Obligatory Pittsburgh Post

It's the end of the world as we know it!

Forget the Zombie Apocalypse, here's the real signs that the End Times are upon us:

1) The Pittsburgh Pirates are tied for first place! (Yes, the baseball team.)

2) Lil Mayor Luke suddenly discovers that he's for same-sex marriage! (That would be just in time for PrideFest and just two months after he wasn't. Sniff, sniff. Is that an election I smell?)

3) Lil Mayor Luke also comes out as pro choice! Just kidding! I guess we all can relax -- the world's really not coming to an end.

One Thing The Pirates Are Getting Right.

A press release from my friend Sue:

The Pittsburgh Pirates will unveil their contribution to the It Gets Better Project during pre-game on Friday, May 4, 2012. The video features Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle and pitchers Joel Hanrahan and Jeff Karstens discussing the impact of bullying on youth and urging their young fans to seek help if they are experiencing bullying. The video will be released on YouTube and appear on the It Gets Better Project’s website at www.itgetsbetter.org.

“Bullying is a serious issue that simply cannot be tolerated. We feel it is important to get the message out that there is no place in our society for bullying anyone for any reason,” said Pirates President Frank Coonelly. “The organization is pleased to utilize our resources to help call attention to this subject and to encourage those that have been a victim of bullying to come forward and seek help.”

The Pirates will be working with the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh (GLCC) and the local chapter of the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to build relationships with LGBT youth on an ongoing basis. The video launch includes a private meet and greet between members of the Pirates team and youth involved with the GLCC. Members of the community are invited to join the youth for the premiere of the video and enjoy the game at discounted rates. The Lambda Foundation has teamed up with the Pirates’ Community Relations to make the game accessible for the youth’s families and siblings.

Good for them.  The 11-14 Pirates host the 12-12 Reds from Cincinnati at PNC Park.

C-SPAN footage of Romney in Pittsburgh

(Nice partial seal, SNL Art Dept.)

Ask the Pittsburgh Pirates to make a video for the "It Gets Better Project"

Via Sue from Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents:

Are you familiar with the "It Gets Better Project"

Recently, a series of Major League Baseball teams have contributed videos to the project. The first team was the San Francisco Giants followed by the Cubs, Red Sox and the Mariners. According to the project, other teams are considering signing on.

So I contacted the Pirates Diversity Manager whom I've met and began a dialogue about the project. I recruited some other folks to advocate for our community and teamed up with Equality PA (they are also working with the Phillies).

The time has come for fans to weigh in so we set up a Change.org petition, much like folks did in the home cities of the teams listed above. Please take a moment to follow the link and sign on. Include a message in the comments section if you like. But please remember, we are in encouragement mode.

The Pirates hosted their first "Pride Night at PNC Park" in 2004 so there is precedent for them to work with our community. And I would hope they would appreciate that taking a stance against bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity is not exactly a controversial LGBTQ rights stance. It is tremendously important issue and the more allies the project gains, the more we can hope to improve the lives of youth in our community.

Here's the link. Please pass it around. http://www.change.org/petitions/ask-the-pittsburgh-pirates-to-make-a-video-for-the-it-gets-better-project

Who knew?

General Stanley Allen McChrystal and
Pittsburgh Pirate Pierogi (Andrew Kurtz)

Who knew that the Pittsburgh Pirates and the White House have the same HR people?

Both McChrystal and Kurtz publicly criticized their respective bosses. Kurtz was fired then quickly rehired, McChrystal offered may offer his resignation, but as of right now still has his job.

Still, I'd recommend that you not try this move at home.

NOTE: I'm compelled to mention that while looking for links/photos for this post, I stumbled across this piece in The Atlantic which found a similar parallel. Apparently, Chris Good and I think along the same wavelength (and may God have mercy upon his soul).