Newspapers / Elizabeth City State University … / Oct. 29, 2001, edition 1 / Page 10
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The Compass Monday, October 29,2001 10 More News THE BEAT GOES ON! THE ANTHRAX ATTACK ON AMERICA Demetria Brooks & Enoch Bond Shyne8S_99@hotmail.conn_& ebondOOS @ collegeclub.com As you are walking out of Moore Hall, you begin to hear what sounds like rolling thunder, but you see that there it is 80 degrees outside, the sun is beaming radiantly, and soft white clouds fill the sky. “What’s the noise then?” You say to yourself. You begin your trek to Griffin Hall and the noise increases and what sounded like rolling thunder is now a rather familiar tune by Jennifer Lopez. It is being played by none other than our very own MIGHTY MARCHING VIKINGS! Many of us, simply see the band at football games during half-time shows and more than likely never consider what is required to produce the show that the audience sees. To find out what is essential to having a successful show, our Compass Staff decided to find out from Mr. Jeffrey Au, our assistant band director of four years, the inside scoop on the March ing Vikings. Mr. Au describes the band’s frantic schedule. Along with the dance and flag girls, the band, which is 85 members strong, practices from four to six in the evening, Monday through Friday, and has section rehearsals twice a week, equaling 12-13 hours a week. This does not include the conditioning drills that occur every Wednesday at six in the morning. This schedule also does not Include the band’s performance at games, which has been every week end this semester. Asked “What admonition would he give to individuals interested in becoming future Marching Vikings?” Au’s response was, “It requires a lot of work and sacrifice, both physically and in regards to time. It requires time, effort and dedication.” Mr. Au also talked about the benefits of being a member of the band. “Those who are in band are forced to be disciplined. They must budget their time, but in doing so they have better grades and a stronger work ethic,” he said. Shawn Sexton, a member of the band who plays the French horn, has been in the band for nearly two years now. Sexton said, “You get to travel. You meet new people and the hard ships you experience, if any, always seems to be outweighed by the benefits.” He added, “If you’re not willing to put in the time and effort, don’t do it. If you are, then come on! It’s a lot of fun!” So the next time you are at a football game and you see the half time show, have a greater apprecia tion for what you see, because a lot of time, energy, and sacrifice has been given and made to have such a triumphant show! >1 LaQuishaTisdal quisha81 ©hotmaii.com After the attack on America, there has been an international awakening. All types of incidents that have occurred have been linked to the September 11 disaster. The most recent scare has been the death of several Americans by the contact of a deadly potion, Anthrax. Anthrax is a current issue because it is considered to be a potential agent for use in biological warfare. The Depart ment of Defense (DOD) has begun mandatory vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved in conflict; Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium, bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic lower vertebrates, for example, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes, and other herbivores, but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from in fected animals. Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals. Anthrax in wild livestock has occurred in the United States, although it is rare to find the infected animals. Anthrax infection can occur in three forms; cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. Eating undercooked meat from infected animals can also spread anthrax. Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely to occur. About 95 percent of anthrax infec tions occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20 percent of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. If anthrax is inhaled the initial symp toms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal. The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal an thrax results in death in up to 60 percent of cases. Many facilities in communities around the country have received anthrax threat letters. Most were empty envelopes; some have con tained powdery substances. There are a few guidelines recom mended to those who would encounter anthrax and other biological threats. First, do not panic! In order for anthrax organ isms to cause an infection the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed or inhaled as a fine, aero solized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Second, if these small par- , tides are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recogni tion and treatment are effective. If you receive a suspicious un opened letter or package marked with ' ■ threatening messages such as An thrax”, place the envelope or package in. a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. Then, wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face. If you receive an envelope with powder and the powder spills onto a surface, do not try to clean up the pow- ■ der. Cover the spilled contents immedi ately with anything, like clothing, paper, trashcan, etc, and do not remove this : cover. If you have a question of room contamination by aerosolization, turn off local fans or ventilation units in the area. Then, leave the area immediately There are many ways to identify suspicious packages and letters. The characteristics are excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed addresses, incorrect titles, title (but no name), misspellings of common words, oily stains, discolorations or odor, no return address, excessive weight, lopsided or uneven envelope, protruding wires or aluminum foil, excessive security mate rial such as masking tape, string, etc., visual distractions, ticking sound, ■ marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential”, and if the package shows a city or state in i the postmark that does not match the return address. This information is given courtesy ol the University of North Carolina Human Resource Directors, and the Elizabeth City State University Office of Human Resource ECSU Marching Vikings NEW YORK VARYING INFLUENCE ON BLOOD DONORS Lacy House contributor ECSU RECOGNIZES HEROIC CASUALTIES Many participants in ECSU’s blood drive, held Sep. 26 in the Commuter Center, felt the Sep. 11 tragedy in New York played little or no role in their deci sion to donate blood. The blood drive was sponsored by the American Red Cross and open to the community and students. Richard Johnson, a community member, tried to give blood at Southgate Mall but was turned away when the mall was over whelmed with donors. Johnson came to ECSU’s blood drive after hearing it announced on the radio. Asked if the tragedy in New York played any role in his decision to donate blood, he replied, “No, not really. I like to donate blood anyhow. If it’s for a good cause I’ll do it.” Melissa Austin, an ECSU junior, had similar feelings. “It makes me happy to know I could save another life.” Not everyone who wanted to give blood could do so. Every donor was asked to read a booklet with information on donating blood. A person is not allowed to give blood if they weigh less than 110 lbs., have had a Hepatitis B shot within the past 7 days, received a tattoo in the past year, or lived in the United Kingdom between 1980 and 1996. A total of 81 students and commu nity members attempted to give blood. “More people could have come out,” Trade Johnson, a junior said. Johnson had already planned on giving blood, but the events of New York encouraged her more donate. After donors gave blood, they were sat down and given cookies and either soda, lemonade, or water to help them regain strength. Junior Melvin Cherry summed up the event, “I just wanted to come out and give some blood. Last time I missed it. It’s not like an obligation, you know. I feel like I’ve got some to spare.” Kymber Lee Taylor Kymber_t@ hotmall.com Three days after the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, over 100 of Elizabeth City State University’s faculty, staff, and students attended a memorial service in honor of the American lives lost. As Chrystal Faust delivered an emo tional vocal performance, the Com muter Student Club distributed red, white, and blue ribbons that the audience proudly adorned. Reverend Askew presided over the memorial service and viewed the tragedy as an opportunity for us all to come to gether. “The world has survived other tragedies and it will survive this,” Reverend Askew proclaimed. Chancellor Mickey Burnim, a guest speaker, urged the students to be alert of personal disturbances. H continued by encouraging the faculty and staff to remain supportive of the student body “We are all apart of the same world, and this tragedy has affected all of our lives,” Chancellor Burnim asserted. Constance Flemming then delivered a song of tribute that evoked tears from many members of the audience. Rev. Askew concluded with a prayer, after which many members of the crowd remained to console one another with stories of the tragedy. “This is were your faith is in action. Faith will sustain us all,” Askew stated immediately following the ceremony.
Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper
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Oct. 29, 2001, edition 1
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