Thursday, March 29, 2012

What Men Don't Tell Women About Business 2012 (3-26-12)


Positively Pittsburgh Live
What Men Don't Tell Women About Business 2012
Listen to the show here.
3-26-12

Guests:
Susan M. Stephens, Owner of Stephens Flagging LLC
Valerie Tierno, Fixed Operations Director at Dave Smith Autostar Superstore
Betsy Benson, Publisher and Vice President of Pittsburgh Magazine
JoAnn R. Forrester, founder SI Business Associates

Stephens Flagging LLC is locally owned and operated by Susan M. Stephens, and is 100% woman owned and operated. Stephens was established on September 10, 2001 and has over 50,000 man hours of experience in traffic management and control. The business is a registered Business Partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Construction and Material Prequalification Office. As of August 2007, PennDot now refers to Stephens Flagging as a services provider. Although located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Stephens has served a geographic region from Pennsylvania to the Canadian Border. Clients range from construction companies, fiber optic companies, drilling operations, aerial and antenna installation companies, as well as companies that work on gas lines.
 
Stephens has extensive experience in both rural and city environments and will provide certified flaggers at needed sites, equipped with safety gear, radio communication and stop/slow paddle.
 
Susan says she never had a text manual on how to run a business or how to deal with men in a business field. “Men think that when women are thoughtful and nice, it also means they are weak. I have gone to those who have great wisdom, and their guidance helps me take care of difficult situations.”
 

Valerie Tierno
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Valerie Tierno is the Fixed Operations Director at Dave Smith Autostar Superstore and has been a professional in the automotive industry for 25 years. Her experiences ranges from fleet and commercial sales of trucks and cars, consumer sales of vehicles, managing the service department and working as an advisor on the service desk, to managing the body shop as well as the parts department.
 
Val has been instrumental in navigating Dave Smith Autostar through the challenges of losing their Chevrolet franchise in 2009. As a result of the restructuring of GM, Val manages 15 men in the various departments. She finds the best way to get them to do what she wants is to bake them homemade cookies! Another few things that Val has learned, “You are not supposed to ask men 20 questions about what they are doing even if you need that information to take care of a customer. And also, no two or more women should be in charge of an area that should be managed by a man.”
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Betsy Benson
 Betsy Benson is the publisher and vice president of Pittsburgh Magazine, where she oversees operations at one of the region’s top media organizations. Pittsburgh Magazine has served its community for 42 years and today provides content through a monthly magazine, pittsburghmagazine.com and more than a dozen events hosted throughout the year. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Betsy has worked in journalism and publishing for 25 years, including 15 years at the Pittsburgh Business Times where she served as editor. Betsy was honored as a Legacy Laureate at Pitt in 2000; as a Woman of Achievement by Celebrate & Share in 2010; and has supported numerous causes, including WQED and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women and has served on the board for the PNC YMCA, Downtown, and on a Powerlink advisory panel.
 
Betsy’s tip for being in a leadership roll is that “one must always be the Chief Selling Officer in the organization.”

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JoAnn R. Forrester
 JoAnn R. Forrester founded SI Business Associates, a growth management firm established in 1975. JoAnn has secured 40 million dollars in loans for her clients and in 1998 she co-developed the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management program. In 2008, JoAnn started the Empress of Biz Talkcast Show, “Re-Inventing in Rugged Times.”
 
JoAnn consulted for the Women's Entrepreneurial Training Program for the City of Pittsburgh and the State of Pennsylvania. From 1991 to 1995, she served on the Pennsylvania Governor's Task Force for the development of a strategic growth plan for women business owners. A member of the US Small Business Administration's Small Business Advisory Council for the Western Pennsylvania District, she was appointed the first woman Chair of the Council in May of 1993.
 
JoAnn is co-author of STEPS TO OWNING YOUR OWN SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS and is a nationally certified site reviewer for the National Women’s Business Owner Corporation. In 2004, she was appointed a Program Loan Coordinator of the M/W/D.B.E. Working Capital Loan Program of Allegheny County.


JoAnn served 5 terms as President of the National Association of Women Business Owners and also served on National Board of NAWBO (1990-91) and National Nominating Committee of NAWBO (2007-2009). She twice received the U.S. Small Business Administration Award for SBA Woman Business Champion for Pennsylvania. In March of 1996, JoAnn was elected to the Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Women from the PA Department of Commerce. She was chair of the Global Partnership with Pennsylvania in 1997,1998. In 1999, she received recognition as one of the Top 50 Women Business Owners in Pennsylvania.


JoAnn currently serves on the boards of the Business Loan Review Committee of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of NAWBO. Previously, she served on the Advisory Council of the Small Business Administration and The Women’s Enterprise Center.


Joanne has learned that “men gossip, complain and whine. I was a partner in a remodeling company and when the guys were on the job and did not know I was there they would be talking about the people who owned the house, their wives, their neighbors, just chewing the "fat.” When I came over, they would get very quiet and just make grunting noises. The double standard is alive and well and a woman needs to be very aware of that. Do not play in the sandbox with the guys if you have any ambitions about being boss.”

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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.



Listen to the show here.

Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 3-26-12


Around the World in 80 Days
April 12 – May 13, 2012

Pittsburgh Public Theater presents Mark Brown’s adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days, the classic story by Jules Verne. Tony-nominated director Marcia Milgrom Dodge will stage this entertaining adventure at the O’Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s home in the heart of Downtown’s Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org. Pittsburgh Public Theater is led by Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas. Around the World in 80 Days is presented by Highmark. Read the entire release here.

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 The Economics of Entrepreneurialism, Wealth and Globalization

Read the entire release here.

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"Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays"
Musical Networking Happy Hour, EVERY THURSDAY!!! Cover Charge: Only $5.00
Vocalist Jessica Lee & Friends
Little E's Jazz & Blues Club, 949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Jessica Lee
Pre-show networking session at 5:30 pm. Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Live music starts at 6:00 pm.
March 29, 2012: "Angel Investing"


• Co-host Malcolm Handelsman, Managing Director - Do It Right, LLC
• Mel Pirchesky, President - Eagle Ventures, Inc. (http://www.EagleVentures.biz)
• Joe Barron, BlueTree Capital Group, LLC - Founding Partner - Silver Lining Partners, Chairman - Deal Flow Committee - Blue Tree Allied Angels (www.silverliningpartners.biz) (www.bluetreealliedangels.com).
• Nick Kuhn, Chief Business Officer - Alung (www.alung.com)
• Stephan Mueller, Chief Operating Officer - Just Between Friends, Inc. (www.justbetweenfriends.com)

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Apply Today for GirlGov 2012
Want to improve your community? Learn about issues that impact girls and women in Pennsylvania? Get involved in the political process? Award $10,000 to girl-led projects in your community?! Apply now for GirlGov 2012 - a program for High School girls in Southwest PA,
to be held from June 16-19, 2012. Apply online today!!!  Application Deadline: MAY 15, 2012.

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Imagination Movers ROCK-O-MATIC TOUR 2012

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents IMAGINATION MOVERS ROCK-O-MATIC TOUR 2012 on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., at the Benedum Center. The tour will feature live music, and favorite songs and ideas to spark every child’s imagination. The Rock-O-Matic tour features Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, and Scott “Smitty” Smith who will be playing all of their favorite songs from their wildly popular TV series, as well as debuting new material from their brand-new “Rock-O-Matic” CD/DVD. The new disc features some of the guys’ most high-energy music to date enhanced by a new collection of live-action and animated videos. The tour is produced by Buena Vista Concerts, a division of Disney Music Group. This concert is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. Read the entire release here.

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Pittsburgh Fashion Hall of Fame 2012


The votes are in and Pittsburgh Fashion Week is delighted to announce the third year of nominees for induction to the Pittsburgh Fashion Hall of Fame 2012. The honoree’s qualification is based upon their unique, outstanding, and long-term contribution to fashion, style and beauty in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This distinction is bestowed by Pittsburgh Fashion Week and will occur annually during the weeklong event. Read the entire release here.

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PICT Announces Stellar Season
PICT has assembled a team of world-class artists to bring the 2012 season to life, including Simon Bradbury, Alan Stanford, Matt DeCaro, Linda Kimbrough, Brad Heberlee, Megan McDermott, Melinda Helfrich, Nike Doukas, Leo Marks, and Jessica Frances Dukes. Top-notch local favorites gracing the PICT stage this season include Helena Ruoti, David Whalen, Larry John Meyers and Martin Giles. Read the entire release here
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WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS MILTARY REENACTMENT
Step back in time at Woodville Plantation, when this living history museum presents a special event featuring 18th century military reenactments. On Sunday, April 1, 2012, history enthusiasts are invited to join the soldiers of Wayne's Fourth Sub-Legion, the first Army of the United States, as they practice the drills of Baron Von Steuben from 1794. Events of the day include tactical demonstrations, musket firing, marching and ceremonial drills. Weather permitting. Read the entire release here.

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Project Pop Up: Downtown

This is a program of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, in conjunction with the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Department of City Planning and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Over 90 artists, entrepreneurs, and non-profits submitted proposals to activate Downtown storefronts. Finalists were invited to “pop” into Downtown for limited engagements. These finalists received grants with which they will occupy currently vacant stores in Downtown throughout 2012. Read more details here.


 
 
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Roving Pittsburgher Report

Tosca—It Takes Three to Tosca, Review by Tamar Cerafici
One of the perks of living in Pittsburgh and writing for this publication is the many chances I get to see Pittsburgh’s finest artistic offerings. I usually manage a hundred words or so, for a production like the Pittsburgh Opera’s latest rendition of Tosca, but I’m have some difficulty getting beyond... Read the entire review here.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Big voices, big show, don't know how I missed Pittsburgh Musical Theatre but I won't again. Now playing at the Byham Theatre through April 1st.
"Die Space," Review by Delana Flowers
It’s not often that you hear the words “elderly” and “technology” in the same sentence and you never hear “death” and “digital” in so much as the same phrase, unless you attend DieSpace by Pips;lab March 22 through the 24. This production is part of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Distinctively Dutch Festival. Read the entire review here.
This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.

Listen to the show here.

Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.






 

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live! Women in Pittsburgh Modern History 3-19-12


Positively Pittsburgh Live!
Women in Pittsburgh Modern History
Listen to the show here
3-19-12

In honor of Women's History Month, PositivelyPittsburghLive is honoring living women in Pittsburgh Current History. Tonight's guests have a myriad of firsts.
Guests:
Gail Klingensmith , owner of Pamela’s Restaurant
Dr. Barbara Baker, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Bonnie DiCarlo, Certified Financial Planner
Meenakshi Kapoor, President of the National Association of Women Business Owners

Pamela’s Restaurant

President Obama at Pamela's
Pamela’s number one seller at all the restaurants is the hot cakes. When the Obama’s visited, they feasted on some of these delights. Pam and Gail met in an amateur golf league circuit in 1978 and became fast friends. In 1980 they purchased an existing Papa Joe's in Squirrel Hill and turned it from a hamburger joint into a breakfast restaurant by putting in specials with the pancakes that Pam invented and also the home fries she perfected. The rest is history. Pam and Gail thrive on doing “the little bit extra” to please their customers.


Their restaurants have evolved and become part of the neighborhoods in which they are housed, which the ladies say is a true gift. Pamela’s are located in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Oakland, Millvale, Strip District (where the Obamas visited) and Mt. Lebanon.

Gail and Pam, partners since 1980


Gail and Pam, State Dining Room

Senator Obama visited the Strip on PA Primary Day and Gail and Pam met him and Michelle. Gail had breakfast with them that Pam cooked under the supervision of the Secret Service. They also met and kept in touch with his personal aide, Reggie Love, who had the President sign the inauguration issue that had their picture with him in the strip in Time Magazine. They have signed covers and inside it says "I Love Those Pancakes" - Barack Obama.


Gail and Pam were even invited to the White House to cook pancakes for the President for a Memorial Day breakfast, even taking them souvenirs from the restaurant. Gail and Pam were pretty excited to be serving their pancakes in the State Dining Room. They even had a tour of the White House while they were there. Business boomed after the news of the President loving the pancakes and all the restaurants benefited from the publicity.




Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Dr. Barbara Baker
Dr. Barbara Baker is President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and the Zoological Society of Pittsburgh. From that position, she leads one of the nation’s major zoological parks of 77 acres and an animal collection of more than 6,000 animals. Since Dr. Baker’s arrival, the Zoo’s budget has grown from $3 million to $15.8 million, thanks to strong financial support from the community, Allegheny Regional Asset District funding, tremendous growth in attendance and membership, and the success of the Zoo’s outstanding educational programs.
Dr. Baker and the Zoo have been honored with several awards. She was recognized as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine in 1995. An Athena Award finalist in 1998, she was also honored as one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Pittsburghers of the Year and received the Girl Scouts’ Women of Distinction Award. In 1999, Dr. Baker received the most prestigious award in Pittsburgh, the Vector’s “Woman of the Year,” making her one of only five women to be so honored in the award’s 58-year history. In 2007, she received the Tribute to Women Leadership Award, and in 2008 she was presented the Diamond Award honoring Pittsburgh’s top CEOs.

For her role as the head of a Zoo, Dr. Baker has an ideal combination of management and scientific training, with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University and a Masters in Business Administration, majoring in marketing, from the University of South Carolina.


Fun Facts: The zoo has reached over a million visitors three years in a row and is ranked as one of the top ten zoos in the United States.


The zoo has a new Western lowland gorilla baby. The baby is the son of the first gorilla ever born at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.


The zoo is introducing their visitors to new animals: Blue Monkeys at the Tropical Forest and cownose stingrays in PPG Aquarium.




Bonnie DiCarlo
Bonnie DiCarlo is the co-founder, with JoAnn Forrester, of Celebrate & Share. In 1981, she was registered as a Representative with Allegheny Investments, one of only a handful of women to be registered. In 1985, she earned the designation of Certified Financial Planner, which she maintains today.


Bonnie, JoAnn, Judi Bannon
Executive Dir. of Cribs for Kids
Bonnie was named the first woman president of the Financial Planning Association in Pittsburgh in 1990.


She started supporting women candidates for elective office in 1974 when Jane Thompson ran for the PA Senate, and then ran herself for that seat in the 90's.Bonnie acted as political strategist for many women candidates including Lynn Yeakel for U.S. Senate, Judges Kate Ford Elliott and Anne Lazarus for Superior Court, Judge Shelly Friedman for Commonwealth Court, and Judge Kathleen Mulligan, among others, for Common Pleas Court.


Bonnie has had a very successful first career as a performing and teaching musician. She was the pianist in the Allegheny Trio, performing in the tri-state area, along with a 28 day performing tour of Japan. She was also an Associate Professor of Music and Investments at Carlow University, Duquesne University and CCAC - Northside campus.


Today Bonnie is the organist and choir director at The Presbyterian Church of Mount Washington.


Meenakshi Kapoor
Meenakshi Kapoor
Meenakshi Kapoor came to the US in 2000, leaving a high profile Government Officer Job in India. She started her career in the US with an IT Consulting Company as an HR Manager and organized Symphony Enterprises LLC, an IT Staffing Company in Pittsburgh in 2004 with Office and Delivery Center in India. Symphony Enterprises provides its clients with business software solutions and consultants who fulfill those requirements, these professionals work across the nation in the area of enterprises resource planning and application development. Initial couple of years of starting the business, there was almost no growth but the ground work done during these initial years paid off and the business has recently hit two million dollars in revenue. Symphony Enterprises LLC is an 8(a) certified organization.


Since joining NAWBO in 2007, Meenakshi has been a jewel in NAWBO’s crown and has stepped up the newly created Diversity Director position on NAWBO Greater Pittsburgh’s board. She is no rookie to the business and entrepreneurial world but stood in the gap in a position for which she literally created the agenda. She arranged meetings with government officials and other organizations including Pittsburgh City Council discussing women and diversity business issues and she created a bridge for NAWBO Pittsburgh with the Asian Community. Through Meenakshi’s efforts NAWBO was able to award four Make the Connection Awards in 2008 to four truly amazing Asian volunteers.

She took over as President of NAWBO Pittsburgh Chapter in June 2011.



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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.


Listen to the show here.

Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 3-19-12


Positively Pittsburgh Live News
3-19-12

Pittsburgh Opera presents Puccini’s dramatic Tosca
Pittsburgh Opera brings a magnificent traditional production of Puccini’s Tosca to the Benedum Center stage March 24 – April 1 in four performances. This gripping tale of one day and night in the life of the singer Floria Tosca has held audiences’ fascination since its debut in 1900, with its lyrical melodies, high drama, and astonishing ending: Tosca is pulled into international intrigue by the man she loves, murders the most powerful and corrupt man in Rome, and eventually makes the ultimate lover’s leap. Read the entire release here

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"Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays"
Musical Networking Happy Hour, EVERY THURSDAY!!! Cover Charge: Only $5.00
Vocalist Jessica Lee & Friends
Little E's Jazz & Blues Club, 949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Jessica Lee
Pre-show networking session at 5:30 pm. Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Live music starts at 6:00 pm.
March 22, 2012: "Rediscover Pittsburgh"
Mark Freeman (Co-Host)
With Spring approaching, we should all get out more and enjoy all our region has to offer. "ReDiscover Pittsburgh" will examine the many little things that makes the region so cool and all that it is inspiring creatively for entrepreneurs. Please join us for this insightful happy hour as we "Re-Discover Pittsburgh" together and highlight some great events coming up -- as well as our underlying history, pioneering spirit of innovation, vibrant cultural scene, and cultural diversity.

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The Pittsburgh premiere of Treasured Stories by Eric Carle: A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar
Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, presents Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada) in the Pittsburgh premiere of Treasured Stories by Eric Carle (“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”, “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me”, and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”) from April 13-15, 2012, at the Byham Theater. Performance times include Friday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Citizens Bank is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater. Read the entire release here

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Sarah Chang
Violinist Chang, Conductor Tortelier return to Heinz Hall
Renowned French conductor Yan Pascal Tortelier and violin sensation Sarah Chang return to Heinz Hall this month for two BNY Mellon Grand Classics concerts celebrating musical heritage. Read the entire release here




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4th Annual Girls Coalition Conference
Elevate the Conversation. Inspire Collaboration and Action.
The Girls Coalition is working with WQED, and through the Women & Girls Lead project, to create this dynamic event that will use film and other media as a catalyst for discussing the issues that effect girls. Details can be found here.

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Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Concerto Competition Deadline is March 22
Manfred Honeck
Competition seeks instrumental soloist to perform with PSO; worldwide audience can vote for winner on the Internet. 

There’s still time for instrumental soloists in the United States to enter the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition for the opportunity to perform with the PSO under the direction of Music Director Manfred Honeck. Read the entire release here. 

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Anoushka Shankar presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Anoushka Shankar 
Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar has demonstrated why she is one of the leading figures in world music, with her classical Indian background in sitar and interest in exploring the fertile ground of other genres such as jazz and western classical music. She performs Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the Byham Theater, at 7:30 p.m. This concert is a part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents Series, and is a presentation of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Read the entire release here

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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents Coppélia at the Benedum 
Coppélia 
PBT to Host Cookies with Coppélia Open House Sunday, April 1
PBT brings ballet’s original romantic comedy to the stage with the story of an unlikely love triangle in Coppélia, onstage with live orchestra April 13-15 at the Benedum Center. Closing the PBT 2011-12 season on a high note is this beloved family favorite featuring the classical choreography of Arthur Saint-Léon and the uplifting score of Léo Delibes. Read the entire release here

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In other good news, TechnoGranny is a great grandmother! Early Monday afternoon I became the great grandmother of twin boys, Jacob Alexander Quinn who weighed 5 lb.13 ounces and Jasper Dimitri Quinn who weighed in at 6 lbs. Mother Eva and babies are doing fine, and grandson Dean could not be prouder. Grandmother Joanne is still in shock and can’t wait for a trip to Arkansas to see the babies!

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The Roving Pittsburgher Report

Hamilton and Sieber in finale
La Cage Aux Folles: review by Good News Reviewer Tamar Cerafici 
I admit it. I’m an ardent fan of La Cage Aux Folles, the French stage play, the French movie and its sequels, and the musical. As a result I’m a bit starry-eyed when I watch anything having to do with a certain St. Tropez nightclub. It’s hard to explain La Cage to non-fans (and you know who you are). I do so in chiding manner, feeling that your lives would be better, not because the play is about a mature, loving, and long-term relationship between two men. Your lives would be better for knowing that humor and love must be the basis of any relationship. If you can belt out a few Broadway showstoppers while you’re at it, even better. Read Tamar's entire review here

Natalie MacMaster
St Patrick’s Natalie MacMaster and the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops: review by Good News Reporter Joanne Quinn-Smith 

Sometimes you get busy and just don’t pay attention to things you have really loved in your life.  That’s the case with fiddle music. Until my friend mentioned that there was a fiddler coming to Heinz Hall that he would really like to hear because he really appreciated talent, I began to investigate. That’s when I discovered the concert of Cape Breton Island in Canada lass, Natalie MacMaster. Until the first note of the Irish Rhapsody played by the Symphony Pop Orchestra, I did not remember how much I loved fiddle music.I have a dim memory of square dancing as a teenager but I didn’t recall the fun of real toe tapping fiddle music. Read Joanne’s entire review here


Tim Santoro
Event in a Tent at Barley and Hop’s: Review by Good News Reporter Allen Levine of Pittsburgh Sports Talk. 

Tim and Jeff own this great place. The Charity event was being held for our fallen officers. I also met Rich Griffith, President of the Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation. All money goes to the injured officers and their families. Rich and everyone else involved are all volunteers. Help this great group by going to www.WPPBF.org for as little as $25 you get a window decal and their great WPPBF t-shirt. 
Read Allen’s entire review here.


Tambellini’s Ristorante 7th Street 

I was here twice this week! We had a lovely dinner of Fiochetti Purse Pasta stuffed with ricotta in sundried tomato and cream sauce and Shrimp and Chicken scampi.


Horse Shoe Curve
Jill from Black Tie wrote in that she took a train to Altoona to see the horse shoe curve and then took a Hertz Rent-A-Car home. She loved that you could see trains coming from different directions, and she said it's a beautiful trip for a spring day. 

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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.


Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.