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Old Pittsburgh love it or leave it, bash Pittsburgh, affording relocation when unhappy, archaic union mentality, people resistant to change, abrasive and masculine women
1. No matter how you spin it, the weather is hellish.
2. People in the area are extremely resistant to change.
3. Progress is painfully slow because of the archaic union mentality.
4. Religion is too pervasive here, particularly Catholicism.
5. As a single guy, I find most of the women in the area to be rather abrasive and masculine.
6. There are more alcoholics here than anywhere else I've ever been. It's truly an epidemic, and it's not funny. It's sad. It's not cool to binge drink and then hop in the driver's seat. This happens everywhere to an extent, but around here I see it a lot more.
7. I enjoy watching the Steelers, but it's not my life. Sadly, it is for many of the people here. And I find that disturbing.
8. Pittsburgh has much more going on aside from football. I wish the three news channels felt the same way. I don't even watch the news anymore. If I cared that much about the Steelers, I'd simply watch espn.
9. Pittsburgh's location and topography make it so unique it's not even funny. It's a beautiful city with so much potential. Too bad so many locals are so stupid and bone-headed that they don't even realize it. It breaks my heart to see some intelligent, well-meaning soul try to do something to promote change in the area only to be scorned for their efforts by yinzers.
10. Urban sprawl is not progressive. New neighborhoods by Ryan and Maronda and strip malls aren't my definition of progress. But until the brain-drained Yinzer nation leaves the real Pittsburgh (or dies off), we aren't going to see too much positive change in the form of urban re-development.
In closing, I like Pittsburgh but man there's some big problems here. I don't want to see it turn into a ghost town, but that's what it's becoming. Until something happens here to draw people in from other areas, the city won't grow. The problem isn't the city itself...It's the people and their goofy small-minded way of thinking. Once that changes, the city will truly blossom. But we need more than the Steelers and a casino to get people to come here.
Sadly, I have to agree with a LOT of what you say. The BIG exception is #4, though? Pervasive religion? Have you BEEN to the bible belt? LOL I lived in Dallas for 9 years..There are more churches than houses there (and that's not TOO much of an exaggeration, lol)!
Like Gallacus said though, I still enjoy Pittsburgh in spite and sometimes because of all the idiosyncracies that exist here. Although these same old threads are getting tiresome, they are not without merit to a large degree. Pittsburgh is NOT perfect as has been pointed out ad nauseum. However, when somebody finds someplace that is, PLEASE let me know, and We'll follow you there! :-)
#5 and #6 are definately true as well. I am definately glad that I am both partnered and gay though because the women here ARE very rough, abrasive and straightforward.(LOL) As a recovering alcoholic, it saddens me to see soooo many alcoholics. My guess is that the high number is due to the fact that the area is so obviously economically depressed.
Since we arrived, I have been working, nearly full time, to help my partner get a better job. He took a miserable job just to pay the bills, but, we want something better. Aside from the fact that NONE are available, the very few that are are controlled by the strangle-hold that temp agencies have on the job market.
My advice for anybody willing to give Pittsburgh a chance is that they have a job signed, sealed and delivered before moving here. If it were not possibile for me to have transferred my job to a "work at home" status, we'd be screwed. Pittsburgh is not for the weak, but, it is definately worth the effort that it takes to live here, in my opinion.
I think the reason I get so frustrated with people complaining about weather is that it is just one of those things that make you sound so weak.
Plus, it's not like the weather in Chicago, New York, or Boston is much better/different. And I'd say summers in Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas are pretty hellish, too. If weather was the only determining factor, everyone would live in San Diego.
As a woman who lives in Pittsburgh, I won't even get into that debate, but, you're definitely going to meet a different caliber of woman if you're trolling bars on the South Side than you would if you're going to gallery openings and professional events, you know?
1. No matter how you spin it, the weather is hellish.
2. People in the area are extremely resistant to change.
3. Progress is painfully slow because of the archaic union mentality.
4. Religion is too pervasive here, particularly Catholicism.
5. As a single guy, I find most of the women in the area to be rather abrasive and masculine.
6. There are more alcoholics here than anywhere else I've ever been. It's truly an epidemic, and it's not funny. It's sad. It's not cool to binge drink and then hop in the driver's seat. This happens everywhere to an extent, but around here I see it a lot more.
7. I enjoy watching the Steelers, but it's not my life. Sadly, it is for many of the people here. And I find that disturbing.
8. Pittsburgh has much more going on aside from football. I wish the three news channels felt the same way. I don't even watch the news anymore. If I cared that much about the Steelers, I'd simply watch espn.
9. Pittsburgh's location and topography make it so unique it's not even funny. It's a beautiful city with so much potential. Too bad so many locals are so stupid and bone-headed that they don't even realize it. It breaks my heart to see some intelligent, well-meaning soul try to do something to promote change in the area only to be scorned for their efforts by yinzers.
10. Urban sprawl is not progressive. New neighborhoods by Ryan and Maronda and strip malls aren't my definition of progress. But until the brain-drained Yinzer nation leaves the real Pittsburgh (or dies off), we aren't going to see too much positive change in the form of urban re-development.
1. I like the weather. Not all people like the same weather. This is weather I like. Not evertyon will, but that doesn't mean it is "hellish" for everyone. (I am not a big fan of the sunny day. Just don't like it - don't want to spend time in it.)
2. This should be qualified with some. It certainly isn't all. In fact, I would qualify it with "Some people, many of which are in positions of power", because those who aren't in positions of power probably want change more than you can imagine.
3. Yes, there is a huge union mentality. However, I think this links back to #2. The unions have power, change is slow because those in power don't want change.
4. I find this one funny, as I have been to the Bible Belt. Also, because I am having trouble finding a church for myself.
5. If you come across as hating their city, Pittsburgh women are probably going to come across as defensive, as well as abrasive. Then again, it may be the old saw about independant women are always seen as b*tches. As a woman, I know the first part is true. And I'm so sick of the second part.
6. In 5 years here, I have never driven drunk. Also, yes, there is a lot of drinking here. However, there is a lot of other stuff to do. If you are only meeting drunks, maybe you need to find other activities to participate in.
7 & 8. If you only look at the news media, they portray it as though it is some people's life. However, the news media very inaccurate.
9. I find I get less flak from yinzers than I do from folks who bash the city and talk about how they can't wait to move. And that call the locals "boneheads". No one wants advice from someone so insulting.
10. Leaving to let the urban sprawl take over doesn't help. Holding your ground, continuing to live in the city, in existing housing stock does. Think of that before you move.
1. No matter how you spin it, the weather is hellish.
2. People in the area are extremely resistant to change.
3. Progress is painfully slow because of the archaic union mentality.
4. Religion is too pervasive here, particularly Catholicism.
5. As a single guy, I find most of the women in the area to be rather abrasive and masculine.
6. There are more alcoholics here than anywhere else I've ever been. It's truly an epidemic, and it's not funny. It's sad. It's not cool to binge drink and then hop in the driver's seat. This happens everywhere to an extent, but around here I see it a lot more.
7. I enjoy watching the Steelers, but it's not my life. Sadly, it is for many of the people here. And I find that disturbing.
8. Pittsburgh has much more going on aside from football. I wish the three news channels felt the same way. I don't even watch the news anymore. If I cared that much about the Steelers, I'd simply watch espn.
9. Pittsburgh's location and topography make it so unique it's not even funny. It's a beautiful city with so much potential. Too bad so many locals are so stupid and bone-headed that they don't even realize it. It breaks my heart to see some intelligent, well-meaning soul try to do something to promote change in the area only to be scorned for their efforts by yinzers.
10. Urban sprawl is not progressive. New neighborhoods by Ryan and Maronda and strip malls aren't my definition of progress. But until the brain-drained Yinzer nation leaves the real Pittsburgh (or dies off), we aren't going to see too much positive change in the form of urban re-development.
1.Compared to where? Have you been in a Montreal winter? A Houston summer? The weather here is just dandy. It's not San Diego or LA, but I can't say it's really that different from most of the East Coast.
2. Agreed. Things change slowly around here. Which leads into...
3. Again, agreed. The pro-unionism is behind the times.
4. Are you serious? Like another poster said, have you been in the bible belt? Texas? Pittsburgh is more religious than the eastern seaboard, but it's not some catholic theocracy. Squirrel Hill immediatly comes to mind.
5. Yeah, the smoking and drinking girls aren't cool, but I really like girls who'll go out hiking with you. Personal taste. And again, like another poster said, you'll find a different type of girl at a Southside bar than at one of the art galleries.
6. It's sad. I agree. The drinking issue is pretty bad, but there are plenty of things to do if you don't want to drink.
7. Steeler Sundays are fun. And it gives you something to talk about with immediate strangers and is an instant bond with someone from the area. I can see how you'd feel kind of annoyed at people who talk about it all the time, but it's simply a way to relate.
8. Yep, the news channels suck. I don't really even watch local TV. Most of the time my TV is on one of the ESPNs or FSN.
9. Things are turning around. There's a plan to put fountains and paths back in the Northside parks. East Liberty is eventually getting it's old street plan back. The Mellon Arena is going to be demolished and a real walk to the hill from downtown is going to possible for the first time since 1960.
10. Huh? The Southside Works, Washington's Landing, The Waterfront? No urban redevelopment?
Last edited by gameguy56; 01-29-2008 at 10:28 AM..
I will admit that I have been to AA meetings in four other metro areas after living in 2 and visiting 2 others. Saying there are more alcholics here is just stupid. Grow up and realize that they are everywhere. If you think alcoholism effects people just by region you got a lot of growing up to do.
I agree with you that generalizing alcoholism based on region, is absurd. Like you, I have visited many AA groups in many cities in my 3 years of sobriety. Alcoholics are everywhere...in all social classes, ethnic groups and religious denominations.
I think what the OP was referring to is just how much the culture here revolves around drinking. It DOES and there is no disputing that. A large majority of the restaurants here are either located in bars or they have bars inside them that are prominent in the "ambience". In fact, I haven't been to one that doesn't yet. That does not mean that everybody that drinks is an alcoholic.
As far as the women are concerned, Pittsburgh quite definately has a matriarchal culture, which also cannot be denied. The women here are strong, and not afraid to show nor admit that. Again, that is also not automatically a "bad" quality.
You are right on point though that if a person CHOOSES to walk around and act and talk as though Pittsburgher's are little more than uneducated neanderthals and treat them as such, their reception will be less than warm.
I think the reason I get so frustrated with people complaining about weather is that it is just one of those things that make you sound so weak. I was taught that the only thing that can bring happiness is your mind. My father always told me that a strong person would be happy even locked up in a cage the rest of their life.
I think because of that methodology, I've always considered it a sign of weakness to complain about weather, be it comparatively good or bad.
I KNOW -- Oh My God -- IT'S WEATHER! Everywhere you go there's weather. It's a big thing on the SF board, too. It's a big thing on the news at night. It's the most unchangeable aspect of everywhere anyone lives and yet -- who the hell cares?
If it rains, take an umbrella, if it's cold wear a coat, if it's cloudy,still wear your sunscreen, if it's sunny take your sunglasses...
11. Radio stations/selections. POOR DJ’s (Bring Alan Cox back.. please)
Thank you XM.
12. Poor Infrastructure: Beltway around the city ? ? Kansas City has 2 beltways inner/outer loop. Take our yellow belt and see how fast it is..
Southern Turnpike, 43, with no EZpass, how can you build a new turnpike without EZpass? What were they smoking?
The T to the Northside? How about the T to the Airport?
13. Shopping. Professionals don’t live in trailers and they don’t shop for clothes at Sears and JC Penny’s. Maybe we can have an upscale shopping area. Thank God a Tiffany’s is coming to the Ross Park Mall.
14. Litter and trash along the streets/roadways. The yinzers are pigs! Put your cigarette out in your ashtray not on my windshield.
Put your McDonald's in the trash!
15. Seniors everywhere. And all the companies cater to them. (Free checking…) I’m a working guy. I’ll be alive for the next 40 years, how about a break?
16. One Party System????????? Nepotism at its finest.
17. Things to do for the next generations. Why were the Gravity Games held in Cleveland and Philly, not Pittsburgh?
Oh yea, we had a Bass Tournament where some of the participants were threatened by locals with guns.
(maybe they can go to the yough and catch a turd)
18. Complaints about the drink tax. Go to the bar, order a coke, and learn how to communicate without being drunk.
19. Population loss ??? How about Fortune 500 headquarters?
Alcoa: 2006 New York. Mellon, 2006 New York. Westinghouse, 1997 New York.
20. Ah yes…. the weather. 54 days of full sunshine, tied for the lowest in the country.
Sorry I know I should be happy….. even if the cage is called Pittsburgh.
6 more years till I’m vested (retired) and we’re outta here…..
Last edited by smokecitytdi; 01-29-2008 at 12:46 PM..
I also moved out of PIttsburgh about 10 years ago. I however did not become a band wagon fan. Red SOx!?!?! Im not sure if you understand this or not but you are not allowed to change affiliation to sports teams just because your hometown sports team stinks and your new homes sports team is good. It is against the law set forth by the sports gods to change affiliation. You were born in Pittsburgh so you must continue to be a Pirates fan for life. You cannot become a front runner. That actually lowers your credibility.
My Friend when i first came to New England the Sox sucked and you could go to Fenway Park and sit any place you wanted because the park that held maybe 32000 fans maybe had a iooo honest.
I was a Pirate fan when the likes of Kiner, Westlake and few others I can't remember played and they were not that good then either, but as long as i lived in the Pittsburgh I was a Fan like everyone else.
I had my choice when i came here to be a Yankee Fan or a Red Sox Fan and at that time the (Hated) Yankees had a pretty good team but i choose the Red Sox maybe because the reminded me of the Lowly Pirates at that time.
So a front runner i can proudly say i am not. caio and Go Sox
List continued....11-20
...
6 more years till I’m vested (retired) and we’re outta here…..
You are too funny... I especially like the one comparing the yellow belt to Kansas City's multiple beltways. Its so relevant, seeing as the topography in Kansas City is so similar to Pittsburgh's.
Oh, and the shopping..,. Its so bad here. It is so bad it ranked 2nd in the nation (http://www.bizjournals.com/specials/pages/138.html - broken link)... 2nd does suck pretty bad.
Allow me to add some:
21-23:
21. Too many bridges. Why would they put all those bridges over the rivers like that when they could have installed an intergalactic space portal?
22. Too many leaves fall on the ground in the fall. I can't stand raking leaves. Why can't they figure out a way to get the leaves to stay on the trees all winter long! Can't the city just pay workers to glue all the leaves onto the trees?
23. Why aren't there straight roads from my house to every place I may want to go? It would be so much easier if I could get on a dedicated highway only for me that went straight from my house to my work.
Ok, all laughs aside... come on, aren't you being a little silly?
Funny we can build a canal between 2 oceans in 1914, but we can't seem to get a beltway around a city in 2008............ your right, must be the topography.
I guess I'm being silly.
After hauling my wife to MD/N.VA and Cleveland (ranked 28th with Beachwood Place) for years to shop, we had the 2nd best shopping right here. WOW
Must be the same people that rated Pittsburgh #1 in America...Most Livable City.
I should have known...Thanks for the info.
Seriously, It's quality of life. Most of my list affects me everyday, I lived in other cities and it's a better quality of life. Roads are better, cleaner and bigger. Drive on I 270 (6 lanes) after rain storm...very little water..drive on RT 51 after a storm and you will hydroplane at 35.
Example: Why doesn't the city have a (left)turning lane on Saw Mill Blvd. Everyday I hope I'm not rear-ended while turning left. (Yes, I know I shouldn't turn) It's a simple fix which Western Pennsylvania can't seem to grasp until a major accident happens. Put in a turning lane..
Another example: Remember the senior citizen that drove/plowed in the crowd in South park. What did Allegheny County do? A metal guide rail separates the walking trail from the roadway.
BUT what did they do in North Park, NOTHING! I've almost been clipped several times by cars in North Park since the South park incident. I guess a rail will be erected after someone dies like South Park.
Quality Of Life....Plan Ahead...
Last edited by smokecitytdi; 01-29-2008 at 03:07 PM..
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My weather rant
