West End

I took this picture of an old diner called LaVerne's located in the West End (originally named Temperanceville) in Pittsburgh. Little known fact about this now-abandoned diner: it's located at 113 S. Main Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15220.

LaVerne's did not always look like this. In fact, the diner served as a location for the Kevin Smith movie "Dogma." According to a January 28, 2004 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, owner and "matriarch" LaVerne Yorkgitis died December 18, 2003 at the age of 78. Not long after her death, her family closed down the diner. As you can see, the structure of the building is one of the few stainless steel traditional design railroad dining cars.

One of the first impressions that I got while wandering through the West End was "Wow... this neighborhood needs a revitalization." Unfortunately, the above-stated Main Street doesn't really offer much but then again, in this day and age of shopping malls and Wal-Marts, do many Main Streets do?

The West End is known for its West End Overlook which has a killer view of the city - probably the most famous views of downtown Pittsburgh. Once again, unfortunately, the day I was in the West End was a hazy hazy day. I couldn't quite capture that amazing view of Pittsburgh with my Cybershot, despite having a very excellent camera.

Maybe some other time....

Squirrel Hill

This picture was taken outside the Beth Shalom synagogue in Squirrel Hill. I had never seen this before. My experience with Squirrel Hill has been limited in the previous seven years. To be honest, I've never really ventured outside of Murray Avenue or Shady Avenue.

Several things Squirrel Hill is widely known for are its large residential area and its Jewish community. According to a 2002 study by the United Jewish Federation, 33 percent of the Jewish population of greater Pittsburgh lives in Squirrel Hill, and another 14 percent in the surrounding area.

When one walks around Squirrel Hill, to me, I think you get a sense of family and community. People who live in Squirrel Hill have either been there for decades or perhaps a new family wanting to establish roots.

Personally, one of my pet peeves regarding Squirrel Hill is the jaywalkers. Aarrgh! I hate driving through Squirrel Hill because a majority of the aforementioned residences don't believe in Green means "go" and Red means "don't go." One day people will learn this lesson.... one day, all you Squirrel Hill folks.