Special Computer/Coaching Intern/Post Grad Swimmer Positions Available.
CALIFORNIA , HUNTINGTON BEACH
Golden West Swim Club
Continuous Listing, Begun June 2006, Revised October 30, 2008
“THINK ‘WAY OUTSIDE’ THE BOX!” Available Until Filled. Golden West Swim Club, in Huntington Beach, CA, has a unique opportunity for an aspiring young swimming coach or post graduate swimmer with a background in computer science; software and/or hardware. The preferred person should have a knowledge of computer programming. Knowledge of C#, ASP.Net, and Databases strongly desired. This position involves working on cutting edge technology application projects. This is an intern type position with a $18,000 stipend. Additional compensation is available from stroke lessons. This is a great learning experience in all areas of coaching. Duties will include experiences in all phases of the art, science, and business of coaching; including daily deck coaching, meets, event staging, sports information and advertising, facility maintenance and development, transportation and travel, fund raising, motivational systems development and implementation, video and computer utilization, heart rate monitoring, computer assisted race evaluation, office duties, etc. You will really learn about your profession and acquire some great coaching skills! This is a great opportunity to contribute and be a part of a fun and successful situation. A one to two years commitment is required. This situation is immediately available. Apply to: Bob Gillett, Head Swimming Coach, Golden West Swim Club, 19731 Quiet Bay Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 . Cell: (714) 766-9767. E-Mail: coach@bobgillett.com. If you are interested in applying for an Internship, give us a call or e-mail us of your interest. We will then use the following process: 1. Submit a resume with references. We probably will not call your references until the final phase of the process; unless we know them personally. 2. After you submit a resume, we may ask you to then submit a short (couple of minutes) of video of yourself explaining a skill. Nothing elaborate; just put a cam recorder on the table, turn it on and record. For example, show and explain butterfly arms. We are not looking for knowledge or technique proficiency or anything earth shattering. We would just like to see you and hear you talk, and get to know you. A video conference call can be substituted. 3. At this point, if everything matches up for both parties; then we will offer you an internship agreement. 4. References from past participates in this program with Coach Bob Gillett will be given for you to evaluate this unique opportunity for a young coach.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Coaching job in Golden West
If I'm a young coach -- I'd be interested in this job.
Univ. of Florida has 49 alto sax players. One, Andrew, is my relative.
Andrew is playing at the game and is in the band. The Gator band will also be playing in the Super Bowl, pregame. Opportunities of a lifetime, says his mom, my cousin, Linda.
Linda played in the Florida Gator Band for three years when she was an undergrad. The first year, the team didn't win a game. The second year in the band, the team did slightly better. The third year, Florida football was on probation and the band didn't play at all.
I'm cheering for the Gators! Chomp, chomp.
Twitter is not 'Sooner-ish' today.
Linda played in the Florida Gator Band for three years when she was an undergrad. The first year, the team didn't win a game. The second year in the band, the team did slightly better. The third year, Florida football was on probation and the band didn't play at all.
I'm cheering for the Gators! Chomp, chomp.
Twitter is not 'Sooner-ish' today.
Say it isn't so.
 |
| From people & vips |
We have good news, then it is bad news. We'd love to have #25 stay at Pitt next year.
In other school news. the PureReform blog is reporting that the I.B. High / Jr. High is going to have a full class of 150 students in grades 9 and 6 for the fall of 2009. There might be some wiggle room, yet, unsure, for next years 7th and 8th.
Furthermore, Dr. Walters has been named the principal for the new school. He is presently at Frick Middle School. This is wonderful news for us and the program.
The Sci and Tech School is also in great position with the number of students who are slated to enter in the fall of 2009 as well.
LET'S MAKE A SPLASH ON FEBRUARY 2ND!!
Just on the heels of the Polar Bear Swim -- comes this invite.
Join the "Pitts-Burrrrrgh Drownedhogs" on Monday 02/02/09 and do a "COOL THING FOR THE KIDS" at Circle C Youth and Family Services; and help to predict when spring will arrive.
WARM-UPS START AT 11:00 - PLUNGE AT NOON at the 18th Street Boat Ramp off E.Carson St. on the South Side. Because we are unable to cast a shadow we have committed our method of prediction to this verse ....
"If the DrownedHogs frolic in the chilly Mon,
Springs arrival is almost won.
But if they scream and run back out,
Winter will be a six-week bout."
Come on down and swim with The Drowned Hogs, or be a "Designated Dryer" to help a "Hog" get dried off after the swim, or just join in the fun! When you come out of the river you can run through the "Hog Wash" where warm water will be poured over you to eliminate the shivers and to neutralize the Mon! We're making "HOG WASH" bar soap available again this year!
Then its off to Folino's, at 1719 E. Carson St. for chili and live music by the awesome Tracy Lee and video of the plunge!
FOR MORE INFO CALL 412-937-1650 X227
Hope to see you there!
Al Bollinger, Head Hog Scott Jones, Director of Development Barb Ginsburg, Resource Manage
Apple and Music and -- listening again
A major victory in the campaign to eliminate DRM -- Apple, the last major retailer of DRM-encumbered music has announced, live at MacWorld, that iTunes music will be going DRM-free.
Of course, what this really makes clear is that this was never about the record companies withholding DRM-free music from Apple, but rather that Apple was unwilling to concede a tiered pricing structure to the recording companies. In the end, anti-DRM activists -- including yourself -- were able to educate the public enough to pressure Apple to give in.
http://digg.com/tech_news/Help_Apple_is_holding_me_ransom_for_0_30_per_song
* Read the full story:
Pgh Public Schools begins "book club."
Have you read a good book lately?
Here is another great parent involvement activity.
Join us Monday January 12, 2009 for the first meeting of the title 1 parent book club. Read a good book, network with other parents and family members and get more involved. All are welcome
Location: cafeteria, administration building (Oakland) 314 S. Bellefied Ave Pgh. PA 15213. Date and Time: Monday January 12, 2009 from 6:00 to 7:30 Please RSVP to Mark Conner at mconner1@pghboe.net or call at 412-622-3941.
Scrub your speech of these phrases, Mr. Roosevelt and PPS Administrators
The Tribune Review has the expression in the paper again today, "We looked at the data, ..."
Wave the red flags. Time out. Wash your mouth out with soap.
Last night I was at another meeting in the east end hosted by the Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. brass. Three school administrators were given the curtosy of an extended introduction and speaking time and I heard these same phrases again.
The PPS (Pgh Public Schools) Administrator said, "We want to bring the numbers to the table." She was convinced of a certain course of action because she was privileged to have seen the numbers, the data, the research. She was hopeful that the numbers could be shared with others who are "at the table." Then, once their facts were spilled, the table would be on-board and see the light.
A third verse of the same theme boils down to an evaluation of the work and outcome suggestions of a special community task force. About 30 members of the public were hand-picked, names still not released to the public, for guidance. These folks formed a task force to make a suggestion as to where to put the long-term home of the district's I.B. program. The I.B. program had been harbored within Schenley High School, which was dismantled last year.
The data that the I.B. long-term site selection task force was able to wrestle with has not been released. Who was on the task force wasn't released yet. And the work product, the meeting minutes, the in-depth decision justifications and any hint of financial impacts -- all are still under wraps.
I don't want the data to be revealed to those who are 'at the table.' I want it to be revealed to everyone everywhere.
I don't want to hear how the district administrators have access to findings and raw performance measures yet the people who pay for the schools do not.
Often, those numbers are not released because they are embarrassing. Frankly, what is more embarrassing is trying to make fixes to the district while having heads in the sand. The behaviors we've come to expect within the schools and within the planning process is atrocious.
It is unforgivable that the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation has to ask for the results of a community task force that includes more depth than what is read in the Post-Gazette. The questions should not even need to be asked. The insights and details should have been posted to the web all along. Agendas, minutes, attendance at meetings, presentations, facts, figures, costs, projections, historical graduation rates, numbers of certified teachers, costs of additional faculty education, timelines for training, space figures at schools, busing costs, new renovation costs, re-sale projections, etc., etc., etc.
I'm sure most of this has been thought of by someone. Well, I'm not sure, but I give them the benefit of the doubt.
I want to see it. And, I want everyone to see everything.
We don't know how many kids went to classes at the ALAs (Accelerated Learning Academy) as the school year started two to three weeks before the other schools. What was the August 1st attendance in 2008 and 2007? Now we hear the school year at the ALAs is going to shorten. Why? How successful has it been so far?
I don't need to know WHO was in class. I need to know how many were there, how many were to be there, and for teachers too. And, reports as to the effectiveness of these extra school days, by date, needs to be a measure that is revealed.
These few examples are only the tip of the iceberg.
How much is paid each year to Microsoft for software licenses? How much is going to be paid for proprietary licenses with the Science and Technology Jr./Sr. High? How much will be saved by using OpenOffice.org and Linux?
Who was on the High School Reform Task Force? Where was that group's work product. All of that went out the window by they way when the asbestos excuse was found at Schenley. A group had meetings for nearly two years and nothing of those meetings was able to be release nor implemented.
What about the budget for the Pittsburgh Promise?
I'm not asking for new audits. I'm asking for an open process. And, the way that is done in our modern time is with the internet. It goes deeper than a few PowerPoint slides as well.
Some months ago I spoke to this same theme with the school board when I heard that the PARENT DASHBOARD system was being scratched. This had been a valuable tool for some parents with some teachers for some kids as they could see homework assignments and class attendence -- nearly real time. But, the district pulled the plug on that window into the schools. (Go figure.)
Rather, a new, beefy, whiz bang system, developed in-house, was being rolled out. It would be able to grade tests and measure classroom, school, grade and district results -- more than just an individual score. It was in beta testing and was fast as lightening -- and those on the school board were prohibited from seeing it. They were to authorize it, but they were not able to evaluate it.
The elected school board members were kept in the dark. And, by-and-large, they were okay with that. It is worse than being a back-seat driver -- as they were being stuffed in the trunk. Meanwhile, the citizens are not even in the car. We're getting out of the way, happy it doesn't mow down our kids as they walk to and from school.
I don't want to hear, ever again, about the data that the district sees that is hidden from what anyone anywhere else can see.
Wave the red flags. Time out. Wash your mouth out with soap.
Last night I was at another meeting in the east end hosted by the Bloomfield-Garfield Corp. brass. Three school administrators were given the curtosy of an extended introduction and speaking time and I heard these same phrases again.
The PPS (Pgh Public Schools) Administrator said, "We want to bring the numbers to the table." She was convinced of a certain course of action because she was privileged to have seen the numbers, the data, the research. She was hopeful that the numbers could be shared with others who are "at the table." Then, once their facts were spilled, the table would be on-board and see the light.
A third verse of the same theme boils down to an evaluation of the work and outcome suggestions of a special community task force. About 30 members of the public were hand-picked, names still not released to the public, for guidance. These folks formed a task force to make a suggestion as to where to put the long-term home of the district's I.B. program. The I.B. program had been harbored within Schenley High School, which was dismantled last year.
The data that the I.B. long-term site selection task force was able to wrestle with has not been released. Who was on the task force wasn't released yet. And the work product, the meeting minutes, the in-depth decision justifications and any hint of financial impacts -- all are still under wraps.
I don't want the data to be revealed to those who are 'at the table.' I want it to be revealed to everyone everywhere.
I don't want to hear how the district administrators have access to findings and raw performance measures yet the people who pay for the schools do not.
Often, those numbers are not released because they are embarrassing. Frankly, what is more embarrassing is trying to make fixes to the district while having heads in the sand. The behaviors we've come to expect within the schools and within the planning process is atrocious.
It is unforgivable that the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation has to ask for the results of a community task force that includes more depth than what is read in the Post-Gazette. The questions should not even need to be asked. The insights and details should have been posted to the web all along. Agendas, minutes, attendance at meetings, presentations, facts, figures, costs, projections, historical graduation rates, numbers of certified teachers, costs of additional faculty education, timelines for training, space figures at schools, busing costs, new renovation costs, re-sale projections, etc., etc., etc.
I'm sure most of this has been thought of by someone. Well, I'm not sure, but I give them the benefit of the doubt.
I want to see it. And, I want everyone to see everything.
We don't know how many kids went to classes at the ALAs (Accelerated Learning Academy) as the school year started two to three weeks before the other schools. What was the August 1st attendance in 2008 and 2007? Now we hear the school year at the ALAs is going to shorten. Why? How successful has it been so far?
I don't need to know WHO was in class. I need to know how many were there, how many were to be there, and for teachers too. And, reports as to the effectiveness of these extra school days, by date, needs to be a measure that is revealed.
These few examples are only the tip of the iceberg.
How much is paid each year to Microsoft for software licenses? How much is going to be paid for proprietary licenses with the Science and Technology Jr./Sr. High? How much will be saved by using OpenOffice.org and Linux?
Who was on the High School Reform Task Force? Where was that group's work product. All of that went out the window by they way when the asbestos excuse was found at Schenley. A group had meetings for nearly two years and nothing of those meetings was able to be release nor implemented.
What about the budget for the Pittsburgh Promise?
I'm not asking for new audits. I'm asking for an open process. And, the way that is done in our modern time is with the internet. It goes deeper than a few PowerPoint slides as well.
Some months ago I spoke to this same theme with the school board when I heard that the PARENT DASHBOARD system was being scratched. This had been a valuable tool for some parents with some teachers for some kids as they could see homework assignments and class attendence -- nearly real time. But, the district pulled the plug on that window into the schools. (Go figure.)
Rather, a new, beefy, whiz bang system, developed in-house, was being rolled out. It would be able to grade tests and measure classroom, school, grade and district results -- more than just an individual score. It was in beta testing and was fast as lightening -- and those on the school board were prohibited from seeing it. They were to authorize it, but they were not able to evaluate it.
The elected school board members were kept in the dark. And, by-and-large, they were okay with that. It is worse than being a back-seat driver -- as they were being stuffed in the trunk. Meanwhile, the citizens are not even in the car. We're getting out of the way, happy it doesn't mow down our kids as they walk to and from school.
I don't want to hear, ever again, about the data that the district sees that is hidden from what anyone anywhere else can see.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Healthcare Reform update from Molly Rush
PUSH is planning a statewide conference in Pittsburgh in March, 2009. You’re invited to be on the planning committee to work on site planning, the agenda, speakers, outreach, media, fund-raising, etc. We need you!
Contact Dr. Scott Tyson TysMar@aol.com;
Bob Mason bmasona@gmail.com or molly.rush@verizon.net.
PUSH MEETS ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 6:15 P.M. AT THE FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, MOREWOOD & ELLSWORTH, SHADYSIDE. PLEASE ATTEND.
The next meeting is on Monday, January 12th.
Start the 2009-2010 School Year AFTER Labor Day
The Pure Reform Blog has been busy in recent weeks with talk about Pittsburgh Public Schools. That's nice. Check it out.
I posted this there, just now.
No school should be scheduled to start until after Labor Day. PERIOD.
In August, it is just too hot.
In August, we've got family time and vacation time.
In August, we've got summer jobs.
In August, we've got an economy to run.
Bring the teachers back, if you must, before Labor Day. But keep the kids out of school.
Furthermore, the numbers of those who did attend school in August have always been kept as a 'secret.' There wasn't any learning going on as the classrooms were way to vacant to begin to address new topics with the kids. The kids didn't show up.
And, the district didn't report the numbers of those that did and didn't show up anyway.
The idea of August school failed, like I knew it would.
I posted this there, just now.
No school should be scheduled to start until after Labor Day. PERIOD.
In August, it is just too hot.
In August, we've got family time and vacation time.
In August, we've got summer jobs.
In August, we've got an economy to run.
Bring the teachers back, if you must, before Labor Day. But keep the kids out of school.
Furthermore, the numbers of those who did attend school in August have always been kept as a 'secret.' There wasn't any learning going on as the classrooms were way to vacant to begin to address new topics with the kids. The kids didn't show up.
And, the district didn't report the numbers of those that did and didn't show up anyway.
The idea of August school failed, like I knew it would.
201 Million Students to study Open Source Technologies in schools
A breakthrough in curriculum change for 201 Million students and adoption of Open Source Technologies in schools has occured in Indonesia. Ministry of Research (RISTEK) has adopted MySQL and OpenOffice.org as the recommended open source software for database and for document processing.I wish the new Pittsburgh Public School devoted to Science and Technology would make the same statements.
If you are not sure what OpenOffice.org is all about, check out these recent trade articles that stack up OpenOffice against what Microsoft has.
http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24734388-39525,00.html
OpenOffice is an open-source software outfit responsible for a bundle of productivity software that competes with the Seattle company's great cash cow, Microsoft Office. It does almost everything MS Office does but, unlike the Microsoft product, it's free.
InformationWeek: Review: Open-Source Office Suites Compared
Bit by bit, the Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) monopoly on office productivity applications is receding -- and one of the most important ways this is happening is through the proliferation of open source productivity suites. The most obvious example is OpenOffice.org, now in a landmark third release...
Datamation: The Future Facelift of OpenOffice.org
"The mission statement: Create a User Interface so that OpenOffice.org becomes the users' choice not only out of need, but also out of desire." With these words, the Renaissance project was launched last week with the goal of giving the popular free office suite a face lift.
tbusiness.ca: OpenOffice upgrade gives free office suite wealth of new features
OpenOffice.org is a powerful productivity suite--including tools for word processing, spreadsheets, slideshows and more--with one major additional feature: it's free.
Macworld: Review: OpenOffice.org 3
OpenOffice.org is a powerful productivity suite–including tools for word processing, spreadsheets, slideshows and more—with one major additional feature: it’s free.
CRN : The 10 Coolest Open Source Products Of 2008
The popular -- and free -- open source productivity suite hit its milestone 3.0 version in 2008, making it more clear than ever that its functionality and compatibility with Microsoft Office (including OpenOffice Impress, which is PowerPoint compatible) make it a force to be reckoned...
Did city look the other way?
This stinks.
Did city look the other way?: "Those owners, Peter Karlovich and Steven Herforth, hold political fundraisers at their Mount Washington home, including one for Mayor Luke Ravenstahl in May 2007. When the Bureau of Building Inspection threatened to close the club, they appealed to Council President Doug Shields, and then to the mayor's Chief of Staff Yarone Zober, who connected them with city lawyers.Scrutiny comes because a guy died, not because you live in a big house.
After talks with the club, the city lawyers told building inspectors to let it stay open pending discussions that never occurred."
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Pathetic State of the Pittsburgh Public School District
Policy BriefMy reactions are pending. Much to do today.
An electronic publication of
The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
January 6, 2009 Volume 9, Number 1
Problems for the Pittsburgh Public School District continue to mount. For the current school year enrollment is 26,649, declining more than 1,600 students from the previous year. Moreover, the District recently issued a forecast indicating that its high school enrollment would drop from just over 8,000 to about 6,000 by 2014, a further decline of 25 percent. Compounding the District’s problems is a report of higher than normal absenteeism among its faculty.
Instead of instituting meaningful reforms that have a chance of turning the Pittsburgh Public Schools around, the District plans to launch a recruitment campaign for younger students. The District apparently believes parents of young children can be impressed with what Pittsburgh Schools have to offer and believe a recruitment campaign targeting the parents of children in kindergarten and pre-school will be the remedy. The problem might be that these parents are all too aware of what the District has to offer—poor academic performance.
The president of the school board is confident the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program will help reverse the sliding enrollment figures. To help spread the word of the Promise, the District has sent out mailers to families whose children do not attend Pittsburgh Public Schools touting the benefits of the program. As we wrote in an earlier Policy Brief (Vol., 8, No.69), the Promise, now two years old and having issued its first scholarships, has yet to deliver on the assertions it would reverse the enrollment trend or lead to improved academic performance. In fact, since the program was launched in late 2006, enrollment has dropped by more than 4,000 students.
Furthermore, as we pointed out, the Promise has also not raised academic achievement among its students. Latest scores on the state achievement test revealed that only 53 percent of 11th grade students scored at the proficient level on state reading levels and only 44 percent scored at grade level in math. At many of the District’s high schools the fraction of 11th grade students reaching proficiency struggles to reach 20 percent—hardly the material the District will put on recruitment posters, but certainly information that will scare off parents of prospective students.
The District claims it is losing students to charter schools and to suburban districts. To combat this problem, they will also work on making the schools more customer friendly by sending clerical employees to customer-service training seminars and creating a welcoming environment for visitors in District buildings. They haven’t released a cost projection for these projects, but this is an unnecessary expense for the cash-strapped District. It’s very doubtful that many parents of school-aged children would be willing to look past poor academic performance to improved customer service as a reason to enroll their children in Pittsburgh Public Schools.
The District is concerned that the drop in enrollment will cause overstaffing as a falling student count will leave them with excess teachers. That is a problem because getting rid of teachers even with declining enrollment is very difficult. And the state will not reduce its funding just because enrollment is down. That policy epitomizes all that is wrong with government financed and managed education.
Adding to the public relations woes of the District is a recent report showing that 6.5 percent of teachers call in sick on Fridays. By contrast, the national average call out sick rate for Fridays was only 2.3 percent in 2007 making Pittsburgh Public School teachers nearly three times as likely to call in sick as the national rate. Worse still, the absenteeism report revealed the highest rate to be on a Tuesday after a Monday night Steelers’ game. State and local taxpayers are shelling out $5 million for the abuse of sick leave policy. What kind of example are these teachers setting for their students?
To compound the negative image the call out rate creates, the union defends the heavy absenteeism by noting the teachers don’t get vacation days. This defense qualifies for the award as the most pathetic rationale ever dreamed up. Teachers work 190 days a year compared to the 240 or more that most people put in. Moreover, they are eligible for twelve sick days and two personal days during the year. Sick days not taken accumulate and are paid out in a lump sum at retirement. Teachers do not work most holidays when school is not in session. Then of course they are off much of June, July and most of August. And they get pay and fringe benefits as if they were full time, 250 day-a-year workers.
This absenteeism behavior and the defense offered for it, along with the right to strike, the work rules and the virtual impossibility of firing a teacher for inadequate performance combine to create a workplace disaster from a management and taxpayer point of view.
Unfortunately, Pittsburgh’s school board is equally complicit in the dysfunctional situation. One school board member offered the excuse that some teachers might be “burned out” or “frustrated” or alternatively the absentee problem could reflect an administration problem. Board member excuses for excessive teacher absenteeism reflects a District that is probably beyond repair let alone improvement—all this for a mere $20,000 in annual expenditures per student.
Dramatically falling enrollment and chronic high teacher absenteeism are just two of the hallmarks of a district in dire straits. Parents who care about their children’s education can see very clearly what the true picture is and they will want better for their children. Taxpayers should demand better returns for their expenditures. The problem is that the situation in Pittsburgh schools has been bad for so long that the Board and the teachers are not even embarrassed by these latest revelations and others regarding poor test scores.
On the other hand, Mayoral and Council candidates who are serious about changes that will slow the outflow of people and tax base from the City should address the awful condition of the school district. The people of Pittsburgh deserve better.
Frank Gamrat, Ph.D., Sr. Research Assoc. Jake Haulk, Ph.D., President
Please visit our blog at http://www.alleghenyinstitute.org/blog.
If you have enjoyed reading this Policy Brief and would like to send it to a friend, please feel free to forward it to them.
For more information on this and other topics, please visit our website: alleghenyinstitute.org
If you wish to support our efforts please consider becoming a donor to the Allegheny Institute. The Allegheny Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Please mail your contribution to:
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Thank you for your support.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Pittsburgh Promise is not for a PPS graduate now at Ohio Northern University
Teresa Ankney - Fix PA: "[edit] Pittsburgh Promise is not for everyoneThe Pittsburgh Promise needs to be a gateway to success, not a weight to insist upon parochial thinking. Our kids need to soar, high, far, and where ever they choose to go. They'll come home if home is a place where they know they'll not be cheated and lied to.
January 2009 in the Post Gazette [1]
Last Sunday the Post-Gazette published an article regarding the Pittsburgh Public School's attempts to recruit new students ('City Public Schools Taking Steps to Stem Declining Enrollment,' Dec. 28, 2008)."
Another poll
That's a Wrap: Change.org Ends Round One of Ideas for Change: The first round of Change.org's Ideas for Change in America contest, to which techPresident is a partner, has wrapped with about 250,000 total votes. The second phase launched this morning, and participants have 10 new votes to confer upon their top ideas. This round will run through the 15th, and the results will be presented to the Obama administration at the National Press Club the next day. In an early lead with 398 votes is "Pass Marriage Equality Rights for LGBT couples nationwide" (an idea, you might notice, that Obama opposes). Asked what happens if, say, legalizing marijuana is the top item, Change.org managing editor Josh Levy* tells me this: "Then we work with our non-profit partners to build a social movement around that idea, and try to actually get it done."
Mcall.com: Capitol Ideas with John L. Micek Blog
Pay to play hits Richardson from New Mexico and looks to entangle PA Governor, Ed Rendell too.
Mcall.com: Capitol Ideas with John L. Micek Blog: "Rendell Has Ties To Firm That Won New Mexico Contracts.
MLK Rally invite
Rally on Martin Luther King Day 2009 on Monday, January 19 at 12:00 pm. MLK & Economic Justice Rally with North Side United at Calvary United Methodist Church is slated for Monday, January 19 at 12:00 pm to 3 pm.
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=42872179405
RootsCamp Pittsburgh, January 24, 2009 - at the United Steelworkers Building, 5 Gateway Center
I'll be there. You can attend too.
Thanks for signing up for RootsCamp! Here's a quick update.
More than 30 people have now signed up, and dozens more have said they will come but not yet signed up. Still, we know we have plenty of room for more at this point.
We can comfortably accommodate 200. So if you know of someone who you think should attend but who may not yet know about RootsCamp, please invite them. Here's the link to the main RootsCamp Pittsburgh page: http://rootscamppittsburgh2009.pbwiki.com/
As you probably know this is a self-organizing conference. The attendees decide what they want to talk about. We have a "Proposed Sessions" that we can use to throw out some topics that would be good for the breakouts. Click on that link from the main page linked above and suggest some topics.
Thanks again, folks. There is much to learn from each other from this past election, and RootsCamp is going to be a great opportunity to do that. We can't wait to see you there!
Michael Morrill
Executive Director
Keystone Progress
610-568-0469-office
mike@keystoneprogress.org
www.keystoneprogress.org
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Pittsburgh homicides jump 28% as other cities see declines
Bad news.
Pittsburgh homicides jump 28% as other cities see declines The number is unofficial and could fall to 73 when the bureau reclassifies some deaths as accidental or justifiable, including three police-involved shootings. But even the lower figure makes 2008 the city's bloodiest year since 1993, when there were 83 homicides. The number also represents a 28 percent increase from 2007, when the city recorded 57 homicides.
The bureau's clearance rate for homicides -- those where an arrest was made or a case was otherwise solved -- went down from 75 percent in 2007 to about 49 percent for 2008.
Allegheny County as a whole had 120 murders in 2008, up from 98. The record, 125, was set in 2003.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Miffed Schenley students 'making do' with digs
Miffed Schenley students 'making do' with digs: "Becca Ridge, a senior from Highland Park, said the Advisory and Activity period instituted this school year is of little use to clubs because students have the period at different times. Some students reportedly leave early rather than sit through an activity period at the end of the day.
The district had a different take on the A&A period, saying it turned into a study hall when students showed little interest in offered activities."
Pennsylvania Conservative: New Release: More Proof of PA Homosexual Politicians Pushing Their Agenda
Bruce Kraus watch. He's in this press release, FWIW.
Pennsylvania Conservative: New Release: More Proof of PA Homosexual Politicians Pushing Their Agenda During the first half of 2008, newly elected open homosexual Pittsburgh Council member, Bruce Kraus, wrote, introduced and got passed a domestic partner registry. On April 10 Mr. Kraus testified against the Marriage Protection Amendment during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Pittsburgh.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Peabody High School on Chopping Block.
For everyone's insight. My comments are being saved for another posting. This was covered by the P-G today.
FIRST PITTSBURGH PEABODY COMMUNITY AND PARENT STAKEHOLDER MEETING ANNOUCEMENT
(Two Meetings-Same Agenda-Same Day-
Pick Your Best Time-Attend One Meeting)
Time: First meeting- 8 am Second meeting- 6 pm
Date: (Both Meetings On) Wednesday, January 7th
Location: BGC Community Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Avenue
Below are two recent news articles focusing on the work of a site selection committee for the Pittsburgh Public Schools International Baccalaureate program. (Please also read the letter from the BGC to the Superintendent -- attached and below.)
As you can see the site selection committee picked Pittsburgh Peabody. Pittsburgh Peabody with its rich history of educating high school age youth presently has 500 students attending the facility.
The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is not aware of any broad based Pittsburgh Peabody parent and community stakeholder group planning process occurring prior to the announcement.
In order to ensure full Pittsburgh Peabody Community and Parent Stakeholder input into whatever Superintendent Roosevelt and Board of Education plan evolves the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is forming a stakeholder working group.
We ask that join us on January 7th to learn details on what is being proposed. Our goal is also to identify an ongoing stakeholder group that will provide input to the Superintendent and the Board of Education as to what is best for the students at Pittsburgh Peabody and our region.
PLEASE SEND A REPLY EMAIL AND LET ME KNOW YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING.... Call with questions...
Rick Flanagan
Bloomfield Garfield Corporation
Cell 412-913-4360
Peabody best site for IB program, panel says
Friday, December 05, 2008
By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A 30-member site-selection committee has unanimously recommended the Pittsburgh Peabody building as the best permanent home for the International Baccalaureate program for grades 6 through 12 in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
The district today released the recommendation, which calls for the building to be ready for the 2012-13 school year.
The recommendation noted the district's location near public bus transportation and the fact the building would need fewer renovations than some other buildings.
IB school program may move to Peabody
By Rick Wills TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A committee is recommending that Pittsburgh Peabody high school become the permanent home of the district's rigorous International Baccalaureate program starting in the 2012-13 school year.
The program could bring hundreds of new students to Pittsburgh Peabody, which enrolls about 500 students but is expected to have a student population of less than 200 over the next five years.
The International Baccalaureate Programme offers students a chance to earn college credits. The program teaches subjects through an international perspective. It had been housed at Schenley High School until the district closed Schenley in June, 2008.
A 6-12 International Baccalaureate program was created in the Reizenstein school in East Liberty. However, the cost to make needed upgrades to Reizenstein has been estimated at $50 million, and the district has been looking for a new site for the IB program.
Peabody, which is located in East Liberty, was selected by a 30-member site selection committee, which presented its recommendation this week to schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. The committee is made up of parents, students and alumni from across the city.
"I thank the committee for their work, time and thoughtful deliberation," Roosevelt said in a statement issued Friday evening. "Their recommendation will inform the work we are currently doing to restructure our high schools."
Roosevelt and his staff are expected to provide a recommendation to the school board in the next few months.
The site selection committee looked at six schools -- Connelly Vocational School, Reizenstein along with Langley, Oliver, Peabody and Westinghouse high schools.
Peabody was selected as the best option. Its East End location is convenient to many students in the program, and few building renovations will be needed. It also is close to public transportation, the district said.
For the next three years, the IB program will remain at Reizenstein Middle School.
Rick Wills can be reached at rwills@tribweb.com or 724-779-7123.
Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation
5149 penn avenue
pittsburgh, pa 15224
phone 412-441-6950 fax 412-441-6956
http://www.bloomfield-garfield.org
December 26, 2008
Mark Roosevelt
Superintendent
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 S. Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Dear Superintendent Roosevelt,
The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation (BGC) appreciates your empowerment of a Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate program stakeholder group that recently released it proposed plans to move the International Baccalaureate program to Pittsburgh Peabody. The Board of Directors of the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation (BGC) is now asking for you to engage a community and parent leadership working group made up of Pittsburgh Peabody stakeholders.
The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation has already begun to identify community and parent leadership to join the working group. This leadership group will review the proposed International Baccalaureate program proposal, gain additional broad based community and parent input, and appropriately respond to the Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate proposed plan. The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation will act to organize and convene this stakeholder group.
Presently, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is asking that the Pittsburgh Public School Schools take the following action:
1) To the address above, send a copy International Baccalaureate program plan and a roster list of the decision makers on the plan. An emailed copy would be welcomed.
2) Please send copies of all the meeting minutes of the Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate program meetings.
3) Assign one or more of your district administrators to work in collaboration with the BGC on matters relating to the BGC newly created Pittsburgh Peabody Community and Parent Stakeholder Group.
As always, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation seeks to support your restructuring plans. The work of the BGC/Pittsburgh Peabody Parent and Community Stakeholder group will permit the varying stakeholders to feel a sense of pride and ownership over whatever restructuring plans are finally approved by the Board of Education.
Please send an email to me with the name of the administrator who you have assigned to engage the BGC on this matter.
Sincerely,
Richard Flanagan
BGC Youth Development Director
Email Rflanag@aol.com
Cell 412-913-4360
FIRST PITTSBURGH PEABODY COMMUNITY AND PARENT STAKEHOLDER MEETING ANNOUCEMENT
(Two Meetings-Same Agenda-Same Day-
Pick Your Best Time-Attend One Meeting)
Time: First meeting- 8 am Second meeting- 6 pm
Date: (Both Meetings On) Wednesday, January 7th
Location: BGC Community Activity Center, 113 N. Pacific Avenue
Below are two recent news articles focusing on the work of a site selection committee for the Pittsburgh Public Schools International Baccalaureate program. (Please also read the letter from the BGC to the Superintendent -- attached and below.)
As you can see the site selection committee picked Pittsburgh Peabody. Pittsburgh Peabody with its rich history of educating high school age youth presently has 500 students attending the facility.
The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is not aware of any broad based Pittsburgh Peabody parent and community stakeholder group planning process occurring prior to the announcement.
In order to ensure full Pittsburgh Peabody Community and Parent Stakeholder input into whatever Superintendent Roosevelt and Board of Education plan evolves the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is forming a stakeholder working group.
We ask that join us on January 7th to learn details on what is being proposed. Our goal is also to identify an ongoing stakeholder group that will provide input to the Superintendent and the Board of Education as to what is best for the students at Pittsburgh Peabody and our region.
PLEASE SEND A REPLY EMAIL AND LET ME KNOW YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING.... Call with questions...
Rick Flanagan
Bloomfield Garfield Corporation
Cell 412-913-4360
Peabody best site for IB program, panel says
Friday, December 05, 2008
By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A 30-member site-selection committee has unanimously recommended the Pittsburgh Peabody building as the best permanent home for the International Baccalaureate program for grades 6 through 12 in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
The district today released the recommendation, which calls for the building to be ready for the 2012-13 school year.
The recommendation noted the district's location near public bus transportation and the fact the building would need fewer renovations than some other buildings.
IB school program may move to Peabody
By Rick Wills TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A committee is recommending that Pittsburgh Peabody high school become the permanent home of the district's rigorous International Baccalaureate program starting in the 2012-13 school year.
The program could bring hundreds of new students to Pittsburgh Peabody, which enrolls about 500 students but is expected to have a student population of less than 200 over the next five years.
The International Baccalaureate Programme offers students a chance to earn college credits. The program teaches subjects through an international perspective. It had been housed at Schenley High School until the district closed Schenley in June, 2008.
A 6-12 International Baccalaureate program was created in the Reizenstein school in East Liberty. However, the cost to make needed upgrades to Reizenstein has been estimated at $50 million, and the district has been looking for a new site for the IB program.
Peabody, which is located in East Liberty, was selected by a 30-member site selection committee, which presented its recommendation this week to schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. The committee is made up of parents, students and alumni from across the city.
"I thank the committee for their work, time and thoughtful deliberation," Roosevelt said in a statement issued Friday evening. "Their recommendation will inform the work we are currently doing to restructure our high schools."
Roosevelt and his staff are expected to provide a recommendation to the school board in the next few months.
The site selection committee looked at six schools -- Connelly Vocational School, Reizenstein along with Langley, Oliver, Peabody and Westinghouse high schools.
Peabody was selected as the best option. Its East End location is convenient to many students in the program, and few building renovations will be needed. It also is close to public transportation, the district said.
For the next three years, the IB program will remain at Reizenstein Middle School.
Rick Wills can be reached at rwills@tribweb.com or 724-779-7123.
Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation
5149 penn avenue
pittsburgh, pa 15224
phone 412-441-6950 fax 412-441-6956
http://www.bloomfield-garfield.org
December 26, 2008
Mark Roosevelt
Superintendent
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 S. Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Dear Superintendent Roosevelt,
The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation (BGC) appreciates your empowerment of a Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate program stakeholder group that recently released it proposed plans to move the International Baccalaureate program to Pittsburgh Peabody. The Board of Directors of the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation (BGC) is now asking for you to engage a community and parent leadership working group made up of Pittsburgh Peabody stakeholders.
The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation has already begun to identify community and parent leadership to join the working group. This leadership group will review the proposed International Baccalaureate program proposal, gain additional broad based community and parent input, and appropriately respond to the Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate proposed plan. The Bloomfield Garfield Corporation will act to organize and convene this stakeholder group.
Presently, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation is asking that the Pittsburgh Public School Schools take the following action:
1) To the address above, send a copy International Baccalaureate program plan and a roster list of the decision makers on the plan. An emailed copy would be welcomed.
2) Please send copies of all the meeting minutes of the Pittsburgh International Baccalaureate program meetings.
3) Assign one or more of your district administrators to work in collaboration with the BGC on matters relating to the BGC newly created Pittsburgh Peabody Community and Parent Stakeholder Group.
As always, the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation seeks to support your restructuring plans. The work of the BGC/Pittsburgh Peabody Parent and Community Stakeholder group will permit the varying stakeholders to feel a sense of pride and ownership over whatever restructuring plans are finally approved by the Board of Education.
Please send an email to me with the name of the administrator who you have assigned to engage the BGC on this matter.
Sincerely,
Richard Flanagan
BGC Youth Development Director
Email Rflanag@aol.com
Cell 412-913-4360
Transparency Symposium | Commonwealth Foundation
Transparency Symposium | Commonwealth Foundation: "Opening Pennsylvania Government:
Transparency Symposium
Drug raid nets 10 arrests, heroin cache
Drug raid nets 10 arrests, heroin cache: "Police said they had been tipped by residents in the neighborhood who complained about drug trafficking in Elliott."
Polar Bear Swim, 2009
Original post from 1/1/09
I'm grasping for activities where I can still compete with Erik -- and win. The cold water is a great equalizer.
R, our lead off swimmer, like this was a relay, is next to me. She is still wearing her t-shirt. I'm in the green swim cap with the black Speedo robe. Erik, with grey hat and head down, is next to Rene and Mike, (Running Mate, dad, ex-college swimmer at Duquesne) is behind Erik at the far left of the frame.
The middle of the Frick relay - T, M, Erik.
The action gets hot. T in his leap. M and Erik on deck. The big guys, Mike and I are anchors.
Photo shows Erik in the water and on the way back to the wall.
Did he take a breath after his flip turn?
T and B scramble to the new year ahead.
Four photos from Greg Blackman. Thank you.
We did it! After the jump I'm putting on my shoes and can't feel my toes.
Photo from a cell phone on the edge of the Mon about 9:31 AM on January 1, 2009. Thanks Mike.
We passed out an invite that said to arrive at 9 am, jump in at 9:30 and depart by 9:31. Seems I wasn't too clear. There was some question about that minute when people were required to stay in the water. Wrong. you don't need to stay in the water for a minute. You don't even need to get your head wet. Sorry if I wasn't so clear. Our gang, mixed in the crowd, was all in and out in less than a minute.
None of us signed the official book, by the way. We waited in the line for 20-minutes or so, but then got ready for the jump.
Elsewhere:
Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual New Year's Day Plunge Into Icy Mon River - kdka.com: "Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual Icy Plunge"
I'm grasping for activities where I can still compete with Erik -- and win. The cold water is a great equalizer.
R, our lead off swimmer, like this was a relay, is next to me. She is still wearing her t-shirt. I'm in the green swim cap with the black Speedo robe. Erik, with grey hat and head down, is next to Rene and Mike, (Running Mate, dad, ex-college swimmer at Duquesne) is behind Erik at the far left of the frame.
The middle of the Frick relay - T, M, Erik.
The action gets hot. T in his leap. M and Erik on deck. The big guys, Mike and I are anchors.
Photo shows Erik in the water and on the way back to the wall.Did he take a breath after his flip turn?
T and B scramble to the new year ahead.
Four photos from Greg Blackman. Thank you.
We did it! After the jump I'm putting on my shoes and can't feel my toes.
Photo from a cell phone on the edge of the Mon about 9:31 AM on January 1, 2009. Thanks Mike.
We passed out an invite that said to arrive at 9 am, jump in at 9:30 and depart by 9:31. Seems I wasn't too clear. There was some question about that minute when people were required to stay in the water. Wrong. you don't need to stay in the water for a minute. You don't even need to get your head wet. Sorry if I wasn't so clear. Our gang, mixed in the crowd, was all in and out in less than a minute.
None of us signed the official book, by the way. We waited in the line for 20-minutes or so, but then got ready for the jump.
Elsewhere:
Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual New Year's Day Plunge Into Icy Mon River - kdka.com: "Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Takes Annual Icy Plunge"
Thursday, January 01, 2009
City's stale times in 2008
Effectiveness is NOT like this.
The public safety director can't be happy with the number of deaths on the streets and the rate of un-solved crimes and un-engaged witnesses. That is nothing to be happy about.
The city is cleaner -- redder, perhaps -- so they say.
How can Doug Shields, city council president, be a critic when he is part of the problem for so long. That's what gets me mad.
The proclamation of pledges to improve governance in Pittsburgh was a stage show that the media swallowed hook, line and sinker. It was a get-out-of-trouble card for many months. It was a way to spin in place without doing much of anything.
Four couples-- just four couples -- signed up for the domestic partner registry. That is what folly looks like. That is ineffective. That is nothing to be proud of. That isn't helping quality of life in the city. People are not going to move to Pittsburgh, nor stay, because of that groundbreaking council act. Even if 40 couples had signed up -- what benefits would be earned other than an opportunity to save $15 per year with the purchase of a family swim pool tags.
Congress on Neighboring Communities -- say what?
Isn't that what the PA Senate is for? Or, wasn't that what I proposed when I ran for city controller -- a citizens' handle for Grant Street. Or, rather, isn't that what I proposed with the development of a Pittsburgh ombudsmen.
Then there is the SWPC, Southwestern PA Planning Commission. Plus, there is the evil Allegheny Conference. Hold a meeting at the Duquesne Club. Or, hold a meeting with the ACDC, Allegheny County Dem Committee.
I'd love to see a Congress on Neighboring Communitys called the Pittsburgh Park District. But Dan Onorato insured that little would be done there by tossing a bone in the form of town-hall meetings and putting some of his VIPs onto a new nonprofit board for parks that has yet to amount to much, if anything.
The theme -- a lack of accountability for action. And, sleeping watchdogs that allow the nothingness to linger.
The hard talk on Grant Street is encouraged such as with the Shields "pack of lies" statement, whenever talking about studies. They can really kick up a big cloud of huff and puff when the outcome is only going to sit on the shelves and won't be revealed for months to come and is really just a "pay-to-play" contract at its root.
Lag time isn't 'hang time.' Furthermore, to use another basketball illustration, lag time is not marked with hustle, teamwork and hyper passing to get the open shot. Lag time is more like a 4-corner offense when basketball was played without a shot clock. The game would end up with a score of 3-0. The only thing tested was patience and the game clock. Nobody wins.
Rich Lord's article overlooked the rash of water pipe breaks. But, they've been quiet, it seems, in the fall. Quck, everyone knock on wood and keep up with the low-flushing policy.
The snow clearing fleet got revamped but what of the automated route system? Political patronage for paving and plowing is ... where ... LAGGING?
City's fresh start in '08 had some stale times: "The year 2008 started with a fresh council, a mayor with a mandate and a Valentine's Day pledge of partnership in Pittsburgh's halls of power. It ended with debate over who in city government can most accurately count to 10.A recap from me: City council has been so fruitless, that they are not worthy of my regular rants. I've not gone to Grant Street as frequently in recent times as they've been overflowing with folly of a hopeless style.
The public safety director can't be happy with the number of deaths on the streets and the rate of un-solved crimes and un-engaged witnesses. That is nothing to be happy about.
The city is cleaner -- redder, perhaps -- so they say.
How can Doug Shields, city council president, be a critic when he is part of the problem for so long. That's what gets me mad.
The proclamation of pledges to improve governance in Pittsburgh was a stage show that the media swallowed hook, line and sinker. It was a get-out-of-trouble card for many months. It was a way to spin in place without doing much of anything.
Four couples-- just four couples -- signed up for the domestic partner registry. That is what folly looks like. That is ineffective. That is nothing to be proud of. That isn't helping quality of life in the city. People are not going to move to Pittsburgh, nor stay, because of that groundbreaking council act. Even if 40 couples had signed up -- what benefits would be earned other than an opportunity to save $15 per year with the purchase of a family swim pool tags.
Congress on Neighboring Communities -- say what?
Isn't that what the PA Senate is for? Or, wasn't that what I proposed when I ran for city controller -- a citizens' handle for Grant Street. Or, rather, isn't that what I proposed with the development of a Pittsburgh ombudsmen.
Then there is the SWPC, Southwestern PA Planning Commission. Plus, there is the evil Allegheny Conference. Hold a meeting at the Duquesne Club. Or, hold a meeting with the ACDC, Allegheny County Dem Committee.
I'd love to see a Congress on Neighboring Communitys called the Pittsburgh Park District. But Dan Onorato insured that little would be done there by tossing a bone in the form of town-hall meetings and putting some of his VIPs onto a new nonprofit board for parks that has yet to amount to much, if anything.
The theme -- a lack of accountability for action. And, sleeping watchdogs that allow the nothingness to linger.
The hard talk on Grant Street is encouraged such as with the Shields "pack of lies" statement, whenever talking about studies. They can really kick up a big cloud of huff and puff when the outcome is only going to sit on the shelves and won't be revealed for months to come and is really just a "pay-to-play" contract at its root.
Lag time isn't 'hang time.' Furthermore, to use another basketball illustration, lag time is not marked with hustle, teamwork and hyper passing to get the open shot. Lag time is more like a 4-corner offense when basketball was played without a shot clock. The game would end up with a score of 3-0. The only thing tested was patience and the game clock. Nobody wins.
Rich Lord's article overlooked the rash of water pipe breaks. But, they've been quiet, it seems, in the fall. Quck, everyone knock on wood and keep up with the low-flushing policy.
The snow clearing fleet got revamped but what of the automated route system? Political patronage for paving and plowing is ... where ... LAGGING?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
How to Run -- or stand -- for public office, class on Jan 24
This is always a worthy investment of time. Would be nice to see Mark DeSantis attend.
The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh will present our biennial workshop on How to Run for Public Office on January 24. We do this in odd-numbered years because we believe that most candidates get started in local elections. We will focus on municipal councils, mayors, school directors, County Council and the district judiciary.
The workshop will be held at Point Park University Center, 414 Wood St., Rooms 212 and 213 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. A continental breakfast will be included. The cost is $50 per person.
The workshop will cover the details of filing nomination petitions and other documents, working with the political parties, understanding the office sought, and running an effective campaign. There will be an opportunity for participants to interact informally with a person who has run for and served in the office sought. There is more detail and a registration form on the attached flyer.
Please forward this information to anyone you believe might be interested in attending or might know someone who would be interested. The wider it is distributed, the better.
The flyer is is also on the League's web site. We welcome any links to it. The address is http://palwv.org/pittsburgh/RunForOffice.pdf
I would be interested in knowing about any links posted.
We look forward to seeing you or any of your friends and associates, their friends and associates, and anyone we can reach through this email at the workshop.
Thank you for your help.
Suzanne Broughton
President, League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh
Hey, you. Get onto my cloud.
Call out to artists in Pittsburgh. I'm looking for 3 others who MIGHT want to make/dabble w creation of a VIDEO wall w 12+ monitors. Ping me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
CollegeSwimming.com::Auburn's Quick Diagnosed With Inoperable Cancerous Brain Tumor
Sad, sad news.
CollegeSwimming.com::Auburn's Quick Diagnosed With Inoperable Cancerous Brain Tumor Auburn men’s and women’s head swimming and diving coach Richard Quick has been diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor. One of the most recognizable names in the swimming and diving community, Quick is a six-time United States Olympic coach who has directed 12 teams to NCAA titles.
The Conversation went dark too
With all the talk of burnout and bloggers going AWOL, don't over look the silence from Jonathan Potts.
If the burden of blogging is too much for you to bear -- send a digital wink my way and we'll see if it makes sense for you to tag along as a "Running Mate" and just blog under your byline here. But, if you do give-it-up --- do so without pulling the plug on the archives.
Now 2008 is nearly only a memory.
The Conversation: "Good night and good luck"His is another blog that I miss. His last post was in September 2008. He was around for four years. But, he had lots of years prior in other roles in the media.
If the burden of blogging is too much for you to bear -- send a digital wink my way and we'll see if it makes sense for you to tag along as a "Running Mate" and just blog under your byline here. But, if you do give-it-up --- do so without pulling the plug on the archives.
Now 2008 is nearly only a memory.
Firmware Verification - DRAFT letter
I'm going to send my own letter. This is a draft from David Powell, my party's chair. I'm the vice-chair. As such, I can be more of an attack dog. I hate it when a bureaucrat plays gatekeeper and closes volunteers, taxpayers, voters, citizens and experts from a watchdog opportunity.
David PowellChair, Libertarian Party of Allegheny County924 Chislett St.Pittsburgh, PA 15206(412) 661-1135
Mr. Mark Wolosik
Manager, Division of Elections, Allegheny County
604 County Office Bldg., 542 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2953
(412) 350-4500
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Dear Mr. Wolosik:
I have been informed that on Monday the 22nd the Division of Elections carried out a procedure to verify the integrity of the software contained within the iVotronic DRE voting terminals employed in Allegheny County. Though many members of my organization would prefer a voting system enabling voters to be sure their votes are recorded as cast, as long as the voters of our County must use paperless electronic voting machines we would certainly hope for any available assurances that they may be operating properly. So it is good news that the County is pursuing this matter.
Unfortunately, I have also been informed that the individual designated by our party to observe the process, Ronald Bandes, was not permitted to participate. Mr. Bandes is a graduate student studying Information Security, Policy, and Management at Carnegie Mellon University and has also served as a poll worker. As you may recall, in the November 2008 general election our party fielded candidates in the state-wide races for President, Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, and also for the 35th district of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. We of course wish votes for our candidates to be accurately counted, and were looking forward to the informed observations which Mr. Bandes volunteered to provide.
I am not an attorney, nor otherwise intimately familiar with the Pennsylvania Election Code. As a layperson, it would seem only natural that all parties with candidates on the ballot in the November general election would be entitled to observe election procedures on an equal basis, in accordance with the requirement in Article 1, Section 5 of the Pennsylvania Constitution that elections be “free and equal.” So that we can plan appropriately for upcoming elections, could you please provide me with your understanding of which provision(s) of law govern who may appoint observers for firmware verification events?
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Dave Powell, Chair
Allegheny County Libertarian Party
The Marketing Student | Generation Y Marketing Insights � A Look At How Gen Y Communicates
The Marketing Student | Generation Y Marketing Insights � A Look At How Gen Y Communicates: "A Look At How Gen Y Communicates"My $.02 about the article pointer above.
Frequency of email use is LOW, IMHO.
Facebook includes all blogs?
Tweets?
Blog comments = wall post?
IM=chat?
What about conf call rooms such as TalkShoe.com?
This is why I like Twitter -- pointers to clips like this, for car freaks
The new car is called, the 2012 Pelosi GTxi SS/RT Sport Edition.
Rule change sanity in swimming
Effective January 1, 2009 at all North Texas Swimming, age-group defined, sanctioned meets:
* Swimsuits worn by females for all 14 & Under defined competitions shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the hip.
* Swimsuits worn by males for all 14 & Under defined competitions shall not extend above the hips nor below the knees.
Great rule above. Time for some video fun, however.
This swim suit, worn by Grant in his younger days, shown in the video below, is not going to be legal in a swim meet in Dallas in 2009.
How to qualify for the Ironman Championships
By Nathan Hangen
The Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii is the holy grail for triathletes looking to reach professional status. Just like the Boston Marathon, you have to qualify in a qualifying race to gain entry to the Ironman Champsionships.
Athletes may gain entry into the Ford Ironman World Championship by earning a qualifying slot at one of the 29 worldwide qualifying events - open to citizens of all countries - held throughout the year. Qualifier races vary in length, ranging from 70.3-distance (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) to full Ironman distance (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run). Each event awards Ironman slots to its top age-group finishers, with some races also awarding professional qualifying slots. Athletes may also gain entry by being selected through the Ironman Lottery. You can generally find a list of races at Ironman.com, as well as a list of current qualifiers.If you qualified last year and wonder if you are automatically quailfied for the current year, unfortunately only the age group winners and top ten professional athletes are invited to return. Everyone has has to re-qualify.
If you do not qualify outright, the Ironman does hold a lottery where you may have a chance to participate, however typically slots unknown until all qualifiers are completed. If your country does not have any qualifying races, the only alternative is to race in another country or apply in the lottery. Unfortunately, your chances in the lottery are extremely slim.
Before the race, you must declare your status, and race in that division. Professionals must hold a valid professional/elite card or a letter from their country's federation. This must be submitted with the application. If you qualified as an age grouper and want to race as a pro, you must re-qualify as a professional earning a pro slot. If you race as a professional athlete during the calendar year, you may not race as an age grouper in IRONMAN for that year and the following year.
There are cutoff times that can disqualify you. Currently, the swim is 2.4 miles and the cutoff is 2 hrs. and 20 min., the bike is 112 miles and the cutoff time is 10 hrs and 30 min from the beginning of the race and the run is a full marathon which is 26.2 miles and the cutoff time is 17 hours from the beginning of the race.
Typically, a triathlete trains for 20-22 hours per week to prepare for an Ironman, although you might need more time if you are new to triathlons or Ironman distances. A good rule of thumb when training for each event is:
Miles per week swimming: 7 (11.3 km)
Miles per week biking: 232 (373.3 km)
Miles per week running: 48 (77.2 km)
Lastly, here are the current and future dates of the Ironman World Championship:
2009: 10/10/2009
2010: 10/9/2010
2011: 10/08/2011
2012: 10/13/2012
To prepare for an Ironman or any other Triathlon distance, visit the Triathlon Training Guide. If swimming is your weak event, be sure to read about the Tri Swim Coach Program.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Hangen
Will you stand
In other cultures, it is the common way to "stand" for public office. Here, we "run" for office -- sadly. There is little that makes me more upset than seeing a bozo politician run around seeking votes, like a chicken with his or her head cut off.
Song by Amy Carol Webb, a Florida friend who has played gigs for us in Pittsburgh. We expect and hope to see here in January.
Song by Amy Carol Webb, a Florida friend who has played gigs for us in Pittsburgh. We expect and hope to see here in January.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Football
Tonight -- we get to cheer for the guys in purple. Go Northwestern.
Pitt is in the Sun Bowl. As for the Rose Bowl, I'm not sure who I'll cheer for. I love USC and Pete Carroll. So, I might be joining the anti-Nit gang for this one.
NFL insights:
Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009:
Falcons at Cardinals NBC, 4:30 p.m. ET
Colts at Chargers NBC, 8 p.m., ET
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009:
Ravens at Dolphins CBS, 1 p.m. ET
Eagles at Vikings Fox, 4:30 p.m. ET
Teams with a first week bye:
AFC byes: Titans, Steelers
NFC byes: Giants, Panthers
Pitt is in the Sun Bowl. As for the Rose Bowl, I'm not sure who I'll cheer for. I love USC and Pete Carroll. So, I might be joining the anti-Nit gang for this one.
NFL insights:
Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009:
Falcons at Cardinals NBC, 4:30 p.m. ET
Colts at Chargers NBC, 8 p.m., ET
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009:
Ravens at Dolphins CBS, 1 p.m. ET
Eagles at Vikings Fox, 4:30 p.m. ET
Teams with a first week bye:
AFC byes: Titans, Steelers
NFC byes: Giants, Panthers
Friday, December 26, 2008
Bram falls off rocker
Just posted at Bram's blog. he seems to think that the field for the 2009 mayor's race is about to close. The race has yet to begin. He wants to put out a 'last call' for candidates, it seems.
My reply:
Last call, what a joke. You don't get to proclaim 'last call.' And, it ain't happening now, fur sure.
In the last go-around, Mark DeStantis was unknown until after he was a write-in, in MAY.
It wasn't until New Year's Day, Jan 1, 2001, that Josh Pollock came boldly onto the scene with a front page P-G article about his race. His ink was the first to spill in that year and there might have been 7 Ds in the race that year.
It is a long road Bram. Don't do what the others do and declare others the 'lamb' before it begins. Progressives are to be 'open minded.'
The 'done-deal mentality' has been killing Pittsburgh for many decades. That has to be outed and put to an end.
Those who wish to champion the status quo are sure to rush the last call and end before it even began.
My reply:
Last call, what a joke. You don't get to proclaim 'last call.' And, it ain't happening now, fur sure.
In the last go-around, Mark DeStantis was unknown until after he was a write-in, in MAY.
It wasn't until New Year's Day, Jan 1, 2001, that Josh Pollock came boldly onto the scene with a front page P-G article about his race. His ink was the first to spill in that year and there might have been 7 Ds in the race that year.
It is a long road Bram. Don't do what the others do and declare others the 'lamb' before it begins. Progressives are to be 'open minded.'
The 'done-deal mentality' has been killing Pittsburgh for many decades. That has to be outed and put to an end.
Those who wish to champion the status quo are sure to rush the last call and end before it even began.
Christmas Gift for all Running Mates Blog Readers and Twitter Followers
I wanted to purchase a Christmas gift for all the faithful readers of the blog and the 300 or so who follow on Twitter. But, I was torn at what to get for all of you. And, I'm on a budget. (My W2 for 2008 is going to have $0 income.) Plus, we've got this nagging problem with the global economic meltdown coupled with the news industry/journalism/newspaper meltdown. So, I need to be prudent. Finally, with our amazing trip to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, I felt it would be exciting to bring you back a gift from the Olympics. We did bring back more than 200 gifts for our family and closest neighbors and friends. But, sadly, until now, we didn't have the capacity to share a gift for all the readers and Running Mates.
The other day my wife and I were chatting about the arriving Christmas cards and letters. Then it struck me. She and I were both tickled by Steven's note. Steven is a chef. He wrote that he had been doing some cooking at home to ready his family for the holidays -- while crafting his letter. Cookies were coming out of the oven and rather than sending everyone a dozen cookies, he sent those on his Christmas list the recepit for his cookies. Bam! Within the letter we had the formula for Steven's Christmas Cookies, a wonderful treat.
Perhaps we'll test and then re-gift Steven's gift in the future -- but now on to your gift.
It's a hat. It comes from Beijing. No instructions necessary. Great when the sun is high and the heat is around 30-degrees C. Works with all different newsprint, regardless of the language -- sorta multi-lingual. Easy to export and import and does NOT require a hologram insignia of a branded logo.
This is the official gift hat of this blog, Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates, given on 2008's Boxing Day -- a day when all 20 of the teams in the Premier League are in action.
The hat is not so good for the next Steelers games. But, other local blogs have that covered. You might find this a splendid hat for watching the next test match of the West Indies Cricket Team now playing in the southern hemisphere.
Enjoy.
The other day my wife and I were chatting about the arriving Christmas cards and letters. Then it struck me. She and I were both tickled by Steven's note. Steven is a chef. He wrote that he had been doing some cooking at home to ready his family for the holidays -- while crafting his letter. Cookies were coming out of the oven and rather than sending everyone a dozen cookies, he sent those on his Christmas list the recepit for his cookies. Bam! Within the letter we had the formula for Steven's Christmas Cookies, a wonderful treat.
Perhaps we'll test and then re-gift Steven's gift in the future -- but now on to your gift.
It's a hat.
This is the official gift hat of this blog, Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates, given on 2008's Boxing Day -- a day when all 20 of the teams in the Premier League are in action.
The hat is not so good for the next Steelers games. But, other local blogs have that covered. You might find this a splendid hat for watching the next test match of the West Indies Cricket Team now playing in the southern hemisphere.
Enjoy.
Read, Avoid Extinction
I've been thinking more about burnout and how many need to avoid it. Plus, how some are failing and burnout is winning. A rash of blogging burnout has hit within Pittsburgh. My top bit of advice to community participants is simple: "Don't burn out."
Couple this aim of survival in the community commons with another pressing, personal mission quest -- literacy -- and I'm like a pig in a mud-puddle.
Back in the day, I hooked up with Phil Yeh, a talent and ball of energy that this world has a hard time containing. His words work with a call to "Read. Avoid Extinction."
For our blogs to work, for our communities to work, for our schools to work, for our landscape to work -- from Kiwis to Mao to the Long-Nosed Gar -- we've got to work together, avoiding extinction.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Peace on Earth. How about Pittsburgh?
Man Shot In Homewood - kdka.com: "Police are investigating a shooting this afternoon in a Pittsburgh neighborhood.Christmas Eve brings another city shooting. Gives new meaning to "You better watch out."
A 19-year-old man was shot in the thigh at about 4:30 p.m. along Formosa Way in Homewood.
Decision on Lamar Advertising from Zoning Board about the Electronic Sign on the Parking Authority Building on Liberty Ave
Bram sent me this huge PDF, more than 6 megs in size. It is uploaded to the web for your easy access.
http://rauterkus.com/PDF/ZBA_Lamar.pdf
I have not read it, yet.
http://rauterkus.com/PDF/ZBA_Lamar.pdf
I have not read it, yet.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Are girls' sports being cheated?
#2? Or, Peace?
Are girls' sports being cheated?: "Ms. Frietsche, senior staff attorney with the Women's Law Project, did some research on her own and found what the advocacy group called 'pervasive and severe' inequities in girls' athletic opportunities.Did Michael Lamb come out of the bottle to talk about an audit?
Instead of suing the district or filing a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department, however, Ms. Frietsche decided to be a good sport and give the school district a chance to make things right.
An audit is one of the last things the district needs when talking about its sports programs.
The score is like 85 to 3. We're getting smeared. We all are getting a good-old beating. The boys, the girls, the parents, the boosters, the coaches, the sports-minded citizens, the kids.
There are plenty of 'pervasive and severe' failures in all types of athletic opportunities in Pgh Public Schools when it comes to the overall sports and fitness programs. This spans parks and recreation in the city and the county. This covers engagement with club teams and general utilization of the facilities.
If the board pays $10K for only an audit of Title IX, they the board will have an audit of Title IX and nothing significant will unfold for the greater good of 'fair play' and 'sports participation.'
This quote goes to the top of the list for 2008 and might land Ms. Arnet as my nomination for Pittsburgher of the year. "We want to make sure our athletic opportunities in the Pittsburgh Public Schools are just as competitive as suburban districts," Ms. Arnet said.
But, I've never seen anything to back up that talk, until this audit.
Even with the audit, there won't be any changes. An audit is a way to buy time and wreck it for another season or three.
Athletes, not just female athletes, do much, much better in school and out of school than the non-athlete. This isn't a boy or girl thing. It is about being coached, being motivated, being pushed, being fit, being part of a team, being challenged, being pulled, being exposed to excellence, being put under the lights, being strong.
"... (A)thletes are less likely than other(s) to abuse drugs or alcohol, develop eating disorders or have an unplanned pregnancy and more likely to go to college. The National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education says female athletes also have lower rates of breast cancer, heart disease and depression."
I love sports in schools. I love sports in life. I love it when guys and gals do sports. My prime sports, swimming and water polo, are great sports for everyone.
It is time to overhaul the sports programs in the city, big time!
Start with the formation of booster clubs at the I.B. High, Science and Tech and U-Prep -- and CAPA.
Pick a mascot, such as the Zombies and Olympians.
Join the WPIAL.
Get coaches accountable, along with the principals.
Open up the buildings.
Call me. Or, return my calls as I'm calling you -- again.
December 13, 2008: After school cuts stir fears of kids home alone, USA Today
As states and districts cut back on extracurricular activities, more children may be left at home while their parents work to make ends. Such unsupervised children and teens may be at greater risk for getting into trouble, potentially leading to higher crime rates, extracurricular advocates say. (Thanks to A+ Schools)
Baby You Can Drive My Car!
City Councilman's Car Stolen From Home Depot In East Liberty - News Story - WPXI PittsburghGosh. He'll do anything to get some media attention and into the newspapers.
City Councilman's Car Stolen From Home Depot In East Liberty - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: "Pittsburgh City Councilman Doug Shield's car was stolen from the Home Depot parking lot in East Liberty on Friday.
Shields had left his keys in the car to make a quick stop at a holiday party. When he came back, the car was gone.
The car was recovered on Sunday in Lincoln-Lemington. It was taken to the city pound to be checked for fingerprints.
Doug, if you're looking for fresh PR and media attention, figure out why the Overlords are meeting at 9 am today.
Ask why experts are being asked to depart the evaluation meetings of the electronic voting firmware.
Jump into the river with the Polar Bear Club on New Year's Day at 9 am at the Mon Wharf.
Ring a bell by a Salvation Army Red Pot for 48 hours, nonstop.
Find a lost dog of a well known rock star.
Offer to stand guard with a fire extinguisher for anyone in the city who is trying to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch.
Buy your car back at face value at the next city of Pittsburgh Auto Pound Car Sale.
Sponsor needed for FINA World Marathon Swim Event
Perhaps a social media star can pick-up this sponsorship. Chris Brogan could do it, if he wanted to.
3rd December 2008
New Zealand’s opportunity to host the FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup next year may fall victim of the current economic issues.
Swimming New Zealand has been selected to host a round of the FINA World Cup to be held in Wellington in March 2009.
Despite extensive marketing work, they have been unable to secure a naming sponsor while their costs have risen considerably with the drop in the kiwi dollar.
Swimming New Zealand CEO Mike Byrne said the event is an outstanding opportunity for the sport and the country and he is determined to do everything he can to find the money to stage the world cup.
“The prizemoney for the event is in US dollars along with some other costs, that has increased our budget by more than 20 percent,” Mr Byrne said.
“We’ve got an outstanding sponsorship package that includes television coverage to more than 30 million homes worldwide.
“We’ve been out in the marketplace working hard but there have not been any takers. We’ve had a lot of interest but in the current economic climate none have been able to sign on.
"We’ve got a fair bit of our funding in place and some excellent support from Wellington City but without that key component from a sponsor, especially now we have additional costs, then we will have to look seriously about whether we can stage the event.”
The FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup is a fast growing professional open water circuit which gained considerable significance with the inclusion of the 10km open water swim into the Olympic programme at Beijing. A number of high profile long distance pool swimmers have moved into the open water scene with the introduction of this professional world cup circuit.
The World Cup is being staged on Saturday 28 March as part of a Wellington Festival of Swimming which will also include a Junior Swim, Recreational Swim and an International Age Group Championship.
For interviews contact:
Mike Byrne, CEO Swimming NZ, Tel 021 2492162
Monday, December 22, 2008
For last minute shoppers feeling like they're up against a climbing wall.
When last minute Christmas shopping is getting you down, you might want to get a pick-me up here, in the middle of this mall. It is a climbing wall with modern tubes and lots of colored lights.
Next to the climbing wall is a half-court basketball area.
Interesting how sports are in the mix within a major retail setting.
Next to the climbing wall is a half-court basketball area.
Interesting how sports are in the mix within a major retail setting.
Crazy Editors at the trib
A GOP LAMB FOR THE SLAUGHTER? With 2009 marking the 70th anniversary since Pittsburgh last elected a Republican mayor, speculation already has begun as to who the GOP sacrificial lamb will be in next year's mayoral race.
One possibility we're hearing is that Kevin Acklin may be the man to square off against Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. Barring a comet striking his Summer Hill home, Ravenstahl almost certainly will be the Democratic nominee.
Acklin, 32, is a Squirrel Hill attorney who heads RenewPittsburgh, a volunteer group that focuses on neighborhood revitalization efforts.
You may recall Acklin lost to Chuck McCullough in the 2007 GOP primary for Allegheny County Council's at-large Republican seat.
Acklin hasn't made any public pronouncements about a mayoral bid. But he recently debuted a Web site, kevinacklin.com, which is blank save for the promise "Coming Soon!"
Humm...
The Trib pounds against the Pgh GOP Committee for being morbid. Yet when a peek of a hope of a candidate might arrive in a race to contest for a seat that is already locked up by the one-party machine, the slaughter begins. Say what?
Twisted.
Kevin showed a good deal of hustle when he ran for the at-large seat for County Council.
Election Machine, Firmware Verification Meeting at 9 am
Original posting at 8:50 AM. Update(s) below.
I just sent this letter via fax to the Allegheny County Election Department to insure that the Libertarians are going to be present at a firmware verification event at 9 am this morning on the North Side.
This letter was also faxed to the Allegheny County Department of Elections before 9 am today.
Update at noon.
At 12:15 PM I got an alarming call from our designated watcher, Ron. He was asked to leave the firmware validation meeting. He was there for a while, perhaps 90-minutes. But then when the task of getting into the process began in earnest, he was sent packing. The Libertarians were not invited, so it seems, according to the election official.
Nobody wants to go to jail on the eve of Christmas Eve.
Golly, what the hell are they hiding?
First point of keen interest. The process was described to those at the meeting. Then a chip was pulled from the board. And, according to Ron, the chip that was pulled was not the chip that they had talked about in the pre-process description. Another, different chip was pulled for the first test. Then it was time to show Ron the door.
So, I just called Dan Onorato.
Courthouse 436 Grant Street Dot Room 101 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-6500 Dot Fax: (412) 350-6512
I'll call the Election Department next. Then I'll call the media.
Mark Wolosik, Division Manager County Office Building
542 Forbes Avenue Room 604
Fax: (412) 350-5697 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: (412) 350-4500
Called the Allegheny County Election Department. They got my letter. They faxed it to the North Side warehouse where Mark W, Director, was working. He got it. I understand it was Mark W, director, who asked the guy to depart.
Voiced displeasure and said that I'd like to have that decision reversed and would accept an invite and apology. And, said my next call was to the media.
Called the Post-Gazette, Rich Lord and then the Pittsburgh City Paper, Chris Potter. Both are looking into the matter, so I was told.
Getting kicked out of places is not so fun. This is worth a photo.
Older photo. Election Protection volunteer and Mark Rauterkus.
I just sent this letter via fax to the Allegheny County Election Department to insure that the Libertarians are going to be present at a firmware verification event at 9 am this morning on the North Side.
Mark Rauterkus
Vice-Chair
Libertarian Party of Allegheny County
924 Chislett St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 661-1135 = chair
(412) 298-3432 = vice-chair’s cell
Mr. Mark Wolosik
Manager, Division of Elections, Allegheny County
604 County Office Bldg., 542 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2953
(412) 350-4500
Monday, December 22, 2008
Dear Mr. Wolosik:
As Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Allegheny County, I write this letter to inform you that we authorize Ronald Bandes, a qualified elector of Allegheny County, to observe on our behalf the verification of voting-machine firmware which will be carried out today. As you may recall, in the November 2008 general election our party fielded several state-wide candidates and also a candidate for the General Assembly, David Posipanka of Homestead.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
______________________________, Vice-Chair
Allegheny County
This letter was also faxed to the Allegheny County Department of Elections before 9 am today.
Update at noon.
At 12:15 PM I got an alarming call from our designated watcher, Ron. He was asked to leave the firmware validation meeting. He was there for a while, perhaps 90-minutes. But then when the task of getting into the process began in earnest, he was sent packing. The Libertarians were not invited, so it seems, according to the election official.
Nobody wants to go to jail on the eve of Christmas Eve.
Golly, what the hell are they hiding?
First point of keen interest. The process was described to those at the meeting. Then a chip was pulled from the board. And, according to Ron, the chip that was pulled was not the chip that they had talked about in the pre-process description. Another, different chip was pulled for the first test. Then it was time to show Ron the door.
So, I just called Dan Onorato.
Courthouse 436 Grant Street Dot Room 101 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 350-6500 Dot Fax: (412) 350-6512
I'll call the Election Department next. Then I'll call the media.
Mark Wolosik, Division Manager County Office Building
542 Forbes Avenue Room 604Fax: (412) 350-5697 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: (412) 350-4500
Called the Allegheny County Election Department. They got my letter. They faxed it to the North Side warehouse where Mark W, Director, was working. He got it. I understand it was Mark W, director, who asked the guy to depart.
Voiced displeasure and said that I'd like to have that decision reversed and would accept an invite and apology. And, said my next call was to the media.
Called the Post-Gazette, Rich Lord and then the Pittsburgh City Paper, Chris Potter. Both are looking into the matter, so I was told.
Getting kicked out of places is not so fun. This is worth a photo.
Older photo. Election Protection volunteer and Mark Rauterkus.
Constitution Study Lessons starting January 16, 2009. EVERY THIRD FRIDAY
Begins: January 16, 2009 7:00 PM in West View (North Hills).Jim Barr has been a recent candidate for the PA House.
Constitution Study Lessons starting January 16, 2009. EVERY THIRD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH at 7:00 p.m. at 305 Center Avenue, West View, PA 15229. Presented in a series of DVDs taught by Dr. Earl Taylor. Dr. Taylor’s study courses appeal to a wide range of participants, from high school students to state legislators. The materials used in the presentation are from the National Center for Constitutional Studies. It teaches the U.S. Constitution in the tradition of America’s Founding Fathers.
NCCS has taught thousands of families throughout America the original principles and ideas drafted by our Founding Fathers. The lessons acknowledge that American and the Constitution were established by the hand of God, and thus advocate morality and religious principles as the essential foundation of human happiness and freedom. To get a copy of the flier for this Constitution Study Lesson go to FILES and click onto CONSTITUTION STUDY LESSONS. For more information call Jim Barr at 412-931-5286
Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/ronpaul-97/calendar/9375296/
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Pgh Public Schools -- Two Hour Delay for MONDAY!
Sleep in!
Two hour delay for Monday.
UPDATE: School is OFF. Sleep all day!
After sleeping, it's time to get up and dance!
Two hour delay for Monday.
UPDATE: School is OFF. Sleep all day!
After sleeping, it's time to get up and dance!
Where is the Mark DeSantis Micro Credit?
In 2007, Mark DeSantis ran for mayor after getting on the ballot as a write in candidate in a R party primary that was void of a candidate.
In his run, he promised he'd start a "Micro Credit" in the next year -- win or not. Well, it is now time to wonder what became of the candidate promise as 2008 is about to close.
In other news, the Trib is begging Mark DeSantis to run for mayor again.
And, Bram is going to be on the PRR radio show on Monday. Perhaps Bram can take the question to DeSantis -- or else he might be able to fill me in on this blog comments.
He might have started a Micro Credit -- and I just didn't notice. Or, he might have talked about it on one of the past radio shows. Let me know where to investigate those archives, as in the date. I'll listen to the MP3 via TalkShoe.com.
The last thing Pittsburgh needs is more political hot air and promise makers on its campaign trails. Pittsburgh needs less in terms of 'idea factory' and more in terms of 'idea distillery.'
Photo shows Mark DeSantis, far left, Tony Oliva, Luke Ravenstahl and Ryan of the S party, at a Mayor Candidates Forum hosted by the Post Gazette. With all the cuts at the P-G, I wonder if such events will be hosted in 2009? This was a most welcomed, yet very rare event anyway.
In his run, he promised he'd start a "Micro Credit" in the next year -- win or not. Well, it is now time to wonder what became of the candidate promise as 2008 is about to close.
In other news, the Trib is begging Mark DeSantis to run for mayor again.
And, Bram is going to be on the PRR radio show on Monday. Perhaps Bram can take the question to DeSantis -- or else he might be able to fill me in on this blog comments.
He might have started a Micro Credit -- and I just didn't notice. Or, he might have talked about it on one of the past radio shows. Let me know where to investigate those archives, as in the date. I'll listen to the MP3 via TalkShoe.com.
The last thing Pittsburgh needs is more political hot air and promise makers on its campaign trails. Pittsburgh needs less in terms of 'idea factory' and more in terms of 'idea distillery.'
Photo shows Mark DeSantis, far left, Tony Oliva, Luke Ravenstahl and Ryan of the S party, at a Mayor Candidates Forum hosted by the Post Gazette. With all the cuts at the P-G, I wonder if such events will be hosted in 2009? This was a most welcomed, yet very rare event anyway.
Burgh Report political blog goes dark
The Post-Gazette sounds off about how another bites the dust.
What am I? Chopped Liver?
You're all luck it is Christmas and I've got some cute pagent video to upload. We had a real baby play the lead role / superhero in today's play. The baby was wearing Steelers' footsies too!
By the way, after the BurghReport went dark, Bram and I talked and made a podcast. Scroll down to hear our conversation or check out my TalkShoe.com site(s).
Burgh Report political blog goes dark: "Burgh Report political blog goes darkSo, this article leads to the question:
What am I? Chopped Liver?
You're all luck it is Christmas and I've got some cute pagent video to upload. We had a real baby play the lead role / superhero in today's play. The baby was wearing Steelers' footsies too!
By the way, after the BurghReport went dark, Bram and I talked and made a podcast. Scroll down to hear our conversation or check out my TalkShoe.com site(s).
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise...Dems Pick Another "Community Actitivist"
According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette website: Theresa Smith of Westwood is the Democratic Party's official candidate in the Feb. 3 special election in Pittsburgh City Council District 2.
Why a guy like Rob Frank continues to let the Democratic Committee stomp all over him is anyone's guess.
I'm not sure if I ever heard of her before. PG: Ms. Smith crushed the competition in a vote by the district's Democratic committee members, taking 56 of the 75 votes cast. The 49-year-old community activist said she drew from her longtime volunteer experience in the city's western neighborhoods to make her case for the party's nod and plans to do the same with voters district-wide.
She has been president of the Crafton Heights Westwood Ridgemont Community Council and coordinator of the Parent Educational Resource Center for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.Rob Frank, originally from Mt. Lebanon, has been a long-time Democratic stalwart. At one time a Brookline community newspaper publisher, Frank has been championing the city's Democratic machine for about 20 years. Yet each and every time he tries to garner the back-room mafioso's support, they toss him aside faster than a proposed tax cut.
Frank has worked for area politicians including Gene Ricciardi and former Mayor Tom Murphy. He helped on Bill Peduto's last Mayoral campaign...perhaps the last time I'll ever switch parties to vote for a candidate...and many others. He's run for state Committee posts and everything else imaginable. Yet again, the establishment ignores the most "active" of the community activities.
Count this as reason number 11,873 why the city's Democratic committee cannot be trusted. I know, I know, the number is waaaaaayyyy too low.
Rob Frank, 40, will not be the city's next great leader. That's not a "slam," because the chance that Pittsburgh will ever elect an even remotely "good" leader is infinitesimal. There isn't a promising "Democrat" leader anywhere on the planet, let alone Pittsburgh. Rob Frank will probably take the job seriously and not look to serve the public for a heartbeat before finding another position to aspire.
This is only the Committee vote. Something like 85 people were eligible to cast their votes. The "real" election is in February. Vote for Rob Frank just for the fact that he'd be a devout community servant.
But seriously, Rob, if the Democrats snub you again, change your voter registration to Republican. Although you're probably not conservative, you'd get a lot more respect than you get from the oil cretins in the Democrat's back room.
We're in the fast lane to Bailoutistan | tax, make, new, kennedy, land - Opinion - OCRegister.com
Giggle.
We're in the fast lane to Bailoutistan | tax, make, new, kennedy, land - Opinion - OCRegister.com General Motors now has a market valuation about a third of Bed, Bath & Beyond, and no one says your Swash 700 Elongated Biscuit Toilet Seat Bidet is too big to fail.
America’s political Chucky.
America’s political Chucky. Congress shall have the power to coin money and regulate the value thereof and of any foreign coins. But that is not the case. The United States government has no power to issue money, control the flow of money, or to even distribute it - that belongs to a private corporation registered in the State of Delaware - the Federal Reserve Bank.Birds of a feather and new twitter friend posted this.
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