Issue 4 - Spring 2014

Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams, Mass.

The Beacon

For more content, visit online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu Volume 78 ◆ Issue 4

Th u r s d ay, F e b rua r y 2 0 , 2 0 1 4

Winter fest

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Ashley Bushey works on an ice sculpture by chiseling away sections of the ice block.

Students seek more vegetarian options

By Gabriel Kogel Senior News Editor

Junior B. Gaudet is a philosophy major who longs to be vegan.

Yet she must make do as a vegetarian (someone who eats dairy and eggs but not meat).

Gaudet resides on campus, and like all resident students must pay $2000 per semester for the college meal plan until her senior year. Since resident students must spend their meal plans primarily at Aramark, vegans (who don’t eat any animal products) and vegetarian students like Gaudet chafe at the cafeteria’s meat-eater bias.

“Being a vegetarian isn’t a blast at Aramark, and it seems they go out of their way to make it more difficult. Being a vegan just isn’t possible,” she said.

Gaudet, a 20 year old from Worcester, realized she disliked the taste of pig and cow meat early in her life, and only ate chicken meat when it was breaded and fried. She later chose to stop eating meat altogether.

“I realized that animals have sentience and feel pain. I acted on the principle that if I can survive without killing animals, I should,” she said.

For Gaudet, eating ethically has always been a challenge. Her choice to abstain from eating animals was made difficult by her family.

“They responded by removing the vegetarian options from the house. I had to make my own trips to the supermarket,” she said.

While Gaudet acknowledged the cafeteria’s grill zone always has a black-bean burger, and the salad bar is decent, she says vegetarian

students must continually talk to workers and submit comments to see any progress. While the workers themselves may be accommodating, the cafeteria simply does not contain much vegetarian food.

“They seem to take a step back at the beginning of the school year, forgetting the gains vegetarians had previously won.

To get spinach in addition to iceberg lettuce I had to keep pestering them,” she said.

According to Front Line Manager John Kozik, more vegetarian and vegan options are included in the direction Aramark is headed.

“Talk to us, we’re there, we’ll do anything we can within reasonable effort,” he said.

Kozik said Aramark is interested in student feedback, and hands out a ‘voice of the customer’ survey every fall. While only about 150 of the 900 surveys are completed, the suggestions are reviewed at the corporate level.

In addition, the Student Government Association meal committee meets with Kozik regularly to provide suggestions.

He recently received a request for a meatless day.

“The salad bar always has tofu, it’s built into the menu,” he said.

“If [a student] doesn’t see a vegan alternative at each station, it may mean we ran out of room, but it’s still available upon request.”

For sophomore Kyla Graves, getting some hummus without difficulty would be a start (apparently it’s an allergy risk, so it isn’t immediately accessible).

VEGETARIAN continued on page 2

Socialist Alternative speaker talks minimum wage increase

By Alexander Moore Staff Writer

Ryan Mosgrove, a member of Socialist Alternative (SA), expressed his hopes for the success of a campaign to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour in a lecture Wednesday, Feb 12.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the ninety-nine percent,” Mosgrove said. “We are the people who will have a better society outside of capitalism.”

SA is involved in “15now,” a nationwide campaign, the goal of which is to show representatives that the working people support an increase of the federal minimum wage.

The campaign hopes to collect signatures of support for a non-binding referendum ballot question, either for or against a minimum wage increase.

“A minimum wage increase can pull people out of poverty and close the wage gap,” Mosgrove said. “It would

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have a huge effect on people of color and immigrants, who are often the victims of wage theft or live in economically depressed communities.”

Mosgrove said that SA works to put forward demands that can connect everyday working people.

In addition to 15now, Mosgrove also discussed SA’s breakthrough with the winning campaign for city council member Kshama Sawant. Sawant won the city council seat for Seattle and was sworn in Jan. 1 of this year. She ran openly as a socialist.

“There were no business establishments that donated to our campaign,” Mosgrove said “All of our donations came from working people.”

Sawant won the campaign with 95,000 votes.

Mosgrove said that there is a renewed interest in socialist

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

INCREASE, Ryan Mosgrove speaks to students during the continued on page 2 Socialist Alternative Lecture last Wednesday.

After 24 years English Oscar and Felix opens Basketball takes another loss professor retires Feb. 26 Benjamin Jacques looks back on writing and poetry News, page 3

Students perform updated take on classic comedy

Both teams fall to Westfield State University

Arts & Entertainment, page 6

Sports, page 9

News Arts & Entertainment Sports Campus Opinion Local Events Photo Essay

2-5 6-7 8-9 10 11 12

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Campus News

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Weekend Boardman apartment fire under investigation Weather

By Nick Arena

Forecast from Weather.com

Editor-in-Chief

Thursday, February 20

The North Adams Fire Department and Mass. State Fire Marshal’s Office are currently investigating the cause of the fire that ignited a second floor bedroom of one of the Boardman Apartments.

The fire happened at 45 Montana St. and was reported at 4:23 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, according to North Adams Fire Lt. Joseph Beverly.

“All I can say right now is that it was nothing building related, it was student related,” Landlord Robert Gorghan said.

Beverly continued that there were no major injuries that he was aware of, but that they have yet to locate one of the tenants of the apartment.

The fire was contained to a single bedroom in the apartment, which Gorghan attributes to the fire safety system.

“The damage was limited to the one student’s room, so it wasn’t too bad,” Gorghan said. “The fire system is state of the art, so basically when the alarm goes off, it not only goes off but it goes to the fire department and they know the exact location of the fire. That allows really quick response. They got [the fire] out almost upon arrival.”

According to Beverly the entire block was evacuated while the fire

Mostly Cloudy High: 41° Low: 33° Precip. Chance: 20%

Friday, February 21

Showers High: 43° Low: 26° Precip. Chance: 60%

Saturday, February 22

Partly Cloudy High: 46° Low: 25° Precip. Chance: 10%

Sunday, February 23

Mostly Cloudy High: 37° Low: 19° Precip. Chance: 10%

was being contained.

Senior Christopher Hantman lives in the same Boardman Block, and was informed by one of his housemates that there were firemen a couple of apartments down and the block was being cleared out.

“I was mid video-game when a housemate ran up the stairs and told me about the fire,” Hantman said in an e-mail. “The four of us home wrestled our three animals – cat, dog and chinchilla – into carriers and hightailed it out of there.”

Beverly said that while the rest of the block’s tenants were allowed back into their apartments, the tenants of apartment 45 will not be able to return due to fire and water damage to the rooms.

“We’ve taken care of them, they were setup in the Holiday Inn in the interim and now they’re being moved into [another apartment],” Gorghan said.

Hantman and his housemates witnessed the fire as it was being contained.

“We saw them throwing burnt office chairs and the like from a second floor room,” Hantman continued. “It seems that it was caused by the resident and was a mistake, not faulty equipment or arson.”

Though the investigation is continuing, Hantman said he would like to hear a bit more about the

situation.

“I would appreciate it if everyone were updated on the situation, but unfortunately we are all learn-

ing about it through heresay and word of mouth, which is not the way to go about it,” he said.

“We need a party outside of big business and the two fighting parties,” he said.

Mosgrove encouraged students to get involved with SA and the 15now campaign.

Bryan Koulouris, a member of SA, added that being part of a national democratic movement with international connections is a big benefit of joining SA. He said that hundreds of people have emailed the organization asking about how to get involved.

“We ask members to agree with our ideas,” Koulouris said.

After the lecture, a discussion took place between the lecturer

and members of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

Brian Fitzpatrick, a member of SDS, said the group needs to start by simply educating the student body about democracy and what socialism is.

Koulouris suggested that the club should educate people in the wider community, in addition to people at the College.

Another member of SDS proposed that the club table at MCLA and at Williams College.

These tables would provide education about socialism.

When asked about SA, Christopher Johnson, a

junior majoring in English/ Communications and philosophy, said he was not sure how he could help if he were a member.

“I still feel ambiguous about what I’d be able to do and how much of an effect I’d have,” Johnson said. “I still want to contribute somehow, even if it’s marginal.”

Johnson said he doesn’t want to protest, but he wishes to inform others of SA’s philosophy or have discussions with other American socialists.

“Protest doesn’t have to be picketing or standing on the street,” Johnson said.

Photo by Jess Gamari/The Beacon

The fire started in one of the upper bedrooms of Boardman Apartment 45.

Socialist Alternative to minimum wage INCREASE, continued from page 1

ideas because of capitalism’s failings. He said workers in the United States have more in common with workers in Brazil than they do with Barrack Obama or Mitt Romney.

“Capitalism is a chaotic system that doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Mosgrove said. “Capitalism is a profit-driven system that benefits a small fraction of society over the needs and wants of the majority.”

Mosgrove added that 85 people control as much wealth as half the entire population of Earth.

Aramark heading in a more vegetarian friendly direction VEGETARIAN, people who eat them.” continued from page 1 It’s not just the

But she also wants to see more hearty vegetarian sources of protein, such as lentils, bean dishes, and more varieties of seasoned, cooked tofu.

“My freshman year, I struggled a lot for vegetarian options. I posted on Facebook and talked to other vegetarians about it. This year, the options have improved, but they could be even better,” she said.

Graves decided to become a vegetarian after learning in her high school environmental studies classes about the damage caused by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, on the land and ecosystem.

“I feel a strong need to help people and the environment. The things they feed cows to fatten them up rips their stomachs apart,” Graves said. “Meat factories make large amounts of land unusable. This is not only unhealthy for the animals, but also for the

immediate areas surrounding CAFOs that are polluted.

According to a World Bank Group and International Finance Corporation assessment, “at least 51 percent of humancaused greenhouse Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon gas is attributable to Romario Joseph, junior, and Tonya Jeffers, senior, eat fruit livestock.” while talking about classes in the cafeteria.

Much of cattle’s carbon footprint is means living a non-polluting lifestyle. She due to the deforestation needed to graze the hopes her college, and Aramark, will support 60 billion land animals destined for slaughter her and others like her by offering more globally, using up an estimated 45 percent alternatives to meat in the future.

“Vegetarians have an equal right to tasty, of the world’s land, according to Robert healthy, nutritious food,” she said.

Goodland of the World Bank Group.

For Graves, environmental consciousness

Campus News

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Beacon.MCLA.edu

3

PRESS owner to present at Brown Bag Lecture The first Brown Bag of the semester will be held tomorrow in the faculty center, the bottom floor of Eldridge Hall, at 3 p.m.

Nicholas Swanson Staff Writer

Professor of Fine and Performing Arts, Melanie Mowinski, will give the first Brown Bag Lecture this semester, titled ‘PRESS: Popup from Permanent and Beyond,’ on Friday.

“The lecture will go over how this project got started, how we got to where we are, and how other students can get involved with making different forms of print,” Mowinski said.

Mowinski started a press gallery in the summer of 2011 as a part of the North Adams Downstreet Art Program. That same year, she won the MCLA Creative Projects Award.

The gallery is now located at 49 Main St. in downtown North Adams, Mass.

“The Press gallery is run by a team, and we’re working towards a purpose: to teach others about the technology and significance behind the print and typography that we create,” Mowinski said.

The team uses the Vandercook letterpress machine, which weighs over 1,500 pounds, as well as other traditional tabletop presses which create the print.

According to Mowinski, the letterpresses can make 20 types of print with different finishing to

give the completed piece a unique texture.

Every month, the gallery gives out an inspirational card with a positive message.

A poetry reading by English Professor Abbot Cutler was held in the gallery last year. At the reading, students worked with Cutler and put one of his poems in print.

Next semester, Mowinski will teach a print-making class that teaches students how to print multiple forms of images as well as other techniques in printing.

“It is really linking together the MCLA community, North Adams, and all those interested through interaction in the art form of print,” Mowinski said.

Mowinski receives extra help from students in English and Arts Management internships and from volunteers from the college.

A partnership with Brayton Elementary and Drury High School was created to allow younger students to take part in the project as well.

Mowinski graduated from University of Arts in Philadelphia with a degree in Book Arts and Printmaking, then Yale University with a degree in Religion and Visual Arts.

She has taught drawing and

Photo courtesy of Melanie Mowinski

Melanie Mowinski makes prints on the printing machine at PRESS in downtown North Adams. design courses at the College, and previously taught courses at Williams College. She looks forward to utilizing Bowman Hall again for her classes once the renovations are complete.

The Brown Bag Lecture series takes place in the faculty center

on the bottom floor of Eldridge Hall on Fridays at 3 p.m.

Upcoming on March 21, Professor of History and Political Science Frances Jones-Sneed will host a lecture titled ‘Deconstructing African American Autobiography: The Life of the Reverend.’

On April 4, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Rita Nnodim will give a lecture titled ‘Bombay – City of Dreams and City of Awakening from Dreams; Literary Imaginings of a Metropolis in Contemporary Anglophone Indian Fiction.’

Prof. to retire at end of semester

By Chunyu “Judy” Leng Staff Writer

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When talking about his students and courses he teaches, the light in Benjamin Jacques eye’s reveals how much he loves his career as a professor of English communications. After 24 years of teaching, Jacques will retire at the end of the semester.

“When I first got here, I was a writer who loved teaching but after all these years, I realize that I am a teacher who loves writing,” Jacques said.

His passion in writing never changed.

He finds inspiration in dribs and drabs in daily life and is also inspired by his daughter. He enjoys writing concrete poems, also known as shape poems which…

Sometimes, his daughter became his inspiration, the concrete poems he wrote are full of love. Ac-cording to Wikipedia, concrete poetry is also known as shape poetry in which the typographical ar-rangement of words is as important in conveying the intended effect as the conventional elements of the poem, such as meaning of words, rhythm, rhyme and so on. This means the way the poem looks physically on the page has a lot to do with what the poem is about.

Professor Jacques wrote a concrete poem inspired by a crow. “Fly north into spring with the crow,” he writes. “In the March snow storm follow the black river” He has lived in Boston for 35 years. He drives to the College each week to teach and returns home each weekend. He completed his undergraduate schooling from California State University and then attended the University of Arizona to get his master degree.

Besides teaching and writing, Jacques

loves all kinds of arts, including literature, painting, music, photography, visual arts, etc. The enthusiasm for teaching is always his priority. “I always wanted to teach,” he said.

For Jacques, the most unforgettable experience he had while at the College was during a field trip for his “The Good Earth” course. He brought his students to the woods to feel the breath of the earth to think about how everything we do is related to the earth.

“Kind, wise and modest , he is a knight of the pen in the true and original sense,” -Jin Huang “When I saw the light in my students’ eyes and their happiness when they saw so many different kinds of trees out there,” professor Jacques said, “that is the most unforgettable experience for me.” In fact, there were a lot of moments marked in his mind about students showing their curiosity and passion to exploring this world. Seeing his students develop real creative and curious thoughts is his biggest comfort.

Professor Jacques designed several courses himself, including The Good Earth, the Story of English, and Publication Design and Typography.

“Kind, wise and modest , he is a knight of the pen in the true and original sense,” Jin Huang, a Chi-nese exchange student from last year said.

“He is a very good professor who pa-

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Professor Benjamin Jacques has worked at the College for 24 years. tiently works with students and brings out the best in them,” English communications professor Joseph Ebiware said. “He deeply cares about his colleagues’ welfare as professors and he always initiates supportive efforts.”

After leaving the College, Jacques plans to work on a community project. He will help in the church and take care of handicapped people. He will continue to write and he also plans to teach foreigners learning English as a second language.

News 4 Ukraine uprising Punk rock band Pussy Riot erupts in killings, members detained in Sochi arson, raids Thursday, February 20, 2014

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MCT Campus

MCT Campus The 3-month-old uprising against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich flared to a deadly crescendo Tuesday with anti-government protesters setting fire to the ruling party headquarters and security forces storming their tent camp in what officials labeled “an anti-terror operation.”

The Interior Ministry reported that at least nine people were killed: two police officers, an official of the ruling Party of Regions and six protesters. Opposition lawmaker Oleksandra Kuzhel said the death toll had grown to 15 after security forces moved against the encampment with stun grenades and water cannons. Other reports put the number as high as 19.

Even the lower death toll would represent the worst one-day loss of lives in the battle over this former Soviet republic’s future as a nation tied more closely to Russia or the West.

Live television coverage in Russia and video from nine cameras streaming over Ukrainian opposition media showed fiery explosions illuminating the grimy tent city in Kiev’s Independence Square after protesters ignored a warning to clear out and police in riot gear stormed the area about 8 p.m. Officers set fire to tents and lobbed tear-gas canisters into the crowds of defiant protesters.

Clouds of smoke wafted over the chaotic scene, eerily back-lit by an orange glow from the blasts, burning sandbags and smoldering debris ignited by police trying to drive away the protesters. Despite the caustic fumes, thousands of people remained on the embattled

front line on the square.

Authorities reported that unrest also had broken out elsewhere in western Ukraine, with protesters attacking local government offices in a number of areas.

Ukrainians in favor of closer ties with the West, most of them urbanites, have been demanding Yanukovich’s resignation since he unilaterally decided in November to scrap an association accord between Ukraine and the European Union in favor of maintaining economic integration with Russia.

Opposition leaders told journalists in Kiev, the capital, that they had requested negotiations with the government to defuse the escalating violence and that the nation’s leadership had agreed to meet with them Wednesday.

However, police continued to set fire to tents and barricades well into the night.

Protest leaders remained defiant. Opposition politician Arseny Yatsenyuk, an economist and former foreign minister, appealed to Yanukovich to spare Ukraine from becoming “a country covered with blood” by pulling back security forces and adhering to a cease-fire if he wanted dialogue with his opponents.

The government also held its hard line against the unrest.

“Today we were able to see that only the government is interested in peaceful resolution of the situation,” Prosecutor General Viktor Pshonka told state-controlled television. “Opposition leaders should take the responsibility for everything happening in the street of Kiev today. It is the opposition who announced a peaceful rally that turned into a violent standoff.”

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Two members of the controversial Russian punk band Pussy Riot were detained for three hours Tuesday and questioned by Russian police about an alleged theft near the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Band members Nadezha Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, and at least seven activists and journalists, were picked up at a McDonald’’s in the Sochi suburb of Adler around 2 p.m. by plainclothes officers, according to Amnesty International’s Moscow office.

The group collectively was accused of a theft that allegedly occurred in a nearby hotel, said Damely Aitkhozhina, an Amnesty International researcher in Moscow. She said Tuesday’s detention was the third time in three days that the band members, migrant and environmental rights activists and journalists from Russia’s independent Rain TV, were held

by Russian authorities.

“We were detained on the 16th at 7:00, spent 10 hours with FSB (Russia’s Federal Security Service) on the 17th, and today (we are) in a paddy wagon, accused of theft,” Tolokonnikova wrote on her Twitter account.

Pussy Riot was in Sochi to shoot a video for a song they wrote for the Winter Olympics called “Putin Will Teach You to Love Your Motherland.”

“Police claimed that in the hotel there was a theft. They were detained in connection with the theft,” Amnesty’s Aithozhina said.

“We don’t know if they will be charged with anything, but the theft gave them (police) cause for detention” The Pussy Riot members were freed from prison in January under amnesty granted by Putin prior to the start of the Winter Games. The Russian president

MCT Campus Photo

Pussy Riot punk band member Maria Alyokhina talks to journalists at the Committee against Torture building after being freed from prison under an amnesty, Dec. 23, 2013. had been under fire from international activist groups for alleged free speech, labor, and environmental abuses surrounding the construction of venues for the games.

The band members had been serving two-year terms for “hooliganism” related to an anti-Putin song performed in February 2012 at Moscow’s main cathedral.

Tuesday’s detention comes on the heels of Russian officials ejecting a transgender former member of Italy’s parliament after she demonstrated against a law Putin signed last June that prohibits individuals from promoting “homosexual behavior” and “spreading propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” among minors.

Vladimir Luxuria, an ex-politician-turned television host, was held by police on Sunday and briefly held on Monday after she walked around Olympic Park in a rainbow-colored outfit, loudly declared that it’s “Okay to be

gay,” and tried to enter a women’s hockey game.

Police escorted Luxuria outside the Olympic security zone and took away her spectator’s identification pass. International Olympic Committee officials defended the action Tuesday.

“I understand that she was in the park for a good hour, maybe even two hours, walking around, talking to spectators,” said Mark Adams, an IOC spokesman.

“Some people were pro, some people were against, some people were very against, but I know her stated aim was to demonstrate in a venue.”

Adams added that the Olympic venues aren’t “the place for demonstrations, whether sympathetic or not, and this one does split opinions around the world.”

“We would ask anyone to make their case somewhere else and not in the Olympic Park and the Olympic venues,” Adams said.

Wounded vets take their place on Paralympian team MCT Campus

As members of the U.S. Army, Rico Roman and Jen Lee are part of America’s first line of defense. As members of the U.S. Paralympics Sled Hockey team, Roman and Lee are the last line of defense.

Roman is a rugged defenseman-turnedforward who took to sled hockey because it reminded him of the hard-hitting football he played while growing up in Portland, Ore. Lee decided to strap on goalie gear because it brought back memories of playing in the net as a kid in San Francisco.

Neither man envisioned he would become a world-class athlete competing in the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, March 7-16.

But neither man envisioned losing a limb, a devastating event that can alter the trajectory of one’s life.

But don’t plan any pity parties for Roman and Lee. They’re turning tragedy into triumph by playing a sport they never dreamed of playing that’s taking them to places they never thought they’d go.

“I didn’t watch hockey, I don’t come from a hockey state,” said Roman, 33. “Never did I know there was a Paralympic team. I never,

MCT Campus Photo

The U.S. Paralympic hockey team in pose together in North Carolina on monday. never, never, never thought I’d be traveling riors: USA Sled Hockey,” a one-hour documentary. and playing for the U.S.A. team.”

About 1,600 athletes and team members Roman and Lee are in the Charlotte, N.C., area with the rest of the U.S. sled hockey from 47 countries will participate in the team. They’re at the Extreme Ice Center in Paralympic games. They’ll compete in five Indian Trail, N.C., through Saturday train- events: alpine skiing, cross country skiing in preparation to defend their 2010 Gold ing, biathlon, sled curling and sled hockey played at the same venues used for the 2014 Medal in Sochi.

The U.S. sled hockey team’s road to Sochi Winter Olympics. will be highlighted Monday in “Ice War-

5 Years of teamwork pay off in gold National News

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Nation and World Briefs

Nation United Airlines experience severe turbulence LOS ANGELES --A flight attendant remained hospitalized Tuesday after a United Airlines flight experienced turbulence so severe that passengers, including a baby, were tossed about the cabin.

Five people were hospitalized following the incident, including three crew members and two passengers.

-Los Angeles Times Photographer has trouble using drone HARTFORD -- A local television news photographer whose use of a drone at a fatal car accident recently came under question filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Hartford Police Department on Tuesday.

The lawsuit says Pedro Rivera was not breaking any state or federal laws when he flew his “drone,” a remote-controlled aircraft, over the crash site in Hartford on Feb. 1.

-The Hartford Courant

World Pussy Riot band members detained in Sochi suburbs SOCHI -- Two members of the controversial Russian punk band Pussy Riot were detained for three hours Tuesday and questioned by Russian police about an alleged theft near the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Band members Nadezha Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, were picked up at a McDonald’s in the Sochi suburb of Adler around 2 p.m.

-McClatchy Foreign Staff Fight erupts in Sudan JOHANNESBURG -- In a major setback to peace efforts in South Sudan, fighting erupted Tuesday in the key town of Malakal in Upper Nile state.

-Los Angeles Times

MCT Campus

SOCHI --Seventeen years of skating together, learning together, growing up together.

Seventeen years since an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were thrown together as an ice dance team, a pairing that irritated the younger member, Charlie White. He already had been doing it for six months, and Meryl Davis was just starting, so he was back to dance Square Seventeen years during which Davis said there never was doubt about whether they should stick it out.

Seventeen years leading to a free dance so physically and mentally demanding it left them looking as if they had spent 17 years of energy on the four minutes of skating, unable to do anything but collapse into each other’s arms when it was over Monday night at the Iceberg Skating Palace.

Seventeen years for a moment, the moment when the scores were announced and two kids from Michigan realized all that work and time with each other had made them the first U.S. skating couple to win an Olympic gold medal, either in dance or pairs.

“You dream of the opportunity, and being able to put in the work every day to make it happen is a tribute to our partnership,” White said.

“We prepared ourselves so well for what we wanted to put onto the ice and focused so hard on that we weren’t really prepared for what

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might happen,” Davis said.

Such relentless effort was needed for Davis and White to beat the 2010 Olympic champions, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, who had become not only fierce rivals but friends during the decade they have trained together under the same coaches in Canton, Mich.

“The struggles, the rivalry, knowing if you’re not perfect then you can forget about your dreams, with that constant striving for perfection, you have to look in the mirror and figure out every day what it is going to take to get there,” White said. “You mature a lot quicker under that kind of pressure.”

Davis and White won both the short and free dances with season bests, their total score of 195.52 beating Virtue and Moir by 4.53 points.

“No athlete likes to sit in this position,” Moir said, referring to second place, “but it is easier when you know how hard these guys worked.”

Virtue and Moir have said this will be their last season as competitors, while Davis and White have made no decision. Both U.S. skaters have been intermittent students at Michigan.

The intensity of the “Scheherazade” sections coach Marina Zoueva chose for Davis and White suited perfectly the power and athleticism that have come to define their skating.

The most striking feature of the way they performed it was a feeling for tempo, their skating changes of pace matching the shifts in the

MCT Campus Photo

USA’s Meryl Davis and Charlie White perform during the ice dancing competition in the Winter Olympics. music’s speed. That is an understanding White said they had not developed until three years ago.

Davis and White skated last. Two Russian couples had gone immediately before them, sending the crowd into its usual partisan paroxysm.

“The moments before we take the ice are difficult,” White said. “It is probably the most nervous you will be in a lifetime.”

Or at least in 17 years.

Water saving app becomes money saving game MCT Campus

With millions of people worried about California’s historic drought, a proliferation of free applications turn water conservation into a game while letting consumers save both water and money around the house.

Many are aimed at both children and adults and award points through quizzes and by adopting water-saving tips. Some turn water conservation into a competitive game with other family members to see who can save the most water and money by, say, taking the quickest shower.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District does not have a water conservation app of its own. But it does have an online water use calculator on its website that was developed during the 2010 drought to help customers understand the cost of using too much water.

So, during the current drought, the water district supports any apps that let water users track their personal water consumption through their handheld devices.

“Anything that people can do to identify ways to use water more efficiently, we’re all for it,” said Marty Grimes, spokesman for the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

Lori Palmquist, of Richmond, Calif.-based WaterWonk, is getting ready to launch three apps aimed at helping commercial landscapers save money by better managing their water.

But Palmquist is also in favor of apps aimed at helping average consumers save money by cutting down on their own water use at home.

“Whether it’s apps that allow them to find leaks or cut down on their water use indoors or outdoors, it’s essential really, really essential for everyone to have this

Photo from iTunes Apple Store

Drip Detective is a smart new iPhone/iPad app that shows you exactly how much water and money is lost from a water leak. information,” Palmquist said.

The National Ground Water Association’s water usage calculator, take a straight-forward approach to estimating water use through dishwashers, toilets and showers.

Others, such as the Drip Detective app, up the ante by having users tap their screens every time a

drop falls out of a leaking faucet.

Or they can measure the rate of a more serious leak, whether by teaspoon, tablespoon, pint or gallon.

Either way, Drip Detective then calculates the amount of water and money being wasted every day, week, month and year based on your current water bill.

Fear of wolves is roiling Germany once again MCT Campus

GOERLITZ -- German police reached the accident to find what news stories would describe as a scene from a horror show: Seven horses, huddled on a small, dark, highway, had been ripped to pieces by two speeding cars. The drivers had been badly injured. Investigators found pieces of auto wreckage and horseflesh scattered around the site.

But the reason the December car wreck remained national news for weeks had only a little bit to do with the carnage. Instead, what’s made the accident the talk of Germany is its suspected cause: wolves, which reportedly spooked the horses into the paths of the oncoming cars.

It’s difficult to capture the fear and excitement that wolves generate in this country.

The predator has played a role in many a German fairy tale, and for about 150 years it was considered extinct in Germany,

hunted down and disposed of.

Now, however, wolves have made a comeback, growing over the last 20 years to a stable population of 35 packs, about 150 wolves in all. That’s set off a furor over whether Germany is big enough for both people and wolves. They’ve made regular headlines, been the subject of numerous television news programs and have even been featured on Germany’s popular police drama “Tatort.”

How seriously the Germans took the wolf threat was evident about the time those stories were published.

Each time a region cleansed itself of the lupine threat, hunters erected a “Wolfstein” or a tombstone in the field where the last one was killed, and wrote on it who killed the animal and when. Officially, the “Tiger of Sabrodt” was the last wolf killed in Germany, in 1904, but they’d been considered extinct in the country since before the original unification of Germany in 1871.

MCT Campus Photo

A camera trap photo of a three members of a wolf pack in Saxony, Germany.

Hermann Ansorge studies wolves. Sadly, he said, the wolves he studies aren’t nearly so dramatic as those creating public fear and political panic. For instance, his office studies wolf poop to determine what the creatures eat.

“There is no human in the diet,” he said, smiling, then adding, seriously, “None.”

6

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Main Stage to present updated classic Douglas Jenkins directs a modernized rendition of “The Odd Couple”

By Shannen Adamites

Oscar and Felix

The Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) department’s annual spring Main Stage production presents Neil Simon’s “Oscar and Felix,” an updated take on the classic comedy, “The Odd Couple,” directed by Douglas Jenkins. The show runs from Feb. 26 – March 1 at 8:00 p.m., with a matinee on March 1 at 2:00 p.m. in Venable Theater.

“Oscar and Felix” follows the two principal characters of “The Odd Couple,” Oscar Madison (played by sophomore Marcus Neverson) and Felix Ungar (played by freshman Philip Shedd), who are complete opposites of one another. Ungar, a compulsive neat-freak and overall stick in the mud, is kicked out of his house by his wife and forced to live with his friend Oscar, a messy, careless, and free-spirited individual. Ungar tries to correct Madison’s behavior, but his killjoy-like tendencies and critical behvaior irk Madison to the point where he has no choice to through Ungar out, despite only having lived together for a short time.

“When opposites collide, the outcome can be pretty humorous,” Neverson said.

Neverson, a theater concentration, and Shedd, a journalism major, both agreed that the intense rehearsal process has been extremely rewarding.

“These are the biggest roles we’ve both ever had,” Neverson said. “It’s been a lot of work but it’s been a great experience for me so far.”

Shedd added, “Rehearsals have been going very smoothly. At first, I was worried because there was a lot going on, and so many lines

Feb. 26, 27, 28, and March 1 8:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. matinee on March 1 Tickets $5 for general public, free with MCLA ID

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Reserve by calling the box office at 413-662-5123

Image courtesy of Veronica Gibson/FPA

“Oscar and Felix” take to Venable Theater Feb. 26, 27, 28, and March 1 at 8:00 p.m. with a matinee on March 1 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for general admission and free with MCLA ID. and other things to memorize, but Theater Lab class, “Theater lab is a ing their first experiences workDoug’s a very down-to-earth di- lot more immersive and hands-on ing with the department. rector and made sure everything than Main Stage, because students “Finding and budgeting props was running as efficiently as pos- serve as directors, actors, design- were the biggest challenges I sible.” ers, and producers. Here, every- faced,” Mercado said. “We had a As the first show of two pro- one comes in, does their jobs, and limited budget and required a lot ductions this semester, Jenkins’s that’s it.” of organizing and keeping track Main Stage experience provides That’s not to say that Main Stage of everything I did. It’s also my a basic professional setting and provides a lesser experience, how- first time delegating [in theater], understanding of how theatri- ever. Assistant stage manager and which has been a very important cal productions are rehearsed, properties master, Junior Alzie and interesting experience.” directed and produced. Accord- Mercado, and stage manager, Perry is no stranger to theater, ing to senior FPA: Theater major, freshman Victoria Perry, have having worked on various comJacquelyn Gianetti, who is also learned a great deal about the munity and high school producinvolved with Laura Standley’s technical aspects of theater dur- tions before majoring in it and

agreed, “Keeping track of everyone and making sure everyone is on time and where they’re supposed to be has been a process, but very rewarding.”

Senior FPA: Theater major, Alexa Hebard, has had a great time bonding and rehearsing with the cast and crew.

“I always have a blast when I do Doug’s shows,” Hebard said. “His shows are always well-casted and well-directed, and it’s been really cool watching the entire show coming together from a technical stand point, as well.”

Hebard also mentioned that a few students from Dance Company will take part in the show, serving as the inner-machinations of the characters’ minds during scene transitions.

Assistant director, senior Lily Urquhart hopes that students and viewers will hope to get an idea of how diverse the theater department can be, and that they will be entertained by the comedy the cast and crew has provided.

“I love to perform for people as well, as a comedic person myself, I love watching everyone act hilarious on stage,” she said. “I hope the audience takes that away, too.”

Defeating the stigma on art appreciation Alumna Jessica Sweeney establishes new artists collective called Common Folk

By Rachel Fitterman

Arts & Entertainment Writer Common Folk, a new artist collective founded by alumna Jessica Sweeney, is looking to give both students and the North Adams community a creative way to express themselves.

The group was founded in September 2013 and holds monthly workshops and weekly meetings.

“It’s a collective of artists and people who are advocates for art,” according to co-director Christopher Hantman.

Sweeney originally conceptualized Common Folk as an open mic night, and although the group hasn’t hosted one since, they are focusing on other ways to bring art to the common people.

“I always had this idea [of Common Folk] that’s gotten more and more refined. Only recently did it have a title and a name, a personal philosophy.

Everyone has some sort of cre-

ativity in common, but there’s a stigmatized way people look at art—that its inaccessible, that it costs money, that all you do is look at it. I want to use art for something else,” Sweeney said.

“Once she had a name and a purpose, people had an opportunity to listen and care,” said Ryan Walters, a Common Folk member, on its beginnings.

The members, although highly motivated, are still casual with each other, and Walters described Common Folk primarily as “a group a friends.” Members will often meet up spontaneously for a piano “jam session” at the Church Street Center.

Common Folk hosts a TED Talk Tuesday every month at the Parlor, where they screen themed TED Talks videos followed by discussion. Music is the upcoming theme for March.

In addition, the members of Common Folk are putting together a chapbook, or literary pamphlet, of poetry featuring

both the work of members and submitted pieces from students on campus.

Currently, Common Folk consists of students and recent alumni. They meet Monday nights at 8 p.m. in Murdock 301, and are always open to new members.

“We want more people to know about us, and to be more of a force. Hopefully we’ll achieve non-profit status, but ultimately [Common Folk] is a community space for art,” said Hantman.

Sweeney added, “I hope that Common Folk becomes my life and my full time job. I want it to grow into a physical space that we could use for art both from an educational aspect, as well as a space that encourages freedom of expression through art, something that would become a community arts center both for youths and adults.”

For more information and to get updates on events, like Common Folk’s page on Facebook.

Photo by Kayla Degnan/Photo Editor

Jessica Sweeney and Christopher Hantman work together to spread the word about Commonfolk.

Scan the QR code to access Common Folk’s Facebook Page!

Arts & Entertainment

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Beacon.MCLA.edu

7

Photo by Jenna O’Connor/Beacon Staff

Beating the winter blues: Rastafarian music legend, Burning Spear, performs a set of exotic, island sounds at Mass MoCA’s Hunter Center Saturday night.

Burning Spear warms up a winter night

Review by Jenna O’Connor Arts & Entertainment Writer

With smooth drumbeats, offbeat rhythms, varying tempo, and melodic bass lines, two-time Grammy award winning Rastafarian artist, Winston Rodney, also known as Burning Spear, performed at the Hunter Center at MASS MoCA Saturday night.

“Having an icon such as Burning Spear come to our community is a great thing for the people living in and around [North Adams] for many reasons,” Keifer Gammell, Box Office Manager at MASS MoCA said. “Looking at it simply, it’s going to be a great per-

formance and everyone is going to have a lot of fun.”

Gammell was spot on with his statement—the crowd was evidently happy with their singing along, and excitable dancing in the red, green, and yellow lit theater.

Getting his start with a bit of help from Bob Marley, Burning Spear has been making music for nearly four decades, with over 25 albums.

According to Burning Spear’s official website, “He has carried the torch of the gospel of political activist Marcus Garvey, promoting self-determination and self-reliance for African descen-

dants through lyrics and rhythms that truly deliver the messages of peace and love to all.”

“I thought they were a great, groovy band, and I wish I knew ushers were free to dance earlier,” junior Kevin Hill-Williams, an usher for the event, said. “Also, it was kind of cool to see every generation rocking out.”

The smooth reggae music and spiritual and political vibes clearly connected everyone from all age groups in attendance. The energy from the performer mixed with the energy from the crowd made Burning Spear’s Jamaican roots present in the warm black box theater.

Local theater to hold staged reading of new play Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in Downtown Pittsfield, Mass., under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, will present a staged reading of “Dancing Lessons,” a new romantic comedy by playwright Mark St. Germain, on March 8 at 7 p.m. at the Church Street Center auditorium. The staged reading is sponsored by Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown, Mass.

Directed by Boyd, the show stars John Cariani and Brenna Palughi. Cariani made his BSC debut as ‘Dogberry in last summer’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

He is also the playwright of the play “Almost, Maine” and is currently starring in its Off-Broadway revival. Recently seen in John Grisham’s “A Time to Kill on Broadway,” Palughi makes her BSC debut.

“Dancing Lessons” centers on a young man (Cariani) with high-functioning autism (Asperger’s syndrome) as he tries to navigate a relationship with a Broadway dancer (Palughi), now sidelined with injuries.

Following the staged reading, there will be Q&A and reception with the cast and playwright St. Germain.

Dancing Lessons is sponsored by Sydelle and Lee Blatt & Judith Gold-

smith, and was commissioned through Goldsmith, and is part of BSC’s New Works Initiative.

BSC will also engage audiences through special discussions on Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum conducted in partnership with community organizations such as the College Internship Program, whose main office is in Pittsfield, Mass.

Tickets to the staged reading of “Dancing Lessons” are $15 and on sale now.

Please note this is general admission seating. For more information, call the Barrington Stage Box Office at 413-2368888 (or toll-free at 855-TIX-2BSC) or visit www.barringtonstageco.org.

Depending on availability, the staged reading is free for MCLA faculty, staff, and students with their ID.

Scan the QR code to access Barrington Stage Company’s website

“I thought it was a good performance,” junior Mickey Olivier said. “The crowd was enthusiastic and the music was phenomenal, though I got the feeling that a lot of the audience didn’t understand some of the somber topics behind the music.”

Over the course of an hour and a half, Burning Spear and his back-up band covered most of his famous songs, such as “Slavery Days,” as well as “African Postman,” and were able to fit in a few obscure songs with their set list.

“I’m most excited for the end of the performance. For me, I get to see everyone leave the venue after each show and listen to the con-

versations; From ‘wow, that was awesome’ to ‘...and then did you hear when he... that was so cool!’”

Gammell said. “Seeing the looks on people’s faces and seeing how much they enjoyed their experience is always a highlight for me.”

“Burning Spear was a truly transforming event,” sophomore Kathleen Sansone, an usher for the event, said. “He turned the cold, snowy night into a fun and lively Rasta haven.”

“We love when students come and take advantage of our performing arts events,” Jodi Joseph, Mass MoCA’s Marketing/Publicity Director said. “It will be a great way to beat the winter blues.”

“LEGO Movie” is surprisingly amazing Review by Raanan Sarid-Segal Arts & Entertainment Writer

It is easy to go into “The LEGO Movie” suspicious of its intent. After all, it is a twohour toy commercial specifically aimed at children. Its very existence leads to questions of how corporate our media has become and how dangerous this could be.

But the second “The LEGO Movie” gets going, all possible concerns about whether it is healthy for us to consume media like this fall to the wayside. It is a lean and efficient movie, full of jokes and heart, which still manages to function as a grand metaphor for creativity and the possibilities of the individual to transcend their prescribed roles, and which doesn’t deny the joys of working within the system either.

This will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the work of the directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. These two directors have made a career out of taking ideas which sound like they couldn’t or shouldn’t work, and then turning out some of the most surprising and effective comedies of the last 10 years. Their last two movies, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “21 Jump Street” were both surprise hits.

One of the most immediately likable aspects of “The LEGO Movie” is its joke-asecond approach. There is not a moment of dead air for long stretches in the movie, where everything on screen is a joke, or something that will get paid off later. The film also ends up resembling an action movie at many moments.

But what works best in the movie is that it ends up reading as a grand takedown of

Image from upcoming-movies.com

“Chosen One” storylines and Hollywood’s obsession with Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey.” The movie so effectively skewers these lazy, formulaic trends that it may be impossible to take any movies utilizing them seriously ever again. “It is the best form of parody: one which works on its own, even divorced from context. The audience does not need to understand how certain moments can be read as analogues for working within the Hollywood studio system to understand what is happening or to get the broader points about individual worth and creativity within a community.

The voice actors are almost all recognizable comedy talents or actors in their own right, and each of them puts in predictably great work. Chris Pratt as Emmett and Elizabeth Banks as Wildstyle both sell their roles exceptionally well, serving as weird but slightly more normal characters for the truly bizarre supporting cast to bounce around.

It is the energy and attention to detail which sell this movie. The film is bursting with small gestures, like a finger print on a figure’s chest or smudges and cracks, which make the movie feel alive. “The LEGO Movie” is such a good movie I am tempted to call it the best animated movie in the past two years, but it may have to be content with being tied with “Frozen.”

8

Sports

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Fair territory

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Hotaling leads the way

By Kelsey Marini

Yankee Captain heads for home The New York Yankees, for whatever reason, have always managed to harvest baseball’s most likeable stars. From Ruth to Gehrig to DiMaggio to Mantle, the Yankees have employed a series of stars who were as affable off the field as they were talented on it. For every great Yankee villain, like Reggie Jackson and Alex Rodriguez, there was always a hero who was just as prominent.

This October, the latest in that long line will retire from the game. Derek Jeter, the most popular Yankee almost since his rookie campaign in 1996, will step away from the game after an illustrious career that earned him 5 World Series championships, as well as a lifetime of fans and memories.

Jeter always suffered from overexposure to the forever-ravenous New York media. In addition to being the most popular player in the city, he doubled as New York’s most eligible bachelor. His sway with the city’s media earned him countless All-Star votes and Gold Glove awards, even if he never really deserved them.

All that exposure also earned Jeter a bounty of detractors. Like Peyton Manning and LeBron James, Jeter became an occasionally hated figure simply because he also seemed to be so beloved.

Jeter never asked to be the most coveted athlete in the nation’s largest city; pure chance, skill, and grace enabled him to become such a media darling.

Derek Jeter was overrated, but so were Mantle and DiMaggio.

Jeter played almost two decades of wonderful baseball for the richest franchise in the league and in the media capital of the world. Of course he was going to be overrated. Jeter played on many talented teams that had a distinct financial advantage over their competitors.

He was never a great shortstop, no matter how many Gold Gloves he won, and he should have moved away from the position years ago.

But Jeter always represented the perfect ideal of what we want a professional athlete to be. He transitioned from the baby-faced, hot-shot youngster to the respectable grizzled veteran with class and charm. Jeter played the game the way we, as sports fans who never got to play short for the Yankees, would like to think we would have played it, if only we had gotten the chance. Jeter will leave the game this October, and it will take someone with more than just talent to take his place.

Sports Writer Kayla Hotaling is a threat on the court. As a freshman she has made her mark on the Women’s Basketball team.

Her height gives her great advantage in making rebounds and putting up quick shots. It is no wonder she leads the team with the most rebounds and is one of the leading scorers.

Coach Holly McGovern has Hotaling bouncing between being a center and forward when playing. However, the beginning of the season was a different story. Hotaling missed the first half of her season due to a serious injury that required surgery.

The injury was a gruesome one. Problems with torn cartilage and a loose bone in her knee kept her from playing the sport she had been playing since third grade. She had her surgery during Thanksgiving break, and from there started the journey back to the court.

Working hard with the school’s athletic trainers, Matthew Boillat and Hailey Katcher, Hotaling was back less than three months later.

Her first game back was on Jan. 18 against Framingham State.

“I was nervous at first,” said Hotaling, “but once I got settled I was happy to play again.”

Her hard work in post injury rehab paid off.

Shortly after her return back she had a great performance of 12 points and 10 rebounds against Westfield State, and was named MASCAC rookie of the week.

Hotaling decided on MCLA after meeting women’s coach Holly McGovern. Holly’s style of coaching along with the positive atmosphere from the players drew her in.

“Coach [McGovern] and the team were friendly and easy to talk to,” said Hotaling when asked about the team dynamics.

Her teammates have made a lasting impact.

For her, the best part is not only the competiveness the sport brings out in her but also the friendships with her teammates and coaches.

With the majority of the team being freshman, this season has been a learning experience for Hotaling. The women’s season is coming to an end but she still has goals she wants to reach. As a team she would like to win the rest of the games this season, including against MASCAC rivals, Westfield State and Salem State. Her hope is to have the team finish strong.

“As a personal goal I want to improve each

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Hotaling currently leads the Trailblazers in points, rebounds and blocks per game. game and have fun,” said Hotaling.

When she is not in season, Hotaling is working hard to improve her basketball skills. She is dedicated to the sport and to her team.

“Basketball is all year round for me,” she said when asked what she does during off-season.

From Coach McGovern’s workouts and off

Six alumni to be inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame The College will be inducting it’s Class of 2014 into the MCLA Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The class will be led by former men’s soccer coach and retired MCLA professor Ron Shewcraft.

Shewcraft took over the head coaching position in 1978 and in that same season he coached the team to it’s first and so far only Final Four appearance. Shewcraft continued to coach the team until 2006.

During Shewcraft’s career, he amassed a career record of 292184-46. His teams made 16 post season appearances, including seven trips to the NCAA tournament and five MASCAC championships. During his time at MCLA, Shewcraft coached eight players who are now in the Hall of Fame.

Other inductees include former hockey player Nick Cote (Class of 2004), who recorded 73 and 31 assists during his career at

MCLA, and led the team to the ECAC Championship game in 2002.

Former soccer player Jen Maloney (‘96) will also be inducted, as will former men’s soccer player Mike Mason (‘79). Maloney ranks second all-time in scoring at MCLA, with 89 career points, while Mason was a key contributor on Shewcraft’s team that went to the Final Four in 1978.

The class is rounded out by dual-sport athlete Bob Delaney (‘76) and former softball player Kristen Parzych (‘00). Delaney was the MVP of the men’s soccer team in 1973, and also won the baseball team’s MVP award in 1975. Parzych is still the college’s all-time leader in career stolen bases, runs batted in, and runs scored.

She also ranks in the top-four in career hits, home runs and batting average.

The ceremony will take place at the Bounti-Fare restaurant in Adams and will begin at 5:30 p.m.

season pick-up to summer basketball, Hotaling keeps herself busy. She always finds time to improve her skills and make herself a morerounded player. For Kayla Hotaling, basketball is not just a sport, it is a passion.

MCLA All-Academics Honored

Photo by Kaylyn Smith/MCLA Athletics

Recipents were honored during the basketball game Tuesday.

MCLA student/athletes who made the Fall All-Academic MASCAC team were honored Tuesday during half-time of the Men’s Basketball game. To be eligible for the team, a student must compete in a championship varsity level sport and carry a cumulative or semester-based grade point average of at least

3.20 during the semester they are eligible for selection to the Fall All-Academic Team. In total, MCLA placed 50 student athletes on the team. Westfield State had the most members on the team with 118 student athletes representing the Owls. Bridgewater State had the second most student athletes on the team with

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Sports

Men get stopped by rival Westfield

By Kaleigh Anderson Sports Writer

Westfield State came in on the attack to defeat MCLA 80-63 and by doing so notched another key MASCAC win onto their belts. The Owls outscored MCLA 53-34 in the second half to secure their victory.

The Owls move to 14-10 and sit at 7-4 in conference play. MCLA drops to 8-15 and is now 5-6 in the MASCAC. MCLA was led with by Jeremic Bennett leading the team with 14 points, Todd Hunt also scored 9 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. We also saw two highlight reel dunks from Tyriq Rochester during the first half.

With a little over 7:00 remaining in the first half, Rochester rose over three Westfield defenders and tip-slammed a thunderous two points through the hoop right over the entire Westfield front line. The crowd in the Amsler Center all rose to their feet in admiration of the posterization of Westfield’s defense, but Rochester wasn’t done. On Westfield’s next trip down the floor, Rochester rejected a shot igniting a MCLA fast break. Rochester ran the floor and picked up a tipped pass and threw down a second ferocious dunk in traffic to give MCLA a 22-15 lead with 6:49 to go in the half.

MCLA led 29-27 at halftime and came out strong scoring the first two baskets of the second half to create a 33-27 lead. The Owls however came back strong scoring six straight baskets to tie the game at 33. With 11:47 remaining to play in the game, the score was tied at 39, and after this point MCLA did not take the lead again.

Westfield started to quickly gain the lead after a 12-0 run initiated by Aaron West, who had six points during the attack. Throughout

the rest of the second half MCLA would get within six points on two occasions, the last of which was at 56-50 with 5:06 left to play following a pair of Bennett free throws, however they could never come back from the deficit.

A 10-0 run over the next two minutes put the battle even further out of MCLA’s reach. Grant Cooper, who finished with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, started the run with a drive to the basket. The Owls were strong from the free throw line scoring 21-30 free throw attempts, MCLA on the other hand was only 31%from the floor while Westfield state was a strong 50%.

Cooper missed only one field goal attempt for the Owls and was a solid 11-16 from the Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon line. In the end the Jeremic Bennett blows by a defender on his way to the basket.

Owls collected 20 asMCLA is now locked into the number five sists on 27 made field seed for the MASCAC tournament, and will goals. look to play the role of spoiler as Salem State The Trailblazers will finish off their regular looks to secure the number one seed in the season on Saturday when they battle Salem MASCAC tournament this Saturday.

State at 2pm, this game is MCLA’s traditional Senior game.

Scores Women’s Basketball

February 18th, 2014 Westfield St. 67, MCLA 56 Men’s Basketball February 13th, 2014 MCLA vs Keene St. PPD February 18th, 2014 Westfield St. 80, MCLA 63

Standings Men’s Basketball Bridgewater St. Salem St. Westfield St. Worcester St. MCLA Fitchuburg St. Framingham St.

Women’s Basketball Bridgewater St. Westfield St. Framingham St. Fitchburg St. Salem St. Worcester St. Not making the playoffs this season, MCLA

Women falter again at home

By James Hunter Sports Writer

Coach McGovern plans to do more recruiting and to make sure her core set The Trailblazers lose another one at of returners understand the hard work home to Westfield State University, 67and dedication they need to put in dur56. MCLA has two games left on the ing the offseason. season , a non-conference game against These last few games are important for Suffolk University today and this Satura team like the Trailblazers who have day is the final home game for the sestruggled in conference this year. niors of against Salem State University.

“As a team we would like to finish “We just want to win,” senior captain strong at the end of the season. Players Danielle Scolpino said. We understand need to stay motivated and keep underwhere the season is at and for Saturday standing their roles on the court, espewe want to showcase the talent we have cially the core group that will be returnon this team.” ing next year,” coach McGovern said.

With the season coming to an end, the “We will need to have a solid nucleus team has showed improvement in many and experience from the core group we areas of their game, individually and as have coming back.” a team according to Coach Holly McLeadership is also an important factor Govern. for the Trailblazers, and they will con“I emphasis leadership and commutinue to focus on it, and not just from nication that this team has brought this the upperclassmen. year. Players are beginning to feel com“Leadership on this team comes from fortable with each other and able to talk all of us not just the seniors. The freshto each other in a more effective manman on the team show tremendous ner to help the team,” Coach McGovern leadership as well,” Chenevert said. said.

MCLA was led by freshman Kayla The second half was close until the Hotaling who managed to have another final minutes of the game. There were double for the Trailblazers, scoring 14 11 lead changes to go along with three points and twelve rebounds to go along ties, the last in which came under five with 5 blocks. Chenevert and Michaela minutes to play.

Siver ended the night with 10 points Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon The Owls were led by forward For- Senior Kaitlyn Chenevert gets double-teamed Tuesday. each. bashaw Nkamebo who finished the MCLA will play Suffolk University togame with 17 points and 17 rebounds. day at 5:30pm then will finish their seaWestfield improves to 14-10 overall and points in the closing minutes. Westfield later son on Senior Day, Saturday February 7-4 in league play. The Owls shot very well then went on a 7-0 to make it 61-54.

22nd against Salem State University at 12pm.

“Growth for not only the end of the season from the line, shooting an impressive 13-17 to “Westfield is a beatable team for us,” senior pull away with the victory.

Kaitlyn Chenevert said. We know the season but also for next season as well will show the With 4:47 left in the game, Hotling tied the didn’t end up how we wanted it to be but we experience and solid play of these group of game at 54. The Owls would then tighten up just keep playing and show everyone the talent girls.” Coach McGovern said. the defense only allowing MCLA to just two on this team.”

9

Beacon.MCLA.edu

8-3 7-3 7-4 7-4 5-6 2-9 2-9 8-3 7-4 7-4 6-5 5-5 5-6 0-11

Schedules February 20th Women’s Basketball MCLA @ Suffolk 5:30 PM February 22nd Women’s Basketball MCLA vs Salem St. 12 PM Men’s Basketball MCLA vs Salem St. 2 PM March 7th Softball Olivet vs MCLA @ Fort Myers, Florida.

9AM MCLA vs Newbury @ Fort Myers, Florida 11 AM Baseball East Mennonite vs MCLA @ Auburndale Fl. 2:30 PM

10

Opinion

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Beacon.MCLA.edu

“What is your favorite Olympic event and why?”

“I don’t watch television so I don’t follow the Olympic events, however, it’s fair for me to say that I’m not interested in any televised sports so I don’t have an opinion on the topic.”

“I haven’t really bothered to watch the Olympic Games this winter even though they are being held in my country of birth. I don’t really care who wins or who loses.

–Denis Sinclair, 2015

– Alberto Roman, 2015

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.

“I like running and swimming the most because I think it’s really cool that they can run and swim that fast.” spoken by Georgia Costiga

“I like figure skating a lot. It’s aesthetically pleasing and beautiful to watch.”

–Emily Hebert, 2017

–Georgia Costiga, 2014

“I like all of the Olympic, especially skiing. I always thought that the high jumps were cool.

High jumps are awesome.”

“Figure skating because it’s really competitive but still elegant. I think it’s really good.”

– Mackenzie McCarthy, 2016

-Kamari Williams, 2014

Editorials Policy Unsigned editorials that appear on these pages reflect the views of The Beacon’s editorial board.

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Editorial Board

Photos compiled by Amy Modesti

In my humble opinion...

God always knows best?

By Nicholas Arena Editor-in-Chief

Yesterday, a Philadelphia couple was sentenced to three and a half to seven years in prison for neglecting to take their sick child to a hospital, and subsequently letting the child die.

The couple, Herbert and Catherine Schaible, believe in faith healing, so their solution to the problem of a deathly ill child is to pray rather than seek medical attention. Oh, and did I mention that this is the second child that they have watched die?

Centuries ago, I think I could understand this practice being pretty commonplace due to the lack of modern medicinal practices, but today? I find myself a bit less understanding how anyone

could watch someone they know die for the sake of religion. I find myself with absolutely no understanding as to how anyone could sit back and watch their child die.

It’s really no secret that science and mainstream religion are often at each others’ throats, but is it really so hard for religious people to actually accept the good that science can do for us?

Actually it’s not! Take a look at the Bahá’í Faith. The belief of the Bahá’í is that religion and science are both relevant to life and that one area cannot false where the other is true. They are both equally necessary.

“The Faith teaches that religion without science soon degenerates into superstition and fanaticism, while science without religion becomes merely the instrument of crude materialism – and unchecked material progress will never lead to true prosperity,” is written on the Bahá’í Faith website. Science trains our minds to discover hidden realities.” “Religion helps us uncover the meaning and proper uses of scientific discovery.”

I consider myself a more scientific than religious person, but if someone would like to argue that science happens because God makes it so, I will not argue with that.

This situation is more proof that religion is nothing more than a way for people to abdicate their own personal responsibilities. The only thing worse in this situation is the fact that the couple received a maximum of seven years after doing this twice.

“I’m a lot of fun at parties, I swear!”

Lies in mind

By Jess Gamari Managing Editor

Over the course of your internet journey, it’s likely you’ve come across a quiz which determines if you are more left or right brain oriented.

Those of us who are “right brained” are typically creative, artistic, and open-minded, thinking in terms of visual and colors. In contrast, a “left-brained” person is more likely to approach an issue using critical thinking and logic, and pay more attention to detail.

It turns out this distinction between parts of the brain may be more of a myth than fact, meaning that no one’s personality is defined by which side of the brain is used more. This theory, like many other theories, has since been debunked with further scientific studies.

According to the researchers from the University of Utah, people don’t use the right sides of

Editor-in-Chief Nick Arena

their brains any more than the left sides of their brains, or vice versa.

In a study of 1,000 participants at the University, all of the study participants were using their entire brain equally throughout the course of the experiment.

“People don’t tend to have a stronger left- or right-sided brain network.” study researcher Jeff Anderson, M.D., Ph.D. said in an article from the Huffington Post website.

He did say it is absolutely true that some brain functions occur in specifically one side of the brain, but many brain activities such as processing language is done using both sides of the brain. According to PositScience, understanding language takes place in both hemispheres. “The left side processes grammar and pronunciation while the right processes intonation.”

Another common myth about the brain is that humans are only using 10 percent of its capability, when in reality we’re using the entire brain to function in everyday life. Reading engages frontal and occipital lobes to see and comprehend, the hippocampus helps us remember, and our brainstems and cerebellum help us maintain balance and sit or stand.

In studies of evolution, it’s evident that over time, the human brain has shrunk about 10 percent in size. Researchers are unsure why this shrinkage is occurring, but it may have something to do with our shrinking skull sizes over time and our changing diets.

Fortunately, brain size has no direct correlation with intellect.

Sports Editor Jesse Collings

Managing Editor Jess Gamari Photography Editor

A&E Editor Shannen Adamites

Kayla Degnan Web Editor Michael Dahlroth

Copy Chief Avery Finnivan Advertising Manager Darcie Sosa

Senior News Editor Gabriel Kogel

Staff Staff Writers Kaleigh Anderson Rachel Fitterman

James Hunter Marc Latour Chunyu “Judy” Leng Kelsey Marini Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Alexander Moore Jenna O’Connor

Photographers Nathan Buchanan Richard LaRocque Amy Modesti Andrew Ricketts

Design Team

Shannen Adamites* Nick Arena* Jess Gamari* Raanan Sarid-Segal Nicole Ngoon Nick Swanson Copy Editors Yvonne Camacho Rominda DeBarros Nicole L’Etoile

Advisers

Jenifer Augur Gillian Jones Jim Niedbalski

*Holds more than one position

Online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu Facebook.com/MCLABeacon Twitter.com/MCLA_Beacon

Opinion & Announcements

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Bigger than biceps

Winter worries

By Makayla-Courtney McGeeney Staff Writer

The cold winter season brings on various challenges, not only with snow and ice, but with fighting boredom with food. One of the hardest things for anyone in the winter is staying active to avoid the winter worries.

Whether it’s just winter or the freshman 15, the most important thing to do when you feel like giving up is to reverse your attitude and look toward spring. March is the prime month to get back into shape because the sun is out again and can feed the body vitamin D, which also means the end of annoying fat storage. Even though you may not feel hungry, it’s natural in the winter to pack on the pounds.

In order to escape the winter worries, motivate yourself with small goals each week to work off excess calories. For example, one of the goals could be to cut bread out of your diet for a whole week or even switch to whole wheat/ whole grain bread for a week.

Even the slightest changes to a diet can make a difference.

As for changes, if you are attempting to lose weight, do not become upset if results are not arriving as quickly as expected.

Changes to your body are most important to you and how you feel. The number on a scale is not everything when you compare it to body fat and muscle, since muscle weighs more than fat.

Staying positive while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than quick results, because without motivation, there are no results.

Snack of the week: Peanut butter banana rice cakes- grab a package of your favorite rice cakes (the P.O.D. sells them) and natural creamy peanut butter or almond butter. It’s as simple as spreading the peanut butter on two rice cakes, and cutting a banana into small slices. After cutting, place the banana slices onto the peanut butter. An optional touching would be to sprinkle cinnamon or a few chocolate chips. Peanut butter is high in protein which makes this a perfect snack after a strength training workout.

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Feminist Gloria Check it Steinem to speak out!

The College will host writer, lecturer, editor and feminist activist Gloria Steinem in the next Public Policy Lecture, “The Progression of Feminism: Where are we going?” It will take place on Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. in the MCLA Church Street Center’s Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium.

Made possible through the generosity of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust, “The Progression of Feminism: Where are we going?” is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.

“An outspoken advocate of women’s rights and international women’s issues, Gloria Steinem campaigned for the Equal Rights Amendment and other laws and social reforms that promoted equality between women and men,” said John DeRosa, trustee of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust.

Steinem travels throughout the United States and other countries as an organizer and lecturer, and is a frequent media spokeswoman on issues of equality.

In 1972, she co-founded Ms. magazine, and remained one of its editors for 15 years. She continues to serve as a consulting editor for Ms., and was instrumental in the magazine’s move to join and be published by the Feminist Majority Foundation.

In 1968, she had helped to found New York magazine, where she was a political columnist and wrote feature articles. As a freelance writer, she was published in Esquire, The New York Times Magazine and women’s magazines.

Steinem helped to found the Women’s Action Alliance, a pioneering national information center that specialized in

nonsexist, multiracial children’s education, and the National Women’s Political Caucus, a group that continues to work to advance the numbers of proequality women in elected and appointed office at a national and state level.

For 25 years, she was president and co-founder of Voters for Choice (VFC), a pro-choice political action committee, then with the Planned Parenthood Action Fund when it merged with VFC for the 2004 elections.

She co-founded and serves on the board of Choice USA, a national organization that supports young pro-choice leadership and works to preserve comprehensive sex education in schools.

Steinem graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Smith College in 1956, and then spent two years in India on a Chester Bowles Fellowship.

She also received the first Doctorate of Human Justice awarded by Simmons College.

Parenting magazine selected her for its Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 for her work in promoting girls’ self-esteem, and Biography magazine listed her as one of the 25 most influential women in America. In 1993, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, N.Y. She has been the subject of two biographical television documentaries, and “The Education of a Woman,” a biography written by Carolyn Heilbrun.

She lives in New York City, and is at work on “Road to the Heart: America As if Everyone Mattered,” a book about her more than 30 years on the road as a feminist organizer. She also writes for other books and publications, and co-founded the

FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT IT’S TIME TO REAPPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR 2014-2015! *MARCH 1 PRIORITY DEADLINE*

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Upcoming events on campus!

Today, Feb. 20

Student Affairs Community Meeting Amsler Campus Center Sullivan Lounge noon - 1 p.m.

SAC Blood Drive Venable Gym 1 - 6 p.m.

Vermont Pearls Amsler Campus Center Marketplace 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

413 STEM Science Center Conference R128 noon - 3 p.m.

Green Living Seminar Murdock Conference Reception Room 218 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

LEAD movie night Amsler Campus Center Sullivan Lounge 7 - 9 p.m.

Our Time to Shine Amsler Campus Center Room 324A & 324B 7 - 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 21 MCLA Allegrettos Gospel Performance Church St Center Founder’s Room and Auditorium 8 - 11 p.m.

ROFLCopler Amsler Campus Center Sullivan Lounge 8- 10 p.m.

Black and White Affair Venable Gym 11 p.m. 2 a.m.

Brown Bag Lecture Series: PRESS: From Pop-Up Permanent and Beyond Elderidge Hall 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22 Cosplay Workshop Amsler Campus Center 324B 1 - 3 p.m.

Society of Music Concert Church Street Center Auditorium Jazz musician Matt Cusson.

7 - 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 Tricks of the Trade: New Paradigms in the World of Art Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Pittsfield, MA 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 Spring MainStage: Oscar and Felix, A New Look at The Odd Couple by Neil Simon Venable Theatre 2/26 to 3/1/2014 at 8 p.m.

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Photo Essay

A self-proclaimed art critique is impressed by this rose-hued bird ice sculpture.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Jordynn, 5, goes on a pony ride with help from the Bonnie Lee Farm girls.

WinterFest

Ice sculpting, pony rides and snowy fun

Photos by Kayla Degnan

Haley Belivea, 9, shows off her face paint design

Kathleen and Joe Smith gather their children around a fire on Holden Street to roast marshmallows

At far left, Marley Ihne, 9, and left, Adison Cooper, 3, create colorful beaded bracelets at Gallery 51. Above, Phil Sellers sculpts a rainbow out of ice on the corner of Main and Eagle Street