Pitts - burra an at so says the Queen.

NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF INDEPENDENCE by John Cleese has been sent to me by Ken. See the comments. (humor)

While DC danced, we pulled nails in Carnegie.

Today the nation watched as the oath was given at noon, as per the Constitional instructions. Meanwhile, I was in Carnegie along Sixth and Fifth Ave. Yanking nails, preping for more drywall, putting buckets under a leaking roof, moving household belongings -- just lending some hands.

Lots of residents were on the edge of the creek just a few days ago. It was within four feet of an exit from the banks, again. It is way down again, perhaps 15-20 feet.

For fifty years or so, the creek was left to its own. One neighbor has common sense by saying it is the duty of Carnegie to keep the waterway clean. After the Corps of Army Engineers worked the channel -- nothing has ever been done. Decades of neglect.

Many are going bankrupt now. Others who have lost their life's savings from cars to homes to furnishings to rental incomes are on the edge. The fortunate have been able to bunk with family in other neighborhoods around the region.

But the question still that remains unsolved -- will it happen again? What can be done to dredge, clear and streamline the water's path to insure that the water flows rather than floods?

Aid to Asia, the concerns for the ones in Florida -- some hit twice within months -- and our Carnegie and Millvale (plus others) -- makes me numb. The celeb balls and DC parties don't even interest me. I didn't watch a second of it today. Not even the evening news. There is a lot of heavy lifting to do -- and it can't get done without getting some mud on the tires.

Next year, January 2006, we'll have a new mayor. If I'm in that role -- we'll hold a modest event in City Council Chambers. Then with a mass transit re-schedule, we'll hold a ten hour block party within the Wabash Tunnel. No fireworks. No Convention Center. No beer. No parade. Just Station Square, Tunnel, tunes, talk, and neighborhood reunions. And for the kids, we'll have some age-group parties that.... Hold the phone. Time will tell.

Musings from POP! Public Relations -- The Silece on Ketchum is Deafening

Musings from POP! Public Relations: "The Silence on Ketchum is Deafening

'I have raised points that I thought should be picked up by other PR bloggers, where we would all raise a red flag ... and silence.'

That was my quote last June for PR Week's article on PR bloggers push forth the medium.

What happened? Nothing has really changed - I blog about issues that I see as wrong in public relations ... and it's not picked up anywhere.

Why don't PR bloggers raise the red flag on issues within PR? Why have we stayed silent on the Ketchum debacle, and not raised our voice. While this is a PR issue - and we are all about how blogs are the new communications tools, change the world, blah blah - Ketchum has barely been brought up in the PR blogosphere.

When the story broke in the mainstream press, a local radio host, Lynn Cullen, (she leans way to the left), ranted about the story. My call to her and her guest, who was not then on the air, was about Ketchum. The PR firm and the ad agency are not the same. I understand. However, there was a Pittsburgh connection. I think Lynn should have pulled others into the discussion. It is her show. I tried to do so.

Larry Berger of Saturday Light Brigade -- getting set to rock the Burgh!

Larry has made a new studio and put it within the North Side's Childrens' Museum. I've yet to be there, however, in two weeks, our dear friend, Mindy Simmons, is booked for the show. We'll be there then. So should you.

Larry writes (with editor's insert of URL links) in his recent email newsletter:

We always dreamed that a well-designed studio with room for guests, performers and a live audience would allow us to better serve our community. And this week’s show is a great example of what can happen!

We’ll have our usual mix of acoustic music and puzzles for kids, adults and everyone in between as well as some very special guests:

At 8:20, Carol Rasco, President and CEO of Reading is Fundamental (RIF). and Cindy Krappweis, Executive Director of RIF Pittsburgh, will preview “Read With Me: The 2005 RIF Community Reading Challenge”, a national RIF event for which Pittsburgh is the official launch city! The kickoff celebration is January 26th, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and SLB will be on-hand along with other people, organizations and celebrities who care about literacy and reading. Following Pittsburgh’s kickoff, over 1,100 schools from around the country will participate by taking part in two weeks of creative reading activities between January and March. For details, visit http://www.rifpittsburgh.org or http://www.rif.org.

At 8:30, Susan Orr and Jackie Keiner-Szwarc from Girl Scouts Trillium Council join us to preview this year's Cookie Sale.

At 10, we’ll celebrate the City Theatre Young Playwrights Festival, showcasing plays by middle-school and high-school students and running from January 22nd through February 6th. Tune in to hear excerpts from the plays, meet the student playwrights and hear alumni discuss how the festival has impacted their lives.

At 11, oldtime banjo player, storyteller, and novelist Sheila Kaye Adams peviews her Saturday night concert at Carnegie Lecture Hall that also features Hutch and Dave (Bob Hutchinson and fiddling Dave McLaughlin). Tickets are still available via ProArts (412) 394-3353 or at the door.

At 11:30, Calliope School teachers Martin Destin (guitar) and Ceinwen King-Smith (voice) join us along with Donna Isaac (fiddle) to discuss upcoming classes and how folk music is part of their lives. They also will play and sing a tune or two. Registration is underway.

Remember, kids and adults can be part of our live studio audience between 10 and noon -- this week and every week, no reservation required. Our studios have comfortable seating, great sightlines and a rare chance to be part of a live radio program. There’s no admission fee and you also can sample the Children's Museum's grand hall, museum store, and cafe. After our broadcast, stick around to learn more about our radio studio and visit behind the scenes or consider touring the rest of the museum with purchase of admission wristband at the front desk.

The Saturday Light Brigade is more then just a radio program -- we're a place where people of all ages can get together and enjoy each other’s company as a community. We hope you’ll tune in or be part of our studio audience. As always, thanks for being part of SLB.

Diven mulls joining GOP for Senate race

Diven mulls joining GOP for Senate race: "Diven mulls joining GOP for Senate race State representative may switch parties to vie for Wagner's vacated seat.

Told ya. Oh well, time will tell.

Council in four hour meeting

Recall of Citiparks workers is due on January 25, 2005. Many fired employees are being contacted to see if they want to come back to work in their former jobs. Many retired. Many took jobs elsewhere. Some might return. Time will tell. At the end of the month, the city has a snese of who is going to return to work.

Then comes the decisions as to what to open or not.

Meanwhile, we need to open these centers. A meeting is slated for tomorrow with the Market House Childrens' Athletic Assn. board (of which I'm a member). We need to get a straight story from the those on Grant Street.

A RAD Board request to a new trust fund has been put into action. The city get a portion of the 1% sales tax. In the past this amount for the four regional parks has been $750K for capital funds and $4.6-million for operations.

The summer food program, a pass through operation from Feds to State to School to City is on again for 2005. That is a $770K program.

Mt. Washington turned out by the bus load to speak for and against a development plan on Virginia Ave. The rush to City Council again shows just how poor the system of zoning works (or doesn't work). Frustration with Grant Street is still on the rise.

A flipped car on Mission Street on the South Side slopes gives another good reason to ask for 'salt boxes.' Self preservation matters. We should do more to empower the citizens.

And permit parking on the South Side, near the South Side Hospital and the Zone 3 Police police, fire and EMS station has been delayed for a week. An officer suggested that Mary Street be turned one-way so angle parking can occur.

Performers at Saturday's Benefit Concert at Strip District's Open Stage Theater -- I'll be on stage and CD.

Project Pittsburgh

Dog & Pony Show’s Tsunami Relief Fundraiser is at Open Stage Theatre, 2835 Smallman Street, (enter from the back of the building) in the Strip District at 8 pm on Saturday, January 22, 2005. A party follows at 10:30 pm. Suggested donation of only $15, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Tsunami Relief.

Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly recommended. Call 412.431.7580 or dogandponytheater@yahoo.com.

Kyle Wagner: “The Italian Lesson,” a monologue

Doug Levine & Karen Dryer: musical selections

Chance D. Muehlick, directed by Melanie S. Armer, and featuring Robert Haley, Christopher Kirsch, and Nadia Cook-Loshilov, presented by LIVE Theater Company: short play “A Gathering”

Summer Company: short play by Jason Planitzer “Playground”

Lissa Brennan and Daniel Krell, presented by Dog & Pony Show: short play “Twist & Lout.”

Marty Giles: reading of Walt Whitman’s “As I Ebb’d With the Ocean of Life”

Yvonne Hudson: excerpt from one-woman show “Mrs. Shakespeare” written by Yvonne Hudson

Kendra McLaughlin: excerpt from “Daddy’s Girl”

Elena Alexandratos, Lissa Brennan, John Shepard, and Mark Staley: Shakespearean sonnets, presented by Unseam’d Shakespeare

The Tortured Genius: performance monologue

Nathan James: spoken word

Bob Scott: poetry

The Dirty Poet: poetry

Mark Rauterkus: multi-media installation

storyteller Alan Irvine: Japanese folk tale “The Lord’s Sacrifice”

Kevin Clark Forsythe: fiction reading

Olivia Kissel of Zafira Dance Company: sword solo

If you’re unable to make the performance, please feel free to join us for the party after 10:30 pm. The party has food, drink, an art auction, and live music from John Gresh, selected members of Adam Evil and the Outside Royalty, LEAN, Mr. & MR$. Funky & Marty, and Highway 13.

We hope you can come out and show your support of a very worthy cause.

Rookie, long name that begins with "R", from mid-american conference, sensational!

Today's the day PA Senator resigns and moves to Auditor General

Jack Wagner moves from PA Senate to PA's Auditor General in a matter of hours. He's my senator, and I'm running for his seat. I've called for the special election to be scheduled for May 17, 2005, along with the primary. That move saves $200,000 for PA taxpayers and would get more people to the polls to decide the outcome of the election.

What date will the powers that be select?

Please help. You too can call the PA Senate members (leaders too) and ask them to schedule the special election for PA 42nd for May 17, 2005 as a "dual election."

Forum: We can't afford a 'caretaker' mayor

Michael's editorial in the PG on Sunday shows a number of telling points to me. I read what is on the lines and what is between them as well. However, I'm not going to rip into the article on a point by point basis here and now. If you see me around town, ask. Then we'll talk. But these two points need to be shared.

Lamb's editorial in the PG.... "a belief that city government can do more with less.

That is why I am uniquely prepared to take on this job. My campaign will be predicated on a new approach to leadership and a new approach to government.

He wrote it now after saying it before, "do more with less." That's the slogan of Les Ludwig. Les has been around town saying, "Do more with Les." Perhaps Lamb will be saying "Bob's Back" next week?

Furthermore, this bit about being uniquely prepared for the job does not sit right with me. I could rattle off the names of 300 people who live in Pittsburgh who are prepared to do a much better job at running Pittsburgh when contrasted to what we've had in the past dozen years. I know more than 100 people in town who have superior preparation to what Lamb delivers, without doubt. Mike is well qualified. But if he thinks he is uniquely prepared for the job of mayor, then he isn't well suited for that job. Time to "Think Again" Mr. Lamb.

I think we have hundreds of people who could run this city. I bet that there are hundreds more that are here that I've not had the opportunity to meet, yet.

Running Pittsburgh is not about annointing a new king and heir to a new dynasty. Unique blood lines are for souls to worry about in other continents, not in Pittsburgh.

Rather, I think we need a team player, a populist mayor, a champion of principles and creativity. And, we need a communicator who doesn't lift bumper sticker slogans from other candidates in the race -- while discounting him as a person.

I'm not wild about sticking up for Les and Earl. But, I'm not the kind of guy that is going to say nothing. Lamb has pulled a subtle backstabbing. It is either by intent or out of ignorance. Either way, it makes me think of Leroy Hodge and Rosa Parks. If you're gonna force others to ride in the back of the bus, you'd better hope that the other passengers on the bus are mere Lambs. I'm not. I'm going to stand up and quickly side with the one who is getting pushed around, popular or not.

I'm not itching for a fight. But there is a sense of duty within me and the process. Pittsburgh is shrinking because there is an elitism that hinders common-sense with matters of justice. The others on the bus might see the miss-treatment and get the heck out of there. They'll vote with their feet. They'll not come back. No me. I'm staying put.

If I'm a white guy on a bus and Rosa is shoved to the back -- there is now my heat from a different angle to contend with. I'm standing tall. Think again. That's my brother. If you think that way, you don't have any business driving our bus.

Not today. Not any day. Especially not on this holiday.

Have a just and brotherly Martin Luther King day!

As for Mike, a fix on your four page website is welcomed. Looks as if you need some content anyway. Say the following: You're not the only person in the race. Say you'll avoid the slogan, "Do more with Les." Say you think that all Pittsburghers are not less prepared than you. Say that the new approach to leadership means give and take with critics and you'll be happy to debate anyone in the race at any time, and you'll insist that everyone be included. And for good measure, wish everyone a peaceful MLK day too.

Star-Telegram's POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD in Pittsburgh

Star-Telegram | 01/16/2005 | POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD: "POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD

By Charean Williams, Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Greetings from Pittsburgh,

See the comments for the article. Sign. This, "junk food," is what we'll be famous for now? What splits NYC from the 'Burgh is but the thickness (or lack of) of pizza crust and the color of the catchup from Heinz.

I am tickled at the thought of an all Pennsylvania Super Bowl. But, I wonder who in the media has the courage to break the first story on Dutch Hex Signs?

Could we change the Superbowl logo, what is the Roman Numeral, to a PA State Flag?

How about if Tom Ridge and Ed Rendell both parachute into the stadium before the game, one with the game ball and the other with the coin for the toss. At halftime the two can hold an eat off.

Still looking for links, of course.

BLOGGERS TUNE IN ON DISCLOSING BIASES from Politics Online

Ever since the January 7th breaking news story of Armstrong Williams' contract with the U.S. Department of Education, the Internet has been buzzing with questions on the where the lines of journalism are drawn.

Both right and left wing bloggers had a variety of opinions on Williams this week, however the topic became secondary in blogoshpere soon after CBS released its independent Memogate report. Right-wing bloggers, who originally brought Memogate to light, were doing most of the talking, with some claiming a small victory over mainstream media bias. Others felt the 234-page report left a lot to be desired in specifically reporting whether or not the investigated 60 Minutes airing had a "political agenda".

By Friday left-wing bloggers had their own conversion on journalistic principles. The debate began when the Wall Street Journal reported that the former Howard Dean Campaign worker Zephyr Teachout told the newspaper that in 2003 Dean's presidential campaign paid two bloggers, Markos Moulitsas of Daily Kos, and Jerome Armstrong of MyDD, "as consultants so that they would say positive things about the former governor's campaign in their online journals." Although both bloggers did publicly disclosed their working for the Dean campaign, neither have ever claimed to be journalist and questioned why the others felt they needed to adhere to journalistic principles. Moulitsas also questioned why the Journal did not mention the instance of two leading South Dakota blogs, who never disclosed they worked as paid advisers to John Thune's Senate campaign.

Complete CBS Report

Columnists' Group Agrees: Armstrong Williams Not A Journalist

Howard Dean Paid Cash for Positive Airtime

Pro-Thune Bloggers Paid By Campaign

Mainstream Media Whitewash

Sunday work party at theater space

Open Stage Theatre, the gracious hosts of a relief concer/performance yet to come, is at 2825 Smallman Street in the Strip District. It is the site of a work and clean-up day on Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. All are welcome to help of course.

Running mates, and South Hills spiking mates?

Mary Beth T asks: Interested in playing volleyball on Monday nights? The Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church is in dire need of new blood for their co-ed pickup game from 7:30 to 9 p.m. (or 9:30 p.m.) Call Rhonda at the church at 412/531-3387.

Feb 14 public hearing with GASP and cleaner air

A proposed regulation is headed to a public hearing at 10 am on Monday, February 14, 2005 at Building #7, First Floor Conference Room, Clack Health Center, 301 39th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Attend or send written comments to voice your support.

Needless diesel and gasoline powered vehicle idling is of concern to our air quality.

More info at gasp@gasp-pgh.org.

Learn of the proposed amendments to Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article XXI, Air Pollution Control. See the proposed section 2105.92 "Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling." The proposed addition is to prevent unnecessary idling by heavy-duty diesel powered motor vehicles.

Copies of the proposed amendment may be examined beginning January 14, 2005, at the Allegheny County Law Library, Room 921 City-County Building, Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; at the Allegheny County Health Department Library, Building 7, Clack Health Center, from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday; on the Allegheny County Health Department web site: www.achd.net; or by calling 412-578-8120 to request a mailed printed copy. It can also be viewed at GASP's website
http://www.gasp-pgh.org/action/dieselreg.pdf

Oral testimony is pre-scheduled by calling 412-578-8008 by the day before the public hearing. Speakers get up to five minutes and should bring a written copy of comments.

The Board accepts written testimony concluding Monday February 14, 2005, by mail: Board of Health, 3333 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or by email: BOH@achd.net.

Teachers, contracts and strikes

I love teachers. My dad is a retired teacher. Many in my family are teachers. None hold teachers in higher esteem than me.

However, I don't think teacher contracts and strike provisions need to be handled in quite the same manner as those for police and firefighters.

Presently teachers can strike for a limited number of days each year, right? And, advance notice has to be delivered, right?

What's wrong with what we got now?

Chime in on this topic at Platform.For-Pgh.org if you are interested.

Mass transit bill weighed

Put this into the trends: The devil is in the details and be careful for what you wish for.

Trib: "Mass transit aid bill weighed

HARRISBURG -- Mass transit agencies across Pennsylvania would get $200 million more each year from the state under a bill introduced with bipartisan sponsorship Wednesday to raise the state's realty transfer tax.

Wrongheaded indeed. To raise the realty transfer tax is exactly the wrong way to go.

EXTRA CREDIT: Bush Outlines Plan for HS

From Associated Press:

"President Bush on Wednesday began his push to require high school students to take the math and reading tests now required of younger students under the No Child Left Behind law, the most ambitious item on the president's slate of second-term education proposals.

'Testing is important,' Bush said at J.E.B Stuart High School in this Washington suburb. 'Testing at high school levels will help us become more competitive as the years go by. Testing in high schools will make sure that our children are employable for the jobs of the 21st century. ...

Testing will make sure the diploma is not merely a sign of endurance, but the mark of a young person ready to succeed.'"

"In education, Bush's focus is on high schools and on expanding the No Child Left Behind Act that is designed to raise achievement among poor and minority children and penalize schools that don't make adequate yearly progress. It's part of his campaign pledge to improve high school standards and enhance the value of high school diplomas.

" 'We're not interested in mediocrity,' Bush said at the school, which was the lowest-performing among those in relatively prosperous Fairfax County, Va., in 1997, but met its academic goals under No Child Left Behind Act in the 2003-04 school year. 'We're interested in excellence so not one single child is left behind in our country,' he said.

"Bush wants to require states to test students annually in reading and math in grades three through 11. That's an expansion of the law he signed in 2002, which requires those tests in grades three through eight, and at least once during grades 10 to 12.


"The president also wants to give states $250 million to require that the 12th grade National Assessment of Educational Progress be administered in every state in reading and math every two years, just as it is in those subjects in grades four and eight. That would produce the first-ever state results for high school seniors on this national test, helping policy-makers evaluate their school standards.

Receive the NCLB Extra Credit update.

NCLB Extra Credit provides a regular look at the No Child Left Behind
Act, the education reform initiative passed with bipartisan support. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Education at (202) 401-1576.

Kind reactions to today's meeting

Mark,

I was discussing the meeting with Terry and we feel that your assertion about getting the keys to the recreation center to let the kids in is completely correct. It is wasteful and ridiculous if these expensive buildings, that belong to the taxpayers anyway should be left idle all summer. We also discussed the possibility that in light of the financial problems with the city would the payments have been made to procure the insurance to keep the city from being sued. I don't know. I really sincerely hope that we can find a way to assist the kids this summer because to do otherwise would be unthinkable. Please if I can be of any help I'll make every effort to do so. I can't help feeling betrayed by Mayor Murphy. Just like the CEO of a company he bears the responsibility of keeping the city financially sound. I'm sure many people feel the same way I do. Thanks for what you are trying to do this family appreciates your efforts. I can't help feeling a little frustrated myself. I want to do something I just don't know what!!!

Robert E Michel

P.S. I like your version of the flyer its more eye catching.