Public service set for some in Super Bowl disturbance Forty-one of the 44 accused in the unruly Feb. 1 celebration showed up at Municipal Court this morning. Three others did not receive the mailed summonses and the court will attempt to contact them again.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Public service set for some in Super Bowl disturbance
A contrarian strikes again
Rant on the folly that is Bruce Kraus.
Yesterday, a neighbor was using some green paint to cover a mailbox that had been a vandal magnet. I asked if she was painting the green with the left overs from St. Pats Day. Thanks for that effort. I dare not give more details as she isn't a union worker.
But, back to the couch.
What if a couch shows up in front of Mr. Kraus' home? Does he get to pay the $500 per day fine?
Couches are able to burn. But, worse than a couch are the Eucalyptus tree. Let's ban all Eucalyptus trees too. And, pine trees burn. Let's ban all pine trees. And, what about a top cause of fires -- Christmas Trees. It would be better for Mr. Kraus to ban all Christmas Trees than to ban indoor couches placed outdoors.
A contrarian strikes again - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Here's the pressing question for a Pittsburgh City Council featuring one member who says 'there's absolutely no room for discussion' of its tentatively approved ban on indoor furniture being used on outside porches:To the credit of Mr. Kraus, but really to employees of public works, the South Side is clean this morning. On Sunday, the clean-up from the weekend was in full swing. The place looks good.
Why is such furniture on an unenclosed porch, balcony or deck that's not visible from the street or sidewalk any less of a supposed public hazard (for fire and/or vermin) than such furniture that is visible? At least that's how the proposed law, set for final approval this week, appears to be styled.
The legislation ostensibly is designed to thwart torchings during spontaneous street celebrations -- think Oakland, think Super Bowl XLIII -- and to eliminate yet another place for rats to supposedly plot The Siege of the Cathedral of Learning. Author Bruce Kraus, the councilor who has appointed himself the no-discussion Kraussissar, er, kommissar, says 'Rome is burning.'
How many aggravated couch burnings does Pittsburgh have in a given year again, Herr Kraus?
Yes, Mr. Kraus, Rome is burning -- the city remains in state receivership, the pension funds remain virtually bust and systemic budget flaws soon likely will metastasize like a voracious ugly cancer.
And City Council is 'prioritizing' by regulating outdoor furniture. Can dictating the color of our homes, what flowers we plant and the number of scoops in our coffee makers be far behind?
Yesterday, a neighbor was using some green paint to cover a mailbox that had been a vandal magnet. I asked if she was painting the green with the left overs from St. Pats Day. Thanks for that effort. I dare not give more details as she isn't a union worker.
But, back to the couch.
What if a couch shows up in front of Mr. Kraus' home? Does he get to pay the $500 per day fine?
Couches are able to burn. But, worse than a couch are the Eucalyptus tree. Let's ban all Eucalyptus trees too. And, pine trees burn. Let's ban all pine trees. And, what about a top cause of fires -- Christmas Trees. It would be better for Mr. Kraus to ban all Christmas Trees than to ban indoor couches placed outdoors.
Datestone is a solid find, but where to put it?
Datestone is a solid find, but where to put it?: "Neighborhood activist Carl Suter of Crafton Heights, who happened on it two weeks ago, thinks it deserves a better fate, perhaps as an artifact along one of the city's riverfront trails.I agree with Carl. Put the stone back in Point State Park.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Do not press 9 0 # while on the phone
90# on your telephone is a no no!
I dialed '0', to check this out, asked the operator, who confirmed that this was correct so please pass it on . . . (l also checked out Snopes.com. This is true, and also applies to cell phones!)
PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW
I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service Technician (could also be Telus) who was conducting a test on the telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9), zero (0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up.
Luckily, I was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.
I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.
Driver dies after chaotic South Side chase
Bad news.
Driver dies after chaotic South Side chase Driver dies after chaotic South Side chase
Saturday, March 14, 2009
It's PI day!
Everything is going around in circles today. There was a famous mathematician who discovered that our universe may not be just simply a rectangular space but may be bent into a huge hypersphere instead, with pi around it (circumference/diameter).
His birthday was today in 1879 - Albert Einstein.
Now you know he rest of the story.
His birthday was today in 1879 - Albert Einstein.
Now you know he rest of the story.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Pittsburgh Marathon running out of entry spots
Pittsburgh Marathon running out of entry spots: "The registration spots for the May 3 event are going fast. Entries have been capped at 9,000 -- 3,500 for the full marathon, 3,500 for the half marathon and 2,000 for up to 500, four-person relay teams."Why cap the entries? Why?
Perhaps it is time to think again. The race is in May.
Search for Greatness
In her school visits as N.C. Teacher of the Year, Cindi Rigsbee discovered that the best administrators have some things in common.Robyn R. Jackson, author of the recently published Never Work Harder Than Your Students & Other Principles of Great Teaching, discusses the mindset of master teachers.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Kids on the radio on Saturday playing violin
Tune in to the Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show on Saturday from 10-10:30 AM to hear us do our new Irish music set as well as other fiddle, jazz and rock tunes. You can hear the show on the following stations
WRCT 88.3 Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh
WIUP 90.1 Indiana University Indiana PA
WMCO 90.7 Muskingum U. Ohio
WSAJ 91.1 Grove City PA
WNJR 91.7 Washington & Jefferson U.
WCUV 91.7
Or on the internet from their site http://www.slbradio.com/
You may also come to see us do this remote broadcast at the Pittsburgh Center For The Arts at the corner of Fifth Ave. and Shady Ave. in Shadyside. It's their open house and open to the public free. We may also stick around for awhile and play a few more tunes in another area of the center.
Bert P. Krages Attorney at Law Photographer's Rights Page
I'm still a little hacked off about last night and how I went to two meetings and was asked to put away my video camera. This has happened before. A twitter friend pointed me to this.
The Photographer’s Right is a downloadable guide that is loosely based on the Bust Card and the Know Your Rights pamphlet that used to be available on the ACLU website. It may be downloaded and printed out using Adobe Acrobat Reader. You may make copies and carry them your wallet, pocket, or camera bag to give you quick access to your rights and obligations concerning confrontations over photography. You may distribute the guide to others, provided that such distribution is not done for commercial gain and credit is given to the author.
Download The Photographer’s Right in PDF format
A Stand for Photographer’s Rights
The right to take photographs in the United States is being challenged more than ever. People are being stopped, harassed, and even intimidated into handing over their personal property simply because they were taking photographs of subjects that made other people uncomfortable. Recent examples have included photographing industrial plants, bridges, buildings, trains, and bus stations. For the most part, attempts to restrict photography are based on misguided fears about the supposed dangers that unrestricted photography presents to society.
Ironically, unrestricted photography by private citizens has played an integral role in protecting the freedom, security, and well-being of all Americans. Photography in the United States has an established history of contributing to improvements in civil rights, curbing abusive child labor practices, and providing important information to crime investigators. Photography has not contributed to a decline in public safety or economic vitality in the United States. When people think back on the acts of domestic terrorism that have occurred over the last twenty years, none have depended on or even involved photography. Restrictions on photography would not have prevented any of these acts. Furthermore, the increase in people carrying small digital and cell phone cameras has resulted in the prevention of crimes and the apprehension of criminals.
As the flyer states, there are not very many legal restrictions on what can be photographed when in public view. Most attempts at restricting photography are done by lower-level security and law enforcement officials acting way beyond their authority. Note that neither the Patriot Act nor the Homeland Security Act have any provisions that restrict photography. Similarly, some businesses have a history of abusing the rights of photographers under the guise of protecting their trade secrets. These claims are almost always meritless because entities are required to keep trade secrets from public view if they want to protect them.
Thanks! I'm printing it out now.
Bert P. Krages Attorney at Law Photographer's Rights Page A Downloadable Flyer Explaining Your Rights When Stopped or Confronted for Photography
The Photographer’s Right is a downloadable guide that is loosely based on the Bust Card and the Know Your Rights pamphlet that used to be available on the ACLU website. It may be downloaded and printed out using Adobe Acrobat Reader. You may make copies and carry them your wallet, pocket, or camera bag to give you quick access to your rights and obligations concerning confrontations over photography. You may distribute the guide to others, provided that such distribution is not done for commercial gain and credit is given to the author.
Download The Photographer’s Right in PDF format
A Stand for Photographer’s Rights
The right to take photographs in the United States is being challenged more than ever. People are being stopped, harassed, and even intimidated into handing over their personal property simply because they were taking photographs of subjects that made other people uncomfortable. Recent examples have included photographing industrial plants, bridges, buildings, trains, and bus stations. For the most part, attempts to restrict photography are based on misguided fears about the supposed dangers that unrestricted photography presents to society.
Ironically, unrestricted photography by private citizens has played an integral role in protecting the freedom, security, and well-being of all Americans. Photography in the United States has an established history of contributing to improvements in civil rights, curbing abusive child labor practices, and providing important information to crime investigators. Photography has not contributed to a decline in public safety or economic vitality in the United States. When people think back on the acts of domestic terrorism that have occurred over the last twenty years, none have depended on or even involved photography. Restrictions on photography would not have prevented any of these acts. Furthermore, the increase in people carrying small digital and cell phone cameras has resulted in the prevention of crimes and the apprehension of criminals.
As the flyer states, there are not very many legal restrictions on what can be photographed when in public view. Most attempts at restricting photography are done by lower-level security and law enforcement officials acting way beyond their authority. Note that neither the Patriot Act nor the Homeland Security Act have any provisions that restrict photography. Similarly, some businesses have a history of abusing the rights of photographers under the guise of protecting their trade secrets. These claims are almost always meritless because entities are required to keep trade secrets from public view if they want to protect them.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Pittsburgh goes to the mattresses — and sofas - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Whew. We dodged a bullet with the fines for these couches.
If the fee was $20. Then tickets might get written.
Socking a kid a $500 bill will knock them out of college in many instances.
Besides a $20 fee rather than a $500 fee, how about if you give out a 3-1-1 phone number and the Department of Public Works will come to pick-up the couch in 24 hours or less.
Pittsburgh goes to the mattresses — and sofas - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'The safety and the image and health and prosperity of the surrounding neighborhood is critical to the health and safety of the business district,' she said. 'These (couches) really are safety hazards.'There will never be a fine given for anyone. Enforcement won't happen.
If the fee was $20. Then tickets might get written.
Socking a kid a $500 bill will knock them out of college in many instances.
Besides a $20 fee rather than a $500 fee, how about if you give out a 3-1-1 phone number and the Department of Public Works will come to pick-up the couch in 24 hours or less.
War on Drugs didn't work. War on drinking might fail too.
Being drunk isn't against the law. Being disorderly, destructive, and taking a leak is.
There is no holding cell for disorderly drunks -- as in youth curfew center.
Open containers are illegal and should not be tolerated.
All in all, downtown venue for drunken party is okay as it allows South Side to be slightly more human.
Marty G on KDKA Radio is ranting about the St. Pats Parade.
There is no holding cell for disorderly drunks -- as in youth curfew center.
Open containers are illegal and should not be tolerated.
All in all, downtown venue for drunken party is okay as it allows South Side to be slightly more human.
Marty G on KDKA Radio is ranting about the St. Pats Parade.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
This sounds like a fun spring and summer project
Call for Entries: The BurghBot Project
Submission Deadline: April 1, 2009
Are you an artist interested in exploring new media? A roboticist looking to show off your creativity? If so, the BurghBot Project wants YOU! The Pittsburgh Technology Council and CREATE Lab are currently seeking artists and roboticists to participate in the 2009 Annual Art and Technology Exhibition.
DETAILS: The Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment [CREATE] Lab of the CMU Robotics Institute will provide up to 10 artists with robotic media to serve as a foundation for robotic artwork -- to be juried and showcased during this year’s Art + Technology Exhibition at the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s 15 Minutes Gallery.
SUBMISSIONS: No robotic or new media experience necessary.
MATERIALS: Selected artists will be notified and presented with their materials by April 15, 2009. All artwork must be completed and delivered to the Pittsburgh Technology Council for the exhibition opening on June 18, 2009. BurghBots will be showcased and for sale at the 15 Minutes Gallery, with a portion of proceeds returning to the artist.
ROBOTIC SPECIFICATIONS: Each artist will be supplied with a robotic framework [above] and a three hour instructional workshop. Robots are approximately 18”Hx 8”Wx 6”L. Artists may utilize any creative means to enhance the robots aesthetics or function, as long as no working parts are damaged or destroyed. Robotic frameworks remain property of CREATE Lab.
TO ENTER: To be considered as potential BurghBot artist, email your resume, brief artist statement and porfolio samples to kharvey@ pghtech.org by April 1, 2009.
CONTACT: Direct alll questions and submissions to:
Kim Chestney Harvey,
Creative Director, Art + Technology,
Pittsburgh Technology Council,
2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
kharvey@ pghtech.org
http://www.15minutesgallery.org
Win Makes 28 Straight for Stanford
Great props for a Pittsburgh guy, also a member of the JCC Sailfish, swimming his freshmen season at Stanford.
Win Makes 28 Straight for Stanford: "La Tourette downed Washington senior Scott Spansail (14:44.24), with Cardinal freshman Trevor Scheid and sophomore David Mosko coming in third and fourth respectively. The top four all met NCAA qualifying times.
Another first-year Cardinal, Bobby Bollier, won the 200-yard butterfly in 1:42.92. Arizona freshman AJ Tipton finished second in a time of 1:43.43, while Peter Davis of Cal was third.
'We have a great freshman class, maybe one of our best ever,' Kenney said. 'It's been one of the more fun years. They've brought a lot of energy.'
Where's My IRS tax refund?
Where's My Refund Home: "Your Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number);
Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er))
The exact whole dollar amount of your refundYour Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number);
Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er))
The exact whole dollar amount of your refund.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Pitt women edged out by Louisville, 69-63
Pitt women edged out by Louisville, 69-63: "top-ranked and unbeaten Huskies routed Villanova 72-42 in the other semifinal."
University of Michigan hosts Chatham University in women's water polo. Historic first tournament in Ann Arbor for Cougars.
Witness the University of Michigan womens water polo squad hosting the Chatham University Cougars in a historic first varsity tournament for the new varsity squad at the Pittsburgh based all-women's university.
The team traveled to Ann Arbor for the games against Michigan and Indiana University on Saturday, March 7, 2009.
This is the second quarter of the game. See two of the Chatham goals.
More game action is going to be put online soon.
Michigan's squad was playing its 19th game this season. The team had traveled to California twice and to the east coast once. They also hosted a prior tournament this season as well.
This was the first day of action for Chatham University in official varsity games. This season Chatham University expects to play 13 games.
Michigan has four players listed as goalies. None of the Michigan players are on the competitive swim team. Chatham's squad comes mostly from the DIII swim team with the athletes doing both swimming (fall and winter sport) and water polo (spring).
Other coverage: MGoBlue: "Mulder Picks Up CWPA Rookie of the Week Honor"
Mulder notched five steals against Washington & Jefferson to go with two assists in the second game before tallying a goal and an assist against Chatham. Humm. Chatham let her cool her jets.
MGoBlue: Water Polo Goes Perfect as Host of CWPA League Games: "The No. 15-ranked University of Michigan water polo team cruised to four double-digit victories, downing Grove City, 14-1, Washington & Jefferson, 20-2, Chatham, 19-2, and Penn State-Behrend,15-0, on Saturday (March 7) in CWPA Western Division league play at Canham Natatorium."
The team traveled to Ann Arbor for the games against Michigan and Indiana University on Saturday, March 7, 2009.
This is the second quarter of the game. See two of the Chatham goals.
More game action is going to be put online soon.
Michigan's squad was playing its 19th game this season. The team had traveled to California twice and to the east coast once. They also hosted a prior tournament this season as well.
This was the first day of action for Chatham University in official varsity games. This season Chatham University expects to play 13 games.
Michigan has four players listed as goalies. None of the Michigan players are on the competitive swim team. Chatham's squad comes mostly from the DIII swim team with the athletes doing both swimming (fall and winter sport) and water polo (spring).
Other coverage: MGoBlue: "Mulder Picks Up CWPA Rookie of the Week Honor"
Mulder notched five steals against Washington & Jefferson to go with two assists in the second game before tallying a goal and an assist against Chatham. Humm. Chatham let her cool her jets.
MGoBlue: Water Polo Goes Perfect as Host of CWPA League Games: "The No. 15-ranked University of Michigan water polo team cruised to four double-digit victories, downing Grove City, 14-1, Washington & Jefferson, 20-2, Chatham, 19-2, and Penn State-Behrend,15-0, on Saturday (March 7) in CWPA Western Division league play at Canham Natatorium."
Franco Harris' son running for mayor of Pittsburgh
Wow.
Franco Harris' son running for mayor of Pittsburgh: "Franco Dok Harris, the 29-year-old son of Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris, announced plans today to run for mayor of Pittsburgh.
The Shadyside resident will not compete against Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and others in the May 19 Democratic primary, but rather as an independent in November. It will be his first run for office.
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