Fwd: There's no playing nice with Antifa

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From: Tom Woods 

May 3, 2017 View this email in your browser So now St. Joan of Arc is an oppressor of minorities, even though she never met or interacted with any. For today's email, let me share the comments of my friend Larry Beane, pastor of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gretna, Louisiana. Savages in New Orleans vandalized the St. Joan of Arc statue last night. It is a beautiful guilded equestrian work of public art given to the city by her elder-sister namesake Orleans, France. The current attack on our monuments by communist thugs is being embraced and stoked by the Democrat mayor and the Democrat city council -- and their complicit allies in the local media -- with tacit approval of the Democrat governor who will not support a state monument protection act (as has been enacted or is being enacted in other states). Defenders of our monuments have been threatened, attacked, and physically assaulted by Antifa thugs while the NOPD look on, like a cow observing a new barn door, allegedly under orders to do nothing. The mayor -- who seems to be in a bit of hot water himself -- blames the peaceful multiracial crowd that gathered at the monument in vigil. The narrative is that our historical monuments are racist - in spite of the fact that most of them honor military heroes who defended the city of New Orleans from invasion, and who after the war, were leaders of a society in need of rebuilding, forces for national reconciliation, and advocates for minority civil rights. But St. Joan of Arc had nothing to do with anything racial. She likely never met a single black person in her entire short life. Her 'crime' according to Antifa and the apparatchiks of identity politics is that she was white and Christian. Remember the chant at liberal colleges and universities: "Hey hey! Ho ho! Western Civilization has got to go!" and the rejection of the 'canon' of our western intellectual tradition? That's what this is all about.  These attacks are intended to rewrite our history and tear down Western civilization: its history and heroes and symbols, its liberal intellectual tradition, its Christian ethical backbone, its emphasis on individual rights such as speech and conscience, its contribution of limited government and its libertarian streak, its capitalist economics, etc.  The Communist revolutionary experiment was an unmitigated disaster in Eastern Europe and the former USSR. So now the poison is being spread to our country, to historically illiterate young people largely born after the fall of the Berlin Wall.  This isn't about monuments.  The best construction is that our politicians are magnificently stupid and nearsighted, for the alternative explanation is far more horrifying. I'll bet that makes you feel like getting far, far away. I've got just the thing, and it involves me: http://www.ContraCruise.com   Tom Woods Our mailing address is: Tom Woods PO Box 701447 Saint Cloud, FL 34770

Tuesday's game of water polo at CMU gets a re-do on Thursday

Earlier this week, I took these photos, then was the on-deck referee, for a water polo scrimmage from 9 to 11 pm at CMU. 

Come out tonight for a re-do. Perhaps we'll get some visitors in town to join the Pittsburgh Masters for the Collegiate Club Championships at Pitt that starts on Friday morning.

Fwd: Looking forward

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From: John H

If you read nothing else this week, read this!

John

Article: 

• Leading Historian Believes 'It's Pretty Much Inevitable' Trump Will Try tonStage a Coup and Overthrow Democracy.

Federal Policy Update for Funding for Summers & Jobs with new administration

FY17 Federal Budget

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POLICY UPDATE  |  FY17 OMNIBUS Dear Mark,  Congress has reportedly reached an agreement on a FY17 spending bill to fund the current fiscal year. If the bill is passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President (scheduled to happen this week), we would see some good opportunities for continued support of summer learning. Some major wins for summer programs in the budget: Most important to our network, funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program was increased by $25 million to $1.19 billion. This increase is a testament to your outreach on the significance of this program to your work and your students, and we thank you for these efforts! Title I was funded at $15.5 billion, a $550 million increase above FY16 (however, this increase absorbed funding from the elimination of the School Improvement Grants program). The Pell summer grants program was restored, allowing students to use these grants year-round and complete their studies more quickly.  Several important programs that support summer opportunities were preserved at their current levels of funding from FY16: AmeriCorps was level-funded at $386 million Full Service Community Schools was level-funded at $10 million Promise Neighborhoods were level-funded at $73.25 million Migrant Education was level-funded at $374.75 million Youth training under the Department of Labor (which include summer youth employment) was level-funded at $873 million Our biggest disappointment was the allocation of just $400 million for the new Title IV Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment) grant program within the Every Student Succeeds Act. Additionally, the structure of the program is changed to a competitive grant program at the state level, and without the comprehensive community needs assessment that was originally intended. Our coalition has reluctantly accepted these compromises for the current year only and will continue fighting for the full funding needed for robust, equitable, and community-informed programming as originally intended in ESSA. Don't forget that FY17 is just the beginning! This omnibus bill funds the government through September 2017, and talks over the FY18 budget are already underway. The Trump budget framework calls for the elimination of 21stCCLC and other critical programs, and we must keep up the pressure to continue and fully fund these programs in future years, knowing that there is robust evidence of their effectiveness. One thing you can do to make Congress aware of the importance of these programs is invite your elected officials to visit your programs this summer! Check out 2017 Summer Learning Day resources coming soon for additional ideas on how to make a splash this summer. STAY CONNECTED:

National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), 575 S. Charles Street, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21201

Fwd: Universal Empire

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From: John H

Attached is an interesting partial history of neoconservatism in the U.S.  I refer to it as a partial history as it doesn't delve too much into more recent history nor does it refer at all to the close attachment of most of hardcore neoconservatives to hardline Israeli government policies and interests – particularly in the Middle East where the U.S. has been doing Israel's bidding by destroying several otherwise stable, though brutal and undemocratic governments via direct military action.  In my opinion this cannot be separated from the other political descriptions of this group.  It also fails to recognize that there are two, not one, conspiratorial operation at work, both of which deliberately manufacture lies, deceit and confusion for the purpose of gaining and maintaining power.  The other of note is neoliberalism.  Neoconservatism and neoliberalism are not two-sides of the same coin, even though some of those identified with one group are also identified with the other in those areas where their goals coincide.  Thus, there is great confusion among the populace about which is which and which policies and politics are identified with which group.

I am convinced that no effective strategies can be effected unless people come to understand the motives and modes of operation of these two core conspiratorial players and how they evolve strategies to maintain the populace in and quiescent, confused and distracted state.  And, in particular, how each manages to maintain different groups within the populace, who are nominally allies on many issues, constantly at war with one-another.  So do read this, it is rather long, but informative for what it does say and lacking for what it doesn't.

John

 Link

• Universal Empire, PDF articles, 16-pages

Fwd: Joe Jencks: Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers " World Radio Premier

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From: Joe Jencks

Dear Friends…

I am pleased to announce the release of my 1st solo CD in nearly 8 years: Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers

The disc is not yet publicly for sale " but will be very soon! In the mean time, DJs around North America will begin playing the CD starting May 1st.  The Disc will be up on CD Baby, iTunes, etc., soon. And for those who were gracious enough to pre-order the CD " it will be in the mail within the next few weeks " as soon as we get them back from the manufacturer. In the meantime:

Tonight - Saturday April 29th, The Midnight Special (Rich Warren, WFMT Chicago), will premier Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers. Starting at the top of the show and featuring several songs throughout the broadcast, Rich will highlight some of his early favorites from the new CD. For those in the Chicago area, you can listen live starting at 9:00 PM (CT) on 98.7 FM. For those outside the broadcast region, you can tune in via the internet: http://www.wfmt.com/listen/.

"Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers -is absolutely Joe Jencks' finest effort thus far. Jencks' captivating tenor voice, lofted by flawless production, demonstrates music of conscience and provides a feast for the ear as well as nourishment for the soul."
- Rich Warren, The Midnight Special " WFMT, Chicago, IL

The Midnight Special is also syndicated and rebroadcast on several hundred stations throughout the US and a few in Canada. So… please keep your ears open and radio tuned. A list of stations that carry The Midnight Special can be found at: http://www.midnightspecial.org/syndication.htm.

Songs from Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers will also be celebrated on Sirius XM " The Village (MarySue Twohy) in the coming weeks, and it will be in the hands of most Folk DJs throughout the US and Canada in the next week. Please call or email your local Folk / Acoustic / Roots or Americana radio hosts and request to hear the CD. Thanks to so many for your patience, support and faith. I can't wait to share the new music!

With arrangements that showcase sparse acoustic textures alongside Copeland-like orchestral tapestries, the new recording is cinematic in its narrative imagery and scope. Featuring largely original songs - Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers also includes songs by friends Jon Brooks, Kat Eggleston, Jack Hardy, and nearly-lost treasure from the pen of Phil Ochs.  Guest artists include: Ysaye Barnwell (Sweet Honey In The Rock), Cathy Fink, Harpeth Rising, Tret Fure, Reggie Harris, Edie Carey, Jon Carroll, Cheryl Prashker, Grace Jencks, Heather Styka, Charlie Pilzer, Charlie Bernhardt, David Glaser, and more.

Some additional reviews are listed below as well as upcoming solo and trio concert dates. Hope to see you soon!

In Gratitude & Song,

-Joe Jencks



"If one can master a craft after investing 10,000 hours, Joe Jencks' hours are showing! I am literally stunned by this new album. Poets, Philosopher, Workers & Wanders tells our stories, his story, and the untold stories, as an American folk master can - with heart and unfettered perfection. Add this one to the folk canon! "  - MarySue Twohy  " The Village, SIRIUS XM Radio

"Beyond the fine selection of songs and the talented team assembled in the studio, what really shines through on Joe Jencks' new album are his resonant, honey-rich voice, his open-hearted humanity, and his commitment to social justice. We need artists who inspire our better selves more than ever, don't we?"  - John Platt , Sunday Supper, WFUV, Bronx, NY

"Joe Jencks brings us moving and stunning songs of hope, redemption, connection and remembrance. Sung with passion and delivered in his rich tenor voice, the songs on Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers are a balm for the times."
- Laurie DesJardins " KVMR, Nevada City, CA

"Climb inside the songs of Joe Jencks, and you meet real people. His lilting melodies and warm, caramel tenor draw us closer to the stories he tells. Jencks finds the humanness that binds us to the people in his songs!"
- Scott Alarik " Author of RevivialFolk Tales, WUMB, Boston, MA

"You can expect many a gifted artist to move you deeply, but Joe Jencks will change who you are."
 -  Angela Page " WJFF, Radio Catskill, Jefferson, NY

"What a pleasure to hear such an incredible voice wrapped around such well written, socially conscientious songs. Well done!"
-  Sonny Ochs " WIOX, Roxbury, NY

"Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanders is an emotional powerhouse.  Joe Jencks provides us with much needed inspiration and hope and reminds us what "love" is really all about."  - Ron Olesko " WFDU, Teaneck, NJ

"Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers solidifies Joe Jencks' place as one of Folk music's eloquent voices for social justice. Joe has put together a wonderful collection of songs that touch the heart and strengthen the resolve. A real winner!"
- Jan Vanderhorst - Just Us Folk, 1380 CKPC - Brantford, Ontario

"Just an absolutely superb work by Joe Jencks on this new album. Joe's about as intelligent a songwriter as there is out there. His songs are smart and extremely well crafted. Highly recommended!"  - Steve Brockway - The Folk Show, KRFC, Fort Collins, CO

"Joe Jencks has created an exquisite musical journey, using his insightful writing as a vehicle and his extraordinary voice as the guide. The songs touch on a variety of poignant topics, and they're expertly arranged, allowing listeners to get the full effect. Truly a work of the heart."   - Wanda Fischer - The Hudson River Sampler, WAMC-FM, Albany, NY



............................................................................................


RELEASES:
Poets, Philosophers, Workers, & Wanderers -- available at: http://www.joejencks.com/index.php?page=cds&display=2230

more releases at http://www.joejencks.com/index.php?page=cds


EVENTS:


April 2017

Saturday, April 29th 7:30 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
Williamsburg Library Theater
 Williamsburg, VA
http://www.wrl.org/events/concerts
Call (757) 259-4070 for more details


Sunday, April 30th 3:00 PM &  7:00 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
FOCUS Music
 Falls Church, VA 22042
http://www.focusmusic.org
Call (703) 380-3151 for more details



May 2017

Friday, May 5th 7:30 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
Stone Church Arts
 Bellows Falls, VT
http://www.stonechurcharts.org
Call 802-460-0110 for more details


Saturday, May 6th 7:00 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
Stone Soup Coffee House
 Pawtucket, RI
http://www.stonesoupcoffeehouse.com
Call (401) 335-0371 for more details


Sunday, May 7th 5:00 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
River Spirit Music House Concerts
 Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
http://www.riverspiritmusic.com
Call 347-687-4267 for more details


Sunday, May 7th 2:00 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
River Spirit Music House Concerts
 Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
http://www.riverspiritmusic.com
Call 347-687-4267 for more details


Saturday, May 13th
Brother Sun in Concert
Old Sloop Coffeehouse
 Rockport, MA
http://oldsloopcoffeehouse.org/
Call 978-309-9667 for more details


Sunday, May 14th
Brother Sun in Concert
Cape Cod Cultural Center
 South Yarmouth, MA 02664
http://www.cultural-center.org/product-category/events/
Call (508) 394-7100 for more details


Thursday, May 18th 7:30 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
The Folk Factory Coffeehouse
 Philadelphia, PA 19150
http://www.facebook.com/folkfactorycoffeehouse/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Call 215-848-6246 for more details


Friday, May 19th 7:30 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
Starlight Coffeehouse
 Northport, NY 11768
http://www.northportarts.org/starlight-coffeehouse

Sunday, May 21st 4:00 PM
Brother Sun In Concert
Spring Gulch Folk Festival
 New Holland, PA
http://www.springgulch.com/folkfestival.cfm
Call 717-354-3100 for more details


Wednesday, May 24th 7:30 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
Arhaven HC
 East Austin, TX
http://www.arhaven.org/brother-sun.html

Thursday, May 25th 7:30 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
Hill Country House Concerts
 Boerne, TX
http://www.hillcountryhouseconcerts.com

Friday, May 26th
Brother Sun in Concert
Kerrville Folk Festival
 Kerrville, TX

Saturday, May 27th
Brother Sun in Concert
Kerrville Folk Festival
 Kerrville, TX


June 2017

Sunday, June 4th
Joe Jencks in Concert
Bliss Manor
 Northbrook, IL

Saturday, June 10th 7:30 PM
Joe Jencks in Concert
Fairyland House Concerts
 Middleton, WI

Sunday, June 11th 3:00 PM
Joe Jencks in Concert
Windy City House Concerts
 Chicago, IL
http://windycityhouseconcerts.org

Friday, June 23rd
Old Songs Festival
 Altamont, NY 12009
http://festival.oldsongs.org

Saturday, June 24th
Old Songs Festival
 Altamont, NY 12009
http://festival.oldsongs.org

Sunday, June 25th
Old Songs Festival
 Altamont, NY 12009
http://festival.oldsongs.org


July 2017

Friday, July 7th
Joe Jencks in Concert
New Bedford Folk Festival
 New Bedford, MA 02740
http://newbedfordfolkfestival.com

Saturday, July 8th
Joe Jencks in Concert
New Bedford Folk Festival
 New Bedford, MA 02740
http://newbedfordfolkfestival.com

Sunday, July 9th
Joe Jencks in Concert
New Bedford Folk Festival
 New Bedford, MA 02740
http://newbedfordfolkfestival.com

Sunday, July 30th 10:45 AM
Joe Jencks Preaches Sunday Service
Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist
 McHenry, IL 60050
http://www.treeoflifeuu.org
Call (815) 322-2464 for more details


Sunday, July 30th 7:00 PM
Joe Jencks in Concert
The Lake County Folk Club
 Grayslake, IL 60030
http://www.thelakecountyfolkclub.org
Call 847-602-8882 for more details



August 2017

Thursday, August 3rd 8:00 PM
Brother Sun in Concert
Guy C Myers Memorial Band Shell
 Ashland, OH 44805
http://www.ashland-ohio.com/parks-and-recreation/guy-c-myers-bandshell
more events at http://www.joejencks.com/index.php?page=calendar

http://joejencks.com


--
--
Ta.


Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
Swimming and Water Polo Coach, Schenley High School, Pittsburgh, PA
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: Pittsburgh Public Schools Update - April 2017

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From: "Superintendent Anthony Hamlet, Ed.D" <superintendentoffice@pghboe.net>
Date: Apr 28, 2017 4:59 PM
Subject: Pittsburgh Public Schools Update - April 2017
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

April 2017 Dear Mark,   Dear Valued Stakeholder:   As our nation struggles with issues surrounding public education, the Pittsburgh Public Schools is focused on improving all of our schools. This time of change presents a great opportunity for us to align with the growing Pittsburgh marketplace and develop well-rounded, academically prepared graduates who can compete locally, nationally and globally. Our city is known for its grit, hardworking spirit, and ability to reinvent itself. Now we must reinvent Pittsburgh Public Schools and put the Pittsburgh perseverance to work. On Thursday, April 27, we released our 2017-2022 Strategic Plan: Expect Great Things before an enthusiastic crowd at Heinz Field, where we also inducted seven members into the District's 2017 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Their achievements in life underscore why we expect great things from our students - and why you should expect the same from PPS. The five-year strategic plan is the result of nine months of planning that involved unprecedented community feedback, in-depth data review and third-party analysis, including findings from the Council of the Great City Schools. This planning began with my Look, Listen and Learn tour in August 2016, shortly after I became Superintendent of schools. We received valuable answers about our district's strengths and where there is room for improvement from around 3,500 individuals - a level of engagement that demonstrates how much Pittsburghers care about our youths and quality public education. We have not changed our vision of graduating all students so they are ready to complete a two- or four-year college or workforce certification. But we have updated our roadmap to achieve this vision. No two students are the same, but each deserves to be challenged and excited about learning. We must set the bar high and let them know that we expect great things from them. At the same time, we must hold high expectations for our staff. The plan outlines four long-term outcomes: increase student proficiency in literacy and math, eliminate racial disparity in achievement levels of African American students, and equip all students with skills to succeed in college, career and life. We will achieve our long-term outcomes through four strategic themes:  Create a positive and supportive school culture;  Develop and implement a rigorous, aligned system of instruction;  Provide appropriate instructional support for teachers and staff; and  Foster a culture of high performance for all employees. Within these themes, we set 19 strategic initiatives to be phased in over three years. In Phase 1, launching now through June 2018, we will implement nine of those initiatives. Each initiative is led by an action team of staff members, with support from an advisory committee. We have pledged transparent communication, including progress updates to the public. We will accomplish the goals set forth in the plan if we expect great things from ourselves, our students, our families, and our communities. We must hold each other accountable. This strategic plan is the first step in that direction. I welcome you to join Pittsburgh Public Schools on this new path to ensuring all of our students receive the high-quality education they deserve. You can read the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan: Expect Great Things on our website:   http://www.ppsstrategicplan.org/ As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions.     Dr. Anthony Hamlet Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools   Seven individuals were inducted into the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.  The inductees include (Top Row) Samantha Paige Davis, Anna Tarka-DiNunzio, Dr. Rahmon Hart, (Bottom row) Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak, Tamara Whiting, Dr. Justin Meyer, and Billy Porter (not pictured).  #WeArePPS School Spotlight Pittsburgh Beechwood PreK-5 Pittsburgh Beechwood PreK-5 is a neighborhood school located in the Beechview community. Pittsburgh Beechwood's strong academic curriculum emphasizes attainment of standards and early success especially in literacy, mathematics and science.  Watch this  video to learn more. PPS Student to Watch! Zainab Adisa Named 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards' Gold Medal Portfolio Recipient   Congratulations to Pittsburgh CAPA senior Zainab Adisa on being named a 2017 Gold Medal Portfolio Recipient, the highest national honor of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Zainab joins 15 other students nationwide in receiving the award, which includes a $10,000 scholarship.  This is not the first time Zainab has been recognized for her writing skills.  This past January, Zainab took first place in high school poetry in the 2017 Carnegie Mellon University's Martin Luther King  Writing Awards. Enjoy her winning piece "We Are Americans".   Zainab  also hosts, films, and produces TV documentaries as part of the Steeltown Entertainment Project's Reel Teens crew.  Zainab hopes to study international relations and produce a documentary about human rights around the world. The child of Nigerian immigrants has traveled internationally several times to promote global peace through education, saying, "There's a stereotype about what America really is, so it's important that people to go out into the world and listen to each other and really learn about each other's cultures." Zainab continues to get recognized for talents, winning multiple scholarships from various programs.   Community voices concerns about PPS Code of Student Content  New Pittsburgh Courier, April 19, 2017  In recent years, Pittsburgh Public Schools and its school board would make changes and revisions to its Code of Student Conduct without the public being able to offer its input and suggestions in an open setting. That's all changed, now that Dr. Anthony Hamlet is the new sheriff in town. Dr. Hamlet, who is completing his first year as Superintendent of Schools, initiated a series of open forums that the public could voice their concerns about a variety of issues affecting the district. And recently, the district completed a series of public meetings to gather information as to how to improve the Code of Student Conduct for the next school year. The public meetings were held at Pittsburgh Obama (March 22), Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (March 30), and Pittsburgh King (April 5). Read more in the New Pittsburgh Courier.  Pittsburgh Public Schools adapts curriculum to students new to English  Pittsburgh Post - Gazette, March 27, 2017  Around the start of the second semester, Khalil arrived in Pittsburgh from Armenia, where his family had moved to flee the violence in their native Syria. With some stability in his life, the 15-year-old returned to a classroom - for the first time in eight years. "It's really starting from scratch. Not only has he not been in school, he told [a peer], 'I have not held a pencil in my hand in eight years. I haven't written anything,' " said Gina Andreassi, his main teacher at Brashear High School. Though Khalil's is an extreme case, Pittsburgh Public Schools has been faced with an increasing number of students who come into the school system lacking a formal or consistent education. In response, it has launched a pair of new pilot programs at Brashear and Pittsburgh Arsenal PreK-5 that offer "a much more focused approach [for] kids that have had interrupted school or no formal school," said Jonathan Covel, the director for the district's English as a second language program.  Read more in the PG   Contact Dr. Anthony Hamlet, Superintendent 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 412-529-3600 Stay Connected "Instruction ends in the school-room, but education ends only with life." - Frederick W. Robertson

Pittsburgh Public Schools, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 SafeUnsubscribe™ mark@rauterkus.com Forward this email | Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by superintendentoffice@pghboe.net in collaboration with Try it free today