So I recently got the opportunity to spend some time exploring downtown Pittsburgh on foot. During these long walks I came across some really interesting sights. The first is very appropriate for the holidays, it looks like a simple nativity scene in front of a big building. It's actually Pittsburgh's "Vatican Creche", the only authorized replica of the nativity scene in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
This year is the city's 250th anniversary (yep, I don't know why I was surprised to discover this city has been around that long), but this is not the only anniversary being celebrated. Some nice locals told me that it was also the Steeler's 75th anniversary, and the 35th anniversary of the "immaculate reception." One Pittsburgh-area local I had the immense pleasure to see on the streets of Pittsburgh, was none other than Zachary Quinto (Sylar from NBC's "Heroes"), sporting a Steelers hat no less. This turned out to be the Thanksgiving day parade. It was still very weird to see Sylar waving from a limo while wearing Steeler-wear (photo credit: I'm afraid I didn't have a camera with me, but a local friend who had gone to see the parade was better-prepared and kindly provided the picture in this post, anonymously by request).
Pittsburgh has more bridges than any other city except Venice, and has a lovely skyline that is particularly impressive when viewed from Mount Washington. That particular location is both historically and geologically interesting. It's the site of the single most valuable mineral deposit ever discovered. And no, it was not a gemstone mine, it was coal. A lot of coal. Gems or hydrocarbons, it hardly matters while taking in the view.
Well, that's about it for my trivia-from-Pittsburgh post. I doubt I've done the city any justice, but felt this blog deserved a post. I've been too swamped to post anywhere near as regularly as I should, and hope to remember to post a Weird Al link tomorrow.
Goodnight and Happy Holidays to all.
