kirkland, Thaddeus
Manderino, Kathy
McIlvaine Smith, Barbara
Mundy, Phyllis
Payton, Jr.,Tony J.
Shimkus, Frank Andrews
Smith, Ken
Waters, Ronald G.
Cutler, Bryan
Gingrich, Mauree
Kauffman, Rob W.
Mackereth, Beverly
McIlhattan, Fred
Ross, Chris
Taylor, John
True, Katie
Watson, Katharine M.



FAMILY & BUSINESS HEALTHCARE SECURITY ACT
SENATE BILL 300 - HOUSE BILL 1660

#1 Visit our website at http://healthcare4allpa.org to learn more and to educate others.
#2 Lobby your State Legislators using the talking points below. Find your representative at: http://healthcare4allpa.org/legislators.htm
#3 Write letters to the editor, using the talking points below.
#4 Donate $10, $25, $50 – whatever you can – to our volunteer, citizen-centered education and lobbying effort: http://healthcare4allpa.org/donate.htm
#5 Circulate a petition and return it to us:
http://healthcare4allpa.org/documents/petition_s.pdf


Talking points:
1.4 million Pennsylvanians have no health insurance. Millions more are underinsured. Untold thousands more think they have good coverage until the corporate-run insurance company rejects their claim based on technicalities, "pre-existing" conditions—or denies life-saving procedures arbitrarily defined as "experimental."
We are left with a system that delivers reduced preventive care; delayed treatment; difficulty seeing specialists; costly co-pays & deductibles, and caps on treatment costs.
Single-payer universal healthcare replaces the "Medical-Industrial-Complex" of corrupt insurance companies and their allies with a simple plan using existing State and Federal funds, a 3% earnings tax and a 10% business payroll tax (a huge savings for most individuals and employers). The outcome would be an improved Medicare-For-All system of publicy-funded, priavtely-provided universal healthcare.
Once Pennsylvania demonstrates to the nation what 87 countries have already discovered, single-payer universal healthcare will become national policy along the lines of Congressman John Conyers' HR 676. Congressman Conyers made this point precisely when he came to Pennsylvania in April to endorse the "Family and Business Healthcare Security Act."
Over 100 Pennsylvania State Legislators have had discussions with Health Care for All Pennsylvania, and nearly half of them have signed up as co-sponsors.

As the only statewide single-payer campaign in the nation with bills before the House and the Senate, as well as the commitment of our Governor to sign the legislation upon reaching his desk, Pennsylvania is stands to lead the nation out of this crisis, much as we did in 1776.

Consider:
• Administrative costs for greedy insurance companies exceed 30% of the cost of healthcare compared to just 3% for Medicare. (This step would save Pennsylvania taxpayers 6-7 billion dollars.)
• The U.S. already spends double what most industrialized
countries spend per person on healthcare.
• 18,000 Americans die annually from being uninsured.
• Thousands of the insured die from services denied or
delayed by insurance companies.
• Life expectancy in the U.S. is among the shortest in the
industrialized world.
• Infant mortality rate in the U.S. is among the highest in the industrialized world. Only Latvia is worse.
• We pay far more per person than any other country.
• Approximately 50% of personal bankruptcies in the U.S. relate directly to medical bills.

Senate Bill 300
House Bill 1660

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. So act now and spread the word. Remember, we have the economic (savings, efficiency, competitiveness), moral (lives saved and enhanced), and democratic (65% of citizens want it) high grounds. Now we need to put our citizen power to work and demand single-payer universal healthcare!

Thanks for all you do.

Yours in unity,
Chuck
Chuck Pennacchio, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Health Care for All Pennsylvania
Chuck@HealthCare4ALLPA.org


HEALTHCARE FOR ALL PENNSYLVANIA
For more information, or to make a contribution, contact:
Health Care for All Pennsylvania
P.O. Box 828
Levittown, PA 19058

http://healthcare4allpa.org

The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat: Mayor's Office Celebrates Entire Week -- without fumbles!

The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat: Mayor's Office Celebrates Entire Week of Not F@#&ing Up: Late in the day, the Mayor decided against selling high school drop outs to UPMC for organ harvesting purposes.

Field trip chaperone tackles man trying to nab 4-year-old :: Naperville Sun :: News

Good news from a suburban midwest mall.

Field trip chaperone tackles man trying to nab 4-year-old :: Naperville Sun :: News Field trip chaperone tackles man trying to nab 4-year-old

Way to go dad. Gives added meaning to the slogan that Chicago is the city with big shoulders.

Live...From New York! It's PA Society weekend! (Heard in the Hall)

First, these guys make careers off of getting drunk off of public funds, then they get drunk on the real stuff, but in NYC to avoid the 'drink tax' that they left for us to pay, locally.

Live...From New York! It's PA Society weekend! (Heard in the Hall) The weekend that Pennsylvania politicos have been awaiting all year finally arrived, with less intrigue than last year but as much liquor as ever.

My slow down in blogging is NOT because I went off to New York.

Last night was a big night on East Carson Street in the South Side. We had Donnie Iris on one side of the street and Todd Rundgren on the other. Tonight there is a line outside of Club Cafe to see another popular act (sold out) and songwriter.

The Republican Eagle | Rauterkus and Simonson may fill out Port board

The Republican Eagle | Rauterkus and Simonson may fill out Port board: "Rauterkus and Simonson may fill out Port board"

Not me, but an 'open-minded' post.

Book Explodes Swift Boat Myths

Newsmax.com - New Book Explodes Swift Boat Myths: The foreword for the book was written by John E. O'Neill, the lead spokesman for the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth in 2004. One chapter that underscores the impact of the new media on the campaign has been made available online at ToSetTheRecordStraight.com. 'Rather's Ruin and the Rise of the Pajamahadeen' tells how ordinary citizens with computers exposed the phony documents '60 Minutes' used to attack George Bush's National Guard service, effectively ending Dan Rather's career at CBS News.

Sample chapter in PDF format.

---

Inkscape. Draw Freely.

Inkscape. Draw Freely. About Inkscape An Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format.

I've not used it, yet. Reactions welcome.

Ravenstahl, Onorato flush with cash

Poisionous snakes. That's all I have to say. (Inside Oak Hill joke with PittRants.)

Ravenstahl, Onorato flush with cash The $83,610 Mr. Ravenstahl raised during the month prior to the deadline was bolstered by $23,000 in donations on Nov. 8 from Boston-area residents, almost all of whom are listed on the report as associates of the developer Beacon/Corcoran Jennison. That developer, which plans to add to its Oak Hill public-private housing community under a deal the mayor brokered, hosted him in Boston Sept. 26.

Been "no mail" for more than 24 hours

I've been without the internet for more than a day. I'm still alive!

My wife is in Chicago. That hasn't killed us either.

But, we come Sunday -- its the Steelers vs. Patriots. I live with these big New England fans.... But, we'll attending a Christmas concert that starts at 3:30 pm on Sunday at the PPG Wintergarden. Violins are finished at 4:05. Hope the game is still a game by then.

That could be the end of us. Catherine comes home Saturday.

#21 -- RIP

We know #21 for baseball.

Another who wore that number, in another sport, was put to rest this weekend.

Click comments for David's statements.

Just today as I walked Grant to school, as the snow started to build, Grant and I talked about his first day of basketball practice slated for after school. He's on a team of 4th and 5th graders. One of his concerns -- picking a number for his jersey.

He asked what number he should pick.

Good question.

I didn't have a good answer.

Of course, the 5th graders get the first pick.

I told him that when I played basketball, we could only use numbers that a ref could display with two hands. Number ranges were 1 to 5, 10 to 15, 20 to 25, 30 to 35, 40 to 45 and 50 to 55. That's it. How old fashioned, I guess.

Swimmers don't wear any numbers. They should, I guess.

Meanwhile, Erik has his first swim meet today. He got is swim suit yesterday. A blue pair of lycra jammers with FRICK on the leg. Erik is more of a brief kinda-guy. Talk of old fashioned.

Guys today want to wear baggy shorts -- even in swim races. Might as well play basketball games and only shoot 3-point shots and never make a lay-up.

Oh, they do that these days too.

Can't wait for The City Game tonight. I'm sure we'll win!

tribalmedia: Media Blog, says the wait for iPhone's SDK is due to M$

tribalmedia: Media Blog Microsoft - The real reason for an iPhone SDK About a year ago I wrote about the success a full blown SDK for Apple's iPhone's and iPod's would have. And then came the iPhone and there was no SDK and no way to write applications for it. That all changed a month ago when Apple announced that they would release an SDK in February. Now everyone is happy and excited.

Speculation.

What about OpenOffice.org's effort to port to the iPhone?

Pittsburgh Pist-Gazette and school insights

Don't worry. This was the year that the district was to focus upon 'discipline.' (giggle)

Pittsburgh Pist-Gazette Why couldn’t we do what was done when Ms. Pist was young? At that time in ancient history “bad kids” got sent to “bad kid schools.” These unruly delinquents were heavily disciplined in “special schools.” They were made to behave and as a consequence sometimes they actually learned. If their behavior improved, they could rejoin the mainstream schools. If not, then at least their disruptive (sometimes criminal) actions would not deprive other kids of a decent education.

The PPS opened a new school -- almost prison-like. It is run by outside contractors. It costs plenty. An update would be nice. You're on that with 'Conroy.'

Another school that would help -- a Vo Tech High School. Some kids get jazzed about working with their hands in real world situations. Some kids are not cut out for college.

Lots of kids who were attending South Vo Tech, before it closed, were in other high schools first. Then they opted out of that school and found a home and a 'family of learing' at South, unlike what the other schools offer.

Plus, we also have Schuman Center -- a 'jail for kids.' That too is busting at the seams.

Bigotry of low exectations. College scholarships to those with a 2.0 GPA.

Mark Roosevelt scored with the Pittsburgh Promise as it gets kicked off with the first big -- B-I-G -- donation.

On the radio Mark Roosevelt, politician turned school superintendent, spoke of fighting the bigotry of low expectations. Now college scholarships are going to those with those who are able to graduate from Pgh Public Schools with a 2.0 G.P.A.

Mayor Ravenstahl said he is 'terribly excited.'

Marty Griffin, KDKA Radio, said that the downside was that he would have been able to use the money a couple of years ago to go to college. His was a dig at the youthfulness of the mayor. But, Mayor Luke went to North Catholic, a Catholic School -- not a school in the PPS district. He would have NOT been eligible. And, North Catholic is moving out of the city -- and out of the county.

UPMC is stepping up.

China says it welcomes reporters to cover Beijing Olympics in 'fair and objective' way - Tuesday December 4, 2007 3:49PM

SI.com - More Sports - China says it welcomes reporters to cover Beijing Olympics in 'fair and objective' way - Tuesday December 4, 2007 3:49PMChina said Tuesday it welcomes journalists covering the 2008 Beijing Olympics, responding to complaints by a media rights group that the Communist regime has decided to clamp down on reporting in the run-up to the games.

I love that play on words. "The run-up to the games." One would hope that there would be a lot of 'run-ups' to the Olympics!

Once you are there, in China, eating the local food, expect that there will be a lot of "run outs" as well, if you know what I mean.

The tastes, smells, cooking, eating, meals, drinks and splendid socialized eating are to be enjoyed -- after the athletes compete in their main events. Soak it all up. Sample each course, and there are often many of them, post-game.

I hope I'm not turned back by the officials. Worse yet would be hitting a road block on the other leg of the trip -- being detained.

At least this is the summer games and there won't be any ice hockey teams there to trash the Olympic Village(s).

Journalist do need to be watched. Frankly they are not that trustworthy these days.

Speaking of Police -- and the witch hunt

The conversation in City Council turned to the police again, today. OMG, I can't even believe how The FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) boss can talk about a 'witch hunt' in terms of the 'time out' that heads to officers who have been served with a PFA (protection from abuse order). He mentioned those words again today --
'witch hunt.' He used them before on Halloween, Oct 31. I thought he had to have been joking. On Halloween, it is easy to find a witch. Hunting isn't even that necessary. They find you that day.

"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"

A 60-second promo of a show, speaking of police, that I've been soaking up via podcasts. http://www.freetalklive.com/files/FTLpromocorruptcops.mp3

Jim Brown Productions -- now out -- the film: The Power of Song

Jim Brown Productions Pete Seeger: The Power of Song in theaters now!

Teacher, What do you make?

Well, we know more as to what Jo Pa makes as the football coach at Penn State University.

What Do Teachers Make?

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do… Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?" (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about the USA while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw had dropped. He stayed silent.

THIS IS WORTH SENDING TO EVERY TEACHER YOU KNOW. Even all your personal teachers like mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and your spiritual leaders/teachers - Pastor's/Priests/Clergy.

Republicans Plot to Rig the 2008 Election

Johann Hari | Republicans New Plot to Rig the 2008 Election If this were being done in every state, everywhere, it would be an improvement. California's forgotten Republicans would be represented in the Electoral College, and so would Texas' forgotten Democrats. But by doing it in California alone, they are simply giving the Republicans a massive electoral gift. Suddenly it would be extremely hard for a Democrat ever to win the White House; they would need a landslide victory everywhere else to counter this vast structural imbalance against them on the West Coast.

National Debt Grows $1 Million a Minute

National Debt Grows $1 Million a Minute Washington - Like a ticking time bomb, the national debt is an explosion waiting to happen. It's expanding by about $1.4 billion a day - or nearly $1 million a minute.

What's that mean to you?

It means almost $30,000 in debt for each man, woman, child and infant in the United States.

Ron Paul debrief after the YouTube / CNN joke debate

December 3, 2007

Want to know a secret? There were two moments I especially enjoyed at the CNN/YouTube debate -- despite my frustration at some of the questions, and the maldistribution of time.

First, I was pleased at John McCain's attack, which he clearly had planned. Not because that sort of stream-of-consciousness nonsense about Hitler and WWII -- when the neocons openly want what they call WW IV! Are we to forget that the first war crime charged at Nuremberg was waging aggressive war?

I mean this: mainstream politicians NEVER attack an opponent they think is far behind. The McCain campaign, we've heard, is worried sick about New Hampshire, and they thought a slam at me would help. Ha! Of course,
it only strengthened our forces.

Then, after the debate, Rudy Giuliani walked up to me and said, "Oooh, you sure have a LOT of supporters." It's only the beginning, I told him.

Indeed, he could have told that by the crowd outside after the debate. Mitt Romney had a few people, but no one else did. We, on the other hand, had about 500 enthusiastic revolutionaries, plus a boat, a trolley, and two planes towing lighted signs. As I looked out at the crowd, I thought: the establishment has no idea of what they are facing. We have an army of freedom, prosperity, and peace. As the LA Times political blog noted the other day, the
British also thought they had no problem with the Americans--until Yorktown.

But we have an astoundingly short time before the first contests. The Iowa caucuses are on January 3, the New Hampshire primary is on January 8, and Nevada and South Carolina are both on January 19. We have only 30 days to stake our claim to the nomination, and to the new America that restores the ideals of the founders, and leads the world through free enterprise, a sound dollar, the rule of law, and peaceful example. Not through inflation and bombs.

Help me surprise the neocons and all the establishment with our success. Help me build the foundation for the America we all want. Send your most generous contribution: https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate. The military-industrial complex, the biased media, the big banks, the Fed, the waterboarders, and the IRS don't like what we're doing. But every good American is applauding us, and daring to hope for a better future.

Please, help me give it to them, to us, to all Americans to come. Keep this revolution growing and winning:
https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate.

Sincerely,

Ron

From the Hot Metal Bridge, a roundabout trip to some cool sites

I'm a huge fan of pedestrian bridges. They are great. We need to make more car-free infrastructure.

From the Hot Metal Bridge, a roundabout trip to some cool sites a roundabout trip to some cool sites

The Hot Metal Bridge is what opened this past week. The Mon-Con Bridge is what re-opened seven years ago. There are two bridges, side-by-side. They've been, in recent times, been called the wrong names. Oh well.

If it was up to me, I would have worked hard to open the pedestrian bridge first. That was the harder one to do. Then we would have had both bridges open for the past six years.

How can something be 'cool' yet be seven years behind the times? Isn't the thought of 'cool' such that it can't be stale? Is 'cool' not like being 'hip?'

I'd be hard pressed to call the Pgh Technology Center on Second Ave one of the most 'youthful parts of the city.' The Tech Center is "TIF" land. And, it has been the subject of a SECOND wave of TIFs, years after the first. TIFs (Tax Incremental Financing) are so 'old school.'

The Pgh Technology Center is so suburban. That office park could be in Green Tree, South Pointe, Morgantown or Dallas. It isn't urban, dense, nor youthful.

Save money for schools -- start with an open source embrace

I figure that at least some of you have already seen the article entitled "Software Piracy Fight Makes Enemies" ... snip to another author ...

IMHO, schools are going to play a big part in bringing about a real world digital tipping point. At least that is the point that we are going to be making in the Digital Tipping Point film.

I am a volunteer supporting a public middle school in San Francisco with Free Open Source Software, and we have filmed our work there as part of the DTP film. We are giving away all of our footage on-line under a Creative Commons Attribute ShareAlike license (cc by-SA).

We interviewed the superintendent of the Portland Public School District, who talked about Microsoft's dirty deeds there. Basically, the BSA demanded an audit pursuant to the Microsoft EULA. The audit alone would have cost the Portland District $100, 000.00. Microsoft just *happened* to send out its sales rep at the same time and offered to make the whole thing go away if the school district would just pony up for new licenses.

The PPSD told Microsoft no, and it became such a press issue, that Microsoft backed off, and as a result, the PPSD increased its FOSS usage to the point where many schools in the PPSD have no Microsoft products at all.

Source: Christian Einfeldt, Producer, The Digital Tipping Point.

Panther statue decorating pushed back to Jan. 10 - News

Wait until next year has new meaning for the birthing and re-birthing of Pitt's Cows. Well, NYC had the cows. Cinci had the pigs. The Burgh had the dinos. Next up -- Pitt's ten panthers.

Panther statue decorating pushed back to Jan. 10 - News After reviewing 26 proposals, the SGB selection committee gave the statues to Tau Beta Sigma (a band sorority), the Pre-Medical Organization for Minority Students, The Pitt News, Pitt's chapter of the American Chemical Society, the Panther Psychology Club, Pathfinders and the Black Action Society. The Inter-Fraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Panhellenic Association will combine to decorate one of the statues. The Panthers for Israel, Hillel, the Muslim Students Association and the Saudi Student House will work together to create a statue, as well. SGB also took one of the statues for itself, which it has invited all students not involved with any of the nine other statues to help decorate.

Once painted, the statues will be placed in prominent locations around campus until homecoming next year, where they will be repainted by a new selection of groups.

Each year, a new suite of groups gets to repaint them.

The panther that was put up on campus next to the Pitt Student Union a few years ago has a story behind it. A deal was cut with Pitt's student government president to land the panther instead of generation of opposition to the removal of Pitt Stadium. The statue represents a sell-out bobble.

UPMC, CMU: No plan to buy Schenley

UPMC, CMU: No plan to buy Schenley Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC say they're not looking to buy the Pittsburgh Schenley High School building in Oakland, but the University of Pittsburgh won't say one way or the other.

Panther Rants is to blame. Well at least it is there to turn to

Panther Rants: Nordenberg comments on Pederson hiring BLAWNOX -- University of Pittsburgh chancellor Mark Nordenhair sat down with the staff at Panther Rants and explained the logic behind hiring former athletic director Steve Pederson.

Bitter sweet.

I am so angry, still, about the return of Steve Pederson, as Pitt's re-tread Athletic Director, that I still can't blog about it.

Latest Schenley Hand-out -- pass around

Your Children are at risk!

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WANTS TO PUT 11 YEAR OLDS IN THE SAME BUILDINGS AS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

THIS WILL LEAD TO:

• BULLYING!

• DRUG ABUSE!

• TEEN PREGNANCY!

PARENTS’

CALL TO

ACTION

YOU CAN STOP THE CHANGES TO OUR SCHOOLS!

1 . CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE AND TELL THEM TO VOTE “NO!” ON THE REFORM PLAN

• CALL 412-622-3600 TO FIND OUT WHO YOUR SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE IS, OR THE PARENT HOTLINE 412-622-7920

2. WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR! LET THE MEDIA KNOW THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HOW YOUR CHILDREN WILL BE AFFECTED BY 6-12 SCHOOLS!

• THE MEDIA AND SCHOOL BOARD ARE FOCUSED ONLY ON THE CONDITION AND COST OF SCHENLEY HIGH SCHOOL

• THE SCHOOL BOARD WANTS TO USE THE SCHENLEY HS CLOSURE AS A WAY TO LAUNCH ITS EXPERIMENTAL, ILL-CONCIEVED, EXPERIMENTAL REFORM PLAN

• 6-12 SCHOOLS INCREASE THE RISKS OF PREMARITAL SEX, PREGNANCY, BULLYING AND DRUG USE

3 . ATTEND THE SAVE OUR SCHOOLS RALLY DEC 10 AT THE PITSBURGH BOARD OF EDUCATION BUILDING

• 6PM ON CORNER OF BELLFIELD AND FORBES IN OAKLAND

• LET INCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS KNOW THAT 6-12 EDUCATION IS WRONG FOR YOUR KIDS

4 . GET INFORMED: VISIT WWW.INFORMEDREFORM.COM

• CALL TO GET INVOLVED: 412-513-9091

The price on the spare couch -- now that it is the 4th quarter -- has gone up to $200. That's a 2-M % increase.

That couch isn't for free any more!

Go Pitt!

Another swim meet, but Dangy appeared

Grant had an inspirational cartoon character, Dangy. He showed up on this meet program.