We heard from Twanda last night. Dowd gave an opening. David Adams won the night.

I was there. I've got some video too.

Last night's candidate debate among candidates for city council's seat in district 9 and 7 and city controller Democrats included a mention of my presence. It was nice to be recognized from the podium after the controller candidates gave their answers to the various rounds of questions.

I would have loved to have been a part of the presentations and would have done much like Patrick Dowd did. He gave his opening statement of 3-minutes. Then he departed.

Patrick could have stayed. He might have had another appointment. But, he should have ranted all night about the no-show opponent, Len Bodack, Jr.

There are five folks that are running for the Dem primary in the city controller race. Only one will emerge from the May 15 primary and advance to the general election. Then another election occurs. The winner of the general election in November gets to be sworn into office in January 2008.

KDKA Radio Host, Marty Griffin, is playing a bit from Twanda from last night's presentation. She talked a lot about 'accountability.' Nobody called her on the charges or the spending issues from her office. Well, there are a lot of reasons that perk into this story. It is fair to say that Marty Griffin has no grip on any of various issues.

It was amazing that Twanda showed up. I didn't expect the issue of her charges to come to a head there. Nothing was said, other than the words from Twanda that called for accountability, because there are far more important dragons to slay. The issue didn't hang like a lead balloon among those in that venue last night because the people there are smarter than the media that hosts radio talk shows.

The people there know Twanda. Last night wasn't about Twanda. People understand that the debate is more about a decision on May 15, 2007, and less about checks and spending from a member on city council.

Politics is about the future. The meeting hosted by B-PEP was about the future.

The corruption parts of the discussions for the D.A., investigators, and fact finders -- and they'll be all about the past.

A few callers to the show told Marty that the issues didn't correlate with Imus and Twanda.

In the community -- or should I type, "hood," the stand-off among the "authorities" and the "people" of color can't be ignored. When a gun of a police officer is pointed into the face of a young (less than 10-years old) girl of color in the back seat of a car, it isn't much of a stretch to think again about charges against a council women from others in power.

Bad things are happening on the streets. Really bad things. Kids are being shot. From time to time, the police are doing the shooting. School performance is bad. Economic hope is bad. This is ugly. Drugs, you name it. When things are so bad, a few pass-through checks is like a pimple on a donkey.

The corruption can't be excused. It is wrong. But, it is what it is. And, I have a thought that the people in District 9 won't vote for Tawanda unless they have a personal relationship with her.

Most of the people at the forum last night were looking past Twanda. Some were there to support Twanda. And those friends and family might allow her to win the Dem primary.

A large field of candidates makes it more difficult to unseat an incumbent. Twanda can win the primary. But, that won't guarantee another term. The general election is, thankfully, still a part of the political process.

My prediction: If Twanda wins the Dem Primary, David Adams will beat her in the general election. David Adams will end Twanda's career.

Interesting side note. At the end of the meeting last night, a benadiction was offered. The prayer asked for a DAVID to arrive, as in the Biblical David who took down the giant. David Adams was standing at his seat, next to the microphone and speaker. The spirit found in the message of that prayer was a serious endorsement for David Adams. It was just an interesting blogger's reflection.

My aggravation with the coverage from the likes of Marty Griffin goes to the show's content. He must have mentioned Twanda's name 100 times in the last hour. Meanwhile, he didn't mention the name of any others in the race. Zippo.

To take down those in power takes a one-two punch. One is the take down of those in power and their silly ways. The second act needs to be a build-up of the challengers. The limelight needs to go to others with alternative ways.

When the only tool you have is a hammer -- everything looks like a nail. The media and D.A. swing hammers -- but they don't do anything for a build up.

Paradise and another in studio guest were asked, "Are you disappointed in Twanda?" Neither were. I was not disappointed in Twanda as she showed up. I was disappointed that she didn't show up to the last debate at the library. I was HAPPY that she had the courage to show up.

The second fine remark from the guest said you let the charges run its course. You be patient.

All politicians steal. Twanda just joins the ranks of others. So, in a twisted way, Twanda's thefts, alleged, are not "show stoppers" to a candidate debate. Twanda has been beat upon in the media. Among neighbors, there was no need or desire to to see more bare-knuckle smack downs.

Footnotes:

Missing from the line-up of city council candidates: Ora Lee Carroll and Randall Taylor. Where where they?

In the controller's race, I talked to one guy who thought Mike Dawida won. His 2nd was a tie between Doug Shilds and Tony Pokora. I didn't see it the way he did. But, I don't generally agree with the political understandings of this friend.

The journalist in the audience were not the ones who were asking the questions. The TV 11 crew seemed to be getting interviews from spectators, not even talking to the candidates. So, it is no wonder that a hard-hitting question wasn't put up to Twanda. The MSM was not good for its watchdog role nor for the education of the other candidates.

Finally, when I ran for city council in a nine-person race, I didn't let any weirdness occur without a reply. When another candidate says something goofy, and I'm in the race, I went out of my way to challenge the double-speak and falsehoods. That helps to sustain a positive conversation. But those types of re-directed remarks take candidates off message. Plus, the put-down to the silliness of statements by others isn't the best way to earn votes for the speaker. Being brutally honest is valued in the conversation but it is discounted at ballot box.

If I had been a candidate in the city council district 9 race and on that panel last night, I would have repeated, word-for-word, a few of the statements Twanda just made, moments before.

Perhaps my script would have included: "I just heard something of keen insight. A speaker here displayed a tight grasp on the issues at hand. These words can't be ignored. I think it is worth my time at the microphone to repeat the words here in my notes. ... (blah, blah, blah) ... Right On Sister! Right On.

When I get the video opened, I'll fill in the blah, blah, blah part. The accountability line is on the radio.

Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter

Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter YING AND YANG IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA POLITICS Mark RauterKus

Frequent TAE contributor Mark Rauterkus takes a look at what citizens can do to make an impact on the political scene beyond casting a vote on Election Day. Mark's website is http://rauterkus.blogspot.com .

Feel invited. Feel welcomed. Feel Free. Show up!

My political presentation includes another, a from the League of Young Voters:

http://www.BootCampPgh.org

Blast from the past

Citizens get shaken by both the Elephant and Donkey (i.e., GOP and Dem party mascots). The money spills from his pockets. Libertarians don't treat fellow citizens and taxpayers like this.

BootCamp - Pittsburgh - a rich, but no charge, event of community and technology. Be there!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Justin Kownacki

Kownacki Productions, LLC

412-628-4231

jkownacki@gmail.com

http://www.bootcamppgh.org

FREE Internet BootCamp Announces Schedule

Pittsburgh, PA, April 12, 2007 – The organizers of last year’s wildly successful PodCamp Pittsburgh are pleased to announce the schedule for BootCamp PGH, a FREE one-day introductory event for internet users on April 21. The 25 sessions will cover the basics of blogging, podcasting, and “social networking” (i.e. making social and business contacts using websites like MySpace). Presenters include a wide range of experts, including popular podcasting musician Matthew Ebel, online entertainment guru and PodCamp co-founder Chris Brogan of Network2, the creator and cast of local web series “Something To Be Desired”, and Pittsburgh-based internet personality iJustine, runner-up in Yahoo’s recent national Talent Search. The event will be held at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, 420 Boulevard of the Allies, on Saturday April 21, from 9am-5pm. For more information and to register for FREE, go to www.bootcamppgh.org.

The 25 scheduled sessions include an introduction to blogging including a hands-on workshop where participants will create blogs of their own, a step-by-step guide to creating a podcast along with discussions of what to talk about and how to talk about it more effectively, an exploration of using the internet to expand small businesses, and a beginner’s guide to creating an online identity and posting photos using sites like MySpace, Flickr, and Twitter. Many sessions will be held in computer labs with high-speed internet access, so having a laptop is not necessary to attend, although they are welcome. Additional individual help will be offered throughout the day in the “Mentoring Lounge”. By the end of the day, participants will be able to start their own blogs and podcasts and will be fully prepared for the more in-depth topics that will be covered at PodCamp Pittsburgh 2, another FREE weekend event in August that’s expected to draw some of the biggest names on the internet. For more information and a complete list of the sessions and their times, go to www.bootcamppgh.org.

Matthew Ebel is a singer-songwriter whose last album was recorded using Garage Band, a standard piece of software that usually comes pre-installed on Macintosh computers. He is also the host of the High Orbit Podcast, which features “podsafe music” which can be used for free on any podcast. Mr. Ebel will lead the introduction to audio recording.

Chris Brogan is the community developer for Network2, the online guide to internet TV. He is also the co-founder of PodCamp, a worldwide movement bringing together the most influential names in “new media”. Mr. Brogan will be discussing the value of building an online community and will also help present the introduction to podcasting.

“Something To Be Desired”, the only ongoing web series set and shot in Pittsburgh and one of the longest-running shows on the internet, has been online since 2003 and has developed a devoted worldwide following. The cast, along with creator Justin Kownacki, who is also a co-organizer of BootCamp PGH and the upcoming PodCamp Pittsburgh 2, will offer performance tips and discuss finding your unique voice in order to create compelling content.

Justine Ezarik, known to much of the world as iJustine, came in second in the recent Yahoo! Talent Search, a national competition to find the next internet superstar, and is Pittsburgh’s top videoblogger. Her video shorts can be seen at www.MommyPackMyLunch.com, and her official blog is www.TastyBlogSnack.com. Ms. Ezarik will present numerous sessions throughout the day, including hands-on demonstrations of social media tools like MySpace and Twitter.

Other presenters include the co-founders of Pittsburgh Bloggers: Cynthia Closkey, Mike Woycheck, and Christina Schulman; Alex Landefeld of Silurian-Devonian Films and the Minute Lit podcast; Mike Sorg and the Wrestling Mayhem crew; Guru.com’s Jia Ji; Shawn Smith of weekly podcast Geek Riot; Jim Shireman of Pittsburgh sports blog and podcast Sportsocracy; Allegheny County Executive candidate Mark Rauterkus; Mark Juliano, VP of podcast hosting site TalkShoe; and more.

BootCamp PGH is seeking additional sponsors and is open to adding presenters. Interested parties should contact Justin Kownacki at jkownacki@gmail.com.

For additional information, Contact:

Justin Kownacki
Kownacki Productions, LLC
412-628-4231
jkownacki@gmail.com

http://www.bootcamppgh.org

Matthew Ebel

The Cast of “Something To Be Desired”

iJustine

Another potential media coordinator checks out.

People had suggested that I retain Kurt Vonnegut as my media coordinator. Sadly, that can't happen now.

Kurt Vonnegut, whose novels included "Slaughterhouse Five" and "Cat's Cradle," has died at 84.

Welcome Home Suzie -- What's up with C.V.?

The brother with a successful basketball program does not get a contract renewal from Chartiers Valley School Board. Then today the word is that the sister gets the gig at Duquesne Univ. women's team.

Video from candidate night at South Side Slopes will come online some day

The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Group had a candidate night. I got some video. It was a nice event if you like the drones of the Ds and Rs.

I didn't hear the word Freedom, Liberty, War, nor Children once. Justice was talked about with the Sheriff candidates. When they talked, I didn't tape, sadly. They were good and the contrast among the three was interesting.

Michael Lamb came late and only got to give a 3-minute statement at the closing. Mike Dawida came after others had talked and got 3-minutes by himself as well, without the camera.

Rick Swartz was there, as was Dan Onorato. I don't think I'll be able to post the video without injecting my thoughts along the way. With the candidates of district 9, I had no problem in letting the video flow without a peep. In some of these other instances, I'm leaning to a cut-and-paste reaction to what was said.

The night started with talks from Jeff Koch and Bruce Kraus. Some of what they said was missed as well, as I didn't get there until after swim practice.

All in all, I thought Doug Shields did a good job. Better than I expected. But, he had an easy night in that his only other heavy weight opponent was Tony P, a guy that has been parked on Grant Street for a long time too.

I heard that Comcast has an ON-DEMAND candidate debate among the D controllers in the field. Is this true? I don't have the digital cable package. Is it worth my watching? It is an on-demand, but without an extra charge, so I understand. Insights welcome.

As they say in the TV world, .... "Stay tuned!"

BootCamp PGH Schedule and Sessions

BootCamp PGH - BootCamp PGH Schedule/Sessions Media Politics - How new media changes political and community action using wikis, hybrid CDs and concept maps. Hosted
by Mark Rauterkus

If you are reading this blog, you need to clear some time for yourself on Saturday, April 21, 2007 -- and join me and a hundred or more other netizens at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for a Bootcamp. This will be a great day for blending community, technology and creativity.

We'll be talking about this schedule with all the presenters on WEDNESDAY, April 18 at noon on a TalkShoe Talkcast. That pre-event telephone / web conference call might give you insights on what's going to be covered, when and by whom.

Town Hall Meeting on the proposed riverfront park slated for April 19

New Riverfront Park - First Town Hall Thursday, April 19, 2007
5:30 PM at the Cork Factory (Strip District)

Come listen and ask questions as Councilmen Dave Fawcett and Jim Burn discuss the creation of a county-wide riverfront park.

RSVP to TownHall@ventureoutdoors.org
Keep an eye out for more Town Hall meetings to come!

I have plenty to say about this park concept. Plenty. But, I'll just go to the meeting and see what they have to say. However, I'm not able to get there right as the meeting begins. I'll be at swim practice until 6 pm. So, I really would love to get someone there, front row, with a video camera (perhaps mine) to capture the entire presentation.

iPods, Blogs and Beyond: Evolving Media Literacy for the 21st Century

NATIONAL MEDIA EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2007 - Alliance for a Media Literate America Welcome to the 2007 National Media Education Conference Web site!

The event is in St. Louis, June 23 to 26.

BootCamp is cheaper, closer and nearly as good. BootCampPgh.org is going to be better, I bet, if you are a newbie publisher.

Pittsburgh leaders set for China trip - Last Call

Last call: If you want to blog with me while Dan Onorato and others are in China -- let me know. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to blog on a DAILY basis about the trip, Pittsburgh's connection to China, all of our Chinese Restaurants, what it means to really REDD Up, and more.

Pittsburgh leaders set for China trip - Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh community leaders and company representatives are traveling to China on Friday for an eight-day mission aimed at building business relationships with the country, they announced at a news conference Tuesday.

Among those making the trip are Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Mike Langley.

We've got a blog dedicated to this activity, Allegheny.blogspot.com, so you don't need to feel as if you got hooked into blogging at this Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates Blog. There, we can talk like Emperors, with or without clothing.

Public statement from today to city council - 4-11-07

White House seeks "czar" to oversee wars: report - Yahoo! News

White House seeks "czar" to oversee wars: report - Yahoo! News: 'The very fundamental issue is, they don't know where the hell they're going,' Sheehan told the Post.

Sheehan said he believes that Vice President
Dick Cheney and his hawkish allies remain more powerful within the administration than pragmatists looking for a way out of Iraq, the Post reported.

'So rather than go over there, develop an ulcer and eventually leave, I said, 'No, thanks,' ' Sheehan told the paper.

Retired Army Gen. Jack Keane and retired Air Force Gen. Joseph Ralston were also approached and said they were not interested in the position, the newspaper said, citing sources.

Ralston declined to comment while Keane confirmed he turned down the job, the Post said.

Education Week: A Digital Decade

Education Week: A Digital Decade “Billions of dollars are being spent each year in an effort to prepare schools and students for tomorrow’s technological demands and challenges,” we wrote. “And the fast-changing landscape of educational technology only complicates the task for policymakers and administrators who seek to make ‘smart’ decisions about how to proceed.”

That was the news from 10 years ago. Today is is worse.

Twanda and two others, staffers, are in hot water

Humm.

If the Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board was functional, perhaps some of this could have been avoided sooner.

Regardless, Twanda is toast. She is sunk politically, I expect. So, let's not spend too much time wondering about her when we need to spend more time looking ahead. Who is the best qualified to be on council to take her place? Who has the best statements and vision for council district 9? Who is going to win the D primary? Who is going to enter the general election? Who can beat David Adams? And, isn't he, David Adams, the best for the job?

I'm name dropping here as he isn't in the D party primary. And, he wants to be on council. And, I know that the winner of the general election is the won to take the oath of office come January 2008.

Seminar for those interested inthe Pgh Gifted Center

Wed. April 18, from 3:30 to 7 pm, a seminar is being hosted by the Pgh Gifted Center.

Details here and on the Google Calendar for that date and time.

Excel 9-12. Slides, news release and video from Pgh Public Schools

In case you missed it:

Excel 9-12: "Education Committee Presentation

April 10, 2007

Florida and Puerto Rican manatees may be removed from 'endangered species list' - Wikinews

Great news.

Florida and Puerto Rican manatees may be removed from 'endangered species list' - Wikinews The Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service or USFWS has announced that the Florida and Puerto Rican manatee will most likely be removed from the Endangered Species List and have their status upgraded to 'threatened.'

Handling the panhandlers. Anyone home?

Return phone calls to the media and to citizens.

Handling the panhandlers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Councilman Jeff Koch, who represents Central Oakland including the main drag leading to the University of Pittsburgh, did not return phone messages.

Dick Skrinjar, spokesman for Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, referred questions to police and said those who are complaining should call the city's 311 help line -- 412-255-2621.