When is the next Redd-Up project? I am visiting PA in July and would like to be part of helping the community.

-- Jau E., Jacksonville, Fla.

I check out "My Homewood" from time to time, and found one of the comments that someone posted very interesting. This person said that he was tired of people who went to college complaining about not being able to find an entry level job in the Pittsburgh-metro area that paid over 25k a year. That got me to thinking just how much money is 25k a year after taxes, healthcare, 401k, etc. So being an accountant and having gone to college for both accounting and finance I decided to break down 25k year to see just how much money it really was.

To start we assumed John who graduated college has found a job that pays an annual salary of 25k. His employer, Abco Inc. offers healthcare benefits has well as a 401k retirement plan both of which are totally optional and deducted before taxes. Next we assume that John gets paid bi-weekly, which would mean that he receives 26 paychecks a year. With that being said we then conclude that John's bi-weekly salary is $961.54 rounded up to the nearest penny. In addition John decides to participate in both the healthcare plan and the 401k retirement plan. For the 401k retirement plan John chooses to put 3% of his gross income in the 401k account which is $750 a year and $28.86 bi-weekly that will be deducted out of every check before taxes. Next John chooses a healthcare plan that will cost him $40.00 bi-weekly which also will be deducted out of his check before taxes. After both the $28.86 for John's 401k and $40.00 for his healthcare plan are deducted he is left with $892.69 which he must pay taxes on. First there is the Social Security tax which is 6.2% of $892.69 which equals $55.35. Next there is the Medicare tax which is 1.45% of $892.69 which equals $12.94. Then we have the PA State tax which is 3.07% of $892.69 which equals $27.41. And finally there is the federal income tax which is 15% of $892.9 which equals $133.90. If we add up all of John's tax deduction we get a total of $229.60. Now for the final step to subtract John's taxes deductions of $229.60 from his pre-taxed total of $892.69. This will give us the amount of money that John actually brings home bi-weekly, which is $663.09. So in reality John's job that pay him an annual salary of 25k is only actually paying him $17,240.34 after taxes, investing in his company's 401k retirement plan and participating in the healthcare plan.

In addition here is what John's actual bi-weekly pay check would look like if he did not participate in either the 401k retirement plan and health care plan or if he just participated in just one. If John chooses not to participate in any of the plan then his bi-weekly pay check would be $714.24 which would mean that his actual yearly salary would be $18,570.24. If John chooses to only participate in his company's 401k retirement plan at 3% of his gross salary of 25k a year then his bi-weekly pay check would be $692.81. That would mean that John's actual salary for the year if he chooses to only participate in the 401k plan would be $18,013.06. And if John chooses to only participate in his company's health care plan then his bi-weekly pay check would be $684.52 and his actual annual salary would be $17,797.52.

Is 25k a year really a fair and decent salary for an entry level job for a college graduate? For a person who invested 4 years of their life to get an education. For a person who invested large sum of money and countless other things in themselves in the hopes of obtaining not only a career but "The American Dream". -- Barry B., Silver Spring, Md.

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Who voted for Joe Preston and why? -- Debbie H., Penn Hills

I am currently coordinating a program which will immerse 16 African American college students in the Homewood neighborhood for a week. Although the program itself will last for 10 weeks, the participants will begin their work and study in the Homewood community. The participants will engage in an intensive community study of the Homewood community and interview community leaders, professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, religious leaders and any other interested member of the Homewood area.

I have secured a few interviews for our participants but I am still in need of a few more professionals that would be willing to lend an hour of their time during the first week of June to be interviewed. We have a designated conference room in the Homewood area where you would be interviewed by the participants and if you reply to the email address below I would be happy to extend more information. At the end of the week the participants will present their findings and preliminary recommendations to all those interested at the YMCA of Homewood-Brushton on Friday June 6th, 2008 at 10am.

I read so much about how concerned members and onlookers of the Homewood community wished that there was some new method of problem solving and I assure, here sits a new method. This non-profit program is known as the Coro Community Problem Solving Fellowship and if you desire to learn more please visit www.pittsburgh.coro.org/cps. -- Ashlee D., South Side

Moving on like Robert did will solve all so Im moving on!!!!!!

-- Paul F., South Side

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I also believe that the root of the exchange between Paul F., and others is a matter of perspective. I am not going to lie and say that I was not initially bothered by Paul's responses, however, I had to stop and consider WHAT was causing me to be upset; was it WHAT he said, HOW he said it, or what I PERCEIVE his paradigm to be?

I responded a little while back regarding the difficulties of finding entry-level employment in the city. Yes, I admit to being one of those who "bitched" about it and I am wholly entitled to that opinion. However, I must say that Paul's initial response(s) to similar entries struck a cord not because I was appalled or offended, but because it is a truthful (and very difficult) pill to swallow. I am going to give the benefit of the doubt and try to view posts similar to mine (re: the job situation) through the eyes of someone who has experienced it (as Paul has reminded us that he has). From that perspective, I can understand how he feels and why he expresses an exasperated demeanor.

It can be easily construed those who share my sentiment re: the job situation have an opinion stemming from a false sense of entitlement bred by a post-secondary graduation ceremony. Yes, that may be true, (it was for me, until I realized that I the days of old are long gone) but it is not always the case. The days of old that I refer to are when a degree greatly increased the prospect of landing a job and starting above entry-level. One fallacy amongst modern graduates is the underestimation that the pool is a lot larger now; there are more fish swimming in the sea, and a piece of paper does not guarantee you a spot anywhere. Again, if one was led or allowed to believe that a degree was a guarantee, that person is in for a RUDE awakening. I am one of those people who had to bang their head against the wall before getting it.

Several times in the past, I have gotten into heated debates with family and friends on this very issue and at the end of it all, I was left to realize that regardless of how unfair and messed up the reality is, having to grind along like so many others who may not have attained the education that I have is just that, reality. That is not to minimize the frustration that a modern graduate may feel. Frustration with a given situation is a normal, human response and there is nothing wrong with letting off some steam as a means to vent that frustration. One should not be demeaned for expressing their views on a situation. Again, trying to empathize with both sides, I understand the Nike "Just Do It" paradigm AND the "I have a boatload of loans to pay off and I deserve good money now" paradigm as well.

Regarding the comments made by Paul stating, "unless you take care of your own, no one will care," and (to paraphrase) "It is the responsibility of the neighborhood to take the community back," I must say that there is truth to that as well. At one time, Homewood did have a business district but not anymore. Dare I ask, but who looted and burned down the local establishments when Dr. King was assassinated? Fast forward. Who pulled the trigger at Kaizuki's (formerly Dairy Queen) that left a toddler and her father dead? Fast forward to a few months ago. Who killed the young man in front of KFC while his folks waited in line at the drive-thru? All of these acts were done by local residents with no regard for the consequences to be faced by the community. We do need to take care of our own. Period. In order to demand respect and/or help, we (as individuals and as a community) need to show that we are taking responsibility for what is going on. WE are killing ourselves. WE are hurting our community. Yes, outside help is needed, but the primary initiative needs to be taken by those who are faced with it every day.

To tie this in with the initial question that I presented concerning what was said, how it was said, or who said it. Too often, a misconception occurs because the communication is hard to accept, was spoken in a manner that could have been more "diplomatic," or we just do not like whomever made the comment for various reasons. I think that neither side is hearing one another primarily because of the third suggestion, "who said it." Honestly, it is easier for a homogenous group to discuss and/or criticize their own because the opinion is more widely accepted due to the perception that all parties can relate to one another. However, if an "outsider" makes a similar comment, it will be perceived differently: not by all, but at least a few. I think the dialogue in question is a good example. It was suggested that Paul move to Homewood in order for him to get a better grasp on what was going on in the community. In other words, Paul can't relate so until he does, what he says is not valid. That is not entirely true. Both sides appear to view the other as having a chip on their shoulder and/or being closed-minded. I think that his comments were poorly stated, but I cannot say that they completely lack merit.

-- Tia S., Homewood

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It was beautiful day in homewood on election day. I have voted since I was able to vote, but this day was something so special that it just seemed glorious. I had to go to three different voting sites in homewood because the information on the card that was put on our door was wrong. It did not matter to me, I probably would have road for two more hours if need be. I was not worried about my gas this time! My point to this is every where I went it was crowded and I knew that the people of homewood was pleased. I even asked as I rode through the blocks looking for my voting place, Did you vote? Every response I received was, "you know I did". My prayer is that Obama does well, however we have made history either way.

I would like to add a big thank you for the information submitted about cleaning up the lot beside my house, I will be using those resources.

Stay Blessed and Encouraged.

-- Ronna D., Homewood

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I've spent the last 15 or so minutes reading the MY HOMEWOOD section(s), and the mixed posts surely trigger a curious nerve. In a good way, mind you, a good way.

Most of my extended family is from and around the entire Pittsburgh region. Pittsburgh is one of my favorite places to visit, and for a while I lived there.

I remember Homewood from my childhood. I'm 37 now and things have definitely changed for the worst. I lived in Homestead and East Pittsburgh, both of which have seen their better days as well.

What brings a quiet laughter is the way people generalize each other, and criticize each other on these posts. Will we ever reach a time in our lives, or our children's lives, that we see each other as gifts of humans instead of "you people" or "those types"? In my mind it's almost like comparing "Yun'z to y'all" -- it means the same thing, doesn't it? And last I checked...an African American bleeds the same color a Caucasian will. Speaking of, that's me -- the latter.

What memories sparked me during "My Homewood" reads were the days of the true penny candy stores. I remember my grandparents, though they lived in Braddock and Wilmerding always took us on trips around the city. I remember walking into these stores with a dollar, and coming out with a couple of brown paper bags full of goodies. I also remember how wonderful of a man the clerk was -- probably at the time an African American of age 60 or so. A person who will live in my memories of Homewood forever. His gentle smile and wondrous charisma will live forever.

Racism...isn't that a loaded subject. Come to the south and experience it here.

Let me tell you a little tale...

As I stated earlier, I'm a while male, 37 years old. While not from the Augusta, GA area -- I've lived here two years now. I'm a Technology Director with a heavy background in graphic arts. I've been in the IT field since 93 and have ridden the wonderful and difficult wave of the web and internet. And yes, there is a difference between the two.

When my wife, three children and I first moved here we were very low on living funds. Moves can be quite expensive. While doing my full time job, I also found side projects in South Carolina and Georgia to help on the tight monies. I met with a family owned office supply company in Orangeburg, SC in April of last year. They wanted a full project (complete web, eCommerce, graphics and printing) that could have meant $6,000 extra for my family and me. I spent three hours building a job jacket with them, and defining all their needs. Both parties were happy. I was about to wrap up my meeting when one of their delivery drivers -- whom I later found out, was named Harold -- apologized for interrupting us and then proceeded to tell "the bosses" that he managed to pick up two new stops on his weekly route. These stops brought in new business that meant at least another $1000-2000 weekly. "The Bosses" smiled and thanked him. Harold then said, "Have a blessed evening everyone!" He clocked out, placed his coat and jacket on and walked to his car. I watched him, not due to his pride, not due to the color of his skin, or the fully restored 1969 Chevelle that he drove. I watched him, because his kindness was genuine and very sincere. I had a smile in my viewing. Just then, one of the "the bosses" looked at the other and said, "Can you believe that coon has the balls to sell our products without talking to us!"

I was in shock.

I packed my things, kept a solemn smile on my face and proceeded to walk out of the meeting room.

They asked me where I was going.

I turned, smiled gently and said, "Gentlmen. Considering you have no decency towards your own hired delivery guy or of his values, I find I cannot work with you. In fact, what if I was married to a "Coon", as you so loosely use?"

Now the point of this story? Easy.

Can you tell me, of which heritage, of which color of skin, of which lifestyle originates from this country? Which of us has a right to judge another human being based on their look, their lifestyle, and especially the color of their skin? None of us do. The American Indian surely has a case of prejudice -- ironically, they are among the most peaceful humans on the face of the earth.

One day I pray that I may see my children live in a world where racism is erased more and more. Never forgotten, as too much history -- important history -- is based around it. I pray that I see them together strongly, but remember who they all really are.

Ignorance. Dumb. These are words I've read several times tonight. If the shoe fits....

And by the way, I'm a high school drop-out with three children, a wonderful wife (23 years together) a very nice home, two cars and very good paying career. How did I get here? I worked my ass off...from the bottom. It can be done. And surprisingly, intelligence and wisdom isn't always book learned.

Thank you for your time.

I have enjoyed the reading, and will definitely be a constant visitor and possible poster.

-- Ron T., Augusta, Ga.

Robert M. who moved to Williamsport Va.Me move to homewood, when people like you moving out????If your actions were as strong as your words then you would have helped to take back the neighboorhood instead of fleeing!!!!!!!Then you asked me to go and help????Go back to college and take up some courage courses Big Shot!!!!!!! -- Paul F., South Side

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People like Ronna should be applauded for their tenacity and dedication to the community. Ronna can receive support from Operation Better Block. Their number is 412-731-1908. In addition, Tacoma Street Block Association is a prime example of citizens taking control of their area. Kiva Fisher Green, a citizen and public servant for Councilman Burgess office is the president. Her and her children keep their lots clean as well. She is also available for assistance. Way to go Ronna! Start a block club, it's infectious! -- Bernadette T., Penn Hills

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My question to Paul F so that maybe I can better understand him and/or his mindset: What exactly about Homewood makes you so negative towards it and the people who reside there? It is easy to criticize (and yes I did that in my earlier post) than to be active and part of the solution. My intent was not start a crossfire war of words in this newspaper, but to simply point out that sitting back and criticizing while not providing meaningful and realistic solutions is easy. -- Robert M., Williamsburg, Va.

I recently purchased property in homewood, and I hate all of the negative attention it gets. My house is beautiful and my street is very quite. The property surrounding the area is not cleaned, the empty lots are filled with trash. I call over and over to the 311 which is the Mayor's hotline to see if they can come out and clean the lot next to me, however it's in vain. I recently decided that my family and I will clean the lot up and make sure it stays that way. I believe that if each person takes pride it the appearance of their property homewoods appearance will not be so distressed. In life if we want others to respect our community, even the folks that may already live there, we have to do our part. -- Ronna, Homewood

I read the My Homewood section every now and then just to see what is going on and I found it a little odd that you attacked someone for generalizing a group of people by saying "you people". You seemed truly offended by that, yet I've never seen you have an issue with all of the anti-white statements I've seen posted.

I won't pretend that there are racist people in Pittsburgh, and I won't pretend to know what it's like to be discriminated against, but a lot of times it seems to be the excuse for everthing wrong in everyones life.

I've seen plenty of posts about not wanting "White folk" to buy up property in Homewood. Not wanting a family dollar with a white manager. There were too many to count that had to deal with "the white man won't give me a job". Sounds like some generalizations to me.

By the way, while reading a lot of those posts about the racist bosses, I noticed quite a bit of misspelled words and horrible grammar. Perhaps there were other reasons those people were not hired. Not everything is racism. -- Paul O., Edgewood

To Paul F: To read your rants and raves are at best amusing and worst a waste of time. You continually talk about "you people", quit whining and complaining, etc. How about this Paul; get a life. I moved from Pittsburgh in 1997 (growing up in Homewood) when it was so bad that wearing the wrong color on any street can get you shot. I remember having to get in before dark, and yes the people on my particular block were COLLEGE educated, hard working, and were active in the community on many levels. To state that black people need to get out in ther community and take back the streets sounds like the people where I currently reside (Williamsburg, VA) who have actually stated that there is no gang problem. Yes, I live in a national tourist destination, and as a black man, I have a middle class lifestyle in the SOUTH (near Richmond, VA former capital of the Confederacy that fought to keep slavery alive). My children attend one of the top 3 public schools in the state of Virginia and I have no college degree. I make pretty good money and am able to provide for my family. And yes, I started at the bottom (as you so wisely suggested). Your lack of compassion and understanding and real knowledge of Homewood makes you look real stupid and ignorant. Here's a challenge to you Pual, move your family to Homewood and stay for about 5 years and then you will have earned the right to comment on Homewood and its problems. Until then, I would ask you not to comment (but we know you will). So what's up Paul, when are you moving to Homewood to live? Please let the Post-Gazette audience know. -- Robert M., Williamsburg, Va.