[ Updated Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 ]

The markings are somewhere on Nicole Fawcett's forehead: 19-19. They're there, all right, just look hard.

Students studying abroad next semester can now connect with friends, get a job and keep up with the news without leaving their desk, "escritorio" or "scrivania."

As some students tapped keyboard keys in a computer lab yesterday, across the hall Audrey Romano was jamming on the multi-colored fret buttons of a plastic guitar.

They yelled. They screamed. They waved their hands and stridently argued their positions.

Relegated to a wheelchair, Joe Paterno made his first public appearance yesterday since he broke his left leg in a sideline collision during Penn State's Nov. 4 loss to Wisconsin.

An Information Technology Services (ITS) committee is exploring the possibility of decreasing the number of computers in Penn State's open labs by up to 25 percent over the next five years, an ITS official confirmed yesterday.

Because of state funding, the University Park Airport is now $500,000 closer to building an air traffic control tower, something the airport currently lacks, Kate Philips, Gov. Ed Rendell's spokeswoman, said.

Safety and efficiency aren't cheap, the State College Borough Council said.

Students studying abroad in the spring will be facing higher costs than last year because of Penn State's tuition hike and the weakness of the U.S. dollar, Penn State's director of education abroad said.

News in brief

Feature Photo

Action on and off the mats can attribute to the high level of excitement around the Penn State wrestling team this weekend.

The No. 3 Penn State ACHA Division I Icers (16-2-0, 16-1-0 ACHA) are nearing the end of the first half of the season, but before getting to rest and reenergize, they face a difficult challenge this weekend.

With all that was made of Amber Harris this week, the girl opposite her in the post seemed to get lost in the mix. During her press conference on Wednesday, Penn State head coach Rene Portland lauded Xavier's freshman sensation.

With a look of obvious concern on her face, Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland admitted she was trying to figure out a way to contain her.

If there were ever a time to play a complete game, the Penn State men's basketball team would like it to be tomorrow afternoon against Seton Hall.

My Opinion: Andrew Staub

Sports in Brief

UPUA: Town hall meetings are forums for debate

My Opinion: Kevin Doran

My Opinion: Chris Mueller

• Decision to fine for trash 'unacceptable'
• Obesity is an epidemic
• Password regulations are not unreasonable
• Iraq mission is worthwhile
• Trash policy is 'senseless'
• Password security is vital

Murder, mayhem and mind control -- Iris Johansen's new thriller, Killer Dreams, has all three in abundance.

I can't lie, I initially went to see the movie Happy Feet for the music. But as I sat there watching the beginning credits roll, I thought for a second that I was in the wrong movie theatre. Hugh Jackman? Nicole Kidman? Elijah Wood? Robin Williams? Apparently this was an all star cast reincarnated into a troop of Emperor Penguins.

Tenacious D is the greatest band ever.

Lots of mainstream rap's merit can be based on how well the rappers can make tired topics seem new again.

This weekend, Centre County will have the chance to celebrate the holiday season and to relax for 12 minutes during Winter Daydream, a dance choreographed by Ann Van Kuren.

As the fall semester draws to a close, those bored with the local music scene or with State College nightlife in general can find refuge in tonight's Asylum concert in the Pollock Rec Room.

Last year, the Toys for Tots foundation delivered more than 18.5 million toys to nearly 7.4 million children -- and this year, Penn State students are setting out to increase that number.

The bar scene