Erik swam his first swim meet yesterday, at Greenway Middle School, now home to PCA.
This photo album shows a few photos and videos. Plus, we took the technique shots to aid in his science project. It is a test about push-off disances in different body positions.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Wanta date? I'll show you mine if you show me yours.
I think I'll put the agenda calendar on my sidebar soon. Just testing. What do you think?
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Sell the PA Turnpike... Look to the future of transportation and a better idea
So, they are taking bids for the sale of the PA Turnpike. Get your bid in by the end of the year. It took about ten years to get gambling expansion in the state. But the PA Turnpike can sell in six weeks. What's up with the rush?
How about if we take our best bid, and then hold a state-wide referendum.
This is how we'll get around Pennsylvania after selling the PA Turnpike and its owners go out of business years later due to infrastructure decay.
In China, when you purchase property, you can only buy it for 99 years. That's all. You purchase a house, you've got the deed for 99 years. You sell the house in 10 years, you can sell the deed for 89 years.
If PA sells the PA Turnpike, I think we should NOT sell it FOREVER. Sunset the sale. Sell the PA Turnpike for 99 years. Or, sell it for 30 years.
Don't sell the PA Turnpike forever. Then in 99 years, we'll be able to sell it again. In 99 years, our great grandkids will be able to reap another windfall from this deal.
It was stupid to sell the gambling casino licenses for $50-million without an EXPIRATION DATE. The licenses should be for 30 years on gambling. Then in 25 years, we can 'think again.' Really, it is our kids that will be able to think again. Let them decide what to do with their world.
How about if we take our best bid, and then hold a state-wide referendum.
This is how we'll get around Pennsylvania after selling the PA Turnpike and its owners go out of business years later due to infrastructure decay.In China, when you purchase property, you can only buy it for 99 years. That's all. You purchase a house, you've got the deed for 99 years. You sell the house in 10 years, you can sell the deed for 89 years.
If PA sells the PA Turnpike, I think we should NOT sell it FOREVER. Sunset the sale. Sell the PA Turnpike for 99 years. Or, sell it for 30 years.
Don't sell the PA Turnpike forever. Then in 99 years, we'll be able to sell it again. In 99 years, our great grandkids will be able to reap another windfall from this deal.
It was stupid to sell the gambling casino licenses for $50-million without an EXPIRATION DATE. The licenses should be for 30 years on gambling. Then in 25 years, we can 'think again.' Really, it is our kids that will be able to think again. Let them decide what to do with their world.
Report warns 'free' Wi-Fi could spell trouble
I didn't jump on the Wi-Fi bandwagon in the summer of 2006. The Wi-Fi was to be hooked up the All-Star Game, but came late.
In some schools in the UK, they are unplugging Wi-Fi because of health concerns for the teachers and students. Now comes this report that hits more to some of my concerns months ago.
I love the idea that Pitt is doing Wi-Fi. That's who should be doing it -- because Pitt isn't really a governmental entity.
Note that the plans for a city-wide network, one that I'd fully support, have not been announced. I'd love to eat my words and see a Wi-Fi everywhere in the city, if not the county. But, I won't hold my breath.
The original report: Reason.org/wifibroadband/.
In some schools in the UK, they are unplugging Wi-Fi because of health concerns for the teachers and students. Now comes this report that hits more to some of my concerns months ago.
Report warns 'free' Wi-Fi could spell trouble: "Report warns 'free' Wi-Fi could spell troubleBut on another front, it was good to hear that the University of Pittsburgh is rolling out Wi-Fi in Oakland and at each of its branch campus settings.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
By Corilyn Shropshire, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Cities thinking about launching a wireless Internet network should know that Wi-Fi rarely comes without strings attached.
A study released yesterday by free-market think tank the Reason Foundation cautioned that municipalities should make sure the projects are both technologically and financially viable before jumping into the Wi-Fi fray.
Whether the Wi-Fi network is free or financed with taxpayer dollars, 'If officials get into the broadband [Internet] business, they are entering a field where the technology they bought today is obsolete tomorrow,' said Adrian Moore, a vice president of research at the Los Angeles-based foundation and one of the report's authors."
I love the idea that Pitt is doing Wi-Fi. That's who should be doing it -- because Pitt isn't really a governmental entity.
Note that the plans for a city-wide network, one that I'd fully support, have not been announced. I'd love to eat my words and see a Wi-Fi everywhere in the city, if not the county. But, I won't hold my breath.
The original report: Reason.org/wifibroadband/.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
graffiti.maverick - on my exploratory committee...
FWIW.
LeRoy might have some great pull now, because he's in heaven.
This guy has a blog, at least.
It wouldn't be too hard to get onto the ballot, even as a Republican. But, you'll need to work about an hour for each of five signatures. So, you need 200 -- then you might expect to slave for 40 hours. And, the work needs to happen in a three week period.
To run for mayor as a candidate outside the D and R party, increase the workload by 20 times, at least.
As for electability, you are not only pretty, but modest as well. That combination is potent, as Bob O'Connor proved in 2005. In 2001 the public wasn't looking for pretty. In fact, our internal polls show that in 2001 pretty was a handicap. But, the trends may have shifted. Catch that wave, if you can.
graffiti.maverick - on my exploratory committee... I've always pretty much acknowledged that given my wacky politics and my refusal to join either party I couldn't win, but now I'm thinking if a 26 year old, with no real experience, can be mayor. Why not me. So I told Mike I'd form an exploratory committee to look into the idea. (no one just announces they're running for office. You always need to form a committee to investigate the possibility).Josh had some pull with the media because he was still in high school.
Welcome to the exploratory committee!
LeRoy might have some great pull now, because he's in heaven.
This guy has a blog, at least.
It wouldn't be too hard to get onto the ballot, even as a Republican. But, you'll need to work about an hour for each of five signatures. So, you need 200 -- then you might expect to slave for 40 hours. And, the work needs to happen in a three week period.
To run for mayor as a candidate outside the D and R party, increase the workload by 20 times, at least.
As for electability, you are not only pretty, but modest as well. That combination is potent, as Bob O'Connor proved in 2005. In 2001 the public wasn't looking for pretty. In fact, our internal polls show that in 2001 pretty was a handicap. But, the trends may have shifted. Catch that wave, if you can.
Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center - PittsburghPlatform
Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center - PittsburghPlatformClick the link for the details.
# Nonprofit in Pittsburgh
# Hiring an executive director in December, 2006
I've got a pending story to tell about job pointers I've been floating. But, this isn't the week to spill the details, so -- stay tuned.
But, don't delay on getting your application in the job with the Employment Center.
MacYapper: GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR BUTTS EDITION
MacYapper: GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR BUTTS EDITION If you people don't wake up and realize that I might have a point here, and at least weigh what other candidates have to say carefully, we're going to start another period of endless mediocrity in the 'Burgh.Jeepers. MacYapper says "Think Again!" I'm olay with that, fur shore.
And one thing we don't need in the 'Burgh is another period of endless mediocrity, run by old school pols.
Perils for Pedestrians Episode 105: Dublin, Velo-City 2005
| I've been a big advocate for a massive expansion of bike use in the City of Pittsburgh. While I like Bike-Pgh (the organization), I have felt that they have been too nice. While I like the approach to the rivers and more parks, I feel that the County Riverfront Park proposal of Dave Fawcett on County Council (and Jim Burn, D, too, I guess) is lame as it inserts bikes as a tourist thing when we really need bikes merged into transport to where people travel, and it isn't often to the river's edge. Bikes can flourish in certain parts of Pittsburgh. Got it? Well, this Google Video (like YouTube) on a past Velo-City conference in Dublin hits the sweet-spot in the campaign-presentation I've been craving. Check it out. Get your head around it. It would work for downtown, South Side, North Side, Oakland. And, the benefits will be local housing, residents. This isn't just to promote cycling. We can overhaul a few of our streets and have a huge upside for all, even those in cars. Perils for Pedestrians is a monthly series promoting awareness of issues affecting the safety of people who walk and bicycle. Perils For Pedestrians appears on public access cable stations in many cities across the United States and on DISH Network 9411 - The Universityhouse Channel. | |
BTW, I'll turn off the auto-play on this posting in a few hours. Comments about that are welcomed.
Monday, December 04, 2006
IamPgh -- does a bit on.... Mark Rauterkus
Just posted:
IamPgh � Mark Rauterkus Mark RauterkusRead it there. Comment here, there and anywhere.
NEIGHBORHOOD: South Side (Flats)
WORK: Swim Coach, Journalist, Political Activist
AGE GROUP: 40-50
I’ll ask up front that you, my dear readers, who may feel inclined to turn the comment section of this post into a vehicle for political argument to please refrain.
Allegheny County Democratic Committee
Allegheny County Democratic Committee: "Tuesday, December 05, 2006We'll see if my comments at the Allegheny Dem blog stay on the site, or not.
More on the mayoral race"
Here is what I posted there.
In the blog posting above, you seem to hint that it's safe to say that all candidates will work with other public officials.
Why forget so quickly.
Mayor Tom Murphy, the biggest Dem in town for a dozen years, was NOT one to work with others. He was the best the Dems had to offer -- and he ruled the D party in town for years.
Tom Murphy didn't work well with others and the saddest thing of all was that the Ds with an ounce of juice really, hardly ever stood up to his folly.
There is little hope nor insurance that the Ds will offer a suite of candidates that work well with others. No guarantee at all.
Yeah, and Doyle is unbeatable -- so why did he take his Green challenger to courts in Harrisburg for an extended ploy to eliminate a challenger. That's unforgivable -- not unbeatable. They've already beaten up our shared democracy.
Jeff Koch is doing something on city council -- except it is as clear as mud
Here is a snip from the city clerk's web site showing the agenda of a pending (this week) Pgh City Council Meeting. This is a future city council meeting and we can expect a vote on something.
We don't know how much money has been spent. We don't know how the money is slated to be spent. We don't know anything of the new spending plan for the money. We don't know squat.
This is a good example of why we have overlords in town running the city. The ones on city council are not responsible for being transparent and trusting when it comes to the spending of our money.
This makes for another good example of why those on council in a time of crisis should be put up for re-election every two years, not four. But, in this case with Mr. Koch -- that request will come true. Mr. Koch won a special election in March 2006 and will need to come before the voters in May 2007 for the primary and November 2007 for the general election, if he survives the primary challenges.
When bills such as these come before our city council, without specific insights in the slightest, then I'm saying we need different members on council.
In other city council news, I've put up a new public Google Calendar called Pittsburgh City Hall. If anyone wants to post dates and help to manage this calendar, or if you'd like to subscribe to this calendar, feel free to do so.
Bill number: 2006-0995Wow. I bet you can't tell what is happening either.
Resolution further amending and supplementing Resolution No. 180, effective April 5, 2000, entitled "Providing for an Agreement or Agreements, or use of existing Agreements and/or a Contract or Contracts, or use of existing Contracts, and for the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, and/or services for various projects in connection with the Neighborhood Needs Program in Council District 3; and providing for the payment of the costs thereof," By adding new projects and by deleting various other projects. Total cost of all projects is not to exceed $970,000.
SPONSOR(S): JEFFREY S. KOCH
We don't know how much money has been spent. We don't know how the money is slated to be spent. We don't know anything of the new spending plan for the money. We don't know squat.
This is a good example of why we have overlords in town running the city. The ones on city council are not responsible for being transparent and trusting when it comes to the spending of our money.
This makes for another good example of why those on council in a time of crisis should be put up for re-election every two years, not four. But, in this case with Mr. Koch -- that request will come true. Mr. Koch won a special election in March 2006 and will need to come before the voters in May 2007 for the primary and November 2007 for the general election, if he survives the primary challenges.
When bills such as these come before our city council, without specific insights in the slightest, then I'm saying we need different members on council.
In other city council news, I've put up a new public Google Calendar called Pittsburgh City Hall. If anyone wants to post dates and help to manage this calendar, or if you'd like to subscribe to this calendar, feel free to do so.
Mayor Ravenstahl will seek full term -- hardly. This election isn't for a 'full term' -- thankfully
Luke's in the race. Everyone knew he'd run for the job that he now holds. But, let's get the headline straight.
The winner of the November 2007 general election will take the oath of office shortly after the election is certified by the department of elections. That should occur a week or so after the general election, in mid-November.
The victor in the general election of November 2007 gets to serve as mayor for two years, the good lord willing. A full term of four years isn't going to be granted until after the election of 2009. Yes, another election and set of campaigns for Pittsburgh's mayor will occur in 2009 with its spring primary and fall general election.
I'm glad that voters get to choose who will be the mayor for the remainder of the term that began as Bob O'Connor was sworn to uphold the constitution and city charter in January 2006. I welcome the arrival of a full and robust election cycle in 2007, with both primary and general votes.
Come 2009, we'll do it again for the same office. That's great too, in my humble opinion.
We need a more robust system of self-government and democracy in this region. We need to supercharge all aspects of our self-reliance. That occurs, in part, on the campiagn trails and at the voting booths.
When the overlords arrived in the City of Pittsburgh, (i.e., Act 47 team and I.C.A. czars), I suggested that terms of service for all elected officials be cut in half. The mayor, controller and city council should come up for re-election every two years, not four years, when overlords are in town doing the jobs of the mayor, controller and city council.
We can talk about cutting the size of city council, from nine members to seven or five. We can talk about cutting the size of their budgets and perks too. But, perhaps we should cut the lenght of their time in office. Let's double-up on our democracy and vote more often. I want to better leverage the issues of the day with a match of the candidates.
The city's finance troubles of recent times came because of the poor jobs of the mayor, controller and city council. In these times of crisis, we need more accountability -- not less.
With oversight and its distressed status should come an automatic reduction in the length of terms.
Sure, some of those people have since departed. Let's keep them honest.
Mayor Ravenstahl will seek full term in office next year - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Mayor Ravenstahl will seek full term in office next yearLuke runs in the primary with a vote in May 2007. If Luke wins the D primary, he'll be able to advance to the general election in November 2007.
The winner of the November 2007 general election will take the oath of office shortly after the election is certified by the department of elections. That should occur a week or so after the general election, in mid-November.
The victor in the general election of November 2007 gets to serve as mayor for two years, the good lord willing. A full term of four years isn't going to be granted until after the election of 2009. Yes, another election and set of campaigns for Pittsburgh's mayor will occur in 2009 with its spring primary and fall general election.
I'm glad that voters get to choose who will be the mayor for the remainder of the term that began as Bob O'Connor was sworn to uphold the constitution and city charter in January 2006. I welcome the arrival of a full and robust election cycle in 2007, with both primary and general votes.
Come 2009, we'll do it again for the same office. That's great too, in my humble opinion.
We need a more robust system of self-government and democracy in this region. We need to supercharge all aspects of our self-reliance. That occurs, in part, on the campiagn trails and at the voting booths.
When the overlords arrived in the City of Pittsburgh, (i.e., Act 47 team and I.C.A. czars), I suggested that terms of service for all elected officials be cut in half. The mayor, controller and city council should come up for re-election every two years, not four years, when overlords are in town doing the jobs of the mayor, controller and city council.
We can talk about cutting the size of city council, from nine members to seven or five. We can talk about cutting the size of their budgets and perks too. But, perhaps we should cut the lenght of their time in office. Let's double-up on our democracy and vote more often. I want to better leverage the issues of the day with a match of the candidates.
The city's finance troubles of recent times came because of the poor jobs of the mayor, controller and city council. In these times of crisis, we need more accountability -- not less.
With oversight and its distressed status should come an automatic reduction in the length of terms.
Sure, some of those people have since departed. Let's keep them honest.
Thailand -- a photo opportunity thanks to Phipps
 |
| From texture - misc. |
Bringing the tropics to Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens soon can walk into a lush, jungle-like paradise, with cascading waterfalls, streams, rocks, towering palm trees, the scent of jasmine and numerous wild plants native to Southeast Asia.
Welcome to Pittsburgh's mini-Thailand.
Next weekend, Phipps will open 'Tropical Forest: Thailand,' a $7.5-million, 12,000-square-foot exhibit that is part of the most ambitious expansion project the conservatory has undertaken since it opened in 1893, officials say.
Church and Christmas event: Eastminster's Light Up Night
Church event for Christmas, with buggy rides. (Click for larger view.)
Saturday, December 9, 2006, 6 - 8 pm at Eastminster Church (right across the street from Home Depot). Each year gets bigger and crazier (camels, sheep, live nativity, lights, drama and food). A great event for kids of all ages.
QCTimes.com / News / Vilsack returns to his boyhood home
I didn't go out of my way to see the political guy from Iowa -- err -- from the 'Burgh. But, I should have. I'd be interested in getting some feedback on the visit and events. What did you think?
QCTimes.com / News / Vilsack returns to his boyhood home: "Vilsack returns to his boyhood home
By Susan Schmeichel | Sunday, December 03, 2006
PITTSBURGH — At age 5, “Tommy” Vilsack loved chicken pot pies and orange Popsicles, the Iowa governor’s former baby sitter reminisced Saturday during the Democratic presidential candidate’s visit to his boyhood neighborhood.
Vilsack’s campaign stop Saturday in Pittsburgh was part of the candidate’s five-state “Courage to Create Change” tour which began Thursday in Mount Pleasant with his formal announcement of his candidacy. The Democratic governor returned to Des Moines on Saturday night to attend a fundraiser before continuing on to stops in Nevada and South Carolina. "
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Christmas Cards begin to arrive
The first Christmas Cards arrived in the mail this week. The first two are from: Jason Altmeyer and his family, and George and Laura Bush.
Anyone know Ryan Paul Boody?
kdka.com - Police Probe 23-Year-Old's Disappearance Police Probe 23-Year-Old's DisappearanceThis is a problem. How do you do an Amber Alert for an adult? We should have a better system of staying connected and raising alarms.
(KDKA) MOON TOWNSHIP Moon Township Police are investigating after they say a 23-year-old man disappeared.
Police say Ryan Paul Boody went to the 'Image Bar' on the South Side Thursday and hasn't been seen since.
Authorities say they're concerned because he hasn't used his cell phone or debit card.
He drives a 1995 teal Ford Mustang with the PA license plate DML 0322.
Anyone with information is asked to call Moon Township Police at 412-262-5000.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Perspectives: Restore trust first - Costa makes me giggle.
This letter caught my attention. It made me giggle.
RESPONSE TO: http://postgazette.com/pg/06335/742602-109.stm
Perspectives: Restore trust first Perspectives: Restore trust firstThen I got this email as a reply. It is worthy of posting here, regardless of if the P-G prints it or not.
It's time to change the way state legislators do business
Friday, December 01, 2006 By Jay Costa
RESPONSE TO: http://postgazette.com/pg/06335/742602-109.stm
In response to Senator Jay Costa’s perspective: Restore Trust First, on December 1st, I am in agreement with the proposed rule changes and reforms that have been recommended and hope our legislature does even more to see that the people’s business is done in a moral, ethical, open, and honest way. After gambling lobbyist’s contributions have quadrupled, even more must be done to stop their anonymous influence, as well as those of other profit seeking lobbyists. That influence was observed in the recent lame duck session in Harrisburg.Did Costa agree to the rule change for free drinks at casinos, or not? How did he vote? Why didn't he protest from the floor to ask that the bill be held? Where is the text of his statement from the floor of the chamber?
The legislature decided to offer us free drinks at gambling facilities as part of twenty six pages of amendments to a bill. This decision was done: without public hearings or input, without the constitutionally required waiting period, and without giving small business owners who will be affected by this provision the time to contact their representatives and let them know how it may affect them. The people were left out.
This was done even after a bipartisan house group signed on to the REFORM agenda. Twenty three of the fifty three house members of this group voted for these recent changes. (See November 12 Forum: The pay off and July 10: House Rebels try to break the Iron grip of Leadership, both in the Post Gazette)
While Senator Costa’s initiatives should be commended and would be a great service to the Commonwealth, a greater service would be done if the members of the general assembly simply followed the rules that were already in place.
Steve Karas, Forest Hills
Friday, December 01, 2006
Book fest with Tom Poole of PCTV
Below is a press release reminder of our Barnes & Noble event this Saturday. Most of the producers being showcased at this venue work with youth or are youth themselves. This is an excellent opportunity to bring children that are close to your heart
Since this store is closing at the end of the month many of the books will be 40% off (perfect for Holiday shopping) and, just as importantly, PCTV will receive a potion of the total sales for the time period that we are presenting. So come down some time between 10am and 4pm and let family, friends and associates know about our book fair. And bring your vouchers for PCTV to be credited for a sale the vouchers need to be presented)
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2006
Pittsburgh Community Television (PCTV)-1300 Western Avenue-Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Darlene Terry, Outreach Director (412-322-7570) e-mail darlene@pctv21.org
Meet Pittsburgh Community Television's (PCTV) Producers at Barnes & Noble-Smithfield Street Downtown Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA--Barnes & Noble's Book-fair will be showcasing several PCTV producers that work extensively with youth. Brother John's daughter Ms. Nay Nay; Karen Jones, author of children's stories; Da Button Pusha, hip-hop artist; Bill Heh, illusionist; Rick Murray, Slick Rick youth exercise; and Umoja African Arts Company will all demonstrate the talents that they regularly exhibit to the community on their television shows to those attending this event. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet these dedicated artists, a convenient time to do some holiday shopping and to support literacy in general.
Barnes & Noble will donate a percentage of every sale made with a special Bookfair voucher. Attached is the voucher. Please help support PCTV and our producers by attending and shopping at Barnes & Noble, downtown store on Smithfield and 6th Avenue, on Saturday, December 2, 2006 from 10 am - 4 pm.
Times in which producers will present:
Sat. Dec 2, 2006
10 am - 11am Umoja African Dance Company - drumming instruction
11 am - Noon Universal Street Academy's presents Ms. Nay Nay - host of Kid's Spot, a forum for youth
Noon - 1 pm Karen Jones "Imagination Way"-reading children's stories she wrote
1 pm - 2 pm Slick Rick - exercise demonstration
2 pm - 3 pm Bill Heh - a magic show
3 pm - 4 pm Da Button Pusha - a showcase of positive spoken artist and Q& A with teenagers
PCTV is a non-profit community access station. Our mission is to encourage dialogue, promote media literacy, provide a platform for free speech and build a stronger community thru training and by providing local citizens and non-profit organizations with the tools to produce and broadcast programs from their own unique perspectives
For more information about PCTV, please visit our website www.pctv21.org
###
Lastly, visit PCTV's on-line auction site you might find some packages that you can use or give as gifts for the holidays http://pctv21.cmarket.com Let me know what you think of the site and I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
