You're All Going to Make Me a Proper Alumni Yet...

Let it be said that I'm basically the worst kind of PSU alumni. I went to Penn State for four years, I got everything I could out of the experience, I was handed my diploma and I left. I was done.

I still didn't "know the God damn words" to the alma mater. I didn't sign up for the alumni association. I didn't send donations back to the University. And, I watched Penn State football with the same interest I watched all other college football. 

For most colleges and universities, that's pretty normal behavior--to walk away. But, as a Penn Stater, that kind of behavior is sacrilege. Graduating a Penn Stater is supposed to be a badge of honor that you wear for a lifetime. And, I think that's where a lot of the resentment and hostility builds up against Penn Staters. The fact that (most) Penn Staters are so obvious and numerous about their pride for their alma mater. It's a mystery of exclusion for those that did not graduate from Penn State and an easy, low-hanging target for criticism for those looking to make light of it. 

But, never having been much of a fan boy, I packed that badge of honor away with my high school letterman coat. My experience, however, is that these same people that would fault you for your chest-beating PSU pride, are the same people that are disappointed if you’re not ‘one of those kooks.’ 

When people know you’re a Penn Stater they love to run to you with every tidbit they hear about PSU. Most often, it’s sports related—a great play, a big game, a score and the like. It’s a means by which people want to relate to you. As a result, I have to pay a little more attention to Penn State scores or highlights so I don’t seem dumb or crass. But, this act makes me ‘one of those guys.’

When I’m out and about and I’m not wearing blue and white, people think my best PSU gear must be threadbare so friends and family buy me Penn State gear—never thinking there was a chance I just didn’t bother to buy any. In showing my gratitude, I wear the gear out and about, making me ‘one of those guys.’

Really, these things end up being little more than token placations to maintain the social norm. But, the one thing I’ve found is that once they’ve pegged you – or made you – ‘one of those guys’ they also feel it’s an open invitation to wax poetic on what’s wrong with the people that are chest beating Penn Staters and they see it as an open invitation to vent about what they dislike about the university.

Most of these criticisms are simple barbs about the sports program, which I have no problem with. Hell, I’ve been very open about saying that I thought JoePa should’ve retired when Penn State joined the Big10 because he coached an antiquated form of football. So, I give people a bit of a pass. But, at the root of it, feeling that you have an open invitation to walk up to me and criticize something I might identify myself with seems a little disrespectful.

I don’t walk up to people in church clothes at restaurants and point out that their kid is being bad and say, as the bible prescribes, you should take that kid to the elders of the village and have him stoned. There’s just a level of respect you have for your fellow man and what they identify themselves with. 

So, enter the events surrounding Jerry Sandusky. If anybody on this planet should be stoned to death, if these allegations prove to be true—as it seems they will, he should receive every inhumane punishment you could imagine. And, those that willfully distorted or hid details to save face should be punished as well. As it seems has been the case. 

Well, because it’s in the news and people have read a headline or two, suddenly they feel they have free license to make statements to me or around me that are disrespectful and worthy of a solid punch in the face. 

I don’t mind a researched, well-thought out argument. I don’t mind differing views or opinions. I don’t mind openly exchanging intelligent debate on events or philosophies. But, when people feel justified to make uneducated, blindly angry comments to me or around me without any consideration for where I may stand on an issue (politics, life, sports, whatever…) shows a complete lack of respect. And, surprising to me, I've kicked a few people to the proverbial curb for showing that lack of respect. 

And it has more than surprised me how much this type of behavior has irritated me related to Penn State. And, weirdly, it seems to have my blue and white blood flowing. I’ve talked more to fellow writers from our college newspaper, The Daily Collegian. I’ve talked with a number of fellow alumni related to this issue. I’ve ardently defended the institution from the individuals. And, I’ve written more in this blog in three days than I probably have in years. I’ve found myself really fired up about this issue, but I think it’s in response to the way this is being handled, the accusations and the disrespect more than a tried and true spirit for the blue in white.

I haven’t defended Sandusky. I haven’t defended the university police that investigated early allegations. I haven’t defended the executives that may have interfered with investigations. I haven’t defended any of the numerous witnesses to crimes in progress that did nothing. I have defended the larger University, its people and, surprisingly, Joe Paterno. 

Making any blanket statement about the students, faculty or alumni has drawn fire from me like I’d never expect to react. The misguided witch hunt for JoePa, the only name people know at the university, has shown a blind anger that gets my face hot. 

Surprising to me, I’ve gone to great lengths to show the testimony that stated JoePa likely new NOTHING about the 98 allegations which were dropped. In fact, testimony on page 7 of the proceedings show JoePa may not even have been aware of the details of allegations of an act witnessed by a graduate assistant against a man JoePa had worked beside for decades without issue. But, regardless, JoePa put the allegations of a grad student that didn’t stop an alleged crime in the hands of people that were trusted to investigate. If JoePa is guilty of anything, he’s guilty of doing what the university prescribed and trusting the system. In hindsight I’m sure it all seems clear in the eyes of the blind rage, but I digress once again. 

Bottom line is that somehow this event has forced me into a position where I’m fighting for Penn State in a way I’d never expect. Sure, it’s built around the perception that people are being willfully disrespectful of me without knowing where I stand on the issue. But, much as I’ve somehow ended up wearing blue and white, following scores, watching news, connecting with alumni and defending the university, I guess I should just say it. 

We are….Penn State!

I'm Calling Bullshit on Forcing JoePa Out

Let's take a deep breath and look at this from where JoePa sits. Now, full disclosure, I've already said, I think JoePa should've stepped aside a LONG time ago, but nothing I have read has given me any reason as to why JoePa should be implicated in this. To support that, based ONLY on what I've read, let's look at this from where JoePa sits:

• Sandusky became a coach at Penn State in 1969--becoming a co-worker to Joe Paterno.
• Unless there is something we don't know, JoePa never knew anything but on field results until, potentially 1998. Even then, he is cleared. So, as far as a co-worker goes, just a strange event. 
• Twelve years later, a janitor is alleged to have witnessed a crime of Sandusky with a child. The janitor did not stop the crime, but only reported up to his supervisor. No indication that Paterno was made aware. 
• Two years after that, a graduate assistant witnesses a crime. Again, this person did not stop the crime but rather only reported up--a day later! 
• After learning of what the grad assistant saw, JoePa, like all those in the past that could've ended this, reported up on something that HE DID NOT WITNESS.
• The graduate assistant detailed his report to JoePa's superiors. These superiors were to have investigated and dealt with the issue. 
• Again, as far as JoePa was concerned, this incident was investigated, and was told that there was no evidence of a crime. 
• So, if there was dishonesty, it was from either the witness, or those that 'investigated' and found no wrongdoing. 
• Regardless, Sandusky was retired for the 99 season and prohibited from bringing kids from his charity to Penn State programs. 
• Sandusky continued to use his CHARITY as a picking ground for his alleged rapist activities--not Penn State, not JoePa's office. 
• JoePa was not one of two (maybe three with the wrestling coach) people that WITNESSED RAPE, but did not stop the crime nor call authorities.
• JoePa was not the University Police who investigated the first crime reported in association with the University in 1998. 
• JoePa was not the AD nor the witness. 
• JoePa was only a go-between from a witness and authorities who investigated. There are many before him that should be held accountable vs. JoePa that was just the conduit between a witness and those that were to investigate the alleged witnessed crime.

So, if what I've read was correct, JoePa could only go on the information he was told. And, if he was told that it was investigated and resolved, you would take it at its word. But, regardless, Sandusky was retired and banned from bringing kids from his program. 

Imagine that situation in your office. An intern comes to you and says Bob in accounting was up to no good yesterday. You'd say, let's go talk to the boss. You'd let your boss handle it. And, if your boss says there was nothing to concern yourself with, you go on working your job--keeping an eye on Bob--or in this case Sandusky.

All that said, JoePa's day is long done. He should've retired some time ago. But, he didn't. He should retire at the end of the season. And, it should have nothing to do with this horrible series of crimes.

• Jerry Sandusky, if convicted, should be punished within an inch of his life. 
• Sandusky's charity, which he used as a picking ground, should be dismantled.
• Anybody found to have interfered or was otherwise dishonest, should be punished
• Those that did not stop crimes in progress that they witnessed should be reprimanded.  
• The University needs to examine its policies and protect the innocent.
• JoePa needs to retire at the end of the season and call it a career.
• And, those with passion about this should work to help the victims of this series of alleged crimes and other such crimes. 

Playing devil's advocate...ten comments on this Sandusky situation

I don't proclaim to know anything more about this situation than anybody else. I only know what I've read. And, I guess this is more a reaction to the reactions I've seen from the angry mob.

1. Why isn't anybody calling for the head of the PSU grad student that witnessed the Sandusky incident and only 'reported up?' Or the janitor? Or the wrestling coach? Anyone along that line could've easily called the cops. But, all of them felt that reporting it up the chain was the correct thing to do.
2. There are lots of reasons JoePa should hang it up, but 'reporting up' as prescribed isn't one. He reported it the next day, and the grad assistant detailed what he saw to university officials.
3. It's in the hands of the law, give the torches and angry town folk a night off. The facts will emerge with or without your angry chorus for any name you know from PSU to be stoned to death. I know it's all the rage to be part of an angry mob online and topple villages, but the process is in motion.
4. Sandusky was removed from the football program as well as any campus-related activities involving children once Paterno was alleged to have been made aware.
5. The people who should've acted, but did not have been removed once it came to light that they acted dishonestly. If it comes to be that others were aware and aided in a cover up, they too should be dealt with.
6. Should Sandusky prove to be guilty, he should, and will be dealt with aggressively.
7. Should the officials that acted dishonestly prove to have obstructed legal process or enabled the continuation of these alleged acts, they will be held accountable as a party to the crime.
8. Large institutions have lots of people--some good, some bad. A lot of good people work at PSU and most have good intentions. Let's remove the infected appendix without killing the patient.
9. Second Mile has publicly known of accusations against Sandusky since 2002, but he still had unsupervised access to kids through that program, leading to at least the 2005 incident. He wasn't restricted in access until 2008 and wasn't removed from the org until 2010. Why isn't there an angry mob darkening their towers?
10. People can only operate on the information they are given. How many of you would be surprised that a co-worker beat their kids or kept bodies in their refrigerators, but acted and functioned normal at work? I don't pry into the personal life of my co workers. And in a large institution, it's easy to see how bad seeds could be under your nose without ever knowing.

Bottom line, a lot of good goes on at Penn State. Like any large institution, there are good and bad people. All indications are that the issues are caused by individuals, not the institution. The bad people should be dealt with appropriately. It is the job of the institution to fix the situation, remedy what it can and restore its greatness. This is in the works regardless of rallies to throw the babies out with the bath water. Still have extra energy, focus on the victims, donate to programs, learn from the situation and be vigilant.

Monday Morning Hipsters

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"Omigod, I can just imagine the dread of people discussing a current event that they all shared interest in last night. How dreadful and unoriginal," drone all the hipsters after any disappointing loss around Pittsburgh. "It's just like that time I predicted those people would cry at that funeral. How mundane." 

When you're from Pittsburgh, it is culturally significant to be passionate about your football teams--and sports in general. You are not promoted up the food chain in any way by hipishly pulling a finger from your mocha espresso to point accusingly at people discussing a significant community event. 

Of course, in pointing this out, I've indirectly created a third level of meta-cool-hipster that points out how cool I am by blogging about hipsters that are so cool that they've pointed out that people are going to talk about a major sporting event the day after it happens. It may well tear a hole in the time-space continuum, but I digress.

Pittsburgh is a community that had its industrial rug and heart ripped out from under it at just about the time two major, local sports teams were emerging. The City of Champions was a fine hook to hang our hats on while the rest of our lives were hurting. And, true to our nature, Pittsburghers are industrious and helpful. We do not simply moan and say there's a problem. We try to identify a way to fix it -- often mixed with the passion we have for our sporting programs. 

Sure, there are different plays, players, aspects and influences that stand out in the minds of people with varying levels of understanding of the sport, but the bottom line is that when a loss occurs there is something wrong with something Pittsburghers care deeply about, and therefore, we're trying to do something about it. It's like seeing the potential in your kid and pointing out behaviors that can help or hurt progress.

There's not a formula, there's a consensus on the pathway to progress. Consensus is built through trial and error and cultural exchange of ideas and opinions. People rise to new heights and levels of understanding though studying these exchanges. Some are happy to yell it out on the sidelines or at their TV's. Some discuss it among their friends. Some hone it into a skill that enables them to write and discuss it through a medium. Some take it to a level where they are professionals, coaches and advisors. But, it all starts in the examination of what works and what doesn't.

So, it's funny to see the hipsters don their evolved, original analytic cap and braggishly post to their social media commoners how boorish it will be to hear people be upset about a passionate loss. And, it's twice as funny to hear sports media personalities don their hipster high horse saddles.

That's why sports talk shows exist--as a forum for these passionate sports fan folk. Without these folks, the show hosts wouldn't have a forum nor the access that gives them the shard of increased knowledge they're given by having access to the them--to share with their audience.

But, in all honestly, if this level of access or their access to a medium made them any more knowledgeable than the rest of the people discussing it, they'd be coaching or rich by cashing in at a Vegas sports book.

And, the hipsters that sneeringly scoff at the differing perspectives of analysis, well, I'm sure that's just one of many instances in their lives where they blame their lack of belonging or contributing to the community on their evolution in originality. 

 

They're Everywhere: People and Plates from Out of State

Something interesting is afoot around Pittsburgh. It might not be obvious if you're walking around, looking about town. But, hop in your car and travel about the airport corridor. Look at the cars around you. Look at the licence plates. Specifically, look at the states of the plates around you. There are suddenly a lot of out-of-state people coming to Pittsburgh.  

Like most kids, I grew up playing the licence plate game on trips. Playing the license plate game always had to be on trips, because, at the time I was growing up, people were leaving the area--not coming here. 

Around here, it was always just PA plates and you'd have to hope for the occasional over-the-road truck passing through with an out-of-state plate. As a result, punch bugs, counting cows or cemetaries had to suffice for trips within the area. 

But, that has seemingly changed recently. Even on my 30 minute commute, it's nothing for me to see license plates from 15 states, which is awesome. It means people are coming to Pittsburgh from other places. And, it's not just people passing through. These are people here daily for the business commute. 

Maybe it's a result of more movies being filmed in town. Maybe it's because Pittsburgh is continuously voted a most-livable city. Maybe it's because our property is relatively inexpensive, stable and spacious. Maybe it's the emerging green living trend here in Pittsburgh. Maybe some of it is rental car traffic through the airport. But, popular consensus seems to be that a lot of these people are here to work.

People are coming to Pittsburgh to work for Google or CMU. People are coming to Pittsburgh to work in medical research. People are coming to Pittsburgh to work in the natural gas drilling boom that's happening in the area. Jobs are bringing people to Pittsburgh. That's something I haven't seen most of my life. 

It's been more than a couple of generations since Pittsburgh was stood on its head by unemployment from the fall of the industrial age. There's a reason that Steelers fans are everywhere. It's not just because they're an honorable, winning franchise. It's because Pittsburghers were scattered about the nation in search of work after our industrial heritage became passe. 

So, to see people coming to the area--in some cases, coming BACK to the area, is fantastic. It's validation that Pittsburgh has turned the corner and is returning to its prominance as more than a place to visit--it's a great place to live. Take a look the next time you're out and about. See how many plates you see representing people coming to our area. 

Life Axiom: All the Drama

• Life Axiom: A person uttering the phrase, "I'm done with all the drama," is positively correlated to being a contributing factor in said drama.
  • Add the word SO to that phrase, "I'm SO done with all the drama" and they're defnitiely the source of said drama.

Can I Kindly Choke to Myself?!

Nope, this isn't a blog about those winter flu, germ spraying circus seals that spread their funk about without a thought about covering their mouths. This isn't as serious as a drunken Republican lodging a pretzel in his throat in the recesses of the White House on NFL Sunday. This one's about me. Sitting by myself, at a restaurant, as I try to hide the fact that I've sucked a hunk of Arby down the wrong pipe like a pigeon into a jet engine. *HOOOARK* 

You know how it goes, I'm sitting there at lunch and paying attention to just about everything except the food going in my mouth. Reading sports scores, Tweeting about the food I should be paying attention to and *thunk* I have the Augustus Gloop of Arby bun inhaled into my windpipe. 

I can breathe. It's not heimlich worthy, but it's kind of quiet around, I'm in a visible seat and I don't want to make a production.

If anybody was looking, they probably saw me failing to be subtle about aggressively mouth breathing like the big, bad wolf prepping to blow down a multi-story steel structure. But, let's assume that wasn't the only symptom of my predicament. 

Apparently Arby's sauce, while innocuous in flavor, becomes rather spicy when creeping about your lung corpuscles. So, my eyes start watering like a colicky baby. That, of course, inspires a watery nose, which is hard to battle when you lack the wind to suck it in, or blow it out, as well as the long sleeves to go all third-grade smear tactic. (on a completely unrelated topic, I'm going to recommend against ever Googling images for scorching hot sauce without safe search on. MY GOD, who knew!?) 

But, back to me. I've got it together. I'm pretending to actively read my Twitter stream and not scream out the Yetti call that would easily dislodge the mishap. So, I'm subtly grunting like something that would be a great hit among the Tuvan throat singing crowd. At the same time I'm looking around to see if anybody is noticing. 

Well, nothing gets people to notice something meant to go unnoticed like looking around to see if anybody's looking. Dude in the booth adjacent to mine whispers to his wife, then subtly gives me the raised eyebrow, like, "you going to live man?"  I gave him the little wave, letting him know I'm a jackass and forgot how to eat, but I'll make it. He gives me the nod, chuckles and whispers it back to his wife, who has to look.

I'm pretty sure that attracted a few more looks as well. But, I hunkered down for the most intense 140-character reading session I could muster while trying to dislodge a flaming Pinto from my windpipe. 

Eventually I quietly rattled things loose enough to get me through my meal and wind service returned to normal. But, all wasn't clear yet, that is, until I got into the parking lot and finally let out that Yetti cry that sent Augustus Gloop flying from the pipes. I'm pretty sure I heard bigfoot return the call in the distance when, the guy from the restaurant emerged again and gave me the look. I, again, gave him the wave, and said, better now! He chuckled. 

 

Scrabble Players Needed for Charity Tournament

So, you think you're the best at Words With Friends, how about trying your skills against others in a Scrabble tournament to benefit Adult Literacy Action Penn State Beaver? 

Adult Literacy Action is hosting its Second Annual Scrabble Tournament at the Beaver Valley Mall on October 20. I'd like to encourage you to participate. If you're an experienced player--or even a beginner, it's for a great cause. 

Adult Literacy Action is a non-profit organization that depends on the generocity and community involvement to provide service within Beaver County. For more than 30 years, Adult Literacy Action has actively promoted a literate Beaver County by offering free adult education in reading, writing, math, GED preparation, distance learning, English for Speakers of Other Languages, workforce education and family literacy. Last year, volunteer tutors and Adult Literacy instructors served over 800 adults at libraries and learning centers throughout Beaver County. 

In these tight financial times, more people need these services than ever before and your Scrabble Tournament entry of $25 will go further to help Beaver County.

Here's your chance to show off your skills:

When:   Thursday, October 20, 2011
Time:    5:30 - 8:30 PM (tournament begins at 6:00 PM)
Where:  Beaver Valley Mall --- Center of the Mall
RSVP:  Call 724.773.7810 to Enter Today 

Jesus Google! Really?! Sometimes suggestions are helpful, then other times there's this?.

Much Ado About Facebook Subscribe

So, Facebook now has a subscribe feature. Yawn! Subscribe is essentially a bandaid for the superuser and has very little to do with the average user. Superusers have left Facebook in droves for greener pastures. And Subscribe lets them share certain public posts into subscribers' streams without letting the general public into their personal account.

One of the numerous issues Facebook has always had was segmenting audiences. Quite simply, it's difficult to tell that vendor, or office acquaintence, no, I don't want you as a friend on Facebook. Likewise, it's difficult to manage your friends and family's urges to post those cute little pictures of you from years ago -- or last night. And, since most users seem to think aloud via status messages, you don't want everybody seeing what's on your mind--especially when it concerns them. 

Many people, like myself, were forced to manually segment their audiences by creating multiple identities online. Sure, Facebook eventually gave you ways to group your friends. But, to say that system is unweildy is an understatment. Facebook is an endless maze of privacy settings and options. Even advanced users get caught in the cluster of customizations. 

Enter Google+. Google+ is by no means revolutionary. Its core funtion is to share--much like Facebook. But, what Google+ brought to the game was 'Circles.' Google+ Circles is Facebook's group feature on steroids, without the rage and pocked face. Circles is a clean, simple way to group your friends, acquaintances and other audience groups. Circles is a central feature to how you share every single post in Google+. There's no pull-down box, that leads to a pop-up window, that leads to an auto-complete list of who you do and don't want to share with. It's easy and straightforward. 

All that glitz and glam is great and all for Google+, but there's one problem....the critical mass is still on Facebook. Sure, the net elite have declared Google+ their new country club. But, meanwhile, our friends, family and other luddite associates are all still seated in Facebook. People decry the injustices of Facebook, but much like bitching about work, they still show up every day. So, until that critical mass leaves, Facebook only needs to manage the hemorrhaging. 

While MySpace went the route of WordPerfect, Facebook is going the route of Microsoft. Facebook has the hold on the market and simply emulates the best features of any potential threat (i.e. Google+). Facebook subscribe is using this emulation as a tool for managing that hemorrhaging. It's placating the 'super user' with giving them a way to communicate with the outsiders without actually 'friending them.' Not, very social for the social leaders.... I've heard them lament of having to re-orginize their entire friend group and complaints of the like. But, in reality, the average Facebook user has 135 friends. To, that level of user, my kind of user, subscribe has little-to-nothing to do with how I use it. And, it has done nothing to solve my need for multiple identities.

Fact is, as long as the critical mass is on Facebook, and it is where my friends, family and co-workers are, then I need to be on Facebook. While everybody is still looking for the next, best thing, most are still keeping their feet in the Facebook waters. For that reason alone, Facebook can continue its current strategy without any great threat. Like Microsoft, Facebook will have to try really hard to shake its core of users. Some of us will make use of Google Docs to replace Microsoft. Some of us will use Google+ to replace Facebook. But, it would take a major event for either to lose their core. 

So, congrats to Facebook on Subscribe. Yawn...

First mile was ok, then after that the shit hit the fan with the heat:

Flipping through my Flipboard trying to look like I'm reading news in a meeting and Playgirl spread @FSBigBob shows up!

What's A Virtual Presence Worth?

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Well, that's the million dollar question now, isn't it? From avatars in online gaming to your life stream, people are always trying to determine the value of the effort put into getting noticed online. Companies can often trace the impact of online efforts back to sales or impressions. But what about your "personal brand?" Sure, there are analytics. But, do they really give you any insight to your true value?

To some, an online presence is just a game. To others, it's a way of building a personal brand. To most, it's just another way to connect with people that share a similar interest.

To me? Well, the verdict is still out. I haven't been actively looking for a job. I've significantly cut down on the amount of freelance work I'm doing. So, is there a value, beyond ego, to building a personal brand? 

I've tinkered with online "influence measurement tools" like Klout. I've obsessed about followers. I've divided my personal and professional presences to try to focus on providing value  and reducing noise for specific audiences. I've diversified into about every social network at one time or another. All-in-all, it's made me, personally, a more valuable asset to the not-for-profit trade association that I work with. 

Is there a direct value in that if I'm not trying to cash in? Not really. Is it a compliment to an existing skill set?Absolutely! But, as far as being able to quantify that into hours spent vs. direct value, that's murky at best.

In keeping with my social diversity, I recently delved into Empire Avenue. It's a social stock exchange where people literally buy stock in your virtual presence. This stock is supposed to provide insight into your influence and effectiveness. In theory, it's not bad. Like Klout, and other tools, it hooks into your various outlets and uses an algorithm to summarize your online activity and influence. As you engage, your stock value goes up, as does the portfolio of those that invest in you.

Like most things, it's subject to being "played" or skewed. But, I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing as that demonstrates a potential knowledge of online communities and influencing them with your brand. Some of the people I consider to be influentials in social media and public relations have signed up. I've invested in them to see where it takes me. Some have even invested in me, which I find to be rather flattering--even if it also benefits them.

I'm currently trading at around e24.00 virtual dollars. Which isn't bad. It's still hashing through my droves of photos, videos, tweets and status updates. So, my guess is that value will continue to build. So, if you're thinking about joining, feel free to buy me while I'm going cheap: http://www.empireavenue.com/wwtv. It doesn't happen often...haha

Kentucky Derby Weekend - Quite a Ride

I finally got around to posting my Kentucky Derby pix. As you'll see, there's a whole lot more going on than just a two minute race. Although that was quite nice too!

My New Theme Song

It would seem that the Dead Milkmen have been observing me for music fodder. Or, at the very least, they've struck lightning in a bottle. In case you weren't aware, the Dead Milkmen have regrouped with Dandrew sitting in after the untimely passing of Dave. And, the bigger news, they have a new CD, The King in Yellow. But, I digress (as one would expect after listening to my new theme song), give it a listen: 

15_-_Cant_Relax.mp3

Out for a(nother) Ride

As you've learned by now, it's always fun when there's enough time in the day (and enough gas in the tank) to wonder aimlessly about the area trying to get lost. You never know what you'll find. Here's just a few sites from the latest aimless adventure. 

Foo Fighters Wasting Light (Live)

Any time Pat Smear is involved, the Foo Fighters always seem to step it up. This album is no exception to that rule. I really can't wait to see this live. In the mean time, this will have to cover. The Foo Fighters were nice enough to post a video of them performing their entire new album live in studio. Excuse me while I tap my veins for a bit...

Most Annoying Guy Ever

So I roll over to Einstein Bros for a quick 15 minute lunch (which was quite fantastic, by the way), and I end up sitting at the table next to this guy. Looking at him, you wouldn't guess that he was a bottomless fountain of snot which he masterfully rockets into harmless napkin with the combined noise of all of the vuvuzelas at the World Cup. But he does, proudly, no less than six times during my 15 minutes in his proximity. Add to that the three guttural belches he summoned, from which, I'm pretty sure I felt the heat from as well as smelled last night's dinner. Or maybe he had some other bodily function firing away as well. But, it would be tough to tell over the noise from him continually crinkling his Diet Coke, which clearly is not helping. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to be headed back to work. Wow!

Not all those that wander are lost

If you don't care where you're headed, it can be quite fun to see where you end up. Even in a tiny area like mine, you can never possibly see everything there is to see. That's why it's fun to occasionally just venture out and about and try to find something new. For example today, riding around, it was fascinating to roll across an aged structure called "Jack's State Line Inn" in Avella, PA. Jack's advertised Beers n Dolls, in addition to an old tin sign touting drinks, food and fun. It might be fun to venture in there some time just to see their brand of fun.

Another place I'd never heard of was Meadowcroft Rockshelter (http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft.aspx), which is alleged to have been inhabited for more than 16,000 years, since Paleo-Indian times. The place is now operated by the Heinz History Center and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005 with several key archaeological findings. 

Other things along the way included, Doddridge Fort (http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=20851) and a place in Georgetown, PA where Meriweather Lewis traded in a leaky canoe and for $11, bought another canoe that also leaked (http://lewis-clark.org/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=2966). Oh, and did I mention that I learned that Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez was from around here. Learned that by driving through his hometown of Langeloth, PA where they have a welcome sign in his honor. Also, learned that a ferret is a domesticated pole cat, thanks to a quick jaunt down pole cat hollow.

Ah, the things you learn. Looking forward to another outing some time soon!

Super Bowl Party

Another great season of Steelers football. I always love having everybody over each week for Steelers games. And, it was especially great getting everybody together for the Super Bowl. I was just sorry that we couldn't deliver a victory. 

Rockin the new avatar in honor of Brett Keisel. Go Stillerz!

via TweetDeck

Steel Is Dead?! Steel is alive and well in Pittsburgh

With all the excitement of the Steelers making the Super Bowl, it's that time of year where the media does that same story on the origin of the Steelers logo.

In fact, there is a great, factual piece on the history of the logo that can be found on the website of the logo owners, the American Iron and Steel Institute.

The story of the Steelers logo (the steelmark) is a fantastic one. And, it gives people great insight to the formation of the Pittsburgh region.

But, there's always that paranthetical remark by media and announcers that "steel is no longer made in the region," "steel is dead in Pittsburgh," or even worse, "steel isn't made in the US anymore." Let me explain why that is horribly incorrect.

While it's true that downtown Pittsburgh isn't packed with side-to-side mills, the fact is that steel IS still made here. In some instances, the quantities of steel made here are in excess of when we had s

ide-to-side mills lining the downtown area.

It just so happens that steel mills can do much more with much less today. In what once took miles of mill space to make steel, modern steelmaking can take place in much cleaner, smaller steelmaking facilities.

Downtown pittsburgh, has become a metropolitan area. But the steelmaking capacity is still here in the region. In just a 25 mile circle from the downtown area, you'll find several steelmaking facilities:

• US Steel Edgar Thompson
• Universal Stainless
• Union Electric Steel
• Allegheny Ludlum (Midland, Latrobe, Brakenridge, and Natrona)
• Whemco
• TMK Ipsco Koppel
• Ellwood Quality Steels
• AK Steel Butler

And, that doesn't include the global headquarters for US Steel in Pittsburgh's downtown area and other corporate offices that ARE in the downtown area.

So, to pronounce steel dead in Pittsburgh, or to dismiss the 80+ million tons of steel annually produced here in the US as dead--just because you don't see it in our downtown areas, is just perpetuating a misconception.

Steel IS still here in Pittsburgh--it's smaller, cleaner and much more quiet than its ominous past. Which, I guess that should be a compliment to its environmental and technical advancements. But, still, PITTSBURGH IS STILL A STEEL TOWN. Go Steelers!

Go Steelers!

Pre-game shot.