TEXAS TEXASA&M A&MUNIVERSITY–CORPUS UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI CHRISTI
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SOFTBALL OPENS SOUTHLAND PLAY
see SOFTBALL on page 11
Students spark safety concerns photo by JAMIE FINK
National concerns for student’s safety on campus reaches high by KACI ALVAREZ staff writer
H
earing horror stories from other campuses around the nation about attempted and achieved rape can be terrifying. It is no wonder parents beg their children to carry around pepper spray on their key chain when they are about to leave for college. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students have spoken out about whether or not they feel safe on campus at night and what the school needs do to help them feel safer. “I do think of campus as a safe sanctuary, especially compared to other campuses,” said Kayla Buhr, freshman nutrition major. “I think the size of the campus has a lot to do with that.” Buhr said living on campus is not a worry either because she feels as though it is well monitored and has yet to hear of anything that has happened thus far. “If I had to pick something the campus could do for those students
who do think the campus is not safe, I would say to add more street lights and cops patrolling more frequently,” Buhr said. While most Islander students have no worries about their safety on campus at night, others disagree. Bri England, senior business management major, said she does not feel safe while walking on campus at night. “I usually will call a friend until I’m safely in my car,” England said. “I think if the campus had more lights and emergency stations around it would make the students feel safer.” The emergency stations located around campus are for students to use if they are presented with an emergency. The university calls this program Islander Watch. However, there is only one available station now after three of them were taken down. With only one emergency station on campus, England believes there should be other options for students to feel safer while on the island. “I think our campus should of-
fer an optional self defense course for free so that way if people want to learn it and feel more safe, it is there,” England said. England said other students might feel safer and more comfortable on campus if they were allowed to carry around a self-defense mechanism such as a tasers. “If people feel safer with items like tasers, the school should allow
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3,4,5 | FEATURES 6,7,8 | ENTERTAINMENT 9,10 | SPORTS 11,12
photo illustration by ELI BERKE
it,” England said. According to the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Student Code of Conduct, no such items are allowed on campus. With the possibility of campus carry, the Code of Conduct could change. Although Buhr disagrees and England agrees with the see SAFETY on page 4
2
opinion
03.24.2016
Apple defies government access ISLAND WAVES
Privacy fuels Apple’s decision to deny FBI access to terrorist iPhone by GERI LEMMONS staff writer
Apple has refused an order to unlock one of the San Bernardino gunman’s iPhones. Which has led to legal problems since the phone was recovered. The FBI wants Apple to create software that will unlock some of the encrypted safeguards that are on the phone. By doing this, the FBI will be able to get more information about the gunman’s plans and they would be able to see if anyone else was involved. According to nytimes.com, the San Bernardino gunman killed 14 people in California in December. Ever since then the FBI has been trying to do all they can to figure out why this happened and figure out more about the killers. Apple is refusing to hand over this type of software because they are saying that if the software wound up in the wrong hands it could really do some serious damage. This type
of software they say will be able to unlock any iPhone in just seconds by using codes that will use different code combinations. Apple says this software is not even built yet and they are afraid of what that type of technology will do if the wrong person got their hands on it. In my opinion, I understand why Apple does not want to hand over that type of software. They want to protect the people who use their products and they want to show their loyal users that they are not trying to build software that will put their privacy at risk. However, I feel like at the same time this is one of those cases that they might want to reconsider. This attack was very sad and devastating to a lot of families. Justice, as well as information, needs to come to light. This could be done with the type of information that is on that phone. What is on that phone could give the FBI other names that the gunman were working with or they could have messages which would maybe give a timeline of when this all started. The two groups have been going
illustration by ELI BERKE
back and forth as to who has the better reason for locking or unlocking the phone. Right now there seems to be no clear side as to where things are going. There has actually been an order to unlock the phone but this has still not happened yet. The question seems to be should this type of software be created, and if so, when the phone is unlocked and all is said and done what do they do with the software when this investigation is all over? Will this just be a one-time thing? This, unfortunately, can happen
ISLANDER GLOW
JAMIE FINK
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again and the FBI can try to pull this kind of stunt all over again. In a way all the FBI is trying to do is protect the good of the people. They want the most information that they can get and the iPhone is one of the keys to getting this information. All evidence needs to be looked at and the phone is part of this evidence, it may hold pieces to a much larger puzzle and help the case in the long run. It is now all up to Apple and what they decide and whether or not this type of software is actually going to be made.
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3 Latina sorority empowers Islander women news
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
by ASHLEIGH PENA contributing writer
T
exas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s only Latina sorority offers a support system for Hispanic women pursing a college degree. President and chair Vanessa Serrano said Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated (LTA) is an academic based sorority, that was established in 1975. The sorority came to the Island University in 2002 to empower Latina women to be successful. Serrano hopes that ladies who join the sorority gain knowledge in leadership and sisterhood. “Women that join our organization learn the skills that are needed in the real world to succeed, whether it be in the medical field, education field, political field and even in the White House, to hold their own,” Serrano said. The soror-
READING CORNER
ity’s roots are founded on unity, love and respect. LTA is nationally involved in helping St. Jude Children’s Hospital. “One of the biggest events we do for them is the St. Jude Walk, where members hold a walk-athon and have the community sign up and donate money to participate in the walk,” said Serrano. Serrano said one of her favorite parts of being a part of the organization is the personal growth one goes through during the stages of joining as a member. “I love that we as an organization deal with challenges that we will face post college in our careers on a smaller scale within our chapter and school,” Serrano said. Treasurer and chapter orientation adviser, Clarissa Williams fell in love with the organization because of the o r g a n i z a tion’s values and was att r a c te d to the opportunities that LTA offered. “I decided to
photo courtesy of TAMUCC LTA
Members of Lambda Theta Alpha pose to celebrate the anniversary of starting the organization at the University.
join because when I met my sisters at the time they were very welcoming and were there for me whenever I needed,” Williams said. LTA does not rush but holds events such as Open Espresso, where interested students discover the steps to become a member. “We are an organization where we hold various events to welcome potential members to have them learn for themselves if they
truly like our organization and figure out if they’re really interested, kind of like a try it before you buy it,” Serrano said. Any women looking to join the organization must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, and go through an interview process before becoming a potential member. Anyone interested in joining the sorority is invited to contact Vanessa Serrano.
Reading Strategies: Make A Connection
Making a personal connection to your readings aids in your comprehension and motivation. If you are able to connect to a reading more than “I need to know this to pass my class,” you not only allow yourself to perform better in class but are “cultivating a deep, sustained intellectual appreciation” that will serve you throughout college and life (Simon 518). Reading isn’t simply an activity you have to do for class. It is an ability you use every day and makes up who you are. Literacy is “linked to issues of culture and identity” (523). What you choose to read influences who you are. Whether you are a frontrunner for the fair treatment of people/ animals or love to fish/hunt on the weekends, what you read (sport magazines or twitter tweets) is part
of that identity. In the same way, understanding class readings in reference to your identity can help you be more interested in comprehending the reading. This creates a “need to know,” a desire to understand what the reading is saying, and a “deeper engagement with [the] course context” (Nelson 143). The motivation to read can also be “triggered by personal or familial experience” (143). So next time you read for class, ask yourself “how does this reading affect my own life or the life of someone I care about?” This allows you to apply the reading’s ideas on a personal level and lets you care more about what you are reading. As a result, it allows you to become deeply interested and engaged
Reading Corner is a biweekly column submitted by Dr. Deb Culbertson. Culbertson is a Professional Assistant Professor in the College of Liberal Arts’ Department of English. However, this week’s column was submitted by Lia Schuermann. Simon, R. (2012) “Without Comic Books, There Would Be No Me”: Teachers as Connoisseurs of Adolescents’ Literate Lives. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 55(6), 516-526. Nelson, P. S. (2014) Activating the Need to Know in Reading Instruction: One Teacher Educator’s Practice. Action in Teacher Education, 34(2), 133-145.
Support the Feral Cats at the
Annual Jewelry Sale Thursday, March 31
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the library breezeway Rings • Ear Rings • Bracelets • Pendants • Necklaces High Quality Crochets • Handmade Jewelries *Lots of turquoise necklaces at discounted prices
Prices range from $1.00 up to $50.00. All proceeds will go to the University’s Feral Cats Program. All jewelries for this sale are hand made or purchased by the seller, Grace Huang. (She is one of the Associate Artists of the Treehouse Art Collective, LLC in Water Street, downtown)
Exc Mot ellent her’s Gift Day s!!!
4 Republican primaries tighten, Clinton climbs news
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
by GERI LEMMONS staff writer
T
hus far in the primary election on the Republican side Donald Trump has the lead while Ted Cruz follows behind him. On the Democratic side Hillary Clinton is in the lead while Bernie Sanders follows right behind her. This primary election will determine who the Democratic and the Republican candidate will be. Each candidate is trying to win as many states as possible in order to get elected. Denett Salinas, senior health science major, said even though she thinks Hillary Clinton is going to win she is going for Bernie Sanders. “I really like Bernie Sanders and his ideas and I voted for him,” Salinas said.
“I feel like his political ideas are really on point, and he is like a realist. He tells the truth and speaks about what is on his mind, and I feel like he will stand up to corporate and big business.” According to USAtoday.com, Clinton and Trump are in the lead right now over their opponents. Hillary Clinton has 1,614 of the Democratic delegates’ vote and Donald Trump has 678 of the Republican delegates’ votes so far. Both Clinton and Trump are taking control of the states that are needed to get them past the primary election. According to USAtoday.com, Bernie Sanders follows Hillary Clinton with 856 votes as of today, while Ted Cruz follows Donald Trump with 423 votes.
Myeleena Gonzalez, sophomore biology major, said she thinks America is screwed because Donald Trump is in the lead so far. “I just feel like he shouldn’t be and if he wins I feel like America is just going to be ruined,” Gonzalez said. So far, each candidate has been going around the country debating and rallying, trying to get his or her ideas and name out there to the public. Emily Anderson, freshman nursing major, said she does not actually love any of the candidates, but she is definitely going for Hillary Clinton right now. “I prefer Bernie Sanders, but I don’t think that he is going to win as of now,” Anderson said. “I think that Hillary has more of a chance at winning be-
cause she is more like the president that we have now and I think that is what the people want right about now.” With the primaries still not close to over, it is anyone’s game. With Trump being the one getting the most press, most feel like he has been winning the most in the overall election but his opponents and the two on the democratic side have given him a run for his money. Trump has been the most outspoken, but clearly not the only one making moves all over the country. More results are still coming out and this election is far from over. As more information comes the closer everyone is to getting to see the final results.
1,614 856
678 - Republican
- Democratic
CANIDATES REMAINING FOR PARTY NOMINATION
423
143
photo courtesy WIKIMEDIA.ORG and FLICKR.COM
Trump
Cruz
Kasich
Rubio, Bush, Carson and Gilmore have all dropped out of the race.
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Clinton
Sanders
SAFETY continued from page 1
thought of having campus carry, it could heavily impact the safety of students on campus. England is a student who lives off of campus and believes that it is safer than living on campus due to the fact that living on campus could result in getting caught in a campus attack if one were to happen. She does, however, think the campus has taken precautions for they safety of students in the residence halls such as swiping the sand dollar to get into the building. However campus officials should add something for the apartments on
campus since they do not have that option. The student’s safety has been a topic of question that has come up in the past and students have expressed their concern and/or worry about their safety. Students can visit http://police. tamucc.edu/IslanderWatch/emergencies.html to see the emergency resource phone numbers and extensions, as well as the Student Code of Conduct for all safety regulations regarding the Island Campus at night.
5 Nationally Ranked Accounting Education news
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer
T
he graduate accounting program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was ranked 11th in the nation for affordability by Accounting Degree Review. The rankings consisted of 30 schools from across the country and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi also ranked second out of the five universities in Texas. The program prepares professional accountants to fill high-level positions through its Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree after they have earned their BBA in accounting. Adding to its reputation, the program has received accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB, an honor that only 170 business programs worldwide have received. The rankings were based on several factors, mainly affordability, but also considering student satisfaction, information available and academic quality. “We are meeting standards set by that particular body,” director of master’s programs, Sharon Polansky, said. “It’s a result of quality of faculty and resources.” Polansky oversees the MBA and Master of Accountancy programs at the
Island University and can be contacted with any questions regarding either programs from prospective students. Being recognized for cost efficiency is very important to the university as the dollars of graduate students deserve to be invested in institutions that they believe will help them reach their goals and the Master of Accountancy degree program has that mentality in full effect. “Affordability is important because most graduate students don’t have surplus money to pay for school,” Polansky said. “We’re trying to keep it affordable but still a quality program at the same time so students don’t put their money into a program that won’t help with their employment.” Students enrolled in the program will also be prepared for the Certified Public Accountant examination. The CPA is a four-part evaluation that includes auditing, regulation, financial accounting and reporting and business environment and concepts. Students must pass this exam in order to become certified public accountants. “We are very proud of our Master of Accounting program here at the Island University,” said Dr. John Gamble, dean of college of business. “Our program is not only one of the most affordable in the nation, but it is
also highly recognized for the quality of education it provides to working accounting professionals.” In order to obtain the Master of Accountancy degree, students must complete required course work as well as submitting official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, their resume, an essay and two letters of recommendation. The program takes approximately one year of fulltime study. Eligible courses include:
strategic cost management, advanced auditing and assurance, accounting theory and several others. While that completion time is estimated for students with their BBA in accounting, other disciplines are also encouraged to apply. Completion time will be extended accordingly. Students can apply and get more information on the program online at the Graduate Studies website.
photo by MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL
The Michael and Karen O’Connor building is home to the majority of business classes at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
6 National Seashore holds hidden treasures features
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
by KIRSTIN MEZA contributing writer
P
ark Road 22 holds a treasure for all, the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world can be found at Padre Island National Seashore just outside of Corpus Christi. Padre Island National Seashore is a recognized national park that protects its inhabitants including more than 350 species of birds, 45 mammal species, more than 500 species of plants, sea turtles and much more, according to a Padre Island fact sheet. The National Seashore was established on Sept. 28, 1962, by President John F. Kennedy. “The best way to keep track of the events going on here at Padre Island National Seashore are on our social media pages,” said Carlin Fenn, a national park service ranger. Pages for the National Seashore can be found on Twitter, Instagram,
Facebook and Pintrest and Fenn said the pages are updated daily. There are also daily events to participate in such as bird tours, beach clean ups and ranger-led programs such as a deck talk or beach walk. Times for these events and others can be found on the park’s official webpage. Daily life at the seashore also includes swimming, building sandcastles, sunbathing and beachcombing. The nature trail, picnicking, boating and beach driving offer activities with less sand. Adventurous activities include kayaking and windsurfing, fishing and camping out on the beach. All of these family-friendly activities can also include pets that must be kept on a leash. There are many resources available to aid trip preparations including calling the visitor’s center, checking the weather hotline, and visiting the national seashore website for safety guidelines on various
photos by JAMIE FINK
One of the hidden treasures of the National Seashore is the frequent turtle hatchlings that occur during the summer.
activities. “Check on our website and think about the environment you’re going into, the ecosystem and especially [the] time of the year,” said Patrick Gamman, chief of interpretation, national park service ranger.
The National Seashore also makes it a point to provide accessibility for all individuals which includes ramps to the visitor’s center and restrooms, an elevator and a bilingual video orientation on the park and turtles. There are also beach wheelchairs to use free of charge and a paved nature trail, easy for pushing wheelchairs or strollers. Park entry is just $10 a vehicle for seven days or $20 per vehicle for an entire year. The official website lists all fees and passes available. For more information on the park call (361) 949-8068.
Mindful Eating helps students enjoy meals
by KIRSTIN MEZA contributing writer
F
ood that burst with flavors, textures that satisfy that crazy craving, and enjoying a small portion of a rich treat are all concepts which stem from the practice of mindful eating. Mindful eating is a practice that helps people to concentrate on what they are consuming and analyzing the way it makes their bodies and minds feel during and after the consumption of food. A short mindful eating program is offered each semester by the University Counseling Center for students, faculty and staff which is led by Theresa Sharpe, the assistant director of the UCC. “Mindful eating has the potential to change a person’s relationship with food in a positive way,” Sharpe said. Mindful eating is a way for students who live busy, stressed and fast-paced lives to take a moment to realize what they are eating, how
much they are eating, and how it makes their bodies feel. The analyzation of the consumption of food can lead people to make better, healthier choices, Sharpe said. Students will have an easier time remembering when and what they ate which, in turn, can help to battle that so-called “freshman fifteen”. Mayra Martinez, program coordinator at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi, attended one of Sharpe’s classes with the hope that maybe there would be some physical results as an effect of participating in mindful eating. Martinez, who has been present at other meetings, said she found out about this program from a campus announcements email, thought it was an interesting topic, and decided to check it out. “It takes time to change your habits,” Martinez said. Although learning how to eat mindfully is a process, that has not stopped Martinez from introducing the topic to others including her 9-year-old son. Martinez said
not only does this program teach about healthy eating habits, but also helps people to become aware of when a small break for relaxation and peace is needed to help re-center yourself and how important that can be for anyone. This program that the UCC offers is based on a book, Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy & Joyful Relationship with Food, by Jan Chozen Bays, MD. According to Sharpe, she prepared this program by attending a five-day training session with the author of this book where she was able to experience the program for herself. Since that time Sharpe says mindful eating has been a normal practice for her. The program this semester brought together about 15-20 people. Sharpe said the participant number fluctuates each semester but the program is always looking to grow in numbers. More information about mindful eating can be found by contacting Theresa Sharpe at the UCC.
is working on a new look
both in print and online
IslandWavesNews.com
In the meantime, pick up some free coffee and a paper on Thursdays in the Subway alcove.
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campus
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
Open mic night comes to Island University
by SLOANE ZAPATA
contrubuting writer
A
t Coffee Waves’ open mic night one will be able to find coffee, music and good friends. Coffee Waves, the local coffee chain located on South Alameda near the Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi campus hosts an open mic night twice a month, every other Wednesday. The open mic night has been hosted by different organizations throughout the months. However, this past Wednesday the open mic was run through a Christian organization called Chi Alpha. “I have seen people of different ethnicities and backgrounds come together [at the open mic] and no problems have ever occurred,” freshman mathematics major and member of Chi Alpha Kyle Jacobs said. The majority of the employees at Coffee Waves, as well as the customers, are college-age students so open mic night creates an audience with like minds and many of the same life experiences. “It’s a very cozy, nice, warm and just familiar place to be.” Local resident Ryan Monroy, who performed a stand-up comedy routine at the open mic said. “Even if you have never been you come inside and you just feel a familiar aura.” Some of the performances included a free style rap duo, standup comics, acoustic songs and some karaoke. None of the performers were judged for what they gave to the audience. Even when one comedian’s routine became a little raunchy and explicit there was still no sense of judgement. Regardless of the audience’s own opinions or views, they still accepted and applauded
every single person who performed at the open mic night. This is exactly the type of atmosphere that should be present at an open mic. If one is questioning whether or not they should attend an open mic night just remember that in order to perform at an open mic night one does not need to be an amazing poet or songwriter. All that is needed is to be comfortable with expressing oneself to people who are all there to support local creativity. “I felt free,” Monroy said. “I felt like I was able to express myself completely free of judgement.” The only improvement that could really be made to the open mic night at Coffee Waves is to make sure there are enough performers for the show. Simply due to the lack of performers at one of Coffee Waves open mic night had to end about 30 minutes earlier than planned. There might have been a lack of publicity for the event, or simply a lack of people who felt selfconfident enough to get up on the stage and perform. Either way, the more people that come out to the open mic, the better the experience will be for everyone. “If more people were to come out and support their local artist, composers, and performers I think that would be amazing actually,” Monroy said. “Also, you know, just putting it in there, if there was a performer discount I think that’d be pretty neat.” To find out more about Coffee Waves one can follow them on Instagram or Facebook. If any one is interested in joining the Chi Alpha organization they can follow them on Instagram, or attend one of their meetings that are held every Thursday at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi at 7 p.m. in the Center for Instruction room 113.
Ryan Monroy performs his stand-up comedy routine at the open mic.
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8
features
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
Alumni’s business aims for vinyl resurgence “I’ve been playing in bands for the past 10 years, playing shows, etc.” Cooper said. “I’ve always been ith the occurrence of involved in music, my dad is in technology to the 21st radio, so it’s always been a big part Century there has been far less of my life.” demand for CDs and vinyl when it Although this sounds like it was comes to music. However, there are a quick decision, Cooper said he still people out there that appreciate had incentive for quite some time to the sound, feel and aesthetic of vinyl create a store that included a better and CDs as opposed to listening to variety of punk and hardcore bands music on their phones. in a more aesthetically pleasing Carlos Cooper, a Texas A&M environment. Cooper previously University-Corpus Christi alumni worked at Dis Co Round, another is one of these people. About three record store in Corpus, and found months ago Cooper opened his own that he really enjoyed working at a record store, Hybrid Records, on record shop, but felt he could benefit South Alameda. the community more if he created a “The people that work next to different atmosphere with his own me at the coffee shop are friends music taste and artistic style. of mine,” Cooper said. “I spent a “I felt that there was a part of lot of time over there while they the community that was being were getting ready to open, and underserved. I really wanted to this space was available. As soon as make an effort to market towards I found out what the rent was, and those people, and just carry weird, that it was financially viable, I just interesting stuff that you don’t started the store.” usually see,” Cooper said. Cooper has had a very involved Cooper’s former media studies relationship with music so it gave photo by SLOANE ZAPATA professor, Dr. Edward Tyndall, saw Local customer looks through a box of records recently purchased by Cooper. him even more reason to make his Cooper’s unique perspective when years and instructed him for various “I felt like the career based around the love of he had him as a student. Tyndall courses. things I needed to do to set myself music. knew Carlos for more than three “Carlos was a really self-reflective apart was make the best of what student,” Tyndall said. “He was I did have. I have less stuff, but its always very thoughtful with the good stuff. I didn’t want to have assignments that he was doing. just filler records,” Cooper said. I always appreciated how much “Also, just selling an experience. I thought Carlos put in to looking hope that it will become a place that at issues from multiple sides and people just want to be.” trying to get to a deeper level of Along with selling music, Hybrid understanding than just a cursory Records also provides live music. level of understanding.” Cooper’s store acts as a venue for There is a lot more that goes into less well-known bands and local owning a cool record shop than just bands. stocking the shelves and hanging “We try to have live music at around. Like any other self-owned least once a month,” Cooper said. business there are a lot of legal “The 25th of this month we’re aspects that go in to running a store. having some bands from the Valley. Cooper found this out pretty quickly Sometimes it comes out to more and discovered that there are a lot of than once a month.” things he still needs to learn about Obviously there are going to be owning a successful business. challenges with owning a record “I graduated from TAMU- store in the modern technological CC a little over a year ago, with a age of America, but Tyndall believes philosophy degree and I also had good attribution to Tyndall that a Comm. media studies major,” Cooper’s unique perspective on life Cooper said. “So I don’t know and over all personality will foster anything about running a business. an environment that caters to the I know about running a record community. Get a free beverage store and how it works, and some of “I think what’s tough about it is things that will make you successful running any kind of music store now and some of the things that will hurt is a really big challenge,” Tyndall 1. Visit https://www.tinyurl.com/islanderdining you. But as far as things like taxes, said. “I think Carlos has what it or filing, all the legal stuff is another takes to bring people together 2. Scan this QR code thing entirely. I’m figuring it all out. personally and create a community or I haven’t had any problems so far, it’s around people who love music.” 3. Text ILXH to 99299 just been a learning curve.” To find out more about Hybrid Cooper hopes that customers will Records one can follow their see Hybrid Records as more than Instagram, go to their website or just a record store. He wants them stop by the store to pick up some Like Follow Follow to feel like it is a comfortable and unique records. /TAMUCCISLANDERDINING @islanderdining @islanderdining safe place to spend time. by SLOANE ZAPATA contributing writer
W
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entertainment
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
College students’ guide to Netflix by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer
C
ollege students have become notorious for binging on a Netflix TV series. Somehow, managing to watch an entire 25-episode season in one day seems to be a specialty of ours, and we all know the feeling when you finish that show you were addicted to and you do not know what to do with your life. You probably have been through the site and stare at the screen and wonder what your purpose is. Trying to find a new show to dedicate yourself to can be tough. So in order to avoid the hassle and the wondering aimlessly, here is a list of great shows on Netflix that make up the ultimate guide to Netflix binging. 1 If you are looking for comedy, The Office is a great option. The show takes place at a paper company called Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Minnesota. The story follows a wacky boss and his employees as they deal with the struggles of the office and putting up with one another. Although The Office is mostly a comedy the show also has its sentimental spots and is a perfect binger because of its short episodes. Another must-see comedy is Parks and Recreation which follows a workaholic female head of the government parks department and her fellow dysfunctional employees in Pawnee, Indiana. Similar to The Office, this show is more than just a great laugh. Both are great shows for comedy lovers.
scientist and his crew, the Lightman group, who solve FBI cases by detecting micro expressions to determine when someone is lying or bluffing. The plots are unique and will have you glued to your screen. Another great option is Criminal Minds, a classic FBI show following the Behavioral Analyst Unit and their cases. This is a traditional crime show but never fails to throw you off with plot twists and cliff hangers. 3 If you are a drama junkie, Gossip Girl is the show for you. This series takes place on the upper east side where a blog documents the juicy secrets and embarrassing mistakes of the schools most popular and privileged students. Between backstabbing friendships, bad relationships and dysfunctional families, this is no ordinary show. Pretty Little Liars has a similar plot, with an anonymous stalker sabotages the lives of four best friends. Secrets are revealed and true colors are shown as they struggle to find “A’s” identity. These dramas are definitely binge worthy shows that you will not be able to turn off.
4 If you are just looking for an all around good show, Friends is your go-to. You will love this feelgood classic about six friends and their lives in early adulthood. It is impossible not to relate to the cast and you will love following each of their hilarious and all-toofamiliar lives. That 70’s Show is another classic. These high school friends are hilariously relatable and their awkward, quirky lives make 2 If you prefer more suspense in the show such a fun watch. These your shows, check out Lie to Me. two are must-sees and perfect for This series follows a behavioral binging.
photo by PIXABAY
Any of these shows, depending on your preference, are very entertaining and definitely popular hits. Keeping this Netflix guide in
mind after finishing your favorite series will ensure you will never run out of episodes.
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entertainment
03.24.2016
Students bloom into spring fashion
ISLAND WAVES
FASHION SENSE by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer
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t is the time of year when you can finally break out your shorts and tuck away the heavy coats because spring has arrived. Spring is such a fun season full of good weather, fun events and amazing style. Although, it feels nice to just walk out in a short sleeve tee and cut-offs, that is not always the most fashion-forward pairing. Taking advantage of the spring trends is a great way to spice up your look while still embracing the warmer weather. Here are a few spring 2016 trends that are great options to incorporate into your style. Pastel colors are notorious spring essentials. But this year has put a twist on the average muted color scheme. Baby pink is now coral, pastel yellow is now bright yellow-green, white is now camel and baby blue is now retro, muted teal. These fun and spunky colors are everywhere this season. The rust and camel colors go perfect with the 70’s trend that has been so popular this past year. The yellow-green, coral and retro teal are essentials when adding a pop of color in any outfit. Unique accessories are also another season trend. Detoxing from the usual statement necklace and wedges to make room for some vintage inspired accents. From the ‘60s, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a basket style bag. Give your look a hint of western from the ‘70s with a bolo style necklace. Slip into some platform sandals to add a hint of disco from the ‘80s. You can also spice up any purse or clutch with a fur keychain inspired by the 90’s. These vintage accessories are sure to amp up your spring style. Switch up your usual silhouettes. Skinny jeans, crop tops and A-line skirts are easy go-to silhouettes when making an outfit. This season is all about taking risks with structure. Bell bottom jeans, off the shoulder tops, two piece dresses and flare capris are
all trendy replacements for the less challenging silhouettes like skinny jeans. Denim is meant to be worn in many forms this season. If your style is grungy, a roughed up denim jacket is your go to for spring. A classy style calls for a distressed denim pencil skirt and is great to add some edge to any outfit. That button-front denim skirt you were rocking all of fall happens to be perfect for spring as well. A denim dress is a timeless piece that will be perfect for a night out look this season. Take it to the next level and sport some denim on denim. Grab your high-rise flairs and pair it with your chambray button down tied in the front for a retro look. Bold prints are another great way to add color to your style this season. Do not feel obligated to floral print just because it is spring. Leopard print heels or handbag are a great option. Stripes, graphic prints and artsy designs are all perfect to add that something extra to any look. With the coming of warmer weather and being well into the new year, spring is the perfect time to change up your style. Adding these trends will help make your look unique and keep you in style all season long.
photo by ABBEY WEAVER
Weaver provided a few of her favorite spring accessories from earrings to heels and everything inbetween needed for a blooming spring look.
11 Islanders take conference opener, drop series sports
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief
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ith the mid-week matchup against Texas State cancelled due to rain, the Islanders’ softball team had a full week to prepare for their Southland Conference opener against the University of Central Arkansas. Texas A&M- Corpus Christi entered the weekend at 10-9 overall. However, the last time that the Islanders and Sugar Bears (14-7) matched up, the Islanders fell in a dramatic 13-inning affair, 1-0, which pushed the Islanders into the loser’s bracket of the Southland Conference Tournament. The Islanders found favor this time around, as they defeated the Sugar Bears by one run, 2-1.
“I can guarantee you there were 14 girls in that locker room who knew that this was a team that knocked them out after a 13-inning game,” head coach Stephanie Hughes said. “All those returners came in and I’m not saying had a chip on their shoulders, but they knew the stakes and what had happened last year. They knew that one pitch one way or one pitch another can be the difference between us winning the game.” Liz Carter threw all 13 innings in last year’s Southland classic, throwing 117 strikes on 190 pitches and striking out 10. Carter also got the nod for the first game of the series this weekend looking for a different outcome compared to last season. Carter would find that outcome
Mackinzee Griebel makes a catch to help the Islanders win their first game of their two-game match-up against the Sugar Bears.
after throwing a complete game, allowing one earned run on six hits while striking out seven Sugar Bears on the day. “Coming back and getting a win after our last game makes it even more special,” said starting pitcher Liz Carter. “Starting off conference right, with a win, is always a good note to come out that way.” Carter and the Islanders fell behind early in the second inning after UCA’s Kate Myers drew a fullcount walk then came around to score after back-to-back singles by Sam Forrest and Briana Whisenhunt. It would take another half inning before the Islanders’ bats finally came alive. Mackinzee Griebel started off the home half of the inning by drawing a four-ball walk. Freshman secondbaseman Megan Mitchell fell behind early after failing to lay down a bunt to advance the runner. However, with a one ball two strike count, Mitchell delivered with a double to the wall in right-center field scoring Griebel all the way from first to tie the game at one a piece. “I went up to the plate knowing that I had a job to do,” second baseman Megan Mitchell said. “I just let my hands work and got the job done.” Mitchell’s game tying double wasn’t her only impact in the first
photos by JAMIE FINK
Liz Carter took to the mound against the Sugar Bears, her first match-up with UCA since the Southland Tornament.
game. In the bottom of the fifth inning with the game still tied at one a piece, Mitchell reached base on an error by the Sugar Bears’ defense. After a fielder’s choice by Cosette Hernandez, Hernandez scored from second following her steal from first and back-to-back two out singles from Dani Tefft and Candice Hadd, pushing the Islanders ahead 2-1.
12
sports
03.24.2016
ISLAND WAVES
Resilent Islanders place fourth in tourney by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer
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sunny, 73 degree day at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center was the backdrop to college tennis, as the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Men’s tennis team competed in the 50th annual H-E-B Tournament of Champions. Their first opponents were the Jaguars from the University of South Alabama. The winner would move on to play later in the day for a chance to get to the tournament finals. In this tournament, in order for a team to advance, they would need four out of a possible seven points. One point was awarded to the winner of two out of three doubles matches and one point for each of six possible singles match wins. The tournament was also played clinch, meaning if a team had enough points to move on, all other matches would end immediately. The Islanders took the first four possible points, winning 4-0 and moving on to play Southern Mississippi’s Eagles for a chance at the finals. The victory came thanks to two straight doubles match wins followed by singles match wins by junior Kevin Bettendroffer, senior Guillaume Rauseo and senior Ricardo Mayagoitia. In their second match-up of the day, singles matches were played first. Bettendroffer won the first two sets of his match, but after a match victory by Mayagoitia, the team found themselves down 3-2 to the Eagles. The pressure was on senior Javier Pujol to win his match to force doubles and keep the Islanders’ first place dreams alive. Despite serious fatigue following five plus straight hours of tennis, Pujol did it. Cramping, yet as passionate as ever, he won his match and the Islanders were headed to doubles where they would need to win two matches to advance. “You feel tired after five hours in total, but I fight,” Pujol said. “I need to put my heart in it, it’s one of my best assets.” Unfortunately, despite his fight, the Eagles won the first two doubles matches and moved on to face off against the University of Texas in the championship and the Islanders played the following day for third place against the Cajuns of the University of Louisiana at
Lafayette. The next day, shouts of “character day fellas” could be heard across T.J.H. The vocal reminder was the request of director of tennis, Steve Moore. “After a very hard loss and losing an opportunity to play the Longhorns in the finals, I wanted to see about the character of this team,” Moore said. The day began with doubles as the Cajuns took the first point of the day, leading 1-0. Pujol did not play doubles as scheduled due to fatigue from the previous day, however, he did play his singles match. As singles began, things looked promising for the Islanders as Rauseo, freshman Carlos Pedrosa Cuevas, sophomore Arthur Bedel and Mayagoitia all won their first sets. Rauseo won his match, tying the overall tally at one point apiece. Pujol still showed signs of exhaustion and ultimately lost his match, giving the Cajuns a 2-1 lead overall. “I try my best, but sometimes you still arrive a bit late,” Pujols said. “There are a few points I could have done better.” Bedel also lost his match, putting the Islanders in a 3-1 hole. All hope was not lost though, as Bettendroffer fought back after losing his first set to win the second and third, ultimately taking the match (3-2 overall).
photo by JONATHAN FORNEY
Kevin Bettendroffer lines up a return in his singles match
photo by JONATHAN FORNEY
Guillaume Rauseo (left) and his doubles partner Ricardo Mayagoitia (right) prepare for an incoming serve.
All eyes fell to senior Mayagoitia and freshman Pedrosa Cuevas to keep the Islanders’ third place hopes afloat. Mayagoitia was up in his third and final set as the crowd looked to see Pedrosa Cuevas’ match had ended in a loss. The Islanders had placed fourth overall after fighting back. Further evidence of the team’s fight was sheer time of play. The championship between the Eagles and the eventual champion Longhorns started 90 minutes after the third place match-
up and finished well before the Islanders finally stepped off the court. “I was very pleased with the character and heart of these guys out there today,” Moore said. “But we have to improve. The standards are high here.” The fight of the team did not go unnoticed by Moore and there are plenty of positives to take away from the intense weekend. “We believe in their character,” Moore said. “We believe in their potential. I’m very excited about the future for these guys.”
photo by JAMIE FINK
Judit Vives Joan aims to get the ball back across the net to gain a point in her match.