2008, while had some very painful moments for the Woy clan, was the source of the greatest joy we could ever ask for. WoyGirl has been and continues to be a blessing for us. I’ve been able to see, catch up, and reconnect with my dearest friends as well as make some great new ones. It certainly was one that was full of new adventures, change, and loss.
I typically don’t make resolutions when a new year comes around. I know many resolve to change some deeply rooted habit or take up something new. I always try to enter the new year with a fresh perspective and things in mind that I’d like to do. Perhaps I don’t formally put them into resolutions so I can be flexible. Or maybe I just don’t want to set myself up for failure.
One thing that is for certain is that there will be some changes. Some of those will surprise you, but rest assured that it is all good in the end.
I welcome 2009 with high hopes - and my wish for you is that you are doing the same.
January 5th, 2009 in
Personal | tags:
2008,
2009,
WoyGirl |
3 Comments
One of my favorite things to read is Slate Magazine’s Explainer column, which tries to unearth the answers to questions you’ve always wanted to know the answers to (and some that you didn’t). Every year they do a wrap-up with a question that went unanswered - and again they’re allowing people to vote for their favorite.
Some of them read like Craig Kilborn’s Five Questions (which I sorely miss) from the original Daily Show. There’s this one: “Why do the women gymnasts walk around between events with that goofy arm-swing gait?” (Answer: I don’t know… because they are built like brick shithouses?)
Any questions that you’ve always wanted to have answered? I’ve linked to the answer of a popular question that’s also the title of the post.
“I need you to nuke my blog.”
When I saw those words sent over three weeks ago as as part of a direct message from Twitter, my heart sank. Without knowing any of the facts or the details, I knew right then that The Burgh Blog had come to an end. As PittGirl said as part of her very eloquent goodbye - we both knew the day would come.
Even now that some time has passed, it doesn’t make her departure any easier.
Over the days between when PittGirl first said she needed to shutdown The Burgh Blog and the plug was actually pulled early on that Tuesday morning, I had several discussions with her on how it would be done and how it would be received. I told her that I thought this was a big deal - not because I thought it was a particularly newsworthy event, but more that people would have an emotional reaction to it. I also thought there would be some press, but had no idea how much. She was truly stunned at how people reacted.
Even all the while her fanbase was lamenting her exit from the Burghosphere, it became clear that PittGirl was not sunshine, rainbows, and fuzzy bunnies to everyone in the city. While not agreeing with them, I could see the perspective of some of their criticisms. Some felt strongly that she should have stood by her blog with her real identity and backed up her words with a face. Others didn’t like the fact that she didn’t regularly blog about serious issues such as the current status of worldwide nuclear proliferation, the problems with Fifth and Forbes, or the shitastic state of the Port Authority.
Separate from all those was one criticism that came off as just plain ridiculous and smelled of a tinge of jealousy: she isn’t a good writer.
Come on. Really? Are you serious?
PittGirl, as I and others have observed, is a great writer who happened to blog. While you might not have liked everything she wrote (I didn’t on occasion), you had to respect the consistent quality of her material.
Much was made of the strong reaction by media, bloggers, and readers when she hung up her heels. Snarky remarks abounded about how people need not jump off the Rachel Carson bridge or do faceplants from the top of Mt. Washington. It’s true - here we are three weeks later and Pittsburgh survives. It is now, however, an emptier Pittsburgh. Human beings are creatures of habit. We love routine. When something is disruptive of that status quo, it becomes uncomfortable. Couple that change with the deep emotional investment many readers had made over the course of months or even years and you start to understand why many lost their shit for a few days.
I’ll let the words of others express what The Burgh Blog meant to the city and why it was better for her writing. It will only come as biased coming from me anyway.
Instead, I will tell you what she’s meant to me.
What started over three years ago as a request for a sit-down for my nascent interview blog turned into something much more for me. I was able to assist a very talented writer as she created something very special. The funny thing is that she didn’t know she was creating it while it was being created. A week into The Burgh Blog’s life I knew that it was something that would become popular… perhaps the only prescient thought I’ve ever had. The common refrain I always heard with those new to The Burgh Blog was, “I started reading and was immediately hooked.” So many were able to identify with her even though she was unidentifiable.
She never had lofty goals or grand designs on self-promotion. If anything, I am greatly responsible in calling attention to her anonymity by creating the silhouette trademark when doing her first blog template several years ago. She had never really sought out a way to make money from The Burgh Blog - it was only within the final months that I even brought up the idea of sponsorships or other sorts of supportive revenue. She simply wanted to write and share her thoughts through a creative outlet. And she did just that. Reliably. Nearly every day and often several times a day. Her blog really was a joy to read and I deeply miss it every day.
Most importantly - I gained a great friendship. PittGirl and I had lunch on a semi-regular basis where we would talk about The Burgh Blog and the Burghosphere. We’d also discuss our personal lives and what was going on with our jobs. I would seek her counsel on matters both professional and personal and she would do the same. When Mrs. Woy was in the hospital for the Battle of the Clot and the Delivery of WoyGirl, she was very supportive and I communicated with her along with family and close friends. She was a shameless promoter of WearPittsburgh and was behind it from the very beginning without asking for anything in return. Incidentally, all proceeds of the newest PittGirl shirts will be going to her - it’s the least I can do to thank her for all that she’s done.
The second most asked question that I would get behind “who is she?” is “what’s she like?” In many ways she’s how she wrote - hilariously funny, a tremendous storyteller, and fiercely loves her family and Pittsburgh.
And she’s what made The Burgh Blog extraordinary.
Thank you, Jane, for three and a half awesome years. I’m honored to have been at your service.
PITTSBURGH, PA - A recent visitor to a local Pittsburgh area bathroom believed he had found a relic from Library of Alexandria which has been presumed lost for over 2,000 years.
John Theiss, a local theatrical stunt double and amateur archeologist, had gone in to “drop wolf bait” when he saw what he considered a “tome of profound knowledge.” After gingerly picking up the book and reading some of the text, he surmised that this was material that must have escaped before the visit of Caesar and subsequent mysterious destruction of the Library.
In sharing his initial impressions, Theiss said that “the knowledge in this codex has the potential to re-shape our understanding of the ancient world and the ability of its inhabitants to foretell the future.” He points in particular to a page that points to Noah’s Ark having a shuffleboard court nearly over 4,000 before it was thought the sport to be invented in Europe. “This is incredible! The revelation of how Noah and the Ark’s inhabitants passed their time. The measurements are exact: 25 cubits by 4 cubits.” When asked about his knowledge of cubit measurements, Theiss could only respond with two words: Bill Cosby.
Mr. Theiss goes on to say, “Another revelation in this compendium is that the Rosetta Stone is not wholly accurate. Think of what that means to the entire underpinnings of our language! The origin of centuries of war could perhaps be traced to this very draft copy. Or at least explain the speaking skills of our current president.”
After informing the homeowner of his discovery, Theiss went to the Carnegie Museum to share what he had found. We spoke with Dr. Richard Anderson, archeologist-in-residence at the museum to get his thoughts.
“When this layman Theiss first approached us speaking of Alexandria and having a profound discovery for the ages, we were genuinely excited,” Dr. Anderson said in his office which smelled of rich mahogany.
“After, oh, probably 30 seconds with him and his ‘ancient digest’ we quickly realized that the gentlemen was completely out of his f-ing mind.”
Dr. Anderson continues, barely containing his laughter, “I mean, didn’t he see the references to current and recent political and religious figures? Urinals? And anything out of Alexandria would be on a scroll of papyrus. A bound book with a barcode on the back? This guy makes Indiana Jones look like a Nobel Laureate.” When asked for his professional opinion of the book’s origin, he waves his hands and says, “Seriously. You need to get out of my office.”
When confronted with Dr. Anderson’s professional assessment, Theiss stands by his initial determination. “I believe that the Oracle of Delphi had visions that found their way into this book, hence the predictions and stories about the modern age. That Dr. at the museum doesn’t want the world to see something which will shake it’s very foundations.”
Mike Woycheck, the owner of the home in suburban Pittsburgh, shrugged at the notion of having such a world-changing book in his possession. “Huh? The book from my bathroom? I wondered if that guy had taken it. He said he was ‘on his way to a movie shoot nearby’ and needed to ‘drop trow’. Next thing I knew he said he made an incredible discovery and had to leave immediately. Truthfully I was scared to go in there after that.”
Mr. Woycheck subsequently revealed the origin of the book, “Friends of mine wrote that book and it’s outstanding. World changing? I guess readers would be the judge. Wait, the judge is dead. The deciders. The deciders? That’s it. The deciders.”
————————
This post is to serve as a tribute to my friends who have come out with a new book!
“Zombies Ate My Headlines” from the incredibly funny authors of the Carbolic Smoke Ball, is a compendium of fake news stories that have appeared on the same named website over the past few years. It’s now available directly on the Carbolic Smoke website. It’s also available from Amazon.com if you’re buying other stuff from there. I recommend going to them directly, though!
You can also go to an event at Joseph Beth booksellers on December 10th at 7pm where members of the Carbolic team will be there along with Rick Sebak and other local personalities!
Carbolic had been a fixture of the local Pittsburgh blogging scene for years and now is a national website. A great gift for a loved one who appreciates satire. Check it ‘aht today!
Yinz Team, for the uninitiated, is a team of social media creators in Pittsburgh that often come together to play a Constant Variety of Sports. We had played together previously as part of the PSL for the summer softball league. TheJim of Sportsocracy fame was able to marshall a gathering of aspiring football warriors for a game this past Saturday.
A competitive (but friendly) game between Team Rugby and Team Bling at Bellevue Memorial** Park featured great individual efforts - including a standout performance by Terry Tate TheJim as the Keystone Light Player of the Game. Uncle Crappy was my nemesis throughout the game and I can tell you that he’s one hell of a downfield blocker. He also peeled off my blown coverage and got a nice touchdown.
Final score? Not sure - 6-5(?). Team Bling definitely emerged as the champions.
My fantasy*** stats: 5-10, 65 yards, 1 PassTD, 1 RushTD, 104.17 passer rating, 1 RecTD. And, as some have pointed out, I looked like the Travelocity gnome.
Photo by Rob de la Cretaz
Thanks everyone for an awesome time and I look forward to playing again next year.
Courtesy of Uncle Crappy's blog
More recaps here, here, and here.
* after doing some research, I was able to determine that the “first annual” moniker is appropriate here since we intend to do it again. As Anthony pointed out - “inaugural” would work as well.
** I’m pretty sure the “memorial” part is the site of KDKA correspondent Jim Lokay’s ACL tear.
*** fantasy being the very keyword here. Pass statistics are based upon half-assed estimates.
Before I write a post of my own about The Burgh Blog’s ride into the sunset, I wanted to read what others were saying about her departure. As I started going through them, I thought I should round them up here. Normally I’m not about link vomit but I hope you will grant me license to do so now:
City of Pittsburgh: “The End of an Era.”
Jim Lokay from KDKA: “She never forgot where she came from, and so many can learn from her words.”
From the Admiral: “Nobody did it better than PittGirl.”
DJLunchbox from Thoughtful Riot: “PittGirl has decided to hang up her keyboard.”
Mind Bling: “If you ever need anything, tape an X on your window. I’ll know what it means.”
What Would Chuck Bass Do?: “You will be missed, and I will keep drinking on ‘moving forward’.”
Screaming Weasel: “it was done with fun, and it wasn’t done with income from Google ads.”
Ms. Papuga: “It’s like saying goodbye to a college friend you don’t know if you’ll ever see again.”
PGH is a City: “Au revoir, PittGirl.”
2 Political Junkies: “PittGirl says goodbye to blogging making it safe once more to look for love (and other stuff)on craigslist.”
The Blog of Burgher Jon: “…one of the coolest things about the burgh.”
Keeping Up with the Belks (from NC): “Good Luck, Pittgirl. The expats will miss you.”
Sesquipedalian Prose: “Tonight, before, during, and after the Penguins game, a Zima shall be poured on the ground to let the fallen take a last drink.”
Uncle Crappy: “Thanks, PittGirl, for three awesome years.”
Jennie at Bricks and Boxes: “Today, we are all PittGirl.”
Jen at Can We Talk?: “I still don’t get things, but I feel that reading her blog helped me with the transition and I became comfortable enough to eventually call myself a Pittsburgher.”
Father Spoon at My Blog n’at: “PittGirl broke up with all of us today and headed off into blogger retirement.”
Liferants: “We were shocked to find out today that one of our favorite reads shutdown.”
Fresh Pittsburgh (HBIC): “Because one of the most popular blogs about Pittsburgh The Burgh Blog is no more. and although its sad for some, I say YAY!!!!.”
BurghBaby (via OMGPittsburgh): “Thanks, PittGirl, not just for supporting fellow bloggers, but also for the daily laughs. The Burgh Blog will be missed.”
Erin Patricia: “Thank you for being Pittsburgh.”
Mme. Trois-Rivieres at Out of the Burgh, In the Pitts.: “It was The Burgh Blog that sparked my interest in writing about the city I love so very much, in making it funny and sweet and most of all making other people think about seeing Pittsburgh the way I do.”
Clumberkim: “So many of the ‘burgh faithful, not to mention several dozen self-united husbands, join me in mourning today.”
Rebellious Flaw: “Whatever her rationale for doing so, everyone reaches a point when they must move on. And, for PittGirl now is that time.”
Pop City - A Fan’s Perspective: “Let’s face it: PittGirl … just got Pittsburgh.”
Dennis Roddy - The Post Gazette: “Visitors to TheBurghBlog.com, the Internet site through which thousands daily wandered through PittGirl’s world of pigeon-stomping, imaginary celebrity marriages and occasional invective hurled at miscreants great and obscure, were met with a simple text message: ‘I’ve got to say goodbye to you all.’”
Andrew Stockey - WTAE: “She didn’t hide behind it as much she used it to truly say what she felt and what was on her mind. Had she used it to just rip on people, I doubt she would have had thousands log onto her site daily.”
WWVB: “Her blog became a new neighborhood, as much a part of the Burgh as all the dinky hamlets along the rivers.“
The World of Threes: “It’ll be very similar to when they reveal the last Cylon on Battlestar Galactica or the writers tell you what’s really going on on “Lost” — the mystery is 90 percent of the fun. Go with it. Enjoy it. And let it be.”
Sorgatron.com: “Goodnight @PittGirl. Whereever you are…”
Michael Fulk’s blog: “We’ll miss her random and somewhat snarky commentary on happenings in Pittsburgh, quirky nicknames for politicians and celebrities, hatred of pigeons and everything.”
timesonline.com: “Goodbye to The Burgh Blog”
The Busman’s Holiday: “Someone recently said to me of PittGirl, ‘I know who she is!’ I didn’t even ask.”
Corner Press: “PittGirl taught me so much, not just about loving Pittsburgh, but loving blogging.”
Brain Lint: “Her extreme hate of pigeons, Love/Hate relationship with the Duke of Fug and the Earl of Gross and her “move forward’ drinking game sure did make me smile.”
red pen mama: “… I would feel remiss if I didn’t mention that PittGirl had become probably my favorite Burgh Blogger to date …”
Writing by Ear: “Writer to writer, I’ll miss her.”
Pittsburgh Hoagie: “Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?”
Sesquipedalian Prose: “I have jumped on the bandwagon just as the bandwagon stopped moving.”
More of Mandy: “Sadly, one of Pittsburgh’s most entertaining writers has closed up shop.”
Plus the countless Tweets, Plurks, and other sorts of micro-mentions.
These are the ones that I have found to date. If you’ve found more, please include them in the comments and I’ll add them.
They say that the road to Hell is paved with the best of intentions.
If that’s the case, I created the 6-lane no-toll express lane that would make Dwight D. Eisenhower proud when I set out to do NaBloPoMo this month. I was successful last year, succeeding in doing one post per day (with some two-a-days to catch up).
This year… not so much. Fail. Epic Fail. Two days. TWO DAYS! Like the losing team in a sad NFL game that’s pretty much over by halftime… It’s time for a sharp scolding in the locker room and a all-out effort in the second half to salvage some respect.
Problem is: the depth chart is pretty thin and I’m the only quarterback we’ve got.
November 12th, 2008 in
Blogging | tags:
fail,
nablopomo |
4 Comments
2008, while had some very painful moments for the Woy clan, was the source of the greatest joy we could ever ask for. WoyGirl has been and continues to be a blessing for us. I’ve been able to see, catch up, and reconnect with my dearest friends as well as make some great new ones. It certainly was one that was full of new adventures, change, and loss.