Mitch's Blog

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Happy go!!! TIME!

Hey there, spider friends.

It's looking like my time is up on this here ship of mine, and I've got to move along to greener pastures. While my reign was only that of a few weeks and even fewer posts, I hope things were at least, entertaining for Philadelphians also suffering from Pittsburgh jet-lag. Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, I helped a few of you Yousers feel a little bit closer to home.

And if I didn't, I apologize. We can't all be winners.

So, if you actually read this, come on over to my other blog. It isn't updated as much (or, at all), but, it's got more of the same.

Take care, everyone.

Here's one thing I've grown attached to that I know I won't be able to get outside of Pittsburgh: Primanti Brothers. Oh lord, when you've had a long day of walking around hurrying around, there's almost nothing better than fried meat smashed between two slices of (basically) fried Italian bread. When you're running on empty, believe me, that horrible abomination against sandwich-kind will recharge your battery with much needed boiling grease.

When I was eating one the other day, I began to think about how wacky its origin story must have been.

"I want to eat a lot of things... but i only want to make the trip from my hands to my mouth once. Can you help me with this?"

One of the thing that always bothers me about smaller local affiliates on TV networks (I'm looking at you, KDKA) is how that, when you're watching your favorite show, the network will fudge up the cut times. I know that it must be human-controlled and that no person can possibly flip tapes around that quickly, but, really? It's the digital age! We have computers that can cut toast for you! Why can't they just automate that kind of thing and relegate human controllers to what humans do best: sit around on swivel chairs and yell at their assistants.

Why is is that we should sit through a Monroeville Auto Mall commercial that has already been cut halfway in? I mean, all things considere---

When I travel through the neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, the one thing that consistently surprises me is how many different cities it reminds me of as I roll through. You can tell that the city has lived through a number of eras simply because of how different the neighborhoods appear in terms of building trends, size, material and density. Certain areas constantly remind me of home and certain areas remind me of cities I've only traveled through and felt a sudden connection to.

For instance, the South Side is an area that I consistently feel comfortable in because it's the closest thing I'll probably get in the midwest to walking the crowded, orange-cone laden streets of Philly's South Street. Save New York City or places in the biggest cities in America, South Street is one of the densest shopping districts. It's an experience all by itself. But, South Street is gritty, it's urban and in many spots, harrowing to non-city-dwellers.

South Side is one of those as well – tall buildings, brick construction, large windows and a city street packed with quirky, hipster shops and incredible restaurants –– and not to mention a couple of bums! Check out the comparison.

Bottom is South Side and top is South Street:
Seems pretty similar, no?

Additionally, places like Oakland remind me so much of Center City, Philadelphia - spaced out, urbanized and weathered! It's great! Even someone as particular about cities as me, there's always something in Pittsburgh if you're willing to peer around for it. Let that be a lesson to you other Philly transplants: it's out there in Pitt, but chances are, it's hidden deep underground.