With students in mind, Atkins Library realized students need more space and more entraces into the building
Phase one of the renovations is complete and studnets will now have access to several new workspaces designed for college students.
p.3
SPORTS
NEWS
ATKINS LIBRARY UNVEILS NEW ENTRANCE
CHARLOTTE ROLLER DERBY
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
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You can usually recognize a Charlotte athlete by their green jumpsuit, but these athletes can be distinguished by their bumps and bruises. p.11
NINERTIMES Tuesday, April 17, 2012
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Rally for equality
HOLI MOLI: Celebrating Hindu traditions
Ciera Choate NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM
Tuesday, May 8, North Carolina voters will have the chance to share their views on the proposed Amendment 1, which will limit all domestic partnerships recognized by the state to just the marriage of one man and one woman. To inform and prepare students for election day, People Recognizing Individuals Diversity and Equality (PRIDE) will host a rally by the Belk Tower from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, April 19. The organization opposes the proposed amendment and hopes to rally students against the changes that could come if it is put in place. “It’s always imEVENT portant to vote. Voting is one of the What: Amendment few constitutional One Rally rights that almost When: 10 a.m. all of us can still until 2 p.m., enjoy, it’s an exerThursday, April 19, cise of our freedom and power. Its one 2012 of, if not the most Where: Belk Tower effective way to let your politicians know what you need from them, especially on an issue like this,” said the President of PRIDE Bonnie Green. “On May 8, we need everyone in North Carolina out at the polls to vote against the Amendment to show our state government that we won’t tolerate bigotry in this state, and we don’t support an Amendment that will only infringe on others rights, benefiting no one.” UNC Charlotte’s Student Government Association (SGA) did their part to educate students on the new amendment as well with the resolution enacted, Thursday, March 29. It was called The Truth About Amendment One Resolution, and outlined the changes that will come with the new legislation. PRIDE publically supports the new resolution passed by SGA, according to Green. The rally held on April 19 is free to anyone who wants to attend. For more information about the event or Amendment One students can attend the weekly PRIDE meetings Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Student Union room 340D or contact Green at BGreen44@uncc.edu.
UNC Charlotte students celebrate the return of spring and Hindi traditions with an array of colored powder and water guns. The event, which took place on the front fields on the university, had over 400 confirmed attendees on Facebook. This is the first year this event has taken place at UNC Charlotte. Photo courtesy of Robert DeVos
Men’s tennis disappointed in A- 10 semifinals Charlotte 49ers men’s tennis team ends their time at the A-10 championship with loss to the Colonials Travis Durkee TCDURKEE@UNCC.EDU
Charlotte men’s tennis entered the Atlantic 10 Men’s Tennis Championship as the top seed but fell to the fifth-seeded George Washington Colonials in the semifinals at the Queen City Racquet Club on Saturday. Charlotte won the doubles point with wins at one and three. Charlotte freshmen Jack Williams and Alex Calott took an 8-4
A&E
NEWS
Tablets: Do tablets and college students mesh? Check out some data on collge students and the possible future of textbooks
PROFESSOR PROFILE
Theater: UNC Charlotte’s
HOLI MOLI p.8
victory to start the semifinal. Williams and Calott finised the season with nine wins as a pair. Freshman Kamil Khalil and junior Krzysztof Kwasniewicz recorded an 8-6 victory to earn Charlotte the doubles point of the match. Khalil and Kwasniewicz finished 10-4 on the season including a perfect 6-0 record in doubles play at number three. The Niners managed to win just one singles match thanks to senior Anthony Davison who won his final singles match 6-3, 6-0 to pull the match to a 2-2 tie. Davison ends the season with a 16-12 record in singles 53-52 career singles mark. Davison is the only graduating player from a 2012 season that was comprised of five freshmen. Charlotte has 96 of 112 singles wins and 30 of 39 doubles victories returning next season.
OPINION
LIFESTYLE Campus Trends: With warmer weather many of your favorite items from the winter may be on the clearance rack.
UNC Charlotte biology professor
Cheap Eats: Check out several
Jason Flores talks about his Cuban
Theater Department is performing Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
heritage and how he relates to a
Film: “Cabin in the Woods” receives great review from critics, but mixed signals from audiences.
up his family resisted his heritage,
p.6-7
great dining options that are close to UNC Charlotte’s campus.
place he has never visited. Growing
49er Gentleman: A lesson in hosting an amazing party.
but now Flores is excited about possible Cuban change.
LIBRARY MARKETING p.3
p.5
p.8-9
Crossing the finish line Sarah Obeid SOBEID2@UNCC.EDU
Friday, April 13, 2012, UNC Charlotte held its annual Relay for Life on the Belk Track and Field Complex. Relay for Life, a benefit program through the American Cancer Society that has sub-events all over the country, drew over 1,000 participants from the university area this year. “We had so many teams and participants come out, it was an absolutely amazing turnout,” said Jessica Connors, UNC Charlotte freshman and co-chair for Relay for Life. Everyone present at the event honored those who suffered from and survived cancer as well as showed their determination to support those who are currently fighting cancer. “We had our open ceremony where we heard from a survivor of thyroid cancer, Sarah Ayer, and we held a Fight Back Ceremony where we heard from two cancer research doctors that work at the university. They gave some background on themselves and explained some groundbreaking research they have been doing,” said Connors. The 12-hour event included participants walking the track, a luminaria ceremony RELAY p.3
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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
NINERTIMES
NINERONLINE.COM
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
PAGE 3
Professor loses out on his family heritage Malcolm Carter MCARTE72@UNCC.EDU
(Above) The new interactive work area with touch screen surfaces that will be available to only UNC Charlotte students. (Below) The conference room that is being added with the new North Entrance for student group work. Photos courtesy of Cheryl Lansford
Library renovations complete first phase with new entrance
Elizabeth Bartholf EBARTHO3@UNCC.EDU
Picture the entrance through Peet’s Cafe at J. Murrey Atkins Library. Now picture a more open, welcoming work space which furthers the changes made to the library with the new North Entrance. This is the vision that library staff see when they think of the completed renovations to the library. The new renovations are part of a twophase plan to build more student study spaces and integrate technology with collaborative work. Stanley Wilder, university librarian, says the renovations of phase one by the North Entrance are a demonstration of renovation ideas for phase two. “It’s a new entrance to a new kind of space—one that supports the collaborative work that [students] do,” said Wilder. Walk through the North Entrance and immediately there is a conference room equipped with a flat screen monitor for displaying presentations and videoconferencing. Wilder says the conference room was designed specifically for students to practice presentations and work on group projects, including glass walls of the room students can easily write ideas on. Students can connect laptops through ports in the conference table to view projects on the screen and the nearby work area allows them to share work and collaborate with two inTouch Interactive Tables in the new space from T1Visions, a company that specializes in interactive touch screen surfaces. Each table has a built-in touch screen that can be spilt into four screens, allowing up to four groups or individuals to work at the same time on different tasks. The tables are connected to the library network for Internet browsing and use of library databases. Ports and power sources in the tables also allow students to connect laptops and USB devices to view files on the touch screens and on larger flat screen monitors by each table. The tables are designed to let users share and view files. Interactive games are included for short study breaks. No matter what reason students come to work in the library, staff sought student input to design spaces students will want to
use. Posters in the new spaces will feature the student ideas used in building the study areas. Unlike many group study rooms in the library the new spaces will be available exclusively for students without a reservation process. The space will not be reserved for classes, events or study sessions. Students can use the space any time they choose. “It’s really important to [the library staff] that this space belongs to students all the time,” said Wilder. The new entrance will also include a new circulation desk for checking in and out books. Laptops, inter-library loan books and course reserves, however, will continue to be circulated and returned at the circulation desk by the main entrance. While the project was funded in part with state money, much of the funding for this addition came from donations from parents of current students. According to Wilder the new entrance and study spaces cost around $675,000. As part of total expenses the interactive tables cost from $12,000 to $13,000 apiece. “[The new study spaces] represent what a 21st century research library is becoming. Over the past two years, we’ve worked hard to become the best and most relevant place for students to get their work done—no matter what their work preferences are,” said Shelly Theriault, library communications and marketing manager. “From 24/5 availability to more usable, comfortable furniture and from increasing group study spaces to new technology we’re simply not the old, traditional view of a library.” This June phase two of the renovations will begin with tearing down the wall of white boards by Peet’s and expanding into the nearby office spaces. The offices will be relocated to the lower level of the library freeing what Wilder calls “prime space” to add to study spaces by the new entrance. Phase two renovations will add 16,000 square feet to the newly renovated 14,000 square feet of study spaces. Construction for phase two is expected to last two to three months. “We want to see it fully up and running this fall and will send intermittent progress updates during this time,” said Theriault. With the North Entrance and future additions, Wilder says he and library staff look to continue energizing the student community and investing in learning on campus. “We hope to help build the culture of study here [at UNC Charlotte] and make student studying visible. Walking in from the coffee shop you almost have to trip over all the groups working [together] at white boards. It’s natural to see that and think, ‘It’s time to get to work,’” said Wilder.
Once Fidel Castro took power in Cuba many Cubans decided to flee the island to avoid the harsh conditions they foresaw under him. Among these escapees was UNC Charlotte biology professor Dr. Jason Flores’ grandparents and aunt, fleeing the island to never look back. Flores teaches general biology and liberal studies classes for the Honors College and he is a first generation Cuban American. His father, who left the island before his family, went in search of a college degree in Washington, D.C. during the 50s. Although he and other relatives came to America to live out the rest of their lives, some of his older relatives chose to stay in Cuba and endure Castro’s reign. Flores expressed his frustration with not being able to do things as simple as seeing the place where his dad went to school or the home he grew up in. “The only way I knew [relatives still in Cuba] was through letters and pictures that they would sneak out through various channels,” said Flores. “That’s the hardest part of being Cuban American is you don’t have a connection.” This detachment from Cuba and other elements of his upbringing gave him a sense of separation from Cuban culture. “My parents tried really hard not to expose me to hispanic culture when I was
growing up, which looking back I don’t appreciate. I wish I had gotten more of it. But I think their motivations were born out of the 60s and 70s when being a minority was not a plus,” said Flores. His father even went so far as to not speak Spanish to him. Flores grew up with English as his first language. The only time he was exposed to Spanish was in his grandmother’s home in Hialeah, Florida, a place that Flores says was a predominately Cuban area. His grandmother spoke little English. Flores’ visits with her gave him the most exposure to the Spanish language he would have until high school and college, where he had to take a foreign language. His father sometimes talked about going back for a visit but never followed through. He instilled a fear in Flores about returning to Cuba by expressing that if they went he may not be able to come back to America with his son. Although it wasn’t fully accepted then to be a minority, now the times would appear to be changing as people become more respectful of culture and background. Flores takes an optimistic outlook toward new perspectives on culture. “It’s full circle. Back in the 60s and 70s it wasn’t cool to be a minority,” said Flores. “Now its like, ‘Oh wow what’s your background? What’s your heritage?’ And its a good thing and definitely a sign of the times. It’s a credit to folks maturing with their beliefs and their understanding. It’s the world moving forward.”
RELAY from p.1
(Above) Last year’s Relay for Life participants walk to raise money for those affected by cancer. (Below) A sign from last year’s Relay for Life event. FILE PHOTOS
and fundraising. There was even a Ms. Relay Pageant, which involved several male participants dressing in drag in an effort to raise money. “Sure enough they raised a little over $200,” said Connors about the pageant. Several performers made an appearance at the event. Groups and organizations coordinated numerous fundraisers,
including deep-fried candy, grilled food, funnel cakes, baked goods stands as well as opportunity drawings. “Our last counted amount was just over $31,000 and more money will continue to trickle in over the next few weeks. There will also be a post-event Bank Night to collect any remaining money,” said Connors. A variety of organizations, groups, sororities and fraternities came out to show their support. Campus Activities Board, several corporate teams, Niners Chippin In and the Graduate program, among other groups, were in attendance at the event. Some of these groups raised money before the event, however during the event itself over $6,000 was raised through fundraising. “There are about 500 Collegiate Relay for Life events across the country. Events such as Virginia Tech have 5,500 plus participants and raised more than $600,000 in the year of 2011,” said Connors. Connors believes Relay for Life is all about the community coming together with a common goal -to help find an end to cancer. “It is about celebrating the wins, mourning the losses and committing to fighting for a cancer-free every day,” said Connors.
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NINERTIMES
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
Police Blotter ACCIDENT April 10
• Craver Rd., driver struck another vehicle due to a distraction in the vehicle.
April 11
• Cameron Blvd., while making a U-turn driver struck another vehicle. • PVA of Cone Bldg, driver struck a support column while backing.
ARREST April 11
• Cameron Blvd., subject found in operation of a motor vehicle while license revoked. • Cameron Blvd., subject found in operation of a motor vehicle while license revoked.
CALLS FOR SERVICE April 10
• Wallis Hall, victim was verbally harassed by subject.
LARCENY April 9
operating a motor vehicle while impaired and possessed a weapon.
VANDALISM April 11
• Lot 13, unknown subject damaged victim’s back left taillight on vehicle.
Student arrested for possession Conrad James, 19, was arrested on campus by UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Tuesday, April 10, 2012, around 3:30 a.m. James was arrested at Moore Hall for possession of marijuana, a schedule II substance and drug paraphernalia. These are all misdemeanor charges. James is a UNC Charlotte student majoring in political science. Eden Creamer
• Martin Village, an unknown subject removed property without permission.
Student arrested for possession
• Sanford Hall, unknown subject removed secured bicycle from bike rack. • Belk Gym, unknown subject removed property without permission.
Shawn Winks, 19, was arrested on campus by UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Tuesday, April 10, 2012, around 10:30 p.m. Winks was arrested at Moore Hall for possession of marijuana, a schedule II substance and drug paraphernalia. These are all misdemeanor charges. Winks is a UNC Charlotte student majoring in civil engineering. Eden Creamer
April 10
POSSESSION April 10
• Moore Hall, student found impaired with drugs in his possession. • Moore Hall, student was in possession of marijuana, a schedule II substance and drug paraphernalia.
April 11
• Mary Alexander Rd., known subject was
Student arrested for drinking and driving Austin Danielovich, 20, was arrested on campus by UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Wednesday, April 11, 2012, around 3:30 a.m. Danielovich was arrested on Mary Alexander Rd. for possession of a weapon on school grounds, reckless driving and driving after consuming alcohol while under the age of 21. The first offense is a misdemeanor while the others are traffic violations. Danielovich is a UNC Charlotte student majoring in criminal justice. Eden Creamer
Man arrested on campus Darrin Wofford, 41, was arrested on campus by UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Wednesday, April 11, 2012, around 7:45 p.m. Wofford was arrested on Cameron Blvd. for operating a vehicle while his license was revoked. This is a traffic violation. Wofford is not a UNC Charlotte student. Eden Creamer
Man arrested on campus Vincente Stubblefield, 21, was arrested on campus by UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Wednesday, April 11, 2012, around 10 p.m. Stubblefield was arrested on Cameron Blvd. for operating a vehicle while his license was revoked. This is a traffic violation. Stubblefield is not a UNC Charlotte student. Eden Creamer
NEWS BRIEFS Sale blooming at the gardens The Botanical Gardens at UNC Charlotte are preparing to host the annual Spring Plant Sale. The sale will be at the McMillan Greenhouse Friday and Saturday, April 2021, 2012, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Plants available will include indoor plants, various trees and shrubs, carnivorous plants and various types of flowers. Faculty and staff members of the university are eligible to purchase plants early at the preview sale Friday, April 19, 2012, from 3 to 6 p.m. Eden Creamer
Levine Scholar named Civic Fellow Jacob Huffman, a Levine Scholar of the class of 2014, has been named one of the 11 North Carolina students named a Newman Civic Fellow. Campus Compact that organizes the Newman Civic Fellows brings together numerous universities in the state to further higher education. Eden Creamer
Africana Studies hosts daylong symposium For the tenth year, the Department of Africana Studies will host a symposium. This year the symposium is called “Looking Back – Moving Forward: Female Heroes, Freedom Riders and the Oval Office.” The event will be held in the Cone University Center Thursday, April 26, 2012. A presentation by Akin Ogundiran, department chair, will begin at 9:30 a.m. that morning. Throughout the day Adrienne Barnette, UNC Charlotte alumna, will speak as the keynote speaker and there will be two panel discussions, called “More Than Just ‘The Help.’ Achievements of African-American Women” and “Civil Rights Activism in Action.” Eden Creamer
NINERONLINE.COM
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
OPINION NINERTIMES Volume 24, Number 48
PAGE 5
Atkins adopts new way of thinking
A PRODUCT OF
Caitlin Evanson C E VA N S O N @ U N C C . E D U
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I hate doing homework. I actually think I hate doing homework more than I hate working. Most people do right? It seriously sucks. Studying for a test isn’t much better either. You sit there and you tell yourself “Alright, I’m going to start studying two weeks before the actual test so I am well prepared.” And then it’s two days before the test and you’re cramming two months of material into your brain in a matter of days. This is why we develop study partners. But according to J. Murrey Atkins Library study partners are much more fun then I originally thought they were. Walking through the library on campus you come across some iffy posters hanging around. On the first floor you can find a poster that reads “Study Partners: A new way to think,” with a picture of a boy and a girl leaning against a row of books kissing behind an open book. Wait, what? So this is what studying is about now? Meeting up with our “partners” to make out instead of actually studying? I don’t know how the rest of you like to partner up and get school work done but that is definitely
not the way I do. If I’m going to sit down and work on a paper I most definitely am not going to do it with my significant other, that’s for sure. For one who can honestly sit down and concentrate while the person they are dating is sitting directly across from them? It seems awfully distracting. Two, who wants to do homework with their significant other? I’d rather be spending time hanging out and watching a movie. Writing a paper or solving math equations? No thanks. Another poster shows four college students sitting on a couch just lounging around. The poster reads “Social Studies: A new way to think.” Everyone on the poster is laughing or smiling and having a good time. Could someone just clue me in on one thing. When did studying become a good time? “I’ve heard they’re trying to make it a more social atmosphere,” stated an anonymous staff member from the library. “They want it to be like the Student Union when that is definitely not what the library is for.” The ear plugs found at the main desk in the library to block off noise and the posters they keep putting up to encourage students to “have fun” definitely make this a valid point.
The library isn’t about having fun though. It’s about getting work done and trying to have time to yourself. If I’m actually laughing and having fun I am not studying. I might have a book in front of me but I am definitely not reading it. I don’t smile when I do homework, I promise. Other posters around the library show a girl in a white tank top looking off into some far away land with an open book studying, I assume. She honestly looks more like she is modeling than studying. I guess the posters just don’t make sense to me. None of them are actually promoting studying or the use of the library at all. The library is a sacred place to some students. I actually use it a lot more then I thought I was going to. The peacefulness and lack of distractions (at times) can really help you to get things done. Sometimes my study partner and I will go there and, wait for it, do homework! We don’t make out behind bookshelves or eat pizza and laugh about the crazy weekend. Sometimes we chat between studying or homework but otherwise we do homework, like normal people.
Course restrictions cause indecisiveness among students Margaret Daly M D A LY 1 2 @ U N C C . E D U
As an undeclared major my predicament of the week involves finding classes that I am eligible to take this coming fall. Signing up for classes is a dreaded task for most students but especially for students who are still unsure of what they want to do. The process of making the decision of what to major in is a difficult one but with a very limited amount of classes offered to those still in transition it becomes even more difficult to do so. Believe it or not some people actually come to college to learn, not just to get a degree. If art is something that interests me then I think I should be able to take a class on it. When recently signing up for Fall classes every art class I signed up for was flagged with the message “Field of Study Restriction – Major.” What I want to know is how am I supposed to know if I want to get a degree in art if I’m not even allowed to see what it’s
like? Art is not the only major like this either; it is pretty standard across the board. Another problem I have with higher education is the constant pressure of choosing a major. After two years most students have finished their general education requirements. At this point their only option is to choose a major because no higher level classes are offered to those who are undecided. They choose one that they are unsure of and either get lucky or end up wasting time and money on classes they do not need. Most college students change their majors, some multiple times. I think a large factor in this is that we do not get a chance to actually take the classes we enjoy but instead are forced to take the classes that the school deems best fit for us. With our current society being less centered around family and more around our career this decision is one of the most important ones you will ever make. Why shouldn’t you be able to test out your options if the alternative is spending your life doing a job you absolutely loathe?
I’ve heard many people complaining about not being able to take certain classes but that’s usually all they do about it. If I’m paying thousands of dollars a year to attend a public university then I do not think it is ridiculous to ask to take the classes I am interested in. College used to be where people came to learn but now it is a place where people come to get a piece of paper that makes them eligible to be hired for a job. They take tests on things they say they will never use in real life and immediately forget all of the things that they have learned. The part that bothers me the most about all of this is that students complain about all the nonsensical bureaucracy. They realize that there are many things that could be improved about the school but none of them are willing to do anything about it. They have accepted that things are not as good as they could be but they don’t realize that they can still do something about it. As Dr. Seuss said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
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Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol Born to be Wild Shame The Divide
Five reasons Niners should think twice before buying a tablet for college e-readers make reading “more fun” and enhance their learning experience. Nevertheless, my personal experience with these devices has led me to believe that tablets are not the ultimate college student tools that advertisers may have you believe. At least not yet. They do not run the programs students need Can tablets run full-version Microsoft Office programs, Photoshop, inDesign or programming compilers? Can you create high-quality voice recordings and edit them? Not yet. You may be able to get some of these programs on your tablet, but they will be watered-down versions of them. If you are a student who is looking to be more productive, forking up five hundred plus dollars for a device that cannot run the basics is counter-productive. What tablets are designed for is primarily third-world entertainment, not productivity. Maybe someday tablets will be able to replace laptops in terms of functionality. But not today.
Barry Falls Jr
B FA L L S 4 @ U N C C . E D U
Five months after purchasing it, I am already selling my Nook Color. It is not that it is not an impressive piece of technology; it is that it is not as functional as an organizer or e-reader to justify the price tag. According to a recent study by Pearson Foundation, tablet ownership has more than tripled among college students since this time last year. Currently over one-quarter of students now own a standard tablet. The same study found that most high school and college students believe that e-readers will eventually replace books. Most students also agree that these
Electronic textbooks cannot replace textbooks For one, electronic textbooks have no resale value. At the end of the semester, many students look forward to cashing in their old textbooks for some extra cash. But if you bought your textbooks on your e-reader tablet, all your left with is a small digital remnant of a class that you have already taken, taunting you with its uselessness. Do you keep the textbook on your device? Of course not, you will never read it again. Do you delete it? Of course not, it was a hundred dollars. Secondly, electronic textbooks are harder to study.
While, they boast highlighting and bookmarking capabilities, that does not come close to actually holding the textbook, marking in it and folding the pages. It does not do anything that an iPhone already does better and faster (and it is not nearly as portable) If you do not already own a smart phone, chances are you have considered purchasing one. And if you have ever held the iPhone up to the iPad to compare, you have probably already dimissed owning both as a socio-economic redundancy. Tablets (primarily the iPad) are one of those technological devices that have shifted from the “want” category to “need” with too few people questioning it. The more critically I have analyzed tablets, the more likely I am to categorize them as “neat,” not “necessary.” Too often have I heard friends and colleagues who own both iPhones and a tablet complain that their tablet is just a larger version of their iPhone or Andriod device. This may be because, in many ways, tablets are just larger versions of smart phones. The primary difference is still the devices’ portability. One point for the iPhone. Zero for tablets. Tablets are gateways to other sources of wasteful spending Congratulations, you just bought a tablet. The first thing you are going to want to do is purchase applications within the device. The day I bought my Nook Color, I bought several books, games and other useless tools. User mentality when you first buy a tablet is not unlike getting your first iPhone. Yes, it is an incredible device. But it does not really feel like your device is reaching its full potential until you load it up with useless applications that you buy on impulse. And believe me, it adds up. Ultimately, it is a distraction Sure, you could make the argument that it is a matter of who owns the device. But ask yourself- how many times have you seen a student in class using their iPad, Nook or Kindle to read their textbook or take notes? Now ask yourself how many times you’ve seen another student using their device to play Angry Birds or browse 9gag? Chances are that there are far more in the latter group. Students who are motivated to do their class work and study probably don’t need a fancy piece of electronics to help them do it.
UNC Charlotte students perform Shakespeare’s The Twelfth Night Anna Leatherman
A L E AT H E 5 @ U N C C . E D U
UNCC’s Theater Department has been hard at work rehearsing for the Shakespearian play, The Twelfth Night. The group of talented actors (which includes ten UNC Charlotte students) are scheduled to perform in various high schools in the Charlotte area. The Twelfth Night is a story of a complicated love triangle between a Duke, an aristocratic-born woman who disguises herself as her twin brother, and the wealthy beautiful Lady Olivia. This triangle begins after the aristocratic woman was shipwrecked and under the impression that her brother was killed during the catastrophe. Therefore, she decided to disguise herself as a man in order to work for the Duke. Shortly after she begins working she finds herself falling in love with the handsome Duke which proposes a problem since he thinks she is a man. At the same time, the Lady is falling in love with the disguised woman, thinking she is a man.The play will be preformed this Saturday, April 21 at the Mint Museum as well as at UNC Charlotte in Robinson Hall on April 18 through 20, 2012, at 8 p.m.
The director of the play, Lon Bumgarner is confident that this rendition is not one that UNC Charlotte students are going to want to miss. “The cast has worked very hard to make the show a memorable one,” said Bumgarner who has directed over 70 professional productions in theatres throughout the Southeast. He has also produced short films, features and numerous national and international commercials in addition to teaching acting for over 20 years. For eight years he was the artistic director of the Charlotte Shakespeare Company “Shakespeare can be a bit dull and hard to follow sometimes but Twelfth Night is more funny than anything,” he added.
NINERONLINE.COM
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
‘Cabin in the Woods’ is a massively enjoyable meta-treat Patrick Bogans PBOGANS@UNCC.EDU
The less viewers know about “Cabin in the Woods” going in the better the shock value. What you might already assume based on a handful of viewings of the trailer is that this film is not a typical horror flick. There are not a lot of movies that dare to go where “Cabin” goes. The film takes the idea to the extreme, resulting in mixed reviews from regular audiences but highly positive reviews from critics. It is difficult to compare it to anything but the films that it is parodying. Let’s start with the basics. Audiences have guessed that this movie, directed by Drew Goddard, is about five people who go to a cabin in the woods recently purchased by the cousin of Chris Hemsworth’s character Curt. There is also a narrative involving two men in secret militaristic complex that confuses the audience in a way that flipflops between repelling, intriguing and utterly confusing. Once these two plot lines end up making sense with one another, that is the exact point when the films goes into a no holds barred train wreck to the end. Despite how appalled, frustrated and possibly ripped off you may begin to feel, it is still so hard to look away. Having a knowledge of the cliches of the genre will help anyone understand what point writer-producter Joss Whedon is trying to make about different horror films. And even if every reference is not understood, the film is still vastly enjoyable with awareness of what the movie is: a funny, gory, crazy and ridiculous film-- particularly towards its conclusion. All those things add up for one wild ride at the movies. The biggest reason to recommend this film is that it is
“
Fran Kranz, left, Chris Hemsworth, center, and Anna Hutchison star in Drew Goddard ‘s “The Cabin in the Woods.” Photo courtesy of Lionsgate completely different from anything from recent years. It isn’t some torture-porn, demented slasher flick. It is an innovative, ridiculous affair poking fun at those types of movies. With the right attitude, “Cabin in the Woods” is still strangely enjoyable to witness, whether you end up liking it or not so just take the risk.
“I would like to hear people say, ‘I had an amazing time - oh wait, that movie was intelligent.’ I’d like them to realize that we have a thoughtful and very textured movie - but not realize it while they’re watching it.”
“
-Joss Whedon
Vocalist showcases soulful talent Patrick Bogans PBOGANS@UNCC.EDU
Levi Stephens performed an acoustic set in the Student Union rotunda last Wednesday, April 11, 2012. This Union Unplugged event was brought to campus by the good people of the Campus Activities Board.
Levi Stephens performing in the rotunda Photo by Barry Falls Jr
The uniqueness of Stephens’ music was apparent from his first song. He had an upbeat, spirited and outgoing personality shining throughout the show. As he played many students in the union seemed to stop all around the rotunda for a listen to Stephens’ soulful and powerful voice. Throughout his performance, it became really clear that the mesh of genres Stephens can perform is really unique, consistently mixing R&B, folk and rock. The songs he performed ranged in lightheartedness (one was about a barbeque restaurant he loves to go to) to some deeper commentary about life and love. Stephens also covered several songs including “How To Love” and “Gravity,” giving his own style to them. He and his music have a John Mayer type feel, with a little more positivity and much more soul. Originally from Washington, D.C., Stephens made a stamp in the industry initially as a producer and songwriter for ten years, with credits as far up as the “Fat Albert Movie Soundtrack” and Usher’s “Confessions.” He has made the transition from producer to solo artist recently, and released his first album, “This Way” in January. UNC Charlotte was just one stop on his college promotion tour that totals somewhere around 60 dates across the East Coast. All together, he has had around 200 dates these past few years. His stops after UNC Charlotte included Lenoir-Rhyne, UNC Pembroke and Virgina Tech University. He will finish up his tour in New York in early May. Stephens’ manager, Dan Price is really proud of the success that Stephens has had and continuously strives for him to have more of it. “I’m persistent at getting him gigs because his ability to sing, perform and write is amazing,” Price admits. Maya Graham from the Campus Activities Board agrees: “He’s got an amazing voice.” Whoever else was fortunate enough to see Stephens last Wednesday got a real treat. For those who couldn’t make the show, all of Stephens’ music and other features are available at levistephens.com.
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NINERTIMES
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
Where a Niner’s spare moments go
DID YOU KNOW?
The Niner Times is currently looking for journalists, editors and photographers for next year. Email editor@nineronline.com
CAMPUS TREND ALERT
Winter deals during sunny seasons Haley Twist
LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM
For the past few weeks I have been doing some shopping to prepare for a trip to Charleston with my sisters. While I have been looking for dresses, airy tops and flowing skirts for the warm weather I have usually been leaving the stores with winter leftovers. Why? Because everything is too cheap to resist. It’s not news to me that winter apparel is always the cheapest when it’s being sold off but this is the first year I have taken advantage of that. Maybe it’s because I know I need to start making more frugal choices but buying some great-priced basics for next winter has been tempting. But since my pockets are nearly empty and I am still in need of clothes for spring and summer I’ve allowed myself to only purchase the following winter items: 1) Oversized, lightweight sweaters Everything is better when it’s oversized, at least in my eyes. Sweaters like these seem to be timeless if you pair them with the right things so I know that I will still love them a year from now. If they are lightweight or have tiny holes in the threading they can even be worn in warm weather. I paired one I just bought with a pair of thigh-length jean shorts this week and was really happy with the results. 2) Basic scarves I love to wear thick, warm scarves in the winter. And since I am partial to ones in plain colors I know that even if I buy them now I will love them just as much next winter. Scarves can also be expensive. Well, more than I would like to pay for something like a scarf. And I have seen scarves in the last few weeks in stores I frequent that I wanted to purchase months ago that now are on sale for 50-70 percent less than what I would have paid then. I’m glad I waited! 3) Wedge boots I am a sucker for all shoes that have a wedge heel, boots especially. I am a huge fan of the shoe selection at Kohl’s, particularly the Vera Wang shoes. I normally only buy them if I have an especially large paycheck one month or if I am willing to splurge but a few weeks ago I came across a clearance pair of Vera Wang khaki wedge boots that I couldn’t resist. They were only $35 as opposed to the original price of $79.99. I couldn’t be more thrilled so I bought them and stored them in my closest, box and all, until next year. The thought of wearing them makes me long for a cold wintery day! Well, sometimes.
Photo/ MCT Campus
HOLI MOLI! from p.1
UNC Charlotte celebrates the arrival of spring and Hindu tradition Scarlett Newman
SNEWMAN6@UNCC.EDU
Powder-slinging students and clouds of color overtook the front fields last Thursday when UNC Charlotte celebrated the first annual Holi Moli. Co-sponsored by the Campus Activity Board, the Charlotte Indian Cultural Exchange (ICE) and Triveni, the UNC Charlotte Indian Students Association, the paint party drew a decent crowd and raised awareness about the Holi tradition. Holi is a religious spring festival observed by the Hindu community in countries including India and Bangladesh. Also known as the festival of colors, Holi involves the throwing of scented powder and squirting water through water guns, creating an array of paint-like dyes that encompass the crowd of celebrators. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival where prayers and praise commence. Holi celebrates the beginning of spring, which Hindus believe is a time to enjoy abundant colors, rid the sickness that comes with the season and say farewell to winter. One of the most significant ideas of Holi is that it lowers the strictness of social norms which includes gaps between age, gender and status. It’s meant for people to come together regardless of the
background that they fall from. Every year numerous universities such as UNC Chapel Hill and N.C. State have huge Holi celebrations with great turnouts on their campus. Holi Moli was an open invitation event with over 400 people confirmed as “going” on the event’s Facebook page. The event was scheduled to take place a week earlier on Thursday, April 5, 2012, but was postponed due to inclement weather. Students were advised not to bring electronics though many found it impossible not to document such a culturally colorful celebration that was a first for most. “I’ve never heard of the day but my friends had and really wanted to go, so I went with them,” said Laura Vermeulen, a UNC Charlotte student. Upon arrival participants signed a waiver of consent and were then given water guns and a plastic bags filled with vivid powder. The event began with a small speech given by two members of ICE explaining the history and importance of Holi. A 10 second countdown followed prompting students to toss their powder in the air, run around the fields, smear the dye and
squirt each other with water guns while shouting the occasional “Happy Holi!” “The colors, the music, everyone coming together to celebrate [Holi] was just great,” said Alejandra Acuña, an international student from Mexico. “I ended up with a pink shower but it was worth it.” Amidst all of the mayhem student photographers equipped with plastic bag-armored camera scrambled to try to capture the perfect photo. The Holi Moli aftermath was nothing less than a vibrant melting pot of students doused in water and color and soaked from head to toe. A hose was provided to rinse off the powder which can be difficult to remove. Students were spotted all around campus drenched in dye following the event, catching the attention of onlookers - a testament of the impact that Holi Moli has to raise awareness about the Hindu tradition. Perhaps subsequent events will continue to grow and Holi will become a UNC Charlotte tradition that reflects the diversity and broad-mindedness of the student population.
Photos/ Robert DeVos
NINERONLINE.COM
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
MCT Campus
CHEAP EATS FROM
DOWN THE STREET
49er Gentleman:
If you’re craving anything from Indian to Mexican cuisine, Charlotte is the right place for you with the wide variety of food it offers. What’s better is that some of these restaurants offer student-friendly deals and prices that make it possible to sample some of the Queen City’s food without breaking the bank. These are few places that offer modestly priced meals for students
Tricia Bangit
TBANGIT@UNCC.EDU
happy holi
finger food
Passage to India 9510 University City Blvd.
Dominos 9630 University City Blvd.
Only a few minutes away from the university, Passage to India offers a 10 percent discount to UNC Charlotte students during lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s website also offers printable coupons that can knock 15 perecnt off your takeout order. The lunch special offers vegetarian and chicken lunch boxes that come with rice and naan. The vegetarian lunch box is $3.99 and the chicken lunch
While it’s not exactly gourmet or exotic cuisine, the University’s Dominos location offers coupons for UNC Charlotte students that join their Facebook fan page.
south of the border Taqueria Guadalajara 4517 North Tryon Street Mexican restaurant Taqueria Guadalajara on 4517 North Tryon Street has a daily lunch special for $6.50 that includes a soft drink, chips, salsa, rice, beans and salad with a variety of main dishes that range from an enchilada and taco combo to a taco and quesadilla combo.
Loco Lime 1101 Central Avenue Relatively new, Loco Lime has a few deals. On Margarita Mondays the restaurant sells margaritas at half price all day, while Taco Tuesdays offer customers $1 tacos (with the exception of fish and shrimp tacos). On Sundays, tacos are $1 at the bar as well. Loco Lime is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Sir Edmund Halley’s 4151 Park Road Late-night eaters and Buffalo wing lovers can enjoy half-priced appetizers after 10 p.m. at Sir Edmond Halley’s.
(500) days of hunger Ikea 8300 Ikea Blvd. Aside from offering a maze of relatively cheap furniture and décor, Ikea has a handful of great deals on food in its cafeteria. Mondays mornings at the Swedish store begin with a free breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and potatoes until 11 a.m. On regular days the breakfast plate is just $.99. From 11 a.m. to closing time the cafeteria sells organic pasta with tomato sauce for $.99 as well. On Thursdays, a hot plate of roasted chicken and mashed potatoes is only $1.99. And if you have a sweet tooth and happen to see the pink cake in the display case, try it. It’s spongy and fruity and full of creamy goodness and is a lot cheaper than a slice of cake at Amelie’s. If you happen to be in more of a fast food mood, Ikea’s bistro on the first level sells two hot dogs, potato chips and soda for $2.
HOW TO ENTERTAIN Jordan McSwain
JMCSWA17@UNCC.EDU
In gentleman society cocktail parties and mixers are inevitable. As a gentleman you need to be educated on how to plan, execute and entertain a party as a host. This week a few tips are going to be covered on entertaining and how you as a gentleman can host the party of the year every weekend. 1) Planning: A gentlemen begins a party with a plan. Nothing is worse than going to an event that has obviously been thrown together at the last minute. Make sure all of your supplies are adequate for the amount of guests. Make sure you aren’t going to run out of food and an even simpler essentials like napkins. 2) Guests: Many people will just scroll through their contact list or Facebook friends and add people to the event that they like. Something that needs to be taken into account is the dynamic of the group. Avoid inviting people who have known problems with each other. Make sure the male and female ratio is appropriate. Lastly never over-invite. You want your party to be intimate and comfortable instead of cramped and boisterous. 3) Hosting: You need to introduce guests to each other so that the night can run smoothly. Have a designated place for coats and purses. If guests are gossiping be sure to steer the conversation to pop culture, politics, daily life topics or anything else that isn’t going to be harmful if retold after the party. You don’t want to be the host who seemingly gathers gossip from guests as if you were at the high school lunch table. 4) Food: Dietary needs should always be at the forefront of a host’s mind with alternative dishes for vegetarians, vegans, those with allergies and those who are lactose intolerant. Look up recipes for finger foods that are going to be a hit but don’t leave anyone out. 5) Control: Always keep control of your party. If people are becoming rowdy and too loud or breaking things, do not be afraid to ask them to leave. Some people become hyper active in crowds and may need a stern talking to. As host you have the right to kick people out. Use it. Following these few tips for hosting a social event should help steer you as a gentleman into creating a fun night atmosphere so that you’ll be known as the man who can show people a good time.
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NINERTIMES
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
DOWNTIME 17
Tuesday
18
Wednesday
19
Thursday
20
Friday
21
Saturday
22
Sunday
Ben Huh
Project/Hope
Awareness Day
RSA Carnival
Project/Hope
Project/Hope*
McKnight Hall
Robinson Hall
Student Union
Front Fields
Robinson Hall
Robinson Hall
Spring Plant Sale
Katie Armiger & Casey Weston
7:00p.m.- 9:00p.m.
Scavenger Hunt Student Union Steps 8:00p.m.
8:00p.m. Student Tickets $6 Faculty/Staff Tickets $9
12:00p.m.
Vincent Who with Curtis Chin
McMillan Greenhouse
After Hours
ReTweet Off
7:00p.m.
3:00p.m.- 4:00p.m.
Studnet Union 7:00p.m.
For more information go to NINERONLINE.COM
THIS WEEK IN
April 17, 1970 Apollo 13 returns to Earth
April 18, 1906 The Great San Francisco Earthquake
April 19, 1897 First Boston Marathon held
April 20, 1980 Cuba’s Fidel Castro announces Mariel Boatlift
April 21, 753 B.C. Rome founded
April 22, 1970 First Earth Day
2:00p.m.- 6:00p.m.
Norm’s
7:00p.m.
8:00p.m. Student Tickets $6 Faculty/Staff Tickets $9
Guitar Ensemble Rowe Arts 8:00p.m.
8:00p.m. Student Tickets $6 Faculty/Staff Tickets $9 *Last performance
NINERONLINE.COM
SPORTS
Niners softball sweeps Bonnies Michael Brennan MBRENNA7@UNCC.EDU
Charlotte 49ers softball (22-19; 6-6 A-10) brought out the brooms Saturday afternoon against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (14-16; 4-6 A10) and moved to .500 in conference play. Samantha Slade’s walkoff single bolstered the efforts of the 49ers and lifted them over the Bonnies 5-4 in the tenth inning. The stage for Slade’s success was set by a double from Lorena Vela just before Briana Gwaltney was intentionally walked. Slade ripped a single to center and Vela rounded third base and completed the walk-off. Gwaltney was intentionally walked after
acquiring her fourteenth homerun of the season in the seventh inning to tie the game at 4-4. Gawltney’s solo shot helped to push the game into extra-innings and lock up a victory that edged the 49ers over the Bonnies in the A-10 standings. Charlotte capitalized on an error by St. Bonaventure’s catcher on a third strike call that would have ended the first inning. Kalie Lang singled in the bottom of the inning and the 49ers took the lead 1-0. Charlotte found themselves behind later on in the fifth inning but after several fielding errors made by the Bonnies, Charlotte found opportunities to equalize. On the shoulders of Vela and Rodgers, Charlotte was able to put together a two-run bottom
Junior infielder, Chelsea Stamey, slides into home during a game against St. Bonaventure on Saturday. Photo by Michael Stennett
of the fifth and scavenge some momentum although still down 4-3. Reliever Katie Watkins took the mound for the final two innings and was incredibly impressive after striking out four and shutting the Bonnies down for no hits or runs. Slade was the only multi-hit player for the 49ers on the day and went 2-for-5; one of which was the walk-off single. Lang and Gwaltney both contributed to the offense by assisting with RBI each. Game two of the doubleheader featured a pitching showcase put on by Watkins (9-10) who was able to pick up her second victory of the day. Watkins aided the 49ers in a 5-0 victory as she picked up her first shut out of the season. Watkins struck out four and walked one after seven innings of pitching. Charlotte poured in all of their runs in the third and fifth innings to lift them easily over the Bonnies. Vela, Gwaltney and Slade continued their stellar performances on the day and barraged the Bonnies to spark the scoring for two-run third inning. In the fifth inning, designated hitter Chelsea Ingersoll crossed the plate after a remarkable hit from Rogers that squeezed close to the left field line but stayed fair. All of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies were held hitless with the exception of Shortstop Ashley Snider who recorded the Bonnies only two hits. Diana Phalon (5-8) was charged with the loss for the Bonnies after allowing five runs in just five innings. Next the 49ers will face the UNC Chapel Hill Tar Heels on April 18th at home in Charlotte. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Niners on a roll Tadd Haislop
THAISLOP@UNCC.EDU
Students at UNC Charlotte encounter athletes walking around campus every day. These athletes are typically students at the university who play a sport within the athletic department. Prideful volleyball, basketball, soccer and soon-to-be football players roam the brick-crusted campus in green and white 49er athletic gear, distinguishing themselves from the rest of the students. Some athletes are not as easy to identify. Believe it or not there are some professional roller derby players on campus as well. In order to find these players do not look for green jumpsuits or other schoolprovided athletic gear. Instead look for bumps, cuts and bruises. Do not mess with these women. Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five women roller skating counterclockwise around an oval-shaped track. Game play consists of a series of short matchups or jams in which both teams designate a scoring player or a jammer. The two jammers launch several yards behind the pack of eight. Once allowed the jammers score points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to help their own jammer through, around or over everyone while preventing the opposing jammer from doing the same thing. Awareness is key and one of the first things players must master. Essentially, teams must play both offense and defense at the same time. The sport is primarily played by women of all ages. Men’s leagues are very rare but existent. UNC Charlotte graduate Julie Maynor grew up playing basketball and softball her entire life. After playing in high school, Julie was tempted to continue her playing career on the diamond at the college level for
the 49ers. After attending a few practices and deciding to opt out, Maynor needed something else to fuel her competitive fire. She found her answer, Race City Roller Derby, on Craigslist. Even though she had hardly skated before she decided to try out the sport. “I had no idea what it was,” Maynor said. “I showed up to my first practice without knowing anything. I still struggle with skating but I still fell in love with [the sport].” The rules are the most difficult aspects of roller derby to master. Because of the violent nature of the sport, players must go through a three month training seminar before participating in full contact practices. Wearing oversized knee and elbow pads among other protective garments, the players are not afraid to use their athleticism and toughness to do whatever it takes to stop an opposing jammer from getting by. “It’s like a combination of NASCAR and hockey,” said Jessica Alford, a UNC Charlotte student who will be graduating next month. Alford is a jammer and a blocker for the Speed Demons, the roller derby team based out of Charlotte, N.C. Alford, who used to figure skate, was looking to play another sport and get in shape when she joined Race City Roller Derby last year. “I was looking for a skating sport and a team sport. I looked online and I found the Speed Demons and here I am. I like the contact, the speed and just having a group of girls to hang out with during and after practice,” said Alford. Some women play this sport simply for the exercise. Skating around a track for an hour while simultaneously giving and receiving body checks from opponents can be quite a workout. With these hockey-like collisions and the inevitable tangling of skates, falling to the concrete floor is common during jams. These spills usually involve numerous players so it is important
to know how to fall in order to avoid serious injury. The risk of injury is present in roller derby as it is in any other contact sport. Bumps and bruises are unavoidable but serious injuries are rare. Only in their second season of existence, the Charlotte Speed Demons seem to be a well-kept secret. All women over the age eighteen are allowed and encouraged to give the sport a try. This includes students and faculty. Emily Rupar, a UNC Charlotte graduate from the class of ‘08, joined the Speed Demons in 2010 after playing soccer her entire life. She is now a team captain. Rupar says that the rules regarding arm use while colliding with opponents are comparable to that of her former primary sport. This familiarity has helped Rupar learn the new sport quickly and is one of the reasons that she strongly encourages her peers to do the same. Students are not the only women on campus that are encouraged to give this roller ruckus a try. Leslie Jenkins, a UNC Charlotte faculty member working in research and economic development, joined the Speed Demons last spring in order to fuel her craving for skating. Her long, rich history of speed skating gives her a significant speed advantage as a jammer. “Women who work at UNC Charlotte should consider this too” Jenkins said. “It’s a great extracurricular activity for learning teambuilding skills and it’s just a lot of fun.” The Charlotte Speed Demons will be participating in roller derby events once a month all the way through October. All home events will be played at the Metrolina Expo on Statesville Rd. in Charlotte. The Speed Demons will face Mother State on Saturday, April 28. Tickets are available at www.charlottespeeddemons.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
PAGE 11
SPORTS SCHEDULE
Wednesday Softball vs. UNC Chapel Hill 5 p.m.
Friday Track & Field vs. Charlotte Invitational TBA Baseball vs. Saint Joseph’s 6 p.m.
Saturday Baseball vs. Saint Joseph’s 2 p.m Softball @ St. Louis 1 p.m. Softball @ St. Louis 3 p.m.
SPORTS RESULTS Baseball
WIN
@Dayton
3-2
Men’s Tennis
LOSS
vs. George Washington
2-4
Baseball
WIN
@ Dayton
3-2
Softball
Win
vs. St. Bonaventure
5-0
PAGE 12
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2012
NINERTIMES