Photo of the day. Keep away from J.

100_0222.JPG

Good news social media

Hi,

Erik Rauterkus, rising senior at Obama Academy, coach with PPS Summer Dreamers Swim and Waterpolo Camp at UPrep, PA Youth Governor, was featured in Post-Gazette's photos of the day today, July 18, 2012. He was the winner of the Junior Race at the Citiparks Bud Harris Cycling Oval last night, in  90+ degree heat.

Mark Rauterkus



--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance

http://NeighborhoodLearning.org

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

Erik was on the radio

Erik on the radio today

China kids in Lake Shore, Michigan

Check out this podcast on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=116422076&id=79684943

NPR Topics: Story of the Day Podcast

Check out this podcast on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=117108909&id=79684943

Failure. 

Book TV interview: It usually begins with Ron Paul.

Kids ages 10 to 14 can get free IMPACT TESTS with UPMC this summer

HEADS UP Pittsburgh, a partnership between the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Community College of Allegheny County and UPMC Sports Medicine, have announced that they will fund FREE Neurocognitive Baseline Testing for YOUTH ATHLETES of any sport this summer.  Feel Free to forward this message to all interested groups, organizations, teams and individuals. 

Here are the details of the program:

·         Athletes MUST be between 10 and 14 years old ON DATE OF TESTING to qualify for the FREE Neurocognitive Baseline Test.  No exceptions allowed

·         Athletes between 6 and 9 years old can test but MUST pay $25.00 and test ONLY at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine Clinic

·         Athletes who are 15 years and older MUST Pay $25.00 and are allowed to test at any of the locations available throughout the summer

·         Space is limited, so registrations will be on a first come first serve basis.

·         REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON JULY 30, 2012 –  WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY REGISTRATIONS AFTER THAT DATE.

·         You can direct  coaches, parents and individuals to register for a Neurocognitive Baseline Test at: www.upmc.com/baselinetesting

·         URL site:  https://tms.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistrations/Register.aspx?CompanyID=2014&GroupID=140942

Fwd: Saving Schenley-New developments-Schenley does not contain Asbestos Containing Material!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kathy F
Date: Saturday, July 7, 2012
Subject: Saving Schenley-New developments-Schenley does not contain Asbestos Containing Material!
To: annette werner <Asw122@aol.com>, Kathy F <finekj1@gmail.com>


Dear Public School Advocates,
We have reached another turning point on the road to save Schenley High School. Recently, Essential Public Radio (EPR) reported that the percentage of asbestos in the Schenley plaster is only .25 - .5%.  Under EPA guidelines, plaster is "Asbestos Containing Material" ("ACM") subject to regulation only if it contains 1% or more asbestos.  
What are the practical inplications of these developments?  For one, if the EPR report is correct, the vote to close Schenley was based on inaccurate information about the level of asbestos, the risks, and the costs of maintenance.  That vote should be revisited.
 
Another implication is that PPS has paid for, and most likely continues to pay for, unnecessary abatement contractors.  Those practices need to be reviewed.
 
And finally, the Schenley athletic facilities are free of asbestos.  Due to 6-12 school configurations, students in the East End face a serious shortage of practice space that could be greatly eased by retaining the Schenley building and at this time making at least the athletic facilities available for students.  As a matter of equity, for how long can we leave high school students at Milliones with facilities that are obviously inferior to those at Allderdice, Brashear and Carrick?  New pool and gym complexes cost $20M or more. 
 
What have we gained? There is a real question as to whether even a majority of the students who started at Sci Tech in grade 9 will graduate from Sci Tech next year.  Many, many students have left the school.  How many IB diplomas were earned at Obama this year?  Typical at Schenley before the program was moved was 20+ a year. Is achievement for Hill feeder students at Milliones any better than it was for Hill feeder students at Schenley? Will efforts to get a handle on problems at Milliones be successful?  Would students behave better if they were happier?  Could initiatives to reduce achievement disparities have been carried out under the Schenley umbrella?
 
What have we lost?  The only PPS high school with 100% enrollment. Hill feeder students have lost a diverse school environment and many of the sports and activities they enjoyed at Schenley.  An architecturally beautiful building with magnificent green building potential that is flooded with natural light (school environment DOES matter).  A location in Oakland that is surrounded by educational opportunities. 
We have another chance to make our voices heard and to save a part of our city's great history for our children and grandchildren.  But we need everyone to rally one more time!
PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND ONE OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING THREE MEETINGS (most importantly, the PPS public hearing):
1. PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION PUBLIC HEARING
MONDAY, 7/22 6PM
PITTSBURGH BOARD OF EDUCATION 
BUILDING 341 S. BELLEFIELD STREET
CALL BY 12PM ON MONDAY, 7/22 TO SIGN UP TO SPEAK (412-622-3838)
2. COMMUNITY PLANNING MEETINGS HELD BY COUNCILMAN BILL PEDUTO-
WEDNESDAY, 7/11 7PM
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY BUILDING OF PITTSBURGH
4638 CENTER AVENUE
WEDNESDAY, 7/25 7PM
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY BUILDING OF PITTSBURGH
4638 CENTER AVENUE
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE PEDUTO SPONSORED MEETINGS, PLEASE SUBMIT COMMENTS AT THE SITE BELOW:
Oakland Planning and Development website:
http://www.opdc.org/programs-services/plan-partner/community-vision-for-the-adaptive-reuse-of-schenley-high-school/


--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance

http://NeighborhoodLearning.org

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

Who knew they had YouTube back in the day

Race Across America team forming in Pittsburgh

In 2014, Pittsburgh cyclists will be represented for the first time in the 4-person team Race Across America (RAAM) category. Patty George, Stacie Truszkowski, Ryanne Palermo and I have teamed up to form Team PHenomenal Hope to benefit the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) as we train for and participate in RAAM.

Team PHenomenal Hope will have its kick-off fundraiser on Friday, July 13th from 7:00-8:30pm EST in conjunction with the release of the "Spain Series" indoor cycling DVDs from Global Ride Productions/Cycling Fusion (http://www.globalride.net/,
http://www.cyclingfusion.com/premiere/). You can be among the first to experience the Spain Series training DVDs and get a great workout while benefiting Team PHenomenal Hope! ALL proceeds from this event will go to Team PHenomenal Hope and the PHA! Tom Scotto, USA Elite Coach, founder of Stage5 Cycling team will be the guest instructor for this training session.

There are two ways to participate. Anyone with a bicycle and trainer can participate in this training session from home via webcast. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, you can also come to Cycling Fusion (367 Plum Street Oakmont, PA) for the "in person" session. You can bring your own bike & trainer, or ride one of their spin bikes. (Space is limited, so please reserve your spot early!)

To participate from home or a participating club: $15,
Sign up here: http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=3190&stype=-105&sTG=45&sView=day

To participate in the Cycling Fusion Studio: $25,
Sign up here: http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=3190&stype=-106&sTG=39&sVT=111&sView=day&sDate=7%2F13%2F2012

Additional information:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=mmxsoncab&v=001oBPX2EUZHJNltuaLjliHLOwN_oSXXpUXlyge8FsjR2c8t7Ai2Sh6XAMl7gdM9fdZGOJhUQEgWEOYPRJzTwghlRlR9AJhWEEB9LdwIPQsJEwl1if43EJwnbNy1kQEnZoMf-fM1s1a-NdSINZirk9TdA%3D%3D

For up-to-date information on this event, such as the addition of other indoor cycling facilities that will be participating, please check out & RSVP to our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/158291637639057/

Sincerely,

Anne-Marie Alderson
Steel City Endurance Racing Team / Team PHenomenal Hope

https://www.facebook.com/TeamPhenomenalHope
http://www.teamphenomenalhope.org/
@TeamPHenomHope

Independence Day

Hi All,

All are invited to our open house on the South Side on the 4th of July. Low key. We visit. Chip in with some snacks if you wish. At 6 pm we play in the park at 12th Street and Sarah. Expect some basketball this year, for sure. At 7pm we gather and drink some lemon-aid. Sit on the deck. Watch fireworks. Socialize with some Ph.D. students and friends from all around. 

Our other standing party is New Years Day, just after the Polar Bear Swim. Put that into your calendar now. Memories of being so cold can really help as it heats up in weeks like this. 

In other news, our oldest, Erik, PA's Youth Governor, won't be here on the 4th as he is in North Carolina at the North American Congress leading the PA delegation. His bill about Title IX is advancing in the process.

Grant is gearing up as a water polo tiger that can change its stripes -- flipping from playing with the North Allegheny Tigers to Princeton Tigers for a 14-under boys squad that will go to the JOs in California at the end of the month. He'll take a second training trip to Princeton, NJ, next week. 

This summer I can use some assistance with our PPS Summer Dreamers Swim and Water Polo Camp. 

+ I'm still looking for more used trophies. I hope to recycle them to some of the 100 middle school kids I'll be coaching for 5 weeks. 

+ We're going to be running 1-mile each way from the school to the pool and back -- twice a day with four squads. Join us on a jog in Pgh's Hill District. On August 17, we do the Libery 1 Mile Race, http://LibertyMile.org. (recently hacked)

+ I think Pittsburgh can give every 7-year-old child a swim team experience, gratis, if we tried. I blog about some of the benefits: http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2012/06/winning-swimming-rookie-camp-position.html

+ My next big idea has to do with "mobile apps." I'm wrapping up a "kwel" technology project, some software that will help our swim staff take attendance and chart progress with the kids at the summer camp. But this can expand into tech literacy for kids ages 13 to 18. So, if you think you might want your own "app"  -- send me a note and we'll talk about this possible venture. 

PS: Prayers and thoughts to all for getting well and staying safe -- especially to our parents. Not good when more are in the hospital than out. 

Jobs: Lifeguard shortage leaves pools and beaches unprotected, USA Today article

Fwd: [DW] Job Opp: MIT Hiring Civic Tech Programmer

From: Steven Clift <clift@e-democracy.org>
Date: Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 4:34 PM
Subject: [DW] Job Opp: MIT Hiring Civic Tech Programmer
To: newswire@groups.dowire.org


From: Rahul Bhargava <rahulb@media.mit.edu>
Date: Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 3:12 PM
Subject: help! hiring civic tech programmer



Hi friends,

We haven't found the perfect fit for the Civic Technology Programmer
position, and we need YOUR help to find them!  Know a young hacker excited
about the civic space? Pass this info along about the opening here at the
MIT Center for Civic Media.

Basically we are looking for someone to help us bring our research projects
to a wider audience.  The job will be a mix of product work and research -
juggling projects, working with brilliant people inside and outside the
Media Lab, and have the chance to work on new civic technology that can
have a real impact!   The position is for here at the Lab, hopefully full
time.  The tech needs start with Drupal and Ruby on Rails, but include lots
of other things too.

The details, in HR speak, are here:
http://www.media.mit.edu/about/opportunities/civic-technology-programmer

Feel free to have potential folks contact me directly with any questions!
Thanks for any help,

Rahul



----------------------------------------------------
Rahul Bhargava
MIT Center for Civic Media
E15-350
617-715-4367
http://civic.mit.edu/
http://rahulbotics.com/
@rahulbot

Lump Camp looks like this with us.

Wish list

I'm going to start a wishlist. Asking can't hurt, right? Some of my life wishes do come true, so I might as well better document them on the blog.

Wishing for: 100+ t-shirts for the Summer Dreamers Swim and Water Polo Camp.

I've asked a few places and some are expected, but getting additional shirts will go a long way in helping with laundry. 

In the past years, we didn't really need t-shirts. T-shirts don't help with one's swimming. And, we were not going places. If you go to the zoo or Kennywood, and all the kids wear the same t-shirt -- that's great. We just went to the school pool, mostly. Now this year, we will be going places -- running through the Hill District to the YMCA or Citiparks Ammon. So, looking like a team and looking similar would help better keep an eye on everyone.

Furthermore, the kids are going to run. They'll sweat. If they run in shirts we provide, then they can keep the school shirt in a school locker and run in our shirt. Then they can change after swimming and not need to bring a change of clothes. 

Fwd: Swim and Explore Beautiful Places

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Borut Strel (Swimming Adventures) <info@strelswimming.com>
Date: Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 9:23 AM
Subject: Swim and Explore Beautiful Places
To: "Borut Strel (Swimming Adventures)" <borut@strelswimming.com>


Hello,



Summer is here and I believe you would like to go somewhere and have
some adventure.

If you enjoy swimming outdoors and are ready to experience something
different, we have a great trip for you. Our professionally organised
swimming tours offer unique swimming and cultural experiences at
stunning locations. We make sure that you swim safe and experienced
local guides look after you. All you need is a passion for the open
water and we will do the rest! Non-swimmers are warmly welcomed and
please contact us for their discount.



We are currently running 4 day swimming tours at Slovenian Lakes and
River (July-August), 5 and 7 day tours at Dalmatian Coast in Croatia
(June-July-August) and 4 day tours at Lake Powell in Arizona
(September).



Current water temperatures on our swimming locations are very warm!
Slovenian Lakes (Lake Bled 22C, Lake Bohinj 20C), Dalmatian Coast in
Croatia 22C and Lake Powell, Arizona 75F/24C.



Here are some of the photos and videos from our last year season.

Slovenia Album 1, Slovenia Album 2, Croatia Islands, Lake Powell (new
this year), Video Clips and Testimonials.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We work 7 days
a week all the way to October.
Look forward to seeing you in the water!



Best regards, Borut



Strel Swimming Adventures

+44 77 0006 1236

+1 310 928 3224

info@strelswimming.com

www.strel-swimming.com

Rand Paul's Strategy Explained - Evolve Ep06

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8szOY_QvbPQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Sent from my iPad

Our Open House on the 4th of July is on.

The PA Youth Governor will be out of state on official business, but the party must go on.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=180c6wZq8mhx2V4b_wErU0l575NH77iT89h4UZdDBvRe1rdTdpfS0U7f_BkTS

Title IX -- 40 years and it now really sucks to be a boy

Title IX has its 40th birthday -- and Title IX is no friend of mine.

Let's see, I coached swimming with the men's team at Ohio University. Now my sons won't dare go to Ohio University because the men's swim team was cut some years ago. When I was there, there was swimming and diving for both men and women.

Then I coached at Baylor University. Baylor had a team then -- but it stopped. Now Baylor has no swimming for either men or women. However, Baylor is now building a new football stadium.

Then I coached at Bradley University. They had a men's swim team -- now gone. Bradley even started a womens team and now it has neither.

There is a long list of lost opportunities for men in college sports thanks to Title IX and pin headed administrators. Here is the message: Winning happens with addition. Never does one win with subtraction.

Here is a list of swim teams cut in recent times:

SwimmingEdit

The mens swim team has been cut years ago, sadly. See Title IX/Cutting_Mens_Swimming.

• University of Akron 1966
• Alabama A&M 1984
• University_of_Alaska_Anchorage 1987
• University of Alaska Fairbanks 1987
• University_at_Albany,_SUNY 1989
• American_University_of_Puerto_Rico 1966
• Arkansas 1996
• Baylor University
  • Baylor University had a Men's and Women's team in 1982-83. The program (both men and women) ended when the old 33 1/3 yard swim pool was converted to Physical Education lab space. Not a Title IX cut.
• Benedictine (Ill.) 1996
• Bowling Green State University
• Bradley University
• Brooklyn 1979
• Buena Vista 1989
• Cal Poly Pomona 1979
• Cal St. Chico 1991
• Cal St. Fullerton 1973
• Cal St. Hayward 1990
• Cal St. L.A. 1992
• Cal St. Northridge 1990
• Cal St. San Bernardino 1992
• CCNY 1984
• Central Connecticut State University
  • Central Connecticut State University Men's Swimming was 24th in 2000 NCAA Division I Championships and the team was dropped in 2002.
• Central Michigan 1971
• Central Missouri State 1980
• Central Wash. 2003
• Chicago State 1979
• Clemson University
• Colorado State 1975
• Duquesne University
• East Stroudsburg 1990
• Eastern Kentucky 1980s?
• Eisenhower 1982
• Ferris State 1992
• Fresno State 1976
• Furman 1989
• Hastings 1954
• Houston 1984
• Idaho 1965
• Idaho State 1967
• Illinois University 1990
• Illinois State 1969
• Indiana State 1968
• Iowa State 2001
• Juniata College
• Kansas 1999
• Kansas State 1965
• Kent State University
• Kutztown
• La.-Monroe 1994
• Long Beach State 1988
• Loyola (Ill.) 1965
• Manhattanville 1978
• Marshall University
• Mass.-Lowell 1983
• Metro State 2003
• Miami (Fla.) 2004
• Minnesota State - Mankato 2003
  • Mankato's men's team competed in NCAA Division II nationals up to 2010 before dropping the team,http://www.lhup.edu/sports/NCAA/WedPrelimResults.htm Reference 200 IM, Matt Chida. Its most recent highlight being Marty Wahle's runner up finish in the 200 back in 2009.
• Minnesota State - Moorhead 2004
• Missouri - St. Louis 1993
• Montana 1985
• Muskingum 1966
• Nazareth (N.Y.) 1993
• Nebraska 2000
• University of New Hampshire
• New Mexico 1999
• North Park 1970
• Northern University 1977
• Northern Colorado. 1979
• Northern Illinois 1965
• Northern Iowa 1980
• Northern Michigan 1970
• Ohio University 1988
• Oklahoma 1971
• Oklahoma State 1977
• Oregon 1975
• Regis (Colo.) 1984
• University of Rhode Island
• Rutgers
• Sacramento State 1988
• Salem International 1999
• San Diego State 1969
• San Francisco State 1998
• San Jose State 1977
• Santa Clara 1967
• Slippery Rock 1999
• Southern Oregon 1982
• Southwest Missouri State 1982
• St. John's (N.Y.)
  • St John's NY died around 2000.
• St. Joseph's (Ind.) 1968
• Syracuse 2001
• Temple 1948
• Texas State 1982
• Texas Tech 1966
• Texas-Arlington 1979
• University of Toledo
• UC Davis
  • Cut about 2009, and relays were swimming at NCAAs the year it was cut.
• UC Irvine 1997?
• UC Riverside 1984
• UCLA 1994
• University of Vermont
• Virginia. Commonwealth 1985
• University of Washington
  • In 2009, the University of Washington Women's swim team finished in 15th place at NCAAs and the men's squad finished in 16th place. Then one month later, both programs were cut.
• Washington State 1966
• Wayne State (Neb) 1946
• Western Michigan University
• Western State 1975
• Wilkes 1972
• Youngstown State University 1981