Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/super-cool-ad-inserter/inc/scaip-shortcode-inserter.php on line 37

rom: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/andrewsblog/index.html

Andrew Stockey’s Blog

Cool Weekend

Unlike Steelers safety Anthony Smith, I never guarantee anything … and that includes the weekend. I never know whether it’s going to be fun or a complete bore. This one wound up being pretty cool.

Friday, I had the honor of serving as emcee for the annual Ronald H. Brown Leadership Gala at the Westin Convention [Center], which is presented by the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. While it’s a chance to celebrate those working towards racial equality in Pittsburgh, it’s also a chance for “Black” Pittsburgh to come together and share stories and renew acquaintances. There is a strong black community here and it’s rare we all get to celebrate our heritage and success. …

… Of course, the whole weekend wasn’t pomp and circumstance. Sunday, my buddy Jim invited me to the Ray Mansfield Steelers Smoker on the South Side. It’s an annual fund-raiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs and a tribute to the late Steeler center known as “The Ranger.” Steelers legend Andy Russell hosts the party — which essentially is a cigar party and auction during the Steelers-Patriots game.

I’m not a smoker, but I do like the occasional cigar and I actually smoked two last night. After sucking those down, I now know why I don’t smoke. Boy, did I have a headache and a bit of a cigar buzz. Still, it was nice to have a night out hanging with the “guys” and watching football. As for the game, all I will say is that I’m not surprised the Steelers got stomped — and I think way too much was made out of that “guarantee” by Smith. I may not know a lot of things [in] life, but I do know that no team was ever motivated by something someone said in the locker room. If you need that to get psyched up for a game, that maybe you should find other employment.