NIner Times: February 28, 2017 by Niner Times

INSIDE THIS EDITION: PHI SIGMA KAPPA HOSTS THEIR THIRD ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE, BENEFITING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY

‘GET OUT’ IS A SMART, TIMELY, FUNNY AND INCREDIBLY TERRIFYING HORROR FILM THAT MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED

PG. 4

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CUTTING OFF ALL OF YOUR HAIR DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY, SEE 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE YOUR HAIR PG. 15 VOL. 29, ISSUE 20

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SPLASHES FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS Phi Sigma Kappa hosts third annual Polar Plunge fundraiser

Brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa throw another brother into the pool. Photo by Austin Chaney

SABA SOLAIMANIZADEH STAFF WRITER

Two girls hold hands and jump into the pool together. Photo by Austin Chaney

Phi Sigma Kappa had their third annual Polar Plunge fundraiser event on Feb. 25, located in the Belk Plaza, to raise money for the Special Olympics of Mecklenburg County. The Polar Plunge is a fundraising event that supports the Special Olympics of North Carolina by allowing participants to jump into a cold body of water during the winter months. It is a popular event held throughout different states that not only raises donations for a good cause, but creates a fun environment for the people participating in the event as well. The Special Olympics were founded to encourage individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and physical activity, allowing them to develop physical fitness and take part in a variety of athletic competitions. North Carolina has one of the

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largest Special Olympics programs in the world with nearly 40,000 registered athletes who train and compete in year-round programs in 19 different sports. “We’re trying to send one local athlete to the local Olympics, that’s our yearly goal,” says Michael Ellis, a member of Phi Sig and one of the participants that jumped in the pool. “There’s a lot of obstacles to setting up this event, but it’s ultimately worth it.” He also mentioned that the athlete that would eventually attend the Special Olympics has attended and spoken at the event in past years. Phi Sig set up a large pool for people to jump in, and nearby were speakers playing music at the event. The Polar Plunge was open to everyone and did not include an admissions fee. Over 100people attended the event this year, and nearly half of them jumped in the pool. The warm, sunny weather made it much easier for people to participate. “Phi Sigma Kappa’s national philanthropy is the Special Olympics,” explained Roger Verastegui, organizer of this year’s Polar Plunge. “When trying to find a specific event to do, we thought the Polar Plunge would be the best one, it being February and we could get a lot of people to come out in the nice weather and donate.” He mentioned that last year they raised around $1,500, and the goal this year is to raise $2,500. The first year that they began the fundraiser, they only raised $300, and they have already raised $1,000 so far for this year’s Polar Plunge. The event is expected to continue to grow every year.

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Confucius Institute to open at UNC Charlotte Confucius Institute will provide Chinese cultural opportunities for Charlotte community

ALEXANDRIA SANDS NEWS EDITOR

UNC Charlotte will be opening a Confucius Institute in summer 2017 within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in the Department of Languages and Culture Studies. The purpose of a Confucius Institute is to provide Chinese cultural and educational programming. “This is a big deal. It’s going to be a highly visible entity in the University now,” said Nancy A. Gutierrez, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “One of the values and one of the goals of the College is increased internationalization.” The opening is happening after another Confucius Institute closed in Charlotte. “They saw Charlotte as a very important city to have presence in,” said Gutierrez. “Even though the other institue was closing, I think they saw there were lots of opportunities.” UNC Charlotte will be partnering with Shanxi University, a comprehensive university of arts and sciences located in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. On March 29, there will be a grand ceremony open to the public in McKnight Hall in the Cone University Center. There will be

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speeches and performances by students from Shanxi University. The 20 student performers will spend the following week touring the campus and city. Gutierrez said that the institute will offer opportunities for students to study abroad and that she thinks the Institute will be beneficial to UNC Charlotte. “We have now another international partner and that’s always a good thing … This is also a really wonderful mechanism to reach out to the Chinese community ... It also provides an opportunity for us to connect with partner institutions both in the United States and abroad,” Gutierrez said. There are over 500 Confucius Institutes in the world and over 100 in the United States, including at North Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, the University of Maryland and Michigan State University. Each has a Chinese university parter. Provost Joan Frances Lorden traveled to China to sign the contract to co-found a Confucius Institute at UNC Charlotte. The Confucius Institute began in 2004 is overseen by Haban, which is similar to the U.S. Department of Education.

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AUSTIN AJUKWA: ON AND OFF THE COURT

CHRIS LINDSAY STAFF WRITER

It is nearly impossible to see what someone has been through when they step on the court. The trials don’t necessarily reflect in the jumpshot, or the way that they attack the basket, but redshirt junior Austin Ajukwa has found a way to reflect his path in his play at the start of his 49er career. Ajukwa is one of the pieces that Charlotte basketball was missing. The journey to where he is today wasn’t classical. There’s more to Austin than basketball. His play is just a result of the values and principles that he applies to the rest of his life. Family comes first with Ajukwa. He takes his three younger siblings’ future into account with every decision that he makes. If there was one character trait that Ajukwa places emphasis on, it is perseverance. He realizes that he wouldn’t be in the position that he is in today without enduring certain things. “I take a lot of pride in being the oldest sibling. I want to show them that working hard and not giving up has gotten our family where it is. My mother went through hard times, my father went through hard times, and now I’m going through it, but I’m growing from it,” Ajukwa said. Ajukwa was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina and he is a first-generation American. That reality created a lot of unique experiences for him growing up. “I spent a lot of time in Nigeria when I was younger,” Ajukwa said. “I grew up differently than a lot of people, and that’s shaped me to where I am different from a lot of people.”

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Austin Ajukwa goes for a rebound. Photo by Chris Crews

One thing that he has in common with some people is his love for that sport of basketball. He said the he remembers the day that he began his interest. “Because my family is of Nigerian origin and soccer was the sport [of choice] down there, I played soccer a lot early on,” Ajukwa said. He used to go out and practice his soccer game with his mother, and one day that all changed. “I was watching basketball, and one day, when I was about 4 years old, I started dribbling the soccer ball like it was a basketball, and my mother began teaching me how to play. I fell in love with it right away,” Ajukwa said. Ajukwa began playing organized basketball at the age of 6. When he was a freshman at Cardinal Newman high school in Columbia, he was on varsity, but he only averaged about seven points. After being disappointed with the results of his freshman season, he worked hard on his game the

following summer. The improvement was evident. By his sophomore year, he was averaging nearly 20 points. At this point, his dream to play college basketball was slowly becoming a reality. By the time he was a senior, Ajukwa averaged over 20 points and nine rebounds, while leading his team to a state championship. As a product of South Carolina, a goal of his was to play for the ACC. His college choices were narrowed down to the University of South Carolina and Clemson University. He chose Clemson University to fulfill his aspirations of playing in the ACC. After attending Clemson for two years, he decided that it was time for a change of scenery. “I left Clemson because I wanted to expand and reach my potential. I thought that leaving Clemson and finding a coach that played a high level of basketball like coach [Mark] Price would be good for me,” Ajukwa said.

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He certainly won’t regret this decision. After averaging 2.7 points through 55 games at Clemson, he has come to Charlotte and taken a sizeable load in the offense. After 17 games, he’s averaging 12 points and five assists, including a careerhigh 30-point outing against Florida International in February. Most would find the transition that he made difficult, but he explained his success in rather simple terms. “I didn’t play in a college game for 650 days. It was tough, but the biggest thing was being coachable. I had to listen to what they were saying at all times, and believe in it. I took it day by day and brick by brick,” Ajukwa said. Ajukwa takes that same attitude towards the other battles in his life. He also applies the values that he uses with his family to his athletic life. “It’s a brotherhood. Everybody’s for each other. We’ve struggled a little bit this season, but we’re still together,” Ajukwa said. That sentiment is certainly shown on the court. The chemistry to which he has been able to contribute to over the back half of the season is rather strong given the length of time it took for his debut. Coaches and fans alike wish that he had shown up sooner. Ajukwa will continue to incorporate his personality into his game, and hopefully get Charlotte basketball back on the right track before he graduates. Ajukwa said, “If I had the opportunity to change anything along the way, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

DID WE JUST BECOME BEST FRIENDS?

A look at the iconic friendship between Charlotte women’s basketball coach Cara Consuegra and assistant coach Randi Henderson KATHLEEN COOK SPORTS EDITOR

Move-in day, Fall learning what a 1997. real friend was.” That’s when Cara Their Consuegra and relationship Randi Henderson only continued first met as to blossom after the two were their first year enrolled to play at Iowa. Both basketball at Iowa became team and were paired captains during as roommates their sophomore randomly. seasons. The Consuegra and two had a hot Henderson are still and cold style friends 20 years approach. later, and now work “I’m always alongside each really thankful other as coaches for Randi because for the women’s we balance each Cara Consuegra and Randi Henderson discuss a play. Photo by Chris Crews basketball team. other out really Though the two well,” Consuegra “She got a lot of Peterson family talked to each other prior to movesaid. “She helped me grow as a love and exposure. I think just being in day, nothing compared to having leader. I was really competitive and exposed to such a big family and to share a small room equipped very much a hot head when I was getting that type of support was with a bunk bed and sink with a younger. Randi was very different good. It was fun for me to watch her complete stranger. It was especially in that she was very tolerant, calm getting exposed to a lot of things,” challenging for Consuegra, who and loving. That helped me step Henderson said. came from a family with just one towards her a little bit. That balance Henderson and her family also brother. Henderson, on the other really helped me grow in the way helped attempt to teach Consuegra hand, comes from a big family with that I treated people, cared about how to ride a bike. Though she had six total siblings. excellent teachers, bike riding wasn’t people and loved people and to do “For her, living in a small space it in a more loving way rather than Consuegra’s cup of tea. with someone, I don’t think, was “She totally wiped out,” Henderson harshly.” quite as difficult as it was for me to Graduation was tough for the two said. share a small place with someone. as they each went their separate The duo not only shared close I know for me personally I had to ways. Consuegra went on to play spaces, but close bonds as well. make a lot of adjustments in terms in the WNBA post-grad before “Cara is the first person that I of living with that. It certainly beginning her coaching career have gone through a lot of different helped me grow as a person, and she emotions with: good times in season, at Penn State. Henderson took was a great person to grow that way a different route, leading groups bad times in season, good things with,” Consuegra said. with disabilities on different treks going on for me personally, bad including white water rafting and In addition to being from a small things going on for me personally,” hiking. For her, basketball was the family, Consuegra also was far from Henderson said. “We were in this last thing on her mind. home. Henderson, was from close by small space so there was really no “For me I was so excited when Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Maryland one else to share those good times native was quickly taken in by and bad times with. Our friendship Friends cont. pg. 9 Henderson’s family. grew strength was in both of us

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FRIENDS, cont. basketball was over so I could go out and see the world,” Henderson said. “I was so excited about closing that chapter, closing basketball. I think what is so cool about our friendship is that even though we went on completely different paths, we managed to stay in touch and still mattered to each other the whole time.” After she received her master’s degree in recreation and sports sciences from Ohio, Henderson applied for 60 to 70 jobs in her field and only one job for coaching. She only heard back from one job. “The coaching job was the only job I got offered. I took it. I’m qualified to do a lot of other things, coaching is not what I thought I was qualified to do,” Henderson said. Consuegra saw it as a sign. “She was meant to be a coach,” Consuegra said. While they were both in different parts of the coaching world, the two kept constant communication. When the two swapped notes about basketball, Consuegra recognized the talent within Henderson. “Over the last two years before she came on staff, I started to talk to her more about basketball,” Consuegra said. “The more I talked to her about it, I realized that she really was an excellent coach.” A coaching position became open on the Charlotte staff, and Consuegra began her campaign to recruit Henderson to move to the Queen City. Being recently married, it created the perfect storm for Henderson to leave Iowa for North Carolina. “It was hard because all of my family was in Iowa and I had built

a program with players. I had to make a decision as to whether I would leave all of that for this. Cara was a big part in my decision, knowing I was going to be given the opportunity to do things I usually wouldn’t as a coach,” Henderson said. Being friends for as long as the two have been, Consuegra and Henderson have seen each other go through many stages of life. “To see who that person was when we first met each other in that dorm room to the person she is now, for Randi I am just incredibly proud of her and incredibly honored to be in her life,” Consuegra said. “From the young lady that never thought she would be involved with basketball again to now she is one of the best coaches I have ever been around and made this program better than I ever thought possible. I’m just proud of her as a friend, as a sister. It’s been neat to see her become the woman she is because she impacts people’s lives at a very very high level.” Seeing each other as freshmen in college to now mothers, wives and coaches, the two have seen each other grow. “When I came here, to see her interacting with her players and family, being a mom, a wife, it’s been really cool to me. I knew she would be a coach, but I didn’t know that she would become such a caring mom, wife, whole everything,” Henderson said. “She was always so driven. To see her balance all of those things as a whole to me has been so rewarding. That’s been one of the coolest things to me is seeing her own that part of her life.”

“To see who that person was when we first met each other in that dorm room to the person she is now, for Randi I am just incredibly proud of her.” HEAD COACH CARA CONSUEGRA

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A NATION OF REFUGEES Two Syrian refugees share their stories in San Diego, California. Photo via Tribune News Service

EDDIE ANGELBELLO STAFF WRITER

Our world is currently seeing the largest refugee crisis it has ever known. According to the World Bank and the United Nations, over 65 million people are currently displaced from their homes, 21.3 million of which are displaced because they have literally no other choice. Their flight is entirely involuntary. The report that details these numbers also lays out the root of the problem and the reason that we are seeing an unprecedented number of refugees. It shows that the heart of the issue involves 10 conflicts around the world accounting for the majority of forced displacement every year for the past 25 years. Admittedly, we have a lot of problems here of our own that we struggle to solve (mostly because we endlessly waste our money on pumping up military and subsidizing large corporations), but often these issues blind Americans, pulling us in to the seductive idea that refugees are not our problem and not our priority—that they just

need to stand up for themselves and fix their own countries, because we have too much fixing of our own to do here in the United States. When we begin to believe this, we fall into the cowardly mindset that refugees are weak, that they do not deserve our hospitality, or that they need to work to attain it. When we do this we become entirely un-American. I know most people have different views of what it means to be “American,” but instead of going through the thousands of different interpretations, let’s just take a brief look at our history. The first settlers in what would become the United States were nothing more than religious refugees. They fled persecution in Europe and hoped to find a safe haven where they might be able to practice their religion freely and begin a new life. This wasn’t the first place they fled to either—they tried going almost anywhere else before they ended up halfway across the world in a place they would not have chosen without

a huge nudge from those who chased them out of their homeland. This story repeats itself over and over again throughout our history all the way up to the present. Given everything about our history as a country, to disregard the modern refugee crisis and to tell those struggling to find safety that they are simply too weak and that they need to stand up and fix their own problems would be to look our ancestors in the face and tell them that they should have stayed behind in Europe and stood up for themselves. It would be to tell them that their journey to this land was one of cowardice and not bravery, and I hope we can all agree that this would be a lie. It feels like we hear it every day now: “We are a nation of immigrants.” But what I am telling you is that we are not just a nation of immigrants, we are a nation of refugees that came in search of freedom and safety. In other words, we are a nation of people who

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(should) understand the plight of every refugee in this world today. Unfortunately, we are also a nation who has failed to live up to the responsibility of helping those who are just like ourselves. We have instead repeatedly discriminated against people who came here in search of the same things we all want. Compassion alone should be enough to convince us that we need to increase our role in alleviating the urgent refugee crisis going on all over the world, but if compassion does not do the trick, then let us look to the responsibility that stems from our history and from the standards that we set for ourselves yet fail to meet over and over again. It is time we stand up for what we say we believe in and stop blaming our problems on immigrants while we refuse to help refugees, opting instead to continue to fail at solving our own problems first.

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Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

‘GET OUT’ IS A TRUE 21ST CENTURY HORROR FILM

Truly terrifying, Jordan Peele’s racism-centric comedy is horror for the ages HUNTER HEILMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Social commentary isn’t a foreign concept for horror films, as many of the greatest horror films ever made were created in response to the times they were made in. Surprisingly, for as pervasive of a topic that racism is, there was not a highprofile horror film for the topic before “Get Out.” The directorial debut of “Key & Peele” star Jordan Peele jumps head on intoto the subject without any hesitation. Known for primarily working in comedy, the move of having a directorial debut not only go against the genre in which he’s for, but also tackling a subject many studios find “polarizing” takes even more balls. From the start, “Get Out” already solidifies itself as one of the most effective horror films in recent memory for one reason: it’s an original film. Nowadays, “original film” constitutes anything that isn’t a sequel or a reboot, but “Get Out” is a true example of an original film, as it’s something we’ve never seen before. Sure, a killer in the woods that isn’t Jason Voorhees technically can be considered an original film, but after so many “killer in the woods” films, it’s easy to predict what’s going to happen. Even then, when a good horror film does come around, it’s typically a new twist on an old genre. It’s always a riff off of

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a genre that has become tired. This is not the case with “Get Out,” as there has never been a wide release film of this kind before. T I expected the film to be a fun critique on racism in America, and it is, but it’s also an absolutely terrifying film that banks off of its originality, keeping even the most numb of audiences on the edge of their seat, as it’s nearly impossible to guess what’s coming next. Daniel Kaluuya, known mostly for his brief role in Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario,” does great work as Chris, but it’s the supporting cast that takes the cake in “Get Out.” Both Bradley Whitford and Catherine Keener make for an almost unsettlingly perfect couple at the start, but evolve into some truly scary people come the film’s final act. As someone who is very white, with a white dad, Whitford hits every little notch on the overcompensating white dad archetype to an almost creepy T. Though, despite all these good performances, it’s LilRel Howery who steals the show from every person in the film. As Rod, Howery is a charismatic friend who actually proves to be useful in the film beyond the simple comic relief. I found myself constantly wanting to hear his commentary on the events of the film and wishing for him to be even more involved FEB. 28, 2017 - MAR. 13, 2017

than he is. “Get Out” is incredibly scary, but it’s also an incredibly funny film, something that I could only expect from the mind of Peele. The beauty of much of the comedy in “Get Out” comes in its understanding of satire, something I find to be less and less prevalent as time goes on. “Get Out” is an incredibly intelligent film that could only come from the mind of someone who has experienced this first hand (Peele is married to comedian Chelsea Peretti, a white woman). “Get Out” is an absolutely masterful horror film that is as bitingly funny as it is horrifying. It’s actually shocking that this film is a directorial debut from a comedian and not something from an established horror filmmaker, even more ironic when you consider many “actual horror filmmakers’” recent films disappointing. The acting is spectacular and despite whatever you might be talking about after the credits have rolled, there won’t be an audience member who can say they weren’t chilled at least once. Instead of relying on clichés, Peele has crafted something original from the first frame to the final shot, and if you think you’ll guess what’s going to happen in “Get Out,” I’d like to see you try.

THE POWER OF LIES “The Children’s Hour” demonstrates the harm that words can cause ELISSA MILLER STAFF WRITER

The stage was littered with simple 20th century furniture, the perfect replica of a classroom. However, the most important and imposing part of the set was spelled out. Literally. Large wallpapered letters spelled the word “MERCY” across the stage. Most of the time, they blended into the background, acting as walls for the set. However, by the end of the show the word served as a strong contrast from the terrible events occurring on stage. It was a haunting reminder of what the characters so desperately needed. “The Children’s Hour” by Lillian Hellman is a play with a long and controversial history. Based on real events in 1810, the play first debuted on Broadway in 1934. The plot focuses on the story of two school teachers, Karen Wright (Amanda Sherrod) and Martha Dobie (Jessica Boyles), wrongly accused of being in a lesbian relationship by a student. The rumor is wholly untrue as Karen is straight and happily engaged to a man named Joe (Bowen James Abbey). However, it is also slowly revealed that Martha does in fact have feelings for Karen, though she never acts on them. Performances of the play took place in the Belk Theater of Robinson Hall from Feb 22 to the 26. The show was split into three acts, each showcasing a different time period and part of the plot. The first act was set in 1934, the year the show premiered on Broadway, and establishes the backstory of the characters. It sets in motion the events that eventually lead to

the downfall of Dobie and Wright. The second act was costumed as if the characters were in 1810, when the events of the story originally took place. It is here that the teachers are wrongly accused and events turn for the worse. The final act has the characters in present time, wearing jeans, sweaters and leggings. By putting the characters in modern clothes, the bold statement is made that this play and the events that occur can still happen today, making it more relevant and connecting the audience to the events on stage. In turn, it makes the tragic and explosive finale all the more painful. “The Children’s Hour” had an especially strong ensemble cast of students, necessary for a show with this heavy and dark of a plot. However, there were two actresses that especially stood out. The first was Brianna Abbate in the role of Mary Tilford, the young girl who accuses her teachers of an “inappropriate” relationship. Her emotions changed with the flip of a coin. One second, she was showcasing a sweet and innocent side to FEB. 28, 2017 - MAR. 13, 2017

her grandmother. The next, she Photo by Daniel Coston would transform into a mean, manipulative and honestly intimidating villain. Abbate was brilliant, I cannot imagine a more convincing portrayal of this role. The other standout was Jessica Boyles as Martha Dobie. The part has a large emotional range, something that really showcased Boyles’s talent. Dobie is both infatuated with her best friend and tortured by it. She feels both love and guilt. All of these emotions read through Boyles’s facial expressions and voice. It was heart wrenching to watch. Other strong performances came from Amanda Sherrod as Karen Wright and the inspired casting choice of Jon Lamar as Mrs. Amelia Tilford, which was funny at first and quickly became convincing. I went into the production wholly unfamiliar with “The Children’s Hour.” I had no idea what its plot or themes were. However, although the events of the play most certainly were not pleasant, the audience experience was. An exceptionally talented ensemble cast, daring script and interesting set design all combined to create a strong performance. The characters and story stay with you, even after the final moments of the show echo over the audience. In a time of unknowns and “alternative facts,” it demonstrates just how much harm and destruction words, especially lies, can cause.

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ACROSS 1 Seaweed wrap resorts 5 Peaceful 9 Dozed 14 Small chess piece 15 Baseball’s Moises 16 Flooring specialist 17 Filled light pastry 19 Like good gossip 20 Expand, as a collection 21 San __, California 23 Comic Margaret 25 Gronk’s position on football’s Patriots 30 Spiro ran with him 34 Baby’s bodysuit 35 Comm. system with hand motions 36 Slowly withdraws 39 Tablet downloads 40 Magician’s hand movement 44 RPM gauge 45 Unifying idea

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46 Pierced body part 47 Moral values 50 Mob witness’ request 52 Like some pizzas and apple pies 55 Purported UFO fliers 56 Bond portrayer Daniel 58 “__ directed”: medication warning 62 Magna __ 66 Medical adhesive strip ... and a hint to what can precede the first word of 17-, 25-, 40- and 52-Across 68 Graceland idol 69 Military medal earner 70 Ivy League school 71 Hosiery thread 72 Hullabaloos 73 Upright wall timber DOWN 1 Pet lovers’ org. 2 Western chum

3 Left dumbstruck 4 Grab quickly 5 Bottle topper 6 University supporter, briefly 7 Lite, dietwise 8 Civilian attire 9 Virgin Islands isl. 10 Lucy of “Elementary” 11 70-Across collegian 12 Ab neighbor 13 Give it a whirl 18 Mostly shaved-head style 22 Bigheadedness 24 Double Delight cookie 26 Hazmat suit problem 27 Glimpses 28 Tries to bite, puppy-style 29 “__ Rides Again”: 1939 Western 30 Shot the rapids, say 31 Arrives after the bell 32 Overused expression 33 Bonkers 37 To the __ degree 38 Mets’ old stadium 41 Greenside golf shot 42 Plus-size supermodel 43 Ascended 48 Jewel box 49 Title for Connery 51 Emerson works 53 Recent White House daughter 54 Walked in the woods 57 Early whirlybird, for short 59 Coup d’__ 60 Bill of Rights-defending org. 61 Lawn mower holder 62 Animation still 63 “Aladdin” prince 64 Homes on wheels: Abbr. 65 Shop __ you drop 67 Discouraging words

BOOK REVIEW: “THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB” David Langencrantz finds his own voice separate from Stieg Larsson in this sequel HUNTER HEILMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“The Girl in the Spider’s Web” is the fourth book in the “Millennium” series of books originally written by Stieg Larsson. The original trilogy, published posthumously in 2006, took the world by storm, including a Swedish trilogy of films and a high-profile American remake starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. Published in 2015, “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” turns a new leaf for the series, which was thought to be concluded over a decade ago. The book was published with controversy surrounding it, as this is the first book in the series not to be written by Larsson, who died in 2004. Larsson’s life partner publicly denounced the book, citing it as a “completely idiotic choice.” New author David Lagencrantz takes the series in a completely different direction than the first three books, and surprisingly pulls it off well. The story begins focusing on Frans Balder, a computer scientist moving back to Sweden after leaving a high-profile job in Silicon Valley. He soon finds himself in peril after being warned of imminent danger towards him and his family, posed by a criminal organization called “The Spider Society.” When a former associate informs journalist Mikael Blomkvist of Balder’s situation for a possible story, he writes the idea off before learning that one of Balder’s associates is none other than elusive hacker Lisbeth Salander, with whom he has grown close with in the past, but has since disappeared from his life once again following the conclusion of the last book. They both embark on a journey to get to the bottom of the secrets of

the “Spider Society.” First things first: this is not a shameless imitation of the original series by Larsson, this is a new take on the highly respected series that surprisingly works, even with its flaws. Yet, Langencrantz knows exactly what readers want from this endeavor: Salander, the elusive, yet entirely magnetic anti-social hacker that made the original series iconic. In the introduction of the book, we’re given quite a lengthy tease of Salander, something I soon wished had been focused on for the entirety of the book. While the storyline with Blomkvist is necessary for the plot of this novel, this wonderful start makes me wish for an installment in the series focused solely on that of Salander. Here, she is present, but still used in an oddly restrained manner that left me a bit underwhelmed, but I also don’t think I will truly be happy until I have a book with Salander and only Salander. Langencrantz picks up on the characters and their now well-known mannerisms without a hitch, one of the things that he lifts from Larsson quite wonderfully. Langencrantz also mimics the minute details of Larsson’s writing style quite well, something that was imperative in creating this book even slightly successfully. Still, Langencrantz finds his own voice in this book, with a plot that differs from the tone of the original trilogy, with a more modern and timely feel than that of its predecessors. It’s a new take on a fascinating series, that despite any inconsistencies and comparisons made to its obviously superior original trilogy, I would love to see more of.

HANNAH BRADY INTERN

“Moving from New Jersey to North Carolina was an exciting, yet terrifying adventure for me. The thought of not making friends scared me, yet I find that joining different organizations has been a great way to branch out and that I have made lifelong friends.” - Emily Florio

FEB. 28, 2017 - MAR. 13, 2017

NINERTIMES

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE YOUR HAIR Along with guts and nerves, this takes some big scissors

HAILEY TURPIN LIFESTYLE EDITOR

As we take the time to acknowledge certain societal norms around women’s (and men’s) hair, we come to the idea of long flowing hair as a beauty standard. But is it something to be tested? This week, I challenged my physical, emotional and mental well-being as I cut 12 inches from my hair. I knew in the beginning I wanted to donate it to an organization that makes wigs for sick children, the hardest part was just going. Even though I only made the decision a week ago, it still took lots of nerve and guts. Now, I can honestly say that it was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. Here are five reasons why you should consider cutting your hair for charity. 1. Liberation, liberation, liberation. If you are looking for a little bit of change in your life, this is the easiest way to do it! Cutting your hair (if it’s long enough) results in a new look and new you - almost like an alter ego. It’s a very freeing experience, and it always grows back. 2. It goes to a great cause. I am donating my locks to Wigs For Kids, an organization that turns hair into wigs for children in need. The wigs are specifically for hair replacement for those with medical conditions like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, burns and more.

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3. Healthy hair. Cutting your hair snips off all of the dead ends,and allows the newer hair close to your head to grow out. Nothing is better than running your fingers through soft hair with no split ends. 4. Help with heat. If you have thick hair like mine, cutting your hair will help with the hotter months that are coming up. Even if your hair is thin, cutting it off to your shoulders will help if you are always hot. If you like the shorter look but if you still want it to go up in a ponytail, I recommend cutting it to your collarbone. 5. Less time to style. The thought of not having to do much with my hair is the most amazing thought ever. I can wake up in the morning and not have to do too much to my hair and it will still look amazing. And if you’re a guy, you can do even less! Just because you’re a guy doesn’t mean that you can’t donate your hair too! If you do plan on cutting your hair, make sure you do your research on your salon or barber and the charity you want to donate to. Take the time to really come to terms with the decision you make, because it can be a major change to your life. Hopefully you make the choice and you are able to help someone out.

FEB. 28, 2017 - MAR. 13, 2017

NINERTIMES