Hector Dolphins, here we come

We might have a dolphin experience tomorrow.

It rained all day today. But, we still got to a welcome tea via bikes. Then we went to the local bike shop and got some reflector tape/bands for Erik. He wanted them for his legs to keep his pants out of the pedals.

Tonight both Erik and Grant had swim practice with their respective groups. Each are in with about 36 others of similar abilities. Erik's group was 6 to a lane (4 lanes). Grant's was slightly smaller. Both the boys swam well.

Both are doing very well on the bikes as well.

We booked a bus ride and dolphin adventure for tomorrow. The van / shuttle will pick us up at 7:45 am and take us to a 'French' village, Akaroa. The names are French, but not much else. We'll see.

Glad it is raining here and not in Pittsburgh, as our house is without a roof. So, we'll take the bitter weather pill here. Plus, Australia is in a massive dry spell.

Catherine discovered that when you go to the market, you can't order a pound of turkey breast.

Got a $.5 coin today that is worth $0. I'll do a video blog on that soon. Quiz time.

The class began on campus today as well. And, it seems we'll be in some swim meets as well.

Saturday and Sunday, I've signed up for training.

Our phone # is 03 364-2715. Please don't call. Send email.

Final quiz; The swim team -- how do you say it? Wharenui is how it is written.

Swimming Pool Christchurch - Wharenui Swimming Club & Sport Centre

Swimming Pool Christchurch - Wharenui Swimming Club & Sport Centre Welcome to the Wharenui Sports Centre, the home of the Wharenui Swim Club in the heart of Christchurch.

We swam here yesterday. Will return tonight.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

The big boot of enforcement now has a new patron saint.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that local law enforcement agencies will soon be able to apply for grants to enforce and prevent the unlawful operation of slot machines.

The grant program was developed and approved by the Legislature as part of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act and funded with $5 million annually from money generated from slot machine facilities.

David Adams, candidate for city council in NOVEMBER, gets a TV interview

David Adams, a candidate for Pittsburgh City Council in district 9, (Twanda's old seat) is slated to be PCNC's TV show on 8 pm on Friday -- live.

Peace and Blessings from the invisible man, (nick named for the obscurity in this political process)

I thought I would share with you all my opportunity to "step-out" as a candidate will be live Friday on the cable news station PCNC, as I will be part of a panel discussion. P.J. Mahony from 1410 KQV will be the host at 8:00pm until 9:00pm with encore presentations 2:a and Monday 5/5 at 5-6p.

With the few days we have left I wish all my colleagues godspeed in their endeavors.

Dave Adams

David had been registered as a "republican" but switched to 'no party' affiliation recntly (before the deadline). He is going to be on the "Libertarian ticket" I've been helping to establish.

Appeals court allows smoking in bars, for now

Appeals court allows smoking in bars, for now Enforcement of the smoking ordinance in taverns and restaurants is on hold again.

Johannes Ernharth posted:

Re: PG Editorial: "Disarm America? Here's how"

Sorry for poaching your observation on the 1st being protected by the 2nd. but it can't be said enough...

Someone else should target their moronic insistence that the right to bear arms is extremist. What? As extremist as an Orwellian door-to-door confiscation?

Also, make sure to post LTEs to the lppgh.org website.

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Before accepting Dan Simpson's gun abolitionist suggesting outright, I ask readers consider these points before rallying to such short-sighted causes.

1. How ironic is it that Mr. Simpson's right to his own career is protected by the 2nd Amendment he wants to shred? All individual freedom to say "no-thanks" to government force (even in a democracy) is similar.

2. With over 200 million guns in the U.S. alone, its fantasy to believe a meaningful ratio of guns will be confiscated. Only the law abiding will comply (although this proposition would meet stiff resistance) and criminals with guns will have an easier time with crime.

3. Disarmed people are potential victims entirely dependent on others for their safety. Experience shows us the police mostly curtail V. Tech-like events long after they start. Often, they arrive only in time to count the dead and start an investigation, as it is with most any murder. Even an armed, uniformed guard could have been an easy, unsuspecting target for the well-planned Seung-Hui Cho.

4. Imagine the V. Tech outcome if, after Cho shot his first, he was greeted by 5 randomly drawn pistols operated by trained, decent individuals? What if Cho knew this was a possibility beforehand?

5. History shows that individuals can only kill a limited number before they are stopped. Governments have killed hundreds, thousands, even millions at a time.

The truth is we'll all be safer if more trustworthy people trained to safely operate and carry guns vs. some Orwellian confiscation.

Pirate's to host technology night at PNC Park - Sept 7

The Pirates are going to host a 'technology night' at PNC Park on Sept. 7, 2007. This should be fun. More news later.

Takes $25,000 to get onto the ballot in S.C. for President

The debate is on May 3. Should be interesting. The fee to file to be on the ballot in S.C. is $25,000 -- for candidates for president.

Ron Paul Files in South Carolina

Republican takes important step toward securing GOP nomination

May 1, 2007

ARLINGTON, VA – South Carolina Republican primary voters will be able to choose Congressman Ron Paul when they vote for the Republican nominee for president. Today, Dr. Paul filed the necessary paperwork with the South Carolina Republican Party and paid the required $25,000 fee.

“With Ron Paul on the ballot, South Carolinians will now have a true conservative they can support,” said Ron Paul 2008 campaign chairman Kent Snyder. “We know that Dr. Paul’s message of freedom and limited government will resonate with the citizens of the Palmetto State.”

Officially joining the field in South Carolina comes in the midst of exciting times for the Ron Paul 2008 campaign. Dr. Paul recently returned from successful trips to New Hampshire, Arizona and Iowa. He will participate in the first Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Library this Thursday, May 3.

War, future, and Ron Paul's remarks

Getting Iraq War Funding Wrong Again
April 30, 2007

This week, Congress finalized the controversial $124 billion Iraq emergency supplemental spending bill, with the House and Senate both voting in favor of final passage. The majority of my Republican colleagues and I voted against this measure, and the president has vowed to veto the legislation.

In this final version, the House leadership retained billions of dollars in pork meant to attract skeptical votes, retained a watered-down version of the problematic “benchmarks” that seek to micromanage the war effort, and continued to play politics with the funding of critical veterans medical and other assistance. In other words, this final version was even worse than the original in almost all respects.

As I wrote when this measure first came before the House, we have to make a clear distinction between the Constitutional authority of Congress to make foreign policy, and the Constitutional authority of the president, as commander in chief, to direct the management of any military operation. We do no favor to the troops by micromanaging the war from Capitol Hill while continuing to fund it beyond the president’s request.

If one is unhappy with our progress in Iraq after four years of war, voting to de-fund the war makes sense. If one is unhappy with the manner in which we went to war, without a constitutional declaration, voting against funding for that war makes equally good sense. What occurred, however, was the worst of both. Democrats, dissatisfied with the way the war is being fought, gave the president all the money he asked for and more to keep fighting it, while demanding that he fight it in the manner they see fit. That is definitely not a recipe for success in Iraq and foreign policy in general.

What is the best way forward in Iraq? Where do we go from here? First, Congress should admit its mistake in unconstitutionally transferring war power to the president and in citing United Nations resolutions as justification for war against Iraq. We should never go to war because another nation has violated a United Nations resolution. Then we should repeal the authority given to the president in 2002 and disavow presidential discretion in starting wars. Then we should start bringing our troops home in the safest manner possible.

Though many will criticize the president for mis-steps in Iraq and at home, it is with the willing participation of Congress, through measures like this war funding bill, that our policy continues to veer off course. Additionally, it is with the complicity of Congress that we have become a nation of pre-emptive war, secret military tribunals, torture, rejection of habeas corpus, warrantless searches, undue government secrecy, extraordinary renditions, and uncontrolled spying on the American people. Fighting over there has nothing to do with preserving freedoms here at home. More likely the opposite is true.

Croc Coach Bios

Coach Mark Rauterkus
Coach Mark, dad of Erik, 12, and Grant, 9, has a long swim coaching history including six seasons at NCAA Division I Programs (Ohio U, Baylor U, Bradley U). He coached state-record breakers in PA, Ohio, Illinois and New England. Mark had been helping with Green Tree but joined the Crocs in 2006 to continue working throughout the year with Coach Mike and the Carlynton Swim Club. Before parenthood and politics, Mark published many sports books. In recent time, Mark and the family have enjoyed swim experiences in China, Canada and New Zealand. In 2007, Mark looks forward to organizing a biathlon (1K swim + 5K run) on the morning of July 4, 2007. Two water polo clinics are also planned. One in the evenings with Crafton Celebrates and the other in the mornings in August.

(Insight to other coaches in the comments.)

Just for the record, our cat and house sitter is a guy who ...

We've got people staying and even working in our house while we're away.

I'm going without a cell phone!

To reach me, send an email. Don't call. I'm not going to check my voice messages until June 11.

We could set up a telephone conversation via my private TalkCast area on http://www.TalkShoe.com. However that is going to need to be set up via email prior to the meeting.

Should we need to talk or have an interview, call: 724 444 7444 and my private group call room is with Talkcast ID: 901. I'll need to log into the system via voice over IP.

Rally to Stop the Bus Cuts: We need him to lead us...

We need Santa Claus to lead us in the fight to put religion back into holiday of Christmas.

We need Barry Bonds to lead us in the fight against the use of steroids in major league sports.

We need the Roman Catholic Pope to lead us in the fight for the women's right to choose to reproduce.

We need Dan Onorato to lead us in the fight against the drastic bus service cuts of the Allegheny County's Port Authority Transit.

Let's be careful with what we wish for in terms of our leadership.

PA's Governor, Fast Eddie Rendell, has his driver speed him around Pennsylvania. Today's news buzz spoke of his willingness and eagerness to zoom around at 90+ MPH on PA roads. In my opinion, Ed Rendell should NOT be the one to stand for safe driving, safe highways and responsibility.

---

Dan Onorato wants a free ride in his elections. But, Dan Onorato doesn't want to insure that the citizens of Allegheny County have the freedom to travel around the county on public transportation.

New bits on YouTube have been uploaded

Some content has been posted to my site on YouTube.com. Watch -- or better yet -- subscribe -- to my YouTube.com feed. http://www.YouTube.com/Rauterkus

This is one bit. The others are on my page.
Reactions welcomed. Feel free to forward what you wish to others.

Everyone, out of the pool. No swimming again at Carlynton High School

Yesterday, Thurs, April 26, 2007, there was another bomb threat at Carlynton High School. (Carnegie, Crafton, Rosslyn Farms) So, swim practice, swim lessons and even home and away sports events were nixed for then and today.

Sorta sux for the kids and programs.

Candidate forum set in advance of May 14 primary election

Candidate forum set in advance of May 14 primary election On May 10, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and challenger Rick Swartz will meet at 6 p.m. at Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road., Hill District.

I would love to see this on YouTube from New Zealand. Help!

Group pressures Onorato on cuts by Port Authority - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Wow, 20,000 signatures. Wonder how many don't have 'middle initials' nor are from registered voters with signatures on file that match election department records?

Seriously, I signed. I'll be there. This effort was wonderful.

Group pressures Onorato on cuts by Port Authority - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "The Campaign to Stop the Bus Cuts wants Onorato to gain greater access to Port Authority of Allegheny County's financial records and specifics of service cuts that will start June 17.

Hundreds of group members plan to deliver the petition to Onorato's office at noon. The group includes members of several community organizations, including the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, The League of Young Voters, and Save Our Transit."

Imagine that -- Onorato doesn't have a good handle on the financial records. Onorato has been saying that the $25-million that the county pays into the PAT budget is the single largest line item within PAT's budget. But, that amount hasn't changed in years. Furthermore, it shouldn't be the biggest amount. Passenger fares should be greater.

Some are 'stealing' bus service, and I know right where these folks hang out. You'll find them on the bus. Not all, but some.

PAT's ridership needs to better pull its own weight. And, PAT's management hasn't done anything to fix this problem. Folks who get onto the bus in a park-and-ride in Marshall Township and ride into the city, avoiding car expenses and parking costs, are not paying enough.

Students, faculty and staff at Pitt who get on the bus without putting anything into the fare box are getting too much for too little.

Every area that can needs to do more. Onorato and Bland have not looked at the entire picture, yet. Raising fares isn't the first thing I'd have done. But, raising fares should have been done by now, especially for the institutional customers and those that live in the places of sprawl, beyond the central core.

PIIN Banquet -- powerful statement from Dick Gregory

Well done PIIN. The banquet was tonight at Station Square.

Great talker. I saw a video camera. Perhaps they'll put part on the web?

State court blocks McKeesport directors from seeking second seat

There is inside baseball. Then there is inside inside baseball.

State court blocks McKeesport directors from seeking second seat: "The Harrisburg court's ruling April 13 affirmed an order by the county Common Pleas Court that resulted in board members Dave Donato and Lori Spando having their names removed from the election ballot because each member is halfway through a four-year term.

Act 45 of 2006, amending the Pennsylvania Election Code, prohibits candidates from running for an office they already hold if their terms do not expire in that election year. Both Mr. Donato and Ms. Spando, who had successfully run for re-election in 2005, with two years remaining on their terms, said in their appeal that Act 45 was unconstitutional.

I promise, if I ever get elected, I won't ever run for relection for my seat until the term expires.

Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur Newsletter publishes my article on accountability

Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter The new age 'Scarlet letter' by Mark Rauterkus

Frequent TAE contributor Mark Rauterkus puts a new spin on a concept that's centuries old in the name of political accountability. Mark's website is http://rauterkus.blogspot.com .

The talk of reform in Harrisburg is starting to buzz. Two ideas recently presented to lawmakers at a hearing in Pittsburgh have roots in a business mindset.

First, show us the money. Second, if you cheat, we'll never do business with you again.

(Continued at his site, Ron Morris' - The American Entrepreneur FREE Newsletter .)