Ron Paul got some free media

A few different people told me today that Ron Paul had dropped out of the race for President. I said -- 'No way.'

Ron Paul won't drop out. There is no 'upside' for Ron Paul to drop out. Ron Paul isn't bucking to be John McCain's running mate.

The hunt for the R-party nomination started with more than a dozen candidates. Now there are two. And, with more states to visit and more brains to infect with the radical ideals of freedom - Go Ron Go.

Plus, Ron Paul has grandkids and books to sell.

Jefferson County Misses $184 Million Payment - News - NBC13.com

Jefferson County Misses $184 Million Payment - News - NBC13.com County commissioners have confirmed that Jefferson County has defaulted on a $184 million debt due to creditors today.

The payment was tied to the county's floundering sewer program.

Attorneys and financial advisors continue negotiations with credit companies to rewrite the terms of the county's debt in hopes of making future payments more manageable while avoiding the need to file for bankruptcy.

One UAB finance professor says the renegotiations are the county's best option.

“Jefferson County is in a good bargaining position because they can say ‘if we don’t renegotiate, we’ll file for bankruptcy,’ and while bankruptcy isn’t good for anyone, it is worse for creditors than it is for Jefferson County,” Professor Andreas Rauterkus said.

GeoCommunity SpatialNews gets Tom Murphy

GeoCommunity SpatialNews: "The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is pleased to announce that Tom Murphy, former Pittsburgh Mayor and senior resident fellow, Urban Land Institute (ULI)/Klingbeil Family chair for urban development, will keynote at GITA�s Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference, scheduled for March 9-12, 2008, in Seattle, Washington."

Tom Murphy stinks at transporation infrasturcture. He got us the big dig for the boondoggle that take light rail to the North Side Stadiums.

Tom Murphy stinks at retail/urban entertainment. He could NOT land a cinema. His administration did little -- except increase sprawl.

Dad on Fire Blues

http://www.stop-losscongress.org

Singer friends, Emma's Revolution, is singing a couple of songs at the world premier of "Dad on Fire Blues," by documentary film maker Scott Haman. It is a 20 minute short which begins when "Marines came to the home of Carlos Arredondo on his birthday with news that his oldest son, Alex, was killed in Iraq. In his outpouring of grief turned into rage, Carlos lit the Marine's vehicle on fire. Accidentally, he burned 76% of his body. He survived and has gone across America in a traveling memorial to his son. At rallies, marches and crowded intersections, Carlos and his wife, Melida, are dedicated to making people understand the cost of war." http://www.stop-losscongress.org

PIAA Girls' Basketball: PIAA title the standard for Mt. Lebanon coach

PIAA Girls' Basketball: PIAA title the standard for Mt. Lebanon coach An ultimate goal that the Blue Devils (26-3) and Schenley Spartans (24-4) are a few steps away from heading into a showdown at 6 p.m. today in the PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinals at Chartiers Valley.

A+ Schools meets about IB situations -- after decisions are made

Amy sent this report. I didn't attend the meeting. I'm sorta busy with the kids.

Just got back from the A+schools sponsored meeting on the IB program. It was nice to see so many familiar faces from Schenley, Frick, and even Linden. I am not a good judge of numbers so you will have to wait for the official report in the newspaper (if there is one) but I will say that the room was filled and they had to find extra chairs.

Designated speakers: Mr. Lopez, Ms. Reed, Mr. Huber, Mr. Casilli, and Ms. Smith. They gave a brief overview of the current IB diploma and the hopefully soon-to-be certified middle years program and then opened the floor for questions. We were told that we were not to discuss anything related to the building situation. After 3 or 4 questions were asked and answered (somewhat) they tried to close off questioning and break into groups for discussion. A large number of people protested and said that they would prefer having a longer question/answer session. By way of compromise, those who wanted the small group session went to one side of the room and those who wanted to keep asking questions went to the other. You can probably guess which side I was on!

I am sure Jen will have a more complete report of the meeting and the questions asked; she was writing furiously.

When the school becomes full IB, will there be any mainstream kids? What happens to the kids who are now called IS? Don't think that was answered. Some confusion with current grouping of PSP. As it currently stands, acceptance into Schenley's magnet has been dependent upon acceptable grades.

What happens to kids who can't keep up with the rigorous program?(They will have better support systems so that kids don't fail. Nice thought but not realistic!

Will the high standards of the program be maintained? (the high numbers in Theory of Knowledge were mentioned)

Is there any flexibility or will all kids be taking high level IB classes?

I managed to get in my question about the world language teachers considering the problems that Frick has had with hiring. Mr. Lopez said that they were just discussing the problems of hiring and that he will be going to Michigan to recruit and teachers will be offered contracts in April not August!!!!!

Cate Reed said that they have 125 kids signed up for 9th grade which came as a surprise to those of us who have been talking with Frick parents. this is one area where I hope that I am wrong. I hope that there will be a strong freshman class. They again assured us that the 9th graders will be able to participate in sports with the rest of the high school.

In closing, the small groups gave brief reports emphasizing the need for rigor and strong leadership.

Just some quick thoughts; I will probably remember more later. If anyone who was at the meeting wants to add anything, I will be happy to pass it along to the group.

amy moore

A+ Schools meets about IB situations -- after decisions are made

Amy sent this report. I didn't attend the meeting. I'm sorta busy with the kids.

Just got back from the A+schools sponsored meeting on the IB program. It was nice to see so many familiar faces from Schenley, Frick, and even Linden. I am not a good judge of numbers so you will have to wait for the official report in the newspaper (if there is one) but I will say that the room was filled and they had to find extra chairs.

Designated speakers: Mr. Lopez, Ms. Reed, Mr. Huber, Mr. Casilli, and Ms. Smith. They gave a brief overview of the current IB diploma and the hopefully soon-to-be certified middle years program and then opened the floor for questions. We were told that we were not to discuss anything related to the building situation. After 3 or 4 questions were asked and answered (somewhat) they tried to close off questioning and break into groups for discussion. A large number of people protested and said that they would prefer having a longer question/answer session. By way of compromise, those who wanted the small group session went to one side of the room and those who wanted to keep asking questions went to the other. You can probably guess which side I was on!

I am sure Jen will have a more complete report of the meeting and the questions asked; she was writing furiously.

When the school becomes full IB, will there be any mainstream kids? What happens to the kids who are now called IS? Don't think that was answered. Some confusion with current grouping of PSP. As it currently stands, acceptance into Schenley's magnet has been dependent upon acceptable grades.

What happens to kids who can't keep up with the rigorous program?(They will have better support systems so that kids don't fail. Nice thought but not realistic!

Will the high standards of the program be maintained? (the high numbers in Theory of Knowledge were mentioned)

Is there any flexibility or will all kids be taking high level IB classes?

I managed to get in my question about the world language teachers considering the problems that Frick has had with hiring. Mr. Lopez said that they were just discussing the problems of hiring and that he will be going to Michigan to recruit and teachers will be offered contracts in April not August!!!!!

Cate Reed said that they have 125 kids signed up for 9th grade which came as a surprise to those of us who have been talking with Frick parents. this is one area where I hope that I am wrong. I hope that there will be a strong freshman class. They again assured us that the 9th graders will be able to participate in sports with the rest of the high school.

In closing, the small groups gave brief reports emphasizing the need for rigor and strong leadership.

Just some quick thoughts; I will probably remember more later. If anyone who was at the meeting wants to add anything, I will be happy to pass it along to the group.

amy moore

House Rep. calls for Olympic ban - Thursday March 6, 2008 2:47PM

Ouch. I might need to place a few thousand phone calls to the voters in Virginia.

SI.com - More Sports - House Rep. calls for Olympic ban - Thursday March 6, 2008 2:47PM A House Republican -- chafing over President Bush's plan to attend this year's Beijing Olympics -- wants to legally prohibit U.S. government officials from using federal money to go.

Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., cited concerns about China's record on human rights during a congressional hearing on Thursday and said Bush's presence would be akin to President Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting in the same stands as Germany's Adolf Hitler in 1936.

Wonder if Wolf ever heard of Adolph Kiefer or Jessie Owens?

I know Adolph Kiefer, an American hero and great man and business innovator -- plus Olympian in 1936. His life story includes a trip to the Olympic Games in German and many since then too.

Pittsburgh should raise parade fee cap, controller says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh should raise parade fee cap, controller says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review The 22-page audit says the 2006 St. Patrick's Day Parade put on by the Irish Society for Education & Charity cost the city $11,970 for public safety and public works services, but city policy caps repayment at $3,000.

Wow. We are on the road to prosperity now.

Pittsburgh Underwater Hockey | We Puck Underwater

Pittsburgh Underwater Hockey | We Puck Underwater: "We play underwater hockey at Pine-Richland High School (19 miles N of Pittsburgh).

When: Tuesday, 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM except August
Try it free the first time, $3 per week, or $80 for the season (September - July)

Contact: Deb at

Underwater Hockey Links
http://underwater-society.org/

Texas sized problem in calling election for Hillary

Consortiumnews.com Clinton had a big win in Ohio, and a substantial victory in Rhode Island. But imagine the narrative had the press noted that she appeared to be losing Texas.

Penn Hills now has two football coaches

Penn Hills now has two football coaches Penn Hills now has two football coaches

Looks like Coach Gordon is finished with Penn Hills after the spring lifting ends.

The article says he did not get an interview. A date was set, but no make-up was given.

Ravenstahl hasn't picked a candidate - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Ravenstahl hasn't picked a candidate - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewRavenstahl hasn't picked a candidate

Hey Luke, who are you going to pick for the empty seat on the Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board?

Who gets Luke vote for the D primary on April 22 is meaningless next to the important selection he gets to make for the now meaningless Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board. The Hearing Board has an open seat -- and I'm available for the non-paid position.

TONY PHYRILLAS: Gov. Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell

No bid contracts stink. That is the solution we need. That is what goes down in instances like the LED on the Parking Authority Building on Grant Street.

I want an end to all "NO BID CONTRACTS."

Competition works wonders. Be open. Be transparent. Make competitive bids.

TONY PHYRILLAS: Gov. Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell: "Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Gov. Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that the Rendell administration has awarded more than $800 million in no-bid contracts to companies that have political ties with Gov. Ed Rendell.

If this was a Republican governor, you'd have all sorts of investigations going on.

But this Ed 'Pay to Play' Rendell we're dealing with here. He gets a free pass.

The no-bid contracts were awarded Unisys of Montgomery County to run the state's data center for the next five years at $400 million, and $414 million in contracts over the past five years to Deloitte, a New York City-based company with ties to Rendell's administration, according to the newspaper."

Millvale: Run to Read 5K slated for April 12

Reading and Sports blending with community. Sounds like an event that fits with my mission and that of the Running Mates Blog! Millvale -- hope the water passes and doesn't stand!

Run to Read to support the Millvale Library Project!

The University of Pittsburgh's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor society for accounting, finance, and information systems students, is hosting a charity race to raise funds toward the establishment of a community library in Millvale.

Join the Pittsburgh community as they Run to Read in support of the Millvale Library Project. Held at the Millvale Riverfront Park, Run to Read is a 5k run/walk fundraising event to be held on April 12th, 2008. All proceeds from the race will support the Millvale Library Project as they seek to establish a community library in Millvale. Run to Read will also kick-off the Millvale Library Project Summer Reading Program, which invites children to get excited about reading and get involved with the Library Project.

In addition to the 5k run and family fun walk, local Millvale restaurants will show their support with donations of food and drinks for the participants. This 'Taste of Millvale' showcases local culinary specialties for donors and participants unfamiliar with the Millvale community. With prizes for age group winners, reading circles for children, and a 'Taste of Millvale', this is a Saturday morning suited for the entire family. Run to Read is sponsored by Beta Alpha Psi of the University of Pittsburgh and Deloitte and Touche.

The event is in my public calendar. And, a Google Document has more details.

Olympic Village: Cramped, costly - Wednesday March 5, 2008 5:07PM

SI.com - More Sports - Olympic Village: Cramped, costly - Wednesday March 5, 2008 5:07PM: "those interested in buying one of the units after the Olympics, be prepared to spend between $500,000 and $1 million."

Swimmer wants Rogge to speak out - Wednesday March 5, 2008 12:52PM

This is a bad idea.

SI.com - More Sports - Swimmer wants Rogge to speak out - Wednesday March 5, 2008 12:52PM Three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Pieter van den Hoogenband wants IOC president Jacques Rogge to speak out on human rights in China ahead of the Beijing Games.

Do not encourage others to speak on behalf of all the others.

Plenty was done, for the behalf of all the people in China, by those who could speak and act. What was done, and what is still being done, some might say, isn't always "nice."

Count on your own voice.

Now I'll need to go read the article.

Then I'll book the tickets to Netherlands and have a chat with this top athlete.

Today is the day that we are booking our trip there.

Raw Video: One Hill's opening remarks at public hearing seeking a CBA with new arena

This presentation is what it is. Lots of speakers came after this opening. Many of the speakers had much more to say. And, they said it better as well.

This public hearing was on Monday at 10 am and NOT on CABLE TV.

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.