I personally don’t know how I feel about this.  On one hand, it’s a great boom in revenue, on the other hand, it could likely cause a whole new slew of problems in the area.  While I’m still relatively young(24 years old), I have learned that spending an enormous amount of time in a casino is bad news.  Especially if you have any type of addiction problem related to gambling.  However, when done right, a casino can be a hell of an experience.  I guess it’s just more about learning the limits rather than breaking the bank.  Anyways, let’s see what the news sites have to say about this Pittsburgh event:

ABCNews.com says:

Pennsylvanians who want to play poker, craps and other table games at the state’s slots casinos now have their chance.

The first casinos featuring tables games opened early Thursday morning. Gamblers at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington County crowded in when the doors opened at 6 a.m. Also opening table games Thursday was Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie.

Pennsylvania first opened slots casinos in 2006. Last year, Gov. Ed Rendell and top legislators included the legalization of table games as part of a handshake deal to raise more revenue for the recession-battered state treasury. Lawmakers passed the bill in January.

Ok so that wasn’t so much an opinion rather than a statement of information regarding whats’ actually happening in the state of Pennsylvania.  Heading on over to the Post-Gazette where it actually has information on what’s happening at The Rivers is kind of awesome:

Eighty people stood in line for the official opening of table games at Rivers Casino at 6 a.m. today, and another 200 playing slot machines pounced once the new section opened.

“Six tables in the poker room were full and people were screaming at the craps table — you couldn’t have written a better script,” said the casino’s general manager, Todd Moyer.

The new offerings at the North Shore casino include 86 table games, including a poker room with 24 tables, blackjack, craps and roulette.

Table games were also being launched this morning at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County and at Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie.

“I was talking to people, and they were wearing it as a badge of honor to be the first to ever play the tables,” Mr. Moyer said.

Now that’s where I actually have a problem with society.  People were lined up and taking it as a badge of honor to lose money?  I don’t get that, I suppose I never will really.  Here’s where you come in though:

What do you think about table games being at the Rivers Casino?  Do you think it will be a good thing for the state?  Or do you think it’s a terrible idea.  Why do you feel this way?  Let me know in the comments and the best comments will be highlighted in a new article tomorrow!

It’s an interesting event for sure, and while it’s entertaining for the people who don’t understand, it’s one of the biggest events of it’s kind.  Still not sure what Anthrocon is?  Let’s head to Anthrocon.org and see an explanation as to what it all means:

Anthropomorphic or “humanized” animals have been with us since the dawn of civilization. From the gods of ancient Egypt to the advertising icons of the modern day, people of every culture have created fanciful creatures simply by imbuing animals with human traits. Only within the last two decades has anthropomorphic or “Furry” fandom been recognized as a distinct fan-base in its own right. Fans are found in all corners of the world, and come from all races and ages and creeds. We are bound together across the most daunting barriers by our mutual admiration for these beasts of myth and legend who, by simple reflection, give us a better window into ourselves.

A large number of anthropomorphics fans are employed in scientific or technical fields. A significant percentage have college diplomas and many of those hold advanced degrees. This, perhaps, is what leads many casual observers to raise an eyebrow. “Why would someone like this be into cartoon animals? Isn’t that unusual?” If we look at the world around us, however, we will see that anthropomorphized animals are an integral part of our culture. We use them to represent our political parties. We talk to our dogs (and some even imagine they talk back, though in their own way). We put a tiger in our tank. We cheer for mascots—anthropomorphic animals dressed in team uniforms—at our favorite sporting events. Our casual observer may simply be unaware that it is only in the last forty years that cartoons and cartoon animals have been relegated to the world of children. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and their ilk were once targeted primarily to an adult audience, their productions filled with innuendo and biting political satire. Fans of anthropomorphics today simply have not forgotten those roots. The average Furry fan is cast from the same mold as the science fiction or sword-and-sorcery fan; all of us imagine strange and thrilling worlds and try to picture ourselves living in those worlds.

Today, Furry fandom is instead an artistic and literary genre that is practiced and enjoyed by tens of thousands worldwide. We count among our ranks professional sports mascots, animators, cartoonists, puppeteers, artists, illustrators, and writers, as well as those who simply think that it would be a wonderful thing if animals could walk or talk like we do. If you as an adult still occasionally like to flip to the old cartoons, or have a stuffed animal sitting on the dashboard of your car, or buy cereal because it has a cool tiger on the box, you may well enjoy what our fandom has to offer. We invite you to visit any one of our many gatherings worldwide to see for yourself what Furry fandom is really all about.

It’s just all fascinating, the story behind it all.  I personally have never been or seen what goes on inside the convention center when this event is happening.  I’d love to hear what happens through all of this.  Is it just walking around?  Communicating like an animal?  Doing animal things?  Like I said, I’d love to hear more about it.

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!

In fact, I’ve only seen a handful of episodes from American Idol when I was forced to watch it in 12th grade Media Class.  I don’t buy into all that hype, it’s not my scene and never will be.  As far as the music I listen to, well, I listen to everything, but I mostly stay on the real heavy metal side of things.  That doesn’t mean I can’t give respect where it’s due.  Daughtry is a pretty talented singer,  and the concert last night was pretty good.  He did a cover of “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins that was just awesome, and I was hoping he would of played more cover songs, but what can you do.

All in all, it was a good time, and I’m very happy I went.  There’s nothing better than being able to enjoy practically the same thing the love of your life does.  Not to mention, I’m about 80% sure I’ve turned her into a die hard hockey fan.  Which in all reality is awesome, because if she wasn’t a fan, she wouldn’t have me for 82+ days out of the year.

That’s my update for the day.  Have a good one!

Wonderful, can we all now go back to realizing why this is going to suck for the season?  The Steelers traded for Byron Leftwich yesterday for a 7th round draft pick.  Then today, they re-signed Leftwich through the 2011 season.  Which, it’s now obvious why they did that.  They new his suspension was looming, and now they have the option to figure out what the new to do about the future.  Which, Adam Schefter reported on Twitter, that the Steelers were open to hearing all trade discussions pertaining to Ben.

However, let’s talk about the actual information Ben received in his letter informing him about the suspension, from NFL.com:

“The personal conduct policy makes clear that I may impose discipline ‘even where the conduct does not result in conviction of a crime’ as, for example, where the conduct ‘imposes inherent danger to the safety and well being of another person’,” Goodell stated in his letter to Roethlisberger. “As the District Attorney concluded, the extensive investigatory record shows that you contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing (or facilitating the purchase of) alcoholic beverages for underage college students, at least some of whom were likely already intoxicated. There is no question that the excessive consumption of alcohol that evening put the students and yourself at risk. The personal-conduct policy also states that discipline is appropriate for conduct that ‘undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.’ By any measure, your conduct satisfies that standard.”

Read below as the following are more excerpts from the letter Goodell sent to Ben:

“I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you. My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans.”

“Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare.”

“I believe it is essential that you take full advantage of the resources available to you. My ultimate disposition in this matter will be influenced by the extent to which you do so, what you learn as a result, and a demonstrated commitment to making positive change in your life.”

“In your six years in the NFL, you have first thrilled and now disappointed a great many people. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity to get your life and career back on track.”

So reading through the information provided at hand, it’s obvious that Goodell has made it clear that this suspension isn’t because of what transpired in Georgia, but what’s been happening for the past six years.

Personally, this is all a train wreck, and it will eventually lead to Ben being traded, which I hope not.  The Steelers are in win now mode.  They have about 2-3 years left in their defense now the way it stands and then it’s time to rebuild.  Trading away a franchise quarterback is such a bad move it’s not even funny.

We’ve found something that is hard to find, that’s more than obvious.  I for one will be shaking my head if he’s traded.  He’s not your hero, he’s not your moral officer. Hell, he even shouldn’t be a role model.  If your kids look up to him as a role model, you’ve failed as parents.  You’ve failed at instructing them who the real heroes are.  Sure, this is a mess, a mess time will heal, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Trading away one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the league is just moronic.

It really was nothing short of memorable.  Jeff Jimerson came back for the anthem, Gary Roberts made an appearance, and Lemieux still looked like he was in the best shape of his life.  About the only thing that could of made it better was if Straka, and Jagr came back.  I know a lot of people are sold on the idea that Jagr could come back, I just don’t see it happening.  I love the dude, I’m a huge fan of the guy, but I just don’t see it happening.  Even if he did say that he would take league minimum to play, I just don’t believe that coming from him.  Who knows though, how awesome would it be to see him and Malkin team up in the new Console Energy Arena?

So Crosby scored what looked like to be two goals last night, and finally reach the 50 goal plateau for the first time in his career.  However, his second goal apparently deflected off of Bill Geurin.  What makes this special?  Crosby went to the official, even after there was no video evidence, and told them to give credit of the goal to Geurin:

“I thought right away when I shot it, I thought it hit Billy’s (Guerin) leg or hand. Obviously, I asked him right after and he said it did go off his pants,” Crosby said. “It would have been great to be able to get it here, but at the end of the day goals go to guys that deserve them and he deserved that one.”

You know what’s so great about Sid?  He does things like this all the time.  He’s about as good of a leader as you can get.  He does what he has to do for the fans, his team, and his players.  It’s unreal the amount of stuff he does for Pittsburgh.

Another huge story about Sid is that he hit the 500 point mark last night.  500 points.  He’s the 3rd youngest player to hit 500 points in his career.  You know who the first two are?  Mario and Gretzky.  There’s just no debate that Crosby is going to be compared to being one of the best players to ever touch the ice.

He’s worked his way to 500 with practical garbage for wingers too.  Aside from the half of year he’s played with Hossa.  He’s played with 20-25 goal guys.  It’s just awesome what he brings to the table.  I can’t believe had the ability to see Mario, Jagr, Malkin, and Crosby in my life.  It’s like watching the Steelers of the 70′s.  People are going to talk about them for a long time, but to see their true value, you just had to watch what they do every game.  I’m just so in love with Pittsburgh.

Check out the video below, it’s the celebration the Pens did for all of the former Penguins:

So listed below are the answers, read through them and check out the winner at the bottom!

BadAndyB – Ford Mustang GT Shelby edition| here’s the pic of my dream ride (color n’at) http://tweetphoto.com/14014702

lastpaw – any old pick-up-truck. >_<

onlyinpgh – My dream car is a Buick Roadmaster with wood-grain side panels that has a retrofitted diesel engine so I could use BioD!

brainwise – Nothing to do with #Pittsburgh, but I still love the Renault Racoon concept car

ssravp – unrealistically it is a Bugatti Veyron

aphotobug – I don’t care if it sounds lame. I have always wanted a Subaru Forester!

yay_toast – infiniti g35 coupe in Caribbean blue. i bought the cheaper version, the nissan altima coupe… in black.

bran34 – don’t live in pittsburgh, but I’ll tell you anyway that my dream car is an Audi R8 http://twitpic.com/17xof6

stevegiglio – 1976 Pea Green Ford Pinto hatchback baby! (JK lol)

AccessClosing – Something like this >> http://twitpic.com/17xq3q

AlbertsGifts – VW GTI

AiXeLsyD13 – Dream Car? Right here – @Wienermobile – How cool would that be? | …or a WRX STi from a few years ago. The new ones, not so much.

cmerr4 – ….a new rally red ford mustang

kdruga – A Land Rover #pittsburgh

icgrille – A red Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

JustinPastrick – Aston Martin DB7

eipee73 – Black Audi S5 Coupe

SuziesArmoire – All I want is a new Subaru Forester. I’m not picky.

peloos – The Oscar Meyer Weinermobile

icehopper – Aston Martin convertible. Dark blue.

omgitsjen – A TROLLEY CAR!!!!

Ljiggy – the new stingray is that ish right now

rotoe31 – ’01 ford escape

jordank66 – Saleen S7

m_tac – 1980 Chevy Citation

Cristinella_ABC – Greased Lightning #dreamcar

So I placed these responses in terms of time, from the first answer to the last, and moved on over to Random.org and put in the numbers.  It did the easy job of picking my winner.  Which happens to be yay_toast!  Congrats, and I hope you enjoy the two free passes to the Carnegie Museum!

It’s going to be car related because our sponsor this week happens to be Pittsburgh Budget Cars.  They provide used cars in Pittsburgh to the masses at a more than affordable rate!  They also just happen to have two passes to the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh(a $30 value!) up for grabs and would like YinzPitt.com to give everyone the opportunity to get them!

I’d also like to say that the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh is awesome.  It’s highly educational not to mention interesting,  which pretty much should provide a great date/day out in our wonderful city of Pittsburgh.  So check it out, and good luck!

If you’d like to partake in the game, head on over to Twitter.com and follow my account: http://www.twitter.com/YinzPittsburgh.

#FF Question of the Week:

What is your dream car?

This question alone could probably provide a ton of answers, and more than likely will.  Taking the rules from the prior contest, which are below, I have added more.  The contest ends tonight at 8pm EST, so get your Twitter answer in! Rules are as follows:

• Must be in the United States
• Must be a PG-13 answer
• Only one answer per follower
• Winner pays nothing
• Must submit answer using Twitter
• Must be a follower of YinzPittsburgh on Twitter
• Winner will be picked using Random.org
• I will contact you via Direct Message on Twitter
• I will not ask for any payment information or anything

Quotes, from the king of mischief himself in 2008:

“St. Patrick’s Day was originally intended to be a family event,”  “We’ve seen over the course of time … that that’s changed a little bit.”

Starting last year, I do know that the drinking was actually moved and segregated to Market Square, the year prior in 2008, I remember drinking on the street.  This year all together, it almost looks as if they are trying to phase it out all together, and trying to make it a complete family fun event.  Now, I’m cool with New Years being a sober event in the city, I get that, however I’m not cool with a holiday that’s celebrating a heritage, a heritage that’s often known as drinkers.

No other values are needed really.  It’s a holiday aimed to be a giant party.  Sure, there are people out there that ruin it, but the social drinkers really should get one day to have to themselves, and not have to be hassled about an open container in the street.  I’m of the young variety, I’m 23, and I’ve heard nothing but great stories about how this one particular day is so awesome.  So far I’ve experienced two, had designated drivers(parents), and done everything the right way and had a blast.  I will not be attending the Parade this year, as I feel it’s a gimmick anyways, but it’s more than that really.

This is about Ravenstahl and his recent trials and tribulations of actually become a mature person.  This is the perfect opportunity to control his habits, and show that he’s serious about the partying and he wants it to stop.  However, how can he really have any say in this subject?  He’s been busted for using company vehicles to attend a party,  there are pictures of him with Snoop Dogg, and as of recently there have been reports of him partying in the mountains during the huge storm we had two weeks ago.  His accountability has come into question, so what a better way than to crack down on a party, and show that he’s serious.

I’m afraid I just don’t understand the line of thinking that this holiday is anything other than an adult oriented holiday.  I don’t remember celebrating it as a child, or nor did I care to.  Let us have this one day to ourselves.  I’d really like to hear his thoughts as of late, because something just doesn’t add up.  Instead of focusing on a city, which people voted him in for in confidence, it’s coming off as a blatant PR stunt to protect his image.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Snoop Dogg

#FF Question of the Week:

Where do you think Ravenstahl was this past week?

I was approached a few weeks ago by the owner of http://hairyhelmet.com, and he has decided to donate one of his awesome looking Hairy Helmet Antenna Balls to YinzPitt so it can be used in a give away.  Which if you go over to his site and check it out, it’s pretty awesome!  The rules to this game will be pretty simple and I’ll state them below.  I have one antenna ball so obviously this contest will only have one winner.  The rules of the giveaway are as follows:

• Must be in the United States
• Must be a PG-13 answer
• Only one answer per follower
• Winner pays nothing, I’ll pay for shipping
• Must submit answer using Twitter
• Must be a follower of YinzPitt on Twitter
• Winner will be picked using Random.org
• I will contact you via Direct Message on Twitter
• I will not ask for any payment information or anything

As far as rules, that’s about all I have.  It’s an Antenna Ball, how many rules can there be?!  Like I said, you must be following me on Twitter, which if you want to follow me, you can do it here.  I assume that I’ll have a ton of answers, so I may have a winner tomorrow or pick one out over the weekend.  So good luck everyone, and I can’t wait to ask the off the wall question I have!

Hairy Helmet Antenna Ball

Moving on to the next sad thought about this building, it’s doubtful to be rebuilt, as it was old and decrepit.  I remember going there to watch my uncle play hockey, I’ve seen countless ECW events there back when I was younger and wrestling was an awesome thing to attend, and have seen more than a handful of local bands play there.  The thing is, everyone has memories of a place that’s been around for ages, and while it’s certainly easier to collect the insurance money and run,  it’s a little bit of all of our younger days gone down in snow.

Sure,the boards around the rink were basically concrete.  The old stadium style seating that went the whole way around the rink was practically awesome.  I guess it breaking down was inevitable, you just never thought it would happen or be so incredibly soon.  This story has gotten so big that even major media outlets are getting on in the story.  TSN.ca provides these snippets:

A close game, which nearly went into overtime, may have saved a Canadian minor hockey team who narrowly escaped after a partial roof collapse at a suburban Pittsburgh ice rink.

The Ajax Knights Tyke White team were playing in a tournament at the Rostraver Ice Garden, about 48 kilometres southeast of Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon.

The team of seven and eight-year-olds nearly scored a goal to bring the game into overtime, but missed.

“The last couple of minutes we had a lot of chances to tie the game, and if we had tied the game the kids likely would’ve been on the ice when the roof caved in,” said coach Gary Maclean, adding that the collapse has left the children and their parents traumatized.

Maclean said the team had just left the ice for the dressing room when a parent rushed in, screaming that the roof was caving in.

The team had only minutes to leave the building, as they charged for the doors while the old building crumbled behind them.

“It sounded like the pressure crack on a lake, but it was very, very loud, and as the roof caved in it displaced a lot of air,” Maclean told The Canadian Press in an interview.

It would more than a crazy feeling if the place would be coming down around you.  Safe to say I’m glad everything is OK, and sad at the same time.  Just a terrible thing to happen to a place full of memories.

Rostraver Ice Garden – Collapsed Roof