What did you do on your summer vacation?

Tell us. Pointers welcomed in the comments area of this blog.

We've done a lot and still have more to do including two trips. Next, my wife is headed to Chicago for Phonak University, a gathering with 300 or so Audiology students from around the world. She is on staff for the three day camp.

My mother has done a wonderful job this summer putting together a family newsletter. She sends out only five copies of it -- one to each family. The grandkids have been the contributors for each weekly edition.

In the weeks to come, I've got to get our digital assets better organized and online, such as what Andy has done.

Andy Carvin Program Director, EDC Center for Media & Community, went to Africa.

Last night, I put together a short vlog (video blog) about tradition kente weaving in Ghana's Ashanti region. Kente, perhaps the most famous West African textile, is brightly colored, coming in a variety of patterns, some reserved for use by Ashanti royalty. The video was shot in the historic kente weaving village of Bonwire, about an hour south of Kumasi. Three weavers are featured, each using a traditional loom to make the cloth. The video also contains music performed by Ghanaian drummer Obo Addy, used with permission from Alula Records. There are two versions of the video: high resolution (13 megs) and low resolution (two megs).

High res video

Low res video

Production notes: The video was shot on July 23, 2005 in Bonwire village, Ashanti Region, Ghana, using a Konica-Minolta dImage A-200 digital camera. The Quicktime files shot on the camera were uploaded to a Macintosh G4 laptop and edited with Final Cut Pro HD 4.5. Both versions of the video were compressed using the 3ivx compression codec. Total editing time was about 90 minutes, including compression.

St. George in Allentown -- we'll all miss you

Another one bites the dust, sadly.

On the WTAE TV 4 news, my neighbor, Garry, was show passing the basket.

Sermons from SUUSI are on another blog

Three theme talks from our weeklong summer church camp, SUUSI, are posted at the seldom used SUUSI blog.

Thanks Ken and presenters.

Art for justice sake on August 16

ACORN is starting a Low Income Civic Participation Drive/Fight to Raise the Minimum Wage!

Art for Justice Sake is a benefit art auction and music festival slated for 5 to 10 pm on Tuesday, August 16, at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, at Fifth and Shady Avenues.

Acoustic music by Mark Dignam, Jay Hitt, Lauren Demichiei from Lushwell, and the spoken word artist "phate."

Purchase art, listen to music, enjoy high tea refreshments, explore displays of local artwork, and tour of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts galleries.

Jason Miller, 100 fly, Pitt and Green Tree Coach was scratching to get into the finals

Way to go Jason. He was hoping to get into finals in the 100 fly. Well, he was very, very close. How exciting.

: "24 Donaldson, Davi 20 Longhorn Aquatic 56.05 55.47T
r: 0.70 25.73 55.47 (29.74)
Swim-Off Required --
26 #Miller, Jason 21 Team Pittsburgh- 55.68 55.48T
r: 0.75 25.69 55.48 (29.79)

Jason swam a 55.48, improving his seed time of 55.68. He was 2 for 2 in terms of lifetime best times. He also made the olympic trials cut time, of 55.59.

Time to get into finals = 55.47
Jason's time on Saturday = 55.48
Olympic trials cut = 55.68
Jason's prior best time = 55.68

Eric, Jason's coach, mentioned a couple of days prior that he thought that if one swam better than the Olympic Trials cut time, then one would get into finals. He was very close to that prediction.

FYI, the finals are held in three heats.

Ben Michaelson, 23, of Club Wolverine in Michigan was first in the 100 fly prelims, 53.23.

Nearly 80 swimmers were in the event and four ended with D.Qs (disqualifications).

In the finals, the race was won by a guy from South Africa. Rola Schoeman, 25, swimming with Tucson Ford Dealers. We saw Schoeman win the 100 free on Thursday. Schoeman's time in prelims was 53.33 and he went 53.08 in finals. Ben was 4th, but another Wolverine got 2nd.

USA Swimming hires a local coach for performance areas

Here comes some great news for a local coach who now gets an opportunity to work with national sports-science applications and swimming leaders. Way to go Dan McCarthy. I hope and imagine he'll be able to bring back tons of new opportunities for local teams, coaches and swimmers as well.

USA Swimming - Home: "USA Swimming is proud to announce that Bailey Weathers and Dan McCarthy have joined the organization as the first Sport Performance Consultants, a newly created position in the Field Services Department. In this role, Weathers and McCarthy will provide sport science and technical education and support to coaches and clubs with the goal of enhancing athlete performance.

If the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater drops the live musicans -- I'll be there to picket. Join me in the outrage and protest too.

There is serious grounds for a GRIEVANCE against the Pgh BALLET if it goes ahead and runs a season with recorded music.

Sure, the Pittsburgh Musicians Union has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. But that's not as much as a stink as what will occur when we take to the streets.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_360469.html

Skeptical, forlorn, -- what's the word to describe these onlookers?

The new boss of the Pgh Public Schools is standing up, before others in the city. Look at this photo and give your best description of these skeptical citizens.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05218/549656.stm

The old boss, Dr. John T, was able to improve student achievement. He did. Test scores were improving. But he's on the way out. The test scores were not the sticking point. It takes more than test scores to be a success.

A few of Dr. T's downfalls include the driver, the office remodeling, the spending on the wrong credit card for clothing, his salary. But, sadly, those are the type of issues that the Pittsburgh media can get its simple mind around. Test scores too, fit into that "narrow vision of the world mindset."

Dr. T was a success, in many ways, who had run his course in Pittsburgh. His time here ended.

Let's hope and insure that Roosevelt's tenure in Pittsburgh is a success on many, many fronts, that include and go beyond test scores. We crave some political advancements, some fiscal champions, better community bonds, more civic interactions among all the hours of the day, and so on.

But for now: Skeptics rule. Pittsburgh citizens are going to watch, crossed armed. If Mark Roosevelt goes nose to nose and puts a hand in our chest for handshakes and yanks into the classrooms of the schools -- and gyms, swim pools, auditoriums, and libraries too -- then we'll start to smile.

Time will tell how he does by what he does. But, it takes two to tango. Let's dance.

Cyber Dissident Gets 5 Years In Prison

This article is going up on the blog for a short time. I'll take it down again, soon. We're headed back to China in October, 2005 and hope to go again in 2008 for the Olympics.

Cyber activist Zhang Lin was sentenced to 5 years in prison for posting reports and essays on the Internet which "jeopardised national unity and territorial sovereignty, spread lies and disturbed public order and social stability." First jailed in January, Zhang’s sentence also includes the loss of his political rights for 4 years after his release.

Reporters Without Borders have already expressed their outrage at the ruling, saying "The Chinese judges were deaf to Zhang's plea of not guilty on the basis of the right to free expression because, in their view, expressing oneself on the Internet is a crime." Evidence used to convict Zhang included punk rock lyrics in one of his essays and an interview he gave to foreign news media. Zhang has 10 days to file his appeal.

Zhang Lin is another example of the Chinese government’s restrictive attitude toward the Internet. In April, journalist Shi Tao was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he provided an overseas Web site with a summary of an official document alerting journalists to possible social instability around the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown. Last month China also confirmed plans to establish "a long-term mechanism" monitoring internet cafes, which are visited by some 40 million people a day. Over the last couple of years China has closed thousands of net cafes amid fears that they can affect the "mental health of teenagers" while spreading "unhealthy online information".

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/03 /china_internet
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3? id_article=14586
http://yuantown.blog- city.com/shi_tao.htm

State Rep Encourages Residents to Visit State Capitol Building

Rep. Jeffrey Habay (R-Allegheny) would like to encourage area residents to visit the Commonwealth's historic Capitol, located in Harrisburg.

Guided tours of the Capitol last about 40 minutes and are offered every half hour, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Capitol is closed for tours on New Year's Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving.

Visitors can also explore the hands-on Welcome Center, which provides the opportunity to read, listen and interact with 18 colorful and informative exhibits. The center is located in the East Wing and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A gift shop is also available.

Many consider the Pennsylvania Capitol to be one of the most beautiful in the nation. At the building’s dedication ceremony in 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt described Pennsylvania's Capitol as "the handsomest building I ever saw." Tours allow visitors to view the architecture and the collections of art and sculptures from the Italian Renaissance-style statehouse while exploring Pennsylvania government at work.

Due to the high demand for Capitol tours, it is important to schedule a tour as soon as possible in order secure a convenient time and date. Reservations are only necessary for groups of 10 or more; otherwise, visitors can join the tours at their convenience. Please note that the tour guide office does not require school approval of a field trip before a tour is scheduled.

Reservations can be made by calling Habay's district office at (412) 492-0270 or the tour office at (800) 868-7672. For more information about tours of the State Capitol, log onto www.legis.state.pa.us.

Rep. Jeffrey Habay
30th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(412) 492-0270
(717) 783-7426
www.JeffHabay.com
Contact: Erin Shay
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 705-2024
www.pahousegop.com

Visiting with a former Pitt student in Southern California. 

Please run the VCRs -- as I'd love to have this on tape

The Duel in the Pool is slated to be televised on NBC from 4-6 pm on Saturday, August 6 and from 1-2:30 pm on Sunday, August 7th.

Thanks.

Pete is gone.

Today I got to see a number of old friends. The visiting turned up this news of another, dear friend, who I won't be able to see. He passed away just two days ago. Pete was a housemate of mine. We lived together in a house in Long Beach for nearly a year.

Peter Alan Leighton
Tuesday, August 2, 2005

NAPA

Peter (Pete) Alan Leighton, 55, passed away on July 29, 2005 in Napa. He was born August 30, 1949 in Bronx, New York. In 1973, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Texas at El Paso. He was owner and partner of NorCal Aquatic Services, Inc. until 2000. He also was a swimming coach for many years in Texas, Cupertino and Stanford University. He most recently worked for Royal Coach Limousine Service.

Pete is survived by his life partner, Lezlie Riley of Napa; a sister and her husband, Marcie and Dave Cohen of Schertz, Texas; a niece, Allyson Cohen, and a nephew, Rich Cohen.

At Pete's request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Richard Pierce Funeral Service and Crematory, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa. Friends may sign the guest book at www.rpfsc.com.

Pete was a healthy guy. He coached at Cinci Marlins, Stanford, Dads Club. He'd take the crisp drawer in the refrig and turn it into a salad container.. He'd slice and dice vegies and fill that unit -- no bowl required.

He rented the home -- and I rented a room. The garage was his office and store-room. Then he was a dealer for The Finals -- and then some other companies. Later he merged with NorCal and moved there.

When I was there, he helped give me the confidence to start up my own publishing company. He was a rock that came along at a important time in my life. Pete was genuine, stable, hard working. He knew sports and had a great coaches perspective. But, he was low keyed, clam, collected, just himself and personable.

A day in the life as members of the Jason Miller fan club!

Today was great fun. We got to cheer for Jason Miller. He swam the 200 fly at USA Swimming's National Championships in Irvine. Jason was the swim coach this summer for the Green Tree Great White Sharks. He is going into his senior year at Pitt.

Jason improved his time by 2-seconds!

Way to go. He was great.

Speaking of inspiration --- Michael Phelps won the event. He was within a finger's length of world record pace at the turn after 150 meters.

More news and photos later.

South Side Works called into question

A new report by the Allegheny Inst, a conservative think tank, makes some sense and needs close examination:

One reason for the tax revenue shortfall is that the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) still owns the four parking garages within the SSW project’s footprint, rendering them tax exempt. The estimated loss of taxes from the tax exemption is calculated to be around $700,000. Presently, the URA is still waiting for private sector bids on the parking garages, but to date none have been made.

Of course we have some serious parking problems. The best way to fix things in this realm is to sell off the Parking Authority assets. Liquidate the Parking Authority. But notice, now the URA is doing Parking. We've got mixed missions among the various authorities.

That web they've woven is complicated and just needs to be cut apart.

The Port Authority does PARK and RIDE lots. The URA does Parking Garages. The Housing Authority does land leases to private developers. The Stadium Authority holds debt from Three Rivers Stadium -- that is long gone. The Water Authority does redevelopment deals.

When the government officials do the redevelopment efforts then the developers and builders become the rules. Roles have switched.

We need to simplify. We need smart solutions. We need to have government worry about the governing and not the other follies.

Who runs this town?

Winning by more than a body length...

Phelps won the 200 meter fly in great form. He was within a finger's length of world record pace at the turn at 150. Phelps didn't swim the 200 fly at the prior week's World Championships in Montreal. That's Phelps with the blue warm-up jacket and head turned to clap for the other swimmers on the podium. 

Pitt's fans and Pitt's swimmers at Nationals

Grant and Erik and I in Irvine, California, in the stands after finals of the USA Swimming National Championships.  
Swimmers from Pitt at the USA Swimming Nationals in Irvine in August, 2005. Both guys are education majors and grew up in Pennsylvania.  

Police Tip line for City of Pittsburgh = 412.323.7141

The attack was bogus! The link from WTAE.

Tips go to: 412.323.7141

Why not press charges? The police should press charges on the fake attack. This is an enforcement issue too. Pittsburgh has a bad way of doing follow-up and enforcement. Besides the egregious affront to the already strained Police, the reports have tarnished our city neighborhood and left residents and visitors frightened.

I agree with M of the Gypsie Cafe who wrote in the NAN email: "If nothing else, a public apology by these two is certainly in order. The only good to come of this is that we were reminded to be vigilant which is never a wasted message."

Police released descriptions of the attackers of the couple on the South Side in the early morning hours about 5 days ago:

Suspect #1 - white male, stocky build, black short hair, 5'9", 180 lbs, mustache, wearing a white shirt and blue jean shorts.

Suspect #2 - white male, 5'11", 180 lbs, black short hair.

Both actors hair was cut short, almost shaved on the sides.

(see the comment...)

Grassroots news on two ballot efforts

Put this on your 'radar.' Time will tell what comes about from these efforts. It is a bit early to do much but speculate and lift to get the paperwork done and delivered.

From: Celeste Taylor

Open Government Press Release-Home Stretch! Pittsburghers for Open Government

www.openpgh.org

Information + Public Participation = Power to Change Things!

Press Release

Wednesday-August 3, 2005
Contact: Celeste Taylor
PFOG Project Director
412-628-7867
celeste@openpgh.org

Pittsburghers for Open Government Petitioning In The Home Stretch

• PFOG President Dave Tessitor resigns from the Presidency of Pittsburghers
for Open Government and launches his campaign for Mayor.
Project Director Celeste Taylor is now the Acting President.

• Open Government petitioning that began six weeks ago now enters into the
home stretch with 70 active petitioners representing a very diverse and long
list of organizations talking to Pittsburghers about the Open Government
Amendment, collecting thousands of signatures and is now having their
petitions notarized.

• PFOG petitioners will team up with the League of Young Voters and Coro
Fellows this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to do petitioning at several events
and in Pittsburgh neighborhoods. ACORN will have its petitioners out this
weekend as well.

• On Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 10 am, PFOG Petitioners will provide a report
on the final numbers, and their petitioning experiences to City Council and
to the community.

• At the close of the petitioning period, Pittsburghers for Open Government
will continue with their work to ensure that Open Government becomes a
reality in Pittsburgh. Activities will include non- partisan Pittsburgh
public policy education and advocacy, voter education, voter registration,
voter verification and election protection.


Public Service Announcement -- Thank you to all of our partners especially the
Maurice Falk Fund and the Kingsley Association. Thanks to Pittsburgh for
Open Government Board members, coalition groups, petitioners and most
importantly, the thousands of citizens who signed the petition, believing in
the power of the people, and who want Open Government in Pittsburgh NOW! It
is time to wrap up petitioning in your communities so please, make sure you
have talked to all of your neighbors about the Open Government Amendment and
have your petitions NOTARIZED. Attend the City Council Meeting on Tuesday,
August 9th at 10 AM to share your Open Government petitioning experience.
You can drop your petitions off or mail them to Kingsley Association-6435
Frankstown Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Contact Celeste Taylor at
412-628-7867 if you have questions or need help.

Boogie Boards on both coasts

Some personal notes follow:

Catherine's talk and keynote in Colorado last week went well.

A theme talk from SUUSI (our summer church camp experience) is posted at another one of my little used blogs: http://suusi.blogspot.com.




I picked up a new AB Wheel at Big 5 sporting goods here. It was on sale. Perhaps I'll get a dozen or so for the swimmers too?

We now own sets of boogie boards on both coasts. These are great toys for the surf with the boys. But, they are too big to lug home and re-use on the following trip to the beach. Generally, we don't go back to the same places. So, we leave them for others to enjoy after we're gone.

I would love to post some digital photos -- but -- don't want to take the digital camera to the beach.

We visited with Colin, Mary and their kids last night at their home -- with a swim pool. Great time. Their youngest was adopted last year from China. She is sweet. I started to teach her a few favorite sign language words: boy, girl, mom, dad, shoe.

Colin and Mary were talking to the boys about the Space Shuttle's foam. The vibration and temp changes help to knock off the foam from the rocket. Colin pointed out that if the foam fell off and didn't hit the shuttle, everything would be fine. Foam, how big is it? Mary said that if one looks real close you'd see the word, "kowabunga." Boogie boards are glued to the side of the rockets.

White caps, foams, waves, wipeouts, crabs, vanity license plates, -- it is all washing over us now as the tides shift.