Snap, Crackle, Pop - The Daily Collegian's arts blog.

Throughout history, art has always taken on characteristics of its creator, surroundings, and general time period. Now, those three are combined even more literally into a form called "interactive installation work" by digital artist Camille Utterback.

Essentially, Utterback creates an atmosphere with a screen that reflects and reacts to the movement of whoever is standing in the room with it. Her different pieces range from abstract to more concrete, but "it feels like the visuals are just responding to your body very seamlessly," she said.

A video on wired.com explains what Utterback is doing by messing with boundaries of light, video and technology to create a new type of art.

Code:

- Jenna

So, I recently came across another amazing video. Actually, I'm more amazed by this man and all of his work than just one video. His name is Bill Shannon, and apparently he's been out there for a while - he's a hip hop dancer, but he's been disabled since he was a child.

At age 5, Shannon was diagnosed with Legg-Calf Perthese disease, which he says affects the ball and socket joint development in the hips. Basically, the blood circulation to the hips is dramatically reduced, so that the joint bones don't solidify. Thus, any pressure to the hips crushes this softer bone, which is the head of the femur of the ball of the hip. OUCH. I've never heard of this disease, but I sure wouldn't want it - he's been on crutches almost his entire life.

BUT, there is a silver lining. Shannon has overcome almost everything he has to endure to become an amazing hip hop dancer. Yes, on crutches, hence his nickname: Master Crutch. He's even had a video on MTV2, shown below:

This guy's incredible. He's invented a new type of hip hop dance which uses crutches and a skateboard, which he calls Stepping Roll. He said he first created it just to walk long distances when he lived in Chicago - but as we can see, it's evolved a little from that.

His blog is fascinating, so I recommend reading it! Enjoy.

--Robin

One more movie. No more books. A generation of Harry Potter children is entering if not well into its twenties. With all the makings of a series seeping back into history, what does the world of Potter and his friends have left to keep the story alive?

The ultimate preservation of fiction--a theme park.

Universal Orlando Resort, along with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, announced recently that it will open "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" sometime next spring. J.K. Rowling herself and team members from the films are collaborating to make sure the experience is as "authentic" as it can be, according to the Web site's press release.

This authenticity includes many details right down to guests' ability to purchase Extendable Ears at gift shops and drink Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks.

Hogwarts Castle, the centerpiece of the majority of the novels, will feature no less detail than the rest of the park and encompass aspects from all the books in the series.

The park will situated as another island in the Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Fl.

The intricacies and detail put into this entire project will surely make it a completely memorable experience for both old devotees and new generations of Harry Potter fans to come.

-Jenna

I'm not one to spend hours at a time on YouTube searching for funny videos in my spare time (mainly because I have none!), but when a friend tells me I need to see a certain video, I'm interested.

The other day, one of my roommates showed me one of the most amazing Internet videos I've seen - and it uses some of the craziest technology I've been exposed to.

It's a Michael Jackson medley, sung a cappella. There are six vocal parts and one percussionist on the side. The crazy part is that only one person (Sam Tsui - a Yale student) sings all six parts. The percussionist is the only additional person.

Not that crazy? Sure, it's not difficult to record your voice singing one part, play it back, and sing/record the next part over it, and so on. People do this all the time, making solo albums, etc. In fact, my brother is a musician and record entire songs on his own -- playing the drums first, recording the guitar part over it, and then his voice.

But the video is the impressive part. Actually, impressive is an understatement.

This is beyond Photoshopping an extra person into a picture, folks. This guy appears times six in the video, in several different outfits, and even acknowledges his other "selves" around him while he sings. It's flawless. If Jon and Kate had identical male sextuplets -- that could rival MJ, himself, vocally -- they would be Sam Tsui.

Not only is Sam's voice simply incredible (all six of them), but due credit must be given to Kurt Schneider, who arranged the medley and produced the video. I believe he's the percussionist standing off to the side.

This is the work of gods. I needed a sip of water after watching it, because for almost four entire minutes my jaw was on my lap.

Maybe the film geeks out there aren't impressed. Maybe people do this all the time. But I'm filmmaking-illiterate, and it's the most impressive thing I've seen in a long time. I'd lobby to have these guys brought on a daytime talk show.

-Robin Tilley

Can a solitary word standing by itself spark a sentence, a paragraph? Oneword.com thinks so. The site's purpose is "to alleviate our natural tendency to edit everything--and learn to flow."

The site's explanation doesn't give much except that its purpose is not to learn or define new words.

Visitors are prompted with the word of the day and then have one minute to write whatever comes to mind about it. All submissions then get posted and are available to the public to read.

Today's word, "knot," has had about 50 submissions so far, and it grows each time I refresh the page.

I like this site because it's about finding one minute to be creative. It's about writing things that don't need to make sense or need to be logical. Then you get to read how illogical everyone else is too.

What will your minute look like?

-Jenna

While waiting in the Harrisburg train station today, a legend just so happened to walk by me. I made such a quick second look that I think I may have whiplash. There he was, in the flesh, Bill Cosby. For those returning to Penn State, you may remember when Cosby made an appearance in Happy Valley not even a year ago. The Pennsylvania-native was returning home to Philadelphia via train when I met him. I slowly ran up to him (if that makes sense? I was sprinting to him mentally, but needed to slowly approach since he had body guards). It was then I was able to talk to him a bit about Penn State and wish him a safe travel back to Philly. The man is so personable and down-to-earth and is just a joy to be around. Everyone in the station wanted to say, "hello" and after the 20th person walked up to him, I started to feel bad that he was overwhelmed with a mini-crowd (and I am sure he gets that wherever he goes); but he just kept smiling and talked to those who chatted it up with him. He even sang the Temple alma mater with a man in the train station.

Can Bill please return to State for one more show!?

--Cayla Rasi

Unlike sequels to blockbuster hits that go unnoticed in the ratings, Lollapalooza hardly disappoints with its Chicago sequel in Grant Park each and every year. There are drawbacks --the travel time, the obnoxious price for beer, the unrelenting rain and the Sahara-like heat -- but the third degree sunburn is more like a souvenir from one of the year's most enjoyable music events.

Ambition. That is what I think Lollapalooza goers are filled with upon arrival into the center of one of the greatest cities. What does ambition have to do with Lollapalooza one may ask? It starts once the highly anticipated performance schedule is released, everyone starts planning their three-day itinerary. Even those who have embarked upon this journey before have high hopes of making it to each and every stage at the allotted times. We soon find this is hardly the case.

Day 1: Mudapalooza

Perfect example is day one of the festival, with high hopes to attend the festival on time and hear Manchester Orchestra; our dreams were quickly shot down when the train into the city was abruptly stopped because an elderly woman broke her arm. I wish her well.

First day excitement was upon us and then.... it started to pour. After coming to terms with missing our destination we stocked up on the appropriate amount of batteries and caffeine.

We trekked forward; all that really mattered on this day was to be front and center for folk group Bon Iver, who performed one of only a handful of U.S. tour dates.

For those who don't know what being front and center entails, allow me to explain. Front and center means standing and hoping that the two bands prior to the performer you desire to see are halfway enjoyable because you will be there for two hours. Not only will you be standing, but you will be pushing and searching through the crowd for small holes where you can awkwardly push between people to get closer up.

Let's just hope you remembered to go to the bathroom or a kidney infection is coming your way.

After grooving a bit to the jazzy beats of Zap Mama we rushed forward in anticipation for Bon Iver. It started to pour harder. Pet peeve of 2009, Umbrellas. Since when were umbrellas rock and roll? Not only do they block the stage, but they create a downpour during a drizzle for anyone within a foot of the person holding them.

Needless to say it's cold and rainy at this point and not in the good let's chuck mud Woodstock-style either.

The soft croon of lead singer Justin Vernon's voice reminded us all of why it was okay that the man's leg behind us was soggy and sticking to our butt. The great thing about Bon Iver is that little needed to be said about him and although he moved with little energy his voice seemed to electrify the crowd.

It was time to break. It wasn't time to break on the schedule but The Virgins would just have to go on without us. Lollapalooza get's points for their food selection. Where else can you get funnel cakes, veggie burgers, Chinese food, and pizza all at once? Good thing they had Sweet Leaf Tea, there were many festival goers who used it as a perfect mixer to their properly checked and factory sealed "water".

After drying off a bit, Fleet Foxes began. Easily one of the best of the weekend, the crystal clear harmonies of the group on stage left the crowd in shock and awe. There are very few groups in existence who can harmonize at that level and to have the opportunity to hear it live was a true privilege.

We then sprinted over to Asher Roth... Okay, that was a lie.

A little late to Peter Bjorn and John we tried to squeeze forward and get a better ear to the stage. This did not sound like Peter Bjorn and John, our only reassurance of their presence on stage was a girl walking up and asking, "Have they played the whistle song yet?" The sound quality was poor and their musicianship sounded distorted. After they played the "whistle song" known as "Young Folks," it was as if someone yelled fire, because the crowd dispersed immediately after. We left with them, irritated that we missed the highly praised live performance of Of Montreal.

After pushing through mud puddles and sticky people, Andrew Bird's voice was recognized. He performed well and the audience responded accordingly but it wasn't anything worth noting. Many of the songs started off all too similar and eventually meshed into one.

After a day that started off musically enticing it was quickly going downhill. The night started to come upon us and fatigue was setting in. Getting a spot pretty far back, we had no desire to fight through anyone this late in the day. Then Kings of Leon started to play.

During any live performance a little separation between the album quality and the live show is expected. These guys set a new standard.

The quality was impeccable, proving that their sound was hardly processed. Standing in the middle of the city covered in mud and sweat, the group provided perfect sing-along's to a pretty good day.

Day 2: Jamapalooza

Day two started off right. The sun was shining, the temperature was just right and rain was nowhere in sight. We missed The Low Anthem, but nothing could alter our mood on this day. It eventually started with folk singer Joe Pug. It was a standard beginning to a long day, there were a few fans but the grass was mostly littered with those just stopping through.

Los Campesinos! played a large crowd and the group's energy was equal to that of its album. Jumping around and screaming into the microphone it was hard not to feed off their performance.

Breaking a bit early, we headed over to Lollapalooza's newest addition Perry's DJ stage where Animal Collective performed their DJ set. It was nothing compared to their usual quality but it was a fun departure.

Easily the most underestimated performance of the weekend; groovy girl performer Santigold most definitely needed a larger stage. The packed crowd displayed shameless dance moves and the group even brought crowd members on stage. It was a fantastic dance party.

Close by, we headed over to hear TV On The Radio. The group displayed great energy and definitely had the crowd engaged but I was highly disappointed in the way the music translated to a live performance.

It was now time to sit; the sun had started to take its toll. Planting a spot center stage we waited for a little over an hour to hear the Yeah Yeah Yeah's. Less than 10 people back from the stage, it was a huge difference from watching Kings of Leon from the large TV screen the night before.

Lead singer Karen O slowly emerged from backstage in a huge peacock suit and full body paint. Her every moment kept the audience on edge until she abruptly broke out in song.

The crowd went wild feeding off of her every move. After maybe one too many Corona's she forgot the words to one of the band's most popular hit "Maps."

The crowd responded forgivingly and the rest of the show went off without a hitch. She spoke with gratitude and really put on amazing performance, nothing short of what might have been the previously scheduled Beastie Boys in the same time slot.

We are left in disbelief that it's already the end of day two.

Day 3: Burnapalooza

It was probably a poor choice to venture out into the city after the buzz of day two because wakening up for day three was a task. It didn't help that the temperature was near the 100's. A little groggy, we embarked on the last day of our musical journey.

Poor Portugal. The Man. The sun had apparently taken its toll on audiences this day because the crowd response was weak compared to the hard driving rock the group was putting forth. After Portugal. The Man, we literally ran over to catch The Airborne Toxic Event's one hit song. It was what we intended it to be, a hit. The crowd naturally knew every word, and that was probably the only highlight of the entire performance.

At this point the heat is really taking its toll. Vendors are handing out free water, and the Chicago Fire Department has provided a stream of water for people to stand under. All hail the Chicago Fire Department -- that could not have come at a better time.

After a short nap in the nap garden that became most of the park we headed over to Vampire Weekend. It was fun and the few songs we stayed for were satisfying but nothing compared to what was up next.

Possibly the most fun of the entire festival, Passion Pit reignited the sun drained people of Lollapalooza. Despite the smaller stage, the band had the crowd jumping, chanting, and even crowd surfing.

The performance was a reminder of what shows should be and how audiences should respond.

Passion Pit drained what energy we had left. It was time to lie down... again. From a distance Cold War Kids sounded better than expected and part of me wanted to venture out but the sun said no. Within the same ear range as Snoop Dogg and Deerhunter the result was deafening and highly annoying to my already pounding head.

From a distance anyone could tell that Snoop Dogg definitely had the crowd going wild. It wasn't because it was musically profound, more so because...hey it's Snoop. The lead singer of Deerhunter was trying incredibly too hard to be a cynical frontman and his rants between songs were terrible, I was embarrassed for him.

Now came the dreaded decision of the weekend. To see Silversun Pickups or Band Of Horses. I did not understand why the organizers would play such harsh games with my heart but I came to a conclusion; I would watch half of each set. Silversun Pickups were nothing short of spectacular and when the time came to split between the two artists I couldn't pull myself away. Lead singer Brian Aubert's voice drew me in and he spoke in such a humble way it sent shivers through me. He asked the audience to look behind them, "This is a special festival," he said. He reminded us all of what we love so much about Lollapalooza -- being right there smack dab in the center of the city.

With 15 minutes left for Band of Horses I ran the mile through the park to the other end, only to stop once to check out the man illegally climbing in the Chicago's Buckingham Fountain. After arriving at Band Of Horses I had come to find that on the stage adjacent to this one Lou Reed arrived late and played nearly 30 minutes into Band of Horses' set time. Now if anyone has ever met a true Band of Horses fan they would know that these fans did not take this lightly. The crowd chanted obscenities at Lou Reed but he remained, Band of Horses was left with only 20 minutes of playing time.

Not only is the creator of Lollapalooza, Perry Ferrell also the front man to longtime band Janes Addiction who was set to perform following Band of Horses. The Horses asked the audience if they should stop when they were suppose to and naturally the fans wanted them to play on. Rebelliously playing simultaneously alongside Jane's Addiction the band put on a charged performance and fans left cheering and exhilarated. Rumor has it that Band of Horses won't be asked back.

The Killers ended the festival and although the performance was fun people were a little nutty from the sun and the long weekend. Some kids were stripping their clothes and dancing in circles. The stage show was great, with the words printed largely on the backdrop of the stage and lights beaming in all directions.

Brandon Flowers did get on one of his kicks with overly drawn out stories between songs but it was a fun end to an amazing weekend.

It's always a sad feeling-- that last train ride home, every joint hurts but given the chance we'd live it every day. $200 in gas and tolls, $170 for a ticket, $100 in over priced food and drinks, $300 unaccounted for, peeling the skin from your shoulder for three weeks just waiting for someone to ask where you got so burned so you can say Lollapalooza........priceless.

-- Alexandra Fletcher

The band Atlas Soundtrack rocked the Central Parklet on Friday. Drew Jackson, the group's vocalist, talks about the band and how the set went.

- Evan Trowbridge

Artists Preston Scott and Deborah Martin, of Carrolton, Ga., talk about the didgeridoos that they are selling at their booth. Then they leave some room for the didgeridoo to do the talking.

- Evan Trowbridge

Al Mundis, from Felton, Pa., shares on his first experience playing as part of the band Summit Hill Bluegrass. The band played on the Allen Street Stage on Friday.

- Evan Trowbridge

Sarah Schneidelr, 9, of Manchester, Md. and Katie Maguire, 8, of State College discuss their Arts Fest experience along with their cousins and siblings, Jack Schneidelr, 10, and Morgan Schneidelr, 4, both of Manchester, Md. and Matthew Maguire, 6, of State College.

- Evan Trowbridge

Artist Natalia Pilato of Williamsport, Pa., demonstrates the strumstick, an instrument designed to never play a wrong note. The sound clip opens with visitors to the booth jamming on the strumstick for the first time.

- Evan Trowbridge

There's something about Tuesdays that makes me sick.

For the past two Tuesdays my body has been tormented by a violent fever - including an upset stomach, massive headaches and random chills. Maybe it's just the fact that I haven't allowed myself the time and rest I need to recover.

So a cheesesteak from V&S Sandwiches, 128 E. College Ave., may not have been the best choice for a sick stomach.

When I'm sick, I tend to crave salty, unhealthy foods. After three days of illness once in London, I was sure fried chicken was the cure. It didn't help, but it really didn't hurt either. It's weird, but soup and crackers just won't do when my health is deteriorating. According to www.thedietchannel.com, I should drink plenty of water, rest, stay warm and avoid eating altogether - a frightening prospect indeed.

Sorry, health experts, but I have a job to do here.

So it really isn't the cheesesteak's fault I can't move right now; it was my own choice. I was a bit remorseful when employee Kyle Manotti presented my cheesesteak, then said he no longer eats them because they're high in fat. Oops, I guess fatty foods weren't on the prescription for getting better. Also, girls tend to order the turkey and cheese sandwich because it might be a bit more healthful, Manotti said. Oops, I eat like a man.

The sandwich was nothing like the one I had in Philadelphia when I visited over winter break. But V&S's cheesesteaks don't claim to be "Philly" cheesesteaks, so it's unfair to compare the two. The V&S cheesesteak is served with white American cheese and marinara sauce, which I asked for on the side. The sauce was good, but I didn't like it on the sandwich. The steak was cooked with onions and reminded me of homemade brisket. It was served on a soft Italian roll.

V&S offers a nice view of glorious Old Main from inside the restaurant, where there are tables and a counter to sit at. I was the only customer around 3 p.m., and my sandwich was ready in under a minute. There's usually a line around noon, Manotti said.

I would suggest checking it out when you're in good health. But if you have the means, go to Philly.

-Beth Kaiserman

Good news for struggling musicians, according to CNN. the virtual world of Second Life has seen a surge in online performances recently.

Musicians can create avatars on the game, and with a simple home-recording setup, can broadcast live music across the Internet to music fans. Virtual bars and concert venues substitute for the real thing, and virtual patrons actually pay money for tickets.

CNN's a little late to the Second Life party, since this story has been circulating for a while. Artists performing "live" on Second Life has been happening for almost as long as Second Life has existed, being just one of many real life activities that are replicated on the game.

I first heard about music and Second Life last year, when MTV U did a feature on it while I was at the gym. I was intrigued that this virtual world could offer artists a chance to reach a global audience. However, I'm not convinced this opportunity is entirely positive.

It's great for musicians who are looking to gain a wider audience, since literally millions of people log on to Second Life. It can bring in a (small) amount of money from virtual ticket sales. This could even be a way for artists with stage fright to get their feet wet.

However, there are plenty of drawbacks. For one, you have to be on Second Life to get involved, whether as an artist or as a fan. I started a Second Life account specifically because I wanted to check out these shows. I attended a couple, wearing my trademark gigantic homemade wooden top hat, but it only managed to hold my interest for a short time.

The whole game is fueled by fake money that has real-world value, and the number of things you can do without investing real bucks is severely limited. You get some tiny stipend when you start the game, but it doesn't last very long.

Second Life is also a little too escapist for my tastes. Its name hints at how some of its avid fans see it. It may sound a little negative, but the truth of the matter is this: people dissatisfied with their own lives use Second Life as a way to dull the pain. It's no different for the struggling musicians who perform on the Internet because they can't make ends meet with their art in the real world.

Of course, there have been Second Life millionaires, entrepreneurs who used the medium as a way to make a living, but I doubt any of them were musicians. And, at the same time, there are thousands of gullible people who've sunk far more into the game than they've made.

Take, for example, the people who invested their Linden dollars in Ginko Financial, a virtual bank within Second Life. The bank accepted deposits that totaled over $75,000 (real world money, which translates to millions in Linden dollars). It turned out that the bank was a gigantic Ponzi scheme. One day, it simply dropped off the Second Life map, taking the money with it. The number of people Ginko duped puts Bernie Madoff's comparatively small operation to shame.

Anyway, there is no substitute for attending a real concert. Though you "see" the musicians in Second Life, they really aren't doing anything. Since someone playing a guitar doesn't have much chance to manipulate an avatar, the online version of the guitar player is simply locked in a preprogrammed movement of some sort that simulates the actual act.

You can't see the way the musician is playing a certain chord. You can't see the energy he/she puts into the performance, you can't see the sweat on his/her face and you can't see the crowd reaction. You can even control your computer's volume, which completely eliminates the partial deafness that usually accompanies a really great/loud show (wait... maybe that's not so bad). But it's little more than hearing a live performance on the radio.

Despite my personal dislike for Second Life, don't let it deter you from checking out some virtual performances for yourself. Luckily, unlike real life, you can turn off your Second Life at any time.

- Andy

This adorable video titled "Cellphone caprice" reminds me a bit of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." It also represents exactly how I feel about cell phones. The funny thing about this YouTube video is that at first, the sound of cell phones vibrating actually made me feel agitated because I thought it was my phone.

The next time you get annoyed with the constant contact that cell phones bring, think of this cute video.

-Alexa

Dog count: nine

Lollipop count: three

Laura Reed and Deep Pocket, a.k.a. Dreadlocks Enthusiasts Anonymous

Some festivalgoers got into Laura Reed's jammy tendencies, getting a hacky sack circle going on the lawn.

Some diligent Collegian reporters on the job.

- Andy

Here's one of the delicious 'pops' in all its glory. Current count: two

-Andy

As a young girl, I was never much into comic books. My uncle tried to show me a French one once, Axterix, and I was as uninterested as if he had showed me how cheese was made. Maybe this was because it was all in French, or maybe because I was 7

However, The L.A. Times seems to very much up on the re-emerging trend of graphic novels. Not your average comic book, these aren't.

Their blog "Hero Complex" showcases "genre films, graphic novels and science fiction." Lately, the posting has been dominated by coverage of Watchmen, but it's splattered with updates on all sorts of pop culture goings-on like the technology behind Narnia and lives of comic book salespeople.

The bloggers also score interviews with stars and the higher-ups of these worlds like Samuel L. Jackson and Kristin Kreuk.

One of the coolest aspects is the section at the end of posts called "Recent and Related" that provides links to articles which subscribe to just that. Sometimes it's a video, trailer or an interview, usually they're articles the reader might be interested in.

With sometimes multiple posts in a day, the coverage is thorough and fulfilling for the graphic novel junkie. It's also informative for the comic book ignorant, such as myself. Whichever you are, it's a good source of this particular brand of entertainment knowledge to keep you in the know.

-Jenna

That's my motto, or at least it is for today and the purpose of this blog. Last week I went to a rehearsal of the latest No Refund Theatre show to interview the cast. I was caught by surprise when I had to interview 10 year olds. I was only there for 30 minutes, but I had forgotten what it was like to just have fun and how to find the means to entertain yourself when Facebook is down or TV is all reruns.
The Velveteen Rabbit is this week's show. Some of you may remember it as the classic bed time story you read when you were young, but this week it is an interactive show designed to entertain the number of children who will be in State College this weekend. But why not let it entertain you, the 18- to 22-year-old college student. After the half-hour I was there I already felt more light-hearted and was actually singing the song I just watched them rehearse on the way home. Sometimes it is fun to just let loose, sing-a-long, and jump around. So bring your siblings, bring your roommate, bring your boyfriend, because it is never too late to get in touch with your adolescent side and it could be a great way to de-stress after a week full of exams. This weekend everything is "For The Kids" so it gives you a great excuse to act like one again.
See you there!
- Amanda

When you're single, you start to notice the word "cope" coming up a lot this time of year. For many single people, Valentine's Day is spent moping and complaining. Others just ignore it completely.

I look at V-Day as a celebration of my single-ness. Throughout the year I constantly see mismatched couples and think "Thank God I'm not like them." I hear people talking about what their significant other will or will not LET them do, and I smirk.

In that spirit, I've found my own way to celebrate this holiday, sans flowers and jewelry. Starting Thursday night, my roommate and I will be celebrating our second annual V-Day horror film fest. The best horror films offer a twisted few of life and love, and no matter how relieved I feel to be single when I hear a friend talk about how her boyfriend dressed up like the Joker for a week straight when The Dark Knight came out, it's nothing compared to the relief I feel when I watch Glenn Close boil the pet rabbit of her ungrateful lover's daughter.

Filmmakers are clearly aware of this. The new Friday the 13th movie hits theaters this weekend, and My Bloody Valentine was released last month.There is also a wide array of rentals that will do the trick.

My horror fest film line-up will include: Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Teeth, Candyman, the original Friday the 13th, and whatever other gems I can find at Mike's Movies.

No matter what your Facebook relationship status says, I hope you find your own way to celebrate and enjoy Valentine's Day.

- Erin.

Shepard Fairey, the artist that created and mass produced one of the most iconic images of President Obama during the presidential campaign was arrested Friday night in Boston for the (allegedly) 15th time. The artist was en route to a sold-out party at the Institute of Contemporary Art in his honor. He was reportedly released several hours after being detained.
Well-known for his work in graffiti art as well as many other mediums, Fairey had two warrants for his arrest at the time, of which he was completely unaware. The warrants were issued Jan 24 when it was determined that the artist was responsible for two graffitied locations.
Fairey's first solo exhibiton, Supply and Demand, opened Saturday at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and takes a look at his work over the last 20 years. A common theme in his art work is "question everything."
Ironically, Fairey is also facing allegations from the Associated Press that he plagiarized a copyrighted AP photo to produce his highly influential image of President Obama.

-Caitlin

The Dutch have given a great deal to the western world: tulips, wooden clogs, and Capitalism among them. The latest art exhibit in the West Building at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., however, focuses on the landscape and architecture of the country from the 17th century.

The exhibit contains everything from maps and atlases to illustrated books and paintings depicting small towns, villages, and cities in the country. The country offers some breathtaking scenery to make for truly beautiful art and this exhibit provides an excellent opportunity to take it all in.

And beyond that, the 17th century was a golden age for the Dutch. The art can offer insight into what the period was like for the people, as well as what conditions were like. At the very least, it is worth checking out for the cultural enlightenment.

-Matt

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a sunshine-filled exhibit is warming up visitors during the cold winter months. Henry Matisse and Modern Art on the French Riviera, currently on exhibit through November 2009, portrays the elegant beauty of the South of France in the 1920s, as seen through the smitten Matisse.

More information about the exhibit can be found here

Although it may be a bit of a trip, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is always a favorite, and this exhibit seems so tempting and inspiring--a bad case of wanderlust, maybe, but who doesn't want to get out of this harsh weather?

Celebrities and intellectuals have been more or less obsessed with the South of France for decades, from the famous beach frolicking of Brigitte Bardot to modern-day sightings of famous couples Beyonce and Jay-Z, Angelina and Brad.

Matisse was so in love with the location that, after settling there in 1917, he never moved again. Other modern artists influenced by the rich culture of Nice are featured in the exhibit, including Raoul Dufy and Chaim Soutine.

I hope to get to the museum whenever I am next in Philly, to temporarily satisfy my vitamin-D cravings and to soak in the gorgeous, colorful art inspired by such a legendary locale. Until then, I'll be dreaming of sunny days and summertime.

-Caitlin

There is a channel on YouTube.com that is called failblog. On this channel are numerous ways people have committed an epic fail. My favorites are the "Wii fail,"

the "Pen trick fail"

and the" Headbanger fail"

These videos are great to watch after you have been less-than-graceful because at least you didn't get caught on camera.

-Alexa Santoro

French students with interests in the arts can celebrate this year since President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced that admission to all public French museums and monuments is free for anyone under the age of 25, as well as school teachers.

The full story can be read here

Those under 18 years of age have already been enjoying this luxury. And they should. It's a perfect way to get youth more interested and involved in the arts. Imagine the possibilities: free field trips for schools, educational and culturally enlightening experiences on rainy days, and even cheap dates!

Fine art has always been a way to shock society out of its complacency, as an old European history teacher of mine would say. It's also a way to preserve our culture and pass it on to the younger generation.

Will America follow suit? What's next? Many museums already offer admission deals (or free admission) for youth under 18, but there is a wide variety in admission fee policies across the nation. Perhaps one day museums will be free for all, making their profits from gift shops, donations, and other forms of revenue. If so, it is a long way off. But what is important is that actions such as this show that there is still support for a part of our culture often forgotten by politicians and bureaucrats.

-Matthew

Scores of media outlets are now preparing for what is arguably the most groundbreaking inauguration in the history of the United States.

Popular culture is embracing the political frenzy as well. In fact, Marvel Comics celebrates the inauguration with "The Amazing Spider-Man" #583, released Wednesday. In the comic, Spider-Man saves President-elect Barack Obama from an impostor on Inauguration Day. The idea sparked from Obama's campaign team, who divulged Obama's soft spot for Spidey a couple of months ago, according to BBC News.

Marvel Comics editor Joe Quesada explained Marvel's reasoning to BBC News last week: "A Spider-Man fan moving into the Oval Office is an event that must be commemorated in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man."

What's next? Will we find out that Obama liked to play with Legos as a child, or enjoys strawberry milkshakes at McDonald's? The marketing possibilities here are endless!

The politically-inspired comic book isn't easy to come by, either -- as of Thursday afternoon, copies were selling for upward of $100 each on eBay.

-Stephanie

Just because you may be planning to see Bill Cosby live when he comes to State College in a few weeks doesn't mean that you can't enjoy watching some of his standup right now.

I really enjoyed watching this one particular video on YouTube where Cosby is talking about drinking alcohol. Since he performs standup comedy, it is amazing knowing that all of his jokes are made up on the spot.

Check out the video!

- Cayla

Bush bashing combined with the unrelenting humor of Will Ferrell -- can it really get much better than that? Broadway will be introducing You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush on Feb. 5 through March 15 at the Cort Theatre in Manhattan.

Will Ferrell is no stranger to impersonating the infamous George W. Bush. The late-night show, Saturday Night Live, has been Ferrell's haven for the comedic skits in the past. But this time, he's charging $56.50-$116.50 per ticket and calling it Broadway. Time will only tell what this venue has to offer, but it definitely seems like it would be money memorably spent. Whether you're pro-Bush or pro-Bush bashing, the skit will likely induce at least a chuckle. Plus, you really can't go wrong with Ferrell.

-Marilyn Perez

With the newest season of American Idol tomorrow, I was reminded of a video regarding last year's American Idol, "Le plus horrible jour de ma vie."
It depicts some grief-stricken, adolescent girls after David Cook wins. Watch as these David Archuleta fans see their idol's loss.

- Alexa

Oprah's trying to lose another 40 pounds. Britney wants to stop biting her nails. And Kanye West, god bless him, wants to be nicer to the press.

The Daily Collegian's arts staff is no stranger to that dreaded annual tradition: the New Year's resolution.

Here's what we hope to achieve in 2009:

Arts Editor Jillian Raines vows to stop making rash judgments about certain television shows and to try to watch more than an hour of TV a month so that she will no longer be lost in most TV-related conversations.

Arts Chief Alex Weisler pledges to stop binging on 80s comedies from Netflix and see more foreign, independent and documentary films at the State Theatre.

Venues Chief Alexa Santoro vows to stop watching Rock of Love reruns (a guilty pleasure) and start watching more meaningful shows based in reality -- like Flight of the Conchords.

Film Reporter Erin Rowley resolves to watch every movie in the "classics" section of Mike's Movies.

Style/Trends Reporter Ashley Gold will buy more full albums from her favorite artists instead of "sampling" them on Limewire. (Sorry for the virus on the home computer, Mom and Dad!)

Performing Arts Reporter Amanda Elser is going to try her hardest to stop being a Facebook fanatic and to check out other Web sites that don't constitute stalking, such as Current.com -- a news source created by young adults from all around the world that keeps you updated on topics from curious medical cases to modern abstract art galleries.

Books Reporter Jenna Ekdahl vows to read the books that corresponding movies are based on before she goes to see them.

Features/Enterprise Reporter Allie Fletcher will make an "attempt" to stop pirating music.

Books Reporter Stephanie Goga will stop seeking comfort in hordes of predictable, preposterous, pink-covered chick lit and instead choose novels with some semblance of a plot.

Film Reporter Stéfan Orzech vows to listen to more independent bands and more diverse styles of music.

Performing Arts Reporter Marilyn Perez resolves to spend her free hours in 2009 writing creatively rather than aimlessly zoning out on Facebook!

TV Reporter Nick Johnson vows to never again suffer through another episode of CSI, even if its the only thing on.

There are many reasons I like the French: quiche, pain au chocolat, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gautier, Christian Louboutin, Amélie and Catherine Deneuve.
Now there is yet another reason: Le parkour. Parkour or l'art du déplacement is a sport that was started in the country. Its objective is to get from one point to another, quickly, efficiently (and sometimes dangerously) from one point to another using just one's body. This involves jumping from one building to another and swinging from trees or railings among other things.
I thought skateboarding was an extreme sport, but this puts even such daredevils as Steve-O to shame.
These are some videos that show parkour, many of these are done by David Belle, famous for starting the sport with some of his friends. Don't try this unless under the supervision of a trained professional.

-- Alexa Santoro

Epic movies are a great form of entertainment, but add Legos to the mix and they become even better. This is not new on Youtube.com, but there have been many reenactments of movies through the use of Lego figurines. They even have trailers like this one for The Dark Knight:

...and this one for 300:

They also have spoofs and spinoffs of popular films such as this one from Harry Potter:

...and this one for Star Wars:

It is a unbelievable (and incredibly worrisome) that people find the time to do this. It might be a good alternative for the film industry if they run low on cash.

-- Alexa

It hurts to say goodbye.

For most of my adolescence I would rush home from school to sit down and see my latest boy-band crush or teeny bop sensation grace the stage of Total Request Live (TRL), and now all that is over.

On November 16th our favorite cast of MTV VJs, including Carson Daly, came to end the show with Total Finale Live. The two hour special was a tribute to the 10 years of music video countdowns. Artist like Beyonce, Nelly, Fall Out Boy, and Diddy came out to support the show that made some of them famous.

But what would TRL be without a countdown, so of course they went through the list of the most memorable and successful videos on the show. The number one winner? From that list of worthy songs combined with cinematic creativity: Brittany Spears' "Baby One More Time."

Thanks for the entertainment MTV. You never fail me.

- Amanda

Something that's interesting about the evolution of technology is the mirrored evolution of its importance, unimportance, and importance again.

With the holidays fast approaching (yes, six weeks is fast), and a sad, sad economy, gift-buying for college students seems tougher than using a malfunctioning ANGEL server during the week of finals.

One old-fashioned option is the reemergence of layaway, a practice formulated in the 1950s, which allows consumers to buy products at a store and pay off the price in smaller installments plus a little fee.

Though it died off, the retail industry innovation is making a comeback in stores all over the nation.

However, in my browsing, I've located a second, more generation-specific option that might appeal to some.

Those old commercials calling for viewers to sell scrap gold for cash is the basic idea of one college student's new program to recycle cell phones, computers, and other digital equipment.

Brandon Mendelson of SUNY Albany is just one member in a movement of e-waste recycling that is steadily gathering strength.

While items like cell phones are sold back for only about $11 per unit, Mendelson said, "It's pocket change, but ... everything counts."

With finals and bowl games on our minds, these are just a few ways to relieve stress in some other areas of life.

- Jenna

StillNotDavid caught my attention through this video aptly titled, "Girls are like Pokemon".

Now this video is hilarious and for all those who grew up during the Pokemon craze. He also has pictures for those who were not blessed with this knowledge.

David has many other videos, including "Dealing with Ex-Girlfriends," in which he calls up his ex-girlfriends and sings for them, creating many awkward moments, especially because some of the girls he calls are actually with their new boyfriends during the time of the call.

He also has a set of 5 videos concerning "100 Facts about Guys," which is equally amusing.

David has fun outlooks on love, life and Pokemon.

Lately I've been reading George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, and besides it being very well-written I think it's a particularly eerie prediction of a future more than 30 years ahead.

One of the main features of Orwell's fictional totalitarian society is the language, Newspeak, in which words and phrases are omitted and shortened to limit citizens' personal thought. What it immediately reminded me of was our texting and instant messaging language.

When did words become shortened beyond recognition? When did we make acronyms for everything?

This toothpaste for dinner comic describes my sentiments pretty accurately.

toothpastefordinner.com

I'll admit that I use a few staples in my personal vernacular, but I think there is definitely a line to avoid crossing. Watch your step.

-Jenna

Considering today is Election Day, I have compiled a few YouTube videos as humorous highlights in this campaign.

First, here is an awesome video of Sarah Palin playing the flute as part of the Miss Alaska Pageant in 1984. She's actually not to bad. The Tina Fey Saturday Night Live skit where she pulls out a flute during the debate also makes a lot more sense.

The next video is one mistake by Joe Biden, in which he asks State Senator Chuck Graham to stand for recognition. However, Graham is wheelchair bound...an awkward moment for Biden.

Candidate John McCain is asked by a Concord High student if he worries about his age affecting his decision making skills and McCain responds by calling him a jerk, jokingly.

Then, here is a compilation of some Obama bloopers during some of his inspirational speeches.

This weekend as goblins and politicians (yes, they are separate costume categories) roam Happy Valley, I'll be several hours north wandering the streets of New York City, NY. Although, I can't say I'll find anything different in the city's spectrum of interesting characters.

Armed with a checklist of all the sights I want to visit (Lady Liberty, Chinatown) and all the street vendor items I want to purchase (scarves and ridiculously large sunglasses), my first real trip to the city will be an adventure.

However, one of the true features of this great metropolis I'm anticipating experiencing is the random and completely hilarious things that come out of peoples' mouths. Basically, I'm going to be my own "Overheard in New York" journalist.

This site, if you haven't heard of it, is a brand of genius akin to quick-dry nail polish or Easy Mac, something of the like. It's become my go-to blog for those moments when even if I did continue reading my Comm textbook, none of the information would stick anyway.

The bloggers sit in train stations and traverse the streets of New York City listening for any comments or conversations they find amusing, and then they record and post them.

Recently, they've added new categories like "Overheard at the Beach" and "Overheard in the Office." While they aren't classic like the original, I praise the editors for reaching out and trying to find a genre of humor for the everyman.

My favorite recent post is one that very succinctly expresses my view as of late.

It goes like this ...

Those Guys Are So Ignorant

Security guard to group of teenagers: Where are you from? Are you from the West Coast? I want to know what's going on over there.
Teenager: We're from Washington, DC.
Security guard: Oh, that's on the West Coast.
Teenager: No, Washington, D.C. is on the East Coast.
Security guard: Ohhh. You've got all those politicians, huh? That sucks.

--Bowrey Ballroom

Overheard by: Fifi

Yes I can learn all about the city's magnificent history and culture through sightseeing, but I hope I come back with a little more than a foam Statue of Liberty crown. I hope I can discover the hilarity and personality in everyday conversation with my ears, and just maybe a notepad too.

- Jenna

After talking to Laura Sullivan, the marketing director over at the Center for the Performing Arts, I want to strongly encourage students who are even remotely interested in dance to check out Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Not only are they a company that any dancer worth their salt has heard of and reveres, but they're also going to really cater to the audience in this show by incorporating audience members into their program. From the sound of it, it's an experience that dance enthusiasts would be able to get a lot out of, because of the Merce Cunningham-like element of chance that will come to fruition by using unpredictable components in the show (i.e. the audience members). That's not to say your everyday, average student won't be interested as well. It sounds like it will be an experience can enjoy, because who doesn't want to see random people get up on stage and interact with professionals? There is always a chance for comedy in this situation.

See more of what Hubbard Street does.

- Clare

I don't know who is familiar with my favorite blog -- in fact, it's the only blog that I read (besides the Collegian blogs, naturally!). Anyway, it's "Oh No They Didn't!," and it's basically a collection of celebrity gossip, rumors and unflattering pictures of Hollywood's finest. It's probably not the most reliable source of information, but at the same time, it's wonderful.

Most of the time, I mindlessly scroll through the posts while I'm waiting for WebMail to refresh or Facebook to properly load. However, as luck would have it, I actually came across some Grey's Anatomy gossip during a Friday afternoon visit to the site. According to this blogger, Izzie (Katherine Heigl) may be leaving at the end of the season. Oh, and Denny, that guy that Izzie accidentally killed a couple of seasons ago, is coming back from the dead. Again.

Now, I'm a 20-year-old college girl, so of course I love Grey's Anatomy. And, yes, I get squeamish at the sight of blood and livers and rashes, so I really just watch the hour-long drama for its focus on interpersonal relations. Even though I faithfully turn on ABC every Thursday evening, I will be the first to admit that the show is getting monotonous.

This Denny teaser clinches my observation. Even if he's just featured in one portion of an upcoming episode, it will provide another example of an unoriginal, sluggish plot that Grey's has been sporting lately. I mean, Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Denny) is dreamy, but I would wager that there are myriad attractive men who are qualified to capture Izzie's heart. The Izzie/Denny romance was extraordinary and emotion-ridden while it lasted, but seriously, enough is enough.

Let's all hope that this blogger is getting her information from an inaccurate source, or Grey's Anatomy could be losing more than Izzie.

They could be losing a dedicated fan: me.

-- Stephanie

Dear anyone who hasn't seen Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson at the State Theatre yet,

See it now.

The Good Doctor was a true revolutionary, the greatest journalist these United States have ever seen, and one of the most tortured, twisted souls ever to walk the Earth. If you don't know who Hunter Thompson was (for shame!), now's as good a time as any to find out. Gonzo is a documentary that gives a good overview of his life and career for the neophytes but still goes into enough depth to satisfy a gonzo junkie.

Thompson lasted a lot longer than many people suspected - anyone who's familiar with Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas knows how hard the man pushed the limits of his mortality - but he was still gone too soon. He committed suicide in 2005, an act his friends and family said they'd been expecting for a long time. He wanted to die on his own terms, just as he'd lived.

Unfortunately, it's been a long time since we needed Hunter as much as we need him now. His best writing came during times of strife, when Vietnam tore the country apart and Richard Nixon brought corruption and disgrace to the White House.

The state of the country now mirrors that time. An ineffective president is in Washington, corruption is running wild and our military is mired in war. When the 9/11 attacks occurred, Thompson wrote his take on how the world would be changed and was eerily correct on many counts. On that day in 2001, he predicted wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that would be long and costly. It was two years before the United States would invade Iraq.

Unfortunately, Thompson's friends and family believe it was the reelection of George W. Bush that drove him to finally end his life. Several times in Gonzo, it is suggested that the quality of Thompson's writing diminished after George McGovern's failed bid at the presidency. It seems that Thompson needed a cause to champion in order to be at his journalistic best. The prospect of another four years of George W. Bush apparently filled him with despair.

However, now, another election is on the horizon. I like to think that just as Thompson stood behind George McGovern in 1972, Barack Obama's campaign could have energized his pen once more. If only he'd waited just a little longer.

But his memory lives on, and Gonzo pays tribute to that memory with respect and dignity, a monument to the legend of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. See it, please.

- Andy

What is it about comic book movies lately? Don't get me wrong, I love it; I'm just amazed at how some of the most creative and most impressive movies in the past few years -- and some of the most anticipated in the next few years -- are based off of comic books. I've decided to separate the movies -- and their sequels -- into two groups: the flops and the flowers.

Let's start with a few of the FLOPS:

Daredevil - Based off of the Marvel Comic book, Daredevil featured Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, and trailers made it seem it would be a kick-ass film. However, that was absolutely not the case. The acting was pretty atrocious, and unfortunately, the cinematic appeal of the movie did not make up for it. On the scale of bad, Daredevil ranks in at pretty stinky.

X-Men The Last Stand: Now, I liked the first two X-Men movies. I was even tempted to try to harness my super powers after seeing Storm whip up that weather and look pretty bad-ass while doing it. However the third movie was a disappointment. Possibly this can be contributed to the change in direction. I'm just going to go ahead and say that when doing a super hero movie, it's a necessity to not incorporate so many of the heroes that the audience doesn't know what is going on. Sure, the X-Men are all pretty sweet, but when you have no character development because you want to make sure each gets his/her/its appearance, it makes for a pretty jumbled, confusing, and basically god-awful movie. It'd be like making Batman battle all of the villains from the series in one film...ew.

Speaking of which, I must mention Batman & Robin. Mr. Freeze? Really? Pitiful. No one was entertained watching Schwarzenegger try to turn Gotham City to ice.

And two other films that belong in this category, but I do not wish to bore you all by dragging up the painful memories, include: Catwoman (Pitof, 2004) and Spider-Man 3 (Raimi, 2007).

Now for the fun stuff!

My list of flowers include:

The first two X-Men movies: With a small -- but impressive -- number of the X-Men characters, solid plot and character development, and sweet cinematic appearance, the comic book heroes were brought to life on screen in an A+ fashion.

Spider-Man I and II: Witnessing Peter Parker being bit by a genetically-altered spider and turning into the Marvel comic book hero, Spider-Man, in the first, and then seeing Dr. Octavius transform into a super villain, the movies were great . Under the direction of Sam Raimi, the movies left many around the nation wishing they had "spidey powers" too.

The Incredible Hulk: Now I admit, when I heard Edward Norton was taking on the challenge of the green giant, I was a little bit skeptical. However, the movie kept true to the story, looked awesome, and didn't confuse audiences. Hulk lovers worldwide and people just looking for a treat could be equally entertained with this one.

And obviously, with all the hype -- and much-deserved hype it is -- over The Dark Knight. I must mention a whole slew of Batman films. Both Christopher Nolan films are the roses of my list. While Tim Burton's Batman was pretty marvelous with Nicholson's performance of champions, I have to say the dark and creepy fun of Nolan's films has won me over. Seriously, I understand the terrorism undertones of The Dark Knight may not have won everyone over...but who can deny that Heath Ledger stole the film, both freaking out and impressing viewers nationwide. It was brilliant.

And lastly, I'd just like to say that with all the movies of the past and present...we must begin to think about Watchmen and The Spirit. Personally, I thought the Watchmen preview before The Dark Knight looked pretty fabulous. And although, I'm not so familiar with Will Eisner's comic, The Spirit still looked pretty sweet, at least visually it did. I suppose we can hope for good things.

And so that you can form some opinions for yourself, make sure to check them out for yourselves:

The Spirit

Year after year, my hands-down favorite booths at the Arts Festival are the ones that feature original photography. I guess it's because I love photography -- particularly nature photography -- so much myself. Anyway, this year I was delighted to stumble across a guy who had some pretty impressive shots of places in Europe. There were a lot of gargoyles, statues and architecture in haunting black and white. My favorite was the unusual Lithuanian Hill of Crosses.

Next I discovered what was probably my favorite booth, which featured macro shots with a creative twist. The artist had photographed water droplets on flowers and plants and "used the droplet like a wide-angle lens" to refract a tiny image of the flower itself. It's too bad the prints were so expensive, because I would love one for my apartment.

Lastly, I was happy to see one of my favorite booths from last year in attendance -- the guy who takes humorous shots of bananas dressed up like humans. It was fun to see the artist grinning slyly in the background as we read off the photos' funny captions, such as the divorce court scene titled "Banana Split". That must be the best part about having a booth at the festival -- watching people react to your work.

Happy browsing!

- Leslie

I just really would like to say that nighttime in State College during the Arts Festival is both amusing and a little bit intimidating. Whether you are walking to get ice cream, or wander into one of the many packed bars, cops are everywhere, blending in with the dark as they stand in apartment complex gardens all along Beaver Avenue, like they are just waiting.

It's mildly scary. But by far the most entertaining part is watching intoxicated people walk by these police officers, and immediately perk up and try to act sober.This in turn makes them seem even more drunk. Obviously a group of seven people, dressed up, who five feet away were talking loudly and all at once, look a little bit suspicious when they approach the officer and no one says a word, but kind of stare at their feet or straight ahead.

I must say though, the officers handle this really well. I know if it was me, I'd crack a smile every time this little act went down. However, they have obviously been trained to deal with college students and drunk people, and it's all just a part of the weekend.

- Jill

Walking around the Arts Festival this afternoon gave me a real taste of how awesome it would be if I was extremely artistic and could make something quality enough to make it into an art show/festival. And I don't necessarily mean I wish I had a way with the paintbrush.

What really tickles my fancy about the Arts Festival is the number of artists who have made a living out of making ridiculously creative things. There was a man who made broomsticks -- like the kind that immediately made me think of Hocus Pocus. It really just blows my mind a little when I imagine what that man was thinking when he decided to start creating and selling broomsticks.

Even better than the broom man was a mixed media artist who had framed paintings. The coolest one I saw was a simple painted portrait of a woman who was wearing a dress that was made of real seashells. It immediately caught my eye when I walked by the tent, so I stopped and literally turned around and walked back to check it out.

And I must say the absolute coolest thing I saw was a man who made didjurydos. Now, these instruments are unique enough. However, the man that was making them was the most entertaining part. When I walked up to his tent, he was giving a lesson to an older couple standing at the tent. He demonstrated how you can make different noises depending on where you put your tongue, if you change the shape of your mouth, or even if you try to speak into it. He took pride in telling us that he built every single one in the booth (and there were at least 20). It was incredibly fun to watch this man play his instrument with such passion. It also sparked my curiosity because when I was abroad last semester I met an Australian girl who told us that in order to play, you had to be able to breathe out of your nose while blowing bubbles through the mouth. While I watched this man earlier this afternoon, I could not help but wonder how much practice it must have taken for him to be able to master not only the creating of these instruments, but also the playing of them.

Many of the booths were really impressive. And honestly, the creative genius of many of the artists made me wish I could at least draw a dog to scale.

- Jill

Welcome to Venues. In case you're new to The Daily Collegian's Thursday magazine publication - or in the unlikely event that you've forgotten about it- I present to you a rundown of what you can expect hot off the presses, each and every Thursday.

So, what's Venues all about? Music, movies, performing and visual arts, fashion, and any and all celebratory events that take place in State College. Basically it's a hub of fabulous fun. Venues is what you should read if you're looking to be entertained on campus or downtown and you need a little head start. No more, "Guys, what's going on this weekend?" questions, guaranteed.

Inside our pages, you'll find The Rundown, which'll provide you with a day-to-day rundown (fancy that) of the fun artsy-fartsy events that are happening throughout the week. What and when they are, where they're located, and in the likely event they cost money, how much you'll need to dish to get in.

Got a favorite local band? Well, for the 21 and over crowd, featured in the magazine you'll find The Scene. Here, you can scope out the listings for live entertainment throughout the week at most of the local bars.

And, in case it is a billion and twelve degrees in State College, and you're interested in hiding away in one of the air-conditioned movie theaters about town, make sure to check out Movie Listings. No need to waste four of your anytime minutes listening to long recordings that more often than not haven't been updated in quite some time. Just check out the Movies page of Venues, or take to frequenting our online Movie listings page.

And minus the regulars, be sure to keep your eyes open for our indepth stories. From band profiles to articles about State College's more offbeat artists to opinions on everything going on around town, Venues is your guide to the fun world of arts and entertainment at Penn State.

And in case you're wondering who I am, I'm the summer 2008 arts chief, Jillian Raines. I love Tootsie Rolls and things that are yellow, and I'll be keeping you all posted on the arts adventures of a State College summer in Snap, Crackle Pop!

Until next time.

-Jill

Well, blogophiles, it's the beginning of May, which means it's time for Snap, Crackle Pop to go on hiatus. I know, I know, it's tough for all of us. But hey, you got to binge on a wealth of Movin' On blogging last weekend and besides, May also means that Arts Fest is just two months away.

State College is a bucolic little place in the summer, a verdant hamlet warmed by the sun during the day and softly massaged by cool breezes during the enchanting nighttime. Arts Fest weekend is a different animal. The first fest was in 1967, a simpler time when visitors could listen to music downtown and on campus, purchase art from an unjuried exhibition and, according to arts-festival.com, "could even buy kittens."

This year's fest, which is sadly kittenless, begins with Children's Day on July 9 and concludes that Sunday, July 13, during which time more than 125,000 people will visit the town, according to arts-festival.com. Of course, lots of Penn Staters make the July pilgrimage, and if you're looking for a mid-summer dose of culbauchery (one part culture, two parts debauchery) then you should consider partaking. If you do, the second part of the aforementioned cocktail is up to you, but here are some of the things you can expect from the arts half of the trip:

On Wednesday July 9, the National Marionette Theatre will perform Peter and the Wolf in the Schwab Auditorium. Seeing as the performance is on Children's Day, it might be aimed at kids, but it's still an excuse to drop this classical-pop culture tie in, courtesy of Wikipedia: The wolf's theme song is the same music used to introduce yellow-eyed bully Scut Farkus from A Christmas Story.

On Friday, Harmonious Wail will play at Memorial Field. Though they're billed on the fest's Web site as a "mandolin driven gypsy jazz" band, with a name like Harmonius Wail, I expect at least one of their songs to be a single, five-minute long harmonious wail, performed by a harmonious whale. Also, the site pumps the band up with this claim: "You'll find the intoxicating arrangements and the sheer joy the Wail brings to every performance to be downright addictive." I heard central PA had a heroin problem, but jeez.

On Friday, Trout Fishing in America will play at Memorial Field. Album titles like Hot to Trout and Stark Raving Trout should be enough to convince you to attend.

Of course, those three acts are but a single bacon-wrapped scallop in the wonderful cultural buffet that is Arts Fest. Check out the Web site for the full menu and if you're around, pick up a Collegian this July for our other recommended dishes.

-- Bill

This week, Cindy McCain was exposed.

She'd weathered a New York Times story alleging her husband, presidential candidate John McCain, had previously fostered a possibly inappropriate relationship with a female lobbyist. During the 2000 primaries, she soldiered on while an anonymous smear campaign referenced her past abuse of painkillers and falsely purported that her husband had fathered an illegitimate black child, while effectively contributing to a Bush victory in South Carolina.

Yet after surviving all this, Cindy's recent blemish was caused by her cookbook. Or, more accurately, the laziness of an unpaid intern who was using the Food Network Web site as a substitute for the yellowed, nonexistent pages of the McCain recipe archives.

Foodies everywhere must have cringed when Google peeled back the facade of Cindy's kitchen wizardry. To many, the craft of cooking is one of personal discovery through the process of trial and error. Cross-generational relatives cling to family recipes as they would to passed-down wedding dresses.

As such, this is not the first time pilfered recipes have caused a public stir. Earlier this year, cookbook author Missy Chase Lapine sued comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica, on grounds that Mrs. Seinfeld's publication violated copyright laws in borrowing from her work. No sympathy should be granted to either party in this case, as the cookbook in question attempted to trick kids into eating vegetables.

Previously, obscure fragments of the Internet community had been rocked in March 2007 after Yahoo India 'fessed up to posting recipes from a blog maintained by an Indian housewife.

While stealing recipes is a social taboo observed anywhere from middle America kitchens to Malayalam-language Web portals, this more recent case of thievery provides a rare glimpse into the psyche of Mrs. McCain.

Prior to this week, the average voter likely associated two, if any, concepts with the former Miss Hensley: 1) being proud of one's country and 2) beer.

Now, the visage of a negligent cook enters the frame. This is a woman who has again not been a particularly strong public force in her husband's campaign despite the fact that, as the heiress to the Hensley beer fortune, she can list "philanthropist" as a predominant occupation.

These recipes might have been her chance to connect with voters. Enjoying passion fruit mousse just as the potential first lady would can be a truly American experience. Mrs. McCain's one-time counterpart, Ann Romney also posted her entrée blueprints for supporters to follow. However, it appears Cindy did not care to share in this edible dialogue with the American public. Maybe, she didn't feel the time was right to reveal her actual passion fruit mousse recipe.

Regardless, attention must now turn to other "personable" aspects of the McCain family. Is Rolling Stone pulling the strings behind daughter Meghan's suspiciously hip playlist selections? Did ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi plot out McCain's final four picks? He had to be pretty confident in correctly selecting all four No. 1 seeds in peril of being branded "elitist."

These myriad credibility concerns arising from such an innocuous gaffe indicate that, yes, the American people deserve the truth behind Cindy McCain's ahi tuna. More importantly, maybe it's time politicians and their families stopped forcing inane attempts to prove that they, too, scramble their eggs one yolk at a time.

-Matt

On March 21, The New York Times reported some shocking news: Princeton University and Cornell University had routed the rest of the Ivy League in a bloody military campaign. The two schools carved up the Middle Atlantic and New England, with Princeton controlling the Eastern seaboard from New Jersey to New Hampshire and Cornell laying claim to western New York state and most of Pennsylvania.

The war began in October 2007. Within a week, the University of Pennsylvania forces had been massacred and four days later, the bodies of the Harvard and Brown troops lay dead at the feet of their conquerers.

But hedge fund managers needn't despair: the only battlefield was on the Internet.

The action was part of a game called GoCrossCampus, an online turn-based game similar to Risk. Armies manuever for control of a map, defending and attacking with each turn.

The catch lies in the game's connection to the real world. An organization's forces grow depending on how many people are signed up to play. It's the kind of game that leads to recruitment posters like the "KILL YALE" one that Harvard players used to rally support against their rival.

GoCrossCampus (GXC for short) bills itself as a " team-based locally social online sport that revolves around your connections, location and interests." In other words, you can now beef online with thousands of other people and no real-life consequences.

The game (brainchild of five dudes, four of whom are Yale undergrads) has since grown to include 22,356 players competing in 10 different games, according to its Web site.

Though GXC is relatively new, it seems Yalies love their turn-based social networking games. MTV.com reported that a similar game -- called Old Campus Tree Risk -- was hatched in 2007 by Yale alumnus Gabe Smedresman. Smedresman worked with the GXC men, but left after "creative differences."

Erika Nutting, a friend of mine who attends Yale, said Old Campus Tree Risk was a community-oriented game. Yale students are divided into academic colleges, similar to houses in Harry Potter, and Nutting said the game "was a lot about college pride."

"It was fun," she said, recalling commanders organizing study breaks with food to drum up support.

"Self-appointed leaders" managed armies, and most students followed their orders. Nutting said soldiers who took decisions into their own hands might be called out on message boards or e-mailed, but she ducked questions about any broken kneecaps or dissenters getting jumped in New Haven back alleys.

Nutting called herself "a minion," saying she followed her commanders' strategies and spent less than five minutes a day with the game, though she knew students who spent hours planning their next move.

There is no Penn State game yet, but the GXC Web site suggests prospective Douglas MacArthurs contact contact@gocrosscampus.com for more information.

-Bill

For all those people who were nominally reduced to "skin 'n' bones" growing up and always had old people judging their weight in terms of what they would amount to "soaking wet," now is the time to put down that KFC Famous Bowl of despair.

It's been a rising trend across the fashion world for some time and as recently as last week was decreed from the pages of the New York Times: skinny dudes are in.

Let there be no doubt about my excitement for our awkward, sharp-angled ascent. I swam in the flowing basketball uniforms of my youth. I puffed out my chest poolside during middle school gym class. I was good at cross-country.

And now, it appears that our battle has been won. No, we didn't triumph in a fistfight with the manchild bully in the back row as foreshadowed during head-on-desk daydreaming sessions.

In fact, our victory will be scoffed at by the bulky alpha males we seek to unseat. But it appears they'll have to chastise us while trying to wriggle into our clothes.

Thanks to a rapid slimming of male runway attire after designers like Hedi Slimane at Dior Homme began pushing for a snugger fit, the models began following suit, looking more and more like beanpoles than body builders.

"Where the masculine ideal of as recently as 2000 was a buff 6-footer with six-pack abs, the man of the moment is an urchin, a wraith or an underfed runt," reads the Times article by Guy Trebay.

For a moment here, let us take a quick look at Mr. Trebay:

Mr. Trebay, don't hate. More importantly, with that two-button that looks suspiciously like the style the article attributes to skinny man-monger Slimane, don't hate on yourself. Do not deny your body the celebration it deserves. Instead of "runt," try "refined." We are beautiful, if sometimes sickly looking, creatures.

But even as our moment has arrived, keep expectations low, my "vanishing point" brethren. Chicks still dig tricep definition and hearing dudes use the phrase "back and bi."

Also, let's maintain our health. While I'd love to imagine some White Building monster trying to cut himself down to our hip, stick-like frame, MetRx isn't going to close up shop anytime soon. Nor am I going to take this opportunity to tell my dad I've been right all along with my theory about generally avoiding weight rooms at all costs, because personal fitness is essential to a complete lifestyle. We've seen what can happen when consensus body image becomes hugely distorted, as within female modeling, so let's try to keep a level head about this.

But the next time anybody tries to talk down to you because your rib cage is showing during some pick-up shirts and skins, have a nice little retort on the ready.

"Dude, I'm a model."

--Matt

Hello and welcome to Snap, Crackle. Pop!, version 2008. There are some new faces around here, so allow us to introduce ourselves accordingly.
First off, I'm Matt, the new arts editor. I transferred to this neck of the woods from the metro desk, where I was the editor last semester and dealt with stuff like murder trials and borough council. So, basically, I'm new to everything here and initially trying to pass myself off as worthy of being a part of the arts team.
But I'm not totally square, sometimes. I'd tell you I get really hyped about rare deep soul reissues and spend way too much time rooting around City Lights downtown, but that's not really helping my case. I started watching that show all the privileged HBO kids rave about, The Wire, and now I'm hooked. However, I'm probably one of the few devotees who fast-forwards to the newsroom scenes. I'm not the most fashionable dude out there, but I was really psyched on Project Runway at one point and over break I think I caught almost every season of America's Next Top Model.
This semester is going to be a test of how well I can keep up with all the creativity flowing around the arts side of the Collegian office. It's exciting to have some great entertainment headed our way this semester, and I can't wait to work with the talent on this staff. Billy included.

Why thank you, Matt. Like he said, my name is Billy, and I've worked with the daily paper as an administration reporter and page designer, but I'm absolutely thrilled about my new position: chief of that illustrious weekend insert, Venues. Since you're reading this blog, I think you and I would agree that art and entertainment are pretty awesome. Mainstream bands at the BJC, indie flicks showing on one screen only, that book your cousin said was good -- there's something to write about all of them. So no matter what shows you watch, what restaurants you frequent or what radio station you tune in to (WPSU, anyone? Camille Saint-Saens in the house...), we think you'll find something here to enjoy. Katie can tell you more.

I'm Katie, your dedicated arts chief. I am a sophomore and have been on arts for a year and a half, and I've loved (almost) every minute of it. I enjoy everything about the arts, from the latest news (have you heard that Rent is closing on Broadway after 12 years?) to the newest acts hitting Happy Valley. Band of Horses is coming to the State Theatre next week; I am so there.
Someone once told me that having a favorite anything was silly because then everything else you like gets left out, so I won't list any favorites here. But, I will say that the music I enjoy can't be found on the radio, the movies I love haven't been in theaters in more than ten years, and the books I read ... well I'll read just about anything.

So from Broadway to Beaver Ave. we are here to bring you all the latest news, gossip and controversy that's hitting the art and entertainment industry.

In the Wikipedia entry on "Populism," there's an uncited sentence at the end of the summary that states populism today "is often used both by journalists and politicians as a vague, frequently pejorative description, whether to describe vote-grabbing measures and rhetoric or in connection with new right-wing nationalist movements as well as many left-wing socialist movements in Latin America."

It's ironic, at least to me, that the concept fueling Wikipedia -- populism -- is one that in modern society carries a derogatory connotation. But the reason for this is that populism carries a pejorative connotation, 300 years after the founding fathers of America made Constitutional protections against the uninformed public.

I'd like to think the playing field has been leveled at this point, though. Education is socialized; thousands upon thousands of college-educated Americans are smarter than most politicians.
So why is it that, in a government based on democracy, populism is still considered a bad thing by politicians? It spans the two-party system, gaining fans in both Lou Dobbs and Bill O'Reilly. It's imperfect, but then, so is every political system. If you believe in American principles, you should probably believe in populism.

There's a reason Wikipedia is so awesome, after all, and populism is it. Populism determines what's more important to society at large. For example, the Battle of Bunker Hill, though a British victory in the Revolutionary War, was a turning point and a moral victory for the United Colonies. As a comparison, Star Wars is "a worldwide pop culture phenomenon" that contains an entire fictional galaxy. Which is more important? Let's break it down.

Words in Wikipedia entry:
Battle of Bunker Hill: 3,011
Star Wars: 8,544

Number of references:
Battle of Bunker Hill: 7
Star Wars: 25

Planets destroyed (i.e., either smashed into asteroids, made uninhabitable, or had population wiped off planet):
Battle of Bunker Hill: <1
Star Wars: 38

Length of saga:
Battle of Bunker Hill: One night
Star Wars: 21 years, 11 months, 359 days

Without Wikipedia, without populism, the elitists would have you believe that the Battle of Bunker Hill is more culturally important than Star Wars. Maybe without the Battle of Bunker Hill, we wouldn't have Star Wars. But that's revisionist history. If there were no Battle of Bunker Hill, someone besides the United States -- maybe Canada, or Mexico, or Costa Rica -- would have started Western democracy as we know it. And then that country would be a world power, and that country would have produced a George Lucas-esque mastermind who would then create something as culturally significant as Star Wars.

It works the same way with music: If it weren't for The Beatles, there'd have been some other phenomenon like Beatlemania that would be just as culturally significant.

I'm not making judgments here, saying that Star Wars is inherently better than the Battle of Bunker Hill because it's more culturally significant. I'm just stating the facts.

If I were to say that Garth Brooks is the most important recording artist of the past 20 years because he sold the most records, that'd be very misguided. That's why every list that names Nirvana's Nevermind or "Smells Like Teen Spirit" its No. 1 is a crock. The album's good and the song's pretty good. But neither is anywhere near the best. Hell, In Utero is a better album and "Drain You," a song from the same album as "Smells Like Teen Spirit," is better. And anyone who takes Pearl Jam over Nirvana in that stupid debate will almost always cite the fact that Pearl Jam was "bigger" than Nirvana.

Yes, it's revisionist history to say that Nirvana was the biggest thing in music, because that's how we'd like to remember it. Sometimes revisionist history is the better history, because sometimes, "culturally important" and "good" overlap.

No one wants to remember that Vanilla Ice was popular, but we'd love to pretend that all the cool people in 1992 were listening to Pavement's Slanted and Enchanted, because Pavement is infinitely better than Vanilla Ice. That's not how things were, but that's how they are.

And that's why The Empire Strikes Back will always mean more to Americans than "Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes."

-Kevin

With most intelligent women, it's pretty difficult to come up with a catchy, clever pick-up line without it being cheesy or creepy.

But after browsing the personals on State College's craigslist, I think lines like "I lost my number; can I have yours?" might be better than the average bear's. For example, check out this doozie from the "missed connections" section:

"My dearest tattooed girl, I elbowed you in the head tonight during the Bouncing Souls."
God, take me now.

That diamond in the rough was posted at 12:52 a.m. Oct. 22, just hours after the Bouncing Souls show at the Cell Block ended. Now, to be fair, the message gets better from there. Shockingly enough, the poster goes on to detail the elbowee's playful, positive response, and the two seem to make a sweet punk flirtatious exchange.

But then, there's another twist: Somehow, this dude DIDN'T EVEN ASK FOR A PHONE NUMBER!

Granted, I can't imagine a Bouncing Souls show is the best place to score a date, but it's gotta be a little more promising than a creepy "missed connections" post on craigslist an hour after the show ended, right?

I swear I have a couple of points here, and I'll be brief.

First of all, as communal and unifying as concerts can be, they're like one-night stands. You arrive and all the people in the crowd are just looking to have a good time. Over about 90 minutes, the crowd finds some chemistry and most people become friendly. The show climaxes at the end of the main set, and if everyone has a good time with that, it climaxes again with the encore. And all of a sudden, it's over. All the people in the crowd get out as fast as they can, jump in their cars and drive home, only to speak of the evening with others who they think will appreciate the experience.

If you attempt to break this custom, things can become very, very awkward. Nothing's worse than some awkward dude trying to talk to you when you just want him to leave you alone.
Second of all, this was a Bouncing Souls show, right? It's a punk band, not Bright Eyes. The girl doesn't want to read your publicly available poetry after the show; if there's any chance of breaking through the plane of awkwardness, it's gotta be hard and fast like a punk song. The "Can I have your number" exchange should ideally consist of only grunts, nods and perhaps Sharpie-to-hand contact.

Finally, if you're going to choose a concert as your venue for sparking some romance, be prepared for miserable failure. In fact, welcome miserable failure, because it's always going to be better than posting an open-ended message on craigslist to an anonymous punk chick.

Working right around the corner from a Starbucks, it's hard to begrudge the coffee empire. But they make it much easier when they start decorating for Christmas right after Halloween is over.

This is a common concern, that the commercialization of Christmas has ruined the holiday, that it comes too early every year, blah blah blah. First of all, it's a holiday that wouldn't be popular if Christians weren't trying to entice pagan Romans to convert; second of all, we live in a capitalist country. Bitch all you want, nothing's going to change unless you boycott Christmas presents.

However, my concern is that the November overhyping of Christmas completely undermines Thanksgiving Day, which is the greatest American holiday. We have the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day, but those holidays all come in the summertime, which is essentially a three-month holiday in and of itself, even after you're out of school and working a full-time job.

Thanksgiving is great because you make as much food as humanly possible, eat as much food as humanly possible, and the next day, there are still leftovers. Football, the greatest American sport, both high school and professional, rules the day. Amateur family games break out mid-afternoon. Give me another holiday where you can tackle your 40-year-old uncles and I'll alter my position. But as it stands, Thanksgiving rules.

And that's why I'm wondering: Why is there so much Christmas music and so little Thanksgiving music? Why are there no Thanksgiving carols? Why do I have to listen to Adam Sandler sing "Love to eat turkey 'cause it's good" every year because the only alternative is "Alice's Restaurant"? [Note: "Alice's Restaurant" is awesome, but it's only a Thanksgiving song in the same way that "Good King Wenceslas" is a Christmas song. In other words, it's not.]

Yesterday, Collegian music reporter Adam Clair came up with his Thanksgiving mix tape, which you can check out at www.collegian.psu.edu/venues. But I figure I'd throw in my two cents, too (and try not to overlap with Adam too much). My mix style's a little more environmental than Adam's, so while his songs are more directly related to Thanksgiving, mine are more of the dinner music variety.

Neil Young, "Harvest Moon"
Neil Young invented grunge, was more punk than The Clash, and could play the guitar like a mother. But "Harvest Moon" is such a pretty song, and it's perfect for the fall.

Nick Drake, "Which Will"
Pretty much any Nick Drake song works, but this one's great. Something I just learned while looking for an ideal Nick Drake song: Rolling Stone gave the album Pink Moon four out of five stars, which says just about everything you need to know about Rolling Stone.

The National, "Fake Empire"
The National is a little more for the end of the evening. Ideally, when listening to The National, it's dark, rainy and cold outside. And the logs are on the fire, and the wine is flowing.

Neko Case, "Star Witness"
Neko's voice sounds like apple cider. And she's beautiful, which doesn't really change how good the song is, but it helps the mental image that she writes her songs for my own personal enjoyment.

My Morning Jacket, "Into the Woods"
For the backwoods Thanksgiving feast. The song's lyrics are mostly just a little creepy, but the chorus is pretty nice, and Jim James' reverberating voice is a nice ethereal touch.

That's it. It's a Thanksgiving EP. See? There just aren't enough Thanksgiving songs.

Paris Hilton is famous for no reason, and I'm okay with that. She's a modern "socialite," which just means she's a rich person who gets drunk a lot. If I won the lottery I'd be a socialite too, I guess.

A lot of people were pissed off that Paris gets as much news coverage as she does. I personally don't give a crap. People love celebrities and rich people, and they love to see them fail because it gives continuity to the phrase "money doesn't buy happiness" (which it does).

And despite her public persona as a dumb blonde, it's become readily apparent that Paris is good at one thing -- staying in the public spotlight. It takes a lot of hard work to extend your celebrity as far as she has without doing anything to deserve it.

Paris Hilton is a genius.

But while I'm perfectly okay with Paris being famous, I am not at all okay with Britney Spears trying to make a comeback. In case you haven't heard, Britney will be the opening performer at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Britney's career is a joke. She's never done anything of artistic merit, only having writing credits of two of her greatest hits ("Me Against the Music" and "Everytime"). This isn't meant to slam Britney's catalogue, as "Toxic" is one of the best Top Ten hits of this decade and the video for "...Baby One More Time" launched thousands of American teenage boys into puberty.

But Britney had little to nothing to do with those things. Almost any semi-attractive teenage girl could have filled into those roles, and with the help of a major label production team, had the same level of success as Britney.

And now, even after she's been exposed as a bum with poor hygiene, parenting skills and taste in men, she's being rewarded with a prime spot on one of the biggest music stages of the year. I'm infuriated.

Later in the show, Rihanna and Nelly Furtado, two women who are infinitely more talented than Britney, will perform. Lily Allen, Carrie Underwood, Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé are all nominated for VMAs. All are better than Britney in every way imaginable (unless you're counting "complete disregard for human esteem" as a good thing); none are performing at the VMAs. Britney will be a big story the next morning without having done anything but shave her head and check into rehab. America will fall in love with her again, and three years from now, we'll be going through Britney's continuing downward spiral all over again.

Paris Hilton may be a worthless person in the great scheme of things, but at least she's working hard to earn that label. Britney's being a worthless person on pure talent alone.

Welcome back, y'all. Since we're doing this whole "introduction" thing for the first week of blogs, I'll give you a rundown of what this is all about. This is the Snap, Crackle, Pop blog, devoted to pop culture news, whether it's Paris Hilton being Paris Hilton or My Bloody Valentine announcing their reunion (possibly at Coachella 2008). If you have no idea who My Bloody Valentine is, no big deal. Just listen to Loveless with a candle burning and you'll see your future.

I've been the main man for this blog over the summer, as my blogsperience greatly outweighs that of my colleagues. In the past, I've contributed to our Inside the Music World and Behind the Arts Scene blogs, as well as having a huge following of my own personal blog. (Sure, among my small group of friends and some family members, but whatever. I don't see you writing a blog.) This semester, my fellow arts editors Jessica Remitz and Katie Dvorak will also pitch in with some entries. Check it early and often. Anywho, let's kick this bad boy off.

The biggest story this week has been the Owen Wilson suicide attempt. I've got my eyes glued to this one (which, for celebrity news, is rare), mostly because the Frat Pack (Jack Black, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell) is like the Wu-Tang Clan of comedy films right now.

With that in mind, let's assign each of these actors a comparable Wu-Tang member:

Ben Stiller = RZA
It pretty much all starts with Ben Stiller. Aside from Luke Wilson (The Wendell Baker Story), Stiller is the only guy to direct or produce a Frat Pack film, which he's done a number of times (most notably, Zoolander ). Similarly, RZA was responsible for developing the Wu-Tang Clan's sound by incorporating skits into albums and chopping up, speeding up, and slowing down soul samples to fit beats. Both are workaholics, although RZA is not a one-trick pony.

Steve Carell = GZA
Both are the oldest and most experienced members of their respective groups, which makes me wonder if GZA is also the hairiest member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Carell worked his way up through the comedy ranks, performing with Chicago comedy troupe Second City and then as a correspondent on The Daily Show. Like GZA with Liquid Swords, his leading role debut (The 40-Year-Old Virgin) was one of the best releases by any of the members.

Will Ferrell = Ghostface Killah
Ghostface has always been a big star in the Wu-Tang Clan, and that holds true today. His 2006 album Fishscale was one of the best hip-hop albums of the year, and it's probably the best Wu-Tang album released this decade. Ferrell's 2004 film Anchorman was one of the best comedies of the year, and it's probably the best Frat Pack movie released this decade.

Vince Vaughn = Method Man
Vaughn was one of the first of the Frat Pack to make a big splash early on. His breakout role was in Swingers in 1996, one of the best guy movies ever. Method Man, likewise, is so money and he doesn't even know it. Early on in the Clan, he was considered to be the phenom that would break out from the rest of the pack. He was the first to release a solo album, Tical, and it remains one of the best the group's ever done. He's a star outside the hip-hop scene thanks to How High and Method and Red.

Jack Black = Raekwon the Chef
Like Raekwon the Chef's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., Jack Black's solo effort School of Rock was critically acclaimed by both fans and critics. Thus, it must hold true that Jack Black is a master at making cocaine into crack.

Luke Wilson = Inspectah Deck
As the main character in Old School, Luke Wilson stands out, much like Inspectah Deck on Wu-Tang Forever. However, like Inspectah Deck, Wilson faded into relative obscurity afterward, as it turned out neither was as good as everyone thought.

Owen Wilson = Ol' Dirty Bastard
In light of recent events, it's clear that both these guys are the most troubled of their respective groups. ODB had plenty of trouble with the law, with a laundry list of convictions and arrests. He also had a suicide attempt of his own, in 2002. Two years later, he died of an accidental cocaine overdose after collapsing in the recording studio. Let's hope Owen can get things back together.

There's been a recent influx of freeze-dried ice cream popping up downtown. Fraser Street Deli and McLanahan's, two favorites of the Collegian newsroom, have started serving "Itty Bitz," a Dippin' Dots rip-off made by Kemp's Ice Cream.

Now, I say "rip-off" only because I'm unfamiliar with Itty Bitz. I'd probably have said the same about Coke's competitors, or Aspirin's, or Band-Aid's. I now say the same of Google's lowly rivals. I know Google wasn't the first, but it's the best.

It's entirely possible that Itty Bitz will dominate the freeze-dried ice cream market and blow Dippin' Dots out of the water. I mean, Dippin' Dots has had its chance to catch on. But let's be serious, Dippin' Dots, you've been the "Ice Cream of the Future" for 20 years. Shouldn't that mean you're now the Ice Cream of the Present? Ben and Jerry's is totally kicking your ass.

But to be fair, it's very difficult to become popular when it's so hard to make and preserve Dippin' Dots. The Dots have to be kept at 20 degrees below zero. Not too many supermarket fridges can handle that. Not in the U.S., anyway. I wonder, what if Dippin' Dots were to catch on in America's Hat, Canada? It seems like an obvious choice. Start up a Dippin' Dots franchise in the Yukon Territory and corner the market on freeze-dried ice cream that's been needlessly blasted into miniature ice cream balls.

However, after some research, I discovered that Dippin' Dots already HAS a Canadian base in Calgary, Alberta. But for some godforsaken reason, Dots Canada (the alternate name, which is a little like calling McDonald's Hamburger America) only has one existing franchise. Is Canada too good for The Ice Cream of the Present? Get with the times, Canada.

There's another black mark on the state of New Jersey this week. As if it needed one.

The new development concerns Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo, the Miss America contestant who recently has been thrown into a blackmail scandal. Photos of Polumbo were found and held for bond, a demand to which she refused to back down.

Now, I don't mean to vilify the victim. Blackmail must be a terrible thing. Plus, the photos are pretty tame. Sure, they're kind of trashy considering she's a Miss America candidate, but they're kind of classy considering she's Miss New Jersey.

However, Polumbo's photos were found on Facebook, where she thought they'd be safe from strangers because her profile was set to "private."

Come on. Really?

I thought by this point, everyone who'd ever heard of Facebook knew that it was pretty much open to the public. There is no safety on the Internet. If you're in the public spotlight, you will be Googled, Facebooked, MySpaced, whatever'd, until something is found. Then it will be posted on TMZ, Perez Hilton and millions of other blogs like this one for all to see. There is no such thing as privacy on the Internet.

Jersey will keep her crown and participate in the contest. But she probably won't win because she let her boyfriend bite her fully-clothed breast on camera and then naively left tagged on Facebook.

Seriously, lame.

I don't know how the Miss America pageant judges its contestants, but I know I'd rather hang out with Jersey at a bar than go save baby seals with Miss Alabama or whoever. Chick knows how to have a good time. That's America, baby.

Snap, Crackle, Pop
This blog will tackle a pop culture-related subject every week. It's called Snap, Crackle, Pop because Rice Krispies are awesome. I sadly realized after coming up with a title for the blog that it somewhat mirrored Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, one of my favorite books. Even in my subconscious, I'm chasing Chuck Klosterman. 'Til next week, folks.

-Kevin Doran