Author Archives: Emma

About Emma

Blogging and social media are like breathing for life-long yinzer and cheese addict Emma. With a degree in English and communications, she spends most of her days writing, reading, and wondering where to eat next.

TechShop Open House – Try the Plasma Cutter, Weld a Custom Branding Iron, And More!

TechShop Pittsburgh, located in Bakery Square, is hosting an all day summer social Saturday, June 22. The communal space offers a ton of different professional equipment and workshops for members to start creating. The interns took a field trip there today, and I have to say we were impressed. There are so many machines and cool projects going on, the place is definitely a must-see. From 3D printers to sewing machines, this place has it all. TechShop is only located in a few cities in the country, and Pittsburgh is lucky enough to be one of them.

The TechShop Summer Kickoff, held from 10a.m. to 5p.m. will feature a lot of DIY workshops where you can create your own craft to take home.Some of the Make-It, Take-It workshops include: vacuum formed chocolate molds, custom steak branding irons, silkscreened totes and bandanas, laser etched beer mugs, and more. The workshops are low cost and open to everyone, plus you take home the project that day (thus the “Make-It, Take-It:). These classes are limited numbers, so sign up here before you go.

There will also be food, music, demos, and exhibitions throughout the day.

The event is free, but you do have to RSVP. For more info, check out their Facebook Event.

: Make a custom branding iron

: use the vacuum former to make a custom chocolate mold and bar

: metal flower made with the plasma cutter

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Father’s Day in Pittsburgh

Father’s Day is a tricky nut to crack. What do you get dear old dad? What do you do with an entire day dedicated to him? There can be an overwhelming pressure when it comes to the special day . Or you can just give him a #1 DAD mug and hope for the best. If you’re looking to be the best son or daughter ever, check out these events happening in Pittsburgh for Father’s Day.

Man Up for Prostate Cancer 5/10k Walk/Run

Spend the day walking (or running) with your dad to raise money for Prostate Cancer research. The Obediah Cole Foundation is hosting its 11th annual 5/10k Walk/Run on Sunday, June 16th. Races start at 8a.m. at Riverfront Park and the course follows the North Shore for a great view of the city and the rivers. Spend the morning getting fit with your dad, and raising money for a good cause. Register here.

Father’s Day Celebration at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

What could be better than spending the day at the zoo with your dad? Spend Father’s Day with your dad at the zoo FOR FREE. Dads get free admission when they bring their child to the zoo on Sunday, June 16th. I’m not sure how they are defining child, and if they’ll let a 22 year-old slide as a kid, but my fingers are crossed. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG aquarium opens at 9:30a.m. on Sunday.

Father’s Day Brunch and Dinner Specials

If you’re anything like my Dad and me, then you like to commemorate notable holidays by eating large meals. Open Table has made your search for the perfect brunch or dinner spot a little easier by compiling a list of holiday specials. Search for reservations times and more on the site.

First pitch, Mets vs Pirates, 7.20.05 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kids and Dads’ Day at PNC Park

Take your sporty dad to PNC Park Sunday for an afternoon game against the Dodgers. Kids and dads get the special treatment with free baseball caps at the doors. Children are also welcomed to run the bases after the game. Dads–if you behave maybe you can run the bases after the game too.

Plant a Tree for Dad with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Help the environment and get a gift for your dad by planting a tree in Pittsburgh. With a donation, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will plant a tree in the Park of your choice. They’ll also send a card to your dad for proof.

Breakfast and a Movie at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont

Does your dad like breakfast? Old westerns? Both? Enjoy brunch and western classic High Noon at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont Sunday June 16th. Brunch starts at 11a.m., and the movie begins at 11:30a.m.

Make Your Own Audio Card for Father’s Day

Join the Saturday Light Brigade through Father’s Day to make your own unique audio card. From 1-4p.m. daily, the Saturday Light Brigade can help you create a one of a kind card to give to your dad. You can find the Saturday Light Brigade in the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in the Northside. You can find more information on the event here.

Gateway Clipper Fleet Celebrates Father’s Day

Spend some time with dad on the water this Sunday with the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Father’s Day brunch or lunch (or both if your dad is really hungry). The brunch cruise sets sail at 10a.m., and the lunch cruise at 2:30p.m. Bring your life vest and an empty stomach, this buffet is all you can eat.

There’s our round up of a few events happening Sunday. What are your Father’s Day plans this year? Leave us a comment below!

Kids briefs: Children’s Museum lets kids record gifts for parents

“Color Me Rad” Brings Fitness and Fun to First Niagara Pavilion

Color Me Rad (Photo credit: Perfectance)

Hordes of color-splattered runners took over First Niagara Pavilion yesterday, Sunday June 9, for the “Color Me Rad” 5k. The unique event drew around 16,000 participants total in the morning and afternoon sessions.

The national 5k event welcomes runner of all ages and experiences, the event was truly all ages from the kids running with their parents to grandparents running with their grandkids. “Color Me Rad” discourages participants to take the run too seriously, and instead enjoy the experience of having colored cornstarch thrown in your face.

Color Me Rad (Photo credit: Perfectance)

Participants are encouraged to wear as much white as possible to start, then coat themselves in color before the race’s finish. The course was lined with 5 color stations where runners were “color bombed” by volunteers wielding color powder. Sunglasses were distributed before the race to keep the powder out of the runner’s eyes.

The course was laid out over the pavilion’s parking lot with a portion inside the music venue. The terrain was mostly rocks and gravel, making it difficult for some participants, but the laid back atmosphere kept everyone in high spirits. Overall, the experience is a great introduction to running 5ks, and a great way to spend a beautiful day.

Portions of the registration fee went to benefit The Ronald McDonald house, and members of the charity served as volunteers during the 5k.

“Color Me Rad” is hosting another 5k in Morgantown, West Virginia September 7. Register early and save $20.

“Color Me Rad” in 8 sec.

Guide to Pittsburgh’s Drive-Ins: Check them out before they “Go Digital or Go Dark”

Waiting for the start of the double-feature at the Fork Union drive-in. Show starts at sundown. Drive-ins rock, and we have one of the last ones in America. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Summertime and warm weather bring the indoor activities outside with concerts, markets, and movies. The iconic drive-ins are opening for the Summer 2013 season. While many aren’t around anymore, Pittsburgh and the surrounding area boast several spots to watch the flicks under the stars.

A unique and affordable activity (most theaters charge under $10 a ticket), drive-ins are a creative alternative to the megaplex where you get gum stuck to your shoe, and people answer their phones in the middle of the movie. Plus, they have those fun animations before the feature films begin.

Unfortunately, many of these spots are in jeopardy due to the “Go Digital or Go Dark” switch from 35mm film to digital projection. Indoor theaters across the country have been making the switch, and now drive-ins are being asked to do the same. According to NPR:

“Switching to digital reduces production and shipping costs, and the picture quality is better. The transition away from film started several years ago, but many drive-ins and mom and pop theaters put it off because of the high cost of new projectors.”

Todd Ament, owner of the Riverside Drive-In in North Vandergrift, says the prices of the digital projectors vary. “We are basically on our own to raise the funds for the Digital Projection equipment. Somewhere from $30,000 (Used) to $60,000 (New). We’re doing what we can to raise the funds from Flea Markets on Sundays to a Poker Run on Saturday July 27th.” The Riverside Drive-In is also accepting donations at the snack bar.

Other drive-ins have already made the transition. According to its site, Dependable Drive-In in Moon installed digital projectors at the end of its 2012 season.

Although no cut-off date has been announced, movie-goers should take advantage of the summer standard while local drive-ins remain open.

Guide to Pittsburgh Drive-Ins (UPDATED)

Dependable Drive-In

Where: 549 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township, PA
Phone: 412-264-7011
When: Open 7 days a week, shows start at sundown
What Else: double features on every screen, cash only

Evergreen Drive-In Theater

Where: 309 Drive-In Lane, Mount Pleasant, PA
Phone: 724-547-4747
When: Open 7 days a week, shows start at sundown
What Else: double feature on every screen, cash only, pets allowed (on leash)

Riverside Drive-In

Where: 2780 River Road, Vandergrift, PA
Phone: 724-568-1250
When: Open 7 Days a week, shows start at sundown
What Else: Poker Run fundraiser July 27th

Twin Hi- Way Drive-In

Where: 5588 Steubenville Pike, Robinson Township
Phone: 412-494-49
When: Open Weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun)
What Else: double feature on every screen, classic car night every Saturday.

Comet Drive-In

Where: Morrell Road – Off Hwy 119, Connellsville (Dunbar) Pa.
Phone: 724-628-6160
When: Open 7 Days a week, shows start at sundown
What Else: Double features on every screen, Flea Market every Sunday starting at 5a.m.

Brownsville Drive-In