Niner Times: November 4, 2014

GOLDRUSH: CHARLOTTE VS. COASTAL CAROLINA Apartment delays

Circle University City and Arcadia still face delays to move-in, months after their original open dates. As the semester ends, complexes try to finish construction to move in residents. p. 3

Outdoor excursion

Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte offers many outdoor opportunities for the student looking to relax outside as the weather begins to chill. p. 14

Popular 2000s bands Yellowcard and Memphis May Fire bring strong performances to Amos’ Southend in Charlotte p. 11 A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 27, ISSUE 10 NOV. 4 - OF 10, 2014 NINERONLINE.COM

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Nov. 4 through 10, 2014

V O L U M E 2 7, N U M B E R 1 0

APARTMENT DELAYS MARISSA BURCHETTE PROFILE WEATHER, SGA, CRIME

Nick Cropper, Salina Dickie, Amanda Duke, Aaron McCain

OP-ED: COMPANIONSHIP

ADDITIONAL STAFF Louis Aiello, Edward Averette, Patrick Bogans, Scott Gordon, Hunter Heilman, Warren Pettee, Benjamin Robson, Daniel Vallejo, Torron Williams, Brittany Wilson

OP-ED: MINIMUM WAGE MARTHA THOMAS PROFILE YELLOWCARD AND MEMPHIS MAY FIRE MOVIE REVIEW MARKETING STAFF Michelle D’Silva, Jack Fahnestock, Katelyn Ford, Malik Francis, Kayla McCall, Dylan Robison, Tia Warren Promotions Coordinator: Sean Grier

AVOIDING THEFT

Street Team: Natalie Chan, Sydney Cunningham, Amanda Duke

SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144

ROMARE BEARDEN

CIRCULATION BY STUDENT UNION LOADING DOCK TEAM

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NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

NINERTIMES

Photo by Daniel Vallejo

Delays continue at Circle University City, Arcadia eyes November sweep Edward Averette

STAFF WRITER When Ricardo Chavez left Southern California to study architecture at UNC Charlotte, he initially thought that he would have settled into a place to stay. “I chose Circle University and although the website did show it was under construction, they seemed assured it would be completed in July, since everyone would move in Aug. 1,” said Chavez.

A week prior to Chavez’s original move in date, Circle informed residents about a series of delays and provided two options for affected residents. The first option consisted of hotel accommodations and a $100 weekly stipend.

The second option allowed for residents to find their own accommodations during the delay period and be credited in their rent for the accommodation. Without a car in Charlotte, Chavez chose the first option.

“At first I was understanding with construction setting us back to [an] October move-in date. What I was not prepared for was them emailing us before October pushing my movein date to Dec. 3. That’s a whole semester that I have been misplaced with no home,” said Chavez.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, Circle officials announced delays for residents slated for a Nov. 1 movein. Officials delayed the move-in for Circle’s D-Building to Nov. 8 because of a failed final inspection of the building.

“The changing dates were the result of a combination of factors— skilled labor shortages, weather, complexity of the project’s parking deck and timelines required to secure building inspections,” said Ben Collins, Crescent Communities

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vice president of the Carolinas and Tennessee (Circle). “We work with the general contractor to identify milestone dates, re-evaluate them frequently and work as quickly as possible to complete construction.”

Until the contractor and Circle receive a pass on final inspection, off-site residents will not be able to move into the D-building. This is the standard for the E-and F-buildings too, which is in coordination with the complex’s phased delivery schedule.

“Residents who plan to live in Phase Two have the option to stay in hotels near the campus until the next phase opens or opt out of their leases,” said Collins.

In addition to waiving rent and providing stipends to off-site residents until moving day, Circle officials have responded to recent delays by providing off-site residents from the D-building with $150 credit towards rent, but many residents remain upset about ongoing delays.

“As residents, we are all extremely disappointed with the lack of communication from the Circle management,” said UNC Charlotte

student Will Johnson. “The excitement of getting to live in our apartment became real over the past week and it was swiftly taken away 36 hours before move-in. At least the hotel staff have grown to like us. That’s more that I can say about Circle.”

Off-site residents for Circle stay around University City at hotels like Holiday Inn, Springhill Inn & Suites and Candlewood Suites. “Sometimes the shuttles are late so we are pretty much forced to the earliest shuttle to get to class two hours ahead,” said Chavez. “They put me at Candlewood Suites which is not walkable to school or any groceries.”

According to Collins, the shuttle transports students from their hotel to UNC Charlotte and operates on a schedule designed to best accommodate students. Shuttles are available five days a week. From Monday to Thursday, they run at two-hour intervals starting from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 9 p.m. shuttle coming from campus. On Fridays, shuttle transportation runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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In addition to feeling inconvenienced by delays, Chavez, along with other residents, feels left out of Circle’s gatherings.

“They hold community gatherings for the few people that got to move into the apartments in September,” said Chavez. “But the curious thing is there is no shuttle to Circle University or even notifications of gathering besides Facebook. The residents who live there though, they get updates, and they get handouts showing that there will be free food and giveaways and such.

Again showing how they neglect everyone else.”

The frustration stemming from delays has led to the rising popularity of a Facebook page dedicated solely to problems residents (on-site and off-site) face.

“Circle Problems” is an anonymous forum which features over 200 posts highlighting updates to delays, issues within the community and experiences of residents staying in hotels around campus.

According to the page, 80 to 90 students from the D-Building have

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APARTMENTS, cont.

Unfinished apartment homes at Arcadia Student Living. Photo by Daniel Vallejo

been affected by the delay. The E-and F-Buildings feature more than 170 bed spaces total, and hotel residents are set for move-in during December.

“I chose to stay behind because I’m new to the state. I do not know my surroundings enough and I won’t have my car here till December after winter break,” said Chavez.

“Not paying rent is amazing, but we all want to have a stable home, especially me, where I need to be near my studio everyday. It has restricted me to be confined to my hotel because of bus schedules.”

Meanwhile, down University City Blvd. at the intersection of North Tryon Street, student living complex Arcadia has also been experiencing delays. However, since September, the complex has moved in 215 residents, with the current schedule projecting that all of Arcadia’s residents will be on-site by Nov. 22.

“Nearly every single one of these residents has made the comment that ‘the wait was worth it’ and that they are so glad they chose to call Arcadia ‘home’,” said Shawn Regan, Southeast regional manager of Grand Campus Living (Arcadia).

While the initial deadline was for the first week of October, labor issues, weather (although

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not a factor for the past several weeks), inspection results and reduced construction hours due to accommodating on-site residents have led to the extension of move-in dates.

“There have been three move-in date extensions since the initial delay notification,” said Regan. “In an effort to ensure no more date extensions, Arcadia added time to the occupancy dates that the construction company published on the last move-in schedule.”

Inspections have played a significant role in the schedule set by the construction company for the complex. Arcadia has two distinct building codes which makes it difficult for inspectors to interpret the buildings in the context of previously set timeframes.

In light of these extensions, Arcadia has given commuter and hotel residents the option to move into the complex’s finished units until those individuals’ living quarters are completed.

According to Regan, half of the 42 residents contacted have declined the invitation to move on-site into furnished units and chose to stay in hotels, while receiving stipends and rent concessions.

“The commuters are not charged

specific concerns (i.e. nutrition prep areas for athletes and transportation coordination problems).”

As Arcadia begins immersing its final wave of residents throughout November, the complex is working out obstacles that new student housing destinations like Aspen Heights and Millennium One experienced during their rollout.

During the past several weeks, the complex has faced issues with power, water pressure and delays in AT&T Uverse (Internet, TV and phone service).

Despite these issues, Arcadia resolved each obstacle and is looking toward a pre-Thanksgiving end date to usher in residents.

For more information on the delays at Circle University, visit: http://www.circleuniversitycity.com.

For more information on the delays at Arcadia Student Living, visit: http://arcadiastudentliving. com.

any rent beyond the first payment due in July for all residents to confirm their unit selection,” said Regan. “Being the initial rent payment, they are not charged, and in fact are being paid about $540 per month for commuting, including what Arcadia pays for their parking passes.”

On the weekend of Oct. 18, Arcadia assisted tenants that chose to move into furnished units. In addition to accommodating offsite residents, the student living complex is providing amenity rent concessions to all of its residents until the clubhouse is completed.

Fifty-four residents started movein on the week of Oct. 27 according to Regan, with 42 left over from an original pool of 492 displaced students at the beginning of the semester.

“The complaints from students and parents are on various topics,” said Regan. “Most are regarding the schedule date changes and those students were complaining the most regarding their date changing to November, moved into their on-site units this past weekend. Arcadia has responded to those complaints and other residents on a unit by unit basis to assess the particular complaint and if necessary address

NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

NINERTIMES

“HAIR GROWS BACK, KIDS DON’T” UNC CHARLOTTE STUDENT SHAVES HEAD, RAISES NEARLY $3,000 FOR CANCER

Amanda Duke

ASST. LIFESYLE EDITOR Marissa Burchette may seem like a typical college junior, double majoring in biology and psychology and striving to be a doctor, but at first sight you will notice one thing.

She is bald.

Some people may be shocked that someone would choose to cut off over two feet of hair, but Burchette found a cause she was passionate about and put together a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation is an organization based out of California that raises money for childhood cancer research. The group funds more childhood cancer research grants than any other organization.

The events this organization holds are all volunteer based, allowing volunteers to have their heads shaved.

A few summers ago, Burchette was attending a program at Duke University in which she shadowed doctors. The day that she shadowed a doctor in the pediatric intensive care unit took an emotional toll on her.

It was, “nothing like you would see on television” she said. The doctors told Burchette how some of the kid’s parents have abandoned the children.

Seeing these kids who were so sick and helpless was an eye-opening experience for her.

Burchette first got the idea to host a St. Baldrick’s head shaving event back in April when she and a friend attended a Charlotte Checkers game.

She noticed a table with a girl seated behind it who was bald. This piqued her curiosity, so she went up and talked to the girl.

The girl at the table said that she

had hosted a St. Baldrick’s head shaving event, and some of the Checkers players had come to shave their heads. Burchette thought it was an awesome idea, so she in turn looked into hosting her own event.

Her idea finally turned into a reality in September when Burchette hosted her very own event in UNC Charlotte’s Cone Center, where she shaved her head.

Food was donated by Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE), a professional sorority, Psychology Student Coalition and Phi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

There were also games such as cornhole. Over 80 people showed up, including students and professors.

Burchette was even able to provide live entertainment. She posted an ad on Craigslist, saying that she was

A group of students supporting the cause at Burchette’s (center) fundraising event. Photo courtesy Marissa Burchette

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NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

hosting this event and was looking for local talent. Megan Flechaus, a local Charlotte artist, replied and came to perform at Burchette’s St. Baldrick’s event.

Burchette was one of 13 people who shaved their heads at the event. She was happy that there were two other girls who shaved their heads along with her so that she wasn’t the alone in cutting off feet of hair.

After she shaved her head, Burchette regularly donned a scarf over her head, and began noticing people were being nicer to her.

She got compliments on her head scarf, people held doors open for her and she even got free food from McDonald’s one time. She said that she thought these things happened because people probably assumed she had cancer.

“It is good to know that there are people out there in humanity who still care enough for people,” Burchette said. It was different from what she was used to, and people stared, but she didn’t mind because she felt she was getting a point across.

“There is nothing I get in exchange for helping these kids who can’t grow hair,” Burchette said. “Hair grows back, kids don’t.”

Burchette wants to host a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser every year on campus. It’s a lot of work to put together with the help of only a few people, she says, but she hopes to get a group of students interested to help plan the event every year. On other college campuses, events like these grow bigger and bigger every year.

Burchette is dedicated to the cause and plans to get even more people involved in coming years.

To find out more about Burchette and her motivation for the cause, visit her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/marissa. burchette.3?fref=ts. To donate to Burchette’s St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.stbaldricks.org/ events/UNCC

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POLICE BLOTTER OCT. 26-30

ACCIDENT OCT. 26

• Alumni Way, an unattended and parked vehicle rolled backwards and struck another unattended and parked vehicle.

OCT. 30

• West Deck, subject reported that her vehicle was damaged while parked and unoccupied.

CALLS FOR SERVICE OCT. 29

• Hawthorne Hall, subject reported being sexually assaulted by a known person.

LARCENY OCT. 26

• Atkins Library, officer took report at UNC Charlotte police department regarding a stolen wallet.

OCT. 28

• Student Activity Center, victim reported an unknown subject removed his laptop from an unsecured locker.

VANDALISM OCT. 28

• Construction site, subject reported that unknown subject(s) spray painted graffiti on the interior walls of the second floor in a construction site.

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

weather.uncc.edu UNC CHARLOTTE METEOROLOGY PROGRAM

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ASST. NEWS EDITOR The UNC Charlotte Student Government Association (SGA) met for the weekly Student Senate legislative meeting Oct. 30.

Wi-Fi issues on campus Information and Technology has recognized that there are some areas on campus where the Wi-Fi signal is either too weak or nonexistent. The issue is that there are not enough ports to cover all areas on campus. There are currently 1,600 ports and they will be adding more soon.

Add deadlines for classes UNC Charlotte currently has the longest add deadline of all the UNC system schools by five days. Teachers feel that students are able to join classes too late into the semester and will have already missed several lectures.

Academic Affairs is working on fixing this issue.

Funding for the 2014-15 school year Each year, SGA is given a budget of $200,000 to give to various campus organizations for events or travel grants. The goal each year is to spend all of the money so that none remains at the deadline. Currently, SGA

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has already spent roughly half of their budget before the second semester. If this trend continues, SGA will be out of money in February. This means that they will be unable to fund events and travel grants for different UNC Charlotte organizations.

New tailgate locations There could be new tailgating locations for football games next year.

Academic Affairs Committee The committee is looking deeper into the contextualized transcript idea and is currently asking students for their input on whether or not they would want a system like this.

These transcripts will be much more detailed. They will show the median grade of all students who took the class, your grade, percentile range of that grade, the size of the class and expected GPA for their course load based off of other students who had similar schedules.

UNC-Chapel Hill is currently one of the only schools to have such a transcript.

Organizational Ways and Means Committee UNC Charlotte student FRIDAY NOV. 7

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organizations will be able to request grants for events and travel online next semester.

This will help to streamline the process and hopefully make it more available for student groups.

Student Affairs Committee Student Affairs is currently measuring students’ appeal for a monitory system for the gym. The committee is also considering requiring freshman to live on campus for their first year and removing their ability to have cars on campus.

New student organizations Allied Health Club is focused on preparing and motivating students into further pursuing a career in the health care field.

Believers Love World is a new organization whose purpose is aimed at promoting love and building good moral values in students based on Biblical principles.

Pi Kappa Phi is a new group founded on the idea of creating leadership opportunities for members. The group is focused on creating a brotherhood between their members that develops leaders and encourages service to the community.

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NINERTIMES

The trouble with seeking support and friendship in a self-centered society Louis Aiello

STAFF WRITER

Tribune News Service

During my second semester at UNC Charlotte, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Immediately following the bad news, my roommates asked, “What can I do for you?”

It was reassuring to hear such kind words, and I felt it was an opportunity to get to know my roommates better. The next week, when I required help after seeing my ailing mother, I approached them, but they said they were too busy to help me.

Therefore, they didn’t mean what they said – it was just the traditional thing to say. Regardless, I knew I would be there for them when they needed me at a moment’s notice. The fact that they couldn’t keep their word was insulting.

I spoke to my sister who lives in California on the phone and explained to her what my roommates said. The fact that they withdrew their promise was hurtful, but she explained that I shouldn’t be surprised – that’s just the way things are done.

This took some time to accept. As my mother continued to deteriorate, I found little solace within the student campus community. Instead, I became angry at the selfishness that others presented to me.

As a human being, I understand that we are designed as a communal species, which requires interaction with the individuals surrounding us. But there seems to be a growing

isolation within our society.

As someone who has Asperger syndrome, I understand what it means to be alone. There is a growing trend within our country of not having a close friend to rely on

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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when one needs help.

Instead, one is focused on himself or herself rather than those who surround them. If a friend is in need of assistance, but it isn’t convenient, then they don’t even make the

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commitment. Indeed, the family and communal structure of our society is rapidly deteriorating.

School shootings and violent interactions seem to be a growing trend in our society. Adam Lanza (Sandy Hook shooter), who, like me, had Asperger syndrome, couldn’t deal with the current situation in his life. Unlike me, who finds help when I am in need, there are people who either can’t ask for it or don’t know how.

The reasons behind Columbine and Sandy Hook aren’t going to go away. Gun control isn’t the answer.

Instead, there should be a change in how we approach those who are in need – giving the help that they require.

There seems to be a lack of caring within our society. I understand that people are quick to judge because hardly anyone gives me a chance to explain myself.

Those who are under such judgment resort to creating their own realities, such as fantasy, anime and video games. They try to make sense of the universe by creating another that they can understand.

Apparently, there is a sort of disconnect between reality and fantasy. Anyone who fails to understand the difference falls into the trap of becoming a victim of their own demise, taking innocent people along with him or her. Rules and ethics have been shattered by failures to uphold our own values.

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ENRAGED BY

THE WAGE Raising the minimum wage adversely affects college students and low-skilled workers

Tribune News Service

Brittany Wilson

STAFF WRITER In the 76 years since the introduction of a federally mandated minimum wage to U.S. economic policy, the general electorate have debated its necessity, usefulness and realworld impact to the point of exhaustion. With the arrival of midterm elections, controversy inevitably ensues.

This year, President Barack Obama and the Democrats have pushed a national minimum wage increase from $7.25 per hour to $10.10 per hour. North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan has endorsed this increase claiming, “It really gives people more funds to spend … and helps to grow small businesses.”

In theory, Hagan’s claims seem to mutually benefit both the worker and the market.

However, in practice, government-mandated wage increases aren’t quite as symbiotic. Actually, they accomplish quite the contrary: eliminating jobs, increasing unemployment and raising poverty levels.

The effects of unemployment and poverty in North Carolina surround us. With North Carolina’s unemployment rate sitting at a bleak 6.8 percent – slightly above the national average – it seems everyone knows someone who wants a job but can’t find one. Furthermore, everyone knows someone who has a job and still falls below the poverty line.

Millennials are at the greatest disadvantage.

Youth unemployment currently sits at about 13 percent in our state, leaving the newest

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generation of workers without a job and searching for a better alternative.

For this reason, young people are particularly predisposed to the emotional appeal of raising wages and are thus falling victim to the very policy that will disproportionately hurt them.

Raising the minimum wage, like many emotionally driven, well-intentioned economic theories, would have a plethora of unintended consequences that, in practice, adversely affect poverty and unemployment rates, destructively affecting the very people it intends to help.

It’s important to understand that wages are best set by the market they exist within – not by politicians or legislation.

By raising minimum wage to counteract conditions within a market, policy-makers are simply masking underlying market issues. The effects of such a decision are catastrophically destructive, especially for college students and recent grads that are just entering the job market.

Politicians and left-wing activists commonly pull at the heartstrings of voters, advocating for an increase in minimum wage in order to increase the financial status of the most vulnerable in society: the poor and less skilled.

What many people don’t realize is that increasing wages to $10.10 per hour doesn’t mean that an employer must pay all of his employees that amount. Rather, that employer must pay only the employees he can reasonably afford to keep.

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Rationally, an employer is faced with this situation they would likely keep the most skilled employees with the most work experience in order to create the best product or service and become profitable.

In this situation, the more qualified employees would receive the minimum wage increase at the expense of the less skilled, less experienced workers – usually college students and part-time workers – who would receive a $10.10 per hour pay cut.

Additionally, internships that provide college students valuable work experience – essential to staying competitive in the job market – would disappear, as companies wouldn’t be able to afford as many, if any, interns.

Ultimately, the invisible, but nonetheless existent, guiding hand of a free market is the best way to ensure a higher quality of life throughout society.

Competition among employers for high quality workers is the best way to guarantee workers are paid enough to support themselves. In the end, when business flourishes, society flourishes in every way.

It’s time that voters see beyond economic nativity and acknowledge economic reality.

Approaching economic and societal issues with logic, not emotion, undeniably provides the most benefit to not only the most vulnerable, but also the society as a whole.

NINERTIMES

CHARLOTTE VS. COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY 路 NOV. 8, 2014

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GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

49ERS LOOK FOR FIRST WIN IN TWO MONTHS The 49ers host second-ranked Coastal Carolina inside Jerry Richardson Stadium Saturday at noon.

ALEX PASSANNANTE SPORTS EDITOR

NOV. 8, 2014 CHARLOTTE VS. COASTAL CAROLINA VOLUME 2 · ISSUE 4

3 Game preview 5 Tailgating rules 6 McNeill profile

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The last time the Charlotte 49ers football team won a game was Sept. 13, against North Carolina Central.

Fast forward almost two months later, and the 49ers are still looking for a win.

Since Sept. 13, Charlotte has faced Elon, Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, The Citadel and James Madison, all resulting in losses by one possession.

The 49ers have had strong performances against these teams strong, but haven’t been able to pull ahead in the late moments of the game and pull a win out.

Charlotte’s next game against Coastal Carolina will be the toughest opponent they have seen thus far.

The Chanticleers are currently ranked second in the FCS coaches poll, and are undefeated with an 9-0 record.

On top of that, the 49ers are starting a quarterback other than Matt Johnson for the first time in their two-year history.

Johnson is currently weekto-week with an MCL tear in his left knee, but will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Starting at quarterback this Saturday will be Lee McNeil, who is getting the first start of his career since his high school days at Porter Ridge.

While this may worry a lot of 49er fans, McNeil had an aboveaverage second half last week against JMU in which he threw for almost 200 yards, rushed for a touchdown and threw just one interception.

If he can have a parallel game against Coastal, the 49ers will have some sort of a chance to stay in the game against the Chanticleers.

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 MARKETING STAFF: Michelle D’Silva, Jack Fahnestock, Katelyn Ford, Malik Francis, Kayla McCall, Dylan Robison, Tia Warren 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

Freshman Maetron Thomas runs against James Madison. Photo by Ben Coon

CHARLOTTE VS. COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY · NOV. 8, 2014

This is easier said than done due to not only the strength of schedule of Coastal, but the amount of success they have had in recent years.

McNeill must rely on the weapons around him in the Charlotte offense if he wants to be successful on Saturday afternoon.

Kalif Phillips and Maetron Thomas form a dangerous onetwo punch in the backfield for the 49ers.

Phillips is a physical runner who leads the team with 13 rushing touchdowns this season.

Thoamas compliments Phillips’ nicely with his blazing speed.

The true freshman running back is averaging 6.2 yards per carry in limited action and has four touchdowns in his first season with Charlotte.

McNeill also has playmakers on the outside, specifically wide receiver Austin Duke.

Duke is quite possibly the best receiver in FCS football this season and has been on an incredible hot streak since mid-September.

Duke has 63 receptions through eight games this season.

He has racked up 1,128 yards through the air and leads the 49ers with nine touchdown receptions in 2014.

The 49ers need their other receivers to step up and relieve the pressure on Duke.

Duke has 38 more receptions than Trent Bostick who ranks second on the team with 25 catches this season.

Coastal Carolina comes into this game undefeated with wins against several teams that have beat the 49ers, including Elon, The Citadel, Charleston Southern and Gardner-Webb.

Coastal Carolina is riding high off of a 38-14 dismantling of Gardner-Webb in their most recent

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contest.

The Chanticleers have impressively won six games on the road this season and won’t be intimidated inside Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The Chanticleers star player so far this season has been De’Angelo Henderson, who has 14 touchdowns and 964 yards this season; Kalif Phillips is comparable to Henderson, with 13 touchdowns this year and 922 yards.

This game will feature two of the best running backs in FCS football going against each other.

The 49ers have struggled with their run defense to say the least.

Charlotte has allowed over 800 yards on the ground in their last two games, including a game against The Citadel who rushed for 573 yards against a banged up

Kalif Phillips, left, and Trent Bostick celebrate a touchdown. Photo by Ben Coon

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49ers defense.

Starting at quarterback for the Chanticleers will be junior Alex Ross, who has had a solid year so far with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.

This is a big change from the 49ers last game where they faced an extremely talented quarterback in Vad Lee. Ross is nowhere near Lee, and the 49ers should have an easier time defending him; the running game is where the 49ers will struggle.

From an injury standpoint, Charlotte continues to get beat up week after week.

With starting linebackers Nick Cook and Caleb Clayton-Mobly likely out for the rest of the year, the 49ers can use all the help they can get facing increasingly good teams as the schedule goes on.

Against JMU, Nico Alcade got hurt as well; his status is currently unknown for next weekend.

In last year’s match up with Coastal Carolina, the Chanticleers easily handled the 49ers with a victory of 50-25.

Against a much better defense than the 49ers have this year, Ross threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns.

Coastal outgained Charlotte 621-501 in total yards, and took advantage in the running game with nearly 400 yards.

The 49ers have been good this year defending third downs, but last years match up was a different scene. The Chanticleers were 11 out of 15 on third downs last year, which constantly hindered the 49ers from gaining any momentum and cutting the deficit.

Austin Duke will be key for quarterback Lee McNeill. Photo by Ben Coon

Johnson had one of his more unforgettable games, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. Of the few highlights from the last match up, Phillips was definitely a standout.

He slammed the Coastal defense for 134 yards and a touchdown, which is something he will definitely look to do again next weekend.

The 49ers are in desperate need of a win and knocking off one of the top teams in the country would go a long way in building momentum in the Queen City.

Charlotte has three games remaining this season and will enjoy the luxury of playing all three inside Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The 49ers schedule eases up significantly following this game.

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

Charlotte will host Division III Wesley College and then Morehead State in their season finale.

It is crucial for Charlotte to end this season on a high note with something to build on for next year.

The 49ers make the jump to Conference USA and FBS football in 2015 where they will face stiffer competition each and every week.

Coming off of a bye-week will be good for this beat-up 49ers squad, who have had a rough couple of weeks of tough losses and key injuries to star players.

Charlotte and Coastal Carolina will kickoff at noon next Saturday, Nov. 8 at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

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. COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY 路 NOV. 8, 2014

5

NEXT MAN UP

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 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.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY, THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENT STARTING QUARTERBACK FOR THE 49ERS. MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

An injury to a team’s starting quarterback can be detrimental to even the best programs across the country. Therefore, the backup quarterback position is possibly the most valuable spot on the roster.

It’s not easy being a second string signal caller. Backup quarterbacks don’t get as many practice repetitions with the starting offense, yet they’re required to prepare for each game with the same rigor and dedication as the starter.

For the first time in program-history a quarterback other than Matt Johnson will start under center for the Charlotte 49ers.

Johnson suffered a torn MCL in his left knee during the homecoming game against James Madison (JMU). While he is currently week-

to week and technically not ruled out for the year, there is little to gain for the team to further risk their starter in a season where they aren’t playing for any postseason or facing in-conference opponents.

In the last game 49ers backup quarterback Lee McNeill entered the game in the second quarter and played well in relief of Johnson. McNeill completed 18 of 26 passes for 190 yards and gave Charlotte a chance to win late in the game.

McNeill only tossed one interception early in the fourth quarter, but also added an 8-yard rushing touchdown.

McNeill is a redshirt sophomore who has been with the team since day one in 2012. The 49ers recruited McNeill out of

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

6

McNeill received his first extended amount of minutes last week. Photo by Ben Coon

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

Porter Ridge High School in North Carolina, and he competed with Johnson for the starting job throughout Charlotte’s inaugural practices.

McNeill is confident with his knowledge of the 49ers offense in his third season with team.

“I’ve learned a lot behind Matt.

That has definitely benefited me even though I haven’t been playing that much,” said McNeill.

“Coach (Brad) Mullen is an excellent coach. He prepares me every week as if I were the starter.

In the past year and a half, I’ve been to every meeting, every practice and I’ve practiced like I was the starter.”

Coming into this week, the only other action McNeill has seen all year has been against NC Central when the 49ers were up 40-0.

McNeill had a bad performance, throwing an interception and rushing for negative yards.

He looked like a different quarterback though against JMU, with more confidence and the belief that he is just as deserving to be in the position.

The 49ers employ an up-tempo system on the offensive side of the ball and it is essential for McNeill to find a rhythm early to keep the chains moving.

Charlotte’s offense has become stagnant at times this season with a dismal third down conversion rate of just 32 percent.

“Lee McNeill is a dual-threat quarterback,” said 49ers head coach Brad Lambert when he signed McNeill. After the game last week, Lambert also talked about how fast Lee is, saying that he is quicker than Johnson.

McNeill has shown his athleticism in limited action throughout the first two seasons of football

McNeill says he has always practiced hard while preparing for games. NT File Photo

in the Queen City. He has two rushing touchdowns in his career heading into Saturday’s showdown with Coastal Carolina.

McNeill is focused on distributing the ball to the 49ers playmakers.

“The main thing I can bring to this offense is my ability to distribute the ball. That’s a big thing in this system,” said McNeill.

“In high school the quarterbacks were all playmakers. At the collegiate level you have to get the ball to the playmakers. I feel like I can distribute the ball all over the field and really do a good job managing the game.”

Charlotte certainly isn’t lacking those playmakers on offense.

Kalif Phillips and Austin Duke are both having successful seasons in a 49ers uniform, providing a nice security blanket for McNeill to rely on.

Phillips leads a talented onetwo punch in the 49ers backfield alongside true freshman Maetron Thomas.

Phillips has racked up 922 yards on the ground this season and has a team-high 13 touchdowns in 2014. Thomas is averag-

ing 6.2 yards per carry in limited action and has found the end zone four times in his first season with the team.

Duke on the outside is perhaps the best wide receiver in FCS football this season. He has 63 catches through eight games, compiling 1,128 receiving yards and nine touchdown grabs. Duke has 38 more catches than Trent Bostick, who ranks second on the team with just 25 receptions.

McNeill is confident after his strong performance in the second half against James Madison.

“Coach Mullen always tells the quarterbacks to be a thermostat in the locker room,” said McNeill.

“If the team is real high, that’s when we need to be calm. If the team is really low, that’s when we need to get guys fired up. I think I’m just going to have to focus on being level-headed and taking everything one play at a time.”

McNeill is going to have his work cut out for him on Saturday afternoon against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers who are ranked second in the nation among FCS teams.

The Chanticleers are undefeated this season, boasting a 9-0 overall record in 2014. Coastal Carolina cruised to a 38-14 victory over Gardner-Webb in their most recent game.

The Chanticleers have been dominant on the defensive side of the ball this season, allowing just 16.7 points per game.

They have intercepted seven passes this season and will try and confuse McNeill with different formations throughout the contest.

It will be important for Johnson to help coach and assist McNeill as he recovers from his knee injury.

The 49ers finish their second season with three consecutive home games on the schedule. All of the games following this week will be easier opponents for McNeil.

Following the Coastal Carolina game, Charlotte will host division III Wesley College and then Morehead State in the finale.

A few wins could go a long way toward building momentum as the 49ers make the jump to Conference USA and FBS football in 2015.

STAFF GAME PICKS Members of Student Niner Media give their predictions for the Coastal Carolina game Saturday

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 20, COAST 40

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 14, COAST 42

“Coastal Carolina is one of the best teams in the country.

Charlotte is going to struggle with their backup quarterback in the game.”

“Coastal Carolina hasn’t been beaten this year, and this injured up 49ers squad will not be able to keep up with them on either side of the ball.”

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 20, COAST 42

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 42, COAST 38

“The loss of Matt Johnson will hurt the passing attack for the 49ers. Coastal will key in on the ground game.”

“Charlotte is going to have to play a perfect game. Limit turnovers and run the ball effectively. Watch for Coastal to come out and maybe run some trick plays.”

Tweet us your predictions to @NT_Sports using #CHARCOASTPicks

CHARLOTTE VS. COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY · NOV. 8, 2014

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8

GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

FRESHMAN PHENOM 49ERS FRESHMAN MARTHA THOMAS HAS BEEN KEY TO SUCCESS THIS SEASON

Scott Gordon

STAFF WRITER The Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer team just wrapped up the regular season with a 2-0 win over Middle Tennessee giving them an 8-7-2 record overall and a 5-4-1 record in Conference USA action.

The two goals came off the foot of Charlotte freshman, Martha Thomas.

Thomas finished the regular season with 11 goals on the year giving her the team lead in that category.

She also was the first freshman to have double digit goals for Charlotte since 2002 when Courtney Crandell accomplished that feat.

Thomas has delivered five game-winning goals for the 49ers this season, becoming a valuable asset with the game on the line. No other Charlotte player has scored more than one game-winner in 2014.

As a freshman, Thomas has started all 17 games for the 49ers this season. She is one of just three players on this Charlotte roster who has started every game this year.

Thomas is a long way from her hometown of Weston, Florida but has found a comfortable role in the 49ers offense.

She played high school soccer at American Heritage School where she was able to rack up 45 goals in 56 games over her three year career.

As a senior, her team won the state championship and made it as high as number three in the nation.

Thomas helped deliver two state championships while at American Heritage. She recorded five hat tricks in her final two high school seasons.

Thomas is a prolific goal scorer who has made a huge impact already for the 49ers.

Thomas has tremendous talent

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and great awareness on the field, but she also puts in the work off the field.

“She is an exceptional talent and great, great young lady. She really just loves her training,” said 49ers Head Coach John Cullen.

“That’s the one thing I would say separates her from a lot of players.”

“You have to be very committed to play college soccer,” said Thomas.

“I love coming out here every day and playing.”

Thomas has had no trouble making the adjustment from high school level soccer to college level and is enjoying her time at Charlotte so far.

“I really like Charlotte,” she said.

“I fit in really well with the team and get along with everyone so I have no complaints so far, it’s really good.”

“I think I came in prepared,” said Thomas.

“I definitely have improved since being here with the girls and with the coaching staff so it’s all just worked out pretty well so far.”

Charlotte has won or at least got a tie in every game Thomas has scored in so far. She had two goals in the big 4-0 win over Winthrop for the 49ers back on Sept. 17.

Facing a 1-0 deficit at Florida International on Sept. 28, she was able to net both goals in the comeback victory. Then on Oct. 30 she was able to net the only two Charlotte goals against Middle Tennessee in that 2-0 shutout.

Thomas also has five assists on the year giving her a point total of 27 making her a strong candidate for Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors.

“The kid is a soccer junkie. She lives for the game,” said Cullen.

Thomas battles during the Sept. 17 game against Winthrop. Photo by Benjamin Robson.

“The most important thing is that every day she comes out with a smile and trains well, trains intently, and trains with the purpose of getting better.”

Thomas is a shining example of a player who does not rely on just her talent to get by. She can be found taking extra shots after practice working non-stop on her game.

Her play has been excellent all year and the 49ers have played well as a unit earning the number four seed in the Conference USA tournament. Charlotte will host the tournament this year at Transamerica Field from Nov. 5-9.

With the season winding down, Thomas and the 49ers will have to

NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

play their best soccer of the year if they want to make it to the NCAA tournament which can be accomplished by winning the conference tournament.

The 49ers play well at home and so does Thomas who has six goals in seven home matches this year.

The 49ers are 5-1-1 on the season at home giving them an upper hand in the tournament. Charlotte has not lost at Transamerica Field since early October in a game against Marshall that was decided in overtime.

Games will begin at 11 a.m.

Wednesday morning, but the 49ers will not play until 7 p.m. against Middle Tennessee in a rematch of the regular season finale.

9

Yellowcard and Memphis May Fire play Amos’ Southend Patrick Bogans

STAFF WRITER Though it may seem like Yellowcard and Memphis May Fire wouldn’t overlap in any context other than under the category of “rock music,” the bands shared a common idea with the crowd at their Wednesday, Oct. 29 show at Amos’ Southend in Charlotte.

Both Matty Mullins, lead for Memphis May Fire, and Ryan Key, lead for Yellowcard, expressed how they dislike being “put in a box” of the sub-genre each band began in.

Attendees at the show felt the appreciation from both bands because they continue to support and listen to their music while dismissing the critics of the bands who may evolve slightly outside of their sub-genre.

During the Memphis May Fire

10

set, Mullins mentioned how the idea for the two bands to tour together wasn’t initially supported. Mullins

said management and others said their respective fans wouldn’t even want to be in the same room. Yet, at

Amos’, there was something harmonious about juxtaposing two bands that come from the opposite ends of

(Main photo) Ryan Key and Ryan Mendez of Yellowcard. (Left) Kellen McGregor of Memphis May Fire. (Above) Sean Mackin of Yellowcard (Right) Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. Photos by Ben Robson NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

NINERTIMES

NINERONLINE.COM

the show how he hates he couldn’t be his best. But even his second best was still pretty exceptional; when most can barely breathe when under the weather, Ryan Key and Yellowcard can still make a crowd to feel alive.

“I want to make sure if I’m going home with no voice tonight, you’re going home with no voice tonight,” said Key. The strong, genuine emotion from both Memphis May Fire and Yellowcard made for a much-better-than-average Wednesday night for rock fans, no matter the subgenre.

Photo courtesy of artist’s offical website

the range of rock.

Memphis May Fire may sound like any other hardcore/screamo rock band to an outsider, but in the spectrum of the genre, they have their own distinctive color. Yes, they brought the traditional elements to the stage - the lights, the fog machines, the screams, the beards. And maybe this color of rock isn’t a favorite for some, but one thing is for sure: Memphis May Fire brought emotion and talent to the stage, with lead singer Matty Mullin’s charisma shining through.

For Yellowcard, the pop/punk band has gone through some tough times during their momentous career of over a decade. There was the hit, the hiatus, the reformation and more recently, the departure of drummer Longineu Parsons III. More personally, Key’s wife’s accident and paralysis and violinist Sean Mackin’s thyroid cancer has taken a toll. Even last week and over the last few weeks, Key has been dealing with a sinus infection, which forced the band to cancel the show in Tampa, Fla. a few days ago.

The tour is in support of their latest album, “Lift a Sail,” in which the band navigated in a new direction with their music - branching out of the punk/pop roots into something slightly more alternative. Their set list was a nice mix of songs from the new album and classics from previous ones, like “Way Away,” “Lights and Sounds” and of course, “Ocean Avenue.”

During the performance, Key sniffed and fought through the pain while performing, yet any vocal missteps weren’t terribly obvious at all.

He took a couple of breaks and explained to the audience throughout

FROM PAPER TRAIL TO PAPERWORK Torron Williams INTERN

Ryan Key of Yellowcard. Photo by Ben Robson

Fresh off of the season finale of his reality TV series “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle,” T.I. returns to music after a two-year hiatus with “Paperwork,” continuing his streak of currency-themed album titles. The project was released Oct. 21 via Columbia Records (in collaboration with his own Grand Hustle Records), and is his first effort under the label since ending ties with Atlantic Records.

Paperwork boasts an impressive range of supporting artists, including Iggy Azalea (featured on his second single, “No Mediocre”), Pharrell (on title track for the album), Chris Brown (“Private Show”) and Usher (“At Ya’ Own Risk”). The album also includes newcomers Victoria Monet and WatchTheDuck.

DJ Mustard, Tommy Brown and The Beat Bully are among the

NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

array of producers on the album, lending their mixture of live elements and 808s to accompany the cinematic fast-life feel and oriented lyrics. “Let Your Heart Go (Break My Soul),” featuring TheDream is a standout track, which depicts T.I. reminiscing of an old camaraderie that he lost. The title track for the album, featuring Pharrell, is a replicated “Blurred Lines” esque song, boasting about the glamorous life that money brings.

Boasting two Billboard Hot 100 hits, Paperwork is on its way to claiming a spot as a redemption album for T.I. With promotion and push from a new contract with a different label, T.I. is in a position filled with potential to re-solidify his plank as a current hip-hop pioneer.

11

‘Alexander’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’ is sweet

Hunter Heilman

STAFF WRITER Picture this: I’m at the movies alone, looking like a 6’2” slightly overweight vagrant who hasn’t shaved in a week, in a theater full of children, and I have to try not to look like a total creeper as I’m lodged between two recliners of fiveyear-olds. That sums up my experience of seeing “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” I could end my review here from my shame, but I won’t.

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is a sweet movie about family and how to deal with bad days without giving up and losing hope, a nice message to children everywhere starting school who may come across a few bad days. In this film, Alexander, a chronic doofus, wishes a bad day on his seemingly perfect family, and everything goes wrong for his family, really fast. Disney adapted the timeless book into a movie with an all-star cast, and I was actually looking forward to it.

I found myself laughing in this film a lot, but after a few hours of the film ending, I can’t seem to totally remember what I laughed at.

Steve Carell ends up playing Steve Carell, and while that sounds like a negative, why fix what isn’t broken? Carell was funny, charming and easily the showrunner of this piece as Alexander’s father. Jennifer Garner plays a sweet role as Alexander’s mother, a welcome addition to the cast, furthering why I think Garner is one of the most underutilized actresses in Hollywood. Dylan Minnette and Kerris Doursey play Alexander’s gifted siblings that

12

seem to overlook Alexander’s unfortunate existence, both very funny and charming, especially when things begin to go very wrong. We finally have Ed Oxenbould as the title character, and while I won’t bash on a child actor, I thought he was the weakest addition of the cast, simply because Alexander became a dull character once the unfortunate situations began to happen to other people.

The slapstick humor works in the film, mix it with the bright colors provided by director Miguel Arteta and your children will be enamored for 81 minutes. In fact, you might enjoy yourself as well if you get invested enough in it. There is a lot of comedy going on here, though not as much memorability. Nothing about this movie screams classic, though nothing about it technically should, it knows what it is and it stays where it should. It does play it safe, but rather it be safe than a complete mess.

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is a sweet family movie, nothing about the film is bad, but nothing about it is so good that I’ll find myself reminiscing on it remembering the gut busting laughs I experienced; it’s simply not that kind of movie.

It’s one of the more affable films of 2014, and I say that wholeheartedly, it’s an easy film to smile at and an easier one to laugh at. With it’s all-star cast and it’s sweet demeanor, there’s no reason that your kids won’t eat up “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”

66 “What did I __ deserve this?”

67 Takes a chance on 68 Country, and word that can be appended to the three-letter ending of 18-, 26-, 47- or 60-Across

ACROSS 1 Makeup or final 5 Olympics segment 10 Elaborate dance 14 Golf clinic topic 15 “The Lincoln Lawyer” actress Marisa 16 With 41-Across, plant source of cosmetic additives 17 Rowboat pair 18 Hot-looking dude 20 GPS part: Abbr.

21 Yeses in Congress 22 Labor day arrival?

23 Powerful engine 25 650, to Augustus 26 Unsavory-sounding Cajun side 31 Does a general’s job 35 “Be that __ may ...”

36 Work in the cockpit 38 __-de-sac 39 Maker of the Air Max athletic

NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

shoe 40 Rich cake 41 See 16-Across 42 Extremity sporting a ring, maybe 43 Lyricist Johnny 44 “Terrible” ruler 45 Come next 47 Taiwanese LPGA star who is the youngest golfer to win five major championships 49 ‘60s militant campus gp.

51 Fax button 52 Slacks measure 55 It’s cut before dealing 58 Most like it hot 60 Nook Tablet rival 62 Angler’s artificial fly, e.g.

63 Monogram ltr.

64 Yippies co-founder Hoffman 65 Major exporter of handmade carpets

DOWN 1 Self-perceptions 2 One of Superman’s powers 3 Bombing attacks 4 AWOL pursuers 5 Online marketplace for handmade goods 6 Cast a ballot 7 Flightless birds 8 Actor Beatty 9 Like a mouse 10 Confuse 11 A, in radio code 12 Pork cut 13 Pre-Easter season 19 Ben or Sam 21 “__ luck?”

24 Suffix with kitchen 26 “Inferno” poet 27 Hourly charge 28 Old piano key material 29 About, in dates 30 Moth-__: tattered 32 Pet detective of film 33 “Hungry Like the Wolf” rockers 34 “Hit the road” or “hit the books” 37 Actress Hatcher 41 Workbench clamp 43 Reward for a hero 46 At ease with 48 “Shame on you!”

50 Eyeliner problem 52 “Just joking” 53 Boy, in Bogotá 54 Bad mood 55 “That’s mine!”

56 ‘70s-’80s heartthrob Estrada 57 So-so grades 59 Curve in the road 61 G-man’s org.

62 “__ Abner”

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Protect your stuff Michelle Carpenter

LIFESTYLE EDITOR College students are easy targets for burglars as they tend to be more careless with their belongings. The rise of higher-end apartment complexes in the university area is leading to more burglaries as robbers assume these tenants have more valuable items.

According to areavibes.com, there are an estimated 5,789 acts of property crime in the university area

each year. This crime rate is about 43 percent higher than the Charlotte average of property crime.

Recently, my husband and UNC Charlotte senior Chris Carpenter had his bike stolen off of our apartment porch in Colville Gardens, an apartment community across from campus off of Suther Road.

He kept his bike locked on the porch with what he assumed was

Beware of hide-a-keys Try leaving a key with a nearby friend or neighbor in case you lock yourself out.

Most of us are attached to our cell phones so we will be able to easily call that person to get back into our apartments.

If you must use a hide-a-key, avoid the usual places like under a rock or a flowerpot. This only makes it easier for burglars.

Also, once you use the key once, move it to a different location so if someone saw you using it, they won’t be able to find it again.

a reliable bike lock. However, he went out one day to ride his bike to class and found that while my bike was still there, his was not and the remaining bike was unlocked.

“The lock was undamaged, but my bike was gone,” said Carpenter. “It was a really nice bike, too.”

Carpenter now has to file a police report and a claim with his renter’s insurance company.

Burglaries are on the rise in apartment complexes, make sure you are keeping your stuff safe. FILE PHOTO

Have someone stop by your apartment if you’re going out of town If you know all of your roommates will be gone over the holidays, try to have a friend who is staying in the area stop by your apartment periodically.

This way, if someone is watching and attempts to break in, they will see that the apartment has not been left empty for weeks on end.

Don’t leave too many things outside While we all want to take advantage of balcony space, it is important to not leave too many expensive or nice-looking things exposed. That only attracts burglars.

If you are in the habit of leaving your blinds open, make sure there are not highend items visible from the outside.

NINERONLINE.COM

Carpenter learned the hard way that things are not safe even at his own house.

“I didn’t think I would have to worry about it because it was on my own porch,” said Carpenter. “People don’t respect others’ privacy anymore.”

In order to avoid this happening to you, here are five ways you can keep your property safe.

NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

Always lock up your stuff Lock car doors, apartment doors and use appropriate bike locks. Additionally, make sure your windows are locked so burglars don’t come in that way.

Get to know your neighbors College communities have a lot of people coming in and out, but try to get to know the people who live around you.

This will make strangers stick out more so crimes can be prevented.

13

ROMARE BEARDEN PARK IS A

HAVEN AMONG THE HUSTLE OF THE CITY Photo by Michelle Carpenter

Enjoy the cooler temperatures with an afternoon spent enjoying all Romare Bearden Park has to offer

Michelle Carpenter

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Fields of green grass and beds of purple flowers grow, providing a sanctuary within the bustling area that is Uptown Charlotte.

Amid bankers and business men, Romare Bearden Park is a place where residents and tourists alike can rejuvenate and remember the beauty of nature.

The park is located at 300 S. Church Street, just three blocks from the intersection of Trade Street and Tryon Street, the heart of Uptown, and directly across from the new Charlotte Knights Stadium.

During the week, business people use the area to take walks and enjoy the fresh air on their lunch breaks.

On weekends, parents and children use the expansive fields to kick a soccer ball around.

Other patrons throw Frisbee with their furry friends. While there is a

14

lot of activity in the small park, it rarely feels crowded.

At one corner of the 5.4-acre park, there is a large white gazebo with tables and chairs that adds to the charm. Visitors lounge there reading or chatting and lunching with friends or colleagues.

Adjacent to the gazebo are rows of flowers and beautifully maintained.

Stone paths weave throughout the flowerbeds that cover the area.

The stones are various shades of gray and tan and have a mosaic feel to them. The architects of the park made sure every detail, even the ground, adds to the artistic aura of the whole park.

Benches are available along the winding paths for patrons to sit and take in the growing trees and flowers or quietly read a book.

Along the stone paths that run

throughout the park, runners take in the beauty of the park.

Romare Bearden doesn’t have the lengthy running trails that other parks such as Reedy Creek or Freedom Park do, but it is a great place to log some miles for those who enjoy running in the city.

Furthering the artistic feel are fountains and even a wall of waterfalls. The wall is made of small tiles and water rushes down it. Behind the water are colored lights that change throughout the day.

The park was made to be a tribute to Charlotte artist Romare Bearden.

According to the Bearden Foundation, Bearden is “recognized as one of the most creative and original visual artists of the twentieth century.”

Bearden was famous for experimenting with different mediums

NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

and worked primarily with the collage format. His collages have been featured on the covers of magazines such as Time and Fortune.

The eclectic and interactive art pieces found throughout the park showcase his style and are perhaps the most outward display of a tribute to Bearden, especially the mosaic style of the ground and murals throughout the park.

Furthering the interactive nature, there are various poles with drumsticks attached for children and other patrons to play with.

“They had to start locking up the drumsticks at night,” a regular park visitor Sherry said. “People living in the apartments surrounding were complaining because they were being kept up at night.”

The park is surrounded by highrise apartment buildings that house

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hundreds of locals.

Children were going wild with the drumsticks making all kinds of different pitches and tunes. It’s no wonder they needed to be locked up at night.

In between the music poles is a three by three tile square that makes piano noises when stepped on.

These, along with the misters, are favorites of children playing in the park.

A young woman held her small child’s hand and walked her onto the piano tiles. The child’s face lit up with the first “ding,” and she immediately looked down at her bare, pudgy feet.

She let go of her mother’s hand and began happily stomping around on all the tiles, unaware of her mother’s light taps behind her to help her press down hard enough on them.

The misters add a water element many children love at parks. However, it is not like a normal splash park as seen at The Green in Uptown.

The misters are activated by pushing a button, and they blow out mist perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

In addition to being a great place to spend a lazy afternoon, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation website says the park is also home to numerous events including Party in the Park, held in September, and the Music Box Lunch Series.

This series highlights local and regional bands with informal sets from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

From mid-April until the end of September, the park holds a fitness program. Classes available are yoga, boot camp and zumba.

The classes are free and open

to the public, says the Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation website.

Because of its location, the park features picturesque views of the Uptown Charlotte skyline.

Many locals flock there simply to grab the perfect photo.

Most end up staying awhile to enjoy the relaxed feel of the park.

“My favorite part is the tranquil but fun environment of the park,” said Sherry.

Tourists find the park just as enjoyable as well.

“This was a great place to find in the city,” said Amy, a tourist visiting Charlotte from Provo, Utah, with her husband. “It’s so beautiful and right in the city. I really love the view.”

The couple happened upon the park as they were walking around the city exploring and decided to stop and have a picnic on one of the grassy fields while they waited to meet some local friends.

“It is a beautiful place to relax and take a break from touring around the city to the museums and shops,” followed her husband Stephen.

The Charlotte bike share program has a stop at Romare Bearden Park.

Bike renters can check their bikes in while checking out the park, or they can begin their day here.

Patrons can then rent bikes to make exploring the rest of the city easier.

There is parking near the park on S. Poplar Street. and MLK Jr. Blvd. For a complete map of parking, check out the Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation Website.

Next time you are looking for a great place to relax and enjoy the crisp, fall weather without going far, spend a afternoon at Romare Bearden park and take in the city and tranquility all at once.

November’s book is

Reunion

by Hannah Pittard

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

NINERONLINE.COM

things to try this fall Sarah Ro

STAFF WRITER

Chopping off your hair is a liberating way to welcome the fall season. Photo by Sarah Ro

Chop it off Chop off your hair. If summer calls for long, beachy waves then autumn is the season for chic and short hair. There’s an unexplainable freedom when you chop off your hair, not to mention it will help to frame your face when you’re wearing all those oversized sweaters this season.

Experiment with lip colors Toss away your pinks and nudes. When else can you pull off a darker lip? Fall is the time for plum, cranberry and maroon lips.

Make sure you choose one that complements your skin tone.

Girls with light and fair skin should opt for maroon lips while olive and darker complexions should choose berry shades.

Drugstores carrie various options that won’t break the bank.

Master a fall dessert Impress the guests at your next potluck or plan ahead to bring to your family’s Thanksgiving gathering. Fall may be the time for pumpkin spice, buts it’s also

NOV. 4 - 10, 2014

the season for nutty, warm and delightful desserts to enjoy in the coziness of your home. Type ‘fall desserts’ into Pinterest, and you’ll be amazed at the various mouth-watering desserts you can easily make.

Donate fall-appropriate needs Fall is when the temperatures start dropping, the wind gets chillier and we all take out our outerwear. Purchase some thick socks or a couple of knit scarves and donate them to your local homeless shelter. It may seem small, but it’ll be precious to the one who receives it.

Go somewhere fall festive It’s the perfect weather right now. Bright blue skies, bright sun and slightly chilly wind. Take this opportunity to gather a few friends and enjoy what fall has to offer. From pumpkin patches to hayrides to corn mazes, Charlotte has many opportunities.

Or head to the mountains for a hike, see the fall changing colors and take some beautiful pictures.

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NINERTIMES