Volume 25 Issue 13 by Island Waves

HAPPY HOUR

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

Witness the rise of The Fallen Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students and friends create metal band

Multicultural Greek Council helps make miracles come true PAGE 6

photo courtesy of The Fallen

(standing) left to right: Islanders Alex Braun, Mark Flores and Clay Thompson along with band member Jorge Morales pose for the camera after Battle of the Bands event hosted by CAB

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

reat bands often have humble roots formed by a group coming together through their shared passion for music. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Battle of The Bands’ runner-up band The Fallen may one day tell a similar story. The Fallen is a metal band composed of Island University students Clay Thompson, Mark Flores, and Alex Braun. Following their success at the Battle of the Bands event, the group talks about their roots, style, and plans for their future. The Fallen drummer Mark Flores said, “ [The greatest influence on my music] without a doubt, I would have to say metal bands such as Tribune, Deo, and Lamb of God.” [The band] started in September of 2011, originally we were a larger group but the whole project fell apart. Alex, my cousin, and I decided to go off on our own and we decided

to call ourselves ‘The Fallen’. Eventually Alex came in and everything came together. As soon as Alex joined we started to create original songs.” Lead guitarist and backup singer, Alex Braun said his inspiration for lyrics comes to him after the beat to a song is formed. Flores said he listens to various tunes on his iPod in order to keep from sounding redundant. “I’ll be messing around with various instruments (primarily guitar/piano) and then I’ll send it to these guys,” lead singer, Clay Thompson said, “and see if we can apply it to a song.” Flores believes that over time, the band’s song structure has grown along with the members who have also grown as musicians. The band has been experimenting with adding more complex styles such as guitar solos to their music. “We want each new song to sound evolved and we do that by pushing ourselves to learning more ways to expand on our skillset,” Flores said.

According to Thompson the journey the band has taken has been quite the adventure. The Fallen started small by playing venues like open-mic at the Executive Surf Club and then moving on to Battle of the Bands at House of Rock. All the small appearances have culminated to what was the most recent second place win at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Battle of the Bands. The Fallen plans to record their own songs themselves on their own equipment and then work towards a record deal. Thompson, Flores and Braun agree if they can turn their music making into a career they would make it happen without hesitation. “Absolutely, music is a passion and being able to do what I love would be an amazing opportunity to have,” Thompson said. To find out more about The Fallen visit their Facebook page by searching “theycallusTheFallen”.

Things to see, do and try in Corpus Christi PAGE 8

A strong case for education

Wendy Davis campaign trail makes stop in Corpus Christi by CONNER TICHOTA news editor

he race for Governor of Texas is beginning to pick up steam as the candidates plough through their respective campaign trails. On April 11, candidate Wendy Davis held a pub-

lic rally at Del Mar Community College for her constituents in the Corpus Christi area. At the rally, there were approximately 150 to 200 supporters in attendance. The event was sponsored by the Corpus Christi chapter of the American Federation of Teachers in conjunction with the Davis campaign camp. “I’m so delighted to be with all of you,” said

Davis, “The people who work to nourish, protect, educate, to shape the generation of Texans for the future… and I know, in this state, you have been asked to do more everyday with less. I think it is time to change that…”

Lacrosse vs. Baseball: an opinion piece PAGE 10

see Wendy Davis on pg 3

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 13

editorial

04.24.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Letter from the editor

a student publication of

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

island waves staﬀ 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 TREY SEAL staﬀ reporters

NICK THOMSON

distribution manager

RUTH AIPPERSPACH faculty adviser

Dear Island University,

ost unfortunately to me, I write this letter to first and foremost apologize. I’m afraid to say that Island Waves must report that the integrity of our paper was put in question no thanks to the story that ran entitled “It Came from the Food Court.” I apologize to the students Kyle Morrow and Kelli Holt for being grossly misrepresented and misquoted. Neither one of them ever said the things wrongfully written in the story. The story in general was a complete farce on the University Center chefs, workers and staff. I am personally ashamed that any student/employee at this university would even consider writing such rubbish without having truth to back it up. Rest assured the reporter responsible for the gross misconduct has been removed from Island Waves. However I hope this article has awakened a need for professors and advisers alike to check into the work of their students, as I’m fearful this may not be an isolated case. On a lighter note this issue, we were really hoping to get students into looking for things to do in Corpus. There are books to read, sites to see and a whole city full of mysteries. Now I realize I sound like the poor man’s Dr. Seuss but for that I will never apologize. Corpus is my hometown and I will always claim it as such. Sure, we may have run into some hard luck with crumby roads, obesity and ridiculously high teen pregnancy rates (obviously not high enough to get on MTV) but show me a city without flaws and I’ll show you some weird freaky robot society or worse, a sitcom set. Corpus is a place large enough to spread your wings but small enough to do it without completely ruining your bank account and future. You can find live music on the beach, poetry readings by night and movies in the park. The only market to be completely monopolized in Corpus is the grocery market (think HEB and Wal-Mart). That means in an underdeveloped city like Corpus Christi there are a whole slew of possibilities. Wendy Davis found Corpus so fundamental to her campaign trail she made it a point to make herself accessible to her Corpus constituents and more importantly the college community. If there is any hope for developing Corpus into a polished gem of a city it lies with the college crowd. Start believing in yourself and the dreams you have and start them today. So much energy is wasted in our everyday lives hating the same old routine and bashing the things we don’t like. Yet seldom does anyone take the effort to correct the wrong, fight the bad and promote the awesome. I ask you to take a chance on Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Take a chance on Corpus and the dreams you think can never come true. Ask yourself what improvements would make this place better and then make it happen. I’ll do you one better, email us here at Island Waves with questions you want answers to and we will do all the heavy lifting for you. Sincerely, Alexis De Leon Editor-in-Chief Island Waves

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.

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

news

04.24.2014

ISLAND WAVES Wendy Davis

According to Ray McMurrey, local chapter president of the AFT, the union chose to sponsor the event in hopes of promoting and discussing a mutual issue of both party’s, education. “The purpose of tonight’s event is to educate the community about the importance of public education,” said McMurrey, “We wanted to, as a union, reach out to the community, and spread the message… we want to vote education first. We feel like for too many decades now educators and pro-educator supporters have allowed other issues, [such as] wedge issues [or] maybe a particular moral issue to drive people to the poles. What we’re seeing is an erosion of public education.” Such was the theme of the rally, education. Throughout the various speeches presented by AFT members, Davis’ campaign team, and even Davis, herself, discussed at length the issues with the Texas public education system. According to McMurrey , 2011 marked one of the worst years for the education system. Approximately $5.4 billion in funds were cut from the state’s education budget, which caused a severe backlash and the loss of nearly 11,000 jobs. Other sources can collaborate with these statistics. According to an article published by NPR, the budget cuts resulted in 12,000 teachers and other staff member losing their jobs as well as the loss of various academic programs. These were just a few issues listed with the public education system in Texas. “Our public schools are underfunded,” said McMurrey, “We saw historic cuts in 2011. We’re seeing an invasion of charter schools and vouchers. We’re seeing an undermining of teacher professionalism and standards for teachers. We’re seeing high stakes of corporate testing take over…where the money in education is really about testing, rather than teaching and learning.” In her address, Davis offered a solution to the various issues entitled the Great Texas Initiative. According to her proposed platform, Davis aims to reduce the amount of standardized testing in elementary schools, and provide Kindergarten for every four-yearold. Furthermore the plan aims to aid teachers

continued from page 1

by restoring their esteem, recruiting and retaining them with a higher pay, and loan forgiveness for teachers in public schools. “We know we don’t have a great education system without great teachers,” said Davis, “For those folks who remember the time when we esteemed our teachers in this state. When we paid them much closer to what they were worth, and recognized the work they were doing on behalf of our children. In Texas right now, we have fallen behind the national average… if we want to recruit and retain good teachers in our schools, we need to pay them what they are worth.” Throughout her speech, Davis continued to outline the various points of her platform pertaining to education as well as arguing against certain points of Republican candidate, Greg Abbott. “While I’ve spent the last months of the campaign talking about my education platform, my opponent, Greg Abbott, has been very silent, but he just unveiled his education plan last week,” said Davis, “ Under his proposal, some children, in some school districts, get some support for pre-k, but others

above: Wendy Davis speaks at rally garnering support for the 2014 gubernatorial election above right: Volunteers direct traffic at the rally

do not. What is worse than denying anyone a chance than a fair shot? Look no further than the core of Abbott’s plan…” According to Abbott’s official campaign page, the focus of his Educating Texans Plan would be to focus on improving literacy skills in elementary aged children by providing more “new and innovative resources”, without an extensive increase in tax dollars. Davis is a Texas senator most notably known for her two filibusters, the first in 2011 against budget cuts for education, and the most recent in 2013 against changes in Texas’

abortion laws. Abbott is the attorney general for the state of Texas, noted for his contribution to the Cyber Crimes Unit, as well as his previous service in the Texas Supreme Court. According to Abbott’s press secretary, he will visit the Nueces County area and hold a rally in Victoria on April 24. For more information regarding candidates and their platforms please visit their respective campaign sites.

photos by Andrew Liguez

news 4

04.24.2014

ISLAND WAVES

The votes are in?

An editorial opinion on student evaluations by CONNER TICHOTA news editor

t’s that time of year again when students’ class evaluations are fast approaching. Every student can honestly say that they have had at least one instructor that has made an impact on their life, whether it be a positive or a negative one. They would like to hope that every encounter with a professor is a predominately positive, esteem building and encouraging experience, but, the reality is far from a sugar-coated fairytale. More often than not, students will complain about the difficulty or monotony of a class, and, by extension, the monotony and difficulty of the instructor. Whether these claims are warranted or not is irrelevant. The motive behind the continual griping is the stagnant hope that someone will listen, and someone

will make the necessary changes. Here is the reality, folks. No one is going to spontaneously make changes to a class. The student body is responsible for outlining and expressing its concerns through an appropriate communication channel: semester class evaluations. This may sound like common sense. However, the lack of student participation was problematic enough to become a discussion point of the Student Government Association on April 2. The issue arose when the delegates began discussing possible solutions to issues that students had raised in a particular class of the College of Business at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “ The problem with [Business Math] is that it conflicts with the College of Math,” commented one senator, “ As I see it students, are still struggling in that class. On the second test students are still making 50’s and 40’s… there is no book. There are only power points.

He goes too fast. There is no CASA help, so students are crippled.” This particular case is a good example of why students’ class evaluations are crucial to the development and improvement of courses. “Yeah people fill out evaluations,” commented another senator, “But ever since evaluations went online and it’s not in class, it’s not mandatory, people are not going to fill it out.” The move from paper evaluations to electronic was meant to increase convenience and accessibility, and it does. Faculty do not have to set aside class time for students to fill out the forms, rather the students are fully responsible for doing it on their own time. This move also puts more responsibility on the student body though. In essence, the administration is trusting students to be forthcoming with issues or concerns they have regarding their classes so that they can be improved for the next semester.

It is very easy to blow off class evaluations. Not everybody feels that they are useful or time worthy. However, if students wish to have any input into the quality and direction of their classes, filling out an evaluation of the particular class is imperative. The evaluations are the official channel of communication that administration will take into the most consideration when designing courses for the upcoming years. Remember, complaining solves nothing. Taking action makes the greatest difference.

Salutations de France

An Islander’s review on his study abroad trip

photo courtesy of DANIEL MARTINEZ BARRERA

Above: Barrera at Loch Ness Edinburgh, Scotland

by DANIEL MARTINEZ BARRERA contributing writer y name is Daniel Martinez Barrera. I am M a senior currently studying abroad in France. I am writing to inform others about

my experience abroad and the opportunities offered through the Gilman Scholarship, one of my major sponsors. I am currently studying abroad in the French Riviera. I attend SKEMA Business School in Sophia Antipolis, a technology park in France, and reside in Antibes. With the funding I received from the Gilman Scholarship, one amongst many sources I funding I received for this experience, I was able to pay for the entire program which included tuition and fees and room and board.

Along with that, I was left with sufficient funds to create a monthly budget that would allow me to travel to other European or French cities. The classes I am presently taking are Elementary French, French Culture, College Algebra, and Photography. The French and French Culture classes have really helped me adjust to and learn about my host country. The French culture is more different and interesting that I could have ever expected. I have enjoyed every second since arriving and am very happy with my chosen study site. While abroad, I have participated in a broad range of activities ranging from participating in a wine and cheese tasting evening to going on a solo two week trip across Europe. Studying abroad is an opportunity everyone should take advantage of. Students should not just study abroad, but choose a country in which their language is not commonly used. This way you are forced

to learn and practice a new language. You will not only obtain the experience of living in a foreign country but also learn a new language, something that people in the United States take for granted. Many of the European students I study with speak up to four languages if not more. You should never let money be the reason that stops you from achieving your dreams. If it is academically related, there are always people willing to fund you as long as you show potential. Most of the time you need to have good grades in order for your school to allow you to study aboard. So, if you are accepted to a program you should not have a problem acquiring funding. It will take a lot of planning and dedication, but it is possible. I, for example, am funded through seven different sources one of which as I mentioned earlier is the Gilman Scholarship, a scholarship obtained

through the Unites States State Department. The scholarship is awarded to those that show a financial need through their FAFSA and are able to write an essay explaining how obtaining the scholarship will benefit not only them as a study abroad student but how they will represent the United States while abroad. Included in this description is a photograph of one of the many activities I have participated in while abroad. During my spring break I went on a two week backpacking trip through four European countries. One of the placed I stopped at was Edinburgh in Scotland. While there I went to Loch Ness to try to find Nessie, the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Sadly, Nessie was napping while I was there. This article will have a follow up when I complete my program at the end of April.

features

04.24.2014

ISLAND WAVES

must read books of the summer by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

ith summer just around the corner, many students may suddenly find themselves with more free time than they know what to

do with it. What better way to pass the time and keep your mind sharp than by catching up on your reading. From romance stories and creepy tales to classical remakes and historical fiction, here are 4 new books to consider reading this summer vacation.

1. “Side Effects May Vary” by Julie Murphy “What if you’d been living your life as if you were dying-only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?” A combination of Paper Towns and The Fault In Our Stars, Side Effects May Vary is not your typical cancer-love story. After 16-yearold Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, she sets out with her best friend Harvey to complete her crazy, sometimes revengeful bucket list. In the name of righting wrongs, Alice spends what she thinks are her final months of living helping out a stranger, humiliating her ex-boyfriend, reliving childhood memories and getting back at her arch nemesis, only to discover she’s in remission. Now faced to live with the consequences of her actions, and her true feelings for Harvey, Alice must face all the people she’s harmed and work to repair the damage she caused.

2. “White Space” by Ilsa Bick “In the tradition of “Memento” and “Inception,” comes a thrilling and scary young adult novel about blurred reality, where characters in a story find that a deadly and horrifying world exists in the space between the written lines.”

Author of the Ashes trilogy, Ilsa Bick, has a knack for writing about all things dark and weird, and White Space is definitely no exception. Eerily haunting, mind-numbingly creepy and very disturbing, this book is sure to mess with your thinking process and have your heart racing in no time. The book focuses on protagonist Emma Lindsay, a 17-year-old orphaned girl who’s got a head full of metal. After Emma coincidentally writes White Space, a story about a group of kids stranded in a spooky house during a blizzard, her teacher flags her for plagiarism. As it turns out, White Space just happens to be a part of an unfinished novel that was written by an author who is long dead now. Before long, Emma finds herself trapped in the very story she’s written, caught in a trippy “Matrix meets Inkheart” loop, where characters jump out of books and parallel realities meets.

images courtesy of GOODREADS.COM

by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

t has been brought to my attention recently, that Jojo has developed an infatuation with the outside. Specifically, with the shrubs located right outside my living room windows. It all happened a few weeks ago. During the day I usually pull open the living room curtains so as to light up the room without having to turn on a lamp. On this particular day I decided to go ahead and open up the blinds to let in more sunlight. Immediately Jojo came up behind me, stood up on hind legs, placed his front paws on the windowsill ledge and started staring outside. After seeing this, I went over and pulled up the blinds so he could have a better view of the outside. For about five solid minutes, Jojo stood there, standing on his hind legs while gazing out the window. A couple of times he even tried jumping up onto the ledge, but was too small to reach.

Since then, Jojo has spent a lot of time by the window. I even had to get two pillows from my couch to use as a booster seat for him, that way he would be more comfortable and have a better view. Apparently Jojo appreciated my efforts, and even voiced his approval at his comfy seating by chinning the pillows, letting me and his brothers know that they were now his. On an unrelated note, Jojo also exercised his authority as the boss of the apartment by conducting his weekly rechinning of all the furniture in my living room, including a pair of shoes that was laying around, Rigby’s water bottle and a few Play Station games that were actually neatly tucked away on a shelf. On an even less unrelated note, the games are no longer neatly put away, some were pushed to the back of the shelf and some spilled onto the floor. Between his constant window gazing, and the fact that he runs to the door every time I open it to leave, I think it’s time Jojo learns how to put on his bunny harness. Unlike Rigby and Pilot, who I can actually get into their harnesses, Jojo has a tendency to run away and hide anytime I try putting his harness on him. Hopefully by his birthday on the 13th, I’ll be able to get it on him, that way I can take him to park to play and celebrate his birthday.

3. “Dorothy Must Die” by Danielle Paige “I have a mission: Remove the Tin Woodman’s heart. Steal the Scarecrow’s brain. Take the Lion’s courage. Then and only then-Dorothy must die!”

You thought you knew the whole story about The Wizard of Oz, but what you don’t know is that Dorothy found a way back to Oz. She took control, the power went to her head, and now no one is safe. Dorothy Must Die follows the story of Amy Gumm, the other girl from Kansas, who’s been sent by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked to kill Dorothy. The story focuses on Amy as she hunts down Dorothy and her friends, all the while meeting familiar characters. In this twisted version though, the Good Witches can’t be trusted, the Wicked Witches just might be the good guys, and once prominent cities lay crumbled and forgotten.

4. “Tsarina” by J. Nelle Patrick “Natalya knows a secret. A magical Faberge egg glows within the walls of Russia’s Winter Palace. It holds a power rooted in the land and stolen from the mystics. A power that promises life of live for her and Alexi Romanov. Power, that, in the right hands, can save her way of life. But it’s not in the right hands.” Centered on the infamous Romanov family during the Russian Revolution, Tsarina tells the story of Natalya and Alexei Romanov, two young lovers who have known each other their whole lives. As their relationship progresses, Alexei reveals to Natalya the Constellation Egg, a magical gift from Rasputin that holds the powers to heal his hemophilia and protect those that the Romanov’s love. Unbeknownst to them, just outside the castle’s gate, is an ever increasing chanting of rioters and townspeople. Neither Alexei nor Natalya thinks anything of the protesting, and Natalya has full confidence in her love’s ability to quell the growing problem. But things are not what they seem for the young couple, and before long, Alexei and Natalya discover that the egg is missing, and soon find themselves in the midst of a revolution.

features 6 ISLAND WAVES

04.24.2014

FRESHMAN

by KATHLEEN RAMIREZ features editor

SPOTLIGHT

n less than three weeks, Josue Espino, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi freshman, will have completed his first year of college. As he reflects back on the past eight months, Espino says he has made several good memories, but his fondest is still the first day of classes. “I was so lost and confused, however, I had friends that were upperclassmen so they helped me around and showed me the ropes. The biggest surprise is how often I actually run into them and my old friends from my high school,” Espino said. A native of Corpus Christi, Espino originally decided to attend the Island University since it was so close to home, but was just as happy to learn of the classes the University offered. “I chose TAMUCC because it saves me

photos courtesy of KRISTEN GARZA

money, but mostly because I got a full ride on grants and scholarships. I also chose it because it offered geographic information system classes, which is what I want to study.” A geographic information system major, Espino hopes to one day work for a respectable company that pays well. “I chose GIS because it’s a very versatile field with a wide variety of employment opportunities. Also, many of the opportunities pay very nicely,” the freshman said. “After graduation, I hope to get a job in my field, preferably for an oil company.” The A&M-Corpus Christi freshman currently has a lot on his plate, and is usually kept busy with school and work. Whenever he’s not in class, Espino spends almost all of his time at Target, where he typically works nights as a sales associate. “For me, between working full time and going to school full time, it can be hard to find free time,” Espino said. “When I do have free time though, I like to go cruising around town

in my car, eat with my friends and of course paly video games.” In order to keep up with his grades, Espino tries to take advantage of whatever free time he has, and tries to have a sort of schedule as to when he does his homework. “Balancing school and work is tough. One challenge so far is the vast difference from high school in course load and course difficulty, and having to actually prioritize and use personal time efficiently,” Espino said. “Sometimes, for a very important test, I will study at work while on break. Usually, I end up doing most of my schoolwork in the morning or mid day before work. I mainly just try to take things week by week.” In addition to not having enough hours in the day, the GIS major says procrastination is another problem he struggles with. In between work, classes and friends, Espino says there have been times when he’s struggled with getting his assignments turned in on time. “I learned in the spring semester that due

dates are serious business, unlike high school where you could turn in everything whenever you felt like it. My biggest challenge so far has simply been fighting the urge to procrastinate. Those due dates are usually much closer than I expect them to be,” Espino said. Espino hopes other students will learn from his experiences, and encourages future students to be more conscious of the due dates. He also advises against skipping class, and warns that skipping only leads to more problems. “Procrastination may seem like fun, but it makes everything so much more difficult toward the end when you have all these assignments due, and not a lot of time left to work on them,” Espino said. “I would like to highly advise incoming freshman not to skip class, it only makes you’re life a lot harder. You miss valuable information or extra credit, and it definitely doesn’t help you win favor with your professors.”

by KRISTEN GARZA contributing writer

t was a beautiful Saturday morning on April 12, as many kids, parents, and volunteers arrived at the CITGO Miracle League Field ready to play the great American game of baseball in celebration of Opening Day for The Miracle League of Corpus Christi. Miracle League is a non-profit organization that gives children and adults with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to play baseball and many other sports. Excitement filled the air, as kids started to warm up and get their head in the game with a volunteer buddy by their side for encouragement and support. Among those volunteer buddies was our very own TAMUCC Multicultural Greek Council with representatives from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. “Volunteering with Miracle League was amazing. I was glad that I was able to help the youth play baseball and put a smile on their beautiful faces. Any other chance I get, I will definitely be going back to play another game with my buddy,” stated Reagan Elm President of AKA Sorority Inc. There was nothing but smiles, hard work and determination as home runs were hit and the sound of the cheering crowd filled the air. “I am really thankful for The Miracle League of Corpus Christi as they were very welcoming and made the event an enjoyable success. The kids are truly inspiring and MGC looks forward to participating again,” stated Kristen Garza, President of the Multicultural Greek Council.

04.24.2014

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ISLAND WAVES

so you want to find fun in corpus?

Texas State Aquarium

AMF saratoga bowling lanes

images courtesy of AMF.COM, VISITCORPUSCHRISTITX.ORG, VIRTUALTOURTEXAS.PBWORKS.COM, DALLAS MCMAHON

Dr. Rockits

Corpus Christi Art Walk

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter s a resident of Corpus Christi for all of my life; I can empathize with the many people who talk about how barren and boring this town can be. However, there is more to this town than meets the eye. So today, I’m going to brief you on multiple fun spots in town that should cure your lingering boredom issues. One of my favorite spots is “AMF Saratoga Lanes” bowling alley. Every Tuesday is college night which lets anybody with a College ID bowl unlimited games from 8 to midnight for the low price of $7.If you’re 21, you ca also enjoy their fully stocked bar which can get pricey if you buy too many individual pints or shots. However, they sell a 120 ounce tower of Pabst Blue Ribbon for $22.77 which is about 8 pints of beer (at about $7 and change between three people.) The downtown area hosts a free to visit art walk on the first Friday of every month. Beyond the fascinating art that you’ll see exhibited is a wide variety of local vendors selling art pieces and homemade wares ranging from (blank to blank). The entire event takes place on the sidewalks around the back streets and brings a little bit of Austin style to our local community. I’ve never been a big fan of most collegecentric bars due to their overly loud music and tightly packed interiors. Izzy’s on Everhart and SPID (next to Hooters) does it right though. The atmosphere is very casual with bartenders dressed in bus jeans and t-shirts. The venue is well-lit and the musical genres are never too consistent (a good thing in my opinion.) Along the walls are a variety of arcade games

including classics such as “Pac-Man” and “NBA Jam” along with the rare “Mario Kart: Arcade GP” which there are two of for competitive play. With a great selection of draft beers and a huge selection of liquor (with daily specials), Izzy’s keeps you entertained without hurting your wallet. If you’re looking for a good date spot, the Texas State Aquarium is highly entertaining. It has a very relaxed environment composed of dark hallways and soothing music. Beyond their large selection of crustacean and fish, they also have various tropical creatures on display such as amphibians in addition to live dolphin and bird shows (featuring a bald eagle among other birds). If you go on a weekday during the school year, you’ll be more likely to avoid the crowds (which can get large and contain a lot of young children. The aquarium is a bit pricey compared to the other places, this is due to its $17 per person admission but I highly recommend going at least once in your lifetime. Dr. Rockits, located downtown on Chaparral Street has been around since 1989. The bar has a blues theme but the bands that play there come from many guitar-based genres. Every night has a live show and on Tuesdays and Thursdays draft beer is $2 a pint. Depending on who is playing, sometimes there is a cover charge. The bar is also open to anyone 18 and up. Corpus isn’t as boring as it seems, what I’ve listed is only a small selection of what’s available in this town. Through exploration, talking to locals, and utilizing social media: you can discover an entirely new selection of fun things to do.

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04.24.2014

ISLAND WAVES

So, which is better? by CHRISTINA BOOTHE sports reporter

was raised in a household where baseball was the dominant sport. When I say dominant, I mean that if there wasn’t a game on, Hot Stove or MLB network was. As a result, I’m the girl who can sit directly behind home plate and call pitches. I hated this aspect of my family at first – I was, and still am, a dancer. I wanted to watch “Swan Lake”, not the “Top Best Major League Fights of 2013”. When my brother, who had always been more like a twin than an older sibling, graduated high school and left for college, the gaping hole I felt from his absence had to be filled with something. So, I turned to the two things he had loved that I had been most hostile towards: 80s rock and baseball. As a result, I’m that girl who turns on MLB network every once in a while, especially when I miss my brother. I’m also that girl who drives into campus with AC/DC booming from her stereo. And, more often than not, I find myself walking through the Dugan to get to and from class just so I can see the beauty of Chapman Field. The way the sunset glows in the background and illuminates the contrasting grass patterns is breathtaking. Baseball, in its very essence, is romantic. As I learned to appreciate the sport for what it was, I discovered that it is almost as much of an art as it is a sport. Being an artist, I was able to relate to it on a much stronger level after this epiphany. As a result, I became fiercely defensive of the sport (No, really. Ask any of my friends. They mock me for how much I talk about baseball). Recently, it has come to my attention that lacrosse and baseball seem to have a rivalry. When I confronted my brother about it, he warned me that if I were ever to bring home a boyfriend who played lacrosse, he would be very unhappy with me and quite possibly disown me. Amused and disconcerted, I decided to do some research on the

topic. I wanted to understand exactly why baseball players dislike lacrosse players, and why they seemed to diminish a LAX player’s athletic ability. It’s evident that each sport requires an insane amount of athleticism in order to play at a top level. Baseball requires five tools in order to be exceptional. Lacrosse is similar. While baseball players have to be strong in regards to their bat and arm, lacrosse players must be able to lay out whoever is in their way. Each sport requires speed and agility from their participants, and good hand-eye coordination, whether their athlete is catching a ball in a net or a glove. The main difference comes to the offensive goals of each sport. Baseball players are required to hit a round object, flying at 90 miles per hour, with another round object in order to work towards a run. Lacrosse players, on the other hand, are required to sprint towards a net and strategically fling a ball off of a pole and past a keeper to score a point, all the while dodging incoming guards looking for a tackle. Each offensive aspect requires different skills and different abilities, and each are terrifying – whether a 220 pound man is running towards you or a tiny, lethal fastball is flying towards your head. Regardless, each sport is difficult in its own way, and only an athlete who has mastered both could tell you which is more difficult. There is, however, a stigma associated with each sport. Baseball has a history of originating on alldirt fields where a bunch of kids who were a part of the dredges of society would come together with worn out gloves, a cheap wooden bat, and a peeling baseball, to enjoy themselves. Movies like “The Sandlot” and “The Perfect Game” embody this image, and go on to show that anyone can beat their circumstance and make it big in the Majors if they have enough heart to do so. Lacrosse, on the other hand, often is associated with the socially elite. An article from Total Frat Move confirms this.

“Look at the schools that have historically dominated college lacrosse: Johns Hopkins, Duke, Cornell, Virginia, Yale, Princeton, Lehigh, North Carolina, Denver, Bucknell and Penn,” writer Oscar Bluth said. Each of these schools is famed for being expensive, upper class associated, and academically superior schools. This isn’t to say that all baseball players are on the lower end of the financial spectrum, and that all lacrosse players are rolling in wealth and luxury. But each sport does have a stigma, which makes them a pariah in each other’s eyes. America’s decision seems to be clear. Baseball has long since been referred to as “America’s pastime.” Major League Baseball players make lofty salaries, with the average being $3.39 million, according to ESPN. Major League Lacrosse players, on the other hand, are not so lucky. The average professional LAX player makes somewhere between $10,000 and $25,000, according to Wall Street Journal – a drastic downgrade from MLB players. The MLB has its own cable network and dominates ESPN during the spring season – which it ironically shares with MLL. ESPN

reserves its online streaming service, ESPN3, for MLL, so that MLB can take the cable channels. Though each sport is challenging and athletic in its own right, MLB is clearly the preferred sport among the nation. Gentlemen, if you’re looking for a popular sport, baseball is clearly the way to go. If you’re looking to hone in on a new skill and shake things up a bit, take a look at lacrosse. It’s a great workout and a fun, less wellknown sport for all to enjoy. It all comes down to preferences – where do yours lie? Ladies . . . it all comes down to what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a sport where the athletes are generally privileged, more civilized, and probably associated with a fraternity of some sort, lacrosse is the sport for you. If you’re looking for a sport where the athletes generally drive trucks with beds still stained from hauling in that ten-point buck from the last deer hunt, you’re probably going to want a baseball player. My brother doesn’t need to worry. I’d take a man with scars on his hands from working on his truck and baseball pants every day over a bowtied frat boy.

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04.24.2014

Selﬁes with student athletes

ISLAND WAVES

Get to know Islanders student athletes one self-taken portrait at a time by CHRISTINA BOOTHE sports reporter

his semester, Selfies with Student Athletes has focused on basketball players and baseball players. But this time, the spotlight turns to the newly born Islander Women’s Soccer team. As the sport makes its debut on the island, its participants make a name for themselves – including freshman, Tori Stephens. When she’s not in her cowboy boots, riding in her truck, Tori can be found on the soccer field, honing her skills. The talented athlete has dedicated her time and efforts to preparing herself and training to be the best soccer player she can be, in order to aid her team and represent the Islanders well. Take a minute to meet this Islander goalkeeper.

Name/Nickname: Tori Stephens/Tori Age/Year: 19/Freshman Sport/Position/Number: Soccer/ Keeper/#25 Hometown: Southlake, Texas Major: Education Favorite Song: “Never Go Home Again” by Cody Johnson Favorite Movie: Despicable Me 2 Favorite Book: The Art of Racing in The Rain - Garth Stein Favorite Hobby (aside from the sport you play): Hanging out with friends. If I’m not on the field/court/track or at class, I’m usually: Going to bonfires. If you sit next to me in class and want to strike conversation, a sure bet is to talk to me about: “Anything. I enjoy talking to people.” Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” - Wayne Gretsky The person I look up to most is: My Dad. My athletic inspiration is: “I don’t really have a sports inspiration, but my Dad has always been there for me.”

photo by Cole Martinez

Tori Stephens poses for a duck face with Sports Reporter Christina Boothe.

My celebrity crush is: Channing Tatum

From Go Islanders

ORPUS CHRISTI – CORPUS CHRISTI – The Texas A&M Corpus Christi women’s tennis team cruised to a 6-1 victory over New Orleans today at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center to clinch at least a share of the Southland Conference regular-season title. Kevin and Camille Gossett and Corpus Christi CrossFit sponsored today’s senior day match for Sandra Burges, Stefania Nicolae, Cassie Shaw and Ashley Garza. The Islanders (19-5, 11-1 SLC) garnered their 11th straight Southland win after winning the doubles point and three singles match. The team has now won 13 of their last 14 matches.

record and an 11-1 record in the Southland. She holds an alltime career record of 59-21 and a 32-11 Southland record. “What makes me proud is we tell them everyday, character wins, and this result really validates that,” Moore said. The Islanders tacked on their fifth point of the day after Martin breezed past Laraibi, 6-2, 6-2 in the No. 3 slot. The Privateers’ Calderon then answered with a tight three-set win over Nicolae in No. 1 singles. The senior secured the first set, 6-4, before dropping a 6-1 second set. In the third, Calderson came from behind to squeeze out a 10-8 super-tiebreaker win.

“For these four seniors, to win the Southland Conference regular season, it just means the world to me for them,” Director of Tennis Steve Moore said. “They deserve it so much. I’ve been blessed to have the privilege of coaching some exceptional high-character players over the last 21 years. I can honestly tell you we have had players with equal character and commitment to a team, but never anyone better than these four seniors. I will remember them for the rest of my life. To start off 0-1 in the conference and to win 11 straight matches, outfighting and out-grinding teams only happens for one reason, high-character players that love their team and their school.”

Vives followed with her 11th straight singles win to stay undefeated in No. 2 singles. The freshman topped Sans, 6-1, 6-4, for the Islanders final point of the day. Vives has tallied an 18-1 singles record in her first year and an 11-1 mark in the conference. She has also registered a 6-0 mark at No. 2 singles.

The Islanders earned the doubles point after the Privateers (6-12, 3-9 SLC) defaulted in No. 3 doubles and the freshmansenior duo of Burges and Judit Vives topped Marta Sans and Soledad Calderon, 8-4, in No. 1 doubles. The sophomore pair of Celia Rodriguez and Maider Martin were leading Hafsa Laraibi and Yasmine Rashad, 6-3, when the doubles point was clinched.

The Islanders will host the Southland Conference Tournament this weekend and will open play on Friday, April 25, at 2 p.m. at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center.

A&M - Corpus Christi tacked on two more points after New Orleans defaulted on courts five and six in singles play. Burges, the all-time singles leader in Islanders history, then clinched the match and the title for the Islanders with a 6-0, 6-1, straight-set victory over Rashad in No. 4 singles. The senior has powered the Islanders this season with an 18-5 overall

“It means a lot to me to give our amazing athletic department to bring two Southland Conference trophies,” Moore added. “I could not ask for better athletic administration that is more supportive of our program and always looking to make things better. I attribute the successful we have had largely to the leadership of our athletic department.”

For all the latest on Islanders Tennis, like the team on Facebook (IslandersTennis) and follow them on Twitter and Instagram (@IslandersTennis). Tennis Match Results New Orleans vs. Texas A&M - Corpus Christi 4/21/2014 at Corpus Christi, Texas

Texas A&M - Corpus Christi 6, New Orleans 1 Singles competition: 1. Soledad Calderon (UNOW) def. Stefania Nicolae (AMCC) 4-6, 6-1, 1-0 (10-8) 2. Judit Vives (AMCC) def. Marta Sans (UNOW) 6-1, 6-4 3. Maider Martin (AMCC) def. Hafsa Laraibi (UNOW) 6-2, 6-2 4. Sandra Burges (AMCC) def. Yasmine Rashad (UNOW) 6-0, 6-1 5. Celia Rodriguez (AMCC) def. No Player (UNOW), by default 6. Kerry Galhos (AMCC) def. No Player (UNOW), by default Doubles competition: 1. Sandra Burges/Judit Vives (AMCC) def. Marta Sans/ Soledad Calderon (UNOW) 8-4 2. Celia Rodriguez/Maider Martin (AMCC) vs. Hafsa Laraibi/ Yasmine Rashad (UNOW) 6-3, unfinished 3. Stefania Nicolae/Kerry Galhos (AMCC) def. No Player/No Player (UNOW), by default Match Notes: New Orleans 6-12, 3-9 SLC Texas A&M - Corpus Christi 19-5, 11-1 SLC Order of finish: Doubles (3,1); Singles (5,6,4,3,1,2)

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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.

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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

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There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Enroll in Army ROTC at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi to complement your education with the training, experience and skills needed to make you a leader. Army ROTC also offers full-tuition scholarships and a monthly stipend to help pay for your education. And when you graduate, you will have an edge in life as an Army Officer and a leader. All it takes is enrolling in MSL101. To get started, visit goarmy.com/rotc/corpuschristi

For more information about ROTC and scholarships at TAMU Corpus Christi, email rotc@tamucc.edu or call 361-825-5841.

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

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

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

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