I’m sure you probably heard by now, but Pittsburgh was ranked on of the best places of the world by National Geographic.  I, too, am a little skeptic and possibly embarrassed.  Sonoma Valley, Ca was the only other US location selected.  I mean, Pittsburgh’s great n’@, but I don’t think it’s worthy of the 7 world wonders or anything.

here’s the complete article:  http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2012/#/botw-main-gallery-pittsburgh_41334_600x450.jpg

Starting Monday, the SEA is free to demolish the old Mellon Arena.  I guess it’s more like taking it apart piece by piece.  They have to remove all the tiles from the roof to get to the asbestos first.  I bet it’s going to look pretty gnarly for a while.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11267/1177238-53.stm

Here’s some interesting past and present pictures of the Hill District.  I can’t even imagine the Hill District being as lively as it used to be.  So many buildings and businesses and people.  It seems like it truly was connected to the hustle and bustle of downtown at one time.

http://multimedia.post-gazette.com/ThenNow/Hill/Center/default.asp

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11226/1166781-53.stm

If you’re in Pittsburgh this weekend, make sure you check out the Three Rivers Regatta!  The Regatta is always a blast and this year there’s a huge sand sculpture!  of course there are fireworks.  There are always fireworks in Pittsburgh.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/divinehammer42

a nice write up in the Wall Street Journal on how houses in the Pittsburgh area keep increasing in value even through the housing bubble pop.  It even goes into some specific houses and neighborhoods around the city.  It’s a great place and time to buy… *cough* *cough*
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576363150295506130.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_LeftTopNews

Alright, now that we’re into the summer and for sale signs are posted, here’s a break down of all the houses that are for sale in the Hill District:

113 Erin Street – $143,900 : My neighbor’s house who passed away in February 2011 and now his son is selling it. If you’ve been to my house, it has the same exact floor plan, but has a deck. Listing & County Assessment

117 Erin Street – $63,319 : My neighbor’s house who declared bankruptcy in September 2010. If you’ve been to my house, it has the same exact floor plan, but has a deck.  She also put in expensive tile throughout this house.  You have to do some research on how to get a house on sheriff sale, but come June 6th, this thing will be sold to the highest bidder. Instant equity here. Listing & County Assessment

9 Davenport Street – $93,500 : This house is just across the parking lot from me. If you’ve been to my house, it has the same exact floor plan.  Listing & County Assessment

139, 147, 153 Erin & 129, 139 Davenport = $150, 000 : New constructions in 2010.  Garages and yards.  Listings & County Assessment

There are a bunch more, ranging from older/smaller/cheaper to new/larger/more expensive listed here.  All of these houses are about a mile to downtown and about half a mile from the new Shop n’ Save and YMCA going into the Hill District.

Here’s a cool overlay of the Mellon Arena / Civic Arena site and what it used to look like.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11107/1138810-455.stm

Pittsburgh is confirmed as the filming location for the new batman movie!  I’m stoked.  This is one of the biggest movies to be filmed in Pittsburgh for a long time.  I’m also noticing that Anne Hathaway is slated to be in the movie…I wonder what that means for Kallie…people are going to be extra jumpy about sightings.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11095/1137149-348.stm

Checking out BoringPGH.com the other day and stumbled on this gem.  I’ve never heard of the band Formula412 before, but I dig it.  The video is pretty decent, and I really like the concept.  Might even make PAT Transit look cool…if that’s possible.  It was done by Bill Paladino, who you’d recognize as the guy behind Wiz Khalifa’s Black and Yellow video.

I’m giving away free tickets to see Pittsburgh Native and 4 time X-Games gold medalist Adam Jones on Jauary 29th!

Adam is currently ranked third overall in the ASA World Championships of FMX, and has three AST Dew Tour wins and he’s from the ‘Burgh! He makes the stop with the freestyle motocross tour, Nuclear Cowboyz, at the new Consol Energy Center, so if you haven’t been there yet, here’s your chance!

What I need you to do for a chance to win is follow me on facebook.

Step 1: Click this link.
Step 2: Click the link to follow on the right hand side.
Step 3: Respond here to let me know that you’ve done it!

If you’re already a follower, THANKS! If you still want to help me out, give the site a rating or share it with some of your friends that you think would enjoy my blog. Otherwise, just post here and say that you’re following me and you’ll be entered!

I’ll contact the winner on the 22nd, so get your entries in. If you want multiple entries, get your friends to follow the blog and you’ll get an entry along with them.

Thanks for reading!