'Burgh Watching - Propelle

We're baaaaack! The latest episode of 'Burgh Watching highlights some of my favorite people in Pittsburgh, the women behind the organization Propelle. I was excited to have the chance to sit down with Kate Stoltzfus, Emily Levenson and Carrie Nardini at the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty, and chat about the Pittsburgh entrepreneurial spirit.  Plus, we got a snazzy new intro just for the occasion!  Enjoy!


  

Iron City Sound

So, what do you get when you mix in the thriving Pittsburgh music scene with Iron City?....


THIS!



That video from local success stories and Iron City Sound Ambassadors Kellee Maize and  DJ Bionics really revved me up for this contest, and got me a little teary-eyed with 'Burgh music pride at the same time.  Will you be the sixth ambassador that Iron City will make an investment in to bring your career to the next level?  Hurry, there are only a few short weeks left to enter!  Here are the details:

Beginning on February 15^th, local musicians began entering the Iron City Sound Contest by applying online at www.ironcitysound.com.  The six-week submission period will end on April 1^st and the top applicants, selected by the Iron City team, will be announced on April 16^th.  Top applicants will then be subject to a two-week online vote, between April 16^th and April 30^th, where the public can visit www.ironcitysound.com to vote for their favorite artist.  The act with the most votes will become the newest Iron City Sound Ambassador(s).


Good luck!

'Burgh Watching - The Manchester Bidwell Training Center

In Part Four of our exploration of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation on Pittsburgh's North Shore, we take an in-depth look at the Manchester Bidwell Training Center.  Our panel for this episode includes Valerie Njie, Executive Director and Vice President, Gary Baranowski, Director of Horticulture Technologies, Karen Johnson, Director of the Chemical Laboratory Technician Program, Connie Geiger, Director of Medical Technologies, and Chef Keith Butler, Instructor with the Culinary Arts Program.

BTC's mission is to train indivduals for jobs that are relevant to today's market.  According to Director Valerie Njie, "Bidwell’s remarkable longevity can be attributed to our holistic approach of connecting the dots.  We begin by working with industry to design training programs that are actually in demand in the local marketplace.  We then surround students with highly qualified faculty and staff who possess years of experience and education.  Once programs begin, Bidwell continues to work with a network of industry partners and advisory board members to ensure that training remains relevant and employment opportunities continue to exist."

Be a Superhero! Donate to the ToonSeum

*UPDATE!  A generous and anonymous donor has pledged a matching fund of up to $5000 for all donations made to support the ToonSeum's recovery from the recent water damage.  A dollar for dollar match!!!  

A recent warehouse mishap has caused the ToonSeum some devastating losses, and we are turning to you for help!  Here is a plea from museum Director, Joe Wos:


"I am writing to you today in a personal plea. Over the past five years the ToonSeum has had a great many successes with your help and support. We have grown from a tiny space inside of another museum to a unique independent attraction in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. We have brought in some of the top cartoonist in the nation and exhibited over 40 exhibits!  This New Year brings exciting new exhibits and opportunities including our newly opened Will Eisner’s New York exhibit on loan from Denis Kitchen and our friends at MOCCA.  I know as members and fans you will enjoy our summer exhibitions, which include Care Bears 30 Years of Caring, and Pittsburgh is Gotham!  We also have a great line up of programming and workshops.

As we enter another phase of our growth we have hit a small setback. Last week during the heavy rains, our warehouse began to leak and flood. While no original artwork was stored at this site we did lose a great number of books, comics, exhibition reproductions and equipment. Much of these items were awaiting transfer to our new ToonSeum library on site. This was a temporary offsite holding storage where we kept books and equipment awaiting cataloging and transfer. We also used this space to store event and workshop supplies and equipment.

The damage and clean up will be extensive. During this time the ToonSeum’s day-to-day operations will remain unaffected however the cost of replacing what was lost and the clean up will be difficult.
We are reaching out to you, our fans, for your help.

Your tax-deductible donation will help support the ToonSeum is this tough time. Any amount is deeply appreciated and will help greatly.
There are several ways to give and links are provided below.
You can donate via Razoo at http://toonseum.org/waystogive.html
Paypal to donate@toonseum.org
Or by sending a check to:
The ToonSeum
945 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

On behalf of the ToonSeum, our board, volunteers, staff and myself,
Thank you.
We exist because of fans like you."

Thanks,
Joe Wos
Executive Director
The ToonSeum


I've made it even easier for you to make your tax-deductible contribution.  Over at the right you will see a new widget where you can donate in just a few easy clicks!  


Also, one of the best ways to support the ToonSeum is to attend one of the many events.  Please join us this evening for the opening of "Will Eisner's New York: From the Spirit, to the Graphic Novel." According to Wos, the exhibit "allows audiences to explore the artist's most intriguing character - the ever-changing landscape of New York City from pre-Depression to bustling modernity".  The opening reception is tonight from 7-10pm, and tickets can be purchased here.  We'll see you there!

I am a proudly serving member of the ToonSeum Board of Directors.  Ask me how you can get involved! 

Growth and Destruction

GROWTH......

Pop City reported today that Knight Vision (creators of a special type of animation that was used in the movie "Avatar") is partnering with CMU and 31st Street Studios to bring a (Brand Spanking New) state of the art motion capture facility to Pittsburgh.  This studio will be the first of its kind outside of Hollywood.  James Knight, founder of Knight Vision, will be starting a new company in conjunction with the facility, called Knight Vision 31 (get it?).  The joint effort represents a huge "win" for economic growth here in Western PA.

The joke around town is that 'Burgher's should start to get ready for their close-ups, but there is more truth to that than meets the eye.  Local talent is more cost effective, and the movie-makers receive more tax credits.  Smile for the camera!

DESTRUCTION....

Well, we all knew it was coming, but the specter of a partially demolished arena left most fans coming and going from the (Brand Spanking New) arena this weekend stop and stare in shocked silence.  No matter how you felt about the Igloo's imminent destruction, this was a heartbreaking moment.  Banners still proudly hung inside as if in defiance.  Also, am I the only one who thinks that they are waiting for that one piece just to fall off on its own?

Gearing Up

This past weekend was the Pittsburgh International Auto Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention center.  The show itself ranks as one of my "must-go-to" events in the 'Burgh, but also gets me super-psyched for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix,which is right around the corner!
The Marque for the Grand Prix was unveiled, and it is none other than the iconic MG!

I think Daddy-o shed a little tear when he saw this one, since his beloved MGB GT was replaced 41 years ago by a more (a-hem) "child friendly" VW Bug.  Sorry dad.

Looking for Love - The Biggies Bullies Adoption Event at Petagogy

Are you looking for someone(dog) to love this Valentines Day?  Well, how's this for some puppy dog eyes you just won't be able to resist?

Mikey

Ripley

Vega

If that doesn't make your Valentine's Heart melt, then we think you might be a robot.  Ripley, Vega and Mikey will all be in attendance this Sunday, February 12th during the Biggies Bullies adoption event, running from 12-4pm at Petagogy on Ellsworth Avenue.

During the event you will be able to meet all three pups, learn more about the organization, and enjoy some Valentine's Day refreshments.  Of course, you can shop your "heart" out (sorry, I'll stop), since Petagogy is donating 10% of its total sales to Biggie's Bullies.  I feel the need to mention here that they recently got in a new shipment of toys, many of them "stuffing free" (my fellow dog owners know that this is key), that you and yours will find impossible to resist.  Also, their wide range of healthy pet foods and treats (I'm talking about you Beer Biscuits!) are almost impossible to beat. Forget a box of chocolates (actually please do, chocolate is bad for dogs, for reals) and opt instead for a box of "Good Dog" PB&J Treats!

Although Petagogy is a pet-friendly stop (and one of my pups favorite destinations I might add), they do ask that you refrain from bringing your four-legged furballs to the event to keep it stress-free for Vega, Mikey and Ripley.  They are, after all, the stars of the show!

If you still have any lingering doubts about the breed, let me introduce you to Pele, my sisters dog:

Oh, so ferocious.

For more information about the Biggies Bullies Valentine’s dog adoption party at Petagogy, please 

visit www.petagogypgh.com or call 412-362-7387

Petagogy offers Pittsburgh’s best selection of premium and natural pet foods and supplies for dogs, 
cats and small mammals. Our goal is to offer the best pet products on the market, as well as educate 
our customers about the wide variety of healthy, fun and innovative products available to meet their 
pets’ individual needs. Petagogy is located at 5880 Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside. Store hours are 
Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm