Pittsburgh, PA

I can’t wait to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers this year. With all the changes this year, I am excited to see how they do. One of two things can happen, one they’re better than last year or two they are worse.

From what I have seen on the training camp coverage and the few preseason games I have seen, I have come to the conclusion that I like Coach Tomlin. I think the changes he brings to the team are just what they needed to jump start them out of their short lived slump.

Also something to look out for this year is Big Ben. I hope he keeps the interceptions at the minimum this year. I don’t know if was lack of communication last year, but it needs to be fixed.

Well that’s all the Steelers talk I have in me today. I know once the regular season starts, I will get excited about football again.

2007 Pittsburgh Steelers REGULAR SEASON Schedule

Sunday, Sept 09 - @ Browns 1pm (CBS)
Sunday, Sept 16 - vs. Bills 1pm (CBS)
Sunday, Sept 23 - vs. 49ers 1pm (FOX)
Sunday, Sept 30 - @ Cardinals 4:15pm (CBS)
Sunday, Oct 07 - vs. Seahawks 1pm (FOX)
Sunday, Oct 14 - Bye Week
Sunday, Oct 21 - @ Broncos 8:15pm (NBC)
Sunday, Oct 28 - @ Bengals 1pm (CBS)
Monday, Nov 05 - vs. Ravens 8:30pm (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov 11 - vs. Browns 1pm (CBS)
Sunday, Nov 18 - @ Jets 1pm (CBS)
Monday, Nov 26 - vs. Dolphins 8:30pm (ESPN)
Sunday, Dec 02 - vs. Bengals 8:15pm (NBC)
Sunday, Dec 09 - @ Patriots 1pm (CBS)
Sunday, Dec 16 - vs. Jaguars 1pm (CBS)
Thursday, Dec. 20 - @ Rams 8:15pm (KDKA/NFL Network)
Sunday, Dec. 30 - @ Ravens 1pm (CBS)

After recent news of bridges collapsing, I think we are all a little iffy about driving across some of the bridges we’d like to think as safe. According to PennDot’s website, Pennsylvania has over 6,000 structurally deficient bridges, which is the largest in the nation. This statistic can be due in part that we have the third largest number of bridges in the country, but the amount of structurally deficient bridges is still high. Now when the state declares a bridge “structurally deficient” this does not mean it is unusable. This merely means that the bridge needs a lot of work and is still fit for driving across, but that costly repairs are necessary to bring it up to more acceptable standards.

PennDot recently released a press release detailing their determinants for bridge safety and listed all the ones in Pennsylvania and their ratings on their website. You can check out your favorite bridges’ ratings here. Just click on the bridge information link on their homepage and from there you can download a pdf of all the PA bridges.

All I can say is good thing I don’t travel out to Deer Lakes like I used to…they have a ton of horrible bridges according to the report, which comes as no surprise to me. It seems most of the other bridges I drive across, especially going to work aren’t too good either…great.

Pennsylvania, bridge, safety, structurally deficient, PennDot

Two exhibits come to a close this weekend at the Warhol and I think both of them are at least semi-interesting, so if you don’t have a picnic or party to go to this weekend, I say check them out.

The first one is titled “Personal Jesus: The Religious Art of Keith Haring and Andy Warhol” and features each artist’s take on religion and spirituality in their lives. According to the Warhol’s website, Hering’s work will include Andy Mouse, Apocalypse, Prophets of Rage, The Blueprint drawings, Totem, as well as a couple of untitled pieces and a self-portrait.

Warhol’s work will include Cross, The Last Supper, Madonna and Child, as well as numerous other works of art.

The second exhibit titled “Carryin’ On” captures the essence of the Black queer experience in Pittsburgh, namely through photographs taken during the 1930’s, 40’s and then later on in 1975 with Warhol’s series Ladies and Gentlemen.
Photographers featured in the exhibit include Charles “Teenie” Harris and Samuel Fosso.

Both of these exhibits close this Sunday. The hours and admission prices for the museum are listed below courtesy of the Warhol’s website.

Sunday — 10:00am - 5:00pm
Monday — Closed
Tuesday — 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday — 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday — 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday — 10:00am - 10:00pm
Saturday — 10:00am - 5:00pm

Adults — $12
Senior citizens (55+) — $9
Students with valid ID — $8
Children (children 3 - 18) — $8
Members of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh - Free
Fridays — 5:00pm - 10:00pm Half-Price as part of the special Good Fridays program.

More information can be found on the Warhol’s website here.

Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Personal Jesus, Pittsburgh, queer, Hill District, Samuel Fosso, Charles Teenie Harris, art, North Shore

The last weekend of Walnut Street’s Block Party is this Saturday and will feature great music, food, drinks and more! Make sure you check out the local establishments as well, including the Walnut Grill, Shady Grove and Doc’s Place.

The bands slated to play include the Bill Deasey Band with a special guest star Kelsey Friday and also Rob and Greg, members of the Clarks.

The event is between 7-11pm on obviously, Walnut Street in Shadyside. Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Let’s hope it doesn’t rain!!

Walnut Street, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, music, food, bars, Bill Deasey, Kelsey Friday, the Clarks, Walnut Grill, Shady Grove, Doc’s Place

Being that it’s Labor Day, we already know there will be DUI checkpoints everywhere and that it’s a stupid idea to drink and drive and almost as stupid just to be on the roads. When I used to deliver newspapers at night, it was like playing Russian roulette driving on Labor Day.
But hey, there are places we gotta go before summer is over and all I can say is thank goodness I’ll be doing all my partying within walking distance of my house.

Well wait, I take that back. I will be at Doughnuts and Art on Saturday, but I’m not planning on staying long enough to have a problem driving through a checkpoint. However, I urge everyone to go to this $2, free doughnut, music and art extravaganza in Bellevue this Saturday. It’ll be a lot of fun I promise and I’ll be there, so obviously, already a good time.

But back to the DUI thing…here’s the article the Post-Gazette posted about it:

A full-scale, first-of-its-kind DUI check point will be held this weekend in Pittsburgh, but the location has not been disclosed.

It will take place between 10 p.m. Friday and 4 a.m. Saturday and involve two drug recognition experts to look for drivers impaired by drugs.

Participating together for the first time will be representatives of Pittsburgh, North Hills and West Hills DUI task forces along with troopers from the State Police Findlay Barracks.

Other checkpoints are likely in other parts of the region as Pennsylvania participates in a “National Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown” taking place through the Labor Day weekend.

Lesson Learned: Don’t drink and drive or at least wait it out at a friend’s house or diner before going home. It’s not worth endangering others lives and your own. Not to mention I almost got a DUI before and it is not fun!

DUI, checkpoint, Pittsburgh, bars, Doughnuts and Art, music, art, Bellevue, drinking, Labor Day

Doughnuts and Art is this weekend! It’s going to be the biggest art event of the year. Here is a short list of some of the buzz that going around Pittsburgh about the event.

Matt from Echoflip.com says:
MORE Artists, MORE Bands, MORE Dancing, MORE doughnuts than the original. All cram-packed into one monumental event with the low low price of $2.

Bethany of the McKnight Journal says:
Doughnuts and Art 2.0, or DNA 2.0, is the encore performance of a successful art and music show held in April. The event attracted 300 people to the Creative Treehouse in Bellevue, and Gondek says it was “beyond our expectations.”

MrBaconpants.com says:
The part of the show that I am most excited about is Ape Fight and Pfunkt. These two bands are so much fun to watch.

I hope to see a lot of people at this event. As you can see form that talk about it, its going to be something you’re not going to want to miss.

Yeah, he’s that cool.

Tonight at Club Zoo in the Strip District, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Against All Authority and Streetlight Manifesto will be playing. Woo hoo!

I’m unfortunately working during this show, which saddens me since I haven’t seen Against All Authority since I was a wee lass and although I kinda dislike LTJ, they still put on a good show.

Here’s all the details:
Club Zoo in the Strip District
All ages
Door open at 6pm, show starts at 7.
clubzoo.net
lessthanjake.com
reelbigfish.com

Photo courtesy of Paul Parks at www.reelbigfish.com

Club Zoo, Pittsburgh, Strip District, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Streetlight Manifesto, Against All Authority, music

Patsy Cline hasn’t always been one of my favorite singers, but she is now, which is why I want to go see Always…Patsy Cline in the very near future at the Theater Square Cabaret.

According to the CLO’s website, Always…Patsy Cline is

based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife and avid fan Louise Seger, Always… Patsy Cline is an extraordinary “behind-the-scenes” look at the life and music of a true music legend. After a chance meeting in 1961, the two women became fast friends and pen pals, igniting a friendship that would last until Cline’s untimely death at age 30. The letters, each one signed “Love Always, Patsy Cline,” became the inspiration for this moving tribute, which features over 20 of Cline’s greatest hits, including “I Fall to Pieces,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “Crazy.”

The show is written and directed by Ted Swindley and is ongoing until September 30th. Tickets can be purchased on the Cultural District’s website or at the theater’s box office.

Pittsburgh, Always…Patsy Cline, Patsy Cline, CLO, theater, show, downtown

I know I hate to get surprised about this, so I am trying to tell as many people as I can.

“The outbound lanes of the Parkway East and four ramps are to be closed from 8 p.m. Friday until no later than 6 a.m. Monday between Bates Street and the Swissvale-Edgewood interchanges.” – Post Gazette

It never fails when you’re in a hurry andthen all of a sudden you see red brake lights. You quickly realize you forgot about the construction this weekend.

If you get stuck here are five tips to help you get though it:

1. Turn up your jams and start singing to every 90’s song.
2. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
3. Find two pencils or pens and use your cars dashboard and steering wheel as a drum kit.
4. Scan the radio dial for new stations to listen to (give 88.3 a try).
5. Try to figure out what fast food restaurant the french-fry from under your seat came from.

Well I hope my tips help you pass the time as you sit and wait in traffic. If you have your own tips please share them.

Parkway East, traffic, Construction, Pittsburgh, 90’s music, drum kit, french-fry, fast food

Dale Chihuly has worked with Phipps to present an exclusive glass and garden exhibit that is something everyone should check out.

The exhibit features his outdoor displays of glass sculptures intermixed with the lush landscape of the Conservatory.
Phipp’s describes Dale Chihuly on their website:

With vibrant colors, larger-than-life dimensions and a penchant for creative collaboration, Dale Chihuly has revolutionized the way artists look at glass. Always a believer that “more is better,” Chihuly directs teams of people to execute his vision, both in the glassmaking studio and at exhibition locations such as Phipps. A prolific artist, Chihuly’s works can be seen throughout the world, where his love of abstract natural forms brings a fantastical beauty to galleries, residences and a variety of unique venues.

To see more of Chihuly’s work go to his website here.

The exhibit runs until November 11th and can be viewed between 9:30am and 5:00pm. Evening viewings are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 7:00-10pm.

Dale Chihuly, Phipps Conservatory, garden, plants, glass, art, Pittsburgh

Saturday night around 10pm there was a three alarm fire in Pittsburgh and it took out one of my all-time favorite places, The Harris Grill in Shadyside. You can read a story I wrote about the place a year ago at MrBaconpants.com.

Click here to watch the KDKA News story.

This is a said day for bacon lovers everywhere, where Harris Grill used to have a free bacon night every Tuesday night.

I am glad to know that no one got hurt in the fire and I am even happier to know that the owner of the building is going to rebuild. So maybe the Harris Grill and Bacon night will be back sometime next year.

Bacon Night, Harris Grill, Pittsburgh, Shadyside, fire, bacon lovers, 3 alarm fire, kdka

If the weather is getting just a little too hot for ya, make sure you don’t just head to Sandcastle during the day! On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings you can cool off and have a good time as well with their Sandbar and Jukebox Sundays.

Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm-2am you can enjoy music and swimming and the hot tub until midnight. Each night has a different schedule which you can check out on their website.

This weekend’s schedule is as follows:
Friday
Musical act:Antoinette (Contem Jazz)- 6:00 PM-9:30 PM, Tony Lee (pop.rock)- 9:30 PM-12:30
The sandbar pool will close between 6 and 7PM and the hot tub will close at midnight.

Saturday
Musical Act: Tim Lionelli (pop/rock)- 6:00 PM-9:30 PM, Kicked- 9:30 PM-12:30 AM
The sandbar pool will close at 9 pm and the hot tub will close at midnight.

There is free admission until 9pm and then after that it’s only $3. They list a wide drink selection and a new menu. Sounds like a good time!

And then on Sunday evenings you have Jukebox Sundays for the older crowd, featuring a buffet and a dj providing the music. This event occurs from 6:00 until 10:30pm. For more information on this event go to their website.

www.sandcastlewaterpark.com

Sandcastle, Sandbar, Jukebox Sundays, music, buffet, water, swimming, Homestead, Pittsburgh

Looking to advance your career, enhance your social skills and network with other professionals?

Altar Bar is hosting just the event you need with their Entrepreneurial Thursdays happening August 9th. This is a recurring event, but does not occur every Thursday, so if you’re looking for something to do after work tonight, this is it.

The event starts at 5pm and has a cover of $10, but the price includes hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, not to mention the connections you make should justify the cost. And if you’re a student the price is only $7 with ID.

Tonight’s discussion will be centered around “Life Sciences and Health Care” and will feature jazz and R&B music by Jessica Lee.

Altar Bar is located in the Strip District at 1620 Penn Ave and used to be Sanctuary and is beside McDonalds.

For more details visit the Trib’s website.

Pittsburgh, Entrepreneurial Thursdays, business, Altar Bar, Strip District, networking, Jessica Lee

Unblurred is an East End sponsored showcase that features art from a variety of mediums, live music, performances and more on Penn Avenue, between 4800-5500 Penn and also as far down as Highland Park. This showcase of local talent happens on the first Friday of every month and I am glad that I finally made it to one. This month’s event also purposely coincided with Lawrenceville’s Artist’s Studio Tour, but unfortunately I was only able to make it to the Unblurred event this time.

Let me just start out by saying that it was a really hot and humid night to be walking around and for being in un-air conditioned buildings, but it was certainly worth it. The art was amazing and I got to talk to a lot of new people I probably never would have met otherwise.

The first place I checked out was Modern Formations, which featured the art of David Bernabo, who produced some really nice works of art. The majority of his work was mixed media, with sound and light displays as well. So actually I guess his work could be considered multimedia art if I’m using the correct term. Regardless, I’m a huge fan of mixed media, so I really enjoyed his work. His show runs through August 31st, so I suggest you check it out.

The next gallery I went into was Imagebox, which featured the work of Rick Byerly, who is an excellent photographer. The photography he had on display featured ice and water images that he took while on Lake Superior’s North Shore earlier this year. The photos really captured the essence of the moving ice shelves and the frigid temperatures of that region. His exhibit runs through August as well and is viewable by appointment only. You can check out more of his work at Uniquetake.com.

I spent most of my time at Garfield Artworks, which featured the work of Jodi Perigo, Kate Hansen, and Stefanie Maas. The exhibit was called “Skin Tone” and showcased the artist’s skills at portraying the human body in various poses and in displaying many emotions. Most of the work involved paintings, but Stefanie’s work featured a nice display of clay on wood, so there was variety to this show. All of the work was excellent and it’s nice to see an all-female exhibit. Sometimes I think women lack the confidence to do things like this and I really wish they didn’t. The only music of the night that I got to see was Buddy Nutt, who plays various instruments, including a saw, a ukulele, a kazoo and anything else he comes up with. He really puts on a great show and you can check out his music at www.myspace.com/buddynutt.

The exhibit at Garfield Artworks runs until August 30th and you can find out more information on their website here. Stefanie Maas also has a website where you can check out her work at www.stefwithaft.com. I couldn’t find any websites/Myspaces for the other two artists, so if anyone knows them, let me know.

The last place I visited was Metamorphose, a gallery and studio boutique that is right across the street from Garfield Artworks on the corner of Penn and Gross. The gallery was full of handmade clothing and artwork that was really something. It featured art from Marci Ghering, Padma, Adam Cannon, Patrice Lehockey, and Judy Dickson to name a few. The house itself was interesting in its decor, with its brightly painted pink walls that normally would have annoyed me, but really complemented the old Garfield home. Outside of the gallery, Liz Berlin from Rusted Root was playing and it seemed like everyone was having a really good time despite the humidity. You can check out the gallery’s website here.

All in all I would say the event was a success. I think the weather might have stopped a few from coming out, but there was still a great crowd. I definitely plan on coming back out for the next Unblurred since it was such a great time.

I didn’t get a chance to check out c SPACE, the Clay Penn, or the Union Project, but I definitely will next time. I’ve been meaning to make it out to the Union Project ever since I heard of it. You can find out more information about the place here and what they are trying to achieve. I love the efforts the Union Project, as well as the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative and other organizations, are making to improve Pittsburgh neighborhoods and to bolster the arts scene; it is truly something everyone should make an effort to support.

Check out Unblurred/Penn Avenue Art’s website for details on the exhibits talked about and how to visit them throughout the month of August, as well as upcoming events.

art, Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Garfield, Bloomfield, Friendship, East Liberty, Highland Park, Garfield Artworks, Modern Formations, Imagebox, gallery, David Bernabo, Rick Byerly, Stefanie Maas, Jody Perigo, Kate Hansen, Union Project, Unblurred, c SPACE, Clay Penn, Metamorphose

I was looking through the paper today and I found an article about a 48 Hour Movie competition. The idea behind the contest is that you have 48 hours to make a movie with a set genre, prop, and character. This sounds like a lot of fun and I wish I could have been apart of it.

The article was written about two local Pittsburghers, Mike Hough and Doug Werner that were in the contest. It’s a pretty entertaining story about them trying to think of a good idea and getting it done in time. I guess they had some trouble along the way, but that is to be expected when you’re trying to rush a movie as fast as you can.

I am going to have to keep my eye open for the next time this contest starts up again. I have a few friends with cameras, that I know can’t wait to use them on a movie project.

48 Hour Movie competition, Pittsburgh, Post Gazette, making movies, competition, movie, independent film