Our marathon running mayor won't run in either the Pittsburgh Marathon -- cancelled due to a lack of funds -- nor the 2005 mayor's race. He said today, as he signed the 2005 budget, that he won't be running for mayor. Tom Murphy is finishing his third term.
I was wondering about the turnout to his Christmas Party this year. Generally it is a big festive afair on the North Side. Didn't hear a peep about it this season. But, I never get an invite so I might have missed it. Anyone know?
An upsdide to not holding a 2005 marathon is the embarasment avoidance. Lots of injuries, blown knees and ankles sprains are sure to be avoided along the course. The sum of the city's road re-paving budget enables a scant 4-miles of pavement coverage for the duration of 2005. That sad fact is part of the budget the mayor signed today as well.
The city is about to crumble. The capital budget for 2005 stands at $0. Most of the rec centers and swim pools are staying closed.
More people left Pittsburgh while Tom Murphy was mayor than voted for him to continue being our mayor.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Voice of the Region uses "Think Again"
A quarter page ad in today's trib, page A4, uses the expression, "Think Again."
Headline: Think Your Opinion Doesn't Matter? Think Again.
Help Chage our Region by Givein Us A Piece of Your Mind.
The campaign and web site is by Mampos Inc. in partnership with the Pgh Tribune Review.
http://www.voiceoftheregion.com.
These folks also did a lame undecided voters market research thing after one of the presidential debates. Only "undecided voters" were invited. Then they ran the discussion on the radio. I called it lame because all the candidates on the ballot were not in the debates. To build a case after only some of the evidence is presented is faulty. And, to build a decision with a flock of those who are wishy-washy by choice is sure to a cheap investment of one's time.
Headline: Think Your Opinion Doesn't Matter? Think Again.
Help Chage our Region by Givein Us A Piece of Your Mind.
The campaign and web site is by Mampos Inc. in partnership with the Pgh Tribune Review.
http://www.voiceoftheregion.com.
These folks also did a lame undecided voters market research thing after one of the presidential debates. Only "undecided voters" were invited. Then they ran the discussion on the radio. I called it lame because all the candidates on the ballot were not in the debates. To build a case after only some of the evidence is presented is faulty. And, to build a decision with a flock of those who are wishy-washy by choice is sure to a cheap investment of one's time.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Gratis read on Linux from IBM about desktop migration
IBM released a new Redbook: Linux Client Migration Cookbook -- A Practical Planning and Implementation Guide for Migrating to Desktop Linux.
Among the most interesting topics which are focused on the desktop deployment and technology are the chapters about "Migration best practices" and "Desktop automation and scripting".
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246380.html
Among the most interesting topics which are focused on the desktop deployment and technology are the chapters about "Migration best practices" and "Desktop automation and scripting".
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg246380.html
Libertarian Party: Home Page
Libertarian Party: Home Page Libertarian to run for Pennsylvania Senate in special election.
http://lp.org/lpnews/0502/rauterkus.html
http://lp.org/lpnews/0502/rauterkus.html
Phili wine friends: What are you doing New Year's Eve?
See the comments to learn what's up with singer, songwritter friend, Dave Nachmanoff.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
DC's convention center lasted 22 years
Boom! Poof! Another churn and burn in 22-seconds. Film at 11.
DC got good ink and props for not blinking to the pressure from Major League Baseball. But, it gets a new parking lot on the site of its old as dirt convention center. Yep, the new one is already built. At least they didn't take down the one before the other was built.
DC got good ink and props for not blinking to the pressure from Major League Baseball. But, it gets a new parking lot on the site of its old as dirt convention center. Yep, the new one is already built. At least they didn't take down the one before the other was built.
Interesting sprawl fact: 20-new miles of roads for mall
Montour Record Robinson Planning Director Rick Urbano said the township will have to take over responsibility for 20 miles of new public roads connected to the Mall at Robinson.
Meanwhile, in the city, in 2005, we expect to be able to repave a total of four miles of roads. That's the extent of the paving budget.
Meanwhile, in the city, in 2005, we expect to be able to repave a total of four miles of roads. That's the extent of the paving budget.
West Allegheny Record reports on new park next to a school
West Allegheny Record One of the main focal points of the site will be the 1,000-seat amphitheater.
Parks such as this add value to the community and to the home owners. This seems to be a place for interactions, coaching, gatherings.
Meanwhile, some would like to remove the bandstand and stage from Point State Park.
Parks such as this add value to the community and to the home owners. This seems to be a place for interactions, coaching, gatherings.
Meanwhile, some would like to remove the bandstand and stage from Point State Park.
River boss and overlord to vacate
Another one bites the dust.
River boss - PittsburghLIVE.com: "John G. Craig Jr., who stepped down as co-chair of the Riverlife Task Force, epitomizes the 'fatal conceit' of self-appointed leaders who presume to know what's best for everyone.
Some of the region's best and brightest citizens serve on the task force, formed in 1999 by the Murphy administration to create a 'grand, urban-scale park along the three rivers in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.'
Craig, appointed by his good friend Mayor Murphy, gave voice to that fatal conceit when he told a reporter the task force was a sort of 'moral authority' over developers of projects along the rivers.
However, this former newspaper editor did not cite a source indicating who gave the organization that so-called moral authority, or how Craig even was qualified to determine or guide the proper use of anything. "
Murphy's mess
Murphy's mess by the biased Joseph Mistick
Should have blogged about this a week ago. We do need more perspective in these matters. But, Mistick's folly is part of the mess too. Murphy has put the pedal to the medal and drove the city over the brink. But, the funding for the corporate land speculation had already started. Oh well. Now we're all on the same side, I assume. But, I'm not going to assert much more than an assumption, yet.
Should have blogged about this a week ago. We do need more perspective in these matters. But, Mistick's folly is part of the mess too. Murphy has put the pedal to the medal and drove the city over the brink. But, the funding for the corporate land speculation had already started. Oh well. Now we're all on the same side, I assume. But, I'm not going to assert much more than an assumption, yet.
Fox Chapel hopes to remain competitive in Class AAA
Go Foxes!
Last year I was the head coach of the varsity swim teams. This year, I'm having a lot of fun coaching my kids in the pool in another suburban location.
It is good to see in Fox Chapel the team with the same coach for both the club and varsity programs. Furthermore, it is great to see coaches from last year still on the staff this season. The Foxes should be able to climb higher in the standings in the years to come. I hope to get to one of the meets this year as a spectator.
Fox Chapel hopes to remain competitive in Class AAA - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Fox Chapel's swim teams were among the best in the WPIAL last season.
The boys finished fifth in the Class AAA meet, and the girls were seventh.
Inheriting two teams that were in the top 10 in the WPIAL is not a bad situation for new head coach Todd Clark.
'It's always nice to have them know what being successful is like in advance,' Clark said. "
Last year I was the head coach of the varsity swim teams. This year, I'm having a lot of fun coaching my kids in the pool in another suburban location.
It is good to see in Fox Chapel the team with the same coach for both the club and varsity programs. Furthermore, it is great to see coaches from last year still on the staff this season. The Foxes should be able to climb higher in the standings in the years to come. I hope to get to one of the meets this year as a spectator.
City of Pittsburgh schools' magnet program slots are filled
The demand at these schools exceed the supply.
City of Pittsburgh schools' magnet program slots are filled Liberty Elementary, Homewood Montessori, Pittsburgh Classical Academy, Sterrett Classical Academy, Frick International Studies Academy, Liberty Elementary, Perry Traditional Academy and Allderdice High School.
City of Pittsburgh schools' magnet program slots are filled Liberty Elementary, Homewood Montessori, Pittsburgh Classical Academy, Sterrett Classical Academy, Frick International Studies Academy, Liberty Elementary, Perry Traditional Academy and Allderdice High School.
Roddey to bail, not bail out
PG: Roddey plans to quit city oversight board Asked in July why Pittsburgh's government should not have direct access to those gambling funds like other communities, Roddey's answer was, 'Because all the other communities aren't as screwed up.' ... Later he went off on council members who spent thousands of dollars on books, picture frames and other miscellaneous items even while the city was facing bankruptcy. ... Council had 'no intention of changing the way they operate, and have no appreciation for the crisis the city is under ... They don't get it. They simply don't understand what it means to be frugal,' Roddey said in October."
Meanwhile, our Gov, Fast Eddie, shows how he is like the others doing too little too late. "Rendell said yesterday that he plans to submit legislation next year expanding the board to seven members, which he said would make the board more diverse. Board members are currently all white males."
As for Mr. Roddey, it is hard to call him a critic of Tom Murphy. Roddey was no critic of Tom Murphy in 2001. One can only wonder how much of a help or hinder he'll be in 2005 when it comes to protecting the machine in the city. Time will tell.
Finally, I think it is sad to hear that another on the board is talking about putting external pressure on Mr. Roddey. What is that about?
Hens-Greco for Judge site goes live
Hens-Greco for Judge: Introduction: "I am a candidate for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County."
Friday, December 17, 2004
SEA bets on $2 M in revenue from slots
These guys are still drunk on the expected slots incomes. Now the move is to prop up the SEA (Sports & Exibition Authority) Budget. They are with a $2-million hole. Rather than doing the right thing and making a balanced budget, as hired to do, they wish upon a star.
Logan is generally a strong critic of Mayor Tom Murphy. However, in this move, he seems to be doing the same things Murphy did with the 2003 drink tax.
The SEA needs to build a hotel. This slots money doesn't go to that purpose. Perhaps the size of the white elephant known as the convention center will be a story in 2005 or 2006? We've got a big sink on our hands. We're taking hoped for money to plug up operational holes for things that are to supply our economy with robust fuel. This is rolling out of control in reverse. And, if Logan is part of the new guard -- we are in deep, deep trouble.
Logan is generally a strong critic of Mayor Tom Murphy. However, in this move, he seems to be doing the same things Murphy did with the 2003 drink tax.
SEA bets on $2 M in revenue - PittsburghLIVE.com: "
There are ways state gambling overseers could raise money before slots revenue starts rolling in, said state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, an SEA board member.
Other state agencies, he said, borrow money against future revenue, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, which pledges future toll revenue to borrow money.
'It's not like the Gaming Control Board, if they choose to do that, would be breaking new ground,' Logan said. "
The SEA needs to build a hotel. This slots money doesn't go to that purpose. Perhaps the size of the white elephant known as the convention center will be a story in 2005 or 2006? We've got a big sink on our hands. We're taking hoped for money to plug up operational holes for things that are to supply our economy with robust fuel. This is rolling out of control in reverse. And, if Logan is part of the new guard -- we are in deep, deep trouble.
Christmas letter, 2004
All on Earth can all take credit for another trip around the sun. Hope yours was exciting, joyful, peaceful, or whatever you wanted it to be. Our trip around the sun had some extra zig-zags around the planet as well.
We're thankful for many things and find that we don’t say “thank you” often enough. Consider this holiday letter as a thank you as you've touched our lives in special ways this year.
We are thankful for:
Beautiful places and splendor magisty as witnessed on a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The family soaked up one of the most beautiful places and the boys and I spending several days in Yellowstone. Amazing – bison, moose, eagles, elk. Grant went over the edge of the raft to cool his head and dunked into the Snake River. Snatched back into the boat by quick hands, Grant was the only one all season to topple out of a raft. Later with mom, the boys took their first horseback ride – up into the Rockies. They look great in their cowboy hats.
Catherine took both boys to Arizona for a weekend adventure that included horseback riding and lots of cactus.
DC trips have been fun. Catherine is planning the American Academy of Audiology 2005 convention. One adventure included meeting Congressmen, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Globetrotters.
Two trips to Chicago. One included a fun visit with Meryl and family. Thanks for the hospitality everywhere.
Catherine was awarded the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology honors. (Many thanks. Humbled by this.)
Catherine made a productive writing trip to Nashville. We've become country western fans and particularly enjoy singing “It’s only Monday Mr. Mom.”
An adventure in Vermont that included a wonderful family visit with nephew Cameron at Middlebury College and sugar on ice.
Erik got a $500 prize for the best essay for Black History Month in his age group in the city.
Many wonderful winter days ice skating.
Another great ski/snowboard/sledding weekend at Margie’s Hidden Valley House.
Another caring year being involved in our church community. Both boys sing in the choir.
A remarkable five week trip to China. Thankful there for wonderful tour guides, two terrific Pitt grad students who traveled with our family, and the people of China who made us feel welcome. We visited Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, Hong Kong. Catherine lead a month long course. We purchased new violins, had lessons, joined a swim team, and turned badminton into our newest family sport! An invite has been extended to a return trip in 2005.
Teachers at Philip’s Elementary School and the teachers at the gifted program are talented, patient people.
Nephew/cousin, Cameron, spent the summer in Pittsburgh, His presence was a treat for the whole family.
Aunt Debbi came to Pittsburgh and Uncle Bob made several visits throughout the year.
We rented a car and drove to Maine to visit Grandpa, Jay, and Jim and the exciting Atlantic Ocean. This year we kyaked in the ocean and Catherine went shopping.
We visited with Uncle Charlie, Aunt Pat, Sandy, and Steve, and enjoyed delicious lobster, for the first time.
Another week camp with a life affirming SUUSI and many UU friends. Thanks to our musical friends who take time with Erik, he wrote another song this year. Our year was full of music with visits from Mindy Simmons and Amy Carol Web – thank you so much!
A four day trip among family at Aunt Pinky and Uncle John’s youth hostel in eastern PA. Each year we are grateful for the Rauterkus family and once again celebrated with many of them at Nana’s annual cousins’ party.
Another undefeated summer swim season for the Green Tree Great White Sharks. The boys swim. I coach.
Year-round swimming started this fall for the boys. I'm coaching Grant as part of my duties with a club team a few nights a week. Both boys are swimming well and enjoying it.
For Grandma, she's still right across the street.
Red Sox crushing the Yankees and taking the World Series.
Others who care about the city too. Some advisors meet each morning after walking the kids to school. I've accepted the nomination to run for PA's Senate in a special election this spring.
Our old house is still standing. Home improvement is on our list for 2005.
Grant finds himself drawing in his free time. He creates a cartoon series that makes us all giggle. Dang it, Dangy. Dangy is a superhero who rids the world of people who do stupid things.
Erik currently is reading the Constitution because he finished the Declaration of Independence. It doesn’t give all the details (all inspired by the movie “National Treasure” – go see that one!).
There is so much more. We hope you have too much to be thankful for too.
With love – Mark, Catherine, Erik, and Grant
We're thankful for many things and find that we don’t say “thank you” often enough. Consider this holiday letter as a thank you as you've touched our lives in special ways this year.
We are thankful for:
Beautiful places and splendor magisty as witnessed on a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The family soaked up one of the most beautiful places and the boys and I spending several days in Yellowstone. Amazing – bison, moose, eagles, elk. Grant went over the edge of the raft to cool his head and dunked into the Snake River. Snatched back into the boat by quick hands, Grant was the only one all season to topple out of a raft. Later with mom, the boys took their first horseback ride – up into the Rockies. They look great in their cowboy hats.
Catherine took both boys to Arizona for a weekend adventure that included horseback riding and lots of cactus.
DC trips have been fun. Catherine is planning the American Academy of Audiology 2005 convention. One adventure included meeting Congressmen, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Globetrotters.
Two trips to Chicago. One included a fun visit with Meryl and family. Thanks for the hospitality everywhere.
Catherine was awarded the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology honors. (Many thanks. Humbled by this.)
Catherine made a productive writing trip to Nashville. We've become country western fans and particularly enjoy singing “It’s only Monday Mr. Mom.”
An adventure in Vermont that included a wonderful family visit with nephew Cameron at Middlebury College and sugar on ice.
Erik got a $500 prize for the best essay for Black History Month in his age group in the city.
Many wonderful winter days ice skating.
Another great ski/snowboard/sledding weekend at Margie’s Hidden Valley House.
Another caring year being involved in our church community. Both boys sing in the choir.
A remarkable five week trip to China. Thankful there for wonderful tour guides, two terrific Pitt grad students who traveled with our family, and the people of China who made us feel welcome. We visited Beijing, Chengdu, Xian, Hong Kong. Catherine lead a month long course. We purchased new violins, had lessons, joined a swim team, and turned badminton into our newest family sport! An invite has been extended to a return trip in 2005.
Teachers at Philip’s Elementary School and the teachers at the gifted program are talented, patient people.
Nephew/cousin, Cameron, spent the summer in Pittsburgh, His presence was a treat for the whole family.
Aunt Debbi came to Pittsburgh and Uncle Bob made several visits throughout the year.
We rented a car and drove to Maine to visit Grandpa, Jay, and Jim and the exciting Atlantic Ocean. This year we kyaked in the ocean and Catherine went shopping.
We visited with Uncle Charlie, Aunt Pat, Sandy, and Steve, and enjoyed delicious lobster, for the first time.
Another week camp with a life affirming SUUSI and many UU friends. Thanks to our musical friends who take time with Erik, he wrote another song this year. Our year was full of music with visits from Mindy Simmons and Amy Carol Web – thank you so much!
A four day trip among family at Aunt Pinky and Uncle John’s youth hostel in eastern PA. Each year we are grateful for the Rauterkus family and once again celebrated with many of them at Nana’s annual cousins’ party.
Another undefeated summer swim season for the Green Tree Great White Sharks. The boys swim. I coach.
Year-round swimming started this fall for the boys. I'm coaching Grant as part of my duties with a club team a few nights a week. Both boys are swimming well and enjoying it.
For Grandma, she's still right across the street.
Red Sox crushing the Yankees and taking the World Series.
Others who care about the city too. Some advisors meet each morning after walking the kids to school. I've accepted the nomination to run for PA's Senate in a special election this spring.
Our old house is still standing. Home improvement is on our list for 2005.
Grant finds himself drawing in his free time. He creates a cartoon series that makes us all giggle. Dang it, Dangy. Dangy is a superhero who rids the world of people who do stupid things.
Erik currently is reading the Constitution because he finished the Declaration of Independence. It doesn’t give all the details (all inspired by the movie “National Treasure” – go see that one!).
There is so much more. We hope you have too much to be thankful for too.
With love – Mark, Catherine, Erik, and Grant
No Dice
EMERGENCY! CHRISTMAS IS COMING, AND GAMING CONTROL BOARD MEMBERS HAVE NOWHERE TO LAY THEIR REAR ENDS
Commentary #3 from No Dice, December 17, 2004 - For use as desired by Bruce Barron
Commentary #3 from No Dice, December 17, 2004 - For use as desired by Bruce Barron
The new Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board held its first meetings this week, and at least one historic event took place: the word "emergency" was redefined.(No Dice is a Pittsburgh-area advocacy organization opposing the proliferation of legalized gambling in Pennsylvania. To be added to or removed from this distribution list, or to receive copies of previous commentaries, contact Bruce Barron at nodicepa - at - aol - dot - com or 412-835-0614.)
The board invoked emergency procurement procedures in order to take four actions without going through the standard bidding process prescribed by state law. One of those "emergency" actions was to rent office space.
State law says that emergency procurements can be made without going through standard bidding procedures only when there is a threat to public health, welfare or safety, or when circumstances outside the agency's control create an urgency that does not permit the use of competitive methods.
Nevertheless, the Harrisburg Patriot-News quoted a state Department of Revenue spokesman as defending the use of emergency procurement to rent office space, stating, "They have no place to sit."
That certainly sounds like a dire emergency to us.
We're sure that the honorable members of the Gaming Control Board investigated all other possible options before taking this emergency action, so we assume the following must be true:
* Governor Rendell used up all his chits fighting for the slots bill, so he can't persuade a single one of his own agencies to lend the Gaming Control Board a conference room and an office for three months.
* The Gaming Control Board members, hampered by salaries of only $140,000 a year, have no spare change available to buy folding chairs or a table, or to rent a meeting room a few times while conducting a proper bidding process.
Judging from their "emergency" need for a place to sit, none of the Gaming Control Board members could make it as a stand-up comedian, even though many of their actions may be downright hilarious.
Representatives of the gambling industry, predictably, expressed pleasure with the Gaming Control Board's willingness to bypass state law in order to accelerate the arrival of slots.
At least the Gaming Control Board, by demonstrating its ability to declare a state of emergency at the drop of a rental agreement, is getting Pennsylvanians accustomed to what Nevadans have known for years: once you let gambling into your state, the gambling lobby trumps good public policy every time.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
No ho, ho, ho's for Santa
No ho, ho, ho's for Santa pols - PittsburghLIVE.com Shopping-mall Santas are less harmful than politicians.
End all corporate welfare here and now!
Another 'historic' day
Onorato calls row office reduction vote 'historic.' People recognize that this is a historic day.
We've had it to here in historic days .... and .... these folks are giving history a bad name. Putting something on the ballot isn't so historic, in my humble opinion. Should people vote for the measure, then, all-in-all, its like the loss of a few pimples.
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