SOS & Save Our Transit with Silly Old Slogans

Protesters marched downtown today and had a few fleeting moments before tv news cameras today outside of the city-county building on Grant Street. I counted no more than ten protesters. And, they are the regulars, as pointed out by a security guard inside the building working at the medal detector.

My message to them: Change the message and you'd have 100 others standing with you. For years, you've been barking and taking a beating. For years, the strategy has been failing.

They say:

Save Our Transit

No Service Cuts

No Fare Hikes

Dumb, dumb, dumb. They've been there with the same messages and it isn't working.

I don't even want to march with them these days.

They should be saying:

Stop the Tunnel!

But no. They defend the tunnel. They don't want to be real advocates for real reform.
He wasn't at the rally.




The screen on the top of this green box is what we need. The Octopus system in Hong Kong is wonderful. Think of E-Z Pass as used on the Turnpike but for all transit riders.

Dealing with the Pens and Politicians in Pittsburgh

The arena in Kansas City is not done. The building is not yet finished. So, no building sits waiting for the Penguins or any other NHL team, yet. The waiting might begin in the fall.

The lease for Mellon Arena for the Penguins expires at the end of this season.

Advice for Dan Ororato, Luke Ravenstahl and Jeff Koch, of Pittsburgh's City Council and a member of the Sports & Exhibition Authority, PA Senator, Wayne Fontana, also a joker on the SEA:

+ Invite the Penguins to sign a one year lease for Mellon Arena. Make the lease extension offer.

+ Invite the Penguins to play up to ten games per year at other venues until a new venue is built in Pittsburgh. And, the Penguins want to play 10 games in K.C. and 10 in Houston each year, let them do it.

The Penguins should be free to move. The Penguins should be free to stay and scout around a bit.

Should the Penguins build a fan base in Houston and Kansas City, they'll be building bridges back to the city of Pittsburgh too. Hell, let the team play games in Hamilton too. Play 4 in each town. Play in 4 different towns. That might get people in those towns hooked on the Pens and get them to future games in Pittsburgh. I think it would be cool to have the Pens play some home games in other cities while we work through this venue crisis.

That's cooperation.

That's a community solution.

That's a win-win solution.

That buys good will. And, the politicians deserve nothing from the Pens in the category of 'good will.' The politicans have done nothing.

Yesterday a member of city council, Tonya Payne, told me that she does not want to see the Penguins move off the the hill. Well, Tonya's wants and the reality of the situation are not the same. She is out of touch and too selfish. If anyone insists that the Pens stay in The Hill -- the Pens will depart. The grass is greener elsewhere when staying put means the upper downtown area and lower hill.

I want to be sure that the Pens have a long-term home in Pennsylvania. I want to have a solution that won't be back in the faces of the city and its fans again in 10-20 years.

A new public financed arena owned by the public authority with a 10, 20 or 30 year lease is going to mean we repeat the same old story again in 10 or 20 years. The Pens should have the juice to design, build, upkeep and own its own facility forever. And, the deal for the Pens needs to be one that makes that organization healthy too, without tax subsidization.

The leaders are going to need some creativity. And, this is what I fear most.

Dan Onorato and Luke Ravenstahl and even Governor can not begin the conversation with a re-hash of "Plan B finances." That isn't what any sales person would do. That isn't what Mario really wants to hear.

The sales process begins with questions to qualify the buyer. Overcome objections. Don't jump to finance matters.

Furthermore, it is the public officials job to tell the Pens that when they leave the Civic Arena, it is NOT their building. They'll leave their lease and the building will remain. So, if the Penguins want to come back and play 10 games a year as turn-back-the-clock games at our Civic Arena -- fine. We might be able to work out that deal.

Then the Pens could build a new arena out by the airport and make lots of money in multiple deals. Plus, a few times a year the Pens could have a golden opportunity to hold a special game in the city at the Civic Arena.

The Civic Arena isn't the best venue for the mega rock shows. Fine. But, there is a future for that building beyond the Penguins. And, if the Pens are willing to craft a deal and venue in the area, the Civic Arena might be a perfect venue for supporting other activities associated with the team and its fans -- beyond game-day hockey nights.

Ballot Access News � Blog Archive � Pennsylvania Releases Official Returns

Get this! We hold an election but don't count the vote?

Write in candidates score as 'write in' and not as they should?

Ballot Access News � Blog Archive � Pennsylvania Releases Official Returns Pennsylvania Releases Official Returns

December 22nd, 2006

On December 22, Pennsylvania released its official returns. Carl Romanelli was credited with 645 write-ins. He was the Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate who fought to be on the ballot. His true write-in total will never be known, since 23 of Pennsylvania’s counties didn’t canvass write-ins. These 23 counties include some of the most populous counties in the state. They include Centre (the county that includes State College), Erie, and Philadelphia Counties.

I looked hard for the write in results from Allegheny County and can't find them on the web. Where are they?

The rail road worker from the eastern side of Pennsylvania who wanted to run for US Senate had the pleasure of being knocked off the ballot and getting more than $900,000 in bills -- thanks to undemocratic democrats. Then to add more insult, the write in vote count is unknown.

We demand, as the PA Constitution says, "free and equal elections." That should be everyone gets equal status. A person who is less isn't equal. Count them all. Tell the results. Do your jobs!

Sports Business News: Two Steps Back and maybe one big step forward for the NHL

Sports Business News: Two Steps Back and maybe one big step forward for the NHL: "Councilman William Peduto, expected to be the next Pittsburgh Mayor, was also an Isle of Capri supporter, and questioned whether Plan B could win legislative approval, if that is needed. 'My bottom line on Plan B is, show me the money,' he said."

Predictions for the year to come

Cute.

Predictions for the year to come Feb. 13
Ending speculation about his future career, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum enters race for Republican nomination for mayor of Pittsburgh. He calls questions about his lack of a Pittsburgh address 'an irrelevant topic created by the media.'

Feb. 22
Scurrying to prevent the Penguins' threatened departure for Omaha, local politicians unveil Plan J, which would use state funds to cover the Dormont pool with an ice rink and roof and install 17,200 portable seats.

Swimming sisters help each other overcome adversity

Swimmers shine!

Swimming sisters help each other overcome adversity Swimming sisters help each other overcome adversity
Pooling their strength

Treason! To say that a state rep's vote for speaker is "treason" should that choice go to one outside his party is just the talk of a jackass!

Treason????

More of them need to be swept out of office. But talk of treason --- think again!

 

Going to City Council Chambers to speak about the new arena on Jan 2 at 10 am

I'm going to attend and speak for 3-minutes before the Pittsburgh's City Council meeting and share a few pointers about the Penguins and the hope of a new arena.

The new arena could have glass pedestrian walkways.

Ballot Access -- one of the many top priorities

Pennsylvania's Constitution guarantees "fair and equal elections." However, nominees for statewide office from the two major parties need merely 2,000 primary election ballot access signatures to qualify for the November general election. Others need more than 67,000.

That doesn't sound fair and equal to me. How about you?

I urge you to bring fairness to statewide elections by passing the Voters' Choice Act.

Find out more at PaBallotAccess.org and please let me know where you stand.

Taking a dip with the Polar Bear Club: Air = 49 degrees F; Water = 47

It was fun.

The water felt much like the day at the beach in Maine when there was a heat wave and a stiff wind from land to ocean. The pins in my forearms ached quickly.

Otherwise, my swim was about 30-40 yards. Jumped in at the "go" signal and slugged upstream for about 15-20 yards with most of the others in and out in that time. Not bad. But upon turning around, the dry land called and welcomed with a longing passion.

There must have been 350 people at the Mon Wharf this morning at 9 am. More were flowing in as I was leaving. None were as prepared as me in certain categorys. In other regards, such as tobacco and booze, I was not in their league at all. I was wearing my yellow latex swim cap, pulled over the years to keep out the water. Tip one, keep the ears dry and warm.

I also had my open water swim goggles with the reflective lense. We really needed it today as the sun was bright. Most near me were finding it hard to get good photos because of the bright sun. A few others were noticed with plain old swim goggles. The ones I use offer a great field of vision and are so large that most of my face stays warm as well.

On my feet, the surf booties that tighten above the ankles. They can be made so tight as to keep out all water. My toes were happy feet. The rubber bottoms don't grip worth a darn on the slime covered steep edge of concrete leading from the parking spot and guard rail to the edge of the water, at a 45-degree angle. Thanks to the guy who offered me a hand in pulling me out to the bank. Perhaps I should have jumped at that location and climbed out at the more gradual ramp so as to keep my footing. Otherwise, I'm crawling on my bellie.

Plus, I kept my pull-bouey! That way I could offer it to anyone who might be in need -- or just keep myself on top of the water and swim with the head out in an effortless way.

My outfit was complete with the body glove surf suit that goes to elbows and knees. All in all -- I cheated on the wardrobe. No t-shirt nor trunks for me.

After the exit, it took about 2 minutes and I was warm again. The recovery was quick, but I didn't feel the temptation to re-enter, as many others did.

I had to rush home for some clean up duties around the home/office for a party today. We're going to fire up the Chocolate Fountain, a gift from last year. A few of the guys are going to visit for a play day.

Very little on the web was available about the polar bear club in Pittsburgh. The zoo's new exhibit was easily found. But after today, with all the 'fair weather friends' taking the plunge, I bet we'll see lots of digital pictures at Flicker and Picassa. I hope so as I didn't take a single photo. KDKA and other tv stations were there, of course.

My boys didn't join me. Grant was playing computer games and passed. He pondered the activity long and hard but whimped out. Erik is still sleeping. He's turning more into a teenager with his sleep patterns. He wasn't going to go anyway. No way. He's even worried about sharks with our pending swims in New Zealand with dolphins.

E. and J. and their dad, swimmers on the Carlynton Swim Team, were there and swimming. Good for them. They'll have more stories to tell. I bet I saw 30 or 40 kids under the age of 14.

Another swim group exists. I wish I had pointers to them.

Keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh - Signatures

Keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh - Signatures 11414. Mark Rauterkus Stay in Allegheny County but exit The Hill. Build by airport.

What will 2007 bring in terms of swimming in the river?

Flashback. Splendid flashback.

PostScript: Assignment -- whatever's happening It was reasonably warm and there was no ice on the Monongahela River as more than 100 members of the Polar Bear Club prepared for their annual plunge into the water.

I had thought of doing it for a while.

I've been taking photographs for the Post-Gazette for 25 years. I'm not getting any younger.

So when I got up that morning, I just put on the trunks and a tank top, with my work clothes over. I took an old pair of shoes. I told myself, 'There's always a chance I can chicken out of it.'

But when covering such a predictable event, you need to do something a little different.

I had prepared one of my cameras in case. The underwater camera that we have is a film camera, but it's much easier with the motor drive digital camera. I put it on autofocus and placed the camera in an extra large freezer bag with tape around the lens.

As I stood on the bank, I took some ribbing from fellow news photographers, but my mind was made up. I decided I'd go in five minutes before the group took its leap, so I could get their expressions as they hit the water.

It was not what I'd expected. The water was 38 degrees.

I could not breathe. I felt like there was a ton of bricks on my chest. I could not get enough air in my lungs. I was having trouble.

We'll always have Paris -- 2006 from Dave Barry

Dave Barry remembers the Super Bowl in his year in review:

We'll always have Paris | Chicago Tribune In sports, Super Bowl XVXXLMCMII takes place in Detroit, and by all accounts it's a big success for the Motor City, with huge crowds thronging to both of the restaurants. The Pittsburgh Steelers win a game featuring a controversial play in which an apparent Seattle Seahawk touchdown pass is called back after the Steeler defender-in what is later ruled an accident-is gunned down by Vice President Cheney.

Rat Pack, a Night at the Sands, here we come

We're going to Heinz Hall to see The Rat Pack show tonight. There is a show at 6:30 pm. We're thrilled. More to come from me later. Anyone else catch this show? What did you think? Is there anything specific we should be sure to watch or listen for???

Singer, songwritter -- Joe Jencks -- performance on Jan 7, 2007

Friendship House Concerts is proud to present Joe Jencks at 4 pm on Sunday, January 7, 2007.

Joe has earned wide recognition for his songs about working people, and for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Joe weaves a diverse web of stories with brilliant musical skill, ensnaring even the most rigid of hearts, inviting them to open.

Whether performing at a union conference or folk festival, or at an intimate club or house concert, Joe manages to make any audience feel welcomed, valued, and part of a community.

Joe’s life-long interest in folk music led him to undergraduate and graduate studies in Vocal Music Performance, Choral Conducting, and Music Education. Like any good craftsman Joe applies the skills of this well-rounded training, using his lush and lyrical voice to enchant, heal, and inspire to action. Joe has won numerous songwriting awards for his original work, and has an ability to connect genuinely and intimately with audiences of diverse ages and backgrounds.

Joe is a dual US/Irish citizen living in the US, and merges traditions from both countries in his eclectic and vibrant musical presentation. Joe Jencks’ newest CD Rise As One: A Live Solidarity Concert (2005) is a musical retrospective on the labor movement.

Check out Joe and his music at http://www.joejencks.com

Seating is limited. Reservations necessary. For information and reservations,
call or email:

LLouise & Jim Altes, 412.361.6051, altes -at- potomacnet.com

Suggested donation: $10.00. All proceeds go to the performer.

After the concert, there will be a pot luck dinner. Please bring entrees, hors d'oeuvres, salads, side dishes, or desserts to share.

NEITHER Perzel nor DeWeese

Contact your Representative (and others) NOW and demand that they
vote for NEITHER Perzel nor DeWeese.

Way to go to a lone Democrat (so far) in the PA House who broke ranks and offered his vote against the D party boss, DeWeese.

Seems that DeWeese has time to draft legislation to expand the slots parlors with table games. But DeWeese has no need to contact his own party member about rules to reform the operations of the PA House.

Stripping Democrats who voted against the pay raise of committee positions was an obvious abuse of power by Mr. DeWeese. Those committees had nothing to do with legislative pay, why would it affect them? Mr. Caltagirone rightly does not support an individual that abuses power.

To Joe R,, (and I agree fully, as he posted on another list) what is more impossible to believe is that any Democrat would support a power abuser. Each legislator needs to be able to vote as they see fit without coercive threat from Mr. DeWeese. Please speak to the Democrats about an alternate leader.

HockeyNation talks of Pens and KC

HockeyNation That could be the ad seen soon in newspapers across North America, as Kansas City’s Sprint Centre nears completion. The plan is that if a team is granted to Kansas City for the start of NHL season in 2007 then the rink will be ready with all the latest whistles and bells, the luxury boxes and supposedly a stable base of season ticket holders who have forgotten the horrid days of the Kansas City Scouts.

The new rink comes on line at a convenient time for the deep pocketed would be owners, with the most exciting team of the future, Pittsburgh going through the throes of a broken heart and dream, Kansas City might be the obvious destination for the Pens.

The Times and Democrat - Is my space your space?

The Times and Democrat - Is my space your space? Some teens, though, think adults worry too much -- and say deleting too much defeats the purpose of social networking. Tyler Belden-England, a high school freshman in Pittsburgh, puts the name of his school on his site, but says he's not 'going to be stupid about it.'

NCAA job at RMU for Strength Coach

NCAA - National Collegiate Athletic Association Robert Morris University is accepting applications for the position of Strength and Conditioning Coach. This is a full-time position with responsibilities to include all aspects of the implementation of a comprehensive strength and conditioning program for 23 intercollegiate teams. The coach will work collaboratively with head coaches and athletic trainers to implement sport-specific programs. Requirements include a bachelors degree, master's or post-graduate degree preferred; at least two years experience in strength and conditioning; and certification by the NCSA. Those interested should submit a letter of application, current resume and a list of three references to Craig Coleman, Director of Athletics, Robert Morris University, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA 15108; or e-mail to colemanc@rmu.edu. EOE

Gerald Ford: Athlete, Politician, Statesman, Swimmer

cbs4.com - Swimming Hall Of Fame Remembers Gerald Ford In 1977, less than a year after leaving the White House, Ford paid a visit to the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), located in Ft. Lauderdale. Ford, promoted the sport as a great way to exercise during his term, and was considered one of the biggest cheerleaders for the ISHOF.

Buck and Bob get interviewed in the TV news segment.

There is a strong tie to Michigan with those guys as well.