Thursday, August 25, 2016

Pittsburgh - a city

Ever heard of Pittsburgh?

You know, the smoke belching Iron City of western Pennsylvania?

Well, it ain’t that no more!

Our first view of the city was somewhat “clouded”



They city is dominated by bridges (more than 400 of them) that, among other things, cross 3 rivers.

The Monongahela, and the Allegheny join up to become the Ohio.  Better picture below.



The impact of old-old wealth remains.  Almost everywhere you turn you hear two names.
Carnegie and Heinz.   One of United States Steel fame (pronounced car-negg’-ee, not  car'-neg-eee" like we all do) and the other of ketchup and political fame.

Right next to the Carnegie “children’s center” is Heinz field – where the Steelers play. 

And a stone’s throw from there, just across the Roberto Clemente bridge from downtown is the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates – PNC park.

Andrew Carnegie’s legacy to this community is libraries, museums, and cultural centers.  Same for Heinz – be they named for the ketchup king, or his offspring like the late US Senator John Heinz. 

Pittsburgh is a happenin’ place.  And an important place -you can just feel it. Look who was in town when we were there!



From atop one of the Incline Rides looking toward downtown.


From near downtown looking at one of the inclines - cable cars that actually haul working people in suits and ties from homes to offices every day of the week.



 The original Primanti Brothers restaurant in the strip district - that never closes.   People eat well.




 The 3 most notable professional sports teams in the city, the Pirates, the Steelers, and the Penguins (who won Lord Stanley’s cup this year) – all have the same team colors - the colors of Pittsburgh's flag, which in turn, is based on the coat of arms of William Pitt, the 18th century British Prime Minister   - for whom the city is named. 






Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Steeler Nation Report

On a hillside in Latrobe sits the Basilica at St.Vincent College.  Now in it’s 50th year as the summer training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Around the green grassy bowl, during a recent sweltering hot and humid afternoon, sit the faithful – and a couple outsiders from Albuquerque.

“What kind of a season are you going to have?”  The response – “It depends on Ben!”

Every question I asked, got the same response – “Ben, Ben, Ben”


This is Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback.  Long sleeve white shirt and a few jogs the width of the field.  Pads were reserved for the other guys.


Under the watchful eye of Coach Mike Tomlin, in sweats on a sweaty afternoon, they work, work, work!


For more than 3 hours, they practiced.    

That robot looking thing, I think, is a giant Gatorade dispenser.

Practice over, head covered by a Terrible Towl, Ben autographs…and autographs…



Soon thereafter, A-B, Antonio Brown goes through the same exercise.   These athletes know, they wouldn’t be making millions if they didn’t have fans who were ready to pay to see them.


Along another fence, not the big names, but autographs nonetheless.   Here’s # 30 Running Back Cameron Stingily



And here’s #24 Corner Back Doran Grant




Soon, it’s going to be time for some football…