Could a Constitutional Convention be in PA's future?

If there is a Constitutional Convention in Pennsylvania, I want to be there.

Folmer Introduces Constitutional Convention Act

... Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) has introduced a bill (SB1290) to call a constitutional convention. SB1290's language is identical to that of the Citizens' Constitutional Convention Act that has been posted on the PACleanSweep website for over a year and was submitted to the Senate State Government Committee last Spring.

The bill would create a convention with a delegation of regular citizens (not legislators or lobbyists) who would then discuss the issues that Pennsylvanians want to discuss - the size of the legislature, term limits, a part-time legislature, redistricting and other structural changes. Such a convention could also discuss reforms to the executive and judicial branches.

The convention would be prohibited from discussing or altering Article I, the Declaration of Rights. Any other changes to the constitution would require passage by two-thirds majority of the delegates. These two measures would prevent the convention from getting bogged down in partisan issues and would ensure that only the best reforms are created. Delegates to the convention would be selected in non-partisan elections where no party affiliation is noted on the ballot.

Article I Section 2 of the Constitution states: "All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper."

Despite this noble and proper ideal, the Constitution itself specifies no method for the people to actually act on it. SB1290 creates the vehicle to do so. This bill needs the support of all Pennsylvanians!

Please, call your Senator TODAY, and ask why they haven't co-sponsored SB1290 yet. If your Senator refuses to co-sponsor it, ask whether he/she believes in the language contained within Article I Section 2. Call your Representative as well, and ask him/her to sponsor a version of SB1290 in the House of Representatives.

While you're at it, call your legislators' OPPONENTS in the primary election and ask if THEY would support SB1290! If you make this an election issue RIGHT NOW, legislators will be FLOCKING to sign on as co-sponsors!

Three cheers to Senator Folmer for doing the right thing. Three more to Senators Piccola and Wonderling for being first in line to sign on as co-sponsors.

Find & Contact Your Local Legislators

SB1290 Online

Constitutional Convention Q & A

About PACleanSweep

PACleanSweep is a non-partisan effort dedicated to reforming state government in Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.PACleanSweep.com.

ACTION does NOT equal HOLD

Over at Char's blog, I left this posting in a thread about the sign.

To be sure, the 'non-action' was from Kraus, not Dowd. Kraus introduced a measure that was then in the next breath put into limbo with a 'hold.'

Kraus put in a measure that asks the one in the private marketplace to shoot oneself in the foot and fix an ill caused by the city. The city needs to get its act in order -- first.

The solution from Kraus is a joke -- without a punch line -- as it is on 'hold.'

Meanwhile, Patrick Dowd is being prudent as he might need to sit as 'judge' in a zoning case. That is a role of city council. So, if he puts his cards on the table -- he would disqualify himself from the looming role.

Regardless, there are dozens of ethical complaints that should be filed on this. It is way too long for the legal advice to appear, for starters.

Diamond Appeals Gingrich Forgery Decision to PA Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2008

Republican state House candidate Russ Diamond today filed notice of intent to appeal a recent Commonwealth Court decision to allow Mauree Gingrich’s name to appear on the April 22 primary ballot in the 101st legislative district, despite evidence that dozens of signatures on a petition she signed as circulator under oath were forged. The notice was filed in Philadelphia by Diamond’s attorney, Lawrence Otter of Bucks County.

At issue is whether Gingrich intended to deceive the electorate by signing a false circulator’s affidavit and subsequently filing a false candidate’s affidavit in which she swore to “not knowingly violate any election law.” The Commonwealth Court decision was issued by visiting senior Judge Keith Quigley, who ruled that Gingrich’s story about collecting the signatures in question at a “nacho party” at her home was credible.

Quigley seemed to overlook the obvious problem of two groupings of signatures from residents of Oak Street in Palmyra and Shady Lane in North Londonderry Township, which appear in numerical sequence and suggest the use of a street list by the circulator. Gingrich testified that her nacho party invitation went to Republican committee members. The twelve voters identified in the challenge were not committee members. Gingrich could not name the Republican committee members for her hometown of Palmyra.

“A false circulator’s affidavit is inherently deceptive,” said Diamond. “Mrs. Gingrich knew she didn’t collect those 25 signatures legitimately and we believe she knew that some, if not all of them, were outright forgeries. As such, her candidate’s affidavit is also false and her name should not appear on the ballot.”

“Had we been able to present our case, we would have been able to show that the testimony of Gingrich was not credible, but incredible,” added Otter. “We had twelve witnesses in court under subpoena to testify, but the judge only allowed one person other than Gingrich to take the stand. Although that person was alleged to be a close friend of Gingrich’s whose name appears on line 37 of the petition, even she testified she never signed it.”

During the Commonwealth Court hearing, Gingrich’s counsel allowed that the entire petition page 2 signed and sworn by Gingrich could be tossed due to the irregularities.

The case bears a striking resemblance to that of former Democratic state representative Linda Bebko-Jones, who was charged last week by Attorney General Tom Corbett with forgery and conspiracy in connection with her 2006 filing for re-election.

Ironically, both Diamond and Otter were involved in the Bebko-Jones case. Diamond assisted the late Dennis Iaquinta, a PACleanSweep-backed opponent to Bebko-Jones in the 2006 primary, in discovering the alleged forgeries. Otter represented Iaquinta in a subsequent petition challenge. Bebko-Jones withdrew from the race the day before a hearing on the matter was scheduled to be held in Commonwealth Court.

Corbett launched his criminal investigation after receiving a complaint from former state Senator Anthony "Buzz" Andrezeski, whose mother’s name was allegedly forged on Bebko-Jones’ petition. “State legislators are responsible for protecting the public trust and ensuring that they uphold the law and abide by it,” Corbett said in a press release regarding the Bebko-Jones case. “Nobody is above the law in Pennsylvania, and that includes our elected officials.”

The schedule for Diamond’s appeal will be set by the Supreme Court.

###

For more information: 717.383.3025 http://www.russdiamond.org/030508.html
win@russdiamond.org

My sole reason on the sign is for the peeps.

Will of Council - Sign at Grant St. Transportation Center

WHEREAS, following a recent fact finding meeting held by City Council on the issue of an LED Sign for the new Transportation Center, City Council believes the Zoning Department, in consultation with the Urban Redevelopment Authority, acted in error regarding its interpretation of the language and regulations contained in the Pittsburgh Code; and

WHEREAS, while language is often subject to legal interpretation, it is clear that the authors of the Home Rule Charter and the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances clearly intended to ensure that the right of the people to participate in major decisions, particularly land use matters, was the foundation for the very existence of the Regulations; and

WHEREAS, given the current controversy over the zoning process, and the fact that the Mayor and all Members of City Council recently signed a formal pledge that prioritized “excellence in service, increased access to and confidence in all City services by ensuring equity for all Pittsburghers;” and also committed to “improve the quality of life for future generations by identifying current land use opportunities and challenges facing the City” and “ensure the ethical operation of the offices,” it is only appropriate that the matter of the LED Sign be rescinded at this juncture.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby requests that the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh direct the City Zoning Administrator to take the necessary steps to rescind the current permit issued to Lamar Advertising for approval of an LED Sign on the Transportation Center, and direct that a new application be filed and processed under the guidelines of a Conditional Use Application as outlined in the City Code; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh also requests that the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Parking Authority rescind the Lease Agreement between Lamar Advertising and the Pittsburgh Parking Authority.

SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN BRUCE A. KRAUS

That is the buzz, above. Kraus did make a minor change, as he left something out.

I watched the end of city council today and took some notes as Mr. Kraus entered his plea about the sign that is NOT a sign to some. He put the above statement into play, and then in the next breath said he'd hold it. Here we go again -- much to do about nothing, yet.

His sole (only) goal is to protect the people and the process. It is never about politics.

Kraus says Grant Street is everybody's Main Street. We all share the communality. All the people of Pgh have the right to have their voices heard. To Kraus, the only reason to bring this forward at this time is to protect the peeps. Then other non-reasons are stated. Plus, the other other aim is to protect the taxpayer from litigation.

Kraus double talk: "The process is so flawed at this time that the only remedy is litigation." But, he puts in a statement that isn't litigation.

As soon as he gets onto the soapbox, he says, "I am willing to hold this."

He does NOT mean, "hold this dear." He means -- not act. He says a bunch of stuff and then does NOT want to have it come for a vote. He acts to hold. He takes two steps forward where no others want to tread and then he takes other steps to retreat. It is both a move and a non-move. It is a leap without any new height. It is a government official begging the private business entity to fix the problem before council.

Last week I said that the six hour council meeting looked a lot like a dog chasing its tail. This week, the Kraus measure has the circle running of folly going around and around -- but in a different direction.

Kaus is asking for his own statement to be held at this time. The self-censure comes after the speaking. If Lamar (the corporation) would voluntarily pull the obtained city permits, then, Kraus thinks, a transparent process can begin.

Then, Kruas feels, "this should be put out to a RFP. (RFP = Request for proposals) There are a number of other companies that are interested, as revealed in the P-G. It is good that Kraus is reading the newspapers. By the way, a RFP is better than a no-bid contract. But, the aim of a competitive bid process would be best.

Tonya Payne had other reactions. She is happy that Kraus is going to hold rather than rush to a vote. She passed out literature to other members of city council about what the LED sign(s) will look like. Then she went onto to connect the new LED sign to the blight that runs through the rest of the district.

This new LED sign does not take away blight. But, the arrival of the LED sign comes with a side-deal that other paper billboards will be removed from other parts of the city. Billboards = blight, so it must be.

Payne said that she doesn't know if people know how hard of a job it is to do community development. It is a tough, tough job. People in Ms. Payne's district are in favor of the sign. They have engaged people in town and in The Strip.

"We're elected officials. We are to protect every street and every person. They call councilperson Payne. They ask me to advocate for this sign."

Payne continued: "Is it legal for the city and the mayor to ask for the rescinding of the sign? You can always file a protest at the zoning board of adjustment. If you are so into 'process' you can file a protest with the zoning board.

"We also need to understand the whole intent of the sign. It is to remove blight." Lawrenceville people call to remind her to take down the paper billboard. They want signs removed. They want to get the LED signs. "You can use the LED signs in a number of ways -- like an Amber Alert. You can't do that on a paper sign," said Payne.

"To change an electronic LED sign is just as easy as sitting at a computer -- and boom. It appears. We have to be cautious to ask Lamar to rescind," said Payne.

How many paper billboards are going to be removed if Lamar pulls out? At the end of the day I'm going to advocate for the people in my district she said.

Rev. Burgess:

He pats councilperson Payne's advocate efforts. But then he said his concern is not for the merit of the sign. Burgess is concerned with Lamar Advertising. The court case with Monroeville is on his mind. In the interest of open government, Lamar would stop from all activities with the construction of signs." They should go through the appropriate city process he said.

This open, transparent process would strengthen all the citizens faith in the institution and the city. Lamar is a huge company. They do a lot of business with the city. That their concern of the city would get them to withdrawal. They go through the process. That transparency would be good for their business.

Some on City Council want to ask Lamar to cease and dismiss. Go figure. Both Burgess and Kraus have hopes that Lamar is going to act in ways that are counter to its best interest. Things have been paid for, delivered and are about to be installed. They think Lamar will want to offer up for bid something that they already jumped through city hoops to acquire.

Kraus again: The merits are not on the sign. Sole concern is the voice of the people, in all matters with zoning. We are locking out the people. I only want them to have a voice. They have been shut out. Now we are going to ask the people to write the check for the legal fees. Kraus is still willing to hold the measure and not push it ahead. Otherwise, Kraus said, "We will let the legal process sort this out."

Ms. Payne: The people in her (downtown) district were not left out of this process.

Mr. Kraus: The people in the rest of the city were left out.

Mr. Motznik turn. He is against the measure too. "Voice my objection to the resolution. It has been read into the record. Facts: We have differences of opinion. I'm not going to fight anyone on it. Within the resolution, I do not agree that anyone acted in error. There is some confusion on interpretation. Some council members interpret other ways."

"Whether or not Lamar should rescind, I feel they went through the process that we have and they have a legal permit. Lamar has been going through a process since '03. To eliminate a number of billboards to eliminate blight. We are opening up ourselves up for a law suit.

"Strongly disagree that this is the first LED on Grant Street. Packet shows what Lamar has done -- exactly. See what is going on. See what's been done. Photos show on Grant Street that LED came up. First time with photos 3 outdoor ad signs. Lamar removed them, eliminated 282 sq. feet. Invested in the building: Before / After photos. Shows that the city is viable and open for business. $200,000 investment wasn't required.

Next, Saw Mill Run Blvd. Two outdoor signs on concrete silos. Ugly billboards. Lamar spent $150,000 to remove the eye sores. I grew up playing in the woods behind this area. There is a private partnerships that we form with the city and Lamar. These are good neighbors we are dealing with.

Next is Saw Mill Run and Rt. 88. Four outdoor signs eliminated and replaced with one LED. Before and after pictures presented.

It is not for or against billboards. I'm thrilled that they are eliminating them. The befor and after photos are astonishing. Intersection of Broadway and ??, some $30,000 was spent in landscaping to properties because I asked them to.

Beechview, again. Clean up.

Motznik is a big supporter for props to show exactly what is going on.

These are examples of how Lamar is helping with community advertisements. Beechview Centenial Celebration at no cost, etc.

I don't think things were done in error. The administration used that process to eliminate blight.

A lit sign shows life (like downtown Manhattan) that the city is open.

I'm sure Lamar has done the same thing (clean up of older signs) in other districts.

Mr. Shields:

I don't take issue with the elimination of blight.

Mr. Peduto:

I had a deal that I would not speak if Mr. Motznik would not speak. I want to add my name to Rev. Burgess in support. We are not going to agree. That is good.

My issue is nothing about a billboard. My issue is about the same set of rules for everyone. The expansion of non-conforming use is Zoning 101. A conditional use application is required to come to city council for approval. There has to be a public hearing. Any exterior changes greater than $50,000 has to come to city council. With a $7M sign, it has to go before the planning commission.

It is about fair and equal application of the law for everyone. We have a responsibility in writing the laws and insuring that they are carried out.

Not even getting into the bids -- open -- or whatever. We ...

There is a time that the laws that city council places are not being fallowed. I have a legal and moral obligation to speak my mind. I don't know if I can find that in the city code.

I'll wait a week.

I'm in your (Kraus/Burgess/Shields) corner on this one.

Mr. Deasey:
It would be appropriate to hold until after Mr. Specter gives us a legal opinion.

Mr. Dowd:
Thanks Mr. Kraus. I'm still not clear that it is an appropriate time to speak on this matter. I had heated words with Mr. Peduto. I'd like to keep myself at bay until we start down that road. I have some real questions as to our role as council. As individuals, we are citizens. We can speak. After we come together as five, we are a body. As a council I'm not clear what actions we are permitted. As individual we can speak out. We can stand before the cameras. As a body there is a different point here. Not sure where responsibility ends and beings. I'm not saying anything on the sign. There is an appropriate moment and we are not there yet.

The resolution is asking the chief executive of the city to command a regulator to make a specific action. I am not clear yet. Where in the code are we authorized (as a body) to command / to direct a regulator to make s specific decision?

I am deeply concerned about process.

We need to understand what our role is in this process.

No one has rendered a decision -- which is unconscionable. That is reprehensible. We pay people to do that work.

Or, until we can point to a specific point in the charter.

So I urge us to think very carefully about what our role is.

Not that we 'feel' that we have a right to do certain things. We are after clarity and we are after rule of law.

Mr. Kraus:

Thanks Mr. Motznik. I suppose that the litigation process will determine the validity. The golden triangle area district may not apply.

Lamar has been a great neighbor in many ways. I come from a background in business. I often take the high road to insure that my customers come back to me.

Lamar can volunteer to pull their license.

There is nothing that speaks to blame in the resolution. I'll reserve blame. Why we don't have a legal opinion on this -- (hat tip to Patrick).

They are only required to be at the table to write the checks to go to litigation.

Also there was some insert into the resolution (above) for the expansion of Non-conforming use -- put onto the record.

Mrs. Payne:

I'm hearing that the majority says that the process is flawed. Then we need to change the process. Maybe you should change the whole process.

Mr. Kraus:

Our process is pure and good. The process was not followed. That is the arguement.

Mr. Burgess:

Planning and zoning is the committee I chair. That is a secondary discussion. Later. I intend for us to have that discussion.

Shields:

In the words of Mr. Ford. 'Then we must agree to disagree.' That can not be the outcome. There must be resolution. I do not think that the mayor has any authority to recind anything. The mayor can NOT recind a parking ticket. The mayor can not help in getting your car out of the tow pound.

Football has guys in striped shirts. Our biz has guys sitting in robes. Then we find a fact finder. Just like they did in the Monroeville case.

Agree to disagree is not the ultimate decision.

Courts are a wonderful thing. That is part of our government. When we get into a pickle -- we need a court.

The photo (from Ms. Payne) is the first time that this is in public.

Sunshine act worries with newspaper in the Parking Authority.

Due concern. We are not here to stick sticks in people's eyes.

We all have serious issues. After six hours, I think we hit the limit. Blah, blah, blah other issues and other work to do. We have perspectives here. We have debate. We have positions. We don't hide. This is a lesser issue with human life (shootings, etc.) He is proud to be with all of you today. We will move to get this resolved.

Move to tragic death of ex employee, with a gun. ... discussion ends.

If I have any of the words wrong -- and wrong to the core meaning -- I'd be happy to edit the statements above. I know that these are notes taken quickly. They are NOT an exact transcription. Send me your notes and I'll edit. Or, just post in the comments on this posting.

Hat tip to the other bloggers too. 2PJ had the text at the top in a google document.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania Libertarian Parties Join for Convention

Malvern, Pa., March 14 - 16, 2008

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2008

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Harrisburg, Pa. – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania and the New Jersey Libertarian Party will, for the first time, hold a joint convention March 14-16 at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Malvern, PA.

The convention will feature presentations by our presidential candidates, workshops, special guest speakers and the LPPA’s annual awards ceremony.

On March 14, 2004 LP Presidential candidate Michael Badnarik will teach a full-day class on the Constitution.

The next day, eight 2008 Libertarian presidential hopefuls will participate in an exciting debate. “This will be excellent opportunity to evaluate these presidential hopefuls prior to the national convention in Denver,” said LPPA Convention Chairman James Babb.

An assortment of political activists, Badnarik, LP National Chairman Bill Redpath, Free State Project PorcFest organizer Rich Goldman, and author and self-described “tax heretic” Larken Rose will speak at different times throughout the weekend. Libertarian Party Co-founder Don Ernsberger, who currently serves as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), will be Saturday night’s keynote speaker.

The convention will close Sunday after delegate credentialing and completion of state business.

Babb said the joint convention promises to be one of the best conventions ever.

“This unique two-state convention will provide great opportunities to collaborate,” he said. “Don’t miss it.”

James Burns, Libertarian, visits Pittsburgh's Thomas Jefferson Think Tank -- WED night

Last month, as part of our series on the proper role of government, former Congresswoman Melissa Hart joined us (Thomas Jefferson Think Tank) to give her thoughts on the subject and her observations from her years in Congress.

Ms. Hart advised a slow incremental approach to moving the Left/Right – Liberal/ Conservative needle of the American Political scene more toward the right side. The Constitutionalists advised a more hard line approach. They wanted a legislator to use a “Just Say NO” approach, to just vote down any legislation that in any way doesn't meet their criteria of what the Constitution says.

This month, we will have another guest speaker. James “Libertarian” Burns, one of the front-running contenders for the Libertarian Party Presidential nomination, will join us. The format will be the same as last month, with Jim giving a short talk and then participating in a question and answer session. We look forward to meeting Jim and hearing his thoughts on the Libertarian approach to government and how it will address and hopefully solve the many problems facing us in the 21^st Century.

Come join us to see how Libertarian ideas survive the “Ray” test. Are Libertarians the true “Agents of Change”?

Come early to enjoy the food, drink, and bring a friend. We will see you Wednesday, March 5, 2008 located at Silvioni’s, 2125 Babcock Boulevard. Dinner will be served until 7:00 pm. The meeting will start at approximately 7:15 pm.

Meeting reminder about schools

Don't forget the A+ Schools forum on IB:

International Baccalaureate (IB) 6-12 will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2008, 5:30 PM on the 31st floor of the Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Avenue, Downtown (formerly known as the Alcoa Building). Hear about the IB and Middle Years programs and plans for the new school from teachers and administrators from Frick International Studies Academy and Schenley High School. You will have the opportunity to offer your input about important features of the International Baccalaureate School.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Don’t let parking keep you from coming Downtown. A+ Schools will validate parking tickets for the Mellon Square Garage!

I think it would be great if we had a huge turnout to express our thoughts on the proposed program/changes. I know that I have a few concerns about the anticipated move to expansion. Mr. Roosevelt has said that he would like to see more students taking the Diploma Program. What he hasn't said is how he is going to maintain a quality program with the high standards that have been important in the past. I have spoken with several parents of junior IB students who are currently (and one who dropped) Theory of Knowledge. For those of you familiar with the full IB program, TOK is a required course and extremely important. (check out the IB web site: http://www.ibo.org/). The class is offered over two semesters and currently begins during spring of junior year and continues to fall of senior year. One section of this class began with more than 40 students. Students were encouraged to switch to the other class, if possible, or drop it. It seems to me that the school and Roosevelt are at cross-purposes on this. They need to know that a few bad experiences will have a ripple effect; bad word-of-mouth will destroy the program. The program at Schenley has been very successful with some excellent teachers. We need to make sure that in the rush to expand, they don't lower the standards of the program.

Other Upcoming Events:
Parents of Schenley 9th and 10th graders have been invited to a general information meeting scheduled for 6:30 pm., Tuesday, March 11 in the Schenley auditorium. Another meeting will be held later for students who receive a letter of candidacy after GPAs etc. are reviewed.

Regularly scheduled PSCC is March 19, 6 pm in the Schenley library. Topic for the meeting is World Languages/ IB/IS.

amy moore

Edge of Sports calls PA's Senator Specter domain = Comcast's

Edge of Sports: "The story begins with the righteous anger of the cancer-surviving, 78-year-old Senator from Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter. He has presented himself to the sports world as the populist of pigskin, pushing back against the big, bad NFL in what has become known as SpyGate.

Love this line: Yet, a closer look at Specter's incentives reveals what some say is a most unpleasant stench.

"the Senator from the great state of Comcast." Is this fair?

Comcast is the No. 2 source of campaign funds for the Senator. Comcast execs and employees have given a reported $153,600 in contributions, going back to 1989. The No. 1 contributor since '89 is Blank Rome LLC, a lobbying firm that has dumped $358,483 into Specter's coffers. A chief client of Blank Rome is .... wait for it .... Comcast.

Hill District advocates take case to council - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

I was there. I spoke. I favor a CBA (Community Benefits Agreement) as there is so much public money in the deal.

Hill District advocates take case to council - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "More than 30 Hill District activists asked Pittsburgh City Council members today to hasten sluggish negotiations for a community benefits agreement tied to a $290 million hockey arena to be built Uptown.

Pens say things not as perceived...Committed to helping Hill

Hold the phone.

Pens say things not as perceived...Committed to helping Hill: "He said the team plans to have a practice rink at the new arena which youth hockey teams like those in its Hockey in the Hood program can use.

If the Pens want to help the local youth, then they should be building a facility that is NOT within the same complex as the arena.



The Penguins built an indoor ice rink in the city. That property is locked now. Nobody can use that park. The building is abandoned. The Penguins left us "high and dry."

The Penguins are the bad guys.

The Penguins need to right the past wrongs -- to the city youth.

The Pens should re-build a new ice complex on the South Side.

If the Pens want to build a gondola from the one facility to the next -- fine. We could use an air-elevator from the South Side, behind the hospital, to the Giant Eagle, and to the Hill District and the new arena.

Members of the OpenOffice.org Community have selected Beijing, China as host

Members of the OpenOffice.org Community have selected Beijing, China as the venue for their 2008 Annual Conference (OOoC0n), which will be held between October 15th and 17th (provisional dates). The result of the on-line ballot of Community members was as follows:

Beijing (China) 597
Orvieto (Italy) 126
Amsterdam (The Netherlands) 62
Bratislava (Slovakia) 56
Budapest (Hungary) 50
Dundalk (Ireland) 22

This marks a milestone in the development of the OpenOffice.org Community, as it will be the first time that OOoCon will be held outside Europe. The voting also shows the continuing growth of the Community, with the number of votes cast over 50% up on last year.

Peter Junge, joint leader of the successful bid, was delighted with the result: "The Beijing OOoCon team is really honoured to be the Community's choice to organize and host this years OpenOffice.org Conference. We are looking forward to welcome a large number of OpenOffice.org contributors from all over the world. Let's celebrate the globally grown community for the first time outside of Europe. Now, it's our job to face the big challenge, to land OpenOffice.org at a new shore."

Every year, a completely new team stages OOoCon. The result is a conference which has a lot of fresh energy every year, guarantees surprises, but which is also reliably interesting. Many attendees consider it to be one of the most informative and friendliest open-source events to be found anywhere in the world.

The Conference website is here:
http://marketing.openoffice.org/conference
People interested in attending are invited to subscribe to the Conference mailing list by sending a blank email to mailto:ooocon2008_discuss-subscribe@marketing.openoffice.org

The OpenOffice.org Conference Team

Peters Township to play Schenley in girls hoops playoff game on Tuesday at C-M

O-R Online Peters Township, which plays City League representative Schenley in the second round Tuesday at Canon-McMillan High School, has only one loss outside of section play. The Indians are a staggering 14-1 in non-league action.

This is like a home game for Peters.
In the boys playoffs, the first round knock out of Schenley is covered here:

The Daily News - McKeesport cruises past Schenley in state opener: "Alexander and Marshall combined for 34 points as McKeesport upset Schenley 59-49 before an overflowing crowd at Allderdice."

Speaking of Waco -- did you see the post, Keep your eye on the target?

Rom Paul's message is in the comments.

Sunday, new month, so settle in for some Chris Chandler time

First, a true story from me. When I went to graduate school, I hitch-hiked to get there. I had graduated from Ohio University in Athens. Next, I took a 'graduate assistantship' at Bayor University in Waco, Texas. Waco is 100-mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifiles north of Austin. I had never been there. I was moving after a couple of months at home in Pittsburgh. I had a dog. The dog didn't come at first.

So... I picked up a local writing assignment in August, covering the USA Diving National Championships. It was head at Settler's Cabin, an Allegheny County Wave Pool. filed an article to Swimming World Magazine and then headed to Texas.

So, this article from the newsletter of Chris Chandler, T.H.E. .M.U.S.E. .A.N.D. .W.H.I.R.L.E.D. .R.E.T.O.R.T. takes me back. Chris reports that the piece is part of a monologue from the play he is working on. When he comes to Pittsburgh, I'd love to have him perform a 'house concert' (again) with us.

By Chris Chandler http://www.chrischandler.org


From "…And I Ain't Gonna Be Treated this A-Way."
A new one man play in progress

By Chris Chandler

In this scene I am driving and have just picked up a hitch-hiker.

So, where ya headed?

"Austin." Of course… Dunno why I asked. I mean you're standing on the side of the road with your thumb in the air holding a sign that tells me exactly where your headed. "Austin." And I have to ask.

Sometimes I wish we all walked through this life holding a sign that announces where we are headed.

I guess now that I think about it, we do kinda carry one that announces where we've been – ya just gotta know how to read it. But that’s a different story,

The Female voice of the GPS: "Continue on Texas Farm Road 3721 for 437 miles."

Yea, it’s a GPS. Whoda thunk that ten years ago? A global positioning satellite in my car. Heh, I like its like carrying a sign that announces where I am.

The Female voice of the GPS: "Then prepare to turn left on US 290."

So, now that we know where we are, and where we're headed I guess the only remaining question is: Where ya coming from?

Oh yea?

I like it out in New Mexico. That’s where they filmed The Road Runner Cartoons.

The ambient music changes

Huh? The music? Oh, its satellite radio. I like it out here in the middle of nowhere. Though, I think its funny…. They call it Sirius. Named after The Dog Star – Sirius. The brightest star in the sky -- 'Least it used to be.

Now the brightest star in the sky is the Nortel Satellite.

The very thing that the "Sirius" Satellite is named from has been given second class status by… well, The Sirius Satellite itself. One of nature's greatest feats has been replaced by something manmade. Like a ski lift to the top of Mt Everest or Barry Bonds beating Hank Aaron's homerun record.

Oh sure they named the company "Sirius" after its -- casualty -- to "honor" it I suppose -- but it kinda feels like naming your sports team "The Washington Redskins," or your subdivision "Nez Perce Estates," or your town "Taos," or your state "Dakota," or your method of traveling across the high plains in search of Buffalo Wings a "Winnebago," or the bank you financed it all with "Shawmut."

The only thing I know about that is there aren’t too many Redskins that could afford to go to a Redskins game or drive a brand new Jeep Cherokee.

Next to the Sun and the Moon - nothing in the sky has been written about more than that star. The Egyptians based their calendar on when it. They used it to predict if it would be a hot dry summer or cold winter or if the Nile would reward her with her fertile flooding.

Funny thing is I do too. I use it for the weather channel.

I like this channel here. The show's called "Disorder." They play the best of everything regardless of what genre it is – as long as it's good. Like you might hear Rachmaninoff played next to The Cramps, or Pubic Enemy played next to David Allen Coe.

'Cos if its good – it lasts. Like… like evolution. If you’re a bug, or a bird or a jelly fish, or an ape and you are good at being an ape or a jelly fish – odds are you're still here. There is no "order" to it.

You can't look at the stars and see a pattern like when you can look at the wallpaper in a Cracker Barrel where you see nothing but one big pattern that blurs in to general lack of wonder.

The stars are indeed wallpaper – but they are God's wallpaper, and God doesn't shop at Home Depot.

Although he does occasionally hire Mexicans out of the Home Depot parking lot just to piss off John McCain.

The Radio plays Butch Hancock:
You can drive all day and never leave Texas
You can drive all night and never leave home
Everything's real but not everything mixes
There's somethings even love leaves alone."


Well, yea - you're right about part of that… Texas is big, but I don't think its ugly, In fact - I think it's beautiful – in its ummm… ugly perfection. It has so wholly achieved the zenith of ugliness – that it is in-fact flawless. It is perfect – even if it is perfectly ugly – and you can't argue that perfection in and of it self – is not beautiful. It's just kind of an acquired taste – like gin and tonic or the poetry of Rilke or the later films of Mel Brooks.

But I always say – you can't comment on the scenery unless take the trip.

Its like if you take a picture of any one place out here in the middle of nowhere – its ugly. Tumble weeds and dust. Cacti and cattle. But when you drive across it something cathartic starts to happen. It's hypnotizing. You see shit that’s not really there. Or is it there all the time and you have to drive for 14 hours straight to find it?

You drive from El Paso to Orange your whole perspective starts to shift. You see her as both vast… and tiny.

You see the barren bluffs and they seem to go on for ever – like this highway. But then the moon rises, and some bug hits your windshield – just below the belt of Orion And you look to Orion and you see the vastness of this landscape – our lives - as tiny.

Its like Horton hears a Hoo – only in reverse – and the elephant is traipsing around the universe trying to get everyone in the galaxy to shout at once "We are here! We are here!" So that we -- here on earth -- will know that heaven is out there too.

But the people here are too busy to notice.

She is so big. And How could they? They are surround by "big" every day of their lives. People just can't imagine anything bigger. So they like to brag about it, cos people will brag about anything. It may be the one constant in the universe. While Orion stands up there looking down on you - and me -snickering beneath his celestial breath.

"You can drive all night and never leave home."

'Cos Orion knows all about that one constant in the universe. People will brag about anything… When the state of Alaska was applying to get in the Union the people down here were complaining that Texas would no longer be the biggest state in the union. The people of Alaska said, "Oh quit your whining or we'll cut ourselves in half and you'll be the third largest state."

So, what kind of music do you play? That’s why I picked you up – the guitar case.

Really?

That’s brilliant. You just use the guitar case as a suit case 'cos people are more willing to pick up a guy with a guitar. I guess it's true. It worked for me.

I once bought a VW micro Bus in Nashville, only I was in Atlanta at the time and I had to get up there somehow. So I went down to the thrift store and bought silly costume cowboy hat – gigant-toe – ten gallons hell! It was 10 oceans – and I stuffed my cowboy boots into my jeans – then I found this ridiculous white blazer with wide lapels – 70s type -- and I got a roll of electrical tape and made a big musical note on the lapel. I carried an old beat up guitar and a card board sign that read "Nashville." And stuck my thumb in the air…

Le me tell ya – I got to Nashville faster than I could drive the microbus back to Atlanta.

I think I made it there in three rides, and I played the part for each one. But I wasn't lying to them. I mean, I wasn’t headed to Nashville to get on the Grand Ol Opery or anything. But they wanted to believe that. I just let them. It was easier for them to accept than I am a traveling performance artist. Too hard to explain. "Acclaimed by the crowded heads of Europe."

No, it's easier to fake some Hank Williams song in the front seat of a Bonneville for a stranger – and tell em I am a musician then try to explain me sittin of a stage with a video projector, pretending to drive while talking about being in the front seat of a Bonneville playing Hank Williams songs while truckling for some audience's approval in the same manner that I did when I was a child and I dipped my fingers into some mildly toxic Crayola brand soup and smeared it on a piece of news-print hoping my mother would scotch tape it to the turquoise refrigerator from which came the life giving forces of food.

But Hell, that’s the reason most of us do anything – so we can consider ourselves as important as the grocery list or the phone number of the milk man. Oh, to be held in place by a magnetic bottle opener on the Metropolitan Refrigerator of Art just ONE MORE TIME! Dunno why I am so ashamed of it that I have to lie about my own motivations.

What's that?

Your not really headed to Austin? Now, that’s what I am talking about. It is easier to just tell the passing traffic that your headed to Austin. People can relate to that. Who wants to pick someone up whose headed to Dripping Springs? No ones ever heard of that – and Austin is close enough to what they need to know.

One time I was flying to a gig, and I had on this preacher outfit – so sure, I played the part. The whole flight. I had to switch flights in Detroit. They asked me at the ticket counter, "Mr Chandler, what is your final destination."

I answered, "Well, heaven I hope."

My dog joined me in Texas around November after I had the house situation resolved.

My ride to Texas was in a van with a few divers from the meet.

Another Austin singing star was in Pittsburgh today doing a house concert. I missed it. Stephanie Corby rocks.

Graham appears to be favorite for Penn Hills job - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Looks bad for Ex-Coach Neil Gordon.

Graham appears to be favorite for Penn Hills job - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review A longtime Penn Hills High School assistant football coach appears to be the leading candidate for the head coaching position.

A majority of school board members said Friday they are planning to support Ron Graham as the Indians' new head coach. Board members spoke on the condition that their names not be used.

Time will tell if this is good reporting. Don't you just hate public officials who are going to speak with their words not associated with their names.

Councilman wants a vote on controversial billboard

Councilman wants a vote on controversial billboard Also a must to Mr. Kraus is a competitive process by the Pittsburgh Parking Authority to decide who gets the opportunity to put a sign on the Grant Street Transportation Center, a parking garage and Greyhound Lines station to open in summer. Authority officials offered the opportunity only to Lamar Advertising, as part of a deal in which it would take down six other billboards.

Yes, Kraus is right.

The "no bid contract" aspect is what is the worst.

Kraus says that "Now we have other contractors coming in ..." Well, .... good job to the P-G's Rich Lord for that. But, it is the principle of the thing. That is what should be the red flag. I don't care if there are no others singing the blues. Doing the dance with exclusions just stinks.

Allegheny County Parks Action Plan Town Hall Meetings

Allegheny County Parks Action Plan Town Hall Meetings: Saturday, March 1 meeting, White Oak, McClure Middle School from 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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Parks Department - What is the Aquatics Test?

Are you fit enough to be a lifeguard for Allegheny County?

Parks Department - What is the Aquatics Test?: "What is the Aquatics Test?"

Carbolic Smoke Ball: RAVENSTAHL AUTHORIZES CONSTRUCTION OF MYRON’S MAUSOLEUM; EMBALMED BODY OF STEELERS BROADCASTER TO REMAIN ON PUBLIC DISPLAY THROUG

Carbolic Smoke Ball: RAVENSTAHL AUTHORIZES CONSTRUCTION OF MYRON’S MAUSOLEUM; EMBALMED BODY OF STEELERS BROADCASTER TO REMAIN ON PUBLIC DISPLAY THROUGHOUT FOOTBALL SEASON:

Construction of the Myron Mausoleum is scheduled to begin next week.

Russ Diamond kicks off race for PA House and points out the folly of those in power now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 29, 2008
http://www.russdiamond.org/
For more information: 717.383.3025
win@russdiamond.org

DIAMOND: Court Decision Only Raises More Questions

“It has always been my practice to review the nominating papers and petitions of my political opponents. I believe every candidate should do the same. After examining and investigating the filings of my opponents this year, I was shocked to learn that voters who purportedly signed a petition the incumbent claimed to have circulated denied having signed it at all. Frankly, I believe forgery was committed.

“To be clear, we found other problems with the petitions, including wives signing for husbands and corrections of voter municipalities by another hand. Although these are technical violations of the law as written, I consider them minor and undeserving of a legal challenge to a candidacy. However, multiple instances of forged signatures on a petition – especially when the petition’s circulator is the candidate – is a very serious situation.

“After a legal team put the formal complaint together, we notified the incumbent in advance of filing the case due to the severity of our findings. We also notified – through various channels – prominent members of the Republican Caucus in Harrisburg. I believe notifying the Caucus and the incumbent was only fair to afford everyone an opportunity to conduct a private review, do the right thing and facilitate a withdrawal from the race. No such action was taken and they decided to go to court.

“Although Judge Keith Quigley believed the incumbent when she said she didn’t know how forged signatures made it onto her nominating petition, the fact remains that many forged signatures do appear on her petition. Our claims of peculiar irregularities on the petition were not imaginary. In fact, during the Commonwealth Court hearing the facts became even clearer: The incumbent’s nominating papers contain dozens of forgeries (far more than we originally alleged) on a petition she signed as circulator and testified under oath was in her possession at all times.

“This raises the question of identity theft and the victims of the 101st district deserve some answers. Who forged the names? Where was the incumbent when it happened? Why did she sign as circulator if she didn’t witness the signatures? Why did she make a bogus petition part of her filing? Who are the victims supposed to call on for justice in this case – their State Representative? Last week the incumbent told the media she was looking into the problem. I believe it’s time for her to let everyone know what she’s discovered.

“I cannot imagine ever allowing anything like this to happen in my campaign. I entered the 101st race with integrity as the cornerstone of my platform, and I will continue to insist on integrity in every aspect of this campaign.”

Diamond Kicks Off Campaign in Annville

The Russ Diamond for State Representative campaign officially kicks off on Friday, February 29 with a meet-and-greet event at campaign headquarters, 109 West Main Street in Annville. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and will end at 9:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited.

From people & vips

For more information:
717.383.3025
www.russdiamond.org
win@russdiamond.org