owning a condo
Jul. 19th, 2008 | 12:36 pm
posted by: ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
lttlredcorvette in ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif)
pittsburgh
Alright, yinz guys, this post got me thinking, so I want to go to the source and ask my question. My husband and I currently live in Burbank, although we're thankfully headed back to the 'Burgh in the end of October. Out here, condos are a normal thing. The price of houses is ridiculous, and the banks offer things like '60 year mortgages!!' to help people actually be able to 'buy' (although who knows who buys a house and lives in it 60 years to actually pay it off). But when we left Pittsburgh, it seemed like the idea of condos was always kind of silly, since the housing market is so cheap. I remember things like the 'walk and dine tours' of the condos downtown, trying to get people interested in buying them.
So my question is this: are condos more of an acceptable thing in the city now? Here are the ones I can think of: the Penn Garrison, the Pennsylvanian (that's the one above the train station), and the ones above the Giant Eagle on Center Ave. I also know of all of the new 'lofts' like the Cork Factory, South Side Works, the Waterfront, and those 'artsy' ones in the Strip District, but I can't remember if those are rent or own (I'm pretty sure the Waterfront ones at least are rent-only, or at least mostly rent).
Does anybody live in those places? Or do you know someone who does? I'm just curious if these things are taking off. I kind of understand the idea of working downtown and wanting to live there so you can walk to work, but last time I was in Pittsburgh, you couldn't get a grocery store, department store, etc. without driving somewhere. The commute from places like Squirrel Hill, Oakland, and even the North Hills isn't too bad to downtown, so I guess I just don't get the point of overpriced condos in a city like the 'Burgh. So if you know anyone who loves condo living, please enlighten me why :) By the way, I'm talking owning, not renting. I can kind of understand renting an expensive-ish place while you're deciding where to get a permanent home/saving for a down payment/etc.
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Save Squirrel Hill!
Jul. 19th, 2008 | 08:56 am
posted by: jcipa in pittsburgh
A plan is afoot to raze the properties at the corner of Forward and Murray, from the Squirrel Hill Theater to the vacant Poli's. While I certainly agree that something needs to be done with the former Poli's, I'm very upset by the plans to get rid of our theater*, Tango Cafe, Pizza Amier, and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (the karate school has already made plans to relocate) and replace them with an "upscale" development. Squirrel Hill already has far too much in the way of recent "upscale" developments. Walnut Capital in particular has bought up many properties and priced them far out of the reach of long-time tenants. National chains have slowly but surely pushed out local businesses (anyone else remember the two bookstores we used to have before there was a Barnes and Noble? Or Bagel land? Or any number of the old Jewish bakeries and kosher stores?). We need to stop this mindless progress for progress' sake, and actually think about whether it is good for the community.
You can read more about the plans here. There is a "community meeting" with the developers at the JCC on August 4th at 7, a public hearing scheduled for August 7th, and you can leave your comments for Doug Shields here.
*yes, there are two theaters in Squirrel Hill-- the four screen Manor on Forbes that tends to carry a lot of limited release "artsy", unique, and independent films and the Squirrel Hill on Forward that carries your more popular Hollywood films. If the Squirrel Hill theater closes, it's probably safe to assume that the Manor would show more Hollywood films and the city would lose a venue for films like Mongol. (ETA: the theaters are both owned by Cinemagic)
You can read more about the plans here. There is a "community meeting" with the developers at the JCC on August 4th at 7, a public hearing scheduled for August 7th, and you can leave your comments for Doug Shields here.
*yes, there are two theaters in Squirrel Hill-- the four screen Manor on Forbes that tends to carry a lot of limited release "artsy", unique, and independent films and the Squirrel Hill on Forward that carries your more popular Hollywood films. If the Squirrel Hill theater closes, it's probably safe to assume that the Manor would show more Hollywood films and the city would lose a venue for films like Mongol. (ETA: the theaters are both owned by Cinemagic)
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time for another edition of Viewer Discretion
Jul. 18th, 2008 | 10:48 pm
posted by: jessieknits in pittsburgh
: viewer discretion : at the brillobox : doors at 8 : show starts 'round 8:30 :
pittsburgh-based film & video artists will surprise, amaze, make you laugh ... the full-on list of artists is on the flier under the cut ... and all for just $3!
see you there!
( viewer discretion )
pittsburgh-based film & video artists will surprise, amaze, make you laugh ... the full-on list of artists is on the flier under the cut ... and all for just $3!
see you there!
( viewer discretion )
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EP Fetish Wig Ball: Tonight & Tomorrow
Jul. 18th, 2008 | 10:22 pm
posted by: upstagenation in pittsburgh
A fetish event for all those into S&M, goth, fetish, industrial, swinging, or just good old-fashioned sexiness.
Performances by Mistress Natasha Fiore, Miss Elizabeth Couteau & The Playground's Eccentric Playmates
Special Performance by Chip DiMonick
DJ Dale Cooper spinning alternative music
Additional performances by 3D, Vivica Love, Miss Hush and Kandie Kupcake (incubiinc.com and nekkidalternative.com). $2.50 Bud Lights/$3.00 well drinks at Altar Bar. Also, Flying Monkey will be donating/raffling vouchers for tattoos/piercings for the most creative wig worn. So wear your most sexiest or silliest wig for a good cause and support the scene!!!! 25% of the proceeds to benefit the Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh
1620 Penn Ave. (In the Strip District)
21 & Over
Doors: 9pm
$12 cover at the door
CLEVELAND: CLEVELAND: CLEVELAND: CLEVELAND: CLEVELAND: CLEVELAND:
25% of the proceeds to benefit the Cleveland Animal Protective League
DJ Dale Cooper spinning synthpop/ebm/industrial/retro
Performances by Mistress Natasha Fiore, Miss Elizabeth Couteau & The Playground's Eccentric Playmates
Special Performance by DisgraceD
WIGS ARE OPTIONAL BUT APPRECIATED! (Wear your sexiest/silliest wig for a good cause!)
Saturday, July 19
Peabody's/Rockstar
2083 East 21 Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
18 & Over
Doors: 9pm
$10 cover at the door
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Guy post, guy post.
Jul. 18th, 2008 | 05:38 pm
posted by: rufushonkeriv in pittsburgh
Julie Bologna returns to WPXI
I stopped watching the nightly news in lieu of getting my news off the internet... I guess I'll have to go back to WPXI for my weather now. :D
I stopped watching the nightly news in lieu of getting my news off the internet... I guess I'll have to go back to WPXI for my weather now. :D
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Taxim: Bellydance Student Salon
Jul. 18th, 2008 | 03:51 pm
mood: 
productive
posted by: acailin in pittsburgh
From YIV's website:
TONIGHT! July 18, 2008
Join one of Pittsburgh’s premier Bellydance troupes, Khafif, for their Bellydance Student and Teacher Showcase & Swap Meet. Following the performances, we’ll clear out the center of the Harem for Open Dance. Featuring performances by Khafif, Zafira Dance Co., Ishtar, Gypsy Soul and many more!
$5 cover in the Back Lounge (a portion of the door proceeds will benefit a local charity).
All ages & BYOB.
Your Inner Vagabond
4130 Butler Street
Lawrenceville
This is going to be a fantastic show!
TONIGHT! July 18, 2008
Join one of Pittsburgh’s premier Bellydance troupes, Khafif, for their Bellydance Student and Teacher Showcase & Swap Meet. Following the performances, we’ll clear out the center of the Harem for Open Dance. Featuring performances by Khafif, Zafira Dance Co., Ishtar, Gypsy Soul and many more!
$5 cover in the Back Lounge (a portion of the door proceeds will benefit a local charity).
All ages & BYOB.
Your Inner Vagabond
4130 Butler Street
Lawrenceville
This is going to be a fantastic show!
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(no subject)
Jul. 18th, 2008 | 02:58 pm
posted by: strangestranger in pittsburgh
midgets and retards aside...
is there a cheap way to get to pittsburgh from philadelphia or new york? i have friends who want to visit, but i can only find $100+ roundtrip bus/train/plane tickets. i was hoping to find something for a little less, like $60 roundtrip. does pittsburgh have a chinatown bus, or is there a chinatown bus that would drop friends off reasonably close to pittsburgh?
any info is appreciated, thanks in advance.
is there a cheap way to get to pittsburgh from philadelphia or new york? i have friends who want to visit, but i can only find $100+ roundtrip bus/train/plane tickets. i was hoping to find something for a little less, like $60 roundtrip. does pittsburgh have a chinatown bus, or is there a chinatown bus that would drop friends off reasonably close to pittsburgh?
any info is appreciated, thanks in advance.
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Midget Wanted to Solemnize Wedding
Jul. 18th, 2008 | 08:32 am
posted by: kimberlin in pittsburgh
I checked the tags and didn't find anything but I'm not surprised.
My hubby to be wants to get married by a midget.
So if you are a real midget, or know one who might be willing please direct them to this post.
I have an ad on Craig's List but I'm getting everything but midgets.
We will pay for the ordination which is needed to legally perform marriages and can be used Life Long (I'm also ordained if anyone needs an officiant).
We will also donate $100 in cash after the ceremony. The Rev. and his guest are also invited to stay at the reception which features wonderful music and a sword swallower.
My hubby to be wants to get married by a midget.
So if you are a real midget, or know one who might be willing please direct them to this post.
I have an ad on Craig's List but I'm getting everything but midgets.
We will pay for the ordination which is needed to legally perform marriages and can be used Life Long (I'm also ordained if anyone needs an officiant).
We will also donate $100 in cash after the ceremony. The Rev. and his guest are also invited to stay at the reception which features wonderful music and a sword swallower.
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Puppy Obedience Class
Jul. 17th, 2008 | 10:51 am
posted by: ntalak in pittsburgh
I just bought a new Siberian Husky puppy last week, her name is Nala. Nala is 13wks old as of now and since she's a Husky she is as mischevious as she possibly could be. I wanted to take her to an obedience class but don't have any recommendations or know where to start looking. Preferably we would like to go on a Saturday, and anywhere in the city is fine. I already googled it and found the Humane Society, Doglogic, Golden Triangle, and Misty Pines, but with all of them there is always a conflicting time and/or class structure problem. Any suggestions are welcome!!
( Click to see pictures of Nala! )
( Click to see pictures of Nala! )
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This weekend @ Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Jul. 17th, 2008 | 10:46 am
posted by: companymanners in pittsburgh
Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
2:15 p.m.
Live Satellite Calls with Scientists in Greenland
Dr. Mary-Louise Timmermans of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will be hosting two live satellite calls with WHOI scientists currently on expedition in Greenland, studying why the ice sheet there is shrinking.
For more information on WHOI’s Greenland Glacier Expedition, visit their Web site here.
Free with museum admission.
Saturday, July 19
1 p.m.
Gallery Talk
For more than 50 years, internationally acclaimed photographer Don Robinson has taken viewers on a visual journey with his stunning landscape and lush wildlife photography. Join the artist for an afternoon gallery talk as he shares his thoughts on his latest exhibition. In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson is on display in the R.P. Simmons Family Gallery through September 14. Included images portray the diversity of cultures, wildlife, flora, and landscapes of six continents and more than 60 countries.
Free with museum admission.
Photo by Donald M. Robinson
For more information on these and other programs at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, visit http://www.CarnegieMNH.org.
2:15 p.m.
Live Satellite Calls with Scientists in Greenland
Dr. Mary-Louise Timmermans of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will be hosting two live satellite calls with WHOI scientists currently on expedition in Greenland, studying why the ice sheet there is shrinking.
For more information on WHOI’s Greenland Glacier Expedition, visit their Web site here.
Free with museum admission.
Saturday, July 19
1 p.m.
Gallery Talk
For more than 50 years, internationally acclaimed photographer Don Robinson has taken viewers on a visual journey with his stunning landscape and lush wildlife photography. Join the artist for an afternoon gallery talk as he shares his thoughts on his latest exhibition. In Harmony with Nature II: Photos by Donald M. Robinson is on display in the R.P. Simmons Family Gallery through September 14. Included images portray the diversity of cultures, wildlife, flora, and landscapes of six continents and more than 60 countries.
Free with museum admission.
Photo by Donald M. Robinson
For more information on these and other programs at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, visit http://www.CarnegieMNH.org.
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Pressure: 2Nite!
Jul. 17th, 2008 | 07:33 am
posted by: upstagenation in pittsburgh
N8theSK8, along w/ Upstage Friends, present: Pittsburgh’s finest retro dance party!
This Thursday @ PRESSURE: DJ CrashZero & DJ Sex spinning Dance / Eighties / Techno & More !!! Dance Rock from the Last 30 Years and as current as today! Dance the summer away!
80s / Electro / Neo-New Wave / Indie Dance
9pm-2am / 21+ / EVERY THURSDAY!!!
UPSTAIRS @ PETERS PUB / 116 Oakland Ave
CURRENT DRINK SPECIALS
$1.75 Coors Lite
$2.50 Long Island Ice Teas
$2 Cover !!!
This Thursday @ PRESSURE: DJ CrashZero & DJ Sex spinning Dance / Eighties / Techno & More !!! Dance Rock from the Last 30 Years and as current as today! Dance the summer away!
80s / Electro / Neo-New Wave / Indie Dance
9pm-2am / 21+ / EVERY THURSDAY!!!
UPSTAIRS @ PETERS PUB / 116 Oakland Ave
CURRENT DRINK SPECIALS
$1.75 Coors Lite
$2.50 Long Island Ice Teas
$2 Cover !!!
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Confluence, the Pittsburgh Science Fiction Conference (July 25-27)
Jul. 16th, 2008 | 03:15 pm
posted by: mrgoodwraith in pittsburgh
If you're a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or horror, or you know someone who is, this message is for you: Please consider coming out to the Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport during some part of next weekend (July 25, 26, and 27) for Confluence, our 20th Annual Pittsburgh Science Fiction Conference. Our guests include dozens of genre writers (such as Guest of Honor Joe Haldeman, author of The Forever War and Forever Peace), editors (such as Critic Guest Kathryn Cramer of the "Year's Best" series), and musicians (such as Featured Musical Guests Lord Landless, a German trio making their North American debut).
The weekend will be full of panel discussions, concerts, readings, signings, kaffeeklatches, and other events; on Saturday evening, we'll present the North American premiere of science fiction author James Morrow's play "Come Back, Dr. Sarcophagus," a comic homage to TV horror-movie hosts. The full schedule is here. Thanks for your time and consideration!
The weekend will be full of panel discussions, concerts, readings, signings, kaffeeklatches, and other events; on Saturday evening, we'll present the North American premiere of science fiction author James Morrow's play "Come Back, Dr. Sarcophagus," a comic homage to TV horror-movie hosts. The full schedule is here. Thanks for your time and consideration!
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?
Jul. 16th, 2008 | 01:37 pm
posted by: journalismgirl in pittsburgh
What happened to the post about the sick kittens?
OP of that post: I know it probably looked like people were ganging up on you. Your kittens are very sick, though, and you are their human. You have an obligation to get them care. It's no different than if you had a very sick newborn.
I hope you're able to do the right thing for them.
OP of that post: I know it probably looked like people were ganging up on you. Your kittens are very sick, though, and you are their human. You have an obligation to get them care. It's no different than if you had a very sick newborn.
I hope you're able to do the right thing for them.
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Help?
Jul. 16th, 2008 | 10:06 am
posted by: macbeaner in pittsburgh
This is an absolute longshot, but I thought it would be worth a try.
Saturday Night, my husband and I went out to the Post Gazette Pavilion to see Steve Miller. During the ensuing evening, my husband got drunk and lost our camera. He went out to PGP yesterday to see if anyone was honest and turned it in but of course, it wasn't there.
If you know anyone who was there and happened to find a red Samsung digital camera on the lawn, could you please have them return it to me? I can be reached at macbeaner@gmail.com.
Thank you so much for your help!
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Kitty Litter delivery!
Jul. 16th, 2008 | 08:23 am
posted by: shelaghc in pittsburgh
I've got another recommendation:
http://kittylitterwedeliver.com/
Tired of having to go out and haul home cat litter every month - or every week?
Laid up and the cats are tiptoeing around the litterbox because you ran out?
Car's in the shop and no idea when it'll be back and the smell is more than you can stand?
Check out Kitty Litter We Deliver!
No, I don't work for them. My car was indeed out of commission for over a week and I'd completely run out of litter. So on a whim I googled "litter delivery Pittsburgh" and this website popped up.
I placed an order (no charge for delivery) and the very next day, I had a forty pound bag of cat litter on my porch waiting for me when I got home from work. And, frankly, the litter is some of the best I've ever used - no dust at all and it's great at absorbing the smells. I got a full month's worth of litter boxes from that one bag.
Highly, highly recommend this service. They were a real life saver!
http://kittylitterwedeliver.com/
Tired of having to go out and haul home cat litter every month - or every week?
Laid up and the cats are tiptoeing around the litterbox because you ran out?
Car's in the shop and no idea when it'll be back and the smell is more than you can stand?
Check out Kitty Litter We Deliver!
No, I don't work for them. My car was indeed out of commission for over a week and I'd completely run out of litter. So on a whim I googled "litter delivery Pittsburgh" and this website popped up.
I placed an order (no charge for delivery) and the very next day, I had a forty pound bag of cat litter on my porch waiting for me when I got home from work. And, frankly, the litter is some of the best I've ever used - no dust at all and it's great at absorbing the smells. I got a full month's worth of litter boxes from that one bag.
Highly, highly recommend this service. They were a real life saver!
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Pedicure?
Jul. 16th, 2008 | 02:51 am
posted by: cat_lady_428 in pittsburgh
I looked through the past entries by tag and couldn't find anything so I'm sorry if this has been posted before. I am looking for a fairly inexpensive place to get a decent pedicure. I went to the nail salon (can't remember the name) near the Camp Horne Road Target for my last pedicure and the guy was really rough and not careful at all(he even made my toe bleed). Needless to say, I don't want to go back there again. Does anyone have any recommendations for pedicures? Thanks!
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Frederick's of Hollywood at Ross Park?
Jul. 15th, 2008 | 10:04 pm
posted by: elva_undine in pittsburgh
I'm taking a friend lingerie shopping and as I was looking online, I noticed that the Ross Park Mall website does not list Frederick's of Hollywood (or Victoria's Secret) as being one of their stores. Can anyone confirm that Frederick's is gone/still there? It's been there as long as I can remember.
(Edited for spelling. 'Lingerie' always gets me.)
(Edited for spelling. 'Lingerie' always gets me.)
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(no subject)
Jul. 15th, 2008 | 07:42 pm
posted by: sarasaurusrex in pittsburgh
I've been looking online for pictures/locations of the various painted doors in Oakland, with little luck. Does anyone have a link, list, or pictures? Thanks!
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Lawrenceville Hair Salons
Jul. 15th, 2008 | 02:29 pm
mood: 
curious
posted by: grace_is_gone in pittsburgh
I've checked the tags, and a couple of people have recommended both Evolve and Studio 22. I was just wondering if someone could give me an idea of the price range of either of these salons... particularly Evolve. There's nothing on the website. Also, has anyone tried Technicuts or Platinum (which recently moved from Ellsworth)? Ideas of their price ranges? My stylist is wonderful, but is constantly booked and I'm in need of hair assistance ASAP.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Cool jars/bottles?
Jul. 15th, 2008 | 02:27 pm
posted by: duckmonster in pittsburgh
I'm doing a project, and so I am looking for attractive, sealable jars or bottles. I'd like something much prettier than a Mason jar, if at all possible. Does anyone know where to go in Pittsburgh for that sort of thing? (Bonuses to the Waterfront, Squirrel Hill, Regents Square, Oakland, or South Side locations.)
Relatedly, are there any aquarium shops that you particularly like?
Relatedly, are there any aquarium shops that you particularly like?