Fix it

Be sure to listen to what Oscar has to say, "Fix it!"

Fields & Co. give Pittsburgh faithful a reason for optimism - USATODAY.com

I guess this is what we talk about on a bye weekend for both football teams: the Steelers and Pitt.

Fields & Co. give Pittsburgh faithful a reason for optimism - USATODAY.com: "give Pittsburgh faithful a reason for optimism

Refuse proposal smells fishy - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Refuse proposal smells fishy - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus plans to introduce legislation Tuesday mandating that owners of small apartment buildings and their tenants sign forms indicating their comprehension of city refuse collection regulations.

Violate those rules post-signature and the fines could be, well, hefty: $500 per violation for tenants and landlords after a relatively modest first-time penalty of $50.

The Associated Press: Bailout angst provides a push for Libertarian Barr

In other news:

The Associated Press: Bailout angst provides a push for Libertarian Barr: "Bailout angst provides a push for Libertarian Barr

WASHINGTON (AP) — Private markets fail, politicians from both parties jump to their rescue, and taxpayers get stuck with the bill. Libertarian candidate Bob Barr couldn't have scripted a better story line to argue that Republicans and Democrats are interchangeable — with a helpless addiction to spending.

Furthermore, Bob Barr might get the endorsement of the NRA today. Think again. NRA didn't give its endorsement nor money to the one with an A+ lifetime rating. Rather it went with the C grade candidate, McCain.

B-25 Mystery Search Picks Up Again This Weekend In Monongahela River - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

Going fishin on the Mon!

B-25 Mystery Search Picks Up Again This Weekend In Monongahela River - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "Experts from the group said they are concentrating on locating the engine block, the landing gear, the tires, and the gas tank because they were all bulletproof.

Searchers said that, even if the mystery of the past isn't solved, the new search technology used could benefit others in the future.

The search takes place on Friday and Saturday

Emergency Operation - South Side councilor, residents are taking one last stab to save neighborhood hospital - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh

Emergency Operation - South Side councilor, residents are taking one last stab to save neighborhood hospital - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh Since taking office early this year, Pittsburgh City Councilor Bruce Kraus has fielded calls from South Side residents about everything from unruly drunks to the city's decision to relocate the Zone 3 police station. But nothing compares to the uproar he's heard over the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's plans to close South Side Hospital.

'We're pushing well into 400 letters,' Kraus says, dropping three two-inch thick binders on his office table. 'Pretty impressive, huh?'

No. It is not impressive. Huh is nothing but a time sink. It might be impressive when boy racers spin their wheels and make noise and smoke, but that is generally worthless too.

UPMC is going to run the Mercy Hospital. I live on the South Side. Mercy is equally as close to my house as is the South Side Hospital.

Furthermore, UPMC is running the rehab site along the river where the Steelers practice. So, we've already got that facility too. And, UPMC has parking lots as well.

How about if the shuttle buses that run from the South Side parking lots into Oakland are allowed to shuttle people who are not employees. That would be a HUGE victory for local residents and the region.

The time to take on UPMC was when I took on UPMC in 1999. That's when UPMC wanted to buy land at greatly reduced values along the river's edge for no net new jobs. There were better things that should have been done and I advocated for.

The football practice facility should have been built right behind the existing UPMC South Side Hospital so that they would have been able to boost that facilities value. There is plenty of land there that could have been used as it is not locked, closed, filled with a wasteland that was once a community asset and resource. Then we'd have the hospital for decades to come.

But no. Bruce Krause was not to be seen then, when it was needed.

Now it is too little and too late. And, his huffing won't help.

I had concerns about the UPMC Hospital long before the merger was announced.

It is a good idea that these clowns are off!

My instant message to Marty Griffin who is cathing a bunch of state reps in lies as to how much they are working. He wants them to admit that they have a four month vacation.

We should insist that the state reps and senators stay away from capital so as to not pass anything in lame duck periods. We don't want them running a gov after election days.

Be careful what you wish for.

If they were in Harrisburg the deficit would be worse.

Of course you rail on them for their waste. Keep that up!

Meet this guy on Friday in Pittsburgh at a free and open event at CMU

Planetarium on defense after McCain criticism - Chicago Breaking News

What does our Running Mate, Glenn W, say about this?

Planetarium on defense after McCain criticism - Chicago Breaking News: "Planetarium on defense after McCain criticism

Dr. Paul Knappenberger, president of the Adler Planetarium, talks about the Zeiss Planetarium Instrument today. Sen. John McCain referred to the instrument as an 'overhead projector' in last night's presidential debate.

Aides to Barack Obama and officials at Adler Planetarium moved today to explain a pair of earmarks Obama has sought for the museum since 2006, at a time when the planetarium's chairman was raising money for the U.S. senator's presidential campaign."

2008 Presidential Candidate Spending Analyses

National Taxpayers Union studies three presidential candidates on spending positions.

2008 Presidential Candidate Spending Analyses: "2008 Presidential Candidate Spending Analyses"

Standard of clarity - from McCain. My Friends -- err -- fellow prisoners

Say what?

Facebook | Patriot Nation

Facebook | Patriot Nation: "'Bob Barr has been on the barricades defending Americans' privacy and liberty against Big Government ever since 1995. He is one of the modern heroes of the Fourth Amendment, standing up for privacy against the FBI, the National Security Agency, and Homeland Security. He is also one of the most savvy and hard-hitting heroes of the Second Amendment, fighting to expose government abuses around the nation.' - Jim Bovard, Author of Lost Rights and Attention Deficit Democracy"

Reminder, Tonight is trash night

From Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events

To my "friends" on the South Side, here is a little clean and green reminder. Tonight is trash night. Put your trash onto the curb for Thursday's early morning pick up.

Life Hint: your landlord may or may not have told you this information about trash collection in the city you now reside. So, figure it out yourself.

Life Hint 2: You don't need to, but it might help matters, if you always took the time to make your bed every morning. You never know when an over-reaching member of council may start to craft legislation about that.

On housing, McCain now likes big government - Oct. 8, 2008

This will be bailout 3.0 -- err -- the Third Bailout.

On housing, McCain now likes big government - Oct. 8, 2008: "WASHINGTON (Fortune) -- Minutes into last night's presidential debate, the already listing ship of free-market Republicanism groaned, keeled over and began a long journey to the bottom of the political seas.

John McCain told us he wants the federal government to nationalize much of the home mortgage industry, buying up loans from strained homeowners and renegotiating new, more affordable terms.

The first one's won't work.

Open Debates is a good place to start

Face it, last night's 90 minute debate between McCain and Obama sucked. It was a waste.

Open Debates 'The Commission on Presidential Debates is a corrupt stranglehold on our democracy.'

I blame the Ds and the Rs. I blame the media too.

Debates' Commission Masterminds Most Somnolent Event: Last night's presidential "town hall" in Nashville hosted by Tom Brokaw was a bust, suggests Micah Sifry. First things first: the word on the street yesterday was that six million votes had poured in through MyDebates.org, the love child of MySpace and the Commission on Presidential Debates. You might remember that we expressed a bit of skepticism about that rather enormous rate of public participation yesterday, and yes, we're bragging, because last night Brokaw pegged the number at a far more plausible "tens of thousands." No matter how many there were, only four "from the Internet" questions were actually asked during the debate. (Answered is a different story -- both candidates made Laila Ali proud with their ability to bob and weave.) So, Micah, how do we fix it? Luckily, he's got ideas, and they center around finally grasping that we have the tools to handle living in a world of abundance. (By the way, we'd love to ask the CPD how many questions actual came in online, but their website lists no contact information -- or even a debate schedule. Democracy!) If you're newly interested in the idea of debate reform, Open Debates is a good place to start.

So as to not just be negative, while offering the solution of Open Debates -- I've got another.

Tune into the first episode of a new TV show: "Worst Week." Watch them in order from 1 to 3. They are on Comcast On Demand, without an extra charge. Funny stuff, like the Keystone Cops of modern time. Way better than the debates with only the D and R.

Pop City - Wiki-ing our Way to a Better Pittsburgh

The best way to wiki our way to a better Pittsburgh is NOT to fork. Rather to join.

The help at FixPA.wikia.com is welcomed from anyone, any time, on any topic. The original framework allows ALL POINTS OF VIEW -- by design.

Pop City - Wiki-ing our Way to a Better Pittsburgh: "It's called Pittsburgh Wiki - a 21st century, web-enabled variation on the kind of pure democracy practiced in Athens 2500 years ago where citizens publicly thrashed out issues until they came to a common resolution, and then worked to translate their thinking into sensible action. The goal is to harness the considerable intellectual firepower of the Pittsburgh region's thoughtful citizenry to help transform it into a world-class city, a leader in the best kind of urban living.

Stay tuned.

Live Blogging Debate at Election.Twitter.com

Catch my tweets at Twitter. They are listed on the side of this blog too.

http://Election.twitter.com

Raise awareness, and take action to end violence in our community

YWCA invites you to attend these activities.

Sunday, October 19: Day of Remembrance

All city faith-based outreach initiative—remembrance of victims of violent crimes.

Monday, October 20: Protecting Our Children

Children in early learning programs will work together to create murals expressing “What a Safe Place Means to Me?” Three of the posters will be displayed in the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh downtown lobby.

Tuesday, October 21: Making Our Schools Safer

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, 305 Wood Street, downtown, Resource Room, 1st floor

The Chief of Police for Pittsburgh Public Schools, Bob Fadzen, and safety dogs, Max and Quincy, will do a presentation. A light lunch will be served.

Wednesday, October 22: Eliminating Racism and Hate Crime

George Simmons, of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, will speak about bullying, harassment, discrimination and hate crimes in Pennsylvania. Check out: www.ywcapgh.org for location details.

Thursday, October 23: Facing Violence Among Men

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Robert Morris University, 600 Fifth Avenue, downtown, Art Gallery, 1st floor

Paul Spradley, Assistant Director of Student Life for Multicultural Affairs, will speak about the impact of violence on young men and your role in prevention. A light lunch will be served.

Friday, October 24: Confronting Violence Against Women

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Carlow University, 3333 Fifth Avenue, Kresge Theatre, Grace Library Hall

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Point Park University, 201 Wood Street, JVHAuditorium, 2nd floor

Elizabeth Kirschner explores the trauma of domestic violence, reading from her book of poems, My Life as a Doll. (Autumn House Press, 2008)

Complimentary copies of the book will be available in limited numbers.

Saturday, October 25: Alternatives to Violence

11:00 – 2:30 p.m. Pittsburgh Peabody High School, 515 Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh

Violence awareness event presentation by RaShall M. Brackney, Commander, City of Pittsburgh, Bureau of Police, Zone 1 Station…Lunch will be served.

October 19 – 25, 2008

The Week Without Violence is an annual event sponsored by the YWCAduring the week of October 19 – 25, 2008. YWCAGreater Pittsburgh’s 13th annual campaign is entitled “Creating Peace in Our Community.” The objective of the Week Without Violence is to focus attention on practical, sustainable non-violent alternatives. Each day of the week focuses on an aspect of this community‑wide problem.

All presentations are free and open to the public.

To register for an activity, please call 412–255–1258.

Sponsored by

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh thanks the following Week Without Violence collaborative organizations:

Alle Kiski Area Hope Center

Carlow University

CASA (Court Appointed Service Advocates)

Center for Victims of Violence and Crime

Crisis Center North

District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s office

Family Resources of Western Pennsylvania

GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network

Kidsvoice

Partners of Murdered Children of Western PA

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)

Pittsburgh Public Schools

Point Park University

Robert Morris University

Safety Kids

The Honorable Bill Peduto’s office

United Way of Allegheny County

Women Against Abusive Relationships (WAAR)

Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

Womansplace

Bill requires landlords to tell tenants about trash collection

Fruitless looks like this:

Bill requires landlords to tell tenants about trash collection Bill requires landlords to tell tenants about trash collection

Sigh.

You can't legislate good behaviors.

As government pushes with legislation -- then people depart. The trash won't go away. Rather, the value in the neighborhood departs.

Mr. Kraus is doing a knee jerk reaction to complaints rather than fixing the problem. Bruce is a great clean-up guy. Mean and green and clean he is. Too bad he doesn't work for Public Works. That's where is talents reside.

Fruitless example 2:

Council today gave final approval to legislation giving the city until Dec. 1 to put in place a system by which landlords can register their units, and then until April 1 for owners of an estimated 62,000 rental units to register and pay. The city missed an earlier set of deadlines to implement a licensing and registration ordinance passed by council in December.

At this time, the city is not ready to receive landlord registrations.

The South Side isn't ready to live under the rule of Martha Stewart either.

Sarah Palin's Extreme Sports

Sarah Palin's Extreme Sports By Dave Zirin

Ever since Andrew Johnson welcomed the New York Mutuals to the White House in 1867, presidential politics has exploited professional sports. It's a foolproof way for politicians to show voters they enjoy competition, fair play and are salt-of-the-turf Americans.

I love sports. And, I love politics. Plus, I greatly enjoy the work of journalist, David Zirin.

If you don't count Jim Ryun, miler, former US Congressmen seeking to win back his seat in 2008. Or, if you don't count Bill Bradley, Paul Allen and Luke Ravenstahl's place-kicking in DIII schools.

Palin has the most extensive sports resumé for a politician since former Representative Steve Largent. But unlike Largent, an NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver, Palin's sporting bona fides are more style than substance.

His closing remarks, swings for the fences:

It's about the right-wing edge of the fundamentalist movement that uses sports to mask a political agenda of creationism, bigotry, environmental catastrophe and deregulation. And if that leads to the "end-times," then so it was written. If sports teaches us anything, it's that you can disguise a lousy competitor for one round, one quarter or one inning, but the truth has a way of making itself known. There is a reason Sarah Palin hasn't done a press conference. In every conceivable way, she belongs in the minors: strictly Bush league.