Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
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PARTY SAFELY
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I-ADAPT holds event for safe party habits
Graduate student publishes new carbon dioxide concentrations Page 3
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by SAMUEL TRUJILLO • Page 6
Septmber 28, 2017 Volume 28, Issue 22
Opinions Page 2 Entertainment Page 8 Sports Page 12
2 Opinion STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI
09.28.2017
Students make case for living off campus Bree Ortega Staff Writer
Teens transitioning from one year of college to another may begin to feel the highs and lows of living in two very different places. ISLAND WAVES STI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | VOLUME ISSUE 20 | decisions 08.27.15 One of26the biggest IslandWavesNews.com students must make is whether they should live on or off Editor-in-Chief campus. Furthermore, decidJONATHAN FORNEY ing which roommates you want can lead to a big headWeb ache, and choosing a great GERI LEMMONS, editor location can be even more exhausting than any of that. Copy Editor There are many opinions and ILLI-ANNA MARTINEZ factors to weigh; however, it’s clearly up to you to decide Reporters what’s best for you. CATHARINA GARRETT “I was so surprised at the difMICHAEL BRODE ference there was,” sophomore ERIN NASH special education major Taylor AMBER CASTILLO Saucedo said. “There was defiSAMUEL TRUJILLO nitely more pros than cons to BREE ORTEGA be honest. After all I was happy to move off-campus.” Layout ISABELLA MOON, layout assistant
Advertising ALYSSIA CRAWFORD, assistant QUYNHCHI QUACH, assistant
Graduate Assistant TAIWO AGBAJE, advertising manager
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
Photo by JONATHAN FORNEY
There are plenty of off-campus living options for students.
To begin with, both living on and off campus may have different prices that can easily weigh in on your decision. I learned valuable lessons by grocery shopping and having a budget weekly. Driving back and forth to the Island can cost a lot of money in contrast with on campus students who normally save money and are
able to use it for other things. Parking spots are also very limited on the Island which can cause you to be late to classes. The most important advantage of living off-campus is the fact you will have more privacy. Big living spaces allow students to open up and live privately in their own apartment. A new year and a new living space away from the college can allow yourself to take a break from the college life. “I felt pressured to always be in study mode or in school mode,” kinesiology major Ryan Ocanas said. “I feel more relaxed when I’m not in that college bubble.” Students may feel isolated by school and peers that make their first year of college so wonderful. A taste for independence while living in their own mini household is what
students start to feel as the semester goes by. A warm sense of home is a great feeling to have when away from family. “I felt like my first year wasn’t so bad because I had that home environment,” sophomore criminal justice major Daniel Green said. Although it may feel like home, the responsibilities of living in a larger space come with it as well. On the bright side, growing up and learning these tasks isn’t such a bad habit to have after all. These pros and cons can help you choose whether living off campus is for you. Knowing the different prices, having your own privacy, tasting the independence and feeling like you are home can outweigh the little cons living off-campus has. These highs and lows should be able to get you through college like a piece of cake while living off campus.
WHO considers Cannabidiol's medicinal potential
Michael Brode @michaelbrode
Cannabis, commonly referred to as “marijuana,” currently remains illegal at the federal level; however, a potent message could soon be sent to the United States Food and Drug Administration regarding the wellknown medical potential of the plant. I personally believe that the evidence of cannabis’ positive health potential should be enough to get it through its upcoming regulatory hurdles. On Sept. 20, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closed its window for producers and retailers of cannabidiol (CBD) products to make comments about the compound to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO is considering whether CBD, one of 16 drugs under consideration, should fall under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The other drugs being looked into include synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids and ketamine. The comments made
by CBD stakeholders to the FDA are to be forwarded to the WHO without recommending action, however the FDA has not yet specified when this will happen. Cannabidiol is the main nonpsychoactive component of the cannabis plant and holds the potential to change the perception that many Americans still hold of the plant as a drug. CBD has been proven to treat ailments including, but not limited to, cancer, seizure disorders, diabetes, nausea, anxiety and chronic pain. According to Marijuana Business Daily, a change by WHO won’t necessarily affect how the government regulates CBD. The low potential for abuse and therapeutic value of CBD means it shouldn't be considered a psychotropic drug. By adding CBD to the convention, new international restrictions on producing and selling CBD would limit opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs and patients. This could make it more difficult for the patients of all of the aforementioned ailments to receive their effective
Chemical structure of cannabidiol.
medication. This signal could push CBD through FDA testing on a road to legitimacy. Currently, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. Schedule I substances, including heroin and LSD, are defined as having “no currently accepted medical use” and “high potential for abuse,” neither of which accurately portray the plant. It should be noted that the federal government has used
Image courtesy of CBDAlliance.com
prohibition of cannabis for a range of evil, racist and capitalist motives since the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. Cannabis is now legal for medical use in more than half of the United States with a market projected to grow into a $13 trillion industry 2025. Stakeholders in the cannabis industry and movement will be watching closely for the WHO’s decision on CBD, knowing fully well what it will imply for their livelihood and that of others around the world.
Campus 3
09.28.2017
Local non-profit holds fundraiser AMBER CASTILLO @AmberCastillo27
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he Ward Island Wannabes connected with Lazy Beach Brewing to hold their First Annual Fundraiser on Sept. 16 to benefit the Women’s Shelter of South Texas. The Ward Island Wannabes is a nonprofit collective consisting of Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi faculty and students. The event was filled with different musical talents, along with the Wannabe’s and beer and food. The band worked alongside Lazy Beach to make the event come to life. Political science professor Jeff Dillard of the Wannabes said they came up with the idea to become a nonprofit collective group and team up with the Women’s Shelter after collecting tips.
“We have built a pretty good relationship with the Women’s Shelter over the past couple of years,” Dillard said. “We wanted to be able to bring in a little more this time around so that is why we decided to team up with Lazy Beach Brewing to help us contribute and do what we can to give back.” Cory Mathews, owner of Lazy Beach, created a beer named after the Wannabes to help contribute to the fundraiser. “The band approached us about their idea for the fundraiser and we were all for it,” Mathews said. “We got on board and thought why not make a beer for this and name it after the band and use 25 percent of that beer that is bought and donate it to the shelter as well. It’s for such a good cause.” Melissa Liskey of the Women’s Shelter said she was glad she
could come in contact with the Wannabes. “The University has always been so supportive of our organization and we are so thankful for it,” Liskey said. “For this group of faculty and students to go out of their way to raise money for this great cause is just so awesome. The majority of our funding comes from fundraisers like these, so the support means a lot to us.” Their next event is The Coastal Bend Day of Giving. It will take place on Nov. 14 and is a community-wide event of giving to agencies such as the women’s shelter. “This event is one that we are so lucky to be a part of once again,” Liskey said. “Anyone can go and donate, whether it be $1 or $10; anything counts and will benefit the shelter.” To find more information on
Photo by AMBER CASTILLO
Local performers help raise money.
the Coastal Bend Day of Giving you can go to coastalbenddayofgiving.org. To contact the Women’s Shelter you can go to www.thewomensshelter.org or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Student uncovers story hidden in data JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay
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raduate research assistant and doctoral candidate, Hongjie Wang, began examining a data set two years ago for a class. Little did she know she would uncover new information helping advance current understanding of carbon dioxide concentrations. Wang had her findings published in Geophysical Research Letters for her analysis of changes in carbon dioxide concentrations in ocean margins. “This paper is mainly about CO2 sink or source evolution in the past few decades,” Wang said. “What I tried to understand is how the CO2 sink or source changed in those areas.” Wang said the ocean is a CO2 sink if the surface of the water has a lower CO2 concentration than the atmosphere. In this instance, the CO2 goes from the atmosphere to the ocean. The opposite is true for CO2 sources. In these cases, the CO2 concentration of the water is higher than the atmosphere and it goes from ocean to atmosphere.
Through her analysis, Wang determined how different coastal margins’ CO2 concentrations were changing. On the west coast of the United States, for example, strong upwelling is enhanced by global warming. This upwelling brings deeper, more heavily CO2 concentrated water to the surface, making these margins a CO2 source. The opposite is true on the east coast as it has become an increasing CO2 sink. Working alongside assistant professor of chemical oceanography Dr. Xinping Hu and professor of mathematics Dr. Blair Sterba-Boatwright, Wang could determine how concentrations of CO2 have changed around the world. Her study focused on an area that has yet to be studied extensively. “Before my study, a lot of research focused on the open area [of the ocean] to study the CO2 source and sinks changed, not in the coastal area,” Wang said. “[CO2 concentrations] fluctuate very much in these margins.” Wang and her colleagues spent one year developing a method to interpret their data and another year to interpret it. The two-year
process all began as a small assignment in Sterba-Boatwright’s class that Wang was enrolled in. “This whole project was a side project,” Wang said. “After that class finished, we three decided to continue the project to make it into a series.” In her class, Wang was told to find a story hidden in data sets. There is a vast pool of raw data collected by scientists around the world, but without someone to interpret it, that data is of no use to anyone. “For ocean studies, people have been collecting data all the time, but the interpretation doesn’t necessarily follow the rate of collection.” Hu said. Wang began her research by compiling CO2 concentration data from the last three to four decades from scientists around the globe. She noted the amount of data that went seemingly unused but was available for interpretation. “A lot of data just gets put on the [university] website,” Wang said. “There’s so much abandoned data that maybe we could find more stories in.” Wang set out to find the story
in her data. The entire process didn’t go smoothly from the outset. The team had to find the best method for them through trial and error. Before finding the method they published, Wang began with a completely different method for interpreting the data. “It’s like a spiral, not downward, but upward,” Hu said. “You’re going to have ups and downs, but overall, there’s improvement and advancement of the research.” Two years and two published papers later, Wang and her colleagues found the method they needed for their purposes. Throughout the duration of the project, Wang said she learned a new appreciation for data interpretation. “This whole process is just amazing. In the two years, I think I learned a lot,” Wang said. “Based on this experience, I’m more interested in analyzing data. This was my opportunity.” Wang hopes to continue her research into CO2 concentrations in coastal margins and its effects. She hopes to find even more undiscovered stories.
O N L I N E
Island Waves News .com
Another week of school has come and gone. As always, Island Waves is here to provide students with what they need to know. It may seem a ways away, but students who have not completed the “Think About It” course should work on that sooner, rather than later. A full explainer is online now. The university recently opened a food bank for students in need. Students are also encouraged to make donations to Izzy’s Food Pantry. For more details, find the story at IslandWavesNews.com. Speaking of food, Islander rec sports has an on-campus dietician who is ready to help students make healthy life choices. Learn more about Marcelina Garza and nutrition services available to students on IslandWavesNews.com. It’s election season at the Island University. The Student Government Association has some newly appointed officials. Our reporters wrote a full election recap including quotes from some of the winners and an inside look into the election process. Check out online for more details. Hispanic Heritage Month is still in full effect. Events will be held until Oct. 15 on campus. Island Waves will have coverage of the events as they happen. Lastly, Island Waves recently gave away a hammock to one lucky participant at our weekly Coffee and a Paper. Keep an eye out for more promotional events from your local student newspaper.
ON THE COVER:
PHOTO BY SAMUEL TRUJILLO
4 Campus
09.28.2017
Bondfire unites students with s’mores, smiles CATHARINA GARRETT @imacat_moo
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n Sept. 15 the Islanders Teaching, Engaging and Motivating Peer Education Program (I-TEAM) hosted their second annual bondfire. The bondfire gave students the chance to make s’mores over an open fire, participate in group-building games and engage in conversation with fellow Islanders. “We believe that every Islander is absolutely full of potential and we don’t want anything to stand in their way, especially substance abuse,” Delaney Foster, coordinator for student engagement and success said. “Our focus is on helping people to make informed and healthy choices, not on prescribing behaviors.” I-TEAM’s mission is to educate the Islander community in all dimensions of wellness through the promotion of healthy and inclusive behavior. They host events like the bondfire to steer students toward positive choices and a healthy well-being. With emphasis on preventing the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, I-TEAM works with the university’s Drug and Alcohol Prevention
Students enjoy each other’s company at Bondfire.
Program (DAAPP) to help students avoid substance abuse through a proactive alternative. Foster is also the professional adviser for I-TEAM and said the event was held to push for student success both socially and academically through drug prevention initiatives. She said continuous research has shown that millennial students are
Photo by CATHARINA GARRETT
highly structured and scheduled, which inspired I-TEAM’s goal to bring Islanders together in an “unstructured” friendly environment. Foster said her favorite thing about the bondfire was watching students come to the event by themselves only to find themselves leaving the same event with newfound friends. “Every year the bondfire helps people
to find friends, roommates and last year, we even got a romantic couple together,” Foster said. “Bringing people together is absolutely the best part of my job.” Kristina Kellogg, junior business major and bondfire attendee, said she would be willing to attend the event again in the future along with others hosted by I-TEAM. “I enjoyed getting to know other people in a way that was fun,” Kellogg said. “It [was] good to learn about one of the many organizations around campus.” In partnership with I-TEAM, the Islander Alcohol and Drug Prevention Team (I-ADAPT) will hold another event next month called Oksoberfest, themed around safe and sober fun for students celebrating Halloween. It as become an annual tradition throughout universities in the state. The event will take place on the East Lawn with inflatables, carnival games, food and mini-programs hosted by Islander students. “[Don’t] be afraid to talk to people,” Kellogg said. “Events like this are a great way to meet new people, [and] you never know who you might meet.” For more information about I-TEAM and their events visit their website: seas.tamucc.edu/ei/iteam.
H.P. Garcia Foundation pledges to Island University AMBER CASTILLO @AmberCastillo27
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he Island University honored the achievements of the late Dr. Hector P. Garcia on Sept. 20 along with pledging an additional scholarship to the University. The event took place at the University Center Legacy Hall from 2 - 3 p.m. where the scholarship committee presented freshman Mariella Jimenez the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship will reward her $5,000 each year for the next four years to help pursue her degree in education. The endowment first started in 1996 and on Sept. 20 the foundation pledged $50,000 more to the Island University. Jimenez became very emotional as she spoke about receiving the scholarship because like Dr. Hector P. Garcia, her parents were also immigrants. “My parents have sacrificed so much for me and my family,” Jimenez said. “Receiving this scholarship is really going to allow so many more options for
me to be involved in the school and organizations.” University president Kelly Quintanilla and Dr. Hector P. Garcia’s daughter, Cecilia Garcia Akers, alongside husband Jim Akers honored and remembered Dr. Hector P. Garcia, and also signed off on the pledge for the Memorial Foundation. “My father always wanted people to learn from him and his struggles,” Akers said. “He is a father of the MexicanAmerican civil rights movement and it’s very important that we let people know what are in the documents that are in the process of being digitized so they can know the history of my father Dr. Hector P. Garcia.” Garcia Akers said in her address Dr. Hector P. Garcia made a lot of sacrifices for not only their family, but many other people as well. She said her father’s wishes were for everyone to get the highest education possible. She said establishing an endowment in his name was important to her because it allowed them to not only learn about him, but also allow the foundation to
Photo by AMBER CASTILLO Dr. Kelly Quintanilla, Cecilia Garcia-Akers and Jim Akers signing the $50k Pledge.
give back to the university. Jimenez said she plans to make the foundation and her family proud and will continue to pursue her major in education. The freshman said she wants to finish her degree and become a math teacher.
“Being able to receive this scholarship really is going to make my dreams come true and easier not only for me but my parents,” Jimenez said. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to my time here at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.”
Campus 5
09.28.2017
School year kicks off with new exhibit at Weil Art Gallery SAMUEL TRUJILLO Reporter
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rtists and students alike gathered at the Weil Art Gallery on Weber road to celebrate the opening of the Sci-Fi Freaks Undergraduate Art Exhibition on Sept. 15. This year’s undergraduate art exhibit, which is open through Sept. 30, is sci-fi themed and featured the work of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s very own undergraduate art students. Student and gallery assistant Sarah Spalding said she was a fan of this year’s theme because it allowed the artists to be creative. She said people never know what to expect when it comes to sci-fi. “It’s so diverse,” Spalding said. “It’s more than just science.” The Weil Gallery’s wall is lined with colorful and psychedelic pieces that showcased everything from trippy portraits and screen prints of familiar sci-fi characters, to ceramic pieces that captured the imaginative side of sci-fi. The event also doubled as an art show in which special guest judge Jorge Alegria picked his favorite pieces as the winners. Alegria said it was a surprise to him to have a sci-fi theme. Alegria said he specialized in Sci-Fi and fantasy when it came to his own art, so judging this show
was within his realm of expertise. “I’m excited to see where these artists and their pieces are headed,” Alegria said. “Sci-Fi is a popular subject in contemporary culture,” event coordinator Jack Arthur Wood Jr. said. Wood said he picked this year’s theme based on his own taste and what he thought would make an enjoyable exhibit for those who attended. Art major Chloe Young was one of the attendees of the event. She said she was impressed with all the color and variety that was on display in the exhibit. “It was more vibrant than I expected,” Young said. Savannah Spears, another student attendee of the event said she enjoyed the show’s diversity and said she wished more people were aware of the incredible art that was on display at the gallery. “I thought the exhibit was very well executed in the way it was laid out,” Spears said. The Sci-Fi Freaks Undergraduate Art Exhibit will be open through Sept. 30 at the Weil Art Gallery, located at 4024 Weber Rd. For more information on the art program of Texas A&M University – Corpus Christ, visit their website at http://cla. tamucc.edu/art/
Sci-Fi art intrigues visitors of the Weil Art Gallery on Sept. 15, 2017
Students observe the art at the Sci-Fi Exhibit at the Weil Art Gallery.
Photo by SAMUEL TRUJILLO
6 Campus
09.28.2017
I-ADAPT teaches Partying Responsibly
SAMUEL TRUJILLO Reporter
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he Islander Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (I-ADAPT) teamed up with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Police to host their annual Party House event on Sept. 19 in the University Center. Students were led through a guided tour of four different scenarios in which different party scenes were portrayed. As the music was bumping and the non-alcoholic drinks were flowing, each scene featured a built-in message about the dangers of binge drinking and offered Islanders tips on how to party responsibly. “The first few weeks can be stressful so we wanted to make this fun for the students” said Delaney Foster, the coordinator of student engagement at the university. The tour’s participants were greeted by loud music, dancing and drinking games upon entering the first room. Some participants were just starting to get in on the festivities when campus police made a grand entry through the back door, bringing the party to
a screeching halt. The tour guide, in conjunction with the officers, then went on to explain the dangers and consequences of providing alcohol to minors. This was just one of several messages passed on by the I-ADAPT team. Other scenes included skits that touched on topics including alcohol poisoning, drunk driving, sexual assault and other potentially dangerous situations that partygoers may find themselves in. “We want to give [students] the right information to make the best possible choices,” Foster said. “You don’t have to be high or drunk to have fun.” Foster said it was important for students to be safe and responsible if they do choose to go out and party. “Choose your friends and the people around you carefully,” Foster said. “They can influence you in both good and bad ways.” After navigating their way through the tour, students were treated to refreshments, games, music and more in what was dubbed “the safe party.” They were also asked to fill out a questionnaire about what they just learned
Photo by SAMUEL TRUJILLO
Students are handcuffed by a university police officer in one of the ‘Party House’ activities.
in exchange for a free T-shirt. Sophomore business major Hilari Nickles was one of the engaged students who attended Party House. “I learned the importance of drinking responsibly, never to leave my drinks alone and always be with people I trust,” Nickles said.
This was I-ADAPT’s first major event of the school year. Students can catch them on campus next at their “Oksoberfest” celebration next month, which encourages sobriety. For more information on the IADAPT program and other upcoming events, visit http://iadapt.tamucc.edu
Hispanic Heritage Month starts with bang
GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons
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slander Cultural Alliance hosted the Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off on Sept. 14 in the University Center Anchor Ballroom. This was an event put on to help students and faculty members celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month which will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The kickoff gave students the opportunity to come out and enjoy live music, dancing, decorations and free food. Andrea Montalvo-Hamid, Hispanic heritage month coordinator, said the event was perfect for students to come out and learn more about different cultures. “It’s nice to have events like this to come and relax but also to learn something at the same time,” Montalvo-Hamid Hispanic said. Montalvo-Hamid was the main speaker of the event. She represented her culture, family and how she chose to inspire others. “My mom used to always tell me ‘you have to know where you come from in order to know where you are going’,”
Students gather at the Islander Cultural Alliance booth.
Montalvo-Hamid said. “As an adult I realize the importance of that and so I know I would not be here if my parents didn’t emigrate from Mexico.” The event served as an opportunity for students to meet new people and learn something.
Photo by GERI LEMMONS
“Coming to these events you are not only learning about the culture, you are getting free food and meeting potential lifelong friends and study partners,” Montalvo-Hamid said. Rosa Borrego-Butler, digital marketing coordinator for Islander Cultural
Alliance, said it is important for students to come to Hispanic heritage month events because it helps others feel like they are part of a community who supports them. “There are a lot of Hispanic students here and in our community so it is important that they feel included,” Borrego-Butler said. “Also for students who aren’t Hispanic, it is important for them to experience different cultures.” This event was the main kickoff to the whole month. Islander Cultural Alliance has two other events coming up for students who want to continue with the celebration. “ICA is hosting two more events the next one is going to be lotería, which is like a Spanish bingo,” Borrego-Butler said. “The next one we are holding is Latin dance night, where we are going to give out free dance lessons.” Hispanic Heritage Month is just getting started. Many more events and presentations are scheduled throughout the event’s duration. For more information about Hispanic Heritage month and future events visit http://hispanicheritagemonth. tamucc.edu/
8 Entertainment
09.28.2017
Small movie etertains, inspires moral reasoning MITCHELL JACKSON Video Editor and Contributing Writer
MOVIE REVIEW
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ith movies like “IT” and “Logan Lucky” coming out, you probably haven’t heard of “Wind River,” written and directed by Taylor Sheridan and starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen. However, it is still showing in theatres and is worth your time. The plot is deceptively simple: set in a small snowy town in Wyoming, the dead body of a young native American woman is found in the middle of a field on the Indian Reservation “Wind River.” A lone, rookie FBI agent (Olsen) is brought in and enlists the help of a local Wildlife officer (Renner) with a personal connection to the case. The plot is focused, simple and straightforward, which in turn allows the characters and the dialogue to shine. The small town and Indian reservation are almost characters within themselves in this movie. It exposes a lifestyle many Americans live that normally isn’t shown on screen. Char-
acters are a product of their environment and their environment may not give them many options. Elizabeth Olsen’s character acts as our eyes and ears, and her outsider perspective really shows how unique these smalltown lifestyles are. Unfortunately, she is unable to get help from her superiors on the case, due to logistical circumstances, and she must work with the already limited police force in the town. This gives the viewer an idea of how the culture in this setting is almost an icy wild west. People can commit crimes and likely get away with it which is why the setting is so important, as well as why the people in this town do the awful things they do. Which gets to the message of this film.
Without spoiling it, this film is not directly based on one specific event, but is inspired by common events that have happened. By the end, it is revealed there is a very real problem in these communities; especially for minority groups. The ending titles make a strong impact. So yes, there is a strong moral and thematic reasoning to want to see this movie. But is it entertaining? Of course. The movie builds slowly, letting the viewer into pieces of these characters lives, with several entertaining scenes that show complications in the logistics of the case, as well as some great suspense filled scenes. The suspense in this movie is simple and sneaks right under the viewers nose. A simple line of dialogue that conveys little tension will be repeated, and with every repetition the action propels until the scene explodes into something volatile. Tense and brutal scenes seemingly erupt out of nothing due to brilliantly simple set up.
Near the climax of the film, a piece of information is revealed at just the right time, which turns a situation on its head and things go haywire. The climax of the film is brutal, real and a great payoff for the setup of the first two acts. The ending of the film is somber, and emotional. While the suspense filled and dramatic content is great, Sheridan sprinkles in funny dialogue that happens organically from character interactions that keep the viewers spirits from being totally crushed through the viewing. As for performances, Olsen is likeable in her coming-of-age like arc and plays defining moments of her character well, and Renner carries the film with a grounded, real and human performance. There are many other things to be noted about this movie that make it great, from beautiful imagery of frozen vistas in the midnight sky to great supporting cameos and more, but the bottom line is “Wind River” is entertaining and thought provoking.
Image courtesy of THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
Promotional material for “Wind River.” The film illustrates the difficulties of finding justice in a small town in Wyoming. The film also has parallels to current social justice issues and themes.
10 Entertainment Islander Music Fest celebrates famous composers
09.28.2017
BREE ORTEGA Reporter
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lthough Johann Sebastian Bach lived a life full of heartbreak, his memory will be well known throughout the Island University music department. On Sept. 23, the Islander Music Fest will be hosted as a celebration in honor of the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Johann was a composer and singer that transformed the music world, where he was known for his music complexities and stylistic innovations that helped shaped his career. During his time, Bach was best known for his piece that was called “Toccata and Fugue” in D Minor. The music students of the Island University will be holding events on Sept. 22 and Sept. 23 throughout the weekend. “I’m unaware of all the events that took place in Johann’s life,” senior communication major Christina Rodriguez said. “I think I will be surprised by all the information I didn’t know.”
Photo courtesy of CLA.TAMUCC.EDU
The islander Music Festival logo indicated events around campus that were part of the festival.
On Sept. 22, free informational concerts were given in his honor at 11 a.m. Aside from this, free music by Johann was played by Islander music majors in the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Plaza. On Sept. 23, interactive lectures were
given about Bach to talk about his fulfilled life in Bay Hall, room 104. Right after, at 10 a.m. in room 104, a Sebastian Bach violin solo will be performed by Dr. Jose Flores. Dr. Sangmi Lim and Dr. Dino Mulic will also be perform-
ing Bach’s influence through modern piano in the Performing Arts Center at 11 a.m. At noon in the Performing Arts Center, Mr. Pedro Funes of the Houston Viol Society gave a lecture. For this event only, general admission tickets will be sold at $8. Lastly, in the Performing Arts Center from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. there was final concert to conclude the Islander Music Fest. The music fest is free for all Islander students. However, RSVP’s are required. For non-students, tickets per three lectures and solo performance were $20. Tickets could be purchased on the events tab at the TAMUCC website. T-shirts were also available with tickets through the online tab as well. “I’m excited to get the chance to go and learn more about Johann,” sophomore kinesiology major Kaylee Brown said. “Everyone is welcome and that’s what is so awesome.” For more information on these events or on how to purchase tickets or a T-shirt, visit https://www.tamucc.edu/ events/
BIG SCREEN TV’S • FREE WI-FI DAILY BEER SPECIALS
$8.50 LUNCH $9.50 DINNER
Entertainment 11
09.28.2017
Diversity takes center stage at Emmys JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay
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he 69th annual Primetime Emmy awards was one of the most diverse, if not the most diverse showings in its long history both in terms of representation and variety of networks nominated. Hosted by late night TV host Stephen Colbert, political jabs and statements were made throughout the night. One such statement came from Donald Glover after becoming the first black man to win best director in a comedy series for “Atlanta.” “I want to thank [Donald] Trump for making black people No. 1 on the most oppressed list,” Glover said in his acceptance speech. “He’s probably the reason I’m up here.” Speaking of the president, Alec Bald-
win won outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for his recurring role as Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live.” Glover’s victory was a part of a trend of first at the 2017 Emmys. For the first time ever, more than one show with a predominantly non-white cast were nominated in the outstanding comedy category. These included “Blackish,” “Master of None” and “Atlanta.” The award ultimately went to HBO’s “Veep.” Continuing the string of firsts, “Master of None” writer and actress Lena Waithe became the first black woman to be nominated and win for outstanding writing in a comedy series for her work in the show’s “Thanksgiving” episode which was based on how Waithe came out to her family. She used the opportunity to acknowledge to benefit
to diverse storytelling. “Thank you for embracing a little Indian boy from South Carolina [Ansari] and a queer black girl from the heart of Chicago,” Waithe said in her acceptance speech. “I hope it will open people’s eyes to give women of color a seat at the table.” HBO led the way with 110 nominations, with two of its shows (“Westworld” and “Saturday Night Live”) each earning 22 nominations. Established streaming networks, such as Netflix, also raked in nominations. Netting 91 in total for its shows “Master of None,” “Stranger Things,” “House of Cards” and others. Aziz Ansari’s “Master of None” won several awards for its second season and made history in the process. Hulu had its share of awards, as well. Its popular drama “The Hand-
maid’s Tale” received 13 nominations and won eight drama series categories including: outstanding lead actress (Elisabeth Moss), its pilot won outstanding directing and outstanding drama series. The victories by streaming services is a result of a more impactful focus on their original content than ever before. In the past, these services merely hosted content from other production companies, but now, they’re creating it themselves. “Master of None” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” being prime example of this strategy in effect. The 2017 Emmy awards seemed to be both a sign of things to come and a representation of how TV and movies are in today’s landscape; a variety of stories told by a diverse group of people to an ever-expanding group of viewers.
JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves
Entertainment 7
09.28.2017
The Killers’ album is Wonderful Wonderful CATHARINA GARRETT @imacat_moo
ALBUM REVIEW
T
he Killers came out with their fifth studio album entitled “Wonderful Wonderful” on Sept. 22. The name of the album rings true on many different levels, and one only has to listen to understand what I mean. In just 10 songs, the album illustrates raw and honest emotion through compelling lyrics and an exquisite musical quality. It’s been 13 years since they came out with their first studio album, Hot Fuss, for which the band experienced hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me,” which are still relevant in the music sphere today. However, it would be wrong to say this album is anything like the hits we’ve come to love. The band’s new sound is not simply a result of maturity, but it is reflection of the transformation they’ve undergone as artists. The Killers have spent five long years crafting this album, and it definitely shows. “Some Kind Of Love,” “Out Of My
Mind,” “Life To Come” and “Rut” were among some of the most impassioned representations of love’s curative abilities. Needless to say, these three songs became instant favorites of mine from the album. They don’t come near the catchy, mainstream nature of “The Man,” but they challenge music industry conventions with atypical melodies and very interesting choices in sound design. With mesmerizing, ’80s synth sounds, nods to musical legends (like Paul McCartney, Bob Marley and Bruce Springsteen) and recurring themes of acceptance, forgiveness and hope, there’s no doubt that The Killers were keen on making an impressionable comeback with this album. The 0.5 deduction on the 5-star rating scale was simply from not feeling wholly connected to some of the songs
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as “Wonderful Wonderful” and “Tyson vs. Douglas” did not strike me as compelling or emotionally passionate like the others in the album. These songs felt almost artificial when compared to the rest of the raw emotion expressed in their music. Despite these critiques, the musical quality was still notably intricate and nice to listen to. Since I am a huge fan of The Killers, perhaps I am too critical when comparing this album to the genius of their other albums. Nonetheless, “Wonderful Wonderful” easily exceeded my already high expectations. image courtesy of THEKILLERSMUSIC.COM I credit that to one key “Wonderful Wonderful” is the latest album from American fact: It takes a good band to rock band, The Killers. create a song that fits the in the album. mold, but it takes a great band to create While all the songs were amazing in their own, unique aesthetic within the their own ways, a few of them, such music industry.
12 SPORTS
09.28.2017
Islander’s own rugby club moving up ERIN NASH
@ErinJohnnae
B
eing a part of Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi since 2015, the Rugby Club is a revamped competitive club, who participates in matches throughout the state of Texas with more members and energy than ever before. Initially created by Shane Smith, player for the Corpus Christi Crabs, fluctuating numbers led to a slow start at the university. Now with junior sports management major Christian Rosado as Rugby president , Adam Kuchem working behind the scenes and an increase in school enrollment, there is a high expectancy of a team this year. “I fell in love with rugby when I came to Corpus,” Rosado said. “I was a Corpus Christi Crab for a year and enjoyed the game, emotion and the fact that you go out there on the field and give it your all.” What makes the game of rugby different from football is no pads, 15 guys out on the field instead of 11 like in football,
Photo courtesy of TAMUCC RUGBY CLUB
Official logo of the Islander rugby club.
non-stop constant movement and hitting. Competitions for the Rugby Club are every Saturday against local teams and other universities including University of Texas- San Antonio, University of Texas and Texas State University are competing in some of the tournaments.
The Island University is the only campus a part of the A&M system that does not have an actual rugby team. Therefore, funding of recreational sports is limited and provided by the students of the club and rec sports on campus in comparison to athletics which are sponsored by the university. Recently, Rosado said chancellors donated $5,000 to the club to start up a team and get it going. The money is also to propel the team into competition against other A&M schools. “The clubs are student run and they are sponsored by the rec center specifically,” said competitive sports coordinator of rec sports Andrew Kuchem. “Our funding gets distributed throughout each club depending on which club is available for funding,” Even as a club, the team must abide by all of the university’s rules and regulations. “The contracts makes sure that all necessary paperwork is in, members have their membership papers, also the upto-date keeping of OrgSync, spending,
equipment and field use, rosters and traveling.” Rosado said. Rosado makes it a point to remind his team school comes before practice. “As a school, I want to see the club continue to progress and grow,” Rosado said. “Of course when I leave I want the club to continue to be active in the community on campus. I’d love to see the team grow as an athletic team, of course that would be awesome to see. Especially since we don’t have football down here. Our biggest goal is to compete in the Chancellor’s Cup.” Kuchem said he hopes the team gains enough traction where they receive notoriety for being one of the best teams in South Texas. “I think the first step would be getting them big enough, popular enough, and they start winning games so they can go to nationals,” Kuchem said. “They could become a reoccurring team in nationals that performs well.” For more information, contact Christian Rosado. Those interested can sign up through OrgSync.