Jul 31 2009
Iron City Brewing has left town, but its unpaid water bill is still here, with the city's water customers left holding the bag.
No one is arguing that the maker of Iron City moved production to Latrobe so that the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority couldn't cut off its water for non-payment of debt. But it would be nice right now for the authority to have that kind of leverage over its chronic deadbeat.
As it stands, it may take a judge to settle the argument over whether the brewery owes the authority $1 million, as board member and City Councilman Patrick Dowd contends, or $450,000, as the company believes. The difference between the two amounts is huge, amounting to $6.62 per customer on the system, and turns on whether Iron City performed a promised $4 million modernization that would have qualified it for debt reduction from the authority.
Mr. Dowd has offered a resolution which could get a vote from the authority's board today. His proposal reasserts the system's $1 million claim to Iron City's debt due to failure of the brewer to fulfill its renovation pledge. It also directs authority officials to set up a payment schedule with the company and submit it to the board within 60 days.
That is action worth supporting, on behalf of not only the public authority but also the many Pittsburgh customers who pay their water bills on time. A company that produces 165,000 barrels of beer, as Iron City did last year, should be good for its debts. It's up to the authority board to hold the company to it.
Jul 31 2009
Now that most of the Pirates' starting lineup has left PNC Park, can the team's dispirited fan base be far behind? That's the question that didn't seem to faze the Bob Nutting ownership regime as it dismantled first the outfield, then the infield of an entire team of popular players.
Beginning with last summer's trades of Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, followed by this season's rapid-fire departures of Nate McLouth, Nyjer Morgan, Adam LaRoche, Jack Wilson, Ian Snell, Freddy Sanchez, John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny, the loyal public who built and opened America's most beautiful ballpark eight years ago are still getting hit in the face with the Pirates' revolving-door style of team building.
Sure, the fans are tired of the now-guaranteed 17 consecutive losing seasons. Sure, as the front office likes to cite, this collection of players -- for as popular and accomplished as some of them are -- was not able to keep the team near a .500 winning percentage.
But it seems clear that around June 2008, the ownership had two choices on how to rebuild this team: spend money to buy impact players to fill in the gaps around its proven stars or trade away its players of value for inexpensive prospects who, on a hope and a prayer, might peak together around 2011 as a competitive force.
Other owners may have opted for the former and embarked on a quick turnaround that would have built on the loyalty to high-performing players and put more fans in the ballpark to cheer on the team's new winning ways. But the Nutting group chose the low-cost latter route, unnerving Pirate supporters, demanding yet more patience from them and risking a further drop in attendance from 2001, which is already down by 39 percent (based on the first 45 home dates of the season).
We won't argue that every player just traded away will be missed; Adam LaRoche and Ian Snell were clearly under-performers. Nor will we claim that all of that young, incoming talent is unimpressive; Class AA pitcher Tim Alderson was hard for Giants fans to sacrifice.
But of all the stats swirling around all the players in the blow-up of the Pittsburgh Pirates, these are the two worth keeping in mind: 31 and 50. The Nutting payroll for a Major League Baseball team was a little more than $50 million on opening day; after all the trades it's down to $31 million. Mission accomplished.
Sure, these owners want to win, but they want to win on the cheap. That's why it will take another two years or more to put a competitive team on the field.
That's not what Pittsburghers did when they committed to PNC Park. They built the best in the majors, figuring they'd finally get a great team out of the deal. We're still waiting.
Jul 31 2009
When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he cited "a decent respect for the opinions of mankind" as a reason for the new nation to explain itself. The respect of Americans for world opinion hasn't always been so high, but we the people are still proud enough to care.
That pride has a reason to swell a bit, according to the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project. The overview of the 25-country survey, conducted May 18 to June 16, put it succinctly: "The image of the United States has improved markedly in most parts of the world, reflecting global confidence in Barack Obama. In many countries, opinions of the United States are now about as positive as they were at the beginning of the decade before George W. Bush took office."
The irony is that the survey's findings, released July 23, coincide with a time when the sour economy and doubts about health care reform have taken their toll on President Obama at home, with his popularity dipping to 55 percent in a recent Gallup poll.
The world may be lagging behind that perception, but it's still good to see that the "Yankee go home" mentality seems to have softened. Big, positive boosts in attitudes toward the United States were recorded in Britain, Spain, France and Germany (64 percent of the Germans had a favorable view this year compared to 31 percent in 2008).
The favorable thoughts were not limited to traditional U.S. allies. In Indonesia, where Mr. Obama lived as a child, the positive rating went from 37 percent to 63 percent.
Some will say so what. While improvement was seen in some predominantly Muslim counties that had negative views during the Bush years, the Pew researchers noted that opinions of the United States among Muslims in the Middle East remain largely unfavorable. Animosity "continues to run deep and unabated in Turkey, the Palestinian territories and Pakistan."
In short, Mr. Obama has made a good start in changing the world's perceptions of America, but the hardest challenges still remain.
Jul 30 2009
President Barack Obama sets U.S. foreign policy; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton carries it out and, as the specialist, may add a few wrinkles of her own. Vice President Joe Biden's contribution as a third overseas signal-caller is of marginal utility, as a recent discordant volley in U.S. relations with Russia made clear.
Earlier this month Mr. Obama had a reasonably successful visit to Russia. He spent time with President Dmitry A. Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin, addressed the Russian people in various forums and did his best to refocus U.S.-Russian relations that had been left in a haggard state after the latter years of the Bush administration. So far, so good.
Last week Mr. Biden visited two sensitive Russian neighbors, Ukraine and Georgia. Whether it should or not, Russia considers those states as still part of its sphere of influence, even though both are independent. Neither is a member either of NATO or the European Union, membership in which would put them in roughly the same category as the Baltic states, Bulgaria or Romania.
Russia's interest is only one reason why neither Ukraine nor Georgia has been taken into the Western European fold. The other is that politically and economically both are a mess. In spite of its Orange Revolution in 2004, Ukraine remains sharply divided into political factions that have a hard time cooperating. In spite of its Rose Revolution of 2003, Georgia has the same problem, and from time to time has come perilously close to civil war, in part due to its controversial president, Mikheil Saakashvili.
So, Mr. Biden visits there, praises both countries to the sky, falls just short of promising them eternal protection from their big neighbor and then takes a sharp crack at Russia. He spoke to The Wall Street Journal of the country's "shrinking population base" and "withering economy," then said Russia is "in a situation where the world is changing ... and they're clinging to something in the past that is not sustainable."
The Russians' reaction to Mr. Biden's remarks was, basically, what is going on? Which approach -- Mr. Biden's or Mr. Obama's -- is U.S. policy? It was predictable that Mr. Biden, as a former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would have strong views on foreign policy. At the same time, he is vice president now, not president or secretary of state.
America does not need two or three different foreign policies. A more positive use of Mr. Biden's time might be in trying to help Mr. Obama get his health care bill through the Senate, where Mr. Biden can preside and where he spent 36 years before becoming vice president.
Jul 30 2009
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 Tuesday, along lines that were all too partisan, to send President Barack Obama's first Supreme Court nomination, Judge Sonia Sotomayor, to the floor for a vote.
Because of the Democrats' 60-seat majority, full Senate approval is expected before the body goes into its one-month summer recess Aug. 7, which will make it possible for the nominee to join the court when its term opens in October.
The choice by Mr. Obama was a strong one, based on Ms. Sotomayor's long and deep judicial experience and compelling personal story, not to mention the diversity she will bring as the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the court.
Twelve Democrats, including Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, and only one Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, voted to approve her nomination in committee. Among the six Republicans who voted against her were several from states with significant Hispanic populations, including Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, John Kyl of Arizona and Orrin Hatch of Utah -- making their votes politically curious.
Judge Sotomayor will be a worthy addition to the nation's highest court. She deserves confirmation before the Senate recess by better than a party-line vote.
Jul 30 2009
The story of tournament bass fishing on Pittsburgh's three rivers has all the markings of a classic fish tale.
Let's start with the first catch. It was a whopper, BASS Federation's three-day Bassmaster Classic in 2005. Forty-seven anglers competed for a $700,000 purse, ESPN ran more than 15 hours of coverage and 8,000 fans cheered the final weigh-in at Mellon Arena.
After that resounding success, two big ones wiggled off the line -- a Bassmaster Major and the Forrest Wood Cup championship both chose other sites for 2007. But chasing the ones that got away has a long tradition in the world of fishing, which is why city and state officials were gleeful when they announced they'd snagged the world's richest bass event.
The first lines in the Forrest Wood Cup tournament, named for the founder of Ranger Boats, drop this morning and fishing continues through Sunday. First prize is $500,000 but the champion gets another half-million dollars if he fishes from a Ranger boat.
Make no mistake, this contest is nothing like going fishing with your Uncle Mitch in Moraine State Park.
First of all, there's the field. The pro division features 77 fishermen and all but two of them are from fishing's professional and semi-pro circuits. Professional Dave Lefebre of Union City, Erie County, is one of the frontrunners and can claim home river advantage as the only Pennsylvanian.
Then there's the gear -- $3,000 depth finders with split screens that simultaneously map the river, showing fishermen where they've been and what's happening under their boats. And those boats. A top-of-the-line bass boat can cost $15,000 to $60,000 or more.
The actual fishing doesn't lend itself to spectators, but the Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is a place to meet fishing superstars, learn safe boating and fishing techniques and drive a life-size motorboat as it simulates conditions on a choppy lake.
Now this fish tale starts to sound like exaggeration. Every day, at 5 p.m., anglers arrive at Mellon Arena, each with five fish in his bucket, to have the bass weighed. Thousands of people will be in the stands and, as the needle on the scale stops, they will hoot and holler and cheer.
This you gotta see.
Jul 29 2009
When an internal report shows that the world's third largest generic drug maker routinely violated standard operating procedures, a lot of people should be concerned -- not just its employees and stockholders.
That's why prescription drug consumers and the general public should welcome the Food and Drug Administration's investigation of Mylan Inc. for possible violation of government-mandated quality controls.
Post-Gazette staff writers Patricia Sabatini and Len Boselovic reported Sunday that a confidential report by the Cecil-based company described how Mylan workers routinely overrode computer-generated warnings about potential problems with medications being produced at its Morgantown, W.Va., plant. The drugs made there are used to treat diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, depression, high blood pressure and other conditions.
The violations of procedure meant to ensure the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs were uncovered in May and deemed "very serious" by the report. It said the actions occurred during all three shifts at the plant and involved "falsifying information" and "altering product."
After declining requests for interviews last week, Mylan released a statement Sunday night that said its investigation of "the issue" showed that its quality-control systems are actually working. "Our customers and stakeholders can rest assured that whenever there is even the slightest departure from an SOP [standard operating procedure], it will be dealt with immediately and effectively. This issue had no impact on the quality of our product," according to the statement.
Former FDA inspectors and industry consultants contacted by the Post-Gazette were not so assured. They reviewed Mylan's internal report and were left with concerns about the integrity of the plant's quality control.
Halfway around the globe, Mylan's Matrix Laboratories plant in India came under fire last week by the World Health Organization for "major deviations" from standard manufacturing practices during an inspection two months ago. In a letter to the company, WHO said that despite Matrix's planned or actual corrective action "issues of concern" remained.
While that plant may be beyond the FDA's reach, Morgantown is not. With 19 billion doses of medication produced there annually, the health of many people rests with the quality of Mylan's output and its ability to adhere to government standards.
No doubt eager to put this episode behind it, Mylan released a statement yesterday saying the FDA, after visiting the West Virginia plant Monday, "agreed that this was a minor standard operating procedures deviation" and that "all corrective actions were fully implemented." Two hours later a spokesman for the FDA told a different story: "The investigation is ongoing and the agency has formed no conclusions at this time. Statements to the contrary are untrue."
This investigation will go a long way to gauging the extent of the breaches of quality control. The millions of people who use drugs made by Mylan can be glad the FDA is on the case.
Jul 29 2009
Even before he served 18 months in prison and two months in home confinement, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick expressed remorse for bankrolling and participating in a dogfighting ring.
Mr. Vick's arrest cost him one of the most lucrative contracts in the National Football League, endorsements, the respect of the fans and, ultimately, his freedom. He became synonymous with animal cruelty in a country where pet ownership and indulgence of four-legged creatures are commonplace. His crime made it difficult to imagine a scenario in which he could return to the NFL.
The league suspended Michael Vick indefinitely. He pleaded guilty and went to prison, where he got counseling. Because he was a model prisoner his sentence was reduced; he'll still be on probation for three years. He has agreed to work with the Humane Society to combat dogfighting. Now bankrupt, Mr. Vick is eager to return to his sport.
On Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated him with conditions, clearing the way for the athlete to participate in workouts, practice and two preseason games. His partial suspension will run through the first five games of the regular season, but he can suit up after that. This would be good news for Michael Vick if he had a team.
As the former star never tires of saying, he has grown in the time he's been away from the game. Shorn of his arrogance and bad company, Mr. Vick wants to be both a good citizen and a player worthy of respect.
After paying his debt to society, there's no reason he shouldn't be allowed to compete for a place in the NFL. It won't be easy, but sports fans who believe in redemption should allow Michael Vick to make his case both on and off the field.
Jul 29 2009
Girls learn the value of working together very early. Picture those little girls jumping rope or giggling over hand-clapping games. Two players are imperative; more, even better.
The Women and Girls Foundation has a new initiative that expands its efforts to get girls working together. Its Allegheny County Girls as Grantmakers program has made national headlines with "Girlcott," a campaign against offensive slogans on Abercrombie and Fitch T-shirts, and three Shaler Area High School seniors who won a national public service award for a program to educate teen girls about the dangers of sexual violence.
Now the foundation is reaching further with Regional Change Agents, a group of 15 teen-age girls from Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties. The group met last month and learned, despite geographic differences, that they are united on issues of self-esteem, wage equity, girls in sports and combating stereotypes.
The group is soliciting ideas for grants from young women, ages 13 to 18, who are working with an adult to break down gender stereotypes. There's $5,000 available for each county, and teams may request as much as $2,000. The deadline is Sept. 20 and applications are available at girl2girlgrants.com.
In the words of foundation Executive Director Heather Arnet, this is a chance for girls "to think about what is wrong and how to fix it."
Jul 28 2009
When President Barack Obama said at his news conference last week that the police had "acted stupidly" during the infamous arrest of a black Harvard professor in his Cambridge home, the unmistakable sound of a mistake was hard not to miss.
The president had just finished saying that he "didn't know all the facts" and the professor, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., was a friend of his.
He should have stopped there. As the president said, racial profiling has been a recurring problem for blacks and Latinos -- and it is easy to understand why the first African-American president would want to address it.
But this was not the case nor the forum to make the point. What transpired in Cambridge was an unfortunate exchange between two men who both appear to have lost their cool.
Of course, Mr. Gates should not have been arrested in his own house -- the quick dropping of the disorderly conduct charges underscores that. But Mr. Gates seemed all too ready to assume racism on the part of Sgt. James Crowley, the white officer who responded to a neighbor's call that someone was trying to break into Mr. Gates' home. What the facts suggest is that "acting stupidly" was an equal opportunity employer in this sorry episode.
Mr. Obama's mistake of rushing in where angels fear to tread became obvious to the White House quickly and Mr. Obama soon made his defense pro-active, calling both men and conceding that his words were ill-chosen. He has invited Mr. Gates and Mr. Crowley to come to the White House for a beer, the folksy way of males to settle grievances real or imagined.
While these late efforts at conciliation reflect well on Mr. Obama, he should have kept quiet until all the facts were known.
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