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Paid for by Russ Diamond for Lieutenant Governor | 109 West Main Street | Annville | PA | 17003 |
Pittsburgh Council approves parking study: "Pittsburgh City Council this morning gave final approval of a $250,000 study of the city's parking assets, so it can make an informed decision about whether to lease them to shore up the pension fund.
The vote was 8-1, with Ricky Burgess calling the study a 'waste of taxpayer money.'"
Lane 9 News Archive: Clemson Swimming and Diving Looking for Help from Board of Trustees: While, initially, the Board of Trustees meeting likely looked to be a rubber stamp for the phase-out, information provided to Swimming World has indicated that the Board of Trustees might be interested in looking into the issue deeper. The decision to phase-out the program was made completely due to not having a 50-meter pool. It was not made due to Title IX issue (Title IX actually likely saved the women's diving program in the cuts). With this in mind, and the fact that the Clemson swimmers and signed recruits did not seem to have a problem with training and competing in a 25-yard pool, the Board of Trustees might be able to reverse the decision.
For more information on what you can do to help save the Clemson program, please visit the SaveClemsonSwimming web site at http://www.saveclemsonswimming.org/ .
Students must be ready to learn: "Bingo! Increased student and parent engagement through a multidisciplinary approach? An educational system that better serves the needs of the individual student? Sign me up!Wait. Such reforms would be expensive or not? They could be cost-effective, perhaps. The reforms will have a heavy price in terms of change, perhaps. But, I'm not too sure what the cost in dollars would be.
Yes, such reforms would be expensive, but let's examine their cost-effectiveness. In fact, money would be saved by the consolidation of services and increased efficiency.
In November 2004, the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation reported results of the longitudinal study of the Perry Preschool Program, located in Ypsilanti, Mich. The study documented 'a return to society of more than $17 for every dollar invested (italics added) in the early care and education program, primarily because of the large continuing effect on the reduction of male crime.'"
A new film is unifying Americans everywhere, the message is simple, "Don't Tread On Me!"
by: Angie Ress - Staff Writer - RestoreTheRepublic.com
In the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, thirteen separate and sovereign colonies joined forces to overthrow the oppressive taxation, monetary policy and police state of the distant and detached British kingdom.
"Join or Die" was the famous slogan seen in Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. The image featured a snake cut into eight sections to represent the English colonies. Originally intended to unite the colonies during the French Indian War, the image was later adapted to unite the colonies against the British. Once unified against a common enemy, another familiar image appeared, the image of a coiled snake ready to strike and the words "Don't Tread on Me".
In the same spirit, and for the same reasons as the founders of old, 192 cities in 42 states are erecting the "Don't Tread on Me" banner and gearing up for the next revolution, not by firing bullets but by hosting screenings of the latest film from producers Gary Franchi and William Lewis, "Don't Tread On Me: Rise of the Republic".
Almost every organization that can be considered a member of the Freedom Movement has registered to host one of the 97 screenings for the general public on or around this June 26th.
"We're unified," says writer/producer Franchi, "not since the theatrical release of 'America: Freedom to Fascism' have I seen such cohesion and force to spread a common message."
Franchi is referencing the film created by late Hollywood producer Aaron Russo that Congressman Ron Paul credits with spurring massive grassroots support for his 2008 Presidential run. Franchi worked alongside Russo before Russo lost his battle with cancer in 2007. Russo managed Bette Midler and produced several films, including the classic "Trading Places" starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
The list of Freedom Movement organizations unifying around the new film includes the Tea Parties, Campaign for Liberty, Restore the Republic, the Libertarian Party, the Constitution Party, We Are Change, Infowarriors, Concerned Citizens of America, Freedoms Phoenix, the John Birch Society, Oath Keepers, the NRA, 9/11, 9/12, Young Americans for Liberty, Fully Informed Jury Association, main steam political campaigns, and more.
"While this movement may be made up of different organizations with differing agendas and leaders it is clearly the message of this film that is unifying us all" states Franchi.
When asked about the message of "Don't Tread On Me: Rise of the Republic," writer/director Lewis took a break from production on the teams next project, "Enemy of the State: Camp FEMA 2" to explain, "Our vision was simple. Show the American People the boundaries the Federal Government cannot cross, using the Constitution of the United States as our guide. We wanted to provide a path to remind the Sovereign States and the People of their power. We hand selected our interviews to provide the best, brightest and most concise education on the issues that plague us today, with solutions that can be applied by State Legislators and the People themselves."
All one needs to do is take a look at the miserable defeats going on in political races across the country to see the people have had enough and are stepping up to take charge. They are ridding themselves of the useless representation they have had in the past. They are definitely breathing in the Spirit of '76 by drawing their line in the sand and declaring, "Don't Tread On Me!"
More information, maps of screening locations, and trailers
for the new film can be found at: http://donttreadonmemovie.com/
District 3 Special Election Guide By Pitt News Staff
published: Mon, 13 March, 2006
Neal Andrus (R)
Neal Andrus wants to shake things up for Pittsburgh.
"I'd like to be a voice for change on City Council," said Andrus, who is currently running on the Republican ticket for Tuesday's election.
Andrus has made a goal of "restoring fiscal sanity to city government," something that he believes should be voters' top priority when they head to the polls.
Hoping that District 3 residents will cast their votes "with an idea in their heads that they're tired of the same old thing and that they want something new," Andrus has promised to seek creative ideas in tackling the city's financial woes.
A 30-year-old who obtained degrees in political science and economics from Pitt in December 2004, Andrus has lived in the district for eight years. He said he does not seek to become a politician.
"I don't think anyone down there has any idea what needs to be done," he said of the current council.
He wants to bring up new ideas and "do something different." Shunning the idea that City Council's mission should include creating new jobs or "bribing" companies to come to Pittsburgh, Andrus believes in drawing commercial industry by working with the county and state governments to create a more attractive business environment.
He also suggested seeking unconventional moneymakers, like New York City's $166-million deal with Snapple to make the company the official city vendor of iced tea, water and chocolate milk.
-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm
Bruce Krane (I)
Bruce Krane's slogan is "Building a better Pittsburgh," and he wants students involved in the process.
"I want to engage them and work with them," he said.
Krane, an independent candidate, said his administration would recognize the need for a student liaison. He said that if elected, he would hire a student to work with him part-time.
"I think we need the refreshing creativity of university students to pose some alternative ideas and hopefully solutions," he said. "Because we aren't seeing a lot of that on Grant Street right now."
Krane, who has lived in Pittsburgh for 16 years and currently resides in the South Side, is the vice president for the South Side Community Council.
"I would describe myself as a community advocate," he said.
Krane volunteers with Pittsburgh's Community Access Television Channel, where he hosts and produces programs. He credited the station with helping him make the decision to run in the special election because of his experience interviewing office holders on his programs.
Krane said he is in favor of term limits and referendums, or "putting issues on the ballot." He said he could use the pulpit and media exposure of being a councilman to go directly to the people through this process.
But according to Krane, there is no key issue that will determine which candidate people vote for.
"There's no 900-pound gorilla," he said. "It's going to be who can get their supporters out to vote."
-Staff Writer Angela Hayes
Jason Phillips (G)
Jason Phillips wants to bring a student voice to City Council.
"For the last 16 years, we've basically had zero representatives on City Council," Phillips said, adding that this election marks a "very opportune time" for students to claim their voice.
Phillips declined to single out a specific goal for his time on council, explaining that he hopes to tackle many issues. He mentioned that the city is in financial "dire straits," and that he hopes to improve Pittsburgh's transportation system, nightlife and other things that matter to students.
"This is a time when we need to elect people with college educations, people with government experience," Phillips said, noting that he is such a person.
Phillips, a 24-year-old Pitt student who plans to complete his studies of political science next year, said he has worked in the lieutenant governor's office and served as a consultant on a number of candidates' campaigns within Pennsylvania. A resident of the South Side Flats and graduate of Pittsburgh's Art Institute, he has lived in District 3 for more than two years.
"I'm the only candidate who, if elected, could walk right into the office and not need to take time to learn the ropes," Phillips said.
Emphasizing the importance of students' votes, Phillips said it is "immature" of students to not bother to show up on election day.
-Senior Staff Writer J. Elizabeth Strohm
Matthew Bartus (I)
Perhaps the city needs a new coat of paint.
Matthew Bartus, a painter for Pittsburgh's General Services department, is a candidate for the vacant District 3 seat that will be filled in Tuesday's special election. He could not be reached for comment.
He said to the Pittsburgh City Paper that he has a chance to beat Democratic candidate Jeff Koch because there are so many other candidates running in the election.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bartus plans on relocating the South Side police station to the Neville Ice Arena. The current location is 1725 Mary St., near 18th Street.
He also said to the Post-Gazette that he wants to reduce the size of city council from nine members to five and have non-profit organizations give more to the city.
The University counts itself among Pittsburgh's non-profit organizations.
Bartus, 50, currently lives in Carrick, a neighborhood south of Downtown that is near the neighborhoods of Brookline and Mt. Oliver.
-Assistant News Editor Andy Medici
Mark Rauterkus (L)
Mark Rauterkus grew up in Penn Hills, moved out of state for a few years, and then moved back to Pittsburgh in 1990.
The South Side resident said that part of his motivation for running for council is that the city is in a big crisis, and he believes children have been ignored.
Rauterkus, who has two children, said that if elected to council, he would like to chair the Committee on Youth Policy and the Citiparks Committee.
One of the things that Rauterkus would like to accomplish is to restart the Pittsburgh Marathon.
He would also like to integrate additional programs into the city's neighborhood parks.
"There's a lot to be done there," Rauterkus said.
Rauterkus is a swim coach for the Carlynton Swim Club.
He said he would like to acquire funding to open more of the city's pools, which have been closed at times because of budget cuts.
Rauterkus added that he is dedicated to his campaign "for the long haul."
If he does not win this election, he plans to build a network of volunteers and issues.
"Whoever does win might only be there for a year and half," Rauterkus said. "They're going to have me to contend with next week."
-Senior Staff Writer Laura Jerpi
Jeffrey Koch (D)
Jeffrey Koch wants to clean up Oakland.
Koch - the Democratic candidate for City Council representing District 3, which includes Oakland - said that if elected, he would work with the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation to pick up trash in South Oakland.
One program he supports, called Adopt-a-Block, involves approximately 50 students cleaning up around South Oakland to make the area more appealing.
Koch also hopes the college vote will make a difference.
"I hope the students show," he said. "They could make a big difference in this election."
He said he would not implement immediate changes or policies but would welcome the chance to sit down with students and talk about issues concerning Oakland and Pitt.
Koch is a landscaping contractor and Department of Public Works employee. He has lived in Arlington, a section of District 3, his entire life. His parents also lived in District 3 their entire lives.
He is endorsed by Mayor Bob O'Connor, the Pittsburgh Firefighters Union and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.
-Staff Writer Jared Trent Stonesifer
Bruce Kraus (I)
Bruce Kraus wants to make Pittsburgh neighborhoods safe, clean and green.
The South Side resident is the chair of Pittsburgh's Graffiti Task Force, which "[assists] city officials and neighborhood groups in their efforts to combat graffiti vandalism," according to http://Bruce4council.com.
Kraus, 51, could not be reached for comment, but his Web site outlines three main tactics for bettering the city: outreach, education and enforcement.
According to Kraus's Web site, he will "work toward curtailing the criminal nuisance activities that his constituents do not want," while maintaining "the green setting" they do want.
Kraus also outlines several plans for paying for his initiatives, which include "an expansion of the tax base with increase property values" and "attention from the state and the county for special grants for beautification."
In response to a questionnaire from the League of Young Voters, Kraus wrote that he wants students to be "engaged in the process of stewarding [their] futures."
"I will advocate for your 'place at the table,'" Kraus said in the questionnaire, "to ensure that you are provided with all the opportunities to work on the solutions to the problems you are facing with regards to job creation, education, creative housing, transportation, recreation, and an active social network including nightlife and the arts."
-News Editor Adam Felming
Michael Waligorski (I)
Independent candidate Michael Waligorski must be a busy man, because he's hard to find.
Waligorski "runs a painting business, sells real estate and has been a perennial candidate," according to a March 6 editorial in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
He's known - among local journalists, at least - for being difficult to contact, despite his frequent campaigns in local politics.
"Waligorski, a frequent candidate for public office, did not return phone calls," reported the Pittsburgh City Paper on March 2.
The 56-year-old handyman, Army Reservist and South Side Flats resident is running on what he calls the Disclosure Party ticket and "wants to see more openness in government," according to the Post-Gazette.
Waligorski's phone number is unlisted, and he did not return phone calls when The Pitt News obtained his number from City Paper.
A Jan. 31 Post-Gazette article noted, "Independent candidate Michael Waligorski of the Flats could not be reached for comment."
Waligorski did not respond to a Sierra Club questionnaire regarding Tuesday's election and environmental issues, reported local activist organization Progress Pittsburgh on Feb. 23.
-Editor in Chief Jessica Lear
The Moonlight Scribbler: "My personal opinion is that the Arena should be saved and repurposed for a new function. I believe that the unique and iconic design of the arena is too important to lose and to re-use it shows that in this age of disposability, there is a place for the older classic structures given a new lease on life. It's easy to tear something down. But wouldn't it be nice to see the leadership of the city of Pittsburgh show some 'out of the box' thinking for once, and find a use for this structure instead of just tearing it down and replacing it with yet another look-alike grid complex of chain stores and entertainment outlets and acres of boring nondescript parking lots. I'm not against those uses, but can't we find a way to integrate the two ideas together? With the brainpower produced by the universities in this town, we can't find enough smart people who can make this happen instead of taking the easy way out and swinging the wrecking ball?"
Fast pace hinders Beethoven's 9th: "Last night at Heinz Hall, the music director and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra returned after a successful European Tour to perform the 'Choral' Symphony, moved to this weekend because of another international event, the G-20. It was yet another personal mark on a masterpiece by the Austrian conductor. I imagine that some will love it and others won't -- the kind of healthy collection of responses a music director should engender.
Press Release: ImmediateMark Rauterkus, candidate for Pittsburgh's City Council, district 3, special election slated now for March 14, 2006, released a four point plan to those in attendance at the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce meeting today after the Craig Patrick of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins presentation.
From Daniel Repovz, Media Coordinator, Elect.Rauterkus.com Media@Rauterkus.com, 412-904-2976
The Rauterkus campaign stresses freedom, future, fitness and flow to benefit our entire region. Rauterkus said, "The plan is simple and as we think again on these opportunities, everyone I talk to is in agreement with me. 1) Own what you build. 2) Return what you lease. 3) Grow where you can flourish and contribute to flow. 4) Fix what you broke."
1. Should the Penguins get a new arena from the windfall of the gambling casino, then others must keep it. The city should not own the new building. Mario could own, operate, insure and program the new building. Do not build a new building and expect to hand its ownership over to the city nor an authority.For further information or quotes, call Mark Rauterkus, 412-298-3432 or Mark@Rauterkus.com
2. Should the Penguins move out of the historic Civic Arena, then they should not be the ones to tear it down. The Mellon Arena can return as a civic arena and stay as a place for other events such as Disney on Ice, Circus, Carrick High School Graduations, and scholastic basketball tournaments, such as the WPIAL and PIAA championships. Those events don't require luxury-corporate boxes with leather seats and catering services.
3. The Penguins and other civic and regional leaders should build the new hockey arena at the old airport or some other area in suburban Pittsburgh. The arena does NOT need to be built in downtown.
4. We should re-open the now closed, indoor ice rink on the South Side located behind UPMC's South Side Hospital. Rebuilding that venue and grounds should provides quality recreational opportunities to the city residents and the region. The Penguins had a big hand in getting that rink covered. Private operators had the contract to operate the facility at no cost to the city. Much more can be done to build there for many benefits of fitness and the future.
2010 Summer Season
Water Polo
· 2010 Summer Season (June, July, and August)
o Membership Fees - $200 for all Members – due by June 15, 2010
o Practices – All Sessions at North Park Swimming Pool starting on June 14th
· All teams are off the week of June 6th
· All High School Boys and Girls at North Park starting June 14th
o M, T, W, Th, F from 7:30am to 10:00am
· 14 and Under “A” at North Park starting June 14th
o M, T, W, Th, F from 7:30am to 10:00am
· 14 and Under “B”/Novice at North Park starting June 14th
o Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 10:00am
· Coach Rob will assign athletes to groups prior to June 14, 2010
· Coach Rob and Coach Patrick will align on water polo and swimming balance for the athletes
· Rain days to be held at NASH from 10am to 12pm
o Rain days for High School only
o 14U will be cancelled
o Notification via e-mail and twitter
o Additional Summer Season Notes
· We’ll continue to work toward finding quality playing opportunities for the kids
· Special focus on opportunities/alternatives for the HS girls to offset the loss of the Coronado trip
· Tournament at Navy in June and July should provide strong competition and great bonding/fun for boys and girls teams. Trips should also be very wallet-friendly as we’ll likely be able to stay on-campus at the Academy for these trips.
· We plan to have more coaches on deck than at any time before. Plan is to have dedicated coaches for each skill group
· Summer Highlights
o High School
§ June
· Week of June 6th – Off week for all teams! Get a good rest
· June 13 – Boys and Girls at Cumberland Valley
· June 18, 19, and 20 – Boys and Girls @ Navy Classic – Annapolis
· June 23rd – Possible games with Erie teams
§ July
· July 9, 10, and 11 – Boys and Girls @ Navy Summer Championship - Annapolis
· July 16, 17 and 18 – Pgh Tournament- TBD
· July 22 to 26 – Boys @ National State Challenge – Coronado
§ Last week of July – Girls at Kingfish - TBD
o August
§ Week of August 8th – Off week for all teams!
§ August 16 – Start of Boys and Girls Varsity Team Training
§ August 20, 21 – “Sneak Peek” Tourney – North Park
§ Late August – Boys and Girls Tournament in Reading, PA
o 14 and Under/Middle School
§ June
· Week of June 6th – Off week for all teams!
· June 13 – Middle School Players at Cumberland Valley
· June 18, 19, and 20 –@ Navy Classic – Annapolis
§ July
· July 9, 10, and 11 –@ Navy Summer Championship - Annapolis
· Last week of July – Start of Youth Summer League (just like Spring League)
§ August
· August 7 – Tentative Summer League game day
· August 14 – Tentative Summer League game day
· August 21 – Tentative Summer League game day
· August 20, 21 – “Sneek Peek” Middle School Tourney – North Park
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10154/1062736-110.stm
Voting changes would help
Who should have the right to vote in governmental elections? Is it ethical for people who are on welfare or who work for companies that have government grants to vote for politicians who promise to keep the money flowing to them? Is it ethical for people who work for government to vote for politicians who promise to continue their jobs? I say that anyone who benefits monetarily from government programs should be disqualified from voting.
In addition, in order to solve the problem of the "wasted vote" for third-party candidates, why not implement a system of "approval voting" in which people vote for all the candidates of whom they approve? The winner still takes all but, if you are afraid of an opposing candidate winning by voting for a third-party candidate, you can vote for the best candidate as well as one who may only be the better of two evils.
These two changes in our voting system would, I predict, result in substantial changes in the direction our country is now headed.
NICK KYRIAZI
North Side
Preservationists want more time to study reuse of Mellon Arena The SEA is in the middle of a process to consider alternatives to demolishing the arena but could be prepared to recommend a course of action to its board by October or November. Reuse the Igloo officials say they need at least 60 days to complete the $15,000 study, which is being funded in part by actor David Conrad, who attended the press conference.
Mr. Pfaffmann said arenas have been reused successfully in Portland and Montreal.
From Pittsburgh City Paper, March 22, 2006The March 14, 2006, special election of a new city councilor from District 3 didn't lack for passion: Two candidates nearly got into a fistfight on Election Day.
I think the guy who was called safe on first base should just walk to the dugout. Take himself off the field and out of the game.
My son Ducky called me from that detroit game last nite after witnessing that blown call! .....he was steamin and I told him I'd get back after consulting with some of my fellow officiato wizards...like you guys.
I assured Duck that the umpire has to feel like dogcrap - the pressure obviously got to him and he probably made the classic mistake of envisioning the outcome because the play was unfolding too slow (the double pump from the firstbaseman probably threw him off). The Ump jumped to the conclusion that he thought would happen rather than what he saw...lesson one for all umpires - never think - thinking allows you to confuse your imagination with your information - it is not your job to even know the score much less care about the outcome.
Unfortunately we probably won't ever get umpire judgment calls reviewable via instant replay mainly because there is no whistle to end that kind of play like in football. What if that Tiger pitcher had tossed the ball up in the air thinking he had the out and the runner sped home in the confusion? Although, as a former youth leagues umpire, I will argue that a pitcher should be able to go to the rubber, step off and appeal just like they do when a runner leaves a base too soon on a tag-up. The other umpire/s should also have a chance to pipe in - esp the plate ump or umpire-crew-chief...and review footage and GET IT RIGHT!
Maybe there should be a third call an umpire could make in this kind of situation...instead of only the "safe" or "out" - how about just a shoulder shrug meaning "don't know?" That should wreak some interesting havoc...
A parting tale: I was once umpiring a championship game in the steel community of Sparrows Point in balto full of roudy, tailgating fans (this was way back in the day when drinking at kids games was not at all taboo) and the last play of the day was my worst nightmare - a winning run collision at home where a runner dove horizontally over a lunging catcher with the ball. Being a former catcher myself, I figured no way that runner's prone body never was at least grazed by that catchers outstretched mit's rawhide strings, so I righteously throw my thumb up in the air...but then to my horror, no-one noticed my call from all the noise and the judas catcher bounced up and tried to tag the runner as both kicked up a dust storm scrambling to the plate. The runner won that race and everybody was celebrating and then all eyes were suddenly on me and my premature thumb still stuck up in the air instead of where the sun don't shine....A cop had to escort me (on my motorcycle getting pelted) outta town...kinda like that ump last nite...
what say you brilliant and murky minds?
City schools, teachers union reach tentative contract The contract, which members of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers will vote to ratify in the next two weeks, would create new positions with the opportunity for higher pay and maintain the same health care coverage for current employees and retirees.Much of what is wrong with sports in Pittsburgh Public Schools spews from that former contract. Time will tell if this got fixed -- or not.
Study: Anti-violence group has no effect: "One of Allegheny County's foremost anti-violence groups has had no impact on homicide rates and, in fact, gun crimes and aggravated assaults increased in neighborhoods where the group focused its efforts, according to a report released Wednesday.I've been at odds with the philosophy of weed and seed. We can't just weed and seed and weed and seed. When do we harvest? When do we flourish? When do we soar to new heights?
The nonprofit RAND Corp. found that the efforts of the group, One Vision One Life, might also shift crime and violence from neighborhoods where the group operates to those where it does not.
Researchers focused on the program's impact on the crime-plagued North Side, South Side and Hill District. Starting in 2006, they studied a decade's worth of crime statistics and spent hundreds of hours observing the organization's outreach workers in the field."
The researchers partly blame "the lack of a systematic, coordinated strategy" between police and One Vision, whose work includes behind-the-scenes intervention in brewing street conflicts, programs for at-risk youth and more visible "rapid response" rallies, during which workers take to the streets in the wake of shootings to voice their message of nonviolence.So, where does blame get pinned? Should it be on the nonprofit that is making a heroic effort or else the police who are missing the systematic and coordinated strategy.
"Mr. Kraus said one of the things he hopes to accomplish is to 'remove himself from the mix' and to have the experts explain how a proactive approach can be good for everyone. He says he often hears that all the problems in South Side could be solved with more police.Bruce Kraus is a member of Pittsburgh City Council. He wants to be in charge of everyone's behavior. It is about behavior so he thinks. His behavior?
'Once we’ve had a police officer introduced into the mix, it’s already too late,' the councilman says. He believes by incorporating the RHI principles it will greatly reduce the number of incidents in the neighborhood. 'It’s not about punishment or enforcement, it’s about behavior.'"
British Olympic Association criticises British Swimming for Youth Games omission - Telegraph: "Andy Hunt, the BOA chief executive, said: 'While we understand that occasionally the circumstances or timing of an Olympic event may prove difficult for a sport to fulfil, it is of course disappointing for Team GB if athletes from a particular sport are not able to participate.'
A British Swimming spokesman blamed the decision on the packed international calendar, with the European Championships in Budapest in August and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October.
'We have to look at our resources both in terms of coaches and athletes,' said the spokesman."
Shar out again as W. Mifflin girls basketball coachI want our kids to be involved within gangs that we control -- like basketball teams, orchestras, and other school-sponsored activities.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Phil Shar, the West Mifflin Area High School girls basketball coach who was fired a year ago after publicly criticizing the district's former superintendent, then rehired two weeks ago, is now off the job again.
Mr. Shar was removed from his coaching position yesterday by Superintendent Janet Sardon, whose action was based on a grievance filed by the teachers union and on two legal opinions she received on the issue -- one from district solicitor Jack Cambest and the other from Stuart Knade, chief counsel for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
The West Mifflin School Board voted to give Mr. Shar his head coaching job back at its May 20 meeting, but even before the vote was taken there were questions about whether it was legal for Mr. Shar, who is now a school board member, to serve as coach.
Mr. Shar had planned to serve as a volunteer and take no stipend.
After he was removed from his coaching position in June 2009 after several nasty public disagreements with former superintendent Patrick Risha, Mr. Shar ran a write-in campaign for the school board and won, beating out incumbent Diana Olasz. He took office in December and several weeks later filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the district, alleging that his right to free speech was violated. The suit demanded damages and a return to his coaching position,
Last month, the suit was settled for $30,000. Shortly after the settlement, the board majority voted to return him to the coaching position. It's unclear if that vote was also part of the settlement, as there was a confidentiality clause in the settlement that prevents either side from discussing it.
However, at the time Mr. Shar filed his suit, Mr. Knade of the school boards association said it violated the school code for Mr. Shar to serve as both school director and coach.
Mr. Knade said Section 324 of the state school code stipulates that "you cannot be employed by the school district in any capacity until after the expiration of your term in office regardless of if you resign."
Mr. Knade said that meant that Mr. Shar could not return to coaching, even on a volunteer basis, until the expiration of his four -- year term, even if he resigned.
Dr. Sardon said Mr. Cambest held the same legal opinion and union president Tom Ruffing said the union's attorney Stephen Jordan gave the union the same opinion.
Dr. Sardon said the district will not hold open gyms for the girls team until a new coach is named. However, she said Mr. Shar could continue to coach the girls summer league program because it is not a district-sponsored program.
After his reinstatement on May 20, Mr. Shar said he had received legal opinions saying he could coach provided he received no pay. Mr. Shar could not be reached for comment today.
Mary Niederberger: mniederberger@post-gazette.com; 412-851-1512.
Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/10153/1062510-100.stm#ixzz0pht1eCYM
The Alumni Association is pleased to announce that President Barack Obama will make an address this afternoon from Carnegie Mellon's Wiegand Gymnasium. A live videostream of the event is being made available to all Carnegie Mellon alumni. For more information, please visit www.cmu.edu/multimedia/obama/.
According to the White House Press Secretary, the president "will discuss the state of our economy, the future we need to seize, and the path we choose to get there. He will talk about the progress we've made in building the New Foundation he discussed at Georgetown last year, as well as the work we have left to do."
President Obama's Address from Carnegie Mellon University
When: Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - 1:35 p.m.
Live Webstream:
For more information and to view the address, visit http://www.cmu.edu/multimedia/obama/.
Government reform a pipe dream, ALCOSAN appointment shows - Blogs - Slag Heap - Pittsburgh City Paper: "As we've written repeatedly, the members of city boards and commissions are allowed to continue serving on boards even after their terms expire ... until the mayor either moves to renominate them, or to replace them with someone else."
Ravenstahl calls Carnegie Library's finances into question - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'God bless him,' said Councilman Bruce Kraus, who introduced the measure with six co-sponsors to ensure its veto-proof passage. 'We've heard loud and clear the importance of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for the quality of life of the residents of Pittsburgh.'
No council member said yesterday that his or her vote would change. Harris said she was not sure how she would vote if the mayor were to veto the legislation."
New very cool Featured Video at www.chrischandler.org
T.H.E. .M.U.S.E. .A.N.D. .W.H.I.R.L.E.D. .R.E.T.O.R.T
June, 2010
New Orleans, LA
Vol issue
By Chris Chandler
5-30-10
Hell Yea! The Gulf oil spill is now the worst ecological disaster in U.S. history, "We're #1! We're #1!"
One hundred and fifty years ago, corporations were granted the same rights as people under the constitution. Absurdly based on the 14th Amendment which was intended to free the slaves, and then used to make sure those former slaves stay indebted servants to a new over-seer: the over-class.
It is called corporate personhood.
For years, the way I saw it was if corperations are people then the Revolutionary War was more of a corporate take over. The Declaration of Independence should read:
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one company to dissolve the financial bands which have connected them with another.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all corporations are created equal, that they are endowed by their CEOs with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of profit.
If "corporations" and "people" are synonimes than it is not much of leap to say The Constitution might as well read:
We the corporations of the United States, in order to form a more perfect merger, establish profit, insure domestic product, provide for the common defense, promote the corporate welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to our shareholders…
Ever since "personhood" was established, corporations have been winning court cases granting them due process, equal protection, freedom of speech, etc. chiefly the ability to donate to political causes in the same way that people do.
I have been against this concept for years.
But alas, after this incident in the Gulf of Mexico (soon to be known as The Dead Sea) I see the error in my ways. I say give them full citizenship and treat them as such.
If they want the rights of citizens they should also have the accountibilty of citizens. I mean, I know if my negligence caused the death of eleven people I would be in jail. Not to mention the destruction of Mother Earth they should go to jail for mom -slaughter.
So, I say first, put the entire corperation on trial – everyone on the payroll. How do you like you corperate personhood now? Put 'em on trial for for manslaughter. Mom-slaughter. Put them in jail for poisoning the food chain – 'cos in prison you often do shit where you eat.
I envision not just the CEO going to prison but every congressional appologizer. I wanna see every CEO GO TO PRISON! every CFO, every CIO, CISO CPA and CP3O-- GO TO PRISON. Every VP SVP and VIP for that matter. They are corperate persons afterall.
I wanna see every desk jockey, paper pusher, trader of stock, stock holder, share holder, folder holder, folder stuffer, every secretary to the secretary and secretary to be hired… GO TO PRISON, I wanna see every delivery boy, and office carpet vacumer go to prison just for being corporate persons.
Make an example of them – just like you make an example of the guy sitting in prison for smoking dope in his own apartment in the ghetto.
I wanna see the leathernecks go to prison, the pipe fitters and every oil rig inspector and inspector of the inspectors GO TO PRISON.
And if there is not enough room in the prison, let out the guy who is in there for smoking dope in his own apartment.
I wanna see the writers and the actors in those BS BP ad campaigns "Beyond patrolium, a greener oil company" GO TO PRISON!
I wanna see every gas station attendant and BP convenience store cigarette dealer and car wash brush ceaner GO TO PRISON.
I envision whole gas pumps dressed in orange jump-suits quivering with their little Bristish accents as a large scary man, quoting the 14th ammendment says, "insert prison joke here."
I wanna see every user of every British Patrolium GO TO PRISON. I wanna see every user of petrolium go to prison.
I SHOULD TO GO TO PRISON,
As we all watch the BP bank accounts and the bank accounts of Halliburton and Transatlantic for that matter drained while they are paying the billions,.. quadrillions in reperations.
Instead what we have is a bunch of oil slick lawyers proposing caps on compensation to congress via campaign donations.
Talk about cap and trade.
I thought you guys were against that. But le' me tell ya pal your liability cap blew out when that blow out preventor valve blew and I say it is time to BILL BABY BILL!
I say you should drain your coffers by employing every idle shrimp boat captain and his crew in every idle boat in every port from Gulfport Mississpi to clean up your mess.
Use the community we have.
Even if you spend all of the 14 billion you made in profits last year. All of the 16 you made the year before that – you should spend every dime hiring every out of work oyster fisherman in Pensacola and unemployed seafood resteraunt waiter in New Orleans.
I wanna see your share holders standing on off ramps holding buckets with signs that read "will work to pay locals for their loss."
And as for Haliburton and Transatlantic? Its no wonder Haliburton droped the name "Black Water.".
Transatlantic? You knew your oil rig was too big to fail. That's why you were claiming it was from the Marshall Islands – which is an oil company with a flag.
It should have come as no suprise that Marshall Island inspectors might be a little lax on an oil rig heading to the Americas since America did its nuclear testing there and completely blew one of the Islands off the face of the earth.
But since you did choose to fly the flag of the Marshall Islands, I say it makes you an Illegal Immigrant and I find myself suddenly agreeing with the State of Arizona and you should be deported. All of you.
It makes you a foreigner – and a crime like this – perptrated by a foreginer can only be viewed as foreign eco-terrorisim and the place you should be deported to is Guantinimo Bay where you can sit in your little orange jump suits and be waterboarded – with water, from the Gulf YOU DESTROYED.
Girl Scouts planning to close 6 camps: "But interest in those rustic experiences has waned, and Girl Scout membership has declined. Today -- two years before Girl Scouting's 100th anniversary -- only 25 percent of the members of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania participate in camping activities.Get out.
Meanwhile, the region's membership fell to 35,500 last year, or 6,500 fewer than in 2007, when five smaller councils merged as part of a national realignment. That's better than the national trend -- 12 percent of eligible girls belong, compared to 9 percent nationally -- but leaders still recognized a need for reassessment."
 | Something to shoot for, 10,000 blog postings! | |
| From Polo |
Containers and tasks.
Sports is in there as something that needs attention. How UPMC's overseas operations blossomed in 14 years: "You wouldn't know it from the 1,300 employees running 14 operations in six foreign countries and the nearly $100 million in annual revenue from records management, cancer centers, general hospitals, biomedical research and a transplant center, but UPMC did not have any grand strategy when it started its international efforts nearly 14 years ago."So the next time the Mayor of Pittsburgh wants to do something silly -- like a student or sick person tax, beware. They may take their toys and go away.
Alle-Kiski Valley's human-powered boats boom in popularity - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewWhile powerboating has been popular for years in the Alle-Kiski Valley, the real boom regionally has been in human-powered boating.
The Kiskiminetas River, which forms the border between Westmoreland and Armstrong counties, has seen tremendous growth in kayaking and canoeing.
Neill Andritz owns River's Edge Canoe and Kayak Rental in Gilpin with his wife, Evelyn. The outfitter offers 22-mile runs down the Kiski from Avonmore to the Schenley section of Gilpin, where the Kiski enters the Allegheny River.
He said his business just keeps getting busier. The Andritzs outfitted 800 customers in 2007. In 2009, the number jumped to a 2,000.
'It is due to the fact that the Kiski has made such a miraculous comeback,' Andritz said.
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