Active choice for City Council's Special Election

Active choice: Blotzer deserves a seat on City Council She parts company with Ms. Smith on the question of the city's fiscal overseers, and we share Ms. Blotzer's concern that removing the state constraints too soon could imperil attempts to keep reducing the city's extensive debt load."

Too soon!

Pittsburgh is under the thumb of TWO sets of OVERLORDS. They arrived with glee two mayors ago. The city council special election in a few days is for a seat which was filled twice since the OVERLORDS arrived as well.

The Post-Gazette might want the city to be under the thumb of OVERLORDS for a generation or more? When would it be prudent to show the OVERLORDS the door? I understand that Castro is in his first term in Cuba, but how long does oppression need to linger there and here?

Self government works for me -- and it should work for this city. I don't want my kids to grow up in a place where the citizens elect figureheads who don't really have any power. That's called a puppet government.

Those who want the OVERLORDS to stay are against self-determination. The Post-Gazette editorial board is in that camp -- and same too is a women who seeks to sustain the OVERLORDS presence, Georgia Blotzer.

That is un-American. That is anti-Pittsburgh. That is not the way to freedom and liberty and justice for all.

Pittsburgh needs to elect responsible people who are going to be prudent with the public funds and act is different ways from the ones who drove the city to its ruins. We have to build our city and our neighborhoods to withstand the selfishness and the hopelessness. We need to make hard decisions, ourselves, with our own interests and priorities in place.

The OVERLORDS have failed Pittsburgh. They have done nothing. They don't even meet. They are only here to insure that the big finance types do not get burned with a bankruptcy. I don't say we need to go bankrupt -- but -- we need to think again and use all of our creativity to craft solutions that work.

We need to fix Pittsburgh -- and I feel that those who want to hunker down under the umbrella of OVERLORDS are going to shrink Pittsburgh.

The active choice is to expel the OVERLORDS. That's what Theresa Smith wants, as do I. The active choice is about engagement, and that was the mission of the Parents Engagement Resource Centers (PERCs) of Pgh Public Schools. Theresa Smith ran one of the five PERCs in the city, until the new Superintendent, Mark Roosevelt, axed them. Mark Roosevelt wasn't interested in "engagement" nor "active parents" nor "self-determination."

I know that Theresa Smith knows about engagement. The proof is to understand the engine behind the victory of an election(s) of Dan Deasy.

Here is another point about words and the Post-Gazette's editors.

The special election has one candidate who is a Democrat, one who is a Republican and the others who are not Ds and not Rs -- but might be independent. Just to know, there are not third party candidates in this race: No Libertarian. No Green. No Socialist.

PG miss-reports: The abbreviated schedule has not prevented three Democrats from joining the race: Georgia Blotzer, 59, of Mount Washington is a retired special education teacher; Brendan Schubert, 25, of Westwood is a city zoning administrator;

Wrong. Blotzer and Schubert are not Democrats. Not now. Not in this race. Or, if they say they are, they lie. I don't know if they lie and miss-lead -- but I expect that the P-G did.

In a special election, the D party gets ONE SLOT. That slot was earned by Theresa Smith. The others are not Dems.

P-G reported, wrongly again: Ms. Smith has her party's nomination, conferred in a December vote by members of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. Mr. Schubert also sought the party's backing, but Ms. Blotzer did not.

The December vote for the nomination for the special election was not by members of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. Read the by-laws, editors. People in Scott Township, Plum Boro and Hazelwood did NOT vote for the endorsement. The Dems have a committee that lives in the district of the special election -- City Council District 2. That's much unlike what was reported.

Finally, P-G editors. Put the entire audio file of the endorsement meeting online. Don't only put up the 'highlights.' Why try to hide and trick the readers and voters?

Audio Remarks:

G. Blotzer explains she that she is running for public office on a just hatched idea that was recently given to her, with an initial cold reception of the candidate. She fails the "fire in the belly" test. She fails the planning and preparing test too. More than a year ago, people in the district knew that the State Rep was departing and Dan Deasy was seeking that post, hence that there would be an opening in city council.

The other worry for me is that she wants to be in there to 'legislate.' She hints, again, to the points I've made about over-reaching. Really get in there and legislate. She'll be quick to float folly -- and more of that is what is NOT necessary.

Brenden, 25, is a young 3rd base coach. Meanwhile, Theresa Smith is a league organizer and founder. He has experiences in city planning -- and that department is one of the worst in this city.

Frankly, I don't want to put my health into the hands of a doctor who has suffered from cancer -- and died -- just because he knows the ropes if things take a turn for the worst. Some say the city's planning office shouldn't even exist. Some have taken its steering wheel (Pat Ford) and driven that department within the URA and hit some might big speed bumps. Planning should happen at the county level -- some champion. Planning prevents piss-poor performance. But, Pittsburgh has the later due to bad planning and a cancer-choked planning department. I'd much rather see another from Public Works get elected to council than folks from the planning department.

Brenden might be an angel that emerged from hell. To be sure, he has been around the bases more than just his time in city planning -- but -- not much more.

Chris Metz is also in the race due to recruitment efforts of others. Serving on council may or may not be a passion of his. Politics must be, but holding a local elected office is suspect.

Some recent swim races from the Pgh Public Schools Middle School Championships

200 free. Erik wins!



50 Free. Erik wins!



More to come. Edits happening now.

I.B. High should have a 13th year component. New Prep School options for PPS could do wonders.

A 2008 Schenley grad is now in North Carolina in prep school. (Deandre Kane, Schenley 08, Patterson School in 08-09). He plays basketball. He wants to get a full-scholarship. He wanted to do better in the classroom and in the sports arena. He is taking 13th grade.

Many of the kids who go to West Point and the other military academies also go to a prep school.

The new I.B. High (whatever its name) could provide a 'prep school experience' -- as in 13th grade -- for all the kids who graduate in good standing from any Pittsburgh Public School.

This 13th grade option would help with students who want to get the full IB Diploma, but need more than 2 years to do the work, pass the tests, etc.

The 13th grade option could be for kids who graduate from Westinghouse, Langley, Carrick, Perry, etc, -- who do not want to go straight into college. Perhaps, they didn't get the college of their choice. Rather, these students can take I.B. classes at IB High, save money, yet still get college credit (often) and mature in their book strength and test scores.

The leader of the Pgh Foundation, (Grant O) spoke at a public meeting last year (to Wireless Neighborhoods Annual Meeting) and he said that only 20% of the kids who graduate from college in PPS are able to graduate from college. The greater majority of the few that we do send to college don't succeed there.

I.B. High could strengthen its numbers by offering 13th grade. Kids from suburban schools might choose to go here too. Tuition can be charged to those outside the district, of course.

The PREP experience is NOT like CCAC. Kids who go to CCAC begin the four-year eligibility clock in terms of NCAA sports participation. So, CCAC as a viable option is a problem for a kid who is working to get a sports scholarship. With CCAC classes, those students won't get the sport-scholarship aid nor even be recruited.

The 13th year option would have a wonderful impact with the FOUNDATION COMMUNITY and the Pittsburgh Promise. (It should, in my not so humble opinion.) It is not prudent to send kids to college and have them rack up costly tuition bills only flunk out. That would drain the hope and the limited funds associated with the Pittsburgh Promise. It would be better to pay for the Pittsburgh Public Schools to handle the delivery of 13th grade for some who really want to work at the rigor of the I.B. classes and exams -- and then go to college the following year. Pittsburgh Promise funds could be invested into Pgh Public Schools for this 13th year option as a prep year before college.

We should investigate and discuss and perhaps INSIST that the new I.B.School have a 13th year program.

For the sake of clarity, do not confuse U-Prep with a Prep Year. Pittsburgh Public Schools is opening a University Prep School in The Hill District. It will be a 6-12 school. It has nothing to do with this concept of a prep year at the I.B. High.

Awaiting approval

The following post is waiting for the blog owner's (Matt's) approval in another blog about Georia Blotzer. http://matth614.blogspot.com/2009/01/getting-to-know-georgia-blotzer.html.

An educated person is not going to, IMNSHO, write that she'll be beholden to my constituents and only my constituents.

Sorta like saying a teacher is beholden to the students and only the students -- yet not the facts of history.

It sounds (to me) to be very similar to what Kraus might say. It is a similar theme that hits to the over-reaching of members of city council for the past decades. Kraus said the same because he didn't know of the purpose of government and its oaths -- so as to uphold and defend the constitution.

One with a masters degree should know better. Kraus can be educated and he, I dare say, won't repeat the same goofy statements while on the campaign trails again.

That's why I offer the call out.

Recent example: One of the words in 56 point type (+/- X pts) in the P-G headline on Obama's oath days was "Purpose."

City council can't be about $1-M neighborhood needs slush funds any more. That's what got the city into such a hole it finds itself in today.

Call that 'tongues', and name-call if if makes you fell better -- but I call it typing the obvious and hitting upon issues.

Four running for Deasy's council seat

I've taken these issues and try to show them for what they are worth.

Four running for Deasy's council seat Ms. Blotzer, a retired special education teacher, said the city should 'try to help property owners stay in those properties' that are at risk of going vacant and steer empty buildings into the hands of community groups.

Empty public buildings should be a prime worry of government. Empty schools should be a focus. Empty URA properties.

However, we do not need to take any empty buildings owned by others and put them into public control nor nonprofits.

We need to steer the empty buildings owned by the URA into the hands of taxpayers, not nonprofits, by and large.

The best way to help people keep their buildings is to lower the deed transfer tax. Eliminate that tax so folks can easily upgrade and downgrade without a lot of fees.

The next best way to help people keep their buildings is to go to a land-value tax. Allow for property upgrades without increases in taxes. People should not be penalized for fixing their homes and investments.

Super Bowl Ads. Let the games begin with a marketing blitz!

Sanjay from Retrevo.com, a product review search engine focused solely on electronics, has a cute tie in to the Super Bowl and buying the right HDTV.

http://www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2009/01/seven-super-bowl-hdtv-mistakes-you-can-avoid

Favorite podcast, Free Talk Live, gets running mates with network

These guys are expanding in a big way.

Thanks to the AMPlifiers, now FTL is helping promote other great liberty-oriented shows via the Liberty Radio Network! Please help support FTL and Liberty Radio Network by joining AMP at http://amp.freetalklive.com.

Now you can listen to the best liberty-oriented shows on the internet all in one handy live stream! Introducing The Liberty Radio Network - 24/7 streaming of the most recent episodes of great programming like Gardner Goldsmith's Liberty Conspiracy, The Lew Rockwell Show, Freedomain Radio, Antiwar Radio, Complete Liberty, Free Minds Radio, Bureaucrash's Podcrash, and of course, FTL. Plus, you'll also hear live programs originating from our studio in Keene, New Hampshire when they happen! Listen in 64k broadband or 8k dialup at LibertyRadioNetwork.com.

FYI: The Liberty Radio Network streams are in addition to our existing FTL 24/7 streams. If want you want is FTL virtually anytime, just tune in at http://listen.freetalklive.com ! Additionally, we have tweaked our streaming bitrates. Our low bandwidth / dialup stream is now 8 kbps in streaming .mp3 instead of .aac and our broadband stream is now 64 kbps.

If I could only get Ron Morris and these FTL guys hooked up, I'd be in heaven.

Black Pee. No longer red.

Speaken me pirate... black "P," mind ya, yinzers.

Pirates unveil new uniforms for 2009 | pirates.com: NewsThe new black alternate jersey, which will be worn on select home and road games, is adorned with the classic gold 'P' on the left chest. The Pirate 'P' is making a return onto the jersey for the first time in 74 years. It was back in 1935 that a 'P,' which was red and located on the left chest, was last found on the jersey.

School Web Sites -- promises and planning

After my rant in Thursday's email about the Schenley web site that has no information because the district had locked out the school's web masters, I sent an email Friday afternoon to Mark Conner, director of Family and Community Engagement for the PPS district. Mark's office is the one responsible for the Parent Engagement Tuesdays and the Excellence for All Steering committee of which I am one of Schenley's 4 reps.

About 30 minutes after I sent the email, at 4:30 on a Friday afternoon, I received a phone call from the PPS. Typical parent of a teenager, when I saw the number on caller id, I had a moment of panic (my son was skiing with the Schenley ski club). As my good Aussie friend always says, "No Worries!" It was Mark Conner who thought a direct phone call would be more efficient than sending emails back and forth. We talked for at least 15 minutes; he listened to my frustrations with the district's horrible communication with parents and told me of the new system that is now ready for use. And of course got me to vounteer to help with the implementation! More meetings?!?!? I don't know if things will be better but at least I truly felt that someone was listening and would try to help.

I am hoping that at the very least we can have a calendar on-line that has ALL school activities. It would be nice to know ahead of time without having to dig through layers on the board web site that there is no volleyball open gym on Wednesday because there is a girls' basketball game. Mr. Conner also said that they will have something to replace the old Dashboard system that will be easier for the teachers to use. Those of us who were at Frick really appreciated the information that was available on dashboard.

Just wanted to share my positive response.
amy moore

We'll celebrate after the fix is live. And, with Dashboard, there was a fix that is now broken again. Dashboard worked in many settings, but not any more. So, this is two steps backwards.

The best thing that could be done with the calendar effort is Google Calendars. The district can use them. They are mission critical, open, free and robust. Each school can have its own calendar. The each parent can subscribe to the calendar from each school. Likewise, central administration should have its own calendar. Then that can be subscribed to as well, if those are interested.

Give edit capabilities to the calendar to dozen of people, from principals, to secretaries, to board members, to teachers, athletic directors and even coaches. Same too with the super-volunteer parents. If they miss-use the calendar, or if they don't use the calendar well, nuke them from user status.

I wish that those on Grant Street and the city's clerk office would use a Google Calendar. I've got a public events calendar. If others want to subscribe to it, feel free. It is at the left hand side of this blog. And, if you'd like to be a contributor / running mate, just comment or send me an email. Then your events can go right into that calendar. But, the best thing might be to open your own calendar and then i can click and copy the events in an easy way into my public calendar.

Mr. Orr of Framingham, Mass, runs up against the man, in an NPO suit

This was shared on E-Democracy.Org public list. Interesting. (Tiny edits by blog editor)

In the sleepy little town of Framingham, Massachusetts, the biggest social service agency (SSA) in the town, sued the town and 13 of its town officials. I'm one of them. This all started in Nov '07. The officials were sued both in their official and in their individual capacities. The suit is available at

http://smog.org/

This town is massively overrun with SSAs and their associated programs. A few raw numbers: Based on population size, by proportion, we should expect to see about 45 programs, 7 agencies and 3 Level 3 sex offenders. Instead we have ~250, 48, and 28, respectively. SMOC is the biggest of the big three in this town and they are a $60M/year operation. They are the ones suing us in Federal Court. (Have you ever heard that old expression, "Don't make a Federal case out of it."?) The suit is totally ridiculous.

Also, a big part of the problem is that SMOC is structured in such a way that they bring people into the town from outside the region. Their clientele is largely based on violent criminals and drug addicts. And, their system is designed with what they call the "Continuum of Care", which keeps their clientele in their programs (and by implication in Framingham) till they die (or until they get better?).

The charges include:
* Conspiracy to create an atmosphere of discrimination against the
handicapped.
* Libel.
* Violation of the Fair Housing laws.

etc...

All news articles since it started are available at

http://frambors.syslang.net/smoc/articles/

So why am I bothering you poor people with this nonsense? I'm one of the people being sued and part of the reason they're going after me is because of the mailing list I run in this town. The list is open to the public, but there is a strong sentiment against the agencies that has been expressed by people, and this includes myself. SMOC would love to shut this list down, the same way that they are demanding that the whole town be placed into receivership.

There's a lot here and I could go on for many hours, but the gist of things as I suspect is relevant to this group is here. And BTW, they're not doing very well. They never expected that we'd actually try to defend ourselves, and because the town's liability policy kicked in, they're being forced to spend about $1 for every $.15 that we spend.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Steven Orr, Framingham

Rec Report hits upon the two guards parable

Love the parable.

Citizens for Legitimate Government: "Imagine two doors, as in Kafka's 'Before the Law.' The first door is guarded by a big bad mean old guard, who says you cannot go into the chamber to confront the law. But, he tells you, if you do get through this door, the one he guards, then you will be confronted by another guard at a second door; this second guard is even more resolved, five times stronger, and more intent on keeping you out than the first guard. This is what the first guard tells you of the second. And the first guard is right.

This is a parable. The first guard is the Republican Party, the Old Garde. This guard will not let you by him, but if you do manage it, you face the real obstacle to change. The second guard represents the Democratic Party, the Avant Garde (from the perspective of the moment). This second guard is the real obstacle to change. This guard has the system's well being at stake every bit as much as does the first guard. Only this guard isn't seen by most people as a guard, because he's only an obstacle if one gets past the first guard, and actually demands to get past him as well, which seldom happens.

Hate the conclusion.

Fishermen and Fishers of Men.

Two Burmese survive month at sea in an ice box - Yahoo! News Two Myanmar fishermen have survived for almost a month in shark-infested waters by floating in a large ice box after their boat sank, rescue officials said.

In other news, the final service at Grace Memorial Presby Church with Johnnie Monroe is today. May his retirement be fruitful and full of peace -- and activities!

Calling for 2 hour delay for Monday, Feb 2

Monday, Feb 2, 2009, Pittsburgh Public Schools should have a two-hour delay. This delay should be announced on Wednesday, at the latest.

Sunday, Feb 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the SuperBowl, of course.

On Monday, Feb 2, a two hour delay would be most welcomed.

By the way, there is no school on Monday and Tuesday of this week. These days were slated to be without students as the yearly calendar was released. They are in-service days.

So, what do you say? Agree? Mr. Roosevelt, make it so.

---

As of Tuesday, we lear that Western Pennsylvania's Eat N’ Park Restaurants Will Close Early On Super Bowl Sunday http://www.wpxi.com/tu/5E8FAMfx3.html

Some notes from Libertarian Party meeting

Dave Powell, Libertarian Party Chair, stated that our priority now should be to recruit candidates for the local elections this coming November. Petitioning to get on the ballot will begin soon.

Dave Eckhardt suggested that we arrange a showing of the movie, IOUSA, for a combined meeting of the Pitt and CMU libertarian groups. He also suggested that we look into speakers for our student chapters since funding may be available from the Leadership Institute. Ron Paul would be a big draw if we could manage to engage him.

Dave Powell reported on the Pa. Ballot Access project. The Voters Choice Act will be reintroduced this session in the state Senate by Senator Fulmer, along with several other cosponsors. It is hoped that more senators can be induced to sign on as cosponsors in order to give the bill more visibility in the legislature.

Dave Eckhardt discussed the latest developments in the effort to demonstrate reliability of the electronic voting machines in Allegheny County. The failure to do so
may be good ammunition for the VCA.

There was some discussion of developing a platform for our chapter that would cover issues in Allegheny County.

Pittsburgh Schools Volunteer For Audit - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Schools Volunteer For Audit - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh: "But a recent investigation by the Women's Law Project of Southwestern Pennsylvania High Schools found a problem.

'It looks as though two out of three high school athletes in southwestern Pennsylvania are male. And that for every dollar spent on athletics for boys, only 69 cents is spent on athletics for girls,' said Sue Frietsche of the Women's Law Project."

City Parking Authority needs council appointee, Dowd says

City Parking Authority needs council appointee, Dowd says: "'This is hundreds of millions of dollars at question here,' Mr. Dowd said, after sending a letter to Mr. Ravenstahl urging that council be brought into the process. 'You can't make that decision without collaboration, consensus, and without a duly constituted board with clear membership.'

Dowd has a clear mandate to lead the urban youth / recreation committee. We're holding out hope for collaboration and consensus with how to better play with our kids in our public facilities.

Good to poke the mayor with his duty to keep the authorities at full membership.

Sell off the parking authority assets. Liquidate. Don't lease.

Furthermore, let's have retention votes for every authority member. Then we'll have some accountability.

Wheeling Jesuit University freezes tuition

First, YSU does a deal for those in Allegheny County and others in southwestern PA. Now this good news of another local college.

Wheeling Jesuit University freezes tuition: "'Higher learning is a critically important reality in American culture. It's also expensive,' School President the Rev. Julio Giulietti said in a statement. 'Although Wheeling Jesuit University has always tried to keep the seemingly inevitable rise of tuition at an affordable rate, the present national and international financial crisis demands a more radical response.'

Undergraduate tuition is $23,590 per year."

Too bad WJU is NOT eligible for Pittsburgh Promise scholarship money. It would be great if some went there -- from the city -- with Pittsburgh Promise funds.

Do an extra assignment

I posted, again, at the PureReform blog in the wake of a discussion about NCLB (No Child Left Behind).

You know, if the tools in NCLB have measures and benchmarks that are not 'just' nor 'accurate' -- and I think this might be spot on -- then why not issue another, better, more insightful report card and measurement stick with the corresponding tic marks.

Do another report card.

Sure, you gotta do what the NCLB forumla requires, if you want to dance that dance. Understood.

But, great leaders would go above and beyond. They could make their own data open and assign ways to measure and report those facts.

I hear a lot of moans -- but -- the proof is in the performance and the story that can be delivered and supported by the paid leadership of the district.

Sure, pull out the special ed folks. Put them on a different scale. Then what?

Life and our schools are an open book test. Do the homework. Then, do an extra assignment. Go above and beyond. Make challenges that greatly exceed what is required.

Instant Message to Marty Griffin

The Fed dollars that pays for the tunnel under the Allegheny River for light-rail to the stadiums is still OUR MONEY. It comes from the pocket, wallet or purse -- local, state or feds -- but it is still, all of it, OUR MONEY.

Don't build the tunnel because as a FEDERAL taxpayer, it is a waste of money.

Better things can be done with government money.

To win the 'shut it down fight' -- you'll need to get NATIONAL advocates to help. Those in Iowa, Alaska, Calif, Florida, etc., need to help put a fork in it for the benefit of the locals because the local politicians are too drunk to refuse PORK, even worthless PORK.

Pittsburgh Hoagie covers candidate Q&A: Georgia

Three cheers to Matt Hogue for getting insights from candidates in the special election for city council district 2 out into the view of others. Well done Matt. Keep up the great work on your blog.

Now, let's take a look at the statements from Georgia.

Pittsburgh Hoagie: All meat no filler: "Pittsburgh City Council candidate Georgia Blotzer was gracious enough to answer some questions about his campaign."

My replies to her answers. I've reposted these remarks from the comments at Matt's blog. Go there to sustain the conversation, please.

---

Thanks for taking a lead on these Q&As. Wonderful.

My $.02 replies to her remarks follow.

Those interested in responsible and sustainable development should be "developers" in the private sector. You can't do -- it is impossible -- development from the public sector. Those that want to do that need to be embraced in the private sector and disgraced if they dare step within the public / elected world.

When the policitians become the developers, then the developers begin to write the laws.

The way to structure development is to leave it alone within the realm of gov and insure that gov is fair, just, trusted, honest, open. Care -- but never dabble (gov folks).

Once the foundation is provided with gov -- then private money will arrive, without the bribes.

A land-tax policy would do the most to end vacant and abandoned property. That should be the long range plan.

In 5 and 10 years, I want my community to look like things that are hard to visualize -- because it needs to be free and smart. Looks are skin deep. Beijing was spotless in August 2008. I do want that litter control, but not the associated acts of repression.

A BBI overhaul = good thing. Okay answer.

Good to have candidates standing for office.

I don't want people to support needs of the residents of Dist 2 -- unless those needs are about freedom, liberties and constitutional elements. The 'selfishness' of our politicians causes the over-reaching crap that we are swamped by now.

Why didn't the #1 campaign finance reform reformer speak when the issue was before council twice (if not dozens of times) in the past?

Be beholden to concepts of freedom and justice -- not your union card and diploma.

Penn Hills linebacker Mason picks Pitt

Humm...

Penn Hills linebacker Mason picks Pitt: "'The main thing is that I was real comfortable with the coaches at Pitt,' he said. 'They have been recruiting me for three years and I've had a great relationship with all those guys. I took my time with this decision because I wanted to have no doubt and I have no doubt. I know that Pitt is the right place for me.'

School news with Schenley and Frick

Frick PSCC
To help with the transition to the combined schools in the Reizenstein building, Mrs. Facaros plans to invite the Frick PSCC to the Schenley PSCC meeting to be held on April 15, 2009. On April 3, which is scheduled as a half-day, the Frick teachers and staff will be invited to the Reizenstein building to view facilities. The building will be off-limits during the summer while construction/maintenance/repairs/adaptations are completed. In May, the Schenley PSCC meeting will be held at Frick.

4Sight testing has been rescheduled for Jan. 29, 2009. Senior IB students who are registered to take the IB diploma are asked to report to school by 8:00 am. The students will have an opportunity to work on programme requirements. All other seniors should report to the library to work on college aps, FAFSA forms, grad projects. If a senior is not at school by 8 am, arrival time should be 10:45 so as to not disrupt testing.

Feb. 5 -- Winter Concert and FAFSA Workshop--details for the concert will be given later. The FAFSA workshop is sponsored by NEED and is a hands-on session to complete the required financial aid forms for nearly all colleges.

Tech use -- A possible topic for future PSCC meetings is the use and/or abuse of technology at the school. The meeting would cover cyber bullying, text messaging, LOUD mp3s among other subjects.

Prom -- The prom is a privilege not a right.

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE FOR 2ND SEMESTER -- It became obvious early in the school year that the activity period as scheduled was not working. More planning and coordination was needed to provide meaningful activities for students. For the remainder of the school year, most students will report to their period 9 class and will remain there until the end of the day (84 minutes). Students will be required to have a written pass to go to another teacher/classroom for tutoring or activities. (Three classes could not be rescheduled and will continue to meet 10th period--chorus, health, and ???).

PLAY PRACTICE --A bus leaves Reizenstein at 5 pm to take the students to Peabody for play practice. Approximately 45 kids take the bus. Sorry, I didn't get the title of the play or any details but it is supposed to be Shakespeare set to music. As soon as I get more details, I will send them because the Schenley musical is ALWAYS a highlight of the school year.

PEABODY --A parent asked what the current plans are regarding Peabody and the students currently attending there. Mr. Huber who was on the site selection committee for the IB school said that Peabody was a unanimous selection of the committee. (I don't know what other sites were considered but Westinghouse, although beautiful facilities is not accessible to magnet students by bus and Reizenstein would cost too much money to adapt for continued use as a high school). The board has not yet voted on the selection. Data has shown that only 25% of students in the Peabody feeder pattern actually attend the school and the building is seriously underutilized. No plans have yet been announced for the placement of the remaining students if the school does get approved for the IB school.

WEB SITE -- The district is continuing to upgrade the website and coordinate all information. At this time each individual school is prevented from adding any information except the daily bulletin. The school calendar is controlled by the district which means there is NO useful information on the calendar, except for district wide dates.

If you have been reading my emails over the past 4 years or attended any meetings with me, you know that the lack of communication has been one of my biggest gripes. This is the computer age!!!! It is absolutely ridiculous that a school district the size of Pittsburgh cannot get this right. Parent Engagement is a nice catchy phrase but it is hard to be engaged when you have such difficulty getting information. I know that there are many things that we cannot change due to money issues but this is something that would not take much money to fix and would go a long way toward making parents feel engaged. Please call the Parent Hotline and ask when the system will be fully functioning.

Parent Hotline: 412-622-7920


COLLEGE FAIR -- This was not mentioned at the meeting but the date is coming very soon. On Feb 5, 2009, from 9-1 and 6-9, and Feb 6, from 9-12 at the convention center is the NACAC College Fair. Students beginning their college search might find some useful information (http://www.nacacnet.org/EventsTraining/CollegeFairs/ncf/Spring/Pages/PittsburghNCF.aspx)

REMINDER:

Today, Jan. 22, Financial Aid Night at Reizenstein Library. 6-8 PM in the cafetorium.

Feb. 5, FAFSA Parent Night, 6-8 PM in room 144

11th Grade PSSA Preparation, Saturday sessions beginning Jan. 31. Incentives will be given to participants.

Feb 18, IB parent meeting at 5 pm., PSCC meeting at 6 pm., in the library.
Feb 25., parent meeting for current 10th grade students considering IB.

Lots of information. If you have any additions, corrections, or questions, please email, Amy Moore.

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Obama speech censored in China

Interesting. Read the full article.

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Obama speech censored in China 'To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history,' the president said.

Once again, Xinhua included the passage in full in its English version, but the sentence was taken out of the Chinese translation.

Similar changes were made to versions of the speech that appeared on other websites based in China.

And websites were not the only media organisations that struggled to report some of the comments made by President Obama.

China Central Television, the country's main broadcaster, aired the speech live with a simultaneous Chinese translation.

But when the translator got to the part where President Obama talked about facing down communism, her voice suddenly faded away.

The programme suddenly cut back to the studio, where an off-guard presenter had to quickly ask a guest a question.

Censoring sensitive news reports is nothing new in China, where officials go to great lengths to cut critical material.

No bailout, no connector, agency says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Shut it down.

No bailout, no connector, agency says - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "unforeseen costs added $117.8 million to the North Shore Connector's $435 million price tag and threaten to shut down the project without a bailout from a proposed federal economic stimulus package.

Education: Board members waiting on CEP progress reports - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh

Coverage in the City Paper about schools.

Education: Board members waiting on CEP progress reports - News - News - Pittsburgh City Paper - Pittsburgh: "Since the start of the 2007-08 school year, Community Education Partners (CEP) -- a private, Nashville-based alternative education company -- has been in charge of educating the city district's most academically and behaviorally challenged 6-12th-grade students.

Perhaps the high jumps in test scores are from the low starting point.

It amazes me that the elected board members are kept in the dark and allow that to linger. The board is fine in allowing little or no news to reach them. That type of oversight is what is killing this region. I want elected board members to be accountable and I want them to be holding others accountable. I want them to be the ones who hold the light high for all to see what's going on in our agencies and institutions. They have to carry the torch. It has to burn bright. And, they've got to do their jobs well.

Finger wagging isn't the same as lighting a torch and holding it high. Be ready to expose and flame as needed, PPS Board. Enough is enough. If you don't have the numbers and scores and a clear understanding of the methods used, in our schools, then fix it. Find out. Don't let them stonewall you -- nor us. Otherwise, you're just a puppet to the administration and this is the proof.

RootsCamp Pittsburgh is this weekend

Dear Camper:

RootsCamp is only days away! We're going to have a great day of learning, sharing and fun. And you can make it even better if you come prepared for the unique RootsCamp experience.

* Be ready to participate. Rule #1 at RootsCamp is there are no spectators. We expect everyone to share their ideas and experiences.

* Be ready to lead. If you have an idea for a session, propose it on the Sessions page of our website http://rootscamppittsburgh2009.pbwiki.com/Session-Topics Just click on the edit tab near the top of the page, type or paste in your idea, then click save at the bottom of the page. On Saturday, post your idea on the Sessions grid and lead your group's discussion.

* Bring your own materials. We're providing the space, food and fellow travelers. You will need to bring your own pen, paper for note taking and any presentation materials if you leading a session. We will have one projector and we will probably have some flip charts. But not every meeting space will have them. So, if you absolutely need a projector, flip charts or anything else, please bring it yourself.

* RootsCamp food will be basic. We'll have coffee and donuts for a breakfast snack. We'll have sub sandwiches and water for lunch. If you need more than that, please bring your own. We'll have a vegetarian option, but if you have other dietary needs, please bring your own food and beverages. It's not that we're not sensitive to special needs. It's just that we are running this on an all-volunteer basis and charging only $10 for everything. We simply don't have the resources to do everything we would like to do.

* Bring materials about your progressive organization to share. We'll have a table for you to place your literature for other campers to read.

* Bring friends and allies. It's not too late to register. http://rootscamppittsburgh2009.pbwiki.com Invite at least 5 of your progressive activist friends to come. Send them an email today telling them why you're coming, or forward one of our previous emails. The more people at RootsCamp, the better the experience.

I'm excited to be a part of Pennsylvania's first RootsCamp. And I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Mike

Michael Morrill, Executive Director, Keystone Progress
Follow us on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/keystoneprogres

I'm at twitter too at http://twitter.com/rauterkus.

Just used LinkedIn to post to Pgh Public Schools forum

Hi Folks with an interest in Pgh Public Schools at LinkedIn,

Here is a FYI about Frick Middle School, located in Oakland, now in its last school year.

Yesterday (WED) the swimmers at Frick had their last city championships and won, again, easily. I'll put a few races onto my blog by the end of the day.

Today, (Thurs) there are two city-wide basketball championship game for boys and for girls (Middle School). Frick is in both games and the games are at Frick. The one starts about 2 or so and the other following. Frick has fine teams there too.

So, if your in Oakland and want to cheer -- and visit the school -- while it is still a middle school -- drop by.

I'm sad to see Frick close. It has been a good school on most fronts. Next year the school flips to a botique school and rumor has it that there will be NO afterschool activities. NONE. Zippo.

Go figure.

---

Update: I was told these are only playoff games and not the championship game today.

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.