Friday Favorites: Pittsburgh Part 2

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Its quite apropos that I write the sequel to the Friday Favorites: Pittsburgh series after finishing Love & Other Drugs which was filmed all over the area.  Jake Gyllenhaal (shirtless) + Pittsburgh, swoon. (don't take my word for it; watch these 3 minutes & you will want to check it out yourself.)


If Gyllenhaal really did have that Steelers logo tattoo GAME OVER.  I would stalk him til we were married (or most likely until I was given a restraining order)


Anyways last week I talked about some of my favorite neighborhoods in Pittsburgh & highlighted a few things you can do there.  This week I'm going to talk more about some favorite places or events of Pittsburgh.  Keep in mind there are sooo many places I cannot come close to highlighting them all, but if you have any questions about places I didn't mention feel free to ask your resident Pittsburgher.

Why yes, his shirt does say World Champ-YINZ

As the City of Champions we are a bit crazy about our sports.  We of course have The Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates who play at Heinz Field, CONSOL Energy Center, and PNC Park, respectively.  The stadiums and arena are honestly worth seeing even if you aren't catching a game.  We also have an arena football team the Pittsburgh Power and women's team Pittsburgh Passion (what they don't call us the drinking town with a football problem for no reason). While we don't have a pro team, the University of Pittsburgh consistently puts up a nationally recognized powerhouse basketball team (as well as a good football team).  Staying within the city you can see Duquesne University's team as well, which keeps growing better and better. 

Pittsburgh Zoo

Another favorite place is the zoo.  I have gone to the Pittsburgh Zoo (and no I'm not talking about the student section of Pitt BB) more times than I can count.  In fact I have plans to go there already lined up when I come home.  If you have never been you must go.  Driving up to the zoo you would never imagine the whole animal kingdom that is hidden in the hills, conveniently behind the worlds largest escalator, ok so maybe I exaggerate a little, butttt I have a slight fear of both escalators & elevators.  Can't a girl get some stairs up in there?  Honestly though the zoo is worth even the escalator ride.


If you like the zoo you might also like the National Aviary.  Even as someone who has an irrational fear of birds (much like the escalators & elevators) it was an experience worth having.

I recommend watching this afffter you check out the Aviary if you wonder where my fear came from.  Keep in mind I was the little kid who used to bird watch (also keep in mind my neighborhood had few kids) and now Im the girl who ducks, covers, and all but curls up into the fetal position when a bird dive-bombs me.

A girl of course has to have someplace to shop.  This might sound abnormal, but one of my favorite places downtown is Macy's.  Macy's downtown is huge.  There are many, many floors and too me it seems like one of those old hidden gems.  Its different than any other Macys.  One of my fav things inside is Bradleys Books (also one in Station Square) a discount bookstore where you can find a whole bunch of unique finds.  Keeping up with its commercial property predecessors Macys decorates its windows to get in the holiday spirit every year.  The inside is always decorated as well - giving it the NYC type of feel.  

When I come back to Pittsburgh I will have been gone for a year.  And while I had a visit home during Thanksgiving the majority of that trip was spent at the Charlotte airport hanging out with the likes of Franco Harris because my flight was delayed (ahem US Airways).  The other part was spent in line at Target for Black Friday - I somehow am the best at grabbing the items that are the best deals.  I also came home for Christmas (again traveling on the same flights as Franco Harris - btw we need to not erect statues of people who are still alive, seeing Harris walk past his statue is a bit eerie).  That trip though was spent in snowy Pittsburgh shopping for gifts since I didn't want to travel with them, doing the family holiday stuff, then flying to snowy Vegas (no, that snowy isn't a mistake), flying back to snowy Pittsburgh, to rush and fly back to snowy Charlotte only to have school cancelled.  Moral of this story, snow and delayed flights follow me.  Anyyyyways I am looking forward to all the holiday stuff I missed.

Things such as Light Up Night where all the the holiday lights are lite up at once.  Such the perfect thing to get you in the holiday spirit.

Another holiday favorite is St. Patricks Day.  Now I'm not Irish, but it is so festive I pretend for a day.

No matter what holiday fireworks are always a favorite.  I mean Lawrence County wasn't nicknamed the fireworks capital for no reason.

And lastsly for a little bit of history, some good food, and some thrills Kennywood is always a favorite.   Who needs Six Flags when we have our very own amusement park.  Perfect for the summer through the Halloween Fright Nights.

I'm excited to get back.  Can't wait to have some fun in the city & of course cannot wait for my first trip through the Fort Pitt tunnels.  Hard not to love the city when you see that view!

Happy Friday!

Show Your Hearts

Show Your Hearts

I had something a little different planned for today, but I couldn't hear about this and not pass it on.  I am urging you to help in any way you can.  Remember, prayers & good vibes are always free.

Source

    As you can see from the video on the weekend of July 4th a Texas family - parents Joshua and Robin Berry and their children Peter, Aaron, and Willa- was driving home from a trip, when a car veered into their lane killing both of the parents as well as the passenger of the other car (the driver of the car & their baby survived).  Not only do the Barry children have to deal with the loss of their parents, but they also have to cope with their injuries.  Willa -who was brave enough to give contact information to police at the scene of the accident- suffered broken bones and both of the boys suffered trauma to the spinal cord, paralyzing them from the waist down.  The doctors are of course hopeful, but the prognosis currently reported is that the boys will never be able to walk again. 

The Berry Family Source

   Despite all of this the children & their extended family are remaining in as good of spirits as they can.   The outpouring of support has been amazing & I believe it is one of those situations where the situation was so beyond horrible and tragic, yet there is a glimmer of hope.  These children have wonderful friends & family who are supporting them, caring for them, and staying with them.  As you can read in this story the boys have moved to a facility in Chicago where they can get the care they need.  People are not overlooking how hard it is not only for the kids, but the adults taking care of them and are helping with the living, food, etc. arrangements.    



This is a story that has taken hold of the nation and luckily with the help of the media and many celebrities the word is getting out.  No matter the current donations or support it is imperative that they continue to be helped.  These children are very young and they are going to need help that will sustain them for the longterm.


This story tugs at my heart so much because I know what its like to be in a car accident that takes the life of your parent.  Even that experience though doesn't allow me to even come close to  comprehending what these children have to face.  I'm glad that they have each other, but they should also have each of us as well.  I really do believe in the saying it takes a village to raise a child, so it is now our  responsibility to help raise these children into healthy and happy adults.  These kids have been through more than any of us could fathom going through in a lifetime let alone all at once.


So if you have the means to think of these children the next time you are donating to charity.  I'm sure they would also appreciate any thoughts, well wishes, prayers, vibes etc. that you can offer as well.  And the next time you are speeding, driving distracted, texting while driving, etc take a moment and realize the impact that a split second can have.


For more information you can check out the fund set up to help the children at Show Your Hearts or follow them on Facebook.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

  By now unless you have somehow managed to avoid the TV (I got rid of my service - so completely possible), the internet, the water cooler, radio, etc chances are you have heard about THE BLOWN CALL.  As someone who considers herself to be a Pirates fan I couldn't let Babs & Whoops (I tend to give my friends nicknames.  I'd like to believe that if I ever met these ladies we would be friends) talk about it on The View and not mention it myself.



Also talking about the call was Regis, self-proclaimed Pirates fan.  Now I personally don't love Regis being a fan.  I will admit I'm a slight believer in the Regis-Pirates curse (it is a "thing," google it if you don't believe me) as well as I think he only likes the Pirates because he feels bad for the perpetual underdog that is the Pirates.

Regis and Kelly talking about the Pirates on their self-titled TV show 

So in case you really did miss it here is the one sentence version:

Last night the Pittsburgh Pirates faced the Atlanta Braves in an all out battle of 19 innings until Julio Lugo was deemed safe by ump Jerry Meals saying that Michael McKenry missed tagging him before home causing the Pirates to lose & the game to be over.  I support people making their own decisions (though if you think he was safe good luck taking that up with me or the masses) so take a look for yourself:

Thank you Youtube

  First things first props to Clint Hurdle for not knocking Meals out - I really was afraid he was going to do more than yell.  But back to Meals. As long as Meals believed what he called the blame shouldn't be thrown at him so harshly. Yes, he deserves some ribbing & I will admit some of the comments on Twitter have been comical (normally I don't pay much attn to what's trending, but #jerrymealssaysitssafe was a great way to spend my coffee-morning-drinking-time), but he made a mistake. Regardless of the fact it is his job and he has training and experience he is still a human.  It was 2 am.  It has been ridiculously hot.  He has balls flying at him while he makes his living.  We all make mistakes.  His just happens to be broadcast & captured on TV.  He had to make a split decision and did just that. In today's light he needs to realize he made a glaring mistake.  I don't even think anyone should demand an apology from Meals, but I do think he needs to have some empathy for the players and admit that he messed up.

Same thing goes to Lugo.  People are calling him out for not doing the right thing and admitting he was out.  That's a lot of pressure to put on this kid.  For one thing, even if he is the next Honest Abe we don't know what he believed.  His eyes could have been closed as he slid home.  He might have thought that he brushed McKenry's leg and wasn't tagged.  He might have thought he hit home before he made contact with McKenry.  We don't know, nobody does, but Lugo.  If he would have said, "nope, I was out" some would have respected him, but I think his team & city would have been calling for his head.  It is the ump's call & I believe that the player, much like guilty until innocent, should be safe until called out.  Even more than that we see it all throughout sports: basketball players exaggerating falling to get fouls, football players saying another player was out, etc.  Baseball is no different and right or wrong it happens.  I do however think Lugo needs to be happy the call went his way and be quiet.  He has been saying he didn't feel anything or that Meals was right, but I think him defending the call after all the different angles have been shown isn't going to help anything.

  Pittsburgher's tend to over exaggerate or play victim when their team is on the aggrieved side of a bad call & always want someone to blame.  Yet, everyone seems to be taking the Pittsburgh side.  Even ESPN was having reports dubbing it the worst play in history.  I think thats a hard title to proclaim, but it's hard to wonder what would have been.  For once (in recent history) the Pirates are real contenders.  It seems every W or L moves us up or down in the rankings so what if this game does make a difference in the end. Sadly we don't know which side would have been the victor.  Even more what did this call take away?  It's easy to say that this was an epic game.  Right now every win has a chance to be the best game in recent history since it's been awhile since the Pirates have been good.  What if this game would have continued to go on inning after inning.  Unfortunately the "worst call in history" might have stopped the "best game in (recent) (Pirates) history".  Even though the Braves were the victors if the game would have continued some of their players might have had some new personal stats to add to the books.  I think all of us sports fans remember Armando Galarraga's perfect game being blown by an umpire (I'm still impressed by the class he showed).

Galarraga's perfect game blown by ump, from Youtube

  So if Meals or Lugo isn't to blame, who should be?  I blame the MLB for not instituting some form of instant replay to deal with this situation.  Football, basketball, and hockey all use instant replay in some manner. Baseball's use limits it to homeruns, in fact they even limit the replays that the parks can put on the jumbotrons.  The most popular reasonings for no instant replay: they don't want to make the games longer & they don't want to take away the human element of the game.  On the surface I get it.  Actually, no I really dont.  Was everyone playing, watching, at the game, working the game, etc tired last night?  Probably.  Yet, it was apparent in a second that the call was bad.  And considering the uproar I think most would have rather sat idle for five minutes than have the game end like that.  As for the human element I really don't think having instant replay with limited use taking away from that.  I mean this is America's past-time we are talking about & as much as we all might not support it America is hung up on technology.  So why not incorporate technology into the game we love. I also get that things "even out" a term thrown around saying sometimes you're on the 'good' end of a bad call.  But sometimes bad calls hurt more than others, like in this case.  I also see how this is in a way second guessing umps, but if I was Meals I would have rather looked at a screen, said ruling on the field doesn't stand I was wrong than have the ghosts of Pirates past haunt me.

I will admit I am glad that the Pirates are getting national publicity no matter how it came about.  I mean I think there are some people (non Pirates or Pittsburgh fans) who would probably have to go back and answer Wagner, Clemente, Maz if asked to name a player because we don't get much attention.  Obviously, I would have loved for the publicity to have come with the Pirates raising the Jolly Rodger  I mean the Pirates are getting sympathy because people feel bad for them because they understand that the Pirates could have won instead of the normal sympathy of feeling bad because the Pirates haven't won more than a few games all year. It's just so hard to see something taken away from this team when they are giving us so much hope that this can be the year where Pirates baseball is turned around.

Here's to hoping the Bucs win the rest of the series.  Do you have any thoughts on expanding instant replay in baseball?

LETS GO BUCCOS!

Do Your Part: The Great Fundraising Act

   Like I've mentioned before I really feel like it is out responsibility to help others.  On a few of the blogs I follow How Sweet It Is and In My Healthy Opinion (to name a few, & both of these bloggers are fellow Pittsburgh girls) I read about The Great Fundraising Act.  It was put together by blogger Janetha to help another blogger Susan who is facing the battle not only with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but also the battle of the medical bills.

    One of my jobs I had in college was working for a non-profit that helped raise funds for research and patient services of blood related cancers.  I know stat after stat about Lymphoma & cancer, but more than that I know what it means when the disease is no longer words on a pamphlet, but a person, a name, a fighter.  The stress, pain, sickness, emotions, etc that a cancer patient goes through on a daily basis is more than I could ever fathom dealing with yet, they fight through it.  With all that they are battling its hard to imagine having to battle to pay the bills that are being caused to help you live.  I know that the economy is rough and money is tight, but that's why its more than imperative to help when you can.  I'm sure any amount will ease the financial stress a little bit for Susan and let her focus her fight on what's important.

So I am urging everyone to help support The Great Fundraising Act tomorrow which is a live auction full of goodies.  You can donate directly to the cause or you can bid on an item.  Put it this way, you are going to have to buy gifts coming up for a birthday, the winter holidays, or any other holiday.  Why not bid on an item and then you have one gift checked off all the while supporting a great cause.  There are also gift cards up there so if you are going to shop at the stores anyways why not get a gift card to support the cause.   I took a look and already am having trouble deciding what I want to bid on because there are a lot of great items (200+).

The Auction goes live at 8 am.  Feel free to head over early thought to check out the items.  Good luck bidding :) & special thoughts to Susan as well as thanks to Janetha & all who have/will contribute.  It's people like them, who make the world a better place.

Friday Favorites: Pittsburgh Places

*So I guess Charlotte Wi-Fi was jealous about this topic because I couldn't get this page to post either Friday or Saturday.  So here it is.*

    As I mentioned I've been compiling mental a list of things I HAVE to do when I get back to Pittsburgh.  Don't get me wrong, I love Charlotte & have enjoyed exploring the city.  To me it will always be analogous to a secret love - fun while it lasted, but you a always go back to what is dependable, safe, and makes you feel at home.  Pittsburgh is my home.  Always was, always will be no matter what any mailing address ever says.
 
   Originally I was going to post my list for you guys, but figured I might as well make it my Friday Favorites: My Favorite Pittsburgh Things.  This is Part One - technically this is my Favorite Neighborhoods/Areas in Pittsburgh.  I'll feature a few more next week as well - Yes, there really are that many things.

   I was talking to a friend the other day about the different neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.  Each one has its own uniqueness often attributed to the contributions of a certain ethnicity.  Pittsburgh was the perfect city for immigrants to come to and get jobs so when they came they would move to 'hoods where people from their countries in the "old world" lived.  And considering people don't often move out of the 'burgh houses were passed down generation after generation leaving strong cultural ties.  Its unique because you can go to a certain 'hood & experience something different.

Since I'm not in the city, unlike most posts the majority of these pictures are not mine, bet your sick of the iPhone pictures anyways.  If you have any questions let me know.  I'll update you guys on how my return to the area goes & tell you what "new" things I found when I go to each of these neighborhoods.  If you ever come to Pittsburgh I recommend just going to these 'hoods and walking around. Lose yourself in the area, I promise if you really do get lost a friendly Pittsburgher will put you on the right track.

SHADY SIDE
    Shady Side is one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh.  I have a weakness for Victorian or old homes & love to just simply walk around Shady Side and peak at the houses.  Whether it is for a year with one of my best friends who has the same affinity as I do or permanently with a family I will live in Shady Side at some point in my life.  This affluent neighborhood is so close to the city, yet manages to have quiet little streets.  Besides adorable houses there are the shops, mostly along Walnut Street.  There is nothing better than getting a cup of coffee and walking into the boutiques.  There are a chain stores (at one point the only Apple Store in the area was here), but the majority are independently owned.  They are the type that you go into to find something unique.  After working up an appitite shopping we normally check out one of the cute little resturants.  I'm a fan of Girasole an Italian restaurant that has an interior that is so different - almost like you are eating in a cave.  I'm also a fan of Shady Grove  for drinks & food.  One place I've heard of recently that I want to check out is Kanok a Thai restaurant

OAKLAND
   Is where the main campus of The University of Pittsburgh is located so it makes up the biggest student population in this college town.  There are of course cute little shops and restaurants, I'm a fan of walking from Oakland to Shady Side.  Even though there are so many fun & young things to do in the area my favorite place to visit is St. Paul's Cathedral.  It is just beyond gorgeous.  If I knew I could fill more than 5 pews I so would get married there some day.  With all the colleges and businesses Oakland is always thriving and bustling.  I love that you can go to a museum, park, and then go out for the night all right in Oakland.

Source

Saint Pauls   Source

      

Took these too awhile ago at the park.  Refreshing to have "nature' in the middle of the city.  I wouldn't recommend getting into the water ever in this life time, but its still nice to have.  That's Pitt's Cathedral of Learning in the background.

THE CITY

Taken from PNC park a few years ago

   Downtown has a special place in my heart.  We do have a Downtown (dah tahn is what a yinzer would call it) and Uptown.  Within the city there are numerous different spots such as Market Square, The Cultural District, "Downtown," Uptown, The North Shore, and The Point. The N. Shore probably could be considered it's own 'hood, but I consider them one and the same.  Going to school at Duquesne  I spent a lot of time in the city.  There really are too  many great things to list for you to do.  In Market Square you can check out one of the City's Primanti Bros resturants (warning, your sandwich will come with 'slaw & fries ON IT, do not ask for either on the side, you get mean looks and that's just from your fellow patrons - trust me I've felt the glares first hand.  Thought they were going to not let me ever wear black and gold again).  Market Square is the place where you have to go if you're 21+ on St. Patrick's day.  I'm not Irish, but I tell you I try to never miss it. You can also do some shopping at Macy's in the city and then head over to the N. Shore for a Pirates or Steelers game depending on the season.  A la Vegas you can check out the Rivers Casino as well.

South Side/Station Square/Mount Washington

View from Mt. Wash a few years ago

 I clump the three of these together because when I go to one I normally go to another one as well.  What is perfect about "Sah Side (yup that's yinzer speak) and Station Square is you can shop, eat, walk around during the day then play at night.  There are all sorts of cultural restaurants and shops.  South Side also has more bars than you can count (and if you try to go to all of them you will not be able to count by the end of the night).  Its great because you can go on a mini bar crawl and everyone in the group will be happy because you are sure to find a bar to fit each personality.  I have had many a great girls nights in the SS. I always try to go to the Hofbrauhaus when I'm around.  It's a German beer house where they make their own beer (as in, don't go in and order a miller light).  Even though I'm German most of the food kinda freaks me out, but you cannot beat the beer & people dancing on benches to live music.   Station Square also has bars & restaurants it its cool cause you are right on the river.  I don't venture up to Mount Washington for much other than the view.  You can ride up the Incline to get to the overlook.  Yes, the thing looks rickety and like you will fall to your death, but its worth the experience & nobody has gotten hurt (as far as I know).  And take it down too please.  Every year some idiot misses the last ride for the night and tries to climb down the hill.  Impossible.  The only way you will get down that way is when the fire department hauls you back up and you ride a squad car down - don't say I didn't warn you.  Anyways, there are places, but I never do.  I just go to the outlook for the view of the city.  Yes, I'm biased, but man we have one heck of a gorgeous city.  

THE STRIP

    Ok so I tried to explain this to a non-Pittsburgher and was asked, "wait you mean a strip club?"  No, sir you are off.  The Strip is the part of Pittsburgh that is one of my favorites.  There is a line of stores, restaurants  etc.  The shops though mostly sell food from different cultures, fresh veggies/fruits/flowers, or sells Pittsburgh stuff (aka 95% of the clothing that Pittsburghers wear comes from, ok I kid maybe only 50%).  Go on a Saturday during the fall.  I HATE crowds of people.  I get claustrophobic, yet, I do bare with it when I'm in the Strip because its worth it.  I just love that while most of the Mom & Pop stores in America have closed they manage to hold on in this little speck of the US.  I mean where else can you get handmade fresh homemade bread?  Or get an Italian cheese before picking up some Chinese or Greek spices?  I really love the differences in cultures and love that this area is a mini melting pot.  I also don't mind paying $5 for a T-shirt.  And getting fresh vegetables.   Go you will not be disappointed.

Ok, so I know that there are soooo many neighborhoods.  I mean I even left off the area where I used to live, but these are just some of my favorites.  These are the places that I cannot wait to visit in the next month or so.  These are the places that I have missed.  

Hope you enjoy!  Where are some of your favorite places either in Pittsburgh or in your city?  I'd love to hear about them or your thoughts on these areas.  I look forward to the e-mails & suggestions.  I especially would love to hear what "new" places might have come to the area that I have missed!

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Enjoy the weekend :)

Free Fallin

So it seems like I am making this a weekly thing.  Thought I'd share another one of my favorite covers. Tonight is one of those perfect nights where this song just fits into the background.

This is one of those songs made for a sing-a-long.  There is just something about this song that makes everyone sing it when it comes on.  Luckily it is one of those songs that still sounds decent no matter how tone deaf (or drunk) the singer might be.

All videos from Youtube.  Enjoy!

The original - Tom Petty Free Fallin.  After seeing these outfits I will no longer claim to be an 80's baby.

You wonder how John Mayer can be a _____ (I'm sure you will find a fitting word) and still make women swoon.  Watch this video and you will never wonder why again.

I thank Pandora for making me love Ben Rector (so much so he now has his own station on my account).  I think you will fall in love with his music too after this post!

Listen to this song closely.  Chamillionaire manages to integrate Free Fallin into his own song.  Pretty impressive.  Not a typical cover in any sense.  Pimp C also had a similar cover sampling the song.  

Keith Urban adds some country flavor to Free Fallin

Deana Carter gives us the women's version of the song.

Happy listening.  Any songs you like to listen to no matter who is singing them? 

Friday Favorites # Four

      Before we get to today's favorite make sure you check out last week's "non-Friday" Favorite.  Got updated midweek after my planned visitor & surprise visitors left so it may have been overlooked. May I just say nothing makes you feel more loved than having someone go out of their way to not only visit you, but also surprise you - (luckily they know me well enough to not completely show up unannounced so that my apartment was actually clean). They did good.  Could not have asked for a better weekend and cannot ask for better friends.  Truly Blessed. Glad I will be back with my girls in PITTSBURGH in ONE month.  I'm currently making a list of all the Pittsburgh things that I need to do to make up for my absence  I'm going to look like a tourist, but I'm perfectly ok with that.  I'm pretty sure all my friends who have been consistently living there will be over my tourist mindset pretttty fast sooo if anyone wants to come visit let me know and I'll give you the grand tour - one rule, no fanny-packs.

Also check out my Friday Favorite from two weeks ago.  There's a pretty special update & by pretty special I mean you HAVE to check it out- its time sensitive news so check it out now!  Like I said I only endorse good music & favorites!

I now officially sound like one of those professors who spend the majority of the class giving updates.  Now that it is all taken care of check out this week's: 

   Time for a new favorite - guess I learned the age old lesson of sharing so I like to tell others when I find something great.  Today's favorite is one of my newer favorite blogs & a non-profit that will make your heart happy. I like recommending blogs because word of mouth is how I find blogs I love.  There are so many out there that I really don't want to spend the time following "ok" blogs.   I have to be drawn to them for one reason or another.  Call me a hater but if I don't know the blogger, don't think the blogger is genuine/honest/interesting, or don't have anything in common/can't learn anything I might as well move on. 
        The blog, that is my Friday Favorite is something I never sought out nor was expecting to find.  Rather it was a Google search of epic fail proportions, or so it seemed – I think sometimes what seems like a failure is really just the universes way of giving us what we really need.   It was some time after the draft and I was probably avoiding studying (hey, at least I'm honest) when I decided to see what the stats & accolades were for a Baron Batch draftee for the Steelers.  So this is where Google failed me - to this day I cannot tell you about the facts that will matter as Batch takes the field.  I'm sure they are impressive, (he was picked by 6 time Super Bowl Champs - so in no way am I diminishing what he did on the field) but some times the stats of life are more important.   

         Google directed me to Batch’s blog as the first hit when I searched for him.  Considering I was just getting into blogging I figured why not check it out even if it wasn't the same Batch; It was & I'm glad I did.  The types of stories/blogs/columns/whatever I like to read are ones that tell stories in a conversational manner.  Batch has an innate ability to tell stories- the posts are written in a way that you can either visualize the story or it's as though you are hearing him have a dialogue. It's hard to understand why I like the writing unless you just go read it yourself.  Plus there are some blogs I follow just for the photography & this blog isn't lacking on that - considering all my pictures are currently being shot with my iPhone I appreciate real photography.     
          Pretty soon Batch will move to the 412 and one of the first things he will notice (besides the fact that people refer to the city as an area code - I only just found out that's not "normal") is that the people are friendly and genuine.  Now I lived in the land of Southern hospitality for a year and can confidently say Southern politeness has nothing on the true genuine niceness that Pittsburghers display.  That's why I have no doubt that this kid from the land of cowboy's wearing denim, boots, chaps, bandanas and guns while using pick up trucks as accessories to go to the nearest bar to drink some beer while using the word Y'all  will fit in.  Ok so maybe my image of Texas is is outright wrong as well as outdated and/or clouded by all of the desert sand I imagine.  What can I say I'm human and stereotype - it's our faults that make us charming right? No?  Ok moving on.  

         All jokes aside Batch writes from the heart.  His posts are genuine and he faces (or at least admits) his faults and fears for all of the web (which is basically the world) to see.  That is the main reason why I will continue to read his posts.  There are so many blogs out there where people try to have post after post of their life being perfect, but we all know that nobody has a perfect life.  Sometimes the things that are the most beautiful are those that have the most imperfections so I like that his blog has honesty.  I also admire when a blogger is willing to let it all out there.  I am normally like a vault with my emotions with the people who are the closest to me.  It is nearly impossible for me to  imagine telling of my private past experiences or of any of my deepest emotions on here.  While I've always chosen to be honest on my blog you will rarely see me expose anything too personal.  It's because I do not always delve into my feelings too often.  It is something that I will try and work on, but until then I appreciate anyone who can.    

       Like I promised the blog is only part of the favorites of today.  Batch also has a non-profit, 2ndhandimages.   Still in his early 20’s Batch is already a self-described philanthropist.  Self-described normally means proceed with caution in my book.  But not in this case.  I am a sucker for non-profits, just ask anyone who has asked for my money or time, but one thing that always pulls at my heart are children and animals - I won't cry in situations that warrant it, yet tear up when I hear about a child or animal in need - seriously one of the best things with getting rid of cable is I no longer have to search for the clicker at the first chord of Sarah Mclachlan's song to turn off the ASPCA commercial, but I digress.  Apparently Batch went to Haiti and saw a need.  He then founded 2ndhandimages which partnered with Operation HOPE  to form a certified 501(c)(3) -legalese for a bonafide legit nonprofit. I love that 2ndhandimages is using wonderful photography to help others. With Batch’s help children in Haiti are now getting education.  How wonderful is that!?!?!  So many people wanted to help.  Said they should help.  Thought about helping.  How many can actually say they did?  Batch can.  Besides the fact that the organization is helping children I support it because of how they are helping children - through education.  To me that is the best way because it will not only help them now, but will help them lead a more successful future.  So many children were orphaned after the earthquake.  After losing one parent I cannot imagine losing both at a young age at a time when your whole country is suffering.  When my dad died the whole community pulled through to offer their support and that helped tremendously so I cannot imagine going through the same situation in a community that is itself suffering.  To me that's why EVERYONE has the responsibility to help.  We are all the same community - the community of the world..  The kids still just have so much hope in their eyes - that's actually why I love children.  They are so resilient.  Check out Batch's blog to see some of the pictures that he took in Haiti- they are indescribable as well as moving,  Check out 2ndhandimages' website as well.  I checked before I posted this and it is now live. 

       Pretty impressive stuff, right?  Lucky for you if you were one of those people who wanted to help, but haven't yet gotten around to it you now can. 

      Someday soon I hope to go back and look at Batch's posts from before I started tuning, so far I’ve only really looked at May until now.  I have a feeling I wont be disappointed .Neither will you if you check it out. Batch has already captivated Pittsburgh media and fans with his blog.  Let yourself be the next person he tells his story to. 

     Batch is lucky to be a Steeler.  And Steeler Nation, Batch himself blogged that he is joining a new family, so to you I say welcome him with open arms. Support him by supporting his non-profit.  This kid embodies what makes a champion.  I'm sure he will show that when steps out onto Heinz Field with the cold breeze coming off the rivers, the city in the background, in front a human sea of fans waving their terrible towels, out of their golden chairs cheering.  Yet, in the end the snaps, hits and touchdowns do just equal a game -yes, I know, first I left Pittsburgh (even tho I'm now coming back)& now I'm saying football is just a game-  and while I want to see the plays that make Batch a champion, the plays matter a little less than what has already been shown.  We all know that.  The reason why it seems like it is more than a game is because football in this town personifies the hardworking blue collar city and commodore that Pittsburghers have. That’s why I think Batch will be/is special.  He isn’t going to allow his touchdowns or game winning plays to define him.  He does so in his off the field actions.  The Steel City just got itself one more champion, long before the first W is written into the books.  One of those images from 2ndhandimages would look pretty good hanging up in a living room right next to a terrible towel, just sayin.
     On a side note, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I basically have a love affair with music.  Besides approving the writing on his blog I also don't think there is one song on his playlist that I don't like, in fact I have most of them on my phone- yes I am one of the people who actually go thru the songs people put on their playlists. So happy reading & LISTENING. 

     Hope you enjoy today's favorites.  Shoot me an email with your favorite non-profit - I'm always looking for great new organizations to support. Also feel free to pass along other great blogs I should look at. Have a HAPPY FRIDAY! 

Coverage

There's just something about summer that makes you want to listen to some great music - ok actually its every season.  Music is just such a part of my life as I'm sure you can tell by some of my post titles.  Sometimes a perfect day can be had by just turning on some pandora, grooveshark, or iTunes.

Last week I posted about all of the different versions of Hallelujah  with my favorite being Jeff Buckley's cover.  Right now I'm feeling a bit scattered so writing would just leave me with a jumbled mess.  So instead I leave you with some of my other favorite covers.  All videos are from Youtube.

One of my favorite songs will always be Under the Bridge. Originally by Red Hot Chili Peppers this song has gotten around.   I think some of my favorite covers have been a friend picking up his guitar and just playing.  But here are a few of my favorite "professional" covers.  Keep in mind there are some really not so great covers of this song, if you need a laugh check them out.  Remember the band All Saints?  Yeah, hearing their songs take me back.  Hearing them cover this song makes me want to go back to a time before I heard their version.

The original

This version is actually from the Vitamin String Quartet.  It is so moving.  There have been other symphonies that have covered this.   Beautiful is the only way to describe this version.

Another song that will always remain a favorite is The Freshman by Verve Pipe.

 The original

Thanks to Pandora I'm now a fan of Jay Brannan's cover

This next cover is interesting because I hate really dislike the original version, for some reason it is one of the most annoying songs ever to me.  Pretty ironic that a girl who loves hip hop/ lists Jay-Z as her favorite artist would not like the hip hop version, but what can I say - I'm complex.  Anyways, the song is Outkast's Hey Ya.  Since I know it has been stuck in your head once or twice I am not going to subject you to it again, buttt thanks again to Pandora I found I love this version.

Matt Wendel's version of Hey Ya

Last, but not least.  I can't say I'm a fan of Glee.  In fact I've never actually watched an episode so I can't judge it (that much).  But my sister is a fan and I have bought/she has bought the majority of the CD's so in one of our many car trips I have heard some of Glee.  The basically cover all songs.  I do however have to give them a shot out for their cover of Empire State of Mind. They actually do a good job with Bruno Mar's Marry You as well

The man, the legend - Jay-Z

Glee's Version

What are some of your favorite songs or favorite songs that are covered?  Enjoy & happy listening!