Ira Weiss, PPS Solicitor, says he would NOT want to discuss that matter in a public forum.
We've got 250 kids at Clayton and the district is paying for 450.
Say what????
Good Job Theresa Colaizzi.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Two board members deride city schools' proposed code of conduct
Two board members deride city schools' proposed code of conduct: "The Pittsburgh school board is considering a code of conduct that supporters described as a move toward better government and critics called an effort to curb criticism of Superintendent Mark Roosevelt.There is NOTHING that should be in the zone of "confidentiality of privileged information" with a school board member -- other than that of a specific student. And, the board should NOT be dealing with specific students, unless that student is the son or daughter of that board member. Then the board member is a "parent" and not really operating as an elected official as a steward of a public institution.
Privileged information does exits in other very small corners of the duties of board members. There are employee matters and land deals where it would make sense to NOT blab. But, these are tiny elements of the jobs.
They want to make more and more be called privileged. Then they can call for 'marshall law' and make a smack-down to those who object with their voices.
Schools have been closed and then re-opened. Fine. Likewise, tests have been failed and then taken later and passed.
You can't get to third grade and forget everything that happened in first grade. What is past is past. But, it is still something that can be talked about.
Where is that "proposed" code? Can it be sent to me via email or else posted in this thread?
Posting from another blog thread -- I think:
I'm going to pick on Bram again. He wrote, obviously you've (city council critters) got to do both. The the overall city stuff and the neighborhood stuff are both important.
WRONG Bram. Neighborhood stuff is NOT the job of council members. That is the micro-management stuff that council should NOT be doing. That is the political plowing.
In the past, the city and council got turned on its head by the likes of Tom Murphy and Tom Cox. That (past) administration did NOTHING for neighborhoods. So, the members of council had to do the over reaching.
Those ills got the city into trouble. The Neighborhood Needs money $1M to each council member/district was the last big blunder that finally put the city into its OVERLORD status.
As council does neighborhood stuff -- then they are inefficient. Lapses in accountability are easier to make as a legislative body does administration's work. They have made purpose fuzzy -- and accountability shrinks.
Lapses in legality should not be tolerated by voters. Pittsburgh should NOT elect anyone who can't write legislation and understand what's what in those realms.
Even in this present mess and folly -- it boils down to members on city council turning over the crafting of legislation to the wish/whim/work of the Director of the Law Department. The city's attorney should NOT be crafting the city's laws. Shame for council for going down that road. Now council is heartbroken because the lawyer changed his tune.
Who is the piper and who is doing the dance? (council chases its tail, again)
Council members and staffers need to have their noses personally stuffed in legal books for days at a time, trying to fix the problem.
The rub comes in that the brains behind those noses are not of the capacity to understand what's in the history, present and future so as to navigate the city's legislative positions.
Bram says, "Free Council! Let 'em hire a lawyer!" I say, "Lawyers are not free. Council members should be able to write their own ordinances on their own. The boss of the city's law department should not hamstring council. Council's folly makes it easy for them to be snared. If council can't can't write legislation then council members should QUIT.
WRONG Bram. Neighborhood stuff is NOT the job of council members. That is the micro-management stuff that council should NOT be doing. That is the political plowing.
In the past, the city and council got turned on its head by the likes of Tom Murphy and Tom Cox. That (past) administration did NOTHING for neighborhoods. So, the members of council had to do the over reaching.
Those ills got the city into trouble. The Neighborhood Needs money $1M to each council member/district was the last big blunder that finally put the city into its OVERLORD status.
As council does neighborhood stuff -- then they are inefficient. Lapses in accountability are easier to make as a legislative body does administration's work. They have made purpose fuzzy -- and accountability shrinks.
Lapses in legality should not be tolerated by voters. Pittsburgh should NOT elect anyone who can't write legislation and understand what's what in those realms.
Even in this present mess and folly -- it boils down to members on city council turning over the crafting of legislation to the wish/whim/work of the Director of the Law Department. The city's attorney should NOT be crafting the city's laws. Shame for council for going down that road. Now council is heartbroken because the lawyer changed his tune.
Who is the piper and who is doing the dance? (council chases its tail, again)
Council members and staffers need to have their noses personally stuffed in legal books for days at a time, trying to fix the problem.
The rub comes in that the brains behind those noses are not of the capacity to understand what's in the history, present and future so as to navigate the city's legislative positions.
Bram says, "Free Council! Let 'em hire a lawyer!" I say, "Lawyers are not free. Council members should be able to write their own ordinances on their own. The boss of the city's law department should not hamstring council. Council's folly makes it easy for them to be snared. If council can't can't write legislation then council members should QUIT.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Blogdigger Acquired by Odeo - ReadWriteWeb
Exclusive: Blogdigger Acquired by Odeo - ReadWriteWeb Blog search engine Blogdigger will be announcing shortly that it has been acquired by SonicMountain, parent company of Odeo - the podcast network that is currently being rebuilt as a full-fledged platform for digital media. Blogdigger's aggregation and media search technology is being integrated into the new Odeo, and Blogdigger founder and CEO Greg Gershman is joining Odeo full time as its Vice President of Search and Engineering.
Speaking of Rutgers, again. I wonder if RMU's Women Hoops team has this on the board for motivation?
Go RMU. Shock the shock jocks and the women's brackets with a speechless win over Rutgers!
Advice: When they run -- you gotta run with em -- if not ahead of them at most instances!
Newsmax.com - Obama Defends Rev. Wright, Blasts Imus: "It took Barack Obama more than a year to repudiate his former pastor's racially charged anti-American tirades, but when it came to denouncing Don Imus for his racial slurs against the Rutgers girls basketball team, it took Obama only a week to demand the shock jock be fired, Fox News notes.Really, I have little to say about Obama and Hillary. I just thought I'd send out a go, team, go cheer to the locals as they play the underdog's role and head to the 'big dance.'
In a major speech Tuesday, Obama condemned the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's shocking verbal assaults against the U.S. dating back to 2001.
But in April of last year, Obama was quick to demand Imus' ouster for making a racially insensitive remark.
�There�s nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude,� Obama told ABC News in an April 11 interview demanding Imus' resignation.
Advice: When they run -- you gotta run with em -- if not ahead of them at most instances!
So, -- it is time to chase your tail. Do it with a blue ribbon pointer!
Journal-Pilot Online Kraus wins two pointing titles:)
Dear Friends of Democracy Rising PA,
Top Line
VotePA, www.votePA.us , has issued an important alert. If you registered to vote online this year, your registration may not be valid. The only way to guarantee that you can vote on April 22 is to check with your county voter registration office. That office must have a signed, paper copy of your registration form by the close of business next Monday, March 24.
You can download a registration form from the state web site ( CLICK HERE ), but you must get the signed form to your county voter registration office by Monday's deadline.
More of the Story
A security flaw with the online registration form made it possible to change the names on registration forms that voters already filed. The state Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation has disabled the page where the form was located.
It is entirely possible that the problem was discovered before any harm occurred. But it's also possible that your registration was changed. We don't know. So check with your county voter registration office.
But this isn't the only problem. According to a report in the Allentown Morning Call, some voters believe that filling out the online form is enough to register. But it's not. To register, voters must also print the completed form and mail it, or take it, to their voter registration office. CLICK HERE for the full story by reporter Scott Kraus.
VotePA's Marybeth Kuznik says that when you are registered correctly, you receive a registration card with your party and precinct on it within a few days. If you registered some time ago and have not received your registration card, check with your county voter registration office.
Bottom Line
Make sure you are properly registered to vote by close of business next Monday.
Also, make sure you know where your polling place is. Sometimes they change.
And please forward this alert to others. If you have trouble forwarding, please copy and paste the text into an email.
Thanks. Keep up the good work. And remember: Only you can keep democracy rising!
Signs of time: Digital ad fight spreads across city
This is a good reason to NOT try to impose a moratorium. Dumb non solutions can backfire.
Kraus is counter productive.
Kraus needs a speech coach. Or, he needs to speak only about his feelings and nothing else.
Kraus wants a cooling off. He should bit his lip and say little to nothing.
People on council don't get to 'cool off the marketplace.' To govern isn't to tell those in the private sector what to do. Kraus wanted Lamar to remove its permit -- as part of a 'will of council' statement that he didn't have the moxie to bring to a vote.
I fear to ask what it is that Kraus is trying to 'accomplish.'
There is a hearing tomorrow. Watch the Pitt game instead. The fast breaks will be quicker there. Some seeding.
Signs of time: Digital ad fight spreads across city: "Lamar Advertising submitted applications to transform many of its signs, including 10 Downtown, from vinyl to light emitting diode technology late Monday, just in time to beat a moratorium Pittsburgh City Council imposed yesterday.I'll blame Bruce Kraus for this.
Kraus is counter productive.
Kraus needs a speech coach. Or, he needs to speak only about his feelings and nothing else.
Kraus wants a cooling off. He should bit his lip and say little to nothing.
People on council don't get to 'cool off the marketplace.' To govern isn't to tell those in the private sector what to do. Kraus wanted Lamar to remove its permit -- as part of a 'will of council' statement that he didn't have the moxie to bring to a vote.
I fear to ask what it is that Kraus is trying to 'accomplish.'
There is a hearing tomorrow. Watch the Pitt game instead. The fast breaks will be quicker there. Some seeding.
Amid heated debate, council supports take-home car limits
Great recap article. Must read.
Heads need to roll. His should be soon.
Amid heated debate, council supports take-home car limits: "Amid heated debate, council supports take-home car limits"The city's attorney, Specter, needs to quit, retire, or else be fired.
Heads need to roll. His should be soon.
Ohio voting machines declared an official crime scene - The INQUIRER
Ohio voting machines declared an official crime scene - The INQUIRER: "Ohio voting machines declared an official crime scene
My comment at another blog thread
Recap: Some say we need two sets a legal advisors, not one. Then some predict that the mayor's lawyers might battle the lawyers of city council.
Then Ed also suggests that we get legal help for the ethics hearing board too. Then we'd have three.
Folks, that is a pathway to FOLLY!
When the Solicitor is being told what to do by people who are only interested in serving themselves, Council needs to
WRONG: --> have its own attorney.
RIGHT: ---> budget adjust the LEGAL DEPARTMENT to ZERO.
Purse strings is the pressure point of council.
Don't grow government by hiring more lawyers.
Get to the roots of the problems by getting rid of the lawyers we already pay for that are NOT helping the situations at hand and have hurt the city greatly in the past.
We have 1 now. The fix is NOT to go to 2 or 3. The fix is to go to ZERO.
Council is trying to put a moratorium on 'business' (no billboards). Rather, I want a moratorium on paying piss-poor lawyers with taxpayer funds. Moratorum the growing of government. Stop hiring bureaucrats. Stop hiring others to fix ills of those who should have been fired.
Then Ed also suggests that we get legal help for the ethics hearing board too. Then we'd have three.
Folks, that is a pathway to FOLLY!
When the Solicitor is being told what to do by people who are only interested in serving themselves, Council needs to
WRONG: --> have its own attorney.
RIGHT: ---> budget adjust the LEGAL DEPARTMENT to ZERO.
Purse strings is the pressure point of council.
Don't grow government by hiring more lawyers.
Get to the roots of the problems by getting rid of the lawyers we already pay for that are NOT helping the situations at hand and have hurt the city greatly in the past.
We have 1 now. The fix is NOT to go to 2 or 3. The fix is to go to ZERO.
Council is trying to put a moratorium on 'business' (no billboards). Rather, I want a moratorium on paying piss-poor lawyers with taxpayer funds. Moratorum the growing of government. Stop hiring bureaucrats. Stop hiring others to fix ills of those who should have been fired.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Netherlands Blast Women's 400 Free Relay World Record
Lane 9 News Archive: European Championships: <font color=red>Flash!</font> The Netherlands Blast Women's 400 Free Relay World Record The Netherlands Blast Women's 400 Free Relay World Record -- March 18, 2008
EIDNHOVEN, Netherlands, March 18. THE Netherlands blasted the world record in the women's 400 free relay at the European Championships held in Eindhoven.
The foursome of Inge Dekker (53.77), Ranomi Kromowidjojo (53.61), Femke Heemskerk (53.62) and Marleen Veldhuis (52.62) clocked a blistering time of 3:33.62 to demolish the 3:35.22 set by Germany's Petra Dallmann, Daniela Goetz, Britta Steffen and Annika Liebs in 2006.
Council Getting Lawyered Up! (hat tip to comet)
Bram talks about city council. I offered my opinions and solutions there, repeated below.
Repeat after me: Purse strings.
If council is upset with the present city attorney -- and I called for his head years ago as he is nearly worthless -- then council needs to nuke that department's funds. Starve em.
Meanwhile, our council would NEVER spend less. They'd rather spend DOUBLE. Pay those that don't do the work. And, pay new sources to do work you want, even if it amounts to little.
The needs of the city will not be realized upon the hiring of more lawyers.
I say the city could move ahead more quickly after it fires a bunch of lawyers. Move forward and fire all the lawyers.
My solution: I'd love to see city council go to the OVERLORDS and get their lawyers to do the necessary legal wranglings for the super majority will of city council. But, council doesn't have a super majority. And, council is still going to be paying for the mayor's attorney. And, council does not have a clue as to how to navigate its way out of a wet paper bag.
Marty G on KDKA Radio is playing the song from the Wiz of Oz, "If I Only Had a Brain."
Jim Motznik comes on the show and objects to the song. Then Motznik defends the mayor's.
Jim Motznik says: Jim's Aunt goes to different doctors until she gets the diagnosis she wants. We have a law department. We should not be wasting taxpayer money to get our own attorney.
The Pittsburgh Comet: Council Getting Lawyered Up! Council Getting Lawyered Up!
Repeat after me: Purse strings.
If council is upset with the present city attorney -- and I called for his head years ago as he is nearly worthless -- then council needs to nuke that department's funds. Starve em.
Meanwhile, our council would NEVER spend less. They'd rather spend DOUBLE. Pay those that don't do the work. And, pay new sources to do work you want, even if it amounts to little.
The needs of the city will not be realized upon the hiring of more lawyers.
I say the city could move ahead more quickly after it fires a bunch of lawyers. Move forward and fire all the lawyers.
My solution: I'd love to see city council go to the OVERLORDS and get their lawyers to do the necessary legal wranglings for the super majority will of city council. But, council doesn't have a super majority. And, council is still going to be paying for the mayor's attorney. And, council does not have a clue as to how to navigate its way out of a wet paper bag.
Marty G on KDKA Radio is playing the song from the Wiz of Oz, "If I Only Had a Brain."
Jim Motznik comes on the show and objects to the song. Then Motznik defends the mayor's.
Jim Motznik says: Jim's Aunt goes to different doctors until she gets the diagnosis she wants. We have a law department. We should not be wasting taxpayer money to get our own attorney.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Making a Recession Great
Making a Recession Great House Democrats recently adopted a budget with massive tax hikes, many of which are directed at those Americans who can least afford them. By allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire in 2010, this budget will raise income taxes not only on those in the highest income brackets, but raises the lowest bracket from 10% to 15% as well. Estates would again be taxed at 55%. The child tax credit would drop from $1000 to $500. Senior citizens relying on investment income would be hurt by increases in dividend and capital gains taxes. It's not just that the Democrats want to raises taxes on the rich. They want to raises taxes on everybody.This is why I'm of a third party.
Ds want to tax and spend.
Rs want to borrow and spend.
Ron Paul says policing the world is expensive. The D's budget gives the President all the funding he needs for foreign policy.
In another blog elsewhere I asked a fellow blogger why he took off his candidate campaign button while standing with others at a peace rally. Wars are all about the break down of the political process. Today's wars that Americans are funding are the result of too many willing Ds and Rs.
Of course people want to take off their campaign buttons and stand for peace, hoping that an end of war is going to be nonpolitical. Dream on.
Many so-called "Iraq War critics," criticize this administration rather than truly opposing the decades old policies that led to war. They claim they will eventually get the troops out of Iraq, but the danger is that they simply plan to move them around to other countries, not bring them home. The American people want peace.I agree with Doctor Ron Paul. Americans do want peace.
Excellent: Swimmers speaking and wishing for further education: Schoeman wants Oly Comm. to speak on human rights - Monday March 17, 2008 11:30AM
SI.com - More Sports - Schoeman wants Oly Comm. to speak on human rights - Monday March 17, 2008 11:30AM: "He said Dutch swimming star Pieter van den Hoogenband 'made a valid point' when he called on the IOC to make a statement to China about human rights on behalf of all athletes.We all need to stay or become more aware.
But Schoeman said he was not ready to make a decision about possibly skipping the games to protest China's rights record.
'That's something I'm going to have to educate myself further on. I'm a firm believer in human rights, always have been, always will be,' he said. 'It is something I have to educate myself in before I can make a rational decision on it.'
Schoeman said Olympic organizers should have acted earlier -- when China was awarded the games in 2001 -- to discuss human rights.
Doing too little and too late isn't helpful either.
Expectations Lose to Reality of Sports Scholarships - New York Times
Expectations Lose to Reality of Sports Scholarships - New York Times: "the average N.C.A.A. athletic scholarship is nowhere near a full ride, amounting to $8,707. In sports like baseball or track and field, the number is routinely as low as $2,000. Even when football and basketball are included, the average is $10,409. Tuition and room and board for N.C.A.A. institutions often cost between $20,000 and $50,000 a year.
Going Irish
Anne sent this. I also suggest you hook up with Johnsmith, singer of the tune, "Don't Put Me In a Box."
Happy St Patrick's Day!
I know that sometimes you're too busy to read the Fellow Travelers' Advisory from cover to cover. If you've missed this invitation in past newsletters, I hope that this St Pat's Day you'll take a second to learn about the three fabulous tours of Ireland that I'm organizing for this summer...
http://annefeeney.com/Pages/enchantedwaytours.html
If you found yourself somewhere this past weekend swilling green beer and listening to a band singing "McNamara's Band" you may be asking yourself if that was an authentic Irish experience.... How I'd love to show you what Ireland is REALLY about...
Music, culture, politics, poetry, history, scenery ... (not to mention Guinness Stout!) ... Ireland has it all... and I'd love to show it to you. And now, thanks to my wonderful Irish partner, Tom Pigott, of Enchanted Way Tours, I can...
I'm leading small tours to the west of Ireland this summer on:
June 10-19 (filling up fast!)
August 15-24 (only one seat left!)
September 30- October 9thhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
The $1750 cost of this tour includes ALL ground transportation, ALL accommodations, ALL breakfasts, THREE dinners AND admission to many many special events... making this an extraordinary value, not to mention WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much fun!
Tom and I will show you the 'best of the west' -- the real Ireland. I really hope you can join us ... if not this year, then next...
Thanks for your interest in my music -- I hope your St Pat's
celebrations are lots of fun. I'll be wearin' the green today and
doing two shows in Ft Myers, FL (but I won't be singing McNamara's
Band...)
All the best
Anne
PS - For all three of these tours, I'd expect the weather to be San Francisco-like... warm in the sun, cool in the shade, chilly by the seaside... light layers, a fleece vest, a snuggy sweater, windbreaker & a pair of good walking shoes ... and you're packed! these trips will be casual, filled with wonderful adventures - and you'll travel with the coolest people in the world - activists from all over the US, Canada, Sweden & Denmark... I really hope you'll come along!
and if my dates don't work for you, take a look at Tom's website... other wonderful artists are leading similar tours all summer long...
April 15 - 24 - Chuck Brodsky
May 27 - June 5 - Dana Cooper
June 10 - June 19 - Anne Feeney
July 5 - July 14 - Brian Mallon
July 16 - July 25 - Johnsmith
July 29 - Aug 7 - Johnsmith
Aug 15 - Aug 24 - Anne Feeney
Aug 26 - Sept 4 - Kate Mc Donnell
Sept 6 - Sept 15 - Johnsmith
Sept 17 - Sept 26 - Johnsmith
Sept 30 - Oct 9 - Anne Feeney
Oct 14 - Oct 23 - Montgomery Delaney
Tom's website is full of great information about the tours as well..
http://www.enchantedwaytours.ie/?page_id=4
Hope to see you in Ireland!
Fantastic show: "Black Magic" on ESPN. Part 2 tonight from 9 to 11 pm -- without commercials
Hats off to State Farm Insurance and Russell, sponsors, for the ESPN show, Black Magic. The show ran last night (part 1) from 9 to 11 pm. Part two is tonight. Tune in. It is very good.
The show looks at blacks in basketball from high school, to college, to pros and even some mentions of Olympic Teams and the Globetrotters.
It fits well with the Hollywood movie I saw a couple of weeks ago about the fictional team -- Flint's Tropics, an ABA Team. The movie was humor, rated R. Okay.
But the TV show was historical. Lots of first person interviews with lots of game changing players and coaches. Lots of talk about the Black Colleges: Grambling, Southern, Tuskegee, Tennessee A&I, etc. Lots of talk of the stars we all know -- and many we don't.
Historical context too to with the teacher who invented basketball, Springfield's Dr. Naismith. He went to Kansas later and hated to see half-court basketball.
The Pipers were mentioned -- with Cleveland roots. There was a Pittsburgh Pipers. The team must have moved? George Steinbrenner was the owner. Humm... Lots of talk of city players going south for college.
The show aired without commercial break. Wish I had it on tape to show my kids. It was just too late. Hope it is put onto Google Video soon.
The show looks at blacks in basketball from high school, to college, to pros and even some mentions of Olympic Teams and the Globetrotters.
It fits well with the Hollywood movie I saw a couple of weeks ago about the fictional team -- Flint's Tropics, an ABA Team. The movie was humor, rated R. Okay.
But the TV show was historical. Lots of first person interviews with lots of game changing players and coaches. Lots of talk about the Black Colleges: Grambling, Southern, Tuskegee, Tennessee A&I, etc. Lots of talk of the stars we all know -- and many we don't.
Historical context too to with the teacher who invented basketball, Springfield's Dr. Naismith. He went to Kansas later and hated to see half-court basketball.
James NaismithPowerful historical video too of celebrations in 1963 after the killing of JFK.
The Pipers were mentioned -- with Cleveland roots. There was a Pittsburgh Pipers. The team must have moved? George Steinbrenner was the owner. Humm... Lots of talk of city players going south for college.
The show aired without commercial break. Wish I had it on tape to show my kids. It was just too late. Hope it is put onto Google Video soon.
My $.02 comments got air time via Marty G on KDKA Radio
I sent in my reactions to the St. Pat's Day madness on the South Side to Marty G at KDKA Radio. He was asking how things went throughout the parade and day of parties.
I didn't save my exact words. I hit submit nad sent them to Marty and he read them on the air.
Replay:
Our front door was broken. Open containers, urine on the street and goofy behaviors were everywhere. Called 911 for a girl-fight at midnight. Enforcement was fleeting.
The contrast between this day an other days with parades is huge. There are not drunks at 9 am at the Christmas, Labor, Memorial nor flavor-of-the week parades. People like to go downtown. But, do the drinks need to flow as often?
If I'm mayor, I'd give serious consideration to ending the St. Pat's Parade -- just as the South Side Summer Street Spectacular was ended. The SSSSS was a drunken stumble for many years and its ending was a blessing.
People involved with the St. Pat's festivities need to look in the mirror. Shame and guilt seem to work in some quarters. Guess that is why God invented hang-overs.
I didn't save my exact words. I hit submit nad sent them to Marty and he read them on the air.
Replay:
Our front door was broken. Open containers, urine on the street and goofy behaviors were everywhere. Called 911 for a girl-fight at midnight. Enforcement was fleeting.
St. Patrick's revelers cause heaps of litter: "St. Patrick's revelers cause heaps of litterA caller to the show suggested that the St. Pat's Parade was not different this year from past years.
The contrast between this day an other days with parades is huge. There are not drunks at 9 am at the Christmas, Labor, Memorial nor flavor-of-the week parades. People like to go downtown. But, do the drinks need to flow as often?
If I'm mayor, I'd give serious consideration to ending the St. Pat's Parade -- just as the South Side Summer Street Spectacular was ended. The SSSSS was a drunken stumble for many years and its ending was a blessing.
People involved with the St. Pat's festivities need to look in the mirror. Shame and guilt seem to work in some quarters. Guess that is why God invented hang-overs.
Home Schooling Article
Article strongly recommend from Joel:
http://writ.lp.findlaw.com/commentary/20080314_brownstein.html
While home schooling may not be on your radar screen, the central principle imposed here -- "that states may insist not only that all children receive an education, but also that the education they receive must satisfy reasonable state standards" -- deserves close attention by all people involved in any kind of education.
That "reasonable state standards" thing has been a minefield for decades, and the cases mentioned in this article may have very broad implications down the road.
Signs of the times: Council is right to call for billboard pause
A moratorium is NOT a fix. A moratorium is another layer of red tape. A moratorium is two-steps backward before there is any hope of going forward.
Again, Bruce Kraus offers a blunder of a solution. This isn't a solution. Likewise, his measure on the billboard with a will of council that was then put ahead with "a hold" from its sponsor was NOT worthy of the sink of time.
Again, we see folly. Again, we have council acting like a dog that chases its tail.
Again, Bruce Kraus offers a blunder of a solution. This isn't a solution. Likewise, his measure on the billboard with a will of council that was then put ahead with "a hold" from its sponsor was NOT worthy of the sink of time.
Again, we see folly. Again, we have council acting like a dog that chases its tail.
Signs of the times: Council is right to call for billboard pause: "Councilman Bruce Kraus has called for the moratorium while the disagreement is resolved. Further, council has drafted a remedy that would give council a vote on any sign replacement agreements. That fix, in the form of a short amendment to the zoning code, may not be quite right. The solution must be consistent with other parts of the code, and that blanket power for council does not seem to be.Of course council has work to do. And, the real work of getting to the roots of our problems are far into the distance of a hope of a dream of a vision that is but a seed from those on council now. That seed for attacking the roots of problems is wrapped in red tape and within an apple core in some circular file on Grant Street in an office around a smoke eater. Progressive victories lay there. Oh so close.
None of this is to suggest that a moratorium on billboards should be permanent. A group in Lawrenceville, for instance, wants two new digital signs in the neighborhood in exchange for Lamar removing more vinyl versions.
The challenge will be finding a way that continues to allow advertising that enlivens the cityscape without cluttering it up.
Council has more work to do.
Pitt says fatigue is not factor
I agree. Fatigue at NYC's MSG wasn't much of a factor.
The officials were more of a factor. Foul line performance is going to be a MUCH, MUCH bigger factor. Pitt's players have to sink the foul shots to advance deep into the tournament.
Pitt has good bench strength. That's great.
However, the arms are going to feel very heavy much more quickly. The pace of the game and the use of subs -- while making those foul shots -- is going to be huge.
Oral Roberts has played at altitude many more times than Pitt.
And, if the team (and it should) advances to play Temple, the breakneck speed of the game is going to take a serious toll on the team.
They need to run like crazy -- then step to the line and swish those foul shots. Then run crazy again and NOT foul. Run into positions, away from the ball, preventing the back-door dunks/lay-ups.
Running in Denver isn't like running in NYC. Well, to be honest, the running is the same, but the recovery and the thinking while running isn't.
I'd worry more about the recovery after the first round victory and the second round game.
If Pitt makes its shots and stays out of foul trouble -- it can just crush Oral Roberts. Play subs freely. Stay fresh. Rotate in and out and get into the game in two heart beats.
Hail to Pitt!
The officials were more of a factor. Foul line performance is going to be a MUCH, MUCH bigger factor. Pitt's players have to sink the foul shots to advance deep into the tournament.
Pitt says fatigue is not factor: "Pitt says fatigue is not factorThe other 'fitness factor' that is worthy of some serious consideration -- Denver is at altitude.
Pitt has good bench strength. That's great.
However, the arms are going to feel very heavy much more quickly. The pace of the game and the use of subs -- while making those foul shots -- is going to be huge.
Oral Roberts has played at altitude many more times than Pitt.
And, if the team (and it should) advances to play Temple, the breakneck speed of the game is going to take a serious toll on the team.
They need to run like crazy -- then step to the line and swish those foul shots. Then run crazy again and NOT foul. Run into positions, away from the ball, preventing the back-door dunks/lay-ups.
Running in Denver isn't like running in NYC. Well, to be honest, the running is the same, but the recovery and the thinking while running isn't.
I'd worry more about the recovery after the first round victory and the second round game.
If Pitt makes its shots and stays out of foul trouble -- it can just crush Oral Roberts. Play subs freely. Stay fresh. Rotate in and out and get into the game in two heart beats.
Hail to Pitt!
Sex-ed topics too narrow, group says
Education is about awareness. Education is to open eyes and eliminate blind spots. Ignorance is the enemy of education.
Parents are needed to push and pull both the educators and educational administrators beyond their 'comfort zone.'
Our kids are not be be short-changed. Our kids are advanced -- and advance beyond 'comfort zones.'
I don't want 'dumb' leadership and lesson plans that are incomplete.
Personally, in our family, I understand that the topic of sex-ed, is too important to trust to our children's teachers. We have plans for getting our boys these lessons concerning their whole lives -- not just the narrow slice of life that the school might teach. Our Whole Lives, also known as OWL, is a program offered within our church community for our young teens. Other versions are for younger groups too.
Regardless of what we do in our faith community and our family -- we need to insure that the other kids are enriched with an understanding of the whole story of how and why human biology and life unfolds.
I would NOT say that "abstinence programs are ineffective." That has to be bad reporting. Rather, I fully endorse abstinence for the behavior of the youngsters. Abstinence is effective if the aim is to avoid babies. However, "abstinence programs" are not holistic educational programs. Let's not advance educational lessons that contain glaring blindspots that ignore many aspects of the human condition.
I know how a nature unfolds and, say, a lightening bolt occurs. Lightening, thunder, and forces of nature are understandable, teachable and respected. For example, I don't need to get hit by lightening to comprehend its meaning and get an "A" in my high-school science class. If I should get hit by lightening, I'm dumb enough to NOT get an "A" in science class.
Sex-ed topics too narrow, group says Sex-ed topics too narrowIt makes sense to fight against narrow outcomes and narrow-minded leadership, especially when it comes by design.
Parents are needed to push and pull both the educators and educational administrators beyond their 'comfort zone.'
Our kids are not be be short-changed. Our kids are advanced -- and advance beyond 'comfort zones.'
I don't want 'dumb' leadership and lesson plans that are incomplete.
Personally, in our family, I understand that the topic of sex-ed, is too important to trust to our children's teachers. We have plans for getting our boys these lessons concerning their whole lives -- not just the narrow slice of life that the school might teach. Our Whole Lives, also known as OWL, is a program offered within our church community for our young teens. Other versions are for younger groups too.
Regardless of what we do in our faith community and our family -- we need to insure that the other kids are enriched with an understanding of the whole story of how and why human biology and life unfolds.
"In Pittsburgh Public Schools, teens aren't receiving the information they need to make healthy and responsible life decisions," reads the petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/pghhealthed.I signed the petition.
I would NOT say that "abstinence programs are ineffective." That has to be bad reporting. Rather, I fully endorse abstinence for the behavior of the youngsters. Abstinence is effective if the aim is to avoid babies. However, "abstinence programs" are not holistic educational programs. Let's not advance educational lessons that contain glaring blindspots that ignore many aspects of the human condition.
I know how a nature unfolds and, say, a lightening bolt occurs. Lightening, thunder, and forces of nature are understandable, teachable and respected. For example, I don't need to get hit by lightening to comprehend its meaning and get an "A" in my high-school science class. If I should get hit by lightening, I'm dumb enough to NOT get an "A" in science class.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I voted. How about you? Go for the Pittsburgh based choice. And, I also mean STBD.
The web video/TV series, "Something To Be Desired", is currently up for a Yahoo! Video Award for Best Series. The winner is determined solely by online voting. The Pittsburgh show is currently in third place. So, to put it quite simply, in this election year, I am asking for your vote. Here's all you have to do:
Go to http://www.yvideoblog.com/blog/2008/03/11/yahoo-video-awards-best-series/
Click the little circle next to "STBD: Pittsburgh"
Tell everyone you know to do the same.
I'm very proud of my involvement with this show, and it could really use the attention that winning this award would bring. Any help you could give us would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Erik Schark
- husband of Gwen Walker
- former NYC actor and casting director
- current Pittsburgh actor
- PR dude for PodCamp Pittsburgh
- all-around great guy
Community Benefits Agreements: Another CBA in Pittsburgh?
An entire blog about Community Benefits Agreements with a NY author:
Community Benefits Agreements: Another CBA in Pittsburgh? Another CBA in Pittsburgh?
Saturday, March 15, 2008
IOC chief opposes�boycott of Beijing Olympics - Saturday March 15, 2008 1:14PM
Let's state the obvious from the ones with the largest self interest.
SI.com - Olympics - IOC chief opposes�boycott of Beijing Olympics - Saturday March 15, 2008 1:14PM: "IOC president Jacques Rogge opposes a boycott of the Beijing Olympics over China's crackdown in Tibet, contending such action would only hurt 'innocent athletes.'Now that that is out of the way, let the games begin.
American Gas -- or non Saudi Oil
This came from a church friend. I'm not sure if it is true or not.
WHERE TO BUY AMERICAN GASOLINE. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW. READ ON.
Gas rationing in the 70's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even have been good for us!
Are you aware that the Saudis are boycotting American products?
Shouldn't we return the favor? Can't we take control of our own destiny and let these giant oil importers know who REALLY generates their profits, their livings? How about leaving American Dollars in America and reduce the import/export deficit?
An appealing remedy might be to boycott their GAS. Every time you fill up your car you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia. Just purchase gas from companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis.
Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill up my tank, I'm sending my money to people who I get the impression want me, my family and my friends dead. Don't you think it might be of interest to know which oil companies import Middle Eastern oil and which do not?
These companies import Middle Eastern oil:
Shell = 205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco = 144,332,000 barrels
Exxon /Mobil = 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway = 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco = 62,231,000 barrels
And CITGO oil is imported from Venezuela by Dictator Hugo Chavez who hates America and openly avows our economic destruction! (We pay Chavez's regime nearly $10 Billion per year in oil revenues!)
The U.S. currently imports 5,517,000 barrels of crude oil per day from OPEC. If you do the math at $95 per barrel, that's over $524 million PER DAY ($191 BILLION per year!) handed over to OPEC, many of whose members are our confirmed enemies!
Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:
Sunoco = 0 barrels
Conoco = 0 barrels
Sinclair = 0 barrels
BP / Phillips = 0 barrels
Hess = 0 barrels
ARC0 = 0 barrels
Maverick = 0 barrels
Flying J. = 0 barrels
Valero = 0 barrels
All of this information is available from the U.S. Department of Energy and each company is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing.
But to have a real impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. With the help of the internet, it's really simple to do. Now, don't wimp out at this point....keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Ja!
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Ja!: "Hannibal Hopson, a freshman at Pittsburgh Schenley High School, has taken German since he was in kindergarten.The language instruction in the city schools in some situations is wonderful. Sadly, it isn't always nearly as good as it should be -- and could be.
He said he had chances to change languages, but said, 'I actually like the language personally. I want to be at the highest level I can get.'
He likes the pronunciations and the fact German is close to some other languages."
Friday, March 14, 2008
EU wants more legal involvement to curb doping - Friday March 14, 2008 2:03PM
SI.com - More Sports - EU wants more�legal involvement to curb doping - Friday March 14, 2008 2:03PM The European Union's top sports official wants legal authorities to work closer with sports associations to catch doping cheats.They want more involvement -- but I don't.
Let's not blend sports and the drug war.
I want legal constraints to delay authorities. Authorities that take action need roadblocks. Otherwise, there are no liberties. Otherwise, freedom goes away.
We do NOT need to send people to jail for cheating in games. We do not need police and authorities to worry about athletes.
Blogging and Newspapers, a Lesson in How Not to Brand and Market - Blog Maverick
Mark Cuban's article has good insights.
Cuban's firm belief: Newspapers having "bloggers" is easily one of the many bad decisions that newspapers have made...
...
Blogging and Newspapers, a Lesson in How Not to Brand and Market - Blog Maverick Blogging and Newspapers, a Lesson in How Not to Brand and MarketBloggers are not on the outside in the locker room with the Mavs of the NBA.
Cuban's firm belief: Newspapers having "bloggers" is easily one of the many bad decisions that newspapers have made...
...
Okay, that said, it does NOT make much sense to have a "Bloggers' Guild."
I would be doing everything I could to send the message that "The NY Times does not have blogs, we have Real Time Reports from the most qualified reporters in the world. Like blogs we post continuously , 24x7x365 to keep you up to speed, unlike blogs, we have the highest level of journalistic standards that we adhere to...
"I am not free to speak my mind as I see fit," said Luke Ravenstahl
Those are the words of a guy who is less than free.
Later, Mayor Ravenstahl gave his endorsement to Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Michael Lamb is backing Barack Obama.
Video at Busman's Holiday.
Later, Mayor Ravenstahl gave his endorsement to Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Michael Lamb is backing Barack Obama.
Video at Busman's Holiday.
I Luv Luke: My Supreme Advice For Mr. Ravenstahl
I Luv Luke: My Supreme Advice For Mr. Ravenstahl: "Mr Ravenstahl, must make the sign on the bus station bigger and make your picture appear on it over and over."
Thursday, March 13, 2008
My comment at 2 Political Junkies - on city cars being taken home by employees
Blogger: 2 Political Junkies - Post a Comment Repeat after me, 10 times if you are of the Dem party: 'Purse strings.'
Repeat it 100-times if you are elected to city council.
They need to -- they MUST -- attack at the money aspects.
For example: Any car that is not in the parking lot (city car pool) nets a $50 fine for the last person to have that car -- and $150 charge back to the employee's department.
That is just at the top of my head, quickly. The point of the matter is that money, policy, charges, and fines can be put into legislation and not into management -- IF -- they are creative. Trouble is -- they (city council members) don't know purpose and they (city council) are not creative. And, they don't have the moxie to do what must be done.
The fight has to be about purse strings. Otherwise, council stays meaningless.
Repeat it 100-times if you are elected to city council.
They need to -- they MUST -- attack at the money aspects.
For example: Any car that is not in the parking lot (city car pool) nets a $50 fine for the last person to have that car -- and $150 charge back to the employee's department.
That is just at the top of my head, quickly. The point of the matter is that money, policy, charges, and fines can be put into legislation and not into management -- IF -- they are creative. Trouble is -- they (city council members) don't know purpose and they (city council) are not creative. And, they don't have the moxie to do what must be done.
The fight has to be about purse strings. Otherwise, council stays meaningless.
Main Page - Wikinews, the free news source
Some of the other bloggers in Pittsburgh didn't know of WikiNews.
Here is a weekly view at my public calendar. Tip: You might have a better view if you click the 'agenda' button on the top right corner.
Others can always subscribe to it. And, others are very welcome to send me an email so that your events can be put into the datebook as well.
I've been keeping this calendar for a few years now.
Main Page - Wikinews, the free news source Welcome to Wikinews -- The free news source you can write!Part of the motivation and purpose of the just hatching Pittsburgh Bloggers' Guild is to secure 'press passes.' For some others, the big jackpot would be an opportunity to interview one of the two frontrunners in the D-party nomination.
Conservative White House reporter using pseudonym gains access to Presidential press briefing and classified documents - Wikinews, the free news source Conservative White House reporter using pseudonym gains access to Presidential press briefing and classified documentsI'm much more interested in sharing bits and content. The first necessary effort is to cover dates and events. When i raised this concern with the others at last night's meeting, the first of its kind devoted to journalistic bloggers in the region, the reply was perfect. They all agree that the ones in power have no interest in getting community involvement in the operations of our public life. They try to hide authority meetings and all other types of gatherings.
Here is a weekly view at my public calendar. Tip: You might have a better view if you click the 'agenda' button on the top right corner.
Others can always subscribe to it. And, others are very welcome to send me an email so that your events can be put into the datebook as well.
I've been keeping this calendar for a few years now.
The $3 trillion war in Iraq
TheStar.com | comment | The $3 trillion war in Iraq: Only two winners have emerged from the conflict: oil companies and defence contractors
We stood where Andy Warhol walked
At Tiananmen Square. In honor of the 2008 spring edition of the Carnegie magazine cover photo of Andy Wharhol.
Cover blurb: Andy loved to travel. So he'd have to love how his art is now circling the globe.
Marty Griffin drools over administration and spits on council
He asks callers to name one thing that city council has done. Matt H called and said that Dan D helped to re-open the Zone 4 police station. That got half a point, as the measure was also championed by the mayor's office.The phones were not ringing, so I pondered what to say and finally gave Marty a call. But, the time had expired. Marty was whistling the scarecrow song from Wizard of Oz, "If I only had a brain."
What has city council done?
Humm... I have my own theme song. "Think Again." (My wife asks if they 'think at all?')
Accomplishments:
Nonetheless, we need a balance of power in gov. So, council does NEED to get on its feet for city to have any hope of a revival.
Earlier in the hour, Jim Motznik was a guest on the program to talk about the billboards. We can't outlaw or put a moratorium on billboards.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
City Controller sends warning signals to pals in other city departments
The city controller, Michael Lamb, is setting himself and his department for doing the baseline of what's called for in the job. He will do audits. This is more than what has happened in the past. But, it comes with big warning signals to other deparments. Get your books in order now.
And, do some 'spot' audits too. Look for system audits. Turn records over to electronic systems. Have open access for the public on transactions within all the departments of the city and authorities.
There are about a thousand things to do -- and with this news, we find out that the bare basics are expected.
Pittsburgh City Controller to audit City Council, other agencies - Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb said Wednesday he will audit City Council and eight other city departments before the end of the year.I'd love to see the controller do 'surprise audits.' Don't give a warning.
Future audits will cover the Allegheny Regional Asset District Trust Fund, employee worker's compensation procedures, the city housing authority and earned income tax. The city controller's office is currently auditing the city's police property room, Office of Municipal Investigations, Bureau of Building Inspection and emergency medical services.
The city charter requires performance audits of all city agencies, trusts council and units of government at least every four years. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl endorsed the audit schedule, according to a statement.
And, do some 'spot' audits too. Look for system audits. Turn records over to electronic systems. Have open access for the public on transactions within all the departments of the city and authorities.
There are about a thousand things to do -- and with this news, we find out that the bare basics are expected.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
City school career, technical courses to get major changes
City school career, technical courses to get major changes Saying the district's career and technical programs have been poorly operated, Pittsburgh Public Schools officials last night proposed a sweeping overhaul that would organize revitalized programs into eight 'academies of excellence' and provide more central-office oversight.The poor operation of Pgh's career and technical programs is the blame of the present administration and the board.
The root of the poor operations is the loss of South Vo Tech High School.
When South Vo Tech closed, there was a promise to do something else -- something better.
Well, nearly a generation of students have been lost. The thing to have done was evolve South. To put something else in place before South was closed.
There are so many jobs going out of the region -- and worse -- out of the country. There are some jobs that can't move like others. Plumbers are needed here -- on these pipes in our buildings.
Heating and Air Conditioning workers are needed here. We can't export that like we can 'robotics.'
If cosmetology leads to state certification -- then ask how many have been state certified? Hint: Often the fingers on one hand can reveal the answer.
If the district cared about drop out rates, they would NOT have closed South Vo Tech in such a rapid and unthoughtful way.
Many of the students that were at South were in their second or third high school. South wasn't perfect. But, it was a school that kept kids motivated. It helped get kids to graduation -- and into the workplace.
Everyone isn't cut out for college at age 16 or 17. And, the PPS had a top administrator who forced college on everyone. The trades were discounted. Hence, drop outs became the only option.
Floswimmr - Profiles - Garrett McCaffrey Blog
Floswimmr - Profiles - Garrett McCaffrey Blog: "monopolizing USA Swimming coverage is not a productive step towards
building the sport's exposure."
NCAA Grants Division III Waiver
CollegeSwimming.com::NCAA Grants Division III Waiver
Today the NCAA Division III Administrative Review Subcommittee (ARS) granted colleges and universities a blanket waiver to provide Division III swimmers one last opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Trials. The waiver will enable Division III coaches to continue coaching their student-athletes up through a long course meet during the 2007-08 season.
The waiver essentially allows coaches, institutions and athletes to bypass NCAA Division III bylaws covering outside competition, athletically related activities, involvement of coaching staff, maximum dates of competition, and out-of-season athletically related activities through the Summer 2008 term. An incredibly broad waiver, it does not give Division III programs carte blanche to begin training year-round.
A Pittsburgh Education Success Story: Extra Mile Schools / vouchers
Policy Brief
An electronic publication of
The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
March 11, 2008 Volume 8, Number 18
An electronic publication of
The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
March 11, 2008 Volume 8, Number 18
So much concern is focused on public education in the City with its low test scores and high costs that a local education success story goes largely overlooked. The Extra Mile Education Foundation, with the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese, has quietly been providing a quality education for many of Pittsburgh’s disadvantaged youth at its elementary schools, three in Pittsburgh and one in Wilkinsburg. About 800 students, predominantly African-American and non-Catholic with more than 70 percent economically disadvantaged are being educated in the Extra Mile supported schools. All families pay a nominal tuition. Extra Mile’s support enables the schools to charge tuition that is affordable to urban families.
A study of the schools for the year 2005-2006, prepared by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, reports that Extra Mile schools have had considerable success in educating students. Success is especially pronounced for students who have spent several years in the Extra Mile program. The latest Pitt study found an improving trend in test scores compared to the findings of their 2001-2002 study. Achievement levels had improved in all grades and subject areas between the 2001-2002 school year and the 2005-2006 school year.
Students who enrolled by third grade and continued through to the eighth grade scored at or above national norms for eighth grade. The researchers found that students who enter the schools late—in the fifth or sixth grades — often have below norm scores upon entry but improved their scores substantially by eighth grade, although some might not catch up completely.
Graduating Extra Mile elementary school students have demonstrated they are prepared for success in high school. For example, the most recent eighth grade graduates to complete high school (Extra Mile classes of 2001 and 2002) recorded a 94 percent graduation rate. By comparison, a RAND study showed Pittsburgh Public Schools have a graduation rate of 64 percent—placing Pittsburgh schools in the middle of graduation rates among large urban school districts across the country. It is also noteworthy that, thanks to assistance from the Crossroads Foundation, Extra Mile eighth grade graduates are able to attend a Catholic high school of their choosing if they so desire.
The success of students at the Extra Mile schools and their impressive high school graduation rate demonstrate that kids from any background can do well academically if placed in the appropriate school environment with caring, qualified education professionals. Extra Mile schools are doing a commendable job with kids who are, on average, more disadvantaged than the elementary school population in Pittsburgh as whole. And yet the students are doing quite well.
Tuition charged to parents was $1,580 per child in 2005. Parents are required to pay at least a portion of the nominal tuition fee. More importantly, the $1,580 parental charge represents only 30 percent of the $5,300 average per pupil expense incurred by the extra Mile schools. The difference is made up by Extra Mile through donations from those who are concerned about the quality of education of Pittsburgh’s children, especially the most economically disadvantaged.
The achievements of the Extra Mile schools prove that disadvantaged students can receive a good education and be prepared for success in life. Unfortunately, most of the City’s children are not being afforded this opportunity. While donors to the Extra Mile Foundation are very generous, more money could open up educational opportunities for many more students. UPMC has offered $100 million ($10 million per year if matching funds are forthcoming) to the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program for Pittsburgh high school graduates. Ten million dollars per year could provide enough to send 2,000 or more students to Extra Mile schools or other non-public schools that are producing good academic results.
Or better yet, the Pittsburgh School District could follow in the footsteps of Milwaukee, Cleveland, or Washington DC and begin a voucher program to provide the City’s students an option of attending an Extra Mile school or any other school parents might choose. The District could provide $8,000 per year per child currently enrolled in the public schools for all parents who would like a non-public school option. And since the District currently is spending $18,000 per student, the Pittsburgh schools would be able to save taxpayers a lot of money as more and more students took the vouchers.
Extra Mile schools are showing what can be done. Why is Pittsburgh still so unwilling to acknowledge that it could greatly assist its own children by allowing them real education choice through a publicly funded scholarship or voucher program? Why not try being a leader for real improvement for a change?
Frank Gamrat, Ph.D., Sr. Research Assoc. Jake Haulk, Ph.D., President
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College Basketball Tournament Pick'em - Yahoo! Sports
Are you ready for those brackets?
Generally, I pull for the underdogs. So, this year, if Pitt gets in, I might have them in the final four.
College Basketball Tournament Pick'em - Yahoo! Sports Tournament CoverageI never bet. But, I know a few who do like to fill out the brackets.
Generally, I pull for the underdogs. So, this year, if Pitt gets in, I might have them in the final four.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Meadville faces tough task in undefeated Pine-Richland
High School at Mellon Arena, tonight!
GoErie.com: Meadville faces tough task in undefeated Pine-Richland Meadville's hockey team travels to Pittsburgh today to face Pine-Richland in the PIHL Penguin Cup semifinals at 5 p.m. at Mellon Arena.The Mellon Arena should be the venue for high school hockey for the next 20 years. Games could be played there every weekend, if it is NOT destroyed. These high school games do NOT need luxery boxes.
The Bishop Canevin High School Blog: "Hockey: Notes for tomorrow's game at Mellon Arena
*Mellon Arena will be a charging for parking this year. The charge for each car will be $5.00. There will be no charge for buses. This is not a PIHL charge.
*ALL fans MUST enter through gate one and admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for student admission and fans that are age 11 and under are admitted free. Game tickets can be purchased at the Mellon Arena box office at Gate #1."
Sunday, March 09, 2008
An Open Source Tax Credit
An Open Source Tax Credit An open source tax credit is proposed which would allow individuals who develop open source software to receive a tax credit worth 20 percent of their out-of-pocket costs. Corporations and self-employed individuals may already take a deduction for their development expenses for both open source and proprietary commercial software. The open source tax credit provides a similar incentive for individuals who currently have no means to deduct these expenses.Wow!
OUR MEN AND WOMEN ARE DYING IN IRAQ TO CREATE A DEMOCRACY
James Babb rants on another list:
... Obviously you are angry. You should be. Everyone should be. However, the problem is not a lack of D or R candidates. It's much worse.
First of all, nobody is dying in Iraq for democracy. They are dying for the wallets of the rulers and their friends.
As for the lack of opposition candidates, even with candidates from both government approved parties, our democracy is seriously flawed. In fact, it's a total sham that has mutated our "free and equal" system beyond recognition. The only remaining purpose of our electoral system is to give the masses the feeling of participation and perpetuate the illusion of legitimacy for the plunderers.
The courts and legislature successfully collude to block any outsiders from the ballot. They won't even count write-in votes. The only choices they allow are big-nasty-government-A or big-nasty-government-B. That is not a choice. Independents and new parties are forbidden.
The laziness of parties A & B has further removed voters from the process. Take a look at a map of the districts for state reps and US Congress. Each district looks like a rorschach test because the rulers have been carefully gerrymandered them to avoid any real competition. They don't even want to bother competing against each other. The livestock has been divvied up.
For national offices, Pennsylvanians have even less say. How many republicans know that their vote for President means zilch? Delegates choose the nominee, not voters. The delegates themselves are mostly hand-picked by party leadership. Besides, the candidates are coroneted, long before our primary.
The only wasted vote is one you cast!
Go figure where Tom Murphy has been spending time -- N.O., Louisiana
Worst to First in Louisiana
At least one other state is determined to compete for the title of "best in America" in public integrity. Louisiana, long the state that defenders of corruption have pointed to as even worse than PA, has a new governor who has declared the goal of giving Louisiana the "most ethical" government in America.Gov. Bobby Jindal, a conservative Republican son of immigrants from India, last week pushed a series of reforms through a legislature that didn't like it a bit. But because of public pressure and gubernatorial leadership, they began to pull LA out of the corruption swamp.
According to a New York Times story, a new law on financial disclosure for lawmakers rivals the previous best-in-America law in Washington State, which also has the best-in-America lobbying control law, according to the Better Government Association. CLICK HERE for the full story, which tells why Jindal thinks integrity is so important to Louisiana's economy.
This blog post and the one that follows is from the great email newsletter of Democracy Rising! Keep up the great work!
This is yet another a "no-no" Mr. (or Ms.) Bozo Representative
Taxes Fund Incumbent Campaigns, again!
For more than a year, Attorney General Tom Corbett has been investigating allegations that millions of tax dollars were used illegally in 2006 to subsidize the campaigns of incumbent lawmakers and reward staffers who worked on the campaigns. So you might expect a more ethical approach to this year's campaigns. But many lawmakers didn't get the message.A local PA Senator, Wayne Fontana, D, 42nd (Allegheny County) has been known to use the taxpayer funded fax number / machine in his PA Senate state office for paperwork with attorneys to harass opponents with bogus ballot challenges.
Preparing to mail a questionnaire to candidates for the legislature, DR got a copy of the candidate database from the state's Bureau of Commissions, Elections & Legislation (BCEL). We then called all 460 candidates to get email addresses. In the process, we found that 21 lawmakers listed tax-paid office phone or fax numbers on the candidate affidavits that were filed with their nominating petitions. These are the numbers they want the BCEL and others to use if there are questions about the lawmakers' campaigns.
It may be a small thing. Or it may not. Here are the incumbents who are leaning on the taxpayers for their campaigns with their years of service in parentheses.
Representatives:
Thomas Blackwell, D-Philadelphia (4)
Frank Dermody, D- Allegheny (18)
Robert Donatucci, D-Philadelphia (28)
Rick Geist, R-Blair (30)
Robert Godshall, R-Montgomery (26)
Neal Goodman, D-Schuylkill (6)
Babette Josephs, D-Philadelphia (24)
Nick Kotik, D-Allegheny (4)
David Levdansky, D-Allegheny (24)
Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh (10)
Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne (18)
Michael O'Brien, D-Philadelphia (2)
Joe Petrarca, D-Westmoreland (24)
Todd Rock, R-Franklin (2)
Chris Ross, R-Chester (12)
Stan Saylor, R-York (26)
John Siptroth, D-Monroe (4)
James Wansacz, D-Lackawanna (8)
Senators:
Michael O'Pake, D-Berks (40)
President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, R-Jefferson (8)
Also, the Chair of the House Ethics Committee, Rep. Ron Buxton, D-Dauphin (16), listed his tax-paid fax number. And Rep. Garth Everett, R-Lycoming (2), told DR to send the questionnaire to his official email.
Questions:
* Why are these incumbents telling BCEL or anyone else to call them about their campaigns on a tax-paid phone answered by a tax-paid staffer in a tax-paid office? For how many elections have they been doing this? What will the House and Senate Ethics Committees do about it?
* What does this mean to their challengers' ability to compete fairly?
* Is this evidence of a deeper problem that the attorney general should investigate?
* What numbers do reporters use to call incumbents about their election campaigns? Are other numbers available?
Burgh Diaspora: Knowledge Economy Geography for New Pittsburgh
What is this world coming to?
Burgh Diaspora: Knowledge Economy Geography for New Pittsburgh: "On Top of the Political World: Polish Hill
LIFEGUARDING
Youth Works of Pittsburgh is offering a free lifeguard, CPR and First aid course. Upon completion of the course you will have the opportunity to take the city parks lifeguard test, and be employed as a city lifeguard. Those interested call (412) 281-6629 x 207.
Strings, QED and tonight's TV show: Bowfire
Our kids play violin at CAPA on Saturday mornings with Steven Vance. He sent this message.
Tonight at 6:30 pm, Sunday March 9, 2008, on PBS Station WQED-TV (Channel 13) airs the exciting new "Bowfire" special. This amazing 10 violin band does an incredible range of music from "Zigeunerweisen," Jazz, fiddle, Chinese erhu, and Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir". All with full lights, staging, backup band, choreography, electronic instruments, and clogging. This group is one of the prototypes for our program.
It's a pledge special so members of the Extreme Strings Orchestra family will be there to answer phones, I'll have the chance to talk about our program a little bit, and we may even get a chance to play a tune or two.
While you are watching make sure you pledge to support the station and make us look good. Of course, you can watch even if you can't make a pledge tonight. The show is great all by itself.
You can see and hear more about our Extreme Strings program on our web site http://www.extremestrings.com/Site/Home.html
Bowfire will appear live in concert at Heinz Hall on Monday April 28. Tickets are still available. We are hoping to have a table and do a little playing in the lobby before and after the show. Look for us. See you there.
Lost or stolen gun? Doug Shields has something to say
Google Documents of the 'will of council' statement that is due for press on Monday at 1 pm.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Onorato wants moratorium on cabin work in county parks - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
The places are falling down. There has been 30 years of neglect in our parks.
There was a historical association that wanted to rehab the building and KEEP its staff there to do historical tours. However, the county would only give them a year-to-year lease. They would have put in $60,000. But, that doesn't happen with short-term thinking. So, in the long term, we (Allegheny County) get zippo.
Most of the meeting and Onorato's remarks are on video. My video.
I went to the other most recent town hall meeting in White Oak too. There, I asked a question. I wanted to know who Onorato has hand-picked to be on the nonprofit parks board group that is just starting. He said that the names would be on the internet by the end of the week.
Well, after searching the Allegheny County Parks site again this morning, before going to the meeting today, I still could NOT find the name.
Before the meeting we talked. When asked if I was going to go to all the meetings, I said I was only going to attend until I had the answer to my question(s). I asked last week and still don't have a reply.
So, in the first part of today's presentation, the names of the board members were read to the public.
I also said that it would just make better sense to appoint me to the new nonprofit parks board and then I'd be sure to make the dealings of that organization open and transparent.
Onorato was not so keen to that suggestion. But, he suggested I get onto a "Friends" body with one of the parks -- as a way to 'start.' Well, I'm already on one of those and have been for years. But, that park group does NOT meet.
Some of the friends groups operate and some do not. I got appointed to the Friends of Deer Lake Park.
Stay tuned. There is much more to come on parks from me in the weeks to come.
Onorato wants moratorium on cabin work in county parks - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato today called for a moratorium on moving or tearing down any building in county parks after residents objected to the move of Settler's Cabin and the razing of a nearby historic house in Settler's Cabin Park.These buildings are still standing, but are on their last legs. But the things that have fallen, long ago, are the programs.
There was a historical association that wanted to rehab the building and KEEP its staff there to do historical tours. However, the county would only give them a year-to-year lease. They would have put in $60,000. But, that doesn't happen with short-term thinking. So, in the long term, we (Allegheny County) get zippo.
Most of the meeting and Onorato's remarks are on video. My video.
I went to the other most recent town hall meeting in White Oak too. There, I asked a question. I wanted to know who Onorato has hand-picked to be on the nonprofit parks board group that is just starting. He said that the names would be on the internet by the end of the week.
Well, after searching the Allegheny County Parks site again this morning, before going to the meeting today, I still could NOT find the name.
Before the meeting we talked. When asked if I was going to go to all the meetings, I said I was only going to attend until I had the answer to my question(s). I asked last week and still don't have a reply.
So, in the first part of today's presentation, the names of the board members were read to the public.
I also said that it would just make better sense to appoint me to the new nonprofit parks board and then I'd be sure to make the dealings of that organization open and transparent.
Onorato was not so keen to that suggestion. But, he suggested I get onto a "Friends" body with one of the parks -- as a way to 'start.' Well, I'm already on one of those and have been for years. But, that park group does NOT meet.
Some of the friends groups operate and some do not. I got appointed to the Friends of Deer Lake Park.
Stay tuned. There is much more to come on parks from me in the weeks to come.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Ravenstahl Writes Check For Use Of Homeland Security Vehicle - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh
Ravenstahl Writes Check For Use Of Homeland Security Vehicle - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl wrote a check Friday for $145.50 to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for his 2007 use of a Homeland Security vehicle.
Ron Paul got some free media
A few different people told me today that Ron Paul had dropped out of the race for President. I said -- 'No way.'
Ron Paul won't drop out. There is no 'upside' for Ron Paul to drop out. Ron Paul isn't bucking to be John McCain's running mate.
The hunt for the R-party nomination started with more than a dozen candidates. Now there are two. And, with more states to visit and more brains to infect with the radical ideals of freedom - Go Ron Go.
Plus, Ron Paul has grandkids and books to sell.
Ron Paul won't drop out. There is no 'upside' for Ron Paul to drop out. Ron Paul isn't bucking to be John McCain's running mate.
The hunt for the R-party nomination started with more than a dozen candidates. Now there are two. And, with more states to visit and more brains to infect with the radical ideals of freedom - Go Ron Go.
Plus, Ron Paul has grandkids and books to sell.
Jefferson County Misses $184 Million Payment - News - NBC13.com
Jefferson County Misses $184 Million Payment - News - NBC13.com County commissioners have confirmed that Jefferson County has defaulted on a $184 million debt due to creditors today.
The payment was tied to the county's floundering sewer program.
Attorneys and financial advisors continue negotiations with credit companies to rewrite the terms of the county's debt in hopes of making future payments more manageable while avoiding the need to file for bankruptcy.
One UAB finance professor says the renegotiations are the county's best option.
“Jefferson County is in a good bargaining position because they can say ‘if we don’t renegotiate, we’ll file for bankruptcy,’ and while bankruptcy isn’t good for anyone, it is worse for creditors than it is for Jefferson County,” Professor Andreas Rauterkus said.
GeoCommunity SpatialNews gets Tom Murphy
GeoCommunity SpatialNews: "The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is pleased to announce that Tom Murphy, former Pittsburgh Mayor and senior resident fellow, Urban Land Institute (ULI)/Klingbeil Family chair for urban development, will keynote at GITA�s Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference, scheduled for March 9-12, 2008, in Seattle, Washington."Tom Murphy stinks at transporation infrasturcture. He got us the big dig for the boondoggle that take light rail to the North Side Stadiums.
Tom Murphy stinks at retail/urban entertainment. He could NOT land a cinema. His administration did little -- except increase sprawl.
Dad on Fire Blues
http://www.stop-losscongress.org
Singer friends, Emma's Revolution, is singing a couple of songs at the world premier of "Dad on Fire Blues," by documentary film maker Scott Haman. It is a 20 minute short which begins when "Marines came to the home of Carlos Arredondo on his birthday with news that his oldest son, Alex, was killed in Iraq. In his outpouring of grief turned into rage, Carlos lit the Marine's vehicle on fire. Accidentally, he burned 76% of his body. He survived and has gone across America in a traveling memorial to his son. At rallies, marches and crowded intersections, Carlos and his wife, Melida, are dedicated to making people understand the cost of war." http://www.stop-losscongress.org
PIAA Girls' Basketball: PIAA title the standard for Mt. Lebanon coach
PIAA Girls' Basketball: PIAA title the standard for Mt. Lebanon coach An ultimate goal that the Blue Devils (26-3) and Schenley Spartans (24-4) are a few steps away from heading into a showdown at 6 p.m. today in the PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinals at Chartiers Valley.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
A+ Schools meets about IB situations -- after decisions are made
Amy sent this report. I didn't attend the meeting. I'm sorta busy with the kids.
Just got back from the A+schools sponsored meeting on the IB program. It was nice to see so many familiar faces from Schenley, Frick, and even Linden. I am not a good judge of numbers so you will have to wait for the official report in the newspaper (if there is one) but I will say that the room was filled and they had to find extra chairs.
Designated speakers: Mr. Lopez, Ms. Reed, Mr. Huber, Mr. Casilli, and Ms. Smith. They gave a brief overview of the current IB diploma and the hopefully soon-to-be certified middle years program and then opened the floor for questions. We were told that we were not to discuss anything related to the building situation. After 3 or 4 questions were asked and answered (somewhat) they tried to close off questioning and break into groups for discussion. A large number of people protested and said that they would prefer having a longer question/answer session. By way of compromise, those who wanted the small group session went to one side of the room and those who wanted to keep asking questions went to the other. You can probably guess which side I was on!
I am sure Jen will have a more complete report of the meeting and the questions asked; she was writing furiously.
When the school becomes full IB, will there be any mainstream kids? What happens to the kids who are now called IS? Don't think that was answered. Some confusion with current grouping of PSP. As it currently stands, acceptance into Schenley's magnet has been dependent upon acceptable grades.
What happens to kids who can't keep up with the rigorous program?(They will have better support systems so that kids don't fail. Nice thought but not realistic!
Will the high standards of the program be maintained? (the high numbers in Theory of Knowledge were mentioned)
Is there any flexibility or will all kids be taking high level IB classes?
I managed to get in my question about the world language teachers considering the problems that Frick has had with hiring. Mr. Lopez said that they were just discussing the problems of hiring and that he will be going to Michigan to recruit and teachers will be offered contracts in April not August!!!!!
Cate Reed said that they have 125 kids signed up for 9th grade which came as a surprise to those of us who have been talking with Frick parents. this is one area where I hope that I am wrong. I hope that there will be a strong freshman class. They again assured us that the 9th graders will be able to participate in sports with the rest of the high school.
In closing, the small groups gave brief reports emphasizing the need for rigor and strong leadership.
Just some quick thoughts; I will probably remember more later. If anyone who was at the meeting wants to add anything, I will be happy to pass it along to the group.
amy moore
A+ Schools meets about IB situations -- after decisions are made
Amy sent this report. I didn't attend the meeting. I'm sorta busy with the kids.
Just got back from the A+schools sponsored meeting on the IB program. It was nice to see so many familiar faces from Schenley, Frick, and even Linden. I am not a good judge of numbers so you will have to wait for the official report in the newspaper (if there is one) but I will say that the room was filled and they had to find extra chairs.
Designated speakers: Mr. Lopez, Ms. Reed, Mr. Huber, Mr. Casilli, and Ms. Smith. They gave a brief overview of the current IB diploma and the hopefully soon-to-be certified middle years program and then opened the floor for questions. We were told that we were not to discuss anything related to the building situation. After 3 or 4 questions were asked and answered (somewhat) they tried to close off questioning and break into groups for discussion. A large number of people protested and said that they would prefer having a longer question/answer session. By way of compromise, those who wanted the small group session went to one side of the room and those who wanted to keep asking questions went to the other. You can probably guess which side I was on!
I am sure Jen will have a more complete report of the meeting and the questions asked; she was writing furiously.
When the school becomes full IB, will there be any mainstream kids? What happens to the kids who are now called IS? Don't think that was answered. Some confusion with current grouping of PSP. As it currently stands, acceptance into Schenley's magnet has been dependent upon acceptable grades.
What happens to kids who can't keep up with the rigorous program?(They will have better support systems so that kids don't fail. Nice thought but not realistic!
Will the high standards of the program be maintained? (the high numbers in Theory of Knowledge were mentioned)
Is there any flexibility or will all kids be taking high level IB classes?
I managed to get in my question about the world language teachers considering the problems that Frick has had with hiring. Mr. Lopez said that they were just discussing the problems of hiring and that he will be going to Michigan to recruit and teachers will be offered contracts in April not August!!!!!
Cate Reed said that they have 125 kids signed up for 9th grade which came as a surprise to those of us who have been talking with Frick parents. this is one area where I hope that I am wrong. I hope that there will be a strong freshman class. They again assured us that the 9th graders will be able to participate in sports with the rest of the high school.
In closing, the small groups gave brief reports emphasizing the need for rigor and strong leadership.
Just some quick thoughts; I will probably remember more later. If anyone who was at the meeting wants to add anything, I will be happy to pass it along to the group.
amy moore
House Rep. calls for Olympic ban - Thursday March 6, 2008 2:47PM
Ouch. I might need to place a few thousand phone calls to the voters in Virginia.
I know Adolph Kiefer, an American hero and great man and business innovator -- plus Olympian in 1936. His life story includes a trip to the Olympic Games in German and many since then too.
SI.com - More Sports - House Rep. calls for Olympic ban - Thursday March 6, 2008 2:47PM A House Republican -- chafing over President Bush's plan to attend this year's Beijing Olympics -- wants to legally prohibit U.S. government officials from using federal money to go.Wonder if Wolf ever heard of Adolph Kiefer or Jessie Owens?
Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., cited concerns about China's record on human rights during a congressional hearing on Thursday and said Bush's presence would be akin to President Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting in the same stands as Germany's Adolf Hitler in 1936.
I know Adolph Kiefer, an American hero and great man and business innovator -- plus Olympian in 1936. His life story includes a trip to the Olympic Games in German and many since then too.
Pittsburgh should raise parade fee cap, controller says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pittsburgh should raise parade fee cap, controller says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review The 22-page audit says the 2006 St. Patrick's Day Parade put on by the Irish Society for Education & Charity cost the city $11,970 for public safety and public works services, but city policy caps repayment at $3,000.Wow. We are on the road to prosperity now.
Pittsburgh Underwater Hockey | We Puck Underwater
Pittsburgh Underwater Hockey | We Puck Underwater: "We play underwater hockey at Pine-Richland High School (19 miles N of Pittsburgh).
When: Tuesday, 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM except August
Try it free the first time, $3 per week, or $80 for the season (September - July)
Contact: Deb at
Underwater Hockey Links
http://underwater-society.org/
When: Tuesday, 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM except August
Try it free the first time, $3 per week, or $80 for the season (September - July)
Contact: Deb at
Underwater Hockey Links
http://underwater-society.org/
Texas sized problem in calling election for Hillary
Consortiumnews.com Clinton had a big win in Ohio, and a substantial victory in Rhode Island. But imagine the narrative had the press noted that she appeared to be losing Texas.
Penn Hills now has two football coaches
Penn Hills now has two football coaches Penn Hills now has two football coachesLooks like Coach Gordon is finished with Penn Hills after the spring lifting ends.
The article says he did not get an interview. A date was set, but no make-up was given.
Ravenstahl hasn't picked a candidate - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Ravenstahl hasn't picked a candidate - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewRavenstahl hasn't picked a candidateHey Luke, who are you going to pick for the empty seat on the Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board?
Who gets Luke vote for the D primary on April 22 is meaningless next to the important selection he gets to make for the now meaningless Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board. The Hearing Board has an open seat -- and I'm available for the non-paid position.
TONY PHYRILLAS: Gov. Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell
No bid contracts stink. That is the solution we need. That is what goes down in instances like the LED on the Parking Authority Building on Grant Street.
I want an end to all "NO BID CONTRACTS."
Competition works wonders. Be open. Be transparent. Make competitive bids.
I want an end to all "NO BID CONTRACTS."
Competition works wonders. Be open. Be transparent. Make competitive bids.
TONY PHYRILLAS: Gov. Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell: "Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Gov. Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that the Rendell administration has awarded more than $800 million in no-bid contracts to companies that have political ties with Gov. Ed Rendell.
If this was a Republican governor, you'd have all sorts of investigations going on.
But this Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell we're dealing with here. He gets a free pass.
The no-bid contracts were awarded Unisys of Montgomery County to run the state's data center for the next five years at $400 million, and $414 million in contracts over the past five years to Deloitte, a New York City-based company with ties to Rendell's administration, according to the newspaper."
Millvale: Run to Read 5K slated for April 12
Reading and Sports blending with community. Sounds like an event that fits with my mission and that of the Running Mates Blog! Millvale -- hope the water passes and doesn't stand!
Run to Read to support the Millvale Library Project!The event is in my public calendar. And, a Google Document has more details.
The University of Pittsburgh's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor society for accounting, finance, and information systems students, is hosting a charity race to raise funds toward the establishment of a community library in Millvale.
Join the Pittsburgh community as they Run to Read in support of the Millvale Library Project. Held at the Millvale Riverfront Park, Run to Read is a 5k run/walk fundraising event to be held on April 12th, 2008. All proceeds from the race will support the Millvale Library Project as they seek to establish a community library in Millvale. Run to Read will also kick-off the Millvale Library Project Summer Reading Program, which invites children to get excited about reading and get involved with the Library Project.
In addition to the 5k run and family fun walk, local Millvale restaurants will show their support with donations of food and drinks for the participants. This 'Taste of Millvale' showcases local culinary specialties for donors and participants unfamiliar with the Millvale community. With prizes for age group winners, reading circles for children, and a 'Taste of Millvale', this is a Saturday morning suited for the entire family. Run to Read is sponsored by Beta Alpha Psi of the University of Pittsburgh and Deloitte and Touche.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Olympic Village: Cramped, costly - Wednesday March 5, 2008 5:07PM
SI.com - More Sports - Olympic Village: Cramped, costly - Wednesday March 5, 2008 5:07PM: "those interested in buying one of the units after the Olympics, be prepared to spend between $500,000 and $1 million."
Swimmer wants Rogge to speak out - Wednesday March 5, 2008 12:52PM
This is a bad idea.
Plenty was done, for the behalf of all the people in China, by those who could speak and act. What was done, and what is still being done, some might say, isn't always "nice."
Count on your own voice.
Now I'll need to go read the article.
Then I'll book the tickets to Netherlands and have a chat with this top athlete.
Today is the day that we are booking our trip there.
SI.com - More Sports - Swimmer wants Rogge to speak out - Wednesday March 5, 2008 12:52PM Three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Pieter van den Hoogenband wants IOC president Jacques Rogge to speak out on human rights in China ahead of the Beijing Games.Do not encourage others to speak on behalf of all the others.
Plenty was done, for the behalf of all the people in China, by those who could speak and act. What was done, and what is still being done, some might say, isn't always "nice."
Count on your own voice.
Now I'll need to go read the article.
Then I'll book the tickets to Netherlands and have a chat with this top athlete.
Today is the day that we are booking our trip there.
Raw Video: One Hill's opening remarks at public hearing seeking a CBA with new arena
This presentation is what it is. Lots of speakers came after this opening. Many of the speakers had much more to say. And, they said it better as well.
This public hearing was on Monday at 10 am and NOT on CABLE TV.
Could a Constitutional Convention be in PA's future?
If there is a Constitutional Convention in Pennsylvania, I want to be there.
Folmer Introduces Constitutional Convention Act... Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) has introduced a bill (SB1290) to call a constitutional convention. SB1290's language is identical to that of the Citizens' Constitutional Convention Act that has been posted on the PACleanSweep website for over a year and was submitted to the Senate State Government Committee last Spring.
The bill would create a convention with a delegation of regular citizens (not legislators or lobbyists) who would then discuss the issues that Pennsylvanians want to discuss - the size of the legislature, term limits, a part-time legislature, redistricting and other structural changes. Such a convention could also discuss reforms to the executive and judicial branches.
The convention would be prohibited from discussing or altering Article I, the Declaration of Rights. Any other changes to the constitution would require passage by two-thirds majority of the delegates. These two measures would prevent the convention from getting bogged down in partisan issues and would ensure that only the best reforms are created. Delegates to the convention would be selected in non-partisan elections where no party affiliation is noted on the ballot.
Article I Section 2 of the Constitution states: "All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper."
Despite this noble and proper ideal, the Constitution itself specifies no method for the people to actually act on it. SB1290 creates the vehicle to do so. This bill needs the support of all Pennsylvanians!
Please, call your Senator TODAY, and ask why they haven't co-sponsored SB1290 yet. If your Senator refuses to co-sponsor it, ask whether he/she believes in the language contained within Article I Section 2. Call your Representative as well, and ask him/her to sponsor a version of SB1290 in the House of Representatives.
While you're at it, call your legislators' OPPONENTS in the primary election and ask if THEY would support SB1290! If you make this an election issue RIGHT NOW, legislators will be FLOCKING to sign on as co-sponsors!
Three cheers to Senator Folmer for doing the right thing. Three more to Senators Piccola and Wonderling for being first in line to sign on as co-sponsors.Find & Contact Your Local Legislators
Constitutional Convention Q & A
About PACleanSweepPACleanSweep is a non-partisan effort dedicated to reforming state government in Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.PACleanSweep.com.
ACTION does NOT equal HOLD
Over at Char's blog, I left this posting in a thread about the sign.
To be sure, the 'non-action' was from Kraus, not Dowd. Kraus introduced a measure that was then in the next breath put into limbo with a 'hold.'
Kraus put in a measure that asks the one in the private marketplace to shoot oneself in the foot and fix an ill caused by the city. The city needs to get its act in order -- first.
The solution from Kraus is a joke -- without a punch line -- as it is on 'hold.'
Meanwhile, Patrick Dowd is being prudent as he might need to sit as 'judge' in a zoning case. That is a role of city council. So, if he puts his cards on the table -- he would disqualify himself from the looming role.
Regardless, there are dozens of ethical complaints that should be filed on this. It is way too long for the legal advice to appear, for starters.
To be sure, the 'non-action' was from Kraus, not Dowd. Kraus introduced a measure that was then in the next breath put into limbo with a 'hold.'
Kraus put in a measure that asks the one in the private marketplace to shoot oneself in the foot and fix an ill caused by the city. The city needs to get its act in order -- first.
The solution from Kraus is a joke -- without a punch line -- as it is on 'hold.'
Meanwhile, Patrick Dowd is being prudent as he might need to sit as 'judge' in a zoning case. That is a role of city council. So, if he puts his cards on the table -- he would disqualify himself from the looming role.
Regardless, there are dozens of ethical complaints that should be filed on this. It is way too long for the legal advice to appear, for starters.
Diamond Appeals Gingrich Forgery Decision to PA Supreme Court
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2008
Republican state House candidate Russ Diamond today filed notice of intent to appeal a recent Commonwealth Court decision to allow Mauree Gingrich’s name to appear on the April 22 primary ballot in the 101st legislative district, despite evidence that dozens of signatures on a petition she signed as circulator under oath were forged. The notice was filed in Philadelphia by Diamond’s attorney, Lawrence Otter of Bucks County.
At issue is whether Gingrich intended to deceive the electorate by signing a false circulator’s affidavit and subsequently filing a false candidate’s affidavit in which she swore to “not knowingly violate any election law.” The Commonwealth Court decision was issued by visiting senior Judge Keith Quigley, who ruled that Gingrich’s story about collecting the signatures in question at a “nacho party” at her home was credible.
Quigley seemed to overlook the obvious problem of two groupings of signatures from residents of Oak Street in Palmyra and Shady Lane in North Londonderry Township, which appear in numerical sequence and suggest the use of a street list by the circulator. Gingrich testified that her nacho party invitation went to Republican committee members. The twelve voters identified in the challenge were not committee members. Gingrich could not name the Republican committee members for her hometown of Palmyra.
“A false circulator’s affidavit is inherently deceptive,” said Diamond. “Mrs. Gingrich knew she didn’t collect those 25 signatures legitimately and we believe she knew that some, if not all of them, were outright forgeries. As such, her candidate’s affidavit is also false and her name should not appear on the ballot.”
“Had we been able to present our case, we would have been able to show that the testimony of Gingrich was not credible, but incredible,” added Otter. “We had twelve witnesses in court under subpoena to testify, but the judge only allowed one person other than Gingrich to take the stand. Although that person was alleged to be a close friend of Gingrich’s whose name appears on line 37 of the petition, even she testified she never signed it.”
During the Commonwealth Court hearing, Gingrich’s counsel allowed that the entire petition page 2 signed and sworn by Gingrich could be tossed due to the irregularities.
The case bears a striking resemblance to that of former Democratic state representative Linda Bebko-Jones, who was charged last week by Attorney General Tom Corbett with forgery and conspiracy in connection with her 2006 filing for re-election.
Ironically, both Diamond and Otter were involved in the Bebko-Jones case. Diamond assisted the late Dennis Iaquinta, a PACleanSweep-backed opponent to Bebko-Jones in the 2006 primary, in discovering the alleged forgeries. Otter represented Iaquinta in a subsequent petition challenge. Bebko-Jones withdrew from the race the day before a hearing on the matter was scheduled to be held in Commonwealth Court.
Corbett launched his criminal investigation after receiving a complaint from former state Senator Anthony "Buzz" Andrezeski, whose mother’s name was allegedly forged on Bebko-Jones’ petition. “State legislators are responsible for protecting the public trust and ensuring that they uphold the law and abide by it,” Corbett said in a press release regarding the Bebko-Jones case. “Nobody is above the law in Pennsylvania, and that includes our elected officials.”
The schedule for Diamond’s appeal will be set by the Supreme Court.
###
For more information: 717.383.3025 http://www.russdiamond.org/030508.html
win@russdiamond.org
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