Niner Times: April 1, 2014

Op-Ed: Reality TV

Dangerous stereotypes promoted by reality TV negatively effect our perception of people in the real world. p. 9

Sustain Me Baby

UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute hosts art exhibit to raise awareness of the effects of waste on the environment. p. 11

The Charlotte 49ers prepare to begin their second season. p. 7 1

A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 26, ISSUE 24 APRIL 1 - OF 7, 2014 NINERTIMES

APRIL 1 - 7, 2014

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Volume 26, Number 24 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COMMUNITY EDITOR

EDEN CREAMER

PATRICK BOGANS

EDITOR@NINERONLINE.COM

MANAGING@NINERONLINE.COM

NEWS EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

CLAIRE DODD

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM

SPORTS@NINERONLINE.COM

A&E EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LIZ LANIER

MICHELLE LIRINGIS

AE@NINERONLINE.COM

LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM

OPINION EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

JORDAN SNYDER

ASHLEY SPEECE

OPINION@NINERONLINE.COM

COPY@NINERONLINE.COM

PHOTO COORDINATOR

CHRIS CREWS

PHOTO@NINERONLINE.COM

ASSISTANT EDITORS Sara Carson, Matt Chapman, Ariel Clayborn, Amanda Duke, Jon Gregory, Leanna Pough

ADDITIONAL STAFF Laura Eason, Jonathan Golian, Jared Green, Andrew James, Kristen Kimbrough, Aaron McCain, Kenya Smith, David Wolf

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ERIC GONZALEZ PROFILE CRIME BLOTTER AND WEATHER SGA ELECTION RESULTS 49ER FOOTBALL OP-ED: REALITY TV URBAN INSTITUTE ‘IMPACT’ KID INK PINOTS PALLET

NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT • MEDIA MARKETING • NINERONLINE THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE NINER MEDIA ADVISER: WAYNE MAIKRANZ BUSINESS MANAGER: LAURIE CUDDY

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OFFICE MANAGER: MARK HAIRE

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COVER PHOTO BY CHRIS CREWS • INSIDE PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC GONZALEZ

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“GO. DON’T WORRY, DON’T LOOK BACK. JUST GO.” Former UNC Charlotte student tells his story of hitch hiking, teaching, traveling and writing for the past seven years abroad JARED GREEN STAFF WRITER

Gonzalez explains the culture phenomena in his blog post “In Asia the lowest prices start the day.” Photo courtesy of Eric Gonzalez

Eric Gonzalez is a former UNC Charlotte student who decided to take his degree beyond the borders of this country and set out to explore the world.

Gonzalez spends his days “village hopping” as he calls it. He has traversed 31 countries in the last seven years since graduating from UNC Charlotte in 2007 with a degree in political science and a minor in Russian.

Gonzalez encourages students to travel, as it is a valuable experience that teaches multiple lessons.

According to Gonzalez, learning new languages has been one of his

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best experiences. He said that new languages make you think in new and different ways.

Gonzalez also believes traveling allows you to gain consciousness of other various people and cultures.

Gonzalez has made many new friends while traveling abroad and values these relationships.

“When you make friends in other countries, you start caring about that country and its well being just like your own,” said Gonzalez.

For Gonzalez, traveling comes as first-nature. “At this point I can go to a country with nothing; no map, no information, no money, and I can

succeed easily. But that’s because I have a lot of experience exploring the new,” he said.

“I know that if I ask someone for help, they will help me. I know that if I want a job, all I have to do is look. The world is overflowing with jobs for qualified people.”

UNC Charlotte graduates holding a bachelor’s degree are in the top five percent of the world’s most educated people, he says.

While traveling, Gonzalez has survived on a budget of about $3 a day. Most of this money pays for his food. For lodging, he usually stays with friends, fellow hitch hikers and

APRIL 1 - 7, 2014

sometimes complete strangers.

Gonzalez’s primary method of transportation abroad has been hitch hiking. In an NPR interview, Gonzalez commented how this process seems intimidating, but in truth is very easy.

“You know I was skeptical, I thought it would be difficult, and then when I went to Thailand. I started going from city to city … All you have to do is go to some place where people can see you. The best places are gas stations where you can talk to (people), hold your thumb out, and people will pick you up!”

Gonzalez currently lives in China working as a consultant to modernize China’s social services.

He also teaches economics at a high school there.

In his spare time he likes to write, work on his blog and take care of his newborn son.

“Experiencing the world will change you. You will learn that the way you live and the things you take for granted are not the only way life must be lived,” said Gonzalez.

He has learned a lot by experiencing other cultures first hand. He encourages students to follow in his footsteps by learning new ways to experience life.

“Go. Don’t worry, don’t look back.

Just go. The world is amazing and it will change you. I’ve spent seven years abroad now, and I will keep spending my life abroad … I do it because I enjoy it, because it’s exciting and adventure is around every corner,” he said.

To learn more about Gonzalez’s travels, visit his travel blog at www. yourworldyourhome.com.

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POLICE BLOTTER MARCH 22 - 27

ACCIDENT MARCH 25

• Lot 6, driver of vehicle one struck vehicle two while backing out of a parking space.

KRISTEN KIMBROUGH INTERN

ARREST

At the Thursday, March 27 meeting of the Student Government Association (SGA) Senate Meeting, Senate President James Shaw asked the senate to “please congratulate Miss Schorr on her win today.” She will be next year’s student body vice president, along with the newly elected president Steven Serio.

Mandate Reform Act A motion to approve this act was rejected by two senators.

The act states the legislation be sent by email to those it concerns before it is voted on by the senate.

Senator Tim Wallis said in positive debate that it does not take away power from the branch.

He says this will be a way to spark up conversation.

A senator asked what would happen if they did not respond to the email and Wallis replied that they would simply move on with the legislative process as usual.

Another motion to approve the legislation was rejected.

Senator Davonte Bell made a motion to do a standing vote.

Shaw asked all those in favor of the act to stand. Senators stood and were counted. Those opposed to the legislation were then asked to stand, and were visibly fewer.

The legislation was passed.

FOLLOW FOR FORECASTS AND WARNINGS

Rentable Charger Act The previously discussed act will make chargers for androids, iPhones and MacBooks available for rent at J. Murrey Atkins Library. Dominique Hughes said in positive debate that this will keep people safe and in contact.

The act was approved unanimously.

A Resolution to Improve and Repair Three Areas of Pedestrian Infrastructure The Union Walkway Act, the Hawthorn Sidewalk Act and a resolution to update and repair the entrance to and from The Edge apartments were incorporated in this longer bill

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The Senate Elections Reform Act Wallis read the Senate Elections Reform Act. This act is meant to restructure the format by which senate elections take place. According to this act, nominees shall speak before the general assembly. A motion shall determine length of time for speeches for each officer position.

Nominees who are not addressing the senate shall leave the room.

Elections shall occur by secret ballot.

The act was approved unanimously.

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MARCH 27

under a new name.

The bill was passed.

The Incumbency Act Wallis took the floor. Currently any student, including incumbents, can only run for one seat. If they run for a higher seat and lose, they cannot reassume their previous position.

The act allows incumbents to run for their current seat and a higher seat. Incumbents are to be the only people allowed to run for two seats. If they win both, they take the higher office and the candidate with the second highest number of votes gets the lower position.

“The intent of this legislation was to keep experience on board,” said Wallis.

An amendment was proposed to allow members of the student body to run for multiple offices as well.

In negative debate, Senator John Daley said, “If you want to get into student government, you should take one step at a time, not two giant jumps at a time.”

The amendment was added and the act was passed by a majority vote.

• Van Landingham Road, subject was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY MARCH 23

• Alumni Way, campus police assisted CMPD regarding a death investigation of a student. The student’s parents have been notified and the investigation is continuing by both agencies.

BREAKING AND ENTERING MARCH 24

• Alumni Way, officer responded to a call regarding a vehicle with a broken window.

CALLS FOR SERVICE MARCH 27

• University Road, officer responded to a call regarding an individual that was cutting himself. Medic transported individual to CMC University.

LARCENY MARCH 22

To read the rest about the SGA meeting,

visit NinerOnline.com.

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• Facilities Drive, officer responded to a call regarding a stolen vehicle.

MARCH 24

• Darryl McCall Circle, an unknown subject removed property from building without permission.

For more information on Mecklenburg County arrests, visit arrestinquiryweb.co.mecklenburg.nc.us

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Student Government Association names winners of general student body election EDEN CREAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Steven Serio is officially the Student Body President-Elect for the 2014-15 academic year, after a 49.6 percent of the voters in the general student body election voted for his ticket.

Serio, and his running mate Ruthie Schorr, received the announcement at noon on Thursday, March 27, in the Student Union Rotunda, in front of an audience of about 50.

“I’m relieved. I’m still in a little bit of shock. Ruthie and my hard work, I knew it should pay off in the end,” said Serio. “I’m just relieved and taking it all in.”

7.38 percent of the undergraduate student body participated in the election this year, allowing Serio to clinch victory over Venson Nunnaley (26.84 percent of the vote) and Omar Ramirez (23.45 percent of the vote).

Results for the Student Senate positions were also announced.

Belk College of Business senators will be Brandon Maddux, Cole Binkley, James Nail, Michael Mendoza and Mitul Mehta.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences senators will be Adriana Hernandez, Amber Lowe, Bridget Ogburu, Erika Morton, John

Steven Serio and Ruthie Schorr.

NEWS BRIEFS Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine Exhibition and Reception The Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine will host their annual exhibition reception Wednesday, April 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the Student Union Art Gallery.

The reception, which in previous years was hosted on the first day of the exhibition, will this year close out the gallery show. All pieces in the show were featured in the magazine.

The Union Gallery has hosted the pieces featured in the magazine since March 12. The finished book has not been made available until the gallery exhibition and reception.

The event is open to the public and is free.

Photo by Chris Crews

Daley, Joseph Turkson, Landis Barber, Nathan Seedorf and Nicholle Rentas.

Only one of three College of Health and Human Services senator positions was filled.

This position was filled by David McHenry.

Lee College of Engineering senators will be Charles Hazzard, Garret Ratcliff and Tim Wallis.

All other senator positions remain unfilled.

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Make a difference & work abroad.

Learn more about Peace Corps!

Peace Corps @ UNCC Career Fair Friday, April 4 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Student Activity Center (SAC) To learn more, contact Marques: manderson3@peacecorps.gov 6

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3/5/14 2:30 PM NINER TIMES

Photo by Chris Crews

“BIGGER, FASTER, STRONGER” LIBBY WEIHSMANN SPORTS EDITOR

Last spring, the Charlotte 49ers were putting the final touches on the first-ever football team.

This spring, things are a little different around Jerry Richardson Stadium.

“We’re getting bigger, faster, stronger. The offensive line looks huge,” said free safety Desmond Cooper.

“It’s my last spring ball. It’s crazy, interesting.

It’s crazy to see how things have gone. I’m just trying to think about my last season coming up.”

The 49ers are in their final week of spring practices as they prepare for the spring game on Saturday, April 5 at noon.

“Our energy level has been really good. I think the kids are real comfortable with what we’re doing. There is nothing new to them anymore,” said Head Coach Brad Lambert, who led the team to a 5-6 finish in 2013.

“It’s fun to watch the new guys get infused. Our guys have done a really good job with their energy and effort, and I’ve really been proud of that.”

With so many of the defensive line injured, Lambert says they’ll play the spring game just like they did in last year’s.

“We’ll put the one’s on one team and the two’s on another, and kind of divide them into two teams and let the clock run,” said Lambert, who remains cautious about his injured defensive line.

“Our problem is defensive line. We’re hurt a

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little bit with so many of our defensive line guys out, so that’s been a little difficult for us. We’re just so thin there that we’ve got to be careful.”

Despite the injuries that have plagued the team, the excitement to work and put in the extra effort is there.

Whether it be watching film or lifting more weights, Lambert says the team has taken advantage of the time they’ve had during the offseason and the practices they’ve been able to

get in so far this spring.

“Because of last year, we know we can be better than that with the little things we’re taking care of,” said quarterback Matt Johnson.

“I think a lot of the guys are really excited. It’s easy for 100 guys to get up at 6 a.m. when they know they’re working towards something really, really cool.”

The “first-ever” pressure has been removed as the team can no longer use that as a crutch,

The 2013 Green vs. White Spring Football Game. Photo by Chris Crews APRIL 1 - 7, 2014

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but Johnson admits that this 2014 season will bring a different type of pressure.

“Last year was a test to let everyone see what we were. This year, there’s even more pressure.

You’ve got to do better than you did last year,” said Johnson.

“People expect something out of you. People see that pressure and that’s a healthy pressure to feel.

That pressure to get a little better than we did last year.”

The pressure that Johnson feels has worked in his favor according to Lambert.

“Confidence. That’s the number one thing. You can see that everything is slowing down for him,” said Lambert.

“Nothing’s new to him. He’s just got a ton of confidence. Lee [McNeil] is pushing him, so it’s not like he can come out here and have a bad day. He’s got to do well everyday. The confidence factor is just huge for him right now.”

The offseason can be long, but Lambert says it has motivated the team to work even harder in

practices.

The long break from being on the field has helped boost the energy level in and out of the locker room.

“We have to continue to establish how we’re going to move into Conference USA, so that’s been a real focus for our team through this offseason,” said Lambert.

The 49ers will join Conference USA in 2015 after two years as an FCS Independent team.

Charlotte will become bowl eligible in 2016.

“This whole year from January to next January is going to be critical in how we set up for Division-I ball,” said Lambert.

“How we play and how we show up and what we do on the field is really critical in going into 2015, so that’ll be our big push with them in this 2014 year.”

For the team, they’re offseason work and conditioning will speak for itself when the 49ers take the field on Saturday.

“Right now, it’s grind time. That’s all we’ve been thinking about right now. We’re in overtime right now.”

Quarterback Matt Johnson. Photo by Chris Crews

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APRIL 1 - 7, 2014

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A HARSH REALITY Despite their entertainment value, reality TV shows often promote dangerous stereotypes KENYA SMITH

INTERN

Our generation has watched reality TV transform into one of the greatest phenomena of our time. From “Jersey Shore” to “Teen Mom,” reality TV has worked itself into the daily framework of many people’s lives.

These days, it seems as though producers are willing to turn almost anything into an hourlong weekly series. I couldn’t help but think twice about reality TV when Bravo premiered its new hit about the online dating life of men.

If they can make a reality show about that, then what’s next?

But there are more important questions we should be asking. Does reality TV promote dangerous stereotypes and, if so, should we be concerned?

We must admit that “Jersey Shore” has only reinforced the stereotypical image of Italian-Americans. I was often captivated as the gang enacted their daily gym, tanning and laundry routine, ending the night with a crazy trip to the hottest dance clubs on the shore.

The fun was short lived when the crew spent their summer in Italy as opposed to New Jersey. Native Italians saw them as a disgrace and misrepresentation of all Italians. Cast members were heavily ridiculed for having “tan-gerine” colored skin, bulging muscles and vulgar behavior.

“Jersey Shore” was not the only show to bring dangerous stereotypes to our living rooms, though. While some view the show “Teen Mom” as a source of empowerment for struggling young mothers, others see it as a way to further promote teen pregnancy.

We must admit most 16-year-old girls’ pregnancies are unplanned, which can undoubtedly cause stress and hurt chances of graduating high school. Some say shows like this almost encour-

age young women to get pregnant as opposed to deterring them. It has normalized teen pregnancy in our society instead of reinforcing that it’s probably not the best decision for someone so young.

Another growing concern that may indirectly promote stereotypes is the issue of privacy in reality TV. Participants in reality shows have openly admitted that giving the public access to the most personal moments of their lives is nothing short of a daily battle. Even the slightest blunder can have drastic repercussions.

For example, just recently in the hit series “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” cast member Brandi made a simple comment that she is still paying for months later.

As the posh housewives lounged around the pool, one woman refused to enter because she did not know how to swim. Brandi flippantly responded, “You can’t swim? You’re a black person.”

Needless to say, Brandi has since been labeled as a racist and even publicly attacked in the presence of her children.

While Brandi might have thought it was a light-hearted comment, she angered many viewers by insensitively saying something profoundly stereotypical.

Other shows like “The Real World” and “Bad Girls Club” promote stereotypes of today’s youth as binge drinking party animals. “Buck Wild” promoted the stereotype of Southern “country” people. “Basketball Wives” promotes the stereotype that men who play professional sports are unfaithful, and their wives just spend their money and bicker amongst themselves.

Some say these shows address the issues the rich and famous face on and off the red carpet.

While this may be true, many reality TV stars

EDITORIAL POLICY Niner Times is written and produced by students at UNC Charlotte. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial board and do not represent the views of the University. Views expressed in signed editorials are solely those of the author. Niner Times is published on Tuesdays during the regular academic year except during holidays and exam periods.

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have found the intrusion into their most private matters daunting, and it is not uncommon to see them slowly drift away from the spotlight.

Stereotypes are a sensitive subject and can even lead to some forms of discrimination and racism. Although stereotypes can be used in a positive way to appeal to certain audiences in commercials and advertisements, we must wonder if the blatant promotion and endorsement of them should be as acceptable as we have allowed it to be.

MCT Campus

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APRIL 1 - 7, 2014

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“KEEPING WATCH” ON ART WITH AN IMPACT UNC CHARLOTTE URBAN INSTITUTE LAUNCHES EXHIBITS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE EFFECTS OF WASTE ON THE ENVIRONMENT JON GREGORY

ASST. COPY EDITOR Superman sits directly over the heart of Joyce Dallal’s “The Other Toy Story,” a giant metal toddler filled with toys currently on display in The Projective Eye Gallery on UNC Charlotte’s Center City campus.

The famously impervious superhero fits nicely with the theme of non-recyclable plastics and the rather drastic impact they have on our environment. Like Superman, “The Other Toy Story” meshes well with the themes of the event it is a part of.

The “KEEPING WATCH” initiative is about spectacle as much as it is about art. Organized by the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and the College of Arts + Architecture, the initiative’s goal is to make a scene and get people thinking. This year’s focus is on plastics, and how the community manages them.

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“Sustain Me Baby,” the larger exhibit “The Other Toy Story” is part of, places the whimsy of Dallal’s toy filled work alongside Chris Jordan’s “Midway” photography series.

The series contains heartbreaking images of baby albatrosses killed after mistakenly ingesting large quantities of plastic waste.

A group of dancers from the North Carolina Dance Theatre joined the thought provoking combination during the opening reception on March 28.

Pairing commentary, abstract music and interpretive dance, the group performed a routine representing the plight of the albatrosses from Jordan’s work. After completing their performance, the dancers symbolically helped top off the contents of “The Other Toy Story.”

Another, more mobile exhibit joined

Photos courtesy of KeepingWatch.org

“Sustain Me Baby” at the KEEPING WATCH initiative’s opening reception.

Kurt Warnke’s “Is This Yours?” exhibit takes KEEPING WATCH’s message on the road, setting up its massive 900 pound bales of recycled plastic and images from photographer Nancy Pierce in front of Discovery Place and the Government Center.

Warnke, already well known for what he calls “trash totems,” hopes to bring awareness to the amount of litter people create. Although the plastic bales were created using material from a local recycling center, Warnke says he originally began his trash sculptures by collecting trash from rivers while out kayaking.

Dallal’s “The Other Toy Story” will also be joining “Is This Yours?” outside of The Projective Eye Gallery by way of a trio of smaller babies which will go on display at the North Carolina Dance Theatre, Discovery Place and the J. Murrey Atkins Library beginning on April 1.

Dallal said she plans to create an entire “fleet” of babies for future exhibits.

According to Dallal, her giant baby was inspired by the need to get rid of her own children’s toys, and after failing to find a way to dispose of

APRIL 1 - 7, 2014

them responsibly.

Dallal hopes expanding the exhibit can help shed light on the problem created by society’s decision to throw away instead of reuse or recycle toys.

This year’s KEEPING WATCH on PLASTICS initiative is currently scheduled to continue into June.

A fashion show focusing on clothes made from recycled material called “Recycled Runway” will take place at the Center City campus on April 12.

Tickets will cost $10.

“Stayin’ Alive,” an exhibit by artist-in-residence Aurora Robson, will be opening May 9 at the McColl Center for Visual Art. A pair free of eco-film screenings accompanied by clean martinis from local distilleries will also be taking place at the Center City campus.

“Bag It the Movie” will be screened on May 16, along with a panel on local recycling issues. “Growing Cities” will be screened on June 13, and will also be followed by panel discussing landfills.

Along with KEEPING WATCH on PLASTICS, the Urban Institute has already planned two more KEEPING WATCH initiatives. KEEPING WATCH on CREEKS will take place in 2015 and KEEPING WATCH on AIR in 2016.

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KID INK LETS US IN HIS LANE LEANNA POUGH

Photo courtesy of JustWhooKid.com

ASST. A&E EDITOR

Following the release of his second studio album, “My Own Lane,” California rapper Kid Ink gears up for the Live Nation’s One to Watch tour.

The headliner has more than one reason to celebrate the event. Not only is he promoting the January release of his album, but the tour also starts on his birthday.

“I might as well start one of the shows on my birthday and have some fun with the fans,” he says.

“And see how we can incorporate everybody in it and have some cool fun.”

The birthday boy gives new meaning to “no days off.” His ambitious mentality seen in his work ethic and competitive nature (seeing everyone as possible competition) keeps him afloat.

“It keeps you hungry and wanting to work more,” Ink explains. “With people … my peers. I always feel like I have to do as much as them or even more.”

Maintaining that competitive edge, Kid Ink stays in tune to what fans are watching and new movements, including those of fellow West Coast artists Casey Veggies, SchoolBoy Q, YG and DJ Mustard.

That tenacious mind set helps in achieving his ideal success: creative freedom.

“I’m not really a content person, so there’s always more to do,” Ink says.

The producer turned rapper proves just that.

“I fell into the craft of writing and really grew a love for it,” Ink explains. “Just wanting to be like my favorite producers, Timbaland, Pharrell and Swiss Beatz who were

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producers who had no limitations on their music or what type of musician they’d be. They could rap, sing and produce all kinds of genres.”

The LA native doesn’t allow the limits of genres to hinder his craft or search for new talents to compliment his work at Tha Alumni Music Group with DJ Ill Will.

“I’m always in front of my laptop listening to beats,” he says.

Kid Ink continues in working with radio and pop artists as well as maintaining his loyalty to the mixtape game.

The hip hop artist’s radio-friendly sound lends a fun yet expressive tone.

“I definitely spit my bars but I try to have some fun with it,” Ink says.

Charlotte can expect a crazy, energetic performance at Live Nation’s One to Watch April 16 show at The Fillmore.

“I try to get as live as possible,” Ink says. “I try to interact with the crowd, making sure they get a good show.”

ACROSS 1 Theater attractions 6 Big fusses 11 Gallery display 14 Taxpayer’s worry 15 Real estate offering 16 Sinking ship signal 17 Takeout option 19 Wash. neighbor 20 Personal IDs 21 Ambulance destinations, for short 22 Comfy shoe 24 Biblical pronoun 26 Bic products 27 Subject for a meteorologist 33 Ross of the Supremes 34 “__ won’t be afraid”: “Stand By Me” lyric 35 French lady friend 36 Jerusalem’s land: Abbr.

37 Look after

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69 Requirements 70 Aggravate DOWN 1 Animal pouches 2 Comments from the confused 3 Supreme Norse god 4 __-Salem, N.C. 5 Fr. holy woman 6 1994 Denis Leary film about a crook who acts as an arbiter 7 Gut-punch reactions 8 Batman and Robin, e.g.

9 Italian tenor standard 10 Spiritual Arizona resort 11 “Keep dreaming” 12 Came by horse 13 Old Russian royal 18 Flower starter 23 Nick and Nora’s dog 25 Former Congressional gp. concerned with Communist infiltration 26 Univ. teacher 27 “The __ Kid”: ‘50s TV Western 28 Former Calif. NFLer 41 Chicken __ king 29 __ a kind: unique 42 Swindle 44 Prefix with classical 30 Mental picture 31 Persian Gulf ship 45 Bernese Alps peak 32 Pretty close 47 Bill Gates or 33 Checker, e.g.

Paul Allen, vis-à-vis 38 Provide critical comments for Microsoft 39 Curious George creators 51 Those, to Tom·s Margret and H.A. 52 On an ocean liner, 40 Actress Russo say 43 Video file format 53 All for __: to no 46 Boise resident avail 48 Trash bin 56 Co. that merged 49 Old cowboy movies into Verizon 50 Previously owned 57 Gas company with 53 Drug cop toy trucks 54 Dating from 61 Egyptian snake 55 High hairstyle 62 Summoned up 56 Happy 65 Curtain support 58 Emerald Isle 66 Shed __: cry 59 Normandy battleground 67 Muhammad Ali’s 60 One-horse carriage boxing daughter 63 Dixie general 68 Exec. moneyman, 64 St. Pete’s state and a hint to 17-, 27-, 37-, 47- and 62-Across

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Beauty review: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation EDEN CREAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Every brand of cosmetics makes at least one type of foundation, and many make more than one. With so many options for foundation, some working better than others, it’s hard to know what kind to use for certain skin types.

I tend to have dry skin, so I usually go with a liquid or a cream foundation over a powder. Creams are frequently very luscious, and cover every imperfection, but can frequently feel very heavy. Liquids can provide the same coverage as cream, depending on the brand, and frequently feel more lightweight on the face.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation is my newest addiction.

I have a few acne scars and am rather active all day, so for me, finding a product that can stand up to a full day of wear, and deal with occasional contact is a must.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation claims it is good for 24 hour wear. While this is definitely a bit of an exaggeration, I love feeling confident that when I blow my nose, I won’t need to reapply. I feel confident in the all-over coverage this foundation gives me, and I love the fact that I can get it for $9.99 at Target.

One piece of advice if you choose to buy this foundation: get a shade that is a little lighter than you think you need. Revlon definitely mislabels these bottles.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR FAVORITE BOTTLE OF WINE AND LEARN TO PAINT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME LAURA EASON INTERN

Bring your friends and paint the night away. Photo courtesy of Pinots Pallet Facebook Page

For my 20th birthday, I wanted to do something different and fun. I always love looking on Groupon and this time, a certain activity caught my eye.

It was a three hour guided painting class at a studio called Pinots Pallet in South End. On Groupon the class was only $23 compared to the $45 you would pay if you signed up without it.

I figured it sounded exactly like the different type of activity I wanted so I signed up.

Each day there is a different painting that you can sign up for and I just picked the one on my birthday. The painting was called “Travels in Love.”

When we arrived at the studio, we were warmly wel-

comed by the staff and the upbeat music. Each chair had a canvas with the paints and brushes you would need for the class.

Our names were written on the table in chalk where we would be painting.

If interested, there was a mini bar at the back of the studio stocked with wine and beer.

You can always bring your own beverages of choice.

The artist guided us through the painting and made it really fun and interesting, and even though we were all doing the same painting, each person’s came out looking a little different.

I even got a birthday gift from the staff that contained

For weekly beauty reviews visit us at NinerOnline.com When finished, you will have a beautiful masterpiece to bring home. Photo courtesy of Pinots Pallet Facebook Page

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APRIL 1 - 7, 2014

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UPCOMING AVAILABILITIES •

April 3: “Flutter,” 7 to 9 p.m., $35

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April 5: Monet’s “Venice Twilight,” 7 to 9 p.m., $25

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April 4: BFF or Date night, “Twilight Harmony,” 7 to 10 p.m., $45

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April 6: Family Day, “Personalized Bunny Family,” 2 to 4 p.m. $20

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April 5: Open Studio, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $25

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April 10: “Cranes Eve,” 7 to 9 p.m., $35

a personalized Pinots Pallet wine glass and a wine opener.

Overall, this experience was great and I recommend it to anyone who likes to drink wine and wants to try out painting.

Classes are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. You should arrive half an hour early to mingle and get settled before the painting starts.

Pinots Pallet offers private parties that you can book for whatever upcoming event you may have.

The venue is perfect for girls’ nights, bridal showers or birthday parties.

Parties can be held at any time that regular classes are not held.

Each party must have at least 10 painters.

Cost is $35 for two hours of painting and $45 for three hours of painting.

You can choose one of their pre-

viously painted pictures or you can bring your own masterpiece you have always wanted to try.

Pinot’s Pallet is located at 2000 South Boulevard Suite 250 in the South End neighborhood of Charlotte near Uptown.

To plan events or sign up for their weekly classes you may call (704)-3174484, email southend@ pinotspalette.com or visit their website, pinotspalette. com/southend.

Painting entitled “Travels in Love.” Photo by Laura Eason

April’s book is

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult Check back at the end of the month for a review Tweet us @niner_times or email lifestyle@nineronline.com to tell us your thoughts about the book

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4250 Main Street Suite 111 Harrisburg, NC 28075

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704-213-3913

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