off of the Olympic site.

'Beijing Tour' Special Media Outings Registration Form
Updated: 2008-08-04 09:45:46 "Beijing Tour" Special Media Outings
Registration Form
Media
Name Nationality
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Please mark √ to choose the tour line: 1 2 3

1. Route of City Bus Tour: The city sightseeing on tour bus
Date: August 5, 2008 Departure Venue: News Desk of MPC
Departure Time: 1:30 p.m. Return time: 6 p.m.

2. Route of Museums: The Capital Museum, The Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall
Date: August 6, 2008 Departure Venue: News Desk of MPC
Departure Time: 1:30 p.m. Return time: 6 p.m.

3. Route of Cultural Heritage: The Great Wall—Badaling
Date: August 18, 2008 Departure Venue: News Desk of MPC
Departure Time: 1:30 p.m. Return time: 6 p.m.

Remark:

* Above tour service provided for the registered journalists for free.

* Ten or more registrations are needed to form a group; otherwise, tours will be cancelled.

Contact with:

Yang Wen 13601338207 or Amily Sun 13381068163

wen@btmbeijing.com amilysun@btmbeijing.com

FAX: 86 10 84371065

Wonder if the folks there would handle non media on a tour for a fee?

Judo became more of a story

Suddenly, men's heavyweight judo became much more exciting: Georgia's Lasha Gujejiani, Russia's Tamerlan Tmenov are both medal contenders.

Figures the media is going to be all over this like white on rice.

USA Swimming hosting parties around USA for Olympics

USA Swimming - Lanelines: "Ten major parties:

IRVINE – Monday, August 11, 9pm-12am PST

BALTIMORE – Wednesday, August 13, 8 pm – 12am ET

MIAMI – Sunday, August 10, 9pm-12am EST

CONCORD – Monday, August 11, 12pm- 1pm PST

HOUSTON – Saturday, August 16, 12pm-1pm CST

INDIANAPOLIS – Saturday, August 16, 9pm-12am EST

CHICAGO – Friday, August 16, 9pm – 12 am CST

SAN ANTONIO – Monday, August 11, 8pm – 12am CST

WASHINGTON DC – Friday, August 15, 9pm – 12am ESTTen major parties:

IRVINE – Monday, August 11, 9pm-12am PST

BALTIMORE – Wednesday, August 13, 8 pm – 12am ET

MIAMI – Sunday, August 10, 9pm-12am EST

CONCORD – Monday, August 11, 12pm- 1pm PST

HOUSTON – Saturday, August 16, 12pm-1pm CST

INDIANAPOLIS – Saturday, August 16, 9pm-12am EST

CHICAGO – Friday, August 16, 9pm – 12 am CST

SAN ANTONIO – Monday, August 11, 8pm – 12am CST

WASHINGTON DC – Friday, August 15, 9pm – 12am EST"

Battle erupts over Georgia rebel region - Russia- msnbc.com

Battle erupts over Georgia rebel region - Russia- msnbc.com Battle erupts over Georgia's breakaway region
Russia troops reportedly move into separatist capital amid attack by Tbilisi

Wars are to end, not begin, when the Olympics are held. Did they not get the memo?

[412] Hello from Beijing, China -- the Olympics are here and this city is buzzing

[412] Hello from Beijing, China -- the Olympics are here and this city is buzzing: "I'm sitting with my wife and sons in our August 2008 apartment in
north central Beijing. We had another great day on our bikes learning
about the city and the cultures of the world. This is so exciting.I'm sitting with my wife and sons in our August 2008 apartment in
north central Beijing. We had another great day on our bikes learning
about the city and the cultures of the world. This is so exciting.

So weird to live blog Opening when the content is invention of paper

Live blogging -- really will put it all on Twitter.

Meanwhile, China invented paper.

Scroll unfolds....

dots get typed.....

Pinch me when life gets any better.

List of swim pools in Beijing where we might workout

A new friend from Mexico sent along a list of swim pool for our consideration. We need a place to swim and do our workouts. Grant, Erik and I would love to have a 90-minute workout once a day.

I'm offering to teach or coach for 30 minutes as a trade our admission to the pool. I could come earlier or stay later -- or even do it within the 90-minute time block.

Friendship Hotel
Friendship Hotel, Baishiqiao Road, Haidian District
6849-8888, 10 am-11 pm, 30/2 hours

Fragrant Hills Hotel
Fragrant Hills Park, Haidian District
6259-1166 x 3243, 10 am-1 am, 30

Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center Swimming Pool
40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District
6466-3311 ext. 3185, 1-9:45 pm, 50

Dongdan Swimming Pool
A-2 Dahua Road, Dongdan, Dongcheng District
6523-1241, 10 am-10 pm, 30

Overseas Chinese Village Swimming Gymnasium
Inside Overseas Chinese Village, Jianwai Avenue, Chaoyang District
6515-0615, 10 am-8 pm, 50

Tiantan Swimming Pool Gymnasium
4 Tiantan East Road, Chongwen District
6701-7562, 12 pm-1:30 pm, 7:45-9:15 pm, 10

Yingdong Swimming Pool
Inside Olympic Stadium, Chaoyang District
6491-0468, 11 am-11 pm, 30

Perhaps we'll go to them all. Thanks for the pointers Carlos. If anyone else wants to go or meet us, call. Email might be okay too. Our local phone numbers are listed in the blog below.

8-8-08 is here and we're headed out on our bikes

I picked up a few others to follow on Twitter.

Putting on sun lotion for the big day. Will spend some at "Car a for" a French owned mega super market. This is near the electronics mall part of the city -- North West corner. The torch may be there at noon-ish. Will try to confirm with an Information booth (so nice).

Unraveling the mystery of the Hamm twins. - By Josh Levin - Slate Magazine

Unraveling the mystery of the Hamm twins. - By Josh Levin - Slate Magazine: "The 2004 Olympics
Are Paul and Morgan Hamm identical twins? Their parents say no. Science says yes."

Both are out of the Olympics now. Are their injuries identical or fraternal? (stolen line from twitter)

Amanda Beard's Olympic PeTA campaign cancelled | The News is NowPublic.com

Amanda Beard's Olympic PeTA campaign cancelled | The News is NowPublic.com: "Amanda Beard's Olympic PeTA campaign cancelled"

Surface to air missles sit between Birds Nest and Water Cube. Welcome GWB

US President, George W. Bush, is now in Beijing. His father had
already arrived. Perhaps we'll see W on a bike ride in the morning.

CCTV (China Television) reported that there are two surface to air
missles on the Olympic Grounds next to the major outdoor stadium, the
Bird's Nest. It is also very close to the Water Cube.

Seems that because the world has GWB, it might also have the other.
Are they linked?

In the run up to the games, they said that there would be no 'kites."
I'm not sure when and where there was a kite ban. But today, we saw
two. One was very high.

How in the world do you use Twitter from cell phone in Beijing

I really could use some hand holding on getting my twitter to accept
my updates from my cell phone.

I think it can be done. I must use text messages to a phone number.
They they get re-displayed. Thanks for the help in the comments or
with a call later.

Group Protests Taser Death Of Swissvale Man - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

Celeste gets in the news.

Group Protests Taser Death Of Swissvale Man - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh Investigators are waiting for autopsy results to determine if it was the jolt from the Taser that killed Thomas or a medical condition.

Protesters said they are bothered by how Thomas might have died. Shouting slogans and displaying banners, they called for prosecution of the police for their use of Tasers.
'I'm not saying the other ones aren't important, but there's something about this one that's bad,” said protester Celeste Taylor.

As the group gathered outside the borough building, reinforcements were called in from other municipalities and some Swissvale residents, fearful of retaliation, found courage to speak up.

But the protest wasn't just on the streets of Swissvale. Neighbors voiced their concerns to borough supervisors at a regularly scheduled meeting.

She and they take it to the streets -- and into the halls of government. That's the one-two message that must happen. Don't just whip the people into a frenzy and cause street theater. Go those extra steps to hear from and demand behaviors of those who emply the police and their superiors.

Beijing Olympic Games 2008 » Beijing haze getting inside swimming center

OMG.

Beijing Olympic Games 2008 » Beijing haze getting inside swimming center Some United States and Australian swimmers have reported seeing haze even inside the Swimming Center or Water Cube.
“[Monday,] they said it was the worst it’s been,” Erik Vendt, a member of the American 800-meter freestyle relay team, said yesterday. “It was horrible. It was almost laughable, it was so bad. I came into [the Aquatics Center] and I didn’t know if it was my eyes, but I definitely saw something. It was definitely hazy in here.”
Some swimmers including Grant Hackett however, have said it is not a problem.
“If people start coughing and sputtering all over the place, it will be an issue, but hopefully not,” Hackett said.

Hackett has it right. Don't be a cry baby. Get up and go. And, do it with your mouth shut.

There are a number of dimensions to report and blog about this.

First of all, we were there this morning. We didn't get inside the Olympic Green where the Water Cube and Birds Nest are. Bowever, we were able to see the outside of the buildings from a block or two away. We could see em -- but -- the view was milky. Right. It is hot, hazy and humid. Sultry was the word used by one broadcaster.

In our apartment, with the air on -- it is wonderful.

But we biked for four hours today -- and didn't hurl blood. We lived.

It was great seeing some of the other joggers too. There is an Olympic Forest just north of the Olympic Green. We biked along both the east and west roads that go into the venues. Plus the sixth ring road. I think it was sixth. There are two roads that cars can NOT go on -- other than police and officials, plus the buses.

This place is tighter than a drum with security and monitors and police and everything. There is a show of force like I've never seen. I wasn't there in the days after 4 were killed in O-Hi-O. But that was about tension and National Guardsmen at every parking meter in Athens, Ohio -- and elsewhere. This is epic too.

The information booths are packed with volunteers. The colors on the shirts of workers are everywhere. The banners are all along the fences. No barbed wire. No armored guards, generally. But the place is covered with layers and layers of people on duty. They are doing well. They are ever present.

We passed a few Olympic athletes out for their morning runs. One coach on roller blades while the female athlete ran. No masks. None needed. I told our line of bikers (family) that we'd do a U turn the next time we saw a training run that looked interesting.

We were a sight to be seen as well. I was generally at the front of the line -- wearing the bike helmets and gloves, as are the boys. Plus I put on the green and yellow Phonak bike suit to keep my bottom from shredding. Plus, I'm on a no-geared pink local bike with a narly black basket on the handlebars. Its seat is way, way too low -- so I ride often standing on the pedals.

A Canadian biker -- perhaps a BMX guy -- went past us while we were stopped. I didn't notice him until he was 20-meters away and departing quickly. But Catherine did notice him -- and he was doing a triple take of me.

The atheles are generally wearing their national colors.

I do not know what it is like at the rowing or canoe venue. There it would be impossible to see the majority of the course. That is 30-k away from the center city.

The roads are like Christchurch, NZ now. Think of Pittsburgh roads on a typical Sunday morning. Some drivers -- but often the side lanes are empty with only a few cars every few moments. There isn't gridlock even at the height of the morning rush hour. Heavy traffic on the ring roads, of course. But not bad at all.

Beijing is also a 9-5 (err, 9 to 9) city. The song says New York never sleeps. Well, Beijing does. At night the lights are out and the people are too. Not that I'm at the night clubs and discos. But the neighorhood streets are quiet and empty. Even by 6 am, things are still sleepy.

The Olympic Village was very cool to see. I know Erik and Grant got a kick out of biking past that part of our trip today. We could see the 6-story buildings, all new, all with many flags hanging from the windows and mini-balcony. All types of flags. People walking and playing beteen the buildings. Kicking balls, hitting badminton, stretching.

In a way, to me, it felt as if we were biking past the zoo before it had opened and we could see the interesting wildlife on the other side of the fences. Here, other than zoo with small cages, think of a wildlife game preserve. We were on the outside, glances to the side to look in.

The other side of the road has other buildings, generally much taller and filled with residents. They were greated with guards and lots of issues with 'parking' and 'auto use' I imagine. They too had come out to peek at us and others. Many were headed to work.

It must be a pain to live next to the Civic Arena -- and/or new Pens Arena. Heinz Field neighbors, well, the North Siders are on their own for complaints. These folks have to live next to the Olympics for the next 18 days. Ouch. Unlike Woodstock, there are plenty of places to park the buses and use the port-o-johns. Grant hit one, and it was the hold in the ground style.

I'll try to get photos going in the next day. Then you can see the haze yourself.

We've been perfect as to our systems and food. The bag of Twizlers helped on day one when we couldn't tell if we were hungry or just in a jet lag funk. Then we didn't have a refrig that worked either. So, we were not keen to buy groceries.

Boxes (mid sized) of Cheerios were found at WalMart -- for 17 RMB. Too costly. I could knock that off in 2 sittings. Rather our breakfast sandwich place locally has them for 2.5 RMB. Egg and pork and outside bread-like / bagle-like top and bottom. They don't eat cereal. I swear by it. I'm going gold turkey (slag) so far. Hong Kong had decent choices / selections of cereal. Not so much in Chengdu, other than in the gift show of Grandma's Kitchen. And, we saw a Beijing Grandma's Kitchen -- right next to the Olympic Venues. I didn't know it was a chain.

Good night.

Recent blog -- err "journal" entries are on paper and via my wife

My wife is keeping a journal and she has been logging lots of pages there -- on paper. Her stuff isn't crafted for the world to see, as mine flows.

But, another stream that she manages is email to those at home. When she is in a good mood and when I've been good (as I am generally), she'll CC me the messages for my awareness. Re-use, not so much.

Some snips from her about our recent days, edited some by the blog master, (me).

It is Thursday afternoon here (5am for you). We finally have email - it wasn't working at first. Actually, I'm not completely sure how we got on this time, so we'll see if I can get back on tomorrow! We are all settled in. The flight was easy and the driver met us at the airport. We were on a plane with many NBC reporters, USA Today reporters and quite a few athletes. It made for a very festive atmosphere.

We came right to our apartment. Grant started a nap that would last through the night. Mark went out and started to get to know the neighborhood (which includes a really nice WalMart!). He bought a bed (like one of the chairs that we take to the pool, but it stretches out to a long, canvas bed). We need this for Erik. Grant has the coach at night. Bedroom (room 2 of 2) has queen size bed.

Everyone is sleeping well. The apartment is great - very modern with lovely light wood furniture. Mark also got us phones the first afternoon which is great. ... You can call us if you like. (#s below / scroll down)

In the morning we ventured out into our neighborhood and found the little shops that have food cooking. We found a great place for "breakfast sandwiches". The people got a kick out of us - no other foreigners around this little neighborhood behind were we live. We've been there for breakfast each day and they know us now and are very friendly.

We spent part of yesterday buying bikes. We are great on our bikes. (Got plenty to say about bikes later.)

(She is wise to say little about the bikes until our return to keep worries at bay. But, she is right. We are great on the bikes. Erik and Grant are excellent. The New Zealand bike trip made them strong and wise. Here we are even on the right side of the road. Plus China has much less of a problem with drunks than US. Here the bike lanes a wonderful.)

- found the electronics district yesterday. When we went in to the "electronics mall" (largest in Beijing) some people were shouting at us and pointing us away from where we were going. We actually were with the landlord of the apartment and he just kept going, so we did, too. I couldn't figure out what was wrong and why he was ignoring them. On the next level, more of the same. Then I heard what they were shouting - "Dell", "Sony". These were all salespeople trying to guide you away from the competition and to their product. It was unbelievably noisy and visually busy. Pretty exciting. The boys want to go back to check out IPods and flash drives.

(Catherine said later that she was a bit scared upon our entry into the shops/mall. We went to the 4th floor, zip, zipping along. We (white folks) were ignored, helmets in hand. But our leader, a local, got the brunt of the 'welcome.' Catherine felt as if they were telling us to exit as something urgent and bad had just happened. Why would you want to go there -- in -- when a cyclone just ripped the top floors off this building or some other horrible news and gloom await just ahead. We dove in. I had a much better understanding of what was happening and wasn't at all perplexed. The boys and I had been frequent visitors and shoppers at the electronics mart in Chengdu. This one was very, very similar. Tip: this isn't like Best Buy in the states.)

This morning (Thursday) we set out at 6am (since we woke up around 4am) to ride our bikes to the Olympic venues to check things out. It took about 45 minutes (maybe a little less) and we were at the Bird's Nest - really exciting. It was really hazy here today - it will be interesting to see how all this weather turns out for the events. We rode bikes for about 4 hours checking out different venues - very exciting.

Back to Wal Mart today for shopping now that we have a working refridgerator (the new one didn't work when we got here). The boys met one of the medical trainers for the U.S. Diving team and a manager from the U.S. Field Hockey team. They were very nice (buying fans) and gave the kids Olympic pins.

(The apartment / bathroom has a single unit, pint sized) washer with a special supper spin cycle which partly dries clothes. Then clothes are hung in the window area (like a big bay window) and they are dry by morning. It's great to have laundry. (Catherine got it all to work -- despite the electronics / instructions being only in Chineese.)

We are on the 13th floor of the building (top floor). (No worries here about 13 being unlucky. That # is 4.) You'd never see a 13th floor in the U.S. It is neat to look out at dusk and into the night at the big buildings (neon and Chinese letters). We live right behind the big Microsoft China building.

The opening ceremonies are tomorrow. Everyone is very excited to see how it will go. There will be fireworks all over Beijing. Our first tickets are for waterpolo on the 10th. ...

Fireworks at 8-8-08 at 32 landmark spots around Beijing

The fireworks for the Olympic openings will also be sent off at 32
spots around the city.

Calling to China

The 011 = US exit code. It must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada.

86 = the country code for China.

The city code the region of Beijing is 10. But, for a cell, that does not matter.

In China they have area codes of 2 to 4 digits.
In China, the phone numbers are from 6 to 8 digits.

Area Codes:
Anshan 412
HuaiYin 517
Tianjin 22
Beijing 10
Jilin 432
Weifang 536
Changchun 431
Jinan 531
Wuhan 27
Chengdu 28
Nanjing 25
Wuxi 510
Chongqing 23
Ningbo 574
Xi'an 29
Dalian 411
Qingdao 532
Xiangfan 710
Guangzhou 20
Shanghai 21
Yangzhou 514
Hangzhou 571
Shenyang 24
Yantai 535
Harbin 451
Suizhou 722
Zaozhuang 632
Huaibei 561
Tai'an 538
Zibo 533

To dial to China from USA, as we have a cell, I think, dial:

011 + 86 + 13520815205

My blog is working from within China. Wiki won't. We are here! BG08 excitement!

This blog post comes to you from our apartment in north central Beijing, just one long block north of the 3rd ring road. Microsoft's headquaters is just the next building. Many high tech universities are around.

Our phone numbers in China are:

13520815205

and

15011009765

To call us from outside of China, you'll need to enter the country code -- and I'm not sure what to tell you about that. We also can accept text messages. But, we might not reply as charges are steep and the dollar isn't like it used to be.

The travels and apartment is fine. Some stories will come in due time.

Beiing is sultry, to say the least.

Two suface to air missles are between the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest. Former President Bush is here already. We've seen a dozen or more athletes and dozens of others (managers, medical, IOCers, etc.) in our bounces around town so far.

The biggest news from us comes from Wal Mart. We have navigaged the city on bikes for two days and we are all still with all our limbs. We purchased three bikes. The fourth is ours on loan. Grant did wipe out over by the archery venue -- clipping a parked bike and taking a spill -- but going along at a slower speed.

With the bikes, it is as if the city was shrunk by a factor of 20. However, the city is about a gazillion times bigger than Pittsburgh.

Now -- to catch up on the rest of the email and the other blogs.

We do not have NBC TV here. So, where in the world is NBC's Today Show setting? Where is Matt Lauer? Updates welcome.

This city is buzzing. The place is exciting. We are having a great time. Stay tuned for more insights.

Tip on the opening on 8-8-08 at 8 pm: "Grand does not need to be long." Furthermore, the lighting of the cauldron isn't going to be such a big deal. Other, more important elements are going to be showcased.

Stay tuned.

Bruce Kraus is working on sound polution stuff

Bruce said the other night at the public meeting that he was not only trying to crack down on litter that fits under the windshield wipers and telephone poles -- but he is going to attempt to tackle 'sound pollution.'

Motorcycles. Trucks. Music from autos.

Watch out.

Well, I have one bit of advice. Send me the draft legislation before you go to far with the ordinance proposal. There is someone that lives in city council district 3 that is a worldwide expert in all things about hearing, noise, and hearing health.

You don't need to give the email to me -- nor post it in the message of this blog -- but that would help. You could just post it to the Director of Audiology at UPMC's Eye and Ear Hospital.

Suit yourself.

Travel on a budget to Beijing

From Mark Rauterku...

Getting to Beijing has been expensive.

The passports for the boys needed to be re-issued. You can't enter China unless you've got more than six months of valid time still on the passport. The boys, because the children grow so fast, need to get their passports renewed more frequently than adults.

Then there are charges for the visas. A service helps by standing in lines and speeding the process that might otherwise be impossible. Our passports, after getting stamped by the local post office, went to Miami, Florida, then to either Boston or New York. I forget. Then they came back to Pittsburgh.

All four of our passports went out in one envelope. But, they came back in two. First the boys then the adults -- about five days apart.

The cost for the kids was $505.00. The charge for the adults, $990. Plus, there were two or three overnight envelopes to pay for. The helper required the kid's original birth certificate and not a photocopy as had been presented earlier.

The visa and passports for China allow us one entry into China between now (July 28) and January 1, 2009. We get to stay for no more than 30 days.

Furthermore, the paperwork we needed to show included our round trip airline tickets. They want to know you've paid for your flight home. And, the home bank account information to prove that there is sufficient money in your home bank. Plus, we needed to show a lease as to where we would be staying while in China. Not just an address or a statement we'll be staying with friends. No, we provided a lease. And, with the lease a copy of the passport of our host and friend in Beijing.

In Beijing, I expect we'll need to check in with the local police department. That has been the case in the past. We'll also swing by the USA Embassy -- just to let them know we're in town. Nice to have friends.

The 'red tape' is easy to witness. But, we've got nothing to hide. We don't need to worry about going into or out of the country with more than $10,000. Not even close.

We've got a weekly budget. We know what we spend in the US for a weeks worth of food and groceries. We'll stay within 3-times that amount per week and will be on budget.

To make budget, we won't be going to McDonald's or KFC -- much. Those are expensive places.

When we went in the past, the US Dollar was much stronger. Europe is way worse. But in the early trips we used a factor of 1:8.1 RMB. That was $1 US dollar to 8.1 of the Chineese currency, called either 'yen' or 'RMB'. Now, it is much worse. We're in the 1:5 or 1:6 range.

In Pittsburgh, PNC Bank does not even hold onto the foreign currency from China. But many other money is available there. However, there is an exchange window in the Pittsburgh International Airport. They had an "olympic special' if you cashed in $1,500 USD. We'll had time to kill in D.C. before our plane left for Beijing. That's where we did the first wave of money transfers.

We've also got a bit of money tied up in travelers checks now.

China didn't take much plastic on our other visits. Visa is a sponsor -- and we are not to leave home without it. Yeah, right.

You've got to watch out so as to not get some bad money. A bank setting is going to be trusting for our comfort. However, there was only one bank in Chengdu that would cash our travelers checks.

Who will water the wiki while I'm away? Will you?

We worked throughout the summer to build a new wiki, http://AforAthlete.wikia.com. It has grown to more than 1,000 pages. However, it needs some attention in the days and weeks to come.

Can you lend a hand and plug in a few comments and content mentons on existing or new pages there?

Use the search box. Read, edit, cut-and-paste pointers, expand.

I'm not able to see the wiki while in China. So, I'm going to be plugging away, but keeing the content local. Plus, I want to do more with photos and video. Less time for text.

Thanks for the help.

Carlynton Happenings saga is far from over

The saga in Crafton, Carnegie and R.Farms is far from over with the access to the facilities within the school.

Carlynton Happenings One director tells us how it is.....
“To think that limiting the debate on the issue would have somehow changed the outcome of the board’s vote is wrong.”

So says Carlynton director Patty Schirripa in a statement she circulated regarding her decision to push through the new facilities policy.

Check out that story.

Same on Marty Griffin of KDKA radio for not doing a segment on this subject after he had it already slated for three weeks ago. Marty! There is a tie in to local sports (swimming, baseball, soccer, gymnastics) and world affairs.

China has its hang-ups on power. And so do local school boards in the good ol US of A.

By the way, these blogs are not illegal school board members. Rumor has it that they were looking to 'sue' or 'shut down' the site(s) as they've become so frustrated with others knowing what is going on there.

We're at the starting line of our travels

We're on our way. Beijing, China, here we come.

This is our 4th trip to China. Our 5th over the Pacific. Or, around it. To get to Beijing, we'll fly to D.C. Depart early Monday. Then around noon we'll fly to Beijing, direct. The flight path goes over the North Polo. We've never gone from D.C. before.

On the way home, we'll fly to Chicago. Stay a day or two. Then come home. That will be in September.

Did I mention, again, that we have house sitters.

The photo above is on a running track outside a stadium in Chengdu. It is in the common ground area there. Imagine that around PNC Park and Heinz Field. Why not have a 'running track?' Golly. Kids could get some exercies. And, adults too.

China has had the Olympics on its mind for some time. They have put effort into hosting the games -- by making these tracks and fitness elements a part of the parks and landscape. We can learn a lesson about that. Around our stadiums, we're looking for more ways to serve beer and that's about it, if you overlook the casino.

We leave on the 4th. We'll get there on the 5th. The flight to Beijing is as long as four movies and a good long nap.

I've got my iPod loaded with some Free Talk Live radio shows. And, I've got my ear plugs. The kids and Catherine have those soft comfy neck pillows.

Last trip Catherine and I took was to Amsterdam in the spring. We flew in business class. Ahh. Those were the days. Now it is 'coach.' Love that name, coach.

Photos from the other vacation have arrived

From violin-gang

See the photo captions in the Picasa album for more details.

Erik Rauterkus and Amy Carol Webb jam at SUUSI before hundreds and get a standing ovation.

FWIW, are not bringing nor buying violins in China on this trip.

Olympic ticket scam dupes Australian, US and European fans | Herald Sun

Olympic ticket scam dupes Australian, US and European fans | Herald Sun Olympic ticket scam dupes Australian, US and European fans

Every party has a pooper. So sad.

China in China

China is getting set for 8-8-08. We are too. The boys are packed and at the park shooting hoops. Then it is off for some ice cream.

I'm trying to slay the dragon of digital dust.

Heard on some site (if one can do the 'hearing' via a posting) that there is a chance of rain on either 8-8-08 or 8-9-08. We'll have none of that as the world watches the kick off to the Olympics. So, it remains to be seen if the weather altering measures are going to be deployed by the authorities in China to insure that there will be no rain. You don't want to rain upon the parade. Literally.

There are ways that the China government has to bump the weather by seeding clouds and such. Wild, but talked about, if not proven.

The image above is a zodiac chart on a plate. I took the photo as it was for sale in an art market.

Now I'm dealing with a lot of round objects and trying to clean them up. Digital dust on the CDs, DVDs and mini-CDs for the campers and computers.

Then I called Curtis with the Ozanham Basketball program, all excited to say that Holder was listed in the Russian vs. USA basketball game box score. He already knew. He watched the game the other night at 3 am. Someone had tipped him off to the game time. Holder did start. He played some in Wilkinsburg then went to a private school for later in high school.

I'be been telling folks that the Olympics are going to be on the air via NBC for 212 hours a day, given all the various networks. You'll be able to see more of the games here, sitting in front of the TV than I'll be able to see in Beijing. That prediction came true even before we departed town as the games are being watched -- and I'm missing them to pack.

If you can -- set up a time for my and/or me and my boys to come to your school, your team or your neighborhood open house to present our views of the Olympics and Beijing upon our return in September.

Beijing, China - Basketball - Russia vs United States of America

Breaking Olympic News with a Pittsburgh twist: J. Holden, basketball player from Western PA, is playing for Russia in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

ESPN - 2008 Summer Olympics - Beijing, China - Basketball - Russia vs United States of America: "J Holden 37 7-17 1-7 2-2 2 5 7 1 2 0 5 2 17"

I finally got a peek at the box score and there he is. He didn't start. But, he scored 17 points in the game against the USA.

Want to know more about J Holden -- search my wiki.

We'll be looking for you to give him a big Ozanham hug!

Right direction: Roosevelt has made the tough calls for city schools

Original from July 28, 2008. Updated below.

Let's re-hash the P-G editorial on the boss of the Pgh Public Schools, Mark Roosevelt.

Right direction: Roosevelt has made the tough calls for city schoolsRoosevelt has proven that he knows how to make the tough, fiscally sound choices it takes to start solving the district's pervasive problems.

Roosevelt has made tough choices. These are choices that did NOT need to be tough. He made them very, very difficult.

Roosevelt has also proven that he is keen on not taking on the real problems: Oliver, Westinghouse, Langley and Peabody are the high schools that have been called 'drop out factories.' Nothing is being done with those schools -- that we can say is 'tough.'

Mr. Roosevelt choices do not start to solve the district's pervasive problems -- rather -- they work to terminate the district's successful schools. Frick Middle School has been a very good school. Schenley High School was the districts best school in some areas, and near the very top in other areas. Rodgers Middle School is another great school that is getting a whole different location, less access to theater spaces, less room for students, staff and programs. Likewise, Rodgers CAPA High School, the best performing school in the district should be expanding and it isn't.

Roosevelt is not dealing with the problems as much as killing the successful schools.

One problem was too many schools. Now Roosevelt is opening more schools.

One problem was schools with few students. Now Roosevelt is making smaller schools.

One problem was the capital expenses for school buildings. Now Roosevelt is putting high school kids into buildings designed for middle school students -- and making temporary schools (Reizenstein) that don't clear long-term locations.

Roosevelt has made tough choices -- because they are not logical. Reasoned leadership is absent.

We agree that the most significant buzz is the Pittsburgh Promise. That promise is but a 'cruel joke' as 20-percent of the kids from Pittsburgh that go to college stay in college. The rest flunk out. The promise isn't about the mission of the PPS -- to eductate kids from K to 12. It misses the mark with a lot of sizzle.

One way to narrow the racial achievement gap is to cause an exodus of those with the capability to depart the district to do so. To close the gap by subtraction isn't a victory in my book. Families are departing the city. That's the benchmark to measure again. Think again, PG editors.

To be specific, the district didn't release the numbers on the math and reading scores -- in full. We are still waiting for them. The raw numbers are hidden, just like the school board can't see the newly updated 'dashboard' that computerizes the results. Still in the dark and waiting. Watchdogs don't generally fall for that -- except the P-G.

Update: Since there was some discussion as to the source of the comments I made, here are a few photos from that event. Video might need to wait for a month.

From people & vips

From people & vips

CEO of Pittsburgh Foundation, Mr. Grant Oliphant, was the prime speaker to for Wireless Neighborhood annual meeting.

Woops. Sorry. I said that he was with the Heinz Endowments in the messages on this thread. Perhaps he worked there in the past.

former header info:

Ranked as high as the third most influential political blog in Pennsylvania. (September 2007).

Politics, sports and life with "running mates" and Mark Rauterkus.

Stood for public office in 2007 for Pittsburgh Controller and City Council (district 3).

The Reality Check covers Burgh: Specter Of Liberalism Haunts Pittsburgh

The Reality Check � Blog Archive � Specter Of Liberalism Haunts Pittsburgh: "Pittsburgh is being haunted by liberalism and the city is still spending money it does not have. A little couple weeks ago Mayor Luke Ravenstahl (D), the boy wonder, was concerned and fretting because many of his hopes and dreams were pinned to revenues projected from a new casino (being built by Don Barden) on the North Shore. This project had not only fallen behind schedule, but is now in the process of being transferred to new owners and delayed."

This is not the Water Cube

This is on Pitsburgh's North Side. It looks a bit like the BJ Water Cube in the background.

The World - Why China Has the Torch - 2008 Olympics and Human Rights - NYTimes.com

Feature in NY Times about the Olympics and China.

The World - Why China Has the Torch - 2008 Olympics and Human Rights - NYTimes.com“One World, One Dream,” is the official motto of the Beijing Olympics that open Friday, but the world has become considerably more complicated since the International Olympic Committee awarded the 2008 Summer Games to China seven years ago.

What do you think? I'm sorta busy packing and cleaning up my digital dust.

Plenty of pick-up trucks circle Reizenstein -- and those holes in the middle of the field!

On Friday we drove next to the Reizenstein School. Seems like we spent two days there in one mid-day crawl of traffic. The construction is happening at Baker's Square. The pick-up trucks, personal cars of workers, circle the Reizenstein Middle School.

Well, it is now going to be a high school -- except for 9th graders. But then it will be a middle school again, plus a high school. But then again, it is only a temporary school. So, I'm still not sure what to call it -- Schenley, Reizenstein, I.B. High.

But the sight of all sights was the digger out in the middle of the expansive side yard at Reizenstein. A boring machine was drilling one-foot wide holes into the grassy turf. These were digging the foundations for a row of trees that were being planted a few holes prior. The trees are 10 to 15 foot tall now -- and are smack dab in the fickin middle of the practice field for the sports team(s).

The bastards have gone and planted trees to obstruct sporting opportunities at the school site.

No softball there. No football practice there. No soccer practices there. No frisbee -- Bram! No hope for kite flying there with the Ben Franklin Electrolights either.

Are those trees in the middle of the field necessary?

Please explain.

Five gold medals. Today's swim meet recap

Erik, 13, got 3 golds and Grant, 10, got 2 golds and one silver at today's Citiparks Swim Meet. It is the championship meet for the City of Pittsburgh. The local team, the South Side Serpents, got 3rd place. More than 300 swimmers and 12 teams were part of the competition that stretched from 8 am to 3 pm at the 50-meter Highland Park Pool.

All in all, I was very impressed with the swimming from both Erik and Grant. All of their times were very close to best times.

Erik: 1:10 100 free (okay); 2:54.56 IM (38, 48, 48.8, 39.2 splits); and 1:30 100 breast.

Grant did a 44 50 back; 3:35.16 IM (54, 51, 104, 44.2 splits); and 50 in the 50 fly. Grant has made great strides in the fly tempo throughout the summer.

At the meet we got to talk to many parents from many different parts of the city. One nice conversation was with city councilman Ricky Burgess. His daughter was in the meet.

The team did get t-shirts!

From ormsby-serpents

The Ormsby Pool Team at Highland Park in 2008, called the South Side Serpents. The coach, M, is in the middle of the photo. Grant is far left. Erik is far right.

Next meet -- the Olympics.

Hot, new trick-or-treat costume: Fuwa

Beijing Olympic Games 2008 � Spare a thought for the fuwa volunteersSpare a thought for the fuwa volunteers

The first person to show up at our door for Halloween's Trick-or-Treat, that isn't a NBC employee, in this costume, gets a prize.

Last year we had t-shirts. Going to Citiparks Swim Meet on Saturday

From ormsby-serpents

I get to go to two more swim meets this summer. Tomorrow morning is the Citiparks Swim Meet at Highland Park Pool. The photo above was from last summer when the team had t-shirts. They are not expected this year. Oh well.

The next meet, the 2008 Olympics, also called, Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

Swim coach David Salo once told me that the Olympics is just another swim meet. He's right.

Good luck city swimmers. Hope all are able to finish the races.

Grant and Erik will swim three events each including the I.M.s.

This is a weird summer if not year in one dimension. Both of the boys have gone all year without being on a single relay with their club teams. Not one in the winter, summer nor the Citiparks meet. That's sorta sad. Last year there were plenty of relay splashes with the summer club team at Crafton and in the winter with Carlynton. Oh well.

For the sake of total honesty, this past winter, Erik was on middle school relay teams. Grant didn't swim a relay with his elementary school team.

Testing, 1, 2. Testing. Is this blog and wiki visible in China? Please ping me Peking!

To the best of my knowledge, neither this blog, http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com, nor the wiki, http://AforAthlete.wikia.com, is able to be viewed in China.

In the recent days, some of the restrictions on various internet sites have been lifted. What about these sites?

Help if you can. Leave a message in the comments or send email to me, Mark@Rauterkus.com.

Peace to all.

Smile. You're on candid camera.

Western PA Coalition for Single-Payer Healthcare www.WPaSinglePayer.org

NO TRESPASSING:

Constituents denied entry to Congressman’s Office following Medicare Birthday Party

For Immediate Release: August 1, 2008

Contacts: Rosemary Prostko 412-854-0517; rosemarysp@comcast.net

Sandy Fox, Co-Chair, Western PA Coalition for Single-Payer Healthcare

412-527-9072; sm2fox@yahoo.com

PITTSBURGH—Over 400 people filled the Teamster’s Social Hall in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, July 30th, for a lunchtime celebration of the 43rd anniversary of the passage of the Federal Medicare Act. The event, sponsored by State Senator Jim Ferlo and co-sponsored by the Western PA Coalition for Single-Payer Healthcare, Healthcare4allPA, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, was free and open to the public.

Elected officials—local, state, and national—had also been invited to the event. While members of Congress were in D.C., representatives were sent from the offices of Senator Bob Casey, and Congressmen Mike Doyle and Jason Altmire. Senator Arlen Specter and Congressman Tim Murphy did not send a representative nor return follow-up calls requesting attendance, although Murphy’s Democratic opponent this November, Steve O’Donnell, did attend and called for “universal, not-for-profit, single-payer healthcare.”

The mission of the celebration was to bring attention to the importance of protecting traditional Medicare from privatization and to advocate for Expanded and Improved Medicare for All, HR 676, a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman John Conyers (D-Michigan), with 91 co-sponsors, including Congressman Mike Doyle (D-Pittsburgh).

Following the celebration, Rosemary Prostko, a senior citizen and volunteer with the Western PA Coalition for Single-Payer Healthcare, headed south to the Mt. Lebanon district office of her U.S. Representative, Tim Murphy, where she was joined by three other supporters. Their goal: to deliver an enormous “Happy Birthday Medicare/Support Improved Medicare for All” cookie, visible through hard plastic, along with single-payer information and an over-sized Medicare Birthday card containing hundreds of signatures in support of single-payer legislation.

What follows is Rosemary Prostko’s account:

F. and I arrived at Rep. Murphy's office at about 3:00 P.M. We were soon joined by two 60+ year old female constituents of Congressional District 18.

The four of us approached the office with the camera on but not recording. I pushed the buzzer. A very young staffer opened the door a crack. I very pleasantly said, "Since no one from your office could attend Senator Ferlo's Birthday Party for Medicare we brought the party to you!" He slammed the door saying "We do not allow videotaping." I shouted through the door "We will turn the camera off!" He disappeared into the darkness of the office.

Quite surprised we looked at each other!! What should we do now?

We decided to proceed to State Senator Pippy's office two blocks down the street. We arrived at the Senator's office--same materials, a second cookie, and entered. The person at the desk was very gracious. F. did ask if he could tape and was told "Yes, of course". Did not even seem to understand why we asked... The whole episode took about three to four minutes and was very pleasant.

As we left Senator Pippy's office (three 60+ year old ladies and 45ish F.) we were approached by TWO MT.LEBANON POLICE OFFICERS!!! They were very polite but asked what we were doing and if we had ID. As compliant U.S. citizens doing nothing wrong, the others did as requested. I gave no id (remember this) because I had left everything in my car to carry the cookie/materials. We asked why they needed the info and they said they needed it for their "report". Reports were made on all complaints. The Officer doing the talking said we had frightened the staff at Rep. Murphy's office and they were investigating the complaint. They said they would phone the Rep.'s office and tell them who we were and our intent to deliver a cookie and written materials.

M. and L. had run out of time so they left. F. and I went back up the street. F., as a non-constituent and the "cameraman," decided to stay away. The unmarked police car was in front of the office. I entered and rang the buzzer. Two staff people looked out at me and once more faded into the darkness of the office.

I went to the Police Officer in his car. I said "Please come to the office with me so they are not afraid.” He said "I called and gave them your information. They are a private business and they do not have to admit you.” I of course responded "They are not a private business they are the site of my government representative!"

His reply once more was they did not have to let me in. I said I thought he was giving more service to them than to me. He replied if I felt threatened he would do the same to protect me as he was doing for them. I asked if he felt I was a threat to anyone. He smiled but did not answer.

Remember, I did not give my name or any ID. This morning Rep. Murphy himself called my home to "see what happened". I wonder where he got my name? I will be going to the Mt. Lebanon Police Station to review the "REPORT".

My friend L. is now afraid she will not be able to fly next week!

Conservative Reform Network � Blog Archive � Pay It Back: House Democrat Corrupt Organization

Another blogger hits out against Wayne Fontana and Chelsa Wagner for recent campaign efforts that came from taxpayer sources.

Conservative Reform Network � Blog Archive � Pay It Back: House Democrat Corrupt OrganizationThe House Democratic Corrupt Organization (HDCO), illegally, used public taxpayer money to defeat and undermine a dissident Democrat, Mike Diven, driven to become a Republican by Democratic harassment Mike Diven. The opposition started in Democratic primary of 2004.

HDCO and State Rep. Chelsea Wagner (D-Allegheny) and State Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Brookline) , both of whom benefited, wittingly or unwittingly, knowingly or unknowingly, innocently or guiltily , from the illegal use of public taxpayer money to win their elections.

House Democrats, Senator Fontana and Representative Wagner need to repay the public taxpayers the money that was wrongfully taken by their Democratic Leadership for their benefits.

I'm not sure if they know the half of it. There is much more and I've blogged a bit about it in the past.

I don't have much of a beef with Chelsa. But, with Fontana, I've got a big stink.

Fontana can't 'pay back' what he got however. He has no capacity to raise the money that was spent for him by others in Harrisburg. And, he did a lot through his office. I don't like to fight the Senator to get his permission to get onto the ballot -- and have his office work against me.

The headline on the front page of the newspaper the other day, that I didn't blog about, was for payments to law firms. A good deal of money went to firms to battle me. I'd say it was at least a $15,000 bill -- as reported to me by a friend in the field.

My solution, since he can't pay it back -- and he can't make what is right with the past is for him to resign and let's do it over again in a special election. Then he'd be able to call himself my senator. Until then he is just a cheater without the sense to not use his (or my) state senate office for political work.

[412] Beijing Bound. Our summer vacation shapes up -- Olympic style

[412] Beijing Bound. Our summer vacation shapes up -- Olympic style


Hi Friends, Neighbors the world over!

We depart (and the house guests arrive) for Beijing in a couple of days. Your gift and postcard requests are due to me ASAP.

Throughout August, my family and I are going on our 4th trip to China -- but this time we'll be within the buzz of the Olympic Games. We're excited.

I'll be blogging from China, as best as can be expected, at this new
site with others.
http://2008gamesbeijing.com/

Check out a service called TWITTER as well. See links on my blog.
http://Twitter.com/Rauterkus/


Recent snip: "her teammates stopped their training session and flashed their middle-fingers at the man behind the camera..." Sign up to follow my twitter feed.

Olympicpedia has concluded. My sons and I -- with the help of a few others -- built a 1,000+ page wiki this summer. study up for our sporting experience. http://AforAthlete.wikia.com There is plenty to do there -- and it will be a lifetime labor of love. Your input is most welcomed.

I've got a lot of hanging questions yet:

- Where can we train in Beijing, as I expect they'll not let us splash within the Water Cube without tickets. Erik, Grant and I want to continue to swim and exercise / lift.

- I need a loaner computer monitor. I'll bring the PC/Mac Mini. We're in an apartment in BJ's Silicon Valley.

- We would like to get 3 bikes for the month. Perhaps the 4th bike could be one with a bench. Then the boys can drive my wife an I around town.

- Tickets and tips are welcomed, especially to gratis events. We have a sample of tickets to many different events, swimming, water polo, basketball, canoe, table tennis, football.

- I'm very light on Biz cards, pins, trade swag, N at . Anyone with a suitcase full of Pitt t-shirts or hot ideas -- call me.

- My blog(s) and wiki(s) are not able to be seen from within China -- at last report. So, we do what we can. Mega uploads are expected in September. A proxie and other technical questions might -- like camera storage needs -- might still materialize.

- Go USA Athletes!

Get to the Zoo

From Come Live Ove...

Danish coach accuses Chinese of spying (cont.) - Grant Wahl - SI.com

Humm....

Danish coach accuses Chinese of spying (cont.) - Grant Wahl - SI.com: "I don't think that's the way that anybody should be treated at a World Cup or an Olympics.'

Interesting story.

Locally, we only have to look as far as the family changing rooms at Soak Zone and some jerk 15 year old employee with his cell phone camera stuck to the end of a stick for cheap views. But, let's leave that one for the Carbolic Smoke Ball and humorist, if there is any humor in that.

In US football, the Patriots were pointing cameras at coaches in the games to catch signals and plays as they were relayed to the players. This came into focus by a US Senator from Pennsylvania who was able to waste lots of time on the matter.

Insert more jokes here about how the Danish team should recruit the senior senator from Pennsylvania to look into the matter -- and we might get WWIII.

Globally, I'd encourage the coach to say that the treatment should not be hinged upon the venue of the World Cup or the Olympics. People should not be treated that way -- period.

Privacy in a public realm is hard to insure. On one hand there is hopes of huddles with the team and no outsiders will be there. Then in the next hour there is hope that there will be 50,000 in the stands and 50-million, if not 500-million, watching on television.

Frankly, I hope that cameras are everywhere in Beijing. I hope that they are in the stands, in the hands of the people, and in the grassroots. In Pittsburgh, I'm wishing we had more cameras that were pointed at our politicians and public funds -- and less at the citizens.

Finally, it come time to make a mention of the overall hope of a 'closed practice.' Wow. That opens a big can of worms.

Pitt holds seminar on youth violence

Pitt holds seminar on youth violenceYouth input key to stemming tide

Community and youth input are important keys to solving youth violence, according to a Pitt seminar.

“A lot of the time, the youth’s voice gets lost,” said Valerie Dixon, the restorative justice coordinator for the Center for Victims of Violence and Crime. “We started having young people come in and they all gave their input on what needs to be done to reduce violent crime.”

Youth input is not THE KEY to ending the violence. It is an important key. But it isn't the key.

I think it is worse. Not only are the youth without a voice. The voice-less spans to the third party candidates, to the bar and tavern owners who want to put a question onto the ballot for voters of Allegheny County, to school teachers who have little to say about closing and improving school performance.

Democracy is all about voices and votes. And, our democracy is frail. Those in power have kept the power for themselves -- and discounted the opposition. Then we all suffer.

Here is one way to deal with the lack of voice for the citizens -- the Bruce Kraus and Darlene Harris way. They choose to start every city council meeting by giving voice to a dog and a cat at the animal shelter. Meanwhile, the people come later. The voice of the residents are not as important as potential pets.

Anther city council example of how they think is to hold a town-hall meeting and have the cable television cameras point at the council members and not at the citizens who are the speakers. They put themselves on stage and train the camera to the back of the citizens.

Sure, "Something needs to be done." But that is no guarantee that the right things are the somethings. They can make matters worse.

When you don't know where you are going, any road can take you there. That's something. But life won't get better.

Putting up cameras isn't going to make things more safe. Cameras have been proven to make a small move of the crime to other areas - just a half-block away. Cameras do not work as well as street lights.

Olivia Jones, executive director of the YMCA Homewood-Brushton Branch, expressed the need for students to be able to connect careers with school in order to keep a focus on education. Jones also delved into the paranoia many children in violent neighborhoods experience.


Careers being connected with schools would be fine. That happened with South Vo Tech High School. It closed. There is nothing else like it in the works, still.

But in this world that crack built -- we need to first connect the kids to the schools before we can connect the careers to the schools. Our kids don't easily connect to schools that don't have sports. And, the city is building new schools that don't have sports. And, the sports that have happened in the schools are being cut. Sports in the city schools are often a joke. Hence, the kids don't connect with their schools. They don't connect with themselves. That's a lesson sports -- great sports -- can teach.

Hence, crack is attractive.

“It is a war zone in our communities only because kids don’t know what’s coming at them,” Jones said.

Well, I don't buy that so much. Sure, it is a war zone. Sure, kids don't know what's coming at them. But the because part is what I have issues with.

Kids don't know what's what within themselves. Kids need challenges and perspectives so as to get a handle on who they are -- what they are capable of doing -- why their efforts of self investment are worthy for growth and long-term health.

We need to prepare kids and for parts of that experience they need to strive without worry of what's coming at them.

When the only focus of the kids is on the external elements -- when all they do is watch what's coming at them -- we're screwed. They're screwed.

We need to combat the violence. To combat the violence, change the focus. Make an internal focus the challenge. Coaches do this better than others.

More at http://www.crsp.pitt.edu

It is all about the population loss. People vote with their feet.

Policy Brief

An electronic publication of

The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy

---

August 1, 2008 Volume 8, Number 49

---

Aligning City Spending with Its Population

Same story, just a new year: the Census Bureau estimates that the City of Pittsburgh’s population fell once again and now stands at 311,218. That’s a decline of 23,000 people (7%) since 2000. Losing population at the average rate of the past seven years, about 3,300 people annually, the City will be down to around 300,000 people or so in the early part of the next decade.

While population is down, City spending has not adjusted commensurately. Numbers taken from the Controller’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports show that in 2007 the City’s general fund expenditures stood at $442.4 million, which, based on 2007’s population count, translates into a per capita expenditure of $1,423. In 2000, the City spent $356.9 million, and based on a population of 334,563, the per capita expenditure was $1,069. In seven years, per capita spending in the City increased 33 percent.

Consider that in the same time frame the Consumer Price Index for the Pittsburgh area rose 20 percent. If the City’s per capita expenditures had risen at the rate of inflation instead of 33 percent, the 2007 per resident expenditure would have been $1,282. That translates into 2007 spending of $399 million, about $43 million less than actual spending. Clearly $43 million would have come in quite handy for a City desperately needing to fund pensions and debt or eliminate nuisance taxes.

Nothing can change how the City got to where it is. But the spending trajectory for outlying years can be changed. We’ve advocated a rigid City spending cap (see Policy Brief Volume 7, Number 49) to be placed on a referendum as an amendment to the City’s Home Rule Charter. The spending cap would limit the change in per capita expenditures to a 2 percent increase from the previous year.

Based on the population decline in recent years of about 1 percent per year, the City would be held to an increase of 1 percent in total outlays (2 percent max – 1 percent decline in population) yearly.

The table shows how this would affect City spending beginning with the 2008 budget baseline ($423 million) and the forecasted growth contained in the budget now. It is very possible that the budget and the projected growth could be revised upward by the City. Note that the 2007 final budget was $434 million and actually came in at $442 million. As of now, projections show that the City will increase its spending to $470 million in 2012.

Two Courses for Future City Spending

Year	Current Projections (000s)	% change	Under a Spending Cap (000s)	% change	Reduced Expenditures (000s)
2008	$423,755		$423,755
2009	$435,491	3	$427,993	1	$7,498
2010	$442,446	2	$432,272	1	$10,174
2011	$455,905	3	$436,595	1	$19,310
2012	$470,549	3	$440,961	1	$29,588

Contrast that with a spending cap. That same $423.7 million baseline in 2008 would instead top out at $440.9 by 2012. Holding year over year increases to a smaller growth rate would result in cumulative savings of $66.5 million. The difference is clear: assuming the City has 300,000 residents in 2012, the per capita spending levels would be $100 lower under a cap than they would be under the current path of expenditure growth. From 2008-12, the cap controlled growth in per capita spending would be 8 percent compared to 15 percent under current budget projections.

On top of these savings there is the important effect of reducing City employment numbers, which in turn results in fewer future liabilities for pensions and retiree healthcare, two areas that desperately need to be controlled. A stringent cap on spending increases would begin the process of curtailing such liabilities.

The cap offers a productive alternative, especially with the City remaining in Act 47 distressed status following the decision of the Department of Community and Economic Development. The Secretary noted “Pittsburgh needs an amended recovery plan that would provide a blueprint for it to exit Act 47 and address pending legacy costs of debt, pensions, post retirement benefits, workers’ compensation…while maintaining positive operating budgets well into the future”.

How’s that to be done? The City can continue on its current course of seeking out allies across the state to petition the Commonwealth to fold pension obligations into the statewide system or to amend the pension funding formula. That’s been met with barely lukewarm enthusiasm so far. Or it can make a change to limit spending strictly and show the region, the state, and the country that they are serious about turning the City around. That’s never been tried here. It would be hard, but with a much bigger payoff. Maybe the City should forge this path.

---

Eric Montarti, Policy Analyst

---

Please visit our blog at alleghenyinstitute.org/blog.

If you have enjoyed reading this Policy Brief and would like to send it to a friend, please feel free to forward it to them.

For more information on this and other topics, please visit our website: alleghenyinstitute.org

If you wish to support our efforts please consider becoming a donor to the Allegheny Institute. The Allegheny Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Please mail your contribution to:

The Allegheny Institute

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People vote with their feet. They move away from oppression. They move away from those that are to lead and show a lack of logic.

People want to be free. Life works better when everyone is free. Freedom calls for respect and restraint.

Pittsburgh's population is in a deep slide. It isn't getting better. People make choices as to where to live, where to invest and where to raise families. The grass is greener where the 'redd up' crews are not necessary. And as the redd up crews bring jack booted thugs to dish-out citations, the downward spiral sustains.

Of course, Pittsburgh's Redd Up Crews have been built on a code of self-determination and generous support -- not code enforcement. The legacy of the helping hands has been fine. But, it hits at the over-reaching, nit-picking, logic less when the focus is to the space on the windshield of a parked car on a city street.

Respect is lacking for those that litter and promote without cleaning up. However, respect of freedoms still are more important.

Bonusgate allegations show desperate need for election law changes

Libertarian Party says Voters Choice Act first step to counter corruption

The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPa) today called for Harrisburg to open up the ballot to independent and third party candidates so Pennsylvanians can choose representatives who will bring integrity to the state legislature.

According to a grand jury report, top Democrat aids diverted millions of dollars in state resources (tax dollars) for Democratic campaign efforts to stifle their opposition.

Many of those alleged to be targeted were candidates sponsored by PA CleanSweep, a group formed to oust lawmakers who voted for the legislative pay raise.

State resources were also apparently used to keep third party candidates off the ballot. According to grand jury allegations, Democratic operatives directed as many as 30 taxpayer-paid employees to review signatures of third-party candidate Carl Romanelli’s petition in the ballot access challenge that killed his candidacy.

According to David Jahn (Ballot Access Coalition member and LPPa Eastern Vice-Chair), “while the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition was speaking to the Governor’s Election Reform Task force and the State Government Committee regarding inequities in the ballot access laws (which in 2006 required over 67,000 signatures), Harrisburg Democrats were spending tax dollars to assure ‘free and equal’ elections did not occur.”

It is now time for Pennsylvanians to demand real choice on the ballot. Last week, Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) introduced the Voters’ Choice Act, which removes the Commonwealth’s unfair hurdles that obstruct ballot access for independent and minor party candidates for public office.

LPPa Chair, Michael Robertson commented “The recent allegations of abuse of both public funds and public trust highlight the need for reform of the electoral process in Pennsylvania. It is time to restore the authority of the people over their government, and the Voters Choice Act is a good step in that direction."

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information.

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release: August 1, 2008

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

We're going. But we're not into gymanstics like this guy is at end of clip.

If you speed them up, they are acting like the tail on the cow. It is done to bat bugs.