Wednesday May 4th: Day Against DRM just two days away

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

-----Original Message-----
From: "Defective by Design" <info@defectivebydesign.org>
Date: Mon, 02 May 2011 18:13:15
To: Mark@Rauterkus.com<Mark@Rauterkus.com>
Reply-To: reply-1-429-1198744-d4ad5b66c4dcba616ab4860b2ef2c40c877df087-Mark=Rauterkus.com@defectivebydesign.org
Subject: [DBD] Wednesday May 4th: Day Against DRM just two days away

2011 has been a bad year for DRM. Sony is using legal actions to
harass and intimidate individuals who are modifying their own PS3
systems. And libraries are being replaced by companies like Amazon and
Apple seeking to control access to books and monitor who reads what
where. We need to send a clear message: No DRM!

So, clear your schedule for a worldwide day of action against DRM. On
Wednesday, May 4th, we will be taking action to raise the stakes and
increase awareness about the threats of Digital Restrictions
Management -- in a very significant way!

Please set some time aside in your day on Wednesday to join us for
this once-a-year opportunity! We hope you'll work with us against DRM
year-round, but coordinating online and physical events on one day
amplifies all of our voices.

* Read the blog post for some ways you can get involved.

<http://www.defectivebydesign.org/2011-day-against-drm-action-ideas>

* Check out our 2011 Day Against DRM banners for your website or blog.

<http://libreplanet.org/wiki/Group:DefectiveByDesign/Day_Against_DRM_2011/Banners_guide>


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EPLC Education Notebook - #11-14 - May 2, 2011

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Ron Cowell <cowell@eplc.org>

Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 16:37:35 -0400

To: Ron Cowell<cowell@eplc.org>

Subject: EPLC Education Notebook - #11-14 - May 2, 2011

 

 

The Education Policy and Leadership Center

         800 North Third Street, Suite 408, Harrisburg, PA  17102

     717-260-9900     -     www.eplc.org

_________________________________________________________________

 

EPLC EDUCATION NOTEBOOK

Monday, May 2, 2011

 

Content in this edition:

Pennsylvania Policymakers

-       House

-       Senate

US Department of Education

PA Bulletin

Announcements

Datebook

 

The EPLC Education Notebook (current and past editions) also is available by visiting the EPLC website at www.eplc.org/publications_wpn.shtml

 

 

PENNSYLVANIA POLICYMAKERS

 

House

 

Ø  On April 26, the House Education Committee reported the following bills which are awaiting further action by the full House:

 

• House Bill 285 (Rep. Mark Keller, R-86) would increase the bid limits for school construction projects from $10,000 to $25,000 and the bid limits for written or telephonic quotations from $4,000 to $7,000.  It also increases the bid limits under which a school entity’s staff can perform its own work from $5,000 to $7,000.  Under HB 285, bid limitations will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  The provisions of the bill would apply to all public school entities, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and the institutions of the State System of Higher Education (SSHE).  The bill was unanimously approved.

 

• House Bill 1330 (Rep. Thomas Quigley, R-146) would expand the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program by increasing the available tax credits to businesses donating to Scholarship Organizations (ESO), Pre-K Scholarship Organizations (PSO) and Educational Improvement Organizations (EIO).  Under HB 1330, tax credits available to businesses donating under this program would be increased from $75 million in FY 2011-2012 to $100 million in FY 2011-2012 and $200 million in FY 2012-2013.   HB 1330 would also increase the maximum household income limits from $50,000 to $60,000 from June 30, 2011 through June 30, 2012 and to $75,000 after June 30, 2012.  Beginning July 1, 2012, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) would adjust the household income amounts annually based on the Consumer Price Index.  The bill was amended in Committee to set the maximum tax credit to a business firm donating to an ESO or EIO to not exceed $400,000 in FY 2011-2012 before increasing to $750,000 in FY 2012-2013.  Additionally, the amendment sets the maximum tax credit to a business firm donating to a PSO to not exceed $200,000 in FY 2011-2012 before increasing to $250,000 in FY 2012-2013. The bill was approved by a vote of 23-2. 

 

• House Bill 1345 (Rep. John Taylor, R-177) would provide for the movement of the Safe School Advocate in school districts of the first class (School District of Philadelphia) from the PDE to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  The bill was unanimously approved.

 

Last week, the following bills were introduced and referred to the House Education Committee:

 

• House Bill 1348 (Rep. Thomas Killion, R-168) would allow charter and cyber charter schools to enter into concurrent enrollment agreements with institutions of higher education and award appropriate credits to students concurrently enrolled under the agreement.  HB 1348 would also repeal the current charter school law and replace it with a new article entitled “Charter Schools and Cyber Charter Schools.” 
• House Bill 1359 (Rep. Todd Rock, R-90) would amend the Public School Code to provide for uniform standards for the certification of school crossing guards.
• House Bill 1363 (Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-65) would suspend the requirements for continuing professional development for certificated educators until June 30, 2013. 
• House Bill 1371 (Rep. Katharine Watson, R-144) would establish the Volunteer First Responders Loan Forgiveness Program within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
• House Bill 1377 (Rep. Chelsa Wagner, D-22) would establish the Community College Educational Assistance Act.  The act would direct PHEAA to disregard one third of an eligible student's expected family contribution (EFC) and Federal Pell Grant award amount when calculating the eligible student's Pennsylvania State grant. 
• House Bill 1378 (Rep. Dennis O’Brien, R-169) would require special education services to nonpublic students be provided by the intermediate unit  in which the nonpublic school is located in accordance with standards set by the Secretary of Education.
• House Resolution 231 (Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-51) would encourage school districts in the Commonwealth to study the fiscal impact of consolidating the administrations of school districts within their county.

 

 

Senate

 

Ø  On April 26, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Ronald J. Tomalis as Secretary of Education. 

 

Ø  On April 27, Senate Bill 1 (Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, R-15), which would establish a tuition voucher program and expand the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, was re-referred to the Senate Education Committee.  According to Sen. Piccola, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, an agreement has been reached with the administration and the bill will be amended in Committee to reflect the Governor’s desired changes. 

 

 

US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Ø  On April 20, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius launched a new initiative to help educate graduating college and university seniors about their new health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act.  The initiative provides several resources for graduating students to learn about their options.  Information for young adults and parents is available at www.facebook.com/youngadultcoverage.   Additional resources for universities or student groups can be accessed by clicking here. 

 

Ø  Mid-May is the deadline for submission of applications under several USDE grant competitions, including the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program (May 9), the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (May 13), and the Advanced Placement Incentive Program (May 16).

 

 

PA BULLETIN

 

Notice has been given in the PA Bulletin (Vol. 41, No.17) that the Office of Open Records (OOR) has updated the Standard Right-to-Know Request Form.  This form can be accessed from the OOR's web site at http://openrecords.state.pa.us.   For more information, click here.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Ø  On April 25, parents from Shippensburg School District organized a “Billion Dollar Bake Sale for Education” at the state capitol to protest the Governor’s severe cuts to basic education funding.  Parents from several school districts voiced concern with the Governor’s proposed budget for education and what it means in terms of education quality and program offerings.

 

Ø  On April 26, Hundreds of students and advocates attended the “March for Education” rally in Harrisburg held by the NAACP to protest Governor Corbett’s proposed cuts to education.  The NAACP was joined by the Teamsters Union, several state lawmakers and education advocates.    

 

Ø  Recently, the Pennsylvania School Funding Campaign, a coalition of more than 30 statewide and regional education and advocacy organizations representing hundreds of thousands of parents, students, educators, school board members, administrators, and other concerned citizens advocating for adequate and equitable funding of Pennsylvania’s public schools, launched a new website encouraging individuals to sign a petition to stop the billion dollar cut to education.  To sign the online petition, visit www.stopthebilliondollarcut.org.

 

Ø  Also last week, the Pennsylvania Brain Injury Coalition held a rally at the state capitol to encourage the Legislature to take action on two bills (House Bill 200 and Senate Bill 200) that would establish standards for managing concussions and traumatic brain injuries in student athletes.  In addition, the coalition is asking lawmakers to ensure funding for Home and Community-Based Programs, create an Advisory Board, and incorporate brain injury screenings for persons in state programs and facilities. 

 

Ø  The Pittsburgh CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) 6-12 is one of 6 finalists (and the only school in Pennsylvania) to have President Obama come to speak at its commencement.  The President will visit the winning high school to deliver the commencement address later this spring.  For more information, visit www.whitehouse.gov/commencement. 

 

 

DATEBOOK

 

·         The Pennsylvania House and Senate will reconvene at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 2, 2011.

 

·         The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is hosting “Teacher Appreciation Week” May 2-6.  For more information, click here.

 

·         The Coalition for Labor Engagement and Accountable Revenues (CLEAR) will hold a “Rally for a Responsible Budget” in Harrisburg on May 3 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  For more information, click here.

 

·         The House Education Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, May 4 at 9:30 AM to consider the following bills:  HB 1363, HB 1407 and HB 1411. 

 

·         Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 17.

 

·         The State Board of Education will hold a meeting in Lancaster on Wednesday, May 18.

           

For information on upcoming events, please visit www.eplc.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

EPLC Education Notebook is published by The Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC).  Permission to reprint or electronically redistribute the Notebook in whole or in part is granted provided attribution to EPLC is provided.

 

The Education Policy and Leadership Center is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit organization. The Mission of EPLC is to encourage and support the enactment and implementation of effective state-level education policies in order to improve student learning in grades P-12, increase the effective operation of schools, and enhance educational opportunities for citizens of all ages.

____________________

Ronald Cowell

The Education Policy and Leadership Center

800 North Third Street, Suite 408

Harrisburg, PA 17102

717-260-9900

www.eplc.org

 

 

Puppet request from Cheryl

I have a fun opportunity for you and your students to participate in a giant puppet pageant at Three Rivers Arts Festival on Sunday, June 5. I have funding to do free workshops all over the region for anyone that would like to get involved. I know it is late in the year and a crazy time for everyone, but if you are interested let me know right away

I also need older kids to wear giant puppets.
--Cheryl

I will provide:

* One free workshop at your school or other community location (small groups are fine--a scout troop, an art club, etc.)
* All materials and instruction will be provided.
* I will transport all of the puppets created in the workshop to the event
* You can pick from two different workshops:
o Things that Bloom (participants will paint giant paper umbrellas to turn them into beautiful flowers)
o Things that Fly (participants will build flying bugs and birds that will be carried on tall bamboo rod.)

You would need to:

* Provide a location for the workshop sometime in May
* Promote the workshop to your community (I'll provide a simple flyer for you to customize)
* Lead your group at two performances at Three Rivers Arts Festival on Sunday, June 5 between noon and 4 pm.
* Attend one of the two rehearsals (just you) so you can direct your group-you can pick which rehearsal works for you:
o Saturday, May 21 at my studio from 1 to 4 or
o Sunday, June 5 at Point State Park at 9 am

I am also doing a ton of free workshops here at my studio. If you can't host a workshop but would like to get involved or have individual students that might like to participate you are welcome to share this information:

Sunday, May 8 Workshop (all ages) 1 to 4
Tuesday, May 10 Workshop (adults) 1 to 4
Friday, May 13 Workshop (adults) 1 to 4
Tuesday, May 17 Workshop (adults) 1 to 4
Saturday, May 21 Rehearsal (all ages)l 1 to 5
Sunday, May 22 Workshop (all ages) 1 to 4
Monday, May 23 Workshop (adults) 1 to 4
Thursday, June 2 Workshop (adults) 1 to 4
Friday, June 3 Workshop (adults) 1 to 4
Saturday, June 4 Finishing touches (all ages) 1 to 4
Sunday, June 5 Rehearsal 9 am
Sunday, June 5 Performance around noon
Sunday, June 5 Performance around 4

---

Contact her directly at cheryl -at- studiocapezzuti -dot- com.

A chapter ends with the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Libertarian Party celebrates end of bin Laden era

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chairman Mark Hinkle issued this statement today:

"I am glad to hear of the death of Osama bin Laden, who had no qualms about slaughtering American civilians.

"Unfortunately, bin Laden leaves behind an evil legacy in the United States: the Department of Homeland Security, the TSA, the PATRIOT Act, warrantless wiretaps, the 'state secrets' doctrine, and other violations of Americans' civil and economic rights.

"Just like Osama bin Laden, these programs must be terminated.

"President Obama must also end the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. It's time to stop being the world's policeman. It's time to bring all those troops home.

"Our government should also end its foreign aid programs, which create future terrorists by funding many dictators around the world."

The Libertarian Party platform (section 3.3) states, "American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world. Our foreign policy should emphasize defense against attack from abroad and enhance the likelihood of peace by avoiding foreign entanglements. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups."

In 2008, the Libertarian National Committee adopted resolutions calling for an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.

The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.

The best I've seen about the Royal Wedding

Love the line, "Keep your hands off my Willie."

"Punctuality is the expression of COMMITMENT".   "If you're 5 minutes early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're LATE!"

Three Rivers Interactive Trail Map

Can also be used w/ smart phone technology:

http://map.friendsoftheriverfront.org/#

Please sign an online petition to "stop the billion dollar cut" of education.

From: Ron Cowell <cowell@eplc.org

STOP THE BILLION DOLLAR CUT!

Please.  We need you to take action, today!

EPLC continues to support an unprecedented coalition working together as the Pennsylvania School Funding Campaign.

The budget proposed by Governor Corbett will reduce state funding to school districts by more than $1 billion for the 2011-2012 school year.  The implications of this huge cut are being felt throughout the state as school boards are considering very serious program cuts that will significantly reduce learning opportunities for students.  This billion dollar cut is bad for students and ultimately bad for local taxpayers as well.

You can help to send a powerful message to Governor Corbett and members of the Pennsylvania Legislature.

Please sign an online petition to the Governor and members of the General Assembly opposing the billion dollar school funding cut proposed for 2011-12. 

The website address is www.stopthebilliondollarcut.org.

And please share this website URL with your family, friends and co-workers as soon as possible and urge them also to sign the online petition.

It only takes a couple of minutes, and the more signatures we get from across the state, the more persuasive we can be in our advocacy on behalf of public school funding for next year. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Thank you.

Ron

___________________

Ronald Cowell

The Education Policy and Leadership Center

800 North Third Street, Suite 408

Harrisburg, PA 17102

717-260-9900

http://www.eplc.org

One people, one movement, freedom for all

Those were the words of patriot and filmmaker Aaron Russo. Aaron
set brush fires in the minds of millions in 2006 when he released
his final film "America: Freedom to Fascism." There is a very good
chance that you may have seen that film.
One of the lasting legacies of that film was an organization he
co-founded with Gary Franchi known as "Restore the Republic." We
lost Aaron to cancer on 2007 but today that organization lives on.
RTR provides patriots, from all corners of the political spectrum,
a place to congregate, share new ideas, organize actions, or just
simply keep in touch with each other.
It's been 5 years since the film's release, so I'm emailing you
today to invite you to come back and visit our new website. Come get
acquainted with old friends and ideas that are still working
everyday to make this nation a greater place for our children.
Here is the link to sign up and get started:
http://rtr.org/signup?ref=2
If you're already active, log in and say hello with this link:
http://RTR.org/login
Thanks for taking the time to read this email. I look forward to
seeing you at our new online home at http://RTR.org
Forever in Freedom,
Gary Franchi
RTR National Director
http://RTR.org/Gary
PS. There are over 14,000 videos and 7,000 blogs on the site, each
packed with important education on a variety of issues that you may
find relevant. The links to them are on the front page of the site
at http://RTR.org

Chelsa Wagner, candidate

Meet School Board Candidates, Lisa Jones and Sherry Hazuda

Last night the good people in Brookline hosted a candidate meeting, just as the Pens were in a battle for game 6 of the first round of the playoffs. The pressing bits of video are from the school board candidates, challenger and school teacher, Lisa Jones, and the present school board president, Sherry Hazuda.

Lisa Jones is a chem teacher at Carrick and has been an assistant track coach.

Part 1.



Same clip but served from Viddler:




Part 2 on YouTube:


Part 2 on Viddler:

Also see the FixPA wiki pages, and edit them as well:

• http://fixpa.wikia.com/wiki/Lisa_Jones
• http://fixpa.wikia.com/wiki/Sherry_Hazuda

Bonus:

When you have no sense of purpose, you have folly like this from Bruce Kraus

Councilman Bruce Kraus proposed the ban in 2008 after saying constituents frequently complained that the leaflets were a significant source of litter, particularly along East Carson Street in the South Side.

Two anti-abortion activists, Kathleen A. Ramsey of Ross and Albert A. Brunn of Pittsburgh, sued the city in federal court last year, arguing that the ordinance was an unconstitutional restraint on freedom of speech.

Brunn, 81, of Stanton Heights said he wasn't surprised by the proposed settlement.

"According to records, this has gone to the courts many times and the First Amendment has always won, so I expected it would happen," he said.

Read more: Pittsburgh council moves to repeal ordinance banning leaflets - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_733965.html#ixzz1KdgLhYfx

Pile on Trump

Donald Trump's path to the GOP nomination may have a road bump in Pennsylvania. It turns out Trump donated $32,000 to Pennsylvania's own Ed Rendell, going well with his previous donations to Rahm Emanual, Chuck Schumer and Charlie Rangel.

In other news, I heard today on the TODAY show that my favorite, Ron Paul, is forming a committee to explore a run for US President.

Women's cycling clinic on May 7

The Steel City Endurance team is hosting a clinic for women interested in cycling and racing on May 7 from 9 am until noon at the Bud Harris oval.  The Clinic is designed for women who are interested in learning more about bike racing, giving bike racing a try, or who just want to learn a few skills.  We hope to see you there!

A flyer with all the details can be sent else, contact Barb Grabowski.

Official "Right To Know" request sent to Pittsburgh Public Schools from Kenneth Miller about sports reform

An official right to know request from April 22, 2011, from Kenneth Miller to Dr. Linda Lane, Superintendent of Schools has been delivered concerning Athletic Reform efforts.

The letter requests all documentation associated with this committee, its mandate, participants and recommendations. For example:

* I want to see the budget through which this committee's work and the time committed to this committee by the chair.
* I want to see what Mark Roosevelt asked of this committee.
* I want to see the biographies and contact information for everyone who was asked to serve on this committee.
* I would like the minutes from all committee meetings.
* Finally, I am requesting the complete list of recommendations that this committee has made to the school districts administrators.

He writes he has been waiting for this information for a very long time.

"I hope you dissovle the city league immediately and send Pittsburgh Public School students all over Western Pennsylvania on buses. I am really sorry to hear that the state has cut your budget by millions, please dissolve the city league right now anyway."

My understanding from our last task force meeting (December 2010) and a few phone conversations and chance meetings in the stands at a few sports events was that the suggestions from Jake House, the hired administrator dealing with this task, would go to the PPS Board's Education Committee Meeting on May 10, 2011.

PA Senate Voucher Update

Ø  On April 11, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported as amended Senate Bill 1, which establishes the Opportunity Scholarships and Educational Improvement Tax Credit Act to make tuition vouchers available to low income students in persistently low achieving schools to attend participating nonresident public schools or nonpublic schools.  Under the proposal, a low income student is defined as a student with household income not greater than 130% of the federal poverty level, the same amount as eligibility for the Federal Free Lunch Program ($28,665 for a family of four).  The bill also expands the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) from $75 million to $100 million beginning in Fiscal Year 2011-2012.  

Senate Bill 1l was amended in the Senate Appropriations Committee to expand voucher eligibility in the fourth year of the program to middle-income families.  SB 1, as amended, would make tuition vouchers available to students with family income up to 300 percent of the poverty level ($67,050 for a family of four.   The amendment places a cap of $250 million in the third year when eligibility expands to include all low-income students.  The amendment also changes the attendance criteria from residing “during” a school year to “as of the first day of classes.”  The amendment would require schools to administer a nationally normed standardized achievement test in math and reading to voucher recipients and require the aggregate results to be posted online.  SB 1, as amended, requires the Education Opportunity Board to set procedures to determine the eligibility of homeless students for opportunity scholarships.  It also establishes a Public School Choice Demonstration Grant Program in Fiscal Year 2014-2015.  Grants of up to $500,000 would be awarded to school districts to provide tuition for students to attend a nonresident public school regardless of income.  The school district would be required to provide a $3-$1 match.  Twenty-five percent of the money from the Excess Scholarship Fund would be used to support these grants.  The bill was also amended to require participating public schools to accept transfer students by a lottery system.  Private schools would not be subject to the lottery provision and would be allowed to set enrollment criteria.

The Senate may vote on SB 1 as early as April 26, although action may be delayed while waiting for suggested amendments from the Corbett Administration.

To view the Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Note for SB 1, click here.

This weekend is Junior Golf Weekend. Be there!

I hope you are able to join us at The Bob O'Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park for some of the great family activities we have planned:

Friday, April 29 from 4 - 7 PM is Family Golf Night. We want to encourage all families to spend time together so we are offering discounted foursomes with special family tees. All golf equipment will be provided for free.

Saturday, April 30 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM The Greater Pittsburgh Golf Course Superintendents Association will present a free "Care of the Course" clinic. This will be followed by a free golf instruction clinic hosted by World Golf Hall of Famer Carol Semple Thompson from 11:30 - 1:30.

Sunday, May 1 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM the West Penn Golf Association will present an interactive Rules Clinic for juniors. From 12 - 2 PM The Tri State PGA will lead a free instructional clinic.

Both Saturday and Sunday will also include many free golf games and skill contests presented by our teen Junior Activity Board. Junior Golf Weekend is our chance to show you how The First Tee of Pittsburgh promotes positive youth development through golf based on nine core values such as sportsmanship, honesty, courtesy, and respect. Please join us.

Google did a great job at migration from Google Video to YouTube, on the second attempt

Way to go Google. Well done. It took two attempts, but the final migration from the Google Video asset (closing) to YouTube was fantastic.

I've moved 17 videos from past years to YouTube.

Back in the day, YouTube videos had to be 10-minutes in length or less. Now I can upload longer videos there.

There was a simple button that was put onto the Google Video dashboard and bang, the videos jumped to YouTube.

Thanks!

Be sure to visit: http://YouTube.com/rauterkus.

Meet your School Board Candidates from Northview Heights: Brentley, Freeman, Gilliam Rue

If this does not load, it is because the video is still in processing at YouTube. Check back soon.

Part 1: Introduction



Part 2: About teachers.



Part 3, only Mark Brentley's closing:

Decent article - I don't think they even used the word "quixotic" which might be a first:

 http://www.esquire.com/features/ron-paul-profile-0511 

also some love on the Esquire politics blog forum: 

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/ron-paul-on-the-fed-5593602

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

PPS Election, candidate video, now live.

Uploaded:

They spoke at an event at Northview Heights.

LIBERTARIANS BANQUET

The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania announces that economist Bill
Still will be the speaker for the April 30 Liberty Banquet, the
highlight of the 2011 Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania State
Convention, which will be held at the Quality Inn and Conference
Center in Franklin, PA on April 29 and 30.

Working in conjunction with Nobel Prize winning economist Milton
Friedman in 1996, Still produced and narrated the highly acclaimed
documentary, The Money Masters. It predicted the economic events that
are just starting to befall this country.  Along with his more recent
work, The Secret of OZ, Still offers a unique perspective not only on
what has caused America's economic woes but how we can solve them.

His work in the field of economics has been endorsed by Milton
Friedman and by the libertarian-leaning Congressman Ron Paul.

An acclaimed economist, Still has written 22 books on subjects ranging
from health to music and even a 7th grade history book that is used in
many schools today.   Additionally, this enthusiastic and talented
former newspaper editor has been published in many newspapers and
journals including USA Today and OMNI Magazine.  He is also known for
producing a syndicated radio program, Health News.

The Liberty Banquet is open to the public.   For more information or
to reserve tickets, contact Jim Fryman at (814) 432-4275 or Vance Mays
at (814) 437-9236.  To register for the Libertarian Party of
Pennsylvania annual convention, visit www.lppa.org.

Erik Viker, Media Relations
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
media-relations@lppa.org
3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
570-274-2040

--
--
Ta.

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

Cycling season starts for us on Tuesday. Rain kept us away last week.

At the Bud Harris track, the cycle begins anew
By Jason Mackey , FOR THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Thursday, April 21, 2011
 
Chris Popovic laughed while explaining the first cycling race of the year.
 
"Watching boys come back to the bike track is like watching girls show up to
the prom," said Popovic, president of the Allegheny Cycling Association --
the area's oldest and largest cycling club. "Everybody wants to see the new
bikes, the new kits, who's been training hard, who's gained a few pounds.
 
"But it's a good time because everybody gets back to what they love to do."
 
The boys -- and girls -- officially got back to the Bud Harris Cycling Track
on April 6, which marked the recurrence of one of Pittsburgh's greatest
cycling traditions: the weekly criterium races at the 12-year-old oval off
Washington Boulevard in Highland Park.
 
Whether young or old, cyclists gather in early April for 22 weeks of racing
at the half-mile oval, named after a key figure who lobbied the city to
convert the former driver testing center into a cycling venue.
 
The cycling association sponsors the races and uses them to promote bike
safety.
 
Each Tuesday there are races for women and juniors, along with a "C" class
race for both men and women. Wednesdays are the "A" and "B" classes -- more
advanced -- men's races. And, starting the first week of May, races expand
to Saturdays for new rider clinics, skills training and make-up dates.
 
While Pittsburgh-area cycling is hardly confined to this particular track,
located next to the Zone 5 police barracks, the Bud Harris Cycling Track
serves as a weekly gathering spot for cycling enthusiasts, a neighborhood
bar without the beer and nuts.
 
"Racing at the Bud Harris track has become the centerpiece of the Pittsburgh
racing community," said Mike Carroll, a local race promoter.
 
"A lot of people will go as far away as Oklahoma and South Carolina, but
having that weekly competition to work with your friends and get faster
really positions riders to do better at events on a national scale. They
challenge each other every week to train, and that extra bit of motivation
really helps."
 
*On the right track*
 
A night of racing costs $10 for adults, $5 for juniors, and all participants
must be licensed through USA Cycling. Rider without a license can buy one on
race night.
 
On a typical Tuesday after registration, the festivities begin with a short
instructional segment -- touching on safety, nutrition or bike maintenance
-- before riders take to the track for a few warm-up laps.
 
"Years ago, it was assumed that if you came down to race, you knew what you
were doing," Popovic said. "But it can be a very intimidating experience to
get out on a track, so we try to ensure the riders are educated."
 
Nathan Clair, a seventh-grader in the North Allegheny School District, has
been a regular at Bud Harris for the past three years and finished first in
the Junior Point Series last season.
 
The pack-style races have helped Clair improve on some technical aspects of
the sport.
 
"Whenever I'm at Bud Harris, it helps me because it's not a huge, important
state race," Clair said. "It helps me focus on drafting, keeping a steady
line instead of swerving and getting used to being in a close paceline."
 
Tyler Mower agrees. An eighth-grader in the Plum School District, Mower has
been racing since he was 12.
 
Recently, Mower added Wednesday night races -- a testament to his growing
level of talent and bike control -- to his weekly training regimen and will
travel to Augusta, Ga., for Junior Nationals this summer.
 
"The Bud Harris track got me used to the race environment," Mower said.
 
The city's most popular youth cycling club is one to which Clair belongs:
Team Citius. Formed last year by Fred Gohh, Citius members -- especially
those who aren't yet mature enough to ride with the adults -- use the weekly
races as a way to get accustomed to competition.
 
"This year, I have five or six kids who are 10, 11 or 12 years old," said
Gohh, whose group started with about 18 riders and now has 25. "They might
not be strong enough to ride with the adults, but you can see that they're
excited about going out."
 
A big part of cycling's growth here -- many high schools are incorporating
the sport into physical education classes -- has been the Bud Harris Cycling
Track.
 
According to Suzanne Atkinson, who owns her own cycling coaching company
called Steel City Endurance, it's something that makes Pittsburgh special.
 
"It's a unique venue for a city to have," said Atkinson, who also runs Club
Velo Femme, a women's cycling club. "In talking to friends around the
country, there are not a lot of places that have a dedicated biking oval
that's also traffic-free. It's really outstanding."
 
Read more: At the Bud Harris track, the cycle begins anew - Pittsburgh
Tribune-Review
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_733214.html#ixzz1KA9HQKEy

From Marc Field, golf instructor at First Tee of Pgh, and Schenley's Golf Course

The First Tee program is one of the best things in Pittsburgh -- ever, anywhere. It rocks. And I hate golf. These guys are great. The program is first class. Everything there is splendid. If you are in the city and don't get your kid golfing there -- then shame on you. And, it goes year-round as they have indoor simulators as well.

Grant, 13, is a fine golfer now. Both Erik and I, not so much. So, if you ever want to play a round of golf, contact Grant (through me of course).

Feel invited.

The First Tee of Pittsburgh would like to invite you to join us for The First Tee of Pittsburgh Junior Golf Weekend, April 29 – May 1.  As part of our 10^th Anniversary Pittsburgh City Council, Allegheny County Council and the PA House of Representatives have all issued proclamations to help us officially celebrate.  The purpose of Junior Golf Weekend is to promote golf as a great activity for area youth and families while helping everyone learn our code of conduct  -  respect yourself, respect others, and respect your surroundings.

I hope you are able to join us at The Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park for some of the great family activities we have planned:

Friday, April 29 from 4 – 7 PM is Family Golf Night.  We want to encourage all  families to spend time together so we are offering discounted foursomes with special family tees.  All golf equipment will be provided for free.

Saturday, April 30 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM The Greater Pittsburgh Golf Course Superintendents Association will present a free “Care of the Course” clinic.  This will be followed by a free golf instruction clinic hosted by World Golf Hall of Famer Carol Semple Thompson from 11:30 – 1:30.

Sunday, May 1 from 10:30 – 11:30 AM the West Penn Golf Association will present an interactive Rules Clinic for juniors.    From 12 – 2 PM The Tri State PGA will lead a free instructional clinic.

Both Saturday and Sunday will also include many free golf games and skill contests presented by our teen Junior Activity Board.   Junior Golf Weekend is our chance to show you how The First Tee of Pittsburgh promotes positive youth development through golf based on nine core values such as sportsmanship, honesty, courtesy, and respect.  Please join us.

      

       

Marc Field
The First Tee of Pittsburgh
5370 Schenley Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
www.thefirstteepittsburgh.org
412-682-2403
412-682-2405 (fax)
 

Libertarian monthly meeting tonight at 7pm at Ritters

Why participate?

It is simply the right thing to do. When you see a great wrong occurring, you are complicit in that wrong if you sit back and do nothing. I would acknowledge that there are other ways of participating in politics besides the LP - other ways that may be more effective in promoting change, at least in the short run. However, I see the LP as the most clear and direct way to challenge the political establishment, and so in that sense it is it's own reward.

Wednesday meetings happen once a month. Open to all.

Video Interview -- from four years ago. Sports, technology, and vision

Fwd: Policy Brief: Education Employment Grows by Leaps and Bounds

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Allegheny Institute <aipp@alleghenyinstitute.org>
Date: Friday, April 15, 2011
Subject: Policy Brief: Education Employment Grows by Leaps and Bounds
To: Allegheny Institute <aipp@alleghenyinstitute.org>

Policy BriefAn electronic publication of The Allegheny Institute for
Public PolicyApril 15, 2011

                 Volume 11, Number 23  Education Employment Grows by
Leaps and Bounds School districts around the region and across the
Commonwealth are grappling with the realities of the coming fiscal
year and exploring methods of cost-savings and revenue enhancements.
In recent weeks the possibilities of furloughs, pay freezes, tax
increases, school closures, mergers, and student fees (either
separately or in combination) have been mentioned.  In a visit to
southwestern Pennsylvania last week the Governor said "We're going to
work with school districts and see what they can do…" He went on to
say that there might have to be some consolidations or mergers. This
came on the heels of his request to reopen labor contracts and
negotiate pay freezes. To date the Pennsylvania School Boards
Association has reported that 56 districts across the state have
negotiated a wage freeze with some or all of their employees
(teachers, administrators, or staff).

It is worth exploring what happened in the past decade in Pennsylvania
to assess the current situation. While school enrollment fell,
employee headcount in elementary and secondary education grew.
Employment outpaced the growth in population and local government
employment by a wide margin. The U.S. Census Survey of Local
Government Employment and Payroll provides data on nearly thirty
categories of local personnel, everything from police and fire to
water and sewerage. Elementary and secondary education employment is
the largest category in Pennsylvania, representing 60 percent of all
local full time equivalents (FTE) in 2009. It has two sub-categories
(instructional employees and other employees) that totaled 265,620
FTE. All other local government employment FTE in Pennsylvania
amounted to 176,404. From 2001 through 2009 the education category
grew 24 percent, from 214,968 to 265,620. That was eight times as fast
as local government employment excluding elementary and secondary
education, which grew only 3 percent. It also rose much faster than
the state's population (3%), and greatly exceeded the change in public
school enrollment, which actually decreased (-2% from 1.821 million to
1.780 million). Another way of looking at this is to examine
employment to population. In 2001, there were 175 education FTE per
10,000 people; by 2009, the rate was 211 per 10,000. On a per 100
student basis, the FTE rate grew from 11.8 to 14.9. Category20012009%
ChangeTotal Local Government FTE386,907442,02414%Elem/Sec
FTE214,968265,62024%Non Elem/Sec FTE171,939176,4043%State
Population12,281,05412,604,7673%Public School
Enrollment1,821,6071,780,413-2% At the same time, Pennsylvania's
performance on the SAT exam showed no improvement. The math score was
essentially unchanged while the reading score slipped slightly.
Clearly the enormous growth in education employment and spending is
the result of the belief that education will improve with more
resources. And just as clearly the data for the last decade proves
once again the fallacy of that belief.  The 2011-12 state budget
together with a proposal to begin a limited voucher program are likely
to dramatically alter the employment and spending trajectory in
elementary and secondary education in Pennsylvania. Eric Montarti,
Senior Policy Analyst
                                              Jake Haulk, Ph.D.,
President For updates and commentary on daily issues please visit our
blog at 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.

--
--
Ta.

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

Bruce Kraus raves about his trip to San Francisco. Worry reasons here.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/04/welcome-to-san-francisco-please-smile-for-your-police-scan.ars

Bruce Kraus raves about his trip to San Francisco. Worry reasons reside in ideas in this news.

Civic Arena: Petition and its easter is just around the bunny trail!

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: Melissa McSwigan <melissamiller28@yahoo.com>

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:35:54 -0700 (PDT)

To: <melissamiller28@yahoo.com>

Subject: Civic Arena: Petition

After the Sports and Exhibition Authority and Planning Commission voted to demolish the Arena this past summer/fall, Eloise McDonald of the Hill District nominated the Civic Arena for local historic designation. Preservation Pittsburgh and Reuse the Igloo co‑authored the nomination.   To date, the Historic Review Commission and Planning Commission have both rejected the nomination even though the Arena clearly meets several of the preservation ordinance criteria, only one of which needs to be met in order to qualify. Thus, the final decision on the nomination rests with City Council (vote could happen in May or June).   Demolishing the Civic Arena will have environmental, economic, and aesthetic impact, and once it's gone it can never be brought back. Why should we tear down this marvel of modernism only to build something ordinary on the site or, even worse, use the area for surface parking? We believe a re-purposed Arena as part of the Lower Hill redevelopment could be an exciting centerpiece and a renewed icon for Pittsburgh.  It could be a win-win situation for all parties –the Penguins, Hill residents, and the region at large.     Despite the odds, there are still reasons to be optimistic.   But we could really use your help by:   -Signing the following petition to government officials at the local, state, and federal level (including City Council): http://www.change.org/petitions/reuse-the-igloo-pittsburgh-civic-arena#opt_new=t&opt_fb=f     If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.     Best,   Melissa McSwigan Board Member, Preservation Pittsburgh     For further information, please visit: http://www.reusetheigloo.org/

Dave mixes sports and politics in a movie