Rumsfeld makes $5-million killing on bird flu drug.

File this under "what color is your parachute."

Independent Online Edition > Americas Donald Rumsfeld makes $5m killing on bird flu drug

Click the photo to see a larger image of the peeps in the basket.

Yep, they were alive. They were being sold on the street outside of a school by this vendor.

My 200 word statement as a candidate that ran in local paper

My campaign song, "Lay The Shovel Down," stands for STOPPING wrong-headed, big-ticket spending. Tax breaks make the rich richer and poor poorer. I'll vote NO on TIFs, stadiums and under-river tunnels. I'm prudent, hate debt and want families to thrive here again. Get my free CD with software and music.

My focus on freedom, liberty and justice for all favors everyone, not cronies.

I coach swimming. Kids are my priority. I want to chair the YOUTH POLICY and Citiparks committee. My expert background from Market House to publisher of 100+ fitness books will insure functional rinks, pools, gyms. Our kids deserve something to shoot at and for, rather than each other with guns.

All benefit with: Bike lanes on streets; Trust in democracy; Youth Technology Summits; Day-cares and Preschools; Subsidized housing for poor (not rich). In-fill-parking treatments in established neighborhoods make more sense than subsidized garages on Second Ave.

I'll cut the deed-transfer-tax and encourage home-ownership by unloading URA properties.

Expect kayaks in Panther Hollow, a marathon, and community fitness. My tech interactions push fairness, transparency, engagement and open-source solutions. Give your input at 390-page Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki.

---

Mark Rauterkus, 46, Libertarian.

Married to Catherine V. Palmer, Ph.D., since 1990.

Two sons, ages 11 and 8.

South Side

Graduate of Penn Hills High School, 1977; BSJ, 82, Ohio University, graduate teaching assistant at Baylor University, 1982-83 sans degree.

Labor council candidates interviewed

Labor council candidates interviewed Allegheny County Labor Council is scheduling interviews on March 24 and 25 for political candidates seeking endorsement in the May 16 primary election.

Candidates can call 412-281-7450.

I won't be going there as I'm not going to be in the May 16 primary, thankfully.

Biggest Maverick Candidates

Mr. Rauterkus and Mr. Krane could be characterized as two of the biggest maverick candidates.

Mr. Rauterkus believes the best way to make the city attractive again is by getting neighborhood youths more involved in activities. He claims the problem with juvenile delinquency makes this part of the city unattractive and unsavory for any one planning to raise a family to want to move to this area.

Mr. Rauterkus is a father who has been actively involved in his children's activities, particularly as a club swim team coach based at the Oliver Bath House on the South Side.

Someone in the audience questioned Mr. Rauterkus about this idea, noting that there are too many un-supervised children who do not get involved in activities anyway because of the bad home environment they live in.

Mr. Rauterkus, a graduate of Ohio University's journalism school, says he comes from a multi-generational family of teachers who have invested in the city. He wants other families with young children to join him in helping to make the city vibrant.

He said he and his wife Catherine Palmer, a professor at Pitt, have stood 'against the wave of young adults leaving the region�.'

Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City

These are my words posted in a comment area of another blog. They call out Harold D. Miller, in a way. He's been silent on this so far. Perhaps he didn't notice or is on spring break in Lauderdale this week.

---

Pittsblog: The Pop in Pop City: "All the king's horses and all the king's men will not be able to fix Pittsburgh again. Can't happen. Won't happen.

However, once the people engage (again) and the king's people and assets are told to become deliberate interactive elements -- and that is the RADICAL shift from how it works here now (and in the recent past) then we'll be able to flourish.

The fluff of the site (in my eyes) is because the interactivity is absent.

The POP thingie will be a sink. It will burning resources, money and careers even. But, the king's court has plenty of deep pockets. Trouble is -- the king is broke and the people are too. The city is going over the brink.

If Harold D. Miller wanted to be part of a real debate -- bring it on.

And, this even goes to the core as to why the other Mark, Mark Cuban, wouldn't be able to cope here again -- as in your other posting.

Think again!

---

The theme of engagement is real. And, it is critical. It is colaboration -- not cooperation. It is about competition -- not concensus. I don't want to be 'at the table' with everyone in 'snooze mode.' Our city is about to crumble, and we need to light a fire under the seats of the people at the table and get them into life's serious work already.

philly: Why Did Joe Hoeffel Back Out?

philly: Why Did Joe Hoeffel Back Out? He went on and on about how he was going to do his best to keep The Hoagiemeister in the Governor's mansion and that he hoped his supporters would continue to support The Hoagiemeister's run for Governor. It's a lot to chew on."

I've not heard of that nickname, "Hoagiemeister."

Today, after swim practice, we all went to Pramanti Brothers. Felt good. The boys did a great job at swimming this week. We attended five swim practices in a row. That hasn't happened in many months with so many conflicts with candidate nights and such. The swimmers hit a groove once they get themselves into the groove.

As a bonus, WPIAL 100 Breast Champ, J.N. of Central at our practice tonight. We got out the video recorder and got him doing some pace work. He's going to states, along with some of the others associated with the program. Next week I'll have time to get into some video work with the kids and the web as well.

In 2006, Joe won the 100 Breast. And in 2005 and 2004, the champ was a Carlynton swimmer who is now at Notre Dame. So, three years in a row -- the BREAST title goes through Carlynton.

We are gearing up for swim lessons to start in a few weeks. I'll have to get out an email blast about when and how to sign up.

Police Chief Talks Teen Gun Violence

ThePittsburghChannel.com - News - Police Chief Talks Teen Gun Violence A string of shootings involving local school-aged kids has left police and politicians searching for answers.

Two years mandatory time with a gun. Four years if the gun is fired, mandatory.

Next we need to hold parents accountable for the acts of the kids, so says Chief of Police, Costa.

Parenting is important, very important. But, it isn't going to help to threaten the parent and the kids. I've been engaged in parental advocate work, with some programs from the National Fatherhood groups. In this example (listen to the clip), Costa is barking the wrong tune up the wrong tree.

How can a coordinated attack on the problem occur -- with the community centers too -- when the centers have been closed or are dysfunctional?

Official Proposes School Zone Firearm Safety Act

KDKA - Pittsburgh's Source for Breaking News, Weather and Sports: Official Proposes School Zone Firearm Safety Act: "Diven's proposal would call for a mandatory two-year-jail sentence for anyone over the age of 12 years old who fires a gun while committing a crime within 300-feet of a school.

Of course they are armed and dangerous. Brandon Murray and Thomas Beck....

The cost to keep a criminal in a PA prison is $85 per day. The cost for a year is about $35,000. These numbers come from my director of policy research, Dr. Wilburn Hayden.

Okay -- how much do we pay for a crossing guard per day?

How much do we pay a substitute teacher per day?

How many full-time athletic coaches are in town making $35,000 per year?

The prisons are at 110% capacity.

The Rec Centers are not filled to capacity. We used to have 19 Rec Centers in the city. The past mayor closed them all, but didn't touch but one Senior Center.

The Senior Centers, in my not so humble opinion, serve a great purpose too. Senior Centers offer a lot of preventative care as well to our community. But, come on -- this isn't a square deal.

The outcomes for the future are still unknown as to what Bob O'Connor is REALLY going to do with the summer swim pool and rec centers. Time will tell -- more jails, more police, more prisoners seem to be the way of the vast majority.

Strip District beautification projects to get federal funding

Strip District beautification projects to get federal funding: "In addition to improving underpasses, she said, the money could help pay for a tiny park along the Allegheny River."

Take that tiny park along the river and put it where the sun doesn't shine.

Lay the shovel down, already.

I'm a park's person. I'm a big-time park's person. But this sucking sound we hear isn't from the real parks and real people that use them. That tiny park downtown is a wrong investment. Rather, fund 20 swimming pools in neighborhoods. Hire conditioning coaches and face the childhood obesity problems in the eye. Rather, make bike lanes that allow for cyclist to use the busways. Rather, re-start the marathon.

Libertarian candidate making Senate run

Bless his heart. Sign his petition too.

Centre Daily Times | 03/10/2006 | Libertarian candidate making Senate run: "Libertarian candidate making Senate run
Tom Martin says ballot access is most important campaign issue

STATE COLLEGE -- Penn State computer engineer Thomas Martin has been nominated by the state Libertarian Party to run for the U.S. Senate, though he'll need more than 66,000 petition signatures of eligible voters to get his name on the November ballot.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, a Republican, and Democratic Senate candidates Bob Casey Jr., Chuck Pennacchio and Alan Sandals were required to obtain only 2,000 signatures each to get their names on the May 16 primary election ballot.

Huston Township resident Martin, 48, said his most important campaign issue is ballot access, trying to reduce the signature requirements for minor party candidates to a more reasonable level.

'If we cannot call the mismanagers to account at the ballot box, they're freer in Iraq than we are here,' Martin said Thursday.

The 66,000-signature requirement is a statutory requirement enforced by the Department of State. The state arrives at the number by taking 2 percent of the largest vote cast for the last statewide vote -- the 3.3 million votes Casey got in the 2004 race for state treasurer.

The Libertarian Party's political philosophy calls for small government and respect for individuals' rights. The philosophy differs from other minor parties, but most minor parties have gotten behind a lawsuit filed by the Constitution and Green parties asking the federal court to strike down the Pennsylvania statute as unconstitutional.

Martin acknowledged Thursday that it will be a daunting task to obtain enough signatures. He said he will endeavor to surpass the 2,000 signatures required of Republicans and Democrats."

Recruit 2,000 extra police for ...

You're hired.

SI.com - Olympics - China to recruit 2,000 extra police for Olympics - Friday March 10, 2006 12:40PM: "recruit extra police"

URA keeps spending our money in the wrong way!

Here we go again... The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. That seems to be the practice with too many around here.

I'm with Senator Ferlo. Lay the shovel down!

URA buys 2 more Downtown properties in Fifth-Forbes corridor The city Urban Redevelopment Authority will spend $2 million to buy two more properties in the Fifth and Forbes corridor over the objections of state Sen. Jim Ferlo, a new board member who claims the agency overpaid for the parcels and should get out of the real estate business Downtown.

Enough is enough.

Mr. Ferlo cast the lone no vote against the purchases. See, I would NOT be alone. I would give the necessary help to Bob O'Connor. O'Connor picked Ferlo for the job on the URA board. Ferlo and O'Connor need more help -- like the kind that I can deliver.

The URA will pay $1.6 million to buy a vacant six-story building at 236 Fifth Ave. owned by The Maplewood Group Inc. and most recently occupied by a D & K discount store. The building last sold for $1 million in 1992 and is currently assessed at $720,000, according to Allegheny County's real estate Web site.

There again we find another good use of the web site and technology. We need to keep a keen eye upon these transactions and need to leverage the internet as best we can to make sure that things don't get hidden from view of the citizen/taxpayers.


The URA isn't buying buildings like this -- for everyday citizens to reside and live within.

Jon Delano -- PSF newsletter in the comments part

Jon gives a run down of those in the primary who are women candidates and challengers to state house and state senate.

Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes

Lawmaker pushes for tougher penalties for school gun crimes Diven wants mandatory 2 years in jail for offenses within 100 yards of schools

Another bubble bill.

What happened to the mayor's proposed 1,000 foot zone? Did it shrink to 300-feet?

I've been blogging about how they want to build bigger jails. Take a kid who is 13, make them face adult time. Wow.

How big is the zone (300 feet, or more???) for the casino? Just wondering.

"If you don't have safe schools, then you can't accomplish any of the things schools are supposed to accomplish," said Diven. What, so far, has Diven ever done to do anything about school accomplishments?

Diven tried to oust a school board member or two and insert some political friends into those jobs. So, Diven tried to accomplish political moves at a school. Remember the 'limo question' and the 'pink pig bulletin board?' That was a pay-back interview in Diven's neighborhood.

In some ways, the legislation would build on the state's "drug-free school zones." Does that work? Is that something to build upon?

And again, we can't touch those that live near schools, can't touch those that are transporting themselves and the guns near a school. So, the roadblock is having the law work in the real world.

There was a shooting downtown. The law won't apply there as the school kids were not near a school. There was a shooting a couple of years ago at another buzy bus stop near the clock in Mt. Oliver too. The kids were getting off a bus from school. Do you extend the law to include school buses and the bus stops too?

Furthermore, Diven was in Harrisburg when the 'bailout' came to the city. The bailout stunk. One of the provisions of the bailout was the firing of all the crossing guards. The city's budget didn't fund the crossing guards and that cost was shifted, wrongly, to the school budget. So, Mr. Diven, why don't you make a law in Harrisburg that makes school crossing guards the responsibility of the municipality -- and NOT the school district. I'd rather have the school district fund reading, writting and other educational needs.

These folks are trying to take guns away from the kid's hands. Fine. Do that all you want. But I'm going to try to find someone -- anyone -- to give the kids decent opportunities and more in their hands other than guns.

Idle hands.... What's that expression????

Sweetheart deals are okay with me, really. Statement before City Council, March 7

My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 S. 12th Street. South Side.

My home on the internet is at Rauterkus.com and Elect.Rauterkus.com.

I am a candidate in the special election on March 14, one week from today.

Today's talk covers my #1 issue: Kids, Youth, and Young People. This topic blends parenting and schools, as well as community use of school and park facilities.

Yesterday's Post-Gazette editorial said this about me. "Mark Rauterkus, 46, is a Libertarian who opposes cronyism and sweetheart deals and who is 'running for the kids' -- to improve their safety and recreation."

Just to be clear, I'm not against all sweetheart deals. I think the use of the Market House for $5 per hour for nonprofit groups is fine. I think affordable swim pool passes for every resident is a great sweetheart deal. Public libraries, great public schools, reasonable mass transit and interesting park programs are all sweetheart deals that we should endorse.

Last month a black kid was on my TV – mouthing off a bit. He felt “dissed” -- as in disrespected. He didn't get what he thought he was due from the man, the big guy. Then this other, white kid gave it right back to him.

They both were smiling – but shaking their heads. It was like they had just ripped their hearts of of their bodies too.

On the spot, Bob Costas (not Costa) – was sure to show the world and play upon that 'rivalry.'

I'm talking, of course, about the speedskaters in Italy: Chad, a kid from Texas (Don't Mess with Texas) – and the black young man was originally from South Chicago. He had been quoted that he had to run home after school so as to not get beat up. Shanti became the first African American individual gold medalist in winter Olympic history from team USA.

That was wonderful conflict. That was personal drama and it played out on the world's stage with NBC cameras. Both young Americans raced to 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the 1500 meters. Both had even held the world record within this past year.

The "Home Boy" won. The dude from Italy beat them both. the margin of victory was .2 seconds – faster than you can say thump, thump, thump – gold, silver, bronze.

In the past weeks there have been some sporting events in Pittsburgh as well. These got some news coverage too. First, Bob O'Connor went to a girls high school basketball game at Westinghouse, the morning after a shooting outside the school.

Final score: 71 to 37. That game was our city league quarter-final playoffs. Hardly a tight score and game. With 71 to 37 – who do you think won that game?

I think – everyone lost.

That's oh so typical in Pittsburgh.

In the Olympics – even with some “bad blood” -- who do you think won there? I say, everyone won. To put your heart on the line in a challenge – it is what is about. Being your best. Having focus, challenges to yourself and others, at a level of excellence is fantastic.

Then we have shootings at Westinghouse and Downtown too.

Bob is worried about safety. You are worried about safety. The police chief is worried about safety.

First things first: Re-Hire Crossing Guards.

On the internet – in the past I wrote that Gene Ricciardi was NOT a friend to the public schools. He didn't like reading my statement, and he replied to me. I told him that he was no friend to the public schools for two main reasons.... public policy reasons, not personal nor family reasons.

1. He was in charge when the crossing guards were terminated. The city fumbled and this was tolerated. I hated that move and still speak up about it today.

2. He was around when the $4-million RAD funds were stolen out of the budget of the schools – in mid stream. That was a bailout backlash.

With my perspective, I'm less interested in building new jails and getting drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors.

People on Grant Street are now trying to worry about the 1,000 foot zone around each school. Fine. Make that a worry that comes from the eight of you and our new mayor.

My worry is at the other end of the spectrum.

That 71 to 31 girls basketball score stinks.

Our old school superintendent, Dr. John Thompson, is to blame, partly. Al Fondy, bless his soul, is to blame as well. The chairman of the committee on youth policy and citiparks – used to be Gene Ricciardi for many years – and now is Mr. Motznik – is to carry some blame.

I've been standing on my head – getting dissed – saying that city council is not doing what needs to be done.

Now our kids are killing each other – shooting at each other, weekly. This is crazy.

Our kids don't have anything to shoot for --- or to shoot at --- except each other. Everything they are seeing is lop-sided.

I care to put real challenges before our kids.

And this costs nothing -- or next to nothing.

To have the Pgh Public Schools join the WPIAL – and dis-band the City League – would cost NOTHING. And, the volunteerism that would swell would be massive – if we do it right.

I was at a meeting with the Assist. Superintendent of Schools. She wants to “rally the city” so we don't have pockets of excellence – but we have a city of excellence. Beautiful... How?

You don't do that with more metal detectors. More dogs. More lopsided basketball games.

I am not like any of these other candidates in the race. I am not like any of the present members of city council.

Same old same old is going to get us shooting after shooting.

Whether I win or loose the election on March 14, 2006, these problems with the youth need to be fixed.

I know that I want to create literate Olympians here. That isn't happening now.

Now, I want to begin to talk about sweetheart deals that make sense.

Reports on China -- helping hand from our perspective

We've been to China three times in the past two years. Each time, my sons made presentations to their respective classes and even grades at their school. This activity has been rewarding for all involved and there were even a bunch of emails back and forth from Pittsburgh to China when we were there with progress updates.

As is our custom, the reports are put on-line and put into the public domain for others to enjoy. And, they do. This email came recently from a mom and her fifth grade daughter in Des Moines, Iowa.

I was trying to help my fifth grade daughter find information on China for her school report when I came accross this report. I just wanted to say how wonderful the work turned out and how he even helped an adult like me understand China alot more! Super super job! I couldn't begin to praise him enough! The information on China that we have found is just so overwhelming that we didn't know where to begin and this report of his has helped put things into more of a perspective for us. I had to giggle on one part where he mentioned that there was a lot to keep track of with the symbols and beliefs, because that seemed to be true with a number of things about China!

Awsome work! I thank him for putting this all together and sharing it with the rest of us, now it will make our searches for the report a little easier.
Thank you.
Bonnie & Crystal

My wonder in all this is about being -- how do you say -- parochial. When other candidates stand up and say I lived my entire life in this same neighborhood -- I wonder. Is that a plus or a minus? When someone knows these streets around this five-mile corner of the world, does that mean that the experiences of seeing Hong Kong, Chicago or even Vienna are going to be so foreign that the issues won't connect from there to here?

I've coached swimming and coached state record breakers in New England, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania. I know what's offered in suburban districts and what isn't offered in city schools. I've coached and lived in Los Angeles, Texas and Boston. Things work certain ways in certain places -- and often the mindset is unlike that we have here.

Perspectives matter. Ideas matter.

Teen Girl Shot On Way To Bus Stop

Ouch.

WPXI.com - News - Teen Girl Shot On Way To Bus Stop: "A 15-year-old Penn Hills girl is recovering in Children's Hospital after being shot on her way to a bus stop.

The girl was shot in the head along Anaheim Street in the Hill District.

No one has been arrested. Police are investigated. The girl's name is not being released."

One-Man Think Tank releases a tune

A great new tune has been released by a central-state blogger. I love political songs. I love the emotional story that can be told with music -- a universal language. I love creative expression put to the right uses. We need more of this.

One-Man Think Tank: Judge Cappy parody released: "Amazingly, Pa. Supreme Court Justice Ralph Cappy is once again trying the patience of Pennsylvanians by making noise about judges deserving a pay raise.

At the risk of being called a knee-jerker, I thought this would be the right time to release One-Man Think Tank’s political parody about Cappy.

I collaborated with Harrisburg folk singing great Henry Morgan on this little ditty."

Some are planting the seeds for a new charter school in Pittsburgh

Two members of the Board of Trustees of the Education Innovations LAB Charter School will join Salvador Wilcox, CEO, live on PCTV21, Pittsburgh’s Community Television station, at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2006.

Get a explanation of the model, the status of the school, how to enroll, and the innovative approach to rejuvenating our Pittsburgh communities. This call-in show takes question and airs several additional times throughout the month.

(Watch the comments for updates.)

The petition to the Pittsburgh Board of Education to grant a charter to the school is in the works. A place is secured too.
Education Innovations, Inc.
6435 Frankstown Ave., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412.661.8751 ext. 150
www.educationinnovations.org

Education Innovations, Inc. is a 501.c.3. nonprofit organization "building communities of seekers, learners, and teachers who share the world as a classroom."

Pitt Law Libertarians: Mark Rauterkus, Candidate for Pittsburgh City Council

Another thing --- I'm "endorsed" too. My political party endorsed me. Three endorsed candidates are in the race.

Pitt Law Libertarians: Mark Rauterkus, Candidate for Pittsburgh City Council Last Wednesday the Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh endorsed Mark Rauterkus’ candidacy for City Council, District 3. I had an opportunity to attend that meeting and was impressed with the level of thought Mr. Rauterkus has put into issues that affect libertarians in Pittsburgh and the people of Pittsburgh as a whole.
Mr. Rauterkus seems to understand one fundamental concept that a lot of libertarians have missed; commitment to individual liberty does not mean forsaking the community in which one lives. The true tenets of libertarianism neither require nor endorse a completely hands off approach to government. We are not anarchists. Government must be responsible, however, and it is in this vein which Mr. Rauterkus addresses the following concerns regarding the Pittsburgh public schools. Some of Mr. Rauterkus’ positions on other issues can be found at http://rauterkus.com/.

This is a bit old, but it cuts to some of the noise I'm hearing about in terms of the party label stuff -- both good and bad.