Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Sunday, July 09, 2017
Fwd: The Neoliberal Agenda
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Hemington <jehemington@verizon.net>
From: John Hemington <jehemington@verizon.net>
The three attachments are in some ways related as evidencing the results of the neoliberal plutocracy. In the first, Paul Street details what I have been arguing from the beginning about the Trump election. That is, that the primary support for Trump did not come from working and lower class whites. Instead, his strongest support came from what I describe as country club/chamber of commerce whites who are generally well off and represent one of the most reactionary forces in our society. They tend to care about only two issues, lower (or no) taxes and the elimination of 'unnecessary' regulations. This is a quasi-libertarian group which tends to care only for their own selfish interests – a core constituency of the neoliberal thought collective. They strongly believe that they have no responsibility at all for the ills of society nor any interest helping others. Strangely enough, many, if not most are or believe themselves to be committed Christians – though they seem to have a strange interpretation of Christ's teaching. The second article deals with plutocracy, its consequences and how both major political parties have come to represent its interests. The third article discusses the impact of neoliberal agenda on higher education caprification of university teaching positions along with labor's efforts to organize adjuncts and graduate assistants in order to afford a reasonable living opportunity.
One thing that has been quite clear to me is that many of the so called working class whites who voted for Trump were not so much voting for Trump as against the plutocracy which controls both major parties. It is also clear to me that had the Democratic Party not deliberately sabotaged Bernie Sanders campaign, Sanders would have soundly beaten Trump in at least two of the contested Rust Belt states and won the election. The shame is that the Democratic Party cares more about pleasing its billionaire contributors than it does about doing what needs to be done for the people and for society as a whole. This is not the same as saying that Bernie Sanders was the best possible candidate or that all of his policies would have been beneficial. He was much too willing to follow the military in its effort to subdue the world for corporate interests, but his economic policies would have benefitted many millions of Americans – and most Americans understood that, particularly on the issue of health care for all.
John
Links
Wednesday, July 05, 2017
Fwd: Threats abound
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Hemington
From: John Hemington
These days it seems as if threats of various enormity abound almost everywhere. Cable news seems never to stop selling fear and loathing – regardless of which political agenda is being cast as the evil one. But there is one very real threat that few media of any stripe are reporting and it may be, in many respects, the most serious of all. That is the accumulation derivatives by the four major Wall Street mega-banks as detailed in the attached article by Pam and Russ Martens of Wall Street on Parade. One bank, Citi, holds derivatives with a notional value of $54.8 trillion dollars. To get an idea of just how problematic this is, the global GDP of all nations is estimated to be only $75.6 trillion in notional value. As stated in the article, there is no way that there could ever be sufficient counter-parties to cover this in the event of another financial crash. More importantly, little or nothing has been done since the Great Financial Crisis of 2008 (GFC) to correct the problems in the financial industry which led to the 2008 crash. Dodd-Frank when passed was too little, too late and it has since then diluted and de-toothed at the behest of these financial titans. When the next crash comes, and it almost certainly will, since the same basic players remain in charge both in and out of government, it is likely to be far more devastating and destructive than the one which preceded it.
If there was not a sufficient threat from nuclear war given the insane policies put in place by the Trump administration, not to mention the two previous administrations, cataclysmic financial crises almost always lead to global warfare. We got lucky in 2008 because the financial bleeding was stopped, but the non-financial victims were never made whole as were the bankers who got to keep all of their ill-gotten gains as well as all of their power to continue operating multi-trillion dollar gambling operations – which is what derivatives really are. Unfortunately, the main stream media will almost never pay attention to the criminals in high places and instead focus on crime in the streets. As a result, it is likely that, as before, the crisis will almost certainly find most Americans unprepared (though it is certainly difficult for one to know how to prepare for such a collapse). Because the victims of the 2008 GFC have never been made whole and have since been ignored and/or denigrated by both major political parties, we have the rise of right-wing nationalism and the election of a very dangerous president with little capacity for restraint or for rational decision making. As such these are extremely volatile times in which almost any event can lead to catastrophic consequences for us all.
John
Link:
Tuesday, July 04, 2017
Fwd: Tyranny's little helpers
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ben Settle <ben@bensettle.com>
I've said it before I'll say it again:
The best overall business/marketing book I possess (and have been reading almost non-stop since January 2008) is Ken McCarthy's "System Club Letters" book. I dig it so much I even gifted it to my "Email Players" subscribers a few years ago.
My favorite chapter is about Independence Day.
(That's today in the US.)
Ken 'splains why it's lost its meaning:
"Reason #1: Independence is no longer a treasured virtue in our country. Reason #2: Many of the things that the Founding Fathers found so objectionable - like taxation without representation for example - have become institutionalized in the US. Big business, big media, big government - the country seems to be run for their benefit today, not ours."
True.
People are completely gullible.
(Just look at how people follow corrupt politicians like rats following the Pied Piper...)
Another great insight from that chapter:
Ken notes how when this country was founded 90% of people worked (and thought) for themselves.
Today?
Only 10% do.
The rest are slaving away, swallowing everything the media tells them ("Russians!"), voting their rights away for fear of non-existent boogymen, enthusiastically cheering on unelected activist judges making laws out of thin air and based on their feelz, piling on debt, race baiting, class warfaring, never questioning, always obeying — tyranny's little helpers.
Ken's solution?
Become economically independent.
And then use your economic independence to take a stand against the politicians and unelected bankers, bureaucrats, judges, and foreign interests trying to steal yours and your children's birthrights for their 30 pieces of silver.
Anyway, I highly recommend reading it.
And then *keep* reading it.
Perpetually.
As far as how to become economically independent...
I've got a pile of low cost eBooks (most under $3) on Kindle that can help you with everything from copywriting and email… to affiliate marketing and traffic… to positioning, publishing newsletters, selling & persuasion, and how to build a swipe file… and everything in between (including my Villains persuasion book and even a series of novels about zombies and vampires and other deranged monsters that go bump in the morning if'n that's your thang…).
It's like an Independence Day fireworks display of value.
And, it's dirt cheap.
Get your bargain-basement lovin' here:
http://www.BenSettle.com/kindle
Ben Settle
Copyrighted & published by Settle, LLC.
If you are even thinking about swiping or stealing this
email, read this letter from my attorney first:
http://www.BenSettle.com/blog/swipe-file
Ben Settle
World leader in email copywriting education
Settle, LLC
PO Box 2058
Bandon OR 97411
USA
From: Ben Settle <ben@bensettle.com>
I've said it before I'll say it again:
The best overall business/marketing book I possess (and have been reading almost non-stop since January 2008) is Ken McCarthy's "System Club Letters" book. I dig it so much I even gifted it to my "Email Players" subscribers a few years ago.
My favorite chapter is about Independence Day.
(That's today in the US.)
Ken 'splains why it's lost its meaning:
"Reason #1: Independence is no longer a treasured virtue in our country. Reason #2: Many of the things that the Founding Fathers found so objectionable - like taxation without representation for example - have become institutionalized in the US. Big business, big media, big government - the country seems to be run for their benefit today, not ours."
True.
People are completely gullible.
(Just look at how people follow corrupt politicians like rats following the Pied Piper...)
Another great insight from that chapter:
Ken notes how when this country was founded 90% of people worked (and thought) for themselves.
Today?
Only 10% do.
The rest are slaving away, swallowing everything the media tells them ("Russians!"), voting their rights away for fear of non-existent boogymen, enthusiastically cheering on unelected activist judges making laws out of thin air and based on their feelz, piling on debt, race baiting, class warfaring, never questioning, always obeying — tyranny's little helpers.
Ken's solution?
Become economically independent.
And then use your economic independence to take a stand against the politicians and unelected bankers, bureaucrats, judges, and foreign interests trying to steal yours and your children's birthrights for their 30 pieces of silver.
Anyway, I highly recommend reading it.
And then *keep* reading it.
Perpetually.
As far as how to become economically independent...
I've got a pile of low cost eBooks (most under $3) on Kindle that can help you with everything from copywriting and email… to affiliate marketing and traffic… to positioning, publishing newsletters, selling & persuasion, and how to build a swipe file… and everything in between (including my Villains persuasion book and even a series of novels about zombies and vampires and other deranged monsters that go bump in the morning if'n that's your thang…).
It's like an Independence Day fireworks display of value.
And, it's dirt cheap.
Get your bargain-basement lovin' here:
http://www.BenSettle.com/
Ben Settle
Copyrighted & published by Settle, LLC.
If you are even thinking about swiping or stealing this
email, read this letter from my attorney first:
http://www.BenSettle.com/blog/
Ben Settle
World leader in email copywriting education
Settle, LLC
PO Box 2058
Bandon OR 97411
USA
Monday, July 03, 2017
Time to visit -- especially at the public pools
Hi All, Summer in the city! Hope you and yours are safe and healthy. Last week highlights: 20 adults joined together to play water polo at Citiparks Ammon outdoor swim pool in The Hill District. We're looking to add youth and rookie games in the shallow-water in the weeks to come. Next practice: 6 pm to 7:45 on Thursday, July 6 at Ammon, Bedford Ave & Memory Lane. Then again on Tuesdays, again on Tuesday, July 11. All are invited. + + Lots of action is happening and being documented with some fun photos at Swim & Water Polo with Pittsburgh Public Schools Summer Dreamers. Follow along at http://CLOH.org. + + Your help is desired in building political for the inclusion of AQUATICS within the new Community Schools venture taking root in PPS this coming school year http://cloh.org/wp/archives/1090 + + Our Independence Day open house is slated for the evening of July 4th, again, of course. Both of our boys are home this summer -- and both have appartments in other cities. Come for a visit and watch fireworks from the deck. + + Fingers are crossed for the still pending opening of the outdoor pool on the Northside at The Pittsburgh Project. We have dreams of playing lots of SKWIM there this summer. SKWIM is a great inter-generational game and we want to build our base of participation throughout the city and the nation. Hope to see you soon, so we can talk about the endless list of benefits in this quest in "playing well with others." -- Ta. Mark Rauterkus Mark at Rauterkus.com PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim & Water Polo Camp Executive Coach Varsity Boys Swim Coach, Pittsburgh Obama Academy Recent Head Water Polo Coach, Carnegie Mellon University Women's Club Team Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team http://CLOH.org 412 298 3432 = cell
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Fwd: Pocket Masks $4.69! Boardshorts $6.95! Lifeguard Umbrellas $29.99! Hurry! Going Fast!
|
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Fwd: The circle game . . .
---------- Forwarded message
From: John H
Round and round it goes and where it stops is on the heads of every American citizen. We are the dupes and they are the puppet masters ruling the world at their whim while not so slowly squeezing the life out of the public both here and abroad – sometimes economically and sometimes physically.
John
Links
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Fwd: Jerry Bowyer on Forbes.com: "Exercise Which Maximizes Neurotransmitters?"
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jerry Bowyer
Forbes.com: "Exercise Which Maximizes Neurotransmitters?"
I wrote recently about my interview with Phil Campbell, author of The Sprint 8 Cardio Protocol. Campbell's book is the fruit of 30 years of self-monitoring, coaching, medical testing, and academic research focused on finding the optimal exercise training program. The conclusion is that the center part of such a program should not be the widely recommended long-form aerobic session, but rather short-form exercise which takes the trainee quickly into anaerobic territory. To get the highest health gains overall, Campbell recommends 8 sprints at maximum speed spread out over a 20 minute time period, 3 times per week...
To read the entire article and listen to the interview, click here.
Jerry Bowyer is a Forbes.com columnist, an economist, and he blogs here.
I wrote recently about my interview with Phil Campbell, author of The Sprint 8 Cardio Protocol. Campbell's book is the fruit of 30 years of self-monitoring, coaching, medical testing, and academic research focused on finding the optimal exercise training program. The conclusion is that the center part of such a program should not be the widely recommended long-form aerobic session, but rather short-form exercise which takes the trainee quickly into anaerobic territory. To get the highest health gains overall, Campbell recommends 8 sprints at maximum speed spread out over a 20 minute time period, 3 times per week...
To read the entire article and listen to the interview, click here.
Jerry Bowyer is a Forbes.com columnist, an economist, and he blogs here.
To subscribe: click here
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
Swimming and Water Polo Coach, Schenley High School, Pittsburgh, PA
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Fwd: Propaganda 101
From John H
For those of you who depend upon The New York Times for establishing a connection with the 'real world' should read and pay special attention to the attached article. The most powerful propaganda effort ever waged is now in place and being managed by plutocracy through the main stream media. And for those of you who believe heart and soul in the Democratic Party should absolutely watch the Real News Network interviews at the Peoples' Summit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
John
Link
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Fwd: Danny Chew Fundraiser - Final Reminder
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carol
From: Carol
Dear Bicycle-loving Friend,
As you may already know, we are holding a Fundraising Event for Danny Chew on June 17th, to help raise funds for making his home handicapped-accessible, as well as for the uplhighly increased living expenses that come with being paralyzed. He is temporarily living in Ohio, but is coming home to Pittsburgh in a month. Time is of the essence!
The Fundraiser should be a great celebration with food, beer, music, bicycle-related games and activities, as well as Danny himself.
(For details on the event, please look below)
If you cannot make it to the fundraiser, but would still like to contribute, here is a link to help Danny: https://www.helphopelive.org/campaign/12584. We are also accepting gifts-in-kind for our Silent Auction and Basket Raffle (there is a form attached to this letter, and arrangements will be made to pick up anything donated), so you have an opportunity to participate in those ways as well.
Just for the Record, I fit into all this by being one of the original cyclists in the Chew Cycling Crew...Danny's sister Carol and I were the first to check out the Thursday night bicycle rides at the American Youth Hostels, then other members of the family became interested, and well, the rest is - HIStory.
Please see the attached letter from Danny...Be well everyone,Susan Richter412-736-xxxx (removed by blogsmaster)
Here is the event information:
COME THRU FOR CHEW
Come to an exciting FUNDRAISER for DANNY CHEW, creator of the DIRTY DOZEN BICYCLE RACE here in Pittsburgh, and lovingly known as The MILLION MILE MAN for his goal of riding a million miles on a bicycle in his lifetime. He was paralyzed last Fall in an accident while riding, when he suddenly passed out: https://www.greatbigstory.com/stories/the-million-mile-manhttps://www.outsideonline.com/ 2138711/danny-chew-wont-let-pa ralysis-keep-him-riding-100000 0-miles
LOCATION & MUSEUM TOURS:
The event will be held on June 17th from 4-10pm, in the large parking lot in front of the World's Largest Bicycle Museum, BICYCLE HEAVEN, on the North Side (https://www.bicycleheaven.org/). There will be tours of this massive historical collection throughout the event, and JOHNNY ANGEL'S MUSIC MUSEUM, (http://www.jaginchystuff.com/ ), is nearby and open until 6pm. The Museum is also located right behind the THREE RIVERS HERITAGE TRAIL, so you can even ride on the trail to the event!
https://friendsoftheriverfront.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/1 0/2014-Map-and-Guide-1.pdf
ACTIVITIES & SPECIAL GUESTS:
4:00 - 6:00 pm:
Bicycle obstacle courses, activities and games for kids of all ages. Plus, ATTILA DOMOS, (unofficial, but soon to be official) world's-record holder for # of miles on a handcycle in a 24-hour period, and recent winner in the handcycling category of the Pittsburgh Marathon! He has pledged to bring two of his handcycles for people to try, and will participate in other creative ways later on in the program. (http://www.attiladomos.com/index.html)
THROUGHOUT THE EVENT:
FOOD, BEER and WATER for sale.
BASKET RAFFLE and SILENT AUCTION, with some pretty incredible items, many related to bicycling.
DANNY CHEW (and Family) MEMORABILIA TABLE, with DANNY present at the event to tell the stories behind everything!
OTHER TABLES AND ACTIVITIES, TBA.
MUSIC LINE-UP:
4:30-5pm:
CHERYLANN HAWK sings Children's Songs with awesome drummer Pete Shell www.facebook.com/cherylannhawkmusic
5:00 - 6:00pm:
JIM DONOVAN, drummer from "Rusted Root" & his lovely daughter, TUPELO https://www.tupelodonovan.com/
6:00 - 7:00pm:
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK ACADEMY http://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2013/08/12/Academy-pr ovides-grooming-for-rock-s-nex t-generation/stories/201308120 101.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYrAeu4UEIQ
7:00 - 7:45pm:
PRESENTATION WITH & ABOUT DANNY, with special guests and dedications
7:45 - 8:15pm:
SURPRISE MUSICIAN!
8:30 - 9:00pm:
CHERYLANN HAWK returns, with other great songs for grown-ups!
9:00 - 10:00pm:
STANDING WAVE with Steve Sciulli and Dennis Childers
10:00 pm:
MUSIC JAM and DANCE to close the night
Please join the fun, and for now, the conversation...Let us hear your ideas and any ways you want to get involved! We would especially love to hear from young people, especially teenagers who want to participate in the kids bicycle games, crafts and "safe obstacle course" area. When they are done with their 2-hour shift with the kids, the young musicians from the Rock Academy will be performing! PLUS, WE PLAN TO SERVE PIZZA (and BEER, for the adults...) around that time!
LET US HEAR YOUR STORIES!
If you know Danny personally and have had some adventures with him, we need your stories, either written or recorded via webcam, etc., for a power-point presentation that will be created in honor of the event. DEADLINE IS NEXT MONDAY, June 12th.Please send all entries to: DannyChewFundraiser@gmail.com.
Tickets can be purchased online: http://bit.ly/chewfundraiser
and are available at the door -
$10 Pre-Registration (until 6/16 ) for persons 12 and over
$15 at the Door
$10 Students
$5 Children 4 to 12 Under 4 Free
WE CAN ALSO USE ALL THE VOLUNTEER HELP WE CAN GET, BOTH BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE EVENT! Please let me know if you can help...DannyChewFundraiser@gmail.com
Keep checking the facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/885643608240335/
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