Volume 26 Issue 3 by Island Waves

ISLAND WAVES - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI - 02.05.2015

Laissez les bons temps rouler

University donors recognized at annual President’s Ball

Corpus Christi Idol

News Briefs

page 7

by JAMIE FINK news editor

Strong Performance leads John Jordan to Southland POTW

Islander John Jordan was named the Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, the league announced Monday, Jan. 26. This makes the second time he has garnered the award in his career. Guests at the 2015 President’s Mardi Gras Ball socialize during the reception.

by JAMIE FINK news editor

n Jan. 31, Texas A&M administration, faculty and honored guests gathered at the Art Museum of South Texas to celebrate this year’s honorees at the President’s annual Mardi Gras Ball, with the “Taste of Bourbon Street.” The President’s Mardi Gras Ball is an event held annually to recognize those who will be joining A&M-Corpus Christi’s Wall of Recognition. The Wall of Recognition is a lasting tribute to the individuals, families and organizations that have made significant contributions to the University since its beginning in 1947.

“We are grateful to have this event each year,” said Islander University and CEO Flavius Killebrew. “This allows us the opportunity to recognize and thank donors who give money to the university for things like student scholarships, professorships and other things that support the mission of the institution.” The Wall of Recognition honors six levels of giving based on cumulative amounts by the end of each year. This year’s ball recognized 10 honorees for their gifts and contribution to the Island University. The highest level donor that was recognized during the Mardi Gras Ball was the Ed Rachal Foundation. The Ed Rachal Foundation was

photo by CONNER TICHOTA

recognized for their donation in the Platinum Inner Circle of Excellence Society which is represented by those who contribute gifts or donations of $1 million to $9.9 million. “The board of Ed Rachal Foundation looks to provide the learning capabilities to those who are coming into the college,” said Mr. John Johnson, a representative who accepted the award for the Ed Rachal Foundation. “Our foundation loves to provide funds for institutions like Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, but we like to stay in the background. Our goal is not to get anything back, our goal is to provide funds necessary for these organizations.” see BALL on page 6

Islanders become entrepreneurs

Students create a network for used textbook exchange

by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief

ach semester, college students spend hundreds of dollars and hours of their time searching for their required textbooks. For students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, a new venue for textbooks has arrived. On Jan. 20, a team of seven Islanders launched their website, Brown’s Book Swap. Brown’s Book Swap is a non-profit online network exclusively for Islander students looking to buy, sell or swap their used textbooks. Students

who are registered to the site can sell their books online, or attend the end of the semester book swap Brown’s will host. Freshman Randy Brown is the founder and current administrator of Brown’s Book Swap. “I’ve been working with the students just trying to figure out a way to help everybody connect and sell or swap their books,” Brown said. “Because we end up stuck with books, most of the time, that we can’t get rid of or return.” Brown said the idea to create a place where Islanders could trade

books hit him mid-semester in Fall 2014 and from there the wheels were set in motion. “I build websites for non-profits. I build some to raise money in Mexico and some for some churches,” Brown said. “Since I knew how to do that I figured I would set up something for the students here.” Brown said he then gathered a group of his fellow classmates to help make the dream a reality. “Well we were all in the same freshman triad, and so we all got to know each other [through that],” Jayna Hamilton said. see BOOK SWAP on page 3

Corpus Christi Under 40 features A&M- Corpus Christi Faculty and Staﬀ

Eight Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi employees were recognized by Corpus Christi Under 40 (CCU40) for contributions in their professional fields and through service in the community during the Mayor’s Breakfast held on Jan. 27 at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center.

Speaker series tickets go on sale soon Jeff Corwin, Emmy-winning Television Host, author and biologist, will be the next speaker for the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Distinguished Speaker Series. Tickets will go on sale Wed. Feb. 18. Ticket prices range from $28-$148. VIP seating will also be available.

Find us on Facebook:

www.facebook/IslandWaves VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3

editorial 2

02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

a student publication of

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

island waves staﬀ CONNER TICHOTA editor-in-chief

JUSTIN VU NGUYEN

advertising assistant

LUIS GOMEZ

advertising assistant

THI NGUYEN

layout assistant

KARA HERRERA layout assistant

JAMIE FINK news editor

STERLEN KEMP news reporter

TREY SEAL

entertainment reporter

JEREMY PAPE

sports reporter

ELI T. BERKE

photographer

MARK MARTINEZ

distribution manager

WENDY MOORE faculty adviser

AMY KOTULSKI staﬀ adviser

JESSE DE LEON

graduate adviser

contact us 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 write us a letter The Island Waves accepts letters no longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to the editor via email at editor@tamucc.edu. about island waves The Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Since A&M-Corpus Christi has no journalism department, Island Waves is supported by student fees and advertising sales. Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.

Out with the old ways, in with the new: learning to embrace the hook-up culture by JUSTIN VU advertising assistant

ollege is the best time to have sex. According to Kate Taylor from the “New York Times,” girls prefer hooking up to having a boyfriend. She believed girls are better off having hook-ups than a relationship. The modern term “hook-up” indicates anything from making out or oral sex to sexual intercourse without emotional attachment. Recently the hookup culture has become popular among the student population. Here are some reasons I think we should embrace it. Often times, females are categorized by words like “slut” or “whore” when they engage in a lot of sexual activities. Sometimes they are even called “trashy” when discussing sex in a group of peers. There’s a study conducted by “Psychology Today” regarding how often people think about sex. In the study, psychologists collected data from a total

of 283 students between the ages of 18 and 25 who kept track of one type of thought (about sex, food, or sleep) for a one-week period. They were not allowed to tell anybody what type of thoughts they were recording. They added up the seven daily reports for each person and then divided by seven in order to get the average daily thought frequency. Results show that men think about sex roughly 388 times a day while women only think about it 140 times. That’s nearly double From the statistic, categorizing women as promiscuous is wrong, especially when compared to how males participate in the same kinds of activities with hardly any negative repercussions. After all, why can boys have all the fun but girls can’t? Women should not be called names just because they have a lot of hookups or are just trying to have a great time. Today’s colleges and universities are filled with women who are pursuing degrees in business, law, nursing and academia, etc. They come from various

political, religious, socioeconomic backgrounds. Building their resumes may be more important than finding a boyfriend or even a husband. A relationship can be as time consuming as a a four-hour credit class and “aint nobody got time for that.” Therefore, “hook-up buddies” are the best way to stay on top of the game. There is no denying that sex can be both enjoyable and beneficial. Forget of Advil or Tylenol, sex can relieve stress and tension. According to “Women’s Health,” “endorphins and oxytocin are released during sex, and these feel-good hormones activate pleasure centers in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation and help stave off anxiety and depression.” So next time you are tired from endless homework or studying, pick up the phone and text your hookup buddy. I am not saying you should go from zero to hoe. There is a medium ground on the spectrum where you can find yourself. And most importantly, students should always practice safe sex.

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Got Opinions? Write to us. Send letters to the Editor: Editor@tamucc.edu

news

02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

BOOK SWAP

continued from page 1

Hamilton is a freshman pre-Nursing student at the Island University and is also the chief editor at Brown’s Book Swap. “So we worked together, we decided we liked each other and then Randy asked us to help him with his project,” she said. In total, Brown said it took the team approximately a month and a half to get this project off the ground and running. In order to participate in book swaps, either online or in person, students must be registered through the site. The first 3,000 students to register will be able to do so for free. Any student to register after that will be required to pay a $7 registration fee. Brown said any fees collected will go toward the maintenance of the website. “This is non-profit,” Brown said. “We’re not looking to profit off of anybody. We’re just trying to help them out.” In the event there is a surplus of revenue, the extra money collected will be compiled into a scholarship fund, said Financial Treasurer and freshman Lauren Mehring. “If we do make any money off of the website, that’s when more than 3,000 people register,” Mehring said. “That’s when we have money go into the website and that’s when we apply it to the scholarship.” So far, only 35 Islanders have registered with the site Brown said. “We’re just trying it,” He said. “If it works out great, if it doesn’t we’ll shut it down. If it does go well, we are going to set up swap events. One at the end of spring semester and one at the end of fall.” Brown’s Book Swap is currently an independent enterprise not endorsed by the university. “It’s independent of the university,” Brown said.

To register for upcoming book swaps, visit brownsbookswap.com pictured above.

“But I would like to see when we graduate if it is a working thing that it is donated to the student body of the university.”

For more information about registration, book swaps or the team, visit brownsbookswap.com.

**********Meeting Notice**********

Feb. 10, 2015 12:30 pm O’Connor Bldg. Room 328 AGENDA 1. Discussion of FY15 budget process

NOW

2014-2015 Student Fee Advisory Committee

2. Review of waivers/exemptions 3. Review of fund balances

For more information contact, Ann DeGaish, committee chair, at ann.degiash@tamucc.edu or call 361-825-2612

HIRING

4. Overview of budget

news 4

02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Best-selling author kicks off joint MLK Jr. celebration

A college student from the Valley who travelled more than two hours to see New York Times’ bestselling author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, asks for guidance on how to champion diversity awareness on his own campus. Dyson spoke at Del Mar’s Richardson Performance Hall Jan. 29 during the Third Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration.

by STERLEN KEMP news reporter

n Jan. 29, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Del Mar Community College teamed up to host the third annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration. The event featured keynote speaker “New York Times” best-selling author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. During the event, Dyson addressed topics on education, poverty, social justice, income equality and the legacy of King to an intimate audience of 30 people. “This event is just a way for us to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of King and all that he has contributed to our nation and internationally,” said Angela Walker, associate dean of students at the Island University and one of the organizers of this event. “This is a way for us, two institutions

in our local community, to come together to celebrate his life and legacy.” Dyson is a sociology professor at Georgetown University. He has also been seen on CNN and MSNBC as a political analyst and correspondent. He has been named by both “Essence” and “Ebony” magazine as one of the most inspiring and influential African-Americans in the United States. He has covered some of the most talked about and controversial issues surrounding America and black culture. Dyson has also written numerous books such as “Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur,” which focuses on the aspects of Hip-Hop culture and “Race Rules: Navigating the Color Line,” which he addresses black identity and racial conflicts in America.

During a speech at an American college, Dyson expressed the importance and misunderstandings of King’s famous, “I Have a Dream” speech. He suggested that the speech was not a proclamation of a completed work in America but simply a prophecy that would hopefully come into reality. “Some people have taken the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech as an assertion of a completed project of American validation,” Dyson said during his speech. “But Martin Luther King Jr. was pointing to an idea. He was suggesting that this was yet to come about.” As most are aware, King was one of the prominent leaders during the Civil Rights Movement of the ‘50s and ‘60s. He, with numerous others who often go unnamed, was responsible for many of the protest and boycotts that took

photo courtesy of MARCUS GARNER

place all over the country and particularly, in the Deep South. Dr. King was a social leader for all of mankind. Not only did he push for the rights and equality of AfricanAmericans, but he was also an outspoken activist against inequality that affected the working class American, the poor and also, women’s rights. “Many students weren’t even born when King was assassinated which was in ’68,” Walker said. “Many probably don’t even remember or may not know about the struggle that went on during that period. This event is a way to pay homage to our forefathers that fought for equality for all people. If we don’t know about our past, we are doomed to repeat it.” For more information on upcoming African American History Month events, visit aahm.tamucc.edu.

campus

02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Career Corner:

What to say when caught in an elevator with a CEO

provided by CAREER CORNER

ow is it possible to prepare for a chance encounter with a CEO say for instance in an elevator? People searching for a job should always be able to say something that the CEO will find memorable in a positive way. By learning to perfect the elevator speech one can discover how to make a good first impression. The first part of the speech is all about what a potential employee can offer. • Understanding what strengths will relate to that company • What previous experience from work could be brought to the job? • What classes or organizations would benefit the company’s mission or goals? • What skills can be brought to the table that the company needs? The second part of the speech is all about the company. • What is most interesting about the company? • What kind of products or

•

services does the company have and how can potential employees help them grow? What recent news or big evens have happend in the company or industry?

The final part of the speech is the closure. It’s hard to sell a product or service without having a closing statement and the same goes for the elevator speech. • Make it clear what potential employees will look like and what it will mean for the future of their company. • Give the comany a way to contact future employees such as a business card or ask for their contact information • Reiterate interest in the company, and thank them for listening. This may seem impossible or really hard to accomplish. The good news is that career services team can help prepare everyone for the elevator speech and can even help people practice it. So don’t get stuck in a situation (or an elevator) unprepared. Come see us before that chance encounter occurs.

campus 6

02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Liberal Arts Jazz Band performed for guests after dinner.

BALL The Ed Rachal Foundation was created by rancher and cattleman Ed Rachal, Jr. who was born in Rockport, Texas. Rachal, along with his wife Louise, loved children, though they had none of their own. They believed deeply in education, and this combination of commitments to education and youth, and to the land and its resources, is the cornerstone of the Ed Rachal Foundation’s mission. The Ed Rachal Foundation’s moved up into the Platinum level of the Excellence Society this year after their donation. The Rachal Foundation previously was inducted into the Gold Inner Circle of Excellence Society which is represented by those who contribute gifts between $500,000 and $999,999. The Silver Inner Circle of Excellence Society is comprised of those who contribute gifts or donations between $250,000 and $499,999, had the largest number of new donors inducted and recognized during the annual ball. New donors included: ARGUS Software, Dr. and Mrs. Hugh A. Kennedy Foundation, Melvin N. Klein, Earl C. Sams Foundation, and Whataburger. “When we donate money to the school, it changes the lives of the kids who go there,” said Tom Dobson, who represented Whataburger, “the kids are the leaders of tomorrow and that’s why we continue to support Texas A&M- Corpus Christi.” Whataburger was founded by an adventurous and determined entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson. Dobson first Whataburger was opened on Ayers Street in now downtown Corpus Christi. According to Dobson’s biography, he had a simple goal, to serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold and so good that with one bite customers would say, “What a burger!” Today the company has grown to more than 760 locations in 10 states withes sales of more than $1 billion annually. The Bronze Inner Circle of Excellence

The President’s Ambassadors led guests to their tables for dinner portion of the evening.

continue from page 1 Society represents those who contribute gifts between $100,000 and $249,999. The M.S. Doss Foundation, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Ted and Dee Stephens, Barbara G. Silverman Endowed Professorship in Literacy and the Corpus Christi Cotillion Club were recognized as Bronze Level donors. The final level of the Wall of Recognition is the Heritage Society which is comprised of those for their contributions through planned gifts. “This is one of the best events that we have in town,” Vice President for Student Engagement and Success Dr. Don Albrecht said. “This gives our supporters the chance to be with us and meet us and see us in a different role. Most students probably didn’t know we had such an event, but we are always looking to connect with the community and raise funds for them and our university.” Thanks to the gifts and donations, the Island University has been able to expand its facilities, add new programs, increase scholarships and fund new faculty positions. Together, with the honorees and previously inducted members, the university has made significant strides toward achieving its vision of becoming one of the leading centers of higher education in the Gulf of Mexico region. “We hope that individuals will continue to come and be honored, we understand some people don’t care for the recognition or the honor, but for people to see that they have the chance to receive a higher recognition,” Killebrew said. “If you don’t thank the donors, they don’t give back. So it’s important to us to have this chance to recognize and thank these donors individually.” For more information on giving opportunities, please contact Dr. Trent Hill at the Division of Institutional Advancement either by telephone, 361-825-5749 or by e-mail at trent.hill@tamucc. edu.

As part of the entertainment, an artist draws caricatures of the guests.

As guests arrived to the museum, they are greeted and given Mardi Gras beads.

Beads and masks served as decorations and party favors for the guests.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER

A lone juggler provides entertainment for the guests during the reception.

photos by CONNER TICHOTA

To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu

entertainments

02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Corpus Christi Idol begins with highly visible open auditions. Hopeful singing sensations can step up to the microphone and belt out their song of choice on February 20, 21 and 22 at La Palmera Mall. These performances will be held in the food court area of the shopping venue, with local musical educator Nan Borden leading the panel of judges. Each contestant is required to pay a $10 entry

by JESSE DE LEON graduate advisor

our years ago, Don Luna, professor and chair of the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, was faced with an unexpected challenge. Harsh economic conditions had placed much of the university’s art and theater programs in jeopardy. The prospect of cutting back would greatly limit the educational and artistic experiences of his students. It was after a particularly difficult meeting that Luna left campus and was in his car along Ocean Drive when the idea for a solution came to him. That idea, Corpus Christi Idol, has not only become one of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s most popular annual events, but it also generates an impressive amount of money for the theater department. “This marks the fifth year of Corpus Christi Idol,” Luna said. “Over the course of the time it took to stage those performances, we have raised approximately $20,000 in scholarship money for theater arts students.” Much like the popular reality shows it emulates,

fee. The contestants are divided into two groups. Singers over age 13 will compete in Corpus Christi Idol, while those under age 12 will vie for the equally popular Junior Idol of Corpus Christi. But regardless of age, the drama and excitement of the competition reaches a fever pitch as the audience anticipates the discovery of the city’s latest singing sensations. “We have had past participants go on to land record contracts, appear on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and other high profile music projects,” Luna said. “In fact, Dakota Suarez auditioned for us a couple of years ago and he is now on American Idol!” Once the top 20 singers (10 male and 10 female) in each category are chosen at the conclusion of the La Palmera auditions, the next phase of Corpus Christi Idol and Junior Idol of Corpus Christi brings the action to the Performing Arts Center, where the audience will select the winners. This not only kicks the proceedings into a much higher and more theatrical gear, but it also gives the performers the opportunity to feel the heat of the spotlight. “It’s so exciting to hear the undiscovered talent that is out there,” said Dr. Lari Young director of

the Performing Arts Center. “For the contestants to be able to perform in this world class concert hall is definitely exciting for them as well as for their families and friends.” While the event only seems to get more and more popular every year, Luna pauses to reflect on how it initially all came together. “I had the idea to do this and actually coordinated all of the elements in a matter of about three weeks,” he said. “In terms of exposing new talent, raising money for the department and drawing people in to a different kind of theatrical experience, everybody wins.” While that may indeed be true, on the evenings of February 27 and 28 (the scheduled dates for the finals round of competition at the Performing Arts Center), only two talented singers will stand victorious in the spotlight.

INFORMATION

Auditions for both Corpus Christi Idol and Junior Idol of Corpus Christi will be held at the stage in the Food Court of La Palmera Mall. Singers should be prepared to sing a cappella. There is a $10 processing fee to audition. Auditions will be held on the following dates: Friday, Feb. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 from 1p.m. to 7 p.m. Finals will be held on the following dates: Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. for Junior Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. for Corpus Christi Idol Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12. All proceeds go to beneﬁt the Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Department of Theatre and Dance

Glenn Miller Orchestra swings into A&M- Corpus Christi by JAMIE FINK news editor

he most sought-after big band in the world is making its way to the campus of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. The Performing Arts Center is inviting students, faculty, staff, and the general public of Corpus Christi to come and join them for the 10-year Anniversary Furgason Bravo! Series featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015. “We are very proud of this series, named after Robert and Gloria Furgason, the past president of A&MCorpus Christi,” said Lari Young, Director of the Performing Arts Center. “Our February Bravo! Series is usually always around Valentine’s Day, whenever we plan this series it seems that we always have really great turnouts around Valentine’s Day because people are always looking for something to do and somewhere to go.” The Glenn Miller Orchestra did not make it at first and it was a total and absolute economic failure. But Glenn knew exactly what he wanted, held to that dedication and relentlessly worked to succeed. He launched his

second band, the one that will be performing in February, in March of 1938. The Glenn Miller Orchestra is said to be the most popular and sought after big band in the world today, for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates and traveling more than 100,000 miles each year all around the world. According to the Glenn Miller website, more than 500,000 people annually attend performances of the band. The band has also set a “Guinness Book” record for the “Largest Dance” which occurred on July 20, 1984, in Buffalo, New York, when a crowd, estimated at 25,000 danced to the music of the Glenn Miller Orchestra on a specially designed 450-foot long dance floor. “Their performances are high energy and super professional. The repertoire was perfect and the solo’s of Nick, Julie and the Moonlight

Serenaders was just icing on a delicious musical cake,” Ed Heffington Sr. said, in a fan testimonial. Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all dance bandleaders back in the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s, according to his band’s website. Today, the 18-member ensemble continues to have success across the globe playing both band originals from Miller’s civilian band and the AAFB libraries. Miller believed that “a band ought to have a sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality.” To accommodate the change in time and culture, the band also is able to play more modern arrangements, yet perform them in the familiar Miller style and sound that Glenn wanted for his band. “Live music is wonderful at any venue, so to hear something like the Glenn Miller Orchestra, who has such a long history. It’s something you have to see live. Anytime anyone can experience live music, it’s a terrific opportunity,” Young said. Tickets for the 10th Anniversary Bravo! Series are on sale now, reserved- seat tickets range from $20 to $30. Tickets for children and students with an A&M-CC Sandollar

ID, in select areas, will be available for $7–limit four tickets. Faculty and staff of A&M-Corpus Christi with valid Sanddollar ID will receive a 10 percent discount in each area with a limit of four tickets. Young stresses that students, faculty and staff remember that the only way they will be able to get discount prices and offers on their tickets will be to come in person to the Performing Arts Center box office. “We have great prices for students, faculty and staff, because we want them to come and we want them to enjoy the show and the band,” Young said. “We are very thankful for all the support, because without the continued support and following we wouldn’t be in our tenth year doing this series, but we always put on a great show for the community.” For more information regarding the history and tour dates of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, visit glennmillerorchestra.com. For more information regarding tickets and offers, you can purchase tickets at: tamucc.tix.com or by calling (361)825- ARTS (2787) to charge by phone during box office hours, MondayFriday from 9a.m.-3p.m.

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ISLAND WAVES

A game review:

Grim Fandango

photo illustration by KARA HERRARA

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

aming has changed. A medium that was once littered with colorful, imaginative worlds that inspired awe in those who played them regardless of how many pixels composed their landscape. Riding dinosaurs in Super Mario World and running through tall loops in Sonic The Hedgehog never lost its luster to a generation of young people growing up in the 1990s. With new technology on the horizon, the general populace imagined that graphics were the only thing that would change with this new generation as it had happened before. At first, they were right. Games like “Crash Bandicoot,” “Spyro the Dragon” and “Super Mario 64” only built upon the great foundation established by their predecessors. Then slowly but surely, those young people began to grow older. In order to cater to their aging tastes and ensure their long-term commitment to gaming, companies began to mature the gaming scene. Suddenly, games like “Metal Gear Solid,” “Silent Hill” and “Tomb Raider” began to proliferate the gaming scene and began to chip away at the sales of anything that was not trying to imitate realism. While the transition was sudden for console gamers, PC gamers (Win-

dows more often than others) saw it as an inevitability over several years. One of the main victims of the PC scene though was the adventure game genre, not adventure in the style of Zelda where the player fights and strategizes on the fly but slow-paced, mystery novel like “point-and-click adventures.” The biggest supporter of this genre at the time was none other than Lucasarts, a subsidiary of Lucasfilms of “Star Wars” fame. Starting in 1986, the company began a steady stream of releases in this emerging genre. Their games were different from the rest of the market, instead of relying on heavy fantasy themes based in monarchical societies as was the trend for the time. The company released compelling humorous adventures that tread on thematic ideas never attempted before. Games such as “Maniac Mansion which involved a group of teenagers venturing through a spooky mansion to save their friend while parodying the clichés of cheesy horror flicks and low budget “B-movies.” The company received its greatest asset though when they brought on a man by the name of Tim Schafer. Schafer, who was originally hired as a programmer after college, eventually lent his writing talents to many of the companies’ most memorable games such as the pirate themed “The Secret of Monkey Island.” As he and his team built of stable of successful works, Schafer’s ideas

grew odder by the game but still gutbustlingly funny. This culminated with his final game for the company in 1998, a three-year endeavor known as “Grim Fandango.” “Grim Fandango” was the culmination of a love for classic noir and a fascination with the traditions of Dia De los Muertos’; Day of the Dead. From the moment the game opens it sets a precedent for what to expect over the next average playtime of 40 hours . Unlike anything before or after it, Fandango’s world is just as lively as the characters who inhabit it. The protagonist Manny Calivera is one of many grim reapers, all of which are contractors for a larger firm. The various reapers are tasked with providing the newly deceased with a travel plan for a four-year journey through the afterlife as fabled in Mexican culture. The quality of the journey is determined by how much money their relatives buried with their body. Calivera hates the job that is only helping him pay debt in order to travel his own journey towards eternal rest. After playing for a bit, the game proceeds to take you on the story of Calivera’s four year journey in multiple chapters. Upon its release, “Grim Fandango” faced the adversity of the aforementioned changing gaming market and cemented the demise of the adventure game genre. Several years

later, a company known as Telltale Games emerged from the remnants Lucasarts adventure game team and revived their classic franchise “Sam and Max: Freelance Police” to rousing success. In the years since, adventure games have been on the rise with popular franchises such as “The Walking Dead,” “Game of Thrones” and “Back to the Future” bringing a new generation and renewed success to the genre. In the years, since their emergence “Grim Fandango” stood as a sort of legend in regards to its innovations for the adventure genre. Fans begged, pleaded and wrote petitions to see it re-released for modern day machines. Their pleas fell upon deaf ears until 2012 when The Walt Disney Company bought out LucasFilms and all of its assets. To the surprise of fans everywhere, Schafer himself announced last summer that he and his company Doublefine entertainment would be in charge of remastering Grim Fandango for re-release on PC and game consoles. The fruit of their efforts released on Jan. 27, 2015 allowing a new generation of fans and old ones to enjoy this masterpiece of gaming history. “Grim Fandango” is available on Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, and PC for $14.99 with more platforms to be announced in the future.

ENTERTAINMENT calender BELLYDANCE 2015 GALA SHOW

February 3

Beautiful dancers perform all styles of bellydance. Vendors on sight for your shopping pleasure as well as

raffle items and door prizes. Proceeds from this event go to support our 2015 nonprofit organization, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10. This show follows a 3 hour workshop with Amara Dances Ph.D. The workshop topics covered character development in dance and injury prevention for the dancer. When February 7, 2015 7p.m. - 1p.m. Where: Latin Fuego Cardio Madness 2777 S. Staples, Suite c Corpus Christi, Texas For details and ticket information, contact: tcbba@yahoo.com

SEAN MCCONNELL and ANDREW JAMES

February 5

Sean McConnell w/ Andrew James & Ty Dietz Presented by 94.7 The Rig Tickets only after 8 p.m., Music starts

at 9 p.m. Tickets: $12 ADV / $15 DOS All Ages Show. Unless Otherwise Stated, Ages 10 & Under are Free when Accompanied by an Adult.(One under 10 child per one paid adult). $3 surcharge at the door for minors 20 & under (not applicable to children under 10) When: Feb. 5, 2015 8:00 p.m. Where: Brewster Street Ice House 1724 N. Tancahua Corpus Christi, TX

BRIAN ROMAN LIVE AT PAC February 8

Brian’s rich and versatile voice gives passionate renditions of great music by: Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Bobby Daren, Paul Anka, Bozz Scags, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison and many, many more. Not only will you be thoroughly entertained, but you will be inspired. Brian’s voice, humour, warmth, and heart will create moments that will take your breath away. And his signature song “ As Long as I have Music” reveals his passion and his gratitude for his wonderful gift of

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02.05.2015

song. When: February 8, 2015 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Where: Performing Art Center Texas A&M Corpus Christi For Ticket information please call (361) 980-1949 check online at http://www.corpuschristilive.com/ buytickets.html or purchase one hour before show time in the PAC Lobby.

ISLAND WAVES

Photos courtesy of WHATSUPCC.ORG and TAMUCC.EDU

GUEST ARTIST RECITAL AT PAC February 9

In 2008, five musicians with a shared love for chamber music came together in Denton, Texas to form the Madera Wind Quintet. Madera has recorded two albums: “Five at Play” (2012) and “Five Piece Combo,” to be released in 2015. Performing for diverse audiences across the United States, they have quickly become known as one of today’s most exciting wind quintets. Exploring the fringes of the quintet

repertoire , new music, forgotten gems, original arrangements and music for children. Madera also engages audiences with the classic repertoire and beauty of the wind quintet sonority. For more information contact the Department of music at 825-5523, or visit them at cla.tamucc.edu/music. Monday Feb. 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public.

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ISLAND WAVES

Nagy’s leadership key to Islanders’ tennis success by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter

Peter Nagy, senior Islander men’s tennis player, volleys during team practice. Nagy has twice been named Southland Conference player of the year.

photo courtesy of GO ISLANDERS

exas A&M University-Corpus Christi senior men’s tennis team member Peter Nagy is helping to lead the program to new levels of dominance. The Budapest, Hungary native, who has twice been named the Southland Conference player of the year, has tennis in his bloodline. “I started to play tennis when I was between 4 or 5 years old,” Nagy said. “My family runs a little tennis club in Hungary, so I basically grew up on the tennis courts.” Coming from an entirely different country to play tennis for the Islanders presented some unique challenges. “When I arrived, I had a lot of problems with the language,” Nagy said. “I could not really speak a lot, so it was hard to communicate properly with people.” Nagy has picked up an array of skills over his 15 years of playing. He said he has good movement on the court, and he can see and quickly anticipate where the ball will be. He has also learned techniques to keep his opponents on their toes. “I like to mix up my game with different kinds of shots to break down my opponent’s rhythm,” Nagy said. For all of the experience, and all of the accolades that he has received as an Islander, Nagy knows there is always room to make improvements. In any athletic competition, gaining strength leads to improved performance. Nagy said he needs to gain some more muscle on his legs so he can play more physically. During last fall, Nagy competed on the International Tennis Federation Pro Circuit. College athletes are given 25 NCAA event credits and Nagy used two of those, advancing to the finals

of the ITF Pro Circuit in Niceville, Fla. Nagy said the ITF circuit taught him some valuable lessons. “The biggest difference [between the ITF circuit and other tournaments] is that on the ITF tour, I am never getting any free points,” Nagy said. “Also, the mentality is more professional, and [athletes on the circuit] control every single thing that they can, which helped me realize tennis is more than competing on the court. [A tennis player has] to make good choices outside of the court as well.” “I need to improve my serve and return,” Nagy said. “These are the two elements in men’s tennis that really matter.” Nagy is determined to compete and do everything he can to make his senior year a successful campaign. “[The tennis team wants] to win conference, and dominate the conference. The main goal is to be in the top 30 in the [Division I] college rankings,” Nagy said. Steve Moore, the director of the tennis program at the Island University, has seen firsthand how Nagy’s development as an athlete has impacted the program. “Peter has become a great leader, I’m so proud of him,” Moore said. “He was always a great leader by example, but now, he’s always that vocal leader that is always reinforcing the right paths to the guys”. Nagy’s disciplined nature has extended from outside of the tennis courts to the classroom. “[Nagy] represents everything that our program stands for. He also made [great grades] last semester. He’s all about hard work and character, and he may go down as the best Islander player ever”. With that hardworking, always improving spirit, Nagy has set a standard for his teammates, and for future Islanders to come.

Island Waves

has lots in store this semester!

Stay tuned for

IslandWaves.com

sports

02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Moore coaches tennis teams to succeed

Director of tennis Steve Moore (right) coaches Maider Martin, junior women’s tennis team member, on game play strategy.

by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter

he Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders’ men’s and women’s tennis teams Southland conference season is underway. The teams hosted their first tournament of the season on Jan. 24, at the Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center. The tennis program has seen a good deal of growth in the last few seasons, led by people such as senior men’s player Peter Nagy and director of tennis Steve Moore. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see these extremely hardworking, highcharacter kids have their hard work validated with results,” Moore said. Some of the program’s success could be attributed to the players’ togetherness as a unit. “We talk a lot about being a true team; a true family,” Moore said. I hear that said all the time, but this group really does it with action.” According to goislanders.com, the

men’s squad finished last season with a record of 19-10, with a perfect record of 6-0 in the Southland Conference. “Our team’s foundation is based on maxing out all the things we can control,” Moore said. Nagy is determined to compete and do everything he can to help in the team’s success. “[The tennis team wants] to win conference, and dominate the conference, Nagy said. The main goal is to be in the top 30 in the [Division I] college rankings.”This preparation goes well beyond what happens on the court. This includes the player’s diet, hydration, preparation in the training room, focused practices and proper rest to keep their immune systems high. All of this factored into the success of the team as a whole. There are three core principles that Moore uses to guide the men and women he coaches to success. “[The team is built on each member’s] superior commitment to being a great competitor, a hard worker, and a great teammate,”

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Moore said. Keeping everything under control that can be controlled is another key ingredient to the success of the program. “We talk a lot about how many people go their entire lives without being truly great at anything,” Moore said. “There are things that [someone] can control that [they] can be great at. Being a great teammate takes no talent. Being a great encourager takes no talent. They just take character and commitment.” In college athletics, replacing experienced, recently graduated seniors provides challenges to a team. “We have to get more physical. We have to replace the energy and grit that our seniors brought last year,” Moore said. We have to be better at playing free in big moments, and just keep focusing on improving two percent each week.” Moore said he has seen plenty of potential from the team’s matches in non-conference play. “We competed very hard in our

Photo courtesy of GO ISLANDERS

first several matches, Moore said. “We gave Brigham Young University a tough match, and I thought we played with great energy against Maryland Baltimore County.” The goals that the team has set for itself will require the best individual effort each member can give. “Our system requires a lot of discipline from the players,” Moore said. “The athletic-disciplined lifestyle is not easy to live. The muscles are 74 percent water, and to give them the rest, hydration and protein they need requires diligence and sacrifice.” By teaching discipline, Moore provides the framework for sustained excellence. “[The athletes] have to be hardcore players and embrace the grind. That can be challenging at times for all of us, but the rewards, the treasures, and the fulfillment are way worth it,” Moore said. The men and women will next put their hard work and dedication to the test on Feb. 10, at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.

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02.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Participants hold signs made for the parade waiting to start the march on Jan. 29.

ISLANDERS AT

MLK MARCH A marcher holds a sign as the parade begins.

Sterlen Kemp stops the parade momentarily to share a piece of history regarding MLKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy. Members of Islander Cultural Alliance stand at their table prior the march.

Sterlen Kemp speaks in front of the parade members, which consisted of college students, faculty, and elementary students from the Early Childhood Development Center.

photos by ELI T. BERKE