Laurels & lances: Fossils & fees

Laurel: To finding an icon. When you think about mascots, you think about the kind that wear exaggerated cartoon suits at a sports venue. We have those covered with the Pirate Parrot, Iceburgh and Steely McBeam.

But Pittsburgh has other mascots — the inanimate kind that are more like landmarks. There are the statues at Pittsburgh International Airport, for example. With the renovation of the airport terminal complete, people realized one of the figures disappeared.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History had a replica of its famous Tyrannosaurus rex standing guard at the airport. But while others like Steelers legend Franco Harris remain on display, the dinosaur disappeared, leaving people wondering where it went.

The museum confirmed this week it is in consultation with the airport over the T. rex’s next act — and encouraged people to visit the original skeleton at Carnegie’s Kamin Hall of Dinosaurs.

It’s nice to know this bony mascot isn’t gone for good.

Lance: To a big bite. How much more can Pennsylvanians take?

The cost of living is nibbling at paychecks, taking more and more all the time. Grocery prices are high. Municipalities like West View and Hempfield are proposing significant tax increases. Health insurance premiums are on the rise.

And now electricity is going up. Starting Dec. 1, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will adjust energy supply rates. This will affect every state-regulated electric utility provider.

Duquesne Light customers will see a 10.6% increase. For West Penn Power, services will go up by 6.1%. These supply charges represent about 40% to 60% of a customer’s total bill, which can be a significant chunk in winter.

The PUC’s suggestions? Look for assistance programs or payment plans. Maybe lower the thermostat or check your furnace filters.

It’s good advice, but it doesn’t address the real problem. Electricity, particularly when it is the main source of heat, is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. And people can only cut so close to the bone before they start to bleed.