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PAPA World Pinball Championships: Aug. 8-11 2013

Yesterday, a few of the Yinzterns took a trek out to Carnegie, PA to check out the World Pinball Championships. With no idea what to expect, it is no exaggeration to say we were floored by the experience.

In Carnegie, a large white nondescript warehouse holds hundreds of pinball machines. Opened to the public only four days a year, people come from all over the world to participate in the 16th Professional & Amateur Pinball Association’s (PAPA) World Pinball Championship. From the outside, I didn’t expect much of the space, but the moment I opened the door, my jaw dropped.

As you step inside the warehouse, you are immediately overwhelmed by the electronic sound of 100s of machines playing pinball at once. It’s all at once alarming and comforting to hear the tap-tap-tap of the flippers returning the metal balls back into play. There are pinball machines as far as the eye can see, each flashing its own high score and challenging passersby to beat it.

Competitors hug and riff on each other, creating an immediate sense of a close-knit community. They line up to register, wishing each other luck while simultaneously swearing they’ll outdo their score from last year. Perhaps the most startling observation was the wide range of ages that participate in the competition. Kids, sometimes dragged unwillingly by parents, stand patiently waiting their turn. 20-somethings, clearly there by their own accord, watch the floor with anticipation, unsure of what game to tackle first.

As you make your way onto the floor, the atmosphere quiets. Competitors are sequestered into divisions: A,B,C, or Classic Pinball–and wait their turn to play. They watch as players before them concentrate solely on the game. Almost painfully committed to each game, it’s a wonder players can last 4 days. They stand in front of the machines, muscles tense and eyes trained on the microcosm under the glass–legs kick back almost involuntarily as a finger snaps the flipper up to return a ball into play.

The A Division area is quiet, except for the machines announcing bonuses and extra balls. Cameras positioned above the machines record a live feed of the games below so spectators can marvel at the skill. This year the PAPA added real-time online electronic scorekeeping, so players from across the world can see the scores immediately. Real-time TV monitors announce high-scores.

The outskirts of the warehouse are filled with pinballs machines–rows and rows of graphics and flashing lights. Anyone is welcome to play these machines with tokens purchased at the front. The proceeds of these games go straight to charity.

The Pinball World Championships are a truly unique event that we’re lucky enough to host in Pittsburgh. The still fervent pinball community lives on here. If you don’t get a chance to check out the championship this weekend, take a look at Special When Lit, a documentary about pinball. A great deal of the film was shot in Carnegie. You can check it out on Hulu.

PAPA WORLD PINBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

WHEN: August 8-11

WHERE: 100 Keystone Dr, Carnegie, PA (Note: According to the PAPA this is an arbitrary address, keep your eyes peeled for a white warehouse and a bunch of people).

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HOW MUCH: Free to watch, tokens can be purchased to machines, all proceeds go to charity.

MORE INFO: Check out PAPA’s Official Site or Facebook Page

Practice Yoga Outside this Sunday with Elsie

When the weather is beautiful, I find myself trying to do everything outside. Take some yogaoutdoorstime for yourself this Sunday, August 11 and head out to Phipps for outdoor yoga with Elsie. Elsie is the creator of Elsie’s Yoga Kula, an amazing site where you can download her yoga podcasts and practice yoga on the go.

Spend your morning stretching out under the sun with a relaxing class. With the summer winding down, this could be one of your last chances to enjoy some outdoor fun!

Outdoor Yoga Class in Pittsburgh

  • When: Sunday, August 11
  • What time: 11:12:30pm
  • Where: In the grassy area across the street from Phipps (you can’t miss it, there will the a bunch of people with yoga mats!)

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  • How Much: $10
  • What Else: Bring your mat and whatever other accessories you need!

For more info or questions, check out Elsie’s Yoga Kula and see you Sunday!

Pittsburgh Pinners

Looking to add some Pittsburgh to your Pinterest? Here are a few accounts based in the ‘Burg to follow.

  • WQED: America’s first public broadcasting station is no stranger to Pinterest. Noteworthy boards include one dedicated to Mister Rogers and a small business community board that is open for submissions.
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  • Pittsburgh Dad: Almost everyone has seen at least one episode of this popular YouTube series, but if not you can go to Dad’s Pinterest page where he has a board with links to his videos.
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  • boring PITTSBURGH: This account offers a variety of unique Pins, especially on their  “Pittsburgh with an H” board.
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  • Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates: Sports fans rejoice: pins from the “City of Champions” teams aren’t lacking. Follow for promotion information, team apparel, fan photos, and other related pins.
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  • Visit Pittsburgh: This is the “official tourism office” for Pittsburgh, so any information you want about kid activities, festivals, food, weddings, or anything else Pittsburgh is bound to be found on one of their boards.
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    What other Pittsburgh Pinners are you following? Let us know in the comments!

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

ManUpLogo1711Spend 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

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!

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

Color Me Rad

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

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.