Niner Times: October 21, 2014

GOLDRUSH: CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON OP-ED: Racism

College students can have more of an impact than most think in the current national fight against racism and police brutality. p. 8

Homecoming concert Check out some background information on Chance the Rapper, Young & Sick and The Verge Campus Tour to get pumped for Friday’s homecoming concert.

p. 9

Campus resources

With midterm grades hitting 49er Express, students may realize they’re in trouble this semester. Find out some campus resources to help you survive this semester. p. 11

FREE THE VOTE DEBATE First ever all-inclusive U.S. Senate debate held on campus p. 3

1

A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY OF28,NORTH 27,I N ISSUE OCT. 21 - OCT. 2014 CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. N E R T8I M E S

Oct. 21 through 27, 2014

V O L U M E 2 7, N U M B E R 8

FOR DAILY ONLINE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, PHOTO SLIDESHOWS, VIDEOS AND MORE, VISIT US AT NINERONLINE.COM OR DOWNLOAD THE NINER TIMES MOBILE APP

FREE THE VOTE LIGHT RAIL WEATHER, SGA, BLOTTER

Nick Cropper, Salina Dickie, Amanda Duke, Aaron McCain

ADDITIONAL STAFF Chris Crews, Jared Green, Hunter Heilman, Kristen Johnson, Aleena Oliveirs, Warren Pettee, Benjamin Robson, Sydney Stephens, Vivian Westra

IREM ASCI PROFILE OP-ED: TACKLING RACISM HOMECOMING CONCERT ‘ANNABELLE’ REVIEW

MARKETING STAFF

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Michelle D’Silva, Jack Fahnestock, Katelyn Ford, Briona Kiser, Melissa McHugh, Dylan Robison Promotions Coordinator: Sean Grier

Street Team: Natalie Chan, Sydney Cunningham, Amanda Duke

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144 CIRCULATION BY STUDENT UNION LOADING DOCK TEAM

3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW OF THE OCT. 16 NEW POLITICS SHOW IN CHARLOTTE ONLINE COVER PHOTO BY BEN COON • INSIDE PHOTO BY BENJAMIN ROBSON

2

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

NINERTIMES

Free the Vote North Carolina Free the Vote NC and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) came together on Friday, Oct. 18 to cohost North Carolina’s first and only all-inclusive U.S. Senate candidate debate.

Unlike most of the debates held throughout the state during the campaigning period, which tend to only extend invitations to majority party leaders, this debate strived to include each person in the running for the senate seat.

“The main goal was to educate the students at UNCC. Many of them don’t know any of the candidates that were up there ... people just vote for red or blue generally, and this was just to educate students that there are more choices out there. Just going by the major parties isn’t necessarily going to get you what you think it’s going to get you,” said Jared LeSage, UNC Charlotte president of YAL as well as the organization’s state chair.

Although all six candidates were extended an invite, only four ended up attending the debate: Libertarian candidate Sean Haugh, and unaffiliated write-ins, John Rhodes, Bary Gurney and David Waddell.

According to LeSage, Free the Vote

NINERONLINE.COM

Sara Carson

NEWS EDITOR

Haugh (left) and Rhodes (right) during the debate. All debate photos by Ben Coon

NC, Charlotte TEA Party Activist Arm (CAUTION) and YAL reached out to the candidates months prior

WHERE TO VOTE For registered voters living on campus, the recommended early voting location is the Univeristy City Library on WT Harris Blvd.

Early voting is open

UNC Charlotte hosted the state’s first and only all-inclusive U.S. Senate debate for the coming Nov. 4 senate election

Thursday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 1.

If you are not currently registered to vote, you may not vote during early voting.

to the debate.

No-show Democrat Majority Leader Kay Hagan, reportedly didn’t respond to any of the organizations who invited her, while Republican Majority Leader Thom Tillis, who was also a no-show, only responded back to YAL and Free the Vote NC, stating that he would be unable to attend the debate due to having a pre-planned fundraiser the same day.

Moderated by Christian Hine, president of CAUTION, the debate was comprised of electronically

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

submitted questions from the general public. Candidates had two minutes to answer each question before moving on.

Questions ranged from topics such as Ebola and ISIS, to campaign funding and the government’s place in regulation among citizens.

“Every candidate deserves the opportunity to have their positions heard and weighed against your personal values,” said Hine.

Each candidate seemed to bring something different to the table to offer up to potential voters.

3

Rhodes continuously stressed his involvement during his time serving with the North Carolina House of Representatives (2003-06). Rhodes was eventually primaried out of the House in 2006 for taking a stand against corruption that was taking place among his own party.

Waddell also brought interesting views to the debate as he took the stance of being a “self-employed small business owner with a family and three kids,” who would fight for the rights of those who couldn’t fight for themselves.

Rather than bringing interesting personal aspects to the debate, Haugh and Gurney both stressed their interesting viewpoints on certain political and worldly topics.

Haugh continuously brought every question back to his original statement, that, “We need to stop all direct warfare.”

Although that seemed to be his main focus, Haugh also shared that his two other high concerns are the militarization of modern day rebels and our national debt.

Gurney on the other hand, continued circling around the idea that government today is corrupt.

NINERONLINE.COM

FROM THE CANDIDATES “I think the Republican and the Democratic parties have melded into almost the same actuals. The system is just not working any more and we need to address it. And so if we can create a buzz ... I think that would be the way to go.”

Sean Haugh

Barry Gurney

“My main issue is to stop all war ... The last two Iraq wars for us have been disastrous, and there is no way out of bombing that is going to fix the least little bit of the mess we’ve created there now.”

In his opening statement, Gurney says, “I’m unaffiliated, and I choose that because its just the way to be. I think the Republican and the Democratic parties have melded into

“I’m a self-employed, small business owner. I have a family and three children, a very normal person as far as that goes. I decided to run ... to offer another choice in addition to the typical Republican and Democrat.”

John Rhodes

almost the same actuals. The system is just not working anymore and we need to address it.”

To watch an unedited version of the debate, and hear from

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

David Waddell

“Folks have come to me and said, ‘John ... Would you run as a write-in candidate, and if you are elected, will you serve in Washington?’ And I said, ‘Well my whole life is about public service, so how could I not say yes?’”

candidates other than the majority leaders, visit: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=pdUCO1slDQI

4

POLICE BLOTTER OCT. 13- OCT. 15

ACCIDENT OCT. 14

• Union Deck level four, officers responded in reference to a hit and run.

ASST. NEWS EDITOR

OCT. 15

• Atkins Library loading docks, vehicle one struck right side of vehicle two while backing up.

CALLS FOR SERVICE OCT. 13

• King Building, officers responded to a call referencing a person who stated that they were going to do harm to themselves.

OCT. 14

• 9006 Craver Road, officers responded in reference to a victim being threatened by an acquaintance.

LARCENY OCT. 13

• Student Activity Center, officers responded in reference to stolen property left unsecured.

VANDALISM OCT. 14

• Lot 21, officers responded in reference to a vandalized vehicle left secured.

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

weather.uncc.edu UNC CHARLOTTE METEOROLOGY PROGRAM

The UNC Charlotte Student Government Association (SGA) met for their weekly Student Senate legislative meeting Oct. 16.

will allow students to connect to dispatch more easily. The app will also come with GPS so that police can track your phone in case of emergency.

Messages to the Senate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Dr. Arthur Jackson attended the meeting to give the senate their annual update.

The veteran’s center in Room 103 of Barnhart Hall is now open.

There are also multiple fundraising groups set up for new student scholarships and to expand on already existing scholarships.

Food Pantry in Colvard Hall The Food Pantry is currently open to students and is designed to aid any person struggling with day-to-day meals. Although it is meant for students who do not have meal plans, the Food Pantry is available to anybody in need. Students who require aid can go and withdraw a certain number of items per week. Food Lion provides the goods to the pantry and all items are nonperishable. The process is entirely confidential and students will remain anonymous.

Crime Rates at UNC Charlotte Chief of Police Jeffrey Baker addressed the senate regarding decreased crime rates at UNC Charlotte. Over the past several years, there has been a significant drop in reports of burglary, larceny and sexual assault.

Baker expects there to be an increase in reporting of sexual offenses next year due to several new ways that students will be able to report these crimes, making the experience more comfortable and discreet. There is an app being developed that

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

71°F

64°F

64°F

OCT. 21

GET MORE INFO ABOUT THE

Nick Cropper

Sunny.

Low of 50.

NINERONLINE.COM

OCT. 22

Partly cloudy.

Low of 48.

OCT. 23

Partly cloudy.

Low of 43.

SoVi Dining Hall The unfinished dining hall located in South Village near the freshman high-rises is expected to be complete sometime between mid-to-late November.

New Residence Halls There will be two new residence halls located in South Village. One of the halls is currently under construction, and construction of the other hall will begin once that one FRIDAY OCT. 24

69°F Sunny.

Low of 42.

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

SATURDAY OCT. 25

70°F Sunny.

Low of 45.

is complete. The hall that has yet to be started will be built to house students in the University Honors Program.

Light Rail Construction at UNC Charlotte Construction of the light rail that will connect UNC Charlotte with the surrounding community has begun. The light rail will be located in the fenced off area near Miltimore Hall.

Construction is expected to be complete in 2017.

Academic Affairs Committee Professors have already begun showing interest in speaking at the teacher discussion panel that will be open to business students. Members of the Academic Affairs Committee have fixed an issue that caused many chemistry majors to take a class that was not required.

Student Affairs Committee Members of the Student Affairs Committee are discussing designing a monitoring system for the gym located in the Student Activity Center that would let students check the capacity of the gym before going. They are also currently developing legislation for the disc g0lf course.

SUNDAY OCT. 26

70°F Sunny.

Low of 47.

MONDAY OCT. 27

71°F

Partly cloudy.

Low of 50.

5

NEW CONSTRUCTION INCHES LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM CLOSER TO CAMPUS Jared Green

STAFF WRITER A few projects are presently being undertaken that will affect university traffic in the coming months. Two of the projects being completed are construction to North Tryon Street and construction taking place near the Toby Creek Greenway. Both projects are in preparation of the much awaited light rail system that will soon be serving UNC Charlotte.

“Once the UNC Charlotte Main Station opens, members of the campus community will be able to reach UNC Charlotte Center City in approximately 20 minutes, while

NINERONLINE.COM

avoiding traffic congestion and additional parking costs,” said Shelly Theriault Muhl, communications officer with the Department of Facilities Management, in a press release.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is rebuilding two of the bridges on North Tryon Street closest to its intersection with Mallard Creek Church Road. Construction on North Tryon began last Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Students and faculty accessing UNC Charlotte on the southbound portion of North Tryon during this time will

Closures on the greenway prepare for the light rail. Photo by Aleena Oliveirs

have noticed that the southbound lane now ends at the intersection with Mallard Creek Church Road.

This portion of North Tryon Street from the intersection will be closed for construction until around May 2015. As the southbound lane is closed, motorists will need to use available detours on Mallard Creek Church Road, West WT Harris Boulevard and I-85. The northbound lane, however, will remain open until

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

the new bridge for the southbound lane is completed.

In light of the road closures, UNC Charlotte commuters are encouraged to adjust their routes and driving schedules accordingly to accommodate for increased traffic.

Patrons who use the 11U bus are notified that the route servicing UNC Charlotte on North Tryon has been adjusted to accommodate construction. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) can be contacted for more information on these changes.

The construction of new bridges on North Tryon are part of the preparations for the Light Rail system and its arrival upon UNC Charlotte’s campus. Other construction works are also being undergone to accommodate the light rail. Recently, trees have been removed in front of Miltimore Hall to make way for tracks and the station that will serve UNC Charlotte. This project is being managed by the City of Charlotte Public Transportation Department and is expected to be completed in 2017.

The project to connect the light rail with UNC Charlotte will require a large portion of ground to be elevated to allow for the light rail tracks to be installed. “This will require thousands of truckloads of fill material,” Muhl said.

Muhl also assured that measures to prevent erosion will be taken to reduce the environmental impact of construction.

For further information on these projects, visit inside.uncc.edu.

6

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 路 OCT. 25, 2014

1

2

GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

THE BREAKDOWN The Charlotte 49ers look to get back in the win column against James Madison on homecoming weekend ALEX PASSANNANTE SPORTS EDITOR

OCT. 25, 2014 CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON VOLUME 2 · ISSUE 3

3 JMU Preview 4 Season review 6 Homecoming 8 Photo spread 10 Building tradition 14 Staff picks EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Eden Creamer CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Megan Van Emmerik NT SPORTS EDITORS

Matt Chapman Alex Passannante

Contact the NT Sports Editors: sports@nineronline.com or @NTimes_Sports

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Emmanuel Loredo SALES: Michelle D’Silva, Jack Fahnestock, Katelyn Ford, Briona Kiser, Melissa McHugh, Dylan Robison NINER TIMES STAFF: Ben Coon, Chris Crews, Scott Gordon, Aaron McCain

NINER MEDIA ADVISER: WAYNE MAIKRANZ MARKETING ADVISER: KELLY MERGES BUSINESS MANAGER: LAURIE CUDDY GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION: PETE HURDLE OFFICE MANAGER: MARK HAIRE

For the first time since Sept.

27, the Charlotte 49ers football team (3-4) returns home to Jerry Richardson Stadium to face the James Madison Dukes (4-3) next Saturday, Oct. 25.

With Charlotte on a four-game losing streak, their schedule will not get easier in the coming weeks.

The 49ers suffered a heartbreaking double overtime loss against The Citadel in their last contest and will look to come back strong against the Dukes in front of their home crowd. After the last game, coach Brad Lambert talked about how they will keep playing and move on to their next opponent, following a bye week.

“You’re always fighting up hill.

Our guys -- you got to admire them. They’re fighting all the way back, coming down to the last play in the game. They just keep grinding,” Lambert said.

In the last competition between the two teams, the Dukes easily handled the 49ers in Harrisonburg, scoring 20 unanswered points and getting the win, 34-7; but this time, JMU will be on the road in Charlotte against a tough crowd and more experienced 49er team that is on the path for a must-needed win.

Matt Johnson was 13 for 26, for 98 yards and one rushing touchdown, but one interception

in the last meeting.

If the 49ers are going to win this game, Johnson must have a better performance as the offensive leader, as well as the rest of the offense. Charlotte’s rushing attack only garnered 131 yards, with Johnson having 51 of them.

Kalif Phillips suffered a concussion in the last game, and his status against JMU is currently not known.

Without him, the 49ers will look to freshman running back Maetron Thomas, who Lambert said has been dealing with offfield issues this year. If he indeed gets the start at running back, the 49ers at least have an experienced player at the position.

In the loss last week in Charleston, the 49ers surrendered 689 yards to the Bulldogs, with 553 of them on the ground.

Charlotte will have to buckle down against JMU’s rushing attack when they face another tough backfield with John Miller, who had three touchdowns in their last game against Towson.

In the last meeting between Charlotte and JMU, Charlotte gave up four rushing touchdowns. The absence of Caleb Clayton-Molby and Nick Cook will continue to be a problem for this young 49ers squad against heavy rushing attacks, and a quarterback that can run as well as throw is a danger-

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY · OCT. 25, 2014

ous combination. Besides the N.C. Central game, most quarterbacks that the 49ers have faced have been pocket passers.

JMU’s Vad Lee, who is a transfer from Georgia Tech, is one of the leaders for the Dukes. He has had a great year so far (55 percent completion, 14 touchdowns, six interceptions), and his ACC experience and dual-threat ability will be tough for the 49ers to handle, as well as being one of the best quarterbacks Charlotte has seen this season.The 49ers have already struggled against an inexperienced freshman like Malcolm Lee (NCCU), as well as experienced quarterbacks like Mike Quinn (Elon), Austin Brown (Charleston Southern), Aaron Miller (Citadel) and Lucas Beatty (Gardner-Webb).

Despite the issues against opposing passers, the real focus will be on the rushing game, which the 49ers have had a hard time finding an answer for.

This game will be Charlotte’s homecoming game, so a big crowd is expected. Following this game, the 49ers will host three straight opponents in Coastal Carolina, Wesley College and Morehead State.

A win versus James Madison will give the 49ers great momentum moving toward the end of their season.

3

49ERS EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS DURING LOSING STREAK MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

The Charlotte 49ers have hit their first bye week of the 2014 college football season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The 49ers have battled through a tough stretch throughout the first two months of the season, playing five of their first seven contests on the road away from the comfortable confines of Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Charlotte sprinted out of the gates with three big wins to open the season over Campbell, Johnson C. Smith and North Carolina Central. The 49ers dominated early in the year, outscoring their first three opponents 129-37, and 28 of the 37 points allowed came in the fourth quarter against North Carolina Central after Charlotte had already built a 40-0 lead.

Since their win over North Carolina Central on Sept. 13, the 49ers have come crashing back down to earth. Charlotte has now lost four straight games and they currently sit with a 3-4 overall record.

Charlotte’s schedule has gotten increasingly tougher during their current losing streak, including two contests against Charleston Southern and The Citadel who give defensive coaches nightmares with their triple option attacks on offense.

The schedule will not get any easier moving forward either, when they host a solid James Madison team that beat them conviningly last year, and then Coastal Carolina, who is currently ranked third in Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football with an undefeated record.

A 3-4 record certainly seems mediocre at best, but the 49ers have been just a handful of mistakes away from a perfect 7-0 season thus far in 2014. Charlotte’s four losses this year have all come by one score or less, and two of the four defeats came in overtime and double overtime.

The 49ers struggled through a defensive slugfest on the road against Elon and ultimately fell by a final score of 20-13. Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson appeared to have thrown the game-tying touchdown as time expired in regulation, but he was flagged for releasing the ball in front of the line of scrimmage as the 49ers suffered their first loss of the year.

4

The 49ers can’t help but get dragged down this season. Photo by Ben Coon

Charlotte returned home for a game against nationally ranked Charleston Southern and rallied back from a 17-point second half deficit, but couldn’t close the deal in overtime losing 47-41.

The 49ers took the ball first in overtime and drove it inside the 5-yard line before a pair of costly penalties halted the drive and forced a field goal attempt by Blake Brewer. Brewer couldn’t connect, and the Buccaneers found the end zone on the ensuing drive to secure the win.

The 49ers dropped their third consecutive game on the road against Gardner-Webb the following week. Charlotte should have won the game, but they continued to shoot themselves in the foot all afternoon. The 49ers committed 10 penalties in the game, costing them 96 yards.

This all has to do with the extreme inexperience that the 49ers are playing with right

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

now because of injuries and redshirts. Kalif Phillips has been playing hurt for most of the season, Johnson keeps taking huge hits and other experienced defensive players have had nagging injuries as well.

These are all reasons for the 49ers to struggle, combined with a tough schedule and second year coaching staff that is still working on the team identity.

With a meaningful year coming up in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football next season, Charlotte needs all of their best players to have full eligiblity. Because of this, many of the key players for Charlotte are taking the year off to wait or due to transferring in.

Charlotte also delivered a horrendous special teams performance. The 49ers allowed a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, muffed a punt inside their own 10 yard line and Brewer missed two of his three field goal attempts en route to a 27-24 loss.

Most recently, Charlotte battled back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter against The Citadel before losing 63-56 in double overtime.

The 49ers couldn’t stop The Citadel’s triple option offense. Charlotte allowed a staggering 689 yards of total offense, and even more unbelievably, 573 of those yards came on the ground.

The 49ers have shown flashes of greatness on offense and defense this season, but their inconsistency has been an Achilles heel during their current losing skid.

Johnson has struggled mightily at times at the helm of the offense and has completed a dismal 52.1 percent of his pass attempts through Charlotte’s first seven games.

His decision making this season has been shaky, throwing eight interceptions already after throwing just nine picks in his freshman season in 2013.

Last week’s game against The Citadel was one of the best of Johnson’s career in which he had zero interceptions, 358 yards and four touchdowns. In games where he is smart with the ball and error less, Charlotte always has a chance to be in the game no matter who the opponent is.

Johnson struggled through a tough threegame stretch against Elon, Charleston Southern and Gardner-Webb, but he has a lot of good things to look back on as well.

Johnson’s best attribute this year has been his ability to throw the deep ball. Seven of his 11 touchdown passes have come on completions of at least 50 yards. Charlotte will need Johnson to build on his performance against The Citadel if they want to close the 2014 season on a strong note.

One thing that should help Johnson in the passing game is the way Phillips has been running the football this season. Phillips has gained 754 yards on the ground through the first seven games of the year and he also has scored a team-high 11 touchdowns. Defenses need to load the box in order to stop Phillips which should open up passing lanes down the

Kalif Phillips, 3, fights for a touchdown late in the game Sept. 27 against CSU. Photo by Chris Crews

field for Johnson and his receivers.

Phillips has been great in the backfield for Charlotte but he hasn’t been a one-man show.

True freshman running back Maetron Thomas is very fast and his speed compliments Phillips’ power running game nicely.

Thomas has 276 rushing yards this season, and he has found the end zone four times despite missing two games after finding himself in head coach Brad Lambert’s dog house.

Lambert said that Thomas has been dealing with off-the-field issues this season, and didn’t disclose when he would return to the lineup.

Thankfully, he was able to play in the last game and put up a nice stat line.

The 49ers most impressive player in 2014 has been wide receiver Austin Duke. Duke is putting up video game numbers this season,

and his speed has made him nearly unstoppable against opposing defenses.

Duke has 56 catches this season, 38 more than any other receiver on the 49ers roster.

He’s closing in on the 1,000 yard receiving mark this season.

Duke has 966 yards and eight touchdowns through the air already and Charlotte still has four games remaining on the schedule.

Duke delivered his best performance of the season last weekend against The Citadel.

He reeled in 12 catches for a career-high 254 yards and three touchdown grabs. As the receiver who gets the most targets, opposing defenses still have yet to find a way to stop Duke week after week.

Duke also flashed his versatility as he carried the ball four times for 30 yards and another touchdown in the contest; he even threw the ball once on a two point conversion, and completed the pass.

Charlotte’s defense has been solid this season, but has struggled recently due to injuries.

The 49ers are playing without their two inside linebackers Caleb Clayton-Molby and Nick Cook, who have been out for the majority of the season.

Charlotte’s opponents have been able to take advantage of the lack of experience inside, especially in the running game. Freshmen linebackers Dustin Crouser and Karrington King have been impressive since being thrust into the starting lineup, but they’ll need more time to adjust to the speed of the college game.

The 49ers have four games remaining in their final season at the FCS level before making the jump to Conference USA action in 2015. The remaining schedule is tough, including games against some teams that are no joke in FCS football.

On the bright side, the 49ers final four games will all be played at home inside Jerry Richardson Stadium. Charlotte will need to limit their turnovers and work on stopping the run on defense if they want to close the season strong and build momentum as they transition into tougher competition in the years to come.

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY · OCT. 25, 2014

5

HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES Homecoming is back and better than ever. The pageantry and festivities begin on Wednesday and culminate Saturday afternoon when the 49ers host James Madison

The 2013 Homecoming was the first year that the homecoming game was a football game, instead of a basketball game. Photos by Chris Crews

MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

Homecoming is quite possibly the biggest event to take place on a college campus throughout the school year. All the festivities and school spirit build up to an exciting culmination on Saturday afternoon at the annual homecoming football game.

UNC Charlotte got its first taste of a true homecoming in 2013 with the arrival of the universities brand new football

6

program. Prior to 2013, Charlotte students were forced to celebrate the tradition in dreary February during basketball season.

The university has countless events planned in the week leading into the big game against James Madison on Saturday.

The party kicks off this Wednesday in the Student Union with the homecoming blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow-

ing the blood drive, students can make their way to Halton Arena for the annual homecoming concert set up by the campus activities board. This year’s performer is Chance the Rapper, a 21-yearold emcee riding high off the success of his most recent mixtape “Acid Rap.” Things continue to pick up on Thursday evening beginning with the Cheer Nation homecoming spirit rally. Cheer Nation will provide the energy and get 49ers fans amped up heading into basketball madness Thursday night at 9 p.m. Basketball madness will give Niner Nation their first look at the revamped 2014 rosters of the men’s and women’s hoops teams and also introduce the new and improved sixth man student section inside Halton Arena.

Friday will be filled with pageantry and 49ers sporting events all across campus. Things get underway Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. with the homecoming lights parade that will light up the campus in 49ers green, gold and white. The festivities will begin on east campus and make their way to Craver Rd. in front of the student union. Immediately following the lights parade is the pep rally in front of the

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

student union that will feature performances from spirit groups, music, giveaways and more.

Also on Friday evening 49ers fans can make their way to Transamerica Field to watch the men’s soccer team host the UAB Blazers. The 49ers have been one of the most impressive teams in the country this season with an overall record of 10-2 and a number four national ranking in the NSCAA Coaches Poll.

All of these spectacular events are leading up to one thing: the homecoming football game on Saturday afternoon against the James Madison Dukes.

The 49ers are on a four game losing skid but the offense has been lighting up the scoreboard all season keeping the games tight until the final play. Charlotte lost to UNC Pembroke during homecoming last season so you know the players will be fired up to get a win in front of a packed house this year.

The royal court will be presented at halftime followed by the crowning of Mr. and Miss UNC Charlotte to conclude the ceremony. Charlotte students have been voting on who deserves the distinction and will be on the edge of their seat on Saturday afternoon.

GAME-DAY TAILGATING EDEN CREAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With the launch of a new football program, the need for an official policy regarding tailgating at the university becomes necessary.

As the university revved up for football, a tailgating policy was created to make sure students and fans have the most fun possible while being safe. These rules and regulations are meant to maximize safety and comfort for all that attend.

Tailgating rules and regulations are completely broken down in University Policy 706, Alcoholic Beverages.

Any violation of this policy may cause students and campus guests revoked tailgating rights, criminal prosecution, disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct if the violator is a UNC Charlotte student and/or trespassing charges should the individual be a campus guest.

CAMPUS ENTRANCES AND LOT INFORMATION All entrances except the main entrance and the John Kirk Road entrance will be closed five hours prior to kickoff. Gameday entrances open four hours prior to kickoff.

Parking and tailgating will be available in lots 5, 5A, 6, 7, 7A, 14, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27 and CRI 2 and 3. Decks available for parking are Union Deck, Cone Deck 1 and 2, West Deck and CRI Deck. On-campus residents not attending the game can park in East Deck 2 and 3 or North Deck.

Students who live on campus who normally park in lots designated for tailgating for football game-day parking will be required to move their vehicles to an alternative parking location the night before a home game. If there are any cars in the parking lots as of midnight on game day, the vehicle will be automatically towed.

Tailgating areas will open four hours prior to the game.

Tailgating at halftime and during the game time is prohibited, and tailgaters will be encouraged to vacate lots. Lots must also be evacuated no later than two hours after the end of the game.

LOT CONTRABAND Kegs, glass containers, drinking games, devices used to accelerate the consumption of alcohol, grills in parking decks and on brick pavers, open pit fires, staked tents, household furniture and animals are prohibited.

STADIUM CONTRABAND Tobacco products, other drugs, alcohol of all kinds and weaponry are prohibited.

Football patrons will be permitted to bring empty, clear, plastic bottles into the stadium to fill with water at designated fill stations, but other beverages will be prohibited.

The complete University Policy 706 is available online.

Tailgaters are encouraged to read this policy prior to game-day.

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 路 OCT. 25, 2014

7

UNC CHARLOTTE FOOTBALL 2014 THURSDAY, AUG. 28

Campbell

at Buies Creek, N.C.

7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6

Johnson C. Smith at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon SATURDAY, SEPT. 13

North Carolina Central

SEASON

After completing half of their home games, the Charlotte 49ers have plenty to look back on. Here are some highlights from the 2014-15 season so far.

at Durham, N.C.

5 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20

Elon

at Elon, N.C.

7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27

Charleston Southern

(Family Day Game) at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon SATURDAY, OCT. 4

Gardner-Webb

at Boiling Springs, N.C.

1:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 11

The Citadel

at Charleston, S.C.

2 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 25

James Madison (Homecoming Game) at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon SATURDAY, NOV. 8

Coastal Carolina at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon SATURDAY, NOV. 15

Wesley College at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon SATURDAY, NOV. 22

Morehead State at Charlotte, N.C.

Noon

8

GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

REWIND

Photos in this spread by Ben Coon and Chris Crews

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 路 OCT. 25, 2014

9

NT File Photo

BUILDING TRADITION

WITH YEAR TWO NEARING AN END, WHAT CAN THE 49ERS DO TO INCREASE FANHOOD? MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

College football is all about the home field advantage.

Each school has its own unique atmosphere that resonates from the tailgate into the stadium at kickoff and keeps the fans coming back for more each and every year. The pageantry and tradition associated with college football is unrivaled at any level of any

10

sport, and it draws thousands upon thousands of loyal fans back to the party every Saturday afternoon.

The nation’s most iconic programs are rooted with deep traditions that are well-known across the country.

It can’t be measured, but it is clear that these traditions help

land big name recruits and donations that keep these universities atop the college football landscape year after year.

The Ohio State marching band delivers arguably the best performances in the country, and every Saturday “The Horseshoe” packed with 100,000 fans erupts when the sousaphone player dots the I

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

in “Ohio” before the game. This tradition began in the 1930s and has become one of the biggest honors at Ohio State.

The white out at Penn State is truly incredible to witness.

110,000 fans fill Beaver Stadium all clad in white hollering what might be the most iconic chant in college football, “WE ARE ...

PENN STATE!” Because the 49ers are a new program, it’s understandable that the atmosphere isn’t as great as other popular programs, but even most Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools have a better environment.

The scene at the inaugural game on Aug. 31, 2013 against the Campbell Camels was like something you would see at a big name program. Jerry Richardson Stadium was filled to capacity, and students and fans alike were fired up to finally have a football team at the university.

During the national anthem, an American flag that spanned the entire length of the field was presented, and it made for one of the great scenes in the 49ers short history.

Couple that moment with a Charlotte interception return for a touchdown on the second play of the game, and it created a truly electric atmosphere in a city starved for a prominent college football program.

Unfortunately, fan support has taken a slight dip especially in terms of current students at the

Giveaways at the game attempt to get attendees into the spirit of the game and help to keep them from leaving early. Photo by Chris Crews

university.

Charlotte students are allotted 7,500 tickets for request before each home football game. One would think that a school with an enrollment upwards of 27,000 students wouldn’t have a problem requesting just 7,500 tickets, but that hasn’t been the case.

In the middle of the home open-

er this year, there were hundreds of seats without anyone in them, and nearly half of the stadium left after halftime.

Many students at the university simply aren’t interested in watching the 49ers compete against FCS schools that many casual college football fans have never heard of.

Thankfully Charlotte will begin

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY · OCT. 25, 2014

to bolster their schedule with their jump to Conference USA in 2015.

The 49ers have already scheduled games against Virginia Tech, Kansas State, UMASS and Kentucky, which should get fans fired up about football.

College football is all about the home field advantage. During the national anthem at the home season opener, an American flag that spanned the entire length of the field was presented and it made for one of the great scenes in the 49ers short history. College football is all about the home field advantage.

Another factor that is hurting attendance is the school’s tailgating policy. The tailgating lots closest to the stadium are reserved for donors and alumni, therefore the students are forced to hold their tailgates all the way on the other side of campus.

After all the festivities of the tailgate have ended, not many students are up to the 20 minute hike across campus to Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Attendance could also be dropping due to the lack of lights at the stadium.

11

TRADITION, cont.

Each 49ers home game kicks off at noon, and students and fans alike are left to suffer in the nearly unbearable August and September heat for three hours. Lights will be added in the offseason as C-USA requires them for membership.

Because of the complaints about the tailgating, atmosphere and heat at the games, a lot of fans have turned to television broadcasts to watch the games. WCCB’s parternship with the Charlotte 49ers football team makes it so everyone in the area can watch the game in high definition.

This is an enticing option for students and fans that don’t want to deal with parking, the long walk and the traffic following a game.

The lack of support and game day atmosphere at 49ers football games has been troubling, but the school is on the right track for building a brand in the future.

Ever since the beginning of the program, Judy Rose, director of Athletics at UNC Charlotte, and the school have been strong in their stance that they are com-

12

mitted to becoming a prominent football school in the future.

The beautiful stadium and state of the art facilities, combined with the experienced coaching staff and equipment were step one, but the next step needs to be taken in order for the school to fulfill their dream of relevance.

In the early stages of the team, things have gone quite well with radio, television and ticketing contracts and a compelling interest from alumni that yearned for a team while they were at school.

Stadium lights, better competition and a 150 member marching band are all on the horizon for the 2015 season, along with two years under their belt and more tradition building game after game. Charlotte is a city full of professional sports teams, and the 49ers are in the process of becoming their first big college team.

Charlotte is taking the proper steps to establish the pageantry and festivities that make a college football game day experience unlike any other sporting event in America.

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 路 OCT. 25, 2014

13

STAFF GAME PICKS Members of the Niner Times sports staff give their predictions for the James Madison game Saturday

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 38, JMU 31

“The 49ers are desperate for a win coming off of their bye week. Matt Johnson and Austin Duke have been lights out lately.

Charlotte will make the play late in the game to win it.”

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 45, JMU 41

“Charlotte will bounce back and end their losing streak. This bye week I believe benefited them.”

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 24, JMU 35

“With JMU’s strong rushing attack and the best QB they’ve faced all year in Vad Lee, the 49ers will have a tough time stopping the Dukes. ”

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 34, JMU 28

“I expect Charlotte to be able to come out and run the ball effectively. Look for a big play either off of a turnover or special teams.”

Tweet us your predictions to @NT_Sports using #CHARJMUPicks 14

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

CHARLOTTE VS. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 路 OCT. 25, 2014

15

16

GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

MAKING AN

IMPACT CHARLOTTE 49ERS TRUE FRESHMAN IREM ASCI HAS TRANSITIONED SUCCESSFULLY TO COLLEGIATE VOLLEYBALL IN THE UNITED STATES

Sydney Stephens

STAFF WRITER 49ers volleyball has been very competitive this season. Although they have lost a few matches, the 49ers have fought hard each and every game.

One of their biggest weapons this year is true freshman Irem Asci.

Asci, who wears number one, is a 5’10” outside hitter from Ankara, Turkey. She has been a key part of the 49ers play so far this year.

In her hometown of Ankara, Asci led her teammates to first place in the Balkan Championship and Belgium Tournament before taking second place in the Turkish Schools Championships and Ankara Schools Championship.

Asci leads the team in kills, averaging 2.99 per set, and has recorded 272 in the 13 games that Charlotte has played. She has nearly 100 more kills than Abreia Epps and Savannah Gaster who sit tied for second on the team with 189 apiece.

She also leads in points with 301 so far this season, with an average of 3.31 per set. Asci is fifth on the team in service aces with a total of 13 through nearly two months of the 2014 season.

Asci has a strong defensive presence as well.

She is second in digs with 266 this season and 2.92 per set, just below libero Shelby Green.

She has also proven to be very durable. Asci has played in 91 of the 49ers 100 sets so far this season. Only three other players on the Charlotte roster have appeared in more sets than Asci.

The freshman has high standards for herself and would like to be in the top five for kills and points in Conference USA.

She has been in the top 10 inconsistently a few times this season, but would like to see that change with more experience and hard work. Her goal is to remain in the top five of these categories throughout her career.

Asci has made a strong debut as a true freshmen.

She is on track to become a member of the 1,000 kills & digs club if she continues to play with the same effectiveness and tenacity that she performs with now and consistently records strong statistics every game.

Asci describes her performance this year, “It started well, my hitting average points and kills and then I had some things not go well.” She continued, “I am trying to be more consistent.”

Asci is a 49ers fan favorite with her cannon of an arm. It is very exciting to see her in her element as an outside hitter nailing kill after kill and contributing to the team’s successes.

Living in the United States for the first time has been a big transition for the freshman, but she is handling it well and has found that life in Charlotte, N.C. is not all that different from life in Turkey.

She does wish that she had a car of her own, but overall enjoys living on campus.

Asci has adjusted accordingly and has gotten used to living on campus with the help and support of her volleyball family.

“I am very close with them. I love all of the girls. I am very happy to be here on this team,” siad Asci.

Semen Sen, another player on the team, and Head Coach Gokhan Yilmaz are both from Turkey as well, so Asci is not alone with her heritage.

She did not know Yilmaz before playing for him. He watched a few of her matches, and then recruited her to come to Charlotte.

The style of play is a bit different than in Turkey, and Asci is still trying to get used to the quicker pace of play in the United States.

In Turkey, it is less common to implement short sets for a middle hitter in the offense unlike collegiate programs here.

In Turkey the sets are often high, so she is still getting used to the short quick sets.

Charlotte has seen more wins this year than in previous years, but still struggles to finish games with a win.

“Sometimes we are playing really well, sometimes we are playing badly, but I think we will be more consistent in the future and we will only get better,” she said.

The 49ers have a bright future under the leadership of Yilmaz. C-USA is very competitive, but Charlotte puts up a fight each night they play.

Asci is a key player for the 49ers now. She will continue to grow as a player with the help and support of her teammates and coaches and has a very bright future ahead of her at Charlotte.

The 49ers are now sitting at 13-12 overall on the season after a tough skid to open up C-USA action. Charlotte won just 12 games throughout the entirety of the 2013 season.

Photo by Benjamin Robson

7

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

NINERTIMES

Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service

MISSING IN ACTION STUDENTS OF ALL RACES NEED TO TACKLE RACISM TOGETHER Kristen Johnson INTERN

On Oct. 8, something enlightening took place on our humble college campus. Nearly 100 students gathered in McKnight Hall for a program entitled “It Could Have Been Me” to discuss the topic that has been fresh in our conversations for a while now: police brutality.

The Black Student Union (BSU) along with other multicultural and minority student organizations hosted the program. The idea for the program (introduced by BSU Political Affairs Chair Shomari Jones) was essentially to remember the life of Michael Brown, a young African American teenager killed in Ferguson, Mo., and other victims of police brutality in the United States.

The program was successful, yet something was missing: white students. Aside from members of the Feminist Union or Amnesty International, few white students attended the program and that, my friends, is a problem because the issue of police brutality can potentially affect anyone of any color at any time.

This is not an article attacking white students.

This is an article addressing the obvious fact that the majority of white students do not participate nor interact with minority groups on campus.

This beautifully diverse campus is still divided in many ways. Granted, names like the Black Student Union and Coalition of 100 Black Women do sound a bit racially exclusive and can make students of other races feel unsure about being an

active member. Completely understood.

However, the issue is not the names of the organizations but the fact that the only groups of students who seem to care about the issues of race, discrimination and police brutality are those belonging to minority organizations. Why don’t predominately white student organizations ever have programs or discussions about the current social issues of our world?

Here’s the thing – right now, black men and women are being killed in racially explosive incidents. Across the country, there have been videos and reports of black men and women being dragged out of their cars by police officers, thrown to the ground, pepper sprayed and handcuffed.

There is a video of a white police officer in New York strangling a black man, Eric Garner, to death. There are still white people on college campuses dressing in blackface for Halloween and denying black students admission into white Greek organizations.

There is apparent racism throughout our communities, campuses, relationships and our world. This is not a post-racial America, and some people cannot seem to admit that. Perhaps, that is why so few white students participate in discussions on the social issue. If we, the students and future leaders of America, are going to move this country forward and tackle the issue of racial inequality, there must be people of all races who are concerned about the race and class issue.

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.

8

Why aren’t people of all colors and classes speaking out? Why are we all not standing in solidarity alongside our fellow classmates of color? Why are we still allowing ignorance to lurk in every building and conversation on campus?

Why won’t all students get into the discussions about corrupt police officers, racism and violence?

Colleges serve as the epicenters for enlightenment and social change. This particular college campus has such a rich history that need not be forgotten. From the founding of this school to the founding of the first minority organization here in the late 1960s, UNC Charlotte was built by movers and shakers. Why don’t we do more now to combat the grave issues of our time?

Multicultural organizations on this campus such as the BSU, Amnesty International, Feminist Union, Chinese Club, Spectrum, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Trans’port, Young Americans for Liberty, Caribbean Connection, Saudi Student Organization, Collegiate 100 Black Men and others are absolutely necessary at this time. The discussion of race and inequality must begin with college students on campuses, and the conversation must be ongoing.

These words from Martin Luther King, Jr. still hold true today: “The question now is whether America is prepared to do something massively … about the great problem we face in the area of race.”

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.

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

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

editor@nineronline.com

NINERTIMES

T R E C N O C G HOMECOMIN Leanna Pough

A&E EDITOR

Chance the Rapper This years Verge Campus Tour highlights artists Chance the Rapper and Young & Sick.

Born Chancelor Bennett, hip-hop novice Chance the Rapper - please say the “rapper” is a Chitown native with a delivery that’s hard to forget. His raspy slur and witty bars made his verse on Lil Wayne’s “Dedication 5” track “You Song” a crowd favorite back in September 2013. Since his 2011 start, Chance has released two mixtapes. “Acid Rap,” released April 2013 features Ab Soul, Childish Gambino and Twista.

Chance the Rapper is one of hip-hop’s most exciting voices.

Young & Sick Like Chance, opening act Young & Sick also has a unique sound. The music and art project describes his sound as “electronic R&B.” His music is an uncommon medley that Young & Sick says come from a variety of sources.

“A little R Kelly, D’Angelo, a lot of rock stuff and grunge from the 90s,” says the Los Angele-based artist. An art lover, the Capitol Records signee extends his creativity to the visual arts as well.

“I kind of came up doing art … I’ve made some album covers for people,” says Young & Sick.

His artwork can be seen on

album covers like Maroon 5’s “Overexposed” and Foster the People’s “Torches.”

Young & Sick also shares his involvement in the fashion industry.

“I designed some shirts and stuff for Urban Outfitters, and I was just one of the lucky ones,” says Young & Sick.

Clearly, the man knows a thing or two about fashion; he deems feather boas a fashion pet peeve.

“You can’t go anywhere without seeing people with feather boas now,” says Young & Sick.

As for his Charlotte show, Oct. 22 at UNC Charlotte’s Halton Arena, the music art project wants everyone to bring their A-game.

“Expect a really great show, the whole line up is really going to be incredible … We’ll see who come through, you never know.

It’s live, so each night is a little different,” says Young & Sick.

As much as he dotes on his band for being “the best band in the business,” an unforgettable show is expected.

Images and logos courtesy of artist’s and company’s websites

9

The vendor: The Verge Campus Tour The third of its kind, The Verge Campus Tour, sponsored by EMUZE, LLC, connects college students with top emerging artists, leading brands and nonprofit initiatives, a campus to campus takeover.

“We want to create an immersive experience and atmosphere for students on their campus that is unlike anything they would experience at their school otherwise,” says founder and CEO of EMUZE Brett Segall.

Past tours have featured artists Kendrick Lamar, Steve Aoki, Bad Rabbits, Krewella, Logic and Radical Something. The first tour in Spring 2013 started as a one-time event to launch the EMUZE.com platform.

“The reception for the tour was amazing, and we realized it could evolve into a National Collegiate Lifestyle Music Festival,” says Segall.

Typically, the tour hits about 25 to 27 college campuses. This year’s tour marks the expansion of The Verge Campus Tour into the Fall Semester, becoming a semi-annual event. Outside the night concert, The Verge Campus Tour also offers a technology and brand engagement based segment or Interactive Village for students.

“The Interactive Village provides students the opportunity to learn about innovative and unique brands and potentially apply for internships or other career opportunities, but overall, engage in a festival-like setting prior to the night concert,” says Segall.

This Interactive Village features meet and greets with Verge Campus artists, fashion brands, games, live performances and giveaways.

2014 Verge Campus partner and web retailer Karmaloop is one of the fashion brands Segall feels shares the Verge Campus mission.

“Karmaloop has been an important and close partner of ours … We are a lifestyle-focused company and Karmaloop encompasses our community and the Verge culture,” says Segall.

Other Verge Campus partners include athletic wear retailer G-Form, a revolutionary protective gear and extreme sports brand.

Segall says the tour tries to provide a unique and diverse lineup for students. Like past tours, performing artists fall within three specific genres: Hip Hop, Electronic Dance Music and Alternative or Indie.

“This tour, Chance the Rapper and Young & Sick, including Sweater Beats whom is also on our Fall Tour, all incorporate a unique identity and artistic quality that together create a cohesive experience that any fan of any of the artists or genres will love,” says Segall.

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

NINERTIMES

“Annabelle,” worst horror film of the year Hunter Heilman

STAFF WRITER I’m forgiving with horror movies, REALLY forgiving, it’s my biggest soft spot of any genre, and I tend to enjoy quite a bit of what I see with horror.

In 2013, “The Conjuring” hit theaters and turned the horror genre upside down; it was not only terrifying in every sense, it also featured some of the best acting and production values of any horror movie since “The Silence of the Lambs.”

“The Conjuring” opened with a rather infamous scene involving a doll named Annabelle, so it was only a matter of time before New Line Cinema hopped on the train to milk their franchise to the last dollar.

Though in some cases, the results can be satisfactory, like “Insidious: Chapter 2” and “Final Destination 5,” let’s just say “Annabelle” is not one of them.

“Annabelle” is not only dull and not scary, but it is horrendously written, dismally acted and generically directed, with a final act that will illicit more than a few unintentional laughs.

Annabelle Wallis, ironically, is the lead of the film as Mia, an expecting mother who is gifted the infamous doll from her husband, John (Ward Horton). After witnessing a murder by a satanic cult in their neighborhood, the doll inadvertently becomes a conduit for a hateful demon that terrorizes the soon-to-be family for the soul of their daughter.

With proper care, this movie could be a scary thrill ride that entertains, but it’s botched beyond belief with a horrendous screenplay from Gary Dauberman.

The characters written into the

10

script are not only dull and uninteresting, the actors filling the roles are wooden, stiff and lifeless, much like the eponymous doll. Even the great Alfre Woodard can’t save herself from mediocrity in this movie, which is sad.

The direction from John R. Leonetti is nothing short of cookie-cutter, generic, director-for-hire shlock that’s borderline relieving since it’s not completely terrible, just so generic I hardly even notice it. His direction style is ridden with typical horror movie cliches that were expected in a spin-off such as this, but I certainly didn’t expect it to be so ridden with it that I felt exhausted with the tedium of the nonexistent scares in the film.

The characters were literally so stupid in their actions that I found myself actually rooting for their demise, which I usually try not to do.

It’s rather surprising the movie was slapped with an R-rating, seeing as there isn’t any violence, language, scares, sex or drug use. “Annabelle” could be rated PG for the lack of substance in it.

“Annabelle” was terrible, in every sense of the word. I found myself stupefied at the sheer level of incompetence from the actors (save for Alfre Woodard, bless her, she tried her best), by the stupidity exhumed by not only the characters, but also by the filmmakers and the studio for thinking making this script into a movie was a good idea.

“The Conjuring” was a masterpiece of the horror genre that needs to be experienced by all who enjoy being scared, but I would never wish “Annabelle” on anyone.

72 Not as much 73 Took a nap

ACROSS 1 Puzzles on kid-friendly place mats 6 1965 Beatles concert stadium 10 FedEx rival 13 Sheeplike 14 Fuse with a torch 15 “Amen to that!”

17 Scout’s motto 19 Nevada city on the Humboldt River 20 Ho-hum 21 Showed penitence 23 Gave permission 24 Indian bread 26 Like a watch with hands 28 Giant slugger Mel 31 Tool-hanging spots 34 Explorer Sir Francis 35 Soap unit 36 Actress who is Dakota’s sister 39 “Just teasing” 41 Organ with a canal

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

42 “Hooked on Classics” record co.

43 Japanese ritual including an iron pot 48 Dam-building org.

49 By oneself 50 Bela’s “Son of Frankenstein” role 51 Thanksgiving veggie 52 Former Seattle team now in Oklahoma City, familiarly 54 Where Mandela was pres.

56 DOJ division 57 Not-too-bright sort 60 Coarse file 64 Not out 66 Holders of the sandwich homophonically described by the first words of 17-, 36- and 43- Across 68 Was aware of 69 __ code 70 Rocker Joplin 71 Dr. of rap

DOWN 1 Rowdy crowds 2 Chevy hatchback 3 Closes a jacket, with “up” 4 Scandal-plagued energy giant 5 “Get my point?”

6 Whack 7 Wartime honoree 8 Justice Kagan 9 Tacked-on sections 10 Turn red, maybe 11 Cartoon character with a red bow and whiskers 12 Body of water on the Swiss/ French border 16 Fresh from the oven 18 Group of judges 22 “Phooey!”

25 Big primate 27 Tall and thin 28 “In memoriam” essay, briefly 29 Make one’s position known 30 New-customer incentive 32 TV show about a high school choir 33 Like the sordid side of life 37 Pond croaker 38 Glittery rock music genre 40 Anti-mice brand 44 Oklahoma city 45 Pianist’s concert, e.g.

46 Tulsa-to-Topeka direction 47 Many mos.

53 Campfire treat 55 Kin of Helvetica 56 Request 58 Maladies 59 “Take __ a compliment!”

61 Skin breakout 62 Leave out 63 Hissed “Yo!” 65 Meadow mom 67 Slumber party attire, for short

NINERTIMES

SEMESTER SURVIVAL GUIDE:

CAMPUS RESOURCES Midterm grades have been posted, and some students may be panicking about the status of their grades in some courses. Don’t fret, there are numerous resources on campus to help you make the grade before finals hit.

Vivian Westra INTERN

The University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE) The UCAE is a great way to receive help or simply review subjects pertaining to science, math, general education or foreign languages.

The UCAE provides free academic support and tutorial services for enrolled UNC Charlotte students.

Each tutor provided has a personal bio so you can pick out the tutor

that will best fit your needs.

Not only do they send out emails confirming your tutoring session, but they also send out text reminders for your appointments so you won’t forget.

If the tutoring session does not go well, you always have the option of choosing a new tutor for your next session.

You have to schedule your appointment 12 hours before your appointment and are only able to

have one session every five days per subject.

Setting up a session at the UCAE 1.

2.

3.

4.

Log onto your 49er express Click “to access Niner Advisor” Select tutorial services Select the subject you need tutoring in 5. Select the date, time and tutor of your preference

Atkins Library Other than being a quiet place to study, Atkins library has a variety of resources to help you get by.

Head to the circulation desk to ask about laptop check out if yours is subpar. Also, use the group study rooms to set up study sessions with classmates.

Writing Resources Center (WRC) The WRC is a great way to get one-on-one writing instruction. They provide their services to students from first year freshman to graduate students, faculty and staff.

The WRC promotes their goal to help develop you as a writer and help with any writing you may have whether it be a lab report or an English paper.

Contrary to popular belief, the WRC is not only open to English majors.

When you attend a session at the WRC, you work with a tutor one-on-one who will go through your paper or report with you to find ways you can improve.

Setting up a session at the WRC 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Go to writing.uncc.edu Scroll down to “contact us” Select WRC Click schedule an appointment The link provided will direct you to a page that allows you to create an account using your UNC Charlotte email 6. Once inside the forum, a schedule will appear with all the dates and tutors available

11

Work with a tutor at the WRC to improve all types of writing. NT File Photo OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

NINERTIMES

UNC CHARLOTTE STUDENT

BEATS BREAST CANCER Louanne Hoverman was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. Read about her courageous battle.

Louanne Hoverman

GUEST WRITER This summer I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It started in January when I woke up with tea-colored splotches on my shirt. I was not in pain, I didn’t feel a lump or anything unusual, so I let it go.

It was odd that only one nipple had discharge, and online resources pointed to potential breast cancer.

Bloody discharge was a symptom so I expected it to be red. I have a family history of breast cancer. My dad’s sister was diagnosed when she was 45, her mom at about 70 and my dad’s other sister a few years ago at 50.

My aunts are cancer-free now, but my grandmother passed away within five years of her diagnosis.

By April it was worse so I went to my doctor. She did a breast exam, found no lumps, prescribed an antibiotic and gave me a referral for a mammogram and ultrasound.

The discharge ended but my doctor still wanted the mammogram.

In May, I had an ultrasound and mammogram which revealed two suspicious spots, and doctors recommended a biopsy.

Two days later I went back for the biopsy and the results. While the biopsy showed negative for cancer,

12

Louanne Hoverman, 49er and breast cancer survivor. Photo courtesy of Louanne Hoverman

the sample’s color concerned the radiologist that it was “discordant” and highly suggested a lumpectomy.

The other location in my breast was a fibroadenoma (solid, non-cancerous tumor). I decided to have a lumpectomy to remove the suspicious mass because I didn’t want to live in fear about what was lurking.

I had the surgery at the end of June, and had a post-op appointment with the surgeon five days later. The surgeon reviewed my pathology report and said “This is what we didn’t want to hear and didn’t

expect.”

At 29 years old, I had breast cancer. It was a blur of terminology and numbers; Stage 0, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

My surgeon estimated that the cancer had been growing for three and a half years. He stressed that my life wasn’t in danger and I had an excellent prognosis, but I needed to consider genetic testing for the BRCA mutation and radiation therapy.

Everyone has a BRCA 1 and 2 genes, and they suppress tumors.

OCT. 21 - OCT. 28, 2014

In some people the gene(s) mutate and don’t suppress tumors, causing breast cancer.

I met with a genetics counselor and was tested. After all, I already had cancer, and I knew it couldn’t get any worse.

If I had the mutation I was 45 to 87 percent more likely to be diagnosed in the future. After a couple of weeks I received my test results and am happy to report that I tested negative for the mutation.

My radiation treatment plan consisted of 34 treatments, which I received Monday through Friday.

Radiation reduces the risk of occurrence by 50 percent.

My last radiation treatment was Sept. 26, and I am glad to be finished. I did not need chemotherapy.

Women are told of the importance of self-breast exams and the necessity to catch lumps early.

It’s important to do self-exams but any change in the breasts should be reported to your doctor. There were never any lumps. My case is also unusual because I am quite young to be diagnosed with DCIS. My oncologists are surprised to see it in someone my age; generally the youngest are 35 to 40.

NINERTIMES