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Fall Fest 2016
4. Why leaves change color 6. Graveyard Mud Pie recipe 9. Fall Festivals 12. Fall bucket list 15. Halloween TV shows 20. OP-ED: Meet the CMPD 22. Fall fashion trends Editor-in-Chief
Hunter Heilman Creative Director
Marketing Director
linnea stoops david mendez Writers and Contributors
Nick Cropper, Alex Sands, Angie Baquedano, Jeffrey Kopp, David Shepperd, Casey Aldridge, Hailey Turpin Marketing and Sales
Michael Powers, Blake Strickland, Zavia Rudisell, Ryan Scott Niner Media Adviser: WAYNE MAIKRANZ Marketing Adviser: KELLY MERGES Business Manager: LAURIE CUDDY Graphics and Production: MEGAN SMITH Office Manager: DANNY HUFFMAN
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WHY DO LEAVES CHANGE COLOR?
NICK CROPPER NEWS EDITOR
Fall is probably most notable for two things. Halloween and leaves changing color into the beautiful array of orange and red that we are all too familiar with. However, why leaves change color is something that many people may not know. When it is time for leaves to change color, it all comes down to a matter of survival. More specifically, it is a matter of survival for deciduous trees. Deciduous trees being trees that lose their leaves certain times of the year. Contrary, evergreen trees do not. As fall and winter approaches, parts of Earth receive less direct sunlight, causing cooler temperature. As temperatures change, trees make the necessary changes to prepare for winter and survive the cold. There also isn’t enough water during the winter time and trees must make more conservative efforts. Trees shed their leaves to help conserve energy and water. This process is known as abscission. Trees release a hormone that closes the spots where leaves are attatched to their branches. When these spots are sealed, fluids cannot travel to the leaves and they begin to change color, eventually falling off. Instead, trees conserve the fluids in their roots underground. As days grow shorter, photosynthesis, the process by which plants absorb sunlight for energy, decreases and, as a result, the production of chlorophyll also decreases. Chlorophyll is what gives leaves and other plants their natural green color. When it comes time for leaves to begin dropping, a protective layer of cells grow of the newly exposed area and protect it so new leaves can grow in the spring. If the tree did not protect these areas, it would die. When temperatures rise, trees shed their protection and leaves grow. 4
Fall Fest 2016
Niner Times file photo
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Photo by Alex Sands
Recipe: Graveyard Mud Pie ALEX SANDS ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Do you know the one thing better than candy on halloween? Dessert. This “Graveyard Mud Pie” recipe is perfect for college students on a budget. It starts with an easy-to-make mud pie base, but allows for as little or as many toppings as you want, allowing your creativity to wander.
Ingredients: Pie crust Chocolate pudding Oreos (crumbled) Milano milk chocolate cookies Black icing pen Gummy worms Peeps marshmallow ghosts Candy corn and pumpkins
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Directions: 1. Cook the crust following the directions given to you. Wait for crust to cool. 2. Pour chocolate pudding into crust. Cover pie with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the filling. Refrigerate the pie for two hours. 3. While the pie is refrigerating, crumble oreos by placing them in a ziplock bag and smashing them. 4. Write “R.I.P.” with a black icing pen on the Milano cookies, to create the tombstones. 5. Once the pie is done in the refrigerator, pour crumbled oreos all over the top of pie to resemble the “dirt” of the graveyard. 6. Place the “tombstones” around the edges of the pie. 7. Place gummy worms into the pie, giving it the effect of crawling out of the dirt. 8. For a finishing touch, add any Halloween candy desired. Peeps marshmallow ghosts, candy corn, and candy pumpkins are all options.
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Fall Fest 2016
HUNTER HEILMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As Summer is long behind us and Christmas is in short sight, it’s time we capitalize on the magical period that happens in-between these two times: Fall. Known by many as the most enchanting season of the four, this is the time of year where festivals like the State Fair in Raleigh are held, but there’s no reason to set your blinders on Raleigh alone. While the State Fair is great and one of my favorite events of the year, Charlotte has a lot to offer when it comes to festivals too.
anyone in attendance. 16th century Europe has never been so fun. The Carolina Renaissance Festival runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 20.
Greater Charlotte Fine Arts Festival Celebrating all that is fringe and avantgarde, the Greater Charlotte Fine Arts Festival is an annual festival that shows everything that Charlotte has to offer to its ever-growing art community. From jewelry, paintings, glass, sculptures, metal and mixed-media, as well as live music from local artists, there is something for everyone at this festival, whether you consider yourself mainstream or if you live on the fringe. The Greater Charlotte Fine Arts Festival is held in Huntersville, N.C. on Oct. 2223.
100 Words Film Festival Photo courtesy of Walter/Wikimedia Commons
Carolina Renaissance Festival Step back in time and go on a journey to a whimsical and magical era of knights, maidens and really, really good Turkey legs. Located in Kannapolis, N.C., this annual festival has become a staple for not only the Charlotte community, but communities all across N.C. and beyond come to experience this massively impressive event each year. Be sure to check out the schedule for various performances (the fire jugglers are a personal favorite of mine) and getting a turkey leg is an absolute must for
Have you ever stopped to count how many words are spoken in a film? Probably not, but the people at the 100 Words Film Festival have done so and in such a unique fashion, I might add. Not allowing any of its films to go beyond 100 spoken words in its entirety, this festival stresses the great importance of visual storytelling and flair to get its point across. Anyone can enter, as long as they adhere to the strict guidelines of the festival. The 100 Words Film Festival takes place in Charlotte on Nov. 4-5.
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Decadent Dreams Chocolate Festival
Photo courtesy of festival website
Everyone (except for my mother) loves chocolate, some people even dream about it. While the prospects of us ever visiting Willy Wonka’s factory are slim to none (I’m Veruca Salt), we can at least enjoy in the comforts of a local festival that focuses on nothing but chocolate. At Decadent Dreams Chocolate Festival, dreams become reality with various vendors selling every bit of chocolate you could imagine, top this with live music, as well as a chocolate spa and you’re in heaven. Tickets are $40 per person, but that’s a small price to pay for nirvana. The Decadent Dreams Chocolate Festival takes place in Rock Hill, S.C. on Nov. 10.
Underexposed Film Festival After the incredibly disappointing summer movie season we were treated to, it could be argued that one of the things that the film world needs is a return to the roots that made it so great in the first place. The Underexposed Film Festival seeks to bring back the raw passion that filmmaking has been needing for quite some time now. Focusing on small, independent short films, the festival promises that while you might not know the names of the filmmakers, their work will be ingrained in your mind long after the festival ends. The Underexposed Film Festival takes place in Rock Hill, S.C. from Nov. 2-5.
Photo courtesy of Frank Vincentz/Wikimedia Commons
Feis Chlobhair - Clover Scottish Games Kilts, bagpipes and lots and lots of strength, this what you would expect from a Scottish games, but what you get is so much more. Settle down for a day of festive games and fun for the entire family as a traditional Scottish Highland Games is played in search of the strongest man. Top this off with wonderful music and traditional Scottish/Irish cuisine and you have something entirely unique and incredibly fun for the everyone to enjoy. The Clover Scottish Games takes place in Clover, S.C. on Nov. 12.
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ANGIE BAQUEDANO ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Fall is here! Finally the sweltering heat has ceased and our world is colored in radiant reds and fantastic oranges. Charlotte is a beautiful place to live in and this is especially true in the fall, when it’s chilly, but not too cold and warm, but not too hot. Summers in Charlotte are rough and it often feels like you’re in an oven and winters are borderline arctic, so fall is that one time a year where we all flourish. On the other hand, the arrival of fall also means midterms and school kicking it into high gear. Often because of this, we all forget to relish in the beauty that is the fall season in the Queen City. There’s so much to do and so little time so here’s my Queen City Fall Bucketlist! Make sure to check it off as you go!
Drive to Southpark Via North Sharon Amity Rd Take your camera because this route takes you through huge beautiful homes on either side of the road and the street is shaded by big trees with falling leaves. It’s like a scene right out of a movie.
Go to Scarowinds! It’s a lot of fun, I swear. You’ll just be scared out of your mind and you’ll feel safer on the rides then on the grounds, but isn’t that what paying to get scared is all about?
Photo by Maria Saenz
Photo courtesy of Riverhead Books
Read a good book! I know it’s hard to keep up with reading, but it’s good for you. It’ll help you expand your mind and I promise you’ll feel good afterwards
Rent a car off of Turo Have a picnic in the botanical gardens on campus! It’s easy and free (apart from the food) and it’ll get you in touch with nature as it prepares to withstand the foreboding cold that approaches.
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Turo is an app that is like Airbnb but for cars and I did it over fall break in California and it was awesome. It’s just really fun to pretend for a day like you’re super rich. Usually the cars go from 25-200 a day just depends what car you get.
Get an Airbnb! It’s the same situation as Turo but for houses and it’s a lot of fun and much better than hotels.
Fall Fest 2016
Photo courtesy of Public Health Image Library
Get a flu shot Okay I know I know that’s a weird bucket list addition but it’s flu season people and if you’ve never had the flu I’m telling you from experience you don’t want to get it Photo courtesy of NCSU16/Wikimedia Commons
Go to the state fair! Get yourself a funnel cake and drown it in powdered sugar. Also ride the rides I guess that’s what a lot of people go for but me I’m more of a sugar high kind of gal
Go hiking! Go to blue ridge and hike up or sugar mountain it’s amazing!
Photo by Hunter Heilman
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Fall Fest 2016
TOP TEN BINGE-WORTHY SHOWS FOR HALLOWEEN A look at some of the most terrifying and mysterious shows that are perfect for a Halloween binge
JEFFREY KOPP A&E EDITOR
Are you in need of a new television series to binge? Are you also trying to get into the Halloween mood? Look no further than this list of some of the most beloved horror television shows, all of which are available to stream on Netflix. From zombies to vampires and everything in between, these shows will surely get you ready for Halloween. “American Horror Story” (2011-Present) A haunted house, a creepy insane asylum, a coven of witches, a troupe of freaks and a hotel of demons are just a few of the twisted storylines that you can expect from “American Horror Story.” This provocative anthology series takes on a different theme each season, but manages to maintain an ultra-disturbing vibe throughout the entire run. Whether you choose to watch all five seasons or just a few (“Murder House,” “Asylum” and “Coven” are the best), this is definitely a must-watch for any fan of the horror genre. “Z Nation” (2014-Present) Are you looking for a zombie series with rampant stupidity and humor mixed in? “Z Nation” may be just what you are looking for.
Photo courtesy of FX.
While it may not have the seriousness and emotional draw that “The Walking Dead” has, there are still major entertaining aspects to it that make this an enjoyable series. The goofy scenarios and lovable characters may just be enough to keep you watching. “The X-Files” (1993-2002) Follow the adventures of FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate the various paranormal and alien phenomena that they come across. David Duchovny plays a believer in the supernatual, while Gillian Anderson plays a skeptic of all things paranormal. Thanks in part to its mythology, long-term story arcs and lovable characters, this series went on to become a cultural phenomenon. “From Dusk til Dawn: The Series” (2014-Present) No, this isn’t the cult hit film from 1996, but it is a highly successful television adaptation that retains the same dark tone while expanding the scope of the characters. Developed by Robert Rodriguez, this series tells the tale of bank robbers that get involved with a band of vampires. Not only is it incredibly intense,
Photo courtesy of FOX.
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but it is also shockingly gruesome and violent in regards to the fast-paced action sequences.
you invested the whole time, this might be just for you.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Photo courtesy of MTV.
“Hemlock Grove” (2013-2015) What do you get when you mix a creepy town with a band of supernatural creatures? “Hemlock Grove” is a murder-thriller where everyone has their own secrets. Executive-produced by Eli Roth (director of the “Hostel” films) and starring Famke Janssen and Bill Skarsgård, this series takes the intrigue of a small mysterious town and adds the complexity of supernatural elements. While it may not be the most critically acclaimed Netflix series, it is definitely worthy of a binge. “The Twilight Zone” (1959-1964) “There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man.” Have you ever experienced something truly strange that ends up going unexplained? You just might have crossed over to “The Twilight Zone.” This mind-bending anthology series that aired from 1959 to 1964 was ground-breaking for its time and still stands as a surprisingly fun series. By taking interesting concepts dealing with paranormal and science fiction elements, viewers are taken on a ride of twists and turns that also manages to teach a moral lesson. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003) Vampires, demons and other forces of darkness are no match for Buffy Summers and her friends. Based on the 1992 film, the television series would go on to become one of the most celebrated shows of all time. With its relatable characters, frightening villains and crazy supernatural beings, “Buffy” is on a whole other level when it comes to the vampire/horror genre. If you’re looking for a long-running series that will keep 16
“Scream” (2015-Present) The famous Wes Craven film series comes to the small screen in a far less-serious take on the slasher genre. Set in the fictional town of Lakewood, the television series follows a group of friends that find themselves targeted by a masked killer who leaves clues during a long murder spree. The first two seasons of this MTV adaptation are available to watch on Netflix (the first season is especially worthy of your time). While it may not have the same classic nostalgic feel that the original films hold, the show does manage to play with the entertaining rules and clichés of the horror franchise.
Photo courtesy of 20th Television
Fall Fest 2016
Photo courtesy of AMC.
“The Walking Dead” (2010-Present) A zombie drama that shows the bleakness and horror of an apocalypse while examining the human condition is exactly what makes “The Walking Dead” stand out as one of television’s most popular. A band of beloved characters teaming up to fight the undead and the living, while trying to maintain some semblance of their humanity is what this series explores. Starring Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus, this graphic look at the end of the world will keep you hooked from beginning to end. If you’re not a fan already, now is the time to get onboard. The first six seasons are available to watch on Netflix now.
“Bates Motel” (2013-Present) Norman and Norma Bates make their way to the small screen in a prequel series that leads up to the events of the famed 1960 film “Psycho.” With an eerie setting and a cast of truly creepy characters, this show takes the tone of the classic film and applies it to a modern setting. With the talents of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, this chilling tale features some of the strongest acting on a television series. “Bates Motel” plays with the element of psychological horror and makes many strong statements about mental health in the United States. The first three seasons are available to binge ahead of the final season which is set to air next year.
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Fall Fest 2016
OP-ED: The State of the Election A satirical take on the November elections
David Shepperd INTERN
A news story several weeks back that caught my eye was one about Minnesota Democrats attempting to kick Donald Trump off the ballot. Because in a shocking turn of events, they seem to be supporting Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton. And being members of the political party that believes so strongly in giving a voice to all Americans, and giving life to all ideas, they think it best to give their citizens an extensive variety of a list of one person to vote for. Personally, I think that is a super idea. I mean, in the words of Kim Jong Un, “There was an election in my country, and I won 100% of the votes.” Now take note of that comment, as I’m sure that in the next few days, the completely unbiased ABC News will be reporting that I accused Hillary Clinton of actually being Kim Jong Un wearing a masterfully constructed mask of herself. I can’t wait for my one-on-one interview with George Stephanopoulos. I’ll be sure to wear my Dennis Rodman jersey for a great conversation piece. But now we’re getting off topic. Everyone’s worried about political correctness, political experience, an entire barricade between two countries. But what about the fact that 9 out of every 10 restrooms in America have more bodily fluids on the floor than in the toilet? Maybe that’s why people think that we evolved from monkeys – because we’re not much cleaner than they are. And I suppose that we should be trusting Mr. Trump or Mrs. Clinton to fix this stuff. To be honest, I’d rather be trusting one of the floor-urinators. I can just hear it now. When Donald Trump becomes president, the first thing out of his mouth (after thanking the founding fathers along with himself), will be “Now I hate to tell you this, but the wall has in fact been downgraded to a fence. Don’t worry, we will be putting up a barrier! It just won’t be an actual wall
made of brick, but rather a fence made of chain… And I think that if I play this just right, I may be able to convince Sweden to pay for it.” And if he loses, to recall one of his earlier speeches, the first thing he’ll say is “Well I lost to Hillary… Boy is this embarrassing.” Speaking of Hillary, not to leave her out in the cold, I don’t think I can handle hearing again about what great friends she is with Barrack Obama. Perhaps it’s just me Hillary, but we’re tired of hearing about your morning walks where you frolicked through the woods with Obama. (There’s another good one for my interview with Stephanopoulos.) I also like how at the Democratic National Convention, many of the honored guests were so helpful in pointing out that “Hillary Clinton is the most qualified person ever to be the president.” I suppose I should paste her picture over the bust of Lincoln I have on my desk. Or I could just borrow one of her self-image busts she has in her house. (We know you have those Hillary, but don’t worry, I won’t judge. It’s the same as how Ted Cruz, along with every other republican in America, has a 10-foot statue of Ronald Reagan in their house.) Clinton alone, and in the rich ideals of democracy, her way or the highway… I think that’s just a sick deal, that just can’t be turned down. But in the end, I’m not sure I believe all of this is really happening anyway. You know those commercials that say “these are real people, not actors”? That’s why I can’t watch the news – I’m convinced they’re all actors. And perhaps this election is the same. Either way, the democrats of Minnesota have a super idea in the works. A ballot consisting of Hillary Clinton alone, and in the rich ideals of democracy, her way or the highway… I think that’s just a sick deal, that just can’t be turned down.
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op-ed: Scared of the CLowns? Meet The CMPD Casey Aldridge OPINION EDITOR
There’s been a weird and hard to explain uptick in clown sightings the past few weeks. Late at night, on street corners or in the woods, and calling in threats to schools, a remarkable amount of attention is starting to be given to what the media is calling America’s “clown craze.” Just in time for Halloween, that’s pretty terrifying. But there’s another menace on the streets you need to be aware of, and I’ve taken it upon myself to make this public service announcement. There’s a group called the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, walking out into the streets of Uptown every night, decked in war gear. They particularly prey upon people of color, queer and transgender youth, and people who march for justice. They have affiliate groups all around the United States, in almost every city. Clowns are creepy, sure, but these police departments are equipped with military weaponry, and that thanks to your taxes and your government. CMPD, however, has been especially antagonistic 20
recently. Since they shot and killed Keith Lamont Scott on September 20, they have - according to protesters and clergy on site - killed a protester named Justin Carr with rubber bullets, and framed Raquan Borum for that murder. Other eyewitnesses saw the CMPD run over a protester in an ATV, who they subsequently beat and arrested. They have arrested dozens of peaceful demonstrators, incited riots, and shot tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets at hundreds of people marching for justice. If a clown attacks you, you can almost certainly bet two things: the attack wasn’t motivated by your skin color, and that clown will be held accountable under the law. But the CMPD is one of just 14 police departments that only killed black people last year. And none of them have been held accountable for it. So this fall, don’t hide from clowns. Get out in the streets and protest, because CMPD is out of control, and Black Lives Matter.
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Fall 2016’s biggest fashion trends bring us back to a simpler time
HAILEY TURPIN LIFESTYLE EDITOR
It’s that time of the year again, time for autumn leaves and colder days. Along with the new season comes new fall beauty and fashion trends we see around UNC Charlotte’s Campus. Here are some of the latest and greatest of the fall trends!
Photo courtesy of Bramblewood Fashion
JEAN SKIRTS
Major throwback to the 90’s with the new and reinvented jean skirt! This vintage item is perfect for the fall weather and events. Normally with this trend, we see the high-waisted style worn with ankle boots and a tight fitted shirt, to show a more modern and versatile look. Not only are they perfect for concerts and football games, but can be worn any time to bring a little vintage look to your everyday life.
TURTLENECKS
As the days get colder, we can trade in our scarves for the turtlenecks! This trend was forgotten about amongst our childhood, but popularity as come back in recent years. We saw these on the runway of New York Fashion Week 2016, 22
and the demand is bigger than ever. From a bigger, fuller turtleneck to the crop top turtleneck you can wear to the club, the fashion industry is more than ready to bring this old trend back to life.
Photo courtesy of InExtremiss
CHOKER NECKLACES
As we resurrect another 90’s trend, we look at the importance of the choker necklace. A choker necklace doesn’t always have to the be black plastic ones from all of our middle school years. The modern day choker is without a doubt more complementary to the outfit and occasion rather than the latest craze. Typical chokers in 2016 are beaded with small colored beads that are a surefire accessory for any outfit. Other styles we see are multi-chained with pendants or beads that add even more to your specific style. Whatever trends fit your style this fall, we are sure to see these trends continue to emerge throughout the autumn weather. Take the time to check out these trends, and remember to stay warm as fall weather comes around!
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Fall Fest 2016