Summer-time singing.

Trimmer Honsberger is still on talk radio

A trimmer Honsberger is still talk radio's heavy hitter Honsberger is more upbeat and agreeable than the old Fred. Others have told him he is even nicer to callers.

The feature on the lean and mean Fred "Honsman" H of KDKA radio was long and wide.

If he has turned a new leaf, perhaps he'll consider having me on the show as a guest?

Fred has never been one to show up in the community at events outside the S.A. -- as far as I can tell. He isn't a city guy. Perhaps he'll have a lot more events as a paid presenter for Allegh. General Hospital?

Race -- a 1.4 mile fun run

Erik, 10, and I ran a 1.4 mile fun run on Tuesday morning. At the start, I told him I'd give him a :45 second challenge. If he ran to a final time that was within :45 seconds of my finish, he'd be the winner. If the finish times were more than :45 apart -- I'd call it my victory.

My time was 11:04. I went a bit too fast in the first 200-yards. Plus, some of the hurt from the Triathlon, just 2 days prior, was brewing in my legs.

At the turn-around, I was impresed with Erik's position. I had a good lead over him and wasn't going to loose to him -- but he was chugging along.

Meanwhile, there were a number of real runners in the race -- fast. I was way out of touch with them, for sure. The winner went less than 6-minute mile pace. The second place finisher is headed into his senior year of high school and runs cross-country and track (400 and high jump). He also is a wrestler and is gonig to be a Marine. The 3rd place finisher does Ultras and wants to come down to qualify for the Boston Marathon at the Johnstown Marathon this fall. In the end, I was 8th, but not near any of those leading me.

Just before the home stretch of the race, friends were on a bench cheering. I asked, "Do you see Erik?" They said, 'NO.'

At the finish, Erik was 11:35, within the :45 margin. He wasn't seen when I asked the question -- but he came streaking by just after. Erik picked up a metal for the 'first youth.' I got a blue ribbon for first in 45-49.

Idlewild to expand water park - but still waiting for a competition pool

This is nice news. Sandcastle, Kennywood and Idlewild are all related.

Idlewild to expand water park Idlewild amusement park in Westmoreland County today announced that it will expand its water park by 20 percent next year.
The million-dollar expansion will also create a pirate-themed attraction at the water park section of the Ligonier park.
The yet-to-be-named expansion project will includes six water slides and play areas with water guns, crawl tunnels, a net climb and bridges.

I'm still waiting for an expansion of competitive facilities.

The lifeguard marketplace is looking better too.

Triathlon results are up -- I finished.

: "235 168 TRI Mark Rauterkus 46 M PITTSBURGH PA 145 35:32 39:29 4:36 246 1:34:03 15.8 0:52 243 1:10:44 11:24 3:25:45 18/20 CLYDES 191/214 M

My total time was 3:25.45.

I was in 145th place after the swim, then I seem to let 101 pass me on the bike. Then I passed three on the run, ending up at 243rd. The bike part wasn't so fast I guess. Nor was the run, but I was still paying for the bike while in the first 2 miles of the run with a serious side, body cramp. I didn't walk after mile 2 on the run, except to drink water, take off my t-shirt -- and then pick it up later and put it back on -- and on the hill into Washington's Landing Bridge. ;/

I really have to work on the bike portion of the race.

Next year's goal: Finish under 3 hours.

More race-day pondering to come later.

It was a wonderful event. I'm glad I did it.

Onorato rethinks plans for convention center hotel

Onorato rethinks plans for convention center hotel Onorato rethinks plans for convention center hotel

Mark Cuban, of Pittsburgh and the internet -- and now Dallas, can't discount notion of owning Cubs

On July 15th, I ran this blog entry:

Cuban can't discount notion of owning Cubs Cubs owner Mark Cuban.
It has a certain ring to it, don't you think?
Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner, will play the role of guest conductor during the seventh-inning stretch today at Wrigley Field. But in the future, he conceivably could play a much larger role in the Cubs organization. Or so Cubs fans can hope.
Cuban is a born-and-bred Pittsburgh Pirates fan, but he knows a good investment when he sees one. If the folks in Tribune Tower ever find themselves in the mood to talk sale, Cuban would listen.

Years ago, I suggested an approach to the Pitt Rocks crew that they should get Mark Cuban tp purchase Pitt Stadium. We could have put graduate student housing around the ring on the top with an upper deck.

On July 16, the Trib gives this more coverage.
Cuban would be interested in owning Pirates - PittsburghLIVE.com

Reminder: Mindy Simmons concert at 10 am Sunday at Shadyside's First Unitarian

Mindy Simmons performs on Sunday morning at 10 am at First Unitarian. She has a wonderful voice, message and performance with her guitar.

This is a Sunday worship service. The event is free. And, she is doing more than just a few tunes. She is leading the service.

Reminder!

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.