Big Loss for Big Media

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

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From: "Craig Aaron, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>

Date: Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:52:41 +0000

To: Mark Rauterkus<mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: info@freepress.net

Subject: Big Loss for Big Media

Dear Mark, We won! Today, in a sweeping victory for communities across the country, a federal appeals court overturned the Federal Communications Commission’s attempt to weaken media ownership rules. Had these rules gone into effect, it would have unleashed a new wave of media consolidation across the country. In 2007, the FCC ignored letters and calls from millions of Americans and tried to rewrite its media ownership rules to let companies own both newspapers and TV or radio stations in the same town. This change would have opened the floodgates to new media mergers, leading to even more layoffs in newsrooms while thinning out diverse perspectives from local news. We sued the FCC for ignoring the public outcry. Today, we won. The court tossed out the FCC's flawed rules, but also upheld all other media consolidation restrictions and told the FCC it needed to do better to support and foster diverse voices in the media – all crucial decisions for our fight to build better media. This isn’t just our victory – it’s your victory, too. The court pointed to public comments from people like you as deciding factor in overturning the FCC’s attempt to change its rules. Today it’s clear: Your voice and actions make a huge difference. This court decision should send a wake-up call to the FCC: It must listen to the public and stand up against media consolidation in all its forms. But the fight doesn’t end here. Right now around the country, local stations are using loopholes and backroom deals to get around media ownership rules and consolidate their coverage of local news. This court case makes clear that the FCC needs to strengthen their rules and address this growing epidemic as well. Click here to tell the FCC to stop this covert media consolidation. Today’s victory is a big moment for the movement to build better media. We couldn’t have done it without you. Onward, Craig Aaron President & CEO Free Press P.S. – We need your help sustaining our efforts. In court, at the FCC and in Congress we’re up against huge companies with lots of money and lawyers. We don't take money from government, political parties or businesses – so we depend on you. Help us fight the next media ownership fight. Please donate today. P.P.S. – Read more about the details and background of today’s big decision.

Free Press Action Fund is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Learn more at www.freepress.net

Fw: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

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From: "Hanna, Dolores" <Dolores.Hanna@city.pittsburgh.pa.us>

Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:57:27 -0400

To: Hanna, Dolores<Dolores.Hanna@city.pittsburgh.pa.us>

Subject: FW: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

FYI  

 

 

From: Office of the Mayor - PRESS RELEASE [mailto:noreply@pittsburghpa.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:36 AM
To: Subscribers
Subject: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

 

	CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY Sent 07/06/2011 @ 11:36 am   Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today called on citizens to help complete the City's inventory of war monuments and memorials. In addition to the City’s current list of over 90 war monuments, the City's Department of Public Works and City Planning is coordinating the effort by asking community members to help in identifying other neighborhood memorials by complete a War Monument Identification form located at http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/warmonuments/. War monuments could be objects such as a memorial, honor roll, artwork, or monument pertaining to any war or individuals who served in a war, including plaques, free-standing sculpture, and/or free-standing stone or bronze monuments. The City is asking that residents please complete the online or paper form and return the form to the Public Art Manager by close of business, Thursday, September 1st, 2011, either by digital form, fax, email, or hardcopy. Once information is received from the public, location and condition data will be integrated into a database to create the complete inventory.   Then, City staff will perform on-site condition evaluations of each piece and a professional conservator will provide a long-term maintenance plan for these pieces. This Citywide project has been created and will be completed in collaboration with the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Northside Leadership Conference and the help of the Veterans and community organizations throughout the City. For more information, please contact Morton Brown, Public Art Manager, at 412-255-8996 or morton.brown@city.pittsburgh.pa.us. For more information and images of City-owned artworks and other demographic information by neighborhood, please visit www.pghsnap.com. ### Contact: Joanna Doven Press Secretary Office: 412-255-2694 Cell: 412-475-2387 Email
	© 2011 City of Pittsburgh | Office of the Mayor | | Having trouble seeing this message? Click here to view it in your browser. If you would like to unsubscribe from PRESS RELEASE, please click here.

 

Call for safety boaters - 2011 Search for Monongy 1.2 & 2.4-Mile Open Water Swim

 
When: Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:00 AM
Where: Heinz Quay
North Shore Dr. & Art Rooney Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

OK 'yackers, time to put your paddling skills to work! Our Meetup group is going support an endurance swimming event - the http://www.searchformonongy.com/ Search for Monongy 1.2 & 2.4-Mile Open Water Swim[/url]. It's put on by the U.S. Masters Swimmers (USMS) http://www.alleghenymountainmasters.org/ Mountain Masters chapter in Pittsburgh. The course runs between Heinz Field and the Clemente Bridge on the Allegheny River. Small craft boaters will be part of the safety crew, monitoring the swimmers, keeping them from going off-course and calling in help if one of them has a problem. No special skills or gear are required. All you need is your kayak, PFD, paddle, whistle, and basic paddling skills. We will meet at Heinz Quay, the same place as we launched last year for Paddle at the Point. Please arrive before 9:00 AM. This will give us time to stage our gear, and then meet with the safety coordinator for instructions. The first swimmers are off at 10:00. The last swimmers will be off the water by 12:30.

We're meeting at Heinz Quay (the ramp in front of Heinz Field, where the Gateway Clippers land on game days) . We will drop off our boats and gear at the curb, next to the Fred Rogers Memorial (same place we put in for Paddle at the Point last year), and then carry our kayaks down the grassy slope or steps to the river's edge, and then past the Fred Rogers Memorial to the launch. Someone will be there to watch your gear and help transport it.  On-street parking will be available.

By the way, what is "Monongy"? Legend has it that Monongy, the man-fish lives in the river. There are records that go as far back as the French and Indian War that describe encounters between British soldiers and strange aquatic creatures. The local Indian tribes referred to this creature as "Monongy". There was even a Monongy craze in the early 1930's through the late 1950's. Sightings occurred on a weekly basis and the police department created a task force whose sole purpose was to investigate sightings of the creature. No evidence was ever produced to lend credence to the claims until May 12, 2003 when a privately owned fishing vessel was the first to take photos of the creature. The photos were available on line for a short time until they were inexplicably taken down. Speculation persists that the government has procured the photographs and are covering up the existence of Monongy. Crypto zoologists from around the world still frequent the Monongahela every year to catch a glimpse of the elusive water beast.

This Meetup listing will be updated as more details come available. I hope our group has a good turnout. Last year, we had a great time, and the swimmers greatly appreciated our help.  Hope to see many of you there!
Check it out!

Two of the top stories of the year in high school sports ...

10. City League memories: Schenley, one of the most storied basketball programs in Western Pennsylvania history, plays its final game, as the City League school will no longer exist. Peabody, which used to have a tremendous baseball program, is another City school that closes its doors after the school year.

11. No more City League? The City League considers a plan to possibly join the WPIAL in a few years. But financial problems in Pittsburgh Public Schools put the plan on hold for the foreseeable future.

Fwd: [ACA Google Group] Protocol when crashes occur at the track

Chris posted:

To: acaracing@googlegroups.com

I'm sorry to report that there were two crashes at the oval last
night. While I wasn't there first-hand, I understand the officials did
an excellent job of maintaining calm and tending to the injured
personnel.

I'd like to remind all of our members that when a crash occurs, please
keep the following in mind:
If you're anywhere near the crash, please don't turn your head, slow
or change your line. Just keep moving forward and get away from the
accident as soon as possible.
If you're down, stay down. The officials will do their best to clear
the track or stop the race if necessary. Do not attempt to get off the
track for the sake of the race. No race placement or finish is more
important than rider safety.
If you're tending to an injured rider, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE THE
RIDER off the track. Riders should only be moved after it's deemed
safe. The officials or marshals are there to take measures to keep the
riders from any injured parties. Again, no race placement or finish is
more important than the safety of a rider.
The race officials are in charge. Regardless of your experience or
medical background, the race officials are the most qualified to
command the situation. If you think you can help, please work under
the guidance of the race officials to determine how you can help. DO
NOT take it upon yourself to take control. You will only add confusion
and disruption to the race officials responsibilities. Your help, I'm
sure, will be appreciated but too many people attempting to take
charge will cause more harm than good.
If a crash has occurred behind you and you come back around to the
accident, please slow or stop to avoid the riders. It's ridiculous to
think about a race finish when a crash occurs. I can assure you it's
easy to restart the race if necessary.
And lastly, it's very strange to have so many crashes this far into
the season. I believe we've had four or five now in the last few
weeks. Please remember that personal responsibility is critical to
safe racing. Riders jumping out of line, intentionally blocking,
riding outside of their capacities or not maintaining their equipment
can cause accidents. It's understood that bicycle racing is an
inherently dangerous sport. However, some accidents can be easily
avoided by using common sense.

Thank you and let's hope we don't have any more accidents through the
end of the year. The summer picnic is only two weeks away and we
should be celebrating the sport we love.

Chris Popovic
2011 ACA President
chrispopovic@gmail.com
412-259-3737

--
--
Ta.

Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Libertarians say Obama's Afghanistan policy is a failure

Posted by: "Peace And Prosperity Partners" peaceandprosperitypartners@yahoo.com  

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle responded to President Obama's June 22, 2011, speech with the following comments::

"President Obama's speech was disappointing, but not surprising. The withdrawals he announced are painfully inadequate. Obama's withdrawals, even if they are carried out as he described, will still leave about 70,000 American troops in Afghanistan, probably for years to come. The president is commander-in-chief of the military. He has the power to end the war now, and withdraw all American troops, and that's what he should do."

The U.S. has no business fighting a war in Afghanistan. Nearly three years ago, our Libertarian National Committee adopted a resolution ( http://www.lp.org/military- withdrawal- resolutions ) calling for the withdrawal of our armed forces from Afghanistan. We are saddened and angry that there are now more troops there than ever."

Obama talked about 'ending the war responsibly. ' I think the word 'responsibly' is a weaselly escape hatch in case Obama doesn't want to withdraw more troops later. He will just say, 'That would be irresponsible -- I need to keep the war going strong.'

"This war causes the Afghan people to justifiably feel a greater hatred toward America. It makes American taxpayers poorer. And it emboldens other would-be aggressors, who can point to American intervention in Afghanistan whenever they feel like doing the same elsewhere."

There are two big winners from the continuation of this war: Our military-industrial complex, which seems to have the president in its back pocket, and the Afghan government, which continues to enjoy tremendous benefits at the expense of the American taxpayer.

If anything, Republican reactions to the president's speech were even more ridiculous than the speech itself. Republican Senator John McCain fretted that this withdrawal was not 'modest' enough. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, feeling the need to criticize Obama despite the fact that they basically agree on everything, complained of an 'arbitrary timetable.' Republican House Speaker John Boehner worried about losing our 'gains' in Afghanistan. All these comments show an inability to comprehend an intelligent, modest foreign policy, as well as a serious lack of respect for American taxpayers.

The Libertarian Party platform includes the following:

International Affairs American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world. Our foreign policy should emphasize defense against attack from abroad and enhance the likelihood of peace by avoiding foreign entanglements. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups.
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Robust government work is always hostile

http://www.news24.com/World/News/Obama-overrides-lawyers-over-Libya-war-20110618

Slippery Rock needs to look again at supporting swimming and Waterpolo too.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11169/1154609-54.stm

Fwd: Ballou Skies Charity Ride - July 9th @ Noon

From: Joe Vallese

Family and Friends -

I wanted to pass along some important information on an upcoming
charity bike ride that that we are currently organizing for July
9th beginning at noon.

If you are not already
aware, for the 2011 triathlon season, I'm not only racing for
myself, but for Ryan Ballou and others that have been afflicted
with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).  Since
birth, Ryan has been afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
(DMD), a degenerative muscle disorder that affects all muscles
within the body. There are over 40 different variations with this
type of muscular dystrophy which only affects boys.  It is
sometimes a challenge for Ryan and he always seems to pull
together and deal with whatever test is put in front of him from
this disorder. However, we feel that it should not stop there. Not
only can those afflicted deal with the disease, but together we
can also combat this disease by spreading awareness.  For more
information on the cause, please visit www.ballouskies.com.

So if you're free on July 9th, come out for a good time and a good
workout!  This will be our teams second charity ride and the first
ride raised $5000 dollars!   Hopefully we can raise more with this
second ride. This is also a ride for all abilities so dust off the
old Schwinn and come on out for a nice relaxing afternoon ride!

Even if you do not ride a bicycle or the mileage is a little
daunting,  you can still join us afterward for lunch and
refreshments. We are looking for as many riders as possible and
our goal is to get 50-100 riders in total.   Please forward this
email and please let others who may be interested know about this
event.  It will be a nice day filled with fun, friends, and good
food!

We have two ride courses. A 25 mile course and a more challenging
50 mile course.

50 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36621590/
25 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36623998

Location
Old Economy Cafe
1198 Merchant Street
Ambridge, PA

We will raise funds by asking those attending to make a $25.00
donation to BallouSkies.  You can also help support Ballou Skies
by picking up a container of Ballou Skies Peanut Butter that can
be found at most Giant Eagle Stores through out the Greater
Pittsburgh area.

PS - Even if you cannot make it out to the event, you can always
donate to the Ballou Skies Chairity through the website
http://www.ballouskies.com or by making out a check to "Ballou
Skies".  If you'd like to send a check, you can send it (made out
to Ballou Skies...not me) to 148b Foxwood rd Coraopolis PA 15108
and I will make sure it gets in the right hands.

Thanks again for all of your continued support!

Shoeless Joe!

--
--
Ta.

Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Fw: Fwd: Ballou Skies Charity Ride - July 9th @ Noon

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Joe Vallese <josuitcase@comcast.net>

Sender: mtlccc@googlegroups.com

Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:33:37 -0400

To: mtlccc@googlegroups.com<mtlccc@googlegroups.com>

ReplyTo: josuitcase@comcast.net

Subject: Fwd: Ballou Skies Charity Ride - July 9th @ Noon

Family and Friends -

I wanted to pass along some important information on an upcoming charity bike ride that that we are currently organizing for July 9th beginning at noon. 

If you are not already aware, for the 2011 triathlon season, I'm not only racing for myself, but for Ryan Ballou and others that have been afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).  Since birth, Ryan has been afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disorder that affects all muscles within the body. There are over 40 different variations with this type of muscular dystrophy which only affects boys.  It is sometimes a challenge for Ryan and he always seems to pull together and deal with whatever test is put in front of him from this disorder. However, we feel that it should not stop there. Not only can those afflicted deal with the disease, but together we can also combat this disease by spreading awareness.  For more information on the cause, please visit www.ballouskies.com. 

So if you're free on July 9th, come out for a good time and a good workout!  This will be our teams second charity ride and the first ride raised $5000 dollars!   Hopefully we can raise more with this second ride. This is also a ride for all abilities so dust off the old Schwinn and come on out for a nice relaxing afternoon ride!

Even if you do not ride a bicycle or the mileage is a little daunting,  you can still join us afterward for lunch and refreshments. We are looking for as many riders as possible and our goal is to get 50-100 riders in total.   Please forward this email and please let others who may be interested know about this event.  It will be a nice day filled with fun, friends, and good food!

We have two ride courses. A 25 mile course and a more challenging 50 mile course.

50 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36621590/
25 mile course route - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36623998

Location
Old Economy Cafe
1198 Merchant Street
Ambridge, PA

We will raise funds by asking those attending to make a $25.00 donation to BallouSkies.  You can also help support Ballou Skies by picking up a container of Ballou Skies Peanut Butter that can be found at most Giant Eagle Stores through out the Greater Pittsburgh area.

PS - Even if you cannot make it out to the event, you can always donate to the Ballou Skies Chairity through the website http://www.ballouskies.com or by making out a check to "Ballou Skies".  If you'd like to send a check, you can send it (made out to Ballou Skies...not me) to 148b Foxwood rd Coraopolis PA 15108 and I will make sure it gets in the right hands.

Thanks again for all of your continued support!

Shoeless Joe!

Dress Code of Student Athletes

In light of the numerous discussion we had during the past year about
things that could be done with next to no money...as well as how our
students are perceived...please read the following story and realize
the issue is problematic across all levels of competition among
student/athletes...and there's always someone able to make an excuse!

http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/06/16/deshon-marman-university-of-new-mexico-football-player-kicked/?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook

Hat tip to J.T.

Fw: You're Right. AT&T Is Wrong.

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From: "Timothy Karr, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>

Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:15:49 +0000

To: Mark Rauterkus<mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: "Timothy Karr, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>

Subject: You're Right. AT&T Is Wrong.

Defeat AT&T's Lies: Donate Today Dear Mark, You were just dissed by AT&T. After tens of thousands of Free Press activists told the FCC to oppose AT&T's takeover of T-Mobile, one of the company's top lobbyists had the gall to tell the media that our opinions don't matter. Can you believe it? Nine out of every 10 people commenting to the FCC are against the mega-merger, and the higher prices and lack of choices it would force upon us. You have been so successful in protesting this bad deal that now AT&T is attacking you. Donate $20 to help us convince Washington that you're right and AT&T is wrong. AT&T has become so desperate to spin this merger as good for Americans that it's resorting to lies, bribery and deception: When pressed about the overwhelming public opposition to the merger, AT&T lobbyist Bob Quinn said, "It's not a public opinion poll," and that our comments don't matter!1 AT&T has pressured not-for-profit groups that collectively receive $62 million in funding from the company to sign form letters in support of the merger, despite strong opposition from their members.2 When Free Press confronted AT&T with indisputable evidence that the gobbling up of a competitor will result in fewer choices, not more, AT&T doubled down on its lie, claiming that we were "long on rhetoric and short on substance."3 It's clear that AT&T can't win approval of this deal by telling the truth. That's why it spent more than $200 million on lobbyists and campaign contributions over the years — to get Washington to look the other way and do whatever AT&T says. This deception has to stop. I urge you to donate $20 to support our newest push to expose AT&T's lies and educate more people about the harms of this mega-merger. Here's a glimpse of what we're working on: Our online communications team is developing a video series lampooning AT&T's laughable distortions. Our policy team is preparing a report to the FCC that extensively debunks AT&T's crazy claims about the benefits of this deal. Our research team is uncovering the AT&T money behind the organizations that signed Astroturf letters. Our web team is designing online graphics to explain how this merger would hand far too much control to one company. We need your support to make it all happen. No contribution is too small. Already the media have begun to cast doubt on the deal and to question whether we should let AT&T become the gatekeeper to the mobile Internet. By giving as little as $20, you can help us gain the upper hand. Thank you, Timothy Karr Campaign Director  Free Press Action Fund www.freepress.net 1. AT&T claims that its FCC filing will stress broad support for T-Mobile merger, AdWeek: http://act2.freepress.net/go/4499?akid=2581.8833392.-fena_&t=7 2. "Is AT&T Buying Nonprofit Support for T-Mobile Merger?" Politico: http://act2.freepress.net/go/4546?akid=2581.8833392.-fena_&t=9 3. "AT&T Wireless: Less competition means... lower prices?" Consumer Reports: http://act2.freepress.net/go/4527?akid=2581.8833392.-fena_&t=11

Free Press Action Fund is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Learn more at www.freepress.net

Fwd: cityLIVE! 37 - Moving People, Not Cars - TONIGHT, Monday

Have you ever thought you'd like to ride your bike to work, but it
seems too dangerous? Do you wonder what life would be like if your
children could walk to school, and you wouldn't have to drive them?
Do you admire cities like New York, with its miles of city bike lanes,
or Paris, with its 20,000 bikes to rent? Do you hate the fact that
you need to drive your bike to a good trail? Would you like to live
in a city that is built for people, not cars?

On June 13, Gil Peñalosa will show us how! Mr. Peñalosa is the
executive director of 8-80 Cities, and a founder of the famous Bogotá,
Colombia Ciclovia event. He is an internationally renowned livable
city expert dedicated to the transformation of cities into places
where people can walk, bike, access public transit and visit vibrant
parks and public places. What does 8-80 Cities stand for? Cities
which are accessible to everyone, from 8 to 80 years old.

We'll have some local experts on hand to answer any questions you have
that are particular to Pittsburgh. They include Scott Bricker,
executive director of Bike Pittsburgh; Robert Hampshire, assistant
professor of Operations Research and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon
University; Lynn Heckman, assistant director of Transportation
Initiatives, Allegheny County Economic Development; Patrick Roberts,
principal transportation planner for the City of Pittsburgh, and
Darija Wiswell with Allegheny County's Health Department.

Be there or be square.

And a very big thank you to Traffic21/CMU
<http://www.heinz.cmu.edu/traffic21/index.aspx> and the Hillman
Foundation for supporting this event, and bicycling!

cityLIVE! airs every Monday night at 7 pm
on Comcast Channel 21,
Verizon Channel 47 and at PCTV <http://www.pctv21.org>

--
--
Ta.

Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

How to fix PPS, IMHO.

Plenty of new evaluation and pondering is being put forth by others now in terms of our schools. So as to aid in this global conversations, here is my two cents.

My solution for Pittsurgh Public Schools calls for a "horizontal cut." Then re-slice with vertical cuts by region of the city for the younger grades. So, in the end, what is now one PPS for grades pre-K to 12 would become at least four distinct school districts.

Face it, as of now, PPS is too big. It is too remote and big for any hopes of accountability for the families. And, PPS has a board and adminisration with too many different challenges.

The fix, cut it up. But how he cuts happen is important to this plan and the eventual success of the city's educational landscape.

PPS stays but turns into a district just for grades 9 and older. Include 13th grade and adult education, plus community enrichment. Kids from all around the city would be able to go to any high school in the city as the borders of PPS do not change. Raher the scope of PPS changes as it gets a new focus for students of High School and older ages.

Then, make new K-8 school districts by region. I am flexible as to how many districts to craft and where the borders should reside as well as what to name them. Perhaps, for the sake of this illustration we call for the establishment of: Pgh K-8 Northern, Pgh K-8 Western, Pgh K-8 Southern, and Pgh K-8 Eastern.

Each district has its own elected board. Each has its own budgets, tax base, adminisrations and options to merge services or not with each other.

At present, voters in Pittsburgh elect 9 to the school board. With this new solution, each household would elect two board members as one would be devoted to the stewardship of K-8 grades and the other would be on the board with a focus on High Schools.

As a whole, rather than 9, Pittsburgh would have 36 new, elected, accountable board members for a total of 45. These are volunteers. None get paid. All have a duty to set policy for the administration to follow and carry out.

We need more oversight. We need more eyes watching smaller realms of operations. We need more engagement. We need more direction from those who live here, and those who pay the bills.

Most of all, we need more confidence that our students are not falling in between the cracks of a massive district that is out of control and can shaft whole chunks of students at a blink of an eye.

Our present PPS board does not worry about Vo Tech nor HS sports much because it is so over taken with other issues. They have so much on their plates that closing a school, such as Oliver High School (it could be the next school on the chopping block) happens with one 15 minute discussion.

As a clincher to the long term vision of this plan, I think, in the decade to come, it would be wise to some how, some way stage a merger with new PPS (focus of education for those beyond the 8th grade) and CCAC. Interaction among those associated with PPS and CCAC branches is not as fruitful as I expect. There is plenty to do and talk about when thinking about the systems and CCAC too.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Peabody Swim Pool, home of our Summer Dreamers 2011 Swim and Water Polo Camp

Camp begins on July 11, 2011. We'll have an afternoon Swim and Water Polo Camp that runs for nearly five weeks and meets from 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Also, the morning has a 90-minute session as well. And, about 20 kids are doing both the morning and afternoon sessions.

Peabody, now it is only a building as the school is history

Don't should-a upon yourself.

A blast from the past from a community meeting in 2009 about the fate of Peabody High School.

Fathers deserve some extra credit from city schools

Fathers deserve some extra credit from city schools: "Fathers deserve some extra credit from city schools"

Then comes the five comments from the other article, linked to from the New Pittsburgh Courier:

Better Leadership

written by Evans , June 06, 2011

The bottom line is Linda Lane is scared of her shadow. This superintendent has been too busy mananging risks and retrenching programs to think about innovative ways to better our district. This district supposeldy prides itself on implementing evidence based practices, so how in the world is cutting out a day that brings thousands of parents into school buildings across the district for the good of our children? Research shows that students with engaged parents do far better than than those who's parents aren't enagged (like we needed research to know that). So why the fear Dr. Lane? Why not figuire out how to capture that energy and turn it into a positive for the schools? Invite men into help with cerical work, ask us to come in and read to the students, etc. Set up a system for more of us to get clearances...we'll pay for it just help us through the process. This is poor thinking from a leader who should be fixated on bolstering student achievement. Stop being scared to innovate Dr. Lane. Save our children's futures and invite us into the process.


Fathers get no respect.

written by Robert W. Flanagan, June 05, 2011
73% of black families are made up of single mothers, WOW. About 21.5 million children have never seen or know who their father is. Pittsburgh is number 2 in having the most families with single mothers and we are moving up the list in having the most young black murder. These facts alone should scare us in trying to have father's include in our kids lives. I have went to many different graduation from Wilkins burg, Penn Hills and Westinghouse and the bottom line is the lack of black men aka step fathers, real father or just black men as role models there at the graduations. With major cut backs and education being put on the back burner, why is it that issue the main topic? The Pittsburgh Promise is prime example, with young black women graduating at a all time high, young black men are either drop outs, incarcerated or DEAD, so who does the Pittsburgh Promise benefit. Most of our young black men are on the corner looking or selling drugs to older black men, but we want to criticize the bring a father to school day. This is the reason I say that older black men (fathers) and older black women (mothers) are having problems, we are so divided. The nerve to say that why don't mothers have a bring a mom to school day, we all know how mothers involved, so the need for this day is essential, important and necessary. We need to stop arguing with each other and look out for the best interest in the kids. Just this week Shaquille O'Neal retired, he is working on his Doctorate and thanks no his real dad, but his stepdad, DADS can play a role in kids life. As a dad i am appalled with these comments and you are just feeding into the stereotyped that black men have to dead with. Why is being a good father so hard??


written by ellima, June 03, 2011

This is a great program and I hope it will continue, in spite of minor obstacles.


Big Ball of Confusion!!!!

written by Renee Aldrich, June 02, 2011
If what Superintendent Lane says in her letter is true, that there is no participation from these dads at any other time of year, and that they are not involved in their children's school/education/activities at school any other time; (and 5000 of them participated this year) her comments alone seem like justification to HAVE THE DAY.. that is if school administrators' teachers, and counselors REALLY believe a father's role in a childs education is important. and REALLY WANT TO SEE THE CHILDREN BENEFIT. I BELIEVE rather than complain about THE DAD'S lack of participation at any other time throughout the year and use it as a reason to 'attack' this event that brings them out--Perhaps they should look to adding MORE DAYS for dads. Yes, I suppose it isn't easy..Uhh so what, do the work it takes to manage all those issues you are concerned about, like custody, and whatever. I'd also like to add at the same time, i feel it is ludicrious and over the top that Board Member Brentley would recommend a 'day for moms'. Excuse me, did he not start this because Dads were overlooked in so many aspects of their children's lives??? This entire matter is very confusing. You got the superintendent lambasting the day for bring out all these dads, because they don't participate any other time; and you got the gentlemen with the foresight to start this ball rolling because fathers don't get the forums that moms get, now trying to add yet another level of capacity for 'moms'. Something is turning quite convoluted with this... it really is


written by Undisclosed, June 02, 2011

Sounds like some bull to me. There must be to many of them showing up, they probably thought that these kids fathers didnt care and wouldnt be there, now its a problem.

Fw: good videos on Ron Paul for President in New Hampshire

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Mike Benoit <mblibertarian7@earthlink.net>

Sender: Mike Benoit <mblibertarian7@earthlink.net>

Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:56:00 GMT

To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>

Subject: good videos on Ron Paul for President in New Hampshire

Presidential candidate Ron Paul in tv town hall interview in NH. Check it out I am sure you will be impressed and then join the San Diego Ron Paul for President meetup. See the links below.

 

Part 1:
http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-primary-extended-coverage/...

Part 2

http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-primary-extended-coverage/28200318/video.html

 

http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-primary-extended-coverage/28200318/video.html

 

 

RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT
WWW.RONPAUL2012.COM
http://www.meetup.com/ronpaul-93  JOIN THE SAN DIEGO RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT MEETUP HERE
Mike Benoit
mblibertarian7@earthlink.net

Road Cycling League - Results: Tour of Mt. Nebo

Erik Rauterkus listed as 22nd out of 36 in his first ever road race finish. He raced in Cat 4.

Road Cycling League - Results: Tour of Mt. Nebo: "22 432 Erik Rauterkus Team Citius"

Fw: NASA Swimming Announces The "Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth"

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

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From: nasaswim@aol.com

Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:58:58 -0400 (EDT)

To: <nasaswim@aol.com>

Subject: NASA Swimming Announces The "Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth"

Hello Coaches,

 

We are pleased to announce that the National Age Group Swimming Association, along with Speedo and All-American Aquatics will be sponsoring "The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth", Wednesday through Saturday, August 24-27, 2011 at the Marriott Suites on Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Florida.

 

The "The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth" will feature some of the top club coaches and swimming experts in history, past and present.  Speakers already scheduled include Randy Reese, Eddie Reese, John Morse, Mike DeBoor, Chris Davis, Tim Bauer, Glenn Mills, Rachel Stratton-Mills, John Ivy, Dick Jochums, Keith Dickson and Debbie Meyer.  We have many more that will be announced in the next couple of weeks.

 

The clinic each coach the opportunity to have fun and learn from the best in an intimate setting at a beautiful venue.  Furthermore, the cost of the"The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth"  is very affordable and the date is very user friendly to coaches that would like to start practice on the last Monday in August or the first week of September.

 

"The Greatest Coaches Clinic On Earth" topics are applicable to what the majority of age group and high school swimming coaches are looking for by giving them relevant information and tools on how to coach and develop their athletes.

 

Please click here to download a pdf copy of the flyer (10 pages).

 

We hope you can join us in Clearwater!

www.nasaswim.com