Volume28issue24

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

IslandWavesNews.com

SAVE THE LAST DANCE

News

Students spice it up at dance workshop

Students prepare to walk dogs for cancer awareness Page 3

Also

by MICHAEL BRODE • Page 10

October 12, 2017 Volume 28, Issue 24

Opinions Page 2 Entertainment Page 8 Sports Page 11

2 Opinion STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI

10.12.2017

Beauty spoofs save students money Amber Castillo @AmberCastillo27

2017 has been the year of makeup releases like no other, where more celebrities have gotten in on the makeup game as well.

ISLAND WAVES STI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | VOLUME ISSUE 20 recent | 08.27.15 One of26the most ones IslandWavesNews.com was Fenty Beauty by Rihanna.

Riri wasn’t playing around when Editor-in-Chief she said she was going to be reJONATHAN FORNEY leasing a makeup line. After a year of hinting to her fans, she Web put out a total of 91 makeup GERI LEMMONS, editor products, 40 of which are foundation shades. She is literally Copy Editor throwing all kinds of shades at ILLI-ANNA MARTINEZ us.

While Fenty Beauty is kind of Reporters the real deal, some people may CATHARINA GARRETT not want to spend the amount MICHAEL BRODE of money on the products. Who ERIN NASH isn’t a broke college student right AMBER CASTILLO now, right? Well, no need to look SAMUEL TRUJILLO any further because I’m about BREE ORTEGA to spill the tea with some affordable makeup dupes that won’t Layout break the bank.

ISABELLA MOON, First off, Rihanna came out layout assistant with the Match Stix which are contour and highlight sticks that Advertising ALYSSIA CRAWFORD, assistant QUYNHCHI QUACH, assistant

Graduate Assistant TAIWO AGBAJE, advertising manager

Faculty Adviser WENDY MOORE

ABOUT ISLAND WAVES Island Waves is a studentproduced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions.

Any student or University employee may submit material and opinions for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.

CONTACT US 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 editor@tamucc.edu ads@tamucc.edu

Photo by AMBER CASTILLO/Island Waves

There are several budget friendly alternatives for the Fenty line.

come in different colors such as brown, red and rose gold. Some have a delicate sheen to them, others a full shimmer. A good alternative for this product is the NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick, also in a wide range of colors for sculpting, highlighting and blush needs. Their rich, creamy formula makes it easy to blend without ruining your glow. Another dupe for the trio stick is e.l.f. cosmetic all over cover stick. The product is smooth and contains an application bound to cover and conceal any unwanted blemishes.

Gloss Bomb Lip Gloss: Rihanna’s lip gloss promises to give your pout look a fuller and

smoother look but Colourpop’s MY JAMNEW Gloss-Metallic finish could give you the same look.

Metal Moon Highlighter: With Stole the Show –Pearlised from Colourpop, you can achieve that natural looking glow without having to splurge the cash. This highlighter cost $8, so you could buy four of these highlighters for the price of one of Rihanna’s.

Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak Highlighter: Give your cheeks that natural glow, similar to Rihanna’s, with the same looking powder by Lorac for just $13.

Foundation: Your best bet to get that same velvet soft matte look is the Maybelline Dream-

Velveteen hydrating foundation.

This foundation comes in 12 different shades and will fulfill your makeup needs and your bank statement. You can find it for around $7 at any drug store.

Pro Filt’r Primer: To ensure your makeup lasts all day, get the e.l.f. Hydrating face primer which works the same as the Pro Filt’r Primer. This is designed to make your face look and feel flawless and it's only around $6.

Invisimatte Blotting Powder: Wanting to get rid of that shine or sweat patches but not wanting to spend $32 on Riri’s product? Well for just $8 you can get the NYX dupe that will give you the exact same effect ensuring you are always photo ready and have that matte face you had at the beginning of the day.

There is no need to spend a fortune on makeup when you can find similar products that will do you justice. New makeup products come out every other month now, but keep in mind there are always dupes out there to save your bank. You just have to explore the options.

Student resources prepare seniors for careers Bree Ortega Staff Writer

Seniors at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi who want to pursue a job in their field of interest can get a head start by stopping by Career Services events for tips on how to get their dream job.

Many events such as the Career Fair on Oct. 4, help students connect with future employers and supervisors through faceto-face interaction. The Career Fair was open to all students from all majors who introduced themselves to gain internships, full-time jobs and part time jobs.

Students could walk in as professionals with resumes for employers that best fit their fields of interest.

“Having an up-to-date resume, for one, shows your current skills and information,” senior kinesiology major Natalie Tweedy said. “It gives for a

better first impression because it shows you are put together.

It shows that you are their best choice for the job.”

Seniors who acknowledge the need for feedback on resumes can make themselves more approachable when being hired for a job. Employers want to see all your achievements and job history throughout that resume so it's crucial to update your resume so it allows employers to also be up to date on your own accomplishments.

On Sept. 26, Career Services also held a Get the Job fashion show which showcased how to look when attending an important interview. Wearing hair back nicely can help the employer see the candidates face better.

Men might opt to wear clean pressed slacks with a buttonup collar and tie, while women might consider wearing a blouse or button-up shirt with a pantsuit jacket that goes with the ap-

propriate dress pants.

This information might be crucial when landing a dream job. People are always going to remember the first impression a candidate gave them when they interviewed for that specific position.

Handshake, also known as “Hire an Islander” by Career Services, is another opportunity for Islanders to meet employers online and share career opportunities or goals. This website is used to easily connect and obtain recruiting information for jobs both off and on campus. Handshake can be accessed through any computer or mobile device.

“Handshake is a great resource that we have for our students,” associate director Leslie Mills said. “We try very hard not to have any scams on that website. There’s local job opportunities and then job opportunities across the nation.”

Career counseling is another

service provided by the university to help currently enrolled Islanders develop a career plan.

Counselors take assessments that take into consideration interests, abilities and career and life values into their own personal career plan. Career Services also uses a program called “choices” that gives students information on jobs they can get with their degree in certain areas of interest.

“I really want to go back to Austin and open up my own boutique with affordable clothing and shoes,” senior business management major Sean Vasquez said. “Going to career counseling and all the services they have to offer has allowed myself to gain an opportunity to get an internship that could connect myself to further career opportunities.”

For more information on Career Services and the various programs they offer, visit www. career-services.tamucc.edu.

News 3

10.12.2017

Texas A&M Corpus Alumna helps cultures collide MICHAEL BRODE @michaelbrode

C

ultures collided in Corpus Christi as Leah Bess Murray, creator of the Corpus Christi Surf and Yoga Festival, integrated the spirits of both in the Coastal Bend community.

The third annual Surf and Yoga Festival was held at various locations around town from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. The festival, normally held at Port Royal Resort on Mustang Island, was displaced by Hurricane Harvey this year due to extensive damage to the resort. The festival began gathering relief funds for those hit by the recent hurricane.

“By turning this festival into a relief event, they’re really able to show the city what the community stands for,” local surfer and Port Royal employee Sam Grant said. “We’re all about helping and loving one another, that’s just the way it is.”

Murray said the festival was not intended for advanced surfers, but was designed to draw in people who wanted to know more about surfing and represent what surfing is in the Corpus Christi community. The festival was built on Murray’s own passion for the sport. She said she aims to bring surfers into the yoga community.

“I know, as a yoga teacher and a yogi, that yoga changed my surfing life,” Murray said. “Like, it changed the game big time. I know that a lot of my surfing friends, if they picked up yoga, would advance in their surfing completely.”

While balance and other athletic factors are benefitted by both, Murray said many other common elements can be seen be-

Photo by MICHAEL BRODE/Island Waves

Surf and Yoga Festival visitors perform exorcises on the beach.

tween surfing and yoga.

“As surfers and as yogis, we parallel,

we’re very, very similar,” Murray said. “But for whatever reason, people don’t connect the two. They’re both consciously aware of the environment, and of their effects on themselves and on others.”

Murray said the yoga community in Corpus Christi had a little trouble understanding the concepts when she introduced them.

“Within our community of yoga, there were definitely some issues of ego and issues of competition and of not understanding that this is a community,” Murray said, “But as yogis that’s what we work towards.

We work to put our ego aside; we work to not attach to things. Those are things we strive for.”

After receiving kickback from her community on making money by integrating surfing and yoga, Murray said she began devising solutions. She understood the meshing of cultures needed something strong as a backbone to really brand her idea as a positive addition to the community.

“I realized that this needed to be a festival because people needed to realize that this is a rising up of the community,” Murray said, “We all come together and everybody can benefit from it.”

Murray said the benefits were astounding because even with the scattered locations of events, the festival saw roughly 150 people attending over the course of three days. This number was nowhere close to the roughly 1500 Murray saw when the festival was at Port Royal, but it still put a smile on the faces of those running it. Plans are underway for another festival in June 2018 once Port Royal opens back up.

Walk promotes cancer awareness, animal adoption

JULIA MAURER

Contributing Writer

O

wners have the opportunity to walk their pups while raising awareness for breast cancer and also pet adoption.

On Oct. 13, the Department of Recreational Sports at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will hold a dog walking fund raiser called Paws for a Cause to help raise awareness for breast cancer and pet adoptions. The event will begin at the Hammerhead parking lot and end there as well. The walk will take place on the Island University Hike and Bike Trail. Registration starts at 5 p.m. and the event kicks off at 6 p.m. Donations during the Paws for a Cause

event will be used toward First Friday.

“I’m extremely excited to work this event my first year here,” said Kelsey Leggett, a Recreational Sports, Student Development Specialist. I’m very passionate about both animal adoptions and raising money for breast cancer.”

The event will be open to the public and there will be a registration fee of $5 but any donation more than $5 is welcome.

There will be T-shirts with a $5 suggested donation.

All donations during the event will go to First Friday, a local organization that works together with Christus Spohn Hospital to provide free mammograms for the people of South Texas.

“We’re really not just trying to raise funds for that program but trying to let people know that that kind of service in the community is available,” said Marcelina Garza, a dietitian working for the Recreational Sports Department on campus.

“Because getting a mammogram screening done can be kind of pricey but through this program we can make them available for free to people in need in the community.”

The event will also be raising awareness of pet adoption.

Local shelters will attend and bring dogs. Attendees will be given the opportunity to walk the dogs from the shelters and play with them as well. Shelters will attend with the intention of

recruiting volunteers but also to find forever homes for their furry friends.

“We want other people in the community to recognize they have the opportunity to interact with pets outside of the shelter atmosphere where it can be really cold and scary,” Garza said.

She said the members of the shelter hope the people can become comfortable with the pets outside of the shelter environment by taking them on a walk or playing fetch with them on the campus lawn. “[This will] really show them that pets at shelters are amazing and they have so much love to give if you just give them the chance,” Garza said.

O N L I N E

Island Waves News .com

This week on our site, readers can find stories about: • A new joint art exhibit between the Art Museum of South Texas and the Rockport Center for the Arts • The recent “Mozart and Beyond: Music through Centuries” performance put on by the university’s music department • A preview of the upcoming “De Donde” performance by the Department of Theatre and Dance at the Island University • A gallery of photos from Hispanic Heritage Month taken at various events around campus and in the community • Get to know the newly elected officers of the Student Government Association • In addition to our digital and print content, Islanders can see more from Island Waves on their social media channels • A guide to parking on campus. With more students than ever, finding a good spot has become an essential skill for students who commute to school These stories and more are available online.

After missing last week due to a water outage, Island Waves will be back for our weekly Coffee and a Paper event every Thursday from 9-11 a.m. in the breezeway.

Students are encouraged to grab a free cup of coffee and the latest issue of Island Waves.

Until next week, Islanders.

Make it a good one.

ON THE COVER:

PHOTO BY MICHAEL BRODE

4 Campus

10.12.2017

Students learn cooking basics in new course

ERIN NASH

@ErinJohnnae

F

or the first time ever, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Recreational Sports faculty hosted the Cooking Essentials 101 class on Sept. 27.

The cooking class was held in the Motor Development facility. The nonacademic course is led by rec sports dietician Marcie Garza and her intern, Elizabeth Brodine. The class was created based on student requests, centering around the process of taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. This class offered guidance and some basic cooking strategies to make students more comfortable in the kitchen; even for those who don’t know how to cook.

“The main objective that I want to achieve with this cooking class, is to get students comfortable with stepping into the kitchen, trying new things, exploring new flavors, just for their own life,” Garza said. “But if that can help them be healthier, save money or feel more independent then that’s just an added bonus.”

This was the first progressive cooking series of its kind at the Island University, though there have been popup cooking workshops in the past for

couples in the Spring and Valentine’s Day. The four-week class will build on different cooking concepts or themes each week so by the time students are out, they will feel like beginner-entry level home cooks.

“I don’t know how to cook and I’m 21 now, and I’m in the wellness program at the university and they really encourage us to eat better,” clinical mental health graduate student Jordan Evans said. “Since I don’t know how to really cook nutritious things, I really eat fast food so I just really want to learn how to cook really good food.”

The first week involves getting set up in the kitchen and basic elements of cooking. The second week focuses on the incorporation of boiling, steaming and using a sauce pan over an open flame. Third, the students will work on stir fry, pan sauté and sears. The last week of the four-week course entails roasting and baking techniques in the oven compared to stir fried food.

Cooking Essentials 101 was centered around life skills rather than of the typical home-economics.

“It just kind of helps in trying different varieties of food,” senior nursing major Nick Holzman said. “I cook a lot for me and my brother and it gives us

Photo by ERIN NASH/Island Waves

Students watch instructor Marcie Garza as she leads the first Cooking 101 course.

a way to eat a bit healthier, and try to work on our weight and diet and so kind of getting us in the right direction.”

Registration for the four-week course costs $10. There are 11 students registered. These small class sizes for introductory students allow for supervision when using cookware.

Garza said her vision for this course was to eliminate the barrier for en-

try and offer techniques for students to make basic recipes. She said she would also like to see Cooking Essentials 101 progress into another series for next semester and potentially offer the course online to reach a wider audience.

For more information on this cooking course and other nutrition services provided by rec sports, visit recsports. tamucc.edu.

Career counseling event offers tips for managing stress

SAMUEL TRUJILLO

Staff Writer

T

exas A&M University-Corpus Christi Career Services offered students a free stress management course on Sept.

28 as part of their two-day College-to-Career Conference. The event was hosted

by Dr. Richard Ricard, who works with the university’s counselling department.

Keeping up with the theme of “Managing the Stress of Change in College,” participants discussed a variety of stressors that college students typically face, as well as ways to help students overcome these stresses.

“Work is one of those domains that can be very stressful,” co-host Stefani Schomaker said. “I think it fits in there whether it’s personal stress, the environment you’re in, or even taking time each day to manage stress. Stress management is one of those things that can be helpful across all facets of life.”

Upon entering the meeting room, participants were asked to sit in a discussion circle where everyone would face each other. From there, Ricard

Participants take a moment to stretch and relax during their stress management lessons.

started the discussion with a few icebreaker activities before getting into the topic itself to allow participants to know each other better.

Participants took turns discussing topics that brushed up on the different causes of stress, the constant change young adults must deal with, different coping mechanisms and good stress relievers.

After a half -hour discussion, both hosts started giving tips and leading exercises they said students could do anywhere to help calm their nerves. Meditation, mental serenity and existential awareness were said to be a key part of alleviating day-to-day stress. However, stress relief can be found or done in any setting.

“Find something you do joyfully,“ Ri-

Photo by SAMUEL TRUJILLO/Island Waves

card said. “It doesn’t have to be any formal thing. It can be anything that makes you smile. Managing stress is about having fun and taking care of yourself.”

For more information about the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Counseling Services, visit counseling. tamucc.edu or stop by their offices in the Driftwood Building on campus.

6 Campus

10.12.2017

Library kicks off Banned Books Week

HANNAH REININGER Contributing Writer

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n Sept. 28, the Mary and Jeff Bell Library hosted this year’s Banned Books Week.

The library’s event featured classic banned book characters for students and faculty to interact with. The characters were performed by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi theatre students.

Patricia Hernandez, library information specialist for the user engagement, said she thinks the characters draw students to the event.

“Every time we have the banned book characters come out it really draws a crowd,” Hernandez said. “It becomes more than just reading why something was banned, you actually get to talk to the character and they will tell you why.”

The theatre students had the challenge of acting out detailed book characters and to interact with their fans.

Before the event, the actors had to read and get an understanding of not only their character, but grasp the reasoning behind that book being banned.

Banned Book Week also included a “Caught Reading Banned Books” photoshoot, as well as a scavenger hunt where students can get a better idea of all the utilities the library has to offer. Students could also give their insight on the event or their general thoughts of the library by filing out an assessment form. Prizes and banned books were awarded to selected participants of the scavenger hunt and assessment activities.

“I think students are excited, characters were upstairs with a big group of students around them,” library’s business coordinator Risha Dulip said. “I think students are also interested in learning about the different areas of the library.”

Two freshman students, LeAnna Galindo and Gregory Giageos, participated in the scavenger hunt. They were asked to find items in different locations of the library to be entered in a drawing.

“It’s really interesting, because a lot of these books I didn’t know were actually banned,” Giageos said. “So, you learn something new and that’s cool.”

Galindo said she was surpprised to learn “Where the Wild Things Are” was

October

th 19

Photo by HANNAH REININGER

A display used during Banned Books Week asks students what they would risk for a book.

on the banned book list.

“What’s surprising is I couldn’t find a reason why,” she said.

The scavenger hunt was created to encourage students to show students research possibilities to so they understand all the utilities the library has to offer.

“The fact that we ran through the scavenger hunt slips means that students are learning about the library, and they are having fun while doing it,” she said.

Students such as Galindo and Giageos took the time to interact with the characters and share their favorite banned books.

Dulip said all books are educational no matter the content “Yes, I agree that some things that are not safe for younger readers, but once they reach a certain age it’s up to individual to decide whether or not they’re going to read it,” Dulip said.

Staff members such as Hernandez and Dulip said they thought bringing the banned book characters to life during the Banned Book Week brought new perspective for their avid readers.

For more information on books, banned or otherwise, visit the Mary and Jeff Bell library on campus.

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Campus 5

10.12.2017

New nursing dean ready to help students succeed JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

F

ollowing the retirement of the founding dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CONHS), Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, the new dean Dr. Julie Anne Hoff has fully transitioned into the position starting the fall 2017 semester.

Hoff has spent much of her career at the University of Illinois at Chicago and most recently at the University of Arkansas, where she served as director of their nursing program. For Hoff, the principles of the Island University felt familiar to her.

“What attracted me to this institution was its mission: that it’s a Hispanic serving institution,” Hoff said. “Having spent more than 25 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago [another Hispanic serving institution], that mission is very important to me. To make sure we’re changing the face of the health professions.”

The smaller campus size was another factor that drew Hoff to the position. At the University of Illinois at Chicago, the campus was split between its health science department and the rest of the university. This division made Hoff accustomed to the feel of a smaller campus.

“I like the size [of the university],” Hoff said. “I like the intimacy of a 10,000 to 15,000-person campus as opposed to a 30,000 student one.”

The nursing program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has a lengthy

Photo by JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

The new dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. Julie Anne Hoff, stands by her office where she will support the growth of nursing students at the Island University.

pedigree behind it, particularly in terms of research. Hoff recognized this and said she was up for the challenge.

“It’s a big job with a lot of responsibility,” Hoff said. “This is an emerging research institution. What I’m doing to support faculty research, student research and other kinds of scholarship is front and center.”

Following the announcement of her appointment, Dr. Ted Guffy, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs said Hoff’s prior experience made her a good fit for the role.

“Dr. Hoff has extensive research ex-

perience and has served in various leadership roles,” Guffy said. “She is innovative with a clear vision, strong in research and has articulate plans.”

Having served in numerous leadership roles throughout her academic career, being a dean felt like a natural progression for Hoff. She established a goal for herself and met it.

“When I finished my dissertation defense, I said ‘I’m going to give the University of Illinois [at Chicago] 10 years because they paid for my education, then I’m going to be a dean of a nursing school,’” Hoff said.

Hoff said being a leader, specifically at an academic institution, is about fostering relationships. These connections can be between students, across campus or in the community.

“It’s me coming in and seeing where [university president] Dr. Quintanilla wants to take the institution, where the community wants to take the institution and help guide it there,” Hoff said.

“It’s about relationships. It’s really important for me to get to know the community much better.”

These relationships tie back into what originally brought Hoff into the healthcare profession: a concern for others and desire to make a difference.

She has four children spread across the country from Dallas to Chicago, so maintaining connections is a part of her daily routine. She recalls the people that helped her to the position she finds herself in now and how it can help others in similar positions.

“One of the things I really try to live by is that I wouldn’t be in this chair if it wasn’t for the people that mentored me,” Hoff said. “You have to be willing to listen to those who came before you because oftentimes they have a vision for you that you don’t have for yourself because you don’t have that world experience.”

For the time being, Hoff is getting a feel for how the university operates, its curriculum and faculty. Overseeing a program such as the Islander nursing program is no small feat, but Hoff is up to the task.

Career Services open house offers walk-in resume help BREE ORTEGA Staff Writer

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n Sept. 29, Career Services held an open house and Walk-in Resume Review in the University Center. The event was open to all current students and alumni for questions, career options, resume information and feedback.

Sometimes students dream of their dream job but forget the applications and files that go into applying for the job. Islanders could walk in and ask any questions they had about applying for jobs and internships. They were also able to ask for feedback and reviews on their resume to give them a better chance in landing a job in the future.

“This is what you’ll give to supervisors and employers that will hopefully depend on your future job,” junior business marketing major Jaqueline Gonzalez said. “These tips I learned at these career events and open house were helpful. I took all of it into consideration.”

The open house followed the career conference and was also hosted for students to gain knowledge they needed before they graduate. Islanders were welcomed by a desk of breakfast snacks and drinks. Gifts such as portable chargers and T-shirts were also given to students who attended this come-and-go open house.

“This event was super useful because it gives students a chance to meet

staff and explore career options they thought never existed,” senior art major Erika Velasquez said. “I didn’t get a chance to attend any of the events for Career Services but since I work here, I feel like I can just ask for information anytime.”

Some students had questions about internships and career options that could help them succeed before and after they graduate. Others had questions of resume templates and reviews. Islanders can also access an online website called Handshake where they can upload their resume for potential job employers to see.

Career Services said they stress having an up-to-date resume is important when searching for a job.

“The resume is the modeling tool for employers that help put your best foot forward,” associate director Leslie Mills said. “It communicates all the information of previous jobs and experiences to your employers.”

Career Services is a resource open to all Islanders attending the University. Alumni are also welcome after one year of graduation to use all of Career Services’ resources.

“We ensure they are getting the job they are seeking so we can also have them prepared as then enter the workforce and be successful,” Mills said.

For more information on Career Services and their resources, visit careerservices.tamucc.edu.

8 Entertainment

10.12.2017

It may be ‘American Made,’ not so well made MITCHELL JACKSON Video Editor and Contributing Writer

MOVIE REVIEW

“A

merican Made” starred Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Alejandro Edda and other respectable actors. While there are usually some major movies titles that stick around in the viewer’s mind, the end of September usually has a lull in smash hit movies; especially before November and December come along to pick up the energy.

“American Made” came out right at the end of September and was worth a movie ticket, but will most likely not be among the best or most memorable films of the year. It definitely has its pros and is not a bad movie by any right, but has shortcomings that held it back from being great.

The film is a based on a true story dealing with significant historical events, where Tom Cruise plays airline pilot Barry Seal, who, after being recruited by CIA agent “Shafer” played by Domhnall

Gleeson (A rising actor who I am excited to see in future films), gets mixed up in Contra Arms deals, the drug trade with Pablo Escobar and even gaining reconnaissance photos for the White House.

The film will certainly entertain viewers from start to finish, and viewers will walk out of the theater fascinated by the life of Barry Seal, as well as American affairs in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The freeze frames, narration and other interesting filmmaking tricks will certainly be visually interesting to the viewer and make things easier to follow.

Cruise’s part in this film was impressive and the way he portrayed the uncertainty, caution and disbelief of the character in the first phases of his journey made the confidence, energy and flair of the character paid off at the end.

Photo courtesy of UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Tom Cruise and Sarah Wright appear in the box office Crime Film “American Made.”

Gleeson is also great as the CIA agent, roping Cruise along for this adventure with charisma and confidence. He, along with Alejandro Edda playing Jorge Ochoa of the Meddlin Cartel, did a great job of owning the space in which they performed.

Aside from these positive comments about “American Made,” it did have a few shortcomings. The film was somewhat incoherent and tended to rush through things. It also seemed like it crammed so much information and characters into its narrative. I believe the film did not do this well.

There are characters that could have been cut from the film entirely that have needless close-ups and scenes and aren’t necessary for the movie cram.

One character was introduced very late, and while the actor did a fine job with his role, he wasn’t set up enough for the audience to care. Although he should have a decent impact on the story and the characters, it didn’t feel like the impact was made.

The film’s biggest problem was the fact the sense of conflict or stakes just were not well done. The film tended to rush through many scenes and never took the time to stop to just have a

conflict and really let the characters struggle. It didn’t allow the audience to sit on the edge of their seat, uncertain yet excited of what would happen next. If anything, there were a lot of convenient quick fixes instead of actual struggle. The lack of significant conflict and stakes would of course be an issue for any movie, but this is a major issue for this type of movie that is supposed to involve wild events. It appeared to mirror Goodfellas, yet the film never quite captured the intensity, style or grit of the film.

Personally, I felt there was a lack of thematic substance to the film. There was no cautionary tale, commentary of the American dream, or even a genuine celebration of the events. There was too much potential with a clearly extraordinary life as this, for these aspects to be this lacking.

As mentioned previously, “American Made” is worth a movie ticket for sure, and certainly will not bore the viewer.

If anything, it may make them interested to look more into the story. However, it did lack the depth and substance to live up to the potential of the events it recounted.

10.12.2017

Entertainment 9

1. MYTHOLOGY: The Roman official for those born 1. FOOD & DRINK: What birthstone kind of flourby primarily make pumgod Cupid was known what is used in to June? pernickel bread? name in Greek mythology?

7. U.S. What U.S. 2. LANGUAGE: What does EXPLORERS: the Lat2. GEOGRAPHY: Mount is fide” flying in phraseFuji “bona mean? pioneer was nicknamed 3. in MATH: Arabic number found on which island Japan?Which “The Lone Eagle”? doesn’t have its own Roman numeral?

3. BIBLE: The proverb “the writ8.

MONEY: Prior to the euro, 4. ART: What French Romantic artist ing is on the wall” can be found in what was the painted “Liberty Leading the People”?common currency of 5. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: what book of the Bible?

Greece? What 19th-century naturalist once said, 4. LITERATURE: Who wrote the 9. FOOD & DRINK: What kind “The clearest way into the Universe is novel “Fifteen”? through a forest wilderness”? of tree produces bay leaves, which 6.

LAW: Which amendment to cooking? the 5. ASTRONOMY: What is a are used in U.S. Constitution abolished slavery? parsec?

10. MUSIC: How many strings do 7. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in 6. BIRTHSTONES:our What is the violins have? solar system has most an average temperature of 462 degrees Celsius?

8. GEOGRAPHY: In what ancient city were The Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, said to have been built?

9. COMICS: What planet is Superman from?

10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the name of the dry wind that blows through Southern California and Baja California?

Answers 1. Rye 2. In good faith 3. Zero 4. Eugene Delacroix 5. John Muir 6. Thirteenth Amendment 7. Venus 8. Babylon 9. Krypton 10. Santa Ana winds © 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers 1. Eros 2. Honshu 3. Book of Daniel, Chapter 5 4. Beverly Cleary 5. A parsec is a unit of length, approximately equal to 3.26 light years 6. Pearl 7. Charles Lindbergh 8. Drachma 9. The bay laurel tree 10. Four (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

10 Entertainment Beethoven meets Broadway in first concert of season

10.12.2017

CATHARINA GARRETT @imacat_moo

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he Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) kicked off their 72nd season on Sept. 30 with a “Beethoven Meets Broadway” performance.

The concert featured a medley of Broadway favorites, including works from “Les Miserables,” “West Side Story,” “Phantom of the Opera” and many more, performed with vocalists Steve Amerson and Cassi Torres McNabb. To truly bring Broadway and Beethoven together in one concert hall, Beethoven’s piano concerto, “Festive Overture by Shostakovich” was performed by world-renowned pianist, Joaquin Achucarro.

Jennifer Bradley, a CCSO volunteer

and full-time staff member at the Island University, said the concert was the busiest one she had ever worked.

“It was completely sold out,” Bradley said. “I believe it was due to excitement for the opening show of the season with [a] new maestro.”

Bradley said although she was most excited to see Achucarro play his piano concerto, she was surprised Beethoven’s “Festive Overture by Shostakovich” ended up being her favorite piece of the concert.

“It was full of energy and very, very light,” Bradley said. “The conductor and the musicians did a fantastic job with [the] piece.”

The Caller Times’ Hector Guzman said in a press release that he expects audiences to be “pleasantly surprised”

and excited about the CCSO’s future after the “Beethoven Meets Broadway” performance. He also said he hopes the performance has encouraged attendees to come back for more concerts throughout the season.

“Our orchestra can play anything,” Guzman said. “[The audience] can see that an orchestra has many sides, and they’re able to perform all kinds of music.”

The CCSO will be hosting concerts at the PAC every month until the end of the season, including those of “Dia De Los Mozart” on Oct. 14 and the “StarSpangled Symphonic Salute” on Nov. 11. All CCSO concerts are $15 for students with a valid SandDollar card.

CCSO’s executive director Mark Francis said he heard many positive

comments following the performance and felt wonderful about the event’s outcome.

“The musicians played so very well.

It was a great night,” Francis said. “It’s an honor to be working with such a fine conductor as Hector Guzman.”

Francis said he has been in Corpus Christi for only four months since being hired to his position, and is excited for future involvement with the community.

“This was my first concert with the orchestra and it was a very good experience,” Francis said. “I am looking forward the rest of the season.”

More information on the CCSO including season schedule and pricing please visit the CCSO website at: https://ccsymphony.org.

Latin Dance Night gathers all cultures into one ballroom MICHAEL BRODE @michaelbrode

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iversity, a factor Corpus Christi has added to its unique zest, was seen in the feet of students as Third Coast Dance Company hosted Latin Dance Night on campus for the second time.

On Oct. 4, Venessa and Adrian Garza, owners and directors of Third Coast Dance Company came to the Island University to teach students the basics of Latin-rooted dancing.

Since it’s establishment in Corpus Christi a little over a decade ago, the Third Coast Dance Company has hosted and taught students of all backgrounds, specializing in Latin dance.

The Oct. 4 workshop focused on establishing the basic movements of bachata, a dance style originated in the Dominican Republic performed widely around the world.

“Coming to campus as a part of Hispanic Heritage Month is something we really enjoy,” Venessa Garza said.

Latin Dance Night this year followed a variety of events in Hispanic Heritage Month including movie screenings, health fairs and other Latin-oriented speakers and activities.

Garza said it is important to have events like Latin Dance night.

“There’s a lot to be celebrated in music and dance,” Garza said. “It’s great exercise, it gives people a look at different cultures and it helps people remember that here in Corpus Christi we’re represented by a great variety of cultures, even in the Latin community.”

Photo by MICHAEL BRODE/Island Waves

Students are lead in a dance by Venessa and Adrian Garza during Latin Dance Night, part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Events such as this dance workshop can create this great variety within the Latin community around a central interest.

“When it comes to dancing, there’s no color, no race and no negativity,” freshman marine biology major Kyle Walters said. “It’s just about the fun and happiness.”

This happiness could be seen in the faces of all the students who attended the workshop as they picked up the steps and movements over the

90-minute session. The diversity present at the workshop was also evident given the number of students from a variety of different backgrounds in attendance.

Garza said people will notice the student population at the Island University, and even in Corpus Christi, is a little bit more Cuban and Puerto Rican, and has many Dominicans, Venezuelans and even Colombians. She said people from these various cultures are people who want to feel connected at the Is-

land University and be a part of what happens at events like Latin Dance Night.

“When I was growing up, I had just assumed that anybody who had a last name with a vowel at the end was just like me, Mexican-American,” Garza said. “But that’s not necessarily true and the more that I got involved with salsa, bachata and these styles of dance, and the more I fell in love with the music, the more I realized Corpus Christi is a lot more diverse than that.”

Sports 11

10.12.2017

Scuba club prepares for new adventures VANESSA DOMINGUEZ Contributing writer

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he Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Scuba Diving Club held their second meeting for the semester on Sept. 24, welcoming students and professors who have a passion for the recreational sport.

The meeting held on Thursday uncovered future events that will take place throughout the semester. Christina Henderson, junior marine biology major and scuba club president, went over the certification process, the locations the team will visit, community service and fundraising events.

Certified or not, the team welcomes anyone to join. For the non-certified, the team will hold snorkeling trips if the schedule allows it. The club is currently partnered with Ascuba Venture which can help with the certification process, student discounts and scuba training.

“Anyone who isn’t certified is welcomed to join,” Henderson said. “We usually work towards having them receive their certifications and also help with

Courtesy of CHRISTINA HENDERSON/TAMU-CC Scuba Club

Scuba club members take part in a bonding activity during one of their recent meetings.

some great student discounts.”

The club has visited several dive sites such as Mammoth Lake, Port Aransas Jetties, Canyon Lake and Lake Travis.

“We dive everywhere, mostly in Texas, on the Gulf and in lakes,” Henderson said.

“Our next trip for this semester is actually Garner State Park.”

Henderson said this semester the club will hold a tie-dye fundraiser to raise money for their trip.

“I know students have to take one or two science classes, so we thought we could have a booth set up outside the science building and tie-dye students’ lab coats,” she said.

While the club members enjoy their trips to various locations for diving, they also hold fundraisers, welcome guest speakers and perform community service. The service projects mostly focus on cleaning shorelines and riverbeds, Hen-

derson said.

“Right now I’m talking to the Texas State Aquarium to hold a beach cleanup with our scuba club and the rest of our water-based clubs on campus,” Henderson said.

Some club members see the scuba diving as a chance to live out a childhood dream.

“Scuba diving to me is ultimate bliss,” senior marketing major and scuba club member Ashlynne Gooch said. “I’ve always been interested in scuba diving since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved the ocean and been so curious about it.’”

Gooch is a returning member of the club and said she is excited about the upcoming events.

“I would definitely encourage more students to join,” Gooch said. “It’s worth the cost and its worth trying.”

The club will take its first trip of the semester to Garner State Park from Oct. 1415. More trips are in the works.

For more information about the club, email Henderson chenderson7@islander. tamucc.edu.

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For more information or to request disability related accommodations, please contact Angela Walker at angela.walker@tamucc.edu or 361.825.6219