United Way offers nonprofits grants to help teens

Updated below:

United Way offers nonprofits grants to help teens: The United Way of Allegheny County is seeking grant proposals for $470,000 to support up to three, two-year grants to help teens and young adults.

The funds are for general operating support to help organizations address the problems of academic failure and unemployment for youth 15 to 24 years of age.

Applicants must be nonprofit health and human service organizations in Allegheny County that are not current United Way Impact Fund partner agencies.

To download the request for proposals, visit the United Way Web site at www.unitedwaypittsburgh.org. Proposal summaries are due July 23. An information session for applicants will be held July 11 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Eat'n Park training facility at the Waterfront in Homestead. To register for the training, e-mail communityimpact@uwac.org.

Subject: Before We Can Register Your Agency for RFP Training

Thank you for your interest in the United Way's RFP- Helping Teens and Young Adults. We recognize how extremely busy you are and how time consuming responding to an RFP can be. Before we register you for the training workshop we ask that you please take a minute to review the following eligibility criteria. To apply your agency must be:

* A 501(c)(3) organization located and providing a health or human
service in Allegheny County and not currently a UWAC Partner agency

* In full compliance with all federal, state, county and local requirements and laws pertaining to non-profits, including the USA Patriot Act and other counterterrorism laws

* Meets the requirements of the Solicitations of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in December, 1990

* Is able to provide all documentation as noted in Step 1 (copy of 501(c)(3) determination letter and Step 2 (Audit(s) covering 2 years, Board List, IRS Form 990

In addition, please note that all funded applicants must be prepared to document their results in achieving at least one of the following required outcomes:

* Out of school youth return to school and graduate with proficiency, or complete a GED

* At risk youth stay in school and graduate with proficiency

Finally, you should have a track record in serving one or more of the target populations of 15 to 24 year olds for this RFP:

* Youth who are not in school and not working

* Youth with poor school attendance or other risk factors for dropping out

* Youth with low grade point averages and low scores on standardized measures of academic proficiency

* Youth in areas of the city or county with high rates of poverty and low rates of high school graduation

If after reviewing this information you feel that your agency meets these minimum requirements for RFP applicants, please complete the form below and email it to communityimpact@uwac.org to register for the applicant training. Registration Deadline is Friday, July 6th. Thank you for helping us make the best use of your time.

Yes, our agency meets eligibility requirements and I would like to attend the RFP Training Workshop

Agency Name
Name of Staff Person Attending
Email of staff person attending.

Sicko stuff

The movie is about to open in local cinemas. Read more about efforts in the comments.

Historic Stables

City slicker on four legged friend.

PUBLIC NOTICE - PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL

Notice is given that Bill No. 2007-1552 has been scheduled for a Public Hearing in Council Chambers (ADA accessible), 5th Fl, City-County Bldg, Pgh, PA 15219, as follows:

Tues., July 17, 2007 at 1:30 P.M. on Bill 2007-1552: providing for designation as a Historic Structure known as Allegheny City Stables, located at 836 West North Ave., 22nd WD, Pgh.

Citizens wanting to testify must contact the City Clerk at 412-255-2138 prior to the hearing date to have their name placed on the speaker’s list. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes.

Say what? So we have an historic horse barn? Is this on the North Side. I bet it is. The folks on the North Side are still up in arms that they were forced to merge with Pittsburg -- and that's how we got the "h." Is that what this is about?

Could someone with clean shoes enlighten us on this petition and the need for historic designation?

Is UPMC trying to buy it?

Is this where we send our studs?

Is this like the Garden Theater, but different?

Online Fundraising: Howard Dean's Night School. Class in session tomorrow night

Four years ago this week something changed American politics forever. Howard Dean introduced "The Bat," and his campaign upended the conventional wisdom about how campaigns are financed.

Four years later, we take it for granted that campaigns will use the Internet for fundraising. But guess what? There's more to it than putting up a webpage and sending out an email. Tomorrow night, DFA's Night School will focus on online fundraising as part of our 2007 Summer Semester on campaign fundraising.

Fundraising: Online and Email
Tuesday, June 26th -- 8:30pm Eastern
RSVP: http://www.dfalink.com/onlinefundraising

We will be joined by experts in online fundraising.

Zack Exley was the Director for Online Organizing and Communications for the Kerry-Edwards campaign in 2004. He has also worked with MoveOn.org and the Dean for America campaign.

Since its founding in 2004, ActBlue has helped raise over $23 million online for Democratic candidates across the country. Karl-Thomas Musselman and Erin Hill will join us on the call.

Tuesday night they will be sharing their knowledge of online fundraising with you and everyone who signs up for Night School.

RSVP today: http://www.dfalink.com/onlinefundraising

Night School is DFA's no-cost online training program. After you sign up, you will receive the information for a nationwide toll free conference call where we'll discuss online fundraising tips and strategies. The presentation includes a slideshow you can view in your internet browser or download and print out beforehand.

All this month Night School is focusing on how to raise money for your campaign, and it won't cost you a thing.

Talk to you Tuesday!

Arshad Hasan
Training Director

P.S. If you haven't already done so, you can get DVD copies of previous Night School sessions (including the newly released 2007 Spring Semester) online at:

https://contribute.democracyforamerica.com/nightschool

Every purchase helps us continue to keep Night School free for everyone. Order your DVD today!

An Open Letter To Mark DeSantis

Dear Mark,

We don’t know each other. But I hear that you’re running for Mayor as a Republican in our city. Good luck, as you are up against remarkable odds.

Pittsburgh is a city that tolerates a lot out of its elected leaders. Our current Mayor, Luke Ravenstahl, is only there because Pittsburgh City Council couldn’t pick a City Council President out of a roster of slightly more qualified candidates. Almost every “veteran” member of City Council thought that the job of President should be his or hers.

How embarrassing would it have been had Council selected spendy Twanda Carlisle as its consensus leader, instead of Ravenstahl? When Bob O’Connor died tragically, the then 26-year-old Ravenstahl (plunked down as North Side's representative by his politically-connected parents) was ushered in as Mayor.

Ravenstahl has led with an under-the-radar, unspectacular style. There have been a few youth-enhancing flubs (admitting to David Letterman that the city fixed Ben Roethlisberger's tickets in that near fatal motorcycle crash of last year and something about crashing a Tiger Woods party), but nothing that would make the city’s underground power hierarchy flip the termination switch.

Mr. DeSantis, you are up against an incumbent (without actually being elected in a citywide race) with virtually no kinks in his political armor. It’s time you hit the grass roots campaign trail running.

I’ve heard that your official citywide campaign kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, June 26. I have yet to get a phone call or mailer concerning this announcement. I fear that you’ll be standing in front of a podium with no one behind you, responding to your every positive statement. There should be dozens, nay thousands, of warm bodies at this announcement. If there isn't, you should just stay home.

I don’t know when the fundraisers are set to begin, but I should have already been called and asked for a donation in any amount. Asked if I could host a weenie roast on your behalf.

Tomorrow when you kick off the campaign, I’m not sure what local celebrity you’ll have behind you, but there had better be someone, even if it’s that Pirate and Steeler vendor who jumps into the Mon with all the other Polar Bear club members on January 1st. Have you been on America's Morning Show with Pittsburgh-based Quinn and Rose? Have you lined up the rest of your radio talk show appearances yet?

There better be an exciting website and telephone campaigns. Mailers should be showing up in my mailbox all the time.

I offer an opportunity to chat on TalkShoe; I’ll host. Let’s do it often if you’d like. Closer to Election Day, let’s have a regularly-scheduled once-a-month talk show. If you want, we can do it daily as we near the big day.

What have you done to post on YouTube, MySpace and other exciting sites? Some of these venues don’t cost a dime. Assuredly, you’re going to be spending some cash, or a man of your accomplishments wouldn’t be in the race.

I look forward to an exciting summer with Mark DeSantis, Republican candidate for Mayor, city of Pittsburgh, charging against the unstoppable Chosen One. Joe Weinroth ran a decent campaign last time out, but Bob O’Connor was “tapped” by the unseen powers that be.

Mr. DeSantis, do something to keep the name out there and float new ideas. I’d hate to see another Republican candidate not catch on, especially when there’s the possibility for an exciting campaign.

Luke Ravenstahl, a nice young guy, hasn’t done anything that merits leading our fine city for the next 10-12 years.

Your pal,

T

Interesting Job Opportunity, half-time for "nonpartisan" political person

Tim C sent me this notice.

Half-time Job Opening for Nonpartisan Political Program

$12-16/ hr, depending on skills and experience. May lead to full-time executive director position. The goal of the Proof Through the Night Program is to create an informed and active American electorate. Interested individuals should go to www.proofthroughthenight.org/pm.htm to learn more.

Wired Lawrence Lessig's Supreme Showdown

Wired 10.10: Lawrence Lessig's Supreme Showdown Lawrence Lessig's Supreme Showdown

Lawrence Lessig helped mount the case against Microsoft. He wrote the book on creative rights in the digital age. Now the cyberlaw star is about to tell the Supreme Court to smash apart the copyright machine.

We don't need to have the court smash down copyright. Rather, we just need everyone to put their content into the public domain.

Well, there is a little more to it. But, keep it simple. Keep it public. Share. Play well with others.

Concept Map software goes commercial

Dear CmapTools User,

IHMC is glad to announce that it has signed an agreement with Ceryph Inc. to develop and commercialize Ceryph Insight, a program suite based on the IHMC CmapTools and CmapServer programs, to commercial companies, not-for-profit companies, and individuals using the programs for business purposes.

Ceryph will be able to offer the type of customer support and training that is expected for a commercial product, and for which we have been receiving an increasing number of requests and which IHMC cannot provide.

CmapTools will continue to be free for educational institutions, federal employees working for the US Government, and individuals not using it for business purposes. Not-for-profit companies with documented revenue below $1M are encouraged to inquire about Ceryph's in-kind donation program.

All other CmapTools users should contact Ceryph at www.ceryph.com to obtain copies of Insight software.

Sincerely,

CmapSupport
Institute for Human & Machine Cognition
40 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola, FL, 32502
http://cmap.ihmc.us/

Airport developer sues Allegheny, others - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Airport developer sues Allegheny, others - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review As a result, Ferrone filed an eight-count suit alleging these violations: civil rights, conspiracy, neglect to prevent conspiracy, defamation, commercial disparagement, conversion, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy.

Wow. This is sorta big news.

I send out blast emails. Do they get to all the parties I am sending them to? I hope so.

Airport developer sues Allegheny, others - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Stop! In the name of emails.

Airport developer sues Allegheny, others - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review While being sued by two banks that claim he defaulted on loans for improvements at his airport, Rock Ferrone is suing Allegheny County; its executive, Dan Onorato; a few other county officials; and several people in the private sector.

Ferrone's two lawsuits allege the defendants violated his civil rights. He is suing for compensatory damages and an injunction 'ordering the government defendants to cease their unconstitutional conduct.'

Ferrone claims in one suit that Onorato blocked e-mails Ferrone sent to various county officials, including county council members.

To PIIN and friends of PIIN: about Pgh Police and stops to brown skin folks seeking 'papers'

This is a call to action in solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers who have been the victims of some of the most reprehensible, immoral, and illegal actions by local law enforcement.

Just in this month alone:

Two times in the last month, workers at a house in the Pointe Breeze section of Pittsburgh were approached on private property by City of Pittsburgh Police officers and asked for “identification and papers” and were further asked about their immigration status.

A woman was stopped in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh where she was walking and a City of Pittsburgh patrol car drove up next to her and asked her for identification and she was asked about her immigration status. No suspected crime whatsoever.

Three men were working at a house in Braddock which because of bad electrical wiring caught fire. These 3 victims of this fire were never asked by the County Police if they needed water, medical attention, or any other kind of help, but were only asked for their ID’s, papers, and questioned about their immigration status. No crime suspected, they were victims of a fire. And all three were detained by police for over 8 hours and 1 remains in jail on an immigration hold.

This week, in the North Side of Pittsburgh, a car with 3 children, 2 mothers, and a man was stopped by the City of Pittsburgh Police with no traffic violation, 6 other patrol cars converged and all occupants were demanded to show their documents. The women and children were crying and all felt terrorized and intimidated.

One common thread in all these is: all were Latinos; all had brown skin; all were residents of our region; all were never suspected of a crime; all were victims of intimidation and fear; all of them are our sisters and brothers.

Sadly, these are only a few of many incidences we could relate. Yesterday it was racial profiling for African Americans (and even today), today it is racial profiling for people with brown skin, tomorrow you may be asked for your papers while working in your yard or walking the street. IN THE NAME OF OUR US CONSTITUTION AND IN THE NAME OF GOD, THIS ILLEGAL AND IMMORAL BEHAVIOR MUST STOP, NOW!

Last October, at the PIIN Public Action, City of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl committed to meet with PIIN leaders before the end of January 2007 to formulate an immigrant friendly policy for the city. After being shown a similar policy adopted by Philadelphia he said, “It’s a shame you need to have a policy to say these things.”

Since that time, PIIN has met with Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala who have been supportive of our efforts for a new policy. We have even met with the Chief of Police as well as the mayor’s policy manager and assistant solicitor. The goal was to create a policy for Allegheny County as well as the City of Pittsburgh so immigrants would not have to live in fear.

It was agreed that a meeting with all three officials (Onorato, Zappala, and Ravenstahl) would accomplish a comprehensive immigrant friendly policy for our region. We have been trying in earnest for this meeting since March and while Onorato and Zappala have been ready to meet, Ravenstahl has never given a date to them or us.

It is tragically ironic to us that the mayor had time to run to Oakmont uninvited to cajole Tiger Woods for a picture and cannot meet with us when families are being separated, people’s basic rights are being ignored, and some on his police force are instilling fear in an immigrant community that wants to help our city and region, just like most of our parents and grandparents did.

THE ACTION: Nonviolently, we will all meet on Monday, June 25th, at 9:30 AM on the 5th floor of the City-County Building (located at 414 Grant Street) to demand a reasonable date from the mayor to meet with us regarding the creation of an immigrant friendly policy for our city and county. Go directly to the 5th floor of the City-County Building.

As many people as possible are needed for this action. If the mayor refuses, then a number of PIIN members and friends of PIIN intend to make a public act of civil disobedience, or rather Divine Obedience. Those wishing at that point to retreat to the steps of the City-County Building or other point of safety are most welcome.

If you are planning to attend this action, please call or email anyone from the list below:

Alfonso Barquera, 412-715-1750, alfonsobarquera@yahoo.com

Sr. Janice Vanderneck, 412-578-0402, janvandernec@comcast.net

Scott Fabean, 412-398-4000, sfabean@tenrep.com

Put this into the report card rankings, P-G Or, perhaps because this is an agenda item that is beyond what Luke wants, it can be ignored. The P-G graded Luke on what he wanted to be graded upon.

PA CleanSweep Opinion: Who Is Really In Charge?

When most Pennsylvanians think of government, a certain image comes to mind. They imagine policemen protecting us from violent criminals, clerks diligently processing paperwork to administer justice in the courthouse or green-vested highway workers heading out to fill potholes in the spring.

Others think of the continuous struggle of ideologies under the dome in Harrisburg. They imagine their conservative or liberal heroes going into battle on the floor of the House and Senate to win the privilege of steering the Commonwealth on new paths of righteousness.

While these elements of government in action do exist, a closer examination reveals that government is actually an industry, providing profit and investment opportunities to anyone willing to adopt the proper business model. The payoff can be massive. After all, what better way to guarantee a return on investment than by putting the force of law on your side?

There are plenty of experts to help you on your way to success by stepping on the backs of average taxpayers and short-circuiting the lawmaking process. For a price, of course. Two stunning examples of such modern-day privateers have come to light in the past week.

You may remember one Michael S. Long. The former chief of staff to Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer and brother-in-law of former Senate Majority Leader David "Chip" Brightbill wrapped up his career on the inside by pocketing $41,000 in taxpayer-funded bonuses in his last two years and collecting a $95,000 severance package on his way out the door.

While Jubelirer and Brightbill were ultimately tossed from office for their big spending ways, Long was a master engineer behind the scenes crafting their "conservative Republican" game plan. Also a prominent member of the Lebanon County Republican Committee, Long was perfectly situated to take on the "liberal Democrats" at every turn.

And you may also recall one Ray Zaborney. As 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann's campaign manager, Zaborney was eager to bash Ed Rendell on any issue whenever a microphone or camera was nearby. In his effort to get a Republican in the governor's office, Zaborney even contacted this writer in an attempt to lend anti-pay raise and reform credence to Swann's campaign after an independent gubernatorial bid was sideswiped by Pennsylvania's ridiculous petitioning requirements.

But the "conservative Republican" ideologies of Long and Zaborney seem to have taken a back seat to personal profit of late.

Long is now lobbying Harrisburg for the environmental and renewable energy causes, working under the guise of a lobbyist for PennFuture, an organization closely tied to Rendell's vision for greening up Pennsylvania. This plan could arguably give Rendell front-runner status for the position of US Department of Energy Secretary in a future Democratic administration in Washington.

Zaborney, who has long been politically linked to Long but is not listed on the state's lobbyist disclosure website, was witnessed this week arriving at a Senator's office in the Capitol "to advocate for a sensible environmental plan for the Commonwealth." When asked to clarify exactly what he was pushing, Zaborney replied, "the Governor's plan."

Widely reported in headlines recently was PennFuture's CEO John Hanger touting a poll claiming that Pennsylvanians support renewable energy. (The same poll likely would have revealed they also support puppies, Mom and apple pie.) A bit less reported was Hanger's odd tirade earlier in the year defending Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis - both Rendell appointees - on the issue of ethics questions surrounding public dollars and their spouses.

The government business model is pretty straightforward. Place your investment dollars into campaign contributions and/or lobbying fees, make a few public statements revealing whose team you're really on, and soon enough you too can enjoy the profits of social policy backed by the force of law.

Such programs are not only lucrative for recipients of the resultant taxpayer funded state grants, but also for the lawyers who deal with bond issues, the lobbyists who help push them through and of course, supportive incumbent legislators who may receive special consideration from program backers during the next election cycle.

The ability of citizens to influence their government is a good thing. The notions of protecting the environment and making Pennsylvania energy independent are good ideas that markets just might support someday. But if these issues truly warrant the power of governmental force, wouldn't they already be at the top of every legislator's priority list rather than needing a constant barrage of monetary influence to get there?

Rendell, in a recent bizarre twist on morality, claimed that Jesus himself would support some of his bold initiatives that use force to generate the resources required to fund them. One could more easily imagine Jesus, upon glimpsing the pillage and plunder of the common man by the speculators and lobbyists controlling Harrisburg, angrily tossing these moneychangers from our temple.

What Long and Zaborney are doing is not illegal. In fact, it's sanitized by laws currently in place. But let's not be confused about their ideologies. Their former cover under the umbrella of "conservative Republicanism" appears only to be due to its ability to put money in their own pockets.

This is the ideology of self interest, not public interest. For true believers in the causes of conservatism, liberalism, republicanism, democracy and even environmentalism, Long and Zaborney serve as sad case studies in gaming the machinations of government for personal benefit. How many other proponents of the ideology of self interest are currently lurking about in Harrisburg, eager to prey on the common taxpayer in search of personal treasure?

Pennsylvanians would do well to think about this government-as-industry model the next time they find themselves waiting for a crime to be solved, a legal case to be heard or a pothole to be filled.

Russ Diamond is the founder of PACleanSweep and an avid believer that government should do what's best for all citizens, not just the privileged few.

About PACleanSweep

PACleanSweep is a non-partisan effort dedicated to reforming state government in Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.PACleanSweep.com.

[412] Summer invites from Mark at Rauterkus dot com

Email blast, 412-public-campaign, message archive: [412] Summer invites from Mark at Rauterkus dot com

Hi All,

We are home and thankful for a wonderful trip to New Zealand. Lots of our photos are on the web. Come over on the evening of July 4 to check out the scrapbooks.

My blog, Mark Rauterkus and Running Mates, was recently named the 7th most influential political blog in Pennsylvania.

There is plenty to do. Hope our paths cross soon. Consider yourself invited to:

1. Our 4th of July house party. (more)
   


2. Water polo clinic and shoot out, July 1, 2, and 3 in the evenings. (link below)
   


3. A new Biathlon = 5 K run and 1 K swim on July 4 (with Crafton Celebrates) (link below)
   


4. Water polo clinics starting July 30 to August 17 (drop in any time for three weeks) (link below)
   


5. Help with getting signatures so we can field candidates for the November 2007 general election.
   


6. Introduction to Dr. Ron Paul, a native of Pittsburgh, and a member of US Congress who is all about peace and common sense -- and his run for the White House in 2008.

It is too soon to talk at great lengths about presidential politics because we still have some work to do for 2007's general election. However, I'm loving what presidential candidate, Dr. Ron Paul, former Libertarian, is saying. How he is delivers his message and the grass-roots energy is nearly as impressive as what he stands for. Take some time to understand his positions as Ron Paul bring a needed and most welcome change to the national political scene. Google "Ron Paul" or check out his videos at http://www.YouTube.com.

My efforts to stand for office in 2007 and get onto the ballot for multiple offices as a 'stand-in' are in full swing. But, ... we need more signatures. Some have been very encouraged at the opportunities and messages I'd bring to the campaign trails. However, hundreds of signatures on notarized forms are needed to help make this occur. http://elect.Rauterkus.com/papers/

I'll be meeting with Mark DeSantis tomorrow to talk with him about his views, campaign and community engagements in issues in the weeks to come. It takes two, or more, to tango. I'm at a cross-road. We'll have plenty to talk about, in person, by our 4th of July gathering. Arrive at 6 pm in the park to play badminton, Sarah and 12th Street. Or arrive at the house by 7 pm. More at my blog.

PDF handouts for other events I'm organizing are attached.

We're hosting a Biathlon: 5 K run + 1 K swim on July 4 in the morning. I'm leading water polo for 3 nights with Crafton Celebrates, July 1, 2, and 3 from 7:30 to 9. August features three water polo clinics, M-F, 9:30 to 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome.

Links to one-page PDFs of various events listed above:

• Biathlon Handout with July 4 5K run and 1K swim, (PDF)
• Evening Water Polo Clinic July 1, 2, 3 with Crafton Celebrates
• Morning Water Polo Clinic(s) for 3 weeks starting July 30, ending August 17

Stay safe.

New study from Pilots for 9/11 Truth: No Boeing 757 hit the Pentagon - Yahoo! News

New study from Pilots for 9/11 Truth: No Boeing 757 hit the Pentagon - Yahoo! News 'The Pentagon has become a kind of litmus test for rationality in the study of 9/11,' Fetzer said. 'Those who persist in maintaining that a Boeing 757 hit the building are either unfamiliar with the evidence or cognitively impaired. Unless,' he added, 'they want to mislead the American people. The evidence is beyond clear and compelling. It places this issue 'beyond a reasonable doubt'. No Boeing 757 hit the Pentagon.'

So there.

Meeting of the Marks, plus, Bits & Bytes in Biz: DeSantis and Mobile Fusion's fulltime boss, now

Mark the occasion. I was able to visit with Mark DeSantis today. Two Marks. Two with strong political opinions. We agree and understand that our city, the City of Pittsburgh, is on the brink.

I took a few notes. But, a real interview with all sorts of fact-finding can unfold elsewhere. Mine, now, is a hype posting. We gathered. We talked. Little else is going to come of this update posting. We didn't do any 'Vulcan Mind Melt' nor even 'Have a Good Sandwich Tuna Melt.' Our schedules merged with face-time for an hour. Discussions began.

I ran for Mayor in the primary in 2001 in the GOP party. I gave him some of my insights. Meanwhile, I listened to what he had to bring.

We agree that the present mayor is out of time. The sky is falling. The city is half of what it used to be. He predicted that the city would be legally bankrupt in two or three years unless something is done. And, he doesn't see anything being done from Luke Ravenstahl's administration.

I said that we (naysayers and I) had been talking about the financial distress of the city since 1999. When Dr. Carmine and I were running (2001), we predicted the financial collaps of the city. Ours was a near term warning as well. But, it didn't resonate. We got oversight, thanks to Tom Murphy and the city's one-party rule, as we predicted, two short years later.

The city is going to go bankrupt. It already, nearly, has. Nothing is better. Ho hum. That prediction and situation is grave -- but it isn't going to win an election.

The city doesn't have any more tricks. Phantom budgets and phantom revenues are, we hope, a thing of the past.

We agree that things are bad. But, I'm not sure that the message of "Oh My Gosh -- Life Sucks for City Government" is going to convert to changes on Grant Street in the Mayor's office. It counts. Some votes will flip with the understanding that 'enough is enough.'

DeSantis is confident that he offers a range of experiences and maturity that isn't within our young mayor. Luke being Luke coupled with the condition of the city presents a formula for getting more voters. The mayor's office, in a time of pressing crisis, is not the place for on the job training.

I agree with DeSantis: Luke Ravenstahl will make serious mistakes every month. These blunders, big and small, will be visible and drag down his popularity. This city can't afford mistakes. City voters will tune into the trends from this administration's tenure.

Furthermore, doing nothing is perhaps the most serious mistake Luke Ravenstahl could make.

Thank goodness for the forward thinking City Council and its cat legislation, said DeSantis. (That's his joke. It was funny. Guess you had to be there. Having a sense of humor and history helps.)

He'll use history in his statement on Tuesday while launching his campaign at the central train station, The Pennsylvanian. Trains are important to me. He likes the rotunda. He'll announce that his race is 'on' then and there. I'll be at swim practice so I can't attend. I'm working with future voters, I guess.

My reflection of history puts today's Pittsburgh in the same situation as the people of Poland in the mid to late 1930s. Hitler was to the west. Stalin was to the east. There was no place to hide. Poland had no place to go. Change was bad. Mark DeSantis needs to convince the people of Pittsburgh that he is neither Hitler nor Stalin and moving his way will be a change for the better.

Mature managers with a sense of political duty in our beings are called to act. We both feel that we've got to do something. As a coach, I understand that the mind leads and the body follows. Well, there are many things to think about. Junctions ahead. Decisions are looming. Time will tell.

Bits&Bytes: Big-name investors betting on BubbleMesh GOP mayoral candidate Mark DeSantis confirmed he's taken over South Side-based startup Mobile Fusion in the absence of former CEO Ric Castro, who left the firm recently to 'pursue other business interests.'
Prior to becoming Mobile Fusion's president, Mr. DeSantis was an adviser to the young firm, which is developing a prototype for a softball-like device equipped with a camera and sensors that when tossed into potentially dangerous situations acts as the eyes and ears of "first-responders" and soldiers.

"We decided that it was time for a reorganization," Mr. DeSantis said of the shake-up at the year-old firm.

Mobile Fusion experienced a growth spurt earlier this year, securing an undisclosed amount from private "angel" investors in addition to roughly $300,000 from startup generator Innovation Works.

Mr. Desantis' quest to unseat Mayor Luke Ravenstahl won't distract him from manning the six-person firm, he said. "Mobile Fusion is my full-time job. My spare time is running for office."

This gadget that DeSantis and others are working on is a probe. It provides detatched eyes and vision in unsafe places.

I say that the mind-leads and the body follows. Humm. It would be nice to have a softball like device to toss forward to sense what the future holds. That's an extension of the body. The mind still has to think and understand when and where to chuck sensory devices.

On the campaign trails in the weeks and months to come, DeSantis might wish for the functionality of Mobile Fusion. He'll be walking into some awkward situations. But mostly, he'll be in a sea of nothingness. Community groups are not going to have debates. And, should Luke get put on the ropes in public, so to speak, I expect Dan Onorato to quickly rally to Luke's defense.

DeSantis sees a great divide between Onorato and Ravenstahl. Ravenstahl is baggage that Onorato doesn't want, he feels. Mergers are a wedge issue too. Ravenstahl is against mergers and Onorato is for them. So DeSantis sees the two going their own ways. I don't agree.

I see Onorato and Ravenstahl in morph mode. And, a third character in that mix is Rendell. I expect DeSantis is going to see a lot of tangled relationships as he tries to battle Ravenstahl. Ravenstahl won't go toe-to-toe, one-on-one because others will swoop in just as the bell sounds. And, the stage won't be set with the voters in their seats.

Oh, the webs we weave.

Grant gets a day of "Lump Camp"

We've made "Lump Camp" a regular part of our summers. That's when you sit around like a lump. Generally it is an all-day thing. But, we've been moving more and more to half-day lump camps.

Grant gets a full day of lump camp tomorrow, Saturday. Erik is in a two day meet. But Grant is only in events on Sunday. So, Grant has Saturday 'off.'

The summer schedule for Mondays to Fridays includes a swim practice from 7 to 9 am at Carlynton High School (indoor, 25 yards). Then there is a short drive and another swim practice, outdoors, 25 yards, at Crafton Swim Pool, from 9:30 to 11:30.

On some days the boys take a run and then swim in the second practice. Or, they'll do some sculling, reverse swimming, and other skills/drills with a script in the diving well for a good part of the second practice. But, Mike has been doing a lot of work on turns in that outdoor practice. I've been trying to teach lots of fly and breast in the first couple weeks. Almost all of the younger swimmers have mastered breast.

48 hour film event in Pittsburgh in August

Hello, my name is Rick Frisco and I am the local producer for the 48 Hour Film Project coming to Pittsburgh for the first time this year.

I am contacting you or your company to spark interest for Pittsburgh’s first annual 48 Hour Film Project.

Here is a little about how the festivities will be produced:

Write - Produce - Shoot - Edit ... All in 48 hours. That's the mantra behind this unique project.

The 48 Hour Film Project will be kicking off at The Star City Theatre in Bridgeville, PA, on August 3rd at 5:00 P.M. At 7:00 P.M., more than 40 Teams of filmmakers will be rushing off with their blind picks of; Genres, Characters, Props and Line of Dialogue to Write, Produce and Edit their films which are to be returned within 48 Hours.

We are expecting more than 40 teams of filmmakers to produce a 3-5 minute video for their entry. Our expectance is to have 3 screenings of 14 films at each screening, starting on the Tuesday, August 7th 2007 at The Star City Theatre and ending on Thursday August 9th.

Our Awards Ceremony will be held once again at the Star City Theatre on Saturday August 11th at 4:00 P.M. We are expecting to show 14 different films with the winning titles such as “Best use of Prop”, “Best use of Character”, "Audience Choice Winner” and also crowning “The best short film in Pittsburgh 2007” which will move on for a chance to face other cities in their quest for the Grand Prize. That team of filmmakers will have the chance to win the Showdown and win an HD camera and $10,000 from Visa.

More than 66 cities across the nation have promoted this project with spectacular results and sell out crowds at their screenings. Please take the time to review the projects website and see all the other happenings with this international phenomenon http://www.48hourfilm.com/Pittsburgh

We would like to extend the invitation not only to attend the screening of the films but to spend the weekend on set with any of the local film teams. Please let me know if you would like more information or to speak to me, or any of the local filmmakers competing in the weekend.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely yours,

Rick Frisco, “Local Producer”, 48 Hour Film Project
Email: rfrisco -at- remnsproductions -dot- com

Rick Frisco, RemNS Productions, 85 Williams Street, Brownsville, PA 15417
Email: rfrisco -at- remnsproductions -dot- com
Web: remnsproductions.com
Sign up for Pittsburgh's 48 Hour Film Festival August 2007!
http://www.48hourfilm.com/pittsburgh

I nuked the guy's cell phone number. But it was sent to me in his invite.

Saturday, June 30 -- parade in Crafton

I'm going to be in the Crafton Parade on Saturday, June 30 to represent the Crafton Crocodiles swim team.

We will meet at First United Presbyterian Church on Bradford Ave. @ 3:30 p.m. Parade Starts @ 4:00 p.m.

Ron Paul -- swim dad

Ron Paul's son was a nationally-ranked butterflier as an age group swimmer when he was in high school in Texas.

Hat tip to fellow swim coach, George Block, from Texas for that insight.

Water Polo Opportunities: July 1, 2, 3 -- and for 3 weeks in August in the mornings

I'm organizing two different water polo experiences. Anyone who can swim 4 lengths of the pool is welcome. Boys, girls, and adults. Rookies to the sport are encouraged to give it a go as well.

Our Crafton water polo team is still undefeated. That's right, we've never lost. (giggle)

We always have a good time and a great workout.

Info at these URLs (PDFs):

Three-weeks of clinics in August (from July 30 to August 17) from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Just $5 per week. More details.

With Crafton Celebrates, we'll do an intro clinic and a 'shoot-out' in the evenings of July 1, 2, and 3. Come to the park's swim pool and then go eat a hot dog or funnel cake without any guilt. Cost, again, is just $5 for one, two or three nights. I'll give away some fun gifts to those in the shootout. More details in PDF.

Feel free to pass the word about these events. You could take these one page posters, print them and display them at your local swim pool, library, school, or church. Feel free to give them out to neighbors too.

Biathlon: 5 K run + 1 K swim, July 4, 2007

Details, in PDF, about the Biathlon with Crafton Celebrates on the morning of July 4.

This is a brand new event. It is not expected to be large.

Want some free fatherhood info for your organization?

National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) just released two RFPs for bundles of resources that community-based organizations can apply to receive at no charge. All that is required to potentially receive these resources is a little time and effort to write a brief proposal.

Please spread the word among your contacts. I have attached an announcement about the resources.

www.fatherhood.org

National Fatherhood Initiative Announces Two Request for Proposals (RFPs): We are currently offering quality resources FREE to eligible organizations.

DADDY PACK™ DISTRIBUTION GRANT Through this great opportunity, we're offering the Daddy Pack™, our BEST SELLING product, to organizations working with new and expectant dads! Up to 100 Organizations will receive $2500 worth of Daddy Packs™! Filled with important information about child health and safety, child development and more, this innovative resource has what new dads need to know to get involved with their little ones right from the start. Learn more about the Daddy Pack™ here FATHERHOOD RESOURCE CENTER DISTRIBUTION GRANT Complete with curricula, interactive resources, brochures, and posters, these resource centers have what you need to get dads involved! There are 145 fully-stocked resource centers available - each with $3,000 of resources! You can apply for the custom option which best suits your needs: 24/7 Dad Package New and Expectant Dad Package Comprehensive Fatherhood Package

For more information about the Daddy Pack™ opportunity, or to apply, click here Questions? Email us For more information about the Fatherhood Resource Center opportunity, or to apply, click here Questions? Email us *organizations may apply for, and possibly receive, both sets of resources* To learn more about the National Fatherhood Initiative visit www.fatherhood.org

Visit FatherSOURCE Learn more about our programs

Part time job

Environmental work in the city

The Pennsylvania Resources Council is currently searching for four to six part-time contract project assistants to support PRC staff in implementing a neighborhood recycling awareness campaign in the City of Pittsburgh. Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to David Mazza, Western Regional Director, via fax (412-488-7492) or email davem@ccicenter.org ASAP.

Invite: You can visit with us on the 4th of July

We are having our annual party / open house. Last year, Russ Diamond came to mingle and socialize.

Schedule: 6 pm badminton in the park by our house, 12th and Sarah Street. If you don’t want to play or watch badminton, plan to show up at the house (108 S. 12th Street) any time after 7 pm.

We’ll have the usual arts and crafts and some “water” games.

We supply napkins, plates, utensils, cups and lemonade and chips. If you want something more exciting (and we hope you do), please bring some to share (food or beverage).

You’ll be viewing the downtown fire works from our NEW deck just after dark. Yes, it is NEW. The deck is higher, larger, and really, really nice.

Plus, the room on the third floor where heads were often hit on the ceiling has changed as well. Come see the new room with 3 meter tall walls. We invite you to write a message on the unfinished inside walls (This year only!) that will be preserved with the house when we put up the final walls.

Everyone is welcome – please feel free to bring friends, relatives, etc.

If you need to reach us, email at mark@rauterkus.com.

Hope to see you. You can check out some of our New Zealand scrapbooks too.

Mark, Catherine, Erik, and Grant (plus our two cats)

PS: We're playing three evenings of coached water polo (any level) on July 1, 2 and 3 at the Crafton pool. Email for more information – it will be lots of fun.

The 'Burgh Works, A Pittsburgh Jobs Blog: Pennsylvania State Police Unveil New Cadet Recruitment Website

We have a problem with the recruitment of officers in the city and state. Perhaps one way to deal with the problem is to have fewer police forces. New Zealand has one police force for the entire nation. I don't advocate that solution, but it is interesting to study it. Today I talked to the Chief of the Pgh School District Police about that concept as we both were getting lunch at the Pickle Barrel.

The 'Burgh Works, A Pittsburgh Jobs Blog: Pennsylvania State Police Unveil New Cadet Recruitment Website We were notified recently that the State Police have unveiled a new cadet recruitment site at www.patrooper.com. The intent of the website is to make it easier to obtain information on becoming a Trooper as well as testing schedules and what current requirements are in effect. We found the new site very easy to navigate and well designed from a graphics standpoint. Information was easy to find and the overall effect is very web 2.0 (audio and video). State Police recruiters will be in attendance at our next big job fair on July 25th at Mellon Arena.

CollegeSwimming.com reports on White House visit: Brief - Body Suit? Bush Ops For Jammer

CollegeSwimming.com::Brief? Body Suit? Bush Ops For Jammer Auburn, which has won five consecutive men's national titles and five of the last six NCAA women's championships, presented the President with a beach towel with his name embroidered on it and both men's and women's Auburn swimsuits.

Blog Rankings:

This blog, Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates, was ranked #7 in the original rankings of the most influential political blogs in Pennsylvania.

Blue Flu Alert: Mayor wants 10 city officials to resign by Friday - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Insanity looks like this:

The mayor wants 10 city officials to resign by Friday - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Say 10 guys resign on Friday. And, say they walk off the job too. Hell might begin to freeze over.

I think this 'resignation request' might be the straw that breaks the back of a few of these guys. But, what about all ten? Solidarity could be very interesting.

Meanwhile, city residents get the shaft.

I know how hard it is to get good people to agree to run for public office. Getting great people to work in the public sector for goofy leadership, without being elected, is going to be much harder.

People vote with their feet. When things are not right, they notice. They walk. They don't subject themselves to crazy situations. People leave the city to live elsewhere. And, people will not have a great attraction to come to the city as residents nor as directors.

Rudy missing in action for Iraq panel - Newsday.com

Rudy missing in action for Iraq panel - Newsday.com WASHINGTON -- Rudolph Giuliani's membership on an elite Iraq study panel came to an abrupt end last spring after he failed to show up for a single official meeting of the group, causing the panel's top Republican to give him a stark choice: either attend the meetings or quit, several sources said.

Giuliani left the Iraq Study Group last May after just two months, walking away from a chance to make up for his lack of foreign policy credentials on the top issue in the 2008 race, the Iraq war.

Iowa -- let it rain let it rain let it reign

Ron Paul Excluded in Iowa

Iowans for Tax Relief and Iowa Christian Alliance will host a presidential candidates forum on Saturday, June 30th in Des Moines. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney, Sam Brownback, Jim Gilmore, Mike Huckabee, Tommy Thompson, and Tom Tancredo will participate.

Ron Paul, however, will not participate. Why? Because he wasn’t invited.

We heard about this forum from numerous supporters in Iowa who asked why Dr. Paul was not going to participate. Those supporters assumed that Dr. Paul was invited.

The campaign office had not received an invitation so we called this morning; thinking we might have misplaced the invitation or simply overlooked it. Lew Moore, our campaign manager, called Mr. Edward Failor, an officer of Iowans for Tax Relief, to ask about it. To our shock, Mr. Failor told us Dr. Paul was not invited; he was not going to be invited; and he would not be allowed to participate. And when asked why, Mr. Failor refused to explain. The call ended.

Lew then called Mr. Steve Sheffler, president of the Iowa Christian Alliance, to talk with him. Mr. Sheffler did not answer so Lew left a message. He has yet to respond.

Why are the Iowans for Tax Relief and the Iowa Christian Alliance excluding the one Republican candidate who scored at the top of every online poll taken after the MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN debates? Why are they denying Iowans the opportunity to hear from the Republican presidential candidate whose popularity is growing by the day?

We couldn’t get answers to these questions from Messrs. Failor and Sheffler. Maybe you’ll have better luck. Their contact information is below.

It's ironic that on the same day we learned the Iowans for Tax Relief and the Iowa Christian Alliance excluded Dr. Paul from their candidates forum, we received a call from ABC News confirming Dr. Paul’s participation in its nationally broadcast August 5th debate to be held in Des Moines.

Kent Snyder, Chairman
Ron Paul 2008


Contact Information

Edward Failor
Iowans for Tax Relief
2610 Park Avenue
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
Phone: 563-288-3600 or 877-913-3600
Fax: 563-264-2413
E-mail: itr@taxrelief.org

Steve Sheffler, President
Iowa Christian Alliance
939 Office Park Road, Suite 115
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Phone: 515-225-1515
Fax: 515-225-1826
E-mail: slscheffler@iowachristian.com

Pittsburgh Pist-Gazette: Peduto Says Cool Hand Luke Out In Left Field

Pittsburgh Pist-Gazette: Peduto Says Cool Hand Luke Out In Left Field He Might As Well Ask For (Dan) Onorato's Resignation While He’s At It

During today’s City Council session, Councilman Bill Peduto read the City Charter rules as they pertain to the firings of department heads and directors. Something Mayor Lukey should have done prior to waving his hand, trying to get most of the 5th floor to disappear.

A couple of embarrassing points for an administration which is building its legacy on embarrassment ……

Great recap at the insanity that the rookie Mayor has caused.

I don't like to have an insult of being on some kind of meds, however. That is just silly and does not help the cause. There is plenty to be upset about for what it is without putting in some fictional boogie man causes.

Libertarians to gather on WED night this week.

Click here to check out
The Libertarian Party of Pittsburgh Meetup Group!

Working on a special event with Pirate game for end of summer for lifeguards and swimmers

Save the date: Sunday, September 30, 2007. That is the last game of the year for the Pittsburgh Pirates. We hope to pull together a special event with the game to honor and celebrate the end of the summer. And our special focus will be the swimmers, coaches, lifeguards and fitness participants and leaders who make the summer-time days safe and enoyable.

Ideas, co-organizers, volunetters are welcomed to join this effort.

Write to me via Mark -at- Rauterkus -dot- com or call my cell: 412 298 3432.

Nameless, faceless bloggers -- and why they occur withing and without the media

At another blog there is a thread about posting comments from those who don't sign their names.

One theory says that the anon postings are from those in the media. By and large, I don't agree.

Because one is in the media is not an excuse to use anon, UNLESS, you're media in Fiji. Fiji has had a military take over. The general / dictator has had a thing against bloggers and free press. So, anon bloggers and postings are needed, else one would be jailed or worse.

I venture that there are 100 or so that use, with monthly postings, the "Anon" handle. Perhaps 10% are media.

If there are anon posters in the media -- what the hell are they scared of? Are they chicken to stand by their words? Are they spineless?

For example, Jon Delano (KDKA) and Bob Mayo (WTAE) use their names, generally, I assume. Others in the media do as well.

The media has a job to do -- and that is to report. If the media people leverage influence to sway the news in ways they desire by using "anon" postings on blog comments, then there are concerns that should be pulled into the open. Does anyone want to pick a bone with media people posting in "anon" ways here?

My conclusion: I feel that they don't do that. It doesn't happen much.

Media posting in regular ways as anon is too bush-league for even the media around Pittsburgh.

Anon postings come from people who are citizens and fearful of powerful ones who are in government and in hiring capacities for other reasons. And, that fear is justified. And, those people are NOT generally 'media folks.'

Finally, I'm certain that the media folks READ blogs and do research. But, they'll be less engaged as people who 'post.'

Agree, or not? Use the comments and tell us why.

R.I.P. -- times NINE

Nine firefighters died in Charlestown, South Carolina, in a furnature warehouse blaze. Seems the roof fell on them.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire.ap/index.html

Life is precious. Let's end this theme on the blog now, shall we.

Update:

Terry Hoeppner, Big Ben's college coach, dies: "Indiana football coach Terry Hoeppner died today of complications from a brain tumor, a university spokesman said. He was 59."

Another RIP: WESLEY, (Wes) THOMPSON reports that his mother passed away.

Unfortunately the Lord chose to take my mother, Mildred Thompson, home on Sat. 6-16. Friends will be received fron 7-9 Mon., & tues. 2-4 & 7-9 at Thomas Smith funeral home 930, Center Ave B, Blawnox PA 15238. A service will be held Wednesday morning 10 AM.

Hat tip to Kathleen Stewart of the western side of Pgh.

Pennsylvania lost a leader. RIP Dr. George Osborne

He was a leader at the PA College of Optometry, an audiologist, a professor. He helped to launch the Pennsylvania Accademy of Audiology. He hired a couple of Univ. of Pittsburgh graduates. He has been a pioneer in distance education. He was a pilot.

Last Friday, the College announced with great sadness that Dr. George S. Osborne, Dean of the School of Audiology died suddenly on June 14th.

The Memorial Service for Dr. Osborne is as follows:
Friday, June 22nd at 7 p.m.
Paoli Presbyterian Church
225 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301
Phone number at the church is 610-644-8250

Should you like to get a condolence note to the Osborne family, we ask that you send it to our offices here at PCO, and we will be sure to have all communications forwarded to the family.

PCO
Alumni Office
8360 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027

Dr. Osborne's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to
PCO Foundation's George S. Osborne Scholarship Fund.

Presidential candidate Ron Paul drawing diverse crowds - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Article in the Sunday Trib about my favorite candidate for US President, 2008, Dr. Ron Paul.

Presidential candidate Ron Paul drawing diverse crowds - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review What struck the candidate ... was the diversity of the crowd.

'Young and old, hippie types and business types, Republicans and Democrats and independents, anarchists, people who hate the IRS and the Federal Reserve,' said Ron Paul, a Green Tree native, Dormont High School alumnus and Republican congressman from Texas' Gulf coast.

Diversity works for Libertarians. Diversity works for me too.

Medical Marijuana should be defended.

Most of all to those who are NOT convinced already, my friends in Pittsburgh should get behind Ron Paul, because he is a home-town hero.

When was the last person from Pittsburgh in the White House -- as President?

This quote that "Everyone knows he's not going to be the nominee" is total crap. But, those are they types of quotes I expect from the Tribune Review.

Politics is partly about the power of ideas. And, if politics is going to improve, it needs to be ALL ABOUT the power of ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it is about money and NOT about ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it isn't about the future.

Polls that don't register his candidacy are not worth a wasted breath. But, the Trib cares about spreading the soiled goods.

Ron Paul's wife, Carol Wells, is also from this area. Not like T. Heinz. This are Pittsburgh's people.

Dormont. You gotta love this guy. He was a state track champion. He was class president. He didn't play football -- so his head wasn't bashed about!

Sure, there are a lot of good things that the government does. The government needs to protect freedom. Protect privacy. Protect the people from the government.

Greater words can not be said about a guy in politics if you listen to what Tom DeLay said about Ron Paul. "You always understand where he's coming from." That is key. That can't be discounted.

Earmarks never worked for Dr. Paul. YES!

I've said all along that we need to nix the earmarks in Western Pennsylvania that come here and HURT our economy. The tunnel under the river for light-rail expansion is a great example of an earmark that doesn't work.

Then the Trib goes out of its way to interview the opposition of Dr. Paul. Talk to Ds in Dr. Paul's area. Talk to DeLay, 'the hammer' -- an in-party foe to Dr. Paul. Paul won after a controversial redistricting. I remember that period. Texas had a strike. It was a mess.

Rudy Giuliani sharply rebuked him, so the article goes. Really, Guiliani was rude and dull and without any rebuke. Duhh. Rudy gets a thank you note for being one to tango with, but Rudy was flat foolish. Rudy's attack on Dr. Paul is going to be the telling moment of Rudy's career.

School Sports -- merge the City League with the WPIAL

Now is the time, when school is out and when sports teams are not taking all the available attention, to have serious conversations about scholastic sports.

The Pgh Public Schools has its own "City League." The City League needs to be taken apart. Rather, the city schools need to merge in and among the schools in the W.P.I.A.L.

Talk of consolidation mergers and metropolitanism has loomed large in recent years. Both scorn and infatuation spills. I'm willing to push to make sports, our playgrounds and our extra-school activities be the ones to step to the line next and MERGE.

We need to get the city kids playing well with the suburban kids.

We need to get the city school administrators understanding the competition. The school administrators in the PPS district are too insulated from the rest of Allegheny County.

We need the boosters in the city to see how boosters in suburban districts operate.

We need to be competitive -- and competition in sports is a week to week, day to day, and minute to minute ordeal. In sports, we keep score all the time.

Let's merge.

Ron Paul, the Mahatma by Gary North

Ron Paul, the Mahatma by Gary North

I was watching Gandhi recently, as I do every year or two. It is inspirational to me. It tells the story of a man who could not possibly win the battles he chose to fight, but did anyway. There is no doubt that it is a propaganda film, funded in part by the Indian government. It scrambles his chronology. But, on the whole, it got the story right. Mohandas K. Gandhi, a lawyer, was able to transform Indian politics. He did this through force of moral character and shrewd tactics that made every official response either 'Damned if we do; damned if we don’t.' I read 'The Gandhi Nobody Knows' when it was published in 1983, a year after the movie was released. I know the strange side of the man. But he mobilized a huge nation without recourse to violence. That was his great legacy.

I also like the movie because it is the story of a failed empire. By 1945, the British Empire had spent itself into near bankruptcy because of two wars. It was a pale shadow of itself. It would soon grow much paler.

Great quote: The public does not know who Ron Paul is. But TV viewers who were politically active enough to go to the websites of the broadcasting networks are big supporters of Paul.

World Record gets cut by 10-seconds

Swimming World has some fantastic swim news for Americans. A new mega star is born. This, to me, is way more impressive than the U.S. Open.

Flash! Ziegler Shatters Evans' World Record in 1500 Freestyle

MISSION VIEJO, California, June 17. SHE'S been tracking her idol for years, winning world titles and living up to the high expectations placed on her shoulders. Sunday night, swimming at the TYR Meet of Champions in Mission Viejo, California, Kate Ziegler passed Janet Evans on the long-course scene. Contesting the 1500 freestyle, Ziegler lopped an unheard of 10 seconds from Evans' 1988 standard of 15:52.10.

Already the winner of the 200, 400 and 800 freestyles at the meet, Ziegler saved her best for last and went 15:42, a time that is almost unfathomable. Ziegler, the two-time defending world champ in the 800 and 1500 freestyles, has been compared to Evans since she arrived as a rising force on the national scene. At the World Championships earlier this year in Melbourne, Ziegler posted a mark of 15:53.05, the second-fastest in history at that moment.

In Mission Viejo, she attacked the 30-lap event with a vengeance, moving ahead of world-record pace from the get-go. Obviously, since she broke the record by 10 seconds, there was never a question whether she would remain on target. It was only a matter of how low she would take the record, which was the oldest on the books, set March 26, 1988 in Orlando.

Considering Ziegler broke the oldest effort by such a large margin, one has to consider the swim as the finest performance in history. Forever, debate will rage as to which swims are the most impressive, but Ziegler at least can make a strong case for the distinction. Ziegler, of course, is trained by Ray Benecki of The Fish.

Check SwimmingWorldMagazine.com for more coverage of Ziegler's record-breaking swim.

On YouTube:

I got a 'tie' for Father's Day -- and I love it. Plus, my t-shirt got new hand prints

From Logos

I have a new tie in the wardrobe. It has a fern pattern. I love it. The fern is a symbol of New Zealand. Word on the street was against giving dad a tie for Father's Day -- but -- they'd be wrong in this case.

I also have a t-shirt with nearly a dozen years of blooming hand and foot prints from my kids. These shirts are all the rage now. At the zoo today I must have seen a dozen of these styled shirts -- 'best dad, hand's down.' Clever. Must have been in a lot of craft catalogs in recent times. I am such a trend setter.

Policies that boost fathers are needed- PennLive.com

Policies that boost fathers are needed- PennLive.com: "Policies that boost fathers are needed
Sunday, June 17, 2007
BY RICK SANTORUM

I suppose it's flattering when people ask what office you're looking at next. Since last November, however, I've told anyone who asks that the only thing I'm running for these days is 'Father of the Year.'

I don't know how I'll fare when the returns pour in today, but I hope I'll do well in the Santorum precinct.

I know this: Losing last year's Senate race in Pennsylvania was a great blessing. It gave me an opportunity that won't be there a few fleeting years from now. The opportunity to be a more fully involved father of a family that will only be under one roof for a few more years. The opportunity of time. The opportunity of a lifetime for my six children, my wife Karen and me."

Blognetnews.com -- Pennsylvania's ranking of most influential political blogs -- Running Mates -- we're #7

Blognetnews.com � Pennsylvania: "Pennsylvania's Most Influential Political blogs"

The top 20 include:

1	GrassrootsPA
2	Attytood
3	The Pennsylvania Progressive
4	Suburban Guerrilla
5	PowerBlog!
6	The Carbolic Smoke Ball
7	Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events
8	www.keystonepolitics.com
9	PSoTD
10	Above Average Jane
11	:::Philebrity...media, culture, music and more:::
12	Pennsyltucky Politics
13	passopenrecords.org
14	Phillybits
15	Brendan Calling
16	TONY PHYRILLAS
17	Mark A. Kilmer (the weblog)
18	2 Political Junkies
19	Save The GOP
20	The Rittenhouse Review

Director advice at PNC Park last night: Hang in there!

Last night we had a nice time at PNC Park with a group of folks in Pittsburgh for an event that was hosted at the Univ. of Pittsburgh. My wife is involved with a teach the teachers conference that runs every other year. This was the second event and the third topic for 2009 is booked. (Practice management) This year's topic for the audiology educators was A.R.

Quiz: What is A.R.?

I'd type it here -- but want to make this more interactive and my spelling stinks.

A corporate sponsor, Starkey, was able to bring 45 or so to the game. Wonderful. It was a nice ending to three days of meetings.

BTW, the Pirates lost. BTW 2, some really young kids are going to see "High School Musical."

While at the game I talked for a moment or two with one of the ten directors who has been given notice that his job would become advertised for a national search for his replacement. I'll keep his identity secret for fear of blowback for now. But, this gentleman is one of the very few that I'd feel confident that I'd want to interview for that post he currently occupies should I become mayor. He is good at what he does. He has always been honest and straight with me, personally, and in my quest of political insights into the budget and such.

I told him (and his associates -- sorry, no clues) that was with him my thoughts about how in the real world one should measure twice THEN cut once. That isn't the case with our young mayor -- nor with Onorato and Bland. So, this isn't just a youth knock. Mine is a process evaluation -- and they're clueless as to how to evaluate objectives and such.

After some nice conversations, and as we were getting back to the game and our respective groups, my parting words were, "Hang in there Scott." This advice needs to be repeated, in public. I hope he does hang in there and is around Grant Street when I'm mayor -- and the insanity dissipates.

Coaching Polar Bears at Pgh Zoo -- today at 2 pm

Father's Day -- and going to the zoo and aquarium. Sponsor, www.Fatherhood.org.

From people & vips

From people & vips

If I can coach in New Zealand, Canada, swim with hector dolphins and help to lead open water efforts as well as water polo at Crafton, I think I can coach a butterfly workout with the polar bears at the Pgh Zoo and Aquarium. Be there today at 2 pm.

Getting some advice on comments in other blogs.

Folks, I'm open to suggestions on the blogs of others -- as well as this blog too.

HaloScan.com - Comments If I were you I would focus on Bruce Kraus. I know you can beat him. You should represent the people on the Southside and be their voice.
Good luck !!
anonymous | 06.15.07 - 5:34 pm | #

Two Pitt swim coaches (assistants) are moving on to other gigs

CollegeSwimming.com::Resignations in New Orleans and Pittsburgh Resignations in Pittsburgh

Coaches seeking an elusive college gig can rejoice as three vacancies were announced in separate announcements from Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Pitt assistants, Eric Stefanski and Eric Limkemann, are stepping down.

Stefanski (1994-98) will be introduced as the new assistant at the University of North Carolina and Limkemann will leave the coaching sidelines. Limkemann will dedicate himself to becoming one of the nation's top triathletes as he relocates to Dayton, Ohio with his wife.

The Crossed Pond Blogger quoted about Ron Paul and Pittsburgh and Washington Post

The Crossed Pond - The Crossed Pond in the Washington Post If you head on over to your local newsstand this morning and pick up a copy of The Washington Post, you’ll notice a front page article about Ron Paul and his massive online reach. At the end of the article, you might notice some random kid from Pittsburgh is mentioned talking about how inspiring Ron Paul is, and how important is his message.

Pittsburgh mayor axes

Pittsburgh mayor axes status quo - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'He's doing this uniformly so it doesn't reflect any agenda,' said Ferlo, ...

Heck, don't show an agenda.

I want an agenda to be visible. I want to have moves by city leaders to reflect an agenda.

When the ax swings and no agenda is reflected in the swinging -- it is a hatchet job.

And, when the ax swings and the no agenda is reflected, it is just a power play.

Relay Carnival Idea Discussion

Talkshoe.com

On Your Mark - Summer League Relay Meet ideas

Description: Our Summer Swimming League's Relay Carnival needs a drastic overhaul. I'll offer my suggestions to fellow coaches, parents and officials.

Start Time: 06/19/07 10:00 PM EDT

Duration (minutes): 30

kdka.com - No Shortage Of Events This Weekend In Pittsburgh

For sure.

kdka.com - No Shortage Of Events This Weekend In Pittsburgh Any visitors to Pittsburgh won't be able to complain about a lack of entertainment this weekend, as the city is buzzing with a host of activities.

Pitt Audiology is hosting a teach the teacher even with people from around the US and different nations in town. So I'll be going to the Pirates game with them tonight. Then I expect to hit Flux.

The dad of one of my son's classmates is playing in the band that takes the Flux stage at midnight. I'm going to do my best to stay up to see them.

If time permits, after our swim team league meeting of coaches from all the teams, we'll hit the gay pride events. But I still need to print-up some water polo and biathlon handouts and update a web site with that and my Father's Day messages.

Mayoral candidates' Web presence and response is varied | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Politics: Local

Dallas is holding a mayor's race. And, Dallas may elect a gay mayor. But, this article covers some of the technology of being an eMayor and eCandidate.

I worry because the GOP write-in guy for mayor doesn't have squat on the net.

Koch and Kraus don't understand the internet. Ravenstahl's web and email replies as a candidate and as an elected official have been poor at best.

Mayoral candidates' Web presence and response is varied | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Politics: Local Increasingly, in the case of state and high-profile city elections, a well-organized and appealing Web site can make or break a campaign.

But many of the tools billed as reaching out to voters provide nothing more than the illusion of accessibility, said Phil Noble, founder of politicsonline.com, which monitors how politics and the Internet interact. That's because most politicians don't know how to effectively use Web sites to reach people, he said.