Good bye Steven Adams, an ex-Pitt basketball player departing after his freshman season

My Facebook posting in the wake of the news that Adams is departing Pitt.

There is more than one professional basketball league in this world. Perhaps he is not ready for the NBA. But, it sounds as if he is ready for a pay check. That money for student athletes is something that the NCAA does not allow -- yet -- still. And just getting to campus from New Zealand has got to be very costly. Good Luck Kiwi! Send us some others. Now let's get these players some pocket change from those NCAA TV contracts so that they are not slaves to million dollar coaches and spoiled ADs (Athletic Directors) who are known to pitch a fit against young kids.

That last mention goes to the situation at Rutgers University, a soon to be Big 10 program in New Jersey that tolerated a men's basketball coach until the video was leaked. The AD there should be fired too.

In other news, Ware gets a t-shirt.

Fwd: The Eagle

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: The Eagle
Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Subject: The Eagle
To: mark@rauterkus.com

The Eagle

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As some city schools move into WPIAL, Obama baseball and softball players wonder, 'What about us?' Posted: 02 Apr 2013 07:58 AM PDT When the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (WPIAL) agreed to take certain city schools into their association in certain sports, it meant that they would work with a City League consortium to pick and choose the schools and sports that they would allow in the league. The biggest name in scholastic sports in this region and certainly one of the best known in the country, the affects of the movement from City League into WPIAL impacts the students at Pittsburgh Obama greatly in an unfortunate way. The swimming and soccer team were in the WPIAL this year for the first time with mixed results. Yet the baseball and softball teams remain in what's left of the city league. Allderdice, Carrick and Brashear have all been accepted into the WPIAL for competition but that leaves three high schools, Obama, Perry, and Westinghouse, to compete among  themselves. This "city league" no longer has a championship and each of the schools only have 6 game schedules, which are against the other two schools. Athletic directors at Obama, Perry and Westinghouse schools could try to set up exhibition games with teams in the WPIAL but it's very hard since they have a full season to prepare for and don't have the time to play an off the record game. And of course, the poor weather has played a part in the inability to schedule games. But while the WPIAL thrives in its own monopoly of sorts, it leaves some schools in the dust with nowhere to go. This is the case with Obama baseball and softball, and while the decision to move into the WPIAL is greeted as being a good one by most, the apparent memory lapse about schools left behind is another thing altogether. "The committee that came up with this plan  ought to be ashamed of itself." Harsh words from 25 year fast-pitch softball coach—and former Obama baseball coach—Mr.Kocur. He is describing his feelings as city teams join the WPIAL in baseball and softball this spring…and leave Obama, Perry and Westinghouse behind. "It's outrageous, it's reprehensible. In all of my years of coaching, it's the worst thing I've seen a governing body do," Kocur says. " The lack of foresight in this case just numbs the mind. No one thought of the schools being left behind or of the student-athletes? Outrageous." Athletic Director Mr.McGee agrees. "It's crazy….just crazy." Leaving three schools behind irks him, as well. "There are so many teams in the WPIAL. I would have to print off a sheet to name them all. We  should be on that sheet." Magee believes that playing in the WPIAL improves city players' overall level of play and that the competition is inspiring, giving city players exposure they normally wouldn't receive. More pointedly, he feels Obama can eventually compete with the WPIAL. To his credit, McGee has been able to schedule baseball games against Bishop Canevin, Sto Rox and Keystone Oaks.But he is disappointed in noting that he has not had much more luck in adding exhibition games with WPIAL schools, especially with the horrible weather we've had.  Softball Coach Ms.Wagner feels a bit differently about the entry into the WPIAL to begin with. "Overall, softball in the city is terrible…there is no ability to build a program and we're playing kids on a different level in the WPIAL. Given those facts, Wagner doesn't see competing in the WPIAL as being an option for an Obama."We don't have the talent to compete.," and without a feeder program from elementary/middle school or the community recreational leagues, "We don't stand a chance against WPIAL teams." Still, none of this explains why three city schools were left behind. None of this explains the reasoning that would entail a student who loves baseball or softball having a six game schedule. None of this explains why a city parent, who pays taxes, would agree with the city's own not having a real season and chance for a real championship. "Obama and Perry may have taken some lumps in the first few years if they were moved into the WPIAL, but they have the numbers of kids actually playing, " Mr.Kocur says. "They have the interest in the sport. How do you just leave them behind?" Meanwhile, Golf and Swim team coach Mr.Rauterkus sees the positives and the negatives of the move. He believes that sweeping changes in terms of the approach to athletics is needed." The city has always had talented student athlete and some dedicated coaches. But we all know that the opportunities for city residents and that of our suburban competitors are not similar, he says. " We have plenty of catch up to do. But, the pressing need is to make the top administrators see the value of wholistic athletic programs and then expend the energy to empower our coaches. Most of all, these are economical, efficient and healthy mental investments." Mr.Rauterkus believes that perhaps the moves were made without putting the necessary emphasis on upgrading athletics in PPS. "Some reformers wanted to migrate PPS teams to the WPIAL, but all were in full agreement that serious overhauls and upgrades to PPS sports programs and opportunities were necessary."  So it seems that some recommendations were accepted and some just set aside. And within this, little thought was given to the schools that were left behind in every sport. "I'm just at a loss to explain how that can happen," Kocur says. "It just can't happen." Perhaps baseball player Cam Miller put it best. "I think it stinks. You get better by playing the best competition," he said. "I'd much rather be playing WPIAL schools."

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Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

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

Fwd: Proud of Our Lady Bears

FGCU coach bolts for Southern Cal.

Pitt fires women's basketball coach after two seasons without a win in the Big East. Bye Agnes. 

On March 30, 2013, Steve Alford signed a seven-year, $18.2-million contract to become the head men's basketball coach of UCLA, replacing the fired Ben Howland, fired after 10 years and former Pitt coach via Northern Arizona. Alford was a New Mexico prior to UCLA and his team let me down in this year's chart, by the way.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ken Starr <Office_of_President@baylor.edu>
Date: Tue, Apr 2, 2013 at 4:53 PM
Subject: Proud of Our Lady Bears

	Dear Baylor Nation: Our hearts are broken. We thought we could — and would — do it: Back-to-back national championships by our beloved Lady Bears and their (already) legendary Hall of Fame Coach, Baylor's incomparable Kim Mulkey. The first half of our Easter Sunday game was unspeakably frustrating for those of us yelling (very) loudly in the stands at the Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City, yet we knew that our magnificent team could battle back. Sure enough, our Lady Bears nearly pulled out a stunning victory. With 10 minutes remaining, the "unbelievably believable" comeback began. This was an epic struggle which we thought we had won with just seconds left to play. But it was not to be. We now pause to express heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful Coach Kim Mulkey, her hard-working assistant coaches, and our fabulous Lady Bears. This was yet another stellar season, with our Lady Bears winning 34 games, and in the process coming away (once again) with the Big 12 Championship and the Big 12 Tournament Championship. This was also a banner year in which Brittney shattered record after record. We salute this magnificent team. These student-athletes — and their coaches — will forever be remembered by Baylor Nation — and indeed, the entire country. As we look ahead to the men's NIT Semi-Final basketball matchup with BYU tonight at storied Madison Square Garden, we wish Coach Scott Drew and his team the inspiration and determination to carry them into the Championship game Thursday night. The nationally-televised game tonight is at 6 p.m. Central Time on ESPN2. Many of us are here in New York where — like all of Baylor Nation — we will be cheering on our team. All of our student-athletes make us proud. We wish them the very best. Sic 'em Bears! Blessings, Ken Starr President

County councilman Matt Drozd wants to eliminate practice that discriminates against most businesses in Allegheny County

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Matthew Drozd <mdrozd@verizon.net>

 

 

From: Matthew Drozd [mailto:mdrozd@verizon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 1:25 PM
To: 'Matthew Drozd'
Cc: 'mjs@alleghenycityelectric.com'
Subject: County councilman Matt Drozd wants to eliminate practice that discriminates against most businesses in Allegheny County

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2013 CONTACT: Matt Drozd 412-364-1600     At tonight's legislative session of County Council, Allegheny County Councilman Matt Drozd wants to stop a practice that discriminates against the majority of businesses in Allegheny County by  introducing an ordinance that bans the use of PLA's in Allegheny County government contracts and its agencies.  When doing so, the Councilman notes that A PLA requires successful bidders to enter into agreements, known generally as "Project Labor Agreements" ("PLAs").  By imposing a PLA on a public works construction project, experienced and responsible contractors who are not otherwise signatory to collective bargaining agreements will decline to submit bids for projects covered by a PLA thereby artificially reducing the pool of potential responsible bidders to the financial detriment of the County, its taxpayers or a County agency; and freedom of contract and employment are among the most basic freedoms enjoyed within our society, and such restriction of these freedoms is unacceptable.  County Councilman further notes that PLAs can discriminate against the majority of businesses in Allegheny County seeking these contracts notably, small businesses and women owned businesses (see ordinance below). When:  Tonight, Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 5:00 PM Where: Court House Gold Room         AN ORDINANCE   An ordinance of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to amend and supplement the Allegheny County Code of Ordinances, Division 1, Chapter 5, entitled "Administrative Code," in order to prohibit the execution of certain service contracts by the County,  and enumerated County agencies.                           WHEREAS, according to published reports, Allegheny County and certain entities designated as County agencies pursuant to the terms of §5-215.01 of the Administrative Code of Allegheny County, have been engaging in the practice of requiring successful bidders to enter into agreements, known generally as "Project Labor Agreements" ("PLAs"); and                           WHEREAS, a PLA is an agreement the County or a County Agency may enter into which, among other things, may place requirements upon the successful bidder on a public works construction project who is not otherwise signatory to a collective bargaining agreement; and                          WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, 43 P.S. section 165, et. seq., on all County or County agency construction projects having a total project cost in excess of $25,000 mandates that all employees working on any such project, regardless of employee representation, be paid the wages and fringe benefits pre-determined by the Department of Labor & Industry; and                           WHEREAS, a probable consequence of imposing a PLA on a public works construction project is that experienced and responsible contractors who are not otherwise signatory to collective bargaining agreements will decline to submit bids for projects covered by a PLA thereby artificially reducing the pool of potential responsible bidders to the financial detriment of the County, its taxpayers or a County agency; and                           WHEREAS, freedom of contract and employment are among the most basic freedoms enjoyed within our society, and it is the judgment of Council that any systematic restriction of these freedoms is undesirable; and                          WHEREAS, the Administrative Code of Allegheny County at section 5-903.02 requires for all contracts in excess of $30,000 that they be awarded to the lowest responsible responsive bidder; and              WHEREAS, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, most notably the Pennsylvania Procurement Code, ("Code") requires that all government agencies, including the County and County agencies, award contracts through competitive sealed bidding to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. 62 Pa. C.S.A. section 3911; and                           WHEREAS, the deleterious consequences of restricting, based upon employee representation status, who may be employed to work on  County revenue funded projects are even more pronounced in difficult economic times, as they will increase the reliance on unemployment compensation and other publicly financed safety net programs; and                           WHEREAS, restricting employment on County revenue funded  projects runs precisely contrary to the established and stated federal and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania policies of endeavoring to put as many Americans to work in a non-discriminatory manner as possible in order to stimulate the economy; and                           WHEREAS, it is the judgment of Council that the use of PLAs which have the direct effect of favoring or disfavoring any individual worker based solely upon his or her representation status is both invidious and undesirable; and                           WHEREAS, although the process of negotiating and signing contracts on behalf of the County proper is expressly reserved to the Chief Executive under the terms of Article V, Section 2(i) of the Home Rule Charter of Allegheny County, neither the Charter nor applicable law prohibits the enactment of federal, state, or local statutes that place limitations on that power; and                                     WHEREAS, existing County law, most notably §5-911.03 of the Administrative Code of Allegheny County and §280-1 of the Allegheny County Code of Ordinances, together with other Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws, most notably the Code and the Prevailing Wage Act already expressly establishes County contract requirements; and   WHEREAS, PLAs can discriminate against the majority of businesses in Allegheny County seeking these contracts notably small businesses and women and minority owned businesses; and                           WHEREAS, it is accordingly the desire of Council to prohibit the practice of entering into PLAs by the County or any County agency when County revenues will be expended directly or indirectly on public works construction projects;                           The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby enacts as follows:   SECTION 1.   The provisions of the preamble to this ordinance are hereby incorporated in their entirety herein.   SECTION 2.  County Contracts   The Allegheny County Code of Ordinances, Division 1, Chapter 5, entitled "Administrative Code," §5-911.03, entitled "Specific contract requirements," is hereby amended as follows: §5-911.03.  Specific contract requirements.   A.         Except for agreements entered into with any department, bureau, or agency of the United States government or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, unless specifically waived by the County Executive with notification to County Council prior to or contemporaneous with the execution of the agreements, the County shall not enter into any agreement that contains a provision requiring the County to indemnify or hold harmless any person, partnership, association, corporation or other entity.   B.         To the greatest fiscally responsible extent the County shall give preference to American made or American-manufactured products. The Purchasing Officer shall establish guidelines to govern the implementation of a "buy American" policy in the purchase or procurement of materials, supplies, furnishings, equipment or other personal property and nonprofessional services.   C.         To the greatest fiscally responsible extent, the County shall develop and implement a policy to ensure participation by disadvantaged business enterprises.   D.         Under no circumstances shall the County enter into any contract, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement substantially similar to a Project Labor Agreement (or PLA) for the performance of labor or other contracted work on any project that is financed to any extent by County revenues if such contract or agreement contains any provision(s) restricting or in any way favoring or disfavoring the employment of individuals, companies, or other entities on the subject project based upon the representation of any individual(s) to be employed to perform work on the subject project by any union or other labor organization. All such contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder .   SECTION 3.  County Agency Contracts   The Allegheny County Code of Ordinances, Division 1, Chapter 5, entitled "Administrative Code," Article 215, entitled "Retained County Agencies," is hereby amended through the addition of a new §5-215.05, comprised as follows:   §5-215.05.  County agency contracts.   Under no circumstances shall any County agency delineated under the terms of §5-215.01 of this Administrative Code enter into any contract, memorandum of understanding, or other agreement for the performance of labor or other contracted work on any project that is financed to any extent by  County revenues if such contract or agreement contains any provision(s) restricting or in any way favoring or disfavoring the employment of individuals, companies, or other entities on the subject project based upon the representation of any individual(s) to be employed to perform work on the subject project by a union or other labor organization.  All such contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.  All County agencies shall, no later than 30 days after enactment of the within Ordinance, adopt formal written procurement policies incorporating the County's prohibition against the use of Project Labor Agreements as a condition for each such agency's eligibility for further funding or sponsorship by the County.     SECTION         4.         If any provision of this Ordinance shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Ordinance which shall be in full force and effect.     SECTION 5.   Repealer.   Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Resolution.   SECTION 6.  Effective Date. This Ordinance shall bcome effective immediately upon its approval by the Allegheny County Counsel and Chief Executive. PRIMARY SPONSOR:  COUNCIL MEMBER DROZD

Fwd: URA Newsletter: Relocation, Sequestration, Litigation...and a Speedo

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gigi Saladna
Date: Monday, April 1, 2013
Subject: URA Newsletter: Relocation, Sequestration, Litigation...and a Speedo
To: mark.rauterkus@gmail.com

You've subscribed to Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh communications. For best delivery, please add gsaladna@ura.org to your address book or safe sender list. This message is best viewed in HTML.

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URA Newsletter: Relocation, Sequestration, Litigation...and a Speedo
URA Announces Relocation After months of specu- lation, the URA has finally found a new home and will begin moving its offices out of the John P. Robin Civic Building. What finally got the ball rolling was the announcement on March 21 by Under30CEO.com naming Pittsburgh as one of the Top Ten Cities for Young Entrepreneurs (population 250,000 - 500,000).  The URA, quite literally, ran out of space in its 200 Ross Street offices. "This was the 133rd accolade bestowed upon the City since 2007, and frankly, we have no where else to put these," stated Acting Executive Director Robert Rubinstein.  "Every office, hallway, stairwell and closet is filled with these accolades." Initially, the Authority considered a move to the recently-acquired "Skinny Building," but not all URA employees are participating in the health plan-sponsored City-Fit initiative. The 5 ft. 2 in. building's width proved too skinny to overcome.  The decision was ultimately made to co-locate with URA client "The Goodie Truck" and other mobile food truck vendors. "It's a great fit," said Rubinstein. "Hey, I watch the Food Network, and I know that food trucks are all the rage.  Now, along with your ice cream, candy or smoothie, you can get a loan or a second deferred mortgage!" Look for URA parked at a neighborhood location near you. Read more Former Almono Site Home of 2024 Summer Olympics The URA announced today that it has been contacted by the International Olympic Committee to build the infrastructure for the 2024 Summer Olympics which will be held in Pittsburgh at the former Almono site in Hazelwood.  Pending approval from its board, the URA will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a developer(s) to construct the stadiums and all other facilities.  The URA will be responsible for all streets, curbs, bike and pedestrian trails and all that other infrastructure stuff, including a 250,000 space parking garage. In exchange for undertaking this massive effort, the URA has been granted the opportunity to compete in one of the Olympic events. The URA Synchronized Swimming Team will be headed up by Acting Executive Director, Robert Rubinstein.  When asked about Rubinstein's prowess as a swimmer, URA spokeswoman Gigi Saladna said "Beats me.  I don't even know if he can swim, but he's got a lot of rhythm.  He's in a band, you know." The Mosites Company has amended their contract for the East Liberty Transit Center to now include a roof-top pool and practice facility for the team. "We're thrilled to be able to accommodate the URA Synchronized Swimming Team," said Steve Mosites, president.  "In fact, we'll build the pool for free if they allow Mark Minnerly and me to join the team!" Wall-to-Wall Studios is in the process of designing the official swimwear for the team. "We worked with former URA Executive Director Rob Stephany as the model for the swimsuit," said James Nesbitt, Wall-to-Wall's founder and creative director. "As a result, we've decided to incorporate the asterisk from our award-winning branding/prospectus campaign into the swimwear design. We feel consistency is key.  And they should be shiny.  Really shiny."  The URA Board of Directors meets Thursday, April 11 at 2 p.m. in the URA offices at 200 Ross Street, Downtown.  Read more. URA Team Practice This Just In.... Several TIF Districts Considering Leaving City Following the dissolution of the second of Pittsburgh's 21 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, independent sources have confirmed that several other TIF districts are considering the same. "We have increased the tax base and created hundreds of jobs.  Our work here is done," stated one TIF District, choosing to remain unnamed. URA Acting Executive Director Robert Rubinstein could not be reached for comment.  Read more. Gettin' Real Techy with It The Urban Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors voted yesterday to upgrade the technology and computer systems used by Authority employees.  Gina Salandra, the URA's PR lady, said, "In recent years, we at the URA have seen a boom in the technology industry moving into Pittsburgh.  We have made several efforts to keep up with the changing times and improve technological developments by creating the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).  This is the latest effort to upgrade the systems at the URA. Ms. Salandra is referring to the recent upgrade to Windows 98 for all Authority computers and devices.  Terry Willis, Information Systems manager for the URA believes that "this will vastly improve the efficiency of the URA staff and their ability to provide better service to the public. It's about time - I've been asking for this for years!" When asked to validate the enormous cost for such an upgrade, CIE Director Tom Link replied, "Just because we're a government agency doesn't mean that we shouldn't have the same amenities as the private sector.  I'm tired of always being behind the times.  How the heck am I supposed to help Startups and small business owners if I don't have the right equipment?"  Read more. URA Contemplating Lawsuit Sources confirm that the URA is considering a lawsuit against the folks that keep stealing their ideas from the April Fools newsletters. "First the zip line, now the summer olympics," said Acting ED Rubinstein.  "Let me remind you that we came up with the 'Mount Shore Connector,' the Zip Line from Mount Washington to the North Shore idea back in April 2011, and last year we proposed 'McArdle Olympic Winter Park' in Pittsburgh.  "I'm not paying good money to have my staff stay late and make stuff up just so someone else can take credit for and make money off of our made-up ideas." George Specter, URA general counsel, commented, "We don't comment on pending litigation."  Read more.   Get to Know: Dave Howe Job Title:  Manager, Pittsburgh Housing Development Corporation What you actually do:  I coordinate the activities of the the Authority's housing development non-profit. Years at URA:  I have worked for the authority for the last 11 years... 12 if you count the internship.  Best thing about working at the URA:  I don't have to answer any more of your questions Le Chiffre. Favorite project/Most satisfying moment in career:  I know who you're working for. Education:  I think you'll find that I have been highly trained.  Where you were before the URA:  You know perfectly well where I was, Le Chiffre.  I saw your goons tailing me in Instanbul. If you were boss for the day:  Do you think your bosses at SMERSH will be happy when they find out you've lost their money? The Boss says:  "Dave has great...wait, what? - Tom Cummings, URA housing director. If you weren't at the URA you'd be...Is that part of your plan?  Trying to figure out where I hid the diamond.  It won't work.  First job:  My partner is already miles away from here. With any luck she's already crossed the border into Switzerland. Favorite athlete:  You'll never find her. Favorite restaurant:  What... what are you doing with those jumper cables? Favorite thing to do when not at work:  Do you expect me to talk Le Chiffre?  Secret vice:  You're going to be sadly disappointed.  What three words describe you best:  ****ZAP***** Favorite TV show when you were young:  <Heavy breathing> Three things always in your refrigerator:  Is that all you've got? Three people (living or dead) you'd like to have dinner with:  ****ZAP****** Actor who would play you in a movie:  [Expletive Deleted] People would be surprised to know that I...You're going to [Expletive deleted] regret this, Le Chiffre. Family:  <Heavy Breathing> Pets:  Four cats (Luna, Maia, Mimas, and Terra) Meet the real Dave Howe here Send Us a Tweet! And we're not talking Twitter!  April 8 is Draw a Picture of a Bird Day so for this year's Coloring Contest you can either color the little guy below or draw your own favorite feathered friend. Winner will receive a year's worth of bird seed and $1 million in New Markets Tax Credits!  Good Luck!   click to download	URA Announces Relocation Redevelopment of 25.816 Acres to Begin Former Almono Site Home of 2024 Summer Olympics 2024 Olympic Village Coming to Market Square This Just In.... Mayor Brings Renaissance to Dairy District Get to Know: Dave Howe HERE + NOW Send Us a Tweet! This and That Redevelopment of 25.816 Acres to Begin             With the recent announcement of $15 million in RACP funding awarded by Governor Corbett, infrastructure work is set to begin on the 25.816 acres site in the Lower Hill District.  The former site of the Civic Arena was commonly referred to as "the 28 acres" until the automatic Federal sequestration cuts of 7.8% reduced the size to its current 25.816 acres. The first "vertical" development is anticipated by early 2015. Plans include new residential units, office space, possibly a hotel and parking for 2,600 cars. Unfortunately, due to the budget cuts, expansion plans for the URA-owned Melody Tent have been scrapped.  "It's really too bad," said URA Special Projects Manager Paul Svoboda.  "We had a bunch of awesome Polka bands lined up to play live before and after hockey games. We even had URA employees volunteering to serve homemade Kolbassi sandwiches to fans." When asked to comment on the pending infrastructure work and the now defunct polka party plans, an Allegheny Institute analyst from the conservative think-tank replied, "What the hell is the Melody Tent anyway?"  Read more 2024 Olympic Village Coming to Market Square The Pitts- burgh Down- town Partner- ship (PDP) announced today that Market Square will be the home of the 2024 Summer Olympic Village.  Jeremy Waldrup, PDP president and CEO shared his excitement.  "When we heard the URA was bringing the Summer Olympics to the former Almono site, we jumped at the chance to house the athletes," he said.  "We're already working to create an Urban Village atmosphere so using Market Square was a no-brainer.  It's surrounded by world class restaurants serving food from all over the world. We've got chips and salsa from Mexico, the Southwest and California; meatballs from Naples and Tuscany; champagne and crepes from France; gyros from Greece; noodles from Asia, the Mediterranean and America so that covers a whole bunch of places; and gumbo from New Orleans.  Plus we have all those little outdoor café tables those Europeans love." Site plans are already in the works for the athletes' living quarters. The PDP has contracted with Walnut Capital to create "Olympic Square Village" and renovate the chalets used at this past year's extremely successful European Holiday Market.  "We're planning on painting the Olympic rings on the front of each one and are working on innovative designs for the interiors of each.  Oh, yeah, they're going to be real nice," said Todd Reidbord, president, Walnut Capital.  When asked if he was concerned about the chalets being a little cramped, Reidbord replied.  "Are you kidding me? Those athletes will thank us.  From the rumors I heard about the hanky panky that went on at the last Olympics, the more cramped, the better!" Waldrup chimed in, "Plus, there's free WiFi.  What else do they need?"  Read more Mayor Brings Renaissance to Dairy District Mayor Luke Raven- stahl and Pittsburgh economic develop- ment officials recently announced that the family-owned Colteryahn Dairy will serve as the cornerstone of a revitalization effort in Carrick. City officials are using $50,000 grant to create a "dairy district" - a planning and design initiative - from the Pittsburgh Neighborhood Renaissance Fund (NRF).  NRF is a program that provides community groups with resources to create a development vision plan, and was created by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the URA and the Design Center. The goal of the dairy district effort is to transform the corridor into a destination with quality retail, dining and office space. "We'd like to really focus on the renaissance part of this revitalization," said Yarone Zober, URA Board chair and chief of staff to Mayor Ravenstahl.  "I love renaissances.  I love saying the word renaissance.  So we've decided to bring the renaissance to the dairy district, literally." When the new ice cream shops, restaurants and other complementary businesses open this summer, all will be staffed by professional Renaissance Faire actors.  No jobs will be lost - current employees will be costumed and trained in the tricks of the ancient trades with the help of current renaissance actors and the CMU drama department. Customers will get a hands-on experience when they shop or visit the district.  "You'll be able to milk your own cow, churn your own butter, all that good stuff they did back in the day," said Zober. "They'll be 'ssancing it up in Carrick." In addition to buying milk, ice cream, candy and other staples, customers will also be able to nosh on giant turkey legs while they sit back and enjoy jousting and archery events. Said Zober, "When we say we're taking Pittsburgh's Third Renaissance into the neighborhoods, we mean it." Read more HERE + NOW       It's about momentum.  About seizing the moment, because the world is watching.  Harnessing the excitement, the energy, the opportunity, that is all around us. It's not a journey.  Every journey ends but we go on.  The world turns and we turn with it.  Plans disappear.  Dreams take over. But wherever we go.  There you are.  Our luck.  Our fate.  Our fortune.  And there's no better time to be a part of Pittsburgh than right now. Right here.  Right now. This and That April Dates April 2      National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day April 3     Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun Day April 7      International Beaver Day April 12    Big Wind Day April 14    Look up at the Sky Day April 15   Rubber Eraser Day April 15    Tax Day April 22     Earth Day April 24   Pigs in a Blanket Day April 24   Administrative Professionals Day April 25    Full Moon April 26    Arbor Day April 29   National Shrimp Scampi Day Monthly Inspiration: I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it. ~ Jack Handey

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Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

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