Niner Times: November 11, 2014

GOLDRUSH: CHARLOTTE VS. WESLEY COLLEGE Light rail construction disrupts traffic Road blocks on North Tryon Street caused by the construction of the university area light rail extension causes problems for commuter students.

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OP-ED: Classroom technology

Can technology in the classroom deter students from learning? Too many devices, including your smartphone, may be making it harder for you to learn.

Taylor Swift says “see ya” to Spotify

A pro/con debate left in the wake of Swift removing her discography from Spotify. Is she stingy or making a positive stand for her music?

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p. 11

Student groups hold second annual Charlotte Dance Marathon to support Levine Children’s Hospital. p. 6 A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY OF2014 NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 27, ISSUE 11 NOV. 11 - 17, NINERONLINE.COM

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NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

NINERTIMES

Nov. 11 through 17, 2014

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

Nick Cropper, Salina Dickie, Amanda Duke

ADDITIONAL STAFF Casey Aldridge, Jared Allen, Edward Averette, Patrick Bogans, Jared Cline, Jared Green, Hunter Heilman, Jessica Hubbard, Ben Pepe, Warren Pettee, Benjamin Robson, Claire Shaw, Quan Siler, Torron Williams

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

Street Team: Natalie Chan, Sydney Cunningham, Amanda Duke

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LIGHT RAIL CONSTRUCTION LEVINE HALL CHARLOTTE DANCE MARATHON CRIME, WEATHER, SGA MEN’S SOCCER OP-ED: CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY

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NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

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Construction on North Tryon brings changes to Route 11U Light rail extension creates road blocks, problems for UNC Charlotte students Edward Averette

STAFF WRITER Over the past several weeks there has been a noticeable absence at the East Deck bus depot.

Since Oct. 15, the most popular route in the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), Route 11U, has discontinued its service to East Deck.

According to Krystal Green, public relations manager at CATS, Route 11U has been restructured due to construction of the Mallard Creek bridge near the intersection of Mallard Creek Church Road and North Tryon Street that will be completed by fall 2015. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has closed southbound lanes on U.S. 29 as construction crews continue work on replacing one of the two bridges on the U.S. highway.

“The current routing for the 11U serves Institute Circle, Mallard Creek Church Road and University City Boulevard,” Green said. “It provides students, faculty and staff various points on the UNC Charlotte campus to connect to routes 29-UNCC and 50-UNCC Red Line every 20-30 minutes as well as access the areas that were previously served.”

These changes were implemented on Oct. 17 following the first series of detours that affected service north of Institute Circle, Mallard Creek Church Road, University City Boulevard and the East Deck at UNC Charlotte. Although Route 11 will not enter campus via the East Deck, CATS has relocated bus stops along University City Boulevard to serve UNC Charlotte. Those stops are located near the Circle K on University City Boulevard, the crosswalk at Suther Road and near the entrance of school in front of the tennis courts.

The outbound stops along North Tryon will serve as a proxy for the inbound route into Charlotte as the bus will end and start its trip at the Circle K bus stop. “It is always CATS’s goal to impact as few riders as possible while maintaining core service safety,” Green said. “This temporary detour of Route 11 achieves that goal.”

With an average ridership of 150,000 passengers per month for Route 11, Green notes the decision

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process was full of considering various options and considerations for riders. Factors such as road access, maneuverability, customer feedback, impact, cost and safety played a significant role in determining how to go about setting up detour routes.

According to CATS’s Countywide Transit Services Plan, Route 11 North Tryon will eventually be shortened to end at Old Concord Road, where a LYNX Blue Station will be built.

This rail station will serve much of the University City area and north of Old Concord Road, with the LYNX Blue Line running along North Tryon Street and cutting across the northwestern edge of UNC Charlotte to North Deck.

The approved plan also highlights future changes to Route 29, which currently runs through campus via East Deck. In accordance to CATS LYNX Blue Bus and Rail Integration, Route 29 will be changed to run along University City Boulevard, Mallard Creek Church Road and U.S. Highway 29, until it reaches a future rail station at JW Clay Boulevard.

While these changes will take place following

the completion of the Blue Line Extension in 2017, modifications to the North Tryon route represent the beginning of a transformation to Charlotte’s public transportation system.

For more information: CATS Customer Service 704-336-RIDE (7433) – Available for more details on route information and times.

Ridetransit.org- Information on upcoming route changes via Notify Me. This service sends emails or text messages about CATS’ routes, LYNX rapid transit and general information.

Transit Planning- CATS’ Countywide Transit Service Plan is available through the CATS website under Transit Planning. The plan has information about proposed changes to various routes such as the Route 11U and how those changes correlate with the Blue Line Extension.

UNC Charlotte students using CATS services are eligible for the University Pass Program.

Students, faculty and staff are eligible for a 10 percent discount on passes purchased on campus at Parking Services. The only caveat is that you need to have a university ID present.

A digital rendering of the CRI side of campus with the future location of the light rail tracks. Photo courtesy of Maclcolm Carter NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

NINERTIMES

Donations from Levine family spur planning for new residence hall Jared Green

STAFF WRITER A donation from Leon and Sandra Levine through their foundation of $13 million was recently made to the Levine Scholars program at UNC Charlotte. This large donation from the Levines is being used for the extension of the Levine Scholars program in coming few years.

Currently, the Levine Scholars program supports around 15 new students annually, providing recipients with scholarships covering tuition and housing costs, program-related summer excursions, grants for service projects, and it also provides scholars with the opportunities to develop as future leaders.

Through the Levine’s gift, the program hopes to add five additional scholars per year to the number that are currently accepted each year.

The extension of the scholars program comes with much

gratitude from those who oversee the program. “We really want to focus on celebrating the support and thanking the Levines for investing in UNC Charlotte ... the fact that they chose [to donate to] the scholars program, we think, is great,” said Dr. Diane Zablotsky, Director of the Levine Scholars program. Zablotsky is very excited that the program will be able to continue supporting additional students each year.

Gratitude for the grant has also been expressed by UNC Charlotte Chancellor, Dr Phillip Dubois. “The Levines’ generosity, as expressed in the Levine Scholars Program, has had a clear and immediate impact on our campus and will pay, through the achievements of our graduates, important dividends to our city and region for years to come,” said Dubois in an earlier statement.

In light of the gift, the university plans to dedicate a new residence

hall in honor of the Levines for their generosity to UNC Charlotte. Construction of the residence hall is planned to begin next semester. The new residence hall will have space for the offices of the Levine Scholars program and also the University Honors Program.

The new residence hall will be located near Sanford and Moore Halls.

The new residence hall will house many of the Levine scholars and students in the Honor’s Program. The residence hall will house 425 students and will have study areas, event space and even a small hotel space to accommodate traveling instructors. The completion date of this project is set for summer 2016.

For more information on the Levine Scholars Program, visit www.levinescholars.uncc.edu.

Building rendering of the Sandra and Leon Levine Hall. Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte

NINERONLINE.COM

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

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$49,049 RAISED AT SECOND ANNUAL DANCE MARATHON Jared Green

STAFF WRITER From 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, until 7 a.m. the following day, UNC Charlotte had its second annual dance marathon.

The event, titled Charlotte Dance Marathon, is a charity fundraising program to benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital.

Last year the event was called the Dance Mine, but has been changed this year to the Charlotte Dance Marathon to tie in with the national Dance Marathon movement.

The event is filled with a variety of events and dancing. This year, participants had the opportunity to take a swing dance lesson taught by a team of professional swing dancers.

Participants were also able to take part in a Jazzercise exercise lesson, which is similar to the popular dance exercise Zumba. There was also a bounce house, food and many other activities throughout the night.

Organizers were very excited for the longawaited event and to finally see how much was raised for the Levine Children’s Hospital over

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the past year, since the last dance marathon.

Kelsey Mongeau was one of the organizers of the event. “The great thing is that 100 percent of the proceeds go straight to the Levine Children’s Hospital; all money raised goes to support the continued health of the families,” said Mongeau.

According to Mongeau, another goal of the event is to “bridge the gap between students and the community.”

The dance marathon is one way organizers try to get UNC Charlotte more involved in supporting the community.

Organizers also hope to foster the relationship between UNC Charlotte and the Levine Children’s Hospital in other ways too, like bringing in student artists and athletes to spend time with children at the hospital.

Last year, the dance marathon raised a total of $35,066 for the Levine Children’s Hospital. This year, the total reached up to $49,049.

For more information about the Charlotte Dance Marathon, or to make a donation, visit

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

Attendees didn’t just dance with their feet. Photo by Jared Cline

their website at http://www.charlottedm.org/.

For a full photo slideshow and video, check out NinerOnline.com

NINERTIMES

POLICE BLOTTER NOV. 2- 6

ACCIDENT NOV. 2

• Entrance to Lot 26, while reading the Lot 26 sign and turning right into Lot 26, driver struck median metal post.

NOV. 6

• 8700 Block of Phillips Road, officer took report regarding a truck hitting a light pole while attempting a left hand turn.

ASSAULT NOV. 5

• Burson Hall, officers took report at UNC Charlotte Police Department regarding a female being stalked by a known person.

LARCENY NOV. 5

• Scott Hall, officer took a report regarding a book bag containing a wallet being removed from an unsecured area in the lobby by an unknown person.

NOV. 6

• Resident Dining Hall (RDH), officer took a report regarding a book bag being removed from an unsecured area by an unknown person.

• Maple Hall, officer took a report regarding a secured bicycle being removed by an unknown person.

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

weather.uncc.edu UNC CHARLOTTE METEOROLOGY PROGRAM

ASST. NEWS EDITOR The UNC Charlotte Student Government Association (SGA) met for their weekly Student Senate legislative meeting Nov. 6.

New traffic light construction Chancellor Phillip Dubios addressed the senate regarding new construction that will take place on campus starting next semester. There will be a new four-way traffic light at the intersection of S. Cameron Blvd and Craver Road. There will also be a new traffic light at the S. Cameron Blvd. entrance. The road will also be made wider to accommodate pedestrians.

Construction will shut down these intersections. There are currently no plans to alleviate traffic on campus once construction begins in March of 2015.

Student tickets for football games Currently, there are 7,500 seats in the football stadium reserved for students; however, this is subject to change due to the low amount of students who actually attend the games.

For the first three home games, students filled an average of 3,100 to 4,000 seats, which is less than last season.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

69°F

70°F

53°F

NOV. 11

GET MORE INFO ABOUT THE

Nick Cropper

Sunny.

Low of 44.

NINERONLINE.COM

NOV. 12

Sunny.

Low of 47.

NOV. 13

Cloudy.

Low of 44.

These seats are reserved for students because they helped pay for the construction of the stadium out of their tuition fees.

If more students do not start utilizing these seats, then some of the reserved seats could be given away to general admission.

Next year, UNC Charlotte students will have to fill at least 15,000 seats as required

by Conference-USA attendance standards. If this goal is not met, the NCAA could put the university on a conditional status, before ultimately being removed from the conference.

New tailgate locations In an effort to raise student attendance at football games next year, the Athletic Affairs Committee is considering new locations for tailgating that are closer to the stadium. The committee is investigating if relocating student tailgating to the top level of parking decks could be a solution.

Health and Wellness Center In addition to the renovation of Belk Gym, construction of a Health and Wellness Center is scheduled to begin in the next few years. The facility will add 160,000 square feet of fitness space, instead of its original 200,000 square feet design. In FRIDAY NOV. 14

48°F

Mostly sunny.

Low of 34.

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

SATURDAY NOV. 15

51°F Sunny.

Low of 31.

order to fund the construction of this facility, students will be charged $75 in tuition fees per year for 30 years.

There is the issue of whether or not this facility is something that UNC Charlotte needs at the moment and if students are interested enough to support it.

Budget constraints The Organizational Ways and Means Committee has decided to cut spending and hearings for the rest of the semester due to budget constraints. Grants for events and travel will no longer be approved until January. SGA has spent half of their $200,000 grant budget for the 2014-15 school year.

New student organizations The Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a new student organization designed to enhance the student-athlete experience by protecting student-athlete welfare and promoting a positive image.

The Pre-Pharmacy Student Association’s goal is to improve communication between prepharmacy students and inform students about different schools of pharmacy and their requirements.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

51°F

50°F

NOV. 16

Partly cloudy.

Low of 36.

NOV. 17

Partly cloudy.

Low of 34.

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NT File Photo

49ERS CLAIM TOP SEED IN C-USA TOURNAMENT THE CHARLOTTE 49ERS MEN’S SOCCER TEAM ENTERS THIS WEEK’S C-USA TOURNAMENT AS THE FAVORITE TO CLAIM THE CROWN

Jared Allen

STAFF WRITER The moment all Conference USA soccer fans have been waiting for is here. Just around the corner, beginning Nov. 12 is the C-USA men’s soccer tournament.

Norfolk, Va. is the home of this year’s tournament with all games being played at the Old Dominion University Soccer Complex. The Charlotte 49ers lead the seven-team field into the tournament after being crowned regular season C-USA champions with their 2-1 victory over Kentucky Friday night.

The field for the tournament has been set, but until Friday night, the team that would be holding the top seed was in doubt. The Charlotte 49ers traveled to Kentucky to take on a red hot Wildcats team.

The 49ers went behind in the game early, but through determination were able to crawl their way back. Conor Agnew would score his first goal of the season as well as the game-winner in the 49th minute.

The last 40 minutes were dramatic as Kentucky continued to pressure the 49ers into conceding and were almost successful in the 78th minute.

Kentucky was awarded a penalty kick for Zhuvonte Wilson’s red card in the box, which Charlotte goalkeeper Austin Pack was able to save.

According to Charlotte coach Kevin Langan, “I could not be prouder of our guys. We showed a lot of courage tonight. We’re going to celebrate tonight and prepare ourselves for a trip to Old Dominion where we’ll pursue another conference championship.”

Entering the conference tournament, Charlotte

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has earned itself a first round bye which will give them a free pass into the semi-finals. Charlotte will either face the host-team Old Dominion or New Mexico, pending the outcome of their game on Wednesday.

The 49ers lone conference loss this season came on the road against Old Dominion back on Oct. 18.

The 2-1 loss snapped a nine-game winning streak for Charlotte.

New Mexico entered the 2014 season as the C-USA preseason favorite, and the Lobos were also ranked in the top 10 nationally before the year started. The 49ers captured a 2-0 victory over New Mexico at Transamerica Field in their C-USA opener on Sept. 26.

If Charlotte is matched up with either of these teams, they could see themselves in an offensive battle that would put their second ranked conference defense to the test. The 49ers have only conceded 14 goals during the season, which is only two more than the top-ranked defense, Kentucky.

There are four C-USA teams ranked in the current edition of the NSCAA Coaches Poll. Charlotte (5), Kentucky (13), UAB (22) and New Mexico (25) are all looking to build their resume in hopes of earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The winner of the C-USA Tournament gets an automatic bid, but the other teams will still be fighting for an at-large bid to the big dance.

The Charlotte 49ers should be favored in the C-USA tournament as they’ve scored the most goals this season as well as hold the best goal differential. Kyle Parker and Dominic Bonilla will NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

be looked at to carry the offensive load as Parker leads the conference in points while Bonilla leads the conference in assists as well as assists per game.

Coach Langan has commented on his team’s goal-scoring ability throughout the year, praising his team in that the goals can come from any player on the pitch. Kyle Parker has averaged at least a point per game this season which bodes well for the 49ers because they don’t need many goals to win a game.

Charlotte goalkeeper Austin Pack has only allowed 13 goals this year which ranks him among the top three goalkeepers in the conference.

Charlotte’s two time offensive player of the week Brandt Bronico also deserves a mention as he has been the guy the 49ers look to in their time of need.

Bronico has come through for the 49ers, having scored three game-winners.

Bronico also has his name among the top 10 ranked players in nearly every offensive category.

Bronico is the 49ers go-to guy, and that will not change as they enter the most important games of the season.

The 49ers are looking for back-to-back C-USA Tournament titles after winning the championship last year in front of their home crowd.

The C-USA men’s soccer tournament kicks off Nov. 12 and crowns a champion on Sunday, Nov. 16.

The first two rounds of games will be streamed on the C-USA website while the championship game will be televised and aired live on the FOX Sports Network.

NINERTIMES

CHARLOTTE VS. WESLEY COLLEGE 路 NOV. 15, 2014

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49ERS SUFFER SIXTH STRAIGHT LOSS THE CHARLOTTE 49ERS DROPPED TO 3-6 ON THE SEASON AFTER SATURDAY’S BLOWOUT LOSS AGAINST NO. 2 COASTAL CAROLINA MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

NOV. 15, 2014 CHARLOTTE VS. WESLEY VOLUME 2 · ISSUE 5

2 Coastal recap 4 Wesley preview 5 Game picks 6 Tailgating rules 7 Phillips profile 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 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

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

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The Charlotte 49ers took the field against the No. 2 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Saturday afternoon with all the odds stacked against them, and it showed in a 59-34 blowout loss in front of a lackluster crowd inside Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Coastal Carolina entered the game undefeated, boasting a perfect 9-0 record, while the 49ers took the field with a backup quarterback under center and a defense that has been dreadful during the past five weeks.

“There’s not much to say. We got beat up pretty good by a really good football team,” said 49ers head coach Brad Lambert post game.

“Those guys got after us pretty good and from the opening kick we couldn’t do much on offense. Our third down defense wasn’t very good. We’ve just got to get back to work, continue to progress and try to win the next game.”

Charlotte pinned the Chanticleers on their own goal line early in the first quarter, but couldn’t take advantage on defense. The 49ers had two opportunities to get off the field on third down, but quarterback Alex Ross drove Coastal Carolina 99 yards and capped the drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown for an early 7-0 lead.

The Chanticleers didn’t stop there. Coastal Carolina found the end zone on five of their first six possessions and posted a commanding 35-0 lead with 7:56 remaining in the first half.

Charlotte’s 35-point deficit in the second quarter is the largest in school history.

49ers backup quarterback Lee McNeill played well in his first career collegiate start, but the game was already out of reach before he found his rhythm. Charlotte allowed 690 yards of total offense and the Chanticleers dominated the line of scrimmage with six rushing touchdowns on the afternoon.

The 49ers have allowed at least 440 yards of total offense in every game during their current six-game losing skid. Opposing offenses have eclipsed the 600yard mark three times, including The Citadel who racked up over 700 yards with their triple-option attack a few weeks ago.

“We put ourselves in a position

with third and long and we just can’t get off the football field,” said Lambert when asked about his defense.

“We have to look at what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and who’s doing it. We’ve got to work on everything.”

The 49ers found themselves trailing 21-0 early in the second quarter when the offense first began to show signs of life. McNeill drove Charlotte inside the Coastal Carolina 30 before the drive stalled, forcing a Blake Brewer field goal attempt. Brewer pushed the 44-yard attempt wide left and that’s all it took for the Chanticleers to blow the game wide open.

On the ensuing drive, Coastal Carolina marched the ball 73 yards in less than two minutes.

Backup running back Oshamar

Lee McNeill threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Photo by Ben Coon.

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

Abercrombie busted up the middle for a one-yard touchdown run that extended the Chanticleers lead to 28-0.

The Coastal Carolina defense made their impact felt just minutes later when Pernell Williams delivered a bone-jarring hit on McNeill that forced a fumble deep in 49ers territory. Defensive end Roderick Holder recovered the fumble for the Chanticleers and returned it seven yards for their fifth touchdown of the game.

Charlotte finally got on the board late in the first half when McNeill began to settle into the game. The 49ers drove 83 yards on 13 plays and McNeill found true freshman receiver T.L. Ford for a five-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 35-7 as both teams headed to the locker room for halftime.

Any momentum Charlotte garnered with that late first half touchdown was extinguished when Ross sprinted 41 yards for his second rushing touchdown of the day on Coastal Carolina’s first drive of the second half.

The lone bright spot for the

Kalif Phillips eclipsed 1,000 rushing for the 2014 season. Photo by Chris Crews.

49ers on Saturday afternoon was the play of running back Kalif Phillips. Phillips racked up 159 yards rushing on the ground, including a 51-yard touchdown in the third quarter that made the score 42-14.

Phillips set two school records on his touchdown run. He now has 14 touchdowns this season, the most in program history, and he also broke the 1,000 yard rushing mark, becoming the first Charlotte running back to accomplish that milestone.

“It didn’t matter to me if I got 1,000 yards,” said Phillips.

“Obviously I’m grateful for it.

The coaches give me a chance to run the ball, and the offensive line does a great job pushing them back and opening things up for me.”

Damarrell Alexander, the 49ers backup running back, made his presence felt on special teams. Alexander broke loose for a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown late in the third quarter, delivering Charlotte’s first special teams touch-

CHARLOTTE VS. WESLEY COLLEGE · NOV. 15, 2014

down of the season.

McNeill struggled early in the game, but looked impressive in the second half. He finished the day completing 18 of his 33 pass attempts for 236 yards and two touchdowns through the air. McNeill also added a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter and played well enough to give the 49ers a chance to win if not for the awful defensive performance.

“It was an excellent opportunity for me against an excellent team,” said McNeill following his first start.

“They blitzed me a lot and their cornerbacks and safetys played tight coverage which threw me out of sync for a while. I’m grateful for this opportunity and it’s definitely something I can learn from.”

If nothing else, the Charlotte coaching staff has to be comfortable with McNeill at the helm of the offense moving forward if regular starter Matt Johnson is unable to play again this season after suffering an MCL tear two weeks ago.

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THE BREAKDOWN The Charlotte 49ers will be desperate for their first win in over two months when they host Wesley College this Saturday

UNC CHARLOTTE FOOTBALL 2014 THURSDAY, AUG. 28

Campbell

at Buies Creek, N.C.

7 p.m.

MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

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 The Charlotte 49ers will look to get back in the win column this Saturday afternoon when they welcome the Division III Wesley College Wolverines to Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The 49ers currently sit with a 3-6 overall record and haven’t won a game since Sept. 13. Charlotte has lost six straight games since starting the season 3-0.

The Wolverines may be a Division III program, but Charlotte can’t overlook them. Wesley enters Saturday’s contest undefeated, boasting a 9-0 record, and they’re currently ranked No. 4 in the country at the Division III level.

The 49ers got a taste of just how talented the Wolverines are last year. Charlotte hosted Wesley on Nov. 9, 2013 and suffered a 35-28 loss in front of a stunned home crowd.

The Wolverines scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter en route to victory. Wesley’s defense forced three Charlotte turnovers and their offense converted 10 of 17 third downs on the afternoon.

Lee McNeill will likely earn his second consecutive start under center for the 49ers as Matt Johnson is still recovering from an MCL tear in his left knee.

McNeill has been impressive in relief of Johnson this season, and he actually threw a touchdown pass on a fake field goal in last year’s matchup with the Wolverines.

McNeill put up 236 yards through the air against Coastal Carolina last weekend while also tossing two touchdown passes. Most importantly, he didn’t throw an interception against the Chanticleers and will need to take care of the ball against Wesley to keep the 49ers defense out of tough situations.

The Wolverines defense has been unbelievably good this season albeit against sub-par competition.

Wesley allows an avearge of just 8.2 points per game, including holding six of their nine opponents to seven points or less.

Wesley has an extremely opportunistic defense that has forced 33 turnovers in 2014. The Wolverines have 16 interceptions this season and will look to rattle McNeill early and often in just his second career start.

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49ers running back Kalif Phillips will be the key to Charlotte’s gameplan as he is nearly every week.

Phillips carried the load against Wesley last year, posting 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon.

Phillips became the first player in Charlotte history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season with his 159 yard performance last week against Coastal Carolina. He enters this week’s game with 1,081 rushing yards and a team-high 14 touchdowns in 2014.

The key for the 49ers on offense will be converting on third down. Charlotte has converted just 33 percent of their third down attempts this season.

The real concern for Charlotte lies on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers defense has been gashed nearly every week for the past two months and they allowed 690 yards and 59 points against the Chanticleers a week ago.

Charlotte’s defense has allowed at least 600 yards of total offense on three different occasions this season, including giving up 709 yards against the triple-option attack of The Citadel.

The 49ers have been without their two inside linebackers Caleb Clayton-Molby and Nick Cook for the majority of the season, and head coach Brad Lambert insists that his team needs to communicate better if they want to slow down opposing offenses.

Wesley is great on the defensive side of the ball, but they’re no slouch on offense either. The Wolverines average 53.2 points per game and put 70 points on the board in a game on Oct. 18.

Junior quarterback Joe Callahan boasts a ridiculous 32-2 touchdown to interception ratio. Although, the 49ers did intercept Callahan twice in last year’s game despite the loss.

The 49ers have to be desperate for a win as their current six-game losing streak is the longest in program history. Charlotte has kept it close in every loss this year aside from last week’s game against the Chanticleers.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Nov. 15 inside Jerry Richardson Stadium.

GOLDRUSH · A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

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

STAFF GAME PICKS Members of Student Niner Media give their predictions for the Wesley College game Saturday

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 37, WES 34

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 49, WES 35

“The 49ers are desperate for a win. Charlotte has the advantage in talent over their Division III opponent. Kalif Phillips has to carry the offense to help McNeill at quarterback.”

“Wesley is among the best teams in Division III football and is undefeated, but the 49ers are due for a win after good performances in their last two games.”

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 42, WES 31

FINAL SCORE: CHAR 41, WES 38

“Wesley has a pretty strong passing attack. Charlotte will have to pressure the quarterback and maybe come up with a couple interceptions.”

“It’s been a hard season for the 49ers, and the guys are definitely hungry for a win. It’ll be tough against undefeated Wesley, but Charlotte will come out on top.”

Tweet us your predictions to @NT_Sports using #CHARWESPicks CHARLOTTE VS. WESLEY COLLEGE · NOV. 15, 2014

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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.

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GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

PHILLIPS’ MILESTONE SEASON CHARLOTTE 49ERS RUNNING BACK KALIF PHILLIPS IS HAVING A YEAR FOR THE RECORD BOOKS Phillips delivers a stiff-arm to a Charleston Southern defender. Photo by Ben Coon.

Even during his true freshman season in 2013, splitting carries with Alan Barnwell, it was clear that Kalif Phillips would be the answer in the Charlotte backfield for years to come.

Phillips possesses the power running style that strikes fear in opposing defensive backs, but also the quickness and breakaway speed that leaves linebackers grasping at air in the hole. He’s just as likely to run you over as he is to stutter-step and break a game-changing touchdown run down the sideline.

“As I always say, my style can be described as undecided,” said Phillips.

“You never know what I’m going to do. If I don’t have anywhere to go then I’ll run through you, but if you give me an inch I’ll just break it.

I’d describe myself more as a power runner, but whenever I need to break loose I just put my feet to work.”

Phillips has proven to be one of the most dynamic players on the 49ers roster alongside wide receiver Austin Duke. He averages an outstanding 5.9 yards per carry throughout his career and has already racked up 1,797 yards on the ground in less than two full seasons.

Given his rare combination of power and speed, Phillips has had a knack for finding the end zone during his time in green and white.

Through the first 20 games of his collegiate career Phillips has 27 total touchdowns, more than any other player during the short history of football in the Queen City.

“I came here to Charlotte because I knew we were going to make history,” Phillips said.

“Nobody can take your name out of the history book. I felt by coming here that I could make a name for myself. I wanted to be one of the leaders for this thing. As a start up program we didn’t already have leaders established. I wanted to come in and show others how to work and

MATT CHAPMAN SPORTS EDITOR

prove myself.”

Phillips signed with the 49ers in February, 2013 after his senior season of high school ball at A.L. Brown in nearby Kannapolis, N.C. He rushed for more than 2,500 yards throughout his high school career and played in the annual Shrine Bowl, an all-star game of sorts between the best high school seniors in North and South Carolina.

Charlotte Head Coach Brad Lambert knew what he had when he recruited Phillips and no one was a bigger advocate for the running back than A.L. Brown Head Coach Mike Newsome.

“Kalif Phillips is a tremendous football player and the perfect fit for Charlotte football,” said Newsome after Phillips signed with the 49ers.

“He has the ability to set records that will not be broken for a long time. On top of his football attributes he is a fine young man that Niner Nation will be proud to call one of their own.”

Phillips entered spring practice in 2013 as a true freshman and immediately entered a competition with Alan Barnwell for the number one spot on the depth chart.

The two running backs split the carries during the inaugural season in 2013, but Phillips was the back that stood out to the Charlotte fans and to the coaches on film.

Phillips carried the ball just 129 times during the 2013 season, four less than Barnwell, yet he still gained 716 yards rushing on the season, nearly 100 more than Barnwell. Phillips scored 12 touchdowns on the ground as a true freshman and also caught a touchdown pass for a team-high 13 touchdowns on the season.

Barnwell was dismissed from the team during the offseason, but Lambert and the rest of the Charlotte coaching staff knew that they could rely on Phillips to carry the load in 2014.

“Coming in during spring practice after being hurt the coaches told me that I was going to

be the guy,” said Phillips.

“Splitting the carries with Barnwell, they just wanted to see who was going to put in more work and if I was going to push myself to get the starting position. I’m very competitive.

Now that I’m the starter it just makes me want to push myself more. I want to win and I don’t want anyone taking my position.”

Throughout the 2014 season Phillips has established his position as an every-down running back in the 49ers system.

Phillips has 175 carries through the first nine games of the season, that’s 129 more carries than true freshman Maetron Thomas who is second on the team with 46.

Phillips has been even more explosive this year than he was in 2013, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He recently became the first back in Charlotte history to eclipse the 1,000 yard rushing mark in a single season and currently has 1,081 yards with two games remaining in his sophomore campaign.

He has a team-high 14 touchdowns this season and has found the end zone in all but two of the 49ers games.

While the personal accolades are great, Phillips is focused on winning football games and that’s something the 49ers have struggled with throughout the past two months.

“I think we need to start games stronger,” Phillips said when asked about the season to this point.

“If we started stronger we wouldn’t be in this perdicament that we’re in right now. It’s not just an offensive thing, it’s the defense too. There’s a lot of mistakes that we can get rid of that’ll give us a better chance to win games.”

Phillips has two seasons of eligibility remaining after 2014 and will be a key to Charlotte’s success as they make the jump to Conference USA and FBS football in 2015.

CHARLOTTE VS. WESLEY COLLEGE · NOV. 15, 2014

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8

GOLDRUSH 路 A NINER TIMES SPECIAL SECTION

Technological advancements in the classroom cause distractions for students Claire Shaw

STAFF WRITER It is normal for students at UNC Charlotte to bring laptops, smartphones and other devices to their classes, but recently, various lecture halls and rooms at UNC Charlotte have become more technologically advanced. Computers are provided for every student at their desk, televisions/projectors circle the entire room and students are encouraged to use the technology they have available to them.

Technology provides endless information for us, so this may seem like a great idea. After all, the classroom is the place where we learn the most. The technology does provide information, but it also provides a distraction for students.

The classrooms at UNC Charlotte with the most technology are called Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TEC). They provide document cameras, projectors, laptops at each desk, televisions and more in the classroom for professors to use. This endless technology can give easy access to information, but also creates an environment that may be hard for students to learn in.

Classroom technology is not meant to be the teacher, but rather the actual professor who has become knowledgeable in the subject of the class.

Technology might make fewer mistakes than a professor, but it gives students a reason to check their Facebook account or play solitaire instead of paying attention.

The Internet is a vast source of information, which I encourage professors to use. Of course, professors do not know everything, so having technology is a plus in the classroom. Using it too much, though, simply leads to distraction.

Technology can become increasingly distracting for students with disabilities that cause them to be more easily distracted. Thus, it is an unfair disadvantage for them to be in such a distracting environment.

I have taken both traditional classes and

Laptops in the classroom can be an easy way for students to lose focus on learning. Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service

more technologically advanced classes, and I can honestly say that I learned the most in the traditional classrooms. I was able to focus more on the professor and taking notes, rather than be distracted by my email or Twitter account.

In the classes with the most technology, I observed students listening to music, doing other assignments and browsing their Twitter feed throughout the entire of class. I do not find them completely at fault, though – even I have

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.

NINERONLINE.COM

done this. It is mostly because the distraction of technology provides an easy way out of listening to a “boring” lecture.

Without the technological distractions, students can focus on the professor and material for the class. I am a strong advocate for traditional classroom settings because even though I love technology, it leads to less studying and actual learning in classes.

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.

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

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

editor@nineronline.com

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CAN’T SURVIVE

ON $7.25 Minimum wage should increase to match the cost of living Casey Aldridge

STAFF WRITER Nearly everywhere I go, I take my backpack with me. My backpack is covered in an array of political buttons I’ve collected over the past few years, but squarely in the middle and side-by-side, two of the buttons read: “What Would Dr. King Do?” and “I Support A $15/hr Minimum Wage.”

I got the first at a fast-food strike here in Charlotte, in which workers walked out of their restaurants to protest collectively for a living wage of $15 an hour and the right to form a union without retaliation.

I’ve had the honor of doing social media reporting from the strike line for North Carolina Raise Up, part of the larger nationwide coalition in the “Fight for $15” that has called walkouts and strikes of increasing magnitude over the last year and a half.

I picked up the latter button at last year’s “Historic Thousands on Jones Street” protest in Raleigh, N.C. from a crew of Socialist Alternative party members. That protest, which saw over 80,000 people converge on the state capitol from around the South, was the culmination of a summer of Moral Monday protests against far-right policies in our state, attracting national attention along the way.

This summer, I flew to Seattle

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to work on a campaign for Jess Spear for Washington State House, a climate scientist and Socialist Alternative member running for office who had spearheaded a group called Fifteen Now. With the help of Fifteen Now, local unions and working people and Socialist Alternative – who in 2013 elected the first socialist to Seattle City Council in a century – Seattle was able to pass a $15 an hour minimum wage. However, because of opposition from big business interests, that wage increase will be phased in and contain certain loopholes.

Still, it’s the highest in the country, and the movement is spreading. Fifteen Now chapters are hard at work to raise the minimum wage in Pittsburgh. On Election Day, the voters of San Francisco approved a ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour – the nation’s highest. And voters in generally conservative Arkansas, South Dakota, Nebraska and Alaska each voted to raise their minimum wage by ballot initiative.

Momentum is spreading, especially with pressure from fastfood workers. On Sept. 4, strikes occurred in over 100 U.S. cities, where more than 430 workers participated in civil disobedience,

getting arrested to demand dignity.

Even President Obama supports a modest raise of the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, though that falls well below the cost of living in most U.S. cities.

So, why should it be raised to $15? And why do we need it here?

According to a study conducted by MIT, the living wage for one adult in Charlotte is $10.02. For a family of two adults and two children, a worker needs to be making $19.76 an hour for 40 hours per week just to support their family.

But North Carolina does not have a minimum wage set above the bare federal level of $7.25, meaning that an adult making minimum wage here is not able to support himself or herself adequately on 40 hours a week, much less their family.

And amongst the 50 largest cities in the United States, Charlotte came in last in a rating of social mobility last year – that is, the ability of children growing up in the bottom 20 percent of the Charlotte area to reach the top 20 percent economically.

People then either cut back or work more. But the basis of the labor movements so prominent in the early 20th century was the idea of the eight-hour workday: eight hours of work, eight hours of sleep

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

and eight hours of “what you will.”

We have the eight-hour workday, but what we don’t have is the guarantee of eight hours of what you will. If one’s wages are not enough to make a living, then that person has little choice if any but to work longer hours, see their family less and take less time to themselves.

In fast food work, gone are the days of teenagers trying to make some summer cash; today, 70 percent of the 2.3 million fast-food workers in the United States are older than 20 and 39 percent are at least 25 years old. Eighty-five percent have a high school degree and over a third have some college under their belt. Fifty-two percent rely on government aid just to feed their families, all because of the negligence of large corporations unwilling to pay fair wages.

Just before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, he kicked off the “Poor People’s Campaign,” which at the time called for a revolutionary $2 an hour minimum wage. In today’s figures, $2 comes to $15.27. For King then, and for workers today, it has never been about anything more than survival – survival with dignity. I support a living wage; I support a $15 an hour minimum wage.

NINERTIMES

Taylor Swift swipes music from Spotify The pros and cons to Swift removing her music from the streaming website

Patrick Bogans

STAFF WRITER

IN HER DEFENSE:

In 1989, Taylor Swift acknowledges all of her haters. She smartly sings about her personality, the rumors of her countless ex-lovers and the rest of what has become her very public personal life.

Whether or not she’s playing up the persona is up to the consumers of the tabloid media. But one thing is for sure: most of us are intrigued in one way or another.

With the release of her fifth album, Swift has garnered some great headlines and some not-so-positive ones. Positive reviews have flooded sites, praising Swift’s transition into a surprisingly distinct sound. 1989 has officially burned up the charts, selling over one million copies in its first week of release, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Outside of the “Frozen” soundtrack, no other album has sold that many copies this year, let alone in a week.

But the stance Swift has taken against Spotify and her haters have reignited the intrigue and the mystique of who exactly Taylor Swift is and what she represents.

Swift and her record label, Big Machine Records, removed her entire music catalog from the streaming service last week. Earlier this year, Swift vocalized her stance against free music streaming services, writing an Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal stating, “Music is art, and art is important and rare. Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for.”

Recently in an interview with Yahoo! Music, the singer explained her decision to remove her catalog from

NINERONLINE.COM

Torron Williams INTERN

Spotify, saying she did not want to be a part of the “grand experiment,” which could ultimately lose her, and her fellow artists, money. And to take such a strong stance against a streaming service, Swift had strong trust in her fans to stick and buy the physical copy.

But the big problem now is that, if Swift is going to take her music off of Spotify, what about the other countless other free streaming services that still have her music? Yes, you may not be able to pick the exact song that plays, but that’s still a free play. Millennials will find a work around to listen to music, whether it’s through YouTube or other illegal music download services.

She is a great songwriter, an energetic performer, but most of all, an all-around smart pop star.

STOP BEING STINGY:

Just two weeks ago Swift’s fifth studio album, 1989 was released, and simultaneously the leading hit single of the album, “Shake It Off,” was removed from Spotify. Not long after its removal, Swift’s entire catalog of music was also removed from the service, leaving several listeners and super-fans wondering what was really going on.

Swift and affiliates of Big Machine Records have made several statements as to why they have decided to go against the grain and fight the powers that have become legal music services. Spotify offers artists an opportunity to make a small fraction of what they would from album sales, but apparently it is not enough for Swift. As an independent

Swift performing in Charlotte in 2013 on her Red Tour.

Photo by Michelle Carpenter

artist, Swift is already making more from her music than most major label artists would, so she should not necessarily be pressed to hoard maximum earnings if it has potential to interfere with her fan base.

There are several listeners that pay for Spotify. Although it does not offer artists and composers as much royalties as it does if listeners bought material in-store or via digital music retailers, Spotify Premium is still a legal streaming service that costs money. The issue that Swift has is that the free variant of Spotify allows access to her music with no reparation whatsoever (other than having to endure 30-second ads every few songs). Regardless of this, she is still getting paid for each listen.

What’s even more contradicting

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

is that Swift’s content still exists on other streaming services like Radio and Pandora, which pay just a little more in royalties than Spotify does.

So if Taylor Swift feels like these streaming services are not paying enough, she should have removed her content from all services and not just the service that is paying the least amount in royalties.

Limiting listeners to have to purchase her content absolutely and axing the “try before you buy” substance that has resulted from Spotify will definitely interfere with the chance of Swift’s already expansive fan base from growing even more. It will also bring on the perception that Swift is opposed to any “half-steppin” fans and favors those who adopt her preferred methods of transaction.

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“Interstellar” is the best movie of the year Hunter Heilman

STAFF WRITER “Locke” starring Tom Hardy has been the reigning champ of the “my favorite movie of the year” title since May, and I was convinced it was going to stay that way, but now I can’t say that.

“Interstellar” is here to stay.

Christopher Nolan’s space epic, a raging love letter to such movies like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Moon,” takes us to the far reaches of space and begins to ponder the fragility of human existence when posed with the prospect of extinction.

Being his first post-Batman movie, Nolan had quite a lot to live up to, and he delivers on one of the largest scales imaginable, pushing the boundaries of not only the physical boundaries of the human endeavor, but the spiritual ones as well.

With an all-star cast, a strong story, visual effects beyond comprehension and a message to reach those big

and small, “Interstellar” is what I’ve been waiting for.

Matthew McConaughey plays Cooper, a former pilot and engineer working as a farmer in a desolated, yet still habitable Earth. He is drafted by a secretly upheld NASA to pilot an expedition to explore potentially inhabitable worlds to relocate the human race.

McConaughey, coming off his Oscar-winning performance in “Dallas Buyers Club,” is fantastic. He found a perfect balance between being serious and laying on his signature charm, which luckily is nowhere near overpowering in this piece.

Anne Hathaway is another astronaut on the journey. Her character of Amelia Brand is complicated as she has personal ties on Earth, but also on a previous mission, causing her to ponder not only how to succeed in her mission, but how to lean with her heart on the importance of

“Interstellar” poster. Photo courtesy of movie website.

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Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, David Gyasi, Toph Oyelowo

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Ellen Burstyn, Michzael Caine, Mackenzie Foy, Bill Irwin, Josh Stewart,

Runtime: 169 minutes

those involved on Earth and those in space.

Jessica Chastain is a powerhouse as Cooper’s daughter, Murph, who is older now due to the relative time change of space to Earth. Chastain balances the scales of distant daughter, mad at her father’s abandonment of her, and concerned scientist, trying to figure out how, and when he and his team will return.

The cast is extensive in this film, and impressive at that too, including Michael Caine, John Lithgow, Ellen Burstyn, Topher Grace, Casey Affleck, Mackenzie Foy, Bill Irwin, Josh Stewart, David Gyasi, Wes Bentley, David Oyelowo and a special appearance I was not expecting; therefore I will not spoil here. The cast all delivers wonderful performances.

Nolan directs this film much like Stanley Kubrick directed “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and never did I feel that he was somehow trying to replicate that in any way. I feel this film as sort of a tribute to how Kubrick paved the way for movies like this in our society.

The film can be tied closely with “Gravity” due to the proximity of releases and its setting, but comparing those two movies would be like comparing “Les Misérables” and “Hairspray,” simply because they are both musicals.

Nolan released the film early to cinemas still carrying film projectors, those in 35mm, 70mm and 70mm IMAX, in which much of the film was shot. I, unfortunately didn’t see the film initially in IMAX, though it won’t be long before I do.

The 35mm print I saw was pris-

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

Rating: PG-13 for some intense perilous action and brief strong language

tine and beautiful, and beautiful is an understatement to describe this film. It’s possibly one of the most visually stunning films ever made, and I say that with no hesitation.

There’s no doubt, “Interstellar” is the best film of the year.

Perfect? Not quite, but I hardly have ever come across a film that is.

What is here though is a story that transcends the boundaries of what it means to live, and how we are to live it.

The film’s ending finds a perfect way to leave what there is to be open, while never once implying a cash-grabbing sequel. I see wholeheartedly why Warner Bros. wanted so badly to be a part of this movie, to partner with their No. 1 rival, Paramount, and to even sell some franchises to Paramount to help finance the film. It’s a bold move, but one that never once seems to have been wasted.

And while the film borders on three hours long, never once was I bored or ever checked the clock on my phone, which is a justified accomplishment all it’s own. “Interstellar” made me feel the beauty on the screen, not just see it.

Nolan has crafted a complex, deeply-rooted story of not only science-fiction wonder, but of love and what it is to be human.

I have no doubt when saying that “Interstellar” is, and probably will remain, my favorite movie of the year.

My rating:

NINERTIMES

Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger comes to campus Leanna Pough

A&E EDITOR Remember when you were a kid and nothing was more exciting than a field trip? In elementary school we would have special visits from entertainers. I remember walking down the hall in a single file line to the library for a surprise puppet show.

Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger made kids out of college students Thursday, Nov. 6.

Trefzger introduced us to a few puppets and audience members with some elaborate stories, like flirtatious Emily and her hair flip.

She interacted with the crowd asking questions about our football team and relationships.

This reading of the audience allows for Trefzger’s great timing. Knowing when to bring out

Photos by Mikki Stith

a new puppet and when to call someone out for leaving to go to the “potty.”

Her raw jokes give an adult tone to a childhood treat.

She snores, sneezes and somehow makes a water break funny.

Her impromptu sense of humor and outspoken puppets made me mad I didn’t get a seat in the front. I should’ve asked to be line leader!

For a full photo slideshow, visit NinerOnline.com ACROSS 1 Digital periodical, briefly 5 Part of CBS: Abbr.

9 Comics title character who married Irving 14 Kitchen floor covering, in Kent 15 __ Ness monster 16 Earth pigment 17 Sooner State city 18 Architectural S-curve 19 Rays of light 20 Taking the top spot 23 Roman fountain 24 Volcano in Sicily 25 “What’s happenin’?”

28 In the least favorable case 31 Brit’s “Bye-bye” 32 Cleopatra’s undoing 35 Slim and muscular 36 Annie with a gun 38 With 40-Across, remaining

NINERONLINE.COM

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

focused 40 See 38-Across 41 Gold purity measures 42 Brother of Cain 43 Item in a P.O. box 44 This, in Seville 45 Fed up with 48 For what reason 49 Capricorn’s animal 50 Creates 54 Betting it all 58 “Hot corner” base 60 Cowboys quarterback Tony 61 R&B singer India.__ 62 Exposed 63 Explorer __ the Red 64 Reject as false 65 Brass or bronze 66 CPR pros 67 It’s a long story

DOWN 1 Put into office 2 Insignificant 3 Japanese cartoon style 4 Premium chocolate brand 5 Walk laboriously, as through mud 6 Quotable Berra 7 The stuff of many postcard photos 8 Burglaries 9 Hooded snake 10 King beaters 11 “It’s not true!”

12 Pants bottom 13 Decade tenths: Abbr.

21 Knucklehead 22 Chanted 26 Sch. with a Chattanooga campus 27 Subscription-based home entertainment 29 Churchill of the United Kingdom 30 Charity’s URL ending 31 Fight stopper, for short 32 Cockeyed 33 Hidden supply 34 Free-spirited socializer 37 Poise 39 Former NBA center __ Ming 40 U.K. award 42 Painting or sculpture 46 “No argument from me” 47 Electrical capacitance units 49 Dizzy with delight 51 Divided country 52 Barely managing, with “out” 53 Parting words, perhaps after the visit suggested by the starts of 20-, 38-/40- and 54-Across 55 Twistable cookie 56 Fail to mention 57 Mythical birds 58 TV schedule abbr.

59 Actor Holbrook

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DON’T FALL TO ALLERGIES

Cooling temperatures have many of us wanting to run outside to enjoy the sunshine before the bleak days of winter arrive. Don’t let pesky fall allergies ruin your fun. Use these tips to stay healthy

Quan Siler

STAFF WRITER Spring time is notorious for the pollen that wraps its evil tendrils around our throats and sinuses, causing hacking, stuffy noses and scratchy eyes.

Everyone is relieved when premium hay fever season is over, but do not go outside and roll in the grass in celebration just yet.

According to Web M.D., 30 million people in America have allergy flair ups in the fall season. This means roughly from September to November, 9.5 percent of all Americans will be going about their day with some kind of symptom caused by allergies.

I know what you are thinking: fall is when the temperature drops, the trees undress and many things in nature slowly die, so what would be the culprit that is causing the allergies anyway?

The number one cause of fall allergies is ragweed pollen.

With its cousin being the beautiful daisy, ragweed gets an ugly reputation because of the pollen this plant produces. Although it grows close to the ground, its pollen is carried by the wind and blended in the air.

Ragweed causes the allergic reactions we all despise such as runny nose, stuffy nose, coughing, itchy eyes, itchy throats, congestion and fatigue.

It seems like it is nearly impossible to avoid allergies throughout the year, unless you live in a sanitized, plastic bubble. For those of us who do not, I have provided some tips on how to survive this season without giving to allergies.

Because fall is also the time of the year when your good friend the flu moves back in town, it is extremely important to seek professional advice if your usual allergy symptoms

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become exaggerated, you experience prolonged fever or if your muscles ache.

Benadryl and other generic antihistamines can be found on pharmacy shelves.

Asthma sufferers, beware The histamine properties in ragweed pollen have been known to trigger asthma attacks in those with asthma; even when the condition has been dormant.

Remember to keep your rescue inhaler with you throughout the allergy season if you are asthmatic, especially if you are going to be outside working or exercising.

Go all natural If you have done all you can to avoid pollen this fall, yet you have still succumbed to allergies, there are holistic ways to make your experience less miserable.

Honey will ease the pain of a scratchy and sore throat and chamomile tea has relaxing qualities so

Avoid going outside on windy days Days like these generally contain the most pollen floating in the air.

If you must go outside, keep exposure brief. On chilly days, you can wrap your scarf around your nose and mouth to provide protection from inhaling as much pollen.

Stock up on supplements Dietary supplements like Airborne and Defense, are packed with vitamins and minerals that help boost your immune system.

They usually come in tablets that dissolve in cold water, powder that dissolves in warm water and lozenges. It is a good idea to take one or two of these a week during allergy season, especially if you begin to feel the onset of allergies.

Antihistamines are your friend Antihistamines work to block the histamine protein found in most pollens.

For a relief of your allergy symptoms, your doctor can prescribe you over-the-counter medicine such as Claritin, Alavert, Allegra and Zyrtec.

have a cup of tea and honey at night to help you fall off to sleep.

A Neti Pot helps relieve dry sinuses, as well as flushes out any allergens hiding in your nose and throat.

Finally, a humidifier uses warm water vapor to relieve congestion.

These tips should have you geared up and ready for the seasonal war with pesky allergy symptoms. May your immune system be ever in your favor.

OVER THE COUNTER ALLERGY MEDICINES Sudafed PE Sudafed PE is a great relief for sinus headaches and pain. It also works for nasal congestion.

In a 2009 issue of Annals of Allergy, there was research done saying that after only one dose, participants who were given Sudafed improved their condition within six hours.

You can buy Sudafed PE at Wallgreen’s fpr $6.99 or two for $12.

Afrin Afrin is a nasal spray that helps nasal decongestion.

Using a spray helps get rid of a stubborn stuffy nose easier.

This is because you are spraying the medicine directly onto the infected area where as taking a pill takes a little longer to start working.

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

There are different types of Afrin you can get. The price is about $6-8.

Visine-A This treats redness, itchy and watery eyes.

This medicine helps make sure your eyes do not produce more histamines. Histamines are what makes your eyes red and itchy.

Visine-A sells for $10.

Claritin This treats runny or itchy nose, eyes and throat. It also helps with sneezing.

Claritian comes in tablets for 12 hours and 24 hours of relief. It is also non-drowsy so you will not become tired after taking it.

Claritin sells for $23-$26 depending on which dose you need.

NINERTIMES

DIY

Fall fashion DRESSING FOR THE NEW SEASON DOESN’T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK. CHECK OUT THESE DIY FASHIONS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE

Jessica Hubbard

T-shirt dress with a leather jacket

INTERN

As the leaves begin to change and weather becomes colder, we are starting to wear more layers.

With more layers, we are spending more money in order to dress for the season. As college students, our bank accounts get smaller as the semester goes on.

I have discovered some secrets that can help out not only your budget, but your look for this fall season.

My closet only consists of thrift store finds, do-it-yourself’s and clearance items; I no longer believe in paying full price for anything.

Denim shirts

Everyone can notice that denim shirts are coming back in style, and I have a couple.

I was able to find this shirt for only $10 in the clearance department.

Denim shirts are perfect because you could pair them with a bright tank top and black pants, like I did, or where them with colored pants and some jewelry.

They are also great to pair with a scarf to stay warm as the weather begins to turn cold.

This fitted navy blue dress was originally a man’s long sleeve t-shirt that I was able to find on clearance for only $9.

I bought a XXL t-shirt in order for it to fit me in length, and pulled the neck-line down over my arms so it hangs as a strap-

less dress.

I then tied the two sleeves behind my back in order to give the dress shape.

Pair this cheap find with a cute leather jacket and some boots, and you have a perfect casual fall outfit.

All photos in this spread by Jessica Hubbard

NINERONLINE.COM

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

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FASHION, cont.

Colored shirt with jean jacket This multicolored tank-top was found at a local consignment shop for only $4. The best part about this find, is I am able to wear it year-round.

I grabbed my jean jacket, that I was able to find for only $20 at an outlet store, and paired the two with some black jeans that are already in my closet.

Pair this shirt with a blazer and black slacks and you have perfect business attire.

Skirts

This is one of my favorites in my collection.

I found this navy skirt with embellishments throughout at a small boutique in Florida. The skirt was only $6, and I have been able to wear it for every occasion.

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Pair this easy-to-put-on piece with some heels for a dressy looks, or slip on some boots to give it a more casual feel. Either way you want to wear it, a casual skirt is a must-have in your closet.

NOV. 11 - 17, 2014

NINERTIMES