October 27, 2011 - Issue 6

Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Volume 74 Issue 6 For more content, visit us at: theonlinebeacon.com

North Adams, Mass.

Th u r s d ay, O c t o b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 1

Firearm referendum in the works

Rock on!

SGA is working on a ballot to determine student support for arming Public Safety

By John Durkan Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Brian McGrath/Beacon Staff

Stew, from Stew & the Negro Problem, points out to the crowd at the Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium in the Church Street Center on Saturday night. The performance, organized by MCLA Presents!, raised money for the Margaret A. Hart Scholarship.

FOR STORY - SEE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, PAGE 8

A referendum determining student support for arming the Public Safety officers is in the works, SGA President Todd Foy said Monday.

The SGA Executive Board discussed the plan with President Mary Grant and Dean of Students Charlotte Degen, Foy said.

Tentatively, the vote, if the referendum is approved, will happen in late November or December.

Currently, the SGA needs to write the referendum, which then goes to Degen, where she will look over it and give it to the SGA Senate. The Senate then votes to approve the referendum.

Afterwards, if approved, the students can vote on the issue.

The result of this vote will give

the SGA an official stance. Student Trustee Jaynelle Bellemore, who sits on the Board of Trustees, said the SGA’s stance would represent her direction.

Senator Catt Chaput suggested the referendum include a “don’t care” option because she doesn’t want only students who feel strongly about the issue voting.

Senator Jason Brown reacted favorably to the referendum, but wants the SGA to push the communication effort with the students.

“I would hate this to slide through the cracks,” Brown said.

In an email, Degen said two community meetings will be held, one on Nov. 16 and the other on Nov. 17. Foy said the community meetings need “massive publicity.”

SGA, continued on page 3

O’Brien discusses her career, challenges

By Chris Goodell Managing Editor

Soledad O’Brien addressed the College community last Thursday night, offering advice and anecdotes from her experience as an author and journalist.

Lecturing in the Church Street Center at 7:30 p.m., and earlier during a brief question-and-answer session in Murdock 218, O’Brien spoke about the importance of diversity and giving a voice to those who may not have one.

“If we could find a place where under-covered voices have a home, it would be a win-win,” she said. “The American story is a story of all these different voices.”

O’Brien began her news career in 1987. After dropping out of Harvard University, she began working at WBZ-TV in Boston, where she described her main

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duty as removing staples from bulletin boards.

She enjoyed being able to work in the industry, however, and soon moved on to work at NBC, and later CNN. O’Brien has also worked on several documentaries, including “Black in America” and “Latino in America.” “[Documentaries] have to tell a story about America in some context,” she said. “It has to be something that really resonates with people.

“I think we’ve had the chance to tell stories that others don’t think are important,” she added. “There is nothing worse than doing nothing and saying nothing when your voice is needed.”

O’Brien told stories about her experiences in job-searching, and how she sometimes faced discrimination because she is biracial. She was able to deal with this prejudice by following the ex-

Shriner’s honors Stannard Janelle Stannard, women soccer’s MASCAC player of the week, underwent treatment at the Shriner’s Hospital throughout her childhood Sports, page 9

ample set by her mother, she said.

O’Brien recounted a story about how she once witnessed her mother, a schoolteacher, intervene when a principal appeared to be harassing a black student.

“There was a genuine shift in power at that moment,” O’Brien said. “There was a value in refusing to capitulate.”

As a journalist, O’Brien said she wanted to be the eyes and ears of the viewers, answering questions and providing context for stories.

“I see my job as advocating for the viewer,” she said.

One of her biggest challenges was being a working mother; her colleagues often assumed she would not want to do certain assignments because she has four children at home.

However, O’Brien was eager to take any assignments she could.

She continuously emphasized the importance of working hard and

Halloween weekend activities plentiful Explore your options around town and on campus Features, page 5

taking advantage of opportunities.

“Your success is going to be heavily correlated to how hard you work,” she said. “Look at every single opportunity you get as an interview.”

While answering questions from the audience, O’Brien also highlighted the importance of addressing the country’s economic crisis.

“People are angry. It’s a very tough time; the economy is bad,” she said. “The time is now and the opportunity is now to use your voices in a time of change.”

Throughout the lecture, O’Brien’s main piece of advice was to rely on oneself to create opportunities and persevere through adversity.

“Just because people say you can’t doesn’t mean you actually can’t,” she said. “It’s up to you to be the architects of the opportunities available to you.”

O’Brien’s lecture comes as part

Index

News World News Features A&E Sports: Science

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Photo courtesy of MCLA

Soledad O’Brien lectured at the Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium last Thursday. of the Hardman Lecture Series, made possible by the Hardman Family Endowment. Prior to the lecture, President Mary Grant announced that the Church Street Center auditorium has been renamed the Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium, in honor of the late Hardman family benefactor.

Letters to the Editor Campus Comment Commentary Comic Word Search Photo Essay

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2

Thursday, October 27, 2011

News

theonlinebeacon.com

MCLA ranks Former Secretary of State to lecture Tuesday in top ten Press Release

By Jess Gamari Staff Writer

U.S. News & World Report recently named MCLA as one of the Nation’s Top Ten Ranked Public Liberal Arts Colleges for 2011.

“This is a welcome acknowledgement of the great work of our faculty and staff, and the achievements of our students,” said President Mary Grant in her Notes & News FirstClass email on Sept. 30. “We are in good company in the top ten with several of our partner institutions from the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, including St. Mary’s College of Maryland, New College of Florida, University of Minnesota-Morris, and University of North Carolina-Asheville.”

U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges based on surveys from different schools. According to the report’s website, the total percentages are based on assessment of administrators at peer institutions, retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni donations, and graduation rate.

“The indicators include input measures that reflect a school’s student body, its faculty, and its financial resources, along with outcome measures that signal how well the institution does its job of educating students,” the website said.

Based on this score, the College was given 10th place. Students and faculty are pleased and proud of the results.

“Well, it is rewarding to get some of the recognition that we have deserved but I don’t need a news report to tell me that,” said

Psychology Professor Timothy Jay. “Maybe now more people will discover this little gem in the beautiful Berkshires.”

Jay believes MCLA’s Psychology Department is one of the best in the state.

“We have consistently sent a healthy percentage of our graduates on to top-notch graduate schools and we have had our students’ research presented at regional and national conferences,” he said. “Those kinds of accomplishments have meant to me over the last 20 years, that we are a quality department in a quality school.”

Many students heard the news on social networks, like Twitter or Facebook. Student responses were surprised the College was recognized, but they were very pleased with the news.

“It feels like this nation finally saw and appreciated the things that this institution has to offer,” said senior Hawa Umarova. “I already knew I went to the top, best school in the country and now America knows it, too!”

“It feels pretty good. Most of the kids in my senior year of high school were applying to big name schools like Princeton,” said sophomore Nicole Pandell. She added that going to a small school isn’t something most people gloat about, but she said it’s cool that MCLA made the top 10 list.

“It’s a small school, so I feel good,” said sophomore Tyriq Rochester. “People don’t know where we are or who we are, and we don’t get as much recognition as we should. I think it will definitely increase the number of [freshmen applicants] to the school.”

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Former United States Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates will deliver a Public Policy lecture at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m., in the MCLA Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.

Gates served as the 22nd secretary of defense (2006-2011) and is the only secretary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly-elected president. President Barack Obama is the eighth president Gates has served. He previously served under President George W. Bush.

Made possible through the generosity of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust, the event is free and open to the public.

“Robert Gates is known for his leadership through the challenging administrations of two U.S. presidents,” said John DeRosa, administrator of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust. “I encourage the public to attend what is sure to be a fascinating look into our defense systems during a particularly challenging time in our nation’s history.”

On Gates’ last day in office, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

Before becoming secretary of defense in 2006, Gates served as president of Texas A&M University, the nation’s seventh largest university. Prior to assuming the Texas A&M presidency, on Aug. 1, 2002, he served as interim dean of the

Photo courtesy of MCLA

Robert Gates will deliver a lecture at the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A and M, from 1999 to 2001.

Secretary Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional.

During that period, he spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council, The White House, serving four presidents of both political parties.

Gates served as Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993. He is the only career officer in CIA’s history to rise from entry-level employee to director. He served as deputy director of central intelligence from 1986 until 1989 and as assistant to the President and deputy national security adviser at the White House from Jan. 20, 1989, until Nov. 6, 1991, for President George H.W. Bush.

Gates was awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizen’s Medal and has received the National Intelligence

Distinguished Service Medal two times. In addition, he was awarded received CIA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, three times.

He is the author of the memoir, “From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insiders Story of Five Presidents and How They Won the Cold War,” published in 1996.

Until becoming secretary of defense, Gates served as chairman of the Independent Trustees of The Fidelity Funds, the nation’s largest mutual fund company, and on the board of directors of NACCO Industries, Inc., Brinker International, Inc. and Parker Drilling Company, Inc. Gates also served on the board of directors and executive committee of the American Council on Education, the board of directors of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the national executive board of the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, he has served as president of the National Eagle Scout Association.

A native of Kansas, Gates received his bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary, his master’s degree in history from Indiana University, and his doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University.

In 1967, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and served as an intelligence officer at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

For more information, go to www.mcla.edu/publicpolicy or call (413) 662-5185.

FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT AVOID A HOLD ON YOUR SPRING REGISTRATION!!

Please check with the Financial Aid Office and Student Accounts to make sure your paperwork is complete.

Contact us on the Lobby level of Eldridge Hall or call us at 413-662-5219, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. *************** Scholarship opportunity: Graduate and Undergraduate Studies Scholarships: Institute of Humane Studies www.TheIHS.org/hsf Deadline: December 31st.

News

Thursday, October 27, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

3

Czech women vanish from politics

By Skyla Seamans Senior News Editor

Political Science professor Petra Hejnova interviewed 24 female Czechoslovakian dissidents to answer the question of why women are disappearing from mainstream politics.

“Political scientists are obsessed with puzzles,” she said, presenting her findings at the Brown Bag Lecture on Oct. 21 in the Smith House. “My work relies on these interviews to solve the puzzle of why women who were once so present in the political opposition movement have now disappeared from view.”

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Czech Republic was under an oppressive communist regime, Hejnova said. Dissidents, people who believe the way a country is run may not be the best for its citizens, organized illegally to change this.

“Even though women really acted in the dissident movement, only three women from the Czech Republic are part of the international parliament today,” she said.

“Why were women so visible in the opposition movement, when it was extremely risky, but now have vanished once the country became a democracy?”

Hejnova conducted these interviews in 2004 and 2005 with women from all ages and religions to give a diverse view to answer her question.

She theorized that women might have disappeared from the political scene because of prejudice and

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff

Professor Petra Hejnova explained her findings of why women have disappeared from mainstream Czech Republic politics, even though they were active in the dissidence decades earlier. discrimination. The traditional view of women is that they are not fit for politics, but rather that their place is in the home, she said.

She wondered if parenthood and housework defeated women’s desires to be part of politics.

“I also looked at socio-economic factors in my study,” she said. “I wondered if education, political socialization, and communist legacies stopped women from entering politics during the start of the democracy.”

What she found was that women

who were active in the dissident movement are actually still active in politics but are less visible today compared to 30 years ago.

“Visibility equals arrest,” she said.

“These women are still maintaining a parental role but are contributing through other means.”

While men sign treaties, women contribute by passing secret messages through garbage bags hung over balconies or by sneaking vitamins in candy bags in order for them to reach those in prison.

“Women use their typical gender

Firearm vote discussed at SGA SGA, continued from page 1

Editor-in-Chief

Ernst Larochel Jr. tribute

ARAMARK manager’s table A manager’s table will be set up during lunch on a weekly basis at the Centiniel Room, said Senate Chair Korinna Dennehey.

The ARAMARK managers hope to improve communication between the cafeteria and the stu-

Science Center construction brings parking lot changes

By John Durkan

“One of the things we’re trying to do the most is educate,” Foy said.

Senator Hawa Umarova said the SGA needs to collect more statistics relating to firearms and local crime. Umarova said she spoke with two North Adams Police Department officers about crime and feels as though Public Safety should be armed.

Degen and Men’s Basketball coach Jamie Morrison are working on a mural tribute for the late-Ernst Larochel Jr. The mural would be in the hall leading to the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.

Larochel Jr. passed away on July 20. He was a defensive standout for the Trailblazers last season.

Senator Dennise Carranza said that a Nov. 13 potluck is planned in honor of Larochel Jr.

roles to contribute,” Hejnova said.

“They came up with these wonderful ideas to get what they needed done.”

She also said only one of the women she interviewed felt discriminated against.

English/Communications professor David Langston said discrimination could be more internalized instead of out in the open for these women.

“The quotations from these interviews fit into established stereotypes,” he said. “I wonder if

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

The SGA met at Murdock 218 on Monday. dents, specifically with personal problems such as allergies, Dennehey said.

The table will be set up weekly on rotating days. Today at lunch is this week’s. Based on the routine Dennehey provided, next week’s manager’s table will be on Friday.

drink bottles, juice bottles, and other such bottles that are currently not redeemable for deposit.

MASSPIRG participants will have the option to deliver the signatures in a Halloween costume.

Foy noted this is an effective political technique because the costumes attract attention.

MASSPIRG update

Sam Gomez Classic

MASSPIRG organizer Emily Borden said the group will deliver 10,000 signatures collected statewide for a petition to change the Bottle Bill to the State House today.

The group wants revisions to the 1982 legislation to include sports

The Sam Gomez Classic, an annual SGA event, raised over $1,700. The proceeds were donated to the Williamstown Youth Center.

SGA meets every Monday at 7 p.m. in Murdock 218.

discrimination was hidden. Maybe there is a psychological process of discrimination instead of a conscious one.”

Hejnova agreed. She also said women might not have wanted to be part of mainstream politics because they view it as a power game and do not care about the career aspect of the political field.

“Women did not want to be part of it,” she said. “They felt they were more useful elsewhere and wanted to reach specific goals in specific fields. They just did not see mainstream politics as a way to do this.”

President Mary Grant stressed the importance of thinking about the socialization of politics in all countries and determining how to change cultures to encourage women to become a larger part of politics next to their male counterparts.

“There is a dysfunction in our own political system,” Grant said.

“We need to think about how we can encourage political interest in women. As we look across the globe, there are many lessons we could learn from women who do have political power.”

Hejnova’s work contributes to the general literature on women’s political participation and her paper on her work is the only study of Czechoslovakian female dissidents conducted after the fall of communism. Her work is part of a larger project called “Women’s Memory,” which looks at 200 Czechoslovakian women’s experiences under socialism.

Parking lot changes will occur due to the upcoming site preparation for the Center of Science and Innovation.

James Stakenas, vice president of Administration and Finance, announced on FirstClass Monday that the following lots will be closed Friday: Admissions lot, the resident student lot between Blackinton and Porter Streets (dirt lot), and the commuter lot on Montana Street.

New parking has opened at three locations. Residential student parking will be available at

the new Ashland Street lot. Faculty and staff parking will be available at the Church Street Center and the Berkshire Towers lots.

Commuter parking will be available on Montana Street following the Nov. 1 city-wide parking ban.

Site preparation work in collaboration with Columbia Construction will begin on Monday, Stakenas announced. The preparation work will also include installing a fence around the entire building site. The concrete stairs, parking lot pavement, topsoil and trees will also be removed from the site.

“Tremendous activity” will take place at the site for the next 18-21 months.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

National/World News

theonlinebeacon.com

Obama signs three trade deals Wall Street neighbors

By Jim Abrams Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama signed off Friday on the first three, and possibly the last, free trade agreements of his administration, deals with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama that could be worth billions to American exporters and create tens of thousands of jobs.

The three deals were years in the making, and the difficulty of bringing them to fruition make it unlikely there will be another bilateral trade agreement during Obama’s current term.

Obama signed them with none of the ceremonial fanfare that normally accompanies such triumphs. Republicans, while supportive of the deals, continue to find fault with Obama’s trade policies. And nearly three-fourths of House Democrats voted against the trade measures.

The agreements will bring to 20 those countries that have free trade relations with the United States.

Trade will not go away as an issue, as the administration pushes ahead with a major Pacific rim trade pact, Congress and the

White House scuffle over China, and Republicans take aim at Obama’s policies during the presidential campaign.

But, “I don’t see this administration coming up with new free trade agreements,” said National Foreign Trade Council president Bill Reinsch. “For the next six months we ought to go after trade liberalization in manageable pieces.”

Republicans accuse the administration of moving too slowly to find new free trade partners, resulting in U.S. exporters losing out to foreign rivals. The administration says it is promoting free trade but wants to assure that the other side is playing by the rules, that basic worker and environmental rights are observed and that deals promote U.S. job growth.

“From day one,” U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk told The Associated Press, the guiding principle has been not just to complete the three trade agreements but “to develop a new paradigm for trade, and rebuild and restore America’s confidence in our trading policy.”

He added that the administration was on track to reach Obama’s goal, set early last year, of doubling U.S. exports over a five-

year period.

Trade officials, in justifying their approach, point to the 83 Senate votes for the South Korean deal, which was renegotiated by Obama to expand access for U.S. vehicles in Korea. That was the highest total ever for a free trade vote.

The accord with South Korea, America’s seventh-largest trading partner, is estimated to support 70,000 jobs, and the signing capped a singular moment of triumph for a president who during the past year has seen his jobs agenda blocked on every front by unified Republican opposition. This time Republicans were his eager partners, urging him to move even faster to complete the long-delayed trade deals and move on to new ones.

Obama also signed legislation extending a program, a Democratic favorite, to help workers hurt by foreign trade. Yet the quiet signing ceremony and a low-key reception in the Rose Garden for those who might benefit from the agreements reflected the unpopularity of free trade pacts among Obama’s core labor supporters, and the uncertainty of his future trade policy.

Paul wants to phase out federal student loans Associated Press WASHINGTON — Republican presidential contender Ron Paul said Sunday he wants to end federal student loans, calling it a failed program that has put students $1 trillion in debt when there are no jobs and when the quality of education has deteriorated.

Paul unveiled a plan last week to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget that would eliminate five Cabinet departments, including education. He’s also wants young workers to be able to opt out of Social Security.

The student loan program is not part of those cuts, but Paul said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press’’ that he’d kill the loan program eventually if he were president.

That could put him at odds with some of his young followers, many of whom are college students.

Paul blamed government intervention in the economy for rising tuition.

“Just think of all this willingness to want to help every student get a college education,’’ said Paul, who graduated from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania before earning a medical degree at the Duke University School of Medicine. “I went to

school when we had none of those.

I could work my way through college and medical school because it wasn’t so expensive.”

Annual tuition for Gettysburg College is $42,610 for the 20112012 academic year. Annual tuition at Duke’s medical school runs $46,621, according to its web site.

Amid such rising costs, borrowing for college is at record levels.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York says students and parents took out a record $100 billion last year, and owe more on student loans – more than $1 trillion is outstanding – than credit cards.

complain about noise Associated Press NEW YORK — New Yorkers who live near the park at the heart of the anti-Wall Street movement have called for a crackdown on noise and poor sanitation while voting unanimously for a resolution that recognized the protesters’ right to assembly.

At a two-hour meeting Thursday night, some neighbors said protesters urinated in the streets and beat drums in the middle of the night.

“They’re defecating on our doorsteps,” Community Board member Catherine Hughes said.

Some neighbors who attended the packed meeting called for the protesters to vacate Zuccotti Park, the concrete plaza where protesters have set up their base camp.

But Community Board 1 said it opposed the use of force by police to address their concerns.

Occupy Wall Street spokesman Han Shan, who has served as a

liaison between protesters and local elected officials, agreed the protesters needed to be better neighbors and promised to limit the noise.

The lower Manhattan neighborhood is near the historic center of the U.S. financial industry, but the wealthy financiers who are targets of the protest do not live in the area.

Three local elected officials praised the resolution in a statement Thursday. U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and state Sen. Daniel Squadron called the community board’s resolution “an attempt to establish a sensible framework that respects the protesters’ fundamental rights while addressing the very real quality of life concerns for residents and businesses around Zuccotti Park.”

Asked about Occupy Wall Street on WOR radio on Friday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the protesters’ leaderless structure has made it difficult to negotiate with them.

Pitcher’s Mound Pub Open 7 days a week

Saturday night!

Night Of The Living Dead costume party with DJ A- Zin.

Powerful earthquake devastates Turkey Costume judging at midnight

By Selcan Hacaoglu and Suzan Fraser Associated Press ANKARA, Turkey – A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Sunday, collapsing dozens of buildings into piles of twisted steel and chunks of concrete. Desperate survivors dug into the rubble with their bare hands, trying to rescue the trapped and injured.

State-run television reported that 45 people were killed and 150 others injured in the eastern town of Ercis, but scientists estimated that up to 1,000 people could already be dead, due to low housing standards in the area and the size of the quake.

Ercis, a town of 75,000 in the mountainous province of Van close to the Iranian border, was the hardest hit. It lies on the Ercis Fault in one of Turkey’s most earthquake-prone zones. The bustling regional center of Van, 55 miles (90 kilometers) to the south, also suf-

fered substantial damage.

Up to 30 buildings collapsed in Ercis, including a dormitory, and 10 buildings collapsed in Van, Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said.

Rescuers in Ercis scrambled to find survivors in a flattened eightstory building that had shops on the ground floor, television footage showed. Residents sobbed outside the ruins, hoping that missing relatives would be rescued.

Witnesses said eight people were rescued from the rubble, but frequent aftershocks were hampering search efforts, CNN-Turk reported.

“There are so many dead. Several buildings have collapsed. There is too much destruction,” Zulfikar Arapoglu, the mayor of Ercis, told NTV television. “We need urgent aid. We need medics.”

The quake’s epicenter was in the village of Tabanli, 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Van. Turkey lies in one of the world’s most active seismic zones and is

crossed by numerous fault lines.

Sunday’s earthquake struck in the country’s most earthquake-prone region, around Lake Van near the border with Iran.

U.S. scientists recorded eight aftershocks within three hours of the quake, including two with a magnitude of 5.6.

Authorities did not provide a casualty figure but the Kandilli observatory, Turkey’s main seismography center, said the quake was capable of killing many people.

“We are estimating a death toll between 500 and 1,000,” Mustafa Erdik, head of the Kandilli observatory, told a televised news conference.

In Van, terrified residents spilled into the streets in panic as rescue workers and residents using their bare hands and shovels struggled to find people believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings, television footage showed. At least 50 people were treated in the courtyard of the state hospital, the staterun Anatolia news agency said.

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Features

Thursday, October 27, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

Weekend will have many Halloween treats

By Mary Redstone Features Editor

This year, Halloween falls on a Monday. While this means it is a little harder to celebrate Halloween on its actual day, it also means that an entire weekend is open for spooky celebrations. In addition to activities on campus, North Adams has a host of Halloween happenings.

ON CAMPUS The Student Activities Council has been cooking up Freak Week activities since Monday. Their sponsored blood-drive kicked off the week, taking over Venable Gym for a few hours.

Tuesday night featured hypnotist Dr. Steve Taubman in Venable Gym. The bleachers were filled with students who came to watch their peers do ridiculous acts under hypnosis.

SAC’s Saturday Night Spotlight is a little early, taking place on Friday. At 8 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge, SAC will be hosting a Murder Mystery.

On Saturday, SAC Destinations is going to Spooky World. The outdoor attraction hosts six different haunted house type attractions, including “The House of Eternal Darkness,” where guests have to navigate through an entirely dark house; “Torment,” a house full of phobias; and “The Catacombs,” which recreates a dank, dark undergound cemetary.

There are still tickets left for the event, but they are going quickly.

Tickets can be purchased today on the third floor of the Campus Center in room 318 before noon.

“We wanted to do something different,” said SAC president Nora Weiss. “We [SAC Destinations] have been going to Six Flags the past two years. The point of Destinations is to go far away from campus.”

Also on Saturday is the Flagg Townhouse Halloween Scavenger Hunt. It is open to all Townhouse residents who make a team of six or fewer. Registration will take place between 12:30 and 1 p.m. in the Greenhouse. The first team to find all the objects wins the prize, and the participants get to keep what they find.

All of the Freak Week events are free, except for Spooky World.

Students who attend could win free giveaways from SAC.

OFF CAMPUS

The Minerva Arts Center, located on 1288 Massachusetts Ave. in North Adams, is continuing its production of “Night of the Living Dead” through Halloween.

Tonight through Saturday, the play is set for 7:30 p.m., Sunday for 5 p.m., and Monday at 10 p.m.

The tickets are $10 for general admission, students are $5, and an extra $2 lets you come back to see the play a second time. Following Sunday’s performance, a

special production called “After the Apocalypse” will be held at 10 p.m. for only $5.

IF YOU’RE 21+

Down the street from campus, The Pitcher’s Mound is having a “Night of the Living Dead Costume Party.” Starting at 9 p.m., anyone 21 years old and up with a valid ID can show up in costume to have some drinks, listen to DJ A-ZIN, and enter a costume contest. Winners will be determined based on the most original, scariest, funniest, and sexiest costumes If you’re looking for a more restaurant-style-atmosphere to celebrate Halloween, Williamstown restaurant Hops and Vines might be your place. Friday night, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., with doors opening at 9:30, the restaurant on 16 Water Street is having its “Halloween Bash.”

Patrons are encouraged to wear a costume; Mikki Brown, owner of TheBrowns in Williamstown, will pick a winner, who will receive a $100 gift certificate to TheBrowns. Throughout the evening, photos of the costumes will be uploaded to Hops and Vines’ Facebook and Twitter where anyone can vote for their favorite costume. The winner will recieve a $200 gift certificate to Hops and Vines.

There will also be a band performing all evening, Misty Blues and The Trophy Husbands. While the event is free, there is a $10 suggested donation to the bands.

The restaurant will also be serving $5 specialty cocktails, including a Pumpkin Spice Martini.

AT THE MOVIES There may not be any Halloween specials at The North Adams Movieplex or the Regal Theaters in the Berkshire Mall in Lanesboro, but what better time to scare yourself silly at a horror movie than the weekend of Halloween? With a student discount, you could spend as little as $5.50 before 6 p.m. or $7 after. Both are showing the recently released “Paranormal Activity III” and the remake of the 80’s classic “The Thing.”

If you’re not into scary movies you can always see any of the other films playing, but what’s the fun in watching a normal movie for Halloween?

For those who want to watch a Horror movie but would rather do so from the comfort of their own pajamas and couch, with ample access to the fridge, there are a number of television stations playing nonstop Halloween specials and movies all weekend.

AMC has been doing what they call Fear Fest since the thirteenth and are continuing until Halloween, including a marathon of the “Halloween” movies on Saturday.

Of course, the SyFy network will also be having horror and SciFi marathons.

Gore and scares may be a bit much for some people who like a mellower Halloween, which is

why ABC Family has also been running their Thirteen Days of Halloween, showing movies such as “Hocus Pocus.” Starting at 7 p.m. Friday night, they will be showing both “Adams Family” movies.

ON THE INTERNET FOR HALLOWEEN Sick of the same horror movies played on television every year? Seen “Nightmare on Elm Street” so many times it’s just not scary anymore? The internet is a great place to find original horror shorts that you’ve probably never heard of, and will probably scare your pants off.

YouTube has become a breeding ground for horror in the past few years. One popular topic is the creature called the Slender Man, a tall and faceless creature that stalks people for no apparent reason. There are close to a dozen different series based on this creature, but there are three that have been running for a few years now.

One series is titled “Marble Hornets,” and follows a college student named Jay whose friend went missing and left behind boxes of tapes that involve Slender Man. “Everyman Hybrid” is another

series that not only includes Slender Man, but also a violent creature called The Rake and a malevolent, and sarcastic, entity called HABIT. The third is called “Tribe Twelve” and follows another college student named Noah whose cousin was supposedly killed by Slender Man and he is trying to find out why. All three series are still in progress, so if you start watching now you’ll certainly be not only scared, but hooked as well.

The channel called Fewdiodotcom is perhaps YouTube’s best horror channel. Their horror short titled Bedfellows, a tale of false assumptions about just who is in your bed, has been famous on the Internet for quite some time, mostly in the form of an animated gif from the film’s climax.

They feature almost 40 different shorts, There are also plenty of YouTube users who upload their own horror shorts. Very few are as well-crafted as user Vicious516.

The Massachusetts native creates short horror videos that range from legitimately terrifying to so creepy they’re uncomfortable.

So whether you stay in or go out, attend a party or watch a scary movie on the couch, have a Happy (and safe) Halloween!

Interested in being an Ad Representative for The Beacon?

3 credits per semester Excellent experience Looks great on résumés for business majors

Pick up an application outside The Beacon office in Mark Hopkins Hall.

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Mary Redstone Features Editor

The crazy world of Halloween costumes I don’t understand what has happened to Halloween costumes lately. A sexy nurse? Alright, I can see that. A sexy pirate? Sure. A sexy crayon? Alright...wait, what?

I don’t know if this is the way Halloween has always been and I’ve just been too young to understand until recently, or this hypersexualization of every profession, and apparently every household object, is a new thing.

I’m not the kind of person to be easily offended, or to blush and turn away at risque situations and things, but I am just confused.

How did we evolve, or perhaps devolve, from Halloween being a kid’s holiday about getting a pillowcase full of candy to walking around as a “Sexy Charm School Girl?”

If you look up any Halloween website, the amount of costume titles prefixed by the word “sexy” has reached a level of absurdity.

Even animals aren’t off-limits for hypersexualization, including bumble bees and lady bugs.

What may be even worse, though, are the costumes based on cultures without any regard to the culture itself. Frequently, members of cultures whose attire is made into a Halloween costume become highly offended, especially when the costume is hypersexualized. It is even worse if the costume is inaccurate or a caricature.

Many women’s Halloween costumes include things like “Sexy Indian Priestess,” or “Sexy Gypsy.”

These costumes tend to be incredibly stereotypical and offensive to their cultures of origin. Some even go as far as making puns on the costume titles, such as an Indian costume, consisting of a blue mini dress and shawl, called “Taj My Hall.”

Somehow the men’s costumes are more stereotypical and offensive than the women’s costumes - especially costumes such as “Chief Big Wood” and a “Suicide Bomber” costume.

My advice this Halloween? Try to find a costume without making a fool of yourself or another culture. Find a costume that you can look back on in ten years and think, “Wow, that was such an awesome costume!” I’m not saying not to be sexy or funny, just try to not be ignorant of other cultures or in danger of flashing an entire room if you drop something.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

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Night of the Living Dead opens at Minerva

By Nora Weiss Staff Writer

Todd Hamilton has a really nice beard. Seriously. There are some beards you associate with jobs people may have, and Hamilton has a beard that fits the life of fighting zombies, especially when it comes to the Minerva Art Center’s adaptation of George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead.” However, I think my job as a reporter would be in jeopardy if I sat here and wrote 500 words about Hamilton’s beard and not what actually happened on the community theatre’s opening night last week.

In honor of Halloween, along with basic fascination, director Vivian Reed and her fiancé Keith Weil adapted the screenplay of “Night of the Living Dead.” Playing through Halloween night, the play features several MCLA students and alumni, as well as a musical performance on Saturday, Oct. 22.

“The idea for this began last December when Keith and I were watching the film ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and theoretically casting our friends in it,” Reed said. “We do this a lot while watching movies, but this one seemed especially doable on stage. This is the genesis of the zombie craze that is still encom-

Photo By Nora Weiss/ Beacon Staff

“Night Of the Living Dead” runs through Oct. 31 at Minerva Arts Center in North Adams. passing society. Zombies are huge campy lit-up marquee, almost as right now.” campy as this play. With ten zomReed is absolutely correct in say- bies roaming the pews, audience ing zombies are popular. With the members feel like they are staring return of AMC’s original series through the windows into that “The Walking Dead,” the release old farmhouse where survival alof video game “Dead Island,” and most made it.

Halloween being right around the And then we have Hamilton, corner, zombies have been in our playing the heroic part of Ben. pop culture for a good while now. Hamilton takes the leadership Reed saw this as an opportunity role and makes even the audience to bring back the entertainment feel safe. Though everyone knows that started it all. how it will turn out, audience The Minerva Arts Center resides members were on the edge of the in an old church three minutes up pews as zombies dragged themMassachusetts Avenue and has a selves through the performance

The End

October 29 - 7:30pm MCLA Church Street Center, Auditorium

By Samuel Beckett Directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett Performed by Conor Lovett A Gare St. Lazare Players Ireland Production

Water Is Rising: Music and Dance amid Climate Change

November 15th 7:30pm Church Street Center Auditorium

hall. Windows were boarded up, bookshelves axed to pieces, and characters thrown every which way: it was a battlefield.

“A lot of fight choreography and movement coaching went into this show,” Reed emphasized.

“That was a big part of the effort.”

That is an understatement. If nothing else, the highlight of the play was the physical interaction between human and zombie. Both were tossed against walls, onto floors, and had limbs slammed into doorways and window entries.

While the fight scenes remained perfectly barbaric, the media message of the play gets five stars.

Towards the end of the play, the group of people hiding in the farmhouse manage to get a television set to work and try to find out information about the unfortunate scenario that has befallen them. The audience gets to witness an artfully done news segment created by Bruce Morrison, Adam Genest, and Weil. This is probably the most interesting part of the play.

Reed’s “Night of the Living Dead” goes through Oct. 31 and is $5 for students. Show times differ each night, so take a quick Internet journey to minervastage.com.

Also, check up on other plays Minerva Art’s is hosting. It’ll do your body good.

Savannah, Ga. tries to save Forrest Gump park Associated Press

City crews in Savannah, Ga., have begun a major cleanup of the square where actor Tom Hanks proclaimed that life is like a box of chocolates in the film “Forrest Gump.”

Workers have started clearing undergrowth and cutting away dead limbs with a goal of making Chippewa Square a safer and more desirable city spot.

The Savannah Morning News reports (http://bit.ly/ twdYTX) that tourists still seek out the park bench made famous in the movie.

Dave Knox, the city’s park administrator, said the landscaping hasn’t changed much in the past two decades.

Officials said azaleas grew to about 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide over the years, and homeless people frequently crawled into the underbrush for extended stays. Officials said those plants and others will be trimmed considerably.

Hypnotist puts Venable Gym in a trance

By Mary Redstone Features Editor

“I appreciate your skepticism,” said Dr. Steve Taubman just before he began to hypnotize willing MCLA students, “but this is real. You’ll see for yourself soon.”

A good-sized crowd sat in the bleachers of Venable Gym Tuesday night to see Taubman hypnotize students as a part of Student Activities Council’s Freak Week.

“A lot of people ask me, will you make me do anything weird?” said Taubman, who paused before answering, “Yes.” About thirty students initially volunteered to be hypnotized, coming from the crowd to stand on the yellow line of the gym floor before Taubman performed a test to find who was able to be hypnotized and who would have to sit back down.

The crowd was narrowed down to about 25 and were given chairs to sit in facing the bleachers. As the night progressed, more students were asked to sit back down because they came out of their hypnosis.

Over the next hour and a half, Taubman made the students perform various acts under hypnosis, ranging from the slightly abnormal to the absolutely outrageous, including going into labor and celebrating as winners of MTV’s “Sexy Dance Contest.”

The first thing he had students do under hypnosis was put them on a warm, sunny beach, and relax.

However, he then told them it was the hottest day they had ever experienced in their life. The students reacted accordingly, including one male student who stripped down to his boxers.

Taubman incorporated all of the students’ senses; at one point, he

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Dr. Steve Taubman hypnotizes a group of students. told them that when he said the word “Pepto Bismol,” their neighbor would emit the worst smell they had ever experienced. Then, he convinced them they were the ones who smelled bad before spraying them with an imaginary spray that made them believe they smelled like their favorite scent.

Later in the evening, the participants were convinced that the audience was no longer there, but rather replaced with a projector screen and were told they were watching various films. The first was “the funniest movie [they’ve] ever seen, and the harder [they] try not to laugh, the louder [they] laugh.” The comedy was quickly replaced with a sad movie, and everyone was openly sobbing on their neighbor. When the sad movie was replaced with a romantic one, some participants got cozy with their neighbors. But their faces turned to disgust when the film was suddenly changed to a dirty film, and they were told that they recognized their parents as the stars.

The participants got friendly with the audience a little later. Taubman

told them that when he said he heard a phone ringing, they would think they were secret agents and the ringing was coming from an audience member’s shoe. Participants did rolls and slid across the floor to get to the audience before yanking off sneakers, flip flops and boots to answer their supposed call.

Taubman wasn’t above using the old tricks of hypnotism, and no matter how many times they’ve been used they remain funny. He made the participants forget their names, and the harder they tried to remember it the more they forgot. He also convinced one male student to hand over his wallet every time the word “stage” was mentioned; he gave it to Taubman close to 6 times.

All 90 minutes were full of acts that the participants are guaranteed to not believe they actually did, but their friends will never let them live down. Before the participants were allowed to leave, Taubman pulled them all aside and ensured that they were no longer hypnotized, and most importantly that they all remembered their names.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

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Paranormal Activity 3: Short nut worth it

setting themselves up for a fourth installment; on Sunday, Paramount Picture’s head of domestic distribution, Don Harris, told MSN entertainment that another sequel is possible.

By Mary Redstone Features Editor

I’ve always been told never to judge a book by its cover.

This weekend, I learned to never judge a horror movie by the scares in its trailer.

“Paranormal Activity 3” opened nation-wide last weekend. After seeing the trailer numerous times, appropriately aired after midnight when I’m most susceptible to being scared, I thought this looked like it could be the most horrifying of the trilogy. That was until I realized that most of the scenes in the trailer are not actually in the movie.

Yes, even the cool shot of the mother getting dragged down the hallway and into her bedroom.

Despite being misled by the trailer, the film was not a disappointment, and I still stand by my statement: it is the most horrifying of the trilogy.

While the last 10 to 20 minutes were the most terrifying and exciting at the same time, the remaining hour was anything but void of scares.

However, those scares varied between cheap shots, like jump-scares generated by people and not anything supernatural or legitimately disturbing

Overall, and without spoiling any of the scares, I would say this is worth a watch for fans of the first two films.

“Paranormal Activity 3” opened this weekend.

creepiness involving things like garbage disposals and bed sheets. Some scares from the previous films were repeated, but amplified. Whether or not you consider jump-scares to be actually frightening, you can rest assured all of the scares are unique to this film and not simply copied over from the others.

Scares aside, director Henry Joost seemed to be more of a master of suspense than previous director Orien Peli. Den-

nis, the mother’s boyfriend, decided to dismantle an oscillating fan and mount his camera onto it, so it would pan between the living room and the kitchen. Every time a character would be in one of the two rooms, the camera would leave them to show the other room and you got the feeling that once it returned to the original room there would be something that had suddenly appeared. Or, something would be happening in

Photo courtesy of moviecarpet.com

one room that grabbed your attention so much that when the camera panned away you found yourself worrying about what you could no longer see.

The ending of this film was considerably more intense than the first two. It involved more characters, and thus more interaction, and even explained some of the incidents in the other films. In hindsight, though, there were things left unanswered. Perhaps it is because they are

Dance Company staying busy as performances inch closer

By Nora Weiss Staff Writer

If you were looking for a Halloween costume this past week, let’s hope you strolled through Bowman Hall.

This is where Dance Company held down the fort for the club’s annual costume sale, just in time for those students looking for costumes. From glittery vests to colorful tutus, the members of Dance Company have been cleaning out their closets not just for fundraising, but to make room for more accomplishments and obviously, more tutus.

Making sure the biggest club on campus stays on course is a big job. The group has welcomed, for the second year in a row, co-presidents. Seniors Kayla Hollins and Amanda Schuler have seen the benefits interchanged between both members of the club and the College, and rejoice in the continual growth

“By seeing the Dance

Company auditions and getting involved, I decided to live on campus.”

-Kayla Hollins of dance themselves.

“I was a commuter and just going to classes didn’t help me get to know the campus,” said Schuler, who began dancing at

7

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Students examine the selection at Dance Co’s. annual costume sale.

age five. “By seeing the Dance Company auditions and getting involved, I decided to live on campus.”

Hollins, a dancer since the age of four, also sees Dance Company as a non-stop venture for herself, citing the encouragement from upper classmen.

“In all honesty, MCLA Dance Company has taught me more than any dance teacher could,” Hollins said. “Jamal Ahamad (class of 2011) initially recruited me to join. After my first Sunday company meeting, I decided I wanted to be president.”

Both Hollins and Schuler split what it takes to keep Dance Company up and running throughout the year. The club is a lot more than the fall semester performance in December, and the Mass. MoCA performance

in the spring. The co-presidents try to keep Dance Company current as the semester goes on, participating in both school and community events such as the hip-hop routine many students enjoyed at Midnight Madness earlier this month.

“We will be at the Zumba Pink Party this Saturday,” said Schuler.

“The Zumba Pink Party is donating money to a little girl fighting leukemia,” Hollins stated. “We are also scheduled to perform for the NRHH basketball game on Nov. 16.”

Keeping Dance Company moving is important to both Schuler and Hollins because they see potential in every song, pivot turn, and fist pump. They want not just the dancers, but the audience to find meaning

and joy in their steps and leaps.

“If you talk to different dancers, there are so many different opinions on why they joined Dance Company,” said Schuler.

“This club is about friends, family, and having fun.”

Hollins sees Dance Company as a club with an open door policy to both experienced dancers and those who are even just a little bit interested. Both she and Schuler try to emphasize with their co-dancers the athleticism and individuality in dancing at the College.

“E-board and choreographers are always able and willing to teach,” Hollins says. “I want MCLA to know just how hard we work as dancers. So much time and dedication get put into this. Dance is a sport and I would not doubt that we as dancers push our bodies just as much as any athlete. My goal is to bring recognition to the art and sport of dance.”

Schuler and Hollins both expect to graduate in May, leaving behind many years of fond memories, late night choreographing, and thunderous applause.

Schuler views her experience with Dance Company as enlightening and another way to breathe.

“Being involved with Dance Company has really helped me get through the stress of classes,” she said.

Hollins sees her time with the club as something that she intends to have stick with her through graduation: “Hopefully, I’ll dance across the stage.”

“I can’t imagine that we wouldn’t make a number four, and I imagine (Paramount Film Group president) Adam Goodman this morning is thinking about the challenge,” Haris said.

Overall, and without spoiling any of the scares, I would say this is worth a watch for fans of the first two films.

However, if you didn’t like the first two, or you don’t like the budding found-footage genre, you will not like this. I would also recommend seeing it in theaters, or at least make sure you watch it in a dark room, because darkness makes it scarier. A refresher of the first two films wouldn’t hurt, either.

Aretha Franklin honored in Ohio Associated Press

Aretha Franklin will receive an honorar y degree from Ohio’s Case Western Reser ve University at the end of a weeklong tribute to the Queen of S oul.

The celebration by the university and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland kicks off next Monday. Franklin is a member of the rock hall but is being honored again as part of its American Music Masters series.

It ends with the Nov. 5 tribute concert where the university says Franklin will be honored for her contributions to American culture and work during the civil rights movement.

Performers slated to be on hand for the event include Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Edwards of The Temptations.

Franklin returned to the concert scene this year after surger y for an undisclosed condition.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

‘Bad as Me’ proves good as can be

By John Deming A&E Editor

John Deming A&E Editor

Jungle Work He coined the phrase “You stay classy” for our entire generation to overuse. He was Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, Janet Reno, and George Bush, and perhaps most important he was Ron Burgundy…and Alex Trebek.

That’s the dilemma were faced with when we discuss Will Ferrell’s body of work; he has transcended every boundary of character and impression that comedy enlists, and while any person in my generation can name a piece of his life’s work, we can never seem to agree on what’s the best.

Perhaps this is the driving reason why Will Ferrell received the Mark Twain award for American humor this Sunday. The Mark Twain award is given annually to a comedian who has impacted society using social commentary, satire, and comedy. Ferrell joins a hallowed group of recipients like Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, and George Carlin.

As for the average fan, we have many things to thank Will Ferrell for. Among them, we must thank him for growing the mustache, putting on the red suit, playing jazz flute and throwing a burrito at Jack Black in Anchorman; Ron Burgundy is now a legend of cinematography.

Second, we owe him gratitude for his work on Saturday Night Live; to many he IS Alex Trebek, Blue Oyster Cult’s cowbell player, James Lipton, and Harry Carry, and let’s face it SNL might as well be called the Darrell Hammond show since his departure.

Last, let’s not forget Ferrell’s work to promote comedy on all levels and mediums, creating funnyordie.com with Adam McKay, and working with McKay on producing shows with no- mercy vulgar brilliance like ‘Eastbound & Down.’

Will Ferrell has created a wealth of quotes that to people like me who dig drive-by one- liner style humor, provides a wealth of repeated entertainment and re-hashing, perhaps second only to Ace Ventura’s dialogue while saving Animals and Quarterbacks.

Somewhere in between the names Ricky Bobby, Ashley Shaffer, Jackie Moon, Chaz Michael Michaels, Mugatu, and Elf you might assume Will Ferrell has peaked. But as Deangelo Vickers sailed through the air in the Warehouse of ‘The Office’ and screamed “the Doctor is in” while striking a Jordan pose, it appeared Will Ferrell’s one liners and characters are being pulled out of a bottomless well. I can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.

A smoky, tortoise- speed New Orleans jazz limps along as Tom Waits hovers at a smooth, and unforgiving falsetto over the horns and piano tinkling. It’s a nerve tingling sound you wouldn’t expect from a man who has spent decades deploying a constant beating to his vocal chords. But then again Tom Waits isn’t known for doing what you expect.

With his first Studio release since 2004’s Real Gone, Tom Waits once again champions the stranger side of lyrical output, while continuing to use the most beautiful, strange, scary, and downright genius methods of musical accompaniment possible.

This includes employing the likes of Les Claypool on bass for a track, as well as Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards on a third of the album, highlighting the album with a guitar-vocal duet of “Last Leaf.”

While “Bad as Me” embraces a wide array of vocal styles, they all meet perfectly between the varying lyrical and musical contents. Soft ballads like “Back in the Crowd” roll out of here and there with a unique and sim-

Photo courtesy of usatoday.net

Tom Waits album ‘Bad as Me’ is a collection of uneasy masterpieces.

mering passion that fits in somehow among the circus of sounds and sinister stomp-outs Waits includes like his War Diary trampling “Hell Broke Luce. And the insanity of his menacing title track.

“Chicago” opens the album with a bare bones blues mash up of horns, banjo’s, and harmonica over an R&B groove and blues guitar riffs. This amalgamate oozes together with Waits Groaning out “Maybe things will be better in Chicago.” The strangest and most intriguing part of

this album is “Raised Right Man.” Tom Waits Whiskey barrel of a throat seems to squeeze out each moment of the chorus as a shrill organ shocks its way throughout the chorus like flashes of lightning in an haunted house.

Tom Waits is not a musician to be categorized. His musical style seems to contradict itself at many turns of every album. The Hollow and cryptic “Face To the Highway” is a creeping and hallowing journey on a desert highway as a single

bell tolls from time to time in the background and violins bleakly carry Waits voice away. This provides contrast to the emotional “Pay Me” and “Back in the Crowd” which each lend a gentler soul to Waits themes, and musical content. Pay Me featuring an emotionally stirring piano and accordion accompaniment at the end, and Back in the Crowd as a simple love-lost lyrical concept.

Waits duet with Richards is one of the finest songs Tom Waits has made to date, as

Stew & the Negro Problem: a little of everything Tony Award winning singer-songwriter brings his band to Church Street

Editors Pick

Must see shows Fall 2011

Got them fall semester blues yet? I sure do, and when writing five-page papers, mid-terms, and meeting deadlines get me frazzled, a night of live music can always relieve the stress.

Here are a few shows not too far away that are sure to help!

By Andrew Hodgson Staff Writer

Sitting in the converted pews of Church Street Center prepares visitors for a religious experience.

The voice booming across the room Saturday night resembled a Baptist preacher in every way besides content.

“Stew & The Negro Problem” is an L.A.-based duo made up of Stew and Heidi Rodewald with an added third component, co-collaborator Jon Spurney on piano, keyboard and guitar. All three worked on the group’s Tony award winning play “Passing Strange,” which was adapted into a movie by world-renowned director Spike Lee. The concert, organized by MCLA Presents!, raised money for the Margaret A. Hart Scholarship. This year’s recipient of the award is Natanael Burgos. Burgos, a senior and sociology major, has made the Dean’s List every semester at the College and has earned many prestigious awards as well.

Currently he is in the Semester at Sea program.

Topics covered by the trio ranged from childhood memories of church to high school geometry class and everything in between. They even wrote a song for Spongebob. Vulgarity-ridden monologues highlighted by Stew’s

two of the elder statesmen of the grittier, meaner, and genius side of Rock and Roll defiantly and softly explain in less then three minutes that: “I’m the last leaf on the tree. The autumn took the rest but they won’t take me.

I’m the last leaf on the tree,” and one of the most comical and aging statements of the album, “But I’ve been here since Eisenhower, and I’ve out lived even he.”

The lyrical masterpiece of Tom Waits latest release is the end track, which ends without the jarring bombasticness of its companions.

“New Years Eve” is one of those Tom Waits tunes that provides the darker side of humanity on the most beautiful level of musical composition, as a slow and festive accordion glides across a gentle medley of acoustic buildups.

Waits has yet to slow down, or lose a smidgen of quality, and creativity. As you listen to Waits new album you never know what your going to hear next. It is a melting pot of strange antiquities of musical components that Waits pieces together every few years. Hopefully we wont have to wait long, but if it takes another 7 years I’ll still be one of the first in line.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

Where: Calvin Theatre , Northampton When: Oct. 31st 8 p.m.

How Much: $25-$45 Photo by Brian McGrath

Stew and the Negro Problem perform in Church Street Center. hilarious stage performance introduce every song. The act combines a unique combination of story-telling, music, and comedy.

“Every time we play it’s different,” Stew admitted while flipping through a song list on stage as if he had never seen the songs before.

Almost every tune is silly on the surface, while commenting on some social issue at the same time. This pattern became apparent when the band began playing a song about a Ken Doll in a Mattel factory who is coming to grips with his homosexuality.

“Songs show up on my doorstep like irresponsible friends looking for shelter,” Stew says, explaining the way the group creates songs.

The spontaneity of the entire set is at the forefront: Stew finishes a song about alcohol abuse, shuffles through the songs on his music

stand while telling an animated story about going to church with his grandmother. He finds a song he likes, tells it to the other two, and off they go into a well-timed ballad about rehab.

An amp blowing out in the middle set didn’t faze Jon Spurney, he just put his guitar down and took up the piano again.

“We are proud we broke your amp,” Stew proclaimed to a giggling audience.

Leaving the show leaves a visitor wondering how they feel about the concert. Humor and serious social commentary interact with music in such a way that seems almost divine. The feeling that is universal as the crowd heads out into the cold night is the group that can marry gay rights, black culture, and Spongebob in such a beautiful way is “Stew & The Negro Problem.”

Deadmau5 Where: Washington Ave. Armory, Albany, NY When: Nov. 3rd & 4th: 8 p.m.

How Much: $78-$98

Furthur: Featuring Bob Weir and Phil Lesh Where: Mullins Center, Amherst When: Nov. 6th: 8 p.m.

How Much: $37.50$69.50

Bela Fleck and the Original Flecktones Where: Calvin Theatre, Northampton When: Nov. 10 How Much: $35-$45

Sports

Thursday, October 27, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

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Shriners honor former patient Stannard MASCAC Player of the Week received treatment at free hospital for foot condition as an infant

By Brendan Foley Sports Editor Saturday was a lousy day.

Gray clouds massed overhead and a cold breeze blew dead leaves across the athletic complex.

Blackened trees with only the barest of leaves still clinging to the branches ringed the playing field.

On Saturday the women’s Trailblazers went head-to-head with MASCAC conference rival Westfield State and were shut-out 3-0.

But even on a miserable, lousy

Thanks to the tireless work on the part of the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Stannard was able to overcome her childhood disabilities. day, the world of sports can contain moments of miracles and blessings that a spectator may not even realize are occurring.

At 17:53 seconds into the first half, freshman Janelle Stannard, who was previously named the MASCAC Player of the Week, charged down the field after a ball. Twenty years ago, the very idea that Stannard would be able to walk, let alone run, was a pipedream her parents could barely bring themselves to imagine.

Thanks to tireless work on the

Photo by Ian Grey

Freshman Janelle Stannard and her coach Deb Raber and members of the Shriners Organization. Stannard suffered from a Left Tibial Posteromedial Bow and leg length discrepency as an infant and received care from the Shriners Hospital for Children. part of the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Stannard was able to overcome her childhood disabilities.

Stannard explained: “At birth I was born with a Left Tibial Posteromedial Bow and a leg length

discrepancy. I had a severe curvature to my left leg and it was also almost two inches shorter than my right leg...When I was eight years old I had surgery. I had a surgery called Right-Sided Proximal Tibial Epiphysiodesis. For

easier words, I had an operation on my right leg (my “good” one).

I had my growth plate removed from my right knee so my left leg could have a chance to catch up in length.”

Before the game began, Stan-

nard and women’s soccer coach Deb Raber posed with members of local Shriners organizations for pictures.

SHRINERS, continued on page 11

Senior Carrie Richards hits hard

By Kayla Koumjian Sports Writer Most athletes have grown up knowing what sport they were most interested in pursuing at a college level. This is not the case for senior tennis player Carrie Richards.

In high school, Richards played five different sports. These sports included cross country, track and field, volleyball, skiing and tennis.

“I tried out track, but really didn’t like it,” Richards explained. “Tennis was the second sport I ended up trying.”

Richards is from Ludlow, Mass. and attended Ludlow High School where she first became interested in giving tennis a swing.

“I really wanted to learn a new sport and the team needed some players,” Richards said. “I ended up having a lot of fun.”

Richards soon made not only the Ludlow High School’s women’s tennis varsity team, but second doubles as well. Eventually, tennis became her favorite sport above all others.

By her senior year, Richards was named captain of the team but was still not quite sure if she wanted to play tennis at a college level.

“I honestly didn’t expect to play

a sport in college, I wasn’t even sure if I’d make the team,” Richards said.

While attending her orientation to MCLA, Richards met the then women’s tennis coach, Annie Ruvolo. The coach ended up swaying Richards’ decision to play tennis at the College.

“I probably wouldn’t have played if Annie didn’t encourage me to try out,” Richards stated.

Now, Richards is a senior captain and plays first singles and first doubles. During her time here, she has overcome having three separate coaches within four years.

Richards is proud of her team saying: “Our team really pulled through well to adjust to three different coaches with three different coaching values.”

Along with being captain, Richards was chosen as MVP of the team.

Head coach, Mia Fabirizio, chose Richards to be MVP. “She has pretty much set the bar for this team. Carrie is a natural athlete, a natural leader,” Fabirizio said. “She sets an incredible example of what it means to compete and be an athlete.”

Richard believes she has enhanced her game a lot over four years.

“We played really strong competition and it really improved my skills,” she said.

Richards was very happy to finish her season on a high note by winning her very last singles match in her career.

Richards will be graduating in the spring of 2012 with a sociology degree. She is looking forward to graduating, but she knows she will miss her team a lot.

“I’ll miss the girls, my coach, and just playing a sport,” Richards said.

“Our team only has 10 players so we’re all pretty close.”

Fabrizio had many great things to say about Richards’ leadership ability and attitude on the team.

“Carrie really stands out as a leader and I chose her to be captain fairly quickly,” she said. “I noticed early on that she would be the one to handle that responsibility best and I think the team would agree that was a good decision.”

Looking back on her four years playing tennis at MCLA, Richards is grateful she decided to continue playing.

“I made great relationships with the players and coaches, and had a lot of fun experiences that I would’ve missed out on if I didn’t end up playing,” Richards said.

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Senior Carrie Richards is the captain of the women’s tennis team.

10

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Sports

theonlinebeacon.com

34th Annual 5k Sam Gomez Classic successful

By Kaitland Hager Sports Writer

Amidst the cool fall air, the excitement and liveliness of the 34th Annual Sam Gomez Classic was palpable.

The Sam Gomez Classic, put on by the Student Government Association (SGA), is run every year around the end of October.

Originally called the Annual SGA Road Race, the name was changed in 1986 to honor the memory of Dr. Samuel Gomez, the founder and coach of the North Adams State College cross country team.

Gomez was also responsible for founding and chairing the philosophy department at the college.

Starting at the corner of Church and Pleasant Street, by the Houghton Mansion, the 5K course extends down past Berkshire Towers and Hoosac Hall, follows Church Street and hooks back around to Ashland Street. Runners followed Ashland past the Flagg Townhouses towards Main Street, turning back onto Church Street. Passing the library, they continue onto Berkshire Towers again, finishing the race in the Hoosac Hall parking lot.

“Laughter and energy filled the atmosphere as the community gathered between MCLA and North Adams to honor Sam Gomez and especially to keep Shirley Gomez’s memory alive, as she passed away earlier this month,” SGA Coordinating Vice President Jackie Nash recalled.

Over 65 runners and numerous other walkers, spectators and sponsors, including Dance Company, MCLA’s largest club, filled the course on Sunday, Oct. 23 to support this year’s beneficiary, the Williamstown Youth Center. Participants ranged in age from eleven and under to the 70-74 age group.

The Williamstown Youth Center, which provides healthy, fun, and educational recreation for the chil-

dren and families of Williamstown and surrounding communities, works closely with North Adams.

“Between sponsor donations and runner registration, we raised over $1,700 to benefit the Williamstown Youth Center,” said SGA Executive Vice President Stephanie Esposito. “We’re very proud of that amount, especially in this economic climate.”

Before the race, SGA collected over $1000 in sponsor money and

“Between sponsor donations and runner registration we raised over $1,700 to benefit the Williamstown Youth Center.”

- Stephanie Esposito runner registration.

“Raising $1000 is a milestone that SGA likes to see before race day,” Diane Collins, SGA Office Manager said.

Local sponsors included ARAMARK, Berkshire Gas, Peter Jones Trophies, The Porches Inn, and Angelina’s subs. Before the start of the race, sponsors had donated close to $650 for the Williamstown Youth Center.

Despite the enthusiasm about the event, there was an undercurrent of reminiscence in memory of Shirley Gomez, Sam Gomez’s wife, who passed away earlier this month. Shirley Gomez had been instrumental in the race over the years, always firing the gun to signal the start.

Esposito had met with her this past summer to verify she would be attending and noted that Gomez was “really excited about helping.” Unfortunately, Gomez passed away before the race could take place.

Though an SGA member had been selected to fire the gun, Thelma Gomez, Shirley’s daughter-inlaw, approached Esposito.

“Thelma stepped to the line and gave a short, Shirley-inspired speech, encouraging every runner to just have fun and do their best,” Nash said.

The community partners and the students and faculty associated with MCLA gathered together for a moment of silence before the race, not only to honor Samuel Gomez, but his wife as well. Runners, SGA members, police directing traffic, Emergency Medical Technicians on call, and various sponsors all bowed their head in memory of two people who affected the lives of MCLA and North Adams members alike.

The Sam Gomez Classic road race was followed by a luncheon in the Sullivan Lounge on the MCLA campus where the top three runners in each age group, male and female, and top three runners overall, male and female were awarded mugs for their efforts.

MCLA student winners included: female 16-19 group: junior Hailee Pasa in first, sophomore Alexa Hebard in second, and sophomore Emily Dessingue in third; male 20-24 group: senior Kenneth Borter in second place; and female 20-24: senior Caitlin Culver in first place.

Woman’s cross country captain Culver was given a mug for finishing first in the female 20-24 age group.

“It was a good day of the community coming together,” Culver said. “Being a part of Dance Company this semester, it was nice to be involved in the race with some of the other dancers to support this event. So much of our school and community support our program, so we wanted to do the same.”

Esposito summed up the race for all: “It was a huge success.”

Men’s X-Country powers onward

By Bobby Beauchesne Sports Writer The men’s cross country team is looking to build on a solid 2010 campaign. The squad has a core of returning veterans as well as some newcomers looking to make an impact. The team has competed in four events this season, with the two biggest still looming. On Oct. 29, the Trailblazers will compete in the MASCAC Championships at Umass Dartmouth, and on November 5th they will run in the ECAC Championship at Williams College.

The Trailblazer’s first event this fall was the Smith Invitational at Smith College. Anthony Cancilla paced the Trailblazers as he finished 26th out of 108 competitors. Overall, MCLA placed 7th at the tournament. Cancilla also put forth a strong showing at the WNEC Invitational. He placed 33rd on the 8,000 meter course, and finished with a time of 28:38:03. This edition of the invitational was the largest in its history, with 16 schools and 177 runners competing.

David Eve and Keith Desilets

were the 2nd and 3rd Trailblazers across the finish line. As a team, MCLA placed 11th out of 16 schools.

The largest event that the Trailblazers have run in this season was the James Earley Invitational hosted by Westfield State University. The meet was held at Stanley Park. The Blazers placed 25th out of 31 teams, and fourth out of five MASCAC schools. MCLA is looking get stronger in their next two meets, and there is reason to believe the team will run successfully.

“Everyone is running strong, and our team this year is performing better than last year,” says sophomore Keith Desilets from Ludlow, Mass. “We have some gaps to close between our top 5 runners but we still have a few meets left with plenty of time to get better. We also have a lot of talent and we are returning all our top guys next season and we are hoping for our best season this team has ever had.”

Desilets is one of those returning runners. This year, he turned in a time of 30:51 in the 8K event at WNEC. He will also return next year with a group of talented young runners.

Volleyball goes 1-3 in Continental Classic

By Brendan Foley Sports Editor The volleyball team spent the weekend competing in the Continental Classic at Hamilton College. The Trailblazers went 1-3 over the course of the tournament, coming out ahead of SUNY Cobleskill but falling to Keuka, Trinity and the Hamilton team.

The volleyball team has wrapped up its MASCAC conference play, finishing in fifth place with a conference record of 2-4. Overall, the team has gone 11-20 over the season.

School kill record holder Kayla Bromback increased her hold on the record. She currently has 233 kills for the season, averaging 2.26 per game.

Photo by Ian Grey/Courtesy of MCLA.edu

Kayla Bromback and Angelica Perfido went up for the volley.

The team as a whole has racked up 778 kills over the season, to their opponents combined total of 228.

The Trailblazers will end the

regular season this Saturday with an away game against SUNYIT at 2 p.m.

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Coach Kent Lemme (middle) posed with members of his team.

Sports

Thursday, October 27, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

Stannard looks back with positive attitude SHRINERS, continued from page 9

Brendan Foley Sports Editor

There’s something troubling about the age of sports that we are living in.

Every sports fan already has to live with the wriggling thought that crops up every once in a while, usually after long periods of intense arguing over stats, fantasy match-ups or just plain arguing for the sake of arguing.

It’s the same wriggling doubt that plagues the minds of fans of comics, literature, film and any other genre or art form you can think of.

The thought is this: Does this stuff matter?

Now, in the grand scheme of the eons of Earth’s existence the answer is quite simple: no, no it doesn’t. The sun’ll go supernova and whatever we’ve evolved into by that point will roast like egg whites on a pan surface, so no, none of this stuff matters in that long of a long run, but no one is thinking that way.

No, what concerns us is the more immediate future and it’s in that last respect that the modern sports era is a problem. What will they take away?

Sports have never been free from cheaters and schemers. History is full of later admissions from great players about shortcuts they took.

But this is different. The difference is just how open and uncommented on the cheating was.

Previously, there was an almost unspoken agreement where the fans or members of the press turned a blind eye towards the large majority of untoward behavior, and in exchange, whenever someone really crossed some kind of invisible line, your Black Soxes and your Pete Roses, they were set upon like piranha attacking a particularly succulent limb.

But this time, that unspoken agreement was pushed to far. No, for the better part of a decade we watched athletes balloon up to Incredible Hulk-ish proportions in a matter of months, players who began to defy every logical effect of aging, players who experienced oddly similar injuries.

And now there’s two decades of professional athletics that are tainted. Ruined. There’s not a moment from the last two decades that can’t be challenged, taken apart and questioned. There’s not a single game, not a moment of sublime physical genius or grace that I can see without wondering ‘Were they using? Was this fixed?

Could they have done that without cheating?’

Cynicism and doubt. That’s the gift we have to give to those who come next.

Because it made fine TV.

“I would never ever be where I am today without them,” Stannard said. “For children under the care of Shriner’s today I would tell them to never give up hope on anything, and to trust the doctors and nurses; they are intelligent people with huge hearts!”

Shriners Hospitals for Children currently extend to encompass twenty-two hospitals in North America, three of which are dedicated to burn victims. The hospitals provide medical service free of charge, raising money through parade appearances and other charity events. The Berkshire Shriners Club is a go-cart unit and make regular appearances at local parades.

A Shriner must have come through the Mason order and reached the level of Master Mason before joining the Shriner Organization.

As Shriner and MCLA staff member John Greenbush, explained, “You don’t have to be a Shriner to be a Mason, but you have to a Mason to be a Shriner.”

Years after having moved on from being a patient, Stannard continues to speak highly of the group that gave her the chance to walk.

She said, “Shriners Hospial was my backbone for years. They saved me from not being able to walk. My life was turned around by them. I am forever grateful of their intelligent doctors and nurses who helped me through rough

(As of Press Time)

Men’s Soccer framingham salem westfield worcester bridgewater MCLA mass. maritime fitchburg

All

Conf

6-6-3 10-6-0 9-6-1 6-7-2 5-6-3 5-8-1 2-10-1 3-12-0

5-0-1 4-2-0 3-2-1 3-2-1 2-1-3 1-4-1 1-4-1 1-5-0

Women’s Soccer westfield worcester fitchburg bridgewater framingham MCLA salem mass. maritime

All

Conf

12-3-1 10-4-1 10-4-2 10-6-1 8-7-1 6-8-1 6-6-3 2-12-0

4-2-0 4-2-0 4-2-0 4-2-0 3-2-1 2-3-1 1-3-2 0-6-0

Volleyball Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Janelle Stannard was front-and-center in Saturday’s loss against Westfield.

times since I was a baby girl. They are the ones who made it possible for me to be able to walk, run and play the physical sports I do. They are the people who gave me the gift of a normal life.”

Years later, Stannard looks back on her childhood problems and takes a positive perspective. “As far as the soccer goes, all of my leg problems have actually helped me with it. I guess all of the casts and leg braces and lifts on my shoes are all I ever knew and I

didn’t think I was supposed to be any other way. I now am able to play college soccer and truly step onto the field with honor and dignity. My physical problems over the years has taught me to push myself to do the best I can because if I could get through all of my medical problems and come out successful, then I can do anything.”

And that’s a thought bright enough to light up even the gloomiest day.

Men’s soccer cancelled

Lose in overtime on Saturday, then wash out on Tuesday

By Brendan Foley Sports Editor

The men’s Trailblazers have suffered a truly debilitating week, first losing a heartbreaking overtime bout with conference leaders Westfield State, then having their Tuesday night match with Sage cancelled.

The Trailblazers travelled to Westfield State College for the MASCAC conference game, which went scoreless deep into overtime, when Westfield’s Justin Laliberte ended the stalemate.

The victory snapped a fourgame losing streak for Westfield and lifted them up to third place in the MASCAC conference.

If the Trailblazers had won, it would have lifted them over both Westfield and current fourth place team, Worcester.

As is, the men’s soccer team remains at fifth place, just above Mass. Maritime and Fitchburg.

Tuesday night’s game was intended to be Senior Night for the team, but the game was called off due to lack of referees.

The game has been cancelled as opposed to postponed.

The men’s Trailblazers will play their final regular season game

Standings

11

All westfield framingham worcester bridgewater MCLA salem mass. maritime

Conf 4-0 4-1 3-2 3-2 2-4 1-4 0-4

11-19 17-10 11-14 8-19 11-20 3-15 0-24

Men’s Soccer 10/29 @Bridgewater 2 p.m.

Women’s Soccer 10/29 Bridgewater

2 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball 10/29 @ SUNYIT 2:00 p.m.

Men/Women’s X-Country 10/29 @UMASS Darmouth Women’s Basketball 11/16 @St. Joseph 11/22 @Becker 11/27 Williams

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

4 p.m.

Men’s Basketball Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff

The Trailblazers huddled against the cold as they waited to play their game against Sage. The game would be cancelled.

this Saturday against Bridgewater State. The game will be away.

Bridgewater is currently ahead of the Trailblazers in the confer-

ence by one game, so this match could decide the future of the team’s conference dreams.

11/15 Sage 11/18 vs. Suffolk @Endicott 11/19 TBD @Endicott

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

4 p.m.

12

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Science

theonlinebeacon.com

Green tech drives Science Center

By Nicole Knapp Staff Writer

The Center for Science and Innovation will be equipped with green technology that will save energy and benefit the campus community and the environment.

James Stakenas, vice president of Administration and Finance, said the first new building on campus in 40 years will be more advanced than current buildings.

“We want the building to be a teaching tool,” Stakenas said.

For the Science Center, Stakenas said they looked at a certification system known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). According to the U.S. Green Building Council website, LEED “provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.”

“It’s a package deal,” Stakenas said about the Science Center.

“I think that being as efficient of a building as we can build, it becomes a model for low energy use. For students, it’s going to be a great building to use for instruction. And that goes for

Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon Staff

The Center for Science and Innovation will feature a rooftop greenhouse. The new building will also include solar panels and ceramic heat wheels. faculty, too.”

The Science Center will be situated on a lot that will take full advantage of southern exposure to the sun. Offices and public spaces on the south side of the building will have more access to ambient light and as a result,

people will be less likely to turn on lights.

“It will have high efficiency lighting when you do turn the lights on,” Stakenas added.

Shading devices will be placed at the crown of the building to prevent the sun from heating

the building. The roof will include solar panels and a greenhouse, which will always have access to light and not be affected by shading.

Each of the three different areas that make up the Science Center will have a unique air

circulation.

“We looked at various zones, defined them, and employed correct technology to make sure it’s most comfortable,” Stakenas said about the different heating and cooling requirements.

Ceramic heat wheels will bring in outside air, constantly refresh the air in the building, and store the heat leaving the building.

When fresh air comes in, it will be tempered.

“You try to take advantage of the heat that’s there,” Stakenas explained.

Opening the windows in the building will shut off the heating and air conditioning. Furthermore, the windows will not be fully operational in the offices because it’s a smaller space.

Stakenas said the campus has been doing efficiency work for ten years. The buildings have been upgraded with digital controls to manage temperatures and all bulbs have been replaced with fluorescent bulbs. The lights in the gymnasiums and cafeteria are all high efficiency lights.

Stakenas said that in the future, prospective students can be brought in and shown what a great learning environment MCLA has. The Science Center is expected to be done in fall of 2013.

Photo courtesy of the EYP Web site

This artist’s rendering from Einhorn Yaffee Prescott shows the plans for the new Center for Science and Innovation.

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Campus Comment

Thursday, October 27, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

What are you being for Halloween?

“I will be Batman for Halloween.”

“I will dress up as the top gun/ Airforce Girl.”

- Kaleigh Anderson, 2015

- Amanda Fleming, 2015

13

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Editorial Board

Compiled by Dennise Carranza

Letter to the Editor

Advice for a happy and successful college experience While I’ve lived at home during my entire time in college, I know most do not have the pleasure of living with nagging parents along the way, so I figured I would pass along some advice for any freshmen (or anyone) in need as I finish off my final year.

1. If you choose to be a slut, at least be a responsible slut. This isn’t said to be mean in any way.

To the girls, get free condoms - if it’s ok for a girl to be on the pill, then it’s just as ok for her to carry around condoms so that the guy won’t have any chance to use it as an excuse to not use protection.

With the help of a little alcohol, it may not seem like a big deal, but take a Human Sexuality class with Deb Foss and you might think a little differently. Better yet, just browse through pictures of STD’s on Google and that should do the trick! To most people’s surprise, some STD’s can still be passed on even while using condoms, so get tested as often as possible.

GUYS: As a society, we teach “don’t get raped” rather than “don’t rape.” So if the girl you’re with seems uncomfortable, STOP. If you’re afraid to tell her your real

motives, you probably shouldn’t be with her in the first place. If you’re afraid she’ll change her mind, you probably shouldn’t be with her in the first place. If you’re afraid she won’t have sex with you sober, you probably shouldn’t be with her in the first place. If you’re afraid of commitment of any kind, you probably shouldn’t be with her in the first place. So get a tissue.

To both genders who choose not to be sluts, I know that it can be hard. Believe me. Especially during college. The typical “date” for us is going to a party, getting drunk, and going where the night takes us. But try something new; go to an MCLA event together, or a local event in town and you might actually get to know each other better than shouting over blaring music at a party.

Truth is, MCLA is smaller than most high schools, so after hooking up with enough people, you will see them everywhere whether you like it or not. So save yourself the awkwardness and stick with making friends.

2. Don’t feel like you have to party if your roommate or “friends” do. A true friend is understand-

ing, and if they aren’t, then maybe it’s time to make different friends.

Try going out and not drinking... you may have just as much fun watching the shenanigans around you take place. Let me make it clear that I am not against partying; however, I do feel that alcohol is too often used by students who are self-medicating their social anxieties. There have been too many times that I’ve made acquaintances at parties, and the same people seem unable to carry on a conversation when I see them sober.

3. Actually contribute to discussion during classes. One of the most annoying things during my time in class is not the teachers or the material, it is the fact that most classmates rarely talk during class, leaving the atmosphere dull and boring. If you feel it’s boring, make it interesting. Raise your hand, state your opinion, start a conversation, make a joke, and show some interest. You’re paying for this and as much as some people (me included) may complain about how small MCLA is, the small classrooms should be taken advantage of. If you were in a

classroom with 100 other students listening to the same lecture without much discussion, you might as well be watching a video or taking an online class.

4. Take time choosing your classes. In my opinion, this is one of the biggest contributors to actually enjoying the academic aspect of college. Ask people if they liked the class, look it up online, and do everything in your power to avoid 8 a.m. classes if you are not a morning person (and I know of very few college students who are).

5. At least make an attempt at being organized. Out of 168 hours in the week, a few minutes of cleaning should not be that difficult.

Making a to-do list here and there has never hurt anyone. Unless you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s any time soon, then you shouldn’t be using the “I forgot” line for everything. Post it notes are popular for a reason.

In no way should any of this be taken as preachy. I simply wish I had been told these things before. Oh wait...my parents did.

Marissa Zelazo, 2012

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Opinions

theonlinebeacon.com

Commentary

Underdog Johnson deserves your time

Avoid the creation of registration frustration As class registration for Spring 2012 approaches, here are some tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Chris Goodell

Managing Editor

A

s October draws to a close, we’re approaching what some say is the most frightening time of year – no, not Halloween.

It’s class registration time.

In the past, registration has been plagued by fatigue and frustration; anger and annoyance; complaints and confusion – but it doesn’t have to be.

Not everyone will always get their first choice of classes, but there’s no reason why students can’t construct a schedule that meets their needs and doesn’t make them want to rip their hair out.

Don’t wait The course catalogue has been available for over a week now, both online and in print, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have already taken a glance at it. I usually start by looking through the entire catalogue and highlighting classes that seem interesting to me, whether they’re requirements or not.

Do your research

Register bright and early

Like it or not, a professor can make or break a class. To ensure that you’re going to enjoy the classes you pick, talk to friends who may have had a professor or taken a class you’re interested in.

Also, ratemyprofessors.com is an invaluable resource.

It also helps to know exactly what classes you’re signing up for. Not sure what kind of topics “Sports Literature” will cover?

Head over to the MCLA website and look up the course description.

If your registration time begins at 7 a.m., it may be worthwhile to wake up at 7 a.m. and register. It’s one day out of the semester, but it could determine how much you enjoy your next semester here.

If you have your classes already picked out, it should only take about 10 minutes. You can always go right back to sleep when you’re done.

Meet early, meet often Meet with your academic adviser as soon as possibe to go over what classes you want to take and what classes you still need to take.

They can help you stay focused on your degree path, and hopefully encourage you to have a little fun with your classes, too.

As our advisers are typically from our own departments, they may also be able to answer questions about specific classes.

Advisers aren’t just there to hand you your PIN code and never see you again. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to keep going back to your adviser until you have a schedule you’re happy with.

Be patient If you’re an underclassman, you may not get all of your first choices, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find alternatives. There will be plenty of time to take the classes you want and need.

For upperclassmen, be strategic about the classes you pick. It never hurts to have a list of all core and major requirements in front of you so you can see what classes you’ve taken and what classes you still need.

Don’t forget, accomodations can always be made. If you want to take 21 credits, meet with your adviser and explain why it would be a good idea to overload. If a class you want to take is full, talk to the professor and maybe they can sign you in.

It’s your education, make sure to make it yours.

John Durkan Editor-in-Chief

Y

ou’ve probably never heard of presidential hopeful Gary Johnson.

After all, the former governor of New Mexico receives little debate opportunity (CNN excluded him from their latest debate on Oct. 18).

But despite his lack of publicity, Johnson deserves the most attention in the Republican Party.

First, he realizes the problems of this nation aren’t exclusive to one party or another, but rather the failure of both parties.

After the Fox/Google debate in September, Johnson said in a statement, “As Republicans, we need to face the reality that today’s out-ofcontrol spending is as much a Republican problem as it is a Barack Obama problem, and simply paying lip service to bringing it under control won’t fly with the American people.”

In terms of spending, Johnson promises a balanced budget plan for 2013. At that rare debate attendance, he guaranteed to veto any legislation that would result in deficit spending. Imagine that unheard of concept, spending only what you

can afford?

To cut spending, he said he will withdraw the United States from foreign intervention that does not directly protect the country, including foreign aid that primarily buys weapons.

Johnson also recently visited the Occupy Wall Street protests in the Big Apple and understands their anger. He agrees big companies shouldn’t be singled out for government help, but rather let the market decide.

To top it off, Johnson has the most reasonable drug reform policy. On his website, he proposes a mix of “honest education and sensible regulation.”

Johnson’s call to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana is not a recent stance, either; in 1999, he received national attention for calling for legalization.

“When I raised this issue as governor, many told me I was writing my political obituary,” he wrote in his blog. “Ten years ago, maybe they were right. Today, however, it’s time for the politicians to start listening and facing reality when it comes to drug laws that have simply failed.”

He also addresses social security, tax reform, and social reform. He doesn’t hide his stances. Check out his site www.garyjohnson2012. com.

Editorial Bring public health care to United States Unreliable cell phone Tano Holmes writes weekly for The Beacon from Heidelberg, Germany, where he is studying abroad.

Tano Holmes

Foreign Correspondent

O

ne is bound to see a couple homeless people sitting on the sidewalks in Germany, just as they would in the United States.

In Germany, however, no one is homeless unless they choose to be. While Germany is not a socialist country in name, it does have highly developed social services that benefit the poor or unlucky.

If for any reason one finds themselves homeless, they can go to the government in their local city and housing will be provided for them. The apartments are utilitarian, including a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Anyone without an income can also receive 360 euros a month from the government, which is enough to sustain them. If someone has

lost their job, they are eligible to receive 60 percent of their income for the next year from the government, which acts as a cushion until they can find their next job. After that year, though, they are only eligible for the 360 euros a month until they find employment again.

If one is sick, he or she can simply go to any doctor he or she want, where he or she will have to pay a 10 euro co-pay. This happened to me three years ago when I was in Germany and I was sick.

No one asked me for identification or if I was a German citizen in the doctor’s office; they simply gave me an appointment. When the doctor prescribed me pills to fight the flu, I was surprised to find they were already subsidized, and I only had to pay 4 euros for two prescriptions. Everyone has health insurance in Germany; it is a public service. One is allowed to buy private health insurance, though, which can cover more “luxury procedures” like laser eye surgery, but only 2 percent of

Germans opt to do so.

This is a far cry from the welfare services we have in the United States, which require stringent screening, are not available to everybody, and are being offered for shorter and shorter periods.

The public health insurance in Germany means no one is ever denied medical services because of their finances. It is an example I hope America can aspire toward, as universal health care remains a far-off dream.

Critics of these social systems could argue it places too much of a burden on the economy and would force taxes to be raised.

They are right about taxes; in Germany the highest tax bracket is 52 percent, far higher than the United States at 33 percent.

However, the high taxes have not stifled the German economy, as Germany remains the strongest economic power in Europe and the world’s second largest exporter. They just happen to care about the poor people, too. Sicherheit für alle.

inconveniences campus

In this day and age cell phone service is a singularly valuable commodity. While the College has taken strides over the past several years to improve wireless Internet access on campus, having reliable cell phone service is no less important.

Understandably, getting a good signal while surrounded by mountains is going to be difficult, but MCLA could undoubtedly do more. Installing at least one cell phone tower on campus would be a great start.

This issue is not a new one. As most of us know, reception on campus is currently very poor, and has been that way for a long time. Certain parts of each residence area get virtually no signal at all, or very little, depending on your service provider. For many students, campus housing is their home for a better part of the year. Why should anyone be without cell phone service in their own home?

The College itself implements an emergency notification system to alert students of class

cancellations or emergencies on campus, yet many students would not even be able to receive these text messages right away due to lack of reception.

If MCLA has the money to supplement the cost of the new Science Center, it should be able to find some way to fund one or two cell phone towers. I can’t imagine that any of the big cell phone providers such as AT&T or Verizon would be opposed to this happening. After all, nearly every student has a cell phone, and increasing the quality of service would only increase sales for these companies.

In the grand scheme of things, having good cell phone reception may not be the greatest problem facing our community today. But improving service would add convenience and help to improve the overall college experience for students here.

The College did a great job of addressing wireless Internet problems; it’s time for the cell phone service on campus to follow suit.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

For Fun

theonlinebeacon.com

15

By Aurora Cooper

Halloween Word Search

APPLES BATS BLACK CAT BROOMSTICK CANDLE CANDY CEMETERY COFFIN COSTUME DRACULA FRIGHTENING FULL MOON GHOSTS GHOULS GOBLINS GRAVEYARD JACK O LANTERN MASK MUMMY NIGHT PUMPKIN SCARECROW SCARY SCREAM SKELETON SKULL SPIDERS TOMBSTONE VAMPIRE WEREWOLF WITCHES ZOMBIE Word Search courtesy of puzzles.ca

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Photo Essay

Passing the days away

By Will Casey

theonlinebeacon.com

Above left: Sophomores Tim Shiebler, James Woodman and Adam Tobin kick around the hackeysack.

Above right: Dan O’Connell strums the guitar on the Townhouse steps.

Below left: Jerry Kiahon cruises down Montana Street.

Below right: Ryan Donovan goes for a dunk inside Venable Gym while Stu Fransman watches in awe.