Niner Times: April 29, 2014

Take a look back at some of the highlights from this semester as you get ready for summer. p. 14

Attack of the pollen

Charlotte’s pollen levels are through the roof, and in a work of satire, the effects of nature are taken into account. p. 7 1

Softball profile

After suffering an almost careerending injury, Lexi Betancourt is back on the mound, pitching for the 49ers softball team. p. 8

Black Box Theater

Check out a behind the scenes look at UNC Charlotte’s Black Box Theater, a lab which creates new stage sets in weeks. p. 13

A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014 CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 26, N IISSUE N E R 28 TIMES

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

Volume 26, Number 28 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COMMUNITY EDITOR

EDEN CREAMER

PATRICK BOGANS

EDITOR@NINERONLINE.COM

MANAGING@NINERONLINE.COM

NEWS EDITOR

EQUESTRIAN CLUB PRESIDENT

SPORTS EDITOR

CLAIRE DODD

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM

SPORTS@NINERONLINE.COM

SGA UPDATE NEW SUMMER HOUSING OPTIONS

A&E EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LIZ LANIER

MICHELLE LIRINGIS

AE@NINERONLINE.COM

LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM

OP-ED: POLLEN SATIRE

OPINION EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

JORDAN SNYDER

ASHLEY SPEECE

OPINION@NINERONLINE.COM

COPY@NINERONLINE.COM

PHOTO COORDINATOR

LEXI BETANCOURT PROFILE

CHRIS CREWS

PHOTO@NINERONLINE.COM

ASSISTANT EDITORS

SOFTBALL RECAP

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

ADDITIONAL STAFF

SUMMER MUSIC

Angela Alimi, Edward Averette, Ben Coon, Jonathan Golian, Andrew James, Aaron McCain, Erik Sullivan, David Wolf, Sydney Wright

NEWSROOM: 704.687.7150

BLACK BOX THEATER

MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR

SPRING TIMELINE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EMMANUEL LOREDO

MEGAN VAN EMMERIK

MKTDIRECTOR@UNCC.EDU

PRODUCTION@UNCC.EDU

4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14

CIRCULATION STAFF Student Union Loading Dock Team

Circulation Manager: Precious Sheff

MARKETING STAFF Courtney Bartlett, Alyssa Fronk, Sean Grier, Andrew LaPointe, Nathan Propst, Dylan Robison, Brandon Weiner

SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144

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HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE SUMMER, NINERS! COVER PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATRICK BOGANS, BEN COON, EDEN CREAMER, CHRIS CREWS, DANIELA JARAMILLO, MCT CAMPUS AND ERIK SULLIVAN • INSIDE PHOTO COURTESY OF BAILEY WILLIAMS

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

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‘Student Painters’ offers business guidance

49ers equestrian club president competes on regional level

SYDNEY WRIGHT INTERN

Bailey Williams has represented UNC Charlotte’s equestrian team as she competed amongst talented riders at Hollins Universit in Virgina this spring ANDREW JAMES STAFF WRITER

After a great season, Bailey Williams, president of the UNC Charlotte Equestrian Club, made it one step away from the national level of competition.

With a second place finish at regionals, Williams qualified for ‘zones,’ the next level of competition before nationals. Zones were held at Hollins University in Virginia.

“I went up to Hollins University and showed against some of the top riders in D.C., Virgina and North Carolina, and placed sixth. I was very proud of my ride,” shared Williams.

Unfortunately, sixth place was not a strong enough finish to qualify Williams for the national level of competition, but she was still very happy with her season overall.

“I was very proud of how I rode and that I didn’t come at last. I competed against some

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amazing riders and was happy to beat some of them,” said Williams.

At the zones and regional competitions, each rider drew a horse’s name out of a hat to see which one they rode for the competition.

“Not knowing your horse is what levels the playing field. You always have a chance of drawing a not so great horse but that is just part of the competition and it is all about how you deal with what horse you draw,” explained Williams.

She first began riding horses when she was 8 years old, but quickly stopped after an injury.

“I had a bad fall and broke my arm and I wanted nothing to do with them after that,” shared Williams.

This hiatus was shortlived though as she got back on the saddle when

Williams began riding at the age of eight, and despite a bad fall, has kept up with her passion. Photo courtesy of Bailey Williams

she was 11 years old.

“I went to a family friend’s farm and rode the sweetest horse ever and my passion grew once again,” said Williams.

Soon after, she began riding competitively in eighth grade and never looked back. Williams now rides hunter/jumper style but also loves equitation riding.

The 49ers Equestrian Club currently has 32 members with both a dressage and hunt seat team. Next year, the club will expand to have a

western team.

Throughout the year, the team practices weekly and participates in team bonding events and dinners.

“Zero experience is necessary, we love having new riders join us. Even if you do not want to show we have a spot for you,” said Williams.

If you are interested in joining, visit their website or Facebook page, or email the team at equestrian@ uncc.edu.

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

There are countless opportunities available for students while in college, however a unique organization by the name of Student Painters has decided to take this “opportunity” to another level.

Student Painters originated in Michigan 25 years ago, and since then has expanded to over 25 states. They have been at UNC Charlotte for six years and partnered with SherwinWilliams.

The organization teaches students how to run their own painting business and hire prospective students.

“This program puts students to the test. You find out if you really have what it takes to run a business,” said Branch Manager Wes Billings.

The program is for, but not limited to, business, economics, operations management, finance and business management majors. In order to participate, you have to be at least a sophomore.

Every fall, Student Painters recruits new members who go through a three-round interview process.

Each year, hundreds of students apply, but due to limited space, only a few prestigious students are accepted into the program.

That said, there is no quota of accepted students for each recruitment process.

When the organization receives new members, they

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POLICE BLOTTER

‘Student Painters’ from previous page hire branch managers. Branch managers are students who have their own painting company as a subset of the organization Student Painters.

Branch managers paint mainly in Charlotte but if managers go home, they can run their business there.

Their primary job is to manage marketers, talk to customers briefly as well as train and manage marketers and painters.

Painters have a variety of jobs such as exterior house painting, deck staining and pressure washing.

Both painters and branch managers are required to go through intensive training beforehand.

Student painters go through leadership training over a weekend to learn how to lead a team of marketers and painters.

They also learn how to market effectively, go through payroll, enhance their painting and sales.

“Through proven systems of field training, we develop exceptional young people into successful entrepreneurs and business leaders,” says Vice President Joel Puthoff.

Student Painters are currently hiring painters for the summer. Experience is not required; students will go through training to learn everything they need to know.

If you are interested or would like more information, contact Wes Billings at 704-286-6636.

TUESDAY APRIL 29

78°F

@UNCCWeather FOLLOW FOR FORECASTS AND WARNINGS

Thunderstorms. Some storms could produce gusty winds, hail or even a tornado.

Low of 66.

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APRIL 19-25

ACCIDENT APRIL 25 DAVID WOLF INTERN

The Student Government Association’s (SGA) weekly Student Senate meeting on April 24 added new senators to the governing body, and confirmed members of Student Body President Steven Serio’s executive board.

Senators Sworniin The meeting began with the senatorial swearing-in of Nick Wollard and Joshua Niday.

Niday is an at-large senator while Wollard is a Belk College of Business student.

New Secretaries Shortly after the swearingin of the senators, Michael Mendoza was sworn in as the secretary for student affairs.

He will aid the student body president with issues that pertain to students.

Nicholle Rentas was named the secretary of state and national affairs. She will assist all members of the cabinet with their duties.

Andrew James was confirmed as the press secretary. He will publicize nominations and elections of importance, and maintain the UNC Charlotte website amongst other duties.

Jake Emerson was

confirmed as the secretary for sustainability. He will secure the environmental health and welfare of the student body.

Zeta Phi Beta Funds Request There was then an open committee and a vote deciding whether or not to give funds to Zeta Phi Beta for the school survival guide. Zeta Phi Beta was requesting bath salts, which appeared to be a problem with the senate. After explanation of what they were going to do with the bath salts, members of the SGA voted and decided to approve the full amount they requested.

New Acts Approved Students also approved the Fall Election Reform Act. This will allow the freshman class president and freshman at large senators to be voted for in the fall. Sophomore, junior and senior class president voting will be held in the spring.

Chairman Named The meeting ended with Dominique Hughes being voted for as the position of internal affairs chairman.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

75°F

75°F

71°F

Thunderstorms. Some storms could produce gusty winds, hail or even a tornado.

Low of 66.

MAY 1

Mostly Cloudy.

Low of 58.

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

BREAKING AND ENTERING APRIL 21

• Alumni Way, subject reported missing items from his vehicle while parked and unattended.

LARCENY APRIL 24

• Mary Alexander Road, subject reported his property was taken without permission.

Subject reported her belongings later.

• Martin Village Road, officer responded to a call regarding a subject removing property without permission.

APRIL 25

• Mary Alexander Road, an unknown subject removed property without permission and was apprehended using victim’s personal items.

TRESPASSING APRIL 19

• Library Lane, previously trespassed suspect found on campus.

VANDALISM

WEDNESDAY APRIL 30

• Mary Alexander Road, driver stuck another vehicle pulling into a parking spot.

• East Deck, driver of vehicle one collided with driver of vehicle two.

MAY 2

Partly cloudy.

Low of 53.

APRIL 24

• Poplar Terrace Drive, subject reported scratches on the driver’s side door of her vehicle. Subject stated the incident had occurred off campus.

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

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Summer housing options available

in Miltimore and Greek Village

Greek Village has 13 houses, nine of which house a fraternity or sorority. FILE PHOTO

ANGELA ALIMI INTERN

Summer housing will be available for UNC Charlotte students taking classes for both sessions. Housing will be available in Miltimore Hall and Greek Village.

If you are living on campus during summer session I, check-in will be in Miltimore Hall on May 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Checkout is on June 25 at noon.

The process of checking in and out of housing during the summer is identical to how it is done over the fall and spring semester.

If you are living on campus during summer session II classes, check-in will be on June 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and checkout will be on August 7 at 3 p.m.

The deadline for housing registration is May 1. There is a $50 housing deposit that comes with this for both of the sessions.

Students who are registered for the fall 2014 semester and are currently enrolled this semester are eligible for summer housing.

Incoming freshmen for the fall

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2014 school year are not eligible.

Roommate requests and roommate assignments are also the same as living on campus during the fall and spring semesters. Every effort is made to honor a roommate request.

However, all roommates must submit a housing application at least three weeks prior to the checkin date.

The rates for summer housing vary among room size and location.

If you would like to have a meal plan for the summer it will only be in declining balance instead of meal swipes.

Late arrival to check-in comes with some hefty consequences. If you are not checked in by 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 for summer session I or Sunday, June 29 for summer session II, your housing contract can be canceled. If you are unable to arrive by this time, you must notify Housing and Residence Life in writing or via email.

May 1 is the last day to cancel your housing for the first summer

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

session and by June 6 for the second summer session. You will be refunded the $50 if you cancel by this time.

Some students believe that summer housing is necessary for students.

“I think that summer housing is absolutely necessary,” said junior Mitchell Abdullah. “Since a lot of people aren’t from Charlotte and some are not even from the US, they would not have a place to stay if they were taking summer classes and were living in dorms, or had a 10 month apartment lease that would end.”

Staying on campus over the summer is convenient and the best option for some students who don’t have transportation to and from campus as well.

For more information please visit: http://housing.uncc.edu/assignments/ summer-housing

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PUCK FOLLEN With such a severe allergy season this year, every UNC Charlotte student and staff member is searching for an explanation EDWARD AVERETTE STAFF WRITER

Disclaimer: In this work of satire, all quoted sources in this article are completely fictitious and any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, is coincidental.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Allergy season is in full effect as many UNC Charlotte students are suffering from the effects of pollen.

“This is the worst pollen has ever been,” said sophomore Ashley Oaks. “I’m not like emo or anything, but every morning I feel like I’m on the verge on death.”

According to various forecasts by meteorologists, pollen counts have hovered around 1,700 cubic meters through the month, with a high of 6,317 cubic meters on April 8.

Dr. Daisy Lopez, a UNC Charlotte allergist, noted that March to mid-May is typically when she sees the proliferation of allergies due to tree pollen. “With the recent polar vortex and our abnormally long winter, we are looking at a pollen event that is beyond unprecedented,” said Lopez.

“Typically, one in five Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, but with a prolonged pollen season, that ratio could go as high as three in five.”

Despite scientific warnings from allergists and

pollen outlook forecasts, there is still a plethora of alternative theories circulating around campus about the upsurge of the pollen in comparison to previous years.

“I feel like this is God’s punishment for our basketball team this year – I really do,” said alumnus Lamar Pines.

“When you think about it, this all started when we missed that potential game winner against Davidson. When you don’t produce on the hardwood and miss the big dance, this is the result.”

While most students and faculty are dealing with and adapting to their surroundings in various ways such as medication, Netflix binge-watching, spouting conspiracies, some students, like senior Hassan Bailasan, are unfazed and focused on other pressing matters.

“There are bigger things we need to worry about – like getting turnt up, finding money for Bonnaroo and passing finals,” said Bailasan. “Promiscuous trees and hungry bees are very low on my list of cares.”

Although finals week typically signifies the end of seasonal allergies, this year will be different.

We can only expect more devastating impacts from microscopic particles set out to ruin our lives, one sneeze at a time.

In response to the article titled “The climate change debate” in Niner Times, Volume 26, Issue 26.

Dear Niner Times Editor, Debate is a critical component of the scientific process, a university education, and a healthy society, but it is only productive if the opposing viewpoint actually addresses the argument at hand.

The best way to understand the problem of global warming is to examine the scientific evidence.

Global warming is real and changes to our planet are happening before our eyes.

The primary reason the Earth is warming is due to emissions of carbon dioxide

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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MCT Campus

from the burning of fossil fuels.

There is no doubt about these points. The impacts of global warming are a real danger to our environment and society. The science is conclusive: We must act as soon as possible.

A global problem means that everyone will be affected, but also that everyone can contribute to the solutions.

This can happen at a municipal, state, national or global level. There is reason to be concerned, but to me, this is a good reason to get involved. If you have questions, send me an email and we can meet. You can also read my more detailed response at NinerOnline.com -Brian Magi, Assistant Professor, Geography and Earth Sciences Department

GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK Niner Times welcomes letters. Feedback should be under 200 words, legibly written or typed and should include the author’s signature, year in school, major and telephone number. Faculty and staff should include title and department. Unsigned, anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters are subject to editing for space and style.

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

NINER TIMES Student Union, Charlotte, N.C. 28223 OR E-MAIL:

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DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK After suffering an almost career-ending injury, Lexi Betancourt is back on the mound proving that there is no challenge she can’t overcome.

AARON MCCAIN INTERN

Lexi Betancourt is not a woman of many words or one to brag about herself.

She has the warm and friendly personality that puts batters to shame when she is lighting it up on the field.

Betancourt is currently fifth in Conference USA for the number of strikeouts thrown this season in addition to ranking tenth in the conference for the lowest ERA on the year.

Her ranking among the top strikeout pitchers in the conference is no shock at all as she has been in that position in high school.

Betancourt, from the small town of Garner, North Carolina, attended West Johnston High School.

It was there where she led North Carolina in strikeouts while receiving an All-District, All-Conference and an All-State

selection.

She flourished in academics and graduated in the top ten percent of her class while receiving the 20082010 All-Academic Student Athlete awards.

“Garner is like a suburb of Raleigh. I went to a school that was out in the rural area. I was ten to fifteen minutes away from everything in town, so that was the norm for me growing up in Garner,” says Betancourt.

Betancourt has two siblings: Jake and Dylan.

She is grateful for the support that she still receives from her family as she progresses through her softball career.

“My parents come to every home game. They even came to the UAB game and drove nine hours to attend,” said Betancourt.

“They come whenever they can.

In Betancourt’s Corner Favorite Food Cantaloupe

Favorite Class Organic Chemistry

Favorite Athlete Derek Jeter

Favorite Pasttime Sleep

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

Lexi Betancourt preparing to throw a pitch. Photo by Ben Coon

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For mid-week games, my dad will take off of work to come and my brother, who goes to school at Queens University of Charlotte, will come over. My family is very supportive.”

Betancourt’s sophomore season ended very early with a gruesome injury that sidelined her for the rest of the season after starting just one game.

“The injury dragged on at the beginning of the season and it finally got to a breaking point.

At that moment, the injury was beyond anything that I could fix.

It took a long time to figure out what was actually wrong with me,” said Betancourt.

“The injury happened in September 2012 and I did not get the diagnosis until March 2013.

I did not play any spring or fall games. I ended up having to have surgery and that took me out for the rest of the season. So it was a long waiting game.”

Betancourt is ranked third in the conference for most innings pitched on the year with 178.1 innings thus far.

She displays wonderful conditioning time after time with having to pitch in both games of doubleheaders.

For Betancourt, she is no stranger to pitching multiple games in the same day.

“I have done that all of my life.

I was always the pitcher who had to pitch multiple games in one day. I am not really a power pitcher, and I have never have had to be the pitcher to pitch 70 miles per hour to give everything that I have got for one game and then I’m done,” says Betancourt.

“I’ve always had finesse since I was younger. It took some time to get used it because I didn’t play much last year. I had to really build up my stamina. It is exhausting on my body near the end of the season but you have to do what is best for the team.”

Betancourt attributes a lot of her success this season to her teammate catcher Jackie Kleinsmith.

“Jackie and I have always been close friends anyway, but just the pitcher-catcher dynamic means

9

that we have to communicate with each other a lot during the game more than a lot of other players,” said Betancourt.

“We have a different bond than many of the other players, especially during a timeout in the middle of the inning where we have our conference. We have a pitcher-catcher bond.”

Betancourt is very appreciative of her teammates and coaches throughout this season.

They assist her in various ways to keep her going when she has been pitching a lot of games and is exhausted.

Betancourt knows her college softball career will eventually come to an end, but she hopes to leave a mark on the university that has given her the opportunity to pursue her dreams.

“I want to leave my mark on the softball program as a great pitcher and as a really good player with the hope of being an even better teammate to the other players.”

49ers softball finish 2-1 in weekend series against Marshall After dominating the doubleheader on Saturday against the Thundering Herd, the 49ers came up short in Sunday’s series finale.

Chelsea Ingersoll taking a swing during the game against Marshall. Photo by Ben Coon

MATT CHAPMAN

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Game One

Lexi Betancourt. Photo by Ben Coon

The Charlotte 49ers (20-26, 10-13) softball team captured a thrilling 2-1 victory in extra innings over the Marshall Thundering Herd (23-30, 10-11) on Saturday afternoon in game one of a doubleheader. The contest lasted nine innings before Charlotte catcher Jackie Kleinsmith

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

AARON MCCAIN INTERN

dropped a single into right field that broke the 1-1 deadlock and earned the 49ers a walk-off win.

Charlotte got on the board first in the bottom half of the third inning.

Right fielder Courtney Carroll worked a lead off walk and advanced to second on a Natalie Capone groundout. With two outs in the frame, sophomore Jessica Plemmons

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stepped to the plate and delivered an RBI single to center field that put the 49ers on top 1-0.

Marshall answered back in the fifth inning when Raquel Escareno lifted a bomb over the left field wall to knot the score at one run apiece.

Escareno’s solo shot was the only mistake of the afternoon for Charlotte’s starting pitcher Lexi Betancourt. Betancourt worked all nine innings on the mound for the 49ers while allowing just five hits in the contest. Betancourt also punched out 10 Marshall batters on the day, giving her 180 strikeouts this year which is fourth all-time in a single season in Charlotte history.

The 49ers got things started in the bottom of the ninth inning when Sam Slade ripped her teamhigh 10th double of the season down the third base line to set the table for Kleinsmith. Following an intentional walk to Plemmons, Kleinsmith calmly stepped to the plate and delivered a walk-off single that dropped in-between the second baseman and right fielder and scored Slade from second on a close play at the plate.

Game Two In game two of the doubleheader, the 49ers picked up a massive 9-0 win over the Thundering Herd in just five innings thanks to scoring nine runs off of nine hits.

Chelsea Lisikatos earned herself three RBIs in the second game with a three-run homer when she sent the first pitch she saw of the game deep over the left-field fence lifting the 49ers 3-0 over Marshall.

The runs didn’t stop there as they held a comfortable 6-0 lead after two innings.

Betancourt’s phenomenal pitching helped add her name to the record book. Betancourt holds 19 wins in a single season and is tied for sixth all-time. Betancourt is in fourth for strikeouts in a single season as she sits with 194 with games left to be played.

Game Three The 49ers concluded their weekend series Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 defeat against the Marshall.

The 49ers opened up the game

with a bone-crushing home run from centerfielder Plemmons to give the club an early 1-0 lead. Plemmons has hit a team-high 10 home runs on the year.

The Thundering Herd responded in the very next inning with two runs after an RBI knock by designated player Taylor Winton to give the Thundering Herd a 2-1 lead in the second inning. The second run was hauled in after an inability to field in the hit that gave the 49ers their one and only error of the game.

Plemmons and third baseman Lisikatos gave the 49ers their only hits of the game with one each. The 49ers defense was solid throughout the contest and only allowed four hits in the game. Betancourt played strong on the afternoon and pitched the entire game again. She recorded nine strikeouts while throwing 95 pitches.

The 49ers defense did not allow more than two runs in any game throughout the entire weekend series, but the bats really struggled on Sunday afternoon. Only three batters for the 49ers were able to bat at least three times in the contest.

The 49ers will look to end their

last week of the season strong as they travel on the road for a doubleheader in Rock Hill where they will take on the Winthrop Eagles on Tuesday, Apr. 29 at 5 p.m.

Pitcher Lexi Betancourt dominated in the weekend series against Marshall.

Photo by Ben Coon

GET FRESH

WITH ME!

FREAKY FAST DELIVERY! ©2011 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

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SUMMER MUSIC GUIDE We Are The In Crowd are performing for Vans Warped Tour. Photo courtesy of VansWarpedTour.com

THE BEST LIVE SHOWS HITTING CHARLOTTE AND TURNING UP THE VOLUME ON SUMMER BREAK JON GREGORY

ASST. COPY EDITOR

JONATHAN GOLIAN INTERN

ELTON JOHN’S YELLOW BRICK ROAD TOUR (JUNE 14) Elton John makes a rare stop at the PNC Music Pavilion for his Yellow Brick Road Tour, opening the door for what would seem to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The legendary performer will be playing everything from his ‘70s hits to new music from recently released “The Diving Board.” Tickets range from $40 to $164 currently, but sections are selling out fast so snagging tickets soon is a good idea.

VANS WARPED TOUR (JULY 28) With summer in Charlotte comes the Vans Warped Tour, an all-day concert playing host to a plethora of alternative musical acts. This year sees the return of tour veterans MC Chris, I Fight Dragons and Parkway Drive, while welcoming newcomers like Beebs and Her Money Makers and Icon For Hire. Tickets are $46, with a $56 20th anniversary commemorative ticket also on sale.

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ZAC BROWN BAND: THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP TOUR (JULY 12) The Zac Brown Band has become synonymous with a good-old-boys brand of country music slowly making a resurgence.

The eight-man band is no stranger to the Charlotte area, playing local venues regularly. On June 14, Zac Brown Band will take the stage at PNC Music Pavilion just a few miles from campus. Tickets start at $35 for lawn seats and climb as high as $375.

NINE INCH NAILS AND SOUNDGARDEN (AUGUST 7) The brainchild of Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails has been churning out unique concept albums filled with scathing social commentary for more than 20 years.

Soundgarden dominated the ‘90s before internal conflict split the band apart for over a decade. Now back on tour, they’ve teamed up with NIN for a show of ‘90s powerhouses. Lawn seats start at $39.

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

MONUMENTOUR: FALL OUT BOY AND PARAMORE (JULY 23) Fall Out Boy and Paramore, along with a handful of other bands, are the posterchildren for the early 2000s resurgence of rock after grunge wore out its welcome.

Together they will be heading the Monumentour as it arrives in Charlotte at PNC Music Pavilion. Seats for the Monumentour start at $34 for lawn and top out around $80.

LINKIN PARK: CARNIVORES TOUR (AUGUST 12) Following the debut of their sixth studio album, “The Hunting Party,” Linkin Park will be following up with The Carnivores Tour, with a new line up for the first time this summer. Joining them along the way are 30 Seconds to Mars, as well as special guest AFI. Tickets are on sale now from $45 lawn seats to $377 (resale price) to be in the pit up front.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: UNC CHARLOTTE’S BLACK BOX THEATER

JON GREGORY

ASST. COPY EDITOR UNC Charlotte’s black box Lab Theater is a tangible experiment.

For each play the space transforms from top to bottom. Sets are built, lights are hung, new ideas are tested and occasionally something crazy makes its way into a production.

“In the weeks before the performance, the theater space becomes a laboratory as students hang lights, construct sets, work sound and rehearse, learning how to carry out the remarkable technical operations necessary to stage and produce a show,” says the university’s description of Robinson Hall’s theaters.

“In terms of actual productions, we’re averaging right around about four to six. But those productions have multiple performances, so even though it’s a small amount of productions we do utilize the space quite a bit,” said Chris Buess, a member of the university’s production management faculty.

Though not as large as its counterpart, the Anne R. Belk Theater, the Lab Theater is aimed at presenting more intimate productions which twist traditional play presentation.

Unlike a normal theater, all of the black box can be altered for a play, allowing students to experiment with different ideas and designs.

While the black box generally avoids the large, scale-related complexities found in the Belk Theater, it still has its share of taxing productions. According to Chris Buess, “The Colored Museum” called for the entire space to be painted white from floor to ceiling, a feat which would be impossible to match in a traditional space.

One of the black box’s most intricate productions of the 2013-14 academic year was “4.48 Psychosis,” a play revered for its challenging of traditional theatrical content and structure.

“Flourishes of dark humor, repetitive imagery, and swirling linguistic

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motifs punctuate the final work of playwright Sarah Kane shortly before her death at the age of 28,” says the university’s synopsis of the play.

For UNC Charlotte’s production of “4.48 Psychosis,” the play featured three separate stages. With each stage hosting its own act and repeating it as the audience rotated through the theater, actors and crew had to stay on top of their game.

The black box’s small size also plays a large role in how the production process is handled. “What it does mean, is the detail has to be better. As an audience member, you’re sitting there, and the set is two feet away from you. Whereas in a traditional theater you have maybe a 15-foot buffer, so maybe the paint line isn’t perfect but that’s all right because you can’t see it from 15 feet away. In the black box you can see everything,” said Buess.

Despite the attention to detail, the department still gets students involved throughout the entire process. “Our goal is to have the students right there along the whole way, in some form or another,” said Buess. Students aren’t the only ones given a unique experience thanks to the black box theater’s unique format. Although the theater can hold just 125 people at most, the shows it hosts often give the audience a more active role. In the black box theater, the crowd might be asked to stand around the edge of the space or move about as the play progresses.

Even more traditional works, like the touring alternative interpretation of Shakespearean plays “The Shrew Project” set to close out the year, give the audience an up close and personal experience. “[...] the actors actually really come into the space, and they’re very close to the audience. And that’s the intent of a black box production,” said james Vesce, praising the intimacy of one of

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14 Go it alone 15 Wild West movie 16 Peter Fonda’s beekeeper 17 Nursery school adhesive 18 Generic product 20 Southern Florida “trail” that’s a portmanteau of the two cities it connects 22 Generating, as interest on an account 23 Move covertly 25 Bert’s buddy 26 Xbox One, for one 30 Indiana hoopster 31 Aegean island 32 Computer input 36 Hold the title to 37 Referee’s call

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

70 Old-timey “not” DOWN 1 NCO rank 2 Kinks girl who “walks like a woman and talks like a man” 3 University grad 4 Cry of distress 5 Like some rays and dust 6 Spanglish speaker, often 7 “Who am __ argue?”

8 Little more than 9 La __ Tar Pits 10 Show embarrassment 11 Done in, as a dragon 12 Old Finnish cent 13 Marsh plant 19 Belgian composer Jacques 21 Make aware 24 Evel on a bike 26 Stare unsubtly 27 Pimply condition 28 U.S./Canada’s __ Canals 29 Sch. whose mascot is Brutus Buckeye 41 Young fellow 30 “The Raven” poet 42 Barely makes, with 33 Furthermore “out” 34 Wagger on the dog 44 Toyota __4: SUV 35 Promos model 38 401(k) kin, briefly 45 Desert stopover 39 Apple product 47 Image on many tie40 Burial places dyed shirts 43 Surreptitious data-col51 Woodland deity lecting computer program 54 Singer Lisa et al.

46 Choose not to vote 55 Readying a field, say 48 Estrada of “CHiPs” 58 Fortified position 49 “Amen!”

62 Angler’s “I don’t have 50 Every September, say to throw this one back,” 51 Like milk on the floor and hint to the first 52 Modify word of 18-, 26-, 37- and 53 “We’re off __ the wizard 47-Across ...”

64 Rooney of “60 Min56 Playwright Simon utes” 57 Rowlands of “Gloria” 65 Sly look 59 Ancient Andean 66 Packed like sardines 60 Fragrance 67 Subject of adoration 61 Part of a Broadway ad68 Family chart dress 69 Group in pews 63 Hawaiian dish

13

14 MOMENTS OF

SPRING 2014

THE STORYTELLER

BY JODI PICOULT

MICHELLE LIRINGIS

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR January 23

MICHELLE LIRINGIS

The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate wrote the Probation Act which put 2013-14 Student Body President Brady Nails and Vice President James Shaw on probation.

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Critically acclaimed author Jodi Picoult came out with her latest novel “The Storyteller” in May 2013.

“The Storyteller” follows along Picoult’s usual themes of family and struggle, but this novel had a historical element that is not usually a staple of her works.

The story centers around the Holocaust and one woman’s story of surviving the concentration camps. However, there is a frame story set in the present day that sets up an interesting context for why Picoult chose to write a Holocaust story.

The frame story keeps the Holocaust segment from feeling too clichéd or over done.

While not her usual content, Picoult handled the historical element of this novel well. She managed to make it interesting and still follow the themes that her long-time readers love.

Prior to reading, I read the summary provided on the book jacket. I was surprised to find that the “secret” mentioned on the jacket was revealed within the first 20 or 30 pages.

I was slightly disappointed because it left me questioning what else was going to happen in the rest of the story.

Picoult never disappoints.

She put a spin on it that keeps readers turning page after page.

AMANDA DUKE

There were numerous times that I felt like I knew exactly where the story was going, but she always masterfully turned it in a different direction to keep it surprising and exciting.

The characters were well developed and relatable. They make the story worth reading.

The main character, Sage, is physically disfigured due to a car accident and is afraid to be around people.

Picoult takes Sage’s fear and turns it into something useful and interesting that further propels the story.

Even the minor characters were interesting to read and well developed. They all had their own idiosyncrasy that made them funny and relatable.

The novel is written in Picoult’s usual style, with shifting narrators. With the narrator switch every chapter, readers are able to form their own opinions about the conflicts in the story.

Furthermore, each narrator brings a different piece of the story to the table that keeps readers guessing about what plot twist Picoult will throw at them next.

Picoult’s writing style is clear and flows well. She includes lots of vivid imagery that puts readers right into the heart of the story.

February 2 The Seattle Seahaks won their first ever Super Bowl in the game against the Denver Broncos.

FILE PHOTO

MCT Campus

February 7 to 23 Spectators everywhere turned on their televisions to watch the 22nd Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.

February 10 to 14 Charlotte was covered in a 10-inch blanket of snow that canceled classes for almost an entire week.

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

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February 10 Actress Shirley Temple died at the age of 85. She was most famous as a child star in the 1930s. Her most popular movies were “Heidi” and “Curly Top” which featured the song “Animal Crackers in my Soup.”

March 2

March 2

Jennifer Lawrence trips at the Oscars. Again.

Ellen DeGeneres wins the title of best Oscar host by ordering everyone pizza and taking a star-studded selfie.

March 2 Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball finished their season at (17-14).

February 17 Jimmy Fallon was chosen as the new host of “The Tonight Show.”

MCT Campus Photo by Ben Coon

March 27

February 14

MCT Campus

The popular show “House of Cards” released a shocking season two on Netflix.

March 26 Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon resigned after being arrested for charges of accepting tens of thousands of dollars of bribery.

Steven Serio and Ruthie Schorr were elected as student body president and vice president, respectively, for the 2014-15 academic year.

MCT Campus

Photo by Patrick Bogans

April 6 to 12 The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life sponsored the annual Greek Week with activities including Greek Games and Airband.

April 9

Photo by Erik Sullivan

Niners for Planned Parenthood hosts UNC Charlotte’s first ever SlutWalk to help eliminate rape culture.

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APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2014

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