Changes to PBA Local

Dear faithful readers,

I would like to thank you for your readership and the overwhelming support you have shown for PBA Local. When I first started this tiny endeavor, I had no expectations as to what kind of response I would get for an online independent newspaper. It was very humbling to receive so many of your comments, feedback and support over our short lifetime.

I would like to inform you of some changes coming up to PBA Local.

I, along with the Beacon student newspaper staff, have come to agreement to join forces and to convert PBA Local into the official Beacon Blog.

Check out the new site here: http://beaconblog.wordpress.com

What this means to you the reader: Nothing really. PBA Local is proud to be able to partner with Beacon staff members and create an online supplement to our regularly weekly-published newspaper. Although our domain name will change, the vision and objective behind our blog will stay the same.

The new Beacon Blog will be under the same leadership and direction and will have the same vision that PBA Local did. By joining forces with the Beacon staff, the Beacon Blog will have more people working to report the stories that matter to you.

I, along with the rest of the Beacon staff, am pleased to refer you to the new Beacon Blog, the official student Blog for the Beacon student newspaper of Palm Beach Atlantic University.

As always, we are grateful for your continued support and welcome all your comments, suggestions and concerns to pbalocal@gmail.come or beacon@pba.edu.

-Mitzi Figueroa
Founding Editor of PBA Local

PBA Local scoop on Spring Formal: an interview with Jessica Twiest

PBA Local reporter Kristina Webb was able to get the full scoop on the upcoming Spring Formal event from Jessica Twiest, Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership. For more information, students can contact Student Activities: (561) 803-2561. Send any questions or comments to pbalocal@gmail.com

KW: What is the basic info on Spring Formal?

JT: Spring Formal is Saturday, April 18, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Ironhorse Country Club.

KW: What led you to choose Ironhorse Country Club as the venue?

JT: The location was chosen because it is reasonably priced but also because it is very pretty, with lots of space to sit, eat and dance.

KW: How was the theme chosen?

JT: We chose this based on the feel of the club and what we thought would be interesting. It was voted on by [the entire] student activities team.

KW: Are you encouraging students to dress up with the theme?

JT: Not really, we want it to be a formal event, not something that you would wear a tux for but more formal than khakis and a button down; maybe throw in a tie or a nice suit.

KW: I saw your golf cart! How effective has that been in spreading the word about Spring Formal?

JT: We are really excited about that. We are really trying to find creative ways to get the word out; this is one of them! People give us crazy looks but at least they remember us!

Follow the jump to find out more including info on a ticket price jump and what kind of food they’ll be offering this year.

PBA community mourns the death of beloved cafeteria worker Annette Benoit

PBA cafeteria worker Annette Benoit, 55,  passed away on March 13, 2009 after an extended illness and eight days in the hospital. Benoit was a loved member of the PBA community and worked behind the scenes in the cafeteria for nine years. Details on the specific cause of her death and memorial service are still unknown.

According to the her direct supervisor, Gwen Latham, Sodexo has paid for her funeral home services after her unexpected death. Friends and family members are awaiting for Benoit’s brother to arrive in West Palm Beach in order to schedule a memorial service.

“She was one of a kind,” said Latham who worked with Benoit for five years. “She was always on time, dependable and she was loved.”

Fellow PBA dining worker Francine Walters spent every day with Benoit at St. Mary’s hospital during her eight day stay because she, “didn’t want her to be alone.”

Although Benoit faced various liver problems before her death, workers were still shocked when the news of her passing was announced.

“Everyone was devastated,” Latham said. “It’s still a shock and it’s really taken a toll on everyone.”

Details on her memorial service will be updated once they are made known.

PBA Local contributors are live-blogging the Tonight show with President Obama

Contributor Luther Hollis and Founding Editor Mitzi Figueroa are live-blogging the Tonight Show with Jay Leno during the first late night interview with a sitting president.

Check it out here!


Tonight Show with Jay Leno live with President Obama

Local events: Miami Fashion week opens today

Written by Staff contributor Jen Herring.

The newest international clothing designs can be seen from March 19 through March 22 at SOHO Studios in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. The week includes eclectic food, music, models and 60 designers.

Many Latin celebrities are expected to attend the fashion event such as Grammy Award winning singer Albita, Miss Espana 2006, singer Ricardo Montaner and many others. Other recognizable names include Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza and Miss USA Crystle Stewart.

“Also joining the 2009 line-up is special guest designer Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, whose exuberant, brightly colored creations garnered her the 2004 fashion Oscar in Italy as best foreign designer,” according to miamifashionweek.com.

As a MFW custom, concluding the night with the Miami Moda and Music Awards® is a must, and will feature global recording artists. Award presenters include Vincent de Paul from the movie “Poseidon,” and Angelica Celaya from the original cast of “Hairspray,” just to name a few.

Top media reps expected to attend are CNN, Miami Herald, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue France and many others. Hmmm…do you think they forgot to put PBALocal on the list? Maybe next year!

The International Culinary Arts Pavillion was recently added to the event’s line up as well. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy foods from around the world, inspired by the diverse cultures of the fashion week designers. Want to indulge in cuisine created by Miami’s top chefs? Tickets are $20 at the door for the Culinary Arts Pavillion.

Dj Irie will be kicking off the 11th annual Miami Fashion Week (MFW) at club Mansion tonight, which features collections by Pascal Joel Weber, Mariano Lumbi and Glavidia Alexis.

Attendees can get tickets for $25 per fashion show and can be purchased at www.miamifashionweek.com/tickets.

Breaking News: Students cautioned to stay clear of Walmart to possible dangerous gang activity

Written by staff contributor Marissa Barkey. Edits made by founding editor Mitzi Figueroa.

The Captain and director of PBA Safety & Security received notice from the West Palm Police department earlier this afternoon regarding suspicions of a possible gang initiation shooting rumored to take place at a nearby Walmart location this evening. Police advised campus security to warn students to steer clear of the area tonight.

Safety and Security did not recieve any further information as to what Walmart location is rumored to be attacked or when the said attack is to take place. Either way, mass text messages have been circulating all over campus since the news first broke.

“Upon hearing the circumstance, security sent an email to Kevin Abel, who took action to have the RA’s and RD’s get the word out to students,” said Kara Luffman of Safety & Security.

Many students received an alert via text message, or heard the word from a classmate this afternoon. Residence Assistant to Oceanview hall, junior Jenny Boyer, received the text warning from a fellow student advising her that, “police are asking all women not to go to Walmart because three women will be shot in the parking lot tonight. This is not a joke. Please forward.”

Despite campus concern, local news sources are confirming the threat to be just a rumor. The Palm Beach Post even goes as far to call the threat to be nothing more than a viral urban legend. Curious students that check the Sun Sentinel can read the claims  that the “warning is a hoax.”

“Even if it is a hoax, students should still steer clear of that area this evening to be safe,” said Luffman.

West Palm Beach police department confirmed to PBA Local editors that they are aware of the threat but they can neither confirm or deny the legitimacy of the rumor. They went on to say that they are prepared to do whatever they need to in the worst case scenario but it remains unknown whether this rumor will evolve into action.

Nonetheless, students should keep in mind that our university will continue to face the same hazards in the communities that surround it.

More information will be updated once it is made known. Got a tip? E-mail us at pbalocal@gmail.com.

Local Scene: St. Patrick’s Day Coffeehouse in Weyenburg

Student Activities held a special St. Patrick’s Day Coffeehouse complete with free snacks, Starbucks coffee and local bands. A PBA Local contributor was there to snap some pictures of the scene.

Snap some pictures of an event on campus? Send us your shots to pbalocal@gmail.com!

PBA Local wants to hear from You! What did you do on Spring Break?

PBA Local wants to know what you were up to on Spring Break? Did you go on a missions trip, cruise or hang out at home? We want to hear your stories! We’re especially interested in your strange, adventurous and dangerous experiences!

Send us a short testimonial about your adventure and a picture to pbalocal@gmail.com to get featured on PBA Local!

Coming soon to campus: Debate over PBA Student Moral Code

PBA’s Socratic Club will be hosting a debate, March March 23 at 7:30 p.m. over the Student Code; Is it effective? Is it Christian? Debaters will be addressing the student rules as defined by the Navigator and whether these rules are effective and Biblically supported.

Current Student Government president Adam McKinney and future Student Government president Bethany Williams will be arguing the pro. Students Allison Sanders and Elaine Hodges will be arguing the con.

The event will take place in Gregory Hall rooms 114 & 115.

Sidenote: Bethany Williams will be announced this week as the only candidate for president of Student Government for next term. Current president Adam McKinney will be stepping down and making way for the new Student Goverment administration. Voting will take place all throughout next week. More details to come as they are announced.

Sailfish Sports Weekly Update

Baseball: (via)

March 10/09  Florida Memorial 9, Palm Beach Atlantic 4

March 11/09  Tampa 10, Palm Beach Atlantic 4

March 12/09  Felician University 15, Palm Beach Atlantic 4

Men’s Basketball: (via)

March 10/09  Chowan University 81, Palm Beach Atlantic 72

Women’s Softball: (via)

March 10/09  Palm Beach Atlantic 2, St. Cloud State U. 1

March 10/09  LeMoyne University 1, Palm Beach Atlantic 0

March 11/09  Palm Beach Atlantic 1, Northern Kentucky 0

Breaking News Update: Southbound traffic on I-95 affected by brush fire, lanes reopened

Two lanes of traffic are currently blocked off as Palm Beach County fire fighters battle a brush fire. If you will be traveling south this afternoon, your best bet would be to get off I-95 at PGA Boulevard and take Military south.

The brush fire is one of the first this season for Palm Beach County, which has seen unseasonably dry weather for this time of year. An article in the Palm Beach Post in February predicted the drought conditions to worsen over the next several months.

Here at PBA, students can reduce their water usage by running only full loads of dishes and clothing, monitoring usage of water when brushing teeth and showering and encouraging other students to do the same. The purchase of bottled water instead of using water from the tap can also reduce daily water usage.

UPDATE: According to WPTV News Chanel 5, all lanes are reopened and the fire is contained.

Found: Christians eat babies?

Found today in the parking lot between Towers and Lakeview:

Says the anonymous source who took the picture: “It looks like this car drove right out of the Dark Ages. And they’re 85% what? Polyester?”

Weekend round-up: What to do for St. Patrick’s Day

For those of you who are back in West Palm Beach this weekend, here is a list of events taking place in the West Palm area to celebrate the yearly green-splattered holiday. Don’t forget to wear green!

Saturday:  St. Patrick’s Day parade in Delray Beach 2-3 p.m.

The event will be lending itself to Jamaican influence with a free Irish-Reggae party at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. near Atlantic Avenue from Gleason Street to Swinton Ave. For more information visit the website here.

Saturday- Sunday: Irish Fest on Flagler Dr.

Check out the event for live music, pub tent, Irish food and drinks, Irish marketplace and more. Adult admission costs $12 but visit the site to for a $5 off coupon.

Tuesday: Roxy’s Irish block Party

Roxy’s Irish Pub on Clematis will be hosting a free Irish block party including live bands and food & drink specials. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Click here for more information.

Know of other events in the area celebrating St. Patrick’s day? Let us know at pbalocal@gmail.com

Live Tweets from Spring Break Missions Trip

PBA Local contributor Marissa Barkey is live tweeting from her Missions Trip in Peru!

Check it out here!

Trend Alert: Twitter sweeps the Internet, do you Tweet?

Some call it micro-blogging, others relate the concept to a Facebook status update, but most just refer to the Internet phenomenon sweeping the country as “tweeting.” If you haven’t heard about Twitter yet, you will soon.

Twitter is quickly becoming the fastest growing social networking trend in the country and you better believe, some day soon you will jump on board. Twitter.com is a new breed of social networking that offers users a chance to literally, tell the world what you are doing in under 140 characters. Simple enough right?

News networks from the NY Times, CNN and the Palm Beach Post have created Twitter accounts. You better believe PBA Local has one, as does our beloved school’s administration. President Barack Obama was an active tweeter during the campaign period and news has it that his counter-nominee, John McCain, has joined the Twitter movement. (Interestingly enough, Mr. Obama hasn’t touched the twitter scene since his Inauguration into office.)

Celebrities are even boasting twitter accounts, including MarthaSteward, MC Hammer, Britneyspears, and Kanye West. Even new Late Night host, Jimmy Fallon, used Twitter to draw more viewers to his opening show. After promising followers that he would be tweeting in between tapings, he was met with over 10,000 new Twitter followers. (via)

See after the jump for PBA Local tips on Tweeting

Local Events UPDATED: New concerts announced in the Area

Check out the newly updated “Local Events” section to buy tickets for shows in the area. New concert dates announced for artists such as New Kids on the Block, Fall Out Boy, Nickelback, Ray Lamontagne, No Doubt, Chris Tomlin, Dave Matthews Band and more!

Going to a show we haven’t posted? Let us know at pbalocal@gmail.com

TOMS comes to PBA

On the last day of classes before Spring Break, three TOMS representatives came to campus to sell the shoe and show the TOMS documentary. PBA Local editor, Mitzi Figueroa, talks to students about the trendy shoe. For more information on TOMS click here or visit the TOMS website.

Happy Friday: Overheard at PBA

Spring Break has finally arrived and to send you students on your merry way, here are some overheard conversations the staff at PBA Local as compiled through out the week. 

From two girls walking to their car in the Lakeview parking lot

Girl one: “Gasp!”

Girl two: “What’s wrong?”

Girl one: “Oh my gosh! For a second I thought my tail lights were cracked but then I realized, oh no… it’s just bird poop.”

From three girls sitting at the cross walk in front of the library.

Girl one: “Fat girl moment of the day: Today I was going to get up and go for a run but then I just sat on my couch and ate Chex Mix”

Girl two: “Oh my gosh! I did the exact same thing wit pita chips!”

Girl three: “I’m starving. Wanna go to Chipotle?”

Girl one and two in unison: “OK!”

Spring Break Edition:

Two girls walking on S. Olive towards south campus.

Girl 1: “So, are you excited for the cruise?”

Girl 2: “Sort of”

Girl 1: “What’s wrong?”

Girl 2: “I don’t know, sometimes I wish I had rather gotten my teeth bleached instead.”

Got an Overheard conversation you want to share? Let us know at pbalocal@gmail.com

Students caught stealing from the caf without remorse

Photos and story by Kristina Webb

Maybe you’re craving a snack. Maybe you’re a little low on bread, and need a few slices to make some toast for breakfast. Or maybe you just walked away with blue plastic cup without thinking twice because you’re really low on dishes.

Students have been sneaking food to their rooms from Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Frasier Dining Hall, also known as the “caf,” for years and it might start to influence food prices.

“It does make prices go up,” said Abbie Rosemeyer, Sodexo’s representative on the PBA campus. “We based prices on per usage. It impacts everybody.”

Rosemeyer has seen students steal everything from a piece of fruit to a gallon of milk and even a napkin dispenser.

“We started out [last] semester with 78 [napkin dispensers], and at the end of the semester we had 69,” Rosemeyer said.

Some students feel that they have the right to take a few items away from their visit to the caf.

“The food’s pretty bad,” said sophomore Bryan Heck, a biology and education major that steals food regularly. “The good thing about the caf is you can have as much as you want. I’m paying how much for this food? I can take some extra.”

Heck added that in the past, he has taken everything from milk, bread and bagels back to his dorm room.

Margaret Carty, a Sodexo employee who works in the caf, said that she has had to take food away from students in the past.

“They just shouldn’t take it,” Carty said. “It affects everything in here.”

When students take extra food from the caf, it factors into a formula that weighs the food inventory against the amount of cash and swipes that are used per day, Rosemeyer said. This makes it easier to keep track of how much food is being used.

“If it were up to me, I would not allow the bags,” said Bruce Metrie, front of house supervisor in the caf, referring to the large bags that many students carry. “We provide you meals, not just snacks.”

Pump up the Volume: Music ban lifted in campus fitness center

Photo courtesy of fitsugar

By Stephanie Wilson

Music ban is lifted, Mar. 1, after nearly a month of silence in the Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Greene Complex. Complaints about the audio selection came once a week or once every few weeks, leading Greene officials to the decision to halt the privilege indefinitely.

“I hated it,” said senior Chance Sumner. “I just like sound, whether that’s rock, rap or polka; I don’t like the quietness of the gym.

The recent music hiatus has been causing a stir throughout the student body, since some depend on it to help boost their work out.  For many students who frequently use the facilities, the ban made their time in the gym a less than appealing experience. The silence was filled with uncomfortable grunts, noisy machines and loud conversations that dominated the airspace.

“It just wasn’t the same” says sophomore Brandon Knight, who usually brings his i-pod to work out but also enjoys the music provided. During the month of silence students made their voices heard by filling the comments box to capacity requesting that the music be turned back on.

“I’m glad they just put something on,” Sumner said. “I just want some kind of noise”,

Greene officials grew weary of hearing complaints about the music selection.

“It was mostly the Christian rap that talked about ‘getting crunk for Jesus’ that turned a student off,” says Nick Rasek, a PBA gym employee and grad student.