THe LuLac Edition #4,564, July 29th, 2021

 WHY I STAND WITH THE CAPITOL POLICE 

Tuesday Capitol Police officers debunked the conspiracy theories of a peaceful protest on January 6th. These were ignorant, thug pigs that should be arrested, r=tried and then booked on battery and assault and treason. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! 

 

 

 WITH TRUMPANZEES..... ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION 

Listen to this voicemail sent to a Capitol Police officer just for testifying. This slob, most likely calling from mommy's cellar spewed vindictive at one of the officers  officer that  saved the day. Everything he says about this brave officer comes from the caller's own sad mind and most likely his sick heart. Michael Farone is no pussy.........this pig Trump slob IS!

 

 

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT INTRODUCES BILL TO PREPARE WORKERS FOR IN-DEMAND IT JOBS

GRANT PROGRAMS WILL ADDRESS IT WORKER SHORTAGE BY ENCOURAGING INSTITUTIONS TO TEACH WIDELY USED LEGACY CODING LANGUAGES

Representative Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright  introduced the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act, which would help train people for in-demand information technology (IT) jobs, while addressing the shortage of professionals with a background in older coding languages needed to maintain and modernize critical government IT systems.

Older coding languages continue to underpin major sectors of our economy. For example, COBOL – although developed more than 60 years ago – remains widely used across several sectors of our economy, including government and financial services. Yet, IT workers skilled in COBOL largely are reaching retirement age as computer science institutions have shifted towards training in newer languages, resulting in a shortage of skilled workers with knowledge of legacy languages still in use.

Named for a pioneering computer scientist who developed COBOL, the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act would bolster and diversify the pipeline of workers with the skills necessary to sustain and modernize critical IT infrastructure utilizing legacy languages such as COBOL.

“A lot of sectors are seeing a mismatch between the skills workers have and what employers need. Training workers for jobs that are in demand now is key to getting more people back to work and continuing our economic recovery,” said Rep. Cartwright. “When it comes to IT, that mismatch was painfully clear as government agencies struggled to keep their computer systems using older coding languages running during the pandemic. The Grace Hopper Code for Us Act will help prepare workers for good-paying jobs available now in maintaining and modernizing our critical government and private sector information systems.”

Government IT systems using legacy coding languages were overwhelmed amid the pandemic-driven surge in demand for economic relief, such as unemployment insurance. Having a workforce equipped to manage such systems is not only critical to be able to maintain and service current IT issues, workers with those skills are also needed to update and improve systems that run on legacy languages.

This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-01), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12).

"Information systems is an invaluable part of the information technology field, and early exposure can increase interest. This bill will increase the recruitment pipeline starting at grade six and allow more associate degree and continuing education opportunities in this sector. The interdisciplinary education approach will be key to future successes of the field," said Congresswoman Hayes.

“The importance of IT professionals cannot be understated, especially given the weaknesses the COVID-19 pandemic showed in government IT systems,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “Lack of IT infrastructure can ultimately impact the government's ability to respond in the time of a crisis, and skilled IT professionals can help ensure our preparedness. The Grace Hopper Code for Us Act will greatly diversify and strengthen the field of IT professionals, as well as our IT infrastructure.”

“The persistent lack of diversity in the tech industry is a key problem that amplifies several issues requiring our attention and focus,” said Congressman G. K. Butterfield, who serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ TECH2025 initiative. “We must do everything in our power to help prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers in STEAM fields. Congress must act to strengthen the pipeline and clear pathways to these careers, especially in those occupations that require the use of long-standing computer programming languages such as COBOL. It is imperative that we include many of our best and brightest problem solvers, critical thinkers, and those that challenge conventional thinking, who are seldom included, to help bolster a workforce that manages the information technology systems many government organizations utilize.  I commend Congressman Matt Cartwright for his leadership, and I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us.”

Specifically, the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act would:

Establish the Grace Hopper Sustainment and Modernization Grant Program to create programming courses focused on maintaining and modernizing information systems utilizing legacy computer languages;

Provide a total of $100 million in competitive grant funding to institutions of higher learning over four years;

Encourage grant recipients to utilize grant money to provide scholarships, arrange paid internship opportunities and engage local students about career opportunities involving legacy languages; and

Prioritize grant applicants that recruit women and other underrepresented groups.

This legislation is endorsed by Alabama A&M University, Anglepoint Academy, Bethany College, BMC Software, Broadcom, Citi, COBOL Cowboys, Compuware, East Carolina University, Ensono, Farmingdale State College, First Citizens Bank, IBM, Interskill Learning, Linux Foundation, Micro Focus, North Carolina AT&T State University, Open Mainframe Project (including its COBOL Working Group), Optimized Technical Solutions, Inc., Phase Change Software, ProTech Enterprise IT Training & Consulting, Robert Morris University, Society for Women Engineers, Superior Welding Supply Co., Talladega College Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alabama – Birmingham, University of Maryland – Eastern Shore and Vicom Infinity, Inc.

“From bridges to IT systems, all forms of infrastructure are vital to the economy and must be properly maintained. In the IT world, many of the longest-serving and most critical IT systems are based on the COBOL programming language, known for its robustness and scalability.  However, inadequate investment over time has introduced risk to those systems, purely due to investment levels, rather than the programming language. Time and again, projects and studies concur the best way to meet future need is to evolve, rather than replace, those systems. Just as reliable stone bridges don’t need to be torn down solely to be rebuilt in steel, neither should COBOL systems be torn down solely to change the programming language.  Instead, they need appropriate investment to renew and modernize to support the challenges of the digital era. Micro Focus fully supports the Grace Hopper Code for Us Act, as it will support a new generation of COBOL enthusiasts, with the skills to support the necessary modernization programs for the long term success of our economy’s IT infrastructure,” said Misty Decker, Product Marketing Director, Micro Focus.

 

CASEY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO RENEW JOB CREATION, REVITALIZE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives) 

– U.S. Senator Bob Casey   is introducing the Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps of 2021, or the REVIVE the CCC Act (S.2414), which would revitalize the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps into a modern-day employment, job training and conservation program. The REVIVE the CCC Act would advance our Nation’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis while creating well-paying, quality conservation jobs that protect and restore waterways, working lands and the health and resiliency of our rural and urban communities.

“As communities in Pennsylvania and across the country continue to face devastating economic conditions along with the effects of the climate crisis, a revitalized Civilian Conservation Corps would enable us to invest in our workforce, our environment and the next generation of conservationists, farmers, foresters and leaders committed to taking on the climate crisis and preserving our shared natural resources. My legislation would renew vital efforts to bring conservation jobs to our communities, invest in our local economies and ensure farmers continue to play a critical role in climate change mitigation. It is past time for us to take action to address the climate crisis and create jobs while we do it,” said Senator Casey.

"As an organization that, for 30 years, has supported protecting and regenerating natural ecosystems through agricultural land stewardship, we fully stand behind a modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, agriculture is one of the nation's leading sources of water pollution. A modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps would help farmers replenish natural landscapes to turn the tide on water pollution and protect the health of communities across the country,” said Hannah Smith Brubaker, Executive Director, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.

"Young farmers and ranchers are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. They acknowledge the necessity of concerted climate action and are committing their energy and their farms to form part of our national response to this emergency. Proposals like the REVIVE the CCC Act are investing in our young farmers and ranchers, land stewards and future ones to make land the foundation of our planetary health,” said Vanessa García Polanco, Federal Policy Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.

“We cannot address climate change without addressing interconnected concerns like racial injustice, economic injustice, and food insecurity. It is time to put people to work with well-paying jobs that benefit God’s creation and prioritize the communities most impacted by the climate crisis. The original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was instrumental in creating jobs and preserving our natural environment, and we have a unique opportunity to revitalize the CCC in a robust, equitable way. As young Christians, we want our leaders to rise to this historic moment and take bold action. Young Evangelicals for Climate Action welcomes Senator Casey’s plan to support workers while addressing environmental and economic injustice,” said Tori Goebel, National Organizer and Spokesperson, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

The REVIVE the CCC Act would guarantee that local communities are in the driver’s seat when it comes to the design of CCC projects and positions. Further, it would ensure that farmers are part of the effort to rebuild our economy and invest in climate solutions. Under this legislation, farmers could serve as hosts for Corps members – providing the opportunity to train the next generation of farmers while also expanding their own ability to implement conservation on the land.

This legislation also includes measures to address environmental justice issues, such as air quality, transportation, access to green space and safe housing. As we recover from the pandemic, it is critical that we rebuild and invest in a more productive, equitable and just economy.

The REVIVE the CCC Act is endorsed by:

Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Evangelical Environmental Network, Forest Hills Borough Council, Keystone Research Center, National Wildlife Federation, National Young Farmers Coalition, Pasa Sustaintable Agriculture, PennFuture, ReImagine Appalachia Coalition, The Corps Network, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

 

THE GIBSON VISIT

When a best friend comes to town, you do what you can to keep him busy. Old college pal Jim Gibson, alumni of King’s College and WRKC paid a visit. Here is a photographic diary of our visit.

First night in town he came to Rocking the River to hear the music of Elton John and Springsteen. He was wildly entertaining by my working there that night with the Wilkes-Barre Health Department.   He also found a friend and had a discussion about COVID vaccines.

The next day after touring our boyhood haunts and wondered how we didn’t die in the process with bicycle stunts, we had a great meal at Eden Vegan. Here’s a photo with the owner Mr. Pelosi. After visiting other family and friends, plus doing a daily walk (re-tracing the trail of his paper route, Gibson also did the new Walktecture 2.2 mile tour of Wilkes-Barre’s historic district. 

We also got together with the redoubtable Bob “Mango” Manfre who was General Manager at “RKC FM as well as Patrick Fadden where we actually closed down a place. (I mean even if it did shut at 9, we did close it down!)

Along the way, Jim met with my friend Ron Felton from the Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP comparing notes on social; justice here vs. in Denver Colorado. Then there was a tour of Wilkes-Barre City Hall to meet some of my co-workers.

On the last night we went to Agolino’s in West Pittston where we had mountains of fine Italian cuisine. Or I should say, he did.

He left last week but as any news junkie will tell you, sometimes stories are embargoed for various and sundry reasons. 

 

MEDIA MATTERS 

 

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM 

 This week's guest is Sarah Effertz, Executive Director of the Scranton Jazz Festival. 

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Mothership 1340/1400 am, 100.7 and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on The River 105 and 103.5. 

 

 

BOBBY V’S SUNDAY NIGHT DOO WOP SOCK HOP 

 1987

Our 1987 logo.

The World Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the Brundtland Commission, publishes its report, Our Common Future……The Federal Communications Commission rescinds the Fairness Doctrine, which had required radio and television stations to present alternative views on controversial issues….. Nurse Mary R Stout chosen chairperson of Vietnam Veterans of America…… In New Zealand, the Maori Language Act comes into force, making te reo Māori an official language of New Zealand; it can now be used in some legal proceedings… at ArenaBowl I, Pittsburgh Civic Arena: Denver Dynamite beats Pittsburgh Gladiators 45-16, Gary Mullen MVP….. Cincinnati outfielder Eric Davis is 7th to hit 30 HRs & steal 30 bases in one season as he homers in Reds 5-4 win v Giants……Michael Andretti runs fastest Indy car race in history (171.49mph) in winning the Marlboro 500 at the Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan…..USSR performs nuclear test at Eastern Kazakh/Semipalitinsk USSR……Discovery in Orbital Processing Facility is powered up for STS-26……Detroit Tigers ace Jack Morris ties AL record with 5 wild pitches in a 4-2, 10 innings loss v Kansas City Royals…….Twins pitcher Joe Niekro is caught with a file on the mound in 11-3 win v Angels, ejected and suspended for 10 games……and in 1987 this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was MaDonna’ “Who’s That Girl”.