Here are some links/articles/blog posts that are worth a look:

• City of Sad Toys: Kermit Laid Off; Results Tragic – This is an interesting and humorus look at the Don Allen building. City of Sad Toys is a newish blog from a Pittsburgh author that is definitly worth your time.
• Historic Hike with George Washington : Venture Outdoors – History buffs and hikers of all ages are invited to take a walk in the woods with George Washington as Providence Plantation commemorates the 255th Anniversary of Washington passing through Butler Country. The event starts with a slide show and presentation about Washington?s travels in 1753. Following the presentation participants will drive to a trail head parking area for the hike which begins at 11 a.m. The hike will be led by re-enactors portraying Washington, his guide Christopher Gist, and several Indians. The one-hour hike closely follows the original Venango Path
• Pittsburgh Princess T-shirts – Check out this Spreadshirt shop with some great Pittsburgh and steelers t-shirts

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Image by Damiel via FlickrHere is one way to kick off the new year.  The Western PA Wheelmen host an annual first day of the year bike ride – Icycle Bicycle Ride.  Rain, snow or shine they have been riding on new years day for 30 years.  Meet at REI for some hot chocolate.  Bring a helmet.

January 1, 2009, 11 am. for more info.

via Venture Outdoors Blog

Donora is a local band that I really like.  When I moved back here over the summer my friends kept telling me to check them out.  And I have, multiple times.  They truly live up to the good home grown band indie reputation I was promised.  As I write this at home with the flu, Donora is playing their first of two CD release parties on the South Side at the Rex Theater just one hour from now (8:30PM).  Lohio, Meeting of Important People and Br’er Fox are also playing – cover is only $5.  For those of you that miss the instant RSS, Donora’s second CD release is tomorrow (Saturday) at The Annex on Route 8.  This show is ALL AGES for $2 at 7PM.  Br’er Fox, The Blonde Girls, and Fight the Flow will also be playing.  If I manage to get off the couch tomorrow this is where I’ll be.

Here are some links/articles/blog posts that are worth a look:

• More playground chat (and a little Schenley history) « Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Blog – a follow up on the presentation about the playgounf of the future
• Welcome baristas and coffee lovers! « Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Barista Competition – Pittsburgh is hosting the Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Barista Competition this winter! Coffee experts will be coming from all over to the great PGH to compete in coffee!
• Autumnal Lasagna – Burghilicious – Another amazing recipe from Lauren!
• Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies – I love that there is a blog about both Pittsbrugh Sports and Mini Ponies. I think "mini ponies" is now the most unique tag we have here at IheartPGH. I hope there are future posts I can tag with "mini ponies"

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Image via WikipediaPittsburgh blogger Julie Gong who writes A Blog of a Good Time has been writing a series of posts called “25 Things You Should Buy Me.” She has some great gift suggestions. While I am not a fan of these hats, and I agree this is , but $700+ is a little too much for my gift lists, here are some of the gift ideas she offers – if you know where to buy these items in Pittsburgh please let me know. Julie – can you add some Pittsburgh items to your list?

• Soup and Sandwich Tray
• BottleBob Bottle Cap Punch – I agree this would also make me want to use a straw more often.
• Don’t Give Up T-shirt – this shirt is really great (even if it is made in Philadelphia) . I like that it is handmade and from the wonderful world of Etsy.
• Coke Bombs – agreed – these are great and they do look like ornaments! I am sure the recycling crafters will make the empty ones into great things too. Where can I find these?

Here are some links/articles/blog posts that are worth a look:

• Franktuary Breakfast Returns! – Take the Franktuary Breakfast survey!
• Congratulations to Good Night, States – Good Night, States was selected as 91.3FM WYEP’s 2008 Local Artist of the Year! We have a nice write-up in their Year-in-Review book that is sent to all station members. Thanks WYEP!
• JPG Magazine: Photos: "oh christmas tree" by Kyle Tennant – this is a really great photo of the tree at PPG rink. JPG magazine is a pretty cool site if you are into digital photography

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