The concept of think globally, act locally is often credited to Scotsman Patrick Geddes, a sociologist, botanist and town planner. It is an idea that makes more sense every day. With the United States being the world’s largest economy the actions of consumers here have a larger ripple effect throughout the world than any other individual commercial activity. Tom Kawczynski’s recent article "What You Buy Runs the World" gives an insightful view into this economic reality.

So what can we do locally to make the world, especially our part of it, a better place? The most important thing to do is support local businesses. A study by The Institute for Local Self Reliance indicates that 3 times as much money stays within the local community when you spend at locally owned businesses when compared to money spent at national chains. Additionally, locally owned businesses make 4 times the charitable donations as compared to national chains. Surely, dealing with locally owned businesses is better for the community as a whole.

Locally owned restaurants are a great way to help the local economy. Since the entrepreneurs who own these businesses are aware of the impact that local spending has on the community they are likely to embrace local buying habits as well. That creates a ripple effect that benefit’s the community. A wonderful example is the Monterey Pub on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Their menu even lists the local farms and suppliers from whom they purchase their delicious fare. (Their breaded haddock is so good that when matched with a couple of pints of Guinness I feel afterwards like I’m stepping onto the streets of Skerries instead of old Allegheny.)

As any reader of this column knows, Pittsburgh is a hotbed for many diverse and sonically appealing bands, so many in fact that sometimes a disc may not end up on our radar until a few months after its release. The self titled debut from Nik and the Central Plains is one album that falls into that category.

Originally released this past March, this disc is well worth your time and attention. The band, which consists of Nik Westman (vocals / guitar), the rhythm section of Kraig Decker (bass / vocals) and Colin Bronnenkant (drums / percussion) along with guitarist Tom Demagall, weave a sound that falls somewhere between indie rock, country and folk. The trick the band pulls off is by not pledging their sole allegiance to any of those genres, they in turn are creating something unique and ultimately original.

When you go to the Original Oyster House on Market Square, don't get in line unless you know what you want to order. When you're the best option for seafood under $10 in the downtown area, it isn't surprising business is brisk. The staff is extremely busy and not shy about talking back to customers. Consider yourself warned.

Knowing this, it's worth the trip to visit the Original Oyster House as they have a full selection of seafood dishes. Whether you want a fish sandwich, a crab sandwich, clams, or any other specialty, you'll find it on the menu. With daily specials available, there are always at least three or four choices, usually under $6. Last time I visited, you could get a fish sandwich for under $4, a deal at McDonald's prices with real restaurant flavor.

Items may be purchased a la carte, or as part of a platter.Most of the items on their own range between $4 and $7, and the platters cost between $6 and $9. A platter includes one of several specialities and your choice of two from these available sides: cole slaw, apple sauce, french fries, onion rings or a cup of soup for a small additional fee.

I have a bone to pick with Glenn Beck. By the time this is posted the rally to honor our heroes will have come and gone. The proud Americans who traveled by bus, plane, car, and foot will all have returned home with a renewed since of pride and a lifetime of memories. The park will have been cleaned up, and the D.C. traffic will have resumed its natural course of confusion.

But what will not have gone away is the fact that Mr. Beck didn't want the patriots who took the time to travel hundreds of miles to be able to speak their peace. Beck told those who would be coming to leave their signs and posters behind. He was afraid that such avenues of speech would be seen as confrontational. He did this without knowing what anyone would actually say; but rather on what might be said. This is a dangerous road upon which to travel.

Not only do the American people have a moral right to speak their mind, but they also have a constitutional right to do so. The right to peaceful assembly and speech have already been decided by those who Beck calls his heroes. Men like George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.

Today's topic is really crappy. Literally.

There's nothing more frustrating than trying to diagnose and fix a toilet. What's worse, most of us are "plumbing-impaired" and end up paying an arm and a leg to have a plumber fix a problem we could easily and cheaply fix ourselves.

Today is the day the plumbing industry trembles with fear. Today is the day where we, the common citizen, fix our own toilets!

Don't let the toilet intimidate you. It really is easier than you think to troubleshoot and fix common problems. Your most important tool isn't a wrench or a pair of rubber gloves – it's a diagram. Looking at a diagram of the inner workings of a toilet will greatly help you to identify and understand the problems we'll discuss below. Do a search online – there are a ton of diagrams out there!