Top Ten Great Things About Pittsburgh, PA

In light of the Pittsburgh Steelers going to Superbowl XLIII, and the fact that Pittsburgh is my hometown, I thought I'd give my list of the best things about the city I love. If you have never visited this large city with a small town feel, you are missing out - most people are surprised to discover just how beautiful it is - after all, it is has been named "America's Most Livable City" by "Places Rated Almanac"

Without further adieu, MY Top Ten Great Things About Pittsburgh, PA...

10) The Cost of Living

• I've lived in other locations along the East Coast, and let me say - money will buy you a lot more in Pittsburgh than it will in other cities its size. Rent, Homes, Parking, even groceries, are less expensive. Small town prices - big city museums, universities, nightlife, etc.

9) The Strip District

• A unique shopping and restaurant area. A good portion of the shops are fresh markets where you can find culinary delicacies, or restaurant wholesalers - it's a fun marketplace that turns into a booming nightspot late at night. When the shops close down, the club hopping begins.

8) Station Square

• An old train depot turned into specialty shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, that is built right on the river, and enjoys a nice view of the city. The dancing water show is also a treat to enjoy.

7) The Rivers

• The City of Pittsburgh is built right at the confluence of three major rivers - the Ohio, the Monongahela, and the Allegheny. The city enjoys it's rivers to the fullest - the Gateway Clipper Fleet offers riverboat cruises multiple times a day, the Three Rivers Regatta occurs every summer, and "The Point" - the actual point of land at which all three rivers meet, is the sight of multiple events throughout the year, including the annual Three Rivers Arts Fest.

6) Mt. Washington

• There is a large cliff that overlooks the city, and this mountainous terrain is Mt. Washington. High end restaurants with absolutely breathtaking views are the highlights.

5) The Duquesne Incline

• Well, there has to be a way to get from the bottom of Mt. Washington to the top, right? The Duquesne Incline is a great throwback from the past. Once upon a time, the Incline that climbs slowly and steeply up the mountain was a legitimate way to move people and materials from the bottom to top and vice-versa. Today, it's a tourist attraction, and definitely worth riding if you are in town.

4) Kennywood Park

• Pittsburgh's amusement park. Kennywood has been around for well over a century now, but it has managed to evolve with the times. Long known as a roller coaster mecca, Kennywood continues to add new state of the art attractions yearly to keep things fresh, but it also maintains the feel of an old-time amusement park. Nostalgia abounds.

3) PNC Park

• Widely regarded as one of the best ballparks in the country, PNC Park opened in 2001 as the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though the Pirates have been consistently woeful since the early 1990's, the games are worth going to just to enjoy the atmosphere. Built right across the river from the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, the view from the stadium is gorgeous, particularly if you're lucky enough to catch a game on a Fireworks night. The way the lights glint off the skyline is stunning. It's a new ball park with the charm and intimacy of parks from a by-gone era when Baseball truly was America's past time. Plus - there is a "running pierogie race" at every game - that's right, people actually dress in pierogie costumes and run around - it's the best!

2) The Steelers

• What can I say - 5, hopefully soon to be 6, Super Bowl championships. Smashmouth, tough, defensive football from a team that is truly the heart and soul of a city. The Steelers unite the city every year, and are the reason the residents say they "bleed black 'n' gold."

1) The People

• I've been to 22 countries, and well over 100 cities, and I have yet to find a location where the people are friendlier than in Pittsburgh. Since moving back, after being away for almost a decade, I've had a hard time getting used to random people just smiling and saying "hi" to me on the street, but it happens. People will start conversations with you in the grocery store lines, as if you've known them all your lives. Pittsburghers are some of the most cordial and down-to-earth people I've ever met. You'll feel quite welcome if you ever decide to visit!

Top Ten Game Shows

Been a few days since I've counted something down, but during my blogging hiatus, I was able to catch a few minutes of "The Price is Right," which, in my opinion, has recently gone down hill faster than the Mountain Climber himself when the contestant overshoots the price. Nevertheless, seeing the show made me wonder - What are the best game shows of all time? Of course, taking into consideration that I've only ever seen a small portion of the multitudes of game shows ever created, this isn't exactly the most comprehensive list, but nonetheless, here is MY list of the
Top Ten American Game Shows...

10) Wheel of Fortune

• WoF made the list by the skin of Pat Sajak's teeth, because I personally don't like the show. BUT, it's continued popularity coupled with the fact that the same host and, ah,- letter turner, for close to three decades couldn't be ignored.

9) The Match Game

• The Match Game from the 70's and 80's was great... Gene Rayurn's double entandre questions, and the provocative answers by the star studded panel earns this oldie but goodie got on the list. "How provocative were they?!?"

8) Love Connection

• The best part of the show wasn't when a love connection was made, but when the couples had the worst time ever. Didn't we all love listening to the people dish on each other?? Besides, Chuck Woolery had to make the list with something - God knows he tried his hand at enough game shows.

7) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

• When this show first came out, was there an American that didn't tune in? It was great fun to play along, and of course, to make fun of the contestants that couldn't make it passed the $1000 mark. This game show makes the list at #8 - Final Answer.

6) The Dating Game

• It was always fun to tune in and watch the desperately-seeking single make an absolutely horrible choice! God knows she wouldn't have chosen bachelor #2 in his blue leisure suit if that wall hadn't been there, right?

5) Press Your Luck

• One Word - WHAMMY!

4) Jeopardy

• Alex Trebek's smugness doesn't hurt this show at all... we all wish we were smart enough to answer a third of the questions, while also being the first person to buzz in. It's an all-time classic.

3) Let's Make a Deal

• The only thing wrong with this show is that it isn't on the air anymore. Where else could you see a grown man dressed in a bonnet and a giant diaper, who just won a goat and a bale of hay. Even down to the closing credits people were making fools of themselves... "I'll give $50 to the first person who can give me a hard-boiled egg!" The weird thing was, someone always had whatever obscure item Monty Hall asked for!

2) The Price is Right

• In a nationwide poll, TPIR would likely be number one in a countdown, and with games like Plinko, Punchboard, and the Dice Game it's easy to see why. It probably would have been #1 in Countdown Heaven too, except for the recent Drew Carey years. It just isn't the same without Bob Barker. Not even close.

1) Family Feud

• This show is great no matter who the host is - it's gone through several incarnations - from the original host, Richard Dawson, to Ray Combs, to Louie Anderson, and now even that guy from Home Improvement - it is always good. But then, it has to be good - the premise of the show is to select the top answers to questions - kind of a countdown of a sort, when you think about it!

Top Ten Fast Food Restaurants

After compiling the top ten sit-down restaurants, I figured I'd stay in the same genre for today's countdown, and compile MY Top Ten Fast Food Restaurant Chains...


10) Taco Bell

• Cheap, cheap, cheap, and pretty tasty.

9) Burger King

• This really makes the list because of popularity only... I'm not a fan of the food, but at least you know whereever you go, you can find the comforting familiarity of Burger King.

8) Long John Silvers

• The batter is as greasy as it gets, but grease apparently equals taste because it's soooooo good. The Hushpuppies are awesome too.

7) Roy Roger's

• There is a nice variety of items on the menu, from roast beef to chicken and biscuits, but one sandwich in particular is the best sandwich I've ever had at a fast food restauarant. Long live the Gold Rush Chicken Sandwich.

6) Dairy Queen

• Let's face it - no one is going to Dairy Queen for the hot food... I'm not even sure why they still serve items from the grill. But DQ makes the list for the absolute perfection of their dairy treats... I've never had anything that tops a cookie dough Blizzard.

5) Kentucky Fried Chicken

• No one else has managed to top the Colonel's Original Recipe... Soooooo tasty!

4) McDonald's

• Plain and simple - The fries are hands down the best anywhere, ever.

3) Quiznos

• A healthier, fresher alternative to greasy fast food restaurants, and because of the toasting process, Quiznos makes the list over Subway.

2) Arby's

• I'm a big fan of things that are out of the ordinary, so I love the whole concept of the fast food roast beef sandwich. Of the handful of places that offer this as an item, Arby's does it best. Their line of "Market Fresh" items are a healthier addition to the menu and are pretty good too.

1) Wendy's

• Wendy's has long been the fast food restaurant that offered the best selection of items on their menu. Long before other fast food joints started offering alternatives to burgers and fries, Wendy's had baked potatoes and other more unique items on their menu. Finally, the Frosty's are what put Wendy's at the top of my countdown today.

Top Ten Sit-Down Chain Restaurants

Inspired by one of my favorite TV shows, Top Chef (on Bravo), I thought I'd do a countdown of some of my favorite restaurants. Of course, since my favorite restaurants are localized to areas I've lived and visited, that countdown wouldn't be well understood by many people. So instead, I'm going to focus on MY Top Ten Sit-Down Chain Restaurants...

10) Cracker Barrel

• Decent-sized portions of traditional American foods. When you want a home-cooked style meal like your grandmother used to make, consider Cracker Barrel. The food isn't great, but this restaurant offers menu items that most other sit-down restaurants don't delve into. The best part - the price... Almost shockingly inexpensive.

9) Olive Garden

• I always enjoy going to the Olive Garden, but I do not have a bunch of great reasons as to why. I just have two, and they're really basic... Unlimited Salad and Breadsticks. Straight up - both things are delicious, and though I've had some sub-par meals at the Olive Garden, I never really remember them... instead, I always remember how much I enjoyed the salad and breadsticks, and I tell you - that's what keeps me coming back.

8) Pizza Hut

• I suppose this could actually fit into the Top Ten List of Fast Food Restaurants too, but since they do have a dining room with waitstaff, I'm listing it here. I know it seems crazy, but I still like Pizza Hut pizza better than any of the pizzas I've had from little specialty pizzarias. The fact that they have expanded their menu to include organic ingredients and a variety of crust options has only helped them stay on my list.

7) T.G.I. Friday's

• American classics all over the menu, with some more recent additions to add variety. The food is usually good, and reasonably priced. I love hat there is something to satisfy just about any craving you're having, and the cocktail menu is great as well. Now, if they would just get rid of the pieces of "flair" on the waitstaff, we'd all be better off.

6) Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

• I've only had better steak at really, really expensive restaurants... not that Ruth's Chris is inexpensive, but for what you pay, I feel you get a very, very good steak. I've had a few other items, but ultimately, I go back for the steaks, and they are the reason this restaurant makes my list.

5) The Melting Pot

• This made my list because of the uniqueness factor... I love the novelty of a fondue restaurant. The food is good, but really, you got The Melting Pot for the experience of cooking your own food and enjoying a leisurely dinner with family or friends. The soft, romantic ambiance is an excellent complement to the novelty of the restaurant.

4) International House of Pancakes

• I love a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert any time of the day, but what sets IHOP apart from other restaurants of this genre is the effort they put into coming up with new and interesting breakfast dishes. From crepes to unique fruit compote toppings, they continue to please. Mmmm - I could go for a blintz right now, and even though it's midnight, I could get one at an IHOP.

3) Rock Bottom

• I have NEVER been disappointed in a meal from the Rock Bottom, and we go there frequently. The prices are very reasonable, and there doesn't seem to ever be much of a wait. Ultimately, though, good tasting food is why I've listed it.

2) Outback Steakhouse

• The Outback has been a favorite in my family for well over a decade now, and amazingly, we still enjoy going there on a regular basis. Perhaps this is in part because every time we go they seem to have revamped their menu. Nevertheless, they still maintain some of the classics that put them on the proverbial map in the first place. The appetizers at Outback keep us coming back - sometimes we'll even skip dinner in lieu of multiple appetizers. Reasonably priced, good portions, and good flavor - that pretty much sums it up.

1) The Cheesecake Factory

• This is hands-down my favorite chain restaurant for a variety of reasons. I've never had a bad meal there - everything I've ever ordered has been tasty, well-portioned and also very fairly priced. The specialized cocktail menu has a nice variety of unique drinks, and the dessert menu is nothing less than fabulous (as it should be for a restaurant called the Cheesecake Factory!) The ambiance rivals that of higher end restauarnts, which is always a big selling point for me. Still, the best thing about this restaurant is that there is literally something for everyone on the menu. You name it, there is some derivation of it on the menu, and yet, most items still manage to seem culinarily unique. I must not be the only one who loves this restaurant - every time I go there, I have to wait at least 45 minutes - but it's well worth the wait!

Most Historically Significant Events of the Last 30 Years

Today's countdown is prompted by the historic inauguration of the President. I started wondering, "What are the most influential historical moments during my lifetime?"

Here it is - MY opinion on the Top Five Most Historically Significant Events During the Last 30 Years (pertaining to the United States)...

5) The Challenger Shuttle Explosion

• At the time the US space program was flourishing... we were still in a race for space supremacy with the Soviets. In an historic move, NASA decided to allow a civilian to go on the mission. It was set to be an historic event - and it was, but for the wrong reasons. It slowed a thriving space program to a virtual standstill, and despite our technological swagger, we realized we weren't invincible.

4) The Impeachment of President Clinton

• This event makes my list for a variety of reasons. First, the Internet was young and growing, and the news leading up to and surrounding the impeachment spread throughout the world at record pace as a result of the web. Secondly, the details of the Lewinsky scandal made us all question what it is we want our president to be... should he be a normal man with flaws, or should he be a virtual superhero... At one point, I think the answer would have been superhero, but the Clinton/ Lewinsky scandal proved a shift in the moral compass of Americans, as the former President left office seemingly unscathed by the embarrassing events, and with a high approval rating to boot. Finally, this event made us all truly contemplate what the meaning of "is" really is.

3) The Fall of the Berlin Wall

• When I was a small child, the competition between the USSR and the United States, or more importantly Communism and Capitalism, was intense. It wasn't just about the Soviets having better Olympic teams than the US - it was far more menacing. At the time, it was thought to be a legitimate possibility that the nuclear arms race between the two nations would lead us to a nuclear holocaust. Books, movies, TV shows all addressed the issue time and time again. But then in 1989, the most amazing thing happened. We watched Germans from East Berlin dance on the greatest symbol of Communist segregation - Brick by brick, the Berlin Wall was being torn down. The fall of Communism changed the world economy, and positioned the US as the unrivaled leader of the civilized world.

2) The Inauguration of President Obama

• Some events need to withstand the test of time in order for us to appreciate their historical significance... others are immediately impactful. The election of the 44th president of the United States is the latter. I am constantly amazed and disgusted not only by the history of injustice perpetrated against African-Americans in the US, but also by the fact that the prejudice continues. It is nearly unfathomable to me that segregation was legally sanctioned during my parents' lifetimes. It just wasn't that long ago. So it was with great hope for an end to the differences between black and white that I watched today's inauguration.

1) September 11, 2001

• I don't really think any explanation is necessary for why this is number one on my countdown. It was a day that rocked our nation, and the rest of the world. A day that changed how we look at normal everyday occurrences, like flying on a plane, or going to work. A day that made us all feel a little less safe, and made us come to understand that terrorism was something we'd have to live with for the rest of our lives. It was a day that made us realize the rest of the world doesn't necessarily understand our country, but it was also a day that made us contemplate the fundamental principles behind the United States of America. It was a day that made us proud to stand up and fight for the right to be an American.

Top Ten Sporting Events

Today's Countdown is inspired by the upcoming Super Bowl. All the hype made me ponder - Just what are the best big game/ match sporting events?

All things considered - This is MY list of favorites from bottom to top.

10) Wimbledon

• Gotta represent tennis... Big points for tradition.

9) The NBA Finals

• I watch them every year, and every year, I just don't care that much.

8) The Daytona 500

• I'm not gonna lie - I'm not a NASCAR fan, but despite that, I've still watched my fair share of Daytona 500s. I'm still not entirely convinced that race car driving is an athletic sport, but I simply can't ignore the enormous popularity of NASCAR. Plus the Daytona 500 gets extra points for being both the first race and the most prestigious race of the NASCAR season. Not too many sports can claim that.

7) The US Open (Golf)

• A lot of people find golf boring to watch, but not me. This is a game that is literally decided by a millimeter here or there... I particularly love the US Open, because the course is always so tough... Any time I can see the best golfers in the world be over par consistently, I'm gonna love it.

6) World Cup Soccer

• I'm American - we're just not that into Soccer - BUT the rest of the Western World seems to be VERY into Soccer, so the World Cup can't be ignored.

5) The Super Bowl

• Football is America's new favorite pasttime - and without question, my favorite sport. BUT, the Super Bowl has become such a spectacle that sometimes it seems to be more about the commercials and the half-time show than about determining the best team.

4) The World Series

• It's all about nostalgia and tradition, which I love. When a team gets in that hasn't been to the Series in decades, it's always tons of fun.

3) The Summer Olympics

• The whole world stops to watch two weeks of straight up raw athletic talent and kick-ass opening and closing ceremonies. Events like the 100m dash really push this one towards the top of the list. On the other hand, events like synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics keep it out of the top two.

2) The Winter Olympics

• Love it for some of the same reasons as the Summer Olympics, of course. Figure Skating is a big plus for me, and I'm gonna be honest - the Luge and the Bobsled events are what really pushed the Winter Olympics ahead of the Summer games in my mind.

1) The Stanley Cup Finals

• The Stanley Cup Finals are the top of my list for two big reasons. a) Hockey is a tough, physically demanding game. The hockey season is extremely long. The playoffs themselves are extremely long. By the time the winner of the cup is decided, these guys have been completely abused. b) Lord Stanley's Cup... the tradition is so rich surrounding this cup - guys who win it, won't even let their little kids touch it, for fear that if they do, they'll jinx their chance to grow up and win it. That's tradition and superstition that can't be beat.

Everyone Loves a Countdown...

It's Saturday afternoon and it's time to relax. You grab a beer, settle into that big, comfy sofa, and pick up the remote... As usual, despite the 300 channels at your fingertips, there is nothing worth watching on TV. A rerun of some cop drama on channel 231, a cooking show on 232, another cop drama on 233, oh look - professional bowling on 234. Wait a minute, what's this? Now this is what you've been searching for... it's a countdown of the ten best middle linebackers that ever played football. Cue up the DVR- this is a keeper!

The funny thing is - I'm not being sarcastic... this is what you will stop to watch! But why? It's simple - everyone loves a countdown. It doesn't really matter what the content is, it's the format that we love. I, for one, have watched everything from a the world's most venomous creatures to the 101 trashiest celebrities of all time, and have loved all the shows the same. I must not be alone in this - if I was, there wouldn't be 15 countdown shows on TV at any given time.

So what's the allure? Is it that we actually care which kind of spider could kill a family of four with one drop of venom? No, the actual facts seem to mean very little - particularly since a lot of countdowns are extremely subjective. Then what is it that makes us pause to watch a countdown? Of course, everyone has their own reasons, but I've narrowed it down to a list of five big factors - which, interestingly, is a countdown all on it's own!

1) We love to try to guess what will make the list, and in particular what will be number one. When we are right, it's a satisfying moment (sadly enough). You might even catch yourself smirking while uttering, "Ha - I knew it!" Or, if your top choice doesn't make the list, you simply find yourself questioning the intelligence of the show's producers - which brings me to the next reason on the top-five-reasons-why-we-love-countdowns countdown...

2) We think about what items would make the countdown if we were to compile the list ourselves. We all have opinions when it comes to countdowns! In our minds, some bonehead added something to the list that had no right being there, in lieu of what absolutely should have been number one! You are confident that if YOU were just making the list, it would be soooooo much better.

3) The material is endless... seriously - endless... there is no possible way to run out of countdowns, because as time passes, new countdowns can be created... the best of 2009, 2010, and so on.

4) Countdowns provide good conversation - you can just sit around and discuss your favorite movies, songs, etc. In fact, we often do this as a way to get to know someone new, "so what are your top five favorite songs?" "who are your favorite movie stars of all time?" The answers can sometimes tell us something about the person we're talking to. Do we have common opinions, or are we completely different?

5) Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we love nostalgia. Countdowns often ask us to reflect back on the events, songs, movies, whatever, of our past, and remember what made us love or hate them. You often find yourself saying, "Oh, that's right! I forgot all about that!" or maybe, "Man, that's true - that was really great." Let's face it - countdowns often bring smiles to our faces simply because they make us "remember when."

So what's the point of this blog? I don't know - what's the point of any blog? Just my way of starting a site where I AM the one who gets to put together the countdown lists. AND I will be the one who gets to choose the subject of the countdown based on my daily personal experiences. Everyone also loves to be the boss - but that's a different subject entirely.