In the other corner, Mayor Stephen R. Reed has had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up from the first wind that this report was to be published. "That Commoner can trace a [dioxin] molecule," said Dan Lispi, environmental consultant to Reed. "From Harrisburg to the Arctic is a total fabrication. In fact, there is no indication at all in the report that Commoner or anyone was ever actually in the Arctic!" The Mayor’s office has sent out point-by-point scathing, refutations of the report, indicating that Commoner’s 20-year history of anti-"municipal solid waste burning facility" rhetoric is testament to the slant of the report, comparing the scientific methodology that Commoner used to the subject of ABC reporter John Stossel’s report on "Junk Science," and blaming Commoner for the current redirection of New York City trash to other states like Pennsylvania. "Although some people who have been exposed to large amounts of dioxins like the people near the explosion in [Serviso] Italy have shown some diseases like chloracne (a severe acne-like disease that sometimes persists for many years)," assures Lispi. "There is no pattern that points to small-dose exposure to dioxins as a danger." Lispi says that experiments done elsewhere on "lower organisms" have verified his claim.

"Dioxins are more insidious than smog," states Jeff Schmidt, PA Sierra Club lobbyist. "Because they are bio-accumulative (passing from organism to organism and growing with each transference) and don’t break down in the environment or within the organism. Mothers can even pass it down to their newborns through breast milk." Nor is Schmidt surprised at Lispi’s denunciations. "Dan Lispi has a major personal and financial stake in keeping the incinerator open," says Schmidt.

Lispi points to the lack of credible data that Commoner used for this study, and indeed, the article does say that because the data gathered is three years old or older, the study might be wrong because some polluters "may have reduced or eliminated dioxin emissions since." But more than that, Lispi claims that Commoner has used consistently faulty scientific methods the further he digs into this study.

To view the article and the entire study online, go to : cec.com.

"We have made some strides over the years in dealing with the problems caused by absentee and irresponsible slumlords," said Reed. "Allowing this circumstance to continue inhibits the full recovery of our neighborhoods and deters additional private investment."

Normally, with only $500,000 as a budget, just 50 sites could be demolished annually, but by hiring internal employees and leasing equipment, the money can go twice as far making the number of blighted properties removed 100 per year.

"From a financial basis, it’s a very prudent move," said Bethesda Mission Director, Brian Yesilonis. When asked if he expects to have an increase in homeless clientele over the next year as these abandoned buildings are destroyed, Yesilonis said "I don’t think that the Mayor would destroy a building that was being occupied." I could hear the fingers crossing over the phone. Randy King, Spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office, says, "Any people found in these buildings will get Section 8 housing or be relocated to a shelter."

The list of Harrisburg’s first 50 "Most Blighted Structures" slated for demolition has addresses going from Buckthorn Street to Seneca Street, and from Emerald Street to Derry Street. King thinks that actual demolition will begin after the first of November. Watch your heads.

The transfer of ownership has thus far gone smoothly and is expected to "continue in such a manner," said Giovanniello, "we expect it will go very well, we’re very excited about it."

Team Diabetes is the latest program raising funds for diabetes research. This time, the fundraisers, if they can get at least $4000 in pledges from friends, family and businesses, will receive professional training this season for marathon walking and running. The ADA has contracted with two-time Olympic qualifier Marc Amway to conduct regular training, conditioning and nutrition tips for any interested fundraisers who meet criterion.

After training, marathoners will be provided with travel to California, Dublin, Ireland, or even Rome, Italy, to take part in whichever marathon they’d like.

"By joining Team Diabetes, even average athletes can surpass their own expectations," said ADA spokesperson, Paul Wolfe. "In addition, each participant will finish knowing that he or she has made a substantial contribution to find a cure…"

To register or get more info, call 800-254-9255 or go to diabetes.org/teamdiabetes.

Having doubled production over the last 10 years, the "come-back" company is noted for its robust turn-around during the Ronald Reagan presidency. The company was founded in Milwaukee by William Harley and Arthur Davidson. By 1903, they had made their first three bikes. Today, the company makes 24 models sold in 47 countries. There are 1,200 Harley-Davidson clubs with 550,000 members. In the U.S., call 1-800-CLUB HOG.