From the Beacon-

Santa will make his annual trip through downtown Gloucester on Sunday, Nov. 29. The parade in his honor steps off from the State Fish Pier on Parker Street at 3:15 p.m.

The parade follows Main Street through the business district, then heads down Stacey Boulevard to Kent Circle for the annual Tree Lighting ceremony, which starts at about 4:30 p.m.

Ringo Tarr has made his annual trip to Nova Scotia to pick up a Christmas tree for Kent Circle, which is located at the intersection of Western and Essex avenues.

Floats and others taking part in the parade may line up at the State Fish Pier starting at 2 p.m. Any groups with a Christmas theme are welcome to take part.

Espresso Restaurant will be “Parade Headquarters” at 154 Main St. Espresso will be serving free hot chocolate to all parade watchers. Children under 10 years old will receive a little gift.

To read more from the BEACON article, click here.

By Jennifer Rodino
News Editor

On Tuesday, the Palm Beach Atlantic University Department of Health and Wellness offered students, faculty and staff the chance to either make an appointment or walk in to receive the H1N1 vaccine or the standard flu vaccine. People could also receive both vaccines.

The Health and Wellness center received 200 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, and suggested that students with a healthy immune system receive the nasal mist vaccine.
Ilene Wallmueller, PBA’s Nurse Practitioner, explained that the nasal mist is only a small dose, which may cause your nose to run.

“My mom told me that I should get both vaccines because since I have started field experience for my major and I am around kids all day, it is best that I make sure I am healthy,” said junior Maria Sumner, an elementary education major.

PBA Junior Kevin Keeling receives a dose of the nasal mist vaccine for the H1N1 virus.

The Beacon takes a look at the controversial religion with strong Florida presence

By Evelyn Ticona
Features Editor

From behind a podium next to a big wooden cross, the mission holder begins the service saying, “Welcome to the Church of Scientology.”

After greeting the attendees, Marilyn Cocco, mission holder and executive director of the Church of Scientology of West Palm Beach and benefactor of the Scientology Ideal Organization, reads the creed of the Church. She then reads the sermon of the day written by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology.
Scientologists display an eight-cornered cross, representing what they call the eight parts of the dynamic principle of existence: self, creativity, group survival, species, life forms, physical universe, spiritual dynamic and infinity.

“The cross predates Christianity by thousands of years,” Cocco said. “It has always represented some kind of spiritual symbol.”
Hubbard believed that humans should enhance their spirituality by acquiring mental, spiritual and bodily freedom through knowledge. Dianetics, scientologists believe, is the modern science of mental health that can help cure people from pain and heal themselves.

“Scientology is an exact science; you have to be trained to deliver it. If not, it’s not effective,” said Donna Noboa, basic courses supervisor and treasury secretary. “It’s a process of learning about yourself and life self-realization.”

One of the most controversial elements of Scientologists’ beliefs is the accuracy of an electrical device called the electropsychometer (E-meter). The E-meter is a “religious artifact” that can only be used by Scientology ministers. They say it identifies areas of spiritual distress or travail. The purpose of this device is to locate areas to be handled in order to progress spiritually.

Scientology usually hits the news because of the actions of Tom Cruise and its other celebrity followers, often in Los Angeles. However, the largest Scientology church nationwide is located in Clearwater, Fla.

In 1975 the church of Scientology bought the property of the Fort Harrison Hotel, which was abandoned at the time. Two years later it opened its doors, making it the land base of the Church of Scientology.

“The Church of Scientology moved to a place where they could find the opportunity to find mental development and spiritual growth,” Cocco said.

According to its official Web site, the Clearwater location has more than 12 buildings and approximately 1,200 staff members. At any given week they receive up to 2,000 out-of-town visitors that are just a small part of the 12,000-person Scientology community in the city.

“At the Clearwater church Scientologists can receive services they can’t receive anywhere else,” Cocco said. “They have people that speak almost every language and visitors from almost every country of the world.”

Many Christian leaders label Scientology as a cult. Bernie Cueto, campus pastor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, points to the group’s view of Christ.

“More important than a group’s use of a symbol is what they do with Jesus Christ, and with what the symbol represents,” Cueto said. “The cross goes beyond a mere symbol such as the lotus flower for Buddhist, the Star of David for Judaism, the crescent moon for Muslims. The crucifix became popular in the sixth century, but the symbol of the cross is seen as early as the second century onward.”

Cueto believes the Church of Scientology is misguided in its use of the cross.

“There is nothing friendly or soothing or filling about the cross,” Cueto said. “It represents the ultimate sacrifice. It is where Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world and [bore] punishment in our place. It represents salvation to all who believe.”

“They also say that Scientology is a pathway to greater freedom and that dianetics, a mental study, is the solution to mental and physical illnesses,” Cueto said. “Their religion is based on the individual and the idea that each of us can achieve ultimate truth and freedom by the study of L. Ron Hubbard’s books.”

The truth according to the Bible, Cueto said, can only be achieved through “the person and work of Jesus Christ.”

By Michael Noble
Contributing Writer

The holiday break season is the most likely time for a student’s residence to be burglarized.

According to Palm Beach Atlantic University Safety and Security data, burglaries are most likely to occur in the months of November and December. In 2006, the most recent data available, more than half of the 21 burglaries reported occurred during these months.

With these statistics in mind, PBA officials urge students to take certain precautions when getting ready for the holiday seasons.

“Prevention of course is the key to minimizing the opportunity for a thief to victimize,” said Terry Wheeler, PBA’s director of Safety and Security. “And this can be accomplished by taking the time to lock valuables up and keep them out of sight.”

Resident Assistants like Dale Gault of Baxter Hall are doing their part as well.

“Residence Life and the RA staff are doing the best they can to inform our students how to properly protect their belongings over the holidays,” he said.
Soon Gault and other Residence Life staff will meet with their students to discuss how to secure their rooms properly, including detailed instructions unique to each dormitory.

Residents in halls like Towers and Lakeview should take extra precaution to secure their belongings by locking and wedging all doors and windows shut.

“A criminal looks for the opportunity to commit a crime.” Wheeler said. “Awareness and prevention lessen the chances of a crime occurring.”

However, PBA’s campus will not go unwatched over break.

“We will have a regular staff 24 hours each day of the holiday breaks,” Wheeler said, adding that campus safety will make regular rounds and inspections to ensure the integrity of the residence halls.

But PBA student Jessica Moore will be taking extra steps, she says, to keep all of her belongings in her possession this season.

“I have already had my bike stolen and it has been unsuccessfully recovered,” Moore said. “I will be taking all my essentials home with me, and I’ll be locking everything else up tight as a drum. The last thing I need is for something like my laptop or my favorite pair of shoes to get stolen.”

Here are a few helpful tips Wheeler recommends to help guard your belongings over the break:

• Make sure windows are closed and locked.
• Check that your curtains or blinds are closed.
• Keep your valuables stashed out of sight.
• Unplug all of your appliances and defrost your refrigerator.
• Lock and secure all doors.
• Engrave or mark all valuable personal property with your name and phone number, and keep an inventory of these items.
• Lock your bike or move it indoors. (It’s okay to move your bike into your room for breaks!)
• Move valuable items out of easy sight of windows and doors.
• Copy all important papers and cards that you carry in your purse or wallet, including your driver’s license. Keep the copies in a safe place. (The information will be invaluable if they are stolen or lost.)
• Contact Safety and Security to park your vehicle in the Dixie Garage over breaks.

In the unlikely event that a burglary occurs, Wheeler asks reports be made immediately to Safety and Security. If the events happen off campus, call the local police.

PBA Safety and Security: (561) 803-2500
Emergency: 911
West Palm Beach Police Dept. non-emergency line: (561) 822-1900

By Jocelyn Martinez
Contributing Writer

Photo by Christina Cernik, Photo Editor

After years of planning and working on the City Commons area of the West Palm Beach Waterfront, a lot of hard work is about to pay off.

“This project has been part of Mayor Frankel’s vision for downtown as a whole since she came into office in 2003,” said Peter Robbins, public information officer for the City of West Palm Beach.

Now all that is left is to get the project completed. The area should be finished by Feb. 20.

The $30 million project will consist of a visitor’s center, tree-shaded walkways, a pavilion, piers and a beach at the sea wall. The city expects the new area to transform the waterfront at Flagler Drive and Clematis Street into a new and improved area of public space.

Mayor Lois Frankel is very excited about the project.

“This is an exciting event and a significant part of our commitment to enliven our downtown, embrace our waterfront and bring people to West Palm Beach,” Frankel said.

According to Frankel, she sees this waterfront as a way to attract people and tourists downtown so they can enjoy the businesses already there, as well as the new and coming attractions.

“This project is about transformation,” Robbins said. “It’ll give everyone a completely different view of downtown.”

In place of the old library, the area will be an open, green area with fountains and seats for people to enjoy. It will also be a place for entertainment and concerts.

Three docks are already open to the public.

“These new docks will be enjoyed by boaters and pedestrians alike,” Frankel said.

Dock usage is free, including for boaters. Although rafts are not allowed on the docks, commercial vessels may dock with a city-issued permit. Docks are open
seven days a week from 5 a.m. to midnight.

Boaters are required to register their vessels with the dock supervisor and each dock has a maximum capacity.

“I love the docks. They are convenient and a smart idea,” said local resident Chris Pastorick, a PBA alumni from the class of 2009. “They’re good for visiting during the day and should bring in more business for the restaurants because a lot of other dockside locations around here benefit greatly from boaters but West Palm Beach has had nothing to offer them like PGA, Jupiter or Boynton Beach.”

The docks are a key component of West Palm’s downtown waterfront revitalization project. The plan is to beautify and re-energize the entire downtown waterfront, from Banyan Boulevard to Lakeview Avenue. Completion of the revitalization is expected in December.

“They should make weekend dock hours later for boaters who want to take their boats downtown then and go out,” Pastorick commented.

Some worry that the construction on Flagler Drive is hindering some businesses downtown.

Bradley’s waitress Jessica Wieder, a PBA senior, said, “It took the view away from Bradley’s and the construction is taking too long. It is also taking business away from Bradley’s because people do not want to drive completely around just to get there.”

Businesses on Clematis are suffering from the months of detours and barricades, but once the project is completed a great increase is expected in the local economy, especially with the docks.

“The docks are convenient for boaters and will bring in more people downtown,” said PBA sophomore Lauren Mareri.

“It’ll be a completely different view of downtown,” Robbins said.

An opening party is set for February. The city hope the face lift will benefit downtown businesses.

“I am excited to see this project completed already,” said PBA junior Natasha Da Silva. “I believe it will make downtown look so much better and bring more people to our city.”

By Samone Davis
Contributing Writer

For multi-talented alumna Elizabeth “Liz” DeMarco, who graduated this past May, her professional career as a dancer starts off at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Theatre Department.

DeMarco fell in love with the arts at a young age.

Originally from Long Island, N.Y., she began acting at age of 10.

She starred in Christmas plays, shows and pageants at church where she found an interest in song and dance.

“When I was younger my parents made me make a decision between taking voice or dance,” DeMarco said. “I chose to take voice lessons, which probably might have been the wrong decision because I was never really a good singer, and dance would have been better to pursue at a young age.”

After taking voice lessons, DeMarco ventured into the dance field, taking dance courses for extra credit.

“I feel like I pursued dancing late and I know how it feels to want to learn so badly and the frustration that comes along with practice and discipline,” DeMarco said. “It’s exciting that I get a chance to help students who want to pursue dance and performance.”

She also enjoys working with junior high school students and students from community centers, teaching them to dance and helping them with their choreography.

DeMarco confessed she enjoys “funny roles” because her singing style is more a character singer than an opera singer.

DeMarco now works five jobs and helps as a volunteer with the choreography for most of the plays and musicals held by the Theatre Department.

In her latest projects DeMarco contributed helping with the choreography for “Nunsense” and “The Winter’s Tale” plays, held by the theatre department this semester.

Students she worked with on these plays described DeMarco as very hardworking and encouraging.

“It was really a pleasure to work with Liz; she is so encouraging and dedicated,” said theatre major Lauren Governanti. “She is not only passionate about choreographing, but also theatre [as a whole], and you can sense that when in rehearsal with her.”

DeMarco believes she can improve her dancing skills by helping others as well.

During the summer, her biggest challenge was to strengthen her balance.

After graduation, she traveled home to take dance at “Steps on Broadway,” a dance studio in New York, because she had a hard time finding classes in West Palm Beach.

DeMarco feels she has been blessed with opportunities to do what she loves and be successful.

“It hasn’t been easy, but God continues to provide opportunities,” she said.

By Christopher Hernandez
Contributing Writer

The holiday season is in full swing at West Palm Beach. From the snow falls at City Place to the peppermint mochas at Starbucks, Christmas is here.

Before any chestnut roasts under an open fire and after the turkeys have been eaten, the stores all over West Palm Beach will be flooded with shoppers of all ages on Black Friday looking for the best deals for Christmas.

For the college student, the black in Black Friday can mean death because of college expenses and lack of transportation. For those stuck on campus this Black Friday, there are affordable options just around the corner.

One of the scariest gifts to buy someone is clothing. My first tip when it comes to shopping under budget is to go designer. I know going designer sounds expensive, but I am not talking about Chanel and Gucci.

Collections from well known designers are hitting department stores. For Mom, you may find some elegant options within Macy’s Michael Kors collection. The collection is made up of solid colors, metallics, day wear, evening wear, shoes and jackets. Though the prices of some of these pieces are $150, these clothes are a steal at these prices.

Macy’s will be cutting down the prices on these expensive items during their Black Friday Sale, so this is the time to go designer. If you feel your wallet is pinching you at the idea of buying a $150 dress, Target’s Converse collection may be right up your alley.

Aimed toward the early twenties to early thirties brother and sister, the Converse collection at Target offers a variety of pieces that lean toward the trendy look; there is a lot of color, fun shapes and plaid as well as a variety of accessories from fedoras to scarves.

Although not tied to a designer’s name, the collection is very well constructed and, for a price range of $30 to $40, you can have your brother or sister anticipating the next time they receive clothing for Christmas.

Being the coffee nut in my family, I love the taste of Starbucks in the morning, afternoon, in between classes and at night for those long studying sessions. Since PBA is a few blocks away from a Starbucks, a gift from there is a convenient option.

A gift card doesn’t say, “I didn’t know what to get you,” as much as it says, “I know exactly where you like to shop and will let you find what you love.” With a lot of emphasis placed on Black Friday, there is a lot taken away from the after-Christmas sale.

During this time, many places are overstocked with items and need them to disappear. With low prices due to this sale, a $15 gift card can go a long way. It is good for five tall white mochas, a CD or a few bags of coffee that can last months after purchasing.

A great way to save money on Black Friday is to purchase items that are on clearance. Items on clearance already are marked down and are eligible for the 20 percent off sales, making these items extremely affordable.

Another great inexpensive gift option is music. CD’s range from $8 to $80 box sets. With Target and Wal-Mart near campus, you can get your Britney Spears’ obsessed sister the new singles collection; the rapper in the family Jay Z’s “The Blueprint III” or Lecrae’s latest; and for the friend in love with Switchfoot, their new “Hello Hurricane” record.

A great place for music, if you don’t feel like traveling to Target or lack a car, is Barnes and Noble in City Place. While there, you can get the reader in the family the latest from Francis Chan, Stephanie Meyer or Dan Brown.

Barnes and Noble also sells classic books such as “Persuasion” by Jane Austen and “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly. Music and literature open up a new tip for low budget Christmas shopping: buy low and create a memory.

For best friends and close family, a mix CD full of songs that remind you of “that one time” or a cheap gag book that takes you back to “that one day” will tell a person you thought about them this Christmas.

By Jennifer Rodino
News Editor

Believe it or not, it is already time to start thinking about spring intramural sports. With the fall semester coming to an end, the spring semester events are just around the corner and ready to take over at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Between January and the middle of April, favorites like basketball, soccer and dodgeball will be available to any students wanting to participate.

There will be another bowling outing offered in the spring if you missed out on the one in the fall. In addition to the returning sports available, two new ones have been added this year.

One of the new intramurals is sand volleyball. If you are someone who loves to play volleyball at the beach, then this intramural sport is for you. Indoor wiffleball was also added to the list of spring intramural sports.

And let’s not forget about the Sailfish Cup. Beginning on Jan. 21, the Sailfish Cup, one of PBA’s most competitive and spirited events, will take place.

It is time to start meeting with members from your dorm to decide who will represent each dorm in the variety of events that will be offered this year.

Keep your eyes open for sign-ups when you return from the holiday break.

Following is the schedule of what sports are available, the deadline to sign up and when they will be offered. Don’t miss out on a good time.

Dodgeball
Entries Due: Jan. 26
Begins: Jan 30

Soccer
Entries Due: Jan. 26
Begins: Feb. 1

Bowling
Entries Due: Feb. 3
Begins: Feb 5

Basketball
Entries Due: Feb. 9
Begins: Feb. 15

Indoor Wiffleball
Entries Due: Feb. 16
Begins: Feb. 19

Sand Volleyball
Entries Due: Feb. 16
Begins: Feb. 20

Inner Tube Water Polo
Entries Due: Mar. 16
Begins: Mar. 20

Billiard/Racquetball/Table Tennis
Entries Due: Mar. 23
Begins: Mar. 29

Golf Outing
Entries Due: April 14
Begins: April 16

All sign up forms are available in the Greene Complex. Rosters are due by 10 p.m. on deadline date. E-mail Jamie Bethel at betheljc@pba.edu or Sarah Shick at Sarah_Shick@pba.edu.

By Clint Longenecker
Contributing Writer

After last week’s Eastern Conference preview, we continue this week with a preview of the Western Conference.

The West has been the NBA’s premier conference since the second retirement of Michael Jordan in 1998. Since then, eight of the 11 NBA champs have resided in the West. This trend persisted last season as the Los Angeles Lakers captured their 15th championship, and a record 10th with Head Coach Phil Jackson. This season, can Phil make it 11 or will another squad emerge to represent the West in the Finals?

Northwest supplies fresh talent

The Northwest Division featured three playoff teams last year and two teams that are on the upswing with young talent.

The Denver Nuggets won the division last year, securing the two seed, on their way to the Western Conferences finals. George Karl’s squad was a surprise after not making the playoffs the previous season.

The season changed after a trade for veteran Showiness Billiups, who capably ran a very potent Nugget offense. Carmelo Anthony is a certified star, capable of being one of the league leaders in scoring. Denver was able to get healthy and productive seasons from their frontcourt with Nene Hilario, Kenyon Martin and Chris “Birdman” Andersen.

If the frontcourt is able to maintain their high levels of performance the Nuggets could find themselves again among the league’s elite.

Last year was the season that Portland fans had been waiting for as the Trailblazers were able to capitalize on their emerging young talent and secure a playoff berth.

After years of drafting well and accumulating assets, Head Coach Nate McMillan led his unit to a 54-win season. Brandon Roy emerged as the go to guy, averaging 23 points per contest in his third season.

Andre Miller inked a three-year pact to further bolster the talent base highlighted by LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez. Portland could very well continue their growth and challenge the elite in the West.

The Utah Jazz secured the eighth playoff seed and were rewarded with a first round matchup against the Lakers, who dismantled them in five games.

This is a talented team, especially offensively. Deron Williams is the leader and should provide around 20 points and ten assists a game, especially with last year’s nagging ankle injury healed.

The Jazz boast a bevy of frontcourt scoring options with Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, and Paul Millsap. Utah’s shortcomings are a dearth of perimeter scorers and three point shooting.

Can a 23-win campaign be considered a successful year? It was for the Oklahoma City Thunder as the league’s youngest team came on strong in the second half and showed promise for the future.

The Thunder have an outstanding young nucleus with Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook, and Jeff Green. The team added another asset by drafting James Harden. The Thunder could be a year away from contention, but this is definitely a team to watch.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were another young squad that failed to produce the desired results, but who have a talented core.

Al Jefferson solidified himself as a true go-to low post threat for years to come and rookie Kevin Love showed that he is an impact player. They drafted Johnny Flynn and international phenom Ricky Rubio, who elected to stay overseas for two more years.

Pacific division ahead of the pack
The Pacific Division featured the world champs, but no one else secured a playoff spot. The race should be tighter this season as bounce-back campaigns from the Warriors, Suns and Clippers are all very likely scenarios.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost Trevor Ariza to free agency, but brought in knucklehead Ron Artest, a true wild card.

All of the key elements of the team return this season. Kobe Bryant should once again be among the leading scorers. Their only weakness is point guard depth with an aging Derek Fisher steadily declining.

They sport the best frontcourt in the league with Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. The road to this year’s NBA Finals is certainly paved to run through Los Angeles.

For the first year in Steve Nash’s Phoenix Suns reign, the team failed to make the postseason. Gone is Shaquille O’Neal, and the days of running at the league’s fastest pace have returned after the midseason coaching change to Alvin Gentry.

Amare Stoudemire is a wild card, coming back from retina surgery that ended his season. If the Suns are able to successfully recapture their seven seconds or less running philosophy they could be back in the playoff action.

The Golden State Warriors stumbled to a 29-win campaign, being decimated by injuries. Don Nelson employs a fast paced attack that nets high scoring totals using an undersized unit. If the Warriors are able to stay healthier this year, they will improve, being led by Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson and Corey Maggette.

Last year’s Sacramento players were Kings in title only, losing more games than any other squad. The road back to contention will be a long one with a supreme lack of talent. The good news: rookie Tyreke Evans and Kevin Martin will make an exciting scoring combo.

Big changes in the Southwest
The Southwest Division was the best in all of basketball — boasting four playoff teams — and the race should be just as contentious this year.

The San Antonio Spurs were bounced from the first round for the second time ever under Tim Duncan’s tenure. This aging team acquired scoring threats in Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess to gear up for one last playoff run.

If Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili remain healthy, they are primed for a big run that could result in a championship, with Tony Parker playing a vital role.

The Houston Rockets are a team in transition, as star player Yao Ming is done for the year with a foot injury, and the Rockets made no attempt to sign Ron Artest.

Fellow star Tracy McGrady will be back midseason from a knee injury, but until then newcomer Trevor Ariza, Louis Scola, Aaron Brooks and a scrappy bunch will try to keep the team afloat. Daryl Morey is as good as they get at acquiring undervalued talent, so be wary of writing off the team just yet.

After having one of the worst years of the Mark Cuban era, but still making the playoffs, the aging Dallas Mavericks decided to gear up for another run by acquiring Shawn Marion. Dirk Nowitzki remains a potent scoring threat, but the elder Jason Kidd might be on his last legs.

They do have as good a starting five as any but their depth remains suspect outside of Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry. This veteran squad looks to once again be a playoff team, but will struggle to challenge the West’s elite.

Those Hornets of New Orleans have the best point guard in the league, Chris Paul. Tyson Chandler was jettisoned for Emeka Okafor, which should upgrade a struggling offense.

A bounce-back year is needed from Peja Stojakovic, as the perimeter scoring is lacking. Thanks to Paul’s tremendous performance, this team should once again be a playoff contender, and with a chance to make some noise if the Wings can provide anything to Paul and the frontcourt.

The Memphis Grizzlies registered 24 wins last year, a far cry from a playoff spot. Solid rookie campaigns were contributed by OJ Mayo and Mark Gasol. Hasheem Thabeet was drafted to compliment youngsters Mike Conley and Rudy Gay. Even though Allen Iverson was added, this team has very little chance of contention of this year.

The world champion Lakers will have a target on their back and Portland, San Antonio, Denver and New Orleans will all try their best to upset the reigning champs. Outside of Memphis, Sacramento and Minnesota, every team has a realistic shot of being within shouting distance of a playoff spot.

This should make for a great season of NBA basketball so be sure not to miss out on the action.

I bought a candle plate some time ago, lovely brown color with a shimmery backdrop. After some time I wanted to clean it – but the brown color came off! So I started to think about how to alter it, because I thought that silver backdrop was a bit too shiny.

Alcohol Inks, and some pictures printed from internet, and Liquid Laminate from Beacon was my solution, and I think it turned out nice!

The beautiful ladies can be printed from Digital Collage Sheets / The Ladies Closet.

Expires on Dec 04, 2009
Save 15% on each participating item when you spend $70.00 or more on Minka Lavery Outdoor Lighting Fixtures offered by Del Mar Designs. Read full reviews…

By Christopher Hernandez
Contributing Writer

At first glance, Wendy Martinez may look like just an average college student, but this former police officer has seen in real life what her classmates only see in gory cop shows.

Her first call as a police officer came in as a reported suicide. As Martinez interviewed witnesses, she realized she had stumbled onto a domestic dispute turned deadly. When the victim’s boyfriend found out she was cheating, he stabbed her in the face 36 times.

“It was just the whole rush of the crime scene: people writing down the accounts and taping off the area,” Martinez said.

Now she’s put that rush somewhat behind her, becoming just a reserve police officer and studying pre-law. She hopes to become a criminal defense attorney, and she heads toward that goal with a perspective born out of personal trauma.

“I grew up with the cops around all the time because of my parents,” said Martinez, whose father was abusive. “It’s hard to see the kids in domestic disturbance calls because I knew what they were going through. I can see it in their eyes.”

Having allowed time to heal the wounds of the past, Martinez has since forgiven her father and has so much love for him. However,
“I saw my mom with no power. She was belittled by my father,” Martinez said. “During these situations of domestic disturbance, I show the women that you can be strong and put your foot down and say, ‘I am not going to take this from you. I am not going to tolerate this abuse.’

“My biggest issue was domestic disturbance because I had to put my emotions aside,” she said.

Martinez feels that during these situations it is essential to put the title of cop behind and be a confidant, a friend to the abused.

“I like to not be like I came, I called, and I left. I want to leave an impact,” she said.

Martinez misses the rush of being a police officer, but school is her main priority now. She wakes up every morning, goes to class and then works at an internship in a law office from 2 to 5 p.m.

When work ends, she goes back home to catch her favorite show on A&E, “The First 48,” a show documenting real-life crime scene investigations. At any time, she may be called to enforce the law as a reserve officer.

A full time cop, according to Martinez, works eight to 12 hour shifts, has 24-hour access to a SWAP car, carries a gun and is called in for traffic related instances, domestic disturbances, fender benders and homicides. She has weathered the adrenaline-driving scenes and also the mundane.

“Fender bender reports are super long,” she said. I felt like I was writing a paper for school.” Now she’s in school for real.

“I wanted to go to school and be a cop,” Martinez said. “With the economy I knew I needed to get a degree. They are laying people off all over the place.”

Along the way, Martinez has already showed perseverance as a female in a male dominated profession. One of four women during her days in the police academy, she recalls the varied attitude toward women.

“They treat you like you are different,” she said.

“They would say, ‘If you want to do girl push-ups, that’s okay,’ or give us a shorter distance to run, but all of us would just do just as much as the guys. We were all so strong willed,” Martinez said. “It’s always like they are the strongest. It makes us women work twice as hard or three times as hard just to prove ourselves.”

Martinez said the toughness taught at the academy has definitely spilled over into the love portion of her life.

“I’m really funny and easy to get along with, but my job required me to be tough,” she said. “It has shaped me and is part of who I am.”
Martinez feels this is the reason that long-term relationships have never worked out.

“It’s not that I am not laid back,” she said. “It’s just I am very demanding.”

“When I have children,” Martinez said, “I want to show them that there is no specific gender for any specific career. It’s beneficial to dirty your nails as long as you are happy doing it.”

By Nicholas Murray
Contributing Writer

For all you know, this column could contain potentially life-saving information.

This week, I will provide you with a look into one of the most harrowing homeward commutes I’ve ever experienced in my long and illustrious commuting career.

Well, as I do upon conclusion of most school days, I crossed Dixie, leaving the campus grounds for the bus stop located across the street. As I was keeping an eye on the corner that the buses round as they turn to head south, what should I see but two distant figures, strolling briskly toward the bus stop, hand in hand.

As I was saying, two emergent figures are coming towards the bus stop. Well, expectedly, they reached it, sadly. It was immediately evident that they were indeed boyfriend and girlfriend.

If one could not have arrived at such a conclusion simply upon observance of their holding hands, certainly the loud wet smacking noises should have been strong indicators of the nature of their relationship.

They stood to the left of me, indulging in the desires native to young love. It made me sick. I didn’t know whether the wet, smacking, popping noises coming from my right were the result of gum being masterfully chewed or some very messy kissing.

Regardless, I wasn’t about to look and so I kept my gaze firmly affixed to the asphalt directly in front of me, asphalt that suddenly had grown immeasurably intriguing with its cracks and grayness, and… yellow lines.

By Jove, I thought to myself, this is horridly intrusive. Someone should pass a law against this. Your kissing cannot exceed a certain volume level.

Holy lip lock, Batman. I could not for the life of me figure out if they were chewing gum or kissing. All I knew was that it was imperative that I not look for the simple fact that it would be nauseatingly awkward if one of them were to notice me looking at them.

If they were kissing it would be one thing. But watching someone chew gum that loudly? That’s bad commuting form. I could go the rest of my life not knowing that gum can be chewed that loud.

If it was gum, it then begs the question, how often do they work out their jaw muscles? Will this be an Olympic sport some day soon?

Can you pass Morse Code via gum chewing? Who needs war drums when you have chewing gum?

Finally the bus arrived. As the lovely couple boarded ahead of me, I took a close look at where they’d been standing half-expecting to have to improvise a makeshift “Caution: Wet Floor” sign out of notebook paper because of the pool of saliva that I almost felt should have been there.

I thought the day had gotten as bad as it could get and I was anxious to get home following this moist, disgusting lesson in patience and tolerance.

But that was going to take a while. It would be extremely uncomfortable. “Why?” you ask? The reason is called, “Nick, welcome to the most crowded bus in the world.” Stay tuned for the next chapter.

By Jen Rodino & Kristina Webb
News & Managing Editors

With some dormitories on the Palm Beach Atlantic University campus over 40 years old, many students worry about the conditions of their rooms.

In particular, recent concerns have been raised about Flagler Towers, built in 1964 and acquired by PBA in 1986; the Lakeview Apartments, also built in 1964 and acquired in 2004; and the Mango apartments, built between 1920 and 1935 and acquired in the 1980s.

There are 25 buildings on campus and renovations occur every year, primarily scheduled over the summer.

According to Gary Parker, associate vice president of Facilities and Construction, the weather takes a toll on the paint, which is the first line of defense to prevent leaks and other types of damage from occurring.

Periodic maintenance may also be performed by placing a work order through the MyPBA Web site.

“There have been many complaints from students about things such as a broken window screen or bugs,” Parker said. “But we get them corrected once it is brought to our attention.”

“We take the concerns of our students very seriously,” said Becky Peeling, assistant vice president for University Relations and Marketing. “If there are any problems with the buildings it is in our best interest to see that they are resolved.”

Parker said the upkeep of the buildings is really a team effort.

“It’s very important that students realize that the maintenance of the dorms in which they live is really up to them and how they keep their living environments,” Parker said. “But it is also my job to make sure if they have any issues it is being taken care of.”

According to Mike Steger, director of Physical Plant Services at PBA, once a work order is placed online it goes through an electronic system.

Steger said that not many schools allow their students open access to an electronic system like PBA’s. That’s why, he said, it’s important for students to utilize it.

“We felt our campus audience was mature enough to not abuse the system,” Steger said.

The process begins once the person placing the work order clicks “Submit” on the form. From there, the order travels to a central location, where a maintenance manager prioritizes it.

The orders are split up between two categories: emergencies, such as life safety issues or potential threats to building stability; and less immediate needs, such as a light bulb that has gone out or a broken cabinet door.

The manager then assigns the work order to an employee in the proper zone.

The school is divided up into four zones, each serviced by a group of technicians.

In some cases, a technical specialist may be assigned to fulfill the work order.

After the employee has performed the work order, he or she leaves a hangtag to let the resident know what has been accomplished, whether the work order is closed or parts are being ordered.

However, Steger acknowledged that more than one visit might be required.

“Sometimes we walk out the door and it breaks again 20 minutes after we leave,” Steger said.

In that case, it is best to immediately place another work order.

“I’d rather have an issue reported four times than not at all,” Steger said, adding that often each roommate may think the other has placed the work order, when in fact it has not been reported.

According to Steger, of the 700 to 800 total work orders fulfilled each month, customers place only 25 to 30 percent.

This means that the rest are placed by Plant Services as preventative and routine maintenance.

Steger said the average time for all work orders, which includes the large projects performed by the department, is six days.

“Living in Towers last year, I found mold in my bathroom and the carpet was not in good condition, but what school has great dorms?” said Ariel Jasmin Tucker, a PBA junior and Flagler Towers resident. “Although I learned to live with it, I just think it could be better.”

Students in Lakeview are working together to make the best of their situation, living in an older building.

“Because of the setup, Lakeview does not have a traditional lobby area,” said Kevin Abel, associate dean of students and director of Residence Life. “The Residence Life staff in the building wanted to create that type of community atmosphere by gathering in the parking lot for a time of fellowship.”

“A combination of Lakeview and Towers residents come out on Thursday nights,” said Kaitie Chasse, a resident assistant in Lakeview. “We always have about a 20-person turnout.”

Chasse added that people bring couches, play music, bake food, hang lights and often hold volleyball games to make the event, called a “Lounge,” successful.

Due to the age of the Mango apartments, they are classified as historical buildings and are included in the Mango Promenade Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

Because of their historical status, any major maintenance on the buildings must meet specifications set forth by the Florida Division of Historical Resources (FDHR).

According to the FDHR Web site, these specifications include the use of historically accurate materials.

Beacon staff writer Samone Davis contributed to this article.

Correction to printed article: PBA’s Health and Wellness Center announced Friday that it has received doses of both the injectable and nasal mist forms of the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine will be distributed tomorrow, Nov. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. by appointment in upstairs Weyenberg. The cost of the vaccine is set at $5. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 803-2576.

By Tyann Mullen
Contributing Writer

As an additional step to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s administration has recently added hand sanitizer units at the entrance to many of the school’s buildings, dorms and classrooms.

PBA’s Health and Wellness Center is in full swing, helping to protect students and faculty against the recent spread of the H1N1 flu.

The H1N1 virus has spread across 48 states. Colleges and universities are seeing a large impact from this virus due to general contact among students as well as additional factors such as emotional and physical stress.

“Stress is something that is germane to college students,” said Vince Diller, director of Health and Wellness. “We typically see more sick students following breaks and during midterms and finals. This is typical of physical and emotional stress and the let down that follows a week of hard work and little sleep.”

PBA has seen a substantial number of flu cases since the start of the fall semester, but not enough to be considered an “outbreak.”

“This is a testament to God’s protection over this campus and our students doing a good job with hand washing and sanitizing,” Diller said.

Since the Centers for Disease Control recommended not testing for the specific H1N1 strain last July, it is sometimes unclear if cases of the flu are H1N1 specifically.

However, PBA is continuing to treat all flu-like symptoms with the assumption that it is H1N1.

Students exhibiting symptoms of the flu are quarantined in Samaritan Gardens.

PBA senior Rodrigo Venegas, an international student from Guatemala, was diagnosed last week with H1N1 and quarantined.

“I was the only one there,” Venegas said. “My girlfriend [was] the only one in the girls’ apartment.”

Also, 70 doses of seasonal flu vaccine have been received and will be offered after Nov. 18 for $20.

Vaccines can be retrieved by calling for an appointment at the Health and Wellness Center.

By Cassady Faircloth
Contributing Writer

In the midst of homework, tests and papers, one of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s most exciting weeks just occurred.

Homecoming 2009 offered activities for both current students and alumni, encouraging both to come together, worship and enjoy the campus.

“It really is to bring people ‘home’ to campus,” said Deborah Bowmar-Jaffe, in charge of Homecoming and Reunions. “It truly is a heartwarming experience, because in the ‘70s and ‘80s the college was looking to just survive, and today we are thriving.”

Alums return to reminisce about their college years, volunteer and look into hiring PBA students.

“It was so awesome to see all of the alumni return and be a part of Homecoming,” sophomore Erica Walters said. “I’m excited to graduate and know that I can still be involved.”

Students were able to connect with the alums during the Etiquette Dinner and the Sailfish Fun Day at the beach.

These opportunities allow ed the alumni and students to communicate their goals and possible future career plans.

“There is a well-known fact that PBA alumni hire other alumni and students,” Bowmar-Jaffe said. “No one knows better than alum, the quality of an education and ethical standards that students are taught.”

Traditional activities were kept such as the Bug Race, Big Screen Movies, Women’s Fine Arts Night and the Alumni vs. Student sporting events.

Some of the new activities included GLO, themed dinners, an Endurance Challenge, a Tennis Shoot-Out, and Sailfish Fun Day at the Beach.

The new addition of GLO had a turnout of more than 100 students.

Attendees dressed in white shirts, gathered outside of their dorms, danced to music and spontaneously splattered paint on one another.

You can contribute with ideas and help with next year’s Homecoming by becoming a part of the Student Government Association.

Bowmar-Jaffe, along with other alumni, was celebrating her 20-year anniversary as a PBA alum.

By Samone Davis
Contributing Writer

Intramural sports are beginning to give the intercollegiate sports at Palm Beach Atlantic University a run for their money.

The intramural flag football season is definitely becoming one of the favorites on campus. Flag football is one of the sports activities created for students to have fun and promote school spirit.

Flag football is continuously expanding as the program gains popularity.

This season of intramural flag football began in October and will end Dec. 4. The games are held Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

This season has been one of the best seasons of flag football by far. There are total of 200 to 230 players in the sport this season, a major increase in participation from last year.

The sport is divided into individual teams that the students create themselves, also allowing them to pick their own team members.

Although competition is fierce, the teams still manage to have fun and friendly rivalry.

“It’s an intense experience,” said freshman Ben-Oni Francois. “The competition is fierce, the [referees] are strict and teamwork is vital. It’s very fun but demanding at the same time.”

Jamie Bethel, a junior at PBA and head of intramural sports, said he hopes that the sport keeps growing as the students recognize the excitement it offers.

“We want it to keep growing,” Bethel said. “I am proud of all the players and participants. They are doing a great job and it’s fun to watch them out on the field.”

The intramural flag football teams do not have coaches, giving the players the opportunity to create and use their own strategies and skills during the plays.

Students attend flag football games regularly, just as they do any other major sporting event on campus.

“This is my first semester here at PBA, and I don’t know how it was in the past but the intramural flag football is one of my favorite sports to watch,” said freshman Rashida Robinson. “I love to go to the games to support the teams and also because it shows school spirit on the field.”

By Michael Noble
Contributing Writer

The 2009 men’s soccer regular season has come to an end. After 15 games, they have come away with eight wins, five losses and two ties. They are now approaching the NCCAA Regional Playoffs.

“We did not make the NCAA Tournament this year,” said head coach Jose Gomez. “We were probably two games away this year which is unfortunate.”

“I think we played well this season,” Gomez added.  “We had the opportunity to play the first, fourth and fourteenth ranked team in the nation and I thought in each of those games we competed well and even had the run of play in the games.”

Last year’s team had a 21-game season with 13 wins, seven losses and one tie.

But with every new season, players come and go.

This season provided a challenge and there were a few specific things that the team had to overcome.

With the addition of new players and the absence of graduating seniors, the transition can sometimes be rather difficult.

Gomez said that the main focus was on their back line.

Since they were missing a few experienced seniors from last year, the team “took a couple of knocks in those positions, so [they] really had try and make the transition smooth for the new players in the line-up.”

Soccer games can often be brutal, and this can often lead to injuries. This season was no exception for the men’s team.

“We had quite a few injuries early on and throughout the middle of the season,” Gomez said. “One injury was season ending and we had others that took them weeks to recover from.”

Despite the numerous counts against the team, there was something that did work to their advantage.

Part of playing a game effectively is moving as a team and communicating with fellow players.

Whether it is soccer, basketball, baseball or volleyball, communication and teamwork are most important when playing a game.

But unlike other schools, Palm Beach Atlantic University sports prioritize exalting Christ more than anything in their attitude on the field.

When asked about the team’s strength, Gomez is confident in their ability to work together. He said the team had very good “chemistry.”

“I am blessed with a great group of young men that are committed to working for each other,” Gomez said. “Our team knows the sole purpose is to glorify God on the field and results, relationships and changed lives are products of our faithfulness to Christ.”

Senior player Chance Sumner said, “Out of nine seniors, seven have played together in club soccer.  We’re a close group of friends as a team and off of the field as well.”

Sumner is a left midfielder and also feels the season went well.

“The beginning went well and we had a big win against Harding,” Sumner said.

However, Sumner said he felt the midseason was “not so hot,” but it soon changed after a pep talk from the coach about the team’s chances of making it to the NCCAA.

“The senior class has brought us so far from when they first arrived here in 2006 and we are looking to improve on the foundation they helped lay,” Gomez said. “I am thankful to their commitment to PBA and they will leave here as the most successful class in school history.”

The men’s soccer team faces tough competition at this year’s regional NCCAA tournament. They travel to Emmanuel College and will face competitors on Nov. 20 and 21.

By Clint Longenecker
Contributing Writer

This is the first segment of a two-part preview of the National Basketball Association.

One of the most anticipated NBA seasons in recent memory is finally here.

The NBA’s playoff campaign was action packed and had fans glued to every minute of action. Every expert predicted the powerful Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers would match up in a legendary battle between two of the game’s superstars: Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. The overlooked Orlando Magic staged an upset, beating the Cavs in six games in the Eastern Conference finals and advancing to basketball’s biggest stage. During the finals, the Lakers stifled the hot shooting Magic in five games to hoist the golden Larry O’Brien trophy.

A flurry of offseason activity took place during the summer of 2009, leaving a clear view of potential contenders. The top teams in the league got stronger, while the league’s subpar teams shed contracts to weather the storm of the bad economy.

Strong Atlantic tide

The Atlantic Division featured two playoff teams from 2008: the 62-win Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. The New Jersey Nets, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks all had losing records, making it the conference’s worst division.

The division should be the Celtics’ to lose for the third straight year. The big three of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett return for what could be their last run together due to Allen’s impending free agency. Last year, Garnett suffered a knee injury that required surgery and sidelined him for the playoffs. This injury appears to be healed but it is an area that bears watching. A healthy Garnett could catapult the team to the East’s top squad with the emergence of Rajon Rando and offseason acquisitions Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels.

The Philadelphia 76ers retain a very talented roster that competed with the Magic in their first round matchup. Gone is veteran Andre Miller, but youngster Louis Williams looks to keep the squad running fast offensively.

Last year’s big acquisition, PF Elton Brand, should provide more than just the 29 games he put in last season after separating his shoulder. When healthy, Brand will provide the 76ers with consistent scoring and rebounding to help emerging star Andre Iguodala and underrated Thaddeus Young.

The Toronto Raptors had more offseason turnover than any team in the league. Back are centerpieces Jose Calderon, Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani. They are joined by many new faces. The big prize is former Orlando Magic playoff hero Hedo Turkoglu.

The Raptors also drafted DeMar DeRozan from the University of Southern California to fill out the starting five.

Neither the New York Knicks nor New Jersey Nets made any moves to improve their squads this season. Both teams made moves with an eye towards the future as the Knicks look to contend in next season’s robust free agent class. They play an exciting brand of basketball under Head Coach Mike D’Antoni that pushes the pace, resulting in many points scored for both teams.

The Knickerbockers offer some young talent with David Lee, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, but the odds are that this team will not be a factor in the season. The same can be said about the Nets, as they traded Vince Carter, putting the emphasis on getting younger players around All-Star Devin Harris and the emerging Brook Lopez.

Exciting Central class

The Central Division boasted three playoff teams a year ago in the Cavs, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons.

The Cavs hope to win a title in what could be superstar Lebron James’ last year in Cleveland due to his upcoming and long-awaited free agency. Supplying help, Shaquille O’Neal was acquired for spare parts.

The team also focused on taller perimeter plays with shooting ability to spread the floor for Lebron, adding Anthony Parker and Jamairo Moon. Pairing them with smaller Guards Mo Williams, Delonte West and Daniel Gibson should provide more defensive flexibility, as their lack of height was exposed against the Magic in the playoffs. The Cavs should once again be one of the league’s top teams with a chance to duplicate last season’s 66-win performance.

The Chicago Bulls showcased their talent against the Boston Celtics in last season’s legendary seven-game playoff matchup.

Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose is a truly exciting player, with as much offensive ability as any young point guard in the league. These Bulls have a good, young nucleus with Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah and help from veterans John Salmons and Brad Miller.

If this core group can further gel under coach Vinny Del Negro they could leap into the East’s upper echelon.

The nucleus of the Detroit Pistons championship-winning 2004 season is dwindling, with only Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince remaining. The Pistons spent $90 million to acquire Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva this season. Detroit’s modus operandi this year will be to outscore their opponents with talented scorers like Rodney Stuckey, since they no longer play tough defense.

The Indiana Pacers were a tough squad last year, flush with shooters and led by blossoming star Danny Granger. Their only significant addition was Tyler Hansborough.
This could be a team that takes a step forward with their young nucleus of Roy Hibbert, Troy Murphy and Brandon Rush. However, defensive issues could be their undoing.

The Bucks of Milwaukee spent their offseason trading away assets in exchange for future cap room and letting their free agents walk. Gone are consistent performers like Richard Jefferson, Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions without netting anything in return. Sharpshooter Michael Redd should provide scoring. Head Coach Scott Skiles will have to do a masterful job to keep this subpar team out of the cellar.

Rise of the Southeast?

The Southeast Division could be competitive after featuring three playoff teams last year.

The Eastern champion Magic have big expectations after last year’s run. Hedo Turkoglu is gone, but high flier Vince Carter is in. He is a real wild card, having never been on a good team and having a selfish reputation, but the talent is there. He’s one of four All-Stars along with Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and 2009 Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard.

Their bench is deeper this year with Jason Williams, Brandon Bass, and Matt Barnes. If they can continue to be sharpshooters from the three and play outstanding defense they could represent the East in the Finals.

The Miami Heat had a quiet offseason, with minimal changes as superstar Dwayne Wade is back after leading the league in scoring. If Michael Beasley can live up his potential and avoid off the court distractions he’ll provide a strong scoring threat. The Heat could have a very good year led by Wade, with help from Jermaine O’Neal.

The Alanta Hawks made it to the second round of last year’s playoffs, with an athletic squad that boasts an excellent starting five. Led by SG Joe Johnson and PF Josh Smith, the starting unit registered nearly 80 points a contest. If the bench can provide scoring this could be a exciting squad.

The Charlotte Bobcats and Washington Wizards remain in the fray for postseason contention, with starkly different styles. The Bobcats’ forte is defense led by Gerald Wallace and Tyson Chandler, while the Wizards’ calling card is an unrelenting offensive attack led by Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison.

This season should be a compelling one, with the top three teams clearly defined: Cleveland, Boston and Orlando.

Other good teams like Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami are looking to make the jump into the upper tier. As TNT relentlessly proclaims, this season should make for some drama, so tune in to find out who will emerge to represent the East for a shot to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy.

The NBA season kicked off on Oct. 27. For more information on NBA teams and a preview of the Western Conference, check out next week’s Beacon.

In response to: “Shame, shame, you’re not handicapped” on Oct. 19

I would like to respond to Luther Hollis’ complaint that his ticket was unfair because: (1) There were other empty spaces. He could not possibly know whether a dozen other handicapped students might arrive shortly and need the space he had taken.

(2) He attempted to justify his action by comparing it to that of Rosa Parks. Many people have now surmised that this was a planned action on the part of Ms. Parks and the NAACP. That does not mean it was not a necessary action. It was long overdue.

(3) Mr. Hollis implies that if he cannot see the handicap, it does not exist. If he saw me leaving my car empty-handed on an even surface he might assume I am an able-bodied senior citizen.

However, if I were carrying library books or climbing a small slope, breathing would be difficult because of lung surgery I had some years ago.

As a student in a Christian university, he should have learned not to be so judgmental.

Ruth McCollum
West Palm Beach

By Marius Lazau
Contributing Writer

On my last trip to Washington, D.C., I fell in love with the city. I stayed with friends near the Capitol, and one night we gave ourselves a walking tour of the monuments.

Even though I had been there before, the sight of the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial was amazing. I love World War II history, so I was thrilled to see the memorial again.

To me, the landing at Normandy and the fight against the Nazis is history in its purest form. Good fought evil and won. Except, it’s not entirely true.

For a good chunk of the world, the Allies’ victory coincided with the setup of a new and brutal occupation at the hands of the Communists, a repressive rule that would last for half a century and cause unimaginable pain and death.

For example, my home country of Romania was liberated from German rule with the help of the Allies, but in the process it ended up under a brutal communist dictatorship brought about by the Soviet “liberators.” The repression would last for nearly five decades and cause the death of 435,000 people.

The scourge of communism

In total, Communist governments around the world have caused the death of more than 100 million people.

That is the equivalent of one third of the world’s population in the time of Jesus or, roughly, one third of the current U.S. population.

By comparison, there are only 18.2 million college students in the United States. More people died under Communist repression than in all the wars of the 20th century combined. That does not include the suffering of millions whose fathers, mothers, brothers, husbands, and children perished at the hands of the murderous communist machine.

Learn about communism

Those of us who were born and raised in the West can hardly imagine the horrors endured by those who suffered. I didn’t see the suffering first-hand, but my parents did. And, so, I wanted to find out for myself: What was is it really like?

A good starting point for me was the site for the Global Museum on Communism.

For an incredible, real-life look at the evils of communism, check out the book “When God Looked the Other Way” by Wesley Adamczyk. It is brilliantly written, but it will make you cry and show you a side of humanity I hope none of us will ever get close to experiencing.

Historians tell us that the policies enacted by Joseph Stalin alone resulted in the deaths of 20 million people. It is a chilling and sobering thought. A mass murderer rose to power in Russia 87 years ago — a member of the human race.

There was no model to predict this tragedy then and there is not one today. We must not forget because we must not allow it to happen again.

Future hope

There are those of us who put their hope in capitalism. After all, in stark contrast to communism, free markets have given us unprecedented prosperity.

While this is true, capitalism did not and could not alter human nature. It simply found a way to convert our basic selfishness into something good. The unsettling truth is that we are now as we were then.

The Allies, of course, did win World War II. However, depending on where in Europe you lived at the time, victory coincided with either the beginning of freedom and prosperity or the onset of one of the darkest eras in history.

There is a new memorial in Washington, D.C. The “Goddess of Democracy” was dedicated by President George W. Bush on June 12, 2007 in memory of the more than 100 million victims of communism. It is located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and New Jersey Avenue, NW on Capitol Hill.

Next time I’m in town, I want to see it. I think it might be worth it.

I’d like you to meet Christy, empath and beacon.

1-   When you say you aren’t practicing currently, does that mean you can control it?

Yes, most of the time I can and do. Occasionally, I’ll get strong “feelings,” or a sense of something, and that sense is usually accurate. Often I’ll have very life-like dreams that end up coming true (like the night I saw that my boyfriend (now-fiance) was going to be let go from his job). The writing is usually on the wall, and I’m a very sensitive person, and I hate to make people feel bad about a “vision.” Often, it does come in handy, to prepare oneself for difficult experiences – and the good ones, too! Like I had this odd sense that Charlie was going to propose to me on my birthday, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I pretended ignorance…and sure enough, he proposed, and it still felt like a surprise.

2-   What’s it really like to speak to the dead and seeing future events?

I don’t really “speak” to the dead, but I “feel” an aura or presence. We live in a house where the husband of the former owner died. Sometimes, I sense his presence, or hear someone walking around. I talk to him aloud at times, I tell him it’s okay to move into the light of the afterlife. I think he took my advice. Haven’t heard much from him lately. LOL – this is funny. Once I criticized his wife’s taste in decor after I took down a few trinkets left behind that didn’t fit the style of the house, and right as I said that, I felt like a bird had flapped its wing in my face. He’s harmless. It’s kind of nice to know someone’s around, actually. He was a wonderful man, so there’s no fear here.

3-   What do you do with your gift?

Usually, I give advice that seems to come from “elsewhere,” sort of like channeling information that a person needs to hear, at the right place, right time.  I don’t actually practice clairvoyance. I could, if I meditated more and set my mind to it. But that’s just not my thing. It comes in handy when it needs to, especially through dreams. I used to belong to a Spiritualist church, had my first psychic reading at 15, and I love going up to Lily Dale, New York to soak up those good spiritual vibes once a year. It’s so peaceful there, and it helps me reconnect with my Source, which I also believe is the source of my gift.

4-   When did you first realize you had this gift?

I’ve always been sensitive – an empath, really. I used to get so sick as a kid, because I didn’t know how to filter other people’s emotions from my own. I used to absorb their trials and tribulations. It took a very long time, and many emotional bumps in the road before I learned how to keep my distance. I’m still not great at it, though, since I care so very much about people.

5-   Has it ever caused you problems?

Back in high school, I had a very strong sense that a friend of mine was keeping something from me. I addressed her about it – this was back when I was very open about Spiritualism and my abilities. She admitted she’d engaged in a brief affair with an ex-boyfriend of mine (the breakup really was tough on me). When she admitted the truth, I was floored. And she was freaked out. Our friendship was never the same. Sometimes, it’s better not to know something. lol. Also, because I’m so sensitive and I’m a Libra, I hate confrontation. Unless someone is extremely open-minded, my gift sometimes backfired with unfortunate repercussions. That’s why I learned to shut it off. I was so young then, 14 – 20, when I was exploring my gifts, spirituality and various religions, and I wanted so deeply to talk with someone about my exciting interest. But the conservative white-collar town where I lived didn’t have folks who “got it.” And much of the time I felt very  much alone. So that’s why I think I subdued my gift. If someone came right out and asked me to “see into their future,” I can quiet my mind and see scenes or flashes or dialogue or an event, without effort. It never really goes away, per se. Which I’m grateful for. But I use it sparingly to avoid alienating people.

6-   Can you tell us a couple of stories?

I have many dreams about my children – even though they haven’t arrived in my life yet. It’s really neat, and I treasure those. It’s like their little souls are hovering around me, waiting for the moment I invite them in to share my experiences on the planet. I tell them emphatically that I need to finish my  master’s degree and get married first! Then they can come.

I talk to my angels, too. A lot. Each human being has something like several thousands of angels surrounding us at all times. They are there to help us in absolutely everything we need. I also have a spirit guide with whom I had a beautiful love affair when we incarnated in the 1920s. He played the piano, and sometimes I’ll hear piano music in the background when there’s not a piano in sight and the radio is silent. Kinda cool. I know he’s checking in on me.

On March 19, 2009, The Allman Brothers played one of their 17 straight nights at the Beacon Theatre in NY as they do each spring. This year was the 40th anniversary of the Allman Brothers Band and each night they had a special guest(s) play with them. On this historic night, the one and only, Eric Clapton was the guest for his first ever live appearance with the Allmans. I happened to be in NY that night. Here is my story, via an email i sent to my friend and colleague Bil Ossher.   This is a classic RnR War Story!

———————–

from: Jim Piccirillo(jimvpp@earthlink.net)

To: Bil Ossher(bilossher@msn.com)

3-23-09

I Saw God..

.. And he was playing a beautiful strat!

Okay..i have a great story for you… And just because you are one of the few who will truly understand and appreciate the effort that went it to this.. I am giving you the long version. (so you may want to read later when you get home!)

Short story: I saw Eric Clapton live with the Allman Brothers last Thursday night at the Beacon Theatre in NY!

Back Story: As you probably know, the Allmans are in the middle of their annual 15 night run at the Beacon Theatre in NY. However, this year is the 40th anniversary of the band’s formation and the entire run has been dedicated to the memory of Duane Allman.

Each night, they invite different guests to take the stage with them… Levon Helm, the two guys from Los Lobos, Buddy Guy, Boz Scaggs, Stanley Clarke, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Juke Horns, Sheryl Crowe, Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Brammlett and Susan Tedechi.. To name a few.. Plus assorted side musicians, etc…   It has been quite impressive.

This year the Allmans launched Moogis.com, a subscription service that allows you to stream every show in its entirety live in your home. Naturally, I paid the 125. bucks and have watched every show either live or archived (you can watch for six months) hooked up to my 50″ plasma and sound system in my den each night. My wife and kids think I have absolutely lost it.

Of course, I blog endlessly with other peach heads before, during and after the shows.. To get the full effect!  The set list changes nightly as do the guests (ALLMANBROS.COM for complete set lists and guests each night)

I knew I was going to be in NY on the 19th and rumors were abound that Clapton was going to play that night (his first time EVER playing live with the Allmans).. So the blogs were a-twitter and speculation was intense.

Before I left, I checked all the usual sources for tix.. And balcony tix were already in the $200. range. So I thought.. I can do better there in person in NY.

I arrived in Ny, had dinner with Scott Kaye (who had seen the show the previous Tuesday.. And said it was a great tribute to Duane Reade!..(the NY drugstore)..so clueless as always)… Anyway.. We dined and drank and laughed and had a great evening.

Next day I go to MSG for meetings.. But had one thing on my mind.. Clapton tix.

By mid afternoon Balcony tix were in the 400. Range and Orchestra seats were approaching 1k to 1500! Panic set in.. And I decided to go to the Beacon.. I arrived by cab around 3p (show wasn’t until 8).  Obviously lines already formed at Box office to snag any extra seats.. So I immediately went to the four corners of the venue to talk to the scalpers… It looked grim. They all said there are absolutely no tickets on the street! They couldn’t figure it out.. I made friends of course with several and said I would check back periodically.

I then went to the back Stage Door of the Beacon.. And right when I walked up , I hear strains of DREAMS…aahh.. The Allmans doing a sound check! But wait.. I hear an extra guitar in there… Then they launch into Why Does Love Got to Be so SAD, and then ANYDAY.. And then LAYLA!  I had my proof.. Clapton was indeed in the house!

I tried everything to sneak into the sound check with every story I have ever known but was turned away by security each time. Eventually the head of security came out and told me I had to leave the back stage door.. And I asked him when it became illegal to stand on the sidewalk and listen?!  However, knowing I would see these guys again and again throughout the evening.. I moved on.

I called back the brokers.. And had 4 going at once on my blackberry.. By this time Balcony seats were 550!  However, one guy I had been talking to all day has one orchestra seat for 650. I pull the trigger, buy it over the phone, and walk back to my hotel (in the rain) to wait and see if the ticket actually gets delivered. As I walked, I pondered just how crazy or stupid I was to buy a ticket for 650. bucks .. But was somehow able to keep justifying it in my mind.. of course.

When I get to the hotel.. Another contact had left a message.. She has two tickets for me, behind the sound board at face value (100. Each!).. So I grab those two as well.. NOW I HAVE 3 TICKETS AND I AM IN FOR AROUND 850. BUCKS!

Not to panic, I took another cab back to the Beacon.. By this time it was a mob scene, hundreds of old heads wondering around dazed and confused looking for tickets..! It was an incredible vibe.. I felt like I was back in college.. It was so much fun, so much excitement in the air. I knew the average fan would not pay the freight on such high end tickets.. So I sought out my old friends, the scalpers that I had met earlier… After some haggling and negotiating..I sold the pair of seats behind the sound board to a scalper for 650. ( he probably was able to get 900 to 1200 for them. But I didn’t want to stand around and deal with the crazies).. I had checked NY law and made sure I was at least 1500 feet from the box office when re-selling tickets..

So I ended up keeping the orchestra seat, row N, on the aisle for a total of 200 bucks! I was feeling good.. On top of my game.. At the height of my powers.. Yes! I still have it.

Now, there was still about an hour and half to go before the show.. So I started hitting all the bars in the near vicinity.. All filled with Allman fans that had traveled from all over the country.. Cincinatti, Florida, Michigan.. Etc.. I snuggled up to the bar and immediately started telling them my story about listening to the sound check and confirming that Clapton was indeed there! People started buying me drinks and bringing their friends over for me to tell them the story and verify that Clapton was indeed going to be there!  I was like a folk hero.. And when I tell them my story of swapping and selling tickets for the last couple of hours.. They buy me more drinks! I am approaching major peach head status!

As show time approaches, me and about twenty of my new found “brothers” walk down to the Beacon entrance.. It was like going back 30 years…cops on horseback, people everywhere, weed smoke everywhere, but everybody cool to each other with a great friendly vibe.

I finally get in the venue, and the Beacon has been totally refurbished.. It is beautiful.. I find my 14th row seat.. On an aisle.. On Clapton’s guest side. The skies definitely parted and the stars aligned. My seatmate next to me was a lawyer from CA.. He paid 800. For his seat.. But didn’t seem to care. Neither did i… They open with Little Martha while a video tribute to Duane rolls… The guy in front of me lights a big joint.. Passes it back to me.. And the band launches into Statesboro Blues!

The brothers played an incredible set.. And after intermission they brought out Clapton.. And he stayed for the next two hours playing incredible licks with Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes.

Clapton definitely cannot play any longer like the young Trucks, who is a monster and master of the guitar… But his stage presence and tasty playing were something to behold. KEY TO THE HIGHWAY, DREAMS, WHY DOES LOVE GOT TO BE SO SAD, LITTLE WING, ANYDAY & encore with LAYLA.   WHEW!

I have not had such a fun evening in many years… It was truly an historic night for a rock fan. Clapton playing live for the first time ever with the Allman Brothers since the by-gone days of Layla being recorded in Miami in 72…on the Brothers 40^th anniversary of being a band!

I was so drunk and exhausted after the show.. I fell into  a coffee shop, poured about 5 cups of coffee, ate a big breakfast..got back to hotel about 230am.. Got up at 6am.. Got to the airport with the nastiest hangover known to man, caught an 8am flight back to LA.. And end up sitting next to Jimmy Fallon’s wife! Who smelled good and invited me to see his show next time in NY.. Which I will..

But it will be hard to top my last show in NY ..do doubt. The Road Goes on Forever for the Midnight Rider…

Take care, pic

Ps.. Check out Moogis.com

I can let you use my login and password.. And you can watch the show(s) so far… They are saying tonight or tomorrow will be Dickey Betts as guest.