Just Passin Through

Apologies to all for being a little late with this one. Lovely wife-o-mine met this handsoem chap at the big name coffee shop near our house. He's a current Pittsburgher, unlike me who's an ex-patriate, and was simply visiting friends.

GO PENS!

Montgomery Mall, MD 1

Had successfully dodged Holiday shopping, but had a return to make. Mall was busier than I expected, but I found a space. What you can't see in this picture is the Steeler helmut in the upper left section of the window and the penguins sticker in the lower left section of the window. Oh yeah, while leaving the mall later (read below) I met this car's owner.

Retail Clues

It might seem lame to feature merchandise in a mall, but take a close look at this pic and consider this. The sales guy told me only the slow moving shirts get the yellow sales tags. Note that, here in sunny Maryland, none of the Black and Gold jerseys are marked down!

Montgomery Mall, MD 2

So, I'm finally leaving the mall and I meet this gentleman. At first he's a little shy, but let's me take his picture. When I give my blog address card, he perks up and tells me where to find his car...the one with FL plates you've seen above.

Flags Over 95

Here I am, minding my own business, driving home down Interstate RT 95 between Baltimore and Washington early on the day after Christmas and what to my wondering eyes does appear? 2 great flowing Steeler flags on a black suv! I'm not saying I put any other drivers in danger trying to get these shots, but let's just say I'm glad there weren't any cops around!

Aspen Hill, MD - Classic Black on Black

Daughter dearest's friend Emily made this sight while they were out doing...whatever college girls do on break! Dani then "phoned it in", taking a phone pic and mms-ing it to me. I love technology.

95 South between Baltimore and DC

Wife Vicki jokes that she risked her life for this shot. If you've ever driven south on 95 in rush hour, you'd understand. Displaying the popular SUV tire logo, this one resembles an earlier catch made in our friend Magic's neighborhood.

Connecticut Ave - Mid-Dec

The white logo isn;t seen very often, but here the reason is obvious. As stylish as classic black and gold is, this use of white on white draws the eye. This was was a team effort of my wife and me.

Chevy Chase - New Friend

So, I'd been holding off on one "sighting" I knew was a home run. I'd been past this place and knew there was a large Steeler flag in the yard, tastefully balanced by the decorated SUV. My plan was to post this house as my Holiday entry. But when I got there, the flag was gone! I got out my camera anyway (the new D-60) and as I was taking the above pic, the owner sauntered up to see what I was doing. That was how I met Darryl. And how I learned the fate of his flag. Seems like some local Redskins fans didn't take kindly to their 23-6 loss. So they took the flag.
Darryl promises to call when the replacement arrives. He expects it in time for the playoffs.

Happy Holidays anyway!

Fredonia, NY

So the bug is contagious! Friend Michelle recently facebooked me, proudly proclaiming that she "paparazzied" this guy in her computer lab. The distinctive Pirates "P" make for a great look, with it's (way) old-school type face against a jet black background. Proving, even Fredonia University isn't safe from the Burgh influence.

Silver Spring, MD

You'll never know who'll walk into the local deli on a saturday night. A dad came in with his Steeler's jacketed son. Vicki approached them about a picture and we found out they weren't even from Pittsburgh. The young man simply knows a great team when he sees it.

Northfield, NJ

What do you do when you're lost in Southern Jersey on a horribly rainy night? Pull into a gas station to ask directions. And when you see the car window Hines Ward decoration? Ask if you can buy it for your daughter. But it isn't for sale, it belongs to one of the employees.
Even in Eagles country, you can't keep a Steeler fan down!

Pittsburgh on NPR - 12/4/2008

100-Year-Old Gears Up For Obama's Inauguration

And she's from Pittsburgh! I heard this story on my way home fomr work onmy local NPR station, WAMU. It just so happened to follow a story about the Detroit Lions' most historic losing season.

Lillian Allen of Pittsburgh was born before many blacks and all women could vote. She's worked for better equal rights her whole life and now she's headed to DC for the Inauguration of our country's first black president.

Enjoy the whole story here...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97770913&sc=emaf

Review - Quantum of Solace

What would you get if you made an action movie and just happened to include a character named James Bond? An opening weekend box office record breaker (for Bond movies) - as well as worldwide moneymaker, an exciting tale of espionage and revenge, and - according to several reviewers (and my wife) – a film decidedly lacking several key components required in a 007 movie.

Among the complaints unfairly leveled at Quantum is its lack of humor. While this movie isn’t gushing with the one-liners present in previous outings, it does toss a couple of sly pitches and I truly didn’t miss the gratuitous attempts at humor that have sometimes brought the series down. Anyone who remembers the later days of the Roger Moore era knows what I mean.

And why express surprise that this movie presents a grittier, harder hitting view of Bond’s exploits than some others have. The die was cast in Casino Royale 2006* when Daniel Craig, our newest James Bond, gave us a grimmer, more vulnerable agent. Mr. Craig, in interviews released last summer, stated he felt a strong need to close the door on the death of Bond’s Casino love, Vesper. And let me tell you, it worked for me.

Another characteristic of the Craig Bond, which audiences seem to react positively about, is the lack of unrealistic high tech gadgets. In the only “high-tech” scene of the movie, Bond has to provide for himself. Otherwise, he lives by his wits, his fists, and a little bit of luck. What more can you ask for?

How about a plot that “foreshadows” and pays homage to some of the Bond movies greatest villainy. Remembering that in the story’s chronology Craig’s Bond is prequel to movies featuring THE James Bond (Sean Connery), the introduction of a vast secret society (SMERSH?) and the death of a beautiful woman covered in a “rich”/expensive substance (re: Goldfinger) can’t be overlooked. These elements demonstrate forward thinking plotting (setting up the next "big bad") and reverence for what has come before.

Quantum of Solace, the newest, and apparently most controversial of the 007 movies, is an entertaining and positive addition to the Bond oeuvre. It moves deftly from one act to the next, never forgetting what audiences want to see - James Bond in action. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you treat yourself to an escape to your local movie theater.

* year noted to avoid confusion with the original 1967 Casino Royale, a fun, psychedelic movie outing which is truly a product of it's time. Any Austin Power fans deserve to find the 1967 Casino Royale and enjoy a TRIP down memory lane.

Jay Leno on the Gas Pump

What else can one ask for than to watch Jay Leno while pumping gas? I know I had a lonely, empty feeling every other time I bought gas that has suddenly lifted. Since us Americans don't watch nearly as much TV as we should, this technological step forward should be viewed as boon to all travelers. I guess we should consider ourselves lucky they didn't foist O'Reilly on us.

Sheesh!

Isabella's - Baltimore's Little Italy

I work between Fell's Point and Little Italy in Baltimore now. I just started there last month. And thanks to my friendly new co-workers, I've found a gem of a lunch spot. I walk past 4 or 5 full blown restaurants to get to Isabella's and can't imagine that I'm missing anything. This tiny sandwich shop has 2 and half tables, a deli counter, and makes the best real Italian sandwiches I've had anywhere. On my first visit I ordered their Chicken Parmesan. As over the top as this sounds, I was so impressed I texted a good friend to tell him that I just had my first real chicken parm sandwich ever. The meat was tender, moist, and grilled. The bread was fresh and lightly toasted. And they make fresh mozzarella cheese, as well as their red sauce, on the premises. What more can you ask for? One of their fresh filled mini-canolis! Mine was crispy with the right balance of sweet and smooth I found it a great way to reward myself for having such a nice lunch.

Isabella's, S. High St., Baltimore's Little Italy

Odenton, Maryland

As Vicki and I approach the home of former college roommate Tim, and his wife Esther, I spied this very conspicuous Steeler logo. The closer you get to Baltimore, the closer you get to Ravens country, but that never stopped us before!

Odd Bird Story

I park in the same parking garage every day. One day, as I arrive for work, I notice a dead pigeon. I only give it a glancing thought, wondering how it died, and walked on.

That evening as I walked through the garage I noticed the dead bird was still there. But now, a live, black bird was watching it. Did they know each other? Do pigeons (are there black ones) mate for life? Is it hungry?

The next day I pay it no mind until, returning from a mid-day errand, I note that someone has placed flowers by the bird. Roses. Note thrown or dropped, but layed there. A wierldy sentimental gesture for sure.

WAMU/NPR November 14

More news about the Steel City, and this should bring a smile to your face. Apparently, PNC has purchased, with TARP* assistance, National City - a Cleveland based bank. In a segment on congressional news heard by me on DC NPR radio station WAMU (not to be confused with WAMO!!) they featured an Ohio representative question ing this use of the TARP funds. The phrase that stuck our for me was when he said..."When a Pittsburgh bank buys a Cleveland bank, it's not good!".

*= Trouble Asset Relief Funds

'nuff said

NY Times Online 11/13

Some may say I'm really stretching by mentioning news stories as "sightings" of Pittsburghers in the larger world. But when we are affecting the world and, as in this story, when it serves a good purpose, it goes on the list. In this case Allegheny Paper Shredders in Delmont, Pa custom built a shredder for a computer recycler on Long Island. It's only one line in the story, but without this super shredder, there wouldn't be a story! Give it a read.

Allegheny Paper Shredders in Delmont, Pa

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/business/smallbusiness/13SCRAP.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Monday Night Football 11/3/08

This may seem like a cheap shot, but just listen to the announcers at any away game. They are sometimes surprised at the number of terrible towels swinging in the stadium. And the Redskins game was no different.
Except, as constant readers will remember, the Presidential election was in the balance this time. See my blog from last month... http://burgh-sightings.blogspot.com/2008/10/political-powerhouse.html

Baltimore & Rt 95 N

Yesterday, on my way to work, I see this car with a Penguin's plate. Was bummed because it's hard to take a pic at 70+ mph.
This morning I park in my normal spot at work, walk 3 steps and voila! A fellow Pittsburgher sharing the highway and the parking garage.

NY Times Arts & Leisure

If it did't actually say my hometown, I may have passed this by. But being from a Kevin Smith movie, I can't resist. Especially as this hoodie references George Romero's 2nd zombie movie...made in Monroeville.

Another Columbia, SC

This car pulled in front of my daughter and I on Assembly Street on downtown Columbia. What a town!

Fleet St. Baltimore

Actually parked right across the street from my new job. Note how it makes this otherwise ordinary car appear suddenly way cool.

U of South Carolina

The dorm girls decorated their doors with pumpkins and Troy was immortalized thusly.
Ok, I'll admit it - this is my daughter's dorm room.

North Columbia, SC - 1

While on a working visit to a school in South Carolina the woman who signed in wore this colorful Steeler's lanyard. She happened to be from Penn, near Penn-Trafford and Ardara.

North Columbia, SC - 2

As we finished our school visit we met the Assistant Principal. He was tastefully attired in the black lanyard.

North Columbia, SC - 3

Of course, when I get a chance to glance into the Principal's office I find that it's a restricted parking zone. And, the pictures you don't see here are the school sports team shirts which happen to also bear the name Steelers in black and gold. Build new fans day by day.

Manassas, VA 1 of 3

My wife and I went canvassing for votes in Virginia this fall and what do you think we find?

A house with not one, but 2 Steeler signs.

Which ever way you drive past, going up or down the street, you can't miss this guy's message.

Manassa, VA 2 of 3

4 houses up the street on the opposite side, we spot this patriotic display. The homeowner said his wife was the big Steeler fan of the family.

He also told us that the guy who owns the first house has an entire Steeler shrine in his basement.

Manassa, VA 3 of 3

So, on the other side of the neighborhood, we find this car. The house was on our canvassing list so we knocked and got the final score, 38 - 10 us over the Bengals. Dad was lounging in his Steeler's jersey.

Chevy Chase, Md

This guy also has the license plate holder, a helmet magnet, a mini-cup on the dash board, and was wearing his yellow steelers hat.

Political Powerhouse?

I wore my black Steeler golf shirt to work at an Army convention and a friend tells me I'm making a political statement. He tells me about a story he heard on NPR. Very little research later I found this.
GO STEELERS!

September 23, 2008, 12:07 pm

Steelers or Redskins? Obama or McCain?

June Kronholz reports on the presidential campaign.

More proof that Pennsylvania could decide the election:

The American Enterprise Institute reports that the “best predictor” of which party wins the White House is whether or not the Washington Redskins win their last home game before the election.

If the Redskins win, the incumbent party tends to win; if they lose, the White House changes parties. The Redskins indicator has been wrong only one since 1948, AEI says—and that was in 2004 when President George W. Bush held onto the White House despite a Redskins loss.

The ‘Skins play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, Nov. 3, less than seven hours before polling places open in most eastern time-zone jurisdictions.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/09/23/steelers-or-redskins-obama-or-mccain/trackback/

Innocent Blood

Admittedly, a minor and sometimes cheesy little vampire tale, Innocent Blood has the distinction of being located in and featuring a wide variety of Pittsburgh landmarks. If you watch this movie, note the motel they check into. The real name was the Wm. Penn Motel on Rt. 22 - across from the Miracle Mile, a childhood hangout. While they were shooting the movie, I followed the crew to that location and saw Director John Landis going into the motel office.

For my money, this is the most watchable of the made in Pittsburgh movies, both for notable locales and a story to follow. Don't even get me started on the failed river cop movie.

Ok, I can't help myself. The dreck of a Bruce Willis movie located in Pittsburgh, Striking Distance, has one (and only one) saving grace. The coolest downhill car chase since Bullet! Never mind that a chase that began on Liberty Avenue makes left turns into Squirrel Hill followed by right turns into South Side before careening down a North Side street toward rt. 28. The final downhill ride is damn well made!

Mod Cloth Online???

So, Daughter dearest is shopping online again and what does she find?

What an odd ad. And what about these boots says Steel City to you???
(I made the word Pittsburgh larger, but this is the ad as seen online)

Columbia, SC

My dear daughter found this safe haven in Columbia, SC. Considering her age, I can only assume she wasn't drinking! On this specific evening, we barely beat the Ravens in overtime, god bless Jeff Reids' pointy little foot!

OT: Baking

If you recognise this cookbook, you know it's over 15 years old. But I always fall back on my Three Rivers Cookbook (III) when I want to bake a treat. Today's gem? Page 203, Apple Cheese Torte.
Addendum - 4 hours later. My dessert was the hit of the block party.

Bethesda, MD

This is from a story on the front page of the local weekly community news. Students at Walter Johnson HS produce a mornign newscast/school announcements show. On the day they took this picture, a 16 year old HS morning newscaster dressed in his Pittsburgh best.

The Daily Show

September 16. Jon Stewart makes a joke based on a commercial showing an oddly hairy part of a bull. He equates it to Troy Palamalu's hair. Don't ask!

Dexter

This may be a stretch, but in the 2nd season of Showtime's Dexter the Steeler's are mentioned by Special Agent Lundy. Speaking about a fake murderer's manfesto, Lundy notes... "In one section he manages to weave together Julius Caesar, Berlin Germany, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Gandhi." Since the show happens in Miami, their next stop could be Primanti Bros South!

Washington, DC

Steeler jerseys are often found around here, but a Bradshaw jersey...that's from a different time.

Salisbury MD

Cafeteria sign spotted by Danika at Salisbury University, spring 2008.

Olympic Gold?

Daughter dearest sends me this (photoshopped?) web pic of US Volleyball team receiving Gold Medal. Terrible Towel in Beijing? Stranger things have happened.

Bethesda, MD

Took this pic walking across Woodmont, near Bethesda Avenue. I had just made the decision to begin this mo-blog after a month of traveling. I am hoping friends and daughter have and will send back my pix from the past month.

Alexandria, VA

Blythely displayed on the counter of Mancini's Bakery in Old Town Alexandria, VA. I stop here for coffee everyday on the way to my client's office. Took me a week to notice this mug.