Niner Times: March 11, 2014

Inside this issue March Madness

The Charlotte 49ers men’s and women’s basketball teams prepare to head to El Paso, Texas for the Conference USA championship. p. 9

St. Patrick’s Day

Need ideas for what to do this St. Patrick’s Day? Charlotte has plenty of opportunities for those hoping to catch the luck of the Irish. p. 14

A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 26, ISSUE 21

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

Volume 26, Number 21 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COMMUNITY EDITOR

EDEN CREAMER

PATRICK BOGANS

EDITOR@NINERONLINE.COM

MANAGING@NINERONLINE.COM

NEWS EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

CLAIRE DODD

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM

SPORTS@NINERONLINE.COM

A&E EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LIZ LANIER

MICHELLE LIRINGIS

AE@NINERONLINE.COM

LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM

OPINION EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

JORDAN SNYDER

ASHLEY SPEECE

OPINION@NINERONLINE.COM

COPY@NINERONLINE.COM

PHOTO COORDINATOR

CHRIS CREWS

PHOTO@NINERONLINE.COM

ASSISTANT EDITORS Sara Carson, Matt Chapman, Ariel Clayborn, Amanda Duke, Jon Gregory, Leanna Pough

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS PORTAL OPENING OP-ED: MICROSOFT OP-ED: COMING OUT IN SPORTS MARCH MADNESS VIDEO GAME COLLEGES ST. PATRICK’S DAY HEALTHY SNACKS

LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT • MEDIA MARKETING • NINERONLINE THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE NINER MEDIA ADVISER: WAYNE MAIKRANZ BUSINESS MANAGER: LAURIE CUDDY

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COVER PHOTO BY CHRIS CREWS • INSIDE PHOTO BY CHRIS CREWS

MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

NINERTIMES

Candidates for student body president, vice president and college senators began their campaigns to get the vote of the student body before spring break - campaigning continues until the vote on March 25 and 26 EDEN CREAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

There are three Student Body President and Vice President tickets for the election this year. Each ticket is a male/female team, and all three tickets bring different educational backgrounds to the table, hoping to use their various skills to garner the support of the student body.

Below are brief profiles of each

Venson Nunnaley

Ann Elise Pennington

candidate, with more profile information available online. A list of students running for SGA Student Senate positions is also published below and available online.

For more from the presidential candidates, be sure to attend the annual Student Body President Debate, hosted by Student Niner

Media. The debate will be Thursday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Rotunda.

The event is open to all students.

Students are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates to debate, by emailing editor@ nineronline.com, or tweeting @ niner_times using #SGADebate.

President Candidate

What is your major/minor? Public Health/ Biology Why are you running for president? The SGA needs reform ... I want to hold the SGA cabinet and seat members accountable for their role and commitment to the student body so that Charlotte will strive to become better.

Who is your role model? Any person willing to sacrifice their well-being to benefit others. In my opinion, the hardest characteristic for a person to withhold is selflessness.

Describe yourself in a Tweet. I’m a dedicated, outgoing leader. I have a passion for helping others, even if it doesn’t seem possible. I always work hard and execute tasks.

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Vice President Candidate

What is your major/minor? Major: Public Health. Minor: Psychology.

Why did you agree to run with your running mate? With a growing campus, there are increasing opportunities for the student body and the chance that I would have to improve the student body participation with these opportunities has become a passion of mine.

Who is your role model? My mom ... She is my best friend and I look up to her every day. My mom always has the right answer to any question, and great direction when I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Describe yourself in a Tweet. I am easy going, funny, friendly, confident, understanding and helpful. I love being with my friends and family, just enjoying their company.

Photo courtesy of Briana Cragwell

Photo courtesy of Venson Nunnaley

The 2014-15 election season for Student Government Assocation (SGA) positions began just before spring break. Immediately after attending the candidates meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, candidates took to social media to launch their campaigns and began using paper to campaign as well.

Omar Ramirez

President Candidate

What is your major/minor? Social Work major, Women’s and Gender Studies minor.

Why are you running for President?

I am running for Student Body President because UNC Charlotte is in dire need of an exceptional student leader on and off campus and I believe I am that leader.

Who is your role model? Besides my mother, my role model is Bell Hooks.

Her literature has opened my eyes and broadened my perspective on life, politics and self identity.

Describe yourself in a Tweet. I am an optimist, thinker & social justice seeker.

I am unafraid of what lies in the unknown and a family-oriented type of guy. I am a 49er.

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Briana Cragwell

Vice President Candidate

What is your major/minor?

Communications with a concentration in Public Advocacy, minor in Public Health.

Why did you agree to run with your running mate? I was honored that Omar Ramirez chose me as a running mate. He is an exceptional leader, someone that I respect and I am proud to be on his ticket.

We both are passionate about our school and our peers and we genuinely want to make UNC Charlotte a better establishment Who is your role model? Myself 10 years from now. Right now I am planting the seeds for my future. I strive to be a better person daily, so that 10 years from now all of my goals will be achieved.

Describe yourself in a Tweet. Calm, Cool and Collected. #Ramwell

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Photo courtesy of Steven Serio

POLICE BLOTTER

Steven Serio

Ruthie Schorr

President Candidate

Ballots will open Tuesday, March 25, at 8 a.m. and will close Wednesday, March 26, at 5 p.m. Each student may vote once.

In last year’s general election, less than 5 percent of the student body voted to elect current Student Body President Brady Nails and Vice President James Shaw.

This number dropped from the previous year, where a 6.65 percent voter turn out helped 2012-13

MARCH 11

FOLLOW FOR FORECASTS AND WARNINGS

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What is your major/minor? Major: Communications, Public Relations concentration, Minor: Journalism Why did you agree to run with your running mate? Steven is a nice kid with big ideas and bleeds 49er green. He is an honest and fair leader, and I admire what he has done for our campus already ... I trust his judgment and character and vision for our university very much.

Who is your role model? My father ...

Through everything he has personally been to he still every day decides to dedicate his life to the well-being and health of others.

Describe yourself in a Tweet. I am a hardworking, driven and organized leader. I am dependable and when I set a goal I will do everything in my power to accomplish it.

Student Body President Conor Dugan clinch victory.

To vote, go to vote.uncc. edu, log in using NinerNet credentials and cast your ballot for Student Body President Vice President and those running for senator positions in the college you are enrolled in.

For more information on the Student Body President and Vice President candidates, visit us at NinerOnline.com for the full profiles from

TUESDAY

@UNCCWeather

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Senators Joshua Niday Landis Barber Bridget Ogburu John Daley Somgolie Andriana Ozodigwe Hernandez Nicholle Rentas Paula Ilonze Nathan Seedorf Brijesh Kishan Joseph Turkson Amber Lowe Erika Morton

Vice President Candidate

What is your major/minor? Finance Major, Management Information Systems Minor, Entrepreneurial Certificate Why are you running for president? I want to be the voice for all students at Charlotte and serve them by increasing their overall experience at the university ... Also, I know what it takes to be successful in the position.

Who is your role model? My Dad. He has always been an inspiration to me because he is a hard worker, ambitious, innovative and he believes in me and backs me through all my endeavors.

Describe yourself in a Tweet. I’m the current Junior Class President, Finance Major and have 2+ years of SGA experience.

I enjoy golfing, fishing and the beach.

75°F

Mostly sunny. Low of 54.

67°F

Thunderstorms.

Low of 34.

College of Health and Human Services Senators David McHenry Lee College of Engineering Senators Charles Hazzard Garret Ratcliffe

each of the candidates.

These profiles also include information on how to access the candidates’ Facebook and Twitter pages for their campaigns, and external campaign websites if available.

Get the profiles at http://bit. ly/1h4zg8f or by scanning the QR code to the right.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 12

Belk College of Business Senators Andrew Binkley Jared Dobbertin Spencer Kwokyk Brandon Maddux Mitual Mehta Michael Mendoza James Nail Marko Peros Santiago de Jesus Zuluaga

THURSDAY MARCH 13

49°F

Mostly cloudy.

Low of 54.

MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

The Student Niner Media debate will utilize student-generated questions. A pool of preprepared questions will be used for the first half of the debate. Questions from social media and the present audience will make up the second half of the debate.

To submit questions for the debate, email editor@ nineronline.com, or tweet @niner_times with #SGADebate.

FRIDAY

MARCH 14

54°F

Mostly sunny. Low of 30.

FEB. 23 - MARCH 6

ARREST

MARCH 1 • Cameron Blvd., subject found in operation of a motor vehicle while license revoked.

BREAKING AND ENTERING

FEB. 27 • Facilities Drive, officer responded to a call regarding a possible breaking and entering.

CALL FOR SERVICE

FEB. 23 • Mallard Creek, officers assisted other agency with a large party that involved minors consuming alcohol.

FEB. 26 • Phillips Road, unknown subject pulled the fire alarm.

FEB. 27 • Cameron Blvd., officer met with individuals regarding communicating threats between acquaintances.

• Mary Alexander Road, officer responded to a call regarding a possible injury.

FEB. 28 • University Road, unknown subject pulled the fire alarm.

MARCH 4 • Facilities Drive, officer responded to a call regarding damage to property.

THEFT

FEB. 26 • Poplar Lane, subject reported that her vehicle was stolen.

VANDALISM

FEB. 27 • Phillips Road, unknown subject caused damage to property.

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

NINERTIMES

PORTAL’s opening spawns opportunity SARA CARSON

ASST. NEWS EDITOR The official opening of UNC Charlotte's newest structure, the Partnership Outreach and Research To Accelerate Learning (PORTAL) building, has got 49ers and Charlotteans alike buzzing with talk of opportunity, partnership and growth.

The 96,000 square-foot building was created to serve as “an expanded visible and proximate platform for a variety of activities that will bring our faculty closer to entrepreneurs and business partners, our capacity and technology transfer, and critically to place our undergraduate and our graduate students right in the center of the university’s role in regional economic development,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip Dubois.

Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs Beth Hardin was responsible for assembling the skilled team from business and academic affairs to develop an innovative financial plan for the design and construction of PORTAL without any state funding.

Funding for the building came from revenues UNC Charlotte received as a result of competing for research contract and grants.

Although the building was created

without any state funding, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is extremely supportive of the university's newest installment.

“I just want to say thank you for this partnership because this is what it’s all about, is connecting commerce with academia and to create jobs in North Carolina,” said McCrory.

In the past, the state has indeed helped UNC Charlotte fund some of their projects such as the center city building in 2006 and the EPIC building in 2007 and 2008.

“As our productivity and our research has increased and as we have expanded our engagement with entrepreneurs and established businesses to help them be successful, we also realized that we would need to raise our game beyond what the state could do for us, particularly in a time of recession … And thus PORTAL, this building, was born in concept,” said Dubois.

Once architects, along with the help of design partner MBBJ, designed the structure, Charlotte-based company Edifice completed the construction. Under the supervision of Edifice project manager John Hashney, the building was successfully

Chancellor Dubois, Governor McCrory and others cutting the ribbon at the PORTAL building opening ceremony. Photo courtesy of uStream live stream of the event.

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Upon the opening ceremony nine companies had already committed to working at the new PORTAL building. Photo by Eden Creamer

built on time and within budget.

Overseeing the entire design and construction process were Vice Chancellor for Economic Development Bob Wilhelm, Chris Yansen, the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) team and Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management Phil Jones.

The official building dedication was held on Friday, Feb. 28.

In addition to the nine companies that plan to work within the operations of PORTAL, the structure also houses the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). Within this department, classified or proprietary work by university researchers and business partners will take place. Other facilities located inside of PORTAL are the student incubator, the 49er Foundry, Technology Transfer Offices, a café and Ventureprise offices.

As stated on their website, Ventureprise is “a broad-based, hands-on strategic effort to help startups and early stage companies grow.” C5 Insight is one of Ventureprise’s clients that has already moved their offices

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into PORTAL. “The pursuits of innovators and the journeys of entrepreneurs will converge at this location. The support and resources for innovation now has a home, and it’s an impressive one, just look around. This is a real testament to what the public and the private sector can do together,” said Louis Foreman, chairman of Ventureprise and founder of Enventys.

Wilhelm noted that there is ample space on the ground and fourth floors that they are actively marketing as prime real estate for corporate and government partners.

With ongoing programs like Innovation Connections, the structure will be the prime networking location for business and investment sources.

During the building dedication, Dubois noted that he and McCrory, who are old friends, have had many conversations about the “catalytic relationship that can exist between the business community and the university if the right infrastructure is in place.

To facilitate this relationship, McCrory has made a commitment to the development of the new light rail and its extension to UNC Charlotte. The

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The new building is said to bring a strong connection between the university and its business partners. Photo by Eden Creamer

light rail station will be on North Tryon Street, located directly behind the PORTAL building in early 2017.

“The governor has long understood that linking brains with trains was a good idea,” said Dubois.

PORTAL is located off the Highway 29/North Tryon Street entrance

to campus across from the Bioinformatics Building. The facility sits right in the middle of the CRI campus, surrounded by buildings such as Metrology, Motorsports, Biomedical Engineering, Optoelectronic, EPIC and as mentioned, Bioinformatics.

“This PORTAL, it’s not just about

MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

infrastructure connecting to the downtown city of Charlotte; it’s about connecting this university to the private sector throughout the rest of the world … That’s what UNC Charlotte is all about; connecting academia with jobs,” said McCrory.

NINERTIMES

MICROSOFT IS OUT OF TOUCH Although it’s not a total failure, the Xbox One is significantly falling behind competing consoles, like Sony’s PlayStation 4 when it comes to pricing, installation times and digital offerings CHESTER GRIFFIN STAFF WRITER

Last year, Microsoft unveiled its latest console: the Xbox One. Shortly after it was revealed, Microsoft’s new strategies for the system raised many concerns with consumers. The system initially included a required check for an Internet connection every 24 hours. The issue of used games came up when Microsoft announced publishers would be able to decide whether or not games could be traded to GameStop. One week after Sony’s showing at the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Microsoft changed their policies.

Although Microsoft reversed its online requirements and anti-consumer policies for the Xbox One, the company still seems to be out of touch with its target consumers.

When considering purchasing an Xbox One, an initial concern is the $500 price tag – $100 more than the PlayStation 4. The price is high because Microsoft’s improved camera and microphone technology, Kinect 2.0, is included with the system. There’s no option to buy it separately like Sony allows with the PS4 and its camera. Kinect does add voice command functionality to the system, but with a lack of interesting Kinect games, it seems pointless to include it with the system at this point.

It’s not enough that you have to pay an extra $100 to purchase an Xbox One, but the controller isn’t initially rechargeable. Instead, the consumer has to continuously purchase batteries for the controller, unless they pay extra for a rechargeable battery pack. Both the PS3 and PS4 include

rechargeable controllers and charging cords with the system itself.

The Xbox One is by no means a complete failure now that you can switch from a game-in-progress to the Xbox dashboard on the fly and host migrations no longer interrupt online gaming sessions.

Photo courtesy of Microsoft

For the most part, the system is built to be faster and more convenient; however, players can’t actually start playing games until they have installed them up to a certain point. The installation times are fairly inconsistent and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on what game is installing. With the PS4, players can almost immediately start playing their games as they simultaneously install on the hard drive.

Not only does the system itself seem to be falling behind, but also its online service, Xbox Live,

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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sells digital games at outrageous and unrealistic prices. For example, “Darksiders II” is listed on GameStop’s website at $14.99 while the price on Xbox live is listed at $59.99. This is one of many examples where the prices simply can’t compete with other retailers. If Microsoft can’t come down in price on digital games, they should at least offer more recent games on their “Games with Gold” deal.

Last year, Microsoft began the “Games with Gold” program, offering two free games a month to Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

While similar to Sony’s PlayStation Plus service, Microsoft at least allows users keep the games after their subscription expires.

While most of the games are well received among critics, they tend to be cheaper and older than those that PlayStation Plus offers. The price of Xbox Live’s free games usually range from $9.99 to $19.99, while the free games on PlayStation Plus can range up to as high as $59.99.

This year alone, the PlayStation Plus subscription has included numerous titles that were released within the last year, including “Tomb Raider,” “Metro: Last Light” and “BioShock Infinite.”

Overall, the ability to get free games every month is a nice addition to Xbox Live, but it’s surpassed by what Sony offers with PlayStation Plus. It should be mentioned that Xbox Live has been getting better with its sale prices, but even with that, Microsoft and the Xbox One are unfortunately still lagging behind the competition.

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

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MARCH MADNESS

FOR BOTH THE CHARLOTTE 49ERS MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS, THE 2014 CONFERENCE USA TOURNAMENT IS FINALLY HERE.

The men’s team before a game against UAB in Halton Arena. Photo by Ben Coon

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

SPORTS EDITOR

Men’s Basketball A marquee early season victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the finals of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off created a good bit of buzz around the Charlotte 49ers back in November.

So much so in fact, ESPN analyst Andy Katz dubbed the 49ers as a possible NCAA tournament contender once March rolled around.

Well March is now here and we’re just mere days from the madness associated with this time of year, but a late season slide in a less than stellar Conference USA has Charlotte needing a miracle if they want to make an appearance in the big dance.

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The women’s team during a timeout against FAU in Halton Arena. Photo by Ben Coon

MATT CHAPMAN

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

The 49ers dropped six straight contests in a 20day span during the month of February and now find themselves sitting as the ninth seed heading into the conference tournament.

Charlotte will take on the UAB Blazers, the eighth seed, in the first round of the C-USA tournament on Wednesday, Mar. 12 and must win four games in four days to earn a berth in NCAA tournament.

The 49ers dropped a contest at the hands of the Blazers on Feb. 22 after UAB scored on a putback with just 14 seconds left to capture a 64-62 victory.

During their six-game losing streak Charlotte MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

struggled to close games out as they dropped heartbreakers to Tulane, Marshall and UAB. 49ers Head Coach Alan Major remained optimistic following the narrow losses.

“I think the lesson now for us is to continue to grind away at the little things,” said Major following the UAB game.

“It’s a great lesson, but it’s a hard lesson to learn. This time of year it’s about the little things.

That’s just an area we have to continue to grasp and get better at.”

Charlotte has shown improvement as of late, winning their final two games of the season at home against Old Dominion and on the road in a

NINERTIMES

rematch with Marshall.

The 49ers have made an effort to throw the ball inside to their post players more consistently throughout the past two contests, which is what worked for them early in the season.

Mike Thorne and Willie Clayton each flirted with a double-double against Old Dominion as they put up 14 points and nine rebounds apiece.

Both players picked up that elusive double-double in the win over Marshall.

Thorne scored 18 points on 8-10 shooting to go along with 10 boards and Clayton dropped 15 points of his own while also picking up 10 rebounds.

Charlotte point guard Pierria Henry delivered his best offensive performance of the season in 49ers finale against Marshall.

Henry put up a season-high 26 points to lead all scorers, including 19 in the second half as the two teams battled down the stretch.

Henry figures to be a crucial factor for Charlotte throughout their run in the conference tournament this week.

“Pierria was very energetic. He ignited us and drove the ball to the rim and shot the ball well from the perimeter,” said Major after the game.

“It’s great to finish the year with two wins in a row and hopefully we can take that momentum to El Paso.”

If the 49ers want to make noise in the C-USA tournament they will need bigger contributions from their wing players.

Terrence Williams, Shawn Lester and Ben Cherry combined for just six points in the victory over Marshall.

Lester, the team’s leading scorer, failed to record a point against the Thundering Herd as he went 0-for on his five attempts from the field on the night.

The Charlotte-UAB contest on Wednesday evening will tip-off at 10:30 p.m. eastern.

If the 49ers earn a victory over the Blazers they with matchup with the number one overall seed Louisiana Tech at 8:30 p.m. Thursday night.

The Bulldogs defeated Charlotte 80-60 in Ruston, La. in a game that took place back in January.

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Women’s Basketball The Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball team has fought through a season of highs, lows and close calls.

Fortunately for the 49ers, the highs are happening just in time for March Madness.

“Honestly, I think we’re moving upward. This is the first time we have won two games in a row since January, and not just won, but played well for a majority of the game. I can’t say we’ve done that,” said Head Coach Cara Consuegra after the last home game of the regular season in the 87-57 win over Marshall.

“I say right now we are in a positive direction and it just comes down to continuing to clean up things. Just being focused in on what we are asking them to do. I feel like we are in a really good place right now. It just comes down with this team. When we have urgency and the will to win, we are pretty darn good. There have been games where we haven’t had that as much as I would have liked, but I feel a lot of that coming from our team now and that gives me confidence going into this week.”

The lone senior Ny Hammonds recorded back-to-back triple double’s to close out the regular season at home. Hammonds became the sixth player in NCAA history to record consecutive triple-double’s.

Freshman Lefty Webster has grown into a key contributer for the 49ers, and even started one game this season. Webster averages 7.7 points per game and 4.7 rebounds.

She also has picked up 36 steals this season.

Junior captain Gabby Tyler leads the team in scoring averaging 12 points per game and 7.7 boards.

Tyler also has recorded 41 blocks and 13 steals on the season.

The 49ers have a first-round bye in the tournament and will play on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m.

They’ll face the winner of the North Texas-Louisiana Tech game.

Charlotte defeated North Texas in a close match back in January by a score of 61-59 in Halton Arena.

The 49ers picked up an impressive road win against Louisiana Tech by a score of 85-61 in a game that was nationally televised on Fox Sports Network.

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CONFERENCE USA BASKETBALL REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

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MEN’S

WOMEN’S

Louisiana Tech (25-6, 13-3) Tulsa (18-12, 13-3) Middle Tennessee (23-8, 13-3) Southern Miss (26-5, 13-3) UTEP (22-9, 12-4) Old Dominion (15-16, 9-7) Tulane (16-15, 8-8) UAB (18-12, 7-9) Charlotte (16-13, 7-9) FIU (15-16, 7-9) North Texas (15-15, 6-10) Florida Atlantic (10-21, 5-11) East Carolina (16-15, 5-11) UTSA (8-21, 4-12) Marshall (10-21, 4-12) Rice (7-22, 2-14)

Middle Tennessee (26-4, 15-1) Southern Miss (24-5, 13-3) UTEP (23-6, 12-4) Tulane (20-9, 11-5) East Carolina (22-7, 10-6) Charlotte (15-14, 9-7) Old Dominion (16-14, 9-7) UAB (15-14, 7-9) Florida Atlantic (16-13, 6-10) Tulsa (12-15, 6-10) Rice (13-16, 6-10) FIU (12-17, 6-10) North Texas (12-17, 6-10) Louisiana Tech (10-19, 5-11) UTSA (13-16, 4-12) Marshall (10-19, 3-13)

MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

NINERTIMES

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

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OH, THE PLACES YOU SHOULDN’T GO THE WORST SCHOOLS TO ATTEND IN VIDEO GAMES

CHESTER GRIFFIN

COLLEGE OF WINTERHOLD “THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM”

STAFF WRITER

It may seem like $450 is a steep price to pay for a UNC Charlotte parking pass, but when looking at the schools in video games, there could be worse things to fret about.

Zombie outbreaks, alien invasions and homicidal drivers are just a few hazards students have to deal with when attending class in a video game.

Image courtesy of Bethesda Softworks

JON GRISSOM ACADEMY “MASS EFFECT 3”

Image courtesy of BioWare

While it may seem cruel to some UNC Charlotte students that classes weren’t immediately canceled in the wake of the last snowstorm, they should be relieved they aren’t attending Jon Grissom Academy. Even in the midst of an imminent reaper attack, the school still allowed students and staff to stay behind and work. Many students who stayed were either captured by Cerberus forces or killed during the reaper invasion.

While a snowstorm typically means classes are canceled at UNC Charlotte, the same cannot be said for the College of Winterhold.

Even in the most brutal snowstorms, class attendance is still mandatory.

Another major concern is that the school doesn’t seem to use its best judgment when teaching students dangerous magic. “You have a bunch of people learning deadly spells with no real personality assessment to determine if they are sane enough to be using them,” says Michael Auger, a history major at UNC Charlotte.

BULLWORTH ACADEMY “BULLY” At Bullworth Academy, skipping class not only means a severe reprimanding from the Dean, but also answering to the physically abusive prefects. These prefects go beyond simply taking a student to the Dean’s office, forcing offending students to the ground and beating them first. The cafeteria is also highly unsanitary as the lunch lady persistently sneezes and coughs on the food.

Image courtesy of Rockstar Games

SIM STATE UNIVERSITY “THE SIMS 2”

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN COLORADO “THE LAST OF US”

If there’s a college whose research funding needs to be cut indefinitely, it’s Sim State University.

Rather than conducting research beneficial to society, this university squanders its investments on creating lethal experiments. Any potential for medical progress was diminished when they decided to build a machine that turns people into zombies. To make matters worse a ravenous, man-eating plant can be found feasting on the students.

This once-prestigious college, now an abandoned research base, is littered with fungus-like zombies.

Without a proper gas mask, the infectious fumes and spores consuming the dorm rooms will infect anyone taking residence. The ever present danger of encountering a group of cannibalistic survivors is also an issue when exploring the campus.

Image courtesy of Naughty Dog

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Image courtesy of EA Games

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ACROSS 1 Pi r squared, for a circle 5 Encyclopedia tidbit 9 Big-time 14 Speeds (up) 15 __ about: roughly 16 Render speechless 17 Penniless 19 Powerful person 20 Cozy corner 21 Monogram part: Abbr.

23 Singer DiFranco 24 Crone 26 Like champion sprinters 29 Capri suffix 30 Little lie 31 Church-founded Dallas sch.

32 FDR’s dog 34 Confused mental states 37 Mythological sky holder

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

41 Worker in the sky 44 Foil maker 45 Struggling to decide 46 Bone: Pref.

47 Queue after Q 49 20s dispenser, for short 51 Darjeeling, for one 52 Suggest something tentatively 57 “Bad” cholesterol letters 58 Key next to the space bar 59 “A Visit From the Goon Squad” Pulitzer-winning novelist Jennifer 60 March Madness org.

62 Pig __ 64 Piece for two winds 68 Pillar from a fire 69 Film director’s unit 70 Look at rudely 71 Slipped gently (into)

72 Renders speechless 73 Wobbly table stabilizer DOWN 1 “Bow-wow!”

2 Belief sys.

3 Pertaining to the gospel 4 Concerning 5 Warehouse vehicle 6 “It’s __-win situation” 7 Newswoman Roberts 8 River through Nottingham 9 Direct, as a father-son conversation 10 Doctors’ org.

11 Try to punch 12 Layer with “holes” in it 13 Opener’s second call, in bridge 18 Big Broadway hit, slangily 22 Stipulations 24 Teamsters president James 25 For any reason 27 WWII torpedo craft 28 One-up 33 Greek marketplace 35 Pontiac muscle car relaunched briefly in 2004 36 Valuable violin 38 Comeback victor’s vindication 39 Fed the kitty 40 Filch 42 Hurried 43 International accords 48 Schoolyard game 50 Riot control weapon 52 Like lies 53 Alpaca kin 54 Director Preminger and others 55 U.S.-Mexico-Canada commerce pact 56 Bride’s new relative, say 61 Hullabaloos 63 Eisenhower nickname 65 Guitar cousin 66 Brother of Peyton Manning 67 President pro __

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AMANDA DUKE

ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR THE EPICENTER

ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL This year, the parade is on March 15. It begins at 11 a.m. at Tryon and 9th Street and goes down to 3rd Street uptown.

There is a festival free for all ages from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Irish music, dancers, food and Irish and Celtic vendors.

RICH & BENNETT’S 14TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL The pub crawl is on Saturday, March 15, and includes two dozen bars, making it the largest pub crawl in Charlotte.

Tickets cost $25 online in advance and $30 the day of. The cost includes T-shirt, koozie, cover charges and beer and liquor specials.

Tickets may be purchased at rockhouse.ticketssoeasy.com.

There are many fun events going on in the Queen City on Saturday to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. MCT Campus

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All of the events at the Epicenter are on Saturday, March 15.

The Pavilion is hosting their sixth annual green party. It begins at 3 p.m. and features live DJs NONONO and Rowshay.

At Mortimer’s Cafe and Pub, you can party day and night with live music from Jay Mathey from 2 to 6 p.m.

There is no cover charge, and they will be giving away prizes such as Bobcats tickets and party favors.

There is even a cornhole tournament.

Howl at the Moon’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration kicks off at 2 p.m.

Drinks include green beers, car bombs and other drink specials.

There is free admission until 6 p.m.

GREEN RIVER REVIVAL For St. Patrick’s Day, the U.S. National White Water Center turns all of the water green.

This year, their event is on Saturday, March 15, and has a variety of activities.

The Color Me Green 5k begins at 10 a.m. Participants will have green powder thrown at them, similar to the Color Run. There is a cornhole tournament that begins at 11 a.m.

At 1 p.m., the river turns green.

All day there will be live music, food and drinks. Admission is free.

MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUN FACTS The first parade was not in Ireland, but in Boston in 1737.

Thirty-four million Americans have Irish ancestry. That is almost nine times the population of Ireland which is 4.1 million.

The holiday was originally associated with the color blue.

It is believed to have been changed because of Ireland’s nickname “The Emerald Isle.”

Your odds of finding a four leaf clover are about one in ten thousand.

Each leaf of a clover has a meaning: one for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Chicago dyes its rivers green for St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is not a day of drinking in Ireland. Most bars and pubs are closed for the day.

St. Patrick’s original name was Maewyn Succat.

He is the patron saint of Ireland, but he was born in Britain and his parents were Roman.

NINERTIMES

Healthier snacks for a happier you MARCH IS NUTRITION AWARENESS MONTH. TRY THESE FIVE HEALTHY SNACK RECIPES FOR YOUR AFTERNOON CRAVINGS

Check back at the end of the month for a review Tweet us @niner_times or email lifestyle@nineronline.com to tell us your thoughts about the book

DANIELLE FREEMAN INTERN

Nutrition is a vital part in healthy eating.

It is recommended by doctors to eat five meals a day but they must be in small portions.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks consist of these five meals.

These meals, specifically snacks, help control hunger levels and the occasional cravings.

Snacks also give the body energy it needs to get through the day.

When choosing snacks, you should almost always go for the healthier nutritious option.

March’s book is Divergent

by Veronica Roth

Chocolate chip cookies or a bag of Doritos may be filling at the time, but they are not always the best choice.

It is OK to eat desserts, but it should not be an everyday thing. You should always pay close attention to what you are putting into your body and looking at all the serving sizes.

Here is a list of easy to make nutritious snacks for those days when you need a little boost: • Strawberry Banana Smoothie: In a blender, combine 1/2 cup of strawberries, 1 small sliced banana, 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt, and 1/2 cup skim milk; blend until mixed.

• Yogurt Parfait: Start with a bowl of plain, low fat yogurt.

Stir in 1/2 cup of frozen or fresh berries and add 1 tablespoon of granola.

• Fruit Salad: Mix some of your favorite fruits together in a bowl to make a juicy, mouthwatering fruit salad.

• Carrots with hummus: Grab some baby carrots and two tablespoons of hummus.

• Ants on a log: Grab 4 celery sticks, 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1/3 cup of raisins. Spread the peanut butter onto the celery sticks and add raisins.

With careful planning of the snack choices you make, you can reduce calories and speed up your metabolism all while making the best decisions for your body.

NINERONLINE.COM

MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

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WIKI WIKI CARWASH, 7910 NORTH TRYON STREET ACROSS FROM WALMART OPEN 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EVERYDAY

WIKIWIKICARWASH.COM

go green for free All UNCC students can go to Wiki Wiki Carwash on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17th for a FREE carwash featuring green LAVA GO “GREEN” FOR SAINT PATRICK’S DAY! WE RECYCLE OUR WATER AND USE BIODEGRADEABLE SOAPS AT WIKI WIKI. Offer good at University City location only. In case of rain, offer will be extended thru March 18th. Please show Student ID. One wash per student please.

WashWithWaterSavers.com

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2014

NINERTIMES