Pittsburgh

Young quarterbacks might have set the league on fire last season, but they still have to win over a few skeptics. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is one of them.

Great piece here from Allen Panzeri at the Ottawa Citizen.

Andrew McCutchen had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on a rainy Thursday for their fourth straight win.

Plaxico Burress is an athlete who, of course, is surrounded by rich athletes on a daily basis. Athletes like fine threads, and most importantly, they enjoy fine, comfortable and top-of-the-line socks. The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver recently launched his own fine line of luxury sock called the Plaxico Burress Collection. Burress launched the collection this week in New York City, and says he wants to design bow ties, cuff links and belts once the socks take off, according to the New York Times. To help promote the line, Burress has gotten the word out to the news media, and also starting a Twitter account. “I’ve been planning my sock line from behind the scenes for a couple of years; nobody even knew I was doing it. So it’s a lot of hard work that got me to this point. “I’ve always considered myself a pretty stylish guy. I may not have had the means to do so coming up. I had an eye for what looks good on me.” The post Plaxico Burress Launches Luxury Socks Line appeared first on FootBasket.

A look at how decisions from television executives changed the entire history of pro wrestling over the last 30 years is the lead story in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that is on the web site today.           The issue goes back to 2001, when wrestling changed with the death of WCW and ECW, and trace the rise and fall of both companies.  We look at the planned angle in 2001 that would have ended up with Nitro every week on Monday nights on the USA Network and how it was supposed to open, why the obvious angle didn't happen, and how abruptly everything changed and why.           We also look at all the plans for that year that dropped, the most successful non-WrestleMania PPV that WWE ever did, the death of WCW, the time WCW came close to dying a decade earlier and why it didn't, the history of pro wrestling on TBS, what led to Vince McMahon's association with Ted Turner and why feelings ended up bitter, the decisions that led to the death of Mid South Wrestling, ECW and WCW going down the tubes and more.           We also look at what contract WWF signed that killed their chances to greatly expand their TV network, the real story behind Vince McMahon's backing of ECW, the strange goings on regarding the sale of WCW to Vince McMahon, how much Vince McMahon paid for WCW, what it was a WWE decision that is the reason TNA is still in business and thoughts on what if ECW could have continued.           We also have a look at the life and career of Mick McManus, the all-time greatest villain in British wrestling.             We also have a look at the Extreme Rules PPV, with background notes on the show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.           We also look at HHH's angle, WrestleMania the next few years, Dwayne Johnson surgery notes, as well as Gina Carano talking about Rock, another writer gets fired, Lesnar's next program, repackaging of Joe Hennig, WWE donates to Sports Legacy Institute, WWE announcing, why the Colons aren't on TV, Linda McMahon at WWE headquarters, and more.           We also look at Bruno Sammartion Day in Pittsburgh, the brunette dancer with Fandango as well as business notes.           We also look at the situation with Nick Diaz, all the allegations against Bryan Caraway, why Diaz was fined, looking at suspensions of UFC fighters and more.           We also look in depth at the recent WWE hirings and firings.  We look at who has signed, their backgrounds, who has been let go, and notes on why certain people were hired and fired.           We also have coverage of the UFC show over the weekend, the Vitor Belfort controversy, the ratings and match-by-match coverage.           We also have coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.             The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.         The Observer is now in its 29th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world.  The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling and MMA industry, from bookers to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest names on camera and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and more than 30 countries subscribe.  Many have subscribed for 20 years or longer consecutively.  They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world.  Everywhere from Wall Street to the major offices to television networks in the U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business.        If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choic

By Dave Meltzerdave@wrestlingobserver.com           Impact tonight at 8 p.m. on Spike.  This is the last week in this time slot, as they move back an hour next week.  The show airs from Tampa.  It is not live, although it will be advertised as such.  It will air on about a one hour tape delay. *Kurt Angle vs Ken Anderson *Velvet Sky vs. Mickie James for Knockouts title *Suicide debuts *James Storm announces his tag team partner for the 6/2 show, although he's injured and probably shouldn't be wrestling with a partially torn ab and pulled groin                 We're looking for reports from the show in Tampa with the second show being taped for next Thursday and any other news and notes from the event, including Xplosion matches.           We're also looking for reports from tonight's NXT tapings in Winter Park, FL.  Ryback is scheduled at the tapings.           A look at how decisions from television executives changed the entire history of pro wrestling over the last 30 years is the lead story in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that is on the web site today.           The issue goes back to 2001, when wrestling changed with the death of WCW and ECW, and trace the rise and fall of both companies.  We look at the planned angle in 2001 that would have ended up with Nitro every week on Monday nights on the USA Network and how it was supposed to open, why the obvious angle didn't happen, and how abruptly everything changed and why.           We also look at all the plans for that year that dropped, the most successful non-WrestleMania PPV that WWE ever did, the death of WCW, the time WCW came close to dying a decade earlier and why it didn't, the history of pro wrestling on TBS, what led to Vince McMahon's association with Ted Turner and why feelings ended up bitter, the decisions that led to the death of Mid South Wrestling, ECW and WCW going down the tubes and more.           We also look at what contract WWF signed that killed their chances to greatly expand their TV network, the real story behind Vince McMahon's backing of ECW, the strange goings on regarding the sale of WCW to Vince McMahon, how much Vince McMahon paid for WCW, what it was a WWE decision that is the reason TNA is still in business and thoughts on what if ECW could have continued.           We also have a look at the life and career of Mick McManus, the all-time greatest villain in British wrestling.             We also have a look at the Extreme Rules PPV, with background notes on the show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.           We also look at HHH's angle, WrestleMania the next few years, Dwayne Johnson surgery notes, as well as Gina Carano talking about Rock, another writer gets fired, Lesnar's next program, repackaging of Joe Hennig, WWE donates to Sports Legacy Institute, WWE announcing, why the Colons aren't on TV, Linda McMahon at WWE headquarters, and more.           We also look at Bruno Sammartion Day in Pittsburgh, the brunette dancer with Fandango as well as business notes.           We also look at the situation with Nick Diaz, all the allegations against Bryan Caraway, why Diaz was fined, looking at suspensions of UFC fighters and more.           We also look in depth at the recent WWE hirings and firings.  We look at who has signed, their backgrounds, who has been let go, and notes on why certain people were hired and fired.           We also have coverage of the UFC show over the weekend, the Vitor Belfort controversy, the ratings and match-by-match coverage.           We also have coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.             The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestli

Anthony Weiner threw his hat into the NYC mayoral race yesterday with a slick family-pimping campaign video and a flashy new website. So far his comeback has been very carefully stage-managed, but you had to know he'd pull a boner at some point. And today it's being widely observed that the top banner graphic on Weiner's website features an image of the Pittsburgh's skyline, not New York City. At this point you might ask yourself how the hell they screwed that up... and then remember that this is Anthony Weiner we're talking about. [ more › ]

Nancy Patton Mills, the chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, didn't mince words. City Councilor Darlene Harris cannot serve as a Democratic ward chair now that she's registered as an independent.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Travis Snider flashes the Zoltan after his RBI triple in the second inning. (Photo Credit: David Hague) Only Mother Nature could stop the Pirates’ offensive barrage on Edwin Jackson. In the first two innings, the Bucs smacked six hits and brought in four runs on the opposing starting pitcher, en route to a 4-2 Thursday afternoon victory and sweep over the Chicago Cubs. While Jackson struck out six batters, he also left plenty of pitches down the middle for the Pirates to smack. Then it began to rain. Jackson and mound opponent Jeanmar Gomez were removed after the 107-minute intermission. What followed was the Pirates (29-18) once again cruising to victory with few hits while the bullpen held up its innings for the fourth-straight win. How The Pirates Got Their Runs Andrew McCutchen stole two more bases Thursday, and scored one of the four runs. (Photo Credit: David Hague) Starling Marte led off with an infield single toward the shortstop, then stole second base to allow Andrew McCutchen to drive him in with an RBI single to right field. Classic top-of-the-lineup run production. Two batters later, Michael McKenry hit another RBI single to score McCutchen and give the Pirates a 2-0 lead despite Edwin Jackson striking out the side again. Marte pulled the same move again with two outs in the 2nd inning, hitting a leadoff single off the glove of Jackson. This time, though, Travis Snider smacked an RBI triple into the North Shore Notch, then McCutchen hit another single to score Snider. After two low-scoring games, the Pirates had pounced on Edwin Jackson for four runs. Such outings have become common for Jackson, who has collected a hefty 52 strikeouts in 53 innings this season but is now the proud owner of a 6.11 ERA. The Cubs’ bullpen was (unexpectedly) solid, allowing only three hits over five innings. Special props go to Carlos Villanueva, who pitched two scoreless frames, including striking out McCutchen, Garrett Jones and Neil Walker 1-2-3. Gomez Fine Before The Rain Jeanmar Gomez gave up just one run in 3.2 innings. (Photo Credit: David Hague) Jeanmar Gomez faced the minimum through three innings, but the Cubs got on the scoreboard in the 4th. David DeJesus hit a leadoff double off the right field wall, moved to third base via Starlin Castro’s single, then scored on Anthony Rizzo’s RBI ground ball. Garrett Jones’ fielding error meant the Cubs had two runner on base when the game was delayed, but Vin Mazzaro got the final out of that 4th inning. Mazzaro was strong in relief as well, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings and scattering two singles. Castro hit one of those singles to the right-field corner, but Travis Snider gunned him down at second base. In the 7th, the Cubs got the tying man aboard on Ryan Sweeney’s RBI single, but Justin Wilson got David DeJesus to fly out on a nice sliding grab by McCutchen into the Bermuda Triangle of shallow center. McCutchen went 3-for-4 with three singles, bringing his season batting average to .291 after having a .238 season average on May 1. Justin Wilson pitched 1-2-3 inning in the 8th, and Jason Grilli picked up his 19th save with a 1-2-3 closeout. The Pirates now trail the St. Louis Cardinals by 1.5 games for first place in the NL Central.

The Association of Food Journalists has posted the list of nominees (pdf) for its annual awards. The winners will be announced in September at the AFJ conference in Park City Utah. The awards are meant to honor "excellence in all aspects of food journalism." Interestingly, two critics who are no longer with newspapers are nominated: Hanna Raskin, formerly of Seattle Weekly, and Tejal Rao, who recently stepped down from her post at the Village Voice. Writer Todd Kliman received two nominations, written on the announcement as "Todd Klimon." Oops. Here are all the finalists: Best Newspaper Food Coverage, above 200,000 circulation: · Boston Globe, Sheryl Julian, Food Editor · Philadelphia Daily News, Laurie T. Conrad , Food Editor · The San Francisco Chronicle, Miriam Morgan, Food Editor · The Washington Post, Joe Yonan, Food Editor Best Newspaper Food Coverage, below 200,000 circulation: · The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA, Cheramie Sonnier, Food Editor · Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bob Batz Jr., Food Editor · San Antonio Express-News, Karen Haram, Food Editor Best Newspaper Special Food Project: · Gazette, "This Is Pittsburgh Food," Bob Batz Jr., Food Editor · Steve Hoffman, Minneapolis Star Tribune, "Letters from France" AND Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "On Our Plate," Nancy Stohs, Food Editor · The Kansas City Star, "Edge City," Jill Silva, Food Editor, AND Pittsburgh Post- Minneapolis Star Tribune, "Taste 50," Lee Dean, Food Editor Best Newspaper Food Feature, above 220,000 circulation: · Andrea Adleman, The Washington Post, "The Psychology of Cupcakes" · Katy McLaughlin, The Wall Street Journal, "Get Your Goat On" · Greg Morago, The Houston Chronicle, "Barbecue Nerds" Best Newspaper Food Feature, 125,000-220,000 circulation: · Cindy Hoedel, The Kansas City Star, "Rabbit Revival" · Jackie Loohauis-Bennett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Creating More Than a Stir" · Jill Silva, The Kansas City Star, "Growing Change" Best Newspaper Food Feature, below 125,000 circulation: · Drew Lazor, Philadelphia City Paper, "Acts of Will · Stacy Schultz, Sauce Magazine, "A Second Shot" · Katharine Shilcutt, Houston Press, "Chef Endures Cancer, Loss of Sense and Taste" Best Non-newspaper Food Feature: · Nadia Arumugam, The Atlantic, "Expired" · Todd Kliman, Washingtonian, "Everywhere at Once" · Chad Robertson, Food Arts, "Baker in the Rye" Best Restaurant Criticism: · Bobby Ampezzan, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette · Ian Froeb, Riverfront Times · Tejal Rao, The Village Voice · Laura Reily, Tampa Bay Times Best Food Visual: · Joaquin Herrera, The San Antonio Express-News, "S.A. Food Savvy?" · Francisco Kjolseth, Salt Lake Tribune, "Winged Salute to July 4th" · James Nielsen, The Houston Chronicle, "The Great State of Barbecue" · Richard Stokes, Reno Magazine, "Savor Summer" Best Food Essay: · Darra Goldstein, The Wall Street Journal, "A Bribe-Worthy Chicken Dish" · Todd Kliman, Washingtonian, "Champagne & Sippy Cups" · Marge Perry, Newsday, "Cupcakes That Say Love" Best Writing on Beer, Wine and/or Spirits: · Jon Bonne, San Francisco Chronicle, "Restoring a Napa Legend" · Wendy Goldman Rohm, Playboy, "The Talented Mr. K" · Jason Wilson, TableMatters.com, "When Wine Talk Gets Weird" Best Story on Food Policy or Food Issues: · Carolyn Jung, Food Arts, "Foie and Its Discontents" · Andy Mannix and Mike Mullen, City Pages, "Milk Money" · Hanna Raskin, Seattle Weekly, "Peaches and Dreams" Best Food Column: · Kellie Hynes, Sauce Magazine · Martha J. Miller, EthnoTraveler Magazine · Hanna Raskin and Dan Person, Seattle Weekly Best Food Blog, Multiple Writers: · Phoenix New Times · The Salt, NPR · Inside Scoop, San Francisco Chronicle Best Food Multimedia Presentation: · Feast magazine, Hannah Radcliff · Ind