March 2 Run/Walk: Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 1019 N. Canal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

 March 2 Run/Walk: Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 1019 N. Canal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

It was nice to be back at Tazza D'Oro, where one customer yanked out the power cord from his laptop so we could have room at a long table.  We didn't end up being able to sit there, but found one corner and then another corner, and someone -- who? -- said, "We do our best and then we let it go," which felt like wise advice about absolutely everything.

So much wise advice was shared:

Want to learn a language?  Be willing to humiliate yourself.

Join: a Conversational French group at the JCC

Listen: Gretchen's Pittsburgh Concert Chorale  https://www.pccsing.org

Listen:  Inside Economics

 https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/about/insights/podcasts/moodys-talks-inside-economics/robert-reich-on-trump.html

Watch:  The Pitt on Max (HBO)

Be safe: Secure your credit rating

Be open:  Elaine explained the usefulness of "lived experience" as an educational term that shines a light on a person's particular experience

Stand up for what's Right

"We hate him too!"

February 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Tazza D'Oro, 1125 Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206

February 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Tazza D'Oro, 1125 Highland Avenue

The rain didn't stop us, and Commonplace in Garfield was an airy, comfortable place to gather.  In another week, of grim news, there was the happy impossibility of Adrian Simancas swallowed, then upchucked by a whale.  In case anyone missed it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMKO5NozLeY

From there, this blog-keeper was delighted by the language and culture questions posed by RG members. For instance, what's with those youngsters who say "on accident"?  Is that a Pittsburgh thing?

According to a non-human source, oldsters say "by accident," but those born after 1995, not just in Pittsburgh, say, "on accident."  Maybe this is because it's the opposite of "on purpose"?  Watch out; it might become acceptable.

Couldn't find anything marking when "experience" became "lived experience," but I was gratified to learn that plenty of people have an issue with servers asking, "Done working on that?"  One grump posted that, "It makes me think of a horse with a feed bag on its face."

If you search on line, you'll find reports from many irritable diners complaining about such locutions as:  "Do you need another drink?"  (Do I look like I do?)

AI says it's become "More accepted in casual settings" for men to wear hats indoors.

"On line," instead of "in line" is a regional usage, mostly in the NY area.

And "It's all good" originated in 1994 with a song called, "It's all good," by Hammer, a rap artist.

                                                  A Thanksgiving of turkeys

February 16 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee, 5467 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206

We met at Mechanic Coffee on Ellsworth Street but after our delightful walk/run through Shadyside determined that something was happening at Mechanic Coffee and that our large and in charge presence was most likely not welcome.  So onward to Arriviste Coffee Roasters.  "Arriviste," which the New Oxford Dictionary defines as "an ambitious or ruthlessly self-seeking person, especially one who has recently acquired wealth or social status."  

Discuss.

We (none among us "ruthlessly self-seeking") had a fine time sharing engagement and marriage stories.  Our stories included pretty down-to-earth engagements: one on the phone, one "because it was about time"; one in front of Margaret Morrison.  These days, though, the knee is a big thing. Down on one knee, you Arriviste!

Endorsements included:

Pearl Nails on  Murray & Hobart Streets

Dishwasher gloves, either from Costco or Whole Foods

PetVet 365

Cochran Auto in Monroeville

And if it isn't too late, the below item is or was on sale from Eddie Bauer.

February 8 Run/Walk: Meet at Mechanic Coffee, 5830 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh 15232

February 8 Run/Walk: Meet at Mechanic Coffee, 5830 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh 15232

Ka-Fair Coffee on Chislett Street was a charming little cafe.  We dominated... and were made to feel welcome. 

And though, as always, it was a joy  having coffee with the runners/walkers, we (or some of us) were reeling from Trump's announcements and actions.  

For those interested in getting involved at the local level:

Casa San Jose  is looking for volunteers.

The mission of 412 Food Rescue is "preventing perfectly good food from going to waste."  They need donations of food or money.

Ezra Klein's podcast for a sane take on current events.

Outlander to take you away from the present world.

Kimicata Brothers for lawn, garden and outdoor work.

And yet:

Straight out of Being John Malkovich