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$2 Million In Unclaimed Rebates

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HARRISBURG (KDKA) – Nearly $2 million dollars in unclaimed promotional rebates will be available to Pennsylvania residents.

A landmark settlement between the Pennsylvania Treasury and Parago, Inc. will make the money available to consumers.

Parago is a Texas-based company that processes and pays promotional rebates to consumers on behalf of national consumer product manufacturers, retailers, and telecommunication service providers. Its clients include Staples, Home Depot, Verizon and Verizon Wireless, and General Electric, among others.

“This is a major win for Pennsylvania’s consumers. A number of other states recently settled with Parago for less than what was owed to their citizens,” said Treasurer McCord. “We held out because I believe our consumers are due 100% of what they are owed. As a result, we have this landmark settlement, and Pennsylvanians will soon be able to claim nearly $2 million in rebates that never made it into their hands.”

If you believe you may be owed a rebate from Parago or one of its clients, please call 1-800-222-2046, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to provide your name to one of Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Return Team members.

“If you think you may be among the thousands of people owed a rebate, please contact Treasury,” urged Treasurer McCord. “As always, we will endeavor to find your property and process your claim.”

Generally speaking, unclaimed property is any financial asset that has been left with a business or organization without activity or contact for at least one year, including bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, accounts payable or receivable checks, credit balances, expired gift cards, savings and checking accounts, escrow accounts, money orders, travelers checks, utility refunds, insurance proceeds, stocks and bonds, and the contents of safe deposit boxes.



First Night – Something For Everyone

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – There are a lot of people who try to promise how they have something for everyone. If you can’t find something to entertain you at First Night Pittsburgh, you simply aren’t looking very hard.

Events for First Night Pittsburgh will be held in nearly 50 venues throughout the Theater District starting at 6 p.m.

Dance studios, clubs, theaters, art galleries — even various street corners — will all have things to watch and do.

Music has always been a big part of First Night Pittsburgh and this year is no exception.

Adam Brock, the pride of Washington County, shot to fame last year as a semi-finalist on ”American Idol.”

He is back home tonight and will play two shows, including one right after the children’s fireworks show at 6 p.m.

Jazz, classical, hip-hop, rock, soul, even blues and wailing harmonicas can be heard tonight.

If you would rather check out the visual arts, there are no less than 20 different things to take in. Posters, pictures, animated musicals, galleries, films are certainly enough to keep you interested well into the new year of 2013.

If you ate a bit too much during the holidays and want to dance off a few calories, there will be no shortage of that either.

Even if you have two left feet, the Arthur Murray Dance Studios are offering lessons every half hour. From Cha Cha to Merengue, you will be dancing your way into the new year.

Buttons for all the events downtown are $8 in advance and even if you decided to wait to the last-minute, they will be available throughout the Cultural District tonight for just $10.

A complete list of events, show times, and venues is available here: http://www.firstnightpgh.org/fest_events/


Winter Weather Keeps Shoppers Away

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Harsh winter weather was not what retailers wanted the day after Christmas.

After disappointing holiday sales — with revenue up less than one percent — shop keepers had hoped the stores would be flooded with shoppers taking advantage of post-Christmas sales.

Usually on the day after Christmas — just like on Black Friday — the parking lot at local malls would be completely packed. But not today.

While snow plows tried to keep parking lots cleared, a few shoppers braved the elements, looking for sales.

“We thought we were going to get some good deals. There’s not as many sales as we hoped,” Kayla Gavala of Lawrenceville told KDKA money editor Jon Delano.

Was it crowded?

“Not at all,” she acknowledged.

After a season of discounts, finding even better sales is hard.

“I feel like the sales last year were a lot better,” ‘ said Rob Delacretaz of Lawrenceville. “I was really excited when the weather got bad actually because they’ll be all these sales and nobody around to compete with, but there’s nothing for me to even buy.”

For some, like Maureen Rodman of McKeesport, it’s more the adventure of shopping in the snow.

“Nobody else would be out shopping. Nobody else would travel out in weather, so we always go in the snowstorms,” noted Rodman.

While some were returning gifts, one family took advantage of the empty parking lots — with Barb Misechok of Greenfield saying of her son, “He’s crazy. He’s been driving us through the parking lots doing donuts. We’re having lots of fun.”

“Get in the winter spirit,” said Chris Misechok. “We had the warm winter last year. Get our first bit of cold weather this year. Get to enjoy it.”

In fact, on this traditionally heavy shopping day, one employee admitted she was told to go home mid-afternoon.

“I was supposed to work until 10 tonight, but it’s not happening,” said Jasmine Wilson of Homestead.

Delano: “They let you leave early?”

Wilson: “Yeah.”

Delano: “Because nobody’s there?”

Wilson: “Yeah, nobody’s there.”


W. Va. Senator To MTV “Scrap Buckwild”

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A West Virginia Senator is asking MTV to scrap its new reality show, which follows a group of young people from his state.

The new show called “Buckwild,” is being compared as an Appalachian version of its highly successful reality show “Jersey Shore,” which is currently in its last season.

In an open letter to the network, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin says that he is repulsed by MTV profiting off of the poor decisions of West Virginian youths.

“Instead of showcasing the beauty of our people and our state, you preyed on young people, coaxed them into displaying shameful behavior – and now you are profiting from it,” Manchin said in the letter. “That is just wrong.”

The show follows nine young adults in Sissonville, W. Va. as they “fight, drink, four-wheel, dive in mud puddles and generally tear things up while following their simple credo: ‘Whatever happens, happens,’” according to MTV’s website.

“This show plays to ugly, inaccurate stereotypes about the people of West Virginia,” Manchin said in the letter. “Let me tell you: our people have given their all for this great country.”

At the end of his letter, Manchin flat out asks MTV to reconsider airing the show.

However, a hefty amount of advertising for the show can already be seen on the network.

The show is set to air Jan. 3, following in the same time slot as “Jersey Shore.”


New Hostel To Open Up On South Side

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – If you’re looking for an alternative to hotels, a European lodging trend may be coming soon to Pittsburgh.

The future site of a new hostel is on East Carson Street in the South Side, above the Beehive Coffeehouse.

Organizers said it’s a 10,000 square-foot space that has previously gone unused for 100 years.

Hostels are very popular across Europe with travelers. Organizers said Pittsburgh is behind on establishing a successful hostel.

“We’re trying to fill a niche market where younger people can come and stay at an affordable rate. They’ll have more money to spend here in Pittsburgh,” Brad Maloney of the Pittsburgh Hostel Project said.

While it’s not the first hostel in Pittsburgh, members of the Pittsburgh Hostel Project said location is key to the success of their proposed hostel, which will have anywhere from 60 to 70 beds. While still in the planning phases, the hostel is already getting attention.

“A couple of weeks ago, we got a call out of nowhere from Hostelling International and they said can we come out and talk with you. When they got out here and saw the space, they were totally enchanted, the way we are. They immediately saw how great the location is, the proximity to downtown, to Oakland,” Anne Marie Toccket said.

The South Side Chamber of Commerce also gave their approval and even applied for grants to help with signage along the Great Allegheny Passage to lead bikers to the hostel once it’s open. The space, which will need to be totally renovated, will feature artwork from local artists, community gathering spaces and several kitchens.

Toccket describes it almost like a boutique hotel, and said it’ll be a great way to showcase Pittsburgh.

While the Pittsburgh Hostel Project knows there is much work to be done over the next year, they hope to start welcoming visitors by early 2014.


Local Jewelry Company Putting Pittsburgh On Fashion Map

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – When you think of fashion, you probably think of cities like New York and Paris. However, one business, founded right here in Pittsburgh, is changing that.

Sabika is a booming jewelry company and it may be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

The company was started by Karin Mayr. Originally from Austria, she moved to Pittsburgh in 1985.

In 2001, she launched the home party jewelry business from her dining room.

“We presently have around 700 consultants and we have a very healthy business goal. Last year, we grew 76 percent,” Mayr said.

It’s obvious that the business has had remarkable sales growth.

The consultants, now in 47 states, sell unique jewelry which is all 100 percent handmade by skilled women in Europe.

Mayr follows runway trends to get ideas for new collections and then her daughter, Alexandra Gracik, takes over designing.

She says a lot of her vision comes from her hometown.

“We’re a fashion company, so people are surprised we are based in Pittsburgh, but I get inspiration from all around. It doesn’t have to be from living in New York or living in Los Angeles or whatnot. I like being real. I love the friendliness and the vibe in Pittsburgh and there’s a lot of creativity here too,” Gracik said.

Another one of Mayr’s daughters handles the sales and field services for the company.

She said Pittsburgh has been a big part of her family’s success.

“If your heart’s in the right place, I feel like it’s a city that will just accept you with open arms,” Kerstin Mayr said.

Sabika has a loyal following and loyal consultants.

The company prides itself on offering women flexible and highly rewarding career opportunities.


Local High School Student Sparks National Discussion

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — By most accounts, Taylor Allderdice High School senior Suzy Lee Weiss is a pretty bright student — a 4.5 grade point average, a 2120 SAT score, once a U.S. Senate page.

But when her college application was rejected on the same day by Harvard, Yale, Penn and Vanderbilt, Weiss wrote this satirical article for “The Wall Street Journal,” entitled “To All the Colleges that Rejected Me.”

Click here to read Suzy’s article.

And then she landed an appearance on the Today Show.

Weiss poked fun at what high school students have to do to get into college, writing, “Had I known two years ago what I know now, I would have gladly worn a headdress to school. Show me any closet, and I would’ve happily come out of it. Diversity! I offer about as much diversity as a saltine cracker.”

“All colleges should have a holistic approach to all applicants,” Weiss said on the Today Show. “But I do however think that in this day and age we are being judged on things we cannot control as opposed to things we can.”

College students are sympathetic with this issue.

“She blends in with everybody else, and she doesn’t stand out as much — less chance of getting in,” noted Jeff Brienza, a Pitt freshman.

Weiss also made fun of the college essays where high school students often exaggerate, writing: “I also probably should have started a fake charity. Providing veterinary services for homeless people’s pets. Collecting donations for the underprivileged chimpanzees of the Congo … go to Africa, scoop up some suffering child, take a few pictures, and write my essays about how spending that afternoon with Kinto changed my life.”

“You definitely have to make yourself stand out,” said Leah Kaufman, a Pitt student. “You can’t really lie, but you can definitely embellish.”

And that, suggests Weiss, makes it tough for the honest student.

“I do think there’s a lot of resume padding going on right now,” Weiss added.


Frozen Four Gets Underway

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College Hockey Fans Pack CONSOL Energy Center As Frozen Four Gets Underway

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The eyes of the college sports world are on Pittsburgh as the Frozen Four got underway Thursday at CONSOL Energy Center.

It’s the best of college hockey, and it means big bucks for the city and businesses near the arena.

Uptown is accustomed to big crowds, the fanfare and the fans. But this time, they’re not rooting on the Penguins. It’s collegiate action on the ice this week at CONSOL Energy Center.

Most of the fans are seeing the City of Pittsburgh for the very first time.

“This city is absolutely beautiful. We love it,” said Sarah Kovaleski, a Yale fan. “My family is a huge hockey family – growing up playing hockey, my brothers have played their whole lives.”

“It’s good,” added Kaitlyn Donovan, a fan of UMass-Lowell. “It reminds me of Lowell actually, a little bit. So, I feel kind of at home.”

There are local connections. Mount Lebanon’s Jesse Root plays for Yale, which won the first game Thursday in overtime.

“Ecstatic. We’re going to be here through Saturday,” said Joe Killian, a the father of a Yale player. “Can’t wait to get outside and see some of the stuff that’s out in the parking lot.”

There are also local supporters who want to experience the hockey stronghold in Pittsburgh. And many of the locals are hosting the out-of-town guests.

“When we found out we were in a national championship here, people came from all over the country,” said Mike Tomano, a Yale fan from Sewickley.

“They know the history of Pittsburgh; we’ve had an unbelievable buzz going for almost two weeks now and it’s one of the great cities in America,” said David Harrington, a Yale alumnus. “We’re glad to be here.”

RELATED LINKS:
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A Taste of Market Square

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On Saturday April 13 in downtown Pittsburgh, the restaurants of Market Square participated in A Taste of Market Square. This delicious event showcased the culinary creations from many of Pittsburgh’s newest, oldest and most treasured restaurants. Renovated and reinvigorated, Market Square has re-established itself as the premier place to hang out downtown and grab a bite to eat. The Taste of Market Square event was the perfect way to experience the new square, back in all its glory after years of construction. The Green Team was lucky enough to snag tickets and head out for a great day of tasting!

It all started at Dollar Bank on Forbes Avenue, one of the sponsors for the event, where everyone was supplied with a stamp card, a food map, and a Dollar Bank reusable grocery bag. Alex and I made our first stop at Bluebird Kitchen where we sampled their homemade potato chips, a pork belly & taro skewer, and a small tasty dessert. Everything was mouthwatering and tasted like summer.

Photo Credit : Pittsburgh's CW

Photo Credit : Pittsburgh’s CW

With our taste buds begging for more, Alex and I moved onto the next stop—The Original Oyster House where we sampled crab cakes with a horseradish dipping sauce and their signature potato chips. The Oyster house certainly knows how to serve up a little maritime goodness.

Photo Credit : Pittsburgh's CW

Photo Credit : Pittsburgh’s CW

We continued on our journey around the square, stopping to sample cochinita tacos at Las Velas Mexican Restaurant, truffle macaroni & cheese at Diamond Market Bar and Grill, a toasted almond dessert at Prantl’s Bakery (our personal favorite) and bruschetta from Mancini’s Bread Company.

After these stops, we made our way over to NOLA where quite a long line had formed. As we waited, we sampled the signature gyro fixings at My Big Fat Greek Gyro, had meatballs at Sienna (absolutely scrumptious), and then it was time for us to get our Cajun gumbo from NOLA—it was full of tangy, spicy flavor that made your eyebrows raise after swallowing; but, it was great for anyone who likes their gumbo with a little kick!

There were some representatives at the square that traveled to participate from other places in Pittsburgh.  Allegheny City Smokehouse, located on the North Shore, had a stand and handed out generous samples of their classic pulled pork that melted in our mouths.  We also tried some delectable raspberry rice krispie treat bars from Andy’s in the Fairmont Hotel.  Across the square from them was Giant Eagle Market District who sampled some free-range rotisserie chicken with a black bean quinoa salsa and Braddock’s American Brasserie sampled braised short rib pierogies—something we never thought existed, but LOVED!

Photo Credit : Pittsburgh's CW

Photo Credit : Pittsburgh’s CW

By the time we got around to Il Pizzaiolo, we were disappointed to find that their stand had already packed up and headed inside. No worries, Wingharts was offering up some of their unparalleled burger samples, which seemed to be a crowd favorite.  Primanti’s was sampling their classic line of Pittsburgh-inspired cuisine. And we can’t forget about the classic chips and queso from Moe’s Southwest Grill. Crunch, crunch, crunch – bliss!

Full and barely mobile, the Green Team left A Taste of Market Square extremely satisfied and ready for next year’s tasting! Be sure to check out all of the cool pictures from the event and stay up to date with The CW Green Team’s latest activity right here on our website as well as on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WPCWGreenTeam), Instagram (Pitt_CW_GreenTeam) and Twitter (@PCWGreenTeam)!

Click here to see a more pictures from A Taste of Market Square


Emerging Singer Turns Bullying Into Big Break

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PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) – Lizzie Sider has an amazing singing voice,  writes her own music, dances, and is working with some of the biggest names in country music to launch her career. And she’s only 14.

What’s even more amazing, is that her anti-bullying song, “Butterfly,” has a million hits on YouTube. The song came from how she overcame bullying by  her fellow classmates, and it’s making a big impact with her followers.

“I get messages on my Facebook page, Twitter, and e-mail, saying that I’ve changed people’s lives with ‘Butterfly,’” Sider said. “It’s such an amazing feeling.”

Sider talked to KDKA-AM’s Larry and John about her career and her anti-bullying message. The singing sensation is about to become a big deal, and is working with big names in Nashville.

“Joe Vulips, who was Lady Gaga’s very first producer, came on board,” Sider said. “We went into the studio, and Jason Aldean’s band recorded the music in Nashville, and that was a great experience. We finished recording the album, and it just got done. I’m so proud of it.”

Sider’s new single, “I Love You That Much,” is available on iTunes, and she will be opening for Gloriana at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Warrandale, Pa. Thursday, April 25, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. For more info, visit Jergel’s website.


Rare But Stinky Flower About To Bloom At Phipps

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A rare, beautiful sight, but rotten scent has come to Phipps Conservatory.

Officials say the legendary corpse flower (or Amorpholhallus titanium) is about to bloom there at the end of the month.

According to Phipps, the flower has been dubbed “Romero” after George Romero, the horror movie director who made cult classic “Night of the Living Dead” in and around the Pittsburgh area.

The corpse flower, which is native to the rainforests of Sumatra and Indonesia, is now on display in Phipps’ Palm Court.

Not only is the flower huge as it grows to be six to eight feet tall, but Phipps’ experts also say it also known for its foul stench that resembles that of rotting flesh.

The smell is created by two sulfur compounds and is “designed to attract pollinators like flies and beetles,” according to Phipps.

Officials say it was first cultivated for public garden displays in England in 1889.

Once it blooms though, Phipps officials say the flower will only last from 24 to 48 hours before it collapses and decomposes. And it won’t reappear for another six to 10 years.

Horticulturalist Ben Dunigan, of Phipps Conservatory, joined KDKA Radio’s Bill Rehkopf on the Afternoon News to talk about what goes into growing this rare flower.

“This particular plant is known for having an irregular cycle as far as bloom time,” said Dunigan. “It looks as if it will be here in full bloom Aug. 19 through about the 23.”

He also said that it’s hard detecting whether the flower will develop a bud to bloom or just a leaf.

“The way the bud develops, trying to predict if its a bud or a leaf can be difficult, but we are sure we have a bud,” he added.

The plant is growing about three inches a day, and the most intense scent will be given off within the first 12 hours of blooming.

You can follow updates on the flower on Phipps’ Facebook and Twitter pages.


Allegheny County Halloween Trick Or Treat Times 2013

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – What will you be for Halloween? A zombie from “The Walking Dead”? Little Red Riding Hood? Perhaps a Pittsburgh Pirate? The possibilities are endless; and trick or treaters are sure to sport some creative costumes!

Check out the list below for trick-or-treating dates and times for townships and boroughs in Allegheny County!

Unless otherwise noted, all trick-or-treating occurs on Halloween night, October 31.

-Carnegie: 6-8 p.m.
-Coraopolis Borough: 6-8 p.m.
-Dormont: 6-8 p.m.
-Edgewood Borough: 6-8 p.m.
-Findlay Township: 6-8 p.m.
-Forest Hills: 6-8p.m.
-Fox Chapel: 6-8 p.m.
-Hampton: 6-8 p.m.
-McKeesport 6-8 p.m.
-Moon Township: 6:30-8 p.m.
-Mt. Lebanon: 6-8 p.m.
-Munhall: 6-8 p.m.
-Oakdale: 6-8 p.m.
-Ohio Township: 6-8 p.m.
-Penn Hills: 6-8 p.m.
-Pine Township: 6-8 p.m.
-Pittsburgh: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
-Pennsbury Village: 6-8 p.m.
-Pleasant Hills: 6-8 p.m.
-Sewickley Borough: 6-8 p.m.
-Shaler Township: 6-8 p.m.
-South Park Township: 6-8 p.m.
-Upper St. Clair Township: 6-8 p.m.
-West Deer Township: 6-8 p.m.
-West Homestead: 6-8 p.m.
-West Mifflin Borough: 6:30-8 p.m.
-Whitehall Borough: 6-8 p.m.


North & South Park Ice Rinks Are Open

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Even though it has been pretty warm so far this week, there’s good news for people who love to ice skate.

The North and South Park ice rinks will open for the season today, weather permitting.

The hours vary, but the rinks are closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

http://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/fees/skate.aspx

For more information


Bourque Bringing Hockey-Themed Restaurant To Pittsburgh

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — CONSOL Energy Center is in its fourth season of Penguins hockey, but in all that time, right across the street, Fifth Avenue has looked pretty much the same. Same storefronts. No restaurants. That is, until now.

Behind blue tarps is Uptown’s newest addition and you can thank the Old 29er.

“Restaurateur… Oh, I like the way that flows,” says former Penguin and the team’s current radio color commentator, Phil Bourque.

With construction still roaring in the background, Bourque is just days away from officially being in the restaurant business as the Blue Line Grille, on the site of a long-time uniform factory, is nearing completion.

KDKA’s Jory Rand: “So, Bourqie, what – hockey, broadcasting isn’t enough for you? You need to add something else?”

Bourque: “Just not enough. Two kids, just juggle it all, right? As a player you get asked quite often, ‘Hey, I’m gonna start a restaurant deal, you wanna get involved?’ You say no probably 50 times during your career. But just something clicked.”

It probably had something to do with the features this new place will have.

In addition to a 5,500-square rooftop deck overlooking CONSOL and Downtown, there’s a full bar and restaurant downstairs, along with a full-sized penalty box.

“There’s not a place in the country that has its own penalty box inside the restaurant,” said Kevin Nord, one of the owners of the restaurant.

“We’ve got the penalty box, the sin bin. Two minutes of shame, right? Right in there. You just slam ‘em up against the boards and say, ‘Hey, straighten your act out.’ It’s great. Tremendous,” said Bourque.

Nord is one of the principal owners, along with Doc Mendolson who owned Doc’s in Shadyside for 25 years. Together, they helped recruit Bourque and another former Penguin, Bill Guerin, who was off in Canada scouting for the team.

“He’s got a burger named after him; “The Old 29er,” which is great,” said Nord. “Billy G has a pizza named after him.”

Rand: “What’s on the burger?

Bourque: “The burger is pepper jack cheese, some mushrooms and some Frank’s Red Hot ‘cause I like it spicy.”

Check Out Our Web Extra Video!
restauranttour Bourque Bringing Hockey Themed Restaurant To Pittsburgh

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There’s also a VIP section, which they’re hoping sees some visits from Penguins’ players after games.

“We hope so,” said Bourque. “It’s only 42 steps from door to door; so, we’re gonna try to make this a destination for them; and obviously, the fans will have that connection.”

The goal is to open “The Blue Line” next week, and “The Uptown,” the upstairs portion, later this month.

“When you’re part of a project like this, you watch it go from gutting the building to watching it grow, it becomes like a part of you,” said Bourque. “The excitement is like a fever pitch, you just want it to open so bad.”


Movie Review: Blended

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – One out of three ain’t bad, right?

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are back with their third collaboration of a romantic comedy, Blended.

Watching Sandler and Barrymore, it’s actually difficult to imagine that they’re not married in real life.

But after three of the same type of movies together, you had to wonder if Blended would fall short of expectations, and it actually did in parts.

Their chemistry is great, some of the writing and jokes are great, but a lot of the movie feels very forced.

Barrymore plays Lauren, an uptight but devoted single mom of two boys.

Sandler plays Jim, the devoted single dad to three girls.

After a disastrous blind date, and vowing to never see each other again, they entire group ends up at a luxurious African safari resort.

Sandler and Barrymore really made movie magic with 1998’s, The Wedding Singer.

In 2004, they returned with the somewhat funny, but mediocre 50 First Dates.

Unfortunately the third time wasn’t the charm, which is really unfortunately considering Blended was directed by Frank Coraci, the same director from The Wedding Singer.

There are some funny parts to the movie, Wendi McLendon-Covey never fails to impress in her comedic roles.

There are a lot of guest stars including Shaquille O’Neal, and Dan Patrick from ESPN.

And it was fun to try and spot other guest stars from Sandler’s previous movies.

Some of the cartoonish African characters just go over the top, and while sort of funny at the beginning, they start to annoy a little by the end of the film.

If you loved The Wedding Singer then do yourself a favor, rent that instead this weekend, and wait for Blended to come out for rental.

I give Blended a C+.

What did you think about the movie? Follow and Tweet Tim on Twitter!

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Movie Review: Maleficent

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It’s a new twist on an old tale, and Disney’s Maleficent definitely doesn’t disappoint.

It’s the story of “Sleeping Beauty” like you have never seen before.

Disney took the classic movie, reimaged it, and I have a feeling it’s going to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer. It’s a new angle on a very well-known fairy tale.

The magical fairy-tale starts off before the story of Sleeping Beauty, focusing on a young fairy girl named Maleficent and a human boy named Stefan.

Maleficent is the protector of the moors, and Stefan trying to earn his way into the castle.

As they grow up, they grow apart, and it isn’t until sometime later that Stefan returns and does real harm to Maleficent.

Because of his evil deed, Stefan becomes king, marries, and has a beautiful new baby.

That’s where the Sleeping Beauty tale of revenge begins.

Maleficent curses baby Aurora, and then spends much of the rest of the film watching over her, as her fairy godmother.

From the first scene she is in, Angelina Jolie steals the spotlight.

Complete with prosthetic cheekbones, massive horns, and mesmerizing eyes, Jolie is wickedly enchanting from the very beginning.

Elle Fanning plays Aurora in the movie, and I was pleasantly surprised with what a good job she did.

Of course there are some funny parts in the movie.

The three fairies who are supposed to be guarding over Aurora were pretty funny.

Even Maleficent got into the comedic action with a few jokes of her own.

Over all Maleficent was visually stunning.

It’s worth the little extra money to see the film in a theater with 3D and IMAX.

Both parents and children alike will love the adaptation of the film.

From great visual effects, to epic battle scenes, even some comedy, Maleficent has a little bit for everyone.

By the end of the movie I found myself wanting more Angelina Jolie. I’ve always been a fan, and it’s nice to see her broaden her skills in a Disney movie.

Angelina Jolie gets an A for her role in the movie, Maleficent gets a very solid A- in my opinion.

Do yourself a favor and stick around for the credits.

Lana Del Rey’s gothic take of “Once Upon A Dream” is hauntingly fascinating.

What did you think about the movie? Follow and Tweet Tim on Twitter!

Join Us For Family SnowBlast At Hidden Valley

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Pack up the family and head on over to Hidden Valley Resort from Thursday, January 8th through Sunday, January 11th for Family Snowblast!

The last six years have been so much fun that KDKA-TV and Pittsburgh’s CW are once again partnering with Hidden Valley Resort for the 7th Annual Family Snowblast!

During four fun-filled days, KDKA-TV personalities will be participating in a host of family events at the resort — including a family version of the popular game show Hometown High Q, a tubing party and much more!

There’s so much to do, indoors and outdoors!

Don’t miss it!

2015 Family Snowblast  at Hidden Valley Resort

January 8 – 11

Schedule of Events

Thursday, January 8th
Pittsburgh Today Live
4/5/6 Newscasts – Kristine Sorensen live

Friday, January 9th
Pittsburgh Today Live
4/5/6 Newscasts – Kristine Sorensen
5P – 6P Bonfire & giveaways outside of live news hits – TBD on location

Saturday, January 10th (All activities will take place in the Alpine Room)
9A – 4P Snowblast Information Desk
Noon – 1P Pittsburgh’s CW Green Team Dig
Noon – 2P Tubing with KDKA-TV & Pittsburgh’s CW Green Team
2:30P – High Q w/ Rick Dayton
4:30P – Coloring Contest w/ Jennifer Antkowiak

We hope to see you there!

Movie Review: Jurassic World

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Bigger, louder and more teeth: That’s the best way to describe Universal Pictures new film Jurassic World.

The reboot of 1993’s Jurassic Park is back, and better than ever.

Director Colin Trevorrow and Executive Producer Steven Spielberg take us back to the Costa Rican island of Isla Nublar which makes Disneyland/Sea World look like a Motel 6.

It’s a luxury theme park that is run by Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard).

For me, the jury is still out on whether or not Howard was the right actress to take on this role. She comes across as almost robotic, void of any emotion for the majority of the film. I know that’s mostly the part she is playing, but something about her character really bugged me.

Pairing Howard up with Chris Pratt seemed to help some though.

Pratt plays Owen Grady, an ex-Navy man who works with training velociraptors.

Howard and Pratt do share some chemistry, and it does build by the end of the movie.

Pratt has really built upon his characters during his past few films. There are hints of the character he played in Guardians of the Galaxy, but just enough subtle changes to make him really engaging to a Jurassic World audience.

WATCH: Jurassic World Trailer:

BD Wong is back in Jurassic World as well, playing Dr. Henry Wu. He’s the only Jurassic Park cast member to reprise his role. But seriously, when will they learn to stop messing with dinosaurs?

As one character puts it, “No one is impressed by a dinosaur anymore.”

Well the dinosaur they’ve cooked up in Jurassic World is the thing nightmares are made of.

Indominus rex is its name, and killing for fun is its game.

If you thought velociraptors were scary, then you’re in for a big surprise.

The suspense, action, and some of the deaths are pretty intense, it’s actually more intense than I expected from a PG-13 film.

When it says “parents strongly cautioned,” they mean strongly cautioned.

More Movie Reviews And Entertainment News

It’s absolutely amazing just how far computer generated dinosaurs have come.

I won’t get into too many of the plot spoilers, because you can pretty much guess what the movie is about. I think that’s my only major critique of the film: It’s too predictable.

I would have liked to see more surprises, more twists and turns that you didn’t see coming. Jurassic World was a little short on the “wow, I never saw that coming” moments.

All in all though, the film has the excitement and humor to make it a thrilling summer blockbuster.

Let’s just say it’s the first movie I have been to in quite some time where movie-goers were actually cheering in the theater.

I give Jurassic World a very solid A-.

Do yourself a favor and watch it in IMAX, and 3D… but don’t say I didn’t warn you when you jump right out of your seat during a few scenes.

What did you think about the movie? Follow and Tweet Tim on Twitter!

The Shrine Circus Comes to Pittsburgh!

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April 8th – 10th the 67th Annual Shrine Circus featuring Batman and Bello Nock comes to Pittsburgh for five amazing shows!

Opening Night (Friday night) is sponsored by KDKA-TV and Pittsburgh’s CW. Tickets are available for opening night for just $15!

Be there Friday to see KDKA’s Kristine Sorensen and Marty Griffin participate in the Pizza Eating Contest with the Elephants at 7pm! Pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

The Shrine Circus is the largest fundraising event for the Shriner’s of Pittsburgh, which helps them support the 22 Shriner’s Hospitals for Children across North America.  The Shriner’s Hospitals for Children offers free care for children, and are considered the premier sites for orthopedic care and treatment for burns, and recently began specialized care for cleft palate repair.  The Shriner’s Hospitals for Children have treated over 850,000 patients, and have a daily operating cost of over $2.3 million dollars every day!

 

Join us Friday July 29th for SUMMERBLAST: KDKA/CW Day at Kennywood!

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UPDATE: CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM SUMMERBLAST!

Join us Friday July 29th for SUMMERBLAST: KDKA/CW Day at Kennywood!

Your favorite KDKA/CW personalities are in for the ride of their lives!  Jon Burnett, Sarah Arbogast, Ron Smiley, Kristin Emery, Ross Guidotti & Kym Gable will be joining the Kennywood team – refereeing games of skill and serving up some of Kennywood’s signature treats.  Visit the Weatherlab with Kristin Emery.  Stop by the Pittsburgh’s CW tent to meet Daisy from the Green Team and to spin the CW Prize Wheel.  Plus, get your photo taken with The Flash!

To top off the night, be sure to check out the SUMMERBLAST PARADE at 8pm!

You don’t want to miss the fun!  CLICK HERE for discounted tickets.

 

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