Sign Fall Out -- the road to victory includes the elimination of all no bid contracts in city and authories

This is NOT a victory regarding the Lamar sign matter, in my view, until the 'no bid contract' is put up for competitive bid.

After the zoning officials determine that the sign is well suited for the side of the public building, then the city / authority officials should put together a bid package.

How much is monthly rent? How much is guaranteed? When do the terms of the first lease expire? Is there an optional period? Who owns the equipment? Who pays for upkeep? What about utilities? All the details. All in the open.

Are other properties blended into the mix (removal of other billboards)? Where? What sq. foot? What neighborhoods?

This isn't about the billboard / sign. It is about no-bid-contracts.

And, is the no-bid contract going to be a thing of the past for all operations in the city and all authorities?

Big Swim Coaching News: Big Blue's Head Coach to Depart after Olympic Trials

CollegeSwimming.com:Bowman Leaving Michigan to Return to NBAC: University of Michigan men's swimming head coach Bob Bowman announced that he will be leaving the program following the Beijing Olympics to assume chief executive officer responsibilities at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club and will prepare swimmers for Olympic and international competition. Bowman will continue in his capacity as U-M head coach, including with the Wolverine Swim Camps, and as the Club Wolverine high performance coach through the 2008 Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. (June 29-July 6).

Our Home Address for the month of August, 2008

Apartment 1318

Building 2

Zijin Digital Park

18 South Four Street, Zhongguanchun Dong Luo

Beijing 100090

中关村东路南四

街18号紫金数码园2号楼1318#邮编100080

Wonder if I can use MapQuest or Google Maps to find it?

We hear we can see the "bird's nest" from the apartment.

Pittsburgh Authors: Sally Hobart Alexander and Robert Alexander

Great new book has just been published. Hear the story about the subject, a pioneer and once the second most famous person in the U.S.

This video is an exclusive, just released and produced today!



Video is 17 minutes long. Tip: Try the full screen button and toggle for a full view.

Royalty sucks. It isn't here.

Folks, royalty has no part of our political landscape. Royalty sucks. I don't want to go there. I don't want others to dwell in those most harmful vapors either.

The Biggest Loser Winner is an ex swimmer

Wow.

Ali Vincent sent a message to America.

She did an amazing job. Lost 112 pounds. Now doing "got milk?" ads.

NotAnotherWar.org - sign the petition

NotAnotherWar.org: 'Don't let this administration lead America into another conflict in the Middle East. One war is already too much. I urge you to support S. Res. 356, which would require that any military action against Iran be explicitly approved by Congress.'

Your signature will be added from the information you provide.

Home Run Endorsement

Carbolic Smoke Ball: BOB NUTTING ENDORSES RON PAUL

'I still think he has a chance to win this year,' Pirates owner explains.

Take that Mr. Rooney.

Bob Barr's letter to Libertarians about his potential run for US PRESIDENT

Dear friend,

I want your opinion and guidance.

What progress can a president make in four years? How about eight? Will the change be lasting?

Those are some of the questions that I wrestled with when developing my issue stances as part of my presidential exploratory committee.

I asked similar questions of myself while in Congress, especially when faced with a tough vote.

Sheer principle drives me to always take the path of liberty but it also drives me to be honest with myself to realize that sticking to principle means making lemonade when given a handful of lemons.

I'll give you a good example, which was my vote for the USA PATRIOT Act. As much it pained me, I cast an "aye" vote for the very piece of legislation that I oppose today. I could have easily voted against it and, believe me, I wanted to.

At the time of the vote, a few weeks after the attacks of September 11th, it was clear that law enforcement had a need to quickly identify and confront additional terrorists threats. There was also a need to protect our liberties in the future, long after an immediate threat had passed.

Rather than casting a no vote, I used the influence that I had with my fellow members of Congress and negotiated a sunset provision for some of the most intrusive aspects of the USA PATRIOT Act. This led to a requirement to reauthorize those provisions, which put those issues back on the table and up for debate long after I left Congress.

In a recent Newsweek article about Bob Barr, George Will wrote of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law: "If libertarian voters cost McCain the presidency, that will be condign punishment."

Since Bob formed his presidential exploratory committee, the news has been on CNN, Hannity and Colmes, C-SPAN and a variety of other programs. Please visit his website to catch up on how the mainstream media is reacting to Bob's threat to status quo politics in Washington, DC.

The same situation applies to the Defense of Marriage Act, which I authored in order to short circuit the Republican Party's powerful move to ban gay marriage on the Constitutional level. My plan worked. States maintain their rights in relation to same-sex marriage and civil unions.

In a perfect nation, the government would have no role at all in marriage. It is a private, personal contract between two consenting adults to be recognized by the church and society. . . not the state.

In a perfect nation, there would also be no personal taxes and everyone would agree to play nice and respect the privacy, property and life of another.

The pressing reality is that the perfect nation and the perfect government do not exist. It is something that lovers of liberty must fight for, step-by-step and day-by-day.

As a libertarian, I believe in maximum liberty. You should be free to live your life as you choose. You should be free to make decisions, right or wrong, in the way that you see is best for yourself and your family. That freedom should be sustained as long as you do not use force or fraud against another.

Libertarianism is a simple philosophy that balances peace and responsibility. I do believe that one day we can live under such a society. However, we have a long and rocky road ahead to get there.

That is why it is important that we always choose the path of liberty. We will be faced with blocks and hurdles but even if inching forward, we must make progress down a road to freedom.

That is why I have formed the Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee. The choices offered by the two major parties are steps away from freedom, not toward freedom.

We need a better choice for America.

In my opinion, a strong libertarian candidate is that better choice.

I ask that you help me decide on entering this race by showing your strong support for a potential presidential run.

I passionately feel that the time for real change is now and I am confident that a strong Libertarian presidential campaign will have a lasting impact for liberty in our nation.

It is up to you to show me if that is possible.

Please send me a message so that I can send them in a message of liberty in 2008.

Visit BobBarr2008.com to let your voice be heard and to make a generous donation today. Also please take advantage of the features of my web site to tell your friends and family about this effort.

I deeply appreciate your time and your support.

In Liberty,

Bob

Paid for by Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee.

Federal law requires us to report the name address, and name of employer and occupation for any individual whose aggregate contributions total over $200 in a calendar year. Corporate contributions and gifts from foreign nationals are prohibited. Personal Credit Card gifts only. Contributions are not tax deductible for income tax purposes. Limit of $2,300 per person per election and $4,600 per couple if signed by both parties and drawn on a jointly held bank account. For more information on legal requirements click here.

Arash Markazi: Kobe relishes being�back in the hunt - Arash Markazi - SI.com

First, Speedo's new swim suit, the Racer LZR comes out but is called illegal as it is only in limited production and not available to all athletes. And, there is the cloud of wonder if it breaks the rules by offering some boyancy.

Now comes Kobe and his new sneaker, not yet released. It will put spring in his jump.

Oh my gosh. What will the competitors do now? Rocket packs to jet around the court?

Arash Markazi: Kobe relishes being�back in the hunt - Arash Markazi - SI.com: "If the ad for the Nike Hyperdunk seems off-the-wall, Bryant's description of the shoe, which won't be released until July, just before he wears them in the Olympics, is equally bizarre.

'I'm a Discovery Channel lunatic,' he says. 'I get a lot of inspiration from animals and sharks and how they use their natural abilities. I wanted to incorporate that into my shoe. If I get too Jedi on you, let me know, but I get into a room with the designers and I'm telling them about myself and how I play. When they come back with this shoe, it's literally a part of you, if that makes any sense whatsoever.'"

In other Olympic news -- golf does NOT need to become an Olympic sport again.

WPIAL : Coaching Openings -- Golf anyone?

Here is an easy job for someone who wants to get out on the links more next year!

WPIAL : Coaching Openings: "CENTRAL CATHOLIC looking for Head Junior Varsity Boys Golf Coach. Previous experience coaching preferred by not necessary. Candidates must have all current clearances. Must be available to work afternoons. Contact Corey O'Connor at 412/613-8982. Deadline July 3, 2008.

Hi Corey!

Shaler hires Gordon as offensive coordinator - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Thank goodness.

Shaler hires Gordon as offensive coordinator - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Former Penn Hills football coach Neil Gordon will be back on the sidelines next season as Shaler's offensive coordinator."

Remember the Titans!

Where's My Refund?

Where's My Refund?: "To get to your personal refund information, be ready to enter your:

*
Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
*
Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er))
*
Exact refund amount shown on your return"

Camp Wellstone to host a session in Northern Va

If you want to work full-time in the political world, as a candidate, a campaign manager or a local organizer, this is a great educational opportunity.

Wellstone Action - Camp Wellstone: Camp Wellstone
Camp Wellstone: Northern Virginia from 5/9 - 5/11/08

Register today!

Backpacker Magazine - Enjoy Pittsburgh in 60 Minutes

Backpacker Magazine - Enjoy Pittsburgh in 60 Minutes: With plans for the world's longest urban linear park (it'll cover 128 miles along the city's rivers) in the works, Pittsburgh is quickly becoming a serious bike town. Get a preview on a 25-mile circuit starting at the Smithfield Street Bridge. Pedal the Eliza Furnace Trail upriver to the Panther Hollow Trail. Follow this rolling macadam to the 300-acre Schenley Park for a lung-burning one-mile loop. Then lollipop back onto Panther and head toward the city again on Eliza Furnace. bike-pgh.org

New Chairs for City Council on various committees

City Council redo of its committee structure.

Harris = Public Works
Deasy = Intergovernmental Affairs
Kraus = Public Safety
Motznik = General Governmental Services (internal, purchasing)
Payne = Human Resources (employee benefits)
Dowd = Urban Recreation
Peduto = Finance and Law
Burgess = Land Use and Economic Development

No big news.

Shields = council's president.

The only thing that stands out in my view is the tiny assignment given to Jim Motiznik. Perhaps if he behaves for the next six month's they'll put some added burden into his realm of responsibility: I'd suggest push-carts and stadium vendors / ticket scalpers got into the domain of the committee of General Governmental Services.

Matress Factory, greening, Earth Day

Paperless memberships to this blog, Mark Rauterkus and Running Mates, have been offered, in honor of Earth Day, for the past 25 years.

This paperless membership program was the first in the history of the internet.

Pittsburgh Earth Day . com

Stop Teacher Strikes Website

Stop Teacher Strikes Website 2008 CANDIDATE SURVEY

Rhode Island Univ. Eliminate Men's Swimming

CollegeSwimming.com::Rhode Island Latest to Eliminate Men's Swimming: "The University of Rhode Island announced that four NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics programs will be discontinued, effective at the end of the 2007-08 academic year. Sports affected will be: men's swimming, men's tennis and field hockey. The discontinuation of gymnastics had been previously announced.

This is your brain on Council: Theory: 'An obstacle downstream propagates upstream.

Vedana - Eric Case's Weblog 'An obstacle downstream propagates upstream. If you're not allowed to implement new ideas, you stop having them. And vice versa.

When you can do whatever you want, you have more ideas about what to do.

So working for yourself makes your brain more powerful in the same way a low-restriction exhaust system makes an engine more powerful.'

That explains most of what happens on Grant Street and the people there.

In a time of crisis, the ones that made the crisis are least capable of fixing it.