University of Pittsburgh: News From Pitt: "University of Pittsburgh to Present Public Debate on the Future of Transportation in Pittsburgh on April 14
The debate is titled “Should the Mon-Fayette Expressway Be Completed?”
Friday, April 04, 2008
Pitt event: public debate on Mon Valley Toll Road
EYE WEEKLY - Richard Florida rules
EYE WEEKLY - Richard Florida rules: "“We have got to stop whining about how bad this place is,” Richard Florida suggests as a headline in the antiseptic commons of the Rotman School of Management yesterday, launching his new book Who’s Your City? “Just stop it.”In honor of Richard Florida, and his newest message, "Just stop it." -- I'm going to stop blogging for the next 24 hours, Canadian.
The REVOLUTION MARCH! - REVOLUTION March on D.C. - RESTORE THE CONSTITUTION for Feedom, Peace, and Prosperity
Our goal is to organize the largest, peaceful, non-violent rally in support of The Revolution that is happening in America. Most people that have been involved in the revolution are frustrated by the lack of Media attention given to it.
We stand in unison with the other planners of this march. Including, but not limited to, RonPaulMarch.com. Please consider us a source for ACCURATE information about the march on D.C.
We stand in unison with the other planners of this march. Including, but not limited to, RonPaulMarch.com. Please consider us a source for ACCURATE information about the march on D.C.
The REVOLUTION MARCH! - REVOLUTION March on D.C. - RESTORE THE CONSTITUTION for Feedom, Peace, and Prosperity
New Zealand and Pennsylvania -- compare and contrast
An interesting program is on tap. It discusses New Zealand and PA.
TOMORROW'S PROGRAM | Saturday @ 8am
New Zealand's Lessons for Pennsylvania
New Zealand, in the 1980s, was strapped with a stagnant economy, huge deficits, high unemployment, and burdensome taxes. The revitalization of the island nation occurred following the implementation of market-oriented reforms in the '80s and '90s.
One of the key players in New Zealand's resurgence was Maurice McTigue, who served as a Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, and Ambassador. Currently, Mr. McTigue is Vice President, Director of the Government Accountability Project, and Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He will join Matt to discuss the New Zealand experience and lessons Pennsylvania policymakers can learn from that nation's economic revitalization.
* * *
Not a morning person? THE BOX will be available for downloading immediately after it airs on WHP 580 AM each and every Saturday at TheBOXprogram.com.
* * *
THE BOX: Inside -Outside - On is a media project of the Commonwealth Foundation, an independent, nonprofit research and educational institute located in Harrisburg.
For more information on the Commonwealth Foundation, visit CommonwealthFoundation.org or call 1-888-THINK-88.
www.theBOXprogram.com
Forward
The Pitt News has coverage of Ron Paul's visit last night
The Pitt News Paul campaigns at Pitt
The P-G reported that Ron Paul went to Univ. of Pgh Medical School. Say what? Tim, he had some advanced medical training here. But, the Dr. Paul bio has him as a med school graduate from Duke. Note, this isn't Duquesne, but the other Duke.
Pitt News: Originally from Green Tree, near Pittsburgh, Paul graduated from Gettysburg College and trained to be an obstetrician/gynecologist at Magee Womens Hospital. He met his wife, Carol, when they went to high school together in Dormont.
I wonder if Magee was UMPC when Ron Paul was here as a young doctor? Did it have a University tie?
The P-G reported that Ron Paul went to Univ. of Pgh Medical School. Say what? Tim, he had some advanced medical training here. But, the Dr. Paul bio has him as a med school graduate from Duke. Note, this isn't Duquesne, but the other Duke.
Pitt News: Originally from Green Tree, near Pittsburgh, Paul graduated from Gettysburg College and trained to be an obstetrician/gynecologist at Magee Womens Hospital. He met his wife, Carol, when they went to high school together in Dormont.
I wonder if Magee was UMPC when Ron Paul was here as a young doctor? Did it have a University tie?
Amber Alert for 16 year old female, from Bedford, and White Nissan Sentra
AMBER ALERT 04/03/08 1945 HRS PSP-BEDORD WHITE 2003 NISSAN SENTRA SDN PA FDS7415 CRYSTAL ANN BECK W/F AGE 16 502 110 BRO HAIR BRO EYES BLU JEANS YELLOW HOODED “SOUTHPOLE” SWEATSHIRT WHI SNEAKERS, SCR ON LEFT CHIN CALL 911 IF SEEN
The Pennsylvania State Police has issued an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Pennsylvania State Police – Bedford Station in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania State Police – Bedford Station is searching for Crystal Ann Beck a 16 year old white female, 5’02",110 lbs, with straight brown hair and brown eyes. She may be wearing blue jeans, a white sleeveless shirt, a yellow Southpole hooded sweatshirt and white tennis shoes. She was last seen in the area of West 6th Avenue in West Providence Township in Bedford County, Pennsylvania on Thursday 04/03/08 at 7:45 PM.
A possible vehicle involved with this abduction is a 2003 White Nissan Sentra sedan with Pennsylvania tag FDS7415.
Anyone with information about the abduction should immediately contact the police by calling 911.
This has been an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Pennsylvania State Police – Bedford Station in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
Affected Counties: Bedford, Somerset, Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon and Fulton counties.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy taps revitalization officials - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy taps revitalization officials - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Griffin is a former congressional aide.Go figure.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Merger and the latest report
I don't even like the title:
I don't need a 'bright future.' Day will follow night. Summer follows spring.
There is a lot of 'bright lights' in Las Vegas. Same too in Disney World. A future that hinges on 'brightness' might also be driven to casinos -- not just slots parlors. It is bright for some to build a tunnel under the river for light-rail extension. What is bright to the construction trades is debt to the taxpayers. What is bright shopping -- like Lord and Taylor -- is not economical for most.
Even "authentic" beats the pants off of "bright" as in "flasher" and "full moon."
Forging, okay. I'd rather engineer and not use the brute strength of the hammer -- and sickle. I'd rather have government 'resign' and 'relax' and 're-tool.'
Unity, well, that's gotten Pittsburgh in its mess. The city's leadership has been full of unity. We need dissent. We need diversity. We need to break the one-party choke hold.
To be strong, it is often much better to bundle and gather together. Steel cable that support our bridges are often formed from smaller strands that are inter-twined.
Those 9-0 votes on council are all about 'unity' -- and often are full of folly.
Equity and equality -- both in the title -- is overboard. The formula has to be more complicated. Life isn't fair. It is easy to have equity -- when everyone is poor. The marketplace is nothing that government (especially the city and county) can control so as to inject equity.
And equity is not about 'growth.'
People grow in different spurts. Nature is about progress as it comes, on its own. Not about unifority, equity, cutting the blades of grass into a sea of equality.
The Mon River is not like the Allegheny. Things are as they are. How about 'reality' and 'judgement' and 'potential' and 'nurturing.'
I have two kids. I don't treat them with perfect equity. They are not equals in most things.
In governmental settings, I'd love to have one person with one vote -- but the concept I'd want to run up the flag pole is 'dignity.' Give us dignity and don't dish out equity so we have K-8 schools where those in middle-grades are eating elementary sized lunches sitting in wee desks.
Sigh. I'll have to read the rest of the report in the shower.
Government for Growth:Why not "Government Shrinkage for Growing Liberty."
Forging a Bright Future — Built on Unity, Efficiency, Equity, and Equality —
for the People of Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh
I don't need a 'bright future.' Day will follow night. Summer follows spring.
There is a lot of 'bright lights' in Las Vegas. Same too in Disney World. A future that hinges on 'brightness' might also be driven to casinos -- not just slots parlors. It is bright for some to build a tunnel under the river for light-rail extension. What is bright to the construction trades is debt to the taxpayers. What is bright shopping -- like Lord and Taylor -- is not economical for most.
Even "authentic" beats the pants off of "bright" as in "flasher" and "full moon."
Forging, okay. I'd rather engineer and not use the brute strength of the hammer -- and sickle. I'd rather have government 'resign' and 'relax' and 're-tool.'
Unity, well, that's gotten Pittsburgh in its mess. The city's leadership has been full of unity. We need dissent. We need diversity. We need to break the one-party choke hold.
To be strong, it is often much better to bundle and gather together. Steel cable that support our bridges are often formed from smaller strands that are inter-twined.
Those 9-0 votes on council are all about 'unity' -- and often are full of folly.
Equity and equality -- both in the title -- is overboard. The formula has to be more complicated. Life isn't fair. It is easy to have equity -- when everyone is poor. The marketplace is nothing that government (especially the city and county) can control so as to inject equity.
And equity is not about 'growth.'
People grow in different spurts. Nature is about progress as it comes, on its own. Not about unifority, equity, cutting the blades of grass into a sea of equality.
The Mon River is not like the Allegheny. Things are as they are. How about 'reality' and 'judgement' and 'potential' and 'nurturing.'
I have two kids. I don't treat them with perfect equity. They are not equals in most things.
In governmental settings, I'd love to have one person with one vote -- but the concept I'd want to run up the flag pole is 'dignity.' Give us dignity and don't dish out equity so we have K-8 schools where those in middle-grades are eating elementary sized lunches sitting in wee desks.
Sigh. I'll have to read the rest of the report in the shower.
Ron Paul visited Pitt with standing room only audience -- sans 4th Estate
I didn't see a reporter nor a TV crew.
Perhaps there were people in the audience from the mainstream media. I expect that the Pitt News reporters were there. College students are not poisoned with the coverage like the biased media in this region.
Ron Paul did a great job, as expected.
I have it on video.
Perhaps there were people in the audience from the mainstream media. I expect that the Pitt News reporters were there. College students are not poisoned with the coverage like the biased media in this region.
Ron Paul did a great job, as expected.
I have it on video.
Can Ed Rendell Deliver for Clinton? - TIME
TIME coverage:
Can Ed Rendell Deliver for Clinton? - TIME The next order of business is a Clinton fund raiser in western Pennsylvania. 'I want each of you to come as close to or exceed $100,000 for your guys,' he tells Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County chief executive Dan Onorato. 'If you need me to make any follow-up calls, I will.'
Report on city-county merger due out today
Report on city-county merger due out today The tight-lipped 13-member Advisory Committee to Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness of County and City Government has reviewed city and county functions, studied regions that have merged, and spent months trying to build consensus and finalize language in a report.The place where a merger could and should happen next is PARKS.
City, county and university officials all refused to talk about the findings yesterday.
But better than a merger, we should move to create a new Park District that is not either the city nor the county nor the schools nor even the universities. Nor should the Park District be a 'tight-lipped' nonprofit without accountability that has Elsie Hillman (or some other nonprofit weenies) pulling the wires.
The new Pittsburgh Park District should be a public entity with elected trustees, a citizens' congress, a new model of cooperation as its own entity, working under the light of sunshine laws.
The Pittsburgh Park District is NOT a quick fix. But it is a logical next step in the overall blueprint.
People are willing to work together when it comes to places where we play together. We'll do great things for the sake of our kids.
We cherish the parks and crave real cooperation with an entity that isn't with a headquarters on Grant Street.
Full consolidation of city and county government could kill the region. Meanwhile, the new Pittsburgh, regional, Park District could be a major support system to the citizens and provide a base of experiences to work from as we merge government -- or not.
Star for the day goes to fleeting memory
Char at another blog has a recap of the 6-2 vote in Pittsburgh's city council that allows Council Critters to keep the slush fund and over spending as prescribed in the Act 47 bailout plan.
My reaction there in that thread:
Those 'fab 5' had better fix the 'slush fund.' Otherwise, this was no win at all.
Truth is, the budget is full of smoke and mirrors. Slush funds prevail in every corner of city government.
The Act 47 plans are not worth the paper they occupy.
Members of council have hired lots of staffers for political patronage posts at less than living wage for things that are beyond the scope of council.
City Council needs to get its house in order first.
Council needs those aids as few can think for themselves.
Council may have had a victory -- and the mayor may have had a defeat. However, the citizens did not win squat.
In the big picture, Dan Deasey was on the right side and is able to defend his position to taxpayers.
My reaction there in that thread:
Those 'fab 5' had better fix the 'slush fund.' Otherwise, this was no win at all.
Truth is, the budget is full of smoke and mirrors. Slush funds prevail in every corner of city government.
The Act 47 plans are not worth the paper they occupy.
Members of council have hired lots of staffers for political patronage posts at less than living wage for things that are beyond the scope of council.
City Council needs to get its house in order first.
Council needs those aids as few can think for themselves.
Council may have had a victory -- and the mayor may have had a defeat. However, the citizens did not win squat.
In the big picture, Dan Deasey was on the right side and is able to defend his position to taxpayers.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Michael Morrill's new blog has a historical twist
I've started a new blog with a distinctly left tilt.
The blog is at www.morrillmajority.org
I intend to have this site be a little different from most blogs. I'll have the usual combination of opinion and news. But I'll be adding some history to the mix. We too often forget that our struggle is historical. It has existed as long as one person has wanted to dominate another, as long as one group of people has subjugated another. A little historical perspective can help us to realize that our issues are not new, that working people have fought even greater powers and prevailed.
I'm looking forward to reading your responses. Together we can create the ideas that will bring us to victory.
Absurd Q: Kraus running for mayor in 2009?
Bram, fellow blogger at the PghComment has lost his 'blogger guild' press pass privileges five minutes ago. They were suspended for 5 minutes. Next he'll be asking Sala Udin if he is running for mayor too. Find Tom Cox and ask him as well.
Mr. KRAUS, now on city council, is always "overlanguaged" and without completed "homework."
Radio news says the measure (billboard moratorium) gives council time to write tighter rules. Well Kraus can NOT be in that process "at the end of day, if you will."
The technology in the industry is moving "lightening fast" -- so -- Kraus says STOP. Hint: Do NOT take a 'break' so as to play 'catch up.'
Duhh.
If Kraus wants to have a conversation with all the sign companies in the city then he needs to call and hold that meeting. Do it. Don't wait.
The ones that litter the landscape more than the sign companies are the politicians with their 'litter on a stick' (Ferlo's words) paid for by union donors.
Kraus floated an 'illegal' bill that "may have been construed to forbid what are in fact permitted uses." Kraus is great a making additional red tape.
That's the WRONG way.
To waive rule 8 to 'ponder' for the councilman is typical from Kraus Rule 8 screws the citizens. Rule 8 isn't about council critters that can't think on their feet nor do their homework in a speedy fashion. Again, when something does need to move quickly -- Kraus becomes a time sink and slow poke.
Kraus delivers: "You know, honestly, I haven't had a chance to take a look at that yet."
Tips to Mr. Kraus:
1. Do your best to say as little as possible.
2. Get out of the way as much as possible.
3. Do your homework. (hint: Legislation matters.)
Mr. KRAUS, now on city council, is always "overlanguaged" and without completed "homework."
Radio news says the measure (billboard moratorium) gives council time to write tighter rules. Well Kraus can NOT be in that process "at the end of day, if you will."
The technology in the industry is moving "lightening fast" -- so -- Kraus says STOP. Hint: Do NOT take a 'break' so as to play 'catch up.'
Duhh.
If Kraus wants to have a conversation with all the sign companies in the city then he needs to call and hold that meeting. Do it. Don't wait.
The ones that litter the landscape more than the sign companies are the politicians with their 'litter on a stick' (Ferlo's words) paid for by union donors.
Kraus floated an 'illegal' bill that "may have been construed to forbid what are in fact permitted uses." Kraus is great a making additional red tape.
That's the WRONG way.
To waive rule 8 to 'ponder' for the councilman is typical from Kraus Rule 8 screws the citizens. Rule 8 isn't about council critters that can't think on their feet nor do their homework in a speedy fashion. Again, when something does need to move quickly -- Kraus becomes a time sink and slow poke.
Kraus delivers: "You know, honestly, I haven't had a chance to take a look at that yet."
Tips to Mr. Kraus:
1. Do your best to say as little as possible.
2. Get out of the way as much as possible.
3. Do your homework. (hint: Legislation matters.)
Putting a hold on new billboards - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Pittsburgh puts a hold on new billboards"
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Ron Paul 2008 — Hope for America
We'll be going!
Ron Paul 2008 — Hope for America: "Ron Paul Freedom Rally at University of Pittsburgh
Bellefield Hall, 315 South Bellefield Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260 at 9:00 PM
Latest info on Dr. Ron Paul's visit
Dr. Paul will be speaking at Bellefield Auditorium, at 9 pm, Thursday April 3rd, according to the latest info received.
I would adopt a mailbox
I'm impressed. Bruce Kraus is trying to do something that can help.
This isn't even an April Fools gag.
I would adopt a mailbox by my house. It sits at 12th and Bradish Street.
The will of council is asking the US Postal Service for the opportunity to establish an
'adopt a post box program.'
Postal police were in the North Side on a sweep looking for the jerks who shot a postman in the hand recently.
I knew Kraus would be good at lint picking. It is his "passion." It has never been worse. Kraus would be great as a litter czar.
The program works in other cities. It isn't original. Bring it on. And, spread it to the other elements in the neighborhoods, such as traffic light switch boxes, etc.
This isn't even an April Fools gag.
I would adopt a mailbox by my house. It sits at 12th and Bradish Street.
The will of council is asking the US Postal Service for the opportunity to establish an
'adopt a post box program.'
Postal police were in the North Side on a sweep looking for the jerks who shot a postman in the hand recently.
I knew Kraus would be good at lint picking. It is his "passion." It has never been worse. Kraus would be great as a litter czar.
The program works in other cities. It isn't original. Bring it on. And, spread it to the other elements in the neighborhoods, such as traffic light switch boxes, etc.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Petition for the Community Benefit Agreement for the new arena development
Are you going to sign?
The League of Young Voters: "I support Community Benefit Agreements!
The Community Benefit Agreement process between One Hill CBA Coalition and the new
Pittsburgh Penguins arena is important for the health of our city and region."
UNCOUNTED: The New Math of American Elections
Pittsburgh big-screen premiere of the new feature-length documentary...
UNCOUNTED: The New Math of American Elections
A Film by David Earnhardt
"...powerful and persuasive..."
Howard Zinn, Author, "A People's History of the United States"
"A vital and important work...Uplifting, encouraging, optimistic..."
Brad Friedman, Investigative Journalist, BradBlog.com
"Very powerful. Clear and succinct. This film is urgent viewing
if you care about democracy and the integrity of the electoral process."
Robert Koehler, Syndicated Columnist, Tribune Media Services
Watch the Trailer
Watch the Trailer
PITTSBURGH FILMMAKERS - Melwood Screening Room
Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 6:30 pm
Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 6:30 pm
Includes Q&A with filmmaker David Earnhardt,
special guest Marybeth Kuznik, and others,
and a bite or two to eat, too.
Hosted by: VoteAllegheny and Pittsburgh Filmmakers, benefiting VotePA, a 501(c)(4) organization
UNCOUNTED is a wakeup call to all Americans. As we approach the decisive election of 2008, UNCOUNTED will change how you feel about the way votes are counted in America.
Please forward this invitation to others who may be interested in seeing UNCOUNTED.
For more information about the film, visit: www.UncountedTheMovie.com
Suggested donation $10, seniors/students $7.
www.VoteAllegheny.org/uncounted
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