Volume 28 Issue 10

Page 1

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

IslandWavesNews.com

BIG HELP

Feature Corpus Christi native starts business, gets cheeky Page 12

Record breaking turnout for Big Event

Also

by JONATHAN FORNEY • Page 3

April 6, 2017 Volume 28, Issue 10

Opinions Page 2 Entertainment Page 8 Sports Page 15


2 Opinion STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI

04.06.2017

Millennials should listen to 'oldies' KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace

When millennials use the term "oldies," the majority ISLAND WAVES STI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | of VOLUME ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15 them 26 are referring to Slim IslandWavesNews.com Shady, Good Charlotte and any other band or musician they Editor-in-chief listened to during their angsty KACI ALVAREZ pre-teen middle school years. However, what they should Web be referring to is the classic MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL, editor rock, hair bands and powerful JEFFREY THOMAS, on-air talent protest anthems in which peoMITCHELL JACKSON, vid. editor ple threw up peace signs too. ERIN NASH, podcast host The music of the late '50s through the '80s were made Copy Editor up of face-melting guitar rifts, KATIE MEZA political and social undertones and unique voices that really Visuals spoke to the listeners. IZZY SNEED, editor Instead of the rap and pop ZACH ALDRIDGE, photographer music millennials listen to nowadays, here's why they Layout should switch the radio to 93.9 KARA HERRERA, editor and engulf themselves in a VINCENT VERDUZCO, assistant world of awesome. 1. The songs actually have Reporters meaning. After constantly GERI LEMMONS, features hearing lyrics that make no JONATHAN FORNEY, sports sense, degrade women and talk MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, news about how using drugs and killSARAH REEVES, news AMERICA SEGURA, sports

Graduate Assistant BRADY BURNS, advertising

Faculty Adviser WENDY MOORE

ABOUT ISLAND WAVES Island Waves is a studentproduced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Any student or University employee may submit material and opinions for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor. CONTACT US 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 editor@tamucc.edu ads@tamucc.edu

ing people is cool, it's refreshing to hear powerful words in a song. For example, songs such as "Imagine" by John Lennon, "What's Going On?" by Marvin Gaye and "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" by The Clash were a part of an era of social and political revolution. The lyrics in the music spoke to the listeners and had a truly powerful meaning behind it. 2. The musicians actually played instruments. With the growth of EDM and the House, Trance and Techno genres, actual instrument playing is scarce today. So hearing a band with drum solos, tambourines and keyboards is a treat. It allows the listener to truly appreciate the work the musicians put in to their music instead of hitting a button on a laptop. 3. The music is simply better. When comparing the barely audible words and over use of bass in today's music to the variety of instruments and powerful lyrics of older music, there's really no question. Oldies is just better. Plain and simple. Now go give it a try, I promise it won't disappoint.

IZZY SNEED/Island Waves

Mosquito season approaches, gear up AMERICA SEGURA @americabatel

As we anxiously wait on the Texas summer heat and Corpus Christi beach weather to approach, there are a couple of things we forget to think about. Like the fact that along with the awesome weather comes an awful mosquito infestation. Just kidding. But really, mosquitos are actually quite vicious, and as the summer heat intensifies so do the little creatures flying around. Yes, that’s right. It’s mosquito season. As pesky and annoying as these little critters are, there’s no way to avoid them, at least

not completely. However, there are quite a few ways you can gear up and avoid getting eaten alive by mosquitos. You can follow the next few handy guidelines to make sure you’re protected. 1. Use Repellent. The first guideline toward gearing up for mosquito season would be to go and get yourself some good ol’ mosquito repellent. More often than not, repellent can make quite a difference. However, make sure you get one that is right for your skin and won’t have a negative reaction to your body. In addition, it is also important to avoid repellents that have any sort of sweet scent. If you obtain a repellent with a sweet scent, it may end up being counteractive since mosquitos are attracted to sweet

smells. 2. Stay Hydrated. Believe it or not, maintaining the right amount of water in your system and keeping yourself hydrated can indeed help with avoiding mosquito bites. Overall, water can be beneficial to you in many ways especially during mosquito season. 3. Avoid mosquito time in the day. Although sometimes it is inevitable to keep yourself from being outside at certain times, it is recommended to steer clear from being outside during the times of dawn and dusk. These specific times are when mosquitos are most prominent. Moreover, if you happen to be outside during the night, try not to be close to a light. Mosquitos are attracted to lights and if you happen to be

by one, you may just have set yourself up for an itchy situation. 4. Maintain your health. Mosquitos can carry diseases and once you’re bitten by one, you might just get sick. This is why it is crucial to wash your hands, put medicine on bites and stay healthy with your diet, etc. Since we do live in a very moist area and near a beach, it is extremely common for mosquitos to be prominent in this area. Mosquitos are simply looking for a semi-moist area to lay more eggs that will eventually grow to be more mosquitos. Furthermore, it is advised that you follow the steps above to make your summer a little more pleasant with these little unwanted guests all over the place.


News 3

04.06.2017

Turnout for Big Event breaks record JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

M

ore than 1000 student volunteers from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi signed up to participate in the Island’s ninth annual Big Event. The Big Event began at Texas A&M University-College Station in 1982 to help their local community. Since then the program has become the largest single day student-led service effort in the country and universities nationwide host their own Big Events every year. This year’s Big Event, put on by the Student Volunteer Connection on Saturday, March 25, had record-breaking numbers for the Island University in terms of participants. “It’s pretty much a year-long process,” Student Activities coordinator Samantha Demelim said. “[The committee] began over the summer and work all year.” Beginning the day, the volunteers signed in and breakfast was provided by Islander Dining. The Islanders began to break into groups. The seven groups were then subdivided into teams.

O N L I N E

Island Waves News .com

Breakfast and a Paper begins in Dining Hall

Island Waves will now be hosting Breakfast and a paper every Monday from 8-11 a.m. in the TAMUCC Dining Hall. We will be there handing out breakfast alongside our latest issue of Island Waves. Don’t miss your chance to pick up a newspaper and some breakfast. Find more information on our social media pages. Photos by JONATHAN FORNEY

Deja Ridgeway does her part in The Big Event by hauling this massive branch to its destination.

Each team captain was given a packet with information about their specific job site and the tools they would need to check out before they headed to their site. After some announcements and presentations by the event’s student coordinators, Ashley Cooper and Alex Puentes, the volunteers were off to work. This year’s Islander volun-

teers were sent out to help at 63 different work sites in the Corpus Christi community. These sites were either residential or nonprofit organizations who requested to be a part of the day of service. Volunteers painted residents’ houses, trimmed hedges, organized food donations, picked up trash on the beach and participated in many more activities.

Julian Dalton adds to the ever-growing pile of branches to help the clean-up effort on March 25.

Coordinating this many volunteers is no small feat and it takes months of planning and preparation to organize. Many of the volunteers registered with their groups or organizations, such as Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), a pre-medical honor society that was assigned to help move dead tree branches from the Redhead Pond Wildlife Management Area. “The Big Event is great. It’s fun getting involved and helping out,” said Nadia Hatami, sophomore biomedical science major and AED member. To promote the Big Event, the committee made a substantial effort to get the word out. “This year we did an extra hard push in the community,” Demelim said. “We were interviewed on Jim Lago [a local radio show]. We were on Domingo Live. We also went around to libraries, community centers and senior centers to put our fliers out.” The Big Event is an opportunity for students to show the Corpus Christi community some Islander spirit. “The Big Event allows the people of Corpus Christi to see its best and brightest,” said Dr. Robert Dillard, political science professor.

Island Waves takes home 17 TIPA awards The Island Waves staff headed to Dallas on March 29 to compete at the 2017 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. All staff members competed in on-site contests including sports photography, news writing and TV anchoring. Island Waves also entered contests back in December 2016 to be judged by submitting published work from the previous year. The staff of Island Waves took home a new record of 17 awards over the weekend and can’t wait to compete next year. For more information on what awards the staff received, visit our social media pages.

ON THE COVER: Photo by JONATHAN FORNEY


4 News

04.06.2017

Trump administration proposes budget cut SARAH REEVES @SreevesR

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President Trump speaks with supports at rally in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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s of March 2017, President Donald Trump and his administration have prepared a budget proposal aimed to minimize federal spending in the United States. According to the Hill, the Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts would save approximately $10.5 trillion over 10 years. “The Trump Administration needs to reform and cut spending dramatically, and targeting wasted programs is a good first step in showing that the Trump Administration is serious about radically reforming the federal budget,” said Brian Darling, a former staffer at the Heritage Foundation during a statement the New York Times. The budget cuts will affect funding for many different departments in the country. Some departments include the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. “Trump has the attitude of survival of the fittest,” said Laura MontgomeryMcGrady, senior leadership student. “He doesn’t care about the earth. It’s just him and those like him that are going to stay on top.” McGrady said as a country, we are on the right track to conserving our planet for future generations, but all the progress we’ve made so far, the Trump Administration is working to dismantle. “We’ve got to change how we do things,” McGrady said. “We need research and innovation. But without funding, how can we expect to address, nonetheless solve, the environmental is-

sues we’re all facing?” “If you’re not going to allow people to be educated, that is the epitome of a careless administration towards its people,” said Emma Horvath, senior English major and future secondary teacher. “By cutting the budget of educators, you are taking the roots of the tree that sprouts the pillars of society like the doctors, lawyers, vets, etcetera, which are all nurtured by the teachers. People tend to forget that.” Horvath said cutting these types of programs does not allow students to have programs that are not typically offered in their common classrooms. For instance, she is in a program called American Reads that was created by former president Bill Clinton in the 1980s. American Reads allows tutors to go into classrooms and promote literacy for those who aren’t native English speakers. “The budget cut taking away programs like this, though, will cause the teachers to have to attend to illiterate students,” Horvath said. “Which will essentially take constructive teaching time away from all the students together.” Horvath said her concern is for future teachers who will be entering the workforce over the next few years, under the Trump Administration. “We are worried what our jobs are going to look like, how education curriculums are going to change and whether or not there are going to be any jobs like there was before,” Horvath said. None of the budget cuts in the proposal are set in stone yet. In the various departments, budget offices have the time to review, process and appeal for changes before the proposal goes through Congress.

President Trump talks with lawmakers on cutting programs.

Photo courtesy of WIKIPEDIA.ORG


News 5

04.06.2017

Spring breakers rush Port Aransas police MELISSA RODRIGUEZ @__melisssaaaa

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midst all beach goers in Port Aransas, a fight broke out between several spring breakers which resulted in Port Aransas police officers being overcome by hundreds of spring break spectators. March 11-19 marked the official week of Spring Break for many schools across the state of Texas. Port Aransas’ beaches have made the city a popular destination for many residents and tourists looking to go out during this week void of school. This year’s spring break in Port Aransas made headlines as a mass of beach goers rushed police who were trying to break up a fight. “A mischaracterized fight broke out in a large group of people,” said Scott Burroughs, Port Aransas chief of police. “After some of [the brawlers] escaped to the dunes, many [spectators] followed to continue watching, but there was a group who went off to intervene with the police.” The group of people who initially began the fight were the police’s main targets. As some targets managed to run away into the sand dunes, the hysteria began as hundreds rushed over in the

Tourists enjoying spring break on the beach.

same direction as the police in attempt to continue watching the fight play out. After some spectators began to deliberately intervene, PAPD officers sprayed pepper spray in the air to disseminate the masses. Burroughs said aside from this event, this year’s spring break was considered relatively normal by PAPD. There were a total of 259 arrests made between all

photo courtesy of GOOGLE.COM

law enforcement agencies in Port Aransas. Starting midnight March 11 through midnight March 19 for how many arrests were made by each agency are as follows: 159 Port Aransas PD, 71 DPS and 5 by other law enforcement agencies. Being his nineth year as chief of police for Port Aransas, Burroughs said this Spring Break was relatively normal as previous years in terms of atten-

dance. He said the first couple of days the crowds were slightly smaller, but it picked up as Tuesday and Wednesday came around. As for the weekend, the crowds were large yet still slightly lower than they typically are. “I went on Tuesday and it was packed,” said Cameo Lukisch, freshman forensic science major. “Not as bad as I when went Friday where the beach was covered with people and there were so many cars on the beach you could barely move through the crowds.” Out of the large crowds of people in attendance, there were only four full custody arrests, meaning arrests including actual detainment. For most, any arrest made was more so a citation for misdemeanor infractions but they did not require for any jail time. “Despite all the crowds, we’re a safe destination,” Burroughs said. “During this week we had no sexual assaults, no stabbings, no fatal accidents, [etc.] so considering the crowds we had of around 2,000, there were relatively few accidents and hardly any serious,” Burroughs also encourages future spring breakers to enjoy themselves while at the beach in a safe manner and warns about intoxication being a trigger for problems.

Phi Kappa Phi supports community with book drive BY ILLI-ANNA SKY MARTINEZ Contributing Writer

F

rom March 20 through April 17, Phi Kappa Phi will hold a book drive for the Early Childhood Development Center at the Island University. This is the first time the book drive has ever been held and the organization is asking for the community to donate books aimed for children in Pre-K up to children in sixth grade. Dr. Bunny Forgione, first-year president of the society, said she hopes students will have a better idea of what Phi Kappa Phi is and what they do. “We hope to give some publicity to Phi Kappa Phi to let people know that it is a society that is doing things for the community,” Forgione said. Forgione said this is the third year the honor society has been with the university and is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective honors society. Since Phi Kappa Phi has been around for a few years, she said a book drive for the young students on campus would be a

great way to give back to the community. Executive administration assistant Jesse Sifontes said he is currently work-

ing with Phi Kappa Phi with the book drive. He said they could easily have done a book drive for textbooks for the students at the university, but felt giv-

ing back to younger students would be more meaningful. “Personally, I think it’s a good cause,” Sifontes said. “But not only that. We have a lot of students who work individually with students on campus. It’s another way to give to them.” Sifontes said the book drive will help promote learning and literacy, and the goal is to be able to provide children with age appropriate books. “I think it shows good scholarship to our younger persons here on campus and hopefully it will stimulate them to want to get further into their education,” Forgione said. Both Forgione and Sifontes said they strongly encourage students and the community to donate their books. Sifontes said the ECDC is a diverse school that has high standards for its students which makes it important for them to have the books they need. “It helps them start a good path to education,” Sifontes said.“If they start early, it’s more likely that they reach that higher goal.”


6 Entertainment

04.06.2017

Rachel Vincent inspires with on-campus speech Geri Lemmons @GeriLemmons

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n March 23, in Anchor Ballroom, Rachel Vincent, editor of the book “When We are Bold, Women who Turn our Upside Down World Right” visited Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to speak about some of the inspiring women she writes about in her book. Alongside her, other females came to speak on behalf of the activism they have been doing and how they are pushing to help other women, the environment and other topics. “I came here for extra credit but I learned a lot of stuff coming here,” said Karen Cardenas, sophomore general business major. Event goers were met with refreshments before Dr. Mark Hartlaub, the dean of Liberal Arts, opened the event. He spoke about the event itself and why

it is so important to have a speaker like Vincent. Vincent spoke about her book and the different inspiring women she came across while writing it, some whom have won Nobel peace prizes. Vincent also discussed the organization, Nobel Women’s Initiative, a feminist peace organization, she is a part of and the type of feminism they strive to be a part of. “What’s feminism, what’s peace?” Casey Camp, another speaker in the event, is an environmental activist. She was also a contributing writer who wrote a chapter in the book Vincent created. Camp spoke about the work she has been doing for indigenous people in helping them fight to keep their sacred land. Camp’s experiences include the work she was able to do with Standing Rock. She said her mother was the inspiration behind all of her hard work. Her

Editor Rachel Vincent autographs a book for a TAMUCC student.

mother is featured in her chapter in Vincent’s book. “I have learned that any violence against the earth is violence against women,” Camp said. “It deals with water, it deals with rights for us to grow our own food, it deals with our reproductive systems, it deals with any issues a woman will talk to you about.” Following Camp was speaker Minta Moore, executive director for The New Life Refuge Ministries. They work to help human trafficking victims after they have been saved. Moore helps them get acclimated back into society and become comfortable again. Moore also works to build them rescue houses for the females. “As I was speaking up there with the other ladies I felt very inspired by the stories, the commonality of each one of them raising issues that we all share,” Camp said.

The final speaker, Nancy WessonDodd was from the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). The YWCA is an organization that had been around Corpus Christi since the 1800s and is in 120 countries with an estimated 2.6 million members. She spoke about the programs they have which range from sex education to self-esteem. She said she believed women are strong alone but fearless together. At the end of the event there was a question and answer session where participants could ask all of the speakers questions about any of the topics. At the completion of the Q&A, Vincent and Camp stayed behind to sign books and take pictures with audience members. “I felt really good here being in an area where the mixture of people from different backgrounds and the ancestry history of my daughter’s people,” Camp said.

ZACH ALDRIDGE/Island Waves


Entertainment 7

04.06.2017

TAMUCC hires adviser for ICA, CAB MELISSA RODRIGUEZ @__melisssaaaa

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fter nearly a year without one, Islander Cultural Alliance (ICA) and Campus Activities Board (CAB) recently initiated a new adviser to guide these two organizations. The new adviser, Susan la Torre, moved to Corpus Christi in January 2017, where two months later she found herself interviewing for a position at the Island University. Coming from Ohio, la Torre said she found herself in a home away from home working a job and doing what she has always loved. “When my husband got a job [at TAMUCC], we saw this position open and I was super excited,” la Torre said. “It was the two things I love [working] in student activities and [my husband and I] get to work together.” La Torre officially began her role as ICA and CAB adviser two weeks ago, filling a long-time empty spot. Before her, there were two advisers in place, both of which had other advising roles in different organizations. ICA and CAB hired la Torre in hopes to have some-

one who would be dedicated solely toward them. “My hope for the new adviser is for her to be more involved,” said Chi Quach, junior business and marketing and finance major. “To me, I expect the adviser not to just be involved with the officers and their duties, but also with the other members and the organization.” As an adviser, la Torre will be in charge of overseeing everything for both organizations. This includes things such as approving proposals, approving any marketing both in and out of school and helping run events, among many other duties. “It’s like a school and they are the principal, if we do anything we have to go to them for advice and approval,” Quach said. Given that ICA and CAB are sister organizations, la Torre will have to step up and adequately advise the two. Both organizations are meant to get students more involved with the campus and offer a way for these students to enjoy their time at the university. She will be in charge of making sure these organizations have the proper guidance in

succeeding in their missions. Currently, la Torre is under supervision in her new role as adviser, but it is said once she begins learning how to hold the reins she will become the sole adviser for both activities. “As an adviser, it is my philosophy that student organizations be run by students, so I am not trying to run their organization but I am here to help in any way,” la Torre said. Coming up for ICA in April, are events such as Real Talks, Tunnel of Oppression and Asian Pacific Islander Celebration. Follow @IslandWavesToGo for more updates on when and where those events will happen.


8 Entertainment

04.06.2017

Islander Improv performs free show

SARAH REEVES @SreevesR

O

n March 25, the Islanders Improv Club from Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi hosted their Spring Show in the Warren Theatre. The show was free to all students, and those attending were given gift cards to Starbucks and Macaroni Grill for prizes. “It really was a great show with a great turnout,” said Gabriel Parker, senior theater major. “We had lots of audience interaction.” Parker said Islander Improv likes to bring the audience on board for the production. As improvisers, he said they liked to stretch people’s limits and bring them on stage to have everyone help the actors with some of the scenes. “I really like to make people laugh and have a smile on their face,” Parker said. “Improv is the sure way to do just that.” Along the lines of how audience-oriented the show was, Parker said improv really lets him show his creative side as a performer. Throughout the production, the Islanders Improv featured all kinds of different games. The Mannequin challenge was Parker’s personal favorite. This is

Islander Improv Team performs on the stage in the Warren Theatre at their Spring Show.

when the actors get two audience members on stage to physically move them. The improvers can say anything, but the audience decided the stage action. “I’ve never gone to a show like this before,” said Ashley Paiz, junior nursing student. “But it gets everyone involved. It’s hard not to get into it as part of the audience.”

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Paiz said she especially loved the host, Brian West. She said he was so energetic and very entertaining to watch. “I didn’t really have a favorite part of the show,” Paiz said. “But I can say that the ending was the worst part because I didn’t want it to end.” Islander Improv strives to make people smile while putting on a great show

SARAH REEVES/Island Waves

for diverse audiences. “Improv is especially so unique because it’s kind of like having a blank canvas that you create art from,” Parker said. For more information about upcoming events, visit the Islanders Improv Facebook page at www,facebook.com/ islanderImprov.


Entertainment 9

04.06.2017

Ingleside Chamber of Commerce Rounds Up fun GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

T

he Ingleside Chamber of Commerce hosted Roundup Days at N.O. Simmons Park on March 24 and 25. Roundup Days is a carnival and festival in its 43 year of existence. Visitors could shop from vendors who sold anything from food and jewelry to toys for children. “I was very small and it has just got larger and larger,” said Tamara McNatt, member services for the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce. “It has just grown over the past 43 years.” During the first day, the concert portion of the event featured different coun-

try artists, while the second day featured Tejano musicians. Performing artists included Roger Creager, Jay Perez, Curtis Grimes, Ricky Naranjo Y Los Gamblers, Grupo Imagen and 5 Card Draw. Many rides were also featured during Round Up Days including a merry go round, a ferris wheel and spinning tea cups. McNatt said they have been trying to make Round Up Days bigger each year. They have been adding new things to their stage line up in order to provide a variety of entertainment prior to their main acts, which played in the evenings. “This year was a little different,” McNatt said. “We added a gymnastics team, we had a mariachi band and a couple of

other bands.” Round Up Days had many familyfriendly activities throughout the weekend. There were crafts children could do at some of the tables around the tents. At the carnival games, participants were able to try and win prizes like giant stuffed animals and little goldfish. McNatt said the biggest draw for audience members was the opportunity to see local talent in their own town. They chose artists who are well known in the Texas area and ones that audiences could identify with. “You can get in for $5 and that is cheaper than a lot of festivals in the area,” McNatt said. “They are South

Texas bands and they are just right here and I think that is what people like. They don’t have to go all the way to Corpus just to hear some bigger bands.” Belinda Casanova, board chair for Ingleside Chamber of Commerce, said the goal for planners of the event is to get more vendors and more acts. They want to be one of the biggest festivals in the town of Ingleside. “We want to make sure that everyone comes to Ingleside, we want to grow commercially, industrially, residentially and we want to one day grow our population,” Casanova said. Casanova said the goal to make the festival fun and successful is ultimately to grow the town by bringing in visitors.

Photos by MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL

Country artist Roger Creager was the headliner at Round Up Days on Friday, March 24, preceded by 5 Card Draw and Curtis Grimes.

The carnival portion of Round Up Days lasted until Sunday, March 26.

Guests were able to ride carnival rides, listen to music, explore the market vendors and buy all different types of food throughout Round Up Days.

Valid through 12/31/17.


WA L K - A - M I L E SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION & AWARENESS MONTH

In Her Shoes

T U E S DAY

I N T E R N AT I O N A L M E N ’ S M A R C H TO S TO P RAPE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, & GENDER VIOLENCE

APRIL 11, 2017

Walk Kickoff

11:30 am

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi along with the Women’s Shelter of South Texas present Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes. This event raises awareness regarding gender violence by walking a mile wearing red high heels. Individuals of all ages and gender are welcome to participate. To honor victims of rape, sexual assault, and gender violence, there will be a candlelight vigil. Join us, bring your heels or just grab your sneakers, as TAMU-CC walks together to take a stand and break the silence.

#TAMUCCRedHeels facebook.com/tamuccwalkamile

EAST LAWN Walk & Vigil

12:30 pm

Licensed by Frank Baird & Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, a Venture Humanity, Inc. Project.

OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENTS

ENDING IN DUGAN GYM FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Angela Walker at 361-825-6219


Entertainment 11

04.06.2017

Tapscott serves 33 years at Island SANDRA SANCHEZ Contributing writer

H

e starts his day with two cups of coffee and an apple-filled pastry from his favorite bakery. As the sun rises he goes down Ocean Drive, which is the same route he has been down all these years. He finds his parking spot and walks over to the Corpus Christi Hall Building where his office is located. William Tapscott is the Video Producer for the Department of Information Technology and has worked for Texas A&M Corpus Christi for 33 years. Within this time, he has worked on several projects and has worked with many people. Dr. Ben Soto, director of IT support services, has known Tapscott for 20 years and said he is a great employee. “He likes to collect articles,” Soto said. “He is into preserving history and really into cameras, cassette tapes. He is almost like a historian of those items.” William has done so many projects while working with the University as well as around the community. If he is not editing or updating files for the department, he is filming somewhere around campus. “The most recent project I have done

was a three-day festival called Baliando Jazz Festival and the best part of the project was watching all the different type of dancers out there,” Tapscott said. Although Tapscott will be retiring soon, he says he will be either filming or editing a project that deals with intercultural dancing and performing. Since a child, Tapscott has been involved and had a passion for film and film equipment. The love for film is expressed though all his stories and memories. Tapscott said it was a beautiful camera given to him by his parents that started it all. “My parents gave me a Kodak Baby Brownie camera for my 12th birthday,” Tapscott said. “I still have it and I have all the accessories too.” Preserving antiques is something he likes to do and a trip to New Orleans illustrates this. William turned 18 in 1958 and he was searching for a photographer named James Bellocq. Going to New Orleans, he had no idea he would fall into great items entering an antique store. “I asked the, what was his name, Ruiz was the antique shop owner’s name and I asked if he had any camera items,” Tapscott said. “He then pointed to back of the shop of things I may want.” Tapscott didn’t know it at the time of

purchase, but he spent $50 on items that had just come in a month prior to the shop and they belonged to the photographer he admires. “Other photographers speak down on James’ photography, but it is because James was taking photos of life in Storyville, which was a prostitute town,” Tapscott said. Tapscott said the mayor of Storyville passed a law allowing prostitution, though it didn’t last long the photographers who talked down on James had no idea that his photos are now worth in the millions. “I am so happy that I may have his camera equipment,” Tapscott said. “I am yet to find out if it is actually his, but the crate

that all the stuff was in had his name on it. The camera that I have is a little over 100 years old.” Tapscott has traveled a lot as a filmmaker. He helps those around campus with his expertise in film making and co-workers say nice and positive things about him. Dr. Kelly Quintanilla, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s interim president, worked with Tapscott on several projects. “I had a chance to work with him throughout my time here at the University, which is about 22 years,” Quintanilla said. “He is very easy to talk to and work with on projects. I think he does an excellent job of capturing the essence of any event he’s filming.”

photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU

William Tapscott, video producer for the information technology department.


12 Entertainment Corpus Christi Native starts business, gets cheeky

04.06.2017

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL @mikaylaMOG

In March of 2016, a new bathing suit line opened its doors to the citizens of Corpus Christi. Coco Kini is a local business, owned and operated by Corpus Christi native Lauren Page. The bikini line is only an online shop, but there are a few events that Page will attend with a set number of suits to sell in person. The business was started when Page was having trouble finding bikini tops that fit her, and realized that a lot of people have the same problem. “That was my first motivation but then I really got into it and I realized how many fun fabrics are out and it’s just like a really fun, creative outlet for me so I just enjoy it. I enjoy it every day,” Page said. Each bikini is hand-made by Page with fabric that she spent several hours deciding on because she wants to find patterns that she believes the customers will like. Even with the hours spent on finding fabric, Page said that each bikini takes her roughly 45 minutes to cut and sew. As of right now, Page does everything herself but she knows it pays off. “It keeps me extremely busy and I like working with people and I love

seeing people in my bikini’s, like I hardly ever make myself any bikini’s but just when people tag Coco Kini in any pictures, I get super excited,” Page said. Mindy Mayden, a duel English and Marketing major freshman at University of Houston, found out about the bikini line through another Corpus Christi company she was fond of on Instagram. Mayden purchased one of Page’s high neck halter tops when Coco Kini first started out. “I think it’s great that she’s from Corpus. It proves that anybody can be successful, regardless of where they are from. Also, it’s an inspiration to other Corpus women with aspirations for entrepreneurship,” Mayden said. It was not just the fact that Page was from Corpus Christi that Mayden want to purchase a bikini but because the quality of the suit she was getting. According to DailyMail.com, the reason good quality, name brand bathing suits cost over a hundred dollars the majority of the time is because the labor behind it. Coco Kini bikini’s range from $38 for some bottoms while the tops range between $42 and $60, with Page running sales on her Instagram every so often. “I think people should purchase them because they are super afford-

Photo courtesy of LAUREN PAGE

Coco Kini offers three different types of coverage with their bottoms: Cheekier, Cheeky and Moderate Coverage.

able for such nice quality. Plus, It’s always great to know that what’re paying for is going towards an individual’s livelihood rather than a huge company,” Mayden said.

For more information about the brand or to see the bikini’s offered by Coco Kini, go to https://www.cocokinisurf.com or follow Coco Kini on Instagram.

Photo courtesy of LAUREN PAGE

Photo courtesy of LAUREN PAGE

As of right now, there are only about 12 pieces on Coco Kini’s website, but Lauren Page is hoping to expand a little bit more.

Page designed her suits with beach or outdoor activities in mind so the girls who wear them can surf, skate or just tan without the worry of it falling down.


14 Entertainment

04.06.2017

CAB screens Disney’s ‘Moana’, students gather ERVIN MOORE Contributing Writer

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he second Screen on the Green was hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB) on March 23. This month’s movie, “Moana,” took place in the University Center Lonestar A at 8 p.m. Moana is a PG rated Disney movie that’s 1 hour and 47 minutes long. “Campus Activities Board, my organization, hosts Screen on the Green,” said Andrew Jones, a sophomore political science major. “It’s a series where every month we show new movies. It’s for the students, and for them to have fun.” Screen on the Green started on Feb. 9 with the first new movie being Dr. Strange. “There all recently released movies,” Jones said. During the screening only a few seats were left open. Giggling followed humorous scenes. “’Moana’ was a good choice,” said Madeline Brast, a sophomore communication major. “It’s good that they show a variety of different types of movies so a lot of people come to see it.”

Moana was released on DVD on March 7, and in theatres on Nov. 23. “This was just a new movie I wanted to see.” said Jones. “Instead of going to a theatre or like dollar cinemas you could just see it here.” Originally Screen on the Green was located in UC Anchor Ballroom B, but was moved to UC Lonestar A. “I hadn’t seen it so I wanted to go see it, especially for free,” Brast said, “I would recommend it. I was easily impressed and feel like a large range of audiences would like it.” CAB hosts other events for students and faculty, including an Islander music festival that showcases national and local artists. “I love Disney movies like ‘Moana,’” Brast said. “Disney has been a large part of my life since I was a child. I liked the movie. I felt like at some bits it went on a little too long but overall I think it was a little piece of magic. “Moana” included an island culture with godly figures and legends. The lead role was played by a female, and accompanied by Dwayne Johnson (The Rock). For more information about future events, contact CAB at 361-825-2363 or visit cab.tamucc.edu

photo courtesy of CAB’S TWITTER

Campus Activities Board hosted their Screen on the Green event, showcasing ‘Moana’.

Netflix plans removal of fan favorites, subscribers react KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace

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etflix has announced that they will be getting rid of several fan-favorite shows and movies throughout the month of April. While social media sites such as Twitter blew up as people ranted about unsubscribing from Netflix because of shows like “The Office,” “Gossip Girl,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Parks and Recreation” would be removed, they aren’t on the official removal list. However, shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Arrested Development” and “House” are on the list and won’t be available anymore. Netflix hasn’t released an official statement as to why they are removing multiple fan favorites, but people are relating the decision to Netflix’s head chief of content, Ted Sarandos, who has previously said the company’s goal is to have at least 50 percent of the content on the service be exclusive to Netflix.

According to Polygon.com, Netflix has invest more than $6 billion into developing original and new series and licensing adored properties, which can result in other series disappearing. Here are just some of the television series and shows that will be removed during the month of April. 1. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 2. The Princess Bride 3. The X-Files 4. Wilfred 5. American Dad! However, while many fan favorites will be gone, Netflix plans on adding some hits to their service as well. Here are some of what will be new on Netflix this month. 1. Across the Universe 2. Gremlins 3. Girl Boss 4. Bill Nye Saves the World For a complete list of what will be leaving as well as what will be added, visit digitaltrends.com or whats-on-netflix.com.


Sports 15

04.06.2017

Senior players reflect on time at Island

JONATHAN FORNEY

@jb4nay

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n an up and down season, senior leadership helped the Islander women’s basketball team finish the year winning five of their final six games, including the first conference tournament game victories in seven years. During their time on the Island, seniors, Ashanti Jones, Camesha Davis and Kassie Jones have embraced new roles, taken on greater leadership responsibility and done their part to help improve the culture of the Islander women’s basketball program for years to come. “Something we changed towards the end of the year, as a team, [we were] just being more positive and not worrying about mistakes,” Davis said. “That really helped us become a better team.” The senior players learned how to be better players and better people in their time under head coach Royce Chadwick. Many of those lessons will stay with them long after they depart from the Island University. “Coach Chadwick used to say ‘improve one-percent every day,’” Plummer said. “It sucks it takes until your senior year to get it, but if you work at something every single day, you really see the benefits at the end of the year.” Davis said on Chadwick’s advice: “[Chadwick] stresses being accountable. As we got older, we realized that being accountable on the court, off the court and in your daily life are huge.” Another cornerstone of the team’s philosophy was embracing roles and the trio of seniors personified that. For example, Jones alternated between playing shooting and point guard for most of her career, but her senior year, she answered the call to run point full time for the Islanders. “Our freshman, sophomore and junior year, I hated playing point, but this year I was comfortable with it,” Jones said. “[Chadwick] always talked about leadership and being leaders, so this year he really stressed being a leader.” With new roles opening up on the roster with the departure of these seniors, the veterans have advice to help their teammates step into their new responsibilities. “Be ready and willing to embrace the role you’re given,” Plummer said. “Everybody plays an important role.

photo courtesy of CHARLES BLALOCK

(From left) Ashanti Plummer, Brittany Mbamalu, Camesha Davis and Kassie Jones regroup during the Southland Conference Tournament

It might not be the one that you want, but whatever you’re given, just try and thrive however you can.” Above all else, these ladies sought to leave a positive, lasting impact on the Islander women’s basketball program. “Don’t be afraid to be a person to set an example,” Davis said. “You don’t have to yell at everybody, just walk the walk. Don’t be afraid to be the girl.” Jones encourages current and future Islander players to “keep fighting, especially when things aren’t going your way. When things aren’t going well, don’t get flustered, just keep working hard.” Their time on the Island gave these seniors a vastly different perspective than what they came in with. They learned what it means to be Islanders and how to bring the best out of themselves and their teammates. “We helped bring this team together to want more for your upperclassmen,” Plummer said. “I wish I would’ve known this back then, but you play for your seniors. You may have more years to come, but this is their last year. I think that’s the legacy we left here: always stick together and play for each other.”


16 Sports

04.06.2017

Competitors run amunk in JLCC 5k JOSLYN DOIRON Contributing Writer

The Junior League of Corpus Christi hosted their sixth annual Run Amuck 5K Mud Run at the at the Gulf Coast Racing venue on April 1. Coordinators of the mud run welcomed joggers of all ages from across the Coastal Bend. Starting the run were 1K Kids run starting at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K Adult run at 8:30 a.m. While the adult obstacle courses were muddier than others, all of them contribute to the Run Amuck and Junior League of Corpus Christi (JLCC). “As a former soccer player throughout my life, mud runs have always been my favorite,” said Jessica Molina, local runner and Run Amuck participant. “It almost makes me feel like a young runner again.” Jessica Molina has been a runner and local soccer player for 20 consecutive years in Corpus Christi. This is her first time participating in the mud run. She and her mother Veronica Molina said they attend 5K runs regularly, and jolt to these occasions at any chance that they get. The muddy participation from the public will benefit the Junior League of Corpus Christi Inc.’s exercise of promoting volunteerism as well as develop the potential of women and impacting the community. As this organization has now moved into a new Junior League year, the JLCC continues to supply to programs focusing on nutrition, intellectual skills, literacy and physical activity. To sustain these missions, the Junior League of Corpus Christi generated the Run Amuck 5K Mud Run fundraiser averaging 1,000 runners throughout the muddy obstacles. Cost of participation

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Mud Run was to benefit the Junior League of Corpus Christi and how they are helping the community by providing programs in which the volunteers promote all different skill sets.

for adults was $60 March 21 until race day. The Kids 1K Dash cost for children participation was $30 until race day. Spectators of the community were welcome at no cost. “My daughter and I love attending runs such as these, and to have any type of involvement that benefits our health and the community,” said Veronica Molina, mother of Jessica Molina and mud run participant. “We like to spend our mother-daughter time running and exercising together, and nothing will beat this year’s mud run with a muddy challenge.” The Mud Run Fun after party was provided for all participants to enjoy food and drinks, receive awards and take photos in the photo booth. All participants earned medals, a souvenir T-shirt, race bib and post event snacks and drinks. For additional information, visit the Junior League of Corpus Christi website at www.jlcc.org.


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