Toys, tacos, and classic music
So, let's dive into what you can do this weekend, and you don't even have to run...unless you want to!
Bethel Park Toypalooza
First, for the kids and the kids at heart, head to Bethel Park for the Toypalooza toy show.
It's taking over the AHN Sports Complex on Cool Springs Drive on Saturday.
There you'll find more than 300 toy tables where you can shop for all types of new and rare toys, as well as comic books and graphic novels. Along with all of that, there will be a selection of video games.
Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets cost $5, with kids 12 and under getting in for free.
Check out the details on their website at this link.
Tattoos, Booze, and Tacos Fest
The Monroeville Convention Center is playing host to a tasty and artistic weekend event for all the adults out there.
The Tattoos, Booze, and Tacos Fest is happening today through Sunday.
You can pretty much expect exactly what the title tells you: tasty tacos and drinks, the chance to get some ink from talented tattoo artists, live music, and shopping at dozens of vendors.
It costs $20 to get in, and you can find tickets here.
Pittsburgh Concert Chorale's "Big Band Pops"
The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale is back this weekend with its newest show called "Big Band Pops," and it features nostalgic music from the 1940s.
There will be two shows this weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
On Saturday, the show will be at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, the show will be at Ingomar Church at 4:00 p.m.
Buy your tickets here.
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New York Times
2 days ago
- New York Times
Can Carson Beck, new-look defense get Miami — and its coach — over the hump?
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Miami quarterback Carson Beck's surgically repaired right elbow is covered in tattoos, making it difficult to spot the scarring from his Tommy John surgery last December. 'I got all these tattoos before I had the surgery,' the 23-year-old Georgia transfer said before he explained the meaning behind a few of the symbols on his throwing arm. Advertisement There's a tribute to Devin Willock, No. 77 at Georgia, who was killed in a 2023 car accident. A quote taken from 'Batman Begins' reads: 'Why do we fall? So we can rise.' 'I'm a Harry Potter fan, too. In 'The Order of the Phoenix', it says, 'When the phoenix dies, it is reborn out of the ashes,'' Beck said. 'The incision from the surgery goes through that tattoo. I'm not sure if that's a coincidence or not. But that's my favorite tattoo. It is pretty poetic.' Beck suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the 2024 SEC title game that ended his second season as the Georgia starter and, ultimately, his career between the hedges. He pulled his name out of the NFL Draft and transferred to Miami in January for his sixth and final college season. The program is paying him between $3 million-$4 million to fill the void left behind by ACC Player of the Year Cam Ward. Beck had no previous ties to the Miami program. The Jacksonville native grew up rooting for Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators. If Beck had not been dating Miami women's basketball player Hanna Cavinder — one of the internet-famous Cavinder twins — he might not have found his way to South Florida. Georgia moved on with its financial resources after Beck initially put his name into the draft in late December. Alabama reportedly showed interest, but he ended up at Miami less than 48 hours after entering the portal with a 'do-not-contact' tag. If Beck's arm holds up, he could help Miami win the ACC title for the first time since joining the league in 2004. The program has invested heavily since luring coach Mario Cristobal home from Oregon in December 2021 to return the Canes to glory. So far, the highlights of Cristobal's tenure have included a couple of top-10 recruiting classes, a 10-win season in 2024 and Ward becoming the program's first No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick since Russell Maryland in 1991. Advertisement Will Beck and a revamped 2025 roster be enough to take Miami to the next level? Cristobal said the program's progress should be measured by where it started upon his return. 'If you want to tell a story, let's make sure we tell the story from the starting point of what it looked like,' Cristobal said recently, 'so we have an accurate depiction for what that story really is.' Cristobal inherited a program that won 21 games combined in the previous three seasons under Manny Diaz. Perhaps more telling, the Canes had only one player drafted in 2022 (in the seventh round) and just three selected in 2023 (only one in the first four rounds). Miami has had 11 players drafted in the past two years, including seven in 2025 (sixth-most in the nation). Talent is no longer the issue. That talent, however, didn't translate to a 2024 ACC title despite Ward running an attack that led the country in both total offense and scoring offense in his one season at Miami after transferring from Washington State. Miami's defense regressed throughout the fall, sabotaging what should have been a truly special season. Ward bailed out the porous defense in thrilling comeback wins over Virginia Tech and Cal and a shootout victory at Louisville. The offense finally sputtered in a loss at Georgia Tech in early November, and three weeks later, the Canes entered the regular-season finale at Syracuse needing a win to earn a spot in the ACC Championship Game for only the second time. A 21-0 lead in the second quarter didn't hold up; they gave up 479 total yards en route to a 42-38 loss. Instead of a likely invite to the Playoff, Miami headed to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where it gave up 42 points (again) in a loss to Iowa State. Cristobal parted ways with all but one defensive coach after the season, retaining NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, the defensive ends coach. The Canes' NIL collective then went to work, raising enough money to help patch up the secondary and land Beck as part of a transfer portal class that ranked in the top five by both 247Sports and On3. Advertisement The new-look Hurricanes debuted at No. 10 in the preseason AP and Coaches polls and have the second-best odds to win the ACC behind defending champion Clemson. Entering the fourth season of a 10-year, $80 million deal, Cristobal has more job security than most coaches at the Power 4 level. But at some point soon, he has to get the Canes over the hump. 'We are being recognized for the progress of our program, but for us, it means we still have a long way to go,' Cristobal said of debuting in the top 10. 'We have been busting our asses to get Miami to where it needs to be, and the progress is not going to stop.' Miami opens the season with a much-anticipated Sunday night game Aug. 31 against sixth-ranked Notre Dame at home and hosts No. 15 Florida three weeks later. The rest of the schedule features only one game against a team ranked in the preseason (at No. 16 SMU on Nov. 1). 'I just want to see this team be great,' senior linebacker Wesley Bissainthe said. 'Hopefully, this year we put it all together.' After last season, that starts on defense. Cristobal hired Corey Hetherman — a former Rutgers assistant under Greg Schiano — away from Minnesota to replace Lance Guidry as Miami's defensive coordinator. Minnesota's scoring defense improved from 69th nationally in 2023 (26.7 ppg) to ninth (16.9 ppg) in Hetherman's lone season as coordinator. The Gophers led the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense and improved from 100th (4.7) to 19th (3.5) nationally in rushing yards allowed per play. Miami's defensive issues last season were typically related to presnap confusion. When teams ran motion, receivers were often lost in coverage. That's expected to happen less frequently this fall. The buzzword around Miami's defense all spring was communication. Redshirt sophomore safety Zechariah Poyser — one of six portal additions to the secondary — wore the green dot on his helmet (designating the player who speaks to the coach through a mic in his helmet). He's considered an elite communicator. Advertisement So is his coordinator. Cristobal said Hetherman coaches in soundbites, not dissertations. 'He makes it simple and digestible for our guys and complicated for the other team,' Cristobal said. 'He is a conceptual and progression teacher, like (Miami OC) Shannon Dawson. They teach in progression and teach concepts, so you can almost overlay it to different formations or different sets.' Offensively, Miami has a lot less to worry about in terms of continuity. Dawson is entering his third year running the offense. 'There's steps you have to take to get the sixth (national championship) up on the board,' Dawson said. 'I think the steps we've taken over the past three years, you can see the progression. Last year, we got over a hump. Did we reach our goal? No. But we could taste it, we could smell it, we could see it. I do think all of our kids right now believe that we can accomplish all of our goals.' Miami lost its top four pass catchers, including tight end Elijah Arroyo, a second-round pick. But four starters on the offensive line return and all could be draft picks, led by preseason All-American Francis Mauigoa at right tackle. The backfield is led by talented junior Mark Fletcher and includes highly regarded North Dakota State transfer CharMar Brown, who ran for 1,181 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. The Canes led the ACC in both rushing yards per carry and per game in 2024. Miami brought in three veteran transfers at receiver: CJ Daniels (LSU), Keelan Marion (BYU) and Tony Johnson (Cincinnati). The receiving corps also includes a Class of 2024 top-50 national recruit in Jojo Trader entering his sophomore season and talented freshmen Malachi Toney and Joshua Moore. Dawson expects Beck to thrive in his offense the way Ward did. He's given his new QB the same freedom to change protections and call audibles at the line. Advertisement 'It didn't take very long to see that (Beck's) football IQ is probably as high as I've been around,' Dawson said. Like Ward, Beck invited his linemen and receivers to his house several times to hang out and build bonds. Beck, though, isn't trying to be the next Ward. 'They have two different personalities,' right guard Anez Cooper said. 'Cam was more talkative, playful. Carson is more chill. Carson is just a take-care-of-business type of guy. Cam was talking s— all game.' What Ward and Beck share in common, Dawson said, is a desire to prove doubters wrong. Beck went 24-3 as a starter at Georgia, but he threw 12 interceptions last season and fell well short of the preseason hype; many forecasted him as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 draft. Critics wondered if Beck's success in 2023 (when he threw for nearly 4,000 yards with 24 TDs and six interceptions) was more of a product of throwing to Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey — eventual first- and second-round picks — than Beck actually being an elite passer. The good news for Miami so far: Beck's arm hasn't shown any weakness in preseason practices. He was cleared to start throwing with teammates in early May and has said his arm 'felt juiced.' Dawson said all he sees is a highly motivated player who spent each day this spring with a different skill player to get to know his new teammates and their responsibilities. 'For probably eight or nine weeks of the season last year, he was the preseason No. 1 pick overall in all the people's little fake boards they do,' Dawson said. 'So, I love the fact that nobody's talking about us. It's great for me. But if I was him, yeah, it would probably strike me a certain way.' So, yes, in a lot of ways, Beck has a chance to rise from the ashes and reestablish himself as one of college football's best. Advertisement So do the Canes. 'I have so many accumulated reps against the best college defenses, best college teams, some of the biggest games that have ever been played,' Beck said. 'I think I'll be able to bring that to this team, help the guys around me, and give them confidence.' Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
Mom Accumulates More Than 30 Tattoos. Now She Says She Regrets Every Single One (Exclusive)
Alexa Locke got her first tattoo at 18 years oldNEED TO KNOW Alexa Locke first began admiring tattoos when she was around 16 So when she turned 18, getting her first tattoo felt like a natural next step Now, 20 years later, the Chico, Calif., resident estimates she has between 25 and 30 tattoos — not including a full sleeve on her left armAlexa Locke first began admiring tattoos at around 16, often noticing them on others and imagining what she might get one day. So when she turned 18, getting her first tattoo felt like a natural next step. Now, 20 years later, the Chico, Calif., resident estimates she has between 25 and 30 tattoos — not including a full sleeve on her left arm. Her ink primarily reflects two classic styles: traditional American and Japanese. But at 37, and now a mother, Locke says her perspective on her tattoos has changed dramatically. "I got the majority of my tattoos very quickly and far too young," Locke tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I started regretting them once I became a mother. The judgment and stereotypes around tattoos are still very strong, which is disheartening — but it's also reality. I hate how everyone's first impression of me is just that I'm a tattooed woman. I'm so much more than that." "Who I was 20 years ago is nowhere near the woman I am today. And when people look at me, they see her — not the person I am now," she continues. "The woman I am today is far more educated, mature and secure in herself. Yes, I hate my tattoos, but I've accepted them because they came from choices I made when I was younger. I understand that I did this to myself, and I understand why I'm judged for it. I don't see myself as a victim, this is simply one of the consequences of my actions." Locke says the social stigma surrounding tattoos has taken a toll. For instance, she's been overlooked for jobs and rejected on the spot simply because of her ink. "That's been a tough pill to swallow, especially knowing it's my own doing," she says. "I hate that everyone's first impression of me is that I'm a tattooed woman. I'm so much more than that. You'll never know how funny I am. You'll never know how kind I am. You'll never know that I'm probably the most nonjudgmental person you'll ever meet." "People always say, 'Why do you care what others think? Just be confident in who you are!' And it's not about confidence — I am confident," she adds. "What's painful is not being given the chance to show people who I really am because my tattoos are all they see." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A licensed esthetician, Locke enjoys using social media to share her passion for skincare and makeup, along with honest reflections about her life and experiences. Recently, she recorded a video on her balcony candidly sharing her tattoo regrets — never expecting the impact it would have. The video quickly went viral, garnering nearly 7.4 million views and over 20,000 comments. Many viewers, like Locke, expressed regret over their own tattoos. "I've received a lot of love and, surprisingly, a lot of hate," she says. "Millions of people related to me and felt so alone in their regret. I've received so many private messages from people thanking me for speaking out. It's embarrassing. It's humbling. That's why no one talks about this, because no one wants to admit they made a permanent mistake on their body." "Regret is a normal feeling, especially when you've grown and matured into a better version of yourself," she adds. "Most of the hate I've received has come from within the tattoo community. I'll never understand how people can take my story and my feelings about my body as a personal attack on them or their tattoos." Despite the backlash, the positive responses have outweighed the negativity. "I've had a lot of parents and teachers reach out to tell me they plan to show my video to their kids, and that makes me incredibly happy." She adds, "[My friends and family] are all so proud of me! It's a big conversation and hard topic to discuss, especially in front of millions of people to watch and then criticize me for, and they are just so excited and proud of me." Looking back, Locke says that if she could go back in time, she wouldn't get a single tattoo. "I mentioned in my video that I wish someone had told me to wait, and honestly, I'm sure someone did. I probably just didn't listen," she says. "At 18, things go in one ear and out the other. But I wish more people had told me to slow down and really think about it. When you're young, you tend to ignore advice, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep trying to educate people about the long-term consequences." She adds, "A lot of kids and young adults — myself included — grow up thinking tattoos make you cool. But the truth is, you make yourself cool. Your uniqueness. Your sense of style. Your beautiful red curly hair! Your freckles! The gap between your teeth! Your sense of humor. Tattoos are cool, but they don't make someone cool. If a tattoo is something you truly want, just take the time to think long and hard about it." When it comes to what's next for her tattoos, Locke says she has no plans to cover them up. "For me, it's not about thinking the tattoos are ugly; I actually still think many of them are beautiful. I just don't want them on my body anymore," she says. "I've considered removal. In fact, I've done two sessions on my fingers. It was excruciatingly painful, and it's a very slow process. I've realized that removing these tattoos will take years and be incredibly expensive." "I am in no way shaming the tattoo community or anyone with tattoos, and I never will," she adds. "I am the most nonjudgmental person you will ever meet. I have so many friends and family members with tattoos and they are all amazing human beings. This is also not a message telling people not to get tattoos. Please just think it through and wait until you are older, once you have found yourself and your identity." Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
West Palm Beach retro chic bar with celebrity shine named among America's best
In what was formerly the nondescript Corner Store aka Bertos Bait and Tackle shop in a drab West Palm Beach commercial neighborhood, the new Mary Lou's has become Florida's buzziest spot for booze, bar bites and dancing, drawing lines of locals, visitors and celebrities alike with its unique blend of style, story and spirits. It's also making national news as a tastemaker of the highest order. According to USA Today's 2025 Bars of the Year list, this rising bar is one of the top 29 places to drink in America. Food writers across the country nominated bars that excited them, bars they would recommend to friends and family, bars they'd return to again and again. A big deal indeed for a space that accommodates only 125 yet feels larger than life. 'To be named one of USA Today's Bars of the Year, and the best in Florida, is deeply personal. It's a tribute to the vision, soul and community that brought Mary Lou's to life, and our muse — my incredible grandmother, Mary Lou Curtis — whose brilliant mind and vibrant spirit continue to inspire everything we do,' said co-founder Alex Melillo. The 29 best bars in America in 2025: See USA TODAY's top picks The buzz factor To be fair, while Mary Lou's neighbors are rather pedestrian, the establishment does sit within sight of the bridge that deposits Palm Beach-bound drivers next to Donald Trump's backyard. And without giving away too many surprises for those who want to go, Mary Lou's is more than just a luxe cocktail lounge. Blending history, hospitality and high design, it pays homage to a bygone era of glamour, nostalgia and the art of celebration that evokes a trip back in time yet feels very au courant. The concept was created by Melillo with business partners Joe Cervasio and Topher Grubb, who all spent time working in New York City. Their collective inspiration was sparked by that city's golden era of nightlife when iconic venues like Studio 54 and Peppermint Lounge shaped the social landscape — a pre-cellphone time defined by uninhibited fun. Grubb, a Palm Beach native, said the area "has always known how to party, we just gave it a new room to dance in.' Celebrities of every order Opening night's guest list with Bettina Anderson (widely known as Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend) and fashion designer Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia fame were early indications this tres chic gin joint would be different from other bars opening in town. It's played host to Michael Jordan twice: A TikTok video of him dancing with his wife Yvette Prieto went viral. Insiders spotted the GOAT a second time with Jalen Hurts, quarterback of the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles. Other sightings of note include Venus Williams, Lorraine Bracco, Ramona Singer, pro-golfer Dustin Johnson and wife Paulina Gretsky, the daughter of another GOAT. Even some of its collaborating consultants are famous. Grammy Award winners The Chainsmokers and two-time nominee Sofi Tukker, an e-music duo comprising Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, shape the venue's entertainment programming. More: The best bars in America in 2024: See USA TODAY's 27 favorite spots Tribute to a trailblazer Mary Lou's is named for Mary Lou Curtis, Palm Beach's fashion-forward entrepreneur, whose Le Shack boutique on Worth Avenue counted Jackie Onassis as a shopper. She was also known for her flair for entertaining. Her legacy lives on through the venue's eclectically chic design and playful energy. Melillo describes Mary Lou as a woman who lived by the mantra, 'always have a sense of ridiculousness.' From floor to ceiling, that ethos is woven into every tactile decor detail. Best sips, nibbles Drinking and dining at Mary Lou's is anything but traditional. In addition to the breathtaking bar, the space is peppered with sexy velvet booths that shimmer under seductive lighting in a room that feeds off the collective, almost communal, energy of other people. The first order of business was choosing between classic craft cocktails and designer drinks. We settled the matter by ordering a round of each. In a town where $28 cocktails abound, potent potables on Mary Lou's list average $20. Swellegant martinis and margaritas in fancy glasses felt very sophisticated. The 'Daddy's Girl' vodka concoction and tres playful 'Back Zip' with rum were almost too gorgeous to drink. The only thing missing was a grasshopper riff, Curtis's cocktail of choice, to get us in the mood for season two of 'Palm Royale' on Apple TV+. Wines by the glass are priced from $15 for prosecco to $24 for a Rioja selection. A coconut mocktail for the teetotaler in our group was a bit sweet for my pal but gently priced at $10. Not that Mary Lou's is a cheap date as you'll discover if feeling peckish and order from the elevated bar bites menu. Favorites included a delectable crispy octopus which was perfectly cooked (impressive because it's a dish that's hard to get right.) The $50 A5 waygu burger takes a few cues from McDonald's Big Mac. It's decadent and served inside an elegant emerald jewel box emblazoned with Mary Lou's motto outside; inside, a gorgeous palm motif. Earning oohs and aahs from my pals, we couldn't stop playing with the box in appreciation of its beauty. After decimating the fries, for the name alone we couldn't resist diving into a 'Millionaire's Baked Potato' topped with caviar for $32. The pièce de résistance: a luscious banana creme brulee brilliantly plated a la Art Basel's famous duct taped banana, whose official title is "Comedian" by absurdist artist Maurizio Cattelan. Instead of selling for $6.2 million at auction, dessert was $20. Ridiculous and genius. Mary Lou's: What to know if you go Address: 250 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach Web: Reservations email: gatorrides@ Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to the wee hours. The later it gets, the more fun you'll have. Etc.: Reservations are strongly advised; the intimate space has limited seating at the bar and surrounding tables. After 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, a mininum spend applies; pricing depends on the entertainment and party size. Complimentary valet parking. There is no official dress code but looking expensive is de rigueur with the see-and-be-seen crowd Mary Lou's attracts. Think smart casual and leave the sweats, shorts and flip flops at home. Coming soon: June marked the debut of a spinoff in Montauk, New York. On May 27, Shivana Vora for Forbes reported that Palm Tree Crew, co-founded by global DJ Kygo and longtime manager Myles Shear, is making a strategic investment in Mary Lou's. Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mary Lou's in West Palm Beach named one of best in the US by USA TODAY Solve the daily Crossword
