Niner Times: February 16, 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PUTTING A SPOTLIGHT ON BASKETBALL TEAM MANAGERS—THEY’RE VALUED BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED

OP-ED: MIA RAILS AGAINST ACTRESS STACEY DASH’S REQUEST TO END BLACK HISTORY MONTH

THE GHOST HUNTING CLUB DESCRIBES SOME OF THEIR INVESTIGATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

PG. 7

PG. 14

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PG. 10

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

VOL. 28, ISSUE 19

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News

Jordan Snyder

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editor@ninertimes.com

Nick Cropper news@ninertimes.com

Hunter Heilman ae@ninertimes.com

Casey Aldridge opinion@ninertimes.com

Diane Gromelski copy@ninertimes.com

Alyssa Fronk

community@ninertimes.com

video@ninertimes.com

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John Lineberger lifestyle@ninertimes.com

managing@ninertimes.com

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Andrew Hocutt layout@ninertimes.com

Stacey Dash Oscar comments Smoothies are terrible

A&E

Salina Dickie, Sydney Stephens, Trevor Wilt, Mia Shelton

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ADDITIONAL STAFF

New HBO drama “Vinyl” Jazz ensemble concert

Lifestyle

Erin Cortez, Indira Eskieva, Kathleen Cook, John Patrick, Jesse Nussman, Parris Wilson, Chris Crews, Sydney Swafford, Aleena Oliveira

Matt Lorenz

Basketball managers Laia Raventos essential traits

Opinion

Ben Robson photo@ninertimes.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sara Carson

Belk Plaza forum Cupid Shuffle 5k SGA updates

Sports

Jared Allen

sports@ninertimes.com

VIDEO PRODUCER

Andrew James

Contents

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Ghost Hunting Club The Peculiar Rabbit Humans of UNC Charlotte

Andrew Hocutt MARKETING STAFF

Tia Warren, David Mendez, Kristen Bobeng, Madeline Lemieux

NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT LITERARY-ARTS MAGAZINE MEDIA MARKETING • TECHNICAL

MEGAN VAN EMMERIK

Cover photo by Erin Cortez, contents photo by Aleena Oliveira

www.ninertimes.com/app 2

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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INPUT COLLECTED AT FIRST BELK PLAZA FORUM JORDAN SNYDER EDITOR -IN- CHIEF

Charlotte design and architecture firm LandDesign hosted the first of three public forums in the Cone University Center Lucas Room Feb. 8 to commence community input on the future of Belk Plaza.

Several UNC Charlotte architecture and urban design students, as well as members of the Student Government Association, volunteered to help set up the event and guide attendees through various feedback stations.

Richard Petersheim, senior landscape architect at LandDesign, addressed the crowd for a brief presentation before turning everyone loose to voice their opinion on numerous proposed design and functionality options for Belk Plaza.

He noted that compared to areas like the Student Union, this part of campus is “sleepy” and essentially only used as a pass-through.

“This part of campus currently doesn’t have any stickiness, as we call it,” said Petersheim. “There’s no real reason to stay there in between classes.”

Despite the close proximity of the Rowe Arts building, he said, none of that building’s creative energy spills out into the surrounding area.

Some of the feedback stations around the room asked attendees to answer, “What is the Belk Plaza to you?” and “How do you move through the space?” People could also physically draw on a map what they wanted to be included in the space.

Other feedback stations utilized visual preference exercises where community members looked at posters with a variety of example images of aesthetics, design and

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program options and voted on which images they liked or did not like.

People voted using stickers—green means good, red means bad— physically placing them under the example image in question.

For instance, an aesthetics poster had attendees take a stand on open space or separation, water fixtures, hardscape patterns, edge conditions and more.

The program feedback station asked people to choose a preference between permanent or temporary art, fixed or movable seating and a plaza with or without a tower.

Some options amassed large amounts of green dots, indicating high interest by the community.

One crowd favorite was a design featuring a wide open grassy space with cherry blossoms.

The crowd also seemed to favor temporary or non-fixed elements in the plaza: Temporary art, movable seating and temporary food (food trucks, for example) all received many positive votes.

However, other options received nearly all negative votes. Several red stickers accompanied a design featuring virtually all red brick and no greenery.

A joke about brick architecture from Petersheim’s presentation received a chuckle from the crowd.

For those who didn’t want to limit themselves to the images presented at the feedback stations, people could suggest their own images for LandDesign to store in its reference bank.

The two upcoming public forums will also take place in Lucas Room.

At the next forum on Feb. 22, attendees can look forward to seeing

the recently collected community input formulated into potential designs.

Then, April 4, LandDesign will present a final conceptual plan, though they still plan to be receptive to feedback throughout this process.

According to Campus Landscape

Architect Peter Franz, the final plan will go to the Board of Trustees sometime in August for approval.

Approval from the state is also required before moving forward.

Franz said the earliest time frame for construction to begin is probably late summer or early fall 2017.

One of multiple feedback stations filled with votes at the Belk Plaza public forum.

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

Photo by Jordan Snyder

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Cupid Shuffle 5K sheds light on domestic violence, unites Charlotte community Alpha Chi Omega and Sigma Alpha Epsilon of UNC Charlotte host second Cupid Shuffle 5K to benefit Safe Alliance domestic shelter of Charlotte ALYSSA FRONK COMMUNITY EDITOR

Love shouldn’t hurt, and the women of Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) reminded the Charlotte community of just that this past weekend during their second annual Cupid Shuffle 5K, which benefits the sorority’s philanthropy of domestic violence awareness, education and prevention.

Capping off AXO’s Healthy Relationships Week, the Kappa Rho chapter of UNC Charlotte kicked off their philanthropic event at noon on Saturday, Feb. 13. A little over 500 runners, volunteers and Charlotteans shuffled over to the Frank Liske Park for the highly anticipated 5K. Runners were given the option to sign up individually for $30 or as a pair for $50. First, second and third places prizes were awarded to both individual runners and couple runners.

According to co-coordinators Allysea Thompson and Lauren Vordenberg of AXO, the event garnered over $10,000 dollars from online race sign-ups alone, which is double the amount of runners to sign up compared to last year’s 5K. In addition, a little over $2,000 in donations and sponsorships was also raised.

“Domestic violence is a big concern and most people don’t talk about it,” said Thompson. “And it’s not just prevention of domestic violence, but also awareness and education that’s important. It’s the whole nine yards we’re trying to cover.”

With the collected total of more than $12,000, 85 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter of Charlotte and 15 percent to the Alphi Chi Omega Foundation.

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“Our goal was $11,000 but we’ve already raised $12,000, and that makes me happy because now we have an extra thousand to give to Safe Alliance.” said Thompson.

Thrilled with the community and student body support, AXO chapter president Taylor Sharpe shared her thoughts on the successful afternoon.

“It’s been amazing. Last year I know we didn’t have nearly this many people. So seeing that this is only our second time hosting the event and doubling the attendance that we had last year is phenomenal,” said Sharpe.

Also co-hosting for the second year in a row, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) showed their support throughout the day. The brothers of SAE provided and served 150 hot dogs and hamburgers for participants, ran in the 5K and offered continuous moral support.

SAE member Shayfer Early was one of the many first-time attendees.

“Domestic violence is a serious issue. It’s something that goes on kind of underground and a lot of times it’s not reported. It’s a bigger issue than people realize so events like this bring positive awareness to it,” said Early.

Several other members of the UNC Charlotte Greek community also showed their support in attendance.

“Domestic violence is hard to talk about because there is a stigma around it,” said AXO alumna and philanthropy advisor Amanda Whittemore. “We’re happy to help bring light and promote healthy relationships rather than only focus on the negative parts. We really want to promote positivity and love each other.”

The Kappa Rho chapter plans to establish the Cupid Shuffle 5K as an annual community event.

Couples Nathan Billman and Lex Miller (left) and Marie VandeVrede and Michael Wesely (right) placed third and first, respectively.

Photo by Aleena Oliveira

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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POLICE BLOTTER FEB. 8-12 ACCIDENT FEB. 9

• Resident Dining Hall, while backing, driver of vehicle one struck front quarter panel of vehicle two causing damage to vehicle two. No injuries were reported.

FEB. 12

• South Village Parking Deck, while backing out of a parking space, vehicle one was struck by vehicle two, which was traveling through the parking deck.

No injuries were reported.

Participants brave the cold to bring awareness to domestic violence. Photo by Aleena Oliveira

CARD THEFT FEB. 12

• Online, known person allegedly made a financial transaction from the victim’s bank account to their 49er account.

VANALISM FEB. 8

• McCall House, officer took a report referencing an individual who caused damage to UNC Charlotte property by punching holes in the wall.

FEB. 10

• Lot 8, unknown person(s) caused extensive damage to victim’s vehicle, which has deep gouge marks around the majority of the vehicle.

FEB. 11

• Scott Hall, officer responded to graffiti that was carved into the bathroom stall door in Scott Hall.

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

INDIRA ESKIEVA STAFF WRITER

The UNC Charlotte Student Government Association (SGA) had their weekly legislative meeting Feb. 11.

The SGA meeting was kicked off by the confirmation and swearing in of two new senate members, and continued on to welcome speaker David Rousmaniere, director of the student health center.

Student health insurance prices set to rise The cost of UNC Charlotte’s student health insurance premiums will increase by 32 percent next year, announced Rousmaniere. The significant increase of premium prices is because there has been an increase of claims being submitted. UNC Charlotte has the second largest student health program in the nation.

Messages from the executive office

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Only $105,000 was approved for event grants out of the $196,000 budget this year. With $117,000 still left to allocate, Student Body Treasurer Spencer Kwolyk urged senators to spread the word and get student organizations to apply for event grants.

Kwolyk is working on putting together a budget for next year.

He will ask for $214,000, the same amount as last year.

As to why more than half of the funds have not been used three quarters into the academic year, Kwolyk explains that the transition from paper forums to electronic and problems with the Orgsync system are the main reasons.

Potential changes on campus There have been plans and discussions to change the current bus company, Katz, for UNC Charlotte’s own transportation buses, which

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

would be cheaper.

There have also been talks to close down Craver Road because of its congestion, and finding an alternative route instead.

Messages from the senate Attempts are being made to try to film the college forums for YouTube, with the hopes to do the same with SGA meetings in the future.

Two new pieces of legislation were discussed. The first one was that the SGA hopes to mediate how to follow Robert’s Rules of Order, a guide on running meetings and conferences effectively.

The second legislation is an incentives pack to encourage senate retention and reward dedicated members.

Approved Grants A financial bill was approved for $5,787.67.

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FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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MEN IN BLACK Team managers make the (49ers basketball) world go round

KATHLEEN COOK STAFF WRITER

While attending a basketball game, you might have noticed the guys wearing the jerseys or the suits, but do you notice the crew decked out in black polo shirts and black pants?

This group, known as the team managers, are a pivotal part of the basketball operation. From locker room set up to laundry, these guys are crucial to the team.

“It’s the backbone of the team. If no one does the laundry, then they’ll show up the next morning with nothing to wear. If no one rolls the ball rack out, there are no balls to shoot with,” Senior Manager Kye Bunker said. “If we don’t do it, then Coach Price has to do it and that’s way under his pay-grade. It falls on us to do.”

Some of the managers have been doing this since freshman year. Senior Tyler Parr’s parents are Charlotte alumni, and he’s been attending 49er basketball games since he was young. When

Tyler had the opportunity to join the manager squad his freshman year, he took advantage of it.

“I just went up, introduced myself and we just started talking about Charlotte 49er basketball, which I have a passion for, and the rest is history,” Parr said.

Bunker didn’t start as a manager until his sophomore year. Being a team manager throughout high school made Bunker aware of the time commitment manager responsibilities entailed.

“It’s a lot of time. That’s why I didn’t want to do it my freshman year because I was a manager in high school and I knew how much time it took up,” Bunker said. “I knew going to college, it would take up more time than that. I was scared to get in over my head. After freshman year, I realized I could do it.”

The managers are responsible for a lot of the

Tyler Parr (Left) and Kye Bunker (Right). Photo by Chris Crews

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FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

little things that keep the team working in an efficient fashion. They have to roll out the ball racks, steam the uniforms and warmups, fill up water bottles and of course do the laundry.

Parr said the worst aspect of being a manager is “getting back after a road trip around 3 a.m. and having to wash the uniforms. You’re tired, you want to go to sleep, but it has to be done.”

The bad things aside, there are a lot of cool parts of being a team manager. Bunker, who is a fan of college hoops, enjoys having a front row seat to the action.

“It’s a lot of fun sitting right behind the bench and being so close to it,” Bunker said.

Another perk is traveling with the team. Parr got to tag along when the 49ers traveled to the Bahamas over Thanksgiving break.

“I’ve seen a lot of cool places, I’ve had some good experiences,” Parr said.

Being around the team 24/7, the managers develop a “phenomenal” relationship with the players and the coaching staff.

“You get to be really close to them over four years. I was really close to Pierria Henry. They really take you under their wing,” Parr said. “A lot of the coaches know the amount of work you put in, a lot of them have been managers too.”

Parr and Bunker agree that helping out as a manager now will be beneficial to them in the future when applying for jobs.

“It’s something that’s different, not a lot of people have it on their resumes. I think it differentiates you and sticks out,” Parr said.

Bunker added that by being a manager he has more references to use and a more impressive resume.

“You get to meet a lot of cool people that you can use as a reference. It stands out more because you just don’t have ‘Smoothie King’ on your resume,” Bunker said.

The saying “ball is life” doesn’t just apply to the players. The managers also live by the mantra.

Parr said, “I really do this and school and I love it. It’s my niche.”

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SWISHING AND

DISHING

Laia Raventós embodies the six essential complete point guard traits JARED ALLEN SPORTS EDITOR

We’ve all seen the no-look, behind-the-back dishes, swift acceleration off the dribble and desire to win, but Laia Raventós has added another element to her arsenal: scoring mentality.

Her arc of improvement has skyrocketed in the past few weeks as she’s beginning to showcase the complete nature of her game.

“I think Laia, the improvement that we’ve seen from her over the past three weeks has been tremendous,” head coach Cara Consuegra said.

“We’ve really pushed her outside her comfort zone

in some ways, and she’s finally feeling confident in what we’re asking her to do. You’re seeing that in the way she’s playing; she’s become super valuable for us in the past few weeks.”

But what makes Raventós a complete point guard? Here are six key traits that every floor general possesses, including the Spanish freshman:

SCORING

When Raventós first stepped on the floor as a 49er, her main focus was to unlock the defense

and create space for teammates. She adapted to the American game quickly in terms of style and pace, but lately she’s shown signs of virtuosity in the scoring department.

After tallying 16 points against Florida Atlantic in Halton Arena on Jan. 30, Consuegra hoped her freshman would carry the momentum into future games. Since, Raventós has scored in doublefigures in each game including 14 points during a crucial road trip this past week at Rice.

She then shattered the mark scoring a careerhigh 19 in Charlotte’s matinee showdown with North Texas, Feb. 13. She was proficient from behind the arc, shooting 6-of-8 during the two game span and drove to the basket with ease solidifying her confidence as a scorer.

The majority of point guards are on the floor to facilitate, but Raventós is exemplifying her playmaker qualities in more ways than one. When her shots are falling, the entire offense opens up and her teammates undoubtedly benefit. In Charlotte’s last four games in which Raventós scored in double-digits, the 49ers tallied 80 points on average.

COURT-VISION

Laia Raventós gallops up the court. Photo by Benjamin Robson 8

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Raventós has eyes in the back of her head. At least that’s what onlookers assume when the Spanish guard picks out open teammates she can’t actually see. She’s exhibited her sixth sense for knowing where teammates are, on multiple occasions this season.

During the 49ers visit to Atlanta over Thanksgiving, Raventós threw a full-court bounce pass that split two defenders and found Ciara Gregory in stride. Then again two weeks later against the Wolfpack in the state capital, Raventós landed herself on Sportscenter’s Top 10 plays after finding Lefty Webster with a no-look, behind-the-back feed.

“I expect anything from Laia,” Webster said

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after receiving the glorified pass from Raventós.

“I don’t care where she is, you just have to expect it. She might not look at you, but she’s knows you’re back there.”

If her appearance on ESPN doesn’t fully justify the claim that she has eyes in the back of her head, then it’s noteworthy to mention that she’s tallied 90 assists thus far. Raventós currently ranks fourth among freshman all-time for most assists in a single season, which will presumably change in the coming weeks as she approaches former 49er Elizabeth Walker, who sits second with 100 assists.

BALL-HANDLING

Thus far, Raventós ranks first among freshman in Conference USA for her 1.3 assist/turnover ratio. In fact, only seven players in the conference have posted a better percentage to this point in the season.

While the freshman continues to improve her ball-handling, she’s showcased eye-appealing dribbling skills throughout the season.

It’s not uncommon for Raventós to shake off defenders with ankle-breaking crossovers or evasive step-backs. Her ability to elude defensive pressure not only leads to shooting space for herself, but also creates additional time to pick out that extra pass.

No wonder her favorite player is Chris Paul.

SPEED

Speed kills, at least that’s the well-known

mantra. The Spanish point guard’s ability to beat her opposition to the basket is relatively unrivaled in the C-USA. She has the power and finesse to slow up at the arc and attack her defender off the dribble.

“When she turns up the pace, she’s very difficult to stay in front of,” Consuegra said after the 49ers victory over North Carolina Central. “She’s able to make plays and score for herself and again, I think you saw some moments of that, which is good.”

And then again, “I didn’t think they could stay in front of her when she had the ball,” Consuegra said after defeating FAU. Raventós keeps the opposition’s defense on their heels. Her speed allows her to not only create for herself but also teammates. Every time she penetrates, the defense collapses, which frees up space along the perimeter for the 49ers sharpshooters.

DETERMINATION

Two weeks ago, the 49ers coaching staff had no idea their freshman point guard would be ready to play against FAU after suffering an injury two games prior.

“She went through shoot-around today and was cleared to play so we didn’t even know coming into this game if she was going to be ready to play,” Consuegra said. “That kid is beat up but she played so hard tonight.”

Raventós emerged from the locker room

pregame with a black shoulder wrap and white tape supporting her wrist. She experienced a string of games that took a toll on her body.

However, she shocked her teammates and coaches and returned to floor with vengeance. She ignored any probable pain or discomfort and dropped 16 points and dished out five assists, a team-high.

Laia Raventós scored 16 points against Florida Atlantic despite fatigue. Photo by Ben Coon Laia Raventós scored 16 points against Florida Atlantic despite fatigue. Photo by Ben Coon

DEFENSE

Before arriving in Charlotte, Raventós played at the highest level in Europe. She’s a twotime FIBA European champion with Spain and competed against top-class competition.

Obviously, defense was a key factor in her run to lifting the European women’s basketball title twice.

In the U16 final, she pick-pocketed Croatia three times in just 21 minutes. Now in the United States, she’s tallied 32 steals and will most likely eclipse former 49er Tonya Phifer who rests fourth among freshman for most steals in a season.

There’s the notion that the point guard is an extension of the head coach. This belief rings true when applied to the 49ers.

Consuegra values defense therefore it’s no surprise that Raventós is evolving into a defensive pit bull. She’s toned down her fouling tendency and is increasingly showing her willingness to commit to defense.

Laia Raventós throws an acrobatic, no-look pass to a teammate. Photo by Ben Coon

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FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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STACEY DASH and the Oscar comments heard around the country

MIA SHELTON

ASST. OPINION EDITOR

Recently, there has been a huge debacle in the media about African-American actors and actresses boycotting the Oscars because they feel they do not get recognition that they rightfully deserve. However, an even bigger debacle that outraged the black community derived from the comments of former “Clueless” star Stacy Dash.

During an interview on Fox News, Dash was asked her opinion on the subject of the Oscars and the decision to boycott, saying, “We have to make up our minds. Either we want to have segregation or integration. And if we don’t want segregation, then we need to get rid of channels like BET and the BET Awards and the Image Awards where you’re only awarded if you’re black. If it were the other way around, we would be up in arms. It’s a double standard.”

Dash even went as far as to recommend that we not have a Black History Month.

As an African-American, I was completely infuriated and outraged. Her comments were ignorant and ridiculous. The reason awards like the BET Awards, the Image Awards and the Country Music Awards were even created was because not all communities were being recognized for their outstanding achievements in the industry, whether it is music or film. It was also comical to me that she wanted to shut down the BET Awards and BET, because they were responsible for her debut.

The comment that ignited me the most was when she had the audacity to request that we should get rid of Black History Month. Again, the whole reason Black History Month was created was because in school people only focused on historic events that contained caucasian men and women. Because history contained events not only of caucasians, but of African-Americans and other minorities as well, Black History Month was created to help tell the whole story.

I was not the only person who had the same attitude and viewpoint on the subject. “Being

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Actress Stacey Dash. Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service

Mary Jane” star Gabrielle Union said, “If you don’t see yourself reflected in mainstream awards, you tend to create your own. The more that we focus on inclusion and a true representation of this country, I think that crazy lady will have less to say.”

I completely agree with Union. Dash is very crazy. Union wasn’t the only star that voiced her opinion about Dash. Dash’s cousin, Damon Dash, said, “I bet if she was getting nominated for Oscars, and she was doing an abundance of movies, I doubt she would be on Fox doing those interviews.”

In response to Dash’s request to get rid of BET FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

and the BET Awards, the network took to social media asking Dash to give them their money back for the films and shows she starred in on the network. They even went as far as to run a marathon containing all the rerun episodes and music videos Dash starred in on the network with the hash tag #NeverForget.

In reference to her comment about the abolition of Black History Month, Dash demanded an apology and said she was backing up Morgan Freeman’s push to end Black History Month. “If you’re going to call me ignorant, stupid and an Uncle Tom, you need to be intellectually honest and also call out Morgan Freeman. It’s time we decide as a society whether we want to care about race or not. Like Morgan Freeman says, there is no White History Month and there should be no Black History Month. Black history is American history … You want racial healing and reconciliation? You want true equality? Listen to Morgan Freeman – Stop. Talking. About. Race.”

I agree that black history is American history, but when most of the Americans in America refuse to integrate those pieces of history into the learning and knowledge of our country, we figure out another way.

All of Dash’s comments, requests and justifications for her actions and words prove just how uneducated and hypocritical she really is. The only thing I agree with is the idea that instead of just talking about the injustice and mistreatment our community is shown, we need to stand up and do something about it.

Whether it’s boycotting the Oscars or writing a letter to legislators, we need to take a stand and fight for our equality. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X all started the journey and made things happen for the black community.

Now it’s our turn to continue it and prosper in the process. Our future is in our hands. Take a stand.

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Will it bland?

A manifesto against the injustice of smoothies JOHN PATRICK INTERN

Maybe this fusion of controversy should make headlines under the lifestyle section, because if there is one fad that has not yet done its diligence in concocting my liking, it’s smoothies. Just saying the word “smoothie” boils my blood, coursing my entire body with an impulsive urge for anger. Unfortunately though, the point of the smoothie is not to outwardly say its name, but for human consumption.

While I am unapologetically against smoothies, I get it. I can see how one could possibly enjoy a gelatinous mess of mashed fruits and veggies cemented together in its own self-righteousness. To start, it’s an easy and convenient way to take in the essential vitamins and nutrients that are ever so important for a healthy diet. What other drink solution or meal medium is it feasible to marry together bananas, strawberries, kiwi, cucumbers, wheatgrass, soy things, apples, kale and the green mold growing in the fridge together in such a viscous concoction? I cannot think of any, because maybe the point is, when eating a banana, to just eat a banana. Why complicate matters by adding other things? Too many moving parts if you ask me.

Also, at what point do we draw the line between a smoothie in the historical, traditional sense and a smoothie blinded by its own idealism? I mean when you grind up an active tray of fruit medley then congrats, you’re doing something so wrong, right. But if you were to add to it sugar, processed vanilla yogurt, orange juice (with its respective additive of glucose), can you really claim that deceitful sip as a healthy smoothie? No, you can’t, because that faux smoothie defeats the very purpose it sets out to accomplish.

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What a hypocrite.

Another moral qualm with the smoothie is taste. This is where the controversial caveat sets in, however an important one that shouldn’t be overlooked. People say the smoothie blends together food groups with a healthy bent in a tasty manner.

“Smoothies are the only way I can get my daily dose of protein, mung beans and raised baby spinach.

And to do it all at once—wow!” That might be the stance most naïve millennials have of their beloved robust drink.

Call me a whistleblower for suggesting that healthy foods don’t, and shouldn’t, taste appetizing, because that’s not how it works.

They’re supposed to taste bad but make us look good. If they were to link two independents, thereby breaking the mutually exclusive narrative, then what is the meaning of life? It’s natural for those super foods to play second fiddle to this bacon cheeseburger oozing grease, regarding taste. You can’t be able to have your figurative healthy cake and eat it too.

But perhaps the main argument I have in defaming the smoothie lies in its audacity to assume that it can replace a hearty meal. As if, by some sick twisted A-HA moment, human beings decided it okay to skip a meal and succeed it with loud slurps.

This is quite possibly the fault in its overachieving scheme, because in no shape or form can you half-ass something as important as meal time at the dining table. Imagine all the conversation and table-talk that is forgone when you smugly opt for a smoothie.

So I implore you, throw out that base smoothie and replace it with a hearty milkshake. At least it’s got some character.

A ginger-mango green tea smoothie. Photo via Tribune News Service

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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Photo courtesy of HBO

‘VINYL’ TURNS IT UP TO 11 Martin Scorcese’s HBO drama is a masterclass of television

JESSE NUSSMAN STAFF WRITER

There are arguably few finer filmmakers in America at the moment than Martin Scorsese.

The legend behind such classics as “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas” has remained just as provocative and visually energetic as he was as a young man. Even at age 73, he seems just as much on the top of his game as ever. Currently, he’s busy at work on his latest movie, “Silence,” which is set to premiere later this year. However, for cinephiles unable to wait any longer for the directors latest work, there is good news: The premiere of HBO’s newest television drama, “Vinyl,” is essentially an extended new Scorsese movie.

Scorsese not only acted as director of the show’s nearly two-hour pilot episode, but is also one of the show’s chief creators along with “Rolling Stones” frontman Mick Jagger and “Boardwalk Empire” creator Terrance Winter, who has written a bulk of the series thus far. Originally conceived as a feature movie, the series follows a struggling record label in 1973 New York. The label’s executive, Richie Finestra (Bobby Cannavale), is fighting tooth and nail to keep the company afloat. The only hope it seems is to get bought out by another label located in Germany. Along with his fellow partners, played by J.C. MacKenzie and Ray Romano, Finestra has to somehow convince the Germans that the company is worth saving, while at the same time tying to hustle in the next hot artist.

New York, of course, was a very different

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world back then. The city looked like some postapocalyptic vision of the future, what with its rampant crime and grotesque looking streets, it’s not too far off from the depiction that took place in Scorsese’s film “Taxi Driver,” even if that film took place three years after this show does.

Graffiti spans every inch of the street and one gets the feeling as though a trash compactor has simply just vomited its guts everywhere, with no one to clean-up. However, out of this concrete jungle would come a variety of new sounds and music: punk, disco and hip-hop would all be emerging out of the city just waiting to explode onto the mainstream.

All three genres of music are at least touched upon in this pilot episode. We see them existing in the smallest little nook and crannies of the city, having not quite caught the public eye. Finestra stumbles upon a block party playing sampled music scratched and repeated to give a certain beat. In another club, an up-and-coming punk band enrages an audience and captures the eye of one of the label’s younger employees (Juno Temple). Of course, on the billboards, groups like Led Zeppelin are blowing up the charts and a large part of the episode does deal with Finestra’s label dealing with the blowback of losing Led Zeppelin as a client.

Cannavale is perfectly cast in the role, and it seems strange to think that he has never worked with Scorsese before. The episode opens on Cannavale’s character snorting cocaine in a car FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

but backtracks in order to explain how this man got to this moment, the state of his label and the family drama between him and his wife, a former Andy Warhol factory girl played by Olivia Wilde.

Throw in a dash of murderous crime and you have a show already bubbling with fantastic drama.

However, above all else, there is a deep passionate love for the music. Scorsese has always been one of the greats when it comes to using music in film. There is hardly a scene is any of his pictures that does not at least have something playing in the background. Here, he gets to dive fully into that obsession. There is obviously the very natural way writer Winter has weaved all of these characters into real world music history, but then there are moments when Scorsese seems to cut between characters ether interacting in a scene with a particular song and having a physical portrayal of that artist appear, playing in a surreal, dream-like manner just for the viewer.

The show is explosive, fast, loud and edgy.

Scorsese, Jagger and Winter take us deep into the world of rock’n-roll for an exciting, drug-fueled ride unlike anything else on TV. The coming weeks will no doubt bring more mayhem and excitement, hopefully diving more into some of the other music genres touched on in this initial episode. “Vinyl” is a masterclass of prestige television, showcasing just how engrossing the form can be when in the hands of a true master.

Catch “Vinyl” on Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO, HBO Go and HBO Now.

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Photo courtesy of Meg Whalen

UNC Charlotte Jazz Ensemble keeps the joint jumpin’ MIA SHELTON

ASST. OPINION EDITOR

On Thursday, Feb. 11, the UNC Charlotte Jazz Ensemble had its first concert of the spring semester.

The concert began with two separate combination performances. The Wednesday Combination, featuring Cameron Francis (trumpet), Wesley Taylor (trumpet), Mike Cioce (guitar), Clifton Bundick (bass), Brandon Hawkins (drums/ vibes) and Jacob Bohan (drums/ vibes), played three pieces, “Little Sunflower,” Unit 7” and “The Jody Grind.” The second combination, the Friday Combination, featuring Casey Blackwelder (trumpet), Cody Belton (tenor saxophone), Mike Cioce (gutiar), Rob Linton (bass), Eric Chang (drums/vibes) and Colin Ray (drums/vibes), played another three pieces, “Moanin’,” “Desafinado” and “Short Story.” The ensemble collectively played five composition pieces, three with guest artist Mike Steinel. Yet, the three compositions that stood out to me the most were “Unit 7,” “What’s New” and “Blues and More.”

“Unit 7,” composed by Sam Jones, is a very upbeat composition that will definitely make you dance in your seat. The rhythm of the bass and the musical unison of the trumpets kept my foot jumping. It made me feel like I was in a ‘70s jazz club drinking wine and listening to some swinging cats. However, the sound of the composition was different compared to the original composition because the ensemble changed out some of the instruments

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(flute, trombone, saxophone, frugal horn and conga). Despite some missed notes, the piece was very well delivered.

“Whats New,” composed by Bob Haggard and Johnny Burke and arranged by John Berry, is a slow composition, a relaxing song that you would listen to in the den smoking a cigar, or you could slow dance to it at your wedding. It even reminds me of the type of romantic music you hear in movies when the actors are on a date in a fancy restaurant. Steinel on the trumpet in this composition is amazing.

“Blues and More” composed by guest artist Steinel is a very upbeat composition that makes it hard to stay seated. It made me picture people in an old 70s jazz club, dancing in twos and threes doing flips and old dances like the “Shorty George.” Watching Steinel perform one of his own compositions felt like an honor and privilege. This being my first jazz concert, I did not know what to expect, or how to tell whether or not they were good.

Listening to the ensemble and then listening to the original composition of the pieces, gave me a good sense of the talent you have to posses to play jazz and also the talent of the musicians playing it. Despite sporadic missed notes and keys, the ensemble did very well. It was definitely a must-see event.

ACROSS 1 Diplomat Henry __ Lodge 6 Former Ford division, briefly 10 “Kindly let us know,” on invites 14 Like a noisy stadium 15 Length times width 16 Israeli airline 17 *The president’s annual salary, e.g.

19 Lily that’s Utah’s state flower 20 Mary __ cosmetics 21 Agree silently 22 Avoid shipping out?

24 Electrically connected 26 Weds in secret 27 Kind of football kick 30 Prairie dog or squirrel 32 Brown photo tone 33 Long skirt 34 Carpe __: seize the day

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

37 Hawaii’s Mauna __ 38 Pool diving area ... and, literally, what the start of each answer to a starred clue can be 41 Dean’s list fig.

42 How some audiobooks are recorded 44 Prayer ending 45 Autumn shade 47 Pencil mark remover 49 PC memos 50 Say yes (to) 52 Arabian Peninsula country 54 Thick fog metaphor 56 Prefix with east or west 57 Comedian Margaret 60 X-ray units 61 *Prince film featuring “When Doves Cry” 64 “Understood” 65 Flanged fastener

66 It’s measured in degrees 67 “Why don’t we?”

68 “__-dokey!”

69 1971 Eric Clapton hit DOWN 1 Wine barrel 2 Operatic solo 3 Squarish, as some cars 4 Lummox 5 __ and Tobago: West Indies nation 6 “All in the Family” spin-off 7 Make a typo, say 8 “Cheers” actor Roger 9 Redeemed, as casino chips 10 English translation of the start of 10-Across 11 *”Sweet dreams” 12 Unclear 13 Lands heavily 18 2000 Bush opponent 23 Pub potable 24 Nintendo game system 25 Window treatment 27 Capital of Norway 28 Gas used in signs 29 *Scatterbrain 31 Team on the farm 33 Viral video, e.g.

35 Fencing sword 36 Fourth planet 39 Approach cautiously 40 Fait accompli 43 Puts on clothes 46 “Vaya __ Dios” 48 Commotion 49 Actor Jannings 50 Tax deadline month 51 Put an end to 53 “E” on a gas gauge 55 Rock genre 57 Clever 58 Sledding slope 59 Most fit for military duty 62 Regret 63 Genetic stuff

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Clubs around campus:

The Ghost Hunting Club SYDNEY STEPHENS ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR

The stairs were narrow and Greg Jones carried all of his camera equipment. He followed a strange noise that he heard to a blocked part of the USS North Carolina, a site that has had many reports of paranormal activity. He ventured to an area of the ship that was blocked off after continuously hearing a strange noise. While making his way to the most intimate parts of the ship, Jones suddenly felt a severe feeling in his arm.

He compares it to being gouged by a piece of metal, but believes it was a spirit urging him to go no further. Perhaps a friendly warning to stay where he was permitted to explore.

This is not most 20-something’s average Saturday night, but you won’t find the members of the UNC Charlotte Ghost Hunting Club at a bar or club on the weekends.

Instead, they travel around the Charlotte area, and anywhere within 10 hours investigating sites that have reports of paranormal activity, seeking answers for themselves, hoping to see what lurks in the darkness.

Jones, Ryan Beckman and Russell Hicks are members of the Ghost Hunting Club.

After becoming involved in the club, they all began noticing strange things happening. “The tipping point for me was when we were in Storrs 290. I said ‘If there is anyone in here with me, make a noise,’ and a chair that was to my left moved,” Jones said. That was the biggest experience pushing him from being skeptical about the supernatural to truly believing. The club goes around campus exploring spots such as Denny 290 and McKnight Hall, both places where paranormal activity has been reportedly spotted.

The club has gone all around Charlotte, exploring local businesses and residential cases, but the most exciting adventures have happened on trips to the most haunted places on the East Coast. The Old City Jail in Charleston, S.C., the USS North Carolina in Wilmington and St. Alban’s Sanatorium in Virginia are three trips planned for this semester. One is to arguably the most haunted place in the country, Waverly Sanatorium, another to the Old Pittsburgh Hospital in Tennessee.

Beckman describes one of the most exciting things he has experienced on an investigation: “At the Old City Jail I heard two disembodied voices, a young girl and an older male, hours apart during the investigation. I was the only one to hear the girl’s voice, but all of us heard the male’s voice.

These voices happened around three and five in the morning. You start to

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wonder if you actually heard voices, or if you’re just exhausted and hearing things. That is where the review comes in. We reviewed all the audio and we actually found both voices. The validation of hearing what you heard in the middle of the investigation when you were exhausted is just awesome. It really does make the long night worth it.”

Before an investigation the club does extensive research on the site they are visiting. They go over the history and layout to have a game plan. Once they are at the site, they take a guided tour, finalize the plan of equipment and then finally go lights out and explore the premises. They record what they see and hear with infrared full spectrum cameras that allow them to see better in the dark and pick up things that would otherwise go unseen in the darkness.

The club seeks to find answers. “We want to know if there is something going on in a place. The two most important thing to have on a hunt is knowledge and patience. Without those, you will fail and have a bad time,” Jones said. He explains that most people do not realize how much time goes into ghost hunting. What you don’t see in ghost hunting shows is the extremely long periods of time teams wait at sites to see activity. “Sometimes it can take days for something to happen, but the shows capture everything in 30 minutes.”

They hope to understand why paranormal activity occurs at a location.

On the USS North Carolina investigation, both Hicks and Jones describe having a profound experience. “[This was] our first real investigation of a known place that’s haunted. That was the first time that I actually witnessed something paranormal and that I could not explain,” Hicks said.

“Five soldiers lost their lives in one area of the ship. There’s a room with bunk beds, and we were a room over and the there was a wooden table. For 10 minutes we were hearing a screeching sound. We walked out and it was still happening. Imagine someone turning a giant metal wheel. As soon as we went into the room it was coming from it stopped. After I walked out it started again. We have this recorded. It was so bizarre,” Jones said.

The UNC Charlotte Ghost Hunting Club is currently meeting and welcomes new members. They have many exciting things planned for the semester and meet on Tuesdays. If you are interested in investigating the supernatural, attend a meeting. For more information contact Jones, gjones59@uncc.edu.

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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RESTAURANT REVIEW:

The Peculiar Rabbit

PARRIS WILSON INTERN

Admit it, “The Peculiar Rabbit” sounds like a very odd or strange place to have a decent meal. I have to say I was a bit judgmental before stepping out of my car onto the premises. So many questions travelled through my brain such as, “What does a peculiar rabbit have to do with anything?” or “Why on earth is it in the kitchen where my food is prepared?” I was unsure of what I was getting myself into, and I nearly backed down, but thank goodness I did not. As I began to walk up, I was immediately blown away by the outside appearance of this place. Located on the “heart” of Central Avenue, I witnessed this beautiful three story building trimmed with white Christmas lights that would warm a spirit, despite the 30 degree weather, and the ambience that melted any initial thought I had of this place.

Greeted by two friendly hosts, I took my seat and waited for the flight to take off. Approximately seven minutes after being seated, I scanned over the foreign menu, and I was then greeted by an amazing waitress that made me feel very comfortable. She had a very enjoyable and chill vibe the whole night that I appreciated dearly. All in just 10 minutes, I knew it would be the new Friday night spot to relax and unwind.

Compared to other restaurants, this place does not carry too much on the menu, but they have variety which is a major plus. According to my waitress, the menu is updated approximately every three to four months, so they pretty much cover everyone. You’re in the mood for chicken or fish? You can have it. In the mood for duck?

Go for it. You are trying to cut a few calories to prepare for summer? Get an incredible, fresh salad made up of whole foods. The key to the place is they serve many different things, rather than just foods most people like, and I am an advocate for that any day.

Down to the nitty gritty, the actual food. I can say the food is absolutely astounding. I am not one to try to cut a few calories from my diet for the spring and summer months, so I went all

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in on what I ordered. Being that my eyes were bigger than my stomach, it was a miracle that I finally came to a decision on what to eat. I had the honor, yes I said honor, to chow down on what was called the “Chicken & Waffles Sammich.”

This dish consisted of country fired chicken, bacon marmalade, honey-nut drizzled arugula and one Belgium waffle. What better way can you define delicious? As a side, I chose sweet potato hash, which I had never had before, but I will be getting again. When my waitress described to me that all of the foods are fresh and never frozen, I believed her because I could definitely tell after my experience.

After eating, I had to be just a tad bit nosey and take a peek to check out the third level. It was one of the most stunning sites I had ever come across. It was a balcony overlooking the city. I was

able to get the full effect, being that it was night time, to oversee the nightlife of uptown Charlotte.

This was a great weekend to witness that view because the uptown lights were Carolina blue in honor of the Panthers going to the Super Bowl. It was breathtaking.

As I began to wrap my experience at “The Peculiar Rabbit,” being the social butterfly I am, I wanted to mix and mingle with people. I wanted to get a feel of how they felt about the place. I met one guy that explained to me that he comes here often to have drinks and play games with his friends. “This place is awesome. Every time I come here the vibes are good and I always have a good time,” he said. I believed every word because in the one experience I had at this place, I felt a positive energy throughout the whole building. It was new, it was refreshing and it felt like home.

Photo by Parris Wilson

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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SYDNEY SWAFFORD STAFF WRITER

Photo by Sydney Swafford

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“It is an honor to be panhellenic president because I am finally able to show our campus that not all sorority women are the same. I’m a sorority woman, but I’m also independent, ambitious, outspoken, an activist and a feminist—I don’t think any of these attributes are mutually exclusive.

I’m proud of who I am and proud to defy stereotypes. I hope that someday feminism is synonymous with sorority and that I always shock people who underestimate me.”

Kristen Baker

FEB. 16 - FEB. 22, 2016

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