the pittsburgh left
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh_Left

The "Pittsburgh Left" involves two cars facing one another waiting at a traffic light or other stop signal: one turning left and one going straight. The left-turning car will execute its turn through the intersection before the car going straight passes through the intersection, where normally it would yield. Permission to do so is either given (by the car going straight), or taken (by the left-turning car cutting in front of the other car).

Generally, a wave of the hand in the direction of the turn or a flashing of headlights (by the driver going straight) will indicate permission for the left-turning driver to execute the turn. Conversely, the driver navigating the turn may attempt to signal the other driver for permission to do so, with similar hand motions or headlight signals. Furthermore, simply a delay by the straight bound car, can often initiate the signal, and give the left turner time to step on the gas and make the turn, especially in large intersections.

Failing to yield to oncoming traffic while navigating a turn is a serious traffic violation, and is prohibited in the state of Pennsylvania. However, the maneuver is mildly tolerated in the Pittsburgh area, despite the authorities' attempts to discourage it.[attribution needed] Pittsburgh residents generally dislike the maneuver when it inconveniences them, but sometimes rely on it to cut travel time.[citation needed]

One variation of this traditional practice is rumored to have been a contributing factor to the motorcycle accident injuring Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on June 12, 2006, in Pittsburgh.[3]

The "Pittsburgh Left" is also known as the "Yinzer Left".



'Yinzer'




A yinzer is a stereotypical blue-collar Pittsburgh native, named for his or her heavy Pittsburghese accent that features frequent use of the word yinz, which is Pittsburghese for the plural term of "you", as well as ending sentences with "'en 'at" which is meant to be "and that." Yinzer is often a term of endearment and pride among Pittsburghers and those from the surrounding areas.

Recently merchandise, bumper stickers and license plates have picked up on the unique Yinz and Yinzer as a way to display Pittsburgh pride. They have proven popular with many that have migrated out of the Pittsburgh area but are still sentimental about their roots in the city and region.

Perhaps the most notable fictional yinzer is "Stanley P. Kachowski", a character on the WDVE morning show voiced by Jim Krenn.

The yinzer stereotype often includes the following facets:

* European ethnic heritage, such as Irish-American, Italian-American, or Eastern European (particularly Polish, Slovak, Croatian)
* Heavy Pittsburgh accent
* Working-class employment, particularly Blue Collar
* Men: the ubiquitous "Pittsburgh mustache"; mullet-style haircut (the unofficial hairstyle of Allegheny County, PA)
* Women: big hair and overdone makeup
* Rabid support of the Pittsburgh Steelers via mass amounts of "Stiller" paraphernalia even when its not football season
* Diet: pierogies, kielbasa, cabbage, pizza, hoagies, and chipped ham sandwiches
* Drink: Iron City Beer, I.C. Light, "pop"
* Musical taste: 1970s-early 1980s era Classic rock and "oldies". Donnie Iris, Steve Miller, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Styx, and Ted Nugent are perennial favorites in Pittsburgh. Let's not forget The Clarks, which is not a Classic rock band, but a band which started in the Pittsburgh area (Indiana University of Pennsylvania).
* Fine Dining: Mineos Pizza, Vincents Pizza, Primanti Brothers are favorites.
* Travel: The typical yinzer believes that a passport is required in order to go east of the Squirrel Hill Tunnel or west of the West End Circle. (this is a joke with a hint of truth.) Another common excuse for traveling outside Pittsburgh is "if I have to cross a river its too far."