Sunday, December 30, 2012

First Night Preview and PPL Mag Updates


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New Roving Pittsburgher Review!
"Highmark Holiday Pops 2012"
Review by Good News Reporter, Hank Walshak, The Communications Expert for Experts



Positively Pittsburgh News, Positively Pittsburgh Live Magazine
Merry Christmas from PPL Mag Publisher and Staff
It's been a wonderful year of bringing the Good News about Pittsburgh to all of our viewers, listeners and readers.  This is a wish from our house and family to yours for a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 

And remember to Like our Facebook pages for updates, news, and photos! 
Hug-A-Thon Page 
PositivelyPittsburghLive! Page 
Turning Page Magazine!

December 17 - December 23
PDF / Turning Page
Highlights: Multicultural Christmas with Manheim Steamroller
and Pittsburgh Holiday Events
Latest Archives
You can get informed each time a show is archived on any of these channels by clicking, "Subscribe by Email" on the channel, or you can wait for the weekly Post Script. Visit the PPL Blog for show recaps and news HERE.

Newest Radio Shows


Positively Pittsburgh Live!, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Positively Pittsburgh Live! Pittsburgh Highmark First Night Preview
Darcy Kucenic, Director of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh will discuss the where and how of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. What are the major attractions, groups, activities. 


Professionals with Impact-PWI, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Professionals with Impact, Domestic Violence Survivor, Advocate, Fundraiser
Part of healing from domestic violence is to be able to move on and be healthy. Amelia Williams has run the gamut of domestic violence survivor to advocate and fundraiser. She now uses her talents as a public speaker to create awareness of domestic violence abuse.

EMPRESS OF BIZ! Reinvent in Rugged Times, JoAnn Forrester
EMPRESS OF BIZ! Horner & Carr Design to Credit Score Listen Learn Prosper
Empress of Biz interviews two exceptional business women. Find out what a graphic artist can do for you! Being in a small business and limited in resources does not mean that you have to look small.

What Can YOU do on PPL Mag?

1. Register for PPL Mag 
Post your personal or business photo and bio in the members area.

2. Check out the PPL Mag Calendar
Post your own events and view other upcoming events in the City. 

3. Read the Latest Good News Forum Posts
Start your own Pittsburgh Good News Discussions, too 

You can also connect on the
Postive Pittsburghers Networking Site here
 and create your own page.

Don't Just Watch or Listen to the News, "Be the News!"

If you would like to have your own channel at: PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network contact Publisher, Joanne Quinn-Smith 

Joanne Quinn-Smith, 412-444-5197
2009 National SBA Journalist of the Year
AKA TechnoGranny, Talkcast Host
Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
2010 Stevie Award Finalist for Best Media Website or Blog
Creative Energy Officer, Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Full Service Marketing Company Specializing in Web 2.0 Branding.

Take advantage of the PositivelyPittsburgh Alliance:
Post your Positive Events and Use Discussion Forum
Get Your Own Syndicated Pittsburgh Internet Radio or TV Channel at:http://www.pplmag.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/pospittsburgh
http://twitter.com/technogrannysho

Network on LinkedIn: http://www.joannequinnsmith.com

Join: Other Positive Pittsburghers at: http://positivepittsburghers.com
Join: PositivePittsburghers Group on LinkedIn
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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live! First Night ® Pittsburgh Preview 12-20-12




Positively Pittsburgh Live!
First Night ® Pittsburgh Preview

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces:
HIGHMARK® FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH 2013
Region’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013! This family-friendly community event is produced by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust with generous support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the event’s long time supporter and returning presenting sponsor. Highmark First Night Pittsburgh provides the city with a chance to ring in the new year while celebrating the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.

“On behalf of Highmark, it’s our pleasure to provide key support for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, a family-friendly event that offers fun activities for all to enjoy,” said Highmark executive vice president Dan Onorato.


Adds Darcy Kucenic, Director of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: “We’re grateful to Highmark for their continued support of the region’s largest New Year’s celebration that draws tens of thousands of visitors and spotlights the success and growth of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to produce Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and to deliver high-quality performing and visual art for the city to embrace this New Year’s Eve.”

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh begins at 6:00 p.m. with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display and a performance by Adam Brock & The Soul Band on the Dollar Bank Stage at Seventh Street and Penn Avenue. The First Night Parade begins at 8:00 p.m and features Grand Marshals Curt Woottan and Chris Preksta of “Pittsburgh Dad,” giant First Night Puppets, art cars, marching bands, a bicycle parade, and members of the community- all lit for the occasion of this year’s ‘light’-themed parade. The evening concludes with a performance by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band on the Highmark Stage and The Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale atop Penn Avenue Place and Fifth Avenue Place.The Highmark Stage, where all the First Night revelry concludes, is located on Penn Avenue next to Fifth Avenue Place. The Penn Avenue big screen, an extra large jumbotron in the middle of the street, will broadcast live surprises throughout the night, and enhance the ball-raising experience by broadcasting the culminating events for all attendees to see.

Among 100+ events and activities held in 45 venues throughout the Cultural District, attractions include the First National Bank Family Tent featuring hands-on activities for all ages; Equitable Gas Marquee Performances with House of Soul at the Benedum Center, Equitable Gas Sing Off winner to open for House of Soul, and River City Brass at the Byham Theater; and brand new projects for the 2013 celebration including the expanded Fire & Ice Plaza featuring Ice Creations & Steel Town Fire, the annual Resolution Sculpture created this year by Dave Bernabo & Lindsey Clark and entitled Chance Resolution, WYEP Music Station Local Band of the Year “Broken Fences, and First Night Comedy Club at the Trust’s Cabaret Theater.


The Highmark First Night Pittsburgh website provides even more event details and allows users to sort through the schedule of events and customize plans. The FirstNightPgh.org is also mobile-friendly and will allow smartphone users to plan on-the-go during New Year’s Eve.


HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH® ADMISSION BUTTONS

To join the celebration, simply purchase an all-access Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 button. A button costs only $8 in advance or $10 at the door; children age 5 and under are admitted for free.


First Night buttons are available at participating Giant Eagle stores, The Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.FirstNightPgh.org or by calling (412) 456-6666.

Seat vouchers may be reserved starting on Monday, December 10th and are available through to the night of the event or until capacity is reached in advance. For the first time ever they will be available online at FirstNightPgh.org and may be printed at home for convenience.  Seat voucher reservations may also be made by calling 412-456-6666 or by visiting The Box Office at Theater Square. With one admission button, attendees can reserve one voucher for one performance of each attraction. The Box Office at Theater Square is located at 655 Penn Avenue between the O’Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza. 


VOLUNTEERS

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh needs volunteers for numerous jobs--from button checkers to activity helpers to parade assistants. Families, co-workers, school groups and individuals of all ages are needed to help us ring in 2013 in a fun, alcohol-free, family-friendly way. To volunteer with Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, sign up at FirstNightPgh.org.


SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the presenting sponsor, Equitable Gas Co., Dollar Bank, First National Bank, Giant Eagle, PNC, Ideal Integrations, and Bobby Rahal Motor Company.

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 community supporters include The Buhl Foundation, The Fine Foundation, The Grable Foundation, and McCune Foundation. Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2013 media partners include Trib Total Media, KDKA-TV, and WYEP-FM





ABOUT HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is the largest one-day outreach event of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has led the way for the creation and ongoing development of Pittsburgh’s award-winning Cultural District. Utilizing the arts as a means for transforming a formerly blighted downtown, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.




Highlights
  • Dirty Dozen Brass Band performance on the Highmark Stage at 10:45 pm followed by The Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale atop Penn Avenue Place and Fifth Avenue Place
  • WYEP Music Station at 121 7th Street featuring 2012 WYEP Local Band of the Year, Broken Fences
  • First Night Parade at 8:00 p.m. themed “Light” and featuring Grand Marshals Curt Woottan and Chris Preksta of Pittsburgh Dad, giant puppets, art cars, marching bands, and a bicycle parade
  • New attractions include: First Night Comedy Club sponsored by Ideal Integrations at the Trust’s Cabaret Theater, expanded Fire & Ice Plaza at 8th Street parking lot featuring Ice Creations and Steel Town Fire, Resolution Sculpture at 9th &  Penn parking lot entitled Chance Resolution by Dave Bernabo & Lindsey Clark, First Night Food Trucks on 8th Street, and an enormous Penn Avenue Big Screen full of surprises!Adam Brock & The Soul Band on Dollar Bank Stage kick off 6:00 pm Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display
  • Equitable Gas Marquee Performances with House of Soul at the Benedum Center and the River City Brass at the Byham Theater. Equitable Gas Sing Off competition winner to open for House of Soul at the Benedum Center
  • First National Bank Family Tent with hands-on activities for kids and adults

All programming is subject to change. 
Updates will be posted online at www.FirstNightPgh.org

***
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 online 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. 

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

PPL Mag Updates


PPL mag logo

Christmas Decoration Photo Contest! 
Win Free Passes to Overly's Country Christmas
Share your Christmas Decoration pictures and have a chance to get one of ten passes for a carload to Overly's Country Christmas at Westmoreland Fairgrounds.
 Send your pictures of your home or office decorations   to: info@pplmag.com
Jpeg's only please. Also need: full name, address, email, and phone number.
The best ten pictures will be chosen to receive the Carload Passes for Overly's, but all pictures will be posted in a video with Christmas music and your name, so all know how wonderful your lights are. The video will be posted  between Christmas and New Year's on the front page of: http://pplmag.com
The last date to send in your pictures so that you can get and use your passes is  December 20, 2012 at Midnight. Overly's runs thru January 5.
New Roving Pittsburgher Review!

"Mannheim Steamroller Christmas"
Review by Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Read the review here.

Turning Page Magazine

December 10 - December 16


Highlights: Christmas Lights in Pittsburgh, Top Tech Christmas Gift Picks

And remember to Like our Facebook pages for updates, news, and photos! 
Hug-A-Thon Page 
PositivelyPittsburghLive! Page 

Latest Archives
You can get informed each time a show is archived on any of these channels by clicking, "Subscribe by Email" on the channel, or you can wait for the weekly Post Script. Visit the PPL Blog for show recaps and news HERE.

Newest Radio Shows

Positively Pittsburgh Live!, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Positively Pittsburgh Live! Tis the Season, Pittsburgh Holiday Events
There are just certain events around the City of Pittsburgh which are traditional family events and some of them extending through generations. I know my family which spans kids from 42 down to four have all attended these iconic                      traditional Pittsburgh attractions over the years. 

Positively Pittsburgh Live!, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Positively Pittsburgh Live! Oh Those Christmas Lights, Pittsburgh Area
Oh those Christmas Lights. We are all fascinated by Christmas Light displays and the colors and sounds of Christmas that they evoke. Tonight we will talk to two of the well known area displays really worth travelling to and let you know about a couple of others, too.

Techno Granny, updates 21st Century Tech, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Techno Granny, Santa Claus Websites to Entertain the Kids
In deciding what to do today special for the holidays, I asked Nanno Granny Jo Ann Forrester, what she would do this AM. Well I got sidetracked by her idea. She asked me if Santa Claus had a website, well it turns out that there is one for Santa Claus and Kris Kringle and more. 

Techno Granny, updates 21st Century Tech, Joanne Quinn-Smith
Techno Granny, TechnoGranny's Top Tech Christmas Gift Picks
You would expect of course things like the iPad mini, Kindle Fire and Chromebook, but what about Streaming Video Devices? And sexy, yes, sexy headphones. Retro games for Dad, an iPad App for toddlers, a computer game for babies, and much more.  

EMPRESS OF BIZ! Reinvent in Rugged Times, JoAnn Forrester
EMPRESS OF BIZ! Horner & Carr Design to Credit Score Listen Learn Prosper
Empress of Biz interviews two exceptional business women. Find out what a graphic artist can do for you! Being in a small business and limited in resources does not mean that you have to look small.

What Can YOU do on PPL Mag?

1. Register for PPL Mag 
Post your personal or business photo and bio in the members area.

2. Check out the PPL Mag Calendar
Post your own events and view other upcoming events in the City. 

3. Read the Latest Good News Forum Posts
Start your own Pittsburgh Good News Discussions, too 

You can also connect on the
Postive Pittsburghers Networking Site here
 and create your own page.

Don't Just Watch or Listen to the News, "Be the News!"

If you would like to have your own channel at: PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network contact Publisher, Joanne Quinn-Smith 

Joanne Quinn-Smith, 412-444-5197
2009 National SBA Journalist of the Year
AKA TechnoGranny, Talkcast Host
Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
2010 Stevie Award Finalist for Best Media Website or Blog
Creative Energy Officer, Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Full Service Marketing Company Specializing in Web 2.0 Branding.

Take advantage of the PositivelyPittsburgh Alliance:
Post your Positive Events and Use Discussion Forum
Get Your Own Syndicated Pittsburgh Internet Radio or TV Channel at:http://www.pplmag.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/pospittsburgh
http://twitter.com/technogrannysho

Network on LinkedIn: http://www.joannequinnsmith.com

Join: Other Positive Pittsburghers at: http://positivepittsburghers.com
Join: PositivePittsburghers Group on LinkedIn
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Positively Pittsburgh Live! Tis the Season, Pittsburgh Holiday Events 12-17-12


Positively Pittsburgh Live!
Tis the Season, Pittsburgh Holiday Events
12-17-12

Guests
Tara Safar, 2012 Carnegie Trees co-chair and member of the Women's Committee
Joseph Parr, Primary Dancer, Pittsburgh Ballet Nutcracker
Dennis Bateman, Director of Exhibits, Carnegie Science Center 

***
Carnegie Museum of Art Christmas Trees
Tara Safar, 2012 Carnegie Trees co-chair and member of the Women's Committee, invites guests to celebrate the season with one of the great Pittsburgh holiday traditions: the Carnegie Trees at Carnegie Museum of Art.

Carnegie Museum of Art Christmas Trees
Photo by Travis Snyder
For the 51st year, the museum's Hall of Architecture will dazzle visitors with seven grand, 20-foot trees, flanking the museum's perennial favorite, the Neapolitan presepio, a beautiful 18th-century Nativity.

Carnegie Museum of Art Christmas Trees
Photo by Travis Snyder
Each tree will be stylishly decorated in the theme of world's fairs, celebrating Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World's Fairs, 1851–1939, now on view in the Heinz Galleries at Carnegie Museum of Art.

Carnegie Museum of Art Christmas Trees
Photo by Travis Snyder
As in past years, several organizations from around Pittsburgh have lent their own creative flair to each of the trees. This year's participants include:The Women's Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art; Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh;The Andy Warhol Museum; The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy; and The Frick Art & Historical Center.

Along with the Carnegie Trees, a visit to the museum’s Neapolitan presepio, one of the finest Nativity scenes of its kind, has been a Pittsburgh holiday tradition since 1957. Handcrafted between 1700 and 1830, the presepio teems with lifelike figures and colorful details that recreate the Nativity within a vibrant and detailed panorama of 18th-century Italian village life. More than 100 superbly modeled human and angelic figures, along with animals, accessories, and architectural elements, cover 250 square feet and create a memorable depiction of the Nativity as seen through the eyes of Neapolitan artisans and collectors.

Carnegie Museum of Art Christmas Trees
Photo by Travis Snyder

Every year, the Trees are organized by the Women's Committee, a dedicated volunteer organization that assists in fund raising efforts, and stages some of the museum's biggest public events, like the Trees and Art in Bloom.

Visit the Carneige Musem of Art on Facebook here, or follow them on Twitter here.



***
Joseph Parr, a primary dancer in The Nutcracker, is from Wooster, Ohio, and joins the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) for his fifth season. He received his training from Wayne Center for the Arts, University of Akron Dance Program and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Graduate Program.  He has performed with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Cincinnati Ballet, Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania and Owensboro Dance Theatre.

The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a true holiday spectacular featuring more than 210 costumes, 190 performers and elaborate Pittsburgh-inspired sets. Recognized as one of the most popular ballets of all time, The Nutcracker is one of Pittsburgh’s timeless holiday traditions, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

The Nutcracker
Along with PBT’s professional company dancers, more than 170 Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School students, ages 7 and up, will perform a variety of roles ranging from mice and toy soldiers to snowflakes and flowers.

PBT presents a unique, Pittsburgh-inspired version of The Nutcracker, a ballet based on the German tale written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. PBT has performed The Nutcracker since the company’s founding in 1969. Beginning in 2002, PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr created an entirely new production with an enhanced storyline, new choreography and a unique Pittsburgh theme.

PBT’s The Nutcracker stays true to many of the original elements of Hoffmann’s tale while lacing the production with the rich traditions and culture of early 20th century Pittsburgh.

The Nutcracker
PBT’s The Nutcracker pays tribute to Pittsburgh’s history and traditions by incorporating a variety of early 20th century imagery.

Throughout the 20-performance Nutcracker run, no two casts are exactly alike. Orr creates dynamic casting to enhance creativity and challenge company members to dance and develop as many as 12 different character roles throughout the run. 
The Nutcracker is ideal for audience members of all ages. The production is full of magic, virtuoso dancing, stunning set design, colorful costumes and a variety of energetic, child-friendly characters.

The Nutcracker is onstage at the Benedum Center through December 30, which includes a new  post-Christmas performance weekend. For tickets, visit www.pbt.org or call 412-456-6666. Tickets start at $25.75

***


Dennis Bateman, Director of Exhibits,invites guests to visit the Carnegie Science Center Train Exhibit and other holiday events.

Miniature Railroad & Village®
Miniature Railroad & Village®
Located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, Carnegie Science Center offers four floors of interactive exhibits that are geared for all ages from the smallest scientists to adults! Spend a day to EXPLORE.

New this holiday season is SpacePlace. This new permanent exhibit opened in November 2012. Find out what it takes to be an astronaut! This exhibit features the following interactive: International Space Station Modules, Zero-G Climbers, Micro-G Simulator, Living & Working in Space Wall, Rocket Launch and Parachute Drop and Hubble Telescope

The holiday train event showcases the Miniature Railroad & Village® This permanent exhibit features realistic animated scenes that illustrate how people lived, worked, and played in our region during an era spanning the 1880s to the late 1930s. Exhibit favorites include Fallingwater, Forbes Field, Manchester-Farms, Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler's Knob, Luna Park, Sharon Steel Mill, and a historic Pittsburgh incline.This year’s newest additions include a replica of the original scoreboard and flagpole at Forbes Field, as well as hundreds of miniature lights at Luna Park.The Miniature Railroad & Village has 105 animations, 250,000+trees, 14 aircraft, 85 automobiles, 1 Incline (Monongahela Incline), 60 trucks, 22 horse-drawn vehicles, and 23,000 fans in Forbes Field.

Come to the Breakfast Express on Dec. 22 from 9 am–1 pm. Climb on board for a piping-hot breakfast and see The Polar Express: An IMAX Experience. Plus, explore the Miniature Railroad & Village®, and meet a special guest, Mr. McFeely, the delivery man on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It’s a holiday tradition!

There is also a special holiday laser and planetarium show at the Buhl Planetarium running
until January 7th. Experience the magic of the holiday season with a little science at this magical holiday laser show perfect for the whole family. Featuring traditional holiday tunes from across generations to contemporary artists performing their personal favorites, this matinee laser show is guaranteed to be a hit with all ages.

The Christmas Star also runs through January 7th, Join us for this holiday classic as we travel back in time to explore the wondrous star that appeared over Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. Learn about the structure, formation and life cycle of stars, and discover the familiar patterns of stars in the night sky. Compare and contrast characteristics of celestial bodies in the solar system and review Earth's patterns of movement in relation to the stars, Moon, and Sun.

And check out the Polar Express at the Rangos Omnimax Theater through January 1st, showing daily at 3:15 pm. Don’t miss your chance to catch The Polar Express: An IMAX® Experience, starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. This magical holiday film revolves around a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. And start off the New Year with MessFest 2013. Join in on a truly MESSY way to kick off the New Year with MessFest on Jan. 1, 2013! It's gigantic, it's messy, and it's a unique tradition unlike any other! Get slimy, yucky, ooey, and gooey as you learn about totally messy science!
Get your hands on globs of oobleck and gooey slime; Turn an egg into an "egg-stranaut"...then launch it into the air; Dig into "mars soil;"  Play with your food during the pi-eating race; Concoct some sidewalk chalk to take home; Create a masterpiece with finger-paint; and Discover the science of soda with Plant Pop in the Kitchen Theater. WARNING: You WILL get messy! Free with Science Center admission. Visit www.carnegiesciencecenter.com for details on all events. 

***

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 online 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.

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