Parks are in the news again

Parks are in the news again. Parks are seldom in the news. Most of the time when parks are in the news, it isn't good. For a while, parks was only in the news because of goose killings, lake sludge, closed swim pools, Closed rec centers, and more doom and gloom. Other times, the news is worse -- so let's leave it at that.

Now we are talking about parks to outlaw sled rides. No tubing. No fun snow saucers. No toboggans. Plus, Boyce Park, the only county park with a ski hill, is closed.

Dan Onorato has failed us in terms of his stewardship of the parks. Failed. So sad.

Mark McGwire’s Pound of Flesh

Mark McGwire’s Pound of Flesh In the ten years Brian Williams has anchored the NBC Nightly News, he has never once launched a broadcast by lambasting a public figure. Henry Paulson after the economic collapse? George W. Bush after Katrina? Dick Cheney after everything? All were spared the personal disdain of 'America's most trusted newsman.' Until yesterday. Williams began his broadcast by going after true evil: Mark McGwire.

Rumors and Rants » Blog Archive » What’s Really Going On At USC

Rumors and Rants » Blog Archive » What’s Really Going On At USC

GASP: State Implementation Plan to Clean Up the Liberty-Clairton Area now Available for Public Comment

The Clean Air Act requires the Allegheny County Health Department to create a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to show how it will bring the Liberty-Clairton area (made up of Clairton, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln, and Port Vue) into compliance with the federal health-based standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).

This SIP is now available for public comment. Let ACHD know you want a strong plan that will clean up our air sooner rather than later. (You may recall that the poor air quality in the Liberty-Clairton area is a big contributor to Pittsburgh's consistently poor national air quality rankings) More information on some shortcomings of the SIP below.

Jan. 14 Public Hearing
The Allegheny County Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 6:30 PM at the Clairton Municipal Building, 551 Ravensburg Boulevard, Clairton PA, 15025 (maps and directions)

Oral testimony must be pre-scheduled by calling 412-578-8008 no less than 24 hours in advance of the public hearing. Speakers will be limited to five minutes and should bring a written copy of their comments.

GAST is coordinating a carpool from Squirrel Hill for those who'd like to share a ride to the hearing. If you are interested contact bryan@gasp-pgh.org by Tuesday, Jan. 12th.

Written Comments
ACHD will also accept written comments on the SIP

by email: BOH@achd.net

by mail:
Board of Health,
3333 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

by fax: 412-578-8325.

Please let us know at joe@gasp-pgh.org if you plan to attend the public hearing or submit written comments.

About PM 2.5
PM 2.5 consists of microscopic solid or liquid particles; most of these particles result from the burning of fossil fuels. PM2.5 has been linked to a number of negative health effects including asthma, stroke, heart attack, lung cancer, and premature death.

About the SIP
The Clean Air Act requires ACHD and many other state and local air quality agencies to create SIPs to bring areas where the air is unhealthy into compliance with federal health-based air quality standards. Right now most state and local agencies, ACHD included, are developing SIPs to meet standards for PM 2.5 that were set back in 1997. Based on better data on PM 2.5 effects on human health, EPA established a lower PM 2.5 standard in 2006, but ACHD (along with other state and local air quality agencies) are still working on SIPs to meet the unhealthy 1997 standards. Tell ACHD its SIP must meet the improved 2006 PM 2.5 standards.

The deadline to meet the PM 2.5 standards is April 5, 2010; however, ACHD's draft SIP would make use of every available opportunity to stretch out that deadline. Under ACHD's proposal, their attainment date would be extended 5 years to April 5, 2015, and even then ACHD proposes to make use of another extension provision to allow themselves to wait until April 5, 2016 to provide enough air monitor data for EPA to make a final determination that the PM 2.5 standards have been meet. In other words, 6 years after the standard attainment deadline, ACHD's plan would bring the Liberty-Clairton area into attainment with an air quality standard that is 19 years old and 11 years out of date! Tell ACHD we can't afford to wait until 2016 to breathe clean, healthy air.

It gets worse: To meet even its much-extended deadline, ACHD's air monitors in the Liberty-Clairton area must record its first of 3 consecutive years of data at or below the PM 2.5 standards in the year 2014 at the very latest. But according to ACHD's own numbers, their plan for cleaning up the air in Liberty-Clairton area won't obtain its first year of data at or below the PM 2.5 standards until 2016. After using every trick in the book to extend its SIP due date, ACHD's plan would still be late. Tell ACHD their plan can't just propose a deadline, it has to meet it, too.

In short ACHD's final SIP must:
Aim to meet or exceed the updated 2006 PM 2.5 standards, not the outdated 1997 standards.
Set its attainment deadline as soon as possible, not six years later than the normal attainment deadline.
Actually meet whatever attainment deadline it sets.

More information:
The Liberty Clairton SIP [PDF]
General Particulate Matter Information from EPA
EPA's Clean Air Fine Particle Implementation Rule [PDF] -- a lengthy technical document describing the PM 2.5 SIP requirements

If you have any questions contact GASP's Legal Director, Joe Osborne at joe@gasp-pgh.org
PA Environmental Quality Board seeks comments on controlling particulate matter emissions from outdoor wood-fired boilers (OWBs)
The deadline for submitting comments has been extended until February 12, 2010. GASP will provide talking points in the near future.

A significant and growing source of PM2.5 emissions in Pennsylvania is from OWBs. OWBs, also referred to as outdoor wood-fired furnaces, outdoor wood-burning appliances, or outdoor hydronic heaters, are free-standing fuel-burning devices designed: (1) to burn clean wood or other approved solid fuels; (2) specifically for outdoor installation or installation in structures not normally intended for habitation by humans or domestic animals, such as garages; and (3) to heat building space or water by means of distribution, typically through pipes, of a fluid heated in the device, typically water or a water and antifreeze mixture. OWBs are being sold to heat homes and buildings and to produce domestic hot water.

The emissions, health effects and the nuisance factor created by the use of OWBs are a major concern to the PA DEP. The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management has conducted stack tests on OWBs. Based on the test results, the average PM2.5 emissions from one OWB are equivalent to the emissions from 205 oil furnaces or as many as 8,000 natural gas furnaces. Cumulatively, the smallest OWB has the potential to emit almost 1 1/2 tons of PM every year. Of the estimated 155,000 OWBs sold Nationwide between 1990 and 2005, 95% were sold in 19 states, of which PA is one. Unlike indoor wood stoves that are regulated by the EPA, no Federal standards exist for OWBs and the majority of them are not equipped with pollution controls.

For more information: http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol39/39-42/1929.html

Written Comments -- interested persons are invited to submit comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed regulation to the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477. Comments may also be submitted electronically at BoardatRegComments@state.pa.us. Comments, suggestions or objections must be received by the Board by February 12, 2010.

Group seeks better recruiting, staffing for Pittsburgh schools

Group seeks better recruiting, staffing for Pittsburgh schools: "The Downtown education group A+ Schools this morning recommended recruiting and staffing improvements for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, saying it's concerned about teacher turnover rates at the district's most vulnerable schools.

Score card of swim meet: Schenley vs. Carrick, a typical District 8 dual meet

SUPPLEMENTS Would-be experts and untested products feed a - 05.18.09 - SI Vault

SUPPLEMENTS Would-be experts and untested products feed a - 05.18.09 - SI Vault: "What You Don't Know Might Kill You"

Do not put weirdness into your body.

DA or Wise Guy?

DA Zappala public servant or public enemy
By Mike Ference of Clairton, 412-233-5491, Ference@icubed.com

Looks like the recent revelations of former Allegheny County Coroner and world-renowned forensic examiner, Dr. Cyril Wecht, may turn the tide in the bitter dispute between Allegheny County District Attorney Steven Zappala, Jr. and PA Senator Jane Orie.

According to Wecht, “Steve Zappala said to a legislator back in 2005 that ‘anybody who screws with me or my family is going to be indicted.’ Wecht even volunteered to take a polygraph exam.

If Wecht’s recollection can be proven and Zappala does use his office and all the resources that go with a district attorney’s position, for vindictive purposes this may be the worst case of terrorism ever chronicled in a non-third-world country.

One can only wonder is Zappala a district attorney or a wise guy?

A few predictions for a new prep decade - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Sports predictions:

A few predictions for a new prep decade - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Let's try to predict what will happen in the next 10 years:
» The biggest off-field threat to high school sports will be in 2013, when school districts will be obligated to at least double their contributions to employee pension funds.Taxes will be raised accordingly, and taxpayer-citizens groups will be screaming loudly. You can bet that cutting minor sports in various school districts will be a priority for such groups.
» What will become of small schools such as Leechburg, Springdale and Elderton? Unless additional funding streams are established — such as putting video poker machines in bars, newsstands and convenience stores — small schools will find it more difficult to stay open.
» Look for the City League and the WPIAL to merge. After Schenley closes in 2011, only eight schools will comprise the City League. That's too small for the City to have its own PIAA district.
» Installing artificial turf has been all the rage in WPIAL football the past 10 years. What's next? Schools could be installing video replay boards like Pine-Richland has."

Schenley High School is going to go away. But, U-Prep, Sci-Tech and B.O. High are opening. Perhaps Peabody goes away too?

But, all along, I've been a big fan of putting the city league into the WPIAL. This needs to be done well. It will take some years. But, it can occur and should be a priority so that more families don't move out of the city.

He's not heavy. He's my brother.

Because 99% of the rest of the football watching world looks at this video and thinks, "Dude, what an ass." And 99% of Steelers fans look at this video and think, "Dude, that guy is awesome!!! Wait, is that my brother?"

Full article on NFL's Most Annoying Fans - The Wildcard Winners and Playoff Brackets .

By the way, I don't have a real brother, just four sisters and four farly brothers in law!

The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat points out that a box of rocks is Pgh's City Council President

The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat: "City Government watchdog group, says that 'A Box of Rocks provides the intellectual leadership that Council deserves.'

So, yesterday's vote on Pittsburgh City Council that flipped away from Theresa Smith and to Darlene Harris for the role of President was none other than Darlene herself.

Another interesting point is that Bruce Kraus was all for Bill Peduto. Peduto is a 'progressive.' I'm fine with that support. Bruce stated his intentions in the paper that he'd be voting for Peduto because the president of city council needs to be one who can be mayor should that be necessary. But in the end, Bruce Kraus voted for Darlene Harris so: Bill Peduto could be finance chair; a non-progressive could be president of council; another person from the North Side gets to lead the city's executive branch and the city's legislative branch as well as the county's executive branch; cats, dogs and smoke eaters rise in status; and Bruce Kraus gets out from the chairmanship of Public Safety and can now be the chair of Public Works. Bruce Kraus followed his marching orders and helped to insure a 5-4 unity vote.

Most of all, I'm sad that Bruce Kraus isn't going to be the chair of Public Safety. I had thought he had a great role there, for the past two years. His experience and wisdom with dealing with PFAs and other police matters are now shrunk. Public Safety was a good fit for Bruce, I dare say.

Furthermore, Urban Parks was a great fit for Theresa Smith. I had hoped she'd stay in that role too. Now she jumps to Public Safety. Double rats. Park's got no appointment on day one making it on the back burner again. Before Theresa Smith was the chair of the parks committee, Patrick Dowd was there. He did nothing in that role. Zippo. I watched, asked, pushed, suggested, pulled, challenged and more. Moss grew on Dowd in his Park's Chairmanship more than anything else. The Park's Department kept up with its ongoing efforts throughout, and since the time of Gene Riccardi, with no thanks to its council chair. Citiparks is well practiced -- to use a cook's illustration -- at making chicken soup with only chicken shit for ingredients.

So, I tweeted yesterday, "Who is going to be the chair of the Urban Parks & Recreation Committee?" I even had hopes that Theresa Smith could be voted as City Council President and yet still hold on to the chair's seat for Citiparks.

Today, we can ask again, "Who is going to be the chair of the Urban Parks and Recreation Committee?"

Patrick Dowd at Rec Chair has experience, kids, moss on the chair and some egg on his face.

Rev Burgess is keen on parks, or at least I've seen him at one in the past. Parks are more soulful, spirited and peaceful than the URA, generally. The parks don't need to be lonley places.

Daniel Lavelle, rookie, might get the parks post so he can earn his stripes and gets taken down a few pegs. We might get to see if he can pluck feathers off of some urban, free-range chickens or not.

Who knows?

Rocks grow in parks, right?

Russ Diamond for Lieutenant Governor

Russ Diamond for Lieutenant Governor: "Russ Diamond Launches Bid for Lieutenant Governor"

Solid list of new year's resolutions

I resolve to persevere in the struggle for freedom that many Americans have undertaken tirelessly, and in some cases have given their lives for.

I resolve to thank Libertarians who amplify their voice for liberty by running for office.

I resolve to congratulate Libertarian candidates who win their races, and thank Libertarian candidates who did not win but helped to spread the Libertarian message and to lay the groundwork for future Libertarian wins.

I resolve to thank Libertarian volunteers who help the Libertarian Party and our candidates in whatever ways they can.

I resolve not to forget that Republicans voted for the banker bailouts and Medicare expansion, and that Democrats voted for the Patriot Act and the Iraq War.

I resolve not to be fooled by "independent" organizations who say they want to "take back government for the people," but who really just want to use government power for their own purposes.

I resolve to keep the Libertarian Party door open for those who have worked through other organizations to promote liberty, but decided they might get a bigger bang for their buck working through the Libertarian Party.

I resolve to contribute financially to the National Libertarian Party, and to at least one state and county affiliate, and to at least one Libertarian Party candidate.

The next two, I've changed:

I resolve to vote for Libertarian candidates whenever it makes sense to do so.

I resolve to keep reminding people that every signature that helps to get a Libertarian or other minor-party candidate onto the ballot makes a difference.

Showing off the South Hills

Showing off the South Hills Showing off the South Hills

To sit in the big chair,

To learn personalities,

To throw weight around,

To show off,

To have envy for the overlook of Overbrook,

To address perceptions,

To hold secret one's vote while suspense builds and backroom deals are hatched,

Hummmm..... These are all elements of a good soap opera.

2010 Comes with a Splash -- in the Mon

I got to conduct some business on the Mon Wharf today, just before jumping into the River. I (Schenley High School) gathered with the head swim coaches of Central Catholic/Oakland Catholic and Brentwood High School to discuss future swim meets with them this season. We were hoping to get meets with those two schools to fortify our schedule -- and we sealed (pun intended) the deal today.

 

The one swimmer dude from Central said he'd say in the water for 3 minutes -- and he did. Merci's quote was great. "Well, they earned their varsity letters today." Funny.

 

Most of us were in and out in a matter of seconds, snow flakes in the air. Plenty of crocs were seen floating down the river near the shoreline.

 

The Brentwood coach, Robo, is a police officer in the city. Good to meet his wife too. She works at the school. He swam, as did Dave, Brentwood's Assistant Coach, and a Facebook Friend. We really missed Anna.

• More photos in Kirsten's FB album.  
• Team Photo, before the swim
• Trib article with photos: http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_660415.html 
• WTAE TV coverage with slide show link: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/22105983/detail.html
• Best slideshow on Flicker from the social media wonks!

Another group:

Naughts List

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."

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.

Three-time mayoral candidate gives council an earful - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Who belongs?

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???

This happened at the swim pool today -- not

Sadly, these are not kids from Point Park University.

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.