My only real gripe with anything slated as #Occupy, is that I feel that it’s not been given a direct voice from specific people spearheading the “Operation Occupy.”  I just feel that without a direct voice, people are protesting, but can’t all be heard as one.

Some of the confusion stems from the nature of the movement itself. Members have agreed in general to oppose what they view as corporate greed, but individuals are free to promote their own causes as well, a common trend among quickly growing, leaderless movements.

This quote is taken from the Post-Gazette’s report and I am inclined to completely agree.  While I understand the right to give everyone their voice, there are parties getting involved looking to promote their own issues as well as the direct goal of these protests.

That makes it skewed, and the voices become many, and not just one large collective assault on the masses.

Asked how he promotes the group’s message when there are so many different causes, Michael Lawson, who is overseeing Occupy Pittsburgh’s hospitality efforts, said with a smile that there’s “no easy answer, especially when there are a lot of people with a lot of different opinions.”

Across the nation, Occupy Wall Street spinoffs have prided themselves on their efforts to be all-inclusive.

“Because the original group on Wall Street calls itself a leaderless movement … there is all of the potential for people to bring their own signs and make their own demands,” said Michael Kazin, a Georgetown University professor who studies social movements. “It is a carnival of activists.”

Low and behold, I don’t think you will find a ton of people who disagree with the assessment. I am a supporter, I think big business and big government work hand in hand to monopolize and give for their own, rather than the people that make it so.

Who knows though, as this is a totally random post, I just hope that the collective voice finds its way, and at least changes something to make someone’s life a bit easier.

PITTSBURGH, July 25 2011–Pittsburgh Opera is proud to present Jackie Evancho—11-year-old “America’s Got Talent” runner up and Richland Township native—on Sunday, October 16, at 5:30 PM at the Benedum Center. Starting today, individual tickets are on sale for the popular singer’s first live concert in her hometown of Pittsburgh.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (412) 456-6666, visiting www.pittsburghopera.org on the web, or visiting the Theater Square box office in person at 665 Penn Avenue.

Between her stint on the “America’s Got Talent” concert tour and bestselling holiday album, Ms. Evancho was 2010’s top-selling debut artist. She is now on the road promoting her new album “Dream with Me,” which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 when it was released in June. Evancho’s whirlwind media tour has included performances on “Oprah,” “The Tonight Show,” “The View,” and “Piers Morgan Tonight” but that doesn’t mean she has forgotten her Pittsburgh roots.

For her Pittsburgh performance, Evancho will be performing a number of hits from her new album “Dream With Me,” including “O Mio Babbino Caro” and “When You Wish Upon a Star” to name a few.  To round out her performance, Evancho will be accompanied by the Pittsburgh Opera’s resident artists, orchestra, and chorus, with music director Anthony Walker directing. The family-friendly show is sure to appeal to fans of all ages.

So check it out, I’ve heard great things about Jackie and she’s worth a see at the Opera!

Whatever you’re coming into Pittsburgh for, please don’t be alarmed by the people walking around in their furry costume or tails attached to their clothing.  It’s perfectly natural, and I’m pretty sure people shouldn’t be shocked by this, as it’s been happening for a few years now.  I even wrote about it last year! Anthrocon Pittsburgh 2010.

Around this time last year, I had posed various questions about what actually happens during the Anthrocon Convention.

So here’s my quest for you guys/girls that are participating at Anthrocon.  What happens there?  What do you do?  Leave it in the comments and let me know!

It was easily the most responsive I’ve seen a community be about what they do, how they act, and what’s going to happen for the two days around town in and out of the convention center. We’ll take a look at some of the quotes from last year, and give everyone a refresher about what is going on.

A commenter who happened to be first and going by the name Mitch had responded with:

anthrocon is an interesting beast, but it’s not entirely unlike any other convention out there. it’s just a central meeting place for people who are friends through the Internet, or plainly, just a place for people to meet others in similar cultural backgrounds.

while there is undoubtedly the typical furry stuff (yiffing, scritching and the like), it’s mostly nerds doing nerdy things – sitting around playing cards, gossiping about anime or working up the nerve to talk to a cute person.

furries are mostly awkward nerds (although that might to be a sweeping generalization from one nerd to another), so much sex goes on, but never in the con itself. they go a long way to make things as squeaky clean as possible.

but people go to panels, walk around, people watch and just generally have fun.

Next, another reader, named KiKi had talked about being to different conventions, but not one specifically in Pittsburgh:

I haven’t been to Anthrocon, but I have been to similar conventions in Europe and the US. People from all over the globe (literally!) come together, and there’s no better way to meet that many friends in one trip. Hanging out with friends you normally don’t see every day is the main reason for most furries to go to the cons, I’m pretty sure. That, and it’s just plain fun to walk around and be amazed by the.. somewhat different than usual people you see.
I am an artist and many fellow artists who like to draw cartoon animals go there, so we just sit together and draw things for each other. There’s a large art show/auction and an even larger room where artists sell their work and take commissions.
Then there’s the costumes, I think about a fifth or less of the con-goers bring one (or more!) with them. Some people just wear them as a fashion statement or piece of art (many of the costumes are self-made) but I can assure it’s lots of fun to walk around and act like a cartoon character, since people react so differently to you. Uncomfortable and hot, but fun!

It’s entertaining, it’s interesting, and incredibly different.  I doubt it’d be something that’d I’d ever personally attend, but as long as the people who go and have fun, doing whatever it is they do, then It’s all good in my book.

Whatever you’re in town for, I’m hoping for good weather and at least the Pittsburgh Pirates winning the game that I attend this year.

If you’re curious about Anthrocon and it’s events, check out their site here: http://www.anthrocon.org/

The Parade

It will begin at Liberty Avenue and 11th Street at 10 a.m. and continue on Grant Street and the Boulevard of the Allies, ending at Stanwix Street. Rules: All spectators must stay on sidewalks. Police will cite anyone with open containers of alcohol.

The parade will cause street closures starting at 8 a.m., when Liberty Avenue will close from 11th to 26th streets. All streets are expected to be reopened by 2 p.m.

 

The Festival

Streets in Market Square, including Forbes Avenue from Wood to Stanwix streets, will close at 1:30 p.m.

Rules: The open container law will be enforced in the square until 2 p.m., then relaxed until 6 p.m. Persons must enter the square through a controlled gate. No glass bottles, cans or alcohol can be brought in.

More rules: Those wishing to drink must show ID at one of the four carding stations and get a hand stamp and wristband, which will be required to purchase alcohol at one of the six outside vendors. Police and Liquor Control Enforcement agents will be on the lookout for underage drinkers and illegal serving of minors. You can’t take alcohol out of the square. You can’t bring a cooler into the square. No pets other than assisting animals.

A couple more: Beverages will be served in cups or cans. Anyone caught swilling from a glass container will be asked to leave and dispose of the container in the trash. Parking violators along the parade route will be tagged and towed.

 

Elsewhere

Liquor Control Enforcement also will patrol the South Side on Saturday along with police to watch for underage drinking, public intoxication, disorderly conduct and impaired drivers. Police also will keep a watchful eye on the North Shore. There will be DUI checkpoints and roving DUI patrols throughout the city.

The Penguins will play a home game at 2 p.m. at Consol Energy Center. The city is urging those planning to visit Downtown for any of the events to allow extra time, be patient and use public transportation if possible.

Many Port Authority bus routes serving Downtown and the Strip District will have detours and stop changes during the parade. Some West End and South Hills routes will terminate at Station Square, where riders continuing into Downtown can transfer to the T for free. The 28X Airport Flyer and outbound G2 West Busway-Oakland also will serve Station Square, temporarily bypassing Downtown.

I’m just no longer interested in this situation downtown.  I don’t want to go to the parade, and I don’t want to spend money down there.  The market district situation is a joke.  2PM until 5:30 PM?  What is this?  A high school dance?  Get real Pittsburgh.  I made a big stink about this last year, but this year?  I don’t care, I don’t even want to see the city on this day.

Article used:  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11069/1130868-51.stm

The Heinz® Ketchup Road Trip, a mobile tour serving FREE Heinz Dip & Squeeze with a side of fries, will be stopping at various Pittsburgh locations from Thursday, November 18th – Sunday, November 21st.

Minivan tested and fan approved, this innovative dual-function package, eagerly-anticipated since its unveil earlier this year, allows people to have fun dipping and squeezing more of the Heinz Ketchup they love with their favorite foods, wherever and whenever they want.

UPDATE:

Exact times and locations will be announced via our Twitter feed (@DipAndSqueeze) but on Thursday, we’ll be outside the Heinz 57 Center downtown with the truck to kick-off the tour (10:30am if you’d like to come – I can send you more info on that separately if you’d like)…Friday afternoon we’ll be near Pitt, Saturday we’ll be in the South Side and Sunday we’ll be near Heinz Field for game day.

Through the McGowan Institute, I am working with Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI) to coordinate a run/walk that will serve to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warriors Project (WWP). WWP is a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of injured service men and women by providing programs and services directed toward their needs.

This event is a great opportunity to honor our returning troops, so please sign up!

5K/5Mile Run/Walk
Saturday, November 13, 2010
North Park, Pittsburgh

Fees:
5K— $18
($23 after 11/10/10 and on race day)
5Mile—$22
($27 after 11/10/10 and on race day)
Race Day Registration
Boathouse, North Park

To register and for more information, view our website:
http://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?event=86d6e8ab-0131-438a-8477-659ab7e448ce.aspx

Also, if you aren’t interested in participating in the race, we are also looking for volunteers. If you would like to volunteer (handling registrations, passing out water, etc.), please let me know!

Check it out, sign up, and do the race.    Here’s the facebook page for the even as well –http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154671791218418

Through the McGowan Institute, I am working with Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI) to coordinate a run/walk that will serve to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warriors Project (WWP). WWP is a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of injured service men and women by providing programs and services directed toward their needs.

This event is a great opportunity to honor our returning troops, so please sign up!

5K/5Mile Run/Walk
Saturday, November 13, 2010
North Park, Pittsburgh

Fees:
5K— $18
($23 after 11/10/10 and on race day)
5Mile—$22
($27 after 11/10/10 and on race day)
Race Day Registration
Boathouse, North Park

To register and for more information, view our website:
http://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?event=86d6e8ab-0131-438a-8477-659ab7e448ce.aspx

Also, if you aren’t interested in participating in the race, we are also looking for volunteers. If you would like to volunteer (handling registrations, passing out water, etc.), please let me know!

Check it out, sign up, and do the race.    Here’s the facebook page for the even as well – http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154671791218418

I understand the value of the building and what it’s worth in terms of historic content, but I’m a realist, especially with the CEC placed directly across from it.  The CEC is vastly superior in terms of technology, accommodations, and pure enjoyment.  I know I know, but we can still use the Civic for special concerts and the like!  Why?  Most world famous acts wouldn’t even stop here to play at the Civic in the first place.  Numerous times Pittsburgh has missed out on great arena shows because nobody wanted to put up with the cramped space and old technology.  We can’t even do opera shows anymore because we have other theaters around the area that are much better suited for that type of performance.

Also, they can’t even open up the roof at the Civic, the engines were removed some time ago and the roof is permanently closed.  The Civic Arena simply isn’t needed, but I can still understand why people would get upset about it, but it’s literally going to sit there and rot if kept standing, potentially keeping more people out of jobs from future business development.  I don’t know, I’m ready to accept that it’s an old building, and I can let it go.  It’s the memories that will last forever in my mind.

About a dozen people spoke out prior to the vote, and tempers flared. However, the SEA made the decision based on a nine-month study on the feasibility of reusing the arena.“As a result of these efforts, the consultants working on behalf of the SEA have concluded that the challenges due to the building’s size and placement, along with the building’s age and design, overwhelmingly inhibit an effective development plan,” said Christian Cielsak of Chronicle Consulting.

Sounds about right.  Of course however, there were people that were upset by this decision, and felt they didn’t get a fair say.  Let’s ee what happened with that side:

The public had one last opportunity to speak about the fate of the arena. All but one person wanted to preserve the 49-year-old unique structure that is eligible for listing on the national register of historic places.“I really think that the public needs more information and to be more involved in the process,” said Pittsburgh resident Jason Harris.

“We’re always looking for ways to make Pittsburgh distinctive and unique and attractive to people from outside the city, and I think this is one of them, and we don’t want to lose it,” said popular Pittsburgh personality Rick Cebak.

I can’t ever doubt what Rick Cebak has to say, but for this one time, I disagree.  We already know this town is distinctive, the Civic wouldn’t have to stay to distinguish anything.  People know who were are and what this town is about, we don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

I won’t even include the quote from the person who called one of the board members a “gestapo.”  It’s unnecessary and ignorant to even say that let alone when we’re talking about a 49 year old building.

That being said, all things good or bad do come to an end.  How do you feel about this issue?

Quotes taken from: http://www.wpxi.com/sports/24727133/detail.html

———————–Update———————–

I was just alerted by fellow twitter friend @PensBoozeAnger about his possible idea on a great way to celebrate the Civic/Mellon Arena inside the CEC.

He directed me towards thePensBlog to read an article they posted, and wants me to get the word out as well, so I’m putting it here.

He’s suggesting that we etch this iamge into the windows of CEC at this exact vantage point.

Etch this image into these windows of the CEC

I’m thinking this idea is awesome, and everyone needs to know about it.  It’s a perfect/unique way of celebrating the history even while tearing the old girl down.  I wonder how we can get a movement started for this?!

This definitely appears to be the best chance for those of us non-season ticketholders to get a nice look at the arena a full month before the preseason even begins. Unfortunately, only public areas will be accessible, so your dream of seeing the urinal that Sidney Crosby might use this season will likely not come true. If you are in the area that weekend and decide to go, take plenty of pictures and pass them along(post them in our new forums!)

Read more at the PG website:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10223/1079198-100.stm?cmpid=news.xml

———————–

This information was provided and passed along by a new potential poster, Matt!  Also, image used from the wonderful site BackTeching.com, if you’re looking for awesome images of the new arena, that’s the place to go!

Head on over to Yinzpitt.com/forums and register!  The best thing about all of this?  I’ll be able to incorporate giveaways, promotions, and just overall satisfaction to you guys and girls.  I’m excited about the possibility, and while not many places are so area specific, I feel like this would be a great opportunity for anyone and everyone to share their thoughts on this awesome city!

My entire mission with this site was to build a local community.  Without forums, I can’t do that.  Without you, I can’t do that.  So I’m one step closer to being able to communicate with all of you, and you’re all one step closer to being able to communicate with each other on a daily basis!

Sure, talking to all of you on our Facebook Profile and our Twitter Profile really is great, I feel this gives everyone the ability to share their thoughts on whats going on around the city of Pittsburgh even better.

So check it out, sign up, and get talking!