TEXAS TEXASA&M A&MUNIVERSITY–CORPUS UNIVERSITY–CORPUSCHRISTI CHRISTI || ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM || VOLUME VOLUME26 26ISSUE ISSUE25 20 || 10.01.15 08.27.15
See PHOTOS on page 6
Hispanic Heritage Month begins
Corpus frenzies over Bill Nye photo by ELI BERKE
Science Guy sells out Fall Distinguished Speaker Series
by ALEICHIA WILLIAMS contributing writer
I
n three short hours one can travel from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, write a very short book, or simply watch three episodes of a television series. Three short hours was all it took to sell all 1,200 seats at the Performing Arts Center to see this year’s distinguished speaker. Who is everyone so eager to see? Emmy award winning, Bill Nye the Science guy. For many Bill Nye is the beloved man behind the TV show that encouraged hundreds of children to explore the world around them in the 90’s. Recently, however, Bill Nye has emerged as an icon of pop culture, having 2.44 million followers on twitter and inspiring multiple parody accounts such as Bill Nye Tho, Ya Boy Bill Nye, and Bill Nye Lol. Further, Bill Nye has appeared on countless TV shows including the Late Night Show with Seth Meyers. Diamond Jackson, junior communication major, said she was ex-
cited about the event. “When I was a kid I use to watch Bill Nye on TV. I thought it was funny and I learned stuff; but now that I’m an adult, a discerning adult, I get to meet him,” she said. “I’m just over the moon. It’s ridiculous. I’m planning the whole outfit, getting a Bill Nye hair bow, and it’s just going to be fantastic.” Jackson was one of the few students who were able to buy V.I.P tickets. Due to Nye’s popularity this event attracted attention, not only from students at Texas A&MUniversity-Corpus Christi but also
from the general public. Jackson described how she was able to get hold of not one, but two V.I.P tickets. Jackson said she woke up at 7 a.m. and set up her computer and made sure her Internet was up to speed. She had signed in an hour before the tickets went on sale. “I was on the Performing Arts Center website and then when it hit 9 o’clock exactly I bought my ticket right then,” she said. “You only have a set amount of time to buy your tickets or it voids it so I bought the V.I.P ticket immediately.” Jackson said Nye is not a typical
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3,4 | CAMPUS 5,6,7 | ENTERTAINMENT 8,9 | SPORTS 10,11
scientist. “He’s a different type of scientist,” Jackson said. “He’s not unrelatable. It’s because when Bill first started out he was actually a comedian. So he was goofy. He’s someone that answers questions, whether they are scientific questions or life questions. He’s just someone that you can talk to without feeling like he’s condescending. Also, he’s very passionate about environmental issues and political issues. There’s something for everyone.” see BILL NYE on page 3
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opinion
ISLAND WAVES
10.01.2015
Surviving the boil: Life after the lift by ALEICHIA WILLIAMS contributing writer
a student publication of
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
island waves staff JAMIE FINK
editor-in-chief
KELSEY FLORES copy editor
KARA HERRERA layout assistant
GERI LEMMONS
features reporter
ISAAC PAGE
sports reporter
LUIS GOMEZ
advertising assistant
ELI T. BERKE
photographer
WENDY MOORE faculty adviser
contact us 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 write us a letter 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. 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, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.
T
here was a time when man had to scavenge for a drink of water. He had to venture early in the day through the masses to find a bottle or else he would spend hours upon hours with a dry tongue and a sore heart. This time was only a few weeks ago, when parts Corpus Christi were put on a water boil alert, inlcuding the Island University. On Sept. 8 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi sent out an alert explaining that the city’s chlorine levels were low and that the school was being affected by a water boil alert. Starbucks stopped serving coffee, water bottles were hard to find, and all the fountains on campus were covered in plastic bags. Now that the water boil has been lifted faculty, staff and students are finding different ways to approach getting water on campus. Whether that be avoiding it altogether or disregarding the possibility of danger. There have been many questions regarding what exactly was wrong with the water, why the water smells chlorinated, and whether the water is safe to drink at this moment. Gabriel Ramirez, the water quality manager of the city of Corpus Christi, was able to explain this. “The water had low chlorine levels and by low, meaning that were some that were below the regular limit in some areas for chlorine levels in certain parts of the city,” Ramirez said. “The water is safe now. It was safe then according to bacteria standards. There was no bacteria ever found,” Ramirez said. “This was more of a precaution because as
long as there’s some chlorine in the water it is able to act as a disinfectant and that makes it safe.” However, whenever there’s lower levels officials alert the public and issue a water boil as a measure to ensure public health according to Ramirez. So the water was always safe. However that does not quite answer the question of the smell and taste of chlorine in the water currently. Ramirez explained before making the switch the city would use a traditional disinfect for the water with a mixture of pneumonia combined with chlorine. “Recently we just switched to another disinfectant which is just chlorine,” Ramirez said. He explained that doing this will allow the chlorine level to rise to a safe level. When the water boil alert was set generally many stopped drinking water. However there were some who choose to run the risk of drinking the water anyway. Take Victor Navarrete, the director of developments for College of Education, for instance. Navarette, who drinks an average of 200 ounces of water a day noted that he would usually fill up his water bottles on campus. His habit of going to the water fountain in between work changed when the alert was put in place. “The first couple of days were hard,” Navarette said. “I work out every morning before work. When I found out there was no water I only had the water that I had brought from home.” Navarrete however, did not allow the water boil to keep him from drinking the campus water for long. “I calculated that if I was buying water whenever I needed that would be two
Illustration by IZZY SNEED
bucks each time. That’s 10 bucks a day,” he said. “So being the scout that I am I went and bought Iodine tablets.” He said iodine tablets kill the bacteria, viruses and anything in the water. “I don’t know if it’s me being cheap but I would buy the tablets,” he said. “Then I would go to the bathroom and fill up the water bottle there. The taste is off but I wasn’t concerned.” Others on campus, such as Orlando Narvaez, senior communication major, took a different approach. Narvaez,
who choose to buy bottles and bring them from home, noted that they may not use the water now but it may be inevitable to use it at some point later. All in all, Texas A&M Corpus Christi is currently adjusting to the changes brought by the water boil. For now, the smell and taste issues are going to be there but the tentative date, according to Ramirez, to switch back to the traditional disinfectant is Nov. 2. Until then though, students can be assured that the water is safe to drink.
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Send letters to the Editor: Editor@tamucc.edu
3
news
10.01.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Circle K making worldwide connections by GERI LEMMONS staff writer
T
exas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi has been serving students and the Corpus Christi community through its service-based chapter of Circle K International for five years now and they are looking for new students to serve alongside them. Circle K is a nationwide organization made as a coeducational service, leadership development, and built to make new friends. Andrew Liguez, junior nursing and psychology major and a member of Circle K, said the Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi chapter was started five years ago, by a student who previously was a member of the Brownsville chapter of Circle K. “We have many members across Texas,” Liguez said. “My favorite part about this organization is the members. We meet a lot of people around the world who are a part of Circle K.” The Island University’s chapter
caters to the Coastal Bend community, according to its page on the University website Orgsync. The members do a lot for the community and promote leadership while also meeting different people with the same passion. According to their website, Circle K is an organization that is still growing and has many different opportunities for students to give back and service the world around them. New members have may opportunities to attend community service events, from helping out the school to helping out at charity events that will help out all types of people. Circle K even has a program where they give food to students at the Island University that cannot afford food and having a hard time with getting meals. This is an event that is very important to them. According to their Orgsync page, one of the goals of this Circle K International organization is to get bigger and to help as many people as it can. The members want to help not only the community
BILL NYE continued from page 1
Many are expecting a great night on Oct. 21 but Jackson had some other concerns in mind. “I hope I don’t freeze when I see him because I have the entire dialogue planned out. If I freeze I’m going to hate myself for the rest of my life!” Jackson said. So how did Texas A&M- Corpus Christi come to have chosen such an admirable guest for this year’s distinguished speaker event? Heidi Felpel, Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s stewardship coordinator, said. “A committee on campus who get together and speak to professors and a group of faculty. Dr. Killebrew then has the final word.” Felpel said. “The mission of the distinguished speaker series is to bring accomplished distinctive national and international prospects to our campus in order to provoke thoughts and insight on all types of topics,” Felpel said. “Bill Nye was a good fit. We knew he would be the most popular and recognizable.”
Students who were unable to buy a ticket do not fret. There will be a free Student Forum at the Performing Arts Center, at 2 p.m. that same day. For more information call (361) 825-2763 or visit dss. tamucc.edu.
that they live in but also help and meet people they never thought they would have the opportunity to meet. Circle K wants to become the leading global community service organization that is involved in servicing on college campuses. Almanie Malinado, junior psychology major and a member of Circle K, said her favorite part is the service activities and giving back to the community. “I am looking forward to everything this year honestly, like different types of things that we do. In high school all we really did was Halloween stuff so this is new and different,” Amite Maldonado said. Circle K International TAMUCC Chapter is growing in members and is now kicking off this school year with new and different ways to help serve the community. It also has many opportunities to meet and make new friends. Liguez said he is looking forward to getting the club back to where it used to be. “It was very special to me my freshman year,” he said. “During
my sophomore year it went down fast, so I am hoping we can get back to how the club was before.” All students are welcome to attend a Circle K International meeting, which are held 6 to 7 p.m. every Thursday in the University Center Island Room. The organization accepts new members year round with dues of $20. Their moto is “Live to serve, Love to serve.” For more information, students can contact Andrew Liguez at Aliguez1@islander.tamucc or go to the Circle K Orgsync page on the tamucc.edu website.
4
news
10.01.2015
ISLAND WAVES
ISLANDER PROFESSOR PROFILE
Picking the human brain by JONATHAN FORNEY contributing writer
D
r. Gregory Buck has been teaching at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi since 2001. He has taught over 12 different courses during his time as a faculty member and is currently a microbiology professor. One of the main aspects Buck is known for is his intellect. Students both former and present, refer to him as “A Human Brain” because of how effortlessly he is able to recall extremely specific information. He is able to recall everything from the smallest prokaryote to the most efficient route to Houston from Corpus. Buck said when he is not busy with his classes or his own personal research he has many hobbies. He is an avid reader and linguist. He has been learning French for a number of years, has picked up some Spanish in his time, and is currently learning Mandarin Chinese. Buck said in fact, he actually has a Chinese calendar in his office. In addition to word-based pastimes, he is also interested in physical activities, such as walking, running, and swimming. He also enjoys traveling, whether for film festivals or just for new experiences. Buck said his love of teaching keeps his moments of free time few and far between. He’s no stranger to school work either. He attended Morehouse College for his undergraduate degree, Georgia State for his Master’s and Ph.D., and Emory University for his Postdoctoral work. All that time in school has helped shape Buck’s current teaching style. He likes to use an analogy of educational scaffolding that students are supposed to come to college with and it is his job to fill in the gaps of that framework with his content. In his mind, his job as a professor is to profess his knowledge to students.
Buck compares being a professor to the popular metaphor “If you give a man a fish, you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for a lifetime”, but Buck said that the hypothetical fish may be “anything from a minnow to a great white shark.” In his time teaching, Dr. Buck has had his share of unusual experiences everything from being cursed out by students to lecturing students in various states of being, from asleep to intoxication. In a recent class, Buck said “You may curse me under your breath now, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth”. His current Supplemental Instruction leader and former student, Savannah Wilkinson, is still learning from him every day. She said his interactive teaching style of calling on students to apply their knowledge has helped her learn how important communication is and creative ways to make others think, which is helpful when students come to her to explain something they’re trying to understand from his class. As far as his future career plans go Buck hopes to still be teaching and doing research. However, he said he has considered retiring in the next 10 years or working in administration. Ideally, he would like to continue teaching as long as he is able. Any student intimidated to take his class in the future should consider the advice of Wilkinson and others like her. “You’re going to learn a lot if you’re willing to work for it,” Wilkinson said. “As a current student of his, I feel I can adjust and ultimately learn some things from this human brain.”
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
Dr. Gregory Buck has taught at the Island University for the last 13 years. He has been named an Outstanding Islander as a professor of Biology and Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Life Sciences.
5
campus
10.01.2015
ISLAND WAVES
ISLANDER STUDENT PROFILE
Arthur Bedel keeps moving for the game by KACI ALVAREZ contributing writer
M
oving to a new place can be extremely nerve wracking. Not knowing anyone and learning how to function without ones parents is extremely tough, but the reassurance of having family close by keeps students sane. Arthur Bedel however, does not get that luxury. The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi sophomore, moved here from Montainville, France, which is about 30 minutes away from Paris. The small town is 5,183 miles away from Corpus Christi, which is about an 11- hour flight. Bedel is majoring in general business and is a part of the university tennis team, which is the main reason as to why he chose to come study at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi . “It’s very rare to play sports after high school in France,” Bedel said when asked why he chose to come to Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi. “I wanted to play tennis and the tennis program here is very good.” Bedel saw photographs of the university before making his trek to Corpus Christi and thought that it was beautiful. “Although I thought downtown would be prettier, the campus is very nice,” Bedel said. Bedel said he is extremely happy to be able to call Texas A&M University-
Corpus Christi his home. When he is not studying for school or practicing with the university’s nationally ranked tennis team, he likes to hangout with friends, workout in the Dugan, and enjoys the outdoors. Although his favorite parts about living in Corpus Christi include the overall nice weather and being able to go to the beach, Bedel said that there are definitely differences between the United States and France. “For one, the saying is true. Everything really is bigger in Texas,” he said. Bedel also described the differences between cultures and the mentality of the people in both places. “The people in France are a bit more classy, no offense,” Bedel said. “The way people act is just completely different than the way people act here.” The differences in countries are a main reason why Bedel believes that study abroad programs are extremely important and that students should take advantage of it. He believes the benefits of studying internationally matures the student and educates them on different cultures, which is extremely important. Bedel said he would definitely recommend studying abroad for anyone interested in it because it allows the students to discover
photo courtesy of GOISLANDERS
Bedel practices his volley during a recent warm up at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center.
new places and develop an open mindset by experiencing things they are not used to. He also said when students take a big step and leave their country, it makes them more responsible and allows for a better college experience even though it can be scary. By stepping out of his comfort zone and leaving France, Bedel has had the college experience he has always dreamed of. Although he is not quite sure where he wants to end up, he is very thankful for the opportunity he has been granted by coming to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and encourages anyone who is interested in studying abroad, to go for it.
Bedel is in his sophomore campaign with Islanders tennis. Bedel was a part of last seasons team that reached the NCAA championships.
photo courtesy of GOISLANDERS
“If I had any advice for someone who wants to study abroad, it would be to just do it and keep working hard,” Bedel said. “And when you’re in the new country, just keep doing you.” According to goislanders.com, “Bedel recorded a 5-4 dual-match singles record, including a 1-0 mark in Southland Conference action in his freshman campaign. He tallied a 4-4 record at No. 6 singles and a 1-0 mark at No. 5 singles. Bedel teamed with Peter Nagy for a 9-4 record at No. 1 doubles and a 3-1 Southland mark. Bedel finished his freshman season winning four straight with Nagy at No.1 doubles earning the pair a Southland Conference first-team honors. Bedel was a part of the Islanders team that reached a national ranking of 40 and clinched their eighth straight Southland regularseason champions title, and their sixth Southland Tournament crown and berth to the NCAA championships in the last eight years.” For more information about Islander tennis, or any other Islander athletics, visit goislanders.com to view rosters, schedules, scores and tickets.
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campus
10.01.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Island University kicks off HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
by ELI T. BERKE photographer
O
n September 15, the Islander Cultural Alliance (ICA) kicked off its annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The nationwide event lasts until October 15 and includes a poetry reading, a film screening, and a fiesta concert. Given TAMUCC’s population is predominantly made up of 44.8 percent Hispanic/Latino undergraduates, the Islander Cultural Alliance sees the need to celebrate ethnicity, and not just of the Hispanic Culture. Students got to meet with members of the ICA and fellow students while enjoying free food and live music from the San Antonio based band, Matiz Latino. “TAMUCC has the privilege of being a very diverse campus. Hosting events to represent cultural months helps to better appreciate and celebrate the diverse student population we have,” said Vice President of Community Outreach for ICA, Sterlen Kemp. “Our mission is to promote cultural diversity and awareness to the TAMUCC community. We strive to make our campus inclusive and accepting of all people.” Along with Hispanic Heritage month, ICA helps to organize events such as Black History Month, Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, and LGTB History just to name a few. “Oftentimes, history classes only teach small segments of American culture,” Kemp said. “These months help people to learn, share and enjoy other’s culture.” Their work to celebrate the diversity of TAMUCC has not gone unnoticed. Cynthia Ledezma, who was also in attendance at the kickoff feels an importance in observing the heritage month. “It’s part of my heritage, my family, my ancestors, they thought it was really important to win this war,” she said. “Sept. 16 is Mexico’s independence …they have this huge party in Mexico and it’s really cool.” Grito de Dolores, translated “Cry of Dolores”, was considered the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence when Miguel Hidalgo urged members of his congregation to revolt against the Spanish Colonial Government on Sept. 16 in 1810. Since Oct. 1825, Sept. 16 has been celebrated as the Mexican Independence Day. “I hope I keep going with the tradition. It was important for them, [and] it should be important
for me,” Ledezma said. Kemp hopes that the involvement of ICA and the events planned by the student organization will continue in its mission to bring awareness for cultural diversity and help bring the community closer. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way for our campus and our city to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of the Hispanic people,” Kemp said. “Besides the food and the arts, Hispanic people have made great achievements in our country through politics and civil rights.” As the month continues and into October, ICA will host more events to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. “Hispanic Heritage Month is full of fun and exciting events throughout the semester. The Islander Cultural Alliance will host a Loteria Game night which will be on October 7 at 4pm in the Garcia Plaza,” he said. “There will also be a Latin Dance Night on October 13 at 5pm in Garcia Plaza. There will be lots of prizes and fun.” Left: Students from Columbia attempt to teach other students how to dance. Right: A trio of friends enjoy the free food and entertainment provided. Bottom: A group of transfer students from Columbia advertise their table. photos by ELI T. BERKE
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campus
10.01.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Banned Book Week gives freedom to read by GERI LEMMONS staff writer
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rom Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Mary and Jeff Bell Library is hosting an annual event called Banned Books Week, which celebrates the freedom to read. Jennifer Anderson, marketing and communication librarian, said this is a week-long national celebration for the freedom of reading. She thinks it is important for people to know that some books are still being challenged. “We still have to fight for it,” she said. “Some people think that censorship is a thing in the past but it is not. If you tell me that I can’t read something it makes me want to read it even more.” According to the bannedbooksweek.org, this is an event that highlights the freedom and ability to get any information that is needed. In 2015 some of the books that are being highlighted are the books catering to young adults. These are the
books that are being challenged the most in recent years. Some of these books include “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and many more. All of these books are either being challenged or banned. They are all on this list for different reasons. According to bannedbooksweek. org , the week of awareness, there are different activities and contests that go along with educating students about the freedom of being able to read what they want to read. With so many books being banned or challenged and some of them being very important young adult books, people want to put a stop to the sensoring of these books. They want to highlight this freedom around the country so that this right is not taken for granted. “We should be thankful that we are able to read them,” Anderson said. “It’s kind of cool that we will be able to see the books that other cultures don’t get to see because of their government or because the
POETIC READER
photo by IZZY SNEED
Alan Berecka reads one of his poems during the Poetry Reading on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the newly renovated Bayview room. Berecka was one of two authors who read their poems during the event.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER
To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu
people around them don’t agree with it. Some of these books are banned or even burned so it’s good for people to know about that. Not everything that we have here is accepted in every culture, so it is kind of like an awareness thing.” Many books are challenged because parents and other adults feel like these books are inappropriate for young readers. Some have strong language, some have extreme sexual content, or the adults feel like the book is not age appropriate, according to the Banned Books website. This week celebrates the ability for students and everyone who lives in places where they can read any book they want to despite what anyone thinks of what they are reading. According to tamucc.libguides. com/OpenHouse2015, Banned Books Week was a part of the Library’s Open House. There was banned book character appearances, a bookmark contest, a hero costume contest, a scavenger hunt and a many prizes that were be given away. All of these many different ac-
tivities were put in place to help educate students about censorship and how important it is for students to know about something they should not take for granted. Laura Barrientos a junior and a physical therapy major said that she thought the display looks really nice, it keeps getting better and better every year. “Usually the display is much smaller than that. So, when people walk in they see the sparkling stars and the lights and people are more attracted to it and they read the sign that says banned books week and people can actually notice it when they walk in” For more information about Banned Books week contact Jennifer Anderson at Jennifer.Anderson@tamucc.edu or someone can go on the Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Mary and Jeff Bell Library website. http://tamucc.libguides.com/OpenHouse2015
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entertainment
10.01.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Double Sharp rocks Performing Arts Center Maria Demina and Natasha Marin in the costume of the last song in their show.
by MYELEENA GONZALEZ entertainment reporter
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n Sept. 21, 2015 the famous piano duo Double Sharp, played a concert at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christ. The audience was filled with people of all ages who attended the show. The audience was amazed with the duo, because after every song the applause from the audience created vibration through the building. The pianists, Maria Demina and Natasha Marin tour around the world with their fashion designer, Vera DeFehr by their side. Both women are from St. Petersburg, Russia. Pianist Maria Demina started playing the piano and chose to continue playing it because of her parents. “I think music was always a part of our household so I was always interested in it,” Demina said. “Once I was put to the task, and was told to play the piano, I was not a big fan of that part. I always wanted to play the violin but my parents always insisted on I playing the piano at age six.’’ On the other hand pianist Natasha Marin said her parents made her learn how to play the violin and she hated it. “My friend got kicked out of our violin class and I was so jealous of her because I didn’t like the violin,” Marin said. “I wanted to play the piano. I have been playing the piano since age five and a half.’’ The pianists went to school together and unexpectedly saw each other in Los Angeles, California, because they were both studying under the same
professor. “After Los Angeles, Maria and I became best friends and at some point we decided to do something professional together and here we are now,” Marin said. “We figured out that if we could wear each other’s clothes, we could join together to create a piano duo,’’ Demina said. All professionals have embarrassing moments on or off stage but Demina and Marin have been lucky in that category so far. “We try to have all the costumes double checked for malfunctioning,” Demina said. “We cross our toes on stage so hopefully nothing ever happens.’’ The show was designed to include a fashion objective with the music. In an hour, the program was finished and consisted of several outfit changes. After one or two songs, an outfit change was done. “We include the fashion element into our show so we do not lose the young audience,” Demina said. “People should not be falling to sleep during our show and the fashion gives the show a pop.’’ The pianists provided the information of their costumes taking two years to be made by hand by their fashion designer. They want the costumes to be seen all over the world. Along with the fashion and music element of the show, there is also an educational element that is included. “At the moment when we are playing on stage and the audiences are into the show, that is our favorite place,” Demina said. “Our favorite place to perform
just so happens to be any where we have been because we love music, we love to listen to music, we love to play music, and we just love everything about music,” Marin said. “I personally enjoyed performing at Carnegie Hall but at the moment like Demina said, does feel so perfect.’’ The team pianists plan on performing in many different
photo courtesy of XXXXXXX
states and countries to show what they do and spread the love of music and fashion. For more information about Double Sharp piano duo and upcoming events visit natashamarin.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about upcoming events in the Performing Arts Center visit pac.tamucc.edu.
9
entertainment
10.01.2015
ISLAND WAVES
How to live at the beach with a beach bod by SAMANTHA MAHLER contributing writer
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iving in Corpus Christi can only mean two things: going to the beach every weekend and having access to Whataburger on every street corner. It is hard to stay in shape when living in Whataburger’s founding city and it is hard to stay in shape for busy college students, period. Since the beach is literally in everyone’s backyard it is not surprising that most Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students are looking for ways to get a rocking beach body. Everyone has heard of the Freshman 15, but few know that it can be prevented. Here’s how. Step 1: It all starts in the dining hall. Some students cannot seem to get enough of Panda Express’ lo mien, others have a Gold meal plan and go through Dining Dollars like 2011 Nicki Minaj changed her hair style. What students eat significantly affects how their body performs. Instead of going crazy at the ohso-tempting pizza buffet, try adding a salad and limiting trips to get one (or five) more slices of BBQ chicken. Most dining options include the calorie count for each meal item. Talk to a healthcare specialist about
HEALTH COLUMN what is the healthiest option and make a plan. “It’s cheaper to buy salad, even if it’s a pre-made salad at a grocery store than going out every day and buying a salad at Whataburger,” said Wendell Hamilton, a junior with a dual major in business and history. Step 2: Don’t be afraid to get physical. Contrary to what some students might believe, the Dugan Wellness center has more to offer than T-shirt Tuesdays. The state-of-theart fitness center is complete with two basketball courts, two floors of workout equipment, an indoor track, two ping-pong tables, and even a rock-climbing wall. In addition, there are plenty of group fitness classes to suit the lifestyle of busy students and their varying fitness levels, such as power yoga and Zumba. However, be sure one is familiar with time management. “I wake up early if I know that I won’t have time during the day, and other times I have breaks in between classes I’ll go to the wellness center and do a workout,” said sophomore Cheyenne Unterbrink, a biomedical science major. “I treat working
photo courtesy of PIXABAY.COM
out like homework. I have to get it done daily, and I’ll make time to do it. Even if it means working out at 11 at night like some people work on homework at 11 just to get it turned in by 11:59 pm.” Step 3: Being healthy is the most attractive look. There is the whole cheesy cliché that beauty does not have a number and that if one just puts on a bikini, they will automatically have a bikini body. At the sake of sounding like a feel-good Hallmark movie instead of a student newspaper article, understand that a beach body is the body that one feels the most comfortable with.
“Having a bikini body means that you care about your body and that shows how you care for your life,” Unterbrink said. “I’m not as afraid to speak in front of people because I’m not worried about them.” Try to aim to eat healthy most of the time and workout a few times a week. However, do not feel ashamed for slipping up. Everyone is human and life is too short to stress out about going through the drive-thru when finals hit hard and there is no time to whip up a meal at home. College is a time to live life and have fun, so make the most of it. Everyone is beautiful. Eat that donut.
Rise of the Internet television streaming by JONATHAN FORNEY contributing writer
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ecently The Mindy Project, had its season four premiere. Despite critical approval, Fox opted to drop the show due to low ratings and up and coming TV streaming service called Hulu swooped in and signed the show to a Hulu exclusive fourth season according to the New York Times. The show’s executive producer, Mindy Kaling, plans to release one new episode per week, similar to regular cable television, instead of releasing entire seasons at once, like a service such as Netflix. With the release schedule Hulu begs, is the reign of cable TV coming to an end? With the popularity of services such as Sling TV, which allow users to stream real time content of up to 65 channels starting at just $20/month, one begins to wonder just what is keeping people tethered to their expensive cable subscriptions. The libraries of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime are expanding all the time, with big name titles from many major networks’ fall
lineups. From an economic standpoint, it seems logical to take a step back and determine just what exactly people watch on TV and if it is available online via a streaming service. For example, there are a number of people who have Netflix and Hulu Plus but still watch cable TV for NBA games. While there is services like WatchESPN that allow streaming of live sporting events, most require a cable subscription. Casey Newton from The Verge, wrote a really nice summary of the more popular streaming services out there. One could feasibly get by just fine on purely streaming services for their entertainment needs. Convenience is another key reason people are excited about streaming services. “It’s really good for people that don’t have cable. You can keep up with your shows whenever you’ve got time” sophomore Karen Velasco said. Many students like to make streaming the latest episode of their favorite shows a social event. Sophomore Randi Cannon, an avid fan of the popular “Game of
Thrones” series, takes a weekly trip to a friend’s house to. “[We] bring everyone together and make sure we’re all caught up, so we can talk about what decision the writers made we don’t agree with,” Cannon said. Streaming services allow people to enjoy their favorite TV at their leisure that could be at virtually any time for busy college students. Another advantage of streaming services is how easily they transfer to other non-TV devices: smartphones, tablets, computers, set-top boxes, such as Rokus or Apple TVs, and many more gadgets and gizmos. The freedom of Internet based content streaming as opposed to being tethered to a TV and its coaxial cable cannot be understated. The luxury of watching the latest episode of New Girl while on a bus is something that simply was not possible just a mere 10 years ago. With the rapid improvements of technology it is possible to always have ones favorite content wherever ones goes. The rise of streaming services has led to something fascinating: binging and watercooler discussions that follow it. Since one can
watch a season of a popular show, such as extremely well received Netlix’s original “Orange is the New Black,” in one weekend, people now have a new way to come together and discuss their favorite shows. While it is still completely acceptable to watch a primetime show on network television to discuss it with friends, thanks to streaming services, people can recommend whole seasons to one another. A friend could recommend a show like the Netflix original “Narcos” and within a few days anyone could get back to them to share their thoughts on an entire season as opposed to waiting one week at a time for episodes to trickle out one by one. Gone are the days of reading online recaps because someone missed a week’s episode. The content is there, one just has to take the time to watch it. The world of television is moving from a weekly update system to one that is more about giving users huge amounts of content to consume at their leisure. All that is left is to pop some popcorn and find something to watch.
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Building better Islanders with daily grind by ISAAC PAGE staff writer
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here are approximately 267 student athletes at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. It is the responsibility of two full-time strength and conditioning coaches along with the help of several assistants to train and condition those athletes. Richard Burnett is the head strength and conditioning coach for the Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi athletics department. He, along with assistant Scott Lee, carry out the task of preparing athletes for competition and helping them recover afterwards. “We develop team-building. That’s a big part of what we do, challenging these athletes not only in a way that develops themselves individually, but makes them more of a better teammate,” Burnett said. “Whether it’s a leadership role or in a way that they support the person next to them in a group.”
Burnett said training sessions with student athletes are intense. The coaches provide meticulous oversight of sessions and they are happy to know they have more supervision over the athletes. “If there’s 30 student athletes in here, we have three coaches, six eyeballs to watch everything that goes on to make sure the technique is being taught and corrected appropriately and that each athlete is being challenged according to their own abilities” Burnett said. The goal is to get these athletes game ready. Coaches are constantly looking at film and perusing through research as a means to implement new and effective training. Due to a modest budget, equipment and space are restricted. The athletic department cannot always afford to acquire all of the equipment they would like to have so instead coaches have to improvise and get creative. “We have weekly staff meetings to make sure we’re sharpening each
other up, making each other better,” Burnett said. “We’re constantly in the books, we’re constantly watching videos, we’re doing everything we can to bring the best methods of training to A&M-Corpus Christi.” There are a lot of jobs that fall under the umbrella of strength and training. Coaches and trainers help student athletes eat healthier by offering nutritional guidelines, making sure athletes are not poisoning their bodies with junk food and making sure they are getting the adequate protein they need to recover after an intense training session. Different coaches and assistants have different responsibilities for the athletes. For example, Coach Burnett is not responsible for conditioning, making the athletes run, but he is responsible for making them lift weights. “An athlete’s way of thinking is also a huge component of strength and conditioning. The mental aspect of training includes mental toughness, integrity and selfless-
ness,” Burnett said. Coaches run certain regimens for athletes in a way that holds them accountable for each other where they have to rely on each other and encourage each other to finish strong. These techniques keep the athletes aware of how their teammates are doing and it helps them learn each other better. Toughness is instilled in to the athletes on a daily basis due to the simple fact that their workouts are intense. “We are stress inflictors, our job is to stress the body … We make them do things that breaks their muscle tissue down … Knowing that if everything’s done correctly, their body will respond in a way that’s better than it was before,” Burnett said. “Our workouts are tough. They’re no joke. But we’re not just always breaking people down, we’re breaking people down and then building them right back up” Burnett said.
Kayaking, rock climbing, surfing -oh my by KACI ALVAREZ contributing writer
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exas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s recreational sports assistant director for programming, Drew Cantwell, has put together a series of outdoor activities, clinics and trips that will be going on for the duration of the semester. The Outdoor Activity Program is relatively new to the campus and offers courses including a zombie survival workshop, rock climbing, surfing and a Big Bend backpacking trip. These courses are open to all current Island University students, faculty and staff who are interested in the outdoors or want to learn more about it. “We like to design something for everyone,” Cantwell said. “We really want that to be the key for what we are offering with outdoors. We want to really be offering something for everyone from the novice to experienced level.” Cantwell’s inspiration when scheduling the courses offered during this fall semester was the university’s location. He wanted to use the available resources and surrounding areas as much as he could by giving students the opportunity to gain the best experience possible close to home. As the program goes on, the courses branch away from the university and venture across and outside of Texas. “Our staff is very busy with trying to research opportunities and contacting other universities and seeing what
about the kayaking clinic, Ali Kohutek, freshmen environmental science major, said that she really enjoyed it and loved being able to swim in Oso Bay before making her way back to campus. “I’ve been kayaking before, but never learned any techniques and I’m really happy I did,” Kohutek said. “I’m going to sign up for more, especially the surfing clinic since I’ve never done that before. I think the courses are really beneficial and a good opportunity to use and learn about our ocean.” Photo by KACI ALVAREZ For more information about the Student leader, Cole Castleberry, teaches the proper techniques of using kayak paddles. Outdoor Adventure Programs, stop they’re doing,” Cantwell said. “We’re Corpus Christi Bay. They were taught by the Recreational Sports office in the always looking to do bigger and better how to properly hold, adjust, and use Dugan Wellness Center or visit their trips and keep the consist ones that do the paddle and how to get in the kayak website at recsports.tamucc.edu. really well but also try to offer new pro- prior to making a trek into Oso Bay. gramming as we can.” When asked what she thought One of the most popular trips is the Outdoor Activity Program that offers a week-long camping trip at the Grand Canyon, which is held during Spring Break. In order to get the most student participation possible, Cantwell does not attend these off-campus trips. Instead, they are lead by students trained to guide others in these survival outdoor situations. This gives the students opportunities to explore the outdoors with their peers. The most recent Outdoor Activity Hours of Operation: course was a kayaking clinic, lead by 5417 S. Staples St. Mon.-Fri.. . . . .8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Cole Castleberry on Sept. 19, 2015. Corpus Christi, TX Sat. . . . . . . . 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Many eager students gathered together 361.992.8564 Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 5 p.m. in the afternoon ready to kayak around
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ISLANDER STUDENT ATHLETE PROFILE
Quiet force protects the Islanders’ net by ABBEY WEAVER contributing writer
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he Islander Volleyball team continues their wave of success this season with a large contribution from sophomore Madeleine Doud. The dedicated middle blocker recently won offensive player of the week at the University of Texas-Arlington tournament and continues to bring success to the team alongside her encouraging teammates. It was not an easy journey earning her spot on the Islander team. She explains that eight years of dedication to the sport brought her to where she is today, and she is proud of what she has accomplished. “I love volleyball, I can’t get enough. Pursuing the sport at this level is a huge achievement” Doud said. Doud is passionate on the court and also in her academic life. “Its very hard to balance volleyball with school, we miss a lot of class,” Doud said. “I found it important to
make friends with other athletes in my class to help each other when we start to get behind. The coaches as well as the entire department help make sure we get the tutoring we need to keep up.” Even though keeping up with school and the rigorous training make it challenging for her, she still finds comfort in playing. “There’s not a single part of it I don’t like, even when we are conditioning really hard I still enjoy it,” Doud said. Even when it gets tough to juggle her responsibilities, her family back in California are her fans cheering on and off the court. “My family always keeps me motivated,” she said. “I know when my little brother and sister are watching me play on the computer I’ll have a good game. I always play for them.” Doud also leans on her teammates for support. “The whole team is very encouraging to each other, especially my setter, Kristyn Nicholson,” she
said. “The seniors keep us going, they’re the backbone of the team.” Doud also explained that her coaches have been a big influence in her success. photo by JAMIE FINK “This is a high level Madeleine Doud directs the defense during a win over Rice. enjoyable.” sport; you have to be on Over all Doud is a well-rounded, top of your mental game,” Doud dedicated student athlete who is an said. “My coaches broke me down and rebuilt my skill set. They’ve inspiration to her team and all the athletes at Texas A&M Universitydone a lot for me.” With all her support systems by Corpus Christi. Her advice to other athletes is her side, Doud has been able to never give up. achieve more than she ever thought “My dad taught me that no matter she could. “There’s no other feeling like how tough it gets, keep persevering,” playing,” she said. “Even in practice, Doud said. “When you’re at rock when I finally get something down bottom don’t get discouraged and everyone cheers for me, I know I because nothing but good can come did something good. Accomplishing out of that. Always keep going.” Doud is a role model to anyone my goals through this sport is an pursuing their dream, Doud’s amazing feeling. My favorite part of it all is getting to be with my will power and spirit do not go team and celebrating together. The unnoticed. whole aspect of volleyball is just so
Izzy leading 2015 Southland Mascot Challenge by ISAAC PAGE contributing writer
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he MidSouth Bank Southland Conference Mascot Challenge is an annual, vote-based competition in which students and fans of all 13 member schools of the Southland Conference vie against each other in order to determine which school has the best mascot and team spirit. Voting is done online by way of the Southland Conference’s official Facebook page and voters have the liberty to cast one ballot every 24 hours. The voting period lasts nine weeks from September through November after which the votes are tallied up and the winner of the competition is announced. This competition is not just for bragging rights. The school that wins the challenge receives $5,000 that will go toward the university’s spirit fund. A random fan will also be chosen to win an Apple watch. The cash-prize would come as a boon to the spirit team of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. That money would pay for uniforms and other needed equipment. “All of our spirit team members
photo courtesy of KYLE MAZABOB
Izzy the Islander needs your votes to help win the 2015 Southland Mascot Challenge.
pay to be a part of the program,” said Melanie Lowry, the head coach of the spirit team. “They pay into the program and they pay for a lot of their stuff … it would give a lot of financial assistance to our program which we don’t normally get.” The Islanders have a chip on their shoulder heading into this year’s challenge because the university has placed second for the last three years. The competition is only three years old. Sam Houston State University won the inaugural competition and Stephen F. Austin University has the opportunity to complete a threepeat this year. Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi does well during the majority of the competition, usually leading in number of votes, but every year
they fall short of first place during the last week of the competition. Lowry attributes the slide to the higher enrollment of students at the other universities in the conference and the lack of a football team at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. “We’ve been in first place for the last two years every week, and that final week, that final push, SFA usually has something big going on at the end of football season and they push right past us,” Lowry said. “We lost by less than 200 votes last year.” Football is arguably the most popular sport in Texas and the Island University is the only college from Texas in the Southland Conference that does not have a football team.
It is not an impossible task for Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi to win the mascot challenge, but it would be an incredible feat. Students just have to work harder because the Islanders are the underdogs in this competition. That fact that students can vote multiple times gives them a fighting chance to win. Islanders need to get creative and find different ways to promote themselves and make other Islanders and fans aware of this competition. The spirit team is doing its part by voting everyday and proactively encouraging students to vote. They have submitted the lion’s share of votes and now it is up to the rest of the Islanders to unite and impel each other to vote. Each vote counts as one point but if students submit a vote with a picture of themselves posing with the mascot, Izzy the Islander, that vote will count as two points. As of right now, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi is three weeks into the competition and are currently in first place. Students and fans alike can vote online via the Southland Conference Facebook page at facebook.com/ SouthlandConference.
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EQUAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE VIOLENCE FREE
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need totalk? If you or your partner is abusive, or if someone you know is in an abusive relationship - then you should get help.
Not all abuse involves physical acts of violence. Verbal and emotional abuse can also be painful and damaging. Empower yourself by informing yourself. Give your support to a friend in need. Talk about it with a friend or counselor. Office of Judicial Affairs: judicialaffairs.tamucc.edu Title IX Coordinator: edcs.tamucc.edu University Police Department: upd.tamucc.edu University Counseling Center: counseling.tamucc.edu