'Trust us.' Yeah, right -- and fill out this test or else

Privacy takes another hit on the chin.

'Trust us.' Yeah, right - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Anyone with a history book knows it doesn't matter what governments promise. All governments, even American ones, have broken their word, ignored their laws or violated their constitutions at the drop of a hat -- or a bomb. Mining the data collected in ACS surveys will be inevitable -- and far more dangerous than collecting a few billion phone numbers.

City, developer eye single appraiser for Fifth and Forbes project

So much for the concept of two heads are better than one. Same too for bio-diversity. We're not getting stuck with big-plans from single sources that block the marketplace. This is what failed us in the past and what Tom Murphy was known for. Now we've got it again.

City, developer eye single appraiser for Fifth and Forbes project The value of 19 city-owned properties Downtown, to be sold to a Washington County developer as part of its plans for the Fifth and Forbes corridor, could be decided with the help of a single appraiser.

The city's Urban Redevelopment Authority and Millcraft Industries Inc. are considering the use of a mutually-agreed-upon appraiser to help set the fair market value of the parcels the URA has paid $13.8 million for over the last seven years.

The appraisal process likely will be part of a pending agreement between the URA and Millcraft to give the developer exclusive rights to the properties for at least a year, with options to extend those rights beyond that point.

This is a pet payoff.

All the king's horses and all the king's men won't fix Pittsburgh again -- just like they failed at Humpty Dumpty.

Technology Sharpens the Incumbents' Edge

Technology Sharpens the Incumbents' Edge Technology Sharpens the Incumbents' Edge

By Jim VandeHei and Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, June 7, 2006; Page A01

In Ohio's 1st Congressional District, Republican incumbent Steve Chabot is running up against his toughest reelection challenge in years. But his Democratic opponent is running up against Chabot's computer.

SI.com - More Sports - China, U.S. Olympic Committees sign sports pact - Friday June 9, 2006 9:05PM

SI.com - More Sports - China, U.S. Olympic Committees sign sports pact - Friday June 9, 2006 9:05PM IRVINE, Calif. (AP) -- China and the United States on Friday signed a groundbreaking document that will increase athlete and coaching exchanges and anti-doping cooperation between the nations in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Games.

Photos later... I'm bushed.

Serious sleep is still needed. I am recovering from the three day 5th grade camping trip.

Rant about third party politics from another state

This was posted to an email discussion list where I lurk and listen.

I do not buy the argument that the only way to have real political influence is to belong to one of the two biggest parties. First, if I have to compromise my beliefs against Evangelical Christian extremism (to support the Republican party) or excessive government spending (to support the Democratic party), then I'd rather drop out of all involvement in politics (as many, many Americans are doing). Second, the argument that the best strategy is to join one of these parties and try to change it from within strikes me as baloney - you are far more likely to just get pandering comments from the powers-that-be within the party, while meanwhile you're effectively supporting the gay-bashing or trial lawyer protection that you actually oppose. Finally, there is plenty of evidence that third parties can make a difference - the Republican party in 1860 was a third party, the Farm Labor party that dominated Minnesota politics in the 1930's and 40's was a third party, the Reform Party changed the national dialogue about deficit spending in the 1980's and 90's was a third party, and the Independence Party that elected Jesse Ventura is a third party.

When I ran for State Representative, I did so as an Independence Party candidate because the IP is the only party with the values that I can support - fiscal responsibility and social tolerance. For people who believe that government should spend within its means and that the government doesn't belong in our bedrooms, the IP is the only party. It makes far more sense for those of us who hold these values to work for the success of the IP then to compromise our values simply to pretend we're "winning" by being part of a party that elects more candidates, but doesn't support values that we believe in.

-- David Allen, Bloomington, MN

Video -- putting the "NO" in casinos. Russ Diamond in Philly at anit-gambling rally

Watch this --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZlzQNaa_HM

Neighborhoods groups and political leaders from all over Philadelphia and elsewhere in PA gathered on June 1, 2006, to oppose casinos proposed for Philadelphia and to further demand the repeal of the casino licensing law. See and hear the remarks of Russ Diamond, independent candidate for governor.

Russ is going to be in Allegheny County on July 4th -- attend our annual open house. He'll be attending an event in Westmorland County on July 3.

Fester's Place puts some numbers to the ROI (return on investment) for the Pens new arena

Fester's Place: "So is this a good investment? Given that the debt service on a $290 million dollar arena (assume no cost overruns) works out to be between to be about 21-25 million dollars per year (dependent on interest rate and term lengths, assumes no roll-over of debt), the ROI can be calculated --- 2.1% to 5.7% for the entire project. If the Penguins are the only new revenue and profit stream generators, then this is a horrendous investment. To economically justify a new arena from a social CBA perspective, (disregard who actually pays for it) the argument needs to be made that the new arena will generate two to three times the profit levels that the sales price of the Penguins would imply.

Yes, this is a HORRENDOUS investment -- even if the Pens were to make it.

Plan to develope senior center opposed

Plan to develope senior center opposed Plan to develope senior center opposed

Of course this is a 'shell game.' Of course this is people trying to get rich off of 'government money.' Of course this is a case where local politicians try to 'bring home the bacon' and have goodies to spread around to win votes.

Furthermore, of course Wayne Fontana is worried about NOTHING GETTING DONE. He wants to do something as he has done NOTHING and has nothing to show for anything other than his pension and perks.

Doing something is better -- in his mind -- as opposed to doing what should be done.

I want to do things that are going to help the community and I want them done well.

Be prudent. Be real. Be honest. None of my worries rise to the top of their lists of priorities.

And, of course, the seniors vote. So, the seniors get a new rec center. But, this is not a rec center for the future. The Senior Centers of today are GOING TO BE WASTED SHELLS (pun inteneded) in a few more years.

People of my generation are not going to sit around and play BINGO like the seniors of today. And, not many of them are really crying the blues for another senior center so they can be warehoused to sit around for free ice cream, soup and another bingo game.

Modern centers are not 'senior centers' as Pittsburgh knows them.

WPIAL sanctions girls' lacrosse, but not boys', and no one is complaining

WPIAL sanctions girls' lacrosse, but not boys', and no one is complaining Two of the WPSLA boys' teams are from Erie, three from West Virginia and one from the City League (Allderdice). Those six schools are not part of the WPIAL.
Some WPSLA officials also like their 'own people' running the league.

More power to you. Way to go boys Lacrosse teams, coaches, leaders and school administrators.

I've called for the elimination of the Pgh City League and the joining of the WPIAL. But, this situation with a sport that is able to self govern is even better than joining the WPIAL for the city schools.

AFL-CIO says China's trade policies hurt U.S. jobs

AFL-CIO says China's trade policies hurt U.S. jobs The AFL-CIO, which sees Chinese trade practices as a threat to American jobs, on Thursday filed a petition in Washington, D.C., asking President Bush to impose trade sanctions against China.

There are plenty of things that hurt US jobs. But, free trade is the way to go for prosperity.

I think that the child labor mention is grossly overblown. In China, each family is only allowed to have ONE child, a son or a daughter. The nation is filled with single child families. Each kid has a lot of attention from mom, dad and often four grandparents. Sure, the kids are working, but they are working at music, art, dance, sports, studies, and ENGLISH lessons.

That's what we found.

Perhaps the undercut of US prices has something to do with the gross rules and regulations that we put on our businesses.

There is plenty to do in this world. Building walls between nations and people in terms of hurting the markets and free trade among the lawful is not the focus I'd want to advance.

Missteps dog Swann campaign - Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Missteps dog Swann campaign -Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper Political fumbles by the White House, the Pennsylvania GOP and gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann are turning the NFL Hall of Famer's campaign into a bad joke, Republicans in the state say.

Do political parties matter anymore?

The Mercury - Do political parties matter anymore? I've been trying to think of a movie that best describes what happened in last month�s Pennsylvania primary, where 17 incumbents, mostly Republicans, were ousted by voters. I've come up with a film that sums up the present state of party politics: 'Titanic.'

So true here in Pittsburgh where Ben Woods is up for chair of the Allegheny County Dems.

They are all just re-arranging the deck chairs. I'm a lifeguard. I know we need some to man the lifeboats. But I'm also very proactive and would love to have a few join as we storm the bridge and navigate around the troubled waters that they put us in. We've got to stop their clueless ways.

The biggest thing to not do is have them skipper the reform that is brewing. We need to replace, re-direct, and then reform. They can't reform. They broke things and they must be replaced.

MAKE: Blog: Stitch N' Pitch - Baseball meets Needlecrafts

This is one way for Major League Baseball to counter the No Sweatshops Noise that is sure to hit the fan at the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh next month.

MAKE: Blog: Stitch N' Pitch - Baseball meets Needlecrafts The National Needle Arts Association (TNNA) is proud to announce a new program - Stitch N' Pitch! Building on the success at the Seattle Mariners last year, the Stitch N' Pitch event has been structured into a formal program. Partnering with individual baseball clubs, TNNA is helping to bring two American traditions together -- Baseball and the NeedleArts. We'll be at the SF Giants game on July 20th ( see MAKE post here ). Other teams up on the craft action are the Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, LA Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, and the Atlanta Braves. Check out the site for the full schedule and for more information. Link.

Las Vegas SUN: Liberal view grows online

Las Vegas SUN: Liberal view grows online: "Liberal view grows online
Activists gather at Riviera to hear Democrats

By J. Patrick Coolican, Las Vegas Sun

After news broke last week that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid had accepted free ringside boxing tickets from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, a Web site immediately attacked the reporting.

Reid had voted against the interests of the commission, said the new Web site, TPMmuckraker.com. State law prevented the Nevada Democrat from paying for the tickets.

The Web site continued the rebuttal, making new arguments each time the Associated Press sent out a new story. Eventually, AP issued a defensive response.

Not long ago, a story of that nature about Reid would have gone largely unchallenged. Democrats would have watched, perhaps deflated, as one of its leading lights was pilloried for taking freebies.

Instead, this time, online Democrats were invigorated. For a variety of reasons - political, cultural, technological - liberal Web sites are in ascendance since President Bush's re-election. The most fervent evangelists among them believe they are changing politics."

Get ringside with this interesting article on the use of the net and politics.

This is what a real blog fest looks like. And, toss in a summit opportunity too.

PG West: Langley coach content with future

You had better bring your "A" game to go toe to toe -- as respect is earned.

PG West: Despite loss in PIAA baseball opener, Langley content with future Leo Rauterkus took it as a sign of respect.

Though his Langley baseball team was ultimately overmatched by three-time defending WPIAL champion Pine-Richland, 10-0, in the first round of the PIAA Class AAA tournament Monday, the Mustangs' head coach noticed the Rams started standout pitcher John Karr against his team.

'I saw that kid pitch in the WPIAL championship and thought we might see their No. 2 pitcher,' Rauterkus said. 'I don't know if it was respect for [senior pitcher] Matt Barnes, whom [some Pine-Richland players] played with at the Keystone Games or what.

'Matt pitched real well, but we just couldn't touch that kid [Karr].'

The fact that Karr pitched a no-hitter will do little to spoil the Mustangs' City League championship season.

Rauterkus said Langley, which trails only Peabody for most City League titles, has an enrollment (about 300 to 350 male students in ninth through 12th grades) that would place it in Class AA if it were not in the City League.

'It's tough every time we play in states,' Rauterkus said. 'We have 13 or 14 players on the team and we are facing programs that have a full varsity, plus JV and freshman teams. They have feeder programs, and we're just trying to keep this program going. It's tough. [Pine-Richland] was so strong all the way through their nine.'

Way to go Mustangs.

Perhaps Pine Richland will take it all.

And, perhaps we'll be able to NUKE the city league once and for all -- soon.

Russ Diamond, candidate for PA Governor, to enjoy 4th of July in Pittsburgh with Mark Rauterkus, family and running mates

Our 4th of July open house, a family tradition for nearly 20 years, is going to feature a special guest in 2006 -- Russ Diamond, candidate for PA Governor.

We'll be hosting a 4 pm press conference with Allegheny County boosters so the Independent candidate, Russ Diamond, can chart future campaign efforts and messages.

Througout the morning, day, and evening on July 4th, we'll be on the move from the South Side to various locations within the city and county -- and the 42nd Senate District. We'll visit various cookouts, parades and swim pools meeting voters, passing out blank nomination papers to volunteers and gathering signatures to get onto the ballot.

The night of the 4th of July, we'll be hosting a drop off gathering so volunteers can easily return their signed petitions.

If you'd like to assist, please let me know. Perhaps we can visit with you and your neighbors that day. If you'd like to attend our event, let me know. If you can get 10 to 100 signatures on nomination papers in advance of the 4th of July -- please let us know. Others are being invited to attend the 4 pm press event and then fan out around the county and to The Point to gather signatures to allow access to the November 7, 2006 general election for Russ Diamond for Governor and Mark Rauterkus for PA Senate.

Mark at Rauterkus dot com

412 298 3432 = cell

Or leave a message in this blog's comments.

TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES that affect the way government does IT

TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES that affect the way government does IT Still riding a high from the launch of FirstGov.gov’s new search engine, the company behind the search technology, officers of Vivisimo Inc. of Pittsburgh stopped by GCN to talk about the latest version of its Velocity platform. It turns out the General Services Administration (and the browsing public) got a sneak peak at several Velocity 5.0 features through FirstGov.gov.

Welcome to Adventures of Greg

Interesting reads.

Welcome to Adventures of Greg: "It is my goal to direct attention to these pressing issues by combining difficult physical challenges with innovative, cutting-edge 'greener' technology.

Currently, I have THREE physical endurance adventures in the works.

Post 3589 on 6-6-6

Some benchmarks: This blog has had 3,589 postings.

My wiki, Platform.For-Pgh.org, has 767 pages and its first page has been accessed 98,696 times.

A friend told me that my blog often show with high rankings on his web feed from the new My Pittsburgh site being tested with the Pittsburgh Live site (Tribune Review). One early reviewer.

On Friday night, we hosted our FIRST ever "sold out" House Concert. It was the 2nd such event in our new setting, just opened on Christmas morning, 2005. Nearly 50 people attended in one seating.

Pittsburgh Republicans Looking For Ethics Board Candidates

Since the O'Connor administration in January, the Republican Committee of Pittsburgh has been among the leaders in asking for the new Mayor to re-establish the long-dormant Ethics Board.

Then, councilwoman Twanda Carlisle was caught funneling large amounts of city money to friends for projects that are at the very least somewhat dubious. Paramount was a "councilmatic" health and religious study of her district. The study was vastly bloated with statistics and work provided by other reports. In fact, beside a two-cents worth of opinion, the study was nearly stolen from non-diploma-mill doctors. Investigators say these allocations were legal. There isn't an Ethics Board to review whether or not it "should" have been done.

There have been other allocations from other council members as well. Now, city councilman Bill Peduto, the closest thing fiscal conservatives have to "one of their own" on Pittsburgh council, has introduced legislation aimed at restarting the board.

The Ethics board should be made up of folks who are not political cronies or members of any political committee.

That being said, the Republican Committee of Pittsburgh is looking for qualified candidates to provide to Pittsburgh city council. People who are stalwarts of their community but are not Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or any third-party's committee members.

They should be city residents who lead in their community and/or business ventures.

Visit www.pghgop.org for more information or provide your candidate. You may also post here and I'll check it out.

Tom Leturgey
Secretary
Republican Committee of Pittsburgh