Pittsburgh man drowns in Florida

So sad.

Pittsburgh man drowns in Florida: "Officials say a 50-year-old tourist from Pittsburgh drowned off Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., in an area where rip currents were seen.

Beach patrol Capt. Scott Petersohn said beachgoers spotted Paul Peters of Pittsburgh floating in waters offshore Friday afternoon.

When lifeguards reached him they found he was unresponsive and took him to a hospital. He was pronounced dead approximately two hours later.

Rip currents were spotted in the area where Mr. Peters was swimming, but it was not clear if they were a factor in his death.

A great reason to be a swimmer.

Are your kids signed up for swimming lessons?

Adults -- what about you? Can you swim? Are you in shape to battle or float out a rip tide?

Let's work to make sure that vacations don't end like this.

Adults can be taking swim lessons too.

Local cycling team to compete in major race - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Local! Here! Athletes.

Local cycling team to compete in major race - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Local cycling team to compete in major race

Six on the team include:
Chris from Mechanicsburg (200 miles)
Turner of Renfrew (30 miles)
Eliot of Lock Haven (173 miles)
Justin of Philadelphia (310 miles)
Brett of Wind Gap (306 miles)
Adam of Oswego, NY (365 miles)

Some home-team. The Tour of Pennsylvania expects to have 22 teams. They will be here June 29.

Marriage law draws crowd

Shame, implore, fear, injustice, moral, cowardice. Humm. Did he say "na-na-na-na-na" too?

Marriage law draws crowd City Councilman Bruce Kraus yesterday described such a qualification and the entire move to ban civil unions as a 'mark of shame.'

He implored members of the Judiciary Committee and the Legislature to stand against the constitutional amendment.

'This need not become your mark of shame, but rather your call to courage,' he said. 'The courage to overcome fear and injustice; to leave behind moral cowardice.

Here is an invite. I'd love to have the text of the Bruce Kraus statement put into the comments of this blog. Click the button below. Copy text. Paste.

As a Libertarian, I am all in favor of live and let live approach. Government should net set the bounds for behavior among men and women as they choose their life partners.

We need a strong constitution so as to limit the scope of government. So, it makes little sense to craft a new amendment to the constitution that diminishes rights of individuals.

People that want to wed, marry, get into unions, have life-partners -- whatever -- should stand together, in love, before their place of worship, and swear to each other. That's great. And, it is often a religious act. At its roots, it is a 'willing act' of couples that choose to be with other.

Religion is optional. In an ideal world, state involvement would be optional too. But, at the least, the government involvement should be minimal.

The proposed constitutional amendment makes government's position a maxim, a 'deal breaker.'

No thanks.

By the way, I still would like to see the full statement from Mr. Kraus, and any others who have published their public comments. Pointers are welcomed.

Nike sponsoring Oly through 2012

SI.com - More Sports - Nike sponsoring Oly through 2012 - Thursday April 10, 2008 3:06PM Nike will sponsor the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams through the 2012 London Games.

The company announced the extension of its agreement with the U.S. Olympic Committee on Thursday. Nike provides the uniforms that American athletes wear on the podium during medal ceremonies.

Bloggers Rule: Bram was on the radio today

In a matter of moments after the show, I was able to upload a video with sound of the interview of Bram and Kevin. Nice 12-minute segment.

Now live at Rauterkus.blip.tv.

Click To Play

First toys - now roids: Greek weightlifting coach blamed for supplying tainted supplements - Thursday April 10, 2008 12:23PM

The bashing of China is with some big-time, heavy lifting muscle now.

SI.com - More Sports - Greek weightlifting coach blamed for supplying tainted supplements - Thursday April 10, 2008 12:23PM: "Iakovou blamed the test results on a tainted batch of diet supplements from China. He said he had used the Chinese supplier from late 2007, and insisted he had informed the Greek federation.

USOC's Oly revenue share disputed - Thursday April 10, 2008 9:56AM

In related stories:

SI.com - More Sports - USOC's Oly revenue share disputed - Thursday April 10, 2008 9:56AM: "The fight over the U.S. Olympic Committee's share of global Olympic revenues is getting ugly.

Have we got a guy for you. "Our Hero" should get hired by the US Olympic Committee.

Other than the puffing on cigars, a banned substance, perhaps, he just needs to curl dumbbells.

And the press secretary: She can get a gig doing PR for the remainder of the Olympic Torch Relay.

ANOC backs off statement to get China, Tibet to reconcile

SI.com - More Sports - ANOC backs off statement to get China, Tibet to reconcile - Wednesday April 9, 2008 12:01PM: "ANOC backs off urge to reconcile
Earlier, Oly body said China should settle with Tibet

Another article:

SI.com - Writers - Frank Deford: Yesterday's party - Wednesday April 9, 2008 12:31PMThere is something wonderfully ironic about the Olympic torch, which is making its journey around the world with what appears to be, a big 'KICK ME' sign on it for China.

Merger chatter: Dan is on with Marty

My instant message:

Louisville prohibits ALL mentions of political parties for All candidates in city and county. NO "Ds" and NO "Rs" for local races.

That's the fix that is missing in Dan's plan.

By the way, going to the polls is suspect as the voting machines can't count with necessary confidence.

Second update:

Voters decide: We VOTED to NOT fund the STADIUMs.

Meanwhile, the DEBT of CITY won't be "SHARED."

Go figure.

15211.org 911 vs. 311 | 15211.org

15211.org 911 vs. 311 | 15211.org: "Also, if you live in District 3 you can do a little more than just call 311 or email a picture.

After calling 311 and receiving a reference number District 3 residents should contact city Councilman Bruce A. Kraus’ office with the complaint and reference number. The office will follow up on the call.

We all know there is nothing like a three-pronged approach to dealing with a nuisance. We should all take this info and start calling 311 any and every time you see or hear something that brings our neighborhood down. Just remember, if it’s serious enough for a police officer, call 911!"

My reply on that blog:

Calling Bruce Kraus is a sure fire way to insure that political paving continues. Kruas wants to be a litter getter. But, that role is NOT what he should be doing. He is over-reaching. In turn, he is compounding the folly.

Kraus and others on city council are not to be air-traffic controllers for 3-1-1 operations. That is what Luke Ravenstahl has called "micro-management." The separation of powers needs to be realized by him -- and by citizens.

This bad advice will get Kraus sued again. And, I think it would be the 3rd time in his first 100 days. And, it is unethical advice for Kraus to spew and perhaps -- for the blog to advocate -- unless it is as a watchdog.

The acts like this in the past decades have sent the city into its financial despair. It is time to break the evil pattern of the wrong people trying (in vain) to do the wrong functions. It only leads to frustrations, a broken budget and patronage.

Call 3-1-1. Send the photo. Tell Kraus to get out of the way and do his job. He does NOT need the distractions as he battles cluelessness in his proper capacity.

Mayor's spokeswoman resigns; URA head placed on leave

Great news.

Mayor's spokeswoman resigns; URA head placed on leave Mayor's spokeswoman resigns; URA head placed on leave

Time to celebrate.

Bad news has just left the building.

The URA Board, going to the state ethics commission, as reported in the news is interesting -- because -- once reports are put to the state ethics commission you can't talk about them. There is a cloak of secrecy involved.

Go figure.

The Pittsburgh Comet reports that Kraus wants a 'do-over.'

But wait, wait, wait....

The Pittsburgh Comet: Wednesday: Other News 'Has this been politicized to such a point that some are willing to jeopardize public safety?' asked Bruce Kraus. He recommends again voting to override the veto on the original legislation, to send it back with guidelines for vehicle eligibility.

The veto from the mayor arrived to city council. So, city council voted yesterday. The votes in council were FIVE. Six are needed to over come the veto. Kraus lost. So, today, Kraus wants to it again. He wants to vote again.

This is exactly what happens when a dog runs around in a circle and chases its tail. Over and over again.

Kraus is good at spinning in the same place.

Meanwhile in other news, from yesterday, Penny Folino, owner of a diner on East Carson Street, had to deal with the 'do over mentality' again from Kraus.



The spring is here. The outdoor cafe is set to open for the season -- and with a new schedule of operation -- 24 hours a day. But, the railing that was used and approved last year by city council is now NOT PERMITTED.

Kraus revisited that bit of legislation. He got a re-do done again.

But, I have a feeling that this saga is not finished yet. The lawyer for Falino's was in council chambers as well.

Boycotts, partial or otherwise, won't have the desired effect - Olympics

ESPN - Boycotts, partial or otherwise, won't have the desired effect - Olympics The San Franciscan torchbearer received a 4.5 for dropping the torch and failing to pass it to the next runner after he was attacked by Gluten Free Tibet vegan monks, but scored an 8.0 for style points when he set the security van on fire before driving it off the Golden Gate Bridge in a spectacular plunge into the Bay.

Well, I sorta agree with the general article.

Boycotts do have some purpose, and boycotts are better than streakers that run nude through the pitch or go jumping off of the diving board with some URL for a casino in black marker on his chest.

The torch relay began as a six continent circus and turned into a three ringed one.

Libertarians kicking the merger matters

The Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh is chatting and pondering an official position on the city/county merger issue. Some basics follow:

We're in favor of any increase in government efficiency and decrease in size -- as long as it's an integral part of the process, not a hopefully-some-day projection.

For example, if a consolidation plan were to reduce taxes (as part of the enabling legislation) or reduce the number of government employees (again, as part of the
enabling legislation) that might be encouraging. But we do not support consolidation plans which would rewrite the relationship between Allegheny County governments which would not include any actual mechanisms for improving efficiency and reducing size.

One example would be an explicit cap on the number of government employees as a fraction of population.

Given the unfortunate history of the region, for example the involuntary annexation of Allegheny City by Pittsburgh, and the subsequent decline of the annexed area, we strongly oppose any involuntary annexations or changes in government.

Given the degree of detail available so far from proponents of consolidation, we do not believe the plans are clear enough to warrant a referendum in November of 2008.

Advocates of the merger are not proposing to put the question on the November 2008 ballot, but to continue promoting the idea for at least a year and a half, and to put it on the ballot only when they think they have enough support to pass it.

Who are the experts on the merger with the city and former Allegheny City? Who can speak with authority on how it was an improper merger and bad for Allegheny City? Leave a note in the comments if you are that person or can point us to an expert.

The gist of the controversy is that the state had quietly passed a law allowing the merger if a majority of residents in the combined municipalities had allowed it. Before that (and again after that), separate majorities in each jurisdiction were required. (Birmingham had merged with the city prior to this, and several other southern municipalities had merged afterward. I believe that none of these
other mergers were "forced.")

For an overview of the Allegheny City question, see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegheny,_Pennsylvania

The Allegheny City Society would be a good place to start, but with some caution, as it appears to be populated by pro-development establishment types who might be friendly to the proposal.

http://www.alleghenycity.org/
The issue of consolidation can be talked about in the context of the stadium referendum in which the voters were ignored. It is part of a pattern of conquest, not only of the city and county over smaller municipalities, but of subsidy-sucking corporate elites over the taxpayer.

Consolidation: Law Department Software Upgrade

Patrick Dowd was able to advance a couple of strong point while the Law Department's director was at the seat.

Tip: The software upgrade for the law department should be for "open source software."

Do not do maintence and upgrades of systems from the past unless that system is open source.

The Gospel, According to Luke - washingtonpost.com

DC ink.

The Gospel, According to Luke - washingtonpost.com: "YOUTH VOTE
The Gospel, According to Luke
Pittsburgh's Young Mayor Wants City to Line Up Behind Clinton

In other news, last night, as the hearing on the OVERLORDS was unfolding, I was at W&J, Luke's last college. W&J hosted the Water Polo team from Chatham University in a scrimmage / clinic. I've been helping with the new water polo club in recent weeks. (video to come)

Lamar sues 5 councilmen for challenging electronic billboard

Woops.

Lamar sues 5 councilmen for challenging electronic billboard: "Lamar Advertising filed a civil lawsuit today against five members of Pittsburgh City Council, alleging that they have 'developed a plot, under the auspices of their elected office' to try to have a permit revoked for a 1,200-square-foot digital billboard slated for the Grant Street Transportation Center."

The plot thickens.

When the dog chases its tail and catches it, then bites -- it must feel similar.

Lamar already paid for the blinking lights on the billboard.

Perhaps Lamar should bring suit against the folks in the planning department that issued the illegal (sorta) permit. And, they can file against the employee that opened the door so that the four members of council could pile on after the desk had closed.

I guess Lamar didn't heed the foolish advice from Bruce Kraus who asked them to revoke their own permit.

IOC to review Beijing torch problems - Tuesday April 8, 2008 11:13AM

SI.com - More Sports - IOC to review Beijing torch problems - Tuesday April 8, 2008 11:13AM The IOC will review plans for the remainder of the Beijing Olympic torch relay and consider scrapping the international portion of the event for future games.

Everything is always subject for review. That's what it means to be alive, be open minded, and being 'free.'

The torch relay is not for sports. It is for 'promotion.' The torch relay is a magnet for those who want to self promote, raise a stink, draw attention to issues.

Petition | Vote Both!

Pointer from techPresident.com:

Petition | Vote Both!Paid For By Clinton/Obama 08

Vote Both is calling for an unity ticket with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton (no word on who comes first). It’s a nice idea. I’d also like to ride a flying pig across the Atlantic Ocean some day.

Shopping Spree with Tour Bus to Wilkinsburg

Get on the bus, Gus. Call Tonya's office if you live in the Hill District and want a tour of the grocery store.