Girls Swim Camp: June 15-19

If you can't go to Ak-o-mak, this might be a wonderful camp experience.

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuition is $300; register and pay in full by April 30 and tuition is $250.
The Cougar Swim Camp is an intensive training experience offered to young women in grades 7-10 who want to improve their stroke mechanics, start and turn technique, goal setting, pre-race preparation, nutrition and strength training. The camp will emphasize the “how” and the “why” of competitive swimming and incorporate water training, video analysis, lectures and a daily training table. Leading the camp will be Chatham University swim coach Michael Meyers, who began his coaching career while earning his masters degree at New Mexico State University and serving as assistant swimming and head water polo coach. As head coach at Peters Township High School, Coach Meyers’ swimmers earned 32 National High School All-American honors, as well as several WPIAL and PIAA High School records and a USS American record. An accomplished swimmer in his own right, Coach Meyers was a four-year NAIA All-American and All-WVIAC swimmer for West Liberty State College and was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. Camp tuition will includes a t-shirt, a DVD of all the swimmers’ strokes, starts and turns, and a workbook to chart, measure and monitor their future progress.

Guys need not apply.

Follow-up questions for Natalia Rudiak

The Pittsburgh Comet: Interview: Natalia Rudiak: "Interview: Natalia Rudiak"

I have some big picture questions for Natalia Rudiak as follow up to what Bram delivered.

I agree that the city and its citizens need greater public knowledge about decisions being made. Hence, the flaw of cooperation and more communication between Act 47, the ICA, Council and the Mayor's office deals with the elimination of all OVERLORDS.

The citizens and people as well as accountability is all in the trunk, yet alone back seat, when there are OVERLORDS in the role of driver.

So, the way to fix that isn't with more memos. Rather, toss the OVERLORDS out of town. And do that AFTER cleaning up our own (Grant Street) house first.

So, the goals and expectations need to be self-governance. That requires self control.

We need to elect people to council, the controller's & mayor's office who are sick and tired of OVERLORDS calling the shots because of a history of folly making by those in the past (and sadly, the present as well).

Furthermore, the URA has a history. And, it isn't good either. I don't want to work closer with the URA. Rather, I want to do away with what doesn't work.

The URA is an AUTHORITY that does deals and makes decisions without public knowledge.

Does Natalia Rudiak want to expel the cronies and OVERLORDS, or be the one at the table with them herself?

Is a TRID (that she wants) really just a new name for more bureaucratic red tape without accountability? Is the TRID a thing to create and have a life of its own? Or, can we just have a shared vision and make Beechview into a more wonderful neighborhood with splendid transit assets?

USA Swimming Suspends Phelps For 3 Months - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

USA Swimming Suspends Phelps For 3 Months - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh 'There are a lot of people who have been in my shoes in other sports … and that's been a lot of help the last couple of days,' he said.

Still think it would have been great to have Santonio and Michael together in the parade on Tuesday. I would have pulled my kids out of school for that.

USA Swimming Suspends Phelps For 3 Months - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh ... the picture of the ... incident was taken during a November house party while Phelps was visiting the University of South Carolina.

Humm. I remember a November incident when at the University of South Carolina with swimmers that I was involved in. I was very happy that photos were not being taken. True story.

We swam a meet against the Gamecocks on our way to our Florida training trip. This was just before, on or after Thanksgiving. We departed our campus, Athens, Ohio -- home to the Ohio University Men's Swim Team -- in our custom green bus, the Magic Bus. The bus could sleep 24 or so in bunks. It had three types of heat, a head, roof rack, tow hitch and lots of comforts of home without any of the privacy.

Our incident didn't include any drugs nor alcohol. No way. We were not that dumb, even in the age before cameras in cell phones. I'm talking 1980 or 81, I think. Our team never had any brushes with drugs nor booze, if you don't count that time at Bush Gardens. But, that was nothing.

We all stayed in the bus, by design, over-night. The bus was parked next to the pool, plugged into the electricity via an extension from the building. The bus was our hotel while on the road. The Gamecock Natatorium was, for some, our hot tub, complete with jumps off the 10-meter tower. The campus was closed. No need for clothes. Cell phones weren't invented, thank goodness.

I stayed dry, and warm. Bundled even. No trouble came.

Moral of the story: Be on your best behavior in November in South Carolina. For some reason, that's a place where swimmers have been known to take a dip on the wild side.

From the CollegeSwimming message boards:

I thought Michael Phelps had the opportunity to bring swimming to another level, but it would appear that he is more interested in having fun with his fame rather than giving back. I don't have a problem with him wanting to do that, but wouldn't it be nice to try and grow the sport as one of the great athletes of all time.

Time will tell.

Benedum Foundation pledges $2.5 million to scholarships

Wow. Can't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Benedum Foundation pledges $2.5 million to scholarships 'We view the Pittsburgh Promise as an integral part of the school district's reform efforts to prepare all students for success in college and provide the means to make higher education possible,' said James Denova, Vice President of the Benedum Foundation, Downtown.

I view the Pittsburgh Promise as something different. I view it, well, how should I say, as something that is $2.5 million richer.

Cold Weather Alert

  Drip those sinks!

Trust to buy land near North Park Lake

Trust to buy land near North Park Lake: "Trust to buy land near North Park Lake"

Front page on CNN: Commentary: Libertarian ideas to stimulate economy - CNN.com

Front page coverage.

Commentary: Libertarian ideas to stimulate economy - CNN.com Commentary: Libertarian ideas to stimulate economy

Joe Jencks in Friendship House Concert, Feb 15

Friendship House Concerts

is proud to present

Joe Jencks

Sunday, February 15

4:00 p.m.

"Joe Jencks is the type of musician that will cause you to drop that morning newspaper or pull your car to the side of the road when you hear his songs. He is the type of artist that will turn heads in his direction when he walks onto a stage. His voice will instantly draw you into his passionate songs. He is the type of musician whose music will become part of you. His craft and artistry will remind you of the best efforts of Phil Ochs, Stan Rogers, and Woody Guthrie. The troubadour tradition is alive and well in the 21st century with the music of Joe Jencks." — Ron Olesko, WFDU–FM Teaneck, NJ

"A Joe Jencks concert is definitely not a visit to the inner world of some guy with a guitar who would like us all to sit still and listen politely. It's an occasion for singing, a contagious rising up of voices, an act of joy and defiance! …Tapping into the latent, nearly mystical beauty that a roomful of people can unleash by singing together." – Seattle Folklore Society

Joe Jencks is an award-winning songwriter. His career is based as much in ministering to the human spirit as it is in the performance of music. Joe has earned wide recognition for his songs about working people, and for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Joe manages to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and part of a community.

Joe's latest release, The Candle And The Flame, combines the many facets of Joe's diverse musical background and weaves them all together into an aural tapestry that is stark and exquisite. Joe sings with the passion of an R & B/Gospel singer, the knowledge of a classical vocalist, the soul of an Irish Tenor, and the conscience of a troubadour. And at the center of Joe's music is an abiding love for all humanity, a love that transcends the everyday and boarders on the mystical.

Joe is a dual US/Irish citizen living in the US, and merges traditions from both countries in his eclectic and vibrant musical presentation. Joe has had the unique pleasure of sharing the stage with numerous folk artists including Pete Seeger, Utah Phillips, Holly Near, John McCutcheon, Pat Humphries, and Bill Staines.

Check out Joe and his music at http://www.joejencks.com

Seating is limited.
For information and/or an invitation, call or email:

Llouise & Jim Altes

412.361.6051

friendshiphouseconcerts@gmail.com

Suggested donation: $10.00. All proceeds go to the performer.

After the concert, there will be a pot luck dinner. Please bring an entree, an hors d'oeuvre, a salad, a side dish, or dessert to share.

Other House Concerts we're aware of:

February 12 Allison Williams with Chance McCoy, 7:30 pm at Cindy & Ricks

March 22 Friction Farm http://www.frictionfarm.com

April 19 Jay Mankita http://www.jaymankita.com

May 17 Andrew McKnight http://www.andrewmcknight.net

Peabody High School and Reform of High Schools. Meeting at BGC in Jan09

Meeting was held in January 2009 at Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation.

Part 1:


Part 2:


Part 3:


Part 4:


Part 5:


The grand conclusion of this meeting uncovered some of the brutal facts of school performance in high schools throughout the district and at Peabody. The numbers are a downer, so this clip does not dwell on them. As an uplifting element, consider a recent Schenley graduate now at Pitt and working magic on the hardwood.

More is pending on the next meeting that happened on Feb 4, 2009 with four school board members: Thomas Sumpter, Randall Taylor, Marc Brently and ex-President, Bill Isler. . See http://rauterkus.blip.tv/.

Photo from Feb 4, 2009. Shows from right to left, Randall Taylor, ex-Board-President, Bill Isler, and Thomas Sumpter.

---

Handout in PDF from Pittsburgh Public Schools, 84 pages.

Theresa Smith hits a home run on the first pitch in her new role as city council member

I've been tickled all day with the news of the election yesterday and the arrival of Theresa Smith to city council. Then I read this, rather late, article in the P-G and the joy turns to all out elation!

Wiser words have never been said, in all my days, by a member of Pittsburgh's City Council.

New councilwoman: West communities should help themselves
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Incoming Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Theresa Smith said today that she's not going to try to legislate away the problems of the western neighborhoods.

"I think there's enough legislation on the books already," she said. "It's enforcement that we need."

The Westwood resident said she'd also like to bring unity to a district that's traditionally divided because of very different communities like Fairywood, Sheraden, Banksville and Mt. Washington. She wants to create a small business advisory council and hold a series of town hall meetings.

Ms. Smith, 49, plans to reach inside and outside of government for help with what she views as the district's biggest problem.

"I know there are a lot of vacant properties throughout the district," she said. The solution is "trying to restore some of the homes. Some of the homes you can't restore will be demolished."

She's also talking with the Service Employees International Union, which plans to represent workers at the casino going up just across the Ohio River from her district, about marketing homes in its neighborhoods to those employees.

"The problem is, we're always depending on government to do everything," she said. "We have to take some responsibility for what's going on in our community."

Ms. Smith campaigned in yesterday's special election with the Democratic nomination, nearly doubled the vote total of runner-up Georgia Blotzer and goes into the May Democratic primary as the front-runner in what could be a crowded field.

May turnout is likely to be much higher than the 10.4 percent figure for the special election.

"I actually feel more comfortable with more people coming out to vote," Ms. Smith said.

She expects to be inaugurated around Feb. 17 to serve the rest of the year to fulfill the term previously held by Dan Deasy, now a state representative.

Yes.

I was going to offer to be a volunteer speech writer for her. But instead, I might want to just open up a new blog and fan club for her existing press agent.

Meanwhile in city council today, they were talking about a new set of laws to impose on building owners about student housing and dormatoies. What ever that is.

In other parts of city council's chamber, Darleen Haris was seen with an ice pack on her elbow due to over-use from yesterday's parade and Terrible Towel waving. (That's a joke.)

I did talk a bit with Councilman Dowd before the meeting about parks. He had been the chair of the Citiparks / Urban Recreation Committee. I'd love to get him to talk at length about how we need to move in the city in terms of recreation.

Dr. Dowd and I don't seem to agree on much in that realm as he doesn't want schools to do anything with afterschool and athletics. I think that would be fine, however, the schools are where we already invested plenty of capital in terms of gyms, pools, locker-rooms, auditoriums, and fields. So, when we have schools lock those to community use, we've got nothing at all. At least when there is a fledging sports program, the kids get some crumbs of time in those facilities with guidance.

I think that school sports are important so as to get the parents and community involved in fun, healthy boosterism and participation as an easy stepping stone to more leveraged help in the academic process in the following steps.

Literate Kids, imagine that! More on Parent Accountability in our schools.

Educational Jargon Chokes most parents. We need a glossary, sort like the movie Doom.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_(film)

Humm.... Doom is a 2005 science fiction horror film adaptation of the popular Doom series of video games created by id Software. It was directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak and was released in the United States on October 21, 2005 and in the United Kingdom on December 2, 2005. The film was rated R in the United States by the MPAA for strong violence/gore and language.

Rather than a glossry of terms for Doom and Schools, let's make our school mascot The Zombies.

Hints that Guy Costa won't be hired as the COO, chief operations office, for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Imagine a YouTube on school information so parents do not need to go to as many meetings.

Swimming coaches work with more than one team | News-Leader.com | Springfield News-Leader

Swimming coaches work with more than one team | News-Leader.com | Springfield News-Leader: "Swimming coaches work with more than one team"

Pitt plans to discipline those arrested after Super Bowl

Those involved should be packing their bags.

Pitt plans to discipline those arrested after Super Bowl: "The University of Pittsburgh said yesterday it has begun filing campus judicial charges against an unspecified number of its students accused of taking part in the damage that occurred in Oakland as fans celebrated the Steelers' Super Bowl win Sunday night.

Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said sanctions available include permanent dismissal from the university."

New City Council Women: Theresa Smith, with 2-to-1 vicotry!

YES. Theresa Smith is going to be on city council.

Double yes, as there was some talk with Council's President, Doug Shields, that the new council person might get the nod to be chairperson of the Parks & Urban Recreation & Youth Committee. I'm not 100% certain of the new name of the committee. But, I'm very certain that she'd do a fantastic job in that role, if it is to happen.

Fine gathering and victory party.

Theresa Smith = 1,259

Brendan Schubert = 450

Georgia Blotzer = 639

Chris Metz, R, = 239

Folly's face

Pittsburgh council changes city name to 'Sixburgh' - The Huddle - USATODAY.com They changed the name of the city to 'Sixburgh.'

Pittsburgh city council member Bruce Kraus led the proclamation that designates the city as 'Sixburgh' for all of 2009.

It's the second attempt at a football-related name change this year among the city's politicians. Before the Steelers' AFC championship contest with the Ravens, Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he wanted to change his name to 'Steelerstahl.'

Pittsburgh Parent Group Reopens Asbestos Debate

Perhaps points in this story need to be clarified?

Pittsburgh Parent Group Reopens Asbestos Debate: "Pittsburgh Parent Group Reopens Asbestos Debate"

Round Three: another meeting at Bloomfield Garfield Corp about Peabody

Here is the invite:

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MEETING WITH THOMAS SUMPTER — Pittsburgh Public School Board Member

What: Pittsburgh Peabody Stakeholders Meeting
When: Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Time: 6:00pm
Where: BCG Community Activity Center 113 N. Pacific Avenue (Garfield)
Questions: Call Rick Flanagan at 412-441-9833

We will engage our District 3 board representative on Peabody and other Pittsburgh Public School related matters. (We hope other PPS Board Members will join Director Sumpter.)

You will have an opportunity to listen, ask questions, and share solutions.

Pittsburgh Peabody future is being determined—PLEASE ATTEND!

I have a lot of decent video from the last meeting last week, but have not been able to upload it yet. The last meeting was long on the report of the I.B. site selection stuff. It also went to the heart of the matter that change is necessary at Peabody. Too many kids are dropping out of high school -- 35%. And, too few are going to college. And, too few that do go to college are able to graduate with a 4-year degree.

Hope to see you there, then.

Vote for Theresa Smith, tomorrow, for city council in district 2.

I posted this at Bram's blog.

A "L" buddy of mine advocates that grooming candidates who are known in their communities is UNLIKE putting up a candidate that shills for votes.

Clearly, Theresa Smith, is known to those throughout the district, by association and deed. For her, campaign planks are things that others need to stand on.

That's the rub, Bram, with your back-and-forth with her.

Her past weaves right into the future.

I have good comfort and trust in Theresa Smith. And, I despise the city's 'one-party machine.'

I've got plenty of t-shirts. But, this might find a way home now.

Switchboard,
from NRDC :: Scott Dodd's Blog :: Steelers celebrate Super Bowl win in organic
T-shirts: "I'm a huge Pittsburgh fan, so I don't need any extra
motivation to celebrate last night's thrilling Steelers victory. (You've heard
of tennis elbow? Today I'm suffering from Terrible Towel elbow.)"

Mark Roosevelt talks about spending, principals, foundations and more

Mark Roosevelt, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools, talked to a group of Parents at the Excellence for All meeting last week.

I'm a big fan of the public schools. More like a booster than 'brainwashed fan.' And Mark Roosevelt gets three cheers from me today for following my suggestion last week to call for a two hour delay and do it early, so families could plan ahead.

Here is some insights into the school district.

Comments welcomed, of course.

Clip #1: Spending at Pittsburgh Public Schools. This is the big pledge. No new taxes.

The district is spending the same amount of money in 2009 as it did three years prior, upon the arrival of Mark Roosevelt. Fine. Except, the school district is shrinking. Thousands (exact # not sure) have voted with their feet and departed.

An overhaul and reform of the school district is happening. That might cost a bit more than normal. But, it is interesting to watch.

To the credit of Mr. Roosevelt, he has made a great number of changes among the principals within the district. This was needed, and we agree.



Part 1 and part 2 give an extensive story of Principals in PPS. (See clip #2 and #3 in this blog posting.)

In my personal experiences, we are blessed with two great principals. Mr. Netchi is presently at Phillips Elementary School. Dr. Walters is at Frick Middle School. Both men do a fine job. Dr. Barbara Rudiak was the past principal at Phillips. She got promoted a couple of years ago. She is now one of the four executive directors for the district. Dr. Rudiak is a principal of principals for the elementary schools.

Next year, Frick Middle School, a school that works and has good performance, is closing. That school will merge into the new I.B. High/Jr. High. Dr. Walters has been named as the new principal there. That school will be with grades 6 to 10 next year.

To be sure, some have other opinions. And, I am far from being a expert on the principals at other schools. But, this has been a sore spot in the overall district in the past years.



Finally, the talk we've heard in the past and the actions we've seen in the past have not always been hand-in-hand. We've been promised that bad principals and bad teachers would be removed from the district. Often, those promises didn't come true, in the past. There are some key elements within the union contract that have also been slated for changes -- that have not come about. So, all in all, these promises of actions are not what we like to listen for. The promise is an easy benchmark to make. Rather, we are in need of actions. And, a good bit of action has happened with the principals headed into the 2008-09 school year.

At this rate of change, the generation now being born have a good chance of getting a great education in Pittsburgh Public Schools. I'm interested in quicker actions than that.

Clip #4, Foundations at Pittsburgh Public Schools:



I don't like to hear the present superintendent rail against the spending before he arrived. Furthermore, the actions of the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Trustees still leaves plenty to be desired.

Principals are graded, and given incentive income, based upon different benchmarks. One is to manage a school that welcomes and engages with the parents / families. Pgh Public Schools is looking for tools that work in these areas. Then they'll replicate them for re-use in other schools.

Clip #5: Welcoming school starts with the principal:


The concept and programs of Beginning With Books is great. But what about the older kids!

Clip #6: Accountability with teachers explained, sorta. A system of teacher evaluation is coming. The Charlotte Danielson Framwework is the trend. But, I've not been able to locate anything yet in my early research on the Charlotte Danielson Framework. Zippo.



See a report from Pure Reform on this meeting.