Niner Times - February 21, 2012

NINERS BRING OUT THE BROOMS FOR THEIR SEASON OPENER

PAGE 1

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

p.12

NINERTIMES Tuesday, Februar y 21, 2011

Published twice weekly and online at www.nineronline.com

A product of Student Niner Media • The University of North Carolina at Charlotte • Partially funded by Student Fees • Breaking News? Email us at editor@nineronline.com or call 704.687.7148

New on NinerOnline.com: Check out ‘Things UNC Charlotte Students Say Part Duex’ from Queen City Crankers.

Art show raises awareness for Middle East conflict

Basketball player arrested for marijuana Travis Durkee and Dana Nigro @ T R AV I S D U R K E E , @ D K N I G R O

Sarah Obeid SOBEID2@UNCC.EDU

UNC Charlotte organization Amnesty International will host an event concerning Palestinian art and resistance in relation to the wall Israel established in 2003.

This event will take place Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Lucas Room.

William Parry, a guest speaker from Britain, will be attending the event.

Parry will discuss how the art and graffiti drawn by the Palestinians on the Israeli Wall has become a way to express resistance and unity. Instead of using violent ways to speak up against the wall, many Palestinians are trying to convert their resentment into art forms.

“There are images of both Palestinian and Israeli sentiments drawn along the wall. The Palestinians often mark graffiti conveying how they are discontent with not having access to necessary resources,” said Jannat Majeed, UNC Charlotte senior and

The Isreali West Bank Barrier, built in 2003, was erected after an outbreak of Palestinian violence to prevent further attacks of this nature. Isreal officials are currently proposing this be the barrier between the two countries.

Photo courtesy of William Parry

AMNESTY p.3

Student works for “liberty and freedom” Ciera Choate NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM

Although the North Carolina primary will not take place until May 8, UNC Charlotte students like Daniel Rufty are working, not just in the state, but all over the country, to promote their choice candidate’s message.

Rufty currently holds the position of cochairman in the Youth for Ron Paul Charlotte student organization on campus, the only student organization at UNC Charlotte dedicated to the work of one Republican candidate.

Rufty is also a member of the College Republicans, however they do not currently endorse any candidate and will not do so until after the primary elections are completed.

“It’s important to know that the UNC Charlotte College Republicans do not endorse a candidate until after the primary, so many members will have differing opinions on who they feel would be the better choice at this moment,” said the President of the College Republicans Andrew Kenny.

Rufty believes the nomination of Paul for the Republican candidate is the only way to remove President Barak Obama from the presidency.

“The only way to beat Obama is if Ron Paul gets nominated. That is an educated response that’s not just my theory. When it comes down to Romney the people that

RON PAUL p.3

A&E

OPINION

RE:Generation: Screening again on Feb. 23, this movie follows several DJs and their attenpt to redefine genres.

A STUDY ABROAD PERSPECTIVE

Stroll Competition:

Members of Chi Upsilon Sigma are hosting a stroll competition to raise awareness and money for the I Have A Dream Foundation which helps students though educational opportunities. p.6-7

are tired of Obama see that Romney is no different,” said Rufty.

According to Pew Research Center Publication President Obama’s received 66 percent of the 18 to 29-years-old group of votes in the 2008 election, while John McCain’s only gained 33 percent of that age group’s votes.

The focus now falls on the 2012 election and who will control the vote of the youth.

“Ron Paul, so far, has been the best at generating energy of young voters, in part I think it’s because of the clarity of his libertarian stance.

Also part of that is his anti-war stance that is unique in the Republican Party, which is also a key reason why Obama was able to attract a lot of young people’s support in 2008,”said Eric Heberlig, a political science professor at UNC Charlotte on which Republican candidate he thinks will generate the most support from young voters.

When asked what candidate will take the vote of the 18 to 29-years-old age group Rufty also believes Paul has what it takes.

“I think [young voters] are an important thing that the GOP hasn’t caught onto yet.

Ron Paul really excites the younger people.

If you look on any college campuse, the only group for a certain candidate is Ron Paul,” he said.

Although some think Paul relates the most to the younger voters, there will also be the work of getting them to the polls.

SPORTS

LIFESTYLE

SKETCHY CAMPUS LOCATIONS

Thinking about studying aboad during your college career?

Get the scoop from an international student on UNC Charlotte’s campus about his time aboad in the United State.

Check out some of the creepiest spots on campus including ‘the tunnel,’ Bonnie Cone’s grave, and ‘rape lot.’

TWO 49ER CATCHERS

RODRIGUEZ AND STEEDLY p.5

p.11

p.8

Charlotte 49ers’ DeMario Mayfield was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge Tuesday, Feb. 14 by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

The sophomore transfer from Georgia was suspended from the Wednesday, Feb. 15 game against the Dayton Flyers for a violation of team rules, likely related to Photo courtesy of CMPD his arrest. The press release states the Mayfield was only serving a one-game suspension. Whether or not any further disciplinary action will be taken remains a question.

Mayfield is currently third on the team in points per game with 10.7, second in assists with 58 and third in rebound per game with 6.8.

According to the North Carolina Court System’s website. Mayfield currently has two court dates for misdemeanor marijuana possession. Whether the two dates are related is unclear; the Sheriff’s department arrest inquiry database shows only one arrest.

This incident comes less than three weeks after KJ Sherrill was suspended for the game against Temple on Jan. 25 for an undisclosed rule violation. Seniors Derrio Green and Javarris Barnett were also benched at the start of that game for rules violations.

Charlotte’s Athletic Department was unable to comment on the incident.

Women’s Track A-10 Champs Joel Hanel

EDITOR@NINERONLINE.COM

Despite a fourth place standing at the end of Friday’s competition, the Charlotte 49ers Women’s Track and Field team regrouped and won the Atlantic 10 Indoor Track & Field Championship Sunday afternoon. The team, which also won the Atlantic 10 Outdoor Championship last season, outshined the A-10 field by 53.5 points, taking home six individual conference titles and one relay title.

“In the women’s meet we really felt confident throughout the day and just kept focused on putting up the points we knew we could,” said Bob Olsen the director of Charlotte Track and Field.

“We had a couple of ups and downs but in the end finished about where we expected with regards to a point title and victory.

With such a young team the next few years look to be very exciting.”

Making an impression at the In TRACK p.3

PAGE 2

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

NINERTIMES

NINERONLINE.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

Look both ways before crossing

The UNC Charlotte Police and Public Saftey Department has many modes of transportation to better cover the campus. Officers can be seen walking, traveling by mule (a four-wheeler), or driving different automobiles. Photo by Oleg Zigalenko Eden Creamer ECREAMER@UNCC.EDU

There are over 300 blue emergency phones across campus. These phones are placed in areas where students frequently go which could be dangerous.

Despite the amount of emergency phones on campus, chief of campus police with the Police and Public Safety Department, Jeffrey Baker, says the most dangerous spot for students is actually off campus.

The most dangerous spot for students is anywhere they attempt to cross Highway 49, says Baker.

“Cars go way too fast and at night it can be difficult when people want to cross in areas other then where there are crosswalks.

It’s dangerous,” he said.

RON PAUL from p.1

Ron Paul, who is running for the Republican nomination in the 2012 election. MCT Campus In 2008 the percentage of youth voters was at a high of 66 percent for the Democratic Party when it was only 54 percent for the 2004 presidential election.

The Republican Party pulled out less young voters in 2008 then the previous election with 32 percent of the young vote in 2008 and 45 percent in 2004.

“I was really surprised with Obama’s ability to [pull out the young voters] in 2008 so doing it twice would be pretty amazing, particularly since having been president and having to make the decisions that alienate people it’s going to be harder to do this time,” said Heberlig.

The current rise in tuition for college students leads Rufty to believe young voters will be more active in this election due to Paul’s stance on removal of the federal government from education.

“Once you get the idea that the U.S. government isn’t so perfect it starts to open your eyes to things like what are they doing with education? Well they are pretty much controlling everything, not just public schools but also private schools and even colleges,” said Rufty.

“People wonder why tuition keeps going up in college. It’s not because of inflation

Baker says that campus police do not receive very many calls due to students getting hit by cars in this area, however.

“We’ve actually started making sure that our officers who work that sector patrol the area right in front of the campus to help slow cars down and maintain traffic enforcement in those areas,” said Baker.

“We haven’t had too many calls, but we have had students hit. And we’ve had bicyclists hit.”

Individuals trying to cross the street in the wrong place isn’t the only time when UNC Charlotte students are in danger of getting hit by a car.

Baker says that people drive too fast on campus all the time.

At night and when students are trying to get to classes are two of the worst times

for students and drivers on campus roads.

“If everyone just slows down it would be far less of a problem,” he said.

Other dangerous places for students, Baker says, are covered by the blue emergency phones, by the police towers that rotate between parking lots and by the foot beats of campus police officers.

“This is where they park their vehicle and get out and walk,” says Baker.

The blue emergency phones, which are placed in “high concentrated areas where students go the most,” said Baker, are not indicative of places where the most crimes happen.

With four squads patrolling campus, two at night and two during the day, campus police are working to make these areas even safer.

but because the government keeps getting involved. Involvement is growing and growing and there’s a positive correlation between that and your tuition going up.”

The only thing Rufty sees standing in the way of Paul engaging the young voters is the media and what he believes to be a blind following of Americans.

Rufty thinks the public only votes for who the media gives a majority of their attention to, but also thinks as people begin to trust the media less they will begin doing their own research and be more informed voters.

“Most people don’t research the candidates. They don’t spend the time to look at their background and do independent research. They watch Fox News or CNN, and CNN tells them its Romney, so they go with Romney,” said Rufty.

“People are losing trust in the media.

That’s going to be pretty big if people lose trust in what they hear on TV they will go elsewhere for their information.”

Rufty gives the credit for the win of Gingrich in South Carolina and Santorum in Iowa to the media. However, he doesn’t think this will stop the younger voters from stepping up for “freedom and liberty,” which Paul stands for.

According to Rufty the heart of the Paul campaign is getting back the freedom and liberty Americans have “lost and want back.”

He feels that to do this our government must be more focused on the powers it is given in the Constitution and not over stepping its boundaries.

“The Constitution is a handbook for our government to follow. It’s not laws for us.

It’s laws for them. Here lately in politics they haven’t been following those laws,” he said. He wants the government to reduce it’s influence in the states by becoming “short and simple,” like the Constitution.

TRACK from p.1

door Championship was Niner freshman T’Sheila Mungo who broke both the Charlotte record and the A-10 record in the 500-meter dash.

A Charlotte native, Mungo graduated from Independence high school and holds the Mecklenburg County record for the 400-meter dash Mungo was not the only freshman conference title winner for the Niners at the championship meet. Freshmen Jaleah Wilder won the 400-meter dash, and the freshman trio of LeAnna Morrison, Wilder and Mungo, along with senior Cecily Young won the 4x400-meter relay.

Before leaving for the meet, Olsen commented, “we are really excited about a lot of our leaders because they are young. We have a very large freshman class on the women’s side this year. A very powerful one, and it’s not unthinkable for us to may be come out of this weekend with several conference champions that are freshman.”

Other successful freshmen at the meet were Rachel Miller and Jenna Christensen.

Miller finished fourth in the 800-meter run behind sophomore Maraya Slatter who won the event and took the conference title.

To add to the overall Niners’ success, the Men’s Track and Field Team placed second in the conference, falling short to conference rivals Rhode Island.

On the men’s side, the team totaled four conference crowns, including two by senior Jake Wainwright who won both the long jump and the heptathlon.

Senior Sam Jordan took conference title in the 60-meter dash, and senior Isaac McReynolds won 60-meter hurtles.

“It would be nice of course to come away with two team championships,” said Olsen, “but I think it’s evident we have the best overall track and field program in the conference when considering both genders by institution.”

PAGE 3

AMNESTY from p.1 secretary of Amnesty International.

Majeed explains that Palestinians are mainly the ones who are protesting the Wall and use as art and graffiti as a means to try end conflict.

However, she also says that anti-war activists in Israel have joined the Palestinians in wanting to establish some sort of peace agreement.

“Parry wrote a book called ‘Against the Wall.’ His book talks about the impact of the wall and how the Palestinians deal with the injustices they face on an everyday basis,” said Majeed. “There may be a possible book signing, but this may or may not happen.”

The idea behind the art and graffiti is to protest not only against the problems the wall causes but also to end or slow down war. One such problem is that the wall blocks Palestinians from getting to hospitals and workplaces.

The event provides guests with more than just a speaker to listen to.

There will be a table for refreshments and performances from two Palestinian hip-hop artists, Khaki Mustafa and Ahmed.

These local performers will be singing about Arab identity, their views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and feelings about the wall. At the end of the event, Parry will be holding a Q&A session.

“Amnesty International looks at an event like this with a human rights standpoint. We are not bias. We are not for or against the wall, more so, we look at the overall legality of the wall itself. We just feel Israel has overstepped its boundaries, considering it overlooked a UN resolution condemning the wall,” said Majeed.

The event is open to the public and WFAE radio station will be on campus from 9 to 10 a.m. doing interviews.

One incident leaves a lasting memory Eden Creamer ECREAMER@UNCC.EDU

Television and movies portray police officers as individuals who respond to cutthroat situations, saving helpless people from the danger that lurks around every corner.

At UNC Charlotte our Police and Public Safety Department employs 40 officers who work to keep campus safe for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

They respond to weekly incidents of larceny, auto accidents, vandalism and drug abuse. Some days the incidents lead to arrests.

Other days, campus police receive calls for service that are not as serious.

Sometimes the calls are downright ridiculous. Jeffrey Baker, chief of police at UNC Charlotte, recalls one of those times.

“In policing, there are so many crazy calls. And I’ve spent a lot of time policing,” said Baker as he reflected on his two years working with the UNC Charlotte police.

“I guess the most ridiculous call would be when we had a call from a person that wanted to speak with an officer because they were told they couldn’t sit in a classroom.”

This individual was attempting to use the resources inside the classroom for what they said was work for another university.

“They say that as part of their work for [the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)] they needed to use our facilities,” said Baker.

“Well first of all, he wasn’t really a MIT student. He was a little touched.”

Campus police escorted the individual off campus. “We told him he couldn’t do that,” said Baker.

“That was just a kind of crazy little call that came to mind.”

PAGE 4

NINERTIMES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

Police Blotter LARCENY Feb. 10

• Sanford Hall, an unknown subject removed secured bicycle from bike rack.

• Lot 6, an unknown suspect removed a cataltic converter from a vehicle that was parked and unattended.

Feb. 13

• Friday Bldg., an unknown subject removed property without permission.

Feb. 14

• CAB Lane, unknown subject removed property without permission.

CALLS FOR SERVICE Feb. 10

• University City Blvd., officer responded to a call in reference to a sex offender in N.C.

Feb. 12

• Lot 25, officer responded to a call in reference to a male pushing a female.

Feb. 14

• Fretwell Bldg., verbal confrontation between classmates occurred after class.

Feb. 16

• Craver Rd., known subject caused a disturbance in a public area.

• Off campus, officer assisted CMPD in

Man arrested on campus Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, Phillip Hoffman was arrested on campus for driving while license revoked. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on University City Blvd.

Hoffman is not a UNC Charlotte student and graduated from Central Cabarrus High School in 2008. Eden Creamer

reference to intoxicated males who were students of the university.

ACCIDENT Feb. 10

• Van Landingham Rd., while making a wide left hand turndriver struck another vehicle.

Feb. 13

• High Rise Rd., driver let go of the clutch too rapidly causing vehicle to strike a concrete lamp post.

• Mary Alexander Rd., vehicle one struck vehicle two in the rear.

• Van Landingham Rd., vehicle one struck vehicle two in the rear.

Feb. 14

• East Deck, driver struck another vehicle while backing out of a parking space.

• Craver Rd., while backing out of a parking space, driver struck another vehicle.

• Lot 8, driver struck another vehicle while backing out of a space.

Feb. 16

• Mary Alexander Rd., driver struck a metal bollard at the loading dock.

• East Deck, vehicle one struck vehicle two on the passenger side door while backing out of a parking space.

• Cameron Blvd., driver over corrected

Item concealment

Krystal Murphy, 19, was arrested on campus Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012.

Murphy, who was arrested on Craver Rd., was found with concealed items in her book bag.

Murphy was then charged with unlawful concealment. The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. Murphy is not a UNC Charlotte student and why she was on Craver Rd. with a backpack is unknown.

Eden Creamer

causing vehicle to slide left and flip on its side.

• Robert D. Snyder Rd., while pulling out of parking space driver struck another vehicle.

Feb. 16

VANDALISM

Feb. 12

• Lot 16, officer noticed the entrance gate was broken and lying on the ground.

Feb. 13

Feb. 10 Feb. 14

• Lot 7, victim’s vehicle was damaged while parked and unattended.

• Van Landingham Rd., known subject attempted to drive off with a parking boot causing damage to the boot.

Feb. 16

• Lot 8, an unknown subject broke out the windows of two vehicles.

• Lot 19, an unknown subject put nails into front passenger tire.

• FM & Police Bldg., student fount in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

HIT AND RUN • Lot 20, victim’s vehicle was damaged while parked and unattended.

• West Deck, driver’s vehicle was damaged while parked and unattended.

FRAUD Feb. 14

• Cedar Hall, victim’s card was taken and used without permission by an acquaintance.

TRESPASSING Feb. 14

ARREST

• Student Activity Center, previously trespassed suspect found on campus.

• University City Blvd., subject operated a vehicle while license revoked.

BURGLARY

• Craver Rd., known subject concealed items in her backpack.

• Lynch Hall, an unknown subject entered unsecured rooms and removed money without permission.

Feb. 11

Feb. 14

Feb. 16

Trespassing on Valentine’s Day

Man arrested for possession of marijuana

Desmond Hairston was arrested on campus Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, around 7 p.m.

The 22-year-old was arrested for second degree trespassing, after he was notified not to come onto campus at a previous date. The incident occurred at the Student Activity Center. Hairston is not a UNC Charlotte student. Eden Creamer

Matthew Leibel, a civil engineering technology major at UNC Charlotte, was arrested Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The arrest occurred around 7:30 p.m. at the FM & Police Bldg. Leibel lives in Hawthorn Hall. Eden Creamer

NINERONLINE.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

OPINION NINERTIMES Volume 24, Number 37

Dentist commits murder Weapon: floss

A PRODUCT OF

Margaret Daly M D A LY 1 2 @ U N C C . E D U

LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT • MEDIA MARKETING • NINERONLINE

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O RT H C A R O L I N A AT C H A R L O T T E

NINER TIMES STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Joel Hanel

editor@nineronline.com NINER TIMES MANAGING EDITORS

Dana Nigro managing@nineronline.com

Corbin Peters

online@nineronline.com

OPINION EDITOR

COMMUNITY EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

A&E EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LAYOUT EDITOR

Joshua Wood

Ciera Choate

Haley Twist

Lee Pham

Ryan Pitkin

Christian Billings

ASSISTANT EDITORS Eden Creamer, Barry Falls Jr., Lee Pham, Travis Durkee, Nathan Butler ADDITIONAL STAFF Sarah Obied, Ashley Smith, Jordan McSwain, Maurii Davenport, Scarlett Newman, Travis Durkee, Jack Harding, Malcolm Carter, Matthew Dentremont, Elizabeth Bartholf, Christina Mullen, Brian Zarbock, Olivia Stott, Jordan Scheno, Anna Leatherman, Tricia Bangit, Gwen Shearman, Margaret Daly, Michael Brennan, Sequoia Dozier, Asha Roper, Samantha Glenn

MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR

Brian Mister

mktdirector@uncc.edu CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Karen Pierce

Mandy Blackburn

SENIOR SALES COORDINATOR

PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

Dalton Mitchell

Erica Watts

SALES TEAM Amanda Devoe, Vince Freeman, Kayla Jocobs, Emmanuel Loredo, Joe Pelosi SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144

PRODUCTION STAFF Niki Prestel PRODUCTION OFFICE: 704.687.7147

CIRCULATION STAFF Ryan Jenkins, Tyler Johnson, Cody Poarch

Niner Media Adviser: Wayne Maikranz Marketing Adviser: Kelly Merges Graphics & Production Adviser: Pete Hurdle Business Manager: Marianne Baker Office Manager: Mark Haire

SUBSCRIPTIONS Students are entitled to one free copy of Niner Times per publication date. Additional copies are valued at $.35 and can be obtained from the Student Niner Media Offices.

Subscriptions to Niner Times are available for $40.00.

Submit payment and mailing address to: Media Marketing, Student Union LL Room 042, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223.

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 during the regular academic year on Tuesday and Thursday except during holidays and exam periods.

Sparkling clean teeth and a new toothbrush are no longer the only advantages to getting your dental checkup. Dentists can tell many things from just a simple check-up, including symptoms of many diseases such as diabetes and oral cancer.

Dentists can also detect how well you take care of your teeth and if you have a healthy diet.

One thing college students are not known for is their healthy eating habits and with mom no longer nagging you to schedule your six month check up it may have descended quite a bit on your priority list.

However, with most college students addicted to energy drinks and fast food these years may be the most important to schedule an appointment and get some advice on ways to improve these bad habits.

Not convinced the dentist is worth your time? You may want to ask yourself why that is. Personally my least favorite part of the dentist is the flossing. This dreaded act is usually preceded by the question, “So, How often do you floss?” To which I respond, “Well, I do it occasionally.” Of course by that I mean that rare occurrence when you get some popcorn stuck between your teeth or maybe if you’re out of ways to

procrastinate on your essay and you have already alphabetized your books and colorcoded your closet.

In the end if you brush and floss regularly the dentist won’t be nearly as awful and it could prevent periodontal disease or tooth decay which cost a lot of money to amend. As my dentist always says, “floss the teeth you want to keep.”

Shockingly, energy drinks, sodas and ramen are not only detrimental to your health but also your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth convert sugar to acid which in turn erodes your enamel causing cavities.

Realistically you probably aren’t going to just stop drinking those super addictive red bulls, however, there are many things that you can do to at least delay the process.

First and foremost never drink a sugary drink by itself always pair it with a snack.

Another tip is to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something sweet.

As soon as the sugar enters your mouth and turns to acid it spends the next 20

minutes attacking your teeth hoping to encroach on the nerve and blood supply of the tooth resulting in a painful tooth ache (dentistry.com). The sooner you brush your teeth the less time it has to do so.

Cancer, diabetes and heart disease are all very prevalent, very serious diseases in the world today. These diseases are systemic which if you are in biology you know all about.

Basically they enter your blood stream and travel all around your body.

Manifestations can be found in many places, your mouth being one of them.

Some examples of these manifestations are swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.

You may think these things could never happen to you but contrary to what most college students believe you aren’t invincible.

Although there is not a dentist on campus there are quite a few close to school. The Student Health Center suggests calling your insurance provider and finding out which dentists are covered and which are not. We all like our teeth right? Can’t you dedicate an hour every 6 months to what 83 percent of people believe are more important to their appearance than hair and eyes.

Is an international education worth it?

Jack Harding JHARDI37@UNCC.EDU

When we come to college we come here for more than the grades. We all get a lesson in life, culture and finding out who we are.

Coming to UNC Charlotte we are all learning the lessons of independence and experiencing living in a different place with different people. So what would the difference be between staying here for four years and spending a year studying in another country?

As a student from Kingston University in London on an exchange here in Charlotte for an academic year I can say that I would push anybody to take the opportunity and embrace the chance to experience another culture.

My experience at UNC Charlotte has been probably the best experience of my life. The difference of college here and college in the United Kingdom is huge. Academically the systems are similar but the lifestyles are a million miles apart.

Landing here in August I didn’t know what to expect. I walked out of Charlotte Douglass International Airport after a 12 hour trip and was blown away at the difference that one plane journey can make.

The obvious thing at first was the ac-

cents and the weather. Even at 3am when I landed the humidity and the hospitality was jaw dropping. Since that day I have been fortunate enough to have the full American college experience. I mean I didn’t even know what beer pong was until I arrived here.

Some of the things that American people do on a daily or weekly basis are some things that I have never even heard of.

A couple examples of this are things like mac and cheese and Four Loko. There is also the difference of how Americans party, I consider myself a party animal and I love to drink but when we party back in England we have a few drinks and hit two or three clubs and stroll home at 4am.

Whereas in the U.S. I can go over to somebody’s apartment and the drinking can resume there all night. To me this is a weird way to spend a night out not in a bad way but it is a very different atmosphere.

If a student from UNC Charlotte were to go to London for one or two semesters they would not believe how different college life is. People always ask me things like, “So do you always eat fish and chips?” or “Why do you guys drive on the wrong side of the road?” and the best one that is “So why would you want to come to Charlotte?”

These questions get asked every day and my answer to all of them is, “Go to London

and find out for yourself.” Study abroad allows people to embrace another culture. I thought I knew a lot about this country but I didn’t know anything.

I used to describe Americans as fat yanks that sat and played Xbox all day, eating fast food whilst complaining how gas prices were too high. Now I know that what I thought was completely wrong. I love this country and feel at home walking around campus I even missed the U.S. over Christmas break, it’s that amazingly different here.

If I was an American student I would honestly be thinking about the hot International girls, the lower drinking ages, the special attention you will receive from professors, the amazing food, the different social events, the different sports and the general fact that you are establishing yourself and making international contacts for the future and if you are studying a language then it can be a bonus.

In 2010, 260,327 American students got on a plane and took their studies to another country; International Education Exchange reports and shows how popular the decision is.

If the opportunity comes, take it, it is very necessary and it will change you and mold you as a person with one great experience to add to a resume.

Letters to Norm

Do you have something you need advice on?

GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK NinerTimes welcomes letters. Feedback should be under 200 words, legibly written or typed and should include the author’s signature, year in school, major and telephone number. Faculty and staff should include title and department. Unsigned, anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters are subject to editing for space and style.

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

Niner Times Student Union, Charlotte, NC 28223 OR E-MAIL TO

editor@nineronline.com

PAGE 5

Send it to Norm at editor@nineronline.com

PAGE 6

NINERTIMES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

A&E

LIVE MUSIC:

2/21 - Ceschi, 8 pm Milestone, $6-9 2/21 - Rachel Platten, 8 pm The Evening Muse, $10

NEW ON DVD

J. Edgar The Way Tower Heist Martha Marcy May Marlene London Boulevard

RE:Generation

Music project bridges genres and generations through five electronic DJs who examine music past, present and future Ryan Pitkin AE@NINERONLINE.COM

Is it just me or does every single person on this campus listen to every type of music there is?

It seems that whenever I am to ask someone what type of music they enjoy, they always give me the exact same answer, “I like everything.”

So drop the generic “I am open-minded” answer and think to yourself what type of music you truly get down to. Then ask yourself, “Don’t I wish I really was familiar with more?”

While the Grammys award show was spoon-feeding everyone the same old thing you hear on the radio every day last week, the people behind the awards had an ace in the hole; one in the form of a film that was shown at AMC Carolina Pavilion 22 on South Boulevard on Thursday, Feb. 16.

Lucky for you, it’s returning for one more showing at the same place on Feb. 23.

The film, presented by Hyundai Veloster in association with The Grammys, is titled “RE:Generation” and it captures a music project embarked upon by five world renowned DJs to do something truly different.

The DJs involved are The Crystal Method (two DJs, really), DJ Premier, Mark Ronson, Pretty Lights and Skrillex.

Each artist was assigned a genre that was completely new and obscure to them and told to make one great song with it.

DJ Premier, a hip hop DJ known by anyone who has ever touched a rap record, was told to make a song based on classical music.

Pretty Lights, an electronic music DJ, was assigned country and Skrillex, perhaps the most famous of the five at present time, was to collaborate with the three remaining members of The Doors.

The project could have easily fallen into a gimmick in multiple different ways.

The DJs might not have taken it seriously and sort of just made what they usually make incorporating a sample or two.

The collaborative artists could have all been too happy to help and everyone could have went home happy after a few studio sessions, more in tuned with the musical world.

This documentary beat back those gimmicks and, whether due to the elite class of DJs chosen for the project or just the science of the choices assigned to each, created a real diamond in the rough for music

film history.

Each DJ truly tries to dive headfirst into the project at hand and each one assigns it true meaning to themselves personally.

Each also finds soon enough that it won’t be an easy road to travel.

The muscle of the movie is conflict, and there is no shortage of it. Some is comical and got the biggest laughs out of the audience, while some gives the viewer an awkward standoffish feeling and leaves a bitter aftertaste.

This conflict is born in the fact that every DJ is attempting to collaborate with at least one classic artist from their given fields.

While DJ Premier brings longtime friend Nas in and Mark Ronson calls on longtime collaborator Ziggy Modeliste, even they have to step out of their safe zones at least once.

One of the toughest parts of the movie to watch is a collaboration between electronic artists The Crystal Method and Martha Reeves, a queen of Detroit before Motown became a nationwide sensation.

The two DJs tour the city with her and even watch alongside her as the first auditorium she ever performed in is torn down. The team thinks they’ve experienced enough to write a love song for Reeves’ hometown that she will then record for them.

Once in the studio, The Crystal Method soon realize that she is not willing to simply sing what is written in front of her and she wants a say in the entire process.

The term diva comes to mind, and not with a negative connotation, but an understandable one.

It was just simply inevitable that these three people would clash coming from the complete opposite cultures they come from.

If the muscle of the movie is conflict, then the music is the heart, and it is the reason this movie is a mustsee for any true music fan. It is simply amazing to see Ronson move around in a room full of genius musicians and treat it as if he’s playing with his Garage Band app.

Conflict or not, the movie is ultimately about understanding and bridging generational gaps through music. It even worked on me.

When I walked in the theater, I would tell you honestly that I don’t care an ounce for electronic music and don’t care to ever hear a Skrillex song.

Walking out, I may not be buying tickets for any upcoming shows, but I understand it. I respect the artists and can dig the appeal.

That’s what this movie is about.

Pretty

Lights

Skrillex DJ Premiere

The Crystal Method

Ma

r

o kR

nso

n

Photos courtesy of Brian Nevins

NINERONLINE.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

PAGE 7

The Secret World of Arrietty presents Stroll for heart-warming, magnificent adventure educational equality

Tricia Bangit

TBANGIT@UNCC.EDU

Anna Leatherman

“Arrietty” is based on “The Borrowers,” a novel

by Mary Norton. This movie tells the story of the very little people living amongst human beings.

This phenomenon offers an explanation for the small things that often go missing in human households.

The pin that Arrietty occasionally brandishes as a sword? Borrowed. The postage stamp “paintings” that hang in her family’s hallway? Also borrowed.

As Arrietty’s father explains to her, borrowers take what they need to survive.

While the life of a borrower seems quaint and simple, it is also dangerous. An unfriendly cat, a vicious crow and an unhinged human being all pose threats to a small borrower.

The film begins with Arrietty’s much-anticipated first borrowing, a sort of initiation into the adult world where she will learn how to fend for herself. This initiation tests the rest of Arrietty’s family as she inadvertently brings danger to their home.

Everything changes for the adventurous Arrietty (Bridgit Mendler) when Shawn (David Henrie), a sickly teenage boy, moves into the house.

The two young individuals, so different yet so alike in that they are both closed off from the world, inevitably make an everlasting impression on each others’ lives.

Because it is based on such a well-known story, this film has one of production company Studio Ghibli’s least surprising plots.

Once that is acknowledged, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is easy to enjoy for what it is: a beautiful, heartwarming tale full of small adventures.

The cast does a magnificent job of breathing life into the film’s characters. Amy Poehler is particularly memorable as Arrietty’s comically frantic and loving mother, Homily. Voicing Arrietty’s father Pod, a man of few words, is Will Arnett, who is also Poehler’s real-life husband.

Homily takes care of the household and Pod goes out and forages for necessary items like tissue paper and sugar. While doing so, he must avoid cockroaches, rats and the like. He also must not be seen by human beings.

In this sense he is very much like an Indiana Jones character. Arnett’s calm and collected Pod is the perfect foil to

A L E AT H E 5 @ U N C C . E D U

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Poehler’s ever-worrying Homily.

Just like Poehler and Arnett have experience playing a couple, not only in real life but also on “Arrested Development”, Mendler and Henrie have also acted as romantic interests in Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.”

Even though the voices for the film were recording individually, the cast works well together and could not have been better.

“Arrietty’s” soundtrack, written by French singer Cécile Corbel, is delightful to listen to. The music feels like a mixture between Japanese and Celtic music. The acoustic, rustic melodies add an organic feel to the film.

With the intricate attention to detail that is especially shown in the natural surroundings and the borrowers’ miniature belongings, Yonebayashi’s experience as an animator shows.

Having been an animator for Studio Ghibli fan favorites that include “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle,” it’s no surprise that Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s debut film is full of stunning animation.

Yonebayashi’s storytelling style slightly differs from that of Hayao Miyazaki, who is most known for creating the Ghibli brand. These differences lie in two themes that often appear in Miyazaki films: supernatural forces and/or strong social and political commentary.

“Arrietty” does not have the magic that “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” have. It also does not contain the political undertones of “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

Since “The Secret World of Arrietty” is Yonebayashi’s first film, it is hard to say what his directing style will prove to be.

Will he continue to do adaptions of children’s novels? Only time will tell.

UNC Charlotte’s Latin sorority, Chi Upsilon Sigma (CUS), is hosting its fifth annual “Weak Hearts Need Not Apply” Stroll Competition Saturday, February 25 at 7 p.m. in McKnight Hall.

This is a highly diverse event that has been very successful and lively in years past. Jessica Arenas, the competition’s host, is to quick to promise that it will be “a guaranteed good show”.

“I’m excited about this event because this stroll competition is where I was first introduced to CUS. I’ve seen it grow over the years and now that I’m a sister, I’m excited to be part of it,” said CUS member Arenas.

Many of the groups participating in the event are representing fraternities and sororities from other schools, which is one of the many reasons why CUS is so excited about the competition.

“We’re excited to see what they have to bring,” says Arenas.

CUS will be one of the nine groups competing for the win.

Arenas states, “CUS, as a diverse group of women, we like to add unique flavor to our strolls.”

Tickets are being sold Monday through Friday of this week at a table in the Student Union for $3 a piece and may also be purchased at the door the night of the show for $5.

The women of CUS are encouraging everyone to come out not only because “it’s awesome, and the hype music is going to make you want to dance,” but also because the events proceeds will go to their charity, the I Have A Dream foundation (IHAD).

IHAD works to ensure that all children from any background are given the opportunity to pursue higher education by providing them with tuition support and the appropriate tools to succeed.

“I can’t wait to see the turn out, it’s going to be so much fun,” said Arenas.

GHIBLI STUDIOS BREAKDOWN The production company’s most recent films in order of critical acclaim

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE “Howl’s Moving Castle” is most known for Calcifer, the feisty fire demon and Sophie, the young hat-maker who falls under a curse because of Howl, a magician.

While “Howl’s Moving Castle” is full of dynamic characters, as is the Ghibli standard, the plot is confusing and frustrating at times.

It is clear that the film stemmed from Miyazaki’s pacifist views, yet the audience might have benefited from knowing what exactly has sparked the war that everyone seems to be caught in.

The ending’s resolution seems too simple and offers little to no explanation.

Like “Arrietty,” which is based on the novel “The Borrowers,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” is based on a novel of the same name.

<

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY

<

“Visually lush, refreshingly free of family-friendly clatter, and anchored with soulful depth, The Secret World of Arrietty lives up to Studio Ghibli’s reputation for highquality animated fare.”

- Rotten Tomatoes

SPIRITED AWAY

The biggest similarity between “Spirited Away” and “Arrietty” is that both films feature a coming of age story that features a young girl.

One of the most fascinating qualities of “Spirited Away” is that this film’s world is so different that it is impossible to know what to expect next. From people turning into pigs to little animated balls of soot, this world is full of its own unexpected norms.

In a way, this makes it easy to relate to Chihiro’s occasional feelings of hopelessness and fear as she journeys through this foreign world to save her parents. Arrietty is very much like Chihiro in the sense that she is a brave girl and will do anything to protect her family.

The ending for “Arrietty” is simple and clear-cut compared to that of “Spirited Away,” which simultaneously leaves the audience with a resolution and an unanswered question.

Members of the Chi Upsilon Sigma sorority.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Arenas

PAGE 8

NINERTIMES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

Where a Niner’s spare moments go WE WANT TO KNOW

WHAT PLACES DO YOU FIND PARTICULARLY EERIE? EMAIL YOUR CREEPIEST SPOT TO LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM.

CAMPUS TREND ALERT

Lee Pham

COMMUNITY@NINERONLINE.COM

Beauty in a rush

Charlotte is a large school with many nooks and crannies. But even with 25,000 students there are still some areas that are lonely, sketchy and downright creepy. It isn’t that these places are haunted or breed criminal activity (for the most part), but most would rather avoid them because they evoke a sense of vulnerability. The campus has its share of questionable areas, from gravesites to dense wooded walkways that, while alarming, some find intriguing while others go out of their way to avoid. Perhaps the only way to know for sure is to check them out for yourself.

Haley Twist LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM

So I have major spring fever. I am counting down the days until spring break arrives, but as the days go by and spring break grows nearer and nearer, the amount of work I have to do grows larger and larger.

I have been busier in the past two weeks than I have at any other time since I’ve been in college.

The school work intensifies, the tests get harder and I find myself at my two jobs more frequently.

When I get up in the morning running off of a five-hour sleep night and not having enough caffeine in my system, I find it harder to put the same amount of effort into my appearance as I normally do.

I hate feeling rushed in the morning so I normally wake up about two hours before I have to be in class. This allows for me to relax while I drink coffee and take time to get ready, even having the TV on while I do so.

I actually look forward to this part of my day because I allow myself enough time to take it easy.

But last week I was so tired I could barely get out of bed in the mornings. I ended up giving myself about 45 minutes to get ready instead of my normal surplus of time.

So this forced me to choose between some of my routine beauty choices since I did not have time for all of them.

This has truly shown me what I can and can’t live without. My proven must-haves are as follows: Face powder I have very fair skin with reddish tones to it, so I normally always wear some type of power to even out my skin tone. My routine process is to intricately circle my powder brush around on each part of my face so that I make it as even as I can. But that takes time.

So last week, when I was in a hurry, I took my largest powder brush (that I normally use for blush) and swooped it around my face only a few times. I thought this would come out looking unfinished, but I was pleased when the results looked very natural.

Eyeliner My favorite thing to do with my choice charcoal eyeliner is to line the insides of my eyelids. This takes about 5 seconds per eye and makes them really pop. It is the perfect thing to do when your eyes are tired from a sleepless night of studying, as it brightens your eye area right up.

Cheek stain More than anything else, I can’t go without my cheek stain. While this takes about 2 minutes for me to apply (versus the 5 seconds it would take to simply dab a brush into some powder blush and rub it on) the results are worth it and creates a dewy look that is fresh but ever-so-subtle.

Photo/MCT Campus

Sketchville: creepiest places at UNC Charlotte Photos/Scarlett Newman

Highrise trails

The woods are no stranger to residents of Moore, Sanford, Scott and Holshouser Halls. Although they can be convenient shortcuts the trails are sketchy to say the least. At nighttime few lamps aid visibility and signs warn students not to walk alone neither of which are settling.

COED-CHHS Tunnel

One of UNC Charlotte’s worst kept secrets, the tunnel between the College of Education and College of Human Health and Services buildings is eerily wide and quiet. It is located underground so even day visits can feel somber. You can enter the tunnel via the bottom floor of COED.

Bonnie Cone’s grave

The founder of UNC Charlotte, Bonnie Cone, is buried in the Van Landingham Glen (botanical gardens) just across the street from Fretwell. Her final resting place is under a black granite memorial for visitors to remember the legacy of the school’s most important figure. Cone died in 2003.

Lot 25

Students commonly refer to lot 25 as “the rape lot,” though no incidences of sexual assault have been reported in the parking lot that services north campus housing residents. Perhaps it is its isolated location on the north edge of the school and next to a wooded area that makes students uneasy when parking. Ironically, it is located next to the UNC Charlotte police station.

Unmarked cemetery

Just a few hundred feet from the construction site of Charlotte’s future football venue McColl-Richardson Field and directly beside the baseball field lays an unmarked cemetery. The site used to belong to a county hospital before the school acquired the land. No one is certain how many bodies are buried. Fox Charlotte reports that some graves date back to the 1930s.

NINERONLINE.COM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

NINER TIMES RECIPE

HOnEY-GlAZeD BABY CARrOtS WITH CHEDDAR AND HARD CIDEr FoNDUE Tricia Bangit TBANGIT@UNCC.EDU

INGREDIENTS: • 12 Baby carrots • 2 tbsp Honey • 1 tbsp butter • ¼ cup vegetable or chicken broth • 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp flour • 1/3 cup Crispin hard cider • 1/3 cup vegetable or chicken broth DIRECTIONS: 1. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter and honey over low-medium heat.

2. Add broth and stir.

3. Add carrots to the saucepan. If carrots are not completely covered in liquid, add a little more broth so that

the carrots are just covered. Let simmer for 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

4. In a separate small saucepan, mix hard cider, chicken broth, and garlic powder over low-medium heat.

5. In a small bowl, toss the shredded cheddar cheese until it is coated with flour.

6. Mix the cheese into the saucepan until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.

7. Pour the fondue into a small bowl and serve with the carrots.

Vietnamese restaurant offers extensive menu but falls short with signature dish Tricia Bangit

On South Boulevard is Saigon Palace, a restaurant that offers Chinese and Vietnamese food.

When you step in the restaurant you see little dragon statuettes and a fountain. In the dining area there are tropical-looking trees, tables covered in red and chandeliers.

It’s a bit cheesy and a little reminiscent of the places I used to go when I was little, minus the dim sum carts. Bustling around the place are waiters, most of whom are very quiet, but polite and attentive.

Their extensive menu can be intimidating and has the thickness of a short novel.

The reason for this is that the restaurant has owners that are Vietnamese and Chinese, making the list of their food offerings very extensive. Considering that the place has been open for ten years it sounds like it was a solid business plan.

The crispy fried egg roll order comes with 2 for $3.25. They came to the table piping hot, and I almost burned my mouth on one. And then I almost burned my mouth again because I really wanted to eat some egg rolls. Dipping them in the duck sauce helped cool them down.

49er Gentleman:

GROOMING Jordan McSwain

Considering that I’m a cheese-lover it’s surprising that I went 22 years without trying cheese fondue. I found the price of restaurant fondue to be too high and I didn’t see the need to buy a do-it-yourself fondue kit for something I would make once in a blue moon. Once I discovered that I had all the ingredients at home to make my own fondue, I had to give it a try, fondue set or no fondue set. It turned out better than I expected. Other good ideas for fondue dippers include cubes of toasted bread, mini hotdogs and thin vegetable slices.

TBANGIT@UNCC.EDU

PAGE 9

By the time I was finished I found myself wishing that I had ordered a bunch of them for my lunch. So far they’re my favorite thing on the menu.

While the Vietnamese yellow pancakes bore the resemblance of two huge omelets, it didn’t make them any less tasty. Stuffed with tofu and bean sprouts, the pancakes

The seasame chicken is served with either white or fried rice. Photo/Tricia Bangit make a decent vegetarian option. I happily doused my share of the pancakes in vinegar.

The beef and meatball pho, a Vietnamese staple, came in a gigantic bowl accompanied by a plate of bean sprouts, lime slices, peppers and an assortment of herbs.

Thin slivers of beef and sliced meatballs floated above the soft, tender rice noodles.

The meatballs were spongy and it felt like the meat in general was infused with broth that was just OK. Compared to the pancakes and eggrolls, the soup wasn’t as memorable. But maybe that’s just because this dish didn’t have dipping sauces that were either incredibly acidic or sweet.

The sesame chicken is pretty standard and not much better or worse than the kind you can get at a food court. You can order it with either white rice or fried rice.

My favorite to-go item from their menu is the taro bubble tea, which has a slushylike consistency. Once in a while I’ll end up with a drink that has a handful of hard tapioca bubbles that were overcooked, but I love that the bubble tea stays cold for hours.

Saigon Palace has a pretty good assortment of beverages that include mocha bubble tea, green apple bubble tea and durian smoothies.

Saigon Palace 5215 South Boulevard (704) 529-0098 Price range: $10-$15/person

J M C S WA 1 7 @ U N C C . E D U

No matter how nice your clothes are or how suave of an attitude you have, grooming is the highest rated characteristic of a gentlemen. Haircuts, cologne, teeth cleanliness and facial hair: all of these things need to be taken care of daily.

A gentlemen’s hair should never be unkempt. If it looks messy, then messy needs to be the look you were aiming for and not just because you got out of bed twenty minutes before class.

There are countless places you can find forums for the newest and most stylish haircuts, so if you feel like getting rid of the lengthy hair you’ve had for years, you can easily find a replacement.

I’m speaking from personal experience.

I had long hair for seven years and realized it was time to grow up and get ready for the real world, so it is now all gone. If you are looking for a good barber, Gary’s Barber and Styles at 2825 W. Sugar Creek Road is a true man’s barber shop. This is where I went for my haircut and will not go anywhere else unless I am forced.

When it comes to personal grooming, showering every day is a must. Trial and error will lead you to the best shampoo and either body wash or bar soap for you.

For body wash, Old Spice has an extensive line of gentlemanly scents. Shampoo is a “to each his own” deal because of the varying hair styles, textures, lengths, and goals.

Before you leave your dorm or house to face the day and impress everyone you come in contact with, brush your teeth and even use mouth wash if you have it. A smile is a man’s unspoken invitation. Make sure your invitation is presentable.

Nothing is manlier than a beard, but you don’t want to look like you go to Appalachian State. Beards are respectable and something people remember you by, so make sure it is trimmed before you go out each day.

When you meet someone who could be important, you don’t want to look homeless. Trimming back the beard keeps it well rounded and symmetrical so that you look well-put together and ready to show off and even compete with your fellow man’s facial hair.

To match a well-tailored suit and a smooth talking mentality, look and smell your best every day. Keep it consistent, form a routine and don’t forget to add “storm the world” to that list.

Gentlemen’s Tip of the Week: Learn to network. As they say, it’s not what you know but who you know. Of course you need to know things, but find out who is important in your path and make friends with them. It will pay off in the end.

Until next time gentlemen, cheers.

PAGE 10

NINERTIMES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

DOWNTIME 21

22

Tuesday

Distinguished Speakers Forum: Charlie Todd McKnight Hall

Wednesday

Build Your Own Biltmore Student Union Rotunda

7:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

12:00p.m.

Let’s Talk About It: Citizenship

49ers Basketball vs. George Washington

Student Union 266 5:30p.m.-6:30p.m.

Halton Arena 7:30p.m.

THIS WEEK IN

February 20, 1985 Ireland allows sale of contraceptives Service.

February 21, 1965 Malcolm X assassinated.

February 22, 1980 U.S. hockey team makes miracle on ice.

February 23, 1945 U.S. flag raised on Iwo Jima.

February 24, 1836 Alamo defenders call for help.

February 25, 1964 Clay knocks out Liston.

23

Thursday

Exploring Spain College of Education Rm 402 - Free 9:00 a.m.

24

Friday

Charlotte 49ers Baseball vs. Toledo Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium 4:00p.m.

Student Niner Media Open House Culture Shock Student Union-Lower Level Student Niner Media Conference Room 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Student Union Norm’s & Rotunda 7:00p.m.

25

Saturday

49er Men’s Basketball Pre Game Giveaways SAC Patio

5:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

Senior Night Men’s Basketball vs. St. Bonaventure Halton Arena 7:00p.m.

26

Sunday

Rock Climbing Anchor Trainings

Crowders Mountain State Park (meet @ Cone Center) All Day

Winter Garden Walk and Plant Sale

McMillan Greenhouse 1:00p.m.

NINERONLINE.COM

SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

Friends and Competitors Travis Durkee

It’s no surprise the Charlotte baseball started the 2012 season with high expectations. Head coach Loren Hibbs returns his entire starting staff from a 2011 team that finished 43-16.

Almost equally as important as the guys that take the mound are the ones sitting behind the plate and Hibbs has two really good ones in Ross Steedley and Miguel Rodriquez.

Steedley, a graduate student from East Rowan High School, is coming off his healthiest season ever after playing in 44 games and recording a .342 batting average that earned him All-Atlantic 10 First-Team honors.

Catcher Ross Steedley hit his first home run of the season in a 10-0 win over Saint Peter’s Saturday afternoon. Photo by Chris Crews

Steedley has battled two knee surgeries and a major shoulder surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2009 season and all but the last few weeks of the 2010 season.

Hibbs said that he and his coaches thought he might never play baseball again.

“It wasn’t anything I really did,” Steedley explained. “It was just bad luck.”

Steedley used those missed seasons as learning experiences and chances to become a better player.

“It taught me a lot. It made me work hard,” Steedley said. “I think it put a fire in me to want to prove that I could come back and play and prove to myself that I still got it.”

In Steedley’s absence Miguel Rodriguez filled the role as the 49ers starting catcher.

A third baseman by trade, Rodriguez didn’t play catcher until his senior year at Cape Coral High School in Florida.

“My freshman year at Charlotte I still had to develop a lot,” Rodriguez said about becoming a college level catcher. “I thought I was ready but I wasn’t even close.”

Rodriquez played 17 and 37 games in sophomore and junior season respectively.

Now as a senior he plays several different roles on this team. Rodriquez is the backup catcher behind Steedley but is expected to see time at other positions as needed to take advantage of his bat.

“I’ll play anywhere as long as I can be in that line-up,” Rodriguez said. “As long as we win that’s all that matters.”

Rodriguez knows that being as versatile as possible is what’s best for the team and himself.

“There’s only one catcher and we all want to be in the line-up every single day,” Rodriguez said.

Despite playing the same position and battling for playing time, Steedley and Rodriguez are among the closest players are the team.

Rodriguez stresses that despite the fact that they may be friends; they are highly competitive on the field during scrimmages and practices.

“On the field we’re competitive but

Michael Brennan

This spring make sure to keep an eye out for the 49ers Men’s Club Lacrosse Team.

Last year the 49ers advanced to the second round of the South Eastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) Division II playoffs but were defeated by in state rival Elon.

This season, the team has fallen to College of Charleston 16-9, The Citadel 11-6 and Shorter 18-15, but still has a full schedule ahead of a them.

Last season in their playoff run, the Niners had a huge victory against Davidson in the opening match that came as a huge momentum swing after previously being defeated by the Wildcats 13-6 to open the 2011 season.

This semester, the talented 49er team has the intention of returning to the playoffs and hopes to take advantage of several new roster changes.

With a few roster changes here and there and the addition of some new starting personnel, the 49ers are poised to be a heavy contender in the SELC Division II battle.

A bright future for the 49er lacrosse team lies specifically with their newest acquisition on offense, Ned Nedvesky.

As a freshman, Nedvesky leads the team

in goals and points per game in addition to solidifying his starting spot for years to come. Even Nedvesky’s teammates have been impressed by his stellar play.

“He’s a top shelf offensive player who can take the ball to the cage and score” said Joe Nix, a starting defenseman for the 49ers.

It’s difficult not to be awed by his talent; leading the offensive stats for any team as a freshman is quite remarkable regardless of the sport.

The team has had additional offensive contributions from Sam Carter and Sean Ryan.

Strong defensive efforts have also been anchored by junior goalie, Eric Fuschino.

From their roster, the biggest threat that the Niners can impose on opposing teams is a young and electrifying offense.

Three of the five scoring threats for the Niners are underclassmen, and only one is a senior.

Yet, when it comes to senior scoring threats, Ryan scored three goals against Shorter and one in both the College of Charleston and Citadel matches.

Since his arrival at UNC Charlotte in 2009, Ryan has scored 50 goals over the span of his college career.

Entering the season, he was ranked fifth all-time in the team’s career points, and

Tuesday Baseball @ High Point 4 p.m.

Wednesday Men’s Basketball vs. George Washington 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball @ St. Louis 8 p.m.

Catcher Miguel Rodriguez went 2-3 with two RBI's in a 5-2 win over Saint Peter's on Saturday.

Photo by Chris Crews I never wish anything bad upon him,” Rodriguez said. “If he throws someone out I’m going to throw someone out. If he backpicks I’m going to backpick,” The friendly competition has already begun during the opening weekend of the 2012 season.

In the first game of a doubleheader against Saint Peter’s on Feb. 18, Steedley blasted his first home run of 2012. Not to be outdone, Rodriguez got the start in the night cap and went two-for-three with two runs batted in.

It’s clear that both Steedley and Rodriguez want success for each other and for this year’s Niners baseball team, regardless of who’s calling the pitches from behind the plate.

“Miguel and I are best friends and road roommates,” Steedley said. “We push each other more than we would ever cheer against each other.”

Club lacrosse hopes to capitalize with young talent MBRENNA7@UNCC.EDU

SPORTS SCHEDULE

Men’s Tennis vs. Wofford 2:30 p.m.

Niner Catchers: Ross Steedley and Miguel Rodriguez TCDURKEE@UNCC.EDU

PAGE 11

third in most points in a season.

This season the 49ers will bring their offensive strength against notorious SELC powerhouses Appalachian State, Ohio University, and Coastal Carolina.

All three of which are either leading their respective division or are nipping at the heels of the current leader.

The Niners have their hands full with competition this season in the South Eastern Lacrosse Conference. Interconference rivals Elon and SCAD both took part in last year’s championship game and both have promising programs again in 2012. Elon won their first match against the Citadel 11-4.

The 49ers will take on the Elon Phoenix again on Sunday Feb. 26 at Elon.

The 49’ers will know shortly if they can compete at a playoff-caliber level for the 2012 season, based on the strength of their matchups for the next few weeks.

The team will travel everywhere from Lynchburg, Va. to Conway, S.C. With a majority of their games being played in Charlotte.

Their game against Liberty was postponed due to inclement weather on Sunday Feb. 19.

SPORTS RESULTS Women’s Basketball

LOSS

vs. St. Joseph’s

73-85

Men’s Basketball

LOSS

@Richmond

52-53 Men’s Baseball

SWEEP St. Peter’s

4-1 5-2 10-0

Men’s Basketball

LOSS

@Dayton

65-75 Women’s Basketball

WIN

vs. Rhode Island

72-35

Men’s Tennis

WIN

UNC Greensnboro

4-3

PAGE 12

NINERTIMES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012

Niners sweep St. Peter’s in home openers Travis Durkee

TCDURKEE@UNCC.EDU

Game One Charlotte 49ers baseball proved victorious in their season opener with a 4-1 win over the Saint Peter’s Peacocks at Hayes Stadium Friday afternoon.

Saint Peter’s outfielder Preston Aldridge led off the game for the Peacocks with a single into left, the only hit allowed by Smith, and later scored on a fielder’s choice off the bat of designated hitter Chris Grimes.

The third inning belongned to Charlotte left fielder J.J. Elseser. Elseser made a sliding catch towards the left field line in the top of the frame and later tied the game up at one in the bottom with a single to center field scoring Justin Roland from second base.

Smith retired the Peacocks in order in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings with a little help from catcher Ross Steedley’s arm behind the plate with a strike-him-out

Andrew Smith allowed only one hit and one run in 6.2 innings in Charlottes 4-1 victory over St. Peter's Friday afternoon Photo by Chris Crews throw-him-out double play to end the sixth.

Steedley singled in the bottom half to set up Shane Brown for an RBI double to left field to give the Niners a 2-1 advantage after six.

Smith walked two consecutive batters in the top of the seventh after recording the two outs and gave way to junior pitcher Wes Hatley to finish the frame with no damage done.

Smith left the game allowing only one run on one hit and added five strikeouts.

Shane Basen led off the bottom of the seventh with an infield to third base but was caught trying to steal second base a few pitches later.

The Niners eventually loaded the bases in the inning but stranded all three base runners on a line drive to right field by Steedley.

Hatley kept the Peacocks at bay in the eighth allowing the Niners to rally in the bottom of the frame.

Roland led off with a bunt single and then Shane Brown reached safely on an error by Saint Peter’s second baseman Mike Sciutella putting men on first and second.

Elseser came to the plate and grounded into a double play to the first base which seemed to be the rally killer despite Ro-

land advancing to third. Basen knocked in Roland with a single up the middle to give Charlotte a 3-1 lead.

From first, Basen stolel second base and advanced to third on the same wild pitch.

Corbin Shive then plated Basen with a single to right field pushing the lead to 4-1 after eight innings of play.

Junior John Hamilton came to the mound to close the game for the Niners in the top of the ninth. The Peacocks put a scare into the Niners after they put runners on first and second with two outs. Hamilton would shut the door on the Peacocks by striking out Matt Mancini to give the Niners a 4-1 victory in their season opener.

Charlotte ended the game with 12 hits with three each from Basen and Elseser.

Smith was credited with his first win of the season and Hamilton got the save for the Niners.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the performance,” head coach Loren Hibbs said. “The first one is usually the toughest one to get.”

Check out Game Two at NinerOnline.com Game Three Strong pitching propelled Charlotte (3-0 overall) to a doubleheader sweep of the Saint Peter’s Peacocks with a 5-2 win at Hayes Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The Peacocks posted the first run of the game in the top of the fourth inning due in thanks to two errors by the 49ers defense.

Charlotte center fielder Shane Brown answered the Saint Peter’s run with a deep triple to left field. Catcher Miguel Rodriguez would drive in Brown two batters later with his second “seeing eye” single through the right side of the infield. Freshman second baseman Brad Elwood plated Tony Montalbano with a sacrifice fly to right field for his first career RBI giving Charlotte a 2-1 lead after four innings.

In the bottom of the fifth freshman outfielder Leland Clemmons belted the first home run of his collegiate career; a solo shot that gave the Niners a 3-1 lead.

“Right from the jump I knew it was out,” Clemmons said. “I just watched it and jogged around the bases.”

Clemmons day was not done. In the sixth Clemmons blasted a double off the left field wall that plated Elwood for the Niners second run of the inning.

However, Saint Peter’s appealed Clemmons touching first base and the umpire ruled that he missed the base on his way to second and called him out to end the inning.

Confusion quickly set in as to if the run would still count. The umpire upheld the run but Clemmons was not credited with a base hit. The Niners led 5-1 after six in-

nings.

Charlotte starter Corey Roberts left the game after rendering four hits, one unearned run and striking out two in seven innings.

Senior pitcher Tyler Pilkington took the mound in the eighth and gave up one unearned run in two-thirds of an inning before pitching coach Brandon Hall turned the game over to sophomore Ryan Mas with the bases loaded. Mas needed just one pitch to get the final out of the inning.

Charlotte junior John Hamilton came on in the ninth and secured the 5-2 victory for the 49ers.

Clemmons went two for four, including a home run and with two RBI’s to lead the Charlotte attack. Rodriguez and Shane Basen each added two hits.

The Niners celebrated after Leland Clemmons rounded the bases from his first home run as a Charlotte 49er.

Photo by Chris Crews