See the comments.
I love the open source movement.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Xinhua - English - and I fuss about a bit of jet lag
China's space program made a major milestone with the successful flight and return of two into space.
Xinhua - EnglishShenzhou-6 lands safely, astronauts in good shape
The re-entry capsule of the Shenzhou-6 spacecraft, carrying taikonauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, landed on earth safely at 4:33 a.m. Monday, marking a 'complete success' of China's second manned space mission after it put the first Chinese national in space two years ago. Both taikonauts are 'in fine conditions,' doctors said after giving them a checkup upon landing.
Pitt squares off with private developer in a battle of Oak Hill
This is one of the ways to make residents and voters meaningless in the real power plays of life in Pittsburgh: Divide and Conquer.
Another frequently repeated trend is Pitt's willingness to fight with others. It ran to the courts when the Big East broke up and tried to force a judge to make Miami Univ stay Pitt's friend.
Furthermore, Pitt's institutional worries have spilled over to all sorts of other distractions beyond its borders. Pitt would do better to worry about its core mission and not get wrapped up in follies with other assorted sideline efforts. Pitt's students and its educational mission take a back seat to merry-go-rounds, fighting food cart vendors and housing development squabbles.
Perhaps Oak Court is going to take over the title for the "backyard brawl."
Pitt, developer battle splits Oak Hill 'They intentionally wanted to divide us,' said Ms. Foster, who blames the developer. Some others blame Pitt."
It is great to see great articles such as this from the pages of the Post-Gazette. Thank goodness Pittsburgh now has Rich Lord as a reporter at the PG.
Another frequently repeated trend is Pitt's willingness to fight with others. It ran to the courts when the Big East broke up and tried to force a judge to make Miami Univ stay Pitt's friend.
Furthermore, Pitt's institutional worries have spilled over to all sorts of other distractions beyond its borders. Pitt would do better to worry about its core mission and not get wrapped up in follies with other assorted sideline efforts. Pitt's students and its educational mission take a back seat to merry-go-rounds, fighting food cart vendors and housing development squabbles.
Perhaps Oak Court is going to take over the title for the "backyard brawl."
Pitt, developer battle splits Oak Hill 'They intentionally wanted to divide us,' said Ms. Foster, who blames the developer. Some others blame Pitt."
It is great to see great articles such as this from the pages of the Post-Gazette. Thank goodness Pittsburgh now has Rich Lord as a reporter at the PG.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Pittsburgh trends the wrong way in its failed planning
Urban density looks like this.
Too often, the trend among Pittsburgh's planning efforts is to take the urban elements out of the city. Those in charge are trying to turn Pittsburgh into a suburban landscape, not an urban one. They have been trying to make Pittsburgh something that it isn't. And, they have been failing.
The URA was fine with the building of the research park on Second Avenue. But, it was a research park that could have been in any rural or beltway city. It was not built with any density in mind. It was not built with a face to the river. It was built with a need for parking garages and without any mixed uses.
We need to do much better.
Downtown has seen many of its buildings torn down. We have 'green space' where there used to be high-rises. If you thin downtown enough, we'll all be able to park on the streets -- as there won't be anyone here.
Save Gas - Grow Some of Your Own Food
by Jim McCue , composter and biotech researcher
People all over the world are discovering that large-scale corporate factory agriculture, the kind that continues to cause the bankrupty of smaller, more diversified, often family-owned farming, does not always have in mind the health and happiness of those who increasingly have no choice but to buy their food from the factory-farm system.
As in other sectors of the economy, production, processing, and distribution of food has come to be increasingly concentrated in fewer hands. Because making money in the business world so often seems to necessitate closing one's heart as to destructive effects of one's business decisions, the most "successful" (that is, the ones who have accumulated the most money) are often the most hard-hearted.
Take fossil fuels such as oil, the gasoline that's made from it, and natural gas. It's now commonly understood that these things are: in limited supply; subject to increasing demand; and have numerous environmental side effects. The agricultural system - as presently structured - needs huge amounts of water, land, and fossil fuels to make fertilizer and provide transportation. Small organic food gardens and farms need less water and space to grow a certain amount of food. But large agribusinesses have used their increased lobbying power to structure our laws so that the taxpayer subsidizes cheaper (and lower quality) food. This is why "organic" has become associated with "high-muckety-muck"; people think only elites can afford the better quality. But the fact is, we're all paying for the mass-produced food that is lower quality - through our taxes.
Now that the price of gas has hit the fan, and as the predicted drastic increase in natural gas price also looms, it's time to start taking seriously those enviro "Chicken Littles" who knew these problems were coming and who know that the price of food - being connected to the price of fossil fuels - is also going to go through the roof. There is no sane reason to ship such a large part of our food such great distances. There is a place for food transportation, but not where we can more easily grow higher -quality food right here in the Pittsburgh region. We need much more locally grown food, much more organic food, and changes in our laws that have queered the situation so dangerously that large numbers of Americans are coming to find themselves short of money for necessities - food or rent, for instance.
The belief in chemical fertilizers and pesticides has come from overly focused points-of-view which externalize the side effects. Profit at the expense of your own health or you neighbors' is not a very good long-term investment. Sure, you might get a better yield on that particular crop this year if you sock the soil with nitrogen made from natural gas and pesticides synthesized from oil. But what about next year, when your garden's predator/prey balance is weakened and you, your family, and your neighbors' health is compromised by those toxins and your food's nutrient ratios are lower. And do you really want to escalate
our increasingly violent competition with other countries for the fossil resources to grow food that way?
The soil is not a machine. It is a vast living community which is harmed when we humans go to pot-shotting at the bugs while overdosing the soil with the major nutrients - nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous - ignoring all those micro-nutrients and enzymes and tiny living things - molds, bacteria, bugs, worms, etc. - that are vital to soil fertility. And the larger life forms - frogs, toads, "weeds", "groundhogs" (formerly called woodchucks in a less competitive time), minks, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, bears, cougars, snakes, newts, salamanders - are also part of the soil (and which used to be abundant in what is now the Pittsburgh region).
A food security project is gearing up in the Garfield area. Effort is being made to secure land from the increasingly predatory real estate situation which is being exacerbated by the city's budget problems. What the Healcrest Urban Community Farm is starting should be a template for what happens county-wide.
The choice will be made whether to demonize the poor - and so rationalize their abandonment and allow the system failures to treat them more and more badly - or to recognize ourselves, our own family in those without the power to avoid direct consequences of the increasingly brutal business climate that is developing. Please look into what food security advocates such as these people are doing, and see that - just as we need the lowly earthworm and so-called "ugly" bugs and critters too small to see without a microscope - we also need those who we who may be a little better off have found it easier to marginalize.
The Healcrest Urban Community Farm is devoted to sustainable urban farming, is organizing gardens and gardeners to supply farmstands, and owns 1.7 acres near Penn Ave. at the corner of Shamrock Way, Hillcrest Street, and Pacific Ave. Their events are available via 412/362-1982, mothermoonbeam@aol.com, or http://www.thomasmertoncenter.org/calendar. The next is October 20th - an exploration of types of composting around the world - 6 to 8 p.m. at the Farm. Some of their other meeting are at the most interesting used-book shop I've ever seen, owned by one of the Farm's founders - Ricardo Robinson.
He had the unique idea to either sell or lend (for free) books, and specializes in what he judges to be "good" literature. The place has the nice laid-back come-on-in-and-talk atmosphere that could do something economic-development-wise for Hazelwood. It's called Yard Sale Books, and is at 5165 Penn (near Pacific.)
Special Events at Roberta Weissburg Leathers
Roberta Weissburg Leathers is thrilled to invite you to a Grand Open House Party celebrating our newest store in the South Side Works.
Friday, October 21 thru Sunday, October 23
527 S. 27th Street ~ South Side
412.488.8008
Friday, October 21 thru Sunday, October 23
527 S. 27th Street ~ South Side
412.488.8008
Would be gambling hall owners pour even more cash into state PACs and candidates
I won't be getting any of this money, I promise. However, I'll be running against it again.
It is no secret that the state Dems and state Republicans are flush with cash from the racino days, the riverboat days and the rest of the past decade as gambling came calling. Diven and Fontana got lots of state party money. That is blood money from gambling interests.
Then there is the trickle down effects. Money from one goes to the next and on-and-on to even the school board and city council candidates. Many Dems give money to other Dems and this money often came from the special interest groups -- like gambling hall operators.
It is no secret that the state Dems and state Republicans are flush with cash from the racino days, the riverboat days and the rest of the past decade as gambling came calling. Diven and Fontana got lots of state party money. That is blood money from gambling interests.
Then there is the trickle down effects. Money from one goes to the next and on-and-on to even the school board and city council candidates. Many Dems give money to other Dems and this money often came from the special interest groups -- like gambling hall operators.
PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Pa. slot parlor hopefuls pour cash into PACs, candidate funds: "Pa. slot parlor hopefuls pour cash into PACs, candidate funds
10/15/2005, 12:37 p.m. ET By MARC LEVY, The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) � Entrepreneurs vying for licenses to run gambling halls in Pennsylvania have contributed at least $330,000 to political candidates and causes since the state legalized slot machines 14 months ago, campaign finance records show.
The recipients included the five men, Gov. Ed Rendell and the four top Republican and Democrat leaders in the Legislature, who appointed the members of the state board that will award the slots licenses.
About $171,000 was contributed to the governor and the four legislative leaders and PACs that those lawmakers control.
October: Sleepy Hollow and PG
Here, now, the PG does NOT stand for Post-Gazette. Rather, Project Gutenberg.
Now we enjoy the month of Halloween.
Here, Pittsburgh, might be sleepy in terms of its politcal race for its top elected official. And, we might be turning into a mere Hollow rather than a big-league city -- but let's have some October fun with Project Gutenberg.
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
BY WASHINGTON IRVING
Go get the entire book. Find a youngster and read it to him or her. Start tonight. Here is the link to the entire work, free of charge, as part of Project Gutenberg's fine efforts.
Now we enjoy the month of Halloween.
Here, Pittsburgh, might be sleepy in terms of its politcal race for its top elected official. And, we might be turning into a mere Hollow rather than a big-league city -- but let's have some October fun with Project Gutenberg.
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
BY WASHINGTON IRVING
FOUND AMONG THE PAPERS OF THE LATE DIEDRICH KNICKERBOCKER.A pleasing land of drowsy head it was,
Of dreams that wave before the half-shut eye;
And of gay castles in the clouds that pass,
Forever flushing round a summer sky.
CASTLE OF INDOLENCE.
IN the bosom of one of those spacious coves which indent the eastern shore of the Hudson, at that broad expansion of the river denominated by the ancient Dutch navigators the Tappan Zee, and where they always prudently shortened sail and implored the protection of St. Nicholas when they crossed, there lies a small market town or rural port, which by some is called Greensburgh, but which is more generally and properly known by the name of Tarry Town. This name was given, we are told, in former days, by the good housewives of the adjacent country, from the inveterate propensity of their husbands to linger about the village tavern on market days. Be that as it may, I do not vouch for the fact, but merely advert to it, for the sake of being precise and authentic. Not far from this village, perhaps about two miles, there is a little valley or rather lap of land among high hills, which is one of the quietest places in the whole world. A small brook glides through it, with just murmur enough to lull one to repose; and the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker is almost the only sound that ever breaks in upon the uniform tranquillity.
I recollect that, when a stripling, my first exploit in squirrel-shooting was in a grove of tall walnut-trees that shades one side of the valley. I had wandered into it at noontime, when all nature is peculiarly quiet, and was startled by the roar of my own gun, as it broke the Sabbath stillness around and was prolonged and reverberated by the angry echoes. If ever I should wish for a retreat whither I might steal from the world and its distractions, and dream quietly away the remnant of a troubled life, I know of none more promising than this little valley.
From the listless repose of the place, and the peculiar character of its inhabitants, who are descendants from the original Dutch settlers, this sequestered glen has long been known by the name of SLEEPY HOLLOW, and its rustic lads are called the Sleepy Hollow Boys throughout all the neighboring country. A drowsy, dreamy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere.
Go get the entire book. Find a youngster and read it to him or her. Start tonight. Here is the link to the entire work, free of charge, as part of Project Gutenberg's fine efforts.
A call to a meeting as published in the AIA newsletter
Working Together for Pittsburgh's Future
What does your neighborhood need to succeed? Please join the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, and Southwestern PA LISC for a Town Hall Meeting for Pittsburgh's Future. The meeting will be held Thursday, October 20th from 2:30 to 8 pm at The Circuit Center, 5 Hot Metal Street in the South SIde. To RSVP, call Jennifer Fox at the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh at 412-391-4144 or email jfox@cdcp.org For more information, visit www.ppnd.org
Stan, muddy Stan
Stan was the name of the hurrican that hit Central American recently. A few emails via the Katrinia Helpers list are posted in the comments.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Swimming is okay at the beaches if you swim within the shark nets. No thanks. We did a lot of swimming, but it as at swim pools, not the beach. This warning is from Lamma Island. It is one of the smaller islands that make up greater Hong Kong. We hiked there on a paved pathway. We got over there and back via ferry from Central, pier 3.
Thanks for the gifts -- friendships -- and hospitality in Hong Kong
City to vote on panhandling bill
Okay, let's turn downtown into Rosslyn Farms. Let's knock out all business. Let's stop all interactions. Let's take down all the signs on all the buildings. Let's end all transactions too. Make them illegal.
Downtown's problems are not rooted with some homeless folks.
Downtown's problem is that there are only homeless folks there. Where are all the other people? Where are the everyday hustle bustle folks?
They left when freedom departed.
People vote with their feet!
The Pitt News - City to vote on panhandling bill The proposed extensions include expanding the definition of panhandling to incorporate all types of solicitation, including religious groups and community service organizations that ask for money. The new bill also lists stricter regulations on when and where individuals are allowed to panhandle.
Downtown's problems are not rooted with some homeless folks.
Downtown's problem is that there are only homeless folks there. Where are all the other people? Where are the everyday hustle bustle folks?
They left when freedom departed.
People vote with their feet!
Legislators aim to put limits on uses of eminent domain
PG coverage of pending bills Headline: Legislators aim to put limits on uses of eminent domain
I've sounded off on eminent domain.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Gene chimes in. Point noted.
MARK, I am a friend of public education! Gene
Hi,
Perhaps Gene R., City Council President and soon to be district magistrate is a friend of public education. But, I feel that a friend of public education would NOT ask the schools to give up any money for the city's dire straights -- such as with the loss income from taxes on a Second Ave TIFF. TIFFs hurt the kids in public schools right now.
We can leave funding for crossing guards out of the 'public school' discussion, but that would enter into the fray in another chapter.
I also feel that the school board races are able to be pulled and mangled by political forces as you, Jim M and Michael Diven attempted in the not too distant past. It serves as a good example for the rant and with the state of the landscape in Pgh politics. Pulling the political wires -- of itself -- isn't so bad. No harm there. But, when there isn't suitable understanding of the candidates running for school board offices -- and then we have some serious problems. So, I rail against the lack of balance.
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