Obama, Chicago, Protestors, Olympics

Olympics in Chicago: 'Obama's Folly'?

By Dave Zirin

Recently Barack Obama criticized planned protests at the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh because, as he knew from his Chicago days, "focusing on concrete, local, immediate issues that have an impact on people's lives is what really makes a difference and...having protests about abstractions [such] as global capitalism or something, generally, is not really going to make much of a difference."

Well, on September 29 at Chicago's City Hall a protest will take place that will focus on a "concrete, local, immediate issue," putting the protesters across the barricades from Barack and Michelle Obama as well as the all-powerful Democratic political machine of the city. The issue is the 2016 Olympic bid and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's political pact with the Obamas to see the Games come to the Windy City. Mayor Daley, rocking a 35 percent approval rating, says that the Games would be "a huge boost to our economy, raising it to a new level. The Games will help us recover sooner from the recession that still grips our nation and enable us to better compete in the global economy."

There is only one problem with this argument: the history of the Olympic Games almost without exception brands it as a lie.

In fact, the very idea that Chicago could be the setting for the Olympics could have been hatched by Jon Stewart for a four-year supply of comedic fodder. To greater or lesser degrees, the Olympics bring gentrification, graft and police violence wherever they nest. Even without the Olympic Games, Chicago has been ground zero in the past decade for the destruction of public housing (gentrification), political corruption (it ain't just Blagojevich; I can't remember the last Illinois governor who didn't end up behind bars) and police violence (the death row torture scandals). Bringing the Olympics to this town would be like sending a gift basket filled with chardonnay to the Betty Ford Clinic: overconsumption followed by disaster.

It's also difficult for Chicago residents to see how this will help their pocketbooks, given that Daley pledged to the International Olympic Committee that any cost overruns would be covered by taxpayers.

This is why a staggering 84 percent of the city opposes bringing the Games to Chicago.

The Obamas, former Chicago residents, should be standing with their city. Instead, Michelle Obama is preparing a presentation for the International Olympic Committee's decision-making meeting in Copenhagen on October 2. And amid a roiling national debate on healthcare, President Obama may also be there to join his wife in the effort. As No Games Chicago Organizer Tom Tresser said to me, "Why would Obama, who has so far escaped the taint of Chicago politics, connect himself to the mayor's obsession? If we get the Games, and then the scandals start unfolding--they will be 'Obama's Games' and 'Obama's folly' just as much as the mayor will be saddled with the blame.... Why would the president turn his back on 84 percent of the city that gave him his start in civic life?"

But we shouldn't be surprised at this point that Obama is tin-eared to the concerns of Chicago residents. As Paul Krugman wrote September 20 on the banker bonuses, "the administration has suffered more than it seems to realize from the perception that it's giving taxpayers' hard-earned money away to Wall Street."

Shoveling taxpayers' money into the Olympic maw is no better, especially in these tough times. The people of Chicago are feeling this acutely, and it's why they are going out to protest against the will of a ruthless political machine and a popular president.

No Games Chicago organizer Alison McKenna said, "I oppose the Olympics coming to Chicago because instead of putting money toward what people really need, money will be funneled to real estate developers who will be tearing down Washington Park and other important community resources. I oppose the Olympics coming to Chicago because the nonprofit child-welfare agency that I work for had to sustain budget cuts and layoffs, while Chicago has spent $48.2 million on the 2016 Olympic bid, as of July 2009."

At this point in history, the right wing is shamelessly adopting populist rhetoric and the power of protest to sell an agenda of racism and fear wrapped in taxpayer protection. The left looks immobilized and fears that its man in Washington will be offended if it raises more than a peep (the LGBT community being a welcome exception to this dynamic). The protest on September 29 will be an ideal opportunity to offer a pole of attraction on the left for people furious at corporate greed amid a recession. Glenn Beck and Ron Paul cannot become the loudest voices against corporate greed.

There is nothing "abstract" about what the Olympics will do to Chicago. Obama likes to talk about the political tenacity of the Chicago Way. Olympic opponents will need to bring their version of the "Chicago Way" to City Hall.

[Dave Zirin is the author of “A People’s History of Sports in the United States” (The New Press) Receive his column every week by emailing dave@edgeofsports.com. Contact him at edgeofsports@gmail.com.]

Update

Update

Please post comments at the link. The Olympic-lovers are on the attack on the comments boards!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-zirin/obamas-olympic-error_b_302025.html
Obama’s Olympic Error

UPDATED

By Dave Zirin

President Barack Obama is now en route to Copenhagen in an effort to sell Chicago as the site of the 2016 Summer Olympics. In the process, he may be selling Chicago down the river. Obama is joined arm-in-arm with his wife Michelle on one side and Mayor Richard Daley's Chicago political machine on the other. Michelle Obama says, "My father was disabled, and I think what it would have meant for him to see someone in his shoes compete. Kids need to see that and that needs to be celebrated just as much, if not more." This seems more like an argument to support the Paralympics (a tremendous event) but that's beside the point. Michelle Obama should perhaps realize that if the Olympics had come to Chicago when she was a young girl on Chicago's working class south side, her home may have been torn down to make way for an Olympic facility. No word on how being out of house and home would have helped her disabled father.

Mayor Daley, rocking a 35 percent approval rating, says that the Games would be "a huge boost to our economy, raising it to a new level. The Games will help us recover sooner from the recession that still grips our nation and enable us to better compete in the global economy."

There is only one problem with this argument: the history of the Olympic Games almost without exception brands it as a lie. As Sports Illustrated's Michael Fish - an Olympic supporter - has written, "You stage a two-week athletic carnival and, if things go well, pray the local municipality isn't sent into financial ruin."
In fact, the very idea that Chicago could be an appropriate setting for the Olympics might have been hatched by Jon Stewart for a four-year supply of comedic fodder. To greater or lesser degrees, the Olympics bring gentrification, graft and police violence wherever they nest. Even without the Olympic Games, Chicago has been ground zero in the past decade for the destruction of public housing, political corruption raised to an art form, and police violence. Bringing the Olympics to this town would be like sending a gift basket filled with bottles of Jim Beam to the Betty Ford Clinic: over-consumption followed by disaster.

It's also difficult for Chicago residents to see how this will help their pocketbooks, given that Daley pledged to the International Olympic Committee that any cost overruns would be covered by taxpayers.

This is why a staggering 84 percent of the city opposes bringing the Games to Chicago if it costs residents a solitary dime. Even if the games were to go off without a hitch - which would happen only if the setting was lovely Shangri-La - not even half the residents would support hosting the Games.

The Obamas, former Chicago residents, should be standing with their city. Instead, we have the sight of Barack, Michelle, and Oprah trying to outmuscle Pele and Brazil for a place at the Olympic trough. The question is why. Maybe Obama wants the Olympic fairy dust enjoyed by Ronald Reagan at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles or Bill Clinton at the 1996 games in Atlanta. Or perhaps he is returning favor to the developers and other sundry connected people in the Windy City who will make out like bandits once the smoke has cleared. But his intentions are clear: he wants the glitz, glamour, and prestige of the games and he wants it for the Daley machine. What the people of Chicago want doesn't seem to compute.


But we shouldn't be surprised at this point that Obama is tin-eared to the concerns of Chicago residents. As Paul Krugman wrote Sept. 20 on the banker bonuses, "the administration has suffered more than it seems to realize from the perception that it's giving taxpayers' hard-earned money away to Wall Street." Shoveling taxpayers' money into the Olympic maw is no better, especially in these tough times.

No Games Chicago organizer Alison McKenna said to me, "I oppose the Olympics coming to Chicago because instead of putting money toward what people really need, money will be funneled to real estate developers who will be tearing down Washington Park and other important community resources. I oppose the Olympics coming to Chicago because the nonprofit child-welfare agency that I work for had to sustain budget cuts and layoffs, while Chicago has spent $48.2 million on the 2016 Olympic bid, as of July 2009."

There is an urgency to building resistance to these kinds of priorities. Right now, the right wing is shamelessly adopting populist rhetoric and the power of protest to sell an agenda of racism and fear wrapped in taxpayer protection. The big public voice against Obama's trip to Copenhagen has been the repellent RNC chief Michael Steele who believes, and this is hilarious, that "At a time of war and recession" Obama needs to stay home. It shouldn't be a scoundrel like Steele who represents a party of privatization and occupation who delivers that message. Now is the time to build a pole of attraction on the left for people furious at corporate greed amidst a recession. This needs to happen, and not just for the Windy City. It's about building a vibrant protest movement that believes in social justice not the rank divisiveness of the right. Obama likes to say that change comes from "outside Washington." It's time to take him at his word.

[Dave Zirin is the author of “A People’s History of Sports in the United States” (The New Press) Receive his column every week by emailing dave@edgeofsports.com. Contact him at edgeofsports@gmail.com .]

Conservatives chime in on global money ills in G-20 precursor

I was there. It was a great event. I've got it on video too. Stay tuned.

Conservatives chime in on global money ills in G-20 precursor - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Conservatives chime in on global money ills in G-20 precursor by By Mike Wereschagin of the Trib

Railing against the G-20: It's not just for liberals anymore.

"You don't have to be a socialist to be concerned about the G-20," said Thomas Woods, one of three speakers at Freedom Conference 2009, a conservative forum billed as a "free-market alternative to the G-20."

The event Tuesday night attracted about 100 people to Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland.

"They tell us no one could've predicted" the global economic crisis, said Woods, an author and economist. "There were people who did predict and, by and large, it was free-market economists who predicted it."

Sounding at times like marchers who have been protesting the Group of 20 economic summit since Sunday, speakers and attendees repeatedly blamed "the system" for creating the recession and saving only the wealthy and well-connected.

"We agree on what's wrong. We don't agree on the right way to fix it," said Tom Kawczynski, president of the Republican Assembly of Greater Pittsburgh. One of the organizing groups, the assembly is not part of the official local party structure but touts itself as the "Republican wing of the Republican Party."

"This system attracts predators," said author and activist G. Edward Griffin. "They call themselves statesmen, but they are predators."

Others warned that huge debt owed to central banks around the world has created a behind-the-scenes government to which elected leaders are beholden.

"The countries of the world owe the banks 67 percent of their GDP," said Joan Veon, founder of the Women's International Media Group and another speaker. "This is what we call world government."

Tribune-Review columnist Dimitri Vassilaros served as master of ceremonies.

Woods blamed the Federal Reserve and other central financial institutions -- the World Bank and International Monetary Fund among them - for the depth of the recession.

"We can talk about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but that's small potatoes to the Federal Reserve," Woods said.

Disconnecting U.S. currency from the gold standard allowed the congressionally created bank to manipulate interest rates by printing more money whenever it wanted, he said. That kept interest rates too low and ended the post-dot-com recession before the market could correct itself, he said. "The system contributes to this problem."

Melina Brajovic, 42, an attendee from Blawnox, gathered signatures for a petition asking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring to the floor a bill, sponsored by Libertarian hero and Texas Rep. Ron Paul, calling for an audit of the Federal Reserve.

"We need to bring our currency back to the gold standard," said Brajovic, who immigrated to the United States in 1985 from Serbia.

Among her signatories was Mike Ott, 48, of Hampton.

"I believe we should audit the Federal Reserve and take back the right to print our own money," Ott said. He called the nation's central banking authority "unconstitutional" and "morally wrong."

The forum was organized by a coalition of conservative groups looking for an excuse to get together. The G-20 summit provided that excuse, Kawczynski said.

"The entire world has come to talk of what will be, and we know we need to be a voice in these discussions," Kawczynski said.

While liberal groups march against the G-20's role in promoting international trade and globalization, the Freedom Conference's problem with the gathering is that world leaders are putting too many restrictions on trade.

"Look at carbon caps," Kawczynski said, referring to proposals being discussed among world leaders to limit countries' carbon emissions. "They're creating a market, putting a price on something you didn't have to pay for before."

Liberals have blamed the bank collapses and home foreclosures on free-market excesses, while the conservatives said the blame lies with government meddling in the market, mostly through its monetary policy.

"It doesn't matter what race you are. It doesn't matter what class you are. Bad monetary policy affects you," said Herman Bauer, 25, of Mt. Oliver Borough.

Bauer worries policies such as the 2008 bank bailouts and 2009 stimulus package required the Federal Reserve to print so much money, the dollar was emptied of its value.

"I definitely think the worst is yet to come," Bauer said. "The dollar is completely devalued."

Bailing out financial firms whose risky behavior led to the global credit crisis last year encourages entrepreneurs who are "crazy, risk-prone drunkards, basically," Woods said.

Distrust of the Fed runs so deep, Bauer insinuated it is responsible for the assassination of President Kennedy, who he said was the "last president that seriously worked to get us off the Federal Reserve."

To do it over again - boys -- be dancers!

Tonight, Tuesday, see you at Soldiers & Sailors Hall in Oakland.

The educational event begins at 7 pm. Arrive earlier to mingle. See FreedomConference2009.com

ONE campaign to hold a panel discussion on Wednesday afternoon. It will be at the University of Pittsburgh and offer a variety of perspectives on the G-20 response to the global economic crisis and the challenges ahead, with a focus on the well-being of the world’s poor. Participants in the panel include current and former senior officials, plus leading experts and advocates for global poverty reduction. Sponsored by the Center for Global Development, the ONE campaign, and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Threat of shark attacks doesn't deter new host Sydney - Universal Sports

Threat of shark attacks doesn't deter new host Sydney - Universal Sports: "'They can't eat us all.'"

The Port of Pittsburgh Commission

Can you canoe? Not here then.

The Port of Pittsburgh Commission: "No person, vessel, article, or thing shall enter into, depart from, or move within the security zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or his authorized representative.

WTF

Monday Morning Quarterbacking the city's leadership.

Permit snafus strike first marches: "At a march for jobs yesterday in the Hill District, police delayed the event at one point, claiming the protesters didn't have a valid permit, even though they did.
The convention center bypass 'isn't private property, it's public property. It's a through street, and they had a permit,' he said.
'The more distressing thing for me is that the first two demonstrations that were the subject of a federal court lawsuit got bungled by the police, and bungled in a way that they tried to restrict activity. It's either sheer incompetence or something more insidious. It's one or the other, and neither is very flattering.'"

The guys in robes make rules that the guys in blue need to know about and obey. Otherwise, people get disjointed in their actions. This is big trouble for the mayor and county executive. The buck stops there with them.

Working with Citiparks on Summer Dreamers, or not

	9/17/09
to Duane

To Director of Citiparks:

Hi Director,

I saw that Mike R. was in the court room. Eeeks. Hope you all are not
snowed under too too bad.

I'd love to strike up a conversation with you about the Pgh Public
Schools RFP for summer 2010 enrichment.

The deadline for those RFPs / proposals is Oct 2. And, there is still
a good deal of red tape for me to navigate.

I'd like to see if it is possible to get some cooperation in the grant
/ proposal requests.

For instance, for the 5 weeks of the camp, July 12 to Aug 13, 2010,
we'd love to have a group of up to 25 kids use the Schenley Ice Rink
building as a possible classroom -- mainly in case of rain, from the
hours of 12:30 to 3:30. They would also run at the track and use the
park.

By all means, there are funds to pay for this but they have to be in
the budget. Federal stimulus funds are being spent.

I'd also like to see if we could deploy in our plans:

-- Bike Oval at Highland Park / Washington Road
-- Swim pool visits with a Lifeguard camp
-- Sports movies in an outdoor setting -- perhaps at a school / i.e.,
Movies in the parks
-- Market House for some special events
-- Sand volleyball courts at Highland Park Pool

Ashley, Duane	9/18/09
to me

Mark...I already have staff pulling together a proposal of sorts based
on our past involvement with the School District.  However, a two
pronged approached might not be a bad idea........However, I sincerely
think that they already know who they will fund...and it won't be us.

Mark Rauterkus	9/18/09
to Duane

Hi,

I do not know what proposals and providers the PPS will fund and who
they will not fund????  But, it seems to me that PPS is just new to
this range of activities and are grabbing for a lot at first blush --
up to 2,500 kids or so. Wow. That's huge. If that is the case, then
they'll need everyone's help.

If possible, I'd love to meet with Citiparks staffers who are working
on the PPS summer 2010 enrichment opportunities / RFP. Who is pulling
this together for you?

Furthermore, I know that the main new employees of the PPS had a
meeting with the folks at Phillips Elem as to what they've done in
cooperation with Citiparks in the past years. There is a great success
story with Citiparks and PPS at Phillips with Mr. Netchi the principal
there and your staffers. Well done. That is a large part of the model.

But, my questions still remain about me organizing a camp experience
and trying to deploy some Citiparks spaces for the activities.

Bob Traupman, RIP

Dad, sports fan, friend of kids, caring, businessman, barber.

This is shocking news.

Bob was a new neighbor to the South Side, in a sense. He opened a business on East Carson. He was the one who generally cuts my hair.



The last time I went into the shop he told me a story of walking to a dog owner, stricking up a conversation and then he made it clear that the shit from his animal needed to be pulled off the ground, without question. His kid plays here and for some time, (weeks / years), his habits haven't been appreciated.

He was direct. No nonsense.

Bob is going to be missed, greatly.

Sounds as if he had a massive heart attack. The day before his hands and feet had some swelling. He didn't feel as if he needed to go to see a doctor.

PG obit:

Robert J. Traupman Sr.

TRAUPMAN ROBERT J., SR.
Loving husband, father, son, brother and Barber, unexpectedly on Monday, September 14, 2009. Beloved husband of Julia (Geiger) Traupman; loving father of Gemma C. and Robert J. Traupman, Jr.; son of Ronald D. Traupman, Sr. and Roberta "Bert" (Huber) (Charles) Rodger; brother of Ronald D. (Shelly) Traupman, Jr.; survived also by nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 6-8pm at O'BRIEN'S, 3724 California at Cooper Aves., N.S. Funeral Service in St. Michael and All Angels Evangelical Lutheran Church Friday, 11am.
www.obriensfh.com

Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from September 16 to September 17, 2009. Guestbook.

The video above was from March 2009 when Patrick Dowd was putting price tags on garbage cans.

Got some ink in local paper from email blast: Along with casino and closed schools for G-20

Got some ink in a local edition of a newspaper.

Steel Valley joins schools that will close during G-20 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Mark Rauterkus, a past Libertarian nominee for various Pittsburgh offices, said the conference 'is worthy of everyone's time and attention.'
Organizers are charging an admission of $25, $10 for students, to cover rental of the hall and expenses for speakers. The Web site freedomconference2009.com has more details.
PennDOT said its driver's license and photo center in the Pittsburgh State Office Building will be closed for three days beginning Wednesday.
In a promotion, Rivers Casino said it will raise the flags of the G-20 nations today and fly them through the summit.

Bad signs in mayoral race - Blogs - Slag Heap - Pittsburgh City Paper

Bad signs in mayoral race - Blogs - Slag Heap - Pittsburgh City Paper: "Bad signs in mayoral race"

My $.02:

Teamwork matters. Running mates matter. If these two played off of each other, then we'd have something to watch and think about -- and talk about too. That would get Luke's attention.

Dok and Kevin should be doing join things every day. Sure, they've got to do their own actions, but once or more a day their paths should cross and cross with some gusto.

It takes two to tango.

The two can and should be in a dance at the expense of the current administration. But, teamwork is necessary.

Sadly, the conventional wisdow from the Acklin / DeSantis realm is mostly devoid of teamwork.

The photo above was from a skating event hosted by Bill Peduto, a long time ago.

Help with tickets for friend to Jean-Michael Cousteau on Oct 14

A grad school friend wants two tickets to Jean-Michael Cousteau on Oct. 14. She is trying to get tickets. Got em? Advice and leads welcomed. HELP!

[412-public-news] Fwd: G20 - Freedom Conference 2009, Tuesday Sept 22, 7:00pm at Soldiers and Salors Hall

[412-public-news] Fwd: G20 - Freedom Conference 2009, Tuesday Sept 22, 7:00pm at Soldiers and Salors Hall: "Freedom Conference 2009, Tuesday Sept 22, 7:00pm at Soldiers and Salors Hall"

ESPN: The local leader in sports?

ESPN: The local leader in sports?: "ESPN: The local leader in sports?"

Cue Sheet for a great adventure -- That Dam Ride

Some of the best times of my life. 

That Dam Ride -- here we come!

From NZ bike

Erik, Grant and I are on a trip this weekend. We're biking 140 miles. Half on Saturday. Back on Sunday. The night in the middle is in a tent. We'll be starting in Boston, just past McKeesport. We'll head up the trail to the dam. Snacks, lunches, evening meal is provided.

It takes us 7 hours if we go 10 miles per hour. If we go 20 mph, we'll wrap up in under 4 hours. We'll be somewhere in the middle.

BS no meeting was document back in September 2009

I lived with this administrative silliness and incompetence for nearly a decade.

After much struggle, we did get in a game with South Park. We also got the okay to play in a middle-school tournament at Chartiers Valley with a co-ed team while using some 9th grade rookie players. 

 These kids signed up to play water polo. They went to Schenley High School, that would then become Obama.

“Why Don’t Students Like School?” Well, Duhhhh… | Psychology Today

Interesting parenting / teaching post.

“Why Don’t Students Like School?” Well, Duhhhh… | Psychology Today: "Ask any schoolchild why they don't like school and they'll tell you. 'School is prison.' They may not use those words, because they're too polite, or maybe they've already been brainwashed to believe that school is for their own good and therefore it can't be prison. But decipher their words and the translation generally is, 'School is prison.'

Swimming was CUMPULSORY

Swimming was CUMPULSORY

Free food for kids in the evenings

Wednesday, September 02, 2009
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Kids from kindergartners to 18-year-olds can get free meals from 5 to 7 p.m. at 10 city of Pittsburgh community centers starting on Tuesday, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's administration announced today.

Meatloaf and potatoes, hot dogs and beans, spaghetti and other meals -- plus fresh fruit -- will be served. The meals will be prepared by Nutrition, Inc., and the program is federally funded.

Allegheny County has been feeding kids through the program since 2000, but it's new to the city community centers including Ammon, Arlington, Brookline, Jefferson, Magee, Paulson, Phillips, Ormsby, Warrington and West Penn.

Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/09245/994941-100.stm#ixzz0PxuVmUFS

CCAC hosts a town hall of sorts with Bob Casey on Setember 1. Back to school and sick already?

On Tuesday, September 1st, one of PA's U.S. Senators, Bob Casey, ishosting a public forum to discuss the Affordable Health Choices Act, the Senate's Health Care Bill. Arrive early. Doors open an hour before the event and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuesday, September 1 at 10:00 am, Community College of Allegheny County, Allegheny Campus, Foerster Student Service Center, Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Doors open to the public at 9:00 am. Seating is first-come, first-served.

PA wastes money on special election - with few to vote anyway

PA Senator Scarnati (R) ordered a special election to fill Senator Wonderling's seat. It is costing the state of PA hundreds of thousands of dollars and there is a real election five weeks later, so what's the rush? It's a bogus political move by a man who ended up Lt. Gov, an elected position, without being elected himself. I called to ask why a costly special election was needed right before the real election and was given attitude about it because "no one else is calling to complain." So let's change that.

SO CALL AND COMPLAIN. TELL THEM HE IS LT. GOVERNOR BY LUCK, HE WASN'T ELECTED, AND YOU WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HIM IN THE FUTURE ELECTION UNLESS HE DOES SOMETHING.

He is Lt. Governor Scarnati, 1 (717) 787-7084. Do it now.

Blackhawk needs a swim coach

Part Time Head Coach
PENNSYLVANIA, BEAVER FALLS
Blackhawk Cougar Aquatic Team
Listed July 2, 2009

The Blackhawk Cougar Aquatic Team is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Head Swim Coach. The BCAT Swim Team, located 25 miles NW of Pittsburgh, is a year round program training the majority of the season September-June at the High School. During the summer long course season June-July they train at two local outdoor pools. The position is part-time with potential to grow to full time position with significant growth of the team. BCAT is a growing club with 50-60 year-round swimmers. Swimmers have competed and excelled at the local, district, state, sectional and national levels. The coach will have authority to develop the swim program, train assistant coaches into his or her system, and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the team. The Head Coach is responsible for managing age group and assistant coaches while directly running the senior and national level training group. Other duties include running team practices, workout design/implementation, practice scheduling, assisting with team registration, fundraising, attending swim meets, and hosting at least 3 meets per year. The position will also require working with a dedicated and active parent volunteer booster group. Successful candidates must currently be ASCA Level 2 or 3 or be willing to obtain, USA certified, CPR/AED/First Aid certified, American Red Cross Lifeguarding certified. Applicants must have 3 years experience as head or assistant coach in a year round program, either club or college. Experience with Hy-Tec Meet/Team manager is desired. The position will be filled by August 20, 2009. Visit www.bcatswim.com. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume and a list of three references with current addresses and phone numbers to Tom Marshall, President, Blackhawk Cougar Aquatic Team, PO Box 1651, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Email 5marshalls@comcast.net 724-650-4643.

Water Polo Practice -- update -- Highland Park Pool now from 10:30 am to noon, T, W, Th, F

Water polo practice is happening at Highland Park Pool, with Citiparks help, from 10:30 am to noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week.

New players are most welcome.

On Saturday we go to IUP for an early morning series of matches.

Get a taste of open water swimming

Outside the box promo video.

Spoke at City Council

On August 24, 2009, Erik and I went to Pittsburgh City Council and made some simple statements. Sadly, the video format from Viddler is no longer supported.

Getting ready for G-20 by watching this

Homework:

Water polo action -- not highlights, just final moments of practice

We played polo with 22 kids at the practice today. Five were from Seneca Valley and 17 were from the ones we've been playing with in the city. One new Citiparks player arrived, Goda! A few of the SV kids were in college too! One guy swimmer is slated to be a sophomore at Central Catholic.

Getting the visitor was a great boost to our play and spirits. Many of our players are young -- and that is good for the future, but seeing the strength and speed of the older kids provided a great lesson. To protect and control the ball became much more of an issue.

The video shows the final moments of more than 30-minutes of scrimmages. The players were split (not so evenly) into three sides. Games to three goals and winning team stays in the pool. One team did not win them all. About six or so games were played.

This is something you can do too.

Recap of activities:
Exercise routine: Ankle spins, wrist flex, gentle neck rolls. Full range of motion arm swings: right-arm forward, left-arm forward, right-arm backward, left-arm backward, up the side, up the fronts, horizontals, opposities, opposite-opposities, right-arm 8s, then reverse with right-arm, left-arm 8s, then reverse with left arm. Trunk twists with kick on one leg then the other. Right leg swing front and back. Left leg swing front and back. Right leg swing left and right. Left leg swing left and right. Squat. Squat jumps with one arm up. Squat jumps with 2 arms up.

Self Intoductions: Name, year in school, school.

Swim 4 lengths (25 y) with shaddow / partner. Easy warm-up.

Swim with ball / dribble to other side, 4 times.

Swim / dribble to other side, at whistle, reverse direction.

Ball up in one hand and scull / tread to other side.

Swim to goal and score. After you drive and shoot, turn to defense. Shoot to 2nd goal and then defend. Then to third goal.

Mega take-a-way game. All but 4 start with ball in the air. Defense is without the ball and swim to player and take the ball away. Then ball exits pool. Down to last couple of players with a ball in the air and work to take it away from that player. Defense attacks. Offense needs to twist with arm extended yet keep control of the ball under pressure.

Three groups: (5 minutes each group, then switch)

Group 1 with Tom to do rear-back shots on goalie.
Group 2 do drive shots on goalie with defender 5 seconds behind.
Group 3 do dry passing and shots on goalie.

Scrimmage: White, Purple and On-Deck (45 minutes)



Group photo.

Pretzel, thanks to Grant.

Coach Tom Fletcher and the SV players hope to come back to join us again, perhaps on Tuesday. But, we also learned at the practice that the last day of swimming at Ammon is slated for Sunday. Then they will drain the water out of the pool. So, we'll have to re-locate the sessions and the equipment, hopefully to Highland Park Pool. Stay tuned.

Getting Ready for School. Refresh where we last left off. Erik's Promotion Speech

On the last day of school, Frick Middle School closed. The city-wide magnet was shutting its doors and packing up for a new home, out of Oakland and its 6, 7, and 8th grade setting to the East End, Reizenstein Building and a new configuration of grades 6 to 12.

At the 'promotion celebration' held at Pitt, Erik Rauterkus gave this speech.

San Francisco launch city data website, DataSF.org

http://DataSF.org

To: Open Government

Mayor Newsom Launches DataSF.org to Improve Access to City Data

Challenges San Francisco’s technology community to create new software applications from city data

08/19/09 - Today, joined by technology leaders, Mayor Newsom announced the launch of DataSF.org, an initiative designed to improve access to government data. The new web site will provide a clearinghouse of structured, raw and machine-readable government data to the public in an easily downloadable format. For example, there will be updatedcrime incident data from the San Francisco Police Department and restaurant inspection data from the Department of Public Health.

"By bringing city data and communities together on DataSF.org, we hope to stimulate local industry, create jobs and nurture San Francisco’s creative culture," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "We imagine developers taking apartment listings and city crime data and mashing it up to help renters find their next home or an iPhone application that shows restaurant ratings based on the highest health code ratings."

The initial version of DataSF.org includes more than 100 datasets, from a range of city departments, including the San Francisco Police Department, Department of Public Works, and the Municipal Transportation Agency.

"We’re excited to see San Francisco embrace President Obama’s call for transparency through the launch of DataSF.org," said Beth Noveck, Federal Deputy Chief Technology Officer leading President Obama’s Open Government Initiative. "We encourage other state and local governments to recognize the value of open data as Mayor Newsom has."

DataSF.org is part of a larger Open Gov Initiative for the City and County of San Francisco, which focuses on open data, open participation and open source. The City’s effort to improve access to government data has already led to the creation of new software applications. Earlier this summer, the Department of Environment released recycling data that was used by a third party to create EcoFinder, an iPhone application that helps residents recycle based on their location.

"The Department of Technology is excited by the opportunity to work more closely with the technology community to lower costs and drive innovation in government," said Chief Information Officer for the City of San Francisco, Chris Vein. "The success of civic tools like the EcoFinder iPhone app clearly demonstrate the value of opening government data."

I've been talking about open source as a platform plank for years. This key point is not yet been understood nor deployed in Pittsburgh, even with the so-called maverick, Bill Peduto.

Years ago I started a Google Calendar for public meetings held at City Hall. That's a no-brainer that has still not been deployed. Often, they don't want the public to know when the meetings are going to occur.

End the software license agreements with Microsoft and turn to Linux and OpenOffice.org and the Open Document format as a standard.

Stream the audio of the city council meetings, ethics board meetings, planning board meetings, citizens police review meetings, and such onto TalkShoe.com. I want to listen to those meetings on the telephone when I'm walking downtown, as they are happening. I want to listen to the meetings as podcasts after they occur.

Kid I coached grew up into a new job as coach

I coached this swimmer. Perhaps I was her first coach.

http://collegeswimming.com/news/2009/aug/9/nova-southeastern-hires-bonewit-cron/

Doing age group swimming can be productive for the local college teams as well.

Challenge this! Jag offs!

Ballot access is the worst sin of PA's political landscape and those that side with that cancer are clueless.

Bram, posted in another blog's comments, "I don't have the slightest problem with candidates trying to knock other candidates from the ballot."

Well, Bram, shame on you for that.

Court costs are part of the quagmire. So, when a candidate goes before the judge, rather than campaigning, to defend his/her right to challenge the status quo and appear on the ballot, the judge can slap a $1.5M fine onto the candidate as has happened in another courtroom same building when I was challenged.

Remember 2006 and the Green candidate for Governor. Remember Titus North too.

Talk about a dangerous, long walk on some very THIN ICE. That's why Pittsburgh seems to have its three choices for mayor brewing in this election. Sigh.

Most ballot challenges are UN-DEMOCRATIC. Here is an idea: Let the voters decide.

Of course this latest challenge to Dok Harris for Mayor is a "R" challenge. And, of course that doesn't matter if it is "R" or not, on the basis of the "R". But because it is from Kevin Acklin -- it sucks and smears Kevin Acklin.

Seems as if this challenge is from KEVIN ACKLIN's camp. Right? If that is the source, that is what matters. That's what sucks the most.

I did not sign anyone's nomination paper. I wasn't asked to do so.

Finally, the funding for the challenge does NOT need to be reported on campaign finance records. Court expenses are not to sway voters in a campaign. It can all be swept under the rug according to the old rules we must sadly follow.

comments to the Pittsburgh Board of Education

Public Hearing August 17, 2009 (lifted from the PureReform site)

Testimony of Kathy Fine:
Good evening to all of the dedicated school board members and district staff of the Pittsburgh Public Schools. I am here tonight to discuss the PSSA results from the 2008-09 school year. As noted by Superintendent Roosevelt, the PPS district has made AYP for the first time since No Child Left Behind mandated that our public schools meet certain benchmarks on the way to 100% proficiency in the year 2014. Congratulations go to everyone that has contributed to raising our students’ scores.

Now that the celebration of this accomplishment is done, let’s look at the scores in depth and from different perspectives in order to can get down to the task of preparing our students for the future. At the last Education Committee meeting, School Director Skip McCrea asked a very pertinent question: What are the longitudinal results of the current PSSA test scores?

In other words, instead of looking at the 3rd grade in 2005 and the 3rd grade in 2006 and the 3rd grade in 2007, etc., let’s look at the 3rd grade in 2005, then follow them to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and see how one group of students fares over a 4 year period.

The charts that you have in front of you titled “PPS PSSA Scores Over Four Years” look at the results from this perspective. These charts represent the growth of four distinct classes from 2005-06 to 2008-09. These charts give a somewhat different picture of the 2009 PSSA results. In both Reading and Math, only the class of 2015 showed any growth from their 2005 scores. This growth was attained by the current 8th grade class whose results were very high both district wide as well as state wide. In fact, a majority of students lost ground over the four year period. Although we have been able to get certain individual groups of students to perform at the proficient level in Reading and Math at certain points in time, these gains do not follow them through the year.

Recently, the current PA secretary of Education stated that "Six years ago it appeared as though Pittsburgh schools were in an irreversible downward spiral." This comment piqued our interest and led to the compilation of the second set of charts titled “PPS PSSA Scores From 2000-09”. These charts clearly indicate that the PPS were not in an “irreversible downward spiral”, but in fact were in an upward trend on which the current administration has been able to build. We point this out because while the current scores have shown some improvement, there was already a trend toward increasing scores when the current reforms were started and that much more must go into educating our children than teaching them to perform on a particular test. Using a holistic approach to education, modeled after successful programs like the Geoffrey Canada’s “Harlem Children Zone”, creating “safe havens” at each PPS school buildings, with extended hours for the most vulnerable among us, and striving for true parent engagement are a few of the crucial reforms that will produce the sustainable educational gains that are necessary to prepare our youth for a productive future.

Testimony of Annette Werner:
PURE Reform is back from summer break, refreshed and ready to work to further our core values of transparency, effective public participation and parent engagement. Today I’ll be focusing on transparency.

Transparency is crucial for the District as a unit of government. While urging its high school students to “Be the change you want to see,” the District needs to be a strong proponent of the transparency that is necessary to make real public participation possible.

To make the discussion about transparency easier to follow we have organized the material by topic and will be posting it on our website under “Transparency Watch." Progress has been made in a number of areas, but there is still more to be done.

Outstanding items from previous public hearings include the following.
Committees- We requested previously that the formation of committees be announced in advance, that people with a wide range of perspectives be included, and that meetings be open. The district responded that every effort is made to ensure “appropriate representation” and that meetings may be open or closed depending on the nature of the work. Today we ask whether there is any reason not to announce formation of committees in advance, and what exactly is “appropriate representation”- does it include those with opposing viewpoints? What situations require a closed committee? Why for example were meetings of the Pittsburgh Peabody committee closed and when will that committee’s report be released?

EFA Goals- What is the expected date for a report on EFA goals? Since the four year period for EFA PSSA goals has now passed, will updated EFA PSSA and other goals be established and if so, when?

Pittsburgh Milliones- In response to our request for the Memorandum of Understanding between the District and the University of Pittsburgh we received a memorandum with a draft date of 7/3/08. As the school is now entering its second year, we would like to know when the arrangement with Pitt will be finalized and signed. Also, the memorandum has few programmatic details. When will the programmatic details be worked out?

Stimulus funds- The District has provided general information focusing on Title 1 funds. We are requesting that the PPS follow the example of the State and Federal governments and post all expenditures that utilize ARRA money online. Also, information is still needed regarding what the district is doing to maximize school construction funding and efforts to seek funding for the renovation of the Schenley building.

New issues this month are as follows.

Facility conditions index- The District is using the “predecisional” exception of the RTKL for its consultants to withhold information on how it has calculated the cost to renovate specific buildings. However, just because it can withhold the information doesn’t mean that it should do so. Waiting to release information until a decision has already been made prevents the public from examining and verifying information prior to the decision.

Graduation rates- Many people have expressed interest in an update on changes in graduation rates over the last four years using the RAND method rather than for example a method based on the percentage of incoming 12th graders that finish out the year. Are there plans for such an update?

PPS/ State PSSA Gap- Has the district investigated how changes in PPS PSSA scores over the past four years compare to changes in PSSA scores statewide and if so, what were the findings?

Reentry Programs- Where can a student who has dropped out of school find information on reentry programs? What outreach or publicity is in place to attract dropouts to reentry programs?

We look forward to obtaining more information on these important issues. Thank you.

Pittsburgh Public Schools - Stimulus $ - Summer Enrichment RFP for 2010

Pittsburgh Public Schools is Seeking Activities Providers to Submit Proposals to Provide Students in Grades 6-8 with unique summer activities in Summer 2010.

In summer 2010, the Pittsburgh Public Schools will launch a premier summer camp for all Pittsburgh Public Schools students in grades 6-8. The summer program will offer each student a comprehensive approach to literacy, life skills, high school and college readiness, and summer fun.

Pittsburgh Public Schools is determined to give students the ability to enhance their literacy skills and develop new and unique passions through this innovative camp. We are looking for partners with that same determination.

Seeking Activities Providers
Pittsburgh Public Schools wishes to partner with multiple organizations of varying sizes and experience in providing quality and fun extracurricular activities. Activities Providers submitting a proposal must demonstrate an outstanding commitment to students in grades 6-8 and have the interest and capacity to provide students will unique summer activities such as kayaking, ceramics, drama, debate, urban gardening, and more. Providers will be expected to provide activities to students every afternoon Monday – Friday during this exciting 5-week program.

Proposals will be accepted through October 2, 2009 at 5 p.m. Organizations will be selected based on their ability to meet the criteria outlined in the Request for Proposal and possibly interviews. Please visit our website (www.pps.k12.pa.us) for additional information.

To Learn More – Attend a Pre-Bid Conference
You are invited to attend our Pre-Bid Conference on Tuesday, August 25 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Board of Education Building located at 341 S. Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 in Conference Room A. Please RSVP to Eddie Willson, Activities Project Manager at awillson1@pghboe.net or by calling 412-622-3985 by Friday, August 21.

Eddie Willson
Activities Project Manager
Pittsburgh Public Schools
awillson1@pghboe.net
(412) 622-3985

All these sports, trying out a new training diet

Water polo practice on Tuesday

We still have room for you and your friends.

On Wednesday, we had 40 kids playing water polo up in The Hill. I was too busy to take any photos then.

I have been coaching this squad throughout the summer at the Kingsley Association: http://tinyurl.com/mx3ddg

Been there. Done that. Welcome on Green Signs. Big Hair Hello.

How unoriginal can the city and county leaders aspire to be?

For the G-20, if we really wanted to welcome folks, we'd construct one of these out by the Parkway West from the airport:

From Water Town in East China

As as we are cleaning up around town, what about this as a redd up item.

Building used to sell tombstones. Go figure. And, it sits between Oakland and Downtown as well as between Oakland and South Side. It is next to a highway. Put a big sign to cover that!

Dear D, put me on the air

I could help you with a 20 or 30-min segment on Saturday night. We are going to play WATER POLO in the HILL DISTRICT starting on Monday at 11 am to 12:30 pm. This is a new program with the support of citiparks at Ammon Rec Center. It goes 5 days per week. Costs $0.

Plus, we'll also play in the evenings at the JCC in Monroeville. Fees apply. And, we have a game in 3 weeks with a New Jersey Prep School -- The Lawrence School (google it) at IUP.

I need players and coaches and helpers and MORE PLAYERS. We can talk about swimming and socio economic things too -- like Michael Phelps and the body suits.

My cell: 412 298 3432
Mark@Rauterkus.com

I really would like to get the news about about this new program of water polo. Plus, it will be a Schenley High School sport in September.

Plus on Sat & Sun I'm doing a Triathlon at North Park. Grass roots summertime fun expert -- Mark Rauterkus -- at your service. Summer isn't over yet!

Fishing for water polo players.

Two of my children are in the PPS IB program. I'd love to invite youand your kids to these activities.

We are trying hard to get the word out to all that a new activity isstarting on Monday at 11 am. Water Polo. And, it is going to continueas the principal at Schenley High School recently wrote a letter tothe PIAA saying that water polo will be a non varsity sport there!

I am most excited about these opportunities for fitness and fun in sports.
A one page PDF is attached.

Morning Sessions are with Citiparks support at the outdoor, 50-meter,swim pool at Ammon Rec Center, 2216 Bedford Ave. This winter thosefacilities had a $600,000 fix up. Times in the water from 11 to 12:30.Cost is $0. The successful swim coaches at Frick are both going tohelp with the program from time to time.

Evening Sessions are at the JCC Monroeville, outdoors, at their FamilyPark. There is a fee if you take part in those sessions.

We are looking for kids ages 10 and older who are with comfort in thewater. We are especially interested in high school kids too, at thistime. Both boys and girls, and even adults.

More insights:http://rauterkus.com/pipermail/412-public-campaign/2009-July/000057.html(past email blast)

http://CLOH.wikia.com

Hey IOC, We don't want the Olympics in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh can't even host the Keystone State Games.

I worry about Chicago hosting the Olympics in 2016, if that should come to pass.

We have to worry about the G-20 in September. They have yet to cancell schools for then. Nor have they even picked a slogan to put on the signs that are going to adorn the highways from the airport by September 1.

Heck the nonprofit foundation that was started two years ago by Dan Onorato, The Parks Foundation, has yet to hold a blasted meeting.

I love the Olympics at many levels. I went to Beijing in 2008 as an independent sports fan and blogger. We travel. We coach. We play hard.

Holy Cow. Let's focus on Chicago. Good job with the distance on the Pittsburgh idea.

Next big sports moment for us is The Great Race the same weekend as the G-20 in September. Then we need to change the rules of Major League Baseball so that the teams that suck are relegated to the minors.

Big dead line and anniversary

Today is the day that people from outside of the D and R political parties must complete the delivery of nomination papers to get onto the November ballot. So, the final signatures and sheets from Kevin Acklin and Dok Harris are due -- signed, sealed and delivered.

There are always a few folks we come to meet on this day. Is there going to be a candidate from the Socialist Party? Remember Frank?

Tomorrow starts the period where political operatives begin to search in earnest for the dead people who have been known to sign those papers. Challenges may or may not appear for the mayor's opponents. In general, Luke's camp is going to be happy to have two opponents so knocking one or the other out of the race would be a dangerous move. To focus the ABY (anyone but Luke) vote in one category is a tiny fear.

The real fear of politicians is not something that ever appears on the ballots in Pennsylvania and one that should be part of every election: NOTA (None of the above). All elections should have a choice called, 'none of the above.' That way the ones who are unhappy with the state of affairs in that specific race could raise their outrage without lifting a brick, fist or worse.

And, frankly, it is too much work to run for office yourself to make a point. Rather, the point of 'none of the above' should be handy for us all to make on election days.

Two years ago, an ex Division I football player, a former service man who had jumped out of airplanes, Pitt student, and Libertarian, Tony Oliva, filed papers to appear on the ballot for mayor. He had worked throughout the summer to get a bulk of the signatures.

That year, 2007, I ran for public office too -- for both city council and city controller.

Mark DeSantis got onto the ballot in 2007 with a write in campaign among Rs in the primary. In 2009, Luke Ravenstahl won the R primary, blocking any possible charge from another via that avenue.

In 2008, we were packing to head to Beijing, China, to enjoy the Olympics. It was a quiet election cycle for me as Obama was pounding on McCain and my guy was Ron Paul, R from Texas. He was out by then, just holding a counter convention in Minnesota, larger than what the GOP was able to stage.

In 2006, I filed papers to run for State Senate, district 42 against Wayne Fontana. Before the judge in Harrisburg, on the day before I went to Canada to coach a swim camp, I put into the public record the fact that my challenge of campaign nomination papers came from the office of my state senator. Political work had been done in the public office to eliminate any and all opponents from the ballot. The judge found it interesting that the fax header of papers delivered to me had both law office stationary and the faxing fingerprints of PA Senate District 42's Harrisburg name and number clearly at the top of the pages of one of the summons that called for me to appear in court.

Later, we'd see lots of folks in Harrisburg get arrested for miss-use of staffers. Bonus-gate.

At the same time, PA's Green Party candidate for Governor was racking up legal bills and court charges so he could appear on the ballot. He was hit with charges from the judges / courts for hundreds of thousands of dollars. And, the case went to the top court of Pennsylvania as well.

I knew when to fold em, as the country and western song lyrics go.

In 2009, something might happen soon. But not with me in terms of election day participation. For me, I looking to make some swimmers and water polo player and open a new front in the battle against couch potatoes and obesity.

PDF of Water Polo Handout. Feel free to post far and wide!

Play & Learn Water Polo

Practices & Game Play

Begins August 10, 2009

Day Time Practices:

M-F, 11 AM to 12:30 PM, outdoors, with Citiparks & Ammon Rec Center, 2217 Bedford.

Cost $0.

and/or

Evening Practices:

M-F, outdoors, for 3 weeks at Jewish Community Center, Monroeville.

Cost $50 for swim team kids. $75 for adults non JCC Members. $10 per day.

Attend what you can, one or both. On site registration or call or online RSVP.

Boys, Girls and Adults welcome.

Clinics geared to rookie players, but like an All-Star Team. Instruction, drills, skill development, conditioning, game situations, tactics, scrimmages, a DVD, plus a friendly test match / competition. Get new respect for this Olympic sport, team-play and friends.

Sat, Aug 29, Friendly Test Match at IUP vs. The Lawrence School, a Prep School in New Jersey.
Four expected games: Varsity boys, Varsity girls, JV boys and JV girls.

These open, community clinics, both Citiparks and JCC, are coached activities. No need to be from any specific school. A water polo team is starting at Schenley High School this fall.

Organizer: Coach Mark Rauterkus - 412 298 3432, Mark@Rauterkus.com http://CLOH.wikia.com

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Above as a Google Document: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddznxj6h_663hdn99xfw

Water Polo comes to Citiparks and YOU are needed as a player

This could be you starting next week at a Citiparks Pool, Ammon Rec Center, from 11 am to 12:30, Monday to Fridays.

Summer isn't over yet. You'll get into better shape for fall sports or else keep the stamina you built in the pool from the summer training.

We need players. We've got the pool, the goals and desire to have community water polo begin in earnest. This is a real outreach for engagement and the success of this summer's program can go a long ways to getting more kids fit, into productive activities and opening more opportunities at our pools elsewhere.