APSA president visits Island University
Dr. Rodney Hero provides insight to politics, race relations
Passion Play
News Briefs page 7
by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief
Recent graduate joins Texas House of Representatives
Students listen to Dr. Rodney Hero explain the negative connotations of politics during his lecture at the Island University.
by JAMIE FINK news editor
O
n Feb. 3, American Political Science Association (APSA) President Dr. Rodney Hero visited with graduate and undergraduate students on research concerning African American and Latino relations. Hero is the first Latino president of APSA and a world-renowned political scientist. Hero stated that being the first Latino president is unique and somewhat symbolic to the work that he is doing. “I’ve been visiting campuses that have large unrepresented groups such as Latinos and Africa American
students,” Hero said. “I was really wanting to come and speak at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and it turned out that when some of the Political Science professors found out I was coming to Texas they vigorously invited me to stop by.” Hero’s research and teaching focus is on American democracy and politics, specifically those viewed through the analytical lenses of Latino politics, Racial and Ethnic politics, State & Urban politics and Federalism. Hero also has a task force that is designed to help racial and class inequalities in America. “Our task force is trying to study the interconnection between racial
photo courtesy of JUAN URBANO
and ethnic inequalities in the Americas,” Hero said. “We have studies coming in from all over the Western Hemisphere anywhere from Canada to Bolivia and Brazil.” One of Hero’s published works is Black-Latino Relations in U.S. Politics, which, Hero spoke heavily on during the lecture part of the visit. Hero, along with his co-writer, spent copious time researching more than 30 years of files, statistics and information to help solidify Hero’s stance on ethnic relations in politics. Hero described the work, “as a major undertaking.” see APSA LECTURE on page 3
Camden residents evacuate due to gas leak
Five buildings shut down while crews work to repair broken gas pipe by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief
O
n Jan. 26, residents from five buildings in the Texas A&M-University Corpus Christi Camden Miramar were evacuated due to a nearby gas leak. Housing officer Stephanie Box said at approximately 11:45 a.m. an electrical contracting crew was working on installing outdoor lights for the volleyball court. The leak occurred while the crew was digging and struck a gas line. Both the University Police Department and Corpus Christi Gas Department were notified of the incident.
“They pulled the fire alarms for five of the residence halls seeing as a gas leak could lead to a potential explosion,” Box said. “Everything was cleared quickly and Scott [electric] was able to repair the line.” Dolphin, Bayside, Tarpon, Anchor, and Compass were all evacuated to the Dining Hall area. Director of Camden Miramar Richard Whatcott said approximately 350 students were evacuated. Freshman theatre major Zoe Rodriguez was one of the students evacuate from her Bayside dorm room when the incident occurred. “Well at first I thought it was just another drill so I kind of ignored it
because I had just stepped in the shower,” Rodriguez said. “But after an officer banged on my door, that was when I go scared and threw whatever clothes on. I ran to the dining hall with everyone else.” Students who were not in their dorms at the time of the evacuation were notified via the Code Blue alert system and other various social media. Freshman theatre major Morgan Urbanovsky was on her way back to her dorm when she was stopped and prevented from entering the area. see GAS LEAK on page 3
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3-4 | CAMPUS 5-6 | ENTERTAINMENT 7-9 | SPORTS 10-11 | VISUALS 12
Justin Guajardo was accepted as the new Policy Fellow by the Mexican American Legislative Leadership Foundation. Guajardo graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2014 with bachelor’s in Political Science.
Three named to Southland pre-season All-Conference Senior outfielder Tyler Ware and Senior pitcher Matt Danton were named Southland Conference’s preseason first-team All-Conference selection. Junior outfielder Jordan Lee was also named for the second team.
e.E. Charlton-Trujillo scheduled for campus appearance On Feb. 19, the English Department will host their 18th annual Author’s Day program. It will feature Island University graduate and acclaimed author e.E. Charlton-Trujillo. Trujillo will read a selection from her novel “Fat Angie,” followed by a book signing.
Find us on Facebook:
www.facebook/IslandWaves VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4
editorial 2 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
02.12.2015
Letter to the Editor: a response to ‘Learning to Embrace Hook-up Culture’
by CLAUDIA AYALA assistant director University Counseling Center
F
or those who are interested in this conversation on whether or not to embrace the hookup culture, I would like to suggest reading the research of Antonia Abbey, Ph.D. from Wayne State University, Melissa A. Lewis, Ph.D. from the University of Washington, Martin A. Monto, Ph.D. from the University of Portland, and/or Donna Frietas, Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.
Publications by author:
Antonia Abbey:
“The Relative Importance of Psychopathy-Related Traits in Predicting Impersonal Sex and Hostile Masculinity”
Melissa A. Lewis: “Sex on the beach: the Influence of Social Norms and Trip Companion on Spring Break Sexual Behavior”
Martin A. Monto:
entertainment reporter
“A New Standard of Sexual Behavior? Are Claims Associated with
JEREMY PAPE
the “Hookup Culture” Supported by General Social Survey Data?”
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.
Donna Frietas: “Spirituality and Sex on the Campus” titles courtesy of RATTLER.TAMUCC.EDU
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Got Opinions? Write to us. Send letters to the Editor: Editor@tamucc.edu
3
news
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Before the lecture, Hero held a luncheon with students of the Island University.
APSA LECTURE
“My friend told me she saw on Yik Yak that there was a gas leak,” Urbanovsky said. “I didn’t believe it until I got to the dining hall and they weren’t letting anyone into their buildings, then I got the text message from Code Blue. Some RA’s from the buildings were guarding the gate that blocked off the loading dock to the dining hall, and were turning people around.” Rodreguiz said the students in the dining hall were apprehensive. “Everyone was kind of irritated and asked around what caused the leak,” Rodreguiz said. “And I tried to get an estimate of how long we would be stuck outside, others searched for friends who weren’t evacuated so they could have a place to stay.” Urbanovsky was one of the students who left to stay with friends. “I met up with one of my friends
readings I assign in the classes I teach,” Urbano said. “Learning contemporary ways that racial and ethnic minorities are studied in political science is always intriguing to me because of the diversity within those groups; hence differing ways researchers go about analyzing their political behavior.” Urbano said he hopes his students understood that all aspects of people’s lives are influenced by politics. “It is for these reasons that we as professors and researchers of political science continue our work today, to better understand our reality in politics, political institutions, and political actors,” Urbano said. For more information visit polisci. berkeley.edu/people/person/rodneyhero to read more information regarding Hero’s biography and the research he is working on. For more information regarding the American Political Science Association and the numerous task forces created through APSA visit www.apsanet.org see more photos from APSA LUNCHEON on page 12 continued from page 1 and we kept calling people we knew that weren’t in class and had room for us,” she said. “Eventually, one of our friends answered and let us stay there for the next few hours.” The gas line was fixed around 2:45 p.m. and students were notified that they could return to their dorms. Urbanovsky had these final words of wisdom for students in the case of an emergency. “I’m sure people have a lot of negative comments about the gas leak, but to throw in a positive comment, stuff happens, and they efficiently kept the students at a safe distance until the gas leak was over,” Urbanovsky said. “Yes, it was inconvenient, but I’m glad they evacuated the students swiftly and made sure it was safe before allowing people back into the dorms.”
HIRING
GAS LEAK
continued from page 1
NOW
“The one thing I wanted students whether undergraduate or graduate to have, was the promise of political science,” Hero said. “The word ‘politics’ can sometimes be troublesome, so understanding that and also following some of the examples that I was able to give students, they should be able to understand valuable political questions.” The lecture segment of Hero’s visit saw the faces of many undergraduate and graduate students not only interested in political science, but also students who were interested in ethnic and cultural relations. Hero’s presence also saw the likes of many political science professors at the Island University. Assistant Professor in the college of Liberal Arts, Dr. Juan Urbano, was one of many professors to attend Hero’s lecture. “Dr. Hero’s lecture gave me an insight into his current research. As a leader in the field of Latino politics, I frequently find myself using his research in my own research and
photo courtesy of JUAN URBANO
news 4
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Can Islanders count on the Code Blue alert system? by STERLEN KEMP news reporter
O
ver the past two weeks, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has encountered its share of problems. Power was out across the campus, causing a delay in normal class schedules on Thursday, Feb. 22. A couple of days later, damage to a pipeline caused an emergency evacuation due to a gas leak. Many students on campus were notified of these events through an emergency notification system called Code Blue, while others were left clueless. The Island University uses a thirdparty emergency notification system known as Code Blue, as a way to alert students, faculty and staff members with notification messages during moments of emergency. Emergencies can include hurricane warnings, school closures, evacuations and delays. The notifications are sent to students and faculty by forwarding messages to cell phones and text messages to anyone whose number or information is available on S.A.I.L. or HR Connect. During the power outage that occurred on campus, the Island University sent 16, 372 text messages to students and faculty on campus. “The first power outage message to 16, 372 text messages,” said Beth Becerra, Public Affairs Manage at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, “of that 16,000 plus text messages, 13, 352 were successfully delivered and 401 of those not delivered had invalid phone numbers.” With the data given, roughly 2,000 students and faculty members’ phone numbers were not notified of the power outage that led to the campus being temporarily shutdown until 2 p.m. that Thursday, Jan. 22. Many students, like Jordan Duncan, an A&M-Corpus Christi Senior with a major in Communication, were not notified until later that day. “I signed up for Code Blue,” Duncan said, “but I did not receive the notification message until about 20 minutes before the campus opened back up.” Two days later, a gas leak occurred
near one of the dormitories on campus. The leak, which was caused by a contractor installing a light and disrupting the gas line, forced five residence halls to be evacuated. Students were notified and advised to stay away from the area until further notice. The notifications came through Code Blue and were only sent to students who lived on campus. “The notice about the gas leak was only sent to students living on campus,” said Becerra. “2,184 text messages were sent out and 2,121 messages were successfully delivered.” The inconsistency in the Code Blue emergency notification system has led students to question the reliability of such a system. Some students are wondering whether or not that form of communication with students and faculty can be counted on. Duncan believes Code Blue should be “implemented more professionally” or maybe the Islander University should develop a better way to notify their students and faculty of emergency events. “I think Code Blue could be implemented more professionally,” Duncan said. “Maybe find another way to get messages out there. The reason why I say that is because there could be barriers such as our phones being out of service or the battery being dead that could delay the message.” In a day and age when cell phones have become apart of our daily wardrobe, they can still be unreliable and faulty. When trying to notify students of events like power outages or gas leaks, another medium to communicate with students must be considered. However, the University has updated their procedure to update the list of people on the Code Blue list every week. “Students can update their contact information through SAIL,” Becerra said. “They may also check codeblue. tamucc.edu to register for the alerts. The University has updated the procedure to update the list of recipients and now does that about every week.”
photo courtesy of CLKER.COM
African-American History Month Calendar of Events 01/22
01/24
MLK March 12pm Dugan Wellness Center
MLK Day of Service With Habitat for Humanity Register on OrgSync
01/29 3rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration 6pm Del Mar Richardson Performance Hall
02/02
02/10
AAHM Kick-Off 11:30am - 1:30pm UC Anchor Ballroom
Open Mic Night Spoken Word Artist Community Panel Discussion 6pm - 7:30pm 5pm 6pm Faculty Center Atrium UC Anchor Ballroom Location TBD
02/12
02/17
02/18
02/19
MGC Divine 9 6:30pm Location TBD
Juke Joint Information & Display Facebook Trivia 5pm Mary and Jeff Bell Library Mary and Jeff Bell Library UC Anchor Ballroom tamucc.libguides.com https://www.facebook.com/TAMUCCLibrary
Month of February
Month of February
aahm.tamucc.edu For more information, or to request disability related accommodations, please contact ICA at ica@tamucc.edu or (361) 825-2539
5
campus
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Career Corner
Engineering Week offers internship opportunities
other majors like Computer Science. contributed Gonzalez ISLAND WAVESby -Jeremy TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI - 02.05.2015 CAREER SERVICES
The Time Has FINALLY COME
Island Waves Has Gone Digital
CHECK OUT news and features on the website:
www.IslandWavesNews.com
@IslandWavesToGo
That time of year has come again, that’s right, Engineering Week. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Career Services celebrated last year by hosting representatives from several engineering companies for a university panel discussion. The Engineering Q & A event gave Islanders the opportunity to ask employers questions about the profession and career opportunities. Companies like Zodiac Aerospace, Flint Hills Resources, Rock Engineering and Testing Laboratory, Inc., BHP Engineering & Construction, LP, Camber Corporation, and Urban Engineering attended the event and took part in the panel. Both local companies and international companies participated in the questions and answers. In addition, students were able to meet and greet the panel at the conclusion of the event. Handshakes and resumes were exchanged and Career Services knew this event had to be done again. For the National Engineering Week this year there will again be the Engineering Q & A event for engineering students as well as
National Instruments and Torch Technologies will be represented this year along with others. Interested students are expected to attend professionally dressed, with resumes in hand, and ready to ask questions. The event will be taking place on Wednesday Feb. 25th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The location is to be announced at a later time. Students can take advantage of the event and inquire about internship opportunities, which may bolster their resumes before entering the job market. Now remember, students are not alone, Career Services can help students negotiate the arena of professional networking. The services range from conducting mock interviews, resume critiquing, and curricula vita revising to providing workshops on dressing professionally. Islanders don’t miss the Engineering Q & A event. All majors and alumni are welcome. If anyone needs help stop by the Career Services Dept. in O’Connor on the second floor room 216. Remember to stop by the Engineering Q & A event on Wednesday Feb. 25th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The location is to be announced at a later time.
**********Meeting Notice**********
2014-2015 Student Fee Advisory Committee Feb. 10, 2015 12:30 pm O’Connor Bldg. Room 328
IslandWaves Student Newspaper
View archive issues at issuu.com/
IslandWaves
AGENDA 1. Discussion of FY15 budget process 2. Review of waivers/exemptions 3. Review of fund balances 4. Overview of budget For more information contact Ann DeGaish, committee chair, at ann.degiash@tamucc.edu or call 361-825-2612
features 6
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Planning Valentine’s Day date: Editors’ top venues for V-Day date by CONNER TICHOTA and JAMIE FINK editor in chief and news editor
A
re you looking for something to do with you significant other this Valentine’s Day? Let us give you a few ideas, which will not only impress your date, but also save your wallet from feeling so empty.
1. GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA If you and your significant other are somewhat of music lovers, then the first option we have for you will definitely satisfy your inner Aretha Franklin. On Feb. 14, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Performing Arts Center will host the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Tickets for the 10th Anniversary Bravo! Series are on sale now at the A&M-Corpus Christi box office. Tickets range from $20 to $30. Students and faculty with a valid Sanddollar ID will receive 10 percent discounts in each area with a limit of four tickets. 2. PICNIC AT THE WATER GARDENS What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than surrounded by hundreds of iridescent lights and the soft hum of fountains? Oh, and best of all: it’s free. Pack up a homemade meal, grab a blanket and head toward downtown historic Corpus Christi. Sometimes the sentiment means more than the “moolah” spent. 3. ISLANDER HOOPS For couples who love to watch
illustration by CONNER TICHOTA
some live sports, the Texas A&MCorpus Christi Islanders will be holding a Valentine’s Day doubleheader against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at the American Bank Center in downtown Corpus Christi. The women’s game will start at 1 p.m., with men’s game to follow at 3:30 p.m. Tickets range from $9 to
$28, and are available through the American Bank Center. 4. REVELAIRE’S DANCE CLUB Corpus Christi’s Revelaire’s Dance Club is hosting a free formal wear ballroom dance lesson from 6 to 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. It’s a chance for you and your significant other to get all gussied up and dance the night
away. The club is located in Sokol Hall at 5502 Kostoryz. 5. BAREFOOT MARDI GRAS 2015 Maybe you don’t want to do the traditional dinners this year. Maybe you really hate wearing suits and dresses. Maybe you’re single and just want to have a good, carefree time. Then head out to Padre Island’s 6th annual Barefoot Mardi Gras celebration. At 11 a.m. there will be a float parade starting from Bob Hall Pier. From 6 to 10 p.m. there will be live music, Cajun inspired food and drinks at the King and Queen’s Ball: 21 and over only. Tickets are $25 ($35 at the door) and all proceeds will go to the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. 6. VINTAGE EASEL SPIRITS AND ART Lastly, if you and you partner are both of legal age to drink a little wine and you both enjoy artsy, then our last venue is the perfect place for you. The Vintage Easel Spirits and Arts, located in the Crossroads Shopping Center, will be holding an art class entitled, “Take A Little Piece Of My Heart,” on Feb. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. Participants are responsible for providing their own alcohol for consumption, with moderation in mind. Tickets can be purchased at blingboutique.angelfire. com for $17.50 or less. No matter what you choose to do this Valentine’s Day, the IW staff encourages all readers to stay safe and have a great time.
Beauty Pageant marked by tradition and distinction
by JESSE DELEON graduate adviser
T
he lights, the music and the elegance of a beauty pageant are just a few of the things that make it special. Contestants take to the stage in the hopes of winning the title, a crown and even scholarship money. Of course, all of the practicing, primping and posing lead up to the dramatic moment when the winner’s name is finally announced. And while that moment is synonymous with the long tradition of beauty pageants, there is something even more special about that moment when it happens at the Miss Coastal Bend Pageant. That’s because the winner will have the distinction of being this particular pageant’s very first winner. The inaugural Miss Costal Bend Pageant is set to happen in Corpus Christi in early March and it will offer the opportunity for contestants to not only win scholarship money, but the event could lead the winner to more pageantry at the Miss Texas and Miss America pageants, as well. “This is a new opportunity for the young ladies in this area to compete for not only the title of Miss Coastal Bend, but also for scholarships and the chance to advance to the Miss Texas and even the Miss America Pageant,”
said Julie Shodrok, Local Director for the pageant. “The winner will advance to the Miss Texas pageant that will be held in June in Dallas.” The Miss Coastal Bend Pageant will award the two crowns, as the proceedings will also give teenaged hopefuls a chance at a crown of their very own. “The competition gives young ladies between the ages of 13 and 24 a chance to compete at a level that could take them all the way to the Miss America Pageant,” Shodrok said. Contestants who are vying for the Miss Teen Coastal Bend title need to be between the ages of 13 and 17, while the age range for those competing for the Miss Coastal Bend title is between 18 and 24. And while different age categories will attract a wide variety of contestants, Shodrok said they all need to have at least one thing in common. “This is what is known as a true talent competition,” Shodrok said. “Singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument are what the judges consider true talent,” she said, noting that contestants must be prepared to confidently show off their unique abilities to walk away with the title. “In addition to the talent component of the competition, the pageant will also include the evening
gown and swimsuit competitions as well as an on-stage interview,” Shodrok adds. Of course, it will all lead up to the exact moment when the winners of both age categories are announced. Not only will these two young women welcome all of the possibilities that their newly acquired titles will bring them, but they will also have the
very unique distinction of beginning a new legacy from the first moment that they wear the Miss Coastal Bend crown. Interested contestants should contact Julie Shodrok at (361) 2900301 or at jewelproperties@yahoo. com.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER
To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu
7
entertainments
02.12.2015
Islander Art Gallery Showcase
Rob MacInnis: The Dog and Pony Show
ISLAND WAVES
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by R
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by STERLEN KEMP news reporter
The Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi Islander Art Gallery is showcasing the photographic artwork of Canadian-born, Brooklyn-resident, Rob MacInnis. The exhibition is entitled, “Rob MacInnis: The Dog and Pony Show.” His photography will be in the Islander Art Gallery, located on 4024 Weber Road in the Hamlin Shopping Center, until Saturday, Feb.28. The photos shown in the exhibit include several pieces from MacInnis’ farm series photography. The photographer captures moments of farm animals that often go unnoticed; pictures that include cows, pigs, goats, horses, donkeys, dogs, and even farm animals stacked upon each other. Alicia Perez, a freshman business major at the Island University, who also works as an assistant at the Islander Art Gallery, discussed what the photographer had in mind when he took some of the photos that are in the exhibition. “I actually got to meet the photographer,” Perez said. “He told us about how farm animals really should be portrayed, not as showpieces but giving them the praise and appreciation that they deserve.”
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Rob MacInnis, the mastermind of “The Dog and Pony Show”, has received numerous awards and accolades, both nationally and internationally, for his unique approach to photography throughout the years. His career started at the New York Film Academy where he studied Directing before receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. He also obtained a Masters in Fine Art from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has even been featured on FashionTV and has had his works as a point of focus on a Bravo documentary series entitled, “Snapshot.” “I think Rob MacInnis’ exhibition is a good exploration of media photography and video,” said Dr. Laura Petican, Assistant Professor of Art at A&M-Corpus Christi. “I think there are very personal addresses, in terms of the subject matter, but very universal, in terms of our relationship with animals.” Within the Art Gallery, MacInnis features one of his most attractive pieces in the exhibition. The photo is a panorama of all types of animals that you would see at any farm in Texas, from cattle to sheep. Many onlookers, who come to the exhibit and view the photo, often wonder how the photographer was able to keep all of
these animals still for the shot. But, unbeknownst to the viewer, MacInnis uses Photoshop to strategically place the animals within the picture. “I think MacInnis’ techniques in the photography is very inventive,” Petican said. “I think there is a sense of mystery. Everyone wants to know how he did that photo. I think even people want to believe that all those animals stood up and posed for him. That would be essentially impossible!” There is a lot about this exhibition that viewers may not be aware of. Not only are some of the photographs technologically manipulated but even the paper on which the photos are printed are unusual and unique. “We were given instruction to destroy the pieces that aren’t sold,” said Alicia Perez, A&M-Corpus Christi freshman. “The paper that they are printed on are so delicate that even the slightly movement could ruin the photos and cause them to lose their value.” The exhibition will remain open to the public every Wednesday through Saturday, from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. during the duration of the exhibition. The last day to see “Rob MacInnis: The Dog and Pony Show” will be on Feb. 28 at the Islander Art Gallery located on Weber Road near Hamlin Shopping Center.
entertainment 8
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
photo courtesy by CDNI.WIRED.CO.UK
by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter
I
n April of last year, legendary guitarist Neil Young made headlines with “PONO,” a portable media player and digital music ecosystem that he raised funds for with a Kickstarter campaign. The device claimed to separate itself from every other music-playback device by utilizing high quality FLAC files. FLAC has a sound that is considered to be comparable to that of a CD as opposed to the compressed size of MP3s which are shrunk so that users can hold a larger library of songs. In his pitch video, Young tells his audience that listeners will not only hear but “feel” the music. After raising $1.6 million dollars and securing the accolade of third highest funded Kickstarter ever, Young clearly had a public convinced
that the grass was greener on the other side. When it finally arrived into the hands of music aficionados around the country, many were disappointed. Reviewers claimed that they couldn’t tell a noticeable difference in sound quality. Yahoo tech even performed a blind test between it and the iphone that resulted in multiple participants saying they preferred the sound of the MP3-toting iphone. To add insult to injury, the Pono music store sells albums for $15 to $25 with singles costing around $2 to $2.50. With its built in storage amounting to 128 Gigabytes, half of which is contained in a 64 GB MicroSD card, the other half being internal memory, it is only capable of holding a little more than 1800 songs. The music player has raised a debate among sound aficionados everywhere about the need for such a raw audio file. Naysayers
argue that the ultra high fidelity produced by lossless audio formats is imperceptible to most human ears. Neil Young either has the ears of a god or he’s got a great marketing team (the latter is already apparent). Young compares it to diving in the ocean and being away from oxygen. He says that listening to MP3s is like being several hundred feet underwater with CDs being 200 feet from the surface; PONOs’ FLAC files are like breathing clean oxygen on the surface. The player is just the first device in what will be an inevitable crop of high fidelity audio devices. Sony has already announced their entry into the new market with the announcement of the Walkman ZX2. The ZX2 dwarfs PONO in price with a steep $1200 price tag with no extra functions to warrant a triple the cost price tag. Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi Senior, Ronnie Sykes says that he doesn’t see an issue with the quality of MP3s. “I never had any problem with the quality of MP3. I would not spend that kind of money on something that only creates a noticeable difference with professional studio headphones or speakers,” Sykes said. If history is any indicator, high fidelity music players will never
catch on with the public. The same tactics have been attempted before with efforts such as the Super Audio CD (SACD). SACD was a 1999 project aimed at swaying consumers away from pirating and CD ripping. Only a year later, the music industry tried once again with DVD Audio that came with similar promises of a purer sound afforded to it by the formats’ larger storage capacity. It didn’t stop their either, “Blu ray Pure Audio” was the last contender before PONO to try to win a spot as the king of audio formats. With a $40 per album price tag, not to mention the titan of a sound system that would be required to tell a difference, there’s a reason that most have never heard of it. History has proven time and time again that humanity prefers convenience to quality. The radio captured the ears of a vast nation of vinyl aficionados and when portable eight track players followed by cassette and CD players brought the ability to take your music outdoors, young people flocked in droves. The last revolution occurred with the transition from MP3 to cloud- based streaming services like Pandora and Spotify. In addition to filmmaking, video production professor Bobby Lewis is also a musician who loves the idea of pure audio but also doesn’t see a necessity for it. “I love the idea of Pono and lossless audio files, but also know that I can cram a million mp3s on my phone and download it quickly due to the small file size.” Lewis said. “When folks like Paul Mccartney are having their albums mixed specifically for iTunes though, you have to assume that some artists are generally fine with compromised audio. Personally, I think the audiophiles will be tempted to buy Pono but at its current price, Vinyl records are pretty tempting.”
9
entertainment
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Theatre department performs ‘PASSION PLAY’ This rendition of the Passion Play utilizes a minimalist set that forces both actors and audience members to focus on the acting ability over the visual set pieces.
by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter
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eligion and its expression have always been a hot topic of controversy, especially in regards to the portrayal of the various deities. “Passion Play,” a stage production written by playwright Sarah Ruhl utilizes societal reactions across three different time periods as the basis for a fascinating story about several passionate thespians and the struggles they faced in living up to the high expectations of their demanding audience as they take on the infamous “Passion” play which chronicles the story of Jesus Christ’s final hours as told in the King James Bible. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s theatre department under the direction of Professor Kelly Russell is performing the play as a theatre workshop that will be privately showcased to the theatre department. The three different time periods are represented as three different parts. The term parts is applied rather than acts because it is essentially a compilation of three separate plays that deal with the same topic and similar conflicts, the different settings and issues are what make each part unique. Act One of “Passion Play” takes place in Elizabethean England in 1575. At the time, Queen Elizabeth had placed a ban on religious productions due to the ongoing conflict between Catholics and Protestants. According to Ruhls’ website, more than one hundred villages in the British Isles performed the play before this seminal point. The setting provides a sense of drama as the performers struggle not only with the harsh societal circumstances around them but also the inherent pressure of acting in the role of such significant figures. The show’s plot is very meta (a play within a play) in this sense the audience gets to see the struggles of the actors in perfecting these roles that they consider to be both an honor and a source of intense pressure being placed upon their shoulders. For example, the first part utilizes the subplot of the actress playing Mary being infatuated with her costar, a fisherman who is playing the role of Jesus.
In one scene, the cast is involved in a technical rehearsal (a costumed practice). When Jesus is being placed upon the cross, Mary shouts “Oh! his loincloth’s slipping!” with a tinge of excitement in her voice. She’s condemned for her lustful feelings for her co-star due to the mother/son dynamic that the actors’ characters possess. Unable to fulfill her desires, she turns to the fishermans’ cousin: a fish gutter. The unwed actress becomes pregnant at a time where sex outside of wedlock was condemned by society, sometimes to the point of being unlawful. The actress claims that the incident is a miraculous act of immaculate conception which raises suspicion of all the townspeople around her. Act Two focuses on a performance occurring in Germany on the brink of World War II. In the village of Oberammergau which in both the play and real life has had a tradition of performing the play every ten years which has continued to this day. In 1934, the ritual had entered its 300th year. It focuses on the emerging rise of the Nazi party and the influence that they have on the performance in addition to another instance of controversial romance, this time in the form of the actor playing Christus being involved with another man who is a soldier in the German army. His relationship interferes with his performance as he struggles to find the time to learn his lines. Adolf Hitler plays a role in the story as he arrives at the performance to inform the audience of the stories’ significance in displaying the “menacing ways of the Jews.” Act Three addresses the time period between 1969 and present day, this time a Vietnam War veteran takes the central role as he struggles to adapt to society after the horrors he has experienced. The man takes on the role of Pontius Pilate and causes drama by insisting on expanding upon his character to be more “real.” Part three chronicles the veterans’ life through three separate periods of his life where “The Passion” takes precedent in each one with Ronald Reagan being the major political figure in the second period. Part three then unexpectedly ties the three parts together in its ending. “Passion Play” is a fascinating
observation of the societal role that religion plays in the world around us and offers a deep observation of the deep importance that it holds to many. “Passion Play” actor Andrew Gholson, a Sophomore at the Island University finds the appeal of Passion Play to lie within the way it makes a story out of the actors going through the rehearsal process. “The way that there is so much drama occurring between these actors as they try to execute this play really makes the story unique, its one of my favorite productions that I’ve ever been in”, Gholson said. Actor Benjamin Hudson, an Island University Sophomore thinks of it as an interesting observation of the psyche of the actors in communities such as the village in the first act
Photo by TREY SEAL
where people are chosen from a young age to play these roles. “It really asks the question of how being brought up from a young child to play a role that represents somebody so significant in peoples’ eyes would affect your life both in and outside the rehearsal process,” Hudson said. Russell commended Ruhl for her writing. “It’s a theatre of images and it is something more than realism.,” he said. “I am so proud of all the students in our department that dedicate their time and energy to making sure that everything about the performance is exceptional.” The play will be privately performed for the theatre department on Feb. 13 and 20 in the Warren Theatre.
sports 10
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Wilson helps Islanders turn tide
fresh, bringing a sense of urgency to conference play.” Wilson also mentioned the team’s he Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ability to overcome the injury bug Islanders’ men’s basketball team has helped get the team to where has had a successful season so far, they are now. In a season full of great games, there was one moment in particular that Wilson felt was special. “The win at Saint Louis comes to mind as an important milestone for the program, Wilson said. “To be able to go into Saint Louis, and win on their court, against a program that had been to the Sweet 16 three years in a row, was very significant, and gave us a lot of confidence.” Wilson said some off-the-court intangibles have translated to success on the hardwood. “The number one factor that stands out is character,” he said. Wilson said that the players have worked on being accountable, for themselves, their teammates, and the program. Before coming to the Islanders, Wilson was an assistant coach at Rice University, then at Stanford University. He spent 16 years as the head coach at Rice before being hired in 2009 to be an assistant at the University of Memphis. Over the years, Wilson said he learned many valuable lessons. During a timeout, Islander’s head coach Willis Wilson draws up an inbounds play for his Islanders. Since Wilson took photo courtesy of GO ISLANDERS “As a coach, you have to have nonthe head coaching position four years ago, the Islanders have seen a couple of shifts both on and off the court. negotiables, things you stand on and will not yield on. You can’t have a lot of those, you have to be flexible in this day and age,” Wilson Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday said. “You can’t yield on character, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 toughness, and the ability to shoot the ball.” Softball: WichSoftball: TBA@ Those principles are at the core ita St. @Waco, Waco, TX of Wilson’s program. John Jordan, TX10:00a.m. 12:30p.m. starting guard for the team, said Stephen F. Austin those core values have helped @Waco, Texas make the team successful. 12:30 p.m. The team’s biggest goal this 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 season is to win the Southland Softball: TBA@ Softball: @Wis- Baseball: Saint Baseball: Saint conference tournament. Waco, TX consin, Island- Peter’s @ChapPeter’s @Chap“It’s about winning three games ers Invitational man Field man Field 7:00 in March that provides you with (Chapman p.m. 7:00p.m. the opportunity to go to the NCAA Field) tournament,” Wilson said. 1:00 p.m. and Softball: @UAB, Softball: @South For the team to get there, one 3:00 p.m. Islanders InvitaDakota Islandthing they have had to do is tap tional (Chapman ers Invitational into their potential as a unit. (Chapman Field) 3:00 p.m. “At this point of the year, we are Field) 3:00p.m. beginning to recognize that we 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 have the talent, the schemes and Softball: San Baseball: MisBaseball: Purdue Baseball: MisBaseball: Saint the essential ingredients that will Antonio @UTSA souri @ Whata- @ Whataburger souri @ WhataPeter’s @Chapallow us to {achieve our goals},” he man Field 6:00 p.m. burger field field 7:00p.m. burger field 6:00 said. 7:00p.m. 6:00 p.m. p.m. Wilson has had many players go through his tutelage, and although Softball: New they leave the program with plenty Softball: @South Mexico @HousSoftball: Illinois Dakota Islandton, TX 11:30a.m. @Houston, TX of skills acquired from Wilson, ers Invitational 4:30PM and there is one particular aspect that (Chapman 7:00p.m. Wilson wants his former players to Field) 11:30 a.m. think of when they reflect on their 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 time on the team. “Hopefully, [they remember] a Baseball: Sam Softball: Texas Baseball: UT ArBaseball: UT Arwhole lot of love,” Wilson said. “I Houston @ A&M Int’l @ lington@ Chaplington@ ChapWhataburger Chapman Field man field 3:00 man field 2:00 hope that every guy that comes field 3:00 p.m. 1:00p.m. and p.m. and 6:00 p.m. through here, whether they have 3:00 p.m. p.m. a warm, fuzzy feeling about me, or the program, or not, that they learn Softball: New and grow to appreciate how much Mexico @Houspeople in this program cared about ton TX them while they were here.” 9:00a.m. by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
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February
currently boasting a 12-9 record overall, and a 7-2 record in the Southland conference. Coach Willis Wilson, now in his fourth season at the helm, cited the fresh start that comes with getting
out of the non-conference schedule allows a team as a factor in the team’s recent success. “Everybody starts off 0-0,” Wilson said. We’ve had a unique ability as a team to wipe the slate clean and start
11 Jordan’s flashy, efficient play leads Islanders men’s basketball sports
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
T
he Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders have had a successful campaign as they enter the final full month of the regular basketball season, and senior guard John Jordan has been an integral part of it. While the success has been obtained and shared by all of the team, Jordan has taken the reigns of the team, dunking, scoring and passing the ball with equal parts grace and skill. In a season of highlights, Jordan said the development of the team, and seeing how they can come together during the late stretch of the season, has been the most exciting part of this year’s campaign. That growth and development of the team as a unit took time to build up, Jordan said. “[We have grown] maturity-wise,” Jordan said. “The coaches have done a great job recruiting and getting good players.” The seniors on this year’s team have gotten to see the program grow from six wins a piece (in 2011-12 and 2012-13) to a team that is coming off of an 18-win season. “We’re all around a better team this year, and we have more experience,” Jordan said. As a starting senior, Jordan provides the team with assets that won’t be found on a box score, but are critical to being a successful teammate. He has put in the hard work necessary for success on and off the court over his four years as an Islander, and has grown with each class he takes and game he plays. Jordan is pursuing a degree in university studies. Whenever he is done playing basketball, he wants to become a sports agent. The point guard position is often compared to the quarterback position in football. Both positions have to be an extension of their head coach “[My greatest strength is] leadership and experience, and getting guys in the right spot,” Jordan said. Head coach Willis Wilson
mentioned that he has three core values he wants his team to follow: character, toughness and being able to shoot the ball. Jordan has done his part on the court to see that those principles are exemplified. Jordan has shown why Wilson and his coaching staff brought him to the Islanders. “The word style comes to mind,” Wilson said.“Style boils down to just fabric; what kind of person is he? We really take pride in kids that are in it for us.” Part of his leadership ability involves recognizing weak points on the team, and doing all that is possible to correct them. “We can’t get happy with the success,” Jordan said. “I think sometimes when we’re coming off a big win, the next day we might lack a little bit to start off practice.” When playing a position in any sport, there are always professional athletes for amateur athletes to model their style of play on. “I can see a little Derrick Rose in my game, and also a little [Rajon] Rondo,” Jordan said. Jordan leads the Islanders in points and assists, with 15.9 and 5.3 respectively. This season has also been special for Jordan, as his dunks and smart play have gotten him a place on Sportscenter’s top 10 plays. He has also been noted by national media personalities, such as ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla. “It’s a good feeling to be able to be recognized by people in college basketball. It’s a testament to the hard work that I’ve put in, and also a testament to the hard work the team has put in,” Jordan said. “Without the team being successful, I wouldn’t have the chance to be successful also.” The team currently has a record of 7-2 in the Southland Conference. “Losing games has helped us win,” Jordan said. “We lost some tough games early on in the season, and I think that feeling of hunger was built from losing those close games against tough competition.”
St. PAUL THE APOSTLE Catholic Church 2233 Waldron Rd. 361~937~3864 MASSES SATURDAY 5 p.m. SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
stpaultheapostlecc.com
CONFESSIONS MONDAY
7:30 p.m.
(with adoration & music)
WEDNESDAY 6 p.m. SATURDAY 3:30 p.m.
“Faith and Reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” St. John Paul II
Islander senior John Jordan’s aggressive conference play has led the Islander’s to a 7-3 conference start currently sitting in third place.
Photos courtesy of GO ISLANDERS
John Jordan (10) shoots a short jumper over a Sam Houston defender (34). The Islanders lost to SHSU 67-59 giving SHSU sole possession of second place in the Southland conference.
visuals 12 Political science guest speaker discusses racial, ethnic politics
02.12.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Dr. Rodney Hero, the first and current president of American Political Science Association, talks to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi students about the importance of attending graduate school during a lunch prior to his afternoon speech on AfricanAmerican and Latino politics within American democracy.
Dr. Hero explains political science and its role in American society during a lunch with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi students. He touched on a few of the points of his current research on ethnic inequalities in the Americas.
Dr. Hero chats with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi political science majors while serving up lunch during his Feb. 3 visit. He spent lunch answering interested student questions and explaining some of his research.
Strawberry cream cake was provided to the lunch attendees during the Dr. Hero’s lunch discussion at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
photos by ELI T. BERKE