Giving Back Big
Annual campus wide service project benefits community by JESSE DELEON graduate adviser
page 6
Formulating the science of happiness
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n a world where smart phones, tablets and other devices keep everyone more than just a little connected, it can be easy to lose sight of what is important amid the constant flurry of texts, images and information. The Student Volunteer Connection recognizes how that form of “connection” can sometimes cause an unprecedented level of distraction. That is why they opt to connect with the community in a very real and meaningful way with the Big Event, coming up on Sat., March 28. The Big Event has a long history that can be traced back to a young man named Joe Nussbaum who served as president of the Student Government Association at Texas A&M College Station in 1982. Nussbaum’s vision for the Big Event was a simple one. He wanted to create a very significant way for students to show appreciation for the community that supports them. It has since become a Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi tradition. Jennifer Hoang, graduate assistant, Volunteer and Service Learning for UCSA, coordinated the planning and execution for the Big Event. From its earliest stages until its final details, Hoang oversaw the operation of four committees, each essential to the Big Event’s success. These included campus outreach, community outreach, sponsorship and logistics and marketing. Amid her nonstop pace, Hoang took a moment to reflect on the event’s brief but significant history on the Island. “TAMUCC started its first Big Event in 2008 and it has grown from 58 initial participants to 242 and now to 800 participants,” she said. “That
by STERLEN KEMP news reporter
S
photo courtesy of SVC
Student volunteers paint over graffiti at the 2014 Big Event.
large number is a combination of about 40 groups and 70 individuals.” With such a staggering number of volunteers on board for this year’s Big Event, their task of making it all happen is most certainly a daunting one. The groups and individuals signed up are then assigned to report to prede-
termined locations around the community where each volunteer can expect to work up more than a little sweat. A typical job can be anything from mowing the lawn and raking leaves to touching up the exterior paint on a house or building. see BIG EVENT on page 5
Music department hosts Musical Miles 5K run
Annual event helps provide scholarships for students
by GERI LEMMONS features reporter
O
n March 14 the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi department of music hosted Musical Miles 5k run at Cole park Amphitheater near downtown Corpus Christi. The event was held as a fundraiser for the department’s scholarship fund. It invited adults and children of all ages to come and join the race for a good cause. This is the third year the music department has hosted this event. “I came up with the idea of the Musical Miles 5k, because I thought
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
it would be a fun way to raise money for scholarships,” assistant professor of music Mary Thornton said. “My friend Victor Betancourt at V Fit Productions, has long been involved with producing these events and all the folks at V Fit have been a big help in getting our event up and running.” Students help put this event together from start to finish. They were there to help with the whole musical experience during the race. The event is held not only to have fun, but it is also put on for a great cause. It helps the music majors at the Island University get major scholarships to help them as they further
tudents from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi flocked to the University Center Anchor Ballroom to hear about the science of happiness from Dr. Catherine Sanderson, one of the leading voices in the field of Psychology. “Dr. Sanderson does this talk around the country focusing on three parts of happiness,” said Dr. Anthony Zoccolillo, assistant professor in the department of psychology and sociology. “First, why we care about being happy. Then, what we think makes us happy that research doesn’t really support and finally, the things that really do make us happy.” Sanderson is a professor at Amherst College in Massachusetts. She teaches courses in general psychology and more specialized psychology courses such as social psychology, sports psychology, the psychology of close relationships and even the psychology of good and evil. She also authored the “General Psychology” textbook used in Psychology courses at the Island University. During the talk, Sanderson gave cutting-edge research about tradition ideas that the public assumes makes people happier. One of the topics she discussed was how people often think that more money and accumulative wealth would bring them closer to happiness, but often leaves them still feeling unsatisfied and unhappy. see SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS on page 3
the education. Compared to other races, this one is all about the music and the fun that comes along with it. The race included awards such as top male and female, male and female masters and some awards categorized by age group. The music is showcased throughout the entire race. From a steel drums band, different types of singers, a reggae band, trombone quartet, to pep band and strings, the runners were introduced to all different types of music by the students who go to the Island University. see MUSICAL MILES on page 3
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3-4 CAMPUS 5-6 ENTERTAINMENT 7-9 | SPORTS 10-11 | FEATURES 12
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 9
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opinion
ISLAND WAVES
03.26.2015
Nudes, artistic or just obscene
a student publication of
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
island waves staff CONNER TICHOTA editor-in-chief
JAMIE FINK
web editor-in-chief
AMBER QUAID
managing editor
KELSEY FLORES copy editor
JUSTIN VU NGUYEN
advertising assistant
LUIS GOMEZ
advertising assistant
c u tam
THI NGUYEN
layout assistant
KARA HERRERA layout assistant
STERLEN KEMP news reporter
GERI LEMMONS
features reporter
s y u c.g
TREY SEAL
entertainment reporter
JEREMY PAPE
tam
sports reporter
ELI T. BERKE
photographer
MARK MARTINEZ
distribution manager
WENDY MOORE faculty adviser
AMY KOTULSKI staff adviser
JESSE DE LEON
graduate adviser
ucc.
girls
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.
photo courtesy of www.anipapper.info
STAFF EDITORIAL 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.
Island Waves
The rise of anonymous posting apps has created a new tailwind in the digital age. Now more than ever, people are able to express themselves: the good, the bad and the downright ugly. In late February, students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi took it upon themselves to extend their social media privileges to the extreme, by creating two Snapchat accounts called tamucc. guys and tamucc.girls. These accounts were made with the sole purpose of students sharing nude pictures. These accounts made us question the ethical implications behind the cultural phenomenon of nude pictures. Don’t get us wrong. If you want to take nude pictures, go ahead. You do you. But let’s hash out some of the key issues with the guys and girls accounts. First, the accounts were brazenly affiliated with the university name by whomever created them. Doing so puts
a stigma on the Island University. It sends a negative message to prospective students and the community at large. Furthermore, several of the participants had been identified on Yik-yak as athletes. Again, as representatives of the university, these people are crafting a negative image for both themselves and their school. Second, these pictures never go away. True, people using Snapchat may only be able to view them for a few seconds. However, Snapchat does have a database. If the recent hacks on Jennifer Lawrence and 23 other prominent celebrities (according to Mirror magazine) have taught us anything, it’s to be careful about what we post on the Internet. Finally, there’s always the concern that someone’s picture could be uploaded without his or her consent. For example, let’s imagine Sally and John are students at the Island University who decide to hook-up for the night. Sally finds John really attractive. She snaps a picture of unsuspecting John and sends it to
tamucc.guys. What if John never wanted that picture on the Internet? Now John is out there, naked and exposed for the rest of his classmates to see. Some might think, “It’s my body and it is my right.” This is true. However, when nudes are distributed in-mass like this, it gets into the issue of obscenity. According to the Texas penal code (chapter 43), obscenity does include the “lewd exhibition of genitals” and “taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political scientific value.” Furthermore, according to the National Constitution Center, obscenity is not protected under First Amendment speech rights. Unless someone can prove the artistic nature of tamucc.guys/girls, this site was clearly obscene and unnecessary. Nudity is still a sensitive issue in our culture. Yes, there has been a change in attitude towards nudity and nude pictures. But, like everything else, there is a time and a place. Public sharing on Snapchat was neither the appropriate time nor place.
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SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS continued from page 1 “The reality is that having a lot of money does not predict happiness,” Sanderson said. “The problem with money is the same problem with cell phones. The iPhone 4 is great until the iPhone 5 comes out. We acclimate to things, until it no longer brings us the same pleasure and that’s the problem with money as a pursuit to happiness.” The department of psychology along with the newly revamped Psychology Club invited Sanderson to speak to the students at A&M-Corpus Christi at the event. Their hope is to continue to host talk discussions such as this one in which all students from all majors can participate. “We really hope to be able to put on more speaker events like Dr Sanderson’s,” said Corry Miller, the newly elected president of the Psychology Club. “Based on the packed house at the event, I would certainly say that the students are interested in more speaker events.” The psychology department is one of the largest departments per students on the campus. They have one of the largest declared majors at A&M-Corpus Christi. As of late, the Psychology Club has been dormant on campus and the members are hoping to change that. “The Psychology Club has always been pretty popular on campus,” Zoccollilo said. “For some reason, it kind of died out. Starting last semester
and picked back up this semester, we have rejuvenated the club.” The followers of Sigmund Freud and B.F. Skinner on campus, can be happy in knowing that the Psych Club is off to a good start for the semesters to come and are all smiles, which is one of the 10 strategies for increasing happiness that Sanderson discussed. In concluding her discussion, Dr. Sanderson gave the audience the top strategies she says increases the chance of obtaining happiness. If anyone is interested in joining the Psychology Club, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ TAMUCCpsychologyclub.
Sanderson’s Guide to Happiness: 1: Keep a ‘gratitude journal’; Make a gratitude visits to someone who has been influential in your life 2: Figure out your strengths and find ways to use them. 3: Read a book you love. 4: Smile, even when you are not happy. 5: Change your behavior by getting enough sleep, exercise and spend more time outside. 6: Perform acts of kindness. 7: Spend money on the right things like great experiences. 8: Avoid comparisons. 9: And build and maintain quality, close relationships.
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
Participants from the 2014 Musical Miles 5k run.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH continued from page 1 The event is put on with the help of the V fit training center. The Island University worked in part with V Fit training to help put the whole thing together. The run is not only encouraging, but is put on to help fellow islanders and to bring the community together. “My favorite part of going to the
event is seeing everyone out enjoying our Corpus Christi Bayfront and hearing live music provided by our TAMUCC music students all along the 5k course,” Thornton said. “It’s more than just a run, it’s an event for a great cause. All of the musical mile proceeds goes to a scholarship fund for music majors.”
photo courtesy of AMHERST.EDU
Dr. Catherine Sanderson, professor of psychology at Amherst College, Massachusetts.
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Honoring local engineer supporters by STERLEN KEMP news reporter Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi honored three local supporters of the Mechanical Engineering program at a luncheon on March. The three honorees: Sam Beercroft, Jim Barnette and Dan Leyendeck, all helped in making the degree program possible. “Today’s honorees have every reason to celebrate,” said Dr. Flavius Killebrew, President and CEO of the Island University, in a news feed for the A&M-Corpus Christi website. “Their generosity funds scholarships that help bring in strong students who otherwise may not have been able to become the next generation of engineers.” Each honoree received the “Friends of Engineering” award, which honors those who support the efforts and progression of the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences at A&MCorpus Christi. They are chosen for their direct impact of the various fields of engineering The President of B.E. Beecroft, Sam Beecroft was among one of those honored during the night. His business is based in Corpus Christi and is devoted to supporting creative programs at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi that help students advance their interest in the field. “Over the years, we have worked in various parts of Texas,” Beecroft said in the president’s message regarding his business. “We have found that our primary strengths are based on delivering projects that demand more of the contractor than the average.” At the start of the year, the engineering department announced the arrival of the newly approved electrical engineering program that is set to begin in the fall of 2015. The
Sam Beecroft of Beecroft Construction gives acceptance speech at “Friends of Engineering” Award Luncheon.
president is hoping that this program will soon usher in more innovative fields of discipline for the engineering department. “As soon as the new degree was approved in January, prospective students were inquiring through social media about the degree plans,” Killebrew said. “We don’t plan to stop there. The proposals for civil and industrial engineering are already being developed.” Engineering seems to be one of the professions that is steadily increasing throughout the years. Means by which
people can use, convert and store clean energy is one the goals of those who are in the field of engineering. The field is in need of people who are knowledgeable and competent in electrical, environmental, civil and even biomedical engineering. Dan Leyendecker, one of the three honorees, graduated from Texas A&M University–College Station with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He now leads an engineering, architectural and construction company that is headquartered in Corpus Christi. Funds given by the honorees help
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
give prospective engineering students a chance and an opportunity to pursue their dreams in the career field of various engineering degrees. Though a degree in engineering may be profitable, it can definitely be hard to pay for. The “Friends of Engineering” luncheon is a way to thank and appreciate the generosity for those within the Corpus Christi community for helping advance and push for innovation, creativity and excellence for current students within the engineering programs.
University Police Department here year round by AMBER QUAID managing editor
The University Police Department or UPD is on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a weeks, 365 days a year. Daily operations include building checks, walk-abouts, service calls, parking patrols, bike patrols and crime prevention. They also employ detectives, security, and a command staff to help facilitate these daily routines. “We’re the eyes and ears of the campus,” said Alan Gutierrez, chief of police for Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi. The UPD responds to service calls or any issues that arise, they check for the safety of buildings and the campus as a whole. They also have other proactive responses with crime prevention and detectives. The UPD is responsible not only for the main campus but the satellite campuses at the Art Museum, Flour Bluff, Agnes and the Hamlin Center. “As we continue to grow outside the island, those are still responsibilities of our police department,” Gutierrez said.
The UPD has implemented a new system less than a year ago to help with all these responsibilities. This system is known as Combine Operations and Planning System or C.O.P.S. This computer system allows for multitasking, maximizing productivity, safety planning and alternate routes on campus. It also stays up to date on the layout of the campus with a digital photo map taken with the use of an unmanned aircraft, allowing the most recent information to be available, versus using google maps which is outdated by a year. Another plus of this system is the use with the campus partners, allowing coaches to plot cross country routes or event planning of a sports event. This system can tell them parking capacity, distances and the logistics of an area. “This is an iPhone or tablet on steroids,” Gutierrez said. This system, along with video cameras, helps the UPD protect the campus as well as gain information about the campus. If a student says they are frustrated with the no parking situation, the UPD can show the student, not only in numbers but with
surveillance, where there were spots available or another parking lot that is just as close. Students may not realize the distance to class maybe the same distance or shorter if they park in a different parking lot. “We want to try to display the history of a parking lot,” Gutierrez said, “to let students know that if they have this building for class this parking lot would be best.” Also this system of C.O.P.S and a daily routine allows not only for safety in general but also with things students may not realize such as water leaks, parking lot lights out or even classroom issues. Though some issues are then handed off to other entities this system helps keep safety in check. They still continue to do permit checks and write tickets but there is more to the daily operations of the UPD. For example, if a student ever feels unsafe or needs an escort they can call 825-4444 at any time, 24 hours a day. “There’s a lot of things we’re using here, to in turn, put it out there for our customers,” Gutierrez said. According to the UPD website, UPD dispatchers answers and directs all
photo by AMBER QUAID
Gutierrez shows features of the new C.O.P.S.
calls coming into the police department and utilizes an automated Computer Aided Dispatch or CAD system to track events, officers’ responses and status. The dispatchers are also responsible for activating the University’s Emergency Mass Notification systems. For more information contact the main office at 825-6002 or go online to police.tamucc. edu. “We are here to help you,” said Sargent Eric Gonzalez.
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BIG EVENT continued from page 1 The students not only arrive at their assignment ready to work, they also bring all of the necessary tools and equipment they will need. This includes everything from rakes, brooms, lawnmowers and paint, which would not be possible without the help of the Big Event’s sponsors. “Our sponsors vary from major companies to local businesses,” said Hoang. “Any type of business or company can be involved, because without the valuable help of our sponsors, we would not have the resources to create a successful event.” But the results of Big Event go way beyond cleaning up a crowded garage or mowing a front yard. The overreaching purpose of this special day is to underscore how much the students of the Island University appreciate and value the community that supports them. Ultimately, organizers hope to elevate the Big Event to a nationwide or perhaps even worldwide level. But regardless of its scope, the spirit of the Big Event harks back to Joe Nussbaum’s original idea for a day in which students take the time to say thank you to the community that supports them. “The Big Event is ultimately a great thing for the campus community because it immerses the students in the community, with so many different kinds of people,” Hoang said. “Not only do local citizens and
Volunteers take a breather from yard work to take a photo at the 2014 Big Event.
non-profit groups get great help on a particular project, but they get a chance to interact with those
directly affiliated with the university and once the project is done, all the participants can see the changes they
photo courtesy of SVC
have made in such a short time…. and I think that is the most rewarding aspect of the Big Event.”
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1984
The first seed of feminism: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. The Declaration of Sentiments pointed out the need for equality of women including voting rights.
1984
In 1966, Betty Friedan and other prominent feminists formed the National Organization for Women (NOW fighting for fundamental aspects of females: the pill, abortion, equal employment opportunity, reduction of violence against women.
1984
The Women’s Liberation Movement including the rise of black feminism which focused on gender without the context of race and class. As a result, National Black Feminist Organization and the National Alliance of Black Feminists are formed.
1984
Late 1970s, Anti-porn feminism , anti-porn theory stated that heterosexual intercourse is a form of male domination and must be totally altered in a way that it isn’t harmful to women.
What now
Women outnumber men in the U.S. Women earned 78 cents for every dollar than men earned in 2013. Women hold more positions of elected office in the federal government.
illustration by THI NYGUEN
Statistics from INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES
by GERI LEMMONS features reporter
W
omen’s history month is nationally recognized every year. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi kicks-off the month with an annual Ladies Night. This event was held in the UC building on March 10 and it had refreshments and other fun things
to do there. At this event there was nail painting, a photo booth, button making station, bracelet and key chain station and a station to write about things that break female stereotypes. “I think this event was cool, fun and creative. I had no idea this was a thing during this month” said Ashley Cooper, biomedical sciences major. During the event participants
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER
To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu
were asked to write down some of the stereotypes that are placed on women. Some wrote about looks, while others wrote about how some believe that women need to depend on men. Many more were written on a large sheet of paper and were then placed on two polls to be ripped apart with a stick by some of the students. This was symbolic of the whole meaning of the event. The idea was, when the paper was ripped it was like breaking down and getting rid of all of the stereotypes that women are faced with every day. It was like ripping apart all of the barriers that could be said about women everywhere. This event was put on not only to empower others, but to also have some fun. “It’s really nice and we get to meet new people so that’s a good thing” said Jenna Lasala an accounting major. It was a very special way to kick off the women’s history month and a very creative way to bond with fellow Islanders. Both men and women showed up to support women’s history and all of the festivities that were happening all around the room. Participants ate free food and met new people while
listening to music providied by a DJ. Then everyone slowly went around to each station to take part activities that involved using their creative skills. Some went to the photo booth to take funny pictures with their friends in funny costumes. Others went to the bracelet and key chain station where they took part in making things that had a meaning. Each color of bead meant something positive and encouraging. Then there was a button making station that involved someone decorating a piece of paper then making it into a button by using a machine to put it all together. Then there was a nail polishing station where individuals would paint their nails or they would use a type of sticker to decorate their nails as they sat there with their friends. Women’s history month is a very important thing to celebrate. It helps showcase what women have done for everyone in the past and what the future might hold. Lady’s night was a great night to help start off this month. It had its moments of showing some empowering stations like the breaking of the stereotype wall. It was also a time to meet fellow Islanders and talk about all of the activities that lady’s night had to offer.
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Planet Vulcan salutes Leonard Nimoy by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter On Feb. 27, 2015, the hearts of science-fiction fans across the world were stricken with grief. Leonard Nimoy who many of his fans were introduced to as “Mr. Spock” passed away after struggling with COPD over much of the prior year. Nimoy, a Boston native found his passion for acting at the age of eight years old when he performed a children’s’ play. As he grew into adulthood, Nimoy desired to pursue acting as a career, even at the behest of his parents to pursue other avenues. It was not until 1966 that he would take on the iconic role of Mr. Spock on “Star Trek.” Nimoy’s role on Star Trek was far beyond reading his scripted lines, he is credited with inventing the famous vulcan salute. As a writer, he worked with the creative team to establish an elaborate back story for Mr. Spock which included the vulcan nerve pinch which he decided to utilize in place of knocking out opponents to demonstrate the character’s high level of intelligence. After the show’s cancellation, Nimoy reprised his role in “Star
Trek:The Animated Series” and two episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” before being offered to join the rest of the former cast in a Star Trek movie. He went on to reprise the role in five more films, two of which he directed. Nimoy’s career continued in the form of voiceover work for various space themed documentaries in addition to animated shows and live action guest appearances. Additionally, Nimoy further explored his love of photography through studies at UCLA. He was a man with a big heart who did not mind talking to or helping the fans who gave him his fame. In a 1968 of “Fave” magazine, he responded to a young teen that wrote to him about her struggle with finding friends. Nimoy wrote a one page response with his strongest words being “Not everyone will like me. But there will be those who will accept me just for what I am. I will develop myself to such a point of excellence, intelligence and brilliance that I can see through any problem and deal with any crisis.” Leonard Nimoy was more than an actor, he was a role model and inspiration for many, and he will be dearly missed.
ISLAND WAVES
uiw.edu
SUCCESS. UIW graduate students experience flexible, interactive learning opportunities in the setting of a private liberal arts university. At UIW, our students can choose from more than 30 degree plans, including several doctoral programs. Interested students can learn more at uiw.edu/orgs or by calling (210) 829-6005.
OFFICE of RESEARCH & GRADUATE STUDIES
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The televisions ran images of people, hurricane diagrams on the weather channel and simple blue screens.
Photos by TREY SEAL
The theme of destruction is very dominant in the exhibit.
Sweet Exorcist
Each one of these various pictures is a unique shot.
A review of Weil Art Gallery’s newest exhibit
by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter
U
pon entering the Weil Art Gallery, patrons are greeted by a massive collage of seemingly random items. Large, square TV sets stacked upon one another, large bundles of rags, and a wall littered with images of people and places printed on white printer paper all stamped with “Past Due” in red ink. Upon closer inspection, a theme begins to emerge, images of the weather channel and hurricanes
appear in various spots revealing that these various items are supposed to be representative of the world following a natural disaster. The arrangement of the piece makes it more three-dimensional and tangible than a painting or photograph can ever achieve. It makes one feel as if they have walked into another world, that appears to be the intention that artists’ Justin Randolph Thompson and Bradley Dever Treadaway had and it certainly works. “It reminds me of destruction, the
pictures appear to be missing people and the TVs remind me of looting. I like that it’s all just one singular piece and no part of it is for sale; its a message rather than a means of profit.” Adrian, a junior biology major watching over the exhibit said. As artists, the two individuals are clearly focused on eliciting these thoughts from their audience, as evidenced by their previous works. Justin Randolph Thompson, per his biography, is a new media sculptor and artist from Peeskill, New York. Since 2001, he has lived between Italy and the U.S and has exhibited his works in both regions on various occasions. Bradly Dever Treadaway is based out of Brooklyn, according to his artist biography, he utilizes “photography,video, film and installation to address issues of legacy and intergenerational communication.” He was a Fulbright scholar in Italy and has had his work exhibited at the “Whitney Museum of Art” and “The Carnegie Museum of Art” among many others. According to their shared website, the two artists have been working with one another for the past 15 years. The frequent collaborators utilize their unique backgrounds yet similar artistic mediums in order to create one fantastic piece that tells a story rather than a message. Taking a look at their portfolio of collaborations reveals a wide range
of topics that the two have taken on. The subject at the forefront of each one though is the past and often the changes and loss incurred through the passage of time. Techniques such as utilizing looping videos and large elaborate sculptures created from unconventional items such as newspaper shredding bring the exhibits to life. Their various video collaborations expand upon the look, feel and themes that their exhibits display. In a video titled “I’m Gone,” Thompson dips various documents in an ink bath and then hangs them to dry on an elaborate maze of ropes that are connected across the walls. While the audience sees Thompson performing the delicate process which is the setup for the final exhibit, Treadaway plays guitar behind a curtain wall as he sings songs that echoes the tone of oppressionistic blues. The audience never catches a glimpse of his face but is shown distorted video feeds shot from a cars’ rear view camera that has been placed on a wall with the resulting image being streamed to an old black and white television. The talent that these two men have is simply outstanding and the “Sweet Exorcist” exhibit at the Weil Art Gallery should not be missed. The exhibit runs until April 10 at the Weil Art Gallery in the Performing Arts Center at the Island University from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
03.26.2015
Youga Yoga:
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finish the semester with serenity by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter
T
he fast-paced world of being a college student is a stressful one. Homework, labs and part-time jobs ensure that our mind is constantly being exerted in full force. Luckily, there is a way to shed the mind of stress and worry: Yoga. Yoga has been utilized as a tool to calm the mind and body for many centuries. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Yoga Professor Lindy Burns sees its healing effects every day through her class and in her studio downtown, “Youga Yoga.” “When I first came to Corpus 15 years ago, yoga barely had a presence,” Burns said. “There was three, maybe four teachers who knew the deeper science behind it.” “Youga Yoga” studio is located on the second floor of Axis tattoo in downtown Corpus Christi. Unlike a standard gym, Youga Yoga does not charge its customers a monthly fee to attend its classes that run six days a week. Instead, classes are free to attend but people are asked to make a donation to further support them in their mission. Upon entering the studio, guests are greeted by a relaxing atmosphere that consists of a shining wood floor and a very peaceful, calm atmosphere. “It’s a place where you are welcome regardless of your size, shape or gender” Burns said. Participants can bring their own mat or borrow one from the studio, once the class begins, the instructor begins to play calming music that resonates throughout the room. Yoga is more than a workout, it’s a scientifically proven method of relaxing both the body and the mind. In fact, a recent study that was published in “The Journal of Clinical Oncology” tested its effects on breast cancer survivors. All 200 participants involved in the study had never practiced yoga before, 100 of those participating a continued to not practice it and the other 100 received two 90 minute classes a week for 12 weeks. Three months after the study, the participants who had regularly practiced yoga reported less fatigue and increased vitality than previously. This was further proven in laboratory blood work, which showed that inflammation causing proteins were reduced by 15 percent in those who practiced yoga. If the idea of doing yoga with a large group of people seems intimidating, put those worries aside. As a teacher for more than 10 years, Burns said that yoga is practiced by people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds and, her studio is a place
illustration by CONNER TICHOTA
Yoga is the fountain of youth. You’re only as young as your spine is flexible. - Bob Harper yogadownload.com where people can practice without the fear of being judged. “We have a very broad variety of people come in here; different body shapes, different body sizes and abilities,” Burns said. “People who are down on their luck, successful businessmen and women, doctors, and lawyers, students, everybody is welcome here.” Burns also described yoga in terms of something she calls “the freedom.” “The Freedom, it really is a practice to know the self deeper and really express the self,” Burns said. “People often get so lost in who they are and what they want in life. Yoga helps us understand our strengths and weaknesses and then learn how to improve upon and fix those things in both the body and mind.” Yoga’s popularity is constantly building and its opening the eyes of former skeptics. “I’ve never done it before but it seems like a great way to relax while improving your health”, said Junior Media Studies major Rick Richter.
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TRACK AND FELD Photos courtesy of ISLANDER ATHLETICS
Sophomore jumper Kerissa Wiley competes in the high jump during the indoor track season.
work hard, run fast
by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
T
rack and field season is in full swing for the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders. Shawn Flanagan, head coach and director of track and field, has seen a few surprises so far this season. “We broke a lot of records in the indoor season,” Flanagan said. “This is the largest team we have had, as far as numbers go. I’m excited to start the outdoor season.” The team has been hard at work attempting to improve their times and distances in their respective vents. “We have been working at getting faster, jumping farther, and throwing objects further,” Flanagan said. “Improving is a process. It all works down to a crescendo. From the getgo, all of our training is preparing us for the conference meet.” During the indoor season, both the men and the women proved themselves quite capable in various events. “The best indoor event for the men was in the 800,” Flanagan said.
“The women did the best in the high jump. The women also did well in the shotput and in the long distance relay.” Some members of the team were able to advance reasonably far in competition during the indoor season. “We took a kid to regionals in the 400 and the 800,” Flanagan said. Freshman distance runner Liz Romo has also been impressed with the team’s progression this season. “I feel amazed about my team as a whole by [our progression] throughout the season, because we have been building each other up,” she said. “Our practices have been extremely hard, but I’m happy for my team because we been there to push each other, and cheer each other up when it gets tough.” Flanagan anticipates that with hard work, the team will have a productive outdoor season. “We are working on getting better with sprints and hurdles in field events, and we will do well with the jumps,” Flanagan said. Romo said she thinks the team should also work on getting closer outside of the sport, to improve their
v.s. Stephen F. Austin
Friday, March 27 1 P.M – 3 P.M – 6 P.M
performance in competition. “We need to get closer as a family by spending more time together out of practice, and caring for each other,” she said. “Also, we need to work hard and motivate each other.” Flanagan credits the coaches around him with the success that the program has had so far this season. “We won the relay last year,” Flanagan said. “My assistants have done a good job getting the team ready. We are in a tough conference, but we are getting better, too.” The coaches have set up the leadership structure of the team in such a way that the whole team can rally around the team captains. “Our team captains are elected by their peers,” Flanagan said. “[Senior] David Carrillo has done a great job on distances. [Senior distance runner] Vanessa Galindo and [junior hurdler] Isabella Baptiste have done well on the women’s side. It has been a good year all around.” Some circumstances of the earlier part of the season were out of the team’s control. “Some kids were sick during the indoor season, which hurt our chances in the interconference
meet,” Flanagan said. “We have a lot of kids that were not used to running indoors, but are great at running outdoors. I anticipate us doing well in those events.” Flanagan and the other members of the coaching staff have a set of principles they use to guide the team. “Our principles are: show up, work hard, support teammates,” Flanagan said. “When the dust clears, do the best you can, and control what you can. Don’t worry about what you can’t control, and compete like a rascal.” Alongside those principles, the coaches make sure to do their part in instilling values that members of the track and field team will take with them long after their Islander careers are over. “Being part of this team helps you through the rest of your life,” Flanagan said. “You learn to be successful, show up, and do what needs to be done. If something doesn’t go right, you learn to get back up on the horse and try again.” The team will next compete at the Texas Relays in Austin, from March 26-28.
v.s. McNeese State Friday, March 27 5 P.M
CHAPMAN FIELD
THOMAS J.HENRY TENNIS CENTER
STRIKEOUT BREAST CANCER PINK GAME
CHAPMAN FIELD
v.s. Nicholls Sunday, March 29 1 P.M
v.s. Nicholls Monday, March 30 11 A.M
THOMAS J.HENRY TENNIS CENTER
THOMAS J.HENRY TENNIS CENTER
ISLANDER SOFTBALL
WOMEN’S TENNIS
MEN’S TENNIS
Saturday, March 28 12 P.M – 3 P.M
or GOISLANDERS.COM
ISLANDER FOLLOW UP
11 Thomas’ hot start key to Islanders’ early season sports
03.26.2015
ISLAND WAVES
by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
B
aseball is in Casey Thomas’s blood. The 5-foot 10-inch shortstop, who came to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi from Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, began learning the sport from a very young age. “[When I was young], my dad taught me how to play catch and swing a bat,” Thomas said. Thomas’s dad played in the minor leagues with the Minnesota Twins organization, and currently is a baseball scout for the Oakland Athletics. Being around baseball for as long as Thomas has, it seems only natural that he is still playing the game in college. “My dad helped me out, and even coached me on a few of the teams I’ve been on,” Thomas said. Going from Arizona to Corpus Christi presented Thomas with a challenge that he had never faced. “I came out here, and I didn’t know a single person,” Thomas said. “It was my first time ever in Texas, so it was kind of like a completely new world to me. I think with being on a baseball team, you definitely get that immediate bond and relationships with the team.” Gaining experience in the junior college ranks was instrumental in getting Thomas to this point. “At the junior college level, there’s not a lot of pomp,” head baseball coach Scott Malone said. “You don’t always get catered to. You don’t always get taken care of.” Malone said Thomas brought some crucial intangibles to his team “[Thomas] has been great to be around,” Malone said. “He is always high energy, and ready to go, and just sparks our team offensively and defensively.” Malone said he sought out Thomas because the team needed a player who played the positions Thomas plays. “We
photo courtesy of KYLE MAZOBOB
“[When I was young], my dad taught me how to play catch and swing a bat” - Casey Thomas TAMUCC Baseball Player
needed a defender. We needed someone who could go play shortstop,” Malone said. “[We needed someone who could] shut down the other team’s offense, turn the double play, and he has done that.” Even though Malone could see what Thomas could do, Thomas has managed to surprise his coach with his play so far this season. “I wasn’t sure what kind of hitter we were going to get, and it wasn’t that important to us; we needed a defender,” Malone said. “He has done that, but now all of a sudden, he is leading our team in batting average [currently .366], and he is off to a great start,” Malone said. The pressures of baseball are not lost on Thomas. “I have always been told that baseball is a failure sport,” Thomas said. “You get a hit one out of every three or four times, and you have to live with getting an out the other times.” Thomas credits a steady approach to his plate appearances for his streaky play. “I try not to do too much or to go out of my comfort zone,” Thomas said. “I know the type of hitter I am, and I listen to the feedback I get from the players and coaches about my swing.” Thomas seems as thrilled with Malone and the team as they have been with him. “Honestly, I just have clicked with the team and coaching staff,” Thomas said. Thomas’s determination to succeed has undoubtedly helped him get out to this hot start. “Every day, I’m going to go out there and give it my all,” Thomas said. “There’s not a day I show up and am not ready to play the game.” One of the more reliable indicators of an athlete’s performance is whether or not the athlete shines under pressure. Thomas is the type of person to seek that pressure out and thrive with it. “I enjoy playing shortstop more than batting,” Thomas said. “I feel like there is more pressure playing in the infield. At shortstop, you don’t want to make a mistake for your pitcher.”
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features
03.26.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Farmers Market freshens local community Photo by AMBER QUAID
TOP LEFT: Golden Beets are one of the many fresh vegetable items offered at the market. TOP MIDDLE: Jars of handmade jellies in many different flavors and sizes made by Buddies Jam and Jelly. RIGHT: Mailan Cao, local Corpus Christi resident, looks through the vegetables to see what best fits with the fish she wants to buy. BOTTOM: These “cupcake” bath salts are all organic and made by Southern Beauty.
by Amber Quaid managing editor
C
ome before nine, be ready to buy. The Corpus Christi Southside Farmers’ Market, located at the 5800 block of Everhart or The Market Shopping Center, is open from 9-11 a.m. every Saturday and offers locally grown food and handmade items. Items such as coffee, jellies, bath salts, soaps, herbs, fruits and vegetables of all kinds are sold at reasonable prices. Most vendors have unique items or flavors not found in grocery stores. “It’s not that much more expensive than the grocery store, sometimes it’s cheaper,” said Kingsville local Wes Watts while holding two bags of fresh fruits and vegetables. “Try a tomato, you’ll never want to buy a tomato from the grocery store again.” Coming early is key if one wants first dibs at certain items. The more unique and colorful items sell quickly but most vendors have a large selection of fruits and vegetables readily available the whole time the market is open. Items such as carrots, broccoli, kale, bok choi, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, honey and eggs are available all day. If one likes coffee, there is fresh roasted, non-preserved coffee available. Herbs are sold fresh cut or a person can buy the whole plant and grow their own at home. There is also artwork, alpaca weavings, wood products and eco soap. Free samples, there are vendors who let people try before buying or let some take home free samples. People can visit their website for a list of items that will be available each Saturday.
“I love to share my art with the local community and I love to be a part of the local community,” said Amy Bowers, farmers’ market vendor. Bringing cash will aid people in their purchases, as most vendors do not have credit card machines. Though there are some vendors who do take plastic but cash is easiest. The prices are marked on most items and those that are not the vendor will voice the price, usually with a ‘if one buys two or more’ deal. People can ask any question they like and most vendors will be happy to answer. Some vendors will also make custom orders but people usually require payment first. “I believe in farmers’ markets and helping people learn about what people are making locally and growing,” Bowers said. “I like teaching people about local produce and what grows in what season.” The fruits and vegetables can change from weekend to weekend depending on what is growing that season but this means the items are fresh from the ground. Also the items are completely organic and have no preservatives or basically one has to eat or use these items right away, they cannot stay in a cupboard. “The food is way more fresh, its supporting local economies and it tastes better,” Watts said of the produce at the farmers’ market. For more information visit them online at www.farmersmarketcc. org or on Facebook as Corpus Christi Southside Farmers’ Market. To become a vendor of the farmers’ market contact Laura Bell at laurabellum@gmail.com.