DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADERS CALL FOR AN END TO THE CRIMINALIZATION OF THOSE PROVIDING FOOD TO THE HUNGRY IN ORLANDO'S CITY PARKS

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Julian P Heicklen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 16, 2011

CONTACT:
Food Not Bombs
Keith McHenry - cofounder
575-770-3377
menu@foodnotbombs.net

The Orange County Democratic Executive Committee passed a resolution at their regular August  15th meeting requesting that Mayor Dyer and the Orlando City Council decriminalize food sharing in city parks and refrain from arresting people for food sharing under city codes 18A.09 -1 and 18A.09-2. Mayor Dyer is a member of the Democratic Party and principle supporter of the law restricting the sharing of meals with Orlando's hungry to twice a year per park.

Orlando police have arrested 29 Food Not Bombs volunteers for sharing vegan meals with the hungry at Lake Eola Park. The first criminal trials for violating the Large Group Feeding Permit Law  begin next week. If convicted the defendants face  Food Not Bombs volunteer Palmer B. Harrell, of Orlando, and Francis "Pat" Fitzgerald, an anti-poverty activist from Gainesville, will begin their trial on Monday, august  22, followed by the trial of Food Not Bombs volunteer Jessica L. Cross  on Thursday, August 25th. The trails will take place at Orange County Courthouse, 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida.

It is believed that over 10,000 people are homeless in Orlando and many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and seek food assistance. Second Harvest reports that many of the programs they serve are forced to turn away as many as 10 percent of those seeking food. While many of the residence suffer extreme poverty the city of Orlando has spent hundreds of thousands of tax dollars defending the Large Group Feeding Permit Law and now plans to spend hundreds of thousands more attempting to convict those who are volunteering to provide nutritious meals to the hungry while advocating for changes in government policies that would protect American's from having to seek food at soup kitchens.

###



The text of the resolution is below:

"RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COMMITTEE OF ORANGE COUNTY DEMOCRATS OF ORANGE COUNTY FLORIDA

"REQUESTING ORLANDO MAYOR DYER AND CITY COUNCIL TO DECRIMINALIZE FOOD SHARING IN CITY PARKS AND REFRAIN FROM ARRESTING PEOPLE FOR FOOD SHARING IN CITY PARKS UNDER  CITY CODES 18A.09-1 and 18A.09-2

"WHEREAS, sharing food with the homeless and hungry is a charitable act that should be commended and supported when done by any individual, organization, or agency.

"WHEREAS, such acts of compassion and selflessness must never be criminalized or penalized.

"WHEREAS, our nation is going through a severe economic recession and the growing population of  hungry, homeless, and working poor men, women and children need special care and attention.

"WHEREAS, the passage of this ordinance and its enforcement involving arrests may reflect badly on Orlando, internationally.  Moreover, adverse publicity about these arrests may significantly hurt the economy and reputation of the City Beautiful.

"WHEREAS, as Democrats, we stand firm in our belief in anti-poverty policies and
expect our elected officials to do the same.

"NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY DECLARED, ON THIS THIS DAY, AUGUST 15, 2011,THAT THE DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF ORANGE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, REQUEST THAT THE CITY OF ORLANDO, MAYOR DYER, AND CITY
COMMISSIONERS DIAMOND, LYMAN, ORTIZ, SHEEHAN, STUART AND ING,
DECRIMINALIZE THE ACTIVITY OF ORGANIZED FOOD SHARING AND REFRAIN
FROM ARRESTING THOSE WHO ORGANIZE SUCH FOOD SHARING ACTIVITIES
FOR THE HUNGRY IN ANY AND ALL CITY PARKS OF ORLANDO, FL."



ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON THE CRIMINALIZATION OF POVERTY

Orlando's homeless ranks grow -- many are falling off economy's
'edge'
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2009-05-14/news/homeless_1_homeless-services-network-homeless-students-homeless-population

Orlando Large Group Feeding Permit Law
http://www.foodnotbombs.net/fnb_orlando_law.html

END THE CRIMINALIZATION PROTESTS SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
http://www.foodnotbombs.net/resist.html


How America criminalised poverty -The viciousness of state officials to the poor and homeless is breathtaking, trapping them in a cycle of poverty
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/aug/10/america-poverty-criminalised

Tampa's homeless get bad news: no free breakfast
http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2011/aug/13/3/tampas-homeless-get-bad-news-no-free-breakfast-ar-250363/


--

--

Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

Did you see the Photos of the Day that featured water polo play in The Hill District at Ammon Swim Pool?

In case you missed it, you can check out the Post-Gazette's Photo of the Day feature from Wednesday, August 15, 2011. http://www.post-gazette.com/photooftheday/

and

It has been great to have some open water polo practices at Ammon Swim Pool, a Citiparks facility.

Kids (mostly) play from 11 am to 12:30 this week, Monday to Friday, ending on August 17, 2011.

Adults are going to try to get one more game in, pick-up style, on Thursday night, tonight, from 6:30 to 8. High school and college kids are most welcome to join us too. And youngsters as well. The pool is open. Kids can come to the shallow end, of course. There is plenty of water.

My invite email:


Hi Fellow South Side Pops, (plus a few other hand-picked friends via BCC)

Let's give this one more try while the catfish are jumping and summer
has yet to fade --- WATER POLO, in pick-up, community style, but with
regulation, floating goals.

Ammon Rec Center has an nice outdoor swim pool. It is with plenty of
shallow and deep water. We'll play in 4 foot, again. So, swim ability
is NOT a real big factor. Bring the kids, as they can kick around in
the shallow end as the pool will be OPEN to the public.

Pay $3 for kids and $4 if over 16 at the gate, if you do NOT have a
Citiparks, annual, pool tag.

Invite everyone and anyone, as we can have bigger squads or else subs.

Patrick, a fellow SS Pop, played goalie in Romania as a kid. He is
something to watch and try to score upon, if he isn't on YOUR team.
Some of lifeguards have stayed to play if their shift(s) are over as
it is so much fun.

Easy parking right by the pool on the street.

To get to Ammon from the South Side, cross the Birmingham Bridge and
go STRAIGHT up, (not to Oakland nor Downtown). Follow Kirtpatrick
Street until it ends, at Bedford, at the corner of the pool. The Josh
Gibson baseball field is behind the pool. Bedford Ave also goes next
to the Civic Arena from Downtown. Go about 6 blocks to the pool at the
top of The Hill. If you bike, it is a steep hill.

My kids are out of town, so we really need a dozen guys (and gals) to
make it 'fun.' The pool closes in a few days, so this will be our last
attempt until I get a school pool made available. Don't hold your
breath for that to happen, sadly. But that's another email for another
month.

FWIW, Wednesday's P-G has photos of the day and two of the images are
from yesterday's water polo practice with the kids.
http://www.post-gazette.com/photooftheday/ See image 5 and 6.

Earlier on Thursday, from 11 am to 12:30, a group of kids from North
Allegheny are going to venture to The Hill and play a game or two with
our kids. I'm still looking for players....

Thanks for the consideration. Come if you can. Bring the youngsters.
Last time was a blast. Right, Scott?????

---

Scott's reply:

Sorry to miss tolorrow's water polo action. I had a great time learning and playing last time and echo Mark's comments about Patrick. On one particular play he dove in one direction to knock back a hard shot. The rebound unfortunately went right back to the shooter who fired on a now empty goal only to see the submerged Patrick somehow rise like phoenix in the opposite direction, knock the ball down, then scoop it up and throw a perfect lead pass the length of the pool to Mark's son Grant who easily scored a breakaway goal on the overmatched opposing goalie, no Patrick he.

Have fun and do let me know when there's another chance to play.

Stop the war on drugs

Charter School seeking K, 1 and 2 grade students

THERE IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN AT THE NEW IMAGINE PENN HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL OPENING ON AUGUST 24, 2011. IMAGINE ALSO OPERATES THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER AT REGENT SQUARE.

We are accepting kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades.

THE SCHOOL WILL ADD GRADES OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO BECOME A K-8.

TUITION IS FREE AND TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED
IF YOUR CHILD ATTENDS FAISON OR WILKINSBURG SCHOOLS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE ADVATAGE OF THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY.
ALSO RANKIN, DUQUESNE, AND GARFIELD (WITH THE CLOSING OF FORT PITT SHOULD LOOK CLOSELY AT THIS NEW SCHOOL.
GOOD SCHOOLS ARE BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND FOR A LOT OF BLACK CHILDREN IN THIS AREA.

WE MAY BE FINISHED ACCEPTING STUDENTS ON FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2011
CALL OR EMAIL THE INFORMATION BELOW ASAP!

RANDALL TAYLOR
FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER EAST END OF PITTSBURGH
412-867-8170




1) Students name
2) Address
1) Date of birth
2) Place of Birth
3) Grade entering
4) Last school attended
5) Students lives with?
6) Mother and Father Name
7) Address
8) PHONE NUMBER
9) E-Mail
Send Info to rxtaylor6501@comcast.net
Call me for any questions at 412-867-8170
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Spit out your gum and all other negative thoughts, such as "I can't do that." Our final exam is a mega challenge.

Water Polo Continues!

Pittsburgh Cyclist in history

Thanks for the review.

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

-----Original Message-----
From: Ernest Schimmerling <eschimme@gmail.com>
Sender: acaracing@googlegroups.com
Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:22:58
To: Allegheny Cycling Association<acaracing@googlegroups.com>
Reply-To: eschimme@gmail.com
Subject: [ACA Google Group] Just thought you might be interested

There is a book out (published in 2010) about Frank Lenz, a Pittsburgh
cyclist who attempted to ride around the world in 1892 on "safety"
bicycle with inflatable tires, which had just been introduced. He
sent back notes and photographs as he traveled. Lenz headed west and
made it as far as Turkey before disappearing in 1894. Another
American cyclist, William Sachtleben, who had already been around the
world in the other direction, went to Turkey to investigate what had
happened.

Starting in the 1880s, Lenz was a member of the Allegheny Cycle Club.
He raced in and around Pittsburgh and toured thousands of miles on an
"ordinary" high-wheel bicycle on some of the same roads we ride on.

The book seems to be based on diaries these cyclists kept on their
various trips, as well as newspaper articles. It provides details and
photographs that I find curious and surprising. (I'm only half way
done reading the book; the writing style is just so-so passable but
the story holds its own so far IMHO.)

The book is on Amazon at
http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Cyclist-Adventurer-Mysterious-Disappearance/dp/0547195575

(There are also soft cover and iPad versions.)

There is a Wikipedia entry on Frank Lenz at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lenz_(cyclist)

A+ Schools meeting about Pittsburgh Public Schools budget stuff

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC)
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Elizabeth Seton Center
1900 Pioneer Avenue, 15226
Brookline



Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Northview Heights Citizen's Council
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Northview Heights Gymnasium
525 Mount Pleasant Road, 15214
Northview Heights

water polo at Summer Dreamers

You have been sent 1 picture.

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These pictures were sent with Picasa, from Google.
Try it out here: http://picasa.google.com/

Julian Heicklen, now a candidate in New Jersey

From: Julian P Heicklen
PROGRESS REPORT OF JULY 14, 2011

Hi Tyranny Fighters: a mini progress report

I am the Libertarian Party candidate for the NJ Assembly in the 37th District.

I was distributing campaign pamphlets at the corner of Main and Salem
Streets in Hackensack, NJ on Friday, July 8, 2011 during the noon
hour.  A police officer walked by and told me that I had to inform
police headquarters in order to do that.  He continued on his way.  I
ignored his request and continued distributing pamphlets. Apparently
no public official understands the U. S. Constitution.

Mark Schmidter, who was arrested for defying Judge Belvin Perry's
order against distributing literature at the Orange County Courthouse
in Orlando, FL, has his trial date set for July 26, 2011.  I encourage
those of you in the Orlando area to attend his trial and show your
support.  As far as I know Keith McHenry and John Kurtz are still in
jail serving their sentences for distributing food and taking pictures
of police, respectively.

I wish to hold a protest demonstration with as many people as possible
from Thursday, August 18–Monday, August 22, 2011.  My tentative
suggested schedule of events is:
Thursday, August 18, 5:00–7:00 pm: Distribute food to the poor with
"Food not Bombs" people.

Thursday night, August 18: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Friday, August 19, 7:30–9:00 am and 11:30 am–1:30 pm: I will
distribute fully informed jury literature at the Orange County
Courthouse.  Others are welcome to join me, but be prepared to be
arrested.

Friday, August 19, 8:00–11:00 pm: Take pictures of police in downtown Orlando

Friday  night, August 19: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Saturday, August 20, noon–3:00: parade in downtown Orlando (or maybe
at Disneyland) with signs and banners

Saturday, August 20, 8:00–11:00 pm: Take pictures of police in downtown Orlando

Saturday night, August 20: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Sunday, August 21, 10:00 am–noon: Non-denominational prayers for the
people of Orlando to gain an understanding of freedom

Sunday, August 21, noon to dusk: Picnic in Eola Park

Sunday night, August 21: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Monday, August 22, 7:30–9:00 am and 11:30 am–1:30 pm: I will
distribute fully informed jury literature at the Orange County
Courthouse.  Others are welcome to join me, but be prepared to be
arrested.

Monday, August 22, 5:00–7:00 pm: Distribute food to the poor with
"Food not Bombs" people.

This is just a suggested program.  Your input and ideas are welcome.
It might be good idea to have a few speakers for the occasion.  I
think that Mark Schmidter, John Kurtz, and Keith McHenry would be
appropriate choices.  You may suggest others.

In order to have a successful event, we will need the cooperation and
help of the Orlando area Tyranny Fighters and other groups.  I hope
that each of you will not only suggest ideas, but offer your
assistance in whatever way you feel appropriate.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE

THE PRICE OF JUSTICE IS ETERNAL PUBLICITY

Yours in freedom and justice—Julian

Computer Art Contest -- Something to do this summer, and you can win!

Looking for something creative to do this summer? Enter this art contest kids. You might win a new laptop for your efforts.

Worldlabel.com has put together and sponsored a contest around my
open source drawing program, "Tux Paint". It's open to kids around the
world, ages 3 to 12. There will be 10 winners, and the top 3 will receive
an OLPC XO-1 laptop!

For more, see my show press release at Tux Paint's website:

http://www.tuxpaint.org/latest/worldlabel.com-tuxpaint-kids-summer-drawing-contest-2011.php3

And for the official announcements and rules, go to the source:
http://blog.worldlabel.com/2011/tux-paint-kids-summer-drawing-contest.html

The contest is open through Sept. 12, 2011.

No Needle News

------Original Message------
From: SI com Alerts
To: mark@rauterkus.com
ReplyTo: cnnalerts@cnn.com
Subject: 2004 Athens Summer Games News
Sent: Jul 8, 2011 5:34 PM



Alert Name: 2004 Athens Summer Games News

IOC adopts "no needle" policy for 2012 Olympic Games in London
07/08/11 03:26 PM, EDT
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- The IOC will enforce a "no needle" policy for the 2012 London Olympics that bars athletes from possessing syringes and other medical equipment that could be used for doping.
Read the full story at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/more/07/08/IOC-adopts-no-needles-policy.ap/index.html

______________________________________________________________________

Receiving too many alerts?
Visit manage your alerts to narrow your topic further. Add words or
phrases in your alert criteria and refine your alert. You can also change
your delivery frequency to "daily" or "weekly" to receive your alerts to fit
your busy schedule. To edit your alerts, visit the manage alerts page:
http://audience.cnn.com/services/si/alerts/manageAlerts.jsp?source=si

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.


Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Fw: Last Chance for the Moon Park Fiddle and Rock Violin Workshop

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Steven Vance <stevenvance@stevenvance.com>

Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 12:25:03 -0400

To: Steven Vance<stevenvance@strollingviolins.com>

Subject: Last Chance for the Moon Park Fiddle and Rock Violin Workshop

Dates:  Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Location: Robin Hill Center, 949 Thorn Run Road

Instructor: Steven Vance

Ages: 10-18  

Fees: $25.00/Residents, $30.00/Non-Residents

Moon Parks and Recreation is proud to present a new camp for 2011.  This camp will introduce you to Fiddle styles by teaching shuffle bowing, double stopping and 1-2 tunes you can go home and play that night! It will also feature rock classic tunes with Yamaha Electric Violins, Viola and Cello plus sound effects and looping station.  Experience is required - must be playing their instrument for 2 years.  This is a great opportunity to learn from one the areas top musicians !

No online registration now.  Call Moon Parks at 412-262-1703 

If you can't make this one we will be doing another one on Monday August 1 from 1-4 PM.  Same details.

Hope to see you there.

Steven Vance

Executive Director

Extreme Strings Academy

2549 Penn Ave 

PIttsburgh  PA  15222

412-325-1211   800-303-1947

stevenvance@extremestrings.com

http://www.extremestrings.com/

Yamaha Certified String Educator

Certified Teacher of the Mark O'Connor American Violin Method 

Big Loss for Big Media

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: "Craig Aaron, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>

Date: Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:52:41 +0000

To: Mark Rauterkus<mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: info@freepress.net

Subject: Big Loss for Big Media

Dear Mark, We won! Today, in a sweeping victory for communities across the country, a federal appeals court overturned the Federal Communications Commission’s attempt to weaken media ownership rules. Had these rules gone into effect, it would have unleashed a new wave of media consolidation across the country. In 2007, the FCC ignored letters and calls from millions of Americans and tried to rewrite its media ownership rules to let companies own both newspapers and TV or radio stations in the same town. This change would have opened the floodgates to new media mergers, leading to even more layoffs in newsrooms while thinning out diverse perspectives from local news. We sued the FCC for ignoring the public outcry. Today, we won. The court tossed out the FCC's flawed rules, but also upheld all other media consolidation restrictions and told the FCC it needed to do better to support and foster diverse voices in the media – all crucial decisions for our fight to build better media. This isn’t just our victory – it’s your victory, too. The court pointed to public comments from people like you as deciding factor in overturning the FCC’s attempt to change its rules. Today it’s clear: Your voice and actions make a huge difference. This court decision should send a wake-up call to the FCC: It must listen to the public and stand up against media consolidation in all its forms. But the fight doesn’t end here. Right now around the country, local stations are using loopholes and backroom deals to get around media ownership rules and consolidate their coverage of local news. This court case makes clear that the FCC needs to strengthen their rules and address this growing epidemic as well. Click here to tell the FCC to stop this covert media consolidation. Today’s victory is a big moment for the movement to build better media. We couldn’t have done it without you. Onward, Craig Aaron President & CEO Free Press P.S. – We need your help sustaining our efforts. In court, at the FCC and in Congress we’re up against huge companies with lots of money and lawyers. We don't take money from government, political parties or businesses – so we depend on you. Help us fight the next media ownership fight. Please donate today. P.P.S. – Read more about the details and background of today’s big decision.

Free Press Action Fund is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Learn more at www.freepress.net

Fw: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: "Hanna, Dolores" <Dolores.Hanna@city.pittsburgh.pa.us>

Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:57:27 -0400

To: Hanna, Dolores<Dolores.Hanna@city.pittsburgh.pa.us>

Subject: FW: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

FYI  

 

 

From: Office of the Mayor - PRESS RELEASE [mailto:noreply@pittsburghpa.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:36 AM
To: Subscribers
Subject: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

 

	CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY Sent 07/06/2011 @ 11:36 am   Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today called on citizens to help complete the City's inventory of war monuments and memorials. In addition to the City’s current list of over 90 war monuments, the City's Department of Public Works and City Planning is coordinating the effort by asking community members to help in identifying other neighborhood memorials by complete a War Monument Identification form located at http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/warmonuments/. War monuments could be objects such as a memorial, honor roll, artwork, or monument pertaining to any war or individuals who served in a war, including plaques, free-standing sculpture, and/or free-standing stone or bronze monuments. The City is asking that residents please complete the online or paper form and return the form to the Public Art Manager by close of business, Thursday, September 1st, 2011, either by digital form, fax, email, or hardcopy. Once information is received from the public, location and condition data will be integrated into a database to create the complete inventory.   Then, City staff will perform on-site condition evaluations of each piece and a professional conservator will provide a long-term maintenance plan for these pieces. This Citywide project has been created and will be completed in collaboration with the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Northside Leadership Conference and the help of the Veterans and community organizations throughout the City. For more information, please contact Morton Brown, Public Art Manager, at 412-255-8996 or morton.brown@city.pittsburgh.pa.us. For more information and images of City-owned artworks and other demographic information by neighborhood, please visit www.pghsnap.com. ### Contact: Joanna Doven Press Secretary Office: 412-255-2694 Cell: 412-475-2387 Email
	© 2011 City of Pittsburgh | Office of the Mayor | | Having trouble seeing this message? Click here to view it in your browser. If you would like to unsubscribe from PRESS RELEASE, please click here.

 

Call for safety boaters - 2011 Search for Monongy 1.2 & 2.4-Mile Open Water Swim

 
When: Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:00 AM
Where: Heinz Quay
North Shore Dr. & Art Rooney Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

OK 'yackers, time to put your paddling skills to work! Our Meetup group is going support an endurance swimming event - the http://www.searchformonongy.com/ Search for Monongy 1.2 & 2.4-Mile Open Water Swim[/url]. It's put on by the U.S. Masters Swimmers (USMS) http://www.alleghenymountainmasters.org/ Mountain Masters chapter in Pittsburgh. The course runs between Heinz Field and the Clemente Bridge on the Allegheny River. Small craft boaters will be part of the safety crew, monitoring the swimmers, keeping them from going off-course and calling in help if one of them has a problem. No special skills or gear are required. All you need is your kayak, PFD, paddle, whistle, and basic paddling skills. We will meet at Heinz Quay, the same place as we launched last year for Paddle at the Point. Please arrive before 9:00 AM. This will give us time to stage our gear, and then meet with the safety coordinator for instructions. The first swimmers are off at 10:00. The last swimmers will be off the water by 12:30.

We're meeting at Heinz Quay (the ramp in front of Heinz Field, where the Gateway Clippers land on game days) . We will drop off our boats and gear at the curb, next to the Fred Rogers Memorial (same place we put in for Paddle at the Point last year), and then carry our kayaks down the grassy slope or steps to the river's edge, and then past the Fred Rogers Memorial to the launch. Someone will be there to watch your gear and help transport it.  On-street parking will be available.

By the way, what is "Monongy"? Legend has it that Monongy, the man-fish lives in the river. There are records that go as far back as the French and Indian War that describe encounters between British soldiers and strange aquatic creatures. The local Indian tribes referred to this creature as "Monongy". There was even a Monongy craze in the early 1930's through the late 1950's. Sightings occurred on a weekly basis and the police department created a task force whose sole purpose was to investigate sightings of the creature. No evidence was ever produced to lend credence to the claims until May 12, 2003 when a privately owned fishing vessel was the first to take photos of the creature. The photos were available on line for a short time until they were inexplicably taken down. Speculation persists that the government has procured the photographs and are covering up the existence of Monongy. Crypto zoologists from around the world still frequent the Monongahela every year to catch a glimpse of the elusive water beast.

This Meetup listing will be updated as more details come available. I hope our group has a good turnout. Last year, we had a great time, and the swimmers greatly appreciated our help.  Hope to see many of you there!
Check it out!

Two of the top stories of the year in high school sports ...

10. City League memories: Schenley, one of the most storied basketball programs in Western Pennsylvania history, plays its final game, as the City League school will no longer exist. Peabody, which used to have a tremendous baseball program, is another City school that closes its doors after the school year.

11. No more City League? The City League considers a plan to possibly join the WPIAL in a few years. But financial problems in Pittsburgh Public Schools put the plan on hold for the foreseeable future.

Fwd: [ACA Google Group] Protocol when crashes occur at the track

Chris posted:

To: acaracing@googlegroups.com

I'm sorry to report that there were two crashes at the oval last
night. While I wasn't there first-hand, I understand the officials did
an excellent job of maintaining calm and tending to the injured
personnel.

I'd like to remind all of our members that when a crash occurs, please
keep the following in mind:
If you're anywhere near the crash, please don't turn your head, slow
or change your line. Just keep moving forward and get away from the
accident as soon as possible.
If you're down, stay down. The officials will do their best to clear
the track or stop the race if necessary. Do not attempt to get off the
track for the sake of the race. No race placement or finish is more
important than rider safety.
If you're tending to an injured rider, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE THE
RIDER off the track. Riders should only be moved after it's deemed
safe. The officials or marshals are there to take measures to keep the
riders from any injured parties. Again, no race placement or finish is
more important than the safety of a rider.
The race officials are in charge. Regardless of your experience or
medical background, the race officials are the most qualified to
command the situation. If you think you can help, please work under
the guidance of the race officials to determine how you can help. DO
NOT take it upon yourself to take control. You will only add confusion
and disruption to the race officials responsibilities. Your help, I'm
sure, will be appreciated but too many people attempting to take
charge will cause more harm than good.
If a crash has occurred behind you and you come back around to the
accident, please slow or stop to avoid the riders. It's ridiculous to
think about a race finish when a crash occurs. I can assure you it's
easy to restart the race if necessary.
And lastly, it's very strange to have so many crashes this far into
the season. I believe we've had four or five now in the last few
weeks. Please remember that personal responsibility is critical to
safe racing. Riders jumping out of line, intentionally blocking,
riding outside of their capacities or not maintaining their equipment
can cause accidents. It's understood that bicycle racing is an
inherently dangerous sport. However, some accidents can be easily
avoided by using common sense.

Thank you and let's hope we don't have any more accidents through the
end of the year. The summer picnic is only two weeks away and we
should be celebrating the sport we love.

Chris Popovic
2011 ACA President
chrispopovic@gmail.com
412-259-3737

--
--
Ta.

Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Libertarians say Obama's Afghanistan policy is a failure

Posted by: "Peace And Prosperity Partners" peaceandprosperitypartners@yahoo.com  

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle responded to President Obama's June 22, 2011, speech with the following comments::

"President Obama's speech was disappointing, but not surprising. The withdrawals he announced are painfully inadequate. Obama's withdrawals, even if they are carried out as he described, will still leave about 70,000 American troops in Afghanistan, probably for years to come. The president is commander-in-chief of the military. He has the power to end the war now, and withdraw all American troops, and that's what he should do."

The U.S. has no business fighting a war in Afghanistan. Nearly three years ago, our Libertarian National Committee adopted a resolution ( http://www.lp.org/military- withdrawal- resolutions ) calling for the withdrawal of our armed forces from Afghanistan. We are saddened and angry that there are now more troops there than ever."

Obama talked about 'ending the war responsibly. ' I think the word 'responsibly' is a weaselly escape hatch in case Obama doesn't want to withdraw more troops later. He will just say, 'That would be irresponsible -- I need to keep the war going strong.'

"This war causes the Afghan people to justifiably feel a greater hatred toward America. It makes American taxpayers poorer. And it emboldens other would-be aggressors, who can point to American intervention in Afghanistan whenever they feel like doing the same elsewhere."

There are two big winners from the continuation of this war: Our military-industrial complex, which seems to have the president in its back pocket, and the Afghan government, which continues to enjoy tremendous benefits at the expense of the American taxpayer.

If anything, Republican reactions to the president's speech were even more ridiculous than the speech itself. Republican Senator John McCain fretted that this withdrawal was not 'modest' enough. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, feeling the need to criticize Obama despite the fact that they basically agree on everything, complained of an 'arbitrary timetable.' Republican House Speaker John Boehner worried about losing our 'gains' in Afghanistan. All these comments show an inability to comprehend an intelligent, modest foreign policy, as well as a serious lack of respect for American taxpayers.

The Libertarian Party platform includes the following:

International Affairs American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world. Our foreign policy should emphasize defense against attack from abroad and enhance the likelihood of peace by avoiding foreign entanglements. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Robust government work is always hostile

http://www.news24.com/World/News/Obama-overrides-lawyers-over-Libya-war-20110618

Slippery Rock needs to look again at supporting swimming and Waterpolo too.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11169/1154609-54.stm

Fwd: Ballou Skies Charity Ride - July 9th @ Noon

From: Joe Vallese

Family and Friends -

I wanted to pass along some important information on an upcoming
charity bike ride that that we are currently organizing for July
9th beginning at noon.

If you are not already
aware, for the 2011 triathlon season, I'm not only racing for
myself, but for Ryan Ballou and others that have been afflicted
with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).  Since
birth, Ryan has been afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
(DMD), a degenerative muscle disorder that affects all muscles
within the body. There are over 40 different variations with this
type of muscular dystrophy which only affects boys.  It is
sometimes a challenge for Ryan and he always seems to pull
together and deal with whatever test is put in front of him from
this disorder. However, we feel that it should not stop there. Not
only can those afflicted deal with the disease, but together we
can also combat this disease by spreading awareness.  For more
information on the cause, please visit www.ballouskies.com.

So if you're free on July 9th, come out for a good time and a good
workout!  This will be our teams second charity ride and the first
ride raised $5000 dollars!   Hopefully we can raise more with this
second ride. This is also a ride for all abilities so dust off the
old Schwinn and come on out for a nice relaxing afternoon ride!

Even if you do not ride a bicycle or the mileage is a little
daunting,  you can still join us afterward for lunch and
refreshments. We are looking for as many riders as possible and
our goal is to get 50-100 riders in total.   Please forward this
email and please let others who may be interested know about this
event.  It will be a nice day filled with fun, friends, and good
food!

We have two ride courses. A 25 mile course and a more challenging
50 mile course.

50 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36621590/
25 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36623998

Location
Old Economy Cafe
1198 Merchant Street
Ambridge, PA

We will raise funds by asking those attending to make a $25.00
donation to BallouSkies.  You can also help support Ballou Skies
by picking up a container of Ballou Skies Peanut Butter that can
be found at most Giant Eagle Stores through out the Greater
Pittsburgh area.

PS - Even if you cannot make it out to the event, you can always
donate to the Ballou Skies Chairity through the website
http://www.ballouskies.com or by making out a check to "Ballou
Skies".  If you'd like to send a check, you can send it (made out
to Ballou Skies...not me) to 148b Foxwood rd Coraopolis PA 15108
and I will make sure it gets in the right hands.

Thanks again for all of your continued support!

Shoeless Joe!

--
--
Ta.

Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Fw: Fwd: Ballou Skies Charity Ride - July 9th @ Noon

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Joe Vallese <josuitcase@comcast.net>

Sender: mtlccc@googlegroups.com

Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:33:37 -0400

To: mtlccc@googlegroups.com<mtlccc@googlegroups.com>

ReplyTo: josuitcase@comcast.net

Subject: Fwd: Ballou Skies Charity Ride - July 9th @ Noon

Family and Friends -

I wanted to pass along some important information on an upcoming charity bike ride that that we are currently organizing for July 9th beginning at noon. 

If you are not already aware, for the 2011 triathlon season, I'm not only racing for myself, but for Ryan Ballou and others that have been afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).  Since birth, Ryan has been afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disorder that affects all muscles within the body. There are over 40 different variations with this type of muscular dystrophy which only affects boys.  It is sometimes a challenge for Ryan and he always seems to pull together and deal with whatever test is put in front of him from this disorder. However, we feel that it should not stop there. Not only can those afflicted deal with the disease, but together we can also combat this disease by spreading awareness.  For more information on the cause, please visit www.ballouskies.com. 

So if you're free on July 9th, come out for a good time and a good workout!  This will be our teams second charity ride and the first ride raised $5000 dollars!   Hopefully we can raise more with this second ride. This is also a ride for all abilities so dust off the old Schwinn and come on out for a nice relaxing afternoon ride!

Even if you do not ride a bicycle or the mileage is a little daunting,  you can still join us afterward for lunch and refreshments. We are looking for as many riders as possible and our goal is to get 50-100 riders in total.   Please forward this email and please let others who may be interested know about this event.  It will be a nice day filled with fun, friends, and good food!

We have two ride courses. A 25 mile course and a more challenging 50 mile course.

50 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36621590/
25 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36623998

Location
Old Economy Cafe
1198 Merchant Street
Ambridge, PA

We will raise funds by asking those attending to make a $25.00 donation to BallouSkies.  You can also help support Ballou Skies by picking up a container of Ballou Skies Peanut Butter that can be found at most Giant Eagle Stores through out the Greater Pittsburgh area.

PS - Even if you cannot make it out to the event, you can always donate to the Ballou Skies Chairity through the website http://www.ballouskies.com or by making out a check to "Ballou Skies".  If you'd like to send a check, you can send it (made out to Ballou Skies...not me) to 148b Foxwood rd Coraopolis PA 15108 and I will make sure it gets in the right hands.

Thanks again for all of your continued support!

Shoeless Joe!

Dress Code of Student Athletes

In light of the numerous discussion we had during the past year about
things that could be done with next to no money...as well as how our
students are perceived...please read the following story and realize
the issue is problematic across all levels of competition among
student/athletes...and there's always someone able to make an excuse!

http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/16/deshon-marman-university-of-new-mexico-football-player-kicked/?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook

Hat tip to J.T.

Fw: You're Right. AT&T Is Wrong.

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: "Timothy Karr, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>

Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:15:49 +0000

To: Mark Rauterkus<mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: "Timothy Karr, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>

Subject: You're Right. AT&T Is Wrong.

Defeat AT&T's Lies: Donate Today Dear Mark, You were just dissed by AT&T. After tens of thousands of Free Press activists told the FCC to oppose AT&T's takeover of T-Mobile, one of the company's top lobbyists had the gall to tell the media that our opinions don't matter. Can you believe it? Nine out of every 10 people commenting to the FCC are against the mega-merger, and the higher prices and lack of choices it would force upon us. You have been so successful in protesting this bad deal that now AT&T is attacking you. Donate $20 to help us convince Washington that you're right and AT&T is wrong. AT&T has become so desperate to spin this merger as good for Americans that it's resorting to lies, bribery and deception: When pressed about the overwhelming public opposition to the merger, AT&T lobbyist Bob Quinn said, "It's not a public opinion poll," and that our comments don't matter!1 AT&T has pressured not-for-profit groups that collectively receive $62 million in funding from the company to sign form letters in support of the merger, despite strong opposition from their members.2 When Free Press confronted AT&T with indisputable evidence that the gobbling up of a competitor will result in fewer choices, not more, AT&T doubled down on its lie, claiming that we were "long on rhetoric and short on substance."3 It's clear that AT&T can't win approval of this deal by telling the truth. That's why it spent more than $200 million on lobbyists and campaign contributions over the years — to get Washington to look the other way and do whatever AT&T says. This deception has to stop. I urge you to donate $20 to support our newest push to expose AT&T's lies and educate more people about the harms of this mega-merger. Here's a glimpse of what we're working on: Our online communications team is developing a video series lampooning AT&T's laughable distortions. Our policy team is preparing a report to the FCC that extensively debunks AT&T's crazy claims about the benefits of this deal. Our research team is uncovering the AT&T money behind the organizations that signed Astroturf letters. Our web team is designing online graphics to explain how this merger would hand far too much control to one company. We need your support to make it all happen. No contribution is too small. Already the media have begun to cast doubt on the deal and to question whether we should let AT&T become the gatekeeper to the mobile Internet. By giving as little as $20, you can help us gain the upper hand. Thank you, Timothy Karr Campaign Director  Free Press Action Fund www.freepress.net 1. AT&T claims that its FCC filing will stress broad support for T-Mobile merger, AdWeek: http://act2.freepress.net/go/4499?akid=2581.8833392.-fena_&t=7 2. "Is AT&T Buying Nonprofit Support for T-Mobile Merger?" Politico: http://act2.freepress.net/go/4546?akid=2581.8833392.-fena_&t=9 3. "AT&T Wireless: Less competition means... lower prices?" Consumer Reports: http://act2.freepress.net/go/4527?akid=2581.8833392.-fena_&t=11

Free Press Action Fund is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Learn more at www.freepress.net

Fwd: cityLIVE! 37 - Moving People, Not Cars - TONIGHT, Monday

Have you ever thought you'd like to ride your bike to work, but it
seems too dangerous? Do you wonder what life would be like if your
children could walk to school, and you wouldn't have to drive them?
Do you admire cities like New York, with its miles of city bike lanes,
or Paris, with its 20,000 bikes to rent? Do you hate the fact that
you need to drive your bike to a good trail? Would you like to live
in a city that is built for people, not cars?

On June 13, Gil Peñalosa will show us how! Mr. Peñalosa is the
executive director of 8-80 Cities, and a founder of the famous Bogotá,
Colombia Ciclovia event. He is an internationally renowned livable
city expert dedicated to the transformation of cities into places
where people can walk, bike, access public transit and visit vibrant
parks and public places. What does 8-80 Cities stand for? Cities
which are accessible to everyone, from 8 to 80 years old.

We'll have some local experts on hand to answer any questions you have
that are particular to Pittsburgh. They include Scott Bricker,
executive director of Bike Pittsburgh; Robert Hampshire, assistant
professor of Operations Research and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon
University; Lynn Heckman, assistant director of Transportation
Initiatives, Allegheny County Economic Development; Patrick Roberts,
principal transportation planner for the City of Pittsburgh, and
Darija Wiswell with Allegheny County's Health Department.

Be there or be square.

And a very big thank you to Traffic21/CMU
<http://www.heinz.cmu.edu/traffic21/index.aspx> and the Hillman
Foundation for supporting this event, and bicycling!

cityLIVE! airs every Monday night at 7 pm
on Comcast Channel 21,
Verizon Channel 47 and at PCTV <http://www.pctv21.org>

--
--
Ta.

Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

How to fix PPS, IMHO.

Plenty of new evaluation and pondering is being put forth by others now in terms of our schools. So as to aid in this global conversations, here is my two cents.

My solution for Pittsurgh Public Schools calls for a "horizontal cut." Then re-slice with vertical cuts by region of the city for the younger grades. So, in the end, what is now one PPS for grades pre-K to 12 would become at least four distinct school districts.

Face it, as of now, PPS is too big. It is too remote and big for any hopes of accountability for the families. And, PPS has a board and adminisration with too many different challenges.

The fix, cut it up. But how he cuts happen is important to this plan and the eventual success of the city's educational landscape.

PPS stays but turns into a district just for grades 9 and older. Include 13th grade and adult education, plus community enrichment. Kids from all around the city would be able to go to any high school in the city as the borders of PPS do not change. Raher the scope of PPS changes as it gets a new focus for students of High School and older ages.

Then, make new K-8 school districts by region. I am flexible as to how many districts to craft and where the borders should reside as well as what to name them. Perhaps, for the sake of this illustration we call for the establishment of: Pgh K-8 Northern, Pgh K-8 Western, Pgh K-8 Southern, and Pgh K-8 Eastern.

Each district has its own elected board. Each has its own budgets, tax base, adminisrations and options to merge services or not with each other.

At present, voters in Pittsburgh elect 9 to the school board. With this new solution, each household would elect two board members as one would be devoted to the stewardship of K-8 grades and the other would be on the board with a focus on High Schools.

As a whole, rather than 9, Pittsburgh would have 36 new, elected, accountable board members for a total of 45. These are volunteers. None get paid. All have a duty to set policy for the administration to follow and carry out.

We need more oversight. We need more eyes watching smaller realms of operations. We need more engagement. We need more direction from those who live here, and those who pay the bills.

Most of all, we need more confidence that our students are not falling in between the cracks of a massive district that is out of control and can shaft whole chunks of students at a blink of an eye.

Our present PPS board does not worry about Vo Tech nor HS sports much because it is so over taken with other issues. They have so much on their plates that closing a school, such as Oliver High School (it could be the next school on the chopping block) happens with one 15 minute discussion.

As a clincher to the long term vision of this plan, I think, in the decade to come, it would be wise to some how, some way stage a merger with new PPS (focus of education for those beyond the 8th grade) and CCAC. Interaction among those associated with PPS and CCAC branches is not as fruitful as I expect. There is plenty to do and talk about when thinking about the systems and CCAC too.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Peabody Swim Pool, home of our Summer Dreamers 2011 Swim and Water Polo Camp

Camp begins on July 11, 2011. We'll have an afternoon Swim and Water Polo Camp that runs for nearly five weeks and meets from 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Also, the morning has a 90-minute session as well. And, about 20 kids are doing both the morning and afternoon sessions.

Peabody, now it is only a building as the school is history

Don't should-a upon yourself.

A blast from the past from a community meeting in 2009 about the fate of Peabody High School.

Fathers deserve some extra credit from city schools

Fathers deserve some extra credit from city schools: "Fathers deserve some extra credit from city schools"

Then comes the five comments from the other article, linked to from the New Pittsburgh Courier:

Better Leadership

written by Evans , June 06, 2011

The bottom line is Linda Lane is scared of her shadow. This superintendent has been too busy mananging risks and retrenching programs to think about innovative ways to better our district. This district supposeldy prides itself on implementing evidence based practices, so how in the world is cutting out a day that brings thousands of parents into school buildings across the district for the good of our children? Research shows that students with engaged parents do far better than than those who's parents aren't enagged (like we needed research to know that). So why the fear Dr. Lane? Why not figuire out how to capture that energy and turn it into a positive for the schools? Invite men into help with cerical work, ask us to come in and read to the students, etc. Set up a system for more of us to get clearances...we'll pay for it just help us through the process. This is poor thinking from a leader who should be fixated on bolstering student achievement. Stop being scared to innovate Dr. Lane. Save our children's futures and invite us into the process.


Fathers get no respect.

written by Robert W. Flanagan, June 05, 2011
73% of black families are made up of single mothers, WOW. About 21.5 million children have never seen or know who their father is. Pittsburgh is number 2 in having the most families with single mothers and we are moving up the list in having the most young black murder. These facts alone should scare us in trying to have father's include in our kids lives. I have went to many different graduation from Wilkins burg, Penn Hills and Westinghouse and the bottom line is the lack of black men aka step fathers, real father or just black men as role models there at the graduations. With major cut backs and education being put on the back burner, why is it that issue the main topic? The Pittsburgh Promise is prime example, with young black women graduating at a all time high, young black men are either drop outs, incarcerated or DEAD, so who does the Pittsburgh Promise benefit. Most of our young black men are on the corner looking or selling drugs to older black men, but we want to criticize the bring a father to school day. This is the reason I say that older black men (fathers) and older black women (mothers) are having problems, we are so divided. The nerve to say that why don't mothers have a bring a mom to school day, we all know how mothers involved, so the need for this day is essential, important and necessary. We need to stop arguing with each other and look out for the best interest in the kids. Just this week Shaquille O'Neal retired, he is working on his Doctorate and thanks no his real dad, but his stepdad, DADS can play a role in kids life. As a dad i am appalled with these comments and you are just feeding into the stereotyped that black men have to dead with. Why is being a good father so hard??


written by ellima, June 03, 2011

This is a great program and I hope it will continue, in spite of minor obstacles.


Big Ball of Confusion!!!!

written by Renee Aldrich, June 02, 2011
If what Superintendent Lane says in her letter is true, that there is no participation from these dads at any other time of year, and that they are not involved in their children's school/education/activities at school any other time; (and 5000 of them participated this year) her comments alone seem like justification to HAVE THE DAY.. that is if school administrators' teachers, and counselors REALLY believe a father's role in a childs education is important. and REALLY WANT TO SEE THE CHILDREN BENEFIT. I BELIEVE rather than complain about THE DAD'S lack of participation at any other time throughout the year and use it as a reason to 'attack' this event that brings them out--Perhaps they should look to adding MORE DAYS for dads. Yes, I suppose it isn't easy..Uhh so what, do the work it takes to manage all those issues you are concerned about, like custody, and whatever. I'd also like to add at the same time, i feel it is ludicrious and over the top that Board Member Brentley would recommend a 'day for moms'. Excuse me, did he not start this because Dads were overlooked in so many aspects of their children's lives??? This entire matter is very confusing. You got the superintendent lambasting the day for bring out all these dads, because they don't participate any other time; and you got the gentlemen with the foresight to start this ball rolling because fathers don't get the forums that moms get, now trying to add yet another level of capacity for 'moms'. Something is turning quite convoluted with this... it really is


written by Undisclosed, June 02, 2011

Sounds like some bull to me. There must be to many of them showing up, they probably thought that these kids fathers didnt care and wouldnt be there, now its a problem.

Fw: good videos on Ron Paul for President in New Hampshire

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Mike Benoit <mblibertarian7@earthlink.net>

Sender: Mike Benoit <mblibertarian7@earthlink.net>

Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:56:00 GMT

To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>

Subject: good videos on Ron Paul for President in New Hampshire

Presidential candidate Ron Paul in tv town hall interview in NH. Check it out I am sure you will be impressed and then join the San Diego Ron Paul for President meetup. See the links below.

 

Part 1:
http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-primary-extended-coverage/...

Part 2

http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-primary-extended-coverage/28200318/video.html

 

http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-primary-extended-coverage/28200318/video.html

 

 

RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT
WWW.RONPAUL2012.COM
http://www.meetup.com/ronpaul-93  JOIN THE SAN DIEGO RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT MEETUP HERE
Mike Benoit
mblibertarian7@earthlink.net

Road Cycling League - Results: Tour of Mt. Nebo

Erik Rauterkus listed as 22nd out of 36 in his first ever road race finish. He raced in Cat 4.

Road Cycling League - Results: Tour of Mt. Nebo: "22 432 Erik Rauterkus Team Citius"

Fw: NASA Swimming Announces The "Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth"

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: nasaswim@aol.com

Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:58:58 -0400 (EDT)

To: <nasaswim@aol.com>

Subject: NASA Swimming Announces The "Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth"

Hello Coaches,

 

We are pleased to announce that the National Age Group Swimming Association, along with Speedo and All-American Aquatics will be sponsoring "The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth", Wednesday through Saturday, August 24-27, 2011 at the Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Florida.

 

The "The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth" will feature some of the top club coaches and swimming experts in history, past and present.  Speakers already scheduled include Randy Reese, Eddie Reese, John Morse, Mike DeBoor, Chris Davis, Tim Bauer, Glenn Mills, Rachel Stratton-Mills, John Ivy, Dick Jochums, Keith Dickson and Debbie Meyer.  We have many more that will be announced in the next couple of weeks.

 

The clinic each coach the opportunity to have fun and learn from the best in an intimate setting at a beautiful venue.  Furthermore, the cost of the"The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth"  is very affordable and the date is very user friendly to coaches that would like to start practice on the last Monday in August or the first week of September.

 

"The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth" topics are applicable to what the majority of age group and high school swimming coaches are looking for by giving them relevant information and tools on how to coach and develop their athletes.

 

Please click here to download a pdf copy of the flyer (10 pages).

 

We hope you can join us in Clearwater!

www.nasaswim.com

Libertarians -- and Gay Pride Week in Pittsburgh

Have a great weekend!

Libertarians say marriage equality only one step toward ending legal discrimination | Libertarian Party: "Libertarians say marriage equality only one step toward ending legal discrimination

While supporting steps taken over the past several years to end the unequal treatment of gays in the area of marriage, Libertarians say a just society is one in which no law depends on one's sexual identity.

'Permitting couples to marry when they are of the same gender is a step in the direction of equality before the law, but a truly free society would not have government in the business of defining relationships at all,' said LP Chair Mark Hinkle. 'Frankly, the idea that someone's legal rights should depend on whether they've entered a government-approved relationship ought to be repugnant to all of us.'"

Fw: DR News: Size matters, but how much?

The real solution, in my humble opinion, is to get rid of all the staffers. That is where the dead weight resides mostly. That is where bonusgate lurks and lurked. That is here folks like Jane Orie gets her muscle.

Furhermore, the staffers make the elected ones look beter than they really are. Where would we be with Rep from NY if a staffer did all his tweets?

Finally, the elected ones are the accountable ones. He or she should do the work. The work includes making laws and voting for bills. Too many other things are done by those legislatie critters because the staff allows the mission creep to unfold. A one person office won't be able to over-reach, take too much time with lobby junkets, nor dish out ribbons and trinkets at taxpayers expense.

Mark R.

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Democracy Rising PA <tim@democracyrisingpa.com>

Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2011 15:10:29 -0400 (EDT)

To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>

Subject: DR News: Size matters, but how much?

Democracy Rising Pennsylvania

UNSUBSCRIBE HERE Size matters, but how much? Between budget updates, one particular constitutional issue keeps surfacing: the size of PA's General Assembly. There now are eight different bills (listed with links below) that would begin the three-to-four-year process of amending the PA Constitution, which currently provides for 50 state senators and 203 state representatives. Click here  and scroll to Section 16. Among the eight bills, there are proposals to reduce the Senate to as few as 30 members and the House of Representatives to as few as 121 members. Most proposals have effective dates of 2021, following the next census in 2020, but two proposals draw out the process to 2053. Much of the interest comes from the recognition that PA has the largest full-time legislature in America with the largest complement of full-time legislative staff. This gives rise to two motives among the bills' sponsors. One is efficiency. This is the stated goal of the proposal by House Speaker Sam Smith, Jefferson, who proposes a House consisting of 153 members while leaving the Senate unchanged. Smith's stated reason for his proposals is that a smaller number of representatives would be easier for legislative leaders to manage. The other motive is saving tax dollars. Half of the proposals include mandates for cutting the budgets of the House and Senate by 20% or 40%, depending on how many seats are cut from each chamber. No proposal includes an idea that is being discussed across the Commonwealth: eliminating one chamber or the other. This is not a new idea either in the United States or in PA. In 1776, the Commonwealth's original Constitution included only one legislative chamber. Benjamin Franklin in particular believed in a unicameral legislature. The Senate was not added until years later. Nationally, Nebraska eliminated its state Senate during the Great Depression. It is the only state with a unicameral legislature. Also missing from any of the proposals is the question of how many constituents each member of the General Assembly should represent. This may be the most important, if not the easiest, question to answer. The trick is to strike the right balance between having legislators represent enough people to be efficient but not so many that citizens cannot develop a relationship with their state lawmakers. Complicating the discussion is whether the internet has made communication so easy that it can substitute for face-to-face relationships and thereby increase the number of constituents each lawmaker can serve effectively. Here's the list of bills. Unless otherwise stated, the proposals would take effect in 2021. SB 269  (Pippy). House = 161, Senate = 40. Mandatory 20% cut in House and Senate budgets. SB 457  (Vogel). House = 131, Senate = 30. Mandatory 40% cut in House and Senate budgets. SB 952  (Argall). House = 153 in 2053; Senate = 45 in 2033. Also increases the length of House terms to four years. No mandatory budget cuts. SB 1079  (Schwank). House = 121; Senate = 40. No mandatory budget cuts. HB 153  (Smith, S.). House = 153. No reduction in Senate. No mandatory budget cuts. HB 183  (Godshall). House = 121; Senate = 30. Mandatory 40% cut in House and Senate budgets. HB 876  (Kauffman). House = 153 in 2053. No reduction in Senate. No mandatory budget cuts. HB 936  (Reese). House = 151; Senate = 40. Mandatory 20% cut in House and Senate budgets. None of these proposals has received a hearing in the State Government committees of the House or Senate. Comment The variety of ideas and approaches to this subject make it ripe for debate at a Constitution convention. This is as it should be. The size of the General Assembly is a matter for the people of PA to decide, not lawmakers. A Constitution convention is the best place to debate all of the options and issues, leading to a recommendation for citizens to accept or reject after the convention. While each of the proposals above require voters to ratify them by referendum, it is not enough to give the House and Senate exclusive control over what goes on the ballot. Too many ideas will receive no hearing at all in the legislature, even if lawmakers pass one of the proposals. It's time instead to let the people decide whether to have a Constitution convention by placing a referendum on the ballot this fall. House Bill 763  by Rep. Scott Conklin, Centre, is the best approach. Now is the time to pass it. Click here  to sign the petition for a referendum.    Please support our work with a tax-deductible contribution. They hate it when you do that (some of them anyway). Click here  or send a donation to Democracy Rising PA, P.O. Box 618, Carlisle, PA 17013. Thank you! Democracy Rising Pennsylvania abides by strict NO-SPAM rules. Please read our Privacy Policy for more details. We can be reached at: P.O. Box 618, Carlisle, PA 17013  © Democracy Rising Pennsylvania 2001-2011. All Rights Reserved. Powered by the Action Potential Nonprofit Web Toolkit