Great idea and use of technology from a youngster.
http://www.vice.com/read/greenhouse-app-hannah-ewens-nick-rubin-201
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Fwd: Girls Golf Member Benefits
From: Eric Amato <tftpittsburgh@clubmailer.memfirst.net>
LPGA Sign up
--
Dear Ladies of The First Tee,
The First Tee of Pittsburgh is proud to continue its partnership with the LPGA-USGA girls golf program. This will be our fourth year participating in the program and we want everyone to sign up for the program. For signing up each girl will receive the following benefits
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf membership benefits include:
Quality junior instruction from LPGA/PGA Professionals
An LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Membership Kit (equipped with Girls Golf logoed golf accessories)
-
FREE entry into all LPGA Tour, Symetra Tour and USGA Championships
Scholarship opportunities through the LPGA Foundation
Access to National Girls Golf events, including the Girls Golf Academy
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf e-Newslette
To enroll please follow the link below, enrollment is open to all members of The First Tee of Pittsburgh. If you know someone that would like to get involved please contact Coach Eric at eamato@thefirstteepittsburgh.org
Thanks and sign up today
Eric Amato
Associate Executive Director
The First Tee Coach and National Trainer
The First Tee of Pittsburgh5370 Schenley Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
eamato@thefirstteepittsburgh.org
www.thefirstteepittsburgh.org
412-622-0108
412-682-2405 (fax)
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
eamato@thefirstteepittsburgh.org
www.thefirstteepittsburgh.org
412-622-0108
412-682-2405 (fax)
The mission of TFTP is To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
The First Tee of Pittsburgh is a United Way Donor Choice Agency. You may direct your United Way contribution to #1436656. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Lifeguarding from the second floor balcony
http://www.usctrojans.com/blog/2014/08/shaw-injured.html#
Shaw Suffers Injury While Rescuing Nephew
By Jordan Moore
On Saturday night, USC senior cornerback Josh Shaw was named a team captain at the annual Salute to Troy dinner. For Shaw, leadership is bigger than how he acts on a football field, and he put that to the ultimate test later that night.
While attending a family social function at his cousin's apartment in his hometown of Palmdale, Shaw looked on from a second floor balcony to the pool below and saw his 7-year-old nephew, who cannot swim, in distress without help nearby. Shaw instinctively leaped off the balcony, landing painfully on the concrete below.
He was able to crawl into the pool and ushered his nephew to safety. Despite the intense pain in his legs, he was then able to grab the ladder and lift himself out of the pool with his upper body.
Shaw's nephew Carter is a bit "traumatized," but physically okay. Shaw was taken to the hospital and subsequently diagnosed with two high ankle sprains, which will sideline him indefinitely.
"I would do it again for whatever kid it was, it did not have to be my nephew," Shaw said today. "My ankles really hurt, but I am lucky to be surrounded by the best trainers and doctors in the world. I am taking my rehab one day at a time, and I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible."
Said head coach Steve Sarkisian: "That was a heroic act by Josh, putting his personal safety aside. But that's the kind of person he is. It is unfortunate that he'll be sidelined for a while and we will miss his leadership and play, but I know he'll be working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible."
Friday, August 22, 2014
Fwd: [wplug-announce] Pittsburgh Perl Workshop 2014
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Vance Kochenderfer" <vkochend@nyx.net>
Date: Aug 22, 2014 8:29 AM
Subject: [wplug-announce] Pittsburgh Perl Workshop 2014
To: "mark.rauterkus@gmail.com" <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>
Cc:
Daniel Wright <dan@perlfoundation.org> wrote:
> The Pittsburgh Perl Mongers are looking at doing another Pittsburgh
> Perl Workshop this November 7th and 8th. It will be at the downtown
> DoubleTree hotel. But, only if we have enough people sign up by labor
> day: http://tilt.tc/mMkG
The Pittsburgh Perl Workshop is a long-standing event - and *you*
can make it happen this year! They are selling tickets at the link
above, and need to reach 30 by September 1.
As of this moment, 17 have been sold, so you could be the one to
push them over the edge! (Note that if the goal isn't reached, you
will be refunded.)
For more details and history on PPW, visit <http://pghpw.org/>.
Later,
Vance Kochenderfer
Vice Chair, Western Pennsylvania Linux Users Group
_______________________________________________
wplug-announce mailing list
wplug-announce@wplug.org
http://www.wplug.org/mailman/listinfo/wplug-announce
From: "Vance Kochenderfer" <vkochend@nyx.net>
Date: Aug 22, 2014 8:29 AM
Subject: [wplug-announce] Pittsburgh Perl Workshop 2014
To: "mark.rauterkus@gmail.com" <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>
Cc:
Daniel Wright <dan@perlfoundation.org> wrote:
> The Pittsburgh Perl Mongers are looking at doing another Pittsburgh
> Perl Workshop this November 7th and 8th. It will be at the downtown
> DoubleTree hotel. But, only if we have enough people sign up by labor
> day: http://tilt.tc/mMkG
The Pittsburgh Perl Workshop is a long-standing event - and *you*
can make it happen this year! They are selling tickets at the link
above, and need to reach 30 by September 1.
As of this moment, 17 have been sold, so you could be the one to
push them over the edge! (Note that if the goal isn't reached, you
will be refunded.)
For more details and history on PPW, visit <http://pghpw.org/>.
Later,
Vance Kochenderfer
Vice Chair, Western Pennsylvania Linux Users Group
_______________________________________________
wplug-announce mailing list
wplug-announce@wplug.org
http://www.wplug.org/mailman/listinfo/wplug-announce
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Movie to prevent violence among youth
The Black Political Empowerment Project(B-PEP) And Black Women For Positive Change Invite You to A Free Movie Screening
The free film screening will be held Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at, East Liberty Presbyterian Church located at 116 S. Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 RM. 234. For directions please call 412-441-3800. A second screening will be hosted on August 21st at 6:30 p.m.at Project Destiny Inc, 2200 California Ave. Pgh. PA 15212. For directions, call 412-231-1258. We are urging local churches to bring young people to these screenings. Rev. David McFarland, MADDAD's, and Assistant Chief of Police Maurita Bryant urge youth and their parents to attend and participate in the post-film discussions. The film "On 2nd Thought" is available free for download on IPhones, tablets, cell phones via YouTube at www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org Order for DVD copies can be made from the same website. For information contact Diane Powell, 412-302-2952.
Rick Perry's quagmire
From Reason magazine, online.
The indictment of Gov. Rick Perry (R-Tex.) for trying to force a district attorney charged with drinking and driving out of office is illustrative here. A district attorney who drinks and drives shouldn't be allowed to keep that job, given how often a district attorney prosecutes drunk drivers. And it's rich to see a prosecutor charge a governor with "coercion" for threatening funding if a DA embroiled in a scandal wouldn't resign, when prosecutors coerce defendants into plea deals all the time. Is Perry enjoying widespread support for trying to force a DA that damaged her reputation out of office? Of course not, the DA is a Democrat so a significant amount of Democrats will back her. Her job is to monitor public integrity. It would seem her job should obligate her to resign after being charged with drunk driving. But prosecutors and cops will act in their own self-interest, especially when their jobs are on the line. And so bad actors are incentivized to help each other. Add partisan tribalism into the mix, and you have a recipe for a big old heap of nothing else happening.
Saturday, August 09, 2014
B.F. Water Polo. You heard it here first. Bottom Friendly Water Polo.
Any Trademark Attorney want to pick up a cause pro bono?
I think this could have legs. Pun intended.
BF Water Polo makes it okay to stand on the bottom with the ball. It is okay to swim too. And, it is faster to swim. But, when you get the ball, stand up. The jumping off the bottom element is something to consider, but the verdict is still out on that.
We've been playing water polo in the shallow water. Then those who are not such great swimmers and those without the fitness to play deep pool water polo can join along. I've called this "Community Water Polo" but it needs a better name. Community water polo is legal water polo but in a co-ed style and without the crashing into the other players that can unfold in real water polo. But around here, our pools are often with both a deep-end and shallow-end, so we get to be on the bottoms more at certain times.
B.F. Water Polo is well suited for kids. But, adults can play too.
B.F. Water Polo could be a great activity for Pittsburgh Sports League, PSL. They host kickball leagues. Why not B.F. Water Polo evenings, leagues, teams, clinics and end of season tournaments?
I think this could have legs. Pun intended.
BF Water Polo makes it okay to stand on the bottom with the ball. It is okay to swim too. And, it is faster to swim. But, when you get the ball, stand up. The jumping off the bottom element is something to consider, but the verdict is still out on that.
We've been playing water polo in the shallow water. Then those who are not such great swimmers and those without the fitness to play deep pool water polo can join along. I've called this "Community Water Polo" but it needs a better name. Community water polo is legal water polo but in a co-ed style and without the crashing into the other players that can unfold in real water polo. But around here, our pools are often with both a deep-end and shallow-end, so we get to be on the bottoms more at certain times.
B.F. Water Polo is well suited for kids. But, adults can play too.
B.F. Water Polo could be a great activity for Pittsburgh Sports League, PSL. They host kickball leagues. Why not B.F. Water Polo evenings, leagues, teams, clinics and end of season tournaments?
Saturday, August 02, 2014
Greatest Article of All Time -- Trib gets it right in coverage of our Summer Dreamers and visits with Elite Runners and the Liberty Mile Efforts
Thank you Karen Price.
By Karen Price
Thursday, July 31, 2014, 10:39 p.m.
Jordan McNamara stood in front of dozens of Summer Dreamers Academy campers at Helen S. Faison Arts Academy in Homewood on Wednesday and asked a question.
“Who likes to run?” he asked, followed by, “Why do you like to run?”
Hands shot in the air.
One boy said because he was the fastest kid in the world. A girl said because it helps her build muscles. Another child said it keeps her energized.
Before long, McNamara and two other professional runners in town for Friday's Liberty Mile race, Heather Kampf and Leo Manzano, were running through the grass with the kids. They jogged around the perimeter of the field, set up mini races and ended with some stretching and strengthening moves.
For the past five weeks, approximately 120 campers in the Pittsburgh Public Schools program have been training with a coach from the Liberty Mile in preparation for the race through the streets of Downtown on Friday. The Liberty Mile, in its third year, is produced by Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon Inc. A total of 1,200 runners competed last year.
McNamara, who has finished second at the Liberty Mile each of the past two years, said Pittsburgh is the only place where race organizers get the elite runners involved in the community at this level. The elite runners also visited campers at Langley K-8 on Thursday.
“There's always some level of involvement with the race but in terms of going to kids' elementary schools and all that, I think that's different. It's cool,” said McNamara, 25, of Eugene, Ore. “Liberty Mile is really the first race that takes the professionals and integrates them directly into the community at ground level, which I think is really special.”
Manzano, a two-time Olympian from Austin, Texas, told the children at Faison that he wasn't the fastest runner when he started in the fifth or sixth grade, but he wanted to be the best. He talked about perseverance, and the importance of never giving up. Then he told them about racing in the 1,500 meters in the London Olympics in 2012.
He was in ninth place early in the race, he told them, and wanted to give up. He started thinking about his family and his community and started to pass other runners. With 100 meters to go he was in sixth place and ultimately won the silver medal with a time of 3:34.79.
“Not giving up is the important message,” Manzano, 29, said. “I feel like it applies a lot to life as well. Sometimes in a race you come across hills or mountains and you have to continue and push past those, but you know that eventually things will be better. You'll be done and you'll be celebrating.”
Kampf, 26, of Minneapolis had a similar message and told the story of when she fell during the Big Ten Indoor Championships in 2008 and went from last place to first in the 600 meters.
“Running is the ultimate blue-collar sport,” she said. “It's just good, pure, hard effort.”
All three hoped to show the kids that while being a top runner takes hard work, running in general can be a sport they can enjoy their entire lives.
“A lot of these kids at this age, you can tell running is awful to them,” McNamara said. “For us to come in and introduce a little bit of seriousness, a little bit of inspiration but also playfulness and silliness, it makes it so they can associate running with fun and it will be something that they'll want to do and enjoy.”
Karen Price is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach her at kprice@tribweb.com or via Twitter @KarenPrice_Trib.
Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/otherlocal/6533055-74/mile-race-liberty#ixzz39HtHBCOu
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Grew out of thinking gets a thumbs down from me.
Is there a bias based upon "grew-out-of" thinking?
Example: I hope to coach in a similar manner with fairness and open opportunities given, for example, three kids: One that 'grew out of' single parent home. Two, a kid from a home with 2 moms. Three, a background with one dad and one mom. All get equal treatment, regardless where they grew out of.
Where things 'grew-out-of" is part of history, part of the past, part of its legacy.
I don't like to see the venom (I don't see it here. We're just talking about it.) heaped upon charter schools because of a perception, (and perhaps a reality) of how they came into today's landscape. Its politics and its part of life. No doubt, the anti-union sector has pushed for charters and it is but a small tug in the efforts to educate our kids and make schools better, IMHO.
I think the school board at Pittsburgh Public Schools should grant permission to allow for an expansion of the Environmental Charter School in the east side of the city.
Example: I hope to coach in a similar manner with fairness and open opportunities given, for example, three kids: One that 'grew out of' single parent home. Two, a kid from a home with 2 moms. Three, a background with one dad and one mom. All get equal treatment, regardless where they grew out of.
Where things 'grew-out-of" is part of history, part of the past, part of its legacy.
I don't like to see the venom (I don't see it here. We're just talking about it.) heaped upon charter schools because of a perception, (and perhaps a reality) of how they came into today's landscape. Its politics and its part of life. No doubt, the anti-union sector has pushed for charters and it is but a small tug in the efforts to educate our kids and make schools better, IMHO.
I think the school board at Pittsburgh Public Schools should grant permission to allow for an expansion of the Environmental Charter School in the east side of the city.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Fwd: Tiger Water Polo Programs Open for SIGN UP
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Nikola Malezanov" <malezanov@gmail.com>
Date: Jul 28, 2014 5:53 PM
Subject: Tiger Water Polo Programs Open for SIGN UP
To:
Cc:
--
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Tiger Water Polo" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to tigerwaterpolo+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to tigerwaterpolo@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
From: "Nikola Malezanov" <malezanov@gmail.com>
Date: Jul 28, 2014 5:53 PM
Subject: Tiger Water Polo Programs Open for SIGN UP
To:
Cc:
Dear Water Polo Players,
I hope this email finds you well. I hope you enjoyed the summer so far. It is amassing how quickly the summer is passing.
I would like to inform you on the programs we are offering in 2014/2015 starting in the fall.
- COMPETITION TEAMS: 14U Boys/Girls, 12U Boys/Girls
Tryouts; August 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th
North Allegheny Senior High School
This program includes weekly training and regular competitions culminating in a July Trip to play in the 2015 Junior Olympics. This Fall, our teams will participate in the Pennsylvania Middle School League where we will compete for the title of State Middle School Champion. We'll also host a visiting team from Virginia one weekend and take a trip to the US Naval Academy for games in November.
- FALL RECREATION LEAGUE (Noodle Ball, Youth, Middle School)
Our Fall Recreation League Program will feature basic skills training and lots of game time. The program will be held on five Sundays September 14th, 21st and October 5th, 19th and 26th – at North Allegheny High School. In addition to the attached documents, we encourage you to learn more about the program at www.tigerwaterpolo.com
We hope to see many familiar faces back with us this Fall and also hope to see lots of new faces too. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to "Contact Us" from our website or directly by responding to this e-mail. Thank you.
Nikola Malezanov
Tiger Water Polo
North Allegheny Water Polo
Like us on facebook!
Twitter
@waterpolotiger
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Tiger Water Polo" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to tigerwaterpolo+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to tigerwaterpolo@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Thursday, July 03, 2014
Fwd: Separation of Church & State, Being Threatened Here in Allegheny Count y
Subject: Separation of Church & State, Being Threatened Here in Allegheny County
Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Relatives who live in Allegheny County,
Some of you heard from me the other day on this matter, others not yet.
I am asking all of you (a) to find it within you to agree with me, and (b) to speak out on this matter now!
Allegheny County Council on July 1st took on a resolution (and sent it to the Governmental Reform Committee):
Bill 8376-14
A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, supporting the display of the National Motto, "In God We Trust" to be displayed above a replication of the Bill of Rights and to be hung in a prominent location in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse.
Sponsors: Council Member Means, Council Member Martoni, Council Member Palmiere, Council Member Kress and Council Member Heidelbaugh
I am ardently opposed to this resolution, for numerous reasons, all of which boil down to separation of church and state, elimination of prejudice and bullying, and fiscal prudence. I spoke in Public Comment at this past Tuesday's meeting, and am planning to speak again at next Tuesday's meeting. (After that the Council is in recess for six weeks, so we do not know when they will act upon this.)
Please join me in speaking against this! You will find more information and talking points below.
One must register to speak more than 24 hours before a meeting, which would be by 5:00 p.m. Monday. To register on line, go to http://www.alleghenycounty.us/council/meetings/comment.aspx . (You must register to speak at the end of the meeting.) There are also provisions for County citizens to submit written testimony, which also has rules.
Additionally, here is a set of email addresses for copying the Councilpersons on your testimony:
bdanko@alleghenycounty.us, agreen@alleghenycounty.us, jdefazio@alleghenycounty.us, hheidelbaugh@alleghenycounty.us, thomas.baker@alleghenycounty.us, jrea@alleghenycounty.us, edward.kress@alleghenycounty.us, mfinnerty@alleghenycounty.us, sue.means@alleghenycounty.us, jpalmiere@alleghenycounty.us, nfutules@alleghenycounty.us, cmartoni@alleghenycounty.us, rmacey@alleghenycounty.us, wrobinson@alleghenycounty.us, jellenbogen@alleghenycounty.us,
The Supreme Court has ruled that corporations have religions, and that religious zealots must be able to get into the faces of folks over whom they feel morally superior. It all begins when we give tacit approval to bring G-d into our public buildings and proceedings.
I'll add more information below, and a copy of what I said to the Council on Tuesday. Again, please plan to speak, or at least submit testimony. http://alleghenycounty.us/council/meetings/comment.aspx
Thank you for joining me. Please spread the word.
- Audrey N. Glickman
Some Notes on "In G-d We Trust" and the County's Legislation.
Following are some notes, items, and talking points regarding dissuading the County Council from establishing a County religion. And they intend to post it above the Bill of Rights!
Here is the full bill, and following are several "Items," points and notes from which to derive talking points.
Bill 8376-14
A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, supporting the display of the National Motto, "In God We Trust" to be displayed above a replication of the Bill of Rights and to be hung in a prominent location in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse.
Sponsors: Council Member Means, Council Member Martoni, Council Member Palmiere, Council Member Kress and Council Member Heidelbaugh
A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, supporting the display of the National Motto, "In God We Trust" to be displayed above a replication of the Bill of Rights and to be hung in a prominent location in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse.
WHEREAS, April 2014 marked the 150th anniversary of our national motto "In God We Trust" on our coins which was first introduced to the nation by Francis Scott Key in 1814 as words to be included in our national anthem; and
WHEREAS, IN GOD WE TRUST became the United States national motto on July 30, 1956, shortly after our nation led the world through the trauma of World War II; and
WHEREAS, the words have been used on U.S. currency since 1864 having been placed there by a native Pennsylvanian, James Pollock who served as the 13th Governor of Pennsylvania and was appointed as the Director of the U.S. Mint by Abraham Lincoln; and
WHEREAS, the same inspiring slogan is engraved above the entrance to the United States Senate Chamber as well as above the Speaker's dais in the U.S. House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, in both war and peace, these words have been a profound source of strength and guidance to many generations of Americans serving as part of the history and heritage of the United States; and
WHEREAS, On July 24, 2000, the United States House of Representatives, along with the concurrence of the Senate, unanimously resolved to encourage the display of the national motto of the United States in public buildings throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 1728 of 2013 which is known as the National Motto Display Act which attempts to increase understanding of and familiarity with American historical documents and requests that important excerpts of the documents be prominently displayed in public buildings; and
WHEREAS, the national motto originated in Pennsylvania and is a true PA history story; and
WHEREAS, in following the recommendation of the Commonwealth, the County desires to display this patriotic motto in the Council Chambers of the Gold Room as a way to solemnize public occasions and celebrate our history as a state and nation;
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby resolves as follows:
SECTION 1.
Council determines that the historic and patriotic words of our national motto, "In God We Trust," shall be permanently and prominently displayed above a replication of the Bill of Rights in the Gold Room of the County Courthouse of Allegheny.
SECTION 2. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Ordinance which shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 3. Repealer. Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Ordinance.
Item 1. Recent State Bill.
The State earlier this year passed its legislation advocating placing "In G-d We Trust" on public buildings, including public schools. Before passage, the bill was amended to "authorize" schools to post it, rather than to mandate them doing so, and included charter schools in the mix.
The legislation was brought by Representative Rick Saccone, Republican, from Allegheny County.
Item 2. Saccone's History Claim is Repeated in the Recital Clauses of this Bill.
Saccone claims the reason for bringing it forth is that the phrase is "closely" connected to Pennsylvania history. That is flimsy at best. The actual history is that President Lincoln in 1861 appointed reported religious zealot and NRA member James W. Pollock (also former Governor of Pennsylvania, from Northumberland County, raised a Presbyterian) as Director of the Mint. As near as I can discern, in November of that same year, Rev. Mark Richard Watkinson, a pastor in a Baptist church in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, noting that we didn't have a deity on our coins. Rev. Watkinson wrote, "One fact touching our currency has hitherto been seriously overlooked. I mean the recognition of the Almighty God on some form of our coins. What if our republic were now shattered beyond reconstruction? Would not the antiquaries of succeeding centuries rightly reason from our past that we were a heathen nation?"
So Salmon Chase, who had been raised by his uncle Philader Chase, an Episcopalian religious leader (and was from Cornish, New Hampshire, not Pennsylvania), thought this a good idea, wrote the slogan (or stole it from the fourth stanza of the "Star Spangled Banner," history is not clear, as his first draft was "In G-d is our trust"), and put the idea to James Pollock to make it happen.
The slogan was placed on 2-cent coins in April 1864 while the Civil War was turning everyone religious. (The founding of Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh happened in the same year.)
So the Pennsylvania connection is quite tenuous.
Item 3. Further History.
The Coinage Act of 1864 did not specify the wording to be placed on the coins, and this fact opened the door to further shenanigans – the Secretary of the Treasury, under the advice of the Director of the Mint, could change the wording at any time. In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became President, and also was a great admirer of the sculptor Saint-Gaudens. So Roosevelt got his Treasury Secretary to commission Saint-Gaudens to do some new coin designs. The sculptor didn't like using "In G-d We Trust" reportedly for aesthetic reasons, and when that came to light it was fortuitous because Teddy Roosevelt didn't like using it either, for religious reasons. Roosevelt reportedly thought that having the motto on common coins that were abused in all sorts of manners was close to sacrilege. [This from the Rochester Chapter of the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.]
According to the NY Times, http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9406E2D8103EE033A25757C1A9679D946697D6CF , Roosevelt wrote within his letter:
My own feeling in the matter is due to my very firm conviction that to put such a motto on coins, or to use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good, but does positive harm, and is in effect irreverence, which comes dangerously close to sacrilege. A beautiful and solemn sentence such as the one in question should be treated and uttered only with that fine reverence which necessarily implies a certain exaltation of spirit.
Public outcry from the religious quarters was fierce!* So Roosevelt caved, telling the Congress that he would not veto a bill placing the motto on our money. Therefore on May 18, 1908, Congress did indeed pass a mandate for the motto to appear on all of our money.
Talk about a backlash in the wrong direction!
*Small footnote – Roosevelt did seem to think the solemnity for using it on courthouses was appropriate. He found money the most crass. So we cannot say whether he would have objected to the current proposition.
Item 4. Why?
What is the purpose of passing this legislation? What is the purpose of posting this motto? Does it serve the public good to spend the public's money in this manner? Even thinking broadly, does it do no harm?
I certainly find harm in it. I find it to be a form of bullying – the only possible G-d that could be implied is a Christian G-d. Other religions use other terms to name their G-d, and Jews don't write out His/Her name on non-religious documents. Those who have no religion, or who practice a religion without a G-d, are surely disfranchised by such posting, which implies that all who come forth in this public venue have such a belief in that same G-d.
Item 5. Jews and the Ten Commandments.
The third Commandment of the ten as Jews read them refers to not taking G-d's name in vain. Jews put major barriers around this commandment (and around the others), such that we do not write out G‑d's name. We don't even write out "G‑d." Therefore, the practice of inscribing His/Her name on a non-religious, civil place is offensive. It is courting – as Teddy Roosevelt also felt – taking His/Her name in vain.
Of course, additionally, we would go to our deaths under yet another commandment (of the 613 in the Bible) to keep G-d's name from being defamed. Hence the extra-prudent use of a dash in the middle of "G-d."
Item 6. Which G-d?
Which G-d is it whom we trust so much? What do we trust Him/Her for? Are we being derelict in our duties in carrying forth the public's business, such that we have to trust Someone Else to oversee it?
Item 7. What the Hell Is Patriotic About It?
I see nothing patriotic about the slogan "In G-d We Trust," where "E Pluribus Unum" serves everything patriotic about our country. And it came first. When adopted in 1956, "In G-d We Trust" was considered an alternative or replacement. "E Pluribus Unum" dates to the creation and adoption in 1782 of the Great Seal of the United States. 1956 is hardly "historic," even though it's the year I was born. :-)
Additionally, the vague reference to this slogan being a profound source of inspiration in war and peace is ridiculous. I can say with some certainty that my father fought in WW2 for freedom, equality, and The Flag. I can pretty much say he did not fight for that slogan.
Item 8. Get Off It Already.
As someone who has been told numerous times to "get off it already" concerning our need for recountable voting systems,** I can say that it is time for County Council (and Rep. Saccone) to be told the same. We don't need religion in our public discourse. When doing the people's business, there is no place for religion.
**Please feel free to speak about the need for new voting systems, too. Another day.
Item 9. Separation of Church and State.
CornellUniversity's site says, concisely:
The First Amendment's Establishment Clause prohibits the government from making any law "respecting an establishment of religion." This clause not only forbids the government from establishing an official religion, but also prohibits government actions that unduly favor one religion over another. It also prohibits the government from unduly preferring religion over non-religion, or non-religion over religion.
Not to be dramatic about it, but how was the Spanish Inquisition begun? By Spain deciding that only one religion was for Spain, and the clerics letting the power go to their heads (to be way too concise).
Item 10. More Separation of Church and State.
The State will not pay for any lawsuits brought because of the posting of "In G-d We Trust" pursuant to their new piece of legislation. The ACLU has reportedly already promised to look into filing suit concerning the State legislation. Why leave the County open to suit?
Item 11. Wasting Time. Wasting Money.
County Council and County employees should better use the time and money to research (maybe create) and buy new secure, accessible, recountable voting systems with paper ballots for audits and recounts.
Instead of following the chauvinistic and prejudiced lead of other counties who believe their G-d is the only one, we in Allegheny County should take the lead in being welcoming to all. "E Pluribus Unum" has been our country's motto since 1782, and it includes everyone.
Here is what Audrey Glickman said on Tuesday in Public Comment, except for the blue items:
Audrey N. Glickman, 3548 Beechwood Boulevard, Greenfield.
Regarding Bill 8376-14, In G-d We Trust.
Why do we need this legislation? What public good is served? Does it do no harm?
I see only one intention behind it: An attempt to impose some citizens' religion on others. Representative Saccone pushed his bill through the State, and now all the counties are jumping on the bandwagon. Can't AlleghenyCounty be a leader rather than sailing headlong to join the retrograde?
As a Jew, I am offended. Many Jews interpret the commandment against "taking G-d's name in vain" to include prohibiting writing G‑d's name except in use for prayer and other religious applications. We don't even write out the word "G-d," we generally put a dash instead of an "o," as a part of the mandate for reverence.
Writing that motto on the wall is a distinct affront to Jews – and others – who believe that G-d has no place in civic ephemera.
One's beliefs must remain separate from one's civic engagement if we are to retain a civil society.
If we are believers, we honor G-d by doing the people's business in an honest and civil manner. We honor each other the same. We could well write "We are trusting in each other"!
Our national motto is E Pluribus Unum. Dating to 1782 rather than 1956, it's a much more appropriate motto, and it's still on the books. It reflects our multicultural society coming together to do good works.
This other thing is an alternate motto which did NOT "originate in Pennsylvania," it was Salmon Chase from New Hampshire who wrote the line and ordered it for coins. A former Pennsylvania governor happened to be Director of the Mint. Teddy Roosevelt, by the way, later notably objected to its use on coins.
And you are considering placing it ABOVE the BILL OF RIGHTS! The very document which says that government shall not establish a religion!
This is in NO regard a "patriotic motto." [And veterans generally say they fought for the Flag, not this slogan. G-d has little place in war. G-d knows there are enough countries in this world emphasizing G-d for war.]
When doing the people's business, there is no place for religion.
So many came to this country for freedom of and from religion. Plastering one religion on our public spaces is a form of bullying that cannot be tolerated.
And it is just ONE religion, Christianity. Maybe you all are Christians. I can respect and honor your beliefs, whatever they are. I expect the same in return.
The real American thing to do is to welcome everyone. The majority of your constituents is American.
In religion, majority gets no priority. In religion, majority gets no priority. That would be oppression. Look at it this way – what if a certain other majority asked us to write on the wall "Women Rule"!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Funding and RFP
I need to look at these RFPs after July 1 to see if any fit our efforts.
Funds Available from The Heinz Endowments Summer Youth Philanthropy Internship Program
Learn more at upcoming information sessions July 1st and 2nd.
The Heinz Endowments’ Youth Philanthropy Summer Interns will release nine Requests for Proposals (RFPs) July 1 for grants totaling over $200,000. The RFPs will support a range of local efforts aimed at creating a more sustainable Pittsburgh. Topics addressed vary.
Interested organizations are invited to meet the Heinz Summer Interns and to discuss their funding opportunities at the following information fairs:
Tuesday, July 1st at the Children's Museum, 10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212: 9:00AM-11:30AM Tuesday, July 1st at the Sarah Heinz House, 1 Heinz Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212: 4:00PM-6:00PM Wednesday, July 2nd at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206: 2:00PM-4:00PM
For more information about the Endowments’ Summer Youth Philanthropy Internship Program, please visit our website: http://www.heinz.org/youthphilanthropy.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Brazil news
From Obama Eagle newspaper.
Cup
Posted: 18 Jun 2014 07:59 AM PDT
With Futebol, Nothing Else Matters!
Around the age of three, sometimes earlier sometimes later, kids all over the world are taught the basics of playing soccer, Futebol in Portuguese. In Pittsburgh and around the US, most kids learn in youth organizations like Dynamo Soccer, and then some go on to play for their school teams, but a lot of the time it ends there. In other places around the world, it's more of a lifestyle than anything else. Pickup games can be found in streets, back alleys or preexisting fields. In Brazil, it's even more than that: it's a religion. We've had first-hand experience with this in our first few days, seeing cars covered in flags, streamers hanging above streets, and World Cup murals painted in the middle of major roadways.
Yesterday, we saw the power of Futebol on the most basic level. At a small sand field behind the home of our host, we began playing soccer with three local kids. They didn't speak a word of English, and we speak absolutely no Portuguese, but it didn't matter. It didn't matter that we didn't know their names, because whenever anyone made a great play they were called "Neymar", "Ronaldo" or "Messi", Gods of the soccer world (although we found out later the kids were Igor, Andre and Evan). It didn't matter that we were born on two separate continents, because the rules are simple and all we needed was a ball. It didn't matter that we were thousands of miles from home, because we were playing in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest, and not a lot of people get to have an experience that cool. For a few short hours, we weren't Americans, and they weren't Brazilians: we were jogadores de futebol (soccer players) and nothing else mattered. Except maybe the score.
After the game, we were invited to Andre's house through pointing, and a few simple phrases, and there we watched the United States play Ghana. When Clint Dempsey scored 30 seconds into the game, we celebrated as Americans, and they understood, because they experienced the same feeling when Neymar scored the first goal of the World Cup for Brazil.
Monday, June 09, 2014
Fwd: Join Us June 11th!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Brian Rasel" <admin@studentsfirst.org>
Date: Jun 9, 2014 5:00 PM
Subject: Join Us June 11th!
To: "Mark Rauterkus" <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:
From: "Brian Rasel" <admin@studentsfirst.org>
Date: Jun 9, 2014 5:00 PM
Subject: Join Us June 11th!
To: "Mark Rauterkus" <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:
 |
Dear Mark, This is just a friendly reminder that you are invited to our StudentsFirst Pittsburgh Chapter Meeting. We also have important updates for you regarding our work in the legislature to protect excellent teachers, and can't wait to discuss these advancements with you in person! Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to citizen lobby for our children and also learn how to place an effective call to your local legislators' offices. Our chapter meeting will be held June 11th at 6:00pm at Rolands Seafood Grill, located at 1904 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh 15222. We will have light refreshments provided for you. All that we ask is that you come ready to listen, discuss, and engage! PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS EVENT TODAY Should you not be able to make it but are interested in being involved, email me at Brasel@studentsfirst.org. Please feel free to bring family and friends and pass along this invitation to others that maybe interested. Looking forward to seeing you there! Brian Rasel
|
 |
| Become a Member | Follow StudentsFirst PA on Twitter | Follow Us on Twitter | Follow Michelle Rhee on Twitter | Find Us on Facebook | Unsubscribe |
Sunday, June 08, 2014
Fwd: A Weekend Full of Spring Championships Begins Now on the NFHS Network App!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "NFHS Coach Education" <noreply@nfhs.org>
Date: May 1, 2014 2:03 PM
Subject: A Weekend Full of Spring Championships Begins Now on the NFHS Network App!
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:
From: "NFHS Coach Education" <noreply@nfhs.org>
Date: May 1, 2014 2:03 PM
Subject: A Weekend Full of Spring Championships Begins Now on the NFHS Network App!
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:
| To view this email as a web page, go here. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
This email was sent to: mark@rauterkus.com
We respect your right to privacy - view our policy |  | |
| Manage Subscriptions | Update Profile | One-Click Unsubscribe | ||
Friday, June 06, 2014
Fwd: [DW] Live Webcast - Personal Democracy Forum 2014 - Save the Internet, The Internet Saves
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Steven Clift" <clift@e-democracy.org>
Date: Jun 5, 2014 9:33 AM
Subject: [DW] Live Webcast - Personal Democracy Forum 2014 - Save the Internet, The Internet Saves
To: <newswire@groups.dowire.org>
Cc:
One of the best net democracy related events in world is webcasting
now. An amazing collection of speakers.
They tend to webcast the plenaries. Just started.
http://bit.ly/pdf14webcast
Session are today and Friday.
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23PDF14
From:
http://bit.ly/pdf14program
Today - Save the Internet
9:00 am Eastern
The Battle for the Open Internet
One Year After Snowden
Bruce Schneier
How to Fight Mass Surveillance: Reset the Net
Holmes Wilson and Tiffiniy Cheng
Encryption is for Everyone
Jillian York
10:00 - 10:30Coffee Break
Sponsored by Microsoft
10:30 - NoonSurveillance and Its Discontents
A Conversation Across Cyberspace
Edward Snowden in conversation with John Perry Barlow
The Political Fight for the Open Internet
MEP Marietje Schaake
Fashioning a Defense Against Surveillance
Adam Harvey
Why We Need the IndieWeb
Tantek Çelik
Noon - 1:00The Internet's Double-Edged Sword
The Slow Burn of Oppression / The Slow Burn of Social Change
An Xiao Mina
Why Block It? How Authoritarian Regimes Take Advantage of Social Media
Katy Pearce
Now I Know Who My Comrades Are: How Internet Activists Overcome
Isolation, Fear and Apathy
Emily Parker
Movements in a Connected Age: Better at Changing Minds, Worse at Changing Power?
Zeynep Tufekci
4:30 pm Eastern
The Future of the Public Internet
Leapfrog Democracies: From Tunis to Tallinn, and Quito Too
David Evan Harris
The Internet's Missing Link: Tools for Turning Talk into Action
Benjamin Knight
Who's At The Table?
Andre Banks
Practices of the Minimally Viable Utopia
Adam Greenfield
The Bright Promise of Dark Fiber
Susan Crawford
Reconfiguring Democracy for the Internet Age: The Fight of a Generation
Rebecca MacKinnon
Building the Public Internet
Sue Gardner
More on Friday ...
The Internet Saves
Yes. Yes, We Can.
By The People: Government Service is a Civic Duty
Matthew Burton
Hidden in Plain Sight: Detroit's Invisible Information Crisis
Jerry Paffendorf
The GovStack: Delivering Government as a Platform
Mike Bracken
NoonThe Civics of Tech
The 3rd of July
Brad Smith
The Calculus of Civic Engagement
Anthea Watson Strong
Mind Mapping the Civic Tech Space
Marci Harris
Made in NYC: Civic Hacking 102
Noel Hidalgo
Introductions
Stacy Donohue
Tech for Good: Tumml and Urban Impact Entrepeneurship
Julie Lein and Clara Brenner
Crowdfunding and Urban Poverty
Rose Broome
The Connected Skilled Trades Workshop
James Dunbar
Changing Culture, Changing Politics
The Bombastic Brilliance of Black Twitter
Kimberly Ellis
The Era of Big Campaigns is Over... So What Era Are We In?
Chuck DeFeo
Virtual Jiu-Jitsu: Whose Stigma Is It Now?
Ilyse Hogue
Closing Plenary
Full Stack Advocacy
Joe Green
Love Thy Neighbor...Hood
Ben Berkowitz
Sharing The Future
Brian Chesky
The Problem With Petitions: Working With Leaders, Not Just At Them
Jake Brewer
The Post-Digital Decade
Patrick Ruffini
Five Ideas For A New America
Anne-Marie Slaughter
The Changing Speed Of Change
Clay Shirky
Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com
Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/democracy
Tel/Text: +1.612.234.7072
ᐧ
-----------------------------------------
Group home for Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire:
http://groups.dowire.org/groups/newswire
Replies go to members of Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire with all posts on this topic here:
http://groups.dowire.org/r/topic/MgaJL7Y7C5SJceVih89ea
For digest version or to leave Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire,
email newswire@groups.dowire.org
with "digest on" or "unsubscribe" in the *subject*.
Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire is hosted by Democracies Online - http://dowire.org.
From: "Steven Clift" <clift@e-democracy.org>
Date: Jun 5, 2014 9:33 AM
Subject: [DW] Live Webcast - Personal Democracy Forum 2014 - Save the Internet, The Internet Saves
To: <newswire@groups.dowire.org>
Cc:
One of the best net democracy related events in world is webcasting
now. An amazing collection of speakers.
They tend to webcast the plenaries. Just started.
http://bit.ly/pdf14webcast
Session are today and Friday.
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23PDF14
From:
http://bit.ly/pdf14program
Today - Save the Internet
9:00 am Eastern
The Battle for the Open Internet
One Year After Snowden
Bruce Schneier
How to Fight Mass Surveillance: Reset the Net
Holmes Wilson and Tiffiniy Cheng
Encryption is for Everyone
Jillian York
10:00 - 10:30Coffee Break
Sponsored by Microsoft
10:30 - NoonSurveillance and Its Discontents
A Conversation Across Cyberspace
Edward Snowden in conversation with John Perry Barlow
The Political Fight for the Open Internet
MEP Marietje Schaake
Fashioning a Defense Against Surveillance
Adam Harvey
Why We Need the IndieWeb
Tantek Çelik
Noon - 1:00The Internet's Double-Edged Sword
The Slow Burn of Oppression / The Slow Burn of Social Change
An Xiao Mina
Why Block It? How Authoritarian Regimes Take Advantage of Social Media
Katy Pearce
Now I Know Who My Comrades Are: How Internet Activists Overcome
Isolation, Fear and Apathy
Emily Parker
Movements in a Connected Age: Better at Changing Minds, Worse at Changing Power?
Zeynep Tufekci
4:30 pm Eastern
The Future of the Public Internet
Leapfrog Democracies: From Tunis to Tallinn, and Quito Too
David Evan Harris
The Internet's Missing Link: Tools for Turning Talk into Action
Benjamin Knight
Who's At The Table?
Andre Banks
Practices of the Minimally Viable Utopia
Adam Greenfield
The Bright Promise of Dark Fiber
Susan Crawford
Reconfiguring Democracy for the Internet Age: The Fight of a Generation
Rebecca MacKinnon
Building the Public Internet
Sue Gardner
More on Friday ...
The Internet Saves
Yes. Yes, We Can.
By The People: Government Service is a Civic Duty
Matthew Burton
Hidden in Plain Sight: Detroit's Invisible Information Crisis
Jerry Paffendorf
The GovStack: Delivering Government as a Platform
Mike Bracken
NoonThe Civics of Tech
The 3rd of July
Brad Smith
The Calculus of Civic Engagement
Anthea Watson Strong
Mind Mapping the Civic Tech Space
Marci Harris
Made in NYC: Civic Hacking 102
Noel Hidalgo
Introductions
Stacy Donohue
Tech for Good: Tumml and Urban Impact Entrepeneurship
Julie Lein and Clara Brenner
Crowdfunding and Urban Poverty
Rose Broome
The Connected Skilled Trades Workshop
James Dunbar
Changing Culture, Changing Politics
The Bombastic Brilliance of Black Twitter
Kimberly Ellis
The Era of Big Campaigns is Over... So What Era Are We In?
Chuck DeFeo
Virtual Jiu-Jitsu: Whose Stigma Is It Now?
Ilyse Hogue
Closing Plenary
Full Stack Advocacy
Joe Green
Love Thy Neighbor...Hood
Ben Berkowitz
Sharing The Future
Brian Chesky
The Problem With Petitions: Working With Leaders, Not Just At Them
Jake Brewer
The Post-Digital Decade
Patrick Ruffini
Five Ideas For A New America
Anne-Marie Slaughter
The Changing Speed Of Change
Clay Shirky
Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com
Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/democracy
Tel/Text: +1.612.234.7072
ᐧ
-----------------------------------------
Group home for Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire:
http://groups.dowire.org/groups/newswire
Replies go to members of Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire with all posts on this topic here:
http://groups.dowire.org/r/topic/MgaJL7Y7C5SJceVih89ea
For digest version or to leave Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire,
email newswire@groups.dowire.org
with "digest on" or "unsubscribe" in the *subject*.
Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire is hosted by Democracies Online - http://dowire.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
