WITH PITTSBURGHERS lining up last week in costume for the opening of the new Batman movie "The Dark Knight," it's time to take the batmobile out for a spin to see what's going on. Gov. Ed Rendell is no Joker, but he must be smiling after being appointed the new chairman of the National Governors Association. Mr. Rendell, a Democrat, took over the 100-year-old group from Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican. In his one-year-term, Mr. Rendell said he would focus on getting more federal funding for road construction, bridge repair and sewer and water projects in the states. Many a Gotham will prosper if he succeeds.

NICK SLIWINSKI from Troy, Bradford County, is not officially a Boy Wonder but he does earn his living in an exotic locale -- Las Vegas. Armed with a degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a $1,000 grub stake from his parents, Mr. Sliwinski, 23, headed West and became an expert Texas Hold 'Em player. Last week he finished in 13th place in the World Series of Poker, earning $463,201. Holy Toledo!

HOW GREEN IS your batcave? Probably not as green as Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland, which made the "eco-conscious decision" to discontinue the sale of bottled water. Any passing masked crusader and his boy companion in the cafe will have the option of a corn-based combustible cup or the purchase of a reusable plastic bottle for filtered water. Great work, Phipps! The planet isn't exactly saved, but a blow has been struck.