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The opinions expressed in these blogs are solely those of the people who wrote them, and do not represent the views of WPSU or Penn State University.

Live Local Music

Most Anticipated Hip-Hop Albums of 2012

Posted by David Porter Callanan on 02/08 at 06:06 PM

In 2011, it seemed that nearly everyone in the hip-hop game released a noteworthy project. Debut albums, long awaited releases, collaborative projects and promotional mixtapes made 2011 a year to remember in hip-hop. This year should be no different. Before kicking off my list of the most anticipated albums for 2012, let me clarify some things. This list will not be including any albums which have not been confirmed by artists or record labels (including Dr. Dre’s long awaited Detox) and no albums that are considered pop albums (Nicki Minaj’s Roman Reloaded.) Also the list will be in no particular order because it unfair to rank albums that have not been released or even leaked.

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Local Food Journey

Pulling Summer from the Freezer when it’s Freezing Outside

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 02/07 at 11:09 PM

During my garden harvest season, which stretches from summer through much of fall, I preserve a lot of what we get from our backyard in two ways—canning and freezing.

I like to do both because of cooking flexibility. You can do a lot of great things with canning: sauces, relishes, pickles, etc. But freezing for me tends to be about just the vegetable/fruit.

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Live Local Music

Artist to Watch: Young the Giant

Posted by Matt D'Ippolito on 02/07 at 10:00 AM

Indie rockers Young the Giant might not have made MTV’s list of artists to watch in 2012, but after making waves with their debut album in 2010 and a new one in the works, they’re definitely one of industry’s rising stars. Some Penn State students have even speculated the band might be one of Movin’ On‘s 2012 headliners, having been present on the festival’s surveys last semester.

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Live Local Music

Jon Simmons SPA Noontime Concert Review

Posted by Christopher Will on 02/06 at 08:55 PM

Jon Simmons of Balance &Composure graced the HUB-Robeson center with his presence this past Friday, playing a 40-minute acoustic for S.P.A.’s Noontime Series.  For those who don’t know, Balance & Composure is a five-piece indie rock outfit from Doylestown, PA.  Burrowing themselves within the roots of the emo rock music of the early 2000s, they channel some of the most influential bands of that era, such as Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Saves The Day, and Senses Fail.  Those influences were made even more palpable on Friday, as Simmons stood with an acoustic guitar, churning out slow, bruised acoustic ballads.  His wounded vocals, backed by the guitar, gave added power to the lyrics of his songs.  His confident stage presence also spoke to his legitimacy as an artist.

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Local Food Journey

Rustic Italian Fare at Harrison’s

Posted by Emily Wiley on 02/03 at 10:29 AM

In addition to the regular local menu at Harrison’s Wine Grill in State College, the restaurant is also featuring the flavors of rustic Italy during the month of February. Beginning today, sample a salad of arugula, fresh pear, and Pecorino; veal ravioli with fresh sage brown butter; seared sea scallops with whipped potatoes; and polenta with berries. Download the full menu. 

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Live Local Music

Jon Simmons to play Friday SPA Noontime Concert

Posted by Christopher Will on 02/03 at 10:00 AM

Who: John Simmons (from Balance and Composure)
When: Friday, February 3, 12PM
Where: Penn State HUB-Robeson Center, Study Lounge (above Panda Express)

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Live Local Music

Lana Del Rey’s “Born To Die” Album Review

Posted by Christopher Will on 02/02 at 06:06 PM

Grade: B+

Lana Del Rey.  If you’ve heard her music and seen her performances, then you probably have a strong opinion about her.  There really is no middle ground for the pop starlet.  She has been beset by controversy and scorn since she gracefully touched down onto the YouTube music scene last August with her single “Video Games,” which has garnered over 24 million views since.  The song and music video scored her a record deal with Interscope, the scorn and praise of millions of blogs across the Internet, and unfortunately, even lawsuits. Her transition from a bleached-blond, jazz-pop artist with a failed debut album to the retro-pop, brunette seductress surrounded by worldwide hype has also sparked rumors of plastic surgery and selling out.  Her live performance on SNL left many people completely disgusted, and her legitimacy as a musician has been questioned time and time again. Her debut album Born To Die, which dropped January 31st, has been praised as one of the most anticipated albums of 2012.  Scores of critics have been skeptical about this release, wondering if Lana Del Rey’s debut will live up to the hype and attention that’s been amassing the past few months.

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Local Food Journey

Parsnips Recipe Contest

Posted by Emily Wiley on 02/02 at 10:47 AM

Parsnips are root vegetables, similar to carrots, and are one of the few pieces of produce available locally in Pennsylvania during the winter. They are buttery and slightly spicy and get sweet when cooked. Parsnips are commonly broiled, roasted, or cooked in soups and stews. Let us know how you prepare parsnips by sharing your favorite recipe this month. Submit your recipe for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Tait Farm Foods.

Continue reading for some of our favorite parsnips recipes.

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Local Food Journey

Farming for the Future

Posted by Emily Wiley on 02/01 at 11:09 AM

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture’s (PASA) 21st Annual Farming for the Future Conference begins today at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. Each year the conference gets bigger and better. Discover successful tomato growing techniques, take back the means of beekeeping, reclaim leftover landscapes, raise healthy chickens, and more. See the full workshop agenda and follow PASA on Facebook and Twitter for updates throughout the week.

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Local Food Journey

Roasted Potato Salad

Posted by Emily Wiley on 01/30 at 03:52 PM

Tomorrow is the last day to enter our potatoes recipe contest! How do you prepare Russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, fingerling potatoes, and new potatoes? Share your recipe for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Nature’s Pantry.

Looking for inspiration? Continue reading for my favorite potato salad recipe.

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Live Local Music

Artist on the Rise: Kendrick Lamar

Posted by David Porter Callanan on 01/27 at 02:55 PM

Kendrick Lamar is a hard spitting lyrical wordsmith that hails from Compton, California. Although the city is known as the birthplace of “Gangster Rap,” Kendrick’s style is more insightful to everyday life and culture in Compton as opposed to just the gangsta aspect. One fan described him as having the consciousness and lyricism of Lupe Fiasco with the presence and charisma of Pusha T. I couldn’t agree more. Kendrick was signed at the age of 16 by his current record label Top Dog Entertainment (TDE). Along with label mates Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Ab Soul, they form the group “Black Hippy,” who have called themselves the new “Westside Connection.”

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Live Local Music

Local Bands to Know: Flashback Forward

Posted by Matt D'Ippolito on 01/26 at 05:00 PM

Student rockers Flashback Forward are tired of the same old, same old in State College. That’s why the band is trying to invigorate the local music scene with its own brand of hard rock, something members of the band say is missing here.

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Our Town

Our Town: Nanty Glo Off To A Great Start!

Posted by Whitney on 01/26 at 09:57 AM

With about 20 members of the Nanty Glo community in attendance at yesterday’s meeting, Jessica and I are thrilled to begin working on the 65th episode of “Our Town.” We heard some amazing story ideas—-many about the rich history and culture, but also about the revitalization efforts currently underway and the great work of local service organizations. With so many folks in attendance at our kick-off meeting, it’s clear to see this is a community that cares about its town and its neighbors! We cannot wait to learn more.

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Live Local Music

Local Bands To Know: Runaway Heroes

Posted by Christopher Will on 01/26 at 02:37 AM

With such a large and diverse student body, Penn State University flaunts a brilliant local music scene among students, composed of young men and women with innovative minds and exceptional talent.  However, very few acts have shown as much promise so early in the game as the indie-rock outfit Runaway Heroes. With singer/songwriter/guitarist Ryan Fox (sophomore – advertising), bassist Collin Edger-Smith (sophomore – engineer), singer/guitarist Zane Matsko (sophomore – English), singer/lead guitarist Nate Spilman (sophomore – business), and drummer Mike Hickman (freshman – economics), Runaway Heroes showcases a novel brand of alternative rock, brimming with musicality and meaning.

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Local Food Journey

Why Organic? Part 1: Introduction

Posted by James Eisenstein on 01/25 at 01:09 PM

My brother, a witty fellow indeed, never misses an opportunity to respond to my every utterance of the term “organic food” by saying that he much prefers it to inorganic food like rocks and plastic. His response follows a long tradition of cleverly tormenting his little brother, but it also revives my suspicion that many people don’t actually know what “organic food” is or why anyone would want to produce it or consume it. If this sounds like you (or even if it doesn’t), read on.

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