Highland Park's grandeur reborn as blood sucking worm

If the fountain at center of renovated entry to Highland Park is the best we can do, other than the merry-go-round slated for Schenley Park outside the main Oakland Libraries, then hell is at our doorstep.

In Highland Park, the past is present -- and I don't want to go there. The major projects at the RAD parks are jokes.

In the early 1900s, a grand Victorian entryway greeted visitors with imposing bronze sculptures, clustered Ionic columns, a fountain, reflecting pool and lush formal gardens. At that time, and for decades after, Highland Park also had segregated swimming pools. One pool for whites. One pool for colored. Fact. History.

Do these bone-headed leaders want to turn back the clock to that time as well?

Pittsburgh used to be the 4th largest city in the US. Did the garden party attitude make us flourish or is it what has pushed us to our decline?

The best we can do in our parks these days is to crave the 1930s with bricks and stone. On the North Side, the Riverview Park was slated to get and upgrade -- running water. That is right. A sink with a pipe to flow water and a real toilet that flushes. Such advancements in 2004.

If this is the most refreshing sign is a gush of sparkling water 15 feet in the air, then shame on us.

The water seen spouting comes from crews testing new pipes that have been laid. Union crews? Over the next few weeks, the fountain may be on or off, depending on the testing schedule.

Meanwhile, over the next few weeks, kids will be growing, all the time, never switching to off. We can freeze our city budgets, but we can't freeze our kids and tell them to wait.

According to city workers, no official opening has been scheduled yet. Furthermore, this is a project that has taken more than six years to come to testing stages. it has taken forever in terms of the live of a six-year old. Wait some more.

Can walkers, residents and passers-by in 2004 catch an early peek at a fountain that went to hell in 1930s?

So, we've driven our parks into the ground for say about 70 years. Hold the phone. We have had one-party rule in Pittsburgh for 70 years. So, the Dems have been in charge of the city for all this time and yet we LONG for a return to that era.

"It's beautiful," beamed Annette Marks, 67, a lifelong resident of the East End neighborhood that was laid out over 300 acres in 1778. "It's going to be just like it was."

The parks will be beautiful as soon as we break the rule of one party politics. And, as soon as we set new priorities that go beyond the brick top layer. As soon as we figure out that our kids can't be raised and made whole by only UNION workers -- and we engage all of the community -- then we've got hope for the future.

Some remember, goldfish in the pond. Now, one only needs to walk a quarter mile to the Highland Park Zoo and Aquarium and find sharks. We spent millions on places for our fish to swim, yet put $0 in the city budget for places for our kids to swim.

Anyone who wants to see goldfish -- go to the pet store and get some yourself. If you want more a more exotic fish experience, go to the zoo.

What gurgles again might speak with forked tounge.

"They're bringing it all back, reverting to what we had originally. It's going to do a lot for this neighborhood." --- what about the segregated swim pools? is that next on the to-do list?

Or, really, what could happen -- Oxford Development can build a sports complex in the burbs -- such as in Monroeville and Cranberry. Coaching shouldn't happen in Highland Park -- as the local swim team needs to have its rates doubled, (really).

The reflecting pool did get mentioned in the Park's Master Plans -- and the swim pool got ignored, other than as a place for selling refreshments.

Financial assistance also came from Allegheny Regional Asset District funding earmarked to aid the city's parks. We need to "think again" about the RAD funds for the city parks. Those funds have been a major waste. The RAD tax should be eliminated.

The project will cost about $700,000 -- and it cost about that much to run the swim pools in 2004.

"...It seems a little impractical to use funds when the city could be doing other things."

Phase two of the project, more horticultural work, won't happen if I'm elected. The rainbow of seasonal color, will be seen in our kids and the opportunities presented to them to work upon -- not in the dirt. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, a group working with the city and Highland Park community groups to rebuild the park, should be NUKED and folded into the new Pittsburgh Park District.

As the temperature steamed toward 86 degrees, the fountain was one of the coolest spots at the park yesterday -- if you don't count the swim pool.

"It is certainly tranquil," said Marette Simpson, a minister from Monroeville, jogging past the babbling fountain on her 3-mile run. "I'm ready to take a dip in it." My point exactly.

Original article by edyer@post-gazette.com.

Heart breakers and silver liners

Lauryn Williams, you go girl. The silver medal was a fantastic. The heart breaking part of the story is that she will return to Miami -- the city she now calls home.

Do get that degree in finance. By all means, graduate. Sadly, here it is again. Our most talented youth must leave Pittsburgh to flourish. Our regional brain and talent drain is still a big monkey on our backs.

This issue, the youthful exit from the Pittsburgh region, ranks high among all issues. Our debt is high too. And, the fact that our latest fixes are lame (tunnel under the Allegheny River for light-rail service to the lower North Side) compounds the steepness of the climb ahead.

but the linkage can't be ignored. The youth are going to leave when the debt soars. Debt is but a burden on today's youth. And, let's fix matters today by giving the shaft to the kids of today -- by closing recreation centers and swim pools.

The kids are getting more than zilch. They are getting the debt and the closed door treatments.

L.W. speaking about the 2005 World Championships is quoted to have said, "It's going to be great," she said. "I can't wait." All in due time. Great athletes excel in the management of time, space and relationships.

Bush Olympic Ad

Bush Olympic Ad
The ad is okay. It is a stretch to say that democracy is spreading like a sunrise. We do have two other nations in the Olympic Family who are what they are. But, look at things a little bit further into history.

In 1976 South Africa was not permitted to send its athletes to the Olympics. Meanwhile, a young swimmer, Jonty Skinner, held the world record in the 100-free -- establishing the new mark in Phili of all place. Since I'm name dropping on the blog, Skinner's book, Tide Teamwork, was the first book I published. Now, South Africa's conditions are different. Plus, the men's 400 freestyle relay from South Africa is second to none. And, South Africa might be hosting the Olympics in the near future.

I think it is fair to celebrate the arrival of athletes into the Olympic Games -- from all the corners of the world where there are some serious hurdles for participation.

Should that celebration be part of a political advertisement is a good topic for debate among those with little else to worry about -- or -- for those of those nations mentioned. So, it is fair ground to ask the athletes from Iraq and Afganastan what they think about the add. But, humanity and sports questions should come first.

Local slant

Not many words would need to change to get that ad positioned for Pittsburgh. In 1972 there were 40 democracies in the world. Well, we could turn back the clock in Pittsburgh and say there were 600,000 residents. Today we are half of what we were.

Then you could say, in 2003, Pitsburgh had 19 recreation centers. Today there are none. (whatever the number is as this is a moving target) And, in 2003 there were 32 swim pools in Pittsburgh, in the summer of 2004 we had 15. Mayor Murphy, we hired you to operate our facilites and manage our shared spaces. You shuttered them. Our chance for hope isn't re-opening Lord & Tayor nor Lazarus -- but working with communities, parks, parents, coaches and kids --- to make better lives for us all.

Water Polo -- shooting at the keeper

The Russian goalie seemed to be a target of the US men's squad in Saturday's action at the Olympic aquatic venue. The shots from the US side were not crisp. Aim for the back of the net!

I was able to work with Coach Monte Nitzkowski as he authored a book text book, US Tactical Water Polo, published in 1994 by my indie, small press. I gave away more books on water polo in PA than we sold here.

From the bio link above, you can get two sections of the book in PDFs: the first 24 pages, 158k, and chapter 5, (pages 119 to 180), 365k.

Notice the work with fonts and the technical delivery with the publishing elements within the book. Polo has plenty of Xs and Os to describe, (i.e., hole defender, etc.). Every graphic and every statement in that 375 page book was reworked in these efforts. Even as publisher I've had some amazing fan mail from readers of that book from around the world. One coach read the book three times, start to finish, and took his team from last to first place in one season. This book was and is the best ever for the sport of polo.

We do need to get more and more into water polo in western PA. This winter the kids at Fox C. played some polo and we injected it into one AM practice per week in November and December. Plus, we had a join polo practice around Christmas with Carrlington HS. Back in the early 90s as I was working on the book and coaching at Plum HS, we started polo and played 2 nights per week. One night was for older folks and was co-ed. Great fun.

WPIAL or city HS swim coaches wishing to have a dedicated session or three on water polo, any time of the year, give me a call and I'll come out with the balls, caps, and understanding of the game to lead a mini-clinic.

The NA HS coach, Mr. C.S., credits water polo for great advancements to the overall swim program's performance. The NA girls team went to states last fall.

Highland Park Pool is a great place for water polo. The deep end is perfect.

Pittsburghers of the year

Our sprinter, L. Williams sped into the 100-meter final today behind Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus. Perfect so far. Both two-time winner, Gail Devers, and gold-medal favorite, Christine Arron, of France were eliminated.

Perhaps Williams will get 30-under-30 awards this year. She is a mover and shaker.

The Pittsburgher of the year -- in the running -- the gent who donated to get dad to Greece to she his daughter in her finest hour.

USA Basketball Team -- shoots a brick in first game

The first game, and the first basketball competition -- the Dream Team -- shot a brick. It was an upset as historic as it was inevitable, reported Sports Illustrated. Beaten soundly, dominated. Now it is time to "bounce back."

Puerto Rico, homeland of a Pittsburgh hero, Roberto Clemente, is much like a 52nd state. So, the sting of loss might be easier to shrug away.

Great PG article about the Clemente Sports City Dream is a great read.

What will be reported in Pittsburgh and around the nation when the mayor's office goes to someone who is not of the old-school democrats' clan? Historic, inevitable?

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Does Tom Murphy have the swagger in political circles that matches that of the NBA stars in an Olympic Games?

Trivia quiz: the mason artwork appears on the side of the building. What one? Where?

Update:

The USA squad was 2-2 in pool play and US players still expected to win the gold medal. Meanwhile, parties broke out in the streets in Lithuania. The US squad (if you can call them a team) departed Athens in the semi-final round. Argentina deserved to win.

Elephant mascots, death, tour, uploads

Wondering minds need to know about this recently uploaded image. The GOP mascot is an elephant. Tomb mention too???





Grant, 6, Erik, 9, and I are pictured above. This is one of the 125 slides in Erik's presentation given at his school this year upon our return from China.

Enjoy the PDF or HTML version.

Old news for clarity - bio notes for Mark Rauterkus

Old article: "Mark Rauterkus, a South Side resident and former swimming coach, also has stated he will run for mayor.

Since the record has been wrong before, here is a refresher on some facts that the journalists often miss.

Correct:
stay-at-home father, registered Republican, not sure about running as a Republican (again), but certain to not run as a Dem, two sons.

'We need new direction from Grant Street. We don't have a holistic approach to our leadership,' Rauterkus said.

Grad of Ohio University (not OSU) with a degree in journalism and went to grad school (no master's degree earned) in physical education at Baylor University.

Rauterkus has worked several years as a swimming coach and instructor. He has coached at Green Tree, Canon-McMillan High School, Plum High School, Fox Chapel Area High School, and New Trier Swim Club in Illinois.

My birth: May, 1959, year of the rooster!

Mike, I guess my "under the radar approach" is working

Mike Seate's column

If you'd really like to talk about the Mayor's race, in a serious way, then let me know. I'd be glad to meet with you.

Four years ago, I announced my intention to run for the office of Mayor, around August 22. Throughout the next four months, I worked and attended more than 100 community meetings / interactions. This sechedule included time at Three Rivers Stadium, gate C, prior to a STEELER Game, with a Trib photographer there on assignment. Nothing ever ran in the newspapers despite repeated calls to the Trib editors.

On New Year's Day, 2001, Josh P., then 18, sent out an email press release saying he was running for Mayor. Josh and I had met and talked on a few instances and with other issues. Both of us helped the Greens in 2000.

Starting then, I got to ride Josh's coat tails in terms of getting coverage from the Pittsburgh media outlets.

More Trib coverage was spent on coverage of those NOT running for mayor than the individuals and issues who spoke with positive actions and real solution discussions.

The illustration of captain and a sinking ship fits. Well done there.

The "I told you so" gang -- however -- was more with fellow naysayers and less to do with Doug Shields and Bob O'Connor, guys who have been on the watch for many turns in the downward spirals.

D.Q.ed and whistleblowers

Aaron Peirsol, US backstroke star, coached by David Salo, Ph.D., of Irvine (yeah Nova) was outspoken about the fly kicking going on in the 100 breast from the gold-medalist from Japan, Kosuke Kitajima. In the 200 breast, the swimmer from Japan kept fair under the water, and still won.

Peirsol gets serious props from me for speaking up when he did and as loud as he did. Being a whistleblower isn't easy. And, he didn't have a personal stake in the breast events. Peirsol is a backstroker. Well, then again, there is the Medley Relay yet to occur. But, he went out on a limb to raise a stink when conventional wisdom and the coaches of the squad did nothing.

By the way NBC payed good attention to the flap -- after the award's were given. But, from my living room in Pittsburgh I could easily spot the extra liberties taken underwater by the swimmer from Japan, and a couple of others. So, the watchdogs, the broadcasters, could have been more aggressive on the coverage the the stroke as the race unfolded and heats were conducted. So, Rowdey gets a B+ for the the attention to the flap, but it was a little late.

Then in the finals of the 200 backstroke, Peirson got nailed for an illegal turn. Is this were they retired figureskating's French Judge?

After the appeal got into high gears, the D.Q. was erased. (I have yet to see the race.)

Peirsol was more than two seconds ahead of the silver medalist. When the D.Q. was flashed on the scoreboard, the crowd began to boo. Still standing on deck, the 21-year-old Californian shrugged his shoulders in disbelief.

"It sounds pretty bogus to me," Peirsol said. "I don't know what it is and I've got to go figure it out."

FINA overturned the disaqualification in 30 minutes time, just before the medal ceremony.

Goddard of the UK was second much off the race, only to get passed by two at the end. He slapped the water in disgust. He was edged out for a medal by 20-hundredths of a second after Peirsol's win was restored. With grace, the US squad has done little or none of those types of outbursts.

In the 100 back, Peirsol took the gold and fellow US teammate, Lenny Krayzelburg, got fourth. Lenny had won both the 100 and 200 in the Olympics in 2000. Furthermore, both are friends and now swim with the same club team and are coached by David Salo. David's team put six swimmers on the USA squad. The club's web page has the clever slogan, "Sent Six!"

The frst lesson here ---- it is okay to speak out. Speak out in times when it might come back to harm you as well. When you are at the top of your game, and when you are right, it is okay to speak out. We need more to do so.

The next lesson has to do with backlash. When bad things happen -- good officials, good people with power, need to go out of their way to make sure things are straight. The Olympic officials missed a bit in the 100 breast. I expect some officials were with a big blush -- if not red faced. A couple might have been flat out angry -- as seen in the D.Q. of Peirsol. But, it didn't stick.

US Women's Volleyball Spiked

The US Women's Volleyball team -- 6 on 6, indoors -- are in an uphill battle in Pool B. The team lost a match to a squad who had yet to win a game in its past two encounters.

In the past, my indie small press published a number of books on volleyball. The bulk of those titles now form an E-book collection on volleyball and are on the web in PDF format for gratis downloads.

The 2004 Men's USA's Olympic Coach, Doug Beal, has been a by-line author in the volumes found in the link above.

Western PA has great tradition in high school volleyball.

Fresh Ideas for Just Harvest Silent Auction Contributions

The annual dinner for a non-profit group, Just Harvest, is looking for exciting donations for a highly anticipated Silent Auction. Their search for fresh new donations hit a motherload with creativity here. Can you donate something too?

It can be a weekend at a country home, a painting, knitting lessons. Do you know a local sports figure that would be willing to give lessons, do you have a clothing store where you can donate an outfit or maybe a local television or radio personality that's willing to tape an outgoing message on someone's answering machine? No matter how big or small it will help to raise money to fight hunger in our communities.

If you have a donation please contact or have the donor contact Shauna at (412) 431-8960 or mail to her at Just Harvest, 16 Terminal Way, 15219.

My offerings are expected to include:

One hour of help and hand-holding to establish your own blog and web/email space.

Two hours of badminton instruction, play, games with equipment provided by Coach Mark at a local park or your facility / function (schedules permitting).

Thirty minute private swim lesson at the Oliver Bath House in public swim time (schedules permitting) -- if the pool reopens.

Other ideas welcomed. These above are rather "tame."

The wind in Athens isn't always from Mother Nature

in the past, I've been hard on NBC's coverage of the Olympic Games, I've been critical. In 2004, NBC's efforts have been better than expected. However, as a whole, trash talk isn't just of the realm owned by the USA Men's Basketball Players. The overall tone of the coverage from the print journalists is now 'officially' making my skin crawl.

Steve Rushin, of Sports Illustrated:

" ... The Olympics have more down time than federal prison...."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/writers/08/17/oly.downtime/index.html

In another story, Frank DeFord asked if Michael Phelps would be in wrestling and other sports for the duration of the games.

How many stories of empty seats do we need to endure? Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim headline: Empty Olympics stands lead to lack of excitement and lousy television. Frankly, the TV is fine.

Perhaps, the fans are interested in wading past the mud so easily flug by the journalists. So, perhaps, we've got a man bites dog story unfolding. Clueless journalists might be jumping on the wrong bandwagons.

Negativity wants to rule the day. This negativity, (U.S. boxing hasn't been competitive for several Olympics -- as lead by Richard hoffer) does nothing but illustrate lazyness from writers. Case in point: Don't tell how poor the boxers are going to do until after you've introduced the individuals and perhaps the coaches.

New Bio and Eco Lab in Hill District

bio lab Volunteer!

Political Victory in Allegheny County for voter database access

The county voter database has been opened at a reasonable price. This makes for a major victory for open government. Thanks to David Tessitor. and the ACLU for bringing the case against the elections department before a judge. If you missed the news, catch it at 9x9.CLOH.Org/departments/politics.

Celeste Taylor, formerly of the NAACP and Good Schools PA, said she'll be down at the county offices to pick up her copy tomorrow.

Home team is golden

Mens Springboard Syncro Diving --- wow! Greeks get wet and soak in the victory.

The Greek's won. A number of other teams tanked. Nice event for spectators, even with a half-time show.
ATHENS — After four days of Olympic competition, Canada can lay claim to a bronze medal in diving and the fool in the pool.

Now security is going to a higher level.

Men's 200 meter freestyle FINALS

This is going to be great. Watch Michael Phelps on his turns. He'll stay in the steamline longer and have a more explosive push-off. If he takes the gold, he'll need to cook off those walls.

Ian has better distance per stroke.

What a race. Can't wait.

Badminton, Costas called it a CULT Sport

We are going to see plenty of badminton in the Olympics, said NBC's Bob Costas as the opening parade of athletes was being conducted. Great!

But Bob also said that badminton was a "cult sport." Hold the phone. Badminton is great. It is great in the backyard, and, it is great as a real sport too.

When we went to China, we got into badminton, big time. At our 4th of July party we set up five courts in our local park. At our family vacation / reunion, we set up a court and wore out the grass with four continual days of play.

If you want to play some badminton, post your comments below. We'll be playing again real soon.

Furthermore, he mentioned badminton and tied it to another CULT sport, the winter sport of CURLING. Hey, he is hitting too close to home. I love curling too. I was slightly involved in the formation of the young Pittsburgh Curling Club. It meets throughout the winter months and is a lot of fun. I have pitched the idea of turning the now closed, indoor ice rink on the South Side, located behind South Side Hospital, as a curling center.

Humm. Why not make the closed ice rink a curling center in the winter and a home for power badminton in the summer.

This reminds me. I did offer to help coordinate the badminton competition for the 2005 Senior Games to come to Pittsburgh. The badminton and volleyball will be played at Pitt's Cost Center. A sponsorship of Sports Court has been established to get the flooring. It would be great to get that flooring into the now closed ice rink, before and after the event.

Ruffle feathers. Play badminton.

In case you missed it: Call me a snob or enthusiast, but what was that word within the NBC News Coverage from Aug. 15, 2004 about badminton?

Pittsburgh's Marathon Dies

Marathon article in the Post-Gazette with "post-it comments" from Mark Rauterkus

Our marathon-running Mayor, Tom Murphy, is at the helm of the city as the Pittsburgh Marathon dies. He can't advance his own agenda, yet alone now, run in a marathon in a city that he claims as his primary residence.

I have plenty to say about the Marathon in Pittsburgh.

In the end, once we establish a new Pittsburgh Park District, we'd be much better along.

Furthermore, when I'm mayor, I'd re-establish the Pittsburgh Marathon -- but do it in a much different manner and style. There is no way we should spend $1-million to host a marathon.

The Marathon saga, woven with the Great Race, makes another great example of the lack of cooperation from the administration, the lack of creativity, and fumbles of leadership.

Open Debates . Org

Go to http://opendebates.org/ and sign the petition.