Who Wants A Bigger Family?

Here is one of the emails we asked for last week.

It really sounds like another great cause.

(We have been in quite the helpful mood around
here lately, eh?)

Anyways, here goes...

Hey there! I just found your blog via Facebook and looked it over. Great job from what I read through, I enjoy your humor.

I really doubt I could write something myself that would fit your format but maybe you might be able to use this?

If you would please take a moment to head to www.yfu-usa.org
to get a heads up about what I am proposing. My wife and I hosted a foreign exchange student last school year who went to Valley, and we are doing so again for this school year. I know for a fact that there are 16 kids still waiting for a family in Western PA. Four of them fly the week of Aug. 8th, 4 the week of Aug. 16th, and the rest the week of Aug. 22nd. I feel bad for them, especially the ones that fly early because they still have no idea where they are going and haven’t gotten any time to get to know their family. Unfortunately we can’t host more than one. Our first student from last school year said she was starting to feel like no one wanted her since lots of the other kids she had met already had families. We didn’t choose her until close to her arrival time because we hadn’t even considered hosting until early August. I told her people were just saving her for us. Perhaps you could put the word out that there is a need? A reference to the website, or (866) 4YFU USA would be great.

I understand completely if this doesn’t fit your blog and there are no hard feelings – just an idea and I’m trying to get the word out for these kids.

Thanks for your consideration,


Chris

We responded to Chris, and let him know we'd be happy
to spread the word.

He then sent us another email, with more info...

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED

Youth for Understanding, one of the nation's oldest, largest and most respected international exchange programs is looking for host families for the 2010-2011 school year. Create incredible memories for your family while giving a young person from another country (Brazil, Japan, Germany, or more than 50 countries) the opportunity to learn about America. Through this exchange, everyday experiences take a new and exciting twist - American traditions gain deeper meaning as your family introduces them to your new son or daughter; a casual family chat about world events reveals new perspectives you may never have considered; the dinner table includes exotic new dishes as your exchange students cooks up a taste of home for all to sample. It's a great education and it is lots of fun too! YFU host families represent diverse nationalities, occupations and religious backgrounds and live in cities, towns and rural areas. Our families embody the rich diversity of American culture and include: Empty Nesters, Couples with and without Children, Single People, Single Parents, Working Parents, Younger and Older Parents. As a host you will: Welcome your new son or daughter as a member of your family; Help your student adapt to your family and to US life and culture; and provide a safe and loving home environment including a bed, a place to study and three meals a day. Students have their own personal spending money. To learn more about this opportunity visit www.yfu-usa.org - or call Kaiti at 412-200-5669 or Alka at (866) 493-8872, x1107.

Would you like to help one of these children?

It would surely be a life memory.

Not just for you.



~

Guess who is back!

That's right kiddos, it's your Newk weatherman, Nic!


"I'm back, and I brought some 'cool' with me."

What Are You Pointing At?

There is a mystery sign around here, that shows
up at certain times, and certain days.

We think we know the purpose of this thing.

But we would like to hear your theories.

Maybe you know exactly what it's for?
Maybe you know exactly what it's for, and you
want to make something up?
Maybe you have no idea?
Maybe you are funny, and want to write something?
Maybe you won't do crap?

Whatever the case, we hope you decide to participate.

Here is the picture...



You can leave a comment here, or wait until we make our
daily post on facebook, and comment on it.

Have some fun.

Break out of your normal routine.

Live a little.

We Feel Left Out

We heard about a video recently, that named a
bunch of areas/cities here in Pa.

Is it possible that the Newk didn't get a mention?

Let's see...





Unreal.

You make a video like that, and don't mention the
Aluminum City?

C'mon, Sloppy Secondz.

If you would like to send a complaint, you
can do it to any of these emails:

disgustinjustin@gmail.com
tanks4u@gmail.com
jduttinger1980@gmail.com


If you decide to write them (as we did), be sure to
cc us on the email.

thenewkblog@gmail.com

Cause Why?

Every now and again, we hear about a cause so
great, we feel the need to take action.

This is one of those times, and one of those emails...

Livestrong Challenge - Philly

Dear NewK. Thank you for taking interest in my fund-raising effort for the 2010 Livestrong Challenge in Philadelphia, PA on August 22, 2010. I will be riding a 100 mile course through the greater-Philly area in support of this GREAT cause! Any help advertising, donations, or simple "good lucks" are GREATLY APPRECIATED! I have included a form letter and link to my personal donation page below (I am trying to raise $250, however there is no cut off in the amount I can raise). Thank you all for the help and support, I'll be sure to send you some pictures of the event after I'm all wrapped up with everything (maybe I can rock a I <3 Biff shirt after I'm all finished as well...wink wink hint hint...or throw a NewK decal on my bike or helmet for the ride).

Thank you again!!!


--

Join me for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly on August 22, 2010 and pick a fight with cancer.

The LIVESTRONG Challenge is LIVESTRONG's signature fund-raising event inspired by the hope, courage and determination that exist in all of us. We take to the streets on bikes and on our feet, uniting individuals to stand together to fight cancer.

For the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge, Zack Harris will be riding 100 miles through the greater Philly area and is hoping to raise at least $250 to support cancer prevention, provide access to screening and care, fund research, and enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors everywhere. Your donation of any amount is one more powerful weapon in the crucial fight against cancer.

Through the dollars and awareness that we raise, we will inspire and empower individuals, and we will make life better for the more than 28 million people worldwide who are living with cancer. We look forward to having you unite with us as a partner in our fight.

Please follow the link below to access Zack's personal donation page:
http://philly2010.livestrong.org/zharris



Join the Fight. Take the Challenge.

Thank you, and LIVESTRONG,

- Zack -

All of us here have known and loved someone that
has lost a battle with cancer.

To know the lives of loved ones will be enriched by an
organization such as this, well, it brings a smile to our
collective faces.

We will be so proud of you, if you would make even a small
donation for this amazing event.

We don't make money doing this site.

And to know what we did here, made even the smallest
difference in the world, would make it all worthwhile.

We would like any of you that donate, to let us know, so
we can thank you properly.



Zack is a solid human.

Click that link, and give what you can.

Oh, and Zack...

Be on the lookout for that I <3 Biff shirt.
(Being a man that can ride a bike for 100 miles, we
figure you wear a size schmedium?)

We can't wait for the pictures!

Ride safe. Livestrong.

Random Picture Monday (07-26-10)

Playground at Memorial Park.

Newk In The 80's

Hi.

Yesterday, we knew we'd have a tough time making today's
post, so we asked for some help.

The response was awesome.

Thanks to everyone that wrote something.

You will all be featured soon enough.

And feel free to write something yourself, and email
it to thenewkblog@gmail.com.

Anyways, here is the email we decided to post today:

Confessions Of A Teenage Newk Drama Queen

Born and raised in the Newk, I thought I'd share my memories from the 80s.

I remember WWF wrestling coming to Valley High School.
I remember shopping for penny candy before going into Valley Middle School.
I remember when the Valley Drama club had a budget of $12 and a musical wasn't even an option!
I remember the day Bill Callahan got drafted by the Steelers.
I remember marching in the band across the C.L.Schmidt bridge, with it swaying the whole time.
I remember how we all went to Ben's to get satin varsity jackets.
I remember my grandfather growing a beard to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of New Kensington.
I remember when there were OPTIONS to go swimming locally, Crystal Springs and Melwood.
I remember a really stupid rumor about cocaine in the pizza sauce at Crystal Springs (hey, we were 12, we believed it.)
I remember going to Jack's restaurant in Sarver and checking out the bison.
I remember Italian Burritos at Al's Tavern, burger's at Andy's Restaurant and Syrian bread from Bitars but my dad would never shut up about the fries and gravy at the Rustic Inn.

I remember shopping in downtown New Kensington. (Seriously.)

I remember our dads playing in softball tournaments at Falcon's Park, while the kids scoured the creek looking for crawfish.
I remember hoping "Saint A's" would still be open when I turned 21. (It wasn't.)
I remember buying school shoes at Don Miller Shoes but more importantly, buying Kennywood shoes and a new outfit.

I remember my childhood in this city and the ones surrounding it, and I remember how much I loved it here. I loved it so much that I have stayed, raised my own drama queen here and no amount of bad press will make me leave. Hope you enjoyed my ramblings from the 80's...May the Newk be with You.

-S

That was great!

Thanks so much for taking the time to write, and
send us that.

We enjoyed the hell out of it.

And we are quite sure everyone else did, as well.

Have a good weekend, kids.

Ever Seen The Movie 'Signs?'

M. Night Shamalamadingdong was kinda
cool, back in the day.

But these days, he's kinda meh.

Wait a second, what the hell are we blathering about?

We wanted to write something about signs, or a
sign, or something.

Wait.

We got it.

Back on track.

Let's do this.

So, a few weeks ago, we noticed some fellows building
something out of bricks, and the stuff that goes
between them.

What is that stuff called again?

Mordor?



We keed, we keed.

We know that Mordor is where Frodo and the kid
from The Goonies, took that ghetto gold ring.

Anyways, they used mortar and bricks to create a sweet
new "Welcome To Downtown New Kensington" sign, just
across the tracks from the old Comcast building
along Constitution.

It's really frickin' nice.

Have you even noticed it?

If you haven't, here is a picture we took yesterday
with our new phone camera.


We are proud of this area, and think this sign is perfect.

Now all we need are some sweet attractions and
shops for people to actually visit while downtown.

One step at a time though, we guess.

A Craigslist Hump Day

Happy hump day, Newkers.

We have decided to try something new today.

Have you heard of craigslist?

(If not, and you are reading our crappy little site, not
only is that sad... it's totally friggin' awesome!)

Up yours, Craig!


Moving on.

We were browsing craigslist, and thought about searching
for "New Ken."

There were many items and stuff, for sale
or swap.

But one in particular stuck out to us for one
reason or another.

Here it is...

Coffee Maker - $5 (New Ken/ Arnold)

(As always, click picture for a bigger view.)

We aren't really sure what the story is here.

Maybe they are selling many different little things for
a few bucks each?

If not, and they are just selling this one coffee maker,
we hope you will help these folks out, and buy this thing,
cause they must need that 5 duckets pretty bad.

If you need the number, do your own craigslist search, or
try and dial different combos of the last 2 blacked out
numbers.

We can hear those calls now...

You:
"Uh, hello? Yes. Are you selling a coffee maker for $5?"

Random Person:
"Uh, what the F are you talking about? Go to Starbucks
if you need a coffee, and leave me alone. And who the hell
is Craig?!? I'm calling the cops. "

DQ On Our Minds

Yesterday, we posted a picture of the Dairy Queen
on Freeport Rd., for random picture Monday.

We then asked people on facebook to pick their favorite...

Dilly Bar or Buster Bar?

Buster Bar jumped out to an early lead, but Dilly started
making a Seabiscuit type move.

Click HERE to be a fan and vote!

As we sat back and watched the votes roll in, some of
us starting reliving our own memories from this local
landmark.

-

We remember:

Going there after many wins during little league games,
down at the Valley fields.

The whole team would jump out of their parent's cars, with
the dust of a stolen base still on our skin tight
baseball pants.

"Sweat rings" lining the turned around mesh-back cap of
whichever local sponsor paid for our team's gear.

Every time, felt like the first and best time.

-

We remember the first night we had our legit driver's license.

Driving alone to the DQ in our mom's station wagon.

Buying a milkshake with the 4 dollars she gave us
for gas.

Feeling like everyone was looking at us, because we
were cool enough to drive there alone.

Reminiscing about the trick question that caused us to fail
our first permit test...

"If you are right-handed, which hand would you hold
your ice-cream cone with, while driving?"

Damn you, sneaky PENNDOT.


-

There are just a couple stories.

Would you like to add one?

Either do it on the blog comments, on our facebook page,
or email it to us at thenewkblog@gmail.com, and we
will post it for everyone to read.

Even if it's boring... we'll toss some sprinkles on it for you,
and serve it up with a smile.

Random Picture Monday (07-19-10)

Nom nom nom.

*Friday Default Post

This is what shows up, when the people that write this
blog decide to take a day off.

They really could be up to anything.

Here is a picture that showed up, when we
googled "lazy."



~

What really sucks, is that we have no idea what
this weekend has in store for us, weather wise.

We are rather sure that yard sales, and all you can eat
pancakes are on our schedule.

Link for info.



Have a good weekend.

Good Deals Abound

There are two must-do events this weekend, that
you really should look into.

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Event #1

Mt. Vernon Neighborhood Yard Sales
(Yes, it's that time of year.)

MOUNT VERNON (New Kensington) ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE will be SATURDAY JULY 17, from 8:00 AM until approx 3PM. We do this every year, always the THIRD Saturday in July! Usually 100 PLUS HOMES will participate in the neighborhood. This will include Pleasant, Argonne, Center, Keystone, Pershing, Riverview, Rainbow, Spring, Summit, Vernon, Westview, Summit and Greenridge and more...includes the WHOLE AREA! COME SEE WHAT YOU CAN FIND! Lots of household items, FURNITURE, FOOD, toys, books, kids clothes, whatever you might be looking for! (Always the third Saturday in July) This is the Mount Vernon Neighborhood in New Kensington, PA.~~~ go to Google maps...type in "Argonne Drive, New Kensington" (or any of the above mentioned streets) NEW KENSINGTON,PA.

~

And what better way to start off your shopping extravaganza,
than with all you can eat pancake breakfast, at the
EKCC, just down the road?

Seriously, there is no better way.

(Well, there are the yummy hot dogs on Pleasant Ave.,
every year. We love that guy.)
He is the original Mt. Vernon Yard Sale hot dog guy,
as if you didn't already know that.


So here are the pancake details...

Event #2

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Time: 7:30am - 12:30pm
Location: East Kensington Community Circle (EKCC)
Street: Corner of Powers Drive and 7th Street



Yeah, that's how we got down last year.

You can witness that in living color, if you are up for it.

Doing Our Part

A little while back, we promoted an event that is
very close to our hearts.

FBR New Kensington
Second Annual Miniature Golf Event!
(Benefiting Autism Research)

There were many sponsors and people who donated
prizes and whatnot.

We told the fine folks that organized the event, that we
would be happy to list the people here, so everyone
could see how awesome they are.

So, without further ado...

Platinum Level Sponsors

PNC Bank

Ross Auto Body



Gold Level Sponsors

Holy Smoke Tanning

Mar Mac Tire Company

Police Officers Of Allegheny Twp.

Sandi Gruber

J.M. Heating- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Mike, Lena, Hannah & Erika Cook

Leah & Butterscotch

Jacob & Julia Motosicky

Kaylyn & Keyshawn

Tina Desport

Thrifty Dry Cleaners -Springdale (Dutch Girl In L.B.)

FBR Robinson Staff



Silver Level Sponsors

Lily Junod

Trenton & Camdyn Lakatos

Justin Vozar

Danielle Williams



Community Sponsors that donated goods & such.....
We used their donations to raffle off gift baskets!

Glen’s Frozen Custard

400 Pittsburgh St, Springdale, PA 15144


Pizza Hut - Lower Burrell

Wendy's -Lower Burrell & New Kensington

Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries- Pgh Mills

Eat n Park - New Ken

Giant Eagle - New Ken

McDonalds- Lower Burrell

River City Pizza- Lower Burrell (Allegheny Township)

Long John Silvers - New Kensington

Community Market - Lower Burrell

Pittsburgh Pirates

Fun Fest - Harmar

Planet Chi Salon- Lower Burrell
d compress spa- Lower Burrell

And of course thanks to thenewk.com
for their support!!

The Event was a success!
We raised $ 850 for Autism Research donated to
Wal Now for Autism 2010!!!!

We would personally like to thank each and every one
of the people and business and such, listed above.

If you would like to donate, please send an email to
thenewkblog@gmail.com,
and we will put you in contact with the organizers.

It's never too late.


Thanks again.

And The Bridge, Comes Tumbling Down

Today is the big day.

We just love Embrace Your Geekness Day!

No no.

Although, yes, it is Embrace Your Geekness Day, that's
not what we are talking about.

It's demolition day for the old turnpike bridge in Harmar.

Hell yeah.

So at 10am this morning, 200 pounds of explosives will be
used to blow a huge chunk of bridge out (the truss), and send
it careening out of control, into the innocently murky
waters of the Allegheny River below.

(Whoa, we almost sounded literate there. Go ahead, and
read it again. Impressive stuff, eh?)

Actually, it will partially land on that little island in between
Harmar and Oakmont.

(Too bad it couldn't land smack dab on that stupid brick road
in Oakmont. Oh how we hate that road.)

Moving on.

Officials say it won't be an awe-inspiring explosion.

Either way, most people won't even get to see it, unless
they are on the river.

But river traffic will be limited, so nobody gets to watch.

Whatev.

Keep it a big secret, ya babies.

Now, if you are traveling that way, be prepared to be stopped
for as long as 20 minutes.

Think about that.

20 minutes stuck in your car, is like watching 20 minutes of
Cocoon 2: The Return.

Unbearable.

Damn you, Don Ameche!

They also said there probably won't be much of a ground
tremor, as the explosion will happen in the air.

If we had to guess, it will probably feel similar to when we
blast some gas down deep into our lazy-boy, without
bothering to lift a cheek.

Sort of a muffled rumble.

Officials do expect an air shock wave to cause some
vibration, but nothing damaging.

(We'd make another fart joke here, but we've already
used up our daily allowance, of one.)

Now here's a crazy number.

3.2 million.

That's the number of dollars, that the Pa. Turnpike is
spending to demolish this bridge.

No wonder it costs like a buck to drive to Monroeville.


So have fun not watching.

We sure will.

Random Picture Monday (07-12-10)

Here in the Newk, we don't have a pot o' gold at the
end of a rainbow...

We have a Rotor Rooter van.

Whatcha Gonna Do?

We have some events and such, that we'd like
to make you aware of.

It's what we do.


Event #1

Nathaniel Sofaly Leukemia Benefit
Spaghetti Dinner!
Only $6.00
This event benefits the family of 2 year
old, Nathaniel Sofaly.
Date: Sunday, July 11, 2010
Time: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Freedom Inn

Please attend if you can.
Thank you.


~

Events #2

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS @ MEMORIAL PARK
Sundays
Time: 2:30 P.M.
July 11 Buddy Lee Orchestra
July 18 Alan McKay Orchestra
July 25 Don Aliquio Jazz Experience
August 8 Rick Farinelli Big Band
August 15 SecondTime Around Combo


~

Event #3

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Time: 7:30am - 12:30pm
Location: East Kensington Community Circle (EKCC)
Street: Corner of Powers Drive and 7th Street

Come watch us make pigs of ourselves.



~

There you have it.

Get out there and do something.



~

This is normally where we put your weekend weather
report, but Nic had heat stroke, and couldn't get it
together in time for today's post.

Don't worry, he'll be fine for next week.

Have a good weekend, all.

Stumped...

Yeah, sometimes it happens to the best of us.


But is that any reason to give up?

Hell no.


We don't care if we have absolutely nothing to say.

We will still take the time to type out a whole post,
dedicated to having nothing to say about that
exact subject.

We will then post a link on our facebook page about it,
and have you take time from your important day, to
click on that link, and realize we just wasted a few minutes
of your life, that could have been productive.


Will we feel remorse for these actions?

Negative.


Why not?

Because secretly, we are terrible people.

We have been setting you up for this moment, for the
last 17 or so months that we've been at this.

It's all been a huge ruse.


Are you being serious?

No, not really.

Editor's Note:

I have decided to take over this post, and end it before
we bore you any further. I apologize for this inconvenience,
and hope today's actions don't deter you from reading
our little website. Any concerns should be voiced via email
to thenewkblog@gmail.com

Have a wonderful rest of your day.

Block Party Pictures

The title says it all.

We are going to post some pictures from this
past Friday's New Ken Block Party.

If you like them, let us know.


~

Debo the Clown always entertains:


I <3 Biff spirit:


DJ Frankie had the crowd in motion:


Just a sample of the great display:


Thanks to the sponsors:


More fireworks:

Hot Town, Summer In The City...

Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.

There is nothing like a little Lovin' Spoonful, on
a hot as balls Tuesday.



You have to be in an igloo, to not realize it's hot
outside these last couple days.

We really aren't breaking any huge news here, and
we understand that.

And even though we have some awesome pictures
to show you from the Block Party this past Friday,
this weather is what needs to be addressed.

Because, it's like dangerous hot out there.


Just today, we were walking to our car, and the heat
was so unbearable, that we actually considered shaving
our backs.

You know we are hot, when we consider something
as ludicrous as back hair shaving.

Because we are proud of our man sweater.

And the ladies really dig it.


So we just want you all to be careful out there.

Maybe find a nice neighbor with a pool, or a slip-n-slide
that you can go over and use.

And be sure to put on some sunscreen.

Random Picture Monday (07-05-10)

That's how it's done at the New Ken Block Party.

Green Lot, Flood Not

We went out for a few drinks this evening, so
forgive us if this is brief.

We have late night snacks to devour.

So let's get to this.

The old tennis courts between Valley High and the
Vo-Tech are being turned into an environmentally
friendly parking lot.

And the bonus is:

It will help with flood prevention, because with the planned
surface, it will allow the water to flow into the ground
as mother nature intended.

Which has a purpose.

We just don't feel like getting into it right now.

They said it works, and we'll take their word for it.

You should too.



Work will start soon.


~


Don't forget to go to the Block Party, downtown Newk
tonight, and check out DJ Frankie, and Debo the Clown.

The fireworks will be blowin' up the town sky.


~


Here's your Newk weekend weather report.

"It's gonna be a great 4th of July Weekend."

Where Credit Is Due

If you have been thinking about getting some higher
learning, there is no better time than now.

Because unlike everything else in this world...

- Gas
- Food
- Beer
- Clothing
- Internet Smut

You know, the essentials.

There is one thing around here where the price
remains the same.

College credits.

That's right, bookworms.

Go get some credits for the same price as those
suckers paid this past year.

$76 per.
(For county residents)

They even have a new program that has something
to do with homeland security.

Cliff Shrum, WCCC Coordinator of Community
Preparedness, was a main factor in the development
of that program.

We really have nothing to say about it.

We just wanted to mention that guy's name and title, cause
as you already realize... it's totally awesome.

So there you have it.

Head on down to Fifth ave, and sign up for
fall classes.

Your wallet will thank you.