Spring '16 issue 2

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Volume 82 ◆ Issue 2

Th u r s d ay, F e b rua r y 1 1 , 2 0 1 6 News

New writing studio opens in Murdock Hall

By Emily Gabert Staff Writer

Black Student Union holds panel on diversity Page 3

A&E

New direction for Yorick Page 7

Sports

Basketball teams swept by Salem State Page 10

Op-Ed

Not our mother’s feminism Page 4

Campus Life

Student author on the rise Page 8

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facebook.com/ MCLABeacon instagram.com/ MCLABeacon News 2-4 Features 5 Arts & Entertainment 6-7 Sports 8-9 Campus Comment 10 Local Events 11 Photo Essay 12

MCLA’s Writing Associates officially have a new work space in Murdock 120. Students who need help with writing assignments can stop by the creative space to get valuable instruction from their peers.

For years the Writing Studio had only been an idea. If students needed help with their writing, they would have to meet with a Writing Associate in the library.

Clubs geared toward writing would have to hold their meetings in various places around campus.

There was no space dedicated to writers on campus, which was something the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) members wanted to change.

Upon arriving at MCLA this academic school year, Amber Engelson, assistant professor of English/Communications, got involved with the project, along with joining WAC. “I feel so lucky to have walked into a culture where there seems to be a lot of energy for writing,” Engelson said.

Photo by Domonique Ackley/The Beacon The space is supposed to be a Dr.Amber Engelson shares her excitement regarding the grand collaborative and relaxed area, opening of the new Writing Studio in Murdock 120. allowing writers to complete their work in a peaceful environment. help. The name’s intention is to came together. Monica Joslin of It is not only an area for academic convey what an art studio does Academic Affairs helped find writing, but also for creative for an artist: it is a place to build the funding for the space. Kate Heekin from CSSE currently writing, and other works by and create.

With the combined efforts of helps co-direct the space, while students.

WAC, Academic Affairs, and the also helping Engelson understand The name of the Writing Studio Center for Student Success and and navigate the College’s system. was specifically chosen so that it Engagement (CSSE) the idea “Eventually, by next year, I’ll didn’t feel like just a space to get

Mark Anthony Neal Dissects Coding in Hip-Hop

By Idalis Foster

Senior News Writer Mark Anthony Neal, professor of African & African American Studies, spoke at the Diversity and Inclusion Summit on black coding as part of longstanding cultural practices and its use today through Black twitter.

Speaking on the second day of the Summit, he also dissected hip hop and its origins’ use of coding to send a message without it being revealed to those who it was not meant for in a talk titled “#BlackCodes + #BlackTwitter + Mobilizing a Mobile Diaspora.”

“Historically we refer to them as work songs, field songs, slave hollers...but very often these songs weren’t just singing for the sake of singing,” Neal said. “It was a way for them to communicate.

They may be singing as a group ‘Go Down Moses,’ but what the slaveholder doesn’t know is that Moses is a field down, away from the plantation or a cave.”

Neal added that singing in the plantation fields was a way communicate about meetings late at night in separate locations, in order to plot escapes from the plantation.

He argued that their version of social media, the version that persisted for years before the invention of the internet, was word of mouth.

He also brought up the cassette tapes that were used by artists far before the CD was invented to spread their music, before radio even played black music. But Neal focused mainly on the coding that went on in hip hop, using a song from the 1980s to show how artists would convey a political message to their audience through coding.

“The point was that he could convey complex, Photo by Agnella/GrossThe Beacon lyrical messages publicly, Mark Anthony Neal is an African but to a very particular American studies professor at Duke audience because only University and the host of “Left of black audiences could Black“ on YouTube. unpack the code,” Neal said. “This was important K.O., Neal showed how hip-hop because hip-hop was able to has continued as a form of social politicize young black folks in the media by sending messages to ‘80s since it worked in code.” their audiences through coding.

Using videos like Eric B. and Rakim’s “Follow The Leader,” and Coding Hip-Hop “George Bush Doesn’t Care About Continued on page 2 Black People” by The Legendary

be taking over as the [studio] director,” Engelson announced.

Writing Associates are trained for their position by taking a class with Mary Levitt, an English/ Communications professor.

These students are taught to work with others on the many different aspects of writing.

The class is offered in the fall, allowing for the Writing Associates to begin their task in the following spring semester.

Seven Associates have been trained for this semester, all coming from different academic backgrounds.

“I feel like my baby has grown up,” commented Levitt, “and I couldn’t be [any] happier. It’s a beautiful space.”

A celebratory open house was hosted in the Writing Studio last week, where Engelson encouraged faculty members to inform their students of the space and to take advantage of the area themselves.

She also hopes to form a faculty writing group that will eventually meet up and work together in the room.

Students can arrange for appointments online with Writing Associates on the Writing Studio’s new webpage. When clicking the link to schedule a new appointment, users are directed to login with their MCLA email address and password. Then, they must choose a date and time to meet from a calendar on the webpage.

Writing Studio Continued on page 2

Saving Wildlife

By Torin Gannon Staff Writer

Jan. 15, 2009: Also known as “The Miracle on the Hudson,” when US Airways flight 1549 made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after several birds flew into the engines, causing them to fail.

It is incidents like this that Wildlife Services agent Monty Chandler seeks to end.

Chandler delivered his lecture, “Alleviating Wildlife Conflicts in Massachusetts,” during the second installment of this year’s Green Living Seminar series. In his lecture, he described what it is that Wildlife Services do.

According to Chandler, Wildlife Services is a program operating under the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

The service is split into two branches: The research division and operational wildlife damage management. Chandler works for the latter and is the director for Wildlife Services in Massachusetts, Wildlife Continued on page 2

2

News

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Beyond the beacon

By Idalis Foster

the app being that privacy of its users could be an issue, particularly with government clampdowns. But according to Sun Mo, a media operations manager at the Beijing LGBT Center, apps like Blued and Grindr are the only way for the gay community to connect being that in China there are no gay bars or organizations.

Senior News Editor

Clinton avoiding releasing transcripts of paid speeches Hillary Clinton, former secretary of State and Democratic candidate, has required that a stenographer be present at any paid speeches she makes for her own personal records. Recently, Clinton has been asked repeatedly from different reporters if she would be willing to release these records but has stood strongly against publicizing them.

On ABC’s “This Week” program, Clinton gave her final response that she would not release her transcripts unless “everybody who’s ever given a speech to any private group under any circumstances release them.” Republican candidates including Jeb Bush have been paid for speeches and have not released their transcripts either.

According to Common Cause President Miles Rapoport, these paid for speeches are privileged access and it is important for the public to know and have access to those promises and statements made in these speeches. Being that Clinton is already struggling to fight the perception some

Smokers using e-cig to vape THC

voters have of her as dishonest, this could be another setback for the Democratic candidate.

Grindr and Blued gaining popularity in Asian countries In countries where same-sex relationships are taboo and even banned, apps like Grindr and Blued have been

gaining traction. The app, which allows users to match with others nearby, has already been banned in a few countries including Turkey, which is largely Muslim.

The digital meeting place for gay communities has become a way for social networking and dating in India where there is a national law banning same-sex intercourse.

Concerns have risen over the safety of

A recent study was published by the journal Pediatrics stating tht e-cigarettes are becoming a popular way to inhale cannabis. They found that 16 percent of high school students use hash oil or wax infused with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and that one in four of high school students use THC regularly.

This past August, a study from Oberlin College found that the use of e-cigs to vaporize cannabis was increasing. Without much regulation of e-cigarettes due to their intended use for nicotine, they are very accessible to young adults and as of 2014 marijuana use surpassed cigarette smoking.

The perception of marijuana use as dangerous has also decreased from 55 percent of all adolescents and young adults in 2006 to a third in 2014.

GREEN LIVING Continued from pg 1

Photo by Idalis Foster/The Beacon

Mark Anthony Neal reads a quote on black codes’ importance from Elizabeth Alexander.

CODING HIP-HOP, Continued from pg 1 “The point was that he could convey complex, lyrical messages publicly, but to a very particular audience because only black audiences could unpack the code,” Neal said.

“This was important because hip-hop was able to politicize young black folks in the ‘80s since it worked in code.”

Using videos like Eric B. and Rakim’s “Follow The Leader,” and “George Bush Doesn’t Care About Black People” by The Legendary K.O., Neal showed how hip-hop has continued as a form of social media by sending messages to their audiences through coding.

Students in the audience, including juniors Bridget Forson and Bryanna Bradley, found his references to these artists very interesting and appreciated his use of relevant videos both in the past and in recent years.

“I like how he played different videos [and] songs that were relevant to the topic,” Forson said. “I didn’t even know there was a song that used Kanye West’s ‘Gold Digger’ as

a background for a political message.”

Bradley connected the information to the course she is taking, Global Anglophone, which she said highlights the meaning of language used by literature from Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas post European imperialism and colonialism. However, she did find Neal’s delivery to be a bit distracting from his message at times.

“I thought he purposely alienated himself from his audience by putting emphasis on the age gap,” Bradley said. “I was personally offended, since I was aware of all of his references because my parents are older and from New York City, a major component in hip-hop culture during its prime.”

During the student session, a few students and Thomas Alexander, coordinator of the Multicultural Center and friend of Neal’s, did have the chance to ask Neal questions about recent work by hip-hop artists and playwrights that have reached mainstream recognition.

Bradley took the opportunity to recommend that Neal see “Hamilton,” the Broadway musical that has received so much praise and recognition that its actors will perform a piece for the Grammy’s via satellite.

“We did disagree on the idea of hip-hop as an identifier when the issue of Hamilton the Musical came up,” Bradley said. “He was afraid of hip-hop being “whitewashed” in the musical, yet the show runner Lin Manuel Miranda is Puerto Rican and created a multiracial cast with obvious hints to the “codes” of hip hop in a respectable manner.”

Bradley and senior Giovani Dulcio both used Rihanna’s music as an example of the kind of coding that occurs as hip-hop artists grow during their experience working in the white male dominated industry.

Neal praised Rihanna for her latest song “Bitch Better Have My Money” for its underlying message that wasn’t as clear to the masses as it was for a smaller audience.

which also provides services to several neighboring states.

The service mostly works in conjunction with other agencies, providing guidance. They are also available to everyday citizens.

“If anybody just wants some assistance, ring our phone, we’ll talk to you,” Chandler said.

According to Chandler, the service does more than just remove animals. They are dedicated to the protection of threatened and endangered species.

Chandler recounted spending a great many hours helping protect eggs from other birds that had turned them into a food source.

“Sometimes there’s conflicts [with wildlife],” Chandler said.

“Sometimes there’s damages to resources.”

Chandler stated that the agencies goal is to, “manage the damage [people] cause, or manage the conflicts...to alleviate it, to shrink it, to make it tolerable.”

The program’s work most often involves managing species that have become a nuisance in areas where they have settled.

Examples Chandler cited include geese exhausting resources at ponds and leaving excrement in graveyards, or birds creating hazards at airports.

To manage these species, the program implements non-lethal strategies, such as visual discouragements, audio discouragements, barriers, etc. When needed, they will implement lethal methods such as nest and nest egg reduction.

“You’ve got to try a lot of nonlethal things,” Chandler added.

“You’ve got to try to get into the psyche of that wildlife.”

Chandler’s lecture was part of this series’ theme of “Living With Wildlife: Conflicts and Conservation.” The next lecture in the series will be Thursday the 11 at 5:30 p.m. in room 121 in the Science Center.

Photo by Domonique Ackley/The Beacon

Faculty, students, and writing associates converse in the new Writing Studio space in Murdock Hall.

“I love being able to help people be the best writers they can be,” Jade Tarris, ‘17, said in regards to the Writing Associate position. “Good writing is an important skill to have.”

Writing Associates are available Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.

WRITING STUDIO, Continued from pg 1

Campus News

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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3

Panel discusses college diversity

By Emily Gabert

having discussions regarding social justice on campus. He explained Staff Writer that the same people would show up to each meeting, and added The Black Student Union (BSU) that it is hard to find more people hosted a panel as part of their Diversity willing to discuss these issues on and Inclusion Summit, focusing campus. on strategies for thoughtful and Wood found that asking people innovative discussions about diversity if these discussions were important and social justice on campus. Guests to a person made it much more from Williams College and a special likely that they would attend. Even guest from Duke University were on allowing somebody to speak with a the panel. different opinion can make it much Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, an African more likely that a person would and African American Studies Photo by Agnella Gross/The Beacon engage in discussions. professor at Duke University, voiced Members of the panel left to right: Taurus Londono, Zachary Wood, Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed, “If we take the step to speak with his concerns of inclusion on his home Dr. Leslie Brown, Dr. Mark Anthony Neal. Londono and Jones-Sneed are from MCLA , Wood somebody we know we’ll disagree campus regarding race. and Brown are from Williams College, and Neal from Duke University. with and ask them to join the Neal noted that there are issues of conversation, sometimes it can go a “The school does not recognize the He also noted that people like to wait for people of color not holding positions very long way, ” Wood said. leaders to voice an idea because the general in the sciences and engineering. He also reality of these experiences,” Neal said.

He also believes that just showing a Each speaker also mentioned the best masses are so hesitant to speak about mentioned that more colleges are recruiting person you disagree with a hint of interest black students from the top percentile of ways to effectively voice ideas and opinions them. He believes one of the issues facing and respect for their opinion truly makes a their classes, but only those students from when having a discussion on campus. Many movements like Black Lives Matter is that difference. prep schools, rather than from urban areas. of the recurring themes were based on the people believe there should be one leader, The use of collaboration and connections “We want diversity, but very often these foundation of respect, and to acknowledge even though it’s a collection of ideas and between different classes and races was institutions will dictate what that diversity what others have to say, even if one doesn’t opinions. He advises people to be a leader, mentioned by professor Frances Jonesinstead of waiting for one individual to looks like, within the diversity,” Neal said. necessarily agree.

Sneed of the College’s history department.

Taurus Londono, an MCLA student hold that position.

“If they are really committed to diversity, Jones-Sneed expressed her motto of “You have to be able to facilitate we have to be committed to recognizing who was part of the panel, spoke on the learning, which is to reach out to others by differences and experiences each of us have cooperation between other people,” the genres of it.” discovering who they are, what they believe Londono stated. “If you want change to Neal said he believes there’s different that sets us apart from everyone else. in, and by collaborating with them “I think the first step is acknowledging our happen, you have to be willing to work genres of diversity that are not being She ingrains this philosophy in her recognized and included by institutions differences,” said Londono, “and accepting with other people, to connect people to students by having them express themselves because of the fear that the student’s that these differences make us who we are, each other, to bring people together, to let collective action happen because of your and their beliefs to others in the classroom. background will follow him or her into and give us unique perspectives.”

“I think we each have our own story, and Londono believes that respecting these facilitation of different perspectives.” that institution. He believes colleges and getting to know what that story is, is very, Zachary Wood, a sophomore at Williams universities are not ready to deal with these differences can help open the door for very important, ” Jones-Sneed said. discussions and even empower us.

College, voiced the issue of arranging and issues.

CSSE making changes to improve services

By Gionna Nourse Co-Editor-In-Chief

With the departure of Ashton Darrett and the addition of two new advisers, the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) is transitioning in various ways.

CSSE helps students connect their academic endeavors with their responsibilities outside of the classroom. They offer a wide range of resources for students, such as academic support, advising, career and disability services, as well as arranging study abroad opportunities.

After four years as the study abroad program coordinator, Ashton Darrett, ’11, has taken on a new role at another school.

“I’ve met great students and worked with the best colleagues in the world. MCLA will be missed, but I still live close by,” he said.

According to Assistant Director of CSSE Manat Wooten, Darrett brought experience and developed longevity through his role in CSSE. “He was a student here for four years and worked here for another four, so he knew many of the students [already] and [remained] comfortable” Wooten said.

“I really enjoyed my time here and I feel I have been given the tools to succeed thanks to my MCLA education and work experience,” Darrett said.

Wendy Guerra joins the advising team to extend the growth of the study abroad program and offer

students continuing support with the lengthy application process.

Although Ashton will be greatly missed, Wooten says students will still go to Guerra for help with the study abroad process because “the study abroad program remains popular.”

During his eight years at the College, Darrett built countless relationships with students in numerous ways. Some through CSSE, and others through the school’s step team NEXXUS, which he was an adviser for.

Timothy Williams, ’18, works in CSSE and is an Admissions Ambassador who, as a freshman, met Ashton through a program he created called “Liberal Arts at Work.”

“He helped me mature and grow professionally,” Williams said. “When I came to MCLA I was young and didn’t know exactly how to compose myself, and he helped me to network and conduct myself [in the professional world].”

Williams credits Darrett with giving him the tools and confidence he needed to establish himself on and off campus.

“As unique and wonderful as he is, the study abroad program is still popular, and students still identify it with CSSE,” Wooten said.

“What I valued the most about Ashton was how he was able to bond so well with students while still remaining professional.”

Williams even saw Darrett as a mentor and felt like he could relate to him in numerous ways, not only as a co-worker, but as a

step-team adviser and friend.

“He has a big heart and puts his all into everything he does,” Williams said.

Although Darrett’s departure may leave some students in a rut, they have numerous things to look forward to this semester, especially coming from CSSE. Dean of Academic Affairs Monica Joslin shares information about the unique programs and resources CSSE has to offer this year, such as the newly-renovated writing studio, which opened on Feb. 5.

“We are making sure to get all of these opportunities out to students,” Joslin said. “[CSSE aims to] talk to students about more than just their academic grades, which opens up a lot of doors.”

In addition to Guerra, another new face will join the advising team this semester, adding more resources for students.

Cindy Brown, vice president of Academic Affairs, stresses the importance of pairing new students with newer advisers so that they understand the range of people and resources the College offers.

New York native Benjamin Conrick will work as an academic adviser, bringing a wealth of experience in areas of advising and program coordinating from renowned schools such as Elms College.

Part of his passion for education is working with students who have been traditionally “underrepresented,” and is impressed with MCLA’s continuing efforts to

do the same.

“We want to give students the tools to empower themselves and set lifelong goals [while] understanding what they need to do to meet those goals,” Brown said.

“I hope students will [eventually] feel like they can rely on me and that I am dependable,” Conrick said. “I am looking forward to building relationships with students, and so far the ones I have come across seem friendly and engaging.”

Assistant Director of CSSE Kate Heekin stresses the amount of experience Conrick brings to MCLA, and in what ways students can benefit from it.

“Ben is really bringing the experience to the table,” Heekin said. She explained that Ben knows how to address certain

situations with students; it will just take some time for him to learn how everything works here.

Heekin also hopes to remind students that CSSE is not just a place for students who are struggling. “[CSSE] is a place anyone can come to, to talk and seek advice,” she said.

Conrick is excited to jump in “feet first,” and urges students to utilize the resources CSSE provides.

“The fact that MCLA has a department like CSSE and devotes these resources to it is great,” he said. “Students should come on up!”

(Additional reporting for this story done by MCLA student Nick Webb.)

Financial aid announcement: It’s that time again!

Time to reapply for financial aid for next fall!

Complete your FAFSA now to make sure you meet the March 1st priority review deadline date!

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4

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Opinion & Editorial

The Beacon

Editorial

Not our mothers’ feminism: primaries highlight generational gaps “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t support each other.”

So said Madeline Albright, the first female Secretary of State, at a Hillary Clinton Rally in New Hampshire on Saturday.

It’s a simple feminist tenet; women need to support other women. But Albright’s statement oversimplifies gender issues and showcases an important difference between second and third wave feminism.

New Hampshire voters, who chose Bernie Sanders as the Democratic candidate in their primary Tuesday, present the biggest threat to the Clinton campaign.

Sanders won 60 percent of the vote, compared to Clinton’s 39 percent.

The victory establishes an important truth about the United States today: we might be willing to elect a socialist for president.

What’s even more surprising is that this unlikely candidate’s support base is almost universally attributed by mainstream media outlets as “youth voters.”

Though Sanders holds support from more than one age demographic, young people are particularly enamored by the candidate. Young people are apt to succumb to the perils of hopeless idealism, but traditionally are

less than reliable when flocking to the polls. More conservative Democratic supporters took comfort that Sander’s support base was mostly composed of the young earlier on in the race. However, after Clinton’s narrow win in Iowa, and now her deafening loss in New Hampshire, it’s apparent that the millennial generation and our wants can’t be brushed aside.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation there are 80 million plus millennials.

The Pew Research Center reported in May 2015 that the millennials had surpassed Generation X as the largest work force in the U.S. Comprising people born between 1981 and 1999, we are currently the largest generation, but like generations before us we continue to confuse and bewilder our predecessors.

In the age where Americans are at their most socially liberal, an age where gay marriage was federally legalized, where recreational marijuana seems soon to follow, eight years after we elected our first black president, it comes as a surprise to older feminists that so many young women have turned their backs on Clinton.

Gloria Steinem, feminist icon and spokesperson, accused

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younger women of supporting Sanders to attract boys’ attention on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher.

“When you’re young you’re thinking ‘where are the boys?’,” Steinem said. “The boys are with Bernie.”

The Beacon’s editorial board felt that Steinem’s and Albright’s remarks were belittling, if not downright offensive.

Contradictory to Steinem’s remarks, young women aren’t more concerned with male attention than older women.

lot of younger women think it’s done,” Albright said. This attitude implies that young women no longer identify as feminists, when the contrary is true. 47 percent of millennial women identify with the feminist label, according to the Public Religion Research Institute, while only 16 percent of young women polled from the 1990s identified as feminists.

Young women believe in supporting other women; they also understand that feminism isn’t just a female issue. They understand that the world is complex, that things aren’t black and white, that people are disadvantaged in more ways than one.

Young women want to see a female president. Women like Steinem, Albright, and even Clinton have allowed young people to be as liberal as we are today. We have made strides, so many that we are capable of thinking about gender as more complex than a dichotomous issue; more than he vs. her.

We, young people of all genders, know that women still get the short end of the stick. We know that women are capable of being great leaders. Young people aren’t supporting Clinton because they just don’t think she represents their interests.

Millennial women graduate college at record numbers. The average age a woman marries is 27 compared to Steinem’s time (the 1960s) when the average women married at 20, according to the Pew Research Center.

Yet with statements like that, older feminists ignore these statistics and undermine the gains they have made for equal rights. The younger generations of women have surpassed their critics in terms of feminist values by recognizing that gender should not determine who becomes president.

Older feminists like Albright may think this attitude is careless.

“We can tell our story of how we climbed the ladder, and a

“What is your favorite thing to do downtown?”

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Editorial Board Co-Editors in Chief Gionna Nourse Harmony Birch Co-Web Editors Jake Mendel* Matt Aceto*

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Staff Staff Writers

“I like to take pictures downtown, and explore the little nooks and crannies.”

- Mike Friedman, Junior

“When it’s warm we walk downtown and hang out. When it’s cold we go and eat there instead of the cafe.”

- Reagan Smith, Freshman

“I get Dunkin before I go to work in Lanesborough.”

- Nala Vaughn, Junior

Emily Gabert Torin Gannon Joseph Carew Jonathan Hoel Paige Pomerantz Tyler Bacon Isabel McKenzie Matt Aceto*

Photographers and Videographers Elizabeth Quirk Domonique Ackley Shunquell Dennis Dan Wohler Natalia Reyes

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Caitlin O’Neill*

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Jenifer Augur Shawn McIntosh

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Online at: Beacon.MCLA.edu

Facebook.com/MCLABeacon Twitter.com/TheBeacon_MCLA “I go downtown with Ally and we shop, eat, and walk around.”

- Moira Mathieu, Freshman

“I go to the movies.”

- Matt Stevens, Freshman

“Most of the time I go downtown, I go for food or to Mass MoCA.” - Will Taylor, Freshman

Photos By Domonique Ackley

Opinion&Editorial

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Rap

I ndus t I nsig ry

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5

Troy Ave doesn't deserve the hate

hts

Matt Aceto Web Editor

Joseph carew Staff Writer/Columnist

It all started in the late 19th century when a young man by the name of Nikola Tesla began to work for Thomas Edison. It was this duo that sparked a war of currents that has lasted to this day.

Electricity was the revolutionary technology of the 1800s, and Tesla was the man fighting the entrenched Edison and his direct current. It has been 70 years since the death of Tesla and now this story of power, technology, and challenging status quo has been reborn into the automotive industry.

Tesla Motors began as a company with an intention to utilize battery technology and electric propulsion in their production vehicles but has quickly become the underdog that polarizes the public. With

A Deal’ wasn’t album of the year, then what was?”

To be fair, though, what rappers don’t come off as a bit self-centered? I can’t name many.

While it’s good to be humble, it’s no crime to feel proud, either. Ave is a prideful rapper who stands by his accomplishments. In an interview with XXL magazine, he said, “When you’re paid, you’re going to feel confident. I didn’t have any big homie or secret funder helping me, I did it myself. So why wouldn’t I be confident?” Ave has earned the right to feel assured.

It’s not always about himself, though. On his Instagram page, Ave preaches positive messages, frequently thanking fans for their support. Envious of his fame, the haters don’t see these unselfish messages; they only comment on his gold necklaces and stacks of money. He’s treated very unfairly on social media.

Ave is by no means the nicest guy in New York City, but there are certainly more conceited rappers out there. There’s no need to disrespect those who have made it on their own. People need to quit hating and focus on themselves, because in the end, those in charge will get the last laugh. To quote from “Lower Level”, a song on Ave’s ‘Major Without A Deal: Reloaded’ mixtape, he says, “In the eyes of you all, I’m getting money. Made a million while you made jokes; now that’s funny.”

h ee l

W

As Jay Z once said, “They say success breeds envy, I guess it’s just the penalty of leadership.”

Hugely successful artists, such as Drake or Fetty Wap, often face the most hate from inside the hiphop community. For whatever reason, people find throwing shade to be easier than giving praise when it’s due. Over the past year, there has been one rapper who has undeservingly received the most criticism: New York City’s Troy Ave. Ave made a name for himself on his own as he grew from an unestablished Brooklyn rapper to one of the most well known artists in New York City. He’s among the hottest independent rappers in all of hip-hop, and his numbers will tell you that.

In 2015 alone, he achieved three top-10 singles on Billboard’s Twitter Emerging Artists chart. In June of last year, Ave turned heads with the release of ‘Major Without A Deal’, his sophomore studio album which featured big-name artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, 50 Cent, and Rick Ross. It’s not his music which makes people upset, but rather his attitude.

Critics will tell you Ave talks about himself in a pompous way. I’ll admit, he can sound cocky sometimes. In “Sincerely From Me”, the intro track on Ave’s latest mixtape ‘White Christmas 3’, he raps, “But like I’ve said before, ‘Major Without A Deal’ was going to be the album of the [explicit] year.

Take a listen, take a look around. If ‘Major Without

Sp n i

The future is cloudy for Tesla

overblown fires hurting Tesla’s image, a deep rooted tradition of internal combustion in the industry and a nose dive in oil prices, the company’s future is still very much in doubt. There is one significant card left up Tesla’s sleeve, however, and its name is New Models. The key to success for this company is in its original plans to mass produce affordable and likable cars that happen to be electric. With this card comes a dangerous risk as well.

Now, if Toyota produces a car that doesn’t sell well or even for a profit (ahem, Lexus LFA) it really doesn’t matter. The company runs the car anyway, tries to re-brand it, changes the style or the power train, and can eventually give up; they have billions of dollars to spare.

If a relatively new brand produces a retail flop, the stakes are much higher. With the Tesla Model X being released soon, Tesla fans wait with bated breath as the established car companies lick their respective chops. If this car isn’t a sales success, which Bob Lutz, a trusted man of the industry, hinted that it might not be in his piece for Road and Track “Is Tesla Doomed?”, it could seriously hinder the company’s ability to continue to operate. Signs of this uneasiness have begun to show with the company’s trade value. According to marketwatch.com, Tesla shares have dipped 32 percent in the past three months.

There is little room for error here, Tesla, and there are a lot of people watching.

Working for Mickey

By Isabel McKenzie Columnist

I

Whistle while you work

t’s officially cheerleading season here at All-Star resorts.

All-Star, my place of work during the first portion of the Disney College Program (DCP), is a value resort that has the capacity to house many different large and diverse groups. It is composed of three sections, which are All-Star Sports, All-Star Music and AllStar Movies. Altogether, there are six pools on property.

My first week of training and working has already allowed me to interact with many families here, specifically for cheerleading competitions at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.

Walking between the Surfboard Bay Pool and Grand Slam Pool at All-Star Sports, there is a stretch of turf between two goalposts where the cheerleaders practice their routines. Girls are tossed into the air, while their cheers echo between the larger than life football helmets sidelining the field. The energy is electric.

Maybe it’s the young girls’ energy that puts a bit more hop into my hourly rotation, or maybe it’s the All-Star resorts.

There is a lot of responsibility here as a Disney lifeguard. My trainers taught me all about my

rotation schedule, each stand’s zone, and opening/closing procedures.

I’ve passed my KAPA, otherwise known as Knowledge Assessment Performance Assessment, and I have officially “earned my ears” per the cute red banner I received to attach to my nametag. There’s always something going on here, whether it’s events like pool parties put on by Children’s Activities, or competition season, or a movie under the stars, time goes by pretty fast on stand.

My favorite part of my daily scanning onto each pool is my interactions with guests. Here is where the “earning” portion of the program really feels like making magic.

On my first day of work, two young cheerleaders competed with each other by flipping underwater, and talked to me about their experience in the parks.

They made magic for me, simply by making the rainy day seem brighter. I was so nervous to start work and be on stand for the first time without my trainer, but they helped me become at ease without even knowing it.

I already feel a home for myself here at All-Star resorts.

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

6

Arts & Entertainment

Thursday, February 11, 2016

A Curious

Case of

Mitchell Chapman

A & E Editor

REDRUM

Loving a film too much; the precarious path of the fanboy Movies are great. I love movies. Chances are, many people reading this column do, too. But with everything, there is a boundary, a limit, if you will, to how much you can love something before it becomes weird. If you defend something uncritically and with gusto, well, you’ve officially become weird.

You can certainly love weird things. We all have our tastes, and the odd tends to stick out to us, and stay with us. Everything has faults, though; even masters of cinema such as Kubrick and Hitchcock had a few (dare I say) hitches and shining doubts about their work, which film buffs argue about to this day. Yet no one doubts that what these masters made worked, especially when considered in the context and time period they were made in, but the discussion surrounding their faults is a worthy one anyone should be able to partake in.

The internet has certainly helped instigate the phenomena of the super-fan, with expansive online forums and fan-made work thriving through text, video, and the unruly GIF-storm that is tumblr.

But grown men have lived at home with “Star Wars” underpants for decades. Not to say I have anything against “Star Wars” underpants or living at home; I am a broke college student after all, and “Star Wars” does offer a variety of quality products I would encourage even nonfans take advantage of.

Expressing yourself in real life and the internet is fine. Display what you love and tell me why you love it, but dogma is not acceptable. Art is much more than your primary, visceral reaction, and can open up a whole world of thought and opportunity when thought upon deeply, taking into careful consideration its strengths and weaknesses. Film is no different in this way, though the complexity of its production and the level of control granted by this form adds extra layers to your considerations not necessarily found in other mediums.

Being wrong is okay. It’s not the end of the world. It’s certainly not the best feeling in the world, but when I am proved wrong by someone with a well-constructed argument that has points I myself did not consider, I learn something.

Loving something is great. It’s what keeps us going in life, after all. But don’t shut down the conversation because your love makes you hold your favorite film to an unrealistic standard. It is these guttural, dogmatic loyalties to pieces of art that gives the names “fanboy” and “fangirl” a bad reputation, be it fair or not. It’s okay to be a fanboy/girl. Take pride in it. You get enjoyment from movies, and other forms of art! But don’t let it control you. Be critical, take what other people have to say at heart, present your points with well-researched facts, make your case, and rule the world.

Upcoming A&E Events

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

Beacon.MCLA.edu

BLM exhibition exemplifies the power Yorick president leading of loss and oppression of black lives club in new direction

By Paige Pomerantz

By Mitchell Chapman

branch out from what we usually do.”

Following the large amount of graduates last year, Schettine decided it was her turn to swoop in and As spring dawns, Shakespearean theatre group Yorick become president of Yorick. She has held many different will be producing a non-traditional spoof on a classic positions in the club including actress, assistant stage manager, costume designer, assistant director, and play, directed by president Mallory Schettine, ’17.

“Yorick is a group of really talented and hilarious secretary.

Schettine is also an Admissions Ambassador and people who just come together a couple nights a week and talk about different Shakespeare works,” Schettine program coordinator for Student Teacher in Class Support (STICS), on top of her heavy involvement in said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The student-run club will be producing “Shakespeare the club.

Yorick had to cancel their anticipated production of in Hollywood,” written by Ken Ludwig, this semester.

The play follows characters Oberon and Puck as they “Antony and Cleopatra” last semester due to the lack of magically appear on a Hollywood set of their play, “A active members, so the group is thrilled to produce a Midsummer Night’s Dream,” where they are assigned show this spring.

Auditions were held on Feb. 1 and 2 and roles were the roles of their own characters.

Schettine has been working at getting her idea for cast immediately after.

According to treasurer of the club Kiley Clancy, ’18, this production through the proposal process for over a year now, and could not be more excited to see her “Shakespeare in Hollywood” is already promising to be a truly funny and witty show, and both the cast and tireless efforts come to life.

“Mallory has really high hopes for the club,” secretary crew are ecstatic to be in it.

“I’m really excited to get into the rehearsal process,” Julie Castagna, ’18, said. “Her decision to propose and direct ‘Shakespeare in Hollywood’ is a fantastic way to Schettine said. “The first read through already went great.”

Currently, there are 139 Yorick members all together, but only 40 are active. About a third of the members are new faces this semester.

Having so many new members is both refreshing and assuring.

The club has been around for 12 years now and is constantly evolving. Schettine is hoping that MCLA and the North Adams population respond positively to this contemporary take on the Bard.

“This could be the type of show Yorick continues doing for the long run, but if the community isn’t behind this show as much as I think they will be, then we’ll probably head back to traditional Shakespeare,” she said.

Yorick is also working on putting together a few community workshops intended to help attendees further understand- and subsequently enjoyShakespeare. Last semester they held a banquet to raise the necessary funds, which took up the majority of their time.

“We are hoping to bring back Melissa Cairns from Shakespeare and Company to work on the club with various techniques,” Castagna said. “We all had a great time with her last year and she taught us a lot.”

Actress Brianna Lamb, ’18, considers Yorick to be a second family. They strive to include everyone and Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon provide ample opportunities for each member.

Yorick has gone through many structural changes With Schettine’s passion for Shakespeare, the theatre, in the past year, and Mallory Schettine has been at and getting the community involved, Yorick will the forefront, taking on the role as club president continue to flourish throughout the semester. and director of their Spring show.

A & E Writer

A & E Editor

Sadness and pain are two powerful emotions, and when translated into art, oftentimes create pieces that are a must-see, regardless of your background.

MCLA’s Gallery 51’s newest exhibition is one of those special cases.

Imagery of jail bars and chains adorn the gallery, of African American struggle and police brutality.

A casual browse through the exhibits will garner powerful thoughts of racial commentary, injustice, and a stark condemnation of contemporary dominant society, more so than any conversation on race held by relatively privileged students could.

Faces of the damned appear in three dimensional and traditional art, brought to life by professional artists from near and far, in a way that creates a message far more powerful that any Gallery 51 exhibition I’ve ever seen has.

I am not African American nor have I ever been to jail, or even encountered a police officer that was less than courteous and down to business, and yet this gallery moved me more so than any gallery has before. Pure human emotion and empathy is what #BlackLIvesMatter means to Gallery 51.

Photos by Liz Quirk/The Beacon It feels almost out of place to include the hashtag This is perhaps Gallery 51’s most striking exhibition, portraying racial injustice with pieces such as “Draw” by Celine in the gallery name. Twitter does not have the Browning (above), as well as smaller pieces such as “Momento Mori” by Kayteo Petro (below). reputation for being a particularly emotional or empathetic organization, lest professional, and the due to what they were portraying (African Americans work displayed in the gallery go far beyond the scope of the hanging) and needed no three dimensional gimmicks original campaign. Yet it is there because it served as this to get their points across. That’s not to say that the three exhibition’s inspiration. The work varies in age, with some dimensional paintings were of lesser value, just the two being up to ten years old, though most are from between dimensional paintings that worked worked well.

2014-2015. All of the pieces were new to me, and because Perhaps my favorite piece of art from the gallery was of the diverse reach of this showing, chances are most if not this gun sculpture by Celine Browning titled “Draw.” It’s all the pieces will be new to a casual onlooker. essentially two pistols merged into one, but their cold Three dimensional art and sculpture dominates the features fused into each other displayed upon the white exhibition. There’s just something about seeing a painting background of G51 has such an effect that stays in my mind with many layers that just pops, though there were plenty of long after I left. Most people are afraid of guns and I am two dimensional pieces, such as Vincent Ramaniello’s “I can’t no exception. It demands a very literal interpretation that breathe,” which is a multimedia painting that portrays the there are two sides to every conflict, but it seems so out of struggle of Eric Garner as he is suffocates along a gradually place in an art gallery. When presented amidst a gallery of corrupted computer screen, that left a lasting impression on police and societal provoked racial pain and suffering, the me. Michelle Thomas’s paintings in particular were striking sculpture begs the question, “Do we need guns?”

The Return of Frank Underwood and ‘House of Cards’

By Jonathan Hoel A & E Writer

While America grits its teeth through yet another jarring and insidious election year, it also finds itself simultaneously counting the days until the return of Netflix political-drama “House of Cards.”

In case you missed it, “House of Cards” is the gritty and ruthless story of the rise to power of Frank Underwood, a senator from South Carolina and majority house whip for the Democratic Party. Underwood, through dark and often cruel means, works his way to power; first to the vice-presidency at the end of the first season, then to the presidency itself.

Underwood is played by Academy-Award winner Kevin Spacey (“The Usual Suspects” & “American Beauty”). “House

of Cards” also stars Michael Kelly and Robin Wright, who won a Golden Globe for her performance in the show’s second season in 2014.

When we last left Underwood, it was during critical moments of a contentious reelection campaign against the other Democratic nominees. While Underwood initially suggests he will not run for reelection, he reneges on this and storms into the race.

Having won the Iowa Caucus, he is on his way to New Hampshire, when his wife, Claire, announces she is leaving him and walks out. The question on whether or not they will remain apart still looms, though it looks pretty bleak for the marriage.

For this upcoming season, the cast is expanding, with Joel

Tonight Valentine’s Day Candy Table Spires/SSDP/IGC/SDS Open Mic Night Campus Center 5-7 pm Orders delivered tomorrow

7

Murdock 218 at 7 pm

Kinnaman, former star of AMC/Netflix’s “The Killing,” as well as Colm Feore and Neve Campbell.

“House of Cards” was created by Beau Willimon, who penned the play “Farragut North” and subsequently the screenplay for the film “The Ides of March” based on that play. “House of Cards” is itself an adaptation of a British mini-series of the same name from 1990, starring Ian Richardson as Francis Urquhart who, like Underwood, begins as a House Whip and navigates his way to Prime Minister.

The key difference between the two series is the length. The BBC series is a trilogy, and at its climax, Urquhart is assassinated and the series ends. While we await the fourth season of the US “House of Cards,” Netflix has already announced its intentions for a fifth season in 2017.

Saturday

Valentine’s Day Gala The Holiday Inn at 9 pm

While admittedly, the quality of the third season was perhaps not quite up to the enormous standard set by the first two, it was still very enjoyable, with several scenes that blew most dramas of 2015 out of the water.

As for the upcoming season, Willimon is tight-lipped regarding the plot.

“I already know some of what’s going to happen for sure — but I’m not going to tell you any of it,” he told Indiewire’s Ben Travers.

“House of Cards” has been an enormous success, being the first first original online-only series to receive acclaim in major award circuits, winning 6 Emmys over its 3 seasons.

The fourth season premieres on March 4, the entire series available for viewing at once on Netflix on that day.

Next Saturday 11th Annual Step Competition

Williams College ‘62 Center at 7 pm

If you want an event featured, contact Mitchell Chapman on Office 365

8

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Campus Life

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Campus Events

SGA Highlights Constitutions

• Five more club constitutions are in the process of being reviewed

by SGA: the Education Club, Latin American Society, the Political Science Club, and the Multicultural Society. Club constitutions will be reviewed by the Student Senate on February 22.

Press Space

• SGA approved the “Press Space” sponsorship of $1,500. The lease on the space is currently active, and will be until June 30.

It’s on Us

• The It’s on Us campaign, which is raising awareness on campus

•

sexual assault, asked SGA for support in the creation of t-shirts for their cause. The campaign believes that this will allow for more advertisement SGA approved their request, providing the campaign $150.

Budgets The Budget Finance Committee is reviewing clubs budget requests.

They will soon be meeting with clubs and organizations individually, within the next few weeks. The budget will be brought to the Senate towards the end of February, with voting following toward the beginning of March.

Photo by Domonique Ackley/The Beacon Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon

Bridget Sutton having fun on stage at the BSU Unity party.

Students and Staff network at the Leadership conference.

Special Elections

• Nominations for the Special Elections were due on Feb. 8. No

•

primary elections will be taking place for this session due to the fact that not many people are running. Elections will be taking place on Feb. 17 in the Market Place. New members will be sworn in on Feb. 22.

Office Manager Search Update There have been some interviews to fill in the SGA Office Manager position, but mor need to be done before a final decision is reached.

Photo by Domonique Ackley/The Beacon

Karen Cardozo speaks at the Leadership conference.

Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon

DJ’s getting down at the BSU Unity party.

Class Reports

• The class of 2017 will be holding a class meeting that will be helping •

students fill out their taxes on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m in Sullivan Lounge.

FASFA help will also be available.

The class of 2019 will be holding a game night on March 1 in Murdock Hall 218.

Photo by Liz Quirk/The Beacon

What a crowd at the BSU Unity party!

MASSPIRG kicks off with two powerful guests

By Idalis Foster

Senior News Editor MASSPIRG began the semester with two special guests and three major campaigns for green energy, voting, and Hunger and Homelessness. Celia Norcross, director of Student Development, and State Representative Gail Cariddi, gave their encouragement to the group of students in attendance to go forth in making a change together.

Carridi referenced the campaign

by MASSPIRG to get young voters registered in time for the primary, as voting is a special topic to her.

“My favorite one is registering to vote because, really, working on all this other stuff is wonderful, but registering to vote and voting is a very powerful mechanism that you can add to everything you do,” Carridi said.

The three coordinators of MASSPIRG’s recent campaigns gave brief backgrounds on how they became involved with the organization and why their campaigns were important to them.

Senior Christian Kennedy is spearheading the fight to end climate change, a topic he connected with personally, being from the Pittsfield area.

“When GE left Pittsfield, primaries are they left an environmental coming up, and economic disaster and I believe which cost thousands it is important of people their jobs,” for students to Kennedy said. “[There make decisions are] thousands more who on the country contracted cancer and and have their developmental disorders voices heard,” from the PCB’s that were Stewart said. left behind and [damaged] Alum David the ecosystem.”

Robert was in Sophomore Lyna attendance as Benantar is the well to support coordinator of the Hunger MASSPIRG and Homelessness as a former campaign, in which she campaign hopes to work with local coordinator shelters and pantries to and intern. donate time and resources.

He described “Hunger and how interning homelessness are huge for the problems around the organization world, including here gave him Courtesy of MASSPIRG MCLA Chapter in the United States,” Taryn Andrews, Kassandra Jernegan, Julia Daly assist with v a l u a b l e Benantar said. “There is voter registration. experience a higher percentage of and how its is the coordinator of a campaign hunger and homelessness in this Carridi agrees is important, which engagement with students was area, the Berkshire County, than is getting students registered to inspirational to him as a student. any of the rest of the state.”

“I would highly recommend vote. With dates for deadlines In looking for a way to give back readily available, Stewart urged interning with MASSPIRG to to the local community and help students to register before it is too anyone thinking about ways to in some way, Benantar felt that late. gain experience for their résumé this problem remained largely graduating,” Robert “I chose to be a coordinator for before unaddressed and could always use the New Voters Project because I said. “My advice to students more helping hands. know that the 2016 presidential reading this is to volunteer with Sophomore Alexander Stewart MASSPIRG this semester, and

get your feet wet in grassroots activism.”

Robert highly recommended looking into interning with the organization next semester due to the upcoming election and the fact that the issues in MASSPIRG campaigns are important to our country at this time.

Robert also worked on a campaign to get big money out of politics a year before Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders joined the race, and he is excited to see his goals for a former campaign playing out today.

Stewart, Kennedy and Benantar all agreed with Robert’s sentiments in their own monologues and responses. MASSPIRG’s influence and hard work impressed them and brought them to their current positions after interning with the organization.

To get involved with MASSPIRG or any of its campaigns as a volunteer, contact their Campus Organizer Michael Basmajian at michael@masspirgstudents.com.

Their meetings are Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Murdock 218 and coordinators of individual campaigns can be contacted through Outlook for more information.

Campus Life

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Freshman publishes her first book in print to go forward Arts and Entertainment Editor with print works.

Her Self-publishing is not an next work has easy process, but it can be a tentative title done, and competently so. of “Tale of the Freshman Amber Harris is Rebel,” which the newest MCLA student she describes as to go that route, joining a cross between the ranks of junior Emily George Orwell’s Meidenbauer, MCLA “1984” and alum Makayla CourtneyMargaret McGeeney, and MCLA Atwood’s “The veteran Mandi Lynn H a n d m a i d ’s Strzelewicz, with her first Tale,” though release “Conductor of the no further Damned.” details have “I got bored one day and been released. started writing it,” Harris E v e n t u a l l y, said. “I chose CreateSpace Photo by Mitchell Chapman/The Beacon Harris wants to to publish it because it’s a Amber Harris, ‘19 describes her newly published book, tiled release a series good print service and it Conductor of the Demand. of full-length was easy to use.” novels, though difficult to find people to “Conductor of the Damned” CreateSpace, a service edit it. Two people who said follows the story of Mark they are still in early stages of Amazon, is a popular they would do it ended up and Lindsey, two lost souls of planning. choice for new authors, giving up, so I did a lot of that find themselves deep in “I just want to write more and offers free and paid the revisions myself.” a form of purgatory labeled to get my name out there,” services, ranging from Harris took “Experiments the “Isle of the Damned,” Harris said. “Right now copy and line editing, to in Creative Writing,” with an odd sort of world that is more important than professional designers, Professor Jeffrey McRae, steeped in Christian values. anything, but I do hope e-Book conversion tools, which helped her further Throughout the book, they eventually that it inspires and marketing, though flesh out her work and encounter many different people. I hope to write more Harris chose to do much of understand the content characters, some that novellas in the future.” the work herself. required for prose, as well as deserve to be in purgatory, As far as advice for any “Some people say that self- help get her started with the and others that don’t. student considering using publishing is less quality, but editing process. The class is According to Harris, CreateSpace to publish their that’s not true, just more of a workshop-based one, so “Conductor of the Damned” work, Harris recommended the work is on you,” Harris she regularly got her peers’ is meant to be a one-off that students familiarize explained. “It was really feedback on her work. story, though she has plans themselves with the terms

By Mitchell Chapman

9

and conditions, as well as the site interface before creating works of their own.

She also recommended starting the marketing process early on.

“Conductor of the Damned” is available in both print and Kindle edition, though a cent separates them in prices. The print version currently costs $7.00, with the e-book being priced at $6.99. The book is 27 pages long. The book is currently only available in paperback and large print. You can order a copy on Amazon.

Photo by Mitchell Chapman/The Beacon

Harris was guided by her creative writing class with professor Jeffrey McRae, which helped flesh-out her ideas and begin editing.

Bowman’s doors unlatched on the weekends

By Harmony Birch Co-Editor-in-Chief

Ask and you might receive.

At the annual fall RA training event students asked interim President Jim Clemmer why the newly renovated Bowman Hall wasn’t open for weekends.

The issue was later brought to SGA attention and SGA president Allie Kadell

Photo by Shunquell Dennis/The Beacon

The newly renovated Cafe in Bowman features a study space complete with computers.

pushed the topic further to administration.

The conversation took nearly a month to decide, according to Catherine Holbrook, vice president of Student Affairs.

Concerns about the safety of having Bowman open during the weekends was brought up. After the Science Center was opened in 2013 it was open for use during weekends. Later in March of 2014, a number of fixtures and furniture ended up vandalized. The Science Center cut down its hours and upped its security.

“The Science building has significantly more expensive science equipment than bowman does,” Holbrook said.

Administration eventually decided that it was worth the risk to open Bowman, and the conversation led to

ideas,” Holbrook said.

Among the new Bowman fixtures being ordered will be blinds. “Falculty have said that you all get distracted,” Holbrook said. A projector for The Math Lounge is also being ordered.

Another new amenity being considered is an extension of the Bowman Café’s hours.

Dining services is currently considering opening the cafe on Sunday nights.

One of the big draws of opening Bowman up was the plethora of student space it holds. Holbrook made sure facilities and public safety were on board with Photo by Harmony Birch/The Beacon the opening. The building is Lyna Benantar ‘18 studies during the new extended hours in Bowman’s now on public safety rounds Student Lounge. during weekends. other conversations about “We designed a building Bowman will be open from loosening the Science based off of the student and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday building’s hours, and teaching perspective, and and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ordering more equipment when people start to use it on Sundays. for Bowman. students bubble up great

10

Thursday, February 11. 2016

Sports

Beacon.MCLA.edu

Salem State edges out MCLA Big fourth quarter from Salem State dooms Trailblazers in crucial MASCAC game

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

Salem State junior Kaitlyn Bryan scored 11 of her game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter as the Vikings rallied back to defeat the Trailblazers 72-61 on Saturday.

With the loss, MCLA falls to 1110 overall and 3-6 in MASCAC competition, while Salem State improved to 7-15 overall and are now 3-6 in conference play.

The game began with a highscoring first quarter that saw both teams shoot a strong percentage from the field. The Trailblazers got three pointers from three different freshmen as Mckenzie Robinson, Karina Mattera and Courtney Pingelski all connected from downtown during the first quarter, helping the Trailblazers establish a 19-13 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the Trailblazer bench take control of the game, as the second unit for MCLA combined to score 15 points in the quarter. The offense got going with baskets from junior Courtney Durivage and freshman L’Rae Brundige. Pingelski would hit two three pointers, which were followed by a layup from Robinson. Freshman Sam Gawron nailed a three and Pingelski followed with a layup.

Salem State freshman Katie McDonnell would get three offensive rebounds on a single position and converted a lay-up as time expired in the first half, with MCLA taking a 38-31 lead into the half.

Salem State started the second half strong, Bryan and freshman Kia Fernandes scored quick buckets to cut the Trailblazer lead to three. The two teams got threepointers from Mattera and Salem State’s Malissa Saad and the team’s continued to trade baskets for the

rest of the quarter, with MCLA holding onto a 50-47 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Junior Kayla Hotaling made a jumper with 8:16 remaining in the game to give MCLA a 56-51 lead, but from there Salem State would go on a 15-0 run that would give them complete control of the game.

Bryan made back-to-back layups and sophomore Katrina Joubert converted a layup plus the foul, with the free throw giving Salem State a 58-56 lead. On the next possession Saad would deliver an and-1 layup of her own to increase the lead to five. Senior forward Tahira Peralta made a jump shot and Bryan would nail a three pointer with 3:15 remaining to give Salem a 66-56 lead.

Mattera would hit a three out of a timeout for MCLA, but Salem State would go 6-8 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the victory, 72-61. With the win Salem State avenged a 4741 loss earlier this season to the Trailblazers, and the two teams are now tied for fifth place in the MASCAC. Pingelski scored 18 points off of the bench while Mattera led the Trailblazers with 20 points on 7-14 shooting, going 4-7 from beyond the arc. It was Mattera’s second consecutive game scoring 20 or more points, as she scored 22 points during the team’s loss to Westfield State last Wednesday.

Salem State was led by Bryan, who scored 28 points and also added 9 rebounds and 5 steals.

Senior captain Saad had 16 points and 9 rebounds to support Bryan.

The Trailblazers were playing without junior Ashley Clawson, who was out with an injury.

Clawson, a three-year starter, leads the team in minutes and assists and was replaced in the start-

Photo by Shunquell Dennis/The Beacon

Trailblazer freshman Karina Mattera recored her second consecutive 20 point game on Saturday against Salem State. Mattera is averaging 12.4 points per game in conference games. ing lineup by freshman Mckenzie Robinson. Robinson finished the game with 5 points, 6 assists and 2 steals. MCLA head coach Holly McGovern talked about replacing Clawson in the lineup.

“Ashley is very special in regards to her leadership skills. She has a constant voice offensively and defensively in getting the team on the same page, and she has been able to fine tune those skills in the last three years,” McGovern said.

“I think it is difficult to replace that giving the fact it was less than

a day for us to prepare. Mckenzie played 39 minutes, so I couldn’t have asked for more.”

MCLA is currently sixth in the MASCAC, trailing Worcester State by half a game. Westfield State is first with a conference record of 8-1, Framingham State is in second with a record of 7-2 and Bridgewater State is in third with a record of 6-2. McGovern talked about what the team needs to do to compete with the top teams in the conference.

“We need to believe we can play

with the top tier teams,” McGovern said. “Right now, I think we are settling in stretches of a game and that needs to change in order for us to compete against the best.”

The Trailblazers played Framingham State on Wednesday and will travel to Fitchburg State on Saturday before hosting Norwich University on Tuesday in nonconference play. MCLA will wrap up their regular season a week from Saturday when they travel to Bridgewater State.

Was Super Bowl 50 Peyton’s last game?

By Tyler Bacon

Sports Columnist The Denver Broncos season was up-and-down but it ended on the highest note possible: a Super Bowl win. For Peyton Manning, it is the perfect way to ride off into the sunset.

In the Super Bowl he only threw for 141 yards, zero touchdown passes and one interception. In his prime, he could throw for more yards in one quarter. He was saved by his great defense that harassed Cam Newton and the Panther’s offense all game.

Rarely in professional sports does an athlete get to retire on

his own terms and have a happy ending. Peyton Manning has that chance and should take it. He’s already an all-time great quarterback. He has nothing left to prove.

Manning turns 40-years-old in a little more than a month. His body is not going to get any better and is slowly giving out on him.

He was benched early in the year and barely got the starting job back. He was a backup quarterback for the first time since he was in college in Tennessee.

Manning’s arm will never be as strong as it once was. On Sunday, he was throwing some passes that floated in the air to his receivers.

Every time he drops back to pass and gets hit you hold your breath hoping he doesn’t get seriously hurt.

He’s already had four neck surgeries and this season he had to deal with a partially torn plantar fascia in his left foot for a most of the season.

Understandably, the future Hall of Famer side-stepped every postgame question about whether he would retire or not. He didn’t want to make an emotional decision.

At the very least, he seems to be done with the Broncos. Brock Osweiler is a free agent this offseason and I bet the Broncos front office would like to see him at the reigns next season.

Manning won’t get an opportunity to play with a defense the caliber of the one he had this season.

His performance in the Super Bowl will not get it done in most situations.

I’m sure he will get a few calls from teams to see if he is interested in starting over somewhere else next season. On ESPN a couple of weeks ago, the soon-to-be Los Angeles Rams were interested in him. It would be smart for him to step off the stage and never look back. It doesn’t matter if he

Photo from Tribune News Services

Despite limited physical ability, Manning was able to walk off of the field Sunday as a Super Bowl Champion. The veteran quarterback will turn 40 this March and has yet to announce his plans for next season. was wearing blue and white with the Colts or orange and blue with the Broncos, Manning is a twotime Super Bowl Champion.

Father Time is undefeated and time has run out on Peyton Manning. If this is it for Manning…

Sports

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Beacon.MCLA.edu

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Trailblazers axed by Vikings

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

Salem State shot 57 percent from the field in route to a 54 point first half and held off a MCLA comeback attempt to pick up their fifth consecutive road victory on Saturday. The loss drops MCLA to 5-16 on the season and 1-8 in conference play, while Salem State improves to 14-8 overall and are now 8-1 in MASCAC competition.

Salem State led 8-5 in the early going, but the Vikings would go on a 12-2 run that put them ahead 20-7 following a jump shot from junior Marcus Faison with 14:24 to go in the first half.

The Vikings would slowly grow their lead throughout the rest of the half as they continued to shoot a strong percentage from the field and went into the half with a 54-27 lead. MCLA struggled to contain Salem State big man Drew Healy, who was dominant in the paint during the first.

Healy, who came into the game averaging 10 points per game, scored 11 in the first half on 5-6 shooting as MCLA had a difficult time preventing the 6’9” sophomore from getting near the rim.

MCLA’s offense was stifled in the first quarter, in large part due to leading scorer Khalil Paul picking up two quick fouls, limiting the senior to only six minutes in

Hot shooting Salem State topples MCLA, 96-72

the first half. Fellow senior Paul Maurice also struggled in the first half, going 0-4 from the field and committing five turnovers. The Trailblazers were boosted by the strong play of the junior front court duo of Adam Conquest and Dakari Hannah-Wornum who combined for 20 points and 7 rebounds in the first half.

The Trailblazers began the second half determined to mount a rally and opened the half on a 14-5 run to cut the lead down to 19. Eager to make up for lost time, Paul scored 7 points in the first three minutes of the half, but was whistled for a third foul with 15:58 to go in the second half and was forced to come out of the game.

With Paul sitting on the bench, MCLA’s offense was limited and Salem State was able to calmly nurse its lead. The Trailblazers did manage to reduce the lead to 12 with just under four minutes to play, but the Vikings closed out the game on a 12-0 run to win the game 96-72.

The Trailblazers were led by Hannah-Wornum, who had a strong outing with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Conquest had 13 points and junior Careem Kirksey had 11 points off of the bench. Freshman point guard KiShawn Monroe set a new career high with 8 assists. MCLA shot only 38 percent from the field

during the game and were hampered by 20 team turnovers.

Foul trouble was a thorn in the side of the Trailblazers all game, as their top two scorers, Paul and Maurice, were forced to play limited in minutes throughout the game. Maurice fouled out after playing 23 minutes and Paul fouled out after just 16 minutes of play.

Salem State was led by sophomore Shaquan Murray who finished with a game high 23 points, Faison added 17 points and 14 rebounds and Healy finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds. The Vikings shot just under 50 percent from the field and played a clean game, committing only 11 turnovers.

The Trailblazers have been decent on the offensive end, averaging 73.1 points per game, the fourth best total in the conference.

Defensively. MCLA has struggled , allowing opponents to score 85 points per game, the highest total in the conference.

MCLA hosted conference rival Framingham State on Wednesday and will travel to Fitchburg State on Saturday. MCLA will play their final home game of the season on Tuesday as they welcome nonconference opponent Pine Manor College. The Trailblazers will then head to Bridgewater State next Saturday when they finish their regular season against the Bears.

Photo by Shunquell Dennis/The Beacon

Junior Anderson Dalmace has been a key component of an MCLA bench unit that has brought energy to the team.

Cam Newton and the Panthers Rugby looking to have a lot to learn for next year add new players Fair Territory

By Jesse Collings Sports Editor

After the final seconds of Super Bowl 50 had ticked away and the Denver Broncos were crowned the champions of the world, two narratives developed. The first one concerned the Bronco quarterback Peyton Manning, who had rallied back from various injuries over the last several seasons to win his second championship in what is likely to be his final season.

The other narrative was not so joyous, this one concerned the performance of the Carolina Panthers and their star quarterback, Cam Newton. Newton and the Panthers had exhibited a cocky swagger throughout the regular

season and the playoffs, a swagger that appealed to some fans while simultaneously disgusting others.

Carolina came into the Super Bowl extremely confident in their abilities, as any championship team should. Unfortunately, Carolina did not live up to their expectations, being badly outcoached and out-executed for the entire game, going out with not a bang but a whimper.

Newton was the focal point for Carolina both on and off the field.

His size and athleticism matched by his charisma and marketability. Leading up to the Super Bowl, Newton was his typical outgoing self, declaring that the NFL had never seen a player like him before and that people were afraid of him.

On gameday the Denver defense was anything but afraid, swarming Newton, who completed less than 50 percent of his passes and committed three turnovers.

With Carolina down by six in the fourth quarter and deep in their own territory, Newton fumbled the football and appeared disconcerted with recovering the fumble, electing to move away from the scrum as Denver recovered the fumble that all but ensured a Bronco championship.

The worst was still yet to come

for Newton. On the ensuing Denver possession the Bronco’s were given a fresh set of downs due to a holding penalty on Carolina.

After the penalty was called the CBS cameras caught Newton rolling on the ground, expressing the mental composure of a toddler.

After the game Newton appeared before the media and gave abrupt, one word answers before unceremoniously leaving the podium. The backlash from the media and the general public was overwhelmingly negative and rightfully so.

So many teams in sports today are motivated by proving those who doubt them that they are wrong. The knock on Carolina was that they were a cocky team who didn’t represent themselves well off the field. Carolina came into the Super Bowl, got punched right in the mouth and then all of a sudden that swagger was gone and in it’s place was fear and doubt.

Newton however, probably did more damage with his post game interview. If Newton wanted to prove the doubters wrong, he could have shown great class and humility in his post game interview, much like his coach Ron Rivera did. There is no shame in being shut down by a Denver.

February 1- The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Rugby team has entered its off season with hopes of recruiting more players for their upcoming tournaments at Williams College and the famous “Snow Bowl” at Lyndon State University. Unlike some sports, the rugby season is year round and can be practiced indoor and outdoor.

“We are trying to recruit ten more members this off season,” Ryan Perkins, the team’s Vice President said.

“We need those new players to attend as many off season practices as possible so they can learn how MCLA plays rugby MCLA Rugby is planning on starting it’s off season practices by the end of this month.

That will give them enough

defense that had already strangled Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady, two quarterbacks with much thicker resumes than Newton.

Instead, Newton elected to confirm what his doubters already believed about him, that he was a cocky character that lacked class.

Newton could have gained the respect of his detractors, but unfortunately he elected to prove them

time to incorporate any new players and show them how to play. Last season, the team had twenty-two players and almost half of them were new.

“There is a slight learning curve,” Perkins said.

“But in general, rugby is easy to learn and play. You do not need to be the biggest guy on the field to make an impact,” he said.

The first tournament is against Williams beginning on the weekend of March 12th. The rugby team has asked that the school provide adequate transportation to the tournament if any students would like to attend, and they have obliged.

Anyone who is interested in joining the team should contact Ryan Perkins on Outlook 365 at rp6592@mcla.edu.

right.

America enjoys charismatic and confident athletes, but they also want those same athletes to be gracious in defeat. If Manning had lost the Super Bowl, there is no way he would have acted like Newton did, which is one of the reasons most fans appreciate and respect Manning. Newton could benefit by taking a lesson from Peyton.

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Photo Essay

Beacon.MCLA.edu

“Power Position T” is a two panel piece created by Kim Darling of Omaha, Neb.

What Does #BlackLivesMatter m e a n t o yo u ?

What does Black Lives Matter mean to you? is an exhibit on display at Gallery 51 until February 28th. The exhibition was curated by MCLA professors Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed and Melanie Mowinski. Thirty artists are featured in the exhibition.

Photos by Liz Quirk

“Freddie Gray Baltimore Riots II” (Study) by David Brewster.

Melissa Haim’s “Black Lives Matter.”

Mary Joseph’s “Target I AM Not.”

“Permission to Kill Me” by Michelle Thomas.