Friday, February 6, 2009

Pittsburgh is the Point of Civilization!!!

Marc R.

How can you not the love the city of Pittsburgh?

Super XLIII cemeneted the undeniable fact that the Steelers are the best team in the NFL. It also showed that Pittsburgh is the best city in the entire United States.

I know everyone is going to argue that Philly, L.A., Chicago and NYC are the best cities, but let's examine Da 'Burgh.

First...most cities have one major waterway near it, Pittsburgh has three converaging at one point.

The Steel City has more educational institutions, with a positive impact, than anyone can think of.

Pitt leads the way as a research mogul, Point Pak College is a communications powerhouse, Duquense has a great poli-sci department and then there is Carnegie Mellon...need I say more?

Oh, and do not forget the surrounding institutions like Cal, Slippery Rock and even Clarion (if you want to travel a little bit).

Next up...pop culture icons, Cultural centers and "city of industry" people.

I am only going to name a few...The Heinz family, Andy Warhol and Kennywood.

Now on to sports...

From Honus Wagner to Billy Maz. to Roberto to Van Slyke; the Pirates are up there in baseball

From Franco, the Immaculate Reception and Jack Lambert to Kevin Green and now Big Ben...The Steelers ARE the Best in football

Mario, Mike Lang, Malkin and Sid the Kid have been the foundation of the Pens - Past and Present

Dan Marino, Tony, Larry and Shady are names synonmous with PITT.

Plus, the numerous high school products that have gone on to strong pro careers.

Oh and how can we forget that Pittsburgh has been used to film such classics as Gung Ho and Sudden Death !!!

Pittsburgh is the father of radio and products such as Ray Scott, Jack Fleming, Myron Cope, John Clayton and Bill Hillgrove.

I can go on and on and on.....Pittsburgh is the best city in the state, the country and the world!!!

I move to start a petition to have Ed Rendell set up office inside the Hilton at the Point!!!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

I’ve seen this before



D-Spat

Last night as the Penguins headed into the third period down 3-0, I had written them off.

I told myself, they’re just too flat to come back from this one. They can’t keep doing this.

So on and so on. Blah, blah … blah. I was down.

Then something truly amazing happened and something hopefully inspirational for the Pens.

The best player in the world, who was already having a tremendous game took it up another notch as he continues to do. As only a special player can.
Evgeni Malkin is flat out the best hockey player in the world right now. Nobody is playing at the level he is. He’s a game-changer.
Time and time again, he’s put this team on his back.

He did last season with Sid was hurt and he did again last night from the opening faceoff.

He played amazing, he played the complete game.

He was inspirational, flying all over the ice.

Checking, hitting, passing and shooting. He did it all.

Malkin shouldered the load.

He’s done it before.

Last night was different.

Coach Terrien recently (and finally) made him a permanent alternate captain, a honor he deserved.

Afterall, it’s a role he’s fit for.

Last night before the third period, Malkin addressed the team. Something he doesn’t often do.

But, last night he talked the talked and then walked the walk.

Just minutes into the third period, he scored a goal.

He’s dominate and passionate play in the third helped the Pens send the game to overtime.

Malkin, fittingly finished it off with just 16 seconds left in overtime.

He finished with two goals and an assist.

He did all the little things.

He looked like somebody I’ve seen before in the Penguins lineup. He looked like owner Mario

Lemieux, who had times put the team on his shoulders during slumps.

This could the turning point for the reeling Pens.

They’re not out of it yet, but close.

Malkin is to thank.

It was one of the most amazing one-man performances I’ve ever seen.

It looked familiar and all to recent.

It looked like another Pittsburgh great.

It looked like another, donned in Black and Gold, who put his team on his back, put the whole city of Pittsburgh on his shoulders and carried the load.
Just when you thought they were done, it looked like scene all too familiar for the Pittsburgh fans.
It looked like Ben Roethlisberger.

I mean he was sitting next to Lemuiex all night

Saturday, January 31, 2009

'Twas the night before the Super Bowl, when along the gulf shore,
Steelers fans were praying for "just one more;"
The players were nestled all snug in the sack,
With visions of the first NFL Six-Pack;
Coach Tomlin was young, but wise for his years,
So I drifted off to sleep without any fears;
When at the stadium there arose some strange chatter,
The Cardinals feared, what was the matter;
We heard "Okel Dokel", we heard "Double Yoi,"
We jumped from our beds, our hearts jumped for joy;
He stood at the fifty with a grin ear to ear,
Steelers fans everywhere started to cheer;
Then in an instant to our surprise,
This little old man had tears in his eyes;
He went to the booth and there took his chair,
While Terrible Towels waved in the air;
Then over the airwaves came his shrill voice,
The Steelers Nation began to rejoice;
He said, "I am back, but you know I can't stay,
I just had to see my Steelers play;
From my home up above, I have a great view,
But I wanted to celebrate here with you;
So bring on the Birds, we'll send them a flyin',
On the way back to Phoenix , they will be cryin';
Ben, Hines, Troy , Jeff and all of the rest,
No matter the outcome, to me you're the best;"
The airwaves went silent, the stadium still,
Was this just a dream, it seemed so real;
In our team we have faith, in our team we have hope,
But the game's not the same without Myron Cope;

Written by A.K. Young : 01-23-09

Friday, January 30, 2009

The time has come!




D-Spat

I’ve been a little off my game this week, recovering from a bout with phenomena, surely one I contracted at the AFC championship, thanks to near-tundra like temperatures.

Feeling tired this week has given me the opportunity to take on an overload of NFL Network.
Thanks for the NFL Network, I’ve was able to catch media day and all the unnecessary hoopla that came along with it.

One thing is for certain, I’m seen enough of the hype and am ready for the game.

Honestly, I can’t wait for the game.

Another thing is for certain and on a complete side note, Dion Sanders might lead the best interviews, let’s face it, the kids got a knack for it.

Back to business.

It’s go time, simply put, now it’s time to greatest night of the year.

I feel like I’m playing,

It feels like 2000 Maryland High School 4A East Regional Boy’s Soccer Semifinal.

I was amped, all of Arden was amped. (*editors note Old Mill toppled rival Glen-Burnie 5-1 in an Epic drama filled battle on the pitch on Homecoming – Doug Spatafore scored, so did Sean Smith, Raven’s Fan who hasn’t spoken to Doug since AFC Championship).

There is nothing better than the anticipation of a big game, but two weeks is brutal.

I want you all to remember 2006 and where you were when the Black and Gold won it all.

I’m doing everything the same, the exact same, from sleeping in a tent the night before.
Karma baby.

This one is for us, the hardcore Stiller Fan.

I want you all to enjoy it, because let’s face it, when the Steelers are winning, there’s no better party. Trust me I’ve encountered it first hand time and time again.

You don’t have to be there.

You’re there in spirit.

Afterall it’s a Steeler Nation.

So whether you’re in Tampa, Pittsburgh, Rote, Annapolis or Italy, It’s go time. The Stillers have there Nation ready and couple hardcore fans looking down on them. Everybody will be ready come Sunday.

Let the party begin, the excitement has taken over my life. I will not sleep until Monday.

Break out the Black and Gold and wear it proudly on Sunday … and Monday … and Tuesday and FOREVER because come Sunday there will be no greater Nation.

Check out these kids, they're awesome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkTflRQzCZg

And don't forget the Blog https://mail.lhup.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://nineteenthtee.blogspot.com/

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Man Behind the Mic!

Marc R.

As Super Sunday approaches, we are flooded with all of the talk, discussion and arguing over who is going to win the "Big Game".

The self-proclaimed experts will discuss amongst themselves on television, radio or even the web - the matchups, the key plays and players for the game. But all this does not matter because on Sunday, Pittsburgh will have to walk out on that field and play for the right to stand alone as the first-ever, six-time Super Bowl Champions!

More than that, The Steelers will have a man behind the mic that will be calling play-by-play for the historic game.

He shuffles into a room, puts his headset on and paints a picture that even Picasso is jealous of.

His voice is one that ressonates across the radio airwaves and is synonymous with the Steel City.

He is Mr. Bill Hillgrove. He deserves the "Mr." in front of his name because he is as respectful to the common person as he is to a 15-year NFL veteran. Therefore, he deserves the respect in return.

I had the pleasure of meeting this man and watching him while he performs his craft. Like his predecessor Jack Fleming, he is just as important to the game as the pads and helmets.

You beg to differ?

Turn on a local Steelers affiliate and listen for five minutes. Mr. Hillgrove is not just there for a job. He is very knowledgeable of the game and puts more effort into a broadcast with his research as five play-by-play people for CBS or Fox combined.

Mr. Hillgrove's call on Sunday evening is going to be just as historic as the game itself.

He is one of the few left. A true passionate radio play-by-play man who is a perfect fit for the team and the city. A hometown man who is just as blue-collar as the team he broadcasts.

On Sunday, fifteen minutes before all of the hoopla, turn on the radio and close your eyes. Listen to Mr. Hillgrove and he will make you feel like you are sitting on the 50-yard line of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.

There always here

D-Spat

The one nice thing about the Steelers is that they win and win often.

At the beginning of every season, the Steelers have the chance to win the Superbowl.

You know that’s the goal with they break camp in Latrobe.

It starts at the top.

Solid ownership, a smart front office, good coaches and players that are, well, football players.

Those players know what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and let’s face it they love it; they soak up every minute of it.

There is no better city to play in.

We are the most loyal fan base around and it will be very evident come Sunday in Tampa when the Terrible Towels will be out in full force.

Again, it’s great to be a Stiller fan.

We win and know that every year we have chance to win it all.

We are just over two days away from the biggest game of the year.

My emotional state has once again hit an all-time high, but that’s every time the Steelers play.

Because I know we always have a shot.

No matter what, we have a shot every game and until the final whistle blows we are always alive because of the men suited up in black and gold.

We have giants on defense in the form of James Farrior and James Harrison.

We have clutch in the form of Heath Miller and Jeff Reed.

We have game-changers in the form of Santonio Holmes and Troy Polamalu.

We have our heart in the in from of Hines Ward and Big Ben.

We need not say more than a name!

Doubled up today for good luck!

D-Spat

Terry Bradshaw

Franco Harris

Lynn Swann

John Stallworth

Mike Webster

L.C. Greenwood

Joe Greene

Jack Ham

Jack Lambert

Greg Lloyd

Mel Blount

Gary Anderson

Jerome Bettis

Chuck Noll

Bill Cowher

James Farrior

James Harrison

Hines Ward

Troy Polamalu

& Ben Roethlisberger

Among many other greats, who’ve donned the Black & Gold

Names that are remembered forever, men who’ve become legends.

Those names, well . . . ENOUGH SAID!