Teen Shot To Death On 16th Birthday In Mt. Oliver - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

This sucks.

Teen Shot To Death On 16th Birthday In Mt. Oliver - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "Teen Shot To Death On 16th Birthday In Mt. Oliver

The Collected Notes of Secret Agent Ska: Why City Council is not Millennial-friendly

The Collected Notes of Secret Agent Ska: Why City Council is not Millennial-friendly: "Why City Council is not Millennial-friendly"

Right on Agent Ska.

This boils down to "philosophy." That's an age old area of thought. They don't need the same philosophy -- they just need to be aware of thought and process that gives reason of it being grounded in a philosophy.

They act without logic.

Where they are coming from and where they are going is not tied to a greater picture of the landscape of Pittsburgh at this millennial-time.



Dave N is a friend. His brother's movie is now out of DVD too.

PS: Agent Ska, (in here blog post that I point to above) did NOT mean prothonatary, however. The word should be "Controller" (Michael Lamb). Lamb, who is not friendly to the cause as is city council, used to have that job with Allegheny County until it was removed with row-office reform.

Running Mate is with a new baby!

Way to go Dave Powell, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Allegheny County. Dave and his wife have a new member to the family.

Anderson Maxwell Powell born 12:30PM 12-16-2008. He's happy at 8 lbs 12 oz, and 21 3/4inches long.

Bravo!

Perhaps in a few years, this Powell child will be a classmate with a peer named Ravenstahl.

Libertarian Party and Green Party of Pennsylvania denounce court decision

Commonwealth Court holds that state indictments of illegal activity are not grounds for overturning earlier judgment against Ralph Nader

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPA) http://www.lppa.org

Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA)

For Immediate Release: December 16, 2008

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org
Michael Robertson (LPPA Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org
Hillary Aisenstein (GPPA Chair) at 1-267-971-3559 / hillarya@pobox.upenn.edu


Harrisburg, PA – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania and the Green Party of Pennsylvania denounce the recent Commonwealth Court decision against 2004 independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader and his vice presidential candidate Peter Camejo (Mr. Camejo recently passed away after a battle with cancer).

A grand jury report, which led to the indictment of state House Whip Mike Veon and ten former state House Democratic staffers indicated that Veon led a statewide political operation that used commonwealth resources to run a “massive” effort to oust independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader from the 2004 ballot.

According to the report, as many as 50 Pennsylvania House staff members worked on a challenge to Nader's ballot petition, and more than half received state-funded bonuses, in part for their "Nader efforts.”

On the basis of the report and indictment, Mr. Nader challenged a court ruling holding him accountable for nearly $81,000 in costs to remove him from the ballot.
Although the original judgment appears to be based on a criminal conspiracy, the court ruled that opening or vacating the judgment was not justified and went further to say that Nader’s efforts to comply with Pennsylvania’s extremely restrictive signature requirements were “the most deceitful and fraudulent exercise ever perpetuated” against the court.

"This decision drives yet another nail into the political coffin of challenger parties", said Ken Krawchuk, a two-time Libertarian candidate for Pennsylvania Governor. "First they force us to collect thirty-three times as many signatures to get on the statewide ballot, then they fine us $80,000-plus for the trying, and now they say it's okay for our elected officials to break the law to crush free elections. It's bad enough being ground into the dust under the heel of criminal oppression, but the saddest part of all is that there is no public outcry, no disgust, no anger. Pennsylvania voters are letting them get away with it! It seems as if no one cares any longer about the rule of law. I fear for our future as a free people."

Hillary Aisenstein, GPPA Chair said "It's absolutely astounding to me that in the face rampant fraud and corruption by the Democratic Party, the Court is still ruling against Nader. If they want to see 'deceitful and fraudulent,' they should take a look in the mirror."

LPPA Chair Michael Robertson added “Not only should Mr. Nader not have been assessed fees at all, but it is a complete travesty of justice that he should be assessed fees as a result of the criminal activity against him. He was victimized by the criminals and then again by the justice system.”

Pgh Public Schools Elementary School Swim Championships

From Mark Rauterkus

This is me coaching warm-ups before the big meet.

Context later.

Making Music on Grant Street

From violin-gang

Erik and his school mates were making music on Grant Street at the home of the Allegheny County seat of government -- last week.

Today, the same building is closed.

Recap of our trip to Southern California

In early December, my wife had an invite to speak to a group of professionals in Southern California. The whole family went. The event and the resort (hardly a hotel) was in Newport Beach.

We arrived on Wednesday and went to the home of our host. He lives in the hills above Hollywood.

On Thursday, Grant's birthday, we started with a swim in the hotel swim pool and workout in the fitness center. Then, according to Grant's wish, we went golfing. Grant got turned onto the game recently. Oh well.

From Grantman

Thursday night, we took the boys to Long Beach and the Belmont Shore Olympic Pool, right on the beach. They joined in with Beach Swim Club for a workout. They did drylands right on the beach and some running. Then the swimming was in a six lane outdoor pool right next to this indoor, 50-meter pool.

From Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events

From people & vips

Friday, we went to Golden West Swim Club in Huntington Beach at Golden West College. GW is a Jr. College that has a great water polo team. Plus, the coach is a long time favorite inovator, Bob Gillette. Coach Gillette had been in Arizona with his own AZ Sports Ranch, but moved to Southern California a couple of years ago -- to retire. Giggle.

I have some video of Bob from that practice that makes a great lesson on swim meet warm-ups. The team was doing an easy practice as they had a swim meet set-up going on around them for the meet the next morning.

From Grantman

On Saturday morning, we got up and hit the 13-14 Blue practice with Mission Viejo and Coach A'dam.

MVN - Coaches: "Coach Ad'm Dusenbury

The workout was over the top for Grant, but a great match for Erik. The younger MVN kids were at a swim meet.

Warmup was an 800 and then 12 x 100 kicks.

The main set was 16 x 200s on
4 min each.

3 x 200 fly + 200 IM
3 x 200 back + 200 IM
3 x 200
breast + 200 IM
3 x 200 free + 200 IM

The final set was a swim with paddles, 8 x 100s, working on technique.

Erik, Ad'm and Grant at the end of practice. From family - travels

We hit some golf balls into the net on Saturday afternoon and then headed to play on the water in Newport Bay on some kayaks. Grant did a bit of open water swimming. Then we watched USC beat up on UCLA in football on TV. That game was in the Rose Bowl. We toyed with the idea of going to the game, but it would have been too much.

All the swim folks were wonderful. Each club and situation is different. We were honored to participate in the practice and visit. We also got to visit with Karen, owner, of CAS. She has always been a great source of not only equipment, but skinny on the local swim scene.

On Sunday, we flew back to Pittsburgh, via the Twin Cities on MN, and its 4-degree temp. We arrived in town and went straight to the Pittsburgh Music Academy for the first rehersal of an orchestra that will hold a concert for Pittsburgh's 250 in the spring.

Videos to come later.


By the way, Catherine, as expected, was a hit at the event / professional meeting. She gave a keynote and provided a bit of buzz to the meeting. She talked about how to make a good evaluation of published research so as to help clinicians be more insightful consumers of published research / news thereby helping the patients.

SIG Alert on East Carson Street with 50 wheels and one truck

In Southern California they have "SIG ALERTS" when traffic is very bad. We had such a situation on East Carson Street on the South Side last week when a massive truck with 50 wheels got stuck. It was making a delivery to the mill site on the river's edge at 11th Street, Quality Rolls.

This truck carried a section that acted as a swinging hammock between two other sections. There was a back end controller that allowed the wheels to turn.

Two cars, parked legally, needed to be towed. Plus, a no parking sign nearer to the corner needed to be taken down.

From Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events

The truck had a state police escort and city police were on hand too.

Traffic was stopped for 45 minutes or so. Hope you knew how to get around the jam.

Tip to the world: When making a delivery to Pittsburgh's South Side, don't put the goods on a massive truck.

Tug: Consol Energy is not a public ice skating arena

CONSOL Energy is going to be the sponsor of the new Civic Arena in Pittsburgh.

From Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events

Whatever.

Got a better photo caption, let me know.

You can be a Limited Government Legislator

Reasons why you should be on your local council:

1. There is a high turnover on borough councils (no-compensation job!), and most candidates run un-opposed.

2. When elected, you get to take an oath to swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States!

3. Protect private property rights through granting/denying variances. You will know what to do.

4. Protect private property by denying or getting rid of historical commissions and controlling traffic.

5. Demand your borough live within it's means. Be the tax payer's best friend.

6. Keep taxes low and spending lower. Demand reasonable contracts with utilities and contractors.

7. Witness to finance committee and pension and general fund money managers about Keynesian/Austrian economics.

8. Gain access to your PA Senator and PA House Representative. Tell them you stand for limited government and make alliances accordingly.

9. Fight for/against PA Bills that affect our freedoms.

10. Have oversight of your local police and fire unit activity.

Fulfill the mission by C4L to become a community leader.

Not for you? Attend your next local council meeting and find out what's going on.

Interested? Here is the manual for PA borough council. Read it to find out more.

Petitions start circulating on Feb 19, 2009, to get on the ballot.

Marty Griffin is off the reservation

Marty Griffin, KDKA Radio, is pounding upon the unfolding story of the shooting death of the FBI agent in the early morning hours of her house.

Gross foolishness. Today, Marty is making Jim Motiznik look like a rocket scientist.

I don't care what you think about drug dealers, snitches, gun rights, home invasion, FBI, police brutality, ACLU, kid's safety, motherhood, whatever --- I'm talking about bad radio and bad conversations. Marty is clicking those that hold other opinions off the air. Marty is being a huge blow-hard. It takes all my will to not flip off the radio from KDKA.

Richard King reports on phantom ballots in Allegheny County with its election machines

Last week I heard the public comment from Richard King, Ph.D., concerning the recent election. He has seen strange results from a couple of polling places from the November 2008 election. In two places, there were more votes than voters. He only was able to check on ten places, so far.

For instance, in Wilkinsburg, one place he checked, the other is in the east end too, there were 10 extra votes beyond what could have happened. These are not the right numbers, but lets just use this as an example: The vote totals could have been 90 for Obama, 9 for McCain and 1 for Barr. That's 100 total votes. But, only 90 people are reported to have approached the polls to cast a vote. Something is goofy.

To get to the bottom of these numbers that don't add up, the public officials, the county, needs to unlock the machines and work with the citizens in a trustworthy manner to investigate and resolve the problem. There is only so much a volunteer from the outside can do.

Hence, the people need to be aware and turn up the heat -- as so far -- the county folks are not cooperative, as usual.

We apparently have voting machines casting phantom e-ballots in Allegheny County... please read on.

"Phantom e-ballots" were cast by Allegheny County's iVotronic voting machines in this past election. When more ballots were cast on these voting machines than there were voters allowed to approach the machines, its a problem. As many as 10 phantom ballots were cast in one polling place - and an initial review of 12 "problem reported" precincts has found 3 polling places which had cast phantom e-ballots.

In the "10-phantom ballot" precinct the voting machines were reported to be fading out and blinking back on all day and eventually two machines shut down in the afternoon. If a printout of this polling place's ballots finds that 10 ballots were cast without containing any votes, then the situation is reconcilable and not a big deal. However, if all the ballots have some votes on them, then we have a great opportunity federal funding for new voting machines with paper ballots and verifiable voting. Generally, we would also like the county to be transparently reporting on the voting machine problems, such as the prevalence of these phantom e-ballots.


County Council Meets Tuesday, at 5pm

PLEASE SIGN UP TO SPEAK TO COUNTY COUNCIL TO ASK FOR VERIFIABLE AND ACCOUNTABLE ELECTIONS

REQUEST TO COMMENT HERE BEFORE MONDAY AT 5PM:
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/council/comment.asp

If this link doesn't work, please email or call JOHN MASCIO, CHIEF CLERK : 412-350-6495 jmascio@alleghenycounty.us

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS TUESDAY AT 5 PM
County Courthouse
436 Grant Street
4th Floor - Gold Room
Pittsburgh, PA 15219


Councilman Chuck Martoni has offered to schedule a sense of council motion for
Tuesday Dec. 16th's meeting at 5PM:


County Council Resolves that the BOE (Board of Elections) and the Division of Elections should:
1) Print a hardcopy of the ballots stored in iVotronic memory in Wilkinsburg 1-6, under witness by election integrity and party observers as provided by PA law, (see Section 3154 of Purdons, PA Election Code).

2) Provide meaningful routine and standard reporting on election problems and lessons learned each election, to include items addressed in the 15 questions.

3) Make available for review, without resort to records requests or legal assistance all election reporting documents identified in the 15 questions.

4) Make public the report on the November 2007 election.


Election Report Questions for Allegheny County
1 - How many and what precincts have more iVotronic ballots than voters accessing the iVotronics?

2 - How many and what precincts have reports of machine problems by voters?

3 - HMAWPs have reports of machine problems by pollworkers?

4 - HMAWPs have machines which required service calls by rovers during the election?

5 - HMAWPs have lost or found voting machine equipment this election?

6 - HMAWPs still have outstanding lost equipment from previous elections?

7 - Were any irregularities reported at the warehouse regarding the iVotronic sleep overs at precincts?

8 - Were any irregularities reported at the warehouse regarding the security procedures for the iVotronics?

9 -Has any effort been made to talk with other iVotronic counties to correlate experiences?

10 - Is there a comprehensive list documenting the problems encountered in the canvass?

11 - Is there a comprehensive list documenting the problems encountered in the returns board?

12 - Is there a log of phoned in complaints to the county regarding election problems?

13 - Is there a log of "walk in" complaints registered at the Division of Elections Office?

14 - Is there a comprehensive list of percentage undervotes for each race?
- By iVotronic voting?
- By Absentee voting
- By Provisional and Emergency Ballot Voting?

15 - If more ballots were cast than voters present, were the individual ballots printed out? (and were they cast empty or filled)?

I've just made my call to John, the clerk, to put my name on the speaker's list. If I can't make it, so be it. But, I've put my name on the record as a citizen who cares and is watching. I will try to attend.

---

Due to some building troubles, the Allegheny County Office Building is closed today, Monday, Dec. 15. So, you might not get an answer if you call.

Schenley building removed from insurance, 2 others added

Schenley building removed from insurance, 2 others added'There is no hidden message being sent about Schenley,' he said. 'Absolutely none. Zero. Zilch.'

Right.

There is no hidden message -- as it is impossible to hide. The message is clear and i the open. What some value is what others say is worthless.

The next hidden agenda item begins as soon as Mark Roosevelt hand picks a new committee to look into the abandoned school building formerly known as Schenley.

New Zealand Swimming finishes its summer championships

From signs

14th December 2008

Jan Cameron believes there’s plenty of exciting talent to carry the mantle in New Zealand Swimming based on performances at the national summer championships that finished in Christchurch tonight.

Ten New Zealand records were established this week with nine swimmers going over the key 900 FINA point mark at the meet, where Swimming New Zealand honoured their three retiring Olympians – Dean Kent, Helen Norfolk and Liz Coster.

Two further records were set on the final night, led by 21-year-old Glenn Snyders, arguably the star not only of the meeting but the most improved swimmer this year.
He took nearly four seconds off his previous best in winning the 200m breaststroke in a new record time of 2:06.45, after setting a new mark in the 100m breaststroke last night in the fifth fastest time in the world this year.

Taranaki’s Charlotte Webby established the other record tonight, going under the seven year old mark of Liz Van Welie in the 200m butterfly. Webby, from the Bell Block club, clocked 2:10.51 in winning the final.

Cameron, the new General Manager, Performance and Pathways, said she is encouraged by the performances this week.

“We’ve honoured three fantastic swimmers tonight but we have seen a number of young swimmers really putting their hands up here,” Cameron said.

They include Olympians Snyders, Melissa Ingram, Corney Swanepoel, Daniel Bell and Tash Hind. But importantly there were impressive showings from Penelope Marshall (North Shore), Michael Jack (West Auckland), Natalie Wiegersma (Waverley, Southland) and Cameron Stanley (North Shore).

Snyders was the star of the show.

“It’s been great. My expectations were just to come and do my best out of the heavy work I’ve been doing,” Snyders said.

“My training has been going well and my results this week are a good indication that I am on the right track.

“My time tonight in this sort of training is really pleasing. This year has been great. I couldn’t have asked for a better year.

“I’ve gained a lot and learned a lot. I can’t wait for next year. I try not to look at the big picture but with every major meet I want to do better and better. I have targeted medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2010.”

Bell edged Swanepoel in the final of the 100m butterfly while West Auckland’s Brett Newall scored an excellent win in the 400m individual medley and Dylan Dunlop-Barrett took out the 1500m freestyle.

Marshall scored an important win over club mate and Olympian Ingram in the 200m freestyle, Wiegersma impressed with victory over Hind in the 200m medley and Annabelle Carey (Aquagym) took out the 50m breaststroke.

The visiting Australian club team from Melbourne, led by world record holder Marieke Guehrer won three finals tonight with Guehrer just failing in her attempt to lower her own world mark in the 50m butterfly.

From signs

Branded demobocrats to raise money for needy this holiday season

From signs

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Mike Ference, The Brand Shop, Inc.
817 Worthington Avenue, Clairton, PA 15025
412-233-5491
Email: thebrandman@thebrandshopinc.com
http://www.thebrandshopinc.com

Pennsylvania political activist, The Mon Dawn, is hoping to make the holiday season a little brighter for the less fortunate by offering limited edition, imprinted t-shirts featuring The Mon Dawn-coined term – demobocrats – to the highest bidder. All proceeds will benefit individuals, children and families who face difficult times during these scandalous and fiscally daunting times in our nation’s history.

“If an Illinois demobocrat can sell a U.S. Senate seat for his own benefit, then I can sell my limited editions, imprinted “Be a Snitch” and “Pennsylvania Dirty Dozen Demobocrats” t-shirts to raise money for folks hurting so badly during these tough economic times,” The Mon Dawn said.

While the t-shirts themselves make great holiday gifts for folks with true democratic beliefs and love for their country, the wearables also send a strong message as to what’s really ailing America. “There’s never been a better time to be a snitch, according to The Mon Dawn. “I’m tired of federal and state law enforcement officials devoting their time to rogue politicians responsible for all that is wrong with this once-great country of ours,” he sadly pointed out.

The toughest part of being a snitch may be finding a local law enforcement official who can be trusted to investigate alleged crimes. “I live in the Mon Valley section of Allegheny County in western PA where three former Mon Valley police chiefs were arrested, convicted and forced to trade in their police blues for inmate orange. Toss in former Allegheny County Sheriff Pete DeFazio and his three cronies forced to vacate their positions in disgrace,” The Mon Dawn adds, “and you have to wonder when and where is it all going to stop.”

The Pennsylvania Dirty Dozen Demobocrat t-shirt is the perfect item for anyone on your holiday gift-giving list. Students of all ages can use it as a show-and-tell project in social studies or history class or as a classic example of dysfunctional behavior for a psychology or sociology class in college,” The Mon Dawn proudly stated. “Political pundits on the right side of issues would find this t-shirt a welcome present under their Christmas tree, and a gift to enjoy for many years and for many occasions,” he adds.

The Pennsylvania Dirty Dozen Demobocrats t-shirt was created following the indictment of 12 political scoundrels named in the bonus scandal by PA Attorney General Tom Corbett. The prison time for all 12 scoundrels could conceivably total 1,892 years, if convicted on all counts.

The opportunity to sell approximately 100 limited edition t-shirts with 100 percent of the money going to needy individuals this holiday season will go to the first media outlet that shows an interest in adverting and marketing the t-shirts with an attempt to raise the most money for those in most need of help.

For more information or to receive a PDF file of what the t-shirts look like and an itemized list of sizes available, contact The Brand Shop, Inc. at 412-233-5491, or send an email to thebrandman@thebrandshopinc.com.

From Older t-shirt designs.

Success -- coaching style with USC

Watch CBS Videos Online

Fiddle Concerts Saturday AM and PM

The XSO (Extreme Strings Orchestra) will perform between 10-11 AM tomorrow (Saturday) at CAPA High School - next to the Convention Center. The concert is free and open to the public. The group will be playing all new music including an Irish fiddle tune "Kesh Jig", an original fiddle composition "Grand Canyon Jump", a jazz tune by Martin Norgaard "Canta Island", and current Pop/Rock hit "Disturbia".

The group's teacher and organizer is Steven Vance.

Grant will be playing. Erik will be at the Pitt Christmas Meet.

Later, at 5 pm, the kids take another downtown stage for yet another concert. This will be in PPG's Winter Garden with PMA, Pittsburgh Music Academy located in Carnegie. That gig will have lots of Christmas music. Also, free and open to the public.

"Green is Good": The Pittsburgh Penguins Award their New Arena's Naming Rights to a Local Coal Company

"Green is Good": The Pittsburgh Penguins Award their New Arena's Naming Rights to a Local Coal Company: "a coal company's name will now adorn the arena of a hockey team named The Penguins

Shaler Area basketball coach, 65, dies

Shaler Area basketball coach, 65, dies Shaler Area basketball coach, 65, dies

I'll coach the team for the rest of the season. But, it would be better to hire Paul Seneca. Coach Seneca is a basketball guy and last I knew he was a teacher in the North Allegheny School System.

Then again, I'm clueless as to the assistant coaching situations at Shaler. If Coach Ruppert was a great coach, he'd have worked hard to have assistant coaches who could lead the team should this occur.

All coaches need to have capable assistant coaches -- just in case. It takes a village.

Good luck team. Rest in peace coach. Our prayer and thoughts to the family and friends. It is my hope that all are able to rise to the challenge, cause this is sure to present many challenges.

Instant Message to Marty Griffin

Yesterday, as Marty Griffin of KDKA Radio, AM 1020, was talking on the air with Pgh Public Schools Superintendent, Mark Roosevelt, I sent in a message that he read on the air with some kind remarks. They were talking about the 50-percent grade policy where no assignment can score ZERO. No matter what, 50% is a guarantee. So, the students are getting half credit for nothing.

On the air, Mr. Roosevelt said that there have been some "unintended consequences" of the policy. Some teachers are upset about the allowance of total slackers in the classroom and throughout the semesters.

So, in response, a new committee is being formed to study the situation. It will be made up of teachers and administrators, so reported Mr. Roosevelt.

My comment was that we need to insist that parents be put onto the committee. The parents were left off of the solution according to Mr. Roosevelt's words. These are our kids. These are our schools. Parents need to have input into the operation of the schools.

Today I take the other side of discussion with Marty. I posted to him as he is cring about the failed bailout vote by the US Senate.

Makers of buggy whips and horse-drawn carriages would have been happy to have you (Marty Griffin) pimping for their clutch on the past.

First, they'll still pull off a bailout even without the vote of the Senators. Bailout version 3.0 is sure to come.

Second, new opportunities will spring to life, for sure.

Change is a life fact. Guarantee.

Car dealers will all be gone. So what! Buggy whip dealers are all gone too. Horse stables do not exist in the city any more. There used to be one in our garage on the South Side. No hay sales for feeding the horse drawn carriages while stabled in the city to pull goods around town.

Cars were not part of the landscape in the time of Ben Franklin. But, freedom was. And we want to keep freedom and let the car industry/customers fend for themselves.

What would you have them do? -- asks Griffin.

I'd have the US Senators worry most about freedom and worry less about props to any one industry.

Let's talk about fairness, says Griffin. It isn't fair to have equity -- unless you go to the roots of principles. Don't give to Peter and rob from Paul.