Fwd: [DW] Would you be willing to create an online townhall for your city? Bring Americans together local-up?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steven Clift

Democracies Online

Would you be willing to create an online townhall for your city? Bring Americans together local-up? by Steven Clift in Newswire - Steven Clift's Democracies Online Newswire Hey everyone, I've had over a dozen awesome offers to volunteer in local cities across the US from Jackson, Mississippi to Wichita, Kansas to Bemidji, Minnesota to Queens, New York.   I am excited about the opportunity to help these volunteers and bring in the support needed for us to take on even more cities. Volunteer now to lead your town: clift@e-democracy.org (put Facebook Group - Your City in subject please.)   Here is my rough plan:   1. Set up a form where people can volunteer for their city OR tell us about an existing city-wide/county-wide Facebook Group where an online civic public square(*) is already thriving.   2. Connect all the volunteers and "coaches" from existing similar Facebook Groups in a private peer-to-peer support Facebook Group   3. Find volunteers who can help raise resources to support the training and support for these volunteers for at least a year and ideally fund inclusive outreach resources across many cities   4. Draft up a research component with interested researchers so lesson sharing can be a core outcome of this networked approach   Next week in DC, I've thrown together a gathering (see below) to generate input, ideas, and passionate volunteers who can help. I'll be honest and note that my ability focus on this popular idea will be extremely limited if it does not catch the eye of possible funders or donors. But for now I can volunteer an hour a day on number 1 and 2 until we get at least a few Facebook Groups established. Perhaps you've been looking for a project where you can help and make a big difference around the country. If yes, please volunteer to help co-lead this or to offer a specific role your are good at!!!   * You'd be surprised what might already be out there for your community *above* the neighborhood level in terms of civic online groups. Start searching Facebook Groups https://www.facebook.com​/directory​/groups​/ for your local city/county names and you'll find groups that aren't just online garage sale/ Check out places like Hunting Beach, CA - https://www.facebook.com​/groups​/HBcommunityforum​/ or Brooklyn Park, MN https://www.facebook.com​/groups​/BrooklynCenterFriends​/ where ironically they each have competing local -city-wide- forums with thousands of members with different approaches. If you don't have a Facebook Groups where "of course" the mayor and city council members are members and mix it up from time to time with people in a citizen-first community life forum, then you are a candidate for a new Facebook Group. If people with local power only lurk in an existing online space, then we might be able to work with the leaders of that space to bring out that crucial participation element to increase the community agenda-setting and dialogue in the group.   Thanks, Steven Clift   Local-up? Digital Bridges for American Communities Brown Bag https://www.facebook.com​/events​/1681899672124715​/   Tuesday, December 6 at 12 PM - 2 PM EST Lake Research Partners, 1101 17th St, NW Suite 301, Washington, DC   Details Join us for a informal brown bag lunch discussion about online opportunities to connect Americans local-up across partisan divides one community at a time.   This discussion hosted by Steven Clift, a founder of E-Democracy.org and their local online town hall model since 1994, will delve directly into how Facebook Groups might be used to launch city-by-city online public spaces for participation in local community and civic life.   After the dramatic election was over, a dozen volunteers from Jackson, Mississippi and Witchita, Kansas to Bemidi, Minnesota and Queens, New York City stepped forward to answer Steve's call to reconnect people with digital civility across the partisan divide starting with their own town. (While neighborhood-level group abound on Facebook, city-wide spaces connecting people to public issues in local government are quite rare.)   This embroynic effort has the opportunity to spread to cities across the nation as we recruit more passionate digital convenors and work to train, coach, and support them with peer to networking and possible research with lessons sharing about what works. First up is support the first batch of communities and then spread the idea.   This session will be a opportunity to bring your ideas, networks, and resources to the table. If you believe that the solutions to America's political divides start at home and won't be solved easily top-down, this gathering is for you.   If you want to volunteer to start one for your city, email: clift@e-democracy.org - Put "City Facebook Group - Your City" in the subject line. (Or if you already have something that fits the bill, let us know as well so we can tap their lessons too.) FYI - E-Democracy's model and lessons we will adapt to Facebook Groups: http://e-democracy.org/if     Special thanks to Alan Rosenblatt, Board Member of E-Democracy for securing our meeting local at Lake Research Partners.   Two other related gatherings convened by Steven Clift are happening on Dec 6:   9:30 AM - Digitally Networking Democracy Builders Globally? A Conversation https://www.facebook.com​/events​/1825880037625153​/   5:00 PM - DC OpenGov Civic Tech Facebook Group Happy Hour https://www.facebook.com​/events​/1194660773961648​/   Steven Clift - Executive Director, E-Democracy.org clift@e-democracy.org - +1 612 234 7072 @democracy - http://linkedin.com/in/netclift http://1radionews.com - My radio app Rest of post… ⮪ Reply   🖂 New topic   View topic… Unsubscribe  •  Switch to a daily digest

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Did not vote would have crushed Clinton and Trump. Too bad we don't have "none of the above."

The election results show who won among those who voted. But, those who did not vote crushed all the candidates who got votes.

I long for the day when "NONE OF THE ABOVE" goes onto the ballots. 

http://brilliantmaps.com/did-not-vote/

Fwd: fake news and the resurgence of McCarthyism

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "John Hemington"

On November 24^th The Washington Post published a scurrilous article attempting to blacklist over 200 alternative media sites across the political spectrum as being "Russian controlled" or "useful idiots" for Russia in publishing "fake news" that is pro-Russian and anti-American.  Further stating that these sites were largely responsible for the election of Donald Trump as president and should be investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the Justice Department as foreign agents.  It would be one thing if any evidence supporting these claims was presented – none was.  Not only was no evidence presented but of the two so-called sources for this blacklisting one was a long-time hard-right cold war neoconservative think tank and the other was entirely anonymous as to who it was or what methods were used to make the determination.  That these essentially useless sources were used as the basis for an article to attack alternative media outlets is the worst possible sort of journalism – that it was done by The Washington Post is unforgiveable.

Interestingly enough an analysis of the media outlets listed by the anonymous "evaluator" seems to indicate that these outlets were chosen solely on the basis that they criticised Hillary Clinton, the mainstream media and elitist institutions or that revealed information that the elites hoped to keep secret.  The "Russians did it gambit" appears to be a ploy reprising the McCarthy "Red scare" blacklisting in the 1950s.  One of the screeds presented by the anonymous PropOrNot.com urged people to only use certain establishment news sources stating:

"We call on the American public to:  Obtain news from actual reporters, who report to an editor and are professionally accountable for mistakes.  We suggest NPR, the BBC, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Buzzfeed, VICE, etc, and especially your local papers and local TV news channels.  Support them by subscribing, if you can!"

This is a very dangerous precedent for one of the nation's papers of record to promulgate the rantings of an unknown anonymous source attempting to discredit over 200 perfectly valid alternative news sources by asserting that they are pro-Russian and anti-American.  I find it particularly distressing because a number of the listed sources are ones I personally know to be of excellent quality in their reporting, the only apparent connection being a willingness to level criticism at Hillary Clinton and the New Democrat establishment (as well as the Republican establishment).  None of them, as far as I can tell are in any way shape or form pro-Russian or anti-American.  They are, on the other hand, proponents of getting out news which is generally shielded from the public by the mainstream media sources listed in the paragraph above.

Attached are six articles from a variety of sources, including those on the "list", discussing this attack on journalistic integrity and freedom of the press.  I urge you to take the time to read at least some of these to get a full understanding of just how threatening this is – particularly with the advent of a President Trump on the horizon.  The very last thing we should want are constraints on a free press whether that comes from the mainstream media or from the government.  And keep in mind, some of the media outlets on the "list" were progressive, some were conservative and some were libertarian.  This is an equal opportunity assault on dissent in America.

John

Links:

• Washington Post's Propaganda about Russian
• Confessions of an Alleged Russian
• Wash Post Promotes a McCarthyite
• Fake News about Fake News
• Wash Post Blacklist Story is Shameful
• We're Under Attack

Orlando showdown with a judge and an old man with his one-page handouts

Julian, who was just in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, is getting set for a Florida trip and visit to the area around the courthouse in Orlando. When most of us travel to Orlando, we know when we are going to check in and check out. An extended stay, "on the house," is generally not a bargain we are excited about. Here is his email. Time will tell as to who blinks. Could be Judge, Law Enforcement Officers, Governor, Homeland Security, -- or -- Liberty.

MOMENT OF DECISION

Our country’s moment of decision has occurred. I will be distributing one-page flyers regarding the Bill of Rights requirements for criminal trials. This will occur from 11:30 am-1;30 PM, or until arrested on December 5, 2016 at the Orange County courthouse on 425 Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL. The information on the flyers will be about “Nullification by Jury” and “Duty of a Witness.”

On 3 separate previous occasions, Mark Schmidter, I, and a 3rd person whose name I have lost, have been arrested by courthouse guards for doing this distribution. The content of the material was not at issue. The previous Chief Judge had established free-speech zones where distribution of these flyers was permitted. However it just happened that the free-speech zones were in locations that had no pedestrian traffic. Mark served 144 days in jail and I served 2 weeks in jail. I have written to the Department of Homeland Security and to the Florida governor for protection. Copies of my letters were sent to the Clerk of Court. A similar letter had been sent by me to the Florida militia.

I received no reply from any of the “so-called” freedom protection organizations. I did receive a written reply from the Chief Judge of the Orlando Court informing me that if I appeared I would be arrested. The information that I distribute is a one-page flyer passed out by one person on the public sidewalk connecting a parking lot to the courthouse. There is no hindrance of public traffic. Others are passing newspapers, business cards, and court documents at the same location. None of the others are even approached by court guards.

I have requested all Tyranny Fighters and others to appear at that courthouse with weapons to protect me from arrest in order to save our country. It is your option to appear or not to appear. If you do not appear now, you will appear within 2 years at the gas chambers. The future of our country is yours to decide. The choice is yours, but it must be made before next Monday.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE

Case study on Bill Strickland

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByN94c3Pp4BpQ2lFWjhfLWtFM015b3VtV2JlMllLWmhkc24w

Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership case study on Exemplary Leadership Award winner Bill Strickland, Manchester Bidwell Corporation. This case study focuses on the replication strategy that is responsible for the many new centers opening up around the United States and abroad. 

Fwd: NZ Coach update, November 2016

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "NZ Coach (Sport NZ)" <publications@sportnz.org.nz>
Date: Nov 27, 2016 10:47 PM
Subject: NZ Coach update, November 2016
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

The latest NZ Coach information from Sport New Zealand. View this email in your browser Editorial "By others faults the wise correct their own" - Proverb   In 2007 former NBA basketballer Bob Bigelow came to New Zealand and presented at the Sport NZ (then SPARC) Connecting Coaches Conference in Wellington. Bigelow had recently published a book called Just let the kids play. Bigelow had written the book because he believed that too often adults were ruining sport for kids. Of course, Bigelow had many stories from his United States context to support his view - we all laughed at his 'World Series for Under 6s' stories, partly because it seemed (and is) ridiculous. And partly, I suspect, because we believed 'only in America'. Now, while we here in 'little 'ol NZ' have not exactly copied the excesses of the US sporting culture, we have seen a trend toward the commercialising and professionalising of youth sport. With this trend has come earlier specialisation and a greater focus on winning earlier in children's sporting lives. Bob Bigelow's 'big idea' was to create new approaches to play that better serve the physical and emotional needs of young athletes, and by doing so give more kids the desire to participate in sport for life. Almost 10 years on from Bigelow's visit, his hope is echoed in the 'physical literacy' approach. Understandably, some of you right now will be asking yourself, 'What's the physical literacy approach?' In the first story this month, Karen Laurie, Sport NZ's Early Years and Primary School Consultant, discusses physical literacy and where fundamental movement skills (FMS) fit in to the physical literacy approach. Karen also highlights one way coaches might make sense of physical literacy when coaching kids. Brett Reid, Community Coaching Consultant, Sport NZ Bringing Physical Literacy to Life through Foundation Coaching By Karen Laurie, Sport NZ   Okay, let's get the 'dry' bit out of the way first … a person's physical literacy is their motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding of physical activity.   Physical literacy is not a static state but can be best considered a person's lifelong journey based on their choices about being physically active.   Physical literacy cannot be 'taught' as such. It will be the outcome of the many physical activity experiences a participant has including physical education (PE), play, sport and recreation. The more these experiences reflect 'quality' or 'value' the more positive their impact on a person's physical literacy.   As I travel around the country discussing 'physical literacy', a question I often get from coaches is: 'Okay, I kinda get what physical literacy is, but where does that leave 'fundamental movement skills' (FMS) when coaching children?'   Achieving proficiency in FMS is one attribute that contributes to the emergence of physical literacy in young children. However, physical literacy requires the development of more than motor skills, and much more than achieving proficiency in FMS.   In recognising the multifaceted nature of physical literacy it becomes important to consider that while FMS contributes to physical competence, a person's knowledge and understanding of how they move and explore the world also needs to be developed.   From this perspective it is perhaps more significant to focus on how these skills are developed and in what context. In short, an environment based on play, creativity and exploring movement is the best way for children to build their movement vocabulary and FMS.   But it's fair to say that in recent years some children's sport and physical activity programmes have overemphasised the physical and technical skills. Or as one person put it: "Have we got so busy teaching kids how to jump that we've forgotten to just let them jump for joy?"   At a recent physical literacy workshop at Sport NZ the attendees (from sports and Regional Sports Trusts) began looking at how coaches, parents and teachers can integrate the physical literacy approach into children's programmes.   A couple of strong ideas came through:   ·        Start with the idea of developing 'confidence and competence' rather than developing 'the basic skills'. This places the child's needs at the centre of the session rather than the content or sport curriculum. It also recognises the interplay of children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual skills.   ·        Focus on creating an experience that makes the kids want to come back and participate again.   One model Sport NZ is exploring as a way to assist foundation coaches support and motivate kids to keep participating looks like this:   Leave Me: Please leave me to play, have fun and work it out for myself.   Watch Me: As my parent/caregiver/teacher/foundation coach please just watch me, and let me know if you think I need physical, social, cognitive or emotional support.   Help Me: Help me if I need it, and when I'm ready. Please use questions and challenges that let me understand the help you are giving.   Let Me: Let me access lots of different opportunities and experiences, and let me participate fully.   Kids tell us they love sport and being active "because it's fun!"   As coaches, parents and teachers, thinking about a physical literacy approach rather than the 'fundamentals' in these early years can be a great first step to getting kids to come back again for another session or game.   If you're interested in this area or want to be part of the discussions – please contact Karen Laurie at Sport NZ: karen.laurie@sportnz.org.nz   For more information on physical literacy go to: http://www.sportnz.org.nz/about-us/who-we-are/what-were-working-towards/physical-literacy-approach/   AIS to become centre of excellence and world leader in leadership and coaching The Australian Institute of Sport wants to carve out a niche as a centre of excellence and world leader in leadership and coaching. (Sydney Morning Herald)   I Want You To Make Mistakes For more than 40 years, one of the first things I say to new teams and summer camp players is just that; "I want to see mistakes out here on the court." (USA Volleyball)   Top Tip #8 The questions to ask [audio]   Exposed: The secrets to developing confident young players In order to succeed you need a plan, a commitment to carry it out and consistency. (Sporting Kid Live)   Chinese Coaches Take Lessons in Hardwood Diplomacy in America SALT LAKE CITY — About 15 coaches filed onto the mezzanine-like balcony overlooking a basketball practice court. They wore warm-up apparel and sneakers. As the Utes men's team began its practice, some took notes in small Moleskine notebooks; others consulted printouts of set plays. (nytimes.com)   Australian coach Darren Lehmann must reinvent himself, says Pat Howard Pat Howard has indicated that selectors Mark Waugh and Trevor Hohns could follow the panel's chairman Rod Marsh out the door, while calling on head coach Darren Lehmann to reinvent himself after a tumultuous start to the home summer. (smh.com)   About New Zealand Coach New Zealand Coach is an online magazine published by Sport New Zealand. View previous editions here on the Sport New Zealand website. Relay Newsletter Links to topical information and research in the sport and physical recreation sector. Read more here. Copyright © 2016 Sport New Zealand, All rights reserved. You have subscribed to this list. Forward this email to a friend Our mailing address is: Sport New Zealand Floor 1 86 Customhouse Quay Wellington, Wellington 6140 New Zealand Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Health Tip: Why Arthritis and Fatigue Often Go Together

One reason: pain can make quality sleep elusive

(HealthDay News) -- Fatigue is a popular complaint among people with arthritis, and it can make daily tasks even more challenging.

The Arthritis Foundation explains why arthritis and fatigue often go together:

• Pain can make it difficult to get enough quality sleep.
• People with depression, which is more common among people with arthritis, are more likely to be tired.
• Some arthritis medications can cause fatigue as a side effect.
• Inflammation flares can lead to fatigue.

Fwd: Black Friday $39.99 Gold Pass at Sandcastle

Hard to beat these prices.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Sandcastle Water Park" <sandcastle@park-enews.com>
Date: Nov 25, 2016 9:09 AM
Subject: Black Friday $39.99 Gold Pass!
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

Limited time...

Only a few days left to save 50% View in Browser | Forward to a Friend This message was sent to you by Sandcastle. 1000 Sandcastle Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15120. Please do not respond directly to this email. Privacy Policy | Update Profile | Unsubscribe

Fwd: How I stayed sane at Harvard -- lessons for us all

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Tom Woods" <tom@tomwoods.com>
Date: Nov 25, 2016 9:16 AM
Subject: How I stayed sane at Harvard -- lessons for us all
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

November 25, 2016 View this email in your browser I went to one of the most prestigious universities in the world -- and as you probably know, it was full of crazy people. Now it's true: there are truly great professors there, and many of the students are seriously top notch. Some of the most meaningful friendships of my life date back to those years (1990-1994). But come on: one of my history professors required us to get our books at Revolution Books. This wasn't the Ron Paul Revolution, I can tell you that. The great mass murderers of the 20th century were all over the walls of that store. We really had it all when I was at Harvard: the "patriarchy" stuff, the fake rape statistics, the victim groups, all of it. Although I had plenty of non-libertarian friends, I stayed sane by writing for a right-of-center student publication and seeking out people who didn't think I was crazy. So I don't want to hear about how pointless it is to "preach to the choir." I was a member of that choir, doggone it, and if I hadn't been preached to, it would have been a heck of a lot harder to endure an environment like that. And even -- or perhaps especially -- at Harvard, I had to learn a lot of history on my own. The nice thing about being a dissident was that none of the books I wanted to read were ever checked out. They were always right there, collecting dust on the shelves. I know a lot of you figured out only much later that you'd been victims of educational malpractice. I myself happened to figure it out as it was happening, so I began doing a lot of reading on my own. What the colleges (and high schools, for that matter) get away with today drives me up a wall. But I no longer curse the darkness. I've lit a pretty big candle. It's my Liberty Classroom. It's for victims of educational malpractice everywhere. I've teamed up with scholars I trust to teach US history, economics, European history, political thought, logic, and more, the way these subjects ought to be taught. Not making the most of your commute? Now you will. Want to know what you can do for the movement? This. Improve yourself first. Learn everything you can. Plus, if you're like I used to be, it drives you crazy that you can't always hold your own against people who despise our ideas. You know you should be winning -- and really decisively at that -- but you can't always find the right argument or you don't know all the facts or the history. And let's face it: it's hard to argue for our position. It runs counter to everything people learned in school, and it defies what to most people seems like common sense: why, if we want something, let's just have the government do it! We'll help. Thousands of liberty lovers are already there. Today is our biggest sale of the year. Get grabbing before this clock runs out. Be a part of it:   http://www.LibertyClassroom.com   Tom Woods Share Tweet Forward to Friend Copyright © 2016 Tom Woods, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at tomwoods.com, bernieiswrong.com, or contrakrugman.com. Our mailing address is: Tom Woods PO Box 701447 Saint Cloud, FL 34770 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Julian P Heicklen gave me a new position

Hi Mark:

.... You have just been appointed publicity editor for Tyranny Fighters.
The pay is zero, but the reward is great.

It is people like you who may save our country.

Yours in freedom and justice —Julian