Signs of the times: Council is right to call for billboard pause

A moratorium is NOT a fix. A moratorium is another layer of red tape. A moratorium is two-steps backward before there is any hope of going forward.

Again, Bruce Kraus offers a blunder of a solution. This isn't a solution. Likewise, his measure on the billboard with a will of council that was then put ahead with "a hold" from its sponsor was NOT worthy of the sink of time.

Again, we see folly. Again, we have council acting like a dog that chases its tail.

Signs of the times: Council is right to call for billboard pause: "Councilman Bruce Kraus has called for the moratorium while the disagreement is resolved. Further, council has drafted a remedy that would give council a vote on any sign replacement agreements. That fix, in the form of a short amendment to the zoning code, may not be quite right. The solution must be consistent with other parts of the code, and that blanket power for council does not seem to be.

None of this is to suggest that a moratorium on billboards should be permanent. A group in Lawrenceville, for instance, wants two new digital signs in the neighborhood in exchange for Lamar removing more vinyl versions.

The challenge will be finding a way that continues to allow advertising that enlivens the cityscape without cluttering it up.

Council has more work to do.

Of course council has work to do. And, the real work of getting to the roots of our problems are far into the distance of a hope of a dream of a vision that is but a seed from those on council now. That seed for attacking the roots of problems is wrapped in red tape and within an apple core in some circular file on Grant Street in an office around a smoke eater. Progressive victories lay there. Oh so close.

Pitt says fatigue is not factor

I agree. Fatigue at NYC's MSG wasn't much of a factor.

The officials were more of a factor. Foul line performance is going to be a MUCH, MUCH bigger factor. Pitt's players have to sink the foul shots to advance deep into the tournament.

Pitt says fatigue is not factor: "Pitt says fatigue is not factor

The other 'fitness factor' that is worthy of some serious consideration -- Denver is at altitude.

Pitt has good bench strength. That's great.

However, the arms are going to feel very heavy much more quickly. The pace of the game and the use of subs -- while making those foul shots -- is going to be huge.

Oral Roberts has played at altitude many more times than Pitt.

And, if the team (and it should) advances to play Temple, the breakneck speed of the game is going to take a serious toll on the team.

They need to run like crazy -- then step to the line and swish those foul shots. Then run crazy again and NOT foul. Run into positions, away from the ball, preventing the back-door dunks/lay-ups.

Running in Denver isn't like running in NYC. Well, to be honest, the running is the same, but the recovery and the thinking while running isn't.

I'd worry more about the recovery after the first round victory and the second round game.

If Pitt makes its shots and stays out of foul trouble -- it can just crush Oral Roberts. Play subs freely. Stay fresh. Rotate in and out and get into the game in two heart beats.

Hail to Pitt!

Sex-ed topics too narrow, group says

Education is about awareness. Education is to open eyes and eliminate blind spots. Ignorance is the enemy of education.

Sex-ed topics too narrow, group says Sex-ed topics too narrow

It makes sense to fight against narrow outcomes and narrow-minded leadership, especially when it comes by design.

Parents are needed to push and pull both the educators and educational administrators beyond their 'comfort zone.'

Our kids are not be be short-changed. Our kids are advanced -- and advance beyond 'comfort zones.'

I don't want 'dumb' leadership and lesson plans that are incomplete.

Personally, in our family, I understand that the topic of sex-ed, is too important to trust to our children's teachers. We have plans for getting our boys these lessons concerning their whole lives -- not just the narrow slice of life that the school might teach. Our Whole Lives, also known as OWL, is a program offered within our church community for our young teens. Other versions are for younger groups too.

Regardless of what we do in our faith community and our family -- we need to insure that the other kids are enriched with an understanding of the whole story of how and why human biology and life unfolds.

"In Pittsburgh Public Schools, teens aren't receiving the information they need to make healthy and responsible life decisions," reads the petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/pghhealthed.

I signed the petition.

I would NOT say that "abstinence programs are ineffective." That has to be bad reporting. Rather, I fully endorse abstinence for the behavior of the youngsters. Abstinence is effective if the aim is to avoid babies. However, "abstinence programs" are not holistic educational programs. Let's not advance educational lessons that contain glaring blindspots that ignore many aspects of the human condition.

I know how a nature unfolds and, say, a lightening bolt occurs. Lightening, thunder, and forces of nature are understandable, teachable and respected. For example, I don't need to get hit by lightening to comprehend its meaning and get an "A" in my high-school science class. If I should get hit by lightening, I'm dumb enough to NOT get an "A" in science class.

I voted. How about you? Go for the Pittsburgh based choice. And, I also mean STBD.

The web video/TV series, "Something To Be Desired", is currently up for a Yahoo! Video Award for Best Series. The winner is determined solely by online voting. The Pittsburgh show is currently in third place. So, to put it quite simply, in this election year, I am asking for your vote. Here's all you have to do:

Go to http://www.yvideoblog.com/blog/2008/03/11/yahoo-video-awards-best-series/

Click the little circle next to "STBD: Pittsburgh"

Tell everyone you know to do the same.

I'm very proud of my involvement with this show, and it could really use the attention that winning this award would bring. Any help you could give us would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Erik Schark
- husband of Gwen Walker
- former NYC actor and casting director
- current Pittsburgh actor
- PR dude for PodCamp Pittsburgh
- all-around great guy

Community Benefits Agreements: Another CBA in Pittsburgh?

An entire blog about Community Benefits Agreements with a NY author:

Community Benefits Agreements: Another CBA in Pittsburgh? Another CBA in Pittsburgh?

IOC chief opposes�boycott of Beijing Olympics - Saturday March 15, 2008 1:14PM

Let's state the obvious from the ones with the largest self interest.

SI.com - Olympics - IOC chief opposes�boycott of Beijing Olympics - Saturday March 15, 2008 1:14PM: "IOC president Jacques Rogge opposes a boycott of the Beijing Olympics over China's crackdown in Tibet, contending such action would only hurt 'innocent athletes.'

Now that that is out of the way, let the games begin.

American Gas -- or non Saudi Oil

This came from a church friend. I'm not sure if it is true or not.

WHERE TO BUY AMERICAN GASOLINE. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW. READ ON.

Gas rationing in the 70's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even have been good for us!

Are you aware that the Saudis are boycotting American products?

Shouldn't we return the favor? Can't we take control of our own destiny and let these giant oil importers know who REALLY generates their profits, their livings? How about leaving American Dollars in America and reduce the import/export deficit?

An appealing remedy might be to boycott their GAS. Every time you fill up your car you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia. Just purchase gas from companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis.

Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill up my tank, I'm sending my money to people who I get the impression want me, my family and my friends dead. Don't you think it might be of interest to know which oil companies import Middle Eastern oil and which do not?

These companies import Middle Eastern oil:

Shell = 205,742,000 barrels

Chevron/Texaco = 144,332,000 barrels

Exxon /Mobil = 130,082,000 barrels

Marathon/Speedway = 117,740,000 barrels

Amoco = 62,231,000 barrels

And CITGO oil is imported from Venezuela by Dictator Hugo Chavez who hates America and openly avows our economic destruction! (We pay Chavez's regime nearly $10 Billion per year in oil revenues!)

The U.S. currently imports 5,517,000 barrels of crude oil per day from OPEC. If you do the math at $95 per barrel, that's over $524 million PER DAY ($191 BILLION per year!) handed over to OPEC, many of whose members are our confirmed enemies!

Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:

Sunoco = 0 barrels

Conoco = 0 barrels

Sinclair = 0 barrels

BP / Phillips = 0 barrels

Hess = 0 barrels

ARC0 = 0 barrels

Maverick = 0 barrels

Flying J. = 0 barrels

Valero = 0 barrels

All of this information is available from the U.S. Department of Energy and each company is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing.

But to have a real impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. With the help of the internet, it's really simple to do. Now, don't wimp out at this point....keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Ja!

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Ja!: "Hannibal Hopson, a freshman at Pittsburgh Schenley High School, has taken German since he was in kindergarten.

He said he had chances to change languages, but said, 'I actually like the language personally. I want to be at the highest level I can get.'

He likes the pronunciations and the fact German is close to some other languages."

The language instruction in the city schools in some situations is wonderful. Sadly, it isn't always nearly as good as it should be -- and could be.

EU wants more legal involvement to curb doping - Friday March 14, 2008 2:03PM

SI.com - More Sports - EU wants more�legal involvement to curb doping - Friday March 14, 2008 2:03PM The European Union's top sports official wants legal authorities to work closer with sports associations to catch doping cheats.

They want more involvement -- but I don't.

Let's not blend sports and the drug war.

I want legal constraints to delay authorities. Authorities that take action need roadblocks. Otherwise, there are no liberties. Otherwise, freedom goes away.

We do NOT need to send people to jail for cheating in games. We do not need police and authorities to worry about athletes.

Blogging and Newspapers, a Lesson in How Not to Brand and Market - Blog Maverick

Mark Cuban's article has good insights.

Blogging and Newspapers, a Lesson in How Not to Brand and Market - Blog Maverick Blogging and Newspapers, a Lesson in How Not to Brand and Market

Bloggers are not on the outside in the locker room with the Mavs of the NBA.

Cuban's firm belief: Newspapers having "bloggers" is easily one of the many bad decisions that newspapers have made...
...

I would be doing everything I could to send the message that "The NY Times does not have blogs, we have Real Time Reports from the most qualified reporters in the world. Like blogs we post continuously , 24x7x365 to keep you up to speed, unlike blogs, we have the highest level of journalistic standards that we adhere to...

Okay, that said, it does NOT make much sense to have a "Bloggers' Guild."

"I am not free to speak my mind as I see fit," said Luke Ravenstahl

Those are the words of a guy who is less than free.

Later, Mayor Ravenstahl gave his endorsement to Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Michael Lamb is backing Barack Obama.

Video at Busman's Holiday.

I Luv Luke: My Supreme Advice For Mr. Ravenstahl

I Luv Luke: My Supreme Advice For Mr. Ravenstahl: "Mr Ravenstahl, must make the sign on the bus station bigger and make your picture appear on it over and over."

My comment at 2 Political Junkies - on city cars being taken home by employees

Blogger: 2 Political Junkies - Post a Comment Repeat after me, 10 times if you are of the Dem party: 'Purse strings.'

Repeat it 100-times if you are elected to city council.

They need to -- they MUST -- attack at the money aspects.

For example: Any car that is not in the parking lot (city car pool) nets a $50 fine for the last person to have that car -- and $150 charge back to the employee's department.

That is just at the top of my head, quickly. The point of the matter is that money, policy, charges, and fines can be put into legislation and not into management -- IF -- they are creative. Trouble is -- they (city council members) don't know purpose and they (city council) are not creative. And, they don't have the moxie to do what must be done.

The fight has to be about purse strings. Otherwise, council stays meaningless.

Main Page - Wikinews, the free news source

Some of the other bloggers in Pittsburgh didn't know of WikiNews.

Main Page - Wikinews, the free news source Welcome to Wikinews -- The free news source you can write!

Part of the motivation and purpose of the just hatching Pittsburgh Bloggers' Guild is to secure 'press passes.' For some others, the big jackpot would be an opportunity to interview one of the two frontrunners in the D-party nomination.

Conservative White House reporter using pseudonym gains access to Presidential press briefing and classified documents - Wikinews, the free news source Conservative White House reporter using pseudonym gains access to Presidential press briefing and classified documents

I'm much more interested in sharing bits and content. The first necessary effort is to cover dates and events. When i raised this concern with the others at last night's meeting, the first of its kind devoted to journalistic bloggers in the region, the reply was perfect. They all agree that the ones in power have no interest in getting community involvement in the operations of our public life. They try to hide authority meetings and all other types of gatherings.

Here is a weekly view at my public calendar. Tip: You might have a better view if you click the 'agenda' button on the top right corner.



Others can always subscribe to it. And, others are very welcome to send me an email so that your events can be put into the datebook as well.

I've been keeping this calendar for a few years now.

The $3 trillion war in Iraq

TheStar.com | comment | The $3 trillion war in Iraq: Only two winners have emerged from the conflict: oil companies and defence contractors

We stood where Andy Warhol walked

At Tiananmen Square.

In honor of the 2008 spring edition of the Carnegie magazine cover photo of Andy Wharhol.

Cover blurb: Andy loved to travel. So he'd have to love how his art is now circling the globe.

Marty Griffin drools over administration and spits on council

He asks callers to name one thing that city council has done. Matt H called and said that Dan D helped to re-open the Zone 4 police station. That got half a point, as the measure was also championed by the mayor's office.

The phones were not ringing, so I pondered what to say and finally gave Marty a call. But, the time had expired. Marty was whistling the scarecrow song from Wizard of Oz, "If I only had a brain."

What has city council done?

Humm... I have my own theme song. "Think Again." (My wife asks if they 'think at all?')

Accomplishments:

Only one is presently in jail (Twanda C.)

Council invited OVERLORDS into Pittsburgh. We now have two sets of overlords and neither are getting kicked out of town.

There was the "Bubble Bill." (I hated it.) But, the bubble bill did withstand a recent court challenge.

I favor campaign finance reform measures -- but Peduto has kept that on back burner. And his wishes are not exactly what I desire.

Nonetheless, we need a balance of power in gov. So, council does NEED to get on its feet for city to have any hope of a revival.

Earlier in the hour, Jim Motznik was a guest on the program to talk about the billboards. We can't outlaw or put a moratorium on billboards.

City Controller sends warning signals to pals in other city departments

The city controller, Michael Lamb, is setting himself and his department for doing the baseline of what's called for in the job. He will do audits. This is more than what has happened in the past. But, it comes with big warning signals to other deparments. Get your books in order now.

Pittsburgh City Controller to audit City Council, other agencies - Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb said Wednesday he will audit City Council and eight other city departments before the end of the year.

Future audits will cover the Allegheny Regional Asset District Trust Fund, employee worker's compensation procedures, the city housing authority and earned income tax. The city controller's office is currently auditing the city's police property room, Office of Municipal Investigations, Bureau of Building Inspection and emergency medical services.

The city charter requires performance audits of all city agencies, trusts council and units of government at least every four years. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl endorsed the audit schedule, according to a statement.

I'd love to see the controller do 'surprise audits.' Don't give a warning.

And, do some 'spot' audits too. Look for system audits. Turn records over to electronic systems. Have open access for the public on transactions within all the departments of the city and authorities.

There are about a thousand things to do -- and with this news, we find out that the bare basics are expected.

City school career, technical courses to get major changes

City school career, technical courses to get major changes Saying the district's career and technical programs have been poorly operated, Pittsburgh Public Schools officials last night proposed a sweeping overhaul that would organize revitalized programs into eight 'academies of excellence' and provide more central-office oversight.

The poor operation of Pgh's career and technical programs is the blame of the present administration and the board.

The root of the poor operations is the loss of South Vo Tech High School.

When South Vo Tech closed, there was a promise to do something else -- something better.

Well, nearly a generation of students have been lost. The thing to have done was evolve South. To put something else in place before South was closed.

There are so many jobs going out of the region -- and worse -- out of the country. There are some jobs that can't move like others. Plumbers are needed here -- on these pipes in our buildings.

Heating and Air Conditioning workers are needed here. We can't export that like we can 'robotics.'

If cosmetology leads to state certification -- then ask how many have been state certified? Hint: Often the fingers on one hand can reveal the answer.

If the district cared about drop out rates, they would NOT have closed South Vo Tech in such a rapid and unthoughtful way.

Many of the students that were at South were in their second or third high school. South wasn't perfect. But, it was a school that kept kids motivated. It helped get kids to graduation -- and into the workplace.

Everyone isn't cut out for college at age 16 or 17. And, the PPS had a top administrator who forced college on everyone. The trades were discounted. Hence, drop outs became the only option.

Floswimmr - Profiles - Garrett McCaffrey Blog

Floswimmr - Profiles - Garrett McCaffrey Blog: "monopolizing USA Swimming coverage is not a productive step towards
building the sport's exposure."