Pittsburgh Roads Bad update (storm of 2010)

Quickie Update Here (a few points about the current situation in the city, etc):

* 5th Avenue, Forbes, etc apparently are still ice covered and traffic is bad (as reported by my wife).  If you don’t have to travel or are not considered essential personnel, please do not drive into the city – you’ll just make things worse.

* The emergency personnel (fire, etc) have been called into active duty – so if there are any seniors out there that you know of that cannot get prescriptions, etc … call the city, some of those personnel have been pulled into duty to help with issues like that.

* You will start seeing National Guard around soon in the city.  They have the capability to move about in 5 feet of snow, allowing them to move around EMT’s, etc where other vehicles can’t.

*If you are a contractor that has snow removal equipment, tree removal equipment, front loaders, etc. call the city ASAP at 412-473-2550.

* We’re looking at 8″ to 10″ additional … so help where you can (in other words, get out of the way of the emergency road workers).

* Supplies are getting low in stores and gas stations … so please be courteous and leave some for other persons / families.  Don’t hog supplies.

—- Minor Stuff —-

* Power issues: Allegheny Power … about 62,000 still out, Duquesne Light … Duquesne Light about 3,800. Please comment back a correction if I am wrong.

* 311 line is being upgraded tomorrow to allow for 8 more lines to handle the call load for the current cleanup and the next storm coming in.

—-Links—-

Updates from KDKA (Ravenstahl’s news conference info)

Updates from the City here (as of this writing it is set to the emergency page)

The Pittsburgh Channel for video updates

Tribune Review article/update on storm

Post-Gazette update on upcoming storm

-SWB

PS – If you unnecessarily drive into Pittsburgh during this crisis, with the city under emergency status, this is one time you can consider yourself a complete idiot for making things worse.

Pittsburgh Roads still bad (storm of 2010)

Quickie post here:

The roads around Pittsburgh are still REALLY bad, I know this because it took my wife from 7am to 11am to get from the Sewickley area to CMU in Oakland.  This drive normally takes 40 minutes max, but since Forbes was a complete sheet of ice it took 4 hours. Getting to the city was fine, but once you are off the exits trying to get in to the city, it is bad and most likely grid locked in some areas.

Here is the issue: There is some much snow, they just have no where to go with it, so at some level plowing is useless.

Click Here for a link to WPXI and some good updates on conditions, services back available, etc.

-SWB

Duquesne Light and The Storm of 2010

This is both a Kudos and Rant article (along with the handout of a Clueless Trophy), so read the whole thing, not just the part that you agree or disagree with.

The first thing we need to do is give some huge Kudos out to the workers out fixing lines for Duquesne light and all the other companies that worked fixing lines during and after the storm.  They did extremely dangerous work out in conditions we were all advised to not go out in to … for any reason.

Although, most people will immediately say they get paid enough … sorry, but when your job includes the possibility of death to help people out, you can’t put a price on that.

On the other side:

The best way to make things worse as fast as possible is to stop giving out information, refuse to give out information, or just plain make information inaccessible during a crisis situation.  This seems to be Duquesne Light’s standard mode of operation. This is not a blow to the customer service persons at DQ, but a slap in the face to those that make the policies (the written and unwritten ones):

Hence my conversation with customer service (once I actually got a person):

* …… them

+ …… me

+ “Can you give me some an ETA or any information on what is going as because even people at the warming shelter or borough offices have no info? I’m sure a tree, or line is down.”

* “I can only give out the information they give us, I only have that information.”

+ “Can you tell me what was reported by the tech for the outage in our area … lines down, etc?  I’m not expecting any ETA, just info that can make me decide whether or not to relocate my family temporarily.  It’s a long and dangerous drive to that area, so I need to know what put’s my family in less danger.”

* “Sir, I only have the information they have given to us.”

+ “Can you tell me that information then, I would be grateful for any info that would help me make my decision”.

* “All I have is the information they have given us”

+ “Who are ‘they’?”

* “Them.”

…… I couldn’t make this up if I tried.  The conversation was much longer, but I cut out the repetition.

The only thing that was out to the public and recorded messages was Duquesne Light boasting how many people they had restored, no specifics, regional information, nada …

At one point they even took their site down, and stopped giving recorded information, or even taking any calls.

So, when you see a Duquesne Light truck with workers that probably risked their lives getting your Wii back on Friday or Saturday during the storm, thank them and buy them dinner …..

On the other hand, if you see any management from Duquesne Light …. tell them how much of an #%@#%# they are.

So Duquesne Light gets the the full Clueless Trophy they deserve from SWB.  Keep this in mind, Allegheny Power probably didn’t do any better than Duquesne Light during this storm, but their reps did talk and give info out to their customer, along with keeping KDKA regularly updated with more than rhetoric.

-SWB

Lindsey Vonn and the unclear picture

Just when I thought there wasn’t something to rant about … I end up being so … so …. w-r-o-n-g:

It’s “here we go again”  time.

Lindsey Vonn, is on the cover of Sports Illustrated, as you can see in this article featured on Yahoo! and One Sport Voice. The complaint is the typical one:  She is not being presented as a woman athlete, but as a typical objectified woman. I’m going to take an all out, really rude, in your face guess here that is she wasn’t good looking, and ambitious (which adds to her good looks) nobody would be complaining.

That was pretty rude, but it’s making you think about things, right?

Look at the other cover examples they had in the article showing women on SI:  A female basketball player (can’t remember her name – sorry), and Beyonce’. Now, the basketball player is definitely NOT in a sexualized, objectified position, but Beyonce’ is.

Here is the reality …. Beyonce’ most likely wants to be in that position on a cover, because it sells her records and makes her tons of money. I don’t agree with Beyonce’ sporting that position on a cover, because it does teach young girls that they can use sex to get a paycheck. ‘Nuff said on that.

I’m sorry, but Lindey is definitely not in a sexualized, objectified position …she’s in a position you would be in going downhill on skis. I’ve been friends with skiers and ski instructers all of my life. I look at her and say to myself “would I want my step-daughter photographed as a skier in that position?” My answer is “yes”.  What is wrong with being photographed in a skiing position that is meant to gain you speed and keep you stable enough to keep you from becoming part of a tree?  Nothing.

Trying to get that shot live on the slopes in full 100% ski dress would be difficult and also with Lindsey trying to concentrate on the camera, it gives a chance for accidents to happen, taking our champion out of the Olympics.

The only time her picture becomes sexualized and she becomes objectified in that picture like the one Lindsey is in, is when a person or an article suggests that … other than that – that is a proper skiing position.

So, for there groups that think Lindsey Vonn is in a secualized, objectified position in the SI cover for the 2010 Olympics … there ARE self-esteem classes for you.

What would you rather have … Lindsey standing proper in a puritan dress holding her skis??

I do heavily agree that SI needs to show female athletes in a way that doesn’t make them look like they just came of the strip club pole, but enough is enough …. Lindey’s pose was perfectly fine and not demeaning to her in any way, so …

Get over it, and get a life.

In honor of trying to get a good point across, One Sport Voice gets an honorary Clueless Trophy.  We’re not giving a full one, because we understand where they want to go with this, but … there is being critical and then there is being Critical.

Our point: Making everything about a woman athlete as being objectified and sexualized, takes away from what she has really accomplished as a role model to younger women.  Doing this presents an unclear and confused picture to young women on how they should view and feel about themselves.

-SWB

PS – Other than the venting ….. we say “Go Lindsey Go ….. get us some gold!!”

The reality of reality

* What’s makes this post “Breaking!” ??

Well, nothing really – we just haven’t used the article icon in a while and didn’t want it to feel left out.

* If there anything at all “breaking” about this post?

Well, my wife did change her status on Facebook  to “being tired of reality shows”. I guess that’s breaking news.

* Any point?

Yup, I replied to it with this: “I guess I should have told you about the web cams, and internet feeds in the house for NBC … I hope the lifetime supplies of free Sham Wows is worth it.”

* I got this back:

“Sham wows!!!????!!!! You’re on the couch tonight Mister!!”

* Why am I writing this?

Because I’m trying to figure out if my wife is seeing the Sham Wow guy on the side.  Other than that … this article has no use but to generate totally worthless babble.

You need that in a blog sometimes.

-SWB

PS - If you gained anything mentally useful from this post, please go back to reading comic books … it’s obviously a much safer place for you.

Utter Nonsense: Total Cost Of Ownership

One of the best auto articles I’ve found lately to help buyers not get shafted is in the latest issue of Reader’s Digest (if I can find the link I’ll update the posting).  The article is about the top 5 cars to avoid buying this year. That isn’t the best part … it’s actually the fact that RD gives good examples of total cost of ownership.

If you ever want to get a car salesman to go into a severe pre-coma shock, ask the about the total cost of ownership over the lifespan of the car (or at least the time you will own it).  They shake, they sweat, and sometimes pass out.

Why?

Well, think about this: One of the more “fuel efficient” cars out there that has a fairly low sticker price ($12,000 to $15,000).

Seems cool, right …. low cost, save on gas, etc.

Then there is what you add in for the total cost of ownership: Normal maintenance for that vehicle, wear and tear repairs, etc.  That runs about $20,000 over the lifetime of the car (and in some cases only the time you own it).

BTW … that $20,000 is over and above what you paid for the car (and we’re not including interest on the loan yet).  So, basically you are paying up to $35,000 for a $12,000 to $15,000 car.  This example differs from car to car, etc.

Now, I own a Honda, which I specifically purchased because of the knowledge that you had to repair them less, etc.  The car was certified at 2 years old on the lot for about $10,000 or $12,000.  Once I negotiated, I got it for about $7500.  I also had previously bought cars from Crysler, Chevy, and Ford for much less at the same age – but on a regular basis replaced starters, engines, transmissions, etc.  It got costly.  This is where total cost of ownership comes into play. Although I spent less on those cars than I spent on the Honda I purchased, to this date I have spent 70% less on repairs to my Honda than the other cars, giving me a very low total cost of ownership.  My car is now 12 years old, has never not started, is paid off, and rarely costs me money … although I am thinking about spending $2000 to replace timing belts, belts, do a valve job, and a little refurb on the engine – because the body and other parts are in good enough shape to run another 5 years.

Why do many car companies not want to tell you the total cost of ownership?

Well, it’s because they no longer make money on the actual car sales, and really make money on parts sales and repairs.

So the next time you go to a dealer, as them about total cost of ownership, and if they don’t sweat, talk to them, get the information, compare it to what you find on the net and make a educated purchase.  Don’t buy just because “it has a Hemi”.

If the salesman gets a “deer in the headlights” look … run screaming, “this is utter nonsense … and such”.

-SWB

PS – Auto salespeople going into convulsions after being questioned is rather comical … so hit as many dealerships as you can – it’ll put a smile on your face.

Review: Serendipity Bistro (NorthSide Pittsburgh)

Logo banner for Serendipity Bistro captured from their site, click on it to go there.

If you are familiar with Tusca Global Tapas in SouthSide Works, you are familiar the quality of the culinary presentation, dining experience, and professionalism of the staff that you will experience at Serendipity.

When you walk into the establishment (it’s the historic James Street Tavern) and see the original bar, you immediately imagine a sophisticated crowd standing in front of it waiting for a sharp dressed bartender to effortlessly slide drafts down the length of the bar to the customers.  The next thing you mind brings to life is the sound of wailing sax rifts coming from the jazz trio playing below in the Speakeasy. Then the aroma of the food hits you…

You turn to your date and declare what you already see in their eyes … “we’re stayin’ a while.”

Serendipity serves what is considered “Hip American Cuisine”, so if you are expecting a “Tusca 2″, that’s not it … but it’s the same owners and some of the original staff from Tusca, so as I said, the quality is hot.  So is the atmosphere.

The main room you walk into has a great original bar, booths, and a dining area with a wood floor that would make a great dance area.  All original wood, I believe.  The Speakeasy, below that is an amazing room that you immediately imagine as a small jazz club.  The atmosphere, bar, stage, and acoustics are were created perfectly for small performances.  If they start them there, it will be the place to be.  I can easily see the better jazz, soul, and funk bands lining up to play there in the years to come.  There is also an upper room that I haven’t had the chance to see yet that I understand will be used for banquets, etc.

With a great menu, good selection of beers, and a nice wine list … take a jump over to the North Side and take in Serendipty – I guarantee you will come back.

Ratings

Food ….. 4.5

Service ….. 5

Atmosphere ….. 4.5 (you don’t want to leave)

Overall ….. 4.5

-SWB

PS – Being in the ever becoming more popular historic North Side, Serendipity has the potential to end up on the “jet set traveler’s” map of Pittsburgh … so go now, while you can still get in.

Disclaimer:  I do occasional sound work for Tusca / Serendipity, so if you feel my review is biased, so be it … but keep this in mind:  If the owner thought my work was poor, she wouldn’t hold back telling me (in a nice way, of course) – so if their establishment was poor, I’d be just as honest (using nice caring words, of course).

BTW – Serendipity Bistro is now listed in SWB Recommends!

Something to rant about

Well, yinz haven’t seen a Rant Files from me in a while.  As you all know I’ve been fairly busy, and really haven’t had much time to get irritated enough by anything (with exception of maybe family … and it doesn’t matter how “Ozzie and Harrie” your family is, they irritate you at some point … “family” includes pets ‘n things too). Don’t worry – I’m not on “Happy Pills” either.

OK, let’s see, what can we rant about?

* Can I copy Pittgirl and rant about the pigeons in Market Square? … nope – because Market Square ain’t there right now.

* Can I whine about the fact that my Comcast “High Speed” internet connection is now operating at dial up speeds?  Why bother … some things you just learn to expect from Comcast.  Considering they’re still not as screwed up as FiOS, I’ll live with the temporary problem.

* Can I vent about the fact that the Pittsburgh Free WiFi I’m on right now is slower than the dial-up speed of my current Comcast connection at home? Well, maybe I shouldn’t because it’s free … but, I think we have a winner:

Free internet service was supposed to be a draw back to the city.  Great idea, but ….

If it takes longer to bring up a page of something like the City Paper on your computer than it does to just go find a printed copy of the City Paper, locate the page, and read it … the draw kind of looses it’s “umpf”.

The two hour limit for free is annoying enough, but understandable … if you are going to be able to bring up more than ten pages on your laptop or netbook during the time you are on.  Hey, if the service works good, I may actually be inspired to pay the $5 for the day to use it while I’m here – but if it stays as slow as I’m experiencing now … the chances of the City getting extra money from me (or other users for that matter) are pretty slim.

This seems to be par for a service that the City of Pittsburgh would provide … “it’s needed, so let’s do it … but not too well or the residents will expect quality ALL of the time.” This brings back memories of a blog past written on the hole going over to the stadiums … same attitude.

Oh well, Pittsburghers wished and asked for free outdoor internet, and we got it.  Maybe we should have been a little more specific about it actually working well. Lesson leaned.

-SWB

PS – It’s 15 minutes after writing the blog, and the internet connections has finally caught up to my typing.  I guess it’s time to publish …

The new Apple iPad and not enough stuff

This is where SWB goes ….”huh????”

People are complaining that there isn’t enough “stuff” on the new Apple iPad.  Remember, this is years after people complained about so much useless crap being loaded on a PC that they had a problem fitting two pics of their kids on the hard drive. Which is one of the noted reasons people started migrating over to Apple (besides iLife and the iPod).

Yahoo! has an excellent article on the new iPad, click here to check it out.

BTW … Apparently the PC people are still loading tons of useless garbage, because it took three hours to uninstall all of it that was on the Acer AspireOne that I purchased to do stage lighting control development.  That’s not a reflection on the computer itself … I find the Acer AspireOne to be one of the most solid netbooks available (event if I could only get Microsoft on it). The new units the N450 cpu are even better.  Keep your eye on Acer .

Here is my main issue with people complaining about the iPad not having enough: They are turning into tech hypocrites. The same people that complained about having too many useless apps are now complaining about not enough apps.

Now, try to think this out (I know it takes a little bit ‘o brain power … but give it a shot anyway):

Would you rather have?:

1. A Newly released unit that is loaded with a ton of crap apps you will never use – leaving no space for any apps you actually want to load, you paying $$$ for the apps you actually want, and never using the apps that you have.  Believe me, you paid for everything installed on that computer whether you wanted it or not … so wouldn’t you rather have ones that you can actually use?
2. -or- A computer with a decent or limited amount of apps that you may use and additional apps that will come later in product updates after the company gets feedback on how it’s users will actually use the product.  Remember – no matter how much research goes on, when you have a new ground breaking, life and work style changing unit appear like the iPad, nobody knows what users will actually do with it.

So, to the techno hypocrites SWB Awards the much desired “Clueless Trophy”. Have a little patience kiddies, and you’ll probably get what you want.

If not, get a kitten … it’ll make you feel warm and fuzzy inside while you’re sitting on your couch texting complaints about the new iPad to your friends.

-SWB

PS — Geez ….. get over it and make up your minds!

Review: Yamaha DD65 and NStuff Music

Normally I don’t bother reviewing electronics, but just the service at a local company.  I’m doing both in this post as they both deserve it.

I’m a big electronic instrument fan (as are many tech people). I also like drums (like many guys) … but can’t afford the larger electronic sets due to price ($1500 and above) and I’m iffy about the lower end sets ($200 to $500 range).  Space is an issue with me also.

Now, I’ve owned an earlier version of the “all in one electronic drum set” from Yamaha called the DD50.  It was nice, but just didn’t do what I needed it too.  The sounds were OK, but not studio or performance quality.  That has changed with the DD65 unit pictured on the left.  Here is a quick run-down:

• It can sit on most snare stands – no propriety stand needed, and if you want to use it as a hand drum combining a snare and cymbal stand gives you the ability to play while standing.
• Sound quality is greatly improved … I tested the unit through a 40 channel Soundcraft, QSC Amps, and Renkus-Heinz speakers in a live performance hall … it gave the acoustic set a run for it’s money – although I still preferred  the sound of acoustic cymbals.
• The kick foot controller is now touch sensitive … there are dynamics on the kick now, which was greatly missing from previous units.  You can also purchase a standard kick pedal controller for it.
• There is also a standard hi-hat pedal available for the unit.
• A hand drum mode was added to allow you to play the unit with either sticks or hands.
• Very little or no limitations of midi functionality!
• Drums voices are assignable and you can create up to three custom sets.
• The feel of the unit and playability has been greatly improved.
• Much much more ….. it usually runs around $220, depending on where you purchase it at.

Excellent .. especially for new drum students …. don’t doubt it, just buy it!

Alright …. getting back to Nstuff Music (also known at Pianos N Stuff):

I’ve been dealing with, renting form, and purchasing from NStuff for years.  With the DD65 I just purchased the deal given is worth mentioning (I don’t know how long it will last, etc).  When I purchased the unit, unlike other places I looked where you have to purchase a keyboard survival kit to get the power adapted, etc … Nstuff included it with the unit (make sure they still do if you purchase it from them).  The questions I had were all answered quickly by the staff, even though some took some time to research over the internet, etc.  At no time was  I blown off for another customer that was looking at something more expensive.  The Yamaha DD65 I bought ran me $210 for everything (except the additional cables I purchased).  This is a savings of about $30 over other stores.

The service and knowledge in the store is exceptional as always – most of the personnel there are either techs or play out, using the equipment they sell.  You’ll find that most of them won’t sell something they don’t use.

Website: Pianos N Stuff or NStuff Music

-SWB

PS …. if you are in or around Pittsburgh, this is a local store – so support them by going to the store or buying from them over the internet.  They’ll still help you out after the sale … the big box boys will care less about you after the credit card is swiped.

** We try to keep information as true as possible in our reviews, if you find anything incorrect (other than our opinion), please write in to us or comment so that we can make the correction! Thanks!

Donations for Haiti

Just in case someone comes across SWB (considering I haven’t had time to post in a while), where is a good link for donating to the BRESMA Orphanage in Haiti. They will need it:

That’s Church has been keeping some updates on the orphans, etc … Click Here to go there.

Now, Haiti is a very volatile are right now, so donations are needed just to be able to get supplies in. You are looking at an area that had a 6.1 aftershock just below the surface of the earth. This compares to an earthquake of a much higher rating that happens lower in the earth as they normally do – so Haiti’s aftershocks can be quite more damaging

then let’s say one in California. The earthquakes in Haiti are also moving differently than in other spots on the planet, making things even worse.

I have also heard people mumbling “why would you live in such a dangerous are?” This sentiment comes from seeing people that have money rebuilding back in harms way in places like California. That doesn’t even remotely apply in a place like Haiti … where you are so poor that having a pair of shoes can
compare to having a Porshe in the U.S.

So, a request from us at SWB – skip your Latte’s for a week and donate to the orphanage – you have no idea how much you may buy them. Considering that Jamie and Ali McMutrie give a huge portion of their lives to these kids … you can give a few up a few latte’s. Right now I’m out off work and I’ll donate at least a little bit – so I’m not asking anyone to do any more than I am.

-SWB

It’s over – the elections, but change has happened

The Pittsburgh Mayoral election is over now, so we can all go back to looking for 50% off Halloween candy at Wally World.

Luke was elected, so nothing has changed, right??

Wrong!

Much has changed with Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin having run.  They captured enough of a percentage for Pittsburghers to say “we notice and want people working out of the box” loud and clear.

Now we get to see:

1. If the Mayor can gain enough respect to stop people from calling him names like Opie (SWB) and Lukey (thatschurch.com) …. along with a few others I cant print here due to WordPress’s Terms Of Service.  That will take actually associating with the common folk and not just Snoop Dogg (we actually have nothing against Snoop …. but I couldn’t think of anyone else).  I’ve actually my O’Conner and even Murphy – they both have given me the time of day at some point in my life.  I’ve never really seen Luke around except for a photo op.
2. If the Mayor can really up his game and prove to everyone that he will be good overall for Pittsburgh (don’t blow off what he has done well, but don’t forget the mistakes either).  This means following through on all of the current projects in a way that is at least acceptable and profitable for Pittsburghers.
3. If Luke can land us all free tickets to Snoop’s next Pittsburgh concert (and not lawn seats either) ….. then we’ll really know he DOES have connections.

 

Is this just a concern for those living in the city proper … no.

The mayor should be a concern of all that use the city services for work, shopping, dining, or play or we all end up paying for

-SWB

We are actually glad Luke is back …… we need material for the blog.

That’s Church – Pitt Girl if you missed her

Capture from That’s Church … click it to go there.

Well, we’re a bit late on giving a shout out to Pitt Girl’s (Virginia Montanez) new site. Hopefully you’ve already found it, but if you have not, or are new to Pittsburgh – click on the picture above.

It’s great that Pitt Girl is “out” …. not in the way you think, but the fact that she no longer has the need to hide behind an identity. This gives both men and women the inspiration to do what they love – without fear (heavy kudos to Pitt Girl for this). That is what this country and city are supposed to be about.

Although SWB has created an identity, it was never to “hide” but to facilitate the possibility of multiple authors at some point. If you look around enough, you can easily identify me by looking at that other sites on my blog.

We’ve been a little slow lately (we’ll get back at some point) due to job searching, being buried under the wires of a sound systems we maintain for a church (yep, we go to church … scared now?), and of course being at Tusca every Friday night (we’re your friendly neighborhood DJ … and, no, I don’t DJ contemporary Christian music at Tusca).

So please keep on checking out thatschurch.com and us and keep giving people reasons to do what they love … not just what generates $$$$$.

-SWB

PS – Do what you love … even if it’s just venting.

That’s Church is the first recommended Pittsburgh read to be listed under SWB Recommends!

Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin – Back to the basics

Capture from City Paper’s “Street Wise” article. Click it to go to the City Paper article.

SWB just wanted to highlight another one of the excellent articles that The Pittsburgh City Paper has been putting out lately. It’s about Dok Harris and Kevin Acklin going back to the basics of appealing to the actual voters personally for their votes.

Hmmmm … amazing how going back to the simple things actually works.

Now, since neither of these guys is a typical political running dude … they may actually give Luke Ravenstahl some competition – so ya might want to watch closely getting near the voting date.

-SWB

PS – What these guys are doing to get votes makes sense … which I though was made illegal about a 100 years ago in Pittsburgh.

This article was also added into Pgh Mayoral Race 2009 section of SWB.

Yep, Dave had sex

… if you read the article from Yahoo, you’ll get where the post title came from.

Now, there seems to be a whole new wave of extortionists showing up. The latest training camps must have let out.

Along with glorifying crimes and adultery, etc …. the more and more these things happen, the more they become accepted and “normal”. Everyone will say the economy is the main basis for it, but SWB disagrees.

I think we as humans, are just losing complete respect for each other, and our relationships. We no longer seem to see value in them, unless there is the convenience of financial growth.

Have we forgot how to act towards each other as humans?

-SWB

PS – the attitude of “it’s all good” doesn’t work here.