Niner Times: February 18, 2014

Reedy Creek Park

Located just three miles from campus, Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve has plenty to offer to students as we prepare for the spring months. p. 8

Basketball record

Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball player Ny Hammond sets a new school record, breaking the prevous record set in the ‘90s. p. 15

A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 26, ISSUE 19 FEB. 18 - 24, 2014 NINERONLINE.COM

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FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

Volume 26, Number 10 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COMMUNITY EDITOR

EDEN CREAMER

PATRICK BOGANS

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NEWS EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

CLAIRE DODD

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

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A&E EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LIZ LANIER

MICHELLE LIRINGIS

AE@NINERONLINE.COM

LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM

OPINION EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

JORDAN SNYDER

ASHLEY SPEECE

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COPY@NINERONLINE.COM

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CHRIS CREWS

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SNOW DAZE MORAL MARCH OP-ED: RELIGIOUS DISCUSSIONS OP-ED: DECLINE OF READING REEDY CREEK PARK ATKINS COMIC COLLECTION ‘THE MOUNTAINTOP’ REVIEW MEN’S BASKETBALL NY HAMMONDS RECORD FOR DAILY ONLINE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, PHOTO SLIDESHOWS AND MORE VISIT US AT

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COVER PHOTO BY BEN COON • INSIDE PHOTO BY MICHELLE LIRINGIS

FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

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Charlotte green turns snow white, storm swoops through city The worst snow storm in a decade swept into the area, dusting streets and buildings with snow Tuesday, Feb. 11, and burying them Wednesday, canceling schools across the state for three days.

CLAIRE DODD NEWS EDITOR

As giant boulders of snow begin to shrink from the sun’s heat, snowmen begin to collapse and sidewalks become less icy, the snow storm that arrived the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 11 left Charlotte with up to seven inches of snow in particular areas.

Within the first few hours of snow, trucks were on campus to help move snow off to the side of the roads.

On Tuesday, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed a state declaration of emergency, allowing the state public resources to respond to the crisis as needed.

This included the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the highway patrol, the N.C. National Guard and activated the Emergency Operations Plan for the state.

McCrory’s declaration of emergency came shortly after the governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, declared South Carolina’s emergency status.

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama declared South Carolina a federal disaster area.

Senior Hunter Dunn, who resides in the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity house in Greek Village, reported that he didn’t even attempt to drive until Thursday afternoon when the roads were looking clearer.

Dunn owns a 2000 Ford Ranger which could easily drive over the snow, yet he says he didn’t want to take the risk.

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“The walkways pretty much remained packed enough for footpath,” said Dunn.

“But I didn’t go out of the way with a shovel or anything to clean them. No one on campus has those resources.”

The amount of precipitation was so immense that it brought traffic on Independence Blvd. to a stop Wednesday, Feb. 12.

On Friday, Feb. 14, Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon announced his “Shovel Charlotte” campaign in order to help remove heavy snow off of the city’s sidewalks and create a safer environment for pedestrians.

Charlotte’s workers were not able to clear the sidewalks themselves because they were busy clearing bus routes, neighborhood streets, hospital entrances and other locations.

Therefore, they leave it to property owners to be responsible for clearing their lots.

The National Safety Council posted a specific list of techniques online that contained safe ways of shoveling snow.

Some included, “shovel only fresh snow” and “don’t pick too much up at once.”

The new CharMeck Alert System sent out a message to those signed up to receive notifications about the campaign.

The message explained the campaign, and encouraged people to tweet pictures of themselves shoveling snow with the hashtag

#ShovelCLT. In a video posted on the Charlotte Observer’s website, Cannon talks about the dangers of the snow and how to safely shovel it. He adds that if you can, help out your neighbor and the people around you because that’s “the Charlotte way.”

“Working together works. And it’s so important that we all come together at a time like this and a crisis like this and do what we can to help one another,” said Cannon.

Jordan Zemonek, a freshman communications major, was still experiencing trouble on the roads Saturday evening, three days after the snowfall came to a halt. Her

experience left her shaking.

“I was driving back to campus from babysitting and there must have been black ice, but I hit it, and my car started spinning and then I hit the curb,” recalled Zemonek.

“If anyone had been on the road near me, my car could have gotten totaled, or even worse, I could have gotten hurt.”

Charlotte-Mecklenberg Schools continue to wrestle with options for making up days missed due to the storm.

For a photo slideshow from the Niner snow, visit us at NinerOnline.com

Snow covered every inch of campus and apartment complexes in the university area.

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Photo by Claire Dodd. Background photo by Ben Coon.

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“Forward together, not one step back” Moral March, an annual North Carolina event that represents the right to free speech, brings Charlotteans together in the streets of Raleigh ERIK SULLIVAN INTERN

Photo by Erik Sullivan

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On Saturday, Feb. 8, at the corner of Wilmington Street and South Street in downtown Raleigh, a large and determined group of protesters gathered at this year’s Moral March.

For seven years the Moral March has convened on the second Saturday in February to stand for what they believe in.

This year, the slogan, “Forward together, not one step back,” defined the march.

A diverse group of people from across North Carolina gathered to exercise their first amendment rights in protest of many policies, which North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory

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has recently supported and passed.

Among them was Mary-Wren Ritchie, president of UNC Charlotte’s Niners for Planned Parenthood.

“Politicians lie and say that they’re trying to make abortion safer when they’re trying to make it inaccessible,” said Ritchie.

Ritchie is referring to Senate Bill 353, a measure passed which requires abortion clinics to meet the same regulations as surgical centers and also grants doctors the right to refuse performing an abortion based off their religious beliefs.

Furthermore, the bill also includes

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new motorcycle safety provisions which gives motorcyclists more legal protection in the event of an accident.

“It’s insulting and sneaky,” said Ritchie.

McCrory stated during his campaign that he would not place any restrictions on abortion while in office, and maintains that he did not violate this statement.

“This law does not further limit

access, and those who contend it does are more interested in politics than the health and safety of our citizens,” said McCrory.

The march featured many different groups, backgrounds and beliefs, but one universal message was clear; North Carolina citizens stand up for what they believe.

Forward together, not one step back.

POLICE BLOTTER FEB. 8 - 10

ACCIDENT FEB. 8

• Lot 16, an unknown subject hit the rear of a parked vehicle causing damage.

ARREST

People attended Moral March to stand up for things such as higher wages for public school teachers, women’s health care and Planned Parenthood. Photos by Erik Sullivan

FEB. 8

• Student Activity Center, subject was arrested for second degree trespass and drug possession.

CALLS FOR SERVICE FEB. 9

• Mallard Creek Road, officer responded to a CMPD request for assistance at an offcampus location.

LARCENY FEB. 9

• Lot 5, an unknown subject removed victim’s book bag from an unsecured area without permission.

TUESDAY FEB. 18

@UNCCWeather FOLLOW FOR FORECASTS AND WARNINGS

65°F

Mostly cloudy. Low of 36.

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WEDNESDAY FEB. 19

68°F

Mostly cloudy. Low of 50.

THURSDAY FEB. 20

70°F

Partly cloudy.

Low of 39.

FRIDAY FEB. 21

68°F

Scattered thunderstorms. Low of 47.

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SATURDAY FEB. 22

68°F

Scattered thunderstorms. Low of 53.

VANDALISM FEB. 10

• CRI Parking Deck 2, an unknown subject spray painted graffiti on the walls of the parking deck.

For more information on Mecklenburg County arrests, visit arrestinquiryweb.co.mecklenburg.nc.us

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HOLY SMOKES AN ALLEGORY FOR THE COMBATIVE NATURE OF RELIGIOUS DISCUSSIONS EDWARD AVERETTE

STAFF WRITER

Disclaimer: In this work of satire, all quoted sources in this article are completely fictitious and any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, is coincidental.

To everyone’s surprise, UFC 172 was a pure bloodbath at the Malha Arena in Jerusalem, one of the world’s oldest and most sacred cities.

Crowds rushed outside, looking to escape the horrifying scenes from the mixed martial arts event.

UFC 172 was a special tournament in the regard that it featured the world’s most popular religious superstars, such as Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, Richard Dawkins and L. Ron Hubbard. The first fight pitted evolutionary biologist and famous atheist Richard Dawkins (2-0 UFC) against Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard (0-3 UFC).

As the fight got underway, Hubbard’s scientific misunderstandings, rooted in Scientology’s belief in the thetan, hindered his competitive abilities. This fight proved to favor Dawkins, whose intellectual might and scientific prowess prevailed against Hubbard’s lack of awareness.

Dawkins convinced Hubbard to test his belief in immortality by locking him in a perpetual Peruvian Necktie (a fairly devastating choke hold).

Dawkins won the match in a unanimous decision, ending Hubbard’s chance for reincarnation on Mars.

“I won because Mr. Hubbard didn’t have his eyes on reality,” said Dawkins. “The reality was that the lack of critical thinking led to his demise.”

Crowd favorite Jesus (34-1, 6-0 UFC) breezed through his competition, as he faced the strong pagan gods Zeus, Thor, Osiris, Athena and Loki in a five-on-one battle.

“If I wasn’t the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, this match-up wouldn’t have been cool,” said Jesus.

“The ability to be that versatile and still have monotheistic followers really benefited me in this match.”

Some of the fights proved to be uneventful, though. Confucius and Buddha ended in a draw as they just sat on the fighting surface exchanging wisdom and good vibes. Hebrew Bible hero Moses suffered a quick and deafening elbow to the head from Joseph Smith, leader of the Church of Latter Day Saints, within his first few seconds in the Octagon.

Although it was a crowded field of fighters, Muhammad (13-2-1, 4-0 UFC) and Jesus made it to the championship round of UFC 172, after Jesus eliminated Dawkins from competition through his special move called “Cruxification,” not to be confused with crucifixion.

“It’s not like I put him on a cross to die or anything. He’s still alive,” said Jesus. “He will remember me, though, long after this tournament is over.”

This was the fight the hometown crowd had wanted – the two major figures of Abrahamic religions going

EDITORIAL POLICY Niner Times is written and produced by students at UNC Charlotte. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial board and do not represent the views of the University. Views expressed in signed editorials are solely those of the author. Niner Times is published on Tuesdays during the regular academic year except during holidays and exam periods.

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head to head for the chance to convert every person on the planet.

“While I was in the Octagon, I heard Muhammad bragging about how Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion and how nothing can stop him from spreading the word of Allah,” said referee Joe Bailey. “Muhammad was feeling pretty confident about his chances.”

“Jesus came out of nowhere and jabbed Muhammad in the face.

It was pretty bold,” said famous Christian Mel Gibson, who was in attendance.

The bout lasted three rounds as Muhammad employed his ground and pound strategy against Jesus, but the Messiah wouldn’t withstand punishment for long. He rose from the ground and caught Muhammad in a devastating arm bar. “Jesus was trying to get Muhammad to submit to his will. He had Muhammad right where he wanted him,” said Bailey.

“That’s when it happened.”

Flames rose from the ground below the Octagon, and the arena began to shake vigorously, causing many of the spectators to rush from their seats.

“It seriously caught everyone off guard,” said UFC judge Mark Adams who escaped the burning arena with his swag still intact. “Not everybody was able to get out alive.”

Meanwhile, inside the cage, Jesus

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and Muhammad had disappeared, with no sign of the bout taking place.

With the arena catching flames and turning into a hellmouth, UFC 172 ended in a surprising fashion, leaving fans and followers wondering what could have been.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Niner Times Editor, We all go to college to get great jobs and be successful members of society, right? What if I told you there was something that could increase your chances of doing exactly that?

Good news – there is, but it’s not found in fancy fonts and flowery words. Several media sources, including the New York Times, Forbes and CNN, have all stated the value of internships.

Though many are unpaid, don’t allow that to deter you. Quality internships have a wealth of non-monetary value including networking, hands on training and professional growth opportunities.

Even if your program doesn’t require an internship, I encourage you to seek one out. Companies are interested in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow, so be your own advocate, and make yourself known!

-Candace Langston, clinical exercise specialist and graduate student in UNC Charlotte’s MS Kinesiology program.

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

NINER TIMES Student Union, Charlotte, N.C. 28223 OR E-MAIL:

editor@nineronline.com

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American readership reaches an embarrassing low The typical American’s reading habits are not reflective of a well-educated society, and we should strive for improvement.

MCT Campus

JORDAN SNYDER OPINION EDITOR

Let’s face it, no one enjoyed the tedious reading assignments forced upon us in high school.

There is no pleasure to be found in tediously dissecting a novel for rhetorical devices and hunting for passages that reveal theme. Unfortunately, though, this creates a bad habit for potential readers throughout the rest of their lives.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, the typical American read only five books in the past year. Five books is the median number – not the average. That means 54 percent read five books or fewer in 2013, with an alarming 23 percent of people reporting they did not read any books in the past year.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Gallup polls from 1978 and 1990 reveal the trend of not reading books worsened over 30 years. Only 8 percent reported reading nothing in 1978, compared to 16 percent in 1990. Unbelievably, that number has grown to nearly a quarter of American adults.

I understand reading may be on the backburner for some. We’re currently experiencing another golden age of television, and the ubiquity of

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Netflix instant streaming enables watching classic and current TV shows and movies at any time, but these reasons are no excuse for giving up paper and ink altogether.

I know the headaches brought on by reading countless textbook pages might deter many college students, but let us not confuse forced reading with reading for pleasure. Older generations already try to slam us for being lazy or entitled; do we really want to become known as the illiterate generation, too? Instead, let’s be the generation that reverses the trend of decreased reading.

Once you discover the joy and benefits of reading for pleasure, you won’t want to turn back.

In the words of author Stephen King, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” The ability to mentally create the world of the story is completely unmatched by every other storytelling medium. You are the director of the movie that plays in your head.

Reading is also a great stress reliever and relaxation tool. Just read a couple of chapters before bed, and you’ll sleep like a baby. There’s FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

something uniquely calming about connecting with an author through their written words.

I think Kurt Vonnegut, author of “Slaughterhouse-Five” and “Cat’s Cradle,” expressed that idea beautifully, saying, “I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the most interesting minds in history, we meditate with our own minds and theirs as well. This to me is a miracle.”

Most importantly, though, reading enhances your intelligence. The more you read, the more knowledge you’ll soak up, and that doesn’t just go for nonfiction books. Reading novels will help expand your vocabulary so you’ll not only feel more intelligent, but also sound more intelligent. This, in turn, improves writing skills. What better time to start this habit than in college?

I sincerely hope people can look past the bad high school memories, like writing a timed essay on symbolism in “The Great Gatsby,” for example.

It doesn’t matter what you read, whether it’s books, magazines or newspapers. Just start somewhere and branch out from there.

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REEDY, SET, GO REEDY CREEK PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, LOCATED THREE MILES FROM CAMPUS, PROVIDES A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE MICHELLE LIRINGIS

Dragonfly Pond is one of two ponds at Reedy Creek Park. Photo by Michelle Liringis

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Need an escape from the hustle and bustle of campus, classes and work?

Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve is located just three miles away from campus and is the perfect place to go to get away and unwind without going far.

The 125-acre park has numerous features such as walking trails, playgrounds, a dog park, disc golf, a lake, picnic areas, fishing and the nature center.

It is one of the largest parks in all of Charlotte, and it is right in our backyard.

History The land the park lies on has been in use for years. Indian artifacts have been found on it.

HOURS Nature Center Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Nature Preserve and Park Daily 7 a.m. to Sunset Admission to all activities at Reedy Creek is free.

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In the mid 1700s, John Selwyn received a land grant from King George for use of the land.

The land was then sold to the Robinson family in the late 1700s, and the Robinson rock house was built.

Remains of the house are still on the park lands.

In 1981, city of Charlotte purchased the land and created Reedy Creek Park.

Ownership of the park was transferred to Mecklenberg County in the merger of the city and county parks and recreation departments in 1991.

The nature center was built shortly after in 1992.

The completion of the nature preserve master plan in 1997 caused a split between the park and the nature center.

The park encompasses about 125 acres while the nature preserve encompasses about 737 acres.

Trails Reedy Creek Park features a variety of nature trails perfect for running or just enjoying the sights.

Total, there are over 10 miles of trails within Reedy Creek Park.

While you are close to everything, the trails are secluded enough that you feel as though you have gone to the mountains.

There are quite a few trails and all of them loop back to the nature center.

Enjoy a walk around Dragonfly Pond, or a hilly stroll through the forest on the Umbrella Tree Trail.

This is also a great place to get started in trail running because most of the loops are only about a mile around with options to con-

nect to other trails to further your distance.

Stop by the nature center before venturing out to pick up information about sights you may see along your walk.

If you bike, there are also bike trails.

However, bikes are limited to paved trails or pit gravel trails and

Your dog is sure to make a new puppy pal playing at Barkingham Park Photo by Michelle Liringis

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(CBS).

At the center, scientists are studying the wildlife of the Piedmont region.

The studies at CBS are supported by the field activities and collections of the natural resources team.

The namesake for the CBS, Dr. James F. Matthews, was a professor emeritus of biology here at UNC Charlotte. He continues to contribute to the CBS as a regular volunteer.

If there are plants or animals that you wish to identify, the CBS is a great resource.

You can make an appointment by emailing reedy.creek@mecklenburgcountync.org or just stop in on your next visit to the park.

The disc golf course takes players through the lush woods of the park. Photo by Patrick Bogans

are not permitted on natural hiking trails.

Dogs are welcome on the trails as long as they are on a leash.

Wildlife The Nature Preserve protects 109 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles and 12 species of amphibians.

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There are a variety of rare species at the preserve such as conjurer’s nut, pale hickory, spotted salamander, gulf coast spiny soft shell turtle and broad-winged hawk.

Center for biodiversity studies Reedy Creek Nature Preserve is also home to the James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies

Playgrounds There are a few playgrounds to let out some energy and channel your inner child.

They are complete with swings, slides and other playground equipment.

There are two full playgrounds and one swing garden.

The swing garden has a few swing sets and is adjacent to the meadow and Dragonfly Pond.

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Barkingham park dog park Have a dog? Reedy Creek Park has an excellent dog park. There is plenty of space for your dog to run around and interact with other dogs.

Part of the park is an open area while another part is slightly wooded.

There is even a fenced off area for small dogs if your dog is not used to playing with bigger dogs.

Furry friends enjoy the snow at Reedy Creek, too. Photo by Libby Weihsmann

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The best time to take your dog to the dog park is during the week.

On the weekends, the rowdier dogs tend to be there and it can be a little stressful.

Bring tennis balls or toys for your dog to play alongside his or her new puppy pals.

Disc Golf Some of the trails at Reedy Creek Park are designated for disc golf.

It features 18 holes for you to compete on with your friends.

Disc golf makes a great team building activity or even a double or group date.

Dragonfly Pond and Slider Pond Dragonfly Pond and Slider Pond feature fishing areas for park visitors to use as long as they are 16 years of age or older and have a valid fishing license.

Picnic shelters Reedy Creek has picnic shelters available for rental for your next event.

The largest shelters can hold 150 people while the smallest can hold around 15 people.

Throughout the park there are other picnic tables available for patron use.

Nature Center The Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve protects 737 acres of natural, forested habitat within the park.

The center features live animals native to the Charlotte area.

They also have an exhibit hall, a classroom and a gift shop for visitor’s enjoyment. Admission to all of these is free.

Outside, there is a National Wildlife Federation certified backyard habitat garden, which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens and a demonstration compost area.

Sports opportunities There are two volleyball courts, a basketball court, two softball fields and a soccer field.

All of them are available for visitor use.

Community garden Reedy Creek Park also offers community garden plots to people who have an interest in gardening yet do

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not have a yard, or the space in their yard, to grow the plants they want.

In order to have a plot at a community garden, you must fill out a registration form on the Charlotte Mecklenberg parks and recreation website.

Plots are $20 per year and are available in different sizes.

The average plot is 10 x 10.

Payments should not be sent until gardeners have received approval from the county.

Whether you are all about lounging in the sun, getting some exercise or playing with your pup, there is something at Reedy Creek Park for everyone.

Getting outside is great for your mental health.

We are at one of the busiest times of the semester with midterms coming up, so take some time to unwind at the park.

Whether you spend an hour or a whole day, it is sure to be a great stress reliever.

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NINERTIMES

HOLY ATKINS, BATMAN!

Image courtesy of DC Comics

J. MURREY ATKINS LIBRARY’S SPECIAL COLLECTIONS HOSTS AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF SILVER AGE COMICS JON GREGORY

ASST. COPY EDITOR

In the highest room of UNC Charlotte’s tallest tower, a group of superheroes have been gathered together.

Their capes, masks and tights are pressed onto pages and neatly tucked away inside a series of white boxes. Their exploits immortalized in panels act as snapshots into another world. They now protect and serve the J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections and wow anyone curious enough to seek them out.

The comics stick out in a room filled with old hardback books and documents. Most are bound by thin, spineless covers and printed on rough paper.

They’re slices of commercial pop­ culture in a sea of records and literature. Despite their format, the comics recount history through their playful, colorful pages in a way meticulous documentation can’t. They

tell stories of fantasy that captivate millions to this day, and in the process speak about the culture of one of America’s most prosperous eras.

They’re also exactly what most people probably think of when imagining old comics.

Large 80-page “Batman” comics pack in stories with names like “The Ballad of Batman” and “The Batman of Tomorrow,” all for just 25 cents.

Smaller 12-cent comics like “Fright of the Scarecrow,” tackle encounters with some of the world’s most well-­ known villains.

Letters to the editor rave about the exploits of the heroes and admonish writers for letting silly inconsistencies slip through the cracks. In the front cover of one comic is an ad for the “Polaris Nuclear Sub,” a mail order toy large enough to house two kids and priced at “only

$6.98.” There’s no glossy pages to be found, and the hastily hand-­colored images have character that their newer counterparts lack.

They might be wrinkled, weathered and yellowing but there’s plenty of fight left in the collection’s aged heroes and they seem right at home watching over campus from 10 stories up.

UNC Charlotte’s collection of late ‘60s comics quietly crept out of storage and into the library’s ground­ floor display cases in the fall of 2012.

Over a year later the 700 comics, donated in 1968 by alumnus Charles K. Johnston before he left to serve in Vietnam, are still being carefully organized.

According to Marilyn Schuster, local and international documents librarian for the Special Collections, the university is also in possession of

a second collection that is still being processed.

A handful of the comics can be found in an online exhibit entitled, “Heroes and Villains: Silver Age Comics,” created by Instruction Librarian for Atkins Library Marc Bess. The site is home to several different specialized exhibits based on the collection, each focusing on different topics.

An exhibit called “DC Women of the Silver Age” highlights female DC characters like Wonder Woman and Batgirl; another, “Silver Age Artists,” looks at the works of different comic artists from the era.

Students wishing to get a more hands-­on experience with the comics can do so by visiting the university’s Special Collections on the 10th floor of the J. Murrey Atkins Library.

Image courtesy of J. Murrey Atkins’ “Heroes and Villains: Silver Age Comics” Webpage

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FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

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‘SPEAK BY LOVE, DIE BY HATE’ Blumenthal Performing Arts Center welcomes Arizona Theatre Company’s production of “The Mountaintop”

James T. Alfred stars in “The Mountaintop.” Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Performing Arts

LEANNA POUGH ASST. A&E EDITOR

How do you tell a man on a path to achieve great things that his time is up? Before he’s completed his mission and seen the mountaintop in full form, he’s been called home.

He can only hope a leader of equal yoke will recover the baton he has left behind.

Arizona Theatre Company’s “The Mountaintop” recreates the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. King, played by a convincing James T. Alfred, has retired to Room 306 at Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. where a sapphire maid, Camae (Erika LaVonn), tends to him. The outspoken, jittery cleaning woman matches King in every sense, from oratory standoffs to age.

Director Lou Bellamy tells audiences this was an attribute he saw as necessary rather than casting a younger, naïve Camae who would easily swoon at the formidable words of a man in power.

The production displayed King as a man rather than a martyr who made history. A regular man with smelly feet, who fears death and harbors the guilt of losing those who’ve fought beside him.

“Speak by love, die by hate,” King is no stranger to death threats, but

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once given the cue that his journey is over, the front runner is not ready to depart. If you want to make God laugh, tell him what you have planned. King does so in phone conversations with God, bargaining for more time, questioning his reasoning and even attempting to share his vision with his maker.

Worrisome King is concerned with who will take his place in the fight for equality. A burdening question that resounds throughout the audience.

The radical depiction of the peaceful activist reintroduces the spirit of an icon to Generation Y. The media often presents one side of things, preserving the greatness of a man and constructing a fairytale world where leaders are paragons of perfection held on pedestals as high as mountaintops.

Written by Katori Hall, “The Mountaintop” allows viewers to see that those we hold in high regards weren’t born with capes and we too can achieve great things.

Bellamy provides a brief history lesson and call to action in a respectfully honest and tasteful way.

The Mountaintop will be showing at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center until Sunday, March 2.

7 T. Rex, e.g.

8 Summit 9 Getting into the wrong business?

10 Nav. bigwig 11 “Emperor of the Air” novelist 12 Certain tee 13 Sauces for sushi 16 Denier’s words 18 Column with a slant 23 Big galoot 24 Electrician’s unit 25 Rib-eye rating gp.

26 Witches, but not warlocks 27 Knocked out 28 Character found in kids’ books 29 Peak of Crete 30 Victim of curiosity 33 Made a mess of 34 Surprise strike 35 “__, Sing America”: Hughes 44 Pet named for writer ACROSS 36 Low bell sound Sinclair?

1 Hedge row 38 Dip, as in gravy 7 Fox’s “X-Files” partner 47 Sudden blow 39 Nectarine core 50 Lined up, with “in” 11 Rite Aid rival 42 Symbol of boredom 51 Part of one’s inheri14 Cozy spot?

43 “Well, looky here!” tance 15 Tiny tunes player 45 “Six Feet Under” son 17 Vessel storing a cash 52 Tend 46 High-tech troublemak55 Oft-bruised item stash? ers 58 Tantrum that devolves 47 Italian port on its own 19 Earlier into hysterical gibberish? gulf 20 Strong adhesive 62 “Lead the way!”, and 21 Some poker tells 48 In its original form a phonetic hint to this 22 “Lady Jane Grey” 49 Help beneficiary, at puzzle’s theme playwright times 63 Actor Hugh 24 Farm cry 51 Blokes 64 Gathered dust 25 Layered computer 52 First name in the 65 2012 N.L. East champs freezer section connections?

66 Had dinner 31 Bundle 53 Once, in days past 32 Tracy/Hepburn battle- DOWN 54 CPR specialists 1 Handle for a chef? of-the-sexes film 56 Hiker’s supply 2 Juno, to Homer 37 “You’re on!”

57 Boo-boo 3 Chimed 38 Impact sound 59 A, in Stuttgart 4 On the market 40 Stoic philosopher 60 St. Anthony’s Cross 5 Discontented cry 41 Telescope sighting shape 6 Scattered 43 Hunter of myth 61 Nancy Drew’s guy

FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

NINERTIMES

THUNDERING HERD STORM PAST 49ERS Charlotte fell to Marshall 59-56 in the final seconds of Saturday’s match inside Halton Arena. The 49ers have now lost five of their last seven games.

SCOTT GORDON STAFF WRITER

Shawn Lester sinks a layup in the 59-56 loss to Marshall. Photo by Chris Crews

NINERONLINE.COM

The Charlotte 49ers played host to the Thundering Herd from Marshall on Saturday, Feb. 15, when the 49ers were looking to bounce back from a road loss to Southern Miss.

Marshall (9-17, 3-8) was able to outlast Charlotte (14-10, 5-6) 59-56 in a game where both teams had trouble shooting the ball.

Charlotte played well early and controlled most of the first half behind the play of point guard Pierria Henry.

Henry had five points and seven assists in the first 20 minutes of play, none bigger than the alleyoop to Mike Thorne which gave Charlotte a 21-15 lead with 10:30 remaining in the half.

Charlotte was able to extend their lead to 11 at 30-19 when Henry found Marcus Bryan for a layup.

Charlotte Coach Alan Major called a timeout after Marshall cut the lead to one at 32-31, following a 49ers turnover which led to an easy basket at the other end for the Herd.

Coming out of the timeout, the 49ers turned it over again and Marshall capitalized with a transition dunk that gave them a 33-32 lead.

Marshall then capped a 15-2 run with a layup at the buzzer giving them a 36-32 lead heading to the

FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

locker room.

Marshall held onto this lead despite being out shot by the 49ers from the field in the first half.

Marshall was able to get 14 points off turnovers in the first half and scored more in the paint than Charlotte.

Charlotte looked to stay in the game as Henry made a great hustle play to keep the ball from going out of bounds and then was scooped up by Shawn Lester for a layup which gave the 49ers a 3736 lead.

That would be the last time Charlotte would see the lead in the match.

Lester hit a three with 8:56 to play, cutting Marshall’s lead to six, and ended an almost five-minute scoring drought for the 49ers, but it was not enough to get the victory.

Lester hit another three with 19 seconds left in the game that made the score 59-56.

A foul called on Marshall would have sent Charlotte to the line for two free throws, potentially cutting the game to one, but the foul was waved off and Marshall would hold on for the elusive win.

The 49ers shot poorly in the second half, making only 27 percent of their shots from the field and 33 percent from the freethrow line. Senior leader and

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sharp shooter Ben Cherry sat out the second half due to a left shoulder injury.

“Offensively, we were just a little bit out of rhythm,” said Major after the game.

“To hold a team to 40 percent and them score 59 points, that’s plenty on the defensive side. Now if we could make some offensive strides going into next Thursday.”

The 49ers will need more offense out of players like Willie Clayton and Henry, who combined for only 10 points down the stretch, if they want to get back to winning.

Clayton had a monster game on the boards with 16 rebounds, but the sophomore just could not get shots to fall as he was 1-6 on the night.

Henry totaled 10 assists, but struggled to get anything going for himself offensively.

Charlotte is now on a three-game losing streak, but will look to end that streak against the conferenceleading squad from Middle Tennessee. That game is Thursday, Feb. 20, in Halton Arena at 7 p.m.

CONFERENCE USA BASKETBALL STANDINGS

Willie Clayton had a career-high tying 16 rebounds against Marshall.

Photo by Chris Crews

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MEN’S

WOMEN’S

Louisiana Tech (21-5, 9-2) Middle Tennessee (19-7, 9-2) UTEP (19-7, 9-2) Southern Miss (21-5, 8-3) Tulsa (13-12, 8-3) Tulane (14-12, 6-5) Old Dominion (12-14, 6-5) Charlotte (14-10, 5-6) FIU (13-13, 5-6) Florida Atlantic (10-16, 5-6) UAB (15-10, 4-7) UTSA (8-16, 4-7) North Texas (12-13, 3-8) Marshall (9-17, 3-8) East Carolina (13-13, 2-9) Rice (7-17, 2-9)

Middle Tennessee (21-4, 10-1) Tulane (19-6, 10-2) East Carolina (21-3, 9-2) UTEP (20-4, 9-2) Southern Miss (19-5, 8-3) UAB (14-10, 6-5) Charlotte (11-12, 5-5) FIU (11-13, 5-6) Rice (11-13, 4-7) Old Dominion (11-14, 4-7) North Texas (10-14, 4-7) Tulsa (10-12, 4-7) Florida Atlantic (13-11, 3-8) UTSA (12-12, 3-8) Marshall (9-15, 2-9) Louisiana Tech (7-17, 2-9)

FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

NINERTIMES

NEW CHARLOTTE RECORDHOLDER FOR CAREER ASSISTS

Senior Ny Hammonds broke the former school record for career assists during the Sunday, Feb. 16 game against Marshall.

Hammonds now holds the school record with 448 career assists, and counting. The record was previously held by Markita Aldridge (1992, 94-96) with 442 career assists. Photo by Ben Coon

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FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

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RFC AD

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FEB. 18 - 24, 2014

NINERTIMES