Our copy of the HP book is here

At 1 am, I don't do too many blog entries. But, our copy of the new Potter book walked into our house around 1 am. The party at J.B. Booksellers in the South Side Works was nice, but hardly worth the time. Our kids made a short visit and were then sent home to sleep.

In the morning, the reading began.

Olympics - Russia-China alliance troubles USOC (sorta)

SI.com - Olympics - Russia-China alliance troubles USOC - Friday July 15, 2005 4:50PM COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- The Chinese are looking beyond their own 1.3 billion countrymen in an attempt to beat out the United States in the Beijing Olympics. They want Russia's help, too.
In an arrangement the head of the U.S. Olympic Committee says could 'clearly be suspect,' Olympic committees from Russia and China have agreed to work together in hopes of knocking the United States from the top of the medals table in 2008.

'To beat America we need to unite our efforts and knowledge ... to achieve better results in swimming and track and field, where they are strong,' Russian Olympic Committee chief Leonid Tyagachev told The Associated Press last month.
And while USOC chief executive Jim Scherr says he isn't against countries working together -- sharing training techniques, advances in medicine and the like -- he has a problem if the effort is targeted at a single country, specifically his.
'It's not uni ...

Suspect???? OMG.

Sports is to be all all about cooperation AND competition.

Interesting to note, the name of the head of the USOC wasn't put in the lead of the article. The first name in the article was that of the Russian. The American on the hook with me for sillyness is Jim Scherr.

I'd say it is fine to have the world's best athletes looking to out perform the American team. I'd be flattered. I'd be proud. I'd be getting on to more work and excellence. The USA squad is rich with talent in these times. Mostly due to the fact the the rest of the world is so weak. And, because the rest of the world often sends its best athletes to the USA for ongoing training. We thrive, if you think we do, in part because we accept the participation of the foreign athletes.

In the medal standing, as the Games go to Beijing, I expect China to be in the top three -- if not first -- in total medals. Understand, that no country wins the Olympics. That is just a media scorecard. However, that is what happens.

2004 (Athens) Olympics
Nation, Gold Medals, All Medals
USA = 35, 103
Russia = 27, 92
China = 32, 63

This is a most funny statement to me, "The elaborate Beijing national training center." There is some history here. As a book publisher, I did a few books with the first western athlete to ever enter the national training center in Beijing. To couple the word, "elaborate" with that description -- back then -- is folly. You'd have to read the book, Search for Greatness, and know what I'm digging at.

The first foreigner from the west to be invited to the center was Dr. Judd. His story is in that (rare) book.

These days, the center has had a facelift, to say the least.

But, back to the gist of the article. -- It is fair! I have no problem with the new partnerships with China and Russia to beat the US -- even in swimming.

Stan to get into politics?

Jon Delano wrote in his PSF email newsletter:

FoxSports broadcaster Stan Savran is taking a serious look at the race (for US Congress as a Dem to oppose Republican Congressman Tim Murphy). Stan is well-known to Pittsburgh Steeler fans as host of the "Bill Cowher Show" featuring the Steelers coach. Also looking at the race is Allegheny County clerk of courts George Matta of White Oak. Matta is about to lose his job because of county row office consolidation.

But the 1000-pound gorilla in the race, so to speak, would be (now a Dem again) Barbara Hafer, well-known to all, close to Gov. Ed Rendell, and unafraid to take on Murphy mano-a-mano. In 2004, polls done privately for Dems showed her beating Murphy in a match-up race, and the Dem consensus is that Murphy is weaker today than he was a year ago. She has not yet made up her mind and is still consulting with political leaders.

Where does Stan live? I'll have to look that up in the voter database.

City funds appear short - PittsburghLIVE.com

Let's blame this on the NHL and the Penguins.

And, I'll take a little of the blame too. I didn't buy a swim pool tag for our family this year. We're swimming a lot -- but not in the city pools in rec swim times.

City funds appear short - PittsburghLIVE.com By the end of June, the city budget projected collecting $242 million in taxes, fees and donations. The city actually took in about $236 million, according to second-quarter numbers released by city Controller Tom Flaherty.
'From the revenues side, things are certainly not good,' Flaherty said.

Parking is an interesting point to note. By now we should have had a full report and coverage on the parking tax increase. Have the higher fees raised higher incomes to the city? Or not? It seems as if the City Contoller's numbers are at odds with what some of the downtown merchants and business people are saying.

Pittsburgh City Paper - News on The Hill and the long-awaited Grocery and Pharmacy

When it rains, it pours.

Pittsburgh City Paper - News: "When City Paper spoke with Udin in May before that election, Udin said any talk of him obstructing proposals from Williams were "pure rumor."

Pure rumor. Humm... The rumor is true? The rumor is so thick that the pulp is still in it?
Part of the trouble is that the developers have to go to the URA and the City Councilmembers. The red tape slows down the marketplace advancements. So, it doesn't advance. The article, in the comments, has a nice recap of the various vision as they begin to unfold.

The Big Green Bus from Dartmouth rolls in to play an game of ultimate

There was a time when Mayor Tom Murphy cut a deal with the Ultimate Frisbee young professionals. Murphy promised to build them new frisbee fields in Highland Park.

That was another empty promise the second it was made. I knew it -- and told folks about that in no uncertain terms. Furthermore, Murphy wasn't going to allow the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network volunteers work to install mini-computer labs within the Rec Centers. Then a few months later the Rec Centers would be closing -- in the scare move by Murphy to claim how distressed everything was -- mostly by Murphy's own making.

Well, to this day, I feel sorry that I had to much such a stand upon the cause of the rookie ultimate frisbee folks. They were getting suckered, Murphy style, and I wasn't okay with them being taken for such a ride.

I'll do my best to attend this event. Sounds like fun. I'll even wear my tye-dye t-shirt, man.

Big Green Bus at Frisbee Fuel Fest

PITTSBURGH ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Tuesday, July 26th
4:00 PM until dusk
McKinney Field in North Park

Fifteen Dartmouth College students conceived of The Big Green Bus as an effort to spread information about alternative fuels and social responsibility by networking through their favorite sport.

Dartmouth will first square off against a Best of Pittsburgh's Youth squad, comprised of students from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, as well as the best juniors from the Pittsburgh High School Ultimate League. Later, the finest athletes from Pittsburgh's 24-team recreational summer league will challenge the Big Green Bus with an All-Star squad, whose players will range in age from 15 to 45.

In between games, Dartmouth will make presentations and answer questions about their other passion: alternative fuel. While the world's increasing dependence on fossil fuel consumption will necessitate change for all of us, the Big Green Bus demonstrates that there are alternatives available right now.

For more information call 412-628-0882 / bram101@gmail.com.

Run, Mary, Run

I hate the name. I'm not looking to see "babies" on the ballot. We've already got too many of them. But, the concept of getting people out to seek public office is a great one. Furthermore, I hate to see the exclusion of anyone -- even guys! The for women only meeting is bogus.

However, I expect I'll be there, at the door, to give away a gratis CD with some great content for would-be candidates and serious citizens. Here is the news on the date:

Run Baby Run

September 17, 2005, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m at the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, 305 Wood Street.

Registration: $15 (includes lunch)

The Women & Girls Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania is sponsoring a workshop that'll give you the information you need to run for office. Elected Officials & campaign managers will share their knowledge and experience with you.

If you're considering running for office, the Run, Baby, Run workshop will give you the information you need. In this one-day session, elected officials and campaign managers will share their knowledge and experience with you.

This workshop is designed for women only. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Contact: gloria@run-baby-run.com or download the registration form at http://www.run-baby-run.com/

I read with interest the numbers you provided ... Q&A with Mary about going to the "D" side.

Mary wrote an email to me saying:

I read with interest the numbers you provided in your most recent mail and checked the PG results the day after the election to see how you did in my voting precinct.

I wondered if you might ever consider reregistering for the next run at office as a Democrat?

How many voters can really define "Libertarian"?

I know you are right to be encouraged at the numbers, but many people tend to do little research, and I feel you would optimize your chances if you would consider the idea. I realize it is easy for some of us to disdain participating in "the machine", but things change so slowly locally that I really think it is something you should discuss with your advisors.

Good points.

Others have suggested I move to the "D" side to win the race.

However, I won't do that for now. I'm not interested in being in the same party that has, in the city at least, driven us so far down. I can't be in Tom Murphy's party. He is the #1 Dem in Pittsburgh. That is not my cup of tea. And, I'm not too excited about Bob O'C either. Those Dems need viable challengers.

So, I'll stay as either a Libertarian or Indie. But, being an Indie in the 3rd race would be a third party for me. So, I bet I stay as Libertarian.

The next email she wrote to say:

Okay, Mark. It is just hard for some to keep waiting. I am just concerned that in this city your chances of gaining office as a Libertarian are miniscule. I find things to be so upside down when someone like Tom Flaherty, with no courtroom experience, can win nomination as a judge. He was Dem party leader. He is highly visible as city controller. I do respect your conviction.

My reply:

I think my chances are okay. Not great, but okay.

And, if I would win -- it would be a major, major victory and celebration. So, let's shoot for the stars. Then, getting things done in office will be much easier. A sweet victory in the election will set the stage for some serious actions once in office. That's what we need -- breaking of the status quo.And, we need to go in the right (prudent, democratic, grassroots, more liberty-like) directions.

Thanks for asking.

BlogShares - Fantasy Blog Share Market

I just discovered this interesting site. Talk about naval gazing.

BlogShares - Fantasy Blog Share Market BlogShares is a fantasy stock market for weblogs. Players get to invest a fictional $500, and blogs are valued by incoming links.

I think this blog is grossly undervalued.

News feed Syndic8.com
Valuation B$9,448.78
Added 15:11 29 Jun 2004
Last Updated 19:33 12 Jul 2005
Status Available to Trade.
Industries None

The game is still young, however. There is sure to be a lot of new activities in the weeks to come. Plus, I've got a lot of photos yet to upload to the blog. So, the futures look good, IMNSHO.

Buy, buy, buy!

Coverage about gambling crime from another state

The first blog posting was on June 19. And update in the comments was posted on July 15, 2005.

Peoria and Pittsburgh are similar in a number of ways. I lived in Peoria and coached a number of kids from Pekin. Here is a nice article to consider as gambling knocks on the doorway of Pittsburgh's future.

STLtoday - News - Illinois State News: "Gambling-related crimes no longer shock Pekin, Ill.
By Kevin McDermott, Post-Dispatch Springfield Bureau

PEKIN, Ill. - The mayor is facing criminal charges of betting city funds at the local riverboat casino, but that's not necessarily the most startling thing about Pekin's latest gambling scandal.

Full story with click to that site (no registration required). Or, see it in the comments of this blog.

I don't like gambling's arrival to Pittsburgh. We need to monitor and have strong watchguards on that entire endeavor.

Furthermore, when the gambling incomes are diverted to pay off debt such as desired with the SEA (Stadium and Exibition Authority) and the Convention Center overhead, we are sure to be a loose twice.

The upside with the gambling incomes needs to be robust, helpful, meaningful and boost the overall community. If the upside is going to lead into nothingness, then it would be much more prudent to do without.

The proposed gambling incomes are over hyped. The promises are sure to be broken. The total amounts are fabrications. The "upside" isn't that high at all.

Council calls for diversity in appointees. That is the WRONG verse and WRONG tune.

Council calls for diversity in appointees - PittsburghLIVE.com

Nice thought. But, this call is for the wrong goal.
If we had democracy and accountability that was tied to the appointments, then we'd be sure to put the shoulder to the diversity call.

This goes to the notion of, "Queen for a YEAR" flubbery.

Put all appointed board members into a process that requires retention votes.

Liberating Fifth & Forbes, Trib op-ed by J. Potts (blogger too)

Liberating Fifth & Forbes - PittsburghLIVE.com
Pittsburgh received what could be good news last month when developer Carl Dranoff dropped out of a plan to redevelop the Fifth and Forbes shopping district Downtown.

The op-ed ran, but just a day or three ago, the URA announced it was to purchase MORE properties.

The call of the mall - PittsburghLIVE.com The call of the mall

New exit on Rt. 28 and bingo -- the hook is there for a new mall. Yet to come, Deer Creek Crossing, with its TIF too.
The churn and sprawl continues. Plus, it gets a good push on new energy from government funding and government screw-ups too.

When I was a kid, we went to the Monroeville Mall -- with its indoor ice rink. I fail to see how bumper cars are a new trend.

Potts writes, "the solution is simple." I generally agree. Potts calls for the sell of of URA property. I think that is wise. But, for years now I've also called for the selling of the Parking Authority properties as well. The Parking Authority is another place that needs to be taken away from the city powers and put into play with the marketplace forces.

Yes, The city needs once and for all to get out of the Downtown real estate business.

However, the two of us turn at this mention, "Free parking for residents would be a good place to start." Parking is a priority -- but the simple solution isn't to just make it free. It is rather to free the authority from itself.

Potts also hits hard upon the eminent domain issue and gets right into the talk of "blight." Right on, again. The simple solution, hinted at but not talked of directly, is to eliminate all blight downtown. Take the designation away. Without "blight" the steep climb to eminent domain is back in the favor of the owners.

My clincher isn't about turning downtown as a hub for youth, student, single, loft, and empty nesters. We don't want -- nor should we strive to do subsidized housing deals for rich folks. Rather, when we figure out that the best way to make disversity is to do housing that urban families can enjoy as well -- then we've turned the corner.

If you are trying to mastermind with the building a global village, anf if that space isn't suited for families -- then you're building a failure.

AntiRust: Tom Murphy Spins History

Point counter-point on the Murphy written op-ed. Well done. Thanks.

AntiRust: Tom Murphy Spins History

Eternal vigilance: Books: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

A running mate, Adam, has his own blog and gives a great peek into Harry Potter. Get in the groove again, as the next book is due out on Friday night -- 12:01.

Just after midnight, I'll be standing in line at the South Side Works -- not to get a beer but to get a new copy of the newest book at the Joseph Beth Bookstore. We've got a copy "on hold."

Adam does such a great job in his posting, that I'll say nothing more -- just go surf there to get back in the groove.

Eternal vigilance: Books: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Books: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I recently finished reading the fifth book in the Harry Potter series and not only am glad for the entertainment, I'm also impressed with the growing sophistication of these stories. The stories provide a rather detailed illustration of the many ways that one can deal with power--both with having power and having power used against one's self....

HEADLINE you've not seen: Murphy to seek re-election as mayor

This story is legit. It is breaking in another market.

Newstimeslive.com Murphy to seek re-election as mayor Murphy to seek re-election as mayor ...

What's going to happen next. Do I stoop so low as to report the old news that O'Connor is to retire from public life -- or speculate with the teased headline of who is going to take the place of O'Connor, in the Supreme Court.

Financial outlook

Questions cloud city's financial outlook - PittsburghLIVE.com Pittsburgh hasn't received any of the $6 million in contributions promised by nonprofit groups. The Pittsburgh Public Service Fund Board, an umbrella group for city charities, has yet to vote on whether to provide the money.

Don't hold your breath. That money was never going to materialize.

The budget process in city hall has always been a total joke. Peduto can buy expensive garbage cans for his district from money that wasn't spent three years ago. The cans, the process, the garbage -- it's all crooked. The harder it is to figure out, the more those in power like it. Confusion gives comfort to the weenies who can't get comfort any other way -- like with 'respect.'

Going after the non-profits for $6-million per year is a dead end opportunity. Pittsburgh might as well start its own space program and use those windfalls too. NASA couldn't get a lift-off yesterday. The Buhl is being talked about as a historic building. Perhaps they'll hook a shortfall in 2006 on some squeezed money there -- to the tune of $10-million. Point is, it's smoke and mirrors. Blame the non-profits for the ills of the city.

Another link on the same news in the PG: Councilman says city revenues are lagging

Think again.

2 Political Junkies report that Howard Dean will visit Pittsburgh next week. I won't be there.

If anyone wants to get some kwel Elect.Rauterkus.com buttons to pass around at the event, let me know.

2 Political Junkies Mean, scary, CRAZY man...savior of the Democratic Party...or just someone who speaks the unvarnished truth? He speaks, you decide:

Please join

Governor Howard Dean
Chairman of the Democratic National Committee

Tuesday, July 19th
5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Church Brew Works
3525 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Only $25

To recoup cost: #1 = Don't delay. #2 Plan, plan, plan

I've called for the use of the new Pittsburgh Convention Center as the first venue for the new gambling casino. Gambling is coming. When is another matter.

The decision has been made. Doing it is another matter. These leaders are fine to do nothing. Now that the gambling commission is set and they all have their cars and expense accounts -- no need to rush things along.

Look at the buildings in Athens. One looks a lot like the Convention Center. They are idle. They are used as much as about 20 outdoor swim pools in various neighborhoods -- not at all.

The convention center can't pull its own weight. We need to take that building and get rid of it. Get it into operation in another capacity and off the backs of the public operators.

SI.com Athens seeks ways to�recoup Olympic's cost Such sights have led to criticism that the government has not acted fast enough to cash in on the legacy of the Games.

'I think there were a lot of serious delays and I cannot find the cause for these delays. I think there is now confusion about the future,' said opposition parliamentarian Nassos Alevras, who was responsible for Olympic works for the previous government ahead of the Games.

Barnestormin - new blog with some new thoughts to spread

Welcome to the blog landscape. Barnestormin Barnestormin
Columns and personal essays by Jonathan Barnes, covering Pittsburgh news, writing and other topics.

Are we going to see a spending spree as the Murphy-ites flee? -- URA set to buy property on Fifth

URA set to buy property on Fifth The URA is proposing to pay $246,000 for a small four-story building at 212 Fifth owned by Candy-Rama Inc. It plans to pay $630,000 for a larger four-story building at 214-218 Fifth owned by Alfred B. Nunan next to G.C. Murphy's that currently houses three businesses, including a hat store that has been at the location for decades.
The acquisitions will add to the 15 properties the URA has purchased Downtown as part of Mayor Tom Murphy's effort to assemble land for the proposed redevelopment of the ragtag Fifth and Forbes retail corridor.

My view is NOT shared by that in the article. Herb Burger said that "anything the URA acquired Downtown is good new." Herb, my advice to you is, Think again!
We are getting a new mayor at the first of the year.
This might be another golden opportunity for those who might want to be the next Pittsburgh mayor to say something in public -- or on the internet.