The financial meltdown the economists of the Austrian School predicted has arrived.

Dr. Ron Paul wrote:

We are in this crisis because of an excess of artificially created credit at the hands of the Federal Reserve System. The solution being proposed? More artificial credit by the Federal Reserve. No liquidation of bad debt and malinvestment is to be allowed. By doing more of the same, we will only continue and intensify the distortions in our economy - all the capital misallocation, all the malinvestment - and prevent the market's attempt to re-establish rational pricing of houses and other assets.

Last night the president addressed the nation about the financial crisis. There is no point in going through his remarks line by line, since I'd only be repeating what I've been saying over and over - not just for the past several days, but for years and even decades.

Still, at least a few observations are necessary.

The president assures us that his administration "is working with Congress to address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets." Care to take a guess at whether the Federal Reserve and its money creation spree were even mentioned?

We are told that "low interest rates" led to excessive borrowing, but we are not told how these low interest rates came about. They were a deliberate policy of the Federal Reserve. As always, artificially low interest rates distort the market. Entrepreneurs engage in malinvestments - investments that do not make sense in light of current resource availability, that occur in more temporally remote stages of the capital structure than the pattern of consumer demand can support, and that would not have been made at all if the interest rate had been permitted to tell the truth instead of being toyed with by the Fed.

Not a word about any of that, of course, because Americans might then discover how the great wise men in Washington caused this great debacle. Better to keep scapegoating the mortgage industry or "wildcat capitalism" (as if we actually have a pure free market!).

Speaking about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the president said: "Because these companies were chartered by Congress, many believed they were guaranteed by the federal government. This allowed them to borrow enormous sums of money, fuel the market for questionable investments, and put our financial system at risk."

Doesn't that prove the foolishness of chartering Fannie and Freddie in the first place? Doesn't that suggest that maybe, just maybe, government may have contributed to this mess? And of course, by bailing out Fannie and Freddie, hasn't the federal government shown that the "many" who "believed they were guaranteed by the federal government" were in fact correct?

Then come the scare tactics. If we don't give dictatorial powers to the Treasury Secretary "the stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. The value of your home could plummet." Left unsaid, naturally, is that with the bailout and all the money and credit that must be produced out of thin air to fund it, the value of your retirement account will drop anyway, because the value of the dollar will suffer a precipitous decline. As for home prices, they are obviously much too high, and supply and demand cannot equilibrate if government insists on propping them up.

It's the same destructive strategy that government tried during the Great Depression: prop up prices at all costs. The Depression went on for over a decade. On the other hand, when liquidation was allowed to occur in the equally devastating downturn of 1921, the economy recovered within less than a year.

The president also tells us that Senators McCain and Obama will join him at the White House today in order to figure out how to get the bipartisan bailout passed. The two senators would do their country much more good if they stayed on the campaign trail debating who the bigger celebrity is, or whatever it is that occupies their attention these days.

F.A. Hayek won the Nobel Prize for showing how central banks' manipulation of interest rates creates the boom-bust cycle with which we are sadly familiar. In 1932, in the depths of the Great Depression, he described the foolish policies being pursued in his day - and which are being proposed, just as destructively, in our own:

Instead of furthering the inevitable liquidation of the maladjustments brought about by the boom during the last three years, all conceivable means have been used to prevent that readjustment from taking place; and one of these means, which has been repeatedly tried though without success, from the earliest to the most recent stages of depression, has been this deliberate policy of credit expansion.

To combat the depression by a forced credit expansion is to attempt to cure the evil by the very means which brought it about; because we are suffering from a misdirection of production, we want to create further misdirection - a procedure that can only lead to a much more severe crisis as soon as the credit expansion comes to an end... It is probably to this experiment, together with the attempts to prevent liquidation once the crisis had come, that we owe the exceptional severity and duration of the depression.

The only thing we learn from history, I am afraid, is that we do not learn from history.

The very people who have spent the past several years assuring us that the economy is fundamentally sound, and who themselves foolishly cheered the extension of all these novel kinds of mortgages, are the ones who now claim to be the experts who will restore prosperity! Just how spectacularly wrong, how utterly without a clue, does someone have to be before his expert status is called into question?

Oh, and did you notice that the bailout is now being called a "rescue plan"? I guess "bailout" wasn't sitting too well with the American people.

The very people who with somber faces tell us of their deep concern for the spread of democracy around the world are the ones most insistent on forcing a bill through Congress that the American people overwhelmingly oppose. The very fact that some of you seem to think you're supposed to have a voice in all this actually seems to annoy them.

I continue to urge you to contact your representatives and give them a piece of your mind. I myself am doing everything I can to promote the correct point of view on the crisis. Be sure also to educate yourselves on these subjects - the Campaign for Liberty blog is an excellent place to start. Read the posts, ask questions in the comment section, and learn.

H.G. Wells once said that civilization was in a race between education and catastrophe. Let us learn the truth and spread it as far and wide as our circumstances allow. For the truth is the greatest weapon we have.

In liberty,

Ron Paul

America Says NO to the Bush Bailout!

Missed this event. Wish I could have gone. Any others like it in the future -- post them here in the comments and I'll plug them on the blog.

America Says NO to the Bush Bailout!: "Let's deliver an immediate and direct response to the president’s call for this enormous bailout: NO!

Volunteers will host actions in cities and towns across the country with a simple message: 'America says NO Bush Bailout!”

Find an event (or *create* a new one if there's not one already -- we must lead ourselves)"

No blank check for Wall Street.

No blank check for Wall Street.: "No blank check for Wall Street."

Memo to Ricky Burgess about his youth policy.

I LOVE gangs. I desire more attention to positive gangs that we control: orchestras, swim teams, baseball leagues.

Ricky Burgess, D, member of Pittsburgh City Council, is pitching a program that is now about a bigger stick to whack down a wider reach of folks. His policy, and that of the mayor, is a continuation of the failed policy of the WAR ON DRUGS.

This is like a "surge" on our streets.

KDKA Radio's Marty read my posting (above, mostly) on the air.

Paradise Gray does not know Anthony! Get out! The schools are not being well utilized. We agree. Anthony calls it the kids fault.

The violence must stop. No joke. But how? With more violence isn't okay.

Caller: If we have trouble makers -- why isn't the police already doing their jobs? They are not to police themselves -- or are they? Our tax money goes to the police to do a job.

Youth Training - USA v Germany (in soccer)

Youth Training - USA v Germany: "Youth Training - USA v Germany"

Great feature.

The Loyalist: Song from the past. History can repeat itself

Dave Nachmanoff, sings a song about the Loyalist!

In the time of the American Revolution, 1770s, there were many who were for King George.

The back-up voice is that of Al Stewart.

Today, could the loyalist be the ones who go blindly into a bailout of $700-billion, this month, for the corporate folks.

Ogranization offers to commit suicide -- due to the bailout

Downsize DC commits suicide

We've heard the Treasury Secretary and the Federal Reserve Chairman make their case for a $700 billion bailout of the financial markets. We're not persuaded. Quite the contrary. We reject their predictions of dire consequences if their plan doesn't pass. We're so convinced of this that we're willing to stake our continued existence on it.

If the economy goes into a deep slump because they didn't pass their bailout plan then charitable contributions will be among the first things cut from family budgets. If we're wrong then we'll be among the many institutions to fail. But we don't believe we're wrong. And we don't believe we'll fail.

In 2003 dire warnings about "weapons of mass destruction" were used to justify an unnecessary war in Iraq. We bucked the tide of public hysteria and dared to claim that there were NO "weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq.

We were right, and popular opinion, driven by political fear mongering, was wrong. Now we're being told that our economy is threatened by "financial weapons of mass destruction," and we'll once again buck the hysterical trend by predicting that . . .

There are no "financial weapons of mass destruction" threatening our economy -- except for the $700 billion bailout plan.

We don't believe that mortgage defaults on a mere 3 million homes have the power to halt the mighty American economic engine. It's really that simple.

Many wild claims are being made. Yesterday, on CNBC, Jim Cramer predicted a Great Depression II if the bailout plan isn't passed. Cramer is even willing to let the Democrats cap CEO pay and take ownership positions in troubled firms (socialism), if that's what it takes to pass the bailout plan. Cramer, despite his great intelligence and personal charm, is madly, hysterically, wrong.

In the Great Depression 40% of homes went into foreclosure.

Today the foreclosure rate is only 6%, and the trend is toward fewer foreclosures rather than more.

We're far closer to the end of this problem than we are to the beginning.

Of course, the fear mongers will claim that we had a 40% foreclosure rate in the Great Depression precisely because the government didn't intervene soon enough, and that current foreclosure rates will spiral out of control if the bailout bill isn't passed. This reading of history gets the true story of the Great Depression exactly backwards . . .

The myth is that President Hoover did nothing after the stock market burst in 1929. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Hoover actually began the kinds of interventions that are commonly associated with FDR. Roosevelt was merely copying, and dramatically expanding on what Hoover had already done, not setting a new course. And look at what the results were . . . a Great Depression that lasted for 12 long years!

Hoover and Roosevelt both tried to stop market prices from falling, which is exactly what the current proposal aims to do. But the result in the late 20s and early 30s was that the market never cleared, and so the Depression went on and on and on.

We could have the same thing again today if we allow the government to once again intervene in natural market processes.

The fact is that the politicians, the bureaucrats, and various hysteria mongers, are misleading us. They tell us that the market is frozen, but the fact is that commercial loans are at an all-time high, and even real estate loans ARE HIGHER THAN THEY WERE LAST YEAR! The fact is that . . .

The current "crisis" is mainly centered among the highly leveraged investment banks on Wall Street, but even there the market is far from frozen. Merrill Lynch was able to sell its bad assets and was then bought by Bank of America (which had earlier bought CountryWide).

Does this look like a frozen market to you? It doesn't to us.

And would it really matter if the markets were "frozen?" Inactive markets simply mean that buyers and sellers of assets have a disagreement about what those assets are worth. We must not allow the politicians and the bureaucrats to substitute their judgement for the judgements of buyers and sellers who are, after all, SPENDING THEIR OWN MONEY, whereas the politicians and bureaucrats are asking to spend YOUR MONEY!

We've taken the time, and shown the courtesy, of hearing our "leaders" speak, and having done so, WE REJECT THEIR CLAIMS! THEIR MUST BE NO BAILOUT, OF ANY KIND!

Please be clear about what we're NOT saying. We're NOT saying that things are rosy, or even all that good. As we explained Monday, we're feeling the effects of a FED-generated bubble pop. We are very simply saying that a bailout is wrong-headed and unnecessary, and could even make things worse.

If you agree with us, please tell your elected representatives to OPPOSE ALL BAILOUTS! You can use our generic campaign for cutting federal spending to send your message. Use your personal comments to reject the bailout and to make any of the points we've made in this message, or additional arguments of your own. You can send your message using our Educate the Powerful System.

But don't stop there. Please take the following additional steps . . .

* Call your Representative and your two Senators after you've sent your message
* Pass this Dispatch to others -- SOUND THE ALARM AND SPREAD THE WORD
* Register for a Digg account, and then Digg this message on our blog.

Finally, we've staked our existence on our principals and our best judgement. We expect to thrive, not die. But we are struggling in this economy too. Many DC Downsizers have had to cut their pledges because of the current downturn. Some have lost their jobs. We really need those of you who are still doing well to come to our aid. We especially need new monthly pledges to replace $400 a month we've lost so far this Summer. You can make a contribution here.

Thank you for being a part of the growing Downsize DC army!

Jim Babka & Perry Willis
President & Communications Director
DownsizeDC.org, Inc.

Talking Health Care at event at Duquesne Univ

Jerry Bowyer is the moderator.

Talking Health Care at event at Duquesne Univ

Jerry Bowyer is the moderator.

Looking for clever old-school slogans and quotes from a small business guy w quixotic son

Here is part of an email:

I was up on Capitol Hill yesterday among the swarm of big bank lobbyists.

And the first thing I thought of was something my dad -- Nathra Nader -- used to say:

"Capitalism will always survive in the United States as long as the government is willing to use socialism to bail it out."

Dad was old school.

Dad emigrated to the U.S. in 1912 when he was nineteen.

"When I sailed past the Statue of Liberty, I took it seriously," he would say.

Dad ran a restaurant in downtown Winsted, CT -- the Highland Arms.

People used to say -- "At Nader's place, for a nickel you got a cup of coffee and ten minutes of conversation."

Dad didn't hesitate to skewer the greed of big business.

He especially opposed the drive by the chain stores to destroy family owned small businesses.

Dad was a man of many sayings.

"Congress is the best big business investment in the country," he would say. "It's one big leveraged sell-out."

When we were young, Dad would tell us:

"Don't look down on anyone and don't be in awe of anyone."

Or this one:

"Almost everyone will claim they love their country. If that is true, why don't they spend more time improving it?"

Dad knew early on that both political parties were under the thumb of big business. (Where did you think I got it from?)

Anyway, being on Capitol Hill yesterday got me to thinking about an idea that would help us push our substantive agenda onto the front burner of American politics.

A few years ago, I sat down at my manual typewriter and typed in 100 or so of my Dad's most memorable sayings and proverbs.

I thought you would enjoy having a copy of them.

So, here's the deal.

Our goal during this current fundraising drive is to hit $150,000 by the end of the month. (Thanks to your generosity, we're already at $36,000.)

If you donate any amount that has the number 3 in it -- as in -- we want a 3-way race -- by midnight tonight, we'll e-mail to you a collection of my Dad's sayings and proverbs.

That simple.

If you want the book -- you can do the google search to find the offer. Clever give-a-way.

Bruce Kraus = Ineffective. Such a failure.

To be sure, the fight isn't over -- yet. But, for now, the 6-0 decision is clearly on the side that is against years of work. All the work is fruitless. Worthless leadership, perhaps.

Panel approves South Side restaurant - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewPanel approves South Side restaurant

By Jeremy Boren, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Pittsburgh's Planning Commission served a setback Tuesday to South Side residents who have fought to prevent more liquor-serving restaurants and bars from opening in the neighborhood.

"This is a rush to judgment," said Nicholas Kefal, 71, of the South Side. "(The commission) could undercut years of work by the community."

In a 6-0 vote, commission members recommended that the owners of Baba D's, a Mediterranean restaurant in Oakland, be permitted to open with a liquor license in the 2100 block of East Carson Street across from the Carson Towers apartment building. The decision requires City Council's approval.

Councilman Bruce Kraus, who represents the South Side, told the commission the corner already has five liquor-serving establishments and that many of his constituents do not believe a sixth should be allowed.

He read aloud several letters from neighbors opposed to the restaurant owner's request to sidestep an ordinance City Council approved in July 2007 that sought to limit the number of liquor-serving establishments in neighborhoods already packed with them.

The South Side has more than 90 bars and restaurants that serve liquor.

Dourid Aboud, whose family owns the business, said it will be a family-run restaurant, not a rowdy bar. He agreed to stop serving food and liquor at 11 p.m. daily and not to expand seating in the bar area beyond 13.

Some South Side residents at the meeting questioned who would enforce the rules, particularly if the restaurant and its license are eventually sold.

Before the vote, commission member E. Paul Dick cautioned against making an exception for a restaurant "the first time this issue comes up." He abstained from the vote.

In other news, UPMC is shaking in its boots with fears that Bruce Kraus is going to come down and demand that the UPMP South Side Hospital remain open.

Customers Affected By Recent Power Outages To Get Answers - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

Customers Affected By Recent Power Outages To Get Answers - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "Those affected by the recent power outages will have the chance to get some answers Wednesday.

Allegheny County Councilman Matt Drozd wants anyone affected by last week's power outages to come to Wednesday night's county council public safety meeting.

The wind storm left tens of thousands in the dark, some for an entire week.

Top management of local utility services have been asked to attend.

'They didn't even have a chance to voice their concerns, didn't even reach their call centers, did not get a call returned for days and days later, and their frustrations were pent up inside them,' said Drozd.

The event is at 5 p.m. in council chambers.

They won't get many new answers. The wind blew. The lines fell. The repairs were slow as a new bottle of Heinz ketchup.

However, it is great that Councilman Drozd is trying to hold their feet to the fire. And, we might get a nice surprise.

Calls requested for Obama's PA offices for debate inclusion

As Bush invited Perot into the debates and as Reagan invited John Anderson to debate, Barack Obama can demand that Bob Barr be included in the debates.
So here's the task:

Pick up the phone and call 267-886-8591.

"Hi my name is __________ and I'm calling to request that Senator Obama invite minority party candidates Bob Barr and Ralph Nader to participate in the upcoming presidential debates. Could you please leave this message with the head of your office, Jesse Thomas?

Send me a note at feedback@bobbarr2008.com and let me know how it went.

Orange going rotten: Robinson's time at Syracuse coach appears to be growing short - College Football

Pitt's footballers go to New York this week to play Syracuse. Interesting.

ESPN - Robinson's time at Syracuse coach appears to be growing short - College Football: "Robinson's time at Syracuse coach appears to be growing short

I can't wait to see the movie. I'm a big fan of sports flicks from Hoosiers to Remember the Titans to Miracle to Pre (a movie about Steve Prefontane). Sports flicks are interesting -- even Rocky.

Syracuse athletic director Dr. Daryl Gross said Monday that the Orange football team has yet to show the "obvious progress" necessary for Greg Robinson to remain as football coach beyond this season.

Syracuse has a Big East record of 2-22 in the past three seasons.

Dr. Daryl Gross, Syracuse athletics director, has been stung by recent coast-to-coast criticism, including on ESPN's "College GameDay," of the program's decline under his watch. He made an unsolicited phone call to ESPN.com to defend himself, citing the university's success in nonrevenue sports, ranging from the 2008 NCAA men's lacrosse championship to an Orange field hockey program currently ranked third in the nation.

"We got so many good things going on here," Gross said. "The 800-pound gorilla is football. You and I both know we've been very fair to Coach Robinson. Everyone wanted the guy's head last year. I said I didn't want Syracuse to become one of those three-years-and-out schools. I said, 'Let's calm down and [if needed] we'll get the first pick of the draft [of coaching candidates] next year.' That's where we are."



Hope Pitt beats Syracuse this weekend in football.

Hope Syracuse puts the AD's head on a stick.

Hope Syracuse moves to re-start the swim team and fund them fully.

Schenley High School web site stinks

Check out the Schenley web site http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/schenley/site/default.asp. Gosh, there is room for improvement there. They get 50% on many pages -- when I'd give them a grade of "F."

Welcome to Pilot Aquatic Club. New coach hired in TN -- my old swimmer

Big swim news, a bit further south. Jim Rumbaugh got hired as the head coach of a big club, Pilot.

Welcome to Pilot Aquatic Club

Jim Rumbaugh has accepted an offer to be the next Head Coach of Pilot Aquatic Club.

Jim signed a four year contract this afternoon and is assuming the Head Coach position effective immediately.

Jim interviewed for the position last Monday. After going through the interview process a unanimous decision of parents assisting with the search and the Board was reached to offer Jim the position as Head Coach.

Jim comes to us HIGHLY recommended by John Trembley and Matt Kredich. He has most recently been serving as Head Coach of Tennessee Aquatics and as a volunteer assistant coach for the Men's Swimming program at the University of Tennessee. He also coached seven years at Dynamo Swim Team in Atlanta and also served as Head Coach of Lompoc Tsunami Swim Team in Lompoc CA. He was a team captain of the University of Tennessee Men's team for two years, was a five time All-American. Jim is married and is a 3rd degree black-belt in Taekwondo and is an avid golfer.

Jim will be introduced at the Membership meeting tomorrow, Tuesday September 16 at 6:00 pm at Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center.

Please join me in welcoming Jim to the Pilot Aquatic Club family.

Way to go Jimmy!

Too bad we don't have a slew of programs like this in our region. It would be great to have him home as a swim coach. But, it just isn't happening here.

I was able to coach Jim was a high school senior, at Plum High School. He set two WPIAL swim records, beating one classic record by Mel Nash in the 100 back. At states he won 2 gold medals, 100 back and 200 IM. He was .01 from the state record in one event and broke the state record in the other.

The great thing about Jimmy's senior year of swimming was that he went faster at Jr. National than he did at the PIAA Meet -- as I had hoped and predicted.

We'll need to get to Knoxville for a swim meet in the months and years to come.

Jimmy swam USA Swimming (club swimming) for the JCC Sailfish, the same team where my sons swim now.

Nike will not compete with Speedo, TYR - More Sports - SI.com

Nike will not compete with Speedo, TYR - More Sports - SI.com Nike said Monday that it is leaving the elite swimwear market.

The company will continue to provide swimwear for colleges and sell to traditional retail customers. But it will not compete against the likes of Speedo to get the swoosh on the world's top swimmers.

'We will not invest in next-generation swim innovation, which is not in line with our stated category growth strategy,' the company said in a statement.

What will the new Science and Tech High School & Middle School do with its software elements?

"The real shock is that the academic programming language community continues to reject the sea change in programming practices brought about by scripting. Enamored of the object-oriented paradigm, especially in the undergraduate curriculum, unwilling to accept the LAMP (Linux-Apache-MySQL-Perl/Python/Php) tool set, and firmly believing that more programming theory leads to better programming practice, the academics seem blind to the facts on the ground."

I say, the school needs to use Open Source Software and that's that. Any other move is a tragic mistake.

Stay tuned. Thinking about my possible replies.

1. What brought you to Social Media and what keeps you hanging around?

2. Which social networking tool gives you the shakes when it's not updated or is experiencing down time? (Podcasts, Blogs, Micro-blogging, etc)

3. What kind of insight could you offer to others on a topic at PCPGH3? If none, then what do you most want to hear more about?

Humm....

PodCamp Pittsburgh - PCPGH3 themed Friday 5 this week!: "PCPGH3 themed Friday 5 this week!"


In other blogging news:

Annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week Calls on Bloggers to Become Partner and Help Stop Bullying: "Annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week Calls on Bloggers to Become Partner and Help Stop Bullying"

With eye on rash of arrests, Hawkeyes hire director of player development - College Football

Does your favorite college football team have a parole officer on its coaching staff too?

ESPN - With eye on rash of arrests, Hawkeyes hire director of player development - College Football Iowa has hired former defensive back Chigozie Ejiasi to be its director of player development following a rash of off-field problems involving football players.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz promoted Ejiasi, who has served as an administrative assistant for the team the last two years. Ferentz chose Ejiasi from a pool of more than 100 applicants.

'We created this position to assist our student-athletes in the transition from high school to college and to help make their experience at Iowa as positive as possible,'

Pitt beat Iowa. Now Iowa needs to hire a nanny to do bed checks and dish out time-outs.

What about the good old days: If you screw up, then go home. There. Don't need to have a new position to pack the player's bags.

Bullet Point Ballet - He tells us who is is voting for and I feel inclined to agree on most points!

He hits a home-run in my book.

Bullet Point Ballet His lack of experience isn’t what bothers me. In the tradition of many libertarians before me, I think lack of experience is much more appealing than a lot of it.

Read the entire article for a good perspective.

Congress Lowers Drinking Age To 17 Just For Jenny's Party | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Congress Lowers Drinking Age To 17 Just For Jenny's Party | The Onion - America's Finest News SourceWASHINGTON — Overturning a law that has been in place for 24 years, Congress approved a temporary repeal of the Minimum Drinking Age Act Wednesday upon learning that Benjamin Harrison High School student Jenny Larsen is celebrating her 17th birthday with an unsupervised party at which attendees are expecting to consume alcohol.

H.R. 874, more commonly known as the Jenny's Turning 17!!! Bill, will go into effect Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, as soon as Jenny's parents leave for their weekend trip to Vermont. Until the bill expires on Sunday afternoon, it will be legal for any American aged 17 or older—or 16 if they have a birthday coming up—to consume alcohol within the confines of 128 Longfellow Rd.

This is a way to deal with the 'war on drugs.' Allow for preemptive strikes -- and pardons.

Ownership of self

Nader, Barr & Paul: 'Told you so' - Ben Adler - Politico.com

Nader, Barr & Paul: 'Told you so' - Ben Adler - Politico.com: "Nader, Barr & Paul: 'Told you so'
By BEN ADLER | 9/21/08 12:57 PM EDT
Text Size:

While the presidential campaigns of John McCain and Barack Obama have stepped gingerly around the financial crisis and the question of government intervention, third party candidates Bob Barr and Ralph Nader have shown no such compunction.

Instead they have embraced the market meltdown, viewing it as a rare opportunity to highlight bold economic positions and, perhaps as important, claim credit for sounding the early warning alarms.

'We've been hammering it,' said Shane Cory, Barr's deputy campaign manager. 'When this first came about with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Bob was explaining, 'When we bail out Fannie and Freddie, expect more to come.''"

Live Blog Roosevelt interview

Students get 50% for nothing. Raising all students to get something for nothing. Rant from Marty Griffin from a school teacher. Tear up the test, get 50%. Fifty percent for nothing.

Eyebrows raised over city school policy that sets 50% as minimum score: "Eyebrows raised over city school policy that sets 50% as minimum score
1 1=3? In city schools, it's half right"

Roosevelt said, "You got to keep the kids engaged."

Well, let's keep the kids in sports.

If you get 20% and then 2 Bs in a class -- you still fail.

Well, if the kids gets 20% -- they'd be fired if they were on a job.

School district given Es not Fs.

Last week the Pgh Promise Board said 2 years to move to 2.5 rather than 1 year. Adolescence is a tough time. They are moving a college scholarship to 2.5 GPA. Go figure. If a kid gets a 2.5 they are not going to do anything in college except flunk out.

http://www.KDKARadio.com


Kids that get to graduate from a 50% worst score will hit college and might expect the same treatment. That is not the time to have a surprise, in college.

Lot of places have these policies! Who? Where? We'll be surprised as to how many.

Even if there are plenty of places that are giving 50% for nothing -- does that make it right?

Have a test re-take. Make-up the homework. Make sure that the class is not

4 Bs and 1 E give a kid a promotion to the next grade.

Trying to keep the kids engaged.

Taking 1 more year to go to 2.5. Then we'll have a graduation test at 2012. Then we'll raise the standard again. But, that standard is not constructed yet.

Brashier High School has more than expected students this year. He does not have the numbers yet. It has been nearly a month into the school year and he does not have the numbers! Furthermore, the media needs to ask him these attendance figures and have them reported. Brashier is up 200 students. The lunch room is over filled.

Mike Folmer introduces Voters’ Choice Act (SB 1578) in Pennsylvania State Senate

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania urges co-sponsorship of legislation
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
http://www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release: September 22, 2008

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) / Media-Relations@lppa.org or

Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Harrisburg, PA – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPa) strongly endorses state senator Mike Folmer’s ( http://senatorfolmer.com/ ) ballot access reform bill, Senate Bill (SB) 1578.

In a letter to his fellow state senators, Folmer wrote “No state makes it more difficult for minor party and independent candidates to run for public office than Pennsylvania. During the 2006 General Election, minor party and independent statewide candidates in Pennsylvania were required to gather more than 67,000 signatures to appear on the November ballot. Meanwhile, the major parties’ candidates had no such signature requirements for the General Election. Had similar ballot access been in force in Utah, the Democratic Party would not have qualified as a political party. If similar provisions existed in Massachusetts, the Republican Party would neither qualify as a party nor be able to hold primary elections.”

Sen. Folmer’s legislation provides for significantly fairer ballot access in Pennsylvania. Candidates would need to collect the same amount of signatures as required of major party candidates in order to appear on the November ballot. (Minor party or independent candidates do not participate in the Primary Election). A political party would need from 0.05 and 15 percent of the total number of registered Pennsylvania voters as of 21 days prior to the date of the Primary Election in order to qualify as a “minor political party.”

“This bill is a major step forward and a welcome change from the political monopoly-as-usual in Pennsylvania,” explained LPPa representative for Pennsylvania’s Ballot Access Coalition David Jahn. “Earlier this year we saw Bounsgate allegations of Democrats using taxpayers’ money to keep Green Party candidates off the ballot. Just days ago we saw the unsuccessful Republican challenge to Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr’s placement on the ballot. Given this openly hostile political environment, we are all the more elated and thankful that Senator Folmer sponsored this legislation.”

The LPPa urges voters to support ballot choice by asking their state senator to co-sponsor and support SB 1578, the Voters’ Choice Act.

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.

Bike tour to mark reopening of Point State Park, city's birthday

Bike tour to mark reopening of Point State Park, city's birthday The PNC Legacy Relay will cover that 335-mile distance in 24 hours and catch up to the bike tour as it enters Pittsburgh.

Waiting for them on the Hot Metal Bridge on Oct. 4 will be the PNC Legacy Trail Community Ride, a group of bicyclists who will accompany them to the park via the PNC FirstSide Center where another group of community riders and some walkers will join the group.

Bikes need to be for everyday use, not just leisure and tourism actions.

Volunteers from 1996 Olympics gathered at White Water for community

Sounds like a great place to live.

Who and how can the volunteers from the 2008 Olympics be pulled together for a reunion?

# 12 Bush Profiteers Collect Billions From No Child Left Behind | Project Censored

# 12 Bush Profiteers Collect Billions From No Child Left Behind | Project Censored: "The architect of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), President Bush’s first senior education advisor, Sandy Kress, has turned the program, which has consistently proven disastrous in the realm of education, into a huge success in the realm of corporate profiteering. After ushering NCLB through the US House of Representatives in 2001 with no public hearings, Kress went from lawmaker—turning on spigots of federal funds—to lobbyist, tapping into those billions of dollars in federal funds for private investors well connected to the Bush administration.

My Friend sold her car and now lives only with a bike as transportation --- her saga

She has survived the first week. See the comments for the update.

City parks convention draws 500 visitors here

City parks convention draws 500 visitors here: "City parks convention draws 500 visitors here
Saturday, September 20, 2008
By Patricia Lowry, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh's revitalized parks will be in the spotlight for the next few days as the 2008 International Urban Parks Conference brings almost 500 parks professionals and advocates to town to tour the city's parks and designed landscapes."

Presidential Candidate visits Pgh after Morgantown this week

Wednesday, September 24th, 2:00pm - Morgantown WV

Nader for President 2008 Rally with Ralph Nader
West Virginia University
Gluck Theater in the Mountain Lair Student Union (University Ave)
Suggested Contribution: $10/$5 student
More information: (504) 319-9312 or events@votenader.org

Wednesday, September 24th, 7:30pm - Pittsburgh PA

Nader for President 2008 Rally with Ralph Nader
University of Pittsburgh
David Lawrence Hall, Room 120
Suggested Contribution: $10/$5 student
More information: (724) 833-5158 or events@votenader.org

For additional information, please call our national headquarters at 202-471-5833, or e-mail events@votenader.org

Get-tough initiative to target city killings

Get-tough initiative to target city killings Pittsburgh's hardest young troublemakers will be identified, rounded up, and brought together.

Come together -- in jail.

Pittsburgh does not even have a detention center. Remember that.

The hardest young troublemakers can generally be found in middle schools.

U of Delaware Hosts 28 World Coaches - Heavy Medal - Washington Post reporters blog live from venues at the Beijing Olympics

U of Delaware Hosts 28 World Coaches - Heavy Medal - Washington Post reporters blog live from venues at the Beijing Olympics U of Delaware Hosts 28 World Coaches

In its latest attempt to reach out to the international sports community, the U.S. Olympic Committee has invited 28 coaches in 15 Olympic sports from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas to take part in a coaching seminar at the University of Delaware that begins Monday.

With Chicago bidding for the 2016 Games on the heels of New York's fourth-place finish in its quest for the 2012 Summer Games, the USOC is keenly aware of its need to reach out to developing nations in the international sports community.

Called the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP), the program is a joint project among the USOC, the IOC's Olympic Solidarity and the University of Delaware.

Among the invitee: Ivo Lakucs, coach of the gold medal-winning BMX team from Latvia and Atanas Nikolovski, a whitewater kayak athlete who carried the flag bearer for The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia during the Opening Ceremony in Beijing.

The first phase of the program includes guest lecturers, seminars and field trips. The second module will team the coaches up in an apprenticeship with either their respective U.S. national or collegiate team, with the University of Delaware, Penn State University, Northern Michigan University and Texas Wesleyan University among the participants. The coaches also will travel to the Philadelphia Eagles training facility and the Philadelphia sports complex.

They will also fly to Colorado Springs, Colo., for lectures conducted by the USOC's Sport Performance Division at the U.S. Olympic Training Center Oct. 12-29. The final phase of the program will take place at the Maison du Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, April 18-22, 2009.

"As a part of our commitment to international partnership and outreach, the U.S. Olympic Committee is excited to partner with Olympic Solidarity and the University of Delaware to offer coaches from around the globe a world class coaching education program," Jim Scherr, Chief Executive Officer of the USOC, said in a release. "The International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program will provide national level coaches the possibility to keep abreast of the latest coaching principles from national level University professionals from the University of Delaware, and from USOC coaching and performance experts."

The IOC's Olympic Solidarity program is designed to get assistance to national Olympic committees around the world that most need it. The recent Summer Games in Beijing featured 586 athletes from 150 countries who benefitted from Olympic Solidarity.

The 28 coaches will be housed on the University of Delaware campus and at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. They were were nominated by their respective national Olympic Committees and selected by Olympic Solidarity and the USOC to receive scholarships to participate in the program.

Following is a list of the participating countries: Bangladesh, Barbados, Botswana, Burundi, China, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Georgia, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Latvia, Lesotho, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands Antilles, Oman, Republic of Korea, Romania, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Virgin Islands, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Matthew J. Robinson, UD associate professor of sport management, is director of the program. Robinson has created international sport initiatives in Turkey, Senegal, Ireland, Cape Verde and India.

By Amy Shipley | September 19, 2008

Where is Pitt and Duquesne in this effort? What about UPMC?

Furthermore, this is wonderful for the rest of the world. What about for our kids in the city?

I want to see programs like this where we bring in experts -- who are not thugs. They think the ones who have graduated from jails are key motivators to our youth. Rather, I want to see international and regional talent. I want to develop leadership.

They took a couple of parking spaces and made them into a 'park' next to city hall today. I went. There was talk about being 'competitive' from Patrick Dowd. But, there was not a hint of coaching. Without programming -- you've got fake grass. That's it.

Parks are places to teach -- not just park in a lawn chair to witness fireworks.

Parks are places to interact with kids -- not just for the removal of vandals and their tags.

Well done Delaware.

I'd love to hear an interview on Wednesday with the professors at Duquesne Univ. who are doing the sport-business show on Pgh R.R. Radio -- and Ron Morris. These are the issues we as a region should tackle.

Pittsburgh targets youth crime

OMG.

Pittsburgh targets youth crimeSimple terms: Identify the worst criminal groups responsible for more than half of the violence, tell them that violence won't be tolerated and that there are other options and then follow through.

Citizens, time to get out your decoder rings.

The message: Our promise to you is, after we have this meeting, the first group that kills somebody, pack your toothbrush, because we're rolling you all up," he said. "You punish the entire group ... They start policing themselves.

So, we'll have ANOTHER Pittsburgh Promise.

The first promise is still not proven to work, or have taken root.

The formal plan SHOULD be available to the public. Could, would, should.

The city has volumes of plans. It has shelves of laws that go without any enforcement. We've got plans for sky-bus to subway stations with skylights.

They think it will have an impact in six months -- about the time of the mayor's primary. Go figure.

When does the formal plan get delivered?

If they are going to punish entire gangs for flare ups -- where do they put the new prisons? Isn't the Allegheny County Jail already full? How much room is available? Where are they going to put the punished?

What happens with they dish out punishments that don't match with the ones did the crime?

Guilt by association puts Pittsburgh onto the highway to a fascist community. This is much like Miami Vice and the spread of the War on Drugs. If you got a boat -- you're a guilty drug smuggler.

Clincher:

"If it is done with reasonable goodwill and if it is kept in place, you will get these too-good-to-be-true results," he said.

So, the heavy handed police state needs to be operated with reasonable goodwill. And, it needs to happen day-in-day-out.

Mr. Ravenstahl has pledged $160,000 in city funds and Mr. Burgess $40,000 in council funds toward the costs of retaining Mr. Kennedy and the University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work, which will participate in the research component.

The $160,000 and the $40,000 are not from the mayor's office nor from city council. Those funds are our funds -- city taxpayer money.

A chunk of that money is going to a retainer for someone in Boston. How much? Is his role that of 'cheerleader' and 'teacher?' Is this Boston model with benchmarks for Pittsburgh?

What exactly are we going to hold these folks accountable for?

Frankly, I'm all in favor of gang activities. But, I want our kids in gangs that we control -- positive gangs. Swim teams, orchestra, and the Ozanam Basketball League are gangs that work for us.

Motivation comes with both a stick and a carrot. I hate to see them deploy bigger and bigger sticks.

Woman killed in school bus accident

Bad pedestrian death to a mom.

Woman killed in school bus accident: "Police said the victim had just taken her 18-month-old child to a day-care center near the scene of the accident. Officers said she was walking across Shady Avenue when the bus, turning left from Monitor onto Shady, struck her.

Other pedestrians yelled for the bus driver to stop, and once they caught her attention, she backed up and struck to victim again, police said.

So sad.

I just came back from a special event on Grant Street where a temporary park was made within two parking spots next to the City-County Building. Luke Ravenstahl and Patrick Dowd must have parked elsewhere today.

While there, I got to meet the new bike czar. He was quick to point out to me that he is not a 'czar.' Boy I was glad to hear that from him. I ranted about how Pittsburgh does not need any czars, again. Pat Ford was a czar. Czars often fall from power and have space inserted between head and torso.

The bike coordinator is also with duties for pedestrians and is part of planning.

As a city, we've got a lot to do.

BBC SPORT | Olympics/Paralympics blog

BBC SPORT | Olympics/Paralympics blog But on Tuesday 23 September the magic evaporates - the videos will all disappear. You have just a few days left to gorge yourselves on the very best of Beijing.

The reason the videos expire on Tuesday is that our agreement with the International Olympic Committee allows the BBC to provide video online in the UK, but only for a certain period of time during and after the Games - which is now coming to an end.

Such a shame.

M. Phelps's Home Pool Seeking USOC Funds - Heavy Medal - Washington Post reporters blog live from venues at the Beijing Olympics

M. Phelps's Home Pool Seeking USOC Funds - Heavy Medal - Washington Post reporters blog live from venues at the Beijing Olympics: "Michael Phelps's personal coach Bob Bowman led his first coaches' meeting at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club Wednesday, but no major changes to the facility or star athletes are expected to arrive until the club learns whether it receives the funding it has requested from the U.S. Olympic Committee in the coming weeks, according to NBAC Founder Murray Stephens.

Dr. Phil and with Conan O'Brien in one day

Ralph Nader to appear on both Dr. Phil and with Conan O'Brien's "Triumph the Comic Dog," on Friday September 19th.

The Hermit with Davis Fleetwood

Ralph Nader on the "Progressive Dilemma"

Ralph Nader: "God Is Not A Real Estate Agent"

Ralph Nader: "The End of America?"

Red State Update Meets Ralph Nader

Red State: Ralph Nader On Anal Flutter

Movie Preview: Washington, You're Fired

Seagate to close Pittsburgh center

Seagate to close Pittsburgh center: "Computer hard drive giant Seagate Technologies is planning a 'phased closure' of its Pittsburgh research center, located in the Strip District. The shutdown will be complete by June, 2008.

The facility will be closed by June. The phases are "fast," then "lights out" and then "closed." At that speed, I'm not sure that the electric company will have a crew ready to handle the disconnect by then.

I want to know what is going to happen with the Seagate Triathlon?

No one voted to pour taxpayer funds into Wall Street. And no one voted for the government to take over an insurance company.

Nobody voted before the spending of the money for a bailout of AIG.

Another Federal Bailout: “I Told You So,” Says Bob Barr | Libertarian Party “It appears that President George W. Bush should say that we are all socialists now,' says Barr, as he explains that the government has now taken over insurance giant AIG with an $85 billion loan, for which it received an 80 percent equity stake in the company. 'In other words, the federal government now will own and run one of the nation's largest insurance companies.'

“This administration, supposedly devoted to free markets and fiscal responsibility, has bailed out the housing industry, the quasi-government mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the investment house Bear Stearns, and a leading insurer. What’s next?” asks Barr.

“And how will we pay for this ever-rising bill for corporate welfare? The national debt already runs $9.5 trillion,” Barr explains. “The deficit this year will run a record $407 billion. Next year the red ink will be even greater. And there are trillions upon trillions of dollars that will come due under Medicare and Social Security as the Baby-Boomers retire,” he adds.

United Stock Tanks on False Bankruptcy Rumors | Travel Industry Blog | BNET

Speaking of miss-information on the internet.

United Stock Tanks on False Bankruptcy Rumors | Travel Industry Blog | BNET United Stock Tanks on False Bankruptcy Rumors

Education: Pittsburgh schools trying to get away from race-based admissions - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh

Education: Pittsburgh schools trying to get away from race-based admissions - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh In any case, the magnet program seems to be in limbo for now.

The magnet program is in limbo, so says the newspaper (Pgh City Paper).

Well, well, well.

Without the magnet program, Pittsburgh would be a ghost town. The magnet program has been the saving star that has kept the PPS afloat.

It seems as if some administrators are hell-bent on trying to destroy the school district, and in turn, the city.

I agree with the statement in the newspaper. The magnet program is in limbo. Limbo is not a good place. Limbo is not what parents want to hear. Families don't choose to opt into limbo.

Limbo = FUD = Fear, uncertainty, doubt.

With limbo comes an acceleration of the exodus.

The magnet program has been a crown jewel of the school district for many reason. The diversity factor is one element. But there is more to the magnet than just a lottery for an entrance into a school.

The magnet program means choice. And, it seems that a lottery is less about choice and more about chance. The choice is not up to the luck of the draw. Rather, the choice needs to be put onto the realm of the family.

The lack of solutions and understanding as to what works and what is folly is frustrating.

Some sort of modified lottery is nothing but a way for lawyers and bureaucrats to CYA. (CYA = Cover Your Ass) To run a school district based upon some sort of modified lottery is a bad bet and formula for failure.

Some say the the lottery, be it PowerBall or other flavors of state-sanctioned numbers running, is a "stupid tax." The odds of winning are not favorable. Those who spend money to buy Lotto tickets are the least capable of covering the expenses.

Our school district needs to be smart with our kids and not aspire to "stupid tax" solutions.

This is no way to lead a nation and conduct our democracy. I'm for OPEN and HONEST discusions.

The Commission on Presidential Debates, which was created by the Republican and Democratic parties, still refuses to make public the contract negotiated by the Obama and McCain campaigns that will govern our presidential debates. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. It is time to take action.

Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) of the McCain campaign and Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) of the Obama campaign directly negotiated the secret contract that will dictate the terms of the upcoming presidential debates.

PLEASE CALL the offices of Sen. Graham and Rep. Emanuel and demand that they make public the debate contract. They are elected officials who are obligated to serve the interests of the voting public:

Phone number of the Office of Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC): 202-224-5972
Phone number of the Office of Rahm Emanuel (D-IL): 202-225-4061

Also, PLEASE CALL the Commission on Presidential Debates and demand that it makes public the debate contract. The Commission claims that its mission is to “provide the best possible information to viewers and listeners.” Hold them accountable to their mission.

Phone number of the Commission on Presidential Debates: 202-872-1020

Please let us know what happens.

Open Debates is teaming up with nine other pro-democracy organizations to issue the following press release today demanding the release of the debate contract: http://www.opendebates.org/makecontractpublic.html

Additionally, you can hear Open Debates Executive Director George Farah on the radio show “CounterSpin” at the following link: http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3610

Court rejects Republican effort to strike Barr from ballot

Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr to remain on the ballot in Pennsylvania

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
http://www.lppa.org/

For Immediate Release:
September 17, 2008
Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Philadelphia, PA - The Honorable Judge Johnny J. Butler of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania rejected a Republican effort to set aside the substitute nomination certificate of Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr, keeping Barr on the ballot. The lawsuit, brought by Cumberland County Republican Chairman Victor Stabile, claimed the Libertarian Party and Bob Barr mislead electors by continuing to collect signatures with the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPa) candidate's name on nomination papers after Barr was nominated in the National Convention on May 25, 2008. The signature gathering period began in February 2008 and ended on August 1, 2008.

"There is no legal mechanism in the Pennsylvania Election Code that allows for the substitution of candidates until the nomination papers are filed," explained LPPa Chair Michael Robertson. "We knew we would have to substitute the candidate and a Committee to Fill Vacancies was identified on every nomination paper. The only way to proceed under the law was as the LPPa had done by filing the nomination papers, withdrawal form, and substitution certificate. Judge Butler recognized there was no intent to mislead electors."

This case could have had dire consequences for the ability of voters to freely choose their representatives in government had the objector's petition been upheld. The current election laws in our Commonwealth favor some candidates at the expense of others. To help expand political choice in Pennsylvania, the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania urges support of the Voters Choice Act. This act, supported by Pennsylvania state senator Mike Folmer, will move Pennsylvania one step closer to free and equal elections as required by our Commonwealth Constitution.

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.

Bumper Sticker Snickers

Saw one on the South Side today: McBush - Stalin. The pro-choice group ran a contest and came up with some cute ones:

* McCain-Palin: 15th Century Solutions for the 21st Century
* McCain-Palin: The Anti-Choice
* McCain-Palin: The Bridge to No Choice!
* McCain-Palin: (Supreme) Courting Disaster
* With McCain-Palin...There is NO Choice!

Tomlin Motivates “Ninth Grade Nation” Of Pittsburgh Schools - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

See the Pittsburgh Promise mention at the end of the article.

Tomlin Motivates “Ninth Grade Nation” Of Pittsburgh Schools - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "Steelers coach Mike Tomlin spoke in a rally to motivate the “Ninth Grade Nation” of Pittsburgh area schools.

“We all dream of doing great things,” Tomlin said. “What are you going to do today to make it happen?”

Tomlin, as well as Steelers players Charlie Batch and Max Starks, gave speeches to launch the class of 2012 on their first year of high school.

The class of 2012 will be the first to receive college money from Pittsburgh Promise, the organization responsible for the rally.

Humm. I had expected that the students who graduated last June would be in college now and would be getting money from the Pittsburgh Promise. What's up with that?

Perhaps the coach is talking in coach-speak? It could be "first" as in "First Down."

t r u t h o u t | Bob Woodward's Not-so-Secret Weapon

t r u t h o u t | Bob Woodward's Not-so-Secret Weapon These are the horrors that happen when journalists give up their role as watchdogs and become running dogs for Shock and Awe, surgical strikes, enhanced interrogation techniques, the latest counter-insurgency tactics, or whatever else the National Security State wants to sell. But the horror will be far worse if we forget that the Pentagon has explicitly committed itself to make its new tagging, targeting and locating technology available for use within the United States.

To be, ... or ... Not to be ... (a panda)

From china - bike - more

The wind is gone. Weather tune after being blown about.

Modern tune.

Further fallout feared as dust begins to settle on Wall Street - al.com

Good credit is good to have.

Further fallout feared as dust begins to settle on Wall Street - al.com Andreas Rauterkus, an assistant professor of finance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said Wall Street as it existed last week has changed dramatically.

'We woke up this morning and only two of the country's investment banks are still standing,' he said, referring to Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.

Rauterkus said the collapse of Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch could furtherstrain a financial market still absorbing Bear Stearns' federal government-aided sale to JP Morgan earlier this year.

'The credit crunch could get worse,' Rauterkus said Monday. 'Banks will be less likely to make loans unless you have good credit.'

Central Catholic-Upper St. Clair football game moved

Central Catholic-Upper St. Clair football game moved: "The Central Catholic-Upper St. Clair football game originally scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Duquesne University's Rooney Field has been moved to Upper St. Clair High School at 7:30 on Friday.

Central Catholic athletic director Chuck Crummie confirmed Duquesne's 1,100-seat venue couldn't handle the anticipated crowd, prompting the move.

Also, Upper St. Clair will be designated the home team for the game, while Central Catholic will now get next year's game as their home game.

If I'm mayor, this game is played in PNC Park.

If I'm mayor, I'm working hard to get a stadium for Central -- within the city. I won't pay them to build it -- but -- it would be a city asset that could and should be built.

Debunking Laissez Faire Lehman

Jerry Bowyer, who will also be on the local radio airwaves at 3:30 pm today, Monday, on 1360 AM, as the new program begins, sent this:

This morning on CNBC Governor John Corzine (D) of New Jersey blamed the current crises in the market on what he called the "laissez faire" mood of regulation which we have seen "over the past decade." (Video below). Does he even believe this stuff? Lehman Brothers, like Bear Stearns and others was basically lobotomized by Corzine’s former colleague Eliot Spitzer, who severed communication between the research divisions of these firms from the trading operations. He did this in the name of "conflict of interest." Who’s interest was served by severing the higher brain functions of these firms from the rest of the nervous systems? With one populist fell swoop, allegedly designed to make Wall Street safer for investors, Spitzer made it dumber.

Click the link below to view the entire article.

http://m1e.net/c?30089296-2DdnYqME4hl/M%403617207-tRdIbZX2PGREM

I only get to mumble and grumble to myself

From Beijing - Great Wall

Judge keeps drink tax referendums off ballot An Allegheny County judge today upheld a board of elections ruling that both proposed referendums on the county's drink tax cannot appear on the November ballot.

Judge Joseph James agreed that the initiatives -- one proposed by opponents of the drink tax and one proposed by county council -- were legally insufficient.

Judge James can't be bashed by me as I'm sure to be before him in the future in some ballot challenge. So, I'll just grumble to myself.

I only get to mumble and grumble to myself

Judge keeps drink tax referendums off ballot An Allegheny County judge today upheld a board of elections ruling that both proposed referendums on the county's drink tax cannot appear on the November ballot.

Judge Joseph James agreed that the initiatives -- one proposed by opponents of the drink tax and one proposed by county council -- were legally insufficient.

Judge James can't be bashed by me as I'm sure to be before him in the future in some ballot challenge. So, I'll just grumble to myself.

Judge keeps drink tax referendums off ballot

Judge keeps drink tax referendums off ballot An Allegheny County judge today upheld a board of elections ruling that both proposed referendums on the county's drink tax cannot appear on the November ballot.

Judge Joseph James agreed that the initiatives -- one proposed by opponents of the drink tax and one proposed by county council -- were legally insufficient.

Judge James can't be bashed by me as I'm sure to be before him in the future in some ballot challenge. So, I'll just grumble to myself.

Judge keeps drink tax referendums off ballot

Judge keeps drink tax referendums off ballot An Allegheny County judge today upheld a board of elections ruling that both proposed referendums on the county's drink tax cannot appear on the November ballot.

Judge Joseph James agreed that the initiatives -- one proposed by opponents of the drink tax and one proposed by county council -- were legally insufficient.

Judge James can't be bashed by me as I'm sure to be before him in the future in some ballot challenge. So, I'll just grumble to myself.

Men Are Good, despite what you have seen...

Here are two snips of an intro and tune by Joe Jencks, the performer slated for our House Concert on Wednesday. He is singing to the kids at Sunnyhill in this clip.

From Joe Jencks house concert

From Joe Jencks house concert

Only a few seats remain for the gig. Please RSVP. Call 412 298 3432 or email me, Mark @ Rauterkus . com.

Diondega 412: "I would be surprised if they're not already investigating."

Diondega 412: "I would be surprised if they're not already investigating.": "City Controller Michael Lamb is saying things like, 'if the 'non-disparagement' clause in the unwritten settlement prohibits Ford from talking to him about an audit of how the URA awards contracts, Lamb will file a legal challenge in an attempt to invalidate it. When asked about federal and state investigations Mr. Lamb said, 'I would be surprised if they're not already investigating.' Those are ominous signs if you ask me. Foreshadowing for all you poet laureates out there."

CollegeSwimming.com::NCAA Avoids Suit By Approving Suits

CollegeSwimming.com::NCAA Avoids Suit By Approving Suits: The NCAA Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Committee has decided to allow all new-technology suits approved by FINA (the international governing body for swimming) to be worn in intercollegiate competition including NCAA championships.

The decision reverses their earlier declared intent to extend the moratorium that prohibited the use of any suit not commercially available prior to January 1, 2008.

The change was announced in a memo sent to NCAA coaches on Thursday. It stated that the, 'committee did not have any scientific evidence' that the suits provided illegal assistance. Without. 'concrete evidence' of illegal assistance, the suits, 'will be deemed compliant for all intercollegiate competition.'

I'm all for science. I love it. Can't live without it. But....

I'm all for the real world and free markets and the marketplace.

The way one should have approached the new suits isn't with science, but with marketplace awareness.

Ban the use of the new suit because they cost more than $100.

Make the suits a matter of fiscal equity. Don't allow the sport to dip further into a game where the rich get faster and the poor get slower, because of willingness to purchase expensive materials.

These types of rules are already in place within the NCAA in other areas. For example, in the past, it was a rule that letters to high school recruits could only be printed on stationary that has two extra colors beyond the black ink. They didn't want glossy, four-color printing to go on recruitment mail because the expensive letters would be sent from certain richer schools while the others would just send bland letters on plain paper with a little paw print on the corner of the paper.

Recruits can't be given gifts.

Athletes can't be given gifts.

So, why allow the swimmers to be given uniforms that are so expensive?

These Speedo LZR race suits cost $800 or more. They have to be custom built. Meanwhile, a college coach can't give a senior athlete who is about to appear on a nation-wide TV for a show in New York at the Downtown Athletic Club a sports coat, shirt and tie. The Heismam Trophy show is not a place where you want to show up to wearing a t-shirt. Arrive in your Sunday bests. Look sharp. But, the NCAA says no can do. Don't give the kid the money to get his shoes shined. Those are rules that are equity matters. Silly.

Democracy Rising PA latest news is too good to not print

Campaigning at Taxpayer Expense - 1 Three articles in three newspapers this week have set the stage for the next round of presentments in the Bonus Scandal. The Harrisburg Patriot's Charlie Thompson, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Brad Bumsted and Debra Erdley, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dennis Roddy reported this week on allegations that House Republicans in particular used substantial tax dollars, possibly exceeding $1 million, for voter tracking systems used in election campaigns. Click here for the Patriot story, here for the Tribune-Review story and here for the Post-Gazette story. The original contract with a Washington, DC company, which dates to 1996, was for keeping track of communications between lawmakers and constituents about legislative business. It was amended in 2005 to include a requirement for Republican caucus staff (not campaign staff) to maintain data "for use in the elections." Remember that 2005 was the year of the Pay Raise when lawmakers knew they would need better relations than ever with voters if incumbents were to survive the 2006 elections. The 2006 contract, which amounted to $1.87 million, was negotiated during the leadership of former Speaker John Perzel, R-Phila. After Republicans lost the majority in the House and Perzel was defeated for Speaker in January 2007, the contract was scaled back to $475,000 this year, about one-fourth of the 2006 contract amount. For their part, House Democrats have an in-house system for tracking constituent contacts. The caucus spent $157,000 in 2006-07 to upgrade their system. More troubling is the $32,000 Democrats spent for voter lists this election year. Caucus staff say the lists are used for "outreach to constituents," including "newsletters, town meetings or announcements about property taxes." Yet focusing on voters rather than all constituents conspicuously uses tax dollars for electioneering. There is no other purpose for the existence of a voter list than for elections. It further amounts to explicit and intentional discrimination against non-voting constituents, who have every bit as much right to information about their government as those whose votes the incumbents are trying to capture with self-serving mailings and announcements. Question: Why isn't there just one system for all four caucuses to track legislative contacts between constituents and lawmakers? Campaigning at Taxpayer Expense - 2 After nearly losing re-election in 2006, House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene, is campaigning like mad against Republican Greg Hopkins, who nearly beat DeWeese two years ago. This week, DeWeese and Sen. Barry Stout, D-Greene (and parts of four other counties), promoted DeWeese's campaign with good old-fashioned, taxpayer-funded WAMs (Walking Around Money). At a courthouse media event in Waynesburg, they presented mock checks totaling $1.8 million in state grants for a variety of projects. However, as the Washington Observer-Reporter's Cara Host pointed out, the news event wasn't really news. County officials had received all but $100,000 of the money in March and April. While it's hard to justify WAMs under any circumstances, the timing of these phony checks representing very real tax dollars is yet another example of campaigning at taxpayer expense. Click here for the story. Moratorium for Bonus Scandal, not for WAMs As reported in the August 29 edition of DR News, Attorney General Tom Corbett has made the controversial policy decision not to announce charges in the Bonus Scandal between October 1 and Election Day. The reason given is not to influence the elections. What are the chances that lawmakers will impose a moratorium on announcing WAMs so as not to influence the elections? Rendell Seeks Extra Session Days Gov. Ed Rendell this week called upon the House and Senate to schedule more than the nine days of session currently on the books this fall. In keeping with the Senate's commitment not to have voting sessions after Election Day ("lame-duck" session), Rendell asked for the additional session days to occur before November 4. Rendell is seeking the additional time to hammer out an agreement to improve access to health care for PA citizens. Both the House and Senate have proposals, as does Rendell, who is optimistic that they can reach common ground with enough time. The House is a different story with respect to lame-duck session. Even though 82 percent of PA voters want to prohibit lame-duck session, the majority Democrats have scheduled session after the election. Whether they will have anything to vote on, or just show up to collect more per diems, is another matter. Need a speaker for your conference or local group? DR is eager to spread the word in your community. Contact tim@democracyrisingpa.com . Friends, we rely on individual donors for nearly all of the money we need to do this work So if you haven't donated recently, please click here to support DR. Thanks!

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PAT Buses: Onorato's LAST SHOT At Political Relevance

Dan Onorato is the Chief Executive of Allegheny County. He wants to be Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At one time he had a shot.

Then came the 10% drink tax.

It's no surprise that Onorato is a Democrat from Pittsburgh. What was a surprise was the fiscal fact that Dan was more financially conservative than moderate-Republican Jim Roddey, the county's first ACE. Roddey, one of the region's premier and most-respected businessmen, laid a gigantic political egg in his first and only term.

Onorato's "fast track" to Harrisburg included only token competition in his re-election.

Then came the 10% drink tax.

It's no surprise that Dan Dan the Tax Man is a Democrat from Pittsburgh. Democrats from Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Harrisburg for that matter almost never pass up the opportunity to tax the bejesus out of their electorate. That's how they employ their cronies and political pals.

Onorato forced his "tax baby" down our collective throats as a way to pay for the extremely bloated and wasteful Port Authority of Allegheny County.

There's a big budget crunch, so what do these progressives do? Allow seniors to ride for free. Many of these same seniors board the bus to their local lottery ticket emporium. There they plop down hundreds of dollars. Then they board the PAT bus again for free. Why they don't have to pay a single greenback is anyone's guess. These same freeloaders vote in droves. And they vote in droves almost exclusively for Democrats. Why not give them a free ride? The seniors will allow their favorite liberal enablers plenty of free rides.

Surprise, surprise. Union leaders turned down a fact-finder's report that suggests contract concessions. The contract suggestions a 3-percent pay increases for each of the next three years as well as a minuscule addition to health care costs.

The Port Authority drivers in Allegheny County are the highest-paid in the country. when salaries take into account cost-of-living data. As good union stewards, like attorney Joseph J. Pass charged in a recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial, someone else, namely corporations, need to bend over backwards to make sure that the filet mignon and champagne keeps on coming.

Port Authority bigwigs say the agency could run out of money in January if the status remains quo.

Dan Onorato needs to fire the Port Authority drivers and find folks who want to do the work. President Ronald Reagan's legacy was cemented early in his first term when he fired 12,000 air traffic controllers who were violating their contracts.

Dan Onorato needs to realize that he was elected twice to represent the citizens of Allegheny County and not just the fraction of union workers who enjoy the spoils of a happy-spending hierarchy.

Dan Onorato will not do the right thing and replace the drivers and other employees who would rather rake in exorbitant salaries and benefits while providing less spectacular performance due to cost-cutting service cuts.

If Onorato doesn't stay firm...doesn't win this round of negotiations decisively, then he will be completely out of the running for Harrisburg's biggest throne.

Dan is still trying to get voters to decide between higher drink taxes or higher property taxes. Never does he speak of reducing costs by trimming some of the employee fat at PAT. That's not the Democrat's way.

Dan Onorato must fire the Port Authority employees if they don't soon agree to that very favorable contract proposal. He won't do it.

And he won't make it to Harrisburg, either.

Pat Ford will be free to win the fishing contest in July 09

Pat Ford, not on the job since April 2008, is to get paid to June 2009. He'll then be free to enter a fishing contest on the three rivers and take home its $1-million purse. Presently, he's in Florida, fishing, perhaps.

Wonder if he'll come to town in the fall of 2009 to kick some Kenyon's ass and win the purse for The Great Race too?

401-Keg

If you had purchased $1,000.00 of Delta Air Lines stock one year ago you would have $49.00 left. With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1,000.00. With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left. But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214.00 cash. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg. A recent study found the average American walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found Americans drink, on the average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year. That means, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon.

Makes You Proud To Be An American!

Hagan Smith of Constitution Party holding classes

Hagan Smith of the Liberty and Justice Association (LJAI) will be teaching classes over the next several Saturdays. The first class will be tomorrow, Saturday, September 13th from 9AM - 6PM.

Topics to be covered include:

* Constitution's of the U.S. and Pennsylvania
* Jurisdictionary
* How to handle Police Officers in stops
* Secrets of the Legal industry
* Laws and Banking
* Statute Law
* Code Law
* How to force good Government
* Back to Constitutionally Limited Government

Hagan is not sure how many Saturdays it will take to complete the entire class. He has said that he will have a session each Saturday until all of the material is covered.

The cost for each session is $20 per person.

The class is supposed to be for members of the Liberty and Justice Association, so please join tomorrow if you haven't yet! There is no set amount for dues. Some pay $5 per month, some pay $10 or $20; whatever you can afford.

If you have any questions contact Hagan. His phone number is listed in the "contact" section of LJAI's website at http://www.ljai.info

This class will take place at LJAI's meeting place, which is at 545 Pittsburgh Road in Butler, PA 16002.

Learn more here:
http://ronpaul.meetup.com/1834/calendar/8744986/

Lipstick and Pigs

From NZ dump

The photo is from our travels in New Zealand. Wild pigs in NZ are called Captain Cookers -- because it was Captain Cook who introduced the pigs to New Zealand. Some went wild.

Kevin Miller of KDKA radio is going to kiss pigs with lipstick in Gateway Center. What a waste.

See the other blog for details

From Wet N Wild Invitational 2006

This saga has been unfolding and refolding and defolding for many months. It is well documented at another blog, Carlynton.Blogspot.com.

At the August 21st school board meeting, Carlynton school board directors agreed to circulate to the public and interested groups all proposed facilities use policy changes prior to any board discussion and vote.

But once again, without notice to the public, the board pushed through a new policy at the very next meeting on Sept. 4.

Once again, the administration told the public there was no scheduled vote on the policy and no publicly available documents for review prior to the meeting.

Once again the board ignored the public's previous input on what would be best for the kids.

Once again, they misled the public about their intentions.

Once again, they slap outrageous rents to parent-run and funded sports clubs that go below 85% Carlynton residents or a $200/year fee to non-resident kids participating in those clubs, whichever is greater.

And once again, they patted themselves on the back for "being fair to the taxpayers".

Oh, and they exempted from the new policy their pet programs that have few if any Carlynton kids.

Apparently, use of facilities by resident sports programs without paying outrageous fees is unfair to district residents, but use of the same facilities by non-sports group for free is totally fair to everyone.

That's the ill-logic of Brown, Schirippa, DiPietro, McCartney, Wolkowiak and Hughans.

Relive the entire assault on the democratic process perpetrated by Carlynton's own Gang of Six with the the only publicly available video of the events:

Go to Carlynton.Blogspot.com.