Save the date: Sunday, September 30, 2007. That is the last game of the year for the Pittsburgh Pirates. We hope to pull together a special event with the game to honor and celebrate the end of the summer. And our special focus will be the swimmers, coaches, lifeguards and fitness participants and leaders who make the summer-time days safe and enoyable.
Ideas, co-organizers, volunetters are welcomed to join this effort.
Write to me via Mark -at- Rauterkus -dot- com or call my cell: 412 298 3432.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Nameless, faceless bloggers -- and why they occur withing and without the media
At another blog there is a thread about posting comments from those who don't sign their names.
One theory says that the anon postings are from those in the media. By and large, I don't agree.
Because one is in the media is not an excuse to use anon, UNLESS, you're media in Fiji. Fiji has had a military take over. The general / dictator has had a thing against bloggers and free press. So, anon bloggers and postings are needed, else one would be jailed or worse.
I venture that there are 100 or so that use, with monthly postings, the "Anon" handle. Perhaps 10% are media.
If there are anon posters in the media -- what the hell are they scared of? Are they chicken to stand by their words? Are they spineless?
For example, Jon Delano (KDKA) and Bob Mayo (WTAE) use their names, generally, I assume. Others in the media do as well.
The media has a job to do -- and that is to report. If the media people leverage influence to sway the news in ways they desire by using "anon" postings on blog comments, then there are concerns that should be pulled into the open. Does anyone want to pick a bone with media people posting in "anon" ways here?
My conclusion: I feel that they don't do that. It doesn't happen much.
Media posting in regular ways as anon is too bush-league for even the media around Pittsburgh.
Anon postings come from people who are citizens and fearful of powerful ones who are in government and in hiring capacities for other reasons. And, that fear is justified. And, those people are NOT generally 'media folks.'
Finally, I'm certain that the media folks READ blogs and do research. But, they'll be less engaged as people who 'post.'
Agree, or not? Use the comments and tell us why.
One theory says that the anon postings are from those in the media. By and large, I don't agree.
Because one is in the media is not an excuse to use anon, UNLESS, you're media in Fiji. Fiji has had a military take over. The general / dictator has had a thing against bloggers and free press. So, anon bloggers and postings are needed, else one would be jailed or worse.
I venture that there are 100 or so that use, with monthly postings, the "Anon" handle. Perhaps 10% are media.
If there are anon posters in the media -- what the hell are they scared of? Are they chicken to stand by their words? Are they spineless?
For example, Jon Delano (KDKA) and Bob Mayo (WTAE) use their names, generally, I assume. Others in the media do as well.
The media has a job to do -- and that is to report. If the media people leverage influence to sway the news in ways they desire by using "anon" postings on blog comments, then there are concerns that should be pulled into the open. Does anyone want to pick a bone with media people posting in "anon" ways here?
My conclusion: I feel that they don't do that. It doesn't happen much.
Media posting in regular ways as anon is too bush-league for even the media around Pittsburgh.
Anon postings come from people who are citizens and fearful of powerful ones who are in government and in hiring capacities for other reasons. And, that fear is justified. And, those people are NOT generally 'media folks.'
Finally, I'm certain that the media folks READ blogs and do research. But, they'll be less engaged as people who 'post.'
Agree, or not? Use the comments and tell us why.
R.I.P. -- times NINE
Nine firefighters died in Charlestown, South Carolina, in a furnature warehouse blaze. Seems the roof fell on them.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire.ap/index.html
Life is precious. Let's end this theme on the blog now, shall we.
Update:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire.ap/index.html
Life is precious. Let's end this theme on the blog now, shall we.
Update:
Terry Hoeppner, Big Ben's college coach, dies: "Indiana football coach Terry Hoeppner died today of complications from a brain tumor, a university spokesman said. He was 59."
Another RIP: WESLEY, (Wes) THOMPSON reports that his mother passed away.
Unfortunately the Lord chose to take my mother, Mildred Thompson, home on Sat. 6-16. Friends will be received fron 7-9 Mon., & tues. 2-4 & 7-9 at Thomas Smith funeral home 930, Center Ave B, Blawnox PA 15238. A service will be held Wednesday morning 10 AM.Hat tip to Kathleen Stewart of the western side of Pgh.
Pennsylvania lost a leader. RIP Dr. George Osborne
He was a leader at the PA College of Optometry, an audiologist, a professor. He helped to launch the Pennsylvania Accademy of Audiology. He hired a couple of Univ. of Pittsburgh graduates. He has been a pioneer in distance education. He was a pilot.
Last Friday, the College announced with great sadness that Dr. George S. Osborne, Dean of the School of Audiology died suddenly on June 14th.
The Memorial Service for Dr. Osborne is as follows:
Friday, June 22nd at 7 p.m.
Paoli Presbyterian Church
225 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301
Phone number at the church is 610-644-8250
Should you like to get a condolence note to the Osborne family, we ask that you send it to our offices here at PCO, and we will be sure to have all communications forwarded to the family.
PCO
Alumni Office
8360 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
Dr. Osborne's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to
PCO Foundation's George S. Osborne Scholarship Fund.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Presidential candidate Ron Paul drawing diverse crowds - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Article in the Sunday Trib about my favorite candidate for US President, 2008, Dr. Ron Paul.
Medical Marijuana should be defended.
Most of all to those who are NOT convinced already, my friends in Pittsburgh should get behind Ron Paul, because he is a home-town hero.
When was the last person from Pittsburgh in the White House -- as President?
This quote that "Everyone knows he's not going to be the nominee" is total crap. But, those are they types of quotes I expect from the Tribune Review.
Politics is partly about the power of ideas. And, if politics is going to improve, it needs to be ALL ABOUT the power of ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it is about money and NOT about ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it isn't about the future.
Polls that don't register his candidacy are not worth a wasted breath. But, the Trib cares about spreading the soiled goods.
Ron Paul's wife, Carol Wells, is also from this area. Not like T. Heinz. This are Pittsburgh's people.
Dormont. You gotta love this guy. He was a state track champion. He was class president. He didn't play football -- so his head wasn't bashed about!
Sure, there are a lot of good things that the government does. The government needs to protect freedom. Protect privacy. Protect the people from the government.
Greater words can not be said about a guy in politics if you listen to what Tom DeLay said about Ron Paul. "You always understand where he's coming from." That is key. That can't be discounted.
Earmarks never worked for Dr. Paul. YES!
I've said all along that we need to nix the earmarks in Western Pennsylvania that come here and HURT our economy. The tunnel under the river for light-rail expansion is a great example of an earmark that doesn't work.
Then the Trib goes out of its way to interview the opposition of Dr. Paul. Talk to Ds in Dr. Paul's area. Talk to DeLay, 'the hammer' -- an in-party foe to Dr. Paul. Paul won after a controversial redistricting. I remember that period. Texas had a strike. It was a mess.
Rudy Giuliani sharply rebuked him, so the article goes. Really, Guiliani was rude and dull and without any rebuke. Duhh. Rudy gets a thank you note for being one to tango with, but Rudy was flat foolish. Rudy's attack on Dr. Paul is going to be the telling moment of Rudy's career.
Presidential candidate Ron Paul drawing diverse crowds - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review What struck the candidate ... was the diversity of the crowd.Diversity works for Libertarians. Diversity works for me too.
'Young and old, hippie types and business types, Republicans and Democrats and independents, anarchists, people who hate the IRS and the Federal Reserve,' said Ron Paul, a Green Tree native, Dormont High School alumnus and Republican congressman from Texas' Gulf coast.
Medical Marijuana should be defended.
Most of all to those who are NOT convinced already, my friends in Pittsburgh should get behind Ron Paul, because he is a home-town hero.
When was the last person from Pittsburgh in the White House -- as President?
This quote that "Everyone knows he's not going to be the nominee" is total crap. But, those are they types of quotes I expect from the Tribune Review.
Politics is partly about the power of ideas. And, if politics is going to improve, it needs to be ALL ABOUT the power of ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it is about money and NOT about ideas. Politics is in the toilet because it isn't about the future.
Polls that don't register his candidacy are not worth a wasted breath. But, the Trib cares about spreading the soiled goods.
Ron Paul's wife, Carol Wells, is also from this area. Not like T. Heinz. This are Pittsburgh's people.
Dormont. You gotta love this guy. He was a state track champion. He was class president. He didn't play football -- so his head wasn't bashed about!
Sure, there are a lot of good things that the government does. The government needs to protect freedom. Protect privacy. Protect the people from the government.
Greater words can not be said about a guy in politics if you listen to what Tom DeLay said about Ron Paul. "You always understand where he's coming from." That is key. That can't be discounted.
Earmarks never worked for Dr. Paul. YES!
I've said all along that we need to nix the earmarks in Western Pennsylvania that come here and HURT our economy. The tunnel under the river for light-rail expansion is a great example of an earmark that doesn't work.
Then the Trib goes out of its way to interview the opposition of Dr. Paul. Talk to Ds in Dr. Paul's area. Talk to DeLay, 'the hammer' -- an in-party foe to Dr. Paul. Paul won after a controversial redistricting. I remember that period. Texas had a strike. It was a mess.
Rudy Giuliani sharply rebuked him, so the article goes. Really, Guiliani was rude and dull and without any rebuke. Duhh. Rudy gets a thank you note for being one to tango with, but Rudy was flat foolish. Rudy's attack on Dr. Paul is going to be the telling moment of Rudy's career.
School Sports -- merge the City League with the WPIAL
Now is the time, when school is out and when sports teams are not taking all the available attention, to have serious conversations about scholastic sports.
The Pgh Public Schools has its own "City League." The City League needs to be taken apart. Rather, the city schools need to merge in and among the schools in the W.P.I.A.L.
Talk of consolidation mergers and metropolitanism has loomed large in recent years. Both scorn and infatuation spills. I'm willing to push to make sports, our playgrounds and our extra-school activities be the ones to step to the line next and MERGE.
We need to get the city kids playing well with the suburban kids.
We need to get the city school administrators understanding the competition. The school administrators in the PPS district are too insulated from the rest of Allegheny County.
We need the boosters in the city to see how boosters in suburban districts operate.
We need to be competitive -- and competition in sports is a week to week, day to day, and minute to minute ordeal. In sports, we keep score all the time.
Let's merge.
The Pgh Public Schools has its own "City League." The City League needs to be taken apart. Rather, the city schools need to merge in and among the schools in the W.P.I.A.L.
Talk of consolidation mergers and metropolitanism has loomed large in recent years. Both scorn and infatuation spills. I'm willing to push to make sports, our playgrounds and our extra-school activities be the ones to step to the line next and MERGE.
We need to get the city kids playing well with the suburban kids.
We need to get the city school administrators understanding the competition. The school administrators in the PPS district are too insulated from the rest of Allegheny County.
We need the boosters in the city to see how boosters in suburban districts operate.
We need to be competitive -- and competition in sports is a week to week, day to day, and minute to minute ordeal. In sports, we keep score all the time.
Let's merge.
Ron Paul, the Mahatma by Gary North
Ron Paul, the Mahatma by Gary NorthGreat quote: The public does not know who Ron Paul is. But TV viewers who were politically active enough to go to the websites of the broadcasting networks are big supporters of Paul.
I was watching Gandhi recently, as I do every year or two. It is inspirational to me. It tells the story of a man who could not possibly win the battles he chose to fight, but did anyway. There is no doubt that it is a propaganda film, funded in part by the Indian government. It scrambles his chronology. But, on the whole, it got the story right. Mohandas K. Gandhi, a lawyer, was able to transform Indian politics. He did this through force of moral character and shrewd tactics that made every official response either 'Damned if we do; damned if we don’t.' I read 'The Gandhi Nobody Knows' when it was published in 1983, a year after the movie was released. I know the strange side of the man. But he mobilized a huge nation without recourse to violence. That was his great legacy.
I also like the movie because it is the story of a failed empire. By 1945, the British Empire had spent itself into near bankruptcy because of two wars. It was a pale shadow of itself. It would soon grow much paler.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
World Record gets cut by 10-seconds
Swimming World has some fantastic swim news for Americans. A new mega star is born. This, to me, is way more impressive than the U.S. Open.
On YouTube:
Flash! Ziegler Shatters Evans' World Record in 1500 Freestyle
MISSION VIEJO, California, June 17. SHE'S been tracking her idol for years, winning world titles and living up to the high expectations placed on her shoulders. Sunday night, swimming at the TYR Meet of Champions in Mission Viejo, California, Kate Ziegler passed Janet Evans on the long-course scene. Contesting the 1500 freestyle, Ziegler lopped an unheard of 10 seconds from Evans' 1988 standard of 15:52.10.
Already the winner of the 200, 400 and 800 freestyles at the meet, Ziegler saved her best for last and went 15:42, a time that is almost unfathomable. Ziegler, the two-time defending world champ in the 800 and 1500 freestyles, has been compared to Evans since she arrived as a rising force on the national scene. At the World Championships earlier this year in Melbourne, Ziegler posted a mark of 15:53.05, the second-fastest in history at that moment.
In Mission Viejo, she attacked the 30-lap event with a vengeance, moving ahead of world-record pace from the get-go. Obviously, since she broke the record by 10 seconds, there was never a question whether she would remain on target. It was only a matter of how low she would take the record, which was the oldest on the books, set March 26, 1988 in Orlando.
Considering Ziegler broke the oldest effort by such a large margin, one has to consider the swim as the finest performance in history. Forever, debate will rage as to which swims are the most impressive, but Ziegler at least can make a strong case for the distinction. Ziegler, of course, is trained by Ray Benecki of The Fish.
Check SwimmingWorldMagazine.com for more coverage of Ziegler's record-breaking swim.
On YouTube:
I got a 'tie' for Father's Day -- and I love it. Plus, my t-shirt got new hand prints
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| From Logos |
I have a new tie in the wardrobe. It has a fern pattern. I love it. The fern is a symbol of New Zealand. Word on the street was against giving dad a tie for Father's Day -- but -- they'd be wrong in this case.
I also have a t-shirt with nearly a dozen years of blooming hand and foot prints from my kids. These shirts are all the rage now. At the zoo today I must have seen a dozen of these styled shirts -- 'best dad, hand's down.' Clever. Must have been in a lot of craft catalogs in recent times. I am such a trend setter.
Policies that boost fathers are needed- PennLive.com
Policies that boost fathers are needed- PennLive.com: "Policies that boost fathers are needed
Sunday, June 17, 2007
BY RICK SANTORUM
I suppose it's flattering when people ask what office you're looking at next. Since last November, however, I've told anyone who asks that the only thing I'm running for these days is 'Father of the Year.'
I don't know how I'll fare when the returns pour in today, but I hope I'll do well in the Santorum precinct.
I know this: Losing last year's Senate race in Pennsylvania was a great blessing. It gave me an opportunity that won't be there a few fleeting years from now. The opportunity to be a more fully involved father of a family that will only be under one roof for a few more years. The opportunity of time. The opportunity of a lifetime for my six children, my wife Karen and me."
Blognetnews.com -- Pennsylvania's ranking of most influential political blogs -- Running Mates -- we're #7
Blognetnews.com � Pennsylvania: "Pennsylvania's Most Influential Political blogs"
The top 20 include:
Director advice at PNC Park last night: Hang in there!
Last night we had a nice time at PNC Park with a group of folks in Pittsburgh for an event that was hosted at the Univ. of Pittsburgh. My wife is involved with a teach the teachers conference that runs every other year. This was the second event and the third topic for 2009 is booked. (Practice management) This year's topic for the audiology educators was A.R.
Quiz: What is A.R.?
I'd type it here -- but want to make this more interactive and my spelling stinks.
A corporate sponsor, Starkey, was able to bring 45 or so to the game. Wonderful. It was a nice ending to three days of meetings.
BTW, the Pirates lost. BTW 2, some really young kids are going to see "High School Musical."While at the game I talked for a moment or two with one of the ten directors who has been given notice that his job would become advertised for a national search for his replacement. I'll keep his identity secret for fear of blowback for now. But, this gentleman is one of the very few that I'd feel confident that I'd want to interview for that post he currently occupies should I become mayor. He is good at what he does. He has always been honest and straight with me, personally, and in my quest of political insights into the budget and such.
I told him (and his associates -- sorry, no clues) that was with him my thoughts about how in the real world one should measure twice THEN cut once. That isn't the case with our young mayor -- nor with Onorato and Bland. So, this isn't just a youth knock. Mine is a process evaluation -- and they're clueless as to how to evaluate objectives and such.
After some nice conversations, and as we were getting back to the game and our respective groups, my parting words were, "Hang in there Scott." This advice needs to be repeated, in public. I hope he does hang in there and is around Grant Street when I'm mayor -- and the insanity dissipates.
Coaching Polar Bears at Pgh Zoo -- today at 2 pm
Father's Day -- and going to the zoo and aquarium. Sponsor, www.Fatherhood.org.
If I can coach in New Zealand, Canada, swim with hector dolphins and help to lead open water efforts as well as water polo at Crafton, I think I can coach a butterfly workout with the polar bears at the Pgh Zoo and Aquarium. Be there today at 2 pm.
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| From people & vips |
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| From people & vips |
Getting some advice on comments in other blogs.
Folks, I'm open to suggestions on the blogs of others -- as well as this blog too.
HaloScan.com - Comments If I were you I would focus on Bruce Kraus. I know you can beat him. You should represent the people on the Southside and be their voice.
Good luck !!
anonymous | 06.15.07 - 5:34 pm | #
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Two Pitt swim coaches (assistants) are moving on to other gigs
CollegeSwimming.com::Resignations in New Orleans and Pittsburgh Resignations in Pittsburgh
Coaches seeking an elusive college gig can rejoice as three vacancies were announced in separate announcements from Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Pitt assistants, Eric Stefanski and Eric Limkemann, are stepping down.
Stefanski (1994-98) will be introduced as the new assistant at the University of North Carolina and Limkemann will leave the coaching sidelines. Limkemann will dedicate himself to becoming one of the nation's top triathletes as he relocates to Dayton, Ohio with his wife.
Coaches seeking an elusive college gig can rejoice as three vacancies were announced in separate announcements from Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Pitt assistants, Eric Stefanski and Eric Limkemann, are stepping down.
Stefanski (1994-98) will be introduced as the new assistant at the University of North Carolina and Limkemann will leave the coaching sidelines. Limkemann will dedicate himself to becoming one of the nation's top triathletes as he relocates to Dayton, Ohio with his wife.
The Crossed Pond Blogger quoted about Ron Paul and Pittsburgh and Washington Post
The Crossed Pond - The Crossed Pond in the Washington Post If you head on over to your local newsstand this morning and pick up a copy of The Washington Post, you’ll notice a front page article about Ron Paul and his massive online reach. At the end of the article, you might notice some random kid from Pittsburgh is mentioned talking about how inspiring Ron Paul is, and how important is his message.
Pittsburgh mayor axes
Pittsburgh mayor axes status quo - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'He's doing this uniformly so it doesn't reflect any agenda,' said Ferlo, ...Heck, don't show an agenda.
I want an agenda to be visible. I want to have moves by city leaders to reflect an agenda.
When the ax swings and no agenda is reflected in the swinging -- it is a hatchet job.
And, when the ax swings and the no agenda is reflected, it is just a power play.
Relay Carnival Idea Discussion
Talkshoe.com
On Your Mark - Summer League Relay Meet ideas
Description: Our Summer Swimming League's Relay Carnival needs a drastic overhaul. I'll offer my suggestions to fellow coaches, parents and officials.
Start Time: 06/19/07 10:00 PM EDT
Duration (minutes): 30
On Your Mark - Summer League Relay Meet ideas
Description: Our Summer Swimming League's Relay Carnival needs a drastic overhaul. I'll offer my suggestions to fellow coaches, parents and officials.
Start Time: 06/19/07 10:00 PM EDT
Duration (minutes): 30
kdka.com - No Shortage Of Events This Weekend In Pittsburgh
For sure.
Pitt Audiology is hosting a teach the teacher even with people from around the US and different nations in town. So I'll be going to the Pirates game with them tonight. Then I expect to hit Flux.
The dad of one of my son's classmates is playing in the band that takes the Flux stage at midnight. I'm going to do my best to stay up to see them.
If time permits, after our swim team league meeting of coaches from all the teams, we'll hit the gay pride events. But I still need to print-up some water polo and biathlon handouts and update a web site with that and my Father's Day messages.
kdka.com - No Shortage Of Events This Weekend In Pittsburgh Any visitors to Pittsburgh won't be able to complain about a lack of entertainment this weekend, as the city is buzzing with a host of activities.
Pitt Audiology is hosting a teach the teacher even with people from around the US and different nations in town. So I'll be going to the Pirates game with them tonight. Then I expect to hit Flux.
The dad of one of my son's classmates is playing in the band that takes the Flux stage at midnight. I'm going to do my best to stay up to see them.
If time permits, after our swim team league meeting of coaches from all the teams, we'll hit the gay pride events. But I still need to print-up some water polo and biathlon handouts and update a web site with that and my Father's Day messages.
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