Youtube is the undisputed leader of video-sharing, sorta like Allderdice High School swimming has been the undisputed champion of city swimming. YouTube, now owned by Google has a world-wide market share of 66%. YouTube is the boss in the market, but it isn't the best. Especially when it comes to the purpose we seek for coaching. Check out our swimming videos at Viddler, not YouTube.
Youtube and Viddler have significant differences.
Viddler has innovative features in its player. With Viddler, we can include and attach comments and tags to particular times in the video.
Probably the most significant difference between Youtube and Viddler is their encoding strategy. Files are converted to a fixed bit-rate. Youtube resamples the video to give a consistent quality at this bit-rate. Viddler does not resample the video, so the quality depends on how well the input video matches the output bit-rate.
Youtube encodes to a fixed format. Video is 320×240 25fps FLASH video, using H.263 at around 250Kbit/s. Audio is 22050Hz mono using MP3 at 64Kbit/s.
Viddler attempts to preserve the original format, changing the specs only when required to match the requirements of FLASH. Video is at the original frame size, 30fps FLASH video, using the VP6 at 400Kbit/s. Audio is in the original format (max 44Khz) using MP3 at 48Kbit/s. VP6 is the “flagship” codec for Flash Player 8, intended to deliver better quality at lower bit rates.
Youtube encodes to a lower bit rate so may work better over slower links. Youtube’s format is constant, so the quality is constant. Viddler encodes to a higher bitrate and uses more compression, so it is capable of delivering better quality although at the cost of more data and CPU processing. Viddler’s video format is variable, so the quality is also variable.
Youtube’s 320×200 format is OK for 4:3 video, but is not good for other formats. For example, 16:9 video is letterboxed so the effective resolution of the frame is only 320×180. Viddler retains the original size, so can support 16:9 or any other format.
Youtube has a limit of 10 minutes and 100Mb on uploaded videos. Viddler's limit is 500Mb without any time ceiling.
Viddler has a decent batch process if you use a more modern browser.
Viddler allows for comments in the video window seek bar.
Tags for videos and comments fit into Viddler and FaceBook too.
The comment points are displayed in the seek-bar, and you can see the comments by mousing over the comment points. Clicking jumps to that point. Comments pop up as playback reaches that point. Anyone can add narratives or explanations to a race, or highligh interesting times. Outside viewers, fans, other coaches and team mates can add their own comments as it is allowed. Those are then be shared with other viewers.
Viddler’s player generates a link to each clip. For web pages and catalog, one can embed code itself.
Viddler requires the FLASH 9 player. Youtube requires only FLASH 7 players, which means that its videos will work on a larger variety of systems including “embedded browsers” (eg. Opera the Nintendo Wii game console).
Both Youtube and Viddler have “members”, “friends” and “groups”. Youtube also has “subscribers”. Viddler also has “forums”, which seem to be implemented using “groups” on Youtube. Both sites have video “tags” and descriptions. Viddler has both “global tags” which apply to an entire video, and “timed tags” which apply to a specific time in a video. It also has timed and global comments.
Youtube allows videos to be public or private. For private videos you can nominate up to 25 users who are allowed to view the video. This is useful for example, if you just want to share a file with family members. Video files are not downloadable, although there are third-party web sites (eg. http://www.kissyoutube.com) which allow you to retrieve the encoded FLASH file.
Viddler allows videos to be public, private (only accessible to you), or shared (accessible to you and your “friends”). In addition to viewing rights, Viddler allows you to control who is allowed to comment, tag, embed, or download your video. You have separate controls over downloading the original file, or the encoded flash version. This allows you to distribute high quality videos in their original format which can effectively be viewed on-line via the FLASH player. Viddler also allows you to create a “secret URL” which can be used to access a private video. This means that you can share a private video with users that are not members of the system, something that is not possible on Youtube.
Viddler offers the user many compelling features not found on Youtube:
* Support for videos longer than 10 minutes, with upload sizes to 500Mb.
* Improved control over access to shared videos
* Improved navigation via streaming play, timed tags and timed comments (note: streaming play currently unavailable)
* Support for any resolution format including 16:9
* Extensive statistics and link reporting
Friday, January 22, 2010
RLC Presents Gov. Gary Johnson
------Original Message------
From: Dave Nalle ()
To: Mark Rauterkus
Subject: The RLC Presents Gov. Gary Johnson
Sent: Jan 22, 2010 12:41 AM
From: Dave Nalle ()
To: Mark Rauterkus
Subject: The RLC Presents Gov. Gary Johnson
Sent: Jan 22, 2010 12:41 AM
**Attention all RLC members, liberty activists, bloggers and anyone
else on the cutting edge of the liberty movement.**
In the first in a series of teleconference events, the Republican
Liberty Caucus presents:
Former Governor
*Gary E. Johnson*
of New Mexico
January 26th at 9pm EST
Dial-in Number: 1-219-509-8222
Participant Access Code: 618486
/Just call in, enter your code and follow along./
The teleconference will feature 20-30 minutes of remarks by Governor
Johnson followed by an hour for questions and answers from
participants.
The teleconference series brings together pro-liberty newsmakers and
RLC members, friendly media and liberty-oriented bloggers to increase
awareness of the RLC candidates, issue initiatives, allied
organizations and important events.
Governor Johnson served two very successful terms as Governor of New
Mexico and has been a champion of individual liberties and fiscally
responsible government, often compared favorably with Ron Paul.
Although there has been speculation about a possilbe 2012 GOP
presidential run, Governor Johnson is now working hard on hiis Our
America Initiative <http://ouramericainitiative.com/>
which is promoting popular awareness of civil liberties, free
enterprise, limited government, and traditional American values.
For more information see Mitchell Langbert's recent interview
<http://www.rlc.org/2010/01/19/interview-with-governor-gary-earl-johnson/>
with Governor Johnson.
Don't miss the teleconference. Space is limited, so call in on time.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
Teach the teacher. Or, list for the list keepers.
Do you host a ...
... neighborhood e-mail list?
... highly interactive placeblog?
... local social network on Ning?
... a private Facebook group for nearest neighbors?
... a local online community of any kind?
Then join your peers on this new peer-to-peer online group for local hosts
from:
http://e-democracy.org/locals
One of the buried factoids from the Pew Internet and American Life Project
last year is that 4% of American adults or 8 million people are members of
good old neighborhood e-mail lists. If the average neighborhood e-mail list
is 200 people (no idea what it is) that means 40,000 people have step up to
successfully create an online public space for their neighbors. However
whether it is on YahooGroups, Google Groups, Ning, or Facebook a quick hunt
for local online groups brings up perhaps 10 empty shells with just a few
members.
The technology made it easy for 360,000 people to fail at a low cost and
40,000 of us broke through and managed to convince our neighbors to join us
online (very much a close to one person a time adventure from my experience)
to the tune of 8 million overall. The neighbors movement online is
completely below the radar and most succesful efforts barely know about the
local online spaces beyond their immediate area. I want to change that by
gathering a few hundred hosts of online neighborhood efforts in a space we
can use to exchange stories, lessons, and advice.
Imagine if we simply captured our top ten lessons and the success rate for
new neighborhood spaces went from 10% to 20% by spreading our collective
advice. We'd serve another 8 million people (far more globally for that
matter) in no time. Wow!
That might be the easy part. The real challenge is finding the first few
hundred online neighborhood hosts who don't yet know they are part of a
movement. Can you help by sending the local revolutionaries you know to:
http://e-democracy.org/locals
Thanks,
Steven Clift
Neighborhood e-mail list host
http://e-democracy.org/se
Steven Clift
http://stevenclift.com/
@democracy
Shani Davis makes peace with host of 'Colbert Report' - 2008 Olympics - SI.com
Shani Davis makes peace with host of 'Colbert Report' - 2008 Olympics - SI.com With Colbert stumbling all over the ice, Davis leisurely parked his car, signed autographs, sipped from a water fountain and put on his uniform. Then he sped around the oval in a time of 35.24 seconds. Colbert's time -- 13 minutes, 43.89 seconds.
Shani Davis makes peace with host of 'Colbert Report' - 2008 Olympics - SI.com
Shani Davis makes peace with host of 'Colbert Report' - 2008 Olympics - SI.com With Colbert stumbling all over the ice, Davis leisurely parked his car, signed autographs, sipped from a water fountain and put on his uniform. Then he sped around the oval in a time of 35.24 seconds. Colbert's time -- 13 minutes, 43.89 seconds.
Architect devises preservation, reuse plan for Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Of course there is no rush.
To grow, you need to add. You win by addition. When the new Consol Energy Arena is built, we have a chance to GROW and build more capacity. But, not if the existing is removed. Here is the math: 1 + 1 = 2. We grow. But if it is 1 - 1 = ZERO. We don't grow.
When we got the new stadiums, we got Heinz Field (plus 1) and PNC Park (plus 1). However, we lost Three Rivers Stadium and Pitt Stadium (minus 2). Net growth = ZERO.
We did get The Pete. Great. Plus one. And, Pitt got to keep the Fitz too. Yes. That's growth. But, we could have built The Pete on the river down Panther Hollow near Parkway East and new graduate student housing. But, that's another discussion.
With the Civic Arena, we should keep it. We should aim to grow.
In other news, an apartment in my neighborhood is going to be vacant. The tennant is moving out. So, the tennant tells the landlord that he won't be paying rent at the end of his lease and the tennant tells the landlord that the soon to be empty apartment should now be torn down. WTF. The tennant doesn't own the building. The tennant only rented the building. The tennant has no say in what happens with the property after the tennant moves out. The landlord can fix up the place, if desired. And, the landlord can find a new tennant too.
The tennant is the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins are going to move out of the Civic Arena. They have no sway nor say about what happens there next.
Architect devises preservation, reuse plan for Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Architect devises preservation, reuse plan for Mellon Arena"
To grow, you need to add. You win by addition. When the new Consol Energy Arena is built, we have a chance to GROW and build more capacity. But, not if the existing is removed. Here is the math: 1 + 1 = 2. We grow. But if it is 1 - 1 = ZERO. We don't grow.
When we got the new stadiums, we got Heinz Field (plus 1) and PNC Park (plus 1). However, we lost Three Rivers Stadium and Pitt Stadium (minus 2). Net growth = ZERO.
We did get The Pete. Great. Plus one. And, Pitt got to keep the Fitz too. Yes. That's growth. But, we could have built The Pete on the river down Panther Hollow near Parkway East and new graduate student housing. But, that's another discussion.
With the Civic Arena, we should keep it. We should aim to grow.
In other news, an apartment in my neighborhood is going to be vacant. The tennant is moving out. So, the tennant tells the landlord that he won't be paying rent at the end of his lease and the tennant tells the landlord that the soon to be empty apartment should now be torn down. WTF. The tennant doesn't own the building. The tennant only rented the building. The tennant has no say in what happens with the property after the tennant moves out. The landlord can fix up the place, if desired. And, the landlord can find a new tennant too.
The tennant is the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins are going to move out of the Civic Arena. They have no sway nor say about what happens there next.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Presentation to Pgh Public Schools Committee about East End Plan
Last night I spoke at a public hearing about our schools. The focus was called into question, rightly so. But the aim was to hear from citizens about schools in the East End of Pittsburgh.
A committee was hand-picked by PPS Superintendent, Mark Roosevelt. The work of the committee is to review all the available facts, ponder solutions and make suggestions to the administration and the board.
One recent study looked at the facilities, the downward migration trends of the city and its schools, and suggested, among other things, to close Peabody High School.
In this work, the committee is to ponder the East End, but ignore CAPA, Allderdice and a few other schools that are clearly in the east. Go figure.
My statement goes to the fact that when consultants visit, they looked at the physical building. They'd see a nice gym. A nice pool. However, they overlooked the programs that need to fit into these spaces. The boys varsity team, the JV team and the girls varsity team and its JV team needs to share the court with the middle school girls and boys teams at Schenley / Obama. On paper, the gym is fine. But, it is not good when there are 900 people wishing to go to a game and only 240 fit into the gym so 100 end up sitting outside. Your miles may vary. Same too with the swim pool. The middle school has meets so the high school team gets bumped. But worse is the middle-school PE classes that go for an extra 45 minutes every day beyond the close of the classes for the varsity athletes. Program problems trump building conditions and those consultants didn't lift a finger to ponder the programs that need to fit within our schools.
Another point I made goes to the 'feeder patterns.' Perhaps it is time to take all the feeder patterns and kill them. We've got schools of choice where families from anywhere within the city can opt to have their children go to CAPA, or Perry (Tradational), or Allderdice (engineering magnet and Chineese language magnet), or Obama (I.B.) or Sci-Tech, or U-Prep. Others exist too. The point is, if you live on a certain street some are forced to certain schools. That stinks.
The district could move to an 'all-magnet' or 'all-choice' system. Then if a certain school is failing, people could vote with their feet and leave.
And if there were more choices in an all-choice system, one of the options could be a single gender school for boys and a single-gender school for girls. Let's open a public school alternative to Central Catholic, Oakland Catholic and even Ellis (an all girls school).
Westinghouse could be a city-wide all girls school and Oliver could be the all-girls school. Or, the boys and girls campuses could switch or even flip every three to five years.
A committee was hand-picked by PPS Superintendent, Mark Roosevelt. The work of the committee is to review all the available facts, ponder solutions and make suggestions to the administration and the board.
One recent study looked at the facilities, the downward migration trends of the city and its schools, and suggested, among other things, to close Peabody High School.
In this work, the committee is to ponder the East End, but ignore CAPA, Allderdice and a few other schools that are clearly in the east. Go figure.
My statement goes to the fact that when consultants visit, they looked at the physical building. They'd see a nice gym. A nice pool. However, they overlooked the programs that need to fit into these spaces. The boys varsity team, the JV team and the girls varsity team and its JV team needs to share the court with the middle school girls and boys teams at Schenley / Obama. On paper, the gym is fine. But, it is not good when there are 900 people wishing to go to a game and only 240 fit into the gym so 100 end up sitting outside. Your miles may vary. Same too with the swim pool. The middle school has meets so the high school team gets bumped. But worse is the middle-school PE classes that go for an extra 45 minutes every day beyond the close of the classes for the varsity athletes. Program problems trump building conditions and those consultants didn't lift a finger to ponder the programs that need to fit within our schools.
Another point I made goes to the 'feeder patterns.' Perhaps it is time to take all the feeder patterns and kill them. We've got schools of choice where families from anywhere within the city can opt to have their children go to CAPA, or Perry (Tradational), or Allderdice (engineering magnet and Chineese language magnet), or Obama (I.B.) or Sci-Tech, or U-Prep. Others exist too. The point is, if you live on a certain street some are forced to certain schools. That stinks.
The district could move to an 'all-magnet' or 'all-choice' system. Then if a certain school is failing, people could vote with their feet and leave.
And if there were more choices in an all-choice system, one of the options could be a single gender school for boys and a single-gender school for girls. Let's open a public school alternative to Central Catholic, Oakland Catholic and even Ellis (an all girls school).
Westinghouse could be a city-wide all girls school and Oliver could be the all-girls school. Or, the boys and girls campuses could switch or even flip every three to five years.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Fw: LP Monday Message: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
From: Libertarian Party <info@lp.org>
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0800
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Subject: LP Monday Message: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
| ||||
Dr. King and Sports
From: "Dave Zirin"
Folks - If anyone is in Vancouver this week, I'm speaking at multiple spots. Check it out at
http://www.facebook.com/edgeofsports?ref=profile#/event.php?eid=249378115627&ref=ts
Also, here is a short piece on Dr. King and sports. If you want to reprint, please credit sportsillustrated.com with the complete url.
In struggle and sports,
Dave Zirin
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/dave_zirin/01/18/mlk/index.html?section=si_latest
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:37:29 -0500
Subject: [E of S] Dr. King and Sports
Folks - If anyone is in Vancouver this week, I'm speaking at multiple spots. Check it out at
http://www.facebook.com/edgeofsports?ref=profile#/event.php?eid=249378115627&ref=ts
Also, here is a short piece on Dr. King and sports. If you want to reprint, please credit sportsillustrated.com with the complete url.
In struggle and sports,
Dave Zirin
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/dave_zirin/01/18/mlk/index.html?section=si_latest
One thing about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: the man understood sports.
I don't mean that King was any kind of a star athlete. The only sport that the young, roundish "Mike" King was known to excel at was pocket billiards, which isn't exactly a sport (the golden rule: anything that you can gain weight or smoke cigarettes while doing is not a sport). But Dr. King understood with remarkable acuity the political and symbolic power of sports. He understood that the athletic field -- and athletes -- could be a powerful megaphone for civil rights and racial justice.
As a teenager in 1947 he watched with rapt attention as Jackie Robinson broke the racial barrier in major league baseball. A decade later, as Robinson's career was winding down with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson started to speak out for civil rights. Many people in the press and civil rights community discouraged Robinson from taking this step, worried it would tarnish his image, and even argued that as an athlete Robinson had no vocal place in the struggle. But King, by then the movement's undisputed leader, said that Robinson had every right to speak because he was "... a pilgrim that walked in the lonesome byways toward the high road of Freedom. He was a sit-inner before sit-ins, a freedom rider before freedom rides."
An emboldened Robinson toured the south to speak for civil rights and became the most requested speaker on the circuit: more requested than even Dr. King. He would end every speech the same way, saying, "If I had to choose tomorrow between the Baseball Hall of Fame and full citizenship for my people I would choose full citizenship time and again."
In the 1960s, Dr. King also embraced, albeit privately, a boxer named Cassis Marcellus Clay (a.k.a. Muhammad Ali). We now know about their friendship because the FBI recorded their discussions. Their relationship was private because Ali, with his membership in the separatist Nation of Islam, was rebuked by the civil rights community. Prominent civil rights activist Roy Wilkins once said, "Clay is like a voluntary member of the White Citizens Council."
King and Ali appeared in public together only once at a demonstration for fair housing in Ali's hometown of Louisville. But the connection was a strong one. In 1967 when Dr King, in the face of torrents of criticism, came out against the war in Vietnam, he invoked the champ saying, "Like Muhammad Ali puts it, we are all-Black and Brown and poor-victims of the same system of oppression."
Also in 1967, track stars Tommie Smith, Lee Evans, John Carlos and others were organizing the Olympic Project for Human Rights arguing that African-American athletes should boycott the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Their demands were to have Muhammad Ali's title restored, to have apartheid South Africa and Rhodesia disinvited from the Olympics, to hire more African- American coaches and to see IOC president Avery Brundage removed after 32 years of iron rule.
Many civil Rights leaders were again appalled. Protesting the Olympics was unpatriotic, even unseemly. But Dr. King offered his unwavering support saying, "This is a protest and a struggle against racism and injustice and that is what we are working to eliminate in our organization and in our total struggle ... No one looking at these demands can ignore the truth of them. Freedom always demands sacrifice and ... they have the courage to say, 'We're going to be men and the United States of America have deprived us of our manhood, of our dignity and our native worth, and consequently we're going to stand up and make the sacrifices ..."
King even met with a group of the athletes weeks before his assassination in 1968. As John Carlos said to me, "Dr. King was in my mind and heart when I raised my fist on that podium."
Despite criticism from his own civil rights community, Dr. King was involved in three of history's most critical collisions of sports and politics. Yes, the man sure knew his sports.
Dave Zirin is the author of the forthcoming “Bad Sports: How Owners are Ruining the Games we Love” (Scribner) Receive his column every week by emailing dave@edgeofsports.com. Contact him at edgeofsports@gmail.com .
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Former Pitt star DeJuan Blair stands tall as an NBA rookie
Former Pitt star DeJuan Blair stands tall as an NBA rookie: "Just one week after Pitt was eliminated from the NCAA tournament in March, Mr. Blair decided to leave school two years early to begin his professional basketball career. After he plummeted to the second round of the NBA draft in June, there was much debate as to whether he made a mistake, but he has zero doubt that he made the correct choice to pursue his dream.I went to the Schenley basketball game on Friday night at home against Perry. The home team lost, but it was a fun game to watch. If you want to go to a Schenley game, get there early. The gym is small. Seating is only on one side. The place fills and then no others are permitted into the gym for good reason. Show up when the JV games are played.
'I just sit back in the house. I just think, man, I made the right decision,' said Mr. Blair, who earned All-American honors at Pitt last season after a celebrated high school career at Schenley. 'It's just wonderful. I feel so blessed"
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bruce Kraus is so foolish to wish to play the role of ruler of the marketplace
Not only is he foolish, but he puts the economy of the region in danger.
The last attempt was to limit the number of bars and it failed. There were others on city council who supported it too. And, the mayor even signed the bill. But the courts won. Freedom won. Kraus lost.
So, the next round is even worse. He lost the last battle with a stick -- so now he picks up a bigger stick. He wants to double down or something.
Max and Erma's in Shadyside is closed. So what! Let it be. The corporation had problems. The economy took a dip. Nationwide, they couldn't stay in buesiness. Places open, and places close. There is good and bad. Time marches to a new day. That's how it should be without the city putting up red tape and hurdles to marketplace entry.
Kraus wants to see a balance. Of course he does, but it is his balance. He wants to rule the day, the streets and the lives of others. What Bruce wants is not what Bruce should legislate just because he won an election. Bruce can't legislate balance. Others are smart enough to realize their roles.
Frankly, I want to see freedom and liberties so that others who have a good idea can come here and set up shop as they wish. And, I want to have the people decide if they should support that business or not. And, decisions of employment are to be with the workers. Should they take jobs in that business or not is up to them. And, the banks get to decide if the owners should get capital to invest in that business or not. Thousands of decisions have to occur. Few or none of those decisions should be at the will of Bruce Kraus and others in City Hall.
What isn't serving the business district well is government intervention. "I don't care if it was drugstores that were opening. ... It's not serving the business district well to have almost a monopoly of one certain type of business," he said. Hey, the worst kind of monopoly is a state controlled monopoly. Furthermore, to curb the bars, he needs to curb the eating establishements. That is NOT the monopoly he wants to attack.
Nancy Eshelman, president of South Side Chamber of Commerce, opposes Kraus' ordinance.
"How dare he," Eshelman said. "What happened to free enterprise in this country? What's next? Is he going to decide how many tattoo parlors there are?"
There's no reason the city should restrict any small businesses from opening, said Eshelman, co-owner of Morning Glory Inn, a bed-and-breakfast on Sarah Street. "It's very hard to open a business, and if someone is willing to go through the effort, invest the capital, go through the process -- which is grueling -- he should not be able to say there are too many of them here. It's rather devious."
Kraus said his bill would attempt to prevent late-night drinkers from causing property damage or contributing to crime. "This is not about punishing anyone or going after businesses with alcohol licenses," he said. "This is about keeping people safe."
Again, he is miss directed, fully. No bar nor eating establishment ever wandered the neighborhood and caused property damage. People do that. Places don't. People from those places, perhaps, should be held accountable.
"We just have to begin enforcing the laws we already have instead of having new laws," she said. "I don't think controlling the number of restaurants and bars is going to change behavior."
More:
The last attempt was to limit the number of bars and it failed. There were others on city council who supported it too. And, the mayor even signed the bill. But the courts won. Freedom won. Kraus lost.
So, the next round is even worse. He lost the last battle with a stick -- so now he picks up a bigger stick. He wants to double down or something.
Pittsburgh council gets new approach to Carson Street bars - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 'I don't believe this ordinance is the be-all and end-all to solve the unruliness of the Carson Street corridor,' said Kraus, who hears complaints from residents about public drunkenness and vandalism. 'It puts a stop for now, until we can catch our breath and decide where we're going from here.'The end all and be all to the problem is the marketplace.
Max and Erma's in Shadyside is closed. So what! Let it be. The corporation had problems. The economy took a dip. Nationwide, they couldn't stay in buesiness. Places open, and places close. There is good and bad. Time marches to a new day. That's how it should be without the city putting up red tape and hurdles to marketplace entry.
Kraus wants to see a balance. Of course he does, but it is his balance. He wants to rule the day, the streets and the lives of others. What Bruce wants is not what Bruce should legislate just because he won an election. Bruce can't legislate balance. Others are smart enough to realize their roles.
Frankly, I want to see freedom and liberties so that others who have a good idea can come here and set up shop as they wish. And, I want to have the people decide if they should support that business or not. And, decisions of employment are to be with the workers. Should they take jobs in that business or not is up to them. And, the banks get to decide if the owners should get capital to invest in that business or not. Thousands of decisions have to occur. Few or none of those decisions should be at the will of Bruce Kraus and others in City Hall.
What isn't serving the business district well is government intervention. "I don't care if it was drugstores that were opening. ... It's not serving the business district well to have almost a monopoly of one certain type of business," he said. Hey, the worst kind of monopoly is a state controlled monopoly. Furthermore, to curb the bars, he needs to curb the eating establishements. That is NOT the monopoly he wants to attack.
Nancy Eshelman, president of South Side Chamber of Commerce, opposes Kraus' ordinance.
"How dare he," Eshelman said. "What happened to free enterprise in this country? What's next? Is he going to decide how many tattoo parlors there are?"
There's no reason the city should restrict any small businesses from opening, said Eshelman, co-owner of Morning Glory Inn, a bed-and-breakfast on Sarah Street. "It's very hard to open a business, and if someone is willing to go through the effort, invest the capital, go through the process -- which is grueling -- he should not be able to say there are too many of them here. It's rather devious."
Kraus said his bill would attempt to prevent late-night drinkers from causing property damage or contributing to crime. "This is not about punishing anyone or going after businesses with alcohol licenses," he said. "This is about keeping people safe."
Again, he is miss directed, fully. No bar nor eating establishment ever wandered the neighborhood and caused property damage. People do that. Places don't. People from those places, perhaps, should be held accountable.
"We just have to begin enforcing the laws we already have instead of having new laws," she said. "I don't think controlling the number of restaurants and bars is going to change behavior."
More:
Bits of this & that ... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus, stymied in his efforts to supersede state law in determining the number and proximity of bars on the city's South Side, now wants to limit the number of restaurants there.
'I don't care if it was drugstores that were opening,' he said. 'It's not serving the business district well to have almost a monopoly of one certain type of business.'
Such arrogance cannot hide Mr. Kraus' ignorance. The South Side (excluding the SouthSide Works) long has been a wonderful, living, breathing laboratory for the free marketplace. Indeed, the success of such a funky and eclectic district has bred some problems, such as open drunkenness and public urination.
But not only are the South Side's problems tailor-made for beefed-up enforcement of existing laws by the local gendarmes, the Kraus proposal would be a slippery slope toward all manner of even more onerous government diktats that very well could kill the geese that lay so many golden eggs for Pittsburgh's tax coffers."
Waterpark planned for Mills mall site
Waterpark planned for Mills mall site: "Waterpark planned for Mills mall site"
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Pay up on over due taxes -- and float another $2 Million in the budget
City council says, "Take this baseball bat and club the voters of the city, but do it under your name, not that of the City Council."
The overall theme of this policy brief is on the money. The city gives tax breaks to the new developers and that means it takes more from those who have been paying all along. The city is not fair.
The overall theme of this policy brief is on the money. The city gives tax breaks to the new developers and that means it takes more from those who have been paying all along. The city is not fair.
Policy Brief
An electronic publication of
The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
January 13, 2010
Pittsburgh Tax Revenue: A Better Approach
When Pittsburgh’s plans to use projected tuition tax revenues were denied by the Oversight Board, the resulting loss of $15 million in projected revenue for 2010 necessitated some reworking of the budget to meet the balanced budget mandate. One of the revenue sources picked for enhancement was delinquent tax collections. Instead of the $4.4 million anticipated in the earlier budget, the City boosted the amount to be collected by $2 million. The amended budget notes that “in anticipation of aggressive collection from a new agent,” the 2010 collection would rise to $6.4 million.
The new agent referred to in the budget document is a private company already employed to collect back taxes owed to Allegheny County. The company will add delinquent City, school, and Water and Sewer Authority bills to its efforts. How serious is the agency likely to be in going after delinquents? One City Council member noted that the City was “…essentially handing a baseball bat to the tax collector and saying, ‘be more aggressive.’”
Just how forceful the collection agency will be depends heavily on the level of public outcry and pushback by those owing back taxes or water bills. But it is fair to say that if the City is going to push forward to collect money from overdue bills it ought to expand the tougher approach to the other sources of taxes it already collects by strengthening efforts to ensure correctness and fairness across the board. This would stand in sharp contrast to its previous modus operandi of appealing to Harrisburg for new taxes or higher allowable rates on existing taxes.
The foremost example that leaps immediately to mind is the real estate tax, which accounts for $127 million in general fund revenues for the City. Given the level of dependence on property tax (it represents 30 percent of all general fund revenue, tax and non-tax), one would think that the City would be doing everything in its power to guarantee that the County produces timely and accurate assessments. Instead, the City remained silent and did nothing during the nearly five year battle over the County’s base year system. It did comment, albeit quietly and somewhat surreptitiously, in the 2009 budget message when the Mayor wrote:
Like all other municipalities in Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh
is faced with the prospect of little or no growth in this largest revenue source
due to the County’s use of a base year assessment system…The base year assessment system also fails to reflect changes in property values, suppresses growth, and leads to inaccurate assessments and disproportionate taxation throughout the City.
The last point in the statement about disproportionate taxation goes to the heart of the fairness question and uniformity issue the Supreme Court ultimately cited in tossing out the County’s base year system.
However, to its discredit, the City never felt the level of outrage necessary to prod it into joining the lawsuit against the base year or filing its own lawsuit. Assuming the City truly believed its claim about disproportionate (unfair) taxation, it should have worked much harder on behalf of its taxpayers who are over assessed or correctly assessed and are thereby forced to carry an inequitable share of the tax burden while the under assessed properties pay less than they should.
Add to that the City’s policy of encouraging development that takes property off of the tax rolls completely and replaces it with very expensive structures such as PNC Park, Heinz Field, the new Convention Center, and the new Penguins Arena to mention some really large examples—well over a billion dollars worth of buildings. Likewise, the City has engaged in massive subsidies for private development such as Lazarus using Tax Increment Financing, low cost loans, etc., that have failed miserably to earn a return for taxpayers. Indeed, several of these subsidies have resulted in huge losses.
Achieving solvency for Pittsburgh is probably more in its own hands than most people might realize. Tough enforcement of overdue tax collection is a start, but there also needs to be a shift toward making sure the City is collecting taxes fairly and uniformly from its tax base. Perhaps revenues would rise enough to permit a tax rate cut, something the City needs.
Still, when all is said and done, there is simply no substitute for freezing—or even reducing—spending. Generating more revenue through available sources without raising tax rates is helpful but is not a permanent solution if spending is not controlled much more rigorously than anything yet undertaken by the City government. A continuation of the same old policies will inevitably lead to future attempts to find new sources of tax revenue such as college students, hospital patients, or people parking in Downtown.
Jake Haulk, Ph.D., President Eric Montarti, Senior Policy Analyst
For updates and commentary on daily issues please visit our blog at alleghenyinstitute.org/blog.
If you have enjoyed reading this Policy Brief and would like to send it to a friend, please feel free to forward it to them.
For more information on this and other topics, please visit our web site: alleghenyinstitute.org
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Parks are in the news again
Parks are in the news again. Parks are seldom in the news. Most of the time when parks are in the news, it isn't good. For a while, parks was only in the news because of goose killings, lake sludge, closed swim pools, Closed rec centers, and more doom and gloom. Other times, the news is worse -- so let's leave it at that.
Now we are talking about parks to outlaw sled rides. No tubing. No fun snow saucers. No toboggans. Plus, Boyce Park, the only county park with a ski hill, is closed.
Dan Onorato has failed us in terms of his stewardship of the parks. Failed. So sad.
Now we are talking about parks to outlaw sled rides. No tubing. No fun snow saucers. No toboggans. Plus, Boyce Park, the only county park with a ski hill, is closed.
Dan Onorato has failed us in terms of his stewardship of the parks. Failed. So sad.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Mark McGwire’s Pound of Flesh
Mark McGwire’s Pound of Flesh In the ten years Brian Williams has anchored the NBC Nightly News, he has never once launched a broadcast by lambasting a public figure. Henry Paulson after the economic collapse? George W. Bush after Katrina? Dick Cheney after everything? All were spared the personal disdain of 'America's most trusted newsman.' Until yesterday. Williams began his broadcast by going after true evil: Mark McGwire.
GASP: State Implementation Plan to Clean Up the Liberty-Clairton Area now Available for Public Comment
The Clean Air Act requires the Allegheny County Health Department to create a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to show how it will bring the Liberty-Clairton area (made up of Clairton, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln, and Port Vue) into compliance with the federal health-based standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).
This SIP is now available for public comment. Let ACHD know you want a strong plan that will clean up our air sooner rather than later. (You may recall that the poor air quality in the Liberty-Clairton area is a big contributor to Pittsburgh's consistently poor national air quality rankings) More information on some shortcomings of the SIP below.
Jan. 14 Public Hearing
The Allegheny County Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 6:30 PM at the Clairton Municipal Building, 551 Ravensburg Boulevard, Clairton PA, 15025 (maps and directions)
Oral testimony must be pre-scheduled by calling 412-578-8008 no less than 24 hours in advance of the public hearing. Speakers will be limited to five minutes and should bring a written copy of their comments.
GAST is coordinating a carpool from Squirrel Hill for those who'd like to share a ride to the hearing. If you are interested contact bryan@gasp-pgh.org by Tuesday, Jan. 12th.
Written Comments
ACHD will also accept written comments on the SIP
by email: BOH@achd.net
by mail:
Board of Health,
3333 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
by fax: 412-578-8325.
Please let us know at joe@gasp-pgh.org if you plan to attend the public hearing or submit written comments.
About PM 2.5
PM 2.5 consists of microscopic solid or liquid particles; most of these particles result from the burning of fossil fuels. PM2.5 has been linked to a number of negative health effects including asthma, stroke, heart attack, lung cancer, and premature death.
About the SIP
The Clean Air Act requires ACHD and many other state and local air quality agencies to create SIPs to bring areas where the air is unhealthy into compliance with federal health-based air quality standards. Right now most state and local agencies, ACHD included, are developing SIPs to meet standards for PM 2.5 that were set back in 1997. Based on better data on PM 2.5 effects on human health, EPA established a lower PM 2.5 standard in 2006, but ACHD (along with other state and local air quality agencies) are still working on SIPs to meet the unhealthy 1997 standards. Tell ACHD its SIP must meet the improved 2006 PM 2.5 standards.
The deadline to meet the PM 2.5 standards is April 5, 2010; however, ACHD's draft SIP would make use of every available opportunity to stretch out that deadline. Under ACHD's proposal, their attainment date would be extended 5 years to April 5, 2015, and even then ACHD proposes to make use of another extension provision to allow themselves to wait until April 5, 2016 to provide enough air monitor data for EPA to make a final determination that the PM 2.5 standards have been meet. In other words, 6 years after the standard attainment deadline, ACHD's plan would bring the Liberty-Clairton area into attainment with an air quality standard that is 19 years old and 11 years out of date! Tell ACHD we can't afford to wait until 2016 to breathe clean, healthy air.
It gets worse: To meet even its much-extended deadline, ACHD's air monitors in the Liberty-Clairton area must record its first of 3 consecutive years of data at or below the PM 2.5 standards in the year 2014 at the very latest. But according to ACHD's own numbers, their plan for cleaning up the air in Liberty-Clairton area won't obtain its first year of data at or below the PM 2.5 standards until 2016. After using every trick in the book to extend its SIP due date, ACHD's plan would still be late. Tell ACHD their plan can't just propose a deadline, it has to meet it, too.
In short ACHD's final SIP must:
Aim to meet or exceed the updated 2006 PM 2.5 standards, not the outdated 1997 standards.
Set its attainment deadline as soon as possible, not six years later than the normal attainment deadline.
Actually meet whatever attainment deadline it sets.
More information:
The Liberty Clairton SIP [PDF]
General Particulate Matter Information from EPA
EPA's Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule [PDF] -- a lengthy technical document describing the PM 2.5 SIP requirements
If you have any questions contact GASP's Legal Director, Joe Osborne at joe@gasp-pgh.org
PA Environmental Quality Board seeks comments on controlling particulate matter emissions from outdoor wood-fired boilers (OWBs)
The deadline for submitting comments has been extended until February 12, 2010. GASP will provide talking points in the near future.
A significant and growing source of PM2.5 emissions in Pennsylvania is from OWBs. OWBs, also referred to as outdoor wood-fired furnaces, outdoor wood-burning appliances, or outdoor hydronic heaters, are free-standing fuel-burning devices designed: (1) to burn clean wood or other approved solid fuels; (2) specifically for outdoor installation or installation in structures not normally intended for habitation by humans or domestic animals, such as garages; and (3) to heat building space or water by means of distribution, typically through pipes, of a fluid heated in the device, typically water or a water and antifreeze mixture. OWBs are being sold to heat homes and buildings and to produce domestic hot water.
The emissions, health effects and the nuisance factor created by the use of OWBs are a major concern to the PA DEP. The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management has conducted stack tests on OWBs. Based on the test results, the average PM2.5 emissions from one OWB are equivalent to the emissions from 205 oil furnaces or as many as 8,000 natural gas furnaces. Cumulatively, the smallest OWB has the potential to emit almost 1 1/2 tons of PM every year. Of the estimated 155,000 OWBs sold Nationwide between 1990 and 2005, 95% were sold in 19 states, of which PA is one. Unlike indoor wood stoves that are regulated by the EPA, no Federal standards exist for OWBs and the majority of them are not equipped with pollution controls.
For more information: http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol39/39-42/1929.html
Written Comments -- interested persons are invited to submit comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed regulation to the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477. Comments may also be submitted electronically at BoardatRegComments@state.pa.us. Comments, suggestions or objections must be received by the Board by February 12, 2010.
This SIP is now available for public comment. Let ACHD know you want a strong plan that will clean up our air sooner rather than later. (You may recall that the poor air quality in the Liberty-Clairton area is a big contributor to Pittsburgh's consistently poor national air quality rankings) More information on some shortcomings of the SIP below.
Jan. 14 Public Hearing
The Allegheny County Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 6:30 PM at the Clairton Municipal Building, 551 Ravensburg Boulevard, Clairton PA, 15025 (maps and directions)
Oral testimony must be pre-scheduled by calling 412-578-8008 no less than 24 hours in advance of the public hearing. Speakers will be limited to five minutes and should bring a written copy of their comments.
GAST is coordinating a carpool from Squirrel Hill for those who'd like to share a ride to the hearing. If you are interested contact bryan@gasp-pgh.org by Tuesday, Jan. 12th.
Written Comments
ACHD will also accept written comments on the SIP
by email: BOH@achd.net
by mail:
Board of Health,
3333 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
by fax: 412-578-8325.
Please let us know at joe@gasp-pgh.org if you plan to attend the public hearing or submit written comments.
About PM 2.5
PM 2.5 consists of microscopic solid or liquid particles; most of these particles result from the burning of fossil fuels. PM2.5 has been linked to a number of negative health effects including asthma, stroke, heart attack, lung cancer, and premature death.
About the SIP
The Clean Air Act requires ACHD and many other state and local air quality agencies to create SIPs to bring areas where the air is unhealthy into compliance with federal health-based air quality standards. Right now most state and local agencies, ACHD included, are developing SIPs to meet standards for PM 2.5 that were set back in 1997. Based on better data on PM 2.5 effects on human health, EPA established a lower PM 2.5 standard in 2006, but ACHD (along with other state and local air quality agencies) are still working on SIPs to meet the unhealthy 1997 standards. Tell ACHD its SIP must meet the improved 2006 PM 2.5 standards.
The deadline to meet the PM 2.5 standards is April 5, 2010; however, ACHD's draft SIP would make use of every available opportunity to stretch out that deadline. Under ACHD's proposal, their attainment date would be extended 5 years to April 5, 2015, and even then ACHD proposes to make use of another extension provision to allow themselves to wait until April 5, 2016 to provide enough air monitor data for EPA to make a final determination that the PM 2.5 standards have been meet. In other words, 6 years after the standard attainment deadline, ACHD's plan would bring the Liberty-Clairton area into attainment with an air quality standard that is 19 years old and 11 years out of date! Tell ACHD we can't afford to wait until 2016 to breathe clean, healthy air.
It gets worse: To meet even its much-extended deadline, ACHD's air monitors in the Liberty-Clairton area must record its first of 3 consecutive years of data at or below the PM 2.5 standards in the year 2014 at the very latest. But according to ACHD's own numbers, their plan for cleaning up the air in Liberty-Clairton area won't obtain its first year of data at or below the PM 2.5 standards until 2016. After using every trick in the book to extend its SIP due date, ACHD's plan would still be late. Tell ACHD their plan can't just propose a deadline, it has to meet it, too.
In short ACHD's final SIP must:
Aim to meet or exceed the updated 2006 PM 2.5 standards, not the outdated 1997 standards.
Set its attainment deadline as soon as possible, not six years later than the normal attainment deadline.
Actually meet whatever attainment deadline it sets.
More information:
The Liberty Clairton SIP [PDF]
General Particulate Matter Information from EPA
EPA's Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule [PDF] -- a lengthy technical document describing the PM 2.5 SIP requirements
If you have any questions contact GASP's Legal Director, Joe Osborne at joe@gasp-pgh.org
PA Environmental Quality Board seeks comments on controlling particulate matter emissions from outdoor wood-fired boilers (OWBs)
The deadline for submitting comments has been extended until February 12, 2010. GASP will provide talking points in the near future.
A significant and growing source of PM2.5 emissions in Pennsylvania is from OWBs. OWBs, also referred to as outdoor wood-fired furnaces, outdoor wood-burning appliances, or outdoor hydronic heaters, are free-standing fuel-burning devices designed: (1) to burn clean wood or other approved solid fuels; (2) specifically for outdoor installation or installation in structures not normally intended for habitation by humans or domestic animals, such as garages; and (3) to heat building space or water by means of distribution, typically through pipes, of a fluid heated in the device, typically water or a water and antifreeze mixture. OWBs are being sold to heat homes and buildings and to produce domestic hot water.
The emissions, health effects and the nuisance factor created by the use of OWBs are a major concern to the PA DEP. The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management has conducted stack tests on OWBs. Based on the test results, the average PM2.5 emissions from one OWB are equivalent to the emissions from 205 oil furnaces or as many as 8,000 natural gas furnaces. Cumulatively, the smallest OWB has the potential to emit almost 1 1/2 tons of PM every year. Of the estimated 155,000 OWBs sold Nationwide between 1990 and 2005, 95% were sold in 19 states, of which PA is one. Unlike indoor wood stoves that are regulated by the EPA, no Federal standards exist for OWBs and the majority of them are not equipped with pollution controls.
For more information: http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol39/39-42/1929.html
Written Comments -- interested persons are invited to submit comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed regulation to the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477. Comments may also be submitted electronically at BoardatRegComments@state.pa.us. Comments, suggestions or objections must be received by the Board by February 12, 2010.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Group seeks better recruiting, staffing for Pittsburgh schools
Group seeks better recruiting, staffing for Pittsburgh schools: "The Downtown education group A+ Schools this morning recommended recruiting and staffing improvements for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, saying it's concerned about teacher turnover rates at the district's most vulnerable schools.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
SUPPLEMENTS Would-be experts and untested products feed a - 05.18.09 - SI Vault
SUPPLEMENTS Would-be experts and untested products feed a - 05.18.09 - SI Vault: "What You Don't Know Might Kill You"Do not put weirdness into your body.
DA or Wise Guy?
DA Zappala public servant or public enemy
By Mike Ference of Clairton, 412-233-5491, Ference@icubed.com
Looks like the recent revelations of former Allegheny County Coroner and world-renowned forensic examiner, Dr. Cyril Wecht, may turn the tide in the bitter dispute between Allegheny County District Attorney Steven Zappala, Jr. and PA Senator Jane Orie.
According to Wecht, “Steve Zappala said to a legislator back in 2005 that ‘anybody who screws with me or my family is going to be indicted.’ Wecht even volunteered to take a polygraph exam.
If Wecht’s recollection can be proven and Zappala does use his office and all the resources that go with a district attorney’s position, for vindictive purposes this may be the worst case of terrorism ever chronicled in a non-third-world country.
One can only wonder is Zappala a district attorney or a wise guy?
A few predictions for a new prep decade - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Sports predictions:
But, all along, I've been a big fan of putting the city league into the WPIAL. This needs to be done well. It will take some years. But, it can occur and should be a priority so that more families don't move out of the city.
A few predictions for a new prep decade - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Let's try to predict what will happen in the next 10 years:Schenley High School is going to go away. But, U-Prep, Sci-Tech and B.O. High are opening. Perhaps Peabody goes away too?
» The biggest off-field threat to high school sports will be in 2013, when school districts will be obligated to at least double their contributions to employee pension funds.Taxes will be raised accordingly, and taxpayer-citizens groups will be screaming loudly. You can bet that cutting minor sports in various school districts will be a priority for such groups.
» What will become of small schools such as Leechburg, Springdale and Elderton? Unless additional funding streams are established — such as putting video poker machines in bars, newsstands and convenience stores — small schools will find it more difficult to stay open.
» Look for the City League and the WPIAL to merge. After Schenley closes in 2011, only eight schools will comprise the City League. That's too small for the City to have its own PIAA district.
» Installing artificial turf has been all the rage in WPIAL football the past 10 years. What's next? Schools could be installing video replay boards like Pine-Richland has."
But, all along, I've been a big fan of putting the city league into the WPIAL. This needs to be done well. It will take some years. But, it can occur and should be a priority so that more families don't move out of the city.
He's not heavy. He's my brother.
Because 99% of the rest of the football watching world looks at this video and thinks, "Dude, what an ass." And 99% of Steelers fans look at this video and think, "Dude, that guy is awesome!!! Wait, is that my brother?"Full article on NFL's Most Annoying Fans - The Wildcard Winners and Playoff Brackets .
By the way, I don't have a real brother, just four sisters and four farly brothers in law!
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat points out that a box of rocks is Pgh's City Council President
The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat: "City Government watchdog group, says that 'A Box of Rocks provides the intellectual leadership that Council deserves.'So, yesterday's vote on Pittsburgh City Council that flipped away from Theresa Smith and to Darlene Harris for the role of President was none other than Darlene herself.
Another interesting point is that Bruce Kraus was all for Bill Peduto. Peduto is a 'progressive.' I'm fine with that support. Bruce stated his intentions in the paper that he'd be voting for Peduto because the president of city council needs to be one who can be mayor should that be necessary. But in the end, Bruce Kraus voted for Darlene Harris so: Bill Peduto could be finance chair; a non-progressive could be president of council; another person from the North Side gets to lead the city's executive branch and the city's legislative branch as well as the county's executive branch; cats, dogs and smoke eaters rise in status; and Bruce Kraus gets out from the chairmanship of Public Safety and can now be the chair of Public Works. Bruce Kraus followed his marching orders and helped to insure a 5-4 unity vote.
Most of all, I'm sad that Bruce Kraus isn't going to be the chair of Public Safety. I had thought he had a great role there, for the past two years. His experience and wisdom with dealing with PFAs and other police matters are now shrunk. Public Safety was a good fit for Bruce, I dare say.
Furthermore, Urban Parks was a great fit for Theresa Smith. I had hoped she'd stay in that role too. Now she jumps to Public Safety. Double rats. Park's got no appointment on day one making it on the back burner again. Before Theresa Smith was the chair of the parks committee, Patrick Dowd was there. He did nothing in that role. Zippo. I watched, asked, pushed, suggested, pulled, challenged and more. Moss grew on Dowd in his Park's Chairmanship more than anything else. The Park's Department kept up with its ongoing efforts throughout, and since the time of Gene Riccardi, with no thanks to its council chair. Citiparks is well practiced -- to use a cook's illustration -- at making chicken soup with only chicken shit for ingredients.
So, I tweeted yesterday, "Who is going to be the chair of the Urban Parks & Recreation Committee?" I even had hopes that Theresa Smith could be voted as City Council President and yet still hold on to the chair's seat for Citiparks.
Today, we can ask again, "Who is going to be the chair of the Urban Parks and Recreation Committee?"
Patrick Dowd at Rec Chair has experience, kids, moss on the chair and some egg on his face.
Rev Burgess is keen on parks, or at least I've seen him at one in the past. Parks are more soulful, spirited and peaceful than the URA, generally. The parks don't need to be lonley places.
Daniel Lavelle, rookie, might get the parks post so he can earn his stripes and gets taken down a few pegs. We might get to see if he can pluck feathers off of some urban, free-range chickens or not.
Who knows?
Rocks grow in parks, right?
Russ Diamond for Lieutenant Governor
Russ Diamond for Lieutenant Governor: "Russ Diamond Launches Bid for Lieutenant Governor"
Monday, January 04, 2010
Solid list of new year's resolutions
I resolve to persevere in the struggle for freedom that many Americans have undertaken tirelessly, and in some cases have given their lives for.
I resolve to thank Libertarians who amplify their voice for liberty by running for office.
I resolve to congratulate Libertarian candidates who win their races, and thank Libertarian candidates who did not win but helped to spread the Libertarian message and to lay the groundwork for future Libertarian wins.
I resolve to thank Libertarian volunteers who help the Libertarian Party and our candidates in whatever ways they can.
I resolve not to forget that Republicans voted for the banker bailouts and Medicare expansion, and that Democrats voted for the Patriot Act and the Iraq War.
I resolve not to be fooled by "independent" organizations who say they want to "take back government for the people," but who really just want to use government power for their own purposes.
I resolve to keep the Libertarian Party door open for those who have worked through other organizations to promote liberty, but decided they might get a bigger bang for their buck working through the Libertarian Party.
I resolve to contribute financially to the National Libertarian Party, and to at least one state and county affiliate, and to at least one Libertarian Party candidate.
The next two, I've changed:
I resolve to vote for Libertarian candidates whenever it makes sense to do so.
I resolve to keep reminding people that every signature that helps to get a Libertarian or other minor-party candidate onto the ballot makes a difference.
I resolve to thank Libertarians who amplify their voice for liberty by running for office.
I resolve to congratulate Libertarian candidates who win their races, and thank Libertarian candidates who did not win but helped to spread the Libertarian message and to lay the groundwork for future Libertarian wins.
I resolve to thank Libertarian volunteers who help the Libertarian Party and our candidates in whatever ways they can.
I resolve not to forget that Republicans voted for the banker bailouts and Medicare expansion, and that Democrats voted for the Patriot Act and the Iraq War.
I resolve not to be fooled by "independent" organizations who say they want to "take back government for the people," but who really just want to use government power for their own purposes.
I resolve to keep the Libertarian Party door open for those who have worked through other organizations to promote liberty, but decided they might get a bigger bang for their buck working through the Libertarian Party.
I resolve to contribute financially to the National Libertarian Party, and to at least one state and county affiliate, and to at least one Libertarian Party candidate.
The next two, I've changed:
I resolve to vote for Libertarian candidates whenever it makes sense to do so.
I resolve to keep reminding people that every signature that helps to get a Libertarian or other minor-party candidate onto the ballot makes a difference.
Showing off the South Hills
Showing off the South Hills Showing off the South Hills
To sit in the big chair,
To learn personalities,
To throw weight around,
To show off,
To have envy for the overlook of Overbrook,
To address perceptions,
To hold secret one's vote while suspense builds and backroom deals are hatched,
Hummmm..... These are all elements of a good soap opera.
Friday, January 01, 2010
2010 Comes with a Splash -- in the Mon
I got to conduct some business on the Mon Wharf today, just before jumping into the River. I (Schenley High School) gathered with the head swim coaches of Central Catholic/Oakland Catholic and Brentwood High School to discuss future swim meets with them this season. We were hoping to get meets with those two schools to fortify our schedule -- and we sealed (pun intended) the deal today.
The one swimmer dude from Central said he'd say in the water for 3 minutes -- and he did. Merci's quote was great. "Well, they earned their varsity letters today." Funny.
Most of us were in and out in a matter of seconds, snow flakes in the air. Plenty of crocs were seen floating down the river near the shoreline.
The Brentwood coach, Robo, is a police officer in the city. Good to meet his wife too. She works at the school. He swam, as did Dave, Brentwood's Assistant Coach, and a Facebook Friend. We really missed Anna.
- More photos in Kirsten's FB album.
- Trib article with photos: http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_660415.html
- WTAE TV coverage with slide show link: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/22105983/detail.html
- Best slideshow on Flicker from the social media wonks!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Naughts List
Top 10 disasters of the 2009 Obama administration (in no particular order):
1. Cash for Clunkers
2. War escalation in Afghanistan
3. Giant government health care expansion bill
4. Post office loses money hand over fist
5. Stimulus package
6. Expansion of "state secrets" doctrine
7. Big increase in unemployment
8. "Bailout" Geithner as Treasury Secretary
9. Skyrocketing federal spending
10. Huge federal deficits
Top 10 disasters of the 2001-2008 Bush administration:
1. Cash for Car Companies
2. War in Iraq
3. Giant Medicare expansion bill
4. Post office loses money hand over fist
5. Stimulus "rebate" checks
6. PATRIOT Act
7. Big increase in unemployment
8. "Bailout" Paulson as Treasury Secretary
9. Skyrocketing federal spending
10. Huge federal deficits
Note similarities to previous administration.
Wes Benedict, Libertarian Party Executive Director, commented, "Republicans and Democrats keep expanding government and creating more and more problems. We're encouraging as many Libertarians as possible to run for Congress in 2010. In Texas, the state with the earliest filing deadline, Libertarians have already filed for 31 of 32 Congressional seats."
1. Cash for Clunkers
2. War escalation in Afghanistan
3. Giant government health care expansion bill
4. Post office loses money hand over fist
5. Stimulus package
6. Expansion of "state secrets" doctrine
7. Big increase in unemployment
8. "Bailout" Geithner as Treasury Secretary
9. Skyrocketing federal spending
10. Huge federal deficits
Top 10 disasters of the 2001-2008 Bush administration:
1. Cash for Car Companies
2. War in Iraq
3. Giant Medicare expansion bill
4. Post office loses money hand over fist
5. Stimulus "rebate" checks
6. PATRIOT Act
7. Big increase in unemployment
8. "Bailout" Paulson as Treasury Secretary
9. Skyrocketing federal spending
10. Huge federal deficits
Note similarities to previous administration.
Wes Benedict, Libertarian Party Executive Director, commented, "Republicans and Democrats keep expanding government and creating more and more problems. We're encouraging as many Libertarians as possible to run for Congress in 2010. In Texas, the state with the earliest filing deadline, Libertarians have already filed for 31 of 32 Congressional seats."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Flash Back: And a new invite for Jan 1, 2010
Those were the days. Last year we did it, again. This year's invite follows a refresher.
Original post from 1/1/09
I'm grasping for activities where I can still compete with Erik -- and win. The cold water is a great equalizer.
R, our lead off swimmer, like this was a relay, is next to me. She is still wearing her t-shirt. I'm in the green swim cap with the black Speedo robe. Erik, with grey hat and head down, is next to Rene and Mike, (Running Mate, dad, ex-college swimmer at Duquesne) is behind Erik at the far left of the frame.
The middle of the Frick relay - T, M, Erik.
The action gets hot. T in his leap. M and Erik on deck. The big guys, Mike and I are anchors.
Photo shows Erik in the water and on the way back to the wall.
Did he take a breath after his flip turn?
T and B scramble to the new year ahead.
Four photos from Greg Blackman. Thank you.
We did it! After the jump I'm putting on my shoes and can't feel my toes.
Photo from a cell phone on the edge of the Mon about 9:31 AM on January 1, 2009. Thanks Mike.
We passed out an invite that said to arrive at 9 am, jump in at 9:30 and depart by 9:31. Seems I wasn't too clear. There was some question about that minute when people were required to stay in the water. Wrong. you don't need to stay in the water for a minute. You don't even need to get your head wet. Sorry if I wasn't so clear. Our gang, mixed in the crowd, was all in and out in less than a minute.
None of us signed the official book, by the way. We waited in the line for 20-minutes or so, but then got ready for the jump.
Elsewhere:
Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual New Year's Day Plunge Into Icy Mon River - kdka.com: "Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual Icy Plunge"
Start 2010 out with a splash. Visit the Mon Wharf on or before 9:30 am on Jan 1, 2010, and jump in the river with us. Get there before 9, really. It takes some time to mingle and prepare and sign the book. You don't want to linger after the dip.
Then at or around 9:30 am, there are few hundred folks that jump into the river. This year we'll be able to check out the new sidewalk and bike path too. Wee!
After the swim, friends, (wet or dry, but not drunk) can come over to our house, 108 S. 12th Street, South Side Flats, Pgh 15203, and enjoy some whaffles. There is a tweet up as well, and those folks are headed over to Hard Rock Cafe.
The Trib is interested in getting some photos, of course. Look for us in the red and black swim caps that read Schenley Spartans.
Last year some running mates of mine, and my son's, had a wonderful time.
Original post from 1/1/09
I'm grasping for activities where I can still compete with Erik -- and win. The cold water is a great equalizer.
R, our lead off swimmer, like this was a relay, is next to me. She is still wearing her t-shirt. I'm in the green swim cap with the black Speedo robe. Erik, with grey hat and head down, is next to Rene and Mike, (Running Mate, dad, ex-college swimmer at Duquesne) is behind Erik at the far left of the frame.
The middle of the Frick relay - T, M, Erik.
The action gets hot. T in his leap. M and Erik on deck. The big guys, Mike and I are anchors.
Photo shows Erik in the water and on the way back to the wall.Did he take a breath after his flip turn?
T and B scramble to the new year ahead.
Four photos from Greg Blackman. Thank you.
We did it! After the jump I'm putting on my shoes and can't feel my toes.
Photo from a cell phone on the edge of the Mon about 9:31 AM on January 1, 2009. Thanks Mike.
We passed out an invite that said to arrive at 9 am, jump in at 9:30 and depart by 9:31. Seems I wasn't too clear. There was some question about that minute when people were required to stay in the water. Wrong. you don't need to stay in the water for a minute. You don't even need to get your head wet. Sorry if I wasn't so clear. Our gang, mixed in the crowd, was all in and out in less than a minute.
None of us signed the official book, by the way. We waited in the line for 20-minutes or so, but then got ready for the jump.
Elsewhere:
Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual New Year's Day Plunge Into Icy Mon River - kdka.com: "Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual Icy Plunge"
Start 2010 out with a splash. Visit the Mon Wharf on or before 9:30 am on Jan 1, 2010, and jump in the river with us. Get there before 9, really. It takes some time to mingle and prepare and sign the book. You don't want to linger after the dip.
Then at or around 9:30 am, there are few hundred folks that jump into the river. This year we'll be able to check out the new sidewalk and bike path too. Wee!
After the swim, friends, (wet or dry, but not drunk) can come over to our house, 108 S. 12th Street, South Side Flats, Pgh 15203, and enjoy some whaffles. There is a tweet up as well, and those folks are headed over to Hard Rock Cafe.
The Trib is interested in getting some photos, of course. Look for us in the red and black swim caps that read Schenley Spartans.
Last year some running mates of mine, and my son's, had a wonderful time.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Three-time mayoral candidate gives council an earful - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Who belongs?
It is oppression that knows not of who it tramples.
Do more with Les! Most of the other candiates in the past elections have said those same words, often in the heat of a candidate debate. They should have been paying Mr. Ludwig some sort of royalty.
I'm glad the gentleman got some ink -- beyond the pages of my blogs and YouTube sites.
I too want to make a better world for everyone, as does Les Ludwig. And, that is a great way to leave your mark on history.
In other news, where in the heck did the spell checking button for Blogger go???
Three-time mayoral candidate gives council an earful - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'I told him from the beginning he doesn't belong in politics,' she said. 'He doesn't know anyone; he doesn't have anyone backing him. He doesn't have any money.'Les knows plenty of people.
It is oppression that knows not of who it tramples.
Do more with Les! Most of the other candiates in the past elections have said those same words, often in the heat of a candidate debate. They should have been paying Mr. Ludwig some sort of royalty.
I'm glad the gentleman got some ink -- beyond the pages of my blogs and YouTube sites.
I too want to make a better world for everyone, as does Les Ludwig. And, that is a great way to leave your mark on history.
In other news, where in the heck did the spell checking button for Blogger go???
Baden Academy Charter School - Welcome
Baden Academy Charter School - Welcome: "With tentative plans to open next year for grades K-3, Baden Academy Charter School will eventually offer a comprehensive, arts-infused elementary and middle school program (K-8) based on a classical education model."
Good luck! The effort has its own Facebook page too.
City Council possessed by presidency politicking
City Council possessed by presidency politicking The last two years have seen the city's nine lawmakers swing wildly between those poles.That isn't wild.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Olympics lesson: First step, show up.
First things first: Show up!
Olympics: Kohn ... Bobsledder on a mission: "And just like that, the soft-spoken Kohn was given the chance he has longed for since he was recruited to the team in 1990 after starring in high school football and track in Chantilly, Va.
'I put the beer down and got back in the gym,' the 37-year-old Kohn said with a smile. 'Every night for the last 20 years I've been dreaming about this. I guess there's a little flame inside of me that said, 'Hang in there, you never know.' That's what's always driven me.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Company pledges $400,000 for Washington's river trek
Company
pledges $400,000 for Washington's river trek: "Lockheed Martin vice
president and general manager Marshall Byrd also pledged a five-year commitment
of volunteer support from the company's 13,000 employees in the Delaware Valley
area for park maintenance and operations. The company, which also has major
operations in Denver and in Sunnyvale, Calif., specializes in human space flight
systems, communications satellites and missile defense systems."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Was on. Wax off.
We had our own Karate Kid moments in China at a Rec Center. I'll look for that video footage soon.
Merry Christmas
Our Christmas letter has turned into a Happy New Year letter.
Click the above -- as it is only 14 seconds long. Taken from my fuzzy, but new, Blackberry camera phone. I think I'm going to get another one as the camera is not working at all now.
Click the above -- as it is only 14 seconds long. Taken from my fuzzy, but new, Blackberry camera phone. I think I'm going to get another one as the camera is not working at all now.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Foundations help schools pay Roosevelt's $200,000 tax
Bad decision.
Foundations help schools pay Roosevelt's $200,000 tax: "The board also voted last night to name its new International Baccalaureate school in Shadyside the Barack Obama International Studies Academy. Officials said other cities already have named schools for Mr. Obama."
Foundations help schools pay Roosevelt's $200,000 tax: "The board also voted last night to name its new International Baccalaureate school in Shadyside the Barack Obama International Studies Academy. Officials said other cities already have named schools for Mr. Obama."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bye Fred
One of the last bits of news that would have come to Fred, the Honz Man, was that Pittsburgh Public Schools had a board meeting and is selecting to name a new school after Barack Obama. B.O. High is going to be a part of the landscape of schools.
Then Fred expired.
He died early this morning. The school name decision was made and reported upon among insiders last night.
There is some question in my realm as to if the name was just too much to bare, or bear, if you are on radio.
Wacko, not Waco, Texas, a former home town of mine, is what Fred called me.
Then Bernanke gets man of the year. OMG. Let's End the Fed. Ugh. Pittsburgh would be better served to name the International High School as the Fred Honzberger High and not Obama High.
People are outraged at the school now designated with the Obama brand. It isn't going to be accepted as it is a tragic mistake that must be corrected. Not prudent at all.
What a day to name Tiger Woods the athlete of the decade.
Then Fred expired.
He died early this morning. The school name decision was made and reported upon among insiders last night.
There is some question in my realm as to if the name was just too much to bare, or bear, if you are on radio.
Wacko, not Waco, Texas, a former home town of mine, is what Fred called me.
Then Bernanke gets man of the year. OMG. Let's End the Fed. Ugh. Pittsburgh would be better served to name the International High School as the Fred Honzberger High and not Obama High.
People are outraged at the school now designated with the Obama brand. It isn't going to be accepted as it is a tragic mistake that must be corrected. Not prudent at all.
What a day to name Tiger Woods the athlete of the decade.
Monday, December 14, 2009
$240K Needed For New South Side Dogs Park - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh
Ken Wolf does not work for Bruce Kraus any longer.
We've got a closed park behind South Side Hospital. What about that?
Even with the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, I hate that there are more investements for sharks to swim than our kids. They've got a nice new pool. Not so much for people.
$240K Needed For New South Side Dogs Park - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: $240K Needed For New South Side Dogs ParkI am glad that the dogs have been removed from the traditional parks. But, there are more things that can be done for the dogs than what is being offered here.
PITTSBURGH -- South Side dogs could have a new place to play by next spring.
Ken Wolfe, chief of staff for Councilman Bruce Kraus, said the idea for a new dog park is preliminary, but Kraus is optimistic the $80,000 line item will survive the city's budget process.
The dog park would cost about $240,000 but the $80,000 allocation would pay for the fence, which is the biggest hurdle, Wolfe said.
According to Wolfe, a third of the cost would be absorbed by the city's Public Works and another third would have to be raised.
We've got a closed park behind South Side Hospital. What about that?
Even with the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, I hate that there are more investements for sharks to swim than our kids. They've got a nice new pool. Not so much for people.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
IB School in Pittsburgh
From US News & World Report:
The International Baccalaureate program is globally recognized for its ability to prepare students for a college education. High school students enrolled in IB classes can earn college credit two ways. They can take individual IB subject tests, for which they can earn credit at some colleges if they score high enough. Students also can opt to earn an IB diploma after completing a series of IB courses and writing an extended essay. Many colleges grant students credit for the IB diploma. This chart spotlights all the IB schools in the America's Best High Schools rankings sorted by the percentage of 12th graders that took at least one IB test at some point during high school.http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2009/12/09/americas-best-high-schools-top-international-baccalaureate-schools.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a41:g26:r25:c0.007056:b20193411:z0&s_cid=loomia:methodology-americas-best-high-schools
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