Rule #1 (when speaking with activists): Don't burn out.
A number of others are going away. Not me. Not this blog. I'm here to stay, still.
What is the age after pyrite? Perhaps a new phase is in its dawn.
A few other rules to live by, as a follow-up to Sunday's service.
Minister suggested:
1. Show up
2. Be honest
3. 4. 5. Have faith. (rushing ahead)
Other point(s) I've advanced:
a) Make 'em sweat.
b) Score more points.
c) Don't fear the calling of a vote.
Other points from others that were raised just today:
A) Keep as much distance as possible between other objects and your crotch. (Kids on return from South Park for ride on BMX bikes and the choice of a smaller bike.)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Dozen Athletes Are Donating Their Brains for Study on Concussions - NYTimes.com
Athletes Donate Their Brains for Study on Concussions - NYTimes.comNFL players retire their brains to science. A new center at Boston University’s School of Medicine to study the long-term effects of concussions.
3rd party debates brew
Trevor Lyman is the man who organized the Ron Paul money bombs.
One Lyman money bomb raised $4 million in one day.
Another raised $6 million in one day.
Now, Lyman is at it again.
Lyman wants to hold a third party debate in New York City.
Lyman was inspired by Ron Paul's press conference a couple of weeks ago.
At that press conference, Paul called on his followers to ditch the two major parties and throw their support to one of the independent or third party candidates.
So, we all need to support Lyman's push for an alternative debate now.
If Lyman gets 10,000 pledges by October 8, he and the other sponsors will organize a debate in New York City.
All major candidates -- Nader, Barr, McKinney, Baldwin, Obama and McCain will be invited.
Already, with no publicity, Lyman has close to 1,000 pledgers.
So go to thirdpartyticket.com now.
And add your name to the pledge list.
You don't have to say how much you are pledging.
Just add your name.
The Commission on Presidential Debates won't let Ralph debate.
So, let's get behind Trevor Lyman's push now.
Let's crank it up.
And get it done.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
How McCain Stirred a Simmering Pot
Inside baseball stuff follows. But, this sets the mood so as to explain by John McCain, a guy who can look Putin in the eye, can't even look at his debate opponent.
How McCain Stirred a Simmering Pot When Sen. John McCain made his way to the Capitol office of House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) just past noon on Thursday, he intended to 'just touch gloves' with House Republican leaders, according to one congressional aide, and get ready for the afternoon bailout summit at the White House.
Instead, Rep. Paul D. Ryan (Wis.), the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, was waiting to give him an earful. The $700 billion Wall Street rescue, as laid out by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., was never going to fly with House Republicans, Ryan said. The plan had to be fundamentally reworked, relying instead on a new program of mortgage insurance paid not by the taxpayers but by the banking industry.
South Siders find liquor license hard to swallow
PG on ineffective city government.
I'm a South Side resident. I'm upset at the crap behavior of some who crawl our neighborhood too. But, from the get-go, I could tell that this approach was going to tank.
Wrenna Watson's statement as to the 'type of patron' for a place that has yet to open is very crystal ball. And, it might even be a slam dunk for 2008 award for the racial profile awards for all bureaucrats the world over.
Before the commission voted, Chairwoman Wrenna Watson said she had been to Khalil's and Ali Baba's, two restaurants similar to the one planned for East Carson, "and their type of patrons are not the type we are trying to inhibit on the South Side."
Problem: The type of establishment can't be judged with an application to the planning department.
Problem: All types of establishments have the potential of making matters worse. But, the establishment is not the real culprit. True, the beer from one tap down the street ends up on our front porch. But, it is transported by a guy or gal that should be punished.
The solution is to target the wrong doers.
Furthermore, there are a few dozen bars and taverns and salons and nightclubs that are sure to go out of business in the months to come. The market has exploded and a correction is in order. But, that's for the market to dictate, with the help of slots parlor license protection from the state police.
Once the slots parlor in Pittsburgh opens, we'll see some shrinkage in the number of bars in the South Side.
South Siders find liquor license hard to swallow: "When City Council passed legislation last year that limited the use of liquor licenses on East Carson Street, South Side residents, tormented by drunken noise and vandalism for years, thought they finally had a defense against its worsening.I didn't think that. Think again.
I'm a South Side resident. I'm upset at the crap behavior of some who crawl our neighborhood too. But, from the get-go, I could tell that this approach was going to tank.
Wrenna Watson's statement as to the 'type of patron' for a place that has yet to open is very crystal ball. And, it might even be a slam dunk for 2008 award for the racial profile awards for all bureaucrats the world over.
Before the commission voted, Chairwoman Wrenna Watson said she had been to Khalil's and Ali Baba's, two restaurants similar to the one planned for East Carson, "and their type of patrons are not the type we are trying to inhibit on the South Side."
Problem: The type of establishment can't be judged with an application to the planning department.
Problem: All types of establishments have the potential of making matters worse. But, the establishment is not the real culprit. True, the beer from one tap down the street ends up on our front porch. But, it is transported by a guy or gal that should be punished.
The solution is to target the wrong doers.
Furthermore, there are a few dozen bars and taverns and salons and nightclubs that are sure to go out of business in the months to come. The market has exploded and a correction is in order. But, that's for the market to dictate, with the help of slots parlor license protection from the state police.
Once the slots parlor in Pittsburgh opens, we'll see some shrinkage in the number of bars in the South Side.
Man dies after tumble into river at start of Head of Ohio
What a way to go.
My kids and I rode our bikes up to the start of the race at mid-day. We had a nice pedal and look-around at both ends of the course. Didn't hear a peep about these events. I almost asked if anyone had gone 'swimming' so far today -- but we were around as a boat got disqualified for failing to be at the start of a race -- so said the race's starter while a parent knew otherwise.
Man dies after tumble into river at start of Head of Ohio A Washington D.C. attorney active in his local rowing club and who once represented a client in the seizure of the former presidential yacht died today at Allegheny General Hospital after he collapsed and tumbled from his boat at the start of the Head of the Ohio rowing competition.So sad. Sounds like an interesting gentleman with a rich career and passion for sport.
Stuart C. Law, 79, was pronounced dead after another rower dove into the waters of the Allegheny River and kept Mr. Law afloat until rescue boats could arrive.
My kids and I rode our bikes up to the start of the race at mid-day. We had a nice pedal and look-around at both ends of the course. Didn't hear a peep about these events. I almost asked if anyone had gone 'swimming' so far today -- but we were around as a boat got disqualified for failing to be at the start of a race -- so said the race's starter while a parent knew otherwise.
Titus North's Financial System Stabilization Plan | Titus North for Congress
These are amazing points from Candidate North. Well done.
Titus North's Financial System Stabilization Plan | Titus North for Congress: "Titus North's Financial System Stabilization Plan"
To address the immediate problems of the financial system, we need to do the following:
1) Conduct prompt and thorough audits of our banks and insurance companies in order to ascertain the value of their assets. Any institutions that have debts in excess of their capitalization should be seized by the government and either liquidated or put into receivership.
2) Undercapitalized institutions must to take steps to bolster their capitalization or face a partial government takeover. This would be done by injecting public funds in exchange for shares in the company according to fair market value. The management would be dismissed and the institution would have to follow strict guidelines until their health is restored and the public funds repaid.
3) Allow other institutions to sell their toxic subprime assets to the government AT MARKET PRICES, which would be a small fraction of the book values. The securitized subprime assets would be unbundled and the government would renegotiate the terms of the loans so that primary homeowners will be able to make payments. The banks and insurance companies who sell their loans to the government must agree to several conditions, including a cap on executive salaries of no more than the salaries of the President of the United States, the Vice President, or other corresponding government executives.
4) Impose a moratorium on foreclosures on primary homes. Keeping homeowners in their houses and making mortgage payments offers the best chance at recovering the principle of the loans. Most foreclosures were triggered by the jump in monthly interest payments when low teaser rates expired. Foreclosures cause a glut of supply, which bring down home values and inflate mortgage-related losses.
5) All banks and insurance companies must be required to set up and contribute to a fund to reimburse the taxpayers. Also, contributions to the fund will have to take priority over paying dividends to shareholders until taxpayers are reimbursed.
6) Executives at companies that fail or require tax payer assistance should be sued for the pay they received during the years their companies were engaging in the practices that produced the current crisis should be forfeited into the taxpayer reimbursement fund.
7) Hedge funds should be investigated for wrong doing and liquidated should they fail.
8) Establish a very small transaction tax on stock, bond, foreign exchange and derivative transactions. It would discourage speculation and its proceeds could go to the taxpayer remibursement fund.
9) Abolish the Federal Reserve. The structure of the Federal Reserve gives commercial banks too much influence over the vary institution that is suppose to regulate the banking industry. It's founding was unconstitutional in the first place because the Constitution gives Congress authority over the currency. The Treasury should go back to issuing currency, with congressional supervision.
We have the example of Japan's trial and error in overcoming their financial crisis of similar proportions. Let's not reinvent the wheel!
Titus North is running radio ads. Green for US Congress
I have recorded a radio spot opposing the Wall Street bailout. The spot will air on some local radio stations.
The times for KQV (AM 1410) are as follows:
Saturday: 8:25 a.m., 9:24 a.m., 10:50 a.m., 12:25 p.m., 2:24 p.m. and 5:57 p.m.
Sunday: 8:19 a.m., 9:19 a.m., 10:19 a.m., 12:14 p.m., 3:57 p.m., 5:14 p.m. and 8:33 p.m.
Monday: 8:33 a.m, 11:26 a.m. and 4:07 p.m.
The times for WJAS (AM 1320) are as follows:
Sunday during the "Swinging with Sinatra" show sometime between 10AM and 12 noon
Monday: Three times (Specific times will be posted as soon as they are learned.)
The times for WMNY (AM 1360) are as follow:
Saturday during the Lou Dobbs Show at about 8:30PM and around 9:10-9:20 PM
Monday twice during the Bloomberg First Word Show 7-9AM. (Specific times for those spots will be posted as soon as they are learned.)
Titus North
Candidate for U.S. Congress, PA district 14
votenorth.org
Freedom Writers
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Join Freedom Writers today.
2 Political Junkies recap bailout meetings
2 Political Junkies: "President Bush chimed in, 'If money isn't loosened, this sucker could go down' -- and by sucker he meant economy."What I don't get, yet: If the economy is going down the drain because of the loose credit -- does it make sense to loosen credit further and offer a bailout of billions. They want to take the turd deeper into the toilet -- flushing it away with nothing but bigger, better floating, taxpayer purchased, Wall Street relieved, turds.
This sucker could go down if we land another battleship (of the same broad based composure) smack dab on top of the first one, once floating freely.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Twitter / Rauterkus
Twitter / Rauterkus: "Rauterkus"
See my twitter feed from the presidential debate. My $.03 comments are throughout.
Clear winner for me: Twitter's Election 2008 feed.
See my twitter feed from the presidential debate. My $.03 comments are throughout.
Clear winner for me: Twitter's Election 2008 feed.
Live Blog the Bi-partisan debate. I hate bipartisan debates!
Pointers to other bloggers with action with the debates.
Reason's Counter Debate: http://www.mogulus.com/reason
Reason's Counter Debate: http://www.mogulus.com/reason
http://www.americasdebate.com/
http://conservativeschatroom.
http://theforum.cnn.com/
http://www.unitedliberty.org/
http://thecaucus.blogs.
http://www.4-lane.com/
http://www.4-lane.com/
http://www.chatmag.com/topics/
http://www.mightyrighty.com/
http://www.liberalforum.org/
http://www.
http://www.youdecide2008.com/
http://chatabouteverything.
http://www.obamabrigade.com/
http://www.volconvo.com/
http://www.theuptake.org/
http://debatehub.c-span.org/
http://www.commercialappeal.
http://community.tvguide.com/
http://open.neurostechnology.
http://www.youdecide2008.com/
Pittsburgh Mom Accused Of Attacking School Employees - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh
This is weird, very weird.
I'd love to have the names of the school employees published in the news too. The names of the parents are here.
Police are investigating. Is that City of Pgh Police? School Police? Who?
The principal should be on camera with this interview too. That is suspect as well. What did he say exactly?
Anyone can post to the comments of this blog. Info is helpful.
Update. The story now has video and has been updated slightly.
Pittsburgh Mom Accused Of Attacking School Employees - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "A mother of two Brashear High School students was arrested after a dispute with school employees at the family's Elmore Square home on Friday.If school officials come knocking at your door -- get out your video camera at the least.
According to school officials, the 14-year-old student was exhibiting odd behavior, which was a concern. School officials said they tried to contact the girl's family but were unable to reach anyone, so two employees escorted the teen and an older sibling home.
When they arrived at the family's house, the girls' father, Jim Malloy, said he called police because he was mad that the school sent the girls home.
Malloy said his wife, Lisa, began yelling at the women as they were leaving, telling them they had to wait for the police to arrive. At that point, Malloy said all of the women began pushing each other, and they fell to the ground.
When police arrived, Malloy said his wife was arrested. He said when he called the principal of the school to get more information, the principal claimed to not know anything about the students being taken home.
Police are investigating.
I'd love to have the names of the school employees published in the news too. The names of the parents are here.
Police are investigating. Is that City of Pgh Police? School Police? Who?
The principal should be on camera with this interview too. That is suspect as well. What did he say exactly?
Anyone can post to the comments of this blog. Info is helpful.
Update. The story now has video and has been updated slightly.
Latest Ad: Obama & next generation vets. My $.02 advice is posted...
Great touch w women in wheel chair. Props to that within the ad's message.
Sadly, far too many of the next generation of US vets can't watch nor hear the ad as too many are with trauma with hurt eyes and ears from blasts. The future brings a major need for nurses. Plus, the former soldiers are formerly very physical people (i.e., PE guys for shorthand). They need to romp, play, rehab, and be engaged in the physical world -- for wellness sake.
My $.02 tip: Speak to a new wave of Paralympics like events for vets. These next generation rec centers must be established with a mixing among able body vets, family and civilians too. What killed others in past wars makes blind and deaf now. Their lives have 'changed' (hint to the "CHANGE" theme). Their dignity is to be treasured, with lots of investment in activities, programming, engagement!
Preview of tonight's debate: "That Ain't Right" -- and New World Order Brews Nightly
Then there is last night -- Thursday night -- debate eve.
We've got a "new world order" brewing in our society, nightly.
Last night on prime time, the #1 fell. A 25-point favorite got smoked by an underdog. USC lost 27-21 to Oregon State. The Beavers beat the guys that ride in on a white horse. Welcome to the modern times of America. This is a brand new day -- in college football, politics, finance and elsewhere.
Oregon State freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers rushed 37 times for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
Slate predicts McCain's next 10 Hail Mary campaign stunts. - - Slate Magazine
HON!
A) In a pledge to make the United States 'Bi-Partisan' throughout his (McCain) term of President, McCain pledges to flip every registered voter of both the D and R parties into the same party, the corporate, unity, good-for-the-country party.
B) New party name, "McCan USA Party."
C) McCain, when asked by bloggers about the Green, Libertarians and Independent voters -- after hackers took over his web sites and that of CNN and Fox -- McCain offered a 'don't ask and don't tell policy' for joining -- or else a ticket on one of the seven floating prisons already holding detainees.
D) McCain proposes the building of the "Straight Talk Express" -- a high speed, elevated MagLev train from D.C. to San Diego that features perfectly straight track without any turns and curves paid for by (fill in the blank).
E) ...
Slate predicts McCain's next 10 Hail Mary campaign stunts. - - Slate Magazine 1. Returns to Vietnam and jails himself.My suggestions:
2. Offers the post of 'vice vice president' to Warren Buffett.
3. Challenges Obama to suspend campaign so they both can go and personally drill for oil offshore.
4. Learns to use computer.
5. Does bombing run over Taliban-controlled tribal areas of Pakistan.
6. Offers to forgo salary, sell one house.
7. Sex-change operation.
8. Suspends campaign until Nov. 4, offers to start being president right now.
9. Sells Alaska to Russia for $700 billion.
10. Pledges to serve only one term. OK, half a term.
Do you have an idea for McCain's next campaign stunt? Send it to us at NextMcCainStunt@gmail.com, and we will publish the best ideas. E-mails may be quoted by name unless you indicate otherwise.
A) In a pledge to make the United States 'Bi-Partisan' throughout his (McCain) term of President, McCain pledges to flip every registered voter of both the D and R parties into the same party, the corporate, unity, good-for-the-country party.
B) New party name, "McCan USA Party."
C) McCain, when asked by bloggers about the Green, Libertarians and Independent voters -- after hackers took over his web sites and that of CNN and Fox -- McCain offered a 'don't ask and don't tell policy' for joining -- or else a ticket on one of the seven floating prisons already holding detainees.
D) McCain proposes the building of the "Straight Talk Express" -- a high speed, elevated MagLev train from D.C. to San Diego that features perfectly straight track without any turns and curves paid for by (fill in the blank).
E) ...
technology politics: Lessig's Declaration for Independence
technology politics: Lessig's Declaration for Independence... member of the audience told Lessig that "I was with you for 80% of it..." and that Lessig's examples using only Republicans and Democrats a was a slap in the face to third party candidates like himself. The man, you guessed it, was Mark Rauterkus. I give Mark a lot of crap for his support of Sara Palin-esque mayoral candidates like that Libertarian guy, Tony what's his name, but he is really a nice guy, and I have to say after meeting both of his sons (ages 13 and 10) I have to give him credit for doing heck of a job raising too really smart kids. During my conversation with Mark about McCain and Obama his sons were joining the debate - and they had plenty to say. They were more knowledgeable on the issues than Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin - and I'm not exaggerating. Following our conversation Mark's youngest son came up to me and asked me which issues that Obama was supporting were most important to me. When I meet 10 year old who can come up to me and discus foreign policy, energy independence, and the Iraq War - that gives me hope. Great work, Mark.Nice words. Great post. Wonderful talk too. Must read re-cap as there are many themes in this discussion that need to sustain in our discussions.
Couple of minor points. Erik is 13 for another couple of weeks. Grant is 10 and a half. Eighth and fifth graders.
I am happy you enjoyed the conversation with the boys. They are 'tuned in.' Our friend, Joe Jencks, who came to the house last week and gave a house concert spoke some kind words about the boys as well. He said that his conversations with the boys gave him a great deal of hope for the future. Reassuring.
Tony Oliva was the L candidate for mayor in the 'special election.' Tony is a Pitt grad in POLITICAL SCIENCE. He has had a passport for years. And, Oliva jumped out of many airplanes carrying a gun wearing a uniform ready to face whatever was on the ground. In a nutshell, he's more experienced than many. And, he hustled to meet with hundreds of voters/citizens to get their signature to get himself and me onto the ballot.
The defense of Tony, not a placekicker when he played DI football, is important for history's sake -- and for the conversation that unfolds at the lecutre with Professor Lessig.
Lessig rails, rightfully, against corruption. Pittsburgh, like other local situations, has corruption. On the federal level there is less "crude corruption" -- but Lessig feared that that flavor of corruption could still have roots within the local political scene in America.
Crude corruption is an important concept. For starters, there is no hint of any flavor of corruption resting on the back of Tony Oliva. And, for that alone, the pinnacle of Lessig's preaching, means discounting Tony isn't prudent.
Crude corruption is old-school corruption and has nothing to do with 'crude oil.' Crude corruption offers an interesting double meaning, perhaps confusing. But, given the 'War for Oil' and price of gas, yet alone "peak oil" plus global warming, Crude Corruption makes heads scratch.
Lessig's crude corruption was more for the type that Bonusgate delivered. Paying a women via the state payroll who delivers sexual services, for example. As well as the Luke Ravenstahl and Pat Ford type of corruption -- more money, more gifts, more jobs, more favors (parking the RV) for the person and family.
Pittsburgh is filled with crude corruption. One party rule helps to deliver this old-school, crude corruption, IMHO.
Lessig makes the point that the Feds are with a new breed of corruption. More sophisticated. They are able to skirt the ethics laws and still get re-elected plus use extortion for gains for favorite, pet endeavors (i.e., endowed chairs and namesake library donations). He is on the mark about the ills of the system as it is today with the Feds.
His quote got to me: "Under today's system, there is no way in hell we'll be able to throw the bumbs out."
Lessig is not inclined to mess with today's system. His solution is but a tinkering around the edges so as to hold off a real revolution that is brewing.
"Under today's system" is sacred ground that won't be challenged by Lessig and his cronies. Now, I have to be 'c a r e f u l' and close this posting and say I'll get back to this topic with any and all others -- so as to really make my point understood.
Lessig is about "Ds" and "Rs" and also about "right" and "left." One slide was with "Red" and "Blue" and a blending of the two.
Lessig is worried about 'competition' and he states an old-school adage. "It takes 50% + 1 vote to win an election." Sorta. But, in a 3-way race, Lessig's formula breaks. In a 4-way race, the winner could be with 3 out of 10 or less! Do the math.
Lessig stated a Newt quote saying that there isn't much difference between the two parties. In D.C., in the halls of congress, in the Fed circles, and in time of crisis on matters that are really important -- there is NO DIFFERENCE. Newt is right. Nearly everyone of them voted for the invasion and 'war' (except, of course, Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich). This financial bailout of $700B is another one of those "bi-partisan" times when they are being slammed into the same lock-step booster-ism where they crave and pressure a unified voice.
Presently, G.W.Bush is saying Republicans and Democrats are going to rise together to make a deal. Jeepers. The Ds and Rs are going to craft a deal in D.C. and the rest of America is in fits and upset.
My wild-eye prediction for the future: This Wall Street Bailout and call for UNITY is boing to be the death of the R party. The Ds and Rs are merged into one Corporate Party. Obama and Biden will be the leader.
We need and Lessig wants, like me, the corrupt candidate to loose the election. In a 3, 4, or 5 way, competitive, open-minded race, with performing watchdog media, the corrupt candidate does NOT win. That's the key that rids our system of corruption.
Two more lives end by gun violence in city - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Two more lives end by gun violence in city - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kraus said he is 'sick' over the shootings and said it will take a commitment from churches, community groups, police and government officials to turn around Pittsburgh's 'major problem with gun violence.'Sick is as sick does.
Lifeguards can't help others if they themselves are sick.
If he is sick, I hope he gets over it quickly. Get well soon Bruce. Seems to me we need more than 'sick.'
Thursday, September 25, 2008
City schools OK contracts for arts program merger
CAPA is not a clown car!
City schools OK contracts for arts program merger City school board members last night voted 8-0 to let contracts for the merger of the middle-grade and high school arts programs, though the cost will be about $1 million more than initially projected.They increased the space needs by some amount. That's okay. But, we should increase space at the high performing schools by factors of 4 or 10 -- not fractions.
China - Beyond the Olympics
China - Beyond the Olympics The premier event of the year for Chinese professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. This year's conference will center the discussion on China's future after China's great showcase of its 5,000-year history as well as its technological and economic achievements at the Beijing Summer Olympics.If I could only get my photos and videos in order from our trip to China. I know -- I'm taking forever. Stay tuned.... still....
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