Volume28issue31

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

IslandWavesNews.com

‘TIS THE SEASON Islanders get in holiday spirit

by JONATHAN FORNEY/CARLOS HINOJOSA • Pages 8-9

News

Twitter doubles character limit, students react Page 4

Also

December 7, 2017 Volume 28, Issue 31

Opinions Page 2-3 Entertainment Page 10 Sports Page 12

2 Opinion STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI

12.07.2017

Christmas gift ideas for stumped students CATHARINA GARRETT @imacat_moo

It’s the most wonderful time of the year- except if you’re ISLAND WAVES STI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | someone VOLUME 26 who ISSUE 20 08.27.15at is | terrible IslandWavesNews.com picking out gifts. Here are three DIY gift ideas that are Editor-in-Chief cheap, stress-free and worth JONATHAN FORNEY the trip to Walmart.

1. Mason Jar Chai Tea Mix Web 2. Themed Gift Baskets GERI LEMMONS, editor 3. Peppermint Bark in Christmas Tin Copy Editor Here’s what you’ll need to ILLI-ANNA MARTINEZ make Chai Tea: • 1 cup nonfat dry milk powReporters der CATHARINA GARRETT • 1/2 cup powdered non-dairy MICHAEL BRODE creamer (plain) AMBER CASTILLO • 1 and 1/2 cup French vanilla SAMUEL TRUJILLO flavored powdered nonBREE ORTEGA dairy creamer • 2 and 1/2 cups white sugar Layout • 1 and 2/3 cups unsweetened ISABELLA MOON, instant tea layout assistant • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • 3 teaspoons ground cinnaAdvertising mon ALYSSIA CRAWFORD, • 1 teaspoon ground cloves assistant • 1 teaspoon ground cardaQUYNHCHI QUACH, mom assistant • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg Graduate Assistant • 3/4 teaspoon white pepper TAIWO AGBAJE, Here’s how to make the Chai advertising manager Tea mix: 1. In a large bowl, combine Faculty Adviser milk powder, non-dairy WENDY MOORE creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant ABOUT ISLAND WAVES tea.

Island Waves is a student2. Stir in the spices. In a produced publication at Texas blender or food processor, A&M University-Corpus Christi. blend 1 cup at a time until The newspaper is printed weekly, the mixture is the consistenexcept during summer sessions. cy of fine powder.

3. To prepare, stir two tableAny student or University emspoons of the Chai tea mixployee may submit material and ture into a mug of hot waopinions for publication ter. consideration. To become a 4. To present as a gift, put the contributor, e-mail or call the mix in a mason jar, tie a ribIsland Waves editor. bon of choice at the top and CONTACT US add two candy canes to the 6300 Ocean Drive ribbon.

Unit 5783 5. Print out a fun label and Corpus Christi, TX 78412 glue it to the side of the ma(361) 825-5862 son jar, or simply paint it editor@tamucc.edu red, white and green. You ads@tamucc.edu could add this to a themed gift basket, which is com-

ing up next. (You can do the same thing with hot cocoa mix in a mason jar, with marshmallows and crushed up graham crackers at the top.)

Here’s how to make themed gift baskets: Your gift basket should complement the person you are making it for. For example, your coffee-lover friend could have a “Coffee on Christmas Morning” gift basket, or yo ur overworked friend could have a “Getaway Spa” gift basket.

The possibilities are endless, but personalizing your gift basket will take your gifting game to new heights.

1. First, grab the basket you purchased and place a filler of choice at the bottom of your basket. Some ideas would be to use confetti or tissue paper, adding some glitter here and there.

2. Place larger items purchased at the back of the basket and smaller items towards the front. An example would be to put a pair of slippers towards the back of the basket, various spa soaps, lotions or bath bombs in the middle, and candy towards the front.

3. Follow the Rule of Three, meaning your basket should have at least three different items following the same theme. With the spa basket example, we have slippers as an apparel item, soaps as the self-care item and candy as the food item. All three items point to relaxation and the theme of a spa getaway but they are all interesting and different.

4. Wrap the cellophane around the items and the bottom of the basket. Tie it at the top with ribbon, a bow, etc. For added effect, tie candy canes to the top or something related to your theme. If your gift is to “not be opened until Christmas, use Christmas wrapping paper instead of the cellophane wrap.

Remember, this DIY project is up to you. What I’ve provid-

ed is a set of guidelines that set you up to make a successful, personable gift basket.

You could even use the Christmas recipes I’ve provided to include in your gift basket.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the peppermint bark in a Christmas tin: • 1 bag dark chocolate chips • 1 bag white chocolate chips • 1 bag peppermints or candy canes (crushed) • 13 drops peppermint essential oil (OR 1/2 tsp peppermint extract) • 1 Christmas/ Holidaythemed tin container (or other container of choice to decorate) Here’s how the magic happens: 1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler (or the microwave). Pour onto lined baking trays and spread evenly until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Place chocolate into the refrigerator and allow to set until hard.

4. Melt the white chocolate in

a double boiler (or the microwave).

5. Add peppermint (oil or extract) and mix quickly.

6. Pour over dark chocolate and spread evenly until dark chocolate is covered.

7. Sprinkle crushed peppermints over melted white chocolate. Gently press candy into chocolate to help it stay put when broken later.

8. Place bark back in the fridge and allow to set completely.

9. Once chocolate is set, break into bite size pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

10. Put the peppermint bark in a Christmas-themed tin or other container you can decorate. Finish off with ribbon and a bow on top.

Christmas is more than just buying expensive gifts for loved ones. It’s about showing them the spirit of the Christmas season- the gift of giving. Giving, big or small, is a gesture that can speak a thousand words. With these DIY Christmas gifts, you can help give the greatest gift of all: your time.

Image courtesy of PINTEREST.COM

Peppermint bark is a tasty treat to enjoy during the holidays.

Opinion 3

12.07.2017

Top 5 things to do over Christmas break AMBER CASTILLO @AmberCastillo27

Most college students work hard during the semester. The downfall of it is when we spend so much time working hard, we want to use the break to do absolutely nothing at all. But if you work hard, shouldn’t you play hard as well?

It’s nice to reward yourself after a long and hard semester.

Here are several ways to ensure you have a memorable break: • Take a spontaneous road trip: Nothing will make more memories like something that isn’t planned at all. Whether it is with your friends or family, it will ensure a good time.

• Create something: Making a movie, art project, music or anything else you think shows off your talents.

• Spend Quality time with family: Once school starts back up we will go back to our

Photo by AMBER CASTILLO/Island Waves

Going to concerts is one of many ways to have fun over the holiday break.

hectic lives and won’t have much time for family. If family is as important to other students as it is me, then make sure this is a main priority.

• Exercise: Throughout the semester everyone tends to get busy. However, now that the break is near, it’s the perfect time to start working on those spring break bodies. Find

new ways to workout instead of just attending a gym if you find it boring. Take a dance class, go downtown for a run and find different workout classes you think you may enjoy. College is the time where sometimes we forget how important it is to be active and healthy. Summer bodies are made in the winter, so now’s

the time to start.

• Go to a concert: If anyone is like me, going to concerts just gives you a feeling like no other. For me, it relieves so much stress and makes me feel like I can forget about everything going on in my life and have a great time with the people I love and music I enjoy. Make memories that will last forever.

• Check out some attractions around the area: If anyone is staying in the Corpus Christi area, Christmas break is the perfect time to check out the museums and other attractions in the area.

Whether it be the Lexington, Aquarium, Selena Museum or local shops that you have never been to, go check out what the city has to offer.

There are so many options you can choose from to fill the break, but for me these are the most important. Enjoy the break and have fun. The spring semester will be rolling around the corner before we know it.

Staycation in Corpus Christi for winter break KEANNA WHISENHUNT Contributing Writer

The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner. It’s also a busy time of the year, as students travel across the globe to visit loved ones and experience outside destinations.

If you’re planning to stay in Corpus Christi for the holidays, here are some cheerful things you can do to maximize the fun of a Christmas staycation.

• Candy Cane Lane of Corpus Christi: Gather your friends and family for a fun night under the twinkling lights on Dec. 17 from 6-10 p.m. Homes across the Southside of Corpus Christi will be embellished in displays of colorful lights and

holiday figures. The event is free and open to the public.

• The Nutcracker: Experience the joy of Christmas as Corpus Christi Ballet takes the stage for a classical performance of The Nutcracker.

With more than 100 cast members, this show is sure to please. The Nutcracker will show at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the American Bank Center.

• Christmas Tree Forest: A Reading Wonderland: The Art Museum of South Texas invites you to join H-E-B and the Junior League of Corpus Christi to celebrate the holiday season. The halls and open spaces of the museum are decked with Christmas trees, designed

by Coastal Bend elementary schools. The event is free to AMST members and TAMUCC students with a student ID. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 65+, $4 for students and free for children ages 12 and under.

Enjoy this jubilant display now through Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• A La Mano! Food Truck Friday is back for the holiday season from on Dec. 15.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., food truck vendors will offer a selection of good eats with live music, law games and a picnic at Heritage Park. The event is free, but prices for food may vary.

• Jingle all the way 5k: Get

out and get active with this holiday run taking place on Dec. 23 from 8-10 a.m. at Cole Park. Registration for the run is now open online at athleteguild.com/running/corpus-christi-tx2014jingle-all-the-way-5k-runwalk-and-kids-1k-run. The fee is $25 to run the full 5k and $10 to run 1k. The fee is $15 for all runners under the age of 18. Santa Claus will also be at the park for photos, along with fun games and door prizes.

This holiday season is a time for making memories with friends and family. Remember, no matter where you are, you don’t have to miss out on the holiday season fun.

Don’t forget to Like or Follow us on Social Media! @IslandWavesToGo

O N L I N E

Island Waves News .com

After this issue, Island Waves will be taking a hiatus until the spring 2018 semester. There are still a number of stories to check out at Islandwavesnews.com: • December is here.

Another semester is nearly complete. Contributing writers have compiled some stories to help get readers in the holiday spirit. From winter break travel guides to gift exchanges, visit the site to learn more.

• The holiday season has brought several new movies to audiences around the world. Read staff reviews of DC’s “Justice League” and Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnorok” • The athletic training department at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is helping train the sports professionals of tomorrow. Take a look into a day in the life of one of its students online now.

As the semester draws to a close, many students will be up later trying to prepare for exams. Coffee is a study aid staple for college students.

This issue will mark the last Coffee and a Paper event of the semester. Come stop

by Thursday, Dec. 7 in the breezeway to pick up a paper and some free coffee, courtesy of Island Waves.

As mentioned earlier, Island Waves will be on hiatus for the remainder of the semester. Study hard and remember to take breaks. Best of luck with finals, Islanders.

ON THE COVER:

PHOTO BY CARLOS HINOJOSA

4 News Twitter doubles its 140-character limit, users react

12.07.2017

SAMUEL TRUJILLO @SamTrujillo14

B

eing the hallmark of the social media giant’s platform, Twitter’s iconic 140-character per tweet limit is now a thing of the past for users as the company announced they would be doing away with their traditional cap in favor of a new 280-character limit.

Twitter first unveiled the idea back in September when they gave a small sample group of individuals access to the 280-character count limit as part of an analytical trial. After an extensive data analysis the decision was made to expand the changes to all users.

On Nov. 7, Twitter’s product manager, Aliza Rosen, announced the new feature in a blog post in which she detailed the company’s reasoning behind the changes.

“Historically, 9 percent of tweets in English hit the character limit,” Rosen said in her blog post. “This reflects the challenge of fitting a thought into a tweet, often resulting in lots of time spent editing and even at times abandoning Tweets before sending.”

The change in format is expected to help users express themselves.

Rosen said, “With the expanded char-

IMAGE COURTESY OF TWITTER.COM

With twice as many characters to work with, Twitter users have more freedom to express themselves. The change however, has divided users on its benefits.

acter count, this problem was massively reduced – that number dropped to only one percent. This shows that more space makes it easier for people to fit thoughts

in a tweet, so they could say what they want to say, and send tweets faster than before.”

While change is inevitable and usu-

ally welcome in the tech world, this update had users on the fence about the benefits of the move on the company’s part. Some users believe a 140-character limit makes things easier and less cluttered in the end. Others are excited to put their newfound freedom to work and try the feature out for themselves.

“One of the reasons I like Twitter more than any other social media site is because of how fast and easy the 140-character thing makes it,” marine biology major Catt Bertagna said. “I feel like doubling that could make things feel crowded.”

Accounting major Brian Gutierrez saw this update with Twitter in a positive light.

“I’m really excited for this update,” Gutierrez said. “I feel like I’m always cutting corners trying to make my tweet fit into [Twitter’s] size limit. There’s nothing worse than having to change or delete a tweet because it ended up being like four letters too long.”

These changes are now in effect for all users across the globe and filled with promise, according to Rosen.

“We’ll continue listening and working to make Twitter easier for everyone while making sure we keep what you love,” Rosen said.

6 Campus Deans of Nursing, Education battle at campus Iron Chef 12.07.2017

BREE ORTEGA Staff Writer

O

n Nov. 29, Chartwell’s and Islander Dining Hall hosted their second annual Iron Chef Challenge that was between two new deans at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Dr. David Scott, dean of education and human development, and Dr. Julie Hoff, dean of nursing and health sciences, battled it out to see who would win this year’s Iron Chef challenge in front of Islanders and community.

They had to make dishes that involved a special ingredient. This special ingredient was cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken from Izzy’s Food Pantry. If the deans used cream of mushroom, they would receive a bonus point because mushrooms was the food of the month.

“The chef’s looked calm and collected” political science major Angel Cerbantez said. “It was cool to see a chef challenge while I was eating. I didn’t know it was possible for two Deans to make some-

Photo by BREE ORTEGA/Island Waves

The Deans of Nursing and Health Sciences and Education face off during an Iron Chef Challenge to benefit Izzy’s Food Pantry

thing like they did.”

The dishes cooked were judged by Dr. Don Albrecht, vice president of Student Engagement and Success, Dr. Lisa Perez, assistant vice president of Student Life and director of the University Center and Justin Bustos, president of Student Government Association.

“I was pretty honored that they would

select me to be a judge for this event,” Perez said. “Amanda Hall, who trusted us enough to pick us as the judges meant a lot.”

Judges scored the meals that were prepared from taste, creativity, presentation and use of secret ingredient. The two deans were given an hour to prepare this meal and present it to the judges.

Amanda Hall, marketing manager of Chartwells, said bringing two departments together under one roof was a fun way to show students support.

“There are different ways for students to get involved and this is a different way for students to watch and participate,” Perez said. “Our administrators from the different colleges, such as deans, doing real-life things as opposed to just being leaders of their organizations.”

Hoff made chicken Francese and orzo with sautéed onions. The winner, Scott, won over the judges by one point with his Santa Fe Trail Chicken. Scott said his dish was inspired by his time at the University of New Mexico.

Islanders can learn more about different events such as this one by following @IslanderDining on their social media accounts such as twitter, snapchat and Instagram. Islanders can also visit dineoncampus.com/islanderdining for information on hours, menus and even advice on how to prepare healthy meals.

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Campus 7

12.07.2017

Dean of libraries sails toward innovation CATHARINA GARRETT @imacat_moo

W

ith a recently promoted captain at the helm, the Island University’s Mary and Jeff Bell library sails toward innovation.

Dr. Catherine Rudowsky was promoted to the dean of libraries position on Oct. 1, 2017. Rudowsky served as director of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library for three years prior to this promotion. Her goals shifted from operational management of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library to providing the campus with visionary leadership, including increased collaboration and partnership with the University’s six other deans.

“In providing strategic leadership, I am responsible for ensuring that the library is meeting the needs of the campus and the populations that we serve in a way that is engaging and forward thinking,” Rudowsky said.

The change from director to dean altered Rudowsky’s reporting structure and some of the groups and committees she was involved with. This led to partnerships that Rudowsky could use for

Image courtesy of TAMU-CC MARCOM

Newly appointed dean of libraries, Dr. Catherine Rudowsky showcases one of the many books available to Islander students and faculty in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library on campus.

the library’s benefit.

Her responsibility is to implement resources and services that are cutting edge, while at the same time striving for the library of the future.

“This all translates to having fun and to being able to dream along with other dreamers.” Rudowski said, “Dreams lead to greatness, for the campus and for the library.”

Rudowsky has leadership experience in academic and special libraries, including almost 15 years in public higher education. Rudowsky earned a Ph.D. in Communication Media and Instructional Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2013. Rudowsky is responsible for library policies and programs, the human resource program, the budget, assessment, facilities and

other operational matters of the library.

“Under my direction, the library has made great strides to align itself with the strategic mission of the university and with the goal of becoming an emerging research institute,” Rudowsky said.

Some of Rudowsky’s major initiatives since starting at the Island University include a public use space remodel, a reorganization of the personnel structure, the development of a Scholarly Communications program, a stronger partnership with CBI regarding the Blucher Map Scanning project, the stewardship of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Collection through processing and selective digitization efforts and broader collection development initiatives such as video streaming and demand driven acquisitions.

Rudowsky said working in such a vibrant community makes going to work every day exciting, allowing her to flourish in her position.

“This is a special place that is on an exciting path with great energy and momentum,” Rudowsky said. “I am honored to work with the student body, the library team, and the thoughtful and visionary leadership of our campus.”

Campus 5

12.07.2017

Group fitness encourages stress relieving techniques MICHAEL BRODE @michaelbrode

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ith finals just around the corner, the Island University offers healthy releases for students.

For the second time this semester, the Dugan Wellness Center hosted the Group Fitness Extravaganza for students to come work out their stress. Located in the Motor Development room of Island Hall, this event offered students a variety of workout options. The workout segments lasted about 30 minutes each. “[The Group Fitness Extravaganza is] an event for stress relief and to burn off all the turkey and food eaten over Thanksgiving time,” fitness and wellness coordinator Kelsey Leggett said.

For each segment, the instructors set themselves up on a raised platform and taught the class. “We had our last extravaganza right before the semester started with a kickoff and it was a great turnout.

We had about 50 people,” Leggett said.

“We got some feedback to do it again around this time of year because it is stressful with finals coming up.”

The Yoga Warmup began immediately at 5 p.m. and allowed participants to release tension from their bodies before proceeding with the evening’s events.

“We started with yoga,” senior environmental science major Daniel Green said.

“Apparently, I’m not that flexible.”

After the workout, several instructors took the stage to lead a Zumba class.

Last on the agenda was pilates, which offered participants an opportunity to slowly bring their bodies to a rest. This was followed by a cool down session.

After each segment, raffle prizes were given out. Participants had an opportunity to win T-shirts, shaker bottles and other fitness-related prizes.

For more information visit recsports. tamucc.edu/facilities/dwc.html.

Photo by MICHAEL BRODE/Island Waves

Participants in the Dugan Wellness Center’s new group fitness class are lead by one of the trained instructors.

Professor sheds light on the insights behind media AMBER CASTILLO @AmberCastillo27

B

eing on the set of popular television series and learning from famous TV producers are just a few things that Dr. Ethan Thompson has accomplished in his lifetime.

Thompson, associate professor for the Department of Communication and Media, teaches courses in media and cultural studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The Corpus Christi native attended the University of Austin for his BA in English and Plan II. Then he moved to California where he attended the University of California for his Ph.D in Critical Studies from the School of Cinematic Arts.

He first began teaching at the university in 2002 and over that time he has gone through every level of professorship including: adjunct, visiting, assistant, associate then professor. He started out by teaching just one class then managed to get a 10-year contract.

Sophomore communication studies major Savannah Spears has taken several of Thompson’s classes and has enjoyed every single one of them.

“Honestly, Dr. Thompson is one of my favorite professors I have taken so far,” Spears said. “He presents things in a concise way and his teaching style is very relaxed.”

“Sharing what I know about how

media works and what I think about today’s media with the students and talking about it with them is a productive process,” Thompson said. “Not just in that the students learn about media but we all understand how media works better through that exchange.”

Thompson was never interested in one area of media. He wanted to know everything that media had to offer and sought a better understanding of the wider culture. This led him to become a professor, he said.

“I wanted to learn how particular kinds of media are meaningful and how some things are popular at one time or another,” Thompson said. “I was honestly more interested in the broader culture for example what was the ongoing job of making a TV show or making a movie. I didn’t want just a job that was limited to one specific thing; I wanted to be able to study all different aspects of our media culture and the way we live in it, therefore being a professor allowed me to do that.”

In his spare time he has managed to write several books and articles and has recently completed a full feature length documentary.

“Along the way I knew that if I wanted to write something or make a documentary I could also do that but my full-time job is solely being a professor,” Thompson said. “But I love that I get the opportunity to do other things like that when

being a professor.”

Recently Thompson was chosen to participate in the Television Academy foundation 2017 Faculty Seminar Program. twenty-five faculty members from across the country were chosen by Television Academy members to be immersed in the entertainment industry for a week-long seminar in Los Angeles.

“I wanted to see firsthand from people working in television right now what its like,” Thompson said. “The people that I got to meet and talk with were working at all different stages and levels of the television industry from casting for reality TV shows, to editing or directing, writers. On one hand, it was an opportunity to interact with people who are involved with TV right now but then that helps inform what it is I already talk about in the classroom.”

The seminar helped Thompson gain more knowledge to pass onto his students. Now he has a better knowledge of different possibilities in media that students could pursue if they chose to.

“One of the most memorable moments at that seminar was being able to talk to Jonathan Murray, who is one of the original creators of the television show ‘The Real World’ which is really important in TV history because it was one of the first really successful programs which came to be called reality TV.” Thompson said. “Talking to him and all the other successful people

in the industry and knowing that they wanted to share knowledge with professors not because we are professors but because we are teachers, and they want to share what they know with our students so there truly is a desire to bring talented diverse students into the TV industry.”

Thompson said it’s important to encourage his students to think beyond Texas and Corpus Christi.

“It’s so important for students to know that there are other opportunities outside of the city that they love or call home,” Thompson said.

Thompson offers his students different ways to connect with media professionals.

“We also got to video chat in class with people who are actually in the industry,” Spears said. “That was really inspiring hearing their stories and knowing that they had at one time been in the exact same position that we are.”

Thompson sees his role in the class to try to encourage students to imagine themselves as successful outside of this place.

“Look for opportunities outside of the classroom to create, whether its writing or making films,” Thompson said.

People who are hiring want to see that students took every opportunity that they could in school and that they went beyond that outside of their classes to also excel in their field.”

8 Campus

Campus 9

University lights the way toward holiday fun with annual celebration

Photo by JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA/Island Waves

Photo by JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

T

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA/Island Waves

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA/Island Waves

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA/Island Waves

he 2017 Islander Lights celebration was held on Dec. 1. Beginning in the University Center, guests were able to enjoy snacks, make crafts, donate to those in need and many other activities as a part of its Holiday Bash. The event was open to the public and had a number of family friendly ways to get in the holiday spirit. Guests could also take photos with Santa, enjoy a petting zoo and receive festive treats and refreshments.

The twelfth annual rendition of the university tradition lit up the Island University with blue and green lights: from the university entrance to its buildings.

Toy donations were available for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive. Attendees could also donate money and decorate snowflakes that would be put on display on campus. Attendees took a stroll to

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA/Island Waves

the Lee Plaza to watch the lighting ceremony where a garden of lights was set up for the Islander community to enjoy including a large blue and green tree of lights. After the ceremony, guests were invited back to the University Center for a showing of Disney’s “The Nightmare before Christmas” put on by the Campus Activities Board (CAB).

The lights will be lit every night during the holiday season to help keep the Island University in the holiday spirit as the semester comes to a close. The evening’s festivities were put on by the Division of Student Engagement and Success, university staff council, United States Marine Corps and CAB. For more information on the lights or ways to get involved, visit ucsa.tamucc.edu/IslanderLights/ Index.html.

10 Entertainment

12.07.2017

Mystery reboot dazzles DOUGLAS CUBBERLY Contributing Writer

MOVIE REVIEW

A

gatha Christie’s classic murder mystery has been adapted for the big screen once again.

The “Murder on the Orient Express” novel, published in 1934, was first put on film with Sidney Lumet’s acclaimed version in 1974, starring Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman and Sean Connery.

Like its predecessor, the 2017 version also features an all-star cast.

Producer, director and star Kenneth Branagh is fantastic as the beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who is tasked with solving a murder aboard a luxury train as it treks across Europe in the dead of winter. As it passes through the mountains, the train is stalled by a snowdrift. When one of the passengers is murdered, everyone else becomes a suspect.

For viewers unfamiliar with the story, this classic whodunit detective tale will leave you guessing until the film’s climactic finish. For those who know the story, or are unimpressed by its direction (as some critics have been), there is still much to be marveled at, including Branagh’s mustache.

Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Willem Dafoe are just a few of the Hollywood heavyweights that make up some of the train’s passengers. The film also features young talents such as Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr. and Daisy Ridley.

Odom, Jr. won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in the Broadway mega-hit “Hamilton,” while Ridley is currently the star of the new

“Star Wars” franchise.

Branagh steals the show, however, as he hilariously captures Poirot’s quirky obsession to details and symmetry. As he begins to question each of the passengers, the mystery only deepens. The more Poirot learns, the more unsolvable the crime seems to be.

Shot on 65mm film, the cinematography is breathtaking at times. This shooting method helps bring out the isolation of the film’s wintery backdrop. The set design, from the wardrobe to the train’s exterior finish, is meticulously well done. The sound design is also well done. Every crack and creak of the train as it travels across the scenic snow capped mountains.

Perhaps the ensemble cast is spread too thin, but each actor has their moment. In the film’s nearly two hour runtime, giving each character complexity and multiple moments in the spotlight could’ve been tedious. In that respect, I understand their decision to prioritize the plot over fleshing out character development.

Fans of mysteries will enjoy this film. Particularly those who try to solve the case along as the plot develops or trying to beat the protagonist to the conclusion. If you’re looking for a fun movie to see with the whole family over the holidays, check out “Murder on the Orient Express.” I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with this film’s charm and storytelling.

Image courtesy of TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Kenneth Branagh plays the lead role of Hercule Poirot in the 2017 retelling of “Murder on the Orient Express,” based on the book by Agatha Christie.

Entertainment 11

12.07.2017

Islander musicians put on festive performance BREE ORTEGA Staff Writer

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exas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s school of arts, media and communication and department of music hosted their 17th annual Holiday Gala on Dec. 1 in the Performing Arts Center.

Guests were able to hang out in the lobby and enjoy music by Islanders. Children were able to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Letters to Santa were also available to those interested in sharing their Christmas wishes this year.

David Lautenschlager was the host for the evening who welcomed guests and introduced the musical numbers.

The Gala was put on by more than 90 music students spanning different musical genres and instruments. The Island University offers performance opportunities including university orchestra, symphonic and concert bands, pep band, jazz band, university singers, Camerata Isla, and the Corpus Christi Chorale.

The percussion ensemble preformed “We Three Kings” under the direction of Dr. Matthew McClung.

“My favorite piece was the very first song called ‘We the Kings,’” said Corpus Christi resident Lori Marshall. “I love Christmas because it brings people together. It’s simply the most wonderful time of the Year.”

The University Orchestra, directed by Dr. Jose Flores and conducted by Dr. Brian Shelton, preformed “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” for attendees.

Lautenschlager began to explain the importance of music to Islanders and the community. The department of music has participated in several events along the Coastal Bend which has gotten the music department more involved in the community.

Dr. Diana Sipes directed the flute ensemble as the preformed “I Wander as I Wander.” Shortly after, the university singers, conducted by Dr. Ross Bernhardt, preformed “Nigun Bialik,” “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and “The Christmas Song.”

Lautenschlager also read a story called the legend of the poinsettia. The legend of the poinsettia introduced how it doesn’t matter what gifts you give or how much people spend during this holiday because

Photo by BREE ORTEGA/Island Waves

Islander musicians perform their favorite holiday songs at the annual Holiday Gala.

it’s mainly the thought that counts.

Islander Jazz, directed by Dr. Brian Thacker preformed “Winter Wonderland,” “Silver Bells” and “Sleigh Ride.”

“I really enjoyed ‘Sleigh Ride’ by the Jazz Band,” said sophomore marine biology major Maddie Levsen. “It got me really pumped for Christmas.”

The Camerta Isla and university singers, performed together “Carol of the Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Brubeck,” and “Snow” from “Voices of the Earth.”

“I’ve never been to the Gala before,” said Marshall. “It was great experience and I loved all the music.”

The Holiday Gala preforms for guests to enjoy Christmas music by Islanders.

Funds from this event will go to Islanders who are receiving scholarships from the department of music. The second fundraiser will be the annual Musical Miles 5k. To learn more about the events hosted by the Department of music go to cla. tamucc.edu/music

12 Sports

12.07.2017

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

NFL players kneel for the Pledge of Allegiance during opening of a game.

Trump wrong about NFL protests, again DOUGLAS CUBBERLY Contributing Writer

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FL player protests are back in the news, after President Trump tweeted that they were the reason attendance was down across the league. I won’t get into how that theory is wildly unproveable, so I’ll just mention that attendance is down by around 1 percent from last year. This is a number made more insignificant by the fact that last season was the third-highest ever in terms of attendance.

The real problem here is that we have again gone completely away from why and how this all started. In the 20162017 season, Colin Kaepernick was a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, he told reporters after a game, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” He added, “There are bodies in the street, and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

The protests were never about the anthem, or disrespecting the flag or the troops. It was about racial inequalities and social injustices. It’s about unarmed black people being shot and killed by police officers and those officers walk-

ing away completely unpunished, over and over.

When a player is injured in football, like most other sports, both teams will take a knee, as a show of solidarity and empathy for the injured player. The United States is a divided nation lately.

Injured, fractured, whatever you want to call it, we are hurting. The only way to heal and get better is to come together to talk about these important issues.

Kaepernick saw something that he didn’t like in America, and he had the tremendous courage to use his platform to try and send a message. His form of silent protest, which is protected under the Constitution, cost him his career. His goal was to start a conversation about how to make our country a safer and fairer place to raise our children. That’s about as patriotic as you can get, without actually enlisting.

Our troops fight and die to protect our freedoms, freedoms like the First Amendment that are guaranteed under the Constitution. Having the right to peacefully protest injustice and inequality is at the bedrock of any democracy.

Some of us seem to have forgotten that.

I just hope that history will be kinder to heroes like Kaepernick than his contemporaries.

14 Christmas

12.07.2017

Global Christmas traditions spice up holidays

JULIA MAURER Contributing Writer

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hristmas is celebrated all over, and each culture celebrates Christmas a bit differently.

Here are some of Christmas traditions countries participate in around the world.

San Fernando is considered the Christmas capital of the Philippines and on the Saturday before Christmas Eve, they hold the Giant Lantern Festival.

Eleven villages compete to create the most beautiful and elaborate lantern, and they are huge.

There are some spooky Christmas traditions that are flat out terrifying. Germany is where the tale of Krampus originated. Krampus is the anti-St. Nicholas.

He is half goat and looks like a demon.

On Dec. 6 he supposedly comes into towns and swats naughty children with sticks and then takes them to his lair.

Because of that tale, it has become tradition in Austria, Hungary, Germany and Czech Republic for men to dress up as Krampus and roam the streets. Those men usually happen to be drunk at the time.

In Norway, people hide their brooms

on Christmas Eve. This is done to prevent witches from thieving the brooms during the witches most active season.

The polish tradition of hanging an inverted Christmas tree from the ceiling is shown in the photo to the left. The tree is called a podlazniczka. The tradition has a rich history and the space saving tradition has hung in the small apartments of many eastern Europeans during Christmas time for centuries.

In Japan, people treat Christmas Eve like Valentine’s Day in the U.S. Couples come together and exchange gifts. It is actually considered a romantic holiday.

Another tradition in Japan is to eat fried chicken on Christmas Day. Families will order food from places like KFC and spend time with their families.

In America, there are so many Christmas traditions. When Americans prepare for Christmas, many hang up Christmas lights, put up a tree, hang stockings above the fireplace, and don’t forget the mistletoe.

From big cities to small towns, there is always Christmas light displayed during the Christmas holidays. And who could forget a big Christmas feast? There’s ham, turkey and cranberry sauce, it’s almost like a second Thanksgiving.

Photo courtesy of cntraveler.com

This upside down Christmas tree is not an uncommon sight in many countries. The tradition may see a rise in popularity this year after being featured on several esteemed home style websites.

Christmas 15

12.07.2017

Organization aims to help children in need VANESSA DOMINGUEZ Contributing Writer

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he Toys for Tots drive is an organization that specializes in providing gifts for children whose parents cannot afford them, giving children something to smile about Christmas morning.

Toys for Tots Corpus Christi covers three counties: Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas. Online signups for toys began Oct. 1 and ended Dec. 1. Distribution will take place Dec. 16-17 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sunrise Mall. An event with this many moving parts would not be possible without a collaborative effort.

“It’s been a blessing to be able to serve all of the needy and unprivileged children within our three counties,” said Walter Rose, Toys for Tots coordinator. “We greatly appreciate all our donors, toy drop sites, sponsor events, local media and especially all of the volunteers who help contribute to make this Toys for Tots a success.”

Toys for Tots’ goal is to give underprivileged children something to look forward to on Christmas morning.

“This year we [had] a Toys for Tots Motorcycle parade on Dec. 3, near Concrete Street Amphitheater,” Rose said. “We greatly appreciate all the support.”

Toys for Tots is an integral part of the Marine Toys for Tots program managed by dedicated United States Marines and local volunteers. Every year, this organization strives to im-

prove and grow as a community.

“This is a great organization and I’ve been donating to it since I was a child myself,” said junior Alyssa Gomez. “I know what it’s like to be in both positions so I want to make sure every child wakes up with a smile on their face.”

Since 1947, Marines have been able to distribute more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children.

IMAGE COURTESY OF TOYS FOR TOTS

“Christmas is a time of giving with magic and happiness in the air, it shouldn’t be a day of frowns and sadness,” Gomez said.

“It makes me happy to know that there are a lot of people out there who feel the same. Every year keeps on improving and it just makes my heart full.”

For more information about sign-ups, volunteers, donations, and requests, email: toysfortotscctx@gmail.com

Top 5 films to get in the Christmas spirit VANESSA DOMINGUEZ Contributing Writer

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is the season for Christmas movies and hot chocolate.

Now that we have a long break to catch up on some rest, we have time for some major movie binging. If you’re trying to avoid the chilly weather, it’s time to curl up in your favorite pajamas, grab your Santa mug and turn on that television. Here are my personal Top 5 Christmas films to watch: 1. “ELF” This has to be my favorite Christmas film due to the creative storyline played by the hilarious Will Ferrell.

Since its debut in 2003, the film has become a modern classic that will always be a must watch around the jolly season. The film is about a human, played

by Will Ferrell, who was raised by an elf in the North Pole. Once he realizes he doesn’t quite fit in, he runs away and finds himself in New York City in the search for his real dad. Just as it sounds, it wasn’t easy. Buddy encounters many problems throughout his journey and even finds love.

2. “The Polar Express” This 2004 film featuring Tom Hanks’ voice is the magical Christmas film that will never get old. Santa doesn’t

exist or does he? For one doubting boy, an event occurs that changes his perspective on Santa and Christmas forever. On Christmas Eve he hears a sound outside and runs out to find a large train where the conductor invites him to board. He boards the Polar Express on a magical adventure to the North Pole where he learns about friendship, believing and the spirit of Christmas.

This movie is heartwarming and great for all ages.

3. “The Santa Clause” This 1994 film played by Tim Allen is hilarious and has Christmas written all over it. This a must-see for me every Christmas season, along with the follow up films, “The Santa Clause 2” and “3.” When Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidently kills Santa Clause by frightening him on the roof of his home, he finds himself becoming the next Santa Claus. He begins gaining weight, growing a beard overnight, getting white hair and wearing a Santa suit until he realizes he is the one. This fantasy comedy explores the classic Christmas movie plot with a twist, an accidental Santa who is trying to convince his family he is the new Santa Clause.

4. “The Grinch” In the 2000 Christmas comedy based on the original story by Dr. Seuss, a

green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the town of Whoville. The Grinch has one companion, and it’s his adorable dog, Max. When 6-year-old Cindy Lou encounters the Grinch and he saves he life, she becomes interested in his story. Once she finds out, she becomes touched by it and wants him to be the main participant in their Whoville Christmas celebration. It didn’t turn out as planned and the Grinch begins to destroy everything in the town and steals everyone’s gifts. After some contemplation, the Grinch then decides to go back and apologizes to the town where he is the welcomed with forgiveness and love. This film is great for the family to watch as it explores many characteristics of forgiveness, love and understanding.

5. “Home Alone” This film is a 1990 comedy that explores the life of a mischievous kid, Kevin McCallister. After being mistakenly left behind by his family on their way to Paris for their Christmas vacation, Kevin is left with the entire home to himself. Throughout his time alone, he encounters many action-packed problems where he is able to use his creative mind to outsmart two burglars that are trying to break into their

JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

home. This film will have you laughing the entire time and wanting to watch more.

This holiday season, there’s no shortage of things to put people in the Christmas spirit. Maybe this list can help create new Christmas traditions, or, at the very least, show people some good movies to watch as they enjoy the holidays.