Niner Times- April 12th,2012

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LIFESTYLE

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

A PASSOVER EXPERIENCE

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UNC Charlotte student Samantha Glenn recounts her family’s Passover celebration over the break.

She talks about the food, the traditions, and her family.

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NINERTIMES Thursday, April 12, 2012

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: Catch NinerTV’s newest show “Around the Crown” for great hangouts around Charlotte.

Unveiling the robe Fellow Niner shot by campus Sarah Obeid

SOBEID3@UNCC.EDU

Students around campus may have noticed a guy around campus wearing a bathrobe. Some, like Christina Dunn, have classes with him.

“I have seen this guy in a bathrobe three times now. Why would anyone wear a bathrobe to class?” said Dunn.

Price Ozment, UNC Charlotte sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice began wearing a bathrobe while in high school. Until they enforced a strict dress code, the outfit stuck.

“I started wearing the bathrobe on a daily basis at the start of freshman year of college. However I originally began wearing the bathrobe on and off junior year in high school,” said Ozment.

UNC Charlotte isn’t the only place Ozment wears his robe, he often would wear his pajamas to Half Price Wings with his friends.

“The hostesses and waitresses would see me and had no problem with me wearing my pajamas. Therefore I started wearing a bathrobe to go along with my pajama theme. I thought of the robe as sort of like a jacket,” said Ozment. “I did all this to rage against the establishment of the strict dress code at school. I wanted to show I have my own image.”

The fun of wearing a bathrobe carried over to college when he was dared to continue the tradition. “When I came to UNC Charlotte my brother told me that if I wear the bathrobe on the first day of classes that I would manage to become a legend. I listened to what he told me and sure enough many kids in my classes challenged me to wear a bathroom every day,” said Ozment.

Ozment wears pajama pants and a t-shirt under his bathrobe. This trend, he says, will continue until he graduates. Although the bathrobe has made it into his student life, when he is alone in his dorm or going to sleep the robes come off.

His bathrobe wearing has lead to many experiences at UNC Charlotte, some that he will never forget. “One time I brought a portable hammock to the campus. I set it up between two trees somewhere around the College of Health and Human Services building,” said Oz

Eden Creamer ECREAMER@UNCC.EDU

Early morning Sunday, April 8, 2012, UNC Charlotte John Borek, 21, was shot in the neck at The Flats apartment complex.

UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety (PPS) responded to the scene that morning close to 1 a.m. with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

“We responded to the scene shortly after CMPD. They were the primary department,” said Lt. Joshua Huffman of the UNC Charlotte campus police. “Our department has been providing assistance in the investigation and will continue to do so.”

Officers are using security footage from the apartment complex in an attempt to identify the shooter.

“We’re always concerned when something like this happens,” said Huffman.

“Fortunately, it did not appear to be random, it appeared to be directed at that particular student.”

Borek, a civil engineering student, is currently in critical condition at the Carolinas Medical Center.

Individuals with any information regarding the incident may call PPS at 704687-8300.

K.J. Sherrill released from basketball program Tadd Haislop

THAISLOP@UNCC.EDU

K.J. Sherrill, a 6-7 junior power forward, will be taking his talents to another institution. Last Tuesday, the university confirmed that Sherrill was released from the 49ers and will transfer from Charlotte in order to play for another program.

49ers head coach Alan Major made the announcement that the number two jersey will not be worn by the forward from Cleveland, NC next season.

“K.J. wants to explore his options elsewhere,” Major claimed, “and we support him in that decision. We wish him only the best as he finds a place to finish out his career and complete his education.”

Starting three times and playing in 25 out of 30 games this past season as a junior, Sherrill averaged 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 13.1 minutes for Charlotte.

These numbers were a significant drop off from the year before. In his sophomore season, Sherrill averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 23.1 minutes, all while missing ten games with a knee injury. BASKETBALL p.11

Photo courtesy of Price Ozment

BATHROBE p.3

The 49er Session tap handle made by Pete Morris. Photo courtesy of Brian Mister

Drink up Lee Pham COMMUNITY@NINERONLINE.COM

Local beer has become a hot topic lately. With four breweries, several enthusiast groups, and an active local beer community, many speculate that craft beer will lend Charlotte, N.C. a hand in establishing a solid identity. And now a new craft beer group at UNC Charlotte seeks to spread the niche to the student demographic, which will help promote the city as a craft beer region.

But first we have to look at the problem that craft beer could potentially solve for Charlotte.

Five months separate the city from the national spotlight when the Democratic National Convention comes to town, and there is a struggle about what we have to say for ourselves.

Although the Queen City is rich in culture, pinpointing characteristics that are uniquely Charlotte, is tricky.

Perhaps it’s because the city changes so rapidly, or maybe because people are waking up from years of apathy, but now more than ever, we are racing to become something recognizable.

In this scramble for distinction, where do we turn? Our national sports franchises? The Panthers finished last season 6-10 and the Bobcats lost their 12th consecutive game last Monday.

What about our status as the second largest American banking capital after New York City? That’s as exciting as cement.

Instead we look to the core of what Charlotteans care about. We see it in grassroots movements like Bring Back The Buzz and local niches like craft beer.

BEER p.8

OPINION

LIFESTYLE

A&E

SPORTS

Awareness: April is Sexual As-

YOGA

LEWIS BLACK

Conference: With changes in

sault Awareness Month and several organizations are planning events around campus to keep students informed.

Freshman Fireside: With

the 1940s census data recently released, how does a college education differ now. Are our degrees really worth pursuing? p.5

Adding to the stress of the early

Performing at Ovens Auditorium

morning, the Niner Times’ yogi is

this weekend comedian Lewis Black

presented with a new fear. Learn

talks about his life and ties to North

how she deals with the fear of

Carolina. He also mentions his latest

loosing control.

special available online.

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Conference USA and the Mountain West conference, some are talking about changes around the country that could affect the Niners.

Weekly Awards: Two Niners were awarded Rookie of the Week in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

NINERTIMES

NINERONLINE.COM

BATHROBE from p.1 ment. “I was chilling out between my classes, enjoying a nice afternoon. I guess some students believed I was a hobo and called the campus police.”

The UNC Charlotte campus police came to question Ozment about whether or not he was even a student at UNC Charlotte.

Ozment found this situation nothing but funny.

While at the university, several people have expressed numerous reactions to this robed student. “UNC Charlotte students typically stare at me or give me strange looks. What is even more humorous is when I walk by a student and I hear a phone camera go off. They have to go all James Bond on me,” said Ozment.

Ozments’ parents are used to him wearing a bathrobe all the time. He said that when he goes to restaurants he expects to be stared at. People have to think for a second about what he is what wearing.

“My mother used to say ‘Why are you going out like that?’ and now she does not even realize I wear a bathrobe while I am out. It’s a part of my life now,” said Ozment.

Like his family, Ozment’s girlfriend does not care at all. She is indifferent to his attire, however Ozment does make an exception if the two go on a nice date. For that occasion he puts away with the robe and wears regular clothes.

He has accumulated most of his collection of bathrobes because his friends and family know exactly what to give Ozment.

He receives most of his bathrobes as gifts for various occasions throughout the year.

“I do not have a favorite brand. I mainly like soft bathrobes from J.C.Penny. I wear a white robe during summer when it is warm [because] it breathes more. As of right now, besides the white robe I have a blue, red, green and black robe. I even have a uniquely multicolored robe. I cannot even explain how that robe looks,” said Ozment.

Ozment never thought his bathrobe could catch so much attention. “I might be making a fool of myself by wearing a bathrobe to classes, but hey, if I can brighten someone’s day with it, than I am happy to do so,” said Ozment.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

PAGE 3

Organization raising blood for locals in need

UNC Charlotte students at the 2012 49ers for Life Blood Drive that collected over 800 units of blood, breaking the university’s personal record. FILE PHOTO

Ciera Choate NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM

UNC Charlotte will have the opportunity to participate in another blood drive Thursday, April 12, in the Student Activities Center (SAC) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This will be the second time the Health Communications Club is hosting the blood drive.

With hopes of drawing in more participants, the organization will host vendors such as the Great Harvest Bread Company, Farley’s Pizza and Rita’s Italian Ice. All vendors will be set up outside of the food court at the SAC.

There are also some UNC Charlotte professors who work in the Communications Department offering extra credit to their students that donate blood, according to Michael DeBetta, the president of the Health Communications Club.

The organization aims to bring out about 100 donors. “While we were planning it I just said let’s make this the biggest blood drive we have ever seen. UNC Charlotte usually has really small blood drives that no one ever hears about,” said DeBetta.

At the beginning of this semester the American Red Cross 49ers for Life Blood Drive surpassed the school record with 874 units of blood collected. UNC Charlotte

currently holds the record for fourth largest blood drive held by a UNC school.

Radio stations 95.1 and 103.7 will be playing music and broadcasting live from the event.

All blood collected will go to the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, which is an organization that uses all blood for local patients.

“We want to make sure we’re saving the life of somebody local. Whether it’s a friend or relative of somebody in the area I think it’s a great idea to give back that way,” said DeBetta.

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NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

Police Blotter ACCIDENT April 2

• East Deck 2, driver struck another driver pulling into a parking space.

April 3

• Martin Village Rd., driver was struck by another vehicle that was attempting to park.

April 9

• Lot 21, driver struck another vehicle while making a right turn into a parking space.

ARREST April 7

• Lynch Hall, underaged subject resisted arrest.

ASSAULT April 5

• Student Activity Center, an aquaintance pushed victim.

CALLS FOR SERVICE March 26

• Charlotte Douglas Airport, officer responded to a call in reference to missing property.

April 5

• Campus Walk, officer responded to a call in reference to individuals possessing a large amount of marijuana.

April 6

• Moore Hall, unknown suspect activated the fire alarm pull station.

April 8

• Flats apartment complex, officer assisted CMPD in reference to John Borek shooting.

April 9

• Scott Hall, unknown subject tampered with water valve causing water to flood building.

• Center City Campus, heat from high intensity light melted a text panel.

• Witherspoon Hall, officers responded to a call in reference to a homemade explosive device.

HIT AND RUN April 3

• Union Deck, vitcim’s vehicle was damaged while parked and unattended.

• Lot 25, victim’s vehicle was damaged while parked and unattended.

April 7

• Lot 25, victim’s vehicle was damaged while parked and unattended.

April 9

• PVA 5, victim’s vehicle was damaged while parked and unattended.

April 8

• Lynch Hall, unknown subject removed property without permission.

• Holshouser Hall, subject removed secured bicycle from bicycle rack.

April 9

• Student Activity Center, unknown suspect removed property that was left unattended and unsecured.

VANDALISM April 4

• Friday, unknown suspect spray painted graffiti on the wall of the men’s restroom.

April 5

• RDH, unknown suspect wrote graffiti on an exterior door.

LARCENY April 2

• Moore Hall, unknown suspect removed property without permission.

• Miltimore Hall, secured bicycle removed from bicycle rack.

• Smith, unknown suspect removed property that was left unattended and unsecured.

• Holshouser Hall, unknwon suspect removed property without permission.

• Student Activity Center, unknown suspect removed property that was left unattended and unsecured.

April 3

• Moore Hall, unknown suspect removed property that was left unattended and unsecured.

April 4

• Student Union, unknown suspect removed unsecured property from a common area.

• RDH Basketball Court, unknown suspect removed unsecured property that was unsecured and unattended.

Underaged drinker resists arrest by campus police Ivan Bobashev, 17, was arrested by UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Saturday, April 7, 2012, around 12:30 a.m. The arrest occurred at Lynch Hall.

Bobashev was originally being arrested for consumption of beer and wine while being underage and possession of a controlled substance. Both of these are misdemeanor charges. Bobashev then resisted arrest, another misdemeanor charge.

Bobashev is not a UNC Charlotte student. Eden Creamer

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

OPINION NINERTIMES Volume 24, Number 47 A PRODUCT OF

Sexual abuse: what not to say Tricia Bangit

PAGE 5

Freshman Fireside:

Census scare Eden Creamer

ECREAMER@UNCC.EDU

TBANGIT@UNCC.EDU

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This month is Sexual Assault Awareness month and the UNC Charlotte campus is holding a number of events to promote it. Events include Take Back the Night on April 12 at the Belk Tower at 6:30 p.m. and a screening and discussion of the documentary “It Was Rape” from 7-9 p.m. April 24, 2012 at the Student Union Movie Theater.

These events are attempts to get the conversation going on campus regarding sexual assault and to reduce the stigma that is associated with being a survivor.

For those who have had the fortune of never having to experience sexual assault, here is a short list of things to never say to a survivor: “At least you weren’t raped.” Sexual abuse is sexual abuse whether someone was verbally abused, fondled, forced to perform oral sex, etc. Not being raped does not make a survivor’s experience any less real, it just makes it different.

“What did you expect from going out that late?” or “You were probably asking for it.” There are a good handful of people in the world I’m not too fond of but I would never wish sexual assault on anyone. Never. Nobody deserves to be sexually abused, even if they’re not a nice person. To insinuate to any person that they were simply asking to be sexually abused is called “victim blaming.”

“Why were you dressed that way, then?” This is also victim blaming. If you see someone standing out on the road in 6-inch knee-high boots and a tight skirt, no, that person still does not deserve to be sexually assaulted. A person’s body belongs to them and that is something that should always be respected.

“I talked to John and they said it was just a misunderstanding. Are you sure it wasn’t just a friendly gesture?” or “Well, that doesn’t sound like something Jane would do.” A large percentage of sexual abuse survivors are preyed on by someone they know. This can include family and friends. While it may not be intentional, using this kind of language erases the experience that a survivor has gone through.

A rape joke or any joke having to do with sexual violence. When it comes down to it, rape jokes aren’t all that funny and for some people it’s actually terrifying to have to laugh along with a joke and pretend that it doesn’t affect them. I know too many people who’ve survived sexual abuse that have had to sit through rape jokes told by friends. There are lots of other hilarious

things to joke about that aren’t such sensitive topics.

“Women can’t sexually assault men.” That statement is nowhere near true but I hear people say it every now and then.

Males have a hard enough time speaking out against sexual assault; don’t make it even harder for them.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I’ve heard several parents say this to their kids that have survived sexual abuse. I get it, you’re frustrated that your kid didn’t tell you earlier when you could have actually stepped in and helped them during the abuse. But using blaming language won’t get either of you anywhere. If anything, it will probably put a lot of guilt on your child, whether that person is still a child or is now a grown adult. Also try to realize that the reason that most kids keep their abuse secret is because of threats or pleas made by their abuser that made said kid feel guilty for even thinking about speaking up.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, I completely acknowledge that being in that position sucks. But just know that there are so many resources out there. The Counseling Center has a lot to offer from therapy to brochures for people on how to deal with loved ones that have survived sexual trauma.

Something that I’ve been following for the past few months is Project Unbreakable, a photography project started by a student at the School of Visual Arts. It has been described as a way for victims of sexual abuse to take back the power of the words that were once used against them. While it is unorthodox, the site has seen many submissions from teens, men, and women that have survived sexual assault.

So if you’ve been down that road, keep fighting and don’t give up. You are not alone, and there is hope, as cliché as all of that sounds. The fact that you are still here is a testament to how strong you are.

Earlier this week in one of my LBST classes, we discussed the changing value of a college degree. Over the weekend, Yahoo! shared an article which compared information from the 1940 U.S. Census to the 2010 Census. In this comparison it was really shocking to see how many more people, on average, have a college degree.

In 1940 5 percent of the country had a bachelor’s degree and in 2010 almost 30 percent had the very same level of education and were vying for the very same jobs.

In college we still learn out of textbooks. We get a book-based education but where is the meaningful experience to set us apart from others in the workforce?

When I graduate from UNC Charlotte I don’t want to be like the other 30 percent of the country and only able to rely on a piece of paper to get me a job.

I feel like college isn’t as significant as it used to be when it comes to landing a job. When only 5 percent of people had a degree it was something special and it set you apart. Now people only go to college just because you have to in order to have any chance of doing something, or so we’re told.

A college degree is not the golden ticket into the Wonka factory of the workforce.

Now don’t do anything hasty and drop out of school. You should still get that degree you’re working your little hiney off to get. That degree will still be helpful, pinky promise, but it shouldn’t be relied on. Thirty percent of people have a degree too. To be a part of the competitive workforce of modern-day America we must bring something else to the table.

I’m lucky because I’m still a freshman.

I have three years minimum ahead of me before I finish my B.A. where I can devote plenty of my time making myself more marketable. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to be more marketable at first glance when employers only spend a few seconds on your resume before moving on to the next?

Even though I have time to do what I need to do to get a job, I also know how many other people also have the time to do what they need to do and have every intention of doing it. That prospect makes me wonder how the concept of graduate school fits into all of this mess.

Unfortunately, I think graduate school is making the same transition that a bachelor’s degree made from 1940 to now.

More and more people around me are talking about their plans for graduate school.

Either I hang out with the most ambitious people in the country or soon not even a degree of that level will be enough to set someone apart from others in their field.

I’m not trying to scare anybody. All I’m saying is even though we’re freshman we need to think about the future. It matters because if we don’t prepare ourselves now when we can, there is no hope for later on.

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NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

A&E

LIVE MUSIC:

4/13 - Candlebox Fillmore, 8 p.m., $25 4/13 - Perpetual Groove Neighborhood Theatre, 9 p.m., $15

NEW IN THEATERS: The Cabin in the Woods The Three Stooges Lockout Detention Blue Like Jazz

‘American Pie’ conclusion is sweetly nostalgic

Patrick Bogans

PBOGANS@UNCC.EDU

Jim, Michelle, Stifler, Finch, Kevin, Oz and literally everyone else from the main American Pie series are back with the wild antics and gross out gags that trademark the franchise, along with a few charming surprises.

In the film, written and directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, all of our favorites from the infamous class of 1999 are living the adult life - or at least trying.

Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) at their high school reunion. Courtesy of Universal Pictures Jim and Michelle are still married and now have a child. Oz has had some success in the sports and reality television world.

Finch has been all around the world. Kevin has married someone, and even Stifler has something resembling a job.

But not all is well. Whether it is relationship-wise or success-wise, not one of the group is as happy as they may appear.

And that’s where the high school reunion comes in.

Everyone is back to the town of East Great Falls, seeing old friends and lovers to complicate (and hopefully help sort out) their new problems and old feelings.

All of these old friends are brought back smoothly

in the film, for the most part. Depending on how long the old character was actually in the new film really determines how much it felt a little forced for the nostalgia factor.

Still, it was nice that the film decided to make sure that for the reunion, even the smaller old characters were updated, even if only for a few minutes and a few laughs.

It may be hard to remember everyone, so it may help to re-watch the old films prior to watching this one to understand all the laughs.

Besides that hump, this film does a great job of bringing the audience right back to the feel of the first American Pie movie.

There are several embarrassing antics and reminiscent situations that Jim and the crew have to deal with in the film, and they are “believable” for the context of an American Pie movie.

And Stifler is back to being the hilarious scenestealer he used to be.

The biggest storyline involving Jim, Michelle and Kara works well to suit the traditional elements of an American Pie movie.

Kara is a newly turned 18-year old woman who has an enormous crush on Jim, and has had a crush on him since he babysat her years ago.

But of course, hiding Kara’s crush from Jim’s wife is embarrassingly and hilariously complicated for Jim. It seems like some things will never changes for tbe main charachter.

Plot lines such as Jim’s romance-less marriage, Oz’s realization of a lost love in Heather and Jim’s dad trying to get over the passing of his wife give the film much more realistic purpose.

And Kevin, Stifler and Finch are given a bigger role than usual in this installment.

They may have been given short and frank plotlines, but they are long enough for good character development.

The prevalant emotion needed in the film due to the homecoming makes “American Reunion” much sweeter than any of the other Pies, especially the most recent ones.

It’s pretty straight-forward emotion though; nothing to cry over.

And of course, the expected raunchy elements and dialogue are undoubtedly hilarious and consistent on a much bigger scale than the originals.

So anyone looking for the crazy elements that define the American Pie series will, without a doubt, get their fix.

Hurwitz and Schlossberg balance the gross-outs, the crazy situations and the cameos with the “grownup” backdrop oddly well.

It becomes apparent throughout the film why all the original cast agreed to come back to do another (besides the money, Tara).

It’s entirely the way a good American Pie film should be. It primarily just depends if this is the flavor of pie you enjoy.

Photos courtesy of American Reunion

NOW PLAYING “SIXTEEN SALTINES”

Artist: Jack White Director: AG Rojas White finds being alone a terrifying idea in new solo video.

✭✭✭✭✭ Ryan Pitkin

AE@NINERONLINE.COM

Music critics have had a lot to say leading up to Jack White’s new (and first) solo album, “Blunderbuss.”

Some think the music’s energy will never match the energy White was able to produce with longtime bandmate Meg White. Others say the White Stripes were simply a Jack White solo mission all along, with Meg following orders from behind the drum kit.

If one can judge from White’s video to his second single off the album, “Sixteen Saltines,” it will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

The video takes place in a town aban-

doned except for a group of anarchic, drug-using, self-asphyxiating juveniles with White as their prisoner.

There is no real plot except to convince the viewer that these kids need some serious parental guidance and White needs some immediate police assistance.

Shots flash from one demonic, teenaged charachter to the next, each a little more weird than the last.

Some children, such as the one who may or may not kill White at the end, wear nothing but jeans and dried paint chips that seem to have been on them for years.

Other high school aged girls are far more cleaned up; one wears her cheerleading outfit and a primped, blonde hairdo while she jumps rope. Her thumb, however, is missing and a still-bloody bandage replaces it.

The video could be seen as symbolic for White, who is truly setting off for himself after a career that has seen him teaming up with countless other artists.

White became famous with the White Stripes and is still active in two other bands, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs. He’s also teamed up with many

famed musicians, from Alicia Keys to Loretta Lynn.

It’s difficult to make any statement about what to take from this group of children now in control of Jack with no respect for property or life.

What has happened to these children, or even why we need to see it, is unclear.

Yet it’s hard to deny that the viewer usually goes back for more. That has been the idea behind White’s music and image for years, and I can’t help but commend him for pulling it off.

Photo courtesy of jackwhiteiii.com

NINERONLINE.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

Lewis Black brings sound and fury to Charlotte

Photo courtesy of lewisblack.net

The American stand-up comedian and social critic will be performing this Saturday at Ovens Auditorium Brian Zarbock

one man and one woman, that’s all well and good. You shouldn’t have to write it into your constitution” Black said.

There is no such thing as a dull conHe added that people who believe versation with comedian Lewis Black. marriage is only between one man and Black has had a legendary career and one woman should “write it down on a is perhaps most known by college au- piece of paper and hang it up in their diences from his recurring gig on The homes to remind themselves.”

Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Washington D.C. is Black’s birthThere are very few things he hasn’t place, and often the butt of his most done, hasn’t seen and (most important- venomous rants. ly) hasn’t said.

His irritation with government stems “I was making less than a crack from its seeming inability to get things whore,” Black said, explaining his tran- done at a decent speed. His problem sition from theater to comedy. with American voters is their refusal He studied theater at UNC Chapel to move on from the issues that have Hill but didn’t expersisted for generapect stardom and tions, he said. never expected to be “Really?

You’re wealthy. really going to try “I was doing it for and overturn Roe vs. fun,” Black said. He Wade, are you seriencourages students ous?” Black lamentthat are on the fence ed. to “major in anyBlack has made a thing that makes you career having melthappy.” downs on stage.

With the vicious He’s known for job market, many blowing up at politistudents worry about cians, fuming at legmoney and paying islation and pointing -Lewis Black out hypocrisy; all in bills after college.

Black had elothe name of comedy. quent advice.

He stresses that “If you’re gothe anger is real. ing to worry about money just take “I’m funniest when I’m angry,” he a look around you [at people who do said. have money] and see how happy those “I start talking until I’m so upset, I f**kers are,” he said. feel like I’m going to have a heart atHe does have an optomistic view for tack, then I move on.” college students however.

Lewis Black will be performing at “There are real opportunities right Ovens Auditorium on April 14, 2012. nows,” Black said. “They’re not in New You can see his latest special, “In York, however, or in LA or Chicago, God We Rust,” on epixhd.com for free. they’re in all the little towns you have Black performs for sellout crowds never heard of.” over 200 nights a year all around the Black knows that these places might world. not appeal to the young student but, He is one of few comedians to sell “It’s just a lot easier if you can live on out many renowned theatres, including the cheap earlier,” he said.

Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Black has two homes: one in Man- Atkinson Theatre, New York City Cenhattan amid the buzz and hustle of the ter and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, nation’s greatest city but also a small according to his website. apartment in Chapel Hill.

In August of 2007, he became the “I think Chapel Hill is that last place first comedian to ever perform in conI did any real writing.” cert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in As a resident of Manhattan, he just Los Angeles. lived through New York legalizing same Black said he understands the Rasex marriage. men-eating budget of college students His appearance in Charlotte comes and understands if some of them were weeks before North Carolina will de- to get their hands on his material, “but cide whether to ban same sex marriage just this once.” in the wording of the state constitution with a vote on Amendment One. “If you believe marriage is between BZARBOCK@UNCC.EDU

“

I was doing [comedy] for fun.

Major in anything that makes you happy.

“

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

Where a Niner’s spare moments go

DO YOU LOVE CRAFT BEER? EMAIL US SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BREWS AND PLACES TO DRINK THEM IN UNIVERSITY CITY AT LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM.

DRINK UP: craft beer reaches UNC Charlotte

Photos/ MCT Campus

BEER from p.1 And in Charlotte we sure love our beer.

Take a look at last month. Rich and Bennett’s 12th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, deemed the world’s largest bar crawl, attracted thousands to Uptown.

There was also the third annual Charlotte Craft Beer Week, which celebrated craft beer from all over the world.

But who else loves beer just as much as the usual 21 and up adults?

Last year UNC Charlotte ranked number 19 on Newsweek & The Daily Beast’s list of top 25 party schools. The results were based on drug and alcohol violations - a subjective criterion - but it proves that students are drinking nonetheless.

It goes without saying that the most exotic beer that students regularly purchase nowadays is Bud Light Platinum.

That is precisely what Brian Mister, a senior marketing major at UNC Charlotte and bartender at NoDa Brewing Company, is trying to change. He founded Niner the Elder at the university in 2011 with the intent to educate members about craft beer culture, as well as advocate for safe drinking.

“Drinking means tasting a well-crafted local product that neighbors have slaved over to make a living on that doesn’t need to be drank ice cold to hide the flavor of what an actual beer tastes like,” said Mister.

He believes that students traditionally purchase BMC (Budweiser, Miller, Coors) because of the price.

A case of one of these popular makes costs around $15 for a case of 24 cans. In comparison a six-pack of craft beer usually costs around $10.

“Give these students one taste of a well-balanced ale from any of the amazing North Carolina breweries and their palette will be forever changed and never again will they want one of these watered down

diet beers,” said Mister.

So far Elder the Niner has attracted attention through involvement with the university community.

Thanks to a North Carolina law that allows 2-ounce pours, Mister and members are able to raise awareness of the Charlotte brew scene as well as promote local businesses through craft beer sampling at university events.

In February, Niner the Elder set up a sampling during the UNC Charlotte homecoming tailgate.

Unfortunately the event did not go as planned.

“The students that showed up I believe were already drunk and there to get more alcohol or some burgers,” said Mister. “[We] want to show students that drinking does not mean getting drunk.”

In the future he wants to see some changes made at the school.

“It’s sad to say but I think there were many underage drinkers at the homecoming with not much security to check on things,” he said. “I don’t want to be that student to call it out but if we are going to advance a college with a football program, we need to respect the law and not trash a place if they are going to allow this type of drinking.”

But direct involvement with the university is not the only way to engage students with craft beer.

Last month Mister was allowed the op-

portunity to create his own beer at NoDa Brewing Company and tapped it for one night at the Flying Saucer, a popular bar and craft beer haven in University City.

“The head brewer, Chad Henderson, is a freak when it comes to brewing. Henderson knows way to much about beer and the brewing process,” said Mister. “I told him that I wanted to create a beer for my student organization and he ran with it.”

The brew, named 49er Session in the spirit of the Charlotte 49ers, was made with a 4.9 percent ABV and contains four grain and nine hop varieties.

Mister’s ale took off at the Flying Saucer.

With standard 2-ounce samples, the 10 gallons of 49er Session bottomed out in four hours.

“I’m pretty proud that the beer went by that fast, although we were handing it out for free,” said Mister.

The one-time brew was received with positive responses.

A commenter on Untapped, a beer-focused social network, simply sums up 49er Session as a “damn fine ale!”

“Just tried a sample... WOW I’m impressed,” writes another on Niner the Elder’s Facebook page.

With all of the craft beer buzz around town, UNC Charlotte has the opportunity to grab on to the interest as well. After all, the research university shares numerous striking similarities with the city of Char-

lotte.

Both are quickly expanding, have struggling flagship sports and, most interestingly, are searching for an identity.

UNC Charlotte is fundamentally a microcosm of Charlotte.

But is craft beer really catching on with any of the 25,000 students at the biggest university in the area? Mister believes so and sees signs that students are starting to get it.

“I say this because of the amount of college-age students I see in NoDa along with other breweries around the town,” he said.

Another reason that craft beer has the potential to catch on is that it doesn’t lose its appeal with any group of people. Mister explains that it has no exact face to it, especially on college campuses.

“I love being surprised by people and their personal choices and craft beer does exactly that”, said Mister. “The little bit of diversity my student organization has shown on campus truly amazes me and I am so happy for it.”

In any case Mister wants to see craft beer take off and firmly believes that it could become a characteristic of the city and school, if not at least the state.

“North Carolina, more specifically Asheville, has become the craft beer destination with Sierra Nevada and now New Belgium moving to the area,” he said. “Charlotte is a mere two hours away and constantly adding new craft beer bars, breweries and bottle shops making it an easy stop for travelers looking for great beer.”

As for the future of Niner the Elder, the club will be passed on to current members. Mister intends to stay involved with the group despite graduating will remain working at NoDa Brewing Company while continuing to push the local craft beer industry.

NINERONLINE.COM

A student’s experience

c e l e b r a t i n g PASSOVER

Rainbow cookies were part of Samantha Glenn’s Passover meal this year. Photo/ Samantha Glenn Samantha Glenn

SGLENN11@UNCC.EDU

Tradition: the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice, according to its Dictionary.com definition.

All one has to do is turn on “The Ten Commandments” at this time of the year to understand that the holiday I recently celebrated, Passover, is deep rooted in Jewish history.

Everything my family does has been passed along from generation to generation, with a few “innovative” twists added along the way.

Passover is an eight-day festival held in early spring that celebrates the Exodus, in which ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.

Jews call the holiday Pesach. The “passover” refers to the firstborn of the Jews being spared while the slaying of the Egyptian firstborn occurred.

Most symbolically on this holiday, we do not eat bread, as this bears significance to the hurried exit the Jews made from Egypt.

Because of that the bread did not have time to rise, which is why we eat matzo.

My family used to “cleanse” the house, meaning we would get rid of all items made with yeast. We have stopped doing that mainly because the cost of food has gone up so high! Instead, today we no longer throw these items away and we either put them away (i.e. in the freezer) or just don’t touch them.

On the first two nights of Passover, we celebrate with a family Seder (dinner) filled

with ritual at which we read text from the Haggadah.

Reading this scripture is significant because it is where Jewish people pass the tradition on to their sons, telling them about how we were freed from bondage.

In my house my mom has always led our Seder. We take turns going around the table with each person present reading a portion of the text. We stop to share a few humorous things along the way.

For example when I was in preschool, we performed in a Passover play. It was based on the Rugrats Passover. My teacher had written a few funny songs and so we have incorporated them to make our Seder fun by being able to share something that I enjoyed when I was little.

It can be a bit embarrassing, but it’s become part of what we do. My brother was the youngest at our table, so he got to read the four questions. Since we included my boyfriend this year at our table, right before the four questions he commented that he had always been the one reading them in his house because he was the youngest male. My mom did not want him to feel left out, so she told my brother to read the questions in English while my boyfriend got to read them in Hebrew.

Passover in my house is inclusive, as we like to invite others to our home, whether they are Jewish or something else. It’s just a great way to share a tradition.

Remember when I said Passover is a festival? I will give testimony to that by telling you that my mom cooks for two days to make everything.

Aside from our Manischevitz Concord Grape wine (and Kedem Grape Juice for

those who don’t like wine), it’s all about food.

Interestingly enough my brother had asked her how old some of the recipes were that she was cooking. They ranged in age from one year to older than the sand in Egypt, she said.

The oldest recipe is Charoses, a blend of wine, apples, walnuts and cinnamon. She learned to make that from my aunt who learned to make it from generations before her.

The brisket is a recipe that she received 18 years ago from her friend Jacqueline, while the Pineapple Kugel is one that she got from her friend Jill 15 years ago.

The matzo ball soup that she made also dates back generations. It’s a science of seasonings and ingredients.

She added a new item this year, rainbow cookies which were made with cake meal instead of flour and were just as yummy as the original version.

We had the traditional hard- boiled egg, but agreed to skip the gefilte fish since no one really likes it (though I hear it was my great grandfather’s favorite thing).

The family of freshman Samantha Glenn prepared their dining room table for a traditional Passover dinner. Photo/ Samantha Glenn The fun thing about Passover is that we can change the menu every year because there are so many foods to make.

In my house my mom changes the menu every year, just so that we don’t get bored with the food. That, in turn, keeps it fun because it has allowed me to help her and learn so that one day I can pass these traditions and new additions along to my own family.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

PAGE 9

A yogi’s journey: anxiety Ciera Choate

NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM

There are a couple of things in life that have pushed me over my limits to a place where I felt insecure and vulnerable. My yoga class this past week did just that.

I came to class tired and with only one goal – to not fall asleep during the practice.

After about 15 minutes I had a new goal – don’t freak out.

My teacher wanted all of the students in the class to try something, and of course all of us agreed. Then she pulled out the blindfolds. I wouldn’t say I don’t like not feeling in control, I would say I will never put myself in a situation I feel I don’t have control of. Unfortunately I didn’t have a choice in this matter. Or rather I refused to be the one girl in the class who was scared by a blindfold.

At first I thought to myself, “just take some deep breaths. This isn’t so bad.” After about 20 minutes I had to calm myself down and make sure I was breathing.

I’m not sure if I want to be this honest, but I have anxiety problems. They follow me around, always lurking and ready to onset a panic attack at the most inconvenient times. This was one of those times. I felt like at any moment I was going to begin hyperventilating, and then I would definitely be that one girl in class who was scared by a blindfold.

Halfway through the class I had to take my blindfold off and walk out of the room to get some water. I needed a moment to regroup. After coming back I thought the little intermission would help. It didn’t.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Don’t puke.

Stay calm.

There was a monologue going though my head, and I’m convinced that even though it was meant to help calm me down it only freaked me out more.

I’ve learned over the years that thinking about having a panic attack only increases your chance of having one. The problem is once you start thinking about it and trying to calm yourself down there is no way to stop thinking about what could happen.

I never thought I would say I hated a yoga class, but I really hated this class.

Yoga should be calm and relaxing to prepare you for the day ahead.

Maybe I’m the outlier and I can’t handle things where I feel out of control, but I can promise you if my teacher breaks out some blindfolds again I will not be staying for that class. I have to feel in control. I have to feel safe. With a blindfold on I didn’t feel either of those things.

PAGE 10

NINERTIMES

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

DOWNTIME 12

13

Thursday

Puppy Run/WalkGreenway

4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. $5 Donation

Friday

The Motivation of Gameplay Cone Bldg. Rm 268

12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m.

Education Under Fire

Relay for Life

CHHS Rm 161

6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

7:00p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Belk Track

14

Saturday

Spa Day

Student Union Rm 200 1:00p.m.

Club 49er

Student Union 9:00p.m. - 11:45p.m.

Got something to ask Norm or need some advise?

Send it to editor@nineronline.com

WEEK IN

Sunday

Restoring Hope: Amnon Weinstein & The Violins of Hope

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $30-40

16

Monday

Care Kits Student Union Rotunda 12:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.

Free

Field Day Front Fields

6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

17

Tuesday

Wheel of Trivia: Housing and RSA style Outside Prospector

12:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.

Scavenger Hunt Union Steps

8:00p.m. - 9:30p.m.

Free

Dear Norm,

THIS

15

April 10, 1886 ASPCA is founded

April 11, 1814 Napoleon exiled to Elba

April 12, 1861 The Civil War begins

April 13, 1997 Tiger Woods wins first major

April 14, 1865 Lincoln is shot

April 15, 1912 Titanic sinks in Atlantic

NINERONLINE.COM

SPORTS Basketball from p.1

From his second to third year, K.J.’s minutes significantly decreased by an average of ten per game. He did miss the last four games of this past season after breaking his arm.

According to the Charlotte Observer, K.J.’s father, Keith Sherrill, claimed that Sherrill was looking forward to playing his senior season at Charlotte. The Observer reported that 49ers coach Alan Major also said that he expected Sherrill to play for Charlotte next season.

Instead, the 225 pounder decided that it was in his best interest to transfer. “I’ve enjoyed playing at Charlotte,” Sherrill stated, “but I think it’s in my best interest to move on. I’ll miss my teammates but I look forward to finding a better fit for myself.”

The news of Sherrill’s departure comes less than two weeks after 49ers guard Ja-

K.J. Sherrill attempts a free throw earlier in the 2011-2012 season. Photo by Chris Crews

mar “Deuce” Briscoe left the team. Briscoe was granted a release from the Niners in order to explore his options at other institutions.

Briscoe initially transferred to Charlotte from NC Central where he spent his freshman season. At NC Central Briscoe was the nation’s second-leading freshman in scoring. Averaging a whopping 17.1 points a game, Briscoe only trailed Liberty’s Seth Curry, who now famously plays for Coach K. at Duke University.

Briscoe averaged 7.3 points and 1.1 assists for Charlotte last season after he lost his starting point guard position to freshman Pierria Henry. However, Briscoe finished the season as the starting shooting guard ahead of senior Derrio Green. The year prior, Briscoe started at point guard and averaged 12.5 points and 3.0 assists.

The Charlotte Observer reported that Briscoe’s departure from Charlotte was not necessarily voluntary. Trinita Ricks, Jamar’s mother, claimed “(Briscoe) was told by the coaches that they couldn’t make him happy.”

As a freshman at NC Central, Briscoe scored 535 points. In his two seasons playing for the 49ers, Deuce only dropped 581 points, averaging 9.8 a game.

“We appreciate his contribution to the program,” said 49ers head coach Alan Major. “We wish him the best in the future.”

Ironically, both Briscoe and Sherrill were recruited to the 49ers by former head basketball coach Bobby Lutz. Coach Lutz was fired after the 2009-10 season. That season Lutz coached a freshman Sherrill, but Briscoe was forced to sit out the season after transferring schools as the NCAA demands.

The departure of Sherrill and Briscoe certainly leaves a void in the 49ers’ program, but not one that is impossible to fill.

MBRENNA7@UNCC.EDU

The Charlotte 49ers could be on the verge of finding themselves a new home, for competition that is.

Recently, there have been many speculations that the 49ers could be considered for several new conferences on the wake of collegiate football being introduced to the university. While the stir of football is exciting enough for fans, belonging to a more elite conference could only improve the program.

The potential merger between Conference USA and MountainWest has pointed to an expansion for the new conference in which several teams could be added. Charlotte, as well as, Appalachian State and the University of Texas San-Antonio have been some of the names that are being considered for the new slots.

The newly formed conference would feature 16 of the growing

SPORTS SCHEDULE

Friday Baseball @ Temple 3 p.m.

Saturday Softball vs. St. Bonaventure 12 p.m.

Softball vs. St. Bonaventure 2 p.m.

K.J. Sherrill and Jamar ‘Deuce’ Briscoe are both leaving the Charlotte program. Chris Crews

Many believe that if Sherrill had stayed at Charlotte, he would have had to compete against incoming freshmen Willie Clayton and Darion Clark for playing time.

Clayton was named the most valuable player of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) North-South All-Star Game, after scoring 33 points and adding an absurd 22 rebounds while playing for the south squad. Clark played in the same game for the North team and added 12 points of his own. Clark played for the eight-time national champion Oak Hill Academy during his high school years where he was a vital member of the team that finished 44-0 and posted a number one national ranking at the end of the season.

football programs around the nation. Charlotte has every plan in place to build a strong football team and be considered for the FBS at least two years after they begin their football legacy in the fall of 2013.

Being a part of a more competitive conference that features top tier programs could lead to a lot of success for the 49ers. If the Charlotte athletics program demonstrates integrity and continues their pursuit of excellence with football, they could very well see more respect for the program, a larger fan base and maybe one day a national spotlight.

But until then, the 49ers will remain a part of the Atlantic 10 conference with Xavier, Temple, and George Washington. While the conference fails in comparison to the ACC or SEC powerhouses, it has made strides since its emergence in 1975 and could continue to serve as a place for prominent programs to surface.

Baseball @ Temple 1 p.m.

Sunday Baseball @ Temple 1 p.m.

SPORTS RESULTS Softball

WIN

@ Elon

5-0

Women’s Tennis

WIN

@ Richmond

4-3

Softball

WIN

vs. La Salle

Two Niners recognized - weekly awards Travis Durkee tcdurkee@uncc.edu

Lexi Betancourt named A-10 CoRookie of the Week: -Niners freshman pitcher Lexi Betancourt was named Atlantic 10 Softball Co-Rookie of the Week this past Monday.

Betancourt shares the award with George Washington’s Victoria Velos.

-Betancourt (Garner, N.C. / West Johnson HS) tossed two complete game shutouts this past week in wins against Elon and Lasalle -Betancourt came up one strikeout short of her career-high when she struck out eight against Elon. Betancourt recorded

nine in a win against Townson last month.

In 24 appearances this season, Betancourt has a 12-8 record with a 3.20 ERA. Betancourt has 85 strikeouts on the year and batters are only hitting .273 against her.

-Niner softball returns to action this Saturday in a doubleheader against St. Bonaventure at home with the first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m.

Jamil Muhammed-Ray Tabbed as A-10 Rookie of the Week: -49ers freshman sprinter Jamil Muhammed-Ray has been named the Atlantic 10 Men’s Track and Field Rookie of the Week, the conference announced Monday.

PAGE 11

Women’s Tennis @ Campbell 2:30 p.m.

Could Charlotte find a new home?

Michael Brennan

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

-Muhammed-Ray (Charlotte, N.C. / Vance HS) ran a personal best 10.81 in the 100-meter dash at the Auburn Tiger track Classic, good for an 11th place finish. He also finished 24th in the 200-meters dash with a time of 21.82.

-Muhammed-Ray is has alreday earned Charlotte’s tenth all-time spot for the indoor and outdoor 200-meters posting a time of 21.65 in the 49er Classic and 21.05 at the Penn State National Open during the indoor season.

-Charlotte track will compete in the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, T.N. which began Wednesday, Apr. 11 and the JCSU Invitational running Friday, April 13 through Saturday April 14.

6-1

Baseball

LOSS

vs. Dayton

7-8 2-3 4-9

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

NINERTIMES