Well Danny finally took a bite at my wallet last night. The Onorato Tax was coined by residents of Allegheny County for County Executive Dan Onorato. People are outraged by a 10% tax being charged on all alcoholic beverages sold in Allegheny County (Beer distributors are exempt). The tax was told to the public as a way to help out the money hog of a Port Authority we have as rates increased and routes decreased. Well guess what, this money is now going to a fund for general county operations! So on top of the already 81% tax that we pay on beer in this state you will now have an additional 10% to bring it to 91% tax you’re paying. Dan doesn’t see a problem with it.
What’s the big deal? Bars and restaurants have already noticed a decline in tips and amounts of products ordered. Brewers such as Scott Smith at East End and the guys at the Church Brew Works will have to tax since they serve alcohol on site.
We have been speaking out against this tax on SIDT for a couple of months now and will continue to help out where we can to have this stopped. Our favorite whipping boy has turned out to be Mike Seate from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review who thinks beer should be drank out of red cups, has no problem with the tax and thinks that bars/restaurants should lower their already just above profit prices to off balance the tax.
To find out more go to stopdrinktax.com
A question came up while I was getting my official gym membership (as compared to the temp) this past week when I asked how many laps on the track for 1 mile. That was easy to get an answer, 11laps. Sounded good to me. OK, how about the number of laps in the pool for a mile. No one knew. Apparently it hadn’t been asked before. The lifeguards didn’t know either. After some quick math it came out to 44 laps (down and back). Holy jeebus! I think I’ll stick to running 11 laps and swimming for 30 minutes.
It’s 2am and I’m off tomorrow so of course, I’m still awake. Updating some web code and watching… hockey. Yes it’s 2am and I’m watching the Winter Classic for the 3rd time. I have the Pens 10 greatest games on DVD which I got for Christmas so I may pop one in. So as the title suggests here’s my random thoughts.
1. Sid f’n Bream – Tonight was the first night at the gym we joined and who do i see but Sid f’n Bream. Why do I say that? If you’re not familiar with the 92 NLCS allow me to show you (go to the 3:40 mark) or read the story here *sigh*
2. As I said I’m watching the Winter Classic for the 3rd time. God I *LOVE* hockey. My cable provider cant work fast enough to get me the NHL package. I’m geeked for when NBC starts broadcasting games because I can watch it in HD.
3. Tomorrow, err I guess later today actually will be the first day that I have completely to myself since my vacation started 12/20. My plans, work on the basement and watch hockey… or my KISSology DVDs 
4. I love stuffed olives. It’s an addiction.
5. I really need to find a Curling league on Sundays. I absolutely love the sport
6. The only thing sweeter than the *tink* of a puck of a goal post is a 3 martini lunch
7. My wife wants to go see the Vagina Monologues. riiiiiiiiiight…
8. I can’t get enough of Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy and Gorillaz’s Dare
9. I can’t imagine life without Google Reader. I use it all day and follow more blogs/podcasts than I probably should.
10. Kim Reed is the most talented photographer I’ve ever met and you’ll ever see. Seriously.
This game lived up to the hype and gave America a taste of what those of us in Pittsburgh see every game when the Pens take the ice. Sidney Crosby not only made sick moves with the puck but scored the winner in the shootout. The ice was choppy and the snow gave interesting bounces (or lack there of) to the puck while players in throwback uniforms tried to skate from end to end.
For me it was a great way to break in the new TV and watch hockey in HD for the first time. Now I don’t think I can watch hockey any other way. Granted I would have loved to be at the game but sitting on my couch in my Pens jersey was fine. Plus I had heat and my own tailgate food.
Now, what will it take to get the Pens/Flyers meeting in State College to become a reality?
cheers!
