Laurels & lances: Talk, ticks, signs and sweets

Laurel: To expanding reach. KDKA Radio has been one of the voices of Pittsburgh longer than most people can remember — even if they were alive back when the Harding/Cox presidential election returns were broadcast in 1920.

But after 100 years on the AM dial, KDKA is finally making the jump to FM on Nov. 2. Yes, that is just in time to get in on a new presidential election.

Taking over the 100.1 FM spot that was once home to WAMO (now at 107.3 FM), the station will simulcast on both bands with the hope of expanding its reach less in distance than with an audience that might not turn to the AM airways.

It’s a smart move for a local broadcast legacy.

Lance: To something that bites. Can we be done with the biblical plagues in 2020 already? It’s prime Lyme disease season now. Yes, the ticks were out all summer, but October and November are when the grown-up ticks most likely to spread around the bacteria that causes the disease.

In 2018, there were more confirmed Lyme cases out of Pennsylvania than any other state. We’re number one!

Mother Nature can come and get her bugs — insect, bacteria, virus, whatever — any time now.

Laurel: To signs of the times. The Westmoreland Diversity Coalition is getting its message out in a big way. The Diversity Billboard Art Project is using 14 strategically placed signs to sell the slogan “Make Our Differences Our Strengths” at locations along Routes 22, 30 and 119 and in Derry.

The billboards are just a start. There should be 20 by the end of the year and extending into March.

The message — aimed at fostering hope and healing — would ideally last longer than a few months and sink in more than your typical drive-by advertisement.

At a time when division seems to be everywhere, people need to remember that no matter who we are, we are all in this together.

Watch List: To possibly bitter sweets. For two decades, the Oakmont Bakery has been conducting a highly unscientific (though delicious) cookie accounting of which presidential candidate customers prefer. You can get President Trump or Joe Biden’s faces iced on a tasty treat for $24 a dozen. The bakery regularly posts a tally of sales.

This year, the bakery had to brace for unknown backlash, “because everybody’s a little tense,” said owner Marc Serraro. Each social media posting of sales takes pains to make clear that its “intention is never to offend anyone or cause division. We respectfully ask that you keep your comments as tasteful as our cookies.”

Trump cookies held a substantial lead at last count. For nonpartisan cookie eaters, there is an option: the “Sweet Party” cookie, with a simple chocolate smile. Oakmont Bakery should consider a cookie for Nov. 4, adorned with the message “Election Is Over.” We predict robust sales.