Issue 12 spring 16

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Volume 82 ◆ Issue 12

F r i d ay, A p r i l 2 9 , 2 0 1 6

News

Tim Williams SGA’s new president

Kollective Steps it up: At NeXXus stepshow

By Harmony Birch

MCLA alumnus speaks at URC Page 6

A&E

MCLA Dance Co premiers Friday Page 9

Sports

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Junior Tim Williams won the special election for SGA president Thursday April 21, 2016.

The voter count was 250 ballots for Williams, Executive Vice President Shannon Esposito, and Coordinating Vice President Samantha Giffen, and 195 for competitor candidates AJ Cote, Katherine Duval, and Slayter Aubin. There was a total of 455 votes, a record for SGA beating out the voter turnout of the last election by 37 votes.

Esposito was jumping with joy after hearing the outcome.

New President continued on page 6

From gray to green: looking ahead at MCLA

By Jon Hoel A&E Writer

Tennis qualifies for NAC playoffs Page 11

Op-Ed

Harriet Tubman is the new face of the $20 bill Page 4

Campus Life

Hellicopter parents in college Page 13

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Photo by Domonique Ackley/The Beacon

Kollective Dance from Boston performed at the Nexxus stepshow last Friday. To see more photos check out page 16.

There are a lot of familiar faces at MCLA: some professors have walked the halls of the academic buildings for more than 30 years.

According to calculations done by the Beacon, students beginning their MCLA careers in the years between 2021 and 2026 will be looking at a very different faulty, the smallest age range than ever before.

Many of our elder faculty are soon going to be of retiring age and replaced by younger professors. New professors will earn about 60 percent of what long-time professor earn, but this won’t necessarily create a budget windfall.

Professors’ salaries will continue to rise with promotions and built-in contractual raises; any cost savings will be minor compared to total faculty salaries.

By 2026, we will very likely be looking at a faculty body entirely comprised of younger professors.

45 percent of the current faculty were hired within the last 10 years, according to Graziana Ramsden, professor of modern languages and president of the MCLA chapter of the Massachusetts State College Association (MSCA).

As reported by Forbes magazine, the average age of retirement is 62, but that’s not true for everyone.

“When it comes to teaching, wrinkles don’t matter,” Ramsden said. “What matters is how prepared we are to continue teaching. As a faculty, it helps to stay current and be able to use technology in the classroom and out.”

A lot of MCLA’s long-time professors were hired in the 1980s and into the early 1990s when public college enrollment expanded, not just in Mass. but nationwide. Many of these professors chose to stay at MCLA

for their career. Around two dozen professors have taught at MCLA for 30 or more years and make $100,000 or higher.

Often, new professors are hired for positions that didn’t even exist before, to keep up with the changing world.

“There have been more faculty hires lately to respond to the educational opportunities than to replenish faculty lines left vacant because of retirements.” Ramsden said.

The total number of individuals on the payroll for the current calendar year is 433. That includes maintainers, clerks, and all contracted staff up to and including the president.

The 91 full-time faculty are predominantly tenure-track or tenured professors who work 12 credit hours or more, around four courses per semester.

The MSCA contract with the state encompasses, essentially, four “tiers”. Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor. Faculty are promoted,

Photo by Domonique Ackley

From left to right: Zacvk Finch, Jenna Sciuto, and Amber Engelson are representative of the newer faces of faculty. and receive raises, to the next (about $5,000 per semester levels, culminating in professor. course), and are rehired every Tenure is usually granted within semester and receive no benefits.

Full-time professors at MCLA seven years of a hire, and usually make an average of $81,463, at the associate professor level.

There are currently 42 adjunct which is around the same as (part-time) and terminal (full- other state schools, like Fitchburg time on one-year contracts) State at $82,574 and Worcester professors and contracted faculty. State at $88,973, according to the Massachusetts State Employee They are all past of MSCA. Adjuncts are paid by the course Faculty continued on page 14

Graph by Jon Hoel

2

News

Friday, April 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Professor Jim Moriarty hopes to give students real-world sports management experience

By Torin Gannon Staff Writer

Bu s i n e s s - a d m i n i s t r at i on professor Jim Moriarty has developed a new course that gives students hands-on experience in sports facilities management.

The course, titled “Recreational Sports Facilities Management,” aims to show students the real world duties of running a sports facility.

During spring break, students taking the course will get to travel to Florida while the Houston Astros, a major league baseball team, conduct their spring training and get to speak with and learn from real-life sports managers.

For this course, Moriarty has a clear cut goal for what he wants students to learn from the experience: “What it takes to work in that environment, what it takes to manage a facility, what it takes to make that experience seamless, not only for the fans that come in, but also for the players that come in to play,” Moriarty said.

The course was the brainchild of Moriarty, who developed the idea while on sabbatical a year ago. Moriarty contacted various major league teams in order to

Photo courtesy of Dot Houston

The nine students who are the first to take this travel course to Florida pose with members of management from the Houston Astros. "[The facility manager] basically broke down all the logistics of what it took to run a facility down there,” Jutras said.

Ben Harvish agreed that the tour really showed what one needs to be in this field.

“The whole thing is operations and logistics, you have to have that down to be successful. It was a

good example of what it takes to be successful in a business like that,” Harvish said.

Other than traveling to Florida, students also got to hear from people that worked for the Pittsfield Suns and the North Adams Steeplecats teams.

Moriarty has some advice for any athletes that may be interested in taking the course.

“If you like this environment and you like playing, take a look at careers where you are always involved in sports,” Moriarty said.

Moriarty feels that the course’s trial run went well and that he hopes that it will be offered again next spring, but nothing is set in stone.

Harvish sees the hands-on experience the course offers as a “big plus” and hopes that it is offered in future semesters for the benefit of other sports management majors.

Recreational Facilities Management is a 400-level course and fulfills upper level credit requirements for both the business administration major and the college core requirements.

If you are interested in taking the course in the future, Moriarty encourages you to contact him, either before the semester ends or in the fall.

give students a chance to tour a professional facility.

This was the first semester the course was offered, a “dry-run,” as Moriarty put it. This semester saw members of the baseball and softball teams attend the tours while in Florida for tournaments.

According to students like Nate Gutman, the experience was an

invaluable one.

“When you get up to the major league, you just see everything unfold,” Gutman said. “It’s just amazing to see what they do.”

According to senior Rob Jutras, the members of the Astros staff gave an incredibly in-depth look at the business.

be, that Massachusetts residents have always been progressive when it comes to marijuana use,” Casamassima said. “Marijuana criminalization is a waste of not only the state’s, but the country’s, resources. Rather than sending people to jail for non-violent drug-related crimes, the state could be profiting from marijuana regulation and taxation.”

A report released in June 2005

by Professor Jeffrey A. Miron titled "The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition" estimated that marijuana prohibition costs US taxpayers billions of dollars per year to enforce. Likewise, the report claims that, should marijuana be taxed and regulated like most consumer goods, the market for cannabis could potentially generate a combined savings and tax revenues between $10-14 billion per year.

The legalization of marijuana for recreational use has generated millions of dollars in tax revenue for both Colorado and Washington. Marijuana tax data released by the state of Colorado has shown that the state collected $135 million from the tax on marijuana alone in 2015.

BusinessInsider.com states that Washington has generated $250 million in marijuana sales in the past year, $62 million of which constitute marijuana excise taxes.

According to DrugPolicy. com, the number of Americans entering the prison system in 2014 for marijuana law violations was 700,993. From that, 88 percent, or 619,809, were arrested for possession only.

“When it comes to marijuana,

I’d like to see the removal of approval. CBS Boston reported percent of respondents were in fines and penalties all together,” that 63 percent of voters were favor of legalizing marijuana Casamassima said. “If the state in favor of the act, making for recreational use, with only wants to address drugs as an Massachusetts the 18th state in 35 percent opposing the idea. issue, it’s evident that banning the country to grant marijuana Despite an apparent interest them isn’t working. What we use for medical reasons. among Massachusetts residents, need is regulation, and to better In March 2015, Sen. Patricia Gov. Charlie Baker has stated that educate potential users about Jehlen presented the H.1561 bill, he will vigorously oppose any and marijuana use in general. We hoping to regulate marijuana all efforts to legalize and tax the should be providing young for legal use similarly to that of plant. adults with scientific facts, not alcohol. The bill requires that However, Baker spokesperson fear-based propaganda and scare the governor and general court Tim Buckley recently released a tactics, and allowing them to acknowledge that the criminal statement to Boston.com, stating make the decision whether or not prohibition of marijuana has that while the governor is opposed to smoke. Regardless, making any indisputably failed, and that to marijuana legalization, he drug illegal is moral policing. As the bill aims to eliminate the would yield should a ballot an adult, I should be able to say black market marijuana trade by initiative like the CRMLA prove that I’ve done the research and I allowing for a lawful system of successful, giving Massachusetts know the risk, I can make a moral production and distribution of residents all the more reason to and conscientious decision.” the schedule 1 drug. show their support for marijuana Casamassima isn’t alone Recently, a poll released by the this upcoming November. in her judgement of cannabis Western New England University use. Massachusetts voters have Polling Institute found that 57 shown a interest in marijuana- Financial aid announcement! related laws throughout the Thinking about taking years. Starting in 2008, the Sensible summer courses?

Marijuana Summer financial aid Policy Initiative passed with applications are now available over 65 percent in the financial aid office. of the vote, Stop by and apply!! decriminalizing marijuana use ************************** and eliminating NO CARD MINIMUMS Have you thought about c r i m i n a l penalties for studying abroad next fall?

Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 7pm possession of Sat: 9:30am - 7pm Start the process in CSSE under an ounce. and then schedule an In 2012, the Dine-In and Take-Out menu online.

Act for the appointment in the financial Gift Certificates & Discount Programs Hu m a n i t a r i a n Available aid office. www.TheParlorCafe.com Medical Use fb.com/TheParlorCafe was met with May 1st deadline date (413) 346-4279 staggering

Recreational Marijuana on the next Mass. Ballot

By Ronald P. Leja

Special to The Beacon Voters may have a chance to put an end to marijuana prohibition throughout Massachusetts. The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA) is currently pushing a statewide ballot initiative for November to legalize recreational use of marijuana and instill a system to regulate and tax it.

The initiative would permit adults over the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana while in public, and as much as 10 ounces in private space. It would also allow residents to grow up to 12 plants within their domicile, while giving property owners and landlords the right to prohibit marijuana from being grown on their property.

It also would allow for marijuana retail stores to open up shop, as well as cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, and testing facilities for cannabis. Regulations pertaining to the growth and selling of marijuana would fall under the Cannabis Control Commission, very similar to how the selling of alcohol is currently enforced.

Milena Casamassima, president of the MCLA chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), is hopeful that the initiative finds its way to the November 2016 ballot, believing there to be little reason not to legalize recreational marijuana use.

“I think that as long as the people strive to have a voice and put pressure on the state, we can prove to the powers that

3 Behind the scenes of the Spring Concert Campus News

Friday, April 29, 2016

By Idalis Foster

Senior News Editor Fourteen-and-a-half hours.

That’s how long students on the Student Activities Council (SAC) spent putting together every last detail of the spring concert and that’s just on the day of the performance.

Before the big day, junior Jordan Goyette, concert chair, and other E-board members of SAC bought the supplies on Kehlani’s rider (list of requirements), tabled for the selection of the concert performer, sold tickets and created posters and t-shirts for the big day.

The election process for the last two years under Goyette were different than in the past, as noted by senior Kyla Graves, comedy chair of SAC, and senior Joelle Dumont, treasurer of SAC and a former concert chair. According to Goyette, the system he's using has allowed for more diversity in potential performers instead of those from just one genre.

“I just try to make it as democratic as possible," Goyette said. "We compile a list of artists we have the resources for, we do several rounds of voting and we go from there. I think that with each new year we also are able to access a new crop of up and coming artists, which was the case with Kehlani this year.”

Junior Gaby Brown, vice president of public relations

Beacon.MCLA.edu

to meet Kehlani had to work the full day from 9:30 a.m. set up to break down ending at midnight, and volunteers needed to come prepared for some manual labor.

Senior Kenya Joseph was more than happy to volunteer for the chance to meet Kehlani and expressed her thanks to Goyette for bringing a performer who she considered to be talented and famous.

“I was there since 9:30 a.m. and the Photo taken by David Camarena moment she walked Volunteers pose for a group shot in a meet and greet with Kehlani and her crew. by me, it was all worth it,” Joseph said. for SAC, designed all of the and general members tabled to “I didn't expect to get so star promotion materials for the sell tickets in advance for the struck! I think the performance concert, including the Kehlani concert at $5 for students and and meeting her was the highlight poster, the tickets for the $7 for guests. Students from of my college career." concert and the t-shirts all of the Southern Vermont College, Twenty volunteers arrived at volunteers wore for the day of.

Williams College and Berkshire Venable Gym the morning of The rider included items like Community College were invited, to help put together the stage Gatorade, honey, strawberry one of many recent efforts for the and get the equipment for the Pedialyte, fruits, bread, chocolate College to improve connections performance all set up. From an chip cookies and Red Bull. with neighboring institutions.

L16 Genie Tower to two huge Goyette and senior Alexander In their last meeting before soundboards and lighting boards, Lopez, president of SAC, took their Spring Fling Week, Lopez they handled the very impressive, the trip to Walmart the Thursday started the afternoon with and expensive, materials used for before the concert to gather some nominations for their elections the show. of the supplies in advance while and announcements from their Dumont and senior Alison Dumont went the day of to get the chairs before having Goyette Gilbert, destinations chair for fresh fruits and veggie tray. take the floor. The rules were SAC, were glad to see the number That same week, SAC E-board made clear: anyone who wanted of volunteers for this year’s set up

Feeling the Bern

By Shunquell Dennis Photographer

A year ago, not many people knew the name Bernie Sanders, but today you can’t find a college student on MCLA’s campus that isn’t “feeling the Bern”.

Sanders has the support of young people yet there is still a low voter turnout in the polls when it comes to young adults.

However, you still have to ask yourself, “Why has he gained the popularity among the young population?”

Sanders started out as Vermont’s sole congressman in the House of Representatives in 1990, and in 2006 was elected as U.S Senate and is now serving his second term. Currently the only other candidate in the Democratic Party is Hilary Clinton. While Sanders is one of the democratic presidential candidates, he has made it very clear that he is a socialist.

Clinton is ahead of Bernie with 2,151 delegates which includes 519 super delegates. Sanders has 1,338 delegates with 39 super delegates with 16 states left in primary elections.

Among his most discussed issues is racial justice. On his political campaign website, Sanders talks about those who have been killed while in police custody such as Sandra Bland, Michael Brown and Freddie Gray. Although Clinton has mention racial justice here and there throughout her campaign, she has not quite caught the attention of young voters like Sanders has. #BlackLivesMatter is a movement that became popular first in 2015 with the

various killings of African-Americans.

People of all cultural backgrounds have shown their support through various social media platforms, so when Sanders began to bring up Black Lives Matter in political debates, young voters began to give him their undivided attention.

Sophomore Ian Cappelli is a Sanders supporter “Looking at the stats, younger people lean more often to the liberal side,” he said. Sanders has also mentioned that he plans to make college tuition free and debt free as well. While that would take some work, even as president, it is definitely one of the reasons that college aged voters have taken an interest to Sanders. He even has a six step plan to making this dream for college students become a reality.

“I think they support him because none of the other candidates consider their feelings,” said freshman Reagan Smith. Although Clinton’s campaign website includes issues such as the cost of college tuition, instead of advocating to make secondary education free, she only voices that it should be “accountable for controlling costs and making tuition affordable.”

2016-2017 newly elected SGA President Timothy Paul Williams is a strong supporter of Sanders and even advocates for him outside of his Townhouse. “I’m really happy to see the issues that he has brought up,” said Williams. He believes that students in college, such as himself, are Sanders supporters because they want to get a radical change.

and break down was much higher than in past years. Dumont said she hadn’t seen that many volunteers since We The Kings performed during her freshman year.

Goyette kept volunteers updated on the schedule for the day, including where to get snacks and refreshments throughout, as well as protocol for during the concert. Having been the concert chair last year and in nomination for the seat next year, he was also impressed with the volunteer increase, but was really pleased with the increase in tickets sales, ending the night with 200 attendees.

After working the concert, volunteers were able to meet Kehlani and take pictures with her, including the leaders of Project K, who presented her with two cakes for her birthday and an envelope with the videos they collected from students for her. Then it was back to the gym to take down the equipment and break apart the stage while munching hungrily on pizza and leftover cake from Kehlani’s dressing room (the Commuter Lounge).

Every year SAC donates the concert proceeds to a cause or two chosen by the E-board. The ticket sales this year, adding up to over $1,100, were split and donated to the Diane Collins Scholarship and the local Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention.

MassPIRG $9 waivable fee wins in SGA elections

By Joseph Carew Staff Writer

MassPIRG Campus Organizer Michael Basmajian left his position after a year and a half to join a sister organization on a good note, as MCLA’s chapter was voted to be funded again by a waivable fee for the next two years.

Basmajian began organizing with the group in the fall of 2014, but started working at MCLA the spring of the following year.

“When I was in college a few years ago, I was frustrated with learning so much about the problems of the world without much discussion of what to do about it,” Basmajian said. “MassPIRG appealed to me because it was a way to make a real difference on critical issues like climate change and the cost of higher education, while also allowing me to build my own skills and train and mentor students to become the next generation of activists who will ultimately shape the future of our society.”

Sophomore Lyna Benantar cites Basmajian as an inspiration for her current work with the organization.

“For the first time I've realized my potentials. I never thought I could be a leader, but this semester I led a campaign, and now I'm the MCLA chapter chair for MassPIRG,” Benantar said. “This also falls in on how Michael helped me realize my potentials, helped and led me whenever I needed help in any sort of way.”

Basmajian now looks to a sister organization of MassPIRG known as Environment Massachusetts, located in the Boston area, to continue his work. He won’t be leaving the

chapter at MCLA empty handed though, as his presence recently helped convince the student body to fund MassPIRG again.

Every two years, the student body can vote to choose whether or not to continue funding MassPIRG at MCLA through a $9 per semester waivable fee. The organization then uses this money to hire organizers, who will work with students, as well as a team of advocates who will represent these students at the State House in Boston and in Washington DC. “For students to vote yes means [they] will have this opportunity and discover a new them,” Benantar said. “It also means we could spread awareness and get students to help out and be part of a change.”

This academic year MassPIRG was involved in five campaigns. Within these, they helped to convince the largest food chain in the United States, Subway, to phase out meat raised on antibiotics, aided in the launching of Be Great (a local community organizing group), and successfully advocated to lift the solar cap (the limit of benefits and incentives given out for the use of solar energy) for the state of Massachusetts.

“I am very proud of the work the students in our chapter have done on issues like building a 100 percent clean energy future and alleviating hunger and homelessness,” Basmajian said. “I hope they continue to refine their organizing skills, get people involved with the political process, and build more connections with other groups on campus so we can learn from each other and maximize our impact to create a more just and sustainable world.”

4

Opinion & Editorial

Friday, April 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

The Beacon Editorial Harriett Tubman is on the $20 bill, but should we be celebrating just yet?

Harriett Tubman will become the new face of the $20 dollar bill. The news is celebratory to feminists and civil rights activists alike. Harriet Tubman, a civil war union spy, will replace Andrew Jackson the war hero, appropriately nicknamed “Indian killer.”

While Tubman’s contributions to American society are undeniable; Jackson--regardless of his dark history of racism--is an immensely important figure in American history. Not only was he the seventh president of the United States; he is credited with founding the modern incarnation of the Democratic Party and his strong will and personality set the standard for future presidents who led the country with a powerful vindication, such as Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt.

Though Jackson is an important figure to American history, replacing his face with Tubman’s adds important diversity to our nations symbols of freedom.

In addition to the new $20 bill the back of the $10 dollar bill will feature the women’s suffrage

Photo courtesy of Youtube

march of 1913 along with portraits of five suffragettes: Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and Susan B. Anthony.

The $5 bill is also getting a makeover with the standard Lincoln memorial as a back drop to the 1939 performance

by Marian Anderson, an African American artist. It will also feature Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt.

The United States has come a long way, and while it’s uplifting

to see the face of a strong black female as one of our national symbols, it’s disheartening to know we’re not quite there yet. It took nearly 250 years to diversify the faces of our currency, and it’s still largely made up of white men. It took us 242 years to elect a black man as president, 249 years to legalize gay marriage, 249 years to let a woman come as close as Clinton has to securing the nomination for president.

While women graduate college at higher rates than men, the New York Times reported in March

that they still by and large receive 20 percent less income. Even at MCLA, in places where inherent sexism might not be running rampant, a Beacon reporter found female professors make a mean average of $74,604 while male professors make a mean average of $86,795.

The United States is a great country. We’re younger than most and crippled socially by our long standing history of slavery and racism.

The Washington post calculated that police had shot and killed 986 people last year, 40 percent of whom were unarmed black men.

The United States has a lot of problems. We’re one of two countries in the world that does not mandate paid maternity leave. We very well might elect Donald Trump as president.

However, we stand as an example showing that democracy was and is possible. We built a country based on Enlightenment ideals, ideals stating that every person is born with natural rights, the right to life, liberty, and property. We haven’t quite gotten there yet, but we’ve come a long way.

What are your plans after graduation?

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Opinion

Friday, April 29, 2016

Rap industry insights Terrestrial radio ain’t dead

Joseph carew Staff Writer/Columnist

h ee l

W

Newspapers are immortal chameleons. They may change form, but many are impossible to Matt Aceto eliminate. Technological advances Web Editor over the past decade have forced newspapers to adapt accordingly, though local news outlets have refused to be squashed. In recent times, there have been doubts about the longevity of terrestrial radio stations.

Similar to newspapers, terrestrial radio stations have been able to survive due solely to their importance to local communities.

Radio stations serve several necessary functions. Not only do DJs break music, they also break news. Commuters on their way to work in the morning are able to catch up on the latest stories and alerts, without taking the potentiallyfatal moment to glance at their smartphones while driving.

As noted by digitalsyndicate.net, “Local broadcasters will always be a factor, due to their delivery of customized information such as news, traffic, and weather for their communities, especially in rural areas.” These local updates are what mainly separate terrestrial radio stations from the competing satellite radio stations.

Many thought satellite radio and internet radio would overtake terrestrial broadcasting; however, that just hasn’t been the case. Qz.com reported that according to a 2014 study done by Pew research center, 81 percent of all radio listening hours are from terrestrial broadcasting compared to 11 percent from internet radio and eight percent from satellite

Sp n i

As this is the last column of the year, I thought I should bring back a piece that you all seemed to enjoy known as Tales of Woe. It was winter time and a blizzard was raging. I had made a promise to return a friend’s boyfriend to his college in Central Vermont, and I thought I could make it. For the type of weather I was about to drive in, one would need four or all wheel drive, winter tires, an SUV or truck, a decent amount of skill, and at least a little luck.

Of course. I had none of those, but proceeded anyway.The lovebirds sat in the back, and I was accompanied in the front by a chocolate muffin in the passenger seat. The snow was coming down at about an inch or two an hour, and the plows of Massachusetts weren't clearing as effectively as I had hoped. But, we continued into Vermont where the snow was coming down much harder. The two in back whispered sweet nothings as the muffin continued to give the silent treatment as we made our way north. I had driven this route about a halfdozen times before and knew the road would bend into an “S” up ahead. Now please note, my car came standard with an ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, in 1993. Please also note my car no longer had that benefit.

There couldn’t have been a snowplow on that road

radio. This proves that although terrestrial broadcasting may be the old-school method, it remains the most preferred.

Not only is terrestrial broadcasting more popular than satellite radio and internet radio, but it seems to have an edge over television and smartphone usage as well. Observer. com reported that according to a Nielsen report, 93 percent of American adults listen to terrestrial radio each week.

This is more than the 87 percent of American adults who watch television each week and the 70 percent who use smartphones each week. This shows that radio isn’t dead; it’s alive and thriving.

Another important aspect of terrestrial radio is that it’s free. Unlike paid streaming services such as Apple Music or Tidal, listening to the radio doesn’t cost a penny. There’s no need to have a good WiFi connection, either. Terrestrial broadcasts can be heard from anywhere within range, and there are dozens of stations to choose from. Here in North Adams, MCLA’s own WJJW 91.1 FM is among the many stations fueling the city.

Lastly, radio stations are irreplaceable promotional resources. An on-air commercial or public service announcement can greatly benefit a local event by spreading awareness to the listeners. Plus, concert tickets and sports tickets are frequently given away to lucky callers; where else do these opportunities take place? Like local newspapers, terrestrial radio stations give a loud voice to the surrounding communities- a voice that won’t turn static for many years to come.

Tales of Woe: Winter Crash

for the last hour, and my attempt to slow for the bends led to a locking, of the wheels. In this scenario, one should lift off the brakes and tap them in order to prevent ineffective locking but in my slight panic, I held firm (as you should do with ABS). I then turned the wheel to help the failing process, but my car was determined to remain on course for disaster.

Time slowed to a standstill; I looked at the muffin first and then turned my gaze to my friends in the back. “Hold on,” I said and we crashed. The right wheel hit hard and climbed over the curb but the sliding didn’t stop. The car kept its momentum until a well placed traffic sign helped hook the red beast like a trophy trout.

As everything stopped and time picked back up again I checked the muffin (it was fine) and looked back at my other passengers. Everyone was fine and the damage done was minimal. A side panel crinkled, a tire forced off of its rim, some unimportant underbody damage, and my perfect driving record in ruins.

With help from a stranger and the swapping of a tire, we all returned to MCLA in one piece. I will leave you with this: when the weather gives you pause, just stay home. I have been incredibly foolish and equally lucky and offer this story as a lesson.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

See

5

oon

Yo

al S u Re

By Isabel McKenzie Columnist As I stare up at the sky during the finale of “Wishes," Magic Kingdom’s signature firework show, I am overcome with a burst of sadness. Cinderella’s Castle stands in front of me, alight with the glow of hundreds of fireworks. The light reflects onto the crowd: daughters on dad’s shoulders, grandparents holding hands of little ones, moms crouching down next to strollers. This may be their first time watching the show, but for me, it has gotten better every time I’ve seen it.

I have less than three weeks left in the most magical place on earth, and I can’t believe the program has come to an end this fast. While my friends in North Adams are finishing up their last week of classes, I am preparing two final presentations for my Disney courses, as well as mustering up the strength to say goodbye to some of the closest friends I’ve ever made here in Florida. Some of these friends I have a very small chance to ever see again once we all return home, such as my friend Yuki from Japan and Elyse from Australia. It’s a strange feeling, knowing how much these people mean to me and have affected my life although we have only been together for four months of our lives.

I’ve tried to compile all of my experiences here into each of these weekly columns, and yet I feel as though there is still so much to say and write about. I wish I could accurately describe the feeling of watching the Festival of Fantasy parade in Magic Kingdom, and having Flynn Rider swing by on an anchor while winking at me, or the stress of watching the wave pool and making sure each child is safe. I love my cast member bumper sticker on the back of my car, and the thrill of flashing my blue ID to access backstage never got old. More than anything, I wish I had a before and after picture.

Although it may not show much being changed on the outside, my mentality, maturity, self-confidence, and esteem is very different. I moved from North Adams to Orlando for four months on my own, lived with five personalities very different from mine, and worked with people from all over the globe for one of the top six globally recognized brands.

I will be taking all of these personal achievements to MCLA with me. The memories of my time here will help motivate me towards a newly found goal of coming back in a year.

For those at MCLA, as my boss Mickey Mouse says, “I’ll see you real soon!”

“Through the Disney College Program, I will document my experience so you can follow along. Join me as I “earn my ears“ with none other than Mickey Mouse here in Orlando, Florida.”

6

Campus Life

Friday, April 29, 2016

SGA Highlights

New President, continued from page 1

“Everything that AJ said, they were great ideas, and we’re going to take them into consideration and use our own ideas to be the best that SGA can be,” she said.

She wants to focus her time as executive vice president on fundraising money for class council and unifying class councils.

“I want to bring the class councils more together and promote it through all four grade levels,” she said.

All three election winners were impressed by the competing campaign. Esposito admitted that they never once felt like they had the election in the bag.

“Running with AJ has opened our eyes to all the possibilities of thing we can do,” Esposito said, then added. “We can’t do everything because it’s a lot.”

Williams intends to keep an open-door policy between SGA and students. He also wants to showcase more of what SGA is doing.

“We want to show results of what SGA can do. We want to show record of getting things done,” he said.

The new administration was sworn in on Monday and intend on starting right away by working with the current SGA administration and meeting with class councils to set goals.

Among one of the goals Williams has for next year is to get a hydration station in the science center, and to keep momentum of initiatives like the open-source textbook campaign.

Giffen will continue current Coordinating VP, Kelsey McGonigle’s, work integrating clubs and E-boards more with SGA. One of the things the three new administrators hope to implement next year is an accountability system for senators, to make sure they are reaching out and talking to people.

Giffen wants to integrate senator office hours into tabling in the campus center so that senators can reach out and talk to more people.

“We’re going to go somewhere that’s accessible to people at all times,” she said.

Cote wished Williams and his team luck.

“I’m glad that the Williams ticket got in. They’re good people so I’m sure that SGA is in good hands,” Cote said. “We’d like to head forward with our community garden project and work to continue to help the people of North Adams, and also other people on campus, have fun, work on our relevant skills and make a difference in this world, because for us it’s not about earning money or getting a good job. For us it’s about making a difference and spreading love to other people.”this world, because for us it’s not about earning money or getting a good job. For us it’s about making a difference and spreading love to other people.”

Beacon.MCLA.edu

By Emily Gabert Staff Writer

SGA held its last meeting of the year. New faces were sworn into the Student Senate while old members were sworn back into their old positions.

Two elected senators resigned from their impending positions.

New senator, Kayla Lavoice, and Jessica Lovellette were announced to turn down their positions, both citing new opportunities as the reason why.

The new E- board of SGA was also voted on by the new Student Senate.

Rebecca Godbout will serve as the SGA’s new Senate Secretary, Tyler Spencer will serve as the new Senate Chair, Lavoice

will serve as the new trustee and Lovellette will serve as the Parliamentarian. Adam Sams will serve as the the Public Relations chair.

Academic Policies The pending policy for the new academic forgiveness program was passed by the Academic Committee on hybrid classes, or courses that are taught partly online and partly in person. This policy was brought to attention by the All College committee.

There was some confusion regarding hybrid classes, with how exactly the hybrid programs would work.

Hybrid classes will be discussed by the committee again at the beginning of the fall

semester.

The previous Academic Committee chair, Ingrid Castro stepped down during a recent SGA meeting. A new chair will be selected this fall.

Food Committee The Food Committee held its final meeting for the school year on Monday. The committee advised students that to purchase bulk orders with their declining balance, they need to be turned in by Thursday, May 5 to Jerel Dydowickz in dining services. He can be reached via Outlook.

The Centennial Room, Subway, The P.O.D., and the Trailblazer Café will close on May 9 after 6 p.m.

The Subway on campus has begun to use chicken without antibiotics as well.

SGA Co-sponsoring The SGA is co-sponsoring the Sociology Society’s dessert potluck on Monday, May 2 in Murdock 302. The SGA will be giving the club $100 to help pay for ice cream, drinks, and other needed supplies.

Final constitution of the 2015-2016 year The final club constitution, for NeXXus, was passed by the Student Senate.

MCLA Alum stresses value of campus involvement at URC

By Emily Gabert Staff Writer

Chloe McGrath returned to the College as this year’s keynote speaker for the 14th annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC). McGrath granted advice to students in her speech.

“MCLA remains a very special place for me,” McGrath announced, “it is truly where my future came together and I found what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.”

As a freshman, McGrath entered the College as many other freshmen do – she was undecided – and didn’t have the slightest clue as to what she wanted to study or do for the rest of her life. McGrath expressed how she always felt a bit awkward when asked by family what she was studying or looking to do with her life.

McGrath was placed into a US Government class. She had never taken any class in a related field before and never considered doing political science until she entered the classroom. McGrath found it to be enjoyable.

“I think it was a combination of the professor,” McGrath reflected, “…and the coursework. [It] really kind of made me ask questions, challenged me, and made me think of things I had never really thought about. [The class] intrigued me and really made me want more.”

Now, McGrath is currently a graduate student at American University in Washington, DC, where she will graduate in May, with a master’s in public policy.

McGrath has a full time job lined up for her with the United States Department of Treasury, where she will work as a management analyst.

“MCLA sent me to the 2012 National Democratic Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina,” McGrath said, “where I was a part of the Washington Academic Seminar with 100 other students

from around the country. I was a runner for CNN, and it was the first time I felt a part of something bigger than myself. It was fast paced and exciting.”

McGrath urged students to take advantage of the opportunities that are offered to them. She believes that every opportunity, no matter how small, can help greatly impact students in the long run. She believes the annual research conference and the experiences offered to her, have helped all of her accomplishments to fall into place.

“I started [out] as an undeclared freshman, who felt more than a little lost,” McGrath said, “and came out matured, driven, motivated – with a rich education. But most importantly, I had a plan for what I wanted to do and what I needed to do, to continue my journey to becoming an analyst.”

During her freshman year, McGrath had observed the presentations at the research conference, hoping to one day be able to participate. A display about gender roles in horror movies stuck out to her, reflecting upon the diversity that MCLA’s research conference has to offer.

“In many ways, the URC highlights the range of students at MCLA, and more importantly,” McGrath stated, “the benefits of showing work across the campus, so students of all interests and majors get exposed to quality research, they otherwise wouldn’t [have].”

Years went by and McGrath found herself becoming more involved with the conference.

She volunteered her sophomore year and by her junior year she was working with a team on a presentation about the process her and a class were involved in with the Model United Nations in Toronto, Canada. The presentation showcased the hard work it takes to achieve global diplomacy, along with the work the United Nations is involved

with on a regular basis.

“This conference showcases year after year that research doesn’t have one definition or one final product,” McGrath commented. “All disciplines from anthropology to biology to the arts can participate in this day that provides a rich experience outside the classroom.”

“Without a doubt, the well -rounded liberal arts education I received at MCLA directly prepared me for graduate studies and for seeking employment in a competitive job environment.

The unique opportunities I took advantage of during my time here definitely strengthened my resume and helped me secure competitive internships and my current job.”

McGrath believes that potential employers like to see more work beyond the classroom. She finds that they like to see more experiences under a student’s belt. Each opportunity outside the classroom helped her, even things that weren’t necessarily directly related to what she wanted to do. McGrath recalled interning at a public relations firm; she discovered that there are parallels

in different things – something that wouldn’t have been realized before. McGrath was able to apply the different aspects she had learned into different areas.

McGrath believes a liberal arts education helps make students adapt and quickly learn different things outside their prospective field.

“You are becoming not only an expert in your own scope of study but in other areas as well.

I’ve highlighted this quality in every job interview I’ve been on,” McGrath said. “It’s the most marketable qualities an employee can have.”

“Employers aren’t only going to want people who can do the job duties required but those who can perform well in other tasks and assignments as they come up later down the line,” McGrath said.

With the shrinking amount of workers at her job, McGrath has had to do more than her required duties, doing much more than expected. McGrath found herself nervous about this, but the truth was she was prepared due to the excellent foundation MCLA had granted her.

Correction

In last week’s issue, we mistakenly titled TAZ member Emily Young as TAZ president, when Emily Law is the actual president.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Campus Life

Beacon.MCLA.edu

URC showcases diverse research projects

7

Students present research in various fields including language’s evolution and mental illness depictions

By Idalis Foster

Senior News Editor The annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) encouraged students to showcase work on a variety of topics from mental illnesses to the untapped legitimacy of fanfiction. Special sessions on marine biology and language and literacy in the 21st century were overflowing, the attendance high considering the time of 9:30 am.

Senior Jillian Meyerson, junior Lauren Levite, and sophomore Brigid Downey were presenters for “Stranger than English: Language and Literacy in the 21st Century,” sponsored by English professor Amber Engelson.

Levite examined the evolution of language on the blogging site Tumblr while Downey touched on how fanfiction has grown into a mainstream form of literature. Meyerson talked about the dualities of fanfictions as a cultural literature.

Meyerson, who was very nervous for her first time presenting at the conference, found that working on her piece for the URC actually increased her interest in the topic. Sophomore Rebecca Ames had plenty of questions for the panel, and asked all three presenters why they chose to write about their topics.

“I had never read fanfiction before, so I just chose two series I knew well: Harry Potter and Sherlock," Meyerson said. "[I] found myself actually liking the fanfiction. [The project] was more of a focus on the limitless and limited realms for fanfiction based on the content they are commentary on.”

Downey took a different approach with the Glee fandom and it's respective fanfictions. She focused on Dalton Academy, a fanfiction she'd read, and was able to connect with the author for her paper.

It was over 20 pages long due to the sheer amount of interviews and information she was able to obtain with her ties to the community.

Ingrid Castro, professor of sociology, had thirteen students enrolled in her Representations of Mental Photo by Idalis Foster/The Beacon Health course create Junior Diana Faulkner answers student questions about her research diorama-like projects to on the challenges libraries face in the 21st century. depict different disorders.

Each diorama had a “It was pretty impressive; there Look at her face,” Mills said, notecard with hints about what was one rat who would hold pointing to a picture of an elderly each mental illness was, with the onto the button for 45 seconds woman being presented with a name on the back for viewers to straight just to be able to eat,” gift. “She’s so happy! We just want look at once they guessed.

Casamassima said. to make things like the Santa to a The special exhibit, titled Other posters included junior Senior event and weekly bingo at Mental Health in a Box, depicted Rachel Mills and junior Rebecca the Spitzer Center regular things mental illnesses including binge Godbout’s showcasing of the that we do.” eating disorder and pyromania. Keeping the Elderly Engaged There were also posters on Junior Kelsey Callichia used Program (K.E.E.P.), through E. coli by senior Grace Ngobo, crumpled up bits of newspaper which they keep seniors engaged flashlamp-pumped dye laser by and miniature chairs to depict in activities like bingo, Be a Santa senior Cody Gawle, and cover hoarding, while sophomore to a Senior, and valentines for the board arrays at Canoe Meadows Alyssa St. France used a elderly.

Wildlife Sanctuary by Payton funeral setting to represent “I just love this picture here. Hines. Hines’ study, which she hypersomnolence, an excessive sleeping disorder.

In the poster sessions, students covered Model UN issues and binge eating rats with a progressive duration.

Juniors Milena Casamassima and Sara Peck, both psychology okay to voice your opinions and

By Idalis Foster majors, presented their study of go out of your comfort zone, Senior News Editor binge eating in rats and Peck’s because the world isn’t as bad as research on the topic was recently they say it is.

Second semester of senior published in Elsevier, a peerJillian: I think the most helpful year can be the most stressful as reviewed journal. students gear up for entering the thing was my work study jobs in workplace and leaving college office because they gave me some behind. We spoke to three office experience and also taught seniors, Khalill Dancy, Jillian me how to use a copy machine.

Allie: I think the learning Meyerson, and Alexandra Kadell, to get their perspectives on life experiences that I got, the out after college and how MCLA has of class experience I was able to gain, has helped me prepare prepared them for it.

Q: What plans do you have more for this career; However, if for after graduation career wise I were to be going into history, I’d be using those same skills so my and otherwise?

Khalill: So after graduation research skills, that I’ve gained I have absolutely no idea what from my history major will also I am going to do career wise. apply to this new position and Unlike many of my peers, I don’t new field that I’m going to be have anything lined up. I will going into.

Q: How could they have been be moving in with my parents for a while and, as awful as that more helpful?

Khalill: They could’ve been sounds, I don’t really mind it. I’ll start looking for work once I’m more helpful by telling me what I did wrong in my interviews and back home.

Jillian: I want to go to grad offering more job opportunities school but I have to make money on campus for those without for grad school, so I’m trying work study and the like.

Jillian: I don’t know really…I to get a job (maybe at another want to say have more resources college) so I can do that.

Allie: I’m going to be attending and information for those trying Salem State University in the fall to go to grad school, but they for their Masters of Education, might have those and I just Higher Education, and Student ignored them, which is plausible.

Allie: I think doing more Affairs program.

Q: How has MCLA prepared programming for applying to grad school, interviewing, and you for the work force?

Khalill: MCLA has prepared things like that in the fall semester me for the workforce pretty well. rather than in the spring semester.

I’ve only had one job on campus I know for me, interviewing and there I’ve learned that it’s would have been a great skill to

conducted along with Sarah Guidetti, stressed the importance of monitoring red-backed salamander populations to detect any changes in their habitat, such as water and air pollution.

Juniors Nicolas Colon and Kayla Lingel along with senior Samantha Boyle worked together on a study that revealed interesting trends titled “College and Life Satisfaction: The Impact of College Involvement.” According to Colon, the findings were not as drastic as one may think but did show certain commonalities.

“We had to compare people in sports, active and non-active in terms of their satisfaction with life, the campus, academics, activities they're involved in and the student services,” Colon said.

“We found that athletes and those who were active in other parts of campus life were more satisfied with campus than those who were not active on campus.”

Other sessions from the afternoon included Creative Writing Reading and Japan: A Juxtaposition of Tradition and Modernity, conducted by students who attended the spring break trip to Japan from the course taught by Kailai Huang.

Seniors confident in skills taken from MCLA

have last semester rather than this coming week. So, I think doing things earlier. I know that I took a one-credit class that was an e-portfolio and it prepared me so much. I’d recommend that the school have something like first year experience where you’re transitioning in, having a fall semester class where you’re transitioning out.

Q: What was the most helpful part of your senior year preparation for graduating?

Khalill: The most helpful part of my senior year preparation for graduation might have been many of the faculty and staff. If not for them, I don’t know if I’d be where I am now. They pushed me and made me try different things to help me become a more well-rounded individual as cliché as that sounds. I might miss them as much as the friends I’ve made here.

Jillian: I guess solidifying what I want to do with my life.

I’m still not 100% sure of what I’m doing, but having at least a solid game plan to work with was the most useful.

Allie: Going into senior year, it was helpful to have those connections and ask those people you connect with for letters of recommendation and having your student loans figured out.

You have to start thinking about what you’re going to do and even if it’s a minimal job, that’s going to get you a lot further than not

8

Arts & Entertainment

Friday, April 29, 2016

North Adams

Eateries:

Places to go on a date

By Mitchell Chapman A & E Editor

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Television and Film Society: a new club on campus

Dates require a few things out of a restaurant: good atmosphere, a fun place to be, delicious food, and breathing room.

Needless to say, Burger King won’t quite cut it, unless you like the sound of whirring machinery, the smell of intestine-clogging food, and a greasy table to sit at. Here are my dining recommendations to take that special someone out on a college budget, in the beautiful city of North Adams.

The Public

A bit pricey for a college student, but if you have the extra cash, why not treat you and your lover to the closest North Adams can come to fine dining? Everything on the menu is fantastic, ranging from gooey Mac n Cheese that puts Kraft to shame, to steak, to tacos, to falafel. Meals range from around $10 to well over $20. With the Public, you get what you pay for. My only complaint is with its popularity. I highly recommend that you make a reservation before going to this restaurant, as you might see yourself waiting up to 30 minutes otherwise. One time I had to wait over an hour for my food, because of how busy they were. If you are walking from campus and call immediately, 9 times out of 10, there will be a table open by the time you arrive at the restaurant. It’s not a place you can eat at every day, but it’s the perfect place to spend a special occasion with that special someone in your life.

The Hub

Not necessarily the classiest restaurant around, what it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for in food. It might not have the “first-class” look of the Public, but I doubt your date is going to complain about going.

It’s a great place to get a burger or a grilled sandwich with someone fun. This isn’t gourmet food, but prices tend to stay within the $10-15 range. When it’s nice out, the Hub makes use of its outside tables, which can be pleasant in the summer time. My only complaint is that the narrow structure of the space does not work to the Hub’s benefit when it’s busy, but you should have enough room unless you’re seated near the front entrance of the restaurant.

Photo from Matt Stevens

Club members Joseph Sabin and Erika Lucia working camera on episode one of “Bad News.” The project will serve as an example of what the club can do to attract new members next year.

By Paige Pomerantz A & E Writer

Lights, cameras, action! A new club dedicated to creating their own films and television series has come to our campus thanks to the hard work of sophomore Ally Thienel, who is now the president of the group.

As a creative writing major, Thienel dreams of writing scripts out in California one day.

“I always see these little pictures moving around in my head and I want to bring them to life, and I thought this club would be a good way to start,” she said.

Television and Film Society (TFS) has a unique process devoted to getting everyone in campus involved. They begin by selecting a topic, then they go on to write scripts, draft characters, cast actors, and choose directors. Then they head down to the TV Studio in Mark Hopkins where they get to bring the characters to life, run the cameras, and edit

air them throughout the year.

Although there are no required pre-requisite classes to join TFS, Thienel recommends taking Basic TV Production and Broadcasting to get a firm grip on the studio and equipment, and to receive some experience with directing. Stevens advises students to take a creative writing class such as Experiments in Creative Writing.

The club can be a little shorthanded at times, so it’s great if actors learn how to run the cameras in case they are needed to shoot a scene they aren’t in.

“We got this club started to try and have another creative outlook for people on campus to express themselves,” freshman and newly appointed secretary Luke O’Brien said. “We have all sorts of writing and acting clubs, but we create our own content, which is very rewarding.”

What TFS uniquely brings to the table is that they combine all the singular aspects of those clubs into one.

They are extremely fortunate, according to Theinel; they started this club up in October of last year and the TV Studio was entirely remodeled over winter break, leaving them with brand new equipment.

“Most colleges don’t let you touch that stuff until you’re a junior or senior, yet we’re all lower-classmen in a club allowed to use it,” Thienel said.

For now, they have been shooting primarily in the studio, along with a few locations around campus, but have plans to venture off campus next semester, since they will have more time to plan and produce each episode.

Professor Joseph Ebiware and TV Studio technician Peter Gentile helped bring this club to life when Thienel came to them with her idea.

“I never expected there to be such a huge following with the club,” Stevens said.

If you have any interest in joining TFS, you can contact Ally Thienel on Outlook 365.

A Curious

Scarlett Johansson should step Case of down from “Ghost in the Shell”

Desperado’s

Not the healthiest on this list, but with its wide variety of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), excellent quality tacos and burritos (their street taco is a favorite of mine), and excellent homemade guacamole, Desperados drives a hard bargain. Its booth-style seating offers plenty of room to spend time with your date. The atmosphere is on par with the Hub. There is even an attempt to engage you and your date, as each booth includes a (woefully outdated) version of trivial pursuit. A novel idea, but the quality of its food is what keeps us coming back for more.

For a small town, North Adams has plenty of adequate places to go on a date. Other excellent locations are Korean Garden, and The Sushi House, if you have the cash for it. The Parlor and The Freight Yard Pub are also great choices for an impromptu get together. Mass MoCA also includes a café, if you want to grab a quick bite to eat during an art date. Oh Crepe! is a great location, especially during breakfast. Whatever your, taste there might be something in North Adams for you and your partner!

the film.

“It’s really a melting pot,” freshman and vice president Matt Stevens said.

There is a little niche for everyone to fit in to TFS: writers, directors, actors, tech producers, editors, makeup artists, costume designers, and more.

Being a new club, they are always looking for fresh members to add to their current 16.

This semester they worked on a mini series titled “Bad News,” which acted as a trial run to see where they make mistakes and what they can improve on.

“It turns out we made a lot of errors,” Stevens said. “It’s the first time we’ve done something like this.”

In the upcoming fall and spring semesters, they plan to film and debut a full-length television series. With a few ideas in mind already, the club seems to be leaning in the superhero direction. They are planning on splitting the series into two parts so that they can begin filming while they work on the back half of scripts, and

Mitchell Chapman A & E Editor

R EDRUM

Hollywood has never been good at including minorities.

The most recent chapter in this book of injustice is Scarlett Johansson’s casting as Major Motoko Kusanagi in the upcoming live action adaptation of Japanese manga/ anime “Ghost in the Shell,” in which its studio is attempting to make Johansson appear more Asian through computer technology.

This is a truly disgusting turn for Paramount Pictures.

During a year where there were no black nominees at the Oscars, their response to Johannson’s casting is quite shocking. Visual yellowface is nothing new; it has been used before long before the advent of digital technology and has been met with likewise

backlash. It is not good enough to simply make Johansson look Asian; the crux of the matter is that Johannson is taking away a big opportunity from an Asian actress.

It is completely understandable that the studio would want a big name attached to their film.

Film-making is a business, and general audiences might not necessarily see it on name value alone. “Ghost in the Shell,” despite having an excellent reputation in the anime world, simply isn’t a strong enough brand to solicit the large, general audience Johansson provides; however, there are plenty of high profile Japanese actresses Paramount could have approached to take the mantle of Major Kusanagi,

such as “Pacific Rim’s” Rinko Kikuchi.

The problem is, try as they might, there are no Asian actresses as popular as Johansson, who starred in “The Avengers.” This is the result of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Asian actresses don’t get cast in roles like “Ghost in the Shell,” because they lack a high profile, but they can never get a high profile in the first place because they are barred from big breaks like “Ghost in the Shell.”

The best option at this point would be if Johansson stepped down from the role, because the studio will not budge on this matter. Such a move would make Johansson a strong voice for equal opportunities in Hollywood, and would do

wonders for her public image, leagues above what any single performance could do for her.

However, such a move might not be possible, as Johansson is most certainly under contract.

The fact that the studio is trying to alter her race digitally is alarming. It could streamline Hollywood’s whitewashing, eliminating key breaks for actors of color and making it harder for minority actors to build brands of their own.

Scarlett Johansson has enough money, and it’s not like there is any shortage of Johansson pictures.

It’s time for Hollywood to start being more inclusive, not just by telling stories it’s never told before, but by giving opportunities to those who are not white.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Dance Company’s spring performance leaps into action tonight at MoCA

By Jonathan Hoel A & E Writer

In what will be their 15th year of entertaining the Berkshires with various dance, the MCLA Dance Company is set to perform two shows in MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center this weekend.

The club, led by co-presidents junior Colleen Regal and junior Bryanna Bradley, will be displaying an assortment of dance, including ballet, hip-hop, ballroom, bachata, Caribbean, and pointe, according to their press release. “[We have] 80 different people performing and a crew of 15 nonperforming members that are key to helping us run everything,” Regal said. “We’re the largest club with the largest amount of active members.”

Dance Company’s previous performance in the fall 2015 semester, also covered by the Beacon, was well-received.

Regarding the actual content of the show, Regal was tight-lipped about giving anything away.

“There isn’t too much we can give away, but with it being the 15th year we can promise some surprises, as well as some familiar faces,” Regal said.

Regal added that the show would

be comprised of 25 choreographed pieces throughout the night.

“The show is an ecstatic new experience for me because it’s the first year I’ll be participating,” said sophomore Sychiah Johnson.

“And it is, more importantly, the 15th year anniversary, which is really exciting.”

Despite being the largest club on campus, Dance Company will be just as affected by the SGA budget cuts declared earlier this semester for the 2017 fiscal year.

The club faces a cut of about 15 percent, nearly $2,000, but Dance Company doesn’t seem too worried.

“All budgets have been cut and we understand that,” Regal said.

“Yes, a lower budget [will] hinder the plans we have, but I have faith in our company and E-board for the following year, and [have faith] that it won’t be noticed.”

The excitement and enthusiasm for Dance Company, albeit always a very strong staple of the MCLA community, seems to have been raised to an even higher level this spring.

“We always have incredible and dedicated dancers and choreographers each semester, but this semester in particular our members have picked up extra opportunities that have

Dance Company Spring Show MASS MoCA Hunter Center Tonight at

8:30 p.m.

Tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Free for MCLA students

Teen Writing Workshop Final Performance Final Performance of the Teen Writing Workshop.

Photo from Dance Company

strengthened them as dancers,” Regal said. “A lot of our choreographers took risks with what they are putting on the stage. We ran into some obstacles this semester and everyone has handled them seamlessly.”

Dance Company’s show will run

By Mitchell Chapman A & E Editor

Photo by Mitchell Chapman/The Beacon

Alex Da Corte’s “Free Roses” is the largest and most innovative exhibit of the three new gallery additions to MASS MoCA. of mechanical swans. Another has a disjointed array of fake lips, a cardboard eyeball, a background reminiscent of “Looney Toons,” and a knocked-over flower pot, lit by bright red neon lights.

The atmosphere is vibrant, and a bit unsettling. It is a massive exhibition, comprising nearly the entire second floor of MASS MoCA’s main building. Cultural references from yesteryear are bountiful. Jim Shaw’s “Entertaining Doubts” might have been removed from the space, but “Free Roses” is set on continuing its social commentary.

“Beetles in the Leaves” is a strong

Upcoming A&E Events Tonight

about two hours. There are two opportunities to see the show, firstly on Friday April 29 at 8:30 p.m. and again Saturday April 30 at 2:00 p.m. Attendance is free for MCLA students and $5 for anyone else.

MASS MoCA’s new exhibits display strange and wonderful art forms The climate of Mass MoCA is changing with the addition of three new exhibitions: “Free Roses” by Alex Da Corte, “Beetles in the Leaves” by Sarah Crowner, and “The Space Between,” a collaborative exhibition.

All exhibitions are interactive, to an extent. While there are smaller pieces of art in each exhibition, such as painting and sculpture, what really is special about each exhibition is the environment it creates. Sarah Crowner makes great use of abstract art and ambiguity of form to make statements about nature. Alex Da Corte incorporates elements of Dime museums and culture of the past to create what can be best described as vibrant madness. “The Space Between” assembles a series of seemingly unrelated works to p r o v i d e commentary on capitalism and consumerist society (a common trend in MoCA and Gallery 51 exhibitions).

Da Corte’s “Free Roses” is the most visually stunning and expansive of the three new exhibitions (which debuted preceding Debo Band’s performance). It is also the most bizarre. One piece has pancakes floating amidst a pond

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second, in terms of the three new exhibitions. Much of the idea behind it came when Crowner realized that the floor can be another type of painting. As such, many of her sculptures are tiled, and one of her pieces, people can even walk on. The colors she picked are so appealing, that despite the exhibition’s simplistic design and heavy reliance on minimalism, the exhibition is still an enjoyable experience for a casual onlooker. Basic statements about plant life and nature can be discerned even from a casual glance, something the exhibition it towers over, Richard Nonas’s

“The Man in The Empty Space,” can’t say for itself.

“The Space Between” is arguably the weakest of the three new exhibitions, but that is because it has less presence in the museum, which is an intentional move. “The Space Between” is literally the space between major exhibitions. This comes in the form of specialized sculptures and audio recordings, the most interesting of which is Walead Beshty’s glass sculptures, which show wear and tear accumulated from its many travels with the FedEx Corporation. Blink and you’ll miss it, this exhibition requires that you have vigilant eyes to properly appreciate its art.

The art of MoCA changes all the time. For a museum that focuses in contemporary art, it is important that its art be fresh and new, and more new stuff is certainly going to appear. If you go to the museum today, you will see a few sections of the museum gated off, in preparation for May 28’s “Explode Every Day: An Inquiry into the Phenomena of Wonder,” which will feature an entourage of 23 international artists in an attempt to harness the idea of wonder. It is sure to be intriguing.

Common Folk Gallery at 5 P.m.

Free and open to the public

Tomorrow

North Adams FIGMENT Interactive art extravaganza.

Windsor Lake. at 3 p.m.

Free and open to the public

Sunday

QSU’s BBQueer

Free Food, music, and tie-dying.

MCLA Quad at 12 p.m.

This Month

G51 Student Shows On display from April 28 to May 22.

Bullet Points Curated show by MCLA’s Advanced Museum Studies Class

Conviction

Annual Senior Art exhibition. Featuring the work of six MCLA students.

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Sports

Friday, April 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Baseball drops key MASCAC games

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

Westfield State pounded MCLA pitching on Wednesday, scoring a combined 22 runs during their double-header in North Adams.

With the pair of losses MCLA falls to 4-23 and 0-12 in conference play. Westfield improved to 17-17 on the season and are now 7-5 in MASCAC play.

In the first game, Westfield got right to work on the Trailblazers, scoring a run in the top of the first inning when Tyler Adams scored on an error by catcher Nick DiSanti to make it 1-0 Owls.

It was in the third and fourth innings where Westfield did the bulk of their damage, scoring four runs in each inning. They would tack on three more in fifth and four more in the seventh to cruise to a 16-2 victory.

MCLA scored it’s only runs in the bottom of the fourth inning when junior Myles Candelet scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Andrew Casteel and when senior Ryan Shook scored on a fielding error. The bats for the Owls kept them comfortably ahead for the rest of the game; Anthony Crowley drove in four runs for the Owls and Adams scored four times for Westfield.

In the second game of the double-header, Westfield pitcher Nate Marshall was dominant on the mound, going the distance in a 6-0 shut-out of MCLA. The Owls got their runs in the second and third innings, scoring twice in each inning. They also tacked on a run in the sixth and seventh. That was more than enough for Marshall, who surrendered only four hits to the Trailblazers in seven innings of work.

Sophomore Billy Pulasky was the only MCLA player to really get to Marshall, going 3-3 off of the Westfield ace. Nate Barnes reached base four times for the Owls and scored twice to lead their offense and Connor Sheridan also came across the plate twice for Westfield.

Photo courtesy of Bob Shook

Sophomore Liam Nolan allowed one run over seven innings on Sunday but was stuck with the tough luck loss as the Trailblazers lost to Bridgewater State, 1-0.

MCLA couldn’t get their bats going on Sunday, dropping two games to Bridgewater State on Sunday despite strong defensive performances.

The first game was a fast-paced pitcher’s duel between MCLA sophomore Liam Nolan and Bridgewater’s David Holmes. Neither team was able to get much offense in until the top of the fourth. Bridgewater’s Ryan Feeney singled to right field and then stole second base, putting him in scoring position. Keaghan Austin then laced a single that was just out of the reach of Trailblazer thrid-baseman Andrew Casteel

that drove in Feeney to give Bridgewater a 1-0 advantage.

The one-run lead was enough for Holmes, as he went the distance for the 1-0 shut-out victory. Holmes allowed four hits over seven innings and struck out seven Trailblazers to pick up his fourth victory of the season. Nolan was left on the hook for the tough-luck loss, falling to 0-6 on the season despite pitching seven strong innings, allowing five hits and fanning seven Bears.

The second game saw MCLA get on the board in the first inning.

Billy Pulasky singled to start the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch by Bridgewater

pitcher Shane Surette. Senior Nate Gutmann was then hit by a pitch and Nolan then bunted Pulasky over to second and Gutmann over to third. Junior Myles Candelet then singled to score Pulasky and give the Trailblazers a 1-0 lead.

Bridgewater would respond in the top of the second inning, scoring three runs off of senior pitcher Todd Hunt, who struggled with control all day, walking five batters and hitting two more. Feeney would deliver the big blow for the Bears, doubling with the bases loaded and driving in three runs to put Bridgewater ahead 3-1.

The Bears would score another run in the third when Brandon

Hoyle scored on a fielding error

by Gutmann. They would then score two more in the fourth inning when Austin scored on a sacrifice fly and Drew Gentile scored on a single by Matt Cassese.

Pulasky would drive in a run in the bottom of the seventh for the Trailblazers, singling to score senior Ben Harvish, but it was too little too late and Bridgewater picked up the 6-2 victory.

The Trailblazers will wrap up their regular season conference games on Saturday when they travel to Worcester State for a critical conference double-header.

good the Warriors are with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The only thing that was going to stop the Warriors, the winningest team of all time, from repeating as champions was going to be an injury to Steph Curry.

His injury hurts their chances to beat the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, assuming both teams still make it there. Even if Curry does return for that series, is he his old self or is he rusty and off his game? The Warriors need Curry to return without missing a beat otherwise they are in for a long series against the battle-tested Spurs.

Curry’s presence on the court changes the way the other team plays defense. He is the only player on the Warrior who constantly

draws double teams but from 30 feet from the basket. If there is any team that can make up for the loss of Curry it’s the Warriors.

The Clippers, on the other hand, do not have the pieces to make up for a loss to Chris Paul.

The two players needed to step up were Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford. They shot a combined 5 for 22 on Monday. The only other player who could be the playmaker was Blake Griffin and he even got injured. He reinjured his quad, making him miss the rest of the playoffs.

Without Curry, the Warriors are a team of highly talented players with great team chemistry, playing for a great coach who enhances his their strengths. They also now have an emotional drive

to play for Curry until he returns.

Curry is a fantastic player, but the Warriors are a fantastic team.

The Clippers do not have that opportunity. Without Griffin and Paul, the Clippers might lose in the first round to the Trailblazers. The Clippers don’t have the abundance of talent that the Warriors have.

Losing your superstar is never easy but the loss is easier to cope with if you have two more superstars to fill in for two weeks. Losing two superstars like the Clippers did for the entire playoffs is demoralizing and almost impossible to overcome.

I would bet that the Warriors will surprise some people with how well they play in Curry’s absence and continue to be a force in the NBA playoffs.

Tough luck for superstar point guards

By Tyler Bacon Sports Writer

It has been a bad couple of days for MVP-caliber point guards.

On Monday afternoon, Warrior fans were on the edge of their seats as they awaited MRI results for Steph Curry’s knee.

Fans feared a torn ACL, which would make him miss the rest of these playoffs and even some

of next season. The MRI showed a Grade 1 MCL sprain causing Curry to miss the next two weeks.

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Clippers were not as lucky.

Their star point guard, Chris Paul, broke his hand Monday night. He will miss the remainder of the playoffs. This is bad news for the Clippers because they are locked in a tight battle with the Portland Trailblazers with the series tied at 2-2.

They were still the favorite to advance in the series, but with the Paul injury, they look to face an uphill battle to advance to the next round.

The Warriors were lucky that Curry’s injury was not as bad as the video looked. Two weeks isn’t bad, especially with how

Sports

Friday, April 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

11

Softball bested by Westfield

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

The Trailblazers dropped two key MASCAC games on Wednesday to Westfield State, falling to 11-19 overall and are 5-7 in the MASCAC. Westfield improved to 16-20 overall and are 8-4 in conference play.

In the first game Westfield rallied back during a big sixth inning that gave the upper hand and allowed them to pick up the 8-4 victory.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third inning, MCLA scored three runs in the inning to leap into the drivers seat. Senior Michaela DiNicola singled in Alex Romano and she was followed by senior Angelica Perfido, who scored on an error. The third run of the inning came when freshman Chelsea Coleman singled to score fellow freshman Katie Berghela.

MCLA would score another run in the fifth on a double by senior Abby Lucas. However, Westfield would explode for six runs in the sixth inning, led by a two-run double from Angelica Banning and a two-run triple from Sydney Ezold. The Owls would get an insurance run in the top of the seventh to pick up the victory.

In the second game, MCLA senior Rachel Quackenbush’s stellar performance (7 innings, 12 strikeouts and no earned runs) was spoiled as MCLA allowed 5 unearned runs in the game, mostly due to four fielding errors.

Owl pitcher Julia Sullivan was strong over seven innings, allowing four hits and one run.

The lone Trailblazer run came in the fourth on a single by senior Jennifer Sicinski.

On Sunday, Bridgewater State used a pair of big innings in each game of their doubleheader against MCLA to take both games, improving their record to 19-13 on the season and 7-3 in conference play.

The first game saw a pitcher’s duel between the two top pitchers in the conference. Quackenbush came into the game leading the conference in strikeouts while Kelly McCarthy led the conference in wins.

The Bears struck first in the top of the second inning when Courtney Leddy singled up the middle to drive in Karissa Pagan.

MCLA would retaliate in the bottom of the inning when senior Jennifer Sicinski scored on a throwing error. McCarthy would then help out her own cause in the top of the fifth inning when she doubled, driving in Leddy.

McCarthy would continue to quiet the Trailblazers bats, as they squeezed out only five hits against McCarthy throughout the game.

Quackenbush was then struck with some bad luck in the top of the seventh inning as Bridgewater would tack on three more runs, none of which were charged to Quackenbush. McCarthy would polish off the Trailblazers in the bottom of the inning and Bridgewater picked up the 5-1 victory.

MCLA would not fare any better in the second game, as McCarthy again pitched a complete game

for the Bears. Things started out slow for both sides until the top of the fourth inning.

Junior Katelyn Henault started the game off strong and kept the Bears off of the board through the first three innings. However, she ran into trouble in the fourth, allowing two Bridgewater batters to reach base.

Quackenbush was called in to relive Henault, but the Bears took advantage of some fielding mistakes by the Trailblazers and were able to get to Quackenbush with some clutch singles.

The Bears scored seven runs in the inning without hitting an extra base hit, instead doing the damage with eight singles in the inning and one fielding error. Bridgewater was continuously able to make enough contact on Quackenbush’s pitches to find the safe space in between the Trailblazer’s infield and outfield, and they sent Photo from MCLA Athletics 12 batters to the plate Senior Abby Lucas smacked a double during the Trailblazers loss to Westduring the inning. field State on Wednesday.

Bridgewater would add another run in hits in six innings for the shut- weekend. The Trailblazers hosted the sixth inning when Kacie out victory and the Bears won the Castleton State on Thursday and Carvalho scored on a passed ball game 8-0. will wrap up their regular season and McCarthy handled things The Trailblazers head into the on Saturday when they play a the rest of the way, allowing four home stretch of their season this double-header at Worcester State.

Tennis tops Sage, Lacrosse falls to Fitchburg headed to playoffs

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

MCLA’s Men’s tennis team wrapped up their regular season on Tuesday, blowing past Sage in non-conference action 9-0. With the victory MCLA improves to 4-6 on the season while Sage goes to 0-10.

The Trailblazers advance to the North Atlantic Conference playoffs this Saturday. The Trailblazers have the fourth seed and will take part in the four-team playoff on Saturday at Colby-Sawyer.

“It’s amazing that we have qualified for playoffs,” sophomore Aaron Goldsmith said. “We collectively set a goal at the beginning of the season and we worked hard and accomplished this goal.

Everyone played a role in this and everyone should be proud but not complacent. We aren’t done yet; making playoffs isn’t enough. We need to compete and fight to win and advance.”

MCLA will have their hands full in the first round against perennial conference power ColbySawyer. The Chargers have won the conference tournament every year since 2012 and are undefeated in conference play. If MCLA is able to get past Colby-

Sawyer, they will play the winner of Thomas College and Castleton State in the championship game following the conclusion of the semi-final games.

The Trailblazers hammered Sage on Tuesday, blanking the Gators 9-0. In doubles competition, sophomore Michael Rooney and senior Rich LaRocque picked up the win in the number one slot, defeating Casey Fitzpatrick and Shanessa Mendoza 8-3. Junior Jeff Mason and sophomore Jared Freeman defeated Lindsey Tolman and David Sexton 8-1 and the freshmen pair of Robbie Gair and Jack Peterson defeated Kai Deans and Melvin Tejada in the third doubles slot, 8-2.

In singles action, the Trailblazers were just as dominant, with Goldsmith defeating Fitzpatrick in the number one singles slot, 6-1, 6-0. Sophomore Rob Wabshinak defeated Mendoza in the second singles spot, 6-0, 6-0.

Rooney won the closest singles match of the game, defeating Tolman 7-6, 2-6, 10-4. LaRocque defeated Sexton 6-1, 6-0 and Mason and Freeman picked up their own victories to complete the sweep.

The Trailblazers were tripped up on Wednesday evening against Fitchburg State, falling to a redhot Falcons squad 19-1. MCLA falls to 3-10 overall and are still looking for their first MASCAC victory as they are now 0-6 in conference play Fitchburg improved to 13-4 on the season and are 6-1 in conference play.

Fitchburg dominated the Trailblazers in the first half, scoring 12 goals and conceding none. Fitchburg pounded the Trailblazer net, putting 24 shots on net while MCLA could only get one shot on net during the half. MCLA also turned the ball over 18 times in the half while the Falcons only coughed it up 10 times.

The second half saw more of the same for the Trailblazers as Fitchburg State continued to dominate the game, outscoring the Trailblazers 7-1. MCLA’s lone goal of the game came with 12:07 remaining in the game and when sophomore Mackenzie Cutler scored on an assist from junior Rachel Green.

On Saturday, Westfield State shook off a slow start and scored 11 consecutive goals en route

picking up the 15-2 victory over the Trailblazers. .

Westfield struck first in the game when Alexa Tonelli scored off an assist from Roni Orcutt with 28:42 to go in the first half. Sydney Lambert would then score off an assist from Lucy Barrett, and Barrett followed with a goal of her own to make it 3-0 Westfield with 21:43 to go in the first half.

The Trailblazers would get on the board with 18:23 to go in the opening half when senior Zoe Schwartz cleared the ball out to junior Natalie Caney who then found senior Tanelle Ciempa who streaked towards the goal and beat Westfield goalkeeper Mimi Khampaeng for the goal.

Westfield would respond with a goal from Rachel Testa, but MCLA would respond with their second goal of the game, this time coming from Green. The play began with Caney bringing the ball up the field before firing a long and hard pass to Green, who made a terrific catch right in front of the net and was able to defeat Khampaeng despite being swarmed by Westfield defenders.

With the game still in reach for the Trailblazers, Westfield State closed the half strong, scoring five straight goals to go into halftime

with a 9-2 lead. It was a balanced attack from the Owls, as five different players were attributed with the goals.

In the second half, MCLA was tied up by a strong Westfield State defense that didn’t give up a single goal in the second half. The Owls would methodically score six more goals in the half and got strong play in net from freshmen keepers Julia Hoggins and Maria Woodall who combined for five saves on five shots during the second half.

Despite the loss, head coach Maria Bartini was satisfied with the team’s overall performance.

“I was really proud with how our team played, Bartini said. “They have a lot more experience and a lot more players than us, but they were really committed and rallied together to do what our team needed to do.”

Sundra Lam filled in for Zoe Elwell who was out with a thumb injury and made 12 saves for MCLA. “Sundra being willing to step up and put herself in the cage was key for us,” Bartini said. “She had a pretty good mentality for jumping in and rising to the challenge and the team was very supportive as well.”

12 Is Nintendo on its way out?

Opinion

Friday, April 29, 2016

By Ronald Leja

Special to The Beacon When asked to name a video game character, the name Mario immediately comes to mind for most.

Nintendo Entertainment’s princess-saving plumber is widely accepted as the most recognizable character in video games to date.

Over the past 40 years, Nintendo has become a common household name, as well as one of the most acclaimed companies in a multi-billion dollar industry. However, as the market continues to grow and developers continue to incorporate advancements in the fields of game development and design, Nintendo has fallen behind it's competitors.

Unfortunately for Nintendo, sales of its most current system, the Wii U, has proven to be a colossal failure.

Released in November 2012, sales of the system have continued to fall flat compared to both Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony’s Playstation 4.

In 2014, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata posted earning release information to the company’s website, admitting that estimated sales of the system had dropped from 9 million to just 2.8 million units.

Unlike Xbox or Playstation, the Wii U fails to deliver an experience that gamers have come to expect from the industry. Microsoft and Sony’s previous consoles managed to define a new set of standards that consumers look for in entertainment systems. Sadly, the Wii U fails to meet those standards.

Both Microsoft and Sony’s current generation consoles boast cutting-edge graphic cards that allow the developers to produce highly-detailed virtual worlds. Games such as Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us and Bungie’s Destiny, for example, are praised for their graphical presentations that border on photorealism.

Nintendo has lagged behind it's competitors as their current system (The Wii U) is the first to make the jump to HD graphics, something that both Microsoft and Sony accomplished 10 years ago. This poses an issue for Nintendo, in that many thirdparty game developers consistently create games using the latest 3D engines and game development software.

In an industry in which games are released on

a month-to-month basis, developers need their games to stand out above the rest by providing gamers with bigger and better experiences. Because of this, the Wii U consistently misses out on big titles that both Xbox and Playstation have because of the system's limitations.

Online gaming has also become a staple for the industry, one which allows for competitive play between gamers and has ultimately been a driving force in the development of E-sports, or the professional gaming phenomenon. Both Xbox and Playstation practically build their console's interfaces around the idea of online play, and have been for several years.

Call of Duty, one of the most successful franchises in the past 10 years, thrives primarily due to its competitive online play. The thrill of competition is what sells and as a result, most gamers have come to expect and want that online interaction. The Wii U offers a less-than-stellar online experience, as well as very few games that offer online play.

The system simply doesn’t meet the demands of what some would consider the “hardcore” gaming community. Nintendo has instead chosen to market their products towards a younger generation and offer a casual gaming experience.

However, videogames are no longer enjoyed by kids alone. Believe it or not, the average gamer ranges from 25-35 years old.

The industry has grown up with us, surpassing other media outlets such as the music and film industries. According to a theatrical market statistics report released in 2014 by the Motion Picture Association of America, the worldwide box-office revenue for the film industry was $35.9 billion. A report released by gaming news website Polygon, estimated the 2014 global revenue of games to be $83.6 billion.

Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto IV brought in $800 million in the first 24 hours after its initial release, gaining the biggest launch day profit of any piece of entertainment in history. The Wii U was the only gaming console lacking access to the title, proving a huge loss for Nintendo. In order to succeed, it seems ever apparent that Nintendo needs to adapt to the current state of the industry, or their current and future consoles just may continue to collect dust on the shelf.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Co-ed housing concerns are often overblown

By Shunquell Dennis Photographer

Among the many things Residential Program & Services (RPS) has changed for the 20162017 school year is the option for Hoosac Hall and Berkshire Tower (BT) residents to have coed housing.

Before, co-ed housing was only offered for townhouses and certain suites within BT. However, now the option is extended to all of Hoosac Hall and BT residents.

Residents all over campus are allowed to have roommates of the opposite gender. In the fine print within the email announcing the Gender Neutral Housing, RPS included that they “discourage students of any sexual orientation who are in a relationship from living together in a room.”

According to Rasmussen Reports, an American Polling Company, 71 percent of American adults think that men and women should not live in the same dorm room while in college. But are there bigger chances it could end badly with a friend compared to a signifcant other?

Rooming with significant others can have its benefits, but, let’s be honest, there is definitely ways that this could become the worse-case scenario; if two who are in a relationship break up during the school year. That would not only be a problem for RPS, but also for people living on their floor.

There are some college students who tend to get along better with the opposite sex. In these cases, gender neutral housing would be extremely beneficial because

students would have the option of rooming with whomever they choose, regardless of gender.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said junior Kyle Maybury, a resident of BT. “People should be able to live with who they want,” he said.

Although Maybury is living in BT this year, he plans on getting a four-person townhouse next semester with friends.

The introduction of gender neutral housing not only benefits current students, but incoming ones as well. Now incoming freshmen won’t feel a need to choose a specific roommate because of their gender. Before the addition of MCLA, Campus Pride stated there are 202 colleges/ universities in the US which offer gender-neutral housing.

MCLA should offer a contract for students to sign, agreeing to continue to live together even if they break up. The contract would solve the problem of RPS being flooded with additional room change requests throughout a semester.

“The fact that the rules are changing next year is not surprising to me since the American culture changes and the way see gender and gender identification,” said sophomore Sophie Delice who is also a resident of BT. When it comes to genderneutral living within Hoosac Hall and BT, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. This new option will attract the attention of more students, no matter what their gender identification is. It will allow students more freedom in the roommate choosing process.

Ramifications of low enrollment raise questions

By Jon Hoel A&E Writer

Decreased enrollment has led to decreased on-campus living and therein less floating revenue. The problem is consequentially leading to financial reductions that are not helping the matter whatsoever.

Earlier this semester, the SGA announced significant cuts to most of it's funded programs, clubs, and organizations, effecting the school dramatically.

Since we are not in the midst of an economic crash, the conclusion to be drawn upon is that these kind of attributable cuts are because of low enrollment figures, bar-none.

Enrollment for the school is down by more than 100 students, according to the office of Administration and Finance.

“It costs the same amount to keep the lights on no matter how many people live here,” Lawrence Behan, the new vice president of administration and finance said.

“But for the rest, we need higher enrollment. So MCLA should be more appealing. Tell your friends to come here.”

Behan is right. But aren't these kind of reductions grimly counter-intuitive?

The SGA’s funds are derived from a biannual fee—once a semester—that is $150.

For FY-2017, The majority of those funds (65 percent) are directly distributed among the 43 clubs and organizations on campus, but 26 percent of the budget is encompassed within the Operating Budget (which in itself

is 32 percent of the budget). That 26 percent is used to provide a salary to SGA office manager Amanda Schuler.

An essential occupancy perhaps, but not something that should necessarily be paid for by student activity fees?.

Especially at a time when budgets are being cut.

On campus housing is down as well, firstly of course, because there are less students in general to live on campus, but it's also possible that it is because students aren’t being incentivized enough to live on campus.

This is a big hit for finance and administration because a student who is living on-campus for one year has expenditures. Their potential meal plan ($8,656 if it’s 225 meals each semester) and their residency (an average room in Berkshire Towers or Hoosac Hall is about $10,000 for two semesters), so that’s, on average, $7,000 to $7,500 per student. Not counting the students who pay extra for singles, premium singles, and additional on campus perks like declining balance.

Multiply that by 100 empty beds, that’s nearly $1 million in lost revenue. That's a whole lot of f 'reals, folks.

An incoming senior, choosing to live off-campus next semester who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to the Beacon about the situation.

“Honestly, I’ve got no incentive to live on campus.

Looking back, I get why they have to require the threeyears on campus. Otherwise nobody would, and there are certainly financial gains in leasing [a] place.”

For a perfectly reasonable rationale, the majority of seniors tend to live off-campus. To try and combat the declining on-campus living numbers, specifically amongst

seniors, RPS announced a roll-out of rather meek senior perks, under a promotional banner “Seniors Rule," the majority of which were restatements of existing senior benefits such as “higher selection status” for housing in the fall. The banner also talked about co-ed rooming that does not even specifically apply to students with seniorstatus.

It’s understandable that RPS and administration want to keep having students live on campus, but this is probably not the most effective way to go about doing that.

It’s not as if there aren’t ways to go about attempting to increase enrollment with a bit more gusto. The school should be charioting the students who spend their free time making the campus a more enjoyable and beautiful place. Students such as freshman Hailie Smith and junior Kevin Williams, chalk-artists who encompass the campus with beautiful murals and sketches, like a giant canvas. Or WJJW keeping us entertained constantly with fantastic DJs like sophomore Emma Monahan, freshman Luke O’Brien, or junior Nick Tardive. Or the work that SAC does, with the spring concert among many other events, probably the most conclusively useful allocation of SGA funds that we have going.

There’s no easier answer to this. Putting more money into the student government isn’t going to suddenly generate a few million dollars for the college. But it’s a step in the right direction, that, combined with increasing the satisfaction of the already-enrolled students, should be plenty of incentive.

News

Friday, April 29, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

13

Helicopter parents in college

By Paige Pomerantz A&E Writer

For most young adults, college is the time to break free from parental rule, but there are those whom must answer to persistent text messages, phone calls, and Facetime requests.

The latter are children of helicopter parents.

Also known as overprotective, over controlling, and intrusive parents, they intervene in their child’s social life, academia, and sometimes both, which can negatively affect students.

This issue is becoming more prevalent now with the advances in technology. Smartphones are virtual umbilical cords, giving constant access to communication between a student and their parents.

When parents don’t give their children space to grow, they are unable to cultivate independence and self-sufficiency. They are not given the necessary push into the ‘real world;’ it’s as if they never left home.

Chris Meno, a psychologist at Indiana University, addresses his over-parented patients the way he would an addict. The students rely on their parents as a heroin addict relies on the drug.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) found that 86 percent of first-year college students have frequent electronic contact with their mothers and 71 percent with their fathers.

On average, students talk to their parents 8.8 times a week, according to a 2013 study

conducted by Dr. Jesse Viner and Matt Zajechowski for Yellowbrick, a clinical psychology and treatment model for young adults needing better selfregulation functions and basic survival skills. The same study stated that helicopter parenting is associated with low self-worth and an increased risk of risky behavior such as binge drinking or smoking.

Other long-term effects of being over parented include inhibited learning, depression, anxiety, dependency issues, delinquency, and even bullying.

Researchers from the University of Warwick in the U.K. conducted a meta-analysis of 70 studies, which involved over 200,000 children. They found that kids with parents who hover more have a higher chance of being bullied or being the bully themselves.

A student’s social life can be greatly impacted by their overprotective parents.

“My mom will call me throughout the day and it will interrupt what I was doing,” freshman Emily Tarnawa said.

Children who are raised by helicopter parents are more likely to suffer from anxiety, especially

Photo from growingleaders.com

social anxiety, due to the tight leash they grew up on. They are used to their parents speaking for them and doing everything for them like ordering dinner or scheduling doctor appointments.

Helicopter parents are also less likely to allow their children to go to sleepovers or parties during their adolescence, which robs them of being conditioned for socialization.

Nationwide, some intrusive parents intervene in their child’s academic affairs before they are even accepted into college.

“Parents write their kids’ essays and even attempt to attend their interviews. They make excuses for their child’s bad grades and threaten to sue high school

personnel who reveal any information perceived to be potentially harmful to their child’s chances of admission. As dean of admissions, I see this type of behavior at least twice a week,” Marilee Jones, former admissions dean at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said in a USA Today article.

The people who work in admissions are usually able to tell when a parent writes or heavily edits their kid’s paper, according to New York based college admissions consultant Marilyn Emerson, stated in an article done by U.S.

News.

It is one thing for parents to support their children and wish for them to succeed, but it must be done in a fashion that does not damage the children’s progression.

In terms of academic intervention, parents generally contact Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) instead of professors at MCLA. “Naturally, parents want to see their kids do really well,” Kate Heekin, assistant director of CSSE/advising, said.

This isn’t high school anymore, and your parents won’t get a phone call to say you skipped a class or failed an exam. However,

Heekin receives multiple phone calls a month from inquiring parents. The number of calls increases towards the end of the semester, naturally, when finals are just around the corner.

“I actually really enjoy talking to parents,” Heekin said.

Although some may call out of anger, Heekin remains patient on the other end of the phone. She believes that everyone deserves to be listened to.

Parents seek to know the student’s grades and attendance, but CSSE is not allowed to share that information due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, better known as FERPA. Eligible students (18 or older) must fill out a form to grant their parents permission to view their academic records.

Heekin’s go-to course of action is to have the student’s mother or father tell the student to go and visit her on the second floor of Eldrige Hall. She prefers to talk to them directly instead of being the middleman, which does occur at times, especially when students are hiding things from their parents, since Heekin is not at liberty to discuss them.

Despite there being benefits to parents reaching out in hopes of improving student’s grades, it does not allow maturity to be fostered.

What are they to do when they graduate college and are thrown into the real world? They grew up holding mommy’s hand. They don’t know how to get a job- they barely know how to order their own meals at a restaurant.

Virtual reality: changing the way we learn

By Ronald Leja

Special to The Beacon 2016 marks the year in which virtual reality is no longer the work of Hollywood fantasy. Last week, Oculus VR, an American virtual reality technology company, released the Oculus Rift, the first head-mounted virtual reality display to hit the retail market.

While software for virtual reality (VR) devices have primarily been geared towards the videogame industry, a small number of software developers are testing the capabilities of VR systems for classroom use, exploring new ways in which to offer students educational experiences and brand new ventures.

Sophomore Daniel Heinen, a biology major with a minor in computer science, is the unique creative mind behind Cat Cadaver, a program that he hopes will help change the way that student’s use their textbooks. The idea came to Daniel over winter break due to a stretch of boredom, and has since developed into a solo project that is anything but boring.

By using computer graphic imaging processes, Heinen is able to combine both 2D and 3D models in to one 3D object, capable of being manipulated using only the user's hands. When using the Cat Cadaver program, the user is first shown a QR code, a square containing several black and white pixels that, when viewed through a cellphone, tablet, or VR headset,

presents the user with a 3D model of a cat.

The program then allows them to explore the feline anatomy by virtually dissecting the creature using several different hand motions, all without getting their hands dirty.

“I had been wanting to create a virtual anatomy lab for about a year,” Heinen said. “3D models of the human body are available online, but those being produced on an academic level aren’t really polished.

You can rotate them, manipulate them, but they aren’t very informative. I want to structure the projects created around the existing curriculum.”

Heinen believes that the introduction of VR technology in academic settings could potentially lead to interactive lab manuals, granting students easy access to learning tools that may not always be at their disposal. 3D models, especially in the fields of science, may offer students better reference points when reviewing certain subject matter, as well as the ability to engage in virtual hands on learning both inside and outside of the lab.

Better still, Heinen believes that implementing VR technology in to the classroom would just make learning that much more enjoyable.

“VR is still in a very experimental state,” Heinen said. “But I hope to see it go somewhere. Regardless, it’s a great learning experience unlike anything most students have access too. Text books can be boring.

By adding this type of technology, we could potentially make them fun."

Engaging the student body through virtual reality programs could prove advantageous.

Not only could VR offer students a more immersive learning experience, but it has the potential to replace expensive educational tools currently in use.

The Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation currently houses real cat cadavers, normally purchased from the Carolina Company for $47 each for a one time Photo from Wikimedia Common s use. It also may help Virtual Reality has taken the world by storm through prodto replace various ucts such as the Oculus rift. types of experimental “VR simulations allow for a much lab work, and potentially replace textbooks cleaner lab experience," Herrick said. in the long run.

“But I really do hope it never comes to Dr. Sarah Herrick, assistant professor of replace textbooks. If anything, it provides biology, acts not only as Heinen’s academic another venue for students to understand adviser, but the primary adviser for his Cat the information being presented. Some Cadaver program. Having seen what VR students are visual learners, others are more technology is capable of, she now believes hands on. Some of the more squeamish that the implication of VR programs in students may be hesitant to work on a real academic textbooks is bound to occur, but cat, and may be more comfortable starting that the technology will most likely not Virtual reality continued replace them. Textbooks in general are here on page 15 to stay.

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News

Friday, April 29, 2016

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Welcoming Trailblazers from afar MCLA students come from places all across the country, including Hawaii, Missouri, and Las Vegas

By Shunquell Dennis Photographer

Although MCLA is small college and many of the students come from Massachusetts and other surrounding states such as New York and Rhode Island, there are also those students who come from very distant states such as Hawaii, California, Missouri and Nevada.

Admissions plays one of the crucial parts of recruiting students. They have the job of initially showing potentials what the school has to offer them. Assistant Director of Admissions as well as MCLA alumnus Dayne Wahl ’09 visits places all over the country such as Chicago, Illinois to recruit students.

Interestingly enough, he found that some high school students in the Chicago want to leave and attend continue their education in Massachusetts.

“The Berkshires, [it is] not a big city, still a lot to do,” he said. There are many reasons as to why students choose to attend MCLA coming from a big city. Since becoming an Admissions counselor, Wahl has come across students who have always sought to attend school in Massachusetts and those who have wanted to get away from the city due to avoid distractions so that

her to the school as well as the soccer team.

The only reasons her parents were against her studying so far from home was because they did not think she was ready to be alone and independent.; however, since coming to the school, they have realized otherwise.

Taylor Wiese ’18 from Las Vegas began her Photo from Facebook Photo from Facebook Photo from Facebook Trailblazer Taylor Wiese , ‘18 college search looking Trailblazer Chanielle Enomoto, ‘18 Trailblazer Allison Clark, ‘17 for schools along the East Similar to Enomoto, they can focus more on their things I will remember, Coast. Prior to beginning things that have molded me, fresman Chelsey Simmons studies. school at MCLA, she had Many students choose and people that have helped decided to attend MCLA visited the East Coast a few to stay at home and attend me realize more and more in order to experience times for summer writing a new environment. a community college for about myself,” Clark said. camps and she instantly fell Clark was not the only Unlike the other students two years in order to save mentioned, in love with the campus. money; however, after their student whose athletic previously Remarkably enough, Wiese time at the college comes interest played a big role in she was not recruited by had applied to many small to an end, they must begin deciding that MCLA was atheletics. Simmons is liberal arts schools in the to think about what is the the place for her. Beckwith from the small town of area, but MCLA was not one next step. For junior Allison also recruited sophmore West Plains, Missouri and of them.

Enomoto, a knew the college was the Clark, the next step was Chanielle “I wanted to get as far away deciding to attend a college student from Wailuku, place for after visiting with from home as possible,” she family members who live more than 3,000 miles away Hawaii, for volleyball. said.

“After my first year here I in New England. Despite from home, in San Jose, For much of her time spent had thoughts of transferring her parent’s disapproval of California. in high school, Las Vegas was “I wanted to experience because of the distance,” studying far away, Simmons not a happy place for Wiese. the snow and take on a new Enomoto said, “but I did not give up on attending Her friends always told climate vastly different from continued to stay because the college.

“It is about the same size her she was an “East Coast the school has grown on what I knew,” Clark said. [compared to my home girl,” which is something Another important factor me.” she never understood until Originally, a big reason town], [MCLA is] more that played into her choosing visiting. After also being to continue her education at Enomoto was looking at artsy and liberal,” Simmons recruited by Beckwith, MCLA was sports. Amanda MCLA was because it was said.

Simmons’ hometown is Wiese begin to look more Beckwith reached out to her her only offer, however since into MCLA. Eventually and encouraged her to visit coming to MCLA Enomoto very conservative. MCLA’s the choice of attending expressing new England in order to has made many friends who surrounding MCLA came down to her have made studying away community was one of the play Volleyball. initial things that attracted love for volleyball and the “MCLA has given me worth the distance. affordability of the school.

Faculty continued from page 1 Salary Database, known as Open Checkbook.

The total expenditure for the school’s fulltime professors is $7.7 million for a fiscal year, according to the same state records.

Curious about the wage gap?

Female professors at MCLA make less than male professors, at a mean average of $74,604 for female professors to $86,795 for male professors.

Professors’ pay-grades are determined based on a complicated, dense form called an Appendix-O, which calculates the salary based on academic terminal degrees they’ve obtained and professional experiences.

As mentioned previously, more than two dozen professors range into six-figure salaries, and most of them are veterans of the school, having earned their salary through promotions and raises over two to three decades. Faculty also receive contractual raises based on three-year agreements with

the state, usually between one and three percent per year.

MCLA is currently seeking two to four new faculty for Fall 2016, with four already hired for the fall semester, according to Cindy Brown, the vice president of academic affairs.

“It’s exciting - and it’s more energy for the school,” Brown said. “It will be good to have these professors in the community.”

In the years to come, there will be fewer of the old faculty instilled at the college, with more and more newer faces each year.

While this year there are no retiring professors, there are a couple who have resigned, according to Linda Lazzari, an administrative assistant in the HR department.

“Faculty typically comes by around the end of May to discuss retiring,” Lazzari said.

Professors can retire in May or opt to be paid, working, until the following August.

News

Friday, April 29, 2016

Virtual reality continued from page 13 off with a virtual variant, but it will never be exactly like the real thing. In some cases, the best approach will always be hands on."

Jason Grey, an educational major and long term gamer, is intrigued by the use of VR in the classroom.

“The technology being used in the video game industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the years," Grey said. “As a gamer, it makes me proud to see that same technology finding a home in our classrooms.”

Despite those feelings however, Grey admits that the idea of technology ever replacing textbooks entirely is farfetched.

As an up and coming educator, he believes that VR could have fantastic classroom applications, but that it should be used as another tool in the educational arsenal, not something that replaces the standard learning environment.

“I don’t think VR will ever fully replace textbooks, simply because that is how some people learn,” Grey said. “Book learning is not something stone age that no one can relate too. If anything, the written word is our second most basic communicative tool.

VR definitely has a place in the learning environment, but I don’t think it should ever become it entirely. I don’t think it will ever replace traditional methods of learning for the simple fact that human beings love to touch things. For the absolute, most solid experience, all the senses must be engaged.”

Without question, it is possible for the expansion of VR technology to change the way in which students view the classroom experience. It allows for an expansive, immersive, and interactive landscape, and grants students and educators access to information in a way that, until now, has never been done. It poses as a powerful alternative learning tool, but may not always be the best and only route in our educational endeavors.

Living the single life in college

Single dorm rooms are an attractive option for many students

By Paige Pomerantz A&E writer

Your box of Froot Loops is empty, your favorite red tank top is missing, and you can’t study over the new Drake album being played on repeat from the other side of the room- why have a roommate when you could avoid all of this by having a single dorm room instead?

Many students are now taking this route for the duration of their college stay.

At MCLA, Residential Programs and Services (RPS) offers two option for the student who doesn’t want to live with another student: the single and the premium single dorm. A single is half the size of a double and costs an extra $200, while a premium single is a double with only one occupant and costs an extra $400.

“Essentially I wanted to have a single because I didn’t want a roommate, not that having a roommate is necessarily bad,” junior Brett Belcastro said.

Privacy is sacred, and in college, not always possible. There are various reasons a student may want their own room.

Big players in why people prefer singles or premium singles are anxiety disorders, especially nowadays.

“Anxiety in general has been very prevalent lately,” freshman Lianne Gallant said. “It has to do with how fast paced the world is and how competitive life and work are, which all impacts mental health and leads to the desire for a single.”

Gallant lives in a single dorm room in Berkshire Towers, where she is able to function better and have further success in

college; it helps to ease her social anxiety and also aids in her noise sensitivity.

Freshman Bri Sarno lives in a single as well, but will live in a premium single come next semester when she is an RA. Also dealing with anxiety, she is able to feel more comfortable and have fewer worries by living on her own.

“I think people should definitely apply for [a single] if they have medical reasons because it’s definitely helpful,” Sarno said.

Another plus of having a single is that it is a great way to focus on schoolwork, especially during midterms and finals. First semester junior Nicollette Tanzi currently has a roommate but will have her own space next semester in a townhouse. She opted to do this for a few reason, including the desire to focus on her work as a creative writing major. Tanzi also appreciates time alone, like many students.

“I’m very introverted and I like having my own space. After I hang out with people, I need time alone to recuperate,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to having a single. It’ll be nice to be alone and relaxed when I want to be.”

Some students pay for a premium simply out of convenience, like junior Samantha Bedell. Her roommate moved out, and instead of having to deal with getting a new one, she simply bought out the other half.

Additional reasons that students opt for the luxury of living by themselves include other medical conditions such as migraines, the general desire to be alone, and bad roommate experiences in the past.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

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Author of the North Adams Happenings Newsletter

Photo by Agnella Gross/The Beacon

Jacob Fennell ‘16 shares his experiences from his arts management internship with North Adams Community event director Susie Helm, where he writes a weekly newsletter.

Pioneering intern finds learning works both ways

By Jake Mendel & Gionna Nourse

Web Editor & Co-Editor-in-Chief Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to follow the pulse of North Adams as students participate in activities around town?

Luckily, Jacob Fennell, ‘16, is in charge of the "North Adam’s Happenings" newsletter as part of an internship while he works toward a degree in Arts management.

“The opportunity presented itself and I just said yes,” Fennell explained.

Fennell works under Susie Helm, the North Adams Community Event Director, who also developed the newsletter with the community in mind.

He explained that it was a learning process for both Susie and himself.

"Through this internship I also helped Susie identify internship roles for upcoming interns," Fennell said. "She had never had an intern before, so this will take a lot of pressure off of her now and in the future."

The newsletter covers a broad array of topics ranging from cultural events, fundraising, opportunities in the community, free events and even events put

on by MCLA organizations.

Fennell explained that he sometimes has to choose between which events to include and not to include. "I try to keep it pretty distributed through the county, my North Adams is prominent," he said.

The College also provides a variety of community events to be included in the newsletter, such as FIGMENT, a music festival featuring local artists and a popular comedy "Noises Off ".

“MCLA is a big part of the events the newsletter covers,” Fennell discussed. “It is a great way for people to find whatever they want to get involved with.”

Since the newsletter is only published once a week and can only be found around town (it has yet to be published online), Fennell focuses on highlighting events and fundraisers in North Adams while still trying to include events happening in neighboring cities and towns.

Not to be confused with the College's “What’s Happening?” newsletter, the North Adams newsletter has been around for about a month, and has only released a handful of issues.

With that being said, Fennell will continue to publish the newsletter throughout the summer as he continues his internship.

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https://www.youtube.com/ user/mclabeacon

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Photo Essay

Friday, April 29 , 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Kollective Dance Group of Boston had a high energy performance.

Ne X Xu s ’ S e c o n d A n n u a l S t e p S h ow

The nerds gossip during their entrance for their routine.

Ne X Xu s t o o k t o t h e s t a g e l a s t Fr i d ay, a l o n g w i t h g u e s t p e r fo r m a n c e s f ro m t h e A l l e g re t t o s a n d K o l l e c t i ve D a n c e G ro u p .

Tim Williams (right) gets some air during a routine with Tanisha Drysdale (left).

Performers from Kollective Dance group entertained during the NeXXus show.

A fight breaks out between the nerds and the popular kids during the performance on Friday.

P h ot o s by D o m o n i q u e Ac k l ey