March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

T hu r s day , M a rc h 1, 2018

Volume 86

SGA’s Olympic Winter Week comes to a close

Photo provided by Samantha Giffen

Members of SGA (from left to right) Katie Howe, Allison Fortin, and Kolumbia Cook.

BY COREY MITCHELLLABRIE STAFF WRITER A wide smile spread across Victoria Muñoz’s face as ping pong balls went flying across the floor. This was just one of the many games Muñoz helped coordinate as the Executive Vice President (EVP) as part of the annual Winter Week for the Student Government Association (SGA).

“The EVP, under the job description, it technically says that we do any special event planning for SGA,” Muñoz said.

“Winter Week is a tradition that SGA has been doing for a long time. I thought it’d be cute to tie it in with the Olympics that ended last week.”

Winter Week was full of interesting and fun activities, with plans ranging from custom-made Olympic medal cookies, Minute to Win It games and even a trivia night.

“I’ve played Minute to Win It games before,” said Muñoz. “I picked some of my favorites and tried to do a few more that were specifically Olympic themed.”

Muñoz received help for Winter Week through staffing and setup work done by other members of SGA. Notifications for the different events were sent through class Facebook pages as well as being advertised

by SGA members.

“I couldn’t have done it without the volunteers,” said Muñoz. “I planned it, but I couldn’t have executed it without everyone else.”

Their final event, the Minute to Win It games, had games like a pool noodle javelin toss, marshmallow distance launchers and speed plate skating on the Campus Center floor. One particularly popular game had players knock over bottles using stockings, a ball and their heads-literally.

“I saw this idea on Pinterest,”

said Muñoz. “Candy bar medals.

So you take a full-sized candy bar and hot glue ribbon on it. I thought it would be a cute idea to kind of give people.”

But of course, no game is complete without a little competition involved, especially when it comes to real life events and games.

“People who win a game,” said Munoz, “they get a medal and the option to throw their name in a raffle for a pizza party. We did it so that you could either suggest a club you’d want to donate it to or yourself if you’re a part of that club.”

The raffle was also extended to other student groups and organizations outside of the various clubs, even including Resident Advisor staff.

“I don’t know if I had a favorite event,” said Muñoz. “I think they all served different purposes and I just really wanted to get SGA’s name out there this week.”

Issue 6

MERC reflects on Black History Month

BY MAYA MCFADDEN STAFF WRITER The Multicultural Education Resource Center (MERC) honored Black History Month with a final movie screening of the film “Higher Learning” to wrap up their long agenda of celebrations on Feb. 28.

The film revolves around three college students at Columbus University in the 1990s. The college campus is heavily divided racially and a student-athlete, a racist outcast, and a women’s rights advocate struggle to deal with the campus’ racial tension.

“The issues present in this film are ones that college campuses are still facing today,” said senior Falyn Elhard. “It deals with sexual assault, racial profiling, police brutality, and the presence of far-right/neo-nazis on college campuses.”

Students gathered in the Sullivan Lounge to enjoy the 1995 film last Wednesday while student facilitators from the Campus Conversations on Race group, Falyn Elhard and Edil Flores, led a discussion after the screening.

“Through dialogue I can learn what it is that other people face, and what resources and support they need to feel comfortable, welcomed, safe, and respected,” said Elhard.

Michael Obasohan, assistant director of diversity programs, said that Black History Month was successful for MERC and the many departments they collaborated with.

“My main goal was to make everyone aware that Black History Month was happening,” Obasohan said. “I wanted the events to explain why there’s a need for the celebration of black history.”

Another goal was to get as many departments and organizations on campus collaborating and supporting MERC’s events.

A few departments and organizations that MERC worked with throughout February were Counseling Services, the Student Government Association (SGA), Student Development, the Identity and Gender Equality Resource Center (IGE), the Women’s Center, Academic Affairs, the President’s Office and Aramark.

For events like the Soul Food Dinner Night, MERC collaborated with Aramark and SGA to have a special guest chef, Jon Pierre Smith Sr., serve students in the Centennial Room. Obasohan said that with help from SGA the event was open to students with and without meal plans.

“While budgets can always be bigger I’m resourceful,” Obasohan said. “The budgets for events caused us to reach out to a lot of different departments which then offered support and useful ideas.”

With a total of nearly 30 events for the month, MERC worked to incorporate education and celebration into the events for students.

MERC page 2

SAC takes cut and SGA makes changes to approve budget

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The Student Government Association (SGA) approved the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget with some modifications on Monday, March 5.

FY19’s club budget stands at $281,000. During Monday’s meeting, six club budgets were changed. Student Activities Council (SAC) willingly took an $8,000 cut and $5,000 was taken from SGA’s reserve account to account for these changes.

Before the changes, the African Student Association (ASA) requested $5,000 but only got $2,500 in the recommended budget. Black Student Union (BSU) requested $14,800 but

received $3,900. Latin American $2,000 will go to Debate Club, $1,000 Society (LAS) wanted $8,830 but also to BSU, $1,000 to LAS, and $1,000 to received $3,900. Debate Club asked for PSC. $3,529.99 and was to receive $1,000.

After the budget changes: ASA will Political Science Club (PSC) now receive $5,000, BSU will NMENT A VER SS O requested $2,950 and T GO now be given $9,000, Debate C I N got $1,000. SAC asked Club will have $3,000, LAS for $114,900 and was will receive $6,300, PSC to get $100,000 in will be given $2,000, and FY19.

SAC will have $92,000.

At the SGA meeting, The SGA operating SAC willingly gave up budget, which includes $8,000 to help other yearbook funding and clubs’ budgets in special SGA events like sa l ch ra e the hopes of improving the Sam Gomez Race and us ib ett s C ollege of L diversity on campus.

Midnight Madness, stands at Out of the $8,000 diverted $105,200. from SAC: $4,100 will be going to BSU, The supplemental budget, used in $2,500 to ASA, and $1,400 to LAS. Out case of emergencies, new initiatives, of the $5,000 from the reserve budget: and special requests from clubs, stands ST UD E

BY COREY MITCHELLLABRIE STAFF WRITER

at $15,000.

Additionally, $3,800 was set aside for diversity and inclusion conferencing.

SGA’s reserve account is built through any leftover money not used in past fiscal years and is used in emergency cases and as a last resort to help with budgeting processes. As of the conclusion of Monday’s budget approval, the reserve account had $395,000 remaining.

The FY19 budget encompasses 44 separate club budgets. There were three new or reactivated clubs included, with the Association for Neurodivergent Awareness receiving $850, Arts Management Club receiving $900, and College Republicans receiving $900.

SGA’s total budget for FY19 is $405,000.

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CAMPUSNEWS

March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

SGA budget passes; 5 clubs receive last minute increases

The call for papers has been made and the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) is just over the horizon. This, the 16th iteration of the conference, will take place on April 19 and abstract submissions are due March 23.

The URC is often home to more than just standard research presentations. In years past there have been performance pieces as well as art galleries where students give tours of their creations.

“We are a liberal arts institution, there are a lot of different definitions of what constitutes research and creative work. Anyone that’s done research with a faculty mentor, anyone that’s done any creative writing, creative artwork, performances, all these are welcome submissions,” said Justin Golub, chair of undergraduate research.

Traditional research papers and presentations are also welcome.

Golub has been chair since spring of 2016 and knew it was something he wanted to be involved in from the moment he arrived at MCLA. His

personal experience with undergraduate research has inspired him to take the position he holds today.

“As an undergrad I actually had the opportunity to do research and I was able to do research starting at the end of my sophomore year. I really enjoyed my time doing research, it actually was what led me to my career wanting to be a college professor and be able to work with students both in the classroom as well as be able to do research with students,” said Golub.

The College has a history of undergraduate research and currently most departments on campus have undergraduate research going on. This conference will once again take the place of regular classes and students will be able to present the topics they have been working on as well as view any other presentations.

“It is a great opportunity for students.

They learn skills that they would not get often in a lecture-based class,” said Golub.

Any students interested in participating are invited to submit an abstract on the MCLA website.

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BY JOSEPH CAREW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Undergraduate Research Conference calls for papers

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Last Monday’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting saw the concluding decision for the Fiscal Year 2019’s club budget. The motion that passed accepted the majority of the recommended budget laid out by the Budget Finance Committee (BFC) with a few changes.

Student Activities Council (SAC) willingly took an $8,000 decrease and an additional $5,000 was taken from SGA’s reserve budget to be reallocated to the five clubs present at Monday’s meeting who expressed desire in raising their budgets.

Three of these five clubs were the African Student Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU), and Latin American Society (LAS). These clubs expressed heavy discontent with their budgets, although only LAS had been facing cuts.

“No really,” said Don’Jea Smith ‘19, a member of BSU’s E-board, addressing SGA.“What have YOU done specifically for diversity?”

At the meeting, SGA saw itself addressed particularly by the ALANA clubs, who cited their responsibility to the student body and SGA’s involvement in promoting both the students’ understanding and acceptance of diversity.

“What is it that we need to say?

Do?” said Adazae Shepherd Edwards ‘18, treasurer for BSU. “How many more issues do we need to present to you of underrepresentation of black students and how we need that funding? I don’t know any other way to say that.”

SAC President Shannon Esposi-

of the meeting. Several of the aforementioned clubs vied for portions of SAC’s budget, which was at first de10000 fended by Esposito.

9000 “A lot of the money we’re awarded is because we do these co-sponsor8000 ships,” Esposito said. “I understand 7000 that it is so frustrating, I understand 6000 that each and every club wants $1,000 5000 from us. But there are over 50+ clubs 4000 and if [each of] you take $1,000 from 3000 us, you just cut us to $50,000.”

2000 In addition to budget discussions, 1000 SGA also approved the request from 0 Queer Student Union (QSU) for African Student Black Student Latin American Debate Club Political Science $2,500 to go toward bringing in a Association Union Society Club special comedian toward the end of March. SAC, while not offering finanOriginally budgeted Added cial support, did state its willingness to aid QSU with their experience in such matters.

This graph marks the increases given to the five clubs who lobbied for change at MCLA scholarships also opened the meeting. All figures are in dollars. up on March 5 and will be open unto ‘18 said, “By us giving back this has.” til March 25. More information can $8,000 we expect it to be distributed Political Science Club also joined be found online or by contacting the based on the belief of promoting di- in, reflecting on the BFC’s work in Financial Aid Office at Eldridge Hall. versity and promoting these things their recommended budget.

Celia Norcross extended an invitathat everybody’s been talking about “When we met originally we had tion to anyone on campus interested tonight.” mentioned that we would not go be- in participating with MCLA’s commitDebate Club Vice President Alec low a certain dollar amount,” said tee centered around the implementaMacLean ‘21, reiterated his argu- Joe Bellas ‘20, president of Political tion to become a smoke-free campus ment presented to SGA during last Science Club. “We would like to know to contact her for more information.

Monday’s meeting announcing their why that was ignored considering “I would like to reiterate my thanks desire to become a competitive colle- that we had mentioned that we would to the senators and BFC here today,” giate team instead of a casual group. like to bring in speakers this fall se- said Bellas at the end of the meeting.

The recommended budget saw them mester.”

“We look forward to making MCLA receive an increase to $1,000 from This was countered by SGA Trea- great again.” their current budget of $305. surer Katie Howe ‘20 who, later durThe Student Government Associa“One thousand dollars isn’t sustain- ing the meeting, explained the BFC’s tion meets in Murdock 218 on Monable,” MacLean said at the meeting. processes in deciding the club bud- days at 7 p.m.

“It just isn’t. We would have to fold gets.

NMENT A VER SSO GO the entire effort to transition to a “If all clubs had these ideal numCI T N E competitive debate team or launch a bers in mind that weren’t negotiable,” fundraising campaign that would lit- Howe said, “the process just wouldn’t erally break every record by ‘percent- work because we’re not able to give age of club budget’ that the school everyone their heart’s desires. I wish we could.”

SAC, being the club with the highest FY19 budget recomsa mendation at $100,000, was l ch ra us ibe etts L f the subject for a sizable portion C o l l e ge o

Budget Increases

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BY COREY MITCHELLLABRIE STAFF WRITER

MERC from page 1 The Women of Color Dinner and Men of Color Dinner were both events that were successful in honoring students of color in the community and offering alumni and faculty the opportunities to support those students.

“We knew what we wanted for the month, which was to celebrate the success of students and I think our events showcased that,” Obasohan said.

MERC does intend to host the two student of color dinners again in the future to bring those students together to celebrate and build support systems, according to Obasohan.

“The event really sparked something in our men of color especially. Since the dinner they’ve been requesting emails and information about the alumni that attended and are working to involve themselves more,” Obasohan said.

Ideas that were recognized as successful by Obasohan were

incorporating food at the events, having young speakers, and showing relevant and popular movies that encourage students to attend events.

While student trends are often changing, MERC has worked hard throughout February to host events that would build their reputation and interest students.

“My job is to do things on campus that I know will not only interest the students but also put educational spins on events,” Obasohan said.

Obasohan has begun brainstorming for future events. He hopes to bring more speakers to campus and offer more discussion opportunities after movie screenings that touch on relevant and sensitive topics.

While Black History Month has come to an end, MERC will begin celebrating Women’s History Month this March. Upcoming events include the Global Film Series’ screening of the film “Black Girl” on March 20.

March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

NATIONALNEWS

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Republican congressional leaders push Trump to cancel or narrow his tariff plan

BY CATHLEEN DECKER Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON-Hoping to blunt a move Republicans fear could spark a trade war and backfire politically, party leaders in the House and Senate implored President Donald Trump on Tuesday to narrow or repudiate his planned tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

The rare public disagreement between the president and the legislative leaders who have been largely deferential to him came amid widespread Republican concern that Trump’s desired tariffs, 25 percent on foreign steel and 10 percent on foreign aluminum, would prompt retaliation that could slow the economy and deprive GOP candidates of their main argument in November.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has repeatedly talked to the president since his surprise declaration last week, said that Republican senators are worried “about interfering with what appears to be an economy taking off.”

“We are urging caution that this (not) develop into something much more dramatic that could send the economy in the wrong direction,” he told reporters after a Senate lunch Tuesday.

His remarks came hours after House Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin said that his members shared those concerns and had repeatedly made their fears known to the White House.

Photo from Tribune News Servicce

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) makes remarks as Congressional Republicans announce the new tax reform plan in the U.S. Capitol on September 2, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Ron Sachs/CNP/Abaca Press/TNS) “The smarter way to go is to make it more surgical and more targeted,” Ryan said of the tariffs, which have yet to be formally announced.

Ryan said that in multiple conversations, congressional Republicans have strongly urged Trump to go after “true abusers” in a way that avoided “unintended consequences and collateral damage.”

For years, Trump has complained that China has dumped low-priced steel on U.S. markets, undercutting domestic manufacturers. But administration officials made clear in recent days that his proposed tariffs would hit every nation, including neighboring Canada, a high-ranking

steel exporter.

Legislative leaders were hopeful Tuesday that the White House was, at the very least, wobbling on the breadth of its tariff order.

On Monday, the president said that he might consider exempting Canada and Mexico from tariffs if the three countries reach a new North American Free Trade Agreement that he finds acceptable.

He spoke Monday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a conversation in which the White House said Trump “emphasized his commitment to a NAFTA agreement that was fair to all three countries.”

Treasury Secretary Steven

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IT’S ALMOST SCHOLARSHIP TIME! THE 2018-19 MCLA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WILL BE LIVE ON MONDAY, MARCH 5TH! APPLY ON-LINE AT MCLA.AWARDSPRING.COM MARCH 25TH DEADLINE DATE!!

Mnuchin reiterated Tuesday, in a statement to a House committee, that if NAFTA is successfully renegotiated “those tariffs won’t apply to Mexico and Canada.”

In Canada, the prime minister’s office released a more forceful statement saying Trudeau had “registered his serious concern” about the proposed steel and aluminum tariffs. They “would not be helpful to reaching a deal in NAFTA,” the statement said.

Trudeau’s comments were in keeping with fears by tariff opponents that Trump’s action might prompt other nations to retaliate, raising prices for Americans. That was also the fear of congressional Republicans who already face daunting prospects in November’s elections.

The economy ranks as the party’s major argument for incumbents’ re-election in November. Since Trump’s tariff announcement, concerns have risen that the impact of tariffs would wipe out other recent economic gains, which Republicans plan to link to the GOP

tax reform plan.

Ryan on Tuesday would refer only elliptically to those fears.

“We think the economy is doing very well, and we want to make sure that every step we take helps the economy,” he said. “We want to be sure that abuses are held to account, especially China.”

But, he added, “we want to be sure that every step we take forward does not have unintended consequences.”

Asked if he shared Ryan’s concerns, McConnell responded with mild frustration.

“I think we need to wait and see what the White House finally decides to do on this,” he said.

Several Republicans have gone public with their criticism of the president’s tariff proposal. Sen. Ben Sasse, RNeb., called the idea “kooky.”

On the Senate floor Monday night, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., cited President George W. Bush’s 2002 effort to impose similar tariffs as an example Trump should take to heart. The Bush effort was halted after it caused the same consequences Ryan and McConnell warned about on Tuesday, “It’s a good goal by a wellintentioned president, but I’m afraid that it will backfire just like it did for President Bush,” Alexander said. “Tariffs are big taxes; they are big taxes that raise consumer prices.”

Alexander said he was particularly alarmed by the impact on manufacturers in Tennessee, including those in the auto industry. He also reminded Trump that after the tariff announcement, Electrolux, a European appliance manufacturer, had put on hold a $250 million expansion it had planned in Springfield, Tenn.

The company, which uses U.S. steel, said tariffs such as those backed by Trump would set off a domino effect leading to higher costs.

Are you an SGA Club?

Your first ad in the paper is on the house!

Contact Business Manager Mitchell Chapman at mc7368@mcla.edu for details

NATIONALNEWS

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March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

A week in history: Punic War and Roosevelt March 8th

1702 – Queen Anne, the younger sister of Mary II, becomes Queen regnant of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

1775 – An anonymous writer, thought by some to be Thomas Paine, publishes “African Slavery in America,” the first article in the American colonies calling for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.

Photos from WikimediaCommons

A portrait of Thomas Paine

by Laurent Dabos.

March 9th

1841 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules in the United States v. The Amistad case that captive Africans who had

seized control of the ship carrying them had been taken into slavery illegally.

1862 – American Civil War: The USS Monitor and CSS Virginia fight to a draw in the Battle of Hampton Roads, the first battle between two ironclad warships.

2011 – Space Shuttle Discovery makes its final landing after 39 flights.

March 10th

241 BC – First Punic War: Battle of the Aegates: The Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet bringing the First Punic War to an end.

1848 – The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is ratified by the United States Senate, ending the Mexican–American War. 1876 – The first successful test of a telephone is made by Alexander Graham Bell.

1987 – Tuukka Rask, Finnish ice hockey player and goaltender for the Boston Bruins, is born.

March 11th

1702 – The Daily Courant, England’s first national daily newspaper is pub-

lished for the first time.

1888 – The Great Blizzard of 1888 begins along the eastern seaboard of the United States, shutting down commerce and killing more than 400.

2006 – Michelle Bachelet is inaugurated as first female president of Chile.

March 12th

538 – Vitiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving the city in the hands of the victorious Byzantine general, Belisarius.

1933 – Great Depression: Franklin D. Roosevelt addresses the nation for the first time as President of the United States. This is also the first of his “fireside chats.”

1947 – Cold War: The Truman Doctrine is proclaimed to help stem the spread of Communism.

1999 – Former Warsaw Pact members the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland join NATO. 2014 – A gas explosion in the New York City neighborhood of East Harlem kills eight and injures 70 others.

Weekend Weather

Thursday, March 8

Snow Showers High: 35° Low: 24° Precip. Chance: 60%

Saturday, March 10

Snow Showers High: 34° Low: 25° Precip. Chance: 50%

Friday, March 9

Snow Showers High: 35° Low: 25° Precip. Chance: 40%

Sunday, March 11

Mostly Cloudy High: 37° Low: 24° Precip. Chance: 20%

March 13th

1865 – American Civil War: The Confederate States of America agree to the use of African-American troops.

1930 – The news of the discovery of Pluto is telegraphed to the Harvard College Observatory.

1991 – The United States Department of Justice announces that Exxon has agreed to pay $1 billion for the clean-up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.

March 14th

44 BC – Casca and Cassius decide, on the night before the Assassination of Julius Caesar, that Mark Antony should live.

The assassination of Julius Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini.

Parkland shooter indicted on 17 counts of murder

BY PAULA MCMAHON AND TONYA ALANEZ Sun Sentinel

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. The Parkland shooter has been indicted on 17 counts of firstdegree murder and 17 counts of attempted first-degree murder, prosecutors announced Wednesday afternoon.

Broward County Medical Examiner Dr. Craig Mallak and the Parkland family who gave a home to him were among the witnesses who testified Wednesday to the grand jury hearing evidence in the Stoneman Douglas mass shooting case.

The shooter, 19, has admitted arming himself with an AR-15 rifle on Valentine’s Day and gunning down 17 people and injuring 16 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Grand jury proceedings are held behind closed doors and state authorities have taken the unprecedented step of escorting witnesses through a secure rear entrance.

Mallak, whose staff conducted autopsies on the victims, left through the front door. He did not comment to waiting reporters.

James and Kimberly Snead, who let their son’s friend, live with them for about three months before the shooting, also testified to the Broward County grand jury.

Their attorney, Jim Lewis, went into the grand jury room with them.

Lewis and James Snead both wore silver pins bearing the number “17”- to commemorate the number of victims on their lapels.

The Sneads did not comment, but Lewis told waiting reporters that they told the jurors “every single detail they can remember” about him.

“The grand jurors asked some very insightful questions, and they answered them to the best of their ability,” Lewis said.

“They (the Sneads) still don’t know why this happened ... (they) didn’t see this coming,” Lewis said.

On Tuesday, the jurors heard from more than half a dozen witnesses out of a scheduled 15. First up was the Uber driver who drove the shooter with a black duffel bag and backpack to the school campus that afternoon. Crime-scene analysts and the lead detective also testified.

Our 45 Year Anniversary Show starts March 24th 7p.m. in Sullivan Lounge w/ SAC & TFS

March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

FEATURES

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MCLA alum Sychiah Johnson finds niche back on campus

BY MEGHAN COOK FEATURES EDITOR From Sacramento, California to little North Adams, Massachusetts, recent alum Sychiah Johnson just cannot get enough of MCLA. After graduating this past semester Johnson has found her niche at MCLA, right up on the third floor of the Campus Center.

“It was not my priority to stay this connected with the college, but I am happy I stayed because I guess in a way I am not ready to leave just yet,” said Johnson.

Working under Celia Norcross, assistant dean of student development and engagement, Johnson has assumed the official title of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Post Graduate Assistant as of Feb. 20.

Upon returning to North Adams after winter break, Johnson began her new adventure on the MCLA campus.

Johnson also works closely with Amanda Beckwith, director the Identity and Gender Equality (IGE) Resource Center and the Women’s Center, and Michael Obasohan, assistant director of diversity programs and the Multicultural Education Resource Center (MERC).

“I’m in charge of coordinating Women’s Center Wednesdays, Planning Take Back the Night, help assisting with events for Women’s History Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” explained Johnson. “I am also to help organize, plan, run any events that come my way.”

With such a versatile role, Johnson gets to spend time with students and

Photo provided by Sychiah Johnson

MCLA alum Sychiah Johnson accepts her new role on campus. faculty on a daily basis. Her sunny disposition and at-the-ready smile allow students to connect with Johnson, especially because she was just a student herself.

Students may have seen her behind the Susan B. Anthony Women’s Center booth at the Wellness Fair in Venable Gym last week streaming videos about self-love. She also was handing out cards that flipped over to show inspirational quotes depicted on them.

“I got my degree in sociology with a double minor in women’s gender and sexuality studies and anthropology,” said Johnson. “I feel everything I am doing here now at MCLA is very intertwined with my major and minor.”

Johnson explained that over the course of her academic career at MCLA she learned about injustices that are occurring all around the world. She learned how to bring about change to these issues.

“[In my sociology classes] I had to create strategies in order to change things,” explained Johnson. “Being a sociology major all one does is read one disaster over another and a way to critically change what one will do to make some change.”

She reiterated how her major and minors are linked to the work she does on campus. Her work for MERC requires her to be in charge of the Campus Conversations on Race (CCOR) series and training.

“I also am in charge of ALANA Council development and of planning Umoja Week, which is a week where the multicultural clubs come together to put together educational events that are still fun for all students,” said Johnson.

When asked what events and responsibilities she is most excited to be a part of, Johnson was quick to answer.

“CCOR series and training because it is a topic I am passionate about and being a facilitator myself when I attended the college,” explained Johnson. “It’s great to see more students wanting to get involved.”

With a plethora of duties and responsibilities, she has her work cut out for her. She needs to balance all the events that she is heading.

“It is Women’s History Month and performer Jennifer Miller will be coming to campus March 22 at 7 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge and “They Call Me Q!” another performance will be held on March 27 in Sullivan at 8 p.m.,” Johnson said.

As Johnson takes on this new role at MCLA she has plenty of excitement and passion and is ready to rise to any challenge. And with a smile!

Paul LeSage - professor by day, musician by night

BY LISE MANSARAY FEATURES WRITER Professor Paul LeSage has worked at MCLA since 1981 and has been a highly respectable and positive figure on campus ever since. One can always find him with a smile on his face or carrying his guitar. He teaches classes in the professional writing area such as Business Writing and Public Relations, and has recently taken on the role of chair of the English/Communications department.

Aside from his work here at MCLA, he is also a musician on the side.

Sometimes he will even bring his guitar into class and will play and sing for students.

“It’s a lot of fun. I play for classes and I think they like it,” said LeSage.

“It’s really a nice thing to do.”

LeSage first got his start in music when he was 24. His friend gave him guitar lessons and his skills took off from there. He is also a songwriter.

“I have like three or four songs. I had one make a debut last summer at a holiday gathering,” LeSage said.

He also writes poetry, which he claims helps with the songwriting.

“The rhymes come not always when you need them but the rhymes do come,” he said, laughing.

LeSage is a father to four children who are also musically inclined.

They are all singers, musicians and actors who have been in plays. He expressed how he hopes to one day collaborate with his children on an album.

“What I plan to do when I get some time off, is to take some of my recorded songs and put it on a CD, having my kids play the music for it,” said LeSage.

Occasionally, he performs with his children at local open mics in towns such as Pittsfield. Aside from local performances, LeSage has also performed at events around the country. He shared the story of a very interesting wedding he was once invited to play for.

“I had a band some years ago and we got hired to play at a nude wedding,” said LeSage. “They threw a lot of rice at the couple and their aim

was quite good. It was a paid gig so we made some money but it was a nice time and nice gig. The people were wonderful.”

LeSage has had a number of performances around the country, usually performing his own songs.

He also shared a story about how he once sang at The Red Lion in Stockbridge and forgot the lyrics.

“I forgot most of the lyrics, I had to sing the same verse three times because I couldn’t remember the other ones,” he said. “It was one of my own songs too.”

However, he admitted to still getting nervous when he plays.

“I still get nervous performing only because I’m not that good Photo courtesy of MCLA at it,” he said. “It’s like playing sports. Once you start you are into Professor Paul LeSage with his guitar. it and you don’t know how it’s going walking into the classroom and always. It’s kind of fun though. It’s shutting the door,” he said. “Evall a part of the thrill of it.”

Although LeSage has picked up the erything else stays outside. It’s passion of music, he always knew he like a relief. Plus sometimes [the wanted to be a professor since his ju- students] laugh at my jokes.” nior year of college.

“The best part about my job is

6

Arts & Entertainment

This Is: Tonight Alive

BY EMMA MONAHAN A&E EDITOR

Australia-based band Tonight Alive have been within the punk rock scene since their start in 2008. They’ve been featured on the Vans Warped Tour multiple times, have toured with bands like State Champs, Sleeping With Sirens, Our Last Night and All Time Low, and have released four full-length albums. Impressed yet?

If you’re a fan of femalefronted bands like Paramore, Marmozets, PVRIS and oth-

ers of the like, Tonight Alive is for you. Lead singer Jenna McDougall’s powerhouse vocals are hard to miss, with so much strength and passion.

Although their sound changed to a more spiritual influence on their third studio album, “Limitless,” it is still a fan favorite. Their recent release, “Underworld,” brings fans back to the old days with their heavy guitar riffs and lyrics that basically yell “F you” to the world.

Not only are there some great breakup songs, Tonight Alive knows how to ap-

preciate love and friendship as well. Their 2013 album “The Other Side” features songs like “Came Home” and “The Other Side,” crediting the loves in their lives.

Not much has happened for the band in 2018 besides a tour to support their new album, but they’re set to perform at the final Vans Warped Tour this summer.

They’re definitely worth the $60.

Within the rock category, Tonight Alive are able to outshine many in the male dominated genre.

photo by Jordan Knight

From left to right, Cam Adler, Jenna McDougall, Jake Hardy, and Matt Best.

Author’s writing workshop gets students fired up

BY BRIANNA LAMB A&E WRITER Author Jana Laiz visited MCLA for a writing workshop called Fired Up! sponsored by the Women’s Center last Thursday. This was their first event for March celebrating Women’s History Month.

This workshop is the work of Green Fire Writers, which offers publishing services, writing journeys and similar workshops, as well as having an online magazine, also called Fired Up!, owned and operated by Laiz and Jennifer Browdy.

“Fired Up! magazine is by and for people who are passionate about our world and understand how the power of writing can lead to positive change,” said Laiz.

Self-described as a writer with a purpose, Laiz is the author of seven books as well as being a part of the creation and compilation of others.

Her passion for writing began as a child, constantly thinking of new ideas and jotting down stories, poems, journals, essays and plays.

Now, Laiz uses her writing as a platform to write about subjects she is passionate about.

Laiz is also the writerin-residence at Herman Melville’s Berkshire home, Arrowhead, and has been a teacher for many years, working with everyone from kindergarteners to university students, and teaching a variety of subjects, including Mandarin Chinese and ESL. Seven student writers sat around the table as the workshop started and Amanda Beckwith, coordinator of the Women’s Center, introduced the guest author.

Laiz showed the writers just how powerful writing can be by explaining some of the books she has written.

The first was “Elephants of the Tsunami,” a true story about the elephants that

saved the survivors of the 2004 tsunami in Thailand.

The book was published and Laiz raised money for the victims through its sales.

Her next book, “Weeping Under This Same Moon,” is the true story of a Vietnamese girl who escaped with thousands of other Vietnamese refugees and an American high school teenager who seems to be an outcast but has an intense love for writing and the environment.

These two girls are brought together, drastically altering each other’s lives through the celebration of culture and friendship. Plans have also been put into place to turn this book into a movie.

The topic of immigration and compassion for immigrants and refugees sparked discussion in the group. As someone who has worked with immigrants and refugees and has many students and friends who are undocumented, this was an important topic to Laiz with the current events within the country.

Going around the table, Laiz asked the students if they were immigrants, making it clear that, with the exception of indigenous peoples, most people are. The workshop participants described their ancestors who came from Italy, Ireland and Poland. Others talked about their African and Puerto Rican heritage.

A writing exercise followed in which immigration was the focal point. The powerful poems and intense and personal stories of the students were shared, with encouragement from Laiz to submit them to Fired Up! magazine.

“You’re not a wannabe writer. You are a writer, whether you are published or not. Maybe you aren’t an author yet, but you can be,” Laiz said, giving inspiration to those in the room.

Another of Laiz’s books, “A Free Woman On God’s Earth,” tells the story of Eliz-

abeth “MumBet” Freeman, the enslaved African woman who sued for her freedom in a Massachusetts court of law. The Elizabeth Freeman Center is named after her.

Laiz’s fantasy book, “The Twelfth Stone,” tackles the topic of environmentalism, as human greed shows its effects across worlds. These show the expanse of Laiz’s passions.

The next exercise Laiz coordinated was creating a list of what got everyone “fired up.” The list was long. White supremacy, issues on gun control, murders of unarmed black children, closed-mindedness and issues regarding LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights were all included. Laiz made the workshop space a place to voice the anger and the passion that was within each student.

Then, Laiz created a second list, asking everyone to think of positive things to get fired up about. Generosity, solidarity, representation of black women in entertainment, nature and music were some of the responses. With this done, Laiz took the remaining time to let the student writers write something from their heart based on the lists they made.

There was a quote by William Wordsworth that Laiz hung on the wall. It read, “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.

“Never compare yourself or your writing to others,” Laiz said. “Just listen to you!

You don’t have to listen to everyone’s voice. The words come from within you.”

Laiz invited passionate writers to submit their work to Fired Up! magazine, and she can be reached at jana@ janalaiz.com or through her website, janalaiz.com.

March 8:

International Women’s Day | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Campus Center Marketplace National Popcorn Day Bar | 5 – 7 p.m. Campus Center Marketplace Margaret Hart Concert | 8 – 11 p.m. Gallery 51 Voices Open Mic | 9 p.m. Sullivan Lounge DIY Bath Bombs | 5 p.m. Sullivan Lounge

March 24:

WJJW’s 45th anniversary show | 7 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge

March 27:

“They Call Me Q” Movie | 8 p.m. Sullivan Lounge

March 28:

Health Insurance 101 | 3 p.m. Campus Center 232 “Battle of the Sexes” Movie Night | 7 p.m.

Sullivan Lounge

Want your club’s events featured in the Beacon? Email Emma Monahan at em4957@ mcla.edu.

photo by Brianna Lamb

Students attending the writing workshop with Jana Laiz.

Arts & Entertainment

7

Campus Cook-Off finals: Who cooked, who won, and who was left to broil?

BY WYATT MINEAU A&E WRITER

Last week, the three finalists of this year’s Campus CookOff were announced: round one winner Adazae ShepherdEdwards, round two winner Amanda Romanelli and round one competitor Stefanie Nieves. This week sees the thrilling results of the competition, with Romanelli being crowned the winner.

The three chefs-in-themaking needed to use the four final mystery ingredients to impress the judges, Associate Dean of Students Theresa O’Bryant, Director of Student Activities Jenn Labbance and Vice President of Student Af-

fairs Catherine Holbrook.

This time, they were tasked with incorporating chicken, croissants, blackberries and beets into their meals. Shortly after the three participants began cooking, however, more mystery ingredients in the form of “gifts” were introduced.

Shepherd-Edwards got shiitake mushrooms, Romanelli got oyster mushrooms and Nieves got crimini or baby portabello mushrooms.

The Campus Center was awash in delectable smells as the three participants toiled away over the hour. Aramark chefs supervised them, providing encouraging words as they chopped and diced their ingredients. When the smoke

from the pan-seared chicken cleared, the three chefs presented their meals to the judges and nervously awaited their scores.

Chef Shepherd-Edwards was the first to present her dish to the judges. She made a chicken salad, with mushroom-blackberry-beet sauce and a very stylish green pepper “cup” of sorts accompanying the meal. ShepherdEdwards commented that the hardest ingredients for her to incorporate were the croissant and berries, as she had never really used them before when cooking.

Chef Romanelli was up next.

She presented a stuffed chicken breast, salad served in cups

made of Parmesan cheese and a dressing incorporating the beets.

Chef Nieves presented last, and had made seasoned chicken with a garlic Parmesan sauce and a blackberry coleslaw on the side.

After a short break, Romanelli was announced as the winner with the highest score yet - 83 points.

“I just came here to have fun, I think I did pretty well,” Romanelli said. “I really didn’t like working with the beets.”

Romanelli had no further comments after receiving her trophy.

“I just like to cook,” she said.

photo from Wyatt Mineau

Winner Amanda Romanelli.

Students show off skills at Archery Airstrike

BY EMMA MONAHAN A&E EDITOR

photo by Emma Monahan

Students participating in Archery Airstrike.

Another Saturday Night Spotlight event is in the books thanks to the Student Activities Council (SAC). This past Saturday, students were able to bring out their inner Katniss Everdeen with Archery Airstrike.

From 6-10 p.m. in the Campus Center Gym, participants were able to use bows and arrows to shoot at each other as moving targets with obstacles and

barriers in the way for even more fun. Although challenging, the event was highly enjoyable.

One thing that would’ve been helpful was some practice; for those who had never shot a bow before, quickly learning how to was difficult especially during the actual game. As fun as the event was, the difficulties of not knowing how to hold the equipment made it hard to participate, and sometimes even frustrating.

With two teams pinned

against each other, the pressure was on. If you’re hit, you’re out, but for the most part it was a free-for-all.

With a full house for each game, all helmets, bows and arrows were taken. It seemed no one was really taking the rules seriously but students appeared to be enjoying the fun.

These type of events, where there’s more interaction with other students and an athletic twist, seem to be the most popular of the SAC events. Others like laser tag and bouncy house

obstacle courses are always packed. Right at 6 p.m., students were gearing up for the fun.

More events like these will definitely bring in the numbers they are looking for. SAC seems to always struggle with attendance when it comes to events, but in the end they’re always a fun time. Archery Airstrike was a new kind of event that SAC put on, something that the club doesn’t put on regularly. Events like these will always be favorites of the student body.

Acclaimed poet Ocean Vuong visits MCLA

BY JACOB VITALI A&E WRITER Critically acclaimed poet Ocean Vuong visited the MCLA campus for a poetry reading on March 1.

During his visit, Vuong read poetry with deep meanings. One poem was centered around the ideas of fatherhood, as his father was imprisoned when Vuong was young. Another poem was from the perspective of his illiterate, immigrant mother and one dealt with the question of “what does it mean to have a safe space?”

In addition, Vuong read an excerpt from an upcoming poetry/novel hybrid project.

The excerpt was written about a time when the opioid epidemic was highly stigmatized and many people close to him died.

Vuong was born in Saigon to a Vietnamese mother and United States soldier father during the Vietnam War, while spending his formative years in Hartford,

Connecticut.

Before becoming a poet, Vuong worked for Panera Bread.

Nowadays, Vuong is a bestselling author and has won multiple awards, including the TS Eliot prize for poetry for his 2016 book “Night Sky with Exit Wounds.” He is also a resident of Northampton, Massachusetts and an assistant professor in the MFA program for poets and writers at UMass Amherst.

Zack Finch, professor of English/Communications, initially inquired about having Vuong visit. He found Vuong’s personal story compelling.

“His story of course is inspiring coming from a family of immigrants, from Vietnam. His family didn’t speak English, he was the first literate person in his family,” said Finch.

“So there’s something just pretty awesome about his particular trajectory as a person and that being poet is just part of being a person.”

Finch was concerned that he might not be able to get Vuong to visit campus.

“He’s a poet of such sort of national and really now international acclaim that I wasn’t sure he’d even be able to fit it into his schedule but he was really gracious and excited to come,” Finch said.

Sophomore Jacob Valenti, who is studying creative writing, found the reading inspiring as an aspiring poet.

“I think it’s very inspiring as a writer to have a writer come to the school and be so successful at such a young age,” Valenti said. “To know that he has the same career path that I want and to know that he has the same poetic career path that I want and to be able to talk to him for a minute is just such a great thing to have here.”

Following the reading, Vuong held a question and answer segment with the audience. The questions ranged largely on the writing process and how his ideas come about.

photo from Zack Finch

Ocean Vuong is an acclaimed poet who visited MCLA last week. He is also a part of the UMASS Amherst faculty.

SPORTS

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March. 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

Out with the old, in with the new; men's basketball loaded with young talent

BY BRADY GEROW SPORTS EDITOR Although most would say 10-16 isn’t a great year, the 2017-18 Trailblazers men’s basketball team showed great promise and ability in a good group of young players that can help Head Coach Derek Shell rebuild the program from the bottom up.

Although the overall record doesn’t seem like a very good one, the big thing to take into account with the ‘Blazers this season was the late arrival of seniors Joseph Wiggins, Keiland Cross and Adam Conquest.

“Obviously it was significantly better than last year,” Shell said. “I think that was due to the fact that we were able to have a year of recruiting under our belt…but also second semester in league play when it counted most we had three seniors return. That obviously helped.”

The group of seniors missed the first nine games of the season, but when they returned, they led the team to a 6-6 record in the MASCAC as opposed to last year’s 0-12 record in the conference.

This was a drastic jump, from finishing last place in the league the previous season to now finishing third in the conference and one game away from the MASCAC tournament championship game.

The team saw instant impact from the new additions that Shell had been seeking out for the program as well. Freshman forward Mike Demartinis saw instant

photo by MCLA Athletics

The MCLA men's basketball team. Out of 26 games, the team went 10-16 overall, going 6-6 at home and 3-8 away. success on the court as he the other guys work hard in Yearsley and Demartinis are scored 71 points in the team’s the offseason, we can make only two of the young pieces first five games of the year. the break into the MASCAC that have shown promise this “I don’t think the seniors championship.” season. Freshman forward that we are losing can The program hasn’t Hayden Bird averaged 7 ppg, have their contributions recorded a conference 3.8 rpg, and shot 31.8 percent be underestimated for our championship in just under from beyond the arc this success in the second half 30 years, since the 1989- season. of the season,” Shell stated. 90 season when coach Al Bird showed signs of “…But you know there’s no Sokaitis was running the promise midway through the winning formula, its basically team. Sokaitis coached his season where he scored 20+ lather, rinse, and repeat.” way to two straight 20+ win points two times in three Although the talent is there seasons in his three-year stay games. for Shell, there are definitely at MCLA from 1987-1990.

Shell has created a severe still kinks to be worked out The team came very close turnaround in the look of and pieces to be added to the to making a trip to the finals the program and where the program to improve upon this this year, and they were led program ranks among the year’s semifinals appearance. by the young talent that Shell MASCAC. MCLA, along “I mean they’re going to be brought into the program. with a few other schools, tough to replace, they were Freshman guard Noah has struggled to create a three great players that made Yearsley dropped 31 points on sustaining men’s basketball a lot of plays for us the last 11/19 shooting while draining program in terms of MASCAC semester,” Demartinis said of 8/11 shots from beyond the arc play. the seniors who will be leaving in the nine-point loss to the Shell has turned a roster last the team. “Hopefully we can championship Bridgewater year that was unable to win a bring some new guys in and State team. single conference game, and

in one whole season created a team that was oh so close to reaching the conference championship.

As Shell approaches the 2018-19 offseason, he is looking to do nothing but get better in every place possible.

“We’re always looking to upgrade at every position.

Whether that be through recruiting or whether it be one of these guys working on their game in the offseason,” Shell said. “Somehow, someway, we need to improve at every spot next year if we’re going to get to the level that we want to get to.”

The program is poised to get back on the right track, but the team will miss its seniors regardless. Although there are only three departing seniors, the trio of players played key roles night in and night out for the ‘Blazers.

“The one thing I believe Adam, Keiland, and myself instilled in the program is that we made such a statement with such young talent,” said senior Joe Wiggins of his and the other seniors’ impact on the program. “Our program is going to be successful for years to come and that was something other schools in the MASCAC didn’t believe until this year.”

Although the program rebuild has just begun, Shell and his young core seem to be on the perfect track to start something great here. With the talent assembled and some experience under their belts, the road to a conference championship might not be so long after all.

Women's Basketball learns from season of camaraderie; sets sights on next year

BY JABARI SHAKIR SPORTS WRITER A future social worker and high school basketball coach, sophomore Kylah Langston is grateful for her unbreakable unity with her teammates and is looking forward to seeing the compassion and network continue next season.

"We realized what our role was this season and we bonded really well as a team," Langston said.

Although the women's basketball team did not get a chance to compete in the playoffs, they all cherish and appreciate their friendship with one another on and off the court.

"My favorite part about the season is the bond we all had with one another. I feel like you do not have that with a lot of teams. We connected with one another, which was nice," junior Courtney Pingelski said.

Coach Loren Stock also had some insight on what she enjoyed most about this year's team. She used those partnerships to enhance each player's ability to become the perfect competitor they can grow into.

"The relationships that we build with the student-athletes on and off the floor, I want them to be the best player they can and the best person they can be," Stock said.

The affectionate and devoted inspirations of their delighted and encouraging family members are the key to their success at every game.

The Trailblazers are very familyoriented and admire their own support system.

"My parents have motivated and supported me a lot. They travel to every single game and supported me when I was little, they make the drive no matter where the game is," said Pingelski.

Langston looks up to her mom as her role model and likes to get her mom excited when she plays basketball.

"My mom watches every single one of my games, she did not miss one.

I am doing it for her, she gets happy when she sees me play and I like making her happy," Langston said.

In the offseason, Langston will be practicing extra hard in the gym making her more suitable and improved next season.

"Definitely, I will be working on handling, shooting, lifting, endurance, everything that will prepare me to be even better next year," said Langston.

The women's basketball team is looking at this season as a lesson to stick together, encourage one another and compete for the playoffs next year as a new and improved team.

photo by MCLA Athletics

Kylah Langston as pictured from an Athletics poster.

SPORTS Maybe Adam Silver can save college basketball from the one-and-done, after all March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

BY JOHN CLAY LEXINGTOIN HERALDLEADER

When Adam Silver started talking about changing the circumstances that lead to the one-and-done phenomenon in college basketball, I was skeptical.

Now I’m beginning to think the NBA commissioner means business.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Monday that Silver is working on a plan that would have the NBA become involved in the development of elite prospects at the high school level in an effort to provide avenues besides entering into college for one season.

“It would ultimately open an alternate path to the NBA besides playing in college,” Windhorst wrote, “and a way 18-year-olds could earn a meaningful salary either from NBA teams or as part of an enhanced option in the developmental G League, sources said.”

Silver isn’t ready to announce anything soon. He has been on a listening tour with owners, the NBA Players Association and other key figures in the game. In fact, reports Windhorst, Silver would prefer to wait until after the newly appointed Commission on College Basketball presents its report to the NCAA this spring. The commission was formed in the wake of the FBI’s investigation into corruption in college hoops.

When Silver first publicly voiced a desire to change the

photo by Wikimedia Commons

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on November 21, 2014.

NBA’s age-limit rule, you had to wonder why. After all, since previous commissioner David Stern implemented the restriction in 2005, saying that a player had to have either completed one year of college or be 19 years of age, the guideline had worked well for the professional league.

No longer did franchises have to roll the dice on high school talent. A player’s year (or more) in college allowed NBA teams to make more thorough evaluations, including ones in which prospects competed against players their own age or older.

As a consequence, however, the NBA rule fundamentally altered the college game. While often a boon for Kentucky, thanks to John Calipari’s recruiting, the one-and-done system of players spending just one year in college before going to the NBA, has hurt the game overall.

There are fewer players to follow for four years and less cohesion with teams. Just when the average fan gets to know a freshman star, he’s off to the pros and there’s a new roster to learn all over again.

The art of watching a young team grow and prosper over four years is practically gone.

Even at Kentucky, which has won a national title and reached four Final Fours via Calipari’s NBA-centric philosophy, I hear more UK fans than ever voicing their weariness with the revolving door nature of the one-anddone.

That’s not to say elite players should be forced to stay in college beyond a single season if they are talented enough to play professionally. We’re talking generational money here, often for young men who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many would be foolish to stick around for a college degree they could receive at almost any time.

Still, the revelations from the FBI investigation have shined a harsher light on the subject, especially considering the alleged transgressions focus on prospects coming out of high school who, or whose families, were offered money to either attend a certain school or sign with a certain agent or financial adviser.

What’s the answer? There seems to be no agreement on one specific proposal.

Scrap the age restriction entirely? Let the players hire agents? Golden State Coach Steve Kerr floated the idea of letting any prospect who isn’t drafted be allowed to go to college.

Even Calipari has waffled back and forth, saying he was against the college baseball system _ a high school graduate can be drafted coming out of high school, but if he doesn’t sign he must remain in college for three years _ then saying he was for it, only to return to his original position of opposition.

Other than favoring players remain in college for two years, Silver has been vague about concrete solutions. For one thing, the commissioner needs approval from the Players Association before he can move forward. He has plenty of barriers to cross before getting something done.

Judging by Monday’s news, however, Silver appears committed to forcing some kind of change. And that’s a start.

Why trades in pro sports should not be taken at face value If you’ve been keeping up with a fourth-round pick would be worth the NFL offseason, you may have more than his services, which led found yourself awfully surprised by to Peters being dealt for a secondthe recent trading of Los Angeles and fourth-round pick rather than Rams linebacker Robert Quinn to Quinn and a second. So if you’re the Miami Dolphins. You keeping track, that’s two teams may have asked yourself, that ultimately wanted nothing “how could the Rams to do with Quinn. trade such a prolific pass But why? Quinn was coming rusher away and get so off another great season as one little in return?” All told, of the team’s focal points on a on paper, the Dolphins defense that was pretty good all scammed the Rams big Andrew season long. time. After all, what’re the Baillargeon Maybe there’s something odds of the Rams matchbehind the scenes that we as The Call ing the production they’ll writers and fans don’t know, but lose from Quinn with a that these teams do. Another mere third-round pick thing worth considering is that and exchange of sixth-round picks? these are professional organizaSlim, at least, on paper.... tions. These are men who are paid With a more analytic, careful millions to make these decisions, approach, perhaps things aren’t that have been in the pros for so simple. After the Quinn trade, years and have more experience in we learned that the Rams tried management than all of us do put to include him in a deal with the together. For some reason, these Kansas City Chiefs to land cornerpeople noticed something wrong back Marcus Peters. Here’s the with Quinn, something which cut thing - not only did the Chiefs not his trade value significantly. It want Quinn, but they also decided wasn’t his salary; he was set to make

merely $24 million over the next two years. It’s also not that Quinn was a head case at least in the public eye as he’s never been disciplined by the NFL via fine or suspension before.

To further elaborate my point, I would recommend anybody reading this watch “Draft Day.” That movie does a really good job portraying the gist of the schematics behind negotiating trades and hashing out draft picks, conveniently from the perspective of an NFL general manager. Don’t think that trades don’t have varying degrees of complication in other pro sports though, because they absolutely do. Multiple factors, such as leveraging various advantages, bluffing the value on something, and, of course, the ever prevalent “buy low and sell high” are a few of many different factors that go into the everyday life of a pro sports management team.

And it would do everyone well to recognize that trades shouldn’t always be taken at face value.

9

SCORE BOARD NBA Houston Rockets (122), Oklahoma City Thunder (112) Trevor Ariza (Houston) 15 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST

Paul George (Oklahoma) 17 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST

NBA Atlanta Hawks (90), Toronto Raptors (106) Serge Ibaka (Atlanta) 10 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST

John Collins (Toronto) 14 PTS, 3 REB, 3 ASTReb, 4 Ast, 2 Blk 16 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl

NCAA Men’s Basketball #5 Jackson State Tigers (60), #4 Southern Jaguars (62)

Jared Sam (Jaguars) 12 PTS, 5 REB, 0 AST 10-12. 100 yds, 0 TD

Treshawn Bolden (Tigers) 6 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST

NCAA Men’s Basketball #10 South Carolina (80), #7 Morgan State(91)

Damani Applewhite (SCS) 22 PTS, 6 REB, 0 AST1 Ast, 2 Stl,

Philip Carr (Morgan) 21 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST

NHL

Detriot Red Wings (5), Boston Bruins (6)

Brad Marchand (Bruins) 3 Goal, 2 Ast, 6 SOG

Anthony Mantha (Red Wings) 2 Goal, 2 Ast, 4 SOG

NHL Dallas Stars (0), Nashville Predators (2) Taylor Hall (Nashville Predators) 1 Goals, 2 SOGs, 8 Ast, 2 Stl

Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars) 4 SOGts, 22 Reb, 3 Ast

10

OPINION

March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

Formula 1’s Halo and self-driving race cars I know I’ve been derstand better discussing Formuthan anyone la 1 often but allow what they need me to touch on it when it comes for another week. to visibility and This year they have safety. And it added a safety feaseems up to this ture called the point they never Joseph Halo. Because the lobbied for this Carew motorsport is open new regulation. cockpit, members WheelSpin I have written of the Federation about how danInternationale gerous this mode l’Automobile (FIA) torsport can be at times thought the drivers could but there comes a point use more protection when you are taking the from debris and during thrill out of it. Not only extreme crashes. This might this device hinder brought about a weird a driver’s ability to see triangle shape that rises but it is a step in the difrom directly in front of rection of a closed cockthe driver and connects pit racing series. Which to two points behind defeats the purpose of them.

Formula 1. Open wheel, It isn’t that I want less open cockpit, incredible safe vehicles that I dis- technology, and the fastagree with the imple- est cars around a track. mentation of the Halo, Now drivers have been rather I prefer a bottom killed in this sport mainup change when it comes ly because it was open to Formula 1. The driv- cockpit. The incredible ers are the ones who as- Ayrton Senna in 1994 sume the risk and un- may have been saved had

there been something like the Halo on his vehicle as well as Jules Bianchi in 2015. But again this is a high risk sport and drivers enter with that understanding that, while there are plenty of safety features, there is a chance that you could be injured or worse if you crash.

I’m sure I’m just paranoid but this just seems like another push towards self driving racing.

Cars that have the capability to travel around a track nearly perfectly and consistently lap in and lap out. It completely misses the whole point of motorsport though. It was never about seeing the vehicle go by at a tremendous rate. It is all in the respect for the skills of the driver, that human who can do the almost impossible.

Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart have the right idea Last week, amid advocacy efforts a gun in this country. to ban semi-automatic assault weapThe fact that the Parkland shooter ons, two large retailers, Dick’s Sport- passed a background check and was ing Goods and Walmart, announced able to legally buy the gun he used in that they would stop selling semi- the shooting, after giving off multiple automatics and weapons that resem- red flags both online and in person, is bled semi-automatics. For many, this a perfect example of how incompetent was a step in the right direction after our national background check system the horrific school shooting in is. While a gun can be used apParkland, Florida, in which the propriately for recreation and shooter used a legally-bought for hunting, it can take away a semi-automatic style weapon to human life with such ease that gun down staff, faculty and stuthere should be a high threshdents. The retailers will also no old for owning one. Would longer sell firearms to anyone better background checks help under the age of 21. with our situation? Of course Parkland was not an isolated Mitchell they would, but that could take incident. We’ve had Pulse, Las Chapman years of coordination between Vegas, Charlottesville, Sandy multiple different departments None of your in government, not to mention Hook, Virginia Tech, Columbusiness years of trial and error before bine – so many mass shootings or school shootings in the U.S. we would have a system that that it’s hard to keep track of works the way it is supposed to. them all – and while not all of them Before we get into the ban, and why involved semi-automatic weapons, I think Dick’s and Walmart are in the the most devastating ones often have. right here, lets also address the pro-gun Like it or not, the U.S. has a multifac- lobby’s “defense” that this is a mental eted problem with mass shootings, and health issue, not a gun issue. Why can’t there are a lot of factors that contrib- it be both? We have an issue where ute to it. Our broken health care sys- those suffering from mental health istem oftentimes makes it hard for those sues, rather than seeking the help they with mental health issues to get the need, find it easier to pick up a gun and quality of care they need, we have a kill people. These individuals not only volatile political system that has put in should have access to the health care power politicians that represent cam- they need, but also should be subject to paign donors rather than citizens and background checks that actually detect one that has put a deeply damaging the red flags they are giving off. Unlike and controversial figure in the White what the NRA and GOP would like you House, and yes, it is way too easy to get to believe, this issue is not one thing or

the other; it’s both.

Let’s dissect this ban that Dick’s and Walmart have imposed. Both retailers are sending a clear message: We will not jeopardize the safety of our children for the sake of profits. It’s very admirable, considering that both stand to lose a significant amount of money short term, as well as subjecting themselves to backlash. From a PR standpoint, this is great for them, mostly because both are taking a legitimate stance that has a chance to cause a real impact both on other gun retailers and also in Congress. Both retailers will still sell firearms to responsible gun owners over the age of 21, they just won’t be able to buy semi-automatic weapons, which is understandable, considering that there is no legitimate need for such weapons outside of “this is cool” for ordinary citizens, and the damage made by these type of weapons has been severe.

I think Dick’s and Walmart will end up benefiting long term from this, because people remember when businesses do the right thing. The fact that they stand to lose something will earn them much respect, especially when Congress seems gridlocked on the issue. If you’re a responsible gun owner between 18 and 21, it might make it a little harder for you to have a gun, but those committed to recreation and self-defense will undoubtedly be able to find firearms at smaller shops, and that’s not to say irresponsible gun owners won’t as well. Still, this is the step in the right direction.

And per the backlash, and those threatening to boycott Dick’s and Walmart, good luck. For most people in the country, they will remain to be arguably some of the most convenient and accessible ways to find firearms responsibly, as well as a slew of other products. Trying to boycott Walmart is like trying to boycott the grocery store.

Have at it.

For all our future and past stories make sure to check out our website:

theonlinebeacon.com

OPINION

March 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

11

Editorial

Budgets and frustration With the Student Government Association (SGA) overall budget approved now comes the reflection. We think it all boils down to a lack of students. The more students, the more money SGA has to distribute to clubs and the more likely recommended budgets are met. Until that number goes up the issues of club infighting and budget cuts will persist.

In the time being we believe that there are some changes that could be made to ease the problems that arise at budget meetings.

As far as we can remember most of the clubs on campus have gone through ebbs and flows when it comes to club activity. But when a club experiences that rebound, that flow, SGA has to be receptive to that. And they have tried to be but when it is a completely different cast it essentially becomes a completely different club.

While e-boards from year to year cannot accurately predict a club’s outlook for the future, part of the responsibility needs to be on the clubs themselves. Prove to the SGA and the student body that you are taking steps to be better. Show us that you are putting on inclusive and interesting programming with the resources

you have to justify that you deserve the increase you are asking for.

For example, a few years back the College’s radio station WJJW had just 30 hours of content but slowly added more shows. They were on the brink of irrelevance and were able to show SGA that they had rebounded with new content and new leadership.

In addition, clubs need to be mindful when it comes to how they request their increases.

Rather than vilifying other clubs for receiving lofty sums of money, show us what you have done to better the campus community.

Just because you find something to attack other clubs on, does not mean that your club is safe from the same criticism.

The club has to be able to prove that investment of funds is worth it. Budgets are exactly that. The Budget Finance Committee (BFC) has to do their best to predict how a club will respond to either an increase or a decrease. And a lot of that guesswork would be made more accurate by attending club meetings. Now we can’t say that the BFC should go to every meeting of the nearly 50 clubs on campus but we think it might help with the problems that arose

at the last meeting.

The notion was raised at several points throughout the evening that all clubs should be treated equally but is this really how it needs to be? Many clubs cater to many different student niches and many play different roles in the community, some providing more public service than others.

It is also worth noting that clubs need to be factual in making their cases for budgetary increases. Taking articles printed in this paper out of context to serve your own needs is not only a disservice to your own club, but to our readers. The Beacon prides itself on original, factual reporting each week.

Another aspect that seemed to frustrate people was the display of last year’s budget and this year’s budget on the slideshow.

Both are important figures but in order to better understand the frustrations clubs had one must include what each club had requested for this year.

Above all we want every club to get the money they feel they deserve and we hope that next year’s meeting see’s less anger and more unity. We think this year’s end result was a step in the right direction.

An Empowering 90th Oscars Another Academy Timothée Chalamet: Awards have come also crushed it. and gone. The 2018 Hands down Oscars aired Sunday the best dressed evening, with “The was Williams.

Shape of Water” takShe looked so eling Best Picture, the egant and like a classic moments that queen. Nothing Emma blow everyone away, but respect. and there’s always Monahan And who could that one moment Arts & Emma ignore the fact that makes viewers that “Empire” say, “What?” star Taraji P. There are many things Henson clapped back at that I could say about the Ryan Seacrest after sexOscars, but let’s stick with ual harassment claims the more important ones, were made against him. shall we?

She stared him down, First off, the red car- saying, “The universe has pet. I have never seen so a way of taking care of many beautiful people. good people, you know Allison Williams: crushed what I mean?” it. Zendaya: crushed it.

Henson has since cor-

rected what everyone thought was a dis aimed at Seacrest, saying she was trying to, “keep his chin up.” You do you, girl.

The winners of the night were more than predictable, except for Best Picture. At the Golden Globes “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and “Lady Bird” took home the biggest awards of the night, but at the Oscars it was “The Shape of Water” that snubbed the two.

Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “I, Tonya” (no surprise there), and Frances McDormand won Best Actress for “Three Billboards.” Again, no

surprise.

Like every other award show that has been on this season, it’s been all about girl power, Time’s Up, and the future. McDormand had every woman in the room stand during her acceptance speech, wanting to applaud the women in Hollywood, saying to listen to them and their ideas.

Disney fans can rejoice as well! “Coco” won Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.” What will the 91st Academy Awards bring next year? Hopefully some “Black Panther” nominations.

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Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Joseph Carew

Features Editor

A & E Editor

Meghan Cook

Emma Monahan

Sports Editor

Copy Chief Mary Kate Lynch

Brady Gerow

Design Editor

Business Manager

Nicholas Bassett

BWN Executive Producer Samantha Kniskern

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Copy Editors

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Nicholas Webb Aryel Brosnan

Want a guest column?

If interested, contact Editor-in-Chief Joseph Carew at jc2824@mcla.edu

Mitchell Chapman

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Shawn McIntosh

Columnist Andrew Baillargeon

IN OTHER BEACON NEWS

12

Mar. 8, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 6

This week in audio...

WITH JACOB VITALI

SMOKE FREE MCLA IS WELL INTENTIONED, BUT THE WRONG IDEA

In my lifetime, many initiatives have been taken to try and strong-arm tobacco users into quitting. States heavily tax products, which increases costs. Areas where smoking is allowed have become few and far between, warning labels accompany every product, and ads are routinely shown on television showcasing the worst case scenarios or greatly exaggerating them.

In this audio opinion, I weigh the different actions being taken to curtail smoking, and offer my own take on what needs to be done.

OCEAN VUONG READING

Critically acclaimed poet Ocean Vuong visited the MCLA campus for a poetry reading on March 1. Vuong was born in Saigon to a Vietnamese mother and United States soldier father during the Vietnam War, while spending his formative years in Hartford, Connecticut. Before becoming a poet, Vuong worked for Panera Bread. During his visit to MCLA he read poetry with deep meanings. In this audio story we bring you campus reaction.

Don’t miss the

URC Thursday, April 19, 2018

Call for papers: Abstract Submission deadline: Friday, March 23, 2018

MCLA.edu/URC

16th Annual

Undergraduate Research Conference