The fire apparently started around 6 am in the second floor apartment’s kitchen at 148 West Main Street.

WHLM radio reports businesses destroyed in the fire include the Main Street Laundry, Rosemary Shultz Beauty Shop, Towne Camera Shop, a law firm and the Janney Montgomery Scott Financial Company. Station owner Joe Reilly reported on the fire throughout Sunday morning.

Pictures and video of the burning buildings can be viewed at BloomUToday.

Downtown Bloomsburg from Market Street to Orey Street remained closed through mid-afternoon as firefighters doused the still smoldering burnt buildings.

Firefighters from a number of communities responded to the morning fire including Bloomsburg, Berwick, Danville, Benton and Espy.

For more details, read this report from Pahomepage.com.

Have you ever been up to a men’s rugby game on upper campus?  If not, you have no clue what you are missing and you should definitely come to upper campus this Saturday at 2:00 to see the undefeated Bloomsburg Men’s Rugby Club host Millersville in a game that, when Bloomsburg wins, will make them the EPRU Freedom division champions.  Saturday’s game has the makings of a great game, with Millersville having a 3-1 record so far this season.

The Bloomsburg ruggers are ranked nationally #20 in Division 2 college rugby, according to www.erugbynews.com, possibly the highest ranking ever for Bloomsburg.  The Bloomsburg team has high expectations this year because of the club’s returning talent and success over the past couple of seasons.

Last season, Bloomsburg won the EPRU Keystone division and finished 2nd place in the EPRU playoffs.  Along the way the team won games versus Princeton, Temple, Villanova, York, Lock Haven, and East Stroudsburg, before losing in the championship game against St. Joe’s.  Because of last year’s success, Bloomsburg qualified for the MARFU playoffs but lost in the first round to Georgetown.

There are many reasons to support the rugby team:  First, these guys compete at a high level against teams that recruit, give scholarships, and have a much larger budget than Bloomsburg. Bloomsburg does not recruit or give scholarships to any players and basically all recruiting is done by word of mouth.  The team also receives a limited amount of funding from the school and pays for national and league dues through player seasonal dues.  Also, the rugby team runs practices and makes game decisions by themselves, without a real coach.  For example, players Dave Linaberry and Jon Kokinda help guide the team in the right direction with their experiences, but the team makes decisions based on a hierarchy system with the more experienced and older players on the team having more input.  Finally the team has a reputation of being a hard nosed, tough team, who doesn’t love to watch a game with lots of action and big hits?

So finally, what is rugby?  Great question…. this link can provide you with basically ever answer you would want.  See you at a game soon or if you are interested in playing, practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 and a short Friday practice between 3:00-5:00 on the rugby field, located next to the flag football fields on upper campus.  The rugby team is not made up of all high school rugby players, most of our players only learned the game after coming to Bloomsburg— the team is made up of ex- wrestlers, football players and soccer players, but everyone is welcome to come out and give it a shot.

BU Now originally reported Friday that BloomUtoday.com had initially confirmed that two people had been shot and killed inside the Applebee’s restaurant on Route 11 near Bloomsburg.

Bloomsburg Police Chief Leo Sokoloski told BloomUtoday.com at a Friday evening media interview that the alleged shooter was one of the two people confirmed dead. District Attorney Gary Norton said the public is in no danger. However they stopped short of saying that it was a murder-suicide. The Columbia County Coroner and Deputy Coroner were on the scene.

Click to read the rest of the BloomUtoday.com story.

Two area television stations reported on the shootings. Station WNEP filed this story about the shooting at the Bloomsburg Applebee’s earlier Friday evening.
And WBRE filed this story about the shooting.

BU Now updated this story on Saturday, May 23 and will continue to update it as details become available.

How do these General Managers who gave away these contracts sleep at night? They are just throwing away money. It is like bringing your friend out to the bar the night he received his refund check from Waller. A lot of cash is going to be spent and the end result will be everyone feeling sick.

I went to sleep completely stunned by how wasteful some people could be with their money and amazed that such terrible long-term investments could be made.

I woke up feeling like the world’s biggest hypocrite. I’ve flushed well over $40,000 down the crapper attending Bloomsburg University. Like a terrible relationship though, I can’t seem to say goodbye as I enter my fifth year of this commitment. Bloomsburg University has become my Dontrelle Willis, complete with DUI and Public Urination. I know I’ve made a mistake, but I’ve invested too much to turn away.

My realization had nothing to do with academics or anything of that sort. No, the magnitude of my mistake hit me as I walked past the quad today. See, your calendar doesn’t say so, but today was a local holiday. March 31st was “Halter Top” day here in Bloomsburg.

Bill Simmons coined the term “Halter Top” day to celebrate that moment on cold northern college campuses when the weather finally turns for the warmer and girls bust out the skirts and cleavage boasting shirts. Unfortunately, this day normally doesn’t arrive anywhere north of Pennsylvania until well after midterms.

It is a bitter sweet phenomenon. On one hand, you finally get a chance to see just how cute that girl in math class is without her hiding behind a deceiving wardrobe of jeans and a sweatshirt. On the other hand, this day is a constant reminder about how dumb you were for attending a school up North anyway.

(A balmy Bloomsburg day in late April)

I had the choice to attend a University anywhere. I could have traveled down to Florida or west to Arizona, where every day is “Halter Top” day. Just picture hours of Whiffleball while hundreds of beautiful girls lie around sun bathing and marveling at your wicked slide piece (copyright Gary “Sarge” Matthews).

But no, instead I am stuck in Bloomsburg waiting for the inevitable April snow storm and cursing my high school guidance counselor to hell. Happy Halter Top day everybody.

Mail Box

Our first email is a very timely one discussing… Halloween of course. No problem, next to Halter Top day Halloween is my favorite holiday (for many of the same reasons!). Anyway, Ellie emailed me regarding our “top ten costumes of 2008” feature and wanted to send along ten suggestions of her own. I am especially a fan of numbers five and six.

My next email came from Josh Wooten, who came across my “Early Retirement” plan and wanted to let me know that my dream could indeed become a reality.  Josh and his wife are semi-retired college graduates who travel the country with their two pets.  In their spare time they sell items on ebay to fund their adventures.  You can follow their journey at their blog.  Good for them!  They are like the Neil Armstrong of lazy college students; boldly paving a path for future generations to follow.    I think i might create a similar blog when I graduate, only mine will tell of my adventures playing Lion King on Sega Genesis for long hours and watching LOST.

I wouldn’t feel right about pimping two websites without also mentioning my buddy Nick Fox’s newest Blog.   Nick has publicly announced his goal of making one million dollars within the next three years.  If you knew Nick like I do, you wouldn’t exactly be in a rush to bet against him.  Anyway, you can follow his mission here as he updates us regarding his progress and entertains us along the way.  Good luck Nick.  Remember us small time bloggers when you make it big.

Finally, don’t forget to tune into The Fearsome Foursome tonight on WBUQ 91.1 FM.    The show begins at 10 pm and can also be found online here.

Here is a video of one of our more popular episodes from our first season back in 2005.  The real payoff comes around the 3 minute mark.

With so many options and so much variety to choose from the decision-making process can be very difficult. But three friends: Elizabeth Linfante, Georgette Elmes and Marissa Arakelian took up the challenge and went on a week-long journey to find the best sub (not hoagie or grinder) in town.

Subway, Steph’s Subs, Berrigans and Quizznos were the chosen places due to their location and popularity among Bloom students. Eventually, after countless meals of meats, dressings, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles all stuffed into one roll, the judges found a winner.

The first stop for these friends was Subway where “the service was very quick thus, starting the adventure off on a good note,” according to Arakelian. Each of the judges took advantage of the “$5 Any Footlong,” deal and ordered: the Oven Roasted Chicken Breast sub, the Traditional Turkey sub and the Italian BMT. Each sampled a small portion and had nothing but praise for each sandwich.

“Each sub was totally scrumptious, the bread was amazing and the meats and veggies were very fresh” said Elmes. “It’s a great and cheap meal for five bucks.”

Linfante agreed and liked the option of personalizing her sub. “Having the option of choosing different kinds of bread added a personal touch in creating your own sub.”
The next stop for our munchers on their sub quest was Steph’s Subs. With the cold weather outside, the girls were thrilled to be indoors and once they arrived, they noticed this local deli offered a huge variety. The subs ordered here: the Hot Cheese Steak sub, Cold Italian sub and a Turkey and American sub. Since 6-inch subs were ordered this time, each really enjoyed every last morsel of her meal. “The Cheese Steak sub was really perfect, particularly on a cold day like today” said Arakelian. “Although it’s not quite the Philly Cheese Steak, it was still good none the less.”
As their stomachs started filling up, the judges made their way over to the third destination, Berrigans. Opting for warm subs once again, two of the judges ordered six-inch, hot subs: Buffalo Chicken and Chicken Parm, while the third ordered a six-inch Ham and Cheese sub.

“Since Chicken Parm is my favorite food I could not resist ordering the Chicken Parm sub,” said Linfante. “The sauce and melted cheese on top is absolutely fabulous, I am certainly not disappointed with my order.”

Another judge ordered the Ham and Cheese sub, but was not as thrilled. “The Ham and Cheese sub is also tasty, but very plain,” Arakelian said. “However, I could not put anything else on a Ham and Cheese sandwich though because it could potentially ruin it.”
Finally, with a feeling of anticipation, our munchers made their way into the fourth and final deli, Quizznos. Since this was the last day, the girls wanted to make their best selections but they were taken aback at first by the menu. Some of the subs listed were foreign to our judges. However, they knew they were on a mission and did away with any hesitations and ordered: the Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon sub, the Turkey, Ranch and Swiss sub and the Traditional sub. Again, each sampled a small portion of what the others ordered. Although, this time the Traditional sub put a look of pleasant surprise on each of the judge’s faces. This sandwich consisted of roast beef, turkey, ham, black olives, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing and red onions. At first, nothing was said by anyone, but after a few moments, Linfante summed it up best. Popping up out of her chair she exclaimed, “It’s a traditional sub with an added kick! It just makes your taste buds go a mile a minute!”

After several minutes of laughter the friends discussed and came to the unanimous decision: The Traditional sub offered the most variety, was the most filling and had just the right “kick” to earn the title of Best Sub in Bloomsburg.

A few years ago, graduating college would have signified the moment a student enters the workforce. However, the current economy is halting students in their tracks on their way to career success. Keeping a job is difficult enough, but finding one at the moment is even more troublesome. Bloomsburg University students, from freshmen to seniors, are feeling the impact of the recession like a weight hanging on their shoulders.

This past January proved to be one of the worst months of the recession, which began in December 2007. According to the NY Times, nearly 600,000 jobs disappeared in January alone. The unemployment rate has risen to 7.6 percent, which is up from 7.2 percent from the previous month.

This is the time of year when seniors begin looking into careers or applying to graduate school. However, the failing economy is heavy on their minds. There are less jobs available, especially at entry level. As if graduate school was not already expensive enough, tuitions around the country are increasing. In addition, college graduates are finding that an increasing number of career tracks are now requiring graduate school, when they may not have been in the recent past.

Chris Johnson, a senior at Bloomsburg and a Community Assistant (CA) in Elwell Hall, admits he is feeling the pressure of the economy. He is a sociology major and plans to attend graduate school after graduating from Bloomsburg. “Hey, we’re already in a bad economy,” Johnson says, “I might as well take out another loan.”

When the economy began going south, Johnson thought ahead on how to save money. “That’s one reason why I became a CA,” Johnson says. For being a guide and role model for other students, he receives free room-and-board in the residence halls as well as biweekly checks.

Carol Barnett, Director of the Career Development Center located in the Student Services Center says, “Students are often concerned about job hunting, whether the economy is good or bad.” But she admits that the job market has become “tougher” since the economy has been slipping. Students Barnett meets with are more afraid of the unknown than anything else. Graduating college and finding a serious job is something they have never experienced before. Life after university life is often referred to as “the real world” and this term can be intimidating.

Think of it this way: In order to get hired, a position needs to be available. For this to happen, an employee has to leave that position. And for an employee to leave a current job, there needs to be another job open for them to go to. The entire job market has a trickle-down effect.

Barnett advises that students need to find more creative ways of employment, such as expanding their job search geographically as well as industrially. Instead of being headstrong about working near their home, the recession may call for students to open their minds to other places several cities, even states, away. Students should even be open to working in different fields of their major.

Most students fresh out of college have much less experience in their field of interest than do people who have been working at it for years. Consequently, students may want to become interns or accept a temporary position before searching for a long-term job. That way, when they do begin looking into jobs, their experience will get them hired more easily. “Do I think it’s serious? Yes,” Barnett says. “ But I do believe everyone will end up fine.” Patience is an important piece in looking for a job. Becoming unnecessarily stressed is unhealthy, especially in a situation where the economy is at fault, not the student.

Underclassmen are feeling the pressure as well. Although not as profound, it is unsettling to a freshman just entering college. Being away at college and independent from any parent figure for the first time can be daunting. Now along with the recession comes the distress of handling a bank account.

Theresa McInaw, a freshman, is struggling to keep money in her wallet. “I’m living off the money I made at my summer job,” She says, “The price of everything is increasing as the money in my bank account decreases. I try not to waste money on things I don’t need, but it’s tough to adjust to.”

The recession has been preying on people of all ages, and college students are definitely feeling the pressure. Between worrying about the job market after graduating, and paying for increased tuition and living expenses, Bloomsburg University students are concerned and hard pressed for cash. It is important to remember to try to relax and be patient because you are not the only one struggling. The guy behind you at Starbucks and the girl on the treadmill next to you are worrying about the same thing.

Elysse Madonna sniffles and clears her throat as she attempts to speak, “I feel like I’ve been sick forever. Once I’m almost over the Flu, someone else who has it gives it back to me. It just never stops.” Madonna, a freshman at Bloomsburg University, is referring to an epidemic that has attacked  a large portion of Bloomsburg University’s 8,500 students: the Influenza outbreak.

Many students share Madonna’s frustrated feelings about the lingering sickness. The pesky virus can cause  multiple symptoms to erupt at the same time, spur frequent trips to the crowded Health Center, and temporarily disabled so many college students from the daily routine.

A sore throat or a throbbing headache is bad enough. Combine these common cold symptoms with, a raging fever of at least 100 degrees, painful sinus congestion, body aches, a hoarse cough, an incessant runny nose, dizziness and nausea, and one has successfully described the crippling Influenza virus.

“My fever and dizziness were so bad, I could barely stand and hold up my own body weight,” says Rachel Yanchek, a freshman, who contracted the virus in early February. “My body felt so heavy, kind of like there were weights attached to my arms and legs,” she continues.

Though Yanchek’s body aches and fever debilitated her the most personally, others were more affected by other symptoms of the Flu. Jeremy Rhen, also a freshman attending the University, felt that his severe sinus congestion had the worst effect on his health. “It was so bad, not being able to breathe. It led to me losing a lot of sleep and waking up extremely frustrated,” said Rhen.

Another freshman, Elisabeth Walter, said that being sick while away from home for the first time helped make the experience even worst. “I had pain everywhere and my fever was so high. I called my mom all the time, asking her what I could do to feel better. It was not a fun time at all.”

All of the harsh symptoms experienced by the interviewees were experienced by countless other students all over campus. The question is, what can they do in an effort to become healthy again and to rid their bodies of the sickness?

There are said to be many cures for illnesses such as the common cold and the influenza virus, but which ones did the students at Bloomsburg University find most helpful? “I drank a lot of fluids, especially tea, and slept as much as I could and I think that helped a lot,” says Madonna when asked how she took care of herself while sick. Rhen, who took a more medicated approach to weeding out the sickness in his body, went to the Health Center where he was given decongestants and medication for a pink eye infection. Yanchek, who also took a trip to the Health Center, tried to feel healthier as naturally as possible. She states, “I tried to eat really healthy, nutrient-rich foods and drank orange juice. I also slept for a whole day.”

Though medication eased the effects of the Flu virus for many, the most efficient remedies seemed to be plenty of  rest and increased fluid intake. Yet, many students stayed sick longer than they would have if they had been at home. Leave it to college campuses to spread germs like wildfire.

“I felt like everyone I knew was sick, or becoming sick, or just getting over having the Flu,” said Rhen. Madonna shared his insight. “Being cooped up in my dorm room was the reason I stayed sick so long. I couldn’t escape the germs, they were everywhere,” she said. The constant interaction and close living quarters among healthy and sick students in dorms and apartments may have aided in prolonging the illness across campus. The blistering winter winds and snow, which certainly didn’t help, made for a lengthy Flu season for so many students, professors, and workers at Bloomsburg University. When Mom and Dad are far away, who did the students call upon for help and the best healing methods?

Walter says she could not have gotten better if it were not for the help and care from her neighbor, Elysse Madonna. “She made sure I didn’t pass out in the shower one night, brought me damp washcloths to bring my fever down and always checked up on me,” Walter says of Madonna’s helpful efforts. “She really is just the best neighbor and she genuinely cared and wanted me to feel better. I’m really thankful for that,” said Walter. Other students, like Rhen, took a more humorous approach to the Flu outbreak, and tried to find the irony in every case. “We would all just point fingers and say ‘Dude, you did this to me,’ to all of our friends. It was kind of a way of lightening the mood and it helped us forget about how bad we felt for the time being,” said Rhen. Therefore, it was possibly the tight-knit friendships amongst the Bloomsburg students that played the biggest recovery role during the outbreak.

Yet, with recovery came make-up assignments in class, notes to copy from others, missed tests and quizzes, and irretrievable class time that was lost. Not everyone that was infected with the Influenza virus fell behind in their classes, but some found it increasingly difficult to pay attention and focus while they were ill. “I had no motivation to study at all, even though I managed to go to all my classes. I felt like it would have been more worthwhile just to sleep the day away,” says Madonna. Yanchek, whose situation was similar, found it hard to force herself out of bed for her 8 a.m. classes every Monday and Wednesday. She said, “Waking up in the mornings was brutal. I just wanted to sleep and I could barely stay awake in class.” These students chose to stay active in their educations by attending class, when the only places they wanted to be were their beds.

Loss of sleep should no longer be an issue for students upon their return back to classes after a week-long Spring break retreat. The crucial rest and relaxation healed many over the short respite, and the Influenza virus has almost completely exited the campus. Yet, hopefully the students will be better prepared for next year when the contagious illness will undoubtedly rear its ugly head once more. Ample sleep, the good company and care of friends, and lots of orange juice should put this insistent virus back in its place.

For more information on how to avoid becoming infected by the view, take a look at some helpful advice at collegetips.com

(Title photo by Davide Taviani through creative commons)