Close Schenley, Roosevelt urges - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

I got some ink in today's Tribune Review concerning Schenley:

Close Schenley, Roosevelt urges - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Mark Rauterkus, 49, of the South Side had hoped that his two sons, Erik and Grant, would someday attend Schenley.

'You don't break the best schools,' he said. 'You replicate them, and you fix the other schools.'

I was also shown in two TV interviews on the 11 pm news: TV 11 and KDKA TV 2.

kdka.com - Superintendent Mark Roosevelt Recommends Closing Schenley High School Roosevelt Recommends Closing Schenley High School

The point of the interview was to say that Pittsburgh Schenley is home to the I.B. program AND other programs as well with neighborhood students and robotics. The blending of the urban fabric happens at Schenley, in a safe and successful school. Schenley is sending students, again, to Stanford. It works! It should not be taken apart. Rather, it should be replicated. Fix the schools that are failing. There are too many 'drop out factories' in the district. Those schools with unrealized potential and excess capacity need to be address. What about Vo Tech Education? What about the other places?

Updated:

A summary from another parent, Jen Lakin, came in email.

Well, you read or saw the big news already. Basically, the exact same thing we heard in the fall, only with bigger numbers. Lots of reassurance that they've really worked hard to not have to do this, but not a single thing fell into place despite their 6 months of looking.

However there were several interesting tidbits that came out during the meeting:

It's a 4 year commitment to Reizenstein -- they'll put in under $5M to the building and make sure that next year's 9th graders graduate from that building. Then they'll probably move again. Or not.

Several members pushed for some sort of comprehensive/district-wide/long-range plan. This was answered in various ways, none of which was yes. Randall Taylor pushed on the idea that there would be another 1050 student building in the district available in 4 years that wouldn't also require $$ to make suitable. When he asked a second time (it wasn't answered) and pointed out that the only buildings fitting that description meant that other students would be displaced or merged. There were other questions about what reform has been or will be for the failing, underenrolled schools. Both of these threads were finally answered in that as kids are sucked toward the new schools, it'll be a slow death for the bad schools. Rather than getting direct reform, those kids and their parents just better jump ship to a new school. Anyone left, well...they'll be moved when one of the new schools needs the building. Obviously, that's a paraphrase, but that's the gist of the plan.

There were several highlights (learning that mature people living in the real world support these plans, for instance) but I did like as well when Mark Roosevelt assured the board that they'd spent time when he got here talking to a lot of parents, especially those who had left the district, and they were answering their stated needs for "more high school choices." Of course, it's a bit of a leap from that to 6-12 themed schools, but hey! And we also know where those of us who've stuck through good and bad stand in their eyes.

If you get a chance watch the meeting -- I think they're on cable at some point (I don't have cable so I'm clueless there) and available on the PPS website, maybe?

I'll send out more later, but basically, it's time to support the board members in not acting on Schenley or ANY other building spending until they have an idea of what we're aiming toward as a district. It's also time to get it out in the media that this isn't about just Schenley, it's the start of a huge structural change in the district. Changes are long overdue, but people need to be informed and a part of the change before it's already happened! Honestly, before all this happened, I understood the meaning of the word 'transparency' but now, I get it, I really get it. There is such a chokehold on information from the administration, such a lack of ability for parents to have their voices heard before plans are made, and a near total disregard for the knowledge and expertise of the really excellent teachers and principals who are still out there.

Here's an email I received earlier in the week, sent out with permission (and some names removed):

I just wanted you to know that as a parent [and retired teacher...] I've been sending you moral support and good vibrations for the past months of this.....fight?

It seems weird to refer to it as that. Why must one fight for one's children with an institution whose very existence is for the welfare of those same children? One of my reasons for choosing to retire when I did was that I became very weary of fighting for what is right for children in all aspects of Pittsburgh public education. I needed to be so much more than a disseminator of information; children need adult role models, parent figures, and, indeed, friends. The system increasingly allows teachers to be NONE of those. Our days became filled with shoveling the information for tests down the throats of students and worrying about our own jobs and family security in the face of poor fiscal management, bad decision making, deaf ears in Harrisburg, a lack of clear moral standards for an orderly environment, and overworked principals and administrators who must become spin masters and middle managers rather than educational leaders. ... Early on, [a current teacher] invited me to become a part of your cause. I declined due to weariness, and yet I find myself increasingly unable to stay quiet in the face of the unbelievably botched (even for our Board and administration) attempt at "improving" our high schools at the cost of its one true gem. (Allderdice seems to get that title; however, if I knew then what I know now [...] All one would have to do is to attend the musicals of both schools and allow him/herself to feel the vibes.)

(parent of a Schenley 2003 grad and Allderdice 2009 student)



More later --

Jen Lakin

Today's message theme: Pompus Folly. Stay tuned and headed to city council

We're just back from Amsterdam where they have a clever t-shirt:

Amsterdam: since 1275

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is headed into a big 250 celebration. Wow!

Frankly, I'm getting sick of the "Pompus Folly" that is filling our city, county, state, federal and school board governance.

More to come.

Tom Sumpter cried. He realized Schenley High School is about to die. He killed it.

Pgh Public School Board Member, Tom Sumpter, chair of the education committee, spilled a tear or two at the very end of the meeting tonight.

He said, "My grandmother graduated from Schenley. My mother graduated from Schenley. I graduated from Schenley. And my kids graduated from Schenley." He said, "We are Schenley."

This weekend, Mr. Sumpter is to attend his 40th class reunion.

Sumpter is Schenley. And, Sumpter and all that have gone before are in the past. Schenley is now just a memory. Schenley is about to die.

Next year, Schenley gets ripped apart. The final chapter on Schnley is not written. But, there is certainty that the evil forces are sure to have the upper hand in the next battle and section of history.

Schenley has its I.B. students going to "I.B. High" -- or -- I.B. World.

Schenley has 90 students being forced to attend a new University Prep School that was once a middle school. It will be in Milliones.

This is a royal mess. The district didn't do its homework. And, they admit as much. A full high school reform agenda was asked for by a board member in the questions but Mark Roosevelt said that it would not be delivered in the next months.

Tom Sumpter is going to kill Schenley High School. Let the tears of its funeral flow farther and wider.

There are four on the board who are NOT in favor of this. Sumpter can cast the vote that swings the tide. Or, he can move ahead on a half-baked plan that re-segregates the district and drives more families with the capability to move to depart.

Fathers urged to attend council meeting

Fathers urged to attend council meeting: "Fathers urged to attend council meeting

Yes, I expect to be there.

The Economy: Another Casualty of War

The Economy: Another Casualty of War ... Even though the House failed to pass the war spending bill, opponents of the war should not be fooled into believing this vote signals a long term change in policy. At the end of the day, those favoring continued military occupation of Iraq will receive every penny they are requesting and more as long as they agree to dramatically increase domestic and international welfare spending as well.

Jen Lakin has something to say about Schenley High School

It took until your vote in February, 2008, for me to really crystallize what I find wrong with dividing up Schenley, both the building and the kids. Your plan not only breaks the kids apart, it will, by design it seems, pit the new schools against each other.

We chose the magnet program because we believed in the idea that different kinds of kids could and do learn things from each other. I chose it because when I asked for changes or better choices, I wasn't asking just for my kid(s), but for all of the kids.

Now, I'm in a position where fighting for the best interests of my child (in particular, my 8th grader) pits me against the same kids who would have been his peers at Schenley.

To demand the best teachers at Frick’s 9th grade next year is to lessen the possibility of the kids at University Prep having those same teachers. The division guarantees that the good and great teachers have to make choices about where to be -- and I can't see how they can be fairly split in the future, either.

To demand a range of classes (CAS, PSP, mainstream, electives) at Frick is to ask for resources that will take away from the kids at University Prep and Reizenstein. Elective choices in the three locations for next year are obviously going to be far more limited than they are at Schenley. Sharing programs like Youth and Government, the musical, band, chorus, and sports for a year or two by busing kids around every day only puts off the problem that the two new smaller schools will never be able to offer the choices available now at Schenley.

You are tearing apart a family, a working community. I’m not saying it’s perfect nor that it can’t be improved – ask us! The parents have lots of suggestions.

I’ve attached several charts, showing that Schenley’s population (which is 71% African-American, 24% white, 6% other):

* Outperforms the district averages (the only majority AA school to do so)
* Has the highest performing AA students
* Has the highest percentage of college bound seniors – the most males and females, black and white

Even when the district pulls out only the lowest performing scorers at Schenley and not at any other school? Those kids still outperform 5 schools’ averages for all students, not just the lowest scorers. A cynic might suggest that the University Prep planners specifically chose a traditionally high-scoring population for its experiment, rather than the more difficult task of fixing a failing school.

Soon, if these reforms go ahead as planned problems will be faced by the whole district. Where do you think the students for these new themed schools will come from? IF the new schools populate most of the kids will be coming from the current high schools – which will then be faced with underenrollment, leading to cuts in staffing and cuts in programs. Some kids for the University Prep middle school program starting in 2009 will be coming from Arsenal’s feeder pattern. What will that do to Arsenal? You are going be faced with this same situation over and over again if you don’t stop and look at the big picture soon.

As a board you need to make sure that you aren’t receiving cherry-picked and incomplete information that leaves out both comparisons and context for the information you’re given. This district needs comprehensive, well-planned reform created with public input and supported by public buy-in.

Save Arizona State University Swimming

Save ASU Swimming: "ASU Men's swimming is in crisis mode after the ASU Athletic
department disbanded the Men's swimming team. The ASU Swimming
foundation has been created to reinstate Men's swimming and
Protect the future of both Men's and Women's swimming at ASU.
The ASU Swimming foundations primary mission is to generate
money to fund the ASU Men's and Women's Swimming team.

Go Sun Devils.

Statement from Nick Lardos to the Pgh Public School Board

05/19/08

Good evening everyone. My name is Nick Lardas. I am a resident of Oakland and am here to speak again as a concerned parent, taxpayer and voter.

I am here today to ask you for two things:

1) Stop the current High School Reform Plans now and take the time to plan fully for meaningful improvement not change for the sake of change.

2) Leave the current programs and students that are in Schenley HS in Schenley HS and make phased plans for improvements to the building and the programs.

Over the past year I have made a good attempt to keep up with the plans for High School Reform and Schenley HS. And the only thing I know for sure is that I am totally confused. Each day there are new rumors as to what the renovations of different buildings will cost where programs will be moved and then possibly moved again, what programs will be dropped what will be added, the district is in even worse financial condition than previously thought, taxes will have to be raised and on and on. The latest rumor is that Mr. Roosevelt is abandoning us and interviewing for jobs.

The end result is that parents are voting with their feet and leaving the district. Your latest projections show enrollment for September down over 10% from last year.

The excuse often given that the sudden deterioration of Schenley HS forced the district to begin implementing their incomplete reform plans is false. If Schenley were unsafe the students should not have been let back into the building for the 2007-08 school year. Your own documents and a tour of Schenley show that there is no imminent danger. Classes can continue in the building this year and next year and the year after while thoughtful planning takes place. The last time I testified before this group I offered to meet with you to tour Schenley and review your Architect’s reports with you. No one took me up on my offer so I am making it again.

The current confusing HS reform plans call for scrapping the second best middle school and third best high school in the city and tearing them apart to create two maybe three new themed 6-12 high schools. There has been no statistical information nor any educational theory presented that either the 6-12 concept or the themed high school concept have any merit. There have been no cost benefit studies done to show that these concepts and the massive facilities changes they entail will financially or educationally benefit the district and our students. There are no plans for the high schools and middle schools that are totally failing in our district. None of this makes sense from a fiscal or educational point of view.

Stop the current reform plans keep Schenley and its students intact. Take the time to work with the parents, teachers and students. Find out what works and what doesn’t. Look at what is working at the private and suburban schools that are taking our students. Then come up with a comprehensive plan for the entire school district and begin to implement it slowly and methodically.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Nicholas D. Lardas

3434 Parkview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: 1-412-(NUKED by BLOGMASTER)

Email: (NUKED by Blogmaster too)

Re-sent letter to PPS about Schools and Schenley

B-PEP

THE BLACK POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT PROJECT

c/o Hill House Association, 1835 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-758-7898

Superintendent Mark Roosevelt and Board President, Bill Isler

Board Members: Heather Arnet, Mark Brentley, Theresa Colaizzi, Jean Fink,

Sherry Hazuda, Bill Isler, Floyd McCrea, Thomas Sumpter, Randall Taylor

Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Education

341 South Bellefield Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Dear Superintendent Roosevelt, and Board President Isler, Members: Heather Arnet, Mark Brentley, Theresa Colaizzi ,Jean Fink, Sherry Hazuda, Bill Isler, Floyd McCrea, Thomas Sumpter, Randall Taylor:

For many years, B-PEP, the Black Political Empowerment Project has been very concerned about and involved in the issues of reforming Pittsburgh Public Schools so that all of our children, in particular African American children receive a high quality education. Our involvement in school reform became even more heightened as a result of the announcement on October 31, 2007 that called for the closing of Schenley due to students and staff being exposed to asbestos where conditions had deteriorated and the cost to remediate was prohibitive. Also on October 31, 2007 we learned of other dramatic high school reforms that didn’t come with as much details or a good public process that should have occurred for such an enormous undertaking to be successful.

Our informed position of today, February 26, 2008 has been influenced by attending meetings, public hearings, information provided from the Superintendent, his staff and administration, Board members, PA Department of Education, principals, teachers, students, parents, news media, concerned community members, in addition to independent building engineers, legal and finance experts. Weighing all of this, we respectfully ask that in order to "completely assure the safety of the students and faculty, that the Schenley High School building be remediated this summer by removing the ceiling plaster. This would give the district time to develop the further needed renovations and updates, many which would be on an "as needed" basis. It would allow the students to remain in the building, instead of letting it sit vacant, unnecessarily. It would also give the district the time to completely and effectively develop the programming and the implementation aspects of the high school reform initiatives.

Understanding the fierce urgency of now to make ensure that ALL of our children are receiving a high quality education is something that we all agree on. Can we please focus on figuring out a way to teach and reach them where they are at NOW and have some good results to show for it and NOT use the excuse that we were not able to this because we spent so much time discussing not so well laid out plans?

Thank you.

Respectfully submitted,

Tim Stevens, Chairman and Celeste Taylor, Vice-Chairperson

Web page www.b-pep.net

Will Schenley stay or close? Recommendation due Monday - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The reporting on this is so wrong. Still.

Will Schenley stay or close? Recommendation due Monday - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Roosevelt previously has suggested closing Schenley, citing the $64 million cost to fix asbestos problems and update the school's mechanical systems. But students, parents, alumni and other residents have opposed him because of the school's listing on the National Registry of Historic Places, its revered architecture and storied history. The school has produced such illustrious graduates as pop artist Andy Warhol and Clifford Shull, a Nobel Prize winner in physics.

Roosevelt is closing Schenley because he wants to leave his mark on the district. That's it.

The money is a lie.

The asbestos is a lie.

As a dog walks down the street, it lifts its leg to piss on the post -- leaving a mark. That's Mark Roosevelt's motivation. The other reasons don't hold water.

The reporters have let Roosevelt get a pass, mostly.

The $64-million dollar amount has been discounted dozens of ways at dozens of meetings. It isn't even being used by those within Pittsburgh Public Schools -- since about December 2007. But the media still uses it.

To install air conditioning is not an update of the school's mechanical system.

Here is an idea. Fix the windows that were just installed five years ago. And, do these repairs under the terms of the warranty from the manufacturers. The windows don't work as they should. Windows can't open. They screwed them shut as a bastard fix. They (school administrators) didn't do the job they needed to do to keep the building running because they wanted to suck the blood from the building and use that as an excuse to sell it.

The $64-Million is inflated from about $30-M real price tag. And, they are now running up the tab to move programs (successful programs) to other buildings (crap buildings) at prices that are far greater than the $30-Million to fix up Schenley.

* The cost of Milliones is NOT being reported.

* The cost of a fix up to a once failed middle school, Reisenstein, (no windows now, valued property that is an easy sell) is in the dozens of millions. It was pitched at a cost of $300,000. Now the costs are 10-times greater and still rising.

* The cost of CAPA's expansion is not being factored in to the formula. Plus, those two successful schools are going to crash.

* The cost of moving robotics to Peabody is not being considered.

* The cost of moving the professional development from Reisenstein to West End's PCA/Gifted/Greenway is not in the mix.

* The cost of busing from the Hill to the east edge of town is not in the mix.

* The changes to Frick Middle School.

* The loss of student confidence.

* The acceleration of outward migration.

Fix Schenley.

Think again.

Think it through.

In the near future, the school boards of tomorrow will re-open Schenley anyway. The political promises have been made and this will occur. Mark Roosevelt has the helm for the short term, with the help of board president Issler, but that will end shortly. This entire move and crisis is a fabrication that won't wash in the long term and with the truth.

When everything is understood, looking at the forest and not the trees, it becomes clear that their reform moves are killing the school district and must be corrected.

Roosevelt had a hand-picked group spend more than a year on 'high school reform.' The entire body of work on that policy advising group went out the window in one meeting. Those that objected by asking questions were NEVER INVITED BACK to attend another meeting. The discussion for them ended. Roosevelt's own game of divide and conquest failed within the ranks of his own generals.

Tax-increment financing successful -- in creation a divide between rich and poor while killing city

Tax-increment financing successful, city data indicate - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "An often criticized financing tool used by local governments to spur private development appears to be working well in Pittsburgh, according to data provided by the city's redevelopment agency.

Sure, tax breaks work for the URA and for the special interests. Tax breaks and TIFs suck for the city as a whole and for the little guys. TIFs suck for the poor. TIFs suck for the one's who already invested here. TIFs suck for the home owners. TIFs suck for the school children. TIFs suck for the urban fabric of the city.

TIFs are great for churn. TIFs are great tools to strip away the authentic characteristics of a once great city.

TIFs are great for the old guard trying to keep its power.

TIFs are great at driving the overall decline of the region to new speeds of depression.

Rainmakers

The Trib reported:

Pittsburgh City councilman Bruce Kraus taped a novelty-sized fundraising thermometer to his office door last week in hopes of raising cash to cover $10,706 in legal bills he's splitting with colleagues Bill Peduto, the Rev. Ricky Burgess and council President Doug Shields.

The councilmen racked up the legal charges in a zoning appeal and lawsuit against an electronic billboard Lamar Advertising built Downtown.

The four abstained from a vote Tuesday that would have made city taxpayers pick up the tab for the legal services.

City lawyers had warned the four that they were dangerously close to committing a conflict of interest because paying the bill would be the same as forcing taxpayers to cover a "personal debt."

The councilmen haven't exactly turned out to be major rainmakers. The council members this week will try to build on initial donations of $3.99 - a mere 0.03 percent of their goal.

What's wrong here?

Lamar Advertising started this whole messs. Lamar got dinged for putting up a sign for private use / profit on public property without the advance clearances and proper proceedures.

So lets review what Bruce Kraus does in his efforts to keep the folly sustained.

Bruce uses public property, a door in city hall, to place advertising messages that are NOT allowed. Kraus posts a sign for personal profit in city hall. The procedure and ethics battle grounds extend.

Clueless.

May 27, 2008 OPEN HOUSE special "Potential WORLD CHAMPION SPEAKER guest"

May 27, 2008, OPEN HOUSE with special "Potential WORLD CHAMPION SPEAKER guest"

Go to the Toastmasters meeting from 6:30 to 8 pm on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 and enjoy an OPEN HOUSE with a special guest. POTENTIAL WORLD CHAMPION SPEAKER Charlie Wilson will come and run through his excellent potential winning speech.

He delivered it on Sunday 5-18-2008 at http://achievers902.freetoasthost.net/ at the May Achievers 902-13 Toastmasters gathering. This has the possibility of being up there with Darren LaCroix, Craig Valentine, Vikas Jhingran and others who've won the WORLD CHAMPION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING over the years. Spread the word and come see this excellent performance. Then, you'll be able to say, I KNEW CHARLIE WHEN.

Directions to the meeting also obtained from http://edgewood.freetoasthost.com/ or our Club's web page.

From Monroeville: Take 376 west, towards downtown. Get off at the Edgewood/Swissvale exit.
At the bottom of the ramp move into the right lane and turn right at the traffic light. (this will put you onto S.Braddock)
Almost immediately, you will pass the on-ramp to the Parkway. Immediately passed that is Greendale Avenue. Turn right onto Greendale.
Follow 3 stops signs. At the third stop sign you want to vear right and go up the hill. This becomes Race Street.
At the traffic light, turn right and follow to stop sign. The Edgewood Club will be directly in front of you.


Rick Hayes will be Toastmaster and emcee that evening.

Rick Hays ATM-B, CL
Edgewood Toastmasters Club President
Rick Hays (Richard M. Hays, Jr. and 'Rick from Mt. Washington')
hays7@verizon.net home email
http://edgewood.freetoasthost.com/ Edgewood Toastmasters on web
http://www.d13tm.com/ District 13 Toastmasters web site

Back in the saddle with School Reform

Jen posted:

Mr. Roosevelt is supposed to make his recommendation regarding Schenley at the Education Committee meeting on Monday, 19th at 7 pm (I think it was originally scheduled at 6 pm but has been bumped back an hour for a closed door executive committee session, I have no idea what that means, if anything!) This isn't a public hearing, just a meeting you can watch. But, show up if you can, maybe wear a little red/black to show your support. You might be able to chat with your board member afterward too. Of course, you can always call, email or write, too. The recommendation will be voted on in June, though we don't know a date yet.

It's taken me a while to get around to writing up Monday's public hearing, but here it is. I'm putting one testimony below my signature -- it's great, be sure to at least read that part of this email! I'll try to mail around my testimony (the updated version is on another computer, if I go get it now, this will never be sent) and anyone else who sends theirs in the next email.

There were 31 speakers listed, with 5 no shows. The basic breakdown was 2 speakers about Miller's criteria for a new principal, several more speaking about high school reform more generally including Carey Harris from A+ schools giving feedback (I missed this three minutes, if anyone sends me a summary, I'll pass it along) and 3 spoke about the need to plan for special education in the new (and/or reformed) high schools from the beginning, not as an afterthought.

Other concerns about reform were expressed including someone sharing accounts of problems in ALA schools and the number of promises made for these schools that weren't kept. About 14 speakers spoke specifically in opposition to the plans for Schenley, and a couple of other more general reform speakers also supported Schenley. A Montessori parent thanked the board for money that made possible a new science teacher and noted the changes that a new teacher and a committed principal can make. (Amazing how well that bottom up, money to teachers and kids in response to stated needs works so well, isn't it?)

Points made about Schenley included:


• little or no effort (that we've heard about, at least) to looking at alternative plans for Schenley, including just removing the plaster which could fall, and continuing to use the building while plans for renovation are made. It was pointed out again that Schenley is particularly well-suited for doing some renovation work while students are in the building -- meaning that a plan renovations could continue over a long-term schedule after any "safety issues" are addressed.


• the loss of ESL (those students are not moving with the current 9th-11th graders) and how that removes an additional international piece that has been part of Schenley/IB


• the number of changes that have been made in the district over the last 20 years that were then regretted and reversed and often reversed again. The need to listen to parental and community input before making plans, rather than after to avoid this sort of waste.


• the buildings which have been renovated and had additions added, in a district with falling population, with far less support than this Schenley has.


• the lack of knowledge in the district (and even in those affected by this change) about the reform plans, both current and future.


• the diversity at Schenley, the interaction among kids at Schenley (despite administration reports otherwise), the fact that Schenley looks like the district in its racial make-up (it felt very odd to be asking to have different kinds of kids together, not only for the direct benefits of that, but also because it links their needs together -- I kept wondering if we are really in 2008).


• statistics about Schenley (I don't count CAPA, it has entrance requirements and can remove kids):

One of three high schools with PSSA scores above the district average and the only majority African-American (70%) school that is above the average
the highest scoring African-American students in the district (white kids tie for highest),
highest %age college bound seniors for every group broken out (black/white x male/female)

(you can look for yourself at http://www.aplusschools.org/ -- the 2007 Report on School Progress: A Closer Look (right hand column) there are more stats there, too)

Let me know if you're hearing anything -- I was asked by two different reporters what our "strategy" was now. I was a little flummoxed by that, I admit. Our strategy is trying to inform people, trying to get the whole story out there, and trying to get answers and be heard...sort of the same thing it's always been! But, if you've got a more exciting strategy than that, PLEASE let me know and I'll pass it around!

Jen Lakin

---

Good evening. My name is Michele Feingold. I am a Schenley and Frick parent who graduated from Allderdice long ago, before I knew Schenley was worth fighting for and preserving.

I currently work in clinical research. Our clinic often chafes at the limits imposed by our Institutional Review Board, or IRB. We sometimes wait for months before we can start enrolling subjects in a study. This is because our IRB requires us to answer every possible question about study protocol, design, safety and documentation to their complete satisfaction.

Perhaps our IRB really has the right idea and their caution is justified. After all, we are talking about human subjects. And don’t you think, truly, this is the approach a school board ought to take? I’m not talking about endless in-depth inquiries, just careful, well thought out and fully vetted plans that consider as many alternatives as possible and examine the real and potential shortcomings rather than just making rosy predictions. For example, when weighing the cost of renovating historic Schenley in the heart of the university district, consider the costs of renovating Reizenstein and Milliones and Frick and Peabody, versus the possible benefits of selling the Reizenstein property. What about the issue of IB students who find themselves unable to fulfill the requirements of the program – would they actually have to leave their school as well as their classes? What about that? What about the meta-message given to mainstream students by sending them to Milliones, away from their supposedly smarter peers and into a more racially segregated environment? What are we telling them about themselves? And what about the inevitable refusal of many white mainstream families to send their children there? Let’s be idealistic, but not naive.

Honestly, did the community ever get an invitation to brainstorm alternative options before the high school reform plan was handed down? Why not let CAPA be the pilot program for six through twelve before we commit ourselves to the master plan? Consider hiring Nick Lardis to plan a renovation of Schenley without having to close it down. Bring University Prep into the building. Institute a school-wide program of diversity training and consciousness-raising that will make Schenley a regional and national model of class and racial integration. (That could even reduce hostilities at board meetings.) Let loose the energy of parents and alumni who are chafing at the bit to be meaningfully involved in their community and their children’s education, and they might dazzle you with their ability to raise money and support the board.

It’s fine to dream big, but let’s dream smart. Grandiose visions have a way of crumbling and leaving a lifetime of bitterness. Slow down, listen to and partner with the stakeholders, and your time spent on the board could be an overwhelmingly positive experience.

Too much to say -- and lots of ORANGE

Internet cafes are great. I'm paying 1 Eurp for an hour. In the hotel, it is 25 Euros for wifi for the day. The biz center at the hotel is too much too.

Amsterdam's weater was great, but might turn on us tomorrow. Biked about 15k. Went 'off the map' for most of it. Got a better map.

It is easy to get lost on the roads here. They have this pie grid system, but the canals don't really always go as they should.

I've rented a bike with coaster breaks and no gears. Don't need em. No helmet either. The guy at Mac Bike told me to just 'pray.'

Swam at an outdoor swim pool today, 50-meter course. Lots of grassy areas all around. But it seems as if that could have been a pool complex with 10 different pools or so. Wonder where they swam in 1928?

That venue will host an international water polo match in September. Got a book in Dutch about it.

We fell in love with Fish & Chips while in Christchurch. Here, they've got the chips. No catcup -- but mayo. Served in a paper cone from street vendors. The fish -- well -- herring. Different vendor.

ORANGE cowboy hats. Anyone want one as a NL gift? Saw a bunch on sale. Let me know ASAP.

Google NL bikes and basket bikes.

Marty G. on the fearless four

Remember, this started at an ask of $80,000.

Even in the final moment at the table last week, Doug Shields wanted to bump the total from $11,000 to $12,000.

Jim Motznik was on the air with Marty Griffin.

Ask Hugh McG if he'd drop his fee!

Four Pittsburgh council members told to not vote - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Heavy or Not? -- Kraus says "not."

Four Pittsburgh council members told to not vote - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "The only penalty is to 'forfeit their office,' which DeSimone called draconian.

'I don't think that it holds any weight at all,' Kraus said of DeSimone's opinion.

Perhaps Kraus will be like Tucker S. He served on council for only a few months.

Go ahead and vote. We dare ya. You can be replaced. Real reform minded people can fill the spaces.

The P-G reports:

Council members in conflict of interest over legal billsThe response, from Ms. DeSimone, bluntly said: 'We caution that a conflict of interest has already occurred in this matter. The course urged here will not eradicate the conflict, but it may lessen the likelihood that someone will file an action seeking to invoke the forfeiture provision.'

I want to see that 13-page opinion.

Furthermore, I could see it go down like this.

Hugh McGough does NOT adjust hill bill downward, south of $400.

Then today, a member of council ask to 'table' the bill. The motion dies for a lack of a second.

Then a vote is taken. Shields and Peduto, by luck of the alphabet and seniority vote AFTER Burgess and Kraus. So, the rookies, Burgess and Kraus each vote to pay the bill, putting themselves deeper into the ethics violation. When it is the turn of Peduto and Shields, both abstain. Suprise, suprise!

The 'doesn't mean anything' nor 'have any weight' comment goes down in history as a way to sum up their careers as an elected politicians on Grant Street. Burgess and Kraus have their seats removed.

Shields and Peduto survive.

The size of city council goes to seven and never returns to nine as a special ballot question is rushed onto the November election.

Pyrite Age: Put a santa hat on the Chengdu Panda and 'gone fishing ' with wooden shoes

Loose ends:

The land was moving in the land of the pandas with the earthquake. Pandas, pyrite, vacation. Oh my.

Wow. The death count is at 10,000 now. But, the roads are bad. Getting a grip on the damages and loss of life is sure to take some time. I'm expecting a few eco issues to gush about as well.

By the way, my internet access might be less than normal in the days to come. I'm going to hang the 'gone fishing' sign and head to the land with the wooden shoes.

If you can, check out the middle school musical at Pittsburgh Frick, ISA (International Studies Academy). The school is in Oakland -- near Childrens Hospital and just across from the Pitt Towers. The play is at 7 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Pay $3. at the door. The musical is called, "Gone With the Breeze." My son, Erik, has a part. Singing, dancing, acting about Hollywood and a casting call for a show that is bigger and better than "Gone With the Wind."

Hope the show goes well. We'll be missing it, sadly. Reviews most welcome. Photos too.

The UPMC sign on the Steel Building is still missing the "M". Is it crumpled on the sidewalk?

I spoke at tonight's school board meeting. Erik also presented a written statement, but he didn't go.

The line-up of speakers was strong for the preservation of Schenley High School in its current location. The asbestos problem is really just a lie.

After I spoke, the school board president let me know that he didn't agree with my positions.

On technology, I feel that the developed software should be put into the public domain with an open source license. The school board is moving to a new dashboard like system and that code base -- not the data from each student -- has no commercial value and could be released to the public. Other districts and other developers might give it a peek, offer improvements and it could be of greater value.

When the news reporter talked about the injured penguin last week, it took a moment to realize this 'news' wasn't about either a zoo nor from anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. How's the guy who stopped the puck with his face? If the Pens clinch with two more wins there will NOT be a conflict with the weekend swim meet at the JCC on Sunday afternoon.

On the Expresso exercise bike today, Erik and I had another battle. We can both start a course and ride our bikes along virtual pathways, up and down hills, around turns, etc, and RACE. He won by a wheel length. Our times were identical. But, at the finish, he just passed me by. This was the 4th race and my first stage loss. I should not have shown him how to tighten the toe clips nor adjust the seat to an optimum level. He had his pulse up to 210. My max was 150ish.

Pittsburgh gets $1.35 million for new docks on Mon River | AP | 05/12/2008

Pittsburgh gets $1.35 million for new docks on Mon River | AP | 05/12/2008: "Pittsburgh gets $1.35 million for new docks on Mon River

The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh will be getting new docks on the Monongahela River for as many as 17 recreational watercraft.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says the permanent tie-up facility will be built with a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The docks will stretch four blocks in the city's South Side and will be part of a $10.5 million park. Work on the docks is scheduled to begin next year and they will be in use in 2011 or 2012.

Construction of the South Shore Riverfront Park is expected to begin in the summer. The park will include historical trail markers, continuing the Three Rivers Heritage Trail system and Greater Allegheny Passage."

Serious, Super Serious: Lawyer says 4 council members have conflict of interest

Lawyer says 4 council members have conflict of interest Assistant City Solicitor Kate DeSimone submitted a legal opinion to City Council today saying that four members should not vote on approving payment of a $10,706 legal expense because there is a conflict of interest.

If they do, they 'shall immediately forfeit their office,' Ms. DeSimone wrote.

Ms. DeSimone said the four -- President Doug Shields and members Bruce Kraus, William Peduto and Ricky Burgess -- already were in conflict by taking part in a discussion and preliminary vote on paying the bill.

Really, I care to know what Tonya Payne is going to do.

I'm uploading a video of the meeting last week. Watch for it at Rauterkus.blip.tv.

---

I I said last week, worth repeating, the best way out of this is to have Hugh McG, to make his bill drop to ZERO, or perhaps $.04 or perhaps $400. At $400, each of the guys would only have to pay $100.

If Hugh's work became "gratis," then the matter goes away. Poof. Mr. Kraus suggested a similar pathway for Lamar, weeks ago. Kraus asked Lamar to act in a way that was counter to its own 'commercial interest.' Lamar had received a permit to build the sign. Kraus wanted them to decline that permit out of 'good faith.' Kraus ranted (and this was weeks ago, around when he called for a moratorium on all billboards for six months) that a voluntary solution from Lamar was the right thing to do. That gesture, sweet as it was, didn't play out then. Well, same need for a voluntary move holds today for the lawyers who worked with the renegade four.

This video is from the meeting. It lasts about an hour.

Do not merge Rodgers Middle into downtown's CAPA High School

Watch this video by clicking on the link and hear from three high school students in Pittsburgh who want a great education. They know the situation and are not afraid to speak as they went to the middle school too.

Click to play

The video is being converted to FLASH now, and a new like will come shortly. Or, go to my blip show site.

Section 8 Housing gets some chatter with KDKA Radio

Marty Griffin thinks Section 8 housing is a problem everywhere.

My solution:

"Section 8" landlords should be required to live within 1-mile of their residence. That would tighten ownership and neighborhoods. People are getting rich building slum housing who do NOT live there.

I'm not certain of the 1-mile distance, but there can be some metrics associated with distance to investments and primary residence. Likewise, a phase in policy can be leveraged into the forumla. Plus, we should get rid of the 'deed transfer tax' to make the marketplace more fluid for the transfer of ownership among home owners.

Suburban landlords are wonderful for urban neighborhoods. But, the landlords who want public subsidization should only go to those who are near.

Commentary: CNN owes China an apology for slandering

Don't think CNN will rush reporters, including Jack Cafferty, to the region to cover the story.

Commentary: CNN owes China an apology for slandering So annoyed by Cafferty's despicable and shameless attack on an American national TV, American Chinese have launched an online petition, requesting an apology from CNN. The petition has got more than 40,000 signatures and the number of signatures is growing by the minute. China's Foreign Ministry, on April 15, also strongly condemned Cafferty's weird remarks, demanding CNN and the anchor himself take back the malicious remarks, and apologize to all Chinese people.

Chengdu Rocked at 2:28 pm

Not good.

Bloomberg.com: Worldwide: "China Is Hit by 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Near Chengdu

Two years ago, on this day, we were at our 'second home of sorts' in Chengdu, China.

The major earthquake was 90k west-northwest of Chengdu.

China takes home 7 medals from USA Diving Grand Prix

China did not reign supreme Sunday at the USA Diving Grand Prix, giving hope to the other nationhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifs preparing for the Beijing Olympics.

News.

Schenley School stuff, again, of course

Hi all --

Since my last email it looks like my ominous feelings were suitably dark. The numbers I've heard for Schenley renovations this week are higher than any I've heard yet and there's talk of "more taxes" and "cutting teachers." All in all, that sounds grim -- if they save the building, they'll pin every monetary problem the district has on us. Now, it still leaves a lot up in the air. I'm still unable to wrap my brain around a school that has good scores and a tremendous sense of community and history being the guinea pig for reform when there are failing schools getting...what, exactly?

I was #17 to speak when I called the board Friday afternoon at about 4 pm. You can sign up to speak by calling 412-622-3600 before noon on Monday. The meeting is at 7 pm at the Board of Education building in Oakland. (Procedures for testifying in front of the board)

I think there will be some sort of rally beforehand, latest I've heard is starting at around 4 pm (kids have lots of energy!) Consider dropping by and showing your support even if you can't make the hearing. You can also email the board with written testimony at boardoffice@pghboe.net.

The number of talking points is immense. If you know someone else who would testify, consider making sure that you're covering different areas! I think the main point in many of these points is the lack of information flowing from the top down, including to the board members. The administration does a very good job of giving out the pieces of information they want out there and holding back on other facts, including comparisons and context.

Here are some various talking points, culled from various conversations I've had with people (if you have more you want to share, send them along):

Reizenstein's renovation numbers are big too -- and it's a valuable property. So, will the IB kids be moving yet again -- not back to a renovated Schenley but to another building yet to be determined, perhaps Peabody? Do they really have any set plans for this school?

What would convince parents to stick with yet another move to a school that isn't Schenley? If it were Peabody where will the displaced Peabody (or Westinghouse) students go? If the plan is for 6-12, where would the Robotics program being put into Peabody right now go? There wouldn't be room for all these students and Robotics isn't 6-12.

Where do the students for these new schools come from and what happens to the schools they leave as they lose population? Will they gradually lose staffing and programs and die a slow death? Either current high schools or the new schools are going to have to give, unless we suddenly double the number of high school students in the district.

How did additions and renovations for Colfax and Sterrett (and now Carmalt Elementary is to be voted on for additions and renovations) not get blamed for wasting money, cutting jobs, etc.? Why is a district with falling enrollment adding additions anyway? Or opening two buildings where one worked well, in Schenley's case?

Why haven't alternative plans for Schenley's renovation considered? A two or three part plan could address immediate safety issues now in a first part, and then renovate the rest over a period of years (as has happened with most other schools in the district who have received regular ongoing maintenance).

Why aren't all the costs for changes to CAPA, Reizenstein, Milliones, Frick, and Peabody mentioned with staffing cuts and raised taxes, too?

How long can smaller schools (if they are 6-12, there will be fewer students in each grade) maintain sports teams, activities, and clubs? Who will they compete against as each school has fewer teams and activities? How many comprehensive high schools can the district support in conjunction with these smaller schools?

Are these schools planned as "high scoring student" (CAPA and IB) and "low scoring student" (University Prep, Science & Technology) schools? Who does this help? Are we to be segregated in every way possible? Where will kids that don't like a program be allowed to go? How strictly will policies regarding scores and grades be followed or will standards be diluted to insure students maintain a certain score?

What will the new lottery/all school choice plan work?

Why is it May and we still don't know about schedules, teachers, and plans for these schools? How is it that the rest of the district still has no real idea of the scope of the changes coming?

Why are we, as parents, treated as though our questions and concerns are unfounded when we are the ones that actually have kids in this?

I'm sure you can think of more. ;-D

Jen Lakin

Pittsburgh water authority OKs $100 million loan - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Bark, bark.

Pittsburgh water authority OKs $100 million loan - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review City Controller Michael Lamb said the increase in the water authority's debt to roughly $680 million is problematic -- particularly for customers who eventually could see rate increases as a result.

'We're seeing significant increases in payments to the city from the authorities, and we're seeing increases in the authorities for rates, rate increases and debt increases. That's a problem, I think,' Lamb said Thursday.

What a watch dog.

Tube City Almanac - Worthy of All Yohogania

Tube City Almanac - Worthy of All Yohogania: "Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

We don't like the sign. But, we are also getting a chuckle out of the way it has been going up onto the top of the building.

The next letter after the "U" and "P" was not the "M". Perhaps at the hobby shop where they sell such cut-out letters there was a rash of sales for the letter "M" -- being Mother's Day weekend.

The boy was in the backseat of the car screaming, "The sea is being lifted." I thought he must have been having a holy Moses moment, on our way to church today. Rather, there was a split before the "C".

Ground Broken For New Library On Pittsburgh's North Side - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Ground Broken For New Library On Pittsburgh's North Side - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh Ground Broken For New Library On Pittsburgh's North Side

PITTSBURGH -- Residents on Pittsburgh's North Side will finally have access to a library again.

It will be located on Federal Street at the site of a former gas station.

On Friday morning, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato joined library officials, community members and several students from area schools to break ground.

Dormont movie house to close May 23 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Dormont movie house to close May 23 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review The Hollywood Theater revival in Dormont turned out to be short-lived.

Reopened a little more than a year ago, the Potomac Avenue movie house will close May 23, officials from its parent organization, the Bradley Center, announced Friday.

Software given to law school students

revUp | Issue 48: "Runtime Donates $532,000 of Software to New York Law School
How Revolution Helps Law Students Think More Logically"

This is spooky.

Remember InfoDepot?

InfoDepot 3.0 was the best commercial software product I ever used. It was just about to go 'cross platform.'

InfoDepot's early days was a law school darling. It was called, "Fair Witenss."

Chena, a company in northeastern PA was the publisher. That product found its way into the Village Compass Bundle that I instigated.

The company was sold to WestLaw. The product died. I almost went to Minnesota to get it off of the old Mac that were gathering dust. *ssholes.

Good for RunRev to get into the Law School setting. Perhaps they can get some hooks into the old ways of InfoDepot.

Pittsburgh Baseball League 38 - (Pittsburgh, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

I'm being recruited.

Pittsburgh Baseball League 38 - (Pittsburgh, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com: "Welcome to the home of the
Pittsburgh Baseball League 38

They are looking for running mates. I'm a swimmer. I'd be happy if baseball was kicked out of the Olympic Games, for good.

Baseball is okay. Playing sports is great.

If you are 38 or greater, or 48 and greater -- and you want to play ball, this is your ticket this summer.

I'm going to have a birthday, Friday. I'll be 49. So I'm eligible. And, frankly, I'm in much better shape these days than I've been in a while. It has been a blessing for my personal to have my kids swim at the JCC (Sq.Hill) as I've been able to workout on a regular basis.

Speaking of baseball, when are the city league high school play-off games? What teams are in? How is Langley doing? And, what about the WPIAL and City League games at PNC Park?

If you've got the details, please post them in the comments.

These Ron Paul meetings may never end

The latest activities deal with Ron Paul's new book and getting it into various local libraries.

Through Ron's new book The Revolution: A Manifesto we have the opportunity to awaken many people in our local area.

Introducing The Revolution Library Book Bomb!!

Through this project we will be donating copies of Ron's new book to many of the libraries in the area!!

By just buying one additional copy of Ron's book we can help spread the fires of liberty within scores of new people!!

Buying additional copies of Ron's book will also help it to move up on the New York Times Best Seller List where it has opened up at #7. Over the next few weeks we can move that number up to #1!!

Additional copies can be had on Amazon.com for a discount off of the cover price.

On May 24th we will be meeting at Posvar Hall in Oakland where we will be stamping these books with our new website address so people that check out these books at the library and believe in what Ron is saying can get involved. We will also have available a list of local libraries to make sure that they all get covered.

While your at it you can also purchase one of Ron's other books such as "The Foreign Policy of Freedom", or other books by authors such as Andrew Napolitano for donation as well.

Let's make this book bomb a success and continue the rEVOLution!!!

How this works:
1. RSVP 'Yes' to pledge to purchase an additional copy of "The Revolution: A Manifesto" -- go to the Ron Paul MeetUp.com's group to sign up.

2. Purchase the book before the event (soon if purchasing online to allow time for delivery)

3. Attend the event on May 24th at Posvar Hall. Bring the book to have it stamped.

4. After attending the event bring the book to the specified library for donation sometime during the following week.

$11,000 legal bill still in dispute in billboard case - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

$11,000 legal bill still in dispute in billboard case - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 'I represented them in their official capacities,' said McGough, of the Downtown firm Ward McGough. 'I have difficulty seeing how that's in their personal interests.'

Hugh McGough is with his own blind spot. This bill is all about his personal interest. If he did the work, gratis, then this would be fine.

McGough can end this chapter in the saga by making his bill ZERO. McGough's act of grace would save the face and reputation of Peduto, Kraus, Burgess and Shields.

It was Mr. Kraus who was so keen to ask that the corporation known as Lamar would suspend its own ill gotten permit in a voluntary action, if you will.

Queen's granddaughter makes Olympic team

Zara Phillips, a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, will compete for Britain in equestrian at the Beijing Olympics.

See more.

Motznik on with Marty Griffin

Theme song from OZ, "If I only had a brain...."

The $11,000 spending for private legal bills is being talked about on KDKA Radio, 10 am on Friday.

Jim Motznik is right on! He said, "Or, I've hired attorneys myself, on my own, to pay for work of neighborhood groups. This comes from misc. services and staff money. They already have funds in place."

"It blows my mind. They talk the talk. But when it comes to walking the talk, they haven't learned to walk yet. They are very hypocritical of the things that they do."

The whole thing (with Pat Ford and the billboard) was raised by council members who say the process was circumvented. Then the four members of council circumvent the process.

These members have 'conflict of interest' and 'won't be able to vote.' They are the one's who went out and hired the attorney.

Motznik says: This isn't the first time. They criticize the mayor. They say, let's live up to what Act 47 says. Works for the cars. But, not for themselves in staff spending.

Motznik says, "They put all the time and effort into "blocking process."

"The president of council should have been aware of what Twanda Carlie had."

Then the interview ends. Marty gives props saying Motznik gives interviews.

My instant message to Marty at 10:29.

GREAT interview with Mr. Motznik.

The $11,000 is down from an original $80,000 ask.

Peduto, Shields, Burgess and Kraus are WRONG.

Professor Dowd gave them a 'schooling' on the difference between acts of a council person and acts of a private citizen and who should foot the bill accordingly.

Marty read the posting I sent to him, while I was on hold, callers flipping onto the air.

I'd love to make one correction to what Marty said on the air. He said, "Pat Ford went down in flames." Well, Pat Ford is still on the city payroll. He is still getting a city check -- to the best of our knowledge.

Just as Twanda went to Las Vegas on the city credit card after being charged, Pat Ford is getting pay checks after being suspended by the mayor. Is Michael Lamb still signing the checks for Pat Ford? Why no OVERSIGHT on Pat Ford. Let's take his checks and put the money aside and if he is found to be 'innocent' -- then he can get some back pay. But, regardless, he isn't working now.

So, Pat Ford went down in flames and the taxpayers are still paying the bills to Pat Ford. The losses are still mounting -- against the city's treasury.

Swim site conflict opens debate over sport's video rights

Columbia Missourian - Swim site conflict opens debate over sport's video rights: "Swim site conflict opens debate over sport's video rights
When USA Swimming banned the swimming Web site Floswimming’s press credential, it opened debate over its new partnership with a media company."

USA Swimming is wrong to try to squash open ways. We want freedom. We want coverage. We don't want limitations. We don't want only "corporate" and "association" coverage.

I want swimming to be different from the NFL. Swimming is different. Swimming should strive to be different. Hell, different strokes for different folks should be the cry for freedom and liberties.

One of the largest issues at stake is USA Swimming’s attempt to align itself with other sports’ media ventures. Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming executive director, said the deal was no different than “what we’re seeing happen with the NFL Network and other pro sports,” in an interview with Craig Lord of SwimNews.com.

Align with the grass roots. Align with freedom, not oppression.

“The most apparent conflict of interest is that when a governing body owns the event and then wants to profit; to me, I think the whole concept is fundamentally flawed,” said Brent Rutemiller,

Go Brent Go! It is great to see him speaking out on the issue.

Nonprofits have a charter to behave in a certain realm for the benefit of the public.

The Quiz: Bush and McCain

I took The Bush-McCain Challenge — a fun online quiz to see if you can tell the difference between George W. Bush and John McCain.

Start the Bush-McCain Challenge at http://www.Bush-McCainChallenge.com.

Go beyond the first round of questions all the way to the "Carrot Round." Don't miss it.

Assessments back in the spotlight. Wealthy neighborhoods are underassessed!

Pittsburgh's WTAE TV just released the results of its assessment study. NEWS: Wealthy neighborhoods are underassessed and poor neighborhoods are overassessed.

This brings the controversy back into the public spotlight.

Dan Sullivan, an expert in this realm, wrote to the investigating team to provide additional
information. He hopes to get a response soon. WTAE TV needs to get it right and keep the story alive until it takes off as a community discussion point. We need the watchdogs to break the news and the citizens need to help sustain the news and discussion.

The transcript of their report is on the WTAE site. Check it out. The video (which seems to have the right edge clipped away) is in the upper right corner of the page.

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/team4/16203574/detail.html

Carlisle invoice features 2 tickets to Vegas - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Carlisle invoice features 2 tickets to Vegas - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'I can't believe she did this,' Shields said of Carlisle. 'You shouldn't be using public funds to front your personal trip.'"

I can't believe Sheilds didn't have the oversight in place to know nor prevent this. And, I can't believe that he can't believe it.

What Carlisle did is much like what Shields, Burgess, Kraus and Burgess are doing now with the $11,000 expense for their private attorneys. And, the original ask was for $80,000.

No credit card was used. But, spending was done without authorization and without oversight from those who should know much better and are the one's who NEEDED to give authorization.

In another thread on another blog, it was mentioned by a new resident to Pittsburgh that Doug Shields should 'run for mayor' and I gave some history. History like this -- no oversight -- that should disqualify Shields from being mayor.

City council is crooked thanks to the acts of Carlisle and her peers who let her get away with these acts and never said a peep.

---

(my post in that thread)

Doug Shields is the president of city council. He is the leader. He is the #2 guy in Pittsburgh now.

Yes, he knows his stuff. He knows how to organize a slush fund. He knows what union guys to stroke. He knows were the dead bodies are along the road of tears -- err -- the Mon Fayette Toll Road and Hazelwood.

Doug Shields is a typical politician who was able to ride with the waves of the career of Bob O'Connor.

Shields has not run for mayor. He did run for controller last year and got beat by Michael Lamb in a buzzed field. Shields didn't do much to stand out there nor propose solutions for Pittsburgh. But, it was hard to rise above the din made by Luke Ravestahl running against nobody in the mayor's race at the same time.

Shields is an adult.

Shields helped to drive the city onto the rocks in the past. He is a big part of the HARD WORKING COUNCIL. Shields is a veteran of Grant Street that will grow government when given the chance.

Welcome to Pittsburgh! I hope you get out of the house more in the weeks to come this summer.

Saving Schenley High School is going to take a long leap of faith -- i.e., " l-o-n-g - j-u-m-p"

Williams leads Schenley in City League field championships - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Mt. Lebo is pushing to get the public process opened to community viewers

I care about the open process of democracy in local government, within the city, county and elsewhere.

Mt. Lebo's unofficial blog discussions revealed this report.

I've been credited in other blogs for getting video off of my TV by pointing a video camera at it and then uploading to YouTube -- for less than $10,000.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddznxj6h_459hf29thgn

Feedback welcomed in the comments below.

Expecting:

Our keepers believe that Toma, our female Amur tiger, is expecting again! This would be Toma's second litter and she could give birth any day now! Toma bred a few months ago with her new mate, Globus. Since then keepers have been keeping a close eye on Toma, waiting for signs of her pregnancy. About two weeks ago, they began noticing Toma behaving in much the same way she did during her first pregnancy. A nesting area or den was set up for the births and now we are all watching and waiting. When the cubs are born they are toothless, blind, and completely reliant on their mother for several months. Keepers will monitor the births and the cubs using a hidden camera inside the den. Visitors also can get a sneak peek at the new family from our website and a TV monitor placed at the Tiger Viewing Window.

From the Pgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium newsletter.

Pittsburgh Public Schools | 9th Grade Nation - Be the Change

This is crap, if you ask me. Our kids will be in summer activities and will NOT be attending 9th Grade Nation activities.

Pittsburgh Public Schools | 9th Grade Nation - Be the Change SAVE THE DATES -- July 29th through August 1st. Incoming 9th graders will receive more details in upcoming weeks from their schools and in the mail.

I want to see reports and follow up from the event last year. I want to see a report on the event from the year before -- the first year.

What benefit was delivered?

The kids sat around the stadium and got to be introduced to pro athletes. That's not saying much.

Furthermore, I want to see attendance reports about the long school year at the ALAs. They begin school in August. But, people don't show up.

No school student activities should occur until after Labor Day. Ninth Grade Nation can happen on the first days of September.

Today's track meet is rained out and slated for next Thursday

Oh well.

Hope it does NOT rain next week on Thursday when the make-up meet is slated to occur.

What we should do -- and I'm going to make a phone call on this now -- is to hold the meet at the UPMC South Side Sports Performance Complex -- indoors -- if it is looking like rain next week.

A couple of years ago the girls track meet was washed out with heavy rain on a couple of occasions. The meet did NOT occur that year. Back then I made the suggestion that the meet be held indoors in case of rain. I'm not sure if my chatter back then went anywhere. This year I'll make sure the suggestion gets full consideration.

Pgh Public School's Director of Interscholastic Athletics is Michael A. Gavlik. I talked to him at 9:50 am, the day of the first rain out to confirm that the meet has been moved to next Thursday, May 15. And, I suggested, in case of poor weather next week, calls should be made now to get access to the UPMC South Side Sports Performance Center.

If you agree, give Mr. Gavlik a call and ask, what's up? Voice: 412-622-3944 - mgavlik1@pghboe.net and Office Fax: 412-622-3948.

Next up: UPMC Sports Performance Complex contact info.

http://sportsmedicine.upmc.com/Facilities.htm

Phone for the Steelers is 412 432 7800. That is who UPMC told me to call.

For back up on WHY the indoor facility is OWED to the community, contact the CEO of the Brashear Center, Hugh Brannon, 2005 Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Telephone: 412-431-2236 - Fax: 412-431-5611.

Letter to Mark Rauterkus from Tim Westergren, Founder, Pandora

Got a nice letter and t-shirt as a thank you gift for the aid I've given to Pandora.

May 7, 2008

Pandora - radio from the Music Genome Proect

Hi Mark-

On behalf of myself and everyone here at Pandora, I want to give a hearty thanks for your wonderful support. I hope you know how much it means to us. For small companies like ours, it's everthing.

This journey is getting more and more exciting with each passing day. Wecreated Pandora and the Music Genome Project to help people discover and enjoy music they love - you should consider yourself very much a part of this adventure.

Please accept this Pandora gift as a token of our gratitude. Welcome to the team!

Sincerely,

Tim Westergren, Founder

Lamar bears its head again around the council table and Kraus spoke too soon, as usual.

This isn't unusual, so said Bruce Kraus.

Jim Motznik put Mr. Kraus onto the carpet for spending money and then going to council to authorize the spending. Then Mr. Kraus said "This isn't unusual."

Council members only have power as a member on the council that votes on matters. Great government 101 lecture came from Professor Dowd.

If city council allows a "post fact expense" come to us and say, 'gold star' -- then council is open to many other expense.

The body did not authorize the action in the zoning board of audustment.

If we are going to do the right thing,

No dollars shall be expended before a vote of council...

Watching on tape delay.

"Think of this as an algabraic formula," said Patrick. That lost em.

Kraus got hot. Rev. Burgess said, "I'm trying to speak less." Mr. Kraus needs to take that same advice.

This is one for the VCRs!

Mr. Burgess wants to spend $11,000.

Have the checks been written? Mr. Kraus asked. The answer is "NO."

Kraus does not understand city government.

Service has been rendered, but checks have NOT gone out. And, council is NOT on the hook.

Kraus said, "We were sued personally and professionally. We did not wrecklessly enter into legal action." -- WRONG.

Kraus said that because we had perfect legal representation, we saved money for the city -- said Kraus. -- WRONG.

To protect the citizens of the city -- my oh my. Kraus is a joke.

Specter: To the extend, that indiv council members or any city employees would be sued in your official capacity that the city law department would represent him (Dowd). And, we (Law Dept) would be willing to get outside council for the employees. The lawyers for the individuals did not want this.

Dowd asked, "What is the public paying for?"

"Council is well aware without doing DNA," said Shields.

Each of the four should pay $3,000 out of their own slush funds.

---

Council votes to pay legal bills for billboard appeal Council votes to pay legal bills for billboard appeal from today's P-G.

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public Tomorrow

From Edith, a trusted source:

Cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies tomorrow and you may start to receive sale calls.

YOU WILL BE (could be) CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS.

To prevent calls to a cell phone, call the following number from your cell phone:

888-382-1222.

The National DO NOT CALL list takes a minute of your time. The list blocks your number for five years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

Pens Fans Urged To Wear White To Friday's Game -- but naked is the new white!

kdka.com - Pens Fans Urged To Wear White To Friday's Game: "Pens Fans Urged To Wear White To Friday's Game"

Pens fans get message to NOT wear white -- rather -- go naked.

Get the thrill. Get the chills. I don't know what to expect.

This (having the fans be topless) is something I want bad.

I think we've see that before.

That's good for us.

Excitement. We've gone through a lot of hard times.

Help OpenOffice.Org gather bugs in May

The OpenOffice.org Community is pleased to announce that the public beta release of OpenOffice.org 3.0 is now available. This beta release is made available to allow a broad user base to test and evaluate the next major version of OpenOffice.org, but is not recommended for production use at this stage.

If you are a regular user of OpenOffice.org, here's a great opportunity to help us make the next release the best ever.

What's new in OpenOffice.org 3.0?

The most immediately visible change to OpenOffice.org 3.0 is the new "Start Centre", new fresh-looking icons, and a new zoom control in the status bar. A closer look shows that 3.0 has a myriad of new features. Notable Calc improvements include a new solver component; support for spreadsheet collaboration through workbook sharing; and an increase to 1024 columns per sheet. Writer has an improved notes feature and displays of multiple pages while editing. There are numerous Chart enhancements, and an improved crop feature in Draw and Impress.

Behind the scenes, OpenOffice.org 3.0 will support the upcoming OpenDocument Format (ODF) 1.2 standard, and is capable of opening files created with MS-Office 2007 or MS-Office 2008 for Mac OS X (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, etc.). This is in addition to read and write support for the MS-Office binary file formats (.doc, .xls, .ppt, etc.).

OpenOffice.org 3.0 will be the first version to run on Mac OS X without X11, with the look and feel of any other Aqua application. It introduces partial VBA support to this platform. In addition, OpenOffice.org 3.0 integrates well with the Mac OS X accessibility APIs, and thus offers better accessibility support than many other Mac OS X applications.

Detailed guide to the new features http://marketing.openoffice.org/3.0/featurelistbeta.html

OpenOffice.org 3 beta is immediately available in US English for MS-Windows, GNU/Linux, Mac OS X and OpenSolaris platforms from http://download.openoffice.org/3.0beta. This page also contains details of where to find localized builds and language packs as they become available. For more details, please consult the appropriate native language project - see http://projects.openoffice.org/native-lang.html

Help us gathering bugs in May!

In order to help us release OpenOffice.org 3.0 on schedule in September, users of the beta release are encouraged to report any bugs, issues or errors at http://qa.openoffice.org.

If you would like to test just the new features, there is a list of test
cases by component at
http://qa.openoffice.org/ooQAReloaded/TestcaseSpecifications/OpenOffice.org_3.0

If you are nervous about reporting bugs through the formal bug reporting system, you can simply email details to the user support mailing lists
http://www.openoffice.org/mail_list.html

The developers look forward to receiving your feedback on this beta
release of OpenOffice.org!

Fish tricks fill front page of section in Trib = Pyrite Proof

The world is buzzing about a YouTube video of a fish that plays soccer! The finned athlete is named, Comet. Not the Pgh Comet -- nor the Pgh Comment.

I've been making some noise that the signal among Pgh Bloggers is hitting a new phase -- and that the silver age is behind us. linkZ, linkY, comments & linkX.

Fish tricks in Gibsonia entertain Web surfers - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewFish tricks in Gibsonia entertain Web surfers

Comet, the Pomerleau family pet, can soar through hoops, squirm beneath a lowered limbo bar and chase after a soccer ball.

Go fish.

Join the 1 political junkie who is taking a break and hung a sign, "Gone Fishin."

My favorite fish video that I produced:

Instant Message to KDKA Radio and Marty

Background: There is some noise on the radio with KDKA's Marty Griffin. There is chatter about a $100 per year tax on parking spaces in Robinson Township.

The tax on LAND, such as land that is put aside for surface parking spaces, is GREAT public policy. Pittsburgh (and Allegheny County) should SHIFT back to a LAND VALUE TAX.

The killer is the TIF. I'd end all TIFs and tax breaks to favorites.

The formula is the land-value tax!

Mom and Pop Biz Folks do NOT get tax breaks (TIFs). They go to the big boys who loaf with bullies.

Track Clinics in the City -- leading to June 28th Track Meet at Schenley's Oval

Track & Field Mobile Clinic

Presented By:

Citiparks

&

Future Stars Track Club

May 16, 2008 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

• West Penn Recreation Center
• Columbus Middle School

May 30, 2008 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

• Warrington Recreation Center
• Phillip’s Recreation Center (Carrick)

*The track clinics are FREE for all kids ages 6-18. Each participant gets a healthy nutritional bag.

*Track coaches will introduce participants to various events and go over healthy eating habits for race day and everyday.

*You can participant at any site and more than once.

Call Magee Recreation Center to pre-register (412) 422-6546.

Update:

Citiparks is helping to sponsor a city track meet on June 28, 2008. This is the first ever track meet of this kind in the city. The Recreation Centers are getting involved and helping to field track teams.

Events in the novice division for the June 28th track meet include:

• 100 meter dash
  
• 200 meter dash
  
• 400 meter relay
• long jump
• turbo javelin

Mike's brush with Bill. Well, it was more than a brush and hand shake.

Nice story from Mike. He is a Pittsburgher and thinker.

Citizens for Legitimate Government: "I proceeded to tell President Clinton that I was a professor at Duke and North Carolina Central University, where I teach argument. I said that I was very disappointed in my fellow academics, too many of whom support Obama. I teach my students that a good argument is a claim with reasons. Obama, I said, makes a lot of claims without any evidence to support them. He agreed and said he couldn't believe that he'd gotten away with it to this point. At this, he took his arm from my shoulder and thanked me for my support."

Jen's email blast about school stuff

Hey -- I'm always sure this is going to be a quick little email...but it's not! (There's some good stuff at the end to make up for all of this in the middle.)

-- Today's paper: Roosevelt plans to make his recommendation on Schenley future May 19

-- "High School Chaos" story on KDKA: http://kdka.com/video Video from May 2 2008 7:23 pm

"Costs to renovate Reizenstein coming in higher than expected," notes Mark Roosevelt.

How high? It can't hurt to ask your school board member if they know this number -- particularly since that's probably the most valuable piece of property the district has to sell, not only would we not spend the money on an inferior building, we could make money from its sale.

We'll know on the 19th when the vote on the Schenley building is, I assume, since it had been scheduled for this month and now it's moved to June. That seems a bit ominous, though hard to say. It's an interesting position to be in limbo longer -- if you want to email me or call me (412-xxx-xxxx) I'll be happy to share my opinions, but other than saying that you should make your concerns known to your school board member (and any other board members you know), I'll stop here!

There's also a meeting tonight for anyone who wants to show up at Panera (Blvd of the Allies in Oakland) 8 pm about this/reform/Frick, etc.

Please do let people know about the whole situation -- some of the emails on this list are kicking back at me now and some have never worked, so I know that there are people who aren't getting them.

-- Was anyone at the University Prep meeting last week? None of the my usual sources made the meeting, so I can't report anything other than that there were said to be only about 5-6 parents there. No mention of the meeting in the P-G that I saw.

While I do love the way that A+ runs a meeting, I think many of us have come to feel that the input/report they pass along from us is quickly filed away, never to be looked at again. Heaven knows parents and students (and teachers and probably principals) don't have any idea how the schools are run now or any realistic and viable ideas for improving them. (Oops, there's some bitterness rearing its head, I'm trying not to let that happen, I promise.)

Speaking of which don't forget to sign up for more meetings! -->> http://www.aplusschools.org/excel.html

-- I've heard from lots of people that they are exploring other school options (charter, private, homeschool, suburban) or no longer telling friends, co-workers, prospective employees that their children can get a good education in the PPS. If you are one of these people considering pulling a kid or one of those that can't endorse it at this point or know someone like that, please consider (or ask if they'll consider) writing a letter to the school board, the newspaper, or testifying at a public hearing (see next bullet point).

I'm not ready to go, but I can't be the booster I once was for this system. At the risk of sounding maudlin, public education is one of the best things ever in my book. I hate to see how good things from this district have been dropped and removed, pushed out by No Child Left Behind demands and an elementary curriculum that seems designed to ignore the developmental needs of younger kids. I really can't imagine (or see) how this is promoting a love of learning and reading and being in school -- the things that might get kids through high school and on into the future. Dang! There I go again with the bitter.

-- Next public hearing -- Monday, May 12th, 7 pm --

To speak at a Public Hearing, call the Superintendent's Office at 412-622-3600 beginning one week before and no later than noon on the day of the Public Hearing.

Link to Procedures for Testifying at Public Hearings

Location:

Conference Room A, Board of Education Administration Building, 341 S. Bellefield Avenue, 15213

-- No bitterness allowed section:

Kelly Critic review: "All Shook Up," Schenley, April 24-May 3

Not great quality, but even so, you can still tell what an experience it is to be there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DBisFs4oZs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=706Oa6QLseE

Memories of last year?

Rock of Rages

River Deep, Mountain High

If you hunt around on youtube (my classes are over now, can you tell?!), there's now video from long gone Schenley years, too. Amazing stuff.

Jen Lakin

Roosevelt plans to make his recommendation on Schenley future May 19

They are still spreading FUD (FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, DOUBT).

Roosevelt plans to make his recommendation on Schenley future May 19 Last night, Mr. Roosevelt said the additional study has cast the building's status in a 'different light,' but he declined after the meeting to elaborate.

So, after months of badgering, they finally released the first study. Then they have another. But, it isn't being released either.

And, the studies were not even read. The executive summary statements didn't match with the content within the body of the study.

FUD.

Here is another zinger: about $64 million to address asbestos and other maintenance problems. Red flag.

First, there are no other maintenance problems. None other than regular, expected, normal, routine, fixes that should be part of all buildings. The problem is that there were very few maintenance matters addressed in the past years. They let the drips build up. They didn't fix them as they should. Every facility needs on-going maintenance. Those are NOT maintenance problems.

What's next. Will the kids in first grade be called 'problems' because they can't read yet.

There are NO OTHER MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS.

And, if I stand corrected, please post them in the comments of this message.

Futhermore, there are no asbestos problems. Asbestos has never been a problem at the school. The air quality has been tested and tested and tested -- and there is no problem. Sure, don't eat the floor tiles. That's it. Be sensible. Asbestos is in every school. Asbestos is in our new cars. Asbestos is not a problem with the other schools because they don't want to close them -- yet. They made asbestos a problem in Schenley by design. The asbestos in Schenley can be dealt with.

Fixing asbestos at Schenley does NOT need to include new air conditioning for the entire building. They inflated the fix up numbers. They depressed the real cost of the move elsewhere. Now those numbers are 10-times higher than what they said. And, the fall-out for the students, families, taxpayers and even teachers is massive. The district is about to die.

Faculty wants president's ouster

Wonder what the rank and file members of the Pgh Public Schools teachers would vote if given the option. Would they want to retain Mark Roosevelt or not?

I'm sure that the union is in bed with the administration's brass. But, the teachers, on a one-by-one basis, that would be a different matter.

WVU faculty wants president's ouster faculty wants president's ouster

Hard to think that there were even 19 to vote to keep him.

Changing grades is a serious academic crime. Giving otu degrees is a career breaker.