In 2009...Pittsburgh has nothing to offer people aged 18-45 (appointed, 2015)

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by bethany12

First, there is nothing to draw families to the city.

Great parks, proximity to various attractions like museums and zoos, walkable restaurants, short commutes meaning more time with family, safe public transit when they get older . . . there is a lot about living in the city that is nice for families.

Second, the Census is now under the control of the White House. I wouldn't believe any of the stats. They are going to manipulate the stats to benefit their party.

The Census is a huge operation and closely scrutinized by members of Congress as well as state and local governments since it is the basis for redistricting as well as an input into various funding formulas. It would be impossible for the White House to attempt to manipulate the results without being caught.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by COPANUT

I remember telling my Mother the first day of summer about a hundred years ago that I was bored. I believe I then was told to clean out the basement, paint the front porch, and return all the pop bottles to the store. I never uttered those words again.

If you're an adult and bored, or expect other people to supply your entertainement, all I can say is: Get a life!!

When I complained about being bored, my parents would do one of the following:

-- take a book off the bookshelf and say, "read this."

-- say, "You have to spend the rest of your life with yourself. Learn to like it."

[ryanswindle]

Originally Posted by Hopes

When I complained about being bored, my parents would do one of the following:

-- take a book off the bookshelf and say, "read this."

-- say, "You have to spend the rest of your life with yourself. Learn to like it."

That's because you were in Pittsburgh, and there was no one else for you to spend time with. When I was a kid, I was told to go play with the other kids in the neighborhood, around here I guess that would mean go run around in the dirt surrounding the rotten crack den looking buildings next door?

[gaelgirl]

I appreciate the people who had positive responses and suggestions. Thanks.

[fleetiebelle]

Originally Posted by ryanswindle

That's because you were in Pittsburgh, and there was no one else for you to spend time with. When I was a kid, I was told to go play with the other kids in the neighborhood, around here I guess that would mean go run around in the dirt surrounding the rotten crack den looking buildings next door?

Is there an emoticon for eye-rolling? I'll make one up: @@

[bethany12]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Great parks, proximity to various attractions like museums and zoos, walkable restaurants, short commutes meaning more time with family, safe public transit when they get older . . . there is a lot about living in the city that is nice for families.

In response, the school enrollment figures don't support that statement.

And unlike others, I don't blindly trust the government. To think it can't be corrupt is more than a little naive.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by bethany12

In response, the school enrollment figures don't support that statement.

If you are talking about Pittsburgh public schools, their enrollment isn't a good proxy for total school enrollment because of substantial and increasing private school enrollment in the City--an estimated 22.2% of students K-12 in the City were in private schools in 2007, which is up from an estimated 19.4% in 2003.

Moreover, while from 2003 to 2007 there was an estimated decrease in total (public and private) 9-12 enrollment, there was an increase in total PK-8 enrollment, and the increases were greater the younger you look. Specifically, it was:

9-12 -12.7%
5-8 +2.64%
K-4 +7.86%
PK +80.9% (not a typo--it went from 2380 in 2003 to 4305 in 2007)

In short, according to estimated total school enrollment figures it looks like the City has been experiencing a boom in the youngest backets.

And unlike others, I don't blindly trust the government. To think it can't be corrupt is more than a little naive.

I didn't suggest we should "blindly trust the government" or that the government "can't be corrupt". What I noted is that in the case of the Census in particular, there are powerful entities with both the motive and the means to uncover any attempted manipulation. In that sense, I am only trusting those powerful entities to use their power to act in their own self interest, and I would suggest the more "naive" position is actually to assume otherwise.

[JacksPgh]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

Is there an emoticon for eye-rolling? I'll make one up: @@

I like that

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by ryanswindle

That's because you were in Pittsburgh, and there was no one else for you to spend time with. When I was a kid, I was told to go play with the other kids in the neighborhood, around here I guess that would mean go run around in the dirt surrounding the rotten crack den looking buildings next door?

Don't be silly. I was way past the age to 'go out and play with kids in the neighborhood' and I grew up in an affluent suburb.

[bethany12]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

In short, according to estimated total school enrollment figures it looks like the City has been experiencing a boom in the youngest backets.

Yes, the huge boom is the reason why a lot of the private schools are laying off employees, closing, or moving to different counties. Again, the actual events don't support these stats you are giving.