Rating: 7.1/10

Popular technopop group Imagine Dragons released their sixth studio album ‘Loom’ on June 28. This comes three years after the release of their album ‘Mercury – Act 1’ and the reissue one year later, ‘Mercury – Acts 1 & 2.’

Ushering in a new era for the band, ‘Loom’ modernizes the classic electric pop and hip-hop sound the band has become notorious for since its debut in 2012.

The album opens with the fast-paced electropop sound the group is so well known for. ‘Wake Up’ moves quickly with its rapid instrumentals, but it keeps the listener in suspense with its lyrics.

Between the repetitive chorus, quick verses and monotone pre-chorus, the song creates a tone of paranoia and panic.

“Everybody’s comin’ for you, wake up/ Everybody’s comin’, wake up/ Bodies droppin’ everywhere, I’m waist up/ Everybody’s comin’, wake up,” Dan Reynolds sings.

The story told through the lyrics rises in climax as the song progresses, further drawing in the listener. As the chorus repeats itself, and the verses grow in intensity the suspense builds. The vocals of the song end leaving a feeling of abruptness, which is followed by rattling instrumentals. All put together, this makes the song feel almost unfinished, or cut off, which contributes to the tone and story.

‘Nice to Meet You’ begins with a lighter set of vocals, and follows through with a classic pop sound, reminiscent of music from the late 2010s.

This song follows the frustration of dating someone whose friend is involved in the relationship.

“I’ve always really hated that when you are dating someone, you are also kind of dating their friends,” Reynolds said in an Instagram Live, regarding the song.

Despite the agitation the narrator feels, the instrumentals still carry a light, jovial tone. This song is bright and easy to listen to, making it a great addition to a summer playlist or a road trip queue.

‘Eyes Closed,’ the third track, garnered popularity when it was released as a single in April of this year. At its initial release, the band alluded to this song as the beginning of a new era of their music.

The instrumentals carry an electric tone, starting calm and growing intense with added bass as the song progresses.

Juxtaposing the somewhat somber instrumentals and sound, this song has a positive, motivational message. The narrator expresses that he can do anything, despite the odds and obstacles he faces.

“Lock me up in a maze (Oh)/ Turn out, turn the lights (Oh, oh, oh-oh)/ I was born, I was raised for this (Oh)/ (…) I can do this with my eyes closed,” Reynolds sings.

With rhythmic electric guitar, ‘Take Me to the Beach” carries a chill techno sound, contrasting the intensity of the previous song.

Comparable to the other songs on the album, this most closely resembles the sound of current pop and hip-hop music — both genres that Imagine Dragons dabbles in.

The lyricism of this song follows the ever-popular sentiment of escape from the rat race of the corporate world. The narrator expresses a desire to leave behind the stress of everyday life for a worry-free beach by himself.

‘In Your Corner’ is the first song on the album with a melancholy story to accompany the downbeat tone.

Straying from the traditional electric, synth-based sound featured in the rest of the album, this song opens with what sounds like an eerie electric organ, followed by prominent drums.

The lyrics recite a story of losing a relationship with someone while holding on to the feelings of love and care. Reynolds expresses being in someone’s corner, despite “not having a relationship anymore.”

The song may echo Reynolds’ personal life, as an expression of his emotions after his divorce in 2022.

With a surprising hip-hop techno mix, ‘Gods Don’t Pray’ carries on the eerie tone from the previous track.

With the ever-persistent culture of social media today, the sixth song on the album criticizes the idolization of “larger than life” figures. The song takes a first-person perspective, the narrator given the role of a god, encouraging people away from pointless worship.

“We ain’t never comin’ downstairs/ Gods don’t pray, Gods don’t pray/ Save it for somebody that cares/ Gods don’t pray, Gods don’t pray/ Love me, hate me and make me ugly/ Break me and shame me/ You should see the view up here,” Reynolds songs.

With its unique musical sound, cohesive story and poignant messaging, this song is one of the most stand-out pieces on the album.

‘Don’t Forget Me’ is a sharp contrast, opening with piano and totally lacking the techno sound the band is famous for.

The song follows the emotional set experienced after the end of a relationship, channeling a strong sense of regret. Reynolds sings the line, “don’t forget me” 10 times in the three-minute song.

While the messaging may seem repetitive, with a similar story only two tracks prior, ‘Don’t Forget Me’ stands out as a uniquely human ballad.

‘Kid’ picks the pace back up, featuring drums and bass guitar. With a sound resembling 90s music, the band Gorillaz in particular, this song is a contrast to the rest of the album while still keeping in theme.

It’s an anthem that encourages the listener to preserve. The main portion of the song is a repetition of the lyric, “You gotta get yourself together kid,” with bits of advice and encouragement sprinkled throughout.

“You think you’re born to be the better/ You gotta take your losses as a win,” Reynolds sings. “I’m chasin’ dreams dreams since I left the womb/ You gotta keep that chin up, young one, you’ll bloom.”

‘Fire in These Hills’ is the ninth track, repeating the same sentiment from previous songs about lost love.

Like other songs from the album, the lyrics recount a relationship’s end and regret of the actions taken up to that point.

The instrumentals begin with a ballad-esque piano, and a jazz trumpet cutting in about 20 seconds in. Around one minute a techno beat becomes evident in the background, colliding with the piano and trumpet. The instruments manage to work together, but they don’t blend well enough to sound natural.

Along with the repetitive lyrics, and reused storyline, this song doesn’t stand out against the other tracks.

The album ends with another version of ‘Eyes Closed,’ featuring popular reggaeton artist J. Balvin.

Balvin contributes to the verses and choruses alongside Reynolds before he sings his own verse in Spanish.

The addition of another singer gives this song a new power, making it perfect to close the album.

‘Loom’ offers listeners the sound of Imagine Dragons classic discography, with a modern twist. With different stories and sounds, this album is easy to listen to and follow, each song standing out as its own.

mneff6@dailyillini.com

The post Review | Imagine Dragons rocks electropop in new album ‘Loom’ appeared first on The Daily Illini.

June is National Cancer Survivor Month — a time to celebrate cancer survivors across the world. 

This holiday is multifaceted, celebrated and interpreted differently by many different organizations and entities. The main focuses are to support both cancer survivors and cancer research as well as educate more about the disease and those who have had it. 

There are currently 18 million cancer survivors living in the United States today, a number anticipated to grow in coming years. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, one in four survivors report poor physical health, and one in 10 report poor mental health. The AACR advocates for supporters and caregivers of cancer survivors to learn more about survivorship to help support survivors. 

The AACR suggests that people voice their support by raising awareness, especially during the month of June. Using #CelebrateSurvivorship and #NationalCancerSurvivorMonth on social media to talk about National Cancer Survivor Month is one way to show support and speak out. 

The National Cancer Institute also encourages people to learn more this month. The NCI’s Office of Cancer Survivorship suggests reading the stories of cancer survivors and caregivers to learn more about the topic. 

Many entities involved with National Cancer Survivor Month advocate for education and support of cancer survivors because of the importance of a strong support system during cancer recovery. Registry Partners, a clinical data management organization, stressed the significance of continued support after beating cancer. 

Other groups encourage people to use the month as an opportunity to get tested for cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers a free online colon cancer screening to assess individual risk factors. They also provide resources such as a helpline for cancer patients and their supporters. 

To take further action, the AACR suggests reaching out to legislators to advocate for continued and prioritized cancer research. They also advocate for the Rally for Medical Research, a rally in Washington, D.C. that aims to support funding for medical research. 

The AACR and NIC provide resources for further education during National Cancer Survivor Month. To learn more, check out the AACR Cancer Progress Report and the NCI’s cancer survivor statistics, along with their suggested reading, Developing National Cancer Survivorship Standards. 

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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Most commonly known to be the longest day of the year, the summer solstice has been celebrated since the Stone Age. The holiday falls between June 20 and 22 each year, with this year’s observance being Thursday, June 20. 

Scientifically, the solstice occurs when the sun travels its longest path. This is when the sun is the farthest in the northern hemisphere. 

The summer solstice is the start of the astronomical summer, as days begin to become shorter into the year. It is believed that neolithic civilizations may have observed the solstice as an agricultural and geographical indicator — using it to determine when to plant crops and measure the water in rivers. 

The solstice has its roots in the practices of many ancient societies. Romans celebrated Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, during this time. Similarly, in ancient Greece Cronus, the god of agriculture was honored. 

In ancient China, a celebration was held to honor the force known as yin. Vikings also had customs associated with the solstice, using the time to resolve conflict. German, Celtic and Slavic pagans celebrated the solstice with large bonfires in hopes of a bountiful harvest. 

Bonfires are one of the many summer solstice traditions that are practiced today. Lighting a bonfire is believed by some to bring good luck because of the ashes, which are said to ward off evil. It is also common to see flower garlands worn, especially during Midsommar celebrations, as certain flowers and herbs are associated with protection. 

Midsommar is associated with the solstice but is often associated with Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland, where it is a national holiday. 

Today, one of the most popular places to celebrate the summer solstice is Stonehenge. The prehistoric stone monument is located in Wiltshire, England and is the epicenter of annual solstice activity. 

Seemingly designed for the holiday, the central axis of the megalithic monument aligns with the sunrise of the summer solstice. 

Every year the English Heritage Society plans events at Stonehenge to celebrate the solstice and livestreams the sunrise on their YouTube and Facebook. 

Allerton Park, located in Monticello, Illinois, is hosting a summer solstice celebration. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy the evening. 

The event begins with a suncatcher workshop for children and a food truck, followed by a suncatcher and bracelet workshop available to anyone who registers. There will then be a “jam session” led by local musician Rex Parvin and everyone is invited to bring an instrument and participate. Finally, there will be a bonfire to end the evening. 

The event is free to attend, while separate costs are associated with the workshops. 

With its rich international history, this solstice ushers in summertime. Gather with your friends to make flower garlands, or light a bonfire to usher in the summer season. 

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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Longer days free from classes in dull lecture halls usher in the freedom and lax schedules of summer break. With less to do, many people turn to reading for pleasure. In the park, by the pool or on vacation — readers have the opportunity to crack open a book and discover a new world. 

From classics to thrillers, poetry to contemporary romance, this summer reading guide has something to appeal to all audiences. 

Some books may contain adult content. 

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

One of the most renowned novels of the nineteenth century, “Little Women” is a timeless classic. 

The story regained popularity after the Greta Gerwig film in 2019 and has become a popular piece of literature among lovers of the classics. 

The novel follows four sisters through 15 years of their lives. Each sister brings her own unique personality to the story, infusing the plot with life. 

At about 450 pages, “Little Women” is a classic novel that stands the test of time. The story, full of love and real life, makes a fun summer read. 

“Gospel of a Whole Sun” by Katerina Jeng

Jeng’s poetry collection, released in early May, is a journey into self-discovery and reclaiming one’s voice. 

The lyrical poetry explores the writer’s life, navigating challenges that lead to the joy of falling back in love with life. 

With 144 pages, this poignant poetry collection is an easy and touching read for all audiences. 

“Hip-Hop is History” by Questlove 

Chronicling the early life of hip-hop, musician Questlove recounts songs from the years since the inception of the genre in his newest release. 

For music lovers, historians and anyone who wants an interesting read, this book is great to pull out of your tote bag and delve into in your spare time. 

The text takes an informal, narrative approach to history, making the 352 pages feel like a conversation with a friend. 

“Birding to Change the World: A Memoir” by Trish O’Kane 

For the hobby naturalist, O’Kane’s non-fiction book recounts her journey as an accidental bird watcher — or “birder.”

This moving memoir details professor O’Kane’s journey as an environmental activist in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, inspired by the birds she saw in her day-to-day life. 

This book reads a little heavier, standing as a first-person narrative nonfiction at 368 pages. A great read when paired with a picnic blanket and nice weather. 

“Mrs. Nash’s Ashes” by Sarah Adler

This contemporary chick-lit romance novel is Adler’s first release. 

The story follows a hopeless romantic on a journey to reunite her elderly best friend with her lover — via her ashes. But, when things go awry the main character finds a travel buddy in her ex-boyfriend’s cynical colleague. 

This unpredictable romance ties the themes of grief with love, teaching a lesson on accepting the unexpected. 

Funny and tear-jerking, all 352 pages of this novel will draw you into Adler’s road trip of a lifetime. 

“Cleat Cute” by Maryl Wilsner 

Wilsner’s first sports fiction romance novel has become a popular sapphic contemporary romance.

The story follows two rival teammates on their way to the World Cup. When star player, Grace Henderson, is sidelined with an injury, Phoebe Matthews, a spunky new player, takes her place. 

With the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, Grace and Phoebe begin to fall for each other. Between their intense sport and unclear relationship, the couple must decide what’s more important: soccer or love.

A fun, light read at 328 pages, “Cleat Cute” is a great summer rom-com. 

“To Paradise” by Hanya Yanagihara

Acclaimed author Hanya Yanagihara’s newest novel spans from 1893 to 2093, in an alternate American “utopia,” which isn’t what it promises. 

The novel follows three stories of love, loss, illness and family ties. 

While this 720-page novel is certainly not a light read, the text portrays Yanagihara’s literary skill in a moving way. “To Paradise” sets up a dystopia that is easy to fall into and read anywhere. 

“The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore 

Moore’s new release is a historical thriller set in the classic horror setting of a 1970s summer camp. 

When a young girl goes missing fourteen years after her brother’s disappearance, a mysterious thriller unfolds in this fast-paced novel.  

With layers to dig into, this 490-page novel is perfect for reading around a campfire or in your bunk at summer camp. 

“House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune 

Klune’s popular realistic fantasy novel is loved by many audiences. 

It follows a caseworker for magical children as he navigates an unprecedented and unpredictable job at a secluded orphanage. Linus must decide if the children ostracized by his profession are deserving of the fear imposed on them, and what the right course of action is in a seemingly impossible situation. 

Beloved for its easy-to-read fantasy and found family trope, fans of Klune’s English sea-side fantasy are anxiously awaiting its sequel, set to release on Sept. 10. This 394-page book is an easy read that will leave you with a taste of magic. 

No matter your reading preference, this list has something for everyone. Non-fiction, horror, fantasy and romance — those who like to read can find a book to fall into this summer. You can also check websites like Goodreads for more summer suggestions. 

All of these titles and more are available at local bookstores and libraries. 

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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Rating: 5.2/10

Iconic 80s rock band Bon Jovi released their 16th studio album, “Forever,” on June 7. The album consists of 12 songs, revisiting their classic rock roots for 48 minutes. 

The album begins with “Legendary,” a rhythmic pseudo-love song dedicated to life. It rejoices in friendship, love and contentment with the present. 

“Got what I want ‘cause I got what I need/ Got a fistful of friends that’ll stand up for me/ Right where I am is where I wanna be,” Jon Bon Jovi sings in the chorus. 

Its rhythm, opening vocals and light acoustic guitar don’t present the type of rock and roll song typically associated with the popular 1980s arena rock group. The song’s redeeming quality is its rockesque message about joviality and fun, but the rest falls flat for the opening song to an album emulating the classic 80s rock sound. It plays more like a 2010s pop song, leaving much to be desired. 

“We Made It Look Easy” is disappointingly similar to the first song, with similar instrumentals and almost the same story. With its rhythmic guitar and melodic drums, the song retains the 2010s pop feel that opened the album, recounting a chaotic friendship, presumably between rabble-rousing bandmates. 

“We were broke-down cars chasin’ shootin’ stars (ooh, ooh, ooh)/ We were full of seventeen/ And we made it look easy/ Didn’t we?” Bon Jovi sings. 

Rock fans may be more impressed with “Living Proof,” which is much more akin to Bon Jovi’s original sound. 

The song begins with heavy metal vocals, eerily similar to those heard in the first few seconds of the band’s 2000 song “It’s My Life.” The instrumental focus is on the drums and electric guitar, channeling a heightened rock sound than the previous songs on the album. 

The lyrics to “Living Proof” are edgier than the previous songs, sending a message about overcoming the past to achieve what you want, making it one of the stand-out tracks on the album.

The morose tone continues into “Waves,” with its melancholy lyricism and sound. The opening notes of the song, accompanied by the prominent vocals, are reminiscent of the 90s rock scene. 

The plot of this song follows a tragic romance, losing love to the rash decisions of youth. 

“I thought we were bein’ reckless/ You thought we were bein’ free/ Now I dream we’re in the ocean/ And I’m sinkin’ as you drift away from me,” Bon Jovi sings. 

While the next song, “Seeds,” follows the same sound — utilizing major rock elements like electric guitar and harsh drums — it has a more optimistic storyline. 

The song tells its audience to keep going, even when things are hard. This is a theme iconic to rock music of the seventies and early eighties, giving the song a true nostalgia for Bon Jovi’s peak. It’s a bright encouragement to the audience to persevere, juxtaposing the suffering and heartache of the previous songs. 

“Kiss the Bride” opens with a soft piano riff that is a sweet contrast to the rest of the album up to this point. 

Backed entirely by piano, it is a first-person narration of a father experiencing his daughter’s wedding. The narrator conveys the bittersweet feelings associated with the marriage of his child and having to surrender the place he has in her life. The heartfelt lyrics and melodic piano make this song one of the most emotionally charged tracks on the album. 

“The People’s House” returns to the previous rock sound. Much like the other songs, it centers on electric guitar and drums to convey a positive message about overcoming. 

“Time for the turnin’ of the page/ It’s time to say goodbye/ Old ways have changed/ No crime to look out for each other,” Bon Jovi sings.

Lacking much of a storyline, this song plays as more of a PSA to the people. It announces that the world belongs to everyone and people must learn to live in peace with one another. Like other songs from the album, the message and lyrics are evocative of the 1970s. 

“Wall of Jericho,” on the other hand, returns to Bon Jovi’s iconic 1980s sound. It begins with a chorus of voices, one that the listener could easily imagine joining at a concert. 

Following suit with the rest of the album, the story of this song is also thematic of perseverance. It differs from the presumed lived experience of previous songs, calling upon the biblical story of Jericho. The religious imagery aims to strengthen the message by recounting a tale of persevering teamwork to take down an opponent; however, it misses the mark for the younger audience by citing a story that lacks popularity in popular culture today.

“I Wrote You a Song” once again shifts the album’s vibe, with a slow piano and guitar concocting a contrasting environment from the instrumentals of previous songs. 

Similar to “Kiss the Bride,” this piano song is an emotional narrative tapping into the topic of melancholy love again. He recounts the feeling of not having enough to give, which he remedies with the timeless gift of art.

“I wrote you a song, almost afraid to sing it/ How could it ever be beautiful enough?/ I can’t give you the ocean or the sky so blue/ The wonders of the world, they don’t compare to you/ I did the only thing I know how to do,” Bon Jovi sings. 

While this song will probably not be on the playlists of many rock enthusiasts, its relatability and musical variety give it a solid spot on the tracklist. 

Love is once again the theme in “Living in Paradise,” but written in a more positive light. The song revolves around a happy relationship where the narrator feels fulfilled.

“Summer’s gone, it’s been a long September/ Nothin’ matters, long as we’re together/ Yeah, we’re livin’ in paradise,” Bon Jovi sings in the chorus. 

The instrumentals and vocals mirror the first two songs, with a 2010s pop sound. Along with the repetitive lyrics and theme, this song is lackluster and unmemorable. 

“My First Guitar” is perhaps even more uninspired. The instrumental is once again guitar and drums, with repetitive rhythms and beats. The opening lyrics toe the line of vulgar, with intentional double-meaning. 

“Got my hand around her neck, aw/ But it’s done with respect, aw/ I’ve had a few, but no other/ Has the love of my mother,” Bon Jovi sings. 

The personification of his guitar gives the lyrics a strange tone, which comes off incredibly strong for the opening line and is followed by a particularly unoriginal chorus.

“I’m in love with my first guitar,” Bon Jovi repeats 10 times throughout the song. 

Beyond its repetitiveness, the lyrics are similar to the song “I’m In Love With My Car” by the band Queen. While it certainly isn’t the same song, the repetition of the chorus and the overly descriptive nature of the narrator’s relationship with the object is enough to trigger a dedicated classic rock fan’s memory. 

The album closes with “Hollow Man,” a narrative ballad backed by acoustic guitar and melodic piano. It’s neither overtly happy nor sad, simply questioning the future. Bon Jovi asks again and again what to do.

“Whaddo you sing when the song’s been sung?/ Who do you fight when the war is won?/ Whaddo you write when the book is done?/ Whaddo you sing when the song’s been sung?” Bon Jovi sings. 

This song is another major standout on the album, capturing the essence of a rockstar navigating life after their career. Its slow pace, established storyline and existential questioning make it the perfect song to close the album. 

Bon Jovi’s “Forever” comes four years after their album “2020.” While “Forever” reaches for the stars, it only grazes the iconic sound of the band. The songs are inconsistent in tone, sharply moving from upbeat pop to fast rock to slow ballad. The themes and lyrics are repetitive, making the sound hard to follow. 

Despite its coalescence, a few songs stand out, tapping into the Bon Jovi sound and making this album a pleasant listening experience.

Designed for old and new fans alike, “Forever” aims to earn its place in Bon Jovi’s discography, but whether it actually does remains up to the listener.

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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The United Nations established May 30 as the International Day of Potato in December 2023 to bring public attention to the environmental, economic and nutritional benefits of starch. 

According to the UN, the total production of potatoes will reach 750 million tons globally by 2030, cementing its role as a staple food around the world.

The National Potato Council reports that potatoes in their natural state are a great source of vitamin C and potassium, as well as being an effective antioxidant, making them a palatable and healthy choice. 

Potato lovers across the globe are encouraged to join the potato frenzy this year by using the hashtag #InternationalDayOfPotato to share their recipes, gardens and potato-related events.

If International Day of Potato has inspired you to get involved, here are some easy potato recipes from the Food Network that you can try today.

Mashed potatoes are one of the most classic potato dishes. Many families have their secret recipe with a dash of a special herb to spice this basic dish up. While this recipe certainly won’t beat a family classic, it’s basic enough to be built upon and turned into your own. 

Mashed potatoes

Ingredients: 

4 pounds of potatoes 

3 tablespoons of unsalted butter or butter alternative

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups of heavy cream or alternative

To begin, rinse and peel the potatoes under cool water. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. 

Fill a pot with cold water and add ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. It will take about 15 minutes for the potatoes to become fork-tender. Drain the water from the potatoes. Let rest for three to four minutes.

Add in the butter or butter alternative. Mash the potatoes and butter. A potato masher is a preferred tool for this job, but a hand mixer, immersion blender, potato ricer or fork also works. 

Add the remaining salt, pepper and milk and stir. At this point, any other ingredients can also be added to taste. 

Potato salad

Another staple food of the midwest is the “salad” — an amalgamation of starches, vegetables and assorted condiments and a fan-favorite at cookouts and pool parties. Potato salad is one of the most popular dishes in this mayonnaise-based cuisine. This is a quick and easy recipe you can try today. 

Ingredients: 

3 pounds of potatoes 

1 cup of mayonnaise

¼ cup of buttermilk

2-4 tablespoons of preferred mustard 

½ cup of chopped dill

2 stalks of celery

¼ cup of chopped red onion

Salt and pepper to taste

To begin, rinse and peel potatoes under cool water and cut into ½ inch chunks. Place in a large pot of water and boil for 10-15 minutes or until fork-tender. 

In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, dill, salt and pepper.

Combine the potatoes and dressing. Add in dressing, celery and chopped onions. 

If the potato salad seems dry, try adding milk, water or pickle juice. 

Sweet potato casserole 

An easy twist on traditional savory potato dishes is sweet potatoes. With almost as much recipe variety as their bland counterparts, sweet potatoes are a versatile food that can be used in many creative ways. They can even be transformed into a sweet dessert dish like this sweet potato casserole. 

Ingredients: 

3 cups of sweet potatoes (cooked or canned)

4 tablespoons of melted butter

½ cup of milk

¼ cup of brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 beaten eggs

Salt to taste

½ cup of flour

½ cup of brown sugar, packed

½ stick of melted butter

¼ tsp of salt

¾ cup of chopped pecans

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Mash the sweet potatoes. Add melted butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Beat eggs and add in. Stir ingredients together until completely combined and add into an oven-safe dish. 

In a separate bowl add softened butter, flour, brown sugar and pecan pieces. Use fingers or a fork to combine into a crumb texture. Evenly distribute the mixture over the casserole. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden. Let stand on the counter for 10 minutes or until mixture is set. 

Potato gnocchi

Finally, for a less obvious potato recipe, gnocchi is a staple that can be used in a variety of ways. It is a popular Italian potato dumpling you can use like pasta in any dish. This recipe makes an easy gnocchi for beginners.

Ingredients: 

3 large potatoes

1 egg

1 teaspoon of salt

¼ teaspoon of pepper

2 cups of flour

To begin, rinse and peel potatoes under cool water and cut them in half. Fill a pot with cold water and add in salt. Add potatoes to the pot and let cook until fork-tender. 

Drain water and place potatoes in a bowl. Use a fork to mash into crumbs. Transfer to a floured surface and form a pile with the potatoes. Add the salt, pepper and flour. Make a well in the middle and crack the egg. 

Begin to incorporate the flour mixture, potato and egg together. A pastry scraper is preferred for this task, but a fork or spatula also works. When the dough combines, begin kneading with your hands. If the dough is sticky, add small amounts of flour until smooth. 

Split the dough into several small balls. Roll into ½ inch-thick ropes and cut ¾-inch pieces off. For texture, carefully roll the dough pieces against a fork. 

You can now boil the pasta in soup, cook it in sauce or sauté it with your favorite herbs. 

No matter how they are prepared, potatoes are one of the main staple foods in American cuisine. Celebrate your favorite potato dish today on the International Day of Potato.

aka10@dailyillini.com

mneff6@dailyillini.com 

The post Four easy recipes to make for International Day of Potato appeared first on The Daily Illini.

Tucked into one of Urbana’s homey neighborhoods sits the CU Potter’s Club. With its Germanic architecture, brick facade and bright windows, the club has sat as a staple in the Champaign-Urbana art community since the organization moved into the space in 2009.

CU Potter’s Club, in affiliation with C-U art organization 40 North, debuted its expanded studio space at the Boneyard Arts Festival. The festival lasted from Friday, April 12 to Sunday, April 14, opening local venues for artists to display and sell their works. 

The club opened its facilities to the public over the weekend for their biannual sale. The club sold pieces from its artists, with the profits going back to the club. They featured works by all of the potters within the club, with some members doing demonstrations of their work.

Tracy Cunningham, club member and membership chair, demoed stamping and glazing in the newly opened studio. 

“It’s amazing,” Cunningham said. “It has doubled our functional space that we have, it has increased our storage (and) it’s allowing us to expand to more members.”

The waiting list for the club is currently at around 100 people. Cunningham herself had to wait a year to join, but the expansion will open the space up for up to 20 new members. 

“During COVID, we had more people that were trying to join the club than we’ve ever had, and we realized we had a need to expand, and so we’ve added over 1,000 square feet to our space,” Bruce Kloth, a community member and potter involved with the club, said. 

Since its creation in 1969, the club has fostered the artistic community in C-U. Formerly associated with the Champaign Park District, CU Potter’s Club declared itself a not-for-profit in 2006 before moving to the current space three years later.

The club provides a coveted space for those interested in a more hands-on art form. The club allows anyone to apply for their waiting list — from people with one year of high school art experience to former ceramics teachers. 

“I haven’t seen a lot of spaces like this, a cooperative space that is really run by the members,” Cunningham said. “It offers a space, a creative space, for people that are interested in ceramics.” 

The Potter’s Club is a unique space in its functionality, run by members who sit on different committees. These committees are dedicated to clay, cleanup, firing, glaze and sales. 

Club members also manage membership and perform duties like treasurer and secretary. This allows the artists to control how their space is run, working with each other to build a place where everyone feels comfortable. 

“We’re a group of people that kind of feed off of everybody else, we learn from everybody,” Kloth said.

The club’s communal workspace and collaborative environment help draw in artists with the promise of a unique creative space. 

“It’s amazing how much interest there is in pottery in this town. When we have our sales, there’s a lot of people who come out,” Kloth said. 

The CU Potter’s Club is run by artists, for artists, with an emphasis on community and use of the shared space. The profit generated by their pottery sales goes back to the club to provide an affordable studio with long-term access, encouraging people to pursue their passions. 

“This has allowed me to continue a passion, something that is very meditative — it’s a creative outlet,” Cunningham said. 

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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A quintessential part of the college experience is the freedom of self-expression, as many young adults get their first taste of living away from home. 

For some, this means changing their fashion style, trying a vegetarian diet, chopping their hair or getting their first tattoo. A great introduction to self-expression — and a way to spice up your appearance — could be a piercing. 

With its proximity to campus, situated on the outskirts of downtown Champaign, No Regrets Tattoos & Body Piercing is the ideal location for Champaign-Urbana residents. 

The piercing and tattoo studio welcomes its clientele with a small waiting room and big windows opening onto a relaxing view of the bustling downtown C-U area. 

They don’t book in advance for piercings, so it’s easy to get in with just a short wait. The prices are fairly low for the area, and the staff always have a cool, calming energy. 

In mere minutes, you can leave the piercer’s chair with a septum ring, conch hoop or a stud in your nose. 

With a short commute, fair prices and chill atmosphere, No Regrets Tattoos & Body Piercing is the ideal location for anyone seeking a piercing of any kind.

mneff6@dailyillini.com 

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The Kat Walk — a modeling registered student organization on campus — hosted its annual fashion show at Gregory Hall on Sunday. The theme of the show was “A Night At The Movies, The Pink Carpet,” inspired by popular films and media. 

From references to the popular animated television show “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to the classic musical film “Grease,” the event provided upwards of an hour of fashion with entertainment.

The evening opened with remarks from director Kenny Woodards, sophomore in FAA, and producer Kristian Robbins, junior in LAS. The show proceeded with 10 scenes depicting popular movies. The outfits were modern interpretations of famous costumes, including Cher Horowitz from “Clueless,” Velma from “Scooby Doo” and Rizzo from “Grease,” among many others. 

“If I’m being completely honest, I don’t know where I came up with that idea,” Robbins said. “It really just came to me one day.”

Robbins said she was inspired by previous work she completed with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. 

Along with the modeling, there were several performances during the show as well. Each scene opened with a skit. There were two dance numbers incorporated into the show, each working with the surrounding context to create a story for the audience to follow. 

A local musician, D1V1NE, sang two songs before the models made their way back to the stage. 

Robbins directly interacted with the audience with three giveaways. Members of the audience were invited to strut the stage themselves for a chance to win a photoshoot, lash set and tote bag. 

Audience inclusion tied into the overall ideas of TKW: accessibility and inclusion. 

“The idea was anybody can be a model,” Woodards said. “We take in anybody, anybody can come.” 

Robbins echoed a similar sentiment about the inclusivity of the show and said the RSO is accessible to any individual who would be interested in being part of a show. 

The Kat Walk’s fashion show is an annual event, but the RSO has scheduled events before next year’s show. 

“We do have two other shows, one is called Met Gala, and we’re actually partnering with our (Illinois State University) branch for that, and then we’re going to ISU for their production,” Woodards said. 

“I like the little family we created from the show,” Robbins said. “It’s really great to see all the talent and the potential that the models have had.”

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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I have always associated the holidays with baked goods. The weeks leading up to Christmas at my house are marked with floured counters and dough balls in the back of the refrigerator. 

I remember coming home from elementary school on the days before my winter break to a warm kitchen and fresh cookies to try. One of the recipes that stood out to me the most in my childhood was old and German, passed down from my grandma’s family. 

Springerle cookies are small and usually square, with intricate designs. They have a crunchy outer layer, a soft middle and a subtle sugar flavor. 

This recipe is definitely a labor of love. It’s tedious and time-consuming, taking three days to achieve the perfect texture and shape, but I believe it to be absolutely worth it. 

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 4 ⅓ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 ½ cups sifted cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Anise seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest

To begin, crack all four eggs into a large mixing bowl. Beat the eggs with the confectioners’ sugar and lemon zest until well combined. 

This step is possibly the most tedious in the recipe, but it ensures the cookies have the right texture and airiness. In a separate bowl, sift the cake flour with the baking powder and salt. Any type of sieve or fine strainer will work. For added effect, use a 50-year-old hand crank sifter, but I don’t recommend it. 

Gently fold the sifted flour mixture with the egg mixture until completely combined. 

Segment the dough into two portions, wrap it in plastic and chill for several hours, or overnight for the best results. 

After your dough is chilled, you’ll begin the next portion of the process. Cover your counter with wax paper and dust with cake flour. Place your dough on the floured surface and roll to about ½ inch thick with a rolling pin.

To achieve the traditional springerle form you’ll need a springerle board or a springerle roller, but any dough mold or cookie cutter will work just as well.

If you’re using a springerle roller, flour the surface of the rolling pin, making sure to get into the design. You’ll use it like a traditional rolling pin, applying enough pressure to press the design into the dough. Cut out the individual cookie squares. 

If you’re using a springerle board, flour the surface of the board, making sure to get into the design. Place your flattened dough atop the board and use a traditional rolling pin to roll the dough into the board. 

Flip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut the cookie squares. 

If you’re using a cookie cutter, lay your dough on a flat surface and use the cookie cutter as you normally would.

If you’re fond of the taste of black licorice, you can press a pinch of anise seeds into the bottom of the cookies. You could replicate this with any spice or herb of your choice, or you can leave them plain.

Place the cookies onto a lightly greased baking tray, and cover them with a clean tea towel. This allows the surface of the cookies to dry out, setting in the design. Let them chill overnight.

When the cookies are chilled, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. When the cookies are done, they will be golden brown and have feet, like macaroons. 

These cookies don’t have a particularly unique flavor, and they take a lot of work. But, if you’re up for a challenging bake, or want something fun to make with someone you love, these cookies are perfect.

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, a volunteer organization in Champaign, is planning extensive holiday programming for the local community. The organization is arranging events for the season of giving and providing food and resources for members of the community. 

The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen has been a part of the Champaign-Urbana community for 14 years, providing about 400 meals a day, according to organizers. The organization is run entirely by volunteers and funded by donations.

“It’s a very generous community here that helps us,” said Ellen Harms, publicity coordinator of the kitchen. “We get all kinds of food donated from local restaurants, local businesses.”

Harms stressed how some may think all the guests of the soup kitchen are without a home or family, but it is a common misconception, as some guests just need a little assistance.

“There’s kind of a myth about the guests at the soup kitchen,” Harms said. “A lot of our guests have families. They’re not all homeless, they have homes, they have families, they have friends, so they have a place to go on the holidays.”

Harms said the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen aims to provide not only food to its guests but also resources to help them in their day-to-day lives. Harms discussed the assistance committee, which helps guests obtain driver’s licenses and bus passes.

“I think we provide a place for guests to feel recognized,” Harms said. “They feel respected, they feel listened to.”

The kitchen is closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas Day, but that doesn’t deter their community outreach efforts during the season.

“We pretty much celebrate Christmas with our guests all of December,” Harms said. “We decorate, we have a Christmas tree.”

The star of the soup kitchen’s holiday programming is the 2023 Knapsack Project.

“Before COVID we did backpacks, and we had people donate backpacks and things to fill them up,” Harms said. “Because of COVID, we switched to knapsacks.”

The soup kitchen purchases several hundred knapsacks to distribute to guests and takes donations from the community. The knapsacks are filled with toiletries, warm winter clothes, treats and a small gift. The bags are then distributed throughout the community.

“Last year we gave out about 700 knapsacks, it’s always a big project,” Harms said. “We have a lot of families do it.” 

The soup kitchen collected items for their knapsacks from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8., according to their website.

Harms said the soup kitchen is dedicated to helping residents within the community year-round.

“People who are hungry are being fed, and that’s our basic mission, to feed people,” Harms said. “I think all of us who work at the soup kitchen believe that people need to be treated with respect. We’re all citizens of this world that we live in.”

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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The biannual CU Small Press Fest took place Saturday at Lincoln Square Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and celebrated local artists and small presses. The event featured a keynote speaker, Ben Denzer, who is an artist, designer and publisher from New York. 

The first festival was held in 2019 and has become a biannual staple in Champaign-Urbana. The Small Press Fest invited independent publishers, small press publications and local DIY artists to share their work with the community. According to the CU Small Press Fest’s website, the event wants artists to embrace their creativity and empower others.

Sarah Christensen, visual resources and outreach specialist at the University Library and organizer for the event, believed the event to be a success.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful so far,” Christensen said. “The keynote was wonderful, the event last night, the soiree. It has exceeded all my wildest expectations.” 

The fest brought back returning artists, while also featuring up-and-coming zines in the C-U community. 

“I was part of the first-ever Small Press Fest as the Nobel Print Club when I was in college, so I’m just really excited to be back in this kind of environment,” said Alyssa Knights, a local artist. 

Knights said the feeling of community was a major aspect of the festival.

“This community has a lot of options for ways to make your art and sell your art, which I think is very good,” Knights said. “Urbana especially is a very fun, artsy environment. It’s definitely a good environment to continue art, and there’s good structure to get yourself out there.” 

After the exposition, keynote speaker Ben Denzer shared his insight with the audience. His speech had an emphasis on creating art. The theme was “Work is Play and Play is Work.”

Denzer’s work is featured in several art museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. He has had work published in The New York Times and The New Yorker and has designed book covers with Penguin Books. 

Denzer runs his own small press, where he self-publishes books centered around oddity. He continues to use unusual materials to make his own books and has held a workshop to teach participants to bind and create books.

“I think 2018 was when I started making books myself, and you know, I was aware of small press stuff before that, and I worked in publishing as a book cover designer, but I always loved more informal making and publication,” Denzer said.

Denzer’s workshop explored bookbinding with corn husks. Denzer said he wanted to incorporate a unique aspect to a skill he has honed. 

“The theme of the Small Press Fest was play and I make kind of weird, odd, books. So I was coming to this state, and thinking, ‘What could we make books out of? Maybe corn would be good.’” 

Denzer highlighted the importance of continuing artistic work, but also thinking outside the box while doing so. 

“I think interesting things can come when you play in unexpected ways,” Denzer said.

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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Ada Limón, 24th poet laureate of the United States, visited the University of Illinois on Thursday to read some of her work at the Spurlock Museum.

Limón was appointed the title of poet laureate in July 2022 by the Library of Congress. The poet laureate is a highly esteemed title given to a poet who is unofficially holding an honorary representative position in a particular country, region or group, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Limón is also the recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship and National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Her appearance at the Spurlock Museum was a free event and open to the public. She read 16 poems from her books “The Carrying” and “The Hurting Kind.”

“I’m interested in the conversation part of the program, and I’m also interested to hear the poetry,” said Karen Huck, library specialist for collections, events and outreach at the Literatures and Languages Library. “After meeting her today, I’m very excited for the whole thing.” 

Limón’s name and reputation created anticipation for the event, according to attendees.

Following the readings of her poetry, Limón was interviewed on stage about her work. She discussed topics relating to grief, identity and how her work connected her to the world. 

At the conclusion of the panel, the audience rose to its feet with applause. Attendees had the opportunity to have Limón sign copies of her books.

Maria José Palacios Figueroa, a University alum with a master’s degree in Hispanic linguistics, had been anticipating the event, as she was familiar with Limón’s work. She hoped Limón would read the poem, “The Contract Says: We Like The Communication To Be Bilingual.”

“We’re at a university institution, and it’s about when you’re asked to speak and they’re asking you to tap into certain identities and perform,” Palacios Figueroa said. 

The announcement of Limón’s arrival seemed to align with Palacios Figeroa’s interest of Limón’s work.

“I discovered her work maybe a year ago, and really resonated with it,” Palacios Figeroa said. “Then I learned, less than a week ago, that she was coming. So, it seemed serendipitous and exciting.” 

The Knight Auditorium at the Spurlock Museum filled to capacity as guests filed in throughout the night. Attendees like Aaron Mukhopadhyay, sophomore in LAS, were excited to have the opportunity to see Limón.

“The poem ‘The Contract Says: We Like The Communication To Be Bilingual,’ I think I was the first person to start clapping for that,” Mukhopadhyay said. “I was on the edge of my seat because every point resonated so much with being part of the minority in academia.”

“Wondering constantly if you’re just there for diversity purposes is something that I wonder about a lot, and I know it’s probably not true, but the doubt lingers,” Mukhopadhyay said. “She captured it perfectly.” 

mneff6@dailyillini.com

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