Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Ride of Silence on May 15, 2013, Pittsburgh



      Ride of Silence riders: 1. We have a 30% probability of thunderstorms tomorrow evening. I'll be there regardless. If it is safe to ride, we will ride. We may delay the start or shorten the ride if that makes sense. If the ride gets totally washed out, we will likely schedule a second ride at a later date. However. Let's assume we will be riding tomorrow night. If it is important, let's do it. Qualified by apply common sense if conditions seem unsafe to you. Rain is safe to ride in, we will avoid lighting. It is 70% unlikely a storm will hit at a bad time for us, so let's plan for that, and only change if actual conditions warrant. 
      2. At the bottom of this email we list of the victims of accidents while bicycling. 
      3. We didn't get an armband volunteer so you are mostly on your own for armbands. I have about 50 black armbands and 10 red ones recycled from previous years. If you are passionate, make your own. If you feel lucky, see if you get one of mine. A ride to honor, mourn, raise awareness, demonstrate safe riding, and show our strength 
      The Ride of Silence honors people injured or killed while riding bikes. 
      Ride of Silence Details Wednesday, May 15th 6:15-6:45pm: Gather for the ride at the dinosaur (corner of Forbes and Schenley Dr) at the museum in Oakland. Sign a waiver only to invoke liability insurance for the event (required by the national and local organizers). 6:45pm: Listen to stories from victims and their families about why this movement for safe streets is important. (Thanks to Bike Pittsburgh for arranging this) 7pm: Ride of Silence begins. The route will be a slow and easy 10 miles winding through the East End of Pittsburgh, rolling by several c crash sites to honor the victims, as well as passing several mayoral candidate offices. Between 8pm and 8:30pm the ride will conclude. Start location: Schenley Plaza in Oakland - at Dippy the Dinosaur Route:
      How We Ride in Pittsburgh Double file, side by side, keeping to a single lane, and to the right of the yellow line where it exists. Stop and wait at all red lights - we're a big group and will undoubtedly be breaking up and regrouping as we go along. If there is slower traffic in the lane, we'll just wait for it. Please bring bikes in good repair, as there will be no official mechanical support or transportation. Children aged 12 and under must have helmets on. This ride takes place on city streets, with potholes, surface hazards, motor vehicles and other cyclists riding in close proximity. Participants must use their own judgment and be responsible for their own safety. If at any time, you feel that you can no longer participate safely, please pull off the route and wait until the rest of the ride has passed. History and Expectations . On the third Wednesday of May around the world, bicyclists will take to the roads in a silent protest of the carnage taking place on the streets . Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas in 2003 after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus mirror on an empty road . 
      The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its riders to ride at a slow pace and remain silent during the ride . The ride hopes to raise bicycling awareness during bike month to motorists, police, traffic engineers, insurance companies, and city officials. The ride is also a chance to honor and mourn, in funeral procession style, those who have already been killed and injured . The ride requests black arm bands be worn, red only if you have had a bike/motor vehicle crash. Helmets required; lights are mandatory for the ride home. There are no fees charged anyone to participate. Pittsburgh Ride of Silence Contact for 2013: Jim Logan jimlogan@verizon.net <mailto:%20jimlogan@verizon.net> <mailto:lwseaman@hotmail.com
      The Pittsburgh Ride of Silence is endorsed by endorsed by Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen, Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club, Allegheny Cycling Association, Flock of Cycles, Pittsburgh Masters Velo Club, and Bike Pittsburgh The endorsers and organizer are bearing no responsibility (financial or otherwise) for the ride. By endorsing it, we are simply stating we believe in the stated goals. Ride at your own risk. 
      Summary list of accident victims in Pittsburgh 2013 2013-03-13 
      Mjai, Liberty Ave at S Matilda Street, PGH, PA ... 2013-03-30 Chad Vida of Etna, Liberty Avenue, PGH, PA 2013-04-05 Rider down due to pothole, Brinton Road, PGH, PA 2013-04-22 Iain Engle, 8 year old, Reynolds & Lexington, PGH, PA 2012 2012-04-02 No name, 100-block of South Negley Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-04-25 No name, 48th and Butler Streets, PGH, PA 2012-05-13 Dan Yablonsky, Liberty Avenue and Ligonier Street, PGH, PA *2012-07-25 James Price, Penn Avenue just past Penfield Court, PGH, PA *2012-08-01 Anthony Green, 48, 7700 block of Penn Ave, PGH, PA 2012-08-01 No name, Intersection of Church Street and South Braddock Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-08-03 Police officer injured enforcing bicyclist safety 2012-08-10 No name, Armco Road, Butler Township, PA 2012-09-04 Dr. David Wood, retired Pitt Professor, Euclid Ave, PGH, PA 2012-09-20 JENNIFER SZWEDA JORDAN, Forbes Avenue & Dallas Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-09-28 No name, Boulevard of the Allies and Wood Street, PGH, PA 2001-10-02 No name, collision occurred near the intersection of Butler Street and Stanton Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-10-27 No name, Liberty Ave at the Herron Avenue Bridge, PGH, PA 2012-11-13 Nick Drombroski, Wilkins Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-11-14 No name, Sarah Street, PGH, PA These collisions reported without names per PPG project http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/bikeAccidents <http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsinteractive.post-gazette.c om%2FbikeAccidents&h=wAQGUTew7AQFKVYSZ4YpN0oqa_1ZvBQGBhBxb48B5eMb-6g&s=1> Names are not available. 2012 data from PG (article ran in July or August, so data ends there). Data includes both type of incidents when driver is at fault and when biker is at fault. 2012-07-22 SAW MILL RUN BL, PGH, PA 2012-07-19 FIFTH AV, , PGH, PA 2012-07-18 S MILLVALE AV, PGH, PA 2012-07-12 BROWNSVILLE RD, PGH, PA 2012-07-07 EAST CARSON ST, , PGH, PA 2012-07-05 KIRKPATRICK ST, PGH, PA 2012-06-26 ELLSWORTH AV, PGH, PA 2012-06-21 CENTRE AV, PGH, PA 2012-06-14 HOWE ST, PGH, PA 2012-06-14 PENN AV, PGH, PA 2012-06-11 BROWNSVILLE RD, PGH, PA 2012-06-08 CHAUTAUQUA CT, PGH, PA 2012-05-28 UNIVERSAL ST, PGH, PA 2012-05-24 LIBERTY AV, PGH, PA 2012-05-22 ALLEGHENY AV, PGH, PA 2012-05-22 SCHENLEY DR, PGH, PA 2012-05-21 E OHIO ST, PGH, PA 2012-05-18 ZULEMA ST, PGH, PA 2012-04-30 STRAWBERRY WY, PGH, PA 2012-04-15 BEECHWOOD BL, PGH, PA 2012-04-02 NEGLEY AV, PGH, PA 2012-04-01 BL OF THE ALLIES RD, PGH, PA 2012-03-20 PENN AV, PGH, PA 2012-03-20 TWENTYTHIRD ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-13 WADLOW ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-11 NORTH SHORE DR, PGH, PA 2012-03-11 WASHINGTON BL, PGH, PA 2012-03-08 BUTLER ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-07 EAST CARSON ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-02 FIRST AV, PGH, PA 2012-01-08 AIKEN AV, PGH, PA There are BikePGH map of self reported accidents/incidents http://map.bike-pgh.org/#c=crashSee More

    Wednesday, May 08, 2013

    Fwd: Congratulations to Mike Meehan, USA Junior Triathlon National Team member

    I think he is going to PSU in fall. He is a NA senior.

    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: "Fred Gohh" <fgohh@comcast.net>
    Date: May 8, 2013 3:23 PM
    Subject: Congratulations to Mike Meehan, USA Junior Triathlon National Team member
    To:
    Cc:

    Team Citius would like to congratulate Mike Meehan for being selected to represent the US in the Pan American Triathlon Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the end of June!!! A great race result (3rd place overall, 2nd American) in Richmond last weekend was the launch pad to his selection.

    Congratulations again!
    Fred

    Sunday, May 05, 2013

    Fwd: Debate Information May 11th 2013



    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: The Black Political Empowerment Project(B-PEP)
    Date: Sunday, May 5, 2013
    Subject: Debate Information May 11th 2013
    To: mark@rauterkus.com


    Do Not Miss

      

    THE CANDIDATE'S DEBATE

    SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2013

    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

     

    BIDWELL STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

    1025 LIVERPOOL STREET

    PITTSBURGH, PA  15233

     

    Rev. B. DeNeice Welch, Pastor

    412-231-4663

      

     

    CITY COUNCIL  -  DISTRICT 6

     

    CONFIRMED

     

    F. DOK HARRIS & R. DANIELLE LAVELLE

     

    MAYOR  -  CITY OF PITTSBURGH

     

    CONFIRMED

    BILL PEDUTO

    A.J. RICHARDSON

    JACK WAGNER

    JAKE WHEATLEY

     

     

    Sponsored by

     

    The African American Leadership Association (AALA)

    The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP)

    The Northside Coalition For Fair Housing

    L.J.S. Publications

    The W. PA Black Political Assembly

     

    For Information Call

    412-758-7898

    or

    b-pepinfo@b-pep.net

     

    Click Link For Full Color Flier

     

    Debate Flyer  

     

     

      

     

      

     

     

     

     
    This email was sent to mark@rauterkus.com by mstanyalong@gmail.com |  
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    The Black Political Empowerment Project(B-PEP) | C/O The Hill House Center | 1835 Centre Avenue | Pittsburgh | PA | 15219



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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

    Saturday, May 04, 2013

    Libertarian seeks state office in Mt. Lebo area.



    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From:
    Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013
    Subject: lppgh: Digest Number 2382
    To: PghLibertarians@yahoogroups.com


    1 New Message

    Digest #2382

    Message

    Fri May 3, 2013 11:29 am (PDT) . Posted by:

    "HaroldK" hkyriazi

    This from George (LP candidate in special election to fill a vacant state house 42nd district seat):

    The race for the PA House is heating up. I met with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board on Tuesday morning and was interviewed by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review this afternoon!

    George Brown
    George@GeorgeForLiberty.com
    www.GeorgeForLiberty.com
    412-254-3629

    [NOTE: the Tribune-Review story should appear in this Sunday's paper (May 5th)]

    And, this request for help:

    Hi All

    We are still working to distribute campaign literature to independent households throughout the 42nd district. The literature consists of two or three pieces in a clear plastic door hanger bag. We have lists of streets as well as a map print out of the vicinity. Since we are targeting only households with registered independents, it works best with two person teams where one drives while the second runs to the house and hangs the bag on the door handle. We are not attempting to engage the residents in conversation, but simply hang the literature and move on. I've found that I can do about 40 to 50 drops per hour, but we have 5000 total!

    If you can give up one, two or even three hours to support the cause, please email me back and let me know. Our target neighborhoods will be Mount Lebanon, Scott Township, Rosslyn Farms, Green Tree and some of Bethel Park. Don't hesitate to bring along extra bodies if you know anyone who would like to help.

    We will be working from 9 AM to 3 PM on both Saturday (4 May) and Sunday (5 May). Meet at my house (11 Mount Lebanon Blvd. 15228) any time. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

    As always, thanks in advance for your support!

    George Brown
    George@GeorgeForLiberty.com
    www.GeorgeForLiberty.com
    412-254-3629

    We are making changes based on your feedback, Thank you !
    The Yahoo! Groups Product Blog
    GROUP FOOTER MESSAGE
    We are doing our best to provide a quality service for Western PA Libertarians and those interested.  Hence, the moderator appreciates any feedback about this list, including reasons for unsubscribing. Reply to libertarian@ernharth.com.

    Thanks



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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

    Friday, May 03, 2013

    Fwd: Next Wednesday, May 8 - EPLC "Focus on Education" on How Public Education Is Funded



    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: Ron Cowell
    Date: Friday, May 3, 2013
    Subject: Next Wednesday, May 8 - EPLC "Focus on Education" on How Public Education Is Funded
    To: mark@rauterkus.com


    EPLC Masthead
    How Public Education Is Funded - EPLC "Focus on Education" TV Program on PCN

     

    Next Wednesday, May 8, tune in to the next episode of EPLC's "Focus on Education" series, which will cover How Public Education Is Funded In Pennsylvania and air at 9:00 p.m. on PCN televisionThe panel will include: 

    • Ron Cowell, President of The Education Policy and Leadership Center;   
    • Corinna Vecsey Wilson, PCN Host of the "Focus on Education" programs;  
    • Joe Bard, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools;
    • Dr. Paula Hess, Former Senior Education Advisor, Pennsylvania House of Representatives; and   
    • Laura Cowburn, Past President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials and Assistant to the Superintendent for Business Services and Board Secretary with the Columbia Borough School District.
    EPLC and PA Cable Network (PCN) have partnered for a monthly program focusing on education issues in Pennsylvania.  The first episodes aired during February, March, and April and covered school safety issues, student testing, and the work of school boards 
     
    "Focus on Education" will be broadcast on PCN at 9:00 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, now through June, and then again this fall in September through December.

     

    To learn more, visit PCN's "Focus on Education" web page.


    Thanks.

     

    The Education Policy and Leadership Center | 800 N. 3rd St. | Suite 408 | Harrisburg | PA | 17102



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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

    Thursday, May 02, 2013

    Fwd: Great Post



    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: Susan Vento
    Date: Thursday, May 2, 2013
    Subject: Great Post
    To: mark@rauterkus.com


    Hi Mark,

     

    My name is Susan Vento, and I am writing to you about a cause very close to my heart. My husband, Bruce, was a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives until October 10th, 2000 when he died of pleural mesothelioma––a rare disease caused by asbestos exposure. Recently, asbestos companies are using their political influence to push a new bill in Congress, led by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). It is called the "Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act." In short, this bill would delay and, in some cases, deny justice to people suffering from asbestos-related diseases. The FACT Act marks the beginning of a state-by-state strategy to dismantle the rights of victims. We must take action to protect these victims before it's too late, like it was for my husband.

     

    In the name of so-called "transparency," the bill places burdensome reporting requirements on victims applying to the bankruptcy trusts. Yet, the companies who knowingly caused the asbestos exposure have no comparable requirements. The legislation is a one-sided and unfair effort designed to harm those who have already been injured. You can find more information on the bill here. This legislation is not an effort to make the legal system more responsive. Instead, it is merely the latest attempt by companies and individuals like the Koch brothers to avoid responsibility for their wrongdoings.

     

    Because of your influence and experience in the political blogosphere, I am asking for your help. I am a spokesperson for the Asbestos Cancer Victims' Rights Campaign. The ACVRC is a national campaign dedicated to protecting the rights and privacy of cancer victims and their families.  I hope that you will join our fight to defeat this unfair legislation and the potential precedent it sets. Here are a couple simple steps you can take to make a difference:

     

    1.     Sign the petition to stop legislation that threatens cancer victims!

    Go to www.CancerVictimsRights.org/take-action/sign-the-petition/ and follow the instructions to sign the petition at the bottom of the page.

     

    2.     Spread the word!

    Share your thoughts on the bill and our cause with your blog audience. Place a link to our petition on your blog to allow your readers to sign and showcase their public support––every signature matters!

     

    Thank you in advance for your time. Individuals and families affected by cancer already have enough on their plate. With your help, the ACVRC is committed to fighting legislation that further burdens them.

     

    Best,

    Susan

    --   Susan Vento  Activist  Asbestos Cancer Victims' Rights Campaign  http://cancervictimsrights.org/



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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

    Wednesday, May 01, 2013

    Fwd: Spring Update: New National Executive Director and Two 'Once in a Lifetime' Events for Poet-Athletes

    Holly, former PPS after school czar is kicking into a new gig.

    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: "America SCORES" <info@americascores.org>
    Date: May 1, 2013 1:13 PM
    Subject: Spring Update: New National Executive Director and Two 'Once in a Lifetime' Events for Poet-Athletes
    To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
    Cc:

    In This Issue
    Welcome Holly O'Donnell
    The White House
    National Poetry SLAM!
    Kicker! Magazine
     

    NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     

    Chair

     

    Ben Chrnelich
    NYSE Euronext

     

    Vice-Chair   

     

    Bennie Smith 

     

    Treasurer   

     

    Brendan Moylan,
    Sports Endeavors, Inc.

     

    Secretary

     

    AJ Twombly

    Goldman Sachs 

     

    Board Members

     

    Barbara Birke
    Consultant

     

    Douglas Boggs
    Patton Boggs, LLP

     

    Kathy-Ann Edwards

    PwC

     

    Paul Friday

    Marlin & Associates LLC

     

    Burton Haimes
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP

     

    John Harkes
    D.C. United and Comcast

     

    Lisa Hyman
    LeadDog Marketing Group, Inc.

     

    Matthew Levin
    Aon Corporation

     

    John Linnehan

    Guggenheim Partners 

     

    Christopher Perry
    Thomson Reuters

     

    Fred Popp

    TeamUp

     

    Antonio Zea
    adidas

     

    Honorary Members

     

    Peter Galvin

     

    Gale Griffin  

     

    Robert Shay

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

     

    Holly O'Donnell

    National Office

     

    Laura McCrodden

    Atlanta

     

    Colin Schmidt 

    Bay Area

     

    Brian Bullington

    Chicago

     

    Debra Pence-Meyenberg 

    Cleveland

     

    Crystal Schober

    Dallas

     

    Brandon Blew 

    Denver

     

    Amy Nakamoto 

    DC

     

    David Joseph 

    Los Angeles

     

    Kate Carpenter 

    Milwaukee

     

    John Maconga 

    New England

     

    Rob Uvanovic

    New York

     

    Ben Dudley

    Portland 

     

    Carole Kelley 

    Seattle

     

    Serena Muhammad

    St. Louis

    ABOUT US

    America SCORES partners with urban schools nationwide to provide a high quality, team-based program that integrates soccer, poetry and service-learning. Our innovative approach improves students' health, academic achievement and civic engagement.

    We envision a world where all youth find their voice, achieve their goals, and unleash their full potential.

    CONTACT US
      
    America SCORES
    520 8th Avenue, 201C
    NY, NY 10018
    info@americascores.org
    212.868.9510
     
    Give to America SCORES!
     
    WELCOME HOLLY O'DONNELL 
    NEW NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    The Board of Directors of America SCORES is pleased to announce the appointment of Holly O'Donnell as National Executive Director. The former ED of DC SCORES returns to America SCORES to lead the national organization, bringing a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, government and foundation relations, fundraising and afterschool programming.

     

    "I am excited to re-join the America SCORES organization after seven years away," stated O'Donnell. "I am certain that America SCORES is one of the best programs in the country. I look forward to leading America SCORES in its next phase of growth and development so that  
    more children have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from this unique and high quality program."

    As she assumes her new national leadership role, O'Donnell's priorities are to strengthen the organization's national partnerships and visibility, working closely with key agencies and stakeholders, lead strategic planning, and continue to improve its award-winning program while positioning the organization for further growth.
     
    AMERICA SCORES GOES TO WASHINGTON
     
    On March 26th, America SCORES was invited to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama to celebrate the LA Galaxy's MLS championship with President Obama, and to participate in a Let's Move event. Twenty-five students from America SCORES programs in Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland and DC participated in this once in a lifetime event. Click here to see videos from the day.
     

    Karter H. will definitely remember her first trip away from home: "I always wanted to travel out of Cleveland. I was excited because I was going to meet the President but I was scared because I thought I would get homesick," Karter said. "When President Obama walked into the room, my heart just stopped. I stood up and clapped as hard as I could because I was just so excited and happy to meet him."


    AMERICA SCORES GOES ON STAGE IN NYC

    For an audience of 300 at the New York Stock Exchange, including members of the New York Cosmos and New York Red Bulls, the America SCORES 7th Annual National Poetry SLAM! featured poetry performances by 27 elementary school children from 14 cities. Also in attendance were guests of honor football legend, Shep Messing and soccer visionary, Joseph Tacopina. The event, a benefit for America SCORES, reached its $150,000 fundraising goal thanks largely to these honorees and their friends, including international soccer icon Pelé, who collectively added $10,000 to the evening's donations.

     

    The National Poetry SLAM! was the culmination of a semester of afterschool writing and performing workshops, and auditions in all 14 cities. Selected from thousands of America SCORES' daily participants, these 27 students took center stage and wowed the audience with their poetry, confidence and creativity. Poetry included a group performance and 27 unique individual poems. Students' individual poems focused on serious issues such as personal strength, loss, immigration and self-confidence, and also on lighter experiences such as getting in trouble, mastering tongue twisters and even a bad haircut!  

      

    America SCORES is grateful for all of the hard work of the sponsors, board of directors, program staff, parents, and volunteers who helped make the event a success. We will start planning for our next national fundraiser in the summer. If you want to share your ideas or join a committee, contact Michelle Wong.  


    AMERICA SCORES GOES ONTO HUNDREDS OF SOCCER FIELDS

    The spring season is well underway for 8,000 elementary and middle school students who participate in America SCORES.  Students in cities across the country are spending their afternoons on the soccer field, in the classroom and in the community.  America SCORES students are getting some much needed time outside after a long winter and we invite all of you to enjoy a spring afternoon outside too.  We hope you will come to see the program in action or volunteer at one of our upcoming special events.  In the meantime, please be sure to read the new issue of our Kicker! magazine that contains over 100 original literary works by students, letters from alumni, and features by Shep Messing, Steve Zakuani (Seattle Sounders) and Kevin Hartman (New York Red Bulls). Click here to get a copy today!

     

     

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    America SCORES | 520 8th Avenue, 2nd Floor | New York | NY | 10018

    Saturday, April 27, 2013

    Fwd: The Eagle talks about swimmer, Daniel Goldstein, and the musical

    ---------- Forwarded message ----------
    From: "The Eagle" <schoolnewspapersonline@gmail.com>
    Date: Apr 27, 2013 4:24 AM
    Subject: The Eagle
    To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
    Cc:

    The Eagle


    One young man's passion spurs 'Ultimate Frisbee Team' at Obama

    Posted: 26 Apr 2013 07:23 AM PDT

    Here at Obama Academy, we have many seniors, but one senior stands out from the rest and his name is Dan Goldstein.

    Dan has a story that is not like no other. While a freshman during the 2009-10 school year, Dan founded the Obama Academy Ultimate Frisbee Team. He acts as Manager and Treasurer even today,  as well. He gave me various details about the sport. "It's a team sport, 7 on 7 on a 110 yard field." He also mentioned that the game is played to 15 points, and once the player who has the Frisbee catches it, they cannot move, only pass. Oh, and one other amazing fact:"There are no refs" Dan added.

    In Ultimate, there are two different leagues that school teams play in. There is Division 1, and Division 2. The league is governed by Pittsburgh High School Ultimate League (PSUL). There are 40 different teams that play in the league, both boys and girls. "We practice at CMU Campus on Saturdays". Dan said. They have no home field, but the team has played at Mellon Park, and Frick Park. Dan played for Allderdice during the winter league.

    When asked about which player will become Captain after he graduates,  Dan mentioned a freshman call Sea-Bass. "I didn't expect that from a freshman, he's a great player/handler." Dan himself is a handler, a player that throws the disk to other players mostly. Dan also seems impressed with Mikah Bynum.

    And Dan knows the sport of Ultimate. He'd like for it to become an olympic sport and can ramble off universities that have great programs as well as the names of great players. "Brodi Smith is my favorite player, he plays for Florida." Perhaps this all started at an early age for Dan, as his mom played it as a child.

    Dan plans on attending University of Colorado for Ultimate. "They are ranked 9th in the country. " Ultimate is the perfect sport for the Olympics". Dan concluded

    Cast opens up about 'Once On This Island'

    Posted: 26 Apr 2013 07:12 AM PDT

    The biggest musical of the year–Once On This Island–has opened, and the cast has been looking forward to a great run here at the Obama Auditorium. The cast recently stopped by to talk about the practices and the musical itself.

    Keyanna Taylor Thomas plays T Moon, Daniel Wimer is Daniel, appropriately enough, Azurai Phillips plays Mama Ya Really, Imani Chisolm plays Asaka, Jasmine Adams plays Little T moon and Shae Wofford has the role of Ugua. Each have enjoyed the months of practice and each agrees that the incredible commitment has been worth it. Naturally, each is glad that the actual performances have begun.

    Daniel Wimer has had an extremely hectic schedule in particular. A standout baseball player, he has been getting the best of both worlds as he juggles baseball and musical practices. He has called the rigorous daily schedule as "very tough and difficult." This is Dan's senior year and as such, "I wanted to give it a try. I am a good singer and figured why not." Dan will be going to Temple next year.

    Imani Chisholm, a freshman, can relate to that feeling. She gave up track to be in the musical. "I did Alice in Wonderland in 7th grade and then saw last year's musical and that was it for me. I wanted to be a part of it."

    Keyanna Taylor Thomas on the other hand has long been a star performer for Obama's Drama Department. She has won acclaim from classmates, fans and the press and in many ways, this performance is bittersweet. "It's my last musical. It's a little emotional for me to think about moving on next year and leaving this behind." On a good note, she will be attending Edinboro in the fall with cast mate Jasmine Adams.

    Like Keyanna, Jasmine has always been involved with the musical. "I've done this my entire high school career," she says. Oddly enough, Keyanna does not wish to proceed in a Theater Arts program.

    All of the cast members talked about the long hours and practice needed to put on a musical. All credited Ms.NcKrell as being the driving force–and inspiration–to achieve greatness. "She pushes us to be better, " Keyanna says.

    And even so, the work is worth it. "I definitely think it's worthwhile," Keyanna says. "I do think about what I am missing, but I enjoy this. All of my friends are in the musical." Keyanna plays a character that is somewhat new to her this year. "For years, I've played the sexy character, so it's hard to play the someone with an innocent mindset this year, " she says. "But I like it."

    Shae Wofford concurs. " It's a lot of work, and we're never confident of a song or dance until the performance itself," he says. Shae has been involved in musicals since he was in 7th grade. He'll be joining the Theater Arts program at Point Park next year.

    "Once On This Island" concerns a small island girl who gets lost in a flood. She is a girl who is free at heart and looking for her purpose…and eventually finds it.

    it's not your everyday musical, something that wasn't lost on Azurai. "When we got the musical, we were like 'What is this', but after I read the script I really liked it and thought it would be a good show."

    The musical will run this weekend –Tonight (Friday), and Saturday at 8. It will return next Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8, as well.

    Students can buy tickets in Ms.McKrell's room (237) and the public can buy at the door, as well. The cost is $8

     

     

     

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