Water Polo -- shooting at the keeper

The Russian goalie seemed to be a target of the US men's squad in Saturday's action at the Olympic aquatic venue. The shots from the US side were not crisp. Aim for the back of the net!

I was able to work with Coach Monte Nitzkowski as he authored a book text book, US Tactical Water Polo, published in 1994 by my indie, small press. I gave away more books on water polo in PA than we sold here.

From the bio link above, you can get two sections of the book in PDFs: the first 24 pages, 158k, and chapter 5, (pages 119 to 180), 365k.

Notice the work with fonts and the technical delivery with the publishing elements within the book. Polo has plenty of Xs and Os to describe, (i.e., hole defender, etc.). Every graphic and every statement in that 375 page book was reworked in these efforts. Even as publisher I've had some amazing fan mail from readers of that book from around the world. One coach read the book three times, start to finish, and took his team from last to first place in one season. This book was and is the best ever for the sport of polo.

We do need to get more and more into water polo in western PA. This winter the kids at Fox C. played some polo and we injected it into one AM practice per week in November and December. Plus, we had a join polo practice around Christmas with Carrlington HS. Back in the early 90s as I was working on the book and coaching at Plum HS, we started polo and played 2 nights per week. One night was for older folks and was co-ed. Great fun.

WPIAL or city HS swim coaches wishing to have a dedicated session or three on water polo, any time of the year, give me a call and I'll come out with the balls, caps, and understanding of the game to lead a mini-clinic.

The NA HS coach, Mr. C.S., credits water polo for great advancements to the overall swim program's performance. The NA girls team went to states last fall.

Highland Park Pool is a great place for water polo. The deep end is perfect.

Pittsburghers of the year

Our sprinter, L. Williams sped into the 100-meter final today behind Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus. Perfect so far. Both two-time winner, Gail Devers, and gold-medal favorite, Christine Arron, of France were eliminated.

Perhaps Williams will get 30-under-30 awards this year. She is a mover and shaker.

The Pittsburgher of the year -- in the running -- the gent who donated to get dad to Greece to she his daughter in her finest hour.

USA Basketball Team -- shoots a brick in first game

The first game, and the first basketball competition -- the Dream Team -- shot a brick. It was an upset as historic as it was inevitable, reported Sports Illustrated. Beaten soundly, dominated. Now it is time to "bounce back."

Puerto Rico, homeland of a Pittsburgh hero, Roberto Clemente, is much like a 52nd state. So, the sting of loss might be easier to shrug away.

Great PG article about the Clemente Sports City Dream is a great read.

What will be reported in Pittsburgh and around the nation when the mayor's office goes to someone who is not of the old-school democrats' clan? Historic, inevitable?

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Does Tom Murphy have the swagger in political circles that matches that of the NBA stars in an Olympic Games?

Trivia quiz: the mason artwork appears on the side of the building. What one? Where?

Update:

The USA squad was 2-2 in pool play and US players still expected to win the gold medal. Meanwhile, parties broke out in the streets in Lithuania. The US squad (if you can call them a team) departed Athens in the semi-final round. Argentina deserved to win.

Elephant mascots, death, tour, uploads

Wondering minds need to know about this recently uploaded image. The GOP mascot is an elephant. Tomb mention too???





Grant, 6, Erik, 9, and I are pictured above. This is one of the 125 slides in Erik's presentation given at his school this year upon our return from China.

Enjoy the PDF or HTML version.

Old news for clarity - bio notes for Mark Rauterkus

Old article: "Mark Rauterkus, a South Side resident and former swimming coach, also has stated he will run for mayor.

Since the record has been wrong before, here is a refresher on some facts that the journalists often miss.

Correct:
stay-at-home father, registered Republican, not sure about running as a Republican (again), but certain to not run as a Dem, two sons.

'We need new direction from Grant Street. We don't have a holistic approach to our leadership,' Rauterkus said.

Grad of Ohio University (not OSU) with a degree in journalism and went to grad school (no master's degree earned) in physical education at Baylor University.

Rauterkus has worked several years as a swimming coach and instructor. He has coached at Green Tree, Canon-McMillan High School, Plum High School, Fox Chapel Area High School, and New Trier Swim Club in Illinois.

My birth: May, 1959, year of the rooster!

Mike, I guess my "under the radar approach" is working

Mike Seate's column

If you'd really like to talk about the Mayor's race, in a serious way, then let me know. I'd be glad to meet with you.

Four years ago, I announced my intention to run for the office of Mayor, around August 22. Throughout the next four months, I worked and attended more than 100 community meetings / interactions. This sechedule included time at Three Rivers Stadium, gate C, prior to a STEELER Game, with a Trib photographer there on assignment. Nothing ever ran in the newspapers despite repeated calls to the Trib editors.

On New Year's Day, 2001, Josh P., then 18, sent out an email press release saying he was running for Mayor. Josh and I had met and talked on a few instances and with other issues. Both of us helped the Greens in 2000.

Starting then, I got to ride Josh's coat tails in terms of getting coverage from the Pittsburgh media outlets.

More Trib coverage was spent on coverage of those NOT running for mayor than the individuals and issues who spoke with positive actions and real solution discussions.

The illustration of captain and a sinking ship fits. Well done there.

The "I told you so" gang -- however -- was more with fellow naysayers and less to do with Doug Shields and Bob O'Connor, guys who have been on the watch for many turns in the downward spirals.

D.Q.ed and whistleblowers

Aaron Peirsol, US backstroke star, coached by David Salo, Ph.D., of Irvine (yeah Nova) was outspoken about the fly kicking going on in the 100 breast from the gold-medalist from Japan, Kosuke Kitajima. In the 200 breast, the swimmer from Japan kept fair under the water, and still won.

Peirsol gets serious props from me for speaking up when he did and as loud as he did. Being a whistleblower isn't easy. And, he didn't have a personal stake in the breast events. Peirsol is a backstroker. Well, then again, there is the Medley Relay yet to occur. But, he went out on a limb to raise a stink when conventional wisdom and the coaches of the squad did nothing.

By the way NBC payed good attention to the flap -- after the award's were given. But, from my living room in Pittsburgh I could easily spot the extra liberties taken underwater by the swimmer from Japan, and a couple of others. So, the watchdogs, the broadcasters, could have been more aggressive on the coverage the the stroke as the race unfolded and heats were conducted. So, Rowdey gets a B+ for the the attention to the flap, but it was a little late.

Then in the finals of the 200 backstroke, Peirson got nailed for an illegal turn. Is this were they retired figureskating's French Judge?

After the appeal got into high gears, the D.Q. was erased. (I have yet to see the race.)

Peirsol was more than two seconds ahead of the silver medalist. When the D.Q. was flashed on the scoreboard, the crowd began to boo. Still standing on deck, the 21-year-old Californian shrugged his shoulders in disbelief.

"It sounds pretty bogus to me," Peirsol said. "I don't know what it is and I've got to go figure it out."

FINA overturned the disaqualification in 30 minutes time, just before the medal ceremony.

Goddard of the UK was second much off the race, only to get passed by two at the end. He slapped the water in disgust. He was edged out for a medal by 20-hundredths of a second after Peirsol's win was restored. With grace, the US squad has done little or none of those types of outbursts.

In the 100 back, Peirsol took the gold and fellow US teammate, Lenny Krayzelburg, got fourth. Lenny had won both the 100 and 200 in the Olympics in 2000. Furthermore, both are friends and now swim with the same club team and are coached by David Salo. David's team put six swimmers on the USA squad. The club's web page has the clever slogan, "Sent Six!"

The frst lesson here ---- it is okay to speak out. Speak out in times when it might come back to harm you as well. When you are at the top of your game, and when you are right, it is okay to speak out. We need more to do so.

The next lesson has to do with backlash. When bad things happen -- good officials, good people with power, need to go out of their way to make sure things are straight. The Olympic officials missed a bit in the 100 breast. I expect some officials were with a big blush -- if not red faced. A couple might have been flat out angry -- as seen in the D.Q. of Peirsol. But, it didn't stick.

US Women's Volleyball Spiked

The US Women's Volleyball team -- 6 on 6, indoors -- are in an uphill battle in Pool B. The team lost a match to a squad who had yet to win a game in its past two encounters.

In the past, my indie small press published a number of books on volleyball. The bulk of those titles now form an E-book collection on volleyball and are on the web in PDF format for gratis downloads.

The 2004 Men's USA's Olympic Coach, Doug Beal, has been a by-line author in the volumes found in the link above.

Western PA has great tradition in high school volleyball.

Fresh Ideas for Just Harvest Silent Auction Contributions

The annual dinner for a non-profit group, Just Harvest, is looking for exciting donations for a highly anticipated Silent Auction. Their search for fresh new donations hit a motherload with creativity here. Can you donate something too?

It can be a weekend at a country home, a painting, knitting lessons. Do you know a local sports figure that would be willing to give lessons, do you have a clothing store where you can donate an outfit or maybe a local television or radio personality that's willing to tape an outgoing message on someone's answering machine? No matter how big or small it will help to raise money to fight hunger in our communities.

If you have a donation please contact or have the donor contact Shauna at (412) 431-8960 or mail to her at Just Harvest, 16 Terminal Way, 15219.

My offerings are expected to include:

One hour of help and hand-holding to establish your own blog and web/email space.

Two hours of badminton instruction, play, games with equipment provided by Coach Mark at a local park or your facility / function (schedules permitting).

Thirty minute private swim lesson at the Oliver Bath House in public swim time (schedules permitting) -- if the pool reopens.

Other ideas welcomed. These above are rather "tame."

The wind in Athens isn't always from Mother Nature

in the past, I've been hard on NBC's coverage of the Olympic Games, I've been critical. In 2004, NBC's efforts have been better than expected. However, as a whole, trash talk isn't just of the realm owned by the USA Men's Basketball Players. The overall tone of the coverage from the print journalists is now 'officially' making my skin crawl.

Steve Rushin, of Sports Illustrated:

" ... The Olympics have more down time than federal prison...."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/writers/08/17/oly.downtime/index.html

In another story, Frank DeFord asked if Michael Phelps would be in wrestling and other sports for the duration of the games.

How many stories of empty seats do we need to endure? Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim headline: Empty Olympics stands lead to lack of excitement and lousy television. Frankly, the TV is fine.

Perhaps, the fans are interested in wading past the mud so easily flug by the journalists. So, perhaps, we've got a man bites dog story unfolding. Clueless journalists might be jumping on the wrong bandwagons.

Negativity wants to rule the day. This negativity, (U.S. boxing hasn't been competitive for several Olympics -- as lead by Richard hoffer) does nothing but illustrate lazyness from writers. Case in point: Don't tell how poor the boxers are going to do until after you've introduced the individuals and perhaps the coaches.

New Bio and Eco Lab in Hill District

bio lab Volunteer!

Political Victory in Allegheny County for voter database access

The county voter database has been opened at a reasonable price. This makes for a major victory for open government. Thanks to David Tessitor. and the ACLU for bringing the case against the elections department before a judge. If you missed the news, catch it at 9x9.CLOH.Org/departments/politics.

Celeste Taylor, formerly of the NAACP and Good Schools PA, said she'll be down at the county offices to pick up her copy tomorrow.

Home team is golden

Mens Springboard Syncro Diving --- wow! Greeks get wet and soak in the victory.

The Greek's won. A number of other teams tanked. Nice event for spectators, even with a half-time show.
ATHENS — After four days of Olympic competition, Canada can lay claim to a bronze medal in diving and the fool in the pool.

Now security is going to a higher level.

Men's 200 meter freestyle FINALS

This is going to be great. Watch Michael Phelps on his turns. He'll stay in the steamline longer and have a more explosive push-off. If he takes the gold, he'll need to cook off those walls.

Ian has better distance per stroke.

What a race. Can't wait.

Badminton, Costas called it a CULT Sport

We are going to see plenty of badminton in the Olympics, said NBC's Bob Costas as the opening parade of athletes was being conducted. Great!

But Bob also said that badminton was a "cult sport." Hold the phone. Badminton is great. It is great in the backyard, and, it is great as a real sport too.

When we went to China, we got into badminton, big time. At our 4th of July party we set up five courts in our local park. At our family vacation / reunion, we set up a court and wore out the grass with four continual days of play.

If you want to play some badminton, post your comments below. We'll be playing again real soon.

Furthermore, he mentioned badminton and tied it to another CULT sport, the winter sport of CURLING. Hey, he is hitting too close to home. I love curling too. I was slightly involved in the formation of the young Pittsburgh Curling Club. It meets throughout the winter months and is a lot of fun. I have pitched the idea of turning the now closed, indoor ice rink on the South Side, located behind South Side Hospital, as a curling center.

Humm. Why not make the closed ice rink a curling center in the winter and a home for power badminton in the summer.

This reminds me. I did offer to help coordinate the badminton competition for the 2005 Senior Games to come to Pittsburgh. The badminton and volleyball will be played at Pitt's Cost Center. A sponsorship of Sports Court has been established to get the flooring. It would be great to get that flooring into the now closed ice rink, before and after the event.

Ruffle feathers. Play badminton.

In case you missed it: Call me a snob or enthusiast, but what was that word within the NBC News Coverage from Aug. 15, 2004 about badminton?

Pittsburgh's Marathon Dies

Marathon article in the Post-Gazette with "post-it comments" from Mark Rauterkus

Our marathon-running Mayor, Tom Murphy, is at the helm of the city as the Pittsburgh Marathon dies. He can't advance his own agenda, yet alone now, run in a marathon in a city that he claims as his primary residence.

I have plenty to say about the Marathon in Pittsburgh.

In the end, once we establish a new Pittsburgh Park District, we'd be much better along.

Furthermore, when I'm mayor, I'd re-establish the Pittsburgh Marathon -- but do it in a much different manner and style. There is no way we should spend $1-million to host a marathon.

The Marathon saga, woven with the Great Race, makes another great example of the lack of cooperation from the administration, the lack of creativity, and fumbles of leadership.

Open Debates . Org

Go to http://opendebates.org/ and sign the petition.

Lump Camp takes another holiday

The summer's schedule has been full of highs and lows -- by design. We've come to perfect the concept of LUMP CAMP. Simply put, lump camp is when you sit around and do nothing. Act like a lump.

For me, lump camp means fussing on the web, writting, reading, playing, going to the park with the kids. Even going swimming is a bit beyond the true spirit of lump camp. We will get to Ream Pool one of these days.



For the boys, they get to play. And, as a special twist, about three weeks ago we put in a new rule. No TV. We unplugged the boob tube. It isn't going back unless we are watching the Olympics.

Today, as the photo show, we had a rebel with crafts in our midst, an out-of-town relative. Foiled.

So, the plan calls for some really easy days because there rest of the summer has been full of wild adventures and travels.

We went to China for five weeks.

Then to DC and played basketball on the mall with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Two weeks of scholars camp for Erik.

Music camp for a week for half-days.

A trip to Chicago, staying at Hamburger University.

Three days at Kenyon College for Summer Insititute, a church camp.

A week at Virginia Tech for SUUSI, our favorite summer church camp.

Five days in eastern PA at a state park for a family reunion, saying at the Weisel Hostel.

Zoo camp for a half-day for both boys.

Trip to Maine and Boston.

Trip to Montana, yet to occur.

Time will tell if I get all of these photos online.

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An interface to the other email subcription services is brewing, some how, some way.

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Sports Scribes, Coverage, Journalists, -- Olympics in 2004

"Athens, in many ways, resembles a police state this week," Wise said. "You can't walk around without seeing scores of young Greek men with automatic weapons affixed to their waists."

Sure, there will be tension this week. It will be interesting to see if the USA squad stays within the rows as it enters the stadium for the opening parade. But, the humanity can still make for a buzz that is easily able to overcome the automatic weapons.

"We've had State Department briefings," said Terry McDonell, the managing editor of Sports Illustrated. "If the unthinkable happens, we have to be ready to be able to explain it and be inside the news."

Sportswriters and editors get annoyed when they hear suggestions that their beat isn't newsy in the first place. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, some in our sports departments are very happy to say that they are covering ENTERTAINMENT, not sports, not life, not news. And, when it comes to the harder, more interesting, more newsworthy elements -- they take a pass.

Sports are GAMES of TIME, SPACE and RELATIONSHIP. All elements matter in sports. Meanwhile, entertainment is like a movie in a cinema that can be played over and over again, in any place, in any time. Staged entertainers can use lights and really move one's emotions and build a following and toy with 'relationships.' But, that isn't sports. The distinctions are clear to people with real understandings of sports.

Sportswriters are professional reporters. They need editors who are real journalists too, even with a city beat.

Pittsburgh is a sports town -- despite the sports departments in the newspapers. The coverage is frail in certain areas. Steelers talk is always going to rule the day, but, the spectrum is wide and the day is long.

"Our strategy is to do the unusual, a story about someone unexpected who wins a medal and get the back story on an unexpected hero," Hoenig said.

For those of sports, this is not unusual. It is expected. Bring it on.