Is This Really a Pandemic or a Gimmick ?

Who would have known Spring Break would never end! Don't get me wrong, the idea of a never ending spring break would probably seem great if we weren't stuck in quarantine because of the coronavirus. That immature ideal ended though, when all our plans of returning to South Carolina State University to finish the semester abruptly ended. Parties, classes, graduations and several other things got cancelled and we got an extended summer that we didn't ask for.

 

My Friends and I on Spring Break Before We Knew We Weren't Coming Back to School

A lot of people didn't take the Coronavirus serious over this off time we call summer, myself included. Stores were still open and people were still living normal lives. Then, all of a sudden death rates of victims  who tested positive for the coronavirus increased.  Celebrities we were familiar with tested positive and even people near my city. Stores that weren't essential were closed, workers that weren't essential were asked not to go to work and mandatory curfews were set in place by Gov. Henry McMaster. 

After all that, I started to feel like things went from bad to worst. It seemed like we couldn't go anywhere or do anything. I began to worry if I'd ever be able to finish my last semester on campus but little did I know, that that hope would've gotten shot down too. Not only that, but the wrongful death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor made things hit home even worst especially for the black community. Being in quarantine made everyone around the world feel sad, hopeless and even angry.

Over the summer, I began to do a lot of self- reflecting since everything had seem to be taking a down turn. I learned a lot of things about myself that I didn't know as well I did others. I started to tap into my more creative side all while spending alot of time with my family doing so. I made sure to stay safe and keep my mask on as well. 

 

My Family and I Celebrating Mother’s Day 

I started to have so much fun it didn't even feel like there was a Coronavirus or pandemic. The death rates and infected people seem to have gone down ( I didn’t even here of anyone dying from it so I began to think it was a hoax) , stores were opening again and people were safely reporting back to their normal activity/lives.

Since everything seemed to be looking up I planned my 22nd birthday. I refused to let the “Coronavirus” ruin it. I planned a rose gold theme party the weekend before my birthday , got my first tattoo, had a birthday photoshoot and had a dinner party the day of my birthday. In preparation for all the birthday fun, I went Amazon crazy and bought a bunch of decorations .

Overall my summer turned out to be pretty great. I spent a lot of time with family, enjoyed my birthday, and discovered new talents. This pandemic, or should I say “gimmick” , has taught me that hard times will either make you or break you , but it ultimately depends on you and your own mindset.

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!!!!!