This is how they stop UNIVERSAL Health Care

Looks good on the outside. But, these types of groups, (Chambers, etc.), have been the ones who offered up a great deal of push back to universal health care. The organizations sell insurance. They know that they'll die if all the members are insured.

Announcing a Health Care Plan for the Arts Community

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is proud to announce the arrival of a health care program for local individual artists and part-time and seasonal employees of local cultural organizations. This is not a traditional health insurance program, but a limited benefits medical plan that was designed based on input from the arts community about desired benefits and pricing. Eligible Arts Council members will have the opportunity to choose from three tiers of coverage. Starting at under $60 per month, the HM Care Advantage plan includes benefits for physician office visits, annual wellness tests and screenings, ambulance and emergency room coverage as well as discounts on pharmacy, vision, fitness and wellness services. Some plans also include an additional critical illness component. Coverage will begin on July 1, 2008.

First Information Meeting
Monday, March 31 at the New Hazlett Theater

The first informational meeting about the program will be held on Monday, March 31 at 6:15 pm during Last Days Café at the New Hazlett Theater. Last Days Café is a casual happy hour held the last day of each month from 5:30-8:30 pm that features time for networking, complimentary refreshments and a brief program. The New Hazlett Theater is located at 6 Allegheny Square East on Pittsburgh’s North Side. If you cannot attend, visit the Arts Council’s website www.pittsburghartscouncil.org after April 1 for dates of upcoming meetings and webinars and to download an informational brochure.

Questions? Interested? Contact us at 412.391.2060 x 234 or rfreytag@pittsburghartscouncil.org.

With the introduction of this plan, the Arts Council has taken an important first step towards making health coverage available to everyone in the local arts community who needs it. We look forward to taking more steps forward in the future!

Best Wishes,

Mitch Swain, CEO
Tiffany Wilhelm, Director of Development and Membership
Ryan Freytag, Development and Membership Coordinator

Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
707 Penn Avenue, 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3401
412.391.2060

All British athletes to be tested before Olympics - Wednesday March 26, 2008 12:26PM

Wonder if this was a 'no bid contract?' The bill has to be heavy.

SI.com - More Sports - All British athletes to be tested before Olympics - Wednesday March 26, 2008 12:26PM Every British athlete going to the Beijing Olympics will be drug tested at least once in the run-up to this summer's games.

UK Sport announced plans Wednesday for the country's most comprehensive pre-Olympic testing program, with more than 1,500 tests set to be administered on the athletes competing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Frank Deford: Pollution, politics have turned the glory of the Games into disrepute - Wednesday March 26, 2008 11:09AM

SI.com - Writers - Frank Deford: Pollution, politics have turned the glory of the Games into disrepute - Wednesday March 26, 2008 11:09AM: "in many respects the IOC and China are good bedfellows.

Chatham University to play Varsity Water Polo next year -- this weekend club games at CMU

CMU is hosting a water polo tournament this weekend.

Chatham University - Chatham Athletics - Water Polo: "“By adding Water Polo we are building on the strength of our Swimming/Diving program and utilizing our athletic facility in a new way,” said Buxbaum. “This team wouldn’t be a possibility if it weren’t for the addition of the AFC to campus in 2005 and we look forward to recruiting from a new group of students looking to compete in collegiate-level women’s Water Polo.”

The Blog of Burgher Jon: FIGHT!

The Blog of Burgher Jon: FIGHT!: "# Councilman Kraus says 'liar liar pants on fire.'
# Mayor Ravenstahl says No, you're the liar.'

Good back up:

The Busman's Holiday: Notes & Quotes -- Alleged Mayoral Threat Edition

Closed for executive session. Moratorium pending. Death eminent.

Local politicians seem to be hell bent on shutting down this once thriving town.

In other news: Rev. Burgess (city council member) asked a question where he didn't know the answer.

A bill proposed about 'signs' by Bruce A. Kraus is headed to 'executive session.' Then I expect it will hit the meat grinder.

Legislative Search gives the details of the bills from Motznik

Legislative Search: "2008-0238 Resolution In Standing Committee 3/25/2008
Resolution amending the City Council and City Clerk's Office 2008 Operating Budgets to comply with the Act 47 Plan of 2004."

Come and get it.

You'll notice resolution 2008-0238. That sends you to a PDF file.

The other is 2008-0239.

Looks like a resolution amending the 2008 operating budgets.

Vote: aid the U.S. Olympic Hall Of Fame

- U.S. Olympic Hall Of Fame -: "Vote now for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2008."

Swimming is on FIRE with 11 World Records since Feb

Speedo has a new swim suit. It is getting blamed for the recent rash of broken world records. Eleven have been set in the last month or so.

SWIMNEWS ONLINE - Swimming News, Swim Meet Results, Swimming World Rankings, Swim Links, Calendar: "11th world record to be set since February 16

The debate is started.

When is a swim suit really a speed boat?

Are two propellers the limit?

Can suits be worn in a second meet -- or do they have to be thrown out because they wear out?

I would never post anything on my blog about naked swimming -- nor the use of ONLY spray on suits. But, it should be part of that debate.

updated (repost of what I had in the message boards at collegeswimming forum):

Hi,

In WEIGHTLIFTING, when new suits arrived, they made a big impact upon performances. There is a bit of history there. The discussion about wraps and such is sorta similar. Those suits were (are) expensive as well.

In GOLF, many on the tour use clubs (now it is the putter) that are NOT available to others.

In CHINA, they have a great culture and work ethic -- if you can call it that -- of doing 'knock off products.' Trademarks and the copyright of designs, logos and such are given only fleeting attention.

It will be interesting to see how the suits are 'cloned' by the 'tailors' in the east. Fake wristwatches, fake Gucci bags, and soon, the fake LZR. Looks like a $800 suit -- but -- performs like a nano-impaired swimmer from the 1960s.

And as for these coaches that have contracts with other (non Speedo) brands. Does it really matter in helping or hurting the swimmer as to what suit the coach is wearing?

Finally, I'm holding out and waiting for the $10 swim suit that comes from a spay-on (aerosol) can! You can only wear it once. But, each can has dozens of applications. All are custom fit.

Update:

Told ya. A 'good coach' can position (the suit) as a positive.

SWIMNEWS ONLINE - Swimming News, Swim Meet Results, Swimming World Rankings, Swim Links, Calendar: "The way I think about it for the Canadians is that while others will have already had a chance to wear it and swim fast, the Canadians will have a little extra mental edge knowing that they have not yet worn it. A good coach can position it as a positive.'"

Drug War Explosion to Expulsion

The Aid Elimination Penalty of the Higher Education Act is a federal law that denies student loans and other education assistance to students convicted of a drug law violation. Tens of thousands of students have been kicked out of college because of it, mostly for simple possession of marijuana. Momentum is building to repeal this unfair law this year, but we need your help.

A few months ago, Rep. Barney Frank (MA) introduced legislation (H.R. 5157) to repeal the Aid Elimination Penalty. It now has 80 co-sponsors, more than enough to show House leadership that there's support for ending the draconian penalty this year.

On the Senate side, Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT) has introduced legislation (S. 2767) that would give judges the option of letting students keep their school loans as part of a sentencing agreement that ensures they finish college. If enough senators co-sponsor S. 2767 we believe we can pass it this year--and that's where you come in.

Please take a few minutes today to call your two U.S. senators and urge them to co-sponsor S. 2767:
http://dpa.convio.net/site/R?i=DW6IYMtCfgZ_rv9kC_U4_A..

Phone calls will make the biggest impact in this campaign. But if you can't call, you can look up the email addresses and fax numbers for your two U.S. senators at http://dpa.convio.net/site/R?i=LMLT2xBP6bORCQd8lSD8ag

It is vital that all members of Congress--Democrats and Republicans--hear from you. Congress needs to know that the American people want this law repealed. People shouldn't be discriminated against simply for what they choose to put into their own bodies absent harm to others, and people convicted of drug law violations shouldn't be denied opportunities to finish school and put their lives back together.

Thank you,

Bill Piper
Director of National Affairs
Drug Policy Alliance

More Information:

In 1998, Congress passed an amendment offered by Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) to the Higher Education Act (HEA) that bars people with drug law convictions--no matter how minor--from receiving student
financial assistance for specified periods of time (a year to life depending on the severity and number of drug law violations). More than 200,000 people have been denied student loans and other assistance because of the law.

In 2006, Congress passed a partial reform of the penalty. This change amended the HEA to allow some students with past offenses to receive aid, but it still retains the penalty for those whose offenses were committed while they were enrolled in school and receiving aid. In other words, tens of thousands of students are still being kicked out of college for minor drug law offenses like simple marijuana possession.

Source: Drug Policy Alliance mailing list at drugpolicy.org or 202.216.0035.

Hits close to home: Speaking of voters moving out of the "R" party for the chance to vote on the "D" side, well...

The bump from the 2001 primary has ended.

Republicans switching sides at voter registration deadline Republicans switching sides at voter registration deadline

My wife, a voter in the R party since my campaign for mayor as a 'free market republican' in 2001, finished the paperwork to become a D party voter.

I'm still NOT eligible to vote in the April 22, 2008, primary as it is closed to Libertarians.

My wife had been staying in the "R" party to give the vote to Ron Paul. But, the buzz with the D candidates was too much for her to ignore. She wanted her vote in that primary and we got the papers into the election office last week.

When I ran for mayor, as a Republican, I was able to get more than 100 others to join me and be "Rs" and vote for me in the primary. I don't have the exact amount. But I personally helped more than 100 become Rs then. My wife was in that boat too, until Friday.

We still have the Ron Paul sign in the window. She wishes, as do I, that votes could be devoted to Ron Paul, R. Oh well.

2 Political Junkies has been a nice source of events of late

Some cool events are being promoted at another blog.

2 Political Junkies EVENTS!

Those dates are now merged into the 'running mates public calendar.'

Here is a peek in agenda view:

Give Jim Motznik a BIG GOLD Star! He is the man today

Jim Motznik just stole the thunder from Dan Desey's car expense amendment.

I was working on a new complaint to the ETHICS HEARING BOARD that goes to the heart of the matter of what Motnik put onto the table.

City Council has 'encumbrances' and 'pre-encumbrances.'

I got to get the text of this measure.

Well done Jim!

He is attacking the 'slush fund' of city council.

But, he is pegging the money to public safety.

It is $140k or so.

Rev. Burgess is now a sorry camper. The firestorm is something he caused, so he thinks. Motznik is an instrument of brutality, so says the un-sorry Rev.

Snicker.

Seems that the ghost writers of the new measures from Jim Motznik have been from the same ones that lost their cars. The Rev calls it 'mean spirited.' Another level of antagonistic behaviors is expected.

Rev Burgess said that he won't get a response because it would take an act of 'masculinity.'

Hell yes, the city should live up to what Act 47 says.

They do what Rev. Burgess wanted us to do, says Mr. Motznik.

Bruce Kraus: I was threatened from the mayor at a fundraiser last week. From his lips to my ears.

Mr. Motznik: It isn't a threat, is is reality. Live by the sword, die by the sword.

Re-opening the budget is welcomed, in its entirety.

Peduto: Don't be drawn into the muck.

Right on Bill.

---

Update from the City Clerk, LJW:

The Bill numbers for the two sponsored pieces of legislation introduced by Councilman Motznik are Bill 2008-00238 – Amending the 2008 budget of Council and Clerk’s offices and Bill 2008-0239 – Liquidating certain pre-encumbrances. The bills will be available on the Council Information Center web site of City Council at the end of the day. You will be able to search by bill number to get the legislation in its entirety.

Sarkozy: Boycott can't be ruled out - Tuesday March 25, 2008 11:10AM

So, the French President might conduct a boycott -- of himself -- of the OPENING of the Beijing Olympics.

SI.com - More Sports - Sarkozy: Boycott can't be ruled out - Tuesday March 25, 2008 11:10AM French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Tuesday that he cannot rule out the possibility he might boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics if China continues its crackdown in Tibet.

Jeepers. The world can go back to sleep now. Stay home Sarkozy. Just be sure to send the athletes of France.

A Frenchmen, just within the week, set a new world record in swimming in the 100 free and 50 free.

Freedom Corner is a mess. Get the broom!

From clean-sweep

Eeks.

Freedom is frail. Freedom Corner is in need of repairs.

Sala and Tonya don't like each other.

Audit Freedom Corner!

From clean-sweep

Freedom Corner is owned by the URA, so says Doug Shields. Give Mr. Ford the broom the next time. As of today, Freedom Corner is broke.

Sala Udin says that Freedom Corner got valdalized twice in one week. Seems a computer display screen got smashed recently. Council (other than Peduto and Shields) voted to de-fund the upkeep of Freedom Corner.

Libertarian Party nominates candidates at Pennsylvania state convention

Pennsylania Libertarians energized by successful convention

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

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

For Immediate Release: March 25, 2008

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

Malvern, Pa. – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPa) and the New Jersey Libertarian Party held an action-packed joint convention March 14-16 in Malvern, PA.

Nine LP Presidential candidates attended the convention, presented their views on the issues to more than 100 attendees and took part in a lively debate.

Attendees also participated in a series of workshops. The workshop on ballot access was particularly important as Pennsylvania has very restrictive ballot access regulations. Despite requiring 24,666 valid signatures to be on the ballot, the LPPa is determined to provide Pennsylvanians with the choice to vote for a Libertarian for President in November.

Delegates nominated two statewide candidates: Betsy Summers for Auditor General and Berlie Etzel for State Treasurer.

Betsy Summers is a graduate of Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ, and has 25 years of business sales experience. She has volunteered with numerous organizations, and served for two years as an elected member of the Luzerne County Home Rule Study Commission. She also served as President of her local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. Ms. Summers was the LPPa candidate for U.S. Senate in 2004.

Berlie Etzel is a retired math and science teacher. He graduated from Clarion State College and served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy. He has been active in politics for 45 years, and a member of the Libertarian Party for almost 30 years. He served as LP of Delaware State Chair for several years before moving to Clarion County. He served as Ashland’s Township Auditor and is currently the township’s Constable. Mr. Etzel is the Western Vice-Chair of the LPPa and a delegate to the LP National Convention. He and his wife, Rochelle, have three children and six grandchildren.

LPPa Chair Mik Robertson commented, “This year our convention demonstrated that the Libertarian Party has numerous Presidential candidates every bit as capable and competent as those in the old entrenched parties if not more so. I am confident all of our nominees will present the best choices for the voters to promote individual liberty, personal responsibility, and a return to the ideals upon which American government was founded.”

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information.

Additional Information – link to the LP Presidential debate - http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/qdrxk6ydCBbCkEaDJQ82Qw

School District on Board for Roosevelt Design Charette � ERIE CENTER FOR DESIGN AND PRESERVATION

This is what the nonprofit organization in Pittsburgh, A+ Schools, should be doing with the conversation about Schenley High School as well as other now empty facilities -- such as South Vo Tech High School.

I wish they would. We need to 'learn' and we need to 'dream' together. And, we don't.

School District on Board for Roosevelt Design Charette - ERIE CENTER FOR DESIGN AND PRESERVATION A nonprofit organization dedicated to saving historic buildings is saving the Erie School District some cash in the debate over the future of Roosevelt Middle School. The Erie School Board has informally agreed to let Harrisburg-based Preservation Pennsylvania conduct a free, in-depth study of how the now-closed Cranberry Street school could be renovated.The study, called a charrette, will bring together three architects — two from out of town, and one based in Erie — along with members of preservation groups and other interested community members for a day-long brainstorming session and a tour of the school.

The group will hear comments from the public during an open meeting at the end of the day before issuing a report with recommendations to the School Board, said Mindy Higgins Crawford, executive director of Preservation Pennsylvania.

The final report, which likely would take several weeks to complete, will include architectural sketches the board could use a basis for renovating the building as a school or for some other use, and the estimated cost of those projects, Crawford said.

Pittsburgh Dish: Mail Call - hits at home with St. Pat's madness and South Side

Pittsburgh Dish: Mail Call: "Non-family zone?

When Mayor Luke Ravenstahl decided to close Market Square early on March 15 to preserve the 'family' orientation of the St. Patrick's Day parade events in Downtown Pittsburgh, he had decided that since many St. Patrick's Day revelers went to the South Side after the parade, they could just go there several hours earlier to drink.

When he unleashed all the St. Patrick's Day drinkers on us, I can only conclude that he thinks there are no families in the South Side and, hence, no need to preserve a 'family' orientation there.

Then comes the reply from the dish.

My reply to her reply to the above letter follows:

We did buy our property before there was the massive bar influx. Our house and our move came in 1990.

When we arrived, there were many church and schools. They've torn many of them down or closed them since. And, we had a lot of seniors too. Women who lived decades beyond their husbands. Sadly, these folks are fewer and fewer too.

Things change. I'm okay with that.

The main point is St. Pat's Day being a 'family friendly' event, so wished Luke. What a joke.

I saw lots of police at 8:30 am -- to protect the candidate and such. Few were around at later parts of the day, but they were here.

More can be done. Creativity is needed. Advance planning is welcomed.

And, the events are piss poor for those who come to visit as well as those who live here.

Letter of recommendation for Mark Rauterkus from Deer Lakes Aquatic Club

 

Deer Lakes Aquatic Club

PO BOX 914 4 RUSSELLTON, PA 15076

March 24, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

As members of the board of the Deer Lakes Aquatic Club, we are pleased to highly

recommend Mark Rauterkus to your organization. Our competitive swimming club was

formed in 1999, is a member of Allegheny Mountain Swimming, and takes pride in

promoting fitness, self-motivation and sportsmanship in our competitive swimmers.

Mark has been involved in the sport of swimming for over 30 years. Recently, when we

found ourselves without a head coach Mark, upon hearing of our predicament,

enthusiastically offered to step in and help with our competitive swimming program for

the remainder of our season. He jumped in with both feet to assist our club, and over

the last several weeks has imparted upon our swimmers his enthusiasm and dedication

to this sport. He is professional and reliable, and is well — liked by our swimmers and

parents alike. We are confident in his abilities and know that he would be a great asset

and bring tremendous leadership to any endeavor he pursues.

Sincerely,

Club Leadership

 

County finds public parks answer in Wheeling - PittsburghLIVE.com

County finds public parks answer in Wheeling - PittsburghLIVE.com County finds public parks answer in Wheeling