Kraus on radio: Pat Ford owes us an explaination

Bruce Kraus of Pgh's City Council was just interviewed on KDKA radio by Marty Griffin about the Pat Ford matter.

Bruce said, "Pat Ford owes us an explanation." "Those (letter of more than a week ago by Mr. Ford about corruption) are very serious allegations."

Others in city hall won't give an interview to Marty for the show. Mayor Ravenstahl took the day off. Doug Shields nor Jim Motznik won't do it either. Michael Lamb, city controller is talking.

The pay off and gag order are bad news. Of course.

But, watch what happens next.

Kraus is deflecting the blame onto Pat Ford.

City controller, Michael Lamb, don't sign the check. Don't pay Pat Ford. Will Michael Lamb stand up and watch our money? Or, will he give it away?

Bob Casey didn't need to make the pay off to the illegal pay raise to the state reps. But he did.

This would never have happened if the law office was terminated.

Michael Lamb, controller, could choke the release of these funds if he was with courage and enough creativity.

For instance, if Mr. Zober wants to pay off Pat Ford, then Mr. Lamb could take the money out of Mr. Zober's pay checks.

Sometimes Heroes Come In the Smallest Packages

Heroes are sometimes in the smallest packages.
My niece Kasey, 8, is a lil’ fireplug. My sister has always said that if I had a daughter, it would be Kasey. You see, she likes monsters, is a scrambling little athlete (soccer’s her game…I could never get into it, so she’s one up on me), and she has an infectious personality. I’m thrilled any time my sister says Kasey reminds her of me or visa versa.
Kasey and I have a little game. She’ll grab my hands and walk up my legs and torso, kinda like when Batman and Robin scaled a wall in the 1960’s. She will giggle like a mad gal. Her little sister, Gabrielle, looks on and often breaks out into a big smile. Gabrielle and I have our own little game: she doesn’t like me much…or at least pretends to. However, when Kasey “climbs” up Uncle Trapper, Gabrielle, now smiling ear to ear, is next in line. Their other sister, Jacqui as she likes to spell it, sits nearby and shakes her head.
Last Friday, Kasey stumbled upon a young boy being bullied and physically attacked by a larger girl outside of their shared Catholic elementary school. Never one to let an injustice go by, Kasey strode up and attempted to break up the fight. In wrestling we call it a “run in.”
Never mind the fact that Kasey cracked a hairline fracture in her spine this summer, horsing around in the yard. The larger, obviously more elementary Fight Club experienced hooligan twisted the adorable sprite’s arm back. Despite the pain, I’m certain she didn’t second-guess her decision to help the young lad. It must have been reminiscent of when George McFly saved Calvin Klein’s “best girl” by coming to her aid against the much-bigger Biff in “Back to the Future.” Check back in 20 years to see if that lad pays Kasey back with her hand in matrimony.
When my son and I talked to Kasey the other day, she downplayed the whole skirmish. My sister tells me that Kasey’s exploits are now the talk of the Johnstown Diocese, or at least the buzz around the kid’s mothers. She should be interviewed on Channel 6. Their studios are directly across the street from my mom and step-dad’s house, so the reporters wouldn’t have to go far. They already interviewed my shoveling step-dad a couple of years ago after a big snow. Kasey can be in the driveway in 10 minutes thanks to side streets.
I thought of Kasey this week when I walked out of my office building. A twenty-something couple was having a heated discussion near a car. As I spoke with my son on our cell phones, I could overhear the young lady ranting about the guy’s presence. He leaned on a car, single-rose in hand. She wasn’t happy. He was letting her rant.
I listened for a few moments then, thinking about Kasey’s courage to help someone in need, I sauntered over and politely said, “Excuse me folks, is everything okay?” The woman stopped immediately, looked me dead in the eye and with some relief, said. “No sir, we’re fine. Thank you.” The young gentleman, maybe thankful to have her stop raving for a minute, turned and ‘we’re okay.’” I said, “have a nice day” and walked away.
Less than two minutes later, they were gone, perhaps their separate ways, perhaps together. Their mini-yet-to-spike quarrel over. Our sleepy lil’ parking lot quiet again.
A co-worker smile when he saw me try the duo. I didn’t want to risk the chance that the whole argument was set up on TV and I’d have to sign a waver to show my expansive posterior simply walk by like an ignoramus as two actors hammed it up for the camera ala 20/20 or Dateline.
But I also had the courage to try and help, bolstered because an incredible 8-year-old in Johnstown risked an arm muscle to stop a true beat-down.
Integrity, character and determination are big ideals if you ask me. Sometimes those lessons are learned, thanks to the smallest packages.

Thoughtful Riot: 5 Questions for the Creators: Mr. Stoke Monkey

Another candidate.

Thoughtful Riot: 5 Questions for the Creators: Mr. Stoke Monkey: "he happened to mention Podcamp. I had been listening to a number of podcasts (Should I Drink That, Sportsocracy, Radio Free Burrito and TheGSpod to name a few) and he asked if I wanted to make an appearance on his show, The Wrestling Mayhem Show. I was thrilled. This was before I had any aspirations to become president of the United States.

Perhaps he'll be able to join us at Podcamp Pittsburgh for the Sunday afternoon discussion about political activities on the internet.

Lamb is doing a good job upholding a tax that cripples

Pittsburgh Hoagie: All meat no filler: "--Good job by Michael Lamb in winning some money for the city in a transfer tax case. The Post-Gazette reports that $828,000 goes to the city, $414,000 to the schools and $414,000 to the state. Good haul.

What did Lamb do beyond doing his job?

Furthermore, the deed transfer tax is one of the worst, if not the worst, tax that we have.

A good job would be to getting the awareness and political will to get a bill passed so as to give the city a deed transfer tax holiday.

The deed transfer tax hurts the little guys.

The deed transfer tax has a few 'shelters' that bigger buildings and ownerships can deploy to avoid paying that tax.

We want a more free, more liquid, more efficient, more productive landscape for investment, including home ownership.

The deed transfer tax puts the breaks upon the selling and buying of a home. Moving from renter to home owner is much more difficult in Pittsburgh because of the deed transfer tax.

Going Fishing?

From Pre-BJ

From Water Town in East China

From NZ dump

From texture - foods

From HK Disney

From Water Town in East China

Ravenstahl reveals plan to fix pension gap

Ravenstahl reveals plan to fix pension gap: Ravenstahl reveals plan to fix pension gap
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Faced with a worsening pension gap shared by other cities statewide, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl unveiled his fix to state senators yesterday, calling for fund consolidations, aid recalculations and defined contributions.

The first thing to do is to fire deadweight employees.

For example, Pat Ford is still being paid. He went most of the year without working but still got an income.

Luke Ravenstahl could fix that on his watch.

Harper's Firing Of Chaplains Shady, Secretive

I’ve been sitting on this news story for a couple of weeks and I finally got around to crafting an opinion.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper (who is not blessed with the world's most impressive resume) fired two volunteer police chaplains after he and some in the religious community deemed their credentials to be faulty. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette blindly affirmed Harper’s decision, with no real, legitimate argument.
Rev. Lara M. Zinda and Keith Smith stand by their qualifications. Zinda answered some of the criticism in a letter to the editor in the Post Gazette.
Not once was there any criticism of the volunteer work Zinda and Smith did at police crime scenes. A cursory Internet search finds Zinda has done work with prisoners.
It appears obvious that there was a personality conflict in the decision. Perhaps Harper wanted his own pastor to serve in the volunteer position. The “vetting” (the buzz word of this election cycle) of the ordained religious leaders just wasn’t conducive to Nate Harper’s liking. What exactly are the religious pedigrees for volunteer pastors?
Do Zinda and Smith belong to a different religion than Harper and his spiritual advisors? Chances are they don’t share the same church. Zinda’s letter in the PG says that she lives in suburban Crafton. It would be best if chaplains were from Pittsburgh.
I cannot find photos of Zinda and Smith, so I’m not sure of their ethnicity. Chief Harper is African American. Perhaps there was a desire to bring African American chaplains onto the scene? Harper can appoint anyone he wants, but volunteers should be given more respect. It would be a shame if Harper is being forced by insiders to make the volunteer job a patronage, paid gig.
Perhaps there’s a hidden agenda in this volunteer position. There is something beneath the surface that we haven’t discovered yet.
The decision smells. There might be some jealousy involved. It does seem very ridiculous that two willing, apparently experienced chaplains get the boot for shady accusations.
There isn’t much coverage of the case, it’s not “sexy,” but it looks like two good people were railroaded. This should be followed, especially if a new paid position is created.

Fallen Czar: Presentation at public comment to Pgh City Council on Sept 10, 2008

Notes: These speaker notes were used on September 10, 2008, for a 3-minute public comment to Pittsburgh's City Council.

My name is Mark Rauterkus.

My family and I live at 108 South 12th Street in the historic South Side of Pittsburgh. My other homes include places on the internet as such as a blog, Rauterkus.blogspot.com and two wikis: Fix PA.wikia.com and A for Athlete . wikia.com. Plus, I've been enjoying "Twitter."

My sons attend Pgh Public Schools and last month they won five gold medals at the Citiparks Swim Meet in Highland Park. We expect to run in the 5K in the Great Race.

I am the elected vice chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party.

We are hosting a house concert on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

Everyone is invited. But, you need to RSVP. Send an email or call.

We've put a new roof on our house and are inviting people to gather with a great singer, songwriter and performer -- Joe Jencks. His song, Come With Me, was utilized in one of my past campaign CDs. He is a splendid performer.

From past Joe Jencks house concert

This is a musical and community event, not a political rally.

I am on the ballot in 2008, but it is for a spot in the Electoral College. But I understand it is poor form to campaign for seats to the Electoral College as it only draws attention to the fact that the popular vote for President of the United States is not that important anyway.

So, at the house concert -- we'll focus on the music and the singing of Joe Jencks.

While in Beijing last month, I heard of some news of a fallen czar.

This story is much less lyrical and musical than what Joe Jencks delivers, but let's share the happenings with the public watching on cable TV.

Those in this chamber are smart and are sure to already know of this czar.

Exotic names and customs span various government: Emperors, Pharaohs, Czars, Dictators, Kings, A revolution brews today in Thailand where they have a king and an Australian author and blogger in jail for 3 lines in a novel that sold 7 copies.

In Canada, our neighbors to the north, the Prime Minister has called for a new election.

Generally, when a czar falls, people flee and go into hiding or exile. When caught, space is put between his head and torso.

Royalty stories and their "press releases" always include family ties and relationships.

This czar and story is different.

The Post-Gazette and fellow Pittsburgh bloggers have covered this saga, not some foreign language correspondent in some distant land.

This czar was promoted twice by a mayor -- our mayor, Luke Ravenstahl.

Mr. Pat Ford was Pittsburgh's Czar for Development. He ruled with an authority.

He is gone now. Just in August, while I was in China.

Pat Ford's fall however is not with blood on the streets. Rather, in Pittsburgh, it is different.

Development czar, Pat Ford, has not worked in many months. He was given a leave -- with pay. Now that he has resigned, he will still be paid for the rest of the year.

From planning-urban

Furthermore, from his place in exile -- Pat Ford was able to release a blistering letter that was unflattering to the present administration. I heard that his letter was cause for an interuption of either a golf outing in San Diego or a convention in Denver.

Frankly, it is nice that he is gone.

I doubt this story is actually gone gone. It won't be swept under the persian rug forever.

Rather than dwell on the negative, I like to point out other solutions with better outcomes.

In my humble opinion, it would have been better had Pat Ford been fired. He is still getting paid, to this day, even after his inflammatory outburst.

Why in the blasted name of 'czars' was he promoted to such esteem? Pittsburgh is an American city. Hello. We shouldn't do czars. We don't do czars because we don't cut people's heads off.

Nice: he's gone.

Better: he's fired.

Best: nobody is re-hired. Fire the entire family and family of authorities.

Now is the time to live a long held and cherished dream of mine. Pittsburgh can get rid of all of its authorities.

They are nothing but trouble.

Yesterday's budget amendment in papers to council called for $6-M to the URA.

The stadium authority is giving land to the Steelers, again. This is the Three Rivers Stadium Authority.

The sports and exhibition authority needs to rob the RAD funds as they can't make money.

The airport authority is a bust -- without flights into and out of Pittsburgh and a massive terminal that can't be paid for.

The PORT Authority -- don't get me started.

The Parking Authority with its new building and lighted sign.

I want democracy and accountability.

I don't even want a bike czar.

We biked around Beijing and visited a land of past emperors. It is nice to be home where we have don't have czars.

[412] One week from tonight - join us at a house concert on the South Side

[412] One week from tonight - join us at a house concert on the South Side: "[412] One week from tonight - join us at a house concert on the South Side

researcher looking for Ron Paul insights

Hey all - a writer for the PG-South edition wants 10 minutes of your time...please feel free to contact her.

She does need to focus on South Hills people only, she wants to talk with people from as far south as Washington county...unfortunately this leaves us city folk out :)

Here's what she said:

-DaveP
-----------------
I am writing this article focusing on Mr. Paul's childhood in Dormont, Pa (South Hills of Pittsburgh). My goal is to write an article on Ron Paul and his connections to the area. To this end, I'd like to speak with:

1. Anyone who "knew him when" -- teachers, neighbors, etc.;

2. Local supporters in the South Hills of Pittsburgh (to ask about their ongoing support, what is the fate of Mr. Paul's message after the elections, why he had such broad appeal, etc.);

3. And hopefully Mr. Paul. I'd like to find out the address of the home he grew up in, and names of anyone still living here that were important to him. Also, how did growing up here form him?

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I'll be working on this all week; my deadline is September 15.

Sincerely,
Erin Gibson Allen

Contact me and I'll send along the phone and email of the reporter.

Statement before City Council by Mark Rauterkus - Czars of Pittsburgh

Notes: These speaker notes were used on September 10, 2008, for a 3-minute public comment to Pittsburgh's City Council.

My name is Mark Rauterkus.

My family and I live at 108 South 12th Street in the historic South Side of Pittsburgh. My other homes include places on the internet as such as a blog, Rauterkus.blogspot.com and two wikis: Fix PA.wikia.com and A for Athlete . wikia.com. Plus, I've been enjoying "Twitter."
My sons attend Pgh Public Schools and last month they won five gold medals at the Citiparks Swim Meet in Highland Park. We expect to run in the 5K in the Great Race.
I am the elected vice chair of the Allegheny County Libertarian Party.

We are hosting a house concert on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

Everyone is invited. But, you need to RSVP. Send an email or call.
We've put a new roof on our house and are inviting people to gather with a great singer, songwriter and performer -- Joe Jencks. His song, Come With Me, was utilized in one of my past campaign CDs. He is a splendid performer.
This is a musical and community event, not a political rally.
I am on the ballot in 2008, but it is for a spot in the Electoral College. But I understand it is poor form to campaign for seats to the Electoral College as it only draws attention to the fact that the popular vote for President of the United States is not that important anyway.
So, at the house concert -- we'll focus on the music and the singing of Joe Jencks.

While in Beijing last month, I heard of some news of a fallen czar.

This story is much less lyrical and musical than what Joe Jencks delivers, but let's share the happenings with the public watching on cable TV.
Those in this chamber are smart and are sure to already know of this czar.
Exoctit names and customs span various government: Emperors, Pharaohs, Czars, Dictators, Kings, A revolution brews today in Thailand where they have a king and an Australian author and blogger in jail for 3 lines in a novel that sold 7 copies.
In Canada, our neighbors to the north, the Prime Minister has called for a new election.
Generally, when a czar falls, people flee and go into hiding or exile. When caught, space is put between his head and torso.
Royalty stories and their "press releases" always include family ties and relationships.

This czar and story is different.

The Post-Gazette and fellow Pittsburgh bloggers have covered this saga, not some foreign language correstpondent in some distant land.
This czar was promoted twice by a mayor -- our mayor, Luke Ravenstahl.
Mr. Pat Ford was Pittsburgh's Czar for Development. He ruled with an authority.
He is gone now. Just in August, while I was in China.
Pat Ford's fall however is not with blood on the streets. Rather, in Pittsburgh, it is different.
Development czar, Pat Ford, has not worked in many months. He was given a leave -- with pay. Now that he has resigned, he will still be paid for the rest of the year.
Furthermore, from his place in exile -- Pat Ford was able to release a blistering letter that was unflattering to the present administration. I heard that his letter was cause for an interuption of either a golf outing in San Diego or a convention in Denver.

Frankly, it is nice that he is gone.

I doubt this story is actually gone gone. It won't be swept under the persian rug forever.Rather than dwell on the negative, I like to point out other solutions with better outcomes.
In my humble opinion, it would have been better had Pat Ford been fired. He is still getting paid, to this day, even after his infamatory outbust.
Why in the blasted name of 'czars' was he promoted to such esteem? Pittsburgh is an American city. Hello. We shouldn't do czars. We don't do czars because we don't cut people's heads off.
Nice: he's gone.
Better: he's fired.
Best: nobody is re-hired. Fire the entire family and family of authorities.
Now is the time to live a long held and cherished dream of mine. Pittsburgh can get rid of all of its authorities.
They are nothing but trouble.
Yesterday's budget amendment in papers to council called for $6-M to the URA.
The stadium authority is giving land to the Steelers, again. This is the 3RS authority.
The sports and exhibition authority needs to rob the RAD funds as they can't make money.
The airport authority is a bust -- without flights into and out of Pittsburgh and a massive terminal that can't be paid for.
The PORT Authority -- don't get me started.
The Parking Authority with its new building and lighted sign.
I want democracy and accountability.

I don't even want a bike czar.

We biked around Beijing and visited a land of past emperors. It is nice to be home where we have don't have czars.

State Department asking vBloggers: "What is democracy?"

What are auteurs?

What is democracy? State Department launches online video contest - On Deadline - USATODAY.com The State Department is inviting budding auteurs to create a short film that finishes the sentence 'Democracy is ...'

YouTube users will choose the winners of this international competition, which will accept submissions between Monday and Jan. 15. The top six films will be shown in Hollywood, New York and Washington.

The outcome is determined by a 'contest.' YouTube is part of the process.

Democracy has little to do with czars, dictators and kings. Rather, democracy is about temporary stewardship that aims to insure and make permanent the rights of others. My rights, your rights and their rights are all inter-twined.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auteur_Theory

Ron Paul urges voters to back alternatives to Dems, GOP | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Ron Paul urges voters to back alternatives to Dems, GOP | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Out of the race for president, Lake Jackson congressman calls Obama, McCain 'the lesser of two evils' and wants voters to go for minor-party hopefuls instead

Third Party Watch reports on Ron Paul's suggestions

Third Party Watch Advance copy of Ron Paul’s Wedesday press conference: He says ‘vote third party’
Posted by TPW News Items --- September 9th, 2008

The Houston Chronicle obtained an advance copy of Ron Paul’s prepared remarks for the press conference he is holding Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Joining him will be third party presidential candidates Bob Barr (Libertarian Party), Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party), Ralph Nader (Independent), and Cynthia McKinney (Green Party).

OMG - got a winning ticket to South Africa's prize in advance of the World Cup Soccer

Spam never looked so good. Much, much, much. Here is what was sent to me, via email. If I get sued for copyright violation, I'll know that they are legit and I'll have lots of money anyway. See the first comment for the text of the full header of this email.

---

CONGRATULATIONS FOR BEING THE LUCKY WINNER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN 2010 WORLD CUP LOTTERY.

lotto sa

M T N LOTTERY GAMES CONSULTING

Company Reg No;1996/079414/23

M T N Building,132-133
Park Hurst,Balfour-Unit 1440
JOHANNESBURG,GAUTENG 2001
SOUTH AFRICA

2IN CONJUNCTION WITH

SOUTH AFRICA 2010

WORLDCUP LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITEE

M T N 2010 LOTTERY DRAW NOTICE

Dear Winner,

This is to inform you that the M T N Lottery Game Consulting and the Local Organizing Commitee (LOC) of the 2010 World Cup, here in South Africa, has held an Internet Raffle Draw, and your Email Address was among the 2010 Email Addresses that was picked by the computer during the Third Quarter Raffle Draw (TQRD).

We are therefore with great pleasure, to notify you that your Email Address once again, happened to come out top number (1) out of the 2010 Email Addresses, on the FINAL BALLOT DRAW, and this had made you the JACKPOT WINNER OF THE SUM OF US$ 850,000.00(EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLAR).

Be aware that this M T N Raffle Draw was organised by the M T N Lottery Game Consulting (L G C) and the Local Organizing Commitee (L O C) of the 2010 World Cup, to create awareness for the world, as South Africa is finalizing their preparation for the hosting of the 2010 World Cup.

BELOW ARE YOUR WINNING DETAILS:

DRAW NUMBER: 4,13,21,27,36,38 BONUS 45.

EMAIL CODE NUMBER: 15/76/EF36

FINAL JACKPOT NUMBER: 0001

SN: 2010 / MTN LGC / LOC / ZA

WINNING INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER: JJA23ZA

INSURANCE COMPANY: OLD MUTUAL INSURANCE SA

AMOUNT WON: US$ 850,000.00

AGREEMENT:

IT IS NOW AGREED BY THE M T N Lottery Game Consulting (LGC) and the Local Organizing Commitee (LOC) of the 2010 World Cup, THAT THE WINNING INFORMATIONS WRITTEN ABOVE ARE THE ORIGINAL WINNING INFORMATIONS AS WAS SELECTED BY THE COMPUTER ON MONDAY 8 OF SEPTEMBER 2008, AND IT HAS ALSO BEEN AGREED THAT THE WINNER WHOSE THESE WINNING IN FORMATIONS HAS BEEN SENT TO, WILL BE PAID THE WINNING SUM OF US$ 850,000.00 BY SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE'S OF 2010 WORLD CUP LOTTERY WITHOUT FAIL.

Note that this program is being sponsured by:

SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT,MTN AND FiFA.

Mr. Kuash Behler, Our First Quarter Winner of

US$ 850,000.00 from Amsterdam, Holland

30th April 2008.

Our Second Quarter Winner Mrs. Ali Fatima from Nepal receiving her winning cheque of

US$850,000.00 also on the picture is her husband and friends rejoicing with them. 27th March 2008

Congratulations from all our staff and we also extend our thanks to the Sponsures for being part of our promotional program.

VIVA SOUTH AFRICA! VIVA SPONSURES

& VIVA THE WHOLE WORLD.

PRIZE CLAIMING INSTRUCTION:

To receive your prize, contact our Paying agent on the following Details:

Company: GLOBE FINANCE CORPORATION

Company Registration number: 1947/027670/07

Contact address: 27 NEWTON STR, NEWTON PARK,

P.O BOX 7706 NEWTON CENTRAL JOHANNESBURG

Contact person: MR. CALEB SMITH.

Position: Finance Director

TEL: + 27 787 931 175

Email Address:

caleb_smith96@live.com

Please keep this form confidential from public to avoid double claiming and contradition over the receiving of your fund. Very important, Lottery rules says that you must be 18 years and above to be able to claim a prize.
Announcement Made Today Tuesday 10 Of September 2008 (South Africa Time 10:25 am)

Congratulations from the Staffs & Members of the 2010 World Cup Lotteries Board Commission ;

DR Mrs. Teresa Botha Dr.Themba Woodroffe Mr. Rudolf P. Markhams

(Zonal Co-ordinator Sec.) (Board Member) (Promotional Manager)

Signed by:

Copyright 1994-2006 The MTN interative Lottery Inc.

All rights reserved. Terms of Service -Guideline

100860 8556 2548 9576ZA

Thailand jail holds author for 3 lines in novel of 300 page book sold 7 times w 40 other books in inventory

Reporters sans fronti�res - Thailand: "Nicolaides added: “I know the importance of respecting this country’s traditions, customs and expectations. I am not an agitator.”

Guide to setting up a public issues forum released from New Zealand leader

After setting up the Canterbury Online Public Issues Forum,
I wrote a guide to starting a local online public issues forum in Aotearoa New Zealand. It documents some of what I learned in the process, and includes various resources that we created along the way. It's available from this post on our blog.

Please use, circulate and comment.

best to all,

Dan

Extreme Strings Orchestra gets ready for the 2008-09 season soon

The Extreme Strings Orchestra will kick off it's 3rd season on Saturday morning September 27 from 9-11 AM and you are invited. You can come to check us out or come and join - and we hope you do!

Here are all of the details you should know right now.

The XSO is an educational youth music program that specializes in the great American music styles of Fiddling , Jazz, and Rock.

We also play electronic instruments and work with pickups, wireless units, effects, amps and sound systems.

We are looking for middle, junior high, and high school students who play Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass and are also open to Guitar and Mandolin players as well.

This program is open to ALL students from suburban schools, private schools, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and home-schooled students from all over the tri-state area.

We would prefer at least 2 years of experience playing the instrument but we can discuss that. Although we have some very fine advanced players this is not an elite group and we break the XSO into 2 or 3 groups most weeks and work with students at their own levels. However, it's most fun when we put the whole XSO together and we try to do that every week.

We meet at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High (CAPA for short) at the corner of 9th St. and Fort Duquesne Blvd. Downtown Pittsburgh as part of the Centers For The Musically Talented program.

We meet most Saturdays through the school year from 9-11 AM.

Tuition cost this year will be $450. There is a discount of $75 for full payment by 10/31/08. Also, families with more than one child in the program receive a discount of $100 per child.

There are full tuition grants available for up to 20 Pittsburgh Public School students.

Your tuition covers 24 educational sessions as well as performance opportunities through out the year. Last year we performed for the Three Rivers Arts Festival, in the Heinz Hall lobby as part of the "BOWFIRE" concert, the All City Arts Festiva, the "Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show" (twice) l and did workshops with students in the Norwin and West Mifflin School Districts and the Pulling String private music studio. We even had two of our students perform on stage with "BOWFIRE"

Our faculty includes myself, Sena Thompson as an instructor and arranger - the kids love her, Erin Snyder as low strings instructor, and Alex Van Laningham - a recent XSO grad - as well as outside professional instructors who will visit to do workshops in their specialty.

Last year we had about 25 students and many are returning. We hope you will join us. It's big fun.

Our new brochure will be ready later this week and we can send you one if you wish. It will definitely be on our site ASAP and we may attach it to a future email message.

Although we hope to do a complete update of the web site this week - which is overdue - there is some good information about our program including video and sound clips at http://www.extremestrings.com/Site/Home.html

Contact me if you need more information. Thank you for your consideration.

--

Steven Vance
Yamaha Certified String Educator
Executive Director
EXTREME STRINGS
2549 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15222
412-325-1211
http://www.extremestrings.com
stevenvance@extremestrings.com

Jazz, Rock and Fiddling
Teaching, Learning and Playing Great American Music

Macworld | Live Update: Apple’s ‘Let’s Rock’ Event

The live blogging of the Apple Event was -- well -- live blogged too.

Macworld | Live Update: Apple’s ‘Let’s Rock’ Event: "10:08 PT - JS: Just a funny note from the event. We are surrounded by the sound of fast, furious typing fingers. Is the entire world liveblogging this event? I suspect it is. They're all here.

Here's an easy way to start your day in a positive way:

1. Create two new files on your computer.
2. Name one file, 'Barack Obama' and the other file, 'John McCain.'
3. Send them to the computer's Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you: "Do you really want to get rid of 'Barack Obama' and 'John McCain?"
6. Firmly Click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better!

Tomorrow we'll do Nancy Pelosi and the PA House of Represenatives.

Sent to me by a friend. I did a few edits and doubled the elation by changing some of the words.