Lots of interesting things happened with a lunch discussion today hosted by the Press Club. Great event with lots of information for the typical citizen. I'm was keen to discover a few things that are 'in the margins' of the story that might come today from the standard outlets.
The Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Vistors Breau, a group that is funded by tax money, holds CLOSED Board Meetings. And, the Chair of that organization didn't even know it.
B.J. Leber (Chair of the Vistors & Convention Breau) and Senior Vice President and Station Manager of WQED Multimedia, also didn't know that WQED isn't going to host a Mayor's debate.
Through all the discussions, I still have yet to hear a valid objection as to why the Convention Center should not be home to the new gambling casino that is sure to come to Pittsburgh in the future. Mayor Murphy said, "We can't do that." But I think he is really saying, "I don't want to do that."
Murphy also put his abrasive personality into high gear as he scolded the locals for not doing their job. I think he was speaking to the media for its less than full-monty coverage of the associated gambling stories. Murphy wants more "transparent" elements -- for everyone else but not him. Murphy would NOT talk about some of the back-room deals that are rumored to be cut. Murphy would not name names. Murphy said some matters are 'no secret' -- but he just did so with a tease and wink and a shrug.
The state put in $150-million for the building of the Convention Center. That is money out of our (PA taxpayers) back pocket. Plus, there was to be another $150-million put in from other, local sources. But, they over-runs ran an extra $70-million or so. So, it is safe to say we paid nearly $400-million on the convention center. Or, we've paid more than $300-million and we still owe that amount.
Annually, the convention center's operation runs into the red and costs the S&A (our authority) about $3.4 million. The annual operation deficit for this one year that was not able to be covered by the annual budget was $1-million. So, annually, if this year is any proof, the convention center is a drain on the local public budgets of about $4 to $5-million.
The Vistors & Convention Breau got a good bit of money from the state at start-up, decades ago. Plus, it runs on the hotel tax.
Remember, the Vistors and Convention Center has closed board meetings. That sucks.
Furthermore, at the next board meeting, all the big hitters who are expected to put in a bid for the Pittsburgh Gambling License have been invited to present to the board. This is to consider how the gambling might impact on the convention center.
The Convention Center has a lot of religious groups. There are certain populations that are NOT interested in going to a convention city and needing to deal with gambling. They'll not want to use Pittsburgh as a destination for their events in the future.
The value of the Convention Center, according to my way of thinking, is going to go lower and lower. The Convention Center is a white elephant now that costs a lot of money from various public sources. In the future, after gambling arrives, it is going to be less viable than it is today. The Convention Center's expenses might double from their highs of today.
In his statements and presentation, Mayor Murphy talked about the 'footprint' of the new gambling casino. It is going to be huge, he said. It will take up all of Point State Park -- as a reference. It will be as big as the footprint of PNC Park -- as another point of reference. Jeepers. That fits within the existing Convention Center. Mayor Murphy supports the thinking and logic of putting the casino within the vast, under-utilized Convention Center.
Mayor Murphy also expressed some finance needs. The new casino operator is going to pay $50-million for the license (that does not expire). About another $40-$60-million for the slot machines. And, about $300-million for the building. Jeepers. We'll sell them the Convention Center for $300-million.
There are many other points and counter-points to make about this gambling saga. All points lead to a logical conclusion when you 'think again.' Put the casino into the existing, well-designed, river-front, non-neighborhood, parking rich, hotel accessible, green, CONVENTION CENTER. Then the public can profit in many ways -- to cover some of the sins of the past and get out from many of the anchors for future budgets.
If we make a push for this -- the gambling casino could open as soon as the departure of the All Star Game -- in the Convention Center -- July 2006. That's the challenge. Do it now. Do it quickly. Do it with the best property we have that is not performing well. Turn the weakness into an asset for the private operator.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
United Press International - Student told to write essay as punishment -- NO HE DIDN'T. Big error in the article.
This seems to be getting national news, and perhaps it should. But, the story isn't accurate as posted below. I heard the young man, (the DU student), on a radio interview with KQV today. He did not call anyone 'subhuman.' However, he did use that word as a description for certain actions.
Now, where is that blog in question? Any pointers are welcomed.
This isn't a mountain, nor a molehill. But, it is a bit of hot air that bubbles up from time to time in a faithful kinda schedule. That's me and my son, Grant, standing in front of Old Faithful just before she blows.
United Press International - NewsTrack - Student told to write essay as punishment: "Student told to write essay as punishmentIf they are going to make a mountain out of a molehill -- or blow something into the mainstream discussion -- start with factual coverage.
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A student of Pittsburgh's Duquesne University has been told to write a 10-page essay on homosexuality as punishment for his blog remark on gays and lesbians.
Ryan Miner says he's willing to risk expulsion rather than write the essay that must discuss the pros and cons of homosexuality, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
The newspaper said the 19-year-old had called gays and lesbians 'subhuman' in a blog."
Now, where is that blog in question? Any pointers are welcomed.
This isn't a mountain, nor a molehill. But, it is a bit of hot air that bubbles up from time to time in a faithful kinda schedule. That's me and my son, Grant, standing in front of Old Faithful just before she blows.
Film: Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, 7 pm Friday Nov 18
Presented at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside, come find out why Wal-Mart needs to be held accountable for unjust practices that impoverish workers and threaten ommunities.
The controversial new film, by director and producer Robert Greenwald (Outfoxed and Uncovered: the War on Iraq), debuts in Pittsburgh in November as part of Wal-Mart Premiere Week, an unprecedented grassroots effort that will see over 3,000 screenings
across the nation from November 13-19, 2005.
This free public event is being hosted here in Pittsburgh by UUs United for Faith in Action. The screening will take place at 7 p.m. on November 18 at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside. Immediately following the film, there will be a brief presentation by two local groups and a discussion about the effect Wal-Mart is having on Pittsburgh and the nation.
The film takes the viewer on a deeply personal journey into the everyday lives of families struggling to fight against a Goliath. From a small business owner in Missouri to a preacher in California, from workers in Florida to a poet in Mexico, dozens of film crews on three continents bring the story of an assault on families and American values.
The controversial new film, by director and producer Robert Greenwald (Outfoxed and Uncovered: the War on Iraq), debuts in Pittsburgh in November as part of Wal-Mart Premiere Week, an unprecedented grassroots effort that will see over 3,000 screenings
across the nation from November 13-19, 2005.
This free public event is being hosted here in Pittsburgh by UUs United for Faith in Action. The screening will take place at 7 p.m. on November 18 at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside. Immediately following the film, there will be a brief presentation by two local groups and a discussion about the effect Wal-Mart is having on Pittsburgh and the nation.
The film takes the viewer on a deeply personal journey into the everyday lives of families struggling to fight against a Goliath. From a small business owner in Missouri to a preacher in California, from workers in Florida to a poet in Mexico, dozens of film crews on three continents bring the story of an assault on families and American values.
Flashback and Housekeeping
Elephant envy.Because some have asked, my photos are going to go into the public domain. They are being organized and are go be released shortly on CD and DVD. This way, others could use the photos as they wish, in commericial and noncommercial works, in multimedia and for posters, whatever. You'll need to buy the CD or DVDs and this will be part of a funding efforts for other things we do.
So, a campaign manager for a republican candidate, say John Pierce who lived in the city and then moved to suburbia and now is seemingly in Harrisburg, could use these photos freely.
Don't overlook this endorsement
Bob Hillen's endorsement in the Post-Gazette is huge. Bob's endorsement was not mentioned at the conservative site, GrassrootsPA.com.
The PG made another fine endorsement with Doug Price for County Council too.
Editorial: Price in District 4 / The Republican has been dedicated to reform Price in District 4 / The Republican has been dedicated to reform
SPORTSHAVEN comes crashing down in downtown Pittsburgh. This block was cleared for the building of the African American Cultural Center. It is on Liberty Avenue. The workers on the job with the demolition company faced a picket. I don't think that they were on 'contract.' A day care, a cleaners and a few other small businesses were in the various buildings in that triangular block.
City likely to keep all-Democrat council - PittsburghLIVE.com
OUCH!
Dogs are cats and cats are dogs. "Gatekeepers" gone gonzo.
What's up is down!
The Trib, the newspaper that should be friendly to Republicans, slams the three hopeful GOPers in their quest for city council seats. Meanwhile, the Post-Gazette, endorsed the City's GOP Chairman, Bob Hillen, over the Dem in yesterday's editorial.
Dogs are cats and cats are dogs. "Gatekeepers" gone gonzo.What's up is down!
The Trib, the newspaper that should be friendly to Republicans, slams the three hopeful GOPers in their quest for city council seats. Meanwhile, the Post-Gazette, endorsed the City's GOP Chairman, Bob Hillen, over the Dem in yesterday's editorial.
City likely to keep all-Democrat council - PittsburghLIVE.com Three of four Pittsburgh City Council seats are contested this election year, but none of the races represents a significant threat to the city's all-Democrat council.The print media's ying and yang are fussed these days.
PG Editorial: Hillen for council / The city can no longer afford business as usual
Get Out The Vote advice and pollworking advice from Tim
Unofficial Advice for Operation Clean Sweep or No to NN poll workers on Election Day, Nov 8, 2005.
I've worked the polls for several Libertarian candidates before. Here is my (Tim C's) unofficial advice.
1. Go to www.pacleansweep.com and download some No to Newman and Nigro flyers. Especially the one that is cut into 8 small flyers per sheet. Also a few that are an entire page, with tear-off phone numbers on the bottom.
2. Put the full sized sheets up in places like grocery stores, community bulletin boards, campus bulletin boards, on poles when no one is looking, etc. Bring thumb tacks and a good stapler. It is against the law to stick them in mailboxes, though.
3. A few of the full page NNN flyers can also be stapled or taped up at the polling place. There are somerules regarding how close to the actual polls your signs can be -- just put yours where eveyone else has theirs. Cut the llittle strips at the bottom in case anyone wants to join OCS. They can tear off the phone number instead of the entire sign.
4. Cut the ones that are eight to a page into individual mini flyers. These can be handed out at the polls. You can ask people where the best polling places are. Figure out the most convenient photocopying places too. Also the mini NNNs look better on colored paper than white. They still cost about one cent apiece since there are eight to a sheet.
5. If anyone calls or emails you, just give them this same advice. Ask them where they vote. Have them either download the NNN flyers or photocopy some of them and take them over to the volunteer.
6. When it comes to volunteers, you want to keep it simple. Have them go to their regular voting place. If they are computer literate, they can download the NNNs. If not, take them over, or have them meet you at Starbuck's, Behive, etc. They will need about 80 little ones (ten photocopied pages) and about four of the full page NNNs. You can go back inside and 'recycle' the flyers. The 80 little NNNs can be given to about 200 people.
7. Also advise them to wear comfortable shoes, take a water bottle, umbrella, and put a folding chair in your car -- there might be room to sit down outside the polling place in between voters. Repeat several times that the election is Tuesday, Nov 8th.
8. Try to figure out who will hand out mini NNN flyers and which polling place they will commit to. Make a chart of the 3-4 local polling places and the times that people will commit to. It pays to drive around to the different polling places and see how they are doing. Bring extra flyers, tape and staples in case they haven't posted any signs in the designated area. Get their cellphone numbers and give them yours, in case they have a problem. Call them on Nov 8th to remind them. Go with them if necessary and spend a few minutes with them.
9. Come up with something short and sweet to say to the voters as they enter. The old standby is "Would you like some literature, sir/maam?" But you might want to say "Defeat the Pay Raise, Vote No to Newman and Nigro" If you say that over and over, the people coming up next will hear part of it too. Just repeat it endlessly and give them a small NNN flyer. If they have questions, answer them, and say that the web site is on the little flyer. Remember to make eye contact and smile.
10. Obey the election laws. You can't stand within 15 feet of the doorway, etc in most places. For the most part, be courteous, don't block anyone's path, stand where the other political volunteers are standing, and remember that you have as much right to be there as anyone. Don't argue with those who disagree with you. Just wish them a good day and wait for the next person.
I've worked the polls for several Libertarian candidates before. Here is my (Tim C's) unofficial advice.
1. Go to www.pacleansweep.com and download some No to Newman and Nigro flyers. Especially the one that is cut into 8 small flyers per sheet. Also a few that are an entire page, with tear-off phone numbers on the bottom.
2. Put the full sized sheets up in places like grocery stores, community bulletin boards, campus bulletin boards, on poles when no one is looking, etc. Bring thumb tacks and a good stapler. It is against the law to stick them in mailboxes, though.
3. A few of the full page NNN flyers can also be stapled or taped up at the polling place. There are somerules regarding how close to the actual polls your signs can be -- just put yours where eveyone else has theirs. Cut the llittle strips at the bottom in case anyone wants to join OCS. They can tear off the phone number instead of the entire sign.
4. Cut the ones that are eight to a page into individual mini flyers. These can be handed out at the polls. You can ask people where the best polling places are. Figure out the most convenient photocopying places too. Also the mini NNNs look better on colored paper than white. They still cost about one cent apiece since there are eight to a sheet.
5. If anyone calls or emails you, just give them this same advice. Ask them where they vote. Have them either download the NNN flyers or photocopy some of them and take them over to the volunteer.
6. When it comes to volunteers, you want to keep it simple. Have them go to their regular voting place. If they are computer literate, they can download the NNNs. If not, take them over, or have them meet you at Starbuck's, Behive, etc. They will need about 80 little ones (ten photocopied pages) and about four of the full page NNNs. You can go back inside and 'recycle' the flyers. The 80 little NNNs can be given to about 200 people.
7. Also advise them to wear comfortable shoes, take a water bottle, umbrella, and put a folding chair in your car -- there might be room to sit down outside the polling place in between voters. Repeat several times that the election is Tuesday, Nov 8th.
8. Try to figure out who will hand out mini NNN flyers and which polling place they will commit to. Make a chart of the 3-4 local polling places and the times that people will commit to. It pays to drive around to the different polling places and see how they are doing. Bring extra flyers, tape and staples in case they haven't posted any signs in the designated area. Get their cellphone numbers and give them yours, in case they have a problem. Call them on Nov 8th to remind them. Go with them if necessary and spend a few minutes with them.
9. Come up with something short and sweet to say to the voters as they enter. The old standby is "Would you like some literature, sir/maam?" But you might want to say "Defeat the Pay Raise, Vote No to Newman and Nigro" If you say that over and over, the people coming up next will hear part of it too. Just repeat it endlessly and give them a small NNN flyer. If they have questions, answer them, and say that the web site is on the little flyer. Remember to make eye contact and smile.
10. Obey the election laws. You can't stand within 15 feet of the doorway, etc in most places. For the most part, be courteous, don't block anyone's path, stand where the other political volunteers are standing, and remember that you have as much right to be there as anyone. Don't argue with those who disagree with you. Just wish them a good day and wait for the next person.
7 district judge slots still open - PittsburghLIVE.com
I don't think so.
7 district judge slots still open - PittsburghLIVE.com Martini, who is chief of staff for State Rep. Thomas Petrone, wants to make the office 'more user friendly' and start evening hours one night a week.Arrogant statement. I guess he must know that many people in the district despise his boss too, Thomas Petrone, long-time state rep. And, I guess a lot of people know too about the folly of the West Pittsburgh Partnership.
'No one knows the district better than me,' Martini said.
Who wants to have lunch on Oct 27 and support Evan
Chris Moore, WQED Multimedia's host of Black Horizons and co-host of OnQ, will moderate a panel discussion featuring:
The Honorable Tom Murphy, mayor of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Patricia Beeson, professor of economics and public policy at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is also vice provost for graduate studies.
Dr. Evan Stoddard, past president and current board member of No Dice, an anti-gambling lobby. He is associate dean of McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts at Duquesne University, where he is also associate director for community outreach in the Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy.
Reporters Andrew Conte of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Gary Rotstein of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 2005.
WHERE: Engineers' Building, 337 Fourth Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh.
WHAT: Lunch will be served at noon. Program ends by 2 p.m.
HOW: $20 for Press Club members. $25 for nonmembers. $200 for table of 10.
For reservations, please send your check by October 21 to The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, Engineers' Building, 337 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222. Questions? Linda Parker at 412-281-7778.
Update: Chris Moore missed the event, but another from OnQ was the moderator.
The social worker on the panel is a friend, Dr. Davis from Pitt. That meant I knew all the people on the panel.
I should join The Press Club. It was a great event. I should also join The Economic Club of Pittsburgh too. They also have wonderful speakers and programs. Any running mates interested???
Badminton brews here.
More news shortly.
This photo shows my children among those from Chengdu, China, with a coach at a Recreation Center. The coach had played for the national team of China. The real irony of this photo: It was taken as all the rec centers in Pittsburgh were closed. So, we went to China to play and research what they do. Plus, we didn't come back empty handed. The ideas are being revealed in behind the scenes challeges to establish some new endeavors locally. (By the way, that's Erik R., the tall kid in the middle of the group with the Pitt t-shirt and Grant R. on the far right.)
This photo shows my children among those from Chengdu, China, with a coach at a Recreation Center. The coach had played for the national team of China. The real irony of this photo: It was taken as all the rec centers in Pittsburgh were closed. So, we went to China to play and research what they do. Plus, we didn't come back empty handed. The ideas are being revealed in behind the scenes challeges to establish some new endeavors locally. (By the way, that's Erik R., the tall kid in the middle of the group with the Pitt t-shirt and Grant R. on the far right.)
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
School Board Member to give a talk on Thursday night
Patrick Dowd, will be at Tazza D'Oro on Thursday, 10/27 from 7-8:30PM. He will be there to give a "State of the School District" address. Please come to hear about the new direction that we are headed in the Pittsburgh Public Schools as well as the hopeful "age of accountability" for our school board and superintendent. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Keep city school closing plan whole, board told
Keep city school closing plan whole, board told Mr. Matthews is taking the novel step of proposing that board members vote on the plan without additions or subtractions when Mr. Roosevelt puts it before them.
I and about 40 others went to a meeting with Mark Roosevelt last night in Oakland at Frick Middle School. Great session, not like the one the prior night in Banksville -- so we were told.
The more novel idea came up in the conversations. Why not have the board vote on the plan without even reading it. They can't tinker with the plan by makng any adjustments at the board table, so is the hope of Matthews. Why not just vote it up or down based on its looks from the outside. Don't even read it -- just vote for it.
Standing tall behind a fence to deal with those who might tinker.
That would remove horse trading.
Some honeymoon!
Inspecting...
I agree. We should not cut up the plan. Don't butcher it! Keep it whole.
I and about 40 others went to a meeting with Mark Roosevelt last night in Oakland at Frick Middle School. Great session, not like the one the prior night in Banksville -- so we were told.
The more novel idea came up in the conversations. Why not have the board vote on the plan without even reading it. They can't tinker with the plan by makng any adjustments at the board table, so is the hope of Matthews. Why not just vote it up or down based on its looks from the outside. Don't even read it -- just vote for it.
Standing tall behind a fence to deal with those who might tinker.That would remove horse trading.
Some honeymoon!
Inspecting...I agree. We should not cut up the plan. Don't butcher it! Keep it whole.
Comments before city council
Statement before Pittsburgh's City Council
Welcome back to council. Count me and my family as one of the many who really care.
The other night's meeting about gun violence that was organized by Ms. Carlisle is another that I did not attend – but was there in spirit. I did listen to the proceedings the next day on the internet at the Post-Gazette site. The PG gets a welcome nod in its recording of the meeting. Well done, by in large.
My brief hope and observation goes to the matter of guns. Our Second Amendment and the US Constitution – as well as the PA Constitution still matter. I wish the Constitution had more weight – but this is American. That meeting was NOT a beginning. We are with this legacy of rights and guns are here. It is my hope that we don't start to bark up the wrong tree and get into an impossible situation where advancements can not be made.
We can't ban guns from the streets of Pittsburgh and expect that legislation to hold up, be enforced, and really work. Let's not fool ourselves. Nor, try to fool the public.
Even the weed and seed program, something I respect, is like two legs of a chair. That formula, with two prongs, isn't going to be the entirety and be expected to stand up to make a platform for prosperity and wonderful places for raising our children. Weed and Seed needs a third leg to work. If you just weed and seed, weed and seed, -- who is going to harvest? We are going into Thanksgiving season. The fruits of the seeds don't just plop onto you tables to feed ourselves.
I worry about that third leg, most of all. I think that is the missing part in our government. You can't (as government officials) manage how one should flourish. But, you can, and you have, managed to mess up the capacity for allowing others to flourish.
You can crack the back of freedom, pathways to prosperity, and kill the harvest.
You can let the field turn to seed – prevent the harvest – and be rotten by blocking and bumbling and taxing and subsidizing and sustaining the floundering ways.
That's scary. And the fact of the matter is that some around here (Mayor's office mainly) just don't get it.
Halloween, -- a scary time of year. I want everyone to come to my hose for trick-or-treat. I've got CDs as our treat.
This is like 'candy for the mind.' You'll be able to play this on a CD and hear music and a message from myself. Plus, put the CD into your computer and get OpenOffice.org. A free-and-open software package that is now at version 2.0.
Furthermore, if you'd like to give-away these treats to those that come to your house – or your circle of friends – that can be arranged.
We've never given out candy at our house for Halloween.
You can give out CDs – and they'll only cost you fifty-cents each. Or, come to the house with your spindle of blank CDs and we'll burn them for you while we have a cup of tea.
I live at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. You can place an order by sending me an email: Mark@Rauterkus.com. Give me your phone # and I'll get back to you right away.
Voters: Please vote “NO” on the retention vote for the PA SUPREME COURT. Retention votes are being called for because the bench played an important role in getting the pay raise. And, the bench ignored the fact that the raise (unvouchered expenses) is unconstitional. The raise is not legal in terms of the PA Constitution. But the judges wanted to get a part of the pay-raise cash grab.
My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 South 12th Street on the South Side. My home on the internet is at Rauterkus.com. Please check my blog frequently. My email address is simple: Mark@Rauterkus.com.A supporter of mine emailed me with tragic news while my family and I were in Hong Kong for two weeks in early October. That's how I learned of the death of your son, Sala. I want you to know that we all payed. We were not able to attend the funeral – but my heart breaks too with all of this violence and shooting. You know I've got two sons. I think that must be one of the worst fears in life.
Welcome back to council. Count me and my family as one of the many who really care.
The other night's meeting about gun violence that was organized by Ms. Carlisle is another that I did not attend – but was there in spirit. I did listen to the proceedings the next day on the internet at the Post-Gazette site. The PG gets a welcome nod in its recording of the meeting. Well done, by in large.
My brief hope and observation goes to the matter of guns. Our Second Amendment and the US Constitution – as well as the PA Constitution still matter. I wish the Constitution had more weight – but this is American. That meeting was NOT a beginning. We are with this legacy of rights and guns are here. It is my hope that we don't start to bark up the wrong tree and get into an impossible situation where advancements can not be made.
We can't ban guns from the streets of Pittsburgh and expect that legislation to hold up, be enforced, and really work. Let's not fool ourselves. Nor, try to fool the public.
Even the weed and seed program, something I respect, is like two legs of a chair. That formula, with two prongs, isn't going to be the entirety and be expected to stand up to make a platform for prosperity and wonderful places for raising our children. Weed and Seed needs a third leg to work. If you just weed and seed, weed and seed, -- who is going to harvest? We are going into Thanksgiving season. The fruits of the seeds don't just plop onto you tables to feed ourselves.
I worry about that third leg, most of all. I think that is the missing part in our government. You can't (as government officials) manage how one should flourish. But, you can, and you have, managed to mess up the capacity for allowing others to flourish.
You can crack the back of freedom, pathways to prosperity, and kill the harvest.
You can let the field turn to seed – prevent the harvest – and be rotten by blocking and bumbling and taxing and subsidizing and sustaining the floundering ways.
That's scary. And the fact of the matter is that some around here (Mayor's office mainly) just don't get it.
Halloween, -- a scary time of year. I want everyone to come to my hose for trick-or-treat. I've got CDs as our treat.
This is like 'candy for the mind.' You'll be able to play this on a CD and hear music and a message from myself. Plus, put the CD into your computer and get OpenOffice.org. A free-and-open software package that is now at version 2.0.
Furthermore, if you'd like to give-away these treats to those that come to your house – or your circle of friends – that can be arranged.
We've never given out candy at our house for Halloween.
You can give out CDs – and they'll only cost you fifty-cents each. Or, come to the house with your spindle of blank CDs and we'll burn them for you while we have a cup of tea.
I live at 108 South 12th Street, South Side. You can place an order by sending me an email: Mark@Rauterkus.com. Give me your phone # and I'll get back to you right away.
Voters: Please vote “NO” on the retention vote for the PA SUPREME COURT. Retention votes are being called for because the bench played an important role in getting the pay raise. And, the bench ignored the fact that the raise (unvouchered expenses) is unconstitional. The raise is not legal in terms of the PA Constitution. But the judges wanted to get a part of the pay-raise cash grab.
My (Rauterkus) advice to Ludwig and others in the Whack Pack: Pick your time and bail!
Today I talked with Les Ludwig in a hallway on Grant Street as city council was in session. On Saturday I talked with David Tessitor at the WPLUG.org meeting at CMU. On both instances, I asked these candidates for mayor to resign their race. The wise thing for them both to do is to make an exit statement and toss their support to another candidate who has a chance of getting more than 1,000 votes.
My generous predictions say that Tessitor will get less than 1,000 votes and Ludwig will get less than 50.
G.W. and David Tessitor in front of news cameras with efforts on the North Side some years ago.
This same advice was given by me to Ludwig as soon as I heard that he was not going to quit his race for the general election after his poor showing in the Dem's primary. I feel that Ludwig is doing the wrong thing.
I am a realist.
These two, Ludwig and Tessitor are not helping the city's discussion in the final weeks and are not going to have any impact at the polls with voter results.
I am going to make a rash statement as well about the Socialist Party candidate as well and put him in the same category. But, so what. That's their history of being harmless, once every four years. The Socialist Party has a long-standing practice of running a candidate for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh. It happens all the time. Four years ago the Socialist candidate was a coal miner. Frank has since moved out of town. To some degree, the Socialist does not get under my skin because he is on the ballot, nor on the debate stage. Likewise he was full of national views.
I think that Ludwig and Tessitor could make more noise and have a bigger impact for the good of the city as they exit the race than they could if they were in the race. They both have some decent ideas -- be they hidden under a mountain of other burdens. But the ideas are not catching on in the minds of the voters when it comes to election day. The election avenue, at this time, for them, is a dead end!
On another matter, the Green candidate won't cave to the Republican.
Finally, sadly, I don't think Joe Weinroth has done much waving an olive branch of peace in the directions of his loyal opposition on the ballot, yet alone the masses of voters in the city.
My generous predictions say that Tessitor will get less than 1,000 votes and Ludwig will get less than 50.
G.W. and David Tessitor in front of news cameras with efforts on the North Side some years ago.This same advice was given by me to Ludwig as soon as I heard that he was not going to quit his race for the general election after his poor showing in the Dem's primary. I feel that Ludwig is doing the wrong thing.
I am a realist.
These two, Ludwig and Tessitor are not helping the city's discussion in the final weeks and are not going to have any impact at the polls with voter results.
I am going to make a rash statement as well about the Socialist Party candidate as well and put him in the same category. But, so what. That's their history of being harmless, once every four years. The Socialist Party has a long-standing practice of running a candidate for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh. It happens all the time. Four years ago the Socialist candidate was a coal miner. Frank has since moved out of town. To some degree, the Socialist does not get under my skin because he is on the ballot, nor on the debate stage. Likewise he was full of national views.
I think that Ludwig and Tessitor could make more noise and have a bigger impact for the good of the city as they exit the race than they could if they were in the race. They both have some decent ideas -- be they hidden under a mountain of other burdens. But the ideas are not catching on in the minds of the voters when it comes to election day. The election avenue, at this time, for them, is a dead end!
On another matter, the Green candidate won't cave to the Republican.
Finally, sadly, I don't think Joe Weinroth has done much waving an olive branch of peace in the directions of his loyal opposition on the ballot, yet alone the masses of voters in the city.
Pittsburgh Media Has Done It's Job With "Whack Pack"
In today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette there is a story about the "debate" among all six candidates for Pittsburgh Mayor.
First off, Les Ludwig shouldn't have been there. He's NOT on the ballot, AND he lost in the Spring. The folks who invited him to Tuesday's debate were extremely generous.
Then there's a candidate who talks exclusively about things national...and wants "to end capitalism" from the Pittsburgh landscape. Again, above and beyond acceptable levels of generosity.
Bob O'Connor, the presumptive next Mayor of Pittsburgh, did all the right things to make these candidates look even kookier: he talked about the "basics" like keeping the city clean and safe. Bob's plan is overly simplistic and in some ways naive, despite his years in office.
Joe Weinroth, the Republican candidate who on paper should be the next mayor, was in debates in the spring despite having no opposition, received similar generosity. However, Joe earned his place on the spring ballot AND fall ballot.
The media in Pittsburgh has featured all of the characters on the ballot--and with Ludwig--those who aren't. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to continue this trend.
Any future TV debates should only include candidates who could win (and truly deserve to be on the ballot)...O'Connor and Weinroth.
This mayoral race is about the future of Pittsburgh and not liberal showbiz.
First off, Les Ludwig shouldn't have been there. He's NOT on the ballot, AND he lost in the Spring. The folks who invited him to Tuesday's debate were extremely generous.
Then there's a candidate who talks exclusively about things national...and wants "to end capitalism" from the Pittsburgh landscape. Again, above and beyond acceptable levels of generosity.
Bob O'Connor, the presumptive next Mayor of Pittsburgh, did all the right things to make these candidates look even kookier: he talked about the "basics" like keeping the city clean and safe. Bob's plan is overly simplistic and in some ways naive, despite his years in office.
Joe Weinroth, the Republican candidate who on paper should be the next mayor, was in debates in the spring despite having no opposition, received similar generosity. However, Joe earned his place on the spring ballot AND fall ballot.
The media in Pittsburgh has featured all of the characters on the ballot--and with Ludwig--those who aren't. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to continue this trend.
Any future TV debates should only include candidates who could win (and truly deserve to be on the ballot)...O'Connor and Weinroth.
This mayoral race is about the future of Pittsburgh and not liberal showbiz.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Utility talk
ACORN, a nonprofit political group, is doing work on utility matters. They are worried about the high price of gas, electric and such for residents.
See that comments below for more insights and to leave your comments too.
See that comments below for more insights and to leave your comments too.
Techies meet with Damian Conway: Sufficiently Advanced Technologies
Pittsburgh Perl Mongers meet with Damian Conway: Sufficiently Advanced Technologies on Saturday Oct 29, 2005 at 18:30
CMU, Wean Hall Room 7500, Pittsburgh, PA
In module design, interface is everything. Going one step beyond this
dictum, Damian demonstrates and explains several practical applications of
Clarke's Law ("Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable
from magic") by presenting a series of useful modules whose interface
is...nothing.
Aviary asks state to help feather much larger nest
Stanley and Grant.
We love the aviary. Love it. But here comes some tough love advice.
Aviary asks state to help feather much larger nest The aviary is not releasing details of the proposed expansion until it is known how much funding the state might provide. The capital campaign pitch to the public will begin after state officials make a funding decision, she said. Ground breaking could be as early as spring.Heard enough.
Don't put plans under a basket and release them only in Harrisburg. That is like putting your head in the sand.
You can't be afraid to ruffle some feathers by releasing plans and hopes to the public, the taxpayers, the neighborhood activist -- FIRST. Don't run to Harrisburg first.
Hundreds rail against violence at meeting in Homewood - Chief does a classic CYA routine.
Hundreds rail against violence at meeting in Homewood Police Chief Robert W. McNeilly Jr. says statistics show violent crime is falling in Homewood.
Zone 5 leads the city in the reduction of crime, so says the chief of police. Unreal.
Zone 5 leads the city in the reduction of crime, so says the chief of police. Unreal.
Hundreds rail against violence at meeting in Homewood -- and break out web page from the PG
Hundreds rail against violence at meeting in Homewood Wonderful web page. This is what we've been looking for in terms of coverage of community meetings.Check out the audio buttons! Well done editors of the PG.
Rosa Parks Passes
Rosa Parks, the woman whose refusal to move to the back of a segregated bus helped launch the civil rights movement, dies.Musical friend, Amy Carol Webb, a singer/songwriter, has a great, great song about Rosa. It plays now.
Amy Carol Webb sings about many, strong women, including Rosa. She did the song, "Think Again" too.Amy Carol Webb and I were on a radio show together with Chris Moore of KDKA.
Radio gig with Amy Carol Webb and Chris Moore. Both have roots in Oklahoma.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Bugging for a name. Help with research, please.
Name this bug, if you can. I can't, but would like to.
Another view. Click photo for larger view.
The Speaker and the Limo Kids deserved an honest answer
This letter comes to Pittsburgh from Philly -- city to city.
By the way, the speaker got into another car for the ride away from the school.
Today, I was in my kid's school. We were not there to give away books, but I've got a basement full of them. Rather, I pushed the buttons as my son made an audio-visual presentation of our recent trip to Hong Kong. The 99 slide presentation is now in a PDF (3 megs). If you want it, I'll send it to you in an email attachement. I'll try to get it onto my web site in the next 24 hours.
Perhaps I should go back to that Banksville school, on a bus or bike even, and pass out CD-ROMs with photos from China? That might make for a good handout and a offer a good contrast to what the Harrisburg Republicans do when they come around.
Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/23/2005 | Editorial | The Speaker and the Limo Kids deserved an honest answer Editorial | The Speaker and the Limo Kids deserved an honest answerThis is the team Diven is playing with now. No back bencher any more.
A public apology to the fourth-graders of Pittsburgh:
It has come to our attention that Rep. John Perzel, a Republican from our hometown of Philadelphia, visited your fair city recently to deliver books to Beechwood Elementary School. The speaker even stopped by a class of fourth-graders to read stories to you. These were good things for him to do.
That's why, boys and girls, we didn't think anything bad could happen while the speaker was sitting on a bale of hay, reading stories. But we're sorry to say the speaker did a bad thing. He told you a white lie.
Have your parents explained to you about white lies? They are like a 'fib.' Lies are bad and lies are wrong, but white lies are not quite as bad as other lies. They can be defended if, for example, their goal is to protect children from things they're not ready to deal with. But it's bad to lie to a kid to protect yourself.
When the speaker finished reading stories, a little girl asked him a question: 'Did you come in a limo?'
This would have been a good time for the speaker to tell the truth to you fourth-graders. He could have said, 'I came here in a chauffeured Lincoln Town Car, which is a really nice, big car. It's not a stretch limo, but it does have limousine license plates, so you could say yes, it is a limo. This is why my job as speaker is way cool.'
Instead, the speaker got huffy with the little girl. 'Did I come in a limo? I came in a car,' he said dismissively.
To your credit, boys and girls, the speaker's little white lie didn't fool you. Your next question to him was: 'Could we go see the limo?' Some of you would make good journalists. An important rule of journalism is: When the speaker tells you there is no limo, ask to see the limo.
But then the speaker told you another white lie!
'Yeah, if there was a limo out there, we could go see it,' he said.
There was a limo out there, boys and girls! We're sorry that the speaker did not take you out to see it. Maybe he was afraid that you would get chewing gum on the seats.
Please forgive the speaker, boys and girls. He has been having a bad year. He keeps getting grief for giving himself and his friends in Harrisburg a big pay raise in a really, really sneaky way. The attention has him frazzled. He's been telling weird stories about dairy cows.
We are sad that the speaker felt the need to tell white lies to kids.
But, in a way, we are also glad. The speaker is one of the most important men running our state. If a class of fourth-graders can match wits with him, and win, we are very hopeful for the future of our great state.
So, kids, thank you. Go Steelers!
Sincerely, Philadelphia
By the way, the speaker got into another car for the ride away from the school.
Today, I was in my kid's school. We were not there to give away books, but I've got a basement full of them. Rather, I pushed the buttons as my son made an audio-visual presentation of our recent trip to Hong Kong. The 99 slide presentation is now in a PDF (3 megs). If you want it, I'll send it to you in an email attachement. I'll try to get it onto my web site in the next 24 hours.
Perhaps I should go back to that Banksville school, on a bus or bike even, and pass out CD-ROMs with photos from China? That might make for a good handout and a offer a good contrast to what the Harrisburg Republicans do when they come around.
Free workshop on WED - International Network of Schools - Advancement of Arts Education Conference
Please get this information out ASAP, to as many parents as you can. A “FREE” workshop that parents can attend is slated for 9 am to 4 pm on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel – 1000 Penn Avenue – Downtown.
WORKSHOP TITLE: Advancing the Language of Youth Development: Facilitating the Developmental Process to Complete And Maximize Achievement
PRESENTER: Y. Mustafaa Madyum, Director, Washington, D C - B.E.S.T. Program (Building Exemplary Systems for Training Youth Workers). The workshop will provide an overview of the youth development framework, a way to think about young people that focuses on their capacities, strengths and developmental needs.
This last minute request comes because registration is low. Whatever we can do to increase participation for this workshop would be helpful. In addition, if one of us are interested, we can also attend for free, even if we can’t stay all day.
Where's Wilma's Ice?
Wilma's wrath is weaker than what was delivered from Katrina and Ritta, thankfully. Now we're left to wonder: Where's the ice? Do you think that some of that ice that started in St. Louis and went to Cayjun country and ended up in Maine -- yes Maine -- some weeks after Katrina -- is headed south of Atlanta?
Many taxpayers, myself included, knocked on the doors of the US Representatives and US Senate to insist upon a Hurricane Katrina No Pork Pledge. For a spell it seemed as if we were going to spend every nickle in the world -- and then go to the mints and make more. The aftermaths of hurricanes should not be a chance to write big checks.
The new trend shows the introduction of some legislation to offset the cost of hurricane relief with tens of billions of dollars in spending cuts.
Speaker Dennis Hastert has put forward a four-point plan that would find at least $50 billion in savings in mandatory spending programs; hold the line on spending in appropriations bills; bring forward additional spending cuts or a rescissions package; and permanently eliminate 98 duplicative, wasteful, and unnecessary government programs. Source, CAGW.
The arrival of the hurrican has changed the rules and the game the politicians have been playing. We finally have leverage and a new sense of priorities. Waste-cutting is mandatory -- otherwise we need to NUKE the Gulf Region.
While it seems like common sense to you and me, offsetting the costs of hurricane relief with cuts in wasteful and non-essential spending faces powerful opposition - from the special interests who benefit from this spending, the big-government advocates who oppose any and all spending cuts, and those in Congress who want to raise your taxes to pay for the hurricanes' cost.
Many taxpayers, myself included, knocked on the doors of the US Representatives and US Senate to insist upon a Hurricane Katrina No Pork Pledge. For a spell it seemed as if we were going to spend every nickle in the world -- and then go to the mints and make more. The aftermaths of hurricanes should not be a chance to write big checks.
The new trend shows the introduction of some legislation to offset the cost of hurricane relief with tens of billions of dollars in spending cuts.
Speaker Dennis Hastert has put forward a four-point plan that would find at least $50 billion in savings in mandatory spending programs; hold the line on spending in appropriations bills; bring forward additional spending cuts or a rescissions package; and permanently eliminate 98 duplicative, wasteful, and unnecessary government programs. Source, CAGW.
The arrival of the hurrican has changed the rules and the game the politicians have been playing. We finally have leverage and a new sense of priorities. Waste-cutting is mandatory -- otherwise we need to NUKE the Gulf Region.
While it seems like common sense to you and me, offsetting the costs of hurricane relief with cuts in wasteful and non-essential spending faces powerful opposition - from the special interests who benefit from this spending, the big-government advocates who oppose any and all spending cuts, and those in Congress who want to raise your taxes to pay for the hurricanes' cost.
Operation Clean Sweep visits South Side on Nov 14
Clean mop, clean sweep -- same thing. Photo from a park in Chengdu, China.Come on at 7:00 p.m. on Nov 14, 2005, at the Brashier Assn, 2005 Sarah St., Pittsburgh PA 15203 to hear from Bruce Krane (local advocate) and Russ Diamond (Operation Clean Sweep) for an informational evening about the PACleanSweep effort and what you can do to help.
PCTV show from Bruce Krane that features Joe Weinroth
The show schedule for PCTV21 (community access TV). I'd love to get a full transcript of this long interview show.
PCTV21 viewers can also catch the inaugural effort of "Finding Our Voices" this month - this is the pilot project for a soon to be formalized non-profit corporation. The first episode features Joe Weinroth, Republican Candidate for Mayor of Pittsburgh. Mr. Weinroth is saddled with a 5 to 1 Democratic disadvantage in terms of registered voters in his quest for the mayoral office. Hopefully, that fact alone helps explain the concept behind "Finding Our Voices".
Air dates/times are as follows:
Thursday 10/06/05 12:00 PM
Wednesday 10/12/05 1:00 PM
Friday 10/14/05 3:00 PM
Tuesday 10/18/05 7:00 PM
Friday 10/21/05 11:00 AM
Monday 10/24/05 4:00 PM
Friday 10/28/05 7:00 PM
Friday 11/04/05 7:00 PM
Great word finally mentioned: "Stewardship"
I love that word: Pay raise adds to benefits - PittsburghLIVE.com 'When you see the private sector struggling every day to renegotiate and make modifications to plans, this raises questions in my mind about stewardship,' Dreyfuss said.
Crossing guard in Chengdu, China.
Crossing guard in Chengdu, China.
Colaizzi and Baker get ink in school board race -- that covers South Side
I know each of these two. I'm not sure what is going to happen. And, for now, I'm not going to say much else. Election 2005: Colaizzi has challenger for District 5 school board seat
Your feedback is welcomed.
Your feedback is welcomed.
Candidate not giving up yet - PittsburghLIVE.com
Candidate not giving up yet - PittsburghLIVE.com ... he wore a black necktie blotched with white stains.
Say what?
Say what?
O'Connor, Weinroth debate - PittsburghLIVE.com
When we had a poor mayor, we needed good councilmembers to do administrative duties. Otherwise, nothing would have happened. Now, next to nothing happens. But, in an ideal world, we'll have a strong and good mayor. Hence, those on council should be legislatures. They'll write the laws (ordinances). But, it is up to the mayor and the administration to carry out the policies.
We've had mission creep on Grant Street for a long time. That is why we have two oversight boards.
Furthermore, the budget is set by city council -- but the mayor has been able to ignore it. Council says 'hire rat control experts and spend $x.' But no. The mayor does what he wants.
Bob is aware of how things work now. But, he's not aware of how things should operate in the future.
Bob wants to go out an 'inspect' matters in the city's neighborhoods. Well then he does not need to have nine councilmembers as his eyes and ears. What is it Bob?
O'Connor, Weinroth debate - PittsburghLIVE.com: O'Connor wants to keep nine council members, saying neighborhood residents and businesses rely on the representation to handle local issues such as rundown streets and safety concerns. Still, O'Connor said council could cut its costs by 20 percent.
'They're the eyes and ears of the community,' he said. 'A lot of neighborhoods have been neglected. They want basic services. That councilman is on top of it.'
We've had mission creep on Grant Street for a long time. That is why we have two oversight boards.
Furthermore, the budget is set by city council -- but the mayor has been able to ignore it. Council says 'hire rat control experts and spend $x.' But no. The mayor does what he wants.
Bob is aware of how things work now. But, he's not aware of how things should operate in the future.
Bob wants to go out an 'inspect' matters in the city's neighborhoods. Well then he does not need to have nine councilmembers as his eyes and ears. What is it Bob?
Sunday, October 23, 2005
PCNC Hosted Mayoral Debate
How do you think Bob O'Connor and Joe Weinroth did in the debate today. I think I would have loved to debate David Johnson.
Weinroth gets extra points for mentions that he wants to get votes from Libertarians! That was part of his closing statement.
I've never seen a debate that allowed one extra question AFTER the closing statements. Clock managment in the last segment was weak on both candidate's part.
I don't like hearing Joe Weinroth speaking of himself in the third person. Joe said something like, "If you want the status quo, vote for Bob. If you want to change Pittsburgh, vote for Joe Weinroth." The examples that were distinctions were fine -- but Weinroth should have said 'vote for me.'
Bob said that this is a healthy debate -- and Joe replied that he wished that there were more of them. I'd say it wasn't healthy to leave candidate out. It could have been healthy to have more voices on the debate stage so as to have some real drama and new, diverse ideas.
Tom (a blog buddie) called the other candidates, the whack pack. Good name. But, I'm not sure they'll even have the footing to whack without injury to oneself. It could be a mighty push into thin air and splat. We'll see Tuesday, I hope.
Is it an asset or a liability to say, "I've lived all my life in Pittsburgh." ??? I think that presents a limited vision. They both said it.
Good to hear Joe Weinroth speak against Eminent Domain in the debate. It only got a super quick mention, but it was heard by the techie listeners (all six of us). The "I'm against it by the way" mention of eminent domain isn't going to present a package that is going to win any votes. Joe could spend two-minutes on eminent domain in the next debate, perhaps as an opening or closing statement. He needs to open that can of worms, put it on the podium, and let O'Connor shrink, if not melt. Bob won't have anything to say on the issue. Joe should lean upon his legal background, law school experience, understanding of courts and real estate.
Bob said, after I'm elected, you'll see big changes in the first 100 days. Joe should have said, after I'm elected, you'll see bigger changes in the first 100 minutes. And, these minutes will start to tick as the 11:00 News reports on our election night victory. We won't have to wait 100 days after January 3 to send a message of change -- like a new pea in the same pod. Not with me. Pittsburgh, we can dance in the streets on the night of November 8, 2005. My election day victory becomes a front-page headline in the USA Today and Wall Street Journal and Cleveland Plain Dealer. The whole world isn't going to be looking at us at the All-Star Game. They'll be packing up and moving in by then. We'll have a new-resident block parties in all 88 neighborhoods on All Star Weekend, if I'm elected. And I expect us to welcome -- and INSPECT -- 5,000 new Pittsburgh residents. This will make a mid-summer classic to remember.
The biggest opening in the second half of the debate was when Bob O'Connor talked about the wrong forumla for downtown's revitalization. He said that you have to have the customers first, and then retail will follow. Without the people, i.e., shoppers, the stores are going to not have the sales. Mayor Murphy was building retail thinking that would keep the people here. Bob O'Connor, who helped with most of Murphy's punishing actions, said he had a different forumla.
Yeah, right.
Bob is going to flip-flop the process from (Retail + Residents) to (Residents + Retail).
Joe Weinroth should have stepped in -- after Bob's set up -- and said something like this: "Bob's calculated formula of customers and retail is but a small element of the bigger solution to our city and region. A few new dorms might work to beach a thousand college students within downtown, but that tactic isn't going to bring back prosperity and opportunities to city residents. People vote with their feet. People choose freedom. People are not going to go anywhere if they feel unsafe and if justice is a hit-or-miss factor. Pittsburgh is not going to thrive again with retail, nor with housing -- until citizens have insurances concerning the most important factors, freedom and justice for all."
I think Pittsburgh needs mature, adult solutions and not some hipster coolaid, rebranding bunk. Bob's been a part of that lifestyle, funky approach that has sent us farther in a back-slide. I want no part of their approach. Their formulas are going to result in more failures.
The right track for Bob is a loft apartment and glorified dorm with a bike rack. Then you build the expresso bar and follow it with retail. All these people in Bob's vision are going to stay downtown and stay in our city -- IF they are wearing a ball and chain. If we continue to run a city that crushes people, day-in and day-out, as we've done for the past decades, nobody in their right mind is going to want to shop here, live here nor work here. We'll continue the downward spiral until we change our approaches to justice, freedoms and earn trust with saavy citizens, from here and afar.
We know what's going on. Now we have a chance to vote to end the same-old, same-old.
Toss in some examples... cars being towed, senseless killings in the streets, police brutality at protests, corporate welfare, etc., etc.
I feel that Bob painted himself into a corner with the consumer and retail formula. Joe should have exploited it with a hard-hitting big picture observation. Bob's formula would have been reduced to 1 (consumers / residents) + 1 (retail) = negative 300,000 in the past decades. Thanks Bob for being a big part of the reason the city is half of its former self.
As to this 'right track' stuff -- give us a break. Any road will take us there if you don't know where you want to go. We need to be realistic with where we are. We need to have stong vision of how to fix our systematic governmental implosion. And, most of all, we need ask those who have made the mess to leave the scene because the one's who make the mess are the least qualified at clean-up.
Then there is the O'Connor them of bringing people together and that mega cooperative ring-leader. We have been bending over and have been cooperative with the two oversight boards and with the governor. These new found helpers match the bailout from Harrisburg -- pittyful. People are not going to rush to Pittsburgh and fix our problems. The past two years, coupled with the past decade, have proven this. We're on our own. We're going to need to pull ourselves up with all our might -- from within. We know best. Those that want to run to saviors from afar are only going to foil the progress that we need to strive for first.
When city council goes to Harrisburg, they have no idea what to say, what to beg for, how to threaten, nor why they are fruitless. City council members have not been able to think it through. And, neither have you.
Finally, Pittsburgh did change the tax structure in serious ways in the year 2000. And, this was with a push from Bob and a quick nod from Tom. They worked to toss out our legacy of affordable housing in the city. They let the county muck up the assessment process back in the Sabre Systems day. And, we're still paying for the sins of the past -- big time. And, Bob is clueless as to the ramifications, his role in the decline, and how to resolve these issues.
The deed transfer tax is sky high. That should be the first tax to cut. How about a deed transfer tax holliday for the next three years? Joe Weinroth, the attorney who works in real estate, should have nailed Bob O'Connor on this issue.
WPXI.com - News - PCNC To Host Mayoral Debate: "PITTSBURGH -- With the November election just a few weeks away, former City Council president Bob O'Connor and Republican mayoral hopeful Joe Weinroth will debate on the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel Sunday, October 23.
Channel 11 News anchor David Johnson will moderate the live debate between the two major candidates.
The hour long debate will begin in the WPXI-TV studio at 11:30 am."
Weinroth gets extra points for mentions that he wants to get votes from Libertarians! That was part of his closing statement.
I've never seen a debate that allowed one extra question AFTER the closing statements. Clock managment in the last segment was weak on both candidate's part.
I don't like hearing Joe Weinroth speaking of himself in the third person. Joe said something like, "If you want the status quo, vote for Bob. If you want to change Pittsburgh, vote for Joe Weinroth." The examples that were distinctions were fine -- but Weinroth should have said 'vote for me.'
Bob said that this is a healthy debate -- and Joe replied that he wished that there were more of them. I'd say it wasn't healthy to leave candidate out. It could have been healthy to have more voices on the debate stage so as to have some real drama and new, diverse ideas.
Tom (a blog buddie) called the other candidates, the whack pack. Good name. But, I'm not sure they'll even have the footing to whack without injury to oneself. It could be a mighty push into thin air and splat. We'll see Tuesday, I hope.
Is it an asset or a liability to say, "I've lived all my life in Pittsburgh." ??? I think that presents a limited vision. They both said it.
Good to hear Joe Weinroth speak against Eminent Domain in the debate. It only got a super quick mention, but it was heard by the techie listeners (all six of us). The "I'm against it by the way" mention of eminent domain isn't going to present a package that is going to win any votes. Joe could spend two-minutes on eminent domain in the next debate, perhaps as an opening or closing statement. He needs to open that can of worms, put it on the podium, and let O'Connor shrink, if not melt. Bob won't have anything to say on the issue. Joe should lean upon his legal background, law school experience, understanding of courts and real estate.
Bob said, after I'm elected, you'll see big changes in the first 100 days. Joe should have said, after I'm elected, you'll see bigger changes in the first 100 minutes. And, these minutes will start to tick as the 11:00 News reports on our election night victory. We won't have to wait 100 days after January 3 to send a message of change -- like a new pea in the same pod. Not with me. Pittsburgh, we can dance in the streets on the night of November 8, 2005. My election day victory becomes a front-page headline in the USA Today and Wall Street Journal and Cleveland Plain Dealer. The whole world isn't going to be looking at us at the All-Star Game. They'll be packing up and moving in by then. We'll have a new-resident block parties in all 88 neighborhoods on All Star Weekend, if I'm elected. And I expect us to welcome -- and INSPECT -- 5,000 new Pittsburgh residents. This will make a mid-summer classic to remember.
The biggest opening in the second half of the debate was when Bob O'Connor talked about the wrong forumla for downtown's revitalization. He said that you have to have the customers first, and then retail will follow. Without the people, i.e., shoppers, the stores are going to not have the sales. Mayor Murphy was building retail thinking that would keep the people here. Bob O'Connor, who helped with most of Murphy's punishing actions, said he had a different forumla.
Yeah, right.
Bob is going to flip-flop the process from (Retail + Residents) to (Residents + Retail).
Joe Weinroth should have stepped in -- after Bob's set up -- and said something like this: "Bob's calculated formula of customers and retail is but a small element of the bigger solution to our city and region. A few new dorms might work to beach a thousand college students within downtown, but that tactic isn't going to bring back prosperity and opportunities to city residents. People vote with their feet. People choose freedom. People are not going to go anywhere if they feel unsafe and if justice is a hit-or-miss factor. Pittsburgh is not going to thrive again with retail, nor with housing -- until citizens have insurances concerning the most important factors, freedom and justice for all."
I think Pittsburgh needs mature, adult solutions and not some hipster coolaid, rebranding bunk. Bob's been a part of that lifestyle, funky approach that has sent us farther in a back-slide. I want no part of their approach. Their formulas are going to result in more failures.
The right track for Bob is a loft apartment and glorified dorm with a bike rack. Then you build the expresso bar and follow it with retail. All these people in Bob's vision are going to stay downtown and stay in our city -- IF they are wearing a ball and chain. If we continue to run a city that crushes people, day-in and day-out, as we've done for the past decades, nobody in their right mind is going to want to shop here, live here nor work here. We'll continue the downward spiral until we change our approaches to justice, freedoms and earn trust with saavy citizens, from here and afar.
We know what's going on. Now we have a chance to vote to end the same-old, same-old.
Toss in some examples... cars being towed, senseless killings in the streets, police brutality at protests, corporate welfare, etc., etc.
I feel that Bob painted himself into a corner with the consumer and retail formula. Joe should have exploited it with a hard-hitting big picture observation. Bob's formula would have been reduced to 1 (consumers / residents) + 1 (retail) = negative 300,000 in the past decades. Thanks Bob for being a big part of the reason the city is half of its former self.
As to this 'right track' stuff -- give us a break. Any road will take us there if you don't know where you want to go. We need to be realistic with where we are. We need to have stong vision of how to fix our systematic governmental implosion. And, most of all, we need ask those who have made the mess to leave the scene because the one's who make the mess are the least qualified at clean-up.
Then there is the O'Connor them of bringing people together and that mega cooperative ring-leader. We have been bending over and have been cooperative with the two oversight boards and with the governor. These new found helpers match the bailout from Harrisburg -- pittyful. People are not going to rush to Pittsburgh and fix our problems. The past two years, coupled with the past decade, have proven this. We're on our own. We're going to need to pull ourselves up with all our might -- from within. We know best. Those that want to run to saviors from afar are only going to foil the progress that we need to strive for first.
When city council goes to Harrisburg, they have no idea what to say, what to beg for, how to threaten, nor why they are fruitless. City council members have not been able to think it through. And, neither have you.
Finally, Pittsburgh did change the tax structure in serious ways in the year 2000. And, this was with a push from Bob and a quick nod from Tom. They worked to toss out our legacy of affordable housing in the city. They let the county muck up the assessment process back in the Sabre Systems day. And, we're still paying for the sins of the past -- big time. And, Bob is clueless as to the ramifications, his role in the decline, and how to resolve these issues.
The deed transfer tax is sky high. That should be the first tax to cut. How about a deed transfer tax holliday for the next three years? Joe Weinroth, the attorney who works in real estate, should have nailed Bob O'Connor on this issue.
Urban hike goes into a scavenger hunt on the South Side
We'll be busy with the kids, and sadly, can't play this game. But, perhaps some of you might like to give it a whirl.
As a teaser question, can you explain what is going on with the photo below? Click the image to see a larger version showing better details. If you know or want to place a guess, put it into the comments. Or, look for the answer there in a day or so.
Take a guess. What do you see?
Join Urban Hike for its annual scavenger hunt this Saturday!
So you think you know the South Side, super sleuth? Then meet us at Caribou Coffee in the South Side Works (2729 East Carson Street) at noon, Saturday, October 29th. You’ll have three hours to track down the hidden gems we’ve found in the neighborhood.
Come with a team of four people or on your own. We’ll match people up where needed. If you have one, please bring your digital camera and the cord that allows it to connect to a computer. Some of the clues will require photographs, and we’ll all look at them after the hike concludes.
All teams must be at Taco Loco (2700 Jane Street) by 3 pm in order to compete for valuable prizes and exciting merchandise. Click comments for directions.
Questions? E-mail info@urbanhike.org.
As a teaser question, can you explain what is going on with the photo below? Click the image to see a larger version showing better details. If you know or want to place a guess, put it into the comments. Or, look for the answer there in a day or so.
Take a guess. What do you see?
Signs still stink. Click for a bigger view of some recent sign sightings.
Click on the image and see a larger version of the same photo, as is the case with most of the photos in this blog.
Please do not spit. Sign posted in Hong Kong at Ocean Park. Perhaps it should be posted in suburban Pittsburgh for school board members to read.
Please do not cross in front of bus.
Thought that the transit advocates would get a kick out of this sign. If there isn't anyone working on transit, perhaps there won't be any bus to walk in front of -- in the months to come.
Please do not spit. Sign posted in Hong Kong at Ocean Park. Perhaps it should be posted in suburban Pittsburgh for school board members to read.Election law charges draw police attention ... Signs were erected that read 'Esterly = Higher Taxes.' A worm was crawling out of the red apple.
Mrs. Esterly is not nearly as concerned about the rotten apple implication as she is about the sign's fine print that read, 'Paid for by the candidate.'
'Obviously, I did not pay for that sign,' Mrs. Esterly said.
Please do not cross in front of bus.Thought that the transit advocates would get a kick out of this sign. If there isn't anyone working on transit, perhaps there won't be any bus to walk in front of -- in the months to come.
Controller's race, should he win, would not occur until 2007
The City of Pittsburgh is going to elect a new controller in 2007, so it seems.
Tom Flaherty, Dem, Pgh's Controller, is running for judge on Nov 8 -- election day. If Tom wins the judge seat, (OMG) he'll resign from his elected, multi-term office as controller.
I assumed and expected that there would be a special election for that post -- along with the special election I'm to enter for the city council (District 3). However, I've talked with Bill Robinson, Dem, County Councilman. Robinson and I have talked at the gala/auction hosted by WPSD (Western PA School for the Deaf).
Bill Robinson is interested in the race of city controller for himself, by the way. So, he looked into this. Robinson thinks that there will NOT be a special election. Should Flaherty move to another office (judge), then the next in line to be the controller is the assistant contoller, Tony P. The assistant will serve as controller until the term expires. So, the next election for controller in the city will be as scheduled -- in this case in 2007.
I had given some bad advice and was starting to talk to a few possible candidates for the city controller race in 2006. Well, the timing is wrong. A run for city controller's job could make a good exercise for a political rookie so as to gear up for a race for PA House the next year. Perhaps it is good to start thinking about a run for controller in 2007 anyway. Flaherty has said he doesn't want the job he's in now, as he is running for another office.
Unless I hear otherwise with other news -- say from the election office directly -- there won't be a race in 2006 for a special election for controller.
Tom Flaherty, Dem, Pgh's Controller, is running for judge on Nov 8 -- election day. If Tom wins the judge seat, (OMG) he'll resign from his elected, multi-term office as controller.
I assumed and expected that there would be a special election for that post -- along with the special election I'm to enter for the city council (District 3). However, I've talked with Bill Robinson, Dem, County Councilman. Robinson and I have talked at the gala/auction hosted by WPSD (Western PA School for the Deaf).
Bill Robinson is interested in the race of city controller for himself, by the way. So, he looked into this. Robinson thinks that there will NOT be a special election. Should Flaherty move to another office (judge), then the next in line to be the controller is the assistant contoller, Tony P. The assistant will serve as controller until the term expires. So, the next election for controller in the city will be as scheduled -- in this case in 2007.
I had given some bad advice and was starting to talk to a few possible candidates for the city controller race in 2006. Well, the timing is wrong. A run for city controller's job could make a good exercise for a political rookie so as to gear up for a race for PA House the next year. Perhaps it is good to start thinking about a run for controller in 2007 anyway. Flaherty has said he doesn't want the job he's in now, as he is running for another office.
Unless I hear otherwise with other news -- say from the election office directly -- there won't be a race in 2006 for a special election for controller.
Insanity's example -- THINK AGAIN slogan might be best as "think at all!" Land isn't able to be hidden.
This is nuts. On one hand we have an elected official who says the answer is 40. On the other hand we have some of the most powerful institutions in the region saying the right answer is 14 percent.
What gives between 40 and 14?
It would be great is someone did the necessary homework so we know where we are. You can't get to where you want to go if you don't know your present location and course. Hey, we can't get on the right track even -- to use Bob O'Connor's pea-brained slogan -- if we can't find the rail yard.
The rail yard was taken out and replaced with a jail that is over filled.
Seems like the region is behind bars now -- too dumb to know better.
How much land is occupied and owned by nonprofits?
How much land is occupied and owned by the city?
How much land is owned by the URA?
Playground, school, apartments. Figure out the space of each is just a matter of math.
We need to know. I've called for those audits in the past. They need to be done.
And, what about the watchdogs? How about if the Trib does some homework too. Put up the chart and research. Do some more investigative reporting.
As a citizen I can make some educated assumptions. I think that half of the 'nonprofit land' is owned by the city and the URA. That's way to much. I think that the city's URA owns more than 7,000 parcels of land. The URA should liquidate that land, even selling some of it on eBay.
I also have called for a moratorium on land expansion by the nonprofits.
Finally, we need to know the trends. How much land was in the ownership of the nonprofits in the past, year by year, for the past 50 years. And, where is it going in the future.
The Salvation Army wants to purchase a 34 acre park in Brighton Heights for $100. I don't know if it is wise to give up so much land for so little when the nut of getting past this year's budget is so hard to crack. The city expected $5-million from the nonprofits and much less is to arrive. And, we're at November and little or nothing has come in so far.
Criminals generally rob from the poor. The city is poor. Lock the doors as the next wave of institutional thieves are arriving.
I don't want my city to be desperate.
I don't want my city to be dumb.
I'm not going to raise my family in a dumb, desperate landscape. So, I'll do my best to fix the situations. Let's 'think again.'
What gives between 40 and 14?
Just who owns that doggie in the limo? - PittsburghLIVE.com Doug Shields criticized Mayor Tom Murphy for saying 40 percent of the city's land is controlled by nonprofits. The nonprofits contend that figure is much lower, perhaps 14 percent.
It would be great is someone did the necessary homework so we know where we are. You can't get to where you want to go if you don't know your present location and course. Hey, we can't get on the right track even -- to use Bob O'Connor's pea-brained slogan -- if we can't find the rail yard.
The rail yard was taken out and replaced with a jail that is over filled.
Seems like the region is behind bars now -- too dumb to know better.
How much land is occupied and owned by nonprofits?
How much land is occupied and owned by the city?
How much land is owned by the URA?
Playground, school, apartments. Figure out the space of each is just a matter of math.We need to know. I've called for those audits in the past. They need to be done.
And, what about the watchdogs? How about if the Trib does some homework too. Put up the chart and research. Do some more investigative reporting.
As a citizen I can make some educated assumptions. I think that half of the 'nonprofit land' is owned by the city and the URA. That's way to much. I think that the city's URA owns more than 7,000 parcels of land. The URA should liquidate that land, even selling some of it on eBay.
I also have called for a moratorium on land expansion by the nonprofits.
Finally, we need to know the trends. How much land was in the ownership of the nonprofits in the past, year by year, for the past 50 years. And, where is it going in the future.
The Salvation Army wants to purchase a 34 acre park in Brighton Heights for $100. I don't know if it is wise to give up so much land for so little when the nut of getting past this year's budget is so hard to crack. The city expected $5-million from the nonprofits and much less is to arrive. And, we're at November and little or nothing has come in so far.
Criminals generally rob from the poor. The city is poor. Lock the doors as the next wave of institutional thieves are arriving.
I don't want my city to be desperate.
I don't want my city to be dumb.
I'm not going to raise my family in a dumb, desperate landscape. So, I'll do my best to fix the situations. Let's 'think again.'
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Radio recap with AE's Ron Morris and Mr. Soffer
High rise and mass transit too! Imagine that. Urban density is craved.
As a caller to a favorite radio show, Ron Morris, American Entrepreneur, I was able to ask a few questions to Mr. Soffer, a big-time developer who has been building out the South Side Works on the South Side.
Ron makes his shows available on tape. This is one I'll need to obtain as the conversation is a perfect illustration of what is good but still not good enough for my tastes. And, its not good enough for the long-term future of Pittsburgh. Our opportunities to floursh in the decades to come are being minimalized.
My first question went to the South Side Works' massive new parking lot. It is a surface lot that was created at the insistance of REI. And, Mr. Soffer said it is a temporary solution.
The long-term solution includes a parking garage.
The parking garage funding is going to include some type of cash outlay from the governement. Save Our Transit advocates worry that we're spending a lot of money on new parking structures and NOTHING on mass transit nor in park-and-ride.
More to come.... but for now....
Bottom line from the conversation: This is a lifestyle development and it isn't about keeping people here in the city. The condos and apartments are fine for youngsters. But the best solution the developer could offer is move to the suburbs once you have children.
So, we'll subsidize buildings and surface parking lots that will one day be parking structures -- taking away from the kids that are in the city now -- (that's what a TIF does) -- only to get outward migration.
The sustainability in terms of life's cycles isn't a factor here.
The plans are flawed in my opinion. The plans need to grow up. Think again. Think it through. We must do better.
More news on Queen for a Day pagent
This is junk politics. This is junk leadership. This is typical bunk from Democrats who don't like real democracy.O'Connor pledges boards on women, youth Democratic mayoral nominee Bob O'Connor said this week that he plans to establish new city commissions on women and youth issues.
Pittsburgh does not need another blasted commission, authority, oversight body, nor class or royalty.
Pittsburgh needs real democracy.
Queen of Hearts -- Disney style. Would you want to get in line to be "queen for a day?"
Women don't want to be "queen for a day" and rotated onto and off of boards just to feel good. Rather, have nobody in the elite -- and we'll all win. Get good elections, get better exposure for all candidates, get rid of the other layers and just stick to fixing our problems with clear thinking people who interact and listen to everyone.
Pittsburgh does not need another blasted commission, authority, oversight body, nor class or royalty.
Pittsburgh needs real democracy.
Queen of Hearts -- Disney style. Would you want to get in line to be "queen for a day?"
Women don't want to be "queen for a day" and rotated onto and off of boards just to feel good. Rather, have nobody in the elite -- and we'll all win. Get good elections, get better exposure for all candidates, get rid of the other layers and just stick to fixing our problems with clear thinking people who interact and listen to everyone.
Mindy's album release -- Live from Pittsburgh -- is on hold while Wilma takes aim on Mindy's hood
Hold onto your hat, dear friends of Southwestern Florida. Photo shows us together after she played a gig in 2003 at the Green Tree Swim Pool.
Mindy Simmons is about to release a new album, recorded while she performed in Pittsburgh. But first things first. Wilma is taking aim -- right at them.
American Eagle Outfitters
Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com On the 'Watch List' II: The American Eagle move. The big clothes retailer, now based in Marshall, plans to relocate its headquarters and hundreds of workers to Pittsburgh's SouthSide Works. It's great news for the new development; details are expected today. That said, a critical question is how much, if anything, this will cost the public? If taxpayers are being asked to help pay to move a company from one part of Allegheny County to another, it might not be the great deal that everyone is touting it to be."Good to watch this now -- when it is too late. How about we watch a little sooner on the uptake.
The river park that is being talked about over near the AEO and REI is worthy of some serious considerations -- NOW.
RCAC hosts breakfast with Team 88's leader -- Swann -- on Monday
RCAC: "Eggs and Issues
An Event sponsored by Jan Rea
Featured Speaker: Lynn Swann
Monday, October 24th, 8am
The Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre
Cost is $35 for RCAC Members/$50 for all others.
To reserve a seat, please call RCAC at 412-281-9748 or email info@rcac.net"
An Event sponsored by Jan Rea
Featured Speaker: Lynn Swann
Monday, October 24th, 8am
The Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre
Cost is $35 for RCAC Members/$50 for all others.
To reserve a seat, please call RCAC at 412-281-9748 or email info@rcac.net"
County Candidates
Mark Purcell, Democrat
We used to have county assessers. But, they became, how should we say, shady -- from time to time. We really should have been better at protections for whistle-blowers and keeping the county assessment department above reproach. They were good, so I've come to understand. But, they needed to be excellent. And, the three county commissioners had a way of fussing with property values.
I would be in favor of county employees as assessors.
We could also make a change in the county charter to allow for an elected assessor. We don't need a register of wills to be elected. We could use an elected assessor. If the assessments are not square -- then the people toss the person out of office.
Matt Drozd, Republican.
Yes, let's not make tax increases. We are already taxed enough.
However, I'm not too sure what he means about the county needing to put a greater focus on job creation. The private sector makes jobs. Government has a poor record with job creation. No thanks. Perhaps I'll visit his web site to see what he means by that short statement.
Edward J. Kress, Republican.
However, I wonder what is up with the econimic opportunity efforts. Does he want to create more TIFs for young people that are not here? Or, does he want to help in the sponsoring of a YOUTH TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT as an annual event at the Convention Center so our kids, academics, parents, foundations, schools and volunteers can mingle with businesses?
James R. Burn, Republican
Great to hear that someone is against the current trend of freezes on assessments. We used to freeze property assessments and that leads to trouble.
Yes, we need financial stability, and yes, we need economic growth -- but how and where?
Michael J. Finnerty, Democrat -- no web site. Welcome to 2005. Sounds like an old fart.
Doug Price, Republican. It breaks my heart to find out that Doug does not have a web site. But, at least he has a record to stand upon. He's been on council and you know what you're getting.
I've always liked Doug's approach to reform. I hope he keeps his seat.
Geneva McKee, Republican -- no web site, sadly.
Charles Martoni, Democrat -- no web site.
His web site is free of rancor -- and void of ideas. I don't mind a little rancor from time to time as democracy is messy. Martoni is no saint either. How we should develop brownfields is not understood. To put in big-box developers at tax-payers' expense isn't okay. Martoni has approved tiffs.
Your comments are welcomed too.
Wants to take politics out of property assessments by putting county controller in charge of valuations. Favors adding assessors in the field to improve accuracy.We should take politics out of valuations of property. The best way to do that is to only tax the land. Then formulas on square foot of land can be applied to the various land footprints.
We used to have county assessers. But, they became, how should we say, shady -- from time to time. We really should have been better at protections for whistle-blowers and keeping the county assessment department above reproach. They were good, so I've come to understand. But, they needed to be excellent. And, the three county commissioners had a way of fussing with property values.
I would be in favor of county employees as assessors.
We could also make a change in the county charter to allow for an elected assessor. We don't need a register of wills to be elected. We could use an elected assessor. If the assessments are not square -- then the people toss the person out of office.
Matt Drozd, Republican.
Vows to vote against any tax increase. Wants to institute voter referendums for all tax increases and major spending items. Says county needs greater focus on job creation.Yes, let's start to have some real democracy. Let's put more voter referendums into the landscape and vote if we should give American Eagle Outfitters more than $5-million.
Yes, let's not make tax increases. We are already taxed enough.
However, I'm not too sure what he means about the county needing to put a greater focus on job creation. The private sector makes jobs. Government has a poor record with job creation. No thanks. Perhaps I'll visit his web site to see what he means by that short statement.
Edward J. Kress, Republican.
Wants to create economic opportunity to reverse tide of young people leaving Allegheny County. Favors finding alternate sources of county government revenue by selling naming rights to parks, other county facilities.The "alternative funding" efforts are fine, as per Les Ludwig's ideas. Bring them on. We should have never sold the naming rights to the Civic Arena to the Penguins. The Pens want to tear down the Civic Arena now.
However, I wonder what is up with the econimic opportunity efforts. Does he want to create more TIFs for young people that are not here? Or, does he want to help in the sponsoring of a YOUTH TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT as an annual event at the Convention Center so our kids, academics, parents, foundations, schools and volunteers can mingle with businesses?
James R. Burn, Republican
Favors assessment plan adopted by Allegheny County Council, but says county must work toward annual assessments to gain accuracy. Says he will bring financial stability and economic growth.
Great to hear that someone is against the current trend of freezes on assessments. We used to freeze property assessments and that leads to trouble.
Yes, we need financial stability, and yes, we need economic growth -- but how and where?
Michael J. Finnerty, Democrat -- no web site. Welcome to 2005. Sounds like an old fart.
Wants to create jobs and economic development. Favors incentives for building and development, especially in area near Pittsburgh International Airport. Seeks more consolidation of services such as purchasing with city, but would go slow with mergers of major offices.I'd like to work against this type of thinking. I don't want to create jobs and econimic development by the airport and kill the city. If people want to buy that land -- let them do it on their own. We have an urban decay that needs more attention than development on greenfields by an airport that has few flights.
Doug Price, Republican. It breaks my heart to find out that Doug does not have a web site. But, at least he has a record to stand upon. He's been on council and you know what you're getting.
Seeks continued reform of county government by transforming treasurer and sheriff from elected to appointed positions. Favors developing the airport corridor by funding a new water treatment plant to serve two major development sites there.Okay, I'm okay with a water treatment plant by the airport. That is a public infrastructure investment. That's great. We could do some 'green' development with better treatment of water sources, etc.
I've always liked Doug's approach to reform. I hope he keeps his seat.
Geneva McKee, Republican -- no web site, sadly.
Says assessments need to be made more fair so lower-priced properties do not subsidize underassessed properties. Favors cutting taxes overall to try to create jobs and keep people in the region.
Charles Martoni, Democrat -- no web site.
Favors economic development to keep young people in the area. Wants to develop brownfields. Favors government free of partisan rancor.
His web site is free of rancor -- and void of ideas. I don't mind a little rancor from time to time as democracy is messy. Martoni is no saint either. How we should develop brownfields is not understood. To put in big-box developers at tax-payers' expense isn't okay. Martoni has approved tiffs.
Your comments are welcomed too.
The other Pittsburgh mayoral candidates protest
Bob and Joe don't have a monopoly on the good ideas for fixing Pittsburgh.
A show-down will occur on Sunday morning at the TV studios as some other candidates will appear and expect to be put onto the telivision for the debates.
Furthmore, Bob O'Connor has said that he won't debate unless all the candidates are invited. Bob O'Connor knows that 100% of the people, with the lone exception of a few television executives who must not live in the city, want to see all the candidates on the debate stage. Bob knows he'll loose massive volumes of respect if he is going to debate without inclusion.
Bob wants to get a new group of people together to talk about equal opportunities for women and minorities and youth. Humm. He better walk the talk and go out of his way to appear on the public airways (TV stations get airway rights from public-controlled spectum) and be inclusive.
Furthermore, Bob O'Connor is going to get beat by Joe Weinroth in a head-to-head debate. Bob isn't good in one-on-one debates. This is why Bob wasn't mayor in 2001. Bob went on the air in 1-on-1 debates to Tom Murphy and lost the election.
Bob O'Connor would have won all the debates by a landslide in 2001 -- and would have been elected as the Democratic nominee in 2001's mayor race -- if Bob would have only insisted upon going into the five debates along with Leroy Hodge and Josh Pollock.
Bob fumbled them. We'll know in a few hours what Bob does in 2005.
A show-down will occur on Sunday morning at the TV studios as some other candidates will appear and expect to be put onto the telivision for the debates.
Furthmore, Bob O'Connor has said that he won't debate unless all the candidates are invited. Bob O'Connor knows that 100% of the people, with the lone exception of a few television executives who must not live in the city, want to see all the candidates on the debate stage. Bob knows he'll loose massive volumes of respect if he is going to debate without inclusion.
Bob wants to get a new group of people together to talk about equal opportunities for women and minorities and youth. Humm. He better walk the talk and go out of his way to appear on the public airways (TV stations get airway rights from public-controlled spectum) and be inclusive.
Furthermore, Bob O'Connor is going to get beat by Joe Weinroth in a head-to-head debate. Bob isn't good in one-on-one debates. This is why Bob wasn't mayor in 2001. Bob went on the air in 1-on-1 debates to Tom Murphy and lost the election.
Bob O'Connor would have won all the debates by a landslide in 2001 -- and would have been elected as the Democratic nominee in 2001's mayor race -- if Bob would have only insisted upon going into the five debates along with Leroy Hodge and Josh Pollock.
Bob fumbled them. We'll know in a few hours what Bob does in 2005.
2 Pittsburgh mayoral candidates protest Two candidates for Pittsburgh mayor protested their exclusion from televised debates yesterday.
Independent David Tessitor and Green Party candidate Titus North said they were not invited to debates to be taped tomorrow by PCNC and Nov. 4 by WTAE-TV. Only Democrat Bob O'Connor and Republican Joe Weinroth were invited.
Mr. Tessitor said the exclusion of candidates that are on the ballot amounts to 'silencing alternative points of view' and a 'breach of trust by the media.'
Mr. North said the media's view that small-party candidates can't win is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
All five candidates on the ballot have been invited to a debate to be taped by PCTV Channel 21 on Wednesday and untelevised forums on Tuesday and Nov. 3.
The other mayoral candidate on the Nov. 8 ballot is Jay M. Ressler of the Socialist Workers Party."
Mom goes to college swim meet and cheers for two sons -- at different teams
CollegeSwimming.com Barbara Farnham's alternate screams of 'Go, Daniel!' and 'Go, Adam!' at tomorrow's swim meet against the University of Tennessee are certain to echo in the ears of nearby fans.
Farnham is the mother of the All-American UK senior Daniel Farnham and UT sophomore Adam Farnham - two brothers, two rival swim teams.
Maryland editorial about PA politics and access to ballot
editorial
Pennsy shouldn't make third-party runs so tough
It's no surprise that America's two main political parties don't want to make it easy for a third or even a fourth party to muscle in on their turf.
But should it be impossible for third-party candidates to get on the ballot?
We say no, especially in the state of Pennsylvania, which some would argue was the cradle of the American political system.
Well, unless you're a Republican or a Democrat, the Keystone State's laws make it mighty difficult for any political movement in its infancy to survive.
The Associated Press reported that when Ken Krawchuk ran as the Libertarian Party candidate for governor in 2002, he needed to collect about 32,000 signatures from registered voters to get on the ballot.
About 21,000 of those were required by law, but the Krawchuk campaign obtained 11,000 more to ensure that the campaign wouldn't go bust if a significant number of signatures were challenged.
There is a good reason to be careful. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review this week reported that Pennsylvania's 1995 motor-voter law, which allows people to register when they renew a driver's license, has caused problems. It's a good idea in theory, but in practice election officials say it makes it difficult to purge from the rolls voters who have left the state.
But the state's difficulties in keeping track of who is registered and who isn't shouldn't have any bearing on how difficult it is to for third-party candidates to get on the ballot.
For example, the aforementioned Krawchuk, who said he might try a U.S. Senate bid in 2006, would need to gather 100,000 signatures to ensure himself a spot on the ballot.
The required number of signatures is 67,000. The rest would cover the campaign in case many signatures are successfully challenged.
How was the 67,000 figure arrived at? Pennsylvania law says that candidates need 2 percent of the number of votes cast for the highest vote getter in the last statewide election.
It's Krawchuk's bad luck that in the 2004 election, Robert P. Casey Jr. amassed a total of 3.4 million votes in his race for state treasurer.
Does it make sense that circumstances beyond a candidate's control should dictate the number of signatures, or that Krawchuk be required to obtain four times as many names as third-party candidates in 2004?
No, this law does not make any sense. It should be changed so that prospective candidates would need to gather signatures from a certain fixed percentage of the state's registered voters.
If that total is difficult to ascertain, election officials have to go with their best estimates, remembering that it is they - and not the candidates - who are charged with keeping track of such things.
Write to cure the pain. That's what this blog is all about!
Susan Barnhorst of the Nuin Center sent this along about "healing." Humm... The writing effort I put into this blog is to "heal" -- as in HEAL our City. There is a half-hour lecture called writing as therapy might blend well with blogging. If you'd like to heal our city, you can write to me and we'll get your ideas onto this blog. Then we'll talk about those ideas and see if they make sense and really work. Ours is about tough love medicine that aims to heal so we all can soar and live freely.
Festival of Healing at the Nuin Center, 5655 Bryant St. in Highland Park, free, on Saturday, October 29th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Healing lectures
every half hour, demonstrations, health advice, prizes, organic food. Meet
our practitioners from bodywork, psychotherapy, and complementary and
alternative medicine. 412.661.6108 or nuincenter.com for more information.
Lectures are as follows:
11:00 am Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain and Injury
11:30 am Fibromyalgia Workshop-Natural Solutions
Noon Overcoming Anxiety and Fear Response
12:30 pm Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
1:00 pm Bringing Your Higher Self into Everyday Life (Meditation)
1:30 pm Easy Antidotes, For Everyday Aches
2:00 pm Writing as Therapy2:30 pm
Preventing and Treating Arthritis Through Proper Nutrition
PNC will boost city -- OR -- PNC robs the taxpayers with lots of corporate welfare.
Here comes santa clause -- with more corporate welfare. To take money for a private development is wrong.
PNC will boost city - PittsburghLIVE.com PNC Financial Services Group is expected to unveil plans in coming weeks to redevelop properties it owns on Fifth Avenue near its headquarters Downtown, giving a private boost to stumbling public attempts to breathe new life into the moribund city center.
But the effort won't come without a further infusion of taxpayers' money.
Gov. Ed Rendell hinted Friday he would be in Pittsburgh sometime around Thanksgiving to serve up a heaping helping of state subsidies for the latest redevelopment effort in the Fifth and Forbes corridor.
More meetings: Gaming Task Force
Oct 24 - 6:30-8:30, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
Nov 1 - 6:30-8:30, Goodwill Industries of Pgh Cafeteria
Nov 16 - 6:30-8:30, Regional Enterprise Tower 31st Floor
Nov 1 - 6:30-8:30, Goodwill Industries of Pgh Cafeteria
Nov 16 - 6:30-8:30, Regional Enterprise Tower 31st Floor
Murphy's budget rejected - PittsburghLIVE.com
Guess who gets the short end of the stick, again and again? ....
The children.
The cost of the crossing guards should have never been transfered over to the budget of the Pgh Public Schools. The crossing guards work the streets and the functions are much like the police force. Crossing guards help motorist, private school children, college students, elderly, and the police.
The children.
Murphy's budget rejected by ICA (oversight board) A solution also has not been reached on paying for the city's school crossing guards.
For the past few years, the city and Pittsburgh Public Schools have split the cost of school crossing guards. The mayor included $1.75 million to pay crossing guards for half a year.
The district, however, informed the city that because of its own financial problems, it will no longer pay half of the cost.
The cost of the crossing guards should have never been transfered over to the budget of the Pgh Public Schools. The crossing guards work the streets and the functions are much like the police force. Crossing guards help motorist, private school children, college students, elderly, and the police.
We could protect our kids by giving them all their own cars -- or build more elevated sidewalks above the streets -- or have them walk with some supervision in the most dangerous intersections with crossing guards. The crossing guards could either write tickets and be employed by the police department or else they might be school employees who can't even slap motorist with a chewing gum on the nose punishment.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Sign-up now for Local Government Academy course on Excellence
..:: ABC Signup.com ::.. Date: 11/10/2005
Registration Ends: 11/4/2005 6:00 PM (ET)
Register Now - Individual Registration
Program: 2005 Road to Excellence Conference: Form Follows Function
Date: November 10, 2005
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Registration at 8:30 AM)
Registration Ends: 11/4/2005 6:00 PM (ET)
Register Now - Individual Registration
Program: 2005 Road to Excellence Conference: Form Follows Function
Date: November 10, 2005
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Registration at 8:30 AM)
When it rains, it pours. No school to day at Chartiers Valley - but what about Bill's talk?
No school on Friday, today, at CV. But, Bill is slated to speak. Sorry.
Perhaps it is time for Bill to start speaking again about campaign finance reform, now that the election cycle is about to end. We ended our work on the campaign finance reform task force -- but nothing was done about it -- yet. Leadership is expected, welcomed and the holding pattern is nothing but a delay.
Speaking of delays, this weeks city council meeting must have had nearly a dozen instances where those at the table said, "Hold for one week." They have been holding many bits of legislation. Humm. Some might say that the delays and do nothingness is better policy than what we've been getting. At least they are not putting additional hurts on the city.
Let's see if this trend continues. We'll be holding for the next mayor soon enough. And then he'll be holding for the next thought to enter the scene. Then we'll hold until we get the blessings of the overloards.
Before you know it, our kids will grow up and leave the area, for another with less water main breaks.
Chartiers Valley High School graduate and Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto will be feature presenter today at the eighth annual Business Information and Government Career Cluster, featuring 300 students from his alma mater and seven neighboring high schools.
These alumni will be featured presenters: Bill Diffenderfer, crim inal attorney; Herb Higginbotham, vice president of Michael Baker Corp. and former director of Pittsburgh International Airport; and Alan Hertzberg, Allegheny County Common Pleas judge and former city councilman.
Clusters are offered throughout the year to provide students with information about career opportunities.
Conference attendees will be from Chartiers Valley, Bethel Park, Canon-McMillan, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, South Fayette, South Park and Upper St. Clair high schools.
The districts will host career clusters on a rotating basis. Chartiers Valley and South Park share the hosting duties for the business information and government career cluster. Other clusters held throughout the year are engineering, industrial systems and trades; arts and humanities; and health and human services.
The career cluster program is primarily for sophomores and juniors.
Perhaps it is time for Bill to start speaking again about campaign finance reform, now that the election cycle is about to end. We ended our work on the campaign finance reform task force -- but nothing was done about it -- yet. Leadership is expected, welcomed and the holding pattern is nothing but a delay.
Speaking of delays, this weeks city council meeting must have had nearly a dozen instances where those at the table said, "Hold for one week." They have been holding many bits of legislation. Humm. Some might say that the delays and do nothingness is better policy than what we've been getting. At least they are not putting additional hurts on the city.
Let's see if this trend continues. We'll be holding for the next mayor soon enough. And then he'll be holding for the next thought to enter the scene. Then we'll hold until we get the blessings of the overloards.
Before you know it, our kids will grow up and leave the area, for another with less water main breaks.
The Pitt News - Ludwig refuses to leave race
Les got some nice ink in the Pitt News. Great article.
To be fair with the slant in the article, Les has updated his wardrobe. I knocked him a bit for his fleece jacket in the past. In the past months, Less has been wearing some suits and looks like a million bucks these days -- along with his car that I've shown in this blog in the past. But, here is another look at his new wheels.
Les updated with new wheels to go with new threads.
The Pitt News - Ludwig refuses to leave race Ludwig refuses to leave raceFurthermore, the one article about Tuesday's debate says that all six candidates will be attending. That must mean that Les has been invited too. Only five are on the official ballot. Ludwig is running as a write-in candidate.
Les Ludwig has become a "household look" for those in attendance at Pittsburgh City Council meetings.
The 2005 mayoral candidate's signature yellow shirt, black pants and consistent attendance can't be missed, said friend and Editor in Chief of Conscience newsletter, David Adams.
To be fair with the slant in the article, Les has updated his wardrobe. I knocked him a bit for his fleece jacket in the past. In the past months, Less has been wearing some suits and looks like a million bucks these days -- along with his car that I've shown in this blog in the past. But, here is another look at his new wheels.
Les updated with new wheels to go with new threads.
What are you giving out for your trick-or-treaters this year? I'm doing CDs with OpenOffice
Trick-or-treat fun is right around the corner.Come to trick or treat at our house, 108 South 12th Street, on the historic South Side, and you'll get a CD with OpenOffice 2.0.
OpenOffice.org 2.0 Is Here
20 October, 2005
OpenOffice.org 2.0 is the productivity suite that individuals, governments, and corporations around the world have been expecting for the last two years. Easy to use and fluidly interoperable with every major office suite, OpenOffice.org 2.0 realises the potential of open source. Besides a powerful new database module and advanced XML capabilities, OpenOffice.org natively supports the internationally standardised OpenDocument format, which several countries, as well as the U.S. state of Massachusetts, have established as the default for office documents. More than any other suite, OpenOffice.org 2.0 gives users around the globe the tools to be engaged and productive members of their society.
Available in 36 languages, with more on the way, and able to run natively on Windows, Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X (X11) and several other platforms, OpenOffice.org banishes software segregation and isolation and dramatically levels the playing field. And, with its support for the OASIS standard OpenDocument format, OpenOffice.org eliminates the fear of vendor lock in or format obsolescence. The OpenDocument format can be used by any office application, ensuring that documents can be viewed, edited and printed for generations to come. OpenOffice.org 2.0 is a breath of hope for small economies that can now have a local language office suite well adapted to their needs and to their economical possibilities, reducing their dependency on the interests of proprietary software vendors.
"OpenOffice.org is on a path toward being the most popular office suite the world has ever seen and is providing users with safety, choice, and an opportunity to participate in one of the broadest community efforts the Internet has ever seen. As a member of that community, I'd like to offer my heartiest congratulations." - Jonathan Schwartz - President and CEO of Sun Microsystems.
Built by a community including Sun Microsystems, its primary sponsor and contributor, Novell, Red Hat, Debian, Propylon, Intel, as well as independent programmers, translators, writers, and marketers; OpenOffice.org 2.0 demonstrates the success, dedication and proficiency of the open source software community.
That community now includes the City of Vienna, which recently started deploying OpenOffice.org throughout. "We are very happy about the functionality and quality of the OpenOffice.org software. We are confident that OpenOffice.org will be made available to all of our 18,000 workstation users." - Brigitte Lutz, City of Vienna.
Louis Suárez-Potts, OpenOffice.org Community Manager, commented that "OpenOffice.org 2.0 is the culmination of a collaborative process involving thousands working in dozens of languages everywhere in the world. It shows that open source can produce software of the highest quality and assure the robustness, usability and security that users expect in their office suite."
In addition to the OpenDocument format, the redesigned user interface and a new database module, OpenOffice.org 2.0 also adds improved PDF support, a superior spreadsheet module, enhanced desktop integration and several other features that take advantage of its advanced XML capabilities, such as the ability to easily create, edit and use XForms.
For more detailed information regarding OpenOffice.org 2.0, please refer to the Press Kit at http://www.openoffice.org/press/2.0/index.html .
Congratulations All,
The OpenOffice.org Community
Debate gets all participants in Mayor's race. See ya on Tuesday night.
To organize a debate is a lot of work. Hats off to the these fine citizens for the opportunities to improve our discussions and make smarter voter decisions. We need debates more frequently. Come out and support this event if you can.
Debate organizer and recent campaign manager, K.B.
One of the debate organizers is a green party activist, Katrina B, recent campaign manager at Elect.Rauterkus.com.
Urban League Young Professionals -- Pittsburgh and PUMP are sponsoring a Mayoral Candidate Debate on Tuesday, October 25 from 6:00 - 8:00pm at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Avenue in East Liberty. Six mayoral candidates have confirmed attendance. Duquesne University Law Professor, Joseph Sabino Mistick will moderate the debate.
Come and hear the candidates debate issues important to our community such as: urban development, transportation, public education, community relations with law enforcement, municipal consolidation, and fiscal issues.
Local candidates are encouraged to bring their campaign literature.
Debate organizer and recent campaign manager, K.B.
One of the debate organizers is a green party activist, Katrina B, recent campaign manager at Elect.Rauterkus.com.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Western PA Linux Users Group
Western PA Linux Users Group will be hosting a Special Event - Double Header were we will feature two talks: "Soap" and "Linux for Non-profits."
Meeting: Saturday October 22, 2005 from 10 am to 3 pm at Carnegie Mellon University, Newell Simon Hall 1507. This meeting is free and open to the general public. No RSVP required.
Maps and Directions page
Please note that our phone number is currently 412 268 7564. If you've never been here before make sure you print out the directions!
"Soap" Speaker: Bill Moran
"Linux for Non-profits" Speaker: Mike O'Connor
Host: Beth Lynn Eicher
Soap Talk Abstract:
"SOAP, commonly referred to as "web services", is one of the current buzzwords right now. I'll cut through the buzz and give a overview of what SOAP really is and what can be done with it. In the second half I'll present some example of how SOAP can be used to allow different systems to inter operate."
Linux for Non-Profits:
Mike will discuss how to sell Linux to a small non-profit such as a church.
Schedule:
* Doors will open at 10am to NSH 1507
* Coffee and Donut Hour 10am-11am
* Soap talk, part 1 11am-Noon
* Geeks Eating Pizza Noon-ish - 12:30pm
* Soap talk, part 2 12:30-1pm
* Break 1pm-1:15pm
* Linux for Non-profits 1:15pm-1:45pm
* General Socialization 1:45pm-2:45pm
* Cleanup and adjournment 2:45pm-3pm
Upcoming Events:
Saturday November 5 10am-2pm Annual Membership Meeting CMU NSH 1507
Saturday November 12 10am-5pm Installfest CMU NSH 1507
wplug.org
Good governement from Philly -- use of GPS 'an at
Envy.
I was at the ICA meeting the other day and Dr. Murray, the ICA Chair, was talking a bit about IT (information technology) and the lack of progress among city and county mergers. We all know that IT is one of the best places to start the merger process as other systems rely upon the computers talking to one another.
However, Doug Shields was there to represent city council. Doug made the point that the investment to merge the computer operations was reported to be $23-million. And, the city has $0 in its capital budget. To be fair, there is no capital budget. None. So, upgrades to systems are impossible.
The ICA Chair was clueless. If you just merge it, with a target, a goal, it will just happen. You're spending money already. Just start spending it on this instead -- or some other sillyness in a reply.
I want to spend a lot of money on OPEN SOURCE software. It is free. But, it costs something in terms of effort and money.
That ICA meeting was one of the most frustrating sights I've ever seen. It is so bad, I still can hardly bring myself to blog about it.
I expect the ICA to reject Mayor Murphy's budget. But, it will be done as a pass-the-buck-kinda way without any real hope of real solutions.
The line, "told you so" was mentioned a few times at the meeting. I too was think of that mention. I told you we should not have taken our city in the Act 47 situation. I told you so. We knew that the state was going to muck up the bail out. We don't need a bail out as much as we need to fix our own mess. And, those that made the mess are not qualified to resolve it.
Atwater Kent Museum Information How Philly Works, a four-part series about how city departments use the Geographical Imaging System (GIS) to provide city services in the 21st century.
A four-part series in partnership with the City Records Department
October 20 and 27, November 10 and 17
Free and open to the public
How does Philadelphia provide complex city services to citizens for every neighborhood every day? How does the Water Department find the right-sized pipe to fix a break? How does the Police Department spot crime patterns? How does the Department of Streets know where to send crews to close ditches or coordinate all the work within the street? How does the Department of Public Health track disease outbreaks and find kids who need immunizations?
I was at the ICA meeting the other day and Dr. Murray, the ICA Chair, was talking a bit about IT (information technology) and the lack of progress among city and county mergers. We all know that IT is one of the best places to start the merger process as other systems rely upon the computers talking to one another.
However, Doug Shields was there to represent city council. Doug made the point that the investment to merge the computer operations was reported to be $23-million. And, the city has $0 in its capital budget. To be fair, there is no capital budget. None. So, upgrades to systems are impossible.
The ICA Chair was clueless. If you just merge it, with a target, a goal, it will just happen. You're spending money already. Just start spending it on this instead -- or some other sillyness in a reply.
I want to spend a lot of money on OPEN SOURCE software. It is free. But, it costs something in terms of effort and money.
That ICA meeting was one of the most frustrating sights I've ever seen. It is so bad, I still can hardly bring myself to blog about it.
I expect the ICA to reject Mayor Murphy's budget. But, it will be done as a pass-the-buck-kinda way without any real hope of real solutions.
The line, "told you so" was mentioned a few times at the meeting. I too was think of that mention. I told you we should not have taken our city in the Act 47 situation. I told you so. We knew that the state was going to muck up the bail out. We don't need a bail out as much as we need to fix our own mess. And, those that made the mess are not qualified to resolve it.
Angry Drunk Bureaucracy quote of note
Former DC Insider Lashes Out
In Pittsburgh, we have a lot of feuding elements in our bureaucracy. Controller's office just settled. DA and Coroner are at appeals court. Not one, but two oversight boards. Worse than a Red State vs. Blue State fight is a bunch of blue staters in childish fights because there isn't any balance in the system.
'When you cut the bureaucracy out of your decisions and then foist your decisions on us out of the blue on that bureaucracy, you can't expect that bureaucracy to carry your decision out very well and, furthermore, if you're not prepared to stop the feuding elements in that bureaucracy, as they carry out your decision, you're courting disaster,' Wilkerson said.
In Pittsburgh, we have a lot of feuding elements in our bureaucracy. Controller's office just settled. DA and Coroner are at appeals court. Not one, but two oversight boards. Worse than a Red State vs. Blue State fight is a bunch of blue staters in childish fights because there isn't any balance in the system.
Rulings Are for Officials, Not Reporters
Rulings Are for Officials, Not Reporters Back in Journalism 101, among the first principles ever driven into our young and fertile minds was the concept that reporters should never become part of the story. We're there to report and write about what we witnessed, but not inject ourselves into the action or contribute to altering the basic facts of what we've just seen or heard....
... governing bodies of golf that allow television viewers to call in and report possible rules violations also ought to cease and desist in permitting such nonsense.
Soffer Organization to Make Important SouthSide Works Announcement
Soffer Organization to Make Important SouthSide Works Announcement: "Soffer Organization to Make Important SouthSide Works Announcement
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2005--Soffer Organization
MEDIA ADVISORY
Soffer Organization, a leader in commercial real estate and developer
of Pittsburgh's SouthSide Works, invites local media to attend an
important news announcement regarding their development on the South
Side.
WHO: Soffer Organization Executives, Governor Edward Rendell and
other State Officials, Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy,
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, and other
local leaders.
WHAT: A Significant SouthSide Works Announcement from Soffer
Organization
WHEN: Friday, October 21, 2005
Remarks begin at 11 a.m.
WHERE: SouthSide Works' Town Square
Corner of S. 27th and Sidney Streets
Pittsburgh's South Side"
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2005--Soffer Organization
MEDIA ADVISORY
Soffer Organization, a leader in commercial real estate and developer
of Pittsburgh's SouthSide Works, invites local media to attend an
important news announcement regarding their development on the South
Side.
WHO: Soffer Organization Executives, Governor Edward Rendell and
other State Officials, Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy,
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, and other
local leaders.
WHAT: A Significant SouthSide Works Announcement from Soffer
Organization
WHEN: Friday, October 21, 2005
Remarks begin at 11 a.m.
WHERE: SouthSide Works' Town Square
Corner of S. 27th and Sidney Streets
Pittsburgh's South Side"
Study Reveals Pittsburgh Unprepared For Full-Scale Zombie Attack | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Spooky stuff.
Study Reveals Pittsburgh Unprepared For Full-Scale Zombie Attack | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "Study Reveals Pittsburgh Unprepared For Full-Scale Zombie Attack
October 19, 2005
PITTSBURGH -- A zombie-preparedness study, commissioned by Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy and released Monday, indicates that the city could easily succumb to a devastating zombie attack. Insufficient emergency-management-personnel training and poorly conceived undead-defense measures have left the city at great risk for all-out destruction at the hands of the living dead, according to the Zombie Preparedness Institute....
Go and read the whole article.
Another pointer
Wages of greed III - PittsburghLIVE.com
Mark Crowley, a Libertarian friend from Plum wrote, and was published as a letter to the editor:
It's commendable to see state House Speaker John Perzel delivering books and reading to the children at Beechwood Elementary School in Pittsburgh.
To further encourage reading and an appreciation for civics, perhaps we could update some popular stories for elementary school students here in Pennsylvania. A few updated titles come to mind:
The Little Limo That Could
The Lying King
Pirates of the Susquehanna
Harry Potter and the House Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Unvouchered Expense
How the Leadership Stole Christmas
And for high school students:
Get a Wonderful Life
Interview With a Legislator
253 for the Money
We Know How You Voted Last Summer
There are also two new stories that everyone should read. The first, PaBallotAccess.org, is a lesson in how people can put aside their vast differences and work together for a better tomorrow. The second, PAcleansweep.org, is a classic struggle against greed and power. These last two stories aren't finished yet. Let's hope both have happy endings.
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