Are you ready for some football -- errr --- Olympics!

The Winter Olympics are about to begin. I'm not sure this town is ready -- as most are hung-over from the black-and-gold victory. But, the world awaits.

We are gathering this week to talk about sports and recreation at two health clubs. Come on out.

Do iPod earbuds cause problems? - My wife got ink today in the P-G.

My wife got some ink in today's P-G.

Do iPod earbuds cause problems?: "Dr. Catherine Palmer, director of audiology at the Eye and Ear Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said the personal responsibility defense breaks down, however, when talking about children.

'People often don't know when they're doing damage to their ears because your ears don't just start bleeding. It's an insidious kind of slow process,' she said.

'We don't limit the sales of any of these devices by age in this country, so we kind of expect kids to be responsible.'

Dr. Palmer and others still said common sense is the best policy, especially for parents. If they can hear music from a child's earphones more than a yard away, it is too loud. Children should also be warned about turning up their iPods -- and other music devices -- to overcome ambient noise in buses or other commonly loud places.

To be absolutely safe, UPMC will make a mold of a patient's ears and make headphones that cancel out most outside noise, allowing music to be played more quietly. They cost between $70 and $120. The hospital will also check decibel outputs of music devices."

My wife and sweetheart (Feb 14 is almost here), is Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., Director of Audiology at UPMC's Eye and Ear Institute -- and -- she has a joint appointement with the Univ. of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehab Sciences.

Taking care of your health is a good thing.

Using common sense is a good thing too.

And, going out of our way to take care of the kids, with special hand holding is also a good thing as well.

So, rock on, with fidelity, and within normal limits.

I want to chat on Gmail -- and give this a whirl. Interested?

The Gmail email service has a new CHAT feature that is rolling out to different users in the weeks to come. I'm a big fan of chats. So, anyone want to give this a whirl? Let me know.

My Gmail handle is Mark.Rauterkus -at- Gmail dot com.

Scranton is out of race for PA Governor. Lynn Swann is too much -- with the Super Bowl en 'at.

Scranton's campaign for change goes poof and he is wise to call it quits. He challenged the status quo by standing with the people for clean government and honest reform. We do believe Pennsylvania deserves a government that does its business openly, and in the clear light of day. Public service is the highest calling and it is the first duty of elected leaders to conduct the people’s business with integrity.

Scranton's campaign for governor has been about renewing Pennsylvania and calling on the leaders to return to our historic platform of limited government and personal responsibility. Without these changes, Republicans risk losing the confidence of the people and Pennsylvania’s stalled return to greatness may never occur.

Pennsylvania’s Republican establishment was opposed to Scranton's call for an open primary.

Scranton was sure to wish his best to both Lynn Swann and Jim Panyard. He is going to extend full, unequivocal support to the nominee that emerges in May.

---

Lynn Swann on Bill Scranton Exiting the Race

Bill Scranton made a difficult decision today. I applaud him for his leadership, both in the past as Lt. Governor and today as someone with an interest in seeing the Republican Party unified as we move towards our ultimate goal - defeating Ed Rendell. I look forward to working with Bill and his supporters.

Bill's competition for this nomination has contributed a great deal to the debate about making the Commonwealth a better place for all Pennsylvanians. We all agree on one thing, Pennsylvania must do better.

Our current governor thinks Pennsylvania is as good as it can be. I know we can do better, and I look forward to a spirited campaign revolving around the issues important to Pennsylvania families.

Champion Steelers parade through clogged Downtown

Champion Steelers parade through clogged Downtown Several people reported feet or ankles were run over.

My heart does NOT bleed for these big footed, foolish fans. I don't think that the cars ran up and onto the sidewalks.

Heck, when #36, went past, where I was standing to watch, I could not even see what type of car he was ridding upon. It could have been a skateboard for all I could see. The women next to me didn't see The Bus at all -- until he was a block down the street. There, that's his brown coat. She did get a peek at the S.B. trophy when he raised it into the air however.

Why didn't The Bus ride upon a PAT Bus? Or, why not even a school bus?

I spoke today at City Council Chambers -- and gave the police a letter grade of "A" for their efforts after the game on Sunday night. (See the post yet to come.) At the parade today, they grade isn't as high.

Seemed like the players and parade participants needed a good blocking back. Where is Rockey, #20, when you need him. They did squeeze through the crowd -- but #7 had more room to spare in his Super Bowl Touch Down than was provided today along the route.

Allegheny County Council member Eileen Watt resigning

This is how a campion of the people operates. Three cheers for Ms. Watt. You should have been in the parade today.

Allegheny County Council member Eileen Watt resigning: Allegheny County Council member Eileen Watt announced this afternoon that she would step down at the end of council's meeting this evening.

Ms. Watt, who has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the seat in the state House now held by Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, said she was resigning from council 'due to a restriction on candidates for other office who would also serve on County Council.'

The others -- you only have time against you. Do the right thing and GET OUT NOW.

I am a member of the Libertarian party -- but -- there is more.

Sure, I'm a member of the Libertarian Party. However, I'm the vice-chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party. That's an elected postion. Last year, 2005, I was an elected board member. This year, I'm the second highest official in the party. This isn't just for District 3, nor for the city, but for Allegheny County.

So, "Mark Rauterkus, Libertarian," works fine.

Or, if space permits, "Mark Rauterkus, vice-chair of the Libertarian Party of Allegheny County" is accurate. More concise, "Mark Rauterkus, vice-chair of Allegheny County Libertarians."

There is a Republican in the race for city council, on paper. He has yet to appear at any candidate function. He was a no-show again last night when the community gathered in Arlington. These events are on my calendar -- and -- I've offered to share my calendar with him. I don't like it when there is a candidate night and everyone isn't invited. But, I can't do much more than offer to be staight-forward and honest with the dates to him and to others.

Five years ago, I wasn't happy with the way the city was being led. We were on the wrong track. I had had enough. So, I joined the opposition and tried my best to oust the top guy in town -- mayor Tom Murphy, D. I ran around town, networking with citizens and building solutions where I could.

So, I think it is important to put up an opposition. It is important to fight the give-a-ways. It is important to preserve and sustain our rights -- week in and week out.

I want to be certain that we include others and go away from our one-party town legacy. But, for this to occur, other viable alternatives are necessary.

A Republican that is going to skip candidate functions -- all of them so far -- and not work to make Pittsburgh better, in the slightest, isn't to be counted upon as a helper in our general struggle for survival. I have no problem with people sitting on the sidelines, being busy with their life's work, giving family time, whatever. Fine. But a candidate that is a continual no-show has to be questioned.

Ink 1 in So Pgh Reporter

Mr. Rauterkus said he is 'well-equipped' to handle the issues facing the district which includes protecting the freedoms of all citizens in the community. He cited the parking permit program as an example.

He believes this is just a 'backdoor way to a tax increase' and believes agencies such as the URA inhibit the city from growing properly. He opposes any sort of parking-permit program. Most of the other candidates believe permit-parking is a necessity for some urban residents who lose their parking spaces for eight to 10 hours at a time due to suburban commuters who park their cars on the South Side Flats en route to their jobs downtown or in Oakland. Most candidates believe permit-parking is okay if there is a clear consensus within the neighborhood.

Mr. Rauterkus is also upset about a system that allows those who do not pay their taxes to get away with it while "punishing" hard-working citizens who maintain their homes and pay their taxes. He said the tax burden is falling more and more on the shoulders of the law-abiders. He believes if something is not done about correcting this imbalance of leniency for the law-breakers (while putting more of a burden on lawful citizens), the good residents are going to continue to flee the city for the suburbs."

Here is another quote within the article.

Mr. Rauterkus said he is not in favor of privatizing city services such as garbage collection and public works. However, he favors privatizing "a new arena, the convention center and downtown department stores like Lazarus" which should not be given public funding and tax breaks for aiding the private businesses.

BTW, my last name was spelled wrong throughout the article.

Ink in the South Pgh Reporter - 2 articles

Mark Rauterkus, of the South Side, is a Libertarian. "I'm angry and agitated at the way the city is led," he said. He is particularly angry about deals, such as the tax increment financing proposals being studied by the school board. "These big ticket items are killing us," he said.

Parade today and no school at North Allegheny HS

The south side does not disappoint | pittsburgh bloggers

The south side does not disappoint | pittsburgh bloggers: "And it seriously reminded me of heaven. Because you saw all these social groups unified in the strangest of ways. Punks were hugging yuppies. Jocks were high-fivin� goths. Everyone was unified under the black and gold."

Almost heaven, West Virginia -- sang John Denver. Woops, wrong decade.

Nice post. Good times on the street too.

I'd not be too liberal with your boasting about taking cash for a lift to Crafton -- as the city might charge you a EMS Tax. That $56 would take a bit out of your enjoyment and it comes right off the top, before you get paid.

Those EMS taxes are hitting hard with January pay checks now.

What campaign headquarters has its own concert hall?

Take a peek at our venue for hosting concerts.

http://S6.CLOH.Org/art/concert-hall.avi

This is a small movie without any music, yet. And, it is still uploading so it might not work for the next few minutes.

Neighborhood groups begin to collect information on proposed casinos

I'll be at the Feb 14 meeting. Hope you can make it too.

Neighborhood groups begin to collect information on proposed casinos On the South Side, where Harrah's and Forest City Enterprises want to build a Station Square casino, the South Side Planning Forum has scheduled a Feb. 14 meeting to discuss the impact of a casino, which would lie about a mile to the west of the South Side's main business district. Officials from Forest City have been invited to the meeting.

'That's sort of the first step in organizing a community discussion about this,' said Rick Belloli, executive director of the South Side Local Development Co.

Mr. Belloli also sits on the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force, the organization charged with studying the various casino plans and gauging their potential social and economic effects.

The development group has worked with Forest City previously -- last summer, Forest City, which owns Station Square, ran a shuttle from Station Square through the South Side, at the behest of the organization. Mr. Belloli hopes the two groups can work together again if Forest City is awarded a casino license."

Did anyone ever see a report on the ridership of the "Free Ride Bus" that was provided last summer on the South Side? I'd like to see that summary report. What accountability is there?

So, Belloli is the exec director of the SSLDC, and a member of the gaming task force and his organization is getting handouts for major programs with Forrest City. Humm... And, the South Side option, where "the fix is in" (so said Tom Murphy at a prior meeting I attended) ... is getting the least opposition.

These guys won't be for nor against. But, rather than help run a scout troup, they'll re-use the scout's motto -- Be Prepared. So, the lesson delivered is it is okay to be a skunk in the middle of the road as long as you're a nimble one.

Carson Street might resemble a parking lot -- after a Steelers game, so he said. Well, it looks like one today, and last night too. There used to be a street sweep program. But, the organization couldn't make that work in a sustainable way for the long haul. They moved along to the bus program, Free Ride. And that was on the heels of the Ultra Violet Loop bus program.

These guys want a clean city -- but they have to push a broom to get it that way. Or, we might need a new broom.

The vision I fear is that East Carson Street is going to become a parking lot for tour buses.

As for residential parking -- we need to stop the TIF on the other side of the MON at Second Avenue. There they want to build new parking garages. Well, it seems to me that we have a parking problem in the established neighborhoods that should get the attention before parking resources are squandered on the other side of the river at some office park.

Zoning isn't going to allow neighborhood groups to "PRESERVE" the strip of South Side up to Sixth Street. Monitor the types of businesses.... give me a break. So far so good as to monitoring the tatoo shops too, or the bars, or the absentee landlords, or the afterhours clubs or the grafitti, etc.

As for D.U., "The school, he (DU's President) said, had "an obligation to our students to stake out a position on this matter."

Right, DU's boss is the salt of the earth. He takes a stand, because of an obligation.

Furthermore, the plan to put the casino on the South Side is not two blocks away from 10,000 students. But it would be 10 blocks away from 5,000 DU students. And, it would be 5 blocks away from another 5,000 downtown students who don't attend DU. Be it 2 blocks or 10 blocks -- I guess that is a long walk or short bike ride vs just a short walk.

The word, "obligation" is good to see in any news coverage of this sort. It isn't a value that is high on many agendas around here.

Meanwhile, what the heck are these groups waiting for?

On the North Shore, where Detroit businessman Don Barden hopes to build a casino near the Carnegie Science Center, community groups have yet to weigh in. The North Side Chamber of Commerce plans to poll board members, said board president Debbie Caplan, while the North Side Leadership Conference is searching for a new executive director and in the midst of revamping its business plan, said interim director Dana Jaros.

Let's start a "leadership" group and then give a quote, "after that happens, we'll probably talk with business owners small and large." Let's give them a new name, The North Side Leaderless Conference. So retro and totally reactionary.

Hundreds of Steelers celebrants pour into the cold Oakland, South Side night

This was noticed. It would have been very nice to have had the trash cans emptied on East Carson Street. And, perhaps more put up along the street. But, those paper cans would not have been able to cut it.

The bigger nights of trouble, with a few broken windows, was on Friday and Saturday nights. The streets needed to be "red-up" before the game began. But, that would have been more "overtime."

Hundreds of Steelers celebrants pour into the cold Oakland, South Side night He also said two trash bins near Carson were set on fire, and around midnight, police in riot gear began advancing east on Carson toward 18th, clearing fans from the streets. Some officers reported that they were being pelted with bottles near 21st Street.

The officers I encountered had their game faces on, throughout the night. They were "on the job" and were not anything other than serious, as they should have been.

For an hour after the game officers for the most part let the revelers enjoy themselves. Some were chuckling at the spectacle, no doubt glad themselves that the Steelers were bringing a fifth world-championship trophy back to Pittsburgh.

Hundreds of Steelers celebrants pour into the cold Oakland, South Side night

Hummm.... I didn't see this fire. Must have been while the kids were getting to bed. That two-hour delay was welcome relief today. My guys slept right to 9 am, giving them two extra hours of sleep.

Hundreds of Steelers celebrants pour into the cold Oakland, South Side night: About 11 p.m., at 12th and East Carson streets on the South Side, a large fight erupted and several arrests were made, said Deputy Police Chief William Mullen. Another person was arrested near 18th and Carson after trying to punch a police officer.

Officials comments for a Steelers victory party

Very clever story by P-G's Gary Rotstein in today's newspaper. It is a must read for the humor.

Officials comments for a Steelers victory party This script of official comments planned for the Steelers victory celebration was found in a booth at the McDonald's on Stanwix Street. What, you thought these things were all off-the-cuff? Someone might say something outlandish. Here's what to expect.

South Side post-game -- Super Bowl

I didn't see any couches on the street in an inferno, thankfull. The choppers are still overhead at 1:22 am.

I'm sure the officers are going to get ready to go home soon. They mobalized a bit around 12:30, and I wanted to end my walk as a neighborhood nebster, but I was past by the Birmingham Bridge.

There were plenty of police on the South Side. I'm going to guess that there were 200 from Station Square to the other end of the Flats and a dozen or two along the hillsides. ??

Everyone seemed to be doing a nice job. The night was filled with a lot of hooting of fans, talking on cell phones and taking of photos and video.

The predicted score -- 3 to 14 -- held for a long time

Okay, if only we didn't have the Neil O'D flashback -- we would have been fine taking a 4th down turn over deep into the Seahawks territory. My game prediction was kinda close.

It was a low scoring game. And, it was an 11 point margin.

I do have a good sense about forecasting.

Faces fit for radio -- and commentary suitable for a city with a future too!

On the Air -- Here we are after our 30-minute radio show on Pitt's radio station. The show is available for your review, from start to end, in the /audio/ directory of the site. Go to http://Elect.Rauterkus.com/audio/ and hear what we had to say.


While we were on the air...

New T-shirts. This is Running Mate Rich Johnson!

New T-shirts: Liberty XL, One size fits all. Pittsburgh, 2006.


The back says, Elect.Rauterkus.com, 3.14. That's the date of the election, March 14.

You can get your own t-shirt too, for a small donation. Call me to place your order: 412 298 3432.