Penn State Reduces Energy Consumption

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

On June 25, Penn State University underwent an annual test of its load reduction capability. During the test Penn State was found to have reduced its consumption of electricity by 31%! Consistently striving to do better is part of what Penn State does on a daily basis. Read more about it on Penn State University’s website.

Penn State University Park reduced its electricity consumption by an impressive 31 percent during the annual test of its load reduction capability on June 25.

Between 4 and 5 p.m., Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant worked behind the scenes remotely to power down as many pumps, fans, compressors and lights as possible. University employees and students were encouraged to shut off their lights and office equipment. Central electricity metering during the test hour averaged 22 megawatts (compared to the peak usage of 32MW that day).

The Emergency Demand Response (DR) program demonstrates the University’s capability to reduce its usage during a regional power emergency. Penn State has committed to being able to reduce its load to 28MW if necessary to avoid a blackout. Thursday’s reduction to 22MW was the University’s second-best performance ever, just behind last year’s reduction to 21MW.

While these reductions are a test for emergency conditions, the Office of Physical Plant is constantly looking for ways to improve campus energy efficiency to reduce overall usage. More than half of Penn State’s $2.7 billion capital plan is being directed to retrofitting and renovating infrastructure, and a specific investment of $60 million has been dedicated to energy savings programs over the next five years.

Penn State plans to improve its overall energy utilization by 20 percent over the next 10 years. For more information on the University’s conservation efforts, visit www.sustainability.psu.edu.

Annual Lift for Life Fundraiser

The annual Lift for Life event put on by the Penn State Uplifting Athletes group will be taking place on July 11th at 11 AM. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Kidney Cancer Association. For those who would like to participate, a donation of $10 is suggested and football players will be available for autographs from 1 to 2 PM. Head to OnwardState for more information.


Lift for Life, the marquee event conducted by the Penn State Uplifting Athletes chapter, is set to kick off on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Penn State Lacrosse Field.

The annual event, which features some of Penn State football’s biggest stars, benefits the Kidney Cancer Association as a part of the Uplifting Athletes community. Since the inaugural event held in 2003, the Penn State Uplifting Athletes chapter has raised over $1 million benefitting the fight against kidney cancer.

Competitions held during the event include an obstacle course, sand bag stack, sled pull and push, shuttle run, and a tug of war. The competition will pit members of the Penn State offense against members of the Penn State defense in a race to see who can finish on top. Suggested donations for adults are $10, while suggested donations for children will be $5. There will be a kids clinic held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., which will cost $15 per child and includes a Lift for Life T-shirt. All of the proceeds generated from the event will benefit both kidney cancer patients and their families.

The football players will be available for an autograph and photo session from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., giving kids a chance to meet some of their favorite Nittany Lions. Parking for the event will be available at Lot 44, located near the Bryce Jordan Center, and will require either a $5 payment — due to event parking sales for Artsfest in effect on July 11 — or a visible display of a valid Penn State parking permit.

More than 80 football players will be participating in the event, and it’s sure to be an exciting afternoon for all in attendance, and will benefit a very noble cause.

7 Tips for Staying Safe This Summer

The first day of summer was Sunday and with this weather heating up, we’re in for a sunny summer! Keeping your skin protected from the sun’s rays is smarter than lying out and soaking them up all day. You can enjoy the sunshine while still staying safe. These tips and facts from Real Self will help keep you safe from the dangerous UV rays.


Summer's almost here, and you know what that means: outdoor festivals, backyard barbecues, and days at the beach! Unfortunately, there's nothing like a sunburn to put a damper on the fun, not to mention leave behind some pretty unsightly tan lines.


However, there's more to using sunscreen than preventing crazy patterns and itchy skin. Any time a RealSelf user asks our doctor community how to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging, their #1 tip is to wear sunscreen daily. Not only is UV radiation the most common cause of facial aging, but 90% of skin cancer is caused by exposure to the sun. (An even scarier statistic is the fact that one in five Americans are expected to develop the disease in their lifetime.)


You may think your avoiding UV damage isn't always as simple as "my moisturizer has SPF 15." To help you avoid the risks of too much exposure, we turned to dermatologistDr. Susan Van Dyke and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) to bring you these seven facts about proper sun protection:
1. Anything greater than SPF 50 provides the same protection

"A 50 SPF blocks 98.00% of UVB light (the burning rays) while a 100 SPF will block 99.00%,” says Dr. Van Dyke. “This level of benefit [to either] is of course contingent on applying enough and reapplying frequently."


2. Makeup and moisturizers with sunscreen aren’t always enough

Unless your makeup/moisturizer provides broad spectrum sunscreen and is reapplied throughout the day, it isn’t enough protection for all day sun exposure. According to ASDS, it’s fine if “you are only walking to your car from work or going into the store. But if you are going to spend a few hours outdoors, then you need to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen."


3. You need to reapply every 2 hours

"The active ingredients in sunscreen break down when exposed to UV light," says Dr. Van Dyke. "To maintain the SPF on the label, you need to keep reapplying as the ingredients lose effectiveness: every 2 hours, more often if you sweat or swim."


4. You should use one ounce to cover your whole body

According to ASDS, “Research shows that many people put on about half of the amount of sunscreen they need, so be sure to lather it on." And don’t forget the sensitive skin on your lips: Use lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.



5. It’s not a free pass to suntan all day

"Sunscreen is not 100% even in the best of cases," warns Dr. Van Dyke. "Realistically speaking, few of us follow guidelines perfectly. If you really want to save your skin, the best approach is to use sunscreen, cover up (hats, sunglasses, SPF clothing), and seek shade."


6. Tanning oil with SPF 10 doesn’t count

“Less than an SPF of 15 doesn't protect you from the cancer-causing side effects of sun exposure,” says Dr. Van Dyke.


7. Don’t wait til you’re in the sun to apply

“Sunscreen should be applied one-half hour before going outside, giving the skin time to absorb it,” says ASDS.


The next time you're picking out sunscreen, here's what you should look for:

• Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
• Minimum SPF 15, ideally 30-50
• Broad spectrum UVA/UVB (UVB causes burns, but UVA is also damaging to the structure and health of skin)
• Water resistance if you'll be swimming or sweating

4 Ways to Use a Tool Tote (Other Than for Tools)

Keeping things organized is important when you live in an apartment is imperative! Small spaces call for getting creative with your storage. Sometimes giant plastic crates aren’t going to get the job done. That’s where tool totes come in. These multipurpose tool carriers don’t have to be used just for tools. They can be utilized by everyone: kids, crafters, car enthusiasts. Check out how the folks at Apartment Therapy use theirs. Do you have anything that you use for things other than its intended purpose? Let us know on the Facebook page.


My dad recently gave me this tool tote and, organizing fanatic that I am, I immediately started looking beyond its intended use and wondering what unexpected uses I could come up with. This little thing is handier than you might think, so read on for four uses, as well as some suggestions for similar totes, in case the red and black look isn't your thing...


Kids' Tote: Keep the things that keep your child entertained handy. Because of it's portability, a tool tote is easy to take with you or to keep in the car, and the pockets are great for all the odds-and-ends that kids adore.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:

• books
• stickers
• pencils and markers
• coloring books
• earphones
• iPad or other electronic device
• small toys
• card games
• snacks
• construction paper
• stuffed animals

Craft Tote: Stash everything related to your latest project in this tote so that it's easily to handle. When I lived in a studio apartment, I used a similar tote as my mobile "craft room." It kept me from acquiring too many crafty things, but it also kept all my items organized and accessible for whenever inspiration struck. Plus, everything is easily packed up again, so your coffee table isn't perpetually strewn with yarn and paper.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:

• filing folders filled with decorative papers
• yarn
• knitting needles
• embroidery hoops
• sewing needles
• scissors
• glue gun
• glues
• craft paint
• threads
• hole punches
• stamps
• ribbon
• markers
• sketch pad

Car kit: In case of emergencies, having a designated tote means that necessary items are close at hand. Consider adding daily essentials like parking passes and a phone charger in addition to emergency items like jumper cables and a tire iron. The whole kit is easily moved from the backseat to the trunk and vice versa.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:

• jumper cables
• flashlight
• maps
• cleaning wipes
• Tide stain pen (in case of an in-car eating mishap)
• a bottle of water
• granola bars, dried fruit, or nuts
• parking passes
• a pen and notebook
• an umbrella
• flat tire emergency spray
• an ice scraper
• bungee cords
• a tire iron
• first-aid kit
• extra chargers for electronics

A Bill-Paying/ Office Caddy: Tool totes are handy for corralling the things that you need every month when you spread out to tackle the bills. Even if you pay your bills online, having important papers and mailing supplies at the ready can be handy. Plus, in a really small space, this could serve as "mobile office", filled with all the supplies you need and easily stowed in a closet or a cabinet.

Some sample items to keep in the tote:

• File folders for receipts and bills (keep separate ones for bills that need to be paid, bills that have been paid, or bills that need to be filed elsewhere)
• calculator
• pens
• envelopes
• stamps
• checkbook
• letter opener
• scissors
• computer screen wipes
• a notebook and pen

I used a small sewing caddy from the dollar store to corral things like push pens, rubber bands, Post-it flags, staples, and the like

Oh, and of course you could use it for tools. Any other alternate ideas?

Summer's Best Music Fest Takes Over the Streets

This past Sunday saw the streets of State College turned into a music festival. From local bands to bands from across the country, there was something there for everyone. Kids had a place to go in the Kids Zone, there was so much food to try and music to sample; it was endless fun for everyone! Were you there? What was your favorite musical act of the day? Let us know on the Facebook. Read more at StateCollege.com.


Downtown State College was unrecognizable on Saturday as the Summer's Best Music Fest took over town for the day.

Streets that are normally clear, save for the cars that frequent them, were transformed into outdoor music venues.

Five stages were dropped into town, featuring artists from the county, state, and throughout the nation, showcasing performers who came from near and far. From the music scene to a Kids Zone to a pig roast, there was no shortage of activity in town as the festival raged on.

State College resident Ben Varner set up a folding tailgate chair on Locust Lane for The Boomers, a Johnstown-based classic rock trio that played favorites like "Spirit in the Sky" and "December, 1963." But as much as Varner enjoyed the music, he was more interested in watching people.

"This is great weather for the festival and it keeps you young being around all these young people out there," he says. "The music is good and you can just walk around and watch people."

And while Varner and his wife waited for Jackie Brown & The Gill Street band, one of the couple's favorite bands, he kept soaking in the crowd downtown.

"My wife has been doing some shopping," he says. "For me, if I’m not listening to music, I’m watching people."

Just down the street, on Calder Way, a large crowd gathered to watch Eric Ian Farmer. The State College-based singer and songwriter played a mix of covers and originals, strumming his acoustic guitar, accompanied by an accordion player and a drummer.

"He’s passionate. He’s in it. And you can see it in everything," says Nayib Felix, who watched the entire set.

It wasn't just Felix who enjoyed Farmer's performance. The entire audience seemed to be loving the music.

"People liked it. A lot of people were really into it," Felix says. "Infants were even dancing. They were like three months old and they were twerking."

Kyler Sherman-Wilkins, another festival attendee who caught Farmer's set, provided some insight into what got the crowd excited.

"I like how lost he got in his music," he says. "He just has his eyes closed. And then after the song is over he blinks a couple of times and gets back into the real world."

In that real world, something special was happening in downtown State College. The streets were filled with music and smiling people and plenty of activity.

"It brings people together," Felix says of Summer's Best. "I just talked to a woman that I never would have talked to in my life if I hadn’t come here. I spilled something on her, but still, I spoke to her."

Sherman-Wilkins was happy to see the town showcase some local artists in addition to the bigger acts, like country singer Jo Dee Messina, who played at the festival.

"It shows that State College has culture, because some people don’t think it does," he says. "It’s really important. You have these people you know from the community and interact with on an everyday basis, and then you get to come out to events like this and get to see their creative side as well."

Canoe Susquehanna

If you’ve lived in Pennsylvania your entire life but you haven’t travelled down any of its rivers, then you are not living life to the fullest! Canoe Susquehanna wants to give you that experience. To learn more about how you can take a canoe trip down the Susquehanna head to State College’s website.


Just as the Susquehanna River has helped shape Pennsylvania’s landscape, it has also helped shape the commonwealth’s culture. Its name adorns banks, universities and counties, while its majestic body covers nearly 500 miles on its way to the sea.

Betsy Quant, one of the founders of Canoe Susquehanna, says that she’s often heard customers say that they’ve lived in Pennsylvania for decades without ever venturing onto the river’s tranquil waters.

“We’ve had folks say that they’ve crossed over the river on bridges over and over while living in the valley,” Quant says. “When they finally get on the river with us, they’re so delighted and they say, ‘we wish we’d done this years ago.’”

Canoe Susquehanna is a “family business” run by Quant, her husband and their sons. She says their goal is to create “a seamless blend of learning and just having fun” while they guide public and private trips on both the north and west branches of the Susquehanna.

Based about an hour away from State College in Lewisburg, Canoe Susquehanna offers kayak and canoe rides for anyone interested in experiencing this major Pennsylvanian landmark, regardless of age or boating skill. Having already served riders ranging from two to 93 years old (and everything in between), Quant says the trip is great for the whole family.

“Our trips have always been for both beginners and the more advanced, and we’ve maintained that for forty years,” she says. “We don’t just rent you the boats, either – we go out with you on the water and make sure you have the best time you possibly can.”

Public trips are typically held once a weekend, and require at least one day’s notice so the staff can prepare the necessary boats and equipment. Private trips are also offered, which Quant says are perfect for company retreats and other organizations. Having taken trips with groups ranging from just a couple people to over 80, Quant says Canoe Susquehanna is the perfect destination for families of any size.

“One of things that makes us interesting is that our trips are always in a different location,” Quant says. “We repeat ourselves maybe three times a season for public trips.”

Quant says as they rotate through their various trips, they cover long stretches of the river’s north and west branches – offering a unique perspective on central Pennsylvania and the “geologic, environmental and human history” of the Susquehanna River.

For more information, visit PaddleHappy.com or call (570) 524-7692.

Do's and Don'ts of Summer Courses

Summer courses are a great way to try and get ahead in your college career. Get that pesky public speaking requirement out of the way. Good for you! Before you start, make sure you take a look at these do’s and don’t’s of taking summer classes from Straighter Line.


This summer, invest in yourself by taking online college classes to earn college credit. By taking your summer college courses online, you can learn anywhere, anytime – and at your own pace.

Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of taking summer college courses:

DO -
Consider the flexibility and convenience that online summer courses offer a busy college student. Even if your summer plans include a job, you can still keep a full work schedule when you take classes online.

Online college courses give you the freedom to study any time of the day or night. By taking online courses this summer, you can start whenever you want and complete your required college courses at your own pace – allowing you to fit your summer academic goals within the confines of your work, family or social calendar.

"With the online revolution in education, there’s no reason to pay name brand prices for generic courses when store brands will suffice."

Want to see how it works? Take two free lessons on us today!

DON'T -
Assume that you are too busy to make academic progress during the summer. You’ll find that online college courses allow you to hunker down and move through material when you have time, and back off when you don’t.

Tip: Keep this process going, and over the course of a few weeks or months, you may be surprised by how many college courses you have successfully completed and how many college credits you have managed to earn at ultra affordable prices.

DO -
Complete required general education courses or prerequisites for your major by taking online classes this summer. With the online revolution in education, there’s no reason to pay name brand prices for generic courses when store brands will suffice.

DON'T -
Take online college classes without verifying first if the school to which you’d like to transfer will accept those college courses for full academic credit. While many colleges and universities do accept ACE Credit recommended courses for transfer, not all of them do.

Tip: It’s your job to verify that your school will accept ACE Credit recommended courses for transfer – and get it in writing to avoid any hassles later on. High quality online college course providers will have Student Advisors who can help guide you through this process.

"You can conveniently take college courses for credit online that are equal to or above the required standards at on-campus colleges and universities."

DO -
Take advantage of the low cost structure of online college course providers. These days, you can start taking college courses online for as little as $99 per month through StraighterLine and earn fully transferrable college credit.

Remember to check if your college accepts ACE transfer credits. Since over 2,000 colleges and universities do, there’s a good chance yours does as well. (And of course, if you’re taking courses at StraighterLine, those courses are guaranteed to transfer to partner colleges.)

Tip: The more ultra affordable courses you take online through low cost college course providers, the more you save on your degree.

DON'T -
Confuse the quality of learning outcomes with price.

You can take college courses for credit online that are equal to or above the required standards at on-campus colleges and universities – and save thousands towards your degree - even more when you factor in the average annual cost of tuition, room, and board is $14,300 at a public institution and $37,800 at private ones, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Tip: Many accredited colleges and universities, in fact, have transfer agreements with online college course providers, community colleges, and international schools that are based exclusively on learning outcomes. These degree programs are part of the competency-based education movement.

DO -
Take online college courses you were prevented from taking at your current college due to over-subscription issues or because life got in the way. Due to budget cuts, many colleges and universities are being forced to “ration” some of their most popular and/or required courses.

DON'T -
Delay your graduation just because you don’t have access to a required course or had to withdraw. Consider this: online summer college classes don’t fill up and don’t have quotas.

Tip: With online college courses, you can quickly and affordably take the courses you need this summer, transfer the credits back to your college or university, get back on track to earn your diploma on time – and avoid a mountain of student debt.

Do you have experience with earning college credit over the summer? What are your favorite tips for taking online courses?