A new documentary explores the day-to-day life of Weird Paul
When Joe Litzinger first discovered Weird Paul, he assumed the YouTuber was an actor. It was summer 2016 and the Los Angeles-based filmmaker was researching potential subjects for an upcoming documentary series on interesting humans for his production company, Interesting Human. He stumbled on Weird Paul’s page and fell down a YouTube wormhole of homemade…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/19/18
Video Archive Today’s show is discussing the ProPublica audio recording from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
MP3 Monday: Bagger
This week’s freebie is an ambient, lo-fi number that espouses a cool exhaustion from Bagger.
Where Southwestern Pa.’s delegation stand on Trump’s family-separation immigration policy
Thousands of migrant families are currently being intentionally separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Trump administration has indicated this policy was created to deter immigrants trying to enter the U.S. illegally. (Data shows the opposite has occurred). The White House has also attempted to claim the policy doesn’t exist, and President Trump even tweeted that…
Lynn Cullen Live – 6/18/18
Video Archive Lynn Is starting off the week discussing the separating of children from their parents, and the lasting results these actions will have on the children. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Bike advocates call for extending Penn Avenue bike lane through the Strip District
Eric Boerer of Bike Pittsburgh says without more bike lanes, Strip District traffic will likely worsen due booming development.
Lynn Cullen Live – 6/15/18
Video Archive Lynn is starting off this Friday’s show talking about the firing of Rob Rogers, and where else to get the news besides the PG. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Pittsburgh P-G cartoonist Rob Rogers fired after speaking out against anti-Trump cartoons being pulled
Rogers recently spoke critically about his cartoons satirizing Trump being pulled by the Post Gazette editorial board. A week later, he was fired.
Lynn Cullen Live – 6/14/18
Video Archive Lynn is starting off the show by revisiting her depressing rant that was yesterday’s show, and discussing Frank Bruni’s newest op ed piece touching on that type of action. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Incredibles 2 is fun and refreshing, but sequel mania is still exhausting
Incredibles 2, out on June 8, is the latest summer movie to hop on the runaway sequel train. There are so many untold stories movies could be telling, but nostalgia is a lucrative business and the sequel/reboot industry will always prevail. Even with this movie — which is very good, if not great — the…
Lynn Cullen Live – 6/13/18
Video Archive Welcome to the halfway point of the week. Today Lynn is discussing the newest Jon Meacham book “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels.” She is also talking about yesterday’s primary elections in Virginia and South Carolina. Then there is the fake movie trailer Trump showed to Kim Jung-un at…
For foreign soccer fans, the World Cup remains as important as ever
There wasn’t anything particularly malevolent about Sergio Ramos’ challenge. It wasn’t a foul, and it didn’t appear to be more vicious than most other tackles. But Mohamed Salah landed hard on his left shoulder and stayed on the ground. When he did, it wasn’t only Liverpool fans holding their collective breath. An entire nation was…
Top 5 Places to Take Dad for Father’s Day
The Big Lebowski at Row House It’s not specifically about fatherhood, unless you count the Big Lebowski/Brandt theory, but any dad worth a dime would be thrilled to spend the holiday bowling vicariously in an air-conditioned theater. Ladyfest at Hambones and Babyland This three-day, female-centric music festival rules, and if your dad does too, he’ll…
Sloan performs at the Funhouse at Mr. Smalls Sun., June 17
Canadian rock foursome Sloan is unusual in the context of popular music: the band has been together for more than 25 years without a single change in its lineup. Even more remarkably, all four members of this Toronto-based group sing, play multiple instruments and compose songs. And it’s no leap of logic to observe those…
Brian Riordan releases Amsterdam-recorded STEIM III
Brian Riordan STEIM III Self-released brianriordan.bandcamp.com Pittsburgh-based performer, composer and improviser Brian Riordan’s latest release from his residency at the STudio for Electro-Instrumental Music in Amsterdam (STEIM) is an immersive journey worth a headphones-on listen. STEIM III, the third of his releases from time in the Netherlands, plays with electronic sounds and manipulation as it…
Multiple Disruptions podcast interviews diverse community leaders
There are innumerable podcasts about current events, each putting their own spin on a global or national issue. Less common are podcasts that address the culture of specific cities and communities. Multiple Disruptions, a podcast by local teacher Hoon Paradise, launched in April with an aim to interview “disruptors.” A recent episode features Justin Strong,…
Azorean native Elsa Santos opens a restaurant focused on island cuisine
Azorean Cafe 4715 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 412-586-4241 website Over the years away from the islands, Elsa Santos nurtured the dream of owning her own cafe and restaurant that would bring a piece of her home to Pittsburgh. Now, Santos is making that dream a reality with her newly opened Azorean Cafe in Bloomfield. Santos,…
Artist Mary Tremonte to kickstart new art education program focused on immigrants
Mary Tremonte is looking forward to kickstarting a new art-education curriculum — one focused on showcasing the stories of immigrants and refugees. Tremonte, who started a two-year residency at the Office of Public Art last year, will be guiding participating artists in a new program through two stages. The first is getting to know immigrants…
Looking for a culinary World Cup experience this summer? Eat at Kavsar.
When it comes to Russia, Pittsburgh’s population comes from former Soviet satellites, a small enclave of immigrants and, of course, the Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin. What our city lacks is a plethora of Russian restaurants to offer Pittsburghers a taste of that country’s cuisine. Mount Washington is home to one such place. Kavsar, an Uzbek and…
Reduced Shakespeare Company latest a strained effort
Back when my adorable son was a child, he got his hands on a book — 101 Jokes for Every Occasion or something like that. Most of that year was filled with: “If athletes get athlete’s foot, what do astronauts get? Missile toe.” “Why did the lion spit out the clown? He tasted funny.” It…
Bassist Matt Booth returns to Pittsburgh for International Jazz Festival
As the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival winds down with a set by velvet-voiced Gregory Porter, one of Pittsburgh’s jazz expatriates makes his return, just across the river and up the street. Bassist Matt Booth was one of the musicians that helped launch Space Exchange, a Tuesday-night event at Thunderbird Café that presented different strains of…
Eighth Annual Pittsburgh Jazz International Festival hits downtown June 15-17
The Eighth Annual Pittsburgh Jazz International Festival kicks off this weekend using the same model since the early days. With the exception of a few ticketed items, this festival predominantly features free outdoor concerts, with sets by renowned jazz artists. Following main events, a free jam session offers the chance for these musicians to combine…
Veteran Mat Bocian to talk Iraq War, PTSD, and recovery at Soldiers and Sailors
Stories of veterans and armed-service members are typically portrayed in TV shows and movies, but one local Iraq War veteran wants to share his firsthand. Mat Bocian will speak at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall on June 14. He will address time served in the Army during Middle East conflicts and dealing with post traumatic…
7 Days of Concerts
From Disney cover bands to some of the hottest names in hip hop and neo soul, Pittsburgh is overflowing with gigs to get to this week. Every single one of these options is danceable in some fashion, so don your comfiest, coolest dancing shoes. Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Japanese Breakfast breaching expectations on indie scene
Michelle Zauner, songwriter behind sonically limitless dream-pop band Japanese Breakfast, is living beyond her greatest expectations. “I’m at the point where the shows we’re playing and the response we’ve received is just so far from what I could’ve imagined from myself,” she says. It’s been nearly a year since Zauner quickly followed her 2016 debut…
Drink Me: Sparkling Pinot Noir, South Shore Wine Company
Location: Mazza Wine Shop at Baldinger’s Candy Store Ambiance: This little wine shop is the candy store for adults — within an actual candy store. Pick up rare and old-fashioned candies in bulk, and a bottle for yourself. What we drank: Sparkling Pinot Noir, South Shore Wine Company Cost: $19.95/750ml Hot take: Pennsylvania is starting…
Hidden Gems: Kelly’s Korner Bar
Depending on your outlook, Lawrenceville is either a paradise or a punchline. Arguably Pittsburgh’s hipster headquarters, it is saddled with all the baggage that kind of designation entails. For devotees and detractors, the main commercial strip of Butler Street is a focus of Lawrenceville’s identity — embodying a relentless dynamic of new supplanting old. Kelly’s…
Free Will Astrology
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Whether you love what you love or live in divided ceaseless revolt against it, what you love is your fate.” Gemini poet Frank Bidart wrote that in his poem “Guilty of Dust,” and now I offer it to you. Why? Because it’s an excellent time to be honest with yourself as…
Savage Love
Without snooping, I came across texts between my wife “Mary” and a guy “Jeremy” of a very sexual nature. While I would be okay if she were doing this and I knew about it, this has been going on since before we met. (We’ve been together 10 years.) She says she has never met him…
Making Male Fashion Beautiful Again
Walking outside an astonishing palace in India, a group of colorfully attired men captured my attention. I quickly grabbed my camera as they walked closer. A tall gentleman in green stopped in his tracks and pointed. In unison, the men slowly turned their heads, looked at me and then at my camera. I hesitated, thinking…
Libraries take a hit from Amazon not collecting extra sales tax
Wendy Ouedraogo visits Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s main branch in Oakland regularly to access its free internet. She is not alone. For many in Pittsburgh, the library is a reliable resource for services they can’t afford at home. Almost everybody can get to the library. In fact, Allegheny County’s public libraries offer more than books.…
Q&A: Jeremy Raymer, artist behind new Roberto Clemente mural
Drivers headed northbound from Downtown by way of Interstate 279 probably have noticed a massive mural of a familiar face. Late Pirates legend Roberto Clemente’s likeness covers a side of Verdetto’s Bar & Restaurant on Madison Avenue. This mural is the work of local artist Jeremy Raymer, who chatted about his rendering of a Pittsburgh…
Kickback Cafe hosts Pittsburgh City Pinball Championships a year after re-opening
Pinball is universally loved. The machines are a bright and fun adult toy whose biggest appeal comes from whatever movie, TV show or cartoon the design is referencing. And Pittsburgh in particular has an affinity for the game, with the Professional & Amateur Pinball Association located just outside the city. Pinburgh, the largest pinball competition…
Lynn Cullen Live – 6/12/18
Video Archive Lynn and Susan are starting off today’s show by quoting George Carlin. “In America, anyone can become president. That’s the problem.” Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
