Does anyone even like Rendell?

So Governor Rendell has voiced his opinion that Barden, whom nobody appears to like, has solid financing. This is news? That the governor thinks the plan is valid? Ok... I'll wait till there's actual financing in place before I believe it.

(reference: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08152/886340-85.stm)

I want a 3 hour lunch break!

Below is the scheduled list of meetings to discuss Port Authority's new bus schedule. Almost every location is scheduled for a 6PM-8PM meeting. One location on this list is scheduled for 11AM - 2PM, downtown and city. This is on a Tuesday! Why does Port Authority expect people who live downtown or in the city to 1) not work during the day or 2) be able to take a 3-hour lunch break on a Tuesday? Sounds to me like they just really don't care about the opinions of those who live in the city. What other possible conclusion can be drawn from this? I'm trying to ignore the fact that asking for public opinion a year after a project starts is a slap in the face to start with.

Western communities -- June 17, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carnegie Borough Building, 1 Veterans Way.

Allegheny Valley and eastern suburbs -- June 23, 6 to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium at Community College of Allegheny County's Boyce campus, Monroeville.

Downtown and city -- June 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Downtown YWCA, 305 Wood St.

North Hills -- June 24, 6 to 8 p.m. at the West View Fire Department banquet hall, 398 Perry Highway.

South Hills -- June 25, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bethel Park Fire Hall, 5213 Brightwood Road.

Mon Valley -- June 26, 6 to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium at Community College of Allegheny County's South campus, West Mifflin.

(reference: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08144/884202-85.stm)

In other news, Let's go Pens!

Progress?

I leave for 2 1/2 weeks to suffer under the euro/dollar conversion and lo and behold the US Steel building now says "UP-C". Always something happening in Pittsburgh.

In other news, the Locker Room may be closing, but I think 3 stores opened up on Carson St while I was away - time to go shopping!

Something I Learned in Kindergarten...

Compromise.

A 10% drink tax brings in too much revenue.
The restaurants and general drinking public are pissed off that a drink tax was introduced to pay for Port Authority, and want to just eliminate the tax.
Mr Onorato feels that he has the right to tax the hell out of the county unless it involves raising property taxes and refuses to bend on the drink tax.
No one actually knows what the general public feels because we haven't had a chance to vote on this issue.

How about we compromise?
How about a 5% drink tax? Why hasn't anyone suggested that?

Councilman Chuck McCullough has the right idea. He wants to reduce the tax to 5% starting July 1. Of course, then he wants to eliminate it next year without offering a replacement source of funding, which isn't a compromise at all and thereby has no chance of passing in a council vote.

Maybe we should start electing kindergarten teachers to the County Council?

(references: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08123/878570-100.stm, http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08123/878445-85.stm )