Moving to Pittsburgh

by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 12:42 PM CDT Comment 78 comments

At the end of next week, I'll be moving from Chi-town to Pittsburgh, PA.

I fear I am going to be exposed to a lot of Pirates' baseball-like substance. Bad.

Although I suspect you can get good seats pretty easily there... you know... if you wanted to watch that.

I'm probably going to have to cave in and get the MLB.tv.

Anybody here from the area?

(And four more words.)

Poll

Pittsburgh, you say?

Ha ha!

23 votes

Aw, dude.

18 votes

Cool, have fun!

9 votes

Um... go Steelers?

8 votes

58 votes | Poll has closed

SouthSideSox is a community driven site. As such, users are able to express their thoughts and opinions in a FanPost, such as this one, which represents the views of this particular fan, but not necessarily the entire community or SouthSideSox editors.

0 recs | Comment 78 comments

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Comments

i went to pnc park a couple times when i lived south of the border (WV)

nice park to me…i liked pittsburgh, made the trip up there at least once a month for a couple years, in what neighborhood will you live?

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 21, 2009 1:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We're renting a house just south of Schenley Park.

I think it’s technically Greenfield, on the southern edge of Squirrel Hill.

Seems like a nice neighborhood.

by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

squirrel hill

by The_Fan on Jul 22, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lilac Street or thereabouts?

Nice area. I forget the name, but one of the better Chinese restaurants in town is in Greenfield.

by asinwreck on Jul 22, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

May as well subscribe to MLBTV now...no sense in waiting...it is inevitable.

Just [expletive] Fuck It.

by homesickalien on Jul 21, 2009 1:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping they drop the price for the last couple months.

I seem to remember that from previous MLB spam emails.

by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you realize that Pittsburgh is down to 60th most populous city in the US?

310,000 residents? I had no idea it had shrunk THAT much.

Well, enjoy the G-20 in September!

"Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand."

— Leo Durocher

by Chiburb on Jul 21, 2009 1:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not much bigger then Rockford

That is crazy though I had no idea

by 815Sox on Jul 21, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ranked one of the oldest too, no? remembered the city had trouble attacting younger folk to move in

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 21, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's left?

Steel industry? Nope.
Banking? In the tank.
Pro football and hockey? Check.

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 21, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pharma/tech/biomed

It’s actually an example of a Rust Belt city that’s reinventing itself and surviving, even flourishing, if you can call shedding tons of population a form of flourish. It’s got a solid art scene and good housing stock. Seriously, of basically any city of its ilk, PGH is probably one of the more desirable destinations (just maybe a notch below Minneapolis).

And it’s where George Romero is from and all the Dead movies are set, which is, for the most part, a big plus.

by Sox-35th on Jul 21, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Biomed I can see.

Pharma is a dinosaur and still shedding jobs. I agree, though, it can be quaint in certain spots. Kind of Midwestern in their values. Better than that hell-hole Indianapolis. Or anywhere in Florida.

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 21, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kabul is better than Indianapolis

STL (to reply to the post below) seemed to have a somewhat dead downtown the last time I was there and was dangerously Sun Belt-y in its sprawl (and the fact that the Anheuser Busch name is on every damn thing doesn’t help).

But both are certainly miles ahead of Indy, Cleveland, the D word, and I won’t even start on upstate New York or Philadelphia.

by Sox-35th on Jul 21, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've only visited one time...

but it really seemed like a decent little city to me.

All the stuff you want in a city without a lot of the stuff that drives me crazy about Chicago.

At least, that’s how I spin it.

by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i've heard it referred to as a smaller chicago

never spent any time there, so don’t know how apt that comparison is

"...but the devil lives inside this kid, I swear it. It rises out of him in a mist, this baby-faced defiant wrathful version of Pat Kane, escapes his bodily confines to perform satanic miracles all over the offensive zone. The only thing more fearsome than that assist was the keep-in preceding it. The only thing more unholy than his face is his black magic." GMH

by Illini0509 on Jul 21, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any city in the US will pale compared to Chicago

I’m a year removed, and each time I revisit Chicago I’m stunned. You tend to take it for granted while you’re living there, but when you look at it with fresh eyes you realize what an amazing city it is. I’ve traveled to most of the major cities around the world, and for sheer modern aesthetics nothing really compares – that skyline set against the undeveloped lakefront, there’s no other place like it. It’s really a marvel of what man can accomplish, just this brute but beautiful beast rising like a mountain range from the total flats of the prairie.

Be that as it may – there’s something to be said for smaller cities too. I’ve really taken to Indy since I moved here, I really enjoy it. It’s certainly not Chicago, but it’s a very livable place and quite pretty, lots of rolling terrain and waterways. If I were younger I’d get bored here, but once you’re settled down in life the pace is pleasant. The sensory bombardment really gets to me when I visit Chicago now, the pace of living is just so much more intense.

Pittsburgh will be whatever you make of it. Accept it on its own merits – hey, it ain’t Chicago but nothing else is either.

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 22, 2009 7:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

true dat

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm always - always - stunned when I drive downtown from O'Hare,

especially viewing Orlando’s post-apocalyptic nuclear holocost-like skyline on a daily basis. Generally I am even moved to tears – the beauty and majesty of the Chicago skyline is breathtaking in a literal sense.

However, when I start paying attention to the traffic, aging buildings, and finances/taxes I am glad to be in a no-income tax state that is small enough for my family and business to matter. I think you’ll be fine, RD.

And it’s good to have an exchange with you that lasts more than one post. Even if the end of it includes your wanting to kick my ass.

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 22, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gets me every time too

that drive in from O’Hare at night. I think it’s around Addison or so, you’re on higher elevation and you round a bend on the Kennedy and then all of a sudden the entire skyline is splayed out in front of you. Especially if I’m coming back from seeing mountains – the impression I always get is that this is a fucking manmade mountain range, and a pretty damned good impression.

Coming in on the Skyway Bridge the view is pretty amazing too, especially after you have pass through Gary and East Chicago. Nice juxtaposition.

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 22, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the view from the skyway is pretty sweet

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I loved driving from home to school

Taking 55 and Lake Shore all the way to Sheridan, especially during spring, it’s incredible how mobile the city gets once the weather improves.

The Chicago Bulls.....the more profitable Los Angeles Clippers.

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 22, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boston reminds me of a successful Pittsburgh in a lot of ways

Still pretty provincial, but the economy isn’t in the shitter. Much smaller than I’d imagined it would be.

Is it still the fourth inning?

by vince_ on Jul 22, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i don't think i would label boston as provincial

sure, it’s a small city in size and appears podunk (sp?) compared to neighboring NYC, but it has a lot of cultural attractions that can’t be found in st. louis, seattle, pittsburgh, etc. the urban architecture concentrated in the south end and back bay neighborhoods and downtown (especially the landscape design along commonwealth ave leading up to the public gardens) remind me of nyc in different ways. culturally, it has much more to attract than the other smaller cities too.

that said, i can’t wait to get the fuck out of here ;)

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More mental health therapists per capita

than anywhere in the country, IIRC. Everyone’s nuts. ’Couse, that was before 2 WS championships, Super Bowls, etc. Now, though, the financial meltdown has kicked their asses (Fidelity/Hancock/MFS/etc. call BOS home).

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Provincial is the first and only word I'd use for Boston

I’m surprised they don’t have an active secessionist movement

by Sox-35th on Jul 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

this city is liberal democratic as they come. you may be confused with other towns that make up MA

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't mean anything about the politics

more the collective attitude of the place. Even more than NYC, Boston has a “you’re not us, so, yeah, why not fuck off then” air about it. Its localisms and nuances seem to be more than character; they’re practically nationalistic (hence the secessionist line).

by Sox-35th on Jul 22, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, totally agreed...

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

crazy bar hours for a major city, too.

Cashing checks and having sex.

by MarketMaker on Jul 25, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice, Pete. Feel the same way.

Just [expletive] Fuck It.

by homesickalien on Jul 22, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

i miss it myself… gonna make the most of the 3 weeks i’ll have there

by Illini0509 on Jul 22, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you got me, but bayer is a big employer there, so there may be big pharma

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 21, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Local economy has been in the dumper for years. It's approaching Cleveland.

Just remember black and gold – they are the team colors for all the pro sports teams (the only city where that is the case).

My ex-boss is from Pittsburgh. When we both worked for a St. Louis-based firm he was insufferable about telling Chuck Noll stories. Yawn.

Good luck, RD.

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 21, 2009 1:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

See my post above

We have vastly differing images of the same city.

by Sox-35th on Jul 21, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

See mine.

I would equate PIT to St. Louis – also shedding population, yet a vibrant downtown scene. I am just supporting my wife’s opinion, since her ex-husband is from Pittsburgh.

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 21, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but her future ex-husband is from chicago!

Cashing checks and having sex.

by MarketMaker on Jul 25, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But stay away from football games...

http://cbs2chicago.com/sports/Ben.Roethlisberger.lawsuit.2.1094505.html

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 21, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AGE too? Another client.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand."

— Leo Durocher

by Chiburb on Jul 21, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AG Edwards?

Wachovia/Wells?

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 21, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

when i read the title

i was hoping for a lot of Weeds references. totally cock blocked.

knocked his fucking dick in the dirt! - BuehrleMan

by BoeJouma on Jul 21, 2009 2:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ive never been...

but was told it is surprisingly nice. have fun.

Kenwo4life=ratings

by KenWo4LiFe on Jul 21, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

coming into it from the west is pretty cool

woods woods woods, then tunnel.

motor through the tunnel, then BAM! you’re in downtown pittsburgh, with rivers beneath you and heinz field on your left.

These events have me frightened and on the verge of evacuating my bowels.

by thatshortkid on Jul 21, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

il have to check it out...next time the sox are out there

Kenwo4life=ratings

by KenWo4LiFe on Jul 21, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, that is one of the better skyline views you'll see

I still like flying into Chicago at night, though.

Is it still the fourth inning?

by vince_ on Jul 21, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the best is

flying into Las vegas at night

by The_Fan on Jul 22, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pittsburgh has that sandwich with the fries in the middle, so enjoy

The city is declining aside from health care, but unlike Cleveland it’s not a giant cesspool where no one escapes. I went there for an interview at Pitt and was impressed, but I’m fond of most smallish cities. Compared to Philly, Baltimore, they’re doing alright.

The Chicago Bulls.....the more profitable Los Angeles Clippers.

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 21, 2009 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sandvich = Primanti Brothers

Surprisingly good.

Is it still the fourth inning?

by vince_ on Jul 21, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

and for a few pints, head over to the squirrel hill cafe.

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 21, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I lived in Pittsburgh for six years

Went to school there. It’s ok, but it is no Chicago. Very provincial. People aren’t that excited by the Pirates (go figure), but they go crazy about the Steelers.

My favorite watering holes were Dee’s on the south side, Bloomfield Bridge Tavern, and the Squirrel Cage in Squirrel Hill. Have a Primanti Brothers sandwich. Go to “The O” in Oakland once, preferably late after a night of drinking, but try not to get shot (used to be a problem 10-15 years ago).

Favorite quote of a band ripping on Pittsburgh: “We’re glad all of you could make it all the way from 1980. Thanks for joining us at Applebee’s.” – Man or Astro-man show in pgh.

Is it still the fourth inning?

by vince_ on Jul 21, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I lived in Pittsburgh for nine years.

It’s more like the speed of Milwaukee or Cleveland, still a lot more fun than Detroit. Bloomfield Bridge Tavern is a must-visit, and wandering your way down Liberty Avenue will reveal a great CD store (Paul’s), an outstanding burger joint (Tessaro’s) and a surprisingly great Thai restaurant (Thai Cuisine). Head away toward downtown and go into the Church Brew Pub (a Catholic church-turned-microbrewery). The best local cuisine overall is Indian — both northern and southern styles are well-represented in the city and Monroeville.

Pittsburgh is an excellent city for drinking — in addition to having dozens of dirt-cheap bars, the UPMC is a world leader in organ transplants. Useful when you wear out your liver.

The bookstore situation is terrible, odd since the big economic engine is now universities.

As for the Pirates, good seats are available, and you should go. PNC Park is the nicest of all the new parks I’ve visited, and it is perfectly located on the river. The good thing about the Pirates being consistently bad is the ease of finding tickets to such a beautiful park. Quite a step up from that pit Three Rivers. One of the most depressing MLB experiences I’ve had was watching a Padres-Pirates game at the old park one September evening when there were no more than 500 fans in the stands. Graveyards have more life.

by asinwreck on Jul 21, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ever go to squirrel hill cafe?

or 31st street pub?

been to the church brew pub, which was a nice experience…

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 21, 2009 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes to both.

Saw probably 60-70 shows at the 31st Street Pub…which for a while, had strippers perform in the afternoons. (Anyone who visits there will know just how un-erotic that visual is.) The Cage has good pasta to have with their many many beers.

by asinwreck on Jul 21, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

a friend of mine made the mistake of negotiating for higher pay after their band played

the owner put him in a choke hold

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 21, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, don't fuck with Joel.

He’s an upfront guy (maybe the easiest club owner to book shows with, outside the collective Mr. Roboto Project), but doesn’t take well to shenanigans.

by asinwreck on Jul 22, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, i don't think they were engaging in shenanigans (or so my friend says)

but i’m pretty sure you get paid what the man gives and there’s no questions asked

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've been to the squirrel hill cafe many times

and I dunno anyone who actually calls it that. It’s the Squirrel Cage.

Is it still the fourth inning?

by vince_ on Jul 22, 2009 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wasn't a local, but thanks for the clarification

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the info!

Dirt-cheap bars sounds right up my alley!

I’ll have to warn my wife about the bookstore thing. She’s a book maniac. In fact, we’re heading east because she got a new position teaching literature and writing at PPU.

by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Excellent. Good luck, RD.

We’re a pack of a-holes. by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT
And my tradition of contributing absolutely nothing to this site...
continues.by ReservoirDog on Jul 21, 2009 2:30 PM EDT

by winningugly on Jul 21, 2009 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's good that your married

You’ll be fine, it’s a much easier transition if you have a companion.

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 22, 2009 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you like dirt-cheap, definitely check out Dee's

Back in the late nineties when dinosaurs roamed the earth, you could get a 22 oz of whatever they had on tap for $2.25 and a vodka tonic for $1.75. I’m sure the prices are higher now but even back then that was dirt cheap.

They also had about 7 or so full size pool tables that cost $6/hr at the time. The tables were in decent shape although you might have to search for a while for a decent cue.

Is it still the fourth inning?

by vince_ on Jul 22, 2009 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, if you are in to vinyl

records that is, an absolute must-stop is Jerry’s in Squirrel Hill, particularly for blues or jazz. It was easy to come out of that place with six or seven classic jazz albums and only have spent $20 (again, late-nineties dollars, adjust for inflation).

Is it still the fourth inning?

by vince_ on Jul 22, 2009 8:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Only problem with Jerry's

…is that DJs from out of town — and even out of the country — sweep in occasionally to pick its rare records dry. The R&B and jazz sections are less impressive than they used to be. The country room, though, remains terrific, and you have to love a record store that lets you bring dogs in.

by asinwreck on Jul 22, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's something to be said for post-industrial wastelands

Pittsburgh had its phase of steep decline in the 1970s when the steel industry went into the shitter but seems to have clawed its way out now – unlike Detroit or Cleveland, which are still stuck in the nightmare phase.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the documentary about Joy Division. Lots of similarities between the Manchester and Pittsburgh of the 70s, or the present “Old Detroit”. The documentary is about how the band was very much a product of the post-industrial wreckage surrounding them. Very intelligent and affecting film, not your typical rock band hagiography. One of the few movies I’ve seen about rock, or music in general, that really answers the question – how does great music get made?

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 22, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i saw the biopic control, but never saw the documentary, will check that out!

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 22, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

24 Hour Party People, Control and Joy Division are companion pieces

There’s about 30yrs hindsight now to put it into perspective, some interesting movies have come of it – they don’t follow the usual Hollywood biopic arc. Same way that rap came screaming out of the wreckage of the crack epidemic, that Manchester sound came out of the mess that was 1970s UK. Haven’t seen anything similar done in the US trying to put rap into historical perspective, they both came of age at the same time.

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 22, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs