Heidi McDonald
Heidi McDonald is an award-winning freelance writer from the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA. Published in several print publications since 2000 including ELLE Magazine, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Heidi authored two internet e-guides, appeared in a short story anthology from Atriad Press, and has provided content for websites including the Internet Gaming Network (IGN), BRAVO-TV's Top Chef University, and most recently, Patch.com. Currently a non-traditional student at Chatham University with a double major of Film & Digital Technology and Communications & Professional Writing, she won a National Finalist Award in the Silver Microphone Competition in 2000 for copywriting, and a Golden Quill Award from the Press Club of Southwestern PA in 2003.
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AA in Communications from the Community College of Allegheny County, and currently enrolled in double BA program at Chatham University.Motto
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Displaying Results 1 - 65 (of 65) for All Content
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Using Seasonal Award Count to Predict Oscar’s Big SixFilm writer Heidi McDonald tallies other awards distributed this season, and examines gambling odds, to try to pinpoint safe bets for Oscar's Top Six.
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Which Movie Has the Most Oscar Winners, Nominees in the Cast?Film writer Heidi McDonald makes her best guess at which film contains the most Oscar-related actors. -
Oscar Party Food Honoring the 2012 Best Picture NomineesFilm writer and food enthusiast Heidi McDonald offers recipe suggestions for your Oscar party that correspond with the 2012 Best Picture nominees.
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2012 Oscar-Nominated Live Action Shorts: A RundownFilm writer Heidi McDonald offers synopses of the 2012 Oscar-nominated live action shorts, as well as some predictions about how they might fare during the Academy Awards.Also published on: -
What to Expect at This Year's Oscars TelecastNow that we know the nominees, Oscar watcher Heidi McDonald makes some predictions about what this year's Oscars telecast may entail.
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'The Help' a Drama that SurprisesMovie writer Heidi McDonald goes into 'The Help' uncomfortable, but comes out surprised by the film's reception. -
New 'Blade Runner' Film Announcement Leaves Fans ConflictedFans of the 1982 cult classic find themselves conflicted over the recent announcement of a new 'Blade Runner' film. -
'Shark Night 3D' - Slaughter in the Water Labor Day WeekendA look at the types of shark movies and how accurate the horror films are, as a preview for 'Shark Night 3D.' -
Sean Hood, Screenwriter for 'Conan the Barbarian,' Discusses His InspirationsAn interview with 'Conan the Barbarian' screenwriter, Sean Hood.Also published on: -
'Apes' Sound Crew Heard Lots of Monkey BusinessTwo sound engineers from 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' describe their unusual experiences on this film.
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'30 Minutes or Less' Re-Teams Director and ActorA look at how '30 Minutes or Less,' re-teaming director Ruben Fleischer with star Jesse Eisenberg, is likely to be similar to 'Zombieland.' -
Pittsburgh Film News for the Week of July 16This was a busy week in the Pittsburgh film community. Between Harry Potter release parties, screenings of the films produced in last weekend's 48-hour film project, and an event hosted by the Pennsylvania Film Industry Association, there was a lot to do both for film enthusiasts and film profession
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'South of the City' Takes Top Pittsburgh Prize in 48 Hour Film ProjectPittsburgh turned out Saturday to learn which films captured prizes at the local 48 Hour Film Project.
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Hook-Up Movies the New Trend in Romantic Comedies?An examination of why recent romantic comedies are unwise to send the message that a hook-up can actually lead to a healthy, happy, and lasting long-term relationship. -
PaFIA Event Features New Pennsylvania State Film CommissionerNew Pennsylvania State Film Commissioner Lenwood Sloan introduces himself to Pittsburgh's film professionals at an event sponsored by the PA Film Industry Association (PaFIA).
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'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' - Ties that Literally BindA look at the practice of Chinese foot-binding that appears in the novel, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," which premieres as a movie on July 15, 2011. -
Ideas for a magical Potter partyIdeas to make your Harry Potter party a magical experience for guests!
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Neil Gaiman: Evocative StorytellerWriter Heidi McDonald explains why Neil Gaiman is her favorite novelist. -
FireflyA summertime haiku.
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Movies Filming in Pittsburgh This SummerA look at the three big-budget film productions shooting in Pittsburgh this summer.
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48-Hour Film Project in Pittsburgh This WeekendA preview of what many local filmmakers will be up to this upcoming weekend, when the 48-Hour Film Project happens in Pittsburgh.
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Was 'Green Lantern' Miscast?"Green Lantern" could just as easily have showcased a black hero.
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Fans Expect Emotional End to Potter SeriesFans of the 'Harry Potter' films discuss their expectations of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,' in theaters on July 15, 2011.
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'Beginners' Promotes Acceptance During Pride MonthWhy the film 'Beginners' offers such an important message for everyone during Pride Month. -
Returning to School as an AdultFirst-person reflection on returning to college as an adult.
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Our Yellowstone ScareOne writer's memory of how she learned to keep a safe distance from a buffalo. -
"Gremlins" Cast and Crew: Where Are They Now?What happened to the cast and crew of the 1984 film, "Gremlins," which turns 27 this month? Read and find out!
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Nobody is Interested in Your UnderpantsCommentary about Congressman Anthony Weiner's recent, and now very public, texting troubles.
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Abrams and Spielberg: Recipe for a BlockbusterWhat will happen when J.J. Abrams pools his efforts with the legendary Steven Spielberg? A super summer movie: 'Super 8' opens June 10, 2011. -
The Day the Howitzers Nearly Blew Up GrandmaA 94-year-old woman hears more than music during an Army concert on the 4th of July, 1982.
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'Raiders' at 30: It's Not the Years, Honey; It's the MileageA fan of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" reflects, as the film's 30-year anniversary approaches.
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The Two Faces of Professor X - Sir Patrick vs. Scottie McHottieAn exploration of the similarities and differences between the two actors who play Professor Charles Xavier.
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Are Film Critics Out of Touch?Film student Heidi McDonald examines why critic's reviews often do not reflect public opinion.
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Partying and Pandas: Major Movie Releases from Memorial DayA rundown of the major releases happening over Memorial Day Weekend, 2011.
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Summer Movie Roundup: 2011 Offers Something for EveryoneFilm student Heidi McDonald discusses what the 2011 summer movie season has in store for theater goers.
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Why 'Bridesmaids' Won't Catch Any Bouquets from MoviegoersFilm student and former wedding apparel salesperson Heidi McDonald explains why she won't be seeing 'Bridesmaids.'
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The 2011 Season of Pittsburgh's Cinema in the ParkA preview of the 2011 season of Pittsburgh's popular program, Cinema in the Park.
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To Live in Gotham City: The 'Dark Knight Rises' on My HometownWriter and film student Heidi McDonald reacts to the announcement that the new 'Batman' movie will be filmed in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.
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Ways Your Family Can Help the Community in Pittsburgh This SummerWriter Heidi McDonald lists several volunteer opportunities in and around Pittsburgh that are appropriate for the whole family to do this summer.
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My First and Only Trip to StonehengeHeidi McDonald explains why her trip to Stonehenge in 1988 nearly caused her mother a heart attack.
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Royal Weddings in the MoviesFilm student Heidi McDonald explores the link between royal weddings and the movies.
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The Death of Bin Laden: Reflection, Not ReactionI am proud of our president and our military in the wake of the announcement that bin Laden has died. However, while hundreds celebrate in the streets, my focus is on everything we've lost in our pursuit of justice in terms of lost lives.
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Royal Wedding: Hats Alone Were Worth the ViewingToday, audiences all over the world were reminded that there are certain things the British do better than anywhere else in the world -- pomp and circumstance, royal tradition, and hats.
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Kenneth Branagh, 'Thor,' and the Edge of GreatnessWhat will director Kenneth Branagh bring to the table at the helm of his new movie 'Thor,' which opens in theaters May 6.
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Best Summer Events in PittsburghWriter Heidi McDonald offers tips on the best summer events in and around Pittsburgh.
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The Sims Medieval: It Kicketh Much ArseWriter and gaming enthusiast Heidi McDonald explains why the newest release in EA's Sims franchise is also her favorite one.
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10 Ways to Live More Frugally in PittsburghWriter Heidi McDonald explores local ways to trim your budget.
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A Pittsburgh 4-Day Staycation for Five, Under $100Writer Heidi McDonald outlines an itinerary for a 4-day staycation in Pittsburgh for a family of 5, for less than $100.
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8 Family Restaurants in Pittsburgh That Won't Break the BankPittsburgh native Heidi McDonald runs down the best local values in family-friendly eating.
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New Gyllenhaal Thriller 'Source Code' Opens April 1Writer and film student Heidi McDonald offers a preview of the new film, 'Source Code.'
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Cool Online Resources for QuiltersFreelance writer and quilter Heidi McDonald shares her favorite quilting links.
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Fun Ways to Celebrate with Friends and FoodFreelance writer Heidi McDonald, former food blogger for BRAVO, offers some creative ideas to help you and your friends have some fun culinary gatherings.
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When You Have to Fire SomeoneFreelance writer Heidi McDonald offers tips on the best way to let a staff person go when that is the only option left.
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Important Considerations for Job InterviewersFreelance writer Heidi McDonald explains how to avoid landing into legal trouble when doing a job interview.
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How to Beat Limo Costs for PromFreelance writer Heidi McDonald recalls how busing it to her junior prom ended up being more fun than a limo.
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Chatham University's 2011 Spring Graduate Film FestivalFreelance writer and film student Heidi McDonald reports on the panel discussion and film festival at Chatham University on March 19, 2011.
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The Alternate Reality of President McCainIn response to Mark Whittington's article, freelance writer and Democrat Heidi McDonald explores some additional ways a President McCain might have changed things.
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No School for April FoolsFreelance writer Heidi McDonald recalls the year she and her husband played a practical joke on their children, for April Fool's Day.
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Planning Your Grand Canyon TripFreelance writer Heidi McDonald offers insight into planning your first visit to the Grand Canyon.
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Easter Baskets and Laundry BasketsFreelance writer Heidi McDonald describes how her resourceful mother stumped her daughters each Easter with the hiding of their Easter baskets.
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1984 Grammy Night with Duran DuranFreelance writer Heidi McDonald remembers her first concert, where some news Duran Duran got onstage made the night just as big a deal to them as it was to her.
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A Cool Road Trip for Western PennsylvaniansFreelance writer Heidi McDonald explains a unique road trip opportunity for Western Pennsylvanians.
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The Green Kiss MarksFreelance writer Heidi McDonald didn't get any green beer at Ryan's Pub on St. Patrick's Day, 1992. She got a different kind of green!
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De-Mystifying Mystery Lovers BookshopFreelance writer Heidi McDonald reviews Mystery Lovers Bookshop, an independent bookseller local to Southwestern PA.
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Rush Hour Traffic and SpaghettiosFreelance writer Heidi McDonald shares the unusual story of how she re-connected with a former high-school friend, now her husband of ten years.
