B-Dubs: Where to go for sports

Just two of over sixty wide screens at Buffalo Wild Wings in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Photo by M. Enger.

With sports running around the clock all over the world, there is no shortage of fans. With cable and satellite limitations, it can be hard for people to find their favorite teams on television.

Buffalo Wild Wings has over thirty ice cold beers on tap. Photo by M. Enger.

Buffalo Wild Wings has been in establishment since 1982 and began in the wholesome town of Columbus, Ohio. Not only do they provide thousands of food and drink combinations, they work hand in hand with company channel packages. This partnership enables someone to watch nearly any sport that is currently playing from around the world.

Around the city of Pittsburgh, you will not see a shortage of sports fans. Besides attending the respective sporting event, others seek Buffalo Wild Wings for the big screen entertainment.

Waitress Sarah divides up some tip money. Bryan counts the sample glasses. Photo by M. Enger.

This particular location in Monroeville, Pennsylvania is a prime example of a major hangout spot for sports fans. When the Pirates, Penguins, or Steelers are playing, this particular Buffalo Wild Wings averages 250 occupants, filling the restaurants maximum capacity.

Now that it’s the offseason and only the Penguins playing, Buffalo Wild Wings is at its slowest time of the year.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Monroeville has over fifty gaming tablets for patrons to entertain themselves on. M. Enger.

“Football season is our most popular, by far.” Bryan the bartender explained. “This time of the year, we mainly rely on the Penguins making the playoffs or the UFC matches.”

With fifty-five televisions in house and eight more on the patio, this restaurant is packed full of visual stimulant. Whether your going there to watch playoff football or some champion’s league soccer, the staff will be ready to change the television to your channel.

Closing time for Buffalo Wild Wings in Monroeville. Photo by M. Enger.

If there happens to be nothing on that you want to watch, you can always ask for a gaming tablet. With the always-popular trivia and Texas hold’em poker, the gaming tablet will hold your attention for the better part of the night.

Green Bay Defeats Dallas: But not without controversy

The Green Bay Packers defeat the Dallas Cowboys and punch their tickets for Seattle.

Rallying from an eleven-point deficit, bruised and battered Quarterback Aaron Rodgers lifted his offense to a 26 – 21 victory at Lambeau Field.

Struggling early, Aaron Rodgers appeared to still be very immobilized by his calf injury. Unable to scramble effectively, the Dallas defense was able to reach Rodgers on several occasions, producing a sack as well as a forced fumble.

Chart created using Microsoft Excel.

On the other sideline, running back Demarco Murray exploded early and often, generating yet another 100+ yard game with a touchdown and a fumble lost. Tight End Jason Witten led his team in receiving yards with 71 yards.

Green Bay responded with a rusher of their own in Eddie Lacy, who also broke 100 yards but no score.

What stood out for the green and gold was rookie wide receiver Davante Adams and his desire to stay on his feet. With receivers Nelson and Cobb attaining most of the Cowboy’s defensive attention, Adams was targeted numerous times, racking up 117 yards including a 46-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers defense awoken in the second half, accumulating four sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal attempt.

As it was the great game that everybody expected, the controversial call near the end of the game has social media sites erupting with debate.

With just under five minutes to play, Romo launched a deep fourth down throw to Dez Bryant. Though Sam Shields played the ball as good as someone can, his short stature was no match for Bryant’s long reach. Scarcely holding the ball with his shoulder, Bryant fell to the turf, causing the ball to touch the ground, come loose and pop into the air, where he was able to catch it again before the ball touched the ground.

The initial call was a catch, but after a Mike McCarthy challenge, the referee overturned the call saying, “The receiver did not maintain possession of the football during the process of the catch.”

The info graph above shows the stats from the game in regards to the two team’s offensive figures. Much like the game itself, the numbers were nearly even throughout the game.

When it comes to the world of sports, it is crucial to have legitimate and accurate statistics. Without these attributes, fans of any sport will have trouble following their respective team and/or players throughout the season.

Penguins News! BF4F – By Fans, For Fans Game Recap (Penguins vs. Islanders) 21 NOV 14

The hosting Pittsburgh Penguins lost a close shoot out against the New York Islanders Friday night at Consol Energy Center with the final score of 5 -4.

In a sold out arena, The Penguins opened up the scoring early with a goal from Brandon Sutter less than two minutes into the game.

The Penguins entered the locker room down one goal after a rare five-goal period by the Penguins and their divisional co-leaders.

Fan of the game went to Stephanie Klunk, a season ticket holder and opinion holder for the Penguins. Growing up in Pittsburgh with a sports loving team, she was raised with the Penguins black and gold in her veins.

“I feel our defense struggled quite a bit. The passes were off and we spent a lot of time in our own zone,” said Stephanie Klunk, a season ticket holder for the Penguins. “If we can settle down and make the passes, we can exploit their defense and get some goals.”

She predicted correctly.

Though the Islanders added another goal in the second, the Penguins chalked one up to still remain within one as the horn closed out the second period.

“This is where we have to buckle down,” Stephanie commented before the third period. “Fleury is looking solid compared to the first, they’re clearing the puck, now just have to put the puck in the net.”

Again, she got what she asked for. Fleury blanked the Islanders in the third period.

In addition, Patrick Hornqvist tied the game!

After an unenthusiastic overtime, it was time for a fans favorite part of the game, the shootout. What made it even more special was that both the Penguins and the Islanders were, until now, both undefeated in the shootout this season.

Though given a valiant effort from both net minder Fleury and scorer Crosby, both Nielsen and Okposo put one past the goaltender, taking home the extra point. (Full fan view shootout here)

“We did good. We just have to start early and end strong,” Stephanie closed in on the loss. “The Islanders are very strong this season, hopefully we can find a way to take the win tomorrow.”

Storify Article

Domestic Violence – Ray Rice story has Pittsburgh making changes

After the time lined incidents of Ray Rice and his assault charges against his wife Janay Palmer, most of the United States, including Pittsburgh, have listened and understood the problems that have risen from this dispute.

This includes the Women’s Center & Shelter of greater Pittsburgh, who has held their stance against domestic violence as well as other services since 1974.

Founded by Ellen Berliner and Anne Steytler, the WC&S was one of the first shelters in the United States for neglected women.

There are many sanctuaries just like this one all over the country, most including shelter, programs and even phone applications to alert if you are feeling threatened by your spouse.

“It’s sad that not a lot of people know about these shelters, but when people like Ray (Rice) bring us back to the reality, women need to know where to seek help,” said Michelle, a recent attendant at WC&S. “I was afraid of being judged at first, but they were so kind and understanding.”

Though not directly affected by the national news of Ray Rice, Michelle and the 7,000+ yearly attendees of the WC&S have been impacted by the similar vulnerabilities of spousal abuse.

According to safehorizon.org, the number one fact about domestic violence is that “most domestic violence incidents are never reported.”

Though that may be changing as of lately. “The RU Safe? Application is an amazing push to help fight domestic violence,” Said Kent Bloom, a director at WC&S. “We understand that sometimes you can’t get out and you have to ask for help from the house. This app has broken the mold for new ways of monitoring potential cries for help.”
In addition, more and more domestic violence apps are now available, with more in the works. One of the more popular apps is called “Aspire News App.”

“The front page functions like a regular news app, when you go to the “Help” section of the page it provides a list of local domestic violence resources and a “Go Button,” that, once pressed, alerts the user’s chosen contacts, local authorities and service providers about the violent or potentially violent situation,” According to Salon.com.

Though apps like these do not replace emergency services and emergencies should be handled with a 911 call, these apps can provide subtle ways to get the help you need without alarming the spouse or partner.

Those without smartphones can still access a list of numbers you can contact if need be. All you need is an Internet connection and visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website or ncadv.org. There you will find a list of each state’s specific coalition addresses, numbers, emails and websites.

To sum up, if you or anyone you know anyone who is part of an abusive relationship, please use the sources above to seek help for yourself or others. All of the websites also have a donation page for victims. Do not let Ray Rice and his repulsive actions remind you to do something. Act now and prevent these news stories from airing.