State board proposes no-frills colleges

State board proposes no-frills colleges As college students face mounting debt, state education officials yesterday proposed a new kind of higher-education institution that would offer a 'low-cost, no frills' bachelor's degree.

The schools would have no sports teams, no extracurriculars, no glittering fitness center and no plum dorm rooms."

This is so wrong.

For starters, they made a three page white paper. I've had blog postings longer than that. Might as well have a three page diploma too. Why not do a degree by postal mail as well. There are plenty of people in India and China. I bet some of them would be happy to get a diploma from a university in the United States. Sell it abroad because I'm not happy to see it come here.

We have ITT. We have trade schools. We have Community Colleges. Get each of those the ability to expand, if they see fit.

It is just an idea. Well, think again. We do not need the state to float a new college / university. I'm looking for the white paper now and can't find it.

I am in favor of a 'prep school' component to be a part of the new I.B. High so that kids can get, at their option, a 13th year in advance a real college experience.

Notice the double talk in this one part of the newspaper article:

The board also said it will work on removing costly and unnecessary state mandates from colleges and look to regulate on-campus marketing by credit card companies.

The removal of costly and unnecessary state mandates makes the college more like a charter school. Fine. That move is to less government regulation and less state authority. However, in the next breath, the push is in the other direction. They want to regulate on-campus marketing by companies. That delivers more regulation and more government authority. Buyer beware.

Isn't Clarion a no-frills option. Back in the day, a no-frills option was delivered at the Carnegie Library of Homestead. A college was there. It went out of business too.

Isn't Clarion like a Ford-brand for colleges and universities, if not a Yugo, when taken with a grand view? I have no doubts that it is expensive. Its value is to be questioned.

Pennsylvania's underprepared workforce that can't afford a college education that is only an underprepared experience.

This is the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

The idea I'd love to see them champion is the concept of raising the bar. This only lowers it.

Close the weakest state owned college / university. Close the weakest public schools too, not the one's that are doing the difficult job of educating our students.

If one of the 14 state-system schools was axed, that would save money and make more money available to the others that remain. Make it competitive. Make the kids competitive.

PA Site, http://www.pde.state.pa.us/stateboard_ed/site/default.asp

Here we go.

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/aforathlete/images//f/fc/Super_Bowl_XLIII_Logo.png

Youngstown State U. lowers tuition for W. Pa. students

Youngstown State U. lowers tuition for W. Pa. students: "Youngstown State University, in a bid to attract more Western Pennsylvania students, is cutting tuition by 26 percent for residents of eight counties in this region, including Allegheny.

The reduction for the 2009-10 school year, to be formally announced at a news conference tomorrow, is the latest inducement in the ongoing competition for students between universities on both sides of the Ohio/Pennsylvania line. The cut of nearly $2,500 based on current tuition takes the yearly cost to within $200 of what Ohio residents pay.

And the YSU mascot = Penguins. Feel at home there, and have some cash for beer too.

This summer we went to Youngstown for a swim meet as there was not any indoor 50-meter swim pool that could host the USA Swimming Championships, except in Youngstown.

Now is the time to talk about an expansion of the colleges and universities for kids in Pittsburgh with access to funds from the Pittsburgh Promise.

Solids level declines in Mon River

Solids level declines in Mon River: "The state Department of Environmental Protection announced today that levels of total dissolved solids in the Monongahela River have dropped and remain well below state and federal guidelines."

Day at Ft. Lauderdale

I put a few photos to Flickr from our day in Ft. Lauderdale with Aunt Debbie.



We started the day with a morning workout, on our own, in the ISHOF pool. The swim pool, 50-meters, is owned by the city. So, it is a public pool. But, it is home to a world-class swim and dive program. We paid $10 to enter. The pool complex was set up with 50-meter course, the other 50-meter pool was with warmer water and set up with 25-yard lanes. A dive pool, 25-yards, and a covered swim-lesson pool is part of the mix too. The team, FLA, had practice at 4 pm, but we'd not be done with the days activities to join them. And, Erik is in a mini-taper of sorts. His school championship meet is Wed -- and we were visited on Monday, MLK Day.

Girl shot during high school basketball game in Erie

This sucks.

Girl shot during high school basketball game in Erie: "Girl shot during high school basketball game in Erie
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Associated Press

ERIE, Pa. -- A girl is injured from gunfire at a northwestern Pennsylvania high school basketball game.

Erie police say the girl was shot once in the left hip last night at East High School. The Erie Times-News reports that she appeared conscious and alert as she was wheeled out of the school on a gurney.

Police say witnesses saw several males run out the back door of the gym just after the shooting. No arrests were immediately made.

The gunfire came during a boys basketball game against Harbor Creek. The game was called off and the visiting team immediately left."

Deadline for Dems -- come and gone

Death often comes in stages.

Deadline approaching for candidates who want Democrats' endorsement: ".

Mayoral contenders have to pay the Allegheny County Democratic Committee $3,500 to seek the party's endorsement at its vote March 8. Common Pleas Court candidates have to pay $2,500, county row office contenders $2,750 and City Council hopefuls $1,500. The charges are greater than they have been previously.

'That's a pretty hefty sum of money,' said city Councilman Patrick Dowd, who is considering a mayoral bid. 'One could ask if that's a sort of barrier to entry, at least as far as endorsement goes.'

The best reasons for being of a third party are often delivered by the leadership of the ruling party.

These fees are expensive. The fees are not equal to the value delivered.

I don't want government to be run like a business.
"It is a business and we have to run it that way...

The purpose of a political party is NOT to be a business.

Curfew center

Pittsburgh seeks organization to provide, run curfew center: "The city today posted a request for proposals from firms on its Web site. Responses are due at the Police Bureau's headquarters on Feb. 9.

First things first.

If the city was serious about getting bids for operators to a new curfew center, today would be more of a presentation as to the pending request for proposals. The mayor should talk about philosophy and vision first. Then the mayor and his team should listen. Then the draft proposal for the RFP would be released and adjusted, if necessary.

Tell the citizens and the pending partners what is going to happen. Then make it happen, more or less, based upon feedback. Be open for adjustments, minor or major. Then release the final RFP (request for proposals).

Once the RFP is put out into the open, allow for 60 days, at the least, for such a project. This RFP hits on Jan 20 and is due by Feb 9. That's not enough time. That's a rush. That's a key to an insider job. That's how done deals are floated -- in haste.

This is not a traditional request for bids -- like getting toilet paper or rock salt. This is a specialized package with specific skills, careful duties and a change in regular operations.

Furthermore, the controller should have a role in the bid process. How these projects are awarded and even if they are awarded, is subject to a whole mess of subjectivity. There isn't always a logical clear winner.

Rather than the controller's office -- it would be a good job for an ombudsman's duty, but Pittsburgh doesn't have one of those, sadly.

Frankly, I'd rather not be in a position of sweeping people off the streets and putting them into curfew centers, nor jails. People should be free to move about the city, any time of day or night.

If a kid is in a bad situation, and he needs to come home from a sleep-over or party at 4 AM, I'd rather not have him worry about an escape from the police as well as the problems on his heels.

If a young person works a night shift, he or she should not be 'jumped by the police' just because they are walking, biking or driving home -- or to a friends house -- or whatever.

If a kid is departing his or her house at 5 am for a morning swim practice -- strange as it may be -- travel should be without excuses and extra worries.

The police need to fight crime. It is no crime to be out at strange times of day. If there is probable cause -- then fine. The police have enough power and authorities already to grab a person making trouble.

The operation hours differ from Sunday to Thursday nights. And the hours of the center end at 6 am? So, is it okay to be out on the streets at 6? Who is up and ready to deal with issues then, other than those headed to morning swim practice. Weird.

I'm not in favor of a curfew. And, I'm not in favor of allowing my kids out late either.

rootscamppittsburgh2009 / Session Topics

rootscamppittsburgh2009 / Session Topics: "RootsCamp 2009 Session Topics"

Parking Lease Plan from Mayor -- close to my suggestion. Better yet: LIQUIDATE

Darn it. He tried. But, he didn't finish the thought.

Hey Luke. Don't try to 'lease' those parking garages. Rather, liquidate the Parking Authority.

I've been calling for the liquidation of the parking authorty for years. The parking spaces should already be leased.

Sell the buildings. Sell the land. Have the buildings become tax assets for the long-haul. When the parking decks are sold, there will be some up-front money that can go into the pension fund, if that is where you want to put it. And futhermore, the annual tax on the property will come to the city. If the buildings are leased, fewer dollars would arrive to the city.

If the real aim is to raise money, then sell.

Mayor: City to explore leasing parking facilities to pay pensions
Thursday, January 15, 2009

By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said today that he has asked the Parking Authority to explore the possibility of leasing its network of garages to a private operator, with the aim of raising money to shore up the city's pension fund.

Mr. Ravenstahl said the leasing of parking garages and meters raised $1.7 billion in Chicago, and that Harrisburg is working on a plan to bring in $215 million that way. He said that given those results, it's something he has "a fiduciary responsibility to explore."

"This is another piece of the ultimate, I believe, plan for the long-term legacy costs of the city of Pittsburgh," he said. "Clearly, in order to have a fully funded pension fund -- we're going to need some sort of influx of cash."

He said it could result in some increase in parking rates, and said he would try to structure any deal so that it would limit the effect on people who use the lots.

At the end of November, the pension fund contained $261 million, which is 29 percent of what it should hold to cover the payments due to retirees and current employees when they retire. The city must now put 11 percent of its operating budget into the fund.

If the city does nothing new to address the problem, the fund will be just 19 percent funded in 20 years, and will devour 20 percent of the city's operating budget.

City leaders have long viewed the authority's garages as an asset that could potentially be converted into cash, but none has gone so far as to study it, he said.

Next Thursday, he wants the Parking Authority board to vote to solicit proposals from consulting firms that would advise the authority on how it might lease the garages for, perhaps, 75 or 99 years. The chosen firm would then craft a second request for proposals to companies that would actually lease the garages.

Both processes, like all city-related contracts going forward, should be competitive, he said.

Mr. Ravenstahl said he wouldn't pull the trigger on a deal unless it would pay off the authority's $108 million debt, plus yield "hundreds of millions of dollars" for the pension fund.

If the city can pump $200 million into the fund, projections are that it would be 61 percent funded in 20 years. A $300 million infusion would bring it to an 87 percent funding level, which is considered to be healthy.

Why have the Parking Authority get proposals for consulting for the future of the Parking Authority? That creative thinking and vision efforts are why we have boards and parking authority administrators. And, the work of the city is for the mayor and the mayor's office too. You can do the report with administration folks -- not outside contractors.

After you all write the report, then you can put it onto a web page or wiki and then the citizes can go at it. Citizens from anywhere in the world should be able to look at the plan, offer improvements and debate it on its merits. We'll make projections and hold you all to the high standard of being open, honest and prudent with these resources for the sake of the future.

Or, the mayor could let out some consulting contracts to beef up his campaign war chest. This is the ugly side of pay-to-play, more consultants.

As the process unfolds, we'd expect to see open bids -- perhaps a couple on eBay event. Sell the buildings to the highest bidders.

Furthermore, it is not wise to talk about the incomes being attached from one project to the expenses of another. The sell off of the parking authority should not be linked, as you have done, to the pensio fund. Sure, pension cash issues present a big problem. Sure, it should be talked about. But that's for another discussion.

After we liquidate the Parking Authority, over time, in a prudent and open way -- then we can talk about breaking up the Port Authority into a bus line. Then we can spin off PAT's RAIL into its own agency or private business. Same too for the tunnel and bridge and bike (err) busways.

If you followed me on TWITTER, you'd know of the "bird strike"

Some wild thoughts fit on blogs. Some fit elsewhere -- as in a twit via Twitter. http://www.Twitter.com. I'm @Rauterkus.

The Hudson River crash and rescue was about a bird strike. Those words, "bird strike," were used in some news reports today.

Bird strike. Humm.... Omen? 3 of 4 squads in NFL games have birds as mascot: Eagles, Cardinals, Ravens. (Seahawks = out) Everyone survives.

That's one of the last things we want to see this weekend. First, I'm flying to Florida on Friday. So, let's keep the safety streak alive. And second, we've got some football to watch as well.

Many are talking about the 'Turnpike SuperBowl.' Let's just insure that the men of Steel make is a game where the feathers fly from only one team, not two.

Yes, birds may have been the cause of the downing of the US Airways flight today on the Hudson. But, everyone lived. What could that 'signify?'

Coincidence?

Were the football gods sending a message?

Well, as stated above -- some things are best left for twitter -- and not well suited for blogs. This is one perfect example.

How did the Mighty Ducks do on the ice today?

Is the Jets QB going to return for next year?

Pass it on email about texting and crime

My mother sent me this one.

A woman has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet, etc...was stolen.

Twenty minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text asking about our Pin number and I replied a little while ago.'

When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

Moral of the lesson: do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc.... an d very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. Also, when you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message cam e from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON. I never thought about THAT! As of right now, I no longer have 'home' named on my cell phone.

Another moral of the story is to not put PIN numbers into a text message, even to your spouse.

Less rain this summer

The weather is looking better for the end of spring / early summer in 2009 in Pittsburgh as a week has been cut from Arts Festival schedule. It always rains -- and rains hard -- at the time of the Arts Festival.

Week cut from Arts Festival schedule: "The Three Rivers Arts Festival announced today that the 50th anniversary edition will take place June 5 to 14, running a week less than the 17-day norm of recent years. But short doesn't mean lean."

ISHOF points out problems with being safe and being black

I'll be going to the International Swimming Hall of Fame soon. s

ISHOF News/Awards"Blacks in America are nearly 15 times more likely to drown than whites. But, Wigo added, it wasn't always that way, and with Irvington native Cullen Jones winning a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, barriers that had prevented blacks from learning to swim are swiftly disappearing.

Wigo's presentation at the private school for children with behavioral problems came at the invitation of Windsor's principal, Sherrif Upton. A former college swimmer and water polo player, Upton was coaching water polo at St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark when he met Wigo.

The two maintained a relationship over the years, and when Wigo contacted Upton about a program he had researched about the history of black swimmers, Upton arranged for Wigo to appear in the school's gymnasium.

In a multimedia slide show called "Black Splash," Wigo tracked the history of black swimmers from the days when African fishermen were renowned for their aquatic abilities to the years after the Civil War, when blacks were prohibited from setting foot in public beaches and swimming pools.

Many of the clashes during the Civil Rights movement, Wigo said, occurred over unequal access to swimming pools, and the Black Panthers even started a swimming initiative.

Urban access to pools remains an obstacle to teaching black children to swim. A 2008 study of 1,800 children between the ages of 6 and 16 by the University of Memphis determined that more than half of the black and Latino children were swimmers of low ability and at risk of drowning. Only 31 percent of white children fell into that category.

Still, Wigo implored his audience to head to a local YMCA or Boys and Girls Club. With Jones' summer victory in China now a part of history, he said, "the last walls have fallen."

Upton, who presented Wigo with a Speedo swim brief as a token of the school's appreciation, said the staff and students were impressed by the presentation.

"A couple of students made jokes, but everyone seemed to have an upbeat attitude (about it)," Upton said. "I have had very positive feedback."

What's in a name? If it's 'Steelerstahl,' some idiocy - San Jose Mercury News

What's in a name? If it's 'Steelerstahl,' some idiocy - San Jose Mercury News: "What's in a name? If it's 'Steelerstahl,' some idiocy

Attorneys for the Promotion and Defense of Swimming

There is an old joke and new organization forming.

"What do you call 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?"

Answer.... "A good start."

Well, this guy is an attorney and it seems he had a great start in his day as a competitor, Olympian and Yale scholar. His group is now formed and it arrives in time to make some waves -- if more can get on-board.

Yale Olympian to Head Swimming Defense Fund
Phoenix, AZ , January 15th, 2009

Steve Clark, former world record-holder in the 100-meter freestyle and a triple gold medalist at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, has agreed to serve as chairman of the newly formed Attorneys for the Promotion and Defense of Swimming (APDS). Clark is an attorney in San Francisco.

The announcement was made this morning in Phoenix by Phil Whitten, Executive Director of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).

A former Yale NCAA Champion, Clark is charged with recruiting a network of practicing attorneys and legal scholars – most likely, former competitive swimmers, themselves -- willing to devote time, pro bono, for the defense of intercollegiate and interscholastic swimming. “We would like to have members of this group in every major metropolitan area in the USA,” he said.

As outlined by Whitten, depending on their strengths and specialties, these attorneys will be asked to:

* Provide legal advice to programs that are threatened;
* Litigate or help litigate on behalf of programs that have been cut and that have a reasonable chance of success in the legal arena;
* Provide advice on Title IX-related issues
* Write legal and popular articles on the above topics
* Be interviewed by local and national media on the above topics
* Provide advice on endowments to ensure that endowment money is only used for purposes consistent with the benefactor’s wishes;
* Share relevant legal input and information with other attorneys in the CSCAA legal pool; and
* Work with the College Sports Council, Equity in Athletics, the Pacific Legal Group and other legal allies in behalf of issues of mutual concern;

“Steve is perfect for this position,” Whitten commented, “and we are privileged to have him in our corner. As one of the greatest swimmers in history and a well-known and highly respected San Francisco attorney, he has the stature to attract other outstanding attorneys to the defense of one of America’s most popular sports and by far, our most successful Olympic sport. He won’t litigate, but he will help choose cases to pursue and take a major role in developing strategy.

“I am delighted to take this position and work with Phil and the CSCAA to defend the sport of swimming at the collegiate and high school levels,” said Clark, a five-time individual NCAA champion.

Eric Pearson, head of the College Sports Council, offered his support for the newly-formed network. “This is a major development,” he said, and we wish Phil and Steve good luck in making it a reality. Over the years, other groups have talked about similar projects, but this is the first time anyone has actually tried to make the idea a reality. We would be pleased to assist Phil in any way he asks.”

More on Steve Clark now at the AforAthlete wiki, http://AforAthlete.wikia.com/Steve_Clark

Attorneys interested in becoming part of the legal defense network can contact Clark by phone at (415) 421-0535 or by e-mail at seclark -at- csicapital -dot- com.

We need lawyers in Pittsburgh and this region to contact him to get into the program too.

Pittsburgh is facing an interesting time with sports and swimming. A Title IX survey has been started to look at the number of girl participants in sports, as well as other resources, at the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Poll results: More want Pitt to win NCAA Hoops title than Steelers to get SuperBowl win

More people in Pittsburgh are more hungry for a win in the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament by Pitt than a Steelers victory in this year's SuperBowl. Furthermore, nearly as many are wishing for a successful run as a participant in the Pittsburgh Marathon than are wishing for the Steelers sixth SuperBowl trophy.

March Madness could grip this town to a much stronger degree than the SuperBowl frenzy from Steelers Nation.

But stay tuned -- as May 3, 2009, brings the return of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Many friends, neighbors and running mates are gearing up for the challege now -- so as to complete the race around town -- 26.2 miles. The marathon will be a big event for the city. But, the build up in training, conditioning and overall fitness for the runners is an on-going struggle now underway.

I'd love to see all three: A SuperBowl win plus a great run in the NCAA tournament for Pitt plus a mega field of local runners for a splendid day in early May. I might gear up for the half-marathon, but I'm not going to go to the brink in that quest.

If I had one wish in 2009 for the sports sector, as framed, I'd have to go with a personal one -- running the marathon. My time: 2:59.10.

Today is a good day to hit the treadmill and not eat a loaf of 9-grain bread.

First Q to County Executive at the first town hall

subject:

have not heard anything from the nonprofit group to be working on the parks

Q for Dan:

What about that nonprofit group you named to work on the Parks. Are
they doing anything?

Well, my question got asked. Dan hit it out of the park with a lot of hype and he sustained the uncertainty.

His answer in a nut shell: Yes. Lots is happening. Wait and see.

We've been waiting.

Dan Onorato held meetings in the parks. It was great, a year ago. But those meetings had little to nothing to do with the Parks Foundation. The Parks Foundation wasn't at those meetings. There have been no people named to the parks foundation. Who is on that board? When do they meet? Where are the minutes? What is the plan that we've been told about? Does the Parks Foundation have a web site? Does it have an email?

Dan said that interviews were being conducted for the Executive Director of the Parks Foundation, but where was the position posting for that position? Were ads posted?

The draining and dredge of the North Park Lake is not a project from the Park's Foundation. There won't be any coaching involved with kids in terms of the work at lake in North Park.

Mr. Onorato, I'm not satisfied.

Parks are important. We all realize that. Likewise, actions in parks are what is needed.

My second question to Dan Onorato at the cyber town hall is about schools

Pgh Public Schools is slated to open a new high school or two. One is with a focus on I.B. It comes in the aftermath of Schenley.

Will you stand with us in our request to name the new school Barack Obama High School and Jr. High?

The school will spand from grades 6 to 12.

Furthermore, we'd love to have one year of I.B. education as an option that is made available to all graduates (in good standing) from any Pgh Public School. Hence the I.B. High (Obama High) should be established as not only a high school, but also as a "prep school" so as to give the students an option of a 13th year if they choose. Then the students can get additional academic challenges before going to college. A few I.B. classes would better prep some students before going on to college. And, the I.B. classes, if you do well on the tests -- are often applied as college credit.

Presently, we're told, 20% of the graduates at Pgh Public Schools who do go to college are able to stay in college. The others don't finish.

With such a few finishing high school, fewer going to college, and even fewer making it out of college, we've got some problems. Hence, the prep option becomes an important bridge for long-term success for many of the students.

Road Trip - Chatham swim team captures Smart Women Sweat Swim Invitational in Georgia

Media Contact: Paul A. Kovach
Vice President for Public and Community Relations
(412) 365-1140 (pkovach@chatham.edu)

PITTSBURGH (January 13, 2009) . The snow-filled skies of Pittsburgh didn't cool down the Chatham University Cougars as the swimming team visited Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Ga. to participate in the Smart Women Sweat Swim Invitational January 10-11. Competing against teams from other U.S. women's colleges - Agnes Scott College, Hollins University, Salem College and Sweet Briar College - the Cougars won the invitational with 1,157 points and registered first-place finishes in 13 of 17 events, including all four relays.

Chatham was paced by junior Amy Kuuskoski (Wilmington, NC/home school) who accounted for three individual wins in the 50, 200 and 100 freestyle as well as being a part of four winning relays. First-year Emily Price (Owego, NY/Owego) also had three individual wins in the 1500 freestyle, 400 individual medley and 200 individual medley. Sophomore Chelsea Mummert (York, Pa./Central York) added wins in the 100 and 200 backstroke and Sarah Sindler (Cañon City, Colo./Cañon City) won the 200 butterfly.

Chatham returns to action on Saturday, January 17 when they travel to Penn State Erie, The Behrend College for a 1:00 p.m. dual meet. The Chatham University Cougars next Presidents' Athletic Conference meet will be at Bethany College on Saturday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m.

Chatham University prepares students from around the world to develop solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. Every Chatham student - women in Chatham's historic women's residential college, and men and women in Chatham's graduate programs - receives a highly individualized, experiential educational experience that is informed by Chatham's strong institutional commitment to globalism, the environment and citizen leadership. Founded in 1869, Chatham University includes the Shadyside Campus, with Chatham Eastside and the historic 39-acre Woodland Road arboretum; and the 388-acre Eden Hall Farm Campus north of Pittsburgh. For more information call 800-837-1290 or visit www.chatham.edu.

Carmen Robinson: Should Be Pittsburgh's Next Mayor

If I lived in the city any more, and someone gave me $500,000 cash under the table to switch parties to Democrat, I'd vote for Carmen Robinson for Mayor.

Consider this the first endorsement of the new election cycle.

According to her website, Carmen was born and raised in the City of Pittsburgh, by blue collar parents Alfred and Linda Robinson. Carmen’s father was drafted during Vietnam, worked at J & L Steel and last employed by the Pittsburgh Fire Department for 31 years. Unfortunately, he has passed on. Carmen’s Mother, a laborer, is retired from H. J. Heinz.

Carmen is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in the Administration of Criminal Justice.

Carmen was a police officer, who was promoted to sergeant in 1995. She later became an attorney. She met Pope John Paul II when she was in Vatican City studying Canon and Roman law.

Carmen is a member of NOW, attends Baptist Church and is a loving and devoted family woman.
Credentials scare the crap out of Democrats in the city of Pittsburgh. This is clearly the most decorated woman the city has run for any position in decades. Oh yea, she's African American and gorgeous.

She doesn't stand a chance. That's why I support her. Go Carmen!

Tax cut for teacherss

OPINION January 11, 2009 Op-Ed Columnist: Tax Cuts for Teachers By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN There's simply no shortcut for a stimulus that stimulates minds, not just salaries.

"Little Stevie" Luncinski of Chiller Theater, A Pittsburgh Original, Dies

Sad news today. "Stephen the Castle Prankster" is dead.

I said, "What?" when my 14-year-old son told me the news about an hour ago, at 8:00 p.m. I was dusting off the "new to me" Saturn I bought last weekend, directly because of "Stevie."

I spoke to my friend Steve Luncinski just last week. I needed a bunch of work on my vehicle. He, his son, brother and staff at Pinnacle Auto Sales in Carrick did their best to help me, but it was time for a new ride.

I called Steve a few days later and he said he didn't have any vehicles, but told me to go see "Mike T." I did, used Steve's name, and got a fairly decent deal.

The last time I saw Steve face to face, I asked him, "So, how did you like 'Chicks with Dicks'?" His always surprised brother Victor sprang from his nearby seat. "Did I hear that correctly?"

Steve was one of the most handsome and charming men I've ever seen, despite being well south of five feet tall. He always had one of the most gorgeous women you'd ever seen on his arm. The day I saw Steve at the downtown performance of "Chicks With Dicks," he was with another one. I still remember the brunette from about 15 years ago. Breath-taking. The play, part Russ Meyer, part Quinten Tarantino, all goofball right-up-my-alley nonsense, didn't entertain Steve as much. He and his blond date left halfway through. He said his date had to get up early.

We had a good chuckle about that one at the garage.

I can't remember the first time I met Steve, but we hit it off right away. In fact, I can divulge it now...I wrote press releases and speeches for him when he ran for state Senator years ago. In return I got a car battery for the Jeep I drove at the time and various other automotive services. I was a cheap scribe.

When we were at the play, he told me that his mother kept a scrap book of his local celebrity clippings, a good many of which had my byline. I was always proud of that.

Steve of course received his claim to fame on the old Chiller Theater program with Chilly Billy Cardille. I was even interviewed once on the radio, as "President of the Chiller Theater Fan Club," promoting a then-brand new Gateway Clipper Fleet Halloween event. In all actuality, I was the "President of the Stephen the Castle Prankster Fan Club." I got to ride the boat with another friend...Terminal Stare. I guess Bill Cardille just tolerated me, as I never received much more than a cursory glance.

Steve got me on the Labor Day Telethon once as a "behind Billy Cardilly" phone back guy. That was a highlight for a young community newspaper editor. Bill looked at me once and said, "move three seats over there." I think he put Miss Pennsylvania in my seat. Why wouldn't he?

Steve never had a cross word for anyone. His father, also named Victor, wouldn't expect anything else.

Steve's two sons...Steve (all near six foot of him) and Zachary (another small of stature charisma machine) are excellent men. Both remain active in the family auto business. They tried their hands at two dollar stores, but ultimately closed up the retail shop.

On at least one occasion, I've pointed out the family auto establishment to female companions and identified the celebrity that was most likely inside. Steve was quintessential Pittsburgh.

I already miss my friend Steve. God bless his family.

Rate Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's performace

When people ask me about politicians, I try to give a reply in a scale that ranges from PLUS ten to MINUS ten. Zero is in the middle.

10 (11%)
8 (2%)
7 (2%)
6 (2%)
5 (2%)
4 (5%)
3 (2%)
2 (5%)
-2 (2%)
-3 (5%)
-4 (2%)
-5 (11%)
-6 (0%)
-7 (2%)
-8 (2%)
-9 (2%)
-10 (29%)

Coaching job in Golden West

If I'm a young coach -- I'd be interested in this job.

Special Computer/Coaching Intern/Post Grad Swimmer Positions Available.
CALIFORNIA , HUNTINGTON BEACH
Golden West Swim Club
Continuous Listing, Begun June 2006, Revised October 30, 2008

“THINK ‘WAY OUTSIDE’ THE BOX!” Available Until Filled. Golden West Swim Club, in Huntington Beach, CA, has a unique opportunity for an aspiring young swimming coach or post graduate swimmer with a background in computer science; software and/or hardware. The preferred person should have a knowledge of computer programming. Knowledge of C#, ASP.Net, and Databases strongly desired. This position involves working on cutting edge technology application projects. This is an intern type position with a $18,000 stipend. Additional compensation is available from stroke lessons. This is a great learning experience in all areas of coaching. Duties will include experiences in all phases of the art, science, and business of coaching; including daily deck coaching, meets, event staging, sports information and advertising, facility maintenance and development, transportation and travel, fund raising, motivational systems development and implementation, video and computer utilization, heart rate monitoring, computer assisted race evaluation, office duties, etc. You will really learn about your profession and acquire some great coaching skills! This is a great opportunity to contribute and be a part of a fun and successful situation. A one to two years commitment is required. This situation is immediately available. Apply to: Bob Gillett, Head Swimming Coach, Golden West Swim Club, 19731 Quiet Bay Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 . Cell: (714) 766-9767. E-Mail: coach@bobgillett.com. If you are interested in applying for an Internship, give us a call or e-mail us of your interest. We will then use the following process: 1. Submit a resume with references. We probably will not call your references until the final phase of the process; unless we know them personally. 2. After you submit a resume, we may ask you to then submit a short (couple of minutes) of video of yourself explaining a skill. Nothing elaborate; just put a cam recorder on the table, turn it on and record. For example, show and explain butterfly arms. We are not looking for knowledge or technique proficiency or anything earth shattering. We would just like to see you and hear you talk, and get to know you. A video conference call can be substituted. 3. At this point, if everything matches up for both parties; then we will offer you an internship agreement. 4. References from past participates in this program with Coach Bob Gillett will be given for you to evaluate this unique opportunity for a young coach.

Univ. of Florida has 49 alto sax players. One, Andrew, is my relative.

Andrew is playing at the game and is in the band. The Gator band will also be playing in the Super Bowl, pregame. Opportunities of a lifetime, says his mom, my cousin, Linda.

Linda played in the Florida Gator Band for three years when she was an undergrad. The first year, the team didn't win a game. The second year in the band, the team did slightly better. The third year, Florida football was on probation and the band didn't play at all.

I'm cheering for the Gators! Chomp, chomp.

Twitter is not 'Sooner-ish' today.

Say it isn't so.

From people & vips

We have good news, then it is bad news. We'd love to have #25 stay at Pitt next year.

In other school news. the PureReform blog is reporting that the I.B. High / Jr. High is going to have a full class of 150 students in grades 9 and 6 for the fall of 2009. There might be some wiggle room, yet, unsure, for next years 7th and 8th.

Furthermore, Dr. Walters has been named the principal for the new school. He is presently at Frick Middle School. This is wonderful news for us and the program.

The Sci and Tech School is also in great position with the number of students who are slated to enter in the fall of 2009 as well.

LET'S MAKE A SPLASH ON FEBRUARY 2ND!!

Just on the heels of the Polar Bear Swim -- comes this invite.

Join the "Pitts-Burrrrrgh Drownedhogs" on Monday 02/02/09 and do a "COOL THING FOR THE KIDS" at Circle C Youth and Family Services; and help to predict when spring will arrive.

WARM-UPS START AT 11:00 - PLUNGE AT NOON at the 18th Street Boat Ramp off E.Carson St. on the South Side. Because we are unable to cast a shadow we have committed our method of prediction to this verse ....

"If the DrownedHogs frolic in the chilly Mon,
Springs arrival is almost won.
But if they scream and run back out,
Winter will be a six-week bout."

Come on down and swim with The Drowned Hogs, or be a "Designated Dryer" to help a "Hog" get dried off after the swim, or just join in the fun! When you come out of the river you can run through the "Hog Wash" where warm water will be poured over you to eliminate the shivers and to neutralize the Mon! We're making "HOG WASH" bar soap available again this year!

Then its off to Folino's, at 1719 E. Carson St. for chili and live music by the awesome Tracy Lee and video of the plunge!

FOR MORE INFO CALL 412-937-1650 X227
Hope to see you there!

Al Bollinger, Head Hog Scott Jones, Director of Development Barb Ginsburg, Resource Manage

Apple and Music and -- listening again

A major victory in the campaign to eliminate DRM -- Apple, the last major retailer of DRM-encumbered music has announced, live at MacWorld, that iTunes music will be going DRM-free.

Of course, what this really makes clear is that this was never about the record companies withholding DRM-free music from Apple, but rather that Apple was unwilling to concede a tiered pricing structure to the recording companies. In the end, anti-DRM activists -- including yourself -- were able to educate the public enough to pressure Apple to give in.

http://digg.com/tech_news/Help_Apple_is_holding_me_ransom_for_0_30_per_song

* Read the full story:

Pgh Public Schools begins "book club."

Have you read a good book lately?

Here is another great parent involvement activity.

Join us Monday January 12, 2009 for the first meeting of the title 1 parent book club. Read a good book, network with other parents and family members and get more involved. All are welcome

Location: cafeteria, administration building (Oakland) 314 S. Bellefied Ave Pgh. PA 15213. Date and Time: Monday January 12, 2009 from 6:00 to 7:30 Please RSVP to Mark Conner at mconner1@pghboe.net or call at 412-622-3941.

Scrub your speech of these phrases, Mr. Roosevelt and PPS Administrators

The Tribune Review has the expression in the paper again today, "We looked at the data, ..."

Wave the red flags. Time out. Wash your mouth out with soap.

Last night I was at another meeting in the east end hosted by the Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. brass. Three school administrators were given the curtosy of an extended introduction and speaking time and I heard these same phrases again.

The PPS (Pgh Public Schools) Administrator said, "We want to bring the numbers to the table." She was convinced of a certain course of action because she was privileged to have seen the numbers, the data, the research. She was hopeful that the numbers could be shared with others who are "at the table." Then, once their facts were spilled, the table would be on-board and see the light.

A third verse of the same theme boils down to an evaluation of the work and outcome suggestions of a special community task force. About 30 members of the public were hand-picked, names still not released to the public, for guidance. These folks formed a task force to make a suggestion as to where to put the long-term home of the district's I.B. program. The I.B. program had been harbored within Schenley High School, which was dismantled last year.

The data that the I.B. long-term site selection task force was able to wrestle with has not been released. Who was on the task force wasn't released yet. And the work product, the meeting minutes, the in-depth decision justifications and any hint of financial impacts -- all are still under wraps.

I don't want the data to be revealed to those who are 'at the table.' I want it to be revealed to everyone everywhere.

I don't want to hear how the district administrators have access to findings and raw performance measures yet the people who pay for the schools do not.

Often, those numbers are not released because they are embarrassing. Frankly, what is more embarrassing is trying to make fixes to the district while having heads in the sand. The behaviors we've come to expect within the schools and within the planning process is atrocious.

It is unforgivable that the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation has to ask for the results of a community task force that includes more depth than what is read in the Post-Gazette. The questions should not even need to be asked. The insights and details should have been posted to the web all along. Agendas, minutes, attendance at meetings, presentations, facts, figures, costs, projections, historical graduation rates, numbers of certified teachers, costs of additional faculty education, timelines for training, space figures at schools, busing costs, new renovation costs, re-sale projections, etc., etc., etc.

I'm sure most of this has been thought of by someone. Well, I'm not sure, but I give them the benefit of the doubt.

I want to see it. And, I want everyone to see everything.

We don't know how many kids went to classes at the ALAs (Accelerated Learning Academy) as the school year started two to three weeks before the other schools. What was the August 1st attendance in 2008 and 2007? Now we hear the school year at the ALAs is going to shorten. Why? How successful has it been so far?

I don't need to know WHO was in class. I need to know how many were there, how many were to be there, and for teachers too. And, reports as to the effectiveness of these extra school days, by date, needs to be a measure that is revealed.

These few examples are only the tip of the iceberg.

How much is paid each year to Microsoft for software licenses? How much is going to be paid for proprietary licenses with the Science and Technology Jr./Sr. High? How much will be saved by using OpenOffice.org and Linux?

Who was on the High School Reform Task Force? Where was that group's work product. All of that went out the window by they way when the asbestos excuse was found at Schenley. A group had meetings for nearly two years and nothing of those meetings was able to be release nor implemented.

What about the budget for the Pittsburgh Promise?

I'm not asking for new audits. I'm asking for an open process. And, the way that is done in our modern time is with the internet. It goes deeper than a few PowerPoint slides as well.

Some months ago I spoke to this same theme with the school board when I heard that the PARENT DASHBOARD system was being scratched. This had been a valuable tool for some parents with some teachers for some kids as they could see homework assignments and class attendence -- nearly real time. But, the district pulled the plug on that window into the schools. (Go figure.)

Rather, a new, beefy, whiz bang system, developed in-house, was being rolled out. It would be able to grade tests and measure classroom, school, grade and district results -- more than just an individual score. It was in beta testing and was fast as lightening -- and those on the school board were prohibited from seeing it. They were to authorize it, but they were not able to evaluate it.

The elected school board members were kept in the dark. And, by-and-large, they were okay with that. It is worse than being a back-seat driver -- as they were being stuffed in the trunk. Meanwhile, the citizens are not even in the car. We're getting out of the way, happy it doesn't mow down our kids as they walk to and from school.

I don't want to hear, ever again, about the data that the district sees that is hidden from what anyone anywhere else can see.

Healthcare Reform update from Molly Rush

PUSH is planning a statewide conference in Pittsburgh in March, 2009. You’re invited to be on the planning committee to work on site planning, the agenda, speakers, outreach, media, fund-raising, etc. We need you!

Contact Dr. Scott Tyson TysMar@aol.com;

Bob Mason bmasona@gmail.com or molly.rush@verizon.net.

PUSH MEETS ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 6:15 P.M. AT THE FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, MOREWOOD & ELLSWORTH, SHADYSIDE. PLEASE ATTEND.

The next meeting is on Monday, January 12th.

Start the 2009-2010 School Year AFTER Labor Day

The Pure Reform Blog has been busy in recent weeks with talk about Pittsburgh Public Schools. That's nice. Check it out.

I posted this there, just now.

No school should be scheduled to start until after Labor Day. PERIOD.

In August, it is just too hot.
In August, we've got family time and vacation time.
In August, we've got summer jobs.
In August, we've got an economy to run.

Bring the teachers back, if you must, before Labor Day. But keep the kids out of school.

Furthermore, the numbers of those who did attend school in August have always been kept as a 'secret.' There wasn't any learning going on as the classrooms were way to vacant to begin to address new topics with the kids. The kids didn't show up.

And, the district didn't report the numbers of those that did and didn't show up anyway.

The idea of August school failed, like I knew it would.

201 Million Students to study Open Source Technologies in schools

A breakthrough in curriculum change for 201 Million students and adoption of Open Source Technologies in schools has occured in Indonesia. Ministry of Research (RISTEK) has adopted MySQL and OpenOffice.org as the recommended open source software for database and for document processing.

I wish the new Pittsburgh Public School devoted to Science and Technology would make the same statements.

If you are not sure what OpenOffice.org is all about, check out these recent trade articles that stack up OpenOffice against what Microsoft has.

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http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24734388-39525,00.html

OpenOffice is an open-source software outfit responsible for a bundle of productivity software that competes with the Seattle company's great cash cow, Microsoft Office. It does almost everything MS Office does but, unlike the Microsoft product, it's free.

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InformationWeek: Review: Open-Source Office Suites Compared

Bit by bit, the Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) monopoly on office productivity applications is receding -- and one of the most important ways this is happening is through the proliferation of open source productivity suites. The most obvious example is OpenOffice.org, now in a landmark third release...

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Datamation: The Future Facelift of OpenOffice.org

"The mission statement: Create a User Interface so that OpenOffice.org becomes the users' choice not only out of need, but also out of desire." With these words, the Renaissance project was launched last week with the goal of giving the popular free office suite a face lift.

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tbusiness.ca: OpenOffice upgrade gives free office suite wealth of new features

OpenOffice.org is a powerful productivity suite--including tools for word processing, spreadsheets, slideshows and more--with one major additional feature: it's free.

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Macworld: Review: OpenOffice.org 3

OpenOffice.org is a powerful productivity suite–including tools for word processing, spreadsheets, slideshows and more—with one major additional feature: it’s free.

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CRN : The 10 Coolest Open Source Products Of 2008

The popular -- and free -- open source productivity suite hit its milestone 3.0 version in 2008, making it more clear than ever that its functionality and compatibility with Microsoft Office (including OpenOffice Impress, which is PowerPoint compatible) make it a force to be reckoned...

Did city look the other way?

This stinks.

Did city look the other way?: "Those owners, Peter Karlovich and Steven Herforth, hold political fundraisers at their Mount Washington home, including one for Mayor Luke Ravenstahl in May 2007. When the Bureau of Building Inspection threatened to close the club, they appealed to Council President Doug Shields, and then to the mayor's Chief of Staff Yarone Zober, who connected them with city lawyers.

After talks with the club, the city lawyers told building inspectors to let it stay open pending discussions that never occurred."

Scrutiny comes because a guy died, not because you live in a big house.

The Pathetic State of the Pittsburgh Public School District

Policy Brief
An electronic publication of
The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy

January 6, 2009 Volume 9, Number 1

Problems for the Pittsburgh Public School District continue to mount. For the current school year enrollment is 26,649, declining more than 1,600 students from the previous year. Moreover, the District recently issued a forecast indicating that its high school enrollment would drop from just over 8,000 to about 6,000 by 2014, a further decline of 25 percent. Compounding the District’s problems is a report of higher than normal absenteeism among its faculty.

Instead of instituting meaningful reforms that have a chance of turning the Pittsburgh Public Schools around, the District plans to launch a recruitment campaign for younger students. The District apparently believes parents of young children can be impressed with what Pittsburgh Schools have to offer and believe a recruitment campaign targeting the parents of children in kindergarten and pre-school will be the remedy. The problem might be that these parents are all too aware of what the District has to offer—poor academic performance.

The president of the school board is confident the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program will help reverse the sliding enrollment figures. To help spread the word of the Promise, the District has sent out mailers to families whose children do not attend Pittsburgh Public Schools touting the benefits of the program. As we wrote in an earlier Policy Brief (Vol., 8, No.69), the Promise, now two years old and having issued its first scholarships, has yet to deliver on the assertions it would reverse the enrollment trend or lead to improved academic performance. In fact, since the program was launched in late 2006, enrollment has dropped by more than 4,000 students.

Furthermore, as we pointed out, the Promise has also not raised academic achievement among its students. Latest scores on the state achievement test revealed that only 53 percent of 11th grade students scored at the proficient level on state reading levels and only 44 percent scored at grade level in math. At many of the District’s high schools the fraction of 11th grade students reaching proficiency struggles to reach 20 percent—hardly the material the District will put on recruitment posters, but certainly information that will scare off parents of prospective students.

The District claims it is losing students to charter schools and to suburban districts. To combat this problem, they will also work on making the schools more customer friendly by sending clerical employees to customer-service training seminars and creating a welcoming environment for visitors in District buildings. They haven’t released a cost projection for these projects, but this is an unnecessary expense for the cash-strapped District. It’s very doubtful that many parents of school-aged children would be willing to look past poor academic performance to improved customer service as a reason to enroll their children in Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The District is concerned that the drop in enrollment will cause overstaffing as a falling student count will leave them with excess teachers. That is a problem because getting rid of teachers even with declining enrollment is very difficult. And the state will not reduce its funding just because enrollment is down. That policy epitomizes all that is wrong with government financed and managed education.

Adding to the public relations woes of the District is a recent report showing that 6.5 percent of teachers call in sick on Fridays. By contrast, the national average call out sick rate for Fridays was only 2.3 percent in 2007 making Pittsburgh Public School teachers nearly three times as likely to call in sick as the national rate. Worse still, the absenteeism report revealed the highest rate to be on a Tuesday after a Monday night Steelers’ game. State and local taxpayers are shelling out $5 million for the abuse of sick leave policy. What kind of example are these teachers setting for their students?

To compound the negative image the call out rate creates, the union defends the heavy absenteeism by noting the teachers don’t get vacation days. This defense qualifies for the award as the most pathetic rationale ever dreamed up. Teachers work 190 days a year compared to the 240 or more that most people put in. Moreover, they are eligible for twelve sick days and two personal days during the year. Sick days not taken accumulate and are paid out in a lump sum at retirement. Teachers do not work most holidays when school is not in session. Then of course they are off much of June, July and most of August. And they get pay and fringe benefits as if they were full time, 250 day-a-year workers.

This absenteeism behavior and the defense offered for it, along with the right to strike, the work rules and the virtual impossibility of firing a teacher for inadequate performance combine to create a workplace disaster from a management and taxpayer point of view.

Unfortunately, Pittsburgh’s school board is equally complicit in the dysfunctional situation. One school board member offered the excuse that some teachers might be “burned out” or “frustrated” or alternatively the absentee problem could reflect an administration problem. Board member excuses for excessive teacher absenteeism reflects a District that is probably beyond repair let alone improvement—all this for a mere $20,000 in annual expenditures per student.

Dramatically falling enrollment and chronic high teacher absenteeism are just two of the hallmarks of a district in dire straits. Parents who care about their children’s education can see very clearly what the true picture is and they will want better for their children. Taxpayers should demand better returns for their expenditures. The problem is that the situation in Pittsburgh schools has been bad for so long that the Board and the teachers are not even embarrassed by these latest revelations and others regarding poor test scores.

On the other hand, Mayoral and Council candidates who are serious about changes that will slow the outflow of people and tax base from the City should address the awful condition of the school district. The people of Pittsburgh deserve better.

Frank Gamrat, Ph.D., Sr. Research Assoc. Jake Haulk, Ph.D., President

Please visit our blog at http://www.alleghenyinstitute.org/blog.

If you have enjoyed reading this Policy Brief and would like to send it to a friend, please feel free to forward it to them.

For more information on this and other topics, please visit our website: alleghenyinstitute.org

If you wish to support our efforts please consider becoming a donor to the Allegheny Institute. The Allegheny Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Please mail your contribution to:

The Allegheny Institute
305 Mt. Lebanon Boulevard
Suite 208
Pittsburgh, PA 15234

Thank you for your support.

My reactions are pending. Much to do today.

Pittsburgh Promise is not for a PPS graduate now at Ohio Northern University

Teresa Ankney - Fix PA: "[edit] Pittsburgh Promise is not for everyone

January 2009 in the Post Gazette [1]

Last Sunday the Post-Gazette published an article regarding the Pittsburgh Public School's attempts to recruit new students ('City Public Schools Taking Steps to Stem Declining Enrollment,' Dec. 28, 2008)."

The Pittsburgh Promise needs to be a gateway to success, not a weight to insist upon parochial thinking. Our kids need to soar, high, far, and where ever they choose to go. They'll come home if home is a place where they know they'll not be cheated and lied to.

Another poll

That's a Wrap: Change.org Ends Round One of Ideas for Change: The first round of Change.org's Ideas for Change in America contest, to which techPresident is a partner, has wrapped with about 250,000 total votes. The second phase launched this morning, and participants have 10 new votes to confer upon their top ideas. This round will run through the 15th, and the results will be presented to the Obama administration at the National Press Club the next day. In an early lead with 398 votes is "Pass Marriage Equality Rights for LGBT couples nationwide" (an idea, you might notice, that Obama opposes). Asked what happens if, say, legalizing marijuana is the top item, Change.org managing editor Josh Levy* tells me this: "Then we work with our non-profit partners to build a social movement around that idea, and try to actually get it done."

Mcall.com: Capitol Ideas with John L. Micek Blog

Pay to play hits Richardson from New Mexico and looks to entangle PA Governor, Ed Rendell too.

Mcall.com: Capitol Ideas with John L. Micek Blog: "Rendell Has Ties To Firm That Won New Mexico Contracts.

MLK Rally invite

Rally on Martin Luther King Day 2009 on Monday, January 19 at 12:00 pm. MLK & Economic Justice Rally with North Side United at Calvary United Methodist Church is slated for Monday, January 19 at 12:00 pm to 3 pm.
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=42872179405

RootsCamp Pittsburgh, January 24, 2009 - at the United Steelworkers Building, 5 Gateway Center

I'll be there. You can attend too.

Thanks for signing up for RootsCamp! Here's a quick update.

More than 30 people have now signed up, and dozens more have said they will come but not yet signed up. Still, we know we have plenty of room for more at this point.

We can comfortably accommodate 200. So if you know of someone who you think should attend but who may not yet know about RootsCamp, please invite them. Here's the link to the main RootsCamp Pittsburgh page: http://rootscamppittsburgh2009.pbwiki.com/

As you probably know this is a self-organizing conference. The attendees decide what they want to talk about. We have a "Proposed Sessions" that we can use to throw out some topics that would be good for the breakouts. Click on that link from the main page linked above and suggest some topics.

Thanks again, folks. There is much to learn from each other from this past election, and RootsCamp is going to be a great opportunity to do that. We can't wait to see you there!

Michael Morrill

Executive Director

Keystone Progress

610-568-0469-office

mike@keystoneprogress.org

www.keystoneprogress.org

Pittsburgh homicides jump 28% as other cities see declines

Bad news.

Pittsburgh homicides jump 28% as other cities see declines The number is unofficial and could fall to 73 when the bureau reclassifies some deaths as accidental or justifiable, including three police-involved shootings. But even the lower figure makes 2008 the city's bloodiest year since 1993, when there were 83 homicides. The number also represents a 28 percent increase from 2007, when the city recorded 57 homicides.

The bureau's clearance rate for homicides -- those where an arrest was made or a case was otherwise solved -- went down from 75 percent in 2007 to about 49 percent for 2008.

Allegheny County as a whole had 120 murders in 2008, up from 98. The record, 125, was set in 2003.

Miffed Schenley students 'making do' with digs

Miffed Schenley students 'making do' with digs: "Becca Ridge, a senior from Highland Park, said the Advisory and Activity period instituted this school year is of little use to clubs because students have the period at different times. Some students reportedly leave early rather than sit through an activity period at the end of the day.

The district had a different take on the A&A period, saying it turned into a study hall when students showed little interest in offered activities."

Pennsylvania Conservative: New Release: More Proof of PA Homosexual Politicians Pushing Their Agenda

Bruce Kraus watch. He's in this press release, FWIW.

Pennsylvania Conservative: New Release: More Proof of PA Homosexual Politicians Pushing Their Agenda During the first half of 2008, newly elected open homosexual Pittsburgh Council member, Bruce Kraus, wrote, introduced and got passed a domestic partner registry. On April 10 Mr. Kraus testified against the Marriage Protection Amendment during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Pittsburgh.

Peabody High School on Chopping Block.

For everyone's insight. My comments are being saved for another posting. This was covered by the P-G today.

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FIRST PITTSBURGH PEABODY COMMUNITY AND PARENT STAKEHOLDER MEETING ANNOUCEMENT
(Two Meetings-Same Agenda-Same Day-
Pick Your Best Time-Attend One Meeting)

Time: First meeting- 8 am Second meeting- 6 pm
Date: (Both Meetings On) Wednesday, January 7th
Location: BGC Community Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Avenue

Below are two recent news articles focusing on the work of a site selection committee for the Pittsburgh Public Schools International Baccalaureate program. (Please also read the letter from the BGC to the Superintendent -- attached and below.)

As you can see the site selection committee picked Pittsburgh Peabody. Pittsburgh Peabody with its rich history of educating high school age youth presently has 500 students attending the facility.

The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is not aware of any broad based Pittsburgh Peabody parent and community stakeholder group planning process occurring prior to the announcement.

In order to ensure full Pittsburgh Peabody Community and Parent Stakeholder input into whatever Superintendent Roosevelt and Board of Education plan evolves the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is forming a stakeholder working group.

We ask that join us on January 7th to learn details on what is being proposed. Our goal is also to identify an ongoing stakeholder group that will provide input to the Superintendent and the Board of Education as to what is best for the students at Pittsburgh Peabody and our region.

PLEASE SEND A REPLY EMAIL AND LET ME KNOW YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING.... Call with questions...

Rick Flanagan
Bloomfield Garfield Corporation
Cell 412-913-4360


Peabody best site for IB program, panel says
Friday, December 05, 2008
By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A 30-member site-selection committee has unanimously recommended the Pittsburgh Peabody building as the best permanent home for the International Baccalaureate program for grades 6 through 12 in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

The district today released the recommendation, which calls for the building to be ready for the 2012-13 school year.

The recommendation noted the district's location near public bus transportation and the fact the building would need fewer renovations than some other buildings.

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IB school program may move to Peabody

By Rick Wills TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, December 6, 2008

A committee is recommending that Pittsburgh Peabody high school become the permanent home of the district's rigorous International Baccalaureate program starting in the 2012-13 school year.

The program could bring hundreds of new students to Pittsburgh Peabody, which enrolls about 500 students but is expected to have a student population of less than 200 over the next five years.

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The International Baccalaureate Programme offers students a chance to earn college credits. The program teaches subjects through an international perspective. It had been housed at Schenley High School until the district closed Schenley in June, 2008.

A 6-12 International Baccalaureate program was created in the Reizenstein school in East Liberty. However, the cost to make needed upgrades to Reizenstein has been estimated at $50 million, and the district has been looking for a new site for the IB program.

Peabody, which is located in East Liberty, was selected by a 30-member site selection committee, which presented its recommendation this week to schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. The committee is made up of parents, students and alumni from across the city.

"I thank the committee for their work, time and thoughtful deliberation," Roosevelt said in a statement issued Friday evening. "Their recommendation will inform the work we are currently doing to restructure our high schools."

Roosevelt and his staff are expected to provide a recommendation to the school board in the next few months.

The site selection committee looked at six schools -- Connelly Vocational School, Reizenstein along with Langley, Oliver, Peabody and Westinghouse high schools.

Peabody was selected as the best option. Its East End location is convenient to many students in the program, and few building renovations will be needed. It also is close to public transportation, the district said.

For the next three years, the IB program will remain at Reizenstein Middle School.

Rick Wills can be reached at rwills@tribweb.com or 724-779-7123.

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Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation
5149 penn avenue
pittsburgh, pa 15224
phone 412-441-6950 fax 412-441-6956
http://www.bloomfield-garfield.org



December 26, 2008
Mark Roosevelt
Superintendent
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 S. Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Dear Superintendent Roosevelt,

The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation (BGC) appreciates your empowerment of a Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate program stakeholder group that recently released it proposed plans to move the International Baccalaureate program to Pittsburgh Peabody. The Board of Directors of the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation (BGC) is now asking for you to engage a community and parent leadership working group made up of Pittsburgh Peabody stakeholders.

The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation has already begun to identify community and parent leadership to join the working group. This leadership group will review the proposed International Baccalaureate program proposal, gain additional broad based community and parent input, and appropriately respond to the Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate proposed plan. The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation will act to organize and convene this stakeholder group.

Presently, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is asking that the Pittsburgh Public School Schools take the following action:

1) To the address above, send a copy International Baccalaureate program plan and a roster list of the decision makers on the plan. An emailed copy would be welcomed.
2) Please send copies of all the meeting minutes of the Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate program meetings.
3) Assign one or more of your district administrators to work in collaboration with the BGC on matters relating to the BGC newly created Pittsburgh Peabody Community and Parent Stakeholder Group.

As always, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation seeks to support your restructuring plans. The work of the BGC/Pittsburgh Peabody Parent and Community Stakeholder group will permit the varying stakeholders to feel a sense of pride and ownership over whatever restructuring plans are finally approved by the Board of Education.

Please send an email to me with the name of the administrator who you have assigned to engage the BGC on this matter.

Sincerely,


Richard Flanagan
BGC Youth Development Director
Email Rflanag@aol.com
Cell 412-913-4360

Transparency Symposium | Commonwealth Foundation

Transparency Symposium | Commonwealth Foundation: "Opening Pennsylvania Government:

Transparency Symposium

Drug raid nets 10 arrests, heroin cache

Drug raid nets 10 arrests, heroin cache: "Police said they had been tipped by residents in the neighborhood who complained about drug trafficking in Elliott."

Polar Bear Swim, 2009

Original post from 1/1/09

I'm grasping for activities where I can still compete with Erik -- and win. The cold water is a great equalizer.

R, our lead off swimmer, like this was a relay, is next to me. She is still wearing her t-shirt. I'm in the green swim cap with the black Speedo robe. Erik, with grey hat and head down, is next to Rene and Mike, (Running Mate, dad, ex-college swimmer at Duquesne) is behind Erik at the far left of the frame.

The middle of the Frick relay - T, M, Erik.

The action gets hot. T in his leap. M and Erik on deck. The big guys, Mike and I are anchors.

Photo shows Erik in the water and on the way back to the wall.

Did he take a breath after his flip turn?

T and B scramble to the new year ahead.

Four photos from Greg Blackman. Thank you.


We did it! After the jump I'm putting on my shoes and can't feel my toes.

Photo from a cell phone on the edge of the Mon about 9:31 AM on January 1, 2009. Thanks Mike.

We passed out an invite that said to arrive at 9 am, jump in at 9:30 and depart by 9:31. Seems I wasn't too clear. There was some question about that minute when people were required to stay in the water. Wrong. you don't need to stay in the water for a minute. You don't even need to get your head wet. Sorry if I wasn't so clear. Our gang, mixed in the crowd, was all in and out in less than a minute.

None of us signed the official book, by the way. We waited in the line for 20-minutes or so, but then got ready for the jump.

Elsewhere:

Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual New Year's Day Plunge Into Icy Mon River - kdka.com: "Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual Icy Plunge"

City's stale times in 2008

Effectiveness is NOT like this.

City's fresh start in '08 had some stale times: "The year 2008 started with a fresh council, a mayor with a mandate and a Valentine's Day pledge of partnership in Pittsburgh's halls of power. It ended with debate over who in city government can most accurately count to 10.

A recap from me: City council has been so fruitless, that they are not worthy of my regular rants. I've not gone to Grant Street as frequently in recent times as they've been overflowing with folly of a hopeless style.

The public safety director can't be happy with the number of deaths on the streets and the rate of un-solved crimes and un-engaged witnesses. That is nothing to be happy about.

The city is cleaner -- redder, perhaps -- so they say.

How can Doug Shields, city council president, be a critic when he is part of the problem for so long. That's what gets me mad.

The proclamation of pledges to improve governance in Pittsburgh was a stage show that the media swallowed hook, line and sinker. It was a get-out-of-trouble card for many months. It was a way to spin in place without doing much of anything.

Four couples-- just four couples -- signed up for the domestic partner registry. That is what folly looks like. That is ineffective. That is nothing to be proud of. That isn't helping quality of life in the city. People are not going to move to Pittsburgh, nor stay, because of that groundbreaking council act. Even if 40 couples had signed up -- what benefits would be earned other than an opportunity to save $15 per year with the purchase of a family swim pool tags.

Congress on Neighboring Communities -- say what?

Isn't that what the PA Senate is for? Or, wasn't that what I proposed when I ran for city controller -- a citizens' handle for Grant Street. Or, rather, isn't that what I proposed with the development of a Pittsburgh ombudsmen.

Then there is the SWPC, Southwestern PA Planning Commission. Plus, there is the evil Allegheny Conference. Hold a meeting at the Duquesne Club. Or, hold a meeting with the ACDC, Allegheny County Dem Committee.

I'd love to see a Congress on Neighboring Communitys called the Pittsburgh Park District. But Dan Onorato insured that little would be done there by tossing a bone in the form of town-hall meetings and putting some of his VIPs onto a new nonprofit board for parks that has yet to amount to much, if anything.

The theme -- a lack of accountability for action. And, sleeping watchdogs that allow the nothingness to linger.

The hard talk on Grant Street is encouraged such as with the Shields "pack of lies" statement, whenever talking about studies. They can really kick up a big cloud of huff and puff when the outcome is only going to sit on the shelves and won't be revealed for months to come and is really just a "pay-to-play" contract at its root.

Lag time isn't 'hang time.' Furthermore, to use another basketball illustration, lag time is not marked with hustle, teamwork and hyper passing to get the open shot. Lag time is more like a 4-corner offense when basketball was played without a shot clock. The game would end up with a score of 3-0. The only thing tested was patience and the game clock. Nobody wins.

Rich Lord's article overlooked the rash of water pipe breaks. But, they've been quiet, it seems, in the fall. Quck, everyone knock on wood and keep up with the low-flushing policy.

The snow clearing fleet got revamped but what of the automated route system? Political patronage for paving and plowing is ... where ... LAGGING?

How to Run -- or stand -- for public office, class on Jan 24

This is always a worthy investment of time. Would be nice to see Mark DeSantis attend.

The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh will present our biennial workshop on How to Run for Public Office on January 24. We do this in odd-numbered years because we believe that most candidates get started in local elections. We will focus on municipal councils, mayors, school directors, County Council and the district judiciary.

The workshop will be held at Point Park University Center, 414 Wood St., Rooms 212 and 213 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. A continental breakfast will be included. The cost is $50 per person.

The workshop will cover the details of filing nomination petitions and other documents, working with the political parties, understanding the office sought, and running an effective campaign. There will be an opportunity for participants to interact informally with a person who has run for and served in the office sought. There is more detail and a registration form on the attached flyer.

Please forward this information to anyone you believe might be interested in attending or might know someone who would be interested. The wider it is distributed, the better.

The flyer is is also on the League's web site. We welcome any links to it. The address is http://palwv.org/pittsburgh/RunForOffice.pdf
I would be interested in knowing about any links posted.

We look forward to seeing you or any of your friends and associates, their friends and associates, and anyone we can reach through this email at the workshop.

Thank you for your help.

Suzanne Broughton
President, League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh

Hey, you. Get onto my cloud.

Call out to artists in Pittsburgh. I'm looking for 3 others who MIGHT want to make/dabble w creation of a VIDEO wall w 12+ monitors. Ping me.

CollegeSwimming.com::Auburn's Quick Diagnosed With Inoperable Cancerous Brain Tumor

Sad, sad news.

CollegeSwimming.com::Auburn's Quick Diagnosed With Inoperable Cancerous Brain Tumor Auburn men’s and women’s head swimming and diving coach Richard Quick has been diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor. One of the most recognizable names in the swimming and diving community, Quick is a six-time United States Olympic coach who has directed 12 teams to NCAA titles.

The Conversation went dark too

With all the talk of burnout and bloggers going AWOL, don't over look the silence from Jonathan Potts.

The Conversation: "Good night and good luck"

His is another blog that I miss. His last post was in September 2008. He was around for four years. But, he had lots of years prior in other roles in the media.

If the burden of blogging is too much for you to bear -- send a digital wink my way and we'll see if it makes sense for you to tag along as a "Running Mate" and just blog under your byline here. But, if you do give-it-up --- do so without pulling the plug on the archives.

Now 2008 is nearly only a memory.

Firmware Verification - DRAFT letter

I'm going to send my own letter. This is a draft from David Powell, my party's chair. I'm the vice-chair. As such, I can be more of an attack dog. I hate it when a bureaucrat plays gatekeeper and closes volunteers, taxpayers, voters, citizens and experts from a watchdog opportunity.

David Powell

Chair, Libertarian Party of Allegheny County

924 Chislett St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15206 

(412) 661-1135

Mr. Mark Wolosik
Manager, Division of Elections, Allegheny County
604 County Office Bldg., 542 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2953
(412) 350-4500

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Dear Mr. Wolosik:

I have been informed that on Monday the 22nd the Division of Elections carried out a procedure to verify the integrity of the software contained within the iVotronic DRE voting terminals employed in Allegheny County. Though many members of my organization would prefer a voting system enabling voters to be sure their votes are recorded as cast, as long as the voters of our County must use paperless electronic voting machines we would certainly hope for any available assurances that they may be operating properly. So it is good news that the County is pursuing this matter.

Unfortunately, I have also been informed that the individual designated by our party to observe the process, Ronald Bandes, was not permitted to participate. Mr. Bandes is a graduate student studying Information Security, Policy, and Management at Carnegie Mellon University and has also served as a poll worker. As you may recall, in the November 2008 general election our party fielded candidates in the state-wide races for President, Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, and also for the 35th district of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. We of course wish votes for our candidates to be accurately counted, and were looking forward to the informed observations which Mr. Bandes volunteered to provide.

I am not an attorney, nor otherwise intimately familiar with the Pennsylvania Election Code. As a layperson, it would seem only natural that all parties with candidates on the ballot in the November general election would be entitled to observe election procedures on an equal basis, in accordance with the requirement in Article 1, Section 5 of the Pennsylvania Constitution that elections be “free and equal.” So that we can plan appropriately for upcoming elections, could you please provide me with your understanding of which provision(s) of law govern who may appoint observers for firmware verification events?
Sincerely and Respectfully,
 
Dave Powell, Chair
 
Allegheny County Libertarian Party

The Marketing Student | Generation Y Marketing Insights � A Look At How Gen Y Communicates

The Marketing Student | Generation Y Marketing Insights � A Look At How Gen Y Communicates: "A Look At How Gen Y Communicates"

My $.02 about the article pointer above.

Frequency of email use is LOW, IMHO.

Facebook includes all blogs?

Tweets?

Blog comments = wall post?

IM=chat?

What about conf call rooms such as TalkShoe.com?

This is why I like Twitter -- pointers to clips like this, for car freaks

The new car is called, the 2012 Pelosi GTxi SS/RT Sport Edition.

Rule change sanity in swimming

Effective January 1, 2009 at all North Texas Swimming, age-group defined, sanctioned meets:

* Swimsuits worn by females for all 14 & Under defined competitions shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the hip.

* Swimsuits worn by males for all 14 & Under defined competitions shall not extend above the hips nor below the knees.

Great rule above. Time for some video fun, however.

This swim suit, worn by Grant in his younger days, shown in the video below, is not going to be legal in a swim meet in Dallas in 2009.

How to qualify for the Ironman Championships

By Nathan Hangen

The Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii is the holy grail for triathletes looking to reach professional status. Just like the Boston Marathon, you have to qualify in a qualifying race to gain entry to the Ironman Champsionships.

Athletes may gain entry into the Ford Ironman World Championship by earning a qualifying slot at one of the 29 worldwide qualifying events - open to citizens of all countries - held throughout the year. Qualifier races vary in length, ranging from 70.3-distance (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) to full Ironman distance (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run). Each event awards Ironman slots to its top age-group finishers, with some races also awarding professional qualifying slots. Athletes may also gain entry by being selected through the Ironman Lottery. You can generally find a list of races at Ironman.com, as well as a list of current qualifiers.If you qualified last year and wonder if you are automatically quailfied for the current year, unfortunately only the age group winners and top ten professional athletes are invited to return. Everyone has has to re-qualify.

If you do not qualify outright, the Ironman does hold a lottery where you may have a chance to participate, however typically slots unknown until all qualifiers are completed. If your country does not have any qualifying races, the only alternative is to race in another country or apply in the lottery. Unfortunately, your chances in the lottery are extremely slim.

Before the race, you must declare your status, and race in that division. Professionals must hold a valid professional/elite card or a letter from their country's federation. This must be submitted with the application. If you qualified as an age grouper and want to race as a pro, you must re-qualify as a professional earning a pro slot. If you race as a professional athlete during the calendar year, you may not race as an age grouper in IRONMAN for that year and the following year.

There are cutoff times that can disqualify you. Currently, the swim is 2.4 miles and the cutoff is 2 hrs. and 20 min., the bike is 112 miles and the cutoff time is 10 hrs and 30 min from the beginning of the race and the run is a full marathon which is 26.2 miles and the cutoff time is 17 hours from the beginning of the race.

Typically, a triathlete trains for 20-22 hours per week to prepare for an Ironman, although you might need more time if you are new to triathlons or Ironman distances. A good rule of thumb when training for each event is:

Miles per week swimming: 7 (11.3 km)
Miles per week biking: 232 (373.3 km)
Miles per week running: 48 (77.2 km)

Lastly, here are the current and future dates of the Ironman World Championship:

2009: 10/10/2009
2010: 10/9/2010
2011: 10/08/2011
2012: 10/13/2012

To prepare for an Ironman or any other Triathlon distance, visit the Triathlon Training Guide. If swimming is your weak event, be sure to read about the Tri Swim Coach Program.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Hangen