We are home, safe and sound!

The bottom line -- we are home and all here, safe, sound, with bags, gifts, memories and new experiences.

The day started, local time, with us in Bangkok. We had to catch a van to the airport in our hotel lobby at 4:30 am. Pittsburgh time makes that at 5:30 pm. We flew to Japan, then Chicago and finally Pittsburgh at 9 pm -- all on United Airlines. Great flights and service.

The boys have show and tell in their classrooms tomorrow for their final day of school. Erik and Grant both are going to do PowerPoint presentations with slides and even a quiz for their school mates. Erik is going to play two Chineese Folk songs on his new violin.

Next pop quiz / riddle. Where do you eat when you sit but can't put your napkin in your lap?

Had not seen CNN or FOX for a month -- and tune in today -- only to see M.J.

Thank goodness we don't export Michael Jackson to China. But, we do send that trash to much of the rest of the world. M.J.'s news is the story as I tune into CNN and FOX news for a peek, first in a month, this AM. I've not missed that hot air from the American media.

But, we did get to watch some NBA basketball finals in China.

Sigh....

Good weather -- 39-degrees "C" and gridlocked traffic

What was 39-degrees today, with 10-million people plus four more, thrives upon hot nourishment, hosts a national sport that is illegal in the USA, and has gridlock on the highways and side streets at rush hour?

I know you know --- Bangkok.

Catherine is loving this place. Exotic, romantic, great food, ice in our drinks again (but we are staying in a many star hotel).

We'll be at Thai Boxing tomorrow night. Going to a river-market in the AM.

The grad students headed out for the Hard Rock Cafe today and then the night art market. We needed some comfort time in our hotel.

Today we delivered baby gifts. That was a perfect activity after a long swim and a half-day tour of the palace, a temple and government elements. More on all of this later....

The river has a lot of traffic too.

Final pop quiz question:
What material is Emerald Budda made from?

Exotic Travel with Purpose -- OpenOffice call for papers

The third international OpenOffice.org Conference, OOoCon 2005, will be held in Koper-Capodistria, Slovenia, from 28-30 September, 2005, and you are invited!

Promoted this year as a joint effort by the Slovenian and Italian OpenOffice.org language projects, the conference provides the opportunity for the community to meet the developers, contributors, marketers, and others who are making OpenOffice.org one of the most important open-source projects and products today.

If you have been thinking about coding for OpenOffice.org and want tips, now is your chance; curious about OpenOffice.org's XML potential? Want to write extensions? Plug ins? Then come to the conference!

Indeed if you are not technically minded but want to join a great community come along and find out why so many people are switching to OpenOffice.org.

We have posted the call for papers (CFP) and are soliciting presentations from the general OpenOffice.org community (and then some) for papers concerning the development of OpenOffice.org to its marketing; from the global politics of free software to the technicalities of localizing OpenOffice.org.

To see all the tracks open and to obtain the template for submissions, as well as to request travel assistance: http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2005/cfp.html

The 250-word abstracts in English must be submitted to callforpapers@openoffice.org by 10 July 2005. We ask that you use our template for your abstract.

To learn more about the lovely seaside city of Koper - Capodistria
(a bilingual community), see: http://www.slo-istra.com/koper/eng.asp.

What to wear to a palace in Bangkok

We arrived to Bangkok. Tonight was mostly about exploring our hotel, on the river. Splendid. Toilets too!

The exchange rate is 400 to 1 U.S.Dollar. And I have a problem paying for parking in Pittsburgh, getting a bill for Grant's Sprite, bowl of pasta, Italian Bread and wood oven pizza (International buffet and al a carte downstairs) is a bit of a heart stopper. Paying more than 1,000 for anything is a good way to get sticker shock.

Now, what to wear to a palace? No shorts. Half day tour is set to begin at 8:45 am.

We got our gifts gathered and packaged now with gift wrap. Can't do that gift wrap thing any more with the travel security.

At the front on the hotel there is a fence-like divider holding cars away from the front door. The hotel security checks you before driving up -- and does the mirror peek under the auto, van, taxi or three-wheeled cycle.

American breakfast in the morning. Erik will be hungry by then.

Soon hope to enjoy a visit with James -- fellow Pittsburgher and worker at Phillips Elem. James is here with his team to Thai Box. Jeepers. Who knows what that adventure is going to deliver?

Hope the camera can get a plug into the wall for a battery charge.

Time wise, we had been exactly 12 hours ahead of Pittsburgh while in China. Here there is a one hour time change as we went further west. Temperature wise, I think Pittsburgh has been hotter than Chengdu. But, Bangkok raises the bar a bit in terms of HEAT. The air is clear and the traffic was very light on a Sunday evening arrival.

Leaving Chengdu in a few hours

We have plenty to report upon -- all good. But, no time to type.

We are about to leave our China city, Chengdu. Headed home via Bangkok for a couple of days. Touch down in Japan only for the airport and then to Chicago and the Burgh.

Sold the bike for 500 RMB. Got it three weeks ago for 650.

Got mp3 players for the boys. Erik's is already returned. But today's his is 'grounded' with other issues.

Got stopped by police again about the lack of a license. Ha.

Dragon boat races: Been there. Done that.

Other goodies are secured from picks to signs and brushes.

Catherine is up to date on the photos too. Gotta run.

Still FLOATING in China -- without internet and not missing it much

We have another week of travels until we gain touch down in Pittsburgh. But, here comes the typical disclaimer. We have house and animal sitters at our home. Hour house guests are fine and so are the animals. All is being cared for, except, my internet fixes. But, frankly, I'm doing fine without, thank you for caring.

The only time I get to the internet is with a visit to a net business where there are two rooms -- each with about 40 computers, side by side. Many here around me are playing games and using the headsets for audio.

Our three wheeled bike went back to the bike fix it guy again today. It isn't fair to call this a visit to the bike "shop" as he is more of a sidewalk kind guy. But, he is good. Fixed the crank (on the bike) and my crank spun away.

Yesterday we saw our old badminton coach. What a chore to get to the facility. Beyond the bad crank. The road repair in certain stretches means we push the bike.

Today for fun we went back to music row and started to bargain for GUITAR PICKS. Too soon to tell on that front.

Should get the camera back, before our AM water polo game. I'm swimming up a storm. Played a bit of goalie in the last game. To be exact, I was the "starting goalie" -- but only played the first period there. Then went onto my normal play. I let the ex-two-time olympian go ahead and hog the keeper's position.

Who was the male swimmer from China who got 16th in the Olympics 100 BREAST -- and also won the ASIAN Championships. His PR is 104. He did a 105 at the games. I think he swam in LA and Seoul. To type the least -- it is nice having a back-up like him.

And, I've been saying little -- as I'm not that good with the local language. And, I'm not blogging either. So, as they say often in China, ...

"bye-bye!"

Action photo of our water polo game

The white caps are looking to shoot and score on the goalie -- red cap -- at the right edge of the frame. The defender has one arm high to block a possible shot. Shows good position for the offense with a semi-circle forming. No player is in the hole however.


Don't do this. I'm putting my hand on the top of the ball. Bad ball handling. Pick up the ball from the bottom.


Water polo coach and two players -- with two tourists. We just finished a practice game.

Erik took this photo.

It is hard to get good action photos of water polo as much of the water is in the way. The light is soft and the action is fast. Plus, I don't generally hold onto the ball all that long. So, getting good photos was very hard to do.


Water Polo Player -- in Chengdu.

Busy days, Idle electrons, Buying a three wheeled bike

The boys are in People's Park with their art teacher and her daughter who speaks English good enough for a two hour lesson. I've slipped away to the nearby internet cafe to dash off a peek at email and the blog.

Last night, Erik, my oldest, and I went to see Star Wars -- in Chineese. The English version was not playing at the cinema near the swim pool. Grant melted down and opted out. This morning, Grant wants to go to the movie (Chinees version) after getting the blow-by-blow from his older brother.

Today I'm hoping to get a 3-wheeled bike around noon. We finally got to a bike shop that had such a beast. It might cost $650, down from $700. But, I only want it for two weeks. The fancy deal will be selling it back for $500. That RMB not USD. No motor, just pedals and a back bench for the boys to sit while I wheel them around town.

Thursday is water polo match. The local university is starting a women's polo team and they are trying to get more to play. I've been invited to play too. My shoulder is still in jet lag and I might opt out of that. Time will tell. Anyone have a better excuse?

Gotta run back to the park.

New Star Wars movie -- still have NOT seen it -- but -- it was offered as a VCD Rental

The latest Star Wars flick is out and we have yet to find the time to go. Perhaps Monday.

But, in our apartment, we have a VCD player. That is NOT a DVD, but a VCD. In China, they have both DVDs and VCDs. The VCDs are a bit older. Same idea, same sized disk, same multi-language capability, remotes, etc.

But, ours does NOT work well. That's another story, tied to this one.

These movie rental palces, not much like Blockbuster, have a wierd line-up of rentals. But the kicer was the fact that we were offered a rental of the new Star Wars on VCD. The movie was out only about four days, and it was here, in the shops in Chengdu.

We passed. Rather, we'd like to see it in the theaters.

My email situation still is not as we had hoped.

Sadly, I'm still without regular internet connections. Our laptop and the loaners we have been getting are not up to snuff.

I'm able to post, this from an internet cafe. But, I've not been able to look at the blog at all.

Today we went to the panda research facility on the edge of town. Great fun again. Took a bus. The red pandas were the best this time.

The boys are learning a new Chinees Folk Song on their new violins. Jasmine. Great tune. EXCELLENT teacher too. We went to her concert on Friday night. She plays in the Provincial Orchestra. She, of course, had a solo and was a featured artist. The boys have their next lesson on Tuesday with her.

The boys are taking art classes too. Nice fun.

On Monday, there is no class for the students. They had a double period on Saturday. So, we'll go to the Chengdu Art Market.

Grant likes the spiced noodles at the Noodle House that is very near to our apartment. These are HOT dishes. Tears and sweat always. But so good.

35 years ago

The PG had this flashback from 35 years ago. I was there to cheer on my cousin at Forbes Field.

35 YEARS AGO

May 4, 1970 -- Langley High's Leo Rauterkus tossed a one-hitter, striking out 11, helping the Mustangs beat Oliver, 2-0, in City League baseball action.

Condre toy arrives to office

The DVD with Pioneer 16x DF Dual Layer DVD burner arrived.

Condre phone 952-294-4900

Condre Mrg. 15151 Technology Dr. Eden Prairie, MN, 55344

VO and Tyke Hikes, nothing more than a moving playgroup

Playgroups are an important element within the talk given by Hogan Hilling about Daddyhood. We have a two CD set that covers some wonderful parenting insights. It was presented for the first time at an event hosted by the Pgh Public Schools on parent engagement. The tyke hike effort is a wonderful match to the overall experience.

One of most popular events is the Tyke Hike series. The 2005 Tyke Hikes season features a second location and also a new benefit to Household members of Venture Outdoors. These lovely outings for parents and kids 5 and under cost $10 per family or FREE for families who have a Household membership. They venture onto the easy walking/stroller trails once a month at the Schenley Park Visitor Center (May 26, June 30, July 28, August 25), and once per month in the South Hills at the Regional Environmental Educational Center, Boyce-Mayview Park (May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9). These and other great family activities can be found on the Venture Outdoors summer activities schedule. Check ‘em out!

Tyke Hikes - Free to Household Members!
Schenley Park Visitor Center: last Thursday each month
Boyce-Mayview Park, South Hills: second Tuesday each month
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: Free for Household Members/$10.00 per family non-members

Pippy Unveils Bill to Protect Taxpayers - and reactions

First, the news release from the PA Senators that is a great example of barking up the wrong tree:

HARRISBURG -- With plans to reform of Allegheny County’s reassessment process bogged down once again, Senator John Pippy (R-37) and Rep. Mark Mustio (R-44) today unveiled legislation to protect taxpayers from being hit with extreme tax hikes following countywide reassessment.

The measure requires that following reassessment municipalities and school districts determine millage rates that are revenue-neutral compared to the previous year. To set a tax rate higher than the revenue-neutral rate, they would have to take a separate and specific vote in a public meeting.

A municipality or school district that violates the limitations would have to refund with interest the excess taxes paid by homeowners.

"This legislation protects taxpayers from extreme tax increases, and ensures that any tax hike that increases revenue following reassessment is done only after public deliberation and a vote," said Pippy. "It helps prevent huge jumps in tax bills that can tear apart a family budget, while providing municipalities and school districts with the latitude to cover legitimate expenses and emergencies."

"We have introduced this 'zero tolerance' legislation to force school districts, municipalities and Allegheny County to roll back their millage rates to the average increase for their respective jurisdictions," said Mustio. "While it does not completely prohibit local government officials from subsequently increasing taxes, it would give taxpayers some extra breathing room until comprehensive and effective school property tax reform is enacted at the state level."

The Second Class County Code permits a taxing body to institute a final tax rate up to five percent greater than the amount it levied on properties the year before. Under the proposed legislation, in cases of dire need -- to purchase new equipment related to public health and safety, for example -- a political subdivision may petition the court for approval to increase the millage rate beyond the five percent that was approved via public vote.

Calculating a "revenue-neutral" millage rate would exclude new construction and improvements to existing buildings.

Common Pleas Court ruled May 12 that Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato’s property assessments plan is illegal and would create more problems for the system.

"Property owners in Allegheny County are still reeling over the last reassessment, with no relief in sight," said Pippy. "The problem has generated many proposals and speeches. This legislation has an advantage over many of the other solutions in that it's both legal and doable."

"For the sake of the local economy and improving the overall quality of life in Allegheny County, our working families and senior citizens deserve the immediate relief that this legislation can provide,” said Mustio. “The real and irrevocable risk is doing nothing or continuing to preserve the status quo while more and more property owners are forced out of their homes due to property tax bills they can no longer afford to pay."

Of course Allegheny County is bogged down once again. We agree on that point. However, when it comes to matters on how to fix the mess, we don't agree.

If the goal is to help consumers, then help the consumer directly. In this case, the individual is the home owner, also known as the property owner. The new bill has a focus on a system at the municipal level and that is not what people care about. The bill does not go to the real source of the pain and problems.

When I get my tax bill, I don't read it and say, "Jeepers, I'm so happy that my school district isn't going to have a windfall this year." The ZERO level is NOT anything that the consumer is going to feel, notice, understand nor appreciate.

When the new tax bill arrives in a person's mail box, that new tax bill has to make sense to that person, that person's budget, the past bills and any changes from one bill to the next. This is a personal struggle. That is where the focus needs to be placed.

A person does NOT care about the sum of all bills throughout the school district.

Very few people care, for example, that the school district saw its average SAT score increase by 3 points. Rather, as a parent, I care about my kid's test results, not the collective. I determine if I'm doing the right thing with my child's education to stay in that situation or not.

Pennsylvania needs "assessment buffering." The new tax bill needs to be buffered with the past tax bill on a household basis.

Freelance Daily, David C's new site

Freelance Daily Every freelance writer knows... Time Is Money.

Hope the site and efforts go well for David Copeland. Here is a link to his new site.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY RIVER DIALOGUES: WATERTRAILS

Community members, regional environmental planners and advisors, municipal leaders and water trail enthusiasts are invited to explore the relationships between Allegheny County river communities, the rivers and their environment.

Thursday, June 2, 2005, 6 - 8 pm

Carnegie Mellon University building in the Pittsburgh Technology Center, 700 Technology Drive (off of Second Ave). Parking is available in the lot in front of the adjacent building (Sunoco).

RSVP by Monday, May 30 to Hannah at 412-481-9400, or via e-mail to: watertrails@pecwest.org.

Friends of the River front (FOR), the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), and 3 Rivers 2nd Nature (3R2N) will present the documentation of the Allegheny County River Dialogues. Over the last three years, we organized three water trail events in McKeesport on the Monongahela (2002), Oakmont on the Allegheny (2003), and Neville Island on the Ohio (2004). At each event, community members were invited participate in the visioning of the Three Rivers Water Trail. These three events have become the basis for water trail development in the three rivers. Please join us in taking the
next step in t h e development of the Three Rivers Water Trail!

WATERTRAILS report and documentation will be available at the event!

Hannah Hardy
Program Manager
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
22 Terminal Way
Pgh, PA 15219
(412) 481-9400 ph
(412) 481-9401 fax

Maglev, been there, done that. It is fast as advertised.

On our way out of Shanghai, my oldest son, Erik, 10, really wanted to ride the Maglev. His class had covered the technology and science of Maglev. It was a reasonable request, and our tour guide was very clever in working it into our short stay.

I also remember Al's video travel snip of his visit with Maglev. I think that played as a segment to the PCTV show, The Art of News. Now, I've got a similar documentary.

Maglev runs between the new airport and the new part of the city. It only has two stations. And, like Pittsburgh's concept, one terminates at the airport. The new international airport is out of the city a bit. In a van, it took us about an hour or perhaps 75 minutes to go from the airport into the center, older city after our inbound flight.

The new part of the city is 15 years old, or less. Boombing development. And, that part of the city is closer to the new airport.

The ride is fast. The cars are smooth. The turn banks and it is fun to watch a bus on the divided highway below get passed as if they are standing still. The stations are modern. And best of all, the speed in Kpm is on a mini-scoreboard within each of the Maglev's cars. I think the top speed was 480 kpm on our trip.

Our morning had us load up the van at the hotel. The van then drove us 20 minutes to the Maglev station. We left our suitcases on the van and went up and took a ride, buying tickets, catching the next train, arriving at the airport.

The kicker was as soon as we arrived at the airport, walked to the terminal, we were able to meet our van and pick up the suitcases. We walked out of the terminal and our van arrived, like magic without a wait.

All in all, the Maglev, despite its speed, didn't really save any time over the van on the highway.

When we got to the airport, I was kicking myself thinking how we should have taken our bags with us onboard the Maglev. I thought we'd have to wait 30-40 minutes for the bags to arrive. But that was not the case at all. It felt weird to have the van, in essence, tie the Maglev in terms of door-to-door service.

Grant's KQV - Focus on Education - Interview

Grant, 7, was interviewed the other week with a Pgh Public School program, Focus on Education. It aired on KQV the other day. My mom, his grandmother, heard the interview by luck.

The show had a focus on 'history' and the historic South Side. The kids at Phillips have had a lot of exposure with the Pgh History and Landmarks Foundation with neighborhood walks. Plus, a Main Street program pulled more attention to the area.

Volunteers needed for PNC Historic South Side Home Tour

The historic home tour committee is seeking volunteers to work both morning and afternoon shifts during the tour on Saturday, June 4, 2005. Volunteers are needed to assist in tour homes and at scavenger hunt sites. Available shifts are 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (morning), and 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. (afternoon). Volunteers working both shifts are expected to attend a 9 a.m. orientation where you will receive materials and your assignments. All volunteers are welcome to take the tour free of charge before or after their shift (tour runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). To sign up, contact Amy Camp at arc@southsidepgh.com or (412) 481-0651.

Funny to talk of "history" and be in China