What don't you like about Pittsburgh? (York, Carnegie: equity, travel, income)

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by Katiana

For the record, I don't agree with LondonBarcelona's opinions on homosexuality, but I had serious problems with someone sympathizing with the person who sent her the nasty DMs. I, too, received some of these nasty DMs, as did several others. We all knew we were dealing with an out of control troll at the time, and he was sending the DMs. London indicated one of the DMs said he was glad her son died. If anyone said that about one of my kids, I'd get more than a little angry, too.

thanks again.

[By~Tor]

Well, I missed out on that whole tete d' tete with the troll attacking London, and of course I would never say, even to my worst enemy, that I was "glad their child was dead"... that's just a crappy way to rage on someone, even if you don't agree with their position.

As for the reputation of this forum on the overall boards though, I would seriously doubt many people outside of the Pittsburgh area who don't have some tie TO Pittsburgh would ever even check it.... I know I don't go surfing the Idaho board or the Mississippi board.... no reason to....

In the same token, any "reputation" this board may have is largely talked about by the members OF this board, and scuttlebutt is always easy to find, if you go poking around... let 'em say whatver they want to; who cares.

Pittsburgh is known across the country as an up -n- coming city whose future looks pretty bright, especially in light of the recession we are now entering... and as long as that growth can continue and Pittsburgh continues to receive an influx of urban warriors from other, more expensive cost-of-living locales, then the recession might actually prove to be a "good" thing for this city, instead of the horrid monster predicted for places like NYC, Philly, Chicago & Texas...

As for me though, I can agree to disagree with just about anybody, and keep it civil, unless they show themselves to be a total tool or decide to try to make something "personal", rather than about the topic... after all, this IS ONLY THE INTERNET, not "real" life... words can only cut, if you allow your skin to become thin....

Sorry that London's experience wasn't more peaceful, and woe be unto the trolls of the net who get their jollies, raging on people for simply opening up a little bit about their lives.... I volunteer to have these idiots placed into a closed room with me for five minutes, and I'll learn 'em some manners, right proper!!!!!!

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by By~Tor

Well, I missed out on that whole tete d' tete with the troll attacking London, and of course I would never say, even to my worst enemy, that I was "glad their child was dead"... that's just a crappy way to rage on someone, even if you don't agree with their position.

As for the reputation of this forum on the overall boards though, I would seriously doubt many people outside of the Pittsburgh area who don't have some tie TO Pittsburgh would ever even check it.... I know I don't go surfing the Idaho board or the Mississippi board.... no reason to....

In the same token, any "reputation" this board may have is largely talked about by the members OF this board, and scuttlebutt is always easy to find, if you go poking around... let 'em say whatver they want to; who cares.

Pittsburgh is known across the country as an up -n- coming city whose future looks pretty bright, especially in light of the recession we are now entering... and as long as that growth can continue and Pittsburgh continues to receive an influx of urban warriors from other, more expensive cost-of-living locales, then the recession might actually prove to be a "good" thing for this city, instead of the horrid monster predicted for places like NYC, Philly, Chicago & Texas...

As for me though, I can agree to disagree with just about anybody, and keep it civil, unless they show themselves to be a total tool or decide to try to make something "personal", rather than about the topic... after all, this IS ONLY THE INTERNET, not "real" life... words can only cut, if you allow your skin to become thin....

Sorry that London's experience wasn't more peaceful, and woe be unto the trolls of the net who get their jollies, raging on people for simply opening up a little bit about their lives.... I volunteer to have these idiots placed into a closed room with me for five minutes, and I'll learn 'em some manners, right proper!!!!!!

Ah,thanks Tor, that was sweet.

[BrianTH]

A lot happened on this thread since I last posted, but just a few random thoughts:

First, I absolutely agree the value in this forum is people sharing their experiences and thoughts, and civil disagreements and debates are fine because they can help draw out additional information. My only point above is that when it comes to something purely subjective (AKA things that are a matter of taste), generally there isn't much point having a debate. That is why I think it is odd to do something like critique someone else's enthusiasm for historic homes, because in the end that is a matter of taste. Again, though, I think it is fine to share experiences, good or bad, with owning historic homes, and similarly to share relevant information.

Second, because I don't see much point in arguing about matters of taste, I would never criticize someone for, say, preferring Scottsdale to Pittsburgh (although I would again note that Scottsdale is an affluent part of the larger Phoenix region, so a fairer comparison would be something like Scottsdale to Shadyside or Sewickley). But some of us prefer Pittsburgh to Scottsdale, and that is fine too.

Finally, I'm not sure anyone cares, but I actually followed up a bit on knob and tube wiring and insurance, because I was curious. What I have been told is that insurers may in fact be willing to insure a home with functional knob and tube wiring, but they are more likely to do that if the home is higher value. That may seem paradoxical, but apparently the reasoning is that: (1) tearing out knob and tube wiring is indeed likely to destroy considerable historic value; (2) there is nothing fundamentally risky about this sort of wiring; and (3) people in higher-value homes are less likely to have done something to make the wiring unsafe. However, depending on the circumstances, the insurer may want a qualified person to inspect the wiring and certify that it is safe (e.g., it hasn't been overloaded or insulated).

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

A lot happened on this thread since I last posted, but just a few random thoughts:

First, I absolutely agree the value in this forum is people sharing their experiences and thoughts, and civil disagreements and debates are fine because they can help draw out additional information. My only point above is that when it comes to something purely subjective (AKA things that are a matter of taste), generally there isn't much point having a debate. That is why I think it is odd to do something like critique someone else's enthusiasm for historic homes, because in the end that is a matter of taste. Again, though, I think it is fine to share experiences, good or bad, with owning historic homes, and similarly to share relevant information.

Second, because I don't see much point in arguing about matters of taste, I would never criticize someone for, say, preferring Scottsdale to Pittsburgh (although I would again note that Scottsdale is an affluent part of the larger Phoenix region, so a fairer comparison would be something like Scottsdale to Shadyside or Sewickley). But some of us prefer Pittsburgh to Scottsdale, and that is fine too.

Finally, I'm not sure anyone cares, but I actually followed up a bit on knob and tube wiring and insurance, because I was curious. What I have been told is that insurers may in fact be willing to insure a home with functional knob and tube wiring, but they are more likely to do that if the home is higher value. That may seem paradoxical, but apparently the reasoning is that: (1) tearing out knob and tube wiring is indeed likely to destroy considerable historic value; (2) there is nothing fundamentally risky about this sort of wiring; and (3) people in higher-value homes are less likely to have done something to make the wiring unsafe. However, depending on the circumstances, the insurer may want a qualified person to inspect the wiring and certify that it is safe (e.g., it hasn't been overloaded or insulated).

I agree Brian. Variety makes the world go round!

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by londonbarcelona

I agree Brian. Variety makes the world go round!

Indeed, and I think the nice things about these forums is that people who like different things can talk about what they like about where they live (assuming they are happy with their choice), and other people looking for a new place to live can process all that and decide what looks most promising for them.

So, for example, I love my neighborhood, and will happily describe what I love about it. But I am fine if someone decides they would rather live somewhere else because they are looking for something different. Indeed, in the end I would like my neighbors to be people who also shared my enthusiasm for the neighborhood, and in that sense I think it is a win-win situation when people who would prefer a different sort of community find somewhere more suitable for them.

[juliegt]

Originally Posted by londonbarcelona

Whatever, I happen to like Scottsdale. Out of all the areas near Phoenix, we are the LEAST cookie cutter of them all.

I stand corrected. Scottsdale is not the bland cookie cutter sprawl that so many new suburbs are these days. But, even if it was, I have no problem with people liking to live somewhere that I wouldn't like to live.

My point was that everyone has their own preferences. And that a place that was perfect for some would be terrible for me. I have a good time and feel comfortable when I am visiting friends who live in the sprawling burbs... i just wouldn't live there by choice. Nor do I think it's bad for people to like something that I don't. Older cities are my first choice followed by older suburbs that have more of a small city feel.

[Been_here_done_that]

I was raised in Pittsburgh, moved away and lived in several other cities, moved back for family and I now attend CMU (a great university). Once you have an outsider perspective you realize Pittsburgh is DEAD!!!! The politics and mindset is archaic and backwards. Stop f'in smoking people!!! Everwhere you go - they fought like madmen to have their smoking policy restored. Garbage everywehere - two lane highways (poor excuse for a highway). Girls are pigs and act like men. They curse like sailors and act like Wh*r*s. Public drunkeness at every single event you go to - hell I think they all go out and get hammered even for Flag Day. Uncultured and crude. I hear about NYC and Jersey people being rude, but I've been to those places and they don't even come close to hear. No life obession over their beloved football team. The place literally reaks!!!! Parks that are not kept up. Roads that are not kept up - wholly hell did i just lose my car in that moon crater?!?

The locals are like sheep - they have been subjected to political injustice and criminal rip offs forever. The people here are like those in a third world country they don't know whats on the outside. No motivation - the economy and job market is lousy. Transportation sucks - a big airport that is half empty, no real means of public transportation - except the gigantic ancient buses that have literally killed people on the sides of streets. Even the education system is going to pot. The latest rankins has only 5 schools in the Top 1000.
Drunks everywhere - at all times. Steeler gear is not wardrobe. Fat, sloppy, no care for their own health people.
The ultimate which is no fault to the people or city - the weather sucks.
I've seen Pittsburgh rated in the Top 5 for the following:
Poor economy, weather (worst), number of cloudy days (#2), depression, alcoholism, job loss, population decline (#2).
It's a shame because I will always call the place home, but when I finish my Masters at CMU, I'm moving on like 95% of the other graduates from there.
Within 10 years Pittsburgh will be out of the Top 50 metro areas and towards the bottom 100. Their lack of ability to change and become dynamic will cause a mass exodus of the young and companies and the only thing that will be left is some 1 million rejects, inbreds, uncultured, uneducated, drinking, smoking, no self respect, classless turds wearing black and gold. Good luck, enjoy the cancer ridden sediments of inustrialism and not outgrowing it.

[guylocke]

but when I finish my Masters at CMU, I'm moving on like 95% of the other graduates from there.

I won't even begin to respond to any of your post, however, you do realize CMU is on record and has released research and statistics that show that what you just said is completely untrue?

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by guylocke

I won't even begin to respond to any of your post, however, you do realize CMU is on record and has released research and statistics that show that what you just said is completely untrue?

FYI, that is that poster's first post, and he or she apparently just registered. Under the circumstances, I would suggest treating that person as a troll and ignoring him or her--not that I object to correcting the factual record with respect to CMU, but I wouldn't get drawn into anything else.