Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC)
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Elizabeth Seton Center
1900 Pioneer Avenue, 15226
Brookline
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Northview Heights Citizen's Council
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Northview Heights Gymnasium
525 Mount Pleasant Road, 15214
Northview Heights
Monday, July 25, 2011
A+ Schools meeting about Pittsburgh Public Schools budget stuff
Sunday, July 17, 2011
water polo at Summer Dreamers
028.JPG
These pictures were sent with Picasa, from Google.
Try it out here: http://picasa.google.com/
Friday, July 15, 2011
Julian Heicklen, now a candidate in New Jersey
From: Julian P Heicklen
PROGRESS REPORT OF JULY 14, 2011
PROGRESS REPORT OF JULY 14, 2011
Hi Tyranny Fighters: a mini progress report
I am the Libertarian Party candidate for the NJ Assembly in the 37th District.
I was distributing campaign pamphlets at the corner of Main and Salem
Streets in Hackensack, NJ on Friday, July 8, 2011 during the noon
hour. A police officer walked by and told me that I had to inform
police headquarters in order to do that. He continued on his way. I
ignored his request and continued distributing pamphlets. Apparently
no public official understands the U. S. Constitution.
Mark Schmidter, who was arrested for defying Judge Belvin Perry's
order against distributing literature at the Orange County Courthouse
in Orlando, FL, has his trial date set for July 26, 2011. I encourage
those of you in the Orlando area to attend his trial and show your
support. As far as I know Keith McHenry and John Kurtz are still in
jail serving their sentences for distributing food and taking pictures
of police, respectively.
I wish to hold a protest demonstration with as many people as possible
from Thursday, August 18–Monday, August 22, 2011. My tentative
suggested schedule of events is:
Thursday, August 18, 5:00–7:00 pm: Distribute food to the poor with
"Food not Bombs" people.
Thursday night, August 18: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park
Friday, August 19, 7:30–9:00 am and 11:30 am–1:30 pm: I will
distribute fully informed jury literature at the Orange County
Courthouse. Others are welcome to join me, but be prepared to be
arrested.
Friday, August 19, 8:00–11:00 pm: Take pictures of police in downtown Orlando
Friday night, August 19: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park
Saturday, August 20, noon–3:00: parade in downtown Orlando (or maybe
at Disneyland) with signs and banners
Saturday, August 20, 8:00–11:00 pm: Take pictures of police in downtown Orlando
Saturday night, August 20: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park
Sunday, August 21, 10:00 am–noon: Non-denominational prayers for the
people of Orlando to gain an understanding of freedom
Sunday, August 21, noon to dusk: Picnic in Eola Park
Sunday night, August 21: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park
Monday, August 22, 7:30–9:00 am and 11:30 am–1:30 pm: I will
distribute fully informed jury literature at the Orange County
Courthouse. Others are welcome to join me, but be prepared to be
arrested.
Monday, August 22, 5:00–7:00 pm: Distribute food to the poor with
"Food not Bombs" people.
This is just a suggested program. Your input and ideas are welcome.
It might be good idea to have a few speakers for the occasion. I
think that Mark Schmidter, John Kurtz, and Keith McHenry would be
appropriate choices. You may suggest others.
In order to have a successful event, we will need the cooperation and
help of the Orlando area Tyranny Fighters and other groups. I hope
that each of you will not only suggest ideas, but offer your
assistance in whatever way you feel appropriate.
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE
THE PRICE OF JUSTICE IS ETERNAL PUBLICITY
Yours in freedom and justice—Julian
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Computer Art Contest -- Something to do this summer, and you can win!
Looking for something creative to do this summer? Enter this art contest kids. You might win a new laptop for your efforts.
Worldlabel.com has put together and sponsored a contest around my
open source drawing program, "Tux Paint". It's open to kids around the
world, ages 3 to 12. There will be 10 winners, and the top 3 will receive
an OLPC XO-1 laptop!
For more, see my show press release at Tux Paint's website:
http://www.tuxpaint.org/latest/worldlabel.com-tuxpaint-kids-summer-drawing-contest-2011.php3
And for the official announcements and rules, go to the source:
http://blog.worldlabel.com/2011/tux-paint-kids-summer-drawing-contest.html
The contest is open through Sept. 12, 2011.
Friday, July 08, 2011
No Needle News
------Original Message------
From: SI com Alerts
To: mark@rauterkus.com
ReplyTo: cnnalerts@cnn.com
Subject: 2004 Athens Summer Games News
Sent: Jul 8, 2011 5:34 PM
Alert Name: 2004 Athens Summer Games News
IOC adopts "no needle" policy for 2012 Olympic Games in London
07/08/11 03:26 PM, EDT
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- The IOC will enforce a "no needle" policy for the 2012 London Olympics that bars athletes from possessing syringes and other medical equipment that could be used for doping.
Read the full story at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/more/07/08/IOC-adopts-no-needles-policy.ap/index.html
______________________________________________________________________
Receiving too many alerts?
Visit manage your alerts to narrow your topic further. Add words or
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______________________________________________________________________
2011 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
From: SI com Alerts
To: mark@rauterkus.com
ReplyTo: cnnalerts@cnn.com
Subject: 2004 Athens Summer Games News
Sent: Jul 8, 2011 5:34 PM
Alert Name: 2004 Athens Summer Games News
IOC adopts "no needle" policy for 2012 Olympic Games in London
07/08/11 03:26 PM, EDT
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- The IOC will enforce a "no needle" policy for the 2012 London Olympics that bars athletes from possessing syringes and other medical equipment that could be used for doping.
Read the full story at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/more/07/08/IOC-adopts-no-needles-policy.ap/index.html
______________________________________________________________________
Receiving too many alerts?
Visit manage your alerts to narrow your topic further. Add words or
phrases in your alert criteria and refine your alert. You can also change
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______________________________________________________________________
2011 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Fw: Last Chance for the Moon Park Fiddle and Rock Violin Workshop
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
From: Steven Vance <stevenvance@stevenvance.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 12:25:03 -0400
To: Steven Vance<stevenvance@strollingviolins.com>
Subject: Last Chance for the Moon Park Fiddle and Rock Violin Workshop
Dates: Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Robin Hill Center, 949 Thorn Run Road
Instructor: Steven Vance
Ages: 10-18
Fees: $25.00/Residents, $30.00/Non-Residents
Moon Parks and Recreation is proud to present a new camp for 2011. This camp will introduce you to Fiddle styles by teaching shuffle bowing, double stopping and 1-2 tunes you can go home and play that night! It will also feature rock classic tunes with Yamaha Electric Violins, Viola and Cello plus sound effects and looping station. Experience is required - must be playing their instrument for 2 years. This is a great opportunity to learn from one the areas top musicians !
No online registration now. Call Moon Parks at 412-262-1703
If you can't make this one we will be doing another one on Monday August 1 from 1-4 PM. Same details.
Hope to see you there.
Steven Vance
Executive Director
Extreme Strings Academy
2549 Penn Ave
PIttsburgh PA 15222
Yamaha Certified String Educator
Certified Teacher of the Mark O'Connor American Violin Method
Big Loss for Big Media
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
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, 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 |
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Fw: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
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
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
| | | | ||
| |
| | ||
| | © 2011 City of Pittsburgh | Office of the Mayor | | |
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.
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!
Sunday, July 03, 2011
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.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
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
Saturday, June 25, 2011
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.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
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!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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!
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!
Hat tip to J.T.
Fw: You're Right. AT&T Is Wrong.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
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.
| ||
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:
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, 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 |
Monday, June 13, 2011
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?
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>
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--
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®
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