Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.
The Beacon
For more content, visit online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu Volume 77 ◆ Issue 4
Th u r s d ay, O c t o b e r 1 0 , 2 0 1 3
Center for Science named in honor of donor Feigenbaum Foundation gives $5 million to endowment By Gabriel Kogel and Nick Swanson Staff Writers
An overcast sky sent the ribbon cutting ceremony indoors, where President Mary Grant revealed the name of the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation and announced a $5 million gift to the College’s “Sowing Seeds for Success: The MCLA Campaign for the Future.” In addition, a $20,000 scholarship has been created for students with a business or accounting major. “With support from the Feigenbaum Foundation, we will support excellence in learning and teaching at MCLA, and the advancement of research, innovation, and leadership at the College and throughout the Berkshires that the Feigenbaums held so dear,” Grant said. The ceremony hosted many local and state officials, including Gov. Deval Patrick, along with
North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright and Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi. Upon taking the podium, Patrick apologized for being late due to a cabinet discussion regarding the federal government shutdown. “I’m struck by the irony of being in this building, at this moment, in this commonwealth, while that is happening down in Washington,” he said. “This building is important for the MCLA campus. It’s important for North Adams, for Berkshire County, for western Massachusetts, for the whole region and the whole commonwealth,” he said. To emphasize his point, Patrick added: “It’s about more than scoring cheap political points right now, but about making a difference for young people and all of us over time.” The Feigenbaum brothers, Donald and Armand, established their foundation in 1988 to
Photo by Gillian Jones/North Adams Transcript
The ceremonial ribbon is cut at the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation on Oct. 4. From left are Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, Senator Ben Downing, Governor Deval Patrick, Asia Andrews ‘14, President Mary Grant and Trustee Tyler Fairbank. continue their legacy of charitable donation. According to the Feigenbaum Foundation website, its goal is to support education in technology, engineering, management, cultural, and religious projects in the
The results are in Scan the QR code below and connect to us online at Beacon.MCLA.edu to find out the results from SGA elections held earlier this week.
Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon
Freshman Colby Parvish filled out a class of 2017 ballot at the SGA table on Tuesday.
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Berkshires. Emil George, president of the foundation, acknowledged the recent death of Donald and the retirement of Armand, both of which occurred in March. George also spoke about his close friend
SCIENCE, continued on page 3
‘100 Heartbeats’
Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin will speak next Wednesday, 7 p.m. By Gabriel Kogel Staff Writer
Jeff Corwin, an environmental journalist and Emmy Awardwinning host and producer of numerous TV programs, will present “100 Heartbeats: A Global Movement” at the Church Street Center at 7 p.m. on Wednesday Oct. 16. The event is free and open to the public. Corwin, who has reported on pressing environmental issues for NBC and CNN, has been invited to the College as part of the Hardman Lecture Series. The series invites renowned journalists to share their knowledge of the field with students every semester. “We’ve had some really high-end journalists [come to speak], and Jeff Corwin has already generated a lot of excitement,” Broadcast Media professor Mike Birch said. Birch was instrumental in nominating Corwin as this semester’s speaker. Before the main lecture, Corwin will meet with students in a
Public safety releases Clery Report
NYC musical hits the stage
Freshman earns MASCAC title
2012 events recorded and printed
‘Spring Awakening’ opens next Wednesday
Natalie Caney holds title for 3 weeks
Arts & Entertainment, page 6
Sports, page 9
News, page 4
Bud Riley, the previous treasurer of the Feignbaum Foundation, who passed away in August. In his remembrance, $20,000 in annual
Photo courtesy of Bernadette Lupo
Jeff Corwin has reported on pressing environmental issues for CNN and NBC. smaller, more informal gathering in the Murdock Building, room 218 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Corwin will give insight on his work as an environmental journalist, as well as his advocacy for the conservation of endangered species and habitats.
News Arts & Entertainment Sports Campus Opinion Local Events Photo Essay
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2 Police Logs
Campus News
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The week of 9/29-10/5 Monday, September 30 ◆ 1:26 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call to assist an outside agency at 931 Church Street. No action was required.
Grads giving back By Ryan Flynn
Senior News Writer Alumni Jordan Cohen, Alyson Carey, Kayla Hollins, and Dayne Wahl are all giving back to the College, acquiring on and off – campus jobs just shortly after graduating.
Alyson Carey
◆ 4:32 p.m. - Public Safety responded to motor vehicle accident in the Brewer Perkins Lot. The response was completed successfully. Tuesday, October 1 ◆ 5:14 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a burglar alarm in the Amsler Campus Center. The alarm was unfounded. Wednesday, October 2 ◆ 12:11 p.m. - Public Safety responded to an incident of larceny, forgery, or fraud in the Freel Library. A report was filed. ◆ 1:30 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call regarding suspicious activity at the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. The report was investigated. Thursday, October 3 ◆ 8:40 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a call regarding a pedestrian accident on Ashland Street. The report was referred to an outside agency. ◆ 11:40 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a 911 hang-up call from the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. No action was required. Friday, October 4 ◆ 1:44 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a 911 call at the Wellness Center. The subject was transported to the hospital.
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Photo by Jess Gamari/The Beacon
Carey is a 2013 graduate. Carey graduated in 2013 with a Pre-medical biology degree and a minor in psychology. After graduating, she applied for a new post-grad internship position in the Feignbaum Center of Service and Citizenship and was hired after the interview process. Having been the coordinator for the Student-Teacher In-Class Support (STICS) Program as a student, helping with community service is something Carey has always done and is glad to continue doing so. “Before going to grad school, I wanted to help others while saving up to go back to school,” she said. She also said that having plenty of experience with both the College and local community helps her excel in her job. “Having knowledge of the community helps me with the projects we already have done and gives us time to create new projects,” she said. Carey helps over some of the service projects and has most recently helped coordinate the Community Engagement Fair and Civic Engagement Series. She also noted that the Center for Service is looking into developing two new after school programs: a science program and a health and
Thursday, October 10
fitness program. Jordan Cohen Cohen graduated in 2013 with a degree in psychology and minors in theater and sociology. He was working at the Hoosac Hall front desk this past summer and was eventually hired as a painter, when he saw an ad for an admissions position. After a series of interviews he was hired as an admission recruiter and now travels to high schools and college fairs throughout Rhode Island and Connecticut, providing prospective students with the information they need. According to Cohen, the job comes naturally to him due to his experiences at the College. “For me, this job is second nature because sharing my positive experiences is something that comes easily to me,” he said. “My job is to match kids’ wants with the possibilities of MCLA,” he said. Visiting four to five high schools a day and attending fairs almost every night, Cohen said a perk of his job is making young students feel comfortable about the prospect of college. “One positive aspect is the look on a kids’ face when they feel better about college,” he said. Dayne Wahl Wahl graduated in 2009 with an interdisciplinary studies degree in sociology and business with a minor in Spanish. After graduating, he taught English in China for three years. Wahl started his job at the College as a full-time admission counselor this fall. Wahl travels throughout the New York Area working with high school students, helping them decide if MCLA is right for them. Wahl also works with fellow Admission Counselor Kayla Hollins as a cocoordinator of the Ambassador Program. According to Wahl, having a pleasant experience at the College as well as being involved in a number of clubs has really helped him adjust to the job quickly. “It was like I was at home already when I started the job,” he said. Wahl also said being an alumnus
Friday, October 11
gives his job more authenticity. “I think it’s more genuine,” he said. Kayla Hollins
SGA Update •SGA President Jake Powers announced that he met with Charlotte Degan last week, looking into the investment of purchasing a new van. The cost would be roughly $30,000.
Photo courtesy of Admissions
Hollins is a 2012 graduate. Hollins graduated in 2012 with a degree in sociology with minors in health, aging and society and anthropology, and was soon hired as an admissions representative. This past February she was hired as a full-time admissions counselor, also overseeing the Ambassador Program. She also works with Wendy Guerra of the Center for Student Success for Success and Engagement on building the Individual Enrichment summer session. Hollins travels to high schools and college fairs in the North Shore and South Shore of Massachusetts, as well as Cape Cod, and said that being an alumna gives her several advantages in terms of doing her job well. “As an alum, I believe I am able to communicate a special passion to prospective students about MCLA having gone there myself,” she said. Hollins also noted that the best aspect of her job is working with both the high school students and ambassadors here. “The best part of my job is working with engaging students whether it’s prospective students who already know about MCLA or our current students and Ambassadors,” she said. “The Ambassadors have so much energy and their enthusiasm keeps me going.”
•Powers noted that the original plan for online SGA elections did not pan out, due to technical difficulties. He did note however, that they will be looking to fix those problems next semester in hopes to use the online system in the future. • Executive Vice President Brendan Peltier stated that as of right now, 20 runners and 40 walkers are register for the Sam Gomez Race on Oct. 20. The proceeds of the race will go toward the Windsor Lake Project, which is looking to build a beach volleyball court. • SGA elections were concluded yesterday. The results will be posted on the Beacon website. •There will be no SGA meeting on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14. • Celia Norcross will be attending the next SGA meeting on Oct. 21 to talk about the NEASC assessment starting on Nov. 3 and how important it is for both SGA and the student body of that process.
Correction: Due to miscommunication, there was an error in the Center Celebration story in last weeks’ Beacon. Funding for the Feignbaum Center for Science and Innovation was part of $54.5 million awarded to MCLA as part of the Commonwealth’s 2008 $2 billion public higher education capital bond.
Saturday, October 12
Sunday, October 13
Partly Cloudy High: 67° Low: 44° Precip. Chance: 10%
Mostly Sunny High: 64° Low: 43° Precip. Chance: 10%
Saturday, October 5 ◆ 2:18 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call in the Hoosac Hall Student Lot. Services were rendered. ◆ 7:05 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call about unwanted guests at the Foundation Building. The call was unfounded.
Mostly Cloudy Showers High: 63° High: 68° Low: 44° Low: 44° Precip. Chance: 10% Precip. Chance: 60%
Campus News
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Research database extended By Nick Arena
Managing Editor The MCLA Freel Library has extended its research database system with the addition of the new JSTOR Database. JSTOR, short for journal storage, is an online archive that currently contains texts ranging back to the 1800s and more than 2000 different full-text academic journals, according to Maureen Horak, associate dean for Library Services. “It’s very strong in the humanities and social sciences,” Horak said. Horak added that the database’s contents also encompass the arts and sciences to a lesser degree, and that its full-text articles will be tied into the library’s other databases. “We have this link resolver that joins all of our databases,” Horak said. “We hope that our technology will do the work.” The database’s articles are often written archives that have not yet made it to the Internet, she continued. “It’s a non-profit; a lot of others, like Ebsco, are for profit,” she said. “JSTOR sees itself as a digital archive. They see their role as preserving materials that were only in print.” While the database’s contents stretch back as far as the 1800s, the most recent journals available are three to five years old. Horak said there is a “moving wall” implemented into the system, making it so that the most
recent journals will never be older than that. “You could search for a review of the Scarlet Letter when it was published,” she said. She added that students are already beginning to take to the new system. “We got it in August and we didn’t have many students here, so all of the hits were probably us,” she joked. “But about 330 fulltext articles were accessed in September alone.” Seniors Alexa Hebard and Andrew Ricketts both said they have not accessed the library’s older databases too often, but that they would consider using the new system given what it has to offer. “I would probably utilize the new database if I felt like I needed to,” Ricketts said. “I definitely would,” Hebard said. “I’m working on my senior research paper, so I will be using it quite a bit.” Horak added that she would like to see more students come in and get accustomed to the new system. “I would definitely encourage students to come and meet with the reference librarians if they want to know if it will benefit them,” she said. “It’s good when people tell us what they’re researching so we know where to go next.” Along with the JSTOR system, the library has added a course reserves listing and the World Catalog (World CAT) media database. The course reserves system allows
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Photo by Jess Gamari/The Beacon
The JSTOR Database can be accessed in the Freel Library or at home. students to view whatever books or media their professors have put on reserve for a class and whether or not they are currently available. World CAT allows students to search for and request books in the College’s library system as well as in other library systems.
Future steps that the library will take involve upgrading its strategic plan to become more of a “learning common,” according to Horak. “[We want to make it so] students can come do work in a comfortable and convenient way,” she said.
Ribbon cutting ceremony draws large crowd
Donation, largest in College’s history, could also be the largest gift in the state’s history By Nick Swanson Staff Writer
Photo by Gillian Jones/North Adams Transcript
Hundreds of people pack into the atrium of the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
SCIENCE continued from page 1 scholarships will be awarded to MCLA students. “Within weeks after Donald’s death, I had a meeting at Bud’s house, and he said, ‘You know, when it comes to this area of education, technology, and science, I really would like to do something for MCLA just out of the blue,’” George said. “Investment is cheap, but mediocrity is expensive,” he added. Also at the ceremony were Senator Michael Moore and Rep. Tom Sannicandro, who stressed
the importance of the Center in implementing advances in science, technology, and innovation, which contribute to economic growth and enhanced opportunities for coming generations. “This center will benefit the community at large, specifically the children of North Adams and Pittsfield, as they begin to develop an appreciation for the sciences and engineering,” Acombright said. “We’ll look back on this day and say it was a major start of economic development for Berkshire Country,” Bianchi added. During the ceremony, Stephen
Hannock spoke about the wallsize painting he created specifically for the atrium. According to Grant, the collection of bird paintings on the second floor, together titled “Evolution of Flight,” was donated by Gallery 51. Asia Andrews, president of the Black Student Union and vice president of the Asian Club, had the honor of cutting the blue and gold silk ribbon. “It was a speechless moment, but I was so honored to be standing with all these important people, especially Governor Deval Patrick and President Mary Grant,” Andrews said.
The Feignbaum Foundation donated $5 million to the College’s endowment and a $20,000 annual scholarship that were revealed during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 4. “Within the next 3 to 4 weeks a contract will be developed with the criteria it takes to earn the scholarship,” President of Advancement Marianne Drake said. “We want to ensure that the donors’ original requests are fulfilled and protected.” According to Drake, the college is unsure if the award will go to one student or multiple. If it were give to one student, it would become the single largest scholarship at the school, but it would be much more difficult to obtain. “The donors were very particular about the donations, so we waited until the end of the ceremony to build the anticipation and truly have a big surprise,” President Mary Gant said. The scholarship will be eligible to students with either a business or accounting major in honor of Bud Riley, previous treasurer of the Feignbaum Foundation who passed last August. The $5 million endowed fund will add to the Sowing Seeds for Success: The MCLA Campaign
for the Future. The original goal was $22.5 million. When the donation was finalized, it increased the total to $26 million, surpassing their pervious goal. “The endowment will support professorships, student scholarships, and research in order to spread these gifts to an institution as a whole,” Drake said. “The $5 million pledge came from a long-term relationship with the Feignbaum brothers and President Mary Grant,” Drake explained. “They had great trust in her leadership ,which ties back to knowing about all of her years of excellence in being a leader.” This is the first comprehensive capital campaign at the College, and the new goal may increase to $30 million. According to Drake, the endowed funds will come over several years, to help the planning and distribution process. The Feigenbaum Foundation was established in 1988 and has about 85 endowed funds that they donate to. “The Feignbaums believed in high quality liberal arts education and wanted to better MCLA’s name for a university,” Drake added. “We know it is the biggest donation in the College’s history but it may also be the biggest pledge in the state’s history as well.”
4 Clery report published Thursday, October 10, 2013
By Nick Arena
Managing Editor In accordance with federal law, MCLA has released its annual Clery Report complete with safety procedure updates and crime and fire reports over the past three years. Director of Public Safety Joseph Charon stated that the reported number of crimes are relatively static compared to past years, while a few are more prevalent. “The crime statistic data reported for 2012 is consistent with data from 2010 and 2011 in that the majority of reported crimes fall within the categories of burglary and alcohol and drug referrals,” Charon said in an e-mail. “While the College and its campus police department pay close attention to all categories of reported crime, it would make sense that additional attention and review is given to those areas presenting any significant changes.” As stated in the report, the number of drug and alcohol “Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals” in 2012 were 49 and 185 respectively. In 2011, the numbers were 27 for drug violations and 96 for alcohol. “While this may sound cliché, I encourage all faculty, staff, and students to assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking common sense precautions provided on our department website, in our crime
and safety alerts, and at safety sessions our department periodically offers,” Charon added. “Safety and security begins there and is then strengthened through partnerships between our community members and campus police efforts.” In terms of safety procedures, an addition was made in the Berkshire Towers and Hoosac Hall residence areas. “One of the more notable changes in our safety and security procedures is the outside main entrances to Berkshire Towers and Hoosac Hall are locked 24 hours a day using a card-access security system and proximity cards,” he said. “Additionally, the residence area student assistant staff at the front desk areas of each of those residence halls check and verify college I.D.s as students enter using that same system.” Looking ahead, Public Safety aims to continue finding new and informative ways of chiseling away crime on campus. “The MCLA Campus Police Department remains committed to proactively trying to reduce crime in and around campus, educating our community members and guests on best practices related to safety and security, and working to ensure MCLA remains a safe place conducive to learning and living,” Charon said. For the full report, visit www. mcla.edu/student_life/publicsafety, or stop by the Public Safety Office for a hard copy.
News
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Twitter goes public MCT Campus Now that Twitter Inc. has filed long-awaited plans for its initial public offering of stock, advertisers and industry experts are zeroing in on details revealed for the first time about the microblogging service’s sprawling user base. Perhaps one of the more intriguing nuggets in Thursday’s filing with the Security and Exchange Commission is that 75 percent of Twitter’s 200 million active users access the service on a mobile device every month. With the mobile advertising market heating up, Twitter is taking full advantage of that user base. The company reported in its stock prospectus that 65 percent of its total advertising revenue was reaped from mobile devices. That’s higher than the 41 percent Facebook claimed in its most recent quarterly report. Even that number, though, was enough to send Facebook’s share price skyrocketing. That’s why some experts see Twitter’s mobile growth as one of its biggest potential selling points on Wall Street. “Unlike Facebook, Twitter was birthed on mobile. That’s a huge differentiator,” said Marcus Nelson, chief executive of a startup called Addvocate that helps companies promote themselves on social media. Both social networks generate the bulk of their revenue from advertisements. On Facebook, that’s in the form of “suggested” posts inserted in a user’s message timeline, along with traditional adver-
MCT Campus File Photo
Twitter is one of the few social media sites created initially for mobile devices. tising off to the side of the screen. While the vast majority of TwitTwitter, meanwhile, lets busi- ter’s users are overseas, just 25 nesses pay to insert “promot- percent of its revenue came from ed tweets” in the streams of abroad. 140-character messages. Nelson, The company’s most recent data calls it a superior approach. shows that 169 million people “Twitter has a revenue model outside the United States used that works,” he said, noting that the service at least once a month, its users digest more than a billion more than three times its U.S. messages each week. “Users have user base. Twitter’s IPO filing calls accepted a simplified ad platform international ad sales a target for that also happens to deliver re- future revenue growth. sults to advertisers.” “Their sales teams are focused Twitter CEO Dick Costolo has on the U.S. and other developed pushed the gospel of promoted markets where they get more ad tweets since taking the company’s dollars, the low-hanging fruit,” reins in late 2010. Twitter’s ad rev- said Tom Bedecarre, chairman of enue that year was just $7 million. digital marketing agency AKQA.
Apple Inc. falls to prepaid phone plans MCT Campus
In a shift that could become a big threat to Apple Inc., U.S. consumers are increasingly signing up for a type of wireless service plan popular around the world that’s traditionally not been in favor here _ prepaid accounts. Prepaid plans typically allow consumers to purchase services in advance in bite-sized chunks _ whether by the minute, the megabyte or the month _ and allow them to cancel at any time. In contrast, the standard plans offered by the big carriers, such as AT&T and Verizon, generally require users to sign up for pricey two-year service agreements. Although prepaid accounts still represent less than a quarter of all wireless service plans in the United States, they’re gaining ground rapidly. Half of all new wireless accounts added between 2008 and last year were prepaid ones. “It’s a very dramatic change in how customers in the U.S. are buying wireless,” said Sara Kaufman, an analyst who covers the wireless service market for Ovum, a research firm. That shift is a worrisome one for Apple, whose iPhone provides the lion’s share of the company’s
revenues. The vast majority of iPhones sold in the United States come with two-year contracts for standard plans with the big carriers, whose high-priced contracts subsidize the cost of the phones. The company faces the prospect of losing market share _ and eventually revenue _ to cheaper phones on prepaid plans, or having to offer a lower-cost phone that could undermine sales of its higher-priced iPhones. With prepaid service plans, consumers typically have to pay up front the full cost of their phones _ or connect a device they already own to the service. Because of that, inexpensive phones tend to sell best for prepaid providers. Apple, however, doesn’t offer a cheap phone. Without its subsidy, for example, Apple’s new iPhone 5C _ billed as the “lower-cost” iPhone by CEO Tim Cook _ costs $550. That’s hundreds of dollars more than the typical cost for a prepaid phone, many of which run Google’s Android operating system. Investors and analysts have fretted that Apple’s focus on selling pricey, heavily subsidized phones will hurt it in developing countries such as China and India, where unsubsidized phones and prepaid plans predominate. But
MCT Campus File Photo
Due to tighter budgets, many consumers are opting for cheaper plans on pre-paid phones. few have paid attention to how the company is being hurt by the shift to prepaid plans closer to home. “There’s no question that (Apple’s) missing out,” said Weston Henderek, a principal analyst at Current Analysis, a technology market research firm. “They’re essentially ceding that market to Android.” An Apple spokesman did not re-
spond to a request for comment. But Cook, in an interview last month with Bloomberg Businessweek, said his company wasn’t interested in the market of customers looking for inexpensive “junk” phones, and that Apple can have a “really good business” by focusing on the higher-end market. “I’m not going to lose sleep over that ... market, because it’s just not who we are,” Cook said.
Analysts say the company could endanger its brand or cut into its healthy profit margins by offering a truly inexpensive iPhone. But with iPhone sales having fallen in China in Apple’s last quarter and sales growth slowing elsewhere, the company may be forced to look closer at making a device targeted at the prepaid market.
World News
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Beacon.MCLA.edu
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9 More killed by attacks in Egypt MCT Campus
CAIRO _ A trio of attacks against military, security and government-linked targets rattled Egypt on Monday, a day after violent street clashes on a military holiday left more than 50 people dead and at least 250 hurt. Monday’s strikes, which killed nine people, prompted emergency precautions to be taken at Cairo’s international airport, the semiofficial Ahram website reported. It said security was stepped up at airport entrances and exits, at the arrival and departure terminals, and on roads leading to the airport. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for any of the assaults, but the interim government remains locked in conflict with Islamist groups, three months after the military stepped in amid a wave of popular protests and toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. In the deadliest of the three attacks, masked assailants opened fire on a military patrol near the Suez Canal city of Ismalia, killing five soldiers and one officer who were riding in an open truck, according to state media. It was the third such shooting in the area in recent days.
Earlier, a powerful bomb went off outside a security headquarters in the Sinai peninsula, killing at least three people and wounding dozens of others, Egypt’s Interior Ministry said. Officials initially said the blast was caused by a car bomb, but later blamed it on a suicide attack. And in the most unusual of the strikes, a rocket-propelled grenade was fired before dawn at the main government-run communications installation in a normally tranquil Cairo suburb, according to official media. While damage to the compound was reported to be minor, affecting only one satellite dish, it could signal determination on the part of attackers to take aim at vulnerable civilian infrastructure. That concern appeared to have prompted the tightening of security at the airport. The Sinai blast, too, suggested a potential expansion of the scope Citizens in Egypt gather in the street after recent fatal attacks. of fighting in the rugged penin- parts of Egypt where a tourism thorities put the official death toll sula. The attack took place in the free-fall has been avoided. from Sunday’s fighting at 53, and town of el-Tor, in an area someMorsi’s followers in the Muslim said most had been killed by live what removed from the swath of Brotherhood, who flooded the ammunition. northern Sinai where the mili- streets on Sunday during celebraIn statements Monday, the retary launched a major offensive tions marking the anniversary of solve of both sides appeared to against Islamist groups more than the 1973 war against Israel, have harden, setting the stage for a a month ago. It lies closer to the vowed to return to key sites on new round of violent confrontaRed Sea tourist center of Sharm Friday, the main Muslim day of tions. The government described el-Sheikh, one of the very few prayer. On Monday, Egyptian au- anti-army demonstrators as for-
MCT Campus File Photo
eign agents and terrorists and said they would be dealt with harshly, while the Brotherhood renewed demands for the reinstatement of Morsi, the country’s first democratically elected president, and said it would continue to send its followers into the streets to challenge security forces.
Yosemite’s largest ice - mass melting fast MCT Campus
Climate change is taking a visible toll on Yosemite National Park, where the largest ice-mass in the park is in a death spiral, geologists say. During an annual trek to the glacier deep in Yosemite’s backcountry last month, Greg Stock, the park’s first fulltime geologist, found that Lyell Glacier had shrunk visibly since his visit last year, continuing a trend that began more than a century ago. Lyell has dropped 62 percent of its mass and lost 120 vertical feet of ice over the last 100 years. “We give it 20 years or so of existence _ then it’ll vanish, leaving behind rocky debris,” Stock said. The Sierra Nevada Mountains have roughly 100 remaining glaciers, two of them in Yosemite. The shrinkage of glaciers across the Sierra is also occurring around the world. Great ice sheets are dwindling, prompting concerns about what happens next to surrounding ecological systems after perennial rivulets of melted ice disappear. “We’ve looked at glaciers in California, Colorado, Wyoming, Washington and elsewhere, and they’re all thinning because of warming temperatures and less precipitation,” said Andrew Fountain, professor of geology and geography at Portland State University in Oregon. “This is the beginning of the end of these things.” If carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, the earth will eventually become ice-free, according to a study by Ken MacLeod, a professor of geological sciences at the Uni-
MCT Campus File Photo
Hal Kleiforth, 81, looks on at the Lyell Glacier versity of Missouri, published in the October issue of the journal Geology. Research by scientists at NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey and UC Davis suggest that absorption of sunlight in snow by industrial air pollution including soot, or black carbon, is also causing snow and ice to melt faster. Yosemite’s other glacier, Maclure, is also shrinking, but it remains alive and continues to creep at a rate of about an inch a day.
Lyell, however, hasn’t budged. It is the second largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada and the headwater of the Tuolumne River watershed, but it no longer fits the definition of a glacier because it has ceased moving. “Lyell Glacier is stagnant _ a clear sign it’s dying,” Stock said. “Our research indicates it stopped moving about a decade ago.” Of particular concern is the effect on Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. After two years of drought, many of the streams that nourish the picturesque meadowlands have gone dry. The one exception, however, is the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, which is sustained by runoff from Lyell and Maclure glaciers. “When the glaciers are gone, there will be no steady supplies of water in that drainage,” Stock said. “We don’t know what the impacts of that will be on plants and animals that evolved with these ice flows.” Future research projects will attempt to use climate shifts chronicled in the widths of tree rings in nearby forests to create computer models that will show the shrinkage of Yosemite’s glaciers over the last 300 years _ and help predict when they will disappear entirely. “Glaciers tend to flow like honey down a plate, or slide over meltwater beneath them,” Stock said. “We suspect Lyell just isn’t thick enough anymore to drive a downhill motion.” Overall, “the rate of glacier retreat has accelerated since about 2000,” Stock said. “Eventually, they’ll be nothing left.”
Obama’s environmental adviser leaving MCT Campus President Barack Obama’s top adviser on energy and climate issues is leaving the post, the White House said Monday, making no immediate announcement of a replacement. Heather Zichal has advised Obama since his 2008 presidential campaign and took over the role of lead energy adviser after Carol
Browner left the White House in 2011. Her departure comes as the president moves to make good on a reinvigorated climate change agenda that he laid out in a speech in June. “Heather is one of the president’s most trusted policy advisors,” White House chief of staff Denis McDonough said. “The president values her expertise and counsel and is grateful for her service.”
The statement did not give a reason for Zichal’s departure. Zichal declined to comment. Zichal, the president’s deputy assistant for energy and climate change, is expected to leave in the coming weeks. Any successor would have to shepherd controversial initiatives the White House plans to undertake to tackle climate change in the absence of congressional action.
Rules proposed recently by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants have provoked an outcry from Republicans, business lobbies and politicians from coal states. Rules for existing power plants, certain to be even more contentious, are to be proposed in June 2014. League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski de-
scribed Zichal as a “tremendous leader” in the fight against climate change. Zichal played a role in creating tougher fuel efficiency standards, developing mercury and air pollution safeguards, and the recent regulations aimed at cutting carbon pollution. “America is better off today because of her commitment to a cleaner, safer world,” Karpinski said.
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Arts & Entertainment
Thursday, October 10, 2013
MCT Campus File Photo
Candice is spending the semester interning for the Disney College Program in Disney World, Orlando, Fl. She will write a weekly column describing her experiences. Candice Crow
Disney World Correspondant
“T
aste your way around the world,” the turquoise, four-foot-tall sign enticed. Curiosity fell over me. My eyes dropped to the bottom of the advertisement, which was for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The following day, a few of my friends and I decided to visit Epcot. Upon entering, I realized Epcot was quite different from any of the other Disney theme parks. It was extremely diverse and included buildings from different countries like Morocco, Mexico, and China. There was so much to take in. The walkways were filled with people holding sample trays in one hand and exotic drinks in the other. The International Food and Wine Festival is celebrating its 18th year this fall. The festival runs for 46 days, from late September to early November, with over 1.5 million samplings sold. Small imitation passports are available at every kiosk. Inside each booklet is a place for a stamp from each “country” its owner has eaten from. The festival is a food enthusiast’s dream. With more than 200 food and beverage options, it offers something for everyone. The venue features elaborate stands from more than 25 countries. At the time I visited, each stand was as authentic as the previous one, down to the way the service member greeted the guest. I felt at home in each “country” I visited. The objective was to eat something from every place around the world, but reaching that goal can be expensive. Each sample ranged from $3 to $5, and alcoholic drinks ran up to $10 per serving. That didn’t stop guests from ponying up the dough, however. Over its duration, the event sells more than 360,000 beers on average. Not only is there food to sample, famous chefs come to host events, sign books, and give seminars. Every day of the festival is planned with great attention to special guests and events. Unfortunately, I only attended for one day, so I did not get to experience food from every country. Many people who attend annually stay for weeks at a time to experience everything the festival has to offer.
Beacon.MCLA.edu
‘Spring Awakening’ to open next Wednesday
Theatre department brings award winning rock musical to Venable Theater
By Shannen Adamites
Arts and Entertainment Editor The College’s Fine and Performing Arts Department will present their third “Encore Series” production of the 2007 Tony Award-winning musical, Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s “Spring Awakening.” The performance opens Wednesday at 8 p.m. and will continue through Oct. 17, 18, and 19, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 19, at MCLA’s Venable Theater. “Spring Awakening” is directed by Theatre professor, Laura Standley, who incorporates elements of Victorian imagery against a rock and roll score: a combination that she feels exemplifies the musical’s themes of sexuality, self-discovery, and adolescent rebellion. The musical direction is conducted by one of the College’s music program instructors, Shelly Roberts, with local musicians, Eric Despard, Bill Chapman and Andy Wrba playing in the band. The debut musical production by Sater, Sheik and Michael Mayer, the play’s original director, is known for its blunt delivery of highly controversial, and often times triggering, messages. Standley said this show “holds a mirror up to our time,” and captures the anxieties of today’s youth growing up in a world of uncertainty. Standley added, “For this reason, our ‘Spring Awakening’ is based on their invention: a contemporary high-concept rock musical that blends pop-rock songs with the Victorian visual images and symbols of [Frank] Wedekind’s play ‘Spring Awakening,’” The musical focuses on the story of Wendla (played by ju-
nior Theatre student Courtney McLaren) and Melchior (played by senior Theatre student Erik Dabrowski), two long-lost friends who struggle with coming to terms with the physical and emotional hindrances associated with adolescence and growing up in a particularly strict and conservative community. Along with their tragic romance, the friends experience their own troubles of abusive parents, academic struggles, suicide and sexual frustration. “The show is so contemporary, risky and forward-thinking, and one of the most challenging shows I’ve ever worked on,” Standley said. “I have been holding meetings with the actors who play Melchior and Wendla in order to make them feel comfortable about conveying such heavy themes and a deep level of intimacy. We had to be very open with each other in the rehearsal process.” Production manager and Theatre professor Dawn Shamburger said the difficult themes are handled in a dignified and respectful manner. “Nothing is being taken lightly,” Shamburger said. “Everyone is being very serious and professional about it, and students and community members will be able to access the show without worry.” Along with the intensive rehearsal process, Standley said the show has a unique production value, incorporating period costumes on a minimalist set and placing the band front and center. Harsh white light in the general scenes contrast intensely with colorful moving lights in the musical numbers. “We want to create an alternative rock concert atmosphere,” Standley said. “Our production allows the student performers
Poster by Meg Gugarty
Courtney McLaren (left) and Erik Dabrowski (right) star as Wendla and Melchior in ‘Spring Awakening” the opportunity to walk in the Broadway actors’ shoes, learning the level of professionalism necessary for making an icon of music theatre history.” Tickets are $10 for the general public, $5 for MCLA’s faculty and staff, and free for students. To order tickets, call the box office at 413-662-5123.
Scan for an exclusive cast member intervew!
Opinion: We reached the golden age of TV By Ryan Flynn
Senior News Editor Over these past two weeks my Facebook newsfeed and casual passing conversations have been filled with fictionally shed tears over the ending of “Breaking Bad.” While some are sad, however, I’m feeling pretty great about television: others might be cynical about the direction the music and film industries have taken, but I believe this particular medium has reached its golden age. Many TV shows have an artistic integrity among their writers, directors, and actors that simply was not there 30 years ago. “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston said himself that a driving factor in the making of “Breaking Bad” was to take a character that
didn’t have that consistency in personality that made viewers feel comfortable after a long day of work, such as Archie Bunker, and changing that person’s persona to an extent that would raise eyebrows. This was a bold move, and a lot of other shows have similarly been pushing the button when it comes to traditional TV style. Don’t get me wrong this: consistency in character, which results often in consistency in plotline, is still there and has its place. Emmy Award-winning shows like “Two and a Half Men” have proven that, whether you’re a fan or not. Still, dramas from “Breaking Bad” to “Game of Thrones” to “Friday Night Lights” as well as comedies such as “30 Rock” and “Arrested Development” have shown that
television is a medium growing in an artistic sense. Actors, writers, and directors are showing passion and skill that wasn’t always necessarily there. There are some great old TV shows, but there was nothing that got you out of your seat like the final episodes of a season of “Breaking Bad” or the Red Wedding in “Game of Thrones.” That kind of intensity and controversy is not a familiar feeling when it comes to television watching, but it’s a feeling any medium should strive to invoke from its consumers. If you’re looking for high-quality and well thought-out entertainment, start watching television. There’s certainly a movement going on in the industry that offers a superior experience. Even if
Image from depauw.edu
The ‘Breaking Bad’ finale was one of TV’s finest moments. you don’t have cable or premium cable, Netflix can provide this for you. Well-made and enjoyable shows can be instantly streamed at your disposal. Whether you’re a modern binge-watcher or someone who likes to occasionally watch an episode of a show before you go to bed, you really can’t go wrong.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Arts & Entertainment
Beacon.MCLA.edu
‘Markings’ provides variety and charm Review by Raanan Segal
Arts and Entertainment Writer “Markings” is a project characterized by a variety. The gallery is a clean space filled with artifacts from the past and now pieces by artists expressing the feeling of time passing and the creative process in prints of quotes and images on different types of paper and with different types of ink. The emotional states they were in at the time of creation are a central theme of this collection, represented in striking and eye-catching fashion, if a bit sparse and in need of expansion. The front of the gallery, before one enters the building proper, has its own line “Time marks us while we are marking time,” a quote by Theodore Roscoe, a mid century poet, that serves as a thematic through line for the exhibit in general. The prints are hung about the route arranged around the materials used to create them. Standouts include “Le Tigre, by Pablo Neruda” by Antoine Scalbert and to Leeya Jackson, who used the poem by Pablo Neruda and a beautifully drawn image
to comment on one another. The other major standout was “When I am Among the Rocks and Other Stories from Walks in the Woods” by Melanie Mowinski, founder of PRESS, positioned at the back of the room and made up of a series of interactive prints. One of the reasons that this is a standout work though is the fact that it was created as a teaching piece for the class of interns responsible for the gallery’s current exhibit. It had the freedom to be bigger and more complex in its construction. The other prints that populate the show are far more limited in their presentation and subject matter. This does not make any of them bad. It just gives them of vaguely limited quality. The fact that this exhibit originated from something akin to a class is both clear and, according to Mowinski, part of the point. “The point of this exhibit was showcasing and celebrating time and effort that went into creating the works,” said Mowinski. “There is a unifying thread of process, from the past six months.”
Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon
Close up of a row of “Markings” posters posted on the wall of the store front window of PRESS Gallery. “Markings” will be on display until the end of October. Also part of the exhibit but and print them in interesting bility or expedients need the created at a different time are fonts and colors to catch the eye negative qualities. It is just that the results of the “Make Your and possibly make the audience there may not be enough here Own Mantra” workshop, the think about the chosen phrase. for someone to sink their teeth pieces from which are hanging In total “Markings” is a fun into, intellectually speaking. alongside the works by the forand interesting experience but The fact that it exists, is charmmer PRESS interns responsible is a bit too bare. Just about all ing, and its connection with the for the show. These pieces are the works are aesthetically creative process is enjoyable similar in construction if not pleasing but the whole of the and evident, but overall the style to “Words to Live By” by gallery can easily be experipieces were not ripe for deeper Adriana Alexatos. Both sets enced in a short time, at most analysis. take phrases and famous lines a half hour. Not that accessi-
16-year-old Lorde really dominates Review by Hannah Sterrs Staff Writer
Just when we thought we had the modern music industry all figured out, Lorde comes along and flips the conventional wisdom on its head. If her larger-than-life curls and anti-consumerist summer hit “Royals” weren’t enough to establish Lorde as the coolest girl in pop, her debut album ‘Pure Heroine’ surely will. Just ten tracks long, the album explores themes of materialism, suburban life, aging, and adolescence to heavy beats and jaded lyrics. However, not only is Lorde’s debut album incredibly enjoyable from a lyrical standpoint, this singer-songwriter has shown some incredible promise at a very young age. For those of you who are a little late to board the Lorde train, the sixteen year old hails from New Zealand where she is currently completing her final year of school. Discovered at a talent show when she was just twelve years old, Ella Yelich-O’Connor has taken the last three years to develop both her songwriting skills and her on-stage persona. Smart, sassy, and down to earth, Lorde casts aside the teen pop-star stereotype, which is crucial to her music because she sings about what it’s like to be a teen. Lorde released The Love Club EP for free this March and then Pure Heroine on September 27. Yes, we have seen artists with similar stories before, those building word-of-mouth buzz from the strength of a simple
7
‘Clybourne’ is witty, relevant Review by Shannen Adamites Arts and Entertainment Editor
Photo from NPR.com
Lorde’s dreamy album and sassy lyrics defy the typical teen popstar stereotype EP and developing a critical about nothing really, Lorde acclaim before ever releasing realistically sings of the feelan album (Vampire Weekend, ing of being a teenager in love. Passion Pit, Lana Del Rey and The simple, yet movingly seriMacklemore all come to mind.) ous confession at the end of the But Lorde’s leap is something chorus (I’d like it if you stayed”) else. Take a look at the top five will be stuck in your head for days. streaming songs on Spotify 3. “Ribs” right now: tracks from Miley There’s a dreamlike aspect Cyrus, Avicii, Drake, Katy Perto this track, yet the lyrics are ry . . . and Lorde, sitting proud far more self-aware than that. at number one, right above an Possibly the must vulnerable image of a particularly risqué the listener will see Lorde on “Wrecking Ball.” this album, Lorde sings about A conceptual album in its her age’s failure to live up to entirety, it’s worth a listen her expectations.(“This dream through. Yet, a few songs stand isn’t feeling sweet/ we’re reeling out enough to win over the cathrough the midnight streets/ sual listener: and I’ve never felt more alone”) 1. “Royals” and longs for days of laughObviously already a commering until her ribs hurt with her cial success, “Royals” epitomizchildhood friends. es Lorde’s sound. A little beatLorde is clearly a gifted songnik-y and very catchy, the song writer for her age and the almakes a jab at the overwhelmbum is very grown-up despite ing excess of pop culture and its teenage topics. This girl embraces the diamond-less, writes from the heart and cares torn-up town life. about what she is communicat2. “400 Lux” ing in her music, and Pure HerThe song opens with the oine is evident of that. While it’s whine of a siren and picks up no masterpiece, ‘Pure Heroine’ into the cool and bare beat that is unique and engaging enough is Lorde’s signature. The songs to keep the conversation going.
Barrington Stage Company, an award winning theater in downtown Pittsfield, celebrated one of its best summer seasons to date with record breaking box office sales for their production of the musical, ‘On the Town.’ This fall, the theater brought a relatively new, but high quality piece to the Boyd-Quinson Main Stage: Bruce Norris’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play, ‘Clybourne Park,’ directed by Giovanna Sardelli. The play is a response to the novel and play, ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ and primarily focuses on how race affects the sale of real estate, and how America may not be as free of racism as we may think. The first act depicts a white, middle-class couple moving out of their home after the tragic suicide of their son, who was accused of committing war crimes in Korea. Their neighbor informs the couple that the family purchasing the house is black, and that the property value will decrease if that family purchases it. The second act takes place 50 years later in the same house, but the neighborhood has become entirely black and a white family goes through various legal procedures in order to get the house so they can move in and start a family. The hot topic of this play, obviously, pertains to how racism is still a current issue we face. The actors, who play two separate characters for each act, are
very distinguishable and are able to convey controversial subjects without overstepping their bounds. The comedy was executed nicely and gave the play a delightful edge, particularly regarding the portrayal of both white families and especially in the second act with its caricature-like approach to how racism evolved over time. Hilarious one-liners were scattered about, providing enjoyable, light-hearted moments in with the deeper topics at hand. One main drawback was utilizing a deaf character as a device to provide comic relief, but this character’s presence is short-lived and does not completely detract from the viewing experience. Overall, ‘Clybourne’ is very sassy and fun. Despite a brief moment of questionable comedy regarding the deaf person’s portrayal, the rest of the play features a great message we all need to take into consideration: Stop being racist, and stop being ignorant.
8
Sports
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Tennis wraps up season Jesse Collings Sports Writer
Christopher Oxholm Sports Editor
He’s back again...again? Everyone remembers when Michael Jordan was in the NBA. Back in the 90s, he was like a modern day Paris Hilton in jail people, and the media, loved him. Things are starting to seem like they are headed in that direction again. If you haven’t read an article or seen a video about it yet, there are rumors that Jordan will return to the NBA as a player for one game this season. The most notable source of the rumors is basketball guru Jalen Rose. The retired 50-year-old Jordan is currently the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, giving him eligibility to play if he desired. Jordan has already done this, coming out of retirement twice before. He coached and played for the Washington Wizards the second time, back in the early 2000’s. In his 40s, he still managed to make the All Star team two years in a row. He is also credited with having the oldest age-to-point ratio in NBA history, scoring 42 points at age 40. Although the accusation of Jordan’s return is just a rumor, fans can’t help but wonder: Will Mike be back? There has been so much hype surrounding Jordan’s reign over the past few years, especially regarding Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Since Jordan has so securely held on to the title “best player of all time,” SportsCenter and platforms like Internet blogs have debated who, if anyone, could beat Jordan one-on-one. The fact of the matter is, as mentioned earlier, Jordan is 50. No matter what happens, whether he comes back and challenges Lebron and the Miami Heat or plays his old team, the Chicago Bulls, it will only be for one game. And at 50, let’s call it what it is: his playing won’t at all help his franchise. It’s simply an act of beautiful selfishness. Even though it may not happen, and it would be completely pointless, there are millions of people all over the world who never got a chance to see Jordan play a live game, even if only on television. If he has the means to pull it off, then why wouldn’t he let the world enjoy his talent one last time? Keep your eyes on the Bobcats.
Women’s Tennis dropped a tough decision on the road against Johnson State, playing hard but losing in the end, 5-4. The loss was the team’s 10th straight, and with it, Women’s Tennis fell to 1-11 on the season and to 0-4 in conference play. Johnson State improved to 2-8 on the season and to 1-3 in conference play. The team started out strong, winning two out of the three doubles matches on the day. It was the team’s best performance in doubles competition to date, as the team took the early advantage. Freshman Rebecca Waterhouse and sophomore Danielle Wiencek defeated Johnson State senior Maegan Ploof and her partner, senior Kate Murphy, by a score of 8-5. ‘Blazer sophomore Ama Adwetewa-Badu and freshmen Shelby Gauthier scored the second doubles victory, defeating Johnson State freshman Eden Towers and junior Clarisse Talley, 8-6.
Despite the early success, the ‘Blazers could not hold on to the lead. Johnson State fought back in singles competition. Johnson State sophomore Deanna Brandstetter defeated ‘Blazer senior Kelley Bryant 6-4, 6-4 and Johnson State sophomore Annette Kaminski defeated ‘Blazer sophomore Stephanie Giardina 6-2, 6-3. Waterhouse continued her success from earlier with a victory over Murphy in singles play, winning in three sets 6-3, 6-1, 7-6. After the match, Waterhouse was very excited about her perfect outing. “It felt great! It was my first time winning both matches and I worked extremely hard to get it,” Waterhouse said. “I have to thank my partner Danielle for the doubles win. Our communication was perfect and we wouldn’t have won without it.” Johnson State went right back to winning, however, as Ploof defeated Wiencek 7-6, 6-4 and sophomore Shelly Manius defeated Adwetewa-Badu in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. The wins secured the victory for Johnson State, despite ‘Blazer sophomore
Kylie Dumas’s closing effort, defeating Talley 6-1, 7-5. After playing competitively the last few games, Dumas finally broke through and picked up a victory. “It feels amazing. I am very happy with my performance this season,” Dumas said. “I’m really excited that I have learned so much about this sport and improved as a player. It feels great to end the season strong.” The girls closed out the season on Sunday, falling at home to Colby-Sawyer, 8-1. MCLA was
controlled for most of the match by a superior Colby-Sawyer squad that improved to 7-4 on the season and to a perfect 5-0 in the conference. MCLA finished the season with a tough 1-12 record, closing on an 11-game losing streak. Dumas was the lone bright spot for the ‘Blazers at Colby-Sawyer, winning her singles match against Colby-Sawyer freshman Ziyoda Saidova 6-0, 6-0.
Trailblazers tie in MASCAC match Chris Oxholm Sports Editor
The Men’s Soccer team ended their scoreless game against MASCAC opponent Fitchburg this Saturday in a tie. After double overtime the Trailblazers couldn’t find the back of Fitchburg’s net, leaving the match at 0-0. The defense was strong on both sides. Neither team had too many chances to get a close shot. The Trailblazers earned eight shots on goal and the Falcons garnered seven. “It wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was a step in the right direction,” senior
Drew Webster said. “If we keep playing like that, we can win more.” Freshman Trailblazer Romeo Gray had the closest attempt. In the second half, his shot from inside the right half of the box went wide, past the left post. “It was our most complete game so far this season,” senior Ben Souza said. “We definitely played better than we were before our Cobleskill match.” As of now, the Trailblazers sit at the bottom of MASCAC, but it’s too early to make post-season assumptions. The top four teams have at least one tie. Fitchburg is sitting in third, with two ties on their MAS-
CAC record, one from their match against the Trailblazers. MCLA is currently the only school without a win in the conference, but their overall record is better than Westfield, Framingham, and Salem. The Trailblazers travel to Framingham on Saturday for more MASCAC action. It’s still early enough in the season for a win to put them higher in the rankings with this game alone. A win would be a head start for a Blazer comeback. The game begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Maple Street Field in Framingham, Mass.
Photo by Kayla Degnan
Romeo Gray fights off a Falcon.
Volleyball struggles on the road Jesse Collings Sports Writer
Photo by Kayla Degnan
Trailblazers defend the court.
The volleyball team was overwhelmed Wednesday, Oct. 2, as they fell to conference rival Framingham State on the road, 3-1. With the loss, the ‘Blazers fall to 7-8 on the season, and 0-2 in MASCAC play. Over the week, the conferenceleading Rams improved to 12-4 overall and 3-0 in MASCAC. MCLA got off to an encouraging start, taking the first game over the heavily favored Rams, 25-23. After the surprising first game, Framingham turned it around and overpowered the ‘Blazers in the next three games, sweeping victories of 25-5, 25-7, and 25-15.
Framingham was led by freshman Alycia Rackliffe, who managed 14 kills, while senior Andressa Fernandez chipped in 12 kills of her own. The Rams were supported by junior Maribeth Martin, who contributed 24 assists. Fellow sophomore Morgan Drew added 12 of her own. For MCLA, freshmen Rachel Mills and Sam Anderson led the team with four kills each. Sophomore Jackie Paluilis and junior Allie Chang recorded a team-best 13 digs, while sophomore Courtney Parent finished with a team-high 18 assists. MCLA looks to improve their record this weekend, heading to the Cazenovia Tournament in Cazenovia, N.Y.
Sports
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Freshman earns MASCAC title James Hunter Sports Writer
Freshman Natalie Caney, from Belchertown, Mass., was awarded MASCAC Rookie of the Week for the third week in a row. Caney has been a spark for the Women’s Soccer team this year, helping the team to a record of 5-6, scoring in 10 of the 11 games this year, improving with each game. Individually, she has been performing with excellence and making a name for herself in MASCAC. Caney was the varsity captain her senior year of high school, becoming All-Western Mass. 1st team in 2011 and 2012 for soccer, and All-Western Mass. 1st team for lacrosse in 2012. Being such a talented athlete, Caney had other schools she could have gone to, but chose MCLA because of the opportunities here. “My other choices were AIC, Elms, and Westfield State. I chose MCLA because I felt very comfortable with the environment. MCLA is a small school, and that’s exactly what I needed. I knew that I would get help when-
ever I needed it, and I was given the opportunity to play soccer so that was a big plus,” Caney said. Caney has such a knack for the game of soccer that she says it has helped her beyond the field. She believes soccer has given her confidence and made her a better communicator, as well as brings her joy. There is a reason Caney is such a top performer for the Women’s Soccer team: she looks forward to every game and practice. “Soccer is one of the biggest impacts on my life. Without soccer, I would be so lost. Soccer has taught me how to communicate with others, what it is like to be on a team, and how to be a leader. Soccer has given me so much confidence on and off the field. The best part about soccer is that it brings me so much joy. I look forward to every practice and every game and I always look for ways to improve my game,” she said. Caney’s accomplishments include being Western Massachusetts Division II Tournament Champion 2010-2012, Springfield Republican Newspaper
Women’s soccer shuts out Fitchburg Falcons James Hunter Sports Wrtier
The Women’s Soccer team defeated MASCAC rivals Fitchburg State 2-0 on Saturday ,Oct. 5. In the win, Natalie Caney scored her 10th and 11th goals this season. With around six minutes left in the first half, freshman Jackie Dwyer fed Caney, who finished inside the right post. Throughout the first half, the Trailblazers defense showed one of their best performances this year. “This game showed us that we have what it takes to play like we should be,” team member Brianna Dandurant said. “This was a great stepping stone for us in our next few MASCAC games. Each weekend, from now until the end, brings a little bit of a harder team. With the win, we worked on things we can bring to those games.” The Trailblazers did not wait much longer to score their second goal of the game. Fifty-six seconds into the second half, Caney put a shot past the keeper from outside the box, assisted by senior Jen Ferrari. The Trailblazers held a shots-ongoal advantage, troubling Fitchburg’s goalkeeper Jillian Kirouac 10 times. Fitchburg had eight shots on goal. Freshman Kathryn Daly earned the shutout and her first collegiate victory. “They have been doing a great job. I would not have these opportunities if it wasn’t for my teammates. I am very pleased by everyone’s effort,” Caney said. The Women’s Soccer team came into the conference game after a loss to the very competitive Salem State.
“We are playing much better together now,” Dandurant said. “We are starting to catch our stride, which will help us in the upcoming games.” Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Trailblazers fell short to Mount Holyoke, 2-3, in double overtime. The Mount Holyoke Lyons scored quickly to build a 2-0 advantage in the first half. Mount Holyoke’s goals were scored by freshman Anne Shaffrey and junior Cassidy Robinson. MCLA would score on their only two shots on net from freshmen Caney and Dwyer. In the last forty minutes of the game, MCLA forced overtime. With MCLA having the shot advantage throughout the whole game, it was Mount Holyoke who had the final score from Sophmore Ali Rossi to top her 9th goal on the season to give the Lyons the win. “If anything, I think we could have taken advantage of our energy level and taken more chances to create opportunities. We also could have had a little more composure,” Caney said. Dandurant added on the teams’ play, “We dug ourselves a bit of a hole in the first half but what stuck out to be was our resilience to bounce back. We had great opportunities throughout the game but things weren’t falling in our favor. Mt Holyoke just picked up well on our mistakes.” The Trailblazers will match up against a tough Framingham State at home Saturday at 1 p.m. Framingham is riding a three-game winning streak, holding a record of 7-1 overall, 2-0 in conference.
9 Scores
Beacon.MCLA.edu
Women’s Tennis 10/5 @ Johnson, L 5-4. 10/6 v. Colby-Sawyer, L 8-1 Women’s Soccer 10/5 @ Fitchburg, W 2-0 Men’s Soccer 10/5 v. Fitchburg, T 0-0
Women’s Volleyball 10/8 v. Norwich, L 3-2
Standings Photo from MCLA Athletics
Natalie Caney chose MCLA because of the welcoming environment. Athlete of the Week, and Daily Hampshire Gazette Girls Soccer Player of the Year in her senior year of high school. “I don’t really like to talk about myself, especially when it comes to soccer, but I would say my in-
tensity and passion would be the biggest factors that separate me from others. I give every ounce of energy that I have whenever I play, whether it’s a game, practice, or just playing around with my friends,” Caney said.
Sox move on MCT Campus
John Farrell expressed no concern about his team minutes after as tough a defeat as a team can have. “We’ll be here ready to go,” the Red Sox manager said late Monday night after his team gave up a three-run lead mid-game, then got beat on a bottom-of-the-ninth homer. “Our guys have a very strong ability to put this one behind us.” The Red Sox did and, in doing so, finally put behind them baseball’s team that until Tuesday night had refused to die. Rallying late, the Red Sox scored twice in the seventh to take down the Rays, 3-1, in front of a sellout crowd of 32,807 at Tropicana Field to advance to the ALCS. “This wasn’t going to be an easy series,” said Red Sox reliever Craig Breslow, a New Haven native who was part of a stellar effort by the Boston bullpen. “We’re fortunate to not have this series go all five games.” Game 1 of the ALCS will be Saturday at Fenway Park against the winner of Game 5 of the Tigers/ Athletics series. The Red Sox trailed 1-0 in the seventh but scored twice against the Rays’ fifth pitcher of the night, lefthander Jake McGee. Tampa used nine pitchers after starter Jeremy Hellickson lasted just one inning and had Game 5 starter David Price warming up in the bottom of the ninth in case of a rally. Hellickson came in 2-7 with a 7.15 ERA in his previous 11 appearances (10 starts) and to say Maddon had a short leash with
the righthander is an understatement. Hellickson, after a scoreless first, threw eight straight balls to start the second inning, walking David Ortiz and Mike Napoli. He threw a strike to Daniel Nava before the leftfielder lined his next pitch to right for a single that loaded the bases for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. With the catcher 8-for-25 in his career against Hellickson, Maddon made the move to Jamey Wright. “I could see it was just not going to work,” said Maddon, who planned to piece things together all game, though not that early. Wright got Saltalamacchia looking at a called third strike, then saw Stephen Drew, a potential target this offseason for the Yankees, line one that had double written all over it. But first baseman James Loney stabbed the liner, then threw to second to double off Napoli to end the inning and further ignite the crowd that was boisterous all night. “It kind of took the wind out of our sails,” Farrell said of the double play. “But the one thing this team has done throughout the course of this season is continue to build opportunities.” The Red Sox finally broke through in the seventh, tying it on a wild pitch and getting the goahead run when Shane Victorino beat out a chopper to short, allowing Jacoby Ellsbury (9-for-18 in the series) to score to make it 2-1. “We knew it was going to be a tough series for us,” Victorino said. “We’re glad to be moving on. Whatever it takes.”
Men’s Soccer Bridgewater St. Worcester St. Fitchburg St. Mass. Maritime Westfield St. Framingham St. Salem St. MCLA
2-0-1 2-0-1 1-0-2 1-1-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 0-2-1
Women’s Soccer Framingham St. Westfield St. Salem St. Bridgewater St. Worcester St. Fitchburg St. MCLA Mass. Maritime
2-0-1 2-1 2-1 1-0-2 1-1-1 1-2 1-2 0-3
Volleyball Framingham St. Westfield St. Bridgewater St. Worcester St. MCLA Salem St. Mass. Maritime
3-0 2-0 2-1 2-1 0-2 0-2 0-3
Schedules Women’s Volleyball 10/11,12 @ Cazenovia Tourney. 10/14 v. Mass Maritime 12:00 p.m.
Men & Women XC 10/12 @ James Early Invitational, Westfield, MA 11:00 a.m. Golf 10/12 @ NAC Championship, Rockland, ME TBA. Women’s soccer 10/12, v. Framingham, 1:00 p.m. 10/16, v. Nichols 3:30 p.m. Men’s soccer 10/12, @ Framingham, 2:00 p.m. 10/16, @ Castleton 7:00 p.m.
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Opinion
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Beacon.MCLA.edu
What do you think of the MCLA shuttle service? “I love using the shuttle, but when I need it, its never available. I think the new shuttle schedule will work a lot better.”
“I think it is one of the most convient forms of transportation for students.” -Amanda McField, 2016
-Brandon Roy, 2016
The Beacon The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed free to the College community. The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/Communications department and from ad revenues. Contact information: News desk number: 413-662-5535 Business number: 413-662-5404 E-mail: Beacon@mcla.edu Web site: beacon.mcla.edu Office: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111 Mission Statement The Beacon strives to provide timely and accurate news of campus and local events.
“The shuttle is very helpful and convenient. I love it!”
“I believe that it is a great program for students! “
-Jonathan Saloio, 2017
-Kristcha DeGuerre, 2014
Editorials Policy Unsigned editorials that appear on these pages reflect the views of The Beacon’s editorial board. Signed columns and commentaries that appear on these pages reflect the views of the writers. Letters Policy The Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor. Deadline is noon on Mondays for that week’s newspaper. Letters should be kept to 500 words or less and are subject to editing for grammar and content. The Beacon will not publish anonymous or libelous letters.
“The shuttle is useful but not very reliable.There have been times where the shuttle has not come back after dropping people off, creating a sense of worry.”
“The shuttle is very convienient and timely. I think it’s really great.” -Matthew Roberts, 2017
-Carrisa Sacherski, 2015
Letters must be signed by the writer and include a phone number. Letters may be dropped off at the office or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu. Contributions Policy The Beacon accepts stories, photos, and opinion pieces for publication. Submissions should be dropped off at the office by Monday at noon or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu. Advertising Policy The Beacon reserves the right not to publish any advertisement it deems to be libelous, false. or in bad taste.
Editorial Board
Photos compiled by Emily Boughton
Year 2047, the new 2012
By Nick Arena
Managing Editor According to a report by the New York Times, climate change may be taking a pretty nasty turn in roughly 30 to 40 years. “Scientists from the University of Hawaii at Manoa calculated that by 2047, plus or minus five years, the average temperatures in each year will be hotter across most parts of the planet than they had been at those locations in any year between 1860 and 2005,” the Times reported. A bit more succinctly put, the “coldest” years in the future will be even warmer than the “hottest” we’ve suffered in the past. The report says that the continuing expulsion of greenhouse
gases is to blame, in case multiple years of global warming and climate change discussions hadn’t gotten that through to us yet. Naturally, you could rationally assume that anything involving the creation of greenhouse gases would be targeted for improvement. Unfortunately, that’s not exactly the case. Oil and gas companies like TransCanada are continuing to push oil pipeline projects through for approval with no end or alternative in sight, arguments in favor of hydraulic fracturing are still being made, and the United States as a whole is still far too dependent on fossil fuels to get by. “The models show that unprecedented temperatures could be delayed by 20 to 25 years if there is a vigorous global effort to bring emissions under control,” the Times reported. “While that may not sound like many years, the scientists said the emissions cuts would buy critical time for nature and for human society to adapt, as well as for development of technologies that might help further reduce emissions.” As with any number of scientific models, there is the chance for inaccuracies, but given the number of energy alternatives at our disposal, it’s really better to be safe than sorry.
Cool places!
Each week, look for a local place to visit in the area
Editor-in-Chief Jess Gamari Sports Editor Christopher Oxholm
Photography Editor Kayla Degnan Web Editor Michael Dahlroth
A&E Editor Shannen Adamites
Senior News Editor Ryan Flynn*
Copy Chief Marc Latour
Managing Editor Nick Arena*
Staff Staff Writers
Photographers
Nicholas Arena* Emily Boughton Jesse Collings Gabriel Kogel* Candice Crow Amy Modesti Ryan Flynn* Sam Thomson James Hunter Gabriel Kogel* Design Team Raanan Sarid-Segal Hannah Sterrs Shannen Adamites* Nick Swanson Nick Arena* Jess Gamari* Nicole Ngoon Copy Editors
Avery Finnivan Rachel Fitterman Advisers
Jenifer Augur Gillian Jones Jim Niedbalski
Videographers
Adam Larson Aloysius Street Advertising
Darcie Sosa
*Holds more than one position
Photo by Gabriel Kogel/The Beacon
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (ash-oo-will-ti-cook) This bike trail was once a railroad track, extending through Adams, Cheshire and Lanesborough, running parallel to Route 8. Turn left at the lights for Berkshire Mall Road entrance and rail trail parking. Farnams Road rail trail parking lot is 3.5 miles further north on Route 8.
Online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu
facebook.com/MCLABeacon twitter.com/MCLA_Beacon
Local Events
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Beacon.MCLA.edu
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National retail federation virtual career fair The National Retail Federation announced it will host its firstever Virtual Career Fair, designed to connect students and young professionals seeking entry-level careers and internships with leading retailers. Recruiters from companies such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Five Below, HSN, H-E-B, and Radioshack will participate in the virtual event, offering one-onone interviews for the registered students and professionals who would like to connect with them. The career fair is free for jobseekers, open to all students and young professionals, and will take place Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 1 – 4 p.m. “At corporate offices or through store leadership positions, retail offers incredible opportunities for students and young people just starting their careers,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “We’re excited to be able to
bring recruiters and students together to help companies fill talent needs with high-performing students and young professionals.” The career fair provides jobseekers with the opportunity to connect live and one-on-one with recruiters, share information about their background and experience, discuss their resume, and find out more about the retail company and the opportunities it offers. Following each virtual chat with a recruiter, jobseekers can go back to the “Event Lobby” and select additional recruiters to chat with from other companies. Retailers can create their own fully customizable virtual booth that allows executives to engage in online chats with qualified students and young professionals, during which their resumes, work histories, and more will be available. Retailers can also rate their interactions and record notes
about each candidate in order to conduct follow up interviews with desired candidates. As the world’s largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad. Retailers operate more than 3.6 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs, 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. For more information, visit www.nrf.com
Attention clubs!
As of October 9, participating employers include: • Armstrong Garden Centers • Crate & Barrel • Dick’s Sporting Goods • Five Below • Gordmans • H-E-B • HSN • Kohl’s
• Macy’s • Modell’s Sporting Goods • Nordstrom • Radioshack • Starbucks • UncommonGoods • Walgreens
The Beacon wants to help you promote your club! We will print one free advertisment per semester.
Also, keep us updated on club events! We want to cover you! Email your press release and information on First Class, MCLA Beacon Mailbox, or message us on Facebook.
FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT THINKING OF TAKING A SPRING TRAVEL COURSE OR STUDYING ABROAD NEXT SEMESTER? CHECK WITH THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE TO SEE WHAT AID ELIGIBILITY YOU MAY HAVE FOR IT! *********************
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: BIG Y SCHOLARSHIP
PICK UP AN APPLICATION IN THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE OR DOWNLOAD AT WWW.BIGY.COM
DEADLINE FEBRUARY 1, 2014 ***************
FREE TIPS AND TOOLS ON MONEY AND STUDENT LOANS: JOIN FOR FREE AT SALTMONEY.ORG
hardman lecture SerieS
JEFF CORWIN
100 heartbeatS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 7:00 pm • mCLA ChurCh Street Center eleanor Furst roberts auditorium Emmy Award-winning TV host, Corwin is best known for hosting Animal Planet’s immensely popular Jeff Corwin Experience. Free and open to the public. The Hardman Lecture Series is made possible through the generosity of the Hardman Family Endowment. m assachuset t s college of liberal art s 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA • 413 662 5391
mc la . e d u
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Thursday, October 10, 2013
Photo Essay
Beacon.MCLA.edu
A spooky train from Mass MoCA rides past the crowd. The parade’s theme was Ghostbusters.
Despite the gloomy clouds, clowns rode on.
58th Annual Fall Foliage Parade Photos by Emily Boughton
Evan Pirnie and Meghan Robertson carry the banner of the mountain lion mascot.
Vendors lined the streets selling everything from fried dough to panda balloons and rainbow squid hats.
Sophia Capozzoli and Carrisa Sacherski march alongside the Elizabeth Freeman Center.