Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Votes Are In



We told you about the Pizza War going on at WCCC yesterday.

Well, the students have spoken...


In fact, 102 of them spoke.

Hopefully not with their mouths full of cheesy love.

And we're told that results were incredibly close for all 5 downtown
shops that entered.

But just like local blogging, there has to be a winner.

And since we don't know anything about making pizza,
we can only
rule in the internet geekiness department.


Have we delayed long enough in telling you the winner yet?


Maybe?


Now, we don't know how the blind judging went.

Did they blindfold 102 students?

That sounds kinda dangerous to us.

Maybe they just had the pizza cut up on unlabeled plates?

Maybe they trusted the students to cover their own eyes while
they noshed on the vittles?


Whatever was decided to be the best method for pizza war
integrity, we're sure it was well executed.



So here are the results:



1st Place - P&M Pizza (Arnold)

2nd Place - Perry Di Pizzaman (NewK)

3rd Place - Fox's Pizza (NewK)


Check out the sweet banners each of the winners are now proudly
displaying at their shops.

Oh, and pick us up a pie while you're there.



Tuesday, February 28, 2012

New Ken/Arnold Pizza Wars 2012


We got a very nice email late last week from the fine folks
at WCCC New Kensington Campus.

They told us about an amazing event they had planned for
next week.

When we got the email, it was referring to this week.

And since we are already backtracking, and trying to make it sound
like we didn't totally screw the pooch and not mention this earlier...

The event is happening today.

And depending on when you are reading this, it may have already happened.

And a winner has likely been crowned.

But you not knowing about it until now, doesn't make it any less awesome.


Here is the press release they sent us:


Media Advisory

Event: WCCC New Kensington Education Center Pizza War

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Time: Noon

Location: WCCC New Kensington Center, 1150 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington





Media contact: Anna Marie Palatella, director, Public Relations

724-925-4091, palatellaa@wccc.edu

________________________

The Westmoreland County Community College New Kensington Education Center will hold its first Pizza War to judge the best pizza in the New Kensington and Arnold area, at noon, Tuesday, February 28 at the center.



One hundred WCCC New Kensington Education Center students will serve as the impartial judges of the blind taste test. Participating eateries, all within walking distance of the center, include Egidio’s Pizzeria, Perry Di Pizzaman, Stella’s and Fox’s Pizza of New Kensington and P&M Pizza, Arnold.



The competition will recognize three winners with gold, silver and bronze awards, which will be determined by the number of students’ votes. Each winner will receive a banner to display at their business proclaiming their standing in the Pizza War.



WCCC New Kensington Center Coordinator Patrick Coulson, who organized the event, said, “We all have a vested interest in the success of New Kensington and Arnold and this is an excellent opportunity to support and showcase our local businesses.”

Copy that, Mr. Coulson.

We share those feelings for this city.

We also share your passion for good pizza.


We look forward to getting some results.


Monday, February 27, 2012

Random Picture Monday (02.27.12)


We had our first Bagel-Dog ever here.

Our lives were changed forever.



Thursday, February 23, 2012

Early Edition: We Really Need Your Help (Please Read and Repost)

A local man is missing.

His name is Chad Evanuik.

This is his picture:
He was last seen wearing a brown leather jacket, and blue jeans.

He stands 6 foot 1 inch and has brown hair and eyes.

He drives a 1996 Black Dodge Avenger with a license plate
of FSN-5572.

He has not been seen at school, or anywhere for that matter
since Tuesday.

A very dear friend of ours reached out to us in hopes we could spread
the word about Chad.

He is not a drunk or a partier.

He is a good kid.

Here is a section of the email we received, and it says it all...

Nobody knows anything...all that’s known is that he’s missing.
Normal, responsible people just don’t disappear.

If you have any information at all.

Even if you just think you may have seen him.

Please contact the Frazier Police Dept. at 412-473-3056



Please email this.
Please repost to your facebook.
Please post it to twitter.
Please click the share link.
Please help find Chad.



Fun Needs Your Help


We would totally do it.

But we have other things to do.

Like what, you ask.

Like writing this damn site everyday for nothing but the satisfaction
in knowing that we are looked at as the end-all be-all authority on
the great city of New Kensington.

So there.

Anyways, the city's recreation commission needs your help.

Are you up for the challenge?

See, they plan awesome events such as the Block Party, and the
Christmas Parade.

But they are a bit on the understaffed side of things.

They recently lost 33.333333333333333333% of the committee.

They went from three members, to two.

But they are ready to grow.

10-15 members would be perfect.

These fine people are trying to build spirit in the community.

Are you what they're looking for?

We think you are.

If you feel as though you have the want and will to make a difference
in your neighborhood, here is what you should do...


Contact New Kensington City Hall at 724-337-4523 or via email
at cityclerk@newkensington.org.

We thank you for making things more fun around here.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Fish Sandwich Spotlight



Being that Lent is starting today for you folks that follow that sort
of thing.

You are likely giving up things you like until Easter arrives.

We wish you luck in your venture.


For us, it's the start of Fish Sandwich Season.

And the #4 Fire Hall (near Martin School) is usually our first stop.

We've been eating their golden delicious sammiches for as many years
as we can remember.

They always have a nice array of sides as well.

But we are there for fish.

And lots of it.


They got a hold of us yesterday, to let us know they'd be open
from 3-7pm tomorrow.

If you are hungry, make sure and support your local volunteer firemen.



There are many local organizations doing this, so get out there and eat.


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Fat Tuesday 2012

Today is Fat Tuesday.

We celebrated by not wearing our man-braziers into the office today.

(It makes it easier for us to randomly flash our moobs at each other
in exchange for beads we bought at the Paper Mart in Hillcrest Plaza.)


So far, the skinniest guy is in the lead.

He manscapes, so it's not really fair.


Now, as we've said before, we aren't the most religious of folk.

Feel free to judge us.

So we don't really use Fat Tuesday for its intended purpose of drinking and
eating richer/fatty foods before the Lenten season starts, and fasting begins.

We do that every Tuesday.

And we will continue that tradition tonight, as a meal of chicken wings and
many beers is in our itinerary.

We may even swing by and see our buddy DJ Frankie over at the Parkview.

Anyone know if they serve Hurricanes?


Either way, have a safe and prosperous Mardi Gras.

And if you happen to see us around, don't be shy...

Earn some beads from us.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Random Picture Monday (02-20-12)


We hope you have off of work for President's Day.





Friday, February 17, 2012

Our Favorite Face

Since there ain't much happening around here, we thought we'd
tell you about one of our new favorite people.

His name is Jack Blankenship.

And he makes us laugh.

Something not many people can do.

So, well done, him.

Why does he make us chuckle?

Because of this...


Jack is a freshman at Alabama.

Like many college kids around the nation, Jack decided to make an oversized
photo of someone's face.

But instead of making a Tebow or a Hulk Hogan, Jack took a picture
of a face he and his friends have made since middle school.

Not only is it hilarious, it is genius.

Jack is currently in our list of Top 5 Gingers.



Here is a video from a recent game.





-

Will we see you tonight at the Guinness Toast @ the Blind Pig?

We will be the ones making Jack's face all night long.


Thursday, February 16, 2012

750 And No End In Site



Yeah, this is our 750th post here at theNewk.com.

It's been an interesting ride so far.

We've talked about everything from local events to Ron Jeremy's Rum.

We've met some great people, and made many friends
along the way.

Our mission with this site was to shed a positive light on our
beloved New Kensington and its surrounding neighborhoods.

And by much of the feedback we've received, we are doing exactly what
we set out to do.

We understand we can't entertain each any every one of you, with
each post we scribble.

Hell, we even bore ourselves some days.

Sometimes there just ain't anything interesting going on around here.

Those days are perfect for a reader email, or info about a local event
we think sounds cool.


We appreciate every one of you that reads our stuff.

And love the fact that many of you tell your friends about us, just
blows us away.

I mean c'mon...

Our little corner of the internet has over 1300 "likes" on facebook.

That is awesome.

So thanks for being there for us through the good and boring.



We hope you continue to check back in with us every now and again.


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Never Too Soon


Sure, yesterday was Valentine's Day.

Sure, we still have a wine hangover.

Sure, it's never too soon to start planning for St. Patrick's Day.



And we are already in the mood.

Our good friends at the Blind Pig Saloon are also in the mood.

This Friday night they will be hosting The Great Guinness Toast
featuring Barbary Wine.

That's right, starting at 9pm the music will be flowing, and so will
the Guinness.

So put on some green, and head down to the Pig.

Food, drinks and good tunes.

You know we'll be there.

Probably doing a jig of some sort.


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day 2012


St. ValeJ-Dub would like to wish you and yours the sexiest
of Valentine's Days.

He also says...


"Remember folks, if it's not kinky, it's not worth trying."



Have a great V.D.




Monday, February 13, 2012

Random Picture Monday (02-13-12)


Respect.



Friday, February 10, 2012

The Water Boys




It looks like the city is considering selling the water authority.

Again.

Yeah, they thought about selling it back in 2004ish, but there was more
drama than Ronnie and Sammi Sweetheart had on Jersey Shore
a couple seasons ago.

Ugh.

Thank goodness they don't focus on them any longer.


So yeah, back to our water...

The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County sent of a
purchase proposal for our local watering hole.

The mayor thinks it's a good idea to talk to city council as well
as water board members.

We agree.

This is a big deal, that would affect many households throughout
the valley.

New Ken, Arnold, Lower Burrell, Upper Burrell, Allegheny Twp,
Washington Twp and Plum.

All of those areas are serviced by the New Kensington Water
Authority.

Last time the NKWA appraised, it came in around $31 million.

Some think it will be closer to $35 million or more this time around.



When we get more details about the offer.

We'll let you know about 'em.



-
Nic emailed us his weather report for the weekend...


"Hey all, grab a coat, it's gonna be cold."

- Nic

You can't say he doesn't take his job seriously.



Add Image

Thursday, February 9, 2012

We're Over It


This winter has been rather tame.

Sure we got some snow here and there (yesterday).

But we are ready for the weather to break.


Each year, when Valentine's Day approaches, we start dreaming
of warmer weather, and all the great things we do with it.

Barbecuing.
Golfing.
Tailgating.
Disc Golf.
Swimming.
Fishing.
Drinking Cold Beer in a Tank-Top.
etc...

As we sit here watching coverage of the PGA Pro-Am at Pebble Beach,
we feel the itch to get out and "pound some rocks" on the range.

It's been too long since we sported a pair of khakis, and placed a few wagers
on a round of golf.

Is there a better way to spend a sunny day than draining a 20 footer
under pressure, and extending your hand to retrieve a few bucks
from your duffing buddy?
We think not.

But for now, since grass around here is covered with the white stuff.

We will tune in to coverage of Romo and Woods vs. Furyk and Rucker, and
hope that it tides us over until we can get out there ourselves.




Hmmm...

Maybe a theNewk.com Golf Outing is in order this year.

Stay tuned.


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Our Friend Of The Stars


Our good buddy Anthony Breznican always entertains us.

Is it any wonder he writes for Entertainment Weekly?

Last time we talked about him, he was writing about the movie
world for USA Today.

Read the 2-part interview we conducted HERE and HERE.

Our mothers say it's some of our better work.


The reason for us talking about Anthony today, is he wrote a great
essay about Star Wars for EW.

He even mentions a local market and an old high school friend of ours.

Pretty cool stuff to read in a worldwide magazine.

Here is a link to the essay...

http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/02/07/star-wars-i-fought-yoda/


Read it.



-

You can follow him on twitter: @Breznican



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Welcome Home Troops


This past Saturday the Reservists of the 307th came home to a hero's welcome.

And it was well deserved.

A little over a year ago, these men and women left the area and served
in Afghanistan until the end of January.

Being escorted by many firetrucks and police cars...

They arrived at Valley High at 3:30pm to a near packed house.

Family, friends and everyday citizens were there cheering, holding
signs and waving flags.

We were not able to attend, but our friends that were there said
it was "something special."

We wish we could thank each and every service man/woman for their
sacrifices.

They truly are heroes.

Welcome home.

We've missed you.




-

Photo credit goes to Frank Sarno (DJ Frankie).

He helped hoist the flag over Stevenson Blvd this past Saturday.

You should check him out this Saturday night (9pm-2am) @ Ziggy's Bar
in Tarentum. Right next to our good friends at Gatto Cycle.

Their Anti-Valentine's Party will feature
drink specials/great tunes/good times.

And be sure to follow our lead during the Cupid Shuffle.

That's our jam.



Monday, February 6, 2012

Random Picture Monday (02-06-12)


There is beauty all around the Newk.

All you need to do is take a look around every now and again.




Friday, February 3, 2012

Our Weatherman Is The Best

You all know Nic, our weatherman.


He's the best.

Seriously, take a listen to this...




If you aren't ready for the weekend after hearing that, you have
big problems, my friend.


Thursday, February 2, 2012

Groundhog Day 2012 Results

D.J. #1: Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.
D.J. #2: It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?
D.J. #1: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing.
D.J. #2: [mockingly] That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!"
D.J. #1: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting.
D.J. #2: Especially cold!
D.J. #1: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips...
D.J. #2: - On their chapped lips...
D.J. #1: - On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow?
D.J. #2: Punxsutawney Phil!
D.J. #1: That's right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's...
D.J. #1, D.J. #2: [in unison] GROUNDHOG DAY!




We have no idea if Phil saw his shadow.

We wrote this last night.

Do you really think we stay awake all night, just to find out
if a groundhog saw his shadow?

We only did that once.

And that was years ago.

And we drank a lot.

Like, a whole lot.

Gobbler's Knob has not been the same since.



-
If you know if he saw his shadow or not, please tell us.

Thanks.



Wednesday, February 1, 2012

My Flippy Floppies On


It's been awhile since we've heard from our good friend Frank.

To be honest, if 3 days goes by without an email, we start
to worry and miss him.

But it seems warm weather brings out more than just a few pairs
of spandex shorts.

(Yeah, we saw a woman wearing some yesterday at Walmart in the Mills.)


Okay, okay.

Enough of our drivel.

Here's.... Frank!


yo yo yo what up newks. i was readin your website today while sittin next to my lil cuosins baby pool cuz it was hot out there. hell yeah i was drinking a cold forty of bud and had my flippy floppies on. i am lovin this weather. mostly cuz i hate havin to wake up all early at 10 and clean snow off my moms car. even the hot lady that lives next to us had a tanktop on and was out in her yard lookin all good. booyah. aight then ill check yall later.
frank the stank

Always great hearing from you Frank.

You be careful slugging beer and ogling the neighborhood milfs.