We Have Not Forgotten

Today we remember all of the fallen from 9/11. 

It is still one of the clearest days that we can remember. 

Ever. 

And we don't expect that to change any time soon. 

We normally can find humor in most things we post about. 

All we can come up with today, is an amazing local photo by our great friend and contributor, David Cooper. 

See more at davidcooperphoto.com.

What's Going On?

Each time we cruise down Stevenson Blvd, the construction area usually just seems like a minor hassle that must dealt with to get to our final destination. 

But the last few times, we've noticed them removing part of the hillside by the football field. 

And now we would like to know what they are doing. 

Here is a picture we were able to snap as we passed recently... 

Obviously it's a big job. 

Big enough to require their own porta-john. 

A Challenger Appears

If you've ever actually read this site, you would know the many reasons 

we attend New Ken Community Days. 

The biggest one is to support and say thank you to our local 

Firemen and women that put this great event on for everyone. 

Well done, all of you on another great year! 

 

Our second biggest reason is the food. 

In particular, funnel cakes. 

Damn, we love some funnel cakes. 

But something happened this year as we browsed the menu at the 

ticket counter. 

We remembered something a great man once said. 

We believe it was Hugh Hefner, but we could be wrong... 

"Variety is the spice of life." 

He also said little gems like... 

"I love boobies." 

and 

"You two get on the bed and do stuff." 

But it was the variety one that we thought of at this particular moment in time. 

 So we stepped out of our comfort zone, and threw caution to the wind. 

Here is what we went with...

 

That's right, folks. 

A Belgian Waffle w/ice cream, whipped cream, strawberries and chocolate syrup. 

And of course, our yearly allowance of lil' hugs. 

And we were not disappointed. 

For the low low price of 10 tickets ($5), we scored this little gem of a meal. 

It was perfectly balanced, with all of the terrible things we love. 

If the waffle cart is there next year, you'll know where to find us. 

What was your favorite highlight? 

Bear Witness To This Email

We got an email the other day. 

We love emails. 

But we love emails with pictures in them even more. 

Now, we've gotten many different kinds of pictures sent to our email account. 

Many. Different. Kinds. 

If you know what we're saying. 

But this one was particularly interesting. 

It was taken in the Rossmont section of town... 

Yep, that's a big ass bear. 

Chillin' in Rossmont. 

Just snacking on some birdseed. 

Doing what Newk bears do. 

Thanks so much for sending in this picture! 

Keep em coming. 

All of em. 

;)

Dear Lord

J-Dub took Vegas to a whole other level.

He is currently on the Hangover Heaven Bus, getting straightened out.



This shot was taken right before he blacked-out.





See ya Monday.






Hopefully.

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.

More Beer Talk

We talk a lot about beer around here.

Usually we speak of delicious Ales, IPAs, Pilsners, Stouts, Lagers and how
many we tried to consume in one sitting.

Generally that number is rather impressive.

Speaking of which, here is a picture from Tuesday night (Beer Can
Appreciation Day) at the Blind Pig.


We made ourselves proud that night.

But the beer we are talking about today is an entirely different brew.

This is Birch Beer.
Similar to Root Beer.


Why the hell are we talking about Birch Beer?

Because, one of the top lines of Birch Beer in the world will be
produced right here in the Newk.

Local company Castle Co-Packers, LLC (Castle), will be the
newest production and supply partner for Boylan Bottling Company (Boylan).

These "super premium sodas" served in 12 ounce glass bottles are
quite popular, and demand along the East Coast is growing.



We consider this big news around here.

And we assume the local paper will pick up on this sometime soon.

Maybe after they read about it here?

Let's see...

Once Again We Lead The Pack

A week ago, a reader of ours sent us an email and a link to
their video about the intersection at Taco Bell and BP.

To be honest, he sent the video a good while before last week,
but we had some end of the year things to post before 2012.

We posted it a week ago today.

The day after, we told you about a bad accident at that very intersection.

Then yesterday, we saw a piece on this on the 5 o'clock news on
channel 11.

Here are some top notch pictures we took from our couch...




At the end of the news story, they claimed more info will be available
in our local new paper on Tuesday.

Not only did we help break this story, we did it 7 days before
WPXI News, and the vnd.

This doesn't come as a surprise to us, as we've noticed many times
in the past that people scour our site for local news.

We aren't mad about it.

Hell, we are quite proud of it.


Now, it is very possible (or even likely), that the gentleman that sent
us the email also sent those news outlets the same email.

But the hits the video likely received the days following our post
may have had something to do with the others picking it up.

Whatevs.

We only watch the news to see Darieth Chisolm.

Hubba hubba.

We Hate Being Right

This past Tuesday, we shared a video about the intersection
at Taco Bell/BP.

It showed people running the light there, after it had well
turned red.

Then yesterday, we got a text saying someone got T-boned
at that very intersection.

It was around 4:30pm or so when it happened.

So it really made rush hour even worse.

We were heading that way near 5pm, but turned off before we had
to deal with what looked like terrible traffic.

But we tried to snap a picture.

Here is our attempt.

Not great.

But it'll do.


We seriously hope everyone involved is okay.

Shop Till You Drop

We do a ton of our Christmas shopping online.

It really makes things much easier.

But honestly, there is nothing like getting out there and rubbing
elbows with your fellow holiday shoppers.

Just ask our main-man, J-Dub.

He went out to get some goods just the other day.

His journey was such a pleasurable one, he asked a passerby
to take a moment from her gift-finding, and take a picture of
him and his cart.

And what a cart it was...


There really is something special about getting out there and
shopping until you drop.

Especially when you are as handsome as J-Dub, and all the checkout
girls give you a little wink, as well as your change.

The Streets Were Packed

This past Saturday was the New Kensington Christmas Parade.

And it was a huge success.

There were people everywhere.

Mostly wide-eyed children, waiting for bag loads
of candy to be thrown their way.

We've done this parade for the last 3 years, and have attended countless
parades previous to this one.

And we were blown away.

Not only by the huge crowds, but by the number of people that
yelled things at us, such as...

"I follow you guys on Twitter!"
"Can I have your golf cart?"
"We love your site!"
"Where is Frank the Stank?"
"Keep up the great work!"
"Hey pal, your fly is open."

We would like to thank all of you that expressed your support our way.

Also, the hundreds, if not thousands, of smiling people that brought
so much holiday spirit to our fine town.

It was a shining moment.

And we were once again proud to be from New Kensington.

To the folks that put everything together this year, including the mayor,
the coordinators, the police, fire departments, and all the participants.

Thank you!



Now, we had many people say nice things to us, but one particular
couple made a true impact in our experience...

Top Ten Reader Ed and his wife.

Handmade signs, great smiles, I <3 Biff shirt, antlers.

Thank you both so very much for the support.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy Newk year to the both of you!

Here are a few other pictures we snapped that day...

Folks cutting through to get a prime spot on Fifth.

The pre-parade lineup on Barnes.

A huge slice of pizza.

And the star of every parade...

No, its not Santa...



Its the North Pole's Biggest Elf!

Yeah, those are dog biscuits he is hold, as we take care of the 4-legged
parade goers as well.

Another shot of NPBE, as well as our sweet wheels.

Speaking of our sweet wheels, a double huge thanks to our fine
friends at Gatto's Cycle in Tarentum.

Thinking of a late stocking stuffer for dad?

How about a new Harley Softail?

Gatto's has all your last minute gift ideas!

Maybe some apparel is more in your budget?

Cause they have a ton of that too.

Check em out HERE.

Random Picture Monday (08-22-11)

Reader Submitted Photo:


Thanks, Kim.

It's a peach.

Batpic?

We really do have the best readers.

It's just that sometimes our readers don't have the
best camera phones.

We got a text yesterday (only our closest or readers get our
text hotline, so now you have something to work towards).

That text had a picture in it, and the text was titled...

"My phone camera suckkkkkkks"

A truer statement has never been texted.

But the picture...

Oh, sweet baby Jesus, the picture...

Is awesome!



We looked at this picture with great wonderment.

A few minutes, and confused looks later, we texted back to
find out what the hell we were blankly staring at.

We got our answer...

It's the bat mobile!

Our friend was downtown having lunch, and saw some of the
filming of the new Batman movie.

Being a solid friend, she took a picture and sent it to us.

We told her that it was probably the greatest picture we have ever
received, and likely ever would.

We then told her it would be posted immediately.

She was stoked.


To the rest of you (and you also, C.), feel free to keep great
pictures coming.

Send em to our email, if you aren't on the "Yes Friends" text list.

thenewkblog@gmail.com



-


We posted a J-Dub game yesterday.

It was great success.


We got a bunch of emails from winners.

This one stood out...

Hey guys,


He’s in the Leffe six pack. Great blogsite you have goin on here. I currently live in San Antonio, TX, but lived in New Ken until 80’. Went in the military and was stationed down south til 93’. Got out of the military and by then everything had changed (shutdown) back home so decided to stay down here. I lived on the corner of 5th st and 6th ave on the second floor of the house. Keep up the good work. Its nice to hear that things seem to be picking back up again.



Laters


J

We love those emails.

Thanks, J!

And thanks as well to the rest of you for playing and emailing.

Well played.

Some Choices Are Impossible

Food.

We are passionate about it.
We love to talk about it.
We love to prepare it.
We love to eat it.

Many people/places get downright competitive over it.

Here are some of the more famous food rivals we can
think of...

-
Pat's King of Steaks
vs.
Geno's Steaks


Two delicious cheese steak shops that are right across
the street from one another.
-


-
Chicago Style Pizza
vs.
New York City Pizza
(aka: Deep Dish vs. Fold-a-Slice)

Two totally different styles that battle for pizza pie supremacy.
-


-
Kansas City Style BBQ
vs.
Texas Style BBQ

There is no loser in this race.
-


But a new rivalry is giving these others a run for their wieners.

We first noticed these food foes a few years back.

While we shopped for others people's junk, we kept catching
a whiff of grilled deliciousness.

We were on the corner of Vernon and Pleasant in the Mt. Vernon
section of the Newk, on a sunny Saturday morning of the yearly
event of yard sales.

We couldn't tell which direction it was coming from.

Turns out...

It was both directions.

And after a few more years of the big yard sale events, we
have come to know both dog makers well.

If you don't know them... you should.

And will, after today.

Separated by a soft 7-iron (about 155 yards), are the dog masters
known to locals as...

The Original Char-Dog
(on Vernon)

and

Frank's Franks
(on Pleasant)

Two distinct styles, and both delicious.

Some of the main features are...

The Original Char-Dog:
- Grilled heavy on a Weber style charcoal grill
- Offered w/w bacon or kraut
- The now infamous cardboard sign
- Underground/Cult type following


Frank's Franks:
- The signature Frank cut down the center of the dog
-Grilled tenderly on a gas grill
- Wide variety of fixins including Frank's Own Chili Sauce
- Claims to be the first to vend dogs at the MVYS



Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure...


First off... Frank's Franks:





Here is The Original Char-Dog:



(Even the Mennonites love a good Char-Dog)


-

So, have you had either?

If so, which do you prefer?

Block Party!

Last year, the city hosted a rockin' block party.

There were vendors.
Tunes by DJ Frankie.
Debo the Clown
Face Painting
Games
Fireworks
Us!

It was such a success, that they decided to do it again.

Here are the deets...

-
New Kensington FIREWORKS AND BLOCK PARTY
********
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Block Party at 5 pm to 10 pm
4th Ave. between 8th and 9th St.
Fireworks at 9:30 pm from top of the Parking Garage
on 4th Ave. and 7th St.
*********
Come Join the Fun!!!
-

Here are a couple photos from last year...








Wait a second... how'd that last one get in there?



See you Saturday!

Time To Smash The Donuts

We got word yesterday morning, that a vehicle
smashed through the front of the Donut Connection
on Tarentum Bridge Rd.

We like to check out such breaking stories, so we took a detour
on our way to get Glen's Custard to snap a pic or two.

And it turns out, someone did crash into it.

We aren't sure as to what exactly happened, or even
what type of vehicle did this damage.

But here's a picture:


And here are some of our theories:

- Car chase past Wendy's gone awry.
- They were having a free cup o coffee Monday, and the seniors
got their DeVilles up over 35 for once.
- Someone thought the drive-thru was on this side.
- Donuts be drivin' suckas crazy.
- A couple was having a little AM love session on the backseat of the
family Tahoe, and kicked the gear shift into reverse.

Donuts make people horny, so we are going to put our
money on the last one.


Well, whatever the case may be, we hope that all involved
are okay and uninjured.

Let us know if you got some scoop.



We took another shot that has some sweet signage in it.


C-Daze are coming soon!

5-Wheel Motion

We got a great email the other day.

A few of our good friends/readers had just finished
up lunch, and were on their way back to work.

They noticed a man on a bike.

At first, it looked like any other man on a 10-speed.

Wait, who are we kidding?

It looked nothing like any other man on a bike...


We are not sure what is going on here.

It may be some sort of new safety apparatus?
It may be a new fashion trend?
It may be the coolest thing we've ever seen?



We just love when our readers snap some
guerrilla photography and email em to us.

So thanks, George and Mark!

May the rest of our readers follow the example you've set.

Urban Renewal In The Newk

You people are on fire.

If you keep sending us awesome emails, we may have enough
time to finally leave our parents basement and see what this
"fresh air" stuff is all about.

Get a load of this...

Guys, if you are in a pinch for a pic, you can thank my wife for dutifully snapping the shots that I put together in this composite to show the progression from eyesore to potential for something better. Take care, and HAPPY SPRING!!

Huge thanks to Top 10 Reader Ed, and Top Ten Reader
Ed's Wife!

You both rock.

Keep reading, and keep being awesome humans.

What Happened To Pizza Fest?

Every now and again, an email stands out over the others.

This is one of those emails.

Actually, it's a masterwork.

This person rules.

Hey Guys-

Just wanted to tell you that I love your site, I've been reading just about daily for over a year now. You probably won't tell me, BUT who are you??? I think I might know at least one of you, I'm pretty sure we graduated the same year at Valley... Did you know Ms. Dunn NO longer teaches swim? How upsetting is that? Last I heard, she actually was the health teacher and she rides around in one of those old person scooters. Remember her obsession with Mickey Mouse? Anyways, like I was saying, I totally know one of you. Those Biff shirts are awesome, if you are who I think you are, you should totally hook me up with one, a small should fit.


OK- so I'm e-mailing you for a specific reason. I remember reading about starting Pizza Fest. I don't, however, remember reading about any actual pizza eating? What is up with that NEWK? I have a whole list of pizza places you can go try out. Hell, I'd even go with you. Actually, what do you say? Need another belly to fill on your dime?

Well regardless, I wanted to tell you about a trip I recently took to Eazers. I even took pictures for you! (I'm totally not trying to get on your website, although a first time shout out would be friggin awesome) Back to my breakfast. It really was like the best breakfast ever, I hadn't been to Eazers in YEARS, for whatever reason I kept choosing Kings and Dennys and Eat-n-Parks for quick and local meals... GAG, RIGHT?

So anyways- I may or may not have still been drunk... so when I opened the menu to find a 20oz glass of Kool-aid for $1.50 I almost pee'd my pants... I regret not ordering it, I should have at least asked what flavor they had stirred up that day, but I didn't and I must live with that choice. I opted for a chocolate milkshake and that, my friends, was NOT something I regret. It was effing delicious. After about an hour we finally decided what we wanted to eat.. and it was... Chocolate Chip Pancakes, over easy eggs bacon and , hands down, the best Syrian bread in the world. OH and also some sort of breakfast scramble that came with potatoes and eggs and peppers and probably sausage too, Like I said I may or may not have still been drunk so I don't recall the name, or the actual ingredients, All I know is, it came with more of that wonderful bread and it was the bomb. OH, and it contained two slices of land o lakes yellow american cheese melted on top. It was the best breakfast I've had in a while.

At one point while enjoying this feast, I seen a couple of dark eyes peering over the partition.... these weren't the eyes of an innocent, curious child either. It was a little on the creep-o side, BUT the fact that that thin orange plastic, a little duct tape, and some elbow grease kept those creepy peepers from making direct eye contact, was extremely comforting. We left, after a couple hours, a few apple juices and chocolate milks later, feeling full to the max, a little bit tired, and a lot a bit like the family of Eazers was OUR family. I really don't know why it had been such a long time in between stops at this restaurant. I do know that the food and the atmosphere was comforting, the whole experience, drunk or sober was somewhat nostalgic. It reminded me of what a great town I'm from. Little family run restaurants that have stood the test of time, in my partially run down city, makes this a place I want to be apart of forever. Even if brown eyed creepy crawlies are lurking on the opposite side of the booth.

I wanted to share our experience with you because you are one of the very few people(s) to openly share your passion for the good of the town, and the strength of the community. I'm on your side NEWK. I want good things to come to and from my town, and I want to help make the difference. I applaud you for the positive mark you are leaving. It's beyond inspiring.

Now when is your party? Me and my hot friends want on the VIP list.

-Born and Raised NEWKette.

-

Thanks so much Newkette!

Awesome write up and pictures!

But we are sad to inform you, that you probably don't know us.

We hid in dark corners in high school, and only talked
to teachers and other blog nerds.
(Even though blogs weren't invented yet.)


But Pizza Fest will still happen.

And our party planning is in the works.


Stay tuned, and keep those friends on standby.

Movie Stars Abound

Yesterday, a mega-star visited the Newk area.

He was at one of our local business establishments.

If you were one of the few that got to witness his excellence,
well... good for you, you lucky bastage.

So, we've kept you in suspense for too long already.

(Honestly, we are getting ready to go drinking, and we gotta
wrap this up.)

One of our favorite people in the world took a picture and
decided to share it with all of you.

Here you go...

That's right!

It's Vince the Sham-wow guy!

Look at that crowd he gathered.

Whew, that guy is good!



Editor's Note:
We have been told that this is in fact NOT Vince the
Sham-wow guy.

And it just some random sales guy that works at the Kmart.


If you were able to get Vince's autograph on your knockers
or something cool like that, please forward pictures to
thenewkblog@gmail.com

Thanks friend, have a great weekend!