Ron Paul - A Person of the Year for 2007 - from TIME

Ron Paul - Person of the Year 2007 - TIME Booed by Republicans for his isolationist foreign policy views and anathema to Democrats for his anti-government philosophy, the Texas congressman was proudly out of step with both political parties. But marching to his own drummer, the grandfatherly libertarian found himself leading an online parade. Millions of dollars poured into his quixotic presidential campaign, raising an inevitable question: What's next for this free-thinking and strangely compelling grassroots crusader?

First, he is NOT an "isolationist." Rather, he is about NON-INTERVENTION. To isolate isn't his, nor my, pathway. Rather, free-travel, free-trade, free-markets, among free-people works best. I want to be friends with people from around the world. I went them to be my customers, suppliers and competitors too.

I want them to be free. And, I want to be free.

I don't want to impose MY WILL upon them. I don't want the USA military to invade foreign land. I want others from around the world to know us for reasons beyond our might, or from the other side of a gun.

City weighs UPMC trade-off

Coverage in the P-G from yesterday's actions.

City weighs UPMC trade-off Council delayed a vote on the resolution pending an as-yet-unscheduled public hearing that activist residents demanded.

Figures, the P-G coverage gave me recycled electrons in the early edition that went online. By mid-day, my name had fallen off the story. By the next morning, when the printed paper gives ink to the story, the citizens are just a peep.

The big story was that this "Pittsburgh Promise" was stopped -- for now.

WVU governing board supports administration in coach flap

Perhaps UPMC should read a lesson from the playbook at WVU.

WVU governing board supports administration in coach flap 'Making donations to a public university does not entitle anyone to dictate policy or personnel.'

Jeepers. That was a hard lesson to deliver.

UPMC made a donation to the Pittsburgh Promise. With that donation, they want to govern. UPMC feels entitled to dictate policy -- for city government.

Furthermore, UPMC wants one seat on the board that manages the Pittsburgh Promise trust fund.

And on that farm there was Mr. Zober, e-i-e-i-oh!

Other inside baseball (and barnyard) thoughts:

When the cat is away, the mice will play. Humm. Seems that Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is out of town today. So, in the lobby of the 5th floor, both before and after the city council meeting when the UPMC tax credit associated with the Pittsburgh Promise was being milked -- Mr. Zober was there. When the discussion went before the camera, at council's table, the only one to speak for the administration was a guy who didn't even read the deal but was named in the legislation.

Schenley High School could still be saved. Bill Peduto had a meeting with Mr. Mark Roosevelt and a number of 'concerned parents' tonight. Bill spoke of this as he entered a public hearing on the North Side at the "old library" and the original Carnegie Music Hall.

Seems that there is a plan to tell the whole story of Schenley this time. Part one is how much it costs to fix up Schenley High School. But, there are three or more other parts to the full formula. Moving costs money. Where they want to move to costs money to fix up. And, it is inferior to what is already available at Schenley anyway. And, selling where they want to move to could be sold instead. That could make money and income for the future in taxes.

The reuse of Schenley High School would, I guess, go to Pitt. That makes for another tax exempt building. The sale price is one thing. But, can that sales price be shrunk based upon the Pittsburgh Promise donations from UPMC. (nevermind) However, if Pitt operated Schenley for the years to come -- that property would NOT generate new tax income for the city.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Selling Reisenstein (ex-Middle School) as a commercial property, perhaps with town homes, next to a park, near tennis courts, near the Bakers Square development, could make real income for the city for generations to come.

What does Heather, the new chick (barnyard) or 'peep' say?

E-i-e-i-o! With a snort-snort-here and and a bark-bark there...

Chinese pupils learning for Olympics - Tuesday December 18, 2007 5:33PM

These guys are motivated and with a focus.

Chinese pupils learning for Olympics - Tuesday December 18, 2007 5:33PMThe students at Yangfangdian school are doing their homework for the Olympics.

Wonder if they are getting ready to kick some tail in the games as well.

What are the American children doing to prepare?

Citizens question tax exemption for UPMC tuition gift

Citizens question tax exemption for UPMC tuition gift 'There's a lot of unanswered questions,' said Mark Rauterkus, a some-time candidate for city office who was involved in petitioning for the hearing. 'It doesn't smell right, and they did this in the last minute. We can have a public hearing in January and then get to the bottom of it.'"

It is 'hard' to do the right thing Mr. Motznik. It is hard to turn things down, when without principle.

UPMC needs to better understand that the Pittsburgh Promise isn't a PILOT. Furthermore, we all understand that things change.

UPMC is flush with cash now. But, few know exactly what will happen in the years to come.

That 'insurance' is not lost upon UPMC. Laws change. Conditions change. Markets change. However, that change and uncertainty is what is going to kill the overall concept of the Pittsburgh Promise.

Families are not going to move to Pittsburgh, nor stay, based upon a half-baked promise where the major donor is given exit at a blink of the eye.

Families don't like being yanked around. People are skeptical. Rightly so. Hence, when it smells bad, people will vote with their feet. They'll leave. They'll continue to leave.

The motivation of the Pittsburgh Promise, like a carrot on a string, is fleeting.

The statement from Judge Cindrick from UPMC is perfect: This is NOT about the money. The success or failure of this program hinges upon other factors -- not the cash.

Factors like trust, honesty, devotion, and 'doing one's homework' are important.

How about -- (joke) -- the Pgh Promise goes as long as there is Malpractice Reform

How about malpractice reform in PA?

Let's tie that to the Pgh Promise too.

Discussion about the Pittsburgh Promise in today's council meeting

Live Blogging:
At the table:
ex-Judge Cindrich, UPMC.
Ira Weiss, PPS Solicitor.
George Specter, city attorney.

Highly inappropriate to discuss this bill, said Peduto. City gov has never given a tax deduction or tax credit for a contribution. This isn't done all the time.

A decision by three executives.

UPMC and UPMC alone, by virtue of its size and power, gets a right. I can not ever support a special right to an individual, nonprofit, or corporation. Don't ask the Pgh Taxpayers to provide a tax credit for it.

We have no such deductions in city government.

"My phone is ringing off the hook about the disgust about the backroom deal that has been done," said Peduto.

I have no questions. I am very disappointed.

Len Boadack, lame duck:

There is a whole lot on my mind. Happy with the Pgh Promise. But nobody saw the strings that were attached. Now we see the strings. Federal tax deductions are fine. But we represent the residents of the city.

His kids go to Catholic schools. Every child in the city should benefit. Seems that if Len had the tax break for his kids he'd vote for it. He'd live with it. The small segment of the population.

Jim Motznik:
Let's UPMC talk.

UPMC:
We shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Story: Uncle Pete wants to give money to Charlie, nephew. One condition. Don't ask for it again.

The only condition that UPMC is asked for, we will give $100 M. Please don't ask us to give it twice. If there is a change in the law.

Lawrenceville was blighted, so says UPMC.

Nonprofits don't have stockholders.

Jim Motznik:

He is thankful. He thinks it will benefit the city. He thinks it will attract families and keep families to the city. Jim's buddies left the city. Jim stayed. The schools were the ultimate decision. The schools in BP, USC, Mt. Lebo are better. This gives the poor people in the city a chance. It puts second thoughts in the mind of young families.

Jim is glad to see the criteria for the Promise. He read em.

Jim's son is in first grade at Carmault. Marvelous school. He is learning about periods. It is a great thing. Jim is not crazy about the high schools that are in Pittsburgh today.

"What are we going to do with Jack?" We are not "holy rollers." We care about his safety. He thinks the school system will get better and better over the years.

Jim's 18-year old daughter, now at CCAC, went to Catholic Schools. Jim has no answer for the others about the "catholic promise" or the "private school promise." It is the responsibility of the school system to do that same thing.

Jim not in agreement with Peduto. Jim asked: Are we changing the tax structure at all?
Specter: The agreement is to protect UPMC in the event that in the future that if these gifts also get a tax -- then the amount of money to the Pgh Promise is reduced. The city is not required to grant a tax credit to UPMC, under this bill.

It may well be that the city may not have a choice or the power to grant a tax credit. Then UPMC would reduce the gift to the foundation for the Pgh Promise.

Doug Shields: Not sure if the city solicitor is at the table for the administration or not. This goes to the heart of the "uniformity clause" of the PA Constitution. The fundamental issue here is how one nonprofit gives another nonprofit money -- so why does the city come into play.

Specter: We don't know if there will be a change in the law. What I meant by the possible illegality, how, when, why, etc. If the city is to tax UPMC, it may not have the power to give a tax credit to UPMC. Then UPMC would reduce in corresponding amount.

Doug Shields: Blah, blah, blah about a bill in the old days when the city was broke. What if a .055 payroll tax comes? How would there be a legal authority to exempt UPMC?

Specter: That's my point. We don't know.

If and when taxation comes to UPMC, the tax credit could not occur. Then UPMC would

Len: Why do we need to have the city come to help UPMC renig on the Pittsburgh Promise.

Bill Peduto: The Pgh Promise is not the city of Pittsburgh. UPMC is confusing the subject. We are here to say if any organization should be given a tax credit for a charitable contribution. This is not a PILOT program. This is a very big situation.

Why is there nobody here from the Mayor's office?

UPMC dude: You've gotten to the crux of the issue. Who is the city of Pittsburgh? We are not at an interesting position.

UPMC gives $1.5M to the city. Are we making an impact? We felt not.

The visionary opportunity here. :/

Why in the hell are they talking and not just sending this to a public hearing?????


Doug Shields: You (UPMC) are buying an insurance policy. You bring up an agreement from the 1990s? There were plenty of bad agreement in the past.

Did you read the depositions? We give them a wallet biopsy? We check their wallet for an insurance call.

Hey Charlie....

Let's not forget where you are at.

And what do you do when they don't have insurance? They put them back into the ambulance and send them to St. Francis. ???

UPMC then gave in and came on to give PILOTs. Then UPMC then went to the state politicians.

Back to the point that Mr. Specter brought up. This might not be even legal.

Doug Shields: Where is this agreement? Why is it not on the table. Not interested in buying a pig in a poke nor a Trojan horse.

You as the solicitor, I assume you have read the agreement.

Specter: I have NOT.

This guy has not even read the blasted agreement. But, the solicitor is within the legislation, directly.

Where is the agreement? When was it hatched?

Specter: The agreement isn't finalized.

Shields: Who is negotiating the agreement? Who? Who is in charge? When did it begin?

Specter: I assume....

When did the negotiations to this side agreement begin? And, if this is not done today, is the gift removed?

Specter: This is a work in progress. Then the solicitor steps in.

Shields: I'm trying to find out what you know. The solicitor's office was not involved. You are not aware of who negotiated. I'm here to ask the questions that are being asked of me. The public has yet to hear an answer on specific points.

The school board needs to provide the same agreement to UPMC.

Quote from PG: If the school board says "no" -- then there is no agreement. The Pittsburgh Promise needs to have the two side agreements. You gotta go 2 for 2 here. Both the school board and the city of Pittsburgh.

Both agreements are needed to put this in place. They are covering all their bases.

Ira Weiss thinks that this gift would exceed any tax. Well, a .055 on a payroll tax was once proposed. Given a $4B payroll tax, then that would net $20-Million. Over 10 years that is $200-M.

Shields would be happy to take the $200-M and put $100 of it into the Pittsburgh Promise and call it the Pittsburgh Guarantee.

Doug: This is aobut process. This is a total disregard to the people. Who knew? Were there any administration briefings as this was going on.

Any good attorney would cover all the bases -- but who is covering the basis of the city's finances? Who is looking at the other options? Has the solictor's office caluclated what a .055 payroll tax would be?

Doug Shields: I might vote for this next year. I might vote for this next month? We are going to be out of session in one more meeting. Heck, nobody even thought to pass a note to the city's citizens on December 5. YOU ALL OWE an appology to the city.

Shields: It is wrong to bring it forward today. It was made behind closed doors.

Tonya Payne: In light of all the questions that have surfaced, and in light of the petition, and the language.

I'm going to motion to hold for one week.

If we need to have a public hearing, we can ask for that.

At 12:27 they are getting to the matter.

Tonya Payne: If the citizens have a legitimate petition, then we are going to hear from the citizens.

Peduto seems scared about the way the administration has handled. There is something going on. Nobody is sitting in the chair. Peduto wants it to be voted on next year. He doesn't want to leave the door open.

Point of order from Len: There isn't enough time. For the record, Len is okay with a public hearing.

Doug Shields: It is obvious that they are going to have the signatures.

YES!

Public hearing will be held. YES!

Jim Motznik: I'd like to ask UPMC and solicitors if the public hearing would be okay.

UPMC: I respect the council and the concerns about the process. No, I do not think that we'll pull the promise. It is important to us, as UPMC has finite resources.

The hearing will be televised. Thanks.

Now Darlene Harris is not sure if the donation is a donation. She isn't able to get a grip on the promise and its side agreements. Why wasn't this on television?

UPMC: The purpose was to energize the public. We tried to inspire the public. We wanted to show them the potential of the promise.

The PFT made a donation of $10,000. Ira Weiss forgot about that.

UPMC says the superintendent rushed them. He was on the line. They were rushed up to Dec. 4. There are 3,000 seniors this year. This years class is to take advantage of this year's class.

Darlene says: They don't graduate until June.

UPMC: When this fails in other places, it isn't for a lack of money. The Pgh Foundation is the other agreement. If it is okay with them (Pgh Foundation), it is okay with me (UPMC).

Some things about administration of funds.

UPMC gets one board member out of the seven.

Len Boadack should get an invite to speak at the public hearing -- as a citizen. Len, come on down. Don't be a stranger. Len wants to change the language in the agreement.

Peduto: There is a lot of miss-trust with the way this has been handled, even in the last 24 hours by the administration.

Done at 12:50. They were at the table for about 90 minutes. They got some insights out into the public light. But, this could have been done in 4 or 5 minutes.

The necessary signatures are into the city clerk to call for public hearing on the Pgh Promise tax credit quickie

Ho, ho, wooooooo.....

The necessary 25 signatures are already before the city clerk. This is in advance of the 10 am meeting.

Well done.

More news later.

This has got to go to a public hearing for early 2008.

City Council Asked To Give UPMC 'Pittsburgh Promise' Tax Credits - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Ravenstahl Wants City Council To Give UPMC 'Pittsburgh Promise' Tax Credits - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh: UPMC has issued a statement saying the side agreement is an 'essential condition' of its agreement to contribute up to $100 million to the Pittsburgh Promise.

Where is this statement?

Oh my gosh. Something stinks.

Let's rumble at a public hearing in January. This can't go down like they want.

The regular city council meeting for Wednesday is Tuesday this week. A standing committee session is slated to begin at 10 am, 5th floor, city-county building. Look for the Christmas Tree.

The public has the opportunity to speak for 3-minutes at the start of the meeting. I'm one of the 'regulars.' I go every other week now. We talk. They listen. Much like school board.

But after we talk, they go on with the meeting. Everyone is invited.

As new "laws" (legislation) get introduced at one meeting, that was today for this new wrinkle on the Pgh Promise, the public is provided with a three day period to file a petition to call for a public hearing. Then city council generally gets to talk first about new laws at its standing committee -- tomorrow. This got fast tracked. Final vote would be Dec 27, I think.

Then the session ends for the year. Three new members arrive in early Jan.

Perhaps it is time to talk about "lame ducks." These lame ducks should do NOTHING.

Talk about Schenley and high school reform too.

Meetings are to start at 10 am. Generally they are late -- say 10:15. Expect 4 to 10 people to speak for 2-3 minutes. Just go to the podium / microphone when you want in that period. No sign up needed.

We need to get 25 signatures on a petition and that needs to go in within 3 days of the bill being introduced. That calls for a public hearing. We might need to talk tough as they'll hate to hold a public hearing. But, we're in the right.

If we make a lot of buzz tonight, tomorrow, ASAP -- then that might be a brush back and they'll set up a public hearing for January.

City's 2008 Budget

The city's budget is now passed.

They'll be installing new cameras all around town, to spy on citizens. Bad. Let's peer on public officials and mind the public funds first.

Demolition finds are being increased. Bad. Let's repair and maintain our historic treasures -- not tear them down.

The city has a "Pay as you go capital budget." Bad. Capital budgets are for long-term investments. Capital budgets need planning and discipline. Pittsburgh has neither. Sadly, that concept is a victory for them as they used to have NO capital budget. They have to pay as they go as they can't pay what they should to maintain, to repair, to paint, to fix, to halt decay.

The long term outlook for the city's budget comes without a plan for keeping the city's financial head above the rising red ink in future years. Bad. This council approved tax breaks for a new hotel complex in Baker's Square. They fund development deals as they come, even if they promise to exclude union workers from the jobs after these places open.


Pittsburgh is going from hand to mouth with more employees than ever. This city budget has a line item for a trust fund for the Ethics Hearing Board -- a group that endears NO TRUST from me.

They want to celebrate the passing of the budget. In the big view -- the 2008 budget is simply just another nail in the coffin of a once great American city.

Pittsburgh Organizing Group plans protest for Dec 20 -- Rain on Luke's parade

Pittsburgh Organizing Group: "Ravenstahl is Rotten, They All Must Go!"

MindMapPedia mindmap

MindMapPedia mindmap:

MindMapPedia is a worldwide library of mind maps, created by people like you, who are eager to share their work with others. First introduced in the 1960s by author and researcher Tony Buzan, these maps are a visual—and highly practical—way of representing knowledge. Today, people from all over the world, in all professions, are discovering the value of using mind maps to unlock creativity, generate new ideas, solve problems, and formulate plans. Business professionals, scientists, artists, students, teachers, and countless others use mind maps to uncover new knowledge, gain self-awareness, plan, strategize, write books, and even to increase their income.

UPMC wants tax credits on the donations to the Pittsburgh Promise

They are trying to pull a fast one!

What the heck. Heads up!

The Pittsburgh Promise is making waves. And the city administration (Mayor Luke Ravenstahl) is pushing to get a bill to the table and rush it along.

OKAY to rush include: Motzink, Boadack, Deasey, Koch, Harris and Payne.

Peduto and Shields voted no.

We need a petition from the citizens of Pittsburgh to call for a public hearing on this bill.

This is inside baseball. But, here at the end of the year, there is a meeting in City Council today (Monday). At this meeting, that is generally scheduled on Tuesdays, comes the introduction of new bills. Today's new bills included one about UPMC and the Pittsburgh Promise.

It seems that UPMC and the city want to give extra 'tax credits' to UPMC for the money it donates to the Pittsburgh Promise. This smells bad.

Furthermore, city council members -- with the exception of Bill Peduto and Doug Shields -- pushed to waive rule eight. Humm... That means that the bill will be able to be up for discussion tomorrow, not next week.

Generally, a bill gets put out to the public and there is a week before it comes up for a preliminary vote. When the council votes to waive the traditional roles of council, the preliminary vote can occur within 24 hours.

When a bill gets introduced to city council, the citizens have three days to call a public hearing on the bill. The public hearing helps to put more examination and attention on the bill. The public hearing is the best way to get public input for the bill.

The next meeting of city council is at 10 am on Tuesday. That is the standing committee. Those meetings are generally held on Wednesdays.

The last meeting of the year, and with these eight members of city council, is slated for December 27. That's when the final vote on all bills needs to occur. Otherwise, the year ends. New bills need to be re-introduced.

Next year there are three new members of city council to come to the table.

The Pittsburgh Promise tax credit for UPMC needs attention. It can be resolved next year after we know what's what and have a full discussion.

Allegheny Library dot org

New site:

http://www.AlleghenyLibrary.org

Pittsburgh City Council should work to insure that the historic library on the North Side stays in Allegheny Commons, in the square.

Our 2007 Christmas Letter is about to hit the mailbox

Rauterkus Family

108 South 12^th Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15203

(phone #s nuked for website)

Dear Family and Friends:

We hope this letter finds you happy and healthy and reflecting on a great 2007 while looking forward to more growth in 2008.

This year began with time, visits and energy devoted to the Maine/Boston area as we said goodbye to Catherine’s father. Two memorials celebrated Grandpa's life. Later in 2007, we celebrated the other end of life's spectrum a birth and baptism. Our sons have 15 cousins now.

We lived in Christchurch, New Zealand throughout May and early June. Words and pictures can barely describe the beauty and our excitement for New Zealand. Catherine taught (assisted by two Pitt graduate students) at the University of Canterbury. I got to coach "full time" for the Wharenui Swim Team (pronounced "fair –a –new–ee"). Erik and Grant swam and competed for this team. We rode bikes everywhere, saw penguins walking on the beach, and enjoyed multiple Lord of the Rings Tours! Visit http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.rauterkus for some pictures of the NZ trip.

This was a massive year for home renovations. The roof and entire 3rd floor room and deck was taken off and replaced while we were in New Zealand. Catherine’s Mom was 'project manager' and her overseeing this project from across the street was a huge help. The new third floor gives us a “Great Room” to match our view that overlooks Pittsburgh's skyline. The whole house (siding, some interior walls, flooring, kitchen, lights, paint) has got attention. Uncle Bob and cousin AJ were wonderful to help with insulation and office area floors. Come by and visit with us, and get a tour this old house. Catherine’s Mom had us at her house for a month of meals as the kitchen and dining room were being recreated.

Politically, we worked hard to build "opposition" and insure few would get elected without opposition. Libertarians with various running mates, (myself in two ballot positions) built teamwork. My goal was to give voters a choice and to create an atmosphere that would demand debates with discussion of issues. All in all, many goals were largely met, including the netting of 7,000 votes within a frugal budget.

It was fund to help organize and celebrate: 30th reunion of the Penn Hills High School, three weeks water polo camp, a July 4 biathlon (5K run + 1K swim); local swimming (of course) and more personal fitness for myself as we are now members at the JCC (with a health club).

Both of our boys are in the double digits: Erik, 13; and Grant, 10. Both doing well with great schools, great friends, swimming fast, and home in newly renovated bedrooms! On Saturdays the boys take their violins to Xtreme Strings to play rock, jazz and fiddle tunes with some electric and improv. Both love it.

Our very best wishes to you and yours in 2008!

Mark, Catherine, Erik and Grant

Thirty minute video, in two parts, slated for IOWA, now that the tea-party has put wind (major gusts) into the sails of freedom

part 1:

part 2:

Paul’s Haul, Redux

• For the second time this quarter, a supporter-organized “money bomb” has helped Ron Paul break the single-day online fundraising record, this time raising more than $6 million in one day (the first effort, on November 5th, raised more than $4.2 million online in a day). Led by Paul supporter Trevor Lyman and timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, Ron Paul’s Tea Party ‘07 marshaled supporters to contribute to what the Politico’s Kenneth P. Vogel called “arguably the largest single-day fundraising haul in U.S. political history.”

• Ron Paul Graphs, the site that’s tapped into the Paul campaign’s own fundraising data to produce dozens of graphs and charts, produced an impressive donation arc that shows donations kicking into high gear around 8am ET yesterday, and tailing off at midnight. “Dan B.,” the supporter who runs the site, puts the final online number at $6,043,022.96, from 59,170 donors.

• The Washington Post’s Jose Antonio Vargas points out that Paul is the only candidate this year, Democratic or Republican, “to increase his fundraising haul with every quarter, raising $640,000 in the first quarter, $2.4 million in the second, $5.1 million in the third.” He’s raised an astonishing $18 million this quarter, more than tripling last quarter’s haul and beating out his campaign’s goal of $12 million by Dec. 31.

• Meanwhile, all we’ve been talking about is money. But the haul is a representative of a massive voter-generated movement. Some supporters have quit their jobs, moved to New Hampshire, blogged, made videos, and obsessed about data. PBS’s NOW produced a good piece about Paul and his zealous supporters, including Tea Party organizer Trebor Lyman. It includes a part of an interview with techPresident’s Zephyr Teachout, the full text of which was posted last week.

---

Update from Ron Paul:

December 17, 2007

What a day! I am humbled and inspired, grateful and thrilled for this vast outpouring of support.

On just one day, in honor of the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the new American revolutionaries brought in $6.04 million, another one-day record. The average donation was $102; we had 58,407 individual contributors, of whom an astounding 24,915 were first-time donors. And it was an entirely voluntary, self-organized, decentralized, independent effort on the internet. Must be the "spammers" I keep hearing about!

The establishment is baffled and worried, and well they should be. They keep asking me who runs our internet fundraising and controls our volunteers. To these top-down central planners, a spontaneous order like our movement is science-fiction. But you and I know it's real: as real as the American people's yearning for freedom, peace, and prosperity, as real as all the men and women who have sacrificed for our ideals, in the past and today.

And how neat to see celebrations all across the world, with Tea Parties from France to New Zealand. This is how we can spread the ideals of our country, through voluntary emulation, not bombs and bribes. Of course, there were hundreds in America.

As I dropped in on a cheering, laughing crowd of about 600 near my home in Freeport, Texas, I noted that they call us "angry." Well, we are the happiest, most optimistic "angry" movement ever, and the most diverse. What unites us is a love of liberty, and a determination to fix what is wrong with our country, from the Fed to the IRS, from warfare to welfare. But otherwise we are a big tent.

Said the local newspaper (http://www.thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=36475b4d132fc0a1): "The elderly sat with teens barely old enough to vote. The faces were black, Hispanic, Asian and white. There was no fear in their voices as they spoke boldly with each other about the way the country should be. Held close like a deeply held secret, Paul has brought them out of the disconnect they feel between what they know to be true and where the country has been led."

Thanks also to the 500 or so who braved the blizzard in Boston to go to Faneuil Hall. My son Rand told me what a great time he had with you.

A few mornings ago on LewRockwell.com, I saw a YouTube of a 14-year-old boy that summed up our whole movement for me. This well-spoken young man, who could have passed in knowledge for a college graduate, told how he heard our ideas being denounced. So he decided to Google. He read some of my speeches, and thought, these make sense. Then he studied US foreign policy of recent years, and came to the conclusion that we are right. So he persuaded his father to drop Rudy Giuliani and join our movement.

All over America, all over the world, we are inspiring real change. With the wars and the spying, the spending and the taxing, the inflation and the credit crisis, our ideas have never been more needed. Please help me spread them https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate in all 50 states. Victory for liberty! That is our goal, and nothing less.

Sincerely,

Ron

Tea Party -- sure to leave other R candidates with a hangover, again

To minimize traffic on RonPaul2008.com, please monitor the Tea Party
progress on one of these sites:

http://paulcash.slact.net/?save_the_republic=true


http://ronpaulgraphs.com/

These concepts of freedom have legs. America still cares! Politics matters to many.

Go Ron Paul!

What Does Freedom Really Mean? — Ron Paul

What Does Freedom Really Mean? — Ron Paul 2008: We’ve all heard the words democracy and freedom used countless times, ...

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