End of Liberty - video

This video is 1 hour and 14 minutes. It is a movie. I've not watched it yet.

Linux Install Fest Invite

Western PA Linux User Group will hold an installfest this weekend.

WHEN:Saturday November 20 from 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
WHERE: Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

Official Website/Wiki: http://wplug.org/wiki/Meeting-20101120

Eventbrite Invitation: http://nov2010wplug.eventbrite.com/

At an installfest, you bring in your computer from home and we install Linux together. You do not need any experience with Linux to install Linux at the installfest. All you need is a computer, keyboard, mouse, display and an open mind. Watch this video to see how really easy it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owdEDcmF1SI

Say you've got a problem with your Linux system? Bring it on down to the Installfest and we will take a look together. Some people feel more comfortable just showing someone what's going on instead of posting to wplug at http://wplug.org.

I got started with Linux by attending WPLUG installfests in 1999. The environment is helpful and supportive. A successful installfest doesn't just happen. It takes people, like you, to sign up to help.

We especially need volunteers who will be available experts to answer questions. You don't need to be an expert at everything. Nobody is. What we need is good neighbours who can share their experiences with installing Linux. Join the technical support staff of the meeting.

Want to help but don't have technical background yet? We always need
people to help us setup, clean up, and give us yummy snacks.

Sign up to be a part of the technical support staff, setup crew, cleanup crew, or refreshment provider on the wiki. http://wplug.org/wiki/Meeting-20101120

Hope to see you there!

Beth Lynn Eicher

Mark Schubert speaking out about USA Swimming ouster - More Sports - SI.com

Mark Schubert speaking out about USA Swimming ouster - More Sports - SI.com

Rehab efforts for the South Side branch of the Carnegie Library - call to meeting

The South Side will be getting yet another expresso machine in the library next.

Andrew Lang of Oxford Development posted:

The South Side Library has received funding (approximately $3.9 million*) to perform needed renovations and improvements. If you use the library, the architects would like to know what your priorities are for the renovations.

The first neighborhood meeting to discuss the renovation of CLP-South Side has been scheduled for TOMORROW evening Wednesday, November 17 at 6:00 PM at The South Side Library. See the above flyer.

I encourage you to attend so that you can learn about the process and provide input. Your attendance also shows support for the library.

*Note the $3.9M is from funds earmarked specifically for capital improvements and can NOT be used for operating budgets.

Steelers cut kicker Reed

Steelers cut kicker Reed

Bye Jeff.

How far behind can Ben be?

My letter to PPS Board Member Hazuda

Updated below:


Hi Board Member Hazuda,

We talked at the A+ Schools Meeting and you seemed to not be able to firmly LOCATE the source of the PROMISE to the students who are presently High School Juniors at Pgh Obama, (first class that isn't Pgh Schenley), Class of 2012.

The promise to those kids was made as that class needed to stay in the basement of Frick, their middle school, in 9th grade -- and NOT have a move to Schenley nor with the others in high school at Reizenstein.

The promise said that they would NOT need to need to MOVE again as a move to Reizenstein was for 3 years, at the shortest.

Well, the best source of this promise has been found -- it is the BOARD OF EDUCATION with Pgh Public Schools. TWICE this YEAR the board voted to move the IB Program, Pgh Obama, into Peabody in the fall of 2012 -- NOT sooner.

The plan, all along, has been made clear that the move to Peabody would NOT in the fall of 2011, but would be in the fall of 2012.

I have this on video tape also from Mr. Lopez.

The board voted. That is the way it should be. The promises were made. To change this now is not welcomed.

We would welcome a solution to the tiny middle school gym problems that have been pressing on the school forever -- with the availability of use of the gyms at Peabody and Reizenstein throughout the 2011-2012 school year. We can't fit all the activities into one middle school facility. There are pressing headaches. These can be resolved in that year while the Peabody school gets its touch ups.

Another promise from the IB Site Selection Committee was to relocate the program to a PERMANENT HOME in the fall of 2012 AFTER some renovations were made.

We now hear that no renovations are going to be made.

That Peabody building is 30 years since an update. Sci-Tech got an update. Westinghouse got an update. Carrick got an update. CAPA and now Rodgers got an update! Peabody is missing two computer labs needed that Reizenstein has. The rooms in Reizenstein, while not perfect, are hooked up with six ports for the internet -- missing in the Peabody classrooms.

Summer Dreamers had a BIG site in 2010 at Peabody -- and that should be able to happen again in 2011 summer. So, it makes sense to do the upgrades of the facilities in the fall and winter of 2011-2012 and get the school in top shape for 2012 fall.

This is an all city magent. Kids from all over town go to this school. Everyone should take some care to see that everyone's academic integrity isn't totally washed down the drain on this shifting target still in the wake of closing Schenley.

Finally, I do greatly welcome the change to the single gender academy at Westinghouse in that they will be "ALL CITY MAGNETS." Great. That is something that I pushed for. It makes sense. Kids from the West End should be able to go to Westinghouse, if they choose to do so. Well done with that move.

---

a reply:

Mark,

Thanks for your investigation. Because of questions raised, that information was recently provided to us.
While you are an advocate of holding off the move into the Peabody building, we are also receiving communications from stakeholders in favor of the move. As with most things we do, a variety of folks are looking from a variety of angles and the result is a variety of opinions.

Glad to hear you're in favor of the Westinghouse work. It's important that folks understand the opportunity that is being presented there.

Take care,
Sherry

---

Thanks for the reply.

Let's look a bit deeper:

+ The only folks I know that are in favor of the move urgently would be MORE in favor of getting access to BOTH FACILITIES, Reizenstein AND Peabody for after school efforts for the duration of 2011-2012 school year.

We need the gym space. That is pressing. But, give use of the gym space URGENTLY. Allow us to work in some intramurals, space for practices, space for clinics for the entire city even. Give use of both gyms and fields and pools for middle and high school use.

Then the academic move can happen in a smooth transition in the fall of 2012.

Presently the auditorium at Peabody is used by the students at Reizenstein -- for the Schenley musical, for example.

I hope you figured out the half-day ROBOTICs issues and how moving the academic elements of IB won't impact ROBOTICs students.

ALL STAKEHOLDERS of PPS are very interested in PROMISES, be they Pgh Promise or School Board Promise or Administration Promises too. No doubt, this promise and VOTE was made. Getting yanked around and getting skeptical of promises is something that needs the highest level of honesty.

Fw: 2011 Team Citius Junior Development Cycling membership head count

From: Fred Gohh
Subject: 2011 Team Citius Junior Development Cycling membership head count



Hi everyone,


After a very successful first year of Team Citius, we are looking tocontinuing to improve next year by adding volunteers, new sponsors, andshorter rides for new cyclists.

We are trying to get a rough head count on how many kids will be participating in the 2011 Team Citius Junior Development Cycling program. It would be greatly appreciated if you can e-mail me back your kid(s) name(s) and age(s). The head count will allow us to plan our budget and ask our sponsors for their support. If your kid(s) are looking for a winter cycling training program, please let me know so that we can arrange our coaching services.

If you know any other kids who may be interested in participating, please send me their parents' contact info.

Thank you for your help and support.

Regards,
Fred

City may stop water bill subsidies for south, west neighborhoods

City may stop water bill subsidies for south, west neighborhoods

Councilman Bruce Kraus, who represents the South Side and Hilltop communities, said he was aware of Mr. Dowd's legislation but hasn't had an opportunity to study the details.


Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/10320/1103688-53.stm#ixzz15SA70ccw

Will someone please do the homework for Mr. Kraus. Then give it to him before he trys to order another independent audit and hires another bunch of out-of-town consultants to tell him what he needs to do.

State overseers again reject mayor's 2011 budget

It's back to the drawing board for Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl after state overseers Monday rejected his 2011 budget and five-year spending plan for the second time.

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority described the documents as "deficient," and Chairwoman Barbara McNees urged City Council and Mr. Ravenstahl to work together to develop a budget, five-year financial plan and pension bailout.

Budget No. 3 is due to the ICA by Nov. 30.

Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/10320/1103665-53.stm#ixzz15SAjsggt

Speaking of past due homework and help with the heavy lifting within the duties of the job, Luke needs some help too.

Steelers' Reed says bad turf contributed to missed field goal

Steelers' Reed says bad turf contributed to missed field goal

Jeff Reed, who in the past has refused to publicly knock Heinz Field as a poor place to kick, ended his diplomacy after he missed a 26-yard field goal Sunday night, his seventh of the season, in a 39-26 Steelers loss to the New England Patriots.

And he tossed in a few critical remarks about Steelers fans as well.

"I'm not one to make excuses," Reed began. "I'll take the credit for the miss. It was a great snap, a great hold, great protection. It's kind of hard when you plant your foot and the hole -- a piece of ground moves where the ball's under the holder. I almost missed the ball completely.

"I'm not going to make excuses. If you've played any kind of sports in your life, you realize that what we play on is not very good turf. It happens."

It was the seventh missed field goal attempt this season for Reed, who missed just 10 total in the three previous seasons combined. He is 15 of 22, the most he's missed since he was 20 of 27 for the 2006 season. He only missed more in 2003, his second season with the Steelers when he was 23 of 32.

Reed said he's not in a slump.


Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/10319/1103534-66.stm#ixzz15NeradAw

Time to get a new stadium? Wait until the ice rink arrives on the field.

Invite: Proclamation for Family Engagement week in PPS

Sent by Mark Connor, and I expect to be there too.

Please join me at 10:00 tomorrow morning, Tuesday, November 16th at City Council chambers on the 5th floor of the City-County building to receive a proclamation from city council on the importance of Family Involvement on our district.

All families are wanted and needed to represent importance of what parents bring to the education of our own children and demonstrate how important community is in this work as well.

Please come and STANDUP for families, meet us at 9:45 outside of chambers.

Family and Community School Involvement Week

November 15-20, 2010

Whereas; Family and community engagement is a key goal for the District;

Whereas; Family and community involvement is critical to the success of our students and schools

Whereas; Families and communities are an essential part of a student’s Pathway to The Promise; helping students nurture dreams and ambitions and ensuring that all students develop the habits and behaviors that lead to success in school and in life

Whereas; The 17th Annual National Parental Involvement Day is on Thursday November 18, 2010.

Whereas, To celebrate this occasion and to raise the profile of the importance of family and community involvement, Pittsburgh Public Schools will host a week of events and activities spotlighting the importance of family and community engagement November 15-20, 2010.

Whereas, the District’s final Pathways to the Promise Night family event is on November 17 at Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12;

Whereas, an Excellence for All parents steering committee meeting featuring Superintendent Mark Roosevelt is on November 18 at Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy;

Whereas, on November 18 the University of Pittsburgh, Africana Studies Department will host the next Dame-Dame series monthly meeting highlighting an outstanding school educator at the University of Pittsburgh’s Langley Hall; and

Whereas, on November 20 the Hill District Education Council will host its Fall 2010 Education Conference titled “Connecting on Education Justice”.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Pittsburgh City Council officially proclaims November 15-20, 2010 as “Family and Community School Involvement Week” in the city of Pittsburgh at its Tuesday, November 16 Legislative Session.

Dawida heads the fight against billboard pollution

Dawida heads the fight against billboard pollution

Stan Geier, a local vice president for the company, wrote in an e-mail: "Many more companies than just Lamar are affected by the billboard hate group cleverly disguised as Scenic Pittsburgh."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10318/1102988-53.stm#ixzz15IJakxR6

Peace Alliance Sends Message To Stop Neighborhood Violence - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

Peace Alliance Sends Message To Stop Neighborhood Violence - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

The Peace Alliance Network brought people together to jump start that process.

Around 100 people gathered today at Schenley High School in East Liberty to discuss issues in the black community that have led to violence.

One of the most recent events touched upon was last month's shooting of Jeron Grayson.

Did anyone who attended this event offer a recap or else a pointer to another site that does have some news and insights. Thanks.

Harry Potter enthusiasts look to capture 'snitch' at fourth annual Quidditch World Cup in Manhattan

Cute sports story.

Harry Potter enthusiasts look to capture 'snitch' at fourth annual Quidditch World Cup in Manhattan

Pipeline companies may seek eminent domain

Pipeline companies may seek eminent domain

It's the latest worry for those Pennsylvanians suspicious of the growing Marcellus Shale industry. Under applications currently before the Public Utility Commission in Harrisburg, pipeline companies would be able to use condemnation powers to gain rights-of-way, even from unwilling landowners.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10318/1103192-454.stm#ixzz15I6E3b4x

I hate eminent domain. And, I hate condemnation powers too.

Are you ready white team? Sports reform should look like this.

Sports reform in Pittsburgh needs to happen at the high school level. But the most important time to begin is when the kids are young, as I've tried to do.

Here we are getting ready for a water polo game with some rookie players. This is from the summer of 2009. In 2010, we did water polo with nearly 100 kids as part of the PPS Summer Dreamers program.

City League: Perry rights ship with playoff win over Schenley

High School football coach talks about Facebook.

City League: Perry rights ship with playoff win over Schenley: "Perry meets Brashear for the championship Saturday at Cupples Stadium.
Gallagher is a former Brashear assistant. After leaving Brashear in 2001, Gallagher led Perry to five consecutive City titles in his first five seasons there. However, Perry has not won a league championship since 2005 after winning it eight times over a nine-season span.
'[The Brashear coaches] are great guys and they do a wonderful job,' Gallagher said. 'In this day and age with Facebook all the kids know each other. It will fun. It's a great honor to be in the City championship game.'"

Panel urges African Americans to build their own institutions

Panel urges African Americans to build their own institutions: "The panel, titled 'The Disappearing Black Community and How We Get It Back,' took place in the auditorium of the August Wilson Center in front of an audience of about 350 people, but was broadcast to listeners throughout the country.
The program was meant to be a frank discussion of the state of black communities in the United States. Panelists, who delivered their messages with the fervor of pastors in the pulpit, drew frequent choruses of applause and affirmations from the crowd.
'We have been playing around with the truth,' said Ms. Smith. 'It's time for the truth.'"

What is the URL?

Community Stream

Steve wrote:

I wanted to let people know about an interesting exchange on the
"Locals Online" group (a community of practice for host on
neighborhood e-lists, forums, placeblogs, social nets, Facebook Pages,
etc.) on the idea of the "community stream":

http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/49NoINmwFmYtOA7pGcQbmD

The general question - at the hyperlocal level, how do you get
community groups and others to simply post the information raw
materials for local community, democracy, etc. - think unedited
pre-news. Since many of us come out of the civic engagement frame and
not journalism, I am interested in other successful examples of
getting this distributed publishing model revved up and sustained.

From our discussion, there appear to be two primary working models -
the multi-tech/multi-space approach/aggregation (Boreal) and the
unitary space, multi-tech syndication approach (our Issues Forums).

I recall a day when online news sites attempted to give online
publishing spaces to community groups on a shared platform owned by
the paper, but I'd call that an "information island" brochure approach
unless "what's new" is pulled into a stream that is presented to lots
of people somewhere. I think most of those efforts died as larger
community groups began to publish on their own.

In our case, the "community stream" seeks to get information from
groups that just do not have the capacity maintain a fresh web site to
at least publish online in lowest common denominator ways. We are
trying to convince community organizations to simply get in the habit
of sending an e-mail to a community forum and if they have in it,
attach the poster they stuck up on cork boards in the community.
Drafting: http://pages.e-democracy.org/Issues_Forums_for_organizations

If you have more lessons to share, consider joining -
http://e-democracy.org/locals - or posting on the groups where you
received this query.

Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com

Feel free to add my email contact to your blast lists or when you have news. I try to post the items to this blog and elsewhere.

Furthermore, if you want to be a "running mate" and want to post directly to this blog, let me know.

City League Football Game -- Tonight

Tonight could be the last game of football for the Schenley Spartans. Fedko coverage will occur as the game with Perry is on the Skylight Highlights list.

At South Side's Cupples Stadium, tonight, comes the semi-finals between Schenley (away team) and the #1 seed, Perry team. Last year's champions were Schenley. And last week Schenley played Perry to an overtime game. Perry got the 2 point conversion and Schenley didn't.

So, this could be a great game.

I expect I'll be on the bridge. Join me is you can.

They Said This in August 2010

The PPS Board VOTED on this two, if not THREE times already.