Niner Times: March 22, 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: MARGARET SPELLINGS VISITS UNC CHARLOTTE AND IS MET BY STUDENT PROTESTS PG. 3

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OP-ED: CASEY RESPONDS TO LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE MISREPRESENTING THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT

PG. 11

MARCH 22 - MARCH 28, 2016

SPRING FEVER 2016!

MAGICIAN MIKE SUPER ACTUALLY MANAGED TO MAKE COLLEGE STUDENTS ADMIT TO ENJOYING MAGIC PG. 12

VOL. 28, ISSUE 23

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Jordan Snyder 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

News

community@ninertimes.com

3 4 5

Jared Allen

sports@ninertimes.com

John Lineberger lifestyle@ninertimes.com

video@ninertimes.com

7 Improving baseball attendance 8 Fear the beard 9 Courtney Carroll feature

photo@ninertimes.com

Andrew Hocutt layout@ninertimes.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sara Carson

managing@ninertimes.com

Margaret Spellings visits Housing rates increase Student loan programs

Sports

Ben Robson

VIDEO PRODUCER

Andrew James

Contents

Salina Dickie, Sydney Stephens, Trevor Wilt, Mia Shelton, Jasmine Taylor

Opinion 11

“Black Lives Matter” rebuttal

A&E

ADDITIONAL STAFF Erin Cortez, Alex Sands, Kathleen Cook, Anna Gibbs, Jeffrey Kopp, Parris Wilson, Vanessa Martinez, Stephanie Smith

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Magician Mike Super

converts cynics 13 “Hamletmachine” twists Shakespeare

Lifestyle Matt Lorenz

Andrew Hocutt

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MARKETING STAFF Tia Warren, David Mendez, Kristen Bobeng, Madeline Lemieux

5 things about romance Humans of UNC Charlotte / Strawberry recipe

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

MEGAN VAN EMMERIK

www.ninertimes.com/app 2

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MARGARET SPELLINGS VISITS UNC CHARLOTTE New UNC System President visits campus as part of North Carolina-wide listening tour, greeted by student protestors

ALEX SANDS STAFF WRITER

New UNC system President Margaret Spellings visited UNC Charlotte March 14 and 15 as part of her listening tour of the 17 UNC System schools during her first 100 days as president.

Spellings held a press conference with UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip Dubois March 14 in the Harris Alumni Center on campus.

One of the main topics discussed was the Connect NC Bond that will allocate $2 billion for North Carolina services and will include $90 million to build a new science building at UNC Charlotte. The Connect NC Bond was approved by voters on March 15.

Spellings believes the new science building will be attractive to science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) employers in the Charlotte region.

She views the Connect NC Bond as an investment in the future and says she supports the growth of the campus.

Dubois talked about future plans for the Burson building.

“We’re going to still need funding to go back and renovate … It’s not cost effective to remodel that building as a science facility but we can make it into a good, usable classroom and office space,” said Dubois.

Spellings also took time to discuss future plans for expansion on campus and keeping tuition and fees low.

“That is our prime requirement

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UNC system President Margaret Spellings speaks on campus at the Harris Alumni Center. Photo by Alex Sands

in the state constitution- as free as practicable,” said Spellings.

She also talked about her impression of the first three weeks on the job.

“I have found a warm welcome,” said Spellings. “I’m getting a flavor of the great diversity of this system.”

There has been much controversy over Spellings’s appointment since her first day in office, March 1, when protests broke out in schools all

across North Carolina, including UNC Charlotte.

“Give me a chance,” said Spellings about the protestors. “This is the beginning of my third week on the job and I think once people get to know me and understand my long time commitment and passion for public education in our country and at the state level, they’ll see I’ve put my money where my mouth is and that we have a lot in common.”

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Graduate student Noe Pliego Campos believes her record speaks for itself.

“We’re going to give you a chance to do what you’ve done before? It doesn’t make sense to give her a chance,” said Campos.

Protesters gathered in front of the Student Union March 15 for what was called a “satirical welcoming Spellings cont. on page 6

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Photo by Erin Cortez

POLICE BLOTTER MARCH 12-18 ACCIDENT MARCH 12

• Portal Loading Dock, while backing, driver of vehicle 1 struck the mirror of vehicle 2. No damage or injuries were reported.

MARCH 17

• Cameron Boulevard, both vehicles were heading west on Cameron. Vehicle one attempted to make a left U-turn by swinging the vehicle wide right out of the lane of travel. Vehicle two continued traveling on Cameron. Vehicle one failed to yield before returning to the roadway and the two vehicles collided. No injuries were reported.

CALLS FOR SERVICE MARCH 18

• South Village Deck, officer took a report in reference to a damage to a boot that had been placed on a vehicle.

LARCENY MARCH 17

• Reese, victim reported that an unknown person(s) took his iPhone while he was sitting on the steps near Reese.

VANDALISM MARCH 14

• McEniry, officer took a report of vandalism after finding graffiti on the wall of McEniry.

VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT MARCH 18

• Officers responded in reference to an individual who was threatening to harm himself.

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

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Housing rates set to increase next year Housing rates are on the rise due to the construction of Levine Hall, students can “freeze” their rates JASMINE TAYLOR ASST. NEWS EDITOR

The renovations around campus have been in progress for years now as a part of the University Master Plan to project growth for the incoming freshman class and new enrollment numbers.

This is the first year that the freezing rate program has been in effect. This program gives current residents a chance to keep their space for the following year. Freeze rates are a reward or incentive for student to come back and to continue living in their current dorm or suite.

“We are just trying to think of creative ways to keep people here, and to make it affordable as well,” said Rob Sewell, associate director for Business Services for

the Department of Housing and Residence Life.

If a student chooses to move into a new building, their new freeze rate will be based on rates in the building that they moved into.

The most recent residence hall is Laurel Hall, which just opened in 2016. The building holds 407 beds and all the rooms are suite style.

Levine is the new residence hall that is currently under construction, and is set to open in November 2016. The building has suite style apartments with 70 apartment beds, which will house students in the Honors College and Levine Scholars in addition to housing 400 incoming students, administrative offices for the two programs, student

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work-study areas and faculty work stations. Students that choose to stay in Levine Hall will be given an incentive as well.

They will be put in Sanford Hall for the fall semester, which will allow each student to have a double room at the double price rate. Once Levine Hall opens, students will have the opportunity to sign up within a time frame for moving assistance with a moving company.

Sewell stated that there will not be new buildings in the near future, but the housing department will continue to renovate current buildings in the upcoming years. The department goes into each building every six years to refurbish and renovate them.

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MAKING STUDENT LOANS EASIER Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Education

NICK CROPPER NEWS EDITOR

Newly appointed Secretary of Education John B. King is working to ensure that student loans are easier to pay off for current and future generations.

In order to raise awareness for the different student loan programs that are offered to students, King participated in a conference call with several universities across the United States, including UNC Charlotte.

Some of the plans that King spoke about during the call were Pay as You Earn (PAYE) plans and other income driven plans.

PAYE plans are some of the most common plans available to students and involve paying a certain amount every month based on the student’s level of income and family size.

Students are also able to cap their payments to 10 percent of their income a month.

Most students enrolled in a PAYE plan will have their loans payed off in roughly 10-20 years.

In addition to having more plans for students to choose from, the Department of Education also wants to reach more students who can be eligible for these plans.

“We’re also stepping up our efforts to reach more students,” said Ajita Talwalker Menon, senior policy advisor for higher education at the White House Domestic Policy

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Council.

Menon talked about the different issues surrounding student loans and student loan deptartments alongside King.

There is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for students entering the field.

Public service careers that qualify for PSLF include: working for a government organization at any level, military, law enforcement, early childhood education, public education, public health, public library services and more.

Borrowers must remain employed in order to continue receiving benefits from PSLF. Borrowers can even receive loan forgiveness after 120 payments while being employeed full time.

“Students with a passion for public service will be rewarded for their hard work,” said King.

King and Menon also noted the dangers of debt relief scams.

Many companies will charge large amounts of money for services that are otherwise free to students. These services include: lowering or capping their monthly loan payments, consolidating their federal loans and seeing if they qualify for loan forgiveness.

King hopes to continue to work with universities in the future to provide further support for students.

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Student protestors eat cake outside of the Student Union as a “welcoming party” for UNC system President Margaret Spellings.

Photo by Alex Sands

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SPELLINGS, cont. party” for Spellings.

Organizers interested students with a cake reading “Go home Margaret” and spoke to them about their concerns regarding the new president. Students also wrote down the reasons they disapproved of Spellings to create a party streamer.

Alexander Jutlia delivered a speech at the event, in which he mocked the Board of Governors and Spellings.

“We are in the midst of one of the greatest magic acts of all time. We have seen … the UNC budget sawed in half, then … we watched as the Board of Governors pulled Margaret Spellings’s $775,000 salary out of thin air,” said Jutlia.

He also took a dig at Spelling’s lack of effort to meet the protesters.

“Spellings is here and she’s meeting with select honors students as we speak … Who are we, mere peasants, those not chosen for the sacred listening ritual?” said Jutlia.

Students at UNC Chapel Hill also set plans for their own “welcoming party” for Spellings’s visit to their campus March 17.

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ROBERT AND MERIAM HAYES STADIUM

MISSES YOU 49ers baseball needs Niner Nation’s help to keep winning season alive TREVOR WILT STAFF WRITER

The Charlotte 49ers are 11-9 after beating Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) Georgia at BB&T Ballpark, hitting a walk-off home run against Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) Wake Forest and winning their Conference USA series opener against Florida International, but packing out Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium has yet to happen, and here’s why it should: Do you like teams who tally a lot of hits? How about walk-offs? How about home runs? How about beautiful ballparks? If you said yes to any of these questions, then you would love to go to a Charlotte baseball game.

The 49ers have 210 hits through their first 20 games, averaging just over 10 hits per game (fourth in conference), making for an exciting game while they are on offense. Charlotte is led

by Logan Sherer and T.J. Nichting in hits, with 33 and 32 respectively.

Charlotte currently has six players who are batting over .300, two of whom are local freshman from the Charlotte area. Reece Hampton just had a 17-game hit streak snapped to start off his collegiate career, one of the greatest starts at the plate for a freshman in Charlotte history.

Drew Ober , the other freshman is currently dominating at the plate, batting just under .350 through his first 20 collegiate games. This onetwo freshman punch adds to the experienced Charlotte lineup who ranks near the top in many C-USA statistics at the plate.

We couldn’t mention hitting if we didn’t talk about “Mr. Walk Off,” Brett Netzer. Netzer is the clean-up hitter for the 49ers this season, already with two walk-offs, one of those coming on a 2-2 pitch with two outs in the bottom of the ninth against Wake Forest, beating the Deacons 7-6.

And just for fun, Netzer hit another walk-off two days later on a 3-2 pitch in the bottom of the tenth inning to beat FIU. The funny thing is, the 49ers had their two highest attended games whenever those walk-offs were hit. Coincidence? I

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think not.

Robert and Mariam Hayes stadium holds nearly 3,000 fans, with plenty of room down the right field line to lay out and get that summer tan while watching America’s greatest game.

The Hayes is also a perfect date spot for that girl or guy that you met over Tinder, a Twitter direct message or somewhere on campus. If you get a foul ball or a shirt for that special someone, you’re guaranteed a second date.

Out of 16 home games this season, not including the game at BB&T Ballpark where 4,421 people attended, there is on average 715 people that go to each game at the Hayes.

So out of 28,000 students who attend this great university, Charlotte can only bring out 715 people per game?

Where are the students who attend all the basketball and football games? This team has a

winning record and still, not many people, in ratio to how many students go to the school, go to the games.

Niner Nation, this is my challenge to you. Go to a game. Go to multiple games. Grab some Bojangles, a hot dog, a Philly cheese steak or a burger and cheer on your 49ers baseball team.

You might even run into Hall of Fame Nascar driver Dale Jarrett, whose son, Zach Jarrett, is the starting left fielder for Charlotte.

Or you might get really lucky and meet another Hall of Famer that attends every Charlotte baseball game, Paul Buchanan, also known as the “Uh-Huh” guy. It may come off as annoying at first, but I guarantee that you will be saying “UhHuh” by the end of the game.

So grab a friend and help pack out the Hayes, you won’t regret it.

Charlotte 49ers baseball welcomes Brett Netzer at home after a walk-off defeating Wake Forest. Photo by Chris Crews MARCH 22 - MARCH 28, 2016

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FEAR THE BEARD

Derek Fritz showcases impressive stats and even more impressive facial hair

Photo by Ben Robson

KATHLEEN COOK STAFF WRITER

Facial hair has become a dominant tool of expression, and beards have begun to become popular in the baseball world. From pros like Jayson Werth and Matt Shoemaker to the retired Brian Wilson, beards are trending in America’s game.

Joining the trend is none other than Charlotte’s own catcher Derek Fritz.

A 6-foot tall junior from Sunrise, Fla., Fritz transferred to Charlotte this year from Pensacola State Community College.

While sporting a short beard during his time in high school, Fritz made some major accomplishments.

During Fritz’s high school career he made an appearance in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game, was named a Rawlings AllRegion second teamer and was also named to the Miami Herald All-Broward 6A-8A First Team as a designated hitter.

When a player commits to play at a school, there are many questions they have. For Fritz, his main concern was about facial hair. He started growing facial hair in the eighth grade; however, his beard had to be kept short due to rules set by other teams.

“I’ve always wanted to grow a long one, but wherever I went, they’ve always said, ‘No, you can’t have it that long.’ So finally, I came here and they let me do whatever I wanted basically,” Fritz said. “Once they told me I was able to grow it out, I just let it keep growing.”

Fritz has many fans of the beard. He receives compliments on it from strangers, and people have begun coining various catch phrases for him.

“I’ll be walking around the mall with my girlfriend and someone will walk by and say, ‘Hey, nice beard.’ I hear ‘Fear the beard’ all the time,” Fritz said.

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There is, however, one person in particular who is not such a fan.

“My mom still doesn’t like it,” said Fritz. “I FaceTimed her this morning because I got a haircut, and she said, ‘You still have to shave.’”

With a beard of his magnitude, there is necessary upkeep that has to take place. Fritz spends 15 to 20 minutes a day grooming his beard. The various products he uses add up to between $100 and $150.

“I wake up and put conditioner in it when I shower. I blow dry it. After I blow dry it, I kind of straighten it out because I get a nappy beard. Then, I put beard oil or beard balm in it,” said Fritz.

Fritz does fear during road trips with the team that, as a practical joke, the length of the beard could be in jeopardy.

“I’m terrified,” said Fritz. “They’re always joke they’re going to do something while I’m sleeping. I might need to get my own room.”

With pitchers hurling balls towards Fritz at speeds over 80 miles per hour, he can use all the protection he can get. Though there is the standard gear— mask, chest guard and shin guards—Fritz has something extra: his beard.

“I love it. I feel like it’s extra cushion. If a foul ball hits my mask, the beard absorbs the vibration,” Fritz said.

So far, Fritz and his beard have made an impact, playing in 17 games and starting in 14. He has recorded 10 RBIs, four doubles and one home run, giving him a batting average of .268. Fritz has an on base percentage of .316 and a .404 slugging percentage.

Fritz has one year left of eligibility. During his remaining time in the Charlotte jersey, his beard will only continue to grow. “I’m not shaving until I graduate,” said Fritz.

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GETTING TO KNOW 49ERS CENTER FIELDER

COURTNEY CARROLL JARED ALLEN SPORTS EDITOR

it can be mentally draining, and she’s always been there for me in that aspect.

Zombies invaded the earth, who’s fighting on your team?

My mom because she’s the strongest person ever, Derek Jeter because he’s Mr. Clutch and my brother because he’s nicknamed “The Hulk.” I also might choose Lizzy (Birch) because she’s scrappy!

Who’s the funniest player on the team?

Can I pick two? Lizzy (Birch) and Grace (Beatty).

What are your pregame rituals?

I drink my morning coffee and make sure I get to the field early to gather myself.

If you could only do one dance move for the rest of your life, what would it be?

The Dab.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Milk, for sure. I drink that a lot. Probably some fruit and some leftovers.

Courtney Carroll. Photo courtesy Charlotte Media Relations

Meet Charlotte’s outfield general, Courtney Carroll. The senior hailing from Clemmons, N.C. has started every game for the 49ers since her sophomore season. She’s moved all over the park during her career, starting in left field before transitioning to right, but the senior now resides in straight away center.

Over the course of four years, avid Charlotte softball fans have grown to know Carroll well on the diamond, but just how well does Niner Nation know Charlotte’s No. 1 outside Phillips Softball Complex?

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would play the lead role?

I’d hope Jennifer Lawrence because she’s hilarious.

What is your favorite candy?

Sour Patch Kids.

Biggest pet peeve?

People who can’t drive or park. I hate when you find a spot but the person next to you is over the line.

What is your favorite show on Netflix?

Gilmore Girls.

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

“Sorry” by Justin Bieber. It’s upbeat, and I know all the words.

What is your favorite restaurant in the university area?

Chili’s. I go there all the time.

What is the last book you read?

“Death by Food Pyramid.” I’m in the middle of it.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

A dog. An inside dog because they live the life.

They sleep all day, they get pampered and are fed adult food. Must be pretty nice.

Favorite ’90s jam from a ’90s kid?

“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

Any superstitions? If so, what?

I try not to be superstitious, but I always put my bag in the same spot and put my shoes on the same way. Everything has an order. And I always pray during the National Anthem.

Any advice you’d give to younger players?

Have fun. It goes by so fast, and when you’re in season you forget about that. Enjoy it, have fun, slow down and enjoy the time you’re playing and having fun with teammates.

Who is your role model, and why?

My mom. She’s all about attitude and making sure I’m always up. Especially in softball because

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Courtney Carroll connects with a line drive. Photo by Benjamin Robson MARCH 22 - MARCH 28, 2016

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NINERTIMES

ALTERNATE TAKE: WHY IT MATTERS THAT BLACK LIVES MATTER CASEY ALDRIDGE OPINION EDITOR

John Patrick, my co-worker and friend, wrote last week that he’s not a fan of avoidable confrontation, and neither am I, really. Confrontation is almost never fun, almost always painful and, without exception, uncomfortable. But confrontation is necessary for the reconciliation of right and wrong and for the abolition of unjust power imbalances.

Sometimes my political positions might make it appear that I particularly enjoy marching, rallying and protesting. I can assure you I do not, and I’d always much rather be watching “Doctor Who.” I can’t speak for other activists and organizers, but I don’t think I’m alone in this opinion: People fight oppression because there is oppression, not out of hobby or anything of the sort.

Patrick’s article alleged that “whoever says ‘____ Lives Matter’ is perpetuating the idea ... that some lives do not matter,” and makes the case that the refrain of Black Lives Matter is a form of discrimination. Unfortunately, this line of logic is a faulty and tired one that has resurfaced again and again to make the case that black lives do not, in fact, matter. I know this is not Patrick’s aim, and so that’s why I wanted to take this time and space to explain why saying that “Black Lives Matter” is so critically important in moving towards a world where all lives actually do matter.

Patrick paraphrased one of Dr. King’s most commonly misinterpreted quotes, that “hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness.” But King continued that same quote by saying, “We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.” Focusing too closely on the end of that sentence misses the conflict King acknowledges: We must meet the forces of hate. We must meet the forces of hate with a

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power different than hate itself, the power of love. And in the realm of phraseology: “White Lives Matter” is hate and, tragically, holds power in our society; “All Lives Matter” conveniently deflects from reality and, whether intentionally or not, enables hate; and “Black Lives Matter” expresses love.

Another King quote, in his Letter From Birmingham Jail, says: “First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says ‘I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direct action;’ who paternalistically feels he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a ‘more convenient season.’

“Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.”

Dualism can frequently be an unhelpful, even harmful, way of conceptualizing the world. Dualism creates polar opposites, which “never the twain shall meet.” Much natural phenomena, and perhaps all moral nuance, escapes such a dichotomy, but dualism is particularly well-

suited to make sense of justice and injustice, equality and inequality. To quote King a third time, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Where morality is nuanced and abstract, posited philosophically or theologically, justice and equality are material events. Social relations are either just or unjust, unequal or equal.

There can be no coexistence between injustice and justice.

And so, “All Lives Matter” occupies a false space. It assumes a neutrality that does not exist. “All Lives Matter” likes to think of itself as coming from a position of love, where love is non-confrontational, painless and easy. But love hurts, love fights, love grieves, love meets opposition and love struggles. According to Leonard Cohen’s classic, “Love is not a victory march; it’s a cold, and it’s a broken, hallelujah.” Love says, “Black Lives Matter,” because it can’t say anything else in the face of deep and real injustice, where love recognizes that it must take a side.

There is no apathy, no indifference and no middle ground; “all lives matter” is not an option.

Brazilian liberation theologian Leonardo Boff, in his book “When Theology Listens to the Poor,” discussed the theological notion of “preferential option for the poor.”

To Boff, this preferential option for the poor—that is, prioritizing the needs and will of the poor—was in no way an exclusion of the wealthy; rather, the preferential option was an acknowledgement that any other position would result in an active exclusion of the poor, even if unintentionally. The Church, Boff argued, exists in this world, and as such inherits the same de facto preference for the elite that is characteristic of the world. Only through a preferential option of the poor could the Church atone for the de facto preference for the rich that

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it had inherited from the world.

Patrick asked why it mattered that we say and affirm that “Black Lives Matter.” We live and operate in a world dominated by white supremacy. White supremacy— as with sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia and the capitalism that produces and reproduces each of the above—taints every institution in our world, and anything less than unequivocal opposition to white supremacy is to validate it’s grip on this world. “All Lives Matter” occupies a false space, and in its unwillingness to resist white supremacy and police violence, it accepts and gives its approval to white supremacy and police violence.

Injustice and inequality don’t allow for a middle ground. They create very real lines in the sand, and we all find ourselves on one side or the other. Sometimes we may have a foot on each side, or we may cross from one side to the other, but never can we fall between equality and inequality or justice and injustice. And so we must decide where we fall—either with white supremacy or with “Black Lives Matter”—knowing that “All Lives Matter” is not an option in this world. In another perfectly just, perfectly equal world, we’ll say “All Lives Matter” as fact. But, as the protest chant goes: “All Lives Matter when Black Lives Matter.”

The language we use needs to “cast down the mighty from their thrones, and exalt the lowly.” Only then, after creating an entirely new world and reality, can “All Lives Matter” mean anything remotely coherent. Until then, we have to repeat it and repeat it loudly: Black Lives Matter.

That’s why it matters.

— See Alicia Garza, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter organization, speak at McKnight Hall in the Cone Center on Monday, Mar. 28, at 7 p.m.

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Photo by Anna Gibbs

MAGIC MIKE Magician Mike Super turns magic cynics into believers

ANNA GIBBS INTERN

There are very few things I can think of that are more frightening than trying to impress a room full of college students. And if I had to compile a list titled “The Least Likely Things to Excite College Students,” magic would handily make the top three. So I filled my front-row seat in McKnight Hall with a very cynical mindset, anticipating enduring an hour as long as that clichéd endless kerchief that some guy with too much hair gel won’t stop pulling out of his sleeve.

Am I the only magic Grinch out there? I doubt it, and American magician and illusionist Mike Super himself even acknowledges people’s skeptical attitude towards magic.

“Because my last name is Super, people are rolling their eyes before the show starts,” said Super in a brief interview after the show. “And then I love to come out, and they’re actually surprised when they have fun … that’s my favorite part about performing.”

Well, Magic Mike, you read my mind. By the time Super’s show was over, I didn’t know what was up or down anymore. Super put on an entertaining show by involving students in his comedy-filled spectacle of illusions and tricks, which left the audience with wide-eyes and

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mouths gaping.

Super seized the crowd’s attention with his unique style of performing, which involved everything from time-travel tricks to predicting the culprit in a “Clue”-themed bit. Through “lavenous” inside jokes and audience assistance, everyone in the room was able to be an active participant in the show.

Possibly the most memorable was his “controversial” Voodoo trick, which Super previously performed on “America’s Got Talent.”

“…DREAM REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BIG BECAUSE YOU WILL HIT WAY MORE THAN YOU’RE CAPABLE OF. I’M LIVING PROOF OF IT.”

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During this trick, an audience participant was brought to the stage and instructed to close his eyes so that he would be unaware of what Super was doing. Super then begun manipulating a Voodoo doll in order to get physical results from the participant.

After Super momentarily lit the Voodoo doll’s hands on fire, he revealed to a shocked audience that the participant’s hands were left with black ash on them. For the bit’s finale, Super pricked the doll’s bottom with a large pin. Right on cue, the student immediately jumped out of his seat, backside in hand, with a bewildered look on his face.

“Don’t limit yourself on what you think you can do,” said Super when asked what advice he had for college students. “I do card tricks for a living, which is amazing. Dream really, really, really big because you will hit way more than you’re capable of. I’m living proof of it.”

Super did an excellent job of synthesizing comedy and unbelievable illusions into a Dane Cook-meets-Houdini hybrid performance. Super was able to deliver a memorable evening, and with just a little bit of magic, he managed to turn this cynic into a believer.

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Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture

Art by Mkale Kwiatowski

‘Hamletmachine’ is a unique take on a Shakespeare classic JEFFREY KOPP STAFF WRITER

Upon entering Belk Theatre, I didn’t exactly know what to expect from this production. My foggy memory of reading “Hamlet” in high school provided some expectations; however, “Hamletmachine” is truly unique. Originally written by German playwright Heiner Müller and loosely based on the work of William Shakespeare, this play is both thought-provoking and disturbing.

The major highlight of this UNC Charlotte production is the performances from the student actors. Across the board, the acting is profoundly spectacular and captivating. The truly stunning performances bring the audience into the world of the play with enchanting monologues and rapid body movements. Each actor utilizes the stage and fellow performers to create a series of chaotic and dramatic scenes that deliver the intended message. Whether one or many actors are present, the stage feels full and alive. The famous characters from the original play are all present in many different forms to explore society and the human condition. The various musical performances within the play are also worth mentioning as major high points. The passionate and engrossing performances by the entire cast are just one of many reasons why this production of

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“Hamletmachine” is worth your time.

Something that I noticed throughout the duration of the play was the constant eye-catching use of lighting and props. Not a minute goes by without something on stage drawing your attention. Whether it’s movement in the background or flickering television sets, the team behind the scenes fully helped to present the audience with extensive imagery. With the openly interpretive nature of this play, the use of imagery definitely presents viewers with material to provoke contemplation.

Another takeaway from the show is the distinctive costumes for each of the characters. The wardrobe team expertly provides a possibly overlooked component of the overall production that also contributes to the extensive use of imagery.

Lastly, the set design is yet another fantastic piece of the large puzzle of this production.

Explaining the plot of this performance would simply be impossible, as it is far from standard in structure. This is truly something that must be witnessed firsthand to fully appreciate. With gripping drama and sensational work behind the scenes, UNC Charlotte’s production of “Hamletmachine” is a true gem that is worth your time.

ACROSS 1 Pure joy 6 Fairy tale bear 10 Athletic org. founded

by Billie Jean King 13 Sports channel summary 14 Apple’s shuffle or touch 15 Melville captain 16 *Mozart and Robin, in their own way 18 Fancy airport ride 19 Poker declaration 20 Last word of many fairy tales 21 Fundamentals 24 Recliner feature 26 “Xanadu” rock gp.

27 Not on time 30 Bird feeder supply 31 Like the accent in cliché 33 Loading dock access 35 Graceful bird 38 Echoic first name of

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Olympic hurdler Jones 39 Number associated with the ends of answers to the starred clues 40 Pet gerbil’s home 41 Simple 42 Rounded hammer end 43 “Casablanca” actor Peter 44 Land surrounded by water 46 “Star Trek” helmsman 48 Gave grub to 49 Fiesta food 52 Irish playwright Sean 54 Threepio’s pal 55 Swindlers 58 Fortuneteller 59 *Windy day ocean condition 63 Canadian Conservative 64 Gravy vessel 65 Craze 66 Supergirl’s symbol

67 Repairs with turf, as a lawn 68 Nail file material DOWN 1 Texter’s “Gimme a sec” 2 Lion in the night sky 3 Far from friendly 4 2005 horror sequel 5 Website with timed trivia quizzes 6 Calf-length dress 7 Zoo primates 8 Gourmet mushroom 9 YouTube annoyances 10 *Earth-sized collapsed stars 11 Makes less unruly 12 Scrub, as a launch 15 Outdoor, as cafes 17 Curiosity-launching gp.

20 __ of Reason 21 Memphis music festival street 22 Metal wrap giant 23 *Best female friends 25 “Around the Horn” channel 28 Lemon or lime 29 Roof edges 32 Film that introduced Buzz Lightyear 34 List of dishes 36 Think alike 37 Emotionally demanding 39 Made haste 43 “I’m just so fortunate!”

45 Poet __-tzu 47 Script “L” feature 49 Tentative bite 50 Twistable cookies 51 “Bless you” prompter 53 Tea region of India 56 __ hog 57 Chooses, with “for” 59 “Madam Secretary” network 60 Opposite of WSW 61 Put on television 62 For example

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5 PARRIS WILSON

things to know about romance

INTERN

Ever wished to make that first move with someone but never really knew how to? Have you been wrestling with scenarios in your head about how you should interact with, or even approach, that one person you have had your eye on? I am here to tell you why it is necessary to put your big girl pants on and talk to them.

A CLOSED MOUTH DOESN’T GET FED

Getting to know someone can tend to be awkward and uncomfortable, especially when it is someone you are interested in. The last thing you would want to do is have your crush look at you in a negative light.

However, if you do not say anything then you will never even get a chance to get next to them or form any sort of relationship. Remember when elders would say, “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed”? This applies to every aspect of life. If you never speak up or at least try to strike up a conversation with that person, you may just starve.

HE’S JUST THAT INTO YOU

Once you put yourself out there, the worst thing that can happen is finding out the person is not that into you. But what if all your hard work does not go in vain? You may come to find that they are just as infatuated with you as you are with them, if not even more. They may have been trying to build up the nerve to approach you but have not gotten that far because they do not want to come across as “pressed” (definition: so Tribune News Service interested beyond measure, that you are the only one they want and are interested in). Who is to say this cannot happen? Either way it goes, someone has to be the one to make the first move in order to embark on a new relationship.

Why don’t you be that person?

you struck up because you were attracted to them. A childhood friend told me her story that just confirms everything I am saying. She said, “My boyfriend and I started off as friends, but we would not have even made it to that point had I never been the one to initiate the conversation. I was attracted to him so I decided it is time for me to get out of the mindset that all guys had to be the ones to make the first move. Had I waited for him to come to me, we would not be together today. Now, we have been together since 2013, and we have had our ups and downs, just like any relationship, but we have had some really good times together.”

AND YOU HAVE JUST BEEN FRIENDZONED!

You may come to find once you start talking to a person that you are attracted to that you two vibe better as friends, and that is totally OK. You can never have too many friends, right?

Things are probably way too comfortable where you both understand it would be weird if either of you crossed that boundary to be anything more. View it like you are gaining a friend you can run and tell your potential relationship problems to, and you have now crossed that bridge to accept that they will never be anything more. Be careful with thinking so loosely, though. A lot of lasting romantic relationships start by becoming friends first.

ARE YOU THE ONE OF MY DREAMS?

Now, understand that life is no fairytale and no one is perfect. But it can come dangerously close if you choose the right person you were meant to be with. What I mean is, what if that one person is exactly the type of person you have been searching for all along. It is almost wild to think you could meet your lifelong partner all from one simple conversation

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WHO NEEDS ROMANCE WHEN YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE?

Whether or not everything works out, there is no doubt you will develop a little more confidence than you had before. If things work out, you will have the confidence of knowing your crush was just as attracted to you. There’s no more uncertainty. If things don’t go according to plan, your confidence might still skyrocket because you can go on and on about how they never deserved you and point out all of their flaws. Mission accomplished.

Do not be afraid to put yourself out there, because the results may surprise you. You can never assume anything when it comes to attraction or being interested in someone. If you had gone through life assuming everything, would you have made it this far?

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VANESSA MARTINEZ INTERN

Photo by Vanessa Martinez

“Hopefully, by the time I am 30, I will have my life figured out, though I don’t think anyone can ever really have his or her life figured out. Every year, we are constantly changing and growing. When I hit 24, I realized I had outgrown a lot of people, and this was really hard for me to accept because I had this picture in my head that I was going to be best friends with these people, or I am going to spend the rest of my life with this individual.

Some people are not used to change, and sometimes when I act a certain way, people ask me, ‘Why are you acting this way? You never used to be this way,’ and it brings me back to this quote that says, ‘Watch out for the used-to people,’ because they are the people who are used to a secluded lifestyle. They are stuck in their way of thinking, and they intentionally prevent themselves from growing. The best advice I can give to people is enjoy your life. You should never be apologetic for who you want to be and who you truly have been all along.”

Tracy Copeland

Recipe: Strawberry cheesecake bites STEPHANIE SMITH STAFF WRITER

Spring is in the air, and that means strawberry season is right around the corner. I love biting into a fresh juicy strawberry. The explosion of sweet strawberry juice sends my taste buds wild. These little bites are great for a light and healthy snack. Just be careful, because they are addicting.

INGREDIENTS 1 lb. fresh strawberries, rinsed and pat dry 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: Graham cracker crumbs DIRECTIONS 1. With a paring knife, cut off the strawberry stems. Cut around the

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inside of the strawberry, hollowing it out slightly and creating a well for the cheesecake. You can also do this with a small melon baller.

2. Cut off a small portion of the pointy strawberry tip so that each strawberry can stand. Place each on a large baking sheet.

3. In a medium bowl, with a standing or handheld electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until fluffy (about 2 minutes on medium speed).

4. Place the mixture in a pastry bag and pipe into each strawberry, adding a little extra to the top.

5. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Optionally, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top of each stuffed strawberry.

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Photo by Stephanie Smith

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