Fall 2013 - Issue 8 by MCLA Beacon

The Beacon

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

For more content, visit online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu Volume 77 ◆ Issue 8

Th u r s d ay, N o v e m b e r 6 , 2 0 1 3

Individuals recognized for contributions Staff and students awarded for hard work and positive acts on campus and in the community.

By Nick Swanson Staff Writer

The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition awarded individuals for positive acts towards the community at its Fall Neighborlies Community Recognition Award Ceremony on Wednesday, Oct 3. Spencer Moser, coordinator of the Center for Service, and Diane Collins, coordinator of Student Government Association, were recognized at the ceremony. With them, five students, Abigail Egan, Kaitlin Straut, Amanda Beckwith, Adam Tobin and Michael Vogt, we recognized. “I feel very honored and it is gratifying to be recognized,” Moser said. “I love being a part of this event that notices the good work we do in the community.” Alyson Carey works with Moser in the Center for Service and citizenship. She nominated the faculty and students recognized at the ceremony through an e-mail explaining what each person was involved with in the community and how they made a difference. Carey attends the Northern Berkshire Youth Collaborative

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Abigail Egan open forum meetings to keep up to date with helpful events that happen in the community. “The organization wanted to make sure MCLA was a part of the award ceremony, so that all of the hard work and progress that has been done was noticed,” Carey said. Moser was nominated for his willingness to recruit numerous student volunteers and provide encouragement for them to engage in events that support community needs. Diane Collins was recognized for her role in creating the activities fair that helped students

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Kaitlin Straut identify other extracurricular opportunities like clubs and activities available at the College. Kaitlin Straut and Mike Vogt work together on an afterschool program at BART Charter School in Adams. The weekly program brings six children together between grades six and 10, which allows them to be involved in a college classroom. “The program is based on community service education, not just service learning,” Straut said. “The ideas that these kids are coming up with are insightful and mature. It blows my mind.” According to Straut, the children

‘Music Macabre’ gets dreamy

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Adam Tobin

Mike Vogt

created the idea to direct the program at stereotype issues built around parts of the community, and the ways it impacts everyday lives. “This trimester project is very beneficial for everyone involved and we plan on presenting our work to other schools in the area,” Straut said. Amanda Beckwith was recognized for the help she put forth for the Woman’s Center in addition to the Center for Service on campus. Abigail Egan was recognized for her participation in an E3 program, which provides services

for dementia patients that live locally. Adam Tobin was recognized for his various roles within the community and his direct involvement with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. This recognition ceremony takes place in the spring and fall to generate community service acts in Berkshire County. Those recognized were awarded a ‘groups pulling together’ certificate at the ceremony. “I thought hard about who exactly should be nominated and these people came to my mind immediately,” Carey said.

Alcombright re-elected as Mayor for third term By Jess Gamari Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Amy Modesti/The Beacon

Shana Falana performs her set before The Dust Bowl Faeries at the Branch Gallery during the last Downstreet Art event on Oct. 31.

Check out more photos from Downstreet Art on page 12. twitter.com/ MCLA_Beacon facebook.com/ MCLABeacon

About 3,627 voters made it to the polls for the mayoral elections of North Adams on Nov. 5, according to the North Adams Transcript. Mayor Alcombright was re-elected for his third twoyear term, sweeping all five city wards and earning 2,149 votes. His opponent, Robert Moulton Jr. earned 1,478 votes. Voters elected nine city councilors for North Adams, including Kate Hanley Photo by Jess Gamari/The Beacon Merrigan, Benjamin Lamb, Mayor Alcombright earned 59 Nancy Bullett, Keith Bona, percent of the votes in the election. Lisa Blackmer, Joshua Moran, newcomer Michele Vareschi out Jennifer Breen, Wayne Wilkinson, and Eric Buddington. of the running. Winning reelection on the Paul Gigliotti and Gary Rivers school committee, according running unopposed for the to iBerkshires website, were H. Northern Berkshire Vocational Putnam Boulger, John Hockridge District School Committee. and Mark P. Moulton, with

NEASC evaluation visit concludes

Actors duel it out in “Night of Scenes”

Women’s soccer season concludes

Peer reviewers visit college for four days

Yorick’s performers use real swords in performance

Checkout photos from last week’s event

Arts & Entertainment, page 6

Sports, page 8

News, page 3

News Arts & Entertainment Sports Campus Opinion Local Events Photo Essay

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

Campus News

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Weekend Weather

SGA looks into early registration conflict

Thursday, November 7 Capstone courses may become more relevant to majors

Morning rain High: 54° Low: 32° Precip. Chance: 80%

Friday, November 8

Beacon.MCLA.edu

The Curriculum Committee looks to make capstone courses more efficient. According to Coordinating Vice President Hannah Sterrs, the committee is discussing the efficiency and possible modification of Tier III Capstone classes. Sterrs says English professor David Langston suggested capstone classes should more centralized to associated majors. Senator Stephan Rochefort said the current curriculum may be more efficient if there were specific capstones relevant to students’ majors. He added that the capstone he is taking has very little to do with his current major or minors. Executive Vice President

Brendan Peltier, however, stated that the option to take a capstone relating to any subject is what a liberal arts education is about. He did add that a capstone combining two majors, like an upcoming tier II seminar about the psychology of political science, is a possible option. Peltier also urged senators on committees to vote on behalf of the student body and not just themselves. Early Registration Senator Ama Adwetewa-Badu noted that while some students are upset honor students can only register for honors classes early, and athletes are now only allowed to register early when they’re in season, upperclassmen have complained the excessive early registration has prevented them from being able to register for courses they need in order to graduate. President Powers agreed with this, saying ensuring upperclassmen are able to graduate on time needs to be a priority. The com-

mittee is also discussing the possibility of honors students being able to register early for classes as long as they are taking an honors course that semester. They are also discussing granting early registration for veterans. Committee focuses to enhance second-year experience Peltier announced that the student affairs committee is focusing on enhancing the second year experience at the college. While the first year experience has shown positive results, the committee has noticed some students tend to become less active during their sophomore year. Peltier urged more senators to join the committee. “We really need a strong student voice on this committee,” he said. Alumni look to donate prizes for club awards After a meeting with the

Alumni Board and President Powers, Sterrs announced that alumni are looking to bridge the gap between alumni and students. In order to do this, the board has offered to purchase gifts for the club and member of the week awards. Alumni would provide a $5 or $10 Blazer Café gift card for the member of the week and a Walmart or Big Y gift card for the club. The first awards will be announced at the next meeting on Nov. 18. Late Night Grill looks to expand Peliter stated that Aramark is looking to make improvements to its Late Night Grill, open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays nights. Everyone is encouraged to make suggestions. Badu said some vegetarians feel uncomfortable eating some non-meat products cooked next meat products, such as mozzarella sticks and suggested cooking them separately. Sterrs proposed that they could provide nachos and hot pretzels bites, like the old campus store did when she was a freshman. Senator Danielle Bloh added that some students have been saying they feel as if the menu is exactly the same almost every night. SGA looks to purchase van

Possible snow High: 44° Low: 27° Precip. Chance: 30%

Saturday, November 9

Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

SGA is currently looking into purchasing a new van. President Jake Powers will meet with the Transportation Committee and Charlotte Degen, vice president of student affairs.

Campus Police Logs Sunday, October 27

Monday, October 28

responded to an exit alarm at the Freel Library. The alarm was determined to be accidental.

◆ 12:34 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a drug offense in the Flagg Townhouse Complex. A report was filed.

◆ 12:41 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call in the Berkshire Towers Complex. Services were rendered.

◆ 2:43 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call at Eldridge Hall. The subject could not be located.

◆ 8:36 p.m. - Public Safety responded to an emergency call from an elevator phone in the

Tuesday, October 29

◆ 5:45 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call to jump start a vehicle on Church St. The attempt was unsuccessful.

◆ 2:30 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a call about a forcible sex offense in the Flagg Townhouse Complex.

Wednesday, October 30

◆ 2:18 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a report of vandalism at the Church Street Center. The incident was investigated.

The week of 10/27-11/2

Partly cloudy High: 44° Low: 31° Precip. Chance: 10%

Sunday, November 10

Berkshire Towers Complex. No action was required.

◆ 11:55 a.m. - Public Safety

LITTLE KNOWN FACT… Sponsored by the Health Center

Few showers High: 47° Low: 27° Precip. Chance: 30%

President Jake Powers announced that he will be meeting with Charlotte Degen, vice president of Student Affairs, this Friday. He will also meet with the Transportation Committee within the next couple of weeks to look into purchasing a new van. He said he will have more details at the next meeting.

“There are more germs transferred from a handshake than kissing.”

◆ 2:18 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call to jump start a vehicle in the Townhouse Parking Lot. Services were rendered. Thursday, October 31 ◆ 4:32 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a supervisory alarm at the Flagg Townhouse Complex. The alarm was de-

termined to be accidental. ◆ 7:27 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a disturbance call from the Berkshire Towers Complex. The disturbance was investigated. Friday, November 1

Saturday, November 2 ◆ 10:45 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a call to jump start a vehicle on Highland Ave. The attempt was unsuccessful.

Campus News

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

NEASC accreditation visit concludes By Gabriel Kogel Staff Writer

Yesterday was the final day of a four-day accreditation visit by peer-reviewers from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). At the final report-out session, Theodora Kalikow, chair of the peer-review team, delivered the results of her team’s evaluation. “We will be reporting to NEASC on the very favorable condition of this institution. That’s code, you can decode it,” she joked. The once-a-decade accreditation process involved the creation of a self-study document focused on 11 academic standards. During the visit, the team met with each standard group. The results of the team’s evaluation will be delivered to NEASC, ultimately determining the College’s accreditation status some time in the spring. Some of the strengths Kalikow listed were the college’s relationship with the city, along with an inclusive cultural paradigm. “Students are active members in the community, it’s a wonderful thing for the surrounding community and the Berkshires. Everyone is connected to everyone, like a web,” she said. Kalikow also commended the College for unique programs like the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE), and offered her congratulations on the Feigenbaum Center, along with the naming gift. “You’ve exceeded the campaign goal and you should be very proud,” Kalikow said. Kalikow noted that many of the concerns the group found had

to do with issues over which the College had little control, such as the funding from the state. “Revenue is a concern. It’s going to be important for you to continue working on long-run, strategic planning that will help in coping with an uncertain fiscal environment,” she said. Kalikow also mentioned the issue of deferred maintenance on

“You’ve made amazing progress. You’re a lot better than you said.” -Theodora Kalikow college buildings will need to be addressed. “You know what it is and how much it will cost. You’ve made great strides, and it’s a statewide issue. You’ve borrowed from your buildings and now it’s time to pay the bills,” she said. She also mentioned a greater focus will need to be placed on evaluation and measurement in academics. “Assessment needs to be a continuing focus going forward. The collection of data and using that data to affect what happens in the classroom along with co-curricular activities,” she said. Philosophy Professor Matthew Silliman addressed the evaluation process. “[Accreditation] forces the college to look at itself objectively,” Silliman said. “At times it can be an interrogative process, but we’re all on the same team.” Silliman noted that while the

Photos by Gabriel Kogel/The Beacon

Above, peer reviewer Patriciaq Rissmeyer interviews the executive board of SGA over lunch. Below, peer-review chair Theodora Kalikow delivers the post visit report on Nov. 5. conversation with peer-reviewers may at times focus on rubrics or standards of performance, sometimes only intuitive measurements are available. “This is a debate happening not only on this campus, but is also in academia at large. It’s perfectly healthy we hash these things out,” he said. Theresa O’Bryant, associate dean of students and chair of the integrity standard, said the peerreviewers had admirable energy throughout their stay on campus. “They’re doing a great job of staying fresh and engaged,” she said. O’Bryant mentioned her appreciation for the role Kalikow has played as chair of the peer-review team. “President Kalikow has a great spirit and she’s set a really constructive tone,” she said. Brittney Wood, senior and executive member of SGA, spoke to peer-reviewer Patricia Rissmeyer

on the subject of campus involvement during a lunch meeting. “I wanted to get the transfer student perspective across,” Wood said. “In my previous college, I wasn’t big on joining groups, but coming

[to MCLA], I’ve found a home,” she said. “We have a huge a sense of community at the college.” Kalikow ended her report by saying “you’ve made amazing progress. You’re a lot better than you said.”

United States, from smaller schools to progressively larger ones. “I got my undergraduate in Vietnam and I went to teach for a year and a half,” he said. “Then I came to the United States in 2007, first I went to the University of Ohio and I stayed there for two year for my masters. Then my professor said I should really go to a bigger school so I went to the University of Georgia where I studied and stayed there for four years.” His story for why he began teaching spans even further. He reflected on his former high school teacher that initially approached him with the idea of teaching. “I think the story started a long time ago, I think in high school I was really good at math and physics and so my high school teacher asked me whether I wanted to become a teacher in the future,” he said. “He asked me to go to the education university where they have a major in math and physics and if you graduate from there you can go and become a teacher.” His prowess as a teacher definitely moved beyond what he had initially planned, however.

“My high school teacher told me that I could come back and teach with him, so that’s why I decided to go to school and study math,” he laughed. “I did not come back like he expected.” Currently at MCLA, Nguyen is teaching four courses including calculus and statistics. According to Chair of the Mathematics Department Christopher Thomas, Nguyen is also looking to put together a math contest for local students. “Duy Nguyen is a very friendly and energetic new mathematics faculty member who specializes in applied mathematics,” Thomas wrote in an email. “He is currently trying to organize a high school mathematics contest to bring the brightest of the local students to see MCLA and show off their math skills. His current mathematical work appears to be an attempt to pinpoint exactly where a stock’s price stops holding, roughly, steady and starts to wander up and down - a very valuable goal, if it is possible.” Outside of work, Nguyen is still getting to know the area, having just moved here. He enjoys jogging and recently visited Harvard with an old friend of his.

New Prof. looks to organize math contest By Nick Arena

Managing Editor With an infectious laugh, Mathematics Professor Duy Nguyen recounts the events which led him to MCLA. Nguyen said he has only been in the Berkshires for about two months, but he is enjoying the atmosphere and the campus. “It’s a little quiet here,” he chuckled. “That’s fine, I’m not one for the big city. So far, it’s great. People are so nice, friendly, and supportive.” Nguyen came to the Berkshires after teaching at multiple schools, including back in his home of Vietnam. While he said things are different here in the states, not necessarily a bad thing. “I think [things here] are a lot different,” he said. “Here, I think the relationship between the professor and the student is really good. We have office hours and we’re trying to help the students do really well in their courses.” He laughed for a bit and joked about how little interaction students back in Vietnam actually have with their professors. “It’s almost impossible to find your professor after he left your

Photo by Emily Boughton/The Beacon

In the past, Professor Duy Nguyen has taught at many schools, including in Vietnam. class.” he said. Vietnam and when midterms and Another benefit he has found finals rolled around it was a very to working in the states is the difficult time. smaller class sizes. He said he had His time as a student also a class of almost 200 students in spanned from Vietnam to the

News 4 NSA spying prove costly to Internet businesses Thursday, November 6, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

MCT Campus The continuing revelations about National Security Agency spying on sensitive data kept by Silicon Valley companies are feeding fears that Internet companies in this country could suffer billions of dollars in lost business. Following disclosures earlier this year that the National Security Agency’s Prism program had spied on Apple Inc., Google Inc., Facebook and Yahoo Inc., an industry group put the potential cost at up to $35 billion a year by 2016, while an influential tech research firm estimated the damage at a staggering $180 billion a year. And since then, worries about the potential for lost business have stayed high amid the seemingly endless stream of news stories about other NSA snooping. Any economic fallout is likely to add to the growing tensions between Silicon Valley and the U.S. intelligence community, with major tech companies joining a growing chorus of critics who want to limit the NSA’s extensive data-gathering. And lost revenue could hurt one of the country’s most dynamic industries as it continues to recover fully from the Great Recession. The level of anxiety is especially high in Europe, where the NSA’s reported activities have prompted a governmental investigation and a widespread view that it’s unsafe to do business with U.S. “cloud companies,” which offer software products over the Internet. “In Europe there is very much a notion of, ‘Hey, can I even deal with this American company, especially with cloud providers?’ “ said Andreas Baumhof, chief technology officer at ThreatMetrix in San Jose, Calif., which provides cybersecurity services via the Internet. Noting that he just returned from a European trip, he added, “This is at the top of everyone’s minds.” In surveying its members this summer about the NSA disclosures, the Cloud Security Alliance _ which develops security standards for Internet firms _ found that 10 percent of the 207 foreign respondents had “canceled a project to use U.S.-based cloud providers” and 56 percent were “less likely” to use U.S. cloud providers in the future. Such attitudes could prove expensive for companies here, according to the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, an industry research group. Declaring that “Europeans in particular are trying to edge out their American competitors” in Internet services, it estimated in August that the NSA revelations could cost U.S. cloud providers up to $35 billion in 2016. That estimate was deemed “too low” by James Staten, an analyst with Forrester Research, which studies business trends. He predicted the potential cost to U.S. cloud providers could reach $180 billion, noting that the NSA disclosures could derail business from potential customers in this country as well as overseas. Some industry observers have dismissed those reports, arguing that there is little evidence so far of a drop-off of business for U.S. cloud providers. Officials at Google, Twitter,

MCT Campus Photo

According to Internet services, it estimated that in August that the NSA revelations could cost U.S. cloud providers up to $35 billion in 2016. Yahoo, Oracle, Dropbox and Salesforce _ which provide Internet-based products _ either declined to comment or didn’t immediately respond to a San Jose Mercury News query about the impact of the NSA revelations. But David Castro, a senior analyst who wrote the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation study, said he’s heard from overseas companies that their “sales are definitely up” because of the NSA news. Another group _ the Information Technology Industry Council _ last week warned that “U.S. government data collection and surveillance programs threaten the innovative vitality of the global digital economy,” adding, “many U.S. tech companies are experiencing troubling repercussions in the global marketplace.” Several cybersecurity experts said foreigners are especially worried because U.S. data networks often aren’t encrypted to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Just this week it was revealed that the NSA had accessed information from fiber-optic networks used by Google and Yahoo. That prompted Google to say it was encrypting more of its network. Yahoo said it had no announced plans to encrypt its data-center links. “Absolutely, our business is growing very rapidly,” said Jeff Hudson, CEO of Venafi, a Utah security company with an office in Palo Alto, Calif. Referring to the repeated revelations about NSA spying, he added, “People are starting to wake up because this keeps happening over and over again.”

$1.3 Billion worth of art found MCT Campus An investigation into suspected tax fraud has uncovered a vast trove of artwork seized by the Nazis before World War II and kept behind pallets of canned goods in the Munich apartment of a 79-year-old man whose father was once a dealer in pirated art. The collection is believed to include works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, PierreAuguste Renoir and Marc Chagall, among many others. Estimates of its value top $1.3 billion. Officials kept the collection’s discovery quiet for two years, uncertain who were the rightful owners of the works and whether a crime had been committed. It finally became public over the weekend, when the German news magazine Focus broke the story. Prosecutors and the art historian who has been cataloguing the collection refused to discuss details of the case Monday, but said more details would be forthcoming at a news conference scheduled for Tuesday. The man who had been in possession of the collection had been supporting himself for decades by occasionally selling a piece. In all, the collection contains about 1,500 art works. How such a vast collection could remain secret for so long puzzled many in the art world. “I can only think that we in the art world are too naive to look for criminality in those dealing in such works of beauty,” said Austrian art expert Gert Kerschbaumer. “There is no other way to explain why this collection, sold a piece here and there, went unnoticed for so long. Unless it was corruption from both art dealers and those in seats of power.” Determining who has a valid ownership claim to the art is likely to be a complicated and controversial affair. Some pieces in the collection are thought to have followed the now classic and tragic

path of Nazi art plunder: seized by the Nazis from the private collections of Jewish families and collectors or forced to be sold at bargain prices. The heirs of those former owners would have a claim to the art, if they can be located. But many others are thought to have come from government-operated German museums. Art dealers and historians note that in such cases, courts have ruled that the Nazi government was within its rights to sell such artwork, leaving the ownership validly in the hands of the people who purchased it or their heirs. Gurlitt himself had been disgraced and removed from jobs in the art world by the Nazi regime, but the Nazis need someone with connections to dispose of the paintings, about which Goebbels is widely quoted as having said, “We want to try to earn some money with the crap.” Gurlitt died in 1956. In the 1960s, Gurlitt’s widow was asked whether she knew about several lost pieces known to have been in her late husband’s collection at some point. She said then that everything her husband had owned was destroyed in the firebombing of Dresden. Prosecutors say now that that was clearly a lie, and Focus reported they plan to use that fact to claim for Germany the oncepublic parts of the collection. The collection then passed to their son, Cornelius Gurlitt, who is now 79. The investigation that uncovered the lost art began with a random spot check by German customs agents as Cornelius Gurlitt returned from Switzerland by train. The agents found that Gurlitt was carrying 9,000 euros in cash _ about $12,000 dollars at today’s exchange rate. That sum was within legal limits, but agents were curious and asked Gurlitt why he was carrying so much cash. He told them he had sold a small piece of art in Zurich. Six months later, German authorities raided his apartment and discovered the collection.

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Thursday, November 6, 2013

News

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Release of iPad Air doesn’t excite customers MCT Campus

Apple released the faster, thinnest and lightest version of its iPad on Friday, but the usual long lines and hoopla for the launch of a new device from the consumer-tech giant were absent in the early, post-Halloween morning light. The scene outside stores in Palo Alto, Calif., was muted, with only a sprinkling of customers awaiting the iPad Air release. About two dozen customers were lined up outside the store on University Avenue just a half-hour before doors opened, a little more than half the crowd that showed up for the iPad Mini launch last year, and fewer than 20 braved the chilly morning temperatures at Stanford Shopping Center. In San Jose, Calif., no line had formed about 2 hours before the Apple store at Oakridge Mall threw open its doors, with about 15 people eventually lining up by 8 a.m., including some couples. “I’m the dork who showed up early,” said Kevin Anderson, who arrived at 6 a.m. at the Stanford store to claim first place in line. “I couldn’t wait.” Anderson, an engineer for Tesla, had been iPad-less for a couple weeks after selling his second-generation device on eBay.com for a respectable $310. He has been using mostly his iPhone for Internet access. “We only have one computer at home, and it’s always busy Pinterest-ing by my wife,” Anderson said, referencing

the social media-sharing platform Pinterest. “It’s driving me nuts.” Charles Zhou, a mobile application developer from Sunnyvale, Calif., arrived shortly before the store opened at 8 a.m. _ and was still among the first customers to enter the store. Like Anderson, Zhou said he had been without an iPad since selling his second-generation device last week on eBay for $280. He bought one of Google’s Nexus tablets to try to hold him over. “I said, ‘Let’s see if this is enough,’ “ Zhou said. “And immediately I was like, ‘I miss iPad.’ “ Shoppers were in and out of the Stanford store in about five minutes, a few offering only a quick cheer after making their purchase _ marking a stark contrast to the pomp and circumstance of Apple’s iPhone launch last month. Other customers popped in for a smartphone repair or to browse, seemingly unaware of the release event. One customer ran up to the store about a half-hour after it opened and asked an Apple employee: “Hey, where are all the people?” The lines may have been even shorter if Apple had allowed customers to pre-order the devices, as it did with last month’s iPhone launch and previous iPad debuts. Software engineer Erasmo Acosta drove to Stanford from Fremont, Calif., early Friday to nab an iPad Air, but said

MCT Campus Photo

Customers were taking pictures of the iPad Air when it was released. he doesn’t normally go to launch events and doesn’t particularly like them. “But since (Apple) eliminated the presale, we’re out here in the cold,” he said. “I don’t enjoy it.” Still, Acosta was excited to replace his year-old, fourthgeneration iPad for the new iPad Air. “It’s faster, better, and the whole experience is better,” he said.

Drowning the oceans in plastic MCT Campus

You’ve probably seen the images of dolphins caught in abandoned monofilament fishing nets, or of vast areas of plastic trash floating in remote waters of the Pacific, or of sea turtles consuming plastic bags that look remarkably like one of their favorite foods: jellyfish. Or perhaps, after a rainstorm, you’ve walked on a beach that resembled a landfill. Some 20 million tons of plastic pollution enters the oceans each year, and it’s devastating the marine environment. Plastic litter is also costly. On the West Coast alone, according to a recent EPA study, the cost of cleaning up marine litter comes to more than $13 per person per year. And because plastic typically does not degrade in the ocean, today’s pollution will be a problem for many generations to come. Locally, there have been some success stories. Thanks to state and federal environmental requirements, the Los Angeles region has installed screens on more than 50,000 storm water basins, as well as inserts that keep all but the smallest plastic pollution out of local rivers, beaches and bays. Additionally, bans on single-use plastic bags in a number of local jurisdictions have reduced plastic bag use by tens of millions of bags annually. And West Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica and Malibu have banned single-use foam food packaging. All of these measures have meant less plastic ending up in the ocean locally. Statewide, legislation to ban plastic bags has failed numerous times due to successful lobbying efforts from plastic bag manufacturers and others, but nevertheless, more than 10 million Californians live in cities that have banned

the bag. The State Water Resources Control Board will soon release a statewide trash policy that builds on the Los Angeles area’s successful trash control measures. But we need far more comprehensive policies, and the story nationally and internationally is still gloomy. Last year’s landmark Rio 20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development recognized marine litter as a major environmental issue that the world must address, and it called for action by 2025 to “achieve significant reductions in marine debris to prevent harm to coastal and marine environments.” However, a recent UCLA study analyzed dozens of treaties, programs and policies in place around the world and found all of them to be severely lacking. Overall, the well-intentioned international agreements impose vague or voluntary standards, require little to no monitoring, are severely underfunded and are difficult to enforce. In fact, the UCLA researchers concluded that there was essentially no recourse under international law to address most plastic marine litter on the high seas. Even the most effective of the current treaties, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, has huge loopholes. For example, the treaty exempts accidental loss or disposal of plastic resulting from ship or equipment damage, and leaves enforcement and penalty decisions up to often-reluctant states. To achieve the dramatic reductions necessary to stem the plastic marine litter crisis, we need a comprehensive solution akin to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that has dramatically reduced the global use of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. An effective treaty would include strict monitoring requirements, third-party

MCT Campus Photo

The ocean continues to become a plastic dump. compliance assessment, funding mechanisms and easily enforceable requirements with substantial penalties. O One big problem is that international environmental treaties can take a decade or more to negotiate. In the interim, therefore, concerned countries must also pursue regional, national and local policies and programs to address plastic marine litter. Potential actions could include the creation of an “ocean-friendly” product certification program; regional and national bans on the most common and damaging types of plastic litter; the expansion of programs that provide economic incentives for manufacturers to manage plastic waste sustainably; the creation and implementation of certification and tracking programs for fishing and aquaculture operations; and the establishment of funding sources for marine litter remediation through product redemption fees and shipping container fees at ports.

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Arts & Entertainment

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Dispatch from Disney

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Yorick engages in a night of action-packed combat scenes By Shannen Adamites

Arts and Entertainment Editor Photo courtesy of Candice Crow

The importance of internships Candice Crow

Disney World Correspondant

s the close of the semester draws near and 2014 quickly approaches, many of my fellow graduating seniors and I are looking for future employment. There are so many different paths branching ahead that for some, it may seem as though the possibilities are endless. For others, it could be the polar opposite. This is why I suggest an internship for those who have the time. Internships get you out there in the real world and help you realize what you want, and what you don’t want, in a future career. I strongly suggest networking right from the beginning; that’s one of the things I regret not doing in my first two years of college. I was practically invisible–I just went to class and went home, over and over in the same routine. If you want something in life, you have to go out there and get it. I realized that partially while still at school, but the Disney College Program really hammered the point home. I have learned the importance of networking and making connections with people. If you want to get ahead, it is crucial to stretch out of your comfort zone. Every internship has the possibility of leading to a career, so take them seriously. After finishing a term in the Disney College Program, you can either extend and do another program or apply for a professional internship in the field of your choice. An internship at Disney gets your foot in the door for a full-time managerial position in your area, and from there you can keep moving up the ladder. According to an article in the New York Times, “many companies use [internships] to develop a pool for prospective employees.” If you start as an intern with a company, when they begin to hire, they will most likely consider you first. This is why it is important to always act and dress professionally while in the office. The same New York Times article goes on to say that an intern who is always late and who dresses inappropriately will eventually get the boot. Just remember, you won’t always get your dream job on the first interview! Keep trying, and don’t give up on yourself.

Yorick, the College’s Shakespeare club, is presenting a Night of Scenes tomorrow and Saturday night that focus on combat. These action-packed snippets of classic Shakespeare plays include scenes from “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” “Hamlet” and more. Both performances start at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free. All of the scenes included in this Shakespearean montage are student-directed. The club was able to perfect their fight choreography skills, weapon yielding, and defense through various workshops. Cory Flood, a junior familiar with fight choreography and stage combat, says he has put a great deal of effort and determination into the rehearsal of his scene, as well as helping other directors with their own pieces. “I’m directing the final scene of ‘Macbeth,’ where Macduff avenges his family and ultimately kills Macbeth,” he said. “It’s a very angry and vengeful fight scene.” He said that the actors he worked with were very adaptable and were willing to try new ideas or change things at the last moment. “The first time I ever did fight choreography was back in ninth grade and I’ve loved it ever since,” Flood reflected. “I’ve been doing it wherever I could, whenever I got the chance.” Flood says he hopes to potentially use this experience as a

Photo by Shannen Adamites/The Beacon

Cory Flood and Amanda Olsen practice sword fighting during a run-through for a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ scene. foundation for his future profes- cess. Fight choreography is an ex- worthwhile and enjoyable. sion. tremely involved process that can “The cast and directors have Amanda Olsen, a senior and result in injury if proper precau- been working really hard, trying longtime member of Yorick, is tions are not taken. Senior Caitie to work around schedules and not particularly excited about engag- Nickerson has never taken part in being able to see other people’s ing in the complicated stage fight- fight choreography and action- work until the end,” she said. “But ing with more realistic props. based scenes before, but she said during tech week, everything “Getting to actually work with that she wasn’t too concerned comes together beautifully.” the new weapons we got was one about getting injured in the proOlsen says she’s also pleased of the most exciting things ever,” cess. with how rehearsals have been Olsen said. “I’ve done some stage “It’s not easy and very intense, going. fighting before, with wooden but it has been a very rewarding “It’s been a very exhausting proswords, but this is the first time process,” she said. cess, but very well worth all the I’ve ever actually used real, metal Yorick President Bridget Blaisdel effort we’ve been putting into this weaponry, and it’s so excellent.” says putting on a Night of Scenes show,” she said. To some, this can be a pretty is a lot different than putting on Email yorick@mcla.edu to renerve-wracking rehearsal pro- a full-scale production, but just as serve a free ticket.

Student produces second full-length album By Ryan Flynn

Senior News Editor Senior commuter student and alternative folk artist Justin Hillman is no stranger to the world of self-produced music. He’s a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and a recording engineer in the Berkshires, and has released two albums in the past five years. He has also played shows in venues throughout the area such as Lenox and Stockbridge. Getting his start in the music industry at the age of 16, Hillman has been featured on the front page of the Berkshire Eagle. His music has been compared to Ray Lamontagne and has a guitar-playing style similar to Nick Drake. Hillman’s has been recording his music for eight years. His family’s strong background in folk music drove him to play and perform his entire life. “That was my early influence that led me to play acoustic guitar,” he said. Hillman interned at music studios in high school, where he got his feel for musical recording. He attended Berkshire Community College originally and released

his first album, “As the Sun Meets the Moon,” in 2008. While Hillman describes his own music as alternative folk, he said there’s a lot of variety on the album, as he likes to incorporate string instruments such as the cello and violin. “It’s a pretty wide variety of fullband music,” he said. Hillman happily noted that he likes to collaborate with different musicians when he’s making music. “I collaborate with a lot of different people,” he said with a wide smile full of laughter that seems characteristic of Hillman. After earning his associates degree, Hillman studied at the Institute of Audio Research in New York City and traveled to India with his girlfriend and now fiancé during the fall of 2011. After returning back to his home in the Berkshires, he released his second and newest album, “Momentous Change,” in 2012. Affected by his trip to India, Hillman sold a limited edition of his album that came with different hand-packaged gifts he had brought back with him. Hillman commented that while the style of his second album is certainly similar to his first album,

Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon Staff

Justin Hillman performs a set at Harvest Jams last weekend. he feels that he really grew as artist during the four-year span. “It’s a similar style of music, but my songwriting and everything just grew,” he said. Hillman said he’s been spending a lot of his time collaborating with others and studio engineering, a big passion of his. “I do that a lot with other people in the studio when I’m not working,” he said. While Hillman is not in the stu-

dio recording a new album right now, he commented that he’s been thinking about his next project. “It’s in the works I guess,” he said. “Nothing I can say for certain.” Hillman will be playing with collaborators Oakes & Smith, who will be debuting their new album that he helped record and perform, at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox on Nov 23.

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

“Rewilderment” bewilders viewers with macabre art Review by Raanan Sarid-Segal Arts and Entertainment Writer “Rewilderment” is simultaneously disjointed and, somehow, coherent. The show, a combination of the individual and collaborative work of three artists, sticks to exploring its central motifs of nature and spiritualistic rituals from many different traditions. Signifiers of nature, and of humanity’s complex relationship with it, dominate the exhibit from the outset. The rather bold opening image, “Stellarebellion: coyote lair” by Sara Falkner, is that of a coyote skin repurposed as a part of the show. Its placement and use are emblematic of what this exhibit does with nature: it draws a link between the human world and other possible worlds. Sara Falkner’s work continues in pieces of spiritual iconography and sample ritual equipment, presented for public understanding. The work serves to showcase spiritualistic rituals derived from a variety of traditions and the equipment used in those rituals. Ryder Cooley’s work manages to be distinct from Falkner’s, while also blending with the overarching theme of humanity’s relationship with nature and seeking to bridge the divide between humanity and nature through drawing. Her draw-

ings present a vision in which animals and humans not only share spaces, but are frequently fused physically. Images of culture are overlaid with fantastical depictions of nature, or animal parts are shown emerging from within human characters. One example of this is the centerpiece of the drawings, a picture of a woman holding an owl. Emerging from the frame of the picture is a horn, which has been screwed in. The gallery set-up also immediately introduces visitors to the collaborative works of the artists, comprised of artifacts and documented evidence of performed rituals. Though the individual work and the group work still share thematic elements, this section provides the first real stylistic break in the show. Photographs of past exploits represent a major change in the aesthetic of the overall exhibit. The visual gulf also affects the contributions of Shannon Taggart. Her nature photography is such that, though it can allude to forces beyond the image, it gives a sense of objectivity that sometimes does not gel with the styles of Cooley and Falkner. Taggart still achieves an aura of mystery and thriving magic, but with a flavor noticeably distinct from the somewhat similar tones of the other two artists. In particular, her piece

Photo by Amy Modesti/ The Beacon

Jeweled animals skulls sit below a pedestal inside the window front of Gallery 51. “Rev. Jean Heals Jennifer” has of the mix of the mystical world captures the fascination with this power, which used the blur of nature and spiritual power. the unknown and macabre of movement to suggest power Key examples of this theme with which gallery seems so at beyond the image. arise in every artist’s segment, home. Mystery necessarily pervades but one of the most noticeable In total, the exhibit presentthe gallery, as it efficiently and moments is “Rupture Into Reed an appealingly offbeat, yet effectively establishes an apwilderment,” in which the artfriendly, show. It provided an propriate mood. Though the ists Falkner and Cooley balance inviting atmosphere and was gallery itself remains well-lit, themselves within a circle and thematically coherent, so that the visual signifiers quickly give sew animal fur onto their skin. even its minor inconsistencies visitors the information necThis ritual, shot by Taggart, is did not upset the whole too essary to understand how the one of the most obvious mobadly. show is constructing its theme ments of the gallery and also

MCLA Presents! features social change through jazz

Harlequin dazzles with Broadway’s best

By Nick Arena

Managing Editor “50 Years After the Fire,” a performance by jazz trombonist Craig Harris and the Allegrettos will take place Sunday Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Church Street Center Auditorium. A look at the social movements of the 1960s, the performance is a continuation of the Creating Equality series. Tickets for the event are free for students and $15 for the general public. ““50 Years after the Fire” will consist of new works composed by Harris, each based on a seminal happening of the Civil Rights Movement from 1962 to 1972, including events such as the March on Washington, the Vietnam War protests, and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and President John F. Kennedy, according to the MCLA website. According to Jonathan Secor, director of special programs at Gallery 51, the crowd will be in for an exciting and original performance. “Craig Harris, the composer and bandleader, is internationally known for writing music that addresses social issues, including race and class,” Secor said in an email. “He is currently concentrating on writing about his hometown of Harlem and the struggles that it has seen, as well as looking back to the great civil rights

Photo from craigsharris.com

Harris and the Allegrettos are performing together on Sunday. movements of the 60’s.” scholarship programs, according Secor continued that the event to Secor. will be an excellent tool for the “This is the Margaret Hart ‘35 Creating Equality Series by bring- Concert, held each year in memoing people together to pool their ry of the first person of color to attalents. tend what is now MCLA,” he said. “When Craig Harris exploded “It is a fundraiser for a scholarship onto the jazz scene in 1976, he in her name.” brought the entire history of the Along with the show’s social and jazz trombone with him,” accord- cultural importance, Secor hopes ing to Harris’ website. “From the that students will truly enjoy the growling gutbucket intensity of performance for its music as well. early New Orleans music through “[I expect students to have] the refined, articulate improvisa- most of all a good time,” Secor tion of the modern era set forth said. “Craig’s music, as well as his by J.J. Johnson, and into the con- musicians and himself are infecfrontational expressionism of the tious. Add the Allegrettos to the ’60s avant-garde, Craig handled mix and you are in for a great tithe total vernacular the way a mening.” skilled orator utilizes the spoken Tickets can be reserved by callword.” ing MCLA Presents! at 413-662Proceeds of this concert will 5204. go towards one of the College’s

Photos by Shannen Adamites

Above: Flounder (Erin D’entremont) and the mermaids close the show with “She’s in Love” from ‘The Little Mermaid’. Below: Evan Patev, Cory Flood, Erik Dabrowski, and Josh Lapierre open the show with “Hello!” from ‘The Book of Mormon.’

Sports

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Chris’ Corner Kick

Volleyball closes regular season Jesse Collings Sports Writer

Chris Oxholm Sports Editor

One week ago today, the Red Sox became the baseball team with the most championships of the last decade, beating the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series in game six, 6-1. The MVP was awarded to designated hitter and first basemen David Ortiz. In fact, this World Series shaped out to represent the ultimate rivalry match of the past decade in baseball. This was the third time the Red Sox made it to the World Series in the past 10 years and the fourth for St. Louis. However, the Red Sox won all three appearances in 2004, 2007, and 2013; St. Louis lost two World Series in 2004 and 2013, both to the Sox. The Red Sox sit at the top, regarding the last decade. The team has gone three-for-three in World Series appearances and championships. St. Louis is two for four. The only other team to win all of their visits to the World Series is the San Francisco Giants, who won in 2010 over the Texas Rangers and again in 2012 over the Detroit Tigers. It’s been a special decade for Major League Baseball. Ten years ago, 2003 marked the 100th World Series and who better to end the century than a match between the infamous New York Yankees and the underrated Florida Marlins. The very next year, the Sox won their first World Series in 84 years, breaking the “Curse of the Bambino” and evidently making their mark as the most successful team in the first decade of century number two in Major League Baseball. Baseball continued to write happy endings the next year at the 2005 World Series. The Chicago White Sox swept the series against the Houston Astros, also winning their first championship in a long, 88 years. In the past four years, St. Louis and San Francisco have been trampling the National League. Since 2010, the two franchises have swapped places in the World Series every year, both getting two championships in the past five years. If the giants didn’t go, then the Cardinals did. Just because the Red Sox have dominated the new century of MLB doesn’t mean they or the Cards own it. The two teams have battled in the World Series four times: 1946, 1967, 2004, and now 2013. The Cards won the first two showdowns during the “Curse of the Bambino,” and now the Sox have responded with two of their own.

Beacon.MCLA.edu

MCLA’s volleyball team came up short in its final two home games of the season, losing to Bridgewater State and SUNY Cobleskill to close out the regular season. MCLA advanced to the MASCAC Tournament as the sixth seed yesterday, where they faced third-seeded Bridgewater in the first round (check Beacon.MCLA.edu for results). The team is very familiar with Bridgewater, as they faced the Bears at home Saturday, Nov. 2,

Photo by Emily Boughton/The Beacon

Sam Anderson jumps for the ball. falling to the visitors 3-1. Saturday, Nov. 2 was Senior Day at MCLA. The team’s two seniors, Kendra Hobbs and Julia Christen, were honored before the game.

Members of both of the players’ families were in attendance, and a speech for each player was given by Coach Amanda Beckwith before the game. “I was very inspired, for my team and myself,” Hobbs said about playing her final home game at MCLA. “I definitely tried my best and left it all on the court.” Bridgewater took the first set, 25-14, and followed it up with an impressive come-frombehind victory in the second set, winning 2521. Down 2-0, MCLA stuck back during an exciting third set, taking it 25-22. MCLA was led by the energetic play of junior Sam Barbarotta, who was everywhere in the third set, diving for digs and setting up teammates. “I was very energized in the game today and when coach switched me to an outside position in the third set, I capitalized. I took the time to use my left handed advantage over the other team and I also try to lead by example when on the court,” Barbarotta said. Barbarotta credited some of the third-set rally to exciting diving plays and the energy they can create. “I happened to be the one that hit the floor a lot, but that person changes each and every game,” Barbarotta said. “We all work together and spend quite a bit of time on the floor popping up balls.” In the fourth set, MCLA was finally dispatched by Bridgewater, losing a hard-fought set by the score of 25-23. Bridgewater was led by the strong defensive play of sophomore Julie Hutchins and freshman Clara Gonclaves. The duo was dominant for the Bears, blocking shots and confounding the MCLA attack. MCLA dropped to 10-18 on the season and 1-4 in MASCAC, while Bridgewater improved to 15-17 overall and 4-2 in conference play.

MCLA lost freshman Rachel Mills during the first set with a sprained ankle. According to Mills, she should be healthy soon as long as she follows through with the proper steps to heal her ankle. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, MCLA hosted SUNY Cobleskill in a non-conference game. The entire game was hotly contested, with Cobleskill taking the first set 26-24 only to have MCLA return the favor in the second set, winning 26-24. MCLA followed that up with a win in the third set, 25-17. Fighting to stay alive,

Photo by Emily Boughton/The Beacon

Allie Chang serves. Cobleskill took the fourth set 25-20, and then clinched the victory in the tie-breaking set, 15-13. MCLA entered Wednesday’s game having dropped six of the last seven games.

Women drop heartbreaker to Bridgewater James Hunter Sports Writer

The sixth-seeded Women’s Soccer team fell to third-seeded Bridgewater State this Tuesday in the MASCAC quarterfinals, 1-0. The Trailblazers end the year with an 8-10 overall record and 3-4 in the MASCAC. After winning 4-1 in last week’s contest during the regular season, MCLA couldn’t find the net. The game remained scoreless through the first half. Bridgewater State’s Megan O’Leary scored the only goal of the game in the 62nd minute of the game. From 25 yards out, O’Learys’ shot snuck into the upper right corner of the net.

From there on out, Bridgewater State’s defense controlled the remainder of the match. Outshot the entire game, the Trailblazers never found a way to have a shot on net. Trailblazer goalkeeper Danielle Heinsohn recorded six saves in the defeat. The quarterfinal defeat marked the final game for seniors Ashlee Scofield, Sara Lieneck, Jennifer Ferrari, Rebecca Hoyt, and Brianna Danadurant. Also Natalie Caney was awarded MASCAC Rookie of the Year on top of tying the MCLA single season record of 17 goals set by a freshmen. The record was set by Roberta Smith in1987

Cross Country runs in MASCAC championships Anthony Cancilla breaks personal best with 28:40 time By Chris Oxholm Sports Editor

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country went to the University of Southern Maine to compete in the 2013 MASCAC Championships. The men finished in 6th place and the women finished 7th. Westfield State took home 1st for men and women. Anthony Cancilla finished 17th for men. Martha Pratt was the top finisher for the women, crossing the line in 23rd. Cancilla finished the race in 28:40, recording his best

ever time in the MASCAC championships. Monica Conlin finished second for the women in 28th, Danielle Sylvester and Claire Simmons finished in 35th and 38th. Peter Mayotte, Travis Smith, and Brendan Peltier came in next for the men in 20th, 32nd, and 38th place. For the women, Bridgewater State finished second with 44 points. Worcester, Fitchburg, Salem, and Framingham were next, followed by MCLA. Mass. Maritime finished in 8th. For the men, Fitchburg was 2nd, followed by Bridgewater, Worcester, and Mass. Maritime. Salem State and Framingham State were 7th and 8th.

Krysta Zbikowski of Bridgewater won the race for the women and Tim Shea of Westfield State won the individual for men. The men run this Sautrday at the ECAC New England Championships. The men and the women will re-uinite for competition November 16th for the NCAA New England Regionals at Suothern Maine. The ECAC Championships are hosted by Roger Williams at Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Sports

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Blazers miss out on playoffs Chris Oxholm Sports Editor

The Men’s Soccer team lost its Senior Day game to Mass. Maritime on Saturday 2-0, giving the Buccaneers the fourth seed in the MASCAC tournament. The loss ended their season. MCLA finished the season with an overall record of 5-9-1 and 1-5-1 in MASCAC. The Trailblazers weren’t short of chances: an attempt by Romeo Gray barely missed outside the right post, Senior Tyler Guzzi missed to the same spot not after

9 Scores

Beacon.MCLA.edu

and Freshman Kieffer Orszulak beat the Maritime keeper, only to have hit shot blocked in front of the line by the trailing leg of a Maritime defender. Buccaneer Connor McInnis scored the first goal of the match in the 81st minute, converting an assist from Taylor Sjoberg. It was McInnis’ third goal of the season. Five minutes later, Maritime’s Rob Robb’s scored off a direct kick for the 2-0 lead. Willis lost his first game of the season. He stopped four saves on the day.

Nov 2, 2013 Men’s Cross Country 5th vs. MASCAC Championships @ Southern Maine Women’s Cross Country 7th vs. MASCAC Championships @ Southern Maine Women’s Volleyball vs. Bridgewater, L 3-1 Men’s Soccer Vs. Mass. Maritime, L 2-0 Women’s Soccer @ Mass Maritime, W 2-0 Nov 5, 2013 Women’s Soccer @ Bridgewater, L 1-0

Photo by Gabriel Kogel/The Beacon

Tyler Guzzi charges on Maritime.

Men’s Soccer Worcester St. 6-0-1 Framingham St. 4-2-1 Bridgewater St. 3-1-3 Mass. Maritime 3-3-1 Fitchburg St. 1-2-4 Salem St. 2-4-1 Westfield St. 2-5 MCLA 1-5-1

Photo by Gabriel Kogel/The Beacon

Kieffer Orszulak gets rid of the ball.

Photo by Gabriel Kogel/The Beacon

Edward Boateng attacks a Maritime player.

The kick-off is slowly dying MCT Campus

When the NFL moved kickoffs from the 30- to the 35-yard line in 2011, New England coach Bill Belichick said his understanding was that the ultimate goal was to phase them out of the game. Three years into the change, the league is on that path. Statistics indicate that this will be the first season in which there will be fewer kick returns than touchbacks _ and the number of returns is down drastically. In 2010, under the old rule, more than 80 percent of kickoffs were returned. That percentage dropped to around 53 percent in 2011 and ‘12. So far this year, the total is under 38 percent, although that figure is likely to rise as cold weather limits how far kicks carry. Teeing the ball up at the 35yard line makes it far easier for kickers to boom the ball into the end zone and discourage returns. That is the goal of the NFL, which has grown more concerned about

safety of players and sees the kick return as one of the game’s most dangerous plays. Dolphins reserve cornerback R.J. Stanford, who plays on the kick coverage and return teams, said he can understand Commissioner Roger Goodell’s concerns about kickoffs. “You see more concussions, because you’re able to blindside (guys),” Stanford said. “On (special) teams there’s more chance of blind-side hits because you’re able to come across the field and hit somebody.” Despite safety issues, Dolphins return specialist Marcus Thigpen thinks the rule change stinks. “I don’t like it at all, but it’s out of my control,” he said. “Every opportunity I have, I try to bring it out, even if I’m 8, 9 (yards) deep,” Thigpen said. “Coach doesn’t have a problem with that; if we make the right blocks and get the right read we can still make something happen.” It hasn’t happened very often lately. Through Week 5 Miami’s

Standings

best field position after a kickoff was its own 30, which happened twice against Indianapolis. Thigpen has gotten past the 20 only four times, while being stopped short of it five times. Miami’s Rishard Matthews, a second-year receiver who is in his first year covering kickoffs after being a returner at Nevada, took the blame for Thompson’s 47-yarder up the left sideline. “I’m the last guy on the right side, so I’m supposed to contain him, but I got caught inside and he got outside me,” Matthews said. One of the reasons Miami kept rookie kicker Caleb Sturgis and cut veteran Dan Carpenter is that Sturgis appears to have a stronger leg. Opponents have returned 11 of Sturgis’ 25 kickoffs (44 percent). Last year, opponents returned 35 of Carpenter’s 68 kickoffs (51.5 percent). Although the kickoff is often now nothing but a formality, most special-teamers want to preserve it for obvious reasons.

“For a lot of us, that’s our chance to get on the field,” Matthews said. “It’s part of the game. That’s how some guys make a living.” “Of course it would disappoint me,” Sturgis added. “That would mean I’m out there for less than half the plays I am now, so your value would go down. But I know that nowadays safety is the most important thing.” Defensive lineman Jared Odrick said he expects kickoffs to be out of the league within 10 years. But if that happens, Stanford said, they’ll be missed by both players and fans. “It’s one of those things that’s overlooked by a lot of people, but it can be a game-changer in a lot of ways,” he said. “Especially dealing with field position. Stopping the guy at the 10 or even 20 is huge compared to letting him get out to the 40. “The numbers may not sound that big, but it’s a big difference when you’re on the field. Making a team start at the 10-yard line, we’ll take that all day.”

Women’s Soccer Framingham St. 6-0-1 Westfield St. 5-2 Worcester St. 3-2-2 Bridgewater St. 3-2-2 Salem St. 3-3-1 MCLA 3-4 Fitchburg St. 2-5 Mass. Maritime 0-7

Schedules Nov 9, 2013 Men’s Cross Country at ECAC New England Championships

Opinion

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

What would you like to see in North Adams? “A music venue. For smaller concerts.”

“We have so many galleries but not enough art supply stores. I would love to have one. It would be so helpful.”

-Alex Butfilowski, 2015

-Aria Hatfield, 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.

“A pet store!”

“A tatoo shop, definitely.” -Jordan Goyette, 2017

-Natalie Shea, 2015

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.

“I would like to see an Italian bakery built downtown.”

“A better variety of restaurants, but less pizza places.”

-Michael Eckert, 2015

-Peter Scattareggia, 2014

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 Amy Modesti and Sam Thomson

Letter to the editor

Grant thanks community for reaccreditation work After almost two years of thorough planning and tireless preparation, our NEASC accreditation visit is now complete. While the process is far from over (the accreditation process will continue through 2014) we have every reason to be proud of our collective efforts. Faculty, staff, students, Trustees and community members played important roles in both the production of a comprehensive self-study – which showcased MCLA’s story of growth, innovation and excellence over the last 10 years – and the accreditation visit, which began on Sunday, Nov. 4 and culminated on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Under the leadership of MCLA’s NEASC team chairs, Cynthia Brown and Celia Norcross, a robust team was assembled includ-

ing those who participated on standard teams, self-study readers, as well as those who provided meaningful input at the many campus forums. I thank each of you who unselfishly gave your time and effort to create this significant work. I would also like to thank all those who worked behind the scenes in preparation of this event and worked diligently during the visit. Thank you for your energy and attention to the details that allowed the team to enjoy a seamless and well-executed four-day visit on our campus. The visiting team, chaired by Dr. Theo Kalikow, observed firsthand the work included in the self-study. On the last day of the team’s visit, Dr. Kalikow noted many things – things that I’ve

known all along about our community – ours is a story marked by many highlights, achievements, and good stewardship, all of which should be celebrated and shared. To quote Dr. Kalikow, “You’re better than you said you were.” Through dynamic conversations with members of the campus community, Dr. Kalikow and her team learned that MCLA’s mission not only benefits MCLA, but also influences our community collaborations and our culture of involvement. They learned our campus is a place that informs, supports, and connects each of our members to important campus conversations. They learned our academic programs are well developed, our faculty is accomplished and opportunities,

Cool places!

such as Civic Engagement and Undergraduate Research, enable our students to grow and thrive. They were impressed by the creative, passionate and intelligent students they met and the commitment of our Board of Trustees and Foundation Directors, and Alumni. They praised the dedication of our staff and thanked our remarkable Facilities crew. These observations were affirming and they captured the energy and essence of our community. While we await the next steps of this process, the takeaway was clear: we have a great story to share, a strong foundation to build upon and continued work ahead. Many thanks to you all, Mary Grant

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

Online at:

Each week, look for a local place to visit in the area

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facebook.com/MCLABeacon

The Elders Grove Trail, Mohawk Trail State Forest

Take Route 2 east from North Adams and proceed about 15 miles to the bridge over the Deerfield River in Charlemont, just after the Mohawk Campground. Just after the bridge, turn left on River Road and proceed about two miles to a picnic area on the left, before the road crosses the Deerfield River. The trail starts immediately across the Deerfield River Bridge, on the south side at the end of the guardrail.

Editor-in-Chief Jess Gamari

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Photo by Kayla Degnan/The Beacon

Local Events

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Michael S. and Kitty duKaKiS Public Policy lecture

ANDREW YOUNG “a continuing legacy”

Check it out!

Upcoming events on campus Friday, Nov. 7 50 Years After The Fire Amsler Campus Center 4-6 p.m. CPR/First Aid Training Amsler Campus Center noon-1 p.m.

Part of Mcla’s creating equality Series

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13th 7:00 PM

STAGE Movie Night Amsler Campus Center 7-10 p.m.

Mcla church Street center eleanor Furst roberts auditorium

Good Vibes Yoga Amsler Campus Center 11/7/2013 at 8-9:45 p.m.

Young’s work for civil and human rights, his many years in public office as Congressman, United Nations Ambassador and Mayor, his leadership of the Atlanta Olympic Games, his advocacy of public purpose capitalism through Goodworks International, and the establishment of the Andrew J. Young Foundation are all a response to his call to serve.

GWS MIAA Speaker Murdock Hall 218 11/7/2013 at 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Created Equal Documentary Screening Murdock Hall 218 6-9:00 p.m.

Free and oPen to the Public.

The Write Stuff Amsler Campus Center 3-5 p.m.

Made possible through the generosity of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust.

Tricks of the Trade: The Art of Creating Your Website IS183, Stockbridge, Mass. 6 p.m. massachusetts college of liberal arts 375 church street, North adams, ma 413 662 5391 Mcla.edu

Beacon Newspaper, now accepting applications! As you plan your spring semester, consider joining the Beacon! Fill out an application outside of the Beacon Office, located on the first floor of Mark Hopkins, room 111. Now accepting positions for:

Staff Writers* Arts & Entertainment Writers* Sports Writers* Columnists* Copy Editors*

FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT Have you signed up with SALT yet?? Free membership to: * Keep track of your student loans* *Get advice from an expert counselor* *Look for jobs/internships* *Search for scholarships* *Learn how to budget your money* Sign on at www.saltmoney.org today! Any questions? Call the Financial Aid Office at (413)-662-5219 ***************** SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY STEM Scholarships December 16, 2013 deadline www.asee.org/smart

Photographers Videographers Page Designers Ad representative

APPLICATIONS DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 BY NOON

*Indicates course requirement: Writing and Reporting the News I

Two open house events this month The College will host two fall open house events Monday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov., 23. These events are open to all prospective MCLA students who are interested in the College’s undergraduate and graduate programs. These open house events begin at 10 a.m. in the Amsler Campus Center, and are followed by a welcome from President Mary K. Grant. Prospective students’ families also are invited to attend. The programs are specifically designed to help students explore the academic and student life programs as well as learning about opportunities such as study abroad, internships, honors programs, and undergraduate research. In addition to the open house program on Nov. 11, prospective student athletes will have individual sessions with the sports teams

and a specific tour of the campus and athletic facilities. “The admissions open house programs attract students from Berkshire County, the state, New York and New England to come to see, first hand, what MCLA has to offer,” said Executive Vice President Denise Richardello. “Visitors will be able to tour our newly opened, state-of-theart Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. This fabulous new building offers students not only the latest in technology, ‘green’ features and multiple creative spaces to enhance learning, it also allows for hands-on discovery and innovative research,” Richardello said. For more information on the MCLA open house, go to www. mcla.edu/visit or call the Office of Admission, 413-662-5410.

Friday, Nov. 8 Artists Association Murdock Hall Room 218 11/8/2013 at 4-6:00 p.m. Yorick Night of Scenes Church Street Center 11/8/2013 at 8-11:00 p.m. MCLA Presents! Gospel Fest Church Street Center 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Veteran’s Day Weekend Bus Trip to Boston Departure on Friday, 4 p.m. Return on Monday, 4 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9 Passport to Asia Venable Gym 2-7 p.m. Yorick Night of Scenes Church Street Center 8-11 p.m. Women’s Basketball Alumni Game Amsler Campus Center, gymnasium 2 p.m.

Monday , Nov. 11 No classes

Wednesday, Nov. 13 Public Policy Lecture Series: Andrew Young MCLA Church Street Center, Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium 7 p.m.

Photo Essay

Thursday, November 6, 2013

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Aria Hatfield from the Arts and Crafts Club carves a fox design into her pumpkin under a tent on Holden Street in celebration of Halloween. Gallery 51 Manager C. Ryder Cooley and her band, The Dust Bowl Faeries, perform in front of an audience as part of the MCLA Presents! concert series on Halloween.

Downstreet Art finale Photos by Amy Modesti

A series of photos by Shannon Taggart of C.Ryder Cooley and Sarah Falkner on display in G51. A photograph of artists Sarah Falkner and C.Ryder Cooley taken by Shannon Taggart, on display in Gallery 51. The women wade into the water, performing witchcraft rituals.

C.Ryder Cooley’s art on display on the wall for the exhibition show “Rewilderment Passing Through the Veil Between Worlds” at Gallery 51.

Shana Falana opens for The Dust Bowl Faeries in the Branch Gallery.

From left, visual artists Shannon Taggart, C.Ryder Cooley, and Sarah Falkner at their opening recepton on Oct. 31.

Students and guests board the “Trolley of the Dead” from campus to Main Street on Halloween.