The End of Thanksgiving?

November used to be known only as the month of Thanksgiving. In the past few decades, however, Thanksgiving has merely been the opening act for the shopping sales main event. In an age of declining sales, less foot traffic and more online shopping, retailers have to go to extremes to get customers. Black Friday is their answer and America’s most powerful retail tool.

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Black Friday was convenient for many because it was the day following Thanksgiving, which most workers have off, and it marked the beginning of the shopping season leading up to Christmas. Many retailers would put specific deals out to attract customers by opening earlier than the competition. This led to a successful business model that is still used, and widely abused, today.

What was once a one-day shopping extravaganza is now a full corporate takeover of the entire month of November. Retailers, backed by greedy shareholders, want to end Thanksgiving. The only businesses that make money off of Thanksgiving are grocery stores and travel companies. Retailers realize this and don’t want people to spend the day enjoying their family and great food at home instead of spending money. That’s where the Black Friday tool is essential, and retailers use it to their liking.

There are no “rules” to using the Black Friday card. Retailers have realized this and have been pushing back the deals earlier and earlier before Thanksgiving even begins. This has led to many consumer problems for shopping, such as having to take off of work or not celebrate with family because one has to get the “deal.” If change isn’t made soon and retailers have their way, we will keep seeing the end of Thanksgiving and the beginning of shopping holiday.

— Jay Sullivan

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Game day dip for sharing

With football season well underway, it seems fitting to share a recipe that is perfect for sharing on game day. When I think of the foods that are often associated with game day get-togethers, I think of appetizers like chips and dip and buffalo wings.

I first tasted this dip when my wonderful friend Dana brought it to a July fourth party this summer. She called it wing dip, and I demanded the recipe. Fortunately, Dana was more than happy to give me her recipe to share.

This recipe combines the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken wings with the smooth texture of cream cheese. Topped off with handfuls of shredded cheddar, this recipe gets baked in the oven to create a creamy, melty and cheesy dip that is so good, you may not want to share it.

Dana’s wing dip is sure to be a winner at your next game day gathering. Go ‘Noles!

— Phoebe Isaac

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Game day wing dip

Ingredients:

• 3 or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on size)
• 2 packages of 1/3 less fat or regular cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces of ranch dressing
• 6 ounces of Texas Pete, or similar hot sauce (use less for a milder flavor)
• 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bag of corn tortilla chips (Doritos and Fritos also work well)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. Bring water to a boil, over high heat, in a large saucepan (make sure there is enough water to completely cover the chicken).

3. Reduce heat to medium, add chicken and simmer until no longer pink in the middle (10-15 minutes).

4. While the chicken is cooking, mix cream cheese, ranch and hot sauce in a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer.

5. Drain chicken, and let cool slightly. Shred chicken, using a fork or your fingers.

6. Add shredded chicken to cream cheese mixture, and stir by hand to combine.

7. Place chicken mixture in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over chicken in an even layer.

8. Place dish in oven, and cook until cheese is gold and bubbly.

9. Remove dish from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite chips.

Doak After Dark

This past Saturday, FSU’s Athletic Department put together the first concert at Doak Campbell Stadium, Doak After Dark, in 25 years. Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots opened the show, followed by Old Dominion, and Tyler Farr was the headliner. Tickets started at $20, and parking was free. The stage was set up at the south end zone with the seating from sections 117 to 123 in front of the Champions Club. Gates opened at 6 p.m., and the show started at 7 p.m. There were things about my experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and some things I hope they correct before the next concert on April 29, 2017.

The Show Was Awesome

I personally am a fan of the Bobby Bones morning show crew, The Raging Idiots, and that’s why I bought my tickets in the first place. I saw Old Dominion at Spring Jam in PCB this year, but they were so much better this time around, I think it had everything to do with the venue. I left before Tyler Farr performed, but only because the UFC 205 fights were starting and I don’t miss a fight! The crowd was into it and the bands even started a few tomahawk chops. It was a great show!

Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots with Lindsay Ell and Kristian Bush

Our Seats

I paid $30 for tickets and had front row, center stage seats. The stage was like 30 feet away because of the setup, but nevertheless, it was great.

Old Dominion

So like I said, I have seen Old Dominion before but whoa! They had so much energy, the sound was amazing, and their lead singer Matthew can sing. Given the opportunity, his voice could’ve filled Doak at full capacity and everyone would’ve had a good time. Take a listen to their album, Meat and Candy. Here’s a video from their set.

Then there were adjustments I think would help make the next show a better experience...

Training of CSC Staff

These are the wonderful people that check your bags, scan your tickets, and babysit all of the fans drinking in the stadium. They were friendly, but I felt bad that they didn’t really know what was going on. Because this was the first concert event, the policies were slightly different. I sat in line for an hour and fifteen minutes with my purse. I checked the website before going in and assumed that the bag rules were the same for the concert as they are for our games. They’re not. 15 minutes before we are let in, me and the 100 people behind me, are notified that the bags have to be clutch size or smaller. Luckily, I have an amazing husband who took it back to the car for me. Once we were in the gate, nobody had any idea where exactly we were allowed to sit. Because it was by sections and not seat numbers, people were confused, questions were asked, and basically it took 30 minutes for people from both sides to sort it all out.

Stage Setup

For me, the view was perfect. But I would have to imagine that for people in the outside sections, it would’ve been very hard to see the entire stage. Maybe move the stage back 25 feet or position the show in the center of the field? I don’t know. A couple of the acts said it was weird for them too because so far away from the crowd, it was a little strange.

The view to my right.

I loved the show and I’m definitely attending the next one in April. Blake Shelton and Jake Owen? Yes, please! Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Seminoles Official Athletic Site

— Sandra de Arrigunaga

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

7 phone apps I use every day

Our wireless devices are the most addictive material possessions we fear to lose. I have to admit that I would be uninformed, disconnected, and I wouldn’t know how to make chocolate cake out of three ingredients.

Twitter

Breaking News and Entertainment

There are probably more informative news outlets, but getting into the rabbit hole of a news website these days couldn’t be more depressing. A 140-character cap keeps it short and simple and it gives me the option of clicking on a link if I want to know more information on the subject. I can look at the top trending hashtags in the United States and if I see something interesting, I can click on the hashtag and see what people are saying about it. I get to be in the driver’s seat. See for yourself: Twitter and follow me if you want.

Facebook

Family and Friends

Facebook can sometimes seem like you are walking down a dark alley behind a sketchy gas station, especially a week before the most controversial election of our time. You will find angry rants, passive aggressive updates, and “look at how much better my life is than yours” posts. On the bright side, you can keep in touch with your family and friends of all ages without having to pick up the phone. Totally worth walking through that dark alley, right? Facebook

Instagram

Photo and Video Updates

I follow 90 people and I only personally know about 10 of them. I like to follow celebrities, bloggers, and athletes that I really like. The pictures are always great because of their filters and now that they’ve added the video feature, you get to feel like you’re at a game or event that you would never have seen even 5 years ago. If you like pretty pictures and mostly positive updates, check out Instagram.

Pinterest

Projects and Recipes

I am always working on something around my house. My current projects are my kitchen, dining, and living rooms. Since we purchased our home two and a half years ago I have used Pinterest to give me different design perspectives whether I am purchasing pieces or pulling a DIY project. Need easy recipes or elaborate party plans? Have time to kill? Look at ideas people around the world have shared. Check out Pinterest, you will spend more money than you ever wanted to.

Podcasts

Radio Podcasts

I listen to one podcast every week day and others when I need something to listen to other than music. Apple organizes the podcasts you love by date and gives you an option to do a search if you need things to download before a flight or road trip. You can download the app and listen on any Apple device.

These are my 3 favorite podcasts:

1. The Bobby Bones Show
2. TED Radio Hour
3. Love What Matters

Spotify

Music

For 9.99 a month, you can listen to just about any artist, genre, or song that you want. You can create your own playlists and stream or if you have the space on your device, you can download them right to your phone. I know I’m getting the better end of the deal by being able to experience all of the artists, so if I love a song or album, I purchase it on iTunes. Here is the link to Spotify, happy listening!

Amazon

Shopping

Amazon is either the greatest or worst thing to ever exist. Anything you want or need to purchase is right at your fingertips. When I was planning for my daughter to arrive, I used Amazon to make sure I was shopping competitively and when it got harder to move around they would ship it right to my door. There’s nothing I dislike about Amazon except for the amount of money I’ve spent. It ties right into my Pinterest obsession, check it out!

— Sandra de Arrigunaga

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

A little stress drizzled with gravy

Here, have some gravy.

The holiday season is upon us.

Thank you, Thanksgiving; I’ll have one more buttered roll.

You know what’s coming: generous slices of pumpkin pie with dollops of heavy whipped cream, mounds of bread pudding dripping with vanilla rum sauce, stacks of thinly sliced white turkey drizzled with gravy, and mugs of warm apple cider and hot caramel coffee.

Dishes of food, silverware, glasses and mugs, bottles of wine and mingling family members clutter the kitchen for days, and leftovers are shoved to the back of the already overflowing refrigerators.

Not to mention, you’ll be sitting for hours, causally chatting with your delightful parents or in-laws, and watching the clock tick for your next nap.

Yes, the Thanksgiving holiday is nearly upon us, so be prepared to gain a little weight, sit around to chat, and justify every life decision you have ever made to your dear family.

What’s 5 pounds?

The Thanksgiving holiday may be slightly stressful for the college student. 

Somehow, you’ve managed to store final exams in a compartment toward the back of your brain. Nevertheless, you’re dreading the upcoming month of being sprawled across the living room floor with stacks of books, containers of leftover Thanksgiving, and empty cans of energy drinks. Your activity level is about to hit an all-year low.

Really, how much is 5 pounds? Is it just enough to coat your late-semester anxiety with a pseudo layer of food indulged comfort? Or, is it just enough to bump your butt back into those dreaded emergency blue jeans on the top shelf, sending your self-esteem spiraling down an endless black hole?

I bring tidings of good news and great joy.

It’s all gravy.

You likely will not gain five pounds this holiday season. Instead, you might gain 1 pound, so that’s a relief. (“A Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain”)

Also, you’ll likely perform well on your final exams, that is, if you drench yourself in your textbooks and leftovers for the rest of the month.

Finally, let’s not forget about the election results. We can finally move forward with our lives and leave the dramatic election season behind us.

Regardless of whether your candidate won, mid- to late November is a time of rest for the political minded.

(I may still boast my favorite sweater this year.)

The Thanksgiving holiday can be particularly stressful for the college student, but at least you won’t gain five pounds or have to worry about the election anymore.

  Here, have some gravy. (“Mom’s Brown Gravy” recipe)

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Communication Club: It's not too late to join

The Communication Club is a club for all, and it’s not too late to submit an application.

You are invited to join the Communication Club on November 7th at 7:45 pm in the Barron Commons for the next regular meeting. The Communication Club is here to help you:

• Network
• Get Involved On Campus
• Learn from Successful Career Men & Women in Bay County
• Maximize Your Career Potential

Are you interested in a career in law?

Join us at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 14 in the SGC Conference Room, Barron 305. Guest speaker Eric Garmon, an attorney at Perry & Young in Panama City, graduated from the FSU Panama City professional communication program and then continued to law school.

He will have lots of helpful information for students who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Career Center offers resume, job-hunting tools to Panama City students

The job search should start with knowing yourself, your interests and your skills, representatives from the FSU Career Center said during a visit to Florida State’s Panama City campus.

The average job search for recent graduates takes 12 to 16 weeks, so students are encouraged to start applying for positions before graduation. For spring graduates, that means having your resume application-ready by February.

“When you hear a no, don’t be discouraged; use that experience as practice and continue to search for opportunities with the help of the Career Center,” said Lauren Kume, the Career Center’s senior assistant director of experiential learning.

The Florida State University Career Center strives to be the preeminent career center model for designing and delivering comprehensive, innovative, and inclusive career and employment services. Its mission is to provide comprehensive career services, train career service practitioners, conduct life/career development research, and disseminate information about life/career services and issues to the university community, the nation and the world.

Students may use SeminoleLink to search job listings, explore international career guides, explore careers and network with thousands of employers. The site also provides the tools to create an online resume, which can be critiqued by an expert, and chat with an advisor.

Every student at Florida State has a SeminoleLink account. Students can log in through myFSU, and alumni can search job listings through LinkedIn for students.

Those job hunting should narrow down their search to specific job descriptions or geographic location, Kume recommended.

To help students test drive a career, the Career Center recently added FSUShadow, which connects students with potential employers for one-day job shadowing. So far, 41 community partners, alumni and friends of the university are scheduled to provide more than 80 shadowing opportunities statewide scheduled during winter break Dec. 19-22 and spring break March 13-16.

“It’s a really easy way to get that first touch of experiential learning and try on the real world for a day,” said Kume, the “proud parent” of the shadowing concept.

Students must upload their resumes to SeminoleLink to apply. Applicants will be ranked and matched to employers.

The Career Center also offers resume critiques, mock Skype interviews and assistance building a career portfolio to Panama City students.

“We’re here,” Kume said. “There are resources specifically tailored for students not on main campus.”

Services available to Panama City students include:

• Skype and phone mock interviews
• Résumé, cover letter and document critiques
• Live chat with Career Center staff
• SeminoleLink
• Garnet and Gold Scholar Society
• Career Portfolio, a free, online resource that helps you document your skills and accomplishments
• Online Career Library: Locate websites dedicated to career issues, including occupational information, career and life planning resources, and job search skills.
• Career Planning & Job Search Guides: Explore more than 35 guides online, designed to assist you in career planning, employment strategies, and the job search process.
• Career Platform: Utilize FSU’s online learning system to build employability skills. The eLearning series contains 16 courses with both videos and written content. 

— Erica Martin

FSU Panama City Office of Advancement

Angelo’s Benefit For Autism

Angelo’s Steak Pit, along with the George A. Butchikas Foundation For Autism, held a Barbeque Bash at Angelo’s on Sunday with proceeds going towards behavioral therapy for children who have autism. Angelo’s is a sit-down restaurant that you normally order from the menu and is open seasonally; this was the last day of the season. Sunday’s dinner was setup different for the Autism benefit, as they had an All You Can Eat buffet and dessert table. It was $60 at the door or $55 for advanced tickets. Below are some highlights of the night:

 — Jay Sullivan

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major

Front door with benefit banner above

View of the cooks and the grills

Tables were set for the benefit and awaiting guests

Custom table mats- Defeating Autism “and That’s No Bull!”

The barbeque buffet that included ribs, sirloin steak, cheeseburgers and sides.

Dessert and fruit bar

Cupcakes with edible puzzle-piece candies on top and a variety of different pies

I ran into FSU professor Emily Dickens

I also ran into FSU professor Dr. Mike Wallace

Big Gus, the 20,000-pound steer, and that’s no bull!

DIY Café Latté: No fancy equipment, 4 simple ingredients

You can add whatever flavor or spice you prefer; I used ground cinnamon.

Cinnamon Latté

• 1 cup of water
• 2-3 tbsps. of ground coffee
• ½ cup of milk
• 2 tbsps. of condensed milk
• 1 sprinkle of ground cinnamon

All you need is a regular coffee maker, measuring spoons, a container with lid, and a microwave. This latté takes less than three minutes to prepare and is just as indulgent as Starbucks’.

STEP 1: Make your coffee using 1 cup of water and 2-3 tablespoons of ground coffee. This may seem like a strong concentration, but the other ingredients will balance the coffee.

STEP 2: While your coffee is brewing, pour ½ cup of milk & 1 tablespoon of condensed milk into a container with a lid. Secure lid & shake. This will give your milk a sweet taste & a foamy consistency.

STEP 3: Place your container of foamy milk (without lid) in the microwave for 1:00. While your milk is warming, line your coffee cup with condensed milk, caramel, or chocolate syrup.

STEP 4:Pour you coffee into your cup and then top with the warm foamy milk.

STEP 5: Voila! Stir your latté & top with cinnamon sprinkle! You may also top with whip cream and any type of spice or sweet syrup you prefer.

You can now make your own indulgent lattés for less than $1. Enjoy!

— Camerin Hatcher

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication major