The Lawrenceville Vibe

Where the boys are

2010-07-01T11:20:00.001-04:00

Who knew that in Lawrenceville's shops for girly girls, you could find a good man. After all, it's nice to have a man around the house. These guys won't take out the garbage, but they'll never leave a mess for you to clean up either.

You'll never get tired of this guy hanging around. Untitled by Greg Karkowski. $225 at Elements, 5171 Butler St.

There's nothing like a man in a suit. Tailor's prints from the 1920s. Several different prints to choose from, all with vivid colors that are just, er, dandy! About $80 each at Dandelions, 4108 Butler St.

Fall for the boyish charms of original art on wooden blocks by Mark Traughber. $35 each at Divertido, 3701 Butler St.

By the way, just like in real life, you'll have to be patient and look everywhere to find an interesting guy. All of these pieces were kept in the back of the shops!

Comic relief

2010-06-30T12:32:00.001-04:00

What do you get when you mix the comic inventiveness of Whoopi Goldberg with the voice of Blossom Dearie? An evening's entertainment that will keep you wanting more.

Pittsburgh native Meg Georgiana is a songwriter with a satirical sensibility that takes the mundane and turns it into a laugh-out-loud mini-drama. Accompanying herself on cello (or a ukelele), she has a seemingly limitless repertoire of thought-provoking songs: A dull job as a telemarketer becomes a commentary on unusual surnames. A menstrual cycle is a little monster. She even has flipped Mr. Rogers Neighborhood upside down. And when was the last time you heard a song (Sloppy 'n State Educated by Midge Crickett) that managed to mix Sartre and Camus with Evelyn Waugh, W. Somerset Maugham and an anatomy lesson?

Meg performs as Midge Crickett, and with a group called Middle Children. You can catch her Friday night at the Waffle Shop, 124 S Highland Ave., when she appears as a guest on The Unemployment Show. It's at 11 p.m., and it's free!

Someday you can tell your friends you saw Meg/Midge before she landed a one-woman Broadway show and a sitcom in L.A.

Art's drawing room

2010-06-29T12:42:00.002-04:00

It's a not uncommon fantasy: Many of us have daydreamed as we visited an art gallery, wondering what it would be like to stay behind after the doors closed to visitors. At the Louvre would you bed down in front of Mona? Camp out amid the ruins of the Parthenon at the British Museum? Dunk your feet in the pool of the inner peristyle at the Getty Villa in Malibu?

In A.S. Byatt's The Children's Book, a boy turns a gallery into his home. Mary Coleman has done the opposite: She's turned her home into a gallery.

If out-of-towners were to ask me what's the one thing they should see in Lawrenceville, I would say The Gallery on 43rd Street. It's our Versailles. A formerly private space made public. A glimpse into the past, chock-full of current treasures from Western Pennsylvania artists. And it's right in our own backyard.

Paintings by Dylan Critchfield-Sales are currently featured in the former, uh, drawing room.

The purity of his pictures, still lifes and portraits, complement the space. The floorboards, still rough from when Coleman first moved in and ripped up the carpeting 17 years ago, let the 1881 house breathe. And Minnie the indoor cat, seen in the window at left, is keepin' it real.

On the other side of the room, you'll find pit-fired pottery by Marlene Boyle. Her pinch pots are so organic they seem to have been created by Mother Nature herself.

Even the hallways are filled with art. I am very fond of the vases by Tracey Seder on the top left of the bookcase.

They remind me of Cycladic jars, an ancient find from an Aegean archaeological dig.

The walls of the hallway are lined with fine art, including Red Face, mixed media by West Virginia artist Robert Villamagna.

And a fruit series by Marian Sallade, who describes her work as "realistic impressionism."

The hallway opens up into what perhaps was the former dining room. Here you'll find all sorts of treasures, including small landscapes by plein air painter Ron Donoughe ...

sweet, hand-knitted baby sweaters by Helene Stokan ...

... and a fused glass window designed by Cyndy Mullen, that incorporates bits of bottles and stemware.

I never tire of The Gallery on 43rd Street. There are too many things to see on one visit. Besides, the exhibits change frequently. You never know what you might spy. Earrings made from bottle caps! Who needs Versailles?

The Gallery on 43rd Street
187 43rd Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
412-683-6488
galleryon43rdstreet@yahoo.com

Warning: Dozen Is Addicting

2010-06-18T09:37:00.000-04:00

Dozen has done it again.

They took one of my favorite salads -- the Southwestern, a mix of black beans, corn and red pepper -- and they wrapped it in pastry. Hosanna in the highest!

And it's vegan. I can enjoy it without any guilt whatsoever!

I would show you a picture of this lovely, little handmade pie, but I was too busy eating it.

If you haven't tried it yet, get thee to Dozen forthwith! Perfect for lunch or a light supper.

And I heard that the best invention ever -- the Margarita cupcake -- is being whipped up today/tomorrow. A hint of tequila and the salt on the frosting make the Margarita irresistible.

There should be a sign over the door at 3511 Butler Street: Beware, All Ye Who Enter Here -- Dozen Is Addicting.

The CD House

2010-06-17T10:27:00.001-04:00

One of our favorite houses in L'Ville! These homeowners put their own spin on upcycling.

An ancient art steps into the future

2010-06-16T19:29:00.013-04:00

O'Bannon Oriental Carpets in Lawrenceville just got a new shipment of rugs. Many are contemporary designs, some traditional. They'll make your eyes smile, your feet happy, and your wallet sigh with relief.

O'Bannon has a big deal for you on smaller rugs -- rugs 5 by 7 or smaller, like the ones at left. Ten to 50 percent off! Heck, for a lot of us in L'Ville, 5 by 7 is a room-size rug!

How small is smaller? O'Bannon even carries 1 by 1 foot rugs. 1 by 1! Aren't you dying to see what a 1 by 1 rug looks like?

As soon as you walk through O'Bannon's door (at 3803 Butler Street), you are greeted with a cheery hello! by owner Kristen Rockwell. If you were expecting a stuffy store staffed by overbearing sales people, well, fuhgeddaboudit!

You'll recognize Kristen by her trademark blue jeans, naturally curly hair and big smile. If you look up "laid back" or "easy-going" in the dictionary, I swear you'll find her picture. She's a weaver herself, with a wealth of knowledge about exotic locales and traditions.

A visit to O'Bannon's, you see, is a tour of ancient civilizations like Afghanistan, Persia and Tibet.

The Persian rug at left, woven by women with traditional methods in a modern motif, has so much movement in its design that the squares appear to be dancing. Reminiscent of Klimt. It's one of my favorites in the new shipment.

Another rug that I couldn't stop admiring was the "argyle" -- a rug that reminds me of Scotland, if Scotland had Kabul as its capital or Edinburgh overlooked the Persian Gulf. Argyle? Diamond? Diagonal stripes? Its colors and patterns have to be seen in person to really appreciate its vibrancy. Gray and other neutrals, uh, ground its design. The reds and blues make it soar. Oh, forgot to mention: This rug is about 4 by 6. Yes! That's right! It's on sale too!

Do you prefer solid colors? O'Bannon has a variety. Rugs of a single color but many moods. Colors as blue and restful as a Bishapur sky. Colors as earthy and watchful as the wine-dark sea.

Don't forget to wander downstairs where you'll find furniture and more contemporary designs.

The rustic Chinese bench, at left, is a piece so versatile it could be used in any room. A hall table. A side table. A skinny and snazzy coffee table in a narrow sitting room. A one-of-a-kind bedside table. You name it. Its rustic finish and simple lines make the perfect seasoning for modern decor.

At O'Bannon's, as you wander into the past, you'll take a leap into the future.

O'Bannon Oriental Carpets
3803 Butler Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201

Tue-Fri 11:00-6:00
Sat 11:00-5:00
or by appointment
412-621-0700
info@obannonrugs.com

What's for breakfast?

2010-06-15T09:24:00.004-04:00

For residents of Lawrenceville, it's Christmas morning in June and Santa has arrived with fresh baguettes in his basket.

Customers started flocking to La Gourmandine as soon as it opened its doors at 7:30 this morning.

Yes, the baguettes are real flutes of fresh French bread. At only $1.95 per loaf, you'll want to get one to eat in the morning and one for dinner.

The baguettes are the perfect size. Bread like this is meant to be enjoyed the very same day, not kept on a shelf or, god forbid, saved in a fridge or freezer.

La Gourmandine offers other breakfast items: Danish, cinnamon rolls and brioches. (About $1.50 each)

A real treat for Americans are chouquettes. Small pastry puffs dusted with sugar (seen at right), they are crisp and airy. A perfect bite or two or three to have with your morning coffee. (The chouquettes are 30 cents each.)

La Gourmandine also serves coffee. You'll find carafes next to the window.

Need to pick up a sandwich on your way to work? They are already prepared and ready to take away with you.

Or you might want to try a piece of generous slice of quiche. ($4.90 a slice)

To satisfy your sweet tooth later in the day -- the bakery is open till 4:30 -- La Gourmandine offers eclairs and tartes. (About $2.40 to $3.10 each.)

If you're having a celebration today, La Gourmandine also sells large and beautiful fruit tartes. (About $20.)

The new space, at 4605 Butler Street, is bright and pleasant. At the moment, there are no tables.

La Gourmandine's first customer had returned within a minute or two after he had walked out the door. He had already gobbled up his pastry and wanted another one.

With bread and sweets as good as these, they'll be gone by the time you get home or arrive at work.

Please note: Prices are subject to change.

Gods and monsters on Butler Street

2010-06-14T12:24:00.022-04:00

What men or gods are these? What maidens loth? What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape? What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?

At O'Bannon Oriental Carpets, art isn't just underfoot, it's outside.

They arrived on Saturday, a new shipment of garden statuary looking like ancient messengers trapped in concrete.

There's Atlas, above left, with the weight of the world on his shoulders for the rest of time. He's oblivious to the less-than-handsome Pan, above right, with his flute of seven reeds.

Look closer. Pan has a sly smile on his face. Does he still dream of chasing nymphs? Is the god of shepherds forever piping songs forever new?

Both Atlas and Pan have been "cast" in the role of telamones, columns or supports for a building sculpted in the shape of men.

Their architectural sister the caryatid, left, seems all too lifelike. She's not kidding around, is she. Would you call her gaze determined? Sullen? Is she playing hard to get?

These architectural elements are more than decorative objects for your garden. They tease us out of thought: They remind us of the importance of strength or endurance.

In addition to large statuary, O'Bannon also has some smaller pieces to hang on a wall or place among your flower beds.

This plaque seems to be Medusa. You know the saying "if looks could kill"? Well, her looks could. In fact, it was she who caused Atlas' misfortune. One look at her head and Atlas was turned into a mountain, a mountain so high he seemed to be supporting the heavens.

Here they both are, endlessly repeating the ancient past in the little yard on Butler Street between O'Bannon and Coca Cafe.

The garden statues can be viewed 24/7 at 3803 Butler Street in Lawrenceville.

O'Bannon Oriental Carpets

Tue-Fri 11:00-6:00
Sat 11:00-5:00
or by appointment
412-621-0700
info@obannonrugs.com

Bread lines

2010-06-14T09:18:00.001-04:00

It's official!

Put away your plans for a Bread March on ~~Versailles~~ Butler Street. Owner and baker Fabien Moreau says that La Gourmandine will be selling baguettes and patisseries starting tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m.

The bakery, located at 4605 Butler in Lawrenceville, will be open until 4:30 p.m.

Stay tuned for details. Your intrepid reporter will have a full report posted by Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.

The ultimate in fitness

2010-06-11T11:58:00.009-04:00

You may not think it's possible, but in one hour you can travel from Japan to Brazil and land in Pittsburgh. How? By taking a martial arts class at Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh Academy in Lawrenceville.

Warren Stout, the fitness center's owner and instructor, carries on a tradition in jiu jitsu that was brought to Brazil by a Japanese judo expert in the early part of the last century. The Gracie family, a Brazilian clan of Scottish descent, turned the martial art into a sport.

"The Gracie family are technical and martial arts innovators," said Stout, who was a championship wrestler at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn. "Part of their genius was the way they have marketed the sport."

When the Gracies reintroduced Brazilian jiu jitsu to North America in the early 1990s, it took off, Stout said. Today, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, promotes mixed martial arts competitions throughout the world.

Tonight (June 11) at 6 p.m., the academy will host special guest Gregor Gracie, one of the world's top grappling competitors. Gracie will hold a seminar focusing on the latest techniques using the "gi" (judo suite). Tomorrow morning at 10:00, Gracie will talk about techniques modified for mixed martial arts. Tickets are $50.

Brazilian "jiu jitsu changed my life for the better," said Stout, who won a coveted spot to train with the Gracie family in Rio de Janeiro in 2002.

The Renzo (pronounced HEN-zo) Gracie Pittsburgh Academy, located in bright, pleasant storefront at 5104 Butler Street, offers classes for all levels. You can learn grappling techniques or take a cutting-edge exercise class. Want to learn more about Brazilian jiu jitsu? You can join a class for one week with no obligation.

At a recent fundamentals class, the sweet guitar strings of Baden Powell played on the sound system. The atmosphere was focused, but relaxed and friendly, not frenetic or loud like so many fitness or training classes can be.

Jiu jitsu is "so much more than just a sport or martial art," Stout said.

Renzo Gracie Academy
5104 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA
310-623-0141

Amazon.com Widgets

For the jobless, a chance to network

2010-06-10T10:59:00.004-04:00

The simple act of writing a thank you note will help you stand out in a crowd of job applicants, said Jill Patterson, national account executive at Careerbuilder.com, at a forum held last night in Lawrenceville.

It was advice that Monica Greene will take away with her as she searches for a job in library science. Every seat at The Grey Box Theatre was filled with job seekers like Greene who were hoping to make one more connection at the event, sponsored by PUMP and PYP, two nonprofit groups that give young Pittsburgh professionals opportunities to network and get involved in their city.

When asked how long she'd been out of work, Greene said, "It's been awhile."

As the economy struggles to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Greene, an Oberlin grad, isn't alone. Although almost a million jobs have been created this year, there are 6.76 million of us who have been out of work for six months or longer.

The expert panel, which also included Julie Paden, vice president and recruiting manager for PNC Financial Services, and Todd Owens, a principal at Dewey & Kaye, gave tips on how to succeed in interviews and how to connect with prospective employers online with networking tools like LinkedIn.

Two key points: When applying for a job, keep your resume down to one page. When you get an interview, keep your cell phone turned off.

It's not just job seekers who benefit from PUMP events. Local employer Daryl Wade, president of PrakPrint, is always on the lookout for art institute grads for his graphic design and printing business.

Wade, who mingled with job seekers after the expert panel had concluded their Q&A, always tells new employees to make sure "the client likes it and the assignment is on time." Words of wisdom in any profession.

Perhaps the star of the evening was Lawrenceville itself. Paden, who lives in Shaler, was charmed by Butler Street and was planning to explore its shops and eateries.

Funny business

2010-06-10T00:26:00.019-04:00

You can't stop smiling when you go to Divertido in Lawrenceville. One of the anchors of the rejuvenated Butler Street, it's the shop that never loses its sense of humor.

That's the plan, said owner Mary Ellen Gubanic, who likes to keep things fresh. She's always on the lookout at gift shows and online for something a little bit different.

Perhaps the best translation for Divertido, which is Spanish, would be whimsical. Like Disneyland, it's fun for all ages.

For the tiniest customer (and grandparents everywhere), there are onesies with attitude (top). For children over 5, you'll find puzzles based on classic stories like Peter Pan ($42, above). Made in the USA out of wood, the puzzles make an instant heirloom.

You'll spin more than 33 rpm when you see the wide bracelet cuffs crafted from old vinyl records. (About $25)

Is Dad's wallet falling apart? Divertido has a Dynomighty solution just in time for Father's Day. Impossibly slender and incredibly lightweight, the wallets are made from Tyvek -- you know, that water-resistant and tear-resistant stuff used to make FedEx envelopes. You've got to hold the wallet in your hands to believe it. The material will naturally expand as Dad stashes away cash and credit cards. There are plenty of designs to choose from, like the homage to Warhol. These wallets aren't just for guys -- girls will love them too. Hey, this is the new millennium!

For her, there are linen scarves ($78). Sheer happiness!

Open since 2004, Divertido's merchandise is always evolving. It's kind of like the charming guy who keeps you guessing. What will be in store next week?

Divertido

3701 Butler Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15201
412-687-3701

Shocker! Women make good parents!

2010-06-07T17:03:00.001-04:00

New research has found that children raised by lesbian parents do just fine socially, psychologically and academically, and even have fewer behavioral problems than those raised by both a mother and father.

Want to let your dog run free?

2010-06-06T16:39:00.001-04:00

Lawrenceville Dog Park.org, which is seeking to establish an enclosed off-leash area for our canine partners, has posted a survey online, and survey results from the 204 responses it has received so far.

Join the chorus seeking a place right in L'Ville for a pup playground. You have until June 16 to give them such insights as to how many pooches you have, whether they're big or small, and what kind of amenities you'd like to have in a dog park.

Minerva, my canine partner for life, is a big supporter of one of Lawrenceville Dog Park's primary aims: separate areas for small dogs and large dogs. Two paws up!

Aroma of fresh bread is right around the corner

2010-06-05T15:00:00.006-04:00

The arrondisement of Lawrenceville has a treat in store. A new bakery is about to open at 4605 avenue Butler.

La Gourmandine will soon be rolled out by owner and pastry-maker Fabien Moreau, who trained at Lenôtre, the premier school of patisserie arts in Paris.

"We plan to serve traditional French baked goods. Different types of bread, the famous baguette of course, what we call 'Viennoiseries' (danishes) like croissants, brioches, pain au chocolat, pain au raisins," said Lisanne Lorin-Moreau, Fabien's wife. "Also pastries, chocolat éclairs, fruit tartes," anything you would expect at a French bakery, she added.

Patisserie is truly an art form. If I can measure out my life in espresso spoons, the experiences were made memorable by the perfect brioche in the morning or a lovely éclair in the afternoon.

Lawrenceville has longed for a bread bakery, but real brioches a few blocks away from me? A dream come true.

I now hike all the way to Enrico Biscotti in the Strip District to get a loaf of bread. No doubt Lawrenceville soon will become the destination for god's-honest patisseries.

Get your kicks on Route 64

2010-06-05T14:06:00.004-04:00

When I'm not shopping on Butler, my favorite place to go is Shadyside. It makes a nice walk with the dog. Or a great bike ride on a nice day.

Note: nice day. If Saturday or Sunday brings a thunderstorm -- frequent lightning strikes, an unpredictable deluge of rain -- biking is out. Walking all the way to Shadyside seems like an ordeal, and finding a place to park in Shadyside seems even harder.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County has offered us an alternative. A new bus route. Destination Lawrenceville. The route from L' leads to the Waterfront. But what lies in between?

The Lawrenceville Vibe hopped aboard Bus 64 to find out.

We start in the middle of a construction zone, AKA the corner of Butler and 40th. Orange netting and sidewalk signs currently do their best to hide the bus stop, which sits in front of Arsenal school right next to the historical marker celebrating Steeler quarterback Johnny Unitas.

Route 64 chugs up 40th to Penn. Then we're off to Children's Hospital, where we swing down Friendship. Staying on the "back roads" of Bloomfield we make good time, even with frequent stops.

We head to West Penn Hospital and turn on Millvale past the hospital's ER entrance. On Liberty, we turn left.

We zoom up Liberty past the Honda dealership and cross Baum to Aiken, with the Marriott on our right.

We hang a left on Centre Avenue, reaching the first two of our possible destinations: Panera Bread and Giant Eagle's Market District.

Then we rattle our way up South Negley Avenue into the heart of Shadyside. There's a stop on Ellsworth, but we hop off at Walnut Street. Total transit time: about 10 minutes!

Walk for a few blocks, and we can browse for the latest gizmos at the Apple Store, or have fun at Victoria's Secret, or see what new Stila eyeshadows Sephora has in store.

You may not think of taking the bus on the weekend, but it makes a nice change of pace. Bus tickets are $2 one way, and $2.75 with a transfer, which can be used for the round trip fare.

Route 64 leaves Butler and 40th about every 25 minutes on the half hour. Hassle free transportation. Good for the environment and good for you too.

Grazing, along Butler Street

2010-06-03T18:51:00.011-04:00

I admit it. My dog is a beggar. And a schmoozer. And a flirt.

She's also hard-headed. Lately this has led to an interesting turn of events.

No longer does she want to walk by the river. Bunnies? Boring! Arsenal Park? Been there, she says, done that!

What is her preferred route these days? A stroll down Butler Street. It's a time-consuming -- and calorie counting -- exercise, I can assure you.

Minerva may be a mutt, but she's had a discerning palate since the day I met her -- at the pound. Concrete. Iron bars. Dry food. It's a wonder she survived.
When I brought her home, she refused to eat dry dog food. I refused to feed her commercial canned dog food. We settled on The Honest Kitchen. Topped with a little grass-fed beef, some fa-fa-fava beans, a dollop of cottage cheese and a soupçon of cherries. Yum! (OK! She's spoiled. But she's had a hard life. So I indulge her ~~occasionally~~ ~~sometimes~~ every chance I get.)

A year ago when we first moved to Lawrenceville, she was delighted to watch the ducks by the river or search for a squirrel at the park. Today, she insists that we head up Butler. Dozen. Scones. With bacon. Minerva waits outside, tied to the tree. Happily. (This is a dog that hates to wait.)

In interest of full disclosure: I too ~~am partial to~~ woof down Dozen's scones. But Minerva gets half the scone before we arrive at Frankie's, where she drags her feet, nose high in the air. Sniffing. Hoping. Praying. Hot dog. Hot dog. Hot dog. Well, come on! Canine or human, it's hard to find a patch of pavement in Lawrenceville with a better aroma.

By the time we get to Espresso a Mano, Minerva is ready for a cinnamon twist. I'm ready for espresso. I need fortification for the rest of our excursion.

Minerva stops to schmooze at Sugar (go figure!), and with the people waiting for tables at Coca, then we plow on.

She bats her eyes at me as we reach the Deli on Butler. (Boar's Head turkey!)

She leans her full body weight toward the doorway to Dandelions (4108 Butler) not to browse for a new wreath, but because she knows it's a place where dogs get treats.

She demands to visit Wild Card, not to play pinball but because the people there fuss over her and coo and tell her what a pretty girl she is. (Well, she does have a very pretty face. They can't help but love her!)

Then we shoot up to Perk Me Up, where Minerva is ab.so.lute.ly determined to get a goodie. If I'm in a hurry that day and we don't stop, she stages a sit-in. Blueberry! Muffin! Cookie! Blueberry! Muffin! Cookie!

By this time, you think she'd be satisfied, but no. Think again.

A few doors down and she's come to a full halt. Butler Mart (4417 Butler). Dog biscuits. She hunkers down. And waits.

Pretty soon, we'll have another stop. La Gourmandine bakery (4605 Butler).

Sigh.

Things that make you go, "Hmmm"

2010-06-02T18:12:00.001-04:00

From the BBC: In a study of tropical guppies, scientists have found that the less attractive males have "better sperm". The research revealed that colourful flamboyant-looking males "invest" in their appearance at the expense of their sperm quality. This suggests, the scientists say, that there is a trade-off between different characteristics that help the male to reproduce.

Summertime = party time!

2010-06-02T11:08:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love a party on a summer evening? Especially when it's for a good cause.

Dan Onorato, the Democrat for governor, wants you -- to host a party. On a weekday evening in July or August. It's a chance for you to get together with, say, 20 or 25 of your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

Dan's campaign will send somebody over to your house to show a video and answer any questions you may have about the governor's race.

You'll get to know Dan a little better -- and help raise funds for his campaign. Tickets to your house party will be about $25 each.

There's nothing like an iced latte on a warm summer night. Well, you're not going to be drinking tea at your party, are you?

Go ahead, give Nora at Onorato's office a ring at 412.281.5678. Tell her you'd be happy to host a party for Dan. Make sure that in November, he's the man.

Photo courtesy of Onorato for Governor

In Lawrenceville, the cutting edge

2010-06-02T09:50:00.003-04:00

For both men and women, it defines us. It's one of the most critical decisions we ever make in our lives. It's where we get our hair cut.

It's not our face we present to the world, it's our hair. It tells a stranger whether you play it safe, or seek attention.

Do you follow "Posh" trends, or are you an individual?

Your hair stylist, of course, is more than someone who wields a pair of scissors. He is a father confessor, she's a therapist, who will interpret your desires and dreams with a few snips or waves of a blow dryer.

In fact, you can develop such a close bond with your stylist you'll stick with her for years. And when you do want to see someone else, it can feel like you're cheating.

For a community of Lawrenceville's size, we're on the cutting edge of hair design. In the poll on the right, tell us which hair salon in L'Ville has the kindest cut.

It's all Greek to me

2010-06-01T18:47:00.005-04:00

Everybody say it with me: pah-STEET-see-oh. You'll want to make sure you know how to pronounce Pastitsio when you tell your friends about Lawrenceville's newest deli and takeout.

Pastitsio forms part of what has become a golden delta of eateries at Butler and 38th Street. It's next door to Round Corner Cantina and kitty corner from Piccolo Forno, which has just been knighted by Pittsburgh Magazine as one of the city's 25 best restaurants.

What the heck does Pastitsio mean? A pastitsio is a mixture: a baked pasta with seasoned meat, topped with white sauce and cheese. Looks like lasagna, tastes like pastitsio. It's that hint of cinnamon that you'll remember. In Greece, it's a comfort food.

As you can see from the menu (above), the deli serves a lot more than pastitsio. The menu will evolve, with different items each week, said owner Stamatis L. Bournias, who is known as Matt.

The deli's interior is a bright space, with a few tables for those of us who can't wait to try some shrimp and feta, or a piece of baklava.

This week, Pastitsio will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Matt plans to extend the hours soon.

And he already has plans for expansion -- outdoors. There's a lawn on the left side of Pastitsio that would be perfect for picnic tables, Matt said.

Get a little Greek. Who wants to cook on a warm night?

Pastitsio
3716 Butler Street
Phone: 412.586.7656
Fax: 412.586.7659

In memoriam

2010-05-31T11:20:00.005-04:00

As we hold parades and barbecues today, a reminder of the Doughboy's war:

I knew a simple soldier boy
Who grinned at life in empty joy,

Slept soundly through the lonesome dark,
And whistled early with the lark.

In winter trenches, cowed and glum,
With crumps and lice and lack of rum,
He put a bullet through his brain.
No one spoke of him again.

You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye
Who cheer when soldier lads march by,
Sneak home and pray you'll never know
The hell where youth and laughter go.

--Siegfried Sassoon

The Bird House

2010-05-30T09:49:00.023-04:00

One of our favorite houses in Lawrenceville!

Many of us put out a bird feeder or a bird bath, but this house is a veritable urban wildlife sanctuary.

Although the homeowner has rescued many different kinds of birds, you will recognize her house by the humble pigeons who gather there.

There's nothing like watching them swoop off the roof of the house, circle high in the sky and sweep back.

" ... and striding

High there, how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing

In his ecstasy! then off, off forth on swing,

As a skate's heel sweeps smooth on a bow-bend: the hurl and gliding

Rebuffed the big wind. My heart in hiding

Stirred for a bird, – the achieve of, the mastery of the thing!"

Some birds get odes. But, like Rodney Dangerfield, pigeons usually get no respect. It's a shame, because pigeons are gentle and determined and fast. It's worth remembering this Memorial Day weekend that pigeons have played a heroic role in military history.

Here's one anecdote from the First World War:

In October 1918 as the war neared its end, 194 American soldiers found themselves trapped by German soldiers. They were cut off from other Allied soldiers and had no working radios. The only chance they had of alerting anybody about their desperate situation was to send a [carrier] pigeon with their co-ordinates attached to its leg. The pigeon's name was Cher Ami. When released, it flew 25 miles from behind German lines to the Americans' headquarters. Cher Ami covered the 25 miles in just 25 minutes. The pigeon, in fact, had been shot through the chest by the Germans but continued to fly home. With the "Lost Battalion's" co-ordinates, the Americans launched a rescue and the 194 men were saved. Cher Ami was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm for its astonishing flight.

Cher Ami. A dear friend indeed.

Thank you to the homeowner for speaking with The L Vibe (even as she tried to disentangle a string from a bird's foot). The poem is by Gerard Manley Hopkins. More about the role pigeons played in World War I can be found here and about Cher Ami here.

Amazon.com Widgets

Already looking ahead to next weekend?

2010-05-29T18:25:00.002-04:00

Barack Obama supporters already are looking forward to November.

Next Saturday (June 5th), Obama's Vote 2010 program will kick off in Pittsburgh near Frick Park.
You're all invited!

What: Pittsburgh Vote 2010 Kick-Off event
Where: Pam's and Chris' house, 2200 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217
When: Saturday, June 5th
Time: 2:00 PM

You can RSVP here.

The plan is to knock on doors and reconnect with first-time voters from the 2008 election. On June 5, strategy will be discussed and canvassing sheets for going door-to-door will be handed out.

Obama's team wants to gage how voters are leaning in the upcoming November election. Remember how enthusiastic first-time voters were in 2008? If we're able to reconnect with enough of those people, we can keep control of Congress and get the president's agenda accomplished.

Won't you join us next Saturday?

Welcome to Lawrenceville! Hope you enjoy your stay-cation!

2010-05-28T16:48:00.019-04:00

You don't need to go far to have fun
this weekend. Here's 36 hours in L'Ville:

Friday evening
8 p.m. What better way to start off a weekend in tribute to great Americans than at Queersburgh, an exploration of queerness at Espresso a Mano. I don't know whether Walt Whitman or Henry James or Langston Hughes or Tennessee Williams or Alice Walker will be discussed, but I hear America singing. You don't have to be a card-carrying member of the LGBT community to enjoy the smoothest espresso in town and thought-provoking poetry. Besides, aren't we all queer as folk?

11 p.m. Continue your discussion over cocktails on the patio at Tamari. Who can resist their filo-wrapped tiger shrimp?

Saturday morning
9 a.m. Breakfast at Dozen. There's a reason it's known for the best cinnamon roll in Pittsburgh. Be sure to get some rhubarb pie to take home too, because Dozen will be closed Sunday and Monday. Uh-oh. I'm getting withdrawls already.

10:30 a.m. You won't want to miss Wild Card's vintage offerings at Little Flea. When I explored the selection of items slated for sale on Saturday, I found not only great furniture and housewares, but great prices too. The red plastic lamp is only $10! And there's a set of five classic bentwood chairs for $110.

Afternoon
12 noon: Pamper yourself at pageboy with a visit to Hollywood makeup artist Brett Freedman, who will be offering advice and eyebrow makeovers. The eyebrows have it with his line of makeup. Chocolate has never seemed so refreshing! (By the way, a little birdie told me that design diva Rachel will be getting a seamstress in one day a week so you can have your vintage favorites tailored to fit you and only you. Yay!)

2 p.m. Time for a sandwich at Coca Cafe. Don't forget they close at 3.

3:15 p.m. Now that you've got your second wind, take a stroll up to Wild Card's store to see the other items in their vintage festival. Who can resist this vintage drum lampshade. It's $20! That's out of this world!

Evening
5 p.m. Toast the veterans of the Mexican American War with a margarita at Round Corner Cantina. Their back patio is open. Perfect way to unwind after a long day.

10 p.m. The revolution is coming! A musical revolution, that is. Thunderbird Cafe hosts Round Black Ghosts, a band that's a fusion of indie, rock and alternative influences. Tickets are $5.

Sunday morning

11 a.m. Recover from your hangover at Perk Me Up. Relax with a latte and muffins fresh out of the oven. Mmmm.

12 p.m. Now that you are fortified, stroll through Allegheny Cemetery. It's your chance to commemorate the men and women who have died while serving in the military.

2 p.m. See what Elements (5171 Butler) has in store. The prettiest vintage dresses ever, that's what! The dress at left? $32, thank you very much!

4 p.m. In the mood for a trip to an exotic location? Continue your way up the street for a late lunch/early dinner at Pusadee's Garden, 5321 Butler. The patio has Zen written all over it. You'll feel like you really are on vacation in no time.

Monday
Who doesn't love a parade? Take yourself and the kids to the Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade (40th and Butler, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.). On the way back, you can stop at the store. While most places are closed, there will be one store that is opening. Butler Mart (4417 Butler) will celebrate the debut of its annex, which will sell tees and fun costume jewelry (below), among other items. There will be free popcorn and icees for the kids! This place is dog friendly too. If you have your pooch with you, no doubt he'll get a treat. Woof!

The gaydar test

2010-05-27T18:17:00.000-04:00

Gays and lesbians possess superior perceptual skills, according to a study conducted at Leiden University in the Netherlands. "They are much more analytic than heterosexuals," said Dr Lorenza Colzato, lead researcher.

Because gay study subjects possess this attention to detail, researchers have inferred that gaydar is not a pop-culture myth.

For this, we needed a study?!

h/t The Daily Mail

Fair is fowl, and fowl is fair

2010-05-26T16:22:00.003-04:00

Here's the scoop on Dozen's new coop.

One of Dozen's bakers is raising chickens at her Butler home. She has nine birds, some named after Dozen staff members.

The hens aren't producing yet, but Dozen is counting its chicken eggs before they're laid.

The bakery and cafe uses hundreds of eggs every week, said James Gray, Dozen's owner and L'Ville's unofficial ambassador. James expects to get only a small amount of eggs from these hens to use for select items. "All of our eggs do come from local sources, but that source is a larger producer," he said.

Will we see one of these cuties on the menu for, say, chicken pot pie? "NO!" James said. "Eggs only."

Whew!

Photo courtesy of James Gray

A note to readers

2010-05-26T15:02:00.002-04:00

People have been asking me lately: What's the purpose of this blog?

The simple answer: It doesn't have a purpose.

This blog reflects my whims, my wanderings about Lawrenceville, my interests: I like to drink latte, and eat pastry and walk my dog and sometimes I do all three at once. I like to shop. I like to eat out. I love vintage anything. I ~~love~~ can't live without art or music or gardening or the latest news. I vote Democratic.

I am not affiliated with any official organization like Lawrenceville Corp. I am not buddies with any shop or restaurant owners. I'm not being paid by anybody to write this blog, and I'm not expecting to make any money from this blog. I'm a resident, and a fairly new resident at that, who has been trying to describe my new neighborhood to friends back in California. What started as emails to L.A. with photos of the River Walk has ended up as a blog.

It's as simple as that.

Tie me up! Tie me down!

2010-05-25T20:32:00.000-04:00

You can tie me into any silky knot you want with one of these. The patterns recall the 1940s, or something you saw in an Almodóvar movie.

Found at Ambiance, 4735 Butler St. The ties here, located at the front of the store, run about $20 to $35. Ambiance, however, is a "shop with a purpose" -- proceeds benefit homeless women. In order to constantly make room for more merchandise, the prices go down week after week (and the clothes in the front move toward the rear of the store). Que bueno!

By the way, if you didn't catch Almodóvar's latest, Broken Embraces is now showing On Demand. Best movie I've seen in months.

Do you ask, or do you guess?

2010-05-24T18:56:00.003-04:00

The theory runs that we are raised in one of two cultures. In Ask culture, people grow up believing they can ask for anything – a favour, a pay rise– fully realising the answer may be no. In Guess culture, by contrast, you avoid "putting a request into words unless you're pretty sure the answer will be yes… A key skill is putting out delicate feelers. If you do this with enough subtlety, you won't have to make the request directly; you'll get an offer. Even then, the offer may be genuine or pro forma; it takes yet more skill and delicacy to discern whether you should accept."

This Guardian columnist presumes that unpleasantness will occur when an Asker runs headlong into a Guesser. I don't believe that's true.

Just because an Asker wants to stay at the Guesser's house for a week, or wants a raise from the Guesser boss doesn't mean the Guesser has a problem turning him down. The Guesser may find the Asker's ask-iness amusing -- or even admire the Asker for his chutzpah.

Sunday morning, praise the dawning

2010-05-23T19:26:00.001-04:00

I've got a restless feeling. Looking for Elements? Your favorite vintage furnishings store has moved uptown, taking Butler Street's best-kept secret with it.

There's nothing like Sundays. Brunch at Coca, then browsing at Elements. But did you take a last sip of your latte this morning and leave Coca only to find that Elements was gone? Don't worry, it's not gone. It's just up Butler Street.
5171 Butler, to be exact. Opposite the Obama office. You can't miss it.

And you don't want to miss it. It's definitely worth the walk -- or a bike ride or hop in the car -- to see Elements' new space. Besides, Elements has something special to show you: summer's happiest accessory.

Not too long ago, I trekked through L'Ville on a gloomy, rainy day searching for something to cheer myself up. I had my heart set on a colorful, playful handbag for spring and summer. And to my surprise, I found the best selection of must-have summer bags at Elements. Who knew!?

Created by Rags and Bags, these handcrafted purses are made using vintage, uh, elements -- either vintage fabric or vintage handles. They range in price from about $40 to $60. These bags are a good size. Really. You'll have plenty of room for your BlackBerry or iPhone, and wallet and makeup bag, and the other assorted items that seem to gravitate into the black hole known as the handbag.

Shhh. Don't tell. But the bag that's loopy for fruit is on sale for $30.

Do you have a favorite vintage fabric? Rags and Bags can make a bag to order too.

And this vintage straw clutch. Ahh. That sure packs a lot of pizazz for a neutral. $16!

Of course, Elements has plenty of other stuff to please the eye. The items that we all know and have grown to love: The vintage cameras. Vintage trinkets. Vintage housewares. And Elements' new space gives owner Shelly Maiese more room for the vignettes that she likes to create in her store. She even has a warehouse space in back where she plans to display more furniture.

But you won't have to wander to the back of the store to spy her latest, fabbest furniture find: a pair of ice cream chairs Shelly covered in 1960s/70s fabric that's positively orange julius. Only $60 for the pair. Yummy!

LoLa's loss is UpLa's gain.

Besides, there's nothing like a leisurely stroll on a Sunday to help you work off the Challa French Toast at Coca Cafe.

Elements will be open Wednesday through Friday from 11 to 6, and on the weekends from 11 to 4. Its new phone number is 412-408-3907.

All day it has rained

2010-05-22T17:04:00.000-04:00

All day it has rained, and we on the edge of the moors
Have sprawled in our bell-tents, moody and dull as boors,

Groundsheets and blankets spread on the muddy ground
And from the first grey wakening we have found

No refuge from the skirmishing fine rain
And the wind that made the canvas heave and flap
And the taut wet guy-ropes ravel out and snap,
All day the rain has glided, wave and mist and dream,
Drenching the gorse and heather, a gossamer stream
Too light to stir the acorns that suddenly
Snatched from their cups by the wild south-westerly
Pattered against the tent and our upturned dreaming faces.
And we stretched out, unbuttoning our braces,
Smoking a Woodbine, darning dirty socks,
Reading the Sunday papers - I saw a fox
And mentioned it in the note I scribbled home;

And we talked of girls and dropping bombs on Rome,
And thought of the quiet dead and the loud celebrities
Exhorting us to slaughter, and the herded refugees;
-Yet thought softly, morosely of them, and as indifferently
As of ourselves or those whom we
For years have loved, and will again
Tomorrow maybe love; but now it is the rain
Possesses us entirely, the twilight and the rain.

And I can remember nothing dearer or more to my heart
Than the children I watched in the woods on Saturday
Shaking down burning chestnuts for the schoolyard's merry play
Or the shaggy patient dog who followed me
By Sheet and Steep and up the wooded scree
To the Shoulder o' Mutton where Edward Thomas brooded long
On death and beauty - till a bullet stopped his song.

--by Alun Lewis,

Welshman and pacifist,

1915-1944

Oh, what a world ...

2010-05-20T23:43:00.022-04:00

. . . it seems we live in.

Prints from the 1940s/50s. In original frames.

Makes any boy feel like picking up roses.

Found at Dandelions. About $17.99 each or $50 for all three.

Even if the sun it is blazing.

Let's go where the wildflowers grow.

Found at Sugar.

Earrings designed

by Kari Kramer.

$18.

Pretty things. So what if I like pretty things?
Especially the pretty things at Pavement.
These are just a couple of my cravings.

A skirt.

$46.

You can wear it with style

and such an innocent smile.

A close-up of the skirt's pattern.
Reborn/from 1970s

Being held in the month of May.
There I will be will be until you come get me.
Tee from Pavement.
$18. (I think.)

Notes: Dandelions is located at 4108 Butler St.
This is one in a series of shopping excursions in L'Ville.
With apologies to Rufus Wainwright.

Stay behind the line ...

2010-05-19T16:44:00.004-04:00

Check out the winner of the 2010 Catlin Art Prize, which promotes emerging artists in the UK.

The judges felt the video/performance work, by 29-year-old Reynir Hutber, was "especially promising for its coherency and for placing the viewer within the piece itself."

Hutber's piece uses "looped video footage to make it appear that the viewer is within touching distance of the artist when in fact the installation space is empty. The impact of this strange encounter is a powerful one, and asks a loaded question for our televisual society: 'Are we responsible for what we watch?' "

The artist said his work was "broadly concerned with the devices through which social behaviour is coerced, monitored and evaluated. Rather than focus on the production of objects, I stage open-ended scenarios whose implications are ultimately determined by the audience’s response and interaction."

h/t The Independent

What's smart and fashionable?

2010-05-18T19:17:00.003-04:00

Voting.

The shop around the corner

2010-05-17T19:08:00.010-04:00

Ever get the munchies late on Saturday night, say after midnight, and decide to make cookies or (cough) brownies? You've creamed the sugar with the butter and beaten the eggs when you discover you're out of flour? Will Shursave or Giant Eagle even be open?
Never fear! Lamont Gilmore is here!

Lamont and his partner Jas are the new owners of Butler Mart. You know. The little market next door to New Amsterdam.

Have you been in the store lately? Butler Mart now has a good assortment of grocery staples including perishables like milk, and Lamont is happy to stock an item if he doesn't have what you like. Just ask him!

They're looking forward to carrying fresh produce too! My dream come true!

Indulge in the occasional smoke? Butler Mart even has the ever-elusive American Spirits!

And the best part is they are open until 11 p.m. weeknights and 1 a.m. -- or until the bars close (heh!) -- on the weekends.

Buy local. Stop in to Butler Mart and say "hey" to Lamont and Jas.

Butler Mart

412-683-1119

butlermart@verizon.net

What's your supermarket? Shursave? Whole Foods? The Strip? Answer the poll down on the right and find out where everybody in L'Ville is grocery shopping.

Awww! The family that plays together ...

2010-05-15T18:22:00.021-04:00

Stays together. A polar bear cub and his mother frolic on the frozen water off the coast of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. / Photograph by Steven J. Kazlowski via the Daily Telegraph
Want to see the baby elephants dance?

Mama mia! Asian elephant mothers do a little dance with their newborns at the Hanover Zoo in Germany this week. Farina, left, gave birth to her 216 lb. baby boy, second from left, on May 11. Sayang, right, had her 234 lb. girl on May 7 after a 670-day pregnancy. / Photograph courtesy of EPA (You can watch Sayang give birth to her baby girl here.)

Look at that face!

Civic duty. An alpaca is sheared at a farm in Mount Joy, which is about 30 miles southeast of Harrisburg, Penn. Believe it or not, alpaca hair is being sent to the Gulf of Mexico to help soak up the oil spill. / Photograph courtesy of Associated Press
See all the Animal Pictures of the Week at the telegraph.co.uk

Forget Venice

2010-05-13T13:52:00.038-04:00

What makes a city the most livable?
Forbes used five criteria: unemployment, crime, income growth, the cost of living, and artistic and cultural opportunities. But the magazine left out the most important reason to call someplace home: It’s how it makes you feel. It’s a city’s vibe.

As travelers, we always give the places we visit a thumbs up or thumbs down, don’t we? We ask ourselves, "Could I live here?" and immediately start imagining what it would be like to live in a certain house, walk down a certain street, sit in a certain café.

It’s not surprising that in Pittsburgh, the city that inspired Mr. Rogers, you find vibrant and interesting neighborhoods each with its own personality.

Lawrenceville suits me. An area once dominated by steel mills that hugs the Allegheny River, its working-class origins make it a little brash and rebellious. Perhaps that’s what has attracted such a wide group of artists and entrepreneurs.

Its art scene is not pretentious, it’s invigorating. Exhibits at Fe challenge you to see everyday objects – paper, water, pieces of iron – in a new way. Clever new work at be galleries compels you to face death – with a grin – while walking home from the bakery.

You won't find chain stores here or their boring merchandise in Lawrenceville's Etsy-like shops. And there's a dearth of national fast-food joints.

With its proximity to West Virginia, Lawrenceville is also a little bit country. Yup, it’s downright neighborly. When the weather turned sharp and cold, people seemed energized: they smiled not scowled. As snowed piled up and up and up, my front stoop was magically, and regularly, swept clear by the family that lives two doors down.

Lawrenceville is a mix of cultures, and of the past and present. It has deep Polish and Catholic roots, still the rainbow flag flies proudly. Renovated row houses sit cheek to jowl with those in need of paint and repair that, in turn, abut immaculately kept homes last updated in the 1970s. It seems like there’s a old-fashioned bar – and I mean a bar – on every block and you’ll also find more independent coffee houses here than in my West Hollywood neighborhood.

You can’t beat Lawrenceville’s location. It’s far enough away from downtown to feel like a small town but close enough for a quick commute to work, a dash to see the Steelers or Pens and regular grocery shopping in the Strip District.

I'm a recent refugee from Southern California and its depressing economic spiral. The Golden State has been tarnished by foreclosure signs multiplying like cockroaches; houses and condos that refuse to sell; storefronts that stay empty.

It seems like the Great Recession has bypassed Lawrenceville altogether. It's thriving. New shops and eateries are opening all the time. Nightlife hums. Note to the next entrepreneur: We sure could use a green grocer and a book store!

On a typical morning, I grab a perfect cappuccino on Butler Street and walk down to the river with my dog. On the winding path, the odd jack rabbit dashes off, robins chirp, coxswains call to rowers practicing for the regatta on the Allegheny. Coxswains?!, ask my incredulous friends in California. Welcome to the new Pittsburgh, I say, and to Lawrenceville – the most livable neighborhood in America's most livable city.

An F for privacy

2010-05-12T21:25:00.016-04:00

Facebook now requires "users to opt out if they wish to keep information private, making most of that information public by default. Some personal data is now being shared with third-party Web sites." (Italics mine.) Read more at NYT. (I learned about this the hard way. My activities and interests are still all screwed up.)

Je t'adore The Door House!

2010-05-10T11:49:00.015-04:00

One of our favorite houses in Lawrenceville! The house that turns the saying "you make a better door than a window" inside out. What great colors! Remind you of San Francisco's Painted Ladies?

If you have a favorite house in L'Ville, tell us about it! Post pix! (But do the homeowner a favor and keep the exact address to yourself. 'Kay?)

Poll: Sestak tied with Specter!

2010-05-07T14:59:00.010-04:00

The daily Muhlenberg College tracking poll of the Pennsylvania Senate race showed Sestak tied with Specter at 43 percent Friday after trailing the senator by nine points just four days ago, reports Politico. Eleven percent of Pennsylvania Democrats say they’re undecided.

It's almost Mother's Day. Let's go shopping!

2010-05-06T18:49:00.025-04:00

You're looking for something a little bit different. It has to be something special. Something vintage! No matter your budget, you can find the perfect gift only a few blocks away.

Remember how you used to make macaroni necklaces for Mom? Sprayed 'em gold? Now you can graduate to these vintage beaded necklaces found at Pageboy, the new kid on the 3600 block of Butler Street. They range in price from only $8 to $14. Such a deal! And they are so summery, you can practically hear the surf splash on the shore of your favorite vacation getaway! The boutique, which has a mix of vintage finds, upcycle clothing and Etsy-like accessories, is also a hair salon. Get a new 'do before taking Mom out to brunch.

Flowers, of course, are always a great gift, but why not get the mom in your life something that will bloom forever? Wild Card has headbands (about $22) with fabric flowers, some with vintage buttons. Simple and chic. Like a petit chapeau. On breezy spring days, it will add a certain je ne sais quoi to an everyday outfit.

Maybe you're planning to make Mom breakfast in bed for Mother's Day, because the Mom in your house is the one who's always in the kitchen. Whether or not she loves to cook, oh, is she going to love the vintage aprons at T's Upholstery Studio. The poodle apron (above) is $25 but the other aprons -- a variety of colors and patterns, all starched and pristine -- are only $15. They're so retro and fun, they're not just for the kitchen.

It's not surprising that tomato red has been officially declared one of the colors for spring 2010. Red never goes out of style. This handcrocheted shoulder bag, found at Equita, will add some flavor to Mom's wardrobe. Mix it with tan khakis, a jade top, or dark blue jeans -- mmm, mmm, good! At $55, the price is pretty tasty too.

What are you getting for Mother's Day?

Ben, you're always running here and there/you feel you're not wanted anywhere ...

2010-05-05T16:43:00.004-04:00

According to Sports Illustrated, Roethlisberger has been "spreading ill will around Pittsburgh."

Revenge of the Trees

2010-04-30T22:13:00.043-04:00

It's Arbor Day! Do you know how to take care of your tree?

We humans love to anthropomorphize non-human entities. Our first car got a nickname, and curses under our breath, as we coaxed it to start or cajoled it up the hill. Our dogs are more understanding, and dependable, than our spouses. And our trees? We love them, but do they love us?

You think "love" is too strong a word? Hey, come on! Admit it. You get misty-eyed when you read Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree to your kids. I tear up now just thinking about that last image of the old man sitting on the stump.

Don't forget, though, that trees can be pretty mean too.

In The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy reached for an apple, the tree slapped her hand and snapped, "How’d you like to have someone come along and pick something off of you?"

Tolkein’s Ents? Those trees in The Lord of the Rings are plain creepy, and bellicose. Of course, trees may have a good reason for going to war. We have a funny way of showing our affection, chopping them down the way we do.

For every one of us who scrambled outside this February in the bitter cold to try to knock snow off the branches of our beloved magnolia (whose poor, laden limbs seemed to be beseeching us for help), there was probably some guy down the block who took great joy in revving up his chainsaw and knocking his green giant down to size: “Ha! Got you! No more leaves to rake!” What self-respecting tree wouldn't want to fight back?

In Ireland, where my people are from, it’s considered bad luck to chop down a tree – especially an ancient tree that dominates the landscape. Fairies, you see, are thought to inhabit certain old trees. Celtic tradition and all that. We’re not talking about sweet, little Tinkerbell fairies. We're talking about vicious Furies out of some Greek tragedy who will do more than slap your hand for daring to touch one of their precious branches. Yes, even in modern Ireland with its thriving computer and IT industries they rerouted a major highway around a “fairy tree” to avoid its wrath.

Trees have such long life spans and they grow to be so huge, it’s no wonder that humans have regarded them with awe. Perhaps that’s why it’s so hard to see one die.

Pittsburgh was hit hard this year. Trees all over were felled by the recent storms and fungus hit oaks in Frick Park. Even Lawrenceville was not spared.

Decay in the lower trunk of a huge tree (left) at Arsenal Park near the entrance of the middle school on 40th Street caused structural instability. Crews cut it down last week. Even the stump has vanished. All that’s left is sawdust.

But on the 39th Street side of Arsenal on a recent rainy Saturday morning, there was a blessed event. Several new trees were planted (presumably by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy).

A quaking aspen is my new baby. Ordered on the Internet, it arrived looking more posse (like the possibility of a tree) than esse (the reality). It’s the spindliest, sorriest looking little thing you ever did see. Too slender even to photograph.

I check on it every day to see how it’s doing. It’s so small, I’m afraid of killing it. If you're like me and clueless when it comes to the care and pruning of trees, the Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest is offering courses starting in May on how to avoid incurring the wrath of your new tree.

After all, every day should be Arbor Day.