Valley Magazine | Fall 2010

VALLEY fall/winter 2010

26

Keep yourself

safe in State College Learn how on page 36 Dreading winter?

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!

ways to get involved on campus

Bring in the New Year

with style See how on pages 24 & 60

Why SPA is more than just programming at University Park

we are...

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Photo credit: Chips: Ann Sciandra, Book: , Girl: Julianna O’Malley Fountain: Jennie Lichtenstein, Dancer: Ann Sciandra

TA B L E O F CONTENTS

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beauty & health :LJ[PVU 6WLULY (SSPZVU /`KaPR

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entertainment

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29

self-improvement

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5

Group Photo: Ann Sciandra

Fall 2010 Editorial Division

President/Editor-in-Chief: Erin Mawe Design Director: Magda Krawczyk Photography Director: Ann Sciandra Managing Editor: Jen Kach

Beauty Editor: Christine Bove Beauty Writers: Jeanne Drouilhet, Amy Lewis, Michele Mendelson

Graphic Designers: Erin Gehringer, Jess Gottschalk, Andrea Tinkoff, Laura Padilla, Kathleen Topham, Julie Wuenschel

Cultures Editor: Christine Mouser Cultures Writers: Becky Perlow, Maggie Stuart

Photo Editor: Julianna O’Malley Photographers: Natalie Husick, Jennie Lichtenstein, Ronald Lopez, Jennifer Rockwell, Tiffany Woodall, Kim Yee

Entertainment Editor: Haley Blum Entertainment Writers: Ross Marcinizyn, Jackie Stare Fashion Editor: Elysia Mann Stylist! Julia Nguyen Fashion Writer! Anita Oh

Web Editor: Elysia Mann Board of Advisers: Christine Arbutina, Erika Isler, Karen Magnuson, Jill Shockey, Ronald Smith, Ann Taylor, Suzanne Wayne, Jennifer Zeigler

Self-Improvement Editor! Georgia Templeton Self-Improvement Writers: Kathleen Gormley, Kaitlyn Knopp, Ali Prescott, Michelle Turli

Stop in Mon-­Fri 10am-­8pm, Sat 10am-­ 6pm & Sun Noon-­5pm

7

Vice President/Managing Director: Nora Snoddy Assistant Managing Director: Bernadette Staino Financial Director: Emily Hitechew

Advertising Directors: Catherine Clawson, Caroline Radvansky Advertising Assistant: Megan Huet Advertising Team: Alyssa Castro, Cassidy Clauss, Sarah Darcy, Jessica Edwards, Samantha Goodling, Jenna Hammond, Allison Hoffman, Grace Lee, Alex Lutz, Jen Makulowich, Rosa Michos, Megan Prucnal, Brittany Obetz, Marianna Saucier, Emily Schade, Rachel Yeager Event Directors: Erin Donahue, Alex Farrell Event Assistants: Taylor McNamara Event Managing Team: Brielle Adler, Kate Bichner, Elysia Blanco, Alyssa Brideweser, Katlin Cardillo, Nicole Contursi, Gina Gariffo, Kasey Granger, Kelsey Flatau, Alexis Giua, Jenny Goodman, Sarah Greenberg, Alaina Harvey, Allison LaTorre, Kara Latos, Michelle McCormack, Gina McNamee, Kiera Missanelli, Mercedeh Mortazavi, Christine Mouser, Iris Peters, Emily Silsby, Alex Steinman, Casie Tennin, Kelsey Thompson

8

rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

Promotions and Marketing Directors: Elle Scarpa, Monica Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell Promotions and Marketing Assistant: Chrissy Kim Promotions and Marketing Team: Alexis Bott, Jaclyn Burday, Taylor Cohen, Melissa Cropper, Brittany Dudas, Katie Dziki, Abbey Falk, Molly Ferguson, Emily Grier, Maddie Groves, Sarah Hoffman, Chloe Kotchick, Bernadette Laspee, Lauren Light, Christie Morano, Kim Mouser, Nicole Pulli, Samantha Scarpone, Lexi Schwartz, Bailey Seigel, Monica Simon, Marisa Simone, Lauren Welger, Kelly Yoost

Group Photo: Ann Sciandra Opposite Page: Arboretum Photo: Jennie Lichtenstein, Recipe: Tiffany Woodall, All others, Ann Sciandra

Fall 2010 business Division

letter from the editor Someone recently asked me how the last year of the best four years of my life was going.

My immediate reaction was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Awesome!â&#x20AC;?

Later, I thought to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;wait a secondâ&#x20AC;Ś the last year of the best four years of my life? Where did the other three go?â&#x20AC;?

I still have to climb Mt. Nittany, not to mention there are about 102 flavors of ice cream that I need to try at the creameryâ&#x20AC;Ś and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the beginning of a long bucket list.

Undoubtedly, our Fall 2010 cover girl, Sara Linkosky, has a bucket list of her own. One goal that she wants to accomplish at Penn State is unifying the entire student bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not just the Greek community.

Valley has worked hard to highlight organizations and students like Sara that are making a positive impact in State College, so as you are reading through this issue, I challenge you to pick something out that you want to accomplish or a new club you want to join before you graduate.

College is one of the best places to try new things and get out of your comfort zone, and there are hundreds on opportunities here at Penn State to do just that: Check out page 43 for the inspirational story of Aubry Regan, who had a lifechanging experience while volunteering in Honduras. Now, she wants you to have the same opportunity. Read on to learn how you can get involved.

Whether you are a trained ballerina or a BeyoncĂŠ wannabe, Penn State has dozens of clubs that are all about busting a move. If you are looking to compete, or just have fun, head over to pages 26 & 27 to find a dance crew that fits your specifications.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever wanted to know more about Elvis or the Big Ten, try taking a class that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need for your degree. Ten of the most unique elective examples are described on page 40.

So to all you (lucky!) underclassmen and my fellow seniors: These four years go by all too fast. Although I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet say whether or not they are the best of my life, they sure have been fun. Take advantage of all of the opportunities that are available to you at Penn State, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t assume that college will

never end. Graduation comes more quickly than you think.

Onward,

Erin Mawe Erin Mawe

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about finding yourself. Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about creating yourself.â&#x20AC;?

- George Bernard Shaw

9

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on your Penn State Bucket List?

Ask the Staff: Submitted, Divider: Ann Sciandra

Ask the Staff:

health&beauty fitness fan by Christine Bove

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10 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall 2010

featured: (featured) Allison Hydzik

Age: 21 Year: Senior Major: Kinesiology-Movement Science Hometown: Hillsborough, NJ Activities: Penn State Fitness Instructor, Kinesiology Club, Lion Scouts, Health and Human Development Honor Society What she teaches: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can teach most of the classes, but this semester I only teach 20/20 Fitness, Pilates and Cycling.â&#x20AC;?

Favorite Penn State Fitness Class: Cycling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter what your fitness level is, it pushes you to your limit. You always leave feeling like you had a good workout.â&#x20AC;?

Why she got involved: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exercising is a huge part of my life and has benefited me greatly. As a fitness instructor, I love being able to lead and to motivate people towards meeting their own personal wellness goals.â&#x20AC;?

Best workout tip for Penn State students: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Try not to look at exercise as a chore, but as a way to improve your daily life!â&#x20AC;? beauty & health

11

Photo credit: Flowers: Kim Yee; Chipa and Cupcake: Ann Sciandra

Mi dnight s n ac k at tac k With a few easy late-night snack swaps, Jeanne Drouilhet aims to fulfill your midnight cravings without filling out your waistline.

According to Dr. Jill Patterson, a Penn State nutrition professor, food is familiar and comforting, and our hectic lives mean we look for something easy to make when the craving hits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For students, [midnight snacks are] like a fourth meal,â&#x20AC;? says Patterson. When that fourth-meal hunger hits, here are easy snacks that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t destroy your diet: YOPLAIT WHIPS! Instead of ice cream. Why? When frozen, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like ice cream, but it has less fat, less calories and more nutrients. Did we mention it comes in flavors like chocolate mousse?

A 100-â&#x20AC;?CALORIE BAG OF lightly buttered popcorn Not potato chips. Why? It has less fat and more fiber to fill you up!

MULTIGRAIN TOSTITOS WITH CHIPOTLE LAUGHING COW CHEESE In place of Restaurant Style Tostitos with Tostitos Queso dip.

Why? Laughing Cow Cheese has only 30 calories a wedge to give you a healthy twist on nachos.

You can even splurge and have two wedges. Go crazy!

G-free at Penn state Fo r st u d en ts w i t h a n a llergy to w h eat, o r g lu t e n , i t ca n b e d i f f i c u lt to k n o w w h at to e at o n a ca m p u s f u ll o f c h o i c es . M i c h e le M e n d e ls o n ex p lo r es P en n Stat e's effo rts to m a k e eat i n g o n ca m p u s a p i e c e o f (g lu t e n -â&#x20AC;?f r e e ) ca k e .

B u y i t Fr es h a n d L o ca l If you like tasty baked goods, homemade pasta, or seasonal fruits and veggies, follow Jeanne Drouilhet to the Downtown State College Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, a nearby fix for buying fresh, healthy foods.

Every Tuesday and Friday from May to November, Locust Lane is overtaken by vendors and shoppers of all ages. In addition to what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect from a farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; like fresh produceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you can find pasta, bread, soap and even tiedyed T-shirts at the State College Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market.

Why not just go to the grocery store?

First, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for the local economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a multiplier effect,â&#x20AC;? says Russell Chuderewicz, a Penn State economics professor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For every dollar thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spent at the Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, more than a dollar is injected into the local economy.â&#x20AC;?

Barrie Moser, one of the vendors and owner of Moser Farm, said the Market supports his interest in farming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We live for the Market,â&#x20AC;? says Moser. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The farming and harvesting parts can get hectic.â&#x20AC;?

Environmental benefits are another perk. Instead of potatoes traveling in a fuel-guzzling truck all the way from Idaho, they come from much closer.

And, of course, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget

12 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

the tastiest benefit: the food. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You tend to buy very nutritious and fresh foods at a farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dominated by produce,â&#x20AC;? says Jill Patterson, a Penn State nutrition professor. With such a healthy selection, you can get fresh, great-tasting, good-for-you food and can ask the farmers questions so you know exactly what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eating.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a wide variety of seasonal fruits and veggies, including some that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t often see at the grocery store. For example, the Moserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Produce stand offers a more exotic pick, the African Horn Melon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fascination, a hobby,â&#x20AC;? says Moser. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to try new things.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re good conversation starters and they taste good.â&#x20AC;?

For more information on the State College Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, visit statecollegefarmers.com.

For more information on local Pennsylvania farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s markets, visit buylocalpa.org.

If you have a food allergy, grabbing a quick dinner on campus can be stressful. You may think, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What can I eat? How exactly is the food made?

What about cross-contamination?â&#x20AC;?

Penn State Food Services can answer all of these questions with the dietary food programs it provides. It works with students suffering from nut, egg, soy, milk, fish or wheat allergies.

Celiac disease is an allergy to wheat, barley, rye and oats, according to celiac.com. People who suffer from celiac disease have to avoid all of these foods, which contain gluten, because they damage the small intestine.

A gluten-free program is featured in Findlay, South and Pollock Dining Commons. Students can take advantage

of this opportunity by contacting Michele Newhard, the Special Programs Training Coordinator for Penn State Food Services, to discuss their dietary needs. After meeting with the staff, students can simply call ahead prior to their arrival at these dining commons and receive a gluten-free meal. Glutenfree pancakes, soup, pasta, pizza, cookies and brownies are all available upon request.

Newhard works closely with both the staff and student dieticians to provide safe dining options for glutenfree students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Penn State Food Services staff is required to take a training course and pass a test every five years in order to stay up-to-date with food

safety regulations,â&#x20AC;? says Newhard.

The programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main challenge is the lack of students who come forward with their dietary needs. Newhard says that in order for future dietary programs to grow, more students with food allergies need to speak up and take advantage of the dietary programs currently offered.

If you have a food allergy, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to let Penn State Food Services help you choose something deliciousâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not dangerousâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for dinner.

Contact Michele Newhard at mln4@psu.edu with any questions regarding campus dining options if you have food allergies. beauty & health 13

The Freshman 15 is a scary thought, even after freshman year. To prevent those 15 or more, Christine Bove, with the help of Lisa Wendel, director of Residential Dining at Penn State Food Services, shows you how to make healthier choices in the dining commons.

Photo credit: Food: Ann Sciandra; Zuma:Jennifer Rockwell

The Best & Worst of Penn State Dining

Shimmy, Shake, Shape Up!

Join Michelle Turli as she introduces you to Zumba, the latest exercise craze at Penn State, which fuses Latin rhythms and dance moves to help students shape up.

the bad Chocolate Milk Serving: 8 oz Calories: 176 Fat: 5G Bagel with Scrambled Eggs Serving:1 bagel, 3oz. eggs Calories:400 fat: 10.4g Chicken Fritters with French Fries Serving : 7oz. Calories: 417 Fat:18.2g Cheese Pizza Serving:1/8 Pie Calories: 359 Fat:11.5g Killer Chocolate Cake Serving:1/18 cake Calories:378 fat:16.3g Creamery Death by Chocolate Ice cream Serving:1 cup Calories:340 fat:20g

14 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

the good Chocolate Soy Milk Serving: 8 oz Calories: 110 FAT:3.5G english muffin with scrambled egg whites Serving: 1 muffin, 3 oz. eggs Calories:188 fat:1.6g Grilled Chicken Breast With Sweet Potato Wedges Serving:1 breast, 3oz. wedges Calories: 242 Fat:4.9g roasted veggie whole wheat flatbread Pizza Serving:1 slice Calories:119 fat:5.5g chocolate chip cookie Serving:1 cookie Calories:139 Fat:6.5g Creamery chocolate frozen yogurt Serving:1 cup Calories: 260 fat:7g

When most students hear the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;class,â&#x20AC;? they think of books, tests and being forced to stay awake. But fitness classes like Zumba do just the oppositeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; they attempt to energize the mind, warm up the body and get students moving.

Jill Garrigan, Penn Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitness program coordinator, describes Zumba as â&#x20AC;&#x153;fitness meets entertainment.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just a class, thoughâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is, as noted in the Zumba instructor training manual, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fitness Partyâ&#x20AC;? that combines â&#x20AC;&#x153;fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the bodyâ&#x20AC;Śto achieve a unique blended balance of cardio and muscle-toning benefits.â&#x20AC;?

This Latin-inspired dance class provides gym members with the opportunity to get fit using a â&#x20AC;&#x153;dynamic, exciting, exhilarating and effective fitness system,â&#x20AC;? as described in the Zumba manual. Penn State added the Zumba program to its fitness schedule for the 2010-2011 school year to complimentthe classes it already offered.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a natural collision between entertainment and fitness,â&#x20AC;? says Garrigan, adding that the fitness classes need to compete with the sophisticated machines in the gyms.

Once the volume turns up, dancers jump into traditional Latin dances like salsa, merengue and reggaton, where they are encouraged to shimmy their way to fitness.

Though Zumba dance classes provide a fun workout, Garrigan reminds members not to give up their regular strength training or cardio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you add entertainment to fitness, you tend to lose the intensity of the exercise,â&#x20AC;? Garrigan says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zumba allows you to re-energize your fitness program, but should not replace it.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just the carefully-crafted dance moves that have everyone in a crazeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the atmosphere. Zumba generates a â&#x20AC;&#x153;culture changeâ&#x20AC;? for fitness classes at Penn State, according to Garrigan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no right way to do

Zumba,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a relaxed party, a club-like environment that allows for fun and interpretation.â&#x20AC;?

Brittany Guerin, an assistant fitness coordinator at Penn State agrees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun way to get your mind away from school and academics,â&#x20AC;? she says. She encourages members to give Zumba a try: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come join the party!â&#x20AC;?

Guerin, who is trained to teach Zumba, reminds members in the class to â&#x20AC;&#x153;take a deep breath and go with the flow.â&#x20AC;? The comfortable atmosphere gives students a chance to dance with no fear of being judged. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a dance background to take advantage of Zumba,â&#x20AC;? Guerin says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just remember to have fun and keep moving.â&#x20AC;?

Visit zumba.com for more information, and for more information on available fitness classes, visit the official site of Penn State Fitness at athletics.psu. edu/fitness. beauty & health 15

Photo credit: Julianna Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Splash of Color or a Touch of Blue Vera has Style for a Busy Season and You!

Does winter chill have your hair feeling dry? What about your nails and skin? Christine Bove, along with the professionals at Looks Hair Design, shares quick tips to warm up those troubled areas during the long winter months.

FROST BITE

hair

Authorized Retail Store

236 E. Calder Way State College, PA 16801 814.234.1620 16 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

www.HomeReflections.us

When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re outside, cover your hair with a hatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;preferably cotton, instead of woolâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to tame hat hair.

Look for hair products like Moroccanoil that protect from outside damage.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go outside while your hair is still damp. When drying your hair, use a thermal heat-protecting spray and a quality hair dryer.

Stick to hydrating shampoos and conditioners for extra moisture. Try to shampoo hair every other day, so that your natural scalp oils arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stripped as easily. For finer or greasier hair, put less conditioner on the roots or use a leave-in conditioner to prevent splitting and breaking.

Use shine sprayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;spraying 10-12 inches away from hairâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to prevent flyaways and frizz.

Since hair is more susceptible to damage during the winter, avoid harsh brushing and try using a comb instead.

Braiding hair at night can help eliminate tangles. beauty & health 17

Skin

Keep as much of your skin covered as possible to prevent dry patches.

Instead of limiting pedicures to summer months, get them year-round to maintain your feet.

Use a rich moisturizer with SPF to assist in preventing a flaky complexion.

Moisturize at night, when skin will absorb more of the nutrients.

Always moisturize after bathing and hand washing, while your skin is still damp.

Exfoliate weeklyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not just your face, but any dry areas.

Keep ChapStick handy to prevent cracked lips from the wind and cold.

18 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

nails

To keep your cuticles from splitting and cracking, rub cuticle oil on the outer rim of your nails.

Apply hand lotion whenever possible and make sure to rub it into your nails, too. Do this after bathing and hand washing, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about your toes!

Wear soft-lined gloves outside. This slows down the drying process of your nails and hands.

Wear rubber gloves when your hands are in water for an extended period of time, like while cleaning dishes.

Eat a healthy diet, especially increasing the amount of protein, biotin and folic acid to keep nails strong. Also, drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Keep your nails short, clean and trimmed, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be less susceptible to harm (like an infection). beauty & health 19

best bronzer for: oily skin

best bronzer for: acne-â&#x20AC;?prone Skin

best bronzer for: Normal skin

This cream-to-powder stick comes in three bronzer hues, as well as several shades of blush. It leaves your skin looking lusciously smooth and is easy to apply. NARS The Multiple ($38, sephora.com)

Make and stick to a schedule.

Write down all the things you need to do each day and give them an allotted amount of time. You will be more likely to follow a schedule if it is written down in your planner, on your whiteboard or on a sticky note, rather than just in your head. It will help to keep your thoughts and work organized, so that due dates donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t creep up on you and stress you out.

featured: Sarah Burton

and Ellie Skrzat

to Kick Those Procrastination Habits Out the Door!

Try and get out of bed around the same time every day to put your body into a regular schedule. When you have breaks between classes, try and get your work done for the next day or do the homework that you were assigned in your previous class.

Doing this will help you save time for fun activities and stay on top of your work so you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rushing to do it at the last minute.

two really, really funny girls By haley blum

best bronzer for: dry skin

This bronzer contains no harmful chemicals or preservatives. It creates a flawless glow and comes with the perfect brush to give you the sun-kissed look you want. Philosophy The Supernatural Instant Sunshine Natural Mineral Bronzer ($28, shop.nordstrom.com)

Treat college like a 9-â&#x20AC;?5 job.

entertainment

This bronzing powder has just the right amount of coverage to eliminate shine and still make your skin look fresh. HOOLA by Benefit ($28, sephora.com)

This powder bronzer is oil-free, wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t clog pores and has great coverage. Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer ($24, shop.nordstrom.com)

5 WAYS

Photo credit: Ann Sciandra

BRILLIANTLY BRONZED

Winter white is a thing of the past. Amy Lewis shows you how to choose the right bronzer for your skin type to make that healthy glow last year-round.

Megan Nolan, a junior at Penn State, says that this way works best for her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can easily estimate how much time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need for my work and check things off when I complete them.â&#x20AC;?

Stay on campus.

Even though you plan to get work done in your dorm after class, your room provides many distractionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; the TV, talking to your roommate, Facebook or a short nap are all things that can cause you to avoid your work. Instead, go to the library, HUB or other places around campus to get work done. Mridula Chawla, a sophomore at Penn State, prefers to study in places that are â&#x20AC;&#x153;quiet with bright lightsâ&#x20AC;? because they help her concentrate.

Plan ahead.

If you know you have four exams in coming up, take time to study a little

20 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall 2010 / winter 2010

for each a week or two ahead of time, so you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cramming the night before the test. Reviewing class notes is also an important part of planning ahead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I try and make time to look over my notes from the previous class. It only takes a few minutes, but reinforces what you are supposed to know a little more and makes studying easier later on,â&#x20AC;? says Nolan.

Stay involved around campus.

Many times people who have a lot of free time are more likely to waste it. Put yourself out there and find clubs or sports teams to join, so that you know exactly when you have to complete your work. This will not only help you manage your time, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be able to de-stress and have fun.

By Kathleen Gormley

Ages: 21 and 18 Years: Senior and freshman Hometowns: Kennett Square, Pa. and Harleysville, Pa. Full Ammo Improv: A long-form improv troupe that performs every other Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x153;Long-form requires one word from the audience that catalyzes an hour of scenes based on a monologue about that word. It is 100 percent on-the-spot.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Skrzat Girl talk: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know too many people who genuinely think â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;women arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t funny.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I hear stuff like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so refreshing to see that you have funny females in your improv troupe,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; you know, as if they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist anywhere else.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Burton Favorite comedian: Burton and Skrzat both love Tina Fey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ellie reminds me a lot of [Fey]. Must be why I like her.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Burton Movie of my life would be titled: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If my life were a movie, it would be called something really condescending, like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t top this.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Just kidding! I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even go see that movie. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably be something more like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ellie has a really fun time with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest people.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Skrzat â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tentacles.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Burton

entertainment 21

Photo credit: Ann Sciandra

Behind the Show

The Student Programming Association is responsible for using your money to bring entertainment to University Park. Haley Blum finds out how they book your favorite artist, and why they sometimes canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring your favorite band.

The fate of $1,000 will be determined by a vote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Raise your hand if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

in favor of using an extra $1,000 of our budget to bring an opener for the Reel Big Fish show,â&#x20AC;? instructs Katy Tufts, the entertainment committee chair for the Student Programming Association (SPA).

About half of the roughly 100 students gathered on a late August evening in room 129 HUB raise its hands. Tufts and another SPA chair member count. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, all of those opposed,â&#x20AC;? Tufts says. The other half of the group raises its hands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Would it change anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind if you knew that $1,000 is less than 1 percent of our budget?â&#x20AC;?

Looks like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting an opener.

SPA is a fairly new organization at University Park. Only in its fifth year, the group and its members, recognizable by green â&#x20AC;&#x153;Event Staffâ&#x20AC;? shirts, have managed to bring a slew of well-known musicians, comedians, magicians, and arts and crafts events to campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We literally start from scratch,â&#x20AC;?

Tufts says at the meeting, telling the group about SPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive process of booking shows, from the ideaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception to show night.

As her committee begins to brainstorm months in advance, Tufts

reminds the members that they have to think about what kind of event would be good for the student body, not just about what they personally want to see.

The holy book of SPA has to be Concertideas.com, a website that compiles artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; availability and pricing specifically for university shows.

Ultimately, three to five acts are chosen and sent to a middle agent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Middle agents are agents who can get in contact with absolutely anyone you need,â&#x20AC;? says Tufts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rather than going to call Reel Big Fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to call a middle agent company, which has someone who will call [the managers of] Reel Big Fish and All Time Low and 3OH!3 and see what their availability is and what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to really cost us rather than whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s listed online.â&#x20AC;?

Usually, the middle agent will come back to the SPA chair with a few artists that would work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the summer, it was pretty difficult because out of our top five, none were available. We had to go back to the drawing board,â&#x20AC;? says Kenny Verbos, the LateNight committee chair.

Each SPA committee has an adviser involved in the process. For

22 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

entertainment committee events, Jeff Zapletal takes over negotiations and contracts. Everything from lighting and accommodations to a bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rider (a document from the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent with any specifications required by the band) are discussed and then handed back over to the students to be put into action.

Promotion begins after the marketing committee creates fliers and advertisements. SPA members do everything from selling tickets to buying food for the rider (but all requested alcohol has to be nixed due to university policy).

On the day of the show, greenshirted members lug guitars and other equipment into the venue amid the chaos of setting up the stage, lighting and backstage area. Someone might even have to make a last minute trip to McLanahanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

SPA then stays until the bitter end, after every piece of equipment has been hauled out and the stage is completely broken down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all over, it looks as if nothing ever happened,â&#x20AC;? says Tufts.

Since its inception, members have focused primarily on promoting SPA as an organization as well as on promoting its shows.

Tufts offers some perspective about artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; costs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Day is $500,000 and Dave Matthews Band is $1 million,â&#x20AC;? she explains. Each committee has a whole year of programming to consider, so it canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blow its budget on one or two big-name acts.

Adam Tobey, vice president of Concertideas.com, says an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s asking price can vary heavily depending on many factors, and having enough money to book one of these acts doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily mean it will happen.

Many acts are not looking to book college shows or simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit the desired date in their tour schedule. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Money is not the only reason that artists donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come to a school,â&#x20AC;?

Tobey says.

As more students take advantage of the opportunity to join, the group is expanding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely a pro that there is a wider variety of genres [of musical artists] that will be suggested [for

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

shows] because what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really here for is to appease the student body,â&#x20AC;?

Tufts explains.

But while members are accustomed to being able to volunteer at whatever show they please, things might have to change. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably going to need to be a cap on how many volunteers we actually use for events,â&#x20AC;? she says, which would limit chances for members to work shows.

No matter the size of the organization, though, SPA always welcomes new members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our meetings are open and they can join anytime they want, there are no dues, they can get [into shows] for free,â&#x20AC;? says Fondrk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very democratic; anytime we make a decision, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s put to a vote.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students should know that they are more than welcome to come and give their input on how we should spend their money,â&#x20AC;? continues Fondrk, â&#x20AC;&#x153;because it is their money.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

SPA

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our focus this year, though, is advising other student groups,â&#x20AC;? says Zach Krieger, SPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive director.

Krieger points toward the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission statement and explains that SPA is not just an organization that plans concerts.

The statement says the group exists to provide â&#x20AC;&#x153;diverse activities, programming assistance and resources that enhance the overall campus experience.â&#x20AC;?

Each year, SPA receives its funding from the University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC) after presenting their proposed budget to them in the spring.

SPA received around $900,000 this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It sounds like a huge number,â&#x20AC;? says Tyler Fondrk, director of finance for SPA, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot that goes into it.â&#x20AC;?

Each of SPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s committees gets a portion of the allocation, ranging from Noontimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less-than-$10,000 to LateNightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $400,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For example, the Distinguished Speakers Series gets a large chunk [around $220,000],â&#x20AC;? Fondrk says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but in order to bring names like Ben Stein and Maya Angelou, they require a lot of money.â&#x20AC;?

The money is a portion of the $3.5 million that UPAC contributes to cover a wide range of student activities across campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[UPAC helps with] everything from the Bryce Jordan Center and SPA to subsidized gym memberships and trips around the country,â&#x20AC;? says Mark Donovan, UPACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall chair. UPACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funding comes from the student activity fee that students pay along with their tuition.

So if SPA has such a large budget, why hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it brought Lady Gaga already? Or what about BeyoncĂŠ? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Only a fourth of our allocation actually goes toward actual honoraria, like the costs of bands,â&#x20AC;? says Fondrk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So much money is tied up in production costs, like booking venues.

A lot of people might not realize that.â&#x20AC;?

Students are more than welcome to come and give their input... because it is their money.

entertainment 23

Ann Sciandra

throw a

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Eve party!

If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be in Times Square on December 31, Let Val ley show you how to celebrate the coming of a New Year... State Col lege style. By Ross Marcinizyn FOOD & DRINK

DRESS

DECORATIONS

MUSIC

Make this event a classy affair by providing bubbly drinks like nonalcoholic sparkling juices or champagne for the over-21 crowd. Buy fresh or frozen fruit that guests can add to their drinks. If you are expecting a crowd, set up a punch bowl with slices of oranges, lemons or limes.

Create an elegant and glamorous environment by asking guests to dress in cocktail attire. Girls can wear cocktail dresses, especially sparkling or sequined shifts. Guys should aim for slacks, a button-down shirt and a tie with a vest for extra class. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to pump up the festivity with a big pair of 2011 glasses or party hat, just for fun.

Draw influence from the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Ball in Times Square. Take a trip to Party City and buy one (or a few) glittering disco balls to hang from the ceiling. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to have traditional New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve party favors around as well, like streamers and party horns.

For some more fun, make sure to grab some poppers and silly string for when the clock strikes midnightâ&#x20AC;Śjust make sure to clean up!

Create a playlist of popular songs from the past year. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure which songs to pick, try browsing the Billboard charts or using Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations as inspiration:

For dessert, make chocolate fondue and lay out a variety of dipping options such as marshmallows, fruit or pretzels. Use cheese and crackers or mini quiches for quick and easy finger foods. Set the hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres on platters throughout the room so that guests can snack on their favorites.

24 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

Valley put together local pieces to create striking ensembles for the big night. Check out page 60 for unique ideas that will have you welcoming the New Year in style.

As for the string lights that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come down from the holidays? Leave them up till Jan. 2!

1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alejandroâ&#x20AC;? - Lady Gaga 2.â&#x20AC;&#x153;Babyâ&#x20AC;? - Justin Bieber 3.â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dynamiteâ&#x20AC;? - Taio Cruz 4.â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teenage Dreamâ&#x20AC;? - Katy Perry 5.â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, Soul Sisterâ&#x20AC;? - Train entertainment 25

Dancer: Ann Sciandra

Penn State's Best Dance Crews

TAPESTRY Kelli Dunker

JaDHOOM Rupal Joshi

ORCHESIS Jessica Fulton

TYPE OF DANCE

TYPE OF DANCE:

TYPE OF DANCE:

Tap dancing.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

Forget Indigo.

These Penn State groups give â&#x20AC;&#x153;dance clubâ&#x20AC;? a whole new meaning. By Haley Blum

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of our members are of an intermediate-to-advanced tap dancing level.â&#x20AC;? Auditions are held once a year.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;But a potential member doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to have any dance experience.

Auditions are held every semester.

Modern, jazz and ballet.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Experience varies, but strong technique with high performance quality is required.â&#x20AC;? Auditions are held every fall.

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every tap piece that we learn is choreographed by different members of the company, so everyone brings their own style.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We perform all over campus, but our primary areas of performance are at fusion competitions nationwide.â&#x20AC;?

PENN STATE's INTERNATIONAL DANCE ENSEMBLE Clare Brennan

VOLe Melanie Angle

BELLY DANCE CLUB Liz Medwick

TYPE OF DANCE

TYPE OF DANCE

TYPE OF DANCE

Dance styles from different cultures around the world.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anyone is welcome to join. Since we are an international dance group, we assume no prior experience and teach everything.â&#x20AC;? Auditions only required to perform.

Ballet.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer classes for all levels, so even if someone with no exposure to dance simply wants to take a few beginner classes to learn, they can join our club.â&#x20AC;? Auditions are only required to perform.

WHAT We'RE ALL ABOUT

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Orchesis is the oldest company on campus. We were founded in 1935 and we are fully student choreographed.â&#x20AC;?

Belly dancing.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want to learn the basics, just show up at beginnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; practices.â&#x20AC;?

Auditions are only required to advance to the intermediate level.

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every tap piece that we learn is choreographed by different members of the company, so everyone brings their own style.â&#x20AC;?

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not have strict practice times, but instead offer classes for our members to take.â&#x20AC;?

RAM SQUAD Devon â&#x20AC;&#x153;Swaveâ&#x20AC;?

Saunders, Nikki â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shyoneâ&#x20AC;? Rallo

PENN STATE DANCE ALLIANCE Lauren Sangrey

PSU NATYA Moksah Atluri

WHIPLASH Jenna DeAngelis

TYPE OF DANCE

TYPE OF DANCE

TYPE OF DANCE

TYPE OF DANCE

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We perform more styles than any [other] campus group without sacrificing performance quality. Authenticity to the culture is something we stress.â&#x20AC;?

Hip-hop... with an emphasis on break dancing.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We like to take pride in keeping our club open for every student to be a part of what we like to call â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ramily,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Rallo Auditions are only required to perform.

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;People get to see a lot of the other styles on campus with the different dance clubs, but we are the only one that includes [breaking]. And letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;breaking is a jaw-dropping style that everyone likes to see.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Saunders

26 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

Fusion... focusing on styles influenced

by South Asia and Bollywood.

Jazz, lyrical and some hip-hop.

Various classical Indian dance forms.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we do recommend that [members] have an intermediate level of experience with dancing if they wish to perform.â&#x20AC;? No auditions are required.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We accept anyone who wishes to learn more about the original dances of India, and, through them, the rich cultural history they provide.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very laid back and we like to have a lot of fun! We try to focus on our love of dance, rather how technically skilled we are at it.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hold presentations on the various classical Indian dance forms and the components that go hand-in-hand, such as music and technique. [We also] take the various styles and choreograph an original piece.â&#x20AC;?

Hip-hop.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do recommend previous dance experience to be able to pick up the choreography taught at try-outs, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not required.â&#x20AC;? Auditions are held every fall.

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Audiences really respond to our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; style of hip-hop and we are known as a very enthusiastic group!â&#x20AC;?

entertainment 27

Christian Ragland, University Park Undergraduate Association president, lets Valley take a scroll through his iPod. By Ross Marcinizyn

Photo credit: President: Tiffany Woodall; Self-Improvement: Ann Sciandra

Presidential Playlist

self-improvement communicating green by georgia templeton

featured: rachel barkin

"Imagine ME"Kirk Franklin â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like this song because the artist is trying to get his listeners to imagine themselves without the burdens and cares of the world. Then he shows them that having no burdens is possible through God.â&#x20AC;?

"The Best in Me" Marvin Sapp

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love this song because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talking about how God sees the best in me when everyone is quick to criticize.

This song helps me stay grounded in my leadership.â&#x20AC;?

"I Like" Guy

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This song is an old-school song. I enjoy the beat of the song more so than the lyrics. The song is pretty much about the many things you can like in a woman.â&#x20AC;?

"Show Me a Good Time" Drake â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like this song because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simple song that talks about having a good time. Even though being president keeps me extremely busy, I still try to have a good time.â&#x20AC;?

"Bodies" Drowning Pool

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This song goes back to my days as a high school wrestler. It would get me extra-hyped to wrestle. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such an aggressive song and I love it.â&#x20AC;?

28 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall 2010 / winter 2010

"Never" Mario

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This song speaks to my personality with regard to my love life. I like this song because I know that when I find that special lady, I will never do anything to push or force her away from me.â&#x20AC;?

"Beautiful Lady" Gyptian

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really party too much, but I love reggae dancing. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a real chill kind of guy and this reggae song by Gyptian is a song I would ask a pretty lady to dance with me to.â&#x20AC;?

Age: 20 Year: Junior Major: Advertising with a double minor in rhetoric and environmental science with a concentration in alternative energy and sustainability Involvement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I work for ComRadio and am employed by the College of Communications.â&#x20AC;?

Ruling the Airwaves at Penn State: ComRadio is a student-run, webbased station covering sports, entertainment and news.

Responsibilities: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I manage a sales team of eight fantastic students, prospect new clients, and help manage existing clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accounts.â&#x20AC;?

Why Living a Green Life Matters: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to be able to say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m contributing to the wellbeing of society, as well as the community here at Penn State. I think my living a green life can motivate other studentsâ&#x20AC;?

Environmentally Friendly Career: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Advertising is most effective when you fully believe in your product. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to land a job selling advertising for an environmental or green advertising agency.â&#x20AC;? self-improvement 29

Getting involved around campus is a way to meet new people, improve your community and have extraordinary experiences. Jackie Stare gives you insight into a few organizations to join today!

PAWS En ha n cem ent Proj ect Started last spring, the goal of this organization is to work with Centre County PAWS, a local animal shelter, to help promote and advertise its animals and find homes for them.

The organization also raises funds to purchase toys for the volunteers to take with them when they go to the shelter. To apply to become a member, please contact Jamieson Cox at jac5390@psu.edu.

Ha b itat fo r H u ma n ity Their mission is to build simple and affordable housing for low-income families. Rent-a-Worker is a branch of Habitat for Humanity where people in the community hire members to help out with tasks they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accomplish on their own, such as moving furniture. If Habitat for Humanity sounds like the organization for you, e-mail amj5107@psu.edu or check out â&#x20AC;&#x153;Penn State Habitat for Humanityâ&#x20AC;? on Facebook.

B i g B roth ers B i g Sisters This organization sets students up as mentors for younger children in their community to serve as postive role models. The children range in age from 5-17. Currently there are up to 100 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. To get involved today, call (814) 237-5731 or e-mail the organization directly at bbbsnews@ ccysb.com.

Get involved!

Take a chance and get involved with one of the many clubs and organizations offered at University Park. Showing our pride is something we all care about here at Penn State, so why not also show it by joining something you love and enjoy.

By Kathleen Gormley

Whether you are just learning how to ski or have been hitting the slopes for years, this club welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all levels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ski strictly for fun,â&#x20AC;? says President Lyndsie Smyser. Excellent group rates and transportation make trips more affordable and allow members to travel to new places. Destinations this year include Killington, Vt. in December; Tremblant, Quebec for winter break; Sugarloaf, Maine over Martin

Luther King Weekend; Stowe, Vt. the last weekend in January; Jackson Hole, Wyo. over spring break and Whiteface, N.Y. in March.

The club also has various social events throughout the year, is actively involved in Homecoming, and was awarded two dancers in THON last year. Smyser highly values the friendships sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made through ski club and knows they will last a lifetime.

30 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I look back on my time at Penn State, Ski Club is by far the greatest experience that I have had here,â&#x20AC;? she says. So if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tiny mountains and are ready to meet new people, come out and try Ski Club. To become a member, e-mail lms5363@psu.edu or sign up at psuskiers.com. The website will give you all the information about upcoming trips and meetings.

Opposite Page: Ski Club submitted This page: Tiffany Woodall Photo credit: President: Tiffany Woodall;photo, Self-Improvement: Ann Sciandra

Volunteer U

Riding Solo or Put a Ring On It? As the sun was setting on a small Virginia town one winter evening, Stephanie Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boyfriend dropped to one knee under a gazebo in the park and offered the promise of forever.

This year, Larry, who is from Butler, Pa., is working toward graduation while also planning a wedding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People get a negative idea, especially when they see how young I am and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how long weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been together,â&#x20AC;? she says.

How does she know she made the right choice amid stares, excitement and the occasional pessimistic comment?

She met Joe in high school and he was her first serious relationship. She says they are best friends, but it took working through hardships to prove to her that he was the one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been there for each other through hard times, including the loss of family members, and that has made us stronger,â&#x20AC;? explains Larry (animal science).

Her fiancĂŠ has already graduated, so Larry is still enjoying time on her own while in college. She has fun going out with friends and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no pressure to try to find a guy. But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean boys donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t approach her at parties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tell them Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m engaged and they laughâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til they see my ring,â&#x20AC;? she says.

But she stresses that marriage isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a relationship quick fix. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People should wait before making this big commitment, regardless of age,â&#x20AC;? she warns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you go through hard times and come out a stronger couple, you will be better in the long run.â&#x20AC;?

Meghan Fisher (mechanical engineering) watched her sister accept an engagement ring at the last home football game of the 2009 season, which was personally delivered by the Nittany Lion to her in the stands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My sister and her fiancĂŠ had been dating for such a long time that it was expected,â&#x20AC;? Fisher explains. Her

While Penn State is not your typical â&#x20AC;&#x153;ring by springâ&#x20AC;? school, some girls here are ready to get married, while others plan to put it off.

Two students share their decisions to either make the commitment or wait a little longer. sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boyfriend was looking for a fun opportunity to propose and thought that would be special. The whole family came to join in on the surprise.

Fisher, who is recently single, has no plans of marrying just yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You never know where life can take you and what opportunities there are,â&#x20AC;? says Fisher. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What if you and your boyfriend get jobs in completely different placesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;what do you do?â&#x20AC;?

Being single for now just makes sense for Fisher, who is from Boyertown, Pa. She feels like she has a lot more free time to do what she wants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not looking for someone or searching for my soul mate, but if he happens to come along, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

necessarily say no,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Her parents are supportive of both daughtersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decisions and Fisher believes her sister and her fiancĂŠ are making the right choice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their job situation worked out and they want the same things in life,â&#x20AC;? explains Fisher.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to start a new relationship, make the next commitment or feel like staying single, be sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making the decision for yourself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have no doubts about my decision. Our relationship isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t by any means perfect, but we keep growing stronger,â&#x20AC;? Larry says with a smile.

By Maggie Stuart self-improvement 31

Whether you're a seasoned dating veteran or just starting out, Happy Valley is full of unique date destinations. Ali Prescott found two with serious Penn State spirit.

Counterclockwise from top right: The Arboretum, Nittany Lion Inn, The Arboretum, Whiskerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the Nittany Lion Inn, outdoor seating at the Nittany Lion Inn.

tThe dating game can be confusing.

How do you figure out what you want to do when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already hit up the party circuit and are tired of watching movies?

Where should you take him after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already been to the Creamery, Diner and Corner Room?

The trick is to take advantage of Penn Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lesser-known date spots.

Two such spots are the Arboretum and Whiskerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the Nittany Lion Inn. Be sure to bring your flats, ladies, because this date requires a stroll.

To start off, the Arboretum offers gorgeous scenes to set a romantic moodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially when the leaves change colors. The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens are also a popular destination for Penn State students. The Arboretum is located on the opposite side of Park Ave. from campus, and is next to the Katz building.

The Gardens are open every day from dawn until dusk and it is free to walk through them. The Botanic Gardens have many sections, like the Oasis Garden, which has a lotus pool, and the Rose and Fragrance Garden, which is perfect for a date-night stroll.

After the romantic mood is set, make the move to Whiskerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the Nittany Lion Inn. Luckily for you, this is just a few blocks away from Arboretum.

Whiskerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is located in the back of the

32 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

innâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and not many students actually know that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s there! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very popular with the public and Penn State alumni since we get a lot of business during Penn State events. However, most students donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know Whiskerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even exists, so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attract a lot of younger kids,â&#x20AC;? says Marissa Ferraraccio.

Ferraraccio (senior, advertising and public relations) has been a waitress at the restaurant for almost two years and has seen many people visit and order Whiskerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorites. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the popular items are definitely our famous lobster bisque and the Nittany Lion Inn burger with Whisker fries,â&#x20AC;? says Ferraraccio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the Cobb salad and our quesadillas in addition to Creamery Ice Cream and Creamery Cocktails.â&#x20AC;?

These items donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bust the bank either. The Nittany Lion Inn burger comes with a side of fries and only costs $10. Quesadillas are another favorite and start at $9. Ferraraccio says that another popular choice is the baked mac and cheese, which only costs $9 and comes with two side dishes.

And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling a little full after dinner, you can always take another stroll! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the beauty of dating on campus: Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never short on cute date destinations.

Opposite Page: Jennie Lichtenstien, This page: Kim Yee Article edited by Haley Blum

Date Night: Classic Penn State

BOOK REPORT Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it.

Most textbooks are not page-turners that fly off the shelves as soon as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re released. Here, Jackie Stare gives you a list of amazing reads so that you can take a break from your work when you need it most.

"Sa fe Haven" N i ch o las Spa r ks Pretty-girl Katie has recently moved to a small town in North Carolina, where all the townspeople question her past. She falls in love, but her dark memories continue to haunt her. As the novel progresses, Katie learns that, even in the darkest of times, love is the only true safe haven.

"Eat, Pray, Love" Eliza b eth G i lb ert Part memoir, part travelogue, this is the story of Elizabeth Gilbert, who sets out on a journey across India, Italy and Indonesia. Her process of soul-searching and self-discovery helps readers realize what the important things in life areâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from a slice of pizza in Italy to discovering spirituality in Indonesia.

"Th e H elp" Kath ryn Sto ckett Skeeter is fresh out of college and ready to take on the world, Aibileen is a maid raising the seventeenth child of her various employers, and Minny is the sassiest woman in Mississippi. Set during the Civil Rights movement, this is the story of three women who set out to make a difference in their town and cross the lines that suffocate them.

SPOTLIGHT Eliza b eth M u r phy, th e ed ito r-â&#x20AC;?i n-â&#x20AC;?ch i ef o f Th e Da i ly Co lleg ia n, sha r ed h er favo r ite b o o k with Va lley.

H er e's what sh e ha d to say a b o ut"Th e H otel N ew Ha m psh i r e"-â&#x20AC;?J o h n I rvi n g: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite the incest, rape and suicide, Irving somehow gives â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Hotel New Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a heart. The story follows the Berry family through its several attempts at running a hotel business. Set in the lush landscapes of both New Hampshire and Vienna, Austria, the story is full of rich and engaging characters in the form of the five Berry children. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely not a novel for the faint of heart, but if you can get past all the heartache, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely find yourself laughing, crying and exhaling your way right through to the end without trouble.  I know I did.â&#x20AC;?

Ki rsten Kelly, th e 2011 TH O N Overa ll Cha i rwo ma n, to ld Va lley what's o n h er b o o ksh elf: â&#x20AC;&#x2122;To Kill A Mockingbirdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; [by Harper Lee] is one of my favorite books. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a classic, with a story line and narrator that are still appealing to readers 40 years later.

There are many important lessons about prejudice and doing whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, and the writing style engages you as a reader, encouraging you to grow with the characters.â&#x20AC;?

self-improvement 33

Ann Sciandra

Twitter Your Way To Success

SEARCH

Think Twitter and Facebook are just for fun? Michelle Turli shows you how to utilize Twitter to build unique relationships and makethe most of 140 characters.

;^LL[>P[O=HSSL` Account name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; It is best to use your first name, last name or both, so that people can easily search for you. If your name is not available, find a creative way to still include your name somewhere within your Twitter username.

Discover your â&#x20AC;&#x153;tweetingâ&#x20AC;? purpose. What is the overall theme of your Twitter account? What type of followers do you hope to attract?

Stay true to your profileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall focus by crafting your statuses and profile information so that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re consistent with your purpose.

3URĂ&#x20AC;OH LQIRUPDWLRQ Short, sweet and to the point!

Highlight who you are and your interests in a few short lines.

1DPH 7ZHHW:LWK9DOOH\

IROORZLQJ IROORZHUV OLVWHG

)ROORZLQJ

Get creative and make the most out of your Twitter bio. If you had to express to the world who you are in two lines, what would you say?

Follow relevant Twitter feeds of individuals/businesses who share your common interests.

Post meaningful, easy-to-read content that may engage these followers. Lean towards informative rather than self-serving statuses.

Do not make promoting yourself the primary focus of your account! Promote yourself indirectly through the information you share with others.

Be conversational. Create statuses that facilitate responses from your followers. After all, Twitter is a social network, so get chatting.

)ROORZLQJ

These are the tweeters you choose to engage with. Follow tweeters with similar interests. Since Twitter is all about two-way communication, search for followers who may be interested in the information you have to share! )ROORZHUV

Close the communications loop. If followers choose to engage with your account, be sure to tweet back!

You scratch my back, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll scratch yours: If your followers share engaging information, re-tweet their statuses and be sure to credit them.

Utilize Twitter search sites such as Twellow, TweepSearch, LocalTweeps or MrTweet to increase your Twitter following.

Use #hashtags to increase your visibility. By adding #hashtags to your tweets, you are more likely to pop up in Twitter search engines.

Find a balance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Post frequently so your followers remember you, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overdo it.

34 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

Followers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; These are the tweeters

who want to engage with you.

If they choose to follow you, get conversational! Emphasize building relationships with these users.

Photo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Post a basic, professional photo of yourself. Remember, it is a small thumbnail image, so the simpler it is, the better!

Things Girls Do That Drive Guys Crazy No girl wants to be the one he remembers as the crazy one. Here are a few things that guys say drive them nuts, so you can avoid them and let your cute, charming personality shine. By Jen Kach Admit it: Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pretty good at getting a guy to notice you. You know everything from the style of dress he likes best to his favorite flirting techniquesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but it can be easy to overlook how you act when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re around him. Be careful! Little things like these can be the difference between a â&#x20AC;&#x153;singleâ&#x20AC;? relationship status and a single red rose on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day: Playing Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One thing that drives me nuts is when girls donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like showing they like you. It becomes easier to misinterpret what a girl says or does if sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sneaky about it.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a firm believer that acting mysterious only works in the movies.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Pat Salmon (junior, alternative energy engineering) â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not interested, please just tell me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not so shallow that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to ignore you once I get the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; talk. Being strung along only makes the eventual letdown harder, or, even worse, gives you no closure at all.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Mike Stefanik (senior, hotel, restaurant and institutional management) â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think at the top of my list is reading between the lines when there are no lines to read between.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Ed Jenkins (junior, biochemistry and molecular biology) Acting like a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jersey Shoreâ&#x20AC;? cast member. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really dislike it when girls try to play up their party prowess, like how often they drink or how much they drink. To me, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just incredibly unimpressive, like they have nothing else to talk about.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Jeff Conway (senior, mathematics) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Girls that curse or talk about filth make me really uncomfortable. My philosophy is that a guy should act like a gentleman and a girl should act like a lady.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Pat Acting at all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hate it when you can tell that a girl is smart and she pretends to be dumb.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in something, be interested in it and show what you know

about it. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hide it.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Jeff â&#x20AC;&#x153;It drives me crazy when girls say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; when something clearly is. If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m concerned enough to ask, then it means I want to help. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not asking whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong just for the fun of it, but eventually, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just stop askingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and caring.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Mike Harsh? Hardly. These guys have your best interests in mind, telling you what turns them off so you can step up your game. And they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind adding things they love about you, like how youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the perfect person to go to for a hug and how good you are at seeing the bigger picture. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Girls are cool,â&#x20AC;? says Jeff.

We certainly arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to argue.

Guy's Favorite Chick Flicks A surprising thing that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drive guys nuts? Girly movies!

Mike Buonpane (junior, marketing) â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love Sandra Bullock. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great actress and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attractive. Although the movie has chick flick-y moments, it also has a pretty comedic storylineâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and everyone loves a good comedy.â&#x20AC;?

Ryan Thomas (sophomore, psychology) Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honestly, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classified as a chick flick...The story lent surprising depth to [Elleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s] character when it just as easily could have mocked her ditsy sorority-girl exterior.â&#x20AC;?

Christian Ragland (senior, political science and sociology) â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was so funny because even though they were trying to put a comedic spin on it, that actually happens in real lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;playing the games.â&#x20AC;? self-improvement 35

Fireworks: Ann Sciandra

Party with Caution Going out late with friends, party-â&#x20AC;?hopping through State College, tailgating for football and midnight Canyon pizza can all be fun, but what happens when danger becomes a part of the mix?

By Kaitlyn Knopp The lights are dimmed and the smell of pizza fills the air. Kids are stumbling around and the music is so loud itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to think. The atmosphere is hot and heavy with the promise of unpredictability as well as of ridiculous stories to share at brunch tomorrow.

Although personal safety has been taught to them since kindergarten, many young men and women forget the essentials.

Tyron Parham, deputy director of University Police, notes his horror over how lax kids are toward the â&#x20AC;&#x153;hookupâ&#x20AC;? culture and toward sexual encounters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One scenario I remember, last fall,â&#x20AC;?

Parham says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this female student had exchanged phone numbers with this guy, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re texting on their walks home...I think theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d met at Canyon Pizza or somewhere...so while theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both going in opposite directions theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re texting each other. Next thing you know, they say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well, hey, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get together.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; So next, you know, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in either his or her room, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just met within that hour. And now theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in one of their rooms, and now there is nonconsensual sex happeningâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we [the police] are thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wow. How does that happen?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Parham is one of many officials to notice a change in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitudes toward sex and alcohol. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true at Penn State and other campuses is that alcohol and

other drugs are involved,â&#x20AC;? Peggy Lorah, the director of the Center for Women Students, says of sexual assaults on campus.

"Trust your instincts," Lorah says. "Pay attention to the things that say, "I need to get out of here.

"It's OK to leave.

Lorah, who has been at Penn State for eleven years, helps sexual assault

36 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

victims get back on their feet.

With careers so invested in handling the aftershocks of a sexual assault, Lorah and Parham have advice for women going out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go out with friends,â&#x20AC;? Parham says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put yourself in your room with some guy, or in his room alone, while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been drinking.â&#x20AC;?

Parham repeatedly states the importance of friends, citing the traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;go out together, come home togetherâ&#x20AC;? rule. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We see students that go out in groups of six (or pairs) at the start of the night and come home separate,â&#x20AC;? Parham says, noting this is exactly the opposite of what they try to teach young women.

Parham says the idea of going out with friends means going with people who know how their friends behave without the influence of alcohol and who can watch out for potentially bad situations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some point where friends have to take over and say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hey, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had too much, start hanging out with us again, you know that guy could be getting the wrong idea,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Parham says.

Lorah also elaborates on the need for students to simply be aware. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trust your instincts,â&#x20AC;? Lorah says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pay attention to the things that say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I need to get out of here.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK to leave.â&#x20AC;?

Both Parham and Lorah confirm that sexual assault does not have specific preventions or cures beyond awareness and the buddy system.

Being aware includes keeping an eye on friends and monitoring their alcohol intake. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also wise to always have someone know where you are and who you are with.

When it comes to sexual assault, it is important to remember that just because girls dress to impress and sometimes straddle the skimpy line with their outfits, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t justify a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advancing sexually without permission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In our community, most of our sexual assaults do not occur down alleys,â&#x20AC;? Parham says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They do not occur because the girl was wearing high heels, a miniskirt and makeup. I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stereotype.â&#x20AC;?

Rather, most assaults occur to females under 21 years old, are in a familiar location, and are committed by an acquaintance who is under the influence.

Which makes it difficult for women to handle assault and to report it, Lorah says. When they report it at all, that is. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes sense to me why victims wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t report,â&#x20AC;? Lorah says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many people think that false reports of sexual assault and rape are commonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not.â&#x20AC;?

A shocking percentage of sexual assaults go unreported, which Parham says makes it hard to put a finger on

the exact number that occurs. Most experts agree that only one in every three assaults is actually reported.

Parham and Lorah both see girls refusing to report because they do not want to get the man in trouble.

Lorah explains this feeling, saying women do not want to be troublemakers and so they blame

"In our community, most of our sexual assaults do not occur down alleys.

They do not occur because the girl was wearing high heels, a miniskirt and make-â&#x20AC;? up. I think that's a stereotype." themselves for being at a certain place, at a certain time, with certain peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; which is irrelevant to what happened. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Victims often hear, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well, you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been there, you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t report this, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ruin his life,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Lorah says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[As women] we are socialized to take care of men.â&#x20AC;?

She adds that stigmas about sexual assault come not only from men, but also from women.

Men sometimes have the tendency to question whether the victim was a willing participant or not, while women tend to question the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensibility, morals and intelligence. Lorah explains that this behavior is a way for men to justify their actions, and is a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m different. That could never happen to me.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Victims are never responsible for

what other people are doing to them,â&#x20AC;?

Lorah says.

Parham whole-heartedly agrees, often frowning and shaking his head as he explains how people view victims and the assumptions victims make about getting help. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, there is a stigma within our society, in a way. I think people think that when they call the police, the one and only thing they want is prosecution or law enforcement,â&#x20AC;? Parham says.

Parham stresses that this is untrue, calling the entire process â&#x20AC;&#x153;victimdriven.â&#x20AC;? He explains that, since billing is taken care of by the University, the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even need to be notified if the she is over 18 years old. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole aspect of getting people in trouble?â&#x20AC;? Parham says, furrowing his brow, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This guy has just victimized you and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re worried about getting him in trouble?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Lorah also stresses the need for friends to support a woman who reports an assault. Friendship, Lorah says, is the key to safety and protection.

Parham agrees, explaining that most assaults are not seen as such until explained to friends, probably in a Sunday morning gossip session about what happened during the previous nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From our experience, most of the time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the friend who says, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You were sexually assaulted.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the student who has the light bulb go off,â&#x20AC;? Parham says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve confided in someone very close to them.â&#x20AC;?

Parham and Lorah both affirm that the most important thing a woman can do is tell someone when something happens.

This usually means having to trust someone enough to tell themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whether family, police, a counselor or, most often, a friend. Parham in particular stresses the need to be a friend in order to have a friend to go to in such a situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole trusting others thing,â&#x20AC;?

Parham says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is huge.â&#x20AC;? self-improvement 37

STAY HAPPYIN THE VALLEY Stress is defined by the MerriamWebster Dictionary as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.â&#x20AC;?

As this broad definition implies, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to take care of your body and mind by keeping stress levels to a minimum. Here are some simple tricks to turn any gray sky blue...no matter what the weather or current course load has in store.

Black Tea: Coffee often spikes cortisol levels, thus increasing stress in any situation. People who drink black tea recover much more quickly from a stressful situation and feel less jittery.

Food for Thought: Certain foods have been proven to reduce stress, as explained by a report on WebMD. Here are some foods to incorporate into your diet to increase happy-golucky feelings:

Press On: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides a step-bystep acupressure method to relieve stress on the go, at home or in the library stacks:

Complex carbs: Whole-wheat grains and cereals increase serotonin and even out blood sugar levels.

Oranges: Doctors suggest that oranges, which are heavy in vitamin C, regulate stress hormones as well as boost immunity.

Magnesium: Found in spinach, soybeans and fatty fish like salmon, magnesium is a regulator of cortisol, the stress hormone released by the adrenal glands.

Use Pale Indigo: According to the Color Therapy Healing Professionals, this color is recommended for libraries, bedrooms and dorms for its sedative effect and representation of divine knowledge.

Back of skull: Interlace fingers and rest hands, thumbs down, behind the head at the base of skull. Then, take thumbs and press where they fall on either side of head.

Middle of Forehead: Feel the brow ridge for a sensitive point directly between the eyebrows, then press and hold.

Move and Groove: According to a University of Maryland Medical Center

38 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

report, exercise is not only essential for better blood pressure and a healthier heart, it is also a useful distraction from stress.

Stop and Smell the Roses: According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, when a person is stressed, his or her breathing becomes rapid and shallow. In order to counteract the stress response, breathe deeply a couple of times to tell the brain to calm down.

Feng Shui: According to MedicineNet, an online resource for doctors, there are certain ways to arrange a room to decrease stress and increase relaxation.

Feng shui is based on energy flows, so here are some easy ways to increase your roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zen: Place the head of your bed against a wall to add a sense of stability and increase sleep.

Hanging thingsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a picture, flag, etc.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;causes a person to look up more, which lifts attention and simultaneously lifts energy levels. Hang up a plant, mobile or pretty lights to lift your mood when you enter a room.

Photo credit: Left: Magda Krawczyk; Right: Ann Sciandra

Penn State is one of the happiest places on earth, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t things that can make us blue (and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean face paint). Kaitlyn Knopp shares some proven tricks to keep the good times rolling and your spirits flying Penn-State high.

culture&diversity

broadening horizons By maggie stuart

featured: lia Peralta

Age: 20 Year: Junior Hometown: Bergenfield, N.J. Major: Public relations Celebrating Cultures: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Penn State Filipino Association allows me to share my culture.

People think cultural clubs are very exclusive, so I wanted to get involved with Penn State through my position as THON Chair.â&#x20AC;?

Mission Statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To spread cultural awareness and foster relationships with different types of people.â&#x20AC;?

Touching Lives: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gave a speech last year. A friend came up to me afterward, saying how touched he was because his mom was battling cancer. I realized that no matter how much money we raised, I was making a difference.â&#x20AC;?

Penn State Life Lessons: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was once given an assignment to do something out of my comfort zone, so I attended a Hindu religious service. I think everyone should be exposed to something new. Those experiences are helpful for embracing diversity in the real world.â&#x20AC;? culture & diversity 39

Opposite Page: Ann Sciandra, This page: Natalie Husiac

Not Your Average College Class

Livin' La Vida Local

add some spice to your schedule! becky perlow found ten classesthat will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Safety First FOR 497D** Think Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, except that in this class, you learn how not to kill someone.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn primarily about chainsaw safety instructions, maintenance and operation. Note: EVERY STUDENT WILL USE A CHAINSAW. What a Beautiful Bouquet HORT 352** Remember when your date picked you up for prom with a heinous-looking corsage in hand and you thought it was his fault? The art of flower arranging is harder than it looks. In this course, learn about floral design and how to create beautiful bouquets. The best part? Each week, you will walk away with a new arrangement.

A Quick Trip to wine country HRIM 311** No one will believe it when you tell them that Penn State lets its students drink in class. This wine tasting course aims to educate students about the history of wine, the places it is made and the different types available. Students must be 21 or older to take this class.

The Big Ten COMM 498E** Finally, an excuse to follow football during class. With the help of your classmates and Penn State Public Broadcasting, you will create and produce a new series to air on the Big Ten Network, a sports television network that reaches 40 million households each year.

CSI: State College FRNSC 201W** All those hours youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent watching crime dramas are about to pay off.

In this class, students investigate five staged murders on campus and see what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to be a real crime scene investigator. Utilizing witness interviews, studying â&#x20AC;&#x153;bloodâ&#x20AC;? spatter and bullet trajectory, and ripping apart cars after a mock car crash are only some of the exciting adventures that await students as they attempt to develop hypotheses about the crime.

Rock and Roll INART 200** The Prince of Pop has nothing on the King of Rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roll. Despite being dead since 1977, Elvis Presley continues to hold a candle in all of our heartsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;how else could he have made $52 million between October 2007 and October 2008? (Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than he made while he was alive!) Upon completing this class, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to impress your parents and friends with trivia about the Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and the legacy he left behind.

It's a Green World Out There ARCH 497C* With the world obsessed with making an effort to go green, it should come as no surprise that Penn State is getting in on the action, too. In this course, students salvage and reclaim old building parts and learn how to recycle and incorporate them into new architecture.

40 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

YLGD ORFDO ODXD

Walk on the Wild Side SOC 406** When you begin this class, the line is clear between â&#x20AC;&#x153;usâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;themâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;them being the social deviants who believe they were abducted by aliens, adults who advocate sex with children, S&M enthusiasts, suicide bombers and white supremacists. As you begin to learn more about these controversial subjects, they might seem a little less unusual.

The Fungal Jungle PPath 120 * If you tell your friends that you are taking a course in mushrooms, they might get the wrong idea. Better to wait until the end of the semester and share all the new, practical lessons youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned, like how mushrooms affect the ecosystem and how different fungi can be dangerous for humans and insects.

Not "my Little Pony" ANSC 457 * Be sure to wash your hands after each one of these classes, since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn to collect semen from a Penn State stallion, artificially inseminate a mare and help with the birth of a new foal. * Offered fall semester ** Offered fall and spring semesters Semester offerings are correct for the 20102011 school year as of print time. Some classes require permission of program.

A customer repeats the rumors sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heard as she walks into Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new location in Aaron Plaza. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is closingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;how can this be?â&#x20AC;?

Owner Elaine Meder-Wilgus tries to explain the downtown situation: Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has been a big store, with many incarnations, for over 30 years.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a part of State College since 1973, with used and new books, music, and the ever-popular coffee shop.

Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has always considered itself more than just a coffee shop. It has become a part of residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives, and its impact is even more obvious as it goes through its next transitional phase.

Outside the old Allen Street location, a line of customers and their dogs wait for a nice cup of Fair Trade Coffee. The walls are covered with various fliers announcing meetings, clubs, entertainment, music and just about everything else.

Check the walls of Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for something to do this weekend. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perspective Meder-Wilgus wants to encourage with the free-form advertising hot spot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[People] know to look here for quality and unique entertainment,â&#x20AC;? she says.

And if quality and uniqueness is what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for, the cafĂŠ itself is something to consider. The food is local, organic and made from scratch.

To cut down on its carbon footprint, Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supports small, local growers rather than factory farms.

Meder-Wilgus explains that they work to â&#x20AC;&#x153;develop the relationship from the farm to the table.â&#x20AC;? Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even serves as a meeting point for local farmers to deliver their produce to community members.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re grabbing a treat,

taking a study break or visiting a professor, Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is a great place to just hang out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity for being, not just consuming,â&#x20AC;? Meder-Wilgus says.

One step off the sidewalk transports you to another world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most businesses focus on getting peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money and chasing them out the door. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that, which might be the flaw in our business plan, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worked for as long as it did,â&#x20AC;? says Meder-Wilgus.

Student reactions to the Allen Street closing prove that, to them, Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is more than â&#x20AC;&#x153;just a business.â&#x20AC;? Many describe how they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit in at Penn State and how Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helped them find a home and transition to a new place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love it here,â&#x20AC;? says Tierra Oliver (junior, crime, law and justice), who has gone weekly since she was a sophomore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such an original environment and the people are so friendly.â&#x20AC;?

Meder-Wilgus says that Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is a place where stereotypes can be broken. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People think you have to have a Mac or be of a certain intellectual status [to enjoy it], but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case. Even if Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for everyone, it still welcomes everyone.â&#x20AC;?

Meder-Wilgus recognizes how much the shop has become a part of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where people met their friends, where townsfolk met students and vice versa,â&#x20AC;? she says.

And people, once again, can come together in the new Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location, with a larger space, more books and a performance area for events.

Because, as Meder-Wilgus says, nothing brings people together as well as â&#x20AC;&#x153;books, coffee and tea.â&#x20AC;?

By Maggie Stuart

Local before â&#x20AC;&#x153;localâ&#x20AC;? meant â&#x20AC;&#x153;trendy,â&#x20AC;? Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bookstore CafĂŠ has remained true to its community roots. But how does the only independent bookstore in State College, through its ups, downs and transformations, stay in business and retain its values?

culture & diversity 41

Looking for a recipe to break up the Ramen Noodle monotony?

Student Komal Dudhat lets Christine Mouser take a peek at one of her favorite quick and easy Indian recipes.

Chole (Chickpea Curry)

Servings: 2-3 / Preparation & Cook Time: 30-45 minutes Ingredients 1 medium-sized onion 1 (8 oz.) can of tomato puree 3 cloves of garlic 1 teaspoon of ginger paste Oil (canola/vegetable/sunflower) 2 (16 oz.) cans of strained chickpeas ½ teaspoon of turmeric ½ teaspoon of cumin powder ½ teaspoon of cayenne powder A pinch of black pepper 1 teaspoon salt A pinch of paprika Optional garnish: chopped onions, lemon and cilantro Possible sides: naan, pita bread or rice

Directions

1. Put onion, tomato puree, garlic and ginger paste into a grinder and grind until smooth.

2. Pour a little bit of oil into a large pan. Sautee the mixture from the grinder for 5 minutes before adding in the 2 cans of chickpeas.

3. Add the turmeric, cumin powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne powder and paprika to the mixture.

4. Mix together and let it sit on medium heat for 10 minutes.

5. Take off of heat and garnish with lemon, chopped onions, and cilantro.

6. Eat with naan, pita bread or rice. Enjoy!

While this dish is from the northern part of India (Punjab), Dudhat, a senior Life Science major, is Gujarati, with roots tracing back to northwestern India. Her parents immigrated to the United States about 25 years ago, with $120 to their name, in search of opportunity and a better place to raise a family. Dudhat and her brother were born and raised in America, but she has still managed keep her Indian culture present in her daily life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My culture makes me unique,â&#x20AC;? says Dudhat, who is from North Wales, Pa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indian culture brings diversity to my life, gives me a new outlook on life and, most importantly, helps me stay connected with my entire family.â&#x20AC;? And one way that Dudhatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family keeps their culture alive is through cooking. While her mom loves to cook and try new recipes, Indian food is usually the main focus, something that Dudhat doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind one bit.

42 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

Photo credit: Left: Tiffany Woodall; Right: Kim Yee

Cultural Cuisine

Girl on a Mission Deep inside the tiny country of Honduras, in a remote village tucked away in the mountains, student Aubry Regan donated her time and hard work as part of a 10-day mission trip to the impoverished nation.

A transfer student from Penn State Behrend, Regan (senior, rehabilitation human services) wanted to get involved on campus and joined a group of volunteers on a public health brigade to Honduras. The mission of the trip was to integrate sustainable ways of living into the area.

Last January, Regan and her fellow volunteers took off for Honduras and arrived in the capital city of Tegucigalpa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Going into the capital, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure what to expectâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and then you see Pizza Hut or Burger King,â&#x20AC;? says Regan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But then you realize that there are so many differences compared to our country. The city might be industrialized, yet many of the people arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t clothed properly. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of an extreme imbalance.â&#x20AC;?

During the day, Regan and her fellow volunteers taught a childhood education program, with various lessons about personal hygiene presented in the form of funny skits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best moments were definitely interacting with the kidsâ&#x20AC;? says Regan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe their lives arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to be as monetary- or things-oriented as ours, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just as happy. That memory of us being there, for just a little time, is going to last them forever.â&#x20AC;?

After a lunch break, Regan switched into hardcore construction worker mode.

At the construction site, Regan would spend five to six hours a day mixing bags of cement for flooring, building a water storage unit and digging holes to be filled with outhouses.

These empty holes proved to be an adventure for Regan and the local children. One little boy jokingly slid

Christine Mouser sits down with student Aubry Regan, who recently went on a mission trip to Honduras.

Read on to discover her inspiring story.

into a hole, getting stuck at the bottom.

Regan went to grab him, underestimating how tiny he actually was. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went to pull him up, and he just shot out of the hole!â&#x20AC;? says Regan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So then all of the kids started lining up and jumping in the hole, and I had to pull each of them out. The best moment was when they were all in the bottom of the hole, waiting for me to get them, yelling â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aub-e-wey!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; because they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pronounce my name.â&#x20AC;?

Having to leave was heartbreaking for Regan. She began to question what

would happen after she went back to her daily life. But she gained an important insight from her experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all have to become extreme humanitarians,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, being human, we have the obligation to take every chance to help one another, even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [just] a smile or holding the door for someone.â&#x20AC;?

For more information about Public Health Brigades to Honduras at Penn State, contact Aubry Regan at aar5111@psu.edu. culture & diversity 43

It's Friday evening, and you're getting ready to go out. The more you think about it, the less you want to go to that party, that bar or...the library. Instead of your usual plans, try some of christine mouser's ideas to spice up your weekend.

Photo credit: Left: Ronald Lopez; Right: Julianna Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley

Switch Up Your Weekend Plans!

Step aside â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glee,â&#x20AC;? Christine Mouser gives you the lowdown on the real deal, student a cappella group, the Pennharmonics.

spotlight on: The Pennharmonics

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into live music and cinema, then you need to check out the State Theatre. This non-profit venue has become a haven for those looking to discover new music or to watch their favorite artist hit the stage in an intimate setting. In the past, the State Theatre has brought artists such as Brandi Carlile, Ingrid Michaelson, Matt Nathanson and more. The State Theatre also provides the area with independent, documentary and foreign films that are usually absent from your typical movie theatre. Check out statetheatre.org for upcoming events.

no. 1

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling extra antsy, take advantage of the Big Apple Express, a round-trip bus service to and from New York City that Fullington Trailways provides for the area. For those of you without a car, this is a great optionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as long as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re willing to shell out $70 for a weekend in New York City. Just hop on the bus on a Friday after your classes, arrive in the city by 7:30 p.m., and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back in State College by Sunday night. Not in the mood for the hustle and bustle of the city? Fullington Trailways also stops at several other destinations, one of which is probably close to home!

Check out fullingtontours.com for more information.

no. 2

44 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a fan of recreational activities, make the short trip to Tussey Mountain for the evening during the winter.

Tussey Mountain offers skiers and snowboarders seven trailsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ranging from beginnger to advancedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to glide down. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to ski? Not a problem. Tussey Mountain offers group and private lessons every day. If agility isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your thing, the mountain also boasts a snow tubing park, which features a thousand-foot-long snow tube lane. Grab a bunch of your friends, buy some night passes and enjoy the evening from a different altitude.

Visit tusseymountain.com for pricing, location and bus route information.

no. 3

Sounds like a perfect plan, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it?

Last year, the mega-hit television show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gleeâ&#x20AC;? introduced over 10 million viewers to a uniqueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;albeit somewhat skewedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;representation of a cappella music. Pennharmonics member Erin McCullough counts herself a fan but points out why the Pennharmonics are doing it the right way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Glee,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; but it is a lot different from us because we do all of the music ourselves,â&#x20AC;? says McCullough, a senior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They sing a lot more choraltype music, and they use the band, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not really a cappella. But theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kind of targeting it, which is great for us, because it gets people to have more interest in our group.â&#x20AC;?

So what exactly is a cappella musicâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and, more importantly, who are the Pennharmonics?

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pennsâ&#x20AC;? stepped out on the scene in 1993 and has been putting its definitive twist on songs ever since.

Pennharmonics Director Ali Zambanini, senior, explains that the members use only their voices to imitate the sounds of instruments.

They have a vocal percussionist who replicates the sound of a drum set, keeping everyone in perfect beat. With the backing in place, a soloist sings over the others, creating a song made up exclusively of human voices.

Being a contemporary a cappella group, the Penns perform songs that are popular with a wide variety of audiences, selecting from many different types of genres. Zambanini says the material stretches from radio-friendly hits to classic jams, with oldies, gospel and 80s music also making occasional appearances.

Member Rachel Rivera highly encourages everyone to stop by one of the Pennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just such a fantastic, creative atmosphere, and I think that this creativity needs to be seen by everyone on campus,â&#x20AC;? says Rivera, a junior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes for a great vibe. Everything is pure and the arrangements are created specifically by the members.â&#x20AC;?

Their songs are performed at four concerts a year, along with other gigs such as those at the Convocation, Old Main and Career Services, among others.

Last year, one high-profile gig included NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sing-Off,â&#x20AC;? a reality a cappella show, for which the Penns were asked to audition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the audition we were missing quite a few group members, and we just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sing what they were looking for,â&#x20AC;? says Zambanini. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we tried to be different and sing songs that we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think everyone would go for.

They did contact us this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I think they really wanted to give us another shotâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but we were just too busy.â&#x20AC;?

And theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re definitely busy. During the summer, the Penns go on a weeklong tour, sometimes putting on two to three shows a day. This tour helps finance the shows they put on for the rest of the year. The shows pull in a big community crowd, and this past year was even larger, partly due to the monstrous success of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glee.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honestly, since â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Glee,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; it [attendance] has been really noticeable,â&#x20AC;? says Zambanini. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids were running up to us saying, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh my gosh! This is just like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glee,â&#x20AC;? we love â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glee!â&#x20AC;? Do you want to sing the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gleeâ&#x20AC;? version of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stop Believingâ&#x20AC;? with us?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I just appreciate that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting people interested.â&#x20AC;?

But what really sticks out about the Penns is the special camaraderie they share, which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hard to notice when peeking in at their rehearsal. Sophomore Kerry Brunner counts that bond as the best part of the Pennharmonics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been great getting to know everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this is my family,â&#x20AC;? says Brunner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m great friends with every single one of them and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the added bonus of getting to sing with every single one of themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and sounding pretty good too.â&#x20AC;? culture & diversity 45

we are...

All Penn Staters

written By Jen Kach

cover and cover story Photography by Ann Sciandra

46 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

Panhellenic Council President Sara Linkosky tells Valley about her rise to the top, her advice to readers and why the Penn State Greek system is more than meets the eye.

Sara Linkosky would give Elle Woods a run for her money.

Both are sorority women who exemplify leadership and work to break stereotypes. As president of Penn Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panhellenic Council, Linkosky strives to be a positive force for the Greek community on campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like I am here to serve the chapter presidents and the chapters on this campus, to make decisions based on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their best interest,â&#x20AC;? she says.

As president, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the link between the Greek community and the rest of the student body. She works with the Panhellenic Council executive board to create a sense of community among the different sororities at Penn State.

Linkosky also works closely with Max Wendkos, Penn Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Interfraternity Council president, and as the two heads of the Greek community, they are responsible for overseeing the entirety of Greek life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sara knows the exact way to behave in any of a thousand different situations,â&#x20AC;? says Wendkos, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and I think that is a large part of what has made her such a great Panhellenic Council president.â&#x20AC;?

Linkosky and Wendkos have also become good friends during their time on their respective boards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During our year in office sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become a great friend and she will definitely be someone that I keep in touch with after I graduate this fall,â&#x20AC;? continues Wendkos.

Both Linkosky and Wendkos are responsible for overseeing everything from recruitment policies to Homecoming and beyond. At the time of our interview, formal sorority recruitment was in full swing.

Formal sorority recruitment is run by the national Panhellenic Council,

Linkosky explains, which is made up of representatives from each of the sorority chapters across the country. The national council puts forth the rules that prevent â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirty recruitingâ&#x20AC;? and make the process as equal as possible.

Linkosky provides an example: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no frillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy, which means you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give gifts [during rush],â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very strict.â&#x20AC;?

She contends that many people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand the rules of recruitment, and therefore have a biased opinion of it. Each of the various rounds has its own budget to ensure that no chapter spends more money in trying to bring in potential new members, or PNMs. The PNMs are also given identical black T-shirts so that they can be evaluated on how they will fit into a particular chapter, not on how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dressed. It creates an even playing field, which is a stark contrast to the snobbish sororities depicted in movies like â&#x20AC;&#x153;The House Bunnyâ&#x20AC;? and television shows like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greek.â&#x20AC;?

As the face of Penn Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s female Greek community, Linkosky knows firsthand the kind of stereotypes that surround sororities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I met last semester with a bunch of members of the [State College] community,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember talking about how my chapter [of Pi Beta Phi] completed over 1800 hours of community service this year and [the person I was talking to] said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know you were so involved in the community.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

The misconception about sororities can impact recruitment as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think a lot of girls are apprehensive about joining sororities because of what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard or what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in the media or pop culture & diversity 47

culture,â&#x20AC;? she explains.

This fall, though, a record breaking 800 girls are going through recruitment. No doubt thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partly due to the work Linkosky and the executive board have been doing since she was elected last fall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making great change!â&#x20AC;? she says.

Lynn Hope, Pi Beta Phiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adviser to the president and chair of the alumnae advisory committee, agrees that Linkosky is working hard to make positive changes within the Greek community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me, the overriding quality that drives Sara is her passion for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what is right,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and she stands up for it,â&#x20AC;? says Hope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I could spell out the expected personality traits of [Sara], prompt, efficient, dedicated, hard-workingâ&#x20AC;Śshe has all of them,â&#x20AC;? Hope continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sara is drivenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;driven to do the best in all areasâ&#x20AC;Ś that sets someone apart from the rest.â&#x20AC;?

One change that Linkosky is working to implement is a move toward educating students about the negative effects of binge drinking. Last fall, Linkosky arranged for representatives from each of the Panhellenic chapters to set up 1,700 green flags on the HUBRobeson lawn in support of the Gordie Foundation, an organization that aims to raise awareness about underage drinking and hazing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The idea was actually introduced to me when I was president [of my chapter] by my vice president, who knew Gordieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family personally,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gordie [Bailey] was in his third week of school at Colorado University when he died from a binge drinking episode at a pledge event.â&#x20AC;?

Gordie Day was what she terms a â&#x20AC;&#x153;reality check,â&#x20AC;? since it fell the week after the unexpected death of freshman Joseph Dado. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a program that I believe could benefit every student at Penn State,â&#x20AC;? Linkosky says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is my goal to spread it to other organizations on campus, and hopefully require all Penn State students to view the corresponding video, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Haze,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; upon entering their freshman year.â&#x20AC;?

Underage drinking hits home for Linkosky, who lost a friend from high school in a related event.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a very personal thing for me and my group of friends from [home] at Penn State,â&#x20AC;? says Linkosky. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the time immediately following Lauraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death, I thought a lot about how many students have an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m invincibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attitude about themselves,â&#x20AC;? she explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Such tragedies like Lauraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death, and the death of Joseph Dado, should remind Penn State students not to take their young lives for granted. We have all been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to attend a prestigious university, and while we most certainly should enjoy ourselves while we are here, we must

48 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

also keep in perspective the value of life and how easily it can be cut short.â&#x20AC;?

Linkosky has high hopes that the Greek community and Penn State as a whole will take advantage of the opportunities that have been given to them here in Happy Valley.

Linkoskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to Penn State is especially interesting given the fact that she was determined to get her degree nearly 300 miles away! â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really wanted to go to UVA [the University of Virginia],â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved the prestige of the name.â&#x20AC;?

Fate, though, had other plans.

Linkosky and her mother visited both

the Penn State campus and the UVA campus in the same day, but by the time they were ready to head home from State College, she knew sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d found her school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember walking down Beaver Avenue and thinking to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I hope I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get accepted anywhere else.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; It just felt right,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Linkosky was actively involved in her high school (she was the editor of the newspaper, as well as the student council secretary, a varsity cheerleader and the captain of the varsity softball team), and she continued to be so at Penn State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I got accepted to Penn State, my dad said to me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You have the potential to be really influential on that campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;...I literally did not believe him until I started getting involved here,â&#x20AC;?

Linkosky recalls. She began writing for the Campus and Metro sections of The Daily Collegian and, after getting some information from a friend, decided to join a sorority.

Her rush experience, though, was not exactly what sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been expecting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got pneumonia halfway through it and had to leave campus!â&#x20AC;? she says.

She ended up missing recruitmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second round, where each sorority puts on a skit for its PNMs. It was a stressful time for her, even though she had a pretty clear idea of where she wanted to be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was no guarantee that I was going to end up in any chapter at all,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to the parties [the term for recruitment meetings], they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know who I was!â&#x20AC;?

Little did she know that, not only would she be accepted into Pi Beta Phi, she would eventually go on to become the chapter president, which turned out to be a pretty tough job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was legally liable for every single member of my chapter, had to correspond with nationals, worry about the new member periodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whether our new members were ready to be initiatedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and do initiations,â&#x20AC;? she says of her experience as chapter president.

But she loved the job, and ultimately went on to become Greek Sing chair, overseeing the yearly musicals the sororities and fraternities perform for charity.

A position on the Panhellenic executive board seemed the next logical step. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a lot of great ideas and I had already established myself as somewhat of a leader in my pledge class,â&#x20AC;? she says.

She was leaning towards the Programming committee when she spoke to some of the members of the outgoing board.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sara knows the exact way to behave in any of a thousand different situations, and I think that is a large part of what has made her such a great Panhellenic Council president.â&#x20AC;?

They told her that they felt that her strong leadership skills would best be served as president. When it came time for elections, it was obvious the other chapters agreed.

A nd sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glad that it worked out this way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been the best year ever. The opportunities that are given to me are just amazing. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten to meet a lot of people I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I would have gotten to meet otherwise,â&#x20AC;? she says.

That includes Damon Sims, the Vice President for Student Affairs at Penn State, as well as President Graham Spanier himself.

Linkosky has become a powerful presence on campus, and she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trade it for anything. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My experience as Panhellenic president has been unbelievable,â&#x20AC;? she

says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just been a whirlwind and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming to a close.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just her experience in the Greek community that this senior political science major holds close to her heart; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s her entire time here in Happy Valley. She stresses the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity and always upholding Penn State pride. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the Glory, basically,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always represent the Penn State community to the best of your abilities. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the No. 1 recruited school in the country. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something to be so proud of.â&#x20AC;?

In a fitting display of just this kind of pride, she follows up her last statement with a chuckle and a soft, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take that, UVA!â&#x20AC;?

As for advice to her fellow female Penn Staters, she invokes the advice of her grandfather: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your actions reflect on your character,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you act in good taste, then you come off as being a very attractive, well-mannered, respectable woman.â&#x20AC;?

As Linkosky wraps up her term as Panhellenic president, she hopes that she has left the Greek system in good standing with the Penn State student body.

And the people that Linkosky works most closely with believe that she has done just that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope that Sara has improved the Greek system. I know that was her goal,â&#x20AC;? says Hope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a saying about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;time will tellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and I do think she has made her mark on it.â&#x20AC;?

And Linkosky has a special message for you, Valley readers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Live it up and make the most of everything,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are beautiful, talented young women with opportunities right in your hands, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever sell yourself short.â&#x20AC;?

Inspirational words from an inspirational leader, to be sure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The one thing I wanted to do coming into freshman year at Penn State was to find a way to make a difference,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope I impacted the Penn State community in a positive way.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty safe to say that, indeed, she has. culture & diversity 49

Photo credit: Right: Ann Sciandra

Collegiate Couture by elysia mann

fashion

featured: danna gabel

Finish  across  Nittany  Lionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;  50  yard  line.  Legends  have  crossed  this  line.  Now  is  your  chance.

Run  the  Race  of  a  Lifetime.

Beaver  Stadium  5k  Run  &  Family  Fun  Walk Blue  and  White  Weekend Sunday,  April  17,  2011 3URFHHGV EHQHÂżW 6SHFLDO 2O\PSLFV 3HQQV\OYDQLD Discounted  pre-­registration  fee  of  $20  for  students  ends  December  31,  2010.   To  pre-­register,  e-­mail  BSR@specialolympicspa.org  with  your  name,  the  code  â&#x20AC;&#x153;50yardline,â&#x20AC;?  50 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall 2010 / winter 2010 and  mention  that  you  saw  this  ad  in  Valley  Magazine.

o'rourke Age: 19 Year: Junior Major: International Politics and English First fashion-related memory: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Visiting the costume gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the books upon books about fashion my father bought me after seeing my fascination.â&#x20AC;?

Style icons: â&#x20AC;&#x153;First and foremost my mother, who taught me everything I know and continues to be my go-to-lady for anything fashion related. I love Marilyn [Monroe] for having, embracing and loving her curves--she taught me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about class, wearing what flatters you, and knowing that above all else, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fabulous!â&#x20AC;?

Describe your style: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Classic with the right amount of funk.

I tend to buy a lot of black and anything animal print that I can get my hands on. A girl has to have her staples. Beyond that, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll buy pieces that strike me as interesting, and very trendy items just to keep up with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a la mode.â&#x20AC;?

Shoes, bags or jewelry: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I fervently believe that shoes make or break the outfit.â&#x20AC;? fashion 51

Jean Shopping:

Less Simple Than it Seams

This is theValley girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to inseams, fades and back pockets.

Tips for everyone: 1. Go dark! An indigo wash is flattering on everyone.

2. Just because a fit is trendy doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean your body is the right shape for it. Skinny jeans donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t flatter all girls, nor do cropped boyfriend jeans.

Pick a pair that emphasizes your best assets and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

3. Denim is not limited only to pants. Shirts and dresses in the indigo material are incredibly stylish this fall and are perfect to layer with thick, cozy knits come winter.

52 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

No butt?

Petite?

Bodacious babe?

Pocket detailing was made for you! Pick jeans with pockets that sit high on your tush to prevent dreaded pancake-butt.

Pocket flaps are also a classic addition to your favorite pair.

Stick to a longer length inseam so your bum doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get even more diminished by super-tight fits. A higher-rise fit will also keep your pants from falling down...always a plus!

Flat pocket straight leg jeans (Miss Me, Connections, $88)

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid of skinny jeans! Both the classic darkwash on the left and the torn up light-wash shown above, are perfectly paired with fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stylish boots. Keep in mind that rolling and cuffing will only give the illusion of shorter gams. Dark wash skinny jeans (Free People, Connections, $88), Light wash distressed skinny jeans (Free People, Connections, $88)

You lucked out: This season, flares are back in a big way.

Stick with stretchy styles to look current and stylish, not frumpy. Longer inseams will make your stems look long and lean. Also, the further forward the outer seam is, the more flattering your jeans will be! Wide leg jeggings (Free People, Connections, $88)

By Elysia Mann fashion 53

pirited ree sspirited ffree

T-shirt (renee c., Access, $38), Sweater (Topin, Access, $76), Earrings (Sydney Mac, $2), Bangles (The Rag and Bone, $15-24), Jeans (Paige Denim, Access, $58)

Photography by Ann Scianda Styled by Elysia Mann and Julia Nguyen 54 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

fashion 55

Knit leggings (M Rena, Access, $34), Sweater (Doki-Geki, Sydney Mac, $26), Faux fur vest (Jack, Mr. Charles, $60), Earrings (Sydney Mac, $2), Bangles (The Rag and Bone, $15-24), Shoes (Modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own) 56 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

fashion 57

Dress (Monoreno, Access, $44), Scarf (Access, $26), Moccasins (Modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own)

58 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

Dress (Moon Collection, Access, $46), Crocheted scarf (Nemesis, Access, $28), Flower pin (Access, $19), Suede belt (The Rag and Bone, $14), Wooden bangle (The Rag and Bone, $24) fashion 59

no. 1

Photo Credit: Julianna Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley

What to Wear: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most outrageously fa bulous holiday of the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

By Elysia Mann

no.2

in style! the New Year ff o rt a st to be sure

no. 3

head-to-toe jewel tones

the classic feminine dress

.PYS` [V\JOLZ SPRL Y\MÃ&#x2026;LZ TL[HSSPJZ `V\Y TVZ[ Ã&#x2026;H[[LYPUN JVSVY VY [OH[ WLYMLJ[ Ã&#x201E;[ ^PSS LUZ\YL `V\»SS Z[HUK V\[ >OH[L]LY `V\ JOVVZL [Y` JHWWPUN P[ VMM ^P[O H UL^ IYHJLSL[ VY WHPY VM ZOVLZ [V THRL `V\ MLLS ZWLJPHS HUK JLSLIYH[VY`

@V\ HSYLHK` OH]L `V\Y MH]VYP[L SP[[SL ISHJR KYLZZ ZV PU]LZ[ PU H Z[\UUPUN ULJRSHJL WV^LYM\S J\MM VY KL[HPSLK LHYYPUNZ [V THRL H IPN PTWHJ[ ;OYV^ VU ZVTL ZSLLR Z[PSL[[VZ HUK IL WYLWHYLK [V HJJLW[ SV[Z VM JVTWSPTLU[Z

;Y` IHSHUJPUN `V\Y V\[Ã&#x201E;[ IL[^LLU \S[YH MLTPUPUL HUK IV`MYPLUK Z[HWSLZ 7HPY H ISHaLY ^P[O H Ã&#x2026;V^` ZPSR` [VW MVY H JOPJ SVVR 4P_PUN [YV\ZLYZ ^P[O H KLSPJH[L [HUR JYLH[LZ HU LJSLJ[PJ JVTIV [OH[ PZ Z\YL [V Z[LHS [OL ZWV[SPNO[

7VPZVU 1LNNPUNZ 1VL»Z 1LHUZ (JJLZZ )YPLSSL ;\UPJ 1VL»Z 1LHUZ (JJLZZ 5LJRSHJL (JJLZZ :\UI\YZ[ 9PUN (JJLZZ ([VUL /LLS 4HKKLU .PYS ;OL :OVL )V_

+YLZZ ;\SSL (JJLZZ 9PUN *VUULJ[PVUZ 6J[VW\Z *\MM *VUULJ[PVUZ 2HTPSH 7\TW 4HKKLU .PYS ;OL :OVL )V_

+YLZZ -PUHS ;V\JO *VUULJ[PVUZ 5LJRSHJL (JJLZZ ([VUL 7LLW ;VLZ 4HKKLU .PYS ;OL :OVL )V_

)SHaLY 5LJLZZHY` 6IQLJ[Z (JJLZZ ;HUR 3\ZO :`KUL` 4HJ :RPY[ *YPZ[PUH :`KUL` 4HJ 3LNNPUN (J[P]L )HZPJ :`KUL` 4HJ 2HTPSH 7\TW 4HKKLU .PYS ;OL :OVL )V_

>OVL]LY ZHPK ^LHYPUN VUL JVSVY PZ H UV UV VI]PV\ZS` KPKU»[ RUV^ OV^ OV^ Z[\UUPUN QL^LS [VULZ JHU IL )` WHPYPUN HU HTL[O`Z[ WHPY VM ZRPUU` WHU[Z ^P[O H ZPTPSHYS` O\LK [VW `V\ JHU»[ NV ^YVUN 0[»Z SV^ RL` Ã&#x2026;H[[LYPUN HUK ZPTWSL

60 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

statement accessory

no. 4

the masculine twist

fashion 61

Photo credit: Left: Jennifer Rockwell

overcoming the ugg epidemic

2

Ever feel like whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your closet is exactly whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in everyone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s?

Anita Oh shows you how to add some simple alternatives to your wardrobe to help you stand out from the crowd.

1

3

5 4 1. North Face Fleece: Look around on a typical winter day and you will see a sea of North Face fleeces. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so popular that Penn State even made its own version and you can now find similar fleeces proudly displaying our own Nittany Lion.

Instead, try this fashionable yet functional peacoat by BB Dakota ($136, Mr. Charles). 2. American Apparel Hoodie: When comfort meets bright colors and style, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wondering why hoodies are so popular. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to throw over a T-shirt and wear everywhere. For a little more variety in your wardrobe, try Alternative Apparelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flash dance hoodie ($38, Mr. Charles). Its off-the-shoulder cut and front pocket design keep you warm and looking cute! For a longer, slouchy cardigan look, try Alternative Apparelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terry zip up ($68, Mr. Charles). 4. leggings: Are leggings pants? Well, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a trend on the rise that ensures you never have to ask yourself that question again. Say hello to jeggings! Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re as comfortable and stretchy as leggings but they look just like your favorite jeans. Pair these Rock & Republic knit jeggings ($148, Access) with a slinky cotton tee for class or a chiffon top for a Friday night social. 5. uGGs: Since Penn State winters last from October all the way through April, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only fitting that we live in our sheepskin boots. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure your closet, and your feet, will appreciate a little variety every now and then. Try Steve Maddenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bonanza boot ($89.95, Barefoot) with skinny jeans and a sweater dress for a casual-chic look, or with black jeans and a loose silk top for a night out.

62 rrr)q\gg`th\b\udi`knp)^jh ȸ fall / winter 2010

63

5twenty 7 Men’s & Women’s Apparel

214 East College Avenue

814.235.6927