Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
For more content, visit online at: Beacon.mcla.edu
North Adams, Mass.
Volume 77 ◆ Issue 11
Th u r s d ay, A p r i l 1 8 , 2 0 1 3
Trailblazers takes win Trustees vote for against Bridgewater 2-0 change in mission
statement By Ryan Flynn
Senior News Editor
Blogger discusses societal issues Irene Monroe shares experiences with oppression News - Page 3
‘The Tempest’ takes over Church Street Center Auditorium College’s Shakespear club performs Shakespeare’s most musical play Arts & Entertainment - Page 7
Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon Staff
Outfield Kendra Hobbs makes a run towards second base on Sunday’s game against the Bridgewater State Bears.
Student witnesses Boston bombings By Nick Arena
Managing Editor
MCLA Rugby Club beats Champlain College Ruggers fought hard for 26-24 win in Vermont Sports - Page 9
News 2-5 Arts & Entertainment 6-7 Sports 8-9 Opinion 10 Fun & Games 11 Photo Essay 12
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Out of all of the runners at the Boston Marathon this Monday, one was the College’s own Brendan Peltier. It was the sophomore’s first marathon experience, which he said was a very chaotic one. “I was running in the race, my wave had gone off at 10:40 so I was in the midst of the first 9000 people going off in that wave,” Peltier said. He continued that the whole ordeal created a great deal of confusion for the runners who were further back from the bomb sites. “As the news came in, people were telling us and we didn’t believe it,” he said. “Some of the police officers said there was a terrorist attack.” The chaos resulted in the runners being rerouted in multiple areas until the Boston Police finally called a cancellation to the race near the twenty-fifth mile, at which point they urged everyone to get out of the city as safely as possible. It was difficult to see the damage that had happened due to all of the chaos, but that some of the sights were disturbing. “The more you went downtown the more around the Prudential Center you would see people getting rushed by wheelchairs and people getting into ambulances, and the more you would see blood on the ground the closer you got
to Copley Square,” he said. “There were a few disturbing things that if you looked far off you could see.” He noted the first response to the bombings was prompt and effective. “It was unbelievable. They had rerouted us to the Mass. Ave. area and that just gets you one straight way to the Prudential and there must’ve been 50 state troopers pulling in. There were FBI cars coming in, I saw car logos saying there were Special Forces, blank cars with sirens— there must’ve been over 200 to 300 rolling into the city,” Peltier said. “There were helicopters flying around and they definitely took the area and secured about 15 blocks around the Prudential, and the entire area was all cut off. They were very on top of things and they were very cautious about everything.” He said the public’s response was a great sight as well. “I walked by a few fraternities and houses where they were saying to come stay at their house, charge your phone, have dinner, so everyone was very helpful at getting people out,” he said. Despite all of the fear and negativity generated by the event he said the positive aspect of the marathon is what he will remember most of all. “I’d like to highlight the most important thing was the first 25
PELTIER, continued on page 3
The College has now accepted a new mission statement after a recent vote by the Board of Trustees. The mission statement consists of a roughly 100 word general statement and a list of 10 values that are believed to shape the goals of the school. The statement was drafted, edited, and finalized by the Advisory Mission Statement Group, after being called upon by President Mary Grant. The group consisted of faculty members, administration, and one student, junior Jesse McMillan. The group met four times officially from October to December, under the leadership of Vice President of Academic Affairs Cindy Brown. They also collaborated with and took critiques from campus organizations such as Student Government Association (SGA), the President’s Council, and the accreditation self-study steering committee. Dean of Students Charlotte Degan noted that though the mem-
bers brought very different homework to the meetings at first, and the meetings could be intense, ultimately everyone worked well together. “This was a highly experienced group of people,” she said. Brown reinforced this. “There’s always tinkering with the edges, but the group was comfortable with where we had gotten. It was a great group of people.” Both Degan and Brown noted that contributing organizations outside of the group helped shape the final draft. For instance, Computer Science Professor David Eve, who helped with the tinkering of drafts, specializes in mission statements. As a resident advisor and president of Lambda Iota Tau, McMillan was still shocked when he was selected to be the student member of the group. “It’s kind of intimidating to be sitting there with professors who have been here for years and administration when you’re the only student and representing the campus,” he said.
MISSION, continued on page 3
Professor retires after 50 years of teaching By Jack Guerino Staff Writer
After 50 years in education, 42 years of them being at MCLA, English Professor Donald Washburn plans to step down from his position and retire at the end of the semester. “I think I have achieved everything I have hoped for,” Washburn said as he sat in his well-lit office among many green plants and books. “I think I’m ready for retirement, I’ve been there and have done it all, I couldn’t have asked for more.” Turning 81 this summer, Washburn said he believes it is time to retire and allow new teachers to step in. “You have to make room for the new people,” he said. “I was told when my salary is released they can hire two new teachers.” However, Washburn may still teach up to three classes parttime. “I realized I wouldn’t have to give up teaching entirely, but I am noticing now that my energy isn’t what it used to be,” he said with a laugh. “I’m accepting the fact that I am old, there is no getting around it, but I never imagined I would be teaching for 50 years.” Washburn explained that he has many hobbies that allow him to exercise his creativity. An au-
thor of three books of poetry, he looks to continue to write. Washburn also enjoys music and composes songs on his computer. He has created a website (Donwashburn.com) which holds most of his writing and musical compositions, and looks to expand on it in his retirement. “I have a lot of hobbies. I figure whatever spare time I have, I have plenty of creative things to do,” he said. “If I wanted to continue in the classroom I really have that option, but maybe it’s better to really develop my webpage and all the creative stuff I put on it.” Washburn explained he knew he wanted to be a teacher since junior high school after talking to an older man in his neighborhood who was a college graduate. “I remember feeling something in me pick up with those conversations, and I could imagine myself being a teacher, maybe even a college teacher,” he said. “I always knew that teaching was for me and I never had any regrets.” Washburn added his coming to MCLA in 1971 was unexpected. Quite happy with his position at a Pennsylvania college, he sent out his résumé mostly out of curiosity. “I wasn’t looking for a new job,
WASHBURN, continued on page 5
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News
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Announcments Tenure Awards
The following teachers were awarded tenure at the College by the Board of Trustees:
Beacon.mcla.edu
Environuts to host Earth Day activities
Dr. Sharon Claffey, Psychology Dr. Peter Hoyt, Athletic Training Melanie Mowinski, Fine & Performing Arts
Community Service
Day
MCLA Green Living seminar series continues
The 2013 Green Living Seminar Series continued on Thursday, April 11 with “Mobility’s Contribution to Sustainability.” The seminar series concludes on Thursday, April 25 with the presentation “Place-Based Prosperity and the Future of North Adams.” This will be a panel discussion among Mayor Dick Alcombright, Representative Gailanne Cariddi, Padraic Steinschneider, President of Gotham Design & Community Development Ltd., and Wendy McWeeny, executive director of the partnership for North Adams. Then, on Saturday, April 27, students in the Green Living seminar will host “Eagle Street Rising,” a day-long “living rendering” of how concepts such as sustainability, smart transportation, mixed-use buildings, and high density development might be employed on Eagle Street.
SAAC to host Special Olympics T.R.A.I.N. event
The MCLA Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host a Special Olympics Testing Recreational Activities and Improving Nutrition (T.R.A.I.N.) event on Sunday, April 21. All participants will be paired with a student-athlete who will go through the circuit of activities, working with children at their own pace. Wheel chaired participants are encouraged to attend. Information about program registration can be found at http://athletics.mcla.edu/releases/train.
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks: Dean of Academic Affairs Monica Joslin, Poster Session (Venable Gym) 9:30a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Special Session I-A: Major Templates: 2013 ePortfolio Fellows (Murdock 218)
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On Saturday, April 27, members of the MCLA community, along with North Adams residents, will celebrate our annual day of service. MCLA students, faculty, and staff, and members of the North Adams community will participate in a range of service projects throughout the city. Registration will open at 9:30 a.m. in Church Street Center before volunteers begin their service assignments. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Spencer Moser via email.
URC Schedule
Special Session I-B: From Modern Preview to Post-Modern Practice in Literature and Film (Murdock 201) Paper Presentations I-C (Murdock 322) Paper Presentations I-D (Murdock 216) 11:00 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Special Session II-A: Medieval and Renaissance Britain: Texts, Contexts, & Inspirations (Murdock 218) Photo by Jess Gamari/Beacon Staff
Senior Rebecca Geraci is the Environuts President. She and other groups on campus prepare for Earth Week. current and future environmental issues, not just in America, but all over the globe from infectious diseases in Africa, to shark fin soup in Asia. Wednesday April 24, the group is hosting a sustainability fair from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. in the Campus Center Marketplace where other clubs from campus will showcase their clubs while focusing on environmental issues. Thursday April 25, at 7 p.m. in Venable Gym the Recycling Fashion Show will showcase students donning items both fashionable and ‘green’. The culmination of the week will be the Eagle Street Rising event Saturday April 27. The Green Living Seminars have focused all semester on revitalization through green and community-based designs. The group has taken all the theories from the seminars and applied them to Eagle Street in hopes of spurring growth in downtown North Adams and making the street more visually appealing and accessible to pedestrian traffic.
By Andrew Hodgson Staff Writer
The MCLA Environuts, a club dedicated to green solutions for the College and North Adams, are hosting Earth Week this week. The group is hosting several events, culminating on Saturday April 27 with “Eagle Street Rising,” an event held from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. revealing a more community-friendly (and green) redesign of Eagle Street. Throughout the week the Environuts will recognize both students and faculty who have been actively ‘green’ community members. Tuesday April 23, there is a planned showing of CNN’s “Planet in Peril” in Sullivan Lounge. Sean Pease, sophomore and vice president of the Environuts, noted that the event is unconfirmed at this time. The CNN special highlights
Special Session II-B: Japan: Juxtaposition of Modernity and Tradition (Murdock 201) Special Session II-C: Directing Class MidTerm Project (Campus Center) Paper Presentations II-D (Murdock 322) Paper Presentations II-E (Murdock 216) 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Keynote Address and luncheon (Campus Center Gym) Introductory Remarks by President Mary Grant Presented by Evan Herrmann ‘07 “Becoming a Behavioral Scientist” 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Meet the Keynote Speaker (Sullivan Lounge) *FOR STUDENTS ONLY* Come meet Evan Herrmann for an informal Q & A Session 2:00 p.m.- 3:20 p.m. Special Session III-A: Artist Talks (Murdock 201) Special Session III-B: U.N. Security Council—An Audience Participation Presentation (Murdock 301)
SGA Cabinet Nominees President: Executive Vice President: Coordinating Vice President: Student Trustee: Student Trustee:
Special Session III-C: Issues in Sociology (Murdock 213)
John Powers (Unopposed) Brendan Peltier (Unopposed) Hannah Sterrs (Unopposed) Stephen Rochefort Alyson Stolz
Paper Presentations III-D (Murdock 322) Paper Presentations III-E (Murdock 216) 3:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. Special Session IV-A: Philosophy MiniConference (Murdock 218) Agamemnon and talk-back session with cast and crew (Venable Theatre)
Weekend Weather 4/18 - 4/21 Thursday, April 18
Friday, April 19
Saturday, April 20
Sunday, April 21
Showers High: 57° Low: 49° Precip. Chance: 30%
Showers High: 68° Low: 45° Precip. Chance: 40%
Showers High: 52° Low: 31° Precip. Chance: 20%
Mostly Sunny High: 53° Low: 31° Precip. Chance: 0%
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News
Thursday, April 18, 2013
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Blogger Irene Monroe: Peltier reflects on Boston Marathon fighting oppression PELTIER, continued from page 1
By Ryan Flynn
miles, all you saw was the crowd cheering you on, running, and little kids high fiving you and saying ‘you’re my hero.’ That stuff ’s going to stand out a lot more than what happened at the end because that’s why everyone was there,” he added. “I talked to a few people afterwards and they agreed that what happened was awful, but what is going to stay in my mind is what a good time I had doing it and the people supporting me, and we’re not going to let what foolish people did stop us from what we’re
Senior News Editor Huffington Post blogger Irene Monroe used her energy and enthusiasm to address students and faculty about racism, classism, sexism, but more than anything the necessity to eliminate a hierarchy of oppressions. Monroe explained the hierarchy of oppressions as, “the whole notion that one oppression, and it’s usually your oppression, is greater than the others.” She continued, saying different kinds of oppression are not completely separated from the other. “There’s something about all of them that’s connected,” she said. Using the white board in the Fitzpatrick room of Murdock Hall, Monroe drew a wheel divided into sections of oppression such as sexism, racism, classism, and heterosexism. In the middle of the wheel she drew a small circular pin, symbolizing the existence of these oppressions. “Now what keeps this pin in place?” she asked. Franticly urging students to answer her question, Monroe listed five factors causing these oppressions on the board: capitalism, patriarchy, militarism, religion, and white supremacy. She referred to her shock when she even heard a term discriminatory toward lower-class white people, “white trash.” To exemplify the history of oppression she asked two questions toward the white members of the audience: what makes them white, and how white are they? With Monroe urging students to be honest as possible, one student referred to a term known as “white-skin privilege.” Noting that the student had answered her question correctly, she emphasized that white students need to be aware of their own history. “When did you get your white card?” she asked. “When did the Italians become white? When did the Jews become white? When did the Irish become white?” Monroe also referred to oppressions she witnessed as a young pastor in the black com-
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going to do.” More importantly, he urged everyone to not let this incident inhibit them from doing things they are truly passionate about. “Incidents like this scare most people and it gets most people to stop doing fun activities like this and the best thing I can say is don’t let something foolish like this stop you,” he said. “Running a marathon, I can look back at it now as one of the best accomplishments I’ve ever made.” Peltier was reunited with his family and has safely returned to the MCLA campus.
College changes mission statement MISSION, continued from page 1 Photo Courtesy of mcla.edu
In addition to having a Ph.D. from Harvard’s Religion, Gender and Culture program, Monroe is also a Reverend. munity. She touched upon what she considers to be the black patriarchal system and the misconception that primarily gay men were contracting AIDs in the African American community. “I was burying African American women at the same rate as African American men,” she said. Ultimately, Monroe concluded her speech by emphasizing how the college itself can tackle issues of oppression. She said there’s always room for change and growth. “If you leave MCLA the same you walked in, then you have failed your matriculation exam,” she said. Monroe noted that there are some people who will never listen to what she has to say about oppression, but that it is in each person’s own hands to promote acceptance and equality. “You now have it in your hands to begin a new dialogue,” she said. Anthropology professor Sumi Culligan stated the need for equality and acceptance on cam-
pus. BGLAD President Kali Yomota-Kurland noted that she went out of her way bring Monroe to speak at the college in order to emphasize the need for equality. “I saw her last year at a conference and thought she would provide good resources and a good platform for starting these discussions about race, gender, and class because it’s missing on this campus,” she said. Kali was not the only one who emphasized the need for discussions on the topic of oppression. “I think it has to be an on-going conversation,” Culligan said. Yomota commented on how Monroe was a great example for equal rights groups on campus. “We have many clubs like BGLAD, STAGE, and AlANA, but we never get together,” she said. “This is a good start.” Those interested in Monroe’s work or upcoming events can visit www.irenemonroe.com.
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Despite this, McMillan said he was very happy with his contributions and said that the other members were always pleased to hear his thoughts and ideas. “It was a positive experience,” he said. “I left the room feeling that my voice was heard.” The previous mission statement was created in 1998 after the school’s name was changed from North Adams State to MCLA. Brown noted that it was necessary to re-create. “Fifteen years is as a long time not to change a mission statement,” said Brown. According to English professor and group member David Langston, the previous statement did not properly describe the college’s mission and was far
longer than what a mission statement should be. “It was too long and it talked about things that are not a part of the mission of our college,” he said. While the actual mission statement is only three sentences, Brown said the list of values offer a more in details depiction of the College’s goals. “The value statements allow you to go into greater length,” she said. McMillan added that the fact that he was involved in the drafting and the combined efforts of students, faculty, and administration will show that MCLA really cares about its students. “To have a student in there, for the drafting of, that will show MCLA’s commitment to their students,” he said. (See new statement below).
New mission statement: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is the Commonwealth’s public liberal arts college and a campus of the Massachusetts state university system. MCLA promotes excellence in learning and teaching, innovative scholarship, intellectual creativity, public service, applied knowledge, and active and responsible citizenship. MCLA prepares its graduates to be practical problem solvers and engaged, resilient global citizens.
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News
Thursday, April 18, 2013
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Boston in mourning after bombings kill 3, injure 144
MCT Campus BOSTON — Boston was in mourning Tuesday for three killed and at least 144 wounded in a “cowardly” bombing at the Boston Marathon, leaving the tragedy-wracked city scrambling for answers as to how a terrorist was able to plant two explosive devices on a busy stretch of Boylston Street at a high-security international event. “This cowardly act will not be taken in stride,” Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said. “We will turn over every rock to find those responsible.” The 2:50 p.m. double bombing shattered the bliss of the sunsplashed marathon, sending frantic runners and fans scrambling for cover and sending at least 144 to the hospital. There were at least three dead —
including an 8-year-old — and 30 wounded “critically,” officials said Monday night. The FBI took over the investigation Monday night as President Barack Obama pledged to track down the ruthless killer or killers. “We will get to the bottom of this. We will find out who did this and we will find out why,” Obama said. “They will feel the full weight of justice. “Boston is a tough and resilient town. Residents will pull together, take care of each other and move forward,” he added. “The American people are with them every step of the way.” FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Rick DesLauriers said the city should remain in a “heightened state of vigilance” Tuesday as an army of cops patrols the streets. “It is a potential terrorist
investigation,” DesLauriers said Monday night. “We will bring those responsible to justice as quickly as possible.” Late Monday night, state police, Boston bomb squad and canine units, as well as FBI, ICE and ATF agents, swooped into an apartment complex in Revere. It was unclear whether the search was connected to the marathon bombings. Downtown, the city was gripped by fear as revelers who came to celebrate wound up running for their lives. Roughly 15 blocks around Copley Square were “locked down” after the attacks and were slated to remain so Tuesday. Heavily armed National Guard soldiers, state troopers with bomb-sniffing dogs and hundreds of cops patrolled hotels, restaurants and the streets while shaken families huddled inside. Officials said random bag searches would occur Tuesday on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains. There were reports Monday night of a suspect in custody, but Davis said they were wrong. He did say there were “people being questioned,” but provided no more details. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who was hospitalized with a broken leg, checked himself out of Brigham and Women’s Hospital Monday night to be at the city’s command post, where he met with Davis, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, and federal and state officials. “The marathon is a great day in the city of Boston, but we had a tragedy,” Menino said from a wheelchair at the Westin Copley hotel. “I offer my condolences and prayers to the victims.”
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Logan International Airport — the launching pad for two of the planes in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York City — was shut down for about an hour after the attack. A no-fly zone around Boston was put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration. In a statement, the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon, said: “It is a sad day for the City of Boston. ... What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.” Kyle Loehning of Charlestown arrived at Tufts Medical Center to see his sister-in-law, who was injured in the blast. “She was in the wrong place at
the wrong time,” he said. “They think she lost her leg.” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, a South Boston resident, said authorities believe the devices were brought into the area after police did a security sweep. He said city and state officials took “all the appropriate steps,” but security efforts in the future “will have to be redoubled.” “There was nothing to lead us to believe that what we were doing, what the mayor was doing, what the governor was doing was less than appropriate,” Lynch said. “The staffing was there, the sweeps were there. ... They did their due diligence. But ... under these circumstances, it was very difficult to stop.”
FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT ATTENTION GRADUATING SENIORS!! IF YOU BORROWED STUDENT LOANS WHILE ATTENDING MCLA, YOU MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE EXIT COUNSELING SESSIONS LISTED BELOW: APRIL 23 AT 11:00 AND 3:00 APRIL 24 AT 3:30 AND 6:30 April 25 at 9:30 and 2:00 ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD IN CAMPUS CENTER ROOM 324 A&B ANY TRANSCRIPTS AND DIPLOMAS WILL BE ON HOLD UNTIL THIS IS COMPLETED!! ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE AT 662-5219
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Thursday, April 18, 2013
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Fossil fuel divestment to be proposed By Nick Arena
Managing Editor The Student Government Association (SGA) will propose a divestment plan to the MCLA Foundation tonight. At 4 p.m. members of the cabinet will be giving a presentation to one of the Foundation’s sub-committees about the possibility of removing any investments in the fossil fuel industry. “Last semester I was approached by students, in my capacity as Student Government Association president, as well as a few members of the faculty who were just curious if I knew if we
had investments in fossil fuels, and I didn’t know the answer to that question,” SGA President Jason Brown said. According to Brown, SGA Treasurer James Wetzel investigated the matter and learned that the College is not directly funding the fossil fuel industry. “As a state-funded institution, MCLA cannot invest things in risk-associated markets, so [in this case] the stock market,” Brown said. “All we can really invest in is our infrastructure on campus.” He continued, that despite the fact that the College is not directly
investing in fossil fuel companies, through the MCLA Foundation Incorporated investments can be made on the stock market. “That organization has the authority to invest whatever money they have that goes through the organization, which is about nine million dollars,” he said. There are a number of reasons that students are taking a stand against the indirect investment towards the fossil fuel industry, one of them being the College’s mission to create a green campus, Brown continued. “We felt that the institution has identified some strategic goals
and values, and as a part of those values we state how we want to strive to address climate change and to be good environmental stewards,” he said. According to Brown, another source of inspiration is environmental activist Bill Mckibben. “The college students want their universities to divest from fossil fuel – to sell off their stock in Exxon and Shell and the rest in an effort to combat global warming,” Mckibben wrote in Rolling Stone. “But those universities, and their boards, have deep ties to the one percent: combined, their endowments are worth $400
billion, and at Harvard, say, the five folks who run the portfolio make as much money as the entire faculty combined.” Despite the amount of students that are for the divestment process, Brown encourages everyone to understand that it is not as simple of a process as it may seem. “You may think that you may be able to snap and just do it, but it’s not that simple,” he said. “Although nine million dollars may sound like a lot, when you compare it to other endowments of colleges and universities it’s relatively small and endowments are new for public universities.”
Washburn to step down in summer WASHBURN, continued from page 1
I was just sending stuff out more for curiosity, so it happened more or less on its own,” Washburn said. “I didn’t even know what college I was sending it to, so by slender threads these big things hang.” Washburn added that the dean of students at the College in 1971 needed to fill the English Chairman position because the newly hired professor was unable to take the job at the last minute. “He wanted me to come up for an interview so I drove up just totally relaxed, ready to have a good time and see another part of the world,” he said. “I
came and liked all the people I met and within a week and a half they made me an offer. I felt like I was riding a beam of light, and it all seemed so right to me.” When asked about his fondest memories of the school he smiled and paused taking time to run through the 42 years of memories. “My fondest memories have been times when a class meeting just catches fire, and the students are active and participating and what I planned is working,” Washburn said. “I’ve done some poetry readings on campus too which I felt were memorable.” Washburn, an incredibly spiritual man, advises students to not turn their backs on their spiritual lives.
“My advice would be to invest as much time as you can to developing your spiritual life, stay alert for spiritual realities when they come knocking at your door,” he said. “It’s been a good experience for me, and I think if you are alert you can find the one that’s right for you.” Washburn explained that he is truly thankful for his life and career, and looks back at his time at MCLA fondly. “I am thankful, I do consider it a special privilege to have been permitted to be a professor and teach college,” he said. “To be a professor is a very special kind of blessing, and I guess my message would be to thank all the people that made this possible.”
Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon Staff
Professor Washburn plans to retire at the end of the semester after 50 years in education.
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Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, April 18, 2013
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SAC brings the spring!
We The Kings gets the College dancing and stoked on spring time festivities By Shannen Adamites A&E Editor By Shannen Adamites A&E Editor
A reflection on just “how beauteous mankind is” Our revels now are ended, and I still feel as if the entire past two months were a dream. I was Miranda in Yorick’s most recent production of The Tempest, my favorite Shakespeare show. Playing her was both an incredible joy and a challenge. For one, Miranda can easily be played as a naïve little girl who cries all the time. This is incredibly false, considering that while she is sheltered, she is by no means unaware. In fact, she’s quite intuitive as she suspects a tragic loss of life in the storm her father, Prospero, (or mother, in our production) conjured. While no one was hurt, she still suspected someone “noble” was on the ship, and that someone would ultimately become her husband. It was important to highlight this intuition and her empathetic nature when playing her. It would have been easier to play her as a spacey, dreamy kid, but that would have totally ignored her intelligence and ability to connect with other people. Miranda’s “abhorred slave” speech to Caliban in the middle of act I, scene ii is, in some productions, spoken as Prospero. This outburst describes how she pitied the island native and taught him how to speak, but his vile actions left her betrayed, frightened, and hurt. Channeling the amount of sadness and rage for this speech was emotionally and physically exhausting, but it shows another side of Miranda we don’t see very often. In that moment, she stands up for herself and exerts fierce independence. I wish she had more moments like this in the show, but considering the amount of stage time she has, this speech balances her out with the rest of the show. I loved playing Miranda as a free-spirited and highly romanticized character. As she’s falling in love with Ferdinand, she takes the initiative; she defends him as Prospero ridicules and tortures him, and ultimately proposes to him during their moment alone. A woman taking charge was virtually unheard of when this play was written. Basically, there’s a lot more to Miranda than what’s written in the script. When performing Shakespeare, you need to look in between the lines in order to get the full meaning of the words This creates a more dynamic character. Performing in this production of The Tempest was the highlight of my college career so far. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
The Student Activities Council (SAC) kicked off their annual Spring Fling Week festivities by bringing We The Kings and Stellar Young to rock Venable Gym. SAC worked long and hard all day Monday to transform the gym into a concert venue. Junior Stacy Fisher commented on how they put the stage together, set up the lights, adjusted the sound, and helped assist the bands with various tasks before they performed. “It was a very exciting and fabulous experience. Both bands were incredibly nice,” Fisher said as she stood by the door reminding people of the rules. “We worked from 7:30 a.m. and we’re going to continue working well into the night.” Students gradually filed into the gym, dancing to the preshow music as they waited for the show to begin. For freshman Natasha Antona, this would be her first concert experience. “I heard that [We The Kings] are really fun live,” she said. “I’m really excited. I like all genres of music, so this should be really awesome.” Freshman Jenna O’Connor has been listening to We The Kings since a friend introduced her to them in the eighth grade. “I had a really good experience seeing them for my 16th birthday,” she said. “It was very fun,
and the audience and the band connected really well.” Albany band, Stellar Young, was the first to perform. Their dance-rock and pop-punk mixture impressed the audience, who clapped, and waved their arms around to the beat. “I really liked them,” sophomore Greg Wilson said. “They were really fun to listen to and put on great show.” Vocalist John Glenn demonstrated a strong belt and unique tone. He also had a dynamic stage presence and got the crowd pumped up as they clapped along and cheered. “I love it here,” Glenn said after his set. “The audience had such a great energy to them, and I really appreciate the amount of work that went into making this show happen.” We The Kings made a sassy entrance as they dramatically made their way to the stage during a lightshow complete with intense electronic music. Their set filled the space with positive vibes and insane energy. Frontman Travis Clark’s commanding stage presence got everyone excited, and he exuded an immense amount of talent both as a performer and a musician. “You’re beautiful!” an audience member exclaimed. “You all sound so sexy,” Clark said, praising the audience’s singing abilities. At one point, he whipped out his acoustic guitar and engaged
Photo by Emma Farley/Special to Beacon
Travis Clark of We The Kings sassily rocks out and performs for SAC’s annual spring concert. the audience in a campfire jam session. “There needs to be a bonfire here,” Clark joked before starting up a cover of Bruno Mars’s song, “Billionaire.” Audience members swayed in unison to a slower song, and the band played their new single “Just Keep Dreaming.” The song was emotional and rather uplifting, and provided a good leeway into the final songs of the night. One included a cover of “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, and their hit singles, “Check Yes Juliet” and “Say You Like Me.” We The Kings exited just as fiercely as they entered, leaving audience members and SAC
members alike with nothing but positive feedback. “I loved that they saved ‘Check Yes Juliet’ for the very end,” freshman Bradley Thurston said. “I got hit in the face with a pick, which was pretty hardcore, and the entire show itself was truly rad. I had a great time.” Traditions Chair Allie Conlon and Concerts Chair Daniel O’Connell were both very impressed with the outcome. “Everything went over very well and everyone seemed to have an amazing time,” Conlon said. “I could not be anymore proud of the turnout,” O’Connell said.
Students discuss gender, mental health and music By Haley Costen A&E Writer
Students gathered for a discussion about the relation between gender, mental health and music led by students and professors in the English and Interdisciplinary Studies departments last Thursday. Sophomore Carrisa Sacherski presented a PowerPoint and introduced questions to the panel, composed of Psychology Professor Ben Wood, English Professor Michael Birch, seniors Kaylie Warner and Emma Farley, English and Interdisciplinary Studies majors respectively, and sophomore FPA and Arts Management major Jacob Fennell. The panel and audience debated over questions about whether there is a gender division between musicians and the lyrics they write. Hip-hop artists Eminem and Nicki Minaj were mentioned along with country superstars The Dixie Chicks, and female fronted metal group Otep. Wood spoke of castrati music, or the genre created by men who were castrated in order to reach an unnaturally high vocal pitch, adding that there are now female singers attempting to recreate the castrati sound. Meanwhile Birch talked about Annie Lennox, Scottish singer-songwriter and one
half of the Eurthymics. The question of whether certain genders speak more on one subject (like depression or love) than other genders was also discussed, leading to a conversation about sex in music. Sacherski mentioned the shock factor of the song “I Get Off ” by Hailstorm because it is a song by a woman expressing her sexuality, however Fennell wondered if more males seem to have songs about sex simply because the genres that typically feature songs about sex—rock and rap, are male dominated. Gender pronouns were also a part of the conversation. One audience member admitted his discomfort at hearing them when listening to music because he found it jarring as someone who doesn’t necessarily identify with one gender. The panel brought up gay artists like Elton John, Freddy Mercury, and Adam Lambert who have written love songs using female pronouns. However, some wondered if gender pronouns were necessarily a negative part of the listening experience. “Is it always related to shame if Rufus Wainwright wanted to sing a song about a woman despite being openly gay?” Wood asked. Emma Farley countered, “Then
why wouldn’t straight musicians sing about the same gender?” The panel and audience also identified songs that defy gender stereotypes, like “Venus as a Boy” by Bjork, “Ego,” by Beyonce, and “Reprise,” from the “Rent” soundtrack, and debated whether an artist’s vocal range is something that can reinforce stereotypes. “I think, from a musician’s perspective, it’s interesting to see vocal range as a stereotype,” Fennell said. An audience member pointed out that four women in the Allegrettos are tenors, and that having a wider range is only advantageous to them. The audience seemed to agree that vocal range should be about skill, not about perpetuating stereotypes. The conversation concerning music and mental health was started with a fact about Pink Floyd by Birch. According to Birch, the original singer of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett, suffered from schizophrenia, which influenced many of their songs. Birch added that “The Dark Side of the Moon” was originally slated to be called “Inside the Mental Asylum.” “Those songs introduced to popular culture that we’re all sane, but we’re all capable of having
mental issues,” he said. Sacherski pulled up a slide that displayed “trigger” songs of people she surveyed for the presentation, many of which that deal with depression and disorders. Two songs, “Ana’s Song,” by Silverchair, and “Bulimic,” by The Used were written by men who suffered from eating disorders. The group also discussed the influence of music videos, and how many are edited from their original depictions of self mutilation or suicide to a happier image. “I think it’s just that our culture can’t deal with it,” Farley said. Warner brought up the Columbine shooting and the fact that Marilyn Manson was blamed for his music being an influence on the shooters despite the fact that they clearly had deeper issues. “[The media] said his music made them sick, and that’s something to think about,” Warner said. The group then moved onto music that Sacherski said made the people she surveyed happy, leading the panel to talk about how music does not necessarily need to have positive lyrics or sounds in order to make people happy. The group concluded that even heavy metal brings people joy— and that’s okay too.
Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, April 18, 2013
beacon.mcla.edu
Yorick’s ‘Tempest’ mystifies
By Haley Costen A&E Writer Yorick lit up Church Street Center last weekend with its production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” directed by Tyler Prendergast. The play began with low lighting with junior Shannen Adamites as Miranda, the daughter of the main character Prospero, played by senior Mary Marcil, singing Beruit’s “Postcards from Italy” under a glowing spotlight. The hushed audience jumped as the piano crashed like thunder and a ship’s crew took on the turbulent seas of Church Street. The scene played out around the audience: actors raced down the aisle, shouting over the imaginary tempest raging above them. Prospero’s servant Ariel, appeared in the white-draped forms of senior Aimee Hudon, sophomore Lynn McEnaney, and sophomore JonDavid Shetler, and guided the crew to shore. In the play, Ariel is one part, but Hudon, McEnaney, and Shetler shared it well. At times their unified voices and use of “I” gave the role a powerful and eerie feeling. Ariel, along with other spirits, sang a haunting rendition of “The Island: Come and See,” by the Decemberists, and led the audience downstairs where the remainder of the play took place. The movement and the placement of the scenes provided a more interactive expe-
rience. “I liked the way they switched sets—it was a unique experience,” sophomore Emma Hodgson said. The play tells the story of Prospero, the magic-using exiled Duke of Milan who lives on an island with her daughter, Miranda, summoning the tempest that caused the shipwreck. She then sets out to gain back the title which was stolen by junior Amanda Olson as her sister Antonia, and gain the favor of King Alonso of Naples, played by senior Kyle DeCarolis, whose party she shipwrecked on the shore. Marcil was exceptional as Prospero. She, at times, shouted in angry passion at her ragefilled servant Caliban, played by sophomore Jake Bonenfant, but was gentle and nurturing with her daughter Miranda. Bonenfant also handled the role of Caliban masterfully, limping across the floor and fiercely confronting his master. The audience also favored Adamites and her relationship with Ferdinand, played by sophomore Sean Mahoney. Their scenes, filled with wistful sighs and loving stares, provided sweetness and laughter. Cory Flood as Stephano, and Jordan Cohen as Trinculo, the king’s butler and jester, had the crowd roaring with laughter as they played drunken fools trying to take over the island. Some liberties may have been taken from the original play in their exaggerated performanc-
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Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon Staff
Sophomores JonDavid Shetler, Lynn McEnaney, and senior Aimee Hudon perform as Ariel, Prospero’s airy spirit. es, but the way they interacted with the crowd, flaunting across the room, was truly entertaining. “I thought it was really good. I really liked Ariel. The band sounded good and everyone performed really well,” senior Tom Leidenfrost said. The lighting was also distinctive. An encompassing blue light often shined down on the stage during a flashback or with scenes involving the island spirits, while a bright light filled the faces of the actors during other
parts of the play, catching every emotion. The music was undoubtedly the most unique part of the production. Modern music was incorporated throughout the play. Cast members sang songs by indie favorites like Neutral Milk Hotel, Sufjan Stevens, and the Postal Service, that were sometimes combined with lyrics by Shakespeare. “I thought it was really cool,” freshman Bradley Thurston said. “I like that they’re using modern music. It’s really inter-
esting.” The music sometimes felt out of place, as with King Alonso’s party singing “Such Great Heights” upon Prospero releasing them from their frozen trance and forgiving them. However, the music ultimately made the play more interesting. “I’ve never seen ‘The Tempest’ done that way,” freshman Amanda McField said. “Tyler [Prendergast] brought it to a whole new level.”
Theatre Lab to present a rockin’ tragedy
By Kaylie Warner A&E Writer
The Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Department brings their spring Theatre Laboratory show, the Greek tragedy Agamemnon by Aeschylus, adapted by Steven Berkoff to the stage this week. Directed by Laura Standley and assistant directed by Jonathan Kinney, the pair have taken the story of the infamous king of Argos and mixed it with heavy metal/rock influences. There will be bouncers, moshing, and a live band to dazzle audience members. Agamemnon was chosen because students in the department showed an interest in Greek Tragedy to Standley. Standley has enjoyed her time working with senior, Kinney. “He understands my process and I know where he is coming from as well. We help each other and have good communication.”
“This will be an experience that no one has ever seen and should be seen more than once,” Kinney said. Sean Simmons, Tom Liedenfrost and Veronica Gibson will be putting some of the Agamemnon text to original music sounds. “I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t come and see the show. It is funny and quite the spectacle,” Standley said. Kinney agreed. Agamemnon is taking musical influences from bands such as The Misfits and The Sex Pistols and blending them with theatre and dance. According to Standley and Kinney, Agamemnon will be a performance unlike any other. “Rock and roll and politics are oddly linked. Vietnam for example, the public turned against the idea of war, you see the impulse for protest and
reflected in rock music of the time,” said Standley. The show will have some dark themes in it such as war, and will provide evocative and emotional imagery. “We were attracted to Berkoff ’s adaptation of Aeschylus “Orestia” trilogy, Agamemnon, because of its contemporary connection to war. The text is vicious and accessible. The play echos our current state of years-long armed violence,” said Standley in an email interview. Standley said Agamemnon will impact everyone that sees it and audience members will find something to take away from the show. Performances continue tonight through Saturday, and April 24-27 at 8:00 p.m. There are 2 p.m. shows on April 19, 20, 27, and a student matinee on April 26 at 10 a.m.
Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon Staff
The cast of ‘Agamemnon’ rocked out last night. The performance continues through April 27.
For more commentary, reviews, and articles, be sure to check out beacon.mcla.edu
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Sports
Thursday, April 18, 2013
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Softball sweeps weekend games By Nicholas Swanson Sports Writer
Boston Marathon Tragedy
By Ariana Tourangeau Sports Editor
On Monday two explosions went off near the finish line during the Boston Marathon. The explosions went off about 4 hours after the start of the race and killed three people and wounded more than 170, according to the New York Times. On the New York Times website there is a map of the route of the race with points of where the explosions went off. The first explosion went off at about 2:50p.m. on the North side of Boylston Street. The second explosion went off about 10 seconds after the first and they were about 550 feet apart. More than 23,000 runners started the race, 17,600 had already crossed the finish line and nearly 4,500 runners did not finish and were diverted from the course according to the New York Times. There isn’t much I can say about this event that everyone else hasn’t already said. I just hope that someday, horrible things such as this wont keep happening. Its tragedies like this that make you think you can’t go anywhere or do anything without living your life. What kind of life is it to always live in fear? Participants in this marathon spend mainly all of their time training and preparing for something that it supposed to be rewarding and positive only to leave possibly injured, emotionally scarred or even dead. It’s just not right. I will never understand why people want to cause harm to other people but I will say when our country deals with hard times like these it really makes you appreciate the country you are apart of and the support you have is everywhere. Social media everywhere has been posting pictures of Boston with captions and hash tags saying praying for Boston. Under the sports section of the Chicago Tribune there is a picture that says, “we are Chicago Red Sox, We are Chicago Celtics, We are Chicago Bruins, We are Chicago Patriots, We are Chicago Revolution.” People everywhere are coming together to help heal the pain this tragedy has caused. It isn’t going to prevent something like this from happening again, it won’t make it go away, but it will help make us stronger as a country. My prayers go out to everyone everywhere who has been affected by this and I am hoping for a better safer future for our country.
The Trailblazers beat the Bridgewater State Bears 2-0 in a shutout and followed up with a 2-1 win Sunday, completing the sweep. The streak did not hold Monday. The softball team left Salem State with two losses against the first place Vikings. Sunday’s first game was scoreless until the sixth inning. It began when freshmen Abigail Lucas singled with a hit to right field, and then went to second base after a ground-out from outfielder Michaela DiNicola. Sophomore Amanda Meczywor then went up to the plate and doubled bringing home Lucas. Immediately after the first run scored, sophomore Angelica Perfido singled to bring in Meczywor for another run. The top of the seventh inning was Bridgewater’s final attempt to make a come back. Freshmen pitcher Rachel Quackenbush came in as a closing pitcher to replace freshmen Darien Sullivan. She struck out the first three up to bat, ending the game a 2-0 shutout. During the second game of the double-header against Bridgewater, the Trailblazers took the lead quickly. Senior Kendra Hobbs scored first in the bottom of the first inning after Perfido singled. In the bottom of the second,
freshmen catcher Tanelle Ciempa blasted a solo homerun to increase their lead to 2-0. The Bears tried again to mount come back late in the game during the top of the sixth inning, when catcher Brianna Strecker scored. But Quackenbush struck out the final two hitters for Bridgewater, ending the game 2-1. Quackenbush was chosen as the MASCAC Pitcher of the Week for the second time in a row after her performance against the Bears. During the double-header she made 16 strikeouts and pitched for a total of nine innings. The next day the team battled against the Vikings who currently hold the first place title in the division. The Vikings won both games, the first a 5-0 shutout, and the second 5-2. The Vikings began to score in the second inning. With a player on third, and only one out, the team hit a fly ball to send the runner home. According to the athletics website, Sullivan and DiNicola collided while trying to catch a fly ball in the third inning hit to shallow right by Lauren Garchinsky, which resulted in a run scored. Two errors were recorded in the fourth inning. Each error allowed the Vikings to score a run. The final run was scored in the fifth inning by Christina Cipriani. The Trailblazers finally made it to second base by the seventh in-
Photo by Jack Guerino/ Beacon Staff
Freshman Rachel Quackenbush keeps the ball in play during weekend push. ning, but could not score a run. The game ended with a 5-0 shutout. The second game that day was no better for the Trailblazers. The Vikings took the lead early in the second inning when Jenn Toussaint hit a solo homerun. The Vikings scored two more runs between the third and fourth innings. The Trailblazers scored for the first time in the bottom of the
Adams first Austrailian to win Masters MCT Campus
AUGUSTA, GA.In one moment, Adam Scott's fists clenched and his neck tendons went taut and out came forever's worth of frustrations. One ball rolled a long way into a cup across a soggy patch of grass, and he shouted down Australia's enduring failures at the Masters: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, joy, joy, joy. Through the downpour, Scott carried his country's flag into the scoring area to sign off on it all. But down the fairway lurked an Argentine who is at ease here. Angel Cabrera roused everyone once more, rolling in a birdie putt, putting his son in a headlock on his way off the course while the day grabbed hold of everyone: Scott and Cabrera, tied at 9 under, and the Masters in a sudden-death playoff. By the end, it was getting dark in Augusta. But it was a new day on the other side of the world. Scott drained a 12-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to become the first Australian to win the Masters, thrusting his hands into the air and unleashing his second primal scream in the gloaming. "We're a proud sporting country and like to think we're
the best at everything, like any proud sporting country," Scott said. "Golf is a big sport at home, and this was one thing in golf we hadn't been able to achieve. It's amazing it's my destiny to be the first Aussie to win. Just incredible." None of his countrymen did this, not Greg Norman, not five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, not anyone. The specters of their past torments were vanquished. His own collapse at the British Open last summer _ losing a four-shot lead with four to play _ became a footnote. Fellow Australians dominated the weekend: Jason Day finished third at 7 under and Marc Leishman tied Tiger Woods for fourth at 5 under. But after back-to-back top-10 finishes at the Masters, the 32-year-old Scott authored an ending no one would forget. "He's been looking for it, searching for it, this major title," said Cabrera, a two-time major winner. "He's achieved it, so I'm pretty sure his life is going to change really fast right now." Neither Scott nor Cabrera led as late as the 15th hole; that belonged to Day, who then posted back-to-back bogeys to open the door. Once Scott and Cabrera charged through, di-
saster threatened them on the first playoff hole. Both approaches rolled off the 18th green, but two brilliant chips led to two pars. On the second hole, No. 10, both again reached the green. But Scott couldn't read the putt in the darkness and called over practiced eyes: Steve Williams, who caddied for 13 of Woods' 14 major wins. "I don't get him to read too many putts," Scott said. "He said it's at least two cups, it's going to break more than you think. I said, 'I'm good with that.' He was my eyes on that putt. It managed to hang in. Amazing feeling." It rolled true and elation began anew. He met his father at the 10th green, the two embraced, and the elder Scott said simply to his son: "It doesn't get any better than this." Later, just after 8 p.m. ET, Scott emerged for his jacket fitting on the practice green, sidewalk lights illuminating the path through a tunnel of full-throated Aussies. Once the jacket slipped over his shoulders, Scott threw his arms up and his head back, smiling as the rain fell and everything seemed bright as day. "I'm a proud Australian and I hope this sits really well back at home," Scott said, "and even in New Zealand."
fourth inning with a pop fly dropping out of the centerfielder’s glove. They scored again in the fifth inning for the final time. The sixth inning decided the game when the Vikings scored two more times leaving the final 5-2. The Trailblazers are now at an overall record of 10-16, 4-4 in conference play.
2-0 for Rugby Press Release The MCLA Rugby Club upped its record to 2-0 with a hard fought 26-24 win over Champlain College in Burlington, VT on Sunday. Unlike the previous match, where offense was the name of the game, this was a defensive struggle featuring hardnosed physical play from the beginning. During this past weeks practice, the club had worked hard at improving its defense and especially on it’s rucking skills following their opening win against Southern Vermont College. And all this hard work was rewarded 5 minutes into the match when after several successful rucks , Jonathan “J.J.” Kolis opened the scoring with a hard run down the right sideline and into the end zone for a quick 5-0 MCLA lead. * minutes later Champlain scored to take a 7-5 lead. Forward Ben Alibozek ran in his second Try of the season just before half time to put the Trailblazer back in the lead 10-5 and with Walt Pecor’s conversion it was 12-5. The Rugby Club controlled the first 20 minutes of the second half, with first Justin Pelczynski and then Kolis’s scoring his second from in close. Pecor was good on both conversions and a 26-14 lead. Champlain launched a furious comeback attempt to cut the lead to 26-19 and then 26-24, but the MCLA defense stiffed in the closing minutes to preserve the victory. All of the MCLA scoring was done by the club’s local rookies. Alibozek, Kolis and Pelczynski are from Adams and Pecor is form North Adams. The club is now home for the remaining of the spring season.
Sports
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Beacon.mcla.edu
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Commentary: Blame it on the weather By Chris Oxholm Sports Writer
The baseball team had a disappointing week. Playing back-to-back double-headers, they lost to Bridgewater State 8-1, and 16-11 on Sunday, and lost to Salem State 7-6, and 12-0 on Monday. Despite playing as the home team in all four games they didn’t get to play at Shewcraft field due to bad weather. Originally, the Sunday game against Bridgewater was supposed to be played on Saturday at Shewcraft field, but Mother Nature wouldn’t allow it. The game wasn’t only pushed a day ahead, but it was also played at Williams College. The same thing happened to the Trailblazers the next day when they played Salem, but this time it was at Westfield State, about an hour and a half away. In fact, the Trailblazers have yet to host a home game at Shewcraft Field all season. This delay of home team advantage puts an asterisk on six of the team’s games making their now 2-18 record somewhat understandable. The team has another game at home scheduled for Monday, a rescheduled game from April 10, against Southern Vermont, but they could be disappointed yet again since the forecast calls for rain in North Adams until Sunday. The game on Monday will mark the last six meets
(double-headers included) for the rest of the season. The fact that the team hasn’t had a legitimate home game yet is a disadvantage at its fullest. New England sports fans know best that home advantage is in fact real and not a myth. The Boston Celtics have a mediocre overall record of 4139, but at home they have a 2713 record, fourth best in the Eastern conference. Luckily for the Celtics, basketball is an indoor sport. This year, the Men’s Basketball team had a 9-4 home record, with a losing 4-8 away record. Keep an eye on the baseball team, and an eye on the weather. They go to Framingham for a double-header on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The home game scheduled for Monday against Southern Vermont is at 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesday they play a doubleheader home game against Westfield State at 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Jack Guerino/Beacon Staff
Junior Cody Weaver and sophomore Tyler Benoit go for an out in Monday’s game against Salem State.
Follow MCLA Athletics on Twitter! @MCLAAthletics
Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon Staff
Junior Cody Weaver slams the ball on Monday, against Salem State.
Schedule, Scores, Standings Baseball
Softball
Men’s Tennis
Schedule 4/20 @ Framingham St. 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. 4/22 Southern Vt. (Home) 4:00 p.m. 4/23 Westfield St. (Home) 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
Schedule 4/20 @ Framingham St. 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. 4/23 Westfield St. (Home) 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Schedule 4/18 @ Castleton 4:00 p.m. 4/21 @ Johnson St. 1:00 p.m. 4/24 Lyndon St. (Home) 3:30 p.m.
Scores 4/14 vs. Bridgewater St. L, 8-1 L, 16-11 4/15 vs. Salem St. L, 7-6 L, 12-0
Scores 4/14 vs. Bridgewater St. W, 2-0 W, 2-1 4/15 vs. Salem St. L, 5-0 L, 5-2
Scores 4/14 vs. Colby-Sawyer L, 9-0
Standings 2-18 (Overall) 1-7 (Conference)
Standings 10-16 (Overall) 4-4 (Conference)
Standings 0-6 (Overall) 0-3 (Conference)
Men’s Tennis falls to Colby Sawyer College Chargers By Justine Cozza Sports Writer
The Men’s Tennis team fell to Colby Sawyer College’s Chargers last Sunday April 7 at home 9-0 overall. The loss brings the Trailblazers to 0-6 overall. “We need to go back to basics,” sophomore Taylor Krowitz said. “We have to work on consistency and our focus during matches, even if it means being on the courts four to five hours a day.” According to the MCLA website, the Chargers didn’t drop a set all afternoon and they also earned a pair of points caused by a forfeit due to the lack of MCLA players for the match. The visitors won in both doubles matches by identical 8-1 margins, before also winning in singles. “We are defiantly looking for a win,” senior Daniel Nesti said. “It’s
all about the effort.” The men traveled to Sage College yesterday, but results were not posted in time for publication. The match was originally scheduled for Monday, but was postponed. “I’m hoping we go out and play well enough to be proud of the effort we put in, regardless of whether or not we win,” Krowitz said. The Trailblazers are scheduled to travel again today, playing against Castleton State College Spartans at 4:00 p.m. The Spartans are 7-2 overall. “Even though tennis is mostly an individual sport, we need to work together.” Junior Mitchell Mabardy said. To get more information on the teams schedule or statistics, go to http://athletics.mcla.edu/sports/ mten/index.
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Opnion
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Beacon.mcla.edu
What are your thoughts on the Undergraduate Research Conference? “I think it’s a great way for students to showcase the work they’ve been doing in their field. I look forward to presenting again this year.”
“My thoughts on the undergraduate research conference are mixed. I’m looking forward to seeing what it actually looks like since I’ve never attended, but I have a lot of work to do before I get there and put up my poster.”
–Tyson Luneau, 2013
–Christopher Tate, 2014
“I think it would be a good thing if students weren’t forced to do it. I don’t like how some classes and majors make it a requirement for grades and to be able to graduate.”
“I think it’s a great way for students to get a real-world experience and to engage in realworld research. It’s always fun to check out new projects.”
–Chris Cozzaglio, 2016
Photo courtesy of Max Dilthey
–Alyson Stolz, 2015
“I think the Undergraduate Research Conference is an amazing opportunity. Our small college puts on a more student-focused, interdisciplinary and higher quality conference than many larger schools in the region. This unique opportunity gives our students a lot of experience that translates perfectly to graduate school.”
“I’m excited to see the direction in which MCLA students are using their brainpower and the diversity of their interests. This is an opportunity for students to not only prove to themselves and their peers their capacity to learn and communicate but to enlighten others on a level of personal experience.”
–Max Dilthey, 2013
-Adam Tobin, 2014
Compiled by Kayla Degnan/Beacon staff
Commentary
ARMARK offers variety to meal times D e s p i t e complaints of urgent and long-enduring bathroom trips, there's definitely one thing ARAMARK has very right, even if no one seems By Ryan Flynn to know about Senior News Editor it: Equivalency meals. Most students have no idea what this meal is, but everyone has the right to know ARAMARK’s best secret. The equivalency meal option is essentially a late night meal that can be picked up at the C-store. In order to receive one, students must fill out a form in the cafeteria the day they would like to receive one by 1 p.m. Students can choose any time from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. to pick up the meal. Options include a chicken Caesar salad, a 12 inch Italian sub, or a veggie wrap. Every meal comes with a 20 oz. soda, an orange, a bag of chips (usually Doritos), and Oreos. The C-store cashier will quickly look over the students ID and then point them to the coolers where their labeled meal is conveniently sitting. The meals are more than filling and only count as one meal swipe. This secret gem hiding in the shallow depths of eating options at MCLA should really be utilized by more students. Not only does this program offer a five-hour window for mealtime, but the quality of the food is much
better. For instance, the chicken in the Caesar salad tastes like real wellmade chicken and the lettuce and other vegetables have a much fresher taste to them. Now that ARAMARK no longer offers to-go meals in the cafeteria, this fairly unknown option seems just more and more appetizing. An essential issue with this, however, is the fact that this option is only supposed to be available for students with a schedule conflict that prevents them for eating their meal at the appropriate time. Still, as the majority of students seem to have plenty of leftover meals by the end of the semester, why not use it as a third or fourth meal each day? After all, not all people maintain a standard eating schedule and it’s probable that several students would prefer to eat a little later if picking up is more convenient than sitting in a cafeteria for 40 minutes, especially if the pick-up food tastes better. While the cafeteria meals are allyou-can eat style, many students do not eat more than one or two plates, not to mention the foot-long subs and gigantic salad offered as part of an equivalency meal are quite filling with their array of sides and snacks. In addition, the late night option of having a quality meal with the flick of a measly meal swipe could be much more appealing than using declining balance on subway and microwave meals. The equivalency meal is great thing when it comes down to it, which beckons the question, why does it seem that no one knows about it?
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Fun & Games
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Lactose intolerance
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Weekly Horoscopes
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Aries: March 21-April 19 Your energy levels are pretty volatile today, so make sure that you’re working in bursts. Even if you’ve got nothing to do, you may find yourself cleaning or organizing when the mood strikes. Taurus: April 20-May 20 Meals bring your social group together now more than ever. It’s a good time for you to invite folks over for dinner or take colleagues out for lunch. Bonding can take many forms! Gemini: May 21-June 21 Your typical generosity is a little off today, possibly because you’re worried about money. Just lay off the big tips and surprise gifts for the day and see how you feel tomorrow.
Comic by Jackie Coughlin
Cancer: June 22-July22 You need to make sure that you’re dealing with issues that really matter to you, even if they may not be the same ones your friends and family care about. You are certainly on the right track. Leo: July 23-Aug. 22 Your natural modesty is making life more entertaining for almost everyone. Make sure that you’re not just totally covering up your accomplishments, though! People need to hear the truth. Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 22 You need to deal with family today -- what a drag! Though you love them (well, most of them, anyway), it’s the times of obligation that drive you nuts. You can get through this time quickly, though.
FOR RELEASE APRIL 23, 2013
Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Your emotions are all over the place today -- try not to read too much into them. You may find that it’s hard to play fair with certain people, so see if you can bow out of conflicts until tomorrow.
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Pink drink, briefly 6 Arson aftermath 9 Hutt crime lord of sci-fi 14 According to 15 Grazing area 16 Light purple 17 O’Neill drama set in Harry Hope’s saloon 20 Tailor’s target 21 Many a Beethoven sonata ender 22 Popeye’s __’ Pea 23 Jabber on and on 24 __ in November 25 Likable prez 27 More than feasts (on) 28 With 30-Across, drama based on ’70s presidential interviews 30 See 28-Across 32 Aspiring doc’s course 33 Walked alongside one’s master 35 On the Pacific 36 Fertilizable cells 38 “Just __!”: “Be right there!” 40 Drama about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine 45 “Friendly skies” co. 46 Greatly feared 47 Comstock Lode find 48 Fred of “My Cousin Vinny” 50 Oozed 52 With 54-Across, “Viva La Vida” rock group, and what 17-, 28-/30and 40-Across each is? 54 See 52-Across 55 Pottery “pet” 58 Smooth transition 60 Pastoral poem 64 Invisible vibes 65 More than most 66 Wine tasting criterion 67 Quilting parties 68 Corrida cheer 69 Neuter, horsewise
Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Your intuition is strong! Use that energy to read people, make great forward progress on your pet projects or make a huge career leap. You need to fall back on your reason in the near future. Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You may need to go your own way today -- but not for good! Your energy is vibrating at a different frequency now, but you are sure to be back in sync with your people before too long. Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 This is not a good time for procrastination. If you can lock yourself away and focus on tasks and projects you should end the day feeling great -- but if you get distracted, things could get pretty bad. Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Have you been dithering over some big plan or project you want to take on? Now is the time to act without thinking -- you can pick up the pieces later if you need to. Seize the day!
By John Verel and Jeff Chen
DOWN 1 Slyly spiteful 2 Irish actor Milo 3 Say what you will 4 Golda of Israel 5 “The Lord of the Rings” baddie 6 Answering the penultimate exam question, say 7 Actor Connery 8 How lovers walk 9 “Jersey Girl” actress, to fans 10 Goals 11 Emulated Mt. St. Helens? 12 With __ breath: expectantly 13 Pains’ partner 18 Answering machine button 19 Journalist Roberts 24 Name, in Nîmes 26 Program file suffix 29 Not counterfeit 31 “The Good Earth” mother 32 “Nonsense!” 34 Tractor manufacturer
4/23/13 Last Issue’s Puzzle Solved Monday’s Puzzle Solved
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35 Give __: yank 37 By way of 39 Believability on the street, slangily 41 Driver’s license fig. 42 Threat words 43 Actor Snipes 44 Thought 49 “March Madness” games, informally 51 Sizing up
4/23/13
53 “Whip It” band 54 Like the driven snow 55 Red wine choice, for short 56 Tint 57 Wrath 59 Salon goop 61 Mommy deer 62 Initials on L’Homme fragrance 63 Took the reins
Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 You’re having a blast today -- so make sure that you’re including all your friends! Your energy is easy to share, and your friends and family deserve more than they’re getting. Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com
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Thursday, April 18, 2013
Photo Essay
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A day on the farm! Baby animals are featured at Hancock Shaker Village in Hancock, Mass.
Photos by Kacie Clark Families walk through the village on the way to see baby animals featured until May 5.
A calf tries to lick visitors in the barn at Hancock Shaker Village. Lulu Simon, 6, makes some new friends over the weekend.
Visitors observe the animals inside the Round Stone Barn, built in 1826. Sara Sprague, 14, a member of the 4-H club, holds a lamb.