Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Volume 74 Issue 7 For more content, visit us at: theonlinebeacon.com
North Adams, Mass.
November 3, 2011
Boo Bash 2011
Academic probation changes By Skyla Seamans Senior News Editor
Photo by Aaron Crawford/Beacon Staff
Students pose at the 17th annual Boo Bash, which took place Oct. 26. Local children and their families were encouraged to stop by Berkshire Towers for a costume party and trick or treating. The event was hosted by the Residence Area Advisory Boards and the Center for Service and Citizenship. For more Halloween Photos - See Photo Essay, Page 16
The criteria for academic probation and suspension has been revised and is now stricter. According to Deb Foss, Associate Dean of Advising and Director of the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE), the first notable adjustment to the criteria is the change in the definition of “good academic standing.” Now, all students need to obtain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher in order to be considered in good academic standing. “There are good reasons to raise the bar for students,” Foss said. “The old criteria was too confusing. Now there is one standard for every student. It will go into effect this December. The new rules will then apply to everyone’s grade point averages.”
The old criteria depended on the amount of credits each student had obtained. Freshmen who had the same GPAs as juniors would have been considered in good academic standing, while the juniors would not. Now the bar is set at 2.0 for all students, no matter what his or her class is. Kate Heekin, Assistant Director of CSSE said she hopes students will conform to the increase in expectations. Heekin said if students are asked to reach a higher bar, they will strive to do so. “It makes sense to have this as the standard,” Heekin said. “In order for students to be accepted at MCLA, they need to have grade point averages of 2.0 or better. This shouldn’t change once students are enrolled here.” CHANGES, continued on page 2
Gates offers insights into foreign relations By Chris Goodell Managing Editor
One of the nation’s leading defense experts highlighted the importance of taking the future into our own hands as the country faces increasingly pressing economic and political problems. “Americans continue to be the masters of our own fate,” said Robert Gates, former secretary of Defense. “If the United States fades from preeminence, it will be because we failed, not because others succeeded.” Gates addressed a crowded Campus Center Gym Tuesday night, offering his opinions and insights into America’s foreign relations and public policy. He stated the most pressing issue facing the country today is the state of the economy. “The real task ahead for this country is to get our finances in order,” he said. “Our problems go
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much deeper than individual personalities.” Gates said political parties have become too divided, and that many political figures are becoming too extreme in their views. This is due in large part to the media, who often give the most attention to those with the most extreme views, Gates said. “Every point of view, even the most extreme, has a ready vehicle for wide dissemination,” he said. “The moderate center is not holding.” In order for America to get back on track, Gates said he believes that politicians must develop strategies that will last over several presidencies, regardless of political party. “Our problems are so big, none can be solved over one presidency,” he said. Gates, who joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and has served eight different presidents, cited the Cold War as an example
SGA reveals firearm referendum timeline If approved, student vote expected to take place on Dec. 5 News, page 3
of a time when political strategies were unified over several different presidencies. When Gates first retired in 1993, the United States enjoyed a time of great economic prosperity after emerging victoriously from the Cold War. This status as a world super-power led to other countries growing disdainful of the United States, Gates said. “In the wake of America’s victory in the Cold War, other countries resented America’s dominance and propensity for telling others what to do,” he said. Gates suggested that many countries, either openly or privately, even took some pleasure in seeing the United States fall victim to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Although Gates believes the United States has done well at preventing more terrorist attacks, he also stated that completely eliminating terrorism is impossible. GATES, continued on page 3
Trustees approve 2011 audit and more
Photo by John Durkan/Beacon Staff
Robert Gates fields questions from students in Murdock Hall on Tuesday.
Index
News 2-3 World News 4 Public Policy lecture renamed Features 5 “Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis A&E 6-8 Sports: 9-11 lecture” Science 12 News, page 2
Letters to the Editor Campus Comment Commentary Comic Word Search Photo Essay
13 13 14 15 15 16
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News
Thursday, November 3, 2011
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Academic Probation criteria revised CHANGES, continued from Page 1
The old criteria made it so new students would only be suspended if they ended their first semester with a GPA of 0.0. Now, the new criteria states these students would be on probation instead, as long as their cumulative GPAs are below a 2.0. “We have to make clear to students where the bar is in terms of what we expect of each student’s academic work,” Foss said. “The new criteria makes it clear that we expect students to have GPAs of at least average work, and we define average as obtaining a C.” Another new addition to the criteria is the establishment of Academic Warnings, Heekin said. A student with a semester GPA less than a 2.0 but a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or greater will be issued an Academic Warning. A letter will then be sent to the student and copied to his or her advisor explaining the consequences of poor academic performance. “There are lots of legitimate reasons why a student’s GPA might dip during one semester,” Heekin said. “Often students don’t know who the right person to talk to is;
Revised Probation and Suspension Criteria Earned Credits
Good Standing Cumulative GPA
Probation Cumulative GPA
Suspension Cumulative GPA
0-30
2.00 or above
1.50 - 1.99
Under 1.50
31-75
2.00 or above
1.75 - 1.99
Under 1.75
76+
2.00 or above
No Probation
Under 2.00
this warning flags students and advising services to work together for support.” The student will then meet with his or her advisor to create an Academic Success Plan, which will be submitted to Advising Services for review and appropriate referrals. Foss said the warning is like an alarm for students. This way, both the student and the College can gain control of the student’s academic performance before it falls further. “Academic excellence is not a 1.9,” Heekin said. “The College wants to address the factors that are standing in the way of stu-
dents reaching a 2.0 by partnering with these students. We want to come up with a plan for each student to reach success.” Advising Services has been talking to academic departments to encourage them to review each student’s academic standing during advising to make sure students know they could be in a different category this December, because of the change in criteria. “This is the transition period,” Foss said. “We want to make sure students understand if they are caught in transition that the College will give consideration to this. The College is mindful that
the criteria is now tougher.” Students who are on academic probation can create an appeal from suspension. However, there are certain conditions that students may need to follow, depending on that student’s success plan. These new conditions include: a student’s course load cannot exceed more than 15 credits; academic schedules are subject to change to allow repeat courses; students must meet with academic advisors and learning services; students may be required to attend academic workshops; and restrictions may be made for stu-
dents involved in extracurricular activities. Todd Foy, senior and SGA president, said he was unaware of these policy changes and hopes the administration is making this known to students, so that they will not be blindsided if they are affected. “I think that raising our academic standards is honestly a good thing,” Foy said. “I think that a ‘C’ average is very reasonable and attainable. If anything, this might motivate students to seek out extra help from teachers, teachers’ assistants, and other learning services the College offers.” The Registrar’s office placed all college policies online, according to Foss. Students are able to view the new criteria on the College’s website. “We hope faculty and students will see this as a positive change,” Foss said. “This change will not even apply to most students. Some students won’t just meet the bar, they will exceed it.” Students who have questions or need support can contact the Center for Student Success and Engagement via FirstClass.
Trustees approve 2011 audit By John Durkan Editor-in-Chief
MCLA’s total assets increased by $3.2 million from 2010 to approximately $37 million in the 2011 fiscal year, according to the latest audit report. O’Connor and Drew, an accounting firm based in Braintree, Mass., and in no way affiliated with the College, performed the audit. David Dilusis, who represented the firm, presented the results to the Board of Trustees at the Oct. 30 meeting. The $37 million in assets includes $8.8 million in liabilities, which are past transcactions that still need to be obliged. Dilusis said $8.8 million in liabilities “isn’t a whole lot.” The net assets, which is total assets minus liabilities, was $28.5 million in June. Dilusis said the school performed well throughout both the financial statement and internal environment reports. “On the financial statement, you received an unqualified opinion, which is the highest level of assurance you can get,” Dilusis said. “And then on the report on internal controls, that’s where we
have the opportunity, if it presents itself, to expand language on material weaknesses, which would be a shock…We didn’t expand the report for anything. “Pretty much, you have a clean internal control environment that you should be proud of and your staff should be commended for as well.” The Board of Trustees unaminously accepted the audit report with no discussion. Public Policy Lecture renamed The annual fall Public Policy lecture was renamed the “Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis lecture series.” The Dukakis family signed and pledged a 10-year donation to MCLA to pay for the Public Policy lecture series. Tuesday’s lecture with former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was the first under the new name. Michael Dukakis was the Massachusetts governor from 19751979 and again from 1983-1991. He lost in the 1988 presidential election against George H.W. Bush.
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Foy updates the Board about the firearm referendum SGA President Todd Foy informed the Board that the SGA is working on a student referendum regarding the arming of Public Safety officers. “We believe that the Executive Cabinet as well as the Student Senate is not capable enough to speak for the entire student body on the matter of that significance,” Foy said. “I’m hoping in December when we meet again I can bring the actual results of the referendum so you’ll have a better idea of where students stand on that issue.” As of Monday’s SGA meeting, the expected vote date is Dec. 5 if the referendum is approved by the Student Senate. President’s report “This has been an incredibly, incredibly busy, full fall semester for everybody on campus,” said President Mary Grant. Grant mentioned many events throughout the fall semester, such as the UMass president visiting campus and the Center for Science and Innovation groundbreaking ceremony. Strategic Planning Grant stressed the importance of the four goals and values of the Strategic Planning commitee. The four goals are: excellence in teaching and learning, creating a supportive and inclusive community, responsive and intentional stewardship, and public purpose and engagement.
News
Thursday, November 3, 2011
SGA reveals timeline for gun referendum By Jess Gamari Staff Writer
Parliamentarian Natasha Lee Dalton and President Todd Foy revealed their timeline for the firearms referendum. On Wednesday, Foy met with Degen to discuss proper wording and to create the actual document. On Thursday, the referendum was presented to SGA Advisor Jen Craig. The referendum will be presented to SGA members at their next meeting on Monday, where they will have a week to look it over and suggest possible changes or amendments. On Nov. 14, members will vote to approve the referendum. If passed, students will vote on Dec. 5. SGA will declare its stance at the final meeting on Dec. 12 based on the results and report to the Board of Trustees on Dec. 15. “[The idea] was presented to the Board of Trustees and they looked at it favorably,” Foy said. “They want to see what students think.” Foy repeatedly stated there is a large time constraint on this issue. “It’s scary that the semester is tunneling this quickly,” Foy said. Due to the time restraints, the SGA is currently trying to work around a constitutional requirement saying the SGA needs signatures from 10 percent of the student body for a referendum. Members asked if amending the 10 percent rather than suspending would be possible. But Foy said that process would take about three meetings to complete and there is too much of a time constraint for an amendment. After the meeting, Foy explained that the Senate will vote to suspend
the language in the by-laws until Dec. 15 at next Monday’s meeting. Foy also noted that the referendum isn’t “set in stone” because the referendum has not been approved by the Senate yet, but is optimistic that the students will vote come Dec. 5. Two community meetings regarding the issue of arming Public Safety will be held, one on Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. in Sullivan Lounge and another on Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. in Murdock 218. The SGA also discussed the “don’t care” option suggested by Senator Catt Chaput on Oct. 24. Senator Hawa Umrova said she had spoken with students who were concerned that the “don’t care” option will be used as a yes. Senator Catt Chaput said it’s important that every students’ vote be acknowledged. Those who chose the “don’t care” option would be accounted as such. “If most don’t care, how much do other two sides weigh?”
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Strategic Planning Dean of Students Charlotte Degen presented a Strategic Planning presentation at the SGA meeting on Monday. The Strategic Planning committee has set four goals to “organize the way we think,” Degen said. “The MCLA experience is distinctive to other colleges,” she added. The committee looks at strengths and weaknesses the college currently has, and they also look at opportunities for improvement and possible threats. Students are center, so their opinions weighed heavily in the process.
The four goals are: Excellence in Teaching and Learning: Find out what we want and create an action plan to obtain it. The bike share program was used as an example. The college wanted a way for students to get to town quickly instead of using cars. Supportive and inclusive community: “This college is different,” she said. “We embrace and sustain a diverse community. We value and include diverse opinions.” Responsive and intentional stewardship: This goal accounts for the human, ecological, and financial recourses – a cycle of continuity with each part working together. Degen said the college must have only what it needs. Public purpose and engagement: According to Degen, this goal will “Ensure access to MCLA program and recourses to prepare to be responsible and engage. Wherever you go, you bring your ability and knowledge with you.” Other news
Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff
At Monday’s meeting, SGA discussed the timeline for the student vote regarding arming the Public Safety officers.
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Students Talking About Real Topics, or START, will hold a meeting this Saturday Nov. 5 in Sullivan Lounge at 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Students will discuss campus spaces and construction happening on campus. “V for Vendetta” will also be shown. SGA attendance is mandatory. The SGA approved the constitution for the MCLA Society for Music. Dalton said previously only two music clubs were on campus – the MCLA Chamber Ensemble and the Allegrettos.
Gates talks public policy GATES, continued from Page 1
“We can no more eliminate the risk of terrorism than we can eliminate crime,” he said. Gates called the war in Iraq the most divisive and traumatic result of September 11. Although he believes the United States should not completely withdraw troops from Iraq at the end of the year, he is glad to see Iraq taking control of its own leadership. “Iraq’s future is truly up to Iraqis,” he said. One of the greatest security threats facing the United States today, Gates said, is Iran. He called the current Iranian regime dangerous and destabilizing. “I am convinced Iran is determined to build nuclear weapons,” Gates said. However, he warned against the United States engaging in open war with Iran. “An attack on Iran would be, in my opinion, a catastrophe,” he said. Gates believes that Iran may have hidden nuclear weapons that the United States is unaware of. “The Iranians may be fanatics but they’re not stupid.” Gates also addressed the war in Afghanistan, stating that the United States has done a better job of managing the Afghan war efforts over the past two years. “I believe we would be much farther along [in Afghanistan] if we had not diverted a lot of our
resources to Iraq in 2003,” Gates said. Gates noted that China now has the world’s second largest economy, and is quickly becoming a world super-power. “[China] has become a global colossus,” he said. “Much of China’s phenomenal growth has been the result of exports.” He warned, however, that the United States must deal carefully in its relations with China. “The Chinese leaders are increasingly turning to nationalism – to xenophobia,” Gates said. Gates stated that Americans, especially young people, must take charge of their own future by giving back to the country through service and becoming more educated about other countries and cultures. “Living in the freest country in the world does involve some obligations of citizenship,” he said. “I think a lot of the skills we need are those taught in liberal arts colleges.” Prior to the lecture, President Mary Grant announced that the Board of Trustees had voted to name the public policy lecture series in honor of former Governor Michael S. Dukakis and his wife Kitty Dukakis. The Michael S. and Kitty Dukakis Lecture Series is made possible through the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
National/World News
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Senate passes $182 Obama pushes stalled job bill billion spending bill By Darlene Superville Associated Press
By Andrew Taylor Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate has approved must-do legislation to fund the day-to-day budgets of five Cabinet agencies, kick-starting long overdue work to add the details to budget limits agreed to by President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans this summer. The bipartisan 69-30 vote came on a $182 billion bundle of three bills to fund programs including transportation, space exploration, housing subsidies and the FBI for the 2012 budget year that started a month ago. Under the budget pact enacted in August, lawmakers have to cut about $7 billion (or less than 1 percent) from the more than $1 trillion budgeted last year for
the daily operations of federal agencies. Such cuts are too small for tea party conservatives but would come in addition to savings from benefit programs like farm subsidies and Medicare expected from a deficit “supercommittee’’ later this month. The budget limits, however, mean large cuts to programs like community development grants to local governments and subsidies for cities and towns for new equipment and less for the hiring of additional police officers. Highway funding would be held at last year’s levels, save for $1.9 billion in emergency help for states to rebuild from natural disasters. Tuesday’s vote was a step forward for the moribund appropriations process on Capitol Hill.
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is using a new report on the income gap between the richest Americans and everyone else to continue pushing for passage of his stalled $447 billion jobs bill. A report this week by the Congressional Budget Office found that average after-tax income for the top 1 percent of U.S. households had increased by 275 percent over the past three decades while middle-income households saw just a 40 percent increase in their post-tax income. Those at the bottom of the economic scale saw their income grow by a mere 18 percent. Obama said Saturday in his weekly radio and Internet address that he would pay for his jobs plan with an added tax on people who make at least $1 million a year. But Senate Republicans blocked action on the bill, a blend of tax breaks for businesses and public works spending, because they oppose much of the increased spending and the surtax on millionaires.
“These are the same folks who have seen their incomes go up so much, and I believe this is a contribution they’re willing to make,” he said. “Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress aren’t paying attention. They’re not getting the message.” Obama is now trying to get Congress to pass the individual components of the bill. But Senate Republicans also blocked action on the first of those measures, $35 billion to help local governments keep teachers on the job and pay the salaries of police officers, firefighters and other emergency services workers. Saying the country can’t wait for Congress, Obama has begun taking unilateral steps that he says will encourage economic growth. The actions do not require congressional approval. On Friday, Obama directed government agencies to shorten the time it takes for federal research to turn into commercial products in the marketplace, to help startup companies and small businesses create jobs and expand their operations more quickly. He also called for creation of a centralized online site for companies
to easily find information about federal services. He previously had announced help for people who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth and for the repayment of student loans. The White House also challenged community health centers to hire veterans. “We can no longer wait for Congress to do its job,” Obama said. “So where Congress won’t act, I will.” The CBO report, based on IRS and Census Bureau data, was released as the Occupy Wall Street movement spreading across the country protests bailouts for corporations and the income gap highlighted by the report. The Occupy Wall Street protesters call themselves “the 99 percent.” In the weekly GOP message, Illinois Rep. Bobby Schilling urged Obama to support the “forgotten 15” — measures that Schilling’s party says would help create jobs by blocking various energy and environmental regulations and streamlining administrative procedures. The bills, passed by the Republican-controlled House, await action in the Democraticrun Senate.
New Prime Minister appointed in Libya By Rami Al-Shaheibi Associated Press
TRIPOLI, Libya — A U.S.-educated engineering professor with little political experience is Libya’s new prime minister, a choice that suggests the country’s interim rulers may be trying to find a government leader palatable both to the West and to Libyans who distrust anyone connected to the former regime. Abdurrahim el-Keib was chosen late Monday by Libya’s National Transitional Council, with 26 of 51 votes. He is to appoint within two weeks a new interim government that will pave the way for the drafting of a constitution, as well as general elections.
He replaces outgoing interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril, who had pledged to step down after victory over Moammar Gadhafi’s regime Jibril was increasingly embattled in his last months in office, attacked by Libya’s Islamists as too secular, and by others as a former Gadhafi regime adviser who spent most of the country’s 8-month civil war outside Libya while revolutionary forces were fighting Gadhafi’s troops on the battlefield. Jibril has won credit, however, for his role in helping secure international support for the revolution from Western powers, such as France and Britain, who led the push to give the upris-
ing the NATO air support that played a key role in Gadhafi’s defeat. The previous interim government was an impromptu group of activists and former regime officials who defected after the uprising against Gadhafi erupted in mid-February. El-Keib, who now lives in Tripoli, said he would ensure that the new Libya will respect the rule of law. “We guarantee that we are after a nation that respects human rights, and does not permit abuse of human rights. But we need time,” he said late Monday after being elected. He said he would listen closely to the wishes of the Libyan people.
Snowstorm wreaks havoc in Northeast By Bob Salsberg Associated Press
WAYLAND, Mass. — Hundreds of thousands of people across the Northeast shivered at the prospect of days without heat or lights after a freak October snowstorm over the weekend, and many towns postponed trick-or-treating Monday in what seemed like a mean Halloween prank to some children. Families huddled under blankets and winter coats at home or waited out the crisis in shelters as utility crews struggled to fix power lines brought down by the storm. Hundreds of schools closed, giving youngsters one of the earliest snow days on record. “Such a small storm but such a big disaster,” said Marina Shen,
who spent Sunday night with her husband and dog at a middle school in Wayland, a Boston suburb of 13,000 where half the homes lost power. Just a few inches fell in Wayland, and most of it had melted by Monday, but overnight temperatures fell below freezing. “The house is really, really cold. You cannot do anything. It’s so dark, cold,” Shen said. “Here they give us a hot shower.” From Maryland to Maine, high winds and wet, heavy snow brought down trees, branches and wires Saturday and Sunday. Snowfall amounts ranged from less than an inch in some places to 32 inches in the small town of Peru, Mass., in the Berkshire Mountains. The storm was blamed for at least 21 deaths, including one in Canada. Most were caused by fall-
ing trees, traffic accidents or electrocutions from downed wires. Eight people died in Pennsylvania alone. More than 3 million homes and businesses in the Northeast lost power at the height of the storm. By Monday night, that number was down to about 2.2 million. Some of the same areas were hit hard by the rainy remnants of Hurricane Irene just two months ago, but in many places the utility damage was worse this time. The trees had yet to lose their leaves and captured all too much of the snow. “The leaves on the trees have made whole trees and huge branches come down, which have taken down more wires,’’ said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. “It’s a huge challenge for everybody.’’
5 Eating healthy on a budget and in a hurry - it’s possible Features
Thursday, November 3, 2011
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healthy food packed with nutrients and proteins that your body needs. As a snack, simply dipping some carrots, celery, bell peppers, or crackers into the hummus can give you the energy boost you need, make you feel full, and will end up costing you less money in the long run than a $4 bag of potato chips and dip.
By Mary Redstone Features Editor
The freshman 15. The late-night pizza binges. The leftover pizza for breakfast. There are a lot of eating habits associated with college life that are far from healthy, regardless of if we enjoy them or not. While a little food that’s bad for you is okay every once and a while, what are you going to eat the rest of the time? And when you find that healthy thing to eat, how are you going to afford it? Or even worse, how are you going to find time to make it?
DRINK UP
BREAFKAST – IT’S NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANYMORE If it’s acceptable to eat leftover dinner for breakfast, then why not eat breakfast food for dinner? Or, for that matter, why not any time of the day? A lot of breakfast foods are high in vitamins and nutrients that you need since they’re supposed to be the start of your day. Yogurt is not only high in vitamins and the probiotics you need to maintain healthy digestion, it is also low in fat – so low sometimes there isn’t any at all – and customizable to fit any taste. Adding fruits and grains to the yogurt not only increases the flavor but also adds nutritional value and helps you to make you fuller longer. Eggs are also a breakfast food high in nutrients that works for any part of the day. They are a complete protein, meaning they contain all the amino acids in proportions necessary for a proper diet. A single egg contains between 50 and 60 calories, three to four grams of fat, and five to seven grams of complete protein. While it was once believed that eggs would raise cholesterol, nutritionists have recently debunked this myth; one to two eggs a day paired with a low fat diet does not raise cholesterol levels. Always keep a box of cereal at hand. While the sugary cereals are always a favorite, for reasons of nostalgia and flavor, it’s better to go for something less like candy. Sugary cereals can give you that sugar rush to get you through that boring class, but you’ll crash hard once it’s over. A cereal with more protein and more grain will not only make you stay full longer, but it will also make you feel better.
Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon staff
Eating healthy in college doesn’t have to be time-consuming and expensive. With the addition of milk to the cereal, remember that whole milk has a high fat content (3.25 percent). Not only is lower fat content milk healthier in the long run, it is also higher in other nutrients than whole milk. While soy milk does not contain dairy and is highly beneficial to those with dairy allergies, it can contain the same amount of fat as milk unless a low-fat soy milk is purchased. LUNCH ON THE RUN We all know the feeling of those 10 to 15 minutes in between class where you’re so hungry you could eat the entire contents of the CStore. However, you always find yourself standing in front of the cases and shelves in the C-Store in a fit of indecision. Whatever you do, don’t pick up that candy bar and put down the chips. If you’re heading to a class that allows you to eat at your desk, try for one of the big salads. However, watch for the ratio of iceberg lettuce to more mixed greens; iceberg has very little nutritional value, while mixed greens like spinach and mesclun greens have higher value. You do not want to pay for a salad that will give you little nutritional value because you will find yourself hungry again very shortly. Also, premade sandwiches are a good choice as long as they aren’t
loaded with mayonnaise and highly salted lunch meat. If you’re in a rush and you can’t eat a meal in class, it’s best to find small meals, or snacks, that are high in protein; the protein will help you feel full until you can get to a real meal. Hummus is low in fat and high in protein and often comes paired with crackers and pretzels in a small container suited for on-thego eating. Like eggs, hummus is a complete protein and is beneficial both on its own and paired with other foods. Cheese sticks are also good for quick consumption and are high in protein, but they are also high in fat and should only be eaten in moderation. If you’re not worried about being hungry again soon but need to just make it through a class or two, then carbohydrates might be a better choice. However, some carbohydrate-full food will give you more fat than you can burn off by sitting in class. The best of all worlds, as well as being cheap and quick, can be found in meal bars like Cliff, Odwalla and Luna bars. They contain enough protein, carbs and fats for a whole meal as well as B vitamins and fruits and grains. CAREFUL WITH THAT SNACK, EUGENE Put down the Doritos and put the lid back on the Helluva Good.
I know, it’s tasty; trust me, I’ve been there before. Snacking is one of the hardest eating habits to cut back on, but it’s a lot easier to substitute bad snacks for good ones. Peanuts and almonds are not only one of the cheapest snacks you can buy, but they’re some of the healthiest. While nuts may be high in fat, they are naturally free of trans-fats and actually can help keep arteries clean. They also contain 25 percent more protein than any other nut. The problem with snacking on peanuts lies in its caloric content; a few handfuls of peanuts can be up to 200 calories. The same can be said for peanut butter; while a healthy snack on its own or paired with toast or celery, it can quickly pile up calories. Almonds contain all the health benefits of peanuts, but they also contain high levels of vitamin E. They also contain a kind of fat which is linked to lower counts of LDL Cholesterol. Phytosterols can also be found in almonds, which has been linked to lowering cholesterol. Popcorn, when made correctly, is a healthy snack as well. When air-popped or popped in low-fat oil on the stove, it contains few calories and fat and is high in fiber. Try to avoid microwave popcorn; it can contain numerous undesirable chemicals as well as lots of sodium and fats. Again, hummus is a really
Soda is bad for you and there’s no way around it. All the high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors cause problems with blood glucose levels. They are also highly acidic, and too much can affect the way your body reacts to other food, including lowering metabolism. Fruit juices can be just as bad for you if you don’t know where to look. Some are loaded with extra sugars and aren’t even entirely juice; this can skyrocket the amount of calories contained in the juice. While organic, all-juice beverages may cost more, they are a higher concentrate which means you can add water to them and make them last longer. Scientists are discovering that coffee is a lot healthier for you than they once thought. Anycream or sugar added to the coffee, can turn it from a drink low in calories and fat to potentially a whole meal’s worth of calories if you have a drink like a frappucino. Tea can put you in a similar situation; plain tea is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, but something like a chai tea, full of cream and sugars, can add many unnecessary calories. The best, cheapest, and healthiest thing for you out of all these things is water. If you’re hungry and can’t get to food right away, drink water. If you’re thirsty, drink water. If you feel kind of funny and you don’t know why, you probably need more water. And when in doubt about what to eat or drink look at the label. If the calories are too high or the fats are in the double digits, odds are you don’t need it. If sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, is the first ingredient and you can’t pronounce the majority of the list, you probably don’t need that either. It doesn’t hurt to do a little research into your food; after all, you wouldn’t throw any old gas into your car, so why should your own fuel be any different?
Flu shots and kits ready for upcoming flu season By Holly Johnston
Special to the Beacon Cheng Zhang, a Chinese exchange student, rolls out of bed and rubs her eyes, checking the time. “Ugh, class soon. I think I am sick,” she said. This is a common feeling among students this time of year. One day they feel completely fine, and the next morning they are stricken with something that feels like the plague. “You can try your hardest to prevent yourself from getting sick,
but it’s usually inevitable,” said Jody Tierney, Director of Health Services. “Everyone is living close to each other and sharing everything in college.” Though our flu season is usually around January and February, she advised students to wash their hands constantly throughout the year. Health Services has placed hand sanitizers at different locations around campus for those who don’t have time to get to a sink. Tierney said Health Services holds a flu clinic every year, which
started in early October. The first week they administered 150 doses. Students with asthma and diabetes were contacted first, and then it opened to all students. It was opened to the entire college staff after the first week. The junior class council has made an effort to battle the flu season by creating a flu kit for students. “The letters for the flu kits were sent out to parents earlier this week,” said Lizzy Mullen, President of the Class of 2013. “A completed flu kit costs $8.00.” Order
forms are due back from parents by November 11th. According to Mullen, the kit will include: a disposable thermometer, tea, chapstick, hand sanitizer, cough drops, salt packets, a fever reducer, and facial tissues all packaged into an MCLA mug. Mullen also said there will be a surprise item included with the kits. Since there is only so much you can do once you get the flu, what can be done about classes when you are feeling miserable? “You cannot get a note from Health Services as an excuse for
an absence,” Tierney said. She suggested students talk to their professors when they feel ill, because most professors won’t want students in class in a sick state anyway. She said this procedure is a simulation of life and can teach students how to communicate with professors. “In the real world, employees will only get a few days of excused absence from work; after that, a doctor’s note will not cut it as an excuse,” Tiereny said. “Students are being prepared here for the future.”
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Local dance theater featured in documentary McCartney restoring Motown piano By Nora Weiss
Staff Writer The Williamstown Film Festival came to an end at Mass. MoCA on Friday, showcasing a documentary about Jacob’s Pillow called “Never Stand Still.” TIME magazine has called Jacob’s Pillow “the hub and mecca of dancing,” something that both Mass. MoCA and Williamstown Film Festival set out to collaborate on. Narrated by Tony-award winner Bill T. Jones, audience members are told the story of how Jacob’s Pillow was created and how it grew into the center of dance that it is today. The documentary goes through the experiences of famous dancers whose lives changed for the better while at the Pillow, and younger dancers who currently are enrolled in classes. The progression of dance as a culture grows with these dancers who profess their success is due to Jacob’s Pillow and its creator Ted Shawn. Directed by Ron Housa, “Never Stand Still” goes into detail of how dancer Shawn bought abandoned farmland in 1931 to transform the land into a place of dance. Many of those interviewed throughout the film expressed the concept of the clear space within the nature of the Berkshires. What else is there to do but dance? Founded in 1998, the Williamstown Film Festival became the ‘last’ art form to break out in the Berkshires, as there was already visual art, music, and dance. Many
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‘Never Stand Still’ rounded off the Williamstown Film Festival. residents of the Berkshires felt film to host the art of the independent needed to be a part of Western film. As this film is the pair’s 23rd Massachusetts and finally closed time joining forces in the name of the gap on the art forms. Soon, collaboration, the admiration for the festival was incorporated as a all things Berkshire is something non-profit organization and Wil- that catches. “Never Stand Still” celliamstown Film Festival became a ebrates the life and progression of part of the Berkshire culture. It has Jacob’s Pillow. Audience members continued its tradition of premier- in MoCA’s Hunter Center on Friing new films ever year, much like day witnessed this world premiere with clips of early dancers and the “Never Stand Still.” Since 2000, the Williamstown journey of hopeful dancers on their Film Festival and Mass. MoCA way to becoming successful. Known for being an internahave continually combined efforts
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tional dance center, stage, and performance space, Housa captures the spirit and magic that is Jacob’s Pillow in “Never Stand Still.” The documentary takes the idea of falling in love with dance and applies it to those who don’t see the need to move their feet. The feeling of wanting to be better and to continue the positive influence from doing something you love holds the documentary together. It gives a whole new meaning to Jacob’s Pillow: you don’t have to dance to love dance.
An 1877 Steinway grand piano used by many Motown musicians will be restored by former Beatle Paul McCartney. The Detroit News reports the piano will be picked up Monday from the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit and shipped to Steinway & Sons in New York for restoration. The work is expected to take up to five months. McCartney told museum officials following his July concert at Comerica Park that he wanted to help in the restoration after he learned the piano no longer could be played. Steinway & Sons has to assess the piano’s condition before a cost can be determined. Company executive Ron Losby told the newspaper in a statement that the piano will be restored in the “same New York factory where it was originally built.’’
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‘Field of Dreams’ property sold
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The ‘Field of Dreams’ in Dubuque County, Iowa.
By Timberly Ross
Water Is Rising: Music and Dance amid Climate Change
November 15th 7:30pm Church Street Center Auditorium
Associated Press
The sprawling eastern Iowa cornfields made famous by the movie “Field of Dreams’’ are being sold to a company that will preserve the site’s baseball legacy, the owners announced Sunday. Don and Becky Lansing said they have accepted an offer from Mike and Denise Stillman and their company, Go the Distance Baseball LLC, which will develop the site near Dyersville as a baseball and softball complex. A purchase price was not disclosed. “We worked hard to maintain its wholesome allure, and our success says a lot about our nation’s love affair with its national pastime,’’ Becky Lansing said in a statement. ``It tru-
ly is a special place.’’ The land has been in Don Lansing’s family since 1906. The couple put the property up for sale at $5.4 million in May 2010. The parcel includes the two-bedroom house, baseball diamond, six other buildings and 193 acres (78 hectares) mostly cornfields from the movie. The film, released in 1989, was based on the book ``Shoeless Joe’’ by W.P. Kinsella and starred Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones. The site has been a popular tourist destination ever since. The Lansings said earlier this year that they had gotten several inquiries about the site but were committed to finding a buyer that would preserve its legacy. The Stillmans’ plan for the property includes preservation of the existing
buildings and development of “AllStar Ballpark Heaven,’’ described as a complex including fields for baseball and softball tournaments and an indoor training facility. Go the Distance plans to offer tournaments for teams of players ages 18 and younger, professional-style training and skills competitions. “We understand the impact that demographics, market trends and the economy will have on baseball and those who love the game in the next decade,’’ Denise Stillman said. ``... We are thrilled to continue the `Field of Dreams’ legacy.’’ As for the Lansings, they’ll live a few miles (kilometers) away and make visits to the site, “especially in summer when the corn is high. That’s when the field is most magical,” Don Lansing said.
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Sophomore makes money through passion for photography By Andrew Hodgson Staff Writer
In today’s world of social networks, pictures are everywhere. Some people are so passionate about pictures that they are driven to take the perfect picture. Ben Mancino has had that drive since he was in seventh grade. Mancino’s style really started to develop when he purchased a macro lens for his camera, which allows the photographer to take extreme close-ups without the pictures losing focus. “My first camera had a zoom, so ever since then I have been all about close-up shots to really bring the subject into focus,” Mancino said. A sophomore Arts Management major at the College, Mancino is a devoted nature lover. When he was in middle school he asked for a camera for Christmas, and he hasn’t looked back. His high school in New York only offered a class in film photography, so Mancino took
his talents to MCLA and the beauty of the Berkshires. You might see Ben in the Campus Center or Bowman Hall selling his pictures; it is his only source of income from them. “I don’t sell pictures I wouldn’t buy myself, and I’m real particular about my pictures.” Mancino explained. Mancino advances his skills whenever he can. He has won photo contests with the Times Union, an Albany area newspa-
“Sometimes I’ll go back to the same place and photograph the same thing in a different light day after day until I get it perfect.” per, and plans to intern with a studio photographer this summer. Photography isn’t as easy as it may sound to some. A “shoot”
could last anywhere between an hour and three hours, usually romping through the woods around campus to find what Mancino describes as “anything that really catches my eye, that I feel the need to capture with my camera.” After a shoot Mancino cycles through all the pictures and sometimes finds none he likes; other times, there may be upwards of ten keepers. “It’s really hit or miss; it depends on time of day,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll go back to the Photo by Andrew Hodgson/ Beacon Staff same place and photoBen Mancino is a student photographer at MCLA. graph the same thing in a different light day Professors and other profes- then someone tells you how to after day until I get it perfect.” sional contacts are good, but take a picture one way you might Mancino’s advice for amateur Mancino says that developing never develop your own way,” photographers hoping to become your own style and techniques Mancino said. better is simple: “Experiment before being introduced into You can find Mancino’s phowith different settings and just others’ styles is key. tography at BTMphotography. don’t give up.” “If you don’t have a style and blogspot.com.
‘Tricks of the Trade’ to feature 19 interactive seminars at Gallery 51 Press Release The official kick-off of the new series titled, “Tricks of the Trade: Culture-Making,” begins Nov. 8 at MCLA Gallery 51. This series of 19 interactive seminars will be held across Berkshire County through May 2012. The monthly seminars will provide inventive topics and ground-breaking speakers to ignite the evolving conversation between art and community, including unexplored opportunities and ideas for the artists and creatives. Now in its seventh year, “Tricks of the Trade” offers a series of three seminars each month in North Adams, Pittsfield and Stockbridge. These events are free and open to the public. November kicks off with “Arts in Education,” which will explore a wide range of opportunities in theater, music and visual arts for school systems and non-profit organizations. Laura Thompson, director of exhibitions and education of Kidspace at Mass. MoCA, will be a panelist speaker. She will discuss her several community initiatives and diverse experiences in the field. Elizabeth Baker, 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant coordinator, will share her comprehensive knowledge about public school enrichment, and educating with the arts through her experience with after-school programs in the Berkshires. Other topics will include December’s “Reuse of Spaces for Creative Purposes,” which will highlight opportunities to be found by reusing sacred and private space, such as empty storefronts and churches. Many of
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“Tricks of the Trade” begins Nov. 8 at Gallery 51. these spaces have the potential to be turned into a creative business, art studio, gallery, or performance space. Jessica Conzo, director and co-founder of Alchemy Initiative, will discuss her process to re-purpose an old church into a thriving community with artist studios, events and workshops. An artist lecture/discussion will be led by Michael Oatman, an installation and collage artist exhibiting at Mass. MoCA. He will speak about his repurposed air-stream trailer installation, “All Utopias Fell,” a fictional tale of a solar-obsessed scientist who crash-lands back to earth. Visitors to this work may walk though his intricate laboratory and peculiar living quarters. In January, the topic will be “Creative Residencies Based in Communities,” with local and national opportunities, as well as how to successfully restructure a residency application. The month of February contains “Integration of Art and Community,” which will include
round-table discussions about art, community and local politics. Mayors and city councilors of Berkshire County will be invited, as well as community innovators such as Susan Cross, curator at Mass. MoCA, and Sandra Newman, founder and executive director of Community Access to the Arts. March will feature “Political Art,” which includes a series of remarkable artist lectures hosted by Denise Markonish, curator at Mass. MoCA. April is the month for “Environmental Art,” including the controversy surrounding local river art projects and opportunities for environmental residencies. The artist lecture/discussion will be with Jane Philbrick, an outdoor space and installation artist exhibiting at Mass. MoCA, with her work, “The Expanded Field.” In May, the topic will be “Public Art,” which will discuss the opportunities for artists to visually enrich an entire community, as well as the funding and process.
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Musicians join Occupy movement By John Deming
Concerts in your area this November
A&E Editor
John Deming A&E Editor
Jungle Work Two of the most popular shows on television have lost their front man: “The Office” lost Steve Carell (it was time for a regime change) and “Two and a Half Men” lost Charlie Sheen (because of bad blood and Tiger Blood). While the former was an innovator for American television, the latter found himself one of the surviving members of comedy’s gilded age of laugh track. One thing can be said for both: they’ve lost more than their fair share of luster, and laughs. While these programs were different in style and premise, the leading actors share a fairly similar story. Both were the bread and butter of a concept, and without them their shows are lackluster attempts at the quality they once had. Here and there I have caught an episode of “Two and a Half Men,” and while its not my cup of meat, I respect it and understand its success. It’s a show you can air re-runs of before primetime, and the humor was specific to the Frasier, Seinfeld, and Drew Carey style that uses just enough adult humor and ‘crass’ jokes to appeal to all ages. But when you build a show around the humor of only three personalities and the biggest one leaves the show...well, lets just say your not going to be ‘winning’ much longer. But Charlie Sheen’s circus of a spiral into unemployment was far from the write-in departure of Michael Scott. Steve Carell left “The Office” like Tony La Russa left the Cardinals: on top. Literally the foundation (and regional manager) of “The Office” retired, and left behind a cast of willing and able familiar faces to carry on that brand of humor. But “The Office” was built around the every-day antics of Michael Scott, and the crisis management that ensues. While I believe that Ed Helms is a phenomenal talent, implementing his rein over the rest of the gang seems forced at best, and the employees seem lost as they are weekly hypnotized by James Spader. TV is something I enjoy. I have ‘my shows’ but I also have the attention span of a fifth-year senior, and a sense of humor developed after many years of listening to Howard Stern. I’m losing my patience with an old favorite, and I can’t respect a show that self-implodes.
Like many other moments of social protest in American history, Occupy Wall Street is not only garnering the support of people in the streets, but also people in recording studios. A few musicians have thrown their support to the occupy movement, including American rebel rocker Tom Morello who has zigzagged throughout major cities to play for protestors, and folk legend Pete Seeger who at 92 years old, marched with protestors along the streets of Manhattans Upper West side. While music may not be able to topple governments or capitalism, it could be considered a transcendent musical genre; its role in American music runs deep. Here is a look at some great moments in American protest music: Pete Seeger: “Bring them Home” “Bring Them Home” was written as a simple anthem calling foul on the aggressive nature of American war policy in Vietnam. While an obvious anti-war song, Seeger stayed patriotic in this tune, declaring, “If you love your Uncle Sam, bring them home, bring them home,” and, “If an army invaded this land of mine,
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Tom Morello (left) and Pete Seeger (right) are among the musicians supporting the Ocuppy movement. you’d find me out on the firing line.” Bob Dylan: “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” While this tune has the trademark musical elements of many of Dylan’s early 60’s tunes, “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” takes a lyrical approach that is jarring in its factual presentation. In four verses, a 22-yearold Dylan puts on display the injustices of America’s legal system, and the social discrimination that it protected, telling the story of the murder of a 51-yearold African-American mother of 11 at the hands of a drunken 24-year-old tobacco farmer William Zanzinger. Zanzinger would only serve six months of jail time. “William Zanzinger killed poor Hattie Carroll with a cane that he twirled around his diamond ring
finger,” Dylan crows. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “Ohio” After seeing the horrific Life Magazine pictures of dead protestors at Kent State University, Neil Young wrote Ohio, a song that achieved mainstream success while containing vehemently political lyrics. Using Richard Nixon’s name specifically along with his “tin soldiers” was what David Crosby referred to as “the bravest thing I’d ever heard.” The declaration of “soldiers are cutting us down” proclaimed a divide amongst the government and the people, and highlighted an American paranoia that few could deny. As the tune fades the screams of “how many more” and “Four…why?” is a haunting and emotional homage to the four students killed that day.
Photo gallery opens at Gallery 51
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
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings Where: Club Helinski, Hudson, NY When: Nov. 5 How Much: $35--$45
New Releases
Press Release Beginning Thursday, Oct. 27, MCLA’s Gallery 51 presents “Photos of the Undescribed,” by Ben Ripley. Ripley’s work uses a variety of actual and re-conceived 19th century photographic processes whose physical presence stand in contrast to the idea of an infinitely reproducible digital image, according to MCLA Gallery 51 Manager Ven Voisey, curator of the show. “Photography is a challenging medium because of its prevalence in visual language and culture,” Voisey said. “Its use in advertising alone presents the average city dweller with hundreds, if not thousands, of photographed images a day. I see Ripley’s critical sensibility and his use of medium and process as metaphor as a counterapproach to the predominant dilutive and often misleading use of the photographic image.” The show includes the photograph, “River Journey,” which Ripley created by shooting in onto a negative that is 100 feet long and 2 feet high, spooled across a giant 19th century brass lens. About 75 feet long, “River Journey” is a record of an exposure in a giant camera mounted on a boat traveling down a river. The handmade boat – also on display for this exhibition – that Ripley used to create this photograph is partially made of recycled banners from Mass. MoCA. “The photograph was exposed continually as the boat travelled,
Lou Reed & Metallica:
Lulu Availiable Oct. 31st Warner Brothers/ Vertigo Records Costs: $19.99
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Ben Ripley’s “Photo’s of the Undescribed” is on display at Gallery 51. and the image carries records of the motion of the boat and the operator,” according to Ripley. “The wavy lines and changes in the exposure of the photograph disrupt the idea of an objective image while at the same time provide a more accurate record of the camera’s point of view.” Ripley explained that part of the attraction of photography, lies in the quest for accurate reproductions as the film passively records the objects that are presented to it. “The experience of the viewer, however, is not that of an objective witness. Ideas of context, illusions, the viewer’s own thoughts, memories and unique perceptions affect his or her experience of work more than the artist,” Ripley said. In “The Onomasticon I,” Ripley uses scrap wood covered with a tiny, handwritten repetition of
the word “one.” This photograph traces the path of the artist’s hand and attention over the wood. The viewer is given the opportunity to follow the same path, and the choice to pay attention to or ignore whatever parts of the piece he or she wishes. “Stages of Trust” features a collection of four counting machines. When a machine registers motion, it produces a photograph of the word “one,” and begins a new exposure of the word on the next photograph. The viewer’s interaction provides beginning and end points for each photograph. According to Ripley, the longer it takes for the machine to recognize the presence of another person, the more deeply the word one is etched into the paper. The photographs are records of the connection between the two viewers.
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Women’s volleyball concludes 2011 season with defeat By Kaitland Hager Sports Writer
“Expect the Unexpected.” That simple phrase was the motto of the 2011 Women’s Volleyball team this past season. Senior captain Hayley Gundersen would call the season “educational”. “There were many obstacles that we had to overcome this year,” she said. “From Hurricane Irene making us leave part way through preseason, to the gym floor conditions not always to our advantage, or to people having injuries and not being able to play. As a team we learned to come together and persevere even though the odds were not on our side,” she added. Throughout it all, the ‘Blazers stood tall. “They lifted to the challenge,” Coach Amanda Beckwith said. Beckwith, in her fifth season as head coach, challenged the team by adding extra tournaments to the schedule and building team chemistry between a group with new players out-numbering returners two to one. The team didn’t just have to worry about physical and mental adversity. Other obstacles appeared
in their path. At the beginning of the semester, Hurricane Irene caused a campus-wide evacuation of preseason athletes and all other students, faculty and staff. Despite losing a weekend of crucial time, the ‘Blazers still managed to get their fair share of team bonding. Camping, a ropes course and a river crossing activity were just a few of the different activities the ‘Blazers participated in to bring them together as a team. It didn’t stop there. “As the season went on, the team came together each time someone got injured, or if someone decided they had to leave,” Gundersen said. Though the ‘Blazers finished their season with less-than-desireable statistics, there were still highlights that outshined their team record. They had a successful six game winning streak over a week-anda-half period, defeating conference rivals Mass. Maritime and Salem State. Senior captain Kayla Bromback, a force on the court since her freshman year, surpassed the alltime MCLA kill record, finishing the 2011 season with 258 kills.
Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff
The Blazers won the volley but it wasn’t enough to keep SUNY-IT from winning the game. She broke the previous record held by Christina Kidd, class of 2010, during the volleyball team’s now-annual Dig Pink event, to raise money for the battle against
breast cancer. “It is always a joyous event and it was thrilling,” sophomore Kelley Bryant said. “It was a good game; we always seem to attract a crowd
and raise good money for breast cancer.” VOLLEY, continued on Page 11
Men’s soccer’s Dan Saunders stays strong on field and off By Robert Beauchesne Sports Writer Dan Saunders roams around his side’s defensive zone, making plays on the ball as well as setting up his teammates for the attack. His position takes a toughness, discipline, and an understanding of the game. He must process information and make good decisions. Saunders provides the type of heady play that does not show up in the scorebook. Saunders grew up in Tewksbury, Mass., a small but sports-crazy town in the eastern part of the state. While at Tewksbury Memorial High, he played soccer for the Redmen. Saunders admits that his high school team was not the best. “We did not win many games my junior and senior year, and I felt embarrassed,” Saunders said. “I had always played the game very physical, but after that I played with a chip on my shoulder.” This style of play drew interest from Coach Adam Hildabrand. “I had not heard of MCLA until Coach Hildabrand contacted me before senior year,” Saunders said. “I had not even heard of North Adams, either.”
Coach Adam Hildabrand, a former player at the college, brought him onto the squad because he liked how physically and aggressively Saunders played the game. Dan admits that playing college soccer seemed a little odd to him at the time.
“I had always played the game very physical, but after that I played with a chip on my shoulder,” Saunders said. “Honestly, when I came to MCLA I was useless,” he said. “I did not have a position I could play. Really the only thing I could do was hustle and be a junk yard dog out there.” “Coach talked to me and basically told me he liked what I brought to the table,” Saunders continued. “The first two years were a little tough, because I was still trying to develop my technical skills and playing time was
hard to come by. Luckily I developed a group of friends that are basically like brothers to me.” Saunders has lived with Tommy Duplisea, Austin Sniezek, Liroy Ozinci, and Gary D’Annunzio since his freshman year. “We really have been friends through it all,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, sometimes we wanted to kill each other, but we always ended up laughing.” Saunders’ first year was a learning experience. He appeared in six games for the Trailblazers, playing the position of back. The team was full of upper classmen and playing time was hard to come by. This did not discourage Saunders, who treated every practice like a game situation. “Going up against guys like Raul Escobar and Ben Twomey was good for me,” Saunders said. “They were very physical players and I wanted to follow them. I figured that going hard in practice helped me.” In Saunders’ junior year, the team looked to make a run at the MASCAC conference tournament. This was Saunders’ opportunity to help his team. SAUNDERS, continued on Page 11
Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff
Dan Saunders worked hard to earn his position on the Blazers.
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Intramurals first session ends By Kayla Koumjian Sports Writer
Intramural sports finished their first session of the 2011 fall semester last Thursday. Team Sim won in a nail biter for the dodge ball championship and the undefeated team Moes won in cornhole. Now, with the first session over, intramural is starting its second with more sports than last. These sports are Kan Jam, 3-on-3 basketball, floor hockey and co-ed volleyball. “We also have a Flag Football Tournament on Sunday, November 6th,” said men’s soccer coach and director of intramural sports, Adam Hildabrand. “We usually have a flag football league, but with the lack of participation last year, we decided to have a tournament instead to raise interest,” said co-supervisor John Ripepi. During that same day, there will be a powderpuff tournament for girls sponsored by the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee. There will be food and drinks provided for anyone who goes. Hildabrand and his supervisors are trying to improve student participation the second session from the last one. “Our attendance for session I was down from last year, but the product we put out there was better,” said Hildabrand. “Our goal was to put out a quality product so new students to intramural would have a great experience and sign
up again.” Last session there were 22 students participating in cornhole and 70 participating in dodge ball. Ripepi agrees with Hildabrand, “We need to continue to have good support from our students as the intramural program’s sole purpose is for students recreational time,” he said. Hildabrand is optimistic about the increase in participation for the second semester. “Historically there is always a big jump in participation in the second session,” Hildabrand said. “Students are more settled in and more in tune with what it going on, mid way through the semester.” Ripepi also believes more students will participate saying, “There will be more sports and two of them are the most popular.” The two sports Ripepi is referring to is floor hockey and 3-on-3 basketball. Another reason for an increase is because fall sports will be over in time for the second session. This means fall season athletes will be eligible to participate. Ripepi feels intramural sports is a good way for students to break free from the stress of classes and school work. “It’s fun and a good way to get away from work for a little while,” he said. Intramural sports is also a great way to stay active. With the weather getting cooler, many students become more lazy and sluggish. “Even with the harsh winters we have, the gym is always open for
Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff
The cornhole championship was held in the Venable Gym on Thursday, Oct. 27. students who want to play sports,” said John Ripepi. Any student is welcome to participate and is encouraged to have their friends join as well. “Intramural doesn’t just have to be for athletes. We have games anyone can play,” Ripepi said. Rosters for the second session were handed in on Nov. 1. These
rosters were located and handed in at tables outside of the cafeteria and inside of Bowman Hall. “We’ve also been utilizing FirstClass,” said Adam Hildabrand about getting the word out for second session. “We placed table tents strategically across campus too on top of putting up the usual bulletin board posting.”
“The most effective way we can advertise intramural is through email on FirstClass and tabling around campus,” said Ripepi. Be sure to check outside the cafeteria and Bowman Hall to sign up or learn more information about intramural. It is for anyone who wants to join.
Women’s soccer team finish up-anddown season with loss at Bridgewater By Brendan Foley Sports Editor The women’s Trailblazers have had a long, strange season. Plagued by injuries, the team opened the season with a fivegame losing streak, giving up 14 goals while only answering with three of their own. But the season was not doomed to be nothing but loss and failure, as the Blazers found their footing and began to fight back. In the team’s next two games, the girls scored four times and did not allow a single goal from the opposition. The remainder of the season has followed an up-and-down path. The team has finished with final overall record of 6-10-1 and a MASCAC conference record of 2-4-1. Head Coach Deb Raber looks back and refuses to take a negative perspective. Sitting in her office with her faithful dog curled up in front of her desk, Raber explains that there are many positive aspects of the seasons. Raber said, “Because of injuries,
the younger members of the team had a tremendous amount of playing and experience.” She continued, “This season showed the importance of us staying together and working towards a common vision in the face of adversity.” Raber believes that there is nowhere for the team to go but up next season. “Those women who are on the injury list will be that much more motivated to return,” she said. “We didn’t have the best season according to the record, but that is a strong motivator for the returning women.” The team’s final game was held on Saturday, Oct. 29, against Bridgewater State. Bridgewater is the number one team in the MASCAC conference. The game went scoreless into the second half, when Bridgewater managed to put one past Trailblazer goaltender Jen Wehner. This single goal proved to be enough to finish the Trailblazers, who were unable to answer the goal. Deb Raber said, “As a coach you always think that there is something that you can do better.” For the season, the Trailblazers
Photo courtesy of MCLA.edu
The 2011 Women’s Trailblazers overcame physical and mental adversity in their pursuit of a winning season. scored 13 times on 178 attempts on net. Their opponents managed to score 27 times off of 372 shots on net. Junior Brianna Bresett led the team in goals, scoring three times
throughout the season. Following close behind were sophomore Brianna Dandurant, freshman Janelle Stannard and freshman Lindsay Roy who put up two goals apiece.
The MASCAC conference finished with a three-way tie for first between Worcester, Westfield and Bridgewater.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
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Men’s soccer season finishes on down note with Bridgewater loss
Brendan Foley Sports Editor
Farewell to Faith Well, it had to happen eventually. The Patriots got old. I know, I know, we all knew this day would come, nothing gold can stay, blah blah blah. The Patriots are currently tied for first with the Buffalo Bills with a record of 5-2, so there’s no reason to hit the panic button on the season just yet. There isn’t some magical switch that can be flipped to change the team from “OHMYGOD THEY’RE AWESOME!” to “garbage.” Or, if there is, I haven’t seen it. Probably something we should look into, though. No, the real loss is the sense of optimism, the sense of superiority that, for a time, every Patriots fan felt watching the team run into Gilette. For a couple of years there, the people of New England had an unerring faith in the Patriots and that magical combination that was Belichick and Brady. I remember watching a playoff game with my Dad where the Pat’s were playing pretty sloppy and getting run up and down the field. Dad didn’t blink, insisting that the Patriots had a plan that would end up in victory. The Patriots lost that game, but even then the sense of faith remained. Really, it was Camera Gate, a stupidly-named, stupidly-reported on, largely manufactured controversy that marked the beginning of the end. All of a sudden our Patriots weren’t indestructable. They were people. People who made dumb mistakes, people who occasionally made the wrong call. They were fallible. They went undefeated in the regular season, but the sense of unimpeachability was gone. The Patriots will probably have a strong season. They will morethan-likely finish with a winning record. They will probably wind up in the playoffs, heck, they might make it all the way to the big game this winter. But the faith isn’t there. The unshakeable belief that we are the best, that we will triumph over all comers, thatt’s been shaking. Nowadays, the fans of the New England Patriots will have to live week to week, game to game to see if the Patriots will win. The crowds will just have to be satisfied that they have a very goodteam, possibly a very great team, and one that will win many, many games, but not EVERY game. A team, not an unstoppable locomotive made of pure victory. And maybe, just maybe, we’re all better off that way.
He made a big jump, starting 13 games and appearing in two more. He worked hard to gain possession of the ball, and to chase down opposing players and stop scoring chances. “I like the wide open spaces that soccer has. I love being able to chase down my opponents and get to loose balls.” Saunders said when talking about his role on the team.
Men’s Soccer All
Conf
6-8-3 11-6-0 10-6-1 6-7-3 7-7-2 2-12-1 5-10-1 3-12-1
5-1-1 5-2-0 4-2-1 3-1-3 2-2-1 1-5-1 1-5-1 1-5-0
Women’s Soccer
Photo courtesy of MCLA.edu
The men’s Trailblazers end with an overall record of 5-10-1. We create our own problems.” The coach also expressed frustration with the lack of scoring. “There were times when we pounded on other teams and still lost.” He elaborated, “In soccer, there are times when you win statistically but lose where it matter most: on the scoring line.” Another issue the Blazers have run into is size. Hildabrand said, “Not enough of our guys are over six feet tall, or at least play like they are six feet tall.” Hildabrand believes this size is-
sue may feed into the penalties, as the team’s fouls are more noticeable. The coaching staff is now also staring down the loss of nine outgoing seniors from his squad. However he believes there are exciting prospects coming up. “We have a 32 man roster,” he said, “even with the loss of those nine guys. There are some very exciting players and I am looking forward to seeing them play.” For goals, the team was lead by Joseph Mecca and Jake McCall with three goals each.
Saunders fights for position SAUNDERS continued from Page 9
(As of Press Time)
framingham salem westfield bridgewater worcester mass. maritime MCLA fitchburg
By Brendan Foley Sports Editor The men’s Trailblazers soccer team finished their season with a disappointing loss against Bridgewater State. The team finishes their season with an overall record of 5-10-1 and a MASCAC conference record of 1-5-1. Head coach Adam Hildabrand said of the season as a whole, “We’ve had mixed results. We showed promise in the preseason but we just weren’t consistent.” One of the biggest things that Hildabrand will take away from the season is the importance of confidence in a team’s play. “[We] need to develop inner confidence. [We] need to be able to handle setbacks. But, we also need to be able to handle success. We need an even keel. A number of reoccuring problems have plagued the team, including an inability to capitlize on scoring oppurtunities, and a high number of fouls. MCLA racked up 13 yellow cards over the course of the season. “That is a huge issue, fouling in our own half,” Hildabrand said. “That’s out of panic sometimes.
Standings
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worcester westfield bridgewater fitchburg framingham salem MCLA mass. maritime
All
Conf
12-4-1 13-3-1 11-6-1 10-5-2 8-8-1 7-7-3 6-10-1 2-13-0
5-2-0 5-2-0 5-2-0 4-3-0 3-3-1 2-3-2 2-4-1 0-7-0
Volleyball All westfield framingham worcester bridgewater MCLA salem mass. maritime
got pretty chippy out there but I know I played as hard as I could,” he said. After MCLA, Saunders says that he will probably go back to Tewksbury and hopefully coach soccer as well as work full-time.
6-0 5-1 4-2 3-3 2-4 1-5 0-6
13-20 19-12 12-16 8-21 12-22 3-17 0-28
Women’s Basketball
11/16 @St. Joseph 11/22 @Becker MCLA only allowed 19 goals in tal adrenaline and emotion. It 11/27 Williams
that campaign. Saunders’ last game was something of a surreal moment. It was an unforgiving Berkshire County day as a sharp wind whipped across the field turf. Although the Trailblazers were out of playoff contention, they refused to give Bridgewater State and inch. Saunders has good memories of that match. “I just really played with to-
Conf
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 4 p.m.
Men’s Basketball 11/15 Sage 11/18 vs. Suffolk @Endicott 11/19 TBD @Endicott
7 p.m. 8 p.m. 4 p.m.
Volleyball loses final game of season VOLLEY, continued from Page 9
For Coach Beckwith, there wasn’t a particular instance in the season that stuck out for her. Rather, it was the entire season, with the girls buying into the team philosophy. “We [the coaching staff and returning players] have to teach the new kids why we have team rules, a team grade point average and why we have to learn,” Beckwith said. “We broke things down, modified and readjusted team goals. We realized we were being challenged.” She continued, “We have been very close knit all the way through. We had the team camaraderie we needed this year and definitely the talent to back it up,” “We were not used to playing next to another on the court. But as the season went on the team became more familiar with one another and we were able to play great as a
team,” Gundersen added. There’s hope that the ability to play great as a team will continue. On the backs of Gundersen and Bromback’s leadership, the women’s volleyball team will carry their solidarity and energy level into the coming seasons. “The upperclassmen understand me and the team philosophy,” Beckwith said. “They were quick to transfer that knowledge to the new kids.” Gundersen agreed. “Knowing that I am someone that some of the freshmen look up to, I’d say that is pretty successful. I think that with the past four years, I have left my legacy at this school. Whether it is large or small, I think I left something,” she said. With a majority of the team returning next fall, Beckwith has her work cut out for her. A coach of structure, Beckwith embraced the fun, young and sometimes silly personalities of her fledgling
Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon Staff
The volleyball team joined hands as they faced the final game. team and kept them focused. Fortunately, for her and the returners, they were her strongest, most experienced recruitment class. They understood the college game and
the fast pace it set and had no choice but to rise to the occasion for a starting position. “The future is bright,” Beckwith said.
Science 12 Green Team seeks carbon neutrality Thursday, November 3, 2011
By Nicole Knapp Staff Writer
The Sustainability Committee, also known as the Green Team, met Friday afternoon to discuss a realistic date for becoming carbon neutral, as well as ways the campus could reach carbon neutrality. James Stakenas, vice president of Administration and Finance, said they could look at a 10 percent reduction every five years based on different aspects, such as controls, conservation, solar, biomass, construction, new solar, new technology, and new ideas. He said that MCLA has limited but appropriate resources. “Let’s not throw it at a solution,” he said. “Let’s use it to build a solution.” When the campus first tried to reduce their carbon footprint, they did so by controls, lighting, and conservation. “I think that controls and conservation got us where we are now,” Stakenas said. At the moment, Stakenas explained they are looking at formal biomass to burn on campus to provide energy, as well as additional solar, renewable fuel, and a biomass entity at the
Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff
James Stakenas spoke with the Green Team about MCLA carbon neutrality goals on Friday. new warehouse. They are also considering what the new Center for Science and Innovation building is going to bring to the table. Stakenas said he would be interested in looking at calculations for carbon neutrality as they are generated if any physics, math, or business students were interested. The chosen date to become carbon neutral by will be submitted on January 15, 2012 in a Greenhouse Gas Report. “What’s important is what changes over the next two
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years,” Stakenas said. “We focus on that.” The Green Team also discussed their role on campus and how according to a description in the MCLA Climate Action Plan from 2009, they were a combination of educational role, overseeing the sustainability committee, and informing campus. “I think that the role was all that together,” said Caroline Scully, sustainability coordinator and chair of the Green Team. They were also known as an action work group that works to bring down carbon footprint
and educate campus. Scully suggested that the Green Team role could include supporting projects done by the Environuts, students, and other groups, as well as providing support to students, faculty, and staff about sustainability ideas and tasks. Scully also mentioned doing more research with other institutions about the topic but that every institution is different. “There has to be a MCLA solution,” Scully said, adding that it was about making the right choice for the College. Developing a document that would clearly state the purpose of the Green Team was suggested and Scully said that creating a mission would be really valuable.
Next meeting: Thursday, Nov. 10, Murdock 321 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (New time) No meeting on Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day)
theonlinebeacon.com
New satellite to monitor weather, climate change Associated Press
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After a yearslong delay, an Earth-observing satellite blasted into space on Oct. 28 on a dual mission to improve weather forecasts and monitor climate change. A Delta 2 rocket carrying the NASA satellite lifted off from the central California coast. Skies were clear and there was little wind. “It was a thrill to watch the bird go up this morning in the beautiful clear night sky with the stars out there,’’ Mary Glackin of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said at a post-launch news conference. The latest satellite is more advanced and carries four new instruments capable of making more precise observations. NOAA meteorologists planned to use the information to improve their forecasts of hurricanes and other extreme weather while climate researchers hope to gain a better understanding of longterm climate shifts. Besides collecting weather information, the satellite will track changes in the ozone, volcanic ash, wildfires and Arctic sea ice.
This week in science New solar system discovered By Ryan Barley
Special to The Beacon This week in science, astronomers have discovered TW Hydrae a new-born solar system containing enough water vapor to fill all of Earth’s oceans a thousand times. The system was discovered by a team using the European Space Agency’s Herschel Space Observatory, a telescope orbiting 930,000 miles above the Earth. Solar systems form when giant molecular clouds, which are gravitationally unsound, break apart into smaller, denser clumps that collapse to form stars. As the disk collapses and contracts, it begins to spin faster and faster, like a figure skater who holds her arms close to her body to spin more quickly. This spinning produces an accretion disk that feeds the central star, but it also produces a flat region perpendicular to the star, the
way pizza dough thins out when it’s spun. The material in the accretion disk will eventually form planets, comets, and asteroids, when the central star cools enough for the gas and particles to condense into rocks and dust. This is the stage that TW Hydrae is at now. Well, 175 years ago. TW Hydrae is an orange dwarf star about 10 million years old and 175 light-years away. This is just about the age that planets and comets will start forming in the star’s accretion disk. This is something like how our own Solar System formed somewhere around 4.5 billion years ago. “The detection of water sticking to dust grains throughout the disc would be similar to events in our own Solar System’s evolution, where over millions of years, similar dust grains then coalesced to form comets,” said Michiel Hogerheijde of Leiden University, the lead researcher
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of this study. Finding water in space is not rare; there is water in moons like Europa and Enceladus, as well as in the Kuiper Belt (where icy objects like Pluto reside, in the outer portions of the Solar System). Halos of hot water vapor have been found in the accretion disks of other early solar systems, as well. This water vapor, however, is on the edge of the disk where it is cool, and where it can coalesce into icy comets. When TW Hydrae finally forms planets, there is a good chance there will be a large amount of leftover water vapor, which will form into comets and, subsequently, crash into rocky, arid planets. This can create vast oceans on planets that are cool enough to keep the water, and massive enough to have an atmosphere to hold the water in. Just like Earth. Scientists studying TW Hydrae hope that its similarity to our Sun will allow them to understand how our own Solar System came to be. According to Göran Pilbratt, an astronomer working on the projectt, “Here we are studying the ‘raw material’ for planet formation, which is fundamental to an understanding of how planetary systems such as our own Solar System once formed.”
Campus Comment
Thursday, November 3, 2011
theonlinebeacon.com
How were you affected by the recent snowstorm? “I freeze my butt off when I go out to smoke a cigarette and walking to class becomes a hazardous experience.”
“It made me not want to go out on Saturday and it made me not want to go out at all. I stayed in and played video gamess.” - Kevin Orcutt, 2014
- Nicolette Dacus, 2014
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The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed free to the College community. The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/Communications department and from ad revenues. Contact information: News desk number: 413-662-5535 Business number: 413-662-5404 E-mail: Beacon@mcla.edu Web site: www.theonlinebeacon.com Office: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111 Mission Statement The Beacon strives to provide timely and accurate news of campus and local events.
“It made me mad. I’m from the south, I hate snow. It made me have to put on my big boots and roll up my jeans in order to not be soaked from the slush.”
“The snow doesn’t affect me too much, but it does make it hard for me to get to my job at the information booth going through all the snow. Other than that I just don’t like snow.”
- Peter Swanson, 2012
- Andre Sheffield, 2013
“I like the snow but not in October. Now I’m sick and it’s nice out because the weather changed too fast.”
“It didn’t really affect me at all. I liked it. It gets me excited for Christmas.” - Mara Thomas, 2015
- Ashley Franco, 2012
I
A
Cafeteria policies need reform me feel the same about this issue, then something needs to be said and done. I propose that a compromise should be made, because students in general pay a substantial amount to attend MCLA. Food should not be a constant bother or worry. Or, we could return to the old system of purchasing food due
the conveniences for students and faculty. Hopefully, students and others reading this would think twice and consider taking a stand. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Roberta Campbell Class of 2012
Student running for City Council
s you’ve might have heard by now, I’m running for North Adams City Council. I’ve loved North Adams since I came on a tour of MCLA and went to lunch at Brew Haha with my mom in the fall of 2008. It has a low cost of living, so much culture, and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I am a Political Science & Public Policy Major with minors in Economics and American History. I am in my 3rd year as a SGA Senator-At-Large. I’ve been on the EBoards of Political Science Club, MASSPIRG, History Society, and Hoosac Hall Advisory Board. I have also worked with many other clubs and organizations on and off campus. I am not positive about what I am going to do with my life after graduation, but I am fairly sure I’d like to do whatever it is here in North Adams.
I had an internship in Mayor Alcombright’s office this summer and learned more about the city than any class could teach me. I went through past documents and sorted out ones from before 1995 to be stored in the basement. I filed current papers, compiled the budgets, assembled the council papers, and answered phones. I had previously thought about running for council after graduation, but I realized during my internship that I have resources and influence as a college student that I will never have again. I know the material, the process, the history, and the people. I’m ready for this now. For those of you who may not know, MCLA has administrators representing us on many groups in city governance and we also have seats of the North Adams Youth Commission for students.
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are set in place, but this should not hinder students. For me, the cafeteria is a place where I can grab a bite to eat or sit down and enjoy my meal, but now my options have been taken away. The Student Government Association is under action to make a decision. Although I may not be a majority vote, if other students like
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Compiled by Cara Sheedy
am a senior at this quaint institution and am currently living off campus. I was disappointed when I found out that students and faculty cannot enter the cafeteria unless they have a meal plan or pay up to $8.50 a meal. I understand that due to the ongoing construction and future plans for the campus, new rules and regulations
Editorials Policy Unsigned editorials that appear on these pages reflect the views of The Beacon’s editorial board.
However great the representatives are in these areas, administrators have a very different perspective than the students and North Adams needs to stop thinking of MCLA students as “youth” of the community. We are citizens. We spend our money here, we live here, we work here, this is our home away from home; for some graduates, it becomes home. Students, faculty, and staff of MCLA comprise of about 10 percent of North Adams’ population. We need more efficient representation in the city and I plan to provide that. I hear students complain about North Adams nearly as much as I hear them complain about MCLA. Whether it’s the “lack of things to do,” the drug problem, or the small population, students have opinions about how to better North Adams, they should
be heard. If North Adams OR MCLA are to thrive they need to work together a lot more and I want to serve as a catalyst for cooperation and progress. If you are registered to vote in North Adams, please get out to Saint Elizabeth’s Church on St. Anthony Drive (the church next to the Big Y Shopping Center so you can take the shuttle) on Tuesday, Nov. 8 and vote for me, Catherine Chaput, for North Adams City Council. Polls close at 7 p.m. and make sure you bring an ID! If you’d like to help me in my final days of campaigning, please email me at cattchaput@gmail. com. Yours Truly, Catt Chaput Mass. College of Liberal Arts Class of 2013 cattchaput@gmail.com
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Opinions
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Commentary
More guns, more trouble
It’s time to tax the rich
Chris Goodell
Managing Editor
B
ill Gates recently joined the long list of super-rich Americans who support increasing taxes on the wealthy. With support seemingly coming from all sides – the rich, the middle-class, and the poor – it begs the question: why is nothing being done? A recent article in the Huffington Post stated that 68 percent of millionaires would support a tax increase for those making more than $1 million. Of course it’s impos-
sible to know if these sentiments are sincere or just a lot of talk, but the fact remains that support for increased taxes on the wealthy is growing. I’m guessing if we polled non-millionaire Americans, the number of those who support increased taxes on the wealthy would be far higher than 68 percent. Warren Buffet, a billionaire, has been incredibly outspoken about increased taxation of the wealthy, leading to a clause in President Obama’s deficit reduction plan called the “Buffet Rule.” Under the Buffet Rule, Obama is urging Congress to implement a minimum tax on those making at least $1 million. Even Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve (and a Republican), believes that the tax cuts for the wealthy implemented during George Bush’s presidency should be done away with. Some believe that super-rich icons like Gates and Buffett are just talking, and they should put their
money where their mouth is. Critics seem to think if they really cared so much, they would just write a $1 billion check to the government and call it a day. Gates and Buffett, and many of America’s other super-rich, already donate millions and millions of dollars to various charities. Would that money really be better spent by giving a blank check to the government? The solution is taxation. By increasing taxes on the wealthy we can keep better track of who is paying how much, and where that money is going. This isn’t about letting the rich support the rest of the country; it’s about those who make the most paying the most. Increasing taxes on the wealthy isn’t “class warfare,” as House Speaker John Boehner said. Class warfare is letting 99 percent of the American population struggle while one percent, the one percent making the most money, reaps the benefits of tax breaks.
Bring disc golf to MCLA
John Durkan Editor-in-Chief
W
hat a wonderful sport disc golf is! On an ideal day, you and some pals hike through the woods while participating in a fun, sometimes competitive match. If you’re not familiar with disc golf, here’s a quick explanation. It’s similar to golf – you have a goal
(a metal basket with chains) you try to make in a certain amount of attempts for par. Unlike golf, you use discs. (Not Frisbees, but a little similar. Each golf disc is uniquely built for a certain throw, but I’ll spare you an explanation for that.) Most courses are either 18 or nine holes. There are tournaments and even professional leagues. Any ways, the sport is rather easy to learn (difficult to master). With a good group of friends, it makes an easily enjoyable day. It’s a pretty cheap sport to get into. Some discs cost under $10, usually never over $20 (depends on plastic types, but again, I’ll spare you on the details). You can use a single disc for a long time and it pays off fast. (Unless if you get a plastic addiction, but if you hit that point then you know you love it.) Unfortunately, the closest course
worth going to is all the way out in Conway, Mass. North Adams and the surrounding area can make a wonderful spot. Florida or Savoy mountains come to mind. Or maybe a ninehole course up in the woods near the Zavattaro Athletic Complex? Start-up isn’t necessarily cheap, but student and local volunteers can cut down on labor expenses. Baskets can get sponsored. A donation box can collect funds too. There could be Intramural and charity tournaments. The possibilities are endless. We would just have to start. Other schools have courses. UMass Amherst is currently working on an 18-hole course on campus. A fun, cheap outdoor sport can make MCLA more enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Interest is growing in this game, let’s jump on board.
Editorial
Don’t say you don’t care R
emember folks – the point of a referendum is to determine support for or against, not apathy or indecision. For the past two weeks, SGA Senator Catt Chaput suggested that the (cross your fingers, there’s plenty of paperwork to be done) student referendum regarding the arming of Public Safety officers should include a “don’t care” option. She said she suggests this so students who truly don’t care can voice their opinions saying so. And maybe she mistakenly said “don’t care” for “don’t know, really unsure, can’t make up my mind on this rather difficult issue...et cetera.” First, let’s address the don’t care crowd – if you really don’t want to interest yourself in the com-
munity around you and involve yourself in the decision-making process, you happen to live in a free country where not exercising your right to participate in democratic votes is allowed. Or if you simply don’t care about an issue that will at very least affect you in the short-term (like having an armed force at your college at the price of student fees), it’s you’re call. Just don’t vote. Now if you care about the issue, and can’t make up your mind, look at it this way – in life, you have to make choices. This issue isn’t an easy one, but needs student direction so (hopefully) the administration acknowledges it, whether for or against. They’ll do what they want for sure if the students say, “Well, I don’t know...”
But at this point, you have a month to figure this out. The sources to learn more are available. There are two community meetings next month – Nov. 16, 3 p.m., Sullivan Lounge and Nov. 17, 11 a.m., Murdock 218. Go to theonlinebeacon.com and search “firearms.” There are articles covering this issue going back to May, and there’s even opinions in the comments supporting firearms at MCLA and a column titled “Just Say No” by a very colorful looking character who doesn’t agree. You’re a college student. You should be able to look things up and make an educated decision based on critical thinking. One key part of MCLA is the strong community. Be a part of it, don’t just not care.
Tano Holmes
Tano Holmes writes weekly for The Beacon from Heidelberg, Germany, where he is studying abroad.
Foreign Correspondent
S
hoot ‘em up films can be entertaining, but in real life guns cause a lot more problems than they solve. Thankfully, Germany, and all of Western Europe for that fact, has stringent gun laws. The German government requires a permit for every gun anyone wants to possess. Attaining a permit is a very difficult and expensive process, and includes a clause that requires one to prove they need the gun. To transport a firearm, it must be in a locked box and unloaded; the only people able to carry handguns are licensed security guards and personnel for politicians. The German police (Polizei), more often than not, do not carry guns. Sure, they may have them in their cars, but when you see them doing rounds by foot, they almost never have a side arm. Often, they don’t have anything more than handcuffs on their waists. This is quite different from the United States where every on-duty police officer carries a hand gun. The officers would argue more criminals carry guns in the United States than in Germany, therefore
making their job more dangerous, and to be fair, they could have a point. However, Massachusetts is not Virginia, where any American citizen can purchase a handgun once every 30 days as long as they have not been convicted of a felony, have no pending misdemeanor cases, or have no restraining orders. In Massachusetts, the gun laws are far more restrictive. A study released on October 24 by the Center for Violence Control, a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C., says “states with restrictive gun laws and low rates of gun ownership have lowest rates of gun related deaths.” Additionally, the study compiled the gun-related death statistics; Massachusetts rated second lowest in the country for gun related deaths. Interestingly, with the second lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, our public safety officers would seek to use our tuition money to fund arming themselves. It is especially interesting because the North Adams Police Department is a one-minute drive from the MCLA campus, and they most certainly have guns.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
For Fun
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15
To view previous comics by Aurora Cooper, visit: theonline beacon. com By Aurora Cooper
Shakespearean Word Search: Hamlet
AMBASSADORS BARNARDO CASTLE CHALICE CLAUDIUS CORNELIUS DEATH DENMARK DUEL ELSINORE FORTINBRAS FRANCISCO GERTRUDE GHOST GRAVEDIGGERS GUILDENSTERN HAMLET HAUTBOYS HORATIO KING LAERTES MADNESS MARCELLUS MELANCHOLY MESSENGER MURDER OPHELIA OSRIC POISON POLONIUS PRIEST PRINCE QUEEN REGICIDE REVENGE REYNALDO ROSENCRANTZ SKULL SWORD THE PLAYERS TRAGEDY VOLTEMAND WINE YORICK Word Search courtesy of puzzles.ca
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Photo Essay
theonlinebeacon.com
Happy Halloween!
Above left: Trick or treaters stand inside the entrance of Berkshire Towers during Boo Bash.
Above right: Senior Ali Johnston dressed as Winnie the Pooh.
Bottom: Students stand outside the decorated Berkshire Towers entrance.