Volume 25 Issue 12 by Island Waves

Please welcome the new app on the block Islanders develop and implement new social media app Spotagory

Earth Day Bay Day in Corpus Christi PAGE 4

photo by Bailey Mross

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students (from left to right) Louis Smith, Georgie Dawl, Pamela Macias and Bailey Mross test driving the Spotagory app at the Alpha Gamma Delta event

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

he world today is overrun with technology. We are a more globalized society than ever before. Finding where friends are is as easy as a few clicks thanks to social media sites. Imagine a city, a bar, or any location having a documented history of its own. Some of these places have their own Facebook pages, but there are so many pictures that will never be tagged leaving them to be buried in someone’s photo gallery.

A new iPhone app, Spotagory, is about to change all of that. Spotagory is a geographically based social networking app that utilizes the pictures that users take to visually preserve a story. “We are just getting started at Spotagory and the next few releases will change the way we explore entirely. We’re excited and looking forward to making our own history,” 24 year old Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kaleb Bryan said. Available as of March 21, the app has users either link their Facebook or create an original username in order to sign up. Users can then grab an instant feed

of photographs taken within a nearby radius, and view, comment or like these photographs. That may sound similar to other social media sites with photo upload capability, but Spotagory is unique on its own.

An Islander on a mission PAGE 6

see New App on the Block on pg 8

Islander Tribute

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi reﬂects on fallen Islanders by CONNER TICHOTA news editor

he annual Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islander Tribute was held on April 8 in honor of the seven fallen Islanders in

the past year. Families and friends of the deceased attended the small and brief ceremony. “Tonight’s ceremony is all about remembering and celebrating these students lives,” said Dr. Don Albrecht,

Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, “ We [the University] realize we are only a small part of their lives.

see In Loving Memory on pg 3

What Rec Sports has in store for summer PAGE 10

HAPPY HOUR

•food•free wifi• HALF OFF FROZEN FRAPS | 3-5 PM EVERY DAY •3 local shops•

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 12

editorial ISLAND WAVES

a student publication of

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

island waves staﬀ

04.17.2014

The Reading Corner The third installment of college reading secrets

ALEXIS DE LEON editor-in-chief

STEPHANIE WALLACE managing editor

MARIAM AMAYA

advertising manager

AUBREY DANCER layout editor

KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

CONNER TICHOTA news editor

JUSTIN VU NGUYEN

advertising assistant

CHRISTINA BOOTHE ANDREW LIGUEZ TREY SEAL staﬀ reporters

NICK THOMSON

distribution manager

RUTH AIPPERSPACH faculty adviser

AMY KOTULSKI staﬀ adviser

write us a letter The Island Waves accepts letters no longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to the editor via email at editor@tamucc.edu.

about island waves The Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Since A&M-Corpus Christi has no journalism department, Island Waves is supported by student fees and advertising sales. Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, email or call the Island Waves editor.

Dr. B. McDowell and Dr. D. Culbertson reading coaches

ocabulary is an important part of reading. Knowing many words helps a reader understand the meaning of the reading selection. There is much research about the importance of vocabulary in understanding your reading. Here is an example: “Vocabulary is a principle contributor to comprehension, fluency, and achievement. Vocabulary development is both an outcome of comprehension and a precursor to it, with word meanings making up as much as 70–80% of comprehension (Davis, 1972; Nagy & Scott, 2000; Pressley, 2002).” To summarize these quotes – Knowing a lot of words, means better reading and understanding. Also,

practicing reading increases vocabulary, and causes better reading and understanding. Get the picture? Still do not believe in learning more words? Fluent (reading easily) readers recognize and understand many words, and they read more quickly and easily than those with smaller vocabularies – so say the experts: (Allington, 2006; Samuels, 2002). Students with large vocabularies understand reading better and score higher on achievement tests than students with small vocabularies (Stahl & Fairbanks, 1986). Everyone, if they are being truthful, skip words not known. The problem is when too many words are skipped and the meaning or understanding is lost. Really – how long does it take to look up a word, which will help to understand the reading, increase vocabulary and

according to the research (see above) increases understanding. Keep a dictionary handy. Yes, there still are printed dictionaries. They are small and can be kept with your books or study materials. For smart phones, tablets, or computers download a dictionary app and keep it handy. E books are great! Touch the word and it shows the definition. CASA Reading Specialists help you with reading skills and understanding your reading with college assignments. Reading Tutors are available Monday through Friday and by appointment to help you be a successful student. Talk with a Reading Specialist at CASA Room 107. Professors may contact us for a Reading Workshop in your classroom or Department. Contact Dr. Deborah Culbertson, 825-2834.

READING TIP What can students do to learn more vocabulary? One idea is to learn root words, prefixes, and suffixes. These are word parts that will help with the meaning of the whole word. For example “Bio” means life and is used in many words, however, each word will have something to do with life. Think of all the key words that you know – aqua, ology, audio, graph, etc. College students should know between 2,000 and 3,000 root words.

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Write to us. Send letters to Editor@tamucc.edu

special

04.17.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Preparations for the annual Engineering Design Fair

South Texas Engineering Alliance focuses on helping students “stea” in school to pursue engineering and computing by CONNER TICHOTA news editor

pril 26 will mark the beginning of this year’s annual Engineering Design Fair to be held at South Texas College-Pecan campus in McAllen Texas. The Engineering Design Fair is operated by the South Texas Engineering Alliance, a statewide organization of universities, including Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, that is dedicated to aiding students involved in the STEM, also known as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, fields. The fair serves as a competition for middle school and high school students. It is designed to spark their interest in engineering and computer sciences whilst also providing scholarship opportunities. This upcoming competition will mark the fourth year of the Design Fair. According to Korrine Caruso, the A&M-Corpus Christi coordinator for STEA, the Island University has sent two middle school teams and two high school teams to the event. The entire process leading up to the Design Fair begins with the local area competitions. “The members [STEA] will commit to holding yearly competitions at each [university],” said Caruso, “[This will] motivate

students’ interest toward an undergraduate program in STEM fields, especially engineering and computing.” The first and second place winning teams of the area competitions will move on to the

above: students gather around their design and race to ﬁnish their product before their time is called

winners of the Design Fair. Recently in 2012, Erasto Zenil from Donna High School was the chosen scholarship recipient for A&M-Corpus Christi. Zenil is one of the few recipients for an Island University scholarship listed in the past

“It is hard to

get participation from all of the members” actual Design Fair. A pool of winners is selected from the Design Fair, after which, those students who select to attend one of the STEA members’ universities will be awarded a scholarship. The scholarship is in the amount of $1000, and is non-renewable. However, according to Caruso, STEA members are welcome to provide additional financial assistance to students. The STEA official website lists previous

three years. The goals of the STEA revolve around improving issues regarding STEM students including their recruitment, retention and success in their respective fields. Every year, the STEA utilizes not only the Design Fair, but other various conferences to meet their designated goals. For instance, the STEA holds annual summer workshops for middle school and high school

teachers to train them how to incorporate engineering and computing activities inside their classrooms. Camps are also hosted for students in hopes that this will engage them, and they will consider pursuing fields in STEM. Even with the various events that STEA hosts to encourage students, participation is still low. Alongside the teams entered in the Design Fair by A&M-Corpus Christi, only the host school, South Texas College, has submitted participants. A meager sum of eight teams will be participating. “It is hard to get participation from all of the members,” said Caruso, “Budgets are decreasing, and time and effort in other areas are increasing. We are working hard to continue the efforts of the Alliance and hope that we can continue to offer this opportunity to middle school and high school students.” These road blocks are causing other problems besides low participation in the Design Fair for the STEA. According to Caruso, the STEA planned for an annual collaborative conference that would focus on STEM achievements for Hispanics. This conference has yet to materialize due to the issues previously listed. For more information regarding the South Texas Engineers Alliance, please visit stea. tamucc.edu.

In Loving Memory We would like to thanks the families that are here with us tonight, and we hold in our hearts all those who were not able to be here tonight.” The Islander Tribute is held annually in recognition of those past students, and other members of the A&M-Corpus Christi community, who have died. During the ceremony, each of the fallen Islanders are remembered, and a paver engraved in their honor is revealed at the Woo Sung Lee Plaza. This year, seven people were honored including Ms. Van Dang, Trey Turner, Becky Garcia, Michael Van Dyke, Will Parks, Ryan Wystub, and Holt Smith. “When experiencing the loss of a loved one or family member,” said Evan Paret, President of the Student Government Association, “We must always remember how their existence on earth made even our darkest and stressful days bright. We will recognize them for the joy they brought to us and to this university.” The tributes honored were then recognized for their various backgrounds and accomplishments. A brief memorandum of each tribute was announced by Angela Walker, Associate Dean of Students. “ An international graduate student, a retired petty Navy officer who served his country for twenty years,” she recited. “A loving husband, a devoted football fan, and a daughter, granddaughter and freshman, whose dream it was to come to this university.” The ceremony concluded as the families were lead out to the Woo Sung Lee plaza were they left flowers on the pavers in honor of their loved ones. The Islander Tribute is hosted by the Division of Student Engagement and Success,

continued from page 1

and Student Government Association in cooperation with the University Police Department and the Islander Battalion. According to Albrecht, this tribute will mark the eleventh year anniversary of the ceremony. The Islander Tribute was initiated in 2003, and only 52 of the Island University members have been recognized during this 11 year time span. The following is the anonymously attributed poem that was read in honor of the tributes: “ The ones that we’ve lost Still go on with us in spirit We will remember them In the faces of family their presence still lingers We will remember them In the dreams they once nurtured They will still shape our future We will remember them In the hearts that embrace them, They will live forever We will remember them At daybreak and nightfall As long as there is memory We will remember them”

photo by Andrew Liguez

A wreath displayed to honor the students’ lives reﬂected upon at Islander Tribute in the Michael and Karen O’Connor building

news 4

04.17.2014

Earth Day Bay Day ISLAND WAVES

Coastal Bend hosts environmental awareness event by ANDREW LIGUEZ features reporter

photos courtesy of ANDREW LIGUEZ

above: Volunteers visually spread message of pollution.

n Corpus Christi there is an event that happens once a year. This is an event for all of the community to enjoy and have fun. Earth Day Bay Day is a celebration where the community learns about the environment and how to save it. This event took place on April 12. It lasted all day and involved several companies and community members from around the city. The event was hosted by the Coastal Bend Foundation. According to the Coastal Bend Foundation website, the goals of the event are as follows: “Education – Educate the public about our bays, estuaries, other native habitats, and the importance of clean air, clean water and a clean environment. Conservation – Teach citizens to become environmentally proactive in their day-to-day lives. Demonstrate how easy and important it is to reduce, reuse, and recycle, as well as to compost and conserve energy, water and other resources. Habitat Protection – Encourage protection of native habitats, such as seagrasses, by promoting low-to no-impact outdoor activities such kayaking, windsurfing, birding, flyfishing, gardening and hiking. Participation – Facilitate the active engagement of our visitors with local groups, such as the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, the Audubon Outdoor Club, the Coastal Bend

Audubon Society, the Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, the local Farmer’s Market, CBBEP, Sierra Club and Surfrider Foundation, to name but a few.” Each of these goals was reached at the 2014 Earth Day Bay Day. At the event, the Coastal Bend Foundation had several booths that supported education for the community. A few volunteers at the event were wearing dresses made out of plascitic bags. The dresses were meant to show how many plastic bags are not reclyed properly , or tossed into the ocean, causing havoc for the sea creatures that are unlucky enough to get caught in these bags. At certain times during the event speakers would go up and speak about what they do to protect the environment. They also had a mini zoo sponsored by the Victoria Zoo, which featured a few different animals most notably an Ocelot and a Bobcat. In order to promote habitat protection, a lottery system was made. The prizes were trees.The trees were donated by the Coastal Bend Foundation and other sponsors. Participation included games for the kids and adults alike. These games ranged from having to catch your own dinner in a fishing tank to having a rock wall climbing event. Each of the goals set forth by the foundation were made. Each of the four goals were put in stone and made sure that every person there had fun while learning. These goals are leading to a better tomorrow and a better student class.

above: Victoria Zoo employee pets Ocelot.

features

04.17.2014

AUBREY DANCER layout editor

ISLAND WAVES

Disturbing Discoveres Found In UC Food by ANDREW LIGUEZ features reporter

ith the ever changing University Center, there is always a little something that passes by the fences of workers that toil the shifts. It is that little thing that passes through the workers that can cause havoc of a third degree. Kyle Morrow is a freshman at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, and he is a dual engineering/computer science major. I recently met up with Morrow to get the scoop on his lunchroom horror stories. It started off on a day after spring break when Morrow

by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor Last night, I took a quiz on buzzfeed.com called “How obsessed with your pet are you?” It goes without saying, that my score was pretty high, teetering between flat-out obsession and pure craziness. It might have something to do with the framed bunny picture I have hanging in my living room, or the fact that I only give

went to the UC on campus to get food after a day of classes. Morrow, according to his interview, said that he was going to the UC for Chic Fil A. He was accompanied by one other friends, Kelli Holt. During the time the UC had been in the middle of construction. They spent some of their time looking around the UC, then the couple split once they arrived at the lunchroom. Morrow decided to go to Chic Fil A to get his lunch, and he ended up spending a considerable amount of time at the food spot since Holt had already gone to sit down in wait for Marrow. His quote sent shivers down my spine.

“I was getting ready to go get a drink to go with my food,” said Marrow, “When I get there I pull up a cup to get my drink and as soon as I pick it up, I kid you not, two ginormous black roaches crawl from that area and flee into the rest of the UC commons.” Morrow describes the situation as a very terrifying, yet comical moment. Morrow says that during the event of the release of the roaches, several girls started wailing in fear because of the tiny black creatures. Holt also reiterated that when people saw the roaches, she heard several screams coming from the area. Morrow, who was still on the scene, depicts the scene as a very chaotic one, with

my bunnies bottled or filtered water. It might also have something to do with all the planning I’ve been doing for Jojo’s first birthday next month. As of now, his gift and cake have been taken care of. For his gift, I am getting him this bunny toy where you put his favorite treats inside these four wooden boxes. The boxes slide into this little shelf, and attached to the boxes are pieces of rope that he can grab with his teeth. The point is for him to slide and pull out the boxes with his teeth in order to reach the treat. For his cake, I am making him a bananacarrot-strawberry cake, topped with mint and rose petals. I am also currently in the process of buying party hats small enough to fit him

and his brothers, and am working on making his birthday card and invitations. While we’re on the topic of Jojo, you might like to know what he’s been up to this past week. First off, Jojo has now become a freerange bunny. He is left out all day and all night, and has full access to every room in my apartment. As of now, it seems to be working, Jojo has been a good little bunny, and nothing appears to be destroyed. Because of his newfound freedom though, he thinks it means he can stay up all night, running around and playing while I’m trying to sleep. He ends up sleeping throughout the day, and wakes up just in time for dinner when I get home.

people freaking out due to seeing something unsightly. Some people there were trying to kill and remove the roaches. “I put the cup I had gotten down along with the food. I ended up going to go get food at Einstein’s,” said Morrow. Morrow met up with Holt shortly thereafter. Both of them ended up going somewhere else to eat their food. Morrow and Holt are both survivors of this ordeal, some of which did not come out of it with all of their wits. Morrow reports he is still coming to terms with what he saw. Check in next time for another issue of horror stories.

He’s also much braver now, you know, since he’s becoming a little bunny man. Instead of hiding away when people come over, he now hops up to them and sniffs them before hopping away. Sometimes he even lets them get in a pet or two. He has also taken to running to the door every time I open it. He’ll hop right up to the edge and peek his little head out, before getting shooed away. It’s like having a baby; once the baby starts walking they get into everything. Once the bunny got complete freedom, he started going everywhere.

ISLAND WAVES

by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

FRESHMAN SPOTLIGHT

Advisory Committee, Spirits and Traditions Committee and the Food and Services Committee. Monjarraz has also helped to organize several events hosted by SGA, including Toys for Tots, Big Shell Beach Cleanup, Friday Fiesta and Late Night Breakfast. “Being approached to be a part of the Student Government Association as a freshman was my fondest memory from college so far,” the freshman said. “I was surprised because many freshmen didn’t want to get too involved, but this freshman did.” In addition to being a part of SGA, Monjarraz is also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Aside from participating in A&MCorpus Christi’s Greek Week and intramural sports, Monjarraz and his brothers have also volunteered at the Corpus Christi Food Bank and Big Brothers Big Sisters program. “It’s important for students to be involved

because it makes school a lifetime experience. College is something you can never do all over again, so jump in and play the game while you have the chance,” Monjarraz said. A native of Dallas, Monjarraz came to the University to study biomedical sciences, and hopes to one day become an emergency room physician. “I want to be a physician because I feel that job best fits my caring needs, and could be used at any moment in life when someone is in danger,” the freshman said. “My role is to serve everyone, and I think this job is perfect for that. While most freshmen would shrink away from such a busy schedule, this biomedical major says it will all be worth it in the end. “My biggest challenge so far has been balancing grades and the many organizations that I’m a part of,” Monjarraz said. “I have been able to manage my time since I was in 6th grade

photo courtesy of KATHLEEN RAMIREZ

ngel Monjarraz, member of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Student Government Association, says what he likes most about the Island University is being able to make a difference on campus. “My favorite thing about the University is the Student Government Association. SGA is my prime motivation throughout college. It allows for the students’ voices to be heard by a group of individuals who care enough to meet weekly and get back to them with answers to their questions,” Monjarraz said. As part of his position in SGA, Monjarraz currently serves as College of Education Senator, and is a part of the Student Fee

04.17.2014

because I want it all, so my goal is to keep it all within limits. One thing that helps me manage my time is keeping a monthly and weekly calendar, and checking things off as I go.” Monjarraz encourages incoming students to get involved, and offers them this bit of advice. “Freshmen, get as much sleep as you possibly can before entering college, it’s really important. Also, be involved in anything your freshman year. Being a part of something makes your day a little less stressful everyday, and having that support beam is really good to fall back on,” Monjarraz said. In his free time, Monjarraz likes to hang out in the SGA office or go for a drive up and down Ocean. He hopes to become even more involved in his fraternity, and is even planning on running for SGA president next year.

Islanders embark on international mission trips by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

race Harmon and Jessica Reynolds, two Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students, are no strangers at sharing the Gospel. Both members of the Baptist Student Ministry, Harmon and Reynolds are currently preparing for summer mission trips. “I am personally going because of what God has done for me. He has rescued me, He has saved me from my past life, and he has shown me what real love is, and it is so strong and powerful that I want to share it with others,” Harmon said. “I want them to know who Jesus is so that they can have a relationship with Him. But greater than my desire for them to know God, is God’s desire for them to know him. So above all else, I am hoping and praying that at least one person comes to know God and begins a relationship with Him.” Harmon, a current sophomore and prenursing major at the Island University, will be going on a 10-day mission trip to Brazil during the month of June. Along with a group of seven other people, Harmon and her team will be in Brazil during the World Cup, where they will be sharing God’s word, hosting soccer and medical clinic and volunteering within the community. “Sure, the soccer part will be great and exciting, but even more exciting is the look on someone’s face when they finally understand that God loves them deeply and forgives them, despite their ugliest flaws. There is nothing more exciting that someone saying yes to God,” Harmon said. Junior education major Reynolds will be spending part of May and all of June and July in East Asia, where she and two other friends will be working with unreached villagers and college students. “I would absolutely love to see people accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but I know that I have no power over that and I am not there to convert people. I am there to plant seeds, and tell people of Jesus’ love and share His Gospel,” Reynolds said. “But I am excited to see how God is going to change my life and the lives of the people we come in contact with. I know that He’s going to take me out of my

photo courtesy of FACEBOOK.COM

features 6

comfort zone, and part of that really scares me, but at the same time it’s exciting, and I know His hand will be over me and He will protect me.” This is not the first time Reynolds will be participating in a mission trip. In the past, Reynolds has gone to East Asia and Uganda, and has even been to Ethiopia twice. “God has given me a heart for missions and His people. Seeing people come to Christ is the best part, and loving on the kids in Africa is a special feeling. Missions have gloriously ruined my life, and I’m not the same person,” Reynolds said. Harmon has also been on numerous mission trips, including ones to Turkey, Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Greece, Moldova, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Wyoming, Maryland, New Mexico and other local places. The length of these trips ranged from one week up to six months. “God doesn’t call us to be a witness for Him for a certain time frame, but all the time, in every aspect of our life. Missions is a lifestyle,” Harmon said. “The best part of them is seeing the world through a different perspective. Some people travel to see an ancient building or a beautiful beach. I travel to see the beauty of God’s creation, the people who inhabit the Earth, and to share with them that the greatest thing that ever happened to me could also happen to them.” In preparation of their trip, both Reynolds and Harmon ask for prayers for a successful journey and for the people they’re going to meet. Harmon also encourages other students to hear God’s word, and become inspired. “Maybe you’re reading this newspaper and you don’t know who God is, or maybe you do but you’re hostile toward Him for different reasons. Maybe you’re a Christian but have strayed away. The point is that despite anything you could have done, God loves you and longs for a relationship with you. Jesus took your sins and shame, and buried them when He died on the cross. God will give you the strength and peace you need to live a life after Him, and He will never leave you. Please know that His love goes deeper than anything this world can offer, and you can start a life with Him by just beginning to pray. I promise, He is listening,” Harmon said.

entertainment

04.17.2014

ISLAND WAVES

The Executive Surf Club

photo courtesy of RUNNINGOFFTHEREESES

REVIEW

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

images courtesy of TREY SEAL

inding a good time in Corpus Christi isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. The Executive Surf Club, located downtown on Water Street, is a nice place to chill out and have a good time with friends, or, to meet new people. The main attraction of the surf club would have to be its outdoor patio which hosts concerts for various local and touring rock bands. Founded in 1990, The Executive Surf Club was built by the owners of Water Street Oyster Bar as a casual restaurant/concert venue that could revitalize the downtown area. The best part about the place is that it hasn’t changed a bit. The inside of the Surf Club has tables,

booths, and wooden contemporary bar stocked with 31 different beers on tap in addition to a modest liquor selection. The beer selection ranges from basics, like Budlight, to unique brews such as the double stout chocolate beer. Its walls have a very old-school architecture composed of wood and brick, and the walls are painted with neon colors such as green and pink. Surf boards and various other pieces of surfing memorabilia adorn the walls. The tables are covered in the signatures of patrons who felt the need to leave their mark on this iconic restaurant. In the back is an open air patio where performances are held 6 days a week. The patio has plenty of tables and a covered portion for shade during afternoon performances. In the corner is a large stage with great acoustics that

ensure nobody misses out on a single beat of rhythm. Every Monday and Wednesday is open mic night where local bands can decide to play on a whim. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday host touring bands that usually charge a cover fee for entry. The employees fit the personality of the restaurant as well. In my many years of visiting the surf club, I can remember no instance of dealing with a worker with a bad attitude. Everybody who works there has a very relaxed beach-lover vibe to them. As a restaurant, the Surf Club has a pretty decent menu serving a mixture of Tex-Mex and American classics such as cheeseburgers and chicken wings. On a cool Wednesday night, I visited the Surf Club to assess the venue. When sitting outside on the patio, I listened to a band of

older men who played wonderful renditions of classical songs such as “Is this Love?” by Bob Marley along with a selection of classic rock. I asked a student from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi about his opinion on the classic venue. “The Surf Club has a really comfortable concert area,” he responded, “[It also] has a really great selection of food.” One of the greatest tenets of Surf Club is that its open to any age. There is no “21 and up” restriction in place which makes it one of very few college hangouts that freshmen aren’t restricted from. If you’re looking for something entertaining to do on any given night look no further than The Executive Surf Club. There’s never a shortage on entertainment or good vibes at this iconic South Texas venue.

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

of heavy, ear thrashing guitar and vocals. In their ten year career, the band has released four albums with multiple hit songs. Their summer 2013 album, “Locked and Loaded”, was released to solid reviews and many critics raved about its Indie style hard rock. I attended the concert in order to get a closer look at this band in action. Upon entering, I walked towards the front of the stage where a group of young punk rockers turned around as if they sensed the aura of an outsider. Eve to Adam came to the stage with a thunderous performance that had the entire band drenched in sweat by the end. The intense bass had my entire body vibrating from only a few feet away. Needless to say, they put on a pretty loud and raucous performance, which in this case was a good thing. In an interview with Beta TV, singer, Taki Sassaris, says that his passion for music began when his brother Alex, the band’s drummer, and he received their first instruments at 12 years old. After spending a majority of their life in Florida, the two brothers decided to move to New York City in order to find a guitar player. Two months into their stay, they found their current lead guitarist, Gaurav Bali, through a website, VillageVoice.com. “There are more bands out there than ever and the saturation is incredible,” said Sasaris in his interview, “So trying to get your sound

to pin out there in the universe, and on the internet, is not easy. [Finding people] who work for the band and believe in the band enough to say, ‘You know what this deserves to have a signal. Let’s put that out there, and let’s see what we can have come back’.” Their music videos are very stylistic, and use dark, sadistic visuals in order to get the message across. The music video for their song, “Run your Mouth”, even contains the celebrity talent of Vincent Pastore, from “The Sopranos”, Dana Florek, “Law and Order SVU”, and Chuck Zito ,from HBO prison drama “OZ”. The video consists of a woman being interrogated about the whereabouts of a man. The song’s lyrics, which include the chorus “Run your mouth baby, run your mouth sugar”, help to build a visually interesting and stylistic story. I’m by no means a super fan of the group but I do appreciate their style which is a throwback to the awesome hard rock of the 90s. They’re a band that has the potential to really grow into something great, but they need to work on the lyrics of their songs. Their latest album, “Locked and Loaded”, is a step in the right direction, but it’s a far cry from fanfavorite hard rock hits such as those produced by Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Sound Garden. Hopefully , the band will learn to utilize the wonderful talent that they have at their disposal.

ast week, the New York City based rock band Eve to Adam performed at Brewster Street Icehouse in Corpus Christi alongside rock bands Lacuna Coil, Kyng, and Cilver. Eve to Adam has a style that feels like a throwback to the heyday of Linkin Park. They have a very rough style to their music that doesn’t hold back any punches with its use

entertainment 8

04.17.2014

ISLAND WAVES

New app on the block

Student at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and a local Spotagory community manager, Bailey Mross met with Island Waves to discuss the app. “It’s really about relevance,” said Mross, “Spotagory has both a nearby feed, for any users in a certain radius, and a Friends feed. The nearby feed is what we really wanted to focus on. With the nearby, you can see the photos that anybody is sharing around you. You’ll see the most relevant and the ones closest to you in proximity. These photos can come from anybody, not just your friends. Your friends feed allows you to follow your friends and the various places that they’re taking photos.” The most game-changing feature however is the upcoming “Map Drop” function. Map Drop allows users to pin-point any location in the world, and see every photo taken there within the app. For instance, let’s say that you’re looking to plan your next vacation. You’ve heard of a small place called Fredericksburg, Texas, but all that Google pulls up is boring, empty shots of the

continued from page 1

city and biased Yelp reviews of certain areas. Spotagory would allow you to see the town’s residents and the various tourists who have come through participating in the culture. It allows users to see the environment in a very candid way. Bryan, had this to say about the inspiration of the invention. “I saw this huge gap in social media,” said Bryan, “The gap was not being able to connect with the various people around you. Facebook allows you to make a post but the only people who are going to see that post are your friends. Twitter has the same problem. Hash tags still hold a limited function due to users having to search for that specific hashtag to find the various post associated with it. These platforms are great for communicating with your friends but there is no efficient way to get in contact with your community. I saw this as a huge gap in social media, and Spotagory was born as a simple way to communicate with an entire community.”

photo by Bailey Mross

Bailey Mross (bottom center) with fellow Islander testing their app Spotagory to inform others of their Alpha Gamma Delta cause to end diabetes through education and awareness.

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04.17.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Island Waves

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sports 10

04.17.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Top left: Tyler Ware (23) Top right: Devin Skapura (29) Bottom left: Josh Garza (4)

Baseball Earns Series Victory Against HBU with Finale Win -GO ISLANDERS

OUSTON – The Texas A&M – Corpus Christi baseball team continued its offensive onslaught Sunday, as it secured a series win with an 11-1 victory against Houston Baptist at Husky Field. The Islanders (19-19, 9-6 Southland) picked up a season high 20 hits as a team in the finale to run their weekend total to 49 knocks to account for 33 runs in the series against the Huskies (16-16, 6-9). Every starter had at least one hit on the day, with six different Islanders tallying multi-hit games. In the finale, it was the seven through ninehole hitters who had an incredible day, as Zack Gibson, Russell Vaughan and Josh Garza combined to go 10-for-13 on the day with five RBIs and four runs scored. Vaughan picked up three of the five runs driven in, as he went 3-for-5, while Gibson scored three runs on a perfect 3-for-3 day. Garza had his best day as an Islander at the plate, as he picked up a career-high four hits in five at bats, both scoring and driving in a run. Brandon Tierney also had a three-hit game, as he went 3-for-6 with an RBI and run scored as well. This offensive production was more than enough for A&M – Corpus Christi’s starter Devin Skapura, as the freshman went a careerhigh eight innings, while giving up just one run on nine hits. In his nine games started, the righty has allowed two runs or less in six of those. After a scoreless first inning, the Islanders got on the board first in the top of the second. Cody Stephens got in with a leadoff double, and advanced over to third on a fly out. He remained at third after a pop up, but Gibson picked up his first hit of the game, with a double to give the Islanders a 1-0 lead. Vaughan then added the second run for A&M – Corpus Christi, as he followed with a single up the middle to bring Gibson in to score to make it a 2-0 lead in the second. However, starter Curtis Jones, who played at third base in the first two games, settled in on the mound, posting four consecutive scoreless innings from the third through the sixth. During that stretch the Huskies were able

to cut the lead in half, as in the bottom of the fifth HBU scored its first run of the game, as a two out single to right center brought in a run to make it a 2-1 game. After scoring eight total runs in the first two games in the seventh inning, the Islanders offense continued their dominance in that particular inning, busting the game open with seven in the seventh in the rubber match. Garza started the inning with a double to left field, before coming home on a throwing error by the third baseman who threw away the throw to first. Tierney then reached on the second consecutive error by Clayton Vaughan. Frankie Salas came up next and was the fourth Islander batter to reach to start the inning, as he singled to center, bringing Jordan Lee around to score to make it 4-1. This chased Jones out of the game, as the Huskies went to another position player, their second baseman Josh Martinez to work HBU out of the jam. However, he was unable to do so, allowing a run to come across on a passed ball, followed by a sacrifice fly to extend the Islanders lead to 6-1. This emptied the bases, but Martinez allowed two singles, a walk and a double to the next four hitters, as Vaughan’s double brought two runs in to extend A&M – Corpus Christi’s lead up to seven. HBU had to go to its third pitcher of the inning, as Kobie Hajdik gave up a single to his first batter, which scored another run, before finally getting out of the inning, as Vaughan tried to score on a fly out. After blowing a late lead in the ninth Saturday, the Islanders made sure to add some insurance runs in the top of the ninth, as Lee and Tierney each picked up an RBI to make it an 11-1 game. Tyler Schnuriger then came on in relief of Skapura and set down the side in order to secure the game and series victory for the Islanders. The Islanders will now have their first midweek off of the year, as they will next take on Northwestern State in a three-game Southland series, starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Natchitoches, La. To keep up with the action, fans can follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@IslandersBSB) and like it on Facebook (Islanders Baseball).

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special

04.17.2014

ISLAND WAVES

SUMMER READY:

Taking advantage of what the Rec offers to get that dream summer body. by CHRISTINA BOOTHE sports reporter

ummer is swiftly approaching, and with it comes the overwhelming pressure to look perfect in a swimsuit. While two months is the perfect time to get into shape and look awesome in beach attire, it can be scary to step into a gym for the first time, intent on making a change. The intimidation factor is high, and a lot of Islander students put an emphasis on their physique. But don’t let their success be a deterrent. Here’s a list of things to do to get in shape while having some fun. GROUP FITNESS The Island University offers group fitness classes every day, multiple times a day, taught by incredible instructors with a passion for helping people get into shape. Classes take place in the Tarpie and Izzy studio rooms on the second level of the Dugan Wellness Center, and offer a wide variety of styles to suit the taste of participants. Zumba is an excellent choice for students looking to have a dance-based workout that doesn’t feel like a workout but produces truckloads of fun and sweat. Classes like Pilates or Yoga are relaxing, but excellent options that are lower on cardio but emphasize muscle tone. Cycling is a fun, but challenging, class, that exerts the muscles while providing a strong cardio workout. Classes are offered every

day of the week, and most days have over six options of different classes with different times to accommodate everyone. PERSONAL FITNESS INSTRUCTION The Wellness Center also offers personal training, a onehour training session done by a certified personal trainer of either gender. Session packages start as low as $60 for three sessions and can go up to nine sessions for $155. Buddy programs are also offered, so participants can bring a friend with a similar fitness level to encourage teamwork. To figure out where to start, the Dugan also offers fitness assessments, which are $15 and determine what each participant personally needs. With such an excellent, dedicated staff willing to give one-on-one time to those who need it, the perfect summer body is inevitable. INTRAMURALS If any type of designated workout just isn’t the ticket to success, the Rec Sports Intramurals offers a variety of sports teams to join and compete throughout the university. From events like a one-day home run derby, to a volleyball miniseason, to a swim tournament, nearly every sport and the quirky in-betweens are offered for participants of any level. To sign up, visit imleagues.com.

If working out with people in general just isn’t the ticket, the university sports a lovely track that circumferences nearly half of the island and is just adjacent to the bay. The university map also exhibits extra routes to make the run farther and more challenging. With the sunrises and sunsets that Corpus Christi experiences, a run during dawn or dusk is a beautiful and healthy experience for all. The Dugan also offers multiple machines and an indoor running track for when poor weather strikes. The Rec offers so many incredible options and very fun ways for getting in to shape. Its hours are from 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. on Monday – Thursday, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Sundays. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities, most of which are free or discounted with a SandDollar ID. Summer is nearing – have the confidence to rock it.

ON YOUR OWN

Selfies with student athletes

Get to know Islanders student athletes one self-taken portrait at a time

by CHRISTINA BOOTHE sports reporter

he Islanders baseball’s starting roster is filled with alumni names, as sophomores, juniors, and seniors suit up to take the field while most of the freshman watch on. But, occasionally, a freshman makes waves in the system, and asserts himself as a stellar athlete that deserves to see the turf despite collegiate inexperience. Devin Skapura, a walk-on freshman, has done just that. He took the time to answer a few questions, including the details on his experience in joining the Islanders Baseball team. SR: “You were a walk-on, and then you shut out UT in the Sunday game of the series, and you’ve been a starting pitcher ever since. How does it feel, being a walk-on freshman, coming in, and really making a name for yourself?” DS: “It’s been a lot of fun. Honestly, I was a little bit apprehensive coming into college but I figured that if I bared down and worked hard, I’d get my fair share of chances. I worked hard in the fall and I’m just really glad to see it pay off in the spring. I’m getting a lot more chances than I ever expected too, and I’m really living in the moment right now and enjoying it.” SR: “What’s the story behind you walking on?” DS: “I got a lot of offers from junior colleges, out-of-state schools, and a few Divison II and III schools in Texas. I really wanted to stay in Texas, but junior college wasn’t for me. They didn’t have the right atmosphere, and I felt like I’d earned more than a junior college. I decided to take my chances here because I really enjoyed it when I came to visit; I loved the team and I loved the coaches, and I just wanted to see how it’d turn out if I came to Corpus.” SR: “What’s your major?” DS: “It was natural sciences but I recently changed it to kinesiology.” SR: “What do you want to do with that?” DS: “That’s hard to answer as a freshman right now. I want to see where baseball takes me first, not to put it ahead of any career path,

but I might want to be a coach or something. Coaching has always been an option just because of my experience and being in the game, but I just want to see where college takes me first.” SR: “What’s your favorite team that you’ve had to pitch against?” DS: “The University of Texas at Arlington. It was the game that I went my longest – 7 innings. I had a lot of run support and felt really comfortable on the mound. Not all of my stuff was working but I felt like I could throw any pitch in any count, throw strikes, and get people out.” Name/Nickname: Devin Skapura/Skap Age/Year: 18/Freshman Sport/Position/Number: Baseball/ Pitcher/#29 Hometown: Kingwood, Texas Major: Kinesiology Favorite Song: He couldn’t pick a favorite song, but he said that he enjoyed folk music, like the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons. Favorite Movie: Stranger Than Fiction Favorite book: Into The Wild by John Krakauer Favorite hobby aside from the sport you play: Fishing If someone sat next to you and wants to talk, they should talk about… “Anything. Anything about them. I just like to get to know people.” Favorite quote: Tough times don’t last, tough people do. Athletic inspiration: Burlander Celebrity crush: Kate Beckinsale Favorite food: Italian Social media: @DSkap10

Top: Islanders baseball player Devin Skapura cheese for the camera with Sports Reporter Christina Boothe

Visual 12

04.17.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Controversial minister comes back by ANDREW LIGUEZ features repoter

photos by ANDREW LIGUEZ

Islanders watch Brother Matt preach on campus.

n Wednesday April 16, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, campus was once again visited by an old acquaintence. A man from Missouri known to the public as traveling minister Brother Matt. Kiii-TV reported that the traveling minister had this to say, “Campuses are inundated with sin.” The traveling minister was in the Coastal area over the past few weeks preaching to local college students his contrived message. His message sent the students into a frenzy. Groups of students gathered around, noticeably frustrated, as the preacher spread his, somewhat hurtful, messages. Though students

countered every sentence from Brother Matt’s mouth, he hardly seemed to notice. According to Brother Matt, college students live a life of sin. The minister took time to emphasize that a woman’s role is in the kitchen, homosexuals are wrong and don’t deserve rights and short shorts are a form of sin. Eye witnesses of the event stated that some students were forced to find a calm area, after the controversial statements were made, to cry. Perhaps most shocking, the minister brought children to hold his signs. Students repeatedly asked the children if they felt safe and were acting of their own free will. Shortly after 2 p.m. the preacher was escorted off campus.

Brother Matt has children carry his propoganda at the event outside the Faculty Center.

TAMUCC Student fight the preacher on his vaules at his appreance on Tuesday.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Students fight the preacher on his values at his appreance on Tuesday.

Students gather around Brother Matt (far left) to share their own beliefs on the matter

Students attempt to engage the minister in an open debate, but he continues to read his scriptures

Frustrated students attempt to engage other members with the minister in conversation, but they remain silent