AP Wire | 04/18/2006 | Casino groups pitch plans for Pittsburgh

Here is a mixed message:

AP Wire | 04/18/2006 | Casino groups pitch plans for Pittsburgh 'We now have the opportunity to demolish an arena and rebuild a community,' said The Rev. James Simms, chairman of the board of advisers for Pittsburgh First, a coalition formed in large part by the Penguins, Isle of Capri and Hill District community groups.

If you want to build, you build. If you want to tear down, you tear down.

To rebuild community -- with gambling -- is a joke.

The community building within the Isle of Capri plans are "if marketplace conditions prevail." The community is a wish -- a hope -- a promise -- and the groundwork for a l-i-e. If the community was real, then we'd have another story. But, the community plans with the Simms associated plan is but a pipe dream.

Likewise, the community with the Station Square plan is not a sure thing either.

Both of these plans are built on, in part, false hope.

This quote by Ken Sawyer of the Penguins, was a whopper. "I guess unfortunately for you people, you may be deciding the fate of the Penguins," Sawyer told the board. The fate of the Penguins is put on the backs of the gambling board -- by the owners of the Penguins.

The Penguins owners can't even pull their own weight nor make their own decision. They willingly want to pass the buck. No wonder they are in last place.

Leadership that is with such a defeated attitude is sure to guide the competitive team right into last place.

A man, a plan, the Web: Bartering for a house

Good advice and words to live by.

A man, a plan, the Web: Bartering for a house 'If you say you're going to do something and you start to do it, and people enjoy it or respect it or are entertained by it, people will step up and help you.'

Okay Froth Slosh... Back at ya...

How much would you pay for this cup?

Froth Slosh B'Gosh Now how much will you pay?

My cup has .... care to guess?

War: Joe Sobran, the Reactionary Utopian

Source, with hat tip to H.H.

Joe Sobran, the Reactionary Utopian

Bush's Latest Idea

In the 1979 movie 'The In-Laws', Peter Falk plays a dotty former CIA man who awes his sidekick, Alan Arkin, a timid dentist whose daughter is married to Falk's son. "Were you involved in the Bay of Pigs operation?"? asks the fascinated Arkin. Falk replies
proudly, "Involved in it? It was my idea."?

"Success has a hundred fathers,"? John Kennedy quipped; "failure is an orphan."? True, as a rule; but the Iraq war has a hundred fathers who still think
it's a success, President Bush chief among them. It was his idea!

Now, heaven help us, he has another idea: Let's extend the war to Iran. No, he doesn't want to send U.S. troops into Iran; even he isn't quite that goofy.

But Bush and his sidekicks keep talking about the threat from Iran the way they used to talk about the threat from Iraq. Something's up. I look for air strikes on Iran soon, maybe just a good night's bombing, as proposed by Edward G. Luttwak in the Wall
Street Journal recently. You know, another preemptive strike. Unannounced, but not unexpected. A predictable sneak attack.

History repeats itself as farce, Karl Marx observed. That would be a good epitaph for this administration. As a connoisseur of political farce, I'm anticipating an inept sneak attack, a combination of Pearl Harbor and the Bay of Pigs.

Then what? As the Iranian people rally behind their government, the whole Muslim world and everyone else rally against the United States, the world oil market goes berserk, and Americans start riding horses to work, Bush, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld will claim another success, complaining that the media are showing only the downside of the operation.

According to Bush's interpretation of the Constitution, the president, in time of war, is empowered to do whatever he's in the mood to do. And Bush is now in the mood to teach the Iranians a lesson they won't forget, no matter what the cost.

A quick air strike wouldn't require a congressional resolution and wouldn't give the opposition time to organize. At this point, Bush must turn every faux pas into a fait accompli, as our French friends --? well, former friends --? might say.

Meanwhile, Bush's hairy-chested neocon friends are coping with cowardice on the home front. They question the manliness of liberals and Democrats, except for Hillary Clinton, and I myself have felt the sting of their lash.

Here I must mention the most familiar, yet most baffling, argument for war. It runs roughly like this: "Our brave men and women are dying in [fill in name of relevant country] to protect the very freedoms you yellow-bellied peaceniks abuse."

On this view, we owe all our freedoms to wars, and all our wars are wars for freedom. Is that so? Well, which wars gave us freedom of speech, trial by jury, property rights, the right to remain silent, and the right to abortion? Are these the rights our enemies were trying to take away? And just how did, say, Kaiser Wilhelm II or Manuel Noriega plan to achieve that?

Obviously, as many libertarians have pointed out, it's precisely during wartime that government grows and our rights shrink. Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and George W. Bush should have taught us this by now.

This isn't the only country that believes freedom depends on war. Unless Brittania rules the waves, says the old anthem, Britons may all wind up as slaves. Well, Brittania no longer rules the waves, and Britons, happily, aren't slaves, but they're still singing that anthem.

Faith in war is the closest thing America has to a national religion. It is closely allied to our faith in Great Presidents. As for those who didn't trust our Great Presidents, such as copperheads and isolationists, their name is mud.

So trying to talk Americans out of going to war is a fool's errand, like trying to persuade Yosemite Sam to hold his fire for just a minute. If you get any reply at all, it will be a truism: "The only thing these varmints understand is hot lead."?

As the old rabbis used to ask, "Have your ears heard what your lips have just uttered?"? It's no use trying to make people listen to you when they won't even listen to themselves.

Joe Sobran

Mike Ference, a.k.a. The Mon Dawn gives golden insights on gambling windfall hyper-drive

It may be a while before Pennsylvania residents see any of the alleged tax savings that will come, theoretically, from the revenue generated by slot machines. During the interim (which may last a few decades) I have an idea that our government leaders should consider.

It seems like one obstacle to the more-gambling-less-taxes payoff is that we can’t fill all the openings on the PA Gaming Commission and Gaming Control Board because it’s virtually impossible to find anyone in the state who favors gaming but isn’t somehow connected to the mob. And even after someone is appointed it seems that they either decide to retire after a month or two or they have to go to court for a murder rap.

I suggest we sidestep this obstacle by threatening to offer PA Gaming positions to legitimate business people who would probably pay good money not to be considered. For example, suppose it was leaked to the media that Microsoft CEO Bill Gates was being considered for a position on the PA Gaming Control Board. I’d bet good money that Mr. Gates would pay good money just to have his name taken off the list. Maybe he’d even pay a little extra to have the board send out a press release stating that Gates had never been a contender, that the media was simply wrong. That might be good for a couple million bucks — and it’d probably arrive a lot faster than the jackpot the pro-gaming utopians keep telling us about.

Using the same ruse, we could probably get big money from the Vatican by offering gaming positions to high-profile church leaders. What the heck, maybe we even float the possibility of a powerful role in PA Gaming for the Pope — that should pull in some wealth for the Commonwealth, and perhaps even some nice artwork, which can be hung in our casinos. If they ever get built.

Then we can move on to international leaders. I’m sure Saddam Hussein wouldn’t want his name tarnished any further by being appointed to the PA Gaming Control Board — he’s probably got some cash hidden somewhere that he’d send to Pennsylvania to prevent us sullying his reputation.

I believe there’s an almost endless list of folks who would pay big bucks to avoid being associated with PA Gaming. I feel this has at least as good a chance to lead to lower taxes as legalized gambling. I hope our leaders give it a try.

Click the comments to get contact info.

PCN - coverage of meetings slated for Wed night

PCN - Pennsylvania Cable Network Wed, 4-19, 8:00 PM Slots Community Impact - Pittsburgh, PA Gaming Control Board

I can't tell how late this TV coverage will run? Day one of a parade of people to speak unfolded today.

I got to shake Franco's hand. I got to tell Ken Sawyer to own the building and not give it to the public. And I mingled with union workers, Unite Here, to say that we should go straight to table games and bypass the slots. And, with Dan Onorato, I got to say the best way to keep the Pens here is to have Pens own the new arena. And for Jon Delano -- I mentioned that the $290 or $300 million would equal to 100 new Dormont Pools around Allegheny County.

The designer of the site didn't know where Duquesne Univ plays its basketball games. I sorta see why the DU President has second thoughts about the casino's location. The people who went to DU games this year may not be similar to the crowds they get in future years. I'm not sure there can be a DU men's hoops game (or WPIAL PLAYOFF GAME) and Pens game on the same date? The facilities are quite close. I hope so.

There is a new park (in the Isle of Capri plans) over the highway! Another park for LEED stuff on the roof of the casino. And, a third park behind the casino between it and the neighborhood. I want COACHES at those parks.

One gal (from Bethel Park and works in a downtown bank) had a free t-shirt that had been edited with a black marker. It was funny. The t-shirts were handed out by the truck loads and say, "I support Pittsburgh First." She inserted a word, to make it read, "I DON'T support Pittsburgh First."

The protesters were few and far between.

But,

AN INVITATION that arrived via email from the Independent for PA Gov candidate

Here is the email that I'm posting on this blog:

I am pleased to invite you to become part of my independent campaign for Governor of Pennsylvania.

MY RECORD
As you may be aware, the state legislature voted itself an unannounced pay raise on July 7, 2005 - ranging from 16 percent to a whopping 54 percent - violating our state Constitution. This increase was quickly signed into law by our current Governor.

I don't know anyone who deserves a raise that large - especially this state legislature - and I certainly can’t recall any working Pennsylvanian who’s received an increase of that proportion. Pennsylvania suffers from too many problems - heavy tax burdens, lack of economic opportunity and unresponsive government at all levels. These things must change - Pennsylvania deserves better.

In response to the pay grab, I founded an organization named PACleanSweep. We were instrumental in defeating Supreme Court Justice Russell Nigro in November, 2005, pressuring the legislature to repeal the pay raise, and we have recruited more than 100 candidates for state legislature. PACleanSweep candidates pledge integrity, honesty and adherence to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, so our citizens will be protected from further legislative shenanigans.

MY REASONS FOR RUNNING
PACleanSweep has accomplished much in its short existence. However, there is so much more work to do. Along with a new legislature, we need a new, independent governor - one who will not be swayed by the establishment which has led our Commonwealth down the wrong path.

We need someone who will say "NO!" to backroom-brokered pay raises and other quickie legislation. Someone whose first priority as governor will be the problems of Pennsylvanians like you. And finally, someone who gives the taxpayers and voters of Pennsylvania a voice in their government - both in its day-to-day affairs and its long term planning.

MY PLEDGE TO YOU
The political system in Pennsylvania is broken. In order to meet the needs of ordinary voters and working taxpayers, I pledge to do the following:

• veto any proposed legislation which has only been seen by back room dealmakers and not subjected to public scrutiny;

• veto all unconstitutional legislation, including middle-of-the-night pay raises, legislative perks and entitlements;

• reduce the size and cost of state government by exposing wasteful spending on items such as expensive meals, golden junkets and other expenditures which add little value to the legitimate functions of government;

• direct the Attorney General to investigate any and all abuses of taxpayer-funded resources and abuse of authority, even if it means investigating the actions of other elected officials;

• use the Governor's office as a bully pulpit to create a level playing field for all voters, creating a fair system for hearing and considering methods of reforming and operating state government.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
I will be running without the support of an established party apparatus. Because of this, I will need the assistance of independent Pennsylvania Patriots like you. I am required to obtain 67,070 signatures in order to get my name on the ballot in November. My committee and I have determined that we will need at least 100,000 signatures in order to adequately resist a court challenge.

We estimate this effort will cost at least $200,000. This means that every $500.00 you contribute to my campaign will result in 250 petition signatures to get me on the ballot and get your government back.

• Please give what you can - and of course, please feel free to give more than once. To give online, visit http://russdiamond.org/contribute.html.

• If you would like to sign my petition - or better yet, help us gather signatures - please visit http://russdiamond.org/petition.html. There, you will find all the information you need to help me get on the ballot.

• Please spread the word about my candidacy, and wherever possible, support PACleanSweep candidates.

This is an exciting and historic time for Pennsylvania - the eyes of the nation are upon us. I hope you will join me on this mission to restore honor, dignity and integrity to Harrisburg.

Sincerely,

Russ Diamond
Independent Candidate for Governor

Paid for by RUSSDIAMOND.ORG
Barbara J. Baur, Treasurer

City considers local race - Pittsburgh - MSNBC.com

Earth to Bob.... I'm not interested. Take the auto race and move it to Daytona or Indie or The Poconos.

I didn't shed a tear with the lost of the 84 Lumber golf event either.

Focus on government. Get us good government.

City considers local race - Pittsburgh - MSNBC.com O'Connor said this week he wants to bring a big-league racing event to Pittsburgh, such as an open-wheel grand prix race.

If you want to dream that vision things -- then talk about 5 year olds, talk about 10 year olds, talk about 15 year olds and if you must, talk about 20 year olds.

Then to really get serious talk about the five year olds who are being parented by the 20 year olds -- or the 50 year olds.

Then if you really want to get serious about a 'race' -- talk about the 10 year olds who don't have a swim team because the local swim pool is closed. Talk about the race to use wi-fi for 15 year olds doing homework, who live all around the city, not downtown.

The stunning downtown skyline is NOTHING when contrasted to our children. I don't want to watch cars. I want to watch our kids grow up in a city that is just and full of opportunity for developing skills and solid friendships.

Pittsburgh does not have a chance to turn itself into a place for big-league racing. But, we can be the best place in the world to parent, to grow, to nurture, to heal, to live in community.

I'd rather have a good Dragon Boat Race -- or Anything-that-floats Race.

Impact Lab - Amazing 3D Sidewalk Art Photos

A friend of mine wanted me to do something like this -- but a bit different -- for the election. The South Side is such a friendly place for walking and sidewalks. We pondered the notions -- but didn't.

In the future, there will be more and more political art on sidewalks -- and less and less on lawn signs.

Impact Lab - Amazing 3D Sidewalk Art Photos These unbelievable photos are chalk drawings done by Julian Beever. Beever uses his drawings to create an amazing 3D illusion.

Click the link about to check out these images -- for fun. They are 3D.

---

Our 2-D story of sidewalk art follows. (Click image for larger view.)
Artists at work on a sidewalk in front of a Lotus garden.


Little nudity -- we call these "split pants." When you see a puddle -- you don't generally want to walk in it.


Artists notes...


From the back with Lotus in the foreground, artist in middle and the tea house, found in People's Park, in the background.

Upclose... Mom, we're headed home.

Really, it was a call to the artists daughter for help in translating what was to come next.

Editorial: Altmire in the 4th / This Democrat would give Hart a real fight

I'd love to get the details (and all of them) of what Altmire has to say about healthcare. He used to work at UPMC.

Editorial: Altmire in the 4th / This Democrat would give Hart a real fight Mr. Altmire has a different view and would expand health coverage with a more incremental approach. He'd push for legislation to allow all Americans to buy insurance through Medicare, which has low administrative costs. He'd seek to cut medical costs by reimbursing doctors and hospitals based on quality, not quantity, of care. And he'd place all privately insured people in the same community-rated pool and make it difficult for insurance companies to raise their premiums.

Bon Jovi to headline concert at Heinz Field

Bon Jovi to headline concert at Heinz Field Steelers World Championship Celebration Concert.

Perhaps we'll not need to be in such a rush to get all the redding up done by this summer's All Star Game -- as we'll have a fall-back -- the Steelers concert with Mon Jedi. :)

2nd casino bidder pledges arena, Hill District funds

On one hand we have Franco, another Mario and now The Bus. Plus, we've got #88 in a run for PA Governor.

2nd casino bidder pledges arena, Hill District funds

2nd casino bidder pledges arena, Hill District funds
Taps Bettis to head consortium of business, civic leaders

Monday, April 17, 2006
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Detroit businessman competing for the Pittsburgh slot machine license is expected to unveil plans for a $350 million redevelopment of the Hill District as part of his bid at a press conference this afternoon.

Don Barden, who heads up PITG Gaming LLC, also is expected to pledge $7.5 million a year toward a new arena. The amount is what Gov. Ed Rendell had requested of slots applicants in his Plan B funding package for an arena.

He has picked another person who hails from Detroit, Steelers star Jerome Bettis, to lead a consortium of business and civic leaders that would oversee the Hill development.

Bunny for sale.

Lawmaker: Let $13,000 surcharge on new homes pay for schools

Here is a new idea. New ideas are worth talking about.

PennLive.com: NewsFlash - Lawmaker: Let $13,000 surcharge on new homes pay for schools Lawmaker: Let $13,000 surcharge on new homes pay for schools

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A state lawmaker wants to tack a $13,000 fee onto new homes in some high-growth areas to help fund public schools.

The goal is to spread growth more evenly across the state and encourage the renewal of homes in older town centers, said Rep. Stephen Maitland, who introduced a bill proposing the surcharge this month.

The bill would let municipalities in six midstate counties impose the fee.

'Somebody builds 100 houses down the road, and my grandmother's taxes go up. It's not fair,' said Maitland, R-Adams. 'Here's a way to get cash in hand so if you have to build a new school, you're not automatically raising taxes on current residents.'

But real estate agents and builders say the fee would stifle growth in the state's relatively few boom areas.

Residents 'should be happy that they have something happening in their economy,' said Brad Elliott, president of the Pennsylvania Builders Association.

The average cost of a new home in the midstate area is about $276,000, according to Coldwell Banker.

The bill would apply to Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties but not to slower-growing Dauphin and Perry counties. The fee for a multifamily unit would be $15,500 or higher.

The bill would exempt farm and government construction and let officials waive fees for low-income housing and other projects deemed in the public interest.

Hearings could be held this summer.

I don't endorse the idea, but I'd love to speak at the hearing and get to know more of the details and reactions from others.

Johnsmith sings, "Don't Put Me in a Box" at an event hosted in Pittsburgh for a past Rauterkus campaign.

Swann's hour of crisis - PittsburghLIVE.com

Swann's hour of crisis - PittsburghLIVE.com Yet it appears no one around him is thinking inside or outside the box.

Harsh. Not thinking inside or outside the box. Wow.

They need a song, "Think again." And, they need another song, "Don't Put Me in a Box."

Great news: A Lt. Gov debate at CMU

The Heinz School at Carnegie Mellon, is pleased to announce the Democratic Lt. Governor Primary debate, Wednesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., co-sponsored by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, the Heinz School, and the local League of Women Voters chapter. Candidates who agreed to participate: Valerie McDonald Roberts, Gene Stilp, and Bill Hall.

The debate will be held in the Hamburg Hall Auditorium, Room 1000, at 4800 Forbes Avenue, between Craig Street and Morewood Avenue, directly across the street from the large Morewood Parking Lot.

The great news of this event is the fact that the local institutions, educational institutions, are going to engage. We need that engagement in Pittsburgh and for the sake of our state.

CMU, Pitt, RMU, PPU, CCAC, DU and the Cs (Carlow and Chattam) -- you gotta engage.

Every department. Every academic organization. Every faculty senate, student government organization.

And let's not stop with these core to Pittsburgh institutions. Grove City, Slippery Rock, California, Gannon, -- you name em. We need em. We need faculty, staffers, students and parents of students to give a darn by hosting part of these discussions.

Even nonprofits -- don't be shy. If a nonprofit gets PAN-POLITICAL, by putting a seat at the table for ALL contestants -- then its okay. We can't have nonprofits give favorite treatment to some and unfavorite treatment to others. But, show respect to all, show inclusion, show it all -- under bright lights.

Benchwarmer -- Call to Action -- Voter Registration Technical Insights

Anyone (who is alive and a registered voter in the Commonwealth) can help an Independent candidate for PA Governor by signing that candidate's petition. And, anyone (it still helps to have a pulse) can circualte a petition for an independent candidate as well.

Signing is okay. Being a curculator for nomination papers is okay too.

Likewise, the same applies to a candidate who is an Independent for PA Senate. But, the only extra restriction is the border for the PA Senate district. If the person is a registered voter, lives in the district, all is fine for your help.

However, there is another level, beyond getting a signature for nomination papers from now until the end of July, and beyond getting help from fellow citizens in efforts to get those signatures. The next level is being a candidate.

Those that are now registered voters in the D and R parties MUST OPT OUT of his or her party NOW if he or she wants to get onto the ballot and BECOME A CANDIDATE for the general election in November. It isn't too late to run -- yourself -- for office in November's General Election, as an canddate (under the heading of Independent, Libertarian, Green, or even Disclosure Party) if you are registered those ways now. But, soon, that deadline passes.

For example, perhaps your state rep is a Dem, like Harry Readshaw. Harry does NOT have any D nor R opponent. So, he'll be getting onto the General Election Ballot -- without any opponent, unless someone steps up to run against him. And, that someone would need to NOT be a D or R as this deadline comes.

Well, this call for action is well put.

Attention all benchwarmers -- 04/14/2006

Tony Phyrillas , Pottstown Mercury

There's a new movie out called "The Benchwarmers." It did pretty good at the box office last week. The movie will be a distant memory a month from now when Pennsylvania voters go to the polls in the May 16 primary.

Unfortunately, many Pennsylvanian voters have chosen to be benchwarmers instead of getting into the game. Thousands of Pennsylvanians who belong to minor parties (Libertarian, Green, Constitution, Socialist) and others who have registered as independents will sit out the May 16 primary, arguably themost important election in the state's history.

All the talk we've heard since last July's outrageous pay raise about voting out the bums won't matter if voters don't follow through with threats to oust incumbents.

The best way to toss out incumbent legislators -- in many cases, the only way -- is to vote for challengers in the primary election. Incumbents have spent decades gerrymandering districts to the point where both major parties have "safe" districts, where Democrats may outnumber Republicans 2-1 or vice-versa. It's nearly impossible to vote out the incumbent unless somebody from his or her own party challenges them in the primary.

More than 60 primary challengers gunning for incumbents have survived the petition-gathering and court-challenge phase of the process. Now they need your vote to get rid of the career politicians in Harrisburg.

But third-party voters (the ones who claim they are pushing for reform) stubbornly refuse to change their voter registration to one of the two major parties, which is the only way to vote in a primary. You may be disgusted by what the Republicans and Democrats have done to this state. But until you join reform-minded Republicans and Democrats to remove the career politicians, your voice will never be heard.

March down to your county courthouse Monday and change your party affiliation for one day -- May 16 -- so you can join the people's revolution to take back Pennsylvania from the 254 self-serving career politicians (Ed Rendell and the 253 legislators).

While "benchwarmers" is a nice term I use for third-party candidates who will bury their heads in the sand on May 16, Russ Diamond is a little more blunt.

Diamond, the founder of PaCleanSweep and newly announced independent candidate for governor, issued a statement this week to Pennsylvania's "sore losers."

Pennsylvania's "sore loser" law mandates that any individual who runs as an independent or minor party candidate may not participate in the primary election as a voter or a candidate, according to Diamond.

"This is the last chance for those who are truly dedicated to changing government in Pennsylvania," Diamond said. "Once the deadline passes, registered Republicans and Democrats can't run as an independent or with a minor party affiliation. There are a lot of races across the Commonwealth where the incumbent currently has no challenger whatsoever. No one should breeze through an election cycle without a challenge. That's why we have the sorry state of affairs that brought us the pay raise and other horrible legislation."

An ongoing informal poll on the PACleanSweep Web site reveals that more than 95 percent of respondents indicate they would be willing to vote for a credible independent or minor party candidate if there is no other competition for their incumbent in November, Diamond said.

Independent and minor party candidates have until Aug. 1 to file petitions in order to get their names on November's general election ballot. Unlike the requirements for major party candidates, any registered voter may sign a petition for an independent or minor party bid.

Diamond urges those interested in changing their registration to do so by visiting their local Board of Elections by April 17.

"While we have great expectations for our Republican and Democratic candidates and we're confident they'll fair well in the primary, credible independent and minor party candidates present an opportunity for a second wave of electoral pressure on a legislature which is overdue for massive institutional change," Diamond said.

So let's review. If you live in a legislative district where the incumbent is a Democrat, you must be a registered Democrat to vote for a challenger. Otherwise, the incumbent gets a free pass to the Nov. 7 general election.

If you're not planning to run as a third-party candidate, then your best recourse is to change your voter registration for one day so you can have a say in who governs Pennsylvania. You can change your registration back the next day.

E-mail Tony Phyrillas at tphyrillas -at- pottsmerc.com

Main Page - Pittsburgh Platform

Platform.For-Pgh.org -- still going like the Energizer Bunny. Main Page - PittsburghPlatform This page has been accessed 69,077 times.

Independent Enters Pa. Governor's Race - CBS News

I'm for Diamond. Hope you consider lending your support to him too. Reform looks like this.

Independent Enters Pa. Governor's Race - CBS News Independent Enters Pa. Governor's Race

HARRISBURG, Pa., Apr. 13, 2006
(AP) Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and his likely GOP challenger, former football star Lynn Swann, got an independent challenger on Thursday for November's gubernatorial election.

Russ Diamond, who created PACleanSweep to try to oust legislators over their botched attempt to raise their own salaries, disclosed his candidacy in an interview with The New York Times and then announced it in a statement Thursday.

He must collect signatures from 67,070 registered voters by Aug. 1 to enter the race.

Diamond said his platform includes calls to put limits on lawmakers, repeal a 2004 law that legalized slot-machine gambling and reduce property taxes.

'Let's talk about term limits ... part-time Legislature, eliminating the pensions and perks after they retire, and eliminating the career politician track,' Diamond told reporters.

The pay-raise law, which increased incimbent lawmakers' salaries by 16 percent to 54 percent, was repealed in November.

Voting machine efforts from elsewhere

I am not happy with the way the voting machine saga has come down the pike in Allegheny County as well as at the Federal level. We saw this unfold years ago. It stinks.

From the get-go, I was in favor, and still am in favor, of OPEN SOURCE Voting Machines. That is the golden key.

EVM2003: "A worldwide group of scientists, engineers, political scientists, legal scholars, and voting-rights activists are working on developing a PC based voting machines that will be easier to use, more secure, cheaper, and provide greater democratic transparency than commercially available voting machines. All EVM2003 voting stations produce a voter-verifiable paper ballot"

Plus, even without an open-source solution, I still want to have an Allegheny County Tiger Team to work over those (any and all) voting machines.

FWIW: Recruiting the Next Generation of Political Leaders

From antoher source, pgh.opinion, FYI:

The Center for Progressive Leadership is actively recruiting highly motivated leaders from a variety of backgrounds throughout Pennsylvania who will be ready within the next 3-10 years to:

Run for office - from local level to state or federal office Run an organization - political, issue, or community group Run a campaign - political, advocacy, or neighborhood effort

CPL is looking for emerging leaders - at an inflection point in their careers - who are eager to gain the skills, knowledge, and networks they will need to successfully reach a career in politics.

PA Springboards: A Key Step toward your Future in Politics CPL offers emerging leaders throughout the state a two-day intensive Springboard training on becoming an effective political leader. Expert national and local trainers will sharpen your message development and delivery, campaign strategy, volunteer recruitment, and political fundraising skills.

· Southeastern, Pa: June 24th and 25th (Application deadline: Friday, June 16)
· Southwestern, Pa: July 8th and 9th (Application deadline: Monday, July 3)



PA Fellowship: 9 Months of Intensive Political Training

The Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship - the first long term political leadership development training in the nation - is 9 months of one on one coaching, group workshops, personal mentorship, and political networking.

The Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship is a 9-month, part-time, comprehensive political leadership course designed to equip 40-60 future candidates, organization heads, and campaign operatives with the specific tools that will propel them through the political pipeline. Tuition is $750 per Fellow. Partial scholarships are available.

· Fellowship start: January 10, 2007 (Applications Accepted July 1-
September 15)

To apply go to www.progressleaders.org/pafellowship

WHO SHOULD APPLY:
Our task, as leaders in the progressive community, is to search out and identify new, yet untapped, emerging leaders across the state who are ready for this type of advanced political leadership development. CPL is looking to find the leaders who have never before been identified - who may not yet know if they want to run for office. We are looking specifically for emerging leaders with:

· A Vision for Personal Achievement and a Commitment to Social Change
· A History of Community, Civic, Political Involvement
· A Willingness to be Coached

Fareeda Mabry, PA Recruitment Director
(215)923-5165 #Office

PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE:
325 Chestnut Street, Suite 915
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hoppy Easter

Hope all is well with you and yours.

A time of rebirth is here!

South Side Reporter was in bed with Bruce

Exact date uncertain. Bruce would NOT win that election. He would win later.

You don't want to start the season with new shoes.

Get em now and break them in. It is always good to have some grip under your feet in the fall, in gridiron and in politics.

HAT in the ring for PRESIDENT: Phillies 2008

You saw it here first! The Libertarian who is seeking the White House.

Phillies 2008

America is in real trouble, and most Americans know it. The great majority of Americans agree: We are on the wrong track. The things that matter are getting worse, not better.

Our budget deficit this year is over $700 billion on an accrual basis. ('accrual' means the money we owe the Social Security Trust Fund is a real debt.) The trade deficit is another $750 billion a year. We are selling our grandchildren into de facto debt slavery.

American civil liberties are in a state of collapse. The President believes he can ignore any law, so warrantless wiretaps of your phone conversations and email, and warrantless searches of your homes are now widespread conversations. The President believes that there is no longer a right to trial by jury, so Jose Padilla was thrown into a military prison for years without trial or access to lawyers.

We spend billions and billions on airline security, while ignoring the most basic precaution, namely allowing the vast numbers of former military pilots now flying airliners to carry a firearm that they all know how to use. Meanwhile, millions of people are crossing our borders illegally. If every member of Al Qaida were to cross the border illegally this year, they would be needles in a haystack.

Medical care costs are soaring via cost transfers, under which when you go to the hospital your medical insurance pays for care for anyone who lacks insurance.

Just as in the 1950s, when the Russians surprised us with the first earth satellite, American education lags other places. Particularly disturbing is the lag in college graduates in science and engineering, the fields that will eventually create the new products and services that mean jobs for the rest of us.

The Federal budget is under the control of spendthrift profligates who spend money as though there will be no tomorrow. For February and March 2005 of this year, Federal spending exceeded 3 trillion dollars at an annualized rate, while the national debt was climbing at 1.2 trillion dollars a year.

I could go on.

We're the Libertarian Party. We have the positive, people-friendly solutions to those problems. We have the solutions that America longs for.

Now all we need to do is to put our Libertarian solutions into effect and Save America.

However, those solutions are worth nothing until they are presented to the American people and put into effect.

We need effective spokespeople who will deliver our message in a way that will be heard. Those spokespeople are called candidates. Message delivery is called the campaign. Real campaigns are based on advocacy, activists, and advertising.

How do we advocate for our issues? How do we energize our friends to become active in politics? How do we justify those issue and campaign ads?

We run candidates. Lots of candidates. Candidates at every level. In particular, in every election, every American should have the chance to vote Libertarian. (For more on candidates and campaigns, read my book "Stand Up for Liberty" from Third Millennium, now available from Amazon Dot Com .)

I'm going to do my share. In 2008, I'll be 61. I have already had a long and successful professional life as a physicist and author. I've run for Federal office before, Congress in 1998. I won my debates.

I've been active in our Presidential nominating and general election campaigns at a high level. I've seen what needs to be done. In fact I wrote a book one what we did in past cycles, and how we might do it better next time. And I can see where we are in the election cycle.

It's time to get moving! If a much stronger candidate came along, I will be delighted to withdraw and turn my energies to building her or his campaign and our Party. However, I don't see that happening.

At some point, you have to stand up and be counted.

I am therefore seeking our Party's nomination for the 2008 Presidential Campaign.

My preferred Vice Presidential candidate, Karen Kwiatkowski, has agreed to be my running mate.

Please join us. Help build a Libertarian future for America.

The preliminary Phillies 2008 web site http://phillies2008.org has just been uploaded.

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com

Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - PittsburghLIVE.com Laurel & Lance: To Dormont. Its deteriorating public swimming pool dating from 1920 will require millions in repairs. Perhaps a patch job is possible for now. Perhaps not. Residents are setting up a grass-roots campaign to raise private money. That's great. Now politicians are falling all over themselves to find public funds. Our question: Why should providing for summertime frolic be a taxpayer duty?

Because a 50-meter swim pool -- or one that is even bigger -- can't fit under you bed like an exercise rower.

Because our children are obese -- and same too with too many of our adults. Hey, I got to shed 10-or-15 pounds too. And, I hope to do so as I'm gearing up for the Pittsburgh Triathlon -- and its river swim.

Because we don't swim in the rivers any more, as often as we did.

Because swimming, as a skill, can one day save your life.

Because swimming is a community builder and experience for learning how to play well with others.

Because a community assets such as a swim pool not only make life better for the people of all ages, but the facilities can increase home values and property demands. And, because the facility, all in all, should be able to pull its own weight as well.

Case in point: The Dormont Pool was slated to cost the municipality $37,000. I'd say that if it was run better -- it could be an asset that costs nothing to operate. The user fees should and could pay for the facility's operation, year in and year out.

But, sadly, the Trib editors are correct. The patch job for the pool and for the bath house is NOT possible for now. The expenses are too great. The time is too short. The season is lost.

That grass-roots campaign to raise private money had earned just $3,500 early in the week. That is nice, but 50-times less than what is needed.

Furthermore, don't put me in the realm of falling all over self and other politicians to find the public funds for a fix up. I'll stand tall, talk, think, share and plan. But, not fall over.

I don't think summertime frolic should be a taxpayer duty.

The brand could be, "Richer & Redded." Downtown's watch-ya-ma-call-it

"Rich and Redded" works as well -- so as to not need to use the Fifth and Forbes handle.

Redded, you know, as in the past tense of "redd up." (i.e., "Mom, I already redded-up my room.")

This week an event was held and the mayor attended -- so as to "cut the ribbon" for a new downtown concept. Downtown is a 'neighborhood' now. The event was by invitation only.

Humm... I think we've been there and done that.

Are we seeing the birth of a Duquesne Club Block Watch?

NBC Universal Underperforms For Parent GE

NBC covered and will cover the Olympics.
Lots of Olympic TV talk follows in this article.

UPDATE: NBC Universal Underperforms For Parent GE ((CBS), Coastal Bancorp Inc. (CBSA), Clear Channel Communications Inc. (CCU), Walt Disney Co. (DIS), General Electric Co. (GE), News Corp. Ltd. (NWS), (NWS.AU), (NWSA), (AU000000), (US254687), (US369604))| SmartMoney.com: "While its broadcast of the Winter Olympics gave NBC Universal a boost in first-quarter revenue, the cost of covering the Torino Games and a soft primetime TV schedule dragged on the unit's bottom line, making it the standout underperformer in parent General Electric's vast portfolio.

On Thursday, NBC Universal reported revenue of $4.5 billion in the period, a 24% bounce from year ago levels, with the Olympics contributing about $684 million. But that same event scraped about $96 million off NBC's operating profits, which fell 8% across the board. Taking out the Olympics, revenue would have been up 5% and operating profit 6%.

However, GE (GE) said that the Olympics are likely to be 'slightly profitable' for the year when all the contributions from NBC affiliates come in.

The 'Olympics performed as expected even though in the quarter it was a loss,' said Chief Financial Officer Keith Sherin in a conference call. 'That is how we had profiled the year and what we really thought we were going to have.'

The company was more bullish on the next Summer Olympics, scheduled for 2008.

'The big megillah here is Beijing,' said Chief Executive Jeff Immelt. 'We have got a funnel of about $1.2 billion. I expect us to get maybe $800 million to $1 billion out of that.'

Immelt said that Torino was 'a tough venue, a tough set of dynamics' but the next round 'is going to be a whole other story.'

GE sees the Beijing games as key from a network standpoint in terms of viewer interest, and also from an infrastructure standpoint.

'I think it is going to be highly beneficial for both NBC and the rest the company,' he said.

The segment, which accounts for just 12% of GE's total revenue has also been having some rough sledding in prime time and the company is looking for revenue to be flat in the second quarter.

Games of 2008

Everyone out of the pool! Dormont Pool to stay dry in 2006

I went to a three hour meeting earlier this week to see what was what with this swim pool situation and associated acts of government. This news release, yesterday, isn't too much of a suprise.

Dormont Pool Temporarily Out of Service

Neighboring Communities Ready to Assist in Handling Summertime Crowds

Dormont, PA – After much thought and consideration the Dormont Borough Council has decided that it will not open the Dormont Pool for the 2006 season. Meetings were held with the community the past few weeks to determine whether or not enough funding could be raised to cover the costs of major structural repairs, or at least temporary shoring, in order to keep the pool operational for one more season. However, Borough Council has decided that the best option at this stage would be to close the pool for one season and focus all efforts and future funding on making the necessary permanent repairs to make the pool and adjacent facilities safe for the public as well as operationally more efficient.

A structural engineering report by Borough Engineers provided at the March 13, 2006 public meeting indicated that the conditions of the main building support beams and columns are very bad and will only get progressively worse. The pool decking adjacent to the building is severely deteriorated due to chloride penetration and poses a serious safety threat if not repaired. Public safety concerns and the nearly $650,000 in repairs to the pump room and pool decking as well as nearly $2 million to stop the massive loss of water due to leaks in the pool, have lead to this necessary decision.

Maintenance has been conducted annually on the pool however the age of the 80-year old facility is becoming evidential and problematic requiring a more permanent solution.

"It is unfortunate that we did not discover the problems at the end of last season but fortunately these safety issues were identified before anyone was injured," cited President of Council Joe Costanzo. "At this point, closing the pool will ensure our citizens' safety while allowing us time to consider options and funding sources to get the pool operational again."

The Dormont Borough council wants to thank and will continue to support and encourage the residents of Dormont for their efforts to assist in finding the necessary funding that will be required to make all of the necessary repairs.

We are dedicated and will work diligently with our federal, state, and county representatives to obtain the funding to ensure that the Dormont Pool will be ready by Memorial Day 2007. In the mean time, it should be made clear that the Dormont Recreation Hall was deemed safe and will remain operational for use by the community for rentals to hold such events as graduation parties, showers, and most importantly fund raisers.

Note: Arrangements for Dormont residents to utilize some neighboring community’s pools are being made. Details will be provided soon. Information, as available will be posted on the Dormont Borough website: www.boro.dormont.pa.us or contact the Borough office at (412) 561-8900.
-End-

Joseph M. Costanzo, President

Linda L. Kitchen, Vice President
Chairperson, Public Safety Committee

Mary Beth Kovic, Member
Chairperson, Community Affairs Committee

John Sparvero, Member
Chairperson, Property Planning & Supplies

Tim McCoy, Member
Chairperson, Public Service Committee

Rebecca Lafferty, Member
Chairperson, Finance & Legal Committee

Ann Conlin, Member
Chairperson, Recreation Committee

At the meeting, I noticed three major 'camps' and 'issues.'

First, a great deal of frustration comes from the citizens to the board. The citizens don't trust the elected officials. The citizen leadership was very skeptical, to say the least.

Dormont has had a great deal of turnover in terms of its hired city manager. And, Dormont has elected some new board members too. So, all that are on the board now are NOT part of the long-term problem. But they are left to face the fire from the citizens who are upset. And, to a large degree they too what was due to them.

Second, some on the board are aware of the need for the pool and want to build something better there. A multi-community center, with a pool, is an option, perhaps, it seems, if we are to give them some trust. Ho humm.... time will tell. But, there isn't any money, poor us.

Third, some in the community are married to the re-creation of the Dormont Pool -- as it is. There is a historical charm to the existing pool, its configuration, its expanse of water. Some folks want to re-build the pool -- and keep it just like it was.

So, there isn't much hope of getting a real vision of what needs to be done and how to do it from that group that night. Some were angry. Everyone was frustrated.

I spoke about 'stewardship.' I said, the "stewardship stunk." But, that is looking into the rear view mirror. However we can't go forward on this problem until there is some accountability and understanding of the past. We need to agree what has happened has happened. So, I feel the dis-connect is something that needs to be resolved.

Later, some on the board took exception to the 'stewardship' remark and said that they did 're-paint the pool' -- they did make modifications in the past (I think it was a railing or something). They did make an investment in the pump room before.

Real stewardship means having a capital fund. There is no fund with money set aside to make repairs or even to use for a loan process. Real stewardship means insurance in case any physical damage happens. Real stewards would have been taking part of the deck apart each year for five years to re-do the cement, the pipes, the cracks, the leaks. A process of on-going re-building of that old pool was not done.

Of course the band-aid on an old building was mentioned again and again. And, it is fitting.

The same story was part of the Save Our Summer efforts. We had Elsie Hillman and Dr. Bill Truehart raising big money to put a band-aid on a corpse. The city's public pools (32 outdoors) all closed the year before. Some cash was obtained to get some money to open 10 or 12 pools. The others still sit and rot. And, the ones that are open are held together by band-aids to this day.

The water bill for Dormont's pool last summer was reported at $44,000. Ouch. The water dropped four-inches a day. I'm sure a good bit of that was evaoporation as well.

The pool is massive and the chemical bill is huge as well. And, same too with the number of guards that are needed to staff the facility. I think they needed 33 guards.

Parking is a problem too. You always got to talk about parking when you are talking about anything in Pittsburgh. The swim pool parking lot isn't big enough so folks spill over to the shopping center to park on busy days. So, the pool can hurt the bottom line of some businesses.

I do like it that Green Tree may and Mt. Lebo may sell pool passes to those who live in Dormont for the same rates as residents of those communities. Both Green Tree and Mt. Lebo have nice pools and both can take an influx of people -- and new pass incomes too. Seniors used to swim for free in Dormont -- and that can't happen any longer. Seniors everywhere else pay.

But the pool pass option should go for a wider group. What about deals with Allegheny County (South Park and Settlers Cabin are not too far), Sandcastle, Pittsburgh, Scott Township and even Brentwood. ???

Furthermore, Keyston Oaks High School serves Dormont students. K.O. used to have a part-time aquatics director. She was released from that job. It would be great if some of the funds that have been raised ($3400) by the citizen effort was re-deployed for pool time and instruction at the indoor pool in the high school.

Western Pa has a lot of fine indoor school pools that are wasted assets in the weeks in the summer. Some are idle too much in the fall, winter and spring as well. But, that is another matter.

One other point of mention -- Government Money. Allegheny County Exec. Director, Dan Onorato, seems to have said that he'd try to work with Allegheny County Council and come up with $75,000 if needed as a local match if another $75K could come from Ed Rendell. But Wayne Fontana, D., PA Senate in the 42nd (a guy I ran against and will run against in the future) has teamed with Tom Petrone, D., state Rep, up for re-election too, to ask Ed "slots" Rendell for $3-million.

You never know.

Rendell gave nearly 10-million to Midland for an arts center recently. I think much less could have gone to pay for the heater for the Passion Play, Veronica's Veil. But, we'll see how much money is to be tossed around.

What if Isle of Capri was able to pay $3-million on top of the new $290-million for the new ice arena for the Penguins?

Just think, we'd be able to get about 100 new swim pools all around Allegheny County, at $3-million each, if we only asked Isle of Capri to change its windfall funding away from NHL Hockey and Luxery Boxes to community swim pools.

There is more to say with more details and facts too. But, Dormont is going to be dry this summer. And, with the crisis comes and opportunity. Too bad the council did not take the crisis and form a sub-committee to tackle the problem at its meeting this week -- nor announce it in the press release yesterday.

People have a right to be skeptical.

Part 2 (a): Pittsblog pondering: Too many cooks in terms of biz development

Outside a food joint in Chengdu.

This is the first have of part 2 of 2 parts on this topic.

Pittsblog 'Pittsburgh has a 'too many cooks' problem when it comes to tech strategy.' I heard from a number of people that personal history gets in the way of forward economic progress in Pittsburgh. There are egos, and historical associations and present commitments, that are obstacles to success. I'm not sold on this idea. Can you name an economically vibrant urban area that isn't filled with big egos and complicated histories? I wonder whether the 'too many cooks' concern is an excuse more than a real obstacle.

Think of an old-fashioned barn raising. In the good old days, or in Amish Country now, there were events when everyone in the community came to lend a hand.

The men, boys, women and girls all had roles. And, everyone was needed.

Everyone, for a period, would put a shoulder into the project. Everyone had some skin in the game for that day or weekend.

When you have too many cooks, you can't rally the community to come together to do something of major importance, lasting value, significant accomplishment.

Then the ego thing is an artifact. We can't come to help you because you didn't see fit to come help us -- or him.

If everyone is cooking their own stew -- then we can not come together to have a major banquet. Having a lot of cooks isn't the real problem. Having a lot of selfish cooks is. And, having a lot of cooks who won't re-tool for other duties is a killer too. Nobody wants to go to a banquet and have 20-stews and nobody doing bread. But, we will go to a wedding and only eat cookies. :) (between beers)

Speaking of food -- I think it is time to run to the Fish Fry....

More to come... stay tuned...

Pittsblog pondering: Too many cooks in terms of biz development

This is part 1 of 2 on this topic.

Pittsblog 'Pittsburgh has a 'too many cooks' problem when it comes to tech strategy.' I heard from a number of people that personal history gets in the way of forward economic progress in Pittsburgh. There are egos, and historical associations and present commitments, that are obstacles to success. I'm not sold on this idea. Can you name an economically vibrant urban area that isn't filled with big egos and complicated histories? I wonder whether the 'too many cooks' concern is an excuse more than a real obstacle.

I think that there are too many cooks. I think that they all should be starved.

These cooks live off of lunch money from the politicians. Too many rely upon tax money, grants, soft-money, and other generous hand-outs. Too many were formed so as to build clout.

Follow the money. Look at the history of each group.

I'd say that the egos are less of an issue -- but the strings and wire-pulling that is expected from these groups from their funding buddies.

Let's make a list of community groups in the city that would hold a mayor debate in 2001 when Bob and Tom each spent $1-million in the Dem primary. Here is a hint: ZERO. NONE of the groups, and there are 40 at the top of my head, would dare to go out on limb and host such a forum. They all didn't want to bite the hand that feeds them. And, if they were fed up with Tom Murphy, they didn't want to rock the boat, just in case Bob would win anyway.

Same today with Ed Rendell. Do you think that the Digital Greenhouse would have sponsored anything but a ribbon cutting for ex-Gov Ridge? No way. Who is going to speak up against corporate welfare -- American Eagle? Does the Pgh Technology Center NOT want its parking garages?

There are too many groups because there have been too many handouts for the wrong reasons. And, the leadership in each group needs to walk on egg shells (Hoppy Easter).

And, many of these groups are just shells of an organization. They've lived on fumes. The money trail is getting dry. But, they can't put a fork in themselves. That is what the leadership needs to do -- but being honest and zapping a bit of political clout is hard to do.

Many of these groups stink and should go away. But, who is going to pull the trigger?

Stay tuned....

Casino traffic forecast faulted

An unpaid traffic engineer from one camp is tossing bricks at the report of another camp about traffic issues. The ploy is to get the South Side neiborhood all fired up to fight against the Station Square location for the casino.

Hurling the insults on the "study" won't work for a number of reasons.

Casino traffic forecast faulted An analyst for Pittsburgh's Gaming Task Force said Harrah's has 'woefully underestimated' the traffic jams its proposed Station Square casino would create along Carson Street.

Chuck Wooster, a traffic engineer working pro bono for the task force, was asked to review traffic projections submitted by the three outfits competing to win the city's lone slot machine casino license.

At the group's meeting yesterday, Mr. Wooster said Harrah's traffic projection appears to misjudge the number of cars that would visit Station Square.

'I don't buy it,' he said. 'It's woefully underestimated.'

For starters, none of these 'studies' nor plans are -- how should we say -- peer reviewed. And, the folks in the neighborhoods are not real fond of "studies" anyway.

Some of the 'weenies' who live off of government soft money might be anxious to read and react to the consultant studies -- as they are consultants too. But, those folks are reading the documents only to figure out how to get an opening so as to get themselves a subcontract. Or, they might want to go kiss-up to the firm that did one or the other report so they can get the next job. In the end, these folks are generally not going to rock the boat. They'll watch and nod and say little.

Other consultants have been hi-jacked to various other positions long ago. For example, those on the gambling task force are sitting on their hands playing roles of big cheese. They can't do anything because they are on the task force. So, they've been iced and have an excuse with a title to prove it.

Still others in the community never wanted gambling to begin with. So to pick between a plan that is hated and another that is despised is not going to happen. Rather, let's run to the fish fry today and say some more prayers.

Moreover, the South Siders have thick skin when it comes to these "studies."

Mr. Reginella came to a community meeting some years ago -- and I couldn't fathom what he said. He was in charge of traffic for the city under the last administation. He spoke about the pending closing of McArdle Roadway -- the road from the Liberty Bridge/Liberty Tunnel that crosses Warrington Ave and comes to the South Side closed. We could not use the bridge to drive to or from the South Side (12th, 10th, 9th Street) to the Liberty Bridge (to Downtown & North Hills with a right turn nor South Hills with a left). He "KNEW" without doubt that the closing of that road would NOT tie up traffic on East Carson Street.

Unreal statements like that have been around here for too long and get said too frequently.

The people see the crap -- and choose to not step in it.

Pirate and Steelers games screw up traffic on East Carson Street. Penguin games do too.

Anyone that comes here and says that traffic is going to be fine for a casino on The Hill and not for a casino at Station Square is a joke.

It just doesn't matter. Would you rather have a pimple on your cheek or your nose? Big deal. All the traffic fussing is in vain because what really matters isn't getting its due attention. And, its not like the folks who save parking spaces with a chair (myself included) can choose to widen East Carson Street to 8 lanes anyway.

A JOKE quote follows:

"The last thing we would ever do is choose a site that doesn't work,"

Should be, "The last thing we would ever do is choose a site that we didn't own..."

All gambling quotes are JOKES if the quote includes the word, "PALATABLE."

DUHHH.... "You've got a mountain on one side and a river on the other," he said. Sign us up for that geography lesson.

If you don't like our rivers and mountains -- then put the blasted casino in a desert (Las Vegas) or next to an ocean (Atlantic City) or at a waterfall and international border (Niagra) or on the edge of a historic battlefield (Gettysburg). I think the MON and Mt. Washington are but bumps in the landscape that can be bridged (pun intended).

As helpful as I try to be -- I offer my critical words, and generally try to follow-up with some solutions too. The photo that follows is from Hong Kong's Ocean Park. It is much like Kennywood, except in has two sections, because of the mountains. People are moved from one section of the park to the other in the lift.

We could build a people mover, such as these chair lifts / pods, to move people over the mountain and near the water. Stops could be in Monroeville and Robinson Town Center. (This is a joke.)

Thinking again about the Dormont Pool

We should have a water polo course within the Dormont Pool.
We should build a Kayak area within the Dormont Pool too!

Community TV producer. Watch out Disney... there is a new kid on the block.

I am now a producer at PCTV 21. Today I took the second course and payed the annual membership of $52. I've been involved with PCTV in the past in a number of ways: Art Of News, a Special on Save Our Summer, many interviews, hosted a debate, and did a 9-11 concert too. Now I'm going to be even more involved.

They got it wrong on the designation -- but called to say a fix was in (really)

The news director at TV 11 called to thank me for pointing out the distinction between city-wide and downtown in terms of a pending wi-fi discussion. So, the fix on that site is expected.

The blabbing is showing.... First off, a city-wide wi-fi isn't just downtown.

WPXI.com - News - Pittsburgh City Council Considers Citywide Wi-Fi: "Pittsburgh City Council Considers Citywide Wi-Fi
System Expected To Cost More Than $500,000

POSTED: 11:23 am EDT April 10, 2006
UPDATED: 2:41 pm EDT April 10, 2006

PITTSBURGH -- Getting on the web in downtown Pittsburgh could get a little easier.

The Pittsburgh City Council is considering a plan to create a citywide Wi-Fi network.

It would allow wireless Internet equipment to be placed on city owned utility poles downtown.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor hopes to have the system in place in time for July’s baseball All-Star game.

The system is expected to cost more than $500,000."

Downtown Grocery by 2007

European market? Would this fly in Pittsburgh?

Downtown grocery to open by 2007 Millcraft Industries Inc. announced yesterday that it plans to open a European-style gourmet market on Wood Street by the end of the year as part of its $40 million plus redevelopment of the former Lazarus-Macy's department store.

---

Other than getting run over by a car....

Pittsburgh Business Times: Piatts to bring European market to Pittsburgh - 2006-04-13 A recent survey of young professionals' interest in Downtown living by Carnegie Mellon University's H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management showed that nearly 95 percent of the survey's participants ranked a grocery store as the most important service in an ideal residential neighborhood -- far higher than any other amenity.

Here is my second favorite clean sweeper guy. He works on a bike and sells tools for redding up.

Russ Diamond for Governor

When I ran for city council -- I kept some of the powder dry. I should be more clear. I really kept some of the 'tea' dry.

Russ Diamond for Governor HOST a Pennsylvania Tea Party!
No, you don't have to go down to the harbor. You don't have to wear costumes like the Sons of Liberty in Boston. And you don't even have to serve tea.

All you need to do is schedule and host an event to get people together and rally them behind the Russ Diamond for Governor campaign.

It can be ten neighbors in your home, 50 patriots at a block party, or 600 people at a rented hall. Your imagination is the only limit!

Please contact us today make or get suggestions and schedule your Pennsylvania tea party!"

See that brown bag on the shelf on the far right... It is on its side and only half visible. It is full of Jasmine Tea. We carried this home from Hong Kong on our recent trip. And, another batch of another flavor of tea (Pu erh) came home as well. The tea is measured in a unit called a catties. The bag has 5 catties.

We'll be hosting plenty of Pennsylvania Tea Parties this summer and fall. How about you? I could come there and BRING along the tea for your friends and neighbors.

A Pennsylvania Spoiler Joins Race for Governor - New York Times

It seems as if this IS official.

A Pennsylvania Spoiler Joins Race for Governor - New York Times A Pennsylvania Spoiler Joins Race for Governor

By IAN URBINA Published: April 13, 2006

ALTOONA, Pa., April 11 — In what was already proving a surprisingly tight contest, the race for governor of Pennsylvania has grown more complicated with the entry of an independent candidate who helped spearhead a grass-roots insurgency last year against the state legislature.

Mark Rauterkus and Russ Diamond in December, 2005.

Cruise Control Master, Coach Dick Bower, to lead clinics in swimming

AMS SPONSORED CLINIC for “B”/“BB” SWIMMERS ages 10-14 are going to be held with Coach Dick Bower.

Allegheny Mountain Swimming will sponsor a series of clinics the week of May 8th in an effort to help promote the progression of our developmental swimmers. There is no fee for the clinic as AMS will fund the clinic. The clinics will be hosted by Coach Dick Bower.

Coach Bower has been coaching for the past 50 years throughout the United States. He has coached at all levels, 8 and under, age group, senior, High school, college and several Olympic medalists! He has coached numerous National Champions and is currently involved with numerous top ranked swimmers in the United States. Coach Bower started his coaching career in this area and is now consulting, providing coaches workshops and holding numerous clinics throughout the world.

This clinic will try to provide the B/BB swimmers with information and motivation to move on to the next level!

There are 4 clinics scheduled at this time.

Monday, May 8, 6:30-8:30 PM Bethel Park High School
Tuesday, May 9, 6:30-8:30 PM Moon High School
Wednesday, May 10, 6:00-8:00 PM North Allegheny High School
Thursday, May, 11, 6:00-8:00 PM Fox Chapel High School

Registration: B/BB swimmers age 10-14

Swimmers must e-mail Bill Kennedy to register. Include Name, Age, Swim Club, and most important - Date and Location you would like to attend!

No swimmer is permitted to register if they have an “A” time. All swimmers must be registered USS!

Registered swimmers will get an e-mail confirmation of registration with a registration number. Please bring this confirmation to the clinic. We are limited to 42 swimmers per clinic on a first come first serve basis. You may specify a second choice location in the event that the clinic you want to attend is full.

Coaches are encouraged to attend! Coach Bower will meet with you 30 minutes before the session to provide you with information on the program. He would like you to then help out with the clinic if you would like to under his direction. He will stay after the clinic for any coach that has questions or would liker further information. This type of clinic works best if coaches attend and follow-up with their swimmers. Coaches please e-mail me if you plan on attending.

Any Questions: Bill Kennedy - bk1swim -at- adelphia.net

Province Swim Pool in Chengdu. This is a 50-meter pool, all deep water, 8 wide lanes. You can't see the seperate diving well in the photo. Now the large flag has been replaced by a modern scoreboard with video. Those are temporary bulkheads on the outside 2 lanes so a 50-meter course can be swum in the middle of the pool.

Western Pennsylvania, bring it home

AP Wire | 04/12/2006 | News in brief from western Pennsylvania
AP - PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh-area leaders are supporting a campaign to bring more conferences, meetings and even family reunions to southwestern Pennsylvania in 2008.

The Reunion 2008 initiative promotes the campaign under the theme, 'Bring It Home to Pittsburgh.'

The campaign is part of the city's plans for its 250th anniversary celebrations in 2008.

'This is an opportunity to get creative and plan events that bring people back to Pittsburgh,' said James Rohr, chairman of the Pittsburgh 250 Commission and chief executive of PNC Financial Services Group.

The campaign offers a 'unique opportunity to reintroduce our region to the world,' said Andrew Masich, chief executive of the Sen. John Heinz Regional History Center.

A 'Bring it Home' campaign a few years ago generated the booking of 122 meetings in the city, according to the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The bureau has created Reunion 2008 kits that contain reunion planning information.

Home -- Here is an idea. I think Pittsburgh could and should build a Time Share Building or Time Share Complex. Make them high rise apartments and sell them for week-long periods. I think that there are many people from around the world that would come to Pittsburgh for a week. I think that they'd be popular.

And, Michael Keaton might buy the first unit.

Pittsburgh getting All-Star makeover - PittsburghLIVE.com

I've had it up to here with this fixation on the All-Star Game. The wi-fi needs to be built by the All-Star Game. Eight officers get training in scuba for underwater work for the All-Star Game. New dogs and remote camera to peer on citizens are to be installed for the All Star Game. Red carpet to move ballplayers on convertables for the All-Star Game. And now, we get to shrink wrap and wall paper our empty buildings all around town for the All-Star Game. Redd up already -- but do it for something other than the Reds, White Sox, Red Sox and Royals -- as I'm getting a YANKed around feeling.

Pittsburgh getting All-Star makeover - PittsburghLIVE.com: "The city's facelift also could include wrapping abandoned buildings with the All-Star Game logo, Mayor Bob O'Connor said. Communities throughout a 10-county region will be encouraged to use the All-Star logo on shops and sidewalks.

'We don't just want Downtown,' O'Connor said.

But in a shift of the 'tone' from O'Connor, there is a great quote. This isn't just for 'downtown.' Right on Bob. Just as wi-fi should NOT be 'just for downtown.'
Obesity was less of a problem in 1944. And, look, the All-Star logo didn't JUST show downtown.

Got bikes -- but no kids. But, the roads are not safe. We don't have bike lanes. We don't have bike racks. We don't have drivers to share the road.

Number of Kids on Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Doubles

MedlinePlus: Number of Kids on Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Doubles
FRIDAY, April 7 (HealthDay News) -- In a four-year span, the number of U.S. children and teens taking prescription drugs to treat or prevent type 2 diabetes has increased two-fold, according to a new study.

'From 2002 to 2005, we found a doubling of type 2 diabetes medications,' said Emily Cox, the senior director of research at Express Scripts, a benefits management company that conducted the study.

So, this is what happens if you cut the Recreation Centers by more than half. We used to have 32 outdoor swim pools. Most of them, in the city, are vacant lots. Dormont's Pool is not going to open this year, without a miracle.

The city does not have a marathon, like it used to have. The city used to sponsor The Thrift Drug Classic -- bike race. And even the 84 Lumber PGA event is soon only to be a memory.

Participation sports have taken a big hit. We need to get fit and make fitness a part of our fabric again.

And, even in sports in this city, it is a major victory to be .500. The Penguins are the worst team in hockey (we think) and the team won't pledge to say in Pittsburgh, and there is a pep rally for the Pens next week. The Pens walked away from the only indoor ice rink in the city, other than the Civic Arena, which they want to hit with a wrecking ball anyway. The closed indoor ice rink is a dark hole in our city. And, the Pens even put Southpoint, its practice facility in Washington County, in a lurch with ownership.

How many hockey rinks came into the market in the wake of Mario's arrival here? Mt. Lebo, Plum, Bladerunners, Castle Shannon, B.Park, Island Sports, etc. And then ask how many of them are financially stable and viable?

Perhaps the Pens can hold some of the blame for that build out and resulting contractions too? Greed isn't hard to find.

Now, obesity in kids and adults is par for the course.

Interesting Questions on KQV poll in recent days

The Dormont Pool will be closed this summer because extensive renovations are needed to make it safe. Dormont is represented by State Senator Wayne Fontana and Representative Tom Petrone. They are asking Governor Rendell for help in funding the estimated 3-million dollar cost of repairing the pool, a cost they say the community can not afford.

The online voting was 51 to 49 percent. At one time, in the morning, the votes were heavy on the side of NOT funding the pool. Then I expect that the word got out to Dormont residents and they started to rack up the calls and clicks.

The other question of interest was about the payment for the expansion of new seats in the Steelers' venue, Heinz Field. The 700+ seats and new box / lounge area is going to be paid for, in part, by public money. The Steelers are getting an upgrade to what they already have and they don't need to pay the full freight of that upgrade.

That was turned into a KQV poll -- and when I tuned in, the bulk of the callers and clicks were to have the Steelers pay the entire amount.

Wayne Fontana, D., voted to have the public pay for the seat expansion at Heinz Field.

Walking in place in a park with exercise equipment.

Taking a long walk on a short -- err -- expensive pier. Go Lt. Gov Candidate Stilp

Source: Gene Stilp, Lt. Governor Reform Committee

Stilp to Protest Brightbill's Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Per Diems in
26.2-Mile Walk From the Senator's Home to His Capitol Office

Lieutenant Governor Candidate Says Brightbill Should Return Thousands in Wrongfully Pocketed Taxpayer Funds

On Wednesday, April 12 from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate and anti-pay-raise activist Gene Stilp will take a break from the statewide campaign trail to embark on yet another trail. This time, Stilp will walk from Senator David "Chip" Brightbill's home in Mt. Gretna, Lebanon County to Brightbill's Capitol office. The distance: exactly 26.2 miles.

Stilp is staging the walk to demand that Brightbill return tens of thousands of dollars to Pennsylvania taxpayers taken in the form of per diem expenses, even though the Senate Majority Leader lives well within commuting distance of the Capitol.

"While the Pennsylvania House of representatives has a rule that no legislator can receive a per diem if the member lives within 50 miles of the Capitol, the Senate, where Senator Brightbill is the Majority Leader, allows the taking of a per diem no matter how close you live or if you actually use the money on expenses," Stilp explained. The Senate per diem rate is currently $143 per day. "Obviously, the rate was lower in the past, but as Majority Leader, Senator Brightbill makes the rules," Stilp said.

In recent years, Brightbill has collected as much as $8,000 to more than $10,000 per year in extra income from the per diems. "He does not stay in hotels in Harrisburg, he merely pockets the money," Stilp said.

Stilp is also asking Brightbill for a full accounting of his per diems while in office. "No one knows what the real amount is. It may well total more than $100,000 in extra income. Only an audit of Brightbill's per diems will tell," Stilp noted. Senator Brightbill is also holding up passage of Governor Rendell's Minimum Wage Bill in the Senate.

While Stilp is not a resident of Brightbill's district, and the Senator will likely point this out, the anti-pay-raise activist notes that taxpayers across the commonwealth pay for the per diems, not just Brightbill's constituents.

"These tens of thousands of dollars Brightbill owes the taxpayers are in addition to the tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions he just returned to gambling interests. Simply put, 'Chip's dip' into the taxpayers' pocketbook for per diems has got to stop," Stilp concluded.

Mr. Stilp is currently running against Catherine Baker Knoll in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor. The election is May 16.

Citywide Wi-Fi to get public airing

Citywide Wi-Fi to get public airing council will hold an April 24 public hearing on the possibility of citywide Wi-Fi.

Saturday - Rogues and Pitt

The Rogues meet at 9 am in Saturday, April 15, 2006, at the Holiday Inn Select across
from South Hills Village, $13.00 per person. This month, all candidates for elective office get to speak on behalf their campaigns and the issues that they see important.

RSVP to Herb Ohliger, herb138 -at- fyi.net.

That afternoon Pitt's football team plays its blue-gold game at Heinz Field. Cost is $5.

Hope you enjoy your weekend.

Blog Fest Prom and Page Six Fiction and Social Interaction

Did you hear about how the one blogger's avatar went to the Duquesne Club and fell in love with the tourist in a tuxedo?

CMU/Pitt Nursebot Project Social interaction: A huge number of elderly people are forced to live alone, deprived of social contacts. The project seeks to explore whether robots can take over certain social functions.

Humm.... A nurse bot that tells you to take your meds, and injects a bit of blogging content into your veins as well.

Taken to the next level, perhaps we can agree that we can use technology to heal and be an interaction force to help people live longer. So, we should build bridges to social events in the tech world too.

I suggest that others in the Pgh Blogging Universe put together a PROM for May or June. I'll attend. But, sadly, I won't be able to organize it.

With a prom, there might be some newsworthy mentions in the local, if not statewide newspapers -- like who wore pink and who came in sneakers. And proms are one of those last chances to have a youthful fling, before hitting the 'real world.'

A bloggers prom event could be a milestone for maturity for the medium and the messengers' confab.

Another suggestion, if folks really wanted to play around like teens (and perhaps strive to re-caputure their youth) -- perhaps the ring-leaders should instigate a no-agenda, fiction filled, fun-only, interactive, project for scribes and creative types that aims to be a HYPE MACHINE --- like Page Six!

Page Six is the gossip page for an out-of-town newspaper. Recent reports of journalists and clebs pimping for PR and profit, (imagine that), adds fuel to the pay-ol-a fire.

Scandal, intrigue, escapades and brushes with the high-rollers (from boardroom to bedroom to nursing homes) could be cooked up -- as in fabricated -- into a 'soap opera' that plays among various sites. And, so as to not slander anyone, the characters could be movie stars and divas of an online origin for this drama.

Any D&D gamers on the scene in the Pgh Blog space? I bet some of the seniors would have a lot of spare time on their hands.

Fantasy games, clues, discovery, investigations, and more could happen -- just for the hell and thrill of it -- online and off. Then buzz and coverage would come -- with elusive behaviors expected.

Seneca Valley sells stadium naming rights

Way to go Mr. Caprara. Well done.

Seneca Valley sells stadium naming rights The Seneca Valley school board last night sold the naming rights of its football stadium to NexTier Bank in what may be the first transaction of its kind in Western Pennsylvania.

Raider Stadium will now be known as NexTier Stadium under a 10-year agreement whereby NexTier will pay the Butler County school district $50,000 over 10 years plus the expense of new signs.

Signage, including a NexTier Stadium name above the stadium entrance, the NexTier logo bar across visitors' side bleachers and NexTier logo flags on light posts, could be in place before the district's June 2 graduation at the stadium.

It is believed that this is the first partnership in Western Pennsylvania in which a high school stadium takes the name of a corporate sponsor, according to Greg Caprara, athletic director for the school district.

So, the Dormont Swim Pool naming rights should be the next on the auction block.

And, I'd love to see a region wide sales effort. This was part of my position paper on parks a few years ago. Sell the naming rights to lots of assets -- but do so in a more ogananized and more profitable way.

Just as the high-end auction houses put together the big players for a bidding event -- the same could be organized for other efforts in a catalog and in person.

Heck, perhaps one of Terry Bradshaw's game-day jerseys would have been featured as a 'down-payment' to create the endowment.

FWIW, Greg Caprara, A.D., hired me as the varsity swim coach at Fox Chapel for the girls and boys teams a couple of years ago. We surfed through a transition season and this year, the (girl) Foxes got 2nd in the WPIALs. Greg is good for sports in the region as he is a 'think outside the box' leader.

Rocky Mountain News: Rocky Ride for Pirates: Tossing Rocks by Keaton

Sports and Journalism.... humm...

Rocky Mountain News: Columnists This is a pretty adept PR job by Major League Baseball, which has managed to make the question, 'If the press didn't know, how were we supposed to know?' Too bad Enron didn't think of that.

In fact, two reporters from the San Francisco Chronicle forced baseball to act, but critics point out these were not sportswriters but news-side guys.

As Mark Jurkowitz of The Phoenix in Boston wrote last week, sports have become a big seller for newspapers and other media, which are looking for sales drivers in a big way.

Nice article on the role of Journalist and Sports Coverage.

Major Leage Baseball lost me. I don't even want my kids to play baseball, sadly. I don't want to take them to PNC Park -- and I think it is way better to go to a high school baseball game. Perhaps my kids will go to PNC Park to watch high school baseball at the end of the year. I'd rather see High School Baseball every day in PNC Park -- and sidestep the Pirates. But, I'm going overboard a tad.

According to Jurkowitz, Buster Olney, formerly of The New York Times and now of ESPN, wrote this in The Times 10 days ago: "I had a role in baseball's institutional failure during what will be forever known as the Steroid Era." In my sport, swimming, we had an era of steroids. One time of serious concern was the 1976 Olympics. Time stamp that! And, we didn't ignore the issue. Baseball did.

And, now, baseball isn't welcome in the Olympic Village. Baseball has been given the boot and won't be a part of the London Olympics in 2012. It is too late to give them the cold-shoulder for 2008.

As for weightlifters and sports reporters -- well -- I've got some history there too. When I published books, we did a good bit of work on putting out some anti-doping materials.

And, I've not been publishing for more than 10 years -- so time stamp that too!

Baseball's reporters -- and the bulk (pun intended) of the mainstream reporters on sports are both naive -- and they do need to share the blame. Same too for the corporations that employ the scribes. The Post Gazette used to own part of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Other media companies (Cubs) have big interests in various teams too.

I don't care much about the 'conflict of interest' -- but I do care that the conflict was not revealed. Disney, ESPN, and the Mighty Ducks can all have stock owners with the same bank accounts. But shine a light on the news for goodness sakes.

Heads up to Lifeguard and EMS friends -- free offer for swap out

A special offer came to our attention concerning a Cervical Immobilization Device (CID). This would apply to swim pools, EMS crews, hospitals, firehouses, and such.

The company, Laerdal Medical, developed a SpeedBlocks Immobilizer. SpeedBlocks are the best device for, not only EMS field use, but for lifeguards and Water Rescue Technicians. SpeedBlocks are the very best head immobilizer system available.

Laerdal Medical is offering a Free Swap-out Program by which you can swap out your current head immobilizer for a Laerdal SpeedBlocks immobilizer. This program is available directly through the manufacturer.

Access the Laerdal Swap-out program at http://www.laerdal.com/3536/speedblocksform.htm.



For additional information on this product and skills, access the SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION SECTION of the Lifesaving Resources’ ONLINE CATALOG.