Posted by The Encore on 7th on 10:42 AM
Check out all these great affordable events throughout the holiday weeks in Pittsburgh. Here are your event listings from
Living Pittsburgh.
Monday, December 17
Interval Mondays at AVA – $3 cover
Bargain Mondays at South Side Works Cinema – $6 admission all day with concession specials
AcoustiCafe – FREE admission and drink specials
Totally Free Mondays at Steel City Improv Theater – FREE
Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people
Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays
Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less
Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Tuesday, December 18
Free Theater Screenings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” - FREE
2 for 1 admission to the Clayton – purchase one admission, get another FREE
$2 Tuesdays at North Versailles Bowling Center – $2 games
Two for Tuesday at Color Me Mine – two paint for the price of one
Ceili Dance Lessons – FREE
JazzLive at the Backstage Bar – FREE
Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
Tiny Tots at Romp N Roll Skating Rink – $5.00 for food, skating and skates
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Terrific Tuesday in the Cultural District - Around $30-$35 for two people
Tuesday Knitting Group – FREE
Tot Tuesdays at The Aviary - 1/2 off admission for children 5 and under w/ paying adult
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays – discounted movies on Tuesdays
Tuesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Tuesday – $3 or less
1/2 off Wine on Tuesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Cheap Tuesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Wednesday, December 19
Free Carriage Rides in Sewickly – FREE
Free Theater Screenings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” -FREE
Pgh Vinyl Con Holiday Happy Hour – No cover
Community Night at the Union Project – Donation based
Yoga on Centre Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
$1 Night at North Versailles Bowling Center – $1 games, food, drink & shoe rental specials
Pittsburgh Banjo Club Open Rehearsal – FREE
Open Mic Night at Cannon Coffee – FREE
Mommy & Me Wednesdays at My Little Outback – $2 discount
Bluegrass Night at the Park House – FREE Bluegrass music
Dave & Buster’s 1/2 off game day – 1/2 priced games all day
99 cent movies all day – 99 cents
Wednesday Knitting Group – FREE
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays – discounted movies on Wednesdays
Wednesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Wednesday – $3 or less
1/2 off Wine on Wednesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Cheap Wednesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays
Thursday, December 20
Free Theater Screenings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” - FREE
Entrepreneurial Thursdays at Little E’s – $5
Play Dates on Ice – $4.25
Senior discount admission at Clayton – $5 instead of $12
Thursday Matinee at the Harris Theater – $5.00
offCenter at the August Wilson Center – FREE
Roger Humphries Jazz Jam Session at CJ’s in the Strip - No cover
1/2 off Wine on Thursdays – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Salsa Thursdays at Bossa Nova – FREE, no cover
New Mothers Knitting Group – FREE
Pittsburgh Improv Jam Comedy Show - $3 plus $2.50 craft beer special
Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
Thursday Funday Downtown – $20 to $25 per person for an ENTIRE evening out
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – discounted movies on Thursdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – $3 or less
Thursday Wing Nights – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays
Cheap Thursday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays
Friday, December 21
Free Theater Screenings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” - FREE
Irish Dance Lessons at Claddagh – $5
Sushi Happy Hour at Blue – FREE Sushi Buffet w/ a beverage purchase
Good Fridays at The Andy Warhol Museum – 1/2 priced admission
Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Friday Night Improv at Studio Theater – $3
Salsa Fridays at Cabaret at Theater Square – $5
Kinder Klimb at REI – FREE with $20 LIFETIME membership
Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Friday – $3 or less
Friday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Fridays
Saturday, December 22
Holiday Christmas Concert, Christmas in 1862 – FREE (donations accepted)
Free Carriage Rides in Sewickly – FREE
Free Theater Screenings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” - FREE
Improv Comedy Double Feature: Cream Stain and The Writer’s Room - FREE
Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at One Oxford Centre – FREE
Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1
Saturday Nights at Swing City – $10-12
SCIT Social Improv Jam – FREE
Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show – FREE
Saturday Jazz Jam Session at CJ’s – FREE to attend
Saturday Salsa Night at Mexico City – $5 cover
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE
Super Saturdays at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $7.00 all you can bowl
Sunday, December 23
Free Sunday Afternoons at the Carnegie Library – FREE
Fifty Cent Sundaze at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $.50 cent games, shoe rental and hot dogs
Starving Artist Sunday Supper at Brillobox - $6
Sunday Brunch Deals – affordable local brunches
Sunday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Sunday – $3 or less
Sunday Bloody Mary Specials in Pittsburgh – ‘Mary specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays
Monday, December 24
Interval Mondays at AVA – $3 cover
Bargain Mondays at South Side Works Cinema – $6 admission all day with concession specials
AcoustiCafe – FREE admission and drink specials
Totally Free Mondays at Steel City Improv Theater – FREE
Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people
Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays
Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less
Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Tuesday, December 25
2 for 1 admission to the Clayton – purchase one admission, get another FREE
$2 Tuesdays at North Versailles Bowling Center – $2 games
Two for Tuesday at Color Me Mine – two paint for the price of one
Ceili Dance Lessons – FREE
JazzLive at the Backstage Bar – FREE
Tot Tuesdays at The Aviary - 1/2 off admission for children 5 and under w/ paying adult
Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
Tiny Tots at Romp N Roll Skating Rink – $5.00 for food, skating and skates
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Terrific Tuesday in the Cultural District - Around $30-$35 for two people
Tuesday Knitting Group – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays – discounted movies on Tuesdays
Tuesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Tuesday – $3 or less
1/2 off Wine on Tuesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Cheap Tuesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Wednesday, December 26
Community Night at the Union Project – Donation based
Yoga on Centre Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
$1 Night at North Versailles Bowling Center – $1 games, food, drink & shoe rental specials
Pittsburgh Banjo Club Open Rehearsal – FREE
Open Mic Night at Cannon Coffee – FREE
Mommy & Me Wednesdays at My Little Outback – $2 discount
Bluegrass Night at the Park House – FREE Bluegrass music
Dave & Buster’s 1/2 off game day – 1/2 priced games all day
99 cent movies all day – 99 cents
Wednesday Knitting Group – FREE
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays – discounted movies on Wednesdays
Wednesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Wednesday – $3 or less
1/2 off Wine on Wednesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Cheap Wednesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays
Thursday, December 27
Ceramics Open Studio at the Union Project – $10
Entrepreneurial Thursdays at Little E’s – $5
Play Dates on Ice – $4.25
Senior discount admission at Clayton – $5 instead of $12
Thursday Matinee at the Harris Theater – $5.00
offCenter at the August Wilson Center – FREE
Roger Humphries Jazz Jam Session at CJ’s in the Strip - No cover
1/2 off Wine on Thursdays – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Salsa Thursdays at Bossa Nova – FREE, no cover
New Mothers Knitting Group – FREE
Pittsburgh Improv Jam Comedy Show - $3 plus $2.50 craft beer special
Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
Thursday Funday Downtown – $20 to $25 per person for an ENTIRE evening out
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – discounted movies on Thursdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – $3 or less
Thursday Wing Nights – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays
Cheap Thursday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays
Friday, December 28
Irish Dance Lessons at Claddagh – $5
Sushi Happy Hour at Blue – FREE Sushi Buffet w/ a beverage purchase
Good Fridays at The Andy Warhol Museum – 1/2 priced admission
Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Friday Night Improv at Studio Theater – $3
Salsa Fridays at Cabaret at Theater Square – $5
Kinder Klimb at REI – FREE with $20 LIFETIME membership
Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Friday – $3 or less
Friday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Fridays
Saturday, December 29
Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1
Saturday Nights at Swing City – $10-12
SCIT Social Improv Jam – FREE
Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show – FREE
Saturday Jazz Jam Session at CJ’s – FREE to attend
Saturday Salsa Night at Mexico City – $5 cover
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE
Super Saturdays at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $7.00 all you can bowl
Sunday, December 30
Free Sunday Afternoons at the Carnegie Library – FREE
Fifty Cent Sundaze at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $.50 cent games, shoe rental and hot dogs
Starving Artist Sunday Supper at Brillobox - $6
Sunday Brunch Deals – affordable local brunches
Sunday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Sunday – $3 or less
Sunday Bloody Mary Specials in Pittsburgh – ‘Mary specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays
Monday, December 31
First Night 2013 – $8-10
Arsenal Lanes NYE Party – $19.99 to $24.99
Noon Years Eve Celebration at the Pittsburgh Zoo – FREE with admission
Interval Mondays at AVA – $3 cover
Bargain Mondays at South Side Works Cinema – $6 admission all day with concession specials
AcoustiCafe – FREE admission and drink specials
Totally Free Mondays at Steel City Improv Theater – FREE
Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people
Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays
Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less
Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Tuesday, January 1
2 for 1 admission to the Clayton – purchase one admission, get another FREE
$2 Tuesdays at North Versailles Bowling Center – $2 games
Two for Tuesday at Color Me Mine – two paint for the price of one
Ceili Dance Lessons – FREE
JazzLive at the Backstage Bar – FREE
Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
Tiny Tots at Romp N Roll Skating Rink – $5.00 for food, skating and skates
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Terrific Tuesday in the Cultural District - Around $30-$35 for two people
Tuesday Knitting Group – FREE
Tot Tuesdays at The Aviary - 1/2 off admission for children 5 and under w/ paying adult
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays – discounted movies on Tuesdays
Tuesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Tuesday – $3 or less
1/2 off Wine on Tuesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Cheap Tuesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 11:27 AM
This season you can go to Heinz Hall to see the beautiful Christmas Tree and Hanukkah Menorah. The 25 foot tree is decorated with thousands of lights in red, gold, and green accents. The Menorah is also something that everyone must see. Keep reading to find out when you can go to view these images of the holiday season.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) invites the public to enjoy this holiday season by visiting Heinz Hall to view a majestic Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah.
The tree and menorah are displayed in the Grand Lobby and will be open to be viewed by the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Wednesday, Dec. 12. People of all faiths are invited to visit Heinz Hall and take photos of the tree and menorah, which will be lit during Hanukkah.
The 25-foot grand fir tree comes from the Rossman Farm in Ebensburg, Pa. It has been decorated with hundreds of ornaments and will be illuminated with more than 10,000 lights. This year, the tree is decorated in a musical theme with red, gold and green accents.
The tree was cut Sunday and brought to Heinz Hall by Eichenlaub, Inc. The tree was trimmed and decorated by Plantscape.
The public can view the tree and menorah from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 12-14, 17-21, and 26-28.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is the Holiday Sponsor of the PSO.
For more information see the
PSO.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 10:23 AM
The University of Pittsburgh Football Program has had a great season, and now they are prepping for the BBVA Compass Bowl. The game is held at the historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. The Panthers will take on Southern Methodist University, who are in the USA Conference. The game will be broadcast on ESPN January 7th at 1pm.
The University of Pittsburgh football team has accepted an invitation to play in the BBVA Compass Bowl. The game, held at historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., will be played on January 7, 2012 in front of a national ESPN television audience (1 p.m. ET).
The Panthers (6-6, 4-3 Big East) will face Southern Methodist University (7-5, 5-3 Conference USA). It will be just the sixth meeting ever between the two schools and the second in a bowl game. SMU defeated Pitt in the 1983 Cotton Bowl, 7-3. The all-time series is tied, 2-2-1.
"You play an entire season to earn the opportunity for one extra game -- a bowl game," Pitt coach Todd Graham said. "Our team is excited for the chance to put that Pitt helmet on one more time for the BBVA Compass Bowl. Birmingham is a great college football town. We're looking forward to our visit and playing SMU in front of a national ESPN television audience."
"On behalf of the University of Pittsburgh and our football program, I would like to thank the city of Birmingham, BBVA Compass Bowl committee and executive director Mark Meadows for the opportunity to play in this year's game," Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said. "We know firsthand the great hospitality shown to the teams and fans, and we're looking forward to our visit in January."
The Panthers will be playing in their ninth bowl since 2000 (12 seasons) and fourth consecutive since 2008.
Pitt defeated Kentucky in last season's BBVA Compass Bowl, 27-10. The Panthers are 12-15 all-time in bowl games.
For tickets and travel package information, call the Panthers Ticket Office at (800) 643-PITT. The ticket office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets and travel packages can also be purchased online through Altour, the Official Travel Provider for Pitt Alumni and Fan Travel. Contact Altour for your customized travel package http://www.alumni.pitt.edu/event/2011bowl/. Go to "Bowl Central" at www.PittsburghPanthers.com for additional information.
For more information see
Pitt.edu.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 9:42 AM
Make sure to check out this great Holiday Event at Bakery Square on
November 30th and December 1st. There will be a craft market held with
Pittsburgh regional artists selling their work at the first floor space
of Bakery Square. Bakery Square will also be lit up red in honor of
World Aids Day on Friday Night. Make sure to check out all the details
below.
I Made It! for the Holidays {our 6th annual holiday market}
Shop with us: Friday, Nov. 30 from 5 pm – 10 pm
& Saturday, Dec.1 from 11 am – 6 pm
Inside the first floor space @ Bakery Square (map)
6425 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, FREE Indoor Parking
I Made It! for the Holidays announces its sixth annual handmade arts
marketplace to be held on Friday, November 30th from 5 pm – 10 pm and
Saturday, December 1st from 11 am – 6 pm at Bakery Square. More than 90
Pittsburgh-regional artisans will offer handmade goods including
children’s items, house wares, clothing, jewelry, plush, ceramics,
sweets, photography, toys, bath & body products and much more.
Saturday brings TAPPED Pop Up Beer Garden and Santa! To learn more about
the artists or for event details, visit www.imadeitmarket.com.
For more about the event and our sponsors, visit the I Made It! Market blog. Sponsors include: Assemble, Bakery Square, City Paper, Cotton Factory, Green Light Wireless, Indie Foundry, MailChimp, Outright, Play Unplugged, Port Authority, Quiet Storm, Square, Revive Marketing Group, SouthSide Works, 82 Concepts.
We are excited to announce that Friday night the Delta Foundation will
be lighting Bakery Square in red in honor of World AIDS Day. On
Saturday, Santa will be onsite for photos from 12 pm – 3 pm and Tapped
brings a pop up beer garden from 12 pm – 5 pm. ABOUT BAKERY
SQUARE: Bakery Square is a new mixed-use development located in the East
End neighborhood of Pittsburgh, built out of the existing site of the
historic Nabisco Factory. Offering an exciting lifestyle center
environment while hosting numerous free events to connect with its
neighbors and guests, Bakery Square is home to Google, UPMC,
Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Active Fitness, Coffee Tree Roasters,
Learning Express Toys, Jimmy Johns, Springhill Suites Marriott Hotel,
Massage Heights, Boxwood, University of Pittsburgh, Veteran
Administration and the newly opened Panera Bread.
For more information see
I Made It.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 8:51 AM
We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time
with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you
are thankful for.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 10:13 AM
Make sure to check out this great event sponsored by the Pittsburgh
Public Theater. You can see a great show, taste delicious food, and
network with young professionals all for $20.00. These are all held at
the O'Reilly Theater downtown on the Thursday before each show's opening
nigh
t.
Mix @ Six is a young professionals event that combines
networking with theater. It’s held 6 times each season the Thursday
night prior to the Opening Night of each performance. The pre-show party
starts at 6 p.m. with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, complimentary
Miller products and Starbucks coffee tastings. There are also special
offerings from local groups and businesses.
Tickets are only $20,
including the show. Full time students (and those 26 years of age and
under) are only $15, but must show their ID. A district fee of $.50 will
be applied to each ticket. (Normal price is usually around $35-$55
just for the show.)
2012-2013 MIX @ SIX Schedule
Born Yesterday - Thursday, October 4, 2012
Good People - Thursday, November 15, 2012
1776 – Thursday, January 31, 2013
Thurgood – Thursday, March 14, 2013
Clybourne Park - Thursday, April 25, 2013
Other Desert Cities- Thursday, June 6 , 2013
Pittsburgh Public Theater, at the O’Reilly Theater
621 Penn Avenue, Cultural District
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-316-1600
For more information see
Living Pittsburgh.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 11:19 AM
Everyone in the country is rooting for New York and New Jersey to help them overcome the tragedies of Hurricane Sandy. However, that did not stop the Steelers from playing with all their heart against the New York Giants on Sunday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a yard to convert a fourth-and-1 from
the New York Giants' 3-yard line early in the fourth quarter, and coach
Mike Tomlin decided against a run up the middle for a first down, a pass
for a touchdown or even the easy field goal to tie the game in favor of
the backward flip to kicker Shaun Suisham.
It didn't work. And Foote was livid.
With the execution, not the call itself.
"I'm more mad we didn't execute it because we've been running that
play for about five years now! And in practice, Heath Miller comes off
and blocks me every time!" Foote told USA TODAY Sports, though he yelled
it for about half of the Steelers' locker room to hear after their
24-20 victory at MetLife Stadium.
"We finally ran it and didn't execute!"
In a more measured tone, Foote then added, "That's football."
Foote's reaction summed up the way the Steelers handled a difficult
Sunday that certainly wasn't easy for anyone â?? the away team, the home
team or the fans.
The Giants were dealing with the worst problems, of course. Some of
their players are still without power and have suffered severe damage to
their homes because of Hurricane Sandy. Some of the fans lost their
houses but showed up at MetLife Stadium on Sunday hoping their team
could provide a reason for them to smile at the end of a long, difficult
week.
The Steelers had their own comparatively minor issues.
They had to overcome an extremely questionable call that gave the
Giants a 70-yard touchdown return on a fumble that should've been ruled
an incompletion. Their defense needed to force a stop after Tomlin's
head-scratcher of a call resulted in Suisham's easily being tackled by
the Giants' Michael Coe, who didn't rush hard off the edge as the
Steelers had hoped.
And all of this came after the Steelers flew in the morning of the
game instead of arriving a day early because the hotel they'd booked was
without power.
Again, compared to what others have been dealt, it's petty stuff. But
as it pertains to what happened between the lines, that was a tough,
gritty performance by a team that has for years prided itself on being
mentally and physically strong.
"It was one of the craziest things ever," quarterback Ben
Roethlisberger said of the day-of-game travel, "but we might be doing
that every week now, I don't know."
Said Foote, "I saw a lot of NFL superstar millionaires sleeping on
the floor pregame in the hotel (lobby) with rolled-up shirts as pillows.
But, hey, football's football. You put the ball down on the grass, and
we'll play."
That's the kind of attitude a championship team needs to have. So
when his team shows such a mentality, it's easy to see why Tomlin is
encouraged.
"We combated a lot of adversity tonight, and were able to pull it
out, particularly with a solid performance in the fourth quarter,"
Tomlin said, adding this of the failed fake field goal: "They overcame
bad coaching sometimes, and that's on me."
But Tomlin's bad coaching might've had some solid reasoning.
You see, the Steelers' defense had just forced a three-and-out that
ended with a sack of Eli Manning
on a third-and-11. On the previous
Giants' possession, Pittsburgh had held the Giants to a field goal
despite Manning & Co.'s taking over at the Steelers' 33-yard line.
Not since Andre Brown's 1-yard touchdown midway through the second
quarter had the Giants crossed the goal line.
Tomlin, who was immediately clapping for his defense to get the ball
back as soon as Coe tackled Suisham, must've had an inkling his defense
would bail him out if his gamble didn't pay off.
"Making that call?" cornerback Ike Taylor said. "Yeah, of course."
Added nose tackle Casey Hampton, "To even do something like that in
that situation when you can take the three (points) and tie it up, that
lets you know he's got a lot of faith in this defense."
And why not? In their five victories, the Steelers have given up a
total of 10 points in the fourth quarter. In their three consecutive
wins, they've given up only a field goal in the final period.
They outscored the Giants, who tied an NFL record with seven
fourth-quarter comebacks in their Super Bowl season last year, 14-0 in
the fourth quarter on Sunday.
"They're one of the best teams in the fourth quarter, and we were
probably one of the worst teams in the fourth quarter (early in) the
year," linebacker LaMarr Woodley said, referring to the combined 40
points allowed in the fourth quarters of the losses to the Denver
Broncos, Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans. "We weren't doing a great
job closing out games and playing against one of the best
fourth-quarter teams, we answered today."
A bad decision by Tomlin? Overcome. Adversity? Overcome. A 1-2 start? Overcome.
Now, here they come. The Steelers are title contenders once again.
"We're just getting back to playing sound football, we're getting
back to closing in the fourth quarter," Taylor said. "The games we lost,
we didn't find a way to finish, but we did today."
For more information see
News Press.
Encore on 7th
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 10:33 AM
Are you stuck in your
apartment during Hurricane Sandy? Here are ten things you can do to make yourself happier at home. Simple things such as making your bed to putting up picture frames can all turn that frown upside down.
1. Make your bed. In a popular post last month, I explained the many benefits of daily bed-making. Gretchen Rubin, New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Project, explains that this
three minute task is one of the simplest habits you can adopt to positively impact your happiness.
2. Bring every room back to "ready." I learned this trick from Marilyn Paul's clever book, It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys.
It's a known fact: Clutter causes stress; order creates a haven from
it. This mood-boosting routine is simple: Take about three minutes to
bring each room back to "ready" before you depart it. (Unless you have a
toddler, or a partner who likes to simulate earthquakes, three minutes
should be sufficient.)
3. Display sentimental items around your home. One
reason that experiences (and memories of those experiences) make us
happier than material things is due to the entire cycle of enjoyment
that experiences provide: planning the experience, looking forward to
the experience, enjoying the experience, and then remembering the
experience. Make your home a gallery of positive memories.
4. Start a one-line-a-day gratitude journal. Before
bed, simply jot down one happy memory from that day. (If you have kids,
you can ask them, "What was the best part of today?") Reflection is an
important part of happiness, and pausing to reflect on a positive event
from each day cultivates gratitude. (An added bonus: Later, when your
memory is defunct, you will already have all of your meaningful
adventures recorded!) If you have trouble getting started with
journaling, consider buying a book to guide you. Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, is a great one.
5. If you can't get out of it, get into it. This tip comes from The Happiness Project.
I love the message: The dishes are not going to clean themselves, so
you will do it, and you will like it! (Unless, of course, you can
outsource this job, in which case I say: Nice work!) Otherwise, get into
doing the dishes. Feel the soothing warm water on your hands. Enjoy the
tickle of the tiny bubbles. Crank your favorite album at an unusually
loud volume, do a couple fist-pumps while shouting "Can I get a hell
yeah for the dishes? Hell! Yeah!" and pretend you love it.
6. Before you get up each morning, set an intent for the day. In The Art of Happiness,
the Dali Lama says ""Every day, think as you wake up: today I am
fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to
waste it." Wow. What a wise man. I tend to wake up with a strong
visceral reaction that says, "Attention human beings: Be afraid of me
before coffee. Be very afraid!" Setting a daily intent makes a huge
difference. Your daily intent could be something like "be productive" or
"enjoy today's delicious moments" or it could be something more
specific like "say thank you to my loved ones today." But it should not
be another "to do" item on your list.
7. Do small favors for your housemates, expecting nothing in return (not even a thank you!).
(That's right, I said it: nothing!) Mow the lawn for your husband, but
don't expect him to pat you on the back. Make the bed for your wife, but
don't try to get bonus points for it. Take the trash out for your
roommate, just because. The ability to cultivate strong, healthy
relationships is one of the biggest contributors to health and
happiness, but when you start to keep score, the benefit is lost. (No!
It's YOUR turn to clean up the dog poop!) It's a well-known fact: When
you do good, you feel good.
8. Call at least one friend or family member a day.
You can do this while you clean, while you make the bed, or while you
walk the dog. Texts and emails do not count! Make an actual phone call
to a loved one, just to chat and catch up. We humans are social beings
and studies show that even when we don't feel like it, even if we are
naturally introverted, socializing with our loved ones makes us feel
better.
9. Spend money on things that cultivate experiences at home.
Save money for a new grill for parties or a new DVD for family movie
night — something that will encourage you to have people over and
entertain. Plan a summer barbeque, invite your closest friends, kick
back and relax. (And don't forget to print out the pictures to remember
the good times.)
10. Spend a few minutes each day connecting with something greater than yourself.
Whatever
your spiritual beliefs — or non-beliefs — may be, studies show
that connecting to a high power is correlated with happiness. Just
stepping back to realize that we are part of an enormous universe can
put some perspective on your annoyance with the
those-are-definitely-not-mine-and-they-are-abso-fricking-lutely-repulsive
socks under the coffee table. Before bed, spend just a few minutes
contemplating something larger than yourself. Take a walk in nature.
Write in a journal. Create a sacred space in your home. (Or if
spirituality is really not your thing, create a home spa: light some
candles, soak in a hot bath, delve into a good book… are you feeling
better yet?)
For more information see
Apartment Therapy.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 11:39 AM
Check out this great event held in Pittsburgh for various AIDS charities around the world. This event included celebrities, sports icons, and a few local favorites. They event has raised more than 10 million dollars since it's start more than 20 years ago.
Across all levels of sports, athletes play for championships, respect or admiration.
Tuesday at Petersen Events Center, a group of tennis icons, along with some notable friends, played for a cause.
As
a part of the Mylan World Team Tennis' Smash Hits, tennis legend Billie
Jean King and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Elton John, among others,
took to the court as part of an effort to raise money to help combat
AIDS.
While the annual event is new to the Pittsburgh area, the
match Tuesday marked its 20th anniversary, a span that has seen it raise
more than $10.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and various
AIDS charities, including the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. The match and
VIP auction Tuesday raised roughly $1 million, the highest total in the
event's history.
The event leaves behind an indelible impact in
each city it visits, something that makes it even more rewarding for
those involved.
"
We try to go to as many different cities as
possible and leave the money that we raised for that night," John said.
"It's very important because if people are going to turn out and give
money to see us play tennis, then it's only right that some of the money
stays in the community."
The event is entering its third decade
of existence, but its roots go back much further, particularly with the
relationship that exists between King and John.
I
n 1974, King was
one of the co-founders of World Team Tennis, a groundbreaking coed
professional tennis league. Around the same time, King and John
developed a strong friendship that continues today, part of which was
based around a shared love of tennis. Even one of John's hit songs,
"
Philadelphia Freedom," was named in honor of the WTT team on which King
played.
For the two of them, using tennis as a way to support a cause only made sense.
"I've
been a big tennis fan for a long time -- I love to watch it, I love to
play it and it gives me a chance to go on court and watch my idols play
close up," John said.
There were many idols to watch Tuesday.
There was Martina Navratilova, who John dubbed
"probably the greatest
women's tennis player of all time," as well as Andre Agassi and Steffi
Graf, the husband-and-wife duo that, combined, owns 30 Grand Slam
titles.
Additionally, there were former standouts such as Andy
Roddick and Mark Knowles, both of whom retired after the recent U.S.
Open.
"It's good to see him out and staying connected to the
game," Agassi said of Roddick. "It doesn't surprise me. He still shows
that he cares."
For King, it was a chance to return to Pittsburgh,
a city for which she expressed admiration dating to her days playing
against the WTT's short-lived Pittsburgh Triangles.
"I loved it
when I played here," King said. "The fans would be great and obnoxious
-- I loved it. I like it when they are totally into it. There are great
fans here in Pittsburgh."
Even with the atmosphere of goodwill and
charity that surrounded the event, there was an irrepressible
competitive streak from some players, particularly the event's most
prominent participant.
"I don't see the point in doing anything in
half measures," John said. "When I was a drug addict, I did as many
drugs as possible. I'm competitive -- in my career, in life because I'm
driven and want the best and I still want the best."
For those
involved, though, tennis still remains the backdrop, especially for
John. After spending years not getting involved in fighting AIDS,
something for which John expressed great lament, his life changed when
he met Ryan White, an Indiana boy who died of the disease.
John
became good friends of White and his family, and developed an admiration
of White for his perseverance and dignity. For John, White prompted him
to act, get involved and become a better person, noting that White has
"been my inspiration ever since."
Although he still regrets the
years that he spent away from activism and charity, John is thankful
that, along with his good friends and idols like King, he is able to
make an impact while playing the game he loves in the process.
"I
kept asking myself 'Where was I?' I was absent, so I had to make up for
lost time," John said. "I'm still ashamed of my actions from before, but
I'm trying to make that right now. When you get a second chance in
life, don't waste it."
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 11:17 AM
Scarehouse has been receiving tons of attention the past few years. However, there are many haunted houses in Pittsburgh that will be sure to send you running scared. From creepy santa's and cannibals to zombies and murder there is something that will make everyone scream.
Creepo is not a clown you want hosting your son's 7th birthday party.
The disgruntled ex-entertainer, who resides in The ScareHouse
attraction in Etna, is out for blood.
This year, Creepo will don a red Santa hat and warn children, "I know if you've been bad or good, but I'll kill you anyway."
While
it's barely October, the Halloween season has long been under way for
owners and managers of haunted house attractions. Many spend the entire
year preparing for October, when it's finally time to
put their terrors
to the test.
When patrons walk through Creepo's Christmas in 3-D, The ScareHouse's
newest theme, they can experience "a little bit of twisted humor," said
Scott Simmons, creative director and one of three owners, who also
include his wife and father.
The new section of The ScareHouse
will be strung with Christmas lights, best viewed through 3-D glasses
for a "trippy, surreal spin." This is where Creepo abides, seething over
the premature holiday decorations.
Inspiration for this seasonal
syncretism came when Mr. Simmons went shopping this month and had to
walk past Christmas decorations to reach the Halloween section.
"We thought, you know, this is a little annoying to us because Halloween is our time," Mr. Simmons said.
There
is a fine line between humor and fear at The ScareHouse. Whether it's a
clown dressed as Santa, a bunny carrying an ax or a living doll who
giggles and flirts with patrons, the goal is to combine creepy with cute
to defy expectations.
This confusion of the psyche lowers one's guard, which translates into a higher level of fear, said Mr. Simmons.
In
addition to the new Creepo's Christmas section, changes have been made
to the two other attractions, The Forsaken and Pittsburgh Zombies -- the
latter of which will be "much darker, scarier and with many more
zombies," Mr. Simmons said.
•
At Terror Town in the Strip
District, the fright factor involves a few monsters but also real
spirits said to be hovering in every corner. Preparing to open for its
second year, the all-indoor basement-level attraction is "one of the
most paranormal-active locations in Pennsylvania," said manager Chris
Firman.
"You'll be walking through one portion and it's a normal
temperature, and you turn a corner and it's freezing cold," Mr. Firman
said of the unusual activity in the building, which was constructed in
1921 and used by Standard American Cable.
The 35-minute tour of
post-apocalyptic Terror Town -- which sank underground and became
inhabited by cannibals and other bloodcurdling creatures -- includes a
walk through an abandoned bus, a funeral home and the kitchen of a
family who wants to feed visitors severed appendages and entrails.
•
While
the owners of many haunted houses have an affinity for the gruesome and
gory, Castle Blood owner Ricky Dick takes a different approach. The
Gothic theatrical attraction in Westmoreland County is suitable for
children and adults alike.
"The 'blood' in Castle Blood doesn't
mean carnage; it means that we're owned by vampires," Mr. Dick said.
"Vampires don't need chain saws, they don't need Michael Myers and they
don't need killer clowns."
Formerly based in Beallsville, then
Bentleyville, the 20th anniversary of Castle Blood will be celebrated in
a new location in Monessen this year.
City planners approached
Mr. Dick and asked if he would move Castle Blood to Monessen to promote
business and the town's revitalization efforts. He agreed, seeing the
benefit of an all-indoor location that would enable Castle Blood to stay
open on select dates year-round.
Plans are already in the mix for a spooky Christmas affair and a "terrifyingly bloody" Valentine's Day event.
Castle
Blood is set up like a game for Halloween, and this year patrons will
need to appease a phantom to reach the exit safely. "Phoenix Rising"
will involve transformation, rebirth and resurrection of vampires -- a
fitting theme for an anniversary celebration in a new location.
"After 19 years, a fresh start is good for the 20th," Mr. Dick said.
For more information see the
Post Gazette.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 10:27 AM
A day out in Pittsburgh with the family can be expensive for anyone. Here are some great events throughout the week that you can do with your family for free.
There
are more free admission days this weekend than you can shake a stick
at! For kids, adults, and everyone in between, there’s no excuse not to
do something fabulously fun and FREE this weekend! RADical Days is a
thank you to the public for its support of our regional assets, such
libraries, parks, museums, cultural organizations, regional facilities
and municipal services, through the RAD sales tax.
Monday, October 8
Free Admission to Soldiers & Sailors
Tuesday, October 9
Free Tours of PNC Park
Saturday, October 13
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Sketch Crawl
Free Tours of WQED – FM 89.3
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
South Park Hay Day
Pittsburgh Opera Brown Bag Concert
For more information see
Living Pittsburgh.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 8:58 AM
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 9:29 AM
The new restaurant
Up in Shadyside serves dinners with
fresh and local aspects in combination with international cuisine.
They have three three different sizes to choose from labeled bites,
small plates, and plates. The mid priced menu has everything from fish
to soup, and there is something for everyone.
If the Midwest is the breadbasket of America, California is its
vegetable garden, as well as its fruit orchard. In the 1970s, chefs in
the Bay Area pioneered "California cuisine" through the simple yet
revolutionary practice of frequenting nearby farms to get the best,
freshest meat and produce in season. This was the birth of the foodie
trifecta: fresh, local and seasonal. The style spread and, since the
ability to prepare fresh, local, seasonal meals wasn't limited to
California, the name of the resulting cuisine was updated to
"contemporary American." But it didn't take long for that movement to
meet the equally popular trend toward fusion cooking, in which salutary
ingredients and techniques from a variety of cuisines are combined in
new and (sometimes) exciting dishes. Although "American" is in some ways
perfectly descriptive of a tempura shrimp tostada with jackfruit
chutney, it doesn't seem all that accurate.
Fortunately, there is nothing nearly so egregious on the menu of Up
Modern Kitchen, the latest in Shadyside dining. The name "Up" seems to
derive naturally from the second-floor location; as for "Modern
Kitchen," this vague-sounding moniker is utterly exact to experienced
diners. It suggests not only the fresh and local aspects, but also the
combinations of international cuisines hovering in the broad middle
ground between austere simplicity and baroque complexity: butternut
squash soup spiced with fresh ginger, or meatballs served over taleggio
polenta and sauced with a port wine demi-glace. Up's is a
mid-length menu ranging from "bites" to "small plates" to "plates"
(entrees), as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. The variety is so
great that it's hard to imagine a diner unable to find something
enticing, although vegetarian options are few.
Almost everything enticed us. The aforementioned soup made an
excellent first impression, lush and velvety, yet with a crisp flavor
edge from the ginger, which evoked Thai pumpkin curry without enlisting
the full artillery of herbs and spices. A small plate of duck confit
combined autumnal ingredients — richly meaty duck, firm little beans,
astringent tomatoes and smoky bacon — that might suggest a hearty stew,
but the execution contrasted bright components against heartier ones to
create a perfect end-of-summer bowl.
Subsequently, a lobster and rock-shrimp roll turned out to be a
fairly straight take on the traditional lobster roll, albeit with a
thick salsa pantellaria, similar to a salsa verde,
providing vegetal kick. It worked, but it was also extraordinarily
expensive, and the accompanying shoestring fries were by the book. For
the price, we felt entitled to something extraordinary. Piri piri
wings represented a fresh take on standard chicken wings, crisply
roasted and served atop a spicy-sweet African chili sauce. Spicy-wing
aficionados might find the flavor a bit tentative, but the accompanying
raita, flavored with blue cheese, and cucumber were a clever update of
the traditional dressing and celery sticks.
Bolognese gratin should have been a slam dunk of a dish: radiatore
noodles tossed with meaty Bolognese (made with short rib and pancetta),
topped with cheesy bread crumbs, broiled, and finished with meatballs.
But it didn't quite sing, mostly because the bland and starchy
ingredients overwhelmed the savory and piquant — and those flavors were
dominated by salt. Of all the seasonings, salt stood out as the
predominant note. The rest of the dish wasn't cheesy enough to be
creamy, nor was it tomatoey enough to be bright. The meatballs, at
least, were top notch, meaty and almost juicy and seasoned so as not be
one-note.
Alaskan halibut arrived, like the princess and the pea, atop more
than one bed. Directly underneath the fish was a layer of garlic
broccolini, which rested, in turn, upon a scoop of risotto nero,
whose rather shocking near-black color and slightly pungent flavor
derived from squid ink. It was mild enough to provide a suitable
backdrop to the meaty halibut, however, as well as the rather assertive
broccolini, a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli whose flavor
is not unlike asparagus. Arugula pesto, drizzled around the edges of the
dish, provided a peppery counterpoint to the other ingredients'
bitter-sweet flavor profiles.
Up Modern Kitchen earns its name, capturing the combination of casual
ambience, sophisticated sensibility and eclectic approach that seems to
go hand-in-hand with the fresh-local-seasonal credo. It's an exciting
place to dine, though we did expect more consistent excellence for the
prices.
For more information see
City Paper.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 10:59 AM
The Pittsburgh Great Race is just around the corner and events will kick off this Sunday. 1000 kids will participate in the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race. There will be face painting, activities, and a variety of races for the kids to participate in with their families.
With fall just around the corner, runners around the area are gearing up for the Great Race.
To kick off “Great Race Week” roughly 1,000 kids will participate in
the 17th running of the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race on Sunday, Sept.
23.
“The Dollar Bank Junior Great Race is undeniably one of the most
entertaining, non-competitive races for Pittsburgh’s kids,” Great Race
Director Mike Radley said in a statement. “It’s a perfect family
activity that combines health, fitness and fun.”
Events of the day are as follows:
10:30 a.m. – Packet pick up. Face painting and other activities will be available for the kids as well.
Noon – One-Mile Family Fun Run at Point State Park, 50-Yard Tot Trot & Diaper Dash
Registration for the Junior Great Race is $8 if done in advance and $10 on the day of the event.
Applications are online at www.RunGreatRace.com and you can also call Dollar Bank at (412)-255-2493.
A goodie bag containing a Junior Great Race and medal will be handed out to all registered kids.
For more information see
CBS Local.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 8:41 AM
Playing ball with the Steelers on Heinz Field is something every fan dreams of. This Tuesday fans the heroes of our nation got that opportunity of a lifetime. The military men and women played against the Steelers and
showed off their impressive skills in all the elements of the game.
Some new faces at Heinz Field on Tuesday night caught passes with the Steelers.
These weren’t your average football pros, but they’re heroes in their own way.
Soldiers fighting for freedom overseas took the spotlight at Heinz Field with their families.
“It’s amazing,” said Rob Stohan. “Your heart sinks; you just can’t believe it’s actually happening.”
The military men
and women went head-to-head with their football heroes, showing off
their touchdown dances and nailing their field goals.
“For
us, it’s like a dream come true,” said Joshua Caskey. “Because in this
city everybody bleeds black and gold, and I’m one of those huge fans,
along with my son, who’s having a blast.”
The “Heroes at Heinz Field” event provided a unique way to honor those who sacrifice so much for their country.
Defensive end Brett Keisel, who usually pushes around offensive linemen, pushed one of his injured heroes to the team photo.
“They’re
making the ultimate sacrifice for all of us in this country, and it’s
great to be able to come down and personally thank them,” Keisel said.
For more information see
WTAE.
Posted by The Encore on 7th on 9:32 AM
Summer may be over, but the weather is still feeling like summer. A great way to cool down is an old fashion ice cream sandwich! This is a great recipe for making these tasty treats at home for your whole family to enjoy.
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Sandwiches
Yield: 8 to 10 ice cream sandwiches
Prep Time:
12 hours | Bake Time: 7 to 8 minutes
For the Filling:
-
1 quart vanilla ice cream (homemade or store-bought)
For the Cookies:
-
½ cup vegetable shortening
-
1¼ cups light brown sugar
-
½ teaspoon baking powder
-
¾ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
-
½ teaspoon instant espresso powder
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, allowing excess to hang over the edges.
2. If you’re using homemade ice cream, immediately after churning,
spread the ice cream into the prepared pan. If using store-bought ice
cream, soften it slightly and then spread it into the prepared pan.
Freeze overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening and the brown
sugar with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the baking powder,
salt, cocoa powder, espresso powder and vanilla. Mix until incorporated.
Mix in 1 cup of the flour, followed by 2 tablespoons of water, and then
add the remaining 1 cup flour and another 2 tablespoons of water,
mixing well until no dry ingredients remain (give it some time, up to 5
minutes of mixing). The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky;
if necessary, add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough
comes together.
5. Turn out half the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll to
an even 1/8-inch to ¼-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2×4-inch
rectangles (you could also cut into squares, or use a cookie cutter to
make circles).
6. Transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using a skewer (or the tip of a thermometer – works awesome!), poke a
pattern of holes on each cookie’s surface. Roll out, cut, and poke
remaining dough, rerolling the scraps as you work. Place the sheets of
cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking.
7. Bake 7 to 8 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. Do not overbake.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool 2 to 3 minutes on a
baking sheet. Transfer to cooling racks and cool to room temperature.
Freeze cookies for at least 1 hour before assembling the sandwiches.
9. To assemble the sandwiches, have everything ready and work quickly!
Match up cookies of the same size and have them laid out and ready for
the ice cream. Use the edges of the foil to lift the block of firm ice
cream from the baking pan and place it on a cutting board. Working
quickly, cut the ice cream into 2×4-inch rectangles (you’ll have a
little ice cream left over). Using a narrow stainless steel spatula,
place a rectangle between two chilled cookies and press the cookies
lightly to adhere. (I found it easiest to do this one at a time. Cut one
or two rectangles, assemble those cookies and place on a tray, then do
one or two more, etc. until you’re finished.) Return the sandwiches to
the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Wrap individually in plastic wrap
and store in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag in the
freezer.
For more information see
Pittsburgh Magazine.
Monday, December 17
