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Got a tip? Give us a call at 704.687.7148 Partially Funded by Student Fees Published twice weekly The University of North Carolina at Charlotte • www.nineronline.com THURSDAY September 24, 2009 Vol 22, No. 08 Got a tip? Give us a call at 704.687.7148 Partially Funded by Student Fees Published twice weekly CONTACT US 704.687.7148 Please send your tips, comments and letters to the Editor: [email protected] Advertising: 704.687.7144 INFO Clarification In the Parking Services article published Sept. 17, the correct cost for building a deck is $17000-$20000 per space. Statewide increases in prepared food and beverage taxes put the pinch on students budgets. Whether it’s texting while walking or tex- ting while driving it’s dangerous.Is reply- ing to that text really worth your life? On the Inside Story on Page 8 Story on page 5 A four-foot long snake was found in Lynch Hall on Mon- day. Story on page 2 Three Charlotte athletes earned Atlantic 10 honors this week. Story on page 12 Photo courtesy of DLR group Designs for 49er football stadium proposed RYAN FREEMAN News Editor UNC Charlotte’s Athletic Department has released new pictures of designs for the 49er’s football stadium. The designs come from architecture group DLR, ranked eighth in architecture magazine’s “ARCHITECT 50.” All of the designs appear to sit in close proximity to the new Student Union building. The designs come on the heels of the recent 49er pep rally and Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday. UNC Charlotte has spent $1.5 million in consulting fees and other expenses to create a master plan that incorporates football in the university’s 10-year future. Go to NinerOnline.com and choose your favorite design layout for the new stadium RYAN FREEMAN News Editor Tuesday Sept. 22, UNC Charlotte hosted “Moving Forward in the New Economy” in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Va. The event, held at the Harris Alumni Center, featured Dr. Joseph Mazzola, the dean of the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte, Dr. Matt Martin, the senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and professors of economics and finance, Dr. John Connaughton and Dr. Judson Russell. The forum focused on how the economy has changed since the recent economic depression. “To call this a painful year is a gross understatement,” said Russell. “You can’t hedge this in any way, shape, or form it’s been longer and more severe than 1982,” said Connaughton. “The recession is over, it has been for a couple of months… the bad news is this is the dreaded jobless recovery,” focusing much of his attention on worrying unemployment statistics that have remained high even as the economy has stabilized. Connaughton told the audience that unemployment in North Carolina has reached as high as 10.8 percent in August. “It has been a young person, blue collar, old timey recession, but not necessarily and old timey recovery,” said Connaughton. North Carolina experienced six successive quarters of decline in GDP in the year and a half before the economy began to heal. But the assessment was far from negative. Connaughton looked optimistic about American GDP, “The stimulus package has really helped third and fourth quarter GDP.” According to Connaughton in the last year there has been a decrease in the trade deficit of $329 billion but warned of a national debt projected to increase from $11 trillion to $18 trillion in the next ten years. Russell put these figures into perspective as Bank of America, City Group and JP Morgan Chase have $6 trillion in assets, “More than the GDP of any nation, save the United States.” One of the biggest concerns facing economists with our recovery was how volatile it might be. Would we be headed for a ‘W’ shaped recovery as we were in the depression of the 1980s? Connaughton put those fears to rest, “We don’t think there’s a W here. The government is too invested in this economy. Russell called it an “Obtuse recovery,” with a sharp economic decline and a slow and steady recovery. Even so, Russell claimed that Bank of America still made $7 billion dollars in profit this year. “Healthcare is demanding the brain cell count on Capital Hill,” said Russell, alluding to the movement away from fiscal focus that congress had just a few months ago. “We have some chance to change things but I think it’s being glossed over.” One of the biggest changes for students after the recession will be the implementation of consumer protection laws and agencies to prevent financial organizations from misleading individuals. According to Joan Graton, assistant vice president of supervision and regulation, the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency -while regulating mortgage lending- would also prevent credit card companies from preying on youth under the age of 21 and misleading consumers in their advertisements. In February credit card companies will no longer be allowed to issue credit cards to individuals under 21 without written consent from their parents. Credit card companies increase interest rates without 45 days written notice to their customers. Customers may then cancel their credit cards and pay off any of their debts at the original interest rate without incurring any penalty. Congress is also considering limiting the implementation of overdraft fees by giving individuals the opportunity to choose whether they want to go overdrawn on their accounts or simply have their purchases declined by their banks. The Consumer Financial Protection Agency has many critics claiming that if all consumer watchdog agencies are consolidated into one agency the transition may not be so smooth. The most popular criticism appears to be that regulation of financial products will stifle innovation in the financial market. Critics also argue that one large agency may take too long to make decisions because of vast bureaucracy or that their systems may not work well together. More pictures available on page 3 Belk College of Business talks economics with Federal Reserve Story on Page 3 Senior co-captain Kaitlin Knight hopes to lead the Charlotte vol- leyball team to one of the top programs in the Atlantic 10. Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte Public Relations This is the “center-aligned” proposal for the new football stadium. Grigg Hall Duke Centennial Hall Highway 29 Tryon Street entrance

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

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Page 1: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Got a tip? Give us a call at 704.687.7148 Partially Funded by Student Fees Published twice weekly

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte • www.nineronline.com THURSDAYSeptember 24, 2009 Vol 22, No. 08

Got a tip? Give us a call at 704.687.7148 Partially Funded by Student Fees Published twice weekly

CONTACT US704.687.7148Please send your tips, commentsand letters to the Editor:[email protected]

Advertising: 704.687.7144

INFO

Clarification

In the Parking Services article published Sept. 17, the correct cost for building a deck is $17000-$20000 per space.

Statewide increases in prepared food and beverage taxes put the pinch on students budgets.

“”

Whether it’s texting while walking or tex-ting while driving it’s dangerous.Is reply-ing to that text really worth your life?

On the Inside

Story on Page 8

Story on page 5

A four-foot long snake was found in Lynch Hall on Mon-day.

Story on page 2

Three Charlotte athletes earned Atlantic 10 honors this week.

Story on page 12

Photo courtesy of DLR group

Designs for 49er football stadium proposed

RyAn FREEMAnNews Editor

UNC Charlotte’s Athletic Department has released new pictures of designs for the 49er’s football stadium. The designs come from architecture group DLR, ranked eighth in architecture magazine’s “ARCHITECT 50.” All of the designs appear to sit in close proximity to the new Student Union building.

The designs come on the heels of the recent 49er pep rally and Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday. UNC Charlotte has spent $1.5 million in consulting fees and other expenses to create a master plan that incorporates football in the university’s 10-year future.

Go to NinerOnline.com and choose your favorite design layout for the new stadium

RyAn FREEMAnNews Editor

Tuesday Sept. 22, UNC Charlotte hosted “Moving Forward in the New Economy” in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Va. The event, held at the Harris Alumni Center, featured Dr. Joseph Mazzola, the dean of the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte, Dr. Matt Martin, the senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and professors of economics and finance, Dr. John Connaughton and Dr. Judson Russell. The forum focused on how the economy has changed since the recent economic depression.

“To call this a painful year is a gross understatement,” said Russell.

“You can’t hedge this in any way, shape, or form it’s been longer and more severe than 1982,” said Connaughton. “The recession is over, it has been for a couple of months… the bad news is this is the dreaded jobless recovery,” focusing much of his attention on worrying unemployment statistics that have remained high even as the economy has stabilized. Connaughton told the audience that unemployment

in North Carolina has reached as high as 10.8 percent in August. “It has been a young person, blue collar, old timey recession, but not necessarily and old timey recovery,” said Connaughton.

North Carolina experienced six successive quarters of decline in GDP in the year and a half before the economy began to heal. But the assessment was far from negative. Connaughton looked optimistic about American GDP, “The stimulus package has really helped third and fourth quarter GDP.” According to Connaughton in the last year there has been a decrease in the trade deficit of $329 billion but warned of a national debt projected to increase from $11 trillion to $18 trillion in the next ten years.

Russell put these figures into perspective as Bank of America, City Group and JP Morgan Chase have $6 trillion in assets, “More than the GDP of any nation, save the United States.”

One of the biggest concerns facing economists with our recovery was how volatile it might be. Would we be headed for a ‘W’ shaped recovery as we were in the depression of the 1980s? Connaughton put those fears to rest, “We don’t think there’s a W here.

The government is too invested in this economy.

Russell called it an “Obtuse recovery,” with a sharp economic decline and a slow and steady recovery. Even so, Russell claimed that Bank of America still made $7 billion dollars in profit this year.

“Healthcare is demanding the brain cell count on Capital Hill,” said Russell, alluding to the movement away from fiscal focus that congress had just a few months ago. “We have some chance to change things but I think it’s being glossed over.”

One of the biggest changes for students after the recession will be the implementation of consumer protection laws and agencies to prevent financial organizations from misleading individuals.

According to Joan Graton, assistant vice president of supervision and regulation, the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency -while regulating mortgage lending- would also prevent credit card companies from preying on youth under the age of 21 and misleading consumers in their advertisements. In February credit card companies will no longer be allowed to

issue credit cards to individuals under 21 without written consent from their parents. Credit card companies increase interest rates without 45 days written notice to their customers. Customers may then cancel their credit cards and pay off any of their debts at the original interest rate without incurring any penalty.

Congress is also considering limiting the implementation of overdraft fees by giving individuals the opportunity to choose whether they want to go overdrawn on their accounts or simply have their purchases declined by their banks.

The Consumer Financial Protection Agency has many critics claiming that if all consumer watchdog agencies are consolidated into one agency the transition may not be so smooth. The most popular criticism appears to be that regulation of financial products will stifle innovation in the financial market. Critics also argue that one large agency may take too long to make decisions because of vast bureaucracy or that their systems may not work well together.

More pictures available on page 3

Belk College of Business talks economics with Federal Reserve

Story on Page 3

Senior co-captain Kaitlin Knight hopes to lead the Charlotte vol-leyball team to one of the top programs in the Atlantic 10.

Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte Public Relations

This is the “center-aligned” proposal for the new football stadium.

Grigg Hall

Duke Centennial Hall

Highway 29

Tryo

n St

reet

ent

ranc

e

Page 2: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

PAGE 2 ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

Page 3: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ PAGE 3

SAnjA GLiGoRiCStaff Writer

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Theta Mu chapter of the Sigma Kappa Sorority will be holding a philanthropic golf event, the Ultra Violet Classic. The golf event will be held at the Birkdale Golf Club in Huntersville, NC and will support the philanthropic arm of the Sigma Kappa Sorority, the Sigma Kappa Foundation. Sigma Kappa hopes to raise $5000 for the Sigma Kappa Foundation through their golf tournament-this is just $3000 short of what the sorority has raised thus far. In order to raise the rest of the money and make the event a success, Sigma Kappa is in need of sponsors, prizes, and players for their golf tournament. There is an $80 fee for those who are interested in participating in the tournament; the fee covers the cart, greens, hole-in-one membership prize, $10 coupon for a future round, a free weekday foursome, and prizes. For those who are interested in sponsoring the event, there is a $150 charge in exchange for advertisement on one of the eighteen holes. There are also 144 spots open to “Scramble” in teams of four. All net proceeds go to the Sigma Kappa Foundation which, according to their website, provides funding for educational programs and resources designed to promote personal and leadership development among Sigma Kappa members. In addition to the scholarships and financial assistance the foundation provides to Sigma Kappa members, the foundation has awarded nearly $50,000 to Alzheimer’s research. For those interested in offering their support to the Sigma Kappa Foun-dation, you may write checks out to the “Sigma Kappa Foundation” to be a sponsor and to “Sigma Kappa Sorority” if you would like to play by Sept. 23. Cash will be accepted from players on the day of the event. All gifts to the Sigma Kappa Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, contact the philanthropy chair for the Sigma Kappa sorority, Meaghan Mutka, at 309-737-7696 or [email protected].

newsniner

ALExA MASSAuAsst. News Editor

Can I get another penny? The temporary increase in North Carolina’s state tax can be expressed as one cent more for every dollar spent compared to the previous sales tax. North Carolina’s state tax was increased by one percent on September 1. Making Mecklenburg’s sales tax 8.25 percent and the prepared foods and beverage tax 9.25 percent, this standard will remain in effect until July 1, 2011.

According to the General Assembly of North Carolina’s website the tax increase will fund the state’s growing financial needs. Governor Bev Perdue wants to use the taxes revenue increase for public schools and other vital services through the state budget.

Living on campus for some can feel like a removal from outside t h e surrounding community, but the tax increase affects everyone including students’ semester and yearly budgets.

For UNC Charlotte students purchasing food on campus with cash, credit or by 49er express they will pay the prepared food and

beverage tax of 9.25 percent. Those excluded from the tax are those with meal plans, declining balance and Optional Dining accounts.

This exemption exists because under the North Carolina Department of Revenue Sales and Use Tax clause. UNC Charlotte falls under the category of being a N.C. state

a g e n c y , which means Auxiliary Services can offer students with DB’s, ODA’s and meal plans no sales tax when purchasing prepared foods and beverages in the dining halls, C-stores and other restaurants on campus.

Due to the expensive cost with sales tax on prepared foods, this is one reason why meal plans are required of students when living in residence halls, said Lou Ann Lamb, Marketing Director for Business Services. Auxiliary service wants to “provide services in an economical way” for students said

Lamb. For this reason they promote meal plans, DB or ODA at SOAR and to parents at orientation. There are plenty of dining options to fit the student’s needs; one can find more information and

explanations of each plan at aux.uncc.edu.For whatever dining option you have on campus that penny you

find on the ground may be more enticing to pick up with the counties tax increase and low economy.

Prepared food and beverage tax increases to 9.25 percent

Sigma Kappa to host UV Classic

Proposed football Stadium designs

Popcorn machine causes Student Union evacuation

Schools prepare for swine flu

RyAn FREEMAnNews Editor

A four foot long snake was found and removed from UNC Charlotte’s Lynch Residence Hall Monday. The snake entered the building through one of the side doors on the first floor of the Lynch building and made its way through the residence hall. The snake entered one of the student’s rooms, frightening several students before it was removed from the student’s room by the buildings Resident Coordinator. No one was harmed.

“People were screaming downstairs,” said Lynch resident Elizabeth Crago, “I live on the third floor and I could hear it all the way on the first.”

Officials with UNC Charlotte’s Department of Housing and Residence Life refused to comment on the situation. The species of the snake could not be confirmed although witnesses say it was black in color.

Snake invades Lynch Hall

ERin MoodyThe Citizens’ Voice (MCT)

Certified school nurse Donna Martin is stocking up on face masks, hand sanitizer, tissues and information on disease prevention, but she needs parents to join her in the fight to keep H1N1, also known as swine flu, from spreading in school.

“Hopefully, hopefully, this is all practice and nothing happens,” said Martin, who works with elementary students for Wyoming Valley West School District.

After the initial outbreak in the spring and decreased H1N1 reports this summer, schools are preparing for thousands of students to return to classes and a possible resurgence of the disease this fall.

“We want to be proactive, because we really don’t know what to expect,” Pittston Area Superintendent George Cosgrove said. “We want to try to separate the information from the misinformation. We want to react without overreacting.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have compiled information and guidelines specifically for schools, as people from 6 months to 24 years old are in one risk group for H1N1. Students are also contained for about seven hours a day in close quarters, providing ample opportunities for diseases to spread.

Stay homeFor single-parent families or those

with two working parents, school officials realize finding someone to stay with a sick child is easier said than done, but the recommendations make it clear that sick students and staff members should not be at school.

“We basically need cooperation with the families,” Wyoming Valley West Superintendent Chuck Suppon said. “I can’t tell you how important it’s going to be if the children are sick and exhibiting flu-like symptoms, not to send them to school.”

The CDC recommends people wait at least 24 hours after their fever has gone away, without the help of fever-reducing medicine, to return to work and school. A student who is sent home with flu symptoms and a fever on a Monday afternoon should not be getting on the bus Tuesday morning. Suppon suggests families develop backup plans now for picking up and caring for a

child if one or both parents are unable.Stay isolatedSick students and staff should be

separated from the general population, especially if a parent cannot pick up their child. However, in already crowed schools, finding an empty room can be a challenge, so some districts are stocking up on face masks.

Martin said while masks are rarely used, most nurses at Wyoming Valley West have boxes with about 50 masks in their closets. They are ordering additional masks now so they will be prepared if there is a problem and there is a backlog of orders for the masks.

Unless a major outbreak of H1N1 occurs, most districts plan to use the medical and nurses’ offices as their isolation rooms.

Sanitary hygieneTissues and alcohol-based hand sanitizers

could be two of the most effective weapons for slowing or stopping the spread of H1N1. A classroom of students can be exposed by a sneeze or cough, or a school of students by a contaminated handle on the front door.

These points were stressed during a recent orientation for parents and students at Hazleton Area School District, supervisor of school nurses Ellen McBride said.

“We talked about keeping covering your mouth and nose when you are sneezing,” she said. “Staff has tissues in their room, and if they have someone who is coughing or who seems sick, they need to be sent to the nurse immediately.”

McBride has also asked maintenance personnel to make sure the bathrooms always have soap, and is encouraging teachers to bring hand sanitizer for their classrooms. The district does not have enough ordered for every classroom, she said.

For parents looking to tuck a bottle of sanitizer in their children’s backpacks, the Department of Health specifically recommends alcohol-based formulas.

Clean, clean and clean againFrom doorknobs to desks to keyboards

to bus seats, students touch a lot of items over and over during the course of a school day. Teachers, maintenance staff and even bus drivers are being asked to spend a little extra time wiping down and sanitizing these frequently handled objects.

The CDC recommends schools use the cleaning formulas they usually use, and that

it isn’t necessary to do special cleaning with bleach or other nondetergent cleaners.

“We’ve talked with maintenance about spending more time in the classrooms cleaning,” McBride said. “We also have to get transportation involved, make sure buses get wiped down.”

Early treatmentWhile all kindergarten through 12th-

grade students are in a risk group for H1N1, the CDC recommends people who work with sick people, care for infants or people ages 6 months to 24 years talk to their doctors about treatments.

These people will be first in line to receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available during the fall, but Williams and Suppon said they plan to encourage parents to vaccinate their children and would like one of their schools to be used as a mass vaccination site for the community.

“We’re actually looking at, and we talked about this last week,” Williams said. “Hopefully the state will be choosing places soon to do mass vaccinations, and we are hoping the school district would be first in line.”

The H1N1 vaccine will not be mandatory for students. When it will be available remains uncertain, but most recent estimates from the CDC point to after October.

Watch absence ratesWhen it comes to closing school because

of H1N1, the guidelines have changed since students left school for the summer. Classes will not be canceled because of a sick child or two. Williams said they are carefully monitoring absence rates at all Scranton area schools, and the administration will be notified if the rates change by more than 5 percent.

Typical daily attendance is about 94 or 95 percent of students, he said. There is no magic number of how many sick students is too many, but if a quarter of students from one school are absent, the district will begin to talk about temporarily closing that building.

“Our goal is to keep schools open, but to ensure the students and staff who have flu-like symptoms are identified,” Williams said.

For information on H1N1, prevention and treatment recommendations and updates, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Will Grier/photo

WiLL GRiERManaging Editor

At approximately 11:19 AM on Monday September 21, the fire alarm in the Student Union was activated and all 150 people inside were evacuated.

Despite the crowd of students and staff standing outside of the Student Union at the pedestrian crosswalks, many determined people tried to get inside the Union, even after the fire department showed.

The time elapsed from the moment the fire alarm was activated until the fire fighters walked inside the building was approximately 16 minutes. The nationally accepted standard for response time, set by the National Fire Protection Association is four minutes for the first response and eight minutes after the first alarm for all subsequent units assigned.

Campus Police did not make an appearance but their cars were parked behind the Union.

Student Union administration, namely Dr. Art Jackson directed both pedestrian and motor traffic.

After approximately nine minutes, the fire fighters finished their sweep of the building and conferred with Jackson.

The fire fighters returned to their truck to put back the equipment that was no longer needed, Jackson turned to the crowd and softly said, “Popcorn machine.”

After talking with Jerry Mann, the Senior Associate Director of the Student Union, he confirmed what Dr. Jackson had told the crowd. Mann

said that the cause for the fire alarm activation was indeed the popcorn maker in the movie theatre concession area. An area not yet fully functional.

According to Mann there may be a fine for the false alarm, but “we haven’t received the bill yet.”

“Jackson turned to the crowd and softly said, ‘Pop-corn machine.’”

Dr. Art Jackson

continued from page 1

The left-aligned design

The right-aligned design

Page 4: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

PAGE 4 ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

viewpoint Kristen Litchfield Editor-in-Chief Will Grier ManagingEditor

Ryan Freeman NewsEditor Jim Ghegan A&EEditor

Dana Nigro ViewpointEditor Josh Carpenter SportsEditor

Shannon Morgan PhotoEditor Rob McCormick Jr. FeaturesEditor

Sarah Jones LayoutEditor Masha Zaytseva CopyEditor

SUBSCRIPTIONSStudents are entitled to one free copy of The University Times per publication date. Additional copies are valued at $.35 and can be obtained from the Student Media offices. Subscriptions to The Times are available for $40.00. Submit payment and mailing address to: Student Media Marketing, Student union, 9201 university City Blvd., Charlotte, nC 28223.

EDITORIAL POLICYThe University 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. The University Times is published during the regular academic year on Tuesday and Thursday except during holidays and exam periods.

GIVE US SOME FEEDBACKThe University Times welcomes letters. Letters 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 opinion Editor, The University Times, Student union, Charlotte, nC 28223 or e-mail to [email protected].

EDITORIAL OFFICESLower Level, Room 046 • Student Union, UNC Charlotte9201 University City Blvd. • Charlotte, NC 28223-0001

Newspaper staff: jessica Arenas, Andrew Braun, jamie Brown, Corey Conner, Bond danku, Stephen duty, Angel Farmer, Alex Georgi, Sanja Gligoric, Michael Golly, Quention Holness, Chris Kluever, Andrew Lichtenhan, Alexa Massau, Brian McCormick, dakota McLeymore, Adrienne Mcneill, jillian Mullen, Kimberly Palmer, dean Phillies, Erin Reeve, Robert Robinson, orela Wayne

Marketing Director: Matt Coffey Sales Manager: Tim GheenAdvertising Staff: Cheryl Adams, jacqueline Brooks, Ashley Ciriano, Sara ingramCreative Director: Sarah jones Production: Maria olarteCirculation: Galvin Boulware, jamar Flowers Manager: Brian Lambert

Business Manager: daisy Concepcion Marketing Adviser: Kelly MergesStudent Media Adviser: Wayne Maikranz Production Adviser: Pete Hurdle Office Manager: Mark Haire

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As I was walking to class last Thursday, I was handed a flyer that made my stomach turn upside down. It was titled “Socialism: What it is and Why We Need it.” As I took it from the gentleman who was handing them out, I stopped in my tracks for a short time to read it. I was in shock.

The flyer was “advertising” a meeting being held that evening to educate students of how socialism could benefit America. I wanted to hurl, to be quite frank. Now before I go on, please know that my problem was not with the fact that the National Socialist Organization was holding this meeting on campus.

We live in a free country (for now) and they have absolutely every right to hold meetings on campus. However, my problem, related to that little word so many of us have forgotten, “freedom,” and that we live in a Republic. It is a fact, people. We are a united country with the God-given right of freedom.

It is so scary to me as a 19 year-old in college to think that there are people out there, peers of mine, students my age whom I attend school with, who believe that Socialism is the answer. How could anyone want to be controlled like sheep? Doesn’t anyone care about free thought and free speech?

When we let the government begin running our lives through things like healthcare and “Cap and Trade,” we let them have a level of control no person or body of people should ever have. I would like to point out again, that we are a Republic, and we are granted freedom at birth,

therefore Socialism directly goes against what so many men died for in 1776. Did everyone forget that little thing called the Constitution? Maybe you have at least heard of the Declaration of Independence?

Well, in case you are unaware, that “little thing” so many of us have forgotten, A.K.A. the Constitution, grants us freedom and basic human rights. Rights that Socialism, which is defined by Dictionary.com as “any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy,” may not only hinder, but completely abolish.

I cannot even fathom how anyone could possibly think Socialism is the solution to how our country should be governed. This is not freedom. This is not what our country is founded on. People from all over the world flood to America to be free.

So, I would like to ask all of the non-patriotic citizens who do not believe in the sovereignty of our country and believe we should move to Socialism, instead of wanting to change the entire basis for our country, why don’t you go somewhere else? I’m sure Cuba would love to have you. I hear Castro is a decent guy.

Keep your Healthcare Reform. Keep your Cap And Trade bill. Keep the Change.

Sincerely, Tori Karlek

AndREW LiCHTEnHAnStaff Writer

PCs have been a cornerstone for the home computing market for more than 30 years. Though Many look at the PC as a Windows machine, and an Apple as a Mac. However, there is much more that goes on in our technology world that makes PC a much more capable machine.

In today’s technology, Mac and PC are nearly identical in their components and makeup. What makes them different is the operating system. Apple uses and distributes OSX for its own machines. PC has Windows, Linux, Unix, and many more. On the software end, there is little difference to. Even major graphics, editing, and luxury software are now available for both. OSX is a very secure and stable operating system, but paying two to four times as much is hard to caught up for sleek image and overpriced hardware. PCs are much more flexible and price friendly.

However Windows Vista has left a bad impression to the market, but Windows 7 is just around the corner to more than make up for its older brother. So pay more for less, or pay less for more? Software is another make or break system. Apples a very slim market for software choices. The ones it does have are great software, but, the open source market and choices are slim. PC triumphs once again.

Thousands upon even millions of different software packages are at the PC disposal. Years ago, many software makers made software only for one system or the other. Now, its unusual to not have software made for both. What makes PC a champion in the home and personal computing markets is price. From the tiny budget netbook market, to the high end performance hardware, PCs own cost over performance.

Why pay for a 1700 Macbook Pro, when you can get an equally equipped machine, and nearly identical hardware, for $500-$900? Software and hardware support is the number one feature of PCs and their operating systems. A user can make endless configurations of hardware and

software to go with their computers. Is your video card to old, swap out for a new one. Want a choice? ATi or Nvidia. AMD

or Intel? The decision can be a confusing one to many of the

average consumers. With PCs however, more options exist. With Apple, they limit the number of machines and hardware configurations to match them. Apple has a very little line to move when it comes to.

With a PC, you can have a budget and basic, or a screaming performance behemoth. Apple has them all as well, but from two to four times the price. The internet is a huge factor in computing in today’s market shares and lifestyles. However, what system runs such a huge array of information super highways?

In a interview with PC World, Steve Ballmer of Microsoft stated that “40 percent of servers are running Windows, and a little less than 60 are running Linux”. Apple does have server technology and software available, however, when it comes to running key internet superhighways, it is just a grain of sand in a sandbox.

It is because of the low cost hardware and software to run servers, and the massive amounts of units required by companies and large internet sites, that PC is the real choice. Whether it is Windows or Linux. Both machines have their ups and downs. Apples are more expensive, and quality issues are abundant. PC has had Vista, and more the mass of the market, are not made as well as they should be.

Both machines can do many of the same tasks, and have their specializations as well. However, for the average Joe or Jill on the street in today’s economy, spending more for something equal is hard to justify. Pretty and Sleek have their price, but when most people use computers for internet and typing documents for 90 percent of the use, that high price tag is absurd to pay.

Macs are great if you do little. Those however who have a demand for more, and know what to look for in a computer: PCs will continue to be the better choice.

CoREy ConnERNineronline Content Editor

I’m a Mac; not only because Apple computers are more secure and reliable, but anything a PC can do, a Mac can do better. Macs are known for their simplistic and sleek looks, but under the hood, Macs are also powerhouses.

One benefit of Macs over PCs is the bundled software included with a new purchase. Windows is bundled with software such as Windows Movie Maker and Sound Recorder. Mac OS X comes with iLife. iLife is a software bundle and includes quality software for photo management, movie making, sound recording, and web publishing. Comparable software for a PC would cost at least $50.

Another positive aspect of Apple computers is that virus software is a thing of the past. Granted, there are some viruses for Macs. They are so rare though, that after three years of owning a Mac, I have yet to need anti-virus software. Virus software on a PC slows down the computer, requires constant updating, and interrupts the user experience. Mac users do not have to deal with any of these annoyances.

For a PC user, moving over to Apple computers may take a little getting used to. But,

after a few months, they will discover that their Mac is much more user friendly than their old PC. The dock at the bottom of the screen keeps all frequently used programs at the user’s fingertips.

For the reluctant PC convert, Mac has recently introduced a program called Bootcamp. Bootcamp allows the user to install Windows on the Mac and use the computer as a PC. This is also a plus for Mac gamers who now have access to the same game catalog as a PC user and a better quality computer.

With all of the benefits, a commonly cited reason for not purchasing a Mac is the higher cost. No one can deny that the upfront cost of a Mac is higher than the average PC, but I would argue that the lifetime cost of a Mac would be lower than that of a PC. I’ve owned four laptops in my life, two PCs and two Macs. The PCs only lasted a year before becoming unusable, while my Macbook is over two years old and runs just as well as the day I bought it.

Windows is left trying to play catch-up while the Mac is years ahead in innovation. In Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 7 update,

Microsoft is just now integrating technologies to compete with

software that has been part of Macs for years.

Mac user vs. PC user Faceoff: Mac or PC, winner takes all

ERin REEVEStaff Writer

The food lies limp in front of you, as you grow in reaping fear of the contents inside. Such a heaven it would be to have one bite...

As your stomache falls weak, moaning a single taste, your head pushes the thought of eating aside, and ruptures your stomach to sizzle down.

But your stomache burns for energy, calories, some source of nutrient to push it through a second more of the ungodly life that you have been a part of for now a year. Your annorexic mind battles with your body, as it consiously eats away at your bones.

An eating disorder consumes your life, and makes you want to do nothing but cater to the uncrueling, unappreciative dark side of, piece by piece, killing yourself.

The victims of this parasital starvation of thyself is one of the upmost gruesome things. Whether it be puking in the bathroom instead of going out, to skipping classbecause you don’t have the energy to go, an eating disorder becomes your life’s main event, and you become the back seat driver. As you watch yourself, like a yarn spool, skinny down to your bones, your mind throws you the optical illusion that you are a gigant.

You can’t seem to pull yourself out of the water that drowns you and your life, into a whirlwind of thoughts and bothered emotions of reality and what you see in the mirror. The girl stares back at you, and as you begin to recognize her as a five year old child, you notice the bones of your neck sticking out, revealing everything you have been through.

But even the puking all night, the not eating for weeks, or the puking after you finally do put something in your body, can not control the parasite from taking over. You watch as you slowly pull the gun to your forehead, and like a suicide attempt, watch yourself fade to nothing.

Girls can be born with an eating disorder, or can be sucked in by significant, intruding life events. Neverless, the growing about of girls in the United States can not only be an effect of the media’s wrong doing. Sure, they have overly skinny models, and the increasing number of Top Model shows does not help, but a few websites come to my mind that could make anybody want to puke...

Pro eating disorder websites have been a huge factor in promoting extreme weight loss for girls of various ages. With sites like Pretty Thin, and Pro Ana, who post chat room and photo contests of the skinniest girls, can only help girls fall in to the slippery slope of fatal disaster that an eating disorder provides.

The chat rooms, first and foremost, are like a reassurance to all girls with second thoughts of fasting their lives away. When I tried to talk a group of girls on the chat room out of their thoughts of beginning, they only shunned me, calling me names like “annoying”, and were thanking God when I told them it was time for me to go.

The thought that they were so willingly mean to someone who was obviously trying to help them, made me realize how serious their problem could be. I wanted to call them, change their minds, but I didn’t have their numbers.

The array of models that the site displayed was revolting and discriminating to those who have been through a disorder. Like a clown or a mueseum park, they are put up to google at, and judge.

The people that put these up obviously do not know what it is like to truly go through or recover from a disorder, and do not know the pain that these girls are in. Putting these pictures up is almost as bad as putting up pictures of a girl addicted to cigarettes. She can not help it, and yet, once recovered, is embarassed by her obsession.

The fact that they are making websites that promote girls starving themselves and becoming obsessed with throwing up and getting rid of calories is degrading, and a poor representation of what our country is coming to.

The weight-loss, skinny obsessed American society needs to re-think their ads in the media, crazy diets, and the promotion of losing weight in every possible way before these diseases take over more of our minds, and like parasites, eat away our country’s values and starve our people, consciously, and effortlessly.

Anorexia support websitesWith anorexia on the rise, though it is legally acceptable to support an eating disorder, is it morally right

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Page 5: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ PAGE 5

viewpoint

RoBBiE RoBinSonStaff Writer

On Sept. 18 of this year, the North Carolina Community College System voted to change the policy concerning the eligibility of illegal immigrants to attend community colleges in NC. On a vote of 16 for, and one against, the Community College System overturned the previous policy that denied illegals the opportunity to attend our institutions of higher learning.

Now the change in policy must go through the Administrative Rules Process where it will get the stamp of approval and if an illegal, excuse me, an undocumented worker meets all three parts of the following criteria, and then they will be allowed to attend class. The “undocumented worker” must have graduated from a North Carolina High School, pay the out-of-state tuition cost of $ 7,700.00 per year, and they may not displace a “legal” North Carolinian or United States Citizen.

The latest polls show that the majority of North Carolinians are against any change in the policy that forbid illegal immigrants, aka undocumented workers, from attending any colleges in the North Carolina systems. Even Gov. Beverly Perdue has spoken out against the change in policy. But none of this seems to deter the bureaucrats at the NC Community College System, well sixteen of them anyways.

As for me I do not have a problem with people from another country coming here to receive their college education. This is a great country with excellent institutions of higher learning. Anybody can come as long as they have the visa and the proper documentation.

Education in this country is expensive enough at its present state. If undocumented workers start attending the cost of attending college will go up even more. Not only would we face a price increase on education, but also we would be rewarding people who have broken the law by coming to this country. They will be allowed to jump in front of the people who have followed the law and are in this country legally.

This is another case of the government doing what they want instead of what its citizens want. It is becoming very difficult to find all the classes you need in a semester at a university. Some students must resort to attending classes at community colleges so they can transfer their credits back to the university they are attending.

This is especially practiced during the summer months when students can attend a community college which is closer to home. These classes are credited towards our degrees so we can graduate and start paying off our college loans. Adding to the situation are the never-ending budget cuts which make our class sizes bigger or nonexistent. Something has to give and I believe it should be those 16 bureaucrats in Raleigh.

pointKRiSTEn LiTCHFiELd

Editor-in- Chief

No matter where you look Americans are attached to their Blackberrys. It has become the norm to text while walking, but how safe can that really be?

Last year, a London publicity stunt tried to illustrate the hazards of walking while texting. The events were recorded and they showed people running into several different objects because they were too busy sending a text message.

Rest assured no one was injured during the stunt, because the lampposts were padded on the busy London street.

This event raised the awareness of many researchers. According to NPR, researchers at Ohio State University are looking into the real dangers that are linked to the use of cell phones by pedestrians. Thus far, they have discovered that “absorption can create a loss of ‘situation awareness’ similar to that of distracted drivers.”

San Francisco and Texas have since issued public safety campaigns to raise awareness of this dangerous habit many Americans have become addicted to.

Joe Farren, a spokesperson for a wireless company trade group CTIA, told NPR, “I think we’re in a lot of trouble if we have to give people advice on how to use or not to use wireless when walking down the street.”

I am attached to my Blackberry like the rest of the world, but I personally think a ban of texting while walking is a good idea. Texting while walking has become just as dangerous as texting while driving. Unfortunately, these devices that are attached to our fingers and ears constantly have become a danger to society.

A woman in Michigan was hit by a train and killed because she was using her cell phone. And a 14-year-old boy from Florida died after walking out in front of a car while sending a text message.

Dr. Mark Melrose of Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, N.J. told ABC News, “almost every emergency room physician in an urban area or busy community hospitals have seen somebody who was walking, riding, skateboarding or trying to drive, and has been distracted by texting. The more people try to multitask and do so many things at once, the more likely we are to see people with injuries from trying to do too much at once.”

According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, 19 states have already implemented a ban on texting while driving, or the law goes into effect by Jan. 2010. N. C.’s law goes into effect Dec. 2009.

Whether it’s texting while walking or texting while driving – it’s dangerous, period. Is replying to that text really worth your life?

Much to love about UNC Charlotte

ALExA MASSuAAssistant News Editor

President Barack Obama should not be on late night shows, talk shows or anything that has the word show in it. He’s acting like a celebrity not a political head of state. I want my President doing his job: helping legislation and making decisions for hard working Americans. Can he do that?

He has yet to show that he is capable of making any good choices i.e. his decision to go on late night TV and try to make Americans see him as a “real person.” We get it you’re a “real boy.” I’m waiting for his nose to grow when he tells lies.

Personally, I don’t want him to be a real person I want him to by my president.

I want him to be formal and know what he is doing and talking about when he goes overseas on diplomatic affairs and I want him to be presidential when he addresses the controversial issues of our country.

Plus, it’s time for him to stop campaigning. If you win the election, are sworn in, and sit in the Oval Office you don’t need to be on television 24-7. The way he’s on TV reminds me of my history classes when we learned about North Korea and Cuba, Dictators on TV 101.

Also, if you want to inform Americans on vital issues of the country do it in your State of Address or go through media channels that aren’t watched after 8 p.m. It seems like Obama is targeting the young audience by going through Letterman’s Late Night Show.

All I have to say is that audience is like

lambs to the slaughter if they really believe what he has to say; he should be in be in Washington D.C. getting his sleep or if he must be up not watching 3D movies.

Is Obama scared we’ll see through that thin veil, hiding the evil he truly plans to spread i.e. his healthcare plan?

Next I bet President Obama will be on Grey’s Anatomy, will he be a doctor or a patient? Metaphorically he could doctor America, but that would mean no more informal t e l e v i s i o n and actually being the President of America.

Obama on Letterman

Changes made in N.C. community college system

Courtesy of MCT Campus

Chronic cell texting can be dangerous

ERin REEVEStaff Writer

With a football team expecting to be in play by 2013, and the new Student Union in place, it’s no wonder UNC Charlotte ranks in the top ten colleges to keep an eye out for (according to the US News magazine).

The Student Union provides easy access for on campus students (such as freshman, without cars) and off campus commuters to eat, and relax with friends. With a movie theatre, a Barnes and Noble book store, an art gallery, and “Norm’s” (where pool games, TV watching, and lounging takes place) students are able to hang out with friends in a free, safe environment. The best part? It is open until one in the morning.

Of course, how could we skip over the food? The Union has a list of brand names that even bring hungry commuters on campus. With an “A” list of Starbucks, Wendy’s, Freshens smoothies, Einstein’s bagels, and the new, sit down 49er Bis-tro, the Union provides students with a place to enjoy a meal.

The Union also provides a post office, cam-pus salon, Mac store, information center, an ID card services and reservations office to meet all students’ personal needs. With all those particu-lates, it seems as though UNC Charlotte has its students covered.

But they go above and beyond the “norm” (no pun intended) to assure student satisfaction.

Much like the Union, the SAC provides a safe and fun place on campus for students to enjoy. But the SAC sparks a different kind of experi-ence that the Union can not. The SAC contains a track, a gym with weights, machines, and medi-cine balls, basketball courts, a climbing wall, and a group fitness room.

The gym intrigues guy’s interest, while the workout classes provide an upbeat aurora that girls tend to be drawn to. The fitness trainers are mostly college students too, which is great experience for those wishing to continue in that field in the future. The classes contain anything from a thirty minute abs class to an hour cycling

class. Intramural sports are another way to stay ac-

tive on campus. Students sign up for free, and ei-ther have a team they have created, or are put on a team to compete with other students around campus in sports ranging from flag football to water polo. To help students take part this year, UNC Charlotte even hired students to make the communication between Rec Services and the student body more fluid. They are called the Promotions team.

For those who do not wish to participate in an athletic event, UNC Charlotte provides Campus CAB (which is the the Campus Activity Board). The CAB provides fun events on campus for stu-dents to take part in for free.

With a variety of outdoor movies to concerts of up and coming artists, and they even have fa-mous speakers come in to talk. Last year, Mor-gan Spurlock (of the fast food documentary Su-per Size Me) came in to speak to students about health, and ended up being quite the comedian.

The UNC Charlotte botanical gardens also make quite the noise. Not only is it a great place for students who are majoring in horticulture and botanics to see their studies in action, but it’s also a great walkway for everyone to enjoy. This beautiful display of flowers and plants is even named as one of Charlotte’s greatest attrac-tions by the Southern Living magazine.

The campus also provides a lot of extracur-ricular activities for students to take a part in.

Of course, there are sororities and fraterni-ties which give students the opportunity to get involved in helping the community, and be-come more socially connected with fellow col-leagues. The greek houses are placed in Greek Village (which now hosts mainly sororities), in which each greek organization has a large, brick building with big couches, TV’s, and hard wood floors.

The connivence of walking outside to mingle with different sororities is beneficial in helping keep everyone connected and friendly with one another. There are also groups ranging from Ven-ture (who offers canoeing, hiking, and other out-

door activities), to Student Media. Venture has weekend trips and day trips that allow students to escape the busyness of school work and enjoy the great outdoors. Student Media includes a na-tionally recognized literary arts magazine called Sanskrit, the University Times newspaper, and Niner Online and their newest addition Radio Free Charlotte.

Different topics intrigue diverse students, and the team pulls together to create outstand-ing works of art.

Multicultural, religious, and political groups are also a big part of the UNC Charlotte com-munity. They provide different topic inter-ests, and most people can find themselves comfortable and welcome.

Student groups are important to pro-viding the student with a family away from home, and Charlotte does a great job of pro-viding something for everyone. Division one sport teams provide excitement, and once again, free entertainment to students.

With basketball, and the football com-ing in 2013, UNC Charlotte is sure to be a school to keep an eye on. Right now, Char-lotte participates in various men and women sports, with top notch coaches. The teams are equipped with academic advisors, and assistant coaches to support the student ath-letes and their busy schedules.

The off and on campus housing at Char-lotte is more than elegant. With places like Lynch and Laurel on campus, University Village and Thornberry off campus, it is not hard for students to live in comfortable, and affordable luxury. The off campus housing usually provides a gym, athletic courts, and a pool that you can enjoy for a good while, due to the beautiful NC weather.

Lastly, the downtown area is a great place for students eighteen and up to spend their days and nights together. With places like the Epicenter to dance, and shopping areas spread out across the city, there is always something for anyone and everyone to do.

Transportation at night is even provided

through a party bus, sponsored by diverse clubs downtown. The party buses pick up by the dorms (which is convenient for freshman with out cars) and in different apartment complexes to ensure safe transportation.

Another part of downtown, called Noda, has a ton of art galleries that bring a crowd to view and shop for beautiful pieces of work.

With all these things to do, it is no wonder our school is so big, and is only getting larger. Who would not want to be a part of the UNC Charlotte community?

Will Grier/photo

Page 6: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

PAGE 6 ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

arts&entertainmentGREGG GinSLER

Staff Writer

Matt Damon is one of the top leading men for the Hollywood circuit, no questions asked. He is well known for the thriving “Bourne” and “Ocean” franchises, though his latest release is a demonstration of his more curious role choices.

“The Informant!” is a strange peak into the world of corn, its byproducts, and its business, which is the height of exciting action and suspense right? Sarcasm aside, you can be thankful if you go see this movie that this is only a backdrop for the plot. Matt Damon’s character Mark Whitacre actually reveals a supposed saboteur within his corn company. Circumstances continue to escalate rapidly, so much so that he then enters a new double life as an untrained and undercover FBI agent.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh (“Ocean’s 11-13” and “Traffic,”) the uniqueness of this film comes from how the story unfolds. Whitacre is almost the official guide for the audience as we sporadically hear his inner thoughts over the film’s course. Though no characters hear these surprisingly random musings, everyone is still reliant on his information. His family, the FBI, and the corn company all listen scrupulously to this one person.

Understanding the overall uniqueness is a bit different than seeing it however. There are some noticeably bland sections to the script that don’t translate well on screen.

Mundane dialogue exchanges and regular location transitions as Whitacre travels for business leave viewers uninterested and just staring at the screen like a boring date.

Mr. Damon’s performance doesn’t disappoint as an outrageous middle-aged company man however. His straight-faced humor seems effortless in this comedy, and yes, this is a comedy. Each scene that he is included in usually carries a decent amount of dry humor, even if the audience might not completely find it funny. Towards the third act the mood becomes a bit more serious, but it brings the laughter by the end to keep you smiling.

Sitting through the “The Informant!” once more would definitely be a rewarding second viewing. It is an intelligent film where a lot of things are said in passing, only to become more important as the plot rolls on. Accompanying the visuals is an upbeat soundtrack that plays with, and against, the events on screen. Listening carefully might provide some more insight to the characters (but you didn’t hear that from me).

There are a lot of reasons to go see this film, though if dry humor is not appealing boredom might set in fairly quickly. Regardless, Mr. Damon provides yet another interesting character to his repertoire and continues to display his talent. “The Informant!” will provide a few chuckles and a thought provoking one hour and forty-eight minutes. Overall if you do get a chance to see this movie I would recommend it

BRiAn M. MCCoRMiCKStaff Writer

Take one part progressive bluegrass, one part American folk and add in a pinch of Doug Williams production and you have yourself “1988,” the debut album from Michael Ford Jr. and The Apache Relay. Organizing just under a year ago, Michael Ford Jr. and The Apache Relay of Belmont University have tapped into an interesting twist between singer/songwriter and bluegrass band.

“1988,” produced by Doug Williams (most known for his work with The Avett Brothers), offers listeners a vibrant mix of bright melodic acoustic sounds and a subtle bluegrass feel. Reminiscent of Amos Lee or Nickel Creek, Michael Ford Jr. and The Apache Relay offer just what you might expect of a modern day bluegrass band.

The Michael Ford Jr. and The Apache Relay quartet consists of Michael Ford Jr. on vocals and guitar, Michael Harris on backup guitar and background vocals, Brett More on mandolin, tenor guitar and organ, and Kellen Wenrich on fiddle and chord organ. Each member brings a unique musical background to the band that ranges from the Suzuki method to modern rock and back again, enabling a good mix of sounds throughout the album.

Penning every song on the album, Michael Ford Jr. provides the listeners with a deep personal insight into his life. “Sweet Louisianne,” Ford’s most important song on the debut album, was inspired from Ford’s relocation after hurricane Gustav hit his home state in 2008. Though the song does not speak directly about the hurricane, Michael Ford Jr. is able to convey his deep enduring emotions within his lyrical content.

“I wrote it about the wake of fear caused by Hurricane Gustav when it entered the Gulf of Mexico in the Fall of 2008,” Ford told Kim Fowler of Two Dog Media in Nashville Tennessee. “Sweet Louisianne is my love letter of hope to all my friends and family in Louisiana,” he

added.The band recorded “1988” live, providing

the musicians a chance to define their musical backgrounds. With an eclectic and textured mix of pop-influenced original songs, the band combine the determination and dedication of a studio album with that of a fun and relaxed atmosphere of a live show. The band seems to shine on stage and “1988” truly captures their groove.

Along with the bands debut C.D. release of “1988,” Michael Ford Jr. and The Apache Relay released a DVD documenting the making of the record included within the C.D. packaging. If vinyl is your style, however, a 12” record of “1988” is also available. Though the band is not coming to

Charlotte until early November, their website offers sample tracks from “1988” for your listening pleasure. Be sure and check this group out in early November, but until then, visit their Web site at: http://www.myspace.com/mfjrandtheapacherelay.

Damon shines, but his new film stumbles

Image courtesy of Warner Bros.

niCHoLE SWiCK Staff Writer

On September 20, 2009, the Emmy Awards celebrated their 61st anniversary mark. This year’s host, Neil Patrick Harris (star of CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother”), was said to “breathe new life” into this year’s award show. Reviews show that he may be one of the most charming and funny hosts the Emmys have ever seen.

His song and dance routine was a crowd-pleaser and a great show opener. Everyone was shocked to see how comfortable he was hosting television’s biggest award show for the first time. Thanks to the actor’s charisma and ability to laugh at himself, the 2010 show will have a lot to live up to.

As we all know, stars have to look their best while conveying their individual style at all the big events. Some stars, like Brooke Shields, Mariska Hargitay, and Heidi Klum, easily took the red carpet by storm in their chic and flattering ensembles. While others, such as Christina de Rosa, Emile de Ravin, and Jennifer Love Hewitt, weren’t quite up to par in the fashion department.

Although some of these stars would debate that they could care less about fashion reviews and their choice of attire shows their individuality, we all know that they pay close attention to what they wear. Unfortunately, and sometimes by popular demand, they are noted as making the wrong fashion choice.

Every awards show always seems to have an embarrassing moment that resonates for a long time. If there were an award for that category, then Jimmy Fallon would have taken it by a long shot. Fallon approached the stage wearing a headset that most pop stars and rappers use that includes the feature auto-tuner.

Although Fallon got to the stage in one piece, when trying to get the audience pumped up he fell to the floor. His cries for help and spastic motions, made while trying to compose himself, were hysterical.

The award ceremony also included an emotional memorial for many adored actors, television personalities, and entertainment gurus that we have lost over the past twelve months including Bea Arthur, Dom DeLuise, Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, Walter Cronkite, Natasha Richardson, Paul Newman, and the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson.

Sara McLachlan performed “I Will Remember You” live, especially for this segment of the ceremony. Her performance was said to be “flawless” and “moving”, which complements the overall mood of the memoriam. This portion of the night put the 61st Emmy Awards above all the rest.

What kind of article would this be without honoring the nominees and award winners? Although a lot of the winners were the same as in 2008, there were a few underdogs that ended up on top. The beginning of the night was starting to look like an upset when Kristin Chenoweth won Best Supporting Actress for the now cancelled-comedy “Pushing Daisies.” Her win was followed by Jon Cryer’s win over fellow network colleague and host Neil Patrick Harris in the Supporting Actor Comedy.

Other notables were Michael Emerson winning the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for his role as Ben on “Lost,” and Bryan Cranston winning the Outstanding Lead Drama Actor award from the show “Breaking Bad.” Emerson’s award was notable because he is the second actor from “Lost” to win this award (Terry O’Quinn in 2008), while Cranston’s is special because he never won an Emmy playing the father on “Malcolm in the Middle,” but was nominated three times.

The information I have collected from polls and recent blogs has concluded that most viewers enjoyed the Emmys more than they have in several years. Although there are always disappointments, the 2009 Emmys will be a tough awards show to surpass in the years to come.

“Although a lot of the winners were the same as in 2008, there were a few underdogs that ended up on top.”

-Nichole Swick

Annual Emmy awards wrap up

Matt Damon in “The Informant!”

Belmont-based band creates own blend of bluegrass and folk rock

Rachel Williamson/photoMichael Ford & Apache Relay performing

“Sweet Louisianne is my love letter of hope to all my friends and family in Louisiana.”

-Michael Ford Jr.

Page 7: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ PAGE 7

jiM GHEGAnA & E Editor

NBC is known for having some of the funniest shows on television. It is not a coincidence that they always group their flagship comedies on Thursday nights. This is “Must See Comedy” for a reason. On Thursday September 17 a new comedy premiered to join the ranks of “The Office” and “30 Rock” that may give NBC an even bigger stranglehold on Thursday nights.

That show is “Community” starring Joel McHale (E!’s “The Soup”). I got a chance to watch the pilot and this show has everything going for it and should be a major hit this coming season and beyond.

The story centers on Jeff (McHale) a recently suspended lawyer. He has been suspended after the State Bar deemed his degree both illegal and nonexistent. To get his license back, he must take classes at the local community college. While there, he runs into a myriad of people including the elder student who is played by Chevy Chase (“Vacation” and “Caddyshack”).

Jeff also tries to con his way into all the answers from his former client and a teacher at the college played brilliantly by John Oliver (correspondent on “The Daily Show”).

I’m sure as the show progresses it will show Jeff trying to get his life back together in both the sneakiest and most underhanded way he can, since he is a lawyer

after all.Just by watching the pilot, I can tell that McHale

brings the sarcastic comedy that every episode of “The Soup” is riddled with. Also it really is great to see a comedy legend like Chevy Chase on screen again.

You can hate him all you want for leaving “SNL” all those years ago or for his giant ego, but face it: he’s still Chevy Chase and we’re not. After all these years, when he does something I still take notice and watch it.

The additions of Chevy Chase, John Oliver, and Ken Jeong (“The Hangover”) should provide this

show with a great supporting cast as it gets going. That’s really what makes shows like “The Office” and “30 Rock” work so well because even though they have big stars to garner attention (Steve Carrell and Alec Baldwin), the entire cast plays so well off of each other. Hopefully this show continues the energy and utilization of everyone like the pilot did.

The show premiered earlier this month on Facebook and on the Playstation Network, but is now available for free on Hulu besides airing every Thursday at 9:30 p.m. As for ratings, it did surprisingly well as it garnered a 3.7/10 share.

I hope it continues its strong surge, because this way it will show the world that Joel McHale is more than just a host of a spoof-show, and should be treated as such. It could also lead to a revitalization of Chevy Chase’s career. That may be a little wishful thinking, but we’ll just have to tune in and see what happens.

Joel McHale excels as star of new NBC comedy series

Image courtesy of NBC studiosMcHale and the cast on the set of “Community”

BRiAn M. MCCoRMiCKStaff Writer

From the look of them, Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir might appear to be the strangest group of people you’ve ever seen. With long flowing hair from the lead guitar player, a clean-cut and aged appeal from the upright basses and a scuffled yet haggard look from the harmonica and percussion player, this acoustic trio are about as visually interesting as they are musically interesting. With a name as unique as Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir, however, it really shouldn’t surprise you.

Based in Cherryville, North Carolina, Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir consists of Moses Cherry on tenor guitar and vocals, Johnny

Burns on upright string bass and Zac McBee on harmonica and percussion, or as the band likes to call it, “The Apparatus.” I stumbled across this unique group late last Friday night as they played host to a handful of people in The Smelly Cat, a quant yet progressive coffee shop just off 36th Street in NoDa.

Sampling from their self-titled debut album “Friday,” Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir released a sound that, in my opinion, encapsulates the essence of southern folk music. Reminiscent of B.B. King with an indie injection of Eric Clapton, Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir provides scratchy vocal harmonies to their already simplistic, yet bemused sound.

The debut album for Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir is everything that a debut

album should be. “T for Texas”, the first selection off the album, sets precedent for the rest of the album. In a singer/songwriter storytelling tone, Moses Cherry outlines his traveling experiences, sexual appeal and of course the ever important chase of women. As the album progresses, the group’s story continues, highlighting “Evil” and their trips “Going Down South”, all of which are songs that are based and centered on their real world experience.

It’s an understatement to say that this band is new to the local scene. Having formed just under a year ago, Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir plays as much and as often as they can just to get their name out. The release of their debut album has helped spread their name some, but this acoustic blues band is looking for something

more.If you think you might be interested in Moses

Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir’s unique sound, Sunday, September 27 marks the bands next scheduled performance at the Snug Harbor in North Charlotte. In speaking with Moses Cherry following the Friday show, he wanted to encourage as many people to come out as possible.

“I’m just really glad you guys are interested enough in our music [to want a C.D.”] Moses said following the Friday show. “Our tour is taking us pretty much everywhere”, he concluded. For more information on Moses Cherry & The Topless Gospel Choir visit their website at www.mosescherry.com or better yet, check out an upcoming show. Who knows, they might just inspire you to pick the blues.

Moses Cherry plays the blues their wayCherryville-based style of blues is something to behold after seeing them perform live

“Just by watching the pilot, I can tell that McHale brings the sarcastic comedy that every episode of ‘The Soup’ is riddled with”

Page 8: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

PAGE 8 ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

ninersports SPORTS SCHEDULEWomen’s Soccer vs. Duquesne Fri.Sept.25,7pm.Charlotte,NCVolleyball @ Temple Fri.Sept.25,7pm.Philadelphia,Pa.Men’s Soccer @ UNC Greensboro Sat.Sept26,7pm,Greensboro,NCWomen’s Soccer @ Fordham Sun.Sept.27,Bronx,NYninersports

Knight ready to give her all for volleyball

jESSiCA AREnASStaff Writer

During her last year of volleyball at Charlotte, senior tri-captain Kaitlin Knight is ready to give her all out on the court.

“I’m so excited but it feels weird to finally be a senior,” Knight said. “I’m where I want to be during my fourth year.” While improving her stature and skills, Knight also remembers to push her team as well. As a captain, she knows how to put her team at the top of her list. “My comrade Jen and I are always there for support, especially for the new girls. We always have a set time for talking or additional help before and after practices, always making sure everyone is on top of stuff,” Knight said. The women’s volleyball team works to improve. Each player works with their teammates to become one unit. Since summer and preseason boot camp, high intensity and energy are the must haves on the court.

Every year new girls come onto the team adding change. Change is often times perceived as bad, but for the volleyball team change is good.

“When new girls come on the team they add so much depth. Every one of them contributes their talent. Though the teams constantly change, getting used to the dynamic is fun because you are challenged, you work hard and play versus new people,” Knight said. “The team is falling into place. Every age is where they should be, you can tell that everyone is clicking, especially on the court.”

T h r o u g h wins and losses, passion is what drives an athlete to do their very best. Knight has

always done just that, having a goal to try to play everyday and play with no regrets. Volleyball is what she does, and it is what makes her play.

Recruited by many other colleges to play volleyball, Knight knew that being a 49er was the right fit. ‘Working hard’ is a mantra that has pulled her through the sport. Even though working hard sounds tough, Knight admits that fun is big factor when you work hard.

Knight admits that she will miss the team and the sport when she graduates. Post graduation she hopes to continue to play volleyball non-competitively or coach a recreational team. But before then, she plans on taking some time off traveling before graduate school.

“I will absolutely miss it. When you play a sport for so long, you begin to identify yourself with the sport you love.”

When Knight makes her last serve on the court, she hopes to make everything the best it can be with the team. To win, make it to conference and hopes to have the honor to be one of the top teams in the conference.

“We are an incredible team,” Knight said. “We are fun to watch and we put a lot of work into what we do. We’d love for anyone to come out and support us.”

Charlotte downs Davidson, wins five straight matches

Alex Georgi/photo

ERin REEVEStaff Writer

Davidson entered Halton Arena Tuesday night for a cross-town volleyball match up with the Charlotte 49ers.

The Wildcats headed into the match looking to break their four-game winning streak, while the Niners were on a four-game winning streak.

The Niners were able to defeat Davidson in three-sets (25-23, 25-20, 25-23)

In the opening set, Charlotte trailed behind the Wildcats, but a couple of kills and an ace from junior Kara Raker, the Niners were able to tie the set at 21.

The rest of the opening set continued to be tied until sophomore setter Sheri Davis made a kill and a Davidson error, gave Charlotte the set win.

Senior libero Kaitlin Knight recorded six digs en route to her 12 match digs.

The second set saw 13 ties, but once again the Niners were able to prevail.

Davidson maintained the lead in the third set, but a pair of kills from freshman Jenna Litoborski and senior co-captain Jenn Webb, Charlotte was able to walk away with the match.

Davis recorded seven kills and 29 assists. Litoborski and freshman Bianca Rouse each

recorded nine kills.The Niners will be in the City of Brotherly

Love this weekend as they open the Atlantic 10 conference with Temple on Friday and La Salle on Sunday.

Charlotte will be back on the hardwood in Halton Arena on October 2 with the Dig Pink match against Fordham.

Alex Georgi/photoSophomore setter Sheri Davis and senior co-captain Jenn Webb block a shot from Da-vidson Tuesday.

Page 9: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ PAGE 9

Page 10: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

PAGE 10 ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

intersection

KARLy HAHnStaff Writer

A junior mechanical engineering student heads up the steps to Duke Centennial Hall and walks aimlessly as he talks on the phone. He meanders toward the Motorsports Engineering Research Lab and his attention is suddenly drawn to a 2-feet by 4-feet chunk of steel. The plaque in front of the piece informs him this is a fragment from the World Trade Center in New York City.

“I was outside walking in a random path and stumbled upon it,” said the student, Shane Wighton.

The Sept. 11 memorial has been in place for just over 3 years. A ceremony and unveiling of the fragment took place on Sept. 11, 2006, the 5-year anniversary of the attacks.

The 6,200-pound piece of the World Trade Center came to reside on UNC Charlotte’s campus through Dr. Dave Weggel, associate professor of

civil engineering, who was working in Manhattan at the time of the attacks in 2001. He saw the second plane hit, as well as both towers collapse.

Weggel went to Ground Zero along with other structural engineers and studied the aftermath. On behalf of Mayer Bloomberg and the City of New York, the engineers received certificates of appreciation from Kenneth Holden in response to the giving of their time and efforts.

David Griffin, Jr., president of D. H. Griffin Wrecking Co., flew from headquarters in Greensboro, NC to New York City and essentially became the director of clean up operations at Ground Zero, according to Weggel, who had done some collaborative research with the company. Later while visiting the headquarters in Greensboro, Weggel was offered a piece of the tower. At the headquarters they had a large section of a supporting column of the World Trade Center,

and they cut off the 2-feet by 4-feet slab now on the UNC Charlotte campus.

The memorial is particularly meaningful to Weggel due to his specific area of research, which is in the ability of structures to withstand blast and impact. He was working on designs of that nature in Manhattan, N.Y. during the time of the attacks.

Weggel came to Charlotte to continue research in the effects of shock and impact on structures, which led to visiting D. H. Griffin headquarters and receiving the piece of the World Trade Center.

Professor and associate dean of the college of engineering, Dr. Ronald Smelser, said there was a lot of great cooperation and help in the development of the memorial. According to Smelser, Peter France was the architect of the memorial,and did a great job of “keeping it a very simple tribute” to those that lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks.

“I think a lot of people don’t even know a 9/11 memorial exists on UNC Charlotte’s campus,” Weggel said, and it would be nice to have a ceremony or a moment of silence at the memorial every year on Sept. 11.

Aside from a yearly remembrance, it is difficult to know how to spread the word about the memorial. “It’s commemorating something that’s really private to everyone,” says Smelser, “the best way for a ceremony to take place is for a student organization to take on the task and put it together each year.”

The memorial is located between Duke Centennial Hall and the Motorsports Engineering Research Lab for several reasons. Duke was a fairly new building at the time of the unveiling, and the fragment relates to engineering and the development of continuously stronger structures. Weggel said he was glad they found a place for it on campus and if more people knew about it they would make the walk to go see it. “It would be nice if people that work on or visit campus knew it was here,” Weggel said.

Wighton said he is thankful he came across the memorial and appreciates it. “It’s interesting to see a piece of the building,” Wighton said, “It makes it more real.”

“I think a lot of people don’t even know a 9/11 memorial ex-ists on UNC Charlotte’s campus.”

Piece of history on UNC Charlotte campus

MoniCA WATRouSMCCLATCHy nEWSPAPERS

(MCT)

KANSAS CITY - It’s hard to hook up. And now that summer is over, the task seems even more daunting.

Whether you’re looking for a job, a date or a friend, we gathered tips from the pros on how to cast your net and work it.

The bottom line? “You can’t stay in the same circles,” said Natalie Vick, president of Cynergy Match, a Kansas City area-based matchmaking service. “You really do have to put yourself out there.”

Join something. Anything.Type in your ZIP code at meetup.com, and

dozens of niche gatherings pop up that suit anyone from tall people to pug owners.

“It’s all about finding some common ground and building from there,” said Lee, 35.

Get uncomfortable. “I had a good friend who went to an event by

herself and ended up meeting a lot of great people and had a really nice time,” Vick, 27, said. “Find a new place, something out of your comfort zone.”

Stretch. “Be open to new experiences,” said Carlos Lee,

president of the Kansas City Sport & Social Club. “I know it’s easy for my group of friends to fall into a rut of going to the same places all the time. The sheer fact that you’re going somewhere different means you’re going to meet a different set of people while you’re out.”

Do good. “Get involved in your community,” Vick said.

“Volunteer or join a charity.”Build yourself up. “Maybe spend an hour with a self-esteem coach

or a stylist,” Vick suggested. Body language, she added, is key. Standing up straight and appearing confident were at the top on her list. “Smile a tiny bit, and you’ll look so much more approachable.”

Keep an open mind. “Never discount and discredit anyone,” said

Carrie Bartlow, 28, who works with a local young-professionals group. “Most people in this town are willing to help you out in some way.” Plus, everyone has a hot friend.

If all else fails, drink (Shirley Temples are

acceptable, too). Attend happy hours hosted by young-

professionals groups, wine tastings and pub crawls.

Be proactive, said Alex Cross, 24, who joined a kickball league to meet people after moving to the area. “Don’t expect to meet people if you sit at home on a Friday night and do nothing.”

Amanda Sweeten, 32, met her boyfriend in the unlikeliest of places -- on the kickball field.

A few years ago, she joined a league through the Kansas City Sport & Social Club with some friends.

“It’s a great time,” she said. “Everybody brings coolers of beer and sit around and socialize.”

Greg Shell, 32, played for Sweeten’s rival team. One night during a rainout, Sweeten and Shell grabbed drinks.

“We’ve pretty much been together ever since,” she said.

The 4,000-member-strong organization, which was founded in 2004, offers kickball, softball, men’s basketball, flag football and volleyball leagues, and parties and pub crawls for young professionals ages 21 to 40.

“I think it brings people together because they automatically know they have something in common,” said Carlos Lee, president of the club. “It makes it easier to open up because there’s already a comfort zone there.”

Membership is free. Members pay per activity. People can register as teams, small groups or individuals _ ideal for those who are new to the area, Lee said.

Leagues typically include six weeks of regular-season play and two weeks of playoffs, plenty of time to make connections.

If sports aren’t your thing, be a joiner in other ways. The bonus of joining a young-professionals group? Not only are you supporting a good cause, but also you get the chance to meet like-minded individuals who are generous with their time and money. Ca-ching!

If you’re not the commitment type, these groups usually host happy hours so prospective members can try before they buy.

Plus, new ones sprout up all the time.

How to meet people: It’s not as easy as it sounds

jACKiE BuRRELLContra Costa Times (MCT)

Between their crazy schedules and upside-down circadian rhythms, teens always have been somewhat sleep-deprived. Now technology is making it worse.

Teens are not just texting, instant-messaging and surfing Facebook all day; they’re sleeping with their cell phones or laptops, too. Or rather, not sleeping. And doctors and parents, many of them raised in an era when phones were attached to walls, are concerned.

“So many teens are having sleep issues, and parents aren’t necessarily regulating the use of the electronic devices enough,” says Margie Ryerson, a Walnut Creek, Calif., therapist who specializes in adolescent issues. “It’s impossible to wind down and relax the body, the mind, the senses and be ready to fall asleep.”

The texting doesn’t stop, she says, even after Mom and Dad are snoring softly in their beds. One of Ryerson’s clients discovered her 17-year-old daughter was sending more than 3,000 text messages per month, many in the wee hours.

Of course, for every obsessive texter, there’s a teen, “tween” or college student who simply turns off the phone at bedtime. But even the averages are extraordinary. A 2009 Nielsen study on teens and media found a 566 percent jump in teen texting rates during the past two years. The average teen sent 435 texts a month in early 2007. Now it’s 2,899 per month _ 97 a day.

Teens are texting on the bus, in class, at dinner and in bed. It’s the bed part that’s worrying experts.

A Belgian study published last month found that late-night texting is affecting the sleep cycles of 44 percent of that country’s 16-year-olds. Some 21 percent are waking up one to three times a month to answer a text message, according to the Leuven Study on Media and Adolescent Health; it’s a weekly occurrence for 11 percent of the teens, and a nightly or every-other-night wake-up call for 12 percent.

“We all know teens don’t get enough sleep in general,” says San Francisco youth culture expert Anastasia Goodstein. “As long as parents allow teens to have these devices in their bedrooms at night, teens will be tempted to use them. “... Teens would socialize 24/7 if they could _ especially if it’s with a girlfriend or boyfriend.”

Ryerson calls it the CNN syndrome of teenhood _ round-the-clock reports on breaking news about everything from homework to wardrobe choices to Starbucks cravings.

Norman Constantine worries that the stakes are higher than most parents realize. The director of the Oakland, Calif.-based Public Health Institute’s Center for Research on Adolescent Health and Development says sleep deprivation is linked to memory and concentration problems, anxiety and depression, moodiness and hyperactivity.

“Many people assume these problems arise directly from adolescence, which is not really true,” he says. “The real issue is sleep deprivation. Late-night texting can certainly make the situation worse. But one has to ask: Are the teens texting because they can’t sleep, or are they staying awake because they are texting? We really don’t know.”

Teens tend to see sleep-deprivation as a “victimless crime,” says San Jose psychologist David Marcus. So what parents can do is help them understand cause and effect. Have them go one week doing what they’re doing; then have them try getting some phone-free, undisturbed sleep for a week, and evaluate the differences. Ask, “How’s your energy for sports, quizzes and classwork? Your ability to handle conflicts with your friends? How do you really want to treat yourself?”

S T A Y I N G CONNECTED

The surge in all-hours texting has been helped by unlimited text-messaging plans, Nielsen researchers say. But it also stems from the fact that a phone is no longer just a communication device; it’s a carrier of games, facilitator of research, organizer of schedules and all-around boredom quencher. It’s also an alarm clock, hence its location on bedside tables everywhere, including that of Andrew Jones’ at home in Alamo, Calif., and at his college quarters at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I keep my phone by my head when I sleep,” Jones says, “in case a friend of mine is in trouble and needs me _ whether it’s emotionally (that) they need my help or they are in danger. If we didn’t have our phones with us 24/7 while on campus, we would miss out on events, activities and even coursework. There are advantages to being constantly connected, but like nearly everything, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.”

What a teen or college student considers an emergency may differ from the standard parental definitions.

Orinda, Calif., mom Robin Fahr has seen the full range of teen texting in her own home. Fahr’s daughter, Chelsea, 21, sleeps with her cell phone next to her bed. The University of California at Davis senior tells her mother it’s in case a friend has an emergency. “Which could be anything from a middle-of-the-night breakup to needing a ride home from a party,” Fahr says, “not exactly the kinds of emergencies we grown-ups are used to ...”

Son Tyler, 18, goes along with late-night texting for a while, then types “goodnight” and turns off the phone. “While he loves his friends, he loves himself enough to get the sleep he needs,” Fahr says. But little brother Jordan, 12, admits he has pulled texting all-nighters. “It’s usually only when there’s a sleepover going on somewhere, and others are at home, texting,” Fahr says.

The psychology behind this constant contact is certainly understandable, Ryerson says. “It comes from wanting to avoid being left out. They won’t be considered important and significant in their peer group, if they don’t know what’s going on. If they’re on top of everything, they belong,” she says.

It’s not limited to the teen crowd either. Jones says there’s substantial pressure at the college level, too.

“Since everyone else is always connected,” he says, “they expect their peers to constantly be at the same level of connectedness. And when they’re not, people rarely go out of their way to keep those less connected informed of what is happening.”

SETTING LIMITSWhat helps, at least for younger kids, says

Danville psychologist Sara Denman, is parental involvement. “If all of their friends are all able to text into the wee hours of the night, it is hard for a middle or high schooler to set the limit themselves,” Denman says. “Often they appreciate parents stepping in. “... I encourage parents to set a technology curfew.”

Some parents find that cell phones carry their own curfew enforcers _ their batteries have to be recharged. “Many parents have their kids charge the phone and computer in the hall outside of their room, which confirms the curfew is being followed,” says Denman.

Some of Ryerson’s clients have taken it even farther: “I’ve actually had parents sleep with (the phones) under their pillow. As parents, we want our kids to be happy, healthy and responsible,” she says, “and the most essential prerequisite for achieving balance is to first take care of ourselves physically _ eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.”

Teens, texting and the sleep connection

Page 11: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

THE UNIVERSITY TIMES ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ PAGE 11

classified To Place a Classified Ad: $8 for first 20 words; 25¢ for each additional word; 20¢/word for bold or CAPS. Log on to www.nineronline.com and click on “classifieds” to place and pay for your classified ad. For additional information, call 704-687-3681.ads

HELP WANTED

The University Times cautions our readers about sending money in response to advertising. When re-sponding to ads in any publications to purchase information, items or services, you may wish to request written advance documentation of what the advertiser is selling. Though we take precautions to protect our readers from false or misleading advertising, The Uni-versity Times is not responsible for the validity of advertisers’ claims.

SURvEy TAkERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. Get-PaidToThink.com.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

downtime “I do have a test today, that wasn’t bullshit. It’s on European social-ism. I mean, really, what’s the point? I’m not European. I don’t plan on being European. So who gives a crap if they’re socialists? They could be fascist anarchists, it still doesn’t change the fact that I don’t own a car.”

-Ferris, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

classified To Place a Classified Ad: $8 for first 20 words; 25¢ for each additional word; 20¢/word for bold or CAPS. Log on to www.nineronline.com and click on “classifieds” to place and pay for your classified ad. For additional information, call 704-687-3681.ads

HELP WANTED

Co

med

ic C

orn

er

(09/24/09) Home and family come first this year, more noticeably than usual. Whip your place into shape so you can spend more time languishing in luxury.

March 21-April 19

Hide out until the dust settles. There’s a big mess at work, but someone figures out the problem.

April 20-May 20

Not a good day to gamble. Don’t even shop. Odds are too great you’ll get the wrong color or size or something.

May 21-June 21

you’re in the midst of the confusion. It’s easy to see why you’d want to get out, but it won’t happen for a few days.

June 22-July 22

There will be mistakes. you’re in the learning phase. If you knew how to do this, you wouldn’t be learning, would you?

July 23-Aug. 22

The better educated you are, the more interesting people you attract. This is a true win-win situation.

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Don’t take on the majority of the work; spread it around. It’s true, you can do most jobs better than anyone else, but don’t. It’s important for them to learn.

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Spiritual matters may take a giant step forward now.

Oct. 23--Nov. 21

This is a good day for you, so make the most of it. your one-track mind takes you in many directions. Enjoy!

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Today is your day! Make the most of every opportunity. Eat imported chocolate, if possible.

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Stick to the game plan, even if others are on vacation e m o t i o n a l l y . Compassion is your best tool.

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Use the ideas that have been rolling around in the back of your mind. Pull them out of a hat like a magician.

Feb. 19-March 20

When you’re on, you’re on. Take advantage of today’s opportunities. They will serve you into the future.

SUDOKUPlace the numbers 1 - 9 in a 9x9 grid. The same number can only be used once in the same row, column and box.

Solutions will be located on NinerOnline.com under the Features tab

Page 12: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

PAGE 12 ❚ September 24, 2009 ❚ THE UNIVERSITY TIMES

Three 49ers earn weekly honorsFreshman Jenna Litoborski earned A-10 Rookie of the Week for the second time

Alex Georgi/photo

ninersportsjoSH CARPEnTER

Sports Editor

Normally, 20 returning starters to an NFL team that went 12-4 the previous year is a good thing. Well, with the 2009 version of the Carolina Panthers, that’s not the case. The 2008 NFC South Champions couldn’t be in more disarray after a dismal 0-2 start that includes eight turnovers and 66 points against. This doesn’t bode well for a postseason run.

Perhaps it says something about the state of the Panthers that after the 28-20 loss to the Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, the team said they gained confidence. Sure, the eight point road loss to the Falcons didn’t come close in comparison to the 28-point dusting at the hands of the Eagles in the opener, but should an NFL team really gain confidence after dropping to 0-2?

Personally, I don’t see how the offense couldn’t gain confidence after the week-one abomination. Against Atlanta, QB Jake Delhomme only turned the ball over once and threw for 308 yards, Steve Smith had a big game with 131 yards receiving, and the running back tandem of Williams and Stewart were back to their old ways, rushing for 144 yards.

The defense was a completely different story, they definitely lost some mental fortitude. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Tony Gonzalez made the Panther’s once prominent defense look old and decrepit. Ryan had all day in the pocket and picked the secondary apart with underneath routes and high-percentage passes, completing 78 percent of his passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Michael Turner had his way with the depleted Carolina interior and ran for 151 yards, and Tony Gonzalez had seven catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.

New defensive coordinator Ron Meeks’ Cover 2 scheme is based on having great edge pass rushers and forcing the QB to make inaccurate throws. The Panthers had far from an effective pass rush on Sunday, Matt Ryan was able to make the Panthers secondary look like a high school one. To get a grasp of how bad the Panthers’ defense was and the lack of a pass rush, the Falcons first punt didn’t come until 5:46 remained in the fourth quarter and the Panthers have only two QB sacks through two games. For some reason, Meeks didn’t feel the need to throw any blitz packages the Falcons’ way, even after watching Ryan throw three first-half touchdown passes; maybe Meeks has never heard the concept of making in-game adjustments.

Dating back to last season and including the preseason, the Panthers have lost eight of their last nine games, but I still think this team has a chance to be something special. To go along with the other prognosticators though, I have to throw in the statistic that since 1990, of the 160 teams to start 0-2, only 22 have recovered to make the playoffs and just 10 have come back to win a division title. Does this mean anything? I don’t think so.

Is Carolina stumbling towards a 5-11 record?

Playoffs?

KRiSTEn LiTCHFiELdEditor-in-Chief

On Monday, three Charlotte athletes picked up Atlantic 10 honors for their performances over the weekend.

Freshman Jenna Litoborski, picked up the A-10 Rookie of the Week honors for the second time in four weeks.

The Illinois native earned All-Tournament honors at the Comfort Suites and Coastal Carolina Tournaments. In four matches, the freshman led the

Charlotte squad as she recorded 53 kills. She also managed to take the lead in kills overall this season as she has 132, which averages 2.64 kills per set.

Litoborski also has 104 digs, which is good enough for third on the team.

Charlotte heads to the City of Brotherly Love this weekend to begin conference play with Temple and La Salle.

Junior midfielder Kirby Stenard of the 49ers women’s soccer team earned A-10 Player of the Week honors following

her game-winning goals against East Tennessee State and NC State this past weekend.

Stenard joins junior forward Whitney Weinraub, who was the conference player of the week on Sept. 8.

The women’s soccer team will also begin conference action this weekend as they host Duquesne Friday at 7 p.m. Currently the 49ers have a 16-game winning streak against conference foes.

After scoring his first two career goals Sunday against Winthrop, freshman forward

Jennings Rex was named A-10 Rookie of the Week.

The Niners picked up their second Charlotte Nike Invitational title after Rex’s two goals led Charlotte past Winthrop 4-2.

Rex is the first Niner to pick up conference Rookie of the Week honors since last season when sophomore midfielder Isaac Caughran.

The men’s soccer team will be on the road this weekend as they take on UNC Greensboro Saturday evening.

Stenard scored game-winning goals in each of the Niners’ two wins this past week. She is also second on the team with two game-winning goals.

Charlotte to host first and second rounds in 2011 NCAA Tournament

For the rest of this story, please visit nineronline.com

joSH CARPEnTERSports Editor

The Charlotte 49ers will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2011. The tournament will take place at Time Warner Cable Arena and the dates for the first and second rounds are currently set for March 18 and 20, 2011.

The 49ers hosted the 2008 Division I East Regional and also hosted the 1994 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four.

“We are thrilled to again be selected as host for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament,” said 49ers Director of Athletics Judy Rose. “We enjoy teaming up with the city and with the folks at Time Warner Cable Arena to put on a first-class event. The success we enjoyed as a city in hosting the 2008 East Regional played a large role in getting the

NCAA to return here so quickly. We continually strive to help bring quality events to the city and are excited that in 2011 eyes will once again be focused on Charlotte.”

With 80 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament games hosted, Charlotte ranks third in tournament history, only trailing Kansas City (116) and Salt Lake City (83).

Since 1958, Charlotte has served as the host city 20 times. Additionally, Charlotte hosted the 1996 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four and is also one of just 12 cities that have hosted both the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four and the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four.

Tickets for the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four will be released at a later date.