A 6-year-old's Brave 911 Emergency Call Saves the Day

A 6-year-old's Brave 911 Emergency Call Saves the Day

-Police arrest neighbor of the Burke family and charged him with rape.

       

A 6-year-old girl placed a 911 call after intruder breaks in her families' house with a knife and rapes her mother.

Laura Burke was at home with her mother, Lynn Burke, when their neighbor, Andrew Caspinwall, broke into their back door with a knife and hit Lynn. Laura hid in her parent's bedroom as she cried and made her brave 911 call. Three police cars showed up to the Burke's residence at 412 West Ave. to arrest and charge Caspinwall for the rape of Lynn Burke.

Laura worked very cooperatively with the 911 dispatch as she gave them the address to her home and described what was happening. The 911 dispatch told her to lock the room door to keep her safe as she corresponded with the dispatch's procedure. They found Laura's father, Randy Burke, and got him to come home to the scene.

"My mommy, what''ll happen to my mommy," crying Laura asked.

Lynn was taken to a hospital promptly.  Caspinwall is currently being held in a county jail and his bail is set for $250,000.

The Aftermath of The COVID-19 for a Bulldog

Cassie at her dad's house

What originally was supposed to be a regular spring break for many college students, turned into a social distancing fiasco. Out of nowhere South Carolina State University students were asked to clear out their residence halls and go home for the rest of the semester. Not only that, but students were asked to retrieve their belongings on a set schedule to practice social distancing as advised by the president James E. Clark. Every Bulldog's aftermath story is different, but the story of  SCSU's very own Cassie Moore, stands out a bit.

Prior to being forced to quarantine, Cassie was attempting to finish her junior year strong. She intended on having a nice spring break and eventually returning to finish the rest of her semester.





Initially during her spring break, she was spending time with her dad in Cheraw, SC which she refers to as the "country". Cassie lives in Charlotte, NC, but was unable to return home due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"It sucks because I’m staying somewhere that does not have internet service," Cassie says, "so its much harder for me to keep up with my studying and homework."

"I really miss being on campus socializing. I was more occupied on campus and now that I'm away I have to push a little harder to stay on top of everything."

Cassie also expressed that she can't stay in one area for too long so she just rides around to kill time.

Selfie of Cassie in her car

She has also becomes frustrated with how some people are taking the virus too seriously and how others aren't taking it serious enough.

Cassie in her car

"It really pisses me off with the amount of shopping people are doing," Cassie says,"Everybody has this mindset that everything is going to close, but it has been said that the places that provides everyday needs will remain open."

"The fact that panic shopping is still trending is starting to make me panic in thoughts of how this is going to change the running of America.”

She feels that President Trump is doing fine as far as advising citizens during this time. Her only issue is that people are still out there doing what they want to do and not taking precautions.

"America has never been hit this hard," Cassie says," so its going to take a while to get used to the new changes.'

"How long it's going to take for that to happen is still unanswered.”

Her peronal blog where you can find out more about her is, mgblvd.blogspot.com.

  

COVID-19 Pandemic or Corona Virus Paranoia

COVID-19 has been taken as a joke, featured in songs and has even been given a nickname. Not many were initially taking it seriously. The news of this virus fled all over the internet, billboard signs on the side of the road read "Stay Home" and took over many news segments. Against all warnings students still traveled all over for spring break and others continued to travel all over the world just in general.

Once people started to hear about celebrities such as Idris Elba and Tom Hanks testing positive for the coronavirus, most started to realize it wasn't much of a joke anymore. People went on a rampage buying up all the tissue and hand sanitizers on the aisles. Not only that, but personal hygiene products and some food were bought and cleared off aisles.

Walmart's frozen food section

Walmart's toiletry aisle 

Walmart's cereal aisle

The things described above are things that affected the world but not necessarily me personally. Once  South Carolina State University closed for the spring semester, that's when things got real for all of us college students.

I was very upset to hear that we couldn't return since I only have one semester left. after this one abruptly ended. The adjustments of taking classes remotely are truly nerve wrecking. All the memories that us students were supposed to make were suddenly halted and we were unexpectedly ask to clear out of our dorm rooms and move off campus.

 (video of me leaving campus after clearing out my room)

It was even worse for students who were supposed to graduate this semester since the opportunity got postponed. Some of the seniors who I personally knew, sent out farewell messages to students who they are now leaving behind. All in all, the coronavirus has definitely changed the course of plans for all students this semester.

At home life is causing readjustments as well. For some, it's difficult to complete assignments without internet access but I'm just having trouble focusing. This whole quarantine ordeal is also driving almost everyone crazy because of curfews, closed jobs and store hours changing.

On Thursday March 26, 2020 at 8:52 p.m. my sister JJ asked my other sister Davida if In and Out Wings was still open so she could go and get some wings. In response Davida said,  "It's 8 p.m. everything is closed now, nothing stays open long anymore because of the coronavirus ."

I know all these changes are to protect everyone and keep everyone healthy but these changes are truly affecting everyday lives. It is making me realize that I took normal activities and simple things for granted. I'm just ready for this to go away so we can get back to our normal lives.

You Know the Building and It's Name. What About the Man Behind It?

Many will pass by the building, many may see the name but few to none knows the man behind it. Not many have heard the story behind it or even bothered to learn. Despite this, the Harold Crawford Engineering Technology Building is more than just a place that communication classes are held. It was named after Harold Wakeling Crawford, a previous student and dean of what is now called, South Carolina State University.


Harold "Crip" Crawford was born on January 6, 1903 in Laurens County, South Carolina and later moved to Calhoun Falls.  He attended elementary school at Haines Institute in Augusta, Ga. In his adult life he was considered a decent sized man weighing in at about 200 pounds and he was also 6'2". 

 Crawford later attended the academy and college at South Carolina State where he received a B.S. degree in mechanic arts in 1927. He attended Kansas State on a Rosenwald Scholarship where he earned his second baccalaureate degree in Automotive Engineering and General Science in 1932. He received the M.A. degree in Administration and Supervision from New York in 1944, and from Wayne State University of Detroit in 1959. He did further study at the University of Chicago and New York U. As you can see he had a lot of schooling.

Crawford of course attended the School of Industrial Education and Engineering Technology at South Carolina State College (South Carolina state University). He later joined the faculty in 1932. He left in 1945 to work as Chief with Veterans Administration Guidance Center at the College, but returned to his position as Dean in 1947 until his retirement in 1969.

An acquaintance of Crawford, Dr. William Hines came to SCSU to give a brief overview of what Crawford might've been like back then.

"He seemed to be a kind of reserved individual" as Dr.William Hines said, "kind of a little on the shy side."

Hines told us that Crawford was a player and an assistant coach in football during his life.

He also went on to say, "He was always interested in athletics. In the 50's until he retired he remained in the athletic program."

At one point Crawford was among 5 people the board of trustees were considering for President. The board wasn't really leaning towards Crawford because they didn't know where he stood on segregation.

The purpose of the building we now call Harold W. Crawford Engineering Technology Building was for trades. Afterwards it was to replace the original mechanical building.

Crip Crawford died in 1980 and the nameless building was named after him.

See this link

Front Pages of Newspapers

In my Copy Editing class we are doing an exercise where we evaluate and compare the newsworthiness of the front pages of different newspapers.

With the help of the website Newseum, I was able to select major newspapers from different places in America. My selection consist of The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times.

The front page of the New York Times, features a prominent image of President Trump’s lead lawyer, addressing the Senate in Trump’s defense during the impeachment trial on Saturday. Other than that the front page features six stories.

The most prominent story is about President Trump and his defense team. They are titled "Recording Undercuts President's Claims" and "Turning Accusations Against Democrats". Above these two stories there is another title in bold titled, "Trump Team Says Charges Are Ploy To Steal Election".

Beneath the fold features a story titled "In China's Market, a thriving lab of viruses". It is about a place in China that sells live stalk that causes death and sickness to their people.

The front page is rounded off about a woman who wrote about the experience of Mexican migrants running from the cartel attempting to enter the U.S. Border. The book titled, "American Dirt" was thought to receive a lot of praise by the Author, Jeanine Cummins, and publisher but instead received backlash.

The front page of The Washington Post, features a prominent image of Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaking to the press at Trump's Impeachment trial.The front page also features five stories unlike The New York Times.

The story above the fold's headline is " Trumps Ukraine Actions Valid, His Lawyers Say". Three separate stories are featured beneath the prominent image and title which are, "For Klobuchar, trial means a Change in Campaigning Plans", "Biden, Sanders Handily Top Field in National Poll as Iowa Nears", and "Impeachment Defense Begins".

The one and only story beneath the fold unlike The New York Times, is " A Career Built on Distortion, Exaggeration". The story is about Bennet Omalu which is man who claimed he discovered CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy ), which was false.

The front page of The Los Angeles Times  features a prominent image of Pat Cipollone tells the senate that the Democrat hasn't come close to proof to impeach Trump in trial. The story is called "Trump team blasts House Case".

Right above the fold features a story that headlines , "Bernie Sanders" with a subtitle "As mayor he shaped Burlington, Vt. as it shaped him-and it gave him a moonshot to the national stage."

The story is about Ashley Horton, a fan of Bernie Sanders, knelt before him to show her gratitude and admiration for him.

This newspaper features nine stories, which is way more than the other two. Unlike the other Newspapers it has six stories beneath the fold. It also features a few mini stories in between the two more prominent stories beneath the fold.

All I Want For Christmas...... Is Sweet Desserts and Beverages ?

Whether baking cookies to leave them for Santa Claus to snack on when he comes down the chimney or having candy canes hanging on the tree for kids to sneak in the middle of the night, sweets are important part of Christmas festivities.

As Christmas is slowly approaching, everyone is trying get in the holiday spirit! What better way to celebrate and get in the holiday spirit, other than have a prepared list of sweet desserts and beverages   that'll be sure to make your family smile.

Here's a list of Sweet Desserts and beverages that you and your family can enjoy preparing for the holidays:

1) Edible Gingerbread House

A family coming together to build a gingerbread house  is not only a innovative way for a family to bond, you also get the extra benefit of eating your appetizing creation.

Christmas isn't only about opening gifts, it's about spending quality time with the people you love the most.

Building a gingerbread house allows you to eat, have a great time , and get extremely creative.

What better way to get in the holiday spirit other than making a tasty treat that you and your family can eat.

2) Ice cream Floats

What's your favorite soda? Is it Fanta Grape, Fanta Orange, Coca Cola , Root Beer, or Dr. Pepper? Well whatever it is, you can use it to make a delicious float for the holidays.

Floats consist of delicious vanilla ice cream (preferably French vanilla) and a soda of your choosing.

It is the perfect mobile dessert for you and your family to sip on with your pajamas and fuzzy socks while watching your favorite Christmas movies.

The fact that this delicious treat fizzes up will be a cool way to teach kids the science behind this tasty effect.

Ice cream floats aren't just a beverage, it's the magic behind making a frosty day deliciously creamy.

3) Christmas Cookies 

Santa has a hard month of work when December comes. He's deciding whose naughty or nice, dropping off presents and steering reindeers. What better way to show you appreciate his kind duties, other than having prepared Christmas cookies when he comes down your chimney.

Whether you make chocolate chip, macadamia nut, sugar cookies, etc. they are all a delightful way to fulfill your holiday tastebuds.

Imagine you and your family covered in flour, laughing and putting your decorative desserts in the oven. If that doesn't express holiday spirit, I don't know what does.

Christmas cookies are the dessert you never knew you truly needed for the holidays. Forget the sugary substance and focus on how much joy it will bring your family working together to create their sweet masterpiece.

4) Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

Let it snow is one of the most common used lines in Christmas songs, but no one thinks about how cold it gets outside when we "LET IT SNOW."

That's okay because a mug of hot chocolate can warm up any chilly day. Not only is it delicious, but it warms you up internally while the fireplace warms you up externally.

A hot cup of coffee is a go to, for some people but coffee has nothing on a mug of chocolate during the holidays.

Whether you and your family are crowded on the couch telling stories or flipping through old photo albums, hot chocolate will be the best beverage to wrap up the evening.

Besides all that who can turn down a chocolatey taste or huge marshmallows.

5) Bread Pudding 

While the older folks are putting together casseroles and dinner foods. You could be doing what makes everybody at the table happy, BAKING A BREAD PUDDING.

Some make theirs with raisins, fruit cocktails, and cinnamon. Even if you have a different recipe, it will still bring a sweet touch the table.

Just imagine everyone gathered around the table, happily passing around the delicious bread pudding you made, after having to scoff down the casserole that grandma made just to make her happy. 

You can just say, bread pudding on your dessert list for Christmas will save the day!

As I said before, Christmas is more than just buying and receiving gifts, it is a pivotal moment where family members can come together to bond and make beautiful memories. One thing that will add on to a beautiful bonding moment is having delicious desserts and beverages that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays!!!!!

We Didn't Boast A lot We Just Post A lot

It's one thing to learn something and it is a whole different ball game to apply it to benefit your future endeavors in life. This semester we learned and did so many things in our  Electronic Media Production II class. All of which, will help us to navigate through our careers and make sure that we become successful.

Whether we were making our dreams come to life with green screens or setting up our linked in account as a brag-sheet or resume, we gained a lot of skills.We learned the history and operation of social media platforms such as Pinterest, Twitter , and LinkedIn. We also used blogger to help us expand our creativity in writing.

In order to understand the depth of this educational journey I will give you a rundown on the important things we did.

1. LinkedIn

Arabia Green's LinkedIn

From my understanding LinkedIn is a professional website where students like me, job seekers, and hiring businesses can contact each other and connect.

 LinkedIn allows job seekers to include their skill set and experience, so that jobs can see them and be interested in what they have to offer.

LinkedIn is like your online/mobile resume that can attract jobs to you. It's advanced way of allowing people to see your level of education and achievements, keeps it competing with top social medias as far as establishing yourself in the business world.

Arabia Green's LinkedIn

LinkedIn also allows you to put a professional picture of yourself as your profile. As you see on the left is an image I took to put as my profile.

On my personal LinkedIn account I have my educational level, bio, etc posted.

Among other things, I also have the option of listing the jobs I've worked at , institutions I went to, internships, etc.

For a more in depth and detailed explanation of what LinkedIn is and how it works visit my blogger post about it.

                                                               2. Twitter                                                   

My Twitter

There was a time where only birds could tweet but that all changed in 2006 thanks to Jack Dorsey. Users are now allowed to share views and stay informed on various topics by "tweets" in a free space where others may agree and make your tweet trend or disagree and still make your tweet trend.

Twitter is a microblogging and social networking service on which users post and interact with messages known as "tweets". Jack Dorsey was inspired to make twitter because he was fascinated with trains. He was intrigued by the messages he would hear from an St. Louis' emergency dispatch center and how they were able to communicate in short forms of sound, which led him to invent twitter. 

My thoughts on twitter are that it is a wonderful tool to market your business, gain a following, become a social media influencer and reach out to the world. Twitter is another way to be informed of news or share news. Users get to keep up with what's going on around the world, what’s trending and Trump’s constant rants.

I like the fact that twitter has a limit on how much characters users can tweet. I feel like this technique challenges users to get straight to the point about how they feel or what they're thinking.

My twitter handle is @RayeArabia Im not very active with twitter because I find instagram to be the better app but I still believe twitter is useful. 

Here is my Blogpost where I further discuss twitter and it's history.


              3. Pinterest

My Pinterest Log

Pinterest is a social media network where users are allowed to pin things that spark their interest and a visual discovery engine that allows you to find ideas posted by other users. Pinterest was created by Ben Silberman on March 2010.

Pinterest is an amazing app where you can look up style ideas, make-up looks, home decors and recipes. You either can get inspired by certain pins or create pins that inspire other people.

Businesses like Sephora use Pinterest to engage their clients. Users are also allowed to have their own boards full of things that they will one day purchase , looks they'll imitate or recipes that they'll try.

Go check out my Blog post to get more information.

4. Green Screen Project

Background Image

Green Screen Image

Blended Image

With this green screen project we were able to place ourselves anywhere we wanted to be. As you can see in the three images above, I place myself in front of an enchanted castle like the one you would see on the Wizard of Oz . I chose the background image above to place myself in front of because I feel there is no place like home. Also, what better place to place a queen other than in front of a castle.

In order to place myself in front of this background image, I had to stand in front of the green screen as you see below. I could not stand directly in front of the green screen behind me because it would not have worked for the editing process. So, as you can see below I stood a distance as the green screen was way above my head.

In order to complete the process, we had to put both images on adobe premiere to edit. Using the Ultra key feature by keying the tab and using the dropper in order to match the shade of green allowed me to blend my picture with the background.

To hear more about me Green Screen Project experience check out my Green Screen Blogpost.

5. Prezi

My Prezi 

Prezi Next is the latest generation presentation platform built on HTML5 platform, which gives you high resolution and a smooth experience on your presentation. Basically it's an upgraded PowerPoint.

My Prezi presented my choice of Top Ten 90's movies. I also included important quotes and messages that most might have missed, if they've watched this movie.

Prezi Next allowed me to use various features to let my presentation be very creative. I could choose the order of each slide , choose different templates, backgrounds, etc.

To see more information about my presentation go check out my Blogpost.

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday

As you can see, we learned a lot throughout the course of the semester. Using blogger especially help me to expand my creative writing skills. We also set up our LinkedIn accounts and made our skillsets and work experience available for future jobs to see. 

We got a chance to make a twitter account that will allow us to tweet, even though we aren't a bird.With twitter we are able to brand ourselves, communicate with people across the world and just tweet our thoughts.

 I already had a Pinterest account, but I was able to create a blogpost showcasing the creative boards I've put together.

 The Green Screen Project taught me a whole lot of techniques I could use on feature jobs as far as editing, photoshop and advertising. 

Prezi Next allowed us me to get creative with my presentation in a high-tech manner.

All these skills can be applied to our future careers. That is the reason that this abrupt ending to the class makes it so hard to say goodbye.