Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Fwd: 9 SCORES alumni represent the USA!

------- Forwarded message



9 girls and the experience 
of a lifetime
Dear Mark,

Yesterday in Washington, DC, we formed a cheer tunnel as nine SCORES alumnae from our flagship program, DC SCORES, boarded a bus to New York. Some 24 hours and a long flight later, the teenage girls, along with two coaches, arrived in Russia as the only team representing the U.S.A. at the Street Child World Cup. 

The team will be in Moscow for nine days playing in a soccer tournament with teams from around the world. Additionally, the girls - all from at-risk backgrounds - will speak about the issue of youth homelessness and connect with more than 400 other kids from around the world. Later this summer, the team will speak on Capitol Hill and in front of the United Nations about this life-changing experience. Here's how to follow along during the team's trip in Russia:

 

America SCORES inspires urban youth to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world.  

STAY CONNECTED

Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter    View our profile on LinkedIn    View our videos on YouTube   View our photos on flickr
-

Monday, April 30, 2018

Hey Sister! Invites to engage from China to Seattle to Pittsburgh -- by way of a WATER Safety, SKWIM and Study Trips

Hi All,

Lots to do and talk about from China to Seattle to Pittsburgh -- by way of a WATER Safety Outreach effort.


1)
From 3-4 pm on Saturday, May 5, at the meeting room in the Squirrel Hill Branch of the Carnegie Library, corner of Murray Ave and Forbes, we're calling a BRAINSTORMING Meeting in advance of a pending 2-3 week trip to Pittsburgh this summer for up to 25 youngsters from Pittsburgh Sister City in China.

Got ideas? Input welcomed. Kids are expected to be ages 10 to 16. Many will travel with an adult guardian. 

There is a new push in China's educational efforts for "study trips" for kids. Learn about this and our connections at this open community meeting while Li, the CEO of the education company in China is in Pittsburgh.


2) 
From 8:30 to 11:30 for adults and from 11:30 to 1 pm on Saturday, May 5, and the other Saturdays in May except on Memorial Day Weekend, all are invited to the Saturday Swim School at northside's Oliver High School. https://Swim.CLOH.org/saturdays/ 

We had a great time this past weekend with members of the Pittsburgh Triathlon Club. Plenty of room for training or to sharpen your water skills in advance of summer. 


3)
Lifeguards are in high demand. Citiparks needs to hire 50+. The Pittsburgh Project needs to hire 7. Another local university needs to hire more than 5. We've been training guards at the Saturday Swim School and Citiparks beings a new class on May 8, Tue & Thurs. 

I also need junior guards and swim instructors. Volunteer, apply, help:


4)
We get to make a presentation on Tuesday in Seattle to Washington Recreation and Parks Association Conference, on water safety, SKWIM is the name of the game. 

Tuesday evening we do a demonstration game with staff and swim team / swim lesson participants at the JCC in Seattle. 

Wednesday evening we take SKWIM to the North Shore Lagoon Swimming Pool at Anderson School in Bothell, Washington. 


5) 
A splendid Water Safety Outreach program for the region is being crafted for this summer. We're looking for a title sponsor and teams, swim pools, camps, scout groups and other individuals to participate. Send me an email or text message now if you want to get involved on the ground floor, or come to any of the next two Saturday Swim School for more insights in person. 

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Fwd: USNA Summer Seminar and Summer STEM - Now is the Time!

Something to consider for summer for middle and high school students:

These programs at NAVY may interest some, especially if STEM-focused.  

1.  For an out-of-the-ordinary STEM summer session at the U.S. Naval Academy (5 days, students residing in the dormitory, Bancroft Hall), and it's for 8th-10th Graders (for the Fall).  The Academy Admissions Office drafted the email notice itself, and passed it out to USNA Blue & Gold Officers around the country.  "Blue & Gold Officers" (like Coach Ed) work with the Admissions Office to help spread the word about not-your-normal but hopefully stimulating programs that younger students may find challenging, particularly if they love STEM or science fields.  

2.  For a Summer Seminar about a college - a week like no other.  This is for rising Seniors who may be considering a career in the Navy or Marine Corps, and wish to see a bit of what it may be like (or more!)  Through the lens of one of the pathways to becoming an officer, at the U.S. Naval Academy.  Like the STEM Summer Session for younger students, this one is also residential, so parents drop 'em off and pick 'em up later!  

Below is the approved USNA-style email advisory:

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Good afternoon!
The applications for the United States Naval Academy's Summer Seminar and Summer STEM are OPEN!

Summer STEM is geared toward students currently in 8th, 9th and 10th grade, the Summer STEM residential program will give attendees an opportunity to engage in hands-on math and science activities with our faculty and midshipmen. 
 
2018 Sessions:
June 4-9 for current 8th graders (rising 9th graders)
June 11-16 for current 9th graders (rising 10th graders)
June 18-22 for current 10th graders (rising 11th graders)
 
Attached is a digital brochure and the website is:

Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) offers an opportunity for rising high school seniors to experience the academy for one week. Participants learn about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and professional training play equally important roles in developing our nation's future leaders at this four-year college.
2018 Sessions:
June 2-7
June 9-14
June 16-21
 
Attached is a digital brochure and the website is:
This past summer,
USNA
 hosted students from all 50 states, US territories, as well as students living abroad. Both attendees and parents raved about the experience, and we are counting on you to help spread the word about these fantastic opportunities. 
You can check out more on Facebook at:
 
Please watch and
feel free to
share our videos:
 


Wednesday, January 10, 2018

More Bike Lanes -- as I've got some experience with them in Chengdu, China

More bike lanes! Because, some day, I'm going to be the one in the back seat! Plus, the brakes on that sucker didn't work so much. The brake on the bar for the front tire flew off the first time I applied pressure, flipping forward. The only real stopping power came from the sick break, in the middle of the frame. To stop, push downward. The question was always, use both hands to turn away from the crash, and be with less grip in the pending collision. Or, put a hand on the brake while reaching downward getting out of balance, but protecting some other vulnerable body positions.


I am born in the year of the rooster -- as per the story at The Moth.

See and listen to more insights from my wife, Catherine, at https://themoth.org/storytellers/catherine-palmer

Friday, September 15, 2017

Come Live Over Here -- via a container ship



Ten minutes

If you don't have 10 minutes to watch the whole thing, JeffHK made a handy little viewer's guide for you, complete wth timestamps:
0:32 Milky Way 
0:53 Sirius Star (I think) Correction: Jupiter the planet according to some viewers 
1:17 Approaching Port of Colombo 
1:45 Cargo Operation 
2:08 Departure Colombo with Rainstorm 
2:29 Beautiful Sunrise 
3:13 Lightning Storm at Malacca Strait and Singapore Strait 
3:29 Clear night sky Milky Way with lightning storm 
4:01 Camera getting soaked 
5:09 Arrival Singapore 
5:56 Departure Singapore 
6:20 Moon-lit night sky 
6:48 Another Sunrise 
8:30 Headed due north and you can see Ursa Major rotating neatly around Polaris. 
8:36 Squid Boats 
8:54 Chaotic Traffic 
9:15 Arrival Hong Kong 

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Orlando showdown with a judge and an old man with his one-page handouts

Julian, who was just in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, is getting set for a Florida trip and visit to the area around the courthouse in Orlando. When most of us travel to Orlando, we know when we are going to check in and check out. An extended stay, "on the house," is generally not a bargain we are excited about. Here is his email. Time will tell as to who blinks. Could be Judge, Law Enforcement Officers, Governor, Homeland Security, -- or -- Liberty.
MOMENT OF DECISION

Our country’s moment of decision has occurred. I will be distributing one-page flyers regarding the Bill of Rights requirements for criminal trials. This will occur from 11:30 am-1;30 PM, or until arrested on December 5, 2016 at the Orange County courthouse on 425 Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL. The information on the flyers will be about “Nullification by Jury” and “Duty of a Witness.”

On 3 separate previous occasions, Mark Schmidter, I, and a 3rd person whose name I have lost, have been arrested by courthouse guards for doing this distribution. The content of the material was not at issue. The previous Chief Judge had established free-speech zones where distribution of these flyers was permitted. However it just happened that the free-speech zones were in locations that had no pedestrian traffic. Mark served 144 days in jail and I served 2 weeks in jail. I have written to the Department of Homeland Security and to the Florida governor for protection. Copies of my letters were sent to the Clerk of Court. A similar letter had been sent by me to the Florida militia.

I received no reply from any of the “so-called” freedom protection organizations. I did receive a written reply from the Chief Judge of the Orlando Court informing me that if I appeared I would be arrested. The information that I distribute is a one-page flyer passed out by one person on the public sidewalk connecting a parking lot to the courthouse. There is no hindrance of public traffic. Others are passing newspapers, business cards, and court documents at the same location. None of the others are even approached by court guards.

I have requested all Tyranny Fighters and others to appear at that courthouse with weapons to protect me from arrest in order to save our country. It is your option to appear or not to appear. If you do not appear now, you will appear within 2 years at the gas chambers. The future of our country is yours to decide. The choice is yours, but it must be made before next Monday.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE

Monday, March 14, 2016

EXTENDED Red Light at Duquesne Univ after the Armstong Tunnel is bad and has to go away

A few months ago, someone made a decision to have an extended red light. Rather, a walk sign should have been used.

Often cars back up on the downtown side of the Armstrong Tunnel. Often only 3 or 4 cars get past the green light. Then it turn red. And, often, there are no pedestrians around.

Let's get this fixed.


Sunday, January 31, 2016

Starting our day at the crack of dawn. I.B. kids can handle the tough "why questions."

Enjoy this little film:



Share it and let me know what you think.

Show Up: The AM Swim Video

Highly competitive swimming helps with school attendance. Don't punish nor eliminate the positive aspects of sports. Rather, promote, facilitate and replicate.

Our swim team t-shirt slogan: “Winning Formula: Show up + Score more points.” Showing up matters. This United Way funded PR blitz with PPS stresses school attendance. Swimmers understand that message and live it.

On many mornings in the past years, 25+ students arrived at the school for 6 AM swim practices. In recent years, the Obama Swim Team has held 6 AM practices every school day (if no 2-hour delay). The 6 am practices often span into the fall and spring too.

At 7:15 am, as swim practice ends, swimmers are at the school. They are present, clean and ready to fuel their bodies and brains. Kids attending AM practice are not tardy for school.

Kids in quality, competitive programs understand that 6 am practices are essential. Champions understand the sacrifices and hard work are worthy. AM swim practices don't happen every where, as not all the teams are doing all they can.

One school day distinction between swimmers and other athletes are AM practices. Many college teams in other sports hold AM practices for their athletes. It would be great to have open gym and weight lifting times at 6 am for students, before school, more often at PPS. Perhaps with the Olympic Sports Division and efforts of PPS H2O, the early bird practices can be with more students, not only swimmers.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Carnegie Mellon University Water Polo Team at Penn State in first CWPA action of 2015


CMU Water Polo Team in 2015 at Penn State. This weekend we had four games. We won 2 and lost 2. Wins over UPenn and Ohio University. Defeats to Pitt and Penn State.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Swim & Water Polo Camp Squad Name Choices

Our Swim & Water Polo Camp with Summer Dreamers and PPS is going to start. One of the first tasks is to get into 'squads.' Then each squad gets to pick its own squad name. This year, squad names are from the list of national parks, plus a few extra parks beyond the United States.

The campers vote. Use elimination voting at the outset.

If your top pick is already selected from another camp site, you'll have to go to the 2nd choice. So, pick early to get what you wish.

Acadia
American Samoa
Arches
Badlands
Big Bend
Biscayne
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Bryce Canyon
Canyonlands
Capitol Reef
Carlsbad Caverns
Channel Islands
Congaree
Crater Lake
Cuyahoga Valley
Death Valley
Denali
Dry Tortugas
Everglades
Gates of the Arctic
Glacier
Glacier Bay
Grand Canyon
Grand Teton
Great Basin
Great Sand Dunes
Great Smoky Mountains
Guadalupe Mountains
Haleakalā
Hawaii Volcanoes
Hot Springs
Isle Royale
Joshua Tree
Katmai
Kenai Fjords
Kings Canyon
Kobuk Valley
Lake Clark
Lassen Volcanic
Mammoth Cave
Mount Rainier
North Cascades
Olympic
Petrified Forest
Pinnacles
Rocky Mountain
Saguaro
Sequoia
Shenandoah
Theodore Roosevelt
Virgin Islands
Voyageurs
Wind Cave
Wrangell - St. Elias
Yellowstone
Yosemite
Zion

International parks okay to pick:

Kakadu, in Northern Australia. Largest National Park in Australia (also known as AUS) and a World Heritage Site. Billabong
http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/kakadu-national-park-outdoor-pp2-guide-cid361775.html

Fiordland, home to Millford's Tramp, in New Zealand (also known as NZL) . http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/milford-track-outdoor-pp2-guide-cid350488.html

Kruger National Park in South Africa (also known as RSA) . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kruger_National_Park

Banff in Canada north of Calgary. http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/banff-national-park-outdoor-pp2-guide-cid361921.html

Galapagos Archipelago http://www.gorp.com/weekend-guide/travel-ta-galapagos-birdwatching-ecotourism-sidwcmdev_054328.html

See the one page ballot that can be used with the campers.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Friday, December 21, 2012

Rauterkus Letter, mailed on December 20, 2012

#Firstworldproblems

As we reviewed the highlights we wanted to share over the past year, we realized that we have been blessed with a year full of first world "problems" and we thought we'd share some of them.

Which gelato flavor should Grant choose? Should Catherine have a cappuccino or latte? These questions came up daily as Catherine and Grant toured Northern Italy in June, 2012.

What water polo team should Grant play with for the Junior Olympics? Grant stayed with a very generous family in Princeton, New Jersey, while he trained with the Princeton club team to get ready for the JO competition at Stanford, CA, in July. Erik's God parents hosted him while he was in California!

Would Erik prefer the garnet colored sweatshirt or the white with garnet trim?  A decision that became important after receiving early acceptance to Swarthmore College!

What do you do when Grant becomes a freshman in HS and wants to play on the golf team but there is no coach? Dad steps up and becomes the golf coach and big brother joins the team. Grant was 4th in the city championships (after 3 seniors). So, Dad is "Obama's new golf coach." (Keep in mind that "Obama" is the name of the school!)

Which dress shirt should Erik wear for his acceptance speech as Youth Governor of Pennsylvania? Erik was elected by Youth and Government (YAG) students from around the state to be their Governor.  He traveled to North Carolina for the Conference on National Affairs and spent a week in Washington, DC at the governors' conference. He has spoken to groups throughout PA and was met with a standing ovation at a talk to YMCA CEOs.

Will Grant be on the A or B Northwest Zone Olympic Development Team?  It was the A Team so the whole family had a great vacation visiting family and friends in Florida.

Should you eat another delicious meal at the Loveless Café or play a round of golf? common question when Erik and Grant make their yearly Nashville visit to Uncle Bob and Aunt Molly.

Is it possible to make every city youth water safe? Mark's reach stretches beyond first world problems as he provides aquatic opportunities to the youth of the city.  What do you do when kids can't be on the swim team because they have no way to get home – you drive them home yourself. What do you do when you are organizing a trip to a water polo tournament and a kid can't tell you where to pick them up in the morning because they don't know where they will be spending the night – you have them spend the night at your house. What do you do when kids show up to play water polo not owning swim suits or towels – you make sure you have extras of both.

We hope to embrace more first world problems this year and to reach out to others who are facing real problems.   

Happy Holidays 2012    

Mark, Catherine, Erik, Grant

108 S. 12th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203  mark@rauterkus.com

Monday, October 08, 2012

Penn Hills '77: Our Classmate Tony Lonero is coming back to visit the Burg!

Please spread the word... 

Many of you already know Tony's story.....he is an inspiration to people all over the world. 
Here is the link for his website if you want to check out his story and latest news. 
http://www.ridetofinish.com/ 

* Tony will be at the premier of his movie next Wednesday....a documentary that tells his whole story. 
It will be held at Linton Middle School, Wednesday October 10th at 7:00 pm. All are invited. 

* On Thursday October 11, Tony gets inducted into the East Boros Sports Hall of Fame. 

* Friday October 12, We are taking Tony to Carnivores (Restaurant & Bar) in Oakmont at 7:00 pm 
Tony is really looking forward to hanging out with all Classmates and friends! Please come! 

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Movie on Wed and/or at Carnivores on Fri.!! 

Many thanks to Loretta, PD (Doc), Mr. Ford and the rest of the committee that got this together for Tony. 

Please pass this email on to any Classmates! 

Thanks, 

Pat Farabaugh