New contract extends Dixon's stay at Pitt

New contract extends Dixon's stay at Pitt Pitt and Dixon came to terms late Friday on a new contract that will put him in a new tax bracket. Pitt nor Dixon would disclose terms of his salary last night, but indications are that he will be in the neighborhood of $900,000 per season. That would put him in the upper half of the Big East coaches in terms of compensation.

Dixon had four years remaining on his old pact and had three more added. The new deal runs through the 2012-13 season.

'You can rest assured that his salary is in line with where he has brought the program in the Big East and nationally,' Pitt athletic director Jeff Long said last night. 'We've provided him with a good salary, one that is competitive in the Big East and one that shows we're happy to have him as our head coach.'

Nice payday for a guy under contract.

Constitutional dependence II - PittsburghLIVE.com

Tom's letter to the editor... in part:

Constitutional dependence II - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Justice Cappy was and is one of the primary backers of the pay grab. His court has been conveniently acquiescent when issues that are clearly unconstitutional or violate existing law -- but benefit the court or the Legislature -- come before it.

The best example of this, but not the only one, is the 'unvouchered expense' provision. There are so many other similar issues (legislative benefits not permitted by the Constitution, legislative secrecy, gun registry by the state police, etc.) that no court, nor Judge Colville, has any credibility with me on this issue.



Thomas A. Portante
O'Hara"

MLB stars to visit Pittsburgh in style

MLB stars to visit Pittsburgh in style When baseball's elite players cluster in July, they needn't worry about tapping into their All-Star bonuses for taxicab or limo fare to reach PNC Park.

As part of the Hollywood-style, star-studded events surrounding the 77th edition of Major League Baseball's mid-summer classic, the 64 All-Stars from the National and American Leagues will parade in convertibles on a red carpet from the Byham Theater across the Clemente Bridge to the ballpark.

Have them walk. And, these guys might be heros for the pill-popping culture, but they are not worthy of any idol status for me and my family. Hell no.

If you want to see a real cavalcade of stars, go to the city league baseball championships -- or a WPIAL baseball championships, if not softball.

I hate it when we rob our kids of basics -- like rec centers, ball fields, and swim pools. Then we heap frills on those that don't need them. It is another example of miss-placed priorities. And, it is another example of the rich getting richer while the poor get poorer.

We should celebrate the game. Games have players. Big deal.

PCTV is streaming -- and feedback is welcomed

Hello Pittsburgh Community Television Producers, Friends and Supporters,

We need your Feedback.

PCTV has just added a video streaming component to our web-site www.pctv21.org so that PCTV programming can be watched on the internet globally. We need you just to take a little time out of your busy schedules to look at the site and let us know if you are able to see PCTV programming on your computers? Is the image clear? Is it difficult to access the live feed? Are their any other issues that we should know about to make this better. You will need Media Player software on your computer; I believe you can easily download it for free. Again, we are not asking for too much time but this will be a great help and your feedback will only strengthen our site.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing your comments.

Thomas Poole

The streaming works for me -- but it is really bad. I'm watching the slide show -- between a show -- and the frame for the media container (stream) is about half my screen size -- but the video within that frame is about 1/3 of that container's size. So, I only get a postage sized video of the station's video. I can't even tell what it is, visuall.

The audio is GREAT.

I've got a PC with Cable Modem and the PC had all the necessary plug ins already -- so it was a snap for me to get the stream started. Good job there.

Ben and John gave Pittsburgh some big plugs on National TV between the games tonight

The Men's NCAA basketball coaches -- each with a Pittsburgh connection -- (Ben H and John C) face off in the elite 8 game on Saturday night as UCLA and Memphis clash. They were interviewed between the games and tossed out a few mentions of Pittsburgh.

I wanted to call up Bob O'Connor and see if he could fly out to the game so he could get some tv time too. Heck, the rest of the nation is everywhere but here -- and Bob might be able to get some others to think about moving back.

Meanwhile, in Oakland, the Women's hoop team at Pitt is glowing in a NIT game -- held at The Fitz -- NOT The Pete. The Pitt News gave some high praise for the venue now mostly in mothballs. A wrestling event is in the big, new arena and the women's games are in the old hangar building -- that is much more intimate.

This is FANTASTIC in that Pitt didn't tear down The Fitz Field House after it built the new Event Center. Pitt has some flexibility now. Pitt had a net gain with its indoor sports venues.

This example is a perfect match as to why the city needs to keep the Civic Arena -- AFTER the building of a new hockey arena. To really have a net gain -- we need both, the old and the new. Don't churn and call that 'progress.' Don't tell me 1-1 = 2. Only 1+1=2.

How did the women's team do anyway?

And, if the Pitt Women do win, when and who will they play next? And, where? Do they keep those games in the Field House?

We could NOT attend either of the past games -- but will do our best to make the next one if it is in Pittsburgh. Especially if it is in The Field House.

Pgh Public School has a wellness policyt -- and hear about it on WED night

Are you aware of the District's Wellness Policy? Do you have questions for Food Services or about childhood Diabetes. A special Town Hall Health/Wellness information meeting will be held on Monday April 3rd in Conference Room A. Please help to pass the word by reproducing the attached flyer for all parents. Staff is also welcome to attend.

In order to plan accordingly with materials and food, you are asked to RSVP to Toni Corinealdi at 412-622-3615 no later than March 31st.

Music therapist strikes a chord at Children's Hospital

My grandpa, Joseph A. Rauterkus, Ph.D., in music, worked music therapy too -- at the V.A. Hospital even.

Music therapist strikes a chord at Children's Hospital: "Music therapist strikes a chord at Children's Hospital

Rendell to unveil arena funding plan next week

Rendell to unveil arena funding plan next week 'Obviously if they get the casino license they're committed to stay. But we think this Plan B is going to be good enough that it will cause them to stay here in any event,' he said.

Rendell offeres up another big assumption. I do NOT think that there is anything to say that if the Isle of Capri gets its license the Pens will stay in Pittsburgh.

However, if the PENS owned the new arena that was to come about, perhaps, with the windfall of the gambling license acquisition -- then -- the PENGUINS would have real roots in Pittsburgh. Insure the Pens do stay by putting ownership of a building -- that can't move -- onto their backs.

But, the Pens had an interest in a hockey arena on the South Side -- and it is closed.

The Pens had an interest in the ice rink where they moved too after departing the South Side -- and that was broken too.

So, the Pens track record of keeping things and running them well is marginal, at best. Well, it really just sucks eggs. But, who else is going to notice?

Fast Eddie will be at Pitt's Law School this afternoon

I went to a technical Law School event at Pitt this AM -- before doing other things in Oakland. There I learned that the Gov is going to be at Pitt to a meeting hosted by the Pitt Law School Dems -- around 3:30 pm.

Casey, 2 foes to debate, but topics unclear

The news has changed. -- See the comments.

Those that want to debate but don't want to allow for the conversation to go freely are not worthy of a vote.

Casey, 2 foes to debate, but topics unclear Casey, 2 foes to debate, but topics unclear
Thursday, March 23, 2006
BY BRETT LIEBERMAN
Of Our Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - Democrats vying to challenge U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum have agreed to two debates next month, although it remains unclear on which topics they'll touch.

Challengers to state Treasurer Robert P. Casey Jr. said he agreed to an April 8 debate at Slippery Rock University only if abortion rights and stem-cell research are off the table.

Arena meeting planned

Arena meeting planned Mr. Rendell has said he is crafting a plan that would not involve slot machine revenue.

Yesterday, US Senator, Rick Santorum, was on the radio with Mark Madden, ESPN afternoon drive time trash-talker. Santorum was pandering saying:

-- 90 percent of the people of the region use the arena each year. (Gross inflation)

-- Santorum could think of nothing better to spend the windfall of the cheap gambling license -- other than a new arena. (Lack of creativity)

Crossey can't run for seat in 27th District, judge rules

Too bad for Mike Crossey. But, there were and still are too many folks in the hunt for that seat. To beat the pay-jacker who is in that seat now, you have to put all the opposition on the back of ONE challenger.

Crossey can't run for seat in 27th District, judge rules The withdrawal means Mr. Maher will have no opposition in the primary or general election.

But the big problem with the news is in the article in the line above. John Maher of the State House might still have an opponent in the GENERAL ELECTION. The petitions for getting onto the ballot are not due yet. A Libertarian, Indie, Green or Socialist (yeah right) could still get onto the ballot.

Well, a Socialist might not be such a bad idea now that USC (Upper St. Clair) is in such a tizzy with its I.B. program.

People without in-party opposition and people without other major party opposition can still face opposition in the general by third party challengers.

Visited the SEA today -- Sports and Exibition Authority

I went to the Authority Board Meeting today, 9 am, in room 333 in the Convention Center. And, I spoke to them at the end of the meeting. This was the first meeting for both Wayne Fontana, D, PA Senator (and possible foe again in the Nov 2006 election) and Luke Ravenstalh, D, City Council President. The new guys have just been appointed to the board.

We've got a new direction in town now. And, the new faces on the Authority Board did nothing to show us that they are with any new idea nor new blood.

The entire process was nothing but a 'rubber stamp' for the status quo. And the status quo around here stinks.

Has anyone noticed????

The SEA Authority is paying for research into the new convention center hotel -- by giving a contract to Oxford Development. There is rich getting richer and cronie contracts.

Next, the SEA Authority is giving more room to a United Parcel Service store. There had been three spaces, now it will all be lumped into one space. That's a move that is bad for small business and diversity. We need to build up small operators, diversity of businesses. Putting in three shops is way better than one. This is retail space for goodness sake.

Then the SEA Authority board could not make a decision on parking rates that need to be put into place on April 1. In another parking decision, the SEA had a contract let with the Pirates so they get 150 new parking spaces. Details on dollars were missing. We already have a Parking Authority. I just hate to see the SEA get into the Parking Authority game. Then the Parking Authority gets into housing. The wires are all twisted and crossed. And, it was never stated as to how much the Pirates are going to pay for the parking spaces. I think that they might be FREE.

Next, we are getting some new art. More bricks and mortar if you ask me. The problem isn't a hardware problem. Our city's need is about programming.

The cost of insurance for the Convention Center went down a bit. That's good news. But, insurance is a big cost -- one of the largest -- especially because of all the owned art.

Free speech around the convention center is still only a pipe dream.

These guys are clueless as to how the city needs to operate in the future. We've got to cut the ties to the old ways of doing things -- because we're broke. We need to stop doing the wasteful, big-ticket spending. We need to lay the shovel down -- and then we need to cut our losses.

The Steelers got the green light to build the 700 new seats at Heinz Field. I don't think the Steelers should have to come to the SEA to get permission to build new features at Heinz Field -- because I think the Steelers should OWN Heinz Field. I'd draw up papers and make the Steelers an offer it can't refuse. Sell Heinz Field to the Steelers and be done with it.

Rather, public money is going to be inveseted into the seats and club lounge at Heinz Field -- so the Steelers can make more money. Sure, a tiny bit of the money comes to the city in terms of new taxes (amusement taxes). And, public money only has to pay for about a third of the costs of the new expansion within Heinz Field. But -- sell off Heinz Field to the Steelers and let all of those upgrades be a private concern -- and not something to worry upon GOVERNMENT's back.

The Senator and City Councilman have no business running a stadium, nor a stadium expansion project. Govern .... and don't wave be content to wave pom-poms.

Worse than rubber stamps -- hoodwinked Rubber stamps.

What about the Civic Arena's turn-the-lights-off hockey game? The SEA has an annual contract with a firm (another no-bid, professional services contract for cronies) to review the facility as paid for by RAD (Regional Asset District) taxes. The facility is in good shape -- but the lights go out so the Pens fans get to chant about a new hockey arena. Who is in the dark, board members?

The public sits blind-folded -- and another round of 'pin the tail on the donkey' unfolds. The donkey, still, seems to be the Authority. After today, LUKE R and Wayne F have their skin in the game. And both are quick to do-nothing but rubber stamp.

Gosh, we need leaders who are okay at setting a new agenda. We got leaders who are more willing to give credit to the pricks and sit in the leader's chair -- without really leading.

The convention center is, by-and-large, a huge waste. It is costly and under-utilized. It has no hope of reaching its potential as it was built in a time of Murphy leadership and un-founded economics. The convention marketplace is saturated -- and the City of Pittsburgh, as well as Allegheny County, is holding onto a lot of debt and a lot of heft -- without real benefits. The authority board needs to wake up and take stock and measure in what it got and what it costs to maintain.

Furthermore, many of the conventions that might come to Pittsburgh in the future are sure to go elsewhere after the casino arrives. The gambling town attration is a sure turn-off for a bulk of the convention marketplace. So, the casino is going to make the existing convention center a bigger anchor on the backs of the authority and taxpayers.

Meanwhile, another multi-million dollar facility is needed in the city -- a new casino. We should sell the existing Convention Center so it can become the home for the new casino -- even if it was for a five-year period.

We could open the new casino within the Convention Center -- selling the public debt to the casino operators. They'll get a big, beautiful building with parking and all sorts of nice space.

Then the casino operator can also host conventions too. They'll be able to manage the facilities and events as best they can to maximize the opportunity. Perhaps for the two weeks of the Home Show, the casino shrinks to 1/5th its size because there is a demand for exhibit space. Fine. They can handle all of those issues -- because they are NOT government issues.

New Heinz Field club seating approved The Pittsburgh-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority board this morning approved a 700-seat addition to Heinz Field in time for next season.

Day two of PA's pigeon season -- and out done again by New York City

Pitt's basketball coach is off to the "SHOW-ME State" for an interview.... oh no. There is another minor-market town message.

Pittsburgh is proving to be bush league again -- given our pigeon shooter next to the excitement in New York City with its wild game hunt.

A coyote's romp in Central Park ended yesterday with a tranquilizer dart and a nap, but only after a messy breakfast (hold the feathers), a dip in a chilly pond and a sprint past a skating rink-turned-movie set.

There was also a final chase that had all the elements of a Road Runner cartoon, with the added spectacle of television news helicopters hovering overhead, trailing the coyote and the out-of-breath posse of police officers, park officials and reporters trailing it.

The coyote's pursuers joked that it even tried to turn itself in. It was hunting for a place to sleep it off after being hit by a single tranquilizer dart, and that place was a Fire Department dispatching station next to the Central Park station house overlooking the 79th Street transverse.

Seems like a smart cayote -- to turn to a fire department station house for a place to slumber.

Source: NYT

City Paper: two-fisted voting action

Pittsburgh City Paper - Archives An altercation between Krane and Kraus was, in fact, narrowly averted on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Witnesses say the dispute, in which the candidates argued over last-minute efforts to appeal to voters, nearly came to blows.

City training police divers to improve river security

All this for the Pirates that will take to the river to make a no-sweatshop Bucco statement that weekend. We'll be much safer it seems.

City training police divers to improve river security: "The City of Pittsburgh is defending against river-borne terrorism in a federally funded upgrade of its aquatic security capabilities driven in part by the upcoming Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
The city is buying a high-powered airboat and advanced sonar equipment. It's putting eight employees through rigorous underwater hazard search training.
Overall, said city Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert McCaughan, it represents 'a significant upgrade. It enhances our ability to have a more consistent presence [on the rivers] with newer equipment and advanced technology.'"

Neighborhood Clean UP slated for Saturday

Clean-up in Allentown on Sat., March 25 is to happen with the Hilltop Health Ministries Consortium along with the Concerned Citizens of Beltzhoover, Allentown Civic Association and Duquesne University’s Pittsburgh Plunge. All area residents are invited to help “Clean Up Our Streets!” in Allentown, Beltzhoover and Knoxville on Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Hilltop United Methodist Church, 633 E. Warrington Avenue and the Youth Hostel parking lot on Arlington at Manton.
Call Joanna Deming at 412-381-4710 to volunteer.

Thanks for the info Ed.

Jabbour leaving County Council; Robinson unsure

This makes no sense Bill.

Jabbour leaving County Council; Robinson unsure Mr. Robinson will decide today if he is staying in the race against Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr., D-Hill District.

'I'm still contemplating how I can best serve the county,' he said yesterday. 'Right now, I'm still a candidate.'

Bill said, in print, that he is STILL a candidate. BUT, all members of County Council MUST resign once they become a candidate for another office.

They county cronie council critters have double talked their way into holding onto their seats by not being counted as candidates -- unless it suits them.

Robinson can't beat Jake -- so, we assume he'll STOP being a candidate and hold onto his council seat. Then he'll loose that in the next election as he is just a double-speaking politician who can't follow simple rules voted upon by the people of the county -- twice.

Rendell offers to pay for Upper St. Clair school program

Oh my gosh.

Rendell offers to pay for Upper St. Clair school program Gov. Ed Rendell has pledged $85,000 toward the cost of keeping the International Baccalaureate program at the Upper St. Clair Schools but no one is saying if that offer will be accepted or if it will save the classes.

In a March 15 letter to Upper St. Clair School Board President William Sulkowski, Mr. Rendell says the state will fund the program.

Rendell should pay for the building rehab at Schenley. Next, Rendell should give the pro-IB candidates for school board that live within USC $10,000 each as a political donation -- not as a tax-payer funded handout for a rich district that should be able to govern itself.

Example: The rich getting richer and poor getting poorer.

Citizens & Police gather for public safety council's re-birth

QUARTERLY CITYWIDE MEETING is slated, so we here, for 7 pm on MONDAY, APRIL 24 at OUR LADY OF ANGELS (ST. AUGUSTINE) at 37TH AND BUTLER Streets.

The speakers are BECKY HAZLETT, PA REGIONAL COMMUNITY POLICING INSTITUTE,
HOMELAND SECURITY (HOW IT AFFECTS YOU) WITH COMMUNITY POLICING.

Each Pittsburgh Police Zone has a Citizens Police Public Safety Council which holds Zone meetings. All Zones come together quarterly at the citywide meetings. Two Zones pair up to host, organize the program and provide refreshments. Zones 2 and 3 will host the April meeting.

A list of the Zones and their addresses.

These important meetings are a way for people in all of the Pittsburgh Zones to come together to meet Public Safety officials and other people who are working to keep their own neighborhoods safe. Many Wired Blocks Network members know one another and come together online to share information specific to their own community. The citywide meetings provide our online community with a way to meet and see one another face-to-face and to become better educated about all areas of Public Safety including Homeland Security.

http://groups.msn.com/WiredBlocksNetwork/infamy.msnw

Everyone is welcome to attend the Zone meetings and the citywides -- and to bring a friend.