State gives $25 million for Point State Park work

State gives $25 million for Point State Park work

Sigh.

I love parks. I've done a lot of study of urban parks. I'm making some educational videos on parks now, even.

Today I couldn't bring myself to going to this event. I felt that I might have needed to have cooled off with either a swim in the fountain or a jump into the river.

Point State Park was closed for the September Great Race -- because of a facelift. That already started.

This is a joke. The money won't come as we don't need to pave the sidewalks in gold, just to make it a 'golden triangle.'

The new park next to the new underwater tunnel next to the the new T-stop (subway) with a glass roof....

"Lay the Shovel Down."

Their crap isn't going to help our quality of life in the city.

Switch from Adelphia to Comcast brings outages for Internet customers

My web services have been slow, very slow.

Switch from Adelphia to Comcast brings outages for Internet customers ... their cable TV works just fine but their Internet service is nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, in MN, the e-democracy debate put forth this very issue (broadband) as the second question for all of the candidates to address. I have not heard any talks about broadband in the PA election, other than the tax break given to Comcast because Rendell does a post-game football show in Philly.

Google to combine spreadsheets and word processing | TG Daily

Just the other day I blabbed about WRITELY, a document editing software utility that runs on the internet and allows for group work on documents in a word processor interface. Well, it seems that the tool is now with a new name and sibling for spreadsheets.

Google to combine spreadsheets and word processing | TG Daily Google is expected to introduce today a hybrid version of its online spreadsheet and word processing applications today. As such, Writely, the company Google acquired for online word processing, will lose its original name in favor of the new title 'Google Docs'. The new software, Google Docs & Spreadsheets, will offer an integrated version of the two free online services.

Since one of the key features is online collaboration with other people, the big advantage to Google Docs & Spreadsheets could be that document originators can more easily configure user access to their slate of files. Previously, there was no integration between the two, leaving users to set sharing capabilities for both Writely and Google Spreadsheets separately.

Goodell, Ravenstahl to attend W&J homecoming - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Have a good time.

Goodell, Ravenstahl to attend W&J homecoming - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, and Luke Ravenstahl, mayor of Pittsburgh, will be among the more than 1,000 alumni at Washington & Jefferson College's Homecoming festivities this weekend. Goodell (class of 1981) and Ravenstahl (2003) will serve as honorary co-captains at the Presidents' 2 p.m. football game against Westminster. As part of pregame activities, Ravenstahl and Goodell will be joined by W&J president Tori Haring-Smith for the coin toss. Ravenstahl, 26, was the starting W&J placekicker for three years, and he still holds the school record for career field goals made and most consecutive extra points.

Perhaps Luke can test drive his speech on how to behave in a community while attending college. Then he can deliver that to the college kids locally after he has worked out the bugs in the talk and associated, ramped-up enformcement issues.

Open container -- expect to spend the night in jail.

Pee in public -- expect to have your semester come to a grinding conclusion, without grades.

Deface private or public property -- expect to pay for the damages, give up your student ID, do hours of community service, and pick a new college for next year.

Burn a sofa -- transfer to Morgantown.

Miss recycled trash pick up days by more than 12 hours, find a new apartment as the landlord is going to eject you after a neighorhood complaint.

Can't park your car in a responsible way, turn over the keys and take the bus until you graduate.

Times Leader | 10/05/2006 | State high court upholds Romanelli ruling

Good news honny. I don't have $900,000 in debt. Times Leader | 10/05/2006 | State high court upholds Romanelli ruling But first, there’s the matter of finances. He said he owes around $100,000 to his lawyer, but the lower court opinion also left him owing roughly $900,000 in legal fees. About $90,000 is court costs, he said, and the rest is owed to lawyers for Bob Casey Jr., the state treasurer and Democratic hopeful for U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum’s seat. Undemocratic democrats are the slime of the earth.

USA Swimming Names Coaches for Pan American and World University Games

Lane 9 News Archive: USA Swimming Names Coaches for Pan American and World University Games Leading the U.S. men's team at the 2007 Pan American Games will be University of Southern California Head Coach Dave Salo. Salo, who has coached Olympic medalists such as Lenny Krayzelburg, Gabe Woodward, Aaron Peirsol, Amanda Beard and Jason Lezak, took over at USC after serving as head coach of the Irvine Novaquatics from 1990 to 2006. Salo also served as the head coach for the United States men's teams at the 2005 World Championships and the 2001 Goodwill Games and was an assistant coach for the 2004 men�s Olympic Team, the 2003 World Championships team, and the 2002 men's Pan Pacific Championships team. In addition, Salo was a women's assistant coach at the 2000 Olympics and the 1999 Pan American Games.

Today's Erik's Birthday -- and Tomorrow is National Pee Outside Day

Erik is 12 today. He has his own blog, but I'm not sure he has ever seen it. http://eRauterkus.blogspot.com.

It is a good thing he came out on the 10th, and not the 11th, as he'd be sharing his birthday with an activity that is very common around here (on the South Side).

Plus, he took more than 36 hours to arrive. Holding off to the 11th would have been, out of the question.

Pee Outside Day, From Uncyclopedia

A national holiday to many residents of Pennsyltucky, Pee Outside Day was started many years ago by a group of pseudo-shaolin monks located in the major metropolitan area of Nachos Grande. One day when watching Double Indemnity, Ron (known to some as 'Roy the Short,' even though his first name is Ron) got up and decided he wanted to relieve himself in the parking lot of the local Burger King.

On the way there, the group of 15 came upon a drowning bus of orphan seals. How they were drowning, the world will never know. The point is that Ron and all of his buddies got together and saved those seals. Tickertape parades and random acts of mollusc-chucking ensued. After this, Ron and his crew proceeded to Burger King and did what they came to do. Word of the monumental event spread and earned a place as a shining moment in Pennsyltucky's history.

Fun Facts

'Pee Outside Day' was originally called 'Save Orphan Seals Day,' but was changed to be more politcally correct, since some seals said it was offensive that they would want to be saved.
Source: http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Pee_Outside_Day

Movie's joke & Flashback

Did you see the new Robin Williams political movie trailer yet?

Government FINALLY Infringing on our Freedoms

For years I've heard liberals complain that the George W. Bush administration is infringing on our freedoms, yet no tangible evidence has ever been produced.

However, there is freedom infringement in local government: these incredible, dare I say illogical, un-American smoking bans.

I have NEVER smoked a cigarette in my life. Nearly all of my cigar smoking (probably about 15 cigars in my entire 39 years on the planet) has been on Virginia beaches, on top of a Gateway Clipper boat, or on my wrap-around Victorian front porch.

Last time I checked, cigarette smoking was legal. I rarely go to bars...if a friend invites me for a Ginger Ale, I know that there's probably a toothless barfly nearby. That's what you expect at the bar.

And when I go for a concert at the neighborhood Moose, I know that we'll reek of smoke the next day. To the point that we are sick in the stomach. You know what, WE JUST DON'T GO ANYMORE!!!!!

The morality police that want to curb YOUR right to do something legal. it doesn't matter if it's being done in other cities. It's an infringement of our freedoms.

Some complain that workers are subjected to the smoke. GET ANOTHER JOB! I couldn't care less if you don't have the educational wherewithal to get a better job. That's the breaks!

The smoking ban, here in Pittsburgh, is inexplicably championed by both parties. However, this is a Democrat-controlled burgh and county. That being said, there isn't a single Republican championing YOUR right to do something legal.

This is a slippery slope. Soon, your representatives will be attempting to draft legislation that'll curb your enthusiasm for your favorite adult beverage. New York has already fired the second shot...donuts and their tasty, tasty fats. Big Brother is watching!!!

Smoke 'em if you got 'em! This legislation is just un-American.

Outside Santorum's Sanctum - October 10, 2006 - The New York Sun

Bowyer on Rick Santorum in 2006.

Outside Santorum's Sanctum - October 10, 2006 - The New York Sun ... I find myself wondering what Rick of 1992 would say about Rick of 2006. 'Jerry,' he'd say wagging his finger at me, 'I know the guy's problem. He doesn't live here anymore and he's grown out of touch with the people of the district.'

Mr. Bowyer is the chairman of Newsmakers Leadership Group, a media company headquartered in Pennsylvania, and author of 'the Bush Boom.' His firm has solicited advertising from many political campaigns, including Mr. Santorum's.

Worthy read.

We miss you Jerry.

Rutgers and James Madison Use Internet Creativity in Attempt to Save Men�s Teams

We should hold an informational picket at Heinz Field when the nationally ranked Rutgers football squad (men only) come to play and get kicked by Pitt in a couple of weeks. Drop a not in the comments area if you are interested in joining us.

Lane 9 News Archive: Rutgers and James Madison Use Internet Creativity in Attempt to Save Men's Teams Rutgers and James Madison Use Internet Creativity in Attempt to Save Men's Teams -- October 4, 2006

PHOENIX, Arizona, October 4. BOTH the Rutgers swimming and diving team and the James Madison swimming and diving team have recently used the Internet in an attempt to save their men's teams from facing the axe after this season.

Chris Feaster, JMU's men's head coach, has worked with his team to create www.savejmuswimming.com. To help, our readers can visit their web site and click Feedback on the left navigation bar for contact information of people in place that can help save the team.

Additionally, the squad opened up the DDP Swim Team group on Facebook.com, a social networking web site primarily for college and high school students. The group, which stands for Duke Dog Pride, already has more than 4,000 members in less then a week of activity.

Meanwhile, Rutgers' site (www.saverutgersswimming.org) has plenty of information to help located in the top navigation bar, including a How To Help link. This link contained step-by-step instructions on how to help in the fight to save the Rutgers' men's team. It also provides sample letters to the school's A.D. (Sample Letter) and to the school's president (Sample Letter).

Americans Explain Their Views on Republican and Democratic Parties

Americans Explain Their Views on Republican and Democratic Parties Americans Explain Their Views on Republican and Democratic Parties

Criticisms outnumber compliments for both parties

by Lydia Saad and Joseph Carroll

...Nearly half of Americans can't find anything good to say about the Republican Party and just as many draw a blank on the positive attributes of the Democratic Party.

China's Spending For Research Outpaces the U.S. - WSJ.com

China's Spending For Research Outpaces the U.S. - WSJ.com

Do we care about R & D?


Mega mouse in front of my three wheeled bike -- on Chengdu's Computer Row.

The Phillips Elementary School Swim Team is ready for another season. Last year's squad is show here, stretching before its meet. The leader -- a big sister -- is now in the US Coast Guard Academy.

The Tartan Online : University to debut newly redesigned website

This is fodder for a humor bit from the judge and C.S. blog. CMU launches new sitw with threaded smoke signals, or some such spin. The Tartan Online : University to debut newly redesigned website Nationally recognized as a leader in computer engineering, computer science, and all things technology, Carnegie Mellon has left its own website unchanged for years. Now, www.cmu.edu is getting a facelift.

Designed with feedback from the campus community and other visitors, the new site is hoped to improve the Carnegie Mellon web experience. Carnegie Mellon students have long complained about the current website. “The website is not very intuitive, and the design is not attractive,” said Robin Chen, a first-year in H&SS.

Some say the season is over. It might not be the time for a wide-screen TV. But it might be okay for an iPod.

The BEAST and a view from Rachel Lea Hunter, candidate and Pitt Law Grad

I've followed the campaign cycles and emails from a Pitt Law Grad who now lives in the South (near DUKE, BTW). She is a Republican and a real anti-establishment reformer who cares about constitutional leadership.

...; Several months ago, I wrote about "the beast" which pervades our politics, government and community life. Some were upset by the use of the term and the referral to the beast in the Book of Revelation. Regardless of what you call it, no matter how much you want to pretend that it doesn't exist, I am here to tell you that "the beast" does exist and is here among us.

Part of this campaign has been about exposure of the beast. We see it in Washington with the Mark Foley scandal. We see it here in North Carolina with the guilty plea of Republican attorney Sam Currin for tax fraud. Both men were held up as paragons worthy of our respect while all the time their true natures were concealed. However, the veneer of respectability is beginning to crumble. The beast has been exposed by these and other scandals and by me. We now see it for what it is in all of its hideous ugliness.

SPOUSE CALLS FOR LENGTHY INVESTIGATION OF NCGOP
CHAIRMAN FOLEY BASHING FOR JUSTICE MARTIN

You think we have a constitutional government any more in America? Think again. We are living in nothing more than a sophisticated police state. The country is controlled by an oligarchy of "haves." The oligarchy is made up of very wealthy and powerful people. They control the money, they control the economics and they control our foreign and domestic policy. Most of all, they control us. Oh sure, they give us the illusion of freedom, but we are not really free. All it takes if is for "The Great Decider" to label us as an "enemy combatant" and we can be whisked off to prison, held incommunicado indefinitely and now tortured. That is what happened to José Padilla, an American citizen. It can happen to any one of us.

And so it is with Connie Mack Berry, Jr. What is occurring is nothing more than the beast flexing its muscle, desperately trying to hang onto power, using its manipulation of the mainstream media, the NC GOP and the legal Establishment. As I earlier wrote, what was done in Connie's past has been done. I cannot change that. He received a letter from Georgia stating that he was clear and that he could vote. Why would I have reason to look further? After all, he is a grown man in control of his own life. But the beast not only wants to dredge up the past but it wants to get Connie. Why? If elected, I will only be one vote on the court. Even if the justices all agree except for me, virtually all decisions will be 6-1. So it can't be that.

What the beast really fears is the loss of power and you people who are controlled waking up. And that the beast fears awesomely. You see, if I am permitted to be victorious, I will inspire a thousand more like me. The beast cannot risk this loss in power. Because if you do run and see the ugliness of the beast as I have, you will be incensed. You will throw the beast out. This it cannot have at all costs.

This is the real reason why the beast is attacking so fearsomely. Tell me, what has Connie done that is so terrible? Has he killed? Raped? Robbed? No. He has done nothing more than exercise his constitutional right to vote. As stated, he got a letter clearing him. In Georgia, someone formerly convicted need not do anything once their rights are restored. Connie moved here and thought it was okay. But no, now the beast has launched an investigation by the SBI and is looking to file a criminal indictment. What a waste of taxpayer dollars. I'm glad that we have resolved all the problems in the world, in our country and in our state that we are so concerned that the system will collapse if one man is allowed to exercise his right to vote. Felons have voted throughout the United States, some legally, others perhaps not, depending on their state. How many of these individuals have been prosecuted I wonder? I have not seen a prosecution ever. Except this one.

The US Constitution says nothing about forfeiting rights to vote. It gives all people the right to vote. This is nothing more than an attempt to disqualify people from voting, especially African Americans. Who makes up the bulk of the prison population? African Americans. You see, we have a prison industry in this country that depends on building more prisons and having more prison jobs, as creating wealth through manufacturing has long ceased. So we need to keep the industry going. We pass ever more laws to make more people criminals. And we don't want African Americans to vote, especially not them. If they could vote, why they would put a stop to some of these nonsensical laws! How to control them and stop them? Disqualify felons and use the laws and tools and disinformation to keep them from voting. That is the Republican strategy, the strategy of the NC GOP and the strategy of the beast. It is because they are so bankrupt and drunk with their power and they have absolutely nothing to offer us.

The News & Observer wrote its story. Then it retracted is story. Now it is coming out with another at the behest of the NC GOP-Mafia, their operatives and the legal Establishment, all of which are heads or tentacles of the beast. Which version is true? And ask yourself, why is this relevant anyway? Is this just a salacious tidbit to keep us distracted from the real actions and motives of the beast? Will this be like the movie "Absence of Malice" where the reporter comes around to the side of the maligned hero? Probably not.

For "Real" Justice

Rachel Lea Hunter

Rape, Justice, and the ‘Times’ -- New York Magazine

Sports & Society. Blogger to the rescue. A race story with political ramifications. And, media mix of with "blindered oafishness." Jackpot for Running Mates fodder.

This is a must read. It comes in three pages.

Rape, Justice, and the ‘Times’ -- New York Magazine He usually posts at least once a day—not standard autoblog rim shots, but carefully argued, deeply researched essays running 1,000 words or more.

50 Years

My mom and dad.
Audrey and Leo have been married for 50 years! They are doing well. We'll have a special year. And, its my dad's birthday season.

Mom & Dad in the middle.

I'm the oldest and am luck to have five younger sisters. All of us are married. L to R: John, Geri Ann, Mary Lee, Phil, my dad (Leo), my mom (Audrey), Bill, Margie, Catherine, me (Mark), Michele, Kevin. (Photo was taken in eastern PA, August 7, 2004.) Another photo / view. (Click for larger image.)

Olympics - Pound tells China to tighten doping efforts - Monday October 9, 2006 12:12PM

SI.com - Olympics - Pound tells China to tighten doping efforts - Monday October 9, 2006 12:12PM: "Dick Pound, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, encouraged China to step up its anti-doping controls ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

China has a special responsibility as Olympic host to tighten its anti-doping efforts, Pound said Monday.

'Much of my visit here in China will be for the purpose of encouraging the proper authorities, in both sport and government, to increase the effort to bring China to the forefront of the fight against doping in sport,' Pound said in a speech at Beijing's Sport University.

China is trying to shake a reputation for doping among its athletes, a drive that has gained urgency ahead of the 2008 Olympics.

China cracked down on doping following a string of scandals in the 1990s, when 32 swimmers were caught for drug offenses, two of them twice. It introduced tough new testing regimes and penalties, and 17 athletes were punished in 2004 with fines and competition bans of up to two years.

'An Olympic host country has the special responsibility, both at home and around the world, to demonstrate its commitment to doping-free sport,' said Pound, who also visited the testing labs at the China Doping Control Center. 'Now is the time for all countries, including China, to make sure that they have put into place programs necessary to remove doping from sport.'

Pound was given an honorary degree by the university on Monday. He arrived in China on Sunday for a four-day visit.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.