Schenley School stuff, again, of course

Hi all --

Since my last email it looks like my ominous feelings were suitably dark. The numbers I've heard for Schenley renovations this week are higher than any I've heard yet and there's talk of "more taxes" and "cutting teachers." All in all, that sounds grim -- if they save the building, they'll pin every monetary problem the district has on us. Now, it still leaves a lot up in the air. I'm still unable to wrap my brain around a school that has good scores and a tremendous sense of community and history being the guinea pig for reform when there are failing schools getting...what, exactly?

I was #17 to speak when I called the board Friday afternoon at about 4 pm. You can sign up to speak by calling 412-622-3600 before noon on Monday. The meeting is at 7 pm at the Board of Education building in Oakland. (Procedures for testifying in front of the board)

I think there will be some sort of rally beforehand, latest I've heard is starting at around 4 pm (kids have lots of energy!) Consider dropping by and showing your support even if you can't make the hearing. You can also email the board with written testimony at boardoffice@pghboe.net.

The number of talking points is immense. If you know someone else who would testify, consider making sure that you're covering different areas! I think the main point in many of these points is the lack of information flowing from the top down, including to the board members. The administration does a very good job of giving out the pieces of information they want out there and holding back on other facts, including comparisons and context.

Here are some various talking points, culled from various conversations I've had with people (if you have more you want to share, send them along):

Reizenstein's renovation numbers are big too -- and it's a valuable property. So, will the IB kids be moving yet again -- not back to a renovated Schenley but to another building yet to be determined, perhaps Peabody? Do they really have any set plans for this school?

What would convince parents to stick with yet another move to a school that isn't Schenley? If it were Peabody where will the displaced Peabody (or Westinghouse) students go? If the plan is for 6-12, where would the Robotics program being put into Peabody right now go? There wouldn't be room for all these students and Robotics isn't 6-12.

Where do the students for these new schools come from and what happens to the schools they leave as they lose population? Will they gradually lose staffing and programs and die a slow death? Either current high schools or the new schools are going to have to give, unless we suddenly double the number of high school students in the district.

How did additions and renovations for Colfax and Sterrett (and now Carmalt Elementary is to be voted on for additions and renovations) not get blamed for wasting money, cutting jobs, etc.? Why is a district with falling enrollment adding additions anyway? Or opening two buildings where one worked well, in Schenley's case?

Why haven't alternative plans for Schenley's renovation considered? A two or three part plan could address immediate safety issues now in a first part, and then renovate the rest over a period of years (as has happened with most other schools in the district who have received regular ongoing maintenance).

Why aren't all the costs for changes to CAPA, Reizenstein, Milliones, Frick, and Peabody mentioned with staffing cuts and raised taxes, too?

How long can smaller schools (if they are 6-12, there will be fewer students in each grade) maintain sports teams, activities, and clubs? Who will they compete against as each school has fewer teams and activities? How many comprehensive high schools can the district support in conjunction with these smaller schools?

Are these schools planned as "high scoring student" (CAPA and IB) and "low scoring student" (University Prep, Science & Technology) schools? Who does this help? Are we to be segregated in every way possible? Where will kids that don't like a program be allowed to go? How strictly will policies regarding scores and grades be followed or will standards be diluted to insure students maintain a certain score?

What will the new lottery/all school choice plan work?

Why is it May and we still don't know about schedules, teachers, and plans for these schools? How is it that the rest of the district still has no real idea of the scope of the changes coming?

Why are we, as parents, treated as though our questions and concerns are unfounded when we are the ones that actually have kids in this?

I'm sure you can think of more. ;-D

Jen Lakin

Pittsburgh water authority OKs $100 million loan - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Bark, bark.

Pittsburgh water authority OKs $100 million loan - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review City Controller Michael Lamb said the increase in the water authority's debt to roughly $680 million is problematic -- particularly for customers who eventually could see rate increases as a result.

'We're seeing significant increases in payments to the city from the authorities, and we're seeing increases in the authorities for rates, rate increases and debt increases. That's a problem, I think,' Lamb said Thursday.

What a watch dog.

Tube City Almanac - Worthy of All Yohogania

Tube City Almanac - Worthy of All Yohogania: "Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

We don't like the sign. But, we are also getting a chuckle out of the way it has been going up onto the top of the building.

The next letter after the "U" and "P" was not the "M". Perhaps at the hobby shop where they sell such cut-out letters there was a rash of sales for the letter "M" -- being Mother's Day weekend.

The boy was in the backseat of the car screaming, "The sea is being lifted." I thought he must have been having a holy Moses moment, on our way to church today. Rather, there was a split before the "C".

Ground Broken For New Library On Pittsburgh's North Side - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

Ground Broken For New Library On Pittsburgh's North Side - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh Ground Broken For New Library On Pittsburgh's North Side

PITTSBURGH -- Residents on Pittsburgh's North Side will finally have access to a library again.

It will be located on Federal Street at the site of a former gas station.

On Friday morning, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato joined library officials, community members and several students from area schools to break ground.

Dormont movie house to close May 23 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Dormont movie house to close May 23 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review The Hollywood Theater revival in Dormont turned out to be short-lived.

Reopened a little more than a year ago, the Potomac Avenue movie house will close May 23, officials from its parent organization, the Bradley Center, announced Friday.

Software given to law school students

revUp | Issue 48: "Runtime Donates $532,000 of Software to New York Law School
How Revolution Helps Law Students Think More Logically"

This is spooky.

Remember InfoDepot?

InfoDepot 3.0 was the best commercial software product I ever used. It was just about to go 'cross platform.'

InfoDepot's early days was a law school darling. It was called, "Fair Witenss."

Chena, a company in northeastern PA was the publisher. That product found its way into the Village Compass Bundle that I instigated.

The company was sold to WestLaw. The product died. I almost went to Minnesota to get it off of the old Mac that were gathering dust. *ssholes.

Good for RunRev to get into the Law School setting. Perhaps they can get some hooks into the old ways of InfoDepot.

Pittsburgh Baseball League 38 - (Pittsburgh, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com

I'm being recruited.

Pittsburgh Baseball League 38 - (Pittsburgh, PA) - powered by LeagueLineup.com: "Welcome to the home of the
Pittsburgh Baseball League 38

They are looking for running mates. I'm a swimmer. I'd be happy if baseball was kicked out of the Olympic Games, for good.

Baseball is okay. Playing sports is great.

If you are 38 or greater, or 48 and greater -- and you want to play ball, this is your ticket this summer.

I'm going to have a birthday, Friday. I'll be 49. So I'm eligible. And, frankly, I'm in much better shape these days than I've been in a while. It has been a blessing for my personal to have my kids swim at the JCC (Sq.Hill) as I've been able to workout on a regular basis.

Speaking of baseball, when are the city league high school play-off games? What teams are in? How is Langley doing? And, what about the WPIAL and City League games at PNC Park?

If you've got the details, please post them in the comments.

These Ron Paul meetings may never end

The latest activities deal with Ron Paul's new book and getting it into various local libraries.

Through Ron's new book The Revolution: A Manifesto we have the opportunity to awaken many people in our local area.

Introducing The Revolution Library Book Bomb!!

Through this project we will be donating copies of Ron's new book to many of the libraries in the area!!

By just buying one additional copy of Ron's book we can help spread the fires of liberty within scores of new people!!

Buying additional copies of Ron's book will also help it to move up on the New York Times Best Seller List where it has opened up at #7. Over the next few weeks we can move that number up to #1!!

Additional copies can be had on Amazon.com for a discount off of the cover price.

On May 24th we will be meeting at Posvar Hall in Oakland where we will be stamping these books with our new website address so people that check out these books at the library and believe in what Ron is saying can get involved. We will also have available a list of local libraries to make sure that they all get covered.

While your at it you can also purchase one of Ron's other books such as "The Foreign Policy of Freedom", or other books by authors such as Andrew Napolitano for donation as well.

Let's make this book bomb a success and continue the rEVOLution!!!

How this works:
1. RSVP 'Yes' to pledge to purchase an additional copy of "The Revolution: A Manifesto" -- go to the Ron Paul MeetUp.com's group to sign up.

2. Purchase the book before the event (soon if purchasing online to allow time for delivery)

3. Attend the event on May 24th at Posvar Hall. Bring the book to have it stamped.

4. After attending the event bring the book to the specified library for donation sometime during the following week.

$11,000 legal bill still in dispute in billboard case - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

$11,000 legal bill still in dispute in billboard case - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 'I represented them in their official capacities,' said McGough, of the Downtown firm Ward McGough. 'I have difficulty seeing how that's in their personal interests.'

Hugh McGough is with his own blind spot. This bill is all about his personal interest. If he did the work, gratis, then this would be fine.

McGough can end this chapter in the saga by making his bill ZERO. McGough's act of grace would save the face and reputation of Peduto, Kraus, Burgess and Shields.

It was Mr. Kraus who was so keen to ask that the corporation known as Lamar would suspend its own ill gotten permit in a voluntary action, if you will.

Queen's granddaughter makes Olympic team

Zara Phillips, a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, will compete for Britain in equestrian at the Beijing Olympics.

See more.

Motznik on with Marty Griffin

Theme song from OZ, "If I only had a brain...."

The $11,000 spending for private legal bills is being talked about on KDKA Radio, 10 am on Friday.

Jim Motznik is right on! He said, "Or, I've hired attorneys myself, on my own, to pay for work of neighborhood groups. This comes from misc. services and staff money. They already have funds in place."

"It blows my mind. They talk the talk. But when it comes to walking the talk, they haven't learned to walk yet. They are very hypocritical of the things that they do."

The whole thing (with Pat Ford and the billboard) was raised by council members who say the process was circumvented. Then the four members of council circumvent the process.

These members have 'conflict of interest' and 'won't be able to vote.' They are the one's who went out and hired the attorney.

Motznik says: This isn't the first time. They criticize the mayor. They say, let's live up to what Act 47 says. Works for the cars. But, not for themselves in staff spending.

Motznik says, "They put all the time and effort into "blocking process."

"The president of council should have been aware of what Twanda Carlie had."

Then the interview ends. Marty gives props saying Motznik gives interviews.

My instant message to Marty at 10:29.

GREAT interview with Mr. Motznik.

The $11,000 is down from an original $80,000 ask.

Peduto, Shields, Burgess and Kraus are WRONG.

Professor Dowd gave them a 'schooling' on the difference between acts of a council person and acts of a private citizen and who should foot the bill accordingly.

Marty read the posting I sent to him, while I was on hold, callers flipping onto the air.

I'd love to make one correction to what Marty said on the air. He said, "Pat Ford went down in flames." Well, Pat Ford is still on the city payroll. He is still getting a city check -- to the best of our knowledge.

Just as Twanda went to Las Vegas on the city credit card after being charged, Pat Ford is getting pay checks after being suspended by the mayor. Is Michael Lamb still signing the checks for Pat Ford? Why no OVERSIGHT on Pat Ford. Let's take his checks and put the money aside and if he is found to be 'innocent' -- then he can get some back pay. But, regardless, he isn't working now.

So, Pat Ford went down in flames and the taxpayers are still paying the bills to Pat Ford. The losses are still mounting -- against the city's treasury.

Swim site conflict opens debate over sport's video rights

Columbia Missourian - Swim site conflict opens debate over sport's video rights: "Swim site conflict opens debate over sport's video rights
When USA Swimming banned the swimming Web site Floswimming’s press credential, it opened debate over its new partnership with a media company."

USA Swimming is wrong to try to squash open ways. We want freedom. We want coverage. We don't want limitations. We don't want only "corporate" and "association" coverage.

I want swimming to be different from the NFL. Swimming is different. Swimming should strive to be different. Hell, different strokes for different folks should be the cry for freedom and liberties.

One of the largest issues at stake is USA Swimming’s attempt to align itself with other sports’ media ventures. Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming executive director, said the deal was no different than “what we’re seeing happen with the NFL Network and other pro sports,” in an interview with Craig Lord of SwimNews.com.

Align with the grass roots. Align with freedom, not oppression.

“The most apparent conflict of interest is that when a governing body owns the event and then wants to profit; to me, I think the whole concept is fundamentally flawed,” said Brent Rutemiller,

Go Brent Go! It is great to see him speaking out on the issue.

Nonprofits have a charter to behave in a certain realm for the benefit of the public.

The Quiz: Bush and McCain

I took The Bush-McCain Challenge — a fun online quiz to see if you can tell the difference between George W. Bush and John McCain.

Start the Bush-McCain Challenge at http://www.Bush-McCainChallenge.com.

Go beyond the first round of questions all the way to the "Carrot Round." Don't miss it.

Assessments back in the spotlight. Wealthy neighborhoods are underassessed!

Pittsburgh's WTAE TV just released the results of its assessment study. NEWS: Wealthy neighborhoods are underassessed and poor neighborhoods are overassessed.

This brings the controversy back into the public spotlight.

Dan Sullivan, an expert in this realm, wrote to the investigating team to provide additional
information. He hopes to get a response soon. WTAE TV needs to get it right and keep the story alive until it takes off as a community discussion point. We need the watchdogs to break the news and the citizens need to help sustain the news and discussion.

The transcript of their report is on the WTAE site. Check it out. The video (which seems to have the right edge clipped away) is in the upper right corner of the page.

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/team4/16203574/detail.html

Carlisle invoice features 2 tickets to Vegas - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Carlisle invoice features 2 tickets to Vegas - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'I can't believe she did this,' Shields said of Carlisle. 'You shouldn't be using public funds to front your personal trip.'"

I can't believe Sheilds didn't have the oversight in place to know nor prevent this. And, I can't believe that he can't believe it.

What Carlisle did is much like what Shields, Burgess, Kraus and Burgess are doing now with the $11,000 expense for their private attorneys. And, the original ask was for $80,000.

No credit card was used. But, spending was done without authorization and without oversight from those who should know much better and are the one's who NEEDED to give authorization.

In another thread on another blog, it was mentioned by a new resident to Pittsburgh that Doug Shields should 'run for mayor' and I gave some history. History like this -- no oversight -- that should disqualify Shields from being mayor.

City council is crooked thanks to the acts of Carlisle and her peers who let her get away with these acts and never said a peep.

---

(my post in that thread)

Doug Shields is the president of city council. He is the leader. He is the #2 guy in Pittsburgh now.

Yes, he knows his stuff. He knows how to organize a slush fund. He knows what union guys to stroke. He knows were the dead bodies are along the road of tears -- err -- the Mon Fayette Toll Road and Hazelwood.

Doug Shields is a typical politician who was able to ride with the waves of the career of Bob O'Connor.

Shields has not run for mayor. He did run for controller last year and got beat by Michael Lamb in a buzzed field. Shields didn't do much to stand out there nor propose solutions for Pittsburgh. But, it was hard to rise above the din made by Luke Ravestahl running against nobody in the mayor's race at the same time.

Shields is an adult.

Shields helped to drive the city onto the rocks in the past. He is a big part of the HARD WORKING COUNCIL. Shields is a veteran of Grant Street that will grow government when given the chance.

Welcome to Pittsburgh! I hope you get out of the house more in the weeks to come this summer.

Saving Schenley High School is going to take a long leap of faith -- i.e., " l-o-n-g - j-u-m-p"

Williams leads Schenley in City League field championships - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Mt. Lebo is pushing to get the public process opened to community viewers

I care about the open process of democracy in local government, within the city, county and elsewhere.

Mt. Lebo's unofficial blog discussions revealed this report.

I've been credited in other blogs for getting video off of my TV by pointing a video camera at it and then uploading to YouTube -- for less than $10,000.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddznxj6h_459hf29thgn

Feedback welcomed in the comments below.

Expecting:

Our keepers believe that Toma, our female Amur tiger, is expecting again! This would be Toma's second litter and she could give birth any day now! Toma bred a few months ago with her new mate, Globus. Since then keepers have been keeping a close eye on Toma, waiting for signs of her pregnancy. About two weeks ago, they began noticing Toma behaving in much the same way she did during her first pregnancy. A nesting area or den was set up for the births and now we are all watching and waiting. When the cubs are born they are toothless, blind, and completely reliant on their mother for several months. Keepers will monitor the births and the cubs using a hidden camera inside the den. Visitors also can get a sneak peek at the new family from our website and a TV monitor placed at the Tiger Viewing Window.

From the Pgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium newsletter.

Pittsburgh Public Schools | 9th Grade Nation - Be the Change

This is crap, if you ask me. Our kids will be in summer activities and will NOT be attending 9th Grade Nation activities.

Pittsburgh Public Schools | 9th Grade Nation - Be the Change SAVE THE DATES -- July 29th through August 1st. Incoming 9th graders will receive more details in upcoming weeks from their schools and in the mail.

I want to see reports and follow up from the event last year. I want to see a report on the event from the year before -- the first year.

What benefit was delivered?

The kids sat around the stadium and got to be introduced to pro athletes. That's not saying much.

Furthermore, I want to see attendance reports about the long school year at the ALAs. They begin school in August. But, people don't show up.

No school student activities should occur until after Labor Day. Ninth Grade Nation can happen on the first days of September.

Today's track meet is rained out and slated for next Thursday

Oh well.

Hope it does NOT rain next week on Thursday when the make-up meet is slated to occur.

What we should do -- and I'm going to make a phone call on this now -- is to hold the meet at the UPMC South Side Sports Performance Complex -- indoors -- if it is looking like rain next week.

A couple of years ago the girls track meet was washed out with heavy rain on a couple of occasions. The meet did NOT occur that year. Back then I made the suggestion that the meet be held indoors in case of rain. I'm not sure if my chatter back then went anywhere. This year I'll make sure the suggestion gets full consideration.

Pgh Public School's Director of Interscholastic Athletics is Michael A. Gavlik. I talked to him at 9:50 am, the day of the first rain out to confirm that the meet has been moved to next Thursday, May 15. And, I suggested, in case of poor weather next week, calls should be made now to get access to the UPMC South Side Sports Performance Center.

If you agree, give Mr. Gavlik a call and ask, what's up? Voice: 412-622-3944 - mgavlik1@pghboe.net and Office Fax: 412-622-3948.

Next up: UPMC Sports Performance Complex contact info.

http://sportsmedicine.upmc.com/Facilities.htm

Phone for the Steelers is 412 432 7800. That is who UPMC told me to call.

For back up on WHY the indoor facility is OWED to the community, contact the CEO of the Brashear Center, Hugh Brannon, 2005 Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Telephone: 412-431-2236 - Fax: 412-431-5611.