March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5 by MCLA Beacon

Volume 86

T hu r s day , M a rc h 1, 2018

Issue 5

Admissions combats application decline BY MAYA MCFADDEN STAFF WRITER Applications are down 9 percent from last year at this time amidst a nationwide decline in college student enrollment rates this year, something the admission office is combating through different initiatives. Enrollment rates have been declining for four-year public institutions since fall 2017, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Gina Puc, director of admission, sends out weekly data profiles to department chairs and faculty members of incoming student numbers for fall 2018 compared to last year, in order to track the progress of current enrollments and to begin planning academically for next semester. Some of the more dramatic decreases were in the English department, which saw a drop in applications from 261 in 2017 to 201 in 2018 and students with undeclared majors, which saw a drop in applications from 433 to 382 year on year. “This is just a snapshot of numbers right now, not the end result but it’s clear over the last few years that numbers are low,” said Paul LeSage, chair for the English department. The business administration department, on the other hand, saw the largest increase

Photo from Beacon Files

Murdock Hall and the Smith House which is home to the Office of Admission. with 222 applicants compared to 189 at this time last year. The acceptance rate between years has increased, however, from 59.6 percent in 2017 to 66.2 percent in 2018. This has led to an increase of 14 (1329 in 2018 and 1315 in 2017) accepted students overall year to year. “We need more students because our little school can’t afford to be down like it is, we’re barely operating,” said LeSage. It is still early in the enrollment process and admission is

currently focusing on improving recruitment strategies. “It’s a whole campus-wide effort to recruit students,” said Puc. May 1 is the national enrollment deadline for new students. Transfer student applications generally come in during May and June as result of students graduating with associate’s degrees or waiting until the end the semester. “Berkshire Community College is definitely our biggest feeder for transfer students,” said Puc. A large number of

BRTA and paratransit drivers reach “tentative agreement” BY COREY MITCHELLLABRIE STAFF WRITER

After weeks of tiptoeing around the subject, the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) bus services will not face any strike action by its drivers. On Friday, Feb. 23 the BRTA website posted this statement: “The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) just received notification that the tentative agreement settled on at the February 21, 2018 meeting with the paratransit union representatives and a Federal Mediator has been voted on by the paratransit union membership and approved.” Although the exact details of the agreement have not

yet been released, the Berkshire Eagle received a letter to the editor from Nancy Rumbolt-Trzcinski, a user of BRTA’s paratransit services, regarding the strike. The letter put several points forward as to why the drivers might strike, including matters such as lower wages than other drivers, high turnover rates and training. “I’ve been using the buses for as long as I’ve been here,” said Nicholas Webb, a copy editor for the Beacon. “I’ve been using them ever since I started at BCC in 2011; so seven years.” Paratransit services in the Berkshire area include 15 buses used in aid for the transportation of disabled or elderly individuals in the community. These drivers

operate separately from the regularly scheduled buses and must be called prior. “I usually call, no later than the night before,” said Webb. “It drops me off in front of Murdock Hall.” Catherine Holbrook, vice president of MCLA student affairs, released two emails regarding the possible strike. These emails offered aid to any and all students who may have been affected by the strike. Luckily for passengers, for various reasons the paratransit union kept pushing back their set strike dates and no actual work stoppage occurred over the course of their discussions with BRTA.

BRTA page 3

MCLA’s transfer students come from Massachusetts and New York community colleges. The College has set up the New York transfer program to accept all of a student’s associate credits. Since the decline, admission has begun working with the marketing office to improve MCLA’s online video content. On social platforms virtual campus tours and academic department introductions are available to those who may have interest in applying.

There are various factors behind the declining enrollment rate but a significant reason for Puc is the decline in graduating high school students. “We’re trying to replace the lack of high school students with other populations, and market to different groups of students,” said Puc. “A bright spot has been more adult learners and transfer students.” Admission has been working with the department of graduate and continuing education.

Admissions page 2

Green Living Seminar talks innovative aquatic BY FABIENNE BOGARDUSSTREET STAFF WRITER The MCLA Green Living Seminar series was back with its second presentation of the semester, “Innovative Strategies for Facilitating and Monitoring Fish Movement and Migration,” by Research Ecologist Alex Haro last Thursday. Haro works in the Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, which is part of the U.S. Geological Survey. All presentations for the 11part series focused on the theme of “Sustainability and the Role of Technology” will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation Room 121. This series is free and open to the public.

“I was intrigued by several parts of the presentation, from learning about the history of how fish passage structures have been designed over the years, to what the current science says about the different needs of different fish species, to the methods fish biologists employ to track the movement of fish around fish passage structures, to the design of the Conte Anadromous Fish Lab,” said Elena Traister, professor of environmental science. This presentation focused on how fish move through and migrate in open water areas. Haro started off with naming the riverine barriers to fish migration. These consist of natural vs. man-made,

Green Living page 2

CAMPUSNEWS

March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

NMENT A VER SSO GO CI

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petitor, more than a simple club. He expressed concerns over the budget, desiring $3,000 for the group instead of the FY19 proposed budget of $1,000. The Debate Club received a budget of $305 for FY18. All-College Committee reported changes to the curriculum that will take place in the upcoming fall semester. The class “Introduction to Dance” will be counted as both a creative art and physical education course. QSU came forward about bringing a possible comedian to campus on March 31, asking for $2,500 from the supplemental budget which, for the remainder of FY18, stands at $7,320. SAC’s comedy stop Jordan DeGaetano expressed interest in working with, and financially assisting, QSU in their endeavor. The SGA decided to table the subject until next week.

Double the normal gallery seats, a lowered projection monitor, and free icing-filled sugar cones with cupcakes on top? It’s not a birthday, but SGA’s budget reveal for fiscal year 2019 (FY19). Every year the Budget Finance Committee reviews submissions from the clubs on campus to decide on individual budget recommendations for the upcoming academic year. FY19’s combined club budget currently rests at $276,000, with the absolute allocated total at $400,000. The new student trustee, Mitchell Chapman ’18, was sworn in along with new class of 2020 representative Matthew Delson and senators at-large Jacob Vitali and Tor Bashista. They will join SGA members as

they spend a week looking at the details of the recommended plans before discussing and voting on Monday, March 5. A total of 44 clubs will be funded in the next year, with three new or reactivated clubs joining the budget. These are College Republicans, the Association for Neurodivergent Awareness and Arts Management Club. The proposed budget sees increases for 30 clubs, not counting new or reactivated, including the Student Activities Council (SAC), Television and Film Society and Gaming Alliance. Only eight clubs look to receive decreases, including Harlequin, Queer Student Union (QSU) and Anime Club. During open forum, Debate Club vice president Alec MacLean spoke about the club’s ambitions in becoming an active collegiate com-

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BY COREY MITCHELLLABRIE STAFF WRITER

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Budget reveal, four new members added

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The Student Athlete Advisory meeting announced the likely introduction of men’s lacrosse and hockey to MCLA’s Division III rosters. Other discussions included notable concerns over Mark Hopkins Hall’s accessibility for the disabled and POD/Aramark worker attendance in the Campus Center. The Student Government Association meets in Murdock 218 on Mondays at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to all students.

Admissions from page 1 Admission counselors have been making visits to community college’s advising offices and sitting with students to go through transcripts and answer questions. Additional strategies admission is working to incorporate are efforts to identify marketable areas. Puc said that the average high school student stays within 100-200 miles of their hometown and this is how the College determines a large number of their recruiting locations. In the fall of 2017 New York began its new Excelsior Scholarship program to make college more accessible for middle-class New York residents. “It was tough to combat because they were getting so much national press,” said Puc. This caused a decline in MCLA’s incoming students from New York. “It shifted how we work with New York students, because it’s not just about the cost advantage anymore,” said Puc. “It’s about that whole package now versus just cost.” Admission increased its time in New York to appeal to those students. “We worked a lot more closely with guidance counselors in the New York schools,” said Puc. Currently, the New England Board of Higher Education

(NEBHE) offers an 85 percent tuition reduction for New York residents with any major at MCLA which admission hopes will make up for the decline. This semester the admission department has put together various visit opportunities for students. “We try to immerse as many perspective students as possible with classroom visits, overnight visits, and campus tours,” said Puc. For the third year admission will host one of its most successful programs. The overnight scholarship program yields about 50 percent of the students that attend according to Puc. The yield rate is the ratio of students that are accepted versus the students

that attend. The overnight program is set up to showcase the honors program and what MCLA has to offer. Much consideration goes into scheduling for the visits so accepted students can experience the College’s oncampus events. Puc said that 25-30 students attend each overnight visit. This year admission will host four overnight visits. “It’s a more enriched and engaging experience than just coming for a daily tour,” said Puc. Admission will host two accepted student days this year in an additional effort to improve the College’s yield rates. “It’s not as involved as the overnight but definitely gives a

really comprehensive overview of the MCLA experience,” said Puc. “It gives students and families a day-long program to really feel what it’s like to be a MCLA student.” Admission has decided to reintroduce its Boston area accepted students overnight event this April. MCLA will provide transportation to accepted students in Boston to campus. “It helps in our diversity recruitment efforts to draw students from urban schools,” said Puc. As a result of a decline in declared majors, admission now sends letters from department chairs to accepted students with a declared major on the Common App, providing op-

portunities about the major related to internships and graduate schools according to Puc. The admission viewbook was also reworked and individual pages are now designated to each offered major and their opportunities. “I think a third open house would be an advantage because a lot of success for our department comes from speaking with families,” said LeSage. Admission is making an effort to bring recognition to the local students that have been accepted to the College because of the substantial size of students who stay close to home and attend MCLA. Admission will be hosting 25-30 families on Feb. 28 for a Berkshire County accepted students session. “We think that it will be a powerful experience to hear the full story of what it means to be a high school senior in the Berkshire County and what that translates to later down the road with a career,” said Puc. Admission will continue its efforts to improve its recruitment process and enrollment numbers.

Green Living from page 1 structural vs. hydraulic/behavioral, partial vs. complete and upstream vs. downstream. “Our goal is restoration of populations of migratory fish to habitat and migratory routes impacted or altered by dams or another habitat fragmentation,” said Haro. He continued with the fish passage mitigation options, which were to remove the barrier, provide upstream and downstream fish passage, alter or modify obstruction and retrofit with upstream fish pass or fish protection and bypass facility.

Haro explained how team’s five main goals: to increase populations to pre-barrier or sustainable levels, find viable self-supporting populations (in some cases that can also support a fishery), discover genetic and phenotypic diversity, tackle barrier “transparency,” and minimize negative effects on existing ecosystems. However, they face five main problems that counteract those goals. They don’t know what the pre-barrier populations are (in numbers, genetic diversity, migra-

tion rates and patterns) and original habitats or migratory corridors are often altered. Traditional technologies fail when “new” species (including protandrous ones) require passage, invasive and exotic species complicate mitigation, there are disease transmission issues, and the physical scale of barriers present an unnatural or insurmountable challenge to migrating fishes. Haro went on to talk about the evaluation process he has to go through with a passage structure. This consists of verifying that a pas-

sage structure is designed and sited correctly before construction and also performs as assigned, both hydraulically and biologically, after construction. “We’ve entered a new era of fish passage technology development and innovation,” Haro concluded. “I thought this was another great example of how technology and innovation are helping us better manage our natural resources,” Traister said.

NATIONALNEWS

March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

Supreme Court strengthens government’s power to jail immigrants who face deportation BY DAVID G. SAVAGE Tribune Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Tuesday strengthened the Trump administration’s power to hold immigrants in jail for months or years as they fight deportation, ruling federal law gives these detainees no right to a bail hearing nor a chance to go free. In the 5-3 decision, the court’s majority found that federal law says immigrants who face deportation “shall be detained” while their cases are being considered. The court’s conservatives rejected the view of federal judges in California who said detained immigrants have a right to a bail hearing after six months in jail. The ruling is a setback, but not a final defeat, for immigrants’ rights activists in Los Angeles who brought a class-action suit on behalf of tens of thousands of non-citizens who are arrested and held for possible deportation. They include people who seek asylum because they fled persecution as well as people who have a lawful status here but were arrested because they had a crime on their records. Many of these immigrants eventually win their cases, but only after they have spent a year or more in jail. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decided they should have a hearing after six months and a right to go free if they could show they were not a danger to the community or likely to flee. The case of Jennings v. Rodriguez began in lower courts a decade ago, before Barack Obama was elected president. It was first argued at the high court in November 2016, a few weeks after Donald Trump won election. Trump’s campaign pledge to round

Photo from Tribune News Servicce

The Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. up and deport more immigrants had raised the stakes in the case. At the end of the last term, the court said it would rehear the case in the current term, presumably to allow the newly arrived Justice Neil M. Gorsuch to cast a vote. Even after an unusually long time to reach a decision, the court issued only a partial ruling. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., speaking for the high court, said the federal immigration law does not call for bail hearings, and the 9th Circuit had no authority to order them. However, the justices did not rule on whether the Constitution gives detained immigrants a right to a hearing, and it sent the case back to California for that issue to be decided. Justice Stephen Breyer read his dissent in court and said the ruling would

Are you an SGA Club? Your first ad in the paper is on the house!

Contact Business Manager Mitchell Chapman at mc7368@mcla.edu for details

BRTA from page 1 “I planned to use Rose and Cole’s,” said Webb. “They serve Berkshire County but they’d be more expensive.” Rose and Cole’s Co-op Transportation is a private company that offers delivery and transit to residents in the Berkshire area. If the strike had ever happened, MCLA students and members of the community would have been dependent on such groups in place of the normal BRTA services. While conflicts focused on the

paratransit services, it came to BRTA administration’s attention that all drivers would have been involved in the strike. The drivers are linked under Teamsters Local 404, a worker union group centered in Springfield. With an agreement settled upon, normal transit services are to continue uninterrupted as they have been ever since talk of the possible strike came to public attention on Jan. 26 on the BTRA website.

affect thousands of people in jail “who believe they have a right to enter or remain in the United States. ... This court, I think for first time ever, reads a statute as permitting long-term confinement of a ‘person’ in the United States without an opportunity to obtain bail.” As he noted, the Constitution says no person “shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law,” and the word “person” has been understood to include non-citizens and immigrants who are here illegally. Cornell law professor Stephen YaleLoehr said court data show “there are over 667,000 cases pending in immigration court, with an average backlog of almost two years. The Trump administration has asked Congress to increase funding to detain more immigrants. Thus, even more immigrants may be detained in the coming months

and will have to wait even longer for their day in court.” ACLU attorney Ahilan Arulanantham, who argued the case in the high court, said the “Trump administration is trying to expand immigration detention to record-breaking levels as part of its crackdown on immigrant communities. ... We look forward to going back to the lower courts to show that these statutes, now interpreted by the Supreme Court to require detention without any hearing, violate the Due Process Clause.” Eleanor Acer of Human Rights First called the decision “an affront to our nation’s commitment to liberty and to U.S. human rights treaty obligations that prohibit arbitrary detention. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will now have an even greater ability to act as both jailer and judge, an astonishing and horrifying power.” But Richard Samp, counsel for the Washington Legal Foundation, called the decision “a victory for the rule of law. When Congress determines that the best way to prevent aliens convicted of felonies from repeating their crimes is to lock them up until they can be deported, lower courts don’t have the authority to second-guess that determination by attempting to re-write the law.” Joining Alito in the majority were Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., Gorsuch and Justices Anthony M. Kennedy and Clarence Thomas. The dissenters included Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Elena Kagan sat out the case, possibly because she worked in the Justice Department when the case was first appealed.

FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT TAKING COURSES AT MCLA THIS SUMMER? FINANCIAL AID MAY BE AVAILABLE TO HELP! STOP BY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IN ELDRIDGE HALL TO COMPLETE A SUMMER FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION. **********************

IT’S ALMOST SCHOLARSHIP TIME! THE 2018-19 MCLA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WILL BE LIVE ON MONDAY, MARCH 5TH! APPLY ON-LINE AT MCLA.AWARDSPRING.COM MARCH 25TH DEADLINE DATE!!

NATIONALNEWS

March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

A week in history: Remember the telephone March 1st

1562 – Sixty-three Huguenots are massacred in Wassy, France, marking the start of the French Wars of Religion. 1790 – The first United States census is authorized. 1896 – Battle of Adwa: An Ethiopian army defeats an outnumbered Italian force, ending the First Italo-Ethiopian War. 1961 – United States President John F. Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps.

March 2nd

1498 – Vasco da Gama’s fleet visits the Island of Mozambique. 1807 – The U.S. Congress passes the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves, disallowing the importation of new slaves into the country. 1877 – Two days before inauguration, the U.S. Congress declares Rutherford B. Hayes the winner of the election even though Samuel J. Tilden had won the popular vote on November 7, 1876.

March 3rd

1820 – The U.S. Congress passes the Missouri Compromise. 1875 – The first ever organized indoor game of ice hockey is played in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as recorded in the Montreal Gazette. 1913 – Thousands of women march in a suffrage parade in Washington, D.C.

March 4th

President John F. Kennedy’s official portait.

1789 – In New York City, the first Congress of the United States meets, putting the United States Constitu-

tion into effect. The United States Bill of Rights is written and proposed to Congress. 1791 – Vermont is admitted to the United States as the fourteenth state. 1394 – Henry the Navigator, Portuguese explorer, is born.

March 5th

1933 – Great Depression: PresiPhotos from WikimediaCommons dent Franklin D. Roosevelt declares a “bank holiday,” closing all U.S. banks A 19th century drawing of the Alamo and freezing all financial transactions. Mission in San Antonio. 1857 – The Supreme Court of the 1953 – Joseph Stalin, the longest United States rules in the Dred Scott serving leader of the Soviet Union, v. Sandford case. dies at his Volynskoe dacha in Moscow after being hit by a cerebral hemorrhage. March 7th 2013 – Hugo Chávez, Venezuelan 1573 – A peace treaty is signed becolonel and politician, President of tween the Ottoman Empire and the Venezuela, dies. Republic of Venice, ending the Ottoman–Venetian War and leaving Cyprus in Ottoman hands. March 6th 1850 – Senator Daniel Webster 1836 – Texas Revolution: Battle of the Alamo – After a 13-day siege by gives his “Seventh of March” speech an army of 3,000 Mexican troops, the endorsing the Compromise of 1850 in 187 Texas volunteers defending the order to prevent a possible civil war. 1876 – Alexander Graham Bell is Alamo are killed and the fort is capgranted a patent for an invention he tured. calls the “telephone.”

Weekend Weather

Thursday, March 1

P.M. Showers High: 51° Low: 36° Precip. Chance: 40%

Saturday, March 3

“Vital, vibrant, and necessary.” — Exclaim!

Friday, March 2

Rain High: 40° Low: 29° Precip. Chance: 90%

Sunday, March 4

LIVE MUSIC

GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR with TASHI DORJI

Saturday, March 10, 8pm HUNTER CENTER | $26 STUDENTS & ADVANCE $33 DAY OF | $45 PREFERRED

Cloudy High: 40° Low: 28° Precip. Chance: 20%

Cloudy High: 39° Low: 25° Precip. Chance: 10%

TICKETS: massmoca.org or 413.MoCA.111 | North Adams, Mass.

Our 45 Year Anniversary Show starts March 24th 7p.m. in Sullivan Lounge w/ SAC & TFS

March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

FEATURES

MCLA students take on the North American Model United Nations

BY MEGHAN COOK FEATURES EDITOR

Two vans of MCLA students traveled up to Toronto, Canada for the 2018 North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) conference. MCLA students joined hundreds of other students from around the world in 16 different committees to debate world issues. The University of Toronto has hosted NAMUN since 1985. From General Assemblies to Crisis Committees, students from MCLA were scattered throughout 10 of the 16 committees as delegates. Issues some of the committees tackled included privacy and misinformation, peacekeeping, arms control and biotechnology. Students had to be the delegates for countries from around the world, or be real people based off historical events. Both positions required intense research and dedication from the students prior to the conference. To prepare for this trip, MCLA students were in a “Model United Nations” course, taught by assistant professor of political science and public policy David Cupery. The class was condensed down to five weeks, challenging the students with public speaking, country or character knowledge, and learning to think on their feet. “The more prepared you are for class and the conference, the more fun you will have,” explained Cupery. “And the

Photo provided by Samantha Pettey

MCLA’s Model United Nations class at Niagara Falls while on their trip to NAMUN 2018 in Toronto. better this course will prepare you, professionally and personally.” For some of the students this was a first-time experience, and they had to rise to the challenge of working under a deadline and speaking in front of entire rooms of other people. “Preparing was strenuous, but the more I prepared the easier it was to understand my role, a conservative party member of the Congress of Colombia,” said Sarah Groux, class of 2020 and newcomer to NAMUN. “It was easy to pass resolutions because there were many conservative party members in the Colombian Congress Com-

mittee.” MCLA students had the chance to meet fellow delegates from all over the world both in and out of their committees. Whether it was joining their fellow committee members for lunch between sessions, or networking with others at the social events, students were able to make connections. “I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was super nervous in my committee on the first day, but after a few minutes in I felt comfortable,” said Bryan Vega, class of 2020, another new comer to NAMUN. “I just kept thinking that it was all real and that I had a responsibility to repre-

sent the interest of the people of Israel, the country I was representing.” The participants had to take on the role of their country’s representative or embody the part of their character very seriously. The importance of portraying the interests of the country or person was vital to the operation of each committee in order to achieve a resolution. “Overall I had a great time being a part my committee I was engaged, strategized, and formed coalitions,”said Vega. Some students who attended from MCLA were going for a second time, as the school allows the course to be taken

twice. “Doing Model UN last year better prepared me for this year,” said Drew Weisse, class of 2018. “I was more familiar with the procedures and had a better idea of what I needed to know in preparation for committee.” Weisse sat on one of the Integrated Crisis Committees, the Malayan Executive Council, as Major General Roy Urquhart. Students who were taking the Model United Nations course for the second time were more comfortable taking on roles outside the General Assemblies. However, some chose to be challenged even more. Michael McAndrew sat on the Ad Hoc Committee. This committee was top secret, so McAndrew knew nothing of what it would be about until reaching Toronto and entering the conference room with his fellow delegates. This meant that there could be no preparation for him and that he had to think on his feet and be ready for anything. The MCLA students had the opportunity to learn from the experience, visit another country, enjoy the city of Toronto, and meet students with similar interests. “The overall experience was informative and exciting,” said Groux. Some students have even expressed interest in taking the course for a second time and returning to Toronto for the spring of 2019. Disclosure: The author of this article participated in NAMUN.

CSI: Math Drop-In Center

Boost math skills with MCLA’s new Math Drop-In Center BY LISE MANSARAY FEATURES WRITER

The facility opened this fall and is free to all students. Peer tutors work oneon-one with students who need help. No appointment is needed and anyone is encouraged to stop by as tutors are available every day throughout the school week. “We help with any and all math subjects that are at MCLA,” said math peer tutor Erika Burgess. “There are two tutors per shift so usually there

is one that can help with lower level math and one that can help with higher level math.” With midterms starting, students Tutors are not limited to helping may be looking to improve their students in math classes, but can also skills to boost their grades. MCLA’s work with students who need help new Mathematics Help Drop-In Cenwith math appearing in science-relatter, located in the Feigenbaum Cened classes. ter for Science and Innovation Room “We also cover math problems that 101, is just one of the resources stuappear in physics, chemistry, and dents can use to help them study. many other classes,” said Burgess. Aside from classes, they also assist students studying for the mathematics portions of exams like the MTEL, GRE and TEAS according to the MCLA website. The tutors work with students who may need help with just one question or need help with an entire assignment. The help provided is suited to each student’s individual needs. “Some people just need you to sit there with them as they do their homework and maybe ask a couple Photo courtesy of MCLA questions throughout,” said BurAbove, from left, are math tutors Megan Richardson ’19, Anya Pesce ’18, Phoebe gess. “Other students need you to Pelzer ’18 and Taurus Londoño ’18.

do out the problem with them and/ or even need a mini lesson on certain subjects.” The duration of the sessions depends on what the student needs help with. “The tutoring sessions can be anywhere from 10 minutes to three hours,” said Burgess. “We usually are open for three-hour shifts a couple times a day, so if someone comes right when we open they can stay until we close to work on an assignment.” Students can drop by the center as often as they like during their hours. The hours for spring 2018 tutoring sessions are posted on the official MCLA website, including the names and information about all the tutors. However, if a student is interested in becoming math tutor, they can fill out an application online. Students are qualified to become a tutor as long as they have good grades and are comfortable with math.

Arts & Entertainment

“Black Panther” combines elements of shock, action, and comedy BY JACOB VITALI A&E WRITER Marvel’s “Black Panther” is a movie that combines elements of shock, suspense, action and comedy that can appeal to both a hardcore follower of the Marvel Universe or just a casual filmgoer. It contains cinematic elements found in other fan favorites including the Fast and Furious and Star Wars franchises. “Black Panther” follows protagonist King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and his fight to maintain control of his homeland, Wakanda, against his vengeful cousin Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). Audiences are initially led to believe that there is no connection between T’Challa and Killmonger, as Killmonger grew up in California and served in the United States military. However, through compelling dialogue and flashback sequences, viewers are able to piece together their history. The film is not without a strong message, something the film grapples with throughout. Wakanda is a nation rich in vibranium, a precious metal capable of powering weapons, transportation and instantaneous healing. T’Challa and his kingdom are faced with the decision of sharing its powerful effects with the outside world or holding on to the fears of colonization from nations like the United States. Vibranium is also a central issue in the power struggle between T’Challa and Killmonger. While T’Challa has been

March 1:

Brown Bag Lecture | 12 – 1 p.m. Bowman 121 Writing Workshop w. Jana Laiz | 4 – 6 p.m. Campus Center 323 Taste the World Trivia | 7 – 9 p.m. Murdock 208 Poet Ocean Vuong Reading | 7 p.m. Murdock 218

March 2:

Nacho Average Club Fair | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. photo from Flickr

“Black Panther” is in theaters now. Serkis and Freeman’s performances are crucial to the plotline while also adding comic relief. The film flawlessly blends musical genres for its soundtrack, featuring original songs from rapper Kendrick Lamar and composer Ludwig Goransson. Lamar’s tracks are present especially when Killmonger is on screen or an important scene with him is coming while Goransson’s are used throughout for a traditional feel. Also worth noting is the exciting car chase sequence that occurs in South Korea. There is also a thrilling spaceship battle featuring ships reminiscent of those in Star Wars, intercut with a weapon combat battle, and the ultimate showdown between T’Challa and Killmonger. There is something to satisfy any filmgoer, and the film is exciting while also considering questions of diplomacy. I also recommend sticking around past the end credits for additional enjoyment.

hesitant to export its capabilities whatsoever, Killmonger wants to export it for more self-serving reasons. His goal is to arm Wakandans abroad and have them wage war on their nations. Boseman’s performance as T’Challa is a highlight of the film. The character is a young king who seizes the throne following the death of his father in a terrorist attack. Boseman is able to show the anxiety of the young king, while also emphasizing the king’s traits of honor, valor and respect for tradition. He also effortlessly plays him as a strong warrior as opposed to your traditional superhero. The film also features strong supporting performances. Andy Serkis plays the antagonistic character Klaue with a humorous smugness that makes him punchable while also relatable. Martin Freeman plays the character of Everett Ross with an elusiveness that makes it hard to understand his intentions until the layers are stripped away. Both

Bowman Olympic Games: Minute to Win It | 5 – 6:30 p.m. Campus Center Marketplace

March 3:

Dance Company Spring Showcase | 2 – 5 p.m. MASS MoCA Archery Airstrike | 6 – 10 p.m. Campus Center Gym

March 6:

Student Cook-Off Finale | 4:30 p.m. Campus Center Marketplace Wonder Women:The Untold Story | 7 – 9 p.m. Sullivan Lounge

March 7:

International Women’s Day | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Campus Center Marketplace

March 8:

Margaret Hart Concert | 8-10 p.m. Gallery 51

WJJW to celebrate 45 years

BY WYATT MINEAU A&E WRITER

MCLA’s resident student-andfaculty-run radio station, WJJW 91.1 FM, has had a long, storied history of over four decades, and even longer with its predecessors at the College. As it reaches its 45th anniversary, plans are in motion to celebrate the milestone with the MCLA and North Adams community. The 45th Anniversary Show, airing on March 24 in Sullivan Lounge from 7-11 p.m., is cosponsored by Student Activities Council (SAC) and will take a look at the history that spans 45 years and celebrate how far the station has come and how far it still has to go. WJJW has always been a cornerstone of MCLA’s thriving interest in arts and expression with its doors wide open, inviting interested students to share their love of music with the rest of the

Northern Berkshire County. Almost every hour of the day from 10 a.m. until midnight is packed full of DJs with widely different personalities, offering everything from the usual music hits in various genres to themed shows, and even discussions with SGA members about things happening at MCLA. After recently securing a method of online listening, it’s fair to say that WJJW has been thriving and won’t be going anywhere soon. “This show is celebrating the proud history of WJJW,” commented Kyle Maybury, the president of the Television and Film Society, who is helping to get the anniversary show running. “[I’m excited for] learning more about the station’s history. I’ve only been a DJ for two years now, I don’t know too much about how it started, and where it started.” James Swinchoski, Jacob Vitali and Faculty Advisor Jim

Niedbalski will co-host the show and are planning to include a lip dub featuring the various DJs that host shows on the station, as well as a potential interview with Harris Elder, a long-time station manager, though these events are all subject to change. “Come and check it out, celebrate with us, 45 years is a long time,” Maybury said. Jacob Vitali, WJJW Treasurer, DJ and a major part of the anniversary show, was able to share his thoughts on the station. “I’m really excited for the future of WJJW. This is my second year with the station, and I intend to be here with it until I walk out those gates,” Vitali said. “What really excites me, we have some incredibly young talent that’s come to the station this year.” “This is going to be a really fun event and something I don’t think the campus has seen before,” Vitali said.

Arts & Entertainment

Campus Cook-Off continues with another winner BY BRIANNA LAMB A&E WRITER The last two finalists for the third annual Campus Cook-off were chosen on Feb. 20 after the second round of the event concluded. This round featured chefs sophomore Emily Edwards and junior Amanda Romanelli, as well as the 2017 Cook-off champion, sophomore Dominique Stevenson-Pope. Judging the dishes were returning judge and RPS Director Dianne Manning, MCLA Athletic

Director Laura Mooney, and Catherine Obrzut from student accounts. As the three contestants donned their cooking attire and readied their work stations, the mystery ingredients were brought out. The chefs had to combine pork, pears, peas and Peeps (yes, the sugary marshmallows) into one dish, with the help of a vast array of extra ingredients available to them. With one hour to complete this task, the three chefs busied themselves while the judges and spectators meandered around the area

This Is: Sinking

photo from Facebook

Sinking will be performing on March 30 at the Tavern at the A in Pittsfield at 8:30 p.m.

to see what was cooking. Stevenson-Pope prepared for the judges red skin mashed potatoes and pork in a balsamic ginger garlic gravy with peas. The pears were cooked in a Marsala wine sauce, with the Peeps adding to the consistency and flavor. Edwards created pork strips, carrots, onions and peas all in a soy honey sauce. She also made a side dish of pears, apples and grapes soaked in a sauce made from the Peeps. Romanelli won the judges over, however, with her

dish of a sun-dried tomato basil cream sauce over pork seared with onions, with a side salad of lettuce, pears, peas and red pepper. She topped off the meal with her made-from-scratch salad dressing of oil, vinegar and basil. Romanelli moved onto the finals, which were Tuesday evening, along with Adazae Shepherd-Edwards (winner of the first round) and Stefanie Nieves from the first round who had the next highest score amongst the chefs.

BY BRIANNA LAMB A&E WRITER

leased on Feb. 1 of this year. Describing the “highpitched melodies, swirling guitars, throbbing bass, and echoing vocals,” music blog Digital Wheat Paste wrote that Sinking has produced songs that can measure up to that of The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World. On March 30 Sinking will be performing at the Tavern at the A in Pittsfield, along with several other groups, hosted by Greylock Sound and Promotorhead Entertainment. In the past month, the group has performed with other bands in

Sinking is a band centered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with a strong emo and alt-rock sound. The band members – D. Gardner, T. Luneau, D. Christopher and T. DeRosa - have listed musical influences such as Mineral, The Cure, Penfold, Sunny Day Real Estate, The Get Up Kids and Failure. Formed in October 2017, the band has already recorded their first EP, “Gloom,” which was re-

photo by Brianna Lamb

Left, Dominique StevensonPope and right, Amanda Romanelli preparing their dishes for the judges.

Kingston, New York, hosted their EP release in Adams, and even played the Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield. You can listen to Sinking’s debut EP, “Gloom,” including six intense and instrument-heavy songs, on their Bandcamp. In addition, Sinking recently set up an online store where fans can purchase T-shirts, CDs and cassettes. Visit Sinking’s Facebook page for more information about shows and updates on the band.

Light tensions but beautiful performances at My Black Is Beautiful BY EMMA MONAHAN A&E EDITOR Although low in attendance, the My Black is Beautiful event put on by the Multicultural Education Resource Center (MERC) at the Design Lab was filled with amazing art and performances. Hosted and created by student Miesha Adams, the event was a finale to MERC’s Black History Month events that have been put on around the campus this past month.

photo by Emma Monahan

“Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963” displayed at Design Lab.

Monday’s performances included dance and poetry, where four different artists were able to express their feelings and experiences through art. Tieray Moore, Don’Jea Smith, Mikaela Serrano-Moore and Adams performed in front of a handful of MCLA students and faculty members. Among the attendees was President Birge. “These types of events are really important,” Birge said. “I’m pleased with the efforts of Michael Obasohan and Miesha, putting on something almost every week, if not every night, of this month, and being able to bring this downtown is great, they’ve done a great job.” Students were able to walk about the Design Lab to look at art that represented Black History Month, and important events like the Birmingham church bombing and the Montgomery bus boycott. At the entrance, a table was set up giving a background of Black History Month. Artwork that was on display had been shown in Bowman Hall over the past few weeks. Sierra Lamonde’s piece entitled “Wake Upon Our

photo by Emma Monahan

“Wake Upon Our Rights” by Sierra Lamonde.

Rights” was originally a class project that had to provoke a discussion. Lamonde is also known for her women’s symbol on Eldridge Hall created in chalk. The piece featured in the showroom was created on a piece of wood, with her symbol of the women’s sign with the Statue of Liberty’s torch in the middle, but the faces of Martin Luther King Jr. and others are drawn as well. Other pieces included the My Black Is Beautiful board, on which attendees of the exhibit could post sticky notes in response. Some of the notes included “Because it’s

unique,” “Because it’s special,” and “I write poetry.” The art didn’t compare to the visual representations attendees saw as 7:15 p.m. rolled around. Tieray Moore started off with a dance he created, with the song he picked being one that spoke to him. “Picking a song has to have a feeling to it, I have to emotionally and physically relate to it,” Moore said after the performance. “It felt good to pick a song I wanted to dance to, and not have someone tell me what I’m dancing to. Dance is my way to express myself, everything I want to express comes out.” Adams also performed a dance, to Jay-Z’s song “The Story of O.J.” “It’s the perfect song to connect with these month’s events,” Adams said. “Coming to [MCLA] and seeing different types of people, I realized that we’re all the same.” Between Smith and Serrano-Moore’s poems, Smith was able to speak about her experience as a black woman who came from a predominantly black community to a very white college. She kept the names private, not calling out people or institutions, at

one point referring to President Trump as “45,” but to the audience members, it was obvious who and what she was speaking about. With President Birge in attendance, the air became thick. Those in attendance called the showcase “eye-opening” and some MCLA employees expressed pride for the students who created the event. Kayla Hollins, assistant director for multicultural recruitment, said that when she attended the institution there were no events like this, so she was happy to see this happen.

photo by Emma Monahan

“Montgomery Bus Boycott.”

SPORTS

March. 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

Yearsley puts up 31, MCLA falls in semifinals to Bridgewater St. 102-93

BY BRADY GEROW SPORTS EDITOR The No. 2 ranked Bridgewater State Bears defeated the No. 3 ranked Trailblazers in the semifinal round of the 2018 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men's Basketball Tournament by a score of 102-93, despite a 31-point performance from MCLA freshman Noah Yearsley. The Bears had three separate players score at least 20 points in the win, while Yearsley was the only Trailblazer to get above the mark. The Bears were led by senior guard Rocky DeAndrade and sophomore forward Rayshon Ward who each recorded 25 points in the win. The two were supported by sophomore guard Ryan Carney who scored 23 points. It was a game of runs to end the first half of play. With 13 minutes remaining in the first half, the Bears went on an 11-0 run over the span of two and a half minutes to open up a 31-20 lead over the 'Blazers. With only three minutes

photo by MCLA Athletics

MCLA freshman Noah Yearsley driving to the basket in a game earlier this year. Yearsley recorded 31 points, four rebounds, and a steal in the 102-93 loss to the Bridgewater State Bears in the semifinal round of the 2018 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men's Basketball Tournament. left in the half, the Bears were holding on to a solid 10-point lead at 46-36, but the 'Blazers finished the half on a 10-0 run with Yearsley scoring five of the 10 points to help the 'Blazers end the half tied at 46. The second half of play was

where the Bears attempted to pull away for good. In the first seven minutes of the second half they went on a 27-10 run to put them comfortably ahead at 73-56. The 'Blazers weren't fazed, as they responded over the next six minutes, going on a

17-5 run of their own that ended with a 9-0 spurt over the last three minutes of the run. With the run the 'Blazers were close, bringing the score to 78-73 with the last seven minutes of play ahead of them. The 'Blazers got the deficit

down to four at 81-77 but couldn't convert on the drive that would've cut the lead to just two points. The Bears capitalized off the miss and put five quick points up with a pair of DeAndrade free throws and a three from senior Joseph Carty to put the lead at nine with a score of 86-77. Despite their efforts, the 'Blazers would get no closer than seven points away from the lead for the rest of the contest. The Bears were able to take advantage of their free throws and sank 14-16 over the last three minutes of play. The 'Blazers placed all five of their starters in double digits for scoring, but the bench struggled to get anything going for them. The 'Blazers finished their season at 10-16 overall while going 6-6 in the conference. The Bears finished their season at 18-9 overall and 9-3 in the conference. The Bears went on to the championship round of the tournament to beat the Fitchburg State Falcons who upset the No. 1 ranked Salem State Vikings, who were previously undefeated in the conference.

Pingelski excited about love, support and finishing her career next season BY JABARI SHAKIR SPORTS WRITER MCLA's junior Courtney Pingelski loves her connection with her teammates, support from her family and is delighted about completing her career as a Trailblazer next season. She loves how her parents have always shown her love and support at every game since she was a little girl. "They support me a lot, travel to every game and always supported me when I was little," Pingelski said. She looks up to her cousin Lindsay, who also played basketball and who she admires so much that she "follows her footsteps." The women's basketball team has also helped her create close friendships since her freshman year of college. "My favorite part about the season is the bond we all had with one another, we were all there for each other," Pingelski said. Despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention, Pingelski learned life lessons on and off the court throughout the season. "I learned some life lessons, but when things get tough you just gotta keep pushing and

the good will come out of it eventually," Pingelski said. Basketball taught her many "life values" like "responsibility, accountability, time management, and a leadership role." Pingelski's dream is to become a future X-ray technologist. She would like to use the attributes gained from her experience as a Trailblazer as "stuff she can take with her into the future," Pingelski said. As a health science major and a minor in business, Pingelski wants to become an X-ray technologist because of her biology class in high school and she loves to work with others. "In high school, I liked my biology class, and you get to work with different people each day," Pingelski said. Although this season had a rough ending, Pingelski is excited about practicing during the summer and finishing her final year as a Trailblazer with her teammates by her side again. "We all know how each other plays, I'm just excited to see how we are going to come back and play next year," Pingelski said. During the offseason,

photo by MCLA Athletics

MCLA junior Courtney Pingelski driving to the basket in a game earlier this year. Pingelski averaged 11.8 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game in 24 games played in the 2017-18 season with the Trailblazers. Pingelski will be joining a summer league, working out to get in shape and focusing on her strengths and weaknesses to become a better player. "I played on a summer team last year, I will probably do it again this year," Pingelski said. Her workout plan consists of "lifting, running (long and short distance), core and shooting."

This season, Pingelski led the Trailblazers in points and rebounds. She currently has 284 points and 156 rebounds. She finished the season with 35 steals, seven blocks and 40 assists. She shot 38.3 percent from the arc, 31.9 percent from the field and 71.1 percent from the free-throw line. Pingelski's goal for her team is to make the playoffs, to be

able to compete and for herself "just to leave everything on the court to make sure I gave it my all." Pingelski has faith in her teammates and her coaches for next season. She will be excited to be back in action as a senior, suited up and aiming high for her main goal: get into the playoffs and give it her all in her last season as a Trailblazer.

March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

SPORTS

Time to run, jump and sweat for NFL BY DAN WOIKE LOS ANGELES TIMES WIRE SERVICE It’s the spectacular in spandex, the battle of the bench (press), the Wide World of Wonderlic, the clash of the 40-yard dash _ or, if you want to be lazy, the NFL Scouting Combine. This is the event that will be the epicenter for the official push to the NFL draft in April, with team executives, coaching staffs, scouts and doctors getting a close look at the top prospects in college football. They’ll go through tests, mental and physical. They’ll be examined again, mentally and physically. And, they’ll participate in a mix of onfield drills and specific events like the bench press and 40yard dash. While NFL teams began their preparation for the 2018 draft just after last year’s ended, this is when everyone converges to figure out what’s the most important question in talent evaluation, will this person make it? Here are 10 names that will be at the combine and will have scouts and fans talking until they hear their names called on draft day: Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen, quarterbacks. It doesn’t seem right to

SCORE BOARD MCLA Men’s Basketball MCLA (93), Bridgewater State (102) Noah Yearsley (MCLA) 31 Pts, 4 Reb, 1 StlReb, 4 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk

Rocky DeAndrade (Framingham)

25 Pts, 5 Reb, 3 Ast, 3 Stl

photo by Robin Alam

With the 2018 NFL Draft approaching, the NFL scouting combine began on Feb. 27, 2018, and will run until March 5, 2018, as NFL scouts will evaluate young players looking to enter the NFL with a series of tests. separate these two, yet that’s what scouts and coaches will be tasked with doing. According to reports, they won’t get to see Darnold throw, something he’ll save for his pro day at USC and for private workouts. That puts him in the same company as Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan and Derek Carr, and Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn, who didn’t throw here. Instead, Darnold will concentrate on the physical elements and interviews with the quarterback-needy teams at the very top of the draft. Rosen’s challenges probably won’t be on the

field either. A gifted thrower, he should do fine in the quarterback drills. Where he’ll be picked and prodded is in the medical examinations and interview rooms. Vita Vea, defensive tackle Playing last season a few burgers shy of 350 pounds, this Washington standout is a massive human being. But there’s more to Vea than bulk. He could leave jaws agape when he gets on the field for speed and agility drills. He’s a quick answer for a team that’s soft defending the run, the Chargers perhaps? But if he tests as well as expected he could lock

himself into a top-10 draft spot. Saquon Barkley, running back A video of Barkley doing a power clean lift at Penn State went viral on the internet, a space normally reserved mostly for adorable videos of cats and dogs, so that’s an indication of how strong he is. He’s generally regarded as the top running back available and could even be the No. 1 overall pick, which would be the first time a running back was selected first since Ki-Jana Carter went to Cincinnati at the top of the 1995 draft.

Preseason MLB 2018 season predictions Pitchers and catchers reported got the perfect blend of useful, exto spring training recently, so perienced veterans such as Miguel it’s time to kick up talk about the Cabrera and Victor Martinez and MLB once more. It was a very busy young players on the rise such offseason, more so for as Michael Fulmer. The team some clubs (such as the battled injury issues last year, Yankees and Cubs) than which led to a down year for others. What does it all Cabrera and hindered Fulmer’s mean, and what will it ability to stay on the field. amount to? Here are a Like always, they also battled few suggestions: bullpen problems. This year, Andrew however, Shane Greene and 1. Giancarlo StanBaillargeon Alex Wilson will prove to be ton will set a career high for home runs an effective eighth and ninth The Call hit in a season. inning duo as they adjust and If your initial reaction develop on the fly for a team to this prediction was “whoa,” spearheaded by the tried-anddon’t worry: you’re not alone. true Ron Gardenhire, fresh out of Stanton was absolutely destrucretirement. The Gardenhire hiring tive last season for the Marlins, wasn’t a mistake; this is a team falling one homer shy of the 60 intent on competing now, and milestone on an otherwise totally Gardenhire recognized that. They uninspiring squad. Having a much may not take home a pennant, but stronger lineup with the pinstripes expect this team to make a comeand playing in a much more hitter- back this year off of a couple down friendly ballpark, combined with years. the weaker pitching the AL East 3. The Chicago Cubs will rehas to offer means that Stanton’s turn to the World Series. numbers are about to be eye-popComing off a year that ended ping. Get ready to see some heads in a postseason thrashing at the roll (and some balls fly!) as Stanhands of the Dodgers, the Cubs ton and Aaron Judge are about will return to the World Series to become the most dynamic 3-4 this year following their one-year tandem in all of baseball. hiatus. The signing of Yu Darvish 2. The Detroit Tigers will will prove to be integral to this make the playoffs. plan. The team already has an elite Arguably even more surprisbullpen and a sturdy offense, and ing than the first suggestion, the with Darvish reigniting the rotaDetroit Tigers will once again be in tion following the departure of contention for postseason play this Jake Arrieta, combined with the season. Why Detroit? Well, they’ve predicted decline of the Dodgers,

the Cubs should be right back at the Fall Classic this year. 4. Luis Severino will win the AL Cy Young Award. When people talk about last year’s Cy Young Award candidates, the names Corey Kluber and Chris Sale frequently come up, and for good reason, as both men had amazing seasons and ultimately were neck and neck much of the way for the award, which eventually went to Kluber. However, not enough attention is credited to Yankees ace Luis Severino. Severino was right up there with Kluber and Sale, finishing third in voting and taking many strides during the regular season as he slowly developed into the team’s ace. With a full season of Severino’s best, he should be the face of the franchise. 5. The Yankees will win the World Series Not exactly going out on a limb here, is it? Bringing Giancarlo Stanton into the fray of an already electric lineup, which now supports one of the best, most underrated pitching staffs in the game, which is also complimented by a stellar bullpen and palatable coaching (even with new manager Aaron Boone) and the Yankees are the clear favorite to take home their 28th title this season. Simply put, no other team in the league even comes close to matching the Yankees’ talent level.

NBA Cleveland Cavaliers (129), Brooklyn Nets (123) LeBron James (Cavaliers)

16 Pts, 7 Reb, 1 Stl

31 PTS, 12 REB, 11 AST Blk

D’Angelo Russell (Nets)

25 PTS, 5 REB, 6 ASTReb, 4 Ast, 2 Blk

NBA

Miami Heat (102), Philadelphia 76ers (101)

Dwyane Wade (Heat) 29 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST 10-12. 100 yds, 0 TD

Joel Embiid (76ers)

23 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#9 North Carolina (88), University of Miami (91)

Joel Berry II (UNC) 31 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST1 Ast, 2 Stl,

Dewan Huell (Miami) 14 PTS, 8 REB, 1 STL

NHL

Carolina Hurricanes (3), Boston Bruins (4)

Tommy Wingels (Bruins) 1 Goal, 1 Ast, 2 SOG

Teuvo Teravainen (Hurricanes) 1 Goal, 1 Ast, 1 SOG

NHL Pittsburgh Penguins (2), New Jersey Devils (3) Taylor Hall (Devils) 1 Goals, 1 Ast, 3 SOGs, 8 Ast, 2 Stl

Sidney Crosby (Penguins) 1 Goal, 7 SOGts, 22 Reb, 3 Ast

OPINION

The politics of testing Formula 1 has returned. calendar. Teams will do Not completely but in the everything they possibly appetizer known as ofcan to show themselves in ficial testing sessions. a controlled way to their Each team gets competition while to deploy their simultaneously latest creations attempting to fully and spend hours understand their and hours lapping cars’ strengths and around the Circuit weaknesses. de Barcelona-CataFor example, lunya in Spain colteams can load Joseph lecting incredibly their cars up with Carew valuable data and fuel and effectively making any adjust- WheelSpin sandbag their car ments before the with the extra season starts. weight to give a It is almost false impression unbelievable how political of how quick they really this motorsport is though, are. This could give other and it shows itself that teams a false sense of way especially at this time. security. Commentators always talk Like the average soap about the “silly season,” opera, I have a love-hate which is the time when relationship with this time seats become open and of the year. It is always teams and drivers without exciting to see the new a set seat for next year car designs and the sport are rumored to be going coming back but that everywhere. It’s similar to dark presence of politics celebrity gossip about this makes the time sheets team talking to this driver almost irrelevant. Because and that team disliking only the individual teams that driver’s attitude. But know if they are at their that isn’t the crazy part of maximum potential, those Formula 1. who appear at the top of The beginning of testthe leaderboard are to be ing is far more “silly” and taken with more salt than subversive than any other the Dead Sea. point in the Formula 1 Last year’s testing saw

Ferrari at the top of the time sheets the majority of the times and even had a day of the Williams team dominating. But then the former was proven slower than the Mercedes team throughout the season and the latter was a backmarker the whole year. The only borderline reliable statistic during these testing sessions is the amount of laps completed on the day. It can prove the reliability of a vehicle or, more effectively, disprove it. Cars that have constant trouble a la McLaren last year are most likely going to have a rough go of it at the beginning. Even that possible glimmer of trustworthy statistics can be misleading too because, try as the teams might, it is just hard to account for problems with such complex vehicles. I’m not saying that this isn’t an exciting time or that this testing doesn’t matter, rather, I am just trying to stress that there is much more going on behind the scenes. All right I’ll take my tin foil hat off.

March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

Comic

Positive, negative economic consequences will trickle up to greet President Trump When President Donald Trump took regardless of the consequences. office in January 2017, the United Trump is a perfect example of an irStates and the world were not in an responsible capitalist. I talked at great ideal state. In this country, income lengths of the dangers of only thinkinequality was (and still remains) at ing short term from a business perrecord highs. Access to health care spective, and Trump is a big practitiowas better than it was before, but with ner of that line of thinking; he views the growth of the business-side of the everything in terms of short-term medical industry, many still profit margins for him and his were separated from the care friends, regardless of the huthat they needed. All the while, man costs or the greater boon access to good-paying jobs was that might be available for evand remains to be a challenge eryone if the public programs for people. And we have a planhe is looking to cut stay intact. et that might not be habitable Because while trickle-down in a few decades because of our economics do not work, trickreliance on fossil fuels. Mitchell le-up economics do. When you These issues have not got- Chapman allow the poorest members of ten better under President None of your society to have a hand up, they Trump, in fact, in many ways, can contribute to the economy. business When middle income citizens they have gotten worse. We have a president concerned don’t have to worry about paywith non-issues like the diminishing ing through the nose for health care, profits of a U.S. coal industry that fell student debt, and other areas where from prominence long ago, and an al- the government can step in and help most nonexistent factory culture that them out, the money they save will be is never returning to the U.S. due to put back into the economy – which foreign competition, not to mention will eventually make its way to the one his made-up problems with Mexico percenters like Trump. and immigration. All the while, life Trump’s obsession with cutting pubis getting harder for the average citi- lic programs that give low and middle zen, and he’s looking to make it much income citizens a hand up while giving worse because, like many business- large tax breaks to the wealthy simply men, Trump only cares about being isn’t good economics, and will eventuable to make as much money as pos- ally make it harder to make money in sible for himself and his friends in the this country, as money will get tighter shortest amount of time as possible, for the average American. The rich

don’t spend their money when they get more of it, at least not in ways that positively trickle down to the 99 percent (though there are exceptions), but the average American has to, and they want to. We are heading toward a future where people in the U.S. will have great difficulty finding a decent education, health care, and jobs, and through that, hope, all while the planet crumbles around them. This will have profound impacts on the rest of the world, as many still look to the U.S. for leadership (though if our participation in world affairs remains the same as it has been, soon our spot will be filled by China). It seems as if Trump’s goal is not to use his position to make the most money he can, nor is it to make the U.S. great; it seems like he hopes to destabilize the country, looting it in the process. It is no secret that his tax plans largely benefit himself and those with as much wealth as him, while potentially putting those in the bottom 99 percent through hardships. It’s also suspect that while he is targeting highly-necessary programs, such as food stamps, he is also looking to inflate what is an already over-inflated military budget – effectively throwing money away in one area, while claiming there isn’t enough money to go around in the other. It’s unfortunate because, wheth-

er he likes it or not, Trump and his friends close to the top are a part of this economy too, and both the positives and negatives will trickle up to greet them. It might not be as immediate as a tax break, but as we learned in 2008, when a crash in the economy happens, it affects everyone.

For all our future and past stories make sure to check out our website.

OPINION

March 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

Editorial

Tide Pods and catering to stupidity Where do we place the blame for the Tide Pod Challenge? Is it the fault of YouTubers who make videos (whether satirical or not) where they partake in it? Is it the fault of parents who raise these teenagers who intentionally put themselves in harm’s way? We believe that it is time for some individual responsibility. Please note that, before we assert a strong stance, this isn’t in reference to the young children who simply can’t distinguish these pods from candy. This is targeted directly at those teenagers who ingest the laundry detergent and risk their lives over dares, challenges and pure foolishness. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, “The resulting health implications from misuse can be serious. Potential effects include: seizures, pulmonary edema, respiratory arrest, coma, and even death.” According to AAPCC data, in 2016 and 2017, poison control centers handled 39 and 53 cases of intentional exposures, respectively, among 13-to 19-year-olds.

That number has increased to 191 among the same age group in 2018. This dramatic increase is another wave in teenage idiocy. Before this trend there were the drinking bleach memes, the cinnamon challenge, and numerous other activities that, while not always lethal, did little but put people at risk on purpose. And that is the important aspect of it. We can understand doing stupid things for the sake of doing stupid things, but come on. There is an argument to be made that teenagers are especially susceptible to dares and challenges so long as they feel they can climb the social ladder and therefore those who spread it are at least somewhat responsible. This is a fair stance but this just seems like a whole risk level higher than most other things and that these people should just know better. There should be no reason why Tide should have to put out an advertisement telling people not to consume their laundry pods. As foolish as some teenagers can be, they should be held to a higher

standard than this and should be able to make decisions on their own. Those who choose to consume what is essentially poison must deal with the consequences. It is unfortunate but it is the only fair way. Of course Tide and all other companies that produce similar versions of this product could make it look less desirable, less edible, but at what point are we catering to stupidity? Before we go too far though, there can be some good to come from this. If this trend sheds light on the 5-year-olds who by some means get their hands on one, then maybe some younglings can be saved. Tide shouldn’t be forced by the government to change their products, but if consumers seek change from the company then these teenagers can be almost redeemed. Just in case you or someone you know makes this mistake please call the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 797979 to save the number in your phone.

Clubs events don’t need to change, the students do The spring semester is events are fun to go to, always full of fun activi- some are more popular ties and events that stu- than others. Many of the dents get the chance events hosted by to go to. This spring, clubs, Residenwe get to see Dance tial Programs Company show off & Services, the their skills at their College and othannual spring perers, don’t always formance at MASS attract as many MoCA, FPA is putattendees as anEmma ting on two plays for Monahan ticipated. the campus to enjoy, It is not that Arts & Emma these and the Multicultural events Education Resource are bad (well, Center has put on maybe a handful many events this past of them are), but for the month for Black History most part, they’re enjoyMonth. able, as the clubs put a Even though all of these lot of time and effort into

them. Most of the time, it seems as though there is something better going on during the time of the event, but then there are students who complain. I’ll admit, I’ve complained a couple of times about events. I mean, why would SAC have Barn Babies on a long weekend? Although it seems like the event went well, it probably would’ve done even better if it wasn’t on a long weekend. Another issue is that after complaining, students don’t go to these events, despite changes being made after their

voices are heard. Our RAs listen to us when we tell them what kind of events we want, but if we don’t attend those, what’s the point of expressing interest? People always seem to say that there’s nothing to do on campus, but that’s not true. Students just need do a little digging on social media and around the school and there’s bound to be something that interests them. It’s events like these that make our campus so unique.

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IN OTHER BEACON NEWS

Mar. 1, 2018 Vol. 86 Issue 5

This week in audio... WITH JACOB VITALI

CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER INTERVIEW

On Feb. 16, 2018 Christopher MacDonald-Dennis was announced as MCLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Chief Diversity Officer following the conclusion of a nationwide search. As part of his new role, MacDonald-Dennis will be directing, implementing and overseeing institutional planning on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that positively impact student and employee experiences. I spoke with MacDonaldDennis on Feb. 28 at the WJJW studios on topics ranging from his personal background to goals for the College and common issues faced by MCLA students.

THE GUN DEBATE IS A QUESTION OF BALANCE

Solving the problem of gun-related deaths is one that presents strong emotions but requires a balanced approach. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on us to figure out that balance before the next one hits, before another life is lost, and before it hits too close to home. In this audio opinion piece, I attempt to find that balance.

Tribune News Service

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