Thursday, April 28, 2005
CMU Student Feels the WalMart Love
This Carnegie Mellon student learned the hard way about what free speech really means. He should have put up a "WalMart Sucks" site. Crude, but more likely to be legally acceptable.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
More on Local File Sharing
In this morning's Post-Gazette, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) defends its suits against college students:
Tens of thousands of people laid off by recording companies? If that's true, I'd expect to see them marching in the streets. Does the recording industry even employ tens of thousands of people in the first place? Here's an old story that suggests that the recording companies barely employ tens of thousands of people in the first place. By the way, how many new jobs have been created by companies developing new technologies for creating and distributing music online?
Songwriters in Nashville? Are Pitt and CMU students really downloading Montgomery Gentry in huge numbers? Is that the problem? Well, then (Bye, Bye, Birdie reference ahead), what's the matter with kids today? What's wrong with hip hop?
And record stores closing? Can you say "amazon.com"? How about "iTunes"?
"This is not a victimless crime," said Jonathan Lamy, spokesman for the Washington, D.C., group. "Recording companies have laid off tens of thousand of employees. Half the songwriters in Nashville are no longer in the business of writing songs because they cannot make a living.
"Record stores, particularly around college campuses, are closing," he said.
Tens of thousands of people laid off by recording companies? If that's true, I'd expect to see them marching in the streets. Does the recording industry even employ tens of thousands of people in the first place? Here's an old story that suggests that the recording companies barely employ tens of thousands of people in the first place. By the way, how many new jobs have been created by companies developing new technologies for creating and distributing music online?
Songwriters in Nashville? Are Pitt and CMU students really downloading Montgomery Gentry in huge numbers? Is that the problem? Well, then (Bye, Bye, Birdie reference ahead), what's the matter with kids today? What's wrong with hip hop?
And record stores closing? Can you say "amazon.com"? How about "iTunes"?
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Pittsburgh With a Twist
The whole There-is-interesting-stuff-going-on-in-Pittsburgh "thing" is growing, slowly. Welcome to the blogosphere to Pittsburgh With a Twist, a new blog with precisely that theme. Check it out.
You Can't Compete With Free
Since the story has something to do with intellectual property and innovation, here's a link to Ol' Froth's coverage of WeatherGate, Rick Santorum's effort to make the citizens of this country pay private firms for weather forecasts.
Next on the list: The Senator may introduce a bill banning the operation of drinking fountains, on the ground that free water subverts incentives for bottled water companies to innovate. And all of you people out there watching broadcast television and listening to the radio? Watch out.
Next on the list: The Senator may introduce a bill banning the operation of drinking fountains, on the ground that free water subverts incentives for bottled water companies to innovate. And all of you people out there watching broadcast television and listening to the radio? Watch out.
The Front
I picked this up in Kiva Han this morning: The Front Weekly. The writing and editing is a little rough at the edges, but it's interesting. Is it locally produced?
Local Podcasting
The Post-Gazette runs a nice feature on podcasting that includes mentions of EMayhem and Mike Woycheck of PGHBloggers fame. Post links to additional local podcasters in the Comments.
Peduto is All Over This Blog! More From Bill
Here is more from Bill Peduto, first replying to my critique, then answering the rest of the outstanding questions. To make things clearer, my comments and the questions are in bold font; Bill Peduto's comments are in regular font.
In response to my critique: About your critique, I focused on in-migration as a term applying to all living outside Pittsburgh – not just immigrants. I believe encouraging in-migration and reducing out-migration are inter-related, and I’d disagree with your assertion that elected leaders shouldn’t worry about out-migration. An article in the June issue of American Demographics cites Pittsburgh as a national leader in attracting educated immigrants – largely because of our universities – and I believe improving our quality of life would encourage these immigrants to stay and create businesses and wealth here in Pittsburgh. I guess we’ll agree to disagree.
Four: Congratulations. You've won. You've got 60 days to get off on the right foot and make a difference. Identify the first 5 substantive things that you want to accomplish in that time.
The first 100 days have traditionally been the measuring stick of administrations, but we’ll start with the first 60. I wanted to list accomplishments that can be completed or nearly completed in that time – so the list is not earth-shattering, but the ideas are significant. I didn’t want to say “I’ll start to …” on every question.
In no particular order:
1. I will seek RFP’s from outside sources who will go after the abusers of the system that improperly list outside of Pittsburgh locations as their primary residence, underreport income, and do not file change of addresses with the city. I will go after those violators that commit fraud against the people of Pittsburgh by not paying their fair share. All of the responsible, tax-paying citizens of Pittsburgh are currently paying for those abusers who are not paying their fair share. If Pittsburgh recovered an extra 10% in unreported Property, Wage, and EMS Taxes, the city could save an additional $10 million each year. The city will select an outside source that will take payment based on a percentage of the total amount they are able to collect. Above and beyond this, I will aggressively pursue delinquent tax and citation payments.
2. As mayor, I will create a parks commission, similar to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Commission, which will preserve and protect open space, create recreation opportunities, and maintain all park landscape and structures. This public/private partnership will provide greater recreational opportunities for the community, while saving taxpayers dollars.
3. I pushed for Pittsburgh to adopt the successful CitiStat program to track city services as a councilman, but I don’t think it has been utilized correctly by this administration. As mayor, I will make sure that Pittsburgh realizes the full potential of a well-operated CitiStat system. The program saved Baltimore at least $13.2 million in the first year, and we haven’t seen proportionally similar savings – and we can. The program essentially holds managers and shift supervisors responsible for city employees work, and I’ll make sure the program is an effective tool for efficiency.
4. I will reinstate the Community Oriented Policing program to put officers back into the neighborhoods. I will merge the city and county arson squads, bomb squads, police training operations, homicide investigation, and warrant office services to save the city approximately $4.2 million per year. By moving specialized police operations to the county, the city will have the officers needed to reinstate the COP program.
5. Absentee landlords have stood by and watched while properties they own in the city decay and with them our neighborhoods. I wrote the legislation creating Operation Red. This program allows for the placement of large red signs in front of properties that have been cited for numerous building code violations and where the necessary repairs have not yet been made. These large red signs provide neighbors with an address and phone number of the absentee landlord. Operation Red is an effective tool for both citizens upset that nothing has been done and community groups who have been fighting with absentee landlords who have allowed their properties to fall into disrepair. As Mayor, I will reinstate this program and encourage all concerned citizens and community organizations to nominate properties for Operation Red. If we pressure these absentee property owners together as a community, we can and will win back our neighborhoods.
One: The most pressing issue for Pittsburgh is job growth. The Mayor has limited power in this area. What should the Mayor do to promote job growth in the region? Assuming that the task is really a collaborative one, who else must participate actively in whatever steps you outline? Speak to the long-term as well as to the short-term.
Short term, the URA no longer is going to be the organization responsible for the big projects in our region. Our shoulders aren’t big enough for that load. The URA was the most forward-thinking, innovative organization for economic development … in 1946. It made sense when 2/3rds of the county lived within the city. It’s time to modernize it. It’s time to merge the planning department and the URA and create a department of Neighborhood Development and Planning. How does this create jobs? We are going to focus on our neighborhoods and turn our neighborhood main streets into small business incubators – because small businesses provide approximately 75 percent of new jobs in today’s economy.
Long term, I’m going to work with the county to create a single unified economic development agency as part of an enhanced countywide planning department. So the county must be – not just an active participant with the city – but the leader in economic development. The greatest detriment to development remains the fractionalized efforts to plan for our future. When we create a county-wide plan for future growth, we can assure that Pittsburgh competes with Buffalo, Cleveland and Cincinnati, instead of the airport corridor and Robinson. We are going to focus that unified power on real economic development – new economy industry clusters. We’re giving up political turf, so I’m going to hold the county accountable to ensure it’s focused on creating real economic growth. Real economic development is not Wal-Marts in Deer Creek. It’s creating an environment where small, high-tech businesses grow and compete in a global economy. After we turn over the keys and unify economic development, we’re going to focus economic development on the new economy.
Longer term, we are also going to address the uncompetitive tax-structure that holds Pittsburgh down. It’s been said that Pittsburgh would be a great city in any other state. Unfortunately we are stuck with Pennsylvania’s pre-WWII industrial era tax structure that only allows us to raise 4 taxes – and we are maxed out on all four. After we work within the Act 47 framework to streamline government, we will partner with the 53 third-class cities that face the same problem and go to Harrisburg to create a fair and competitive tax structure for Pennsylvania cities. Harrisburg won’t listen if it’s just Pittsburgh’s problem – why would the representative from Coudersport want to fix Pittsburgh’s problem? – but if we actively partner with Erie, Meadville, Johnstown, and other cities facing the same situation we can create a bipartisan coalition to explain to Harrisburg the need for reform.
Reader submitted: If you are elected, would you pressure the URA to sell of the properties it has been sitting on Downtown, in the hopes of spurring private development?
Yes. We need to return these properties to the tax rolls. Fifth and Forbes has been an embarrassment. I will not let parts of downtown decay while city leaders wait for a “suitable” all-encompassing retail project.
Pittsburgh needs to change from the current model of focusing on attracting national big box retail to downtown, to supporting and creating opportunities for locally owned enterprises. We must avoid trying to play catch-up with cities like Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Baltimore, and instead create a one-of-a-kind local flavor. New urban development promotes the uniqueness of a region, and it doesn’t choose winners and losers.
In response to my critique: About your critique, I focused on in-migration as a term applying to all living outside Pittsburgh – not just immigrants. I believe encouraging in-migration and reducing out-migration are inter-related, and I’d disagree with your assertion that elected leaders shouldn’t worry about out-migration. An article in the June issue of American Demographics cites Pittsburgh as a national leader in attracting educated immigrants – largely because of our universities – and I believe improving our quality of life would encourage these immigrants to stay and create businesses and wealth here in Pittsburgh. I guess we’ll agree to disagree.
Four: Congratulations. You've won. You've got 60 days to get off on the right foot and make a difference. Identify the first 5 substantive things that you want to accomplish in that time.
The first 100 days have traditionally been the measuring stick of administrations, but we’ll start with the first 60. I wanted to list accomplishments that can be completed or nearly completed in that time – so the list is not earth-shattering, but the ideas are significant. I didn’t want to say “I’ll start to …” on every question.
In no particular order:
1. I will seek RFP’s from outside sources who will go after the abusers of the system that improperly list outside of Pittsburgh locations as their primary residence, underreport income, and do not file change of addresses with the city. I will go after those violators that commit fraud against the people of Pittsburgh by not paying their fair share. All of the responsible, tax-paying citizens of Pittsburgh are currently paying for those abusers who are not paying their fair share. If Pittsburgh recovered an extra 10% in unreported Property, Wage, and EMS Taxes, the city could save an additional $10 million each year. The city will select an outside source that will take payment based on a percentage of the total amount they are able to collect. Above and beyond this, I will aggressively pursue delinquent tax and citation payments.
2. As mayor, I will create a parks commission, similar to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Commission, which will preserve and protect open space, create recreation opportunities, and maintain all park landscape and structures. This public/private partnership will provide greater recreational opportunities for the community, while saving taxpayers dollars.
3. I pushed for Pittsburgh to adopt the successful CitiStat program to track city services as a councilman, but I don’t think it has been utilized correctly by this administration. As mayor, I will make sure that Pittsburgh realizes the full potential of a well-operated CitiStat system. The program saved Baltimore at least $13.2 million in the first year, and we haven’t seen proportionally similar savings – and we can. The program essentially holds managers and shift supervisors responsible for city employees work, and I’ll make sure the program is an effective tool for efficiency.
4. I will reinstate the Community Oriented Policing program to put officers back into the neighborhoods. I will merge the city and county arson squads, bomb squads, police training operations, homicide investigation, and warrant office services to save the city approximately $4.2 million per year. By moving specialized police operations to the county, the city will have the officers needed to reinstate the COP program.
5. Absentee landlords have stood by and watched while properties they own in the city decay and with them our neighborhoods. I wrote the legislation creating Operation Red. This program allows for the placement of large red signs in front of properties that have been cited for numerous building code violations and where the necessary repairs have not yet been made. These large red signs provide neighbors with an address and phone number of the absentee landlord. Operation Red is an effective tool for both citizens upset that nothing has been done and community groups who have been fighting with absentee landlords who have allowed their properties to fall into disrepair. As Mayor, I will reinstate this program and encourage all concerned citizens and community organizations to nominate properties for Operation Red. If we pressure these absentee property owners together as a community, we can and will win back our neighborhoods.
One: The most pressing issue for Pittsburgh is job growth. The Mayor has limited power in this area. What should the Mayor do to promote job growth in the region? Assuming that the task is really a collaborative one, who else must participate actively in whatever steps you outline? Speak to the long-term as well as to the short-term.
Short term, the URA no longer is going to be the organization responsible for the big projects in our region. Our shoulders aren’t big enough for that load. The URA was the most forward-thinking, innovative organization for economic development … in 1946. It made sense when 2/3rds of the county lived within the city. It’s time to modernize it. It’s time to merge the planning department and the URA and create a department of Neighborhood Development and Planning. How does this create jobs? We are going to focus on our neighborhoods and turn our neighborhood main streets into small business incubators – because small businesses provide approximately 75 percent of new jobs in today’s economy.
Long term, I’m going to work with the county to create a single unified economic development agency as part of an enhanced countywide planning department. So the county must be – not just an active participant with the city – but the leader in economic development. The greatest detriment to development remains the fractionalized efforts to plan for our future. When we create a county-wide plan for future growth, we can assure that Pittsburgh competes with Buffalo, Cleveland and Cincinnati, instead of the airport corridor and Robinson. We are going to focus that unified power on real economic development – new economy industry clusters. We’re giving up political turf, so I’m going to hold the county accountable to ensure it’s focused on creating real economic growth. Real economic development is not Wal-Marts in Deer Creek. It’s creating an environment where small, high-tech businesses grow and compete in a global economy. After we turn over the keys and unify economic development, we’re going to focus economic development on the new economy.
Longer term, we are also going to address the uncompetitive tax-structure that holds Pittsburgh down. It’s been said that Pittsburgh would be a great city in any other state. Unfortunately we are stuck with Pennsylvania’s pre-WWII industrial era tax structure that only allows us to raise 4 taxes – and we are maxed out on all four. After we work within the Act 47 framework to streamline government, we will partner with the 53 third-class cities that face the same problem and go to Harrisburg to create a fair and competitive tax structure for Pennsylvania cities. Harrisburg won’t listen if it’s just Pittsburgh’s problem – why would the representative from Coudersport want to fix Pittsburgh’s problem? – but if we actively partner with Erie, Meadville, Johnstown, and other cities facing the same situation we can create a bipartisan coalition to explain to Harrisburg the need for reform.
Reader submitted: If you are elected, would you pressure the URA to sell of the properties it has been sitting on Downtown, in the hopes of spurring private development?
Yes. We need to return these properties to the tax rolls. Fifth and Forbes has been an embarrassment. I will not let parts of downtown decay while city leaders wait for a “suitable” all-encompassing retail project.
Pittsburgh needs to change from the current model of focusing on attracting national big box retail to downtown, to supporting and creating opportunities for locally owned enterprises. We must avoid trying to play catch-up with cities like Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Baltimore, and instead create a one-of-a-kind local flavor. New urban development promotes the uniqueness of a region, and it doesn’t choose winners and losers.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Critiquing Bill Peduto
I don't want to sound like an ungrateful host, but Bill, you didn't really answer the question. Of course, partly this was my fault: I didn't ask a specific question. I asked about in-migration.
I should have asked about recruiting large numbers of immigrants willing to work as laborers and start small businesses, and work their way from the lower class up to the middle class. But Pittsburgh needs those people. How do we get them to move here?
I should have asked about white collar managers willing to relocate their families to Pittsburgh to start new companies, and grow and lead existing ones. Pittsburgh needs those people, too. How do we get them to move here?
The answer talks about stopping out-migration, but I didn't ask about stopping out-migration. I'm not particularly concerned about that, and I think that our political leadership should stop wringing their hands over it. Let the young people go! If we've trained them properly, a lot of them will come back, and those that don't will speak well of the City.
The answer talks about neighborhood self-determination, but I didn't ask about that. It looks to me like a lot of Pittsburgh neighborhoods are thriving. It's the City government that's terrible; neighborhood government, by and large, is in good hands.
The answer talks about attracting and retaining the Creative Class. Again, that's not something I asked about -- not because it isn't important (though I'm not a Floridian), but because the arts community is something that the university and nonprofit sectors should be nurturing. The Mayor's Office can reach out to artists once the rest of the City is employed.
I should have asked about recruiting large numbers of immigrants willing to work as laborers and start small businesses, and work their way from the lower class up to the middle class. But Pittsburgh needs those people. How do we get them to move here?
I should have asked about white collar managers willing to relocate their families to Pittsburgh to start new companies, and grow and lead existing ones. Pittsburgh needs those people, too. How do we get them to move here?
The answer talks about stopping out-migration, but I didn't ask about stopping out-migration. I'm not particularly concerned about that, and I think that our political leadership should stop wringing their hands over it. Let the young people go! If we've trained them properly, a lot of them will come back, and those that don't will speak well of the City.
The answer talks about neighborhood self-determination, but I didn't ask about that. It looks to me like a lot of Pittsburgh neighborhoods are thriving. It's the City government that's terrible; neighborhood government, by and large, is in good hands.
The answer talks about attracting and retaining the Creative Class. Again, that's not something I asked about -- not because it isn't important (though I'm not a Floridian), but because the arts community is something that the university and nonprofit sectors should be nurturing. The Mayor's Office can reach out to artists once the rest of the City is employed.
Bill Peduto Replies Again
Here's the candidate's reply to Question Three:
Question: What steps should the Mayor take to promote in-migration to the region?
Answer:
I’m often asked, “What can we do to attract more young people to the region, and keep the ones we have?”
It’s an important question and it’s why I established the Guyasuta Fellowship, in which young Pittsburghers are given the opportunity to work on solutions to important challenges facing our city, such as public transportation and the streamlining of government services.
Before we start talking solutions, let’s look at the facts. The U.S. Census Bureau released estimates on April 14 showing Allegheny County with a population of 1,250,867 in 2004, 8,309 less than 2003. There are many factors contributing to local population decline. Some of it is purely demographic. Births in the region have not kept pace with deaths. In fact, 18 percent of metropolitan Pittsburgh's population is 65 or older. (Nationwide the population is only 12 percent 65+.) So, demographically we start at a disadvantage if the goal is simply increasing population.
However, according to an analysis of the census bureau estimates, most of our population loss was because of residents leaving the area.
What do we do to reverse the trend of young professionals leaving the city?
It’s simple: listen to them.
I’m fortunate that I represent – according to the most recent statistics – the youngest council district in the city. Almost half of Shadyside is under 40, and I have both CMU and Pitt in my district. Between my district and the Guyasuta Fellowship I’m blessed with a sort of permanent ad hoc focus group on how to attract and retain young professionals to the city.
If we listen to the wants and needs of the young professionals, government can better serve the neighborhoods and build the type of communities that attract young professionals. The model of successful regions is one where public opinion is used to build consensus. By engaging young professionals and bringing them to the table we will design communities that appeal to the “Creative Class.” As mayor, I will reach out to all facets of our city because creating diverse, vibrant communities is the cornerstone of a New Pittsburgh.
And, I’ve proven my ability and willingness to do this as a councilman.
I’ve championed Community Based Development to create a common vision for how we grow as a city and as a region, while preserving and protecting what makes Pittsburgh special — our 88 unique residential neighborhoods. As mayor, I will create a citywide Community Based Development system that will allow all Pittsburgh residents to have a say in the future of their neighborhood and our city.
In addition to championing Community Based Development, I've worked to strengthen our neighborhoods' cultural fabric.
I’ve also partnered with the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance and ProArts when we held Civics 101: City Services for Artists. We introduced hundreds of young Pittsburgh artists to the city officials who manage the city’s event planning, public works, and parks and recreation. This educational program explained to artists how to display public art, create events, and perform in public, and it improved our quality of life by supporting events and festivals that invigorate community spirit, promote, tourism, and contribute economic and social benefits to the Greater Pittsburgh region.
By enabling youth to participate in planning and governing of our city and breaking down barriers to create a city of vibrant, diverse and culturally stimulating neighborhoods we can increase Pittsburgh’s attractiveness to young professionals and hopefully reverse some of the demographic trends within our control.
Question: What steps should the Mayor take to promote in-migration to the region?
Answer:
I’m often asked, “What can we do to attract more young people to the region, and keep the ones we have?”
It’s an important question and it’s why I established the Guyasuta Fellowship, in which young Pittsburghers are given the opportunity to work on solutions to important challenges facing our city, such as public transportation and the streamlining of government services.
Before we start talking solutions, let’s look at the facts. The U.S. Census Bureau released estimates on April 14 showing Allegheny County with a population of 1,250,867 in 2004, 8,309 less than 2003. There are many factors contributing to local population decline. Some of it is purely demographic. Births in the region have not kept pace with deaths. In fact, 18 percent of metropolitan Pittsburgh's population is 65 or older. (Nationwide the population is only 12 percent 65+.) So, demographically we start at a disadvantage if the goal is simply increasing population.
However, according to an analysis of the census bureau estimates, most of our population loss was because of residents leaving the area.
What do we do to reverse the trend of young professionals leaving the city?
It’s simple: listen to them.
I’m fortunate that I represent – according to the most recent statistics – the youngest council district in the city. Almost half of Shadyside is under 40, and I have both CMU and Pitt in my district. Between my district and the Guyasuta Fellowship I’m blessed with a sort of permanent ad hoc focus group on how to attract and retain young professionals to the city.
If we listen to the wants and needs of the young professionals, government can better serve the neighborhoods and build the type of communities that attract young professionals. The model of successful regions is one where public opinion is used to build consensus. By engaging young professionals and bringing them to the table we will design communities that appeal to the “Creative Class.” As mayor, I will reach out to all facets of our city because creating diverse, vibrant communities is the cornerstone of a New Pittsburgh.
And, I’ve proven my ability and willingness to do this as a councilman.
I’ve championed Community Based Development to create a common vision for how we grow as a city and as a region, while preserving and protecting what makes Pittsburgh special — our 88 unique residential neighborhoods. As mayor, I will create a citywide Community Based Development system that will allow all Pittsburgh residents to have a say in the future of their neighborhood and our city.
In addition to championing Community Based Development, I've worked to strengthen our neighborhoods' cultural fabric.
I’ve also partnered with the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance and ProArts when we held Civics 101: City Services for Artists. We introduced hundreds of young Pittsburgh artists to the city officials who manage the city’s event planning, public works, and parks and recreation. This educational program explained to artists how to display public art, create events, and perform in public, and it improved our quality of life by supporting events and festivals that invigorate community spirit, promote, tourism, and contribute economic and social benefits to the Greater Pittsburgh region.
By enabling youth to participate in planning and governing of our city and breaking down barriers to create a city of vibrant, diverse and culturally stimulating neighborhoods we can increase Pittsburgh’s attractiveness to young professionals and hopefully reverse some of the demographic trends within our control.
New Head of Technology Transfer for Pitt
Recruited from industry: Marc Malandro takes over Pitt's technology transfer business.
Another Question for Bill Peduto
Submitted by a reader:
If you are elected, would you pressure the URA to sell of the properties it has been sitting on Downtown, in the hopes of spurring private development?
If not, what do you think is to be gained by allowing the URA to continue to drive Downtown redevelopment?
If you are elected, would you pressure the URA to sell of the properties it has been sitting on Downtown, in the hopes of spurring private development?
If not, what do you think is to be gained by allowing the URA to continue to drive Downtown redevelopment?
Rauterkus on Peduto on Pittsblog
Mark Rauterkus critiques Bill Peduto's A to my Q. And Mark has much more on the mayor's race.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network
News to me: The home page for the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network.
NonProfit Summit
Pittsburgh's Nonprofit Summit 2005 comes to the Convention Center this coming Tuesday. Though the program looks deep and interesting, it also looks very traditional and conventional. Here's the session that caught my eye, and not in a good way:
Holy Taylorism! Nonprofits can't be cavalier with their money. But achieving real impact means taking real risks and accepting that sometimes, those risks don't pay off. Low risk = low return.
J. Measuring Change: The Why, The What, The How. Where are you headed? What do you want to accomplish? How are you going to monitor changes that are taking place? This interactive session will enhance your ability to design and implement a plan and process to measure change. It will clarify the reasons and purpose for measuring change, define the types of elements to be measured, identify approaches and strategies for measuring change, and provide an overview of the logic model. Be prepared to apply these ideas and principles to your individual situation.
Holy Taylorism! Nonprofits can't be cavalier with their money. But achieving real impact means taking real risks and accepting that sometimes, those risks don't pay off. Low risk = low return.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Philosophy at Pitt
It appears that Pitt's world-beating Department of Philosophy has made a noteworthy senior faculty appointment: Welcome to Pittsburgh to Thomas Ricketts, from Northwestern.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Bill Peduto Replies
Mayoral candidate Bill Peduto supplies this A to one of my Q's:
Question: Why should residents of the City be optimistic about the future of Pittsburgh?
Answer:
Prof. Madison:
First, thank you for hosting this Q & A. The support of local blogs was a large factor in my decision to run and blogs have been invaluable in supporting my campaign. I wanted to be the first democratic mayoral candidate to recognize the importance of local blogs, and I hope the other campaigns will follow suit.
I’ll answer this question first because optimism about Pittsburgh is the theme of your blog.
We need to – and can – restore hope in Pittsburgh. If you’ve ever seen me at a debate or forum you’ve heard me say this. Because, one: it’s true. And, two: Grant Street hasn’t given us a lot to be proud of lately, and I want to change that.
I was elected at the perfect time because I was there to make the tough votes and fight for the reforms we need to fix the city. In fact, I was the first elected official to call on the city to seek Act 47 status to avoid bankruptcy, and no other councilmember would even “second the motion” to bring it up for a vote. (One mayoral candidate was sitting right next to me as this happened.) There have been a lot of difficult choices and votes, but I was fortunate because even when some of my ideas didn’t pass – they were later adopted as part of the Act 47 reform plan.
I’m optimistic, because Act 47 and the Oversight Board have given us this remarkable opportunity to make the significant structural changes we need. It’s why I’m running for mayor: We have four to six years to change the city for the next 20. People said I was crazy when I first proposed many of my reforms – regionalism was a dirty word to most local politicians because people were afraid to give up turf – but citizens responded positively. So now, more than three years after I was sworn-in, almost every mayoral candidate is proposing reforms that sound similar to mine. It shows my ideas have resonated with Pittsburgh residents. I honestly believe City residents want candidates with the courage to reform, and some candidates are finally starting to realize this. Bob O’Connor had three terms on council to propose these ideas, but he never did. I started proposing these changes my very first day in office.
So there’s a critical choice in this election. Everybody running for mayor is a nice guy – I like all of the candidates on a personal level – but while everyone talks about change, I’ve actually done it. I cut my salary and reduced my office expenses 20 percent. I’ve proven that I have the vision to reform and the courage to make the tough decisions. We shifted the paradigm during my first term on council and I’ll continue to look out for the best interests of Pittsburgh taxpayers as mayor.
So, contrary to what many might feel right now, I’m optimistic, because we have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to restructure our city – if we choose to elect a true reformer as mayor.
Aside from the opportunity to reform the city, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Community leaders are working to revitalize their neighborhoods in all parts of this city. The transformation of Lawrenceville is remarkable. It’s amazing to see what a group of dedicated business owners and young artists have done to that neighborhood – and I believe we can support similar revitalization city-wide.
During this campaign, I have been fortunate to visit every city neighborhood. There is so much activity, culture and nightlife happening in Pittsburgh. It’s remarkable some young Pittsburgh residents tell me they see Pittsburgh as a dying city. (I’ll talk about this more when I answer questions 1 and 3.) It’s been a pleasure to soak in all the culture, and I encourage everyone to experience it. Every neighborhood has its secret treasures – cuts at Fiori’s in Brookline, Taza D’Oro in Highland Park, the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty, Butler Street in Lawrenceville and Penn Avenue in Garfield. I could go on and on. I hope we don’t take these treasures for granted – I know you don’t. The strength of our neighborhoods – and what they can become if elected officials listen to them – should be a reason for optimism.
Also, the Steelers are on Monday night three times in 2005.
Question: Why should residents of the City be optimistic about the future of Pittsburgh?
Answer:
Prof. Madison:
First, thank you for hosting this Q & A. The support of local blogs was a large factor in my decision to run and blogs have been invaluable in supporting my campaign. I wanted to be the first democratic mayoral candidate to recognize the importance of local blogs, and I hope the other campaigns will follow suit.
I’ll answer this question first because optimism about Pittsburgh is the theme of your blog.
We need to – and can – restore hope in Pittsburgh. If you’ve ever seen me at a debate or forum you’ve heard me say this. Because, one: it’s true. And, two: Grant Street hasn’t given us a lot to be proud of lately, and I want to change that.
I was elected at the perfect time because I was there to make the tough votes and fight for the reforms we need to fix the city. In fact, I was the first elected official to call on the city to seek Act 47 status to avoid bankruptcy, and no other councilmember would even “second the motion” to bring it up for a vote. (One mayoral candidate was sitting right next to me as this happened.) There have been a lot of difficult choices and votes, but I was fortunate because even when some of my ideas didn’t pass – they were later adopted as part of the Act 47 reform plan.
I’m optimistic, because Act 47 and the Oversight Board have given us this remarkable opportunity to make the significant structural changes we need. It’s why I’m running for mayor: We have four to six years to change the city for the next 20. People said I was crazy when I first proposed many of my reforms – regionalism was a dirty word to most local politicians because people were afraid to give up turf – but citizens responded positively. So now, more than three years after I was sworn-in, almost every mayoral candidate is proposing reforms that sound similar to mine. It shows my ideas have resonated with Pittsburgh residents. I honestly believe City residents want candidates with the courage to reform, and some candidates are finally starting to realize this. Bob O’Connor had three terms on council to propose these ideas, but he never did. I started proposing these changes my very first day in office.
So there’s a critical choice in this election. Everybody running for mayor is a nice guy – I like all of the candidates on a personal level – but while everyone talks about change, I’ve actually done it. I cut my salary and reduced my office expenses 20 percent. I’ve proven that I have the vision to reform and the courage to make the tough decisions. We shifted the paradigm during my first term on council and I’ll continue to look out for the best interests of Pittsburgh taxpayers as mayor.
So, contrary to what many might feel right now, I’m optimistic, because we have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to restructure our city – if we choose to elect a true reformer as mayor.
Aside from the opportunity to reform the city, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Community leaders are working to revitalize their neighborhoods in all parts of this city. The transformation of Lawrenceville is remarkable. It’s amazing to see what a group of dedicated business owners and young artists have done to that neighborhood – and I believe we can support similar revitalization city-wide.
During this campaign, I have been fortunate to visit every city neighborhood. There is so much activity, culture and nightlife happening in Pittsburgh. It’s remarkable some young Pittsburgh residents tell me they see Pittsburgh as a dying city. (I’ll talk about this more when I answer questions 1 and 3.) It’s been a pleasure to soak in all the culture, and I encourage everyone to experience it. Every neighborhood has its secret treasures – cuts at Fiori’s in Brookline, Taza D’Oro in Highland Park, the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty, Butler Street in Lawrenceville and Penn Avenue in Garfield. I could go on and on. I hope we don’t take these treasures for granted – I know you don’t. The strength of our neighborhoods – and what they can become if elected officials listen to them – should be a reason for optimism.
Also, the Steelers are on Monday night three times in 2005.
New Pitt Law Dean
I'm proud to note that the University of Pittsburgh has appointed a new Dean of the School of Law, where I teach: Mary Crossley, currently on the faculty of Florida State University, and a specialist in health law. Here's the university's press release. Dean-to-be Crossley and I practiced law together briefly in San Francisco many years ago. She is a great choice for Pitt.
Duquesne has also appointed a new Dean for its law school, Donald Guter, a Duquesne alum with a distinguished career as a lawyer in the Navy, but with no prior academic experience. Here's the Duquesne press release.
Duquesne has also appointed a new Dean for its law school, Donald Guter, a Duquesne alum with a distinguished career as a lawyer in the Navy, but with no prior academic experience. Here's the Duquesne press release.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Q & A With Bill Peduto
The Bill Peduto for Mayor campaign contacted me yesterday to ask if Pittsblog would be willing to host some blogosphere Q&A with the candidate. The answer is: Absolutely. And I'm happy to do the same for any and all other mayoral candidates.
Here's the first list of questions that I sent over. Watch Pittsblog for Bill Peduto's responses. If you have questions that you'd like to put to the candidate, send them my way at pittprofessor@yahoo.com.
One: The most pressing issue for Pittsburgh is job growth. The Mayor has limited power in this area. What should the Mayor do to promote job growth in the region? Assuming that the task is really a collaborative one, who else must participate actively in whatever steps you outline? Speak to the long-term as well as to the short-term.
Two: Why should residents of the City be optimistic about the future of Pittsburgh?
Three: What steps should the Mayor take to promote in-migration to the region?
Four: Congratulations. You've won. You've got 60 days to get off on the right foot and make a difference. Identify the first 5 substantive things that you want to accomplish in that time.
Here's the first list of questions that I sent over. Watch Pittsblog for Bill Peduto's responses. If you have questions that you'd like to put to the candidate, send them my way at pittprofessor@yahoo.com.
One: The most pressing issue for Pittsburgh is job growth. The Mayor has limited power in this area. What should the Mayor do to promote job growth in the region? Assuming that the task is really a collaborative one, who else must participate actively in whatever steps you outline? Speak to the long-term as well as to the short-term.
Two: Why should residents of the City be optimistic about the future of Pittsburgh?
Three: What steps should the Mayor take to promote in-migration to the region?
Four: Congratulations. You've won. You've got 60 days to get off on the right foot and make a difference. Identify the first 5 substantive things that you want to accomplish in that time.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
School Board Elections
Are the procedures and requirements for conducting elections in Allegheny County (including school board elections) online anywhere? Hard copy information is available from the Allegheny County Elections Division, but that website is singularly unhelpful. Email me at pittprofessor@yahoo.com if you have a link or have posted the information online. Thanks.
Bad Lawyering
The USA Patriot needs fewer friends like local US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan. The defense of the law that appears under her byline in today's P-G is so badly reasoned that it might be fair to conclude the law shouldn't be renewed -- despite the fact that it includes some sensible stuff -- on the ground that the arguments used its proponents are so inept.
Here's the logic of the piece. First, since the Patriot Act was passed, the Justice Department has followed the relevant rules in seeking permission to search for stuff that older law allegedly didn't allow. Second, because federal judges are required to approve Justice Department requests, there is an outside check on law enforcement. Third, the Justice Department only searches for stuff relating to terrorists, so law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear. And fourth, while the Justice Department has been doing this, there have been no major terrorist attacks on American soil since 9/11. Therefore, the Patriot Act is obviously a good thing.
Alas, that logic would barely earn a "C" in one of my classes. The piece gets some points for spelling "Patriot Act" correctly, and there is a stirring photo of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Let's take apart the argument.
First, the fact that the Justice Department has followed the rules doesn't mean that the rules are good ones.
Second, federal judges are given very little discretion to deny Justice Department requests, so those judges are hardly in the position of protecting civil liberties. I am heartened, however, to read that the Bush Administration is so supportive of a truly independent federal judiciary and one that is committed to meaningful protection of civil liberties.
Third, if the Justice Department is really after terrorists, I'd assume that it would want to use its Patriot Act authority to track records of gun sales. Yet the article makes a big deal out of the fact that Section 215 (the most controversial and sweeping of the Patriot Act's provisions) has never been used to obtain gun sale records! It has been used, however, to obtain driver's license records. Hmmm.
Fourth, anyone who has gone through airport screening during the last three-and-a-half years has seen the weaknesses of our security apparatus first hand. Given the relative ease with which terrorists could strike here, it's unlikely that the Patriot Act is responsible for the absence of post-9/11 terrorism.
Conclusion: There are strong arguments to be made that current political and technological conditions justify overhauling wiretap and surveillance laws. Until the Patriot Act, those laws had been last updated in the late 1980s. We should be very, very suspicious, however, when we hear an argument that we should trust law enforcement to behave itself. Even if we assume that law enforcement has behaved itself in the past, there is no reason to believe, automatically, that it will behave itself in the future. That's why the Framers of the Constitution wrote the Bill of Rights.
Here's the logic of the piece. First, since the Patriot Act was passed, the Justice Department has followed the relevant rules in seeking permission to search for stuff that older law allegedly didn't allow. Second, because federal judges are required to approve Justice Department requests, there is an outside check on law enforcement. Third, the Justice Department only searches for stuff relating to terrorists, so law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear. And fourth, while the Justice Department has been doing this, there have been no major terrorist attacks on American soil since 9/11. Therefore, the Patriot Act is obviously a good thing.
Alas, that logic would barely earn a "C" in one of my classes. The piece gets some points for spelling "Patriot Act" correctly, and there is a stirring photo of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Let's take apart the argument.
First, the fact that the Justice Department has followed the rules doesn't mean that the rules are good ones.
Second, federal judges are given very little discretion to deny Justice Department requests, so those judges are hardly in the position of protecting civil liberties. I am heartened, however, to read that the Bush Administration is so supportive of a truly independent federal judiciary and one that is committed to meaningful protection of civil liberties.
Third, if the Justice Department is really after terrorists, I'd assume that it would want to use its Patriot Act authority to track records of gun sales. Yet the article makes a big deal out of the fact that Section 215 (the most controversial and sweeping of the Patriot Act's provisions) has never been used to obtain gun sale records! It has been used, however, to obtain driver's license records. Hmmm.
Fourth, anyone who has gone through airport screening during the last three-and-a-half years has seen the weaknesses of our security apparatus first hand. Given the relative ease with which terrorists could strike here, it's unlikely that the Patriot Act is responsible for the absence of post-9/11 terrorism.
Conclusion: There are strong arguments to be made that current political and technological conditions justify overhauling wiretap and surveillance laws. Until the Patriot Act, those laws had been last updated in the late 1980s. We should be very, very suspicious, however, when we hear an argument that we should trust law enforcement to behave itself. Even if we assume that law enforcement has behaved itself in the past, there is no reason to believe, automatically, that it will behave itself in the future. That's why the Framers of the Constitution wrote the Bill of Rights.
Women in Power
Pittsburgh's mayoral candidates have pledged to include significant numbers of women in their political appointments.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Riverhounds Soccer
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds kick off their 2005 campaign this Sunday evening at 6:35 p.m. with an exhibition match against the Rochester Rhinos. The Riverhounds will be playing this season at Falconi Field in Washington, PA, also home to the Washington Wild Things.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
File Sharing? In Pittsburgh?
I'm not sure why RIAA suits against Pitt and CMU students are important enough to be above the fold in this morning's Post-Gazette. About the only "news" here is that the file sharing students are using i2hub, rather than Grokster or WinMX or BitTorrent.
To the merits, though:
Are the students guilty? No, they're not guilty of anything. Guilt is a criminal law concept. The students are being sued in civil proceedings, so they may be liable for copyright infringement, but they haven't been accused of crimes. Are they liable? If the news report is accurate about the scale of what they were doing, then I suspect that they may be, and rightly so. But when it comes to accurately tracking use of file sharing systems by individuals, the RIAA has a mediocre record.
Didn't the students steal music? No again. "Stealing" means that someone took something that didn't belong to that person -- and that the victim no longer has that thing. That's not what's going on here. The recording companies still have their copyrights, and they will have them for decades to come. (Note, of course, that the recording companies are the copyright victims, not songwriters and performers; nothing has been "stolen" from the artists except the gruel .) Did the students "get" music without paying for it? In a sense, yes. But all of us "get" music and movies without paying for them. All the time. Every day. For hours on end. It's called radio. And try your local public library. Borrow a DVD. Watch it over and over. Return it. Repeat. Creativity doesn't "want" to be free. Creativity is free. If you want to subscribe to NetFlix, go ahead. Personally, I like the Carnegie Library system.
Wait -- what about "respecting" artists? Copyright law isn't about respect. It's about money. Do you respect your parents? I hope so. Do you pay them? I hope not. If you want to respect an artist, publish a glowing (and genuine) review of her work.
Of course, people who download music without paying a fee aren't returning CDs or DVDs. They're making copies for themselves. But the RIAA isn't really chasing the downloaders, aka the "thieves," or "pirates." The RIAA is chasing the uploaders -- students who make thousands of files available for others to download. It's more difficult to call these people "thieves," since it's more difficult to see what these people "get" out of the uploads. There is a harm here -- but it's a harm to the RIAA's lock on the market for distributing copies of recorded music. I don't suggest that the harm should be ignored. As I said above, these students may deserve to lose their cases. But we should recognize the harm for what it is. This is an incumbent industry using the law and the courts to protect its market. Nothing more.
The most interesting part of the cases is the use of the Internet2, a high-speed research-oriented network used by universities -- and now used by the i2hub. Are Pitt and CMU liable for their students' misconduct by knowingly making available a computer system that can be used for massive copyright infringement? If the answer is "no" (as I think the answer should be), is Grokster a different case? Grokster is trying to make money from its software, while Pitt and CMU are not-for-profit "educators." Then -- what about companies that sell high-speed photocopiers? High-speed scanners? DVD burners? Surely Xerox and HP know what people do with their machines.
To the merits, though:
Are the students guilty? No, they're not guilty of anything. Guilt is a criminal law concept. The students are being sued in civil proceedings, so they may be liable for copyright infringement, but they haven't been accused of crimes. Are they liable? If the news report is accurate about the scale of what they were doing, then I suspect that they may be, and rightly so. But when it comes to accurately tracking use of file sharing systems by individuals, the RIAA has a mediocre record.
Didn't the students steal music? No again. "Stealing" means that someone took something that didn't belong to that person -- and that the victim no longer has that thing. That's not what's going on here. The recording companies still have their copyrights, and they will have them for decades to come. (Note, of course, that the recording companies are the copyright victims, not songwriters and performers; nothing has been "stolen" from the artists except the gruel .) Did the students "get" music without paying for it? In a sense, yes. But all of us "get" music and movies without paying for them. All the time. Every day. For hours on end. It's called radio. And try your local public library. Borrow a DVD. Watch it over and over. Return it. Repeat. Creativity doesn't "want" to be free. Creativity is free. If you want to subscribe to NetFlix, go ahead. Personally, I like the Carnegie Library system.
Wait -- what about "respecting" artists? Copyright law isn't about respect. It's about money. Do you respect your parents? I hope so. Do you pay them? I hope not. If you want to respect an artist, publish a glowing (and genuine) review of her work.
Of course, people who download music without paying a fee aren't returning CDs or DVDs. They're making copies for themselves. But the RIAA isn't really chasing the downloaders, aka the "thieves," or "pirates." The RIAA is chasing the uploaders -- students who make thousands of files available for others to download. It's more difficult to call these people "thieves," since it's more difficult to see what these people "get" out of the uploads. There is a harm here -- but it's a harm to the RIAA's lock on the market for distributing copies of recorded music. I don't suggest that the harm should be ignored. As I said above, these students may deserve to lose their cases. But we should recognize the harm for what it is. This is an incumbent industry using the law and the courts to protect its market. Nothing more.
The most interesting part of the cases is the use of the Internet2, a high-speed research-oriented network used by universities -- and now used by the i2hub. Are Pitt and CMU liable for their students' misconduct by knowingly making available a computer system that can be used for massive copyright infringement? If the answer is "no" (as I think the answer should be), is Grokster a different case? Grokster is trying to make money from its software, while Pitt and CMU are not-for-profit "educators." Then -- what about companies that sell high-speed photocopiers? High-speed scanners? DVD burners? Surely Xerox and HP know what people do with their machines.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Pittsburgh NOW at the Silver Eye
The P-G runs this nice piece on the Pittsburgh NOW exhibit at the Silver Eye Center for Photography.
Bike Pittsburgh
As the weather warms up, check out the great site at Bike Pittsburgh for cycling resources and information around the region.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
More Mt. Lebanon Schools
For Mt. Lebanon readers: the Post-Gazette's South Hills edition carried this long feature today on the large number of challengers vying for seats on the school board. The community is still pretty unhappy about what it perceives to be both fiscal mismanagement by the incumbent board, and arrogance about the impact of the schools' budget on local tax bills. Two incumbent board members aren't running for re-election; two are.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Real Estate Development in Pittsburgh
When the Post-Gazette runs a series of articles on local real estate, there is lots to critique.
First: This interview with Damian Soffer, who is responsible for the South Side Works, characterizes the development as emulating old-style Europe. Must be that other old-style Europe, with the Cheesecake Factory and Urban Outfitters and other American chains.
Second: The Pittsburgh Mills mall is due to open this summer, bringing mall culture closer to northeast Pittsburgh. I stay away from malls as much as I can, but I may have to make a pilgrimage to check this one out. From the story: "The one-story shopping center, comparable in size to Ross Park Mall, will be visually segmented into neighborhoods, including a rivers district furnished with benches modeled on suspension bridges, and a city district done with skyline elements. . . . A glass court will have a cut-glass chandelier."
Third: An outlet mall near the Meadows! There's nothing inherently wrong with bad economics showing that there is no support for an outlet mall . . . that a little Tax Increment Financing won't fix. The story reports that the affected school districts will vote on the plan, which is good. But if the mall doesn't perform, the public will get stuck with the bill, which is bad.
Fourth: Office buildings on the North Shore aren't going to house new jobs, for the most part, though it is true that Del Monte is relocating some jobs to Pittsburgh that were based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I do wish, though, that the design of the Del Monte building didn't turn its back on the river.
First: This interview with Damian Soffer, who is responsible for the South Side Works, characterizes the development as emulating old-style Europe. Must be that other old-style Europe, with the Cheesecake Factory and Urban Outfitters and other American chains.
Second: The Pittsburgh Mills mall is due to open this summer, bringing mall culture closer to northeast Pittsburgh. I stay away from malls as much as I can, but I may have to make a pilgrimage to check this one out. From the story: "The one-story shopping center, comparable in size to Ross Park Mall, will be visually segmented into neighborhoods, including a rivers district furnished with benches modeled on suspension bridges, and a city district done with skyline elements. . . . A glass court will have a cut-glass chandelier."
Third: An outlet mall near the Meadows! There's nothing inherently wrong with bad economics showing that there is no support for an outlet mall . . . that a little Tax Increment Financing won't fix. The story reports that the affected school districts will vote on the plan, which is good. But if the mall doesn't perform, the public will get stuck with the bill, which is bad.
Fourth: Office buildings on the North Shore aren't going to house new jobs, for the most part, though it is true that Del Monte is relocating some jobs to Pittsburgh that were based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I do wish, though, that the design of the Del Monte building didn't turn its back on the river.
Creationism in PA Schools
Via peterb, this report about the latest move by PA legislators to get creationism into the public schools. Remember: "intelligent design" is another word for creationism, and creationism and evolution by natural selection are not comparable "theories" that deserve equal time. Evolution by natural selection is science. It is testable. It has been tested. So far, the evidence bears it out. "Intelligent design" is not testable. It has not been tested. There is no evidence. There is only faith. Visit the excellent Panda's Thumb for more information.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Better than Milwaukee?
Among Pittsburgh's peer cities, Milwaukee is sometimes held up as a cooler place than Pittsburgh. I got back last night from my first visit to the land of Miller products, and I have to say: it's a pretty nice town. Bright, clean, lively downtown. Recreation-friendly lakefront. Ethnic diversity. An airport where they have managed to install security checkpoints that don't prevent visitors from patronizing airport shops and restaurants.
Milwaukee must have problems; I just couldn't see them on a brief visit. One place where Pittsburgh is tops: you can't beat PNC Park. The Brewers' Miller Park is a monstrosity of a spaceship parked in the middle of a parking lot, on the outskirts of town.
Milwaukee must have problems; I just couldn't see them on a brief visit. One place where Pittsburgh is tops: you can't beat PNC Park. The Brewers' Miller Park is a monstrosity of a spaceship parked in the middle of a parking lot, on the outskirts of town.
Shakespeare at the Hope Academy
This Sunday, April 3, at 3 p.m., at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty: The Hope Academy Shakespeare Monologue Festival. Brought to us by the Hope Academy of Music and the Arts at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Check it out.
Amari Tasting at Lidia's
Relax and read all the way through peterb's wonderful description of amari tasting at Lidia's.
Pittsburgh 365
Pittsburgh 365 is a television series, and a blog, that sounds like it could have been based on Pittsblog. Quoth the blog, "Remember, let's make Pittsburgh the best we can be, because it is our city, and we are Pittsburgh."
Cool Spaces
Via Jason's witty April Fool's blog, I found and read the Trib's story yesterday about tonight's Cool Space Awards in Lawrenceville.
The Cool Spaces website is happening, too.
The Cool Spaces website is happening, too.
Seats at the Pete
Pitt has a "musical chairs" plan for season ticket holders at the Peterson Events Center: most existing ticket holders need to bid on season tickets with no guarantee that they will retain their current seats. This has attracted not just a lawsuit, but a website sponsored by the plaintiffs' attorneys. In the sports biz, the plan is referred to euphemistically as "re-seating."
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