Baseball team drops below .500 Team’s record falls to 10-12 for the season.
Janine Desgres brings experience to Career Services
SAC Spring Concert takes stage next Monday
Letter to myself
Desgres is the new coordinator of Career Services.
Bands Four Year Strong and Mayday Parade booked.
Senior Nora Weiss gives her high school self insight into college life.
SPORTS, page 9
NEWS, page 3
Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.
ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT, page 7
The Beacon
OPINION, page 13
Volume 75 Issue 10 Thursday April 12, 2012
theonlinebeacon.com
We want to ride our bicycles Students Dan Celentano, Nikki Kratounis, and Peter Swain tested out the new bikes for the MCLA bikeshare last Friday. The bikeshare grand opening will be held on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22. More information about the program will be at the Earth Week Sustainability Fair, Wednesday April 18 in the Campus Center Marketplace, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photo by Marissa Zelazo/Beacon Staff
Documentary on North Adams premieres Tuesday By Ed Damon Editor in Chief
Former sociology professor Maynard Seider will premiere his documentary, “Farewell to Factory Towns?” on Tuesday, April 17 in Murdock 218. The event is free and open to the public, and is cosponsored by Freel Library. Those attending are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to help fight hunger in Berkshire County. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion, to be moderated by local historian Stewart Burns. The panel will include Anne French, service learning coordinator at Drury High School, business professor Nancy Ovitsky, and MCLA alum Gail Bobin (’98) who has worked in a number of Berkshire County factories. Live music will be performed at the screening by Lanesboro-based folk group Wintergreen. The documentary was edited by MCLA alum Zeke Meginsky (’09) and narrated by Court Dorsey. It was filmed by Meginsky, MCLA Television Studio Manager Peter Gentile, and English/communications professor Michael Birch.
Seider said the documentary focuses on the city of North Adams, which has moved from an industrial economy to post-industrial. It once boasted a thriving textile industry, and for much of the twentieth century, North Adams was home to Sprague Electric Company. By 1966, Sprague employed over 4,000 workers in the city of 18,000, making it a city inside a city. But competition from overseas led to declining sales, and the company closed in 1985. Seider began working at the College in 1978, when Sprague was still operational. “I’ve always been interested in labor, and the sociology of work,” he said. This sparked his interest in the transition occurring in the city. In 1995, Seider worked with others to put on a play titled “The Sprague Years,” which covered the history of industry and labor relations in the city. The play ended with MoCA’s opening on the horizon, Seider said. “It also asked an important question: ‘Can art save North Adams?’” Seider says much of the documentary is dedicated to capturing the “local energy” of the city,
Weekend Weather Friday
Saturday
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Mostly Sunny High: 64 Low: 38
Sunday
Showers High: 69 Low: 52
saying North Adams is important to people who live there. “People have a real sense of place,” he said. The documentary features interviews with labor activists, artists new to the community, local historians, the last CEO of Sprague Electric, high school students, the mayor of North Adams, and the director of MoCA. In 1999, the former location of Sprague opened its doors as Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), which is visited by approximately 120,000 people each year. But Seider says MoCA still hasn’t completely solved North Adams’ problems. Many residents live below the poverty line (about 20 percent, according to the 2010 Census). North Adams’ population has also declined – the population has dwindled from 25,000 in 1900 to fewer than 14,000 in 2010. And while MoCa was originally expected to generate 600 jobs, either directly or indirectly, Seider said only half of that has been created. “Given the economy, more needs to be done,” Seider said.
Beacon Archive
An exterior shot of Mass MoCA. MoCA opened its doors in 1999 in the former Sprague Electric company buildings. It now draws in 120 thousand tourists to the city each year. “Farewell to Factory Towns?”, a documentary by sociology professor Maynard Sedier that premieres on campus Tuesday, April 17, asks the question, “Can art save North Adams?”
IN THIS ISSUE News
2-5
Op-Ed
12-13
A&E
6-8
Science & World
14
Sports
9-11
Comic & Games
15
Photo Essay
16
Campus Comment 12
For updates, friend us at: facebook.com/ MCLABeacon For breaking news, follow us on Twitter: @BEACONMCLA
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News
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Student Government in Brief
–President Foy said he will chair the Elections Committee due to Parliamentarian Natasha Dalton’s campaign for SGA President. –Senator Hawa Umarova reminded seniors that Senior Day packages are still for sale. The last day to purchase a package is April 20. Students interested can sign up in Jennifer Craig’s office, third floor of the Campus Center. –Advisor Celia Norcross announced SGA members who will be attending State House Day. The MCLA students attending are Hawa Umarova, Adam Tobin, Brendan Peltier, Osa Igiede, Catherine Chaput, Jamal Brown, and Paul McLatchy. –The Senate voted in favor of a motion to recommend the raising of the Student Activity Fee. The current fee of $125 per semester would be raised to $150 per semester. The Board of Trustees will have the final say. Prior to the motion’s passing, senators discussed whether raising the fee is a good course of action. “It isn’t a mattter of raising the fee, but rather, how is the fee being used,” Senator Brendan Peltier said. Senator Adam Tobin agreed, saying next year’s SGA should be more careful about how funds are allocated, and pressed for a better dialogue between clubs and SGA. –The Senate ratified the constitutions of two new clubs – Animation Organization and Equestrian Club. –Class of 2013 president Lizzy Mullen said the event last Wednesday, to knit squares of blankets for underprivileged children, was a great success. “We collected 17 or 18 six by six inch, machine washable squares,” she said. Mullen said anyone with additional squares can drop them off at Townhouse 78 until Friday. Mullen also encouraged students to return yarn if they borrowed it, as it was bought with class money. The next event for the class of 2013 will be a Four Square Tournament, scheduled for May 4. –Senator Jason Brown reminded students about the Sustainability Fair, next Wednesday, April 18 in the Campus Center Marketplace.
Student Government Association meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. in Murdock 218, and are open to the public
theonlinebeacon.com
The Local to fill cafe niche By Holly Johnston Staff Writer
Fahri Karakaya, owner of the new restaurant/café The Local, hopes to add something new and exciting to the town of North Adams. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Karakaya has been just about everywhere, gaining experience in the field of restaurant management. He received his hotel and restaurant management degree at Cesar Ritz College in Connnecticut, and worked at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla. Earlier this year Karakaya’s wife was offered a job in Williamstown at the Porches Inn. When she accepted the position, the whole family moved to the Berkshires. As Karakaya wandered around the town of North Adams, the empty space that was once Petrino’s on Main Street caught his eye. “I realized there were a lot of pizza spots, but the area lacked café oriented places,” he said. Karakaya explained that he explored a concept that resembles the Panera Bread restaurants, with a similar menu. The Local has a variety of options for customers including coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. “It’s a place for all ages,” explained Karakaya, who has a
Photo by Aaron Crawford/Beacon staff
The Local, which recently opened at 67 Main Street in North Adams, will offer coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open from 7 am. to 9 a.m., the restaurant has a relaxed atmostphere, with a kid’s corner and local art on the walls. five year old daughter Ece Lina. “We have a kid’s corner in the back of the restaurant.” “I tried to create a relaxed atmosphere,” Karakaya said. “We have art on the walls provided by local artists. My wife approached NAACO
Gallery and they allowed us to use their pieces.” Working with the students of the College, as well as the North Adams community, is one of Karakaya’s main goals. “We will start taking Blazer Bucks here, next school year,”
he said. Karakaya encourages students with ideas for the restaurant to talk to him. Currently, The Local is hiring. Karakaya said anyone with kitchen experience should apply for a position. For more information, visit
Forum to Focus on Food Security in region Press Release Join Northern Berkshire Community Coalition’s (nbCC) April Forum this Friday, April 13 from 10 AM to noon at the First Baptist Church of North Adams. We will gather as a community to better understand the current state of food security in Northern Berkshire. Goals for this forum include:
–Exploring what the need is for food in the community using data that we have gathered –Acquiring a better understanding of who requires assistance with food –Uncovering the financial challenges organizations have when feeding people –Understanding the motivations behind our feeding sites; why do we operate food pantries
Contact us Email: Beacon@mcla.edu News desk: 413-662-5535 Business line: 413-662-5404 www.theonlinebeacon.com Editor-in-Chief Edward Damon
Copy Chief Jessica Wright
Managing Editor Andrew Roiter
Business Manager Jennifer Smaltz
Senior News Editor Jessica Gamari
Ad Manager Dylan Glaser
Sports Editor Brendan Foley
Web Editor Caleb Hiliadis
A&E Editor Mary Redstone
Copy Editors Megan Cooney Kristen Rubano Emma Farley
Advisers
Jenifer Augur Gillian Jones Peter Seward
Cartoonist Aurora Cooper
Location: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111 Staff Writers Amy Cubello Jessica Gamari Andrew Hodgson Tano Holmes Holly Johnston Kayla Koumjian Skyla Seamans Nora Weiss Design Editors Chris Goodell Stephen Kilduff Videographers Ken Rodriguez Kyle Serino Ariana Tourangeau
Photography Editor Marissa Zelazo Photographers Will Casey Aaron Crawford Takeya Lee Carly Samach Serina Stimpson Ad Representatives Brian Comeau James Courchaine Aaron Crawford Roz Cummings Michael Feloni Jessica Fratus
and soup kitchens? –Working towards finding solutions on how food centers can better collaborate with local agencies The forum will begin with a round of introductions followed by brief announcements of your upcoming events or new projects. Please bring flyers about your events and announcements as there will be a table available for
sharing them. The forum will be held this Friday, April 13th, 10am to noon at the First Baptist Church in North Adams (please use the Eagle Street entrance). Also note that the organizers of the Friendship Center Food Pantry at 43 Eagle Street ask friends who attend the nbCC Forums to please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the pantry.
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.
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Letters must be signed by the writer and include a phone number. Letters may be dropped off at the office or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu. Contributions Policy The Beacon accepts stories, photos and opinion pieces for publication. Submissions should be dropped off at the office by Monday at noon or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu. Advertising Policy The Beacon reserves the right not to publish any advertisement it deems to be libelous, false or in bad taste. For questions regarding ads, call the business line or email us.
News
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Eldridge Hall offers services to promote student success By Amy Cubello Staff Writer
Do you know what kinds of services the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) provides students? Advising Services, Career Services, Learning Services and the summer Individual Enrichment Program (IEP) make up CSSE. This group of departments focuses on helping and providing students with the tools and different ways to succeed throughout their college career. Advising Services, led by Deb Foss and Harris Elder, provides academic support for students. This branch of CSSE helps students to make informed educational, career, and life decisions. This includes everything from general college information, undeclared student advising, registering for classes, issues regarding academic probation and suspension, and prior learning credits from other institutions. Advising Services can also help students who need information on graduation and what requirements that may entail, as well as provide adult learning student services for those who are considered ‘non-traditional’ students and non-matriculated students. If you are a student who needs referrals to academic support services such as tutoring, writing assistance, non-traditional student programs, counseling, career services, and support services for students
with learning disabilities, Deb Foss or Harris Elder can help do so in Advising Services. They are located in Eldridge Hall, top level. Advising Services hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 4:45; evening hours by appointment. Walk-in hours are also available most days. Do not hesitate to contact Foss or Elder through First Class. Another department located on the top floor of Eldridge Hall is Learning Services. Here, students can find an abundance of information on “major flow sheets so students know what is ahead on the path of their chosen major and a staff that can basically answer any question about MCLA,” says Kate Heekin, Assistant Director of CSSE. One of the most commonly accessed services of CSSE is the tutoring network. During most times of the year, students can come to CSSE to sign up for a tutor. Signing up for a tutor can also be online for convenience. A tutor will assigned to a student based on which course they sign up for and their schedule. These tutors are students who have proven to be successful in a specific course. “This is one of the best ways to improve understanding of and grades in a class,” says Heekin. Not sure which math course best suits your abilities? Learning Services also runs placement testing at MCLA to see which course a student best fits into. If a student needs to take the modern language or CCCL 100 placement test, they should visit CSSE. The CSSE/
Staff Writer
Career Services has undergone numerous changes this semester. On top of its move to Eldrige Hall, two employees have retired and a new employee has joined the team. Janine Desgres is the new assistant director of the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) as well as the coordinator of Career Services. Her first day on the job was Monday, April 2. Desgres is also the first external hire into CSSE, which means she, unlike the other professionals working in CSSE, did not work at the College until she was hired into her current role. “I have experience in work force development,” she said. “I try to find different approaches to career counseling by modernizing the search and by focusing on social media, the ways to utilize it effectively, and how to find networking opportunities and connections.” Her previous occupation was at Holyoke Community College as a career councilor and an adjunct instructor for career planning and job search strategies, she said. As an external hire, she brings with her outside experience to help add to the positive changes occur-
ring on campus, she said. “I love working with students,” Desgres said. “I enjoy helping them search for jobs and figuring out what they want to do; what their interests and skills are. I also strive to make my workshops fun and interactive so students can truly walk away with something.” The search for the new position began in February; Susan Bailey retired in December and Sharon Zavattaro retired three weeks ago, according to Deb Foss, Assistant Dean of Advising and Director of CSSE. “Their retirement presented a wonderful opportunity to welcome someone new into the CSSE program,” Foss said. “We are currently in the process of reevaluating our staffing needs. We are uncertain if we need another staff position in CSSE at this time and what specific duties this person would hold.” Foss said the search for the new position was the second fastest she has ever been part of. The position was posted in early February, phone interviews began at the end of February, and applicants visited the campus for interviews shortly after. “We had three candidates come to MCLA for an interview,” Foss said. “But it was unanimous across
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Hardman Journalist-in-Residence Joe Donahue
Photo by Marissa Zelazo/Beacon Staff
Joe Donahue of WAMC Albany gave a lecture to a crowded room recently. Donahue’s lecture, on interviewing, was funded by the Hardman family. Learning Services staff also has conversations with students who have expressed test anxiety or need time management advice. Heekin says, “I would recommend any student who needs academic support to make the short trip to the top floor of Eldridge!” Wendy Guerra, Learning Services, works in the Individual Enrichment Program, IEP. She says “The Individual Enrichment Program (I.E. Program) at MCLA is a Student Support Services TRiO program, funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Edu-
Desgres fills Career Services position By Skyla Seamans
theonlinebeacon.com
the search committee to bring in Janine Desgres. She was the best match.” Eldridge Hall now houses Advising Services, Learning Services, Career Services, and the Center for Student Success and Engagement. CSSE is the primary academic support center on campus, Foss said. It is a resource for advising, academic support, tutoring, and it is an academic home for undeclared students. “It is perfect to have everyone under the same roof,” Foss said. “We are working on turning parts of this space into student centered areas.” Foss said the difference between Desgres and other candidates was how prepared she came to the interview. “Desgres had done her homework, which just predicts how well someone is going to fit into the position,” Foss said. Desgres said she feels like MCLA is a good fit for her and the way she approaches her field. “It’s great to have found my professional home,” she said. The department would like to encourage seniors to access the senior ePortfolio page on the website in order to virtually meet Desgres, along with stopping by the department for any support and advising.
cation, that supports first-generation, low-income students and students receiving learning accommodations.” The main goal of this program is to offer academic assistance to students at a college level to ensure persistence and graduation rates. Another component of the program is the Summer Session, a four-week residential bridge program for freshmen specifically designed to help students make the transition from high school to college and to increase their likelihood of persisting and graduating
from MCLA. “During the Summer Session, students also participate in workshops that address study skills, strategies for time management, and the importance of taking advantage of college resources,” says Guerra. As the coordinator of the IEP, Wendy Guerra serves as an academic advisor to undeclared students and students in the Summer Session. If you have questions regarding CSSE or any of the departments feel free to introduce yourself to better yourself as a student. FirstClass and phone calls are welcome.
FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT MONEY-SAVING STRATEGIES:
* If you use credit cards, pay off the balance monthly *Pursue activities that don’t require expensive equipment like running, walking and hiking * Eat out less frequently; buy food in bulk; take advantage of coupons * Unplug energy-eating devices like laptops when you’re away from home * Walk or bike to work or use public transportation when possible
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
News
theonlinebeacon.com
Sara Grimaldi: A Quiet Leader
Profiles in Leadership The Beacon’s new series features student leaders at MCLA and how they balance their hectic lives while maintaining their sanity and social life.
The senior business major discusses her time at MCLA and the importance of getting involved on campus.
By Andrew Roiter Managing Editor
Sara Grimaldi comes across very reserved at first. Her sentences are short, and her hands stay folded in her lap while she’s talking. Her résumé does most of the talking. The professionally laid-out piece of paper details a storied history of positions at MCLA and around the Berkshire community. “I’m a really quiet person,” the 22-year-old business major said. “I don’t speak unless it’s something really important.” Well-put-together in jeans and a patterned, navy blue blouse with minimal make-up, Grimaldi gives off the impression of a thinker more than a politician. Working behind the scenes, marketing and designing posters is what she likes. It’s not fear of speaking that keeps her quiet; she even finds talking to people relaxing. But when she smiles there’s nothing reserved about it. A top row of pearly whites makes an appearance and her eyes light up at the mention of her role-model, Celia Norcross. “She was the first person in student development that I met when I transferred to MCLA. She
encouraged me to get involved. She’s taught me a lot,” Grimaldi said. This semester has been different for her. She’s working 40 hours a week as a customer service representative at Apex Resource Technology, and only taking three course credits. Last year she had a full class schedule and a variety of club responsibilities, including team captain and president of Cheerleading Club. “Through cheerleading, I’ve seen just how much work and effort is put in to the growth and development of a club. Determination and dedication have to come from all members; I learned that it can’t be done alone,” she said. The Adams native came to MCLA from Fitchburg State when she decided to switch her major from architecture to business. “My first semester as a commuter student was difficult. I usually like to be involved with other students and activities, but I had a hard time making the connections as a first semester transfer and commuter student. I didn’t know many students,” Grimaldi said. “Once I joined activities such as cheer club, Student Activities Council, and yearbook,
I started meeting other students and making connections. Again, Celia helped encourage me to become involved.” On her busiest days last year she would be on campus from eight or nine in the morning to 11 p.m. Between classes, SGA, where she represented commuters on the senate, and cheerleading club, Grimaldi was very busy. “It was really tiring. At first it was hard to manage my time. But it got easier as I got into a routine,” Grimaldi said. To help her de-stress, she likes to wind down and play board games with her friends or go for walks. She’s worked as the secretary of the Student Activities Council, a peer advisor, and 2012 class secretary. “I am very passionate about each organization I am a member of and my involvement shows my commitment to MCLA. I work with fellow students to influence the policies and regulations that guide our college,” she said. After graduation,Grimaldi plans to stick around the Berkshires. “My job is a pretty steady fulltime job. It’s a great learning experience and a way to use my education,” she said.
If you have someone you think should be featured, please send an email to beacon@mcla.edu
Photos by Carly Samach/ Beacon staff
Photo essay
Thursday, april 12, 2012
Beacon archieve
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Paul LeSage
theonlinebeacon.com
The Professors of North Adams State College
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Beacon archive
English/Communications professor David Langston
Beacon archive
Former English/Communications professor Abbot Cutler. Beacon archive
English/Communications professor Joseph Ebiware
Beacon archive
Philosophy professor and Honors director Matthew Silliman
The Beacon staff scoured our archives and came across the best photos we could find of professors you might recognize from the days of NASC.
Beacon archive
English/Communications professor Harris Elder
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
MCLA Society of Music hosted its debut concert
A&E
theonlinebeacon.com
Easter weekend concert featured bands such as Wheaton College’s Mike’s Bakery, Kid the Robot, and Subject to Interpretation. By Andrew Hodgson
A&E Writer Easter weekend is traditionally a weekend when college students flock home to celebrate either the Jewish rite of Passover or the Christian celebration of Easter. Though the quads lay empty like some boom-and-bust western town nestled quietly in the Berkshires, the Society of Music, a new club this year at the College, made sure those who stayed would celebrate something different: music. Sullivan Lounge, outfitted with amps and pizza, served as the venue for the night. At 8:15 (fifteen minutes ahead of schedule) Mike’s Bakery fired into a high-energy indie rock set, echoing across the seemingly endless void of the campus. The traditional three piece indie band jumped around with electric energy as they played their hearts out for the tight cluster of fans, rocking their heads and tapping their feet to the drummer’s booming bass pedal. Mike’s Bakery is an upbeat band reminiscent of the indie rock bands of the last years of the 20th century. As a stoic penguin watched atop the three-foot speaker as the crowd gradually began to loosen up to the music. Off to the side of the action, a table with pizza, Coca-Cola and Sprite sat unnoticed while all eyes on the room bounced with the animated lead singer of the band. The band fed the crowds’ desire for a dying institution, rock and roll. The band themselves were fueled by the honest humble energy one gets from playing for just enough people to be “nervous”. My pink polo shirt singled me out of the crowd, and the shorts didn’t help either. Black tee shirts, hats and jeans were the uniform here, along with canvas shoes and Chuck Taylor’s classic style on almost every tapping foot. Mike’s Bakery was invited to MCLA from Wheaton College. Their front man Jordan Wolfe and Kid the Robot guitarist Tyler Bernard used to be in a band called Limelight. That’s why Bakery made the trip across the country for the show. Rocking and toe-tapping slowly became contagious hip-bumping. Intimate, private atmosphere insulated from the decay of rock as a whole, the college band was alive and well here.
Then the band changed the energy of the room upside down. ‘Surf City’, an upbeat Beach Boys meet the Ramones song, was a refreshing detour from the alternative/indie heavy set. They also infused their traditional rock with familiar music like the Mario Brothers theme turned into an indie rock ballad. That drew raucous behind-the-back clapping from the crowd. At 8:45 the band was still rolling, jumping and gyrating, turning to a Reggae-inspired upbeat ska style with a lead singer with a sound like Siritual Rez’s frontman Toft Willingham. They relinquished the stage after their last song, “Eggdrop Soup.” Next up was local band Kid the Robot, another indie style band led by guitarist and vocalist Tyler Bernard. The stoic Penguin came down off the amp as the bands switched out equipment while hungry Mike’s Bakery members attacked the pizza like wolverines and stormed outside for cigarettes and nips from secret flasks. They worked up a serious hunger and sweat. They played a refreshing cover of the Pixies’ song “Where is my Mind,” recently made famous by rapper Sam Adams in his song “Blow Up”. Older people walked by the room in horror as the establishment witnessed the small but focused rebellion that is rock and roll. The band also put together an inspired cover of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” Five minutes before the set was over, the third band nervously shuffled through the crowd as “The Wall” closed in painfully drawn out Pink Floyd fashion. The final act of the night was the band Subject to Interpretation. As the band prepared, the stoic penguin was returned to his post above the amplifier and all was well. The crowd returned their attention to the final band after almost inciting a pizza rebellion spurred on by the last pizza vultures and starved would-be double-dippers. Their set included songs about confusion in life and love such as “Age of Consciousness,” a song reminiscent of indie rock bands of the 90’s, which influenced Subject to Interpretation as they grew up.
Photo by Marissa Zelazo/Beacon Staff
MCLA students enjoy the warm weather last week on the grassy hill behind Bowman Hall with their hookah, tobacco water pipe.
Berkshire Improv Troupe returns to North Adams
Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe (RBIT) announces today their return to North Adams, MA at The Mill City Productions space in the Heritage State Park, Building 4. Saturday April 21 and Saturday May 26, 2012. The shows will be at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. RBIT is a comedy improv group
that has been delighting audiences with its own brand of non-scripted comedic mayhem since June of 2001. Performing a mix of theater games reminiscent of the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, the group models its work on the teachings of renowned theater games/improvisation instructor
Keith Johnstone. Through audience participation, RBIT’s mission is to create entertaining scenes which explore the boundaries of theater improvisation. For more information on the troupe please visit [ http://berkshireimprov.com/ ]berkshireimprov.com
Friends of the Milne Public Library
K O O B LE A S
24th Annual
s k o o b d e s u
Josie’s Cafe Bake Sale
g n i t r a st
¢ 0 5 at
Friday, April 20 Saturday, April 21 10am - 4pm
Silent Auction Closes 2 pm on Saturday
Williamstown Elementary School • 115 Church St., Williamstown, MA milnefriends@gmail.com
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Fashion show features dress and discussion By Tano Holmes A&E Writer
Vibrant colors and lively conversation were in abundance at the Fashionless Fashion Show. The Susan B. Anthony Women’s Center put on the show last Thursday night for an audience of approximately 20 students. The show had two main segments: a slide show with an open conversation with four panelists moderated by senior Alex Nichipor and then the actual fashion show. After a brief introduction from the director of the Women’s Center, Susan Birns, the show began its slide show and conversation segment, which displayed western fashion throughout the years. The panel discussed how pink used to be a “boys color” and blue was a “girls color.” During the early 20th century, the meaning of the colors switched. “I thought it was really interesting hearing the different perspectives on fashion from the early 1500’s to today,” sophomore Lauren Terralavoro said. “A lot of things surprised me. Looking at the fashion for young children was the biggest shock to me. It also made me want to look into feminist walks that take place in NYC. It was overall a great learning experience; I am happy I went!” One question the panel was asked was why it is more socially acceptable for women to wear men’s clothes, than for men to wear women’s clothes. The panel brought up the point that this “norm” is most likely rooted in sexism. Men often have to try to be masculine and dominant, and therefore cannot stray from what is normative. It is also a stereotype that men who wear women’s clothing are gay, and therefore results in most men refraining from dressing outside of what our society dictates. Another major theme that was discussed was the over-sexualization of women in the media through fashion. The panel and the audience seemed offended by clothing companies mar-
keting lingerie to little children. They also discussed some of the root causes of why our society is obsessed with sex. The panel and the audience concluded that the media, technology and major corporations are the main culprits behind this. Pornography was yet another important theme, and the panel and audience discussed, inconclusively, where the line of censorship should be drawn some called for an end to violent pornography, while others defended the privacy and freedom of consenting adults. The discussion then progressed into the dangers of certain fashion trends. They went over corsets, Chinese foot binding, tanning, and, surprisingly, skinny jeans, which can cause a deficit in circulation in the legs which can become a problem by middle age. The talk then turned to culture, religion and clothing. The main subjects were Islamic cultures and how many women wear the hijab. The audience and panel seemed split between supporting the women’s right to modesty and the worrying about how restrictive the clothing can be for women. The final thing discussed was why these issues matter, and what students can do to make a change. Expressing ones personal freedom and respecting another’s right to express theirs were the concluding sentiments before the actual fashion show kicked off. For the actual fashion show, four people strutted their stuff in Sullivan Lounge. The first was a historical design, and a student walked the runway in a classic Victorian dress. The second outfit was vibrant and colorful and completed by a shimmering polka dot scarf. The third ensemble was based on a ballerina, with a blue tutu, and the last outfit was drag, where a man walked wearing a gothic style black and red dress, with black lace. Each of the four students won a $25 gift certificate to Pizza Works.
A&E
theonlinebeacon.com
Cooking Corner
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By Marissa Zelazo
This week’s Cooking Corner does not involve any actually cooking. It is a butter lamb, more commonly known as a Baranek in Polish, and the fact that my mom has made hundreds of them every Easter, makes it almost impossible for me not to share. Though there is a strong religious background to its story, in my opinion, it is just as cute with or without it. Needed: 2 sticks cold butter (1/2 pound) 1 tablespoon butter, slightly softened Ground cinnamon 2 whole cloves of similar size Fresh parsley sprigs or kale Directions: Cut a third from the end of one stick of butter. Place larger piece on a serving dish for lamb’s body. Spread some of the softened butter on cut side of smaller piece; position vertically on left side of larger piece for neck and head. Trim edges. Cut a 1/4-in. slice from the second stick of butter; cut diagonally in half. Spread softened butter on cut edge of one triangle; secure to front of head/neck piece for nose. Set remaining triangle aside. Cut a diagonal slice from each end of the second butter stick. Spread softened butter on cut long side; secure to back of head for ears. Cut remaining butter and reserved triangle to fit into a garlic press, ricer, or sieve. Squeeze butter to make the lamb “hair” and use toothpicks to place curls on body. (If butter softens while assembling, place in refrigerator until firm.) Insert cloves for eyes; add two dots of cinnamon using a toothpick on nose for nostrils. Refrigerate until serving. Garnish plate with greenery if desired.
SAC Spring Concert takes stage next Monday By Nora Weiss A&E Writer
The Student Activities Council (SAC) will host its annual Spring Concert on Monday, April 16 in Venable Gym. After two days of student voting last semester for both genre and artist, SAC ultimately booked the bands Four Year Strong and Mayday Parade. Four Year Strong, a group out of Worcester, Mass., will be the first to perform. Since the band’s formation in 2006, Four Year Strong has shared the stage with The Starting Line, All Time Low, and Bayside. With records “Rise, or Die Trying” (2007), “Enemy of the World” (2010), and the group’s most recent album, “In Some Way, Shape, or Form” (2011), the group has consistently been popular in the pop-punk world. Four Year Strong has been featured in AP Magazine, and their 2011 record debuted at number 47 on the Billboard 200, and are headlining this year’s Warped Tour.
Headlining the April concert is Mayday Parade, poprock band from Tallahassee, Fla. The group formed in 2005. The band has toured the world multiple times, released five albums, and recently headlined Journey’s 2011 Noise Tour with bands like You Me at Six, There for Tomorrow, and We Are in the Make. Mayday Parade has released hits like “Miserable at Best” and “Jamie All Over.” Their newest hit, “Oh Well, Oh Well” is a part of their new self-titled album, which debuted at number five on iTunes. Up and coming Pennsylvania band Think Big will open the show. The group is a part of At Sea Records and has just come back from a two week tour in the United Kingdom. SAC members will be selling tickets Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Marketplace, as well as at the door of the show. Tickets are $5 for MCLA students, $7 for MCLA alum, and $10 for guests. MCLA
students may bring up to two non-MCLA guests under their name. College students from Berkshire Community College, Williams College, UMass Amherst, and Westfield University are allowed to purchase tickets independently for the guest prices. All non-MCLA ticket holders must be 18 or older. Upon admittance to the show, all ticket holders (or those purchasing at the door) must have a valid state license, or college ID that matches the allowed colleges. No one under 18 will be allowed to enter the show even if they bear a ticket, or not. MCLA students must bring their student IDs with them to gain entrance. The doors open at 7 p.m. and Think Big will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. For more information on tickets and concert details, add SAC on Facebook at “Sac at Mcla,” or join the SAC event “Spring Concert 2012.”
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
Multi-club Open Mic Night hosted in Sullivan
A&E
AP Review: Alabama Shakes’ album measures up to the hype
Last Thursday, Sullivan Lounge was home to an Open Mic Night that was a collaborative effort between Pines, Students for a Sensible Drug Policy and the Society of Music. Each club had a section of a long table, featuring stickers and pamphlets as well as brownies from SSDP, and a donations jar for Pines’ Cystic Fibrosis drive. The event ran from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and featured the comedy of Colby Durand, as well as many musicians such as guitarist Cory Jacques, mandolin player Tyler Zucco-Bernard, singer Ash Webb, and the colaborative efforts of Sam Delimino, Adam Tobin, Tim Sheibler, Mike Vogt, and Chris Hantman. All photos by Carly Samach
Cory Jacques wowed the crowd with an original guitar piece he wrote last year.
Sam Delimino, Adam Tobin, Tim Sheibler, Mike Vogt, and Chris Hantman sat down together to sing a crowd favorite “Mustache Man”.
Comedian Colby Durand had everyone laughing with his provocative jokes.
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Tyler Zucco-Bernard started the show off with a cover of a Black Keys song.
SIAN WATSON Associated Press Alabama Shakes, “Boys & Girls’’ (ATO) Alabama Shakes have gotten a lot of hype over the last year, driven mostly by its live show and YouTube presence. Sweeping the United States and Europe on a mostly sold-out tour and teasing new fans with the much-played lead single “Hold On,’’ the quartet has a lot of advance praise to live up to with debut album “Boys & Girls.’’ Thankfully, the Athens, Ala., rock band delivers. It helps that the album kicks off with “Hold On,’’ which features the same bluesy Southern drawl that helped make Kings of Leon a multi-platinum success. Except in this case, the powerful vocals come from Brittany Howard, the band’s frontwoman. On “Hang Loose’’ the band couples the optimistic lyrics “We’re all right/We’re gonna be all right’’ with a riff that has a bluegrass feel. And “Goin’ to the Party’’ is stripped down to a simple guitar tune. Paired with Howard’s voice, it conjures up images of a party on a hot summer day. “Heartbreaker’’’ turns the tone of the album to a soulful lament. Showing she can use her voice to convey any emotion, Howard angrily moans, “How was I supposed to know you was a heartbreaker?’’ Luckily for the listener the mood lifts once again for the album’s conclusion with the crashing percussion on “I Ain’t The Same’’ and the rocky guitar on “On your Way.’’ CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: “Hold On’’ is still the standout track. Howard shows her range, from whispering to screeching, in three minutes of musical genius.
Sports
Thursday, April 12, 2012
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9
Baseball team drops below .500 By Brendan Foley Sports Editor
The baseball team has dipped below a .500 record for the regular season. This has been a largely successful season for the Trailblazers, coming after the disastorous 8-22 2011 season. Despite their hard work, the team has dropped to 10-12 for the regular season. MCLA split a doubleheader against Fitchburg State on March 6. The first game was at 2 p.m. and ended with the Trailblazers losing 1-2. Ross Miner took the mound for MCLA, facing 32 batters and giving up nine hits. The team committed no errors and Miner gave up no BB’s.
With nine hits, the Trailblazers were able to trounce Fitchburg State, 6-0. The Trailblazer’s bats remained largely silent for the game, with the team only achieving five hits for the day. DH Chris Kock led the team in hits with two for the game. The second game was a much stronger outing for MCLA. With nine hits, the team was able to
Photo by Will Casey/ Beacon Staff
The baseball team has struggled to maintain a strong record in both regular and conference play. trounce Fitchburg 6-0, capitalizing on a four-run stretch in the second inning. Chris Preite, John
Duncan and Sean Coyle each nabbed two hits for the team. This time it was Daniel Gaines’
turn on the mound. He lasted all seven innings and gave up five hits. Once again, the Trailblazers
came out of the game with no errors or walks. BASEBALL, continued on page 11
Softball team’s record continues to sink Team sinks to 4-18 for season after Springfield sweeps in Tuesday doubleheader
By Ariana Tourangeau Staff Writer
The softball team has had a tough run lately. The Trailblazers have dropped another two games, leaving them with an overall record of 4-18. While this has been a discouraging experience, a conference record of 2-2 is pushing them to win. The losses are not stopping these girls from playing their hardest. Junior pitcher Ainsley MacDonald said that the team doesn’t let the losses effect their playing. They use it as motivation to play better the next time. “I think the season has been tough so far, but I think we have been getting better each practice and each game,” MacDonald said. “We are working on the things that we have been struggling with, and doing our best to get better as a team.” On Friday April 6th, the Trailblazers traveled to Fitchburg. There the team gave a good fight but, in the end, the team lost two conference games. The first game ended with a score of 6-3 and the second with a score of 6-5. Senior Co-Captains Kayla Koumjian and Kaitland Hager worked together in the first inning scoring a run for their team and leading the game 1-0. Koumjian hit a triple sending Hager home for the run.
Fitchburg came back, scoring runs in the first, fourth, fifth innings and winning the game with three runs in the sixth. The team fought back in the second game scoring three runs in the sixth inning. Hager, Koumjian and junior Kendra Hobbs all hit singles to start off the inning. Freshman Sam Barbarotta hit a triple, bringing home two Trailblazers. In the seventh inning Hobbs scored two runs for the team bringing the score to 6-5, but Fitchburg shut them out until the end of the game.
“I think the losses have definitely been a little discouraging, but I think that would be true for any team,” said Ainsley MacDonald Although this was their 16th loss so far in the season their record for MASCAC now stands at 2-2 and the team continues to work hard for those wins. “I think the losses have definitely been a little bit discouraging, but I think that would be true for any team. I also think that it has pushed us to work harder and im-
Photo by Marissa Zelazo/Beacon Staff
The team has struggled in the regular season but has maintained a strong conference record. prove as a team,” MacDonald said. MacDonald knows what her team has to do to win games and also suceed as individuals. “Personally I have not been happy with how I have been doing so far,” she explained. “I just need to
continue to work on my pitching to get to the level I need to be at.” Not only have losses been an obstacle for the team to overcome but injuries and the fact that the team is young have been getting in the way. The Trailblazers use
these obstacles as positive reinforcement and they continue to work hard. Co-Captain Kaitland Hager agreed with MacDonald. SOFTBALL, continued on page 11
Sports 10 Rugby club makes presence known on campus Thursday, April 12, 2012
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By Kayla Koumjian Sports Writer
The MCLA rugby club will begin their spring training season this weekend in Vermont. The men’s team will be participating in Southern Vermont’s annual College Mud Bowl. “This is the first time our team has done it, and there will be five other teams participating,” sophomore Thomas Chiang said. The five teams in the tournament include Wesleyan, Nichols, Connecticut, Westfield and Green Mountain. The tournament will be double elimination with 20-minute halves, and the club is looking to play at least three games. The women’s team are not participating but will be there for support. “We’ll be there cheering the boys on,” player Kristy Stevenson said. She is very positive about the progress the club is making. “We have a good number of people coming to practices and some games set up which the men’s team has played very well in,” Stevenson said. In order to prepare for their first competition, they hold practices during the week. Practices are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. They practice at the Athletic Complex on the soccer field. During the practices, the team works on strategies and conditioning. “We jog laps, do sprits, karaoke, sit ups, push-ups,” club President Brian O’Keefe explained. “Then
Photo from Beacon archive
The men’s team of the rugby club will be competing in the annual Southern Vermont College Mud Bowl. we toss the ball around, practice line outs, different plays, and for the last few minutes we do an inter-squad scrimmage.” The practices are also co-ed, however, the women do not compete with the men. The men’s team consists of 20 players, and the women’s consists of nine. “The women don’t play with the guys except during the alumni game,” Vice President Kate Larson said. The alumni game is on May 5, at the end of the rugby season. The
team, however, has games every weekend until then. “Alumni from all ages participate in the alumni games. It ranges from players from last year, to about 20 years ago,” Chiang said. The club’s real season is in the fall. The spring is time for them to train and improve on skills. During the fall the club went 0-5, but O’Keefe wasn’t down about the record. “It wasn’t about winning, it was about getting experience,” he said. Experience is the exact thing the
rugby team is looking for. “We have very few players with over a year of experience,” O’Keefe said. Luckily for the rugby club, the experience from this year will be used into next year because only four players are graduating and there are a lot of freshmen on this semester’s roster. The women’s team is hoping to add more players to their roster. They have been getting the word out on campus through co-sponsoring events with different clubs,
fundraising, and community service. “One of our big plans is to get enough women to play in some matches,” Stevenson said. The main goal for the entire club is to inform the campus about rugby. “Our goal is to have the rugby team be more involved on MCLA and get the name out more,” Stevenson said. Their next home game is on April 25 against Amherst College.
Tennis loses first home meet Red Sox start up By Brendan Foley
Sports Editor The men’s tennis team has had its first home match since returning to active play. The men’s tennis program had been suspended for over twenty years, but has recently been revived by Andres Limas. The inaugural tennis team’s roster is made up of eight students, all of whom are freshmen. The team has gone 1-1 since the beginning of their spring season. This loss puts their record at 1-2. The match was held at the Athletic Complex against Western New England University. Western New England won every match of the meet. Of MCLA’s students, Taylor Krowitz put up the best numbers, losing his singles match by only one point to Jon Paul Quellette. The team did not fair any better in the doubes competition, and lost all of these matches as well. The tennis team had previously lost a meet in the fall to Springfield. Since they began their spring season on March 29, the Trailblazers have triumphed over Becker University and lost to Clack University.
By Brendan Foley
Sports Editor The 2012 Red Sox season has officially begun. It has not gotten off to a strong start.The team is currently fifth in ALS standings, with a record of 1-5. The Sox are being out scored by their opponents 35-21 and being out hit 55-36. The team is trying to return from an extremely disappointing conclusion to the 2011, the fallout from which resulted in manage-
Photo courtesy of MCLA.edu
The men’s tennis team lost its first home meet on Tuesday. The rebirth of the men’s tennis team will continue on April 16 when they face off against Sage College. They will then go toeto-toe with Green Mountain on
April 18. Both of these matches will be held at home at the Joe Zavattaro Athletic Complex.
ment’s firing of Manager Terry Francona. Francona was replaced by Bobby Valentine, a former ballplayer who has not managed an American team since departing his position with the New York Mets. Since then, Valentine has worked with Japanese ball clubs and also done time as an ESPN baseball analyst. The off-season was also marked with the loss of long-time closer Jonathan Papelbon who departed the team for the Oakland A’s.
Sports
Thursday, April 12, 2012
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Baseball tries to maintain position BASEBALL continued from pg. 9
Brendan Foley Sports Editor
Why We Play
It’s kind of amazing the power that sports have over the American people. After all, it is probably impossible for someone to really make the arguement that sports matter in some genuine, tangible way. They’re games, games played on an insane scale with hundreds upon thousands of hours of hype and analysis, not to mention hundreds of millions of dollars of yearly revenue. Sports are now ingrained in our culture on every possible level. There’s really no point in questioning it, the level of intensity with which we embrace sports culture is here to stay. For good. But why? I think the answer might lie somewhere in the sheer amount of information which children and young adults are deluged in. On the one hand, sports provides children with unattainable goals and dreams, many of which are built around material beauty and wealth. This is obviously not a good thing. However, over Easter break I went home and watched my younger brother and sister spend the day at our town’s soccer field, playing for their respective teams. There’s a lot of terrible things surrounding youth soccer programs (the sheer amount of SUV’s is staggering) but watching my younger siblings warm up, watching them lope around the green grass laughing and calling with kids their own age, it reminded me of what athletics can truly be when stripped of all the auxiliary crap we place on them. At their best, sports are a reflection of humankind’s instinctual desire to connect and communicate with others. Athletic competition is something that transcends language, class and nationality. I realze this is starting to sound like the announcers at the start of the announcers, but it seemed revelatory to me, and I don’t see anyone else with a sports column around here, so PIPE DOWN. There are many, many downsides to sports, no matter what level they are played at. There’s always going to be a nasty, Darwinian underbelly. But at their best, I think that sports are there to remind us of how much we can achieve, and how much we can share and do with one another, regardless of the factors which we all too easily allow to stand between us. None of which explains some of the mascots we come up with. Some stuff is just beyond me.
The team was riding high off of this victory, only to hit the brick wall that was Williams College. On April 9, Williams came to MCLA and the two teams slugged it out at the Athletic Complex. The Trailblazers were unable to claim victory. The game ended with a final score of 5-2. Cody Weaver was on the mound for the Trailblazers, lasting six innings, giving up four hits and three runs. He was relieved by Joe Vaverka and Alon Willing. Vaverka threw for only one inning and gave up two hits and one run after facing off with eight batters. For his part Willing gave up only one hit and one run. MCLA only managed four hits for the game. Cory Slattery led the team with two hits. Over the course of 22 games so far this season, the Trailblazers have gotten 190 hits off of 623 atbats, slugging for a batting average of .257. The pitching staff has a combined ERA of 5.10 in conference play. While the team’s regular season record has slipped, MCLA has maintained a very strong position in the MASCAC conference standings, currently sitting at fourth place, only one game behind the tied Framingham and Bridgewater. A single win in conference play would catapault
Standings
(As of Press Time)
Baseball salem framingham bridgewater MCLA westfield mass. maritime fitchburg worcester
All
Conf
20-5 13-10 14-11 10-12 9-12 8-10 5-16 5-18
4-0 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 1-3 1-3 0-4
Softball bridgewater salem westfield framingham fitchburg worcester MCLA mass. maritime
All 19-7 18-7 9-12 9-13 9-15 7-13 4-18 2-13
Conf 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 0-4
Baseball 4/13 @ Me.-Presque Isle 2 p.m. 4/14 vs. Worcester 12 p.m. 4/14 vs. Worcester 2:30 p.m. Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff
The outfielders were ready in MCLA’s effort against Williams. MCLA to second place in the entire conference. The Trailblazers next home games will be on April 14, a
doubleheader against Worcester. Worcester is currently in last place in the conference.
Softball team struggles for wins SOFTBALL continued from pg. 9
“I think the losses have highlighted the things we need to work on,” she said. So, in a way, yes, they’re motivating us to take a look at what we need to improve upon. It’s given us a learning opportunity to practice and come back stronger in the next game.” The team’s head coach, Mike Ameen, also sees potential in this young team and feels they show it every time they play, whether they win or lose. “This team has true character. They work extremely hard in practice and hold each other accountable,” Coach Ameen said. “The players understand their role on a team with only 12 members. Everyone has to be prepared and focused knowing that they will be expected to play through a tough spring season.” That is exactly what these players feel they are doing. The team may work together and be a true team, but they wouldn’t have gotten there if it were not for their captains. Kaitland Hager and Kayla Koumjian may be co-captains but Hager feels Koumjian sets the tone for the team and even she learns from her. “For as long as I’ve played on the team, she’s been back there holding us together,” Hager said. “The first-years and the returning players really look to her with respect.
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4/16 @ Bridgewater 1 p.m. 4/16 @ Bridgewater 3:30 p.m. 4/19 vs. Skidmore
4 p.m.
4/21 @ Salem
1 p.m.
4/21 @ Salem
3:30 p.m.
Softball 4/14 vs. Worcester 12 p.m. 4/14 vs. Worcester
2 p.m.
4/16 @ Bridgewater 1 p.m. 4/16 @ Bridgewater 3 p.m. 4/18 vs. Amherst 4:30 p.m. 4/21 @ Salem
1 p.m.
4/21 @ Salem
3 p.m.
Men’s Tennis 4/16 vs. Sage
4 p.m.
4/18 vs. Green Mountain 3:30 p.m. 4/22 vs. Johnson State 1 p.m. The softball team trains hard to try and improve their record.
4/24 @ Lyndon State 3:30 p.m.
I’d like to hope that I’m as strong of a captain as Kayla. And if not, then I’d like to hope to be half as good as that.”
4/25 vs. Springfield 4 p.m.
Photo from Beacon Archive
Stuff about today’s games The team will play two home conference games this Saturday the 14th at 12:00 and 2:00.
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Opinion
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Five year old brings heroin to show and tell BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) _ Police say a 5-year-old boy brought 50 packets of heroin to school for show and tell, and his stepfather has been arrested. The student went to kindergarten Monday with his stepfather’s jacket and pulled out the drugs in 10 small plastic bags when it came time for his presentation to the class, Bridgeport police told the Connecticut Post. The teacher grabbed the bags away from the boy, and the principal called police. The boy’s stepfather, Santos Roman, 35, was arrested after arriving at the school. Roman was searching the school for his stepson when he saw the jacket in an empty classroom, grabbed it and ran out of the school, police spokesman Keith Bryant told the newspaper. He said police, who had already seized the drugs, then took Roman into custody. Roman was detained on $100,000 bail on risk of injury to a minor and drug charges. It’s not clear if Roman has a lawyer. The boy was put in state custody until other relatives could be located. The drugs are worth about $500 on the street, police said.
Campus Comment compiled by Will Casey
If you could study abroad anywhere in the world, where would you go? “I took Spanish and didn’t do very well in it, so I would probably go to Australia.”
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“I would really like to go somewhere tropical, but if I had to choose I’d go to New Zealand or Australia.” -Jimmy Courchaine, 2013
-Kyle Serino, 2013
Accused child porn producer new FBI most wanted WASHINGTON (AP) _ A man with Arizona ties accused of producing child pornography while teaching at a private elementary school in Washington, D.C., has been added to the FBI’s ``Ten Most Wanted Fugitives’’ list. Federal authorities have sought Eric Justin Toth since June 2008, when another teacher found explicit photographs of at least one boy on a school camera in Toth’s possession. The FBI said Tuesday that Toth, who is 30, is believed to have lived in Arizona as recently as 2009. He’s been indicted in Maryland and charged in a sealed criminal complaint in Washington’s federal court. Toth taught third grade at Beauvoir Elementary School on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. He hasn’t been seen since the day he lost his job. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000.
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“I’d make sure I’d go somewhere with Hispanic culture, because I’ll be able to understand the language, and the women are beautiful.”
“I would definitely go to Italy if I could.”
- Tyriq Rochester, 2014
-Tyrell Mosley, 2012
“We would both go to the Bahamas.”
“I’d like to go to Spain. I’ve been before, but now that I’m a Spanish major I would be able to be more fluent.”
-Dottie Dimouro and Will Munch
-Annie Hochheiser, 2012
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Opinion
Thursday, april 12, 2012
A letter to my highschool self Dear Nora, So graduation is soon, isn’t it? Prom is on Saturday and you just found a dress (only $70; a steal). Life is a bit awkward right now, but that’s really nothing to worry about. That feeling of awkwardness will be tested, along with your insecurities, in the next four years or so. It’s nothing to worry about. You don’t know it yet, but at prom, you will find out that you can graduate. I know; math really sucks the life out of you. You were good and spent an extra hour after school every day to finish your homework with your teacher. You also got really good marks on all your AP exams; turns out you know more about European history than you thought. For a while, you don’t have to write a single essay, solve another math equation, or even get up at 5:30 in the morning to catch the 23 bus to Roxbury. It’s all coming together. Life is in a bit of a tangled web right, isn’t it? Some of the choices you’ve made in the past three years haven’t been the wisest, but you’re here and you mean business. Nice job on locking the third floor bathroom, by the way; I’m sure no one could hear you vomming from being
so hung over (my God, it’s a Wednesday!). I see you went to the Cheesecake Factory right after… well, at least you put in time at math class.
Nora Weiss Columnist
Oh, and that ‘boyfriend’ of yours? I would tell you to drop him, but you’ll do that on your own time and it will feel fantastic. In short, be excited for college. I know you thought about not going and even told yourself that you weren’t good enough and, yeah, you’ll think that last thought for most of your freshmen year, too. But, seriously, you can do it. You’ve got inhibitions to let go of and some lines to reinstate. You can get all gussied up on a Friday and be a bookworm at the same time; you’ve got this.
College is going to be hard and – not to ruin any of it for you – it’s not going to be the work that’s hard (though you will pull all nighters now and then). You will feel so insecure sometimes you’ll want to give up and go home, but the times you feel happy, my God, it’s so worth it. You are going to do things you never imagined you could do before. Please, don’t ever think that you are not good enough for something. Unbeknownst to you, this thought will cross your mind over and over again throughout the next four years. Nora, you are better than all of it; make it work for you. Going to college is going help you realize how ‘worth it’ you really are. You will actually challenge yourself in college. You will learn to love sports again. You will find those special friends who make the next four years bearable. And – again, not to spoil anything – you will find love and experience what it feels like to love someone and have them really love you back. You’re about to do amazing things; don’t be sacred. This is so goddamned exciting. Love, Nora
Get Out and Vote! *Today is the last day to vote*
Use your power as students and make an impact on campus by voting in next year’s
MCLA SGA Elections for Fall 2012- Spring 2013
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13
Senior Week Calendar Tuesday, May 15 •Check-in •Movie Night
Friday, May 18 •Graduation Information Meeting •Baccalaureate Wednesday, May 16 Ceremony •Brunch followed by •Senior Banquet Presentation of Class Number on Saturday, May 19 Murdock Hall •Commencement •Baccalaureate Ceremony Ceremony Rehearsal •Alumni Social •Dance Party office s ’ g i a Cr Jenn 18 Thursday, May 17 n i 3 up er •BBQ Lunch Sign Room pus Cent •Day Trip: r Cam e l s Am Boston OR Mohegan Sun
Senior Day Packages EVENTS PACKAGE: $80 Yearbook, T-shirt, senior cup, day trip, donation towards class gift, Sullivan Lounge movie night, alumni social, senior banquet, brunch, cookout, dance party GIFT PACKAGE: $45 Yearbook, T-shirt, senior cup, donation to class gift YEARBOOK: $15 *Last Day to Purchase a Package is Fri. April 20* **Resident students wishing to stay on campus must purchase Events Package!**
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Marketing Research students have developed surveys on the following MCLA topics – please respond to any and all that you have an interest in! *Deadline for response is April 20th!* Health Services: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MCLAHealthServices Study Abroad Opportunities: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MCLAStudyAbroad Practice & Performance Space: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MCLAPracticeSpace Meal Plan Options: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MCLAFood Commuter Students: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MCLACommuter
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Thursday, april 12, 2012
Students prepare for research conference
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Science Center Update
April 19 conference to feature wide range of student work By Jess Gamari Staff Writer
The Undergraduate Research Conference is a chance for undergraduate students to showcase their work for the campus community. According to English/Communications Professor Rosanne Denhard, 114 students will take part in 100 presentations representing a wide range of disciplinary areas. There will be 28 faculty members sponsoring student work, and 40 special session talks; 26 general session talks; and 34 posters. The URC Advisory board is looking for freshmen and sophomore students to volunteer time by handing out name tags and directing other students and guests to the various exhibits. Anyone interested in helping should contact Shelby Giaccarini, Alexandra Nichipor, or Max Dilthey a.s.a.p. All classes are suspended for Thursday, April 19, but Psychology Professor Maria Bartini encourages students in all grades to attend. “This is not a day off,” she said. “It’s a day of learning and engagement outside the classroom.”
“This is not a day off. It’s a day of learning and engagement outside the classroom.” - Professor Maria Bartini The URC begins at 8:30 a.m. with a poster session in Venable Gym followed by a luncheon and address from the key note speaker and alum, Jarrod Abbot-Washburn, in the Campus Center Gym. This lunch will be followed by a Q&A session with Abbot-Washburn for students only. Later in the afternoon there will be oral presentations and special sessions until 5 p.m. in Murdock, as well as a Philosophy Mini-Conference. Although not an official part of the URC, Bartini invites all students to attend the Theater Lab Performance of Hedda Gabler in Venable Theater, an excellent showcase of the Fine and Performing Arts department. The performance is free to students and staff who present their name badge from the conference.
Photo by Carly Samach/Beacon staff
Crews continue their work on the Center for Science and Innovation.
Obama, Romney duel over status
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) _ One candidate is worth up to $250 million, ran a private equity firm and plans to build an elevator for the cars at his beach house. The other is the former head of the Harvard Law Review who became a best-selling author and millionaire and now lives in the world’s most famous mansion – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Just don’t expect Mitt Romney and Barack Obama to embrace their elite status. In a campaign year when populism sells, they are trying to stick the rich guy label on each other, making clear that being wealthy and privileged is not necessarily a political asset when you’re running for president in this uncertain economy. President Obama, traveling to battleground Florida, opened a new push by Democrats on Tuesday to increase taxes on millionaires, emphasizing a fight with Republicans. The proposal stands little chance of passing in Congress but serves as a stark general election contrast with Romney. The former Massachusetts governor, who opposes the plan, has faced withering criticism from Democrats who try to paint him as a ruthless financier who has paid lower tax rates unavailable to typical middle class families. “Romney is a beneficiary of a broken tax system, and he wants to keep it that way,’’ Obama campaign manager Jim Messina said in a conference call with reporters Monday. On the other hand, Romney’s team contends Obama’s plan would raise taxes on small businesses, harming an engine of growth and job creation at a time when the economy needs it the most. Romney campaign spokeswoman Gail Gitcho said Obama was the “first president in history to openly campaign for re-election on a platform of higher taxes,’’ and the Republican National Committee called the idea of higher taxes on millionaires a “political distraction’’ that would do little to cure
the nation’s debt problem. Obama is pitching the “Buffett rule,’’ named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett, which argues that wealthy taxpayers should not pay taxes at a lower rate than middle-class wage-earners. Obama has proposed that people earning at least $1 million annually – whether in salary or investments – should pay at least 30 percent of their income in taxes. Many wealthy people earn most of their income through investments, which is taxed at 15 percent, allowing them to pay a lower overall rate. Obama’s team and Senate Democrats have teed up the issue ahead of the annual mid-April deadline when many Americans file their income tax returns with the federal government. In addition to Obama’s speech, Vice President Joe Biden plans to discuss the issue in New Hampshire on Thursday, and Obama’s campaign is using social media to spread the message. Yet beyond tax policy, the Buffett rule serves as a touchstone in the contenders’ fight to portray each other as the candidate of the elite at a time of 8.2 percent unemployment. While both Romney and Obama are millionaires, there is a huge difference in their wealth. Presidential candidates have to disclose broad outlines of their holdings, but it’s possible to discern only a wide range. Romney is worth $190 million to $250 million, according to the filings. Obama is worth between $1.8 million and nearly $12 million. Democrats contend Romney’s past as head of the private equity firm Bain Capital is a major weakness because he was paid to reorganize companies, a process that sometimes led to the elimination of jobs. Obama’s campaign has repeatedly pressed Romney to release several years of tax returns, pointing to personal tax records that have shown investments in the Cayman Islands and a Swiss bank account. There have been no indications, however, that the
investments were used to avoid taxes. And then there are some of the video clips circulating on YouTube: Romney’s proposed $10,000 bet to Texas Gov. Rick Perry during a debate in December; his declaration in January, discussing health insurance providers, that he likes ``being able to fire people who provide services to me,’’ and more recently his comment in February that he’s “not concerned about the very poor’’ because they have an “ample safety net.’’ Romney’s wealth gained more attention last month when Politico reported that planned renovations to his San Diego-area oceanside home included a four-vehicle garage with an “elevator lift’’ to transport vehicles between floors. Romney, focusing ever more attention on Obama, has made a concerted push to paint the president as a detached liberal who doesn’t fully grasp the depths of the nation’s economic woes. Obama, who has written two best-selling books and taught law at the University of Chicago School of Law, is portrayed as an enthusiastic supporter of government instead of private enterprise. In one dig, Romney calls Obama a “nice guy ... who spent too much time at Harvard’’ _ though Romney himself earned a joint JD/MBA at Harvard, spending more time there than Obama. Romney also says the president suffers from “years of flying around on Air Force One, surrounded by an adoring staff of true believers telling you that you’re great and doing a great job.’’ Both would be considered wealthy by any standard. Romney’s campaign has estimated that he is paying more than $6.2 million in taxes on $45 million in income for the past two years. Obama and his wife, Michelle, reported income of $1.73 million last year, mostly from books he’s written, and they paid more than $450,000 in federal taxes. Both Romney and Obama have made
appeals to Americans by highlighting more routine endeavors: Obama ventured into an Irish pub on St. Patrick’s Day to down a pint of Guinness and frequently talks about his devotion to basketball and other sports. Romney, whom aides describe as a pennypincher, has used Twitter to remind voters about flying Southwest Airlines and grabbing lunch at Subway. In January, one of Romney’s sons circulated a photo of his dad doing his own laundry. Obama’s team points to polls showing the president with favorable personal approval ratings and relatively high marks when respondents are asked whether he can relate to their problems. A poll released Tuesday by The Washington Post and ABC News found Obama with a double-digit lead over Romney, 49-37, when adults were asked who better understands their economic problems. About half of the respondents, 52 percent, said unfairness in the economic system favoring the wealthy represented a bigger problem for the country than over-regulation of the free market system, chosen by 37 percent. Others, however, caution that Obama’s populist message can only take him so far, especially with unaligned voters critical in a close election. Matt Bennett, a former White House aide under Bill Clinton and vice president of Third Way, a Democratic-centrist group, pointed to polling released Monday by his organization that found many independent voters more focused on a presidential candidate emphasizing the increasing of opportunity instead of reducing income inequality. “Tax fairness is just not their biggest concern and arguments about fairness didn’t answer their primary economic worries,’’ Bennett said. “What swing voters want to hear is an optimistic vision for putting the American economy back on top.’’
For Fun
Thursday, April 12, 2012
This Week in MCLA History
Cleaning House
April 10, 2003 Students and faculty took action against Governor Romney’s proposal to merge BCC and MCLA. The proposed merger was part of Romney’s campaign promise to eliminate fraud and inefficiency in higher education. Romney’s former consulting business estimated the College was overspending by over $4 Million per year, but the validity of the data was up for question due to non-specific calculations. On April 5, a group of faculty, staff, and students undertook a door to door awareness campaign to educate the community about the proposal, and the concern that the cuts would jeapordize jobs. April 2003
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A two-year old female moose was the center of attention around campus when it was first spotted on the corner of Church and Blackinton Streets. The animal became an unnoficial mascot for the week, enjoying sightings by several students and community members before wandering off to a more secluded haunt. According to Tony Gola, game biologist for the Western Wildlife district of Massachusetts, the native moose population of this state has been returning in recent years. He also warned that despite their dumb looks, moose can be extremely dangerous if threatened.
dusting
windows
Magic Eraser
fresh
sweeping
vacuum
rags
fix
mopping
carpets
shine
bubbles
Swiffer
put away
paper
sponge
scrubbing
laundry
towels
brush
Windex
wax
broom
clean
chemicals
wipe
water
spring
ammonia
bucket
garbage
arrange
polish
trash
rearrange
germs
furniture
Pine-Sol
debris
antibacterial
picking up
filthy
neat
soap
declutter
grease
tidy
refill
apron
Courtesy of www.superwordsearchpuzzles.com
Comic by Aurora Cooper
Horoscopes
SWEEPINGNIPPOMMBNWBFNRTE LAIRETCABITNAELCOTIDYTKP AEREFFIWSUDGOPAORXGPXDXP CGSGARBAGEIHSILOPFNGERMS INNNPGNXCCIWCKTRAOIBDFYL MOKAZNSLEWOTREPAPYRDNUAL EPORTIURYDBOUMBMZIPCIRWI HSERFTAENNWPBULMSISFWNAF CSAATSHINETUBULOSENIPITE OSUEEUWXSWCBICTNRETAWTUR HWRRRDPUPKLQNAPICKINGUPI MOORBGOVEEDOGVCARPETSRAS ZFILTHYTSUIAQHUFOROSIEOG
organization housework
To view this and other comics online, visit us at theonlinebeacon.com
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Aries: March 21-April 19 Try something a little different today. It may be a visit to a gallery, a serenade by musicians you’ve never heard before or a stroll down unfamiliar streets, but you need to broaden your cultural horizons. Taurus: April 20-May 20 You are thinking deep thoughts and possibly hitting new insights today -- make sure you’re getting all this down! Expect to make at least one breakthrough that relates to work or travel. Gemini: May 21-June 21 You can’t get anywhere by preaching today -- try to just keep it low-key and hope others will see your point of view. It may be frustrating, but not as much as ranting to bored listeners! Cancer: June 22-July22 You need to take care of yourself today -- nobody else can quite scratch that itch. It may feel weird turning away from your people but you know it’s not going to be forever. Take care of yourself! Leo: July 23-August 22 You need to be the grown-up in a certain situation today -- but it’s easy! It may surprise you how well you handle this problem, but you’ve got the right kind of energy to make it work! Virgo: August 23-Sept. 22 Try to push yourself even harder than usual today -- you’ve got a lot to do, and it might end up getting ahead of you if you can’t maintain iron discipline. It’s not as hard as you fear it might be. Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You can get across even the most complicated ideas today -- so don’t be shy about opening up communication channels. It’s a good time for you to ask big questions and try to get big answers. Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You don’t see yourself as someone who’s easily led around, but today, you need to watch out for people with silver tongues. It may not lead anywhere bad, but you do like to be in charge. Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Your friends are by your side, so make sure that you show your appreciation. It’s easier than ever, as you should have a golden opportunity to shower them with praise and/or gifts! Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your idealism is making a splash today. It’s a really good time for you to show your friends new possibilities -- things can be so much better, but only if you work to make them so. Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 You are more connected than you may realize, and you should do what you can to maintain that network. Your great social energy is perfect for building bridges and for helping friends find each other. Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 You need to keep a lid on it. That could mean calling in sick or going on an email vacation, but you need to avoid the temptation to speak out today, as something you say could cause a big problem. Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com
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Driving simulator a wakeup call for students Thursday, april 12, 2011
By Jessica Gamari Staff Writer
It’s a little after 10 p.m. on a Thursday, and I just want to go home. I’m told I’ve had about four drinks in the past two hours, but I can’t remember. There’s a man beside me, I think his name is Jason, and he reminds me to buckle up. Yeah, like buckling a seatbelt in this situation will help anyone. So here I am, sitting in the dark blue Hyundai that he rented, which for some reason is sitting in the Quad. That fact right there should have been enough reason that this wasn’t going to end well. My blood alcohol content (BAC) is at .093, just above the legal limit, and I’m trying to drive. I was only behind the wheel for 30 seconds before I crashed into someone. Just like that, I killed someone because of a stupid mistake to drive drunk, and to top it off, I was on the other side of the road 25 percent of the time. In the words of Jaime Foxx and T-Pain, “blame it on the alcohol.” On April 5, over 100 students attempted to go for a drive in a stationary car parked near Venable Gym, while over 200 of their peers observed the monitors placed behind the car. Each student behind the wheel wore head-mounted simulation goggles and attempted to drive for as long as they could. The DUI Simulator uses an actual vehicle with sensors hooked up to a lap top. Both pedals are functional, and the wheels rest on discs which spin when the wheel spins. Behind the car are two monitors, which show exactly what the driver sees and how the driver reacts. Many students watched in horror as their friends swerved onto sidewalks or crashed into other cars. The sound of squealing tires were accompanied by screams of, “Calm down, you’re
going crash!” and “OMG she just hit a person!” “I was so drunk, I was blood poisoning drunk,” Johanna Miner, a junior, said. “I lasted for two seconds and then I crashed off the road. Don’t drink and drive. You could hit others and kill yourself.” As expected, many students were not able to drive for more than an average of 30 seconds, according to Dylan Richardson. Richardson has worked with PEER Awareness for two years. He enjoys traveling and making a difference in the lives of teens learning to drive.
“Don’t drink and drive. You could hit others and kill yourself.”
News
market. Through realistic simulators and interactive ‘edutainment,’ PEER Awareness has been able to reach thousands of students, challenging them to take the initiative to make life-bettering decisions.” At Thursday’s demonstration, Richardson and Jason Graham, who has worked for the company since September, felt pleased with the turnout. They like to see the kids in high schools or at colleges have fun, but it’s important that the kids realize that these situations actually happen. “Most people don’t think before they act,” Graham said. “Dylan and I are young guys, and we can show the kids that it’s not cool to drink and drive. Car accidents are the number one killer of young adults.” Richardson also brought a pair of distorted goggles, which sim-
theonlinebeacon.com
Students received a rare chance to experience the effects alcohol has on their driving skills, and also learn why texting and driving is a bad combination.
Photo by Ed Damon/Beacon Staff
ulated a BAC of .17, twice the legal limit. “That’s like having 10 drinks in two hours,” he said. He had students try to walk a straight line, and catch a small football. Only a handful of students were able to catch it. The men also mentioned that the risk of an accident increases four times when using a cell phone while driving and texting can also endanger drivers up to eight times more than alcohol. “I was only able to finish two texts,” Lucy Tremblay, a junior, said. “I got two tickets, hit a pedestrian, and I wasn’t able to finish the third text.” Tremblay was told to ask her friends via text if they wanted to see a movie, and what time it started, but after hitting a simulated pedestrian, she concluded that, “It wasn’t worth it.”
Osris Mendez, 23, was one of the first to try the car simulation. Like many of the “drunk drivers” to follow him, he said he did not do well. “I always have a designated driver when I go out,” he said. “Now that I know how it feels, I know how unsafe it is.” PEER Awareness is located in Grand Rapids, Mich., but travels all over the country to high school and college campuses. After MCLA, Graham and Richardson were headed to Virginia. PEER Awareness is a private corporation hired by schools through student activity funds, or sometimes through government or federal grants. This event was sponsored by Residential Programs and Services, Peer Advisors, Counseling Services, and Health Services.
- Johanna Miner “It’s a wakeup call for kids,” he said. “[Drunk driving is] dangerous. It can be a big deal with fatal consequences. Young people follow each other, and hopefully this will have a snowball effect.” PEER Awareness was founded in 2008 by Michael Seymore, current CEO of CEP Inc., a leading provider of novelty campus entertainment, according to their website. Seymore has worked in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, but wanted to provide a “similar kind of entertainment focused on health and wellness.” “We at PEER Awareness believe that we all have a responsibility to educate today’s youth about the importance of making healthy decisions,” the website states. “Our programs allow students to become part of the experience, impacting them on a level unlike any other on the
Photo by Takeya Lee/Beacon Staff
A student tries to text and drive during the PEER Awareness simulator last Thursday.