‘Dilapidated’ site gets too much attention

June 27, 2026

This letter is in regard to the dilapidated eyesore building (the “former Eagles Crest property,” as it seems to have no name predating 2018) at Liberty and Market streets. I watched the entirety of the June 10 RDA meeting video regarding its future. First, the first 25 minutes or so involves former and present city leadership arguing with the RDA members largely about procedure. Around that point, the only voice that mattered at that meeting spoke. It was the voice of the owner of Christie’s, Chris Arford. He stated very clearly that the building is an imminent disaster ...

Two decades of madness raging on

June 25, 2026

Most weeks, I like to write about personal experiences that other people can relate to, and imbue them with humor, snide comments, or everyday frustrations. This week is different. I’m mad. It is an anger still festering after 20 years Tom O’Brien, my late husband, died of esophageal ...

Not nodding off on the important questions

June 20, 2026

Questioner: Who won the 2020 Presidential election? Respondent: I did but the outcome was false – “the big steal.” “And everyone knows it.” Q: What happened at the Capitol January 6, 2021? A: Patriots tried to prevent the illegal transfer of governmental power. Q: Can a President, any person, be infallible? Make no mistakes, be the smartest man in all rooms who doesn’t need advice or briefings from others, can correct the Pope’s theology, etc. A: “Yes.” Q: Does your past illegal actions, both court proven and alleged, bother you? A: No. I am ...

Sunday suppers with friends – senior version

June 18, 2026

Sunday has always been my favorite night for dining with friends. This preference goes way back to an early learning experience. During my college years, I worked summers in a fancy – but consistently busy - Cape Cod restaurant. The Sunday night patrons were always my favorite. The crowds ...

Shapiro’s utility crackdown won’t fix power shortage

June 13, 2026

Electricity bills keep going up, and Pennsylvania consumers are feeling the pain. For example, in Pittsburgh last year, many residents saw bills skyrocket 15% in June and more than 10% in December. Instead of embracing reforms that could lower prices, the state’s elected leaders are engaging in petty political games. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent letter to utilities, urging them to halt rate increases, does more to score political points and generate headlines than to deliver meaningful relief to Pennsylvanians struggling to pay the bills. The governor has called on 24 ...

The beast finally settles in

June 11, 2026

Last July I wrote about Finian, our Maine Coon cat, and his stubborn need to be outside. For some reason he is well-behaved at the front door – as long as visitors don’t stand chatting with the storm door open. I mean, give the furry kid a break. A 10-minute open door is temptation even a ...