“Out of the Furnace,” film has Western PA roots

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
May 2, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Movies

Hollywood has returned to the city of Pittsburgh and so has Batman. Well, at least the actor who portrayed Batman From the Batman Trilogy, Christian Bale, returned to Western Pennsylvania to star in a new film titled, "Out of the Furnace." Forest Whitaker, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana,... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Kennywood, a Pittsburgh tradition

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
April 25, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Local amusement park Kennywood has been a Pittsburgh tradition since 1898.  Originally started as a destination point for streetcar riders on the weekends, Kennywood was started by the Monongahela Street Railway Company.  Andrew Mellon, the majority owner of the company, was instrumental in leasing... Read more »

Reflecting on RMU’s Spring Career Fair

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
April 22, 2013
Filed under News

On Tuesday April 9, 2013, Robert Morris University hosted its annual Spring Career Fair at the Sewall Center.  Numerous businesses were on hand to offer potential job opportunities to qualified candidates.  A number of RMU alumni and current students attended the event. Appropriate dress attire... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Changes to be made at EQT

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
April 17, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Changes to EQT Corporation business operations will go into effect later this year.  EQT Corporation and People’s Natural Gas announced on December 20, 2012, an agreement had been reached for People’s Natural Gas to purchase EQT subsidiary Equitable Gas Company.  Equitable Gas Company is EQT Corporation’s... Read more »

Disney embedded in pop culture

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
April 9, 2013
Filed under Lifestyles, Opinion/Editorial

On the evening of Thursday April 4, 2013 at 7:30 in the lower level of Salem Hall, students gathered for a unique discussion- Disney princesses in pop culture.  Leading the discussion was John Locke, Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development along with Sophomore, Jessica Blodgett.  ... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: The Legacy of J&L Steel

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
April 3, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Even with most of the steel industry gone, Pittsburgh is still known as the Steel City.  When people think Pittsburgh & steel, they might think of the Steelers or steel workers.  People may also think of Pittsburgher Andrew Carnegie, who revolutionized the steel industry in the Pittsburgh region. Andrew... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Amtrak Service to Stay

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
March 27, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs

Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Corbett, his administration, and Amtrak have reached a deal to keep daily Pittsburgh to Harrisburg passenger train service. Daily passenger train service from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg was in jeopardy due to state maintaining and funding.  Those who use Amtrak service daily... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: A Pittsburgh Special

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
March 22, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

This is a special for ‘Round about Pittsburgh.  Every city has interesting history and facts, and without a doubt, Pittsburgh is one of these cities.  The following information is a list compiled of interesting facts about Pittsburgh history.   The Pittsburgh Pirates & Boston Red Sox... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Westinghouse Nuclear Moves Forward

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
March 14, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs

Westinghouse Electric Company announced on March 11, 2013; the completion of the first concrete pour at their AP1000 nuclear facility under construction in South Carolina. The next day Westinghouse announced the company signed an agreement with The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Ltd, to... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Harold Betters – A Pittsburgh Legend

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
March 2, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Harold Betters or as some Pittsburghers call him, Mr. Trombone is one of many jazz musicians to have grown up in the Pittsburgh region.  Originally from Connellsville, Pennsylvania Harold Betters quickly became a Pittsburgh Legend among the city’s local jazz clubs.  For over four decades the man... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Schenley High Sold

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 28, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs

A former High School in the Pittsburgh Public School District has been sold.  Built in 1916 in North Oakland, Schenely High School was named after Pittsburgh philanthropist Mary Schenley, who donated the land the school, was built on. Edward Stotz designed Schenley High School in a triangle shape. ... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh History: Horne’s & Kaufmann’s

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 26, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Horne’s and Kaufmann’s department stores that once graced downtown Pittsburgh for over 100 years might be gone but will always be remembered.  Both department stores had numerous locations around the city but remained headquartered in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  Joseph Horne started his department... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: I Scream for Ice Cream

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 20, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Known for the legendary Skyscraper ice cream cones, Klondikes, and Chipped Ham, the name Isaly’s was once well known throughout Ohio and western Pennsylvania.  With headquarters in Youngstown Ohio and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Islay’s was the first restaurant, chain grocery and deli store.  During... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: PNC CEO To Step Down

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 17, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc, better known as PNC, announced February 14, 2013 current President William Demchak, will succeed current chief executive officer (CEO) James Rohr effective April 23, 2013. James Rohr will step down as chief executive officer at the 2013 Annual Meeting and retire... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Alcoa Celebrating 125 Years

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 15, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs

Alcoa, a Pittsburgh institution, is celebrating 125 years in 2013.  On October 1, 1888, Alcoa was first incorporated as the Pittsburgh Reduction Company.  The company was established by the technology advancements of co-founder Charles Martin Hall. The company took upon the name Alcoa in 1907 and... Read more »

‘Round About Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh icon sold

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 14, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Surprising news came out of the H.J. Heinz Company today, as Heinz board of directors have endorsed Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital in an agreement for the two investment groups to acquire the company for a valued $28 billion.  Under the terms of the deal, Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital agreed... Read more »

Pittsburgh History: H.J. Heinz “57 Varieties”

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 12, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs

When thinking ketchup, Heinz Ketchup has to be one of the first that comes to mind.  Founded by entrepreneur Henry John Heinz (H.J. Heinz) in Sharpsburg 1869, the H.J. Heinz Company has become an icon in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  The slogan 57 Varieties started when H. J. Heinz wanted a slogan to help... Read more »

The Beach Boys win first Grammy

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 11, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Music

The Beach Boys have finally won a Grammy- well, sort of.  Believe it or not, the group has never won a Grammy in a nominated category.  However, the group did win a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2001. The Beach Boys have been unsuccessful in nomination categories in the past years- including... Read more »

‘Round about Pittsburgh: Public companies in Pittsburgh

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 10, 2013
Filed under 'Round about Pittsburgh, Blogs, Top Stories

Public held companies headquartered in Pittsburgh How well do you know the companies based out of the Pittsburgh region?  How many publicly traded Pittsburgh based companies on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ can you name or list?  The following is a list compiled of these companies... Read more »

Which one is pink?

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 6, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

The man behind the name and the climb to fame of the rock group Pink Floyd belongs to founder and former frontman, Syd Barrett. The group was formed in 1964 as The Pink Floyd Sound and the band quickly became notorious in the London music scene.  Pete Townshend of The Who  actually skipped a Who concert... Read more »

50 years of good vibrations

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
November 21, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyles, Music

The year 2012 marked the 50th anniversary for the group nicknamed “America’s Band,” The Beach Boys.  With the group's infamous SMiLE album finally released in 2011, rumors began that the surviving members were planning a 50th anniversary tour. In December of 2011, remaining members Brian Wilson,... Read more »

Star Wars Round Table

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
November 17, 2012
Filed under News

On Tuesday Night at 9:00 in the Wheatley Center, a group of about twenty students gathered to talk about a cult classic film series, Star Wars.  Also in attendance were Ian Howitt, a film scholar from Penn State and Josh Antoon, a local actor in the region. John Locke, Director of Student Activities... Read more »

A change in times

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
November 5, 2012
Filed under News

When class schedules for the spring semester of 2013 were released on the early morning of Oct. 22, students discovered not only who would be teaching certain classes, but also that class times have changed. For the last three semesters, Robert Morris University has started classes at 7:45 a.m. but... Read more »

Idlewild honored as oldest amusement park in Pa

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
October 20, 2012
Filed under Features, Lifestyles, Top Stories

On a cold, rainy Saturday, Oct. 6 morning, a small and historical presentation occurred at Idlewild & Soak Zone located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.  Drivers who pass by Idlewild on Lincoln Highway aren’t able to see much of the park other than parking lots and a few storybook looking buildings. ... Read more »

Career expo gives students a taste of respective industries

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
October 13, 2012
Filed under News

On Tuesday October 2, current and alumni students of Robert Morris had the chance to check out the 95 employers who participated in this years Career Expo.  Upon entering the Sewall Center, students and alumni took the opportunity to talk to employers about future internships and job openings.  There... Read more »

Fire alarms sound in Nicholson Center

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
September 27, 2012
Filed under News, Top Stories

In the middle of dinner, this evening, students and Parkhurst employees were evacuated from Nicholson Center.  Calls to the Barry Center were sent around 5:10 PM.  Both students and employees were frustrated and confused by what was occurring. Some people may have thought it was part of the scheduled... Read more »

Distinct guest comes to RMU

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
September 21, 2012
Filed under Features

On September 14, 2012 the Vice President & Business Line Executive System of IBM, Mr. Greg Lotko was on campus, speaking to students in the new SCIS building.  IBM is a company that is dedicated strictly to technology and working with computers.  Mr. Lotko who has been with IBM for 24 years, explained... Read more »

Birthplace of broadcasting

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
September 4, 2012
Filed under Features, Lifestyles

Believe it or not, Pittsburgh is the birthplace of broadcasting. It was started by Frank Conrad in his red brick garage at his Wilkinsburg residence.  Conrad’s work soon evolved into Pittsburgh’s KDKA in 1920.  Conrad was one of Westinghouse Electric’s earliest workers who worked strictly on... Read more »

Updates on the Wayne Center construction

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
May 2, 2012
Filed under Features

Director of Planning and Design of Robert Morris University (RMU) Bill Joyce offers updates to those wondering about the construction site at the Wayne Center.   “As soon as RMU completed the agreement to sell the downtown building to Duquesne University, the university also agreed to vacate the... Read more »

RMU – Changing lives one at a time

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
April 29, 2012
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

Here, our motto is that attending RMU is life changing, and in only my second semester, I can say RMU has changed my life. I was always one of those kids who disliked going to school, but at RMU, I can say I enjoy school.  The university’s six core values and mission statement are nothing less... Read more »

A day in the Life: RMU Live Sports

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
March 19, 2012
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

After working three games of hockey on March Friday 2nd 2012 for RMU Live Sport Productions, I realized for the first time, university history would be made. On Saturday March 3rd, the RMU Women’s Hockey team would be facing Mercyhurst University for the College Hockey America (CHA) championship.... Read more »

He’s from Pittsburgh

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 29, 2012
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

Batman, one of the famous comic super heroes, and has been around since 1939. Since then, many comics, cartoons, series, and films have been released. From 1966-1968, ABC produced a television show, Batman, starring Adam West and Burt Ward. Throughout the show, the actor who portrayed the Riddler... Read more »

Pittsburgh history: Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 16, 2012
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

Without a doubt, baseball historians will tell you that the city of Pittsburgh has a rich history with the Pirates.  What you might not know is that Pittsburgh had two other baseball teams along with the Pirates at one point in time. Historians will tell you that aside from the Pirates, the Pittsburgh... Read more »

Pittsburgh history: Pittsburgh’s lost amusement park (part II)- West View Park

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
February 10, 2012
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

In 1906, Theodore Harton decided he would open up his own amusement park.  Harton was already known throughout the amusement park industry because his company, the T.M Harton Company had installed many roller coasters and carousels in numerous parks. Along with Fredrick Henninger, Harton purchased... Read more »

Pittsburgh history: Pittsburgh’s lost amusement park- White Swan Park

Mike Funyak, Staff writer
February 7, 2012
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

From 1955 to 1989, a small amusement park known as White Swan Park straddled Moon and Findlay Townships.  Although the park was small in size and known as a kiddie park, White Swan had great business. The park was shut down when the Pennsylvania Department Transportation (PennDot) bought the park... Read more »

Change for better or worse?

Mike Funyak, Staff Writer
January 30, 2012
Filed under News

In returning to campus after winter break, students noticed changes in the Nicholson Food Court. For the 2012 spring semester, the popular Crowd Pleasers has been moved and merged with the Parkside Diner. This open spot enabled the Mexican and ethic foods to take the former spot of Crowd Pleasers. “Every... Read more »

Pittsburgh History: George was here

MIKE FUNYAK, Staff Writer
January 28, 2012
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

Located in the town of Wilmerding, a large building stands proudly. The building, which was formally called the General Office Building, is now known as the George Westinghouse Castle or just 'The Castle'. The building was initially built in 1890 and served as the general administrative office for... Read more »

Jim Who?

Mike Funyak, Contributor
December 22, 2011
Filed under Opinion/Editorial

With the resurgence of Disney’s new movie, The Muppets, it’s hard to believe that anyone would forget who The Muppets are. How could anyone forget Kermit and his gang or even The Rainbow Connection? Disney not only brought The Muppets back to a new generation of viewers but honor the man who created... Read more »