Fix me

A couple of months ago, we were blessed with a miracle.

The miracle had nothing to do with the Pope's visit. Rather, it was of a visit of another type.

On our side street, Bradish Street, just off of 12th Street, we were blessed with five large potholes. Those potholes from the past were bigger than the new one shown in the photo above, taken today, but in the same stretch of road.

On trash night as I pulled our garbage to the curb, I placed two large pizza boxes into the open holes in the road. I put one pizza box into each pothole. They fit easily.

A couple of hours later, two additional pizza boxes had appeared in the other, nearby potholes. A neighbor had done the same, feeding pizza boxes into the road's opening.

By morning light, we noticed that the pizza boxes were gone and the street had pavement where the potholes had been. It was a street fixing miracle!

Now, with the new navigational bump-in-the-road on Bradish Street, I'm not sure what to do. I could call 3-1-1 and report it to the operator. Or, I could order a mid-sized pizza this weekend and use the box for filler, again. Or, I could get on my knees and pray to the patron saint of Pittsburgh potholes, Jeff Koch. Or, I might just blog about it and hope for the best.

Frick Middle School election

The middle school kids at Frick were part of a vote in school and Barack Obama got 92%.

The principal got an talking to from Erik, my son, 7th grader, about the ballot and the lack of "R" candidates. The kids couldn't vote for Ron Paul even if they wanted to.

So, Erik will be in charge of the school-wide vote in November.

Perhaps we should expand this into a district wide vote?

Bob Barr, Member of Congress (1995-2003), gearing up to run for US President

Dear Fellow Conservative,

I'm writing you today with the most important news I could ever share with you.

After years of frustration watching the Republican Party rack up a $10 Trillion national debt while doing nothing to cut spending it is obvious that the Republican Party is simply no longer serious about representing the conservative-libertarian economic philosophy of my former boss, President Ronald Reagan.

I am deeply disappointed to see President Bush put forward a $3.1 Trillion budget, while vetoing hardly any spending bills during nearly eight years in office.

For those of us who had hoped for a true conservative to win the GOP nomination, I'm afraid that hasn't happened either; as Senator John McCain has locked up that Party's nomination.

As a consequence, many dedicated conservatives and advocates of limited, constitutional government have lost all remaining hope in restoring true conservatism to the Republican Party.

That's why after many weeks of careful consideration, intense thought and prayer, I have formed an official exploratory committee for President of the United States under the banner of the Libertarian Party.

My fellow conservative, before you put this letter down and say that you cannot support a battle-tested, down-the-line conservative like me who is trying to send a message to the Party Bosses in Washington, D.C., please read the following quote from my former mentor, and boss, President Ronald Reagan...

"If you analyze it I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism."

- Reason Magazine, July 1975 Interview with Ronald Reagan

And, from the same interview...

"...[T]he basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of what libertarianism is."

A truly great communicator, President Reagan went on to win a majority of the voting electorate by standing on the bedrock principle of limited government and maximum individual liberty.

In fact, as President Reagan succinctly pointed out, conservative-libertarians like us do not believe that we need government to protect us from ourselves!

Sadly, in 2008 where the Democratic Party brazenly advocates a philosophy of government practiced in Europe known as socialism, the Republican Party has become nothing short of a "Democrat-lite" version of the other side.

Just look at the policies advocated by Senators Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain.

-- Do any of them talk about abolishing the Department of Education and other excessive federal government programs, as President Reagan did? NO.

-- Do they support abolishing the federal government's socialistic farm subsidies? NO.

-- Do they support protecting civil liberties for Americans by preventing the military, the NSA, and the FBI from spying on Americans without probable cause and without court-ordered warrants? NO.

-- Do they have any real intention of securing our border to stem the flow of millions of illegal aliens into this nation? NO.

-- Have any one of these presidential candidates sponsored legislation to flat-out abolish the failed and costly policies of the federal nanny state? NO.

When President Reagan appointed me as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, it was an honor and responsibility I will never forget.

The rule of law was a term that applied to the government as well as to its citizenry.

Today, after generations of Supreme Court decisions the proper role and function of government has been completely distorted from the original intent of the Founding Fathers.

With roughly 50% of Americans' hard-earned wages going to some form of government entity (federal, state and local) is there really any reason to believe that a John McCain presidency would be substantially different from that of Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama? Not really.

My friend, for the last five years I've worked virtually around the clock to raise money for true conservatives running for office.

I've been personally involved in raising millions of dollars to help elect proven conservative leaders to both the House and Senate.

Today, I'm writing you because it's time for conservatives and conservative-libertarians like us to send a message to the GOP.

If you believe that John McCain, Hillary Clinton, or Barack Obama will actually restore America to its constitutional and limited federal government role, then I understand why you may not be supportive of my exploratory committee.

But if you believe as I do, and as the Washington Times newspaper has recently published, that a viable third party sends a powerful message to the two main parties, then I'm asking you to lend me a hand.

I've always been economically conservative, pro-Second Amendment, and pro-states' rights as a Member of Congress.

And I proudly remain so today.

I never had the pleasure of serving with Senator Barry Goldwater, but I want to remind you of the book he wrote many years ago that received rave reviews from economic conservatives-libertarians, titled "Conscience of a Conservative."

President Reagan first gained his political public fame in large part thanks to his speech in behalf of Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign.

Today, as the conservative-libertarian philosophy of the Republican Party is nearly dead with the nomination of party-insider John McCain, it's time we send a message once again.

That's why I'm asking you to join me today.

I'm only in the exploratory stages of this campaign but I really need the counsel and support of fellow conservatives like you.

If you will stand with me by contributing to the Bob Barr Exploratory Committee, I would deeply appreciate it.

Your gift would be a real boost to my efforts.

I realize that I'm asking for a lot by soliciting a gift. But it's because I deeply believe in freedom and limited government that I'm reaching out to you today.

Believe me, the Party Bosses of both major parties don't want a true, credible conservative like me on the ballot in November, and your gift will give conservatives and libertarians a choice they deserve in November.

I hope you'll support my exploratory committee today as I work to maximize your freedom and start shrinking the size and cost of the federal government.

Sincerely,

signature

Hon. Bob Barr

Member of Congress (1995-2003)

P.S. I have worked tirelessly for conservative values and economic libertarian policies like Ronald Reagan proudly advocated.

My friend, I'm honest enough to tell you how frustrated I am with the GOP. And I'm begging you to do something about it by standing with me -- and sending a powerful message to the Party Bosses and Washington insiders who are to blame for this spending fiasco and $9.2 Trillion national debt!

P.P.S. Your gift will help me send a message that out-of-control spending and blatantly unconstitutional, costly, and ineffective federal government programs must end to save America from an impending financial disaster. Time is ticking.

Please respond with your most generous gift today. I thank you!

My interest in tickets to a sporting events

Pens tickets for games 1 and 2 of the second round of the NHL Playoffs are about to go on sale. Last time single game tickets went on the market, they were gone in 10-minutes.

I'm not interested in Pens playoff tickets. Instead, I am much more interested in Olympic tickets.

From Grant

But this week, Grant, my 2nd son, and I went to the Pirate game on Sunday. Two 'free tickets' came to us that morning at swim practice when a fellow basketball playing friend said he wanted to give away his tickets because his wife wasn't feeling up for the game. She was 'under the weather' -- and it did rain.

The start of the game was delayed, for about 15 minutes. Rain came off and on for parts of the game and we were happy to have our ponchos.

Grant and I had a great time. It worked well in our schedules too.

Kayakers find woman's body in Ohio River

Kayakers find woman's body in Ohio River: Kayakers find woman's body in Ohio River

Grim.

Going out on the river to get some exercise has its downside. But, as an upside for the community, this person is found.

Moreover, the kayakers did a good deed in terms of the health of the river water and water quality. The body decomposition isn't something that should linger in the river's water -- as that water is used by others downstream.

Kayakers didn't save the day -- in that the woman was already dead. But, they did save the day in other terms for days yet to come if that body is left to float, stink, pollute and contaminate.

This is an Earth Day story -- and a story to say it is time for many clean-up efforts around town and beyond.

Furthermore, outdoor recreational people, such as kayakers, need to have some understandings on what to do when they come upon these situations.

CALL FOR VIDEO COLLABORATION!

Hello dear members of Open Source Cinema! This is Brett Gaylor, the director of the project. I'm writing to you because the film, Basement Tapes, is almost done. It's been a four year process of filming, interviewing, and remixing, and it's almost done. The film is about 90 minutes long, and has a lot of great remix work from both opensourcecinema.org and from the ether of YouTube. It's going to be good, but it still needs more contributions!

There are 4 things I'm looking for, and I'm hoping you can help!

1. Work you've already made that remixes pop culture. Videos and Songs that really highlight digital transformation, humour, insight, and mayhem. I'd like to open this film by showing some creative examples of remix culture, so if you have them, please send them!

2. Videoblogs on the subject of copyright, filesharing, the Internet. At several points in the film, we hear from videobloggers and youtubers. If you haven't recorded any, this would be a good chance. If you need some inspiration, consider Jammie Thomas - the single mother who was ordered to pay $222,000 for downloading 24 songs. Some reaction videos would be great - we've already used a few. Rant and rave or get creative!

3. Copyright criminal photos. Take a picture of yourself with a criminal mugshot - current copyright laws make us all criminals. We're going to compile these and make an animation for the film. Download the mughsot template here! note

4. Finally, and most importantly, we've got some specific remixing we're after for the final section of the film - the last speech by Creative Commons founder Lawrence Lessig on copyright, and Girl Talk's guerilla remix dance party at the Montreal Jazz Festival. MIx it all together on your computer and then re-upload it on the site - the last section of the film really needs collaborative power! The call for remixing.

Thanks to those of you who have submitted material and helped shape the film - stay tuned as we near completion! Editing is scheduled to finish in June 2008.

Keep remixing,
Brett Gaylor
http://www.opensourcecinema.org

Hospitality PAC works to defeat drink-tax backers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Hospitality PAC works to defeat drink-tax backers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review A new political action committee opposed to Allegheny County's 10 percent drink tax is targeting officials who supported it.

I heard Brenda Frazier, my former county council representative, on a KDKA radio interview today. She said that people in her campaign were calling the political action committee from the hospitality industry was 'illegal.' Furthermore, an ethics complaint was being filed.

This is the second time the media is reporting upon complaints that are being filed to the PA Ethics Commission.

Fraziers folks seek to make a statement about the PAC.

And, Luke Ravenstahl asked for an ethics review about the gifts to Pat Ford and his wife, also the mayor's former press secretary.

Folks, complaints to the Ethics Commission are to be kept CONFIDENTIAL. It is un-ethical to blab about the filing of a complaint to the ethics commission. It is part of the process. Part of the form. CONFIDENTIAL.

To be under a cloak of confidentiality means you should NOT talk to the reporters.

I have problems with these confidentiality clauses. I filed an ethics complaint to the Pittsburgh Ethics Hearing Board against the Pgh Ethics Hearing Board concerning its bogus rule that required confidentiality. The principle of the matter was what I was fighting.

So, in a small way, I'm glad to have helped in making the confidentiality clause requirement to go up in smoke. The confidentiality clause is not being enforced and it is now made meaningless.

If I was put onto the Pgh Ethics Hearing Board -- I'd undertake a major re-write of all the rules of that body. And, I'd work to strike down the state-wide requirements of confidentiality too.

Told ya.

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?

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