Pittsburgh Dish

Big Mama on the small screen

House of Soul in the Strip featured on CBS

Dish was the first to report on Big Mama's House of Soul, now she's caught the attention of the The Early Show on CBS. This first installment of Mama's restaurant "makeover" aired this morning and there are more segments to come over the next few days.

Congrats Mama!

Caption Contest: The Kill Pit (or is it Point?) Cars

Name that SWAT

Text & photos by Scot Fleming

For a week or two, downtown folks have been passing these movie prop vehicles parked on the Blvd. of the Allies on deck for "Kill Pit". The mandatory Haddad's trucks that normally let everyone know it's a film shoot have been parked around the corner on Wood Street so, at first glance, it seems like quite the lineup of official-looking rides all in one place for no reason for days on end.

They seem super fakey to me but then I was walking with a co-worker who looked up and said "Ooh, the 'Live At Five' van is here!" I reminded her that we don't have a "Live at Five" news channel OR a TV 14 channel.

So we thought it'd be fun to have people speculate on what roles each vehicle might play in the upcoming TV show being filmed in Sh**tsburgh. We'll start you off. If you can do better - fire away:

1. Fake Police Cruiser. Okay this one could go a couple ways. It could be the car of the two main cops - The good looking young divorced rookie who takes care of his Alzheimer's suffering Dad and is secretly loved by his female partner who has a drinking problem and a heart of gold. OR it could be the car of two buddy male cops, one of whom is so near retirement he can taste it and gets shot in the first five minutes of the pilot.

2. Fake TV "Live at Five" Van. This is the van of the number one news team in the city. They have all the good equipment, for example - the fake satellite uplink antenna on the roof that looks like it's from 1994. Transports the longstanding king of reporters - the smarmy, philandering 40 something TV guy (but with a heart of gold) who never made it to anchor because of his temper (and drinking problem) who has done unspeakable things to get the story in the past and treats everyone like dirt including the new reporter on the block.

3. Fake TV "News Watch 14" SUV. This is the vehicle of the third place TV news channel in town. They try hard but they don't have that mean streak that the other guys have. The channel is in danger of being sold off to a big conglomerate mega corp. if they don't get their ratings up. That's where the new, young, plucky, single Mom blonde reporter with a heart of gold comes in. She just got to town and she's going to prove herself or die trying. If she can just curb her drinking - and avoid the advances of the smarmy Live at Five competitor. With his big satellite uplink antenna...

4. Fake SWAT Truck. Sure, it looks like a regular bread truck painted to look like a SWAT truck. But that's where they pull the Hollywood switcheroo on ya. It's secretly a super high-tech mobile crime headquarters where the super intelligent, high-tech criminals plan their super intelligent, high-tech bank robberies from. Wow - criminals hiding in a SWAT vehicle! Who would ever think to look there! Also - in real life, it's where John Leguizamo goes to "walk his poodle." If you know what I mean. (Actually - that wasn't a joke. He really does walk his poodle around town. Seriously. She's a big black poodle with a drinking problem and a heart of gold.)

Okay we're tired. Your turn:

5.Fake Ambulance

6. Fake Armored Bank Truck

7. Fake Passenger/Dectective Car

8. Fake Water Truck

Thief makes out like a bandit

Delivery dude leaves keys in packed-to-the-gills-with-pricy-boob-tubes truck.

Trib reporter Jill King Greenwood describes the windfall today:

A Circuit City employee delivering a television to a Morningside home Wednesday made a mistake that gave a thief a golden opportunity.

When the delivery man went inside the home in the 1700 block of Chislett Street about 11 a.m., he left the keys in the truck's ignition. That's when a man jumped inside the truck and drove away with nearly $14,000 in merchandise in tow, police said.

While he was inside making the delivery, a witness came into the home and told him that a man just drove away with his truck," said Pittsburgh police Cmdr. RaShall Brackney, who is in charge of the city's East Liberty police station. "When the delivery driver ran outside, the truck was gone."

The witness left the scene before police arrived. No description of the suspect was available.

Inside the white box truck were eight televisions and a video game system, Brackney said. One television is worth $5,000; the others were valued at $1,200 apiece. The video game system is worth $400, Brackney said.

The truck has the Circuit City logo on the side, along with the word "Penske." There is a blue stripe running down the side of the trailer, and the truck number -- 301783 -- is marked on the cab and side of the truck, she said.

Phone calls and e-mails to Circuit City's corporate offices in Richmond, Va., were not returned yesterday. Anyone with information about the location of the truck or thief can call city police at 412-665-3605.

Police say it’s possible the Circuit City truck might be seen traveling with a La-Z-Boy, Funions and/or Iron City beer truck.

Like, it's Luke

Mayor Luke's public service announcement yesterday

In case you missed Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on "CBS Sunday Morning" yesterday, the following is the transcript from the show (video not posted on the CBS website). Since its airing, the producers of "Valley Girls, Like, The Sequel" have decided to shoot the film in Pittsburgh.:

CBS— Smokestacks still rise above the three rivers in Pittsburgh, once home to America's steel industry. But today, so do new stadiums, museums and high-tech businesses. It's more than a face-lift — Pittsburghers are trying to draw new money and new energy to town.

Leading the welcome wagon is 27-year-old Luke Ravenstahl. He is America's youngest big city mayor and was thrust into a situation no one saw coming.

Last September popular mayor Bob O'Connor died weeks after he was diagnosed with a fast-developing brain tumor. His death stunned the city. Ravenstahl was catapulted from relative obscurity as city council president into the national spotlight, but he never doubted that he could do the job.

"I never did — honestly, I never did," he told Sunday Morning correspondent Joie Chen. "We knew as a family it would be difficult because of the frenzy and the circumstances under which I would become mayor. But I never had any doubt that I was able to do the job."

He has his work cut out for him. Two years ago, the state pulled Pittsburgh back from the brink of bankruptcy.

"We're upside-down financially, as many Northeastern cities are," Pittsburgh Tribune Review columnist Joseph Mistick said. "We have more revenues going out than coming in."

The other day, the Penguins, the town's hockey team, threatened to leave if they don't get a new arena. In this sports-crazy city, that's a big deal.

Ravenstahl is well aware of that; his family has deep roots here. His grandfather was a state lawmaker who once ran for mayor himself and his father is a prominent judge. The young mayor's resume reads like a playbook for his political ambitions: High school class president, star kicker on his college team, elected to city council at age 23, and married to his high school sweetheart.

"It was hard at first for us to kind of step in and have all these people say, 'Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Mayor, First Lady,'" his wife Erin, who works as a beautician, said. "I still don't consider myself a political wife. Some days we sit there at dinner and I'll say, 'You're the mayor of this city?' We'll like drive through the city, through the tunnel, and I'll be like, 'You're in charge of all that?' It's crazy."

Ravenstahl's critics say it's not just crazy, it's bad for the city.

"Nobody, anywhere in the country is sitting in a big office going, I was gonna move the factory to Cleveland, but I saw that Opie boy, he's the Mayor of Pittsburgh, so we're going to Pittsburgh," stand-up comic and radio talk show host John McIntire said.

McIntire calls him Mayor Opie.

"I flirted with Doogie, and then I actually had people calling into my radio show and vote on Doogie or Opie, and Opie won," he said.

Ravenstahl said he has a thick skin and the insults come with the job. It also helps that he's a Democrat. This city hasn't had a Republican mayor since 1932, but that doesn't mean Ravenstahl has a lock on the job. He faces a tough primary challenge this May, from the guy who used to be known as Pittsburgh's fresh young face, Bill Peduto, a councilman who's butted heads with colleagues over Pittsburgh's financial troubles.

"Two years ago, I ran for Mayor," Peduto said. "I was considered the fresh young face of city government, and they said I was too young to be elected as Mayor. In two years, I've become the city's elder statesman and now I'm too old."

Peduto says, despite the age difference, he's the true progressive candidate and has been endorsed by environmentalists and high-tech leaders. The race could be close, said Mistick.

"They're both smart. In terms of experience and technical knowledge, Bill Peduto is clearly head and shoulders above Luke Ravenstahl," he said. "Luke's not a policy wonk. He's not very experienced in the ways of government, or the world, at age 27, but he does have this image and the excitement he generates, and that's good for our city."

Even Peduto admits that he's not exciting. He's often compared to former Vice President, Al Gore, but he said "Al Gore has more charisma."

While Ravenstahl's got the old-school political instincts: The meet, the greet, the listen, and the photo-op.

"Smart money right now would give it to Luke," Mistick said.

Acting out

NBC might want thee for new comedy

Apparently the peacock network has a new office comedy in the works and wants Pittsburghers to apply for leading roles.

This means you, Bob the IT guy at Del Monte. Put that one season of community theater in Beaver Falls and that brown Big & Tall suit to work. C'mon Bob, it's Trains, Planes & Automobiles meets The Office meets Office Space meets that new Career Builder commercial with the darts meets every sketch comedy on the air.

Just think Bob, this could be your big break. And your auntie won't have to make your costumes anymore.

Pilot for NBC New Comedy Business Class Now Casting

Veteran salesman Chuck Haverchuck is forced to take his new partner Terry O'Hara on a business trip to Duluth for their soft drink company, and the two soon discover that they're poles apart as far as business goes, with Chuck being ruthless and amoral, and Terry guileless and honest.

Role: CHUCK HAVERCHUCK - A born salesman, professional, looks like a winner, incredibly charming, charismatic and completely amoral, Chuck is the top traveling salesman for a popular soda brand. A man with no life outside his job, he's a consummate deal-closer with nothing but contempt for normal emotional reactions or relationships. His own deeply buried emotions were in danger of surfacing when he is partnered with sincere, naive Terry O'Hara.
Male - All Ethnicities

Role: TERRY O'HARA - A family man with an honest face and trusting nature, he's the perfect mark for any salesman; unfortunately, he IS the salesman, in this case, the newly promoted (and clueless) partner of piranha salesman Chuck Haverchuck. Though Terry is embarrassed at his own lack of travel savvy compared to Chuck, he soon becomes horrified at Chuck's utter lack of morals regarding his job. His frustration with Chuck leads to an outburst that shocks both and ultimately ends up clinching their first deal together.
Male - All Ethnicities

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK HERE

Burgh based web series returns

Pittsburgh comedy reaching cult status.

From Erik Schark:

The first episode of the fourth season of “Something To Be Desired," the only ongoing web-based series set and shot in is now available at their website. New episodes will appear every Monday.

Something To Be Desired," or STBD to its fans – a growing legion currently around 3,000 strong from across the globe – is an ongoing web-based comedy series, essentially a TV show that can only be seen on the internet or when downloaded to a portable video device (iPod, etc). It takes place at the fictitious independent radio station WANT and concerns the lives and loves of a group of twentysomethings trying to figure out just what it is they want.It’s part sitcom, part soap opera, occasionally a little raw, frequently hilarious, and completely addictive.

Pittsburgh is very much a character in the showThe music of area bands like The Rockstar Collective, stoned.com and Kingsfoil has been prominently featured; locally-made products have been featured (Little Earth, Torque Denim, etc.); scenes have been filmed during a concert at The Rex, a FLUX art event and an Art Gallery Crawl; and episodes have highlighted numerous local businesses (and occasionally their owners), including Kiva Han, Oztier Magic, Hot Metal Grille, Eljay’s Used Books, and Altar (formerly Sanctuary), to name just a few.  This year, Affogato, The Mattress Factory, HeadQuarters gallery space and more will be added to the list.

The show has made fans as far away as Australia, where best-selling author Max Barry praised it on his blog as having “bucket-loads of talent”. STBD was just the focus of a feature in the New York-based actors’ magazine Backstage. And cult legend Lloyd Kaufman, president of Troma Films, recently took time out from his book tour to appear in a promo for the upcoming season.

Season 4 kicks off September 4 and all upcoming and previous episodes are available via iTunes, the STBD rss feed, or directly from the “Something To Be Desired” website.

Something To Be Desired” was created in 2003 by Justin Kownacki, a 29 year-old Erie native currently living in Highland Park. He writes, directs and produces every STBD episode on his own, with ample input from the cast. Kownacki holds a degree in Computer Animation from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

For additional information, Contact:

Justin Kownacki @ jkownacki@somethingtobedesired.com

Kownacki Productions

Deadwood: The cussin' commences

HBO's potty mouths return. Sports Editor Jody DiPerna recaps the rootin' tootin' series. Read, then go wash your mouths out with soap.

Listen up you hoopleheads: those whores, cocksuckers, Celestials and dirt worshippers in Deadwood are back and not a moment too soon after the Soporifics, er, Sopranos. Any of you hooples who conceive of such an affront to my delicate sensibilities and aristocratic upbringing as watching Season Three without first catching up on Season Two, allow me to refresh you.

Of the greatest import, those cunts in Yankton made their move and the camp will be annexed to Dakota with elections coming. Through slick maneuverings and machinations, his high sliminess, Commission Hugo "Needlenose" Jarry was played by the inimitable Al Swearingen. Of all the foul creatures that despoil the muddy, shit-covered landscape of Deadwood, none is lower than Commissioner Jarry, of whom the departed Mr. Wolcott succinctly said, "I am a sinner who does not expect forgiveness. But I am not a government official."

After nearly killing each other on the public thoroughfare, Swearingen and Bullock mended their fences and put the camp in its best stead. They also solidified their own positions against the government cocksuckers and the gold interests of George Hearst. Once Swearingen and Doc Cochran dispatched with those nasty gleets that plumb blocked Al’s piss passage, of course.

Separately, Al made a new and surprising ally in the widow Garrett to foil the nefarious plans of those interests in New York City who live with their heads up their asses most of the time, once the inscrutable Ms. Isringhausen tipped her Pinkerton shitheel agenda to Al. Alma herself became an unlikely stalwart of the camp, banking a bank with her bonanza gold claim to be run by Sol Starr. Alma also attempted to purchase EB's Grand Central Hotel, just for the pleasure of putting Farnum out in one of my favorite moments of Season Two. Even out of his depth, Farnum stalled Garrett and was eventually bought, along with his hotel, by George Hearst, for a cool $100,000 cash. Last we saw of Alma, she was fixing to bear a child (Bullock's) and had just married the noble and steady Ellsworth. Good move, Alma. Ellsworth rocks.

The mysterious Mr. W floated into town, lead man for "he whose name Cy Tolliver must never speak", but I can: George Hearst (of the Comstock.) Wolcott had gold on his mind and murder in his heart. And very bad taste in allies, I might add, enlisting both Farnum and Tolliver. I need to brush and floss and bathe just thinking about that. After slashing the throats of three whores at Joanie Stubbs' newly opened "Chez Amie," Wolcott took a violent and very public beating from Joanie's friend and protector, deputy Charlie Udder. Once Hearst upbraided Wolcott for his predilection for killing whores, Wolcott hanged himself within hearing distance of the Ellsworth-Garrett wedding party. I will miss Garrett Dillahut, though. Since Milch used him in Season One as the coward McCall, I wonder if we might see him again in yet another role this season?

Joanie Stubbs escaped Wolcott's blade and even dished out a bit of harsh medicine to Wolcott by applying a bottle of Kentucky bourbon to his head. See, Jane somehow wasn't there to guard the Chez Amie, given that she's fucking drunk most of the time, even though refined spirits do sometimes convulse her. However, Jane moved in with Joanie shortly thereafter. Speaking on behalf of the entire camp, thanks to Joanie for finally getting Jane to take a fucking bath. If Jane's not "working" at the Chez Amie, I wonder if might she just devote her attentions to Joanie? I think Joanie would like that very much indeed.

Over in Chink Alley, my beloved Mr. Wu proved out in his war with the San Francisco cocksucker, with the help of Adams, Dohirty and Johnny Burns. In so doing, Wu cemented himself as the head Celestial in camp, agreeing to supply what amounts to as slave labor to the Hearst concerns. He also cut his hair and declared to Al, "Wu - America." Roughly translated, I think that means, Ich Bin Ein Hooplehead. But my Cantonese is a little sketchy. Of course, the entire camp mourned the loss of young William Bullock, new to the camp, along with his mother, Martha Bullock. None mourned it more than Tom Nutall, who felt unjustly responsible for the lad's death. Also gravely upset was that idiot racist Steve. I thought I sensed a little precious pedophilia moment between Steve and young William, just before William was run over by the run away stallion. But it may just be that I read the Boston Globe too often.

Somehow, Martha and Seth survived William's funeral. Is Andy Cramed the absolute worst preacher you've ever seen in your life? My God, I mean, my God. And yes, the whores did come. Despite her immeasurable grief, Martha was staying put in Deadwood with Sheriff Bullock and intending to teach the camp's children. I wonder, other than Sophia, are there any others? Now that William is dead, I mean. Anyways, details.

In fear of reprisals, the Nigger General and Hostetler high-tailed it out of camp following William's death, with Hostetler promising to return.

Over at the Bella Union, Cy Tolliver may or may not survive the shiv expertly applied to his abdominal region by Andy Cramed and if he does, he may not survive his very tenuous alliance with George Hearst. Of course, I never know what the fuck Cy is talking about anyway.

As for me, I can hardly wait to see if Trixie learns her decibels, if Adams finds a better use for his prick than Ms. Isringhausen and just what Al has in store for everybody. Laws. Telegraphs. Schools. A bank. Government. All coming to a camp near you.

No matter what happens, I’ll be ready, as will Swearingen, no doubt. "Pain or damage don't end the world; or despair or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man and give some back."

Photos: Director David Milch's note to DiPerna: "To Jody, You big cocksucker."