INSIDE: 2022 LIVING GUIDE - Feb.15, 2022 Vol. 34, Issue 18 - Townnews
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
INSIDE: 2022 LIVING GUIDE
Vol . 34, Issue 18
Feb.15, 2022
NINERTIMES.COM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
April Carte
editor@ninertimes.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EDITORIAL
Vasiliki Gkoulgkountina MANAGING
EDITOR
NEWS
Tyler Trudeau COMMUNITY EDITOR
Madison Dobrzenski NEWS EDITOR
PAGE 3 “Communication Counts” 5K race
Hiral Patel OPINION EDITOR
Emily Kottak A&C EDITOR
Bradley Cole SPORTS EDITOR
PAGE 4 Student Sustainability Summit
Isabella Perryman COPY EDITOR
Niyathi Sulkunte PHOTO EDITOR PAGE 5 Geology class postponed after alarming Zoom
María Solano VIDEO EDITOR incident
Zoya Zalevskiy LAYOUT EDITOR
SPORTS
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Jessica Ceballos NEWS
Isaac Naylor OPINION PAGE 6 Softball springs forward
Jake Pierce A&C
MIDAS Bryson Foster SPORTS
PAGE 7 Not satisfied
MAGAZINE AJ Siegel COPY
Elizabeth McGuire VIDEO
@midas.mag
MIDAS MAGAZINE
est. 2020
Matt Lower PHOTO
Sunnya Hadavi LAYOUT
ARTS & CULTURE
CONTRIBUTING STAFF
NINER TIMES Taylor Case, Bradley Stinchcombe,
PAGE 8 TV Review: “The Book of Boba Fett”
Juwan Watson, Sam Perry, Kelsey
@niner_times Burgess, Bethany Ivan, Niti Panchal
PAGE 10 Follow your passion
COVER PHOTOS
Charlotte Athletics
Matt Lower
PAGE 11 Dear Niner Times: How to navigate UREC
UPTOWN COVER DESIGN
AUDIO Zoya Zalevskiy
OPINION
@uptownaudio MARKETING DIRECTOR
Megan Reid
mktdirector@uncc.edu PAGE 12 The right influence
ASST. CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Megan Rice
SANSKRIT
LIT ARTS
NEWSROOM 704.687.7150
MAGAZINE NINERTIMES.COM/STAFF
@sanskrituncc TWITTER @NINER_TIMES
READ + WATCH MORE ONLINE AT
LOCATED ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION
Niner Times • Uptown Audio
Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine
NINER MEDIA Media Marketing • Technical • Midas
NinerTimes.com
Magazine
@UNCCMEDIA THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE
Kelly Merges NINER MEDIA ADVISER
Laurie Cuddy BUSINESS MANAGER
Joshua Wood ASST. MEDIA ADVISER
2 FEB. 15, 2022 NINERTIMES Patricia Cox ASST. MEDIA ADVISER
Photo by Niyathi Sulkunte
NT NEWS
“COMMUNICATION COUNTS” 5K RACE
The Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center hosts a 5K race with four accommodating events to raise funds
by Taylor Case Photos of Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center and CSHC Logo
Staff Writer by Matt Lower
The third annual Communication participants. participating in the 5K event. Each team participate in Charlotte’s Give For Good
Counts 5K race will be Saturday, Feb. 26, The breakdown of each event is as consists of several individual members, campaign each November, and host
2022, and is conducted by the Charlotte follows: The standard Communication all working towards the same goal a fundraiser each May during Better
Speech and Hearing Center. According to Counts 5K will take place from 8:30 of raising money to provide speech- Hearing and Speech Month,” Gantt said.
the Communication Counts 5K website, a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and costs $40 per language and hearing services. The Gantt also discusses their attendance at
this event is held to raise funds to provide participant. This timed race is open Communication Counts 5K website community events, such as the Spring
access to “superior speech-language to all willing participants. However, also offers anyone partaking in these Fest at Rea Farms, where relevant
and hearing services that empower and starting Feb. 25, the registration price will events the option to create a new team information will be handed out to guests.
transform lives to anyone in need in our increase by $5, for a total amount of $45 before the date of scheduled events. The If anyone in the community wants to
community.” from the participants. necessary information for each team will get involved but is unable to take part
The Charlotte Speech and Hearing The Kids Dash will be taking place be posted on the site. Upon completing in the 5K, the Communication Counts
Center serves as North Carolina’s only from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and is $15 the 5K events, the race results for each website allows the option of allocating
free-standing, nonprofit speech and per participant. The distance of this team will be posted on the website as donations to be made to the cause.
hearing center. Their website serves untimed race will vary based on the well. Alongside the option to donate towards
to inform readers of the reality of ages of involved individuals and can be Gantt explains the goal of the general cause, specific individuals can
hearing and speech-language disorders anywhere between 100 yards to a quarter Communication Counts to “raise “become a fundraiser,” enabling other
throughout individuals within America. of a mile. After Feb. 25, the price will awareness of speech-language and people to donate directly to any given
The website states, “We strive to make a increase by $5, and the total participation hearing disorders, which affect more affected individual.
lasting impact on those in need in our price will be $20. than 40 million Americans.” This goal is Gantt extends the opportunity to
community, to improve their quality The Senior Stroll, which will take place achieved by utilizing this particular event learn more about the topic of Hearing
of life and help make them successful, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., is an untimed alongside other community outreach and Speech by providing access to the
productive members of society.” Their race covering a quarter of a mile. This events hosted by the Charlotte Speech Resources for Families page, CSHC’s
goal is to utilize the Communication race starts at $15, and the price will and Hearing Center. “We also hold an blog, Facebook page and YouTube
Counts 5K to promote general awareness increase by $5 after Feb. 25 for a total cost Anniversary Luncheon each October, channel.
and funds, supporting the individuals of participation at $20.
affected by related disorders. The fourth and final option for race
Kirsten Gantt, marketing manager participation is the Virtual 5K. This
for Charlotte’s Hearing and Speech asynchronous event will begin at 8 a.m.
Communication Counts 5K, describes and allows individuals to be involved
how there are several various activities from any location other than the race
that encourage all people to get involved location. It will cost $25 to participate,
in this event. Four separate sign- and this rate will not be increasing.
ups offer the option to participate in Registration for all events is set to
different accommodating events. These conclude on Feb. 26, the date of said
activities include the traditional 5K race events. The Communication Counts 5K
alongside the Kids Dash, Senior Stroll website offers further details such as the
and attending a Virtual 5K. Volunteers location and other information regarding
are also utilized each year; this year’s the 5K race events for the day.
race is in cooperation with Delta Zeta
There are currently 22 teams
members and UNC Charlotte volunteer
NINERTIMES.COM FEB. 15, 2022 3
STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT
Zoom event by SGA and the Sustainability Office to inform the community on
sustainability issues
by Bradley Stinchcombe Photo of on-campus greenhouse plants
Intern by Jade Suszek
The Student Sustainability Summit they pleased. Speakers and experts on usual circles students remain in.
will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26, respective fields, including community “There’s a lot of value in seeing how the
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Zoom. members, spoke to attendees about the university is actually run,” said Lizotte.
The event is hosted by SGA and the expertise, but group discussion and “A lot of times, a student’s perspective
Sustainability Office with the goal of collaboration of ideas were encouraged. on the university is that it’s them and the
building relationships between the An open-table seminar discussion to professors because that’s the immediate
student body and the community address issues of sustainability was also interaction. And a lot of times they don’t
in order to better address issues of mentioned as a popular and memorable mention the student government, or
sustainability around campus. aspect at previous gatherings. they don’t mention the administration,
The Summit is a bi-annual event The official agenda for the spring 2022 or facilities management, or our outside
that has taken place every semester Summit is yet to be announced, with dining vendors, or our sustainability
since fall 2020. The event will be plans for speakers and topics still to be office.” Lizotte was a former professor
held over Zoom to accommodate finalized and will be released before the who moved into administration.
University COVID-19 guidelines. event. “We try to find people who build While interaction with community
“It was cool to have in person, but things, people who think big thoughts,” and university leaders is an important
it’ll still be cool to have it online,” said Lizotte. “The nice thing about this aspect of the Summit, building
says Chandler Horton, an intern at event is that it always comes together; relationships and meeting people
the Sustainability Office who became we manage to get the right people.” within the university environment was
involved in the planning of the Summit. Student Government Association a benefit stressed by all organizers.
“Just having regular discussions around secretary for business affairs, Ross “It’s hard to find the other people
sustainability and getting student Landgraf, was involved in planning the who are interested in sustainability,
input, and hearing from professors and Summit and emphasized the results so the summit is a really good way
local organizations is cool to see.” he feels the Summit can offer. “Each for everyone to come together, share
University sustainability officer Mike time, we continue to get more and those ideas and use those other
Lizotte highlighted UNC Charlotte’s more student input. Last semester’s had outlets and clubs,” said Horton.
status as a leader in student sustainability really good engagement and everybody Since the spring Sustainability Summit
outreach. “I think it’s a really important was able to express any kind of ideas will be held over Zoom, those interested
campus event, and I’ve even [recently they had relating to sustainability.” in attending must reserve a place to
asked] other universities ... if anybody Landgraf and SGA have undertaken access the pertinent links and navigation
else is doing this, and this is actually promotion for the event, and he stated information. There is no limit on the
pretty innovative. There are campuses, that advertising and promotion should number of attendees, a key factor that
some of them doing very, very well begin soon, “within the next week drove the organizer’s decision when faced
with sustainability, but their students or two.” The event was initiated and with the University’s current thirty-
and their student government haven’t crafted by SGA, with Landgraf, Lizotte person gathering limit to minimize the
taken that step of having a good place and Horton all individually crediting spread of COVID-19. Participation
for students to bring their interests.” former secretary for business affairs, is a four-hour time commitment,
The fall 2021 edition of the Summit Taheerah Smith, with creating the idea beginning at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
featured discussions on waste in athletic and working to bring it to fruition. Those interested in attending the
activities, composting on campus and A key element of the Summit is the Summit can reserve a spot online.
green building. The event was divided ability to connect the student body Those interested in learning
into six sessions, each focusing on a with the community at large while more about sustainability or the
different area of sustainability, with promoting sustainability beyond Sustainability Office can visit https://
students free to attend as many as the boundaries of campus or the facilities.charlotte.edu/sustainability.
4 FEB. 15, 2022 NINERTIMES
GEOLOGY CLASS POSTPONED AFTER
ALARMING ZOOM INCIDENT
In-person instruction was delayed for a Geology 1200 class to investigate a potential firearm exposure
by Madison Dobrzenski and Beth McGuire Photo of McEniry building
News Editor and Asst. Video Editor by Jamese Levison
Content warning: The article ‘I’m not sure if you saw this, it really with the student and had deemed her Thursday, the student had disenrolled
below briefly mentions gun threats. alarmed me,’ or ‘I’m concerned about not a risk to the campus community. Dr. from all their classes, but I didn’t know
A student in a Zoom Geology 1200 meeting next week in person.’” Armour James Lorello. He said he would call me whether she had been disenrolled
course displayed a gun on Tuesday, explained that after he learned about the next week when he knew more, and I or that was a choice she had made.
Jan. 18, 2022, resulting in the delay the incident, the confusing message he was seeking guidance, and he asked me, So I was a little mystified and no
of in-person classes for the course. saw during class may have been meant ‘What have you been doing?’ ‘What did less concerned. Because in previous
The class has resumed in-person for the person who flashed the gun. you decide to do already?’ and I told him, instances where we had gun violence
instruction after campus police and Armour said that several students and he said, ‘That seems like a good idea.” on campus, it was a disenrolled state.”
the associate dean of students and submitted anonymous incident Armour explained his frustrations Once Armour received more
director of student accountability reports, and eventually, he decided to with the communication and guidance information from campus police,
Dr. James Lorello, found there was submit an incident report as well. he received. “So I was unimpressed they explained that they met with
no threat to the class or campus. “Finally, I submitted an incident with the guidance that I got, so that Christianson according to an Instagram
Photos and videos from those present report. I felt like I needed to do that and was a bit frustrating.” However, video, and deemed her to not be a threat.
in the class identify the student as then decide how I was going to meet Armour also explained that his “The officer reminded her that showing a
Jill Christianson. In a video posted for class that week. We were scheduled incident report may have gotten gun in Zoom is like coming to class with
by Instagram user @49erschicks, to meet via Zoom again. I didn’t want lost in the shuffle of his students’. a gun. It’s not much different, and it’s a no
Christianson can be seen briefly to give her the opportunity to do that “I’d already decided not to meet in tolerance firearm policy on the campus.”
checking the firearm during the Zoom again.” Armour chose to record his person because I didn’t have enough “She insisted that she didn’t intend
meeting. She keeps the barrel pointed lecture for his Thursday class to prevent information to justify me getting for the gun to be in the view, but
away from the screen as she examines the possibility of another incident. in front of a class in a big exposed that she was just moving it from one
it and then places it off-camera. “As I ruminated on it, my concern lecture hall, let alone my students place to another, in a room while
In an email from the UNC Charlotte became more and more ‘What is their being in that position,” said Armour. she was on Zoom,” said Armour.
Police Department, they state that “The motivation?’ Because the video was very “So I had personally done some Campus police said she continues
UNC Charlotte Police Department and unemotional and not angry, not political, investigation and found that after I to be on their radar but that they do
the Campus Behavioral Intervention not necessarily anything, and that made talked to the Dean of Students Office not feel she is a threat to campus.
Team (CBIT) both investigated a me even more worried,” said Armour.
reported incident that took place in “I alerted the Dean of Students Office
a geology class via Zoom. No illegal and copied my chair because I needed
activity occurred, and there was no some guidance about what to do moving
threat to the class or campus.” forward,” said Armour, “My chair got
Professor Jake Armour, the course back to me really quickly, and she was
professor, spoke with the Niner Times super concerned. She recommended
about the incident. “I taught that class that I wait to see what the Dean of
as normal on a Tuesday, and it was Students’ guidance was, but that in a
unremarkable except that during the similar experience, she didn’t get a lot of
class, I was checking the chat, and I had guidance from the Dean of Students.”
a message come through that made no Armour’s students received an email
sense,” said Armour. “It was something from him on Jan. 24, the first day of in-
like ‘Jill, that’s weird,’ or something out person instruction, updating his students
of context. I just thought that maybe about the incident, its investigation by
someone accidentally chatted with me campus authorities and his decision to
and meant for it to go to someone else.” remain on Zoom until further notice.
“When the class ended, not five “Eventually, I called the Dean of
minutes later, I got a couple of emails Students Office myself, and they called
from students saying things like me back and told me that the police met
NINERTIMES.COM FEB. 15, 2022 5NT SPORTS
T
NOSATISFIED
Charlotte baseball looks make deep postseason run
after successful 2021 season
by Sam Perry Charlotte’s Austin Knight at the plate.
Staff Writer Photo by Chris Crews
The 2021 Charlotte 49ers baseball Retooling a strong lineup Big holes to fill “Austin is a program changer,” said
season was a special time for the program, Last year, the 49ers had a solid lineup In 2021, starting catcher, Aaron McK- Woodard. “We don’t do anything we did
but the team isn’t satisfied with just making led by Conference-USA player of the year eithan played in all 61 games and started in last year without him. His character, his
a regional. Austin Knight. The team loves to swing for 59. Losing him in the MLB draft last year makeup, his leadership is just so fun to be
“This is a club with a bit of a chip on the fences hitting 66 home runs on the year. left a major role to be filled this upcoming around every day.”
its shoulder. A club that’s hungry and feels In this off-season, the team has focused season. David McCabe is another position play-
like we got a lot to prove,” said Head Coach heavily on increasing plate discipline to McKeithan was a recruited walk-on er looking to shine this upcoming season,
Robert Woodard. “Our goals exceed mak- improve the team’s strikeout-to-walk ratio. that blossomed into something special at missing part of last season due to injury,
ing it to a regional.” “There are a lot of teams in the country Charlotte. When he was drafted, Woodard looks to be back to full strength, providing
With the new season just days away, ex- that can hit, but once they go play defense, was happy for him because it is always a the prettiest swing on the team.
pectations haven’t been higher for the 49ers. it’s not quite as sound. At times there can be program booster when a player gets drafted You can expect the Canada native to hit
a lot of a drop-off. I’m really proud of the from the program. plenty of long balls.
Expectations position player group that we’ve brought “That’s awesome, congrats. Then you “I don’t know how Austin Knight makes
Charlotte has high expectations for this back and brought in with how hard they’ve hear his name called. You’re excited, then it through a 20-round draft. I don’t know
upcoming season, looking to make it back worked to be good defenders,” said Wood- it’s like, gotta go to work,” said Woodard. how David McCabe makes it through a
to a regional and beyond. There are only 16 ard. He added, “7-10 days full till. We’ve got to 20-round draft,” said Woodard. He added,
returning players this season, with 26 new get a catcher.” “We recruited as if they were gone.”
players joining the roster. Pitching staff finds a new identity The 49ers had a good freshman class of A pitcher to keep an eye on is Colby
“You can never rely on last year for any- Coach Woodard has had two recruiting catchers coming in, but without McKeithan, Bruce, who was on the preseason all-con-
thing,” said Woodard about the new season. classes to build his program with Charlotte. they were down a veteran-catching pres- ference team in 2020, being an excellent
A veteran on the 49ers’ roster, David Coming from a pitching background, he ence. late-inning bullpen arm before COVID cut
McCabe has high hopes for the team. focused heavily on vamping up the pitching Freshman Huck Wathan has had a the season short and an injury sidelined
“I think we have to be a really good staff. strong offseason prepping for his freshman him in 2021.
team. Have a lot of new incoming players “Our first recruiting class, we prioritized year, earning comparisons to Gold-Glove He is expected to make a full return this
that could step in and make a big impact stuff. If we could get stuff on the mound, award winner Jacob Stallings but being season so expect him to appear in some
and a lot of guys coming back from last year then we were gonna try to develop the pitch credited to be a better hitter than Stallings high leverage situations.
where we had great success,” said McCabe. ability from there,” said Woodard. “We feel was as a freshman.
“I think it will be a really fun year, and we did that to a degree. Certainly not as Charlotte made a splash in the transfer What’s next?
expectations are very high.” much as we want. We broke the [Charlotte] portal to bring in Kaden Hopson, a transfer The goals will be simply for the 49ers
Woodard believes if everyone just plays all-time strikeout record last season,” said from Arizona who has experience playing after making it to the NCAA tournament a
within themselves, the team can do some- Woodard. He added,” [This recruiting class in the College World Series—bringing in a year ago, going 40-21 overall and nabbing
thing special and end the season in a good we] really prioritized trying to recruit more veteran presence the team would severely a 24-8 conference record: make it to the big
place. of a polished pitch ability-type pitcher.” need. stage.
“If we can look back, whenever our Last season, the team had a strong Wathan and Hopson are expected to “The dream this year is to make it to
season ends, and say that every coach, staff pitching staff but lost many of its contribu- share the workload this season. Omaha,” said Knight.
member, player, family member, fan, sup- tors due to graduating, transferring and the
porter, if we can look back at the end of this MLB draft. As a result, the staff will have Key players On Friday, Feb. 18, the season opens up
season and say that was the most unselfish, a lot of newcomers that will have to put in When thinking of Charlotte baseball, in Tampa, Fla., as Charlotte takes on Louis-
selfless group I’ve ever been around, then I a lot of innings in the upcoming season. the first player to come to mind is Presea- ville at USF baseball stadium. The 49ers will
think we are going to like where our season Pitchers Michael Oh, A.J. Wilson, Quinton son All-American Austin Knight. play at home for the first time when they
ends,” said Woodard. Martinez and Matt Brooks are just a few He was a golden spikes award semi-fi- host West Virginia for a three-game series
names to watch this season. nalist last year, C-USA player of the year that starts Feb. 25.
and newcomer of the year.
6 FEB. 15, 2022 NINERTIMESSOFTBALL SPRINGS
FORWARD
Charlotte softball returns to action with high
expectations in 2022
by Juwan Watson Charlotte’s Bailey Vannoy takes a big swing and comes to home plate.
Staff Writer Photos courtesy of Charlotte Athletics
The spring sports season has arrived, “I’m excited, definitely intrigued just thing about what we do and how we oper-
and the Charlotte 49ers softball team is because it’s like okay, sick we’re playing ate for us.” Players to watch for
back in action. The team is coming off a high-level team, but like at the end of Along with being preseason favorites, Senior Lindsey Walljasper does it all,
a stellar 31-19 overall record and a 14-6 the day we’re just playing the game,” said the team had three players named to the fitting into various roles for the team.
Conference USA (C-USA) record in 2021. Vannoy. “We’re playing another school that Preseason C-USA All-Conference team. Walljasper is a pitcher and utility player for
There are high expectations for the 49ers has a big name on their jersey, but it doesn’t The three players who received the presti- the squad, and she will look to progress this
program and its players this season. matter. The game doesn’t know who we’re gious honor were junior Cori Henderson, season. Chastain praised her work ethic and
Head Coach Ashley Chastain is excit- playing. So as long as we continue to do graduate student Kourtney Gremillion and feels that she will have a prominent role in
ed for what is to come for her squad this what we’re doing, then there’s nobody that Vannoy. the team.
season. can stop us.” Vannoy was also named the C-USA “I’m excited to see Lindsey Walljasper
“I’m really excited,” said Chastain. “I Preseason Player of the Year. Vannoy, the throw this year,” said Chastain. “She played
think we try not to really dwell a lot on pre- Preseason Accolades reigning Player of the year, had an out- a huge role in our success last year. I think
vious years; I think we’re focused on what’s The 49ers are projected to finish first in standing season in 2021, where she boasted she is on a different level cause she has a
ahead. Last season with a lot of our return- the C-USA Preseason Poll for the first time a .387 batting average, 63 hits and 13 little bit of a chip on her shoulder, and she
ers, I think we built a lot of confidence, but in program history. Charlotte is coming off home runs while also breaking the school’s is ready to prove it and make a statement.”
that year is done, and we move on into a claiming the C-USA East Division title and doubles record. Though she is delighted to Chastain mentioned the names of
new year. We’ve got a different team, a lot will look to carry over the momentum this receive these honors, the job has just started transfers Mekayla Frazier, Lexi Wagner and
of new freshman and transfers, so we have season. Chastain is honored, but she knows for her and the 49ers. Stacy Peyton as players to watch for this
a lot of people that weren’t here last year, so this isn’t the finished product for her team. “I think it’s a cool honor, but it doesn’t season. The experience they bring from
it’s time to look ahead.” “I think as a coach, you have mixed matter until it happens at the end of the other big-time programs such as Elon, Ball
emotions about preseason rankings,” said season,” said Vannoy. “I don’t spend too State and Oregon will be vital for the 49ers
Strength of Schedule Chastain. “I think we’re honored and much focus on that because the awards are in 2022.
Chastain prides herself on creating a humbled that’s what people think of our temporary, so it’s cool to celebrate and be
competitive schedule that allows the 49ers program right now, but it doesn’t change a excited about it but not live there.” Expectations
to test themselves against top teams. Char- The expectations are high, but it’s just
lotte’s schedule features intriguing match- one step at a time for coach Chastain as she
ups against multiple ranked opponents such is ready for what is coming.
as Clemson, Virginia Tech and Duke. The “I’m hesitant to put us at a certain level,
49ers will also face power-five teams such but I think that this team can do certain
as North Carolina, Minnesota and South things this year. I think we will do things
Carolina. the program has never done before. My
“To build what we want here and be a only expectation is that they hold our
good program, we need to play competition standard and show up and work hard.” said
like that,” said Chastain. “Back in 2019, Chastain.
when I took over the program, that’s the
kind of schedule I want to build. I believe The Charlotte softball team opened the
that’s how we’ll get prepared for Conference season with a win against Virginia on Feb.
USA. Even our geographic location helps us 10 and finished 4-1 in the Green & Gold
play top ACC schools.” Classic with multiple wins over Bucknell
From a player’s perspective, senior and Boston University. Charlotte will be
catcher Bailey Vannoy is excited to have the back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 16,
opportunity to get to play in these critical against the South Carolina Gamecocks in
matchups. Columbia, SC.
NINERTIMES.COM FEB. 15, 2022 7NT ARTS & CULTURE NT ARTS & CULTURE
by Tyler Trudeau
Community Editor
The following contains mild sleeve. Despite sharing the look and feel of after falling to his supposed demise but
spoilers for the first four episodes the other show, “The Book of Boba Fett” also working to reestablish his image in
of “The Book of Boba Fett.” quickly works to step out of the shadow of the galaxy. Beaten down and stripped of
“The Mandalorian” (at least for now) as it his iconic armor in the premiere episode,
Following his gloriously ultraviolent
chronicles the return of one of the galaxy’s we first see him captured by a tribe of
re-entry into the Star Wars universe
most notable baddies. While the premiere Tusken Raiders, the nomadic inhabitants
in the Disney+ original series “The
of the new series might kick things off in of the desert planet of Tatooine. Despite
Mandalorian,” the iconic bounty-hunter-
a less explosive fashion than expected, his fractured mental state and his lack of
turned-crime-lord, Boba Fett, has now
the episodes that follow lay the emotional armor, however, Fett is able to quickly earn
returned to the small screen in his own
groundwork for Fett’s journey towards the respect of the tribe by saving the life of
series entitled “The Book of Boba Fett.”
where we see him at the conclusion of one of their younger members. Forming
With a new mission at hand, rather than
season two of “The Mandalorian.” a kinship with the Tuskens, Fett begins to
hunting down enemies of the Empire,
After a brief stint on the other realize that he isn’t going to get very far in
the ex-mercenary (played by Temuera
aforementioned Star Wars series where he gaining power without a tribe of his own at
Morrison) emerges from the grave as
teamed with Ming-Na Wen’s Fennec Shand his side. This is reflected in his present-day
he finds himself taking up the reins of
(who returns at the bounty hunter’s side exploits, which see Fett usurping Jabba the
the criminal underworld once ruled
in the new series) and plowed through Hutt’s palace by executing Jabba’s successor
by the crime lord Jabba the Hutt. Now
an army of Stormtroopers armed only Bib Fortuna. The first four episodes of
with enemies of his own taking aim at
with a gaffi stick, Fett finds himself in a the series hop between Fett’s time with
his throne, Fett must carve a journey
new and delicate seat of power beyond the Tuskens and his rise to power in the
of desperate survival and renewed
anything that he has ever known. As town of Mos Espa, showcasing just how
opportunity in order to reclaim – and
a former bounty hunter tasked with the former bounty hunter is building
reinvent – who he is. As the first four
rounding up targets across the galaxy and up his posse while figuring out just
episodes of the seven-episode series show
delivering justice, he is out of his element what kind of leader he wants to be.
us, war is mounting on Fett’s doorstep, set
in a world of diplomacy and order. You While Fett’s time with the Tuskens in the
to test his skills not only as a once-feared
can see Fett’s uneasiness in Morrison’s past is ultimately cut short (just as he joins
warrior but also as a respected leader.
dry but contemplative performance. their ranks and begins to relinquish his
Acting as a spin-off of the Jon Favreau-
He is confident in the role he wants to identity as a bounty hunter), he unearths
created series “The Mandalorian,” the
attain beyond being a hired gun, but he the plot of a local crime syndicate, the
continued adventures of the helmeted
is unsure how to gain the respect of his Pykes, which spurs trouble not only for
gun-for-hire Boba Fett (who we last saw
people outside of the violence he knows. Fett in the past but also during his time as
plummet to this demise in 1983’s “Return
Morrison’s performance also perfectly the new daimyo of Mos Espa. Juggling not
of the Jedi”) admittedly adopts many of its
captures the character’s pain, involving only the growing presence of the Pykes
aesthetic and narrative inspirations from
not only his upbringing and the death of on the planet but also a slew of enemies
the previous Disney+ hit. A space western
his father, Jango but also the trials he faces and allies from a retro speeder gang of
following the exploits of a faceless bounty
following his escape from the sarlacc pit. cyborgs to a hulking Wookiee mercenary,
hunter out to reclaim his past, the parallels
When we find Fett in this series, he is Fett’s transition to power becomes
between the two series are laid out on its
not only working through some trauma increasingly more complicated than he
8 FEB. 15, 2022 NINERTIMESrealizes. As the show devotes much of its to Fett through his experiences with the
time to Fett’s exploits outside of his armor, Tuskens and his kinships with Shand
the past encounters with the Tuskens and other characters are significant to
slowly give insight into how Fett operates the story, but there remains a missing
in his new landscape as a crime lord. layer of resonance in Fett’s character and
Where Boba Fett’s story goes from motivations. Just as we will see the action
here, as a war mounts between his new of the series begin to come to a head in
“tribe” and the Pykes, remains somewhat the following episodes, hopefully, we will
unclear. Despite the flashbacks the series see its main character go through some
is using to unspool Fett’s emotional and meaningful catharsis about who he is.
physical journey up to this point, the
character’s progress in the present still “The Book of Boba Fett” is now
feels incomplete. Yes, while we do still available to stream on Disney+.
have three episodes left before the series New episodes premiere on Wednes-
concludes, one of my biggest questions days.
is how Fett’s character will ultimately
change as he slowly relinquishes his
days as a bounty hunter to become a
more noble and benevolent figurehead
of his own empire. The lessons offered
NINERTIMES.COM FEB. 15, 2022 9by Bethany Ivan Photo of Carla Jay
Staff Writer courtsey of Carla Jay
The music industry is constantly opportunity to do my own radio show. competitive, and you are working almost possible to pursue a career in this industry.
growing—from live concerts to new After graduating, I got an entry-level all of the time. The hardest part is trying
trends and content— so knowing what position at 97.1 AMP radio. While I worked to detach yourself from the job. For Ivan: How do you want to inspire others?
goes on behind the scenes is essential. there, I have always gotten excited about example, at one point, I went to work sick
But the industry is not only having fun doing interviews with different artists. to the point where I ended up getting Jay: By being my true authentic self. I
at concerts or receiving perks such as pneumonia. Another example is that want others to embrace who they are and to
meeting well-known artists; it also means Ivan: What steps have you taken to when the pandemic started, I was let go never limit themselves. Whenever I worked
constantly being challenged to think get to where you are now? Can you also of my job, and I revolved who I am with in the photo pit at concerts, in order for
and work creatively, as well as working give some insight into what you do? my work. I was in that constant mindset me to feel respected, I would dress less
in intense and stressful environments. of always having to hustle. While working girly; I would wear my hair in a bun, and
On Jan. 31, 2022, I had the incredible Jay: I first started out as a promotion is important, it is also important to take I would dress in baggy clothes. But now, I
opportunity to sit down and interview assistant for 97.1 AMP. But over time, a break and take care of yourself. Finally, am not afraid to express who I am. I love
creative visionary and concert I took on roles such as digital assistant, because this is a male-dominated industry, makeup, I am a fan-girl, I am a Filipino-
photographer Carla Jay via Zoom. Most a content creator and a video content women usually question, “am I good American, I am queer and I am me.
may recognize her from TikTok, where her producer for eight stations, and now enough?” Because of imposter syndrome, I
bio is, “Your music biz big sis.” Carla Jay through LinkedIn and referrals, I am remind myself that I am here for a reason. Ivan: Finally, what advice would
has been in the music industry for about now a social media producer and digital you give a college student wanting to
seven years and answered questions that marketer in the Bay Area of California. I Ivan: What is the most rewarding pursue a career in the music industry?
I had and for those who are interested in produce content for social media, and it’s part of working in the music industry?
pursuing a career in the music industry. not only that. It is also a lot of meetings, Jay: Honestly, do not worry about your
statistics and creating strategy. It all took Jay: I think the most rewarding part of degree. I am not saying to drop out, but
Bethany Ivan: What made you want to a lot of hard work, and while working in working in this industry is that I was able your degree will be great for internships.
pursue a career in the music industry? these positions, I was able to dip my feet to break barriers and push myself away The music industry is about networking
in different aspects of the industry. I was from stereotypical Filipino norms where and about who you know. Create and
Carla Jay: I have always loved concerts able to develop skills outside of what I do. my parents saw what I was doing as a go out and get the experience to build
and music. When I was in community hobby and wanted me to become a nurse your portfolio. Your route is going to
college, I took a lot of audio classes, and Ivan: What is the most challenging instead, but those expectations didn’t stop be different from everyone else.
I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in part of working in the music industry? me. I want to continue to pave the way
TV and film. When I had transferred for Filipino women and women of color
to a four-year university, I had the Jay: The music industry can be very to show them that it is most definitely
10 FEB. 15, 2022 NINERTIMESDEAR NINER TIMES,
how to
NAVIGATE UREC
by Kelsey Burgess
Staff Writer
The most daunting part of working out at UREC is figuring out what floor you belong
on. Truthfully, you belong on any and every floor where you feel comfortable. Until you
become more confident with UREC, here’s a quick guide to help you decide where to start.
Third Floor
The floor you enter on is the third floor. It is where the basketball and volleyball
courts, the demo kitchen and the main set of lockers and showers are. When
facing the courts, turn left and head down the stairs to enter the second floor.
Second Floor
The second floor is the most popular. The second floor provides
treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, stair masters and tons of other
machines that are easy to modify to the preferred workout.
First Floor
Heading down one more set of stairs leads to the bottom floor. Here you can find
squat racks, heavier free weights, hip thrust machines, tire flip and much more.
The bottom floor is often for those who are very comfortable with most machines
or looking for a heavier weight and less cardio. That is also where to find the
doors to access the outdoor basketball court, sand volleyball court and pool.
Fourth Floor
Heading back to the top is the fourth floor. The fourth floor has a more open
area to create your own workout. Small free weights, yoga mats, medicine balls,
kettlebells and more allow students to develop their own personalized workout. On
the fourth floor, there is another area to flip tires, learn pull-ups or ride a stationary
bike. So find your perfect place in UREC, and get the workout you long for!
NINERTIMES.COM FEB. 15, 2022 11NT OPINION NT OPINION
The right Influence
How development companies in Charlotte plan to influence local elections
by Niti Panchal Photos of NoDa Charlotte, NC, USA
Staff Writer courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The 2022 midterm local elections are The Rental Housing Alliance PAC is gentrification is the predominantly Black that as businesses have moved out of places
coming up, and the Rental Housing Alli- crucial for this upcoming election as they neighborhood, Hidden Valley, located like the ones at Tryon Mall, not much has
ance Political Action Committee is repre- seek to find a candidate that will support northeast of uptown. The residents are con- been done to replace them. She also men-
senting the Greater Charlotte Apartment their initiatives for affordable housing. cerned that newer apartment buildings and tioned that along Sugar Creek, what was
Association (GCAA) in hopes of influenc- Charlotte is currently overdeveloping with townhouses will change the character of once woods are now motels and fast-food
ing voters to elect a candidate that shares rental properties and new locations for the neighborhood and push out older Black restaurants, but not the kinds of businesses
their values. financial industries. This crowding leads residents. According to a documentary that supported the quality of life people of
As defined by Open Secrets, a Political to gentrification, which forces low-income made by Barbara Pinson Lash, a research- Hidden Valley enjoy. She also stated that
Action Committee (PAC) is a term used to residents out of their housing. The Char- er at UNC Charlotte’s Charlotte Research the traffic brought by the new towering
describe a political committee organized to lotte Observer found that several areas near Project: before the 1970s, Hidden Valley apartments is threatening the communi-
raise and spend money on elections. Most Charlotte’s light rail, where there has been was a predominantly white neighborhood. ty’s character, the one that she and other
PACs represent a business, ideological or an increase in development, simultaneously During the 1960s and 70s, many Black res- residents have fought to protect throughout
labor interest. led to a larger decline of Black, low-income idents began to move after being displaced the years.
Though there have been multiple at- residents. Crowding and gentrification are from other areas in the city, and many Hidden Valley is currently in a legal
tempts to create affordable housing, many deep-rooted issues in Charlotte that are too came after the dissolvent of the Brooklyn battle against the redistricting of its neigh-
low-income households in Charlotte pay difficult to undo immediately. That is why, neighborhood. borhood. The residents of Hidden Valley
more than they can afford. In an interview by starting with cutting arbitrary regulation In an interview with the Charlotte believe that the redistricting of their neigh-
with WCNC, Lisa Taylor, the Rental Hous- costs, we can lower rental costs and mitigate Observer, Saundra Jackson, a resident of borhood is a misstep and that it comes after
ing Alliance PAC Board Chair, explained residents from having to leave what was Hidden Valley, stated that when she first years of attempting to change the idea that
that only 1% of apartments are priced once their affordable housing. moved to the area, it was very small and their neighborhood is dangerous or that it
under $1,000 in Mecklenburg County. An example of development causing peaceful. One of Jackson’s main concerns is can be transformed without their consent.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Residents have stated that they feel defense-
the Rental Housing Alliance PAC in Char- less and that their voices don’t matter. They
lotte filed with the board of elections in want a group of elected leaders who will
January 2019. They have raised more than work against their neighborhood’s trans-
$86,000 but haven’t spent it on elections yet formation with their consent and someone
because they haven’t come out in support who will listen to them.
of a particular candidate. However, they do The North Carolina primaries, which
have an agenda. were supposed to be in March, have now
According to the GCAA, “Our focus is been rescheduled to May due to a legal dis-
on a broad range of multifamily apartment pute over the gerrymandered election map.
government affairs issues, including valet Once the election map is approved, the
waste regulation, landlord-tenant issues, Rental Housing Alliance PAC can finally
affordable housing and more.” Costly rental find a candidate in the various districts that
regulations hinder the growth of afford- will support their goals.
able housing. Taylor further explained This is a step in the right direction for
that “The building code requirements and the city of Charlotte. The rates of gentrifica-
regulations account for nearly a third of the tion, crowding and homelessness have been
costs covered in someone’s monthly rent.” at an all-time high, especially because of
Eliminating these costs can slow down the pandemic. Waiting longer to take action
extreme variables that contribute to poverty will continue to intensify the affordable
in Charlotte, such as homelessness. housing crisis.
12 FEB. 15, 2022 NINERTIMESYou can also read
