There can't be school on the days of the G-20 event in Pittsburgh, can there?

What is the deal with school days on and around the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. I'm wondering. Is anyone going to give any insights?

Will it be off for the entire week of the G-20?

Will it be off for only the two days, Thursday and Friday?

Last year as China hosted the Beijing Olympics and the Paralympics -- all school was off for more than a month. The schools didn't meet. However, the universities were open for dorm space for the students so that they could be doing informal studies and working as 'volunteers.'

A day or two after the Olympics ended, the Para Games and Athletes were in town too. So, it was a double header for them as well.

Pittsburgh Public School officials should make the decisions NOW and get the word out so schedules can be understood.

Secret Service will lead security for G-20 summit

So here is the third set of OVERLORDS that the city was looking for.

Secret Service will lead security for G-20 summit: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has named Pittsburgh's G-20 summit in September a 'National Special Security Event,' meaning the Secret Service will take the lead role in security planning for the gathering of world leaders.

So, we'll have the gambling vice in August. The SS in September.

Thank goodness it is a draft day! That's the only good news.

Our dear friend, Meg, from South Carolina, visits Pittsburgh for concert, July 8, in Mt. Lebo

National Public Radio commentator and acoustic singer-songwriter Meg Barnhouse (www.megbarnhouse.com), with Kiya Heartwood of Wishing Chair, will present songs, stories, and illumination at 7 pm on Wednesday, July 8, at 1240 Washington Road, the Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills, Mt. Lebanon (15228). $10. One Pittsburgh-area gig only, seating limited; e-mail amy4bruce8@verizon.net for reservations.

NZ born, but Italian bred - rugby - sport | Stuff.co.nz

Blowouts. NZ born, but Italian bred - rugby - sport | Stuff.co.nz 'One hundred and thirty [points] to about 20,' he quipped as he recalled, painfully, Italy's 59-10 defeat in Rome in 2004 and a 76-14 pounding in pool play at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Marseilles.

Flagship Niagara Launches Erie’s First “Independence Day Parade of Boats” | ErieBlogs

Perhaps they are going to practice for G-20.

Flagship Niagara Launches Erie’s First “Independence Day Parade of Boats” | ErieBlogs: "“The Boom Over the Bay” fireworks show is from 9:45pm until 10:00pm and will for the first time ever, include a cannon-fire demonstration by the Flagship Niagara! Niagara will be located about a quarter mile north of the Bayfront Convention Center, and will fire guns toward Liberty Park and Dobbin’s Landing."

Pittsburgh had better prep its submarine.

Convicted judge to keep his pension

Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh have serious pension problems.

Convicted judge to keep his pensionConvicted judge to keep his pension

The first thing to do when you need a real fix to a problem is to, "Lay The Shovel Down." Stop digging in the same hole.

These problems need to be fixed. The judge and all the others that screwed up should be without any pension. PERIOD.

Fix it.

I am so mad at my city right now, I'll only post this. Do listen. Blast from the past.

In 2001 I ran for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, in a contested GOP Primary. KDKA TV did a profile on me and my loyal opponent, Professor James Carmine. Here is the audio in an mp3 file for history's sake.

http://blip.tv/file/443401/

Click To Play

The key to understanding my mood is the swimming part. This is the start of summer. The city's ways have not changed. But, the murders have. The outward migration continues.

I seek some cooperation and permission to coach city kids.

Ravenstahl seeks more money from nonprofits, commuters

Ravenstahl seeks more money from nonprofits, commuters: "Ravenstahl seeks more money from nonprofits, commuters"

Don't go after more money from the nonprofits. That approach is wrong, in my not so humble opinion.

Rather, the next step is to stop the bleeding. The city is being overtaken by the nonprofit sector. On an inch by inch basis, the footprint of nonprofit land is growing. And, that growth is going to kill the city. That growth, outward growth, needs to stop. Rather, all nonprofit growth should be upward. Or, nonprofit growth can occur in rented spaces from for-profit buildings.

The nonprofits are such because of the good work they do -- be it religious, educational or health, mostly. Fine. The rub comes as the nonprofit don't need to pay taxes. And, the best tax to keep is the land tax. That's really all that city should focus upon as the land of Pittsburgh is all that sets it apart from other places.

Jobs can move and jobs are moving. More work is being done, for instance, at UPMC in locations outside of the city -- even in Ireland and other countries.

But the land can't move. Focus on the land.

The nonprofit land expansion should be studied, inch-by-inch, block by block, year by year, entity by entity with purpose and investment money being fully documented and understood. Google maps, layers, GIS data and all should be published in open formats for all to see and manipulate.

It would be realistic to take the gross land held by the nonprofit sector and insist that it be reduced over time. There are wasted nonprofit spaces that would then be more valued. Net changes are fine as well. If one site of 3,000 square yards is sold and made into taxable property again, then another site can be purchased and put into the hands of nonprofit ownership. But, net increases have to end.

Focus on the dirt. Focus on the land. Insist upon a reduction in the overall size of the nonprofit footprint.

Pittsburgh's Nonprofit Executives should study this and make a counter-offer to the mayor and county executive.

200 give ideas for G-20 at Downtown brainstorm session

200 give ideas for G-20 at Downtown brainstorm session

Citiparks letter to Mark

Assistant Director of Citiparks, Mike Radley, wrote to say "no thanks."

Citiparks Swim Meet should have swimmers who live in the city.

How would The Great Race go if only those in the race were the ones that ran at the Citiparks Rec Centers, and not elsewhere?

Mother fought off cougar to save toddler from attack

Mother fought off cougar to save toddler from attack: "'She [Maya] was on her back and he had his paws in her head, and I just knew I had to react quick, so I just jumped in there and wedged myself between the cougar and her on the ground, and I just got up and threw it off my back and grabbed her and booked it,' she said.

I have no problem with selling the Parking Garages now owned by the Parking Authority

Part of my thinking taken from a thread on another blog, where I posted:

The parking garages should be sold. Heck, the pension funds or the unions could entertain a bid to buy them and have a stream of money for the future.

Sell the garages if a good price is obtained. Don't sell them if the price isn't above and beyond the debt that is retired.

Sold, the garages represent parking -- plus other opportunities for other buildings in the future. The next owners might one year put up other buildings there -- with internal garages, housing, zip lines, whatever. The market can begin to come alive again if the city gets out of the parking business.

The city is the 900-pound gorilla in parking now. When PNC Firstside was built - or URA on 2nd Ave expansion, they all used PARKING as a leverage that the city residents paid dearly for. Same too for Lazarus. They won't build here unless parking is used as sweetener. Screw that. Then we (citizens / taxpayers) get double trouble.

Once the city won't build garages for development deals (hey, remember the sign that was not a sign at bus station) then private owners might build their own garages again.

The bribe chip is taken off the table -- for a while.

Not next year wish: Oliver Bath House is closed for summer.

From ormsby-serpents

Richard Quick Passes Away

Richard Quick Passes Away Auburn men's and women's head swimming and diving coach Richard Quick, who was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous
brain tumor in December 2008, passed away Wednesday at the age of 66. One of
the most recognizable names in the swimming and diving community, Quick was
a six-time United States Olympic coach who directed 13 teams to NCAA
titles, the most ever by a swimming coach.

Great guy. Great coach.
Here is my trivial story of Richard Quick. Back in 1981 he was driving a van full of swimmers from Auburn to the NCAA Champioships in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. I was on the side of the road hitch-hiking to the meet. He stopped and gave me a lift for the last 20 or 30 miles. Thanks for the lift Coach Quick.

He was so much more to so many others -- including me.

From A Conservative Sarah Palin Fan: Do NOT Fire Letterman

I can remember watching David Letterman for the first time in 1982. As a young pup, I somehow stayed up past the 12:30 start (I don't remember how my late-night viewing started). I was 14 and a rather formatted kid, but I know I was there from the beginning) and instantly became hooked.

He joked about Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George Bush. I'm not one who thinks he lambasted Bush any more than any of the other presidents. Bush 43 provided a lot of fodder to writers. He gave fodder that made me cringe. Often.

Letterman, Johnny Carson and every other comic gave Reagan plenty of guff for being old. But they didn't just go after the "easy fruit" of comedy. They went after his age too.

Comics generally aren't the great thinkers of the day (George Carlin was an exception) and Letterman never claimed to be.

What he has always been is funny.

Comedians and celebrities in general went "ga ga" over now-President Barack Obama during the election cycle. Letterman was no exception. The purveyors of "style" did their best to influence the American public to adore Barack Obama. They also did their best to destroy Sarah Palin. John McCain was never a Conservative pick. I'm still trying to figure out he was handed the Republican ball.

Fast forward to last week. Sarah Palin and her 14-year-old daughter came to New York. One of Sarah Palin's other children, an 18-year-old unwed mother, was in Alaska caring for her newborn. Nothing has been said about the 18-year-old doing the right thing and staying home, btw.

Someone on Letterman's staff wrote a joke implying that Palin's unwed 18-year-old daughter was "knocked up" by New York Yankee swingin'-single Alex Rodriguez while in town. The joke should never have made it past the screening process, because the 18-year-old daughter wasn't even in town.

Nevertheless, I might even have laughed at the joke. Me, a conservative-learning comedy writer, one-time stand-up comic and professed Sarah Palin fan. Oh yeah, I also have a 14-year-old son.

Did the Palins over-react? Maybe when Sarah Palin said that her daughter should be worried about a 62-year-old Letterman, sure. But then again, my child is a son. My sensibilities are different.

Was she trying to make a point? Absolutely.

Should Letterman be fired? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Don Imus shouldn't have been fired for his harmless, funny remarks about a basketball team that 98% of the country had never heard of at the time.

I understand what the Palin-backers are saying. Letterman and practically every other celebrity voice in the world is still groveling over Barack Obama. Style is the name of that game.

They won't be making fun of Barack, Michelle or those darling daughters anytime soon. Children should NEVER be a part of the landscape. Yet, Amy Carter is gay, Chelsea Clinton is ugly, the Bush twins are partiers and now the Palin kids are under attack. Obama's kids should be off-limits for years to come.

Letterman should not be fired. Todd and Sarah Palin have reportedly accepted Dave's apology. Good. Time to move on.

There's a picture on Drudge of Michelle, being hailed as a fashion plate, running with the family dog. Laura Bush was 1,000-times more fashionable. But she's older...and you know the rest.

Libertarian Party denounces broad-based tax increase

Cut spending, don’t raise taxes

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.lppa.org

For Immediate Release: June 16, 2009

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) at Media-Relations@lppa.org or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org

Harrisburg, PA –

House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans recently indicated that he's convinced a broad-based tax increase will be necessary to help erase the state's $3.2 billion deficit.

However, Pennsylvania already has the 11th highest burden of state and local taxes in America. Plus, Pennsylvanians don’t want more taxes. According to a recent survey co-sponsored by the state’s leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), over 60% of residents indicated that taxes are too high.

As Winston Churchill said, “for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

According to LPPa Chair, Michael Robertson, “The problem is not insufficient taxation. The problem is out of control spending.”

Recent history supports Robertson’s statement. State spending during Governor Rendell’s time in office has increased over 36%, more than double the rate of inflation. During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Pennsylvania state and local governments will spend approximately $10,000 for every man, woman and child.

Pennsylvanians agree with Robertson. In the NFIB survey, 60% of residents believe that state spending is too high.

Per Robertson, “Harrisburg should address their budget deficit the same way responsible Pennsylvania families address tough economic times. They tighten their belts and reduce their spending. They question each expenditure. They are fiscally responsible, which is a hallmark of the Libertarian Party.”

Media Relations Chair, Douglas Leard, remarked “Unfortunately, this isn't an election year when Libertarian and independent candidates can show a sharp contrast to tax and spend incumbents. Until next year, we urge taxpayers who want fiscally responsible government to become activists and pressure Harrisburg to reject their failed tax and spend policies.”

Added Robertson, “There is another clear and distinct way to voice your displeasure with the current system – change your voter registration to Libertarian – and thereby let the Republicans and Democrats in Harrisburg know that your are sick of being over-taxed for their big spending approach to running state government. “

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit http://www.LP.org or http://www.LPPA.org for more information.

Council online -- yea or nay?

Council online -- yea or nay? ... times a year, including its many special meetings and public hearings, and some of its more contentious sessions go on for hours. Wednesday's committee meeting, for instance, saw members lash a proposed fiscal recovery plan, and the vacationing Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, for nearly three hours before opting to postpone a tentative vote.

Hardest working legislative body in the world, if you listen to Doug Shields.

I've been wishing for this for years -- but different, and cheaper.

The city council meetings could be put on TalkShoe.com and then we'd have a wonderful solution for 99% of the time. TalkShoe is audio and available via PC or phone. I'd like to call into a meeting and listen as to where it is. Imagine that.

And the audio of TalkShoe is archived.

Dwelling House Savings and Loan told to raise capital or face sale, closure

He needed a job. So, he ran for Pittsburgh City Council.

Dwelling House Savings and Loan told to raise capital or face sale, closure Robert R. Lavelle, the 93-year-old former CEO of Dwelling House who now serves on its board of directors, said his son -- Robert M. Lavelle -- was terminated earlier this year from his position as the bank president along with Gonzell Phillips, the former controller.

Getting fired is one thing. To recover stolen funds is another.

Parades in Pittsburgh

City of Champions Parade Idea blens with G-20
Hi folks,

I am thrusting an idea on you because you are THE movers and shakers who just happen to be in my address book (for better or for worse) - and who can make this parade idea happen...or not of course... Anyway, how about a "City of Champions Sports Parade" - ending up at Mellon Arena during the September G20 conference led by the Steelers and Pens and including all the college and scholastic winning teams (PIAA, WPIAL and right down to section winners from fall 2008-Summer 2009)?!

And if one wanted to make this the largest sports parade EVER - have 5 feeder parade routes (coming from the south hills, north hills, west hills, east hills) of amateur champion teams from Jr HS on down to little leaguers. This way my daughter's undefeated 7th grade girls Jefferson Middle School basketball team can finally get some well deserved and overdue recognition!!!

All could converge in Oakland with the big guys teams and head merrily down the Blvd into town.

That ought to fill the arena or Heinz field for that matter. Obama, Rooney and Luke and Dan could lead it and all the kings and queens and finance ministers could eat their hearts out!

and Mark (Cuban) ... if you pay for it...we'll give you the Pirates.

Buy now!

Larry Evans

I just posted on TWITTER the idea that in a cost saving measure, the Pens Victory Parade was conbined with Gay Pride Parade. I sorta like Larry's idea more.

But this isn't a 'parade' -- it is more of a 'march.' Well, it is a parade too.

Not only would the people of finance eat their hearts out, so too would the people of the world.

This could be done the weekend of the G-20. Or, it could be done one of the days or even the day after.

Perhaps it should be done with the Great Race?

Ideas welcome in the comments.

Word on the street: Everyone is entitled to a vacation, by union rules

I had a long-distance conversation in Oakland with a buddy. We were talking over three or four lanes of traffic. I asked him where the mayor goes when he goes to the beach? Jersey? Outter Banks? The Dunes of Lake Michigan?

He replied, "He is entitled to a vacation. Everyone should get a vacation -- by union laws, blah, blah, blah. And, council needs to get to work.

Grant and I take a walk on Brighton Beach in Christchurch, NZ. There is a long pier there where on could take a short walk. From Mark Rauterkus

I posted at Bram's blog:

Folks, there is no way in hell that city council is going to come up with its own five year recovery plan. They members there took about 4 hours to decide if the mayor should be called to a meeting.

Bill Peduto wrote out a plan of sorts. But, council has not even talked about it.

And, council generally talks a lot before it thinks about it.

On Wed's meeting, it took council another hour or so just to delay a bill for 3 weeks. That was the one about the curfew center that the mayor had told people that it would be open by June 1.

Council has more drag than play. It is all about drag.

I'd love to be proven wrong, but then you start the speech by Rev. Ricky Burgess about getting to work and another two days is lost.

Folly.

Council's ongoing failure to act is why OVERLORDS are in Pittsburgh. They've done nothing to merit the removal of the OVERLORDS to date.

Council finding a fix is not even a long shot.

Another favorite beach of ours is in Maine. From beach Maine