02/14/2019 Issue

INSIDE

Bookstore features TAMUK’s first LGBTQ+ apparel... Page 2

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

The South Texan

Volume 93, Issue 16

thesouthtexan.com

No date? No problem Fun ideas for Valentine’s Day Singles DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief

Every shop, store and business is full of roses, heart-shaped balloons, cheesy cards and sweet candy. It’s hard to avoid the lovey-dovey atmosphere around Valentine’s Day. But just because you haven’t met that special guy or gal, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in your own way.

Here are some ideas to distract you and entertain you on a day supposedly full of love.

Take t yourself ou

And if you’d rather stay in, why not host a singles-only dinner party? Invite all of your favorite single friends and toast to your freedom and independence.

Belt out all the classic love songs with your best buddies as you sing karaoke, dance with friends and have a good ole’ time.

Pamper yourself

Treat yourself to a haircut, blowout, beauty treatment or massage.

You can also stay in and pamper yourself by taking a long bath, giving yourself a face mask or painting your nails.

You could also have a movie marathon. Maybe watch Harry Potter or the Star Wars trilogies. But there’s also horror, action or comedy specials on Netflix that seem binge-worthy.

If so, then order a pizza from your favorite place, top it off with some beer, wine or liquor of your choice and enjoy the movies that make you happy.

e

Catch som ZZZ’s

But maybe you’re tired from the day-to-day activities and your week was busy and full of events. If that’s the case, you should catch up on your sleep. So sleep-in on Valentine’s Day or take a nap in the middle of the day.

We’re tired and lazy sometimes, why not use the “celebration of love,” to snuggle with a pillow and a blanket and snooze.

kend Plan a wee getaway Make plans with friends and family, go to dinner, head to the local bar or club, catch a movie, anything to get you out of the house. And you’ll probably try and come up with excuses to bow out of the plans, but if you don’t go out you’ll probably end up home alone wallowing in loneliness, crying or eating way too much ice cream. Please, go out and have fun and avoid downing a whole pint of Blue Bell.

Host a rty Singles Pa

Babysit But if you would rather escape then get out of town, plan a Valentine’s Day weekend getaway with a friend or family member.

Head into a different town, go shopping, go exploring and just roam around the vibrant new city.

Enjoy a movie marathon

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Or maybe you’re looking for something nice to do. Maybe you have nieces or nephews? Why not offer to take care of them, so their parents can go out.

Be the cool aunt or uncle. Just order pizza or burgers, watch Coco, make brownie sundaes, get them hyped up on ice cream and brownies and then as soon as their parents arrive, hand them off because your job is done.

Valentine’s continued on Page 11

We put a little ‘Pep’ in their steps ILIANA FLORES Managing Editor Bouncing balls, cheering fans and shouting cheerleaders are all common sounds people will hear at Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s (TAMUK) home basketball games.

Beginning in the 2019 basketball season, one more sound has been added to the mix as the Javelina Pep Band plays live music at each game held on campus The Pep Band consists of TAMUK music students who volunteer their time to support the Javelina Men’s and Women’s basketball teams.

The band consists of trumpet, French horn, trombone and saxophone players. The band also has a bass guitar player and a drummer.

While the Pep Band has previously played for the Javelina basketball teams, the athletic and music departments decided it was time to bring the band back for home games.

“I know that the Pep Band has been a long interest for both athletics

Pep Band continued on Page 11

Page 2 - Campus

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

TAMUK’s First LGBTQ Pride T-Shirt

Javelinas showcase their pride with LGBTQ T-Shirt KELBY SPRINKLES Reporter

Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s first official LGBTQ pride T-shirt was released by the university bookstore on Jan. 26. The idea to design and sell a Javelina pride T-shirt in the university bookstore was conceptualized by TAMUK student Alberto Oliveira III. Oliveira, a junior Criminal Justice major, was brainstorming design ideas for a new Unity club T-shirt when he realized the university bookstore did not carry any official LGBTQ merchandise.

“The idea initially came to me in hopes that it would become the new T-shirt for the Unity organization. It wasn’t until it was voted that the past semester’s t-shirt design would still be used that I started thinking ‘I still want this T-shirt made, so what’s my next step to get that done?’” Oliveira said.

The next step turned out to be working side by side with the university bookstore to bring his T-shirt design to fruition.The bookstore manager, Mary Garza, fully supported Oliveira’s vision and had a major role in getting the t-shirts printed and in the store.

Garza said the university bookstore is optimistic about the sales of this T-shirt and the potential for other LGBTQ merchandise in the future.

“As with all general merchandise product we bring into the store we always analyze sell through, graphic rotation and quantity minimums. Our

hope is that the initial graphic does well so that we can continue to rotate designs each season,” Garza said.

Student and faculty reception of the new Javelina pride T-shirt has been reassuring to both Oliveira and the LGBTQ community at TAMUK. “We have received positive responses from our customers and have seen the shirt in and out of campus,” Garza said.

Students who have already purchased the Javelina pride t-shirt are encouraging others to do the same.

“I bought it as soon as I could…other students should buy it because it looks good, is relatively cheaper than other shirts in the bookstore, and it shows your pride,” said TAMUK student Alexander Soliz.

The shirt is now on sale in the university bookstore for $19.98, but during the month of February customers can use a 25 percent off one item coupon, bringing the total cost down to $16.22.

“Not only is it a new Javelina pride t-shirt, it is also a way for the LGBTQ community to show their pride and for others to show their support of our community,” Oliveira said.

Photo by Kelby Sprinkles Photo by Darcy Ramirez

Alberto Oliveira and Mary Garza showcasing LGBTQ T-shirt.

Taste of Culture

Saluting Black

Heritage Month ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Texas A&M University-Kingsville embraces culture and celebrates diversity. The month of February is dedicated to honor the accomplishments of African Americans by shining a light on their culture.On Feb. 7, Bishop/ Turner Dining Hall celebrated Black Heritage Month with a taste of African American culture. Students and staff all joined at the Bishop/Turner Hall and enjoyed a slice of pumpkin pie, cornbread, roast chicken, among other delicious meals that were being served.

“I think it’s important to host this event, it helps students know that we are diverse. My favorite part of the event is the vibe, everyone being together, laid back, and easy-going.

It’s a nice to come and eat with your friends,” said Keia Evans, Clinical Psychology major.

Students and staff were able to come

together and celebrate African American culture. Music, raffles and tasty food were the center point of gathering with friends while simultaneously having the opportunity to learn about a different culture.

“I think it’s cool that we participate in these types of events, because we get to learn about another culture’s background and traditions. Out of all the events, I’m really looking forward to the tunnel of oppression, it’s really awesome to see how far our creativity goes,” said Nancy Robles, Criminal Justice major.

Throughout the month of February there will be several events and fun activities saluting Black Heritage Month.

By hosting these events, TAMUK showcases their diversity and offers an opportunity for student’s to feel at home.

“I think it’s good that TAMUK is doing this, because it’s mainly a Hispanic population so it’s good that they are bringing out the African American culture… I’m most looking forward to Step Afrika, but I’m probably going to hit ‘em all up. They all sound cool,” said Levreese Davis, Computer Science major.

Photo by Aryssa Enriquez

Students enjoying the Taste of Culture event.

Photo submitted

See February calendar on page 10.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

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Page 3 - Campus

Club of the week-Criminology Club

Students explore Criminal Justice ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor

The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Criminology Club is a social and academic club for students interested in exploring the criminal justice field.

The club is dedicated to enrich the mind of members by incorporating real-life criminal scenarios and opportunities for students to gain exposure to the field.

“The purpose of our club is to create a safe, fun and educational experience all at once for students in the Criminology Club. Most of us have similar majors, so we strive to provide access to educational trips, guest speakers including border patrols, and the Dallas police department among others. We also are actively involved as volunteers within our community” said Iliana Ruiz, president of the Criminology Club.

The Criminology Club is actively engaging with guest speakers and potential employers. They look for opportunities that will showcase the world of criminology through different perspectives by performing crime labs and attending local prisons.

The Criminology Club members often visit prisons and interact with individuals with the McConnell Prison Unit in Beeville.

Members and officers of the Criminology Club have been able to gain

insight into what jobs are in demand within the realm of criminal justice and the role they play in society by participating in prison trips.

The club provides students the opportunity to engage in leadership roles and enhance their networking abilities by meeting guest speakers.

“Our goal is to create an environment outside of this college, and create friends that will help us out in the real world...It doesn’t matter where we are, whether it be in Kingsville, Texas, or in Virginia, we want to be able to have strong connections with people, and know that it all started here,” said Roger Garcia, secretary of the Criminology Club.

The TAMUK Criminology Club welcomes all students and the club currently consists of about 30 members and meet every other Monday in Manning Hall, Room 228.

“If you are really into crime, this is a good organization to get into and explore. It gives you the chance to figure things out and gain insight as to what each position really truly does. This club also helps you explore different jobs you can do in the field of criminal justice,” said Joshua Sharp, treasurer of the Criminology Club.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Last Chance to Catch June Bugs

Original play heading to regional festival

ANNA VELA Contributing Writer

The Texas A&M University –Kingsville Theater Program competed in fall 2018 at the state competition in Carthage, Texas.

A panel of directors chose June Bugs to perform at the regional festival of Region Six in Abilene, Texas.

Before the cast goes on tour, there will be a performance for the public.

It will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 to 23 in TAMUK’s Little Theater.

The play is an original and will be “performed with love.”

“I hope the audience enjoys walking into a totally new theatrical experience. I think the audience might also have an appreciation for the matter.

Right now, the opioid crisis is at an

June Bugs during a perfomance.

ultimate high. We pass by these homeless addicts every day in our cars and sometimes it is easier for us to just keep driving and turn a blind eye from the people on the side of the street because they’re the ugly side of our existence that we don’t want to see, but this play does the opposite,” cast member Laurie Hoefelmeyer said.

Assistant Director Devyn Hamblin said this show will show that “transients are people too with their own individual struggles and that addiction is a disease that is hard to cure especially when there are no resources to help.”

Throughout the year, many students enjoy watching theater and/or recitals.

Stage Manager Ryan Duncan said, “It’s really a big accomplishment for a TAMUK program and everyone should get a chance to experience it.”

Tickets will be sold at $5 per person, and the money raised will be used to finance the tour. Tickets will sold at the door at each performance.

June Bugs was written and directed by faculty member Corey Ranson.

Photo submitted

Photo submitted

Criminology Club during weekly meeting.

Criminology Club presentation.

Photo submitted

Page 4 - Opinion

thesouthtexan.com

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Vaccines are great, m’kay

Measles outbreak should make you cautious The South Texan The First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT), The Javelina Broadcast Network (JBN), and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

STAFF Darcy Ramirez Editor-in-Chief Iliana Flores Managing Editor Aryssa Enriquez Campus Editor C.R. Neal Editorial Editor Colby Sims Sports Editor

C.R. NEAL Editorial Editor The idiotic anti-vaccination movement is protesting a bill in Washington that would limit a parent’s ability to opt out of vaccinating their children.

Currently they can choose not to consent to vaccinations for personal, philosophical and religious reasons.

Washington is among 17 states, including Oregon, that allow some type of non-medical exemption for vaccines for “personal, moral or other beliefs,” according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

HB 1638 is a bipartisan bill that would remove personal and philosophical reasons as adequate reasons to not consent. This bill comes as a response to a measles outbreak of more than 50 people.

According to USA Today, hundreds of people showed up to protest the bill.

How on Earth are people so willfully ignorant they would protest for their right to be a danger to themselves, their children and literally everyone on the planet?

Some of these kids are rebelling by

Photo Courtesy arstechnica.com

Child receiving a vaccine getting their vaccinations as soon as they turn 18.

Mayci from Georgia is one of them.

According to NBC News, when Mayci was 17, she talked to her dad about getting the vaccine when she turned 18.

“He honestly just said that I am old enough to make my own medical decisions. He supports my judgment,” Mayci said. “The fact that I work in a doctor’s office has allowed me to really become educated on the myths and truths about vaccines.”

There is no credible research that claims that vaccines are dangerous, yet people still adamantly stick to their guns.

It makes zero sense.

According to the CDC, the number of measles cases is already over 100 in 2019. That’s more that 25 percent of total cases last year.

The ever-growing epidemic is concerning for a multitude of reasons, but for some there is a big one.

Community immunity.

According to vaccines.gov, “when enough people are vaccinated against a certain disease, the germs can’t travel as easily from person to person — and the entire community is less likely to get the disease.”

This is extremely important for those who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons, such as people with some serious allergies and those with weakened or failing immune systems (like people who have cancer, HIV/AIDS, type 1 diabetes, or other health conditions).

Being an “anti-vaxxer” would be forgivable if there were not a plethora of readily available information from reputable sources debunking their claims.

Since we do, there is no reason for anyone to be against vaccinations.

Kingsville honored at sea

Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager Reporters Josue Villarreal Ashley Gonzalez Aaron Monreal Kelby Sprinkles Hector Landin Adam Pena Zachariah Wilson Photographer Amanda DeFrees Nicole Morris Adviser Dr. Manuel Flores Consultant Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu or call (361) 593-4370.

Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be emailed to thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363

ADAM PENA Reporter Built in 1942 during the second World War, Naval Air Station Kingsville has seen 77 years of operation training countless pilots as one of the Navy’s two locations in the country for strike training, and serving as a home for even more servicemen.

From both World Wars, to Korea and Vietnam, and the deserts of the Middle East, servicemen from Kingsville have laid down their lives for their country.

The city’s dedication is not going unnoticed by the U.S. Navy, which announced Feb. 4 that in honor of the city, the Navy will be commissioning an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship, which will be named the USS Kingsville, according to a U.S. Navy press release.

Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate announced the news during a press con-

Photo Courtesy U.S. Navy

USS Kingsville ference at Kingsville City Hall, as reported by Caller Times.

“The citizens of Kingsville have been steadfast partners to the Navy,” Fugate said. “I am confident this ship will continue that legacy of service for decades to come.”

The vessel will be built in Mobile, Ala., and launched in 2021. According to navy.mil, the USS Kingsville will measure at 419 feet from bow to stern and will carry a crew compliment of up to 75 sailors. “The LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare missions,” reads the Navy’s official description of the ship.

While plans were tentative leading up to the construction of the base, the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941

prompted the Navy to finalize the deal on the land which the future base would be built, creating a temporary air station with no plans to persist after the war’s completion. After being leased to Texas A&I in 1946, the base entered dormancy until its permanent reestablishment in 1951 at the beginning of the Korean War, according to the Naval Air Station Kingsville’s official website.

Mayor Fugate’s sentiments that the USS Kingsville’s symbolic nature of the bond between the city and the country’s Navy is well-deserved and resounds true to the spirit of the city.

With such a long history of cooperation with the Navy, there are few distinctions more deserving for the Navy to express its gratitude than to honor the city’s name, especially for a city as comparatively small as Kingsville.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

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Page 5 - Opinion

And the Grammy goes to... mediocrity Yet another snub diminishes credibility of an awards show

JOSUE VILLARREAL Reporter “Dirty Computer” by Janelle Monae is an excellent album. Taking influences from R&B legends like Prince and putting her own vision and modern twist on them, Monae created a statement on feminism and equality.

“Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves is a predominantly mediocre album. A few bright spots exist in an album that is weighed down by mundane and immature writing that are barely a step above Miley Cyrus’ most recent effort.

Guess which one won Album of the Year at the Grammys?

This is not new. The Grammys have a long tradition of awarding album of the year to a white artist, rather than a black artist the people very often believe to be far greater in quality and cultural relevance.

The issue has only recently been criticized by music fans. The breaking point was in 2016 when Taylor Swift’s “1989” defeated Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly,” an album many believed to be the best hip-hop album of

this decade.

The trend only continued the following year when Adele’s worst album defeated Beyonce’s best album.

Even when a white person doesn’t win, the music that is selected is easy listening and most appealing to white people.

Bruno Mars with his retro throwback “24K Magic” defeated the challenging introspection of Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.,” the self-reflection and admittance of guilt in Jay-Z’s “4:44,” and the experimental musical overhaul in Childish Gambino’s “Awaken, My Love.”

You might be thinking that this is all a matter of taste and opinion, and that it has nothing to do with race.

President of the Recording Academy Neil Portnow said in an interview with Pitchfork, “We don’t, as musicians, in my humble opinion, listen to music based on gender or race or ethnicity.

When you go to vote on a piece of music—at least the way that I approach it—is you almost put a blindfold on, and you listen.”

It must be only a coincidence that out of 61 Album of the Year Grammys that have been awarded, only 10 of them have been to a black person, and of those 10, only two of those were rap albums.

Gaslighting the misrepresentation of black people by claiming their work is mediocre happens in all aspects of our culture. But, even with affirmative action, black men are often still misrepresented.

Ignoring the race of the artist is get-

Photo courtesy rollingstone.com

(Left to right) Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Alicia Keys, Michelle Obama and Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy Awards ting rid of a very important layer of the artform itself. Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Childish Gambino and Jay-Z have made many powerful and inspiring pieces of art describing the experience of being a black person in America. They explore topics like oppression, fear and anxiety of modern times and the effects of past racism affecting us today.

Removing their race from the music is outright disrespectful to the artist and misses the point of some of the finest work that has ever come out of hip hop. To tell them that their race should not be a factor of their human experience is condescending at best, and at worst ignorant to the way social con-

structs in a culture work.

If the Grammys don’t diversify their academy, acknowledge what is culturally relevant and reward genuine excellence, it will forever remain on the wrong side of history.

Genuinely excellent albums will go on to stand the test of time, influence future artists, make an impact on the world and the Grammys will lose viewership and credibility by not acknowledging it.

Instead of looking at a list of prestigious winners that people know to have genuinely changed music, people will look at the easy listening music they picked and continuously say “who even is this?”

Man on the Street This Week’s Question:

What is the best pick-up line?

Name: Etta Enow Major: Communications “’Say girl are you salt? Because you are so damn fine,’ That’s just clever. That’s all I need to know. If someone used that on me, I would be like ‘Thank you!’”

Compiled by: Kelby Sprinkles

Name: Kamryn Flores Major: Art “The best pick-up line would be, ‘Is that a mirror in your pocket? Because I can see myself in your pants.’ The reason why I chose that is because I think it’s funny and stupid that someone would actually say that.”

Name: Michaelina Gonzalez Major: Cimmunications “’I’m writing a book on the finer things in life, and I was wondering if I could interview you?’ It seems original and it’s educational. It shows that he’s smart. I like educated guys, obviously.

It’s cute, and it’s not something I have ever heard before.”

Name: Miranda Ventura Major: Ag. Sci. with teacher certification “The pick-up line is, ‘Are you Cinderella? Because I see that dress coming off at midnight.’ I like this one because I like Disney movies and because it’s funny.”

Page 6 - Sports

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Javelina Beach Volleyball has returned Beach Volleyball looks to repeat success from last year RACHEAL TAPPS Sports Reporter The Lady Javelina Beach Volleyball team will be back in action hosting a tournament at 10 a.m., Friday, March 1, at the Javelina beach volleyball courts.

The fans will get an opportunity from the beginning of the season to get an up-close look at the 2019 Javelina beach volleyball team.

Coming off a National title from the previous season, fans have a lot to look forward to and expect from this team.

“We take our reining title very seriously and we are working hard for another one this year; the fans should expect to see more exciting games and with their support another national championship,” senior Madison Brabham said.

Brabham, who participates in both indoor and outdoor volleyball, is coming off a very memorable indoor season, earning honors of Lone Star Conference player of the year and First-team All-American for the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

“Madi had a phenomenal indoor season. With all her success, I’m confi-

dent she will be a very composed and mature beach player this season. I’m hoping her indoor offensive prowess will carry over into her final beach season,” Head Coach Tanya Allen said.

Assistant Coach Gary Payne said the beach team has more chemistry this year.

“I feel this season we have better chemistry this year than in the past, and we have girls that know the beach game a little better than we’ve had in previous years,” Payne said. “We’re starting to add and run different offensive sets over the normal, basic offense that most beach teams utilize. I feel we can set ourselves apart from some of the other teams we play with our offense being faster this year and with us adding new defensive sets to help us with our digs and blocking.”

Allen added, “We are working a lot to expand our offense this year, with faster and more varied sets, we are also hand-setting more frequently, that will give us more of a chance to win particularly against better competition.”

The coaches as well as the players agree that with the amazing support of Kingsville they will be right on track for another national title.

Photo by javelinaathletics.com

This year’s Javelina beach volleyball team.

Photo by javelinaathletics.com

Javelinas celebrate after a point.

TAMUK Recreational basketball on the court IM leagues basketball season is back in action ZACHARIAH WILSON Sports Reporter Basketball has just gotten started for most leagues around the globe and IM league, or intramural basketball, is no exception For those born with a naturally competitive spirit, IM league basketball can be a great way to let loose and enjoy that experience again to some degree.

Fred Guajardo, team captain and player/coach for the Men’s Sonics and Co-Eds Vice City, is one of the few that really embraces the spirit of intramural sports.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the strategic aspect of basketball. As a natural born competitor who was not

blessed with natural athleticism, I always rely on my brain to help think of creative ways to win games,” he said. “Whether it’s putting certain players in certain roles to create the best game plan, or simply keeping the team chemistry as one unit, I do what I can to help the team win.

Whether it’s coming off a great victory or a bitter defeat, the addiction of basketball and constantly wanting to get better at the strategic aspect of it is what keeps me going, and that’s why it feels natural to make a profession out of it. I feel that coaching basketball is what I was born to do, which is why I use the intramural platform to better prepare myself for future opportunities after graduation. My ultimate goal is to lead a high school varsity basketball team to win a state

Photo by https://clearyzimmermann.com

TAMUK Rec basketball courts.

championship.”

IM basketball official, supervisor and annual participant Cassandra Garza has been heavily involved in IM leagues for some time.

“I like it because it’s a fun sport to play and officiate; it’s fast paced and involves teamwork. The season looks good so far, although teams are competitive, it’s all for fun and to stay active...the women’s (league is good, probably going to be more competitive than the coed this semester.

There’s a few women participating, but we’re trying to get more involved” Garza said.

Women’s leagues are steadily growing more and more over the semesters and last semester’s women’s soccer league really showcased that.

Jordan Herrera, an avid IM partic-

ipant and former student athlete, represented many of the IM population when he expressed his thoughts about IM basketball.

“Of course, the competition is not the same, the refs are not the same, the rules are not even the same, besides all that, the basic rules are still the same. A travel is a travel and a double dribble is a double dribble, so they don’t make the game easier by any means and at the end of the day it’s all fun and games,” Herrera said.

IM league basketball is great for anyone who wants to compete in their favorite sport and play for a trophy, or T- shirt in this case.

The date to make a team has come and gone but you can still join a team.

The games take place every night of the week excluding the weekends.

Photo by https://twitter.com/TAMUKrecSports

Last years Co-rec 3 vs. 3 Champs.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

thesouthtexan.com

Phorto by Amanda De Frees

Students participating in HIIT’ EM UP.

HIIT’ EM UP The TAMUK Fitness Community AARON MONREAL Sports Reporter The student recreational center offers a variety of exercise classes from Zumba to powerlifting. One of the classes that focuses on cardio is “HIIT’ EM UP.” The acronym HIIT stands for high intensity interval training, which focuses on toning the body as well as strengthening the respiratory system. This workout program is taught

by Texas A&M Kingsville’s very own track and field athlete Deanna Robinson.

Robinson is a sprinter and senior.

While she is not on the track making Javelina Nation proud, she is in the gym helping her peers become healthier.

“My goal in this class is to help everyone that comes through to find the stress release and mood enhancement that comes with fitness and activity, all while becoming a healthier version of themselves - mind and body,” Robinson said.

The class can consist of a variety of different things.

Ashlea Rosenbaum, graduate assistant of Fitness and Wellness, oversees the workout programs. “[Robinson] has incorporated all the things she’s learned from track workouts from being an athlete to

kind of going towards less active people seeing how she can bridge the gap between athletes and just kind of your average-joe type person,” she said.

The workout consists of exercises such as body weight movements, resistance bands, weighted balls and more. The benefits of this class is being able to burn off more calories in a shorter time as opposed to just being on the treadmill. Capacity of the class is 50 people and has a normal attendance of about 10 to 12 people, so there is more than enough room for people to attend the class. Even though the gym can sound intimidating, Robinson strongly insists all will feel welcome in her class.

“All fitness levels are welcomed from complete beginner to advanced. I make sure to demonstrate advanced option and modifications, so everyone can get the most effective workout,” she said.

Briana Flores, an English major, has participated in the class.

“I’ve participated in a HIIT program and it is great for beginners,” she said. “It’s challenging but in a good way.”

Though the class may sound intimidating, Robinson says to come as you are and “keep an opened, determined mind. Warning, it may hurt...a little.”

Page 7 - Sports

Javelina Men’s basketball Page 8 - Sports

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

A recap of the Javelinas Men’s basketball season

JORDAN HARWELL Contributing Writer

The Texas A&M UniversityKingsville Javelina men’s basketball team is having a respectable season so far, after losing eight players from last year. Overall they are 10-10 and 6-6 in the Lone Star Conference (LSC).

The Javelinas are currently in sixth place in the LSC heading into Thursday’s game against Eastern New Mexico. The Javelinas are currently on a three-game losing streak.

A positive for the Javelinas heading into the home stretch of the season is that they are starting to gel at the right time in the season as they are starting to hit on all cylinders.

“I think the kids are locked in and are starting to figure out their roles as a team,” Head Coach Johnny Estelle told Javelina Athletics.

As a team, the Javelinas are averaging 68.8 points a game. The offense has been on a roll throughout the season as most of the team losses so far this season have come down to the final minutes of the game.

Junior Guard Rashon Thomas is leading the team in points per game as he is averaging 9.5. Thomas is

also leading the team in three points attempted on the season with 102 and is tied on the team with 32 made three pointers with senior guard Alex Mills.

A standout on the team so far is freshman forward, Will Chayer from Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, who is averaging 4.4 points a game and is also averaging more than four rebounds a game as a true freshman.

On the defensive side the Javelinas are giving up 66.1 points a game as a team.

Freshmen guard Darius Mickens has a team high with 38 steals and has 11 blocks on the season so far with six games remaining.

“It’s the home stretch of the season and it’s put up or shut up time for the Javelinas. Everyone knows who they are now and it’s time to execute coaches’ game plan,” senior guard Mills said.

The LSC tournament will be begin on March 7 in Frisco, Texas.

Photo by Amanda De Frees

Jamell Bradley dunks it.

Photo by javelinaathletics.com

Photo courtesy of http://www.espn.com

Jacolby Harris shoots a jumper.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

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Page 9 - Entertainment

Video Game Review: Kingdom Hearts 3

Latest game a cluttered yet satisfying entry into the series C.R. NEAL Editorial Editor After 14 years of waiting, Kingdom Hearts fans finally got their hands on the ambitious pseudo-finale that is Kingdom Hearts 3. While the game trips over its own storytelling in the 10 previous games, it manages to provide a satisfying, if underwhelming, experience.

The Kingdom Hearts universe is a mash-up between Disney and Final Fantasy, a combination that should not work, yet somehow does.

Fans of the series will have a hard time understanding the story if they are not well-versed in every entry into the series, and newcomers will not understand any of it.

The whole series is a grandiose battle between the forces of light and dark spanning multiple worlds to respectively protect or control Kingdom Hearts, the heart of the universe.

Gamers play as Sora, a kid whose world was consumed by the darkness.

Sora fights alongside Donald Duck and Goofy to stop Organization XIII from unlocking the power of Kingdom Hearts.

Sora is a keyblade wielder, a weapon that functions as both a key and a sword. The keyblade can lock or unlock the hearts of the worlds and the people that inhabit them. For most of the series, this has factored into the main story in key moments. However, this is not the case in Kingdom Hearts 3.

There are seven Disney/Pixar worlds in Kingdom Hearts 3, and they all look gorgeous. From the ice labyrinth in Arendelle from Frozen to the high seas featured in Pirates of the Caribbean, I frequently found myself stopping to take in the view.

Though Kingdom Hearts deals with complex issues such as the death of a dear friend, they also interject moments that elicit pure joy. Dancing with Rapunzel and the people inhabiting the Kingdom of Corona makes the players forget the trauma Sora and his friends are going through for a fleeting

Photo courtesy of Imgur

Photo courtesy of Play Station Universe

moment.

When Elsa sings “Let it Go” in Arendelle, the player does not think about how many times they have already heard it, they are absorbed in the emotional vortex created by the character’s new context in the Kingdom Hearts universe.

While Sora is fighting through these worlds, his friends Riku and Kairi have their own story arcs. Their arcs feel undercooked and shoved into the game so the characters are not stagnant.

One of the main issues of the game is that there is no midpoint to the story, like there has been in previous titles.

The entire game is separated into the Disney worlds and the “story” worlds, which leaves the entire story to unfold in the third act of the game. This leaves the end of the game feeling rushed and forced.

Character arcs set up in spin-off titles are resolved too quickly, though they still manage to tug at the heartstrings.

These are resolved through an overly long boss gauntlet that forces the player to fight through their tears from the previous boss conclusion.

The combat of the game is also a mixed bag. As in previous games, the main component of fighting is mashing the attack button until you burn a hole through the controller.

Each keyblade has a unique form that can be used after the player fills

up the command gauge, and may be upgraded using various materials scattered throughout the game. This is a very welcome addition to the combat, as some of the harder boss fights force you to use different strategies to succeed.

Team attacks and the newly added attractions factor into combat much more than the game’s predecessors.

Attractions are Disney theme-park rides reimagined as an ultimate attack, which do not feel that ultimate when you acquire them every 30 seconds of combat. These attacks are extremely powerful and break the game to the point that almost no battle, including the bosses, feels challenging.

I played on proud mode, the highest difficulty, and did not feel any challenge until the final boss fight.

Historically, the Kingdom Hearts series has had critical mode, which adds an extra level of strategy into the game. Most forums regarding Kingdom Hearts 3 on Reddit lament the exclusion of this difficulty mode, and I have to agree. The feeling of beating a boss after you have gone through the process of learning its attacks through many failed attempts is simply unavailable in the game’s current state.

Kingdom Hearts 3 may have its share of issues, but it is still an exciting and emotional journey that is rewarding if you have followed the story until now.

Page 10 - Entertainment

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Art exhibit sheds light on border issues LILLIAN MORRIS Contributing Writer Celeste De Luna is a self-taught printmaker, artist and activist from the Rio Grande Valley. Her work has been inspired by her personal life and the experiences she’s had on the border, along with the relationship with her husband, an I.C.E agent.

De Luna’s works focus on border issues, feminism, political views, patriotism and the communities within the border.

“People don’t like me using this relationship - no matter how it started to explore borders because they don’t like me having an independent voice,” De Luna said, referring to her marriage and the relationship with her husband.

“It’s this idea like your work isn’t legitimate because of who you’re married to.”

De Luna’s different pieces of art have been on display in the Ben Bailey Art Gallery on campus since Jan. 15 and will continue to be displayed until Feb. 28.

On Friday, she gave a talk to a room filled with students and faculty, during which she fielded questions about her

work and discussed her inspiration.

De Luna doesn’t let other people try to deter or undermine her political views, or tell her what she should or shouldn’t do with her art. De Luna’s family is supportive of her border art, and will often model and be characters for her artwork and prints.

She also has a woodwork piece that depicts women with fences on their heads. To her, the piece isn’t a violent act or symbol, but is a representation of borders and women.

“I was trying to talk about women occupying border spaces and not just being violent places for men and cartels…I decided to put the fences on top of women’s heads,” she said.

For TAMUK Professor Roberto J. Vela Cordova the border patrol checkpoints throughout the Valley give “a sense of closure and being surrounded,” and commented on De Luna’s work and the importance of such work.

Art Associate Professor Jesus de la Rosa thinks De Luna’s work is important and beneficial for everyone.

“I think it’s something we should be more conscious about. This work is necessary. We need to hear it in as many different mediums as possible,” he said.

Don’t Say Thank U, Next to Grande’s Latest Album JOSUE VILLAREAL Reporter

Ariana Grande came out of 2018 on top of the world. After a lot of turmoil involving break ups, being groped on live television and having to deal with the death of an ex-boyfriend, Grande bounced back with her inspirational smash hit, “Thank U, Next.”

Looking untouchable, many waited with bated breath on the follow up. “7 rings” was released as the next single, and it has only been a disaster since then.

Coverage of Grande’s music went from themes of inspiration to themes of mockery and criticism. News sites, as well as people on social media, were throwing jabs at her two failures of getting a tattoo that properly translated to “7 rings” in Japanese, as well as three different artists bringing accusations of cultural appropriation and thievery of imagery, flows and lyrics.

Add on the fact that “7 rings” is by far one of the worst songs she has ever recorded, it left a sour impression that Ariana Grande wouldn’t be able to top what I believe to be her best album to date, “Sweetner.”

Now that I’ve heard it, I can say I was half right. “Thank U, Next” definitely does not top “Sweetner.” While its flaws are numerous and glaring, this album is still a solid effort that is worth a listen.

The album starts awkward and slow - “Imagine” in particular, with its clunky and stagnant beat, doesn’t lend well to Ari’s singing. The random heavy bass at the end with whistling turns an otherwise boring song into an unlistenable one.

The album only picks up from there with songs like the adorably intergalactic bop “NASA,” the introspection of “Fake Smile,” and the exciting horns and catchy hook of “Bloodline.”

I had to remind myself that I love a lot of the tracks. It’s just easy to forget that I do because of the horrible first and last impression the album leaves.

“7 rings” is at the tail end of the album. With its use of The Sound of Music’s “Favorite Things” combined with the sheer lack of structuring in the track, it feels like the laziest track on the album, as well as sticking out like a sore thumb.

“Thank U, Next” continued on Page 11

Photo courtesy of Junkee

Photo by Lillian Morris

Artist Celeste De Luna with one of her pieces.

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Page 11 - News & Jumps

Valentine’s continued from Page 1

See your family

But maybe on days like this, you miss your family. So, why not head back home and hang out with your

grandparents or parents if they don’t have Valentine’s Day plans.

If you live far away from home, skype or facetime and just talk with them for a good while.

Your family loves you just the way you are, every day, not just on Valentine’s Day. We hope these ideas are helpful to some of you. We hope that whatever you do on Valentine’s Day, you try and love yourself. Do whatever makes you happy!

Cut yourself some slack and remember that you are lovable and worthy of love every single day.

Thank U, Next continued from Page 10 A lot of the tracks on this album deal with the intricacies of emotion, heartbreak and vulnerability. To transition from that to a song bathed in shallow and generic flexing taken right out of your average trap song is jarring at best and actively frustrating at worst.

It’s the same issue with the latest single and album closer “Break up with your girlfriend, I’m bored.” It’s another slow tempo track that delves into an uncaring need to steal someone’s boyfriend.

There’s nothing wrong with songs like this, and I know many pop stars make them. However, in my opinion Grande doesn’t have the personality to properly sell it. She has tried on many occasions to have a savage edge to her music along the lines of frequent collaborator Nicki Minaj.

But Grande’s voice is far too an-

gelic and easy on the ears for it to feel like a fierce attack. She is far too an emotional singer to properly portray cold and heartless, not to mention the real-life personality of Grande doesn’t seem to match this. When met with criticism for her tattoos and accusations of cultural appropriation, she responds with pleas for sympathy rather than any bite or counter criticism. It just doesn’t mesh well.

These inconsistencies in tone, as well as some of the worst songs Grande has made in her career tacked onto it, it’s a shame that this album couldn’t reach the potential some of the tracks showed it could have.

Those songs are in fact good enough to keep me out of claiming this album as bad. It’s a mixed bag with extreme lows, but enough extreme highs for me to recommend you don’t say “Thank U, Next” to this one.

Photos by Amanda DeFrees

Pep Band members practicing before a home basketball game.

Pep Band continued from Page 1 and for the music department mutually.

“But, just with the hustle and bustle of the spring semester it’s just hard to make something happen like that, [but] with the addition of new faculty and also just a willingness on both sides to make it happen is what made it happen,” Pep Band director Eduardo Moncada said.

Similar to the university’s marching band, Pep Band also plays renditions of popular pop tunes and fight songs.

However, they also try to mix it up by playing different styles of music.

Along with the help of another music faculty member, Moncada has chosen a diverse song list for the band.

“Basically, it was just trying to find songs that are in general exciting.

Like one of the songs we have is Party Rock Anthem from LMFAO...and then we have some classic songs...just good sounding music. You know it sounds good and it feels good when the

band’s playing and you look around and the audience is bobbing their head or kind of moving. That confirms the music selection,” Moncada said.

For Javelina basketball player Bri-Anna Soliz, having the Pep Band play brings a new element to the team’s home games.

“I think the band changes the atmosphere, especially when we are about to start the game. It’s different than regular music and it brings [me] chills every time we are about to start because it’s so loud and not the regular music you hear every other game,” Soliz said.

Basketball player Kristina Kana also believes that having the Pep Band helps pump up the players and the crowd.

“I love having Pep Band at the games because it brings so much more energy to the game. The louder the better and having them there gets the stands and the team hyped,” Kana said.

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Texas A&M University-Kingsville University Housing & Residence Life

Current Residents Amenities:

Barbecue and Picnic area Exterior card access system Game tables Ice machines & Vending Machines Intramural teams Lounges with living rooms and TVs Planned residence hall activities Professional staff members Resident/Community Advisor staff Smoke-free building Student leadership opportunities

Don’t Forget to Re-sign your Housing Agreement with us to lock in your rate freeze for the 2019-2020 academic year.

We will post signs up in the residence halls when the resign up period begins.

TURNER/BISHOP/MARTIN HALL $2,096 PER SEMESTER LYNCH HALL $2,311 PER SEMESTER LUCIO HALL & MESQUITE VILLAGE WEST $3,394 or $3,604 PER SEMESTER

Email: residencelife@tamuk.edu Phone: 361-593-3419

Lucio Hall, Office 119, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202