Top 10 disasters of the 2009 Obama administration (in no particular order):
1. Cash for Clunkers
2. War escalation in Afghanistan
3. Giant government health care expansion bill
4. Post office loses money hand over fist
5. Stimulus package
6. Expansion of "state secrets" doctrine
7. Big increase in unemployment
8. "Bailout" Geithner as Treasury Secretary
9. Skyrocketing federal spending
10. Huge federal deficits
Top 10 disasters of the 2001-2008 Bush administration:
1. Cash for Car Companies
2. War in Iraq
3. Giant Medicare expansion bill
4. Post office loses money hand over fist
5. Stimulus "rebate" checks
6. PATRIOT Act
7. Big increase in unemployment
8. "Bailout" Paulson as Treasury Secretary
9. Skyrocketing federal spending
10. Huge federal deficits
Note similarities to previous administration.
Wes Benedict, Libertarian Party Executive Director, commented, "Republicans and Democrats keep expanding government and creating more and more problems. We're encouraging as many Libertarians as possible to run for Congress in 2010. In Texas, the state with the earliest filing deadline, Libertarians have already filed for 31 of 32 Congressional seats."
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Flash Back: And a new invite for Jan 1, 2010
Those were the days. Last year we did it, again. This year's invite follows a refresher.
Original post from 1/1/09
I'm grasping for activities where I can still compete with Erik -- and win. The cold water is a great equalizer.
R, our lead off swimmer, like this was a relay, is next to me. She is still wearing her t-shirt. I'm in the green swim cap with the black Speedo robe. Erik, with grey hat and head down, is next to Rene and Mike, (Running Mate, dad, ex-college swimmer at Duquesne) is behind Erik at the far left of the frame.
The middle of the Frick relay - T, M, Erik.
The action gets hot. T in his leap. M and Erik on deck. The big guys, Mike and I are anchors.
Photo shows Erik in the water and on the way back to the wall.
Did he take a breath after his flip turn?
T and B scramble to the new year ahead.
Four photos from Greg Blackman. Thank you.
We did it! After the jump I'm putting on my shoes and can't feel my toes.
Photo from a cell phone on the edge of the Mon about 9:31 AM on January 1, 2009. Thanks Mike.
We passed out an invite that said to arrive at 9 am, jump in at 9:30 and depart by 9:31. Seems I wasn't too clear. There was some question about that minute when people were required to stay in the water. Wrong. you don't need to stay in the water for a minute. You don't even need to get your head wet. Sorry if I wasn't so clear. Our gang, mixed in the crowd, was all in and out in less than a minute.
None of us signed the official book, by the way. We waited in the line for 20-minutes or so, but then got ready for the jump.
Elsewhere:
Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual New Year's Day Plunge Into Icy Mon River - kdka.com: "Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual Icy Plunge"
Start 2010 out with a splash. Visit the Mon Wharf on or before 9:30 am on Jan 1, 2010, and jump in the river with us. Get there before 9, really. It takes some time to mingle and prepare and sign the book. You don't want to linger after the dip.
Then at or around 9:30 am, there are few hundred folks that jump into the river. This year we'll be able to check out the new sidewalk and bike path too. Wee!
After the swim, friends, (wet or dry, but not drunk) can come over to our house, 108 S. 12th Street, South Side Flats, Pgh 15203, and enjoy some whaffles. There is a tweet up as well, and those folks are headed over to Hard Rock Cafe.
The Trib is interested in getting some photos, of course. Look for us in the red and black swim caps that read Schenley Spartans.
Last year some running mates of mine, and my son's, had a wonderful time.
Original post from 1/1/09
I'm grasping for activities where I can still compete with Erik -- and win. The cold water is a great equalizer.
R, our lead off swimmer, like this was a relay, is next to me. She is still wearing her t-shirt. I'm in the green swim cap with the black Speedo robe. Erik, with grey hat and head down, is next to Rene and Mike, (Running Mate, dad, ex-college swimmer at Duquesne) is behind Erik at the far left of the frame.
The middle of the Frick relay - T, M, Erik.
The action gets hot. T in his leap. M and Erik on deck. The big guys, Mike and I are anchors.
Photo shows Erik in the water and on the way back to the wall.Did he take a breath after his flip turn?
T and B scramble to the new year ahead.
Four photos from Greg Blackman. Thank you.
We did it! After the jump I'm putting on my shoes and can't feel my toes.
Photo from a cell phone on the edge of the Mon about 9:31 AM on January 1, 2009. Thanks Mike.
We passed out an invite that said to arrive at 9 am, jump in at 9:30 and depart by 9:31. Seems I wasn't too clear. There was some question about that minute when people were required to stay in the water. Wrong. you don't need to stay in the water for a minute. You don't even need to get your head wet. Sorry if I wasn't so clear. Our gang, mixed in the crowd, was all in and out in less than a minute.
None of us signed the official book, by the way. We waited in the line for 20-minutes or so, but then got ready for the jump.
Elsewhere:
Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual New Year's Day Plunge Into Icy Mon River - kdka.com: "Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual Icy Plunge"
Start 2010 out with a splash. Visit the Mon Wharf on or before 9:30 am on Jan 1, 2010, and jump in the river with us. Get there before 9, really. It takes some time to mingle and prepare and sign the book. You don't want to linger after the dip.
Then at or around 9:30 am, there are few hundred folks that jump into the river. This year we'll be able to check out the new sidewalk and bike path too. Wee!
After the swim, friends, (wet or dry, but not drunk) can come over to our house, 108 S. 12th Street, South Side Flats, Pgh 15203, and enjoy some whaffles. There is a tweet up as well, and those folks are headed over to Hard Rock Cafe.
The Trib is interested in getting some photos, of course. Look for us in the red and black swim caps that read Schenley Spartans.
Last year some running mates of mine, and my son's, had a wonderful time.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Three-time mayoral candidate gives council an earful - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Who belongs?
It is oppression that knows not of who it tramples.
Do more with Les! Most of the other candiates in the past elections have said those same words, often in the heat of a candidate debate. They should have been paying Mr. Ludwig some sort of royalty.
I'm glad the gentleman got some ink -- beyond the pages of my blogs and YouTube sites.
I too want to make a better world for everyone, as does Les Ludwig. And, that is a great way to leave your mark on history.
In other news, where in the heck did the spell checking button for Blogger go???
Three-time mayoral candidate gives council an earful - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'I told him from the beginning he doesn't belong in politics,' she said. 'He doesn't know anyone; he doesn't have anyone backing him. He doesn't have any money.'Les knows plenty of people.
It is oppression that knows not of who it tramples.
Do more with Les! Most of the other candiates in the past elections have said those same words, often in the heat of a candidate debate. They should have been paying Mr. Ludwig some sort of royalty.
I'm glad the gentleman got some ink -- beyond the pages of my blogs and YouTube sites.
I too want to make a better world for everyone, as does Les Ludwig. And, that is a great way to leave your mark on history.
In other news, where in the heck did the spell checking button for Blogger go???
Baden Academy Charter School - Welcome
Baden Academy Charter School - Welcome: "With tentative plans to open next year for grades K-3, Baden Academy Charter School will eventually offer a comprehensive, arts-infused elementary and middle school program (K-8) based on a classical education model."
Good luck! The effort has its own Facebook page too.
City Council possessed by presidency politicking
City Council possessed by presidency politicking The last two years have seen the city's nine lawmakers swing wildly between those poles.That isn't wild.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Olympics lesson: First step, show up.
First things first: Show up!
Olympics: Kohn ... Bobsledder on a mission: "And just like that, the soft-spoken Kohn was given the chance he has longed for since he was recruited to the team in 1990 after starring in high school football and track in Chantilly, Va.
'I put the beer down and got back in the gym,' the 37-year-old Kohn said with a smile. 'Every night for the last 20 years I've been dreaming about this. I guess there's a little flame inside of me that said, 'Hang in there, you never know.' That's what's always driven me.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Company pledges $400,000 for Washington's river trek
Company
pledges $400,000 for Washington's river trek: "Lockheed Martin vice
president and general manager Marshall Byrd also pledged a five-year commitment
of volunteer support from the company's 13,000 employees in the Delaware Valley
area for park maintenance and operations. The company, which also has major
operations in Denver and in Sunnyvale, Calif., specializes in human space flight
systems, communications satellites and missile defense systems."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Was on. Wax off.
We had our own Karate Kid moments in China at a Rec Center. I'll look for that video footage soon.
Merry Christmas
Our Christmas letter has turned into a Happy New Year letter.
Click the above -- as it is only 14 seconds long. Taken from my fuzzy, but new, Blackberry camera phone. I think I'm going to get another one as the camera is not working at all now.
Click the above -- as it is only 14 seconds long. Taken from my fuzzy, but new, Blackberry camera phone. I think I'm going to get another one as the camera is not working at all now.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Foundations help schools pay Roosevelt's $200,000 tax
Bad decision.
Foundations help schools pay Roosevelt's $200,000 tax: "The board also voted last night to name its new International Baccalaureate school in Shadyside the Barack Obama International Studies Academy. Officials said other cities already have named schools for Mr. Obama."
Foundations help schools pay Roosevelt's $200,000 tax: "The board also voted last night to name its new International Baccalaureate school in Shadyside the Barack Obama International Studies Academy. Officials said other cities already have named schools for Mr. Obama."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bye Fred
One of the last bits of news that would have come to Fred, the Honz Man, was that Pittsburgh Public Schools had a board meeting and is selecting to name a new school after Barack Obama. B.O. High is going to be a part of the landscape of schools.
Then Fred expired.
He died early this morning. The school name decision was made and reported upon among insiders last night.
There is some question in my realm as to if the name was just too much to bare, or bear, if you are on radio.
Wacko, not Waco, Texas, a former home town of mine, is what Fred called me.
Then Bernanke gets man of the year. OMG. Let's End the Fed. Ugh. Pittsburgh would be better served to name the International High School as the Fred Honzberger High and not Obama High.
People are outraged at the school now designated with the Obama brand. It isn't going to be accepted as it is a tragic mistake that must be corrected. Not prudent at all.
What a day to name Tiger Woods the athlete of the decade.
Then Fred expired.
He died early this morning. The school name decision was made and reported upon among insiders last night.
There is some question in my realm as to if the name was just too much to bare, or bear, if you are on radio.
Wacko, not Waco, Texas, a former home town of mine, is what Fred called me.
Then Bernanke gets man of the year. OMG. Let's End the Fed. Ugh. Pittsburgh would be better served to name the International High School as the Fred Honzberger High and not Obama High.
People are outraged at the school now designated with the Obama brand. It isn't going to be accepted as it is a tragic mistake that must be corrected. Not prudent at all.
What a day to name Tiger Woods the athlete of the decade.
Monday, December 14, 2009
$240K Needed For New South Side Dogs Park - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh
Ken Wolf does not work for Bruce Kraus any longer.
We've got a closed park behind South Side Hospital. What about that?
Even with the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, I hate that there are more investements for sharks to swim than our kids. They've got a nice new pool. Not so much for people.
$240K Needed For New South Side Dogs Park - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: $240K Needed For New South Side Dogs ParkI am glad that the dogs have been removed from the traditional parks. But, there are more things that can be done for the dogs than what is being offered here.
PITTSBURGH -- South Side dogs could have a new place to play by next spring.
Ken Wolfe, chief of staff for Councilman Bruce Kraus, said the idea for a new dog park is preliminary, but Kraus is optimistic the $80,000 line item will survive the city's budget process.
The dog park would cost about $240,000 but the $80,000 allocation would pay for the fence, which is the biggest hurdle, Wolfe said.
According to Wolfe, a third of the cost would be absorbed by the city's Public Works and another third would have to be raised.
We've got a closed park behind South Side Hospital. What about that?
Even with the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, I hate that there are more investements for sharks to swim than our kids. They've got a nice new pool. Not so much for people.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
IB School in Pittsburgh
From US News & World Report:
The International Baccalaureate program is globally recognized for its ability to prepare students for a college education. High school students enrolled in IB classes can earn college credit two ways. They can take individual IB subject tests, for which they can earn credit at some colleges if they score high enough. Students also can opt to earn an IB diploma after completing a series of IB courses and writing an extended essay. Many colleges grant students credit for the IB diploma. This chart spotlights all the IB schools in the America's Best High Schools rankings sorted by the percentage of 12th graders that took at least one IB test at some point during high school.http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2009/12/09/americas-best-high-schools-top-international-baccalaureate-schools.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a41:g26:r25:c0.007056:b20193411:z0&s_cid=loomia:methodology-americas-best-high-schools
Friday, December 11, 2009
Taxing Students is still foolish
Luke is on the wrong path with this.
My solution is different. He should focus on land. The city is mostly just a place. Pittsburgh has borders and only so many square inches. The land-grab over the years of Pitt taking over Oakland, and so on, have been huge. The main tax, and the one tax with the most "fairness" and best sense of justice, IMNSHO, is based upon land ownership. The nonprofits do NOT pay taxes on their land holdings. So, the total footprint of nonprofit land holdings should shrink. If they want to grow, force them to build upward, on less land, but with higher buildings. IF nonprofit land holdings (from stadiums to churches to universities to schools to jails to empty lots and all else in that realm) contracted, then more land gets taxed. Then values for all increase. A win-win for the economy and citizens / ratepayers occurs once Pittsburgh gets a grip on its nonprofit properties.
They own too much land. Shrinking nonprofit land is what Pittsburgh needs most of all. Nonprofits can manage their assets, and they can increase their cooperation -- without being taxed. They can start by putting more offices into leased and taxed spaces.
My solution is different. He should focus on land. The city is mostly just a place. Pittsburgh has borders and only so many square inches. The land-grab over the years of Pitt taking over Oakland, and so on, have been huge. The main tax, and the one tax with the most "fairness" and best sense of justice, IMNSHO, is based upon land ownership. The nonprofits do NOT pay taxes on their land holdings. So, the total footprint of nonprofit land holdings should shrink. If they want to grow, force them to build upward, on less land, but with higher buildings. IF nonprofit land holdings (from stadiums to churches to universities to schools to jails to empty lots and all else in that realm) contracted, then more land gets taxed. Then values for all increase. A win-win for the economy and citizens / ratepayers occurs once Pittsburgh gets a grip on its nonprofit properties.
They own too much land. Shrinking nonprofit land is what Pittsburgh needs most of all. Nonprofits can manage their assets, and they can increase their cooperation -- without being taxed. They can start by putting more offices into leased and taxed spaces.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Judge tosses Pittsburgh law aimed at limiting South Side bars - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Judge tosses Pittsburgh law aimed at limiting South Side bars - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "An Allegheny County judge Wednesday struck down a Pittsburgh ordinance aimed at stopping new bars from opening on the South Side."Another huge defeat from the realm of poor solutions championed by Bruce Kraus. I never liked this law. I spoke against it in the past. It is short-sighted. It is illegal. It is an over-reach that fails in many regards.
What if a bar opens on the top of a building. Do you measure from door to door going up? Can two bars open in the same hotel, one on the first floor, such as in a hotel lobby, and another on the top floor? Go figure.
There are plenty of other things that can be done.
Furthermore, no bar ever came to my sidewalk to take a leak. The bars are not the one's that do the dirty deeds. It is the drunk patrons. And, if there are some at some bars that are doing bad things, those laws can be and should be enforced.
Tuition tax debate gets personal
Tuition tax debate gets personal: "Tuition tax debate gets personal"
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