Friday: They Never Fully Recovered. **

1. All further commentary even vaguely related to Anthony Coghill will be gladly accepted at Matt H Exposed. Not here. It's just too much, and it's so not interesting.

2. Speaking of that blog, it now has an okay post online with an interesting comment thread. I feel like there is a point somewhere to that discussion, but I'm sure almost nobody knows what it is yet. (Matt H Exposed)

3. Apparently the Kaplan Plan for state oversight is the only one worth reporting on, by virtue of the fact that it appears likely to be the only one voted upon. I wonder what would happen procedurally if the Council just insisted upon using the Pittsburgh plan (the plan briefly known as the Peduto Plan) as its framework, stubbornly. I think it would be amusing and instructive to hold up this Pittsbugh Plan for awhile against old man whathisface's plan. (Trib, Jeremy Boren)

"Commuters being tapped..." -- I don't know about that stylistically in terms of a headline, but yes! Bring it on. We like this, Pittsburgh. Commuter tax now. (P-G, Rich Lord)

*-UPDATE: Mayor Luke holds firm, and draws flak from a state senator from McCandless who wants the free lunch for her constituents to continue forever.

"If he thinks taxes are the first option, he's delusional, in this economy," said state Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless. "He needs to live within his means. (P-G, Rich Lord)

Pittsburgh's "means" presently consist of bankruptcy, dilapidation and ruination. Stop oppressing us and chip in to our region's future.

4. Beth Hanis shows you how to negotiate. (P-G, Diana Nelson Jones)

5. For those of you who may have already visited Alpark Terrace: apologies if the foliage and perhaps some of the atmosphere disappointed. At the time of my visit around a month ago, the grounds were indeed "well manicured" and "Bambi-like" and all that. However, some reports indicate that elements of maintenance has slipped -- grass growing four inches and higher generally, and the such. Aside from that however things remain as they are. (Pittsburgh Comet)

6. Just in case you're hiding under a rock. (The Busman's Holiday)

7. PittGirl is back.

I should go away, but I've learned something since November. I want to write. It's so simple. I'm taking a risk that my identity will be revealed, and I've prepared myself for that day my mask is ripped away. I have the unemployment papers filled out and everything. (Pittsburgh Magazine . com)

That doesn't mean it's okay to snoop and gossip. If you start getting investigatory, 97% of the bloggers in this town will give you an involuntary colonoscopy with a space telescope. Yarone Zober is also a big fan, so you know, consider that.

*-8. Wade Lipscomb, a barber shop owner from Homewood, was appointed by Gov. Ed Rendell to serve on the PA regulatory board for barbers and barbarism.

Wade’s barbershop has insistently invested back into our communities by participating in programs such as Take a Health Professional to the People Day, The Fight Against Cancer Initiative, blood pressure awareness screenings (sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University School of Nursing), and H.A.I.R. (healthy advocates in reach and research). (Councilman Burgess release)

Great stuff -- though hopefully the Rev got even more out of the deal!