Pittsburgh, PA

Another somewhat controversial topic in this city

I went to the game this past Saturday and had fun despite the fact that we lost again! I know they won Tuesday and Wednesday, but everytime I go I want to cheer for the other team. Which by the way, the Cubs were playing just fine!

The only thing that redeemed the evening was my friend who kept everyone cheering and fired up, despite us losing horribly year after year and in this particular game. It was so funny watching everyone’s faces when he was yelling, because most of them had given up years ago and I think they rather enjoyed his enthusiasm. It was also funny watching people get up to leave, even after the third inning when the Pirates didn’t do anything but miss or hit a foul ball. We could at least say they were trying if they made more of an attempt to actually hit the damn thing! But like I said on Saturday, I guess the Cubs have a really good pitcher.

Which brings me to wondering why people continue going to Pirates games despite the fact that we keep losing and baseball isn’t the most exciting sport to watch anyways. Not to mention, enough people felt strongly enough to form a fan protest, which could have gone a little better, but was proof that a lot of Pittsburghers are upset over hosting a losing team for 15 straight years.

But anyways, I think half the reason people go is the tailgating and the excuse to drink, which I have to admit was fun, but not thaaat fun. Secondly, it gives people something cheap to do. You can get bleacher seats for $9 and you can’t beat that. ($5 on Tuesdays) It’s also a good place to people watch and/or get a tan if you’re into getting skin cancer. I’d like to think the rest go because they are true fans and stand behind the team no matter what. But I could be way too optimistic with that hope.

I know I continue going on occasion for something different to do. I fully intend on taking advantage of the student rush discount when they have fireworks coming up later this month. Fireworks and a free t-shirt make it worth going for me.

What does everyone else think? Why do you continue to go to these games? Should Pittsburghers demand more for their money?

Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park, baseball, fan protest, fireworks

This is my second restaurant review so I am going to try to use the same system I used last time. These are the five things I feel are important for a good restaurant experience: atmosphere, cleanliness, staff, food, and price.

The second place I am going to review is The Church Brew Works, it’s located on Liberty Avenue. The atmosphere was amazing; it still looked like a church. The pews were gone and replaced by tables, but all the stain glass was still there. Since the place was enormous getting a table was not a problem. The place was spotless, even with it being so big you could tell they kept up with keeping it clean.

The wait staff was NOT impressive; it took a while before being asked what I would like to drink. He barely talked and it seemed like it was a bother when he did. I had to repeat my drink order more then once so his listening skills were also in need of improving. He failed to mention if there were any food specials. My food order also had to be repeated. What was really annoying was seeing that he treated the other tables with respect and was actually nice to them. I don’t know why I deserved bad service.

I was told before I went there that the food was not the great, but when I looked at the prices I felt that it should be. If I am going to pay over $20 for a dinner I expect it to be better then something I could make myself. But when the food finally did come, I was less then impressed. It tasted like something you would find in a bag in the frozen food section at Giant Eagle.

Like is said above the price for food was just a little high for what you get. Their beer was not that bad. For a micro-brew it was priced fairly, only 3.95 for a pint. I had their pale ale and it wasn’t that bad, I just thought it tasted a little watered down. Given my bad experience I think I will go back to give their Wood Fired Pizza a try.

Score: Atmosphere (4.5), Cleanness (4.0), Staff (1.5), Food (2.5),
Price (3.0), Overall (3.1)

Closing Comments: I think I just got a bad waiter this time and I hope when I go back for the Pizza, my experience is a little better.

Restaurant Review, The Chruch Brew Works, Beer, Wood Fired Pizzia, Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Giant Eagle

The Mayoral election is just around the corner and I have found the candidate that I hope wins. His name is Mark DeSantis and he is a Republican. I know what you thinking; how can a Republican run in a Democrat infested town? I don’t know, but he is going to try.

After reading this article about him in the City Paper I fell in love. Finally there is a politician that wants change in Pittsburgh. Here are a few notable quotes from the article.

“I believe we no longer have the option of staying on the well-traveled path for it has become our road to ruin.”

I agree with this. How many years do we need to be in the red to see that there is a problem with how the Democrats are running things? We need to rethink how the city is spending its money and where it’s coming from.

“I’m not anti-government by any means, but we have to revisit our notion of what our government is for. It doesn’t exist for itself, but for the people who live here and we have to reorganize it for that purpose.”

Wow that quote right there made my heart flutter. A politician that understands the purpose of government! This is not common and Pittsburgh is lucky to have someone like this running for Mayor.

“My single ambition is to change the way we do things here; to no longer be satisfied with the status quo and just being good enough,” DeSantis says. “I know that change is risky and it’s a lot to ask people to take that risk with me. But when people are willing to take big risks, you can accomplish great things.”

Listen, Pittsburgh! How many times have you said your not happy with what’s going on around you? How many of you are upset with high taxes and not seeing a difference in the budget problems. It is time for change.

I love this city and it kills me to watch it slowly crumble. I am not saying that Mark will save the city, but I think he is a step in the right direction.

Pittsburgh, Mayoral election, Change, Mark DeSantis, Republican, Democrat, November

McFadden’s down in the North Shore is hosting a weekly girl’s night out event on Thursdays, aka tonight. The event runs from 6-9pm and there is no cover, which makes it sound great already.

According to the flyer on their website, there are $4 Grey Goose cocktails, two for one martinis, free massages, an appetizer buffet and free gift certificates to hair and nail salons, beauty spas and more.

Men are not excluded from the bar during this time, because obviously women need some eye candy during their fun night out and if the women themselves were not enough incentive, they are offering imported beer for $3 for the men.

Does anyone think it’s kinda funny how women get the cocktail and martini specials and men get the beer special..what about the women who like beer?? I guess some stereotypes will never change…

Regardless, ladies you should check out this event. I think the men in this town are taking us for granted and it’s time to show them what’s what! Just don’t embarrass yourselves too much with the drink specials.

McFaddens, Pittsburgh, North Shore, Crimson Cocktails, Girl’s night out, Grey Goose

Well it wouldn’t quite be summer without going to the Butler Fair at least once. I’ve missed maybe one since I’ve been 4, but that’s probably because I grew up north of Pittsburgh and all of us go. It’s tradition.

If you’ve never been to the Fair, make sure you go with plenty of money. How else will you keep playing the games until you win more than the stupid little prize they try to reel you in with? Or buy any of the delicious fair food?
Or that tattoo you always wanted?

I can’t wait to try the filled funnel cakes this year. Last year I decided to go with my usual standby, apple dumplings and instantly regretted it. I don’t know how I passed up apple pie filling on top of a funnel cake for that. It’s always the biggest dilemma trying to decide what I want to eat. I usually end up eating everything in sight, no joke.

Oh and make sure you check out the grandstand area too. You can check out the concerts they’re having, the demolition derbys (which sadly, I missed yesterday), crafts, artwork, jewelry and more. I used to enter my artwork in their contests when I was young and won a couple of times. My mom also used to win for her quilts and some of those ladies make some really nice handmade stuff. Forget about the machine stitched stuff; that’s not skill!

Did I forget to mention the rides? I’m not much of a rider, since I’m terrified of pretty much all of them, but I will ride the tilt-a-whirl. Besides being afraid of the rides, I’m also terrified of carnies who can sense my fear and try to lure me over with their claws and shiny prizes. It usually works too. haha Speaking of which, my fish I won two years ago will turn 2 today. See, carnival fish can last if you take care of them!

Check out the Fair’s website for more details, like pricing and directions if you don’t know the area. I’ll be there for the fireworks tonight, see ya there!

Big Butler Fair, Butler, carnival, funnel cakes, demolition derby, Y108 Fest

I think the open house was a success. We had a lot of different people come through the door to enjoy the art, food, and music. A few people came prepared to show off their portfolio and apply for a membership. So it looks like the TreeHouse is finally getting the attention of future members. Here is a link for pictures of the event people that posted on Flickr.

If you are lost right now and have know idea what I have been just talking about. You can refer yourself to my post about the TreeHouse here. Or you can go to there website at www.creativetreehousepgh.com.

The next big event at the TreeHouse is Doughnuts and Art, a punk rock / urban art show with free doughnuts. Check out its website at www.doughnutsandart.com. Mark your calendars for August 25th more details will be out soon.

pittsburgh, creative treehouse, open house, membership, doughnutsandart, free doughnuts, events, bellevue

I think Pittsburgh is the only city to have fireworks all year long. You can expect fireworks for just about every event in or around the city during the summer. Sometimes I feel like the city just makes up reasons to shoot them off. Every Friday at the Pirates game is Fireworks Night, and if it’s not Friday every homerun means fireworks.

Pittsburgh loves fireworks and that means on the Fourth of July there is going to be plenty of them. I found on the Post Gazette’s website a list of this year’s firework displays. I am still not sure which ones I am going to see yet, but I usually see the ones Downtown.

pittsburgh, fireworks downtown, firework displays, Pirates, Fourth of July, Post-Gazette