The Pitt News - Two students stabbed at Hemingway's

The Pitt News - Two students stabbed at Hemingway's Two students stabbed at Hemingway's

This is bad news.

An opinion article in The Pitt News about this topic can't be found on the web site. URL please.

In other Pitt News, the football team is now ranked, again, #24. The team was #25 in the pre-season polls, but opening day loss to BGSU put them out, of course.

Penn State is #6 and still undefeated.

Ohio State's freshman QB, a Western PA kid, has them back on-track. They played in prime time and beat the Badgers. Meanwhile, what happened to the Wisconsin Band?

Finally, I'm hearing about cheerleaders in local high schools that are using electronic cameras, often attached to cell phones, for no good. Parents, check it out!

Amber Alert Noise

In other Amber Alert News, from the City of Pittsburgh's Citizen Alert email system:

On Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 9:41 AM, CitizenObserver wrote that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police alert for a guy who was wanted for an ALLEGED homicide that occurred at 7701 Penn Avenue on September 22, 2008 in which 20-year-old Korey Johnson was shot as he sat in his car at the Sunoco Station, was arrested on 9/26/08.

Please cancel the Alert issued for this guy on October 6 as he was nabbed on Sept 26.

This is NOT okay. The delay from the 26th to Oct 6 gives little or no faith in the update system. Get it right or it won't be used and trusted.

Today, the State Police issued an Amber Alert for a 17 year old girl. I am watching for the suspension of that alert -- as it occurs -- not a week or two later.

I'm happy that the police caught the guy. I'm happy that the police are trying to keep citizens notified. But do a better job!

Malaysia's schools get OpenOffice.org

The Malaysian government has unveiled plans to roll out OpenOffice.org in schools across the nation--a move that will affect some 300,000 PCs.

http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/software/0,39044164,62045435,00.htm

In other news, OpenOffice.org Annual Conference, slated for Beijing, is now open for registration. I'd love to go to Beijing, China between 5th.-7th of November, 2008. This OOoCon is a double first - it's the first OOoCon to be held outside Europe, and it will also see the biggest concentration of OpenOffice.org developers ever assembled in one location on the planet.

Links:
Conference website: http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2008

Programme: http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2008/programme.html

Registration:
http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2008/travel.html#registration

Plus, the release candidate 3 of OpenOffice.org 3.0 is now ready for testing.

RCP Tiburon Mile Open Water Swim

RCP Tiburon Mile Open Water Swim: "9. Do swimmers have a maximum period of time to complete the race? Swimmers who have not entered the harbor and passed the Angel Island Ferry within 55 minutes will be pulled from the water.

10. What is the average temperature of the water in October in the San Francisco Bay? The water on average will be about 63-degrees Fahrenheit."

PVK in Pittsburgh for swim clinic

From Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events

USA Swimming star, Peter Vanderkaay, gold medalist in the 800 meter free relay and bronze in the 200 meter free in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics, is in Pittsburgh today for a swim clinic.

Here he is when we got to meet him after he won the bronze in the Water Cube with his college coach, Jon Urbanckek, also of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Hope you have a great visit and clinic.

300 Great Wall photos uploaded

From Great Wall

From Beijing - Great Wall

Photos are being edited and uploaded, still.

Newspaper Article on Citizens who speak at public meetings quotes me

We are fixtures!

Self-appointed watchdogs refuse to roll over
Article link in the Sunday Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

Mark Rauterkus, 49, of the South Side has consistently challenged City Council, and on his Web site he calls citizenship "a serious responsibility." A stay-at-home father and part-time swimming coach, Rauterkus uses his free time to monitor local government. He's run for public office as a Libertarian, and he regularly updates his blog with commentary on the national, state and local political events.

Challenging government decisions isn't just about saying no, he said.

"If we all did a little bit of the lifting then it wouldn't be such a heavy burden for the naysayers out there," he said.

Of course, I am 'self-appointed' -- but -- I'm also often in a capacity that is more than self-appointed. As an elected board member of the Libertarian Party, I have a 'duty.' As a nominated candidate who has had people in the public sign nomination papers, I have a role too.

One element that I don't generally do is use my voice to rail against other property owners and fellow citizens. The target of most of my messages is government and our public life.

Nice Bike Ride Today -- ran into the Mayor

From Erik

Mark Rauterkus and Luke Ravenstahl, both enjoying the 250th at Point State Park. From people & vips

The way traffic was shut down in the city was a disgrace, by the way. By 11 am, the roads that crossed the city were closed due to 250 bikers on the bike path. Go figure. There is no way that they needed to close so many roads for such a long period.

Furthermore, those with eagle eyes can notice the outside of The Hilton Hotel and the bare facade, still unfinished.

The best thing at Point State Park, was getting to make our own Smile Cookies, thanks to Eat 'n Park.

From texture - misc.

Saw VIP, Mr. Pippy, wearing his Army bike top.

From people & vips

The fountain is pink. The fireworks are yet to occur.

From Transportation

Fireworks just happened. Boy, the launch site at the USX Tower, now adorned with the lighted UPMC sign, didn't fire as designed, did it?

From Erik

Stand by your man, so says the song. Forget Sarah.

What's your take on this?

Sarah Palin, Joe Biden And The Lost City of Incan Gold

I just read where Hillary Clinton had nice things to say about Sarah Palin, the Alaska Governor who is running for vice president on the Republican ticket. It's obvious that through her decidedly silent support of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton knows that the Democratic standard bearer is nothing but an empty suit.

I heard a little of the debate on my satellite radio last night, after seeing a Sneak Preview of the wonderful movie "Flash of Genius." Biden sounded tremendous, exactly like the 30-plus year Washington insider should. On the radio Palin sounded a little rehearsed, a little nervous. Critics had pounded it into our heads that Palin needed to come out like Rocky Balboa in the final round of Rocky II, you know where the Italian Stallion won it all for Adrian.

The results were remarkably standard: Democrats said Biden won, Republicans were assured that Palin won. In many ways, they both won. And in many ways they both lost.

I've said since the Palin pick that unless the wheels fell off the wagon, the Republicans had the election in the bag. Then Wall Street took a nose dive. Fickle America blamed President Bush and the Republicans.

That might just be the wheel off the wagon. It's looking more like the most unqualified Presidential candidate in the history of Presidential elections might get the key to the Lost City of Incan Gold.

The PBS Moderator who has a vested, financial interest--not unlike a bettor at a dog track--in Barack Obama winning was smart enough to not divulge that very important information to the group that chose her for the most eagerly-awaited vice presidential debate since they've been airing on television. Gwen Iffill is just the latest of the Limousine Liberals to call themselves objective journalists involved in this election cycle. Oddly enough, Gwen was quoted in an Associated Press article leading up to the debate, saying that there was nothing "out there" to claim she was pulling for Obama's ticket. She must have forgotten that she is in the midst of writing a book about famous African Americans who she admires. It was quickly pointed out that Colin Powell, who was never elected to any post anywhere, is also featured in the book. Woop tee doo.

The comparisons between Obama and Jesus have been toned down considerably, but there is still an outpouring of Liberal assistance, positioning the Democratic ticket as the best thing since Jesus provided anything to anybody.

Dennis Miller, who is clearly the most thoughtful comedian out there working mainstream rooms today--he's the ONLY comedian not comparing President Bush to Satan himself--was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He was quick to point out the obvious...like him or hate him, President Bush is not the Anti-Christ, which got a tremendous response from the audience. I've called Bill Cosby the most important comedian, perhaps of any generation that paid attention to comedians, because he bucked the trends of vulgarity and non-accountability. Sure, Cos has had his own personal demons, but who wouldn't in his position. Miller may just be the most important in 2008 because he doesn't always go for the low-hanging fruit of conservative damnation.

If Hillary Clinton opened the door for women in national politics, Sarah Palin blew it completely open. Hillary has been angling for the post since the day Bill Clinton first announced he was running for president. Sarah Palin didn't need to hold onto her husband's coat tails for anything. Plus, she seems completely and absolutely likable. Anyone who thinks Palin should be removed from the ticket simply doesn't "get it." She's the best thing in this entire campaign, and the true trail blazer, not Obama.

Joe Biden needed to be chosen by Barack Obama because he is the "experienced old white guy" he needed. During the last Presidential election cycle, producers of American Idol wanted a "Presidential Idol" type show, and candidate. Quietly that show idea went away. Instead, four years later we have a terrorist and extremist-loving empty suit with a creepy, doll's eyes wife who is close to the Oval Office.

Rachel Maddow, the mainstream-hating smirk-meister was on her television program today, picking apart Palin's quotes from the debate. With half-quotes and quarter-sentences, Maddow questioned everything about Palin, expect for her hair style. Maddow prefers the bulldog Bob of the average Rosie O'Donnell blog reader. Let's see Maddow, with her constant "why isn't everyone an elitist like me" Elvis lip curl do any better on the biggest stage of her life.

History professors, the smart ones anyway, will teach future generations that--despite the ultimate turn out--that this is the most groundbreaking Presidential election in quite a while, not just because a pampered African American made it to the top of the Democratic ticket, but a truly notable woman has changed the political landscape forever.

Website Marketing SEO Score Tool

If you like navel gazing, check and compare.

Website Marketing SEO Score Tool
This report has been stored in our system for your future use. You can access this report at any time using the following link: Website Grader Report For Rauterkus.blogspot.com

My blog scored 81 out of 100. Some areas to improve upon seem obvious.

Prep hoops powers eye new postseason tournament - USATODAY.com

Prep hoops powers eye new postseason tournament - USATODAY.comPrep hoops powers eye new postseason tournament

Nike, Paragon Marketing and ESPN are working on a postseason eight-team national boys high school tournament in April in Washington, D.C.

The tournament would include national powers that do not play state championships, such as St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.), which finished No. 2 in last season's final USA TODAY Super 25 rankings; Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), which has won six Super 25 titles; Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.), which has finished in the final Super 25 rankings five times, including ninth in 2005-06; Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.), which was the national prep school runner-up last season; and possibly the Washington and Baltimore Catholic League champions. The event would be held Final Four weekend (April 3-4) at Georgetown Prep.

"The event has the potential to someday determine a national champion," said Tony Dorado, national manager of high school basketball for Nike.

Perhaps Pittsburgh's CAPA and Pittsburgh Public Schools Sci-Tech and PPS University Prep can get an invite to these early year tournaments. Those schools can't play in the state tournaments. Heck, those schools can't even field a team in the WPIAL nor PIAA playoffs. Not because of win/loss record.

Just like Chatham's football team, these schools are going to be undefeated for the next five years if Mark Roosevelt has his way.

Not to pick on Chatham. Chatham is a women's university and doesn't field a football team. But, it does field a water polo team and a full range of athletic squads including hockey N@.

'Dark side' lurking as coaches persevere through tough times - USATODAY.com

'Dark side' lurking as coaches persevere through tough times - USATODAY.com'Dark side' lurking as coaches persevere through tough times

Syracuse has a bad case of bad karma after it gave its men swim team the shaft. Sports purgatory is due them for 10 years or more -- and the movie just out on the first black Heisman winner, an Orangeman, is serious salt in the wounds. Fix the men's swim team, then all will be well again.

Bring On Paulson 3.0 - Forbes.com

Bring On Paulson 3.0 - Forbes.com: "Bring On Paulson 3.0"

Bill Ogden's ideas about the current bailout situation

Good Afternoon Everyone!

My calculator only goes up to 99,999,999. So I had to use some brain cells that I thought were used up -- a notebook and pen! Here is what I figured:

President Bush wants to bail out all the Banks because the Banks aren't being paid back the money that they lent out.

Already...it is estimated that the President gave out about $300,000,000,000 ($300 Billion) to banks and other corporations who have overextended themselves--(within last 60 days)

Now He wants an additional $700,000,000,000 ($700 Billion) to bail out wall street again.

He, Congress, and Talking Heads are spinning. "They" say they want to help "Main Street" and hate it whenever anyone says Wall Street. BTW: "Main Street" is supposed to mean you and me.

Who will be responsible for paying back the $1,000,000,000,000 ($1 Trillion)???
You and me silly... Main Street USA.

The way I see it, we would all be better off if we learned how to live within our means.

I am speaking from experience because I'm also guilty of using credit beyond my earnings. This means that I need to correct my situation with personal sacrifice and hard work.

The President, Congress, and the Talking Heads ignore these lessons of life.
Sacrifice and paying off debts are not in there vocabulary.

The Answer to this Nations Dilema is pulling ourselves up by our proverbial bootstraps and not using credit cards--etc...it's our biggest addiction problem. GUILTY as charged! I cut all of mine up today 09/30/08 at 2:30pm...the withdrawals are beginning to settle in...shake shake twitch twitch. It means purchasing items that I can afford. Want and Need aren't always the same. Even if it means that Debra and I remain in the same home or keep the same car longer.

As a Nation, it may take 7 years of hard work and sacrifice across the board.

Let's play Devils Advocate for a moment. $1,000,000,000,000 divided by 225,000,000 (225 million US Residents 18 yrs and older) equals about: $4500 each.

If Big Brother wants to play Big Bank to everyone and own you....ahh ahh I mean "Help" you--Main Street...then...why not print up some more Federal Reserve Notes and mail them out to all of the US Citizens 18 years and older?

Who cares if the US dollar depreciates in value...it going to anyways after they bail out Wall Street...ahh ahh I mean the banks....ahh ahh I mean Main Street...uggghhhh!

How's this one instead: Americans are Forgiven all past Tax Debt no matter what the amount is great or small and Everyone receives a clean slate...as well as a Free Pass for all of 2008! Do you think this would help "Main Street" as well as "Wall Street"??
What's good enough for Wall Street should be good enough for Main Street...and vice versa.

When a person or entity restructures personal and commercial debt--it is important to eliminate unneccessary expenses. Some families implement a monthly budget and sometimes go to great lengths to pay off debts--ie: Yard Sales etc...

The Federal Govt. is the largest employer in the world...with no end in site.
Beginning 05/01/09 we can Start from Scratch by cutting spending.
Abolish the IRS and implement a National Sales Tax...everyone will begin paying their so-called "fair share" inclulding Illegal aliens and Syndicated Crime who have false ssn numbers. The US citizens who are on "fixed" incomes can show a card giving them a discount for purchases.

Is the National Sales Tax (Fair Tax) perfect? Nothing is...but it has to be better than the thousands of pages of tax codes and inconsistencies. End all "Tax Write-Offs"...no more Tax Filing. April 15th will be declared "American Freedom Day!"

There is plenty more to CUT...but I don't want to upset the millions of people that I send this out to.

Okay...back to work everybody!

--Bill Ogden

Ben Smith's Blog: Barr wins the day - Politico.com

Ben Smith's Blog: Barr wins the day - Politico.com Barr wins the day

Politico's Gameday feature, rightly, gives the day to Bob Barr, who fought the bailout, and whose spokesman has been known to attempt to get reporters' attention by confessing to imaginary crimes.

That's another way of saying that neither of the leading candidates covered himself in glory, or effectively led a country without a clear leader. Neither made the clear positive argument, for instance, for a bailout they seemed both to support. McCain appears to have tried and failed to move some House members; Obama didn't lobby the House directly.

Which isn't to say in the zero-sum, two-man game of electoral politics that this wasn't a better day for Obama.

Comment, McCain is a Mr. Magoo. Funny to older farts like me.

---

Also see:

Commentary: Bankruptcy, not bailout, is the right answer - CNN.com: "This bailout was a terrible idea. Here's why."

AG Corbett does PR in month before election, wrongly, IMHO

Mcall.com: Capitol Ideas with John L. Micek Blog Is This What They Call Escalation?
Democratic Attorney General candidate John Morganelli says he wants Morganelli Auditor General Jack Wagner to look at incumbent Republican AG Tom Corbett's spending on radio PSAs touting an illegal gun task force in Philly.
In an e-mail missive we received this morning, Morganelli says he also wants to know why the spots are now appearing on twice the number of stations they have in the past.
'These are nothing but political advertisements disguised as 'public service announcements' saturating the airwaves of southeastern Pennsylvania in an election year,' Morganelli charged.

I think the D candidate, John Morganelli, has a legit beef on this.

But rather than ask for help from Jack Wagner, someone should be putting in an ethics violation. But, if an ethics complaint was filed from the candidate, he'd not be able to talk about it, due to the gag order that is part of that process. So, I hope, there are others who are able to carry the water on this underhanded PR campaign.

KDKAradio interview with PNC Bank dude.

PNC banker guy wants the bailout, $700B, (or more) because it is cheap. The cost of business just went up -- without the bailout, so he says.

Frankly, I think he has it upside down. He must be like the guy two weeks ago who said that the bailout was just like a "haircut." The PNC guy thinks bailout is cheap then.

His bottom line: He does not wish to cut off his nose despite his face. Great advice from a guy who wants to hold onto his job in the banking industry.

Marty Griffin was 'slimed' yet says thanks to the guy for putting the bailout into terms that the man on the street can understand. Meanwhile, Marty can't even begin to come to grips with the word trillion, as to his own self criticism.

Update: Part 2 message:

'Trillions' are not 'gone.'

That was paper money.

The house value for the building you live in is how different from yesterday, or last week?

You're Jewish holiday message stinks. Take a day off to get into the book of life as there is more to some than the wallet.

I'm fine with Congress taking a day off. Better would be giving them a week off and best would be a year off!

PR 2.0: The State of Social Media 2008

PR 2.0: The State of Social Media 2008 In Technorati’s 2008 State of the Blogosphere report, the company observed that blogging is becoming mainstream, leading the way for an Active Blogosphere - defined as the ecosystem of interconnected communities of bloggers and readers at the convergence of journalism and conversation. I’d also add that as the Active Blogosphere further permeates our daily information consumption and distribution processes, that the Social Web equally becomes pervasive. But, it’s so much more than an Active SocialMediaSphere. As networks become densely populated and new communities arise and thrive, we're experiencing a fundamental shift in content creation, distribution, and consumption, thus creating an Active and Participatory Media society that is inspiring and seeding a more literate and enlightened generation.

Express. Are you ready for some silver screen football?

Must see flick.

Tutorial on the bail out

I've been pounding on both of the candidates from the main parties. One might have been hit more than the other. They both are worthy of getting the knocks due.

Atlanta Magazine - Getting to know Bob Barr, candidate for US President

Extensive profile article on Bob Barr:

Atlanta Magazine - October 2008 Bob Barr Once the crusading champion of the GOP, Bob Barr has disavowed his party and much of his past in a quest to become the first Libertarian president of the United States.

Nobody is perfect.

Text From Steelers' Rookie To Ravens Friend Fuels Monday Night Fire - Sports News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

So, is this player's phone really stuck up on a bulletin board in the dirty-bird's locker room?

Text From Steelers' Rookie To Ravens Friend Fuels Monday Night Fire - Sports News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "Mendenhall, who is friends with the Ravens' Ray Rice, sent a friendly text, telling Rice he was going to have a big game Monday night. However, Rice passed that message along to his teammates, who didn't seem to be too pleased.

'Thanks for the bulletin board material, rookie,' Ravens' Bart Scott replied.

But Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said the incident is no big deal.

'For him, he texted one of his friends and unfortunately in this business, you got to be careful who you text nowadays, because now they use that and put it as bulletin board material,' Ward said. 'But if you need that to motivate yourself, then your mind isn't really into the game if you're worried about a text message.'

I just hope he holds onto the ball throughout the entire game.

2008 Great Race complete results - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Elisa got 3rd place! Way to go.

2008 Great Race complete results - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "3. Elisa Varlotta, 11, Pittsburgh, 00:56:01

She is a classmate of my son and family friend! She also plays violin and got 1st place for Phillips in Pittsburgh's Elem. School Championship swim meet!

From phillips-swim

Running Mates -- how did you do in the Great Race?

Giuliani's law firm seeking bailout business -- Newsday.com

Giuliani's law firm seeking bailout business -- Newsday.com: "Giuliani's law firm seeking bailout business"
Another source...
Giuliani's law firm seeking bailout business 26 Sep 2008 In the midst of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, former Mayor [9/11 co-conspirator] Rudy Giuliani has begun drumming up business, positioning his law firm to advise corporate clients on how to profit from the government's $700 billion bailout. Bracewell & Giuliani LLP announced it has formed a corporate task force to advise "financial institutions, private investment funds, institutional investors and other market participants" on the costly package. "Our team of former government officials and experienced attorneys in the fields of legislation, enforcement and finance are equipped to guide institutions in this quickly evolving and complex environment," Giuliani said.

This big-money, big-corruption, big-government, big-celebrity, big-law approach has turned off too many people.

Sci-tech school courts minorities

This new school should be a great success --- but --- they are making some serious mistakes.

Sci-tech school courts minorities A 'Dream. Discover. Design' curriculum will require each student to specialize in one of four fields and work with industry, academia or civic groups to solve science problems. A balanced enrollment likely will be viewed as one indicator of a successful school launch.

The curriculum is a much bigger problem than the lottery to get into the program.

Industries are not the one's pushing schools in Pittsburgh. If anyone noticed, most of the industry that was in Pittsburgh is now gone. People in industry that are here are a little too busy to worry about a middle school.

Pushing occurs in the schools with parents, teachers, unions, students themselves and academic weenies in the educational fields. Government makes a bit of a push too.

We'll be watching:

To that end, the district Wednesday will launch a school Web site at www.pghscitech.net and mail postcards to district families promoting the school and registration process. Information sessions will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Carnegie Library in Homewood, at noon Oct. 11 at Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore and at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at district offices in Oakland.

When the Sci-Tech school web site is working, do try to give a little bit of web site attention to the schools that are already open. Some of the school web sites throughout the district are a bad joke.

Schenley's web site -- in a school that just opened too -- is way out of date. The IB program need students too.

There are boutique schools in Pittsburgh now. That is the trend.

Meanwhile, the other schools are still drop out factories.

Furthermore, the new schools are not proven to work wonders, with the exception of CAPA. But, CAPA is getting a major upheaval next year too as the high school will begin to accept students in grades 6, 7 and 8.

...the school will be rigorous. That's why graduates will get an honors diploma.

But the school will not be offering AP classes. An honor's diploma might not be worth the paper. Time will tell. It is unproven and without a hook to national standards that can easily transfer into college credit.

... Pittsburgh officials have planned a special advising process, other academic supports and flexible scheduling to help students pull through.

Advising and support are two of the many elements that coaches offer students and athletes. Sadly, Pgh officials are going to not have any scholastic coaches in this building. No sports.

For McCain and Team, a Host of Ties to Gambling - NYTimes.com

Wonder if John McCain is into 'slots parlors' too. Pittsburgh won't have 'table games' in its new, river-front facility. So, do you think we'll see the likes of McCain in Pittsburgh for gambling?

For McCain and Team, a Host of Ties to Gambling - NYTimes.com Mr. McCain portrays himself as a Washington maverick unswayed by special interests, referring recently to lobbyists as “birds of prey.” Yet in his current campaign, more than 40 fund-raisers and top advisers have lobbied or worked for an array of gambling interests — including tribal and Las Vegas casinos, lottery companies and online poker purveyors.

Interesting article.

The Corner on National Review Online

The Corner on National Review Online Palin Will Spend More Time With Couric [Byron York]

Sarah Palin's schedule for tomorrow includes time at 8:00 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. listed as 'Media Interview.' It turns out Palin will be spending more time with Katie Couric. Palin and Couric will tape a 'Day in the Life' feature that will run on the CBS Evening News on Monday and Tuesday, according to CBS.

This blog is not going to go away. Folks, some $.03 advice:

Rule #1 (when speaking with activists): Don't burn out.

A number of others are going away. Not me. Not this blog. I'm here to stay, still.

What is the age after pyrite? Perhaps a new phase is in its dawn.

A few other rules to live by, as a follow-up to Sunday's service.

Minister suggested:

1. Show up
2. Be honest
3. 4. 5. Have faith. (rushing ahead)

Other point(s) I've advanced:

a) Make 'em sweat.
b) Score more points.
c) Don't fear the calling of a vote.

Other points from others that were raised just today:
A) Keep as much distance as possible between other objects and your crotch. (Kids on return from South Park for ride on BMX bikes and the choice of a smaller bike.)

Dozen Athletes Are Donating Their Brains for Study on Concussions - NYTimes.com

Athletes Donate Their Brains for Study on Concussions - NYTimes.comNFL players retire their brains to science. A new center at Boston University’s School of Medicine to study the long-term effects of concussions.

3rd party debates brew

Trevor Lyman is the man who organized the Ron Paul money bombs.

One Lyman money bomb raised $4 million in one day.

Another raised $6 million in one day.

Now, Lyman is at it again.

Lyman wants to hold a third party debate in New York City.

Lyman was inspired by Ron Paul's press conference a couple of weeks ago.

At that press conference, Paul called on his followers to ditch the two major parties and throw their support to one of the independent or third party candidates.

So, we all need to support Lyman's push for an alternative debate now.

If Lyman gets 10,000 pledges by October 8, he and the other sponsors will organize a debate in New York City.

All major candidates -- Nader, Barr, McKinney, Baldwin, Obama and McCain will be invited.

Already, with no publicity, Lyman has close to 1,000 pledgers.

So go to thirdpartyticket.com now.

And add your name to the pledge list.

You don't have to say how much you are pledging.

Just add your name.

The Commission on Presidential Debates won't let Ralph debate.

So, let's get behind Trevor Lyman's push now.

Let's crank it up.

And get it done.

How McCain Stirred a Simmering Pot

Inside baseball stuff follows. But, this sets the mood so as to explain by John McCain, a guy who can look Putin in the eye, can't even look at his debate opponent.

How McCain Stirred a Simmering Pot When Sen. John McCain made his way to the Capitol office of House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) just past noon on Thursday, he intended to 'just touch gloves' with House Republican leaders, according to one congressional aide, and get ready for the afternoon bailout summit at the White House.

Instead, Rep. Paul D. Ryan (Wis.), the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, was waiting to give him an earful. The $700 billion Wall Street rescue, as laid out by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., was never going to fly with House Republicans, Ryan said. The plan had to be fundamentally reworked, relying instead on a new program of mortgage insurance paid not by the taxpayers but by the banking industry.

South Siders find liquor license hard to swallow

PG on ineffective city government.

South Siders find liquor license hard to swallow: "When City Council passed legislation last year that limited the use of liquor licenses on East Carson Street, South Side residents, tormented by drunken noise and vandalism for years, thought they finally had a defense against its worsening.

I didn't think that. Think again.

I'm a South Side resident. I'm upset at the crap behavior of some who crawl our neighborhood too. But, from the get-go, I could tell that this approach was going to tank.

Wrenna Watson's statement as to the 'type of patron' for a place that has yet to open is very crystal ball. And, it might even be a slam dunk for 2008 award for the racial profile awards for all bureaucrats the world over.

Before the commission voted, Chairwoman Wrenna Watson said she had been to Khalil's and Ali Baba's, two restaurants similar to the one planned for East Carson, "and their type of patrons are not the type we are trying to inhibit on the South Side."

Problem: The type of establishment can't be judged with an application to the planning department.

Problem: All types of establishments have the potential of making matters worse. But, the establishment is not the real culprit. True, the beer from one tap down the street ends up on our front porch. But, it is transported by a guy or gal that should be punished.

The solution is to target the wrong doers.

Furthermore, there are a few dozen bars and taverns and salons and nightclubs that are sure to go out of business in the months to come. The market has exploded and a correction is in order. But, that's for the market to dictate, with the help of slots parlor license protection from the state police.

Once the slots parlor in Pittsburgh opens, we'll see some shrinkage in the number of bars in the South Side.

Man dies after tumble into river at start of Head of Ohio

What a way to go.

Man dies after tumble into river at start of Head of Ohio A Washington D.C. attorney active in his local rowing club and who once represented a client in the seizure of the former presidential yacht died today at Allegheny General Hospital after he collapsed and tumbled from his boat at the start of the Head of the Ohio rowing competition.

Stuart C. Law, 79, was pronounced dead after another rower dove into the waters of the Allegheny River and kept Mr. Law afloat until rescue boats could arrive.

So sad. Sounds like an interesting gentleman with a rich career and passion for sport.

My kids and I rode our bikes up to the start of the race at mid-day. We had a nice pedal and look-around at both ends of the course. Didn't hear a peep about these events. I almost asked if anyone had gone 'swimming' so far today -- but we were around as a boat got disqualified for failing to be at the start of a race -- so said the race's starter while a parent knew otherwise.

Titus North's Financial System Stabilization Plan | Titus North for Congress

These are amazing points from Candidate North. Well done.

Titus North's Financial System Stabilization Plan | Titus North for Congress: "Titus North's Financial System Stabilization Plan"

To address the immediate problems of the financial system, we need to do the following:

1) Conduct prompt and thorough audits of our banks and insurance companies in order to ascertain the value of their assets. Any institutions that have debts in excess of their capitalization should be seized by the government and either liquidated or put into receivership.

2) Undercapitalized institutions must to take steps to bolster their capitalization or face a partial government takeover. This would be done by injecting public funds in exchange for shares in the company according to fair market value. The management would be dismissed and the institution would have to follow strict guidelines until their health is restored and the public funds repaid.

3) Allow other institutions to sell their toxic subprime assets to the government AT MARKET PRICES, which would be a small fraction of the book values. The securitized subprime assets would be unbundled and the government would renegotiate the terms of the loans so that primary homeowners will be able to make payments. The banks and insurance companies who sell their loans to the government must agree to several conditions, including a cap on executive salaries of no more than the salaries of the President of the United States, the Vice President, or other corresponding government executives.

4) Impose a moratorium on foreclosures on primary homes. Keeping homeowners in their houses and making mortgage payments offers the best chance at recovering the principle of the loans. Most foreclosures were triggered by the jump in monthly interest payments when low teaser rates expired. Foreclosures cause a glut of supply, which bring down home values and inflate mortgage-related losses.

5) All banks and insurance companies must be required to set up and contribute to a fund to reimburse the taxpayers. Also, contributions to the fund will have to take priority over paying dividends to shareholders until taxpayers are reimbursed.

6) Executives at companies that fail or require tax payer assistance should be sued for the pay they received during the years their companies were engaging in the practices that produced the current crisis should be forfeited into the taxpayer reimbursement fund.

7) Hedge funds should be investigated for wrong doing and liquidated should they fail.

8) Establish a very small transaction tax on stock, bond, foreign exchange and derivative transactions. It would discourage speculation and its proceeds could go to the taxpayer remibursement fund.

9) Abolish the Federal Reserve. The structure of the Federal Reserve gives commercial banks too much influence over the vary institution that is suppose to regulate the banking industry. It's founding was unconstitutional in the first place because the Constitution gives Congress authority over the currency. The Treasury should go back to issuing currency, with congressional supervision.

We have the example of Japan's trial and error in overcoming their financial crisis of similar proportions. Let's not reinvent the wheel!

Titus North is running radio ads. Green for US Congress

I have recorded a radio spot opposing the Wall Street bailout. The spot will air on some local radio stations.

The times for KQV (AM 1410) are as follows:
Saturday: 8:25 a.m., 9:24 a.m., 10:50 a.m., 12:25 p.m., 2:24 p.m. and 5:57 p.m.
Sunday: 8:19 a.m., 9:19 a.m., 10:19 a.m., 12:14 p.m., 3:57 p.m., 5:14 p.m. and 8:33 p.m.
Monday: 8:33 a.m, 11:26 a.m. and 4:07 p.m.

The times for WJAS (AM 1320) are as follows:
Sunday during the "Swinging with Sinatra" show sometime between 10AM and 12 noon
Monday: Three times (Specific times will be posted as soon as they are learned.)

The times for WMNY (AM 1360) are as follow:
Saturday during the Lou Dobbs Show at about 8:30PM and around 9:10-9:20 PM
Monday twice during the Bloomberg First Word Show 7-9AM. (Specific times for those spots will be posted as soon as they are learned.)


Titus North

Candidate for U.S. Congress, PA district 14

votenorth.org

Freedom Writers

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2 Political Junkies recap bailout meetings

2 Political Junkies: "President Bush chimed in, 'If money isn't loosened, this sucker could go down' -- and by sucker he meant economy."

What I don't get, yet: If the economy is going down the drain because of the loose credit -- does it make sense to loosen credit further and offer a bailout of billions. They want to take the turd deeper into the toilet -- flushing it away with nothing but bigger, better floating, taxpayer purchased, Wall Street relieved, turds.

This sucker could go down if we land another battleship (of the same broad based composure) smack dab on top of the first one, once floating freely.

Twitter / Rauterkus

Twitter / Rauterkus: "Rauterkus"

See my twitter feed from the presidential debate. My $.03 comments are throughout.

Clear winner for me: Twitter's Election 2008 feed.

Live Blog the Bi-partisan debate. I hate bipartisan debates!

Pointers to other bloggers with action with the debates.

Reason's Counter Debate: http://www.mogulus.com/reason

http://www.americasdebate.com/?page=chat
http://conservativeschatroom.homestead.com/CCR2.html
http://theforum.cnn.com/
http://www.unitedliberty.org/568/presidential-debate-live-blog/
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/if-they-debate-what-to-look-for/
http://www.4-lane.com/politicalchat/pages/democratchat.html
http://www.4-lane.com/politicalchat/pages/republicanchat.html
http://www.chatmag.com/topics/politics/politics.html
http://www.mightyrighty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14147
http://www.liberalforum.org/
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=336×2037
http://www.youdecide2008.com/chat/
http://chatabouteverything.homestead.com/democrat-chat.html
http://www.obamabrigade.com/group/obamabrigadelivechatroom
http://www.volconvo.com/forums/
http://www.theuptake.org/
http://debatehub.c-span.org/
http://www.commercialappeal.com/debatechat/
http://community.tvguide.com/forum/Presidential-Debate/800073001
http://open.neurostechnology.com/content/participate-us-presidential-debate-crowd-narration
http://www.youdecide2008.com/2007/10/09/live-msnbc-republican-debate-chat-tonight-9pm/

Pittsburgh Mom Accused Of Attacking School Employees - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

This is weird, very weird.

Pittsburgh Mom Accused Of Attacking School Employees - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "A mother of two Brashear High School students was arrested after a dispute with school employees at the family's Elmore Square home on Friday.

According to school officials, the 14-year-old student was exhibiting odd behavior, which was a concern. School officials said they tried to contact the girl's family but were unable to reach anyone, so two employees escorted the teen and an older sibling home.

When they arrived at the family's house, the girls' father, Jim Malloy, said he called police because he was mad that the school sent the girls home.

Malloy said his wife, Lisa, began yelling at the women as they were leaving, telling them they had to wait for the police to arrive. At that point, Malloy said all of the women began pushing each other, and they fell to the ground.

When police arrived, Malloy said his wife was arrested. He said when he called the principal of the school to get more information, the principal claimed to not know anything about the students being taken home.

Police are investigating.

If school officials come knocking at your door -- get out your video camera at the least.

I'd love to have the names of the school employees published in the news too. The names of the parents are here.

Police are investigating. Is that City of Pgh Police? School Police? Who?

The principal should be on camera with this interview too. That is suspect as well. What did he say exactly?

Anyone can post to the comments of this blog. Info is helpful.

Update. The story now has video and has been updated slightly.

Latest Ad: Obama & next generation vets. My $.02 advice is posted...

Great touch w women in wheel chair. Props to that within the ad's message.

Sadly, far too many of the next generation of US vets can't watch nor hear the ad as too many are with trauma with hurt eyes and ears from blasts. The future brings a major need for nurses. Plus, the former soldiers are formerly very physical people (i.e., PE guys for shorthand). They need to romp, play, rehab, and be engaged in the physical world -- for wellness sake.

My $.02 tip: Speak to a new wave of Paralympics like events for vets. These next generation rec centers must be established with a mixing among able body vets, family and civilians too. What killed others in past wars makes blind and deaf now. Their lives have 'changed' (hint to the "CHANGE" theme). Their dignity is to be treasured, with lots of investment in activities, programming, engagement!

Preview of tonight's debate: "That Ain't Right" -- and New World Order Brews Nightly

Then there is last night -- Thursday night -- debate eve.

We've got a "new world order" brewing in our society, nightly.

Last night on prime time, the #1 fell. A 25-point favorite got smoked by an underdog. USC lost 27-21 to Oregon State. The Beavers beat the guys that ride in on a white horse. Welcome to the modern times of America. This is a brand new day -- in college football, politics, finance and elsewhere.

Oregon State freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers rushed 37 times for 186 yards and two touchdowns.

Slate predicts McCain's next 10 Hail Mary campaign stunts. - - Slate Magazine

HON!

Slate predicts McCain's next 10 Hail Mary campaign stunts. - - Slate Magazine 1. Returns to Vietnam and jails himself.
2. Offers the post of 'vice vice president' to Warren Buffett.
3. Challenges Obama to suspend campaign so they both can go and personally drill for oil offshore.
4. Learns to use computer.
5. Does bombing run over Taliban-controlled tribal areas of Pakistan.
6. Offers to forgo salary, sell one house.
7. Sex-change operation.
8. Suspends campaign until Nov. 4, offers to start being president right now.
9. Sells Alaska to Russia for $700 billion.
10. Pledges to serve only one term. OK, half a term.

Do you have an idea for McCain's next campaign stunt? Send it to us at NextMcCainStunt@gmail.com, and we will publish the best ideas. E-mails may be quoted by name unless you indicate otherwise.

My suggestions:

A) In a pledge to make the United States 'Bi-Partisan' throughout his (McCain) term of President, McCain pledges to flip every registered voter of both the D and R parties into the same party, the corporate, unity, good-for-the-country party.

B) New party name, "McCan USA Party."

C) McCain, when asked by bloggers about the Green, Libertarians and Independent voters -- after hackers took over his web sites and that of CNN and Fox -- McCain offered a 'don't ask and don't tell policy' for joining -- or else a ticket on one of the seven floating prisons already holding detainees.

D) McCain proposes the building of the "Straight Talk Express" -- a high speed, elevated MagLev train from D.C. to San Diego that features perfectly straight track without any turns and curves paid for by (fill in the blank).

E) ...

technology politics: Lessig's Declaration for Independence

technology politics: Lessig's Declaration for Independence... member of the audience told Lessig that "I was with you for 80% of it..." and that Lessig's examples using only Republicans and Democrats a was a slap in the face to third party candidates like himself. The man, you guessed it, was Mark Rauterkus. I give Mark a lot of crap for his support of Sara Palin-esque mayoral candidates like that Libertarian guy, Tony what's his name, but he is really a nice guy, and I have to say after meeting both of his sons (ages 13 and 10) I have to give him credit for doing heck of a job raising too really smart kids. During my conversation with Mark about McCain and Obama his sons were joining the debate - and they had plenty to say. They were more knowledgeable on the issues than Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin - and I'm not exaggerating. Following our conversation Mark's youngest son came up to me and asked me which issues that Obama was supporting were most important to me. When I meet 10 year old who can come up to me and discus foreign policy, energy independence, and the Iraq War - that gives me hope. Great work, Mark.

Nice words. Great post. Wonderful talk too. Must read re-cap as there are many themes in this discussion that need to sustain in our discussions.

Couple of minor points. Erik is 13 for another couple of weeks. Grant is 10 and a half. Eighth and fifth graders.

I am happy you enjoyed the conversation with the boys. They are 'tuned in.' Our friend, Joe Jencks, who came to the house last week and gave a house concert spoke some kind words about the boys as well. He said that his conversations with the boys gave him a great deal of hope for the future. Reassuring.

Tony Oliva was the L candidate for mayor in the 'special election.' Tony is a Pitt grad in POLITICAL SCIENCE. He has had a passport for years. And, Oliva jumped out of many airplanes carrying a gun wearing a uniform ready to face whatever was on the ground. In a nutshell, he's more experienced than many. And, he hustled to meet with hundreds of voters/citizens to get their signature to get himself and me onto the ballot.

The defense of Tony, not a placekicker when he played DI football, is important for history's sake -- and for the conversation that unfolds at the lecutre with Professor Lessig.

Lessig rails, rightfully, against corruption. Pittsburgh, like other local situations, has corruption. On the federal level there is less "crude corruption" -- but Lessig feared that that flavor of corruption could still have roots within the local political scene in America.

Crude corruption is an important concept. For starters, there is no hint of any flavor of corruption resting on the back of Tony Oliva. And, for that alone, the pinnacle of Lessig's preaching, means discounting Tony isn't prudent.

Crude corruption is old-school corruption and has nothing to do with 'crude oil.' Crude corruption offers an interesting double meaning, perhaps confusing. But, given the 'War for Oil' and price of gas, yet alone "peak oil" plus global warming, Crude Corruption makes heads scratch.

Lessig's crude corruption was more for the type that Bonusgate delivered. Paying a women via the state payroll who delivers sexual services, for example. As well as the Luke Ravenstahl and Pat Ford type of corruption -- more money, more gifts, more jobs, more favors (parking the RV) for the person and family.

Pittsburgh is filled with crude corruption. One party rule helps to deliver this old-school, crude corruption, IMHO.

Lessig makes the point that the Feds are with a new breed of corruption. More sophisticated. They are able to skirt the ethics laws and still get re-elected plus use extortion for gains for favorite, pet endeavors (i.e., endowed chairs and namesake library donations). He is on the mark about the ills of the system as it is today with the Feds.

His quote got to me: "Under today's system, there is no way in hell we'll be able to throw the bumbs out."

Lessig is not inclined to mess with today's system. His solution is but a tinkering around the edges so as to hold off a real revolution that is brewing.

"Under today's system" is sacred ground that won't be challenged by Lessig and his cronies. Now, I have to be 'c a r e f u l' and close this posting and say I'll get back to this topic with any and all others -- so as to really make my point understood.

Lessig is about "Ds" and "Rs" and also about "right" and "left." One slide was with "Red" and "Blue" and a blending of the two.

Lessig is worried about 'competition' and he states an old-school adage. "It takes 50% + 1 vote to win an election." Sorta. But, in a 3-way race, Lessig's formula breaks. In a 4-way race, the winner could be with 3 out of 10 or less! Do the math.

Lessig stated a Newt quote saying that there isn't much difference between the two parties. In D.C., in the halls of congress, in the Fed circles, and in time of crisis on matters that are really important -- there is NO DIFFERENCE. Newt is right. Nearly everyone of them voted for the invasion and 'war' (except, of course, Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich). This financial bailout of $700B is another one of those "bi-partisan" times when they are being slammed into the same lock-step booster-ism where they crave and pressure a unified voice.

Presently, G.W.Bush is saying Republicans and Democrats are going to rise together to make a deal. Jeepers. The Ds and Rs are going to craft a deal in D.C. and the rest of America is in fits and upset.

My wild-eye prediction for the future: This Wall Street Bailout and call for UNITY is boing to be the death of the R party. The Ds and Rs are merged into one Corporate Party. Obama and Biden will be the leader.

We need and Lessig wants, like me, the corrupt candidate to loose the election. In a 3, 4, or 5 way, competitive, open-minded race, with performing watchdog media, the corrupt candidate does NOT win. That's the key that rids our system of corruption.

Two more lives end by gun violence in city - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Two more lives end by gun violence in city - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kraus said he is 'sick' over the shootings and said it will take a commitment from churches, community groups, police and government officials to turn around Pittsburgh's 'major problem with gun violence.'

Sick is as sick does.
Lifeguards can't help others if they themselves are sick.
If he is sick, I hope he gets over it quickly. Get well soon Bruce. Seems to me we need more than 'sick.'

City schools OK contracts for arts program merger

CAPA is not a clown car!

City schools OK contracts for arts program merger City school board members last night voted 8-0 to let contracts for the merger of the middle-grade and high school arts programs, though the cost will be about $1 million more than initially projected.

They increased the space needs by some amount. That's okay. But, we should increase space at the high performing schools by factors of 4 or 10 -- not fractions.

China - Beyond the Olympics

China - Beyond the Olympics The premier event of the year for Chinese professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. This year's conference will center the discussion on China's future after China's great showcase of its 5,000-year history as well as its technological and economic achievements at the Beijing Summer Olympics.

If I could only get my photos and videos in order from our trip to China. I know -- I'm taking forever. Stay tuned.... still....

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."