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SPRING FEVER 2016
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Spring is the best season
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Avoid skipping class
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Fun spring activities
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A look at Reece Hampton
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The negatives of springtime
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Make spring cleaning easier
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Upcoming concerts
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Humans of UNC Charlotte
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What to watch on TV
Editor-in-Chief Jordan Snyder
Creative Director Andrew Hocutt
Marketing Director Matt Lorenz Writers and Contributors
John Patrick, Vanessa Martinez, Candice Kelly, Hailey Turpin, Angie Baquedano, Kaitlin Malpass, Jeffrey Kopp, Nick Cropper, and Trevor Wilt
Circulation Team
Sales Team
Student Union
Tia Warren, David Mendez,
Loading Dock Team
Kristen Bobeng, Madeline Lemieux
NINER MEDIA ADVISER: Wayne Maikranz MARKETING ADVISER: Kelly Merges BUSINESS MANAGER: Laurie Cuddy OFFICE MANAGER: Mark Haire GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION: Megan Van Emmerik
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VANESSA MARTINEZ INTERN
We are finally saying goodbye to those cold, dreary winter days and saying hello to a happier season. Here are five reasons why spring is the best season ever: SPRING-CLEANING If bringing in the New Year was not enough motivation to get your life in order, spring is that second chance we have all been procrastinating for. No matter who you are, you know that cleaning out the closets and de-cluttering is therapeutic for the soul. There is literally no better time to get rid of those things that have been lingering around and giving them off to a better cause. GREAT WEATHER Spring is great because it is falls right in between winter and summer. Therefore, we get to experience the best of both worlds. North Carolina is basically dead during the winter, and that’s just the way our planet works. But then spring hits, and the world come’s back to life again. Flowers are blooming, and every spot on campus becomes a study spot again, so people can stop hogging the ground floor of the library. 4
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Being confined to the Belk Gym and the Student Activities Center all season has literally been a nightmare; we can finally stretch our legs and hit the trails. Spring welcomes the revival of all outdoor sports. You can play disc golf, soccer, flag football, softball, go hiking and ride bikes. LAYERS COME OFF Yes, clothes start to disappear; you can put away the winter coat for good. It is the best feeling ever when you can finally start slipping your toes into flipflops instead of boots. And because we are in the South, we can get away with shorts and tank tops unlike our northern neighboring states. THE ANTICIPATION OF SUMMER More than anything, spring is sort of a promise. It reminds us that it is just the beginning. In a few months the whole east coast is going to be in complete bloom. Barbecue, beach trips, lounging outside and music festivals are all around the corner. Spring is just nature’s way of preparing us for what is to come.
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SKIPPING IN THE SPRING Fighting the urge to skip class in these final months
NICK CROPPER NEWS EDITOR
When spring fever infects us, we suddenly come down with a case of not wanting to attend classes. It is something that afflicts us all, though some more than others. Skipping class is a good way to ruin a year’s worth of hard work, and it is vital that students know how to stay on top of their work during the spring. First things first, we have to answer the question of why it becomes harder to go to class as the weather heats up. There are many possible answers, but there are some that you are more likely to encounter yourself than others. Schoolwork tends to pile on in the spring. We take care of our midterms, get a much-needed week off from school (most of us, at least) because of spring break and come back to school when all that work just seems to hit us at once. It can be overwhelming, stressful, even slightly maddening. Endless hours of work and it feels like you still have so much to do. During this time, it is easy to forgo some assignments in favor of others, but even then, getting everything done can be a challenge. Also, with everything that needs to be
done, classes can tend to take a back seat while you work on your assignments because you are “pretty sure that nothing’s going on in class today.” Warmer weather also means longer nights. People usually go out more and for longer periods of time. It’s not exactly rocket science. While some people tend to save their partying for the weekend, others seem to not care as much. However, having late nights during the week is going to severely impact your sleep, school and work schedule. Schoolwork comes first; make sure you have it completed before you go out. A night out on the town is going to make it difficult to attend class the next day, regardless of how much coffee you drink. The weather is just too nice. How can you possibly confine yourself to a chair in a windowless classroom when it’s sunny and 75 degrees outside? It is easy to wake up, look outside and see how beautiful of a day it is. The next thing you know, you are not really up for going to class today. You just want to go out and enjoy the weather doing what you like.
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So, moving on to the issue of fighting the urge to skip classes during the final months of school. Having control of your schedule will be key in the last few months of classes. Get a planner of some kind. The Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Student Union has plenty of free planners for students. They’re certainly efficient, but if you need something that gives you more space to write out your objectives for the day, then you should put a few dollars aside to do so. Put your school assignments first, and save going out for when you know you have everything done and you can afford to spend some time out. Besides, dedicating some time to relaxing and having fun will really help you out in the long run. Dedicating an hour or so everyday to
relax can also be beneficial. Do not even think about work during that time. That time is reserved for you and whatever you want to do during it. Make yourself a nice meal, catch up on that show you have been wanting to watch, whatever you want, but be prepared to stick to your allotted time and to return to your work once it is over. As far as wanting to be outside goes, nothing is stopping you from taking your work outside and doing it there, or you could use your down time to go outside and enjoy the day a bit. It might be difficult to fight the urge to skip classes, but it is not impossible. Having a good handle on the things going on in your life is going to make it easier for you to focus and finish out the school year strong.
The nice weather might be convincing, but don’t let it pull you away. NT file photo
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STAY ACTIVE AND ADVENTUROUS THIS SPRING
ANGIE BAQUEDANO STAFF WRITER
Spring is here. Some days it’ll rain, others it’ll be a little chilly and some it’ll be sunny and fresh. But whatever the weather may be, there is always something fun to do in the spring. HIKE CROWDER’S MOUNTAIN It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s a better alternative (distance wise) to go there over Asheville, N.C. for the Blue Ridge Parkway. If driving time isn’t an issue, grab a hoodie, your dog (or someone else’s), a friend(s) and head on out there. Beware the curvy roads 8
if you get carsick easily. I advise you either drive or sit shotgun. I speak from experience. GO TO THE GREEN The Green is this beautiful area in the middle of Uptown, full of trees and bordered by delicious restaurants. It’s like a baby park, without the playground. If you go, make sure to grab a hot dog from Matt’s Chicago Dog. They’re delicious. Ask for celery salt and their poppy seed buns, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Unless, of course, you’re allergic SPRING FEVER 2016
to any of the food items previously mentioned. PICK UP A NEW HOBBY How about trying your hand at photography? Especially with all the flowers blooming, you’ll have some beautiful subjects to work with. Or pick up skateboarding/ longboarding and hit up Freedom Park. It’s got long smooth paths for the perfect cruise. If you can’t leave campus, then just go on the Mallard Creek Greenway that goes through school. Although campus can be hilly, the path is pretty smooth.
ended up liking the artist, and it was fun to go out into Charlotte and explore beforehand.
The greenhouse on campus has an abundance of plantlife, inclduing orchids (top) and venus fly traps (bottom). NT file photos
REWARD YOURSELF WITH A TRIP Set a goal for yourself, start saving money for a trip and reward yourself for good grades with the trip. If traveling is your addiction, then this is the perfect way to keep yourself motivated. Plan a trip for after finals or a short weekend trip. I did this last semester and saved up enough to go to a music festival in May after finals. If you’ve never been to a
music festival, please make it your goal to go to one. I can’t stress it enough just how necessary it is for everyone to experience a music festival at least once. One option is Hangout Music Festival from May 20-22 (the one I’ll be attending), but Bonnaroo (June 9-12) is also a good option. If a festival is too out of your price range, go to a concert or a show of some unknown artist Uptown. I’ve done that before, and I A NINER TIMES PUBLICATION
CHECK OUT THE GARDENS Anytime I’m asked what to do for fun on campus, I always mention the botanical gardens and the greenhouse, and here I go again reiterating just that. It’s beautiful, especially in the spring when all the plants come to life and animals are bustling around doing whatever it is they do. ENJOY THE SUN Go bask in the sun and breathe in the fresh air. Invest in a picnic blanket and use it for everything. Take it if you’re going to Atkins Library and, instead, just study outside. Take it if you’re going to have an actual picnic. Take it to lie out at the park and read a book. With all the stress that college creates, it’s good to stop for a moment and take everything in. It’s very easy to lock yourself in your room and do nothing, but the world is so beautiful, and it’d be a shame if you missed out on it. Get out there, smell the flowers, avoid wasps like it’s your job, explore, throw in some exercise in the mix and have fun. 9
EMERGING SUPERSTAR Freshman Reece Hampton is hitting his way into Charlotte history TREVOR WILT
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
The 49ers true freshman Reece Hampton has some big shoes to fill in the outfield and at the plate as Charlotte’s No. 1 outfielder from last year, Brad Elwood, won the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove, hit .328 in his senior season and led the nation in outfield assists with 12. With Hampton’s hot start, it looks like the 49ers found Elwood 2.0. Hampton’s historic start to his freshman season has not been overlooked. The 5-foot-10-inch outfielder from Charlotte Christian School has hit safely in 13 straight games to start his collegiate career. Hampton can swing from both sides of the plate extremely well, compiling an almost .500 on-base percentage, making it tough for a pitcher to have any sort of edge on the freshman. The 155-pound Charlotte native has a .365 batting average through 13 games, which is the fourth highest on the team. Whenever the speedy freshman gets on 10
base, which is more often than not, he is an instant threat to the opposing team. Hampton currently has four steals on the short season, leading Derek Gallello and Logan Sherer by two. Hampton is not just an offensive player, though. The smaller sized outfielder has an absolute cannon in center field, following in the footsteps of Elwood. Hampton and Elwood have similar throws that come from the right side, keeping the ball low to the ground and making it easy for their teammate to apply the tag. Hampton already has three outfield assists, making it tough for runners to cruise into any base whenever Hampton has the ball. The 49ers have a player in Hampton that provides great security in the outfield and also a true lead-off hitter that can only make Charlotte better. So look out for Hampton this year, he’s most likely the one getting on base and throwing out runners at third and home.
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SURVIVING THE JOHN PATRICK STAFF WRITER
Ah, springtime! Don’t you just love it? What with all its reinvigorating energy and innocent vitality that brings with it the foul stench of blooming Bradford pear trees (so beautiful and sour). Conversations like, “Spring has sprung!” or my personal favorite, “Spring into spring!” are strewn everywhere as people find it necessary to greet the coming of the season with lighthearted wordplay. You get the general feeling that it’s the only subject worthy enough of dignifying into blab. The newfound urgency that because spring has arrived—nay, sprung (even I’m not immune)—cleaning becomes a top priority, or much less, a thing again. Because it is spring means we must clean … because its spring. I never really had an opinion, good or bad, about spring. Most people seem to enjoy the season and hop on every opportunity to seize the days of its vibrancy. This pattern continued until, like most things, everyone had to go out and ruin it for me. My contentment with spring flat out wilted away and died. This of course is paradoxically ironic because spring is viewed as the time for renewal and growth, and we are constantly reminded of this anytime sitting on a bench involves fighting off bumblebees. Where does spring get off? Seriously, of all the seasons, and there are only four, spring is by far the most annoyingly proud and genuinely believes it serves a better purpose than the other seasons. How assuming. How 12
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POLLEN PUNCH arrogant. How “Achoo!” Sorry, I meant to say vain but spring has other plans, namely, all this damn pollen. A few medicine/drug companies flourish this time of the year, as people steadily pop allergy pills like it’s their job in order to combat the elements. Speaking of which, where did I put my umpteenth Loratadine pack? I’m in desperate need to feel that Claritin clear. There are a few redeeming factors of spring, though they are mostly just sports. Atlanta Braves baseball will be in full swing. The Augusta National Golf Club will open its pristine course for the Masters Golf tournament. Stephen Curry will win yet another NBA title. But also, there are honeysuckles. Perhaps the greatest reason to take spring with the grainiest grain of salt can be understood in its tenacity to throw out the old and embrace the new. The pretense is acceptable enough. I mean, everything new must automatically be more beneficial than the old, because the old isn’t chic or sexy but new is always trending. But what if I don’t want to clean my room or wash my car or wear pants, must I really change for the sake of changing because of the unwritten rule that it is good and habitual? I would say the only concrete reason I have in looking forward to spring, in a rather half-assed fashion mind you, is because peaches will begin to hit the grocery stands. Peaches are the only fruit in which I consume based on taste alone. Every other fruit serves
the purpose of nutrition absent of taste. However, they start appearing in the rearmost portion of spring, around May, so it’s a delicious indicator that spring’s tyranny is nearing the end of its regime. If you wish to heed spring’s advice and actually leap, then be my guest. Have fun frolicking about in a lush meadow amidst the inevitable sneezes, teary eyes and profuse sweating. I much prefer the comfort of the indoors during this most tumultuous of seasons.
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Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore HAILEY TURPIN STAFF WRITER
As the winter weather rolls out of the area and warmer conditions begin to bring us into the spring season, we start to clean out the winter clutter from our lives and minds. The term spring-cleaning is that annual time of hardworking and thorough cleaning to clear our homes (or dorm rooms) of grime and dirt. But for us away at college, it can be difficult to clean with our busy schedules. Here are some easy tips to cleaning and keeping dirt out of your living space away from home. START WITH THE BASICS Even a small dorm room could be overwhelming to clean. Starting with simpler tasks that take the least amount of time can lead you to other ideas and details to attend to. Replacing and washing sheets/comforter, clearing space and taking out full trash cans are a great way to help start your cleaning process. GET ORGANIZED As you start to clear away clutter and trash, it helps to organize the things around you, like putting all school
supplies in one drawer, placing all books back on the shelf or, if you’re really feeling the need, color coordinating your clothing. Only do what you feel is necessary and will benefit you, but the purpose of spring cleaning is to clean out the clutter from the winter and to start the new year with a clean slate. MAKE IT FUN Cleaning doesn’t always have be boring or feel like a chore. Get together with a buddy or two and come up with ways to make the job seem less like a job. Playing music while cleaning, having cleaning competitions and planning rewards for finishing really helps to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Make the situation fun, and with hard work and dedication, the task at hand is over before you know it. Don’t let the clutter from the winter keep you bogged down and unable to bring new things into your life. The job is possible, no matter how big you think it is. With a little elbow grease, the work can be easy and fun.
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Concert Corner KAITLIN MALPASS STAFF WRITER
With springtime basically here, everyone wants to get out of the house and enjoy the warm weather during the day. That leaves the night open for entertainment, and what would be better than spending your night at a concert? Here is a list of some promising concerts coming to Charlotte over the course of the spring. Rihanna will be coming to the Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20. This is Rihanna’s “ANTI World Tour,” which will be featuring Travis Scott. Rihanna’s new album “ANTI” will be the main focus of this concert. There is no age limit on this concert and tickets are going for $57 and up. The Time Warner Cable Arena is located at 333 East Trade Street, which is about a 20-minute drive from the University Area. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. On April 11, Elle King will be performing at Amos’ Southend. King is a singer/songwriter that is most famous for her song “Ex’s and Oh’s.” The concert has no age limit, but anyone under the age of 21 is subject to a $3 surcharge. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $23 at the door. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m. The venue, Amos’ Southend, is located at 1423 South Tryon Street. Mumford and Sons will be performing at the Time Warner Cable Arena on April 14. This tour also features The Vaccines and Bear’s Den. This concert has no age 16
limit and the tickets, at the moment, start at $136. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Kacey Musgraves will be performing 2 nights at Amos’ Southend, and the dates are April 14 and 15. Musgraves is country singer/songwriter that is well known for her songs “Follow Your Arrow” and “Merry Go ’Round.” The concert has no age limit, but anyone under the age of 21 is subject to a $3 surcharge. Tickets are $28 in advance and $35 at the door. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. On April 21, Tori Kelly will be performing at the Fillmore. The singer/ songwriter is known for her songs “Nobody Love” and “Should’ve Been Us.” There is no age limit for this concert, and tickets start at $25. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m. The Fillmore is located at 820 Hamilton Street and is around a 20-minute drive from campus. Jimmy Buffett will performing at the PNC Music Pavilion on April 23. He will be performing with Huey Lewis and The News. There is no age limit to this concert, and tickets start at $23. The concert starts at 7 p.m. The PNC Music Pavilion is located at 707 Pavilion Boulevard and is about a 12-minute drive from campus. The venue is outdoors, with a covered seated section as well as an expansive lawn area.
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CANDICE KELLY STAFF WRITER
“I love the spring because everything buds new and fresh! It truly inspires me, keeping me encouraged and knowing that something beautiful can grow after hard times. Also, my birthday is in the spring!” Aleah Pullen
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NEW AND RETURNING
SPRING TV JEFFREY KOPP STAFF WRITER
The temperature is rising, flowers are blooming and birds are chirping. While you’re outside enjoying the nice weather, be sure to take some time to enjoy some of the amazing shows that are set to grace television screens this spring. This list contains some of the most anticipated shows that are either returning or premiering in the coming months. “Marvel’s Daredevil” (March 18) The entertainment powerhouse that Marvel repeatedly proves itself to be can clearly be seen through Netflix’s superhero drama. Set in New York City, this gritty series follows Matt Murdock, who fights crime at night while balancing his life as a lawyer during the day. The incredibly talented Jon Bernthal joins the cast for the second season as anti-hero The Punisher. The full 13-episode second season comes is a perfect choice for your next binge. “Empire” (March 30) The ratings juggernaut that is “Empire” makes its highly anticipated mid-season return on March 30 at 9 p.m. on Fox. With high drama and spectacular musical performances, the draw of this series is no mystery. Terrence Howard and Taraji
Photo courtesy of FOX Television
P. Henson lead the impressive cast. This intriguing look into the hip-hop industry is most definitely worth your attention. “The Path” (March 30) Online streaming websites have made a game-changing impact on television and how we consume it. Hulu hopes to bring in more viewers with its newest series, “The Path.” The impressive cast list, including Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan and Hugh Dancy, is enough to intrigue. This drama revolves around a family at the center of a controversial cult. The 10-episode first season will be available to stream on March 30 on Hulu. “The Ranch” (April 1)
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Photo courtesy of AMC
Photo courtesy of HBO
Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson reuniting for a new comedy series? Count me in. Nearly 10 years after wrapping up their hit sitcom “That 70’s Show,” Kutcher and Masterson are joining forces with Netflix for what is sure to be another binge-worthy series. The first 10 episodes will be released April 1 on Netflix. “Outlander” (April 9) History combined with time travel makes for an odd but fascinating premise for a television series. “Outlander” is a hit with both critics and fans due to its unique take on romance, science-fiction and fantasy. With something for pretty much everyone, this show is definitely worth checking out. Starring Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, this series is set to return for its second season on April 9 on Starz. “Fear the Walking Dead” (April 10) Zombies on the high seas? If that alone doesn’t make you want to watch, I don’t know what will. “Fear the Walking Dead” is a companion series to the worldwide phenomenon that is “The Walking Dead.” Following the polarizing first season, the second season promises to raise the stakes and increase the threats. Kim Dickens and Cliff Curtis team up to fight the undead when the series returns on April 10 at 9 p.m. on AMC. Be sure to stay tuned after each episode for “Talking Dead” hosted by Chris Hardwick.
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (April 15) This surprising phenomenon has captured the hearts of viewers all over the world due to its goofy characters and hilarious situations. Created and produced by Tina Fey, this show is definitely in good hands. The second season is scheduled to premiere on April 15 on Netflix, giving you enough time to get caught up before you binge on the new season. The Night Manager (April 16) British and American politics combine in a joint production between the BBC and AMC. With a skilled cast including Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie, this drama miniseries is sure to pique the interest of television viewers. The first of six episodes is set to premiere on April 16 on AMC. “Game of Thrones” (April 24) Winter is coming ... in the spring. Dragons, duels, death and drama, what more can a television viewer ask for? Enter the complex and harsh world of Westeros for a truly epic and mindblowing journey. The success of “Game of Thrones” cannot be overstated, thanks in part to its large ensemble cast and sensational performances. The highly anticipated sixth season of the fantasy series is set to premiere on April 24 at 9 p.m. on HBO.
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