So, whomever you are planning on voting for, I just want to say first that I am glad to see the recent wave of political activity and especially that among the younger generation in Pittsburgh and, overall, Pennsylvania. Of course, this has nothing to do with the fact that this is one of the closest Democratic primary elections in years or anything…

Speaking of Democratic primaries… I would like to publicly express my belief that Barack Obama, who is speaking at 9:30 tonight at the Petersen Event’s Center in Oakland, is by far the best candidate for United States President. And, I would like to remind you all to vote - tomorrow!

I just can’t feel comfortable endorsing over 30 years of the same two parties ruling in the United States - I mean, it just feels a little too anti-democratic, if you ask me. Further, after reading Barack’s The Audacity of Hope, I can’t help but feel that even though he may be lacking some experience that others could CLAIM to have, he entirely makes up for it in smarts, logic, and common sense (something we ALL know politicians, especially those TOO caught up in the political system may not quite embrace).

Hopefully, the smear attacks and negative campaigning don’t affect people’s good sense too much and Barack receives the support he so deserves.

For those of you against the man, please read one or both of his books just to hear what he has to say - it’s honestly pretty brilliant. And, those of you for him, please help all of us spread the word! And, if nothing else, at least I was reminded by my friend who told me I said a year ago “You watch out for that Barack Obama…he’s going to be something one of these days soon! Probably the next President” Let’s just see if I was right!

But, no matter what, just VOTE!

So, I just learned upon visiting some of my favorite Pittsburgh blogs that Pittsburgh Blogfest 13 (although it’s only the 3rd year…so I’m still working on figuring that one out) will be held this Friday evening. The details below come from Cynthia Closkey, blogger of MyBrilliantMistakes.com.

I’m excited to go and network with fellow Pittsburgh bloggers and would love to see others (non-bloggers welcome too) who have the interest. Thanks to the organizers for a great idea to get together some smart Pittsburgh minds!

Here’s the info:

“BlogFest is an informal and friendly quarterly gathering of local bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and anyone who enjoys life on the Internet. It’s more happy hour than meeting: No talks will be given, no credentials required. There may be nametags, but that’s only because I’m terrible at remembering names.

WHAT: Pittsburgh Blogfest 13
WHEN: Friday, February 22, 2008, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM and beyond
WHERE: Finnegan’s Wake (near PNC Park, 20 General Robinson St., North Shore, 412-325-2601), in the Pub Room
WHO: All local bloggers, vloggers, podcasters (and their friends!) and Pittsburgh Bloggers

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Finnegan’s Wake, as always. Arrive when you like, leave when you must.

UPDATE/CLARIFICATION: Please note that our events in the Pub Room are smoke-free. The main bar area at Finnegan’s Wake, just on the other side of the door, allows smoking of course.

Please note that we’re gathering on a Friday evening this time around. We’ve received requests to vary the nights of these events, so that people who can’t go out on a work night can join in the fun, so we’re eager to see any new faces. And we’re equally eager to see old faces. Wear whatever face you have handy, and you will be welcome.

As always, if you plan to attend, please send an e-mail to “blogfest@ closkey.com”

A Lofty Promise For Pittsburgh Students

While many of us have made it through college with or without the help of our parents, it sure would have made it a lot easier on all of us to not have to do so. As we know, the cost of a college education has risen dramatically over the last few years and that doesn’t even include housing, books, food, gas, bills - all of which also cost a lot for those poor college students and their families. But, making life easier on college-goers is one of the things that the recently announced “Pittsburgh Promise” aims to do.

The Pittsburgh promise is a promise to Pittsburgh public school students that as long as they stay on the straight and narrow, they will receive full college tuition. While many were unsure if the program would get off the ground - as soon as UPMC made the commitment to contribute 100 million dollars in funding to the program, it became evident that it would indeed happen - and that the city was well on its way to the goal of 250 million dollars raised for the program.

What a great pull to revitalize the city and increase home prices! This sure makes me want to stay in Pittsburgh for my son’s education. Wait…Mom, Dad - that education fund you were going to start for the little man for Christmas? Cancel that - I could use the money instead! Full Story »

A Favorite Pittsburgh Family Activity

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is tied in first with the Pittsburgh zoo as my favorite Pittsburgh place to take my 17 month old son. I highly recommend a weekend trip to the Children’s Museum for any family with kids aged 10 and under (it way beats watching TV).

The Children’s Museum is grouped into rooms, which include the following: The Attic, The Studio, The Garage/Workshop, The Theater, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, Waterplay, Toonseum (museum of cartoons), The Backyard, Interactive Art Room and The Nursery (for the wee ones). Plus, outside of the rooms, throughout the whole museum, there is a variety of interactive art to play with. For example, the screen with falling letters that you stand in front of to block the letters with your shadow - we were making some serious words with our heads and having more fun than the kids here! Full Story »

The first Robotics Institute opened at Carnegie Mellon University in 1979 to “conduct basic and applied research in robotics technologies and transfer them to industry to enhance productivity and product quality.” [RI press release]

The Cathedral of Learning [another photo] is the second tallest educational building in the world, topped only by a building [photo] on the campus of Lomonosov Moscow State University

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PS: The building in Moscow has a long tower of a star at the top (which isn’t very aesthetically pleasing), so Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning is technically the world’s largest pretty educational establishment!

One of Pittsburgh’s most fascinating Web sites, JURIST, is powered by a volunteer team of students at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. JURIST displays breaking legal news across the Web 24/7 to an audience of lawyers, judges, policymakers, government employees, law professors, law and college students and has even been recently recognized as a (second time) Official Honoree in the 2007 Webby Awards. Full Story »