Photo courtesy of Patrick McBride (a.k.a Cuzzin Patrick)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Gigapanowow!
Photo courtesy of David BearIf you aren't a 'Burgher, you probably hear much ado about the Pittsburgh skyline. It's honestly one of the most beautiful in the world. However, for those of you who cannot take it in live and in person, you are subject to small bits and pieces of that skyline, chipped away from the whole and left to stand alone in testament to the bigger picture. Like most promoters of all things 'Burgh, I longed for a way to let my distant readers take it all in, and understand that the small images they see, albeit stunning, are only a hint of how spectacular it truly is.
Enter David Bear, fellow at Carnegie Mellon University's Studio for Creative Inquiry in the College of Fine Arts. Let's just pause for a second, and absorb the coolness of the fact that CMU has a program called "The Studio for Creative Inquiry"........
Has that sunk in? Alrighty! In addition to this impressive position, David is also the former travel editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and has an incredibly informative travel site called The Traveler's Journal. Raised in the area, he has traveled the world, and still prefers to call Pittsburgh home. The opportunity to chat with someone such as David, was something I could not pass up.
I started to hear bits and pieces about the Pittsburgh Gigapanorama project via twitter. David's team was gearing up for Pittsburgh Gigapanorama 2.0 (so to speak), and it involved some community participation. Twitter helped to get the word out as to where, perched high above on the acre of space that is the roof of the US Steel Tower, the camera would be pointing at any given time. Therefore, you could run out, smile for the camera, and be captured for eternity in what David aptly calls "an urban portrait" of the 'Burgh. You see, the "giga" in Gigapan, refers to the amount of pixels. To put that in perspective, the Burgh Living Blog's camera takes 7 Megapixel photos (yes, yes, the one area of gadgetry we are behind the times in is photography - we confess). What this means, is that one can zoom in on a gigapan image and see amazing detail; a moment in time, captured. For the first go-around in October of 2009, the resulting image was a mind-boggling 10.49 gigapixels. David reported that a few individuals, while exploring this image, actually found planes in mid-flight.
Let's backtrack a bit, and detail some of the technology behind how a gigapan image is created. According to David, the actual cameras used are commercially available, although of exceptional quality. The gigapan is created using a "pano head"; a robotic camera mount that takes a matrix of photos. For the October 2009 shoot, the resulting composite image represented 31.3 gigabytes, and was actually 4 separate gigapan images put together (the triangular shape of the roof of the Steel Tower presented unique challenges). Gigapanowow indeed. How does one process such an intense amount of information? Why, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center of course! The most delightful morsel of information I left with after my interview with David, was that all of the resources used throughout this project are local. It warmed my 'Burgh loving heart. The first Pittsburgh Gigapanorama at full scale is an astonishing 49 feet high and 249 feet long. Wanna see? Cue up some dramatic, emotionally swelling music, and click here.
Along comes September 2010, and the group again finds themselves nose-bleed high atop the US Steel Tower. You see, the 2009 shoot was a trial run, and now they have refined the process to produce something even better. In addition to taking the photo mid-day, instead of morning, to produce an even light, they invited Pittsburgh into the project! We could step out of our front door and grin and wave like silly people (and have not-so-technology-savvy neighbors stare at us like we are crazy) all for the purpose of becoming what David calls an "Easter Egg" to be searched for and found in the new Pittsburgh Gigapanorama. There are some pretty incredible treats in this new image, but I don't want to ruin the surprise! (OK, there may have been a Pirates game going on, and I might have heard something about a ball being captured mid-pitch.....). You will have to explore for yourself early next year, when the image is expected to be completed. Also, the cameras had to be a little braver this time around, as the new mount extended them out and over the edge of the building (as the photo above shows), so the results included Grant street far, far below.
Still want more? Well lucky for you, this Tuesday, October 11th, the photo forum gallery in the U.S. Steel Tower's upper lobby unveils "New Perspectives of Pittsburgh," an exhibit of printed gigapanorama portraits of Pittsburgh. In addition to the first gigapanorama, printed to a 1/100th scale of the digital file (translating to 20 feet long by 42 inches high), there will be 20 other gigapan portraits of the city. Two electronic kiosks will let visitors explore prints of the corresponding digital images. You can get a preview by visiting the official Pittsburgh Gigapanorama website. My favorite is an 1897 image of Oakland (my, how we have grown!). The plan is then to re-launch the exhibit after the holidays, this time with the unveiling of the September 2010 masterpiece.
THE DETAILS: "New Perspectives of Pittsburgh", US Steel Tower Lobby, 600 Grant Street. Open 9am-9pm weekdays, and 12pm-5pm on weekends. October 11th through November 19th. (note: admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public, however a photo id for admittance is required)
And, as always, see yinz there!
*The 'Burgh Living Blog would like to extend a very special "Thank You" to David Bear, who took time out of his incredibly busy schedule to enjoy a sunny day outside at Bakery Square and chat about his project.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hair Today......
So many, many requests to see the hair! I'm so flattered, really........
Click here to see the new me!
(wait for it......)
Oh, I kid! The Head and Shoulders marketing team deserves an award. Seriously though, if you want to "Polamalamize" yourself, visit http://www.troyshair.com/.
Click here to see the new me!
(wait for it......)
Oh, I kid! The Head and Shoulders marketing team deserves an award. Seriously though, if you want to "Polamalamize" yourself, visit http://www.troyshair.com/.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Ms. Cellaneous: Where to go.....
SALON CHRISTINE - DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH
Hair magician
Salon Christine
954 Penn Avenue, Downtown
Penguins Hockey, 7pm, Consol Energy Center. Thatisall.
Hair magician
The 'Burgh Living blonde is now a redhead. This was particularly unexpected by the BF, who thought "cool, a new GF", and the dog, who wouldn't let me in the house for 5 minutes because she thought, "holy crap, a stranger". Apparently dogs aren't colorblind and BF's are fickle.
This change came about from an unexpected stop at Salon Christine in Downtown Pittsburgh. I walked in with an (awesome, magnificent, fabulous) friend, who treated me to an impromptu makeover. Christine is a miracle worker, and her salon is warm, beautifully decorated and indulgent. There was wine waiting for me beside the salon chair, and (wait for it...) a doggie in my lap while getting shampooed. I have struggled for years with my crazy big hair, and Christine waved a magic wand (also known as a straightening iron), and I left a new woman. Ollie, the salon dog, is my new Downtown Best Friend.
Salon Christine954 Penn Avenue, Downtown
Food magician
You have been under a giant rock of salt if you haven't heard about this new hotspot in the 'Burgh. I planned last weekend around it. I may plan my whole year around my stops here. I'm not exaggerating in the slightest, when I say that this was the BEST FOOD I HAVE EVER HAD. For real. If (when) you go, 1. Make a reservation and 2. Ask for a seat at the kitchen bar. We got to watch the wizard of gastronomy and local Pittsburgh celebrity chef Kevin Sousa work his magic, and run the kitchen. It was mesmerizing to say the least, plus he chats with those sitting at the bar, and he may even push an little extra treat your way. Ours was a decadent acorn squash soup. The weekend crowd seemed to thin out a little after 8pm, so you may be able to grab a parking spot in the adjacent lot. The whole experience however, was worth a walk to the car.
Salt of the Earth
5523 Penn Avenue
IT'S A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY
Pucks-in-the-net magicians
Penguins Hockey, 7pm, Consol Energy Center. Thatisall.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Rookie of the Year: First Impressions
My first impressions of Pittsburgh
First impressions are many things – a basis for subsequent experience – and my first impression of Pittsburgh was wonderful. Since my boyfriend was working here already before the move (our reason for the relocation), I came here to visit a few times to “make sure” that transferring here would be a good fit for us. I won’t talk about my old home (ahem, Cleveland) too much, save for comparison.
I am a champion of the city in which I reside, hence, the “Rookie of the Year” moniker for this column. I think and act much like a tourist – exploring something new every day. I look up a lot and take new routes to my destinations to keep things interesting. Being surrounding by concrete, brick and exposed ductwork can sometimes grow weary, so the backdrop of mountains, the trees lining the Cultural District and the natural beauty of the river in view from my loft windows centers me. Downtown is a great place to live when feeling bored, as there is always something to do, see or experience. And oftentimes, just by staring out a window. Because I am obsessed with bridges.
My recent move to the city comes with a preface, as my sister lived in Pittsburgh for a decade, and yes, I did visit every couple years or so – mostly for Pirates games, since she worked for the organization and a seriously-fun trip to an MVP party when the All-Stars game was played here. She lived in the North Hills, so my exploration of “dahntahn” and its neighborhoods was minimal, aside from the stadiums and a few North Shore bars.
Downtown is an active business and culture center
I am not typically impressed with the mere sight of human beings, but quickly recognized there is a vibrant and bustling activity of people in downtown. Downtown is BUSY and brings an expected noise that makes you feel as though you are living in a larger metropolitan – and simply because there is business. The corporations are not fleeing to the suburbs here, as what seems to have happened in Cleveland. I find that buzz energizing!
Living in the Cultural District, I witness a constant flurry of people come “show time” that renders that familiar warning that “the city shuts down at 5 p.m.” null-and-void. But nearly any time I am out – morning, lunchtime, happy hour – there are always people enjoying the city. With that, everyone I encounter is approachable, with the Midwestern City Values and friendliness that I've grown to love and appreciate.
An active city, rooted in sports and some serious fandom
First things first, I absolutely love when the Clemente Bridge shuts down to pedestrians-only on game days (of which are CRAZY around here). This city is just PAINTED in black-and-gold, no matter what sports season it is, and yes, even being from Cleveland, I can appreciate that.
In general, I walk to most of my destinations, and in the short month that I have been here, I have used my car once in the last three weeks. And even when we do drive, it’s only for grocery shopping on Saturday. The reality is that we can sell one of our cars, and live a peaceful one-vehicle household life in Pittsburgh (which is in the plans). I would even be keen on selling them both, but with frequent trips back to Cleveland, having at least one seems necessary.
My impression is that the public transportation here is abundant and good (but don’t the buses and trains all seemingly need “work” in every city). Pittsburgh is also easily walkable and bicycle-friendly. I seriously cannot believe the amount of racks, bike garages and cyclists that I have seen – it is impressive. I found a large number of outdoor- and activity-oriented social groups, which was perfect for my active lifestyle (which at a minimum includes kayaking, running, skating and hiking). Pittsburgh has done an amazing job of utilizing its green spaces and waterfronts within city limits.
Old vs. New
There are many ways to approach this comparison, but as in anything that you have never experienced, most things are “new to you” (or new to me, as it were) when you move. And while the city harbors a blend of culture-rich structures firmly cemented on traditional mindsets, there is a breath of life – or newness – in both the skyline and its population. What I found most interesting was the mixture of demographics in my apartment building downtown – we reside on a floor with a combination of young professionals, retirees, a few couples around the age of our parents and a family – each person with his or her own reason for moving to this urban environment. And all of whom love it.
Pittsburgh has seemingly moved on from its past – a city based on steel – and embraced different industries, such as medical and technology, which only furthers its appeal to attract new people and businesses to downtown. With consistent renovations and the construction of new life into these urban spaces, the popularity (and population) will only continue to grow. And this city seems to understand that.
By exclaiming my passion for living downtown, my intent is to show others that it is possible to enjoy a “normal” life. And entertaining too. Which is what I will unveil with future posts. But now, Pittsburgh, let's get moving on the food scene!
First impressions are many things – a basis for subsequent experience – and my first impression of Pittsburgh was wonderful. Since my boyfriend was working here already before the move (our reason for the relocation), I came here to visit a few times to “make sure” that transferring here would be a good fit for us. I won’t talk about my old home (ahem, Cleveland) too much, save for comparison.
I am a champion of the city in which I reside, hence, the “Rookie of the Year” moniker for this column. I think and act much like a tourist – exploring something new every day. I look up a lot and take new routes to my destinations to keep things interesting. Being surrounding by concrete, brick and exposed ductwork can sometimes grow weary, so the backdrop of mountains, the trees lining the Cultural District and the natural beauty of the river in view from my loft windows centers me. Downtown is a great place to live when feeling bored, as there is always something to do, see or experience. And oftentimes, just by staring out a window. Because I am obsessed with bridges.
My recent move to the city comes with a preface, as my sister lived in Pittsburgh for a decade, and yes, I did visit every couple years or so – mostly for Pirates games, since she worked for the organization and a seriously-fun trip to an MVP party when the All-Stars game was played here. She lived in the North Hills, so my exploration of “dahntahn” and its neighborhoods was minimal, aside from the stadiums and a few North Shore bars.
Downtown is an active business and culture center
I am not typically impressed with the mere sight of human beings, but quickly recognized there is a vibrant and bustling activity of people in downtown. Downtown is BUSY and brings an expected noise that makes you feel as though you are living in a larger metropolitan – and simply because there is business. The corporations are not fleeing to the suburbs here, as what seems to have happened in Cleveland. I find that buzz energizing!
Living in the Cultural District, I witness a constant flurry of people come “show time” that renders that familiar warning that “the city shuts down at 5 p.m.” null-and-void. But nearly any time I am out – morning, lunchtime, happy hour – there are always people enjoying the city. With that, everyone I encounter is approachable, with the Midwestern City Values and friendliness that I've grown to love and appreciate.
An active city, rooted in sports and some serious fandom
First things first, I absolutely love when the Clemente Bridge shuts down to pedestrians-only on game days (of which are CRAZY around here). This city is just PAINTED in black-and-gold, no matter what sports season it is, and yes, even being from Cleveland, I can appreciate that.
In general, I walk to most of my destinations, and in the short month that I have been here, I have used my car once in the last three weeks. And even when we do drive, it’s only for grocery shopping on Saturday. The reality is that we can sell one of our cars, and live a peaceful one-vehicle household life in Pittsburgh (which is in the plans). I would even be keen on selling them both, but with frequent trips back to Cleveland, having at least one seems necessary.
My impression is that the public transportation here is abundant and good (but don’t the buses and trains all seemingly need “work” in every city). Pittsburgh is also easily walkable and bicycle-friendly. I seriously cannot believe the amount of racks, bike garages and cyclists that I have seen – it is impressive. I found a large number of outdoor- and activity-oriented social groups, which was perfect for my active lifestyle (which at a minimum includes kayaking, running, skating and hiking). Pittsburgh has done an amazing job of utilizing its green spaces and waterfronts within city limits.
Old vs. New
There are many ways to approach this comparison, but as in anything that you have never experienced, most things are “new to you” (or new to me, as it were) when you move. And while the city harbors a blend of culture-rich structures firmly cemented on traditional mindsets, there is a breath of life – or newness – in both the skyline and its population. What I found most interesting was the mixture of demographics in my apartment building downtown – we reside on a floor with a combination of young professionals, retirees, a few couples around the age of our parents and a family – each person with his or her own reason for moving to this urban environment. And all of whom love it.
Pittsburgh has seemingly moved on from its past – a city based on steel – and embraced different industries, such as medical and technology, which only furthers its appeal to attract new people and businesses to downtown. With consistent renovations and the construction of new life into these urban spaces, the popularity (and population) will only continue to grow. And this city seems to understand that.
By exclaiming my passion for living downtown, my intent is to show others that it is possible to enjoy a “normal” life. And entertaining too. Which is what I will unveil with future posts. But now, Pittsburgh, let's get moving on the food scene!
And the Rookie of the Year is......
Blogging can, on occasion, be a thankless sport. Some days I knock on the little netbook screen and yell "Helllooooooo, is anyone out there?". We all need a little reassurance that our audience exists, and that they get it. My biggest reward comes when someone who is making a move to the 'Burgh contacts me, and wants to know where to live. That is the moment when the world of my blog and the day job collide in a glorious little supernova, and all is right in my little universe.
Such a moment happened when I was contacted by Mel, the extraordinary writer behind Pursuit of My Boyfriend. She was relocating to Pittsburgh, and needed some suggestions.
Well, fast forward a few months (and a Podcamp), and Mel has settled in better that I have in fifteen years, She just may (gasp) be more of a Pittsburgher than me! Mel was the perfect choice for my 'Burgh Living Rookie of the Year. Not only had she fully embraced Pittsburgh as her new hometown, but she had a blog. Hmmmm, do I smell a collaboration? You do, and a fresh baked guest mini-series is right out of the oven!
For her first post, Mel is writing about her initial impressions of the 'Burgh. She absolutely exceeded my expectations. I am awestruck with her skills, and am humbled at the tremendous amount of thought and effort she put into the first installment of this series. You, my fellow 'Burghers, are truly in for a treat. Enjoy!
Such a moment happened when I was contacted by Mel, the extraordinary writer behind Pursuit of My Boyfriend. She was relocating to Pittsburgh, and needed some suggestions.
Well, fast forward a few months (and a Podcamp), and Mel has settled in better that I have in fifteen years, She just may (gasp) be more of a Pittsburgher than me! Mel was the perfect choice for my 'Burgh Living Rookie of the Year. Not only had she fully embraced Pittsburgh as her new hometown, but she had a blog. Hmmmm, do I smell a collaboration? You do, and a fresh baked guest mini-series is right out of the oven!
For her first post, Mel is writing about her initial impressions of the 'Burgh. She absolutely exceeded my expectations. I am awestruck with her skills, and am humbled at the tremendous amount of thought and effort she put into the first installment of this series. You, my fellow 'Burghers, are truly in for a treat. Enjoy!
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