Friday, December 2, 2011

Students Hold Vigil for Jacob Dannels

Senior musical theatre major Sam Tanabe writes a message for Jacob Dannels in the park at Point Park University's vigil held for Dannels. Dannels, a former Point Park University student, passed away Nov. 23.

Point Park University students gather in the university park to hold a vigil for Jacob Dannels. Dannels, a former Point Park University student, passed away Nov. 23.

Fred Dannels bows his head in prayer during a vigil for his son Jacob Dannels at Point Park University's park. Dannels, a former Point Park University student, passed away Nov. 23.

Fred Dannels bows his head in prayer during a vigil for his son Jacob Dannels at Point Park University's park. Dannels, a former Point Park University student, passed away Nov. 23.

Senior sport, arts and entertainment management major Samantha Danaher lights Fred Dannels' candle during a vigil for Dannels' son Jacob Dannels in Point Park University's park. Dannels, a former Point Park University student, passed away Nov. 23.

Photographer's note: RIP Jake, my former neighbor, brief teammate and shuttle buddy. You were the most vibrant, pleasant person to run into, and you never failed to brighten my day after a short shuttle ride conversation.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

2011 Elections

McKee Place Fire Department Constable Steve Sortino watches over his polling location.

The Oakland resident has served as a constable for 12 years, and a committee man for eight years. He said he has lived in Oakland for most of his life and wants to see positive changes made, and that's why he votes and involves himself in the election process.

Sortino said he was disappointed in the day's turnout, having only about 30 voters by 3 p.m.

"If you care about what's going on in your city, in your neighborhood, you need to be out and voting," Sortino said. "It doesn't matter if you're student, it still affects you."


University of Pittsburgh junior Brian Dunleavy votes at votes at the fire department at Louisa St. and McKee Place.

Dunleavy said a voting recruiter got him excited about voting his freshman year, and he's valued voting ever since.

"People fought, and some still fight, for this right to vote," Dunleavy said. "So I can't think of any reason not to do it."











University of Pittsburgh political science junior Chris Quinn votes at the fire department at Louisa St. and McKee Place.

Quinn said he was encouraged to register his freshman year, and he's voted in every election since.

"It's really important to vote, and it's our duty to vote," Quinn said.




Judge of Elections Stella Gentile stand in front of her polling location at 16 Oakland Square.

Gentile owns the Oakland home and has hosted the election at her home for over 25 years, and she said she is one of few who still host the election in their homes.

"At other places, people sign in, vote and leave," Gentile said. "This is a warm, social atmosphere, and people don't just leave, they want to stay a little while."








Oakland resident Nancy Boyd, 87, votes at the fire department at Louisa St. and McKee Place.

Boyd has lived and voted in Oakland her entire life, only missing one election since she was 21 years old. She said no matter the issue or state of the economy, it's important that residents pay attention to local politics and vote.

"Oakland today is nothing like Oakland used to be, and it can be sad," Boyd said. "I vote because I care about this neighborhood."

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

A Portrait of Pittsburgh's Stair Climbers

University of Pittsburgh senior medical student Calvin stands on the Sterling Avenue stairs on Oct. 18. Calvin he's climbed these stairs everyday for three years for his commute between Oakland and his South Side Slopes Apartment. "It gets really tiring, and you have to have really good shoes in the winter," Calvin said.

Duquesne sophomore Taylor stands on the stairs leading from First Avenue to Duquesne University on Oct. 19. Taylor said she takes the steps about three times a week. "On days when I don't feel like making the hike, I go through the tunnel. It's noisier, but much easier," she said.

Duquesne University communications professor Jeff stands stands on the stairs leading from First Avenue to Duquesne University on Oct. 19. Jeff takes the stairs everyday from his apartment on Mount Washington. He said parking is more difficult, and he likes the daily challenge. "I can literally say I go uphill both ways to and from school," Jeff said.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Carnegie Mellon Invitational

Junior broadcast journalism major Dylan Grunn competes Oct. 8 at the Carnegie Mellon University Invitation at Schenley Park.

Senior environmental science major Reuben Rono competes Oct. 8 at the Carnegie Mellon University Invitation at Schenley Park.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

A cold, wet fall morning at the Schenley Oval

I went out this morning searching for CRY Pittsburgh's 7th Annual 5k walk/run benefit race, and found nothing but a sopping wet track. After dressing in multiple layers of shirts, pants, socks and gloves, I wasn't leaving without some images. Here ya go.

Impromptu Steeplechase course.

Wet, foggy view of Pittsburgh.

Squirrel Hill resident David Einav trains through the rain on Oct. 2 at the Schenley Oval Sportsplex. Einav plans to run a half marathon in one and one half years. Though he hasn't chosen the specific race yet, he said he trains hard at least three times a week and then rests his body so he can do it all over again.

Sopwith Camels' forward Mark Gualtieri trains on Oct. 2 at the Schenley Oval Sportsplex for the team's upcoming indoor season. The 17-member team is an over 30 pub fĂștbol team in Pittsburgh, and their first game is Oct. 4.