Irving’s Bagels, a Penn State restaurant staple, has expanded its downtown domain with the opening of Fiddlehead, a soup and salad café located on 134 W. College Ave.  As a salad enthusiast, I can say that the café’s crunchy, fresh salads and savory soups did not disappoint.

After winding my way through the packed café, I came to the front of the soup and salad factory line and was able to custom order any salad I chose. Fiddlehead offers six specific salads on its menu, but customers can choose to create their own from more than 40 ingredients. It also presents a variety of made-from-scratch soups daily.

When I walked into the cafe, I was immediately greeted by a positive environment — welcoming cashiers, cheerful lime walls and the sounds of K.T. Tunstall and the like subtly crooning from the radio. But the wall color isn’t the only thing that’s green. Fiddlehead prides itself on its “green” approach — most of its materials used are either recycled or made from renewable resources. The restaurant also purchases supplies from local businesses and promotes a cleaner environment for Penn State

This café, though, is not easily a “sit-down” eatery. I quickly grabbed a chair when a costumer left, but there was only one line of face-the-wall seating and three tables near the window. It’s a better place for people wanting to eat healthy on the go.

In the end, though, I left Fiddlehead feeling full, fit and content. I will surely be back soon to try the soups.

For more information on College Avenue’s new café, visit www.fiddleheadstatecollege.com.

Photo by Ian Lopera

The Bryce Jordan Center radiated Southern charm Saturday night as Lady Antebellum, Thompson Square and Darius Rucker took the stage.

Thompson Square, comprised of dynamic husband-and-wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson, started the show off right with plenty of sass and playful dancing. Shawna rocked the stage in a risky, yet very fashionable outfit: a black bustier and frilly plaid skirt. The highlight of the band’s performance was its recent number-one hit, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?” Shawna convinced her husband to give her a big smooch on stage to end the set.

Next, Darius Rucker, wearing a simple green T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap, performed all of his hit songs — “Alright” and “Come Back Song” included. He then had the entire arena shouting along to the Hank Williams classic “Family Tradition.” This was only appropriate, as family was an important theme — he frequently spoke of them between songs, and he even brought tears to many of the audience members’ eyes as he changed the words to his song, “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” to make it seem like he was singing to his own daughter.

But nothing topped the headliner, Lady Antebellum. The crowd went wild with each song the group played, especially “As You Turn Away.” The audience had voted for the song before the show, and singer Hillary Scott was especially grateful. She told the crowd that the song meant a lot to her, and it showed in her singing. Bandmates Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood also energized the crowd with “Hello World.” While the harmony by Scott and Kelley was mind-blowing, there’s no doubt that Scott stole the show with her sparkly outfits, winning smile and bubbly personality. For country fans, the sold-out show was worth every penny.

Stuck in a musical rut? We found the perfect Pandora stations for every occasion. Tune in and rock on. 

When the weather’s cold and you’re stuck inside 

Pandora station: The Black Keys

The Black Keys have made a name for themselves with their bluesy rock vibe. Whether you’re doing work or simply relaxing, the band’s station’s deep, cozy vibrations will keep you warm.

When you’re getting ready for a night out

Pandora station: “4^th of July (Fireworks)” by Kelis

Kelis started out as a brash hip-hop artist (“Milkshake,” anyone?) but reinvented herself as an energetic dancehall songstress. This station boasts party favorites like Ke$ha and David Guetta, among others. You’re in for a good time.

When it’s warm outside and you’re hanging with friends

Pandora station: Phoenix

Most of this music is light and airy, and Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars’ buoyant voice enhances these songs’ radiating summer feel. Grab your shades, your friends and a spot by the pool and get ready to have some summer fun.

When you’re feeling a lil’ bit weird

Pandora station: Crystal Castles or Gorillaz

Both of these bands are a little off their rocker, and the playlist definitely reflects it.  That’s OK!  If you’re looking for something a little bit different, this is the way to go.

When you’re working out

Pandora Station: Robyn

Robyn is truly queen of the Euro-pop kingdom. Her tunes, as well as the others played here, are energetic and electric. This station will give you the energy needed to power through your weakest workout moments.

Classes are winding down. The holidays are just around the corner (YAY!). You’ve been invited to at least 3 ugly-Christmas-sweater parties on Facebook. It’s time to lay down the books and pick up your ear buds — these songs are guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood.

*NSYNC – “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”
As millennials, nothing says (excuse me, sings) a good time quite like a boy-band throwback jam. “It’s a wonderful feeling, feel the love in the room from the floor to the ceiling.” With lyrics like that, how couldn’t this song pull you into the holiday mood?

Lady Gaga – “Christmas Tree”
Nothing these days seems complete without a dose of Gaga. True to Mother Monster’s signature naughty style, the song is loaded with innuendos. Definitely not parent-approved.

Jack’s Mannequin – “The Lights and Buzz”
On the track, while not a holiday song per se, Andrew McMahon sings of the therapeutic qualities of the season and home. A Christmas in the band’s Southern California hometown would definitely be paradise when compared to Happy Valley’s weather standards.

Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas is You”
Our generation was raised on this song. A classic, childish theme of knowing exactly what you want for the holidays translated into something we can all empathize with (being in love!) — and a killer beat to boot.

Matisyahu – “Miracle”
Matisyahu’s modern-day version of a Hanukkah song speaks to more than just religion. His uplifting lyrics declare the power of faith and redemption, and makes this a song sure to fill your head with positive thinking and holiday cheer.

Bing Crosby – “Winter Wonderland”
No holiday season is complete without a Bing Crosby jingle. His recognizable and wholesome holiday music is adored by generations past and present.

Which songs would you add to the playlist? Tell us in the comments.

Photo by Ian Lopera

As the semester comes to a close, it’s time to put away the textbooks and dive into one of these leisurely reads.

For the hopeless romantic…
The Best of Me, Nicholas Sparks’ newest novel, tells the story of two former high-school sweethearts who are both called back to their hometown for a funeral — a reunion that tests whether true love can rewrite the past. If you found yourself crying while watching The Notebook, this book is sure to bring you to tears once again.

For Apple lovers…
In a world of iPhones and MacBooks, it’s obvious that Steve Jobs left his mark on the world. Walter Isaacson’s exclusive biography of the late Apple CEO, titled Steve Jobs, shares the story of his life and personality, compiled from countless interviews with friends, family and Jobs himself.

An oldie but goodie…
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, The Great Gatsby, might be worth another read over the break as the second film adaptation, staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, is set to be released in 2012. The novel takes place in the 1920s and tells the story of the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan.

An underrated favorite…
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer tells the story of a 9-year-old boy trying to find the lock that matches a key left by his father who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Sure to make you laugh and cry, this quirky and touching novel is a must-read. The soon-to-be film adaptation, starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, hits theaters in January.

To get in the Christmas spirit…
Holidays on Ice, a compilation of six stories by David Sedaris isn’t the obvious choice, but it’s sure to change the way you think about Christmas books. This satirical read includes “SantaLand Diaries,” made popular by NPR, which tells of the author’s experience as a Christmas elf at Macy’s.

Have another book in mind to read over break? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Nina Abbott

Photo by Samantha Pelaez