Archive | September, 2009

RAIN, RAIN, Go Away: Government’s New Anti-Protest Device Exposed

Radical Anti-Insurgency Network (RAIN)

Radical Anti-Insurgency Network (RAIN) Control Panel.

The Secret Service in a press release today announced its new weapon against protesters codenamed the Radical Anti-Insurgency Network (RAIN).  Its primary function according to the release is, “[…] enhancement of patterns in troposphere,” affecting what is commonly known as “weather”. RAIN was recently put online in Pittsburgh, PA in lieu of more traditional anti-protester tools for the G20 Summit hosted this week.

With weather forecast calling for rain throughout most if not all the G20, the Secret Service is pleased with their results. They claim the rainy weather will significantly reduce protester attendance and incidents. So far it seems to be working.

“Seattle was chosen for the 1999 WTO Conference based on its weather,” a spokesman for the Secret Service stated. “Rain was something the city New York couldn’t guarantee. Nevertheless, we were substantially let down.”

Government WarehouseThe “RAIN” Device, according to the press release, was discovered in late 1944 as Allied Forces advanced. It was one of the many items of interest the Nazi High-Command was forced to leave behind in retreat. Eventually, it was shipped over to the United States where it languished for 64 years in a government warehouse in Nevada.

Earlier this year The Device was taken out of storage with the announcement that Pittsburgh, PA would host the G20 Summit. Although world-renowned for its dismal weather, the experience in Seattle made veteran Secret Service officers unwilling to rely on Pittsburgh to provide the climate they felt optimal. It made its cross-country journey under the utmost secrecy. In mid-August it arrived at it’s temporary home below the Carnegie Science Center.

Key attunement of The Device began several weeks ago causing some of the clearest skies Pittsburgh has ever seen. “I‘m furious.” Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced, “Pittsburgh is famous for rolling grey sky, not sunshine.”

When interviewed, local business owners were shocked, “It’s not right. It goes against Gaia’s Design.” Stated the owner of the East Carson Street Psychic Shop.  Others stopped interviews only to start boarding up store-front windows for fear that RAIN may lead to more destructive weather patterns.

When asked, government officials refused further comment on the story.

UPDATE:

According to confidential sources that commented on condition of anonymity, citing the highly-classified nature of the program, despite concerted efforts to ensure The Device created severely inclement conditions, making it all but impossible for anyone to remain outdoors for longer than a few moments, power fluctuations due to blown transformers in the poorly-maintained local power grid caused the device to apparently fail to function at full capacity, creating only a mild drizzle. Nevertheless, the discomfort created by The Device appears to have accomplished the government’s aims, keeping the formerly adamant demonstrators indoors, bringing all major protest to a grinding halt.

*This is satire for those who didn’t get it.

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Twitter Updates for 2009-09-21

Twitter Updates for 2009-09-20

Twitter Updates for 2009-09-19

  • I was just informed, I was a trend setter for "August Wilson Center" on Twitter. How strange. #hi_pitt #
  • Local reporters and journalists for local papers feel the "protester/anarchist" archetype is just fear mongering. #G20 #myG20 #
  • @AtoZcomm I am following anyone on Twitter that talks of the G20. That is where the news will be next week. in reply to AtoZcomm #
  • G-20 Causes County To Release Non-Violent, Low Level Inmates Early: http://www.wpxi.com/politics/20982876/detail.html #myG20 #g20 #
  • @joyike Joy, it was a pleasure to hear you preform once again. Hopefully I'll be able to see you at the Women Rock event. in reply to joyike #
  • @AtoZcomm Ah, laptops. What a wondrous invention. I will be photographing from the front lines and tweeting live. (Not Protesting.) in reply to AtoZcomm #
  • After playing EVE Online for two months, exploiting the economy is the only fun I have. #
  • How Time magazine enables Glenn Beck's lies | Media Matters for America http://bit.ly/12gv1K #
  • @Rxrthepoet Is that sarcasm? in reply to Rxrthepoet #
  • It's talk like a Pirate Day! #
  • For my follower's who haven't heard of @AndyCobb, he's quite an ingenious guy and accomplished comedian. Follow him. in reply to AndyCobb #

Twitter Updates for 2009-09-19

  • I was just informed, I was a trend setter for "August Wilson Center" on Twitter. How strange. #hi_pitt #
  • Local reporters and journalists for local papers feel the "protester/anarchist" archetype is just fear mongering. #G20 #myG20 #
  • @AtoZcomm I am following anyone on Twitter that talks of the G20. That is where the news will be next week. in reply to AtoZcomm #
  • G-20 Causes County To Release Non-Violent, Low Level Inmates Early: http://www.wpxi.com/politics/20982876/detail.html #myG20 #g20 #
  • @joyike Joy, it was a pleasure to hear you preform once again. Hopefully I'll be able to see you at the Women Rock event. in reply to joyike #
  • @AtoZcomm Ah, laptops. What a wondrous invention. I will be photographing from the front lines and tweeting live. (Not Protesting.) in reply to AtoZcomm #
  • After playing EVE Online for two months, exploiting the economy is the only fun I have. #
  • How Time magazine enables Glenn Beck's lies | Media Matters for America http://bit.ly/12gv1K #
  • @Rxrthepoet Is that sarcasm? in reply to Rxrthepoet #
  • It's talk like a Pirate Day! #
  • For my follower's who haven't heard of @AndyCobb, he's quite an ingenious guy and accomplished comedian. Follow him. in reply to AndyCobb #

Twitter Updates for 2009-09-17

  • AFL-CIO ends tomorrow with a press conference on the G20 Summit. #aflcio09 #myg20 #
  • US Coast Gaurd is patrolling the river in front of the David L Lawrence Convention Center. #aflcio09 #myg20 #G20 #
  • G20 Press conference at the AFL-CIO was cancelled this morning. #aflcio09 #myg20 #
  • August Wilson Center looks as if they're ready for tonight's opening. http://bit.ly/BqEsq #blacklit #g20 #myg20 #
  • Just dropped by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette to discuss their new PG+ addition and social media campaigns. #G20 #myg20 #
  • @MarkECib Our talk is scheduled for later, but from my impression they feel the same way. in reply to MarkECib #
  • Revival of Pittsburgh Lessons for the G20 – Economist: http://bit.ly/rwsWc #G20 #myg20 #
  • RT @21streetcoffee: Was just interviewed/mic'd up by WPXI regarding our decision to remain open for the G20 summit. #G20 #myg20 #
  • @salboz Where did you loose track? in reply to salboz #
  • RT @aflcio: convention is adjourned! it's been great here in Pittsburgh. thanks to everyone who attended and followed online! #aflcio09 #
  • Internet is now at the house. #fb #
  • @salboz It's alright. I've noticed many people are left in the dark – even the organizers. in reply to salboz #
  • Tonight is the Grand Opening of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Pittsburgh, PA: http://bit.ly/4mWFTu #
  • @drgoddess I will be at the opening taking photos. They will be posted on Flickr when I get home. #
  • The August Wilson Center has completed its construction along with red carpet. http://twitpic.com/i3cof #myg20 #
  • The August Wilson Center's theatre is filled as the preformance begin. #myg20 #g20 #
  • I like Ike and you should too. @JoyIke is setting up in the studio at the August Wilson Center. #myg20 #g20 #fb http://twitpic.com/i3jjw #
  • Live pictures from the grand opening of the August Wilson Center. #myg20 #g20 http://twitpic.com/i3y28 #

August Wilson Center Prepares for Opening

VP Jeff Anderson Showing ExhibitsPittsburgh, PA received major renovation this year following the victories of it’s Steelers, Penguins and announcement of its selection for the G20 Summit. The town is bustling with renewal and preparations.

Outside the Postal Service is removing mailboxes from city streets. Another contractor is welding sewer covers closed. Yet inside is a more frantic story. Last minute items are being serviced for the grand opening of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture.

Last Minute Construction at the August Wilson Center

The $39.5 million living museum will officially open tomorrow and African American architect Allison Williams’ design will be actualized. Though filled with contractors now, the 65,000 square-foot complex will house a 486-seat theatre, classrooms, café, gift shop and rental space.

The center was named in honor of playwright August Wilson who passed away in 2005. Wilson, a Pittsburgh native, received two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama for The Pittsburgh Cycle.

Tomorrow’s tribute and ceremony will run 5pm to midnight.

Live Coverage can be followed via @iwasaround on Twitter.

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