INSIDE THIS EDITION: TRACEY ALLSBROOK AND BRYAN MCCOLLOM WIN SGA ELECTION FOR STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT & VICEPRESIDENT PG. 4
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTION RESULTS Student body president, vice president, class president and senators announced; updates to constitution passed
ALEXANDRIA SANDS NEWS EDITOR
Tracey Allsbrook and running mate Bryan McCollom were announced student body president and vice president, along with other Student Government Association (SGA) positions, on Thursday at noon in the Student Union Rotunda. Xavier Brathwaite won senior class president, Cheyenna Gest won junior class president and Rebecca Gill won sophomore class president. After the announcement, Allsbrook gave an acceptance speech in which she thanked McCollom, God and everyone who supported her. Allsbrook and McCollom won with 65 percent of the votes against their opponents Lauren Bullock and Kevin Hines. “Yes, Tracey and I won, but this is not our victory. This victory is shared with all the people who voted for us and even those that didn’t because I think we’re going to earn the respect of the people who didn’t vote for us,” McCollom said. McCollom said he had hoped that the race would be about issues, and that it was. Allsbrook said she’s most excited for their ‘first 49 days’ in office and that their main goal is to create a stronger relationship with administration. “I’m ready to just hit the ground running on this stuff,” McCollom said. “We have a lot of people in the administration, a lot of advisors to get in contact with so we can start setting up meetings.” “Ya’ll don’t understand, the
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support that I recieved, win or lose today, it was going to push me to come out here and serve in some sort of capacity. We met so many great people [during the campaign],” Allsbrook said. All of the legislation on the ballot was passed, which included updates to the Constitution and an act that will make changes to how Senate functions. The following students were announced as senators of their colleges: • College of Education: Tyler Mcdougall • College of Health and Human Services: Jaylaan Bennett, Cydney Turner • College of Arts and Architecture: Ronald Oziogu, Shamar Crosby • College of Engineering: Kenneth Strickland, Payton Stull • College of Computing and Informatics: Dylan Duru, Karan Edikala, Venkata Tharun Kintali • Belk College of Business: Kelsey Summey, Jasmine Williams, Chandler Crean, Andrew Bradshaw III, Brea Talley • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Christopher Walls, Asia Carter, Capree’ Van Eaton, Assyria Chambers, Mildred Martinez, Sam Yohanis, Tiffany McMillan, Niayai Lavien, Morgan Flitt
Student body president-elect and vice president-elect stand with current President Fahn Darkor and Vice President Carrie Nowell. Photo by Chris Crews
Tracey Allsbrook and Bryan McCollom hug after hearing results. Photo by Chris Crews
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Celebrating women and
discussing global concerns UNC Charlotte celebrates International Women’s Day, keynote speaker Eylem Atakav discusses documentary LUIS RUMBAUT STAFF WRITER
On the third floor of the Student Union on March 28, students and staff gathered to attend the Annual International Women’s Day Celebration, the biggest cohort in its twelve-year history. The audience was treated to refreshments as well as two songs from women’s ensemble The UNC Charlotte Charlotteans. The purpose of the celebration is to honor women’s accomplishments at UNC Charlotte. Opening speaker and Associate Director of International Programs Christina Sanchez mentioned how this celebration is also meant as a platform to speak on women’s issues in need of current attention. Some of the topics discussed included transgender women being harassed, murdered and denied proper medical care, as well as African American females getting abducted in the Washington metropolitan area and women’s bodies as a topic of conversation in politics. After a brief telling of the history of International Women’s Day and its roots in the labor movements of the early 20th century in New York City as well as the European World, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television Studies at the University of East Anglia Dr. Eylem Atakav was presented as the keynote speaker of this year’s event. Atakav shared with the audience the trailer to her new documentary “Growing Up Married” after speaking about women’s voice and visibility in media. One example she gave was that only 3 percent of film makers are women, which allows men to influence the majority of the cultural narrative of issues and of life. She made it a point to let
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POLICE BLOTTER MARCH 25 - MARCH 31 ALCOHOL VIOLATION MARCH 25
• Witherspoon Hall, officer issued three state citations in reference to under aged drinking.
ARREST MARCH 28
• Belk Gym, subject was arrested for larceny and being in possession of stolen property.
DRUG VIOLATION MARCH 29
• Wooded area near Memorial Hall, officer issued a state citation in reference to the possession of drug paraphernalia. Christina Sanchez speaks at beginning of celebration. Photo by Chris Crews
MARCH 31
• Wallis Hall, officers issued a state citation in reference to possession of marijuana.
LARCENY MARCH 29
• Scott Hall, unknown person removed money from two wallets in a room that was left unsecured in a residence hall.
NO CONTACT ORDER SERVED MARCH 29 UNC Charlotte student listens to speaker at celebration. Photo by Chris Crews
the audience know that her documentary, which details the invisibility of child marriage in Turkey, is about a worldwide practice which exists even in some areas of the United States where it is legal to be married at 12 years old. Atakav spoke about the making of her film and the way in which being able to highlight the voices of women whose stories are often unheard by the society they inhabit can have a rehabilitating effect on those women.
She told the story of one woman who cut her hair short because her husband took sexual pleasure in pulling it and who used to love singing at a young age but quit once she got married. This same woman had been keeping in contact with Atakav after the documentary was finished and according to Atakav, was once again singing.
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• Off campus, subject stated she has repeatedly seen an unknown person in various locations on campus. She believes this person is following her.
VANDALISM MARCH 29
• Lot Eight, unknown person broke off the gate arm at the entrance of lot eight. For more information on Mecklenburg County arrests, visit arrestinquiryweb.co.mecklenburg.nc.us
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Fire demonstration spreads awareness of safety, prevention Charlotte Fire Department ignites mock dorm room at demonstration LUIS RUMBAUT STAFF WRITER
Students may have noticed the black smoke that rose from the volleyball court in front of Witherspoon Hall on March 20 in between the Student Union and Lot 20. The reason for the smoke was due to a Fire Awareness demonstration sponsored by McDonald’s, Eagle Fire and ICL Industrial Products. The demonstration was brought to the school through the group efforts of the Charlotte Fire Department, UNC Charlotte Fire and Safety Technologists and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. Two separate wooden compartments, each containing two TVs, a couch and a desk, meant as a
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representation of student living in either a dorm room or an apartment, were put aflame at 3 p.m. Only one of the compartments contained a sprinkler system. Ninety-four percent of fires occur off campus, 70 percent of which happen on weekends between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., likely due to lit cigarettes going unchecked because of party fatigue. The first compartment to burn was the one without the sprinkler system. Students could hear the alarm go off for about 10 seconds while the fire settled into the corner of the couch and the wall. In about 30 seconds, the fire had moved to the center of the room and black smoke
had engulfed the room. By the time five minutes went by, the little that students could see from inside of the room, such as the TV screens, had either melted or burnt. After being doused with a fire hose, the remains showed that one of the walls of the compartment had also melted. In the other compartment, the fire lingered on the couch for a couple of seconds and once it could be visibly seen moving from its position in the corner, the sprinkler system went off and immediately doused the flame and continued to shower the room long after the fire had vanished. Charlotte Fire Department Fire Inspector Jeff Bostian gave
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information in regard to fire safety. Bostian said fire is ultimately not the real threat but instead it is the fumes and the extreme heat which will get to people before the fire does and causes people to pass out, making it easy for the fire to consume you. Bostian also spoke about the different purposes for each truck wherein the engine carries the hose, for example, and the tanker carries water just in case there are no water sources nearby. Bostian said that the fire department responds in an average of four to five minutes.
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WHAT’S IN A
A look into why players choose their walk-up song and fan’s KATHLEEN COOK SPORTS EDITOR
For 15 seconds, a song defines a player. A walk-up song serves to set the tone for a player’s at-bat, songs range from country to rap and everything in between. While the song is important, it’s more about getting into a groove for second baseman Brett Netzer. “Routine is a big part of baseball, having a song that gets you into a routine and gets you into the right mindset before you hit is really important,” Netzer said. As indicated by his slow Johnny Cash tune,
freshman Zach Smith utilizes his song to keep his mind at ease when he steps into the box, saying a song is supposed to “keep you relaxed so you don’t make things too complicated.” While T.J. Niching has switched his song from “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift to “Congratulations” by Post Malone, he notes that he doesn’t actually hear a lot of whatever song is playing as he walks up because he’s “locked in.” Jackson Mims keeps it mellow going up to the plate with Red Hot Chili Peppers in the
HUNTER JONES TEMPO - KB
BRETT NETZER GOING CRAZY - JEEZY
WHAT’S THE PLAYER SAYING?
WHAT’S THE PLAYER SAYING?
“Charlie [Muchukot] sent it to me and said ‘you should use this,’ so I used it. It gets you locked in, ready to go.”
“I like the background, I like the beat. I’m a Jeezy fan, that song is one of my favorites.”
WHAT’S THE CROWD SAYING?
WHAT’S THE CROWD SAYING?
“It’s a really good song, it gets people pumped up.” –Kaley Fairchild
“It’s definitely a super hype song. It’s provocative, it gets the people going.” –Hannah Wilt
JACKSON MIMS
CAN’T STOP - RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
ZACH SMITH
GOD WILL CUT YOU DOWN - JOHNNY CASH
WHAT’S THE PLAYER SAYING?
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background. He said it’s important to “have good thoughts while you’re in the batter’s box.” Reese Hampton uses his song to get into a rhythm prior to swinging the bat and Hunter Jones has kept the same walk-up for two years because it gets him “ready to go.” While it may seem like a simple song, the tunes that ring out throughout the Hayes allow players the chance to get into the zone when approaching the plate, as well as offering fans a glimpse into who they are outside the diamond.
WHAT’S THE PLAYER SAYING?
“I chose it because it’s a good intro, the beat is cool. It’s been working this year, so I’ll keep it.”
“I’m a laid back person, and that song is slow. It reminds me to slow down and not get too ahead of myself.”
WHAT’S THE CROWD SAYING?
WHAT’S THE CROWD SAYING?
“I think among all of the hip hop, it’s a really unique decision to use the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s not something I expected to hear.” –Stephanie Trefzger
“I like his song. It really seems to fit his stlye. It really speaks to the kind of guy that he is.” – Alex Anthony
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SONG? thoughts on their choice IT’S SIMPLE:
PL AYERS CAN CHOOSE ANY SONG THEY WOULD LIKE, SO LONG AS IT IS A CENSORED VERSION. THE SONG STARTS WHEN A PLAYER LEAVES THE DUGOUT, ENDS WHEN THEY ENTER THE BATTER’S BOX Photos by Chris Crews
REECE HAMPTON TROPHIES - DRAKE FEAT. MIGOS
WHAT’S THE PLAYER SAYING?
“I really like [Migos], they get me going, keep me loose. It gives me rhythm and confidence when I walk up to the plate.”
WHAT’S THE CROWD SAYING? “It gets the crowd hype, which means he picked a good song.” –Nick Alexander
T.J. NICHTING
CONGRATULATIONS - POST MALONE WHAT’S THE PLAYER SAYING?
“I really like that song, it goes well. ‘Congratulations’ is kind of a slower song, but it has a thunderous feel to it.”
WHAT’S THE CROWD SAYING? “It’s got some swag to it, it’s got a lot of hype coming out, but not too much hype. It’s like ‘I’m here, I’m just going to hit homeruns all day long.’” –Brian Schindler
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AUBREY SERVING UP SUCCESS After transfering to Charlotte in 2015, senior captain Josh Aubrey has been a motivator on the court this season
LEA THOMPSON STAFF WRITER
Josh Aubrey, a senior captain for the Charlotte 49ers’ men’s tennis team, is used to success. During his high school tennis career, Aubrey lettered all four years at Chapel Hill High School (Douglasville, Georgia) where he helped his team win a regional championship during his freshman year in 2009. At the time, Aubrey was ranked top 10 in Georgia USTA rankings and top 50 in USTA Southern Region U-16 rankings. Aubrey started his college career at WinstonSalem State (2013-15) where, as a freshman, he helped his WSSU team win its first conference championship in school history (2013). During his freshman year, Aubrey also earned No.12 regional ITA ranking for Division II. Aubrey views these accomplishments as some of his greatest thus far in his tennis career. In 2015, Aubrey transferred to Charlotte, with a change of scenery in mind. “It wasn’t all about tennis,” Aubrey said. “It was an educational decision as well … a bigger school and more diverse.” In the year that Aubrey has played for Charlotte, he feels he has improved as a teammate and a leader. “I think I understand people more because at my previous school, we had an all African American team. This team is more diverse with people from all parts of the world so you learn how to talk to different people and how to understand different situations.” At Charlotte (2015-16), Aubrey has been a part of a doubles teams that won seven matches. Aubrey teamed with senior Carl Solik to form a strong doubles team that saw action in 16 dual matches and won six doubles matches including a four-match winning streak. For the senior captain, the goals for this season
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Josh Aubrey prepares to serve in a match. Photo provided by Charlotte Athletics
are simple. With confidence, Aubrey said, “One is to win Conference USA which is a goal that is within our reach and then also make some noise in the NCAAs. I think (as a team) we are peaking right now.” As a captain, Aubrey finds ways to motivate and encourage his teammates. Aubrey refers to a APR. 4 - APR. 10, 2017
poster hanging in the locker room as his team’s biggest motivation. “It says ‘win the day’ and that sort of goes along with the notion that it doesn’t matter what happened yesterday. We don’t need to worry about winning conference because we have already set that goal, we just come out here today or whatever day and do our best that day.” Aubrey was humbled when he was chosen captain due to the high levels of leadership in nearly every member of the men’s tennis team. He knows his teammates well and feels that every member of the team knows how to lead and when to step in or pull back and let someone else step in instead. A collective strength that the 49ers’ men’s tennis team possesses is working hard for their success. “I do think that we have a lot of guys that lead by example and we have our vocal leaders- I guess I’m one of the vocal leaders,” Aubrey said. “We’ve got a little bit of everything which is great.” The sociology major plans on coaching at an academy following his graduation and taking a little time off from school. Eventually, Aubrey plans on going back to school and getting his master’s degree in family counseling. Tennis hasn’t served as simply a sport for Aubrey as he claims to have learned a lot about leadership and dealing with problems just by being a part of a team. “It’s been kind of up and down and that kind of teaches you how to go forward in life. You’re not always going to be at your best, but as long as you stay steady and stay true to yourself and be consistent, you’ll be successful in life.” With high hopes for the season, his team and his future, Josh Aubrey is prepared for whatever life serves up next.
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MIA SHELTON
PRESIDENTS AND PROTEST
ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR
Ever since the announcement that Donald Trump was going to be the 45th president of the United States of America, tempers have flared and chaos has ensued. Numerous protests and marches have formed across the country, from the Women’s March to the “Not My President” protests. Although this reaction is intense and horrific, it is not the first time we have seen this type of reaction from a presidential election. Many Trump supporters feel that this reaction is unnecessary and feel that anti-Trump supporters need to “get over it.” Let us not forget the backlash and racial protests and comments former President Barack Obama faced after winning both the elections in 2008 and 2012. After the results of the 44th presidential election, reactions across the globe varied. Most people reacted optimistically and positively to the results. Barack Obama’s election was called a “historic opportunity for a strong working relationship between the United Nations and the United States…I am very optimistic that we will have a very strong relationship, a renewed partnership under his administration,” said United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, wrote to Obama saying, “Africa has embraced Obama as something of a native son.”
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“Obama won, the map of the United States was transformed and for Mexico an extraordinary opportunity has opened…because
the enthusiasm. Italian, right-wing senator Maurizio Gasparri provoked some controversy when she said, “Obama would be soft on terrorism
President Trump and Vice President Pence address the media on trade. Photo via Tribune News Service.
it will be infinitely simpler to be a neighbor, partner and friend of the United States with Obama,” said Foreign Secretary Jorge Castaneda, of Mexico. Of course, not everyone shared in
and with Obama in the White House perhaps Al Qaeda is happier.” Several foreign civilians also had a few negative comments to make about Obama. “He has so many things not preferable in a president
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… He is black, and his middle name is Hussein, and all that stuff,” said Mane Karapetyan, a public relations student in Moscow, Russia. Although the global reactions and opinions of the election had some effect on the relationships between Obama and his global counterparts, the more lucrative effects happened here in the United State. In Kentucky, a life-sized doll that resembled Obama was found hanging from a noose in a tree on the University of Kentucky campus. In New York City, a black Muslim teenager was assaulted by four white men, who were shouting: “Obama!” In Snellville, Georgia, a vandalized Obama sign and two pizza boxes filled with human feces were left on a black family’s lawn. Countless other racial and gender-related attacks and threats continued to occur during both of President Obama’s terms. UNC Charlotte instructor and multicultural researcher, Joshua Burford, shared his opinion on the Obama presidency saying, “He was the first sitting President to acknowledge communities... He even sent handwritten Christmas cards to LGBTQ center directors,” including Burford himself. In contrast, Trump received different reactions both overseas and in the United States. From a positive standpoint, Trump gained support from a handful of foreign diplomats.
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Protesters at the No Ban, No Wall demonstration in Raleigh, in early February 2017. Photo by Pooja Pasupula.
“The Americans are taking their country back,” said Netherlands’s anti-immigrant nationalist leader, Geert Wilders. “The American people are free! Good news for our country,” said French Presidential candidate and Leader of the National Front Party, Marine Le Pen. “What a great news. Democracy is still alive,” said Prime Minister Orban of Hungary. “President-elect Trump is a true friend of the State of Israel,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. From a negative standpoint, Trump has received significantly more negative reactions than President Obama. Countries like Syria, Venezuela and Colombia have
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stated that Trump has criticized their culture, religion and political standings. They are also concerned that these criticisms will hurt their trade relations and protection from those seeking refuge in the United States. Guy Verhofstadt, the leader of a prominent group of lawmakers in the European parliament and former prime minister of Belgium, called Trump’s victory “a wake-up call for European leaders,” adding, “Donald Trump has declared several times that our priorities are not his.” On the home front, many people are outraged about the results. Protests quickly hit the streets to express their opinions. “Not My President” protests broke out all over the country. Even the “Women’s
Marches” that occurred all over the country took place the day after Trump was sworn in. “To be quite frank, if we get Trump in office and we get a Republican Senate and Congress, I think we’re going to be screwed. I think the state of minorities is going to be in flux and we may not be able to fix it afterwards,” said Harlem native Danielle Jones. “It is scary, he doesn’t believe any of the things he says,” said Burford, of Trump. President Trump responded to the protests and negative backlash with a tweet saying, “Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!” That is a very hypocritical
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statement coming from Trump, seeing as he himself protested Obama saying he was not a citizen, he needs to produce his birth certificate and a boatload of other preposterous and “unfair” comments. Trump supporters need to pull their hypocritical heads out of their delusional backsides and rejoin reality. Presidential protests and harsh comments did not just fall from the sky out of nowhere. They were always there. The same way Obama supporters had to deal with being scrutinized, bullied and berated, they can deal with the same treatment. Maybe it is time for Trump and his supporters, to get a taste of their own medicine.
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Photo courtesy of Murray Chamlers/ XL Recordings
‘OK COMPUTER’ IS BORN AGAIN Radiohead’s 3rd album may be the last groundbreaking rock record JESSE NUSSMAN STAFF WRITER
Twenty years later, the success and impact of “Ok Computer,” the third album by British band Radiohead, seems to be an anomaly. Despite limited expectations from the label that distributed it, the record instantly became a pop-culture phenomenon back in 1997, as well as a work of art that critics couldn’t seem to get enough of. In some respects, it marked the end of a particular type of rock record: one that could be just as groundbreaking and innovative as it was commercially popular. To get an album like that today is extremely rare, and when it does happen it’s usually within the world of hip-hop through artists like Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean or Beyoncé. That’s not to say there have not been great rock records over the last two decades. Bands such as The White Stripes, Arcade Fire or The Strokes have received much acclaim; however, none of their albums were as forward thinking or pop-culture juggernauts in the way “Ok Computer” was upon release. In the tradition of groups such as The Beatles and Pink Floyd, Radiohead set out to make a concept album that highlighted the uncertain future that laid ahead. It’s a rock record tried and true, with thunderous guitar riffs and beating drums, but there is also a heavy amount of
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experimentation going on as well. It’s clear the band was keeping their ears open to an array of difference influences. They began to dabble in a more electronic sound, something they would wholly embrace later on. Perhaps with the tech boom of the late ’90s, it seemed appropriate that rock music should have a computerized bite to it as well. But there are also tracks that seem to harken back to classics of other bands. “Paranoid Android,” the first single off the album, is essentially the group’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a sprawling six-minute piece that feels like three or four different songs woven together effortlessly. The track alone might be one of the most maddening and purely insane pieces of music written during that decade. To hear it for the first time is to be frozen dead in your tracks, baffled by what kind of mad genius could conceive of such a thing. In similar fashion, the song “No Surprises” feels like a reengineered version of the Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” changing focus from youthful love to a tale of societal hopelessness. However, it was not just the music of “Ok Computer” that would stand out in uniqueness. In truth, it was the whole packaging. The advertising campaign for the record consisted of posters APR. 4 - APR. 10, 2017
featuring individual lyrics from the track “Fitter Happier.” On the record, “Fitter Happier” is presented in a robot voiceover, created by typing the lyrics into a Mac voice command program. In the years following, Radiohead would take their music and sound beyond the reigns of rock altogether. It seems, in hindsight, that “Ok Computer” showcased the band taking the genre as far as it would go. Their follow-up, “Kid A,” completely embraced the electronic soundscape that had been dabbled in on “Computer,” trading out thrashing guitars for layered synth beats. While the group has delivered rock tracks since, most notably on “In Rainbows,” (itself celebrating its 10th anniversary), “Ok Computer” marks their last pure rock record. The conversation of “Ok Computer’s” significance as an all-time great album inevitably calls to question the significance of rock music today. Yes, there are certainly great albums being made in the genre every year, but there remains a division between rock music that feels noteworthy versus being at the forefront of popular culture. “Ok Computer” represents a time when both those things could be the same thing. A rock record could be a provocative artistic statement and dominate the popular culture.
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Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
‘GHOST IN THE SHELL’ IS A HAUNTINGLY EFFECTIVE THRILLER The fact that this movie is good still doesn’t mask the inherent problems of its casting HUNTER HEILMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Let’s get the elephant out of the room right now so I can focus on the film at hand and its effectiveness without bringing the politics of its production into account. “Ghost in the Shell,” an adaption of the über-popular 1995 anime film of the same name (which in turn was based on the 1989 manga), has been steeped in controversy since the very start due to the casting of superstar Scarlett Johansson in the role of Major Mira Killian (originally named Matoko Kusanagi), a character of Japanese descent. As someone who is not of Asian descent, I do completely sympathize with those who criticize this decision and how it could’ve been done differently. There are so many talented Japanese actresses who could’ve taken on the role (including Rila Fukushima, who actually plays a small supporting role in this film). “Ghost in the Shell” shows off this
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futuristic Tokyo as a world of diversity, with people Japanese, Chinese, Afro-British, African, Latino, Indian, etc. descent populating the city, which finds the casting a little more digestible in context, but the severe history of whitewashing in Hollywood, especially in that of Asian roles of late, brings a whole new context to the argument. Many fans of “Ghost in the Shell” have argued over Makoto’s ethnicity, as it’s quite ambiguous in the source material, but the reception still is as divided as ever. That being said, I entered “Ghost in the Shell” as a critic and someone who loves movies and actually thought the film could have some potential outside of this. So I will not bring up the casting controversy again while critiquing the film. It should also be worth noting that I have not seen or read any iteration of “Ghost in the Shell” APR. 4 - APR. 10, 2017
before this film. In a futuristic Tokyo, we’re introduced to a world where humans have excelled technologically to give themselves cybernetic enhancements to their body. Major Mira Killian (Scarlett Johansson) is the first of her kind: a human mind in the shell of a cybernetic organism. After suffering an accident that rendered her body useless, Hanka Robotics transferred her brain and consciousness to the body of another organism, but after the procedure is forced into agent work for Section 9, a law enforcement division of Tokyo. While investigating the suspicious and brutal murder of the founder of Hanka, Major is embroiled in a fight to locate an elusive, violent individual behind the attack, but begins to discover that her newfound life might not be as genuine as her manufacturers had made
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it out to be. Removing any sort of sociopolitical context to the casting, Johansson actually delivers one killer performance in the film, which simply goes on to solidify her even further as one of the greatest female action stars to ever grace the screen, if she hadn’t done that already. It’s rare to find a star so committed to the art of the action film without sacrificing any actual acting that many of her male action-star counterparts lose in translation. While I can’t speak on her character depth in relation to the original version of Major, but Johansson finds a strange hybrid of badassery and fragility at the exact same time and it really does the character good when the film begins to delve into the past of Major. Beyond Johansson, the film actually doesn’t feature a very recognizable cast, save for “Beat” Takeshi Kitano, who is one of the biggest celebrities Japan has ever created, and Juliette Binoche. Still, the cast surrounding Johansson does a nice job with their characters, even if they don’t feature anywhere close to the amount of depth that Major has as a character. If there was one large issue with “Ghost in the Shell,” it would be in Rupert Sanders’s direction. Now, Sanders doesn’t do a bad job at all with “Ghost in the Shell,” because it is a beautiful, unique feeling film, but the big issue is that he really didn’t take as many chances as he could have in a film like this. For something so uniquely quirky and
Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
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shiny, the direction, while polished, is a bit too straightforward and generic to match the ambition that the production design and visual effects offered. Still, I feel like I still must reiterate that this is in no way a poorly directed film, it’s just safely directed, and without any sort of risk in filmmaking, especially in something like this, it loses its effect. At 107 minutes, “Ghost in the Shell” is pretty short compared to other blockbusters of its kind, but it never overstays its welcome for one second, which is such a rarity in films these days that I feel like congratulating a film on it feels unnecessary, but also wholly special. The pacing to the film is one that actually works, especially in its setup, without ever feeling particularly drawn out or forced. This is a film that knows it doesn’t need to drag out its runtime for the sake of “epicness,” but rather makes a film that feels flowing, no matter its length. Having seen “Ghost in the Shell” in IMAX 3D, it’s easy to say that this is hands down the way to go when viewing the film. The 3D element isn’t the most stunning use of the format to date, but the absolutely stunning visuals in the film make the inflated size of an IMAX screen so much more worth it. Even better, the film was shot in a taller 1.85:1 aspect ratio, unlike the typical 2.35:1 ratio most blockbusters shoot in, making the image bigger and more immersive on the IMAX screen, taking up the whole digital screen with no black bars bordering the top and bottom, emulating that of a film shot in IMAX. For what it’s worth, and despite itself, “Ghost in the Shell” delivers for the most part. The biggest issue with the final product lies in Sanders not taking enough creative chances as a filmmaker, which makes the camera work and cinematic choices made between him and DP Jess Hall feel a little bit too conventional for a film of its uniqueness. Despite its valid controversy, Johansson also nails her role as Major, as badass as some female characters come. Whether “Ghost in the Shell” does the original works justice is beyond me, but for a big-budget, late March blockbuster surrounded by controversy, the end result is something much more beautiful, haunting and thrilling than one might anticipate.
ACROSS 1 Spiders’ fly catchers 5 It forms over a healing abrasion 9 Casual talk 13 Mine, to Marcel 14 Batted ball into the dugout, say 15 Lane at the Daily Planet 16 Awkward situation 19 Mournful poem 20 IDs shown at airports 21 Close tightly again 23 Business suit go-with 24 Weekly paycheck, e.g. 31 Pose a question 34 Actress Shire 35 Courtroom hammer 36 Sheet music symbol 38 Henry or Jane of “On Golden Pond” 40 Walrus feature 41 Vague emanations
APR. 4 - APR. 10, 2017
43 Gymnast Comaneci 45 Live __: Taco Bell slogan 46 Golf practice facility 49 Bullring shout 50 Anatomical sculpture subjects 54 Signed, as a deal 59 Skin transplant, e.g. 60 Start of a hopeful rhyme about bad weather, and a hint to what the first word of 16-, 24- and 46-Across may describe 62 Catcher’s glove 63 Swedish furniture giant 64 Scrabble square 65 Hearty meal 66 Where Anna danced with the king 67 Doesn’t feel well DOWN 1 Nilla product
2 Novelist Zola 3 What fillets lack 4 All-out attacks 5 Northern Cal. airport 6 Monastic hood 7 Quattro automaker 8 Political alliance 9 Genetic duplication 10 Shelter adoptee 11 Helper 12 General __ chicken 17 High-end hotel chain 18 Bigfoot cousin 22 Metaphorical new thing to “turn over” 25 As a companion 26 Iraqi money 27 When tripled, “and so on” 28 Egg cell 29 Flat-topped elevation 30 Lodge fellows 31 Many a prep sch. 32 Speak indistinctly 33 Emmy nominee Russell of “The Americans” 37 Underdog’s opposite 39 “__ Misbehavin’” 42 Feature of words beginning with “wr” 44 Disco era term 47 At no time, to bards 48 List of mistakes 51 2005 slasher film sequel 52 Considering everyone 53 Eyelid maladies 54 Weapons 55 Trot or gallop 56 Orator’s platform 57 Polynesian carving 58 Most eligible for service 61 Pinup’s leg
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: AKAHANA SUSHI The true sushi-lover’s heaven
NICOLE BUCKENHAM STAFF WRITER
Attention all sushi lovers! If you are a sushi fanatic, like myself, this hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant will be just thing you are looking for. The sushi at Akahana is my favorite sushi by far in the Charlotte area. This restaurant even beats out fancy sushi restaurants around uptown in my opinion. To start off, the prices here are unbelievable. Every day, all the time, sushi here is buy one get one free! That is something most sushi places only offer on certain days, but at Akahana this offer stands all the time. Not to mention, their menu is pretty large. The spicy edamame on the menu is hands down my favorite I have ever had. I tend to get edamame at most sushi restaurants I go to, and this is the best. The spicy sauce that the edamame is dipped in is simply indescribable, but so good. They have tons and tons of sushi to choose from also. Some of the best rolls I have had are volcano roll, which are fried. Or even just their spicy tuna roll is amazing. The service here is pretty good to top it off. They are always really friendly along with the fact that it takes no time to get your food ready. Every time I have been (which is a lot) it has never been busy. It is a pretty big restaurant and they never seem to have a packed house, so the service is always great. And on top of that, it takes no time for your to-go orders to be ready if you want to do that. Akahana is located in the Plaza Midwood area, so it can take a little bit of time to get there but the carry out orders usually only take around 15 minutes. If you call while you are on the way there, it should be perfect timing. But, the food should be warm regardless if you are a little late to pick it up. The only thing I would have to say about Akahana Sushi that I do not like is the environment. If you are looking for a cute place to go and eat, this is really nothing special. The inside of the restaurant is not decorated too well and is pretty bland. The food is great, however there’s not much other than that once you step inside the restaurant. Also, the little shopping area in which it is located is hard to get to. If you are coming from the University area, the turn into the restaurant is hard to make. Also, it can be a challenge to find parking. There are other places located beside it that people are parking for so it can be somewhat hard to find a spot. But, the good thing is that it is free parking unlike if you were eating uptown and had to pay. All in all, Akahana is one of the best sushi places I would have to say in the Charlotte area. If you have not tried it yet, I highly suggest it if you are a sushi lover. It is not the most scenic, but if you are coming just for the food, this is a great option.
Rate: 4/5 stars
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APR. 4 - APR. 10, 2017
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APP REVIEW: EXACTLY.ME EMILY HICKEY STAFF WRITER
The role of social media in our everyday lives is so prominent, my hands get sweaty when I haven’t checked my Instagram for more than three hours. Everything revolves around social media, and each app takes its own time dominating the market and capturing the interest of consumers. I am a person who gets bored easily, so the rise of new apps is always exciting for me. When someone reached out to me a couple of weeks ago to tell me about the app exactly.me, I immediately downloaded it to see what was up, and what is up is a new obsession. exactly.me was designed to be like a Tinder for friendships. People upload pictures of things they enjoy and you swipe left for yes, I like that too, and right for no, not my interest. The uploads are simple: I came across a Redbox DVD Rental, two story closet, chocolate martini, hiking in Yellowstone and more. You basically just decide if you like the interest or not and connect with the user over that mutual bond. It’s easy, accessible, and quite addicting. You can see statistics of what people like, upload your own pictures, and search for interests to connect you to people who are just like yourself. Once you find a person who is similar to you, exactly.me has in-app messaging that makes it easy to communicate. I love to meet new people, so if I can talk to someone across the world about my love for salt & vinegar potato chips, you know I’m all in.
Swiping left and right is what really hooks you; I never wanted to stop. The simplicity of the interests drives you to keep going, and after so many swipes, exactly.me gives you people who are similar to you in their swipes. You can choose to talk to them or keep swiping, and me being on the rampant swipe trend I was on, I kept on swiping. The creators of this app knew what they were doing when designing it by allowing people to express their unique opinions and shared likes and dislikes. They created an app where there’s no pressure to feel like your “best self” like there is on other social media platforms such as Instagram and Tinder. There’s no impressing anyone on exactly.me because you’re paired with those who are just like you, and because of this, the relationships you make are more in-depth. If you’re getting sick of the never-ending pressures of social media and the need to present yourself in a certain type of way, this is the app for you. From my experience, I have always had to shape my personality around the app I’m using and the users who can see, but exactly.me doesn’t require me to do that. People from all over the world connect with me based off the things I enjoy and it feels good to finally strip myself of the social media persona I have created and just be myself.
BRIANNA SUMPTER STAFF WRITER
“Dancing at UNC Charlotte has changed the way I see dance. I have learned so much through my classes and my professors that will help me expand my career with performing as well as teaching. The technique that you learn at this university helps you with your classes, and also enables you to be prepared with your path in other classes outside of school. With being a Gold Duster I am not only exposed to different styles of dance, but I am also able to take my technique and apply it, which has helped me see a tremendous difference.”
- Cameron Corbett
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APR. 4 - APR. 10, 2017
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APR. 4 - APR. 10, 2017
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