2024_Sept12_TEC by Pirate Media 1

TheEast

Carolinian

ECU undefeated in all sports

For the first time in program history, East Carolina University is undefeated so far in its fall team sports.

Between women’s soccer, volleyball, and football, ECU is a combined 11-0-3 in fall team sports.*

For the first time in program history, the ECU women’s soccer team (3-0-3, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) remains unbeaten six games into the season. Since the program’s conception in 1994, the Pirates have never gone their first six games without a loss.

The previous record for most games without a loss to start the season was five, which happened in consecutive seasons from 2017 (4-1-1) to 2018 (3-12). This 2024 season also marks the first time that the Pirates have played three scoreless draws this early in the season, with all three of them coming in ECU’s last four games.

It’s also the first time since 2014, and only the second time in program history, that the Pirates have shut out their opponents five times in their first six games (2014). They’ve also outshot their opponents in every game so far this season, something which happened only ten times in 2023.

Meanwhile, ECU’s volleyball program has opened their season on a 6-0 run, sweeping both the Hampton Inn and Suites Seahawk Classic and the Pirate Invitational. This marks the first time they’ve claimed the Pirate Invitational crown since 2019, but it’s also only the first time the Pirates have claimed a regular season tournament championship without dropping a set since 2013.

In regards to Pirates dropping sets, it’s not something they’ve done much so far in this young season. Of the 20 sets played through six games this season, the Pirates have dropped only two, with both coming during the tournament hosted by University of North Carolina at Wilmington (2-3, 0-0 Coastal Athletic Association).

The team stands among some of the best in the nation in statistical categories, with junior middle blocker Carlia Northcross sitting fourth in Division I in hitting percentage. As a team, the Pirates rank second in the country in opponent hitting percentage.

The Pirates are one of only 30 undefeated teams left in Division I. They’re currently on pace to match the 2016 squad’s record for the best start in program history (10-0). That year, the Pirates finished 15-15 overall, going 5-15 in the AAC.

This year, the Pirates were picked to finish fourth in the American Athletic Conference preseason poll. Junior outside hitter Angeles Alderete was picked

Alzheimer’s Fantasies, an exhibition of 26 colored drawings and digital prints, will be on display on the second floor in the Janice Hardison Faulkner Gallery in Joyner Library. The exhibition will be up from Sept. 6 to Nov. 24 and the reception will be held on Thursday, October 3 at 4 p.m.

The exhibition is in honor of the late Susan Lynne Dorsey, who retired from Joyner Library in 2012. The exhibiting artist is Michael A. Dorsey, Professor Emeritus in the ECU School of Art and Design. He was the dean of the school from 1991 to 2003. Michael describes his work as a visual conversation to himself while serving as a caregiver for his wife. These works were created in a three-year period with Michael drawing on a lapboard sitting next to Susan.

The Alzheimer’s Fantasies Exhibition Programming includes:

September:

Tai Chi & Fall Prevention, Thursday, Sept. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Discover how Tai Chi can assist with fall prevention and better balance. Presented by Emmanuelle Quenum, Health Education Director of Greene County.

October:

as the AAC Preseason Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history to be named as such in any conference the Pirates have been a member of. It comes two years after Alderete was named AAC Freshman of the Year.

Now in her third collegiate season, Alderete needs only 66 kills and 253 digs to join an esteemed group - the 1,000 kill + 1,000 dig club. The last Pirate to join that list is ECU’s current Director of Student-Athlete Development and Life Skills, Bri Wood, who played from 2017 to 2021. Alderete would be the seventh member of the elite club, joining Wood, Cinta Claro, Melanie Richards, Carrie Brne, Stephanie Turner, and Ashton Mares.

ECU’s football team won their season opener for the first time since 2016, which is also the last time they started out 2-0. That year, they dropped the next five games en route to a 3-9 record, but there’s more hope for this year’s football squad.

writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Resource Fair, Thursday, Oct. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Come meet local ADRD organizations and learn about their resources. Co-sponsored by the ECU Office of Healthy Aging.

Holistic Brain Health, Thursday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m.

Learn about types of dementia and holistic brain strategies. Learn more about current brain health-related research studies. Presented by Julie Gaven, regional Brain Health Educator Rural Health Equity Advocate.

November:

Building Foundations of Caregiving, Wednesday, November 13 at 4 p.m.

Explore the role of caregivers and the challenges they experience. Learn how to build a support team and manage caregiver stress. Presented by Brooke Banson Vallely, Alzheimer’s Association, ENC Chapter.

All sale profits will be donated to the North Carolina Alzheimer’s Association.

For more information about the program many can contact Charlotte Fitz Daniels @fitzdanielsc16@ecu.edu.

Enrollment data revealed for ECU

East Carolina University students are now in the full swing of the fall semester. While enrollment figures will not be official until after certification by the UNC System Office, ECU officials expect more than 4,020 new freshmen, more than 1,760 new transfer students and more than 1,980 new graduate students to join the ranks of Pirate Nation. The total enrollment headcount for fall 2024 is 26,941.

“We are proud to welcome our Pirates back to Greenville and thrilled they chose ECU for a high quality, transformative learning environment,” said Chancellor Philip Rogers. “Not only are we experiencing positive momentum with our total enrollment, but our strategic focus on student success is producing results by achieving our highest retention rate in five years.”

Important numbers for fall 2024:

• Campus housing is near capacity with about 5,500 students living on campus, the most students ECU has had in its residence halls since 2019.

Numbers are up overall for both new first-year, first-time students and new graduate students. The 1,982 new graduate students are the most since 2020.

• Retention rates are also on the rise, with 82.7% of last year’s first-time, full-time students returning to ECU, indicating that more students are achieving success on their path to a degree.

• 7% increase in out-of-state undergraduate students.

• 24% increase in international students.

• ECU’s Honors College is growing and will serve roughly 260 students this year – more than ever before.

Despite delays related to processing FAFSA applications, ECU’s proactive and innovative efforts ultimately helped more students receive financial aid packages than the previous year. The university is also actively working to develop new transfer pathways and agreements with community colleges, and to streamline the transfer process to better serve our transfer student population.

“Students and their families are seeing the value in a degree from East Carolina University, especially with more than 96% of our undergraduate programs and 92% of graduate programs demonstrating a positive return on the investment after graduation. As we continue efforts to meet learners where they are, we are proud to see growth in enrollment through an innovative partnership with Project Kitty Hawk, designed for online learners, and through our engagement with ReUp, which helps re-recruit and enroll students who have started college but did not complete their degrees,” Rogers said.

Enrollment through Project Kitty Hawk has exceeded expectations with a total of 313 students enrolled at ECU through the program this fall.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES East Carolina University volleyball team poses for photos after winning a tournament.

COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES

ECU senior midfielder Molly Thomas kicks the ball with her teammates supporting her run as Campbell Unviersity defenders look on

BRIEFS

ECU Community School

exceeds expected academic growth

The ECU Community School exceeded expected growth and met 100% of its target participation goals and long-term goals in reading and math. Of just over 2,500 schools awarded performance scores by NC DPI, only 28% exceeded overall school growth. The ECU Community School opened in August 2017 as part of an initiative created by the UNC System to open laboratory schools across the state as training sites for future teachers and administrators. UNC System laboratory schools are designed to work with children who are either academically at-risk or zoned to attend a low-performing school.

Living learning communities foster forever bonds

Ballard Hall does a great job with educating others about the ongoing healthy rivalry between East Carolina’s ROTC for Air Force and Army programs. Both programs are part of the College of Health and Human Performance. The joint LLC opened just last year, with over 658 active students in over 16 LLC’s for the academic year.

The other learning community examples here on campus include the Honors College, music community, education community and the art and design community.

Students that are in the same LLC with at least one or two classes get invited to programs and events that are focused around their interest.

New season opens Sept. 13 for performing arts series

S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series will open Sept. 13 with classical guitar duo Exaudi, which features Rene Izquierdo and Elina Chekan in the A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall at East Carolina University. Six total events will be offered on East Carolina’s campus with two distinct venues, Fletcher series in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall and Wright series in Wright Auditorium.

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

ECU nursing welcomes new cohort of students

East Carolina University's College of Nursing recently welcomed its newest cohort of nursing students.

According to Benita Patel, a first year nursing student at ECU’s College of Nursing, her class consists of over 100 students. Even though the academic year has only just begun, she has already felt the positive impact of her peers and faculty. She finds the environment very welcoming and is eager to see what her future at ECU nursing will bring.

According to Patel, nursing school has been positive overall, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The coursework differs significantly from the prerequisites she completed during her undergraduate studies at ECU. The classes move at a faster pace, requiring the retention of more information in a shorter period of time. For her, the most difficult aspect has been developing a deeper understanding of the material and applying it to real-world situations as that’s how she’s tested on the content.

“Although nursing school is more difficult, I learned that it’s very important to utilize staff, resources and peers to be successful,” said Patel. “The staff is amazing and they want to connect

and help you succeed the best they can so making use of that is important”.

According to Nora McCunney, another first year nursing student, her weeks consist of clinicals for a day, lab for a day and lecture for two days. The students have two lab classes, four lecture classes and one clinical class. First semester the students take a health assessment (learning how to perform assessments on patients), basic foundations (fundamental skills of nursing), nurse as care provider (a medsurg nursing course), and pathophysiology.

According to McCunney, first year clinicals consist of performing basic nursing tasks such as caring for patients, vital signs, medical administration, and other things of that nature. Students can get placed at any hospital in various areas depending on the semester they are in. The first semester, the students are placed in floors including the medical-surgical floor, telemetry, step down units, etc. Second semester is pediatrics and OB/GYN focused clinicals with a potential focus on pharmacology. The third semester is psych based clinicals. In their fourth semester, students work in community in clinicals for the first half, and for the other half, they get paired with a nurse to work alongside them 3 shifts per week days or nights.

CRIME LOGS

as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.

Sept 5. , 2024

Between 5 and 6 p.m., Larceny took place at Tyler Residence Hall and the situation is still considered an Open Investigation.

At 11:50 p.m. Larceny took place at Jones Residence Hall and the situation is still considered an Open Investigation.

Sept. 7, 2024

At 1:51 a.m. a Intoxicated and Disruptive, Resist, Delay or Obstruct situation took place near Pantana Bobs. This incident was Cleared by Citation.

Injury to Real Property took place at Fletcher Residence Hall at 2:09 a.m. This situation is an Open Investigation.

Sept. 8, 2024

At 2:27 a.m., a Resist, Delay or Obstruct incident took place in Front of Jimmy John's (Contanche St) and the situation was Cleared by Arrest.

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was slapped with a $100 million default judgment after he failed to respond to a sexual assault lawsuit brought against him by Michigan inmate Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith.

Lenawee County Circuit Court Judge Anna Marie Anzalone issued the award on Monday, when 54-year-old Combs failed to show up for a virtual hearing regarding the suit, which accuses him of drugging and sexually assaulting Cardello-Smith nearly 30 years ago, the Detroit Metro Times reported. She also established a payment schedule of $10 million per month, starting October 1.

Anzalone’s judgement marks the latest legal setback for the embattled music producer, who has been named in eight different lawsuits since November 2023, most of them detailing allegations of drug use, rape, sexual assault, and physical abuse. She also established a payment schedule of $10 million per month, starting October 1.

Cardello-Smith said he crossed paths with Combs in 1997 during a party at the Detroitarea restaurant where he worked at the time. According to the lawsuit, reviewed by TMZ, the men enjoyed a night of drinking and weed-smoking before they had sex with a pair of woman they met during the festivities. At one point during the romp, though, Cardello-Smith said he felt a man’s hand — which he claims was Combs — touching him.

Shortly thereafter, Cardello-Smith said the Bad Boy Records founder offered him a spiked drink that caused him to pass out. When he awoke again hours later, he said Combs, who was having sex with a woman at the time, acknowledge him, saying: “I did this to you,” according to the lawsuit.

Since filing, Cardello-Smith noted that Diddy has attempted to get him to drop the suit, at one point offering him $2.3 million to

“I think balancing all of your new responsibilities as a nursing student is difficult at first, however, it gets easier over time,” said McCunney. “Nursing school is definitely a challenge but it's very worth it because I get to do what I’ve wanted to do my whole life.”

According to Annaleise Darrohn, another first year ECU Nursing student, not only does the College of Nursing have an array of club and leadership opportunities, they provide students with mentors, peer tutoring, and even a personal librarian. These resources and leadership opportunities enable students to develop critical thinking, foster creative and empathetic communication, and, most importantly, shape them into successful Pirate Nurses for any future healthcare role.

“I chose ECU Nursing for the incredible NCLEX pass rates, diverse and inclusive program, and the abundant resources available to students,” said Darrohn. “The environment as a whole is incredibly supportive and finding your people within the program makes all the difference - truly some of the greatest people you'll meet on campus!”

do so. When he refused, Diddy allegedly told him: “You know how we get down.”

“I disagree with how you get down,” he responded, per Variety.

During a hearing back in August, Cardello-Smith, who is an inmate at the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility, provided visitation logs with Combs’ name to corroborate the claim. Anzalone in response issued a restraining order aimed at preventing Combs from selling assets that could potentially be used to compensate Cardello-Smith for possible damages.

Cardello-Smith is serving up to 75 years for 2008 and 2019 first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping charges, according to prison records. He was also separately convicted on third-degree sexual conduct charges in 1998 and first-degree sexual conduct charges in 1997

“This man (Cardello-Smith) is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years,” Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo said in a statement to

the Daily News. “His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit,” he continued. “Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed.”

Diddy has mostly denied the allegations leveled against him, but he admitted in June to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura after violent video footage leaked of a 2016 incident in a hotel hallway. The singer filed suit against Diddy in November 2023, and it was settled the following day.

He’s also at the center of an investigation being carried out by Homeland Security and the federal government. Back in March, agents raided Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles in connection with drug and sex trafficking allegations.

Trisha Rangaraju TEC STAFF

Jessica Schladebeck TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Artist Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been hit with

OUR VIEW

East Carolina University is adding a new restaurant, Shake Smart in the Main campus Student Center. Shake Smart is a restaurant that specializes in freshly blended protein shakes, organic acai bowls and healthy foods.

We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian believe that even though it is good to add restaurants that offer healthy foods, ECU should think about adding restaurants that students are actually interested in eating. ECU should listen to what some of the students are saying about the food choices on campus.

No, The East Carolinian isn’t suggesting ECU should have unhealthy food options on campus but there should be other main food options that are in the Main Campus Student Center besides Caine’s, Steak n’ Shake and Panda Express. Many students are not satisfied with the food choices in the Student Center but don’t want to walk across campus to Chick-fil-A to get a decent meal.

The food options in the student center could be better and yes it is good that ECU has healthy food options on campus but questions arise on why ECU chooses the restaurants they do for their campuses. Many are even upset that Shake Smart will be replacing Au Bon Pain’s spot in the student center.

East Carolina University should consider either switching out one or more of the current food choices on campus or add more popular restaurants to different parts of campus. Many reminisce about the times when Chili’s was here on campus or when there was a Chickfil-A in Mendenhall which was once ECU’s student center.

PIRATE RANTS

Los Angeles Times - Tribune News Service - Like clockwork, as we return to school, our classrooms will fall into gender pronoun controversies. The inclusive impulse on Day One is to have everyone in class introduce themselves and share their pronouns, so nobody is singled out. But many don’t think about pronouns. Even for me, as a nonbinary law professor who uses “they,” it’s never easy. Others must feel even more awkward when prompted to share their preferences. Hounded by the pronoun police and the gender warriors, what are we to do? My answer? Radical empathy.

I practiced by becoming kinder to myself — and others — over recent decades about gender.

It sure is liberating to see “nonbinary” and “they/them” show up everywhere now, even on buttons and earrings. I grew up without this in-between gender. Singular “they” made no sense then to most people.

“Pat” drew laughs every week on “Saturday Night Live” because nobody could determine their gender. Nonbinary people were literally a national running joke. As a kid, I felt especially obligated to laugh along. Happily, much has changed. Most try to speak inclusively. How we got here is very fraught, though, and the rest of the journey is treacherous too. Some make honest mistakes. Others actively resist inclusion. State bans on discussion of gender identity in public schools certainly haven’t solved anything; they only complicate the everyday challenge of getting pronouns right.

In whatever settings in which we find ourselves, should we police pronouns? My answer is a hearty no. The process of inclusion matters just as much as the result. To be inclusive, we must bring people in — not shame them into it.

When I start teaching a class, I don’t insist on pronoun identification. When I stand before my class with my mannish body in women’s clothes, students know the score. But I want to make it clear that my classroom is a safe space where people

can identify, or not. Explicitly bringing up preferred pronouns can scare people away from sincere and open conversations about gender. Those will happen organically.

The few people who deliberately misgender deserve vitriol. Many more cisgender people simply don’t understand the importance of pronouns. They are still learning. We can expect — even insist on — inclusive language, and correct mistakes. But shaming will not advance social change. As any teacher or parent knows, encouragement drives learning more than criticism and fear.

While teaching, I’ve accidentally referred to myself as “he” and misgendered students. Mistakes happen. I’m trying, and so are others.

Along that journey, we desperately need nuanced discussions about why gender goes beyond “m” or “f.” Even “they” can confuse, and it’s been a singular personal pronoun for centuries.

It’s Tailgate Season! The BEST Season of all!

Don’t travel down 10th Street during the weekday if you’re in a hurry. That crosswalk of students will keep you waiting and waiting and waiting. But, be sure to stop and wait there and at the one on Cotanche near the Rec center. It’s the law! And, it keeps pedestrians safe.

Bro can the buses come on TIME!

We are getting a trade joes in Greenville. Why do people keep asking? It’s literally supposed to open at the end of this year. READ THE NEWS.

The stairwells in Brewster are terrible, i feel like i’m going to die every time i go up them

Attention employers! If the job pays under $50K and you’ve required a master’s degree...delete the job listing and try again. I’m tired of seeing institutions require higher education while simultaneously devaluing it.

To whoever complained about “freshman” in the Pirate Rants last week, here is a quick lesson for you — freshmAn is singular, freshmEn is plural. If you’re talking about multiple people, freshmen is the correct spelling. As an upperclassman, you should know the difference by now. Jot that down so you don’t forget.

Los Angeles Times - Tribune News Service - No matter the outcome of the November elections, it is urgent that there be a widespread recognition that American democracy is in danger and that reforms are essential. No form of government lasts forever, and it would be foolhardy to believe that the United States cannot fall prey to the forces that have ended democracies in many other countries.

Although the causes are complex, many of today’s problems can be traced back to choices made in drafting the Constitution, choices that are increasingly haunting us. After 200 years, it is time to begin thinking of drafting a new Constitution to create a more effective,

more democratic government.

Signs abound that American democracy is in serious trouble. Confidence in the institutions of American government is at an alltime low. The Pew Research Center has been tracking public trust in government since 1958. It has gone from a high-water mark of 77% in 1964 to our contemporary 20%. A poll in September 2023 indicated that only 4% of U.S. adults said the American political system worked “extremely or very well.” A recent Gallup poll had only 16% of Americans expressing approval for how Congress is performing its job.

At the same time, the country is more deeply polarized than it has been since Reconstruction. There are many measures of this. Over the course of the Trump presidency, an average of 87% of Republicans approved of Trump’s handling of the job, compared with just 6% of Democrats.

That, by far, is the largest gap in history. In August 2022, about 18 months into the Biden presidency, his approval rating among Democrats was 78% and among Republicans just 12%, a gap of 66%, which is less than during the Trump years, but still stunning, and reflects a deeply cleaved country.

Especially individuals in their 20s and 30s are losing faith in democracy. A Brookings Institution study found that 29% of “young Americans say that democracy is not always preferable to other political forms.” The framers of the Constitution, out of distrust for democracy, created the Electoral College so that elites would choose the president.

The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants.

Classifieds & Puzzles

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Take care of business. If one avenue is blocked, try another. Explore new directions. Avoid traffic or hassle. Patient, careful efforts get through.

HOROSCOPES

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Handle practical details before dashing off. Create backup plans. Review alternate routes. Research costs and benefits. Discover treasure in your own backyard.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Review financial agreements and handle obligations. Postpone buying treats. Choose good structure. Build solid foundations for future goals. Slow and steady wins the prize.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Don’t get pushy. Coordinate practical details with your partner. Schedule actions after determining who will do what. Resolve a breakdown together and celebrate.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Maintain your health, fitness and work routines. Slow for tricky sections. Don’t push beyond your capacity. Avoid impulsive moves. Keep a steady pace and rhythm.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Discuss the finer aspects of the game. Plot moves in advance. Postpone a major reveal. Talk gets farther than action now. Romance kindles in conversation.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Adapt to domestic changes as illusions evaporate. Avoid unnecessary arguments. Stick to practical priorities and don’t worry about the small stuff. Clean up messes.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Do the research before making statements. Things may not be as appearing. Don’t fall for a trick. Stick to reliable news sources. Anticipate surprises.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Figure out what your ideal customer or client wants. Polish marketing materials and articulate your brand. Plan and prepare for a powerful launch.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Follow intuition. A trickster baits a hook. Don’t respond automatically. Consider personal priorities. Keep your agreements and sense of humor. Charm opens possibilities.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 6 — Rest, review and revise. Anticipate chaos, controversy or resistance. Complications could arise. Wait to see what develops. Lay low to reformulate plans. Plot and organize.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Voice your views to your team. Illuminate a shadowy area. Passions could get intense. Listen to all perspectives. Discoveries could alter your group’s direction.

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

Arts & Entertainment

EVENTS

TODAY

Bites on the Bridge Greenville Town Common 105 E. 1st St., Greenville, NC 27858

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (252) 329 - 4567

Fashion on Display

Greenville Museum of Art

802 Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858

5:30 to 8 p.m. (252) 758 - 1946

Nearly New Fish Kid’s Consignment Sale

Convention Center 303 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (252) 321 - 7671 Live Music Thursdays 5th Street Hardware

and Taproom

W 5th St, Greenville,

Charley Marbin released his new 70’s disco vibe EP “Planetoid”

Giuliana Barberio TEC STAFF

Young artist and East Carolina University student, Charley Marbin, recently released his new EP called Planetoid, inspired by the 70’s disco era. Charley Marbin explained how he wanted to channel the era when record and song titles had a “funky and groovy” vibe.

“The overall theme of the EP is escapism, being free, feeling like we’re in a different world or planet–hence ‘Planetoid’. And of course dancing.”

Planetoid came out just in time to give the summer season a fun energy for listeners to sing and dance along to. The EP features tracks with a mix of the old–school disco Charley was reaching for, with a touch of today’s modern music. Tracks like “Rhythm of My Heart” and “Welcome to Planetoid” display a perfect example of both nostalgia and modernity.

Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Marbin was involved in his high school’s choir. Initially, he hadn’t considered singing to be such an important part of his life, until he attended his first middle school choir concert where he discovered his passion for music.

“Growing up I never thought I would ever step into the music scene. However, music was an escape route for me, getting through tough times when I was younger–music was the one thing that seemed to solve everything.”

Charley paid attention to every detail throughout the process of creating Planetoid. Besides the music itself, he explained that the behind-the-scenes is just as important as the rest. “The lyrics, production, sound, photoshoots, music videos and fashion are something that I put a lot of focus on. I want to provide an experience for myself and the listener.”

Currently, Charley is managing his studies at ECU while he continues to write music.

“Being an artist is not easy at all and that is something that I have learned. Most people only see the outside of the projects but not what goes on behind the scenes when creating the music and journey,” Marbin reflected, “I have tons of respect for all artists because it’s not easy, however, we all love what we do and that is creating art.”

You can listen to Planetoid on Apple Music and Spotify to escape into Charley Marbin’s world filled with disco and electric energy.

Gambino delays tour for health reasons

Los Angeles Times - Tribune News Service - Donald Glover has postponed the remaining shows of his final tour as Childish Gambino, blaming health issues for the change of plans.

“unfortunately i have to postpone the rest of the north american tour to focus on my physical health for a few weeks,” Glover wrote Monday in a statement posted on X.

The “Redbone” and “This Is America” hitmaker advised concertgoers to hold on to their tickets, emphasizing that all New World Tour tickets will be honored for upcoming dates in North America when the shows are rescheduled. The 40-year-old did not elaborate on what was ailing him, adding: “thanks for the privacy. thanks for the support. thanks for the love.”

Representatives for Glover did not immediately respond Tuesday to The Times’requests for comment.

The tour postponement comes on the heels of the “Community” alum and “Atlanta” star also postponing his Sunday concert in Houston “due to illness.” He previously rescheduled an August concert because of “production issues.”

Glover kicked off the tour on Aug. 11 in Oklahoma and was scheduled to play shows at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sept. 18 and 19. The North American leg was scheduled to wrap in Chicago

on Oct. 3 with plans to head to Europe in November, then Australia and New Zealand before wrapping in February 2025. It is unclear if his dates abroad will be affected; as of Tuesday morning, they remained listed on Childish Gambino’s website.

The Grammy- and Emmy-winning star released his final Childish Gambino album, “Bando Stone & the New World,” in July. In a June interview with the New York Times, Glover said he was retiring his musical persona because it was “not fulfilling.”

“I just felt like I didn’t need to build in this way anymore,” he said of leaving behind his musical alter ego.

In May, the “Swarm” creator and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” TV series star dropped a new version of his 2020 album “3.15.20” under its original name, “Atavista,” which he called “the finished version” of his fourth studio album. That’s also when he announced plans for his New World Tour, his first tour since 2019.

The tour also supported the soundtrack album to “Bando Stone,” a film that he directed and starred in but has not released. The multihyphenate has said that he doesn’t know when the movie will come, only that he plans to release it “when it feels right.”

CONTRIBUTED BY CHARLEY MARBIN

Charley Marbin’s

on Apple Music and Spotify.

Nardine Saad TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES

The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events

Trevon McGlone TEC Sports Editor

ECU VS. ASU

Score Prediction?

ECU 35-28

Why?

ECU will have its hardest test to date with App State coming into town. The Pirates have to be on their A-game in order to win this game, and that includes limiting mistakes by the offense with turnovers.

WZMB Station Manager

ECU VS. ASU Score Prediction?

ECU 31-28

Why?

I believe that this ECU vs App game should be featured on College Gameday, obviously that’s not the case but I do believe after a solid start over the first two games the Pirates will come out hot in Dowdy against the rival boonies after the rival boonies after they come off a surprising blowout loss to the Clemson Tigers.

Nick Green

WZMB Sports & News Director

ECU VS. ASU Score Prediction?

ECU 28-20

Why?

After App State just got demolished by Clemson they are coming to Greenville with a chip on their shoulder. Despite their struggles against Clemson, App is still an incredibly talented team we can not take for granted. An in-state rivalry game in Greenville will draw in a huge crowd to Dowdy-Ficklen and I expect the team to feed off the energy. I think it’ll be a close game.

East Carolina hungry for vengeance

East Carolina University (2-0, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) faces off against in-state opponent Appalachian State University (1-1, 0-0 Sun belt Conference) at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday. For the first time since 2016, the Pirates have kicked off the season 2-0, looking to build on their momentum against App State. The Mountaineers are coming off a deflating loss to #22 ranked Clemson University, aiming to bounce back against ECU.

The last time these two teams faced off was last season in Boone, N.C. on Appalachian State’s home turf. The Mountaineers won 43-28, with big performances from quarterback Joey Aguilar, and running back Nate Noel. Aguilar had 4 total touchdowns and Noel ran for 193 yards with a touchdown in their dominant win. Dating all the way back to 1932, East Carolina has just 12 wins against them, including 21 losses. Notably, ECU is 6-4 in their last 10 matchups.

App.State, led by Head Coach Shawn Clark, is aiming to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in the Sun Belt Conference after losing to Troy University 23-49 in the conference championship game. In conference play last year, the Mountaineers went 6-2, and 9-5 overall for the season. This marked a bounce back season after the team went just 6-6 overall and 3-5 in their conference in 2022.

If the Mountaineers can get the ground game going early, it will take pressure off

Aguilar and allow them to dictate the pace of the game. If App State can keep the Pirates defense on the field and grind out yardage in the run game, they can open up their passing game, allowing Aguilar to take shots downfield. Defensively, App. State needs to focus on disrupting ECU’s passing game and force Garcia into mistakes.

For East Carolina, this game presents a chance to make a statement. The Pirates began their season with a strong showing against Norfolk State University, dominating 42-3 in their home opener, followed by another win against Old Dominion University. However, App State has proven to be a tough opponent in recent years and will be a tough test for the Pirates.

Head Coach Mike Houston, is eager to keep building on the positives from the last couple games and minimize the sloppy mistakes which includes a mixture of penalties and turnovers. A crucial factor for East Carolina will be to continue feeding running back Rahjai Harris the ball. Harris has been huge for the Pirates so far this season, with 2 touchdowns and 131 yards against Old Dominion, including the game winning touchdown.

Quarterback Jake Garcia who is still adjusting to the Pirates new offense, will be looking to limit his turnovers and keep plays alive. The Pirates have done a good job of mixing up the offense so far this year. East Carolina’s defense has been stellar under defensive coordinator Blake Harrell. A few notable players that have had huge roles in the recent success are cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. and Zakye Baker. ECU needs to contain App. State’s rushing attack, which has been a bright spot for the Mountaineers. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. in Greenville, N.C. where fans are expected to have the stadium packed after a strong start to the season. For those not able to attend the game, they can watch on ESPN+. This matchup has all the makings of a competitive showdown between two programs hungry for success. One team looking to get their season back on track, and the other seeking to build upon their 2-0 start, all the makings for a scrappy game in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

The East Carolina University soccer team (3-0-3, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) will face Temple University (1–6, 0-0 AAC) on enemy territory in Philidephilia, PA for the first game of the AAC this Thursday.

In the history of the program, the Pirates have faced Temple a total of ten times since 2014, with ECU having a winning record of 6-2-2. The last loss the Pirates had against Temple was in 2019, losing 0-1 in double overtime. Since that game, ECU is riding a three-game win streak against the Owls.

The Pirate’s last game was against Western Carolina University (3-2-2, 0-0 southern conference) at Johnson Stadium. This was the third time this season that a game resulted in a tie. The last games that ended in a tie were against Campbell University (2-3-3, 0-0 Big South Conference) and Coastal Carolina University (2-3-2, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference).

The Pirates were heavy on offense throughout the game with a total of 12 shots with five on goal. Though the game ended in a tie the Pirates still had some players that stood out. Senior midfielder Abby Sowa and freshman forward Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram took two shots during the game but only Sowa would have one of her two shots on goal.

Some other players that had shots on goal were ECU junior forward Juliana Viera, senior defender Lindsey Aiken, graduate student forward Sydney Schnell and senior forward Samantha Moxie.

Maeve English has earned her 25th career clean sheet. The senior graduate student is a Greenville native who has played her whole collegiate career for ECU. English had a total of four saves against Western Carolina while playing the whole 90 minutes.

The Temple Owl has had mixed results this season with only winning one game, which came against Le Moyne College (1-5, 0-0 Northeast Conference) 4-0. In their last game,

the Owls faced off against La Salle University (5-1-1, 0-0 Atlantic 10 Conference) in a losing effort of 1-5. Temple would be up early in the first half when sophomore forward Shari Atkins scored the Owl’s only goal of the game. They would be tied going into the second half but La Salle would run away with the game scoring four more times.

ECU is currently ranked fourth in the American Athletic standings, with only the University of Memphis (5-5, 0-0 AAC), Rice University (6-1-1, 0-0 AAC) and the University of South Florida (4-1-1, 0-0 AAC) ranked ahead. Temple is currently ranked last overall this season. For those who can not make it out to Philadelphia this Thursday, the game can be streamed on ESPN+. The game will start at 7 p.m.

Garett Skillman THE EAST CAROLINIAN

COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES

ECU graduate student running back Rajai Harris running into the end zone for a rushing touchdown to score against Old Dominion University.

East Carolina University sophomore

Diego Lerma TEC STAFF

Cannon Gates

COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES

ECU junior wide receiver Kerry King standing.

ECU Sydney Schnell is the East Carolinian AOTM

The East Carolian has chosen ECU graduate student forward Sydney Schnell as its Athlete of the Month for August.

Schnell has been one of the key contributors for the ECU soccer team, leading the team with two goals on the year so far and an assist. One of the key moments for Schnell came on Aug. 25 against the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. The Pirates went down early in the game against UNCG thanks to a goal scored in the early minutes of the game.

But in the 29th minute, Schnell scored a goal by sending in a powerful shot that went over the goalkeeper’s head to tie the game. That goal was followed up with another goal from ECU junior forward Emma Sheehan that won the game for the Pirates. It was the only game this year that the Pirates have trailed in.

In the Sep.1 game against the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Schnell once again stepped up to the mantle and took the opportunity given to her. After ECU went up

1-0 thanks to a goal from graduate student defender Kylie Alvarez, Schnell took a shot from distance, an impressive feat considering she was surrounded by multiple defenders. The shot hit the bottom of the cross bar and snuck in, giving the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

The night wasn’t over for Schnell. In the 62nd minute, a pass came and Schnell moved down the field with it, punting the ball forward to Sheehan, who slotted the ball in the goal to give the Pirates their third and final goal of the contest in a 3-0 win.

Schnell has spent her entire collegiate career with the Pirates, coming to ECU back in 2020. Schnell appeared in nine games for the Pirates and bagged an assist. In 2021, the forward appeared in six games for ECU, and in three of them she started.

Schnell’s first ever goal for the Pirates came in 2021, in a game against Old Dominion that the Pirates won 3-0. Her first assist was the game prior, in a 2-0 win over High Point University. Schnell’s assist was to former midfielder Grace Doran.

Last year was a huge one for Schnell. She scored five

goals in 2023, with back to back goals at the hands of UNCG and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Both of these goals were crucial, as the goal against UNCG was the game winner and the goal against UAB was the only goal for ECU in a 1-1 draw.

Schnell’s last goal for 2023 was against Southern Methodist University (SMU), a game winner on the road in Dallas Texas. The goal was scored in the 6th minute, allowing ECU to sit back and defend. SMU had 17 shots but only three of them were on target. The win would also be the last for ECU in the soccer season.

Following the game against Western Carolina, Schnell and the Pirates will play against Temple University on Sep. 12 on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The game is the first conference of the year for the Pirates. The game is available to watch on ESPN+.

be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

Dave Hyde: Police overreact, Tyreek Hill isn’t blameless

Tribune News Service - The emotion belonged to Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. But it should be everybody’s emotion right now. The words he chose should be everyone’s words when considering wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s incident with Miami-Dade police, now that an officer’s body-camera video has been released.

“Really, the time since (Sunday) to now, I think for me personally, it’s been hard for me not to find myself more upset the more I think about it,” McDaniel said Monday.

Everybody loses. That’s the saddest part of this incident. Everybody comes out looking bad or feeling worse because Hill didn’t act as he should in listening to officers. MiamiDade police then overreacted, specifically one unnamed police officer who yanked Hill from his car and, moments later, had him in a chokehold while shoving him to the ground in handcuffs.

The police lose as a stereotype of overreaction gets underlined. Hill loses for being

in the middle of a mess. Teammates lose for trying to defuse the situation and becoming part of it. South Florida loses just watching it play out nationally.

The most disturbing part is an ounce of common sense could have prevented this. This wasn’t some shadowy setting late at night. This was Sunday morning outside Hard Rock Stadium. Fans are stopping on the road to video the scene as the police officer walks to Hill’s car.

Hill isn’t perfect in being signaled to stop for speeding. He doesn’t respect the situation. He repeatedly tells the officer not to hit his window as he puts it down and hands over his drivers license.

“Give me my ticket so I can get on my way, bro,” Hill says.

He then puts up his window.

“Keep your window down,” the police officer said.

You or me — you put the window down, right? The windows were tinted, too, meaning

the officer couldn’t see into the car and see if there was anything to be wary of.

Hill cracked his window, later saying he didn’t want to open it wide and have fans to start taking video of him. It was too late for that. But that only adds to the larger issue, the one about this not being some threatening scene of danger.

Again, it was Sunday morning outside the stadium, with fans all around, not late at night in some sketchy area.

“Keep your window down or I’ll get you out of your car,” the officer said. “As a matter of fact, get out of the car.”

It was then a second officer came to the car and talked of “breaking the f------ window.” He opened the car door, pulled Hill out and shoved him to the pavement.

“We’re not playing this game,” one officer said.

Did Hill handle himself as he should have?

As he said he did immediately afterward stating, “My uncle always told me to do whenever you’re in a situation like that: just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel and just listen?” He did not.

But was there anything to suggest a simple speeding ticket needed to escalate into this aggressive scene? Shouldn’t reading the moment be part of any legal process?

Was anyone being threatened in the late morning situation outside Hard Rock Stadium?

Beyond the threat the police brought.

It can be a dangerous and thankless job, being a police officer. It can be an uplifting one when done properly, too. And then there are moments like this that begged for one person, just one, to calm everyone down.

The police underlined a stereotype of angry aggression. Hill underlined his history of not staying out of unfortunate situations.

Then there was the sad scene of veteran Calais Campbell, too, the former NFL Player of the

Year for his good community work — the one who wanted to “de-escalate the situation,” as he said — being taken away in handcuffs. There are situations where that would be understandable for police to do all of this, to throw their legal weight around for safety against someone’s dangerous actions. But, again, as you watch the video, was anyone in danger at all? Was no officer able to take the temperature of the moment?

There’s an Everyman quality to this, too, as Hill related after Sunday’s game in saying, “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?” If this type of overaggressive policing can happen to him outside the stadium in full view of everyone, it can happen to anyone, anywhere. That’s the greater concern.

“Call Drew,” Hill kept saying to Campbell and another teammate, Jonnu Smith.

It’s not clear if he meant his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who was at the game, or the Dolphins‘ head of security, Drew Brooks. At one point, when pulled from the car, Hill was saying into his phone, “Hey Drew, I’m being arrested.” Brooks is a former policeman. Another Dolphins employee is a former police chief. The team has hosted events to smooth relations between police and communities. So this isn’t an us-versus-them mentality inside the organization. It’s quite the opposite.

Sports, like the larger society, is full of people who wish they could erase one moment from their lives. Maybe this is that for these involved police officers. Maybe Hill sees he could have been a better citizen. There’s enough here for everyone to regret. Hopefully, someone turns all this bad into something good. Wouldn’t it be nice if Hill told people to follow officer’s directions like his uncle said?

East Carolina University graduate student forward Sydney Schnell throws her hands up in celebration as her teammate runs towards her to do the

Trevon McGlone TEC STAFF

Dave Hyde

As the school year begins, I would like to take this special moment to welcome you back to campus.

It feels like yesterday that I was a student at Howard University. I found forever friends, people who shaped me and supported me. I found my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters. Like many, college is when I started to become politically engaged. Together, we learned that progress happens in our country when young people fight for it.

Throughout my travels as Vice President, I love talking to young leaders. I am continually amazed by your grit, your perseverance, your intellect, and your deep passion for making our world better.

It is because of the record turnout among college students in 2020 that I am Vice President today. And to win this election, I need your support.

This November, so many of our fundamental freedoms are at stake. The freedom to vote. The freedom to live safe from gun violence. The freedom to love who you love, openly and with pride. The freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water. And the freedom to make decisions about your own body.

Later this semester, you will have the opportunity to vote in an election that will decide the future of our country. You will have the power to shape our future. To continue to build the country you want to live in—one where your fundamental rights are protected—by taking to the ballot box and making your voice heard.

Your vote has never mattered more. When young people fight for progress, it changes the course of our nation. I believe in you. I am inspired by you. And I am rooting for your success.

Sincerely,

Vice President Kamala Harris