Blog from Anne Feeney's Relation -- and Leaving Lebanon on a Turkish Highway

Great cities have died, New Orleans and now Lebanon. This is tragic.

This pointer came in Anne Feeney's blast email. She was due to travel there.

blog.myspace.com/40188690 Once the fighter jets leave and the smoke clears, Lebanon is going to have hundreds of millions of dollars of damage to repair just to get back to a base to rebuild the economy. The tourism industry will be set back another 10 years. And to finance this reconstruction, Lebanon will be forced to borrow heavily from international institutions largely dominated by the US. So as the Lebanese begin to gather their lives back together, Israel�s closest ally will take on an increasingly influential position in Lebanon.

Teen hero 'just doing my job' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Laurel was at the Championship Swim Meet this morning and we talked. She is also a member of the Green Tree Great White Sharks (swim team). I was a volunteer coach and board member with that team last year, when she was also on the team.

Laurel is a hero. Sure, she did the job in the right way in the right time as a lifeguard. But there is more. She is a solid person and with a great attitude and a gem to be around.

Teen hero 'just doing my job' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review A member of the Keystone Oaks Girls swim team, Martinez has been an avid swimmer since she was 4 years old and hopes to continue swimming competitively in college. She is a lifeguard at the South Hills Jewish Community Center in Scott.

Amy Torcaso, manager at Dormont Pool, is proud of the way her lifeguards responded to the incident.

'Laurel did what needed to be done. They all did,' Torcaso said. 'This reinforced the fact that we have trained them well.'

The lifeguards' work impressed Jane Mitchell, a regular swimmer at the pool.

'They didn't stop for even one second,' said Mitchell, 74, of Dormont. 'Everyone ought to be proud of the lifeguards we have here.'

Undefeated -- and victors at Championships

The Summer Swimming Championships were held today -- and we won! The Craton Crocs won by more than 200 points, over Scott Township, Mt. Lebo, Green Tree and South Fayette.

The meet was run well and hosted at Scott. Hats off to all the volunteers.

Our squad was solid without any weakness, despite the usual rash of vacations.

For the family, in the 11-12 boys breastroke -- Erik won and Danny (also of Crafton) got 2nd. Erik's Medley Relay won too.

Grant's 8-under free relay won as well.

The All-Star Meet is slated for WEDNESDAY.

Pew Internet - Bloggers, new storytellers

Pew Internet: Pew Internet - Bloggers Bloggers: A portrait of the internet's new storytellers

Summary: A national phone survey of bloggers finds that most are focused on describing their personal experiences to a relatively small audience of readers and that only a small proportion focus their coverage on politics, media, government, or technology. Blogs, the survey finds, are as individual as the people who keep them. However, most bloggers are primarily interested in creative, personal expression – documenting individual experiences, sharing practical knowledge, or just keeping in touch with friends and family.

Blog readership is up, way up. But same too is blog authoring. Most bloggers are unpublished elsewhere -- but I find it more telling that 44% say that they have published elsewhere.

I think that there are some major distinctions to understand. For example, some kids can swim while other kids are swimmers. Likewise with blogging. Some bloggers are writters while others are story tellers. For many bloggers, they tinker with the tools of the times and have little to say. Meanwhile some are brief because they don't craft the story nor do they resemble sotry-tellers.

Here is another example. Some can play music on a CD player. Others can make music -- by singing along. Yet the singer/songwritter is a musician who can compose, communicate and craft works that make culture.

Same too with blogging, blog readership, commenting and authoring to a degree. It takes all sizes and shapes, but at first blush it is not obvious as to who's up to what because.

Most bloggers do not think that they are doing 'journalism' and that is depressing. We need more citizen jouralists. We really need them in Pittsburgh.

Steroids' side effects keep O'Connor in the hospital

Steroids' side effects keep O'Connor in the hospital

One of the things that is going to stink about this -- as far as a human interest story -- is the MAYOR's CUP. That's a tournament of baseball and softball games with various ages. In a couple of weeks they'll play at PNC Park. Hope Bob can attend. Bob is a big supporter of baseball.

S. Side group backs Station Square casino plan

File this under the category: "You can't bite the hand that feeds you."

I didn't attend the press event at 10 am at Cafe Allegro, but would have wanted to had I not been at swim practice until noon. Reactions from others welcome, about the facts.

I don't put a lot of 'faith' into the acts of the SSLDC. I've been at odds with them most of the time. They don't really represent citizens. Yet they (SSLDC) would try to grab that power and credit. They are a group in our community. But the SSLDC does not represent the community.

The SSLDC has been pushing the "south sider bus," funded by the Station Square money. Remember the folly of the Ultra Violet Loop. We're talking same sillyness.

The SSLDC must figure, and perhaps rightly so, that the Station Square project has some upside. But, if they are on the outside, their wishes won't get the play. So, they've sold their soul to the devel -- or just sold out by taking the first land grab.

Them theirs gold in thar hills -- and we're grabbing for it.

S. Side group backs Station Square casino plan: "S. Side group backs Station Square casino plan
Community group to receive money from developer

Thursday, July 20, 2006
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The South Side Development Co. today endorsed Forest City Enterprises' proposal for a slots casino at Station Square and agreed to work with the developer on the impact of the casino if it is built.

Months and months ago, folks were trying to sway me to embrace the Isle of Capri plan by coming out strongly against the Station Square location for gambling. That thinking is twisted in its own way too.

I'll need to get to the heart of the matter in the next posting, as to if they are putting on the pressure to do the right things -- or just worry about facade elements and roofs that are not black. So, my question to my neighbors and the SSLDC folks -- is this a skin deep endorsement as expected or is there some real issues that are being tackled?

Man taken from Dormont Pool in ambulance

Just two days ago I was at Dormont Pool getting signatures for the ballot and talking to swimmers. I know the pool manager there, Amy. She is a wonderful resource for the community and does a fantastic job. She taught the Lifesaving class I was in this spring for my recertification.

What I heard second hand, and what the P-G and radio was reporting are different. The better news is printed here and with the P-G. So, I'll let it rest at that.

Let's stay safe out there folks. Here is my far-fetched wish: If you are going to answer the call for the big guy or gal in the sky, do it on the lawn chair and not in the deep end.

Man taken from Dormont Pool in ambulance: "Man taken from Dormont Pool in ambulance

Thursday, July 20, 2006 by Dan Majors, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A man was taken to the hospital after being pulled out of the Dormont Pool unresponsive at 3:10 this afternoon.

The man, who is 32 or 33, according to Dormont police Chief Russ McKibben, did not respond to resuscitation attempts by lifeguards who had pulled him from the deep end of the pool. He was taken to St. Clair Hospital, then transferred to Mercy Hospital.

The pool was fully staffed today with 14 guards, with nine to 11 on duty at a given time, according to the chief. More than one guard responded to the man, who was in 9-foot-deep water.

Chief McKibben said he could recall no drowning at the pool in his 26 years in the borough.

Allegheny County homicide detectives are investigating."

Ohio Learn and Earn

Ohio Learn and Earn: "Learn & Earn will be funded by proceeds on slot machines at 9 venues in Ohio (7 at existing racetracks). Did you know that Ohio has lost billions of dollars in gaming revenue to our neighboring states? Learn & Earn will reclaim this money to invest in education and jobs here in Ohio!

LC says "park it" -- what's up with that?

OMG.

LC is appointed to the parking authority and TV 11 news reports he said, "park it" to Big Ben regarding his motorcycle.

Do we appoint new authority board members just to fill Ben's mind with messages of safer living?

What about the pressing parking issues that fill our city and neighborhoods? Does LC have something to say about those matters? Will the reporters even ask?

And the quote from LC is backhanded too. Along the lines of, "I don't have any adivce for him, but if I did I'd say 'park it.'" So the advice is given.

LC, talk about parking, please. Meanwhile, I'm going to relaunch a campaign saying we don't need authorities and we should NUKE the entire Parking Authority.

Taxpayer education - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Taxpayer education - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review A big problem with reining in government's grotesque spending is that to the average taxpayer, the exact conscription of wealth isn't fully realized. There's no clear 'impact' of the cost of government's growing greed -- which incidentally is no accident.

Going to work -- and -- what time is it?

Fingerprint time clock angers city works union

Tuesday, July 18, 2006
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The workers who patch and clear Pittsburgh's roads, maintain parks and repair public buildings may soon have to start and end their work days by being electronically fingerprinted.

News article hit on Tuesday. Heard Honz Man interview Koch Tuesday afternoon. Posted this on Wednesday. But it appears to be with a Thursday time stamp -- to prove a point.

No matter what, the technology and rules can be adusted and broken. People will out-fool the fool proof. And this isn't even billed as being fool proof.

If a worker lies about when he or she shows up and goes home -- send the person home forever. Termination would work wonders.

I happen to give the benefit of the doubt to Mr. Koch, our newest member of city council, who has been a public works employee for 25 years, when he said that there was NEVER any instance of one worker signing in for another in his Public Works Division.

But I'm all for an embrace of technology. Let's use it in an area where there will be a better bang for the buck.

A $70,000 fix for a problem that doesn't exist to much of a degree that could be fixed with a pink slip that costs a nickle is not worthy. How about if the $70k went to something more significant.

The folks in Hazelwood area I talked to a couple nights ago were tickled to get $5,000 for a ball field fix up from a grant. That came as a kid wrote a letter that talked about the horrid conditions of the fields she and her friends needed to play on. That $70 k could go a long way when applied to 14 various ball fields, for example.

Too many Steelers have died in 40s and 50s -- Roids? KDKA news

The Steelers get some good coverage with Big Ben doing a music video with the local band. "I'm mister right now!"

Then the KDKA TV coverage at 11 pm went into the more fatal news of the number of ex-Steelers who have departed this Earth. Dr. C. W., ex-coroner, chimed in too and put the issue on the table about steroids. Or, does steroids get mentioned out of envy?

My question for others to research: How many of the former athletes in East Germany have died? Are those numbers greater or less than that of the Steelers?

Lyle Alyzato (sp?) died and he was gulping a lot of pills in his day. A chapter in a book I published had a first-person encounter with him and his pharmacy. Toxic to say the least.

Wonder if that story will have any legs? Links welcomed.

Another call for signature helpers from Harold & David Posipanka

Dear Fellow Libertarians:

David Posipanka, of Homestead (Allegheny County's Mon Valley area), is the only Libertarian in the Pittsburgh area running for office under the LP label. He's running for the State House, district 35, against the incumbent Democrat, Marc Gergely.

David needs at least 300 valid signatures on his nomination papers, and spent much of last weekend out gettting them for himeself. But, he has only until Aug 1st to get them all turned in to Harrisburg. He could use lots of help. Below is a letter he sent me, asking for help.

Running candidates is what we're supposed to be doing as a party. So, I ask you to consider whether a few hours of your time on a weekend (or weekday) is too much to ask. I hope you'll make every effort to get out and collect some signatures for him. He's an excellent candidate -- someone you'd be proud to have represent your views to the public.

He'd be happy -- no, ecstatic -- to have you call and ask him where a good place to petition would be. Two years ago, I got lots of signatures for him at a Giant Eagle behind Kennywood Park. But he will likely have some better ideas.

His contact info is in his letter below.

---

Subject: signatures
From: posipanka, david

Harold...just an FYI...I have 125 signatures so far. I'm working till 5 this evening & intend to go back to Longfellow Drive in Munhall (I should get there about 5:20) to canvass till about 8:00. I'm getting about 25 signatures per hour there! Please forward my phone numbers to anyone interested in helping out. Home (412) 464-0660 evenings. Work (412) 673-1992 ext. 219 daytime. Cell (412) 983-5451 - weekends & when I'm getting signatures! Maybe you can send this e-mail to all on your distribution list. All Libertarians in the PGH area - please help! Thanks.....Dave.

Town Hall Meeting on Abuse of Power - Pittsburgh :: American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania

Town Hall Meeting on Abuse of Power - Pittsburgh : American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania

Join the ACLU and your fellow citizens for a town hall meeting about the ongoing abuse of executive power - and what we can do to fight back.

This meeting is Thursday night. I hope to attend so as to get signatures to get onto the ballot.

Funny to have Doug Shields on the line-up. I'll be interested, sorta, to hear what he has to say. City Council has fumbled its power. It is becoming marginalized. I wonder what slant Doug will take -- other than the long and winding road approach.

Tuned In: Couric to emphasize context when she anchors CBS news

Does blogger have a "context" shortcut widget? How do I get one and adjust its volume?

Tuned In: Couric to emphasize context when she anchors CBS news Among the approaches: A heavy online component, including daily, on-demand, Web-exclusive interviews; a blog; a radio simulcast of the newscast's first segment on CBS Radio News, and a 4:35 p.m. one-minute look at the day's top story that will be broadcast on 500 CBS affiliated radio stations nationwide.

Water Polo Clinic for 3 days to close out Crafton's season

Playing water polo and looking for the goal.

I've got the 'green light' to go ahead and promote a three day water polo clinic I'll be hosting at Crafton with our swim team.

The final two swim meets of the summer for the Crafton Crocs are the Championship Meet on Saturday, July 22 and the All Stars on Wednesday, July 26. However, the final swim meets do not mean everything ends. The coaches have been cooking up a few extra events. Thanks for the consideration and quick feedback.

Soon after talking about these season ending activities, we've got to think about swimming in the fall and throughout the year as well. For now, here is a close look at the final stages of the summer season.


Monday, July 24.
7:30 to 9 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School
9:30 to 11:30, swim practice at Crafton Pool

Swimmers who are NOT in the All Star Meet can still come to swim practice at
the High School, and/or come to practices and conditioning at Crafton
from 9:30 to 11:30.

Monday EVENING, July 24 -- CRAFTON Swim Team Fun Night at Crafton Pool at 8 pm.
All swimmers and families can attend.

Tuesday, July 25.
7:30 to 9 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School
9:30 to 11:30, swim practice at Crafton Pool

Wednesday, July 26.
7:30 to 9 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School
9:30 to 11:30, swim practice at Crafton Pool

Wednesday, July 26, All Star Swim Meet in the EVENING at South
Fayette. Swimmers show up at 5:15 pm.

Thursday, July 27
7:30 to 9:30 am, swim practice at Carlynton High School (Last practice
at the High School this summer.)

9:30 am to 11:30 am, WATER POLO Clinic and WORKOUT at Crafton Swim
Pool with all coaches. Open to all swimmers who want to play water polo.

Friday, July 28
8:30 am to 10:00 am, WATER POLO Clinic and WORKOUT at Crafton Swim Pool with Coach Mark. Open to all swimmers who want to play water polo.

Saturday, July 29
9:30 am to 11:30 am, WATER POLO Clinic and WORKOUT at Crafton Swim
Pool with Coach Mark. - Scrimmage Saturday Open to all swimmers
who want to play water polo and were able to attend on one of the
previous two days.
Swimmers who attended the clinic can be part of the scrimmages.

Sunday, July 30,
Swim Team Banquet for the Crafton Swim Team is at 6 pm at Crafton Park.

---

PENDING:

From Monday, August 7 to Friday, August 11, Coach Mark is hopeful that we'll be able to hold another water polo clinic at another facility, such as the city's MOORE PARK swim pool on Pioneer Avenue, OR at Dormont's pool, or Green Tree's pool or the Crafton Swim Pool? Those clinic times would be in the morning. Stay tuned.

Viral video killed the reality TV star - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Mike gets some ink in The Trib.

Viral video killed the reality TV star - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Michael D. Rechtenwald, an English professor and postdoctoral fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, thinks he knows where the road ends: mostly nowhere.

'I don't think this is a lasting fame,' he said. 'This moment, it's perhaps a flash in the pan.'

Rechtenwald, a culture maven who teaches a counterculture summer course, 'The Beats to Hip-Hop,' and has appeared on MSNBC's 'Scarborough Country,' said what's unique about the viral video phenomenon might not last for long. The viral video star has total control over his material and distribution, and is capable of gaining for himself 'lots of exposure with minimal cost' because of the limitless possibilities of the Internet.

We're No. 5! We're No. 5! - A sober look at population growth via Pheonix

We're No. 5! We're No. 5! No one could accuse Phoenix of having the nation's fifth-best health care system. That honor might go to Pittsburgh, with 46 hospitals and 336 doctors per 100,000 people. Metro Phoenix has 38 hospitals and 199 physicians per 100,000.

Pittsburgh is a place to heal, rehab and get an upper hand to wrangle with sickness.

Rauterkus rips plans for makeover of Point State Park while Fonata and Wheatley nod like bobblehead dolls

Press release just sent to PA Politics.

Leaders hope mayor's illness doesn't slow city's progress

Leaders hope mayor's illness doesn't slow city's progress Pittsburgh trying to sustain civic momentum

So, close Point State Park for a year. That will help sustain civic momentum.

This front page article ran on the same day that the news hit about Point State Park's year-long closing that nixes the Regatta, fireworks, Jamboree, and the Three Rivers Arts Festival. And, the event organizers were not told about this pending closure -- until the newspaper reporters told them seeking comment.

Duhh....

The optimism comes with behind closed door decisions from the Allegheny Conference about PARK spaces. Who voted them as stewards of our public spaces?

Let's call for a vote on those plans and I'm sure my side will win 90-10 -- without a dime in the budget for PR needs.

The public face of new optimism got a black eye on the same front page news coverage on July 13th -- must have been an unlucky day, if not week, for the city. This bad luck I rant about now comes on the heels of the worse news of Mayor O'Connor's health. So, the joy in Mudville is fleeting, for sure.