Blue-White rap contest to start today

Blue and White Weekend's first Rap Contest will be narrowing down its top eight finalists to the final four through rap battles that will take place at the HUB-Robeson Center starting today.

Today through Thursday from noon to 12:30 p.m., each rapper will perform before a panel of judges on a stage set up at the bottom of the stairs in the HUB. The first round will be today with Spudd McKenzy versus DJ Fraudjack; round two is tomorrow with D-HO versus Yung Canon; round three is on Wednesday with HUSH versus Nicky B; and round four will be Thursday with Nate Ca$h versus Mafioso.

The contest required all contestants to enter a video performing a rap about Penn State football, which were then posted online at GoPSF.com and voted on by viewers. These competitors fighting for the top four spots will be performing the raps they submitted. The four finalists will then perform in the last round at 6 p.m. Friday on a stage set up outside of Beaver Stadium.

Tickets still available for charity raffle

Today is the last chance to buy tickets in an ongoing raffle fundraiser to support Penn State student Cory Wincek.

Wincek was critically injured when the railing outside his University Terrace apartment allegedly collapsed on March 31, 2006, and he continues to recover from the injuries sustained by falling from his second-floor balcony.

Individuals who wish to support Wincek can buy $5, $10, or $15 tickets at Eddie's Bicycle and Sport Equipment, 480 E. College Ave., until the winning tickets are drawn at about 5 p.m. this evening. Eddie Magulick, owner of the bike shop, said the funds for the raffle now total about $2,500. Prizes include an $850 bicycle, $500 ice hockey skates, or a $200 hockey stick. Winners can choose to accept gift certificates of comparable value.