October 20, 2011 - Issue 5

The Beacon

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

Volume 74 Issue 5 For more content, visit online at: theonlinebeacon.com

Th u r s d ay, O c t o b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 1

Breaking the ground

Soledad O’Brien lectures tonight Press Release

Photo by John Durkan/Beacon Staff

Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray were among the guests at Friday’s groundbreaking of the Center for Science and Innovation.

Officials dig in Gov. Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, Mayor Dick Alcombright and others join MCLA for the groundbreaking of the Center for Science and Innovation

By Chris Goodell Managing Editor

The Center for Science and Innovation took another step forward last Friday as members of the College community, along with state officials, gathered to take part in the ground-breaking ceremony.

The speaking portion of the ceremony was moved to Church Street Center due to rain, but this did not dampen the spirits of President Mary Grant.

“Despite the gloomy skies outside, this is a very bright day for MCLA,” Grant said.

“This institution begins a new era today,” said SGA President Todd Foy. “Two years from now, dreams will become a reality.”

The first new academic building for MCLA in 40 years, the three-story, 65,000 square-foot Science Center will house the College’s Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Psychology, and Physics Departments.

According to Carole Cornelison, the Commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Man-

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agement (DCAM), the new building will have several energy-saving features.

“It will be a true center of innovation,” Cornelison said. “We’ve incorporated cutting-edge technologies and renewable features.” These features include photovoltaic cells to make use of solar power and heat recovery wheels to salvage and recycle useful air from the building.

“Together, we’re making Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts a greener place,” Cornelison said.

According to Jeremy Oberc, a representative from Einhorn Yaffee Prescott (EYP) Architecture & Engineering, the new building draws its inspiration from the design of Murdock Hall. The Science Center will have several meeting spaces and a 72-person lecture Hall, he said.

“The new building will reinvent how the sciences are taught here at MCLA,” Oberc said.

Ann Billetz, chair of the Biology Department, is excited to have a central campus location to house the various science departments.

Election season blues

With about a year to go until the next presidential election, will the media finally shift its attention to more legitimate candidates?

Opinion, page 14

“All of the sciences will finally be together in the same building, so we can function as a team,” she said.

Governor Deval Patrick stated that the Science Center represents an investment in not only higher education, but the economy of Massachusetts as well.

“It’s important to the region and the Commonwealth,” Patrick said. “Brain power is our natural resource here [in Massachusetts]. We’re growing jobs faster in the Commonwealth than 44 other states.”

Paul Reville, secretary of the Office of Education, added that supporting science-related jobs will be important in correcting today’s economic situation.

“The problem we’re trying to solve now is an economic one,” Reville said. “We will be largely responsible for getting out of this crisis.”

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray said that the Science Center will be important in shaping future generations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Journalist and author Soledad O’Brien, who serves as an anchor and special correspondent for CNN, will speak at this fall’s Hardman Lecture Series event at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the MCLA Church Street Center.

The lecture is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.

O’Brien is the former anchor of “CNN’s American Morning” and a former reporter for “NBC News,” where she hosted “Weekend Today.” Her latest documentaries include “Rescued and New Orleans: Rising.” Previously, she reported for CNN’s critically acclaimed documentary series, “Black in America and Latino in America.”

Her memoir, “The Next Big Story: My Journey Through the Land of Possibilities,” recounts her most compelling moments as a reporter and how they have shaped her perspective on America.

At MCLA, O’Brien will give an insider’s look at what it takes to re-

Photo courtesy of MCLA

O’Brien will present at the Church Street Center. port for CNN’s “In America” unit.

Using her experiences, O’Brien will show all the strategies, hard work, and attention to detail that is needed to report on those untold, in-depth stories that reflect what America is today. O’Brien reports stories about the complex fabric of who we are in this country and brings to you the people, events and issues that are often ignored by mainstream media.

The Hardman Lecture Series is made possible through the generosity of the Hardman Family Endowment. For more information, call (413) 662-5185, or go to www. mcla.edu/speakers.

Smashing records!

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Senior Kayla Bromback spikes the ball against Elms College.

Bromback broke the all-time kills record for MCLA on Thursday.

FOR STORY - SEE SPORTS, PAGE 10

CENTER, continued on page 3

Minerva Arts Center hosts ‘Night of the Living Dead’ Saturday’s performance will feature the musical act ‘After the Apocalypse’ Arts and Entertainment, page 6

Index

News World News Features A&E Sports: Science

2-3 4 5 6-8 9-11 12

Letters to the Editor Campus Comment Commentary Comics/Games Horoscopes Photo Essay

13 13 14 15 15 16

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News

Thursday, October 20, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

Boo Bash returns Oct. 26 Press Release

The Residence Area Advisory Boards and the Center for Service and Citizenship at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host the 17th annual “Boo Bash” for children and their parents on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Berkshire Towers dormitory building will feature a decorated entrance, trick or treating, and a costume party for the expected crowd. Berkshire Towers is located on Church Street, across the street from Murdock Hall.

Children from ages 6 to 11 are encouraged to come, accompanied by a parent, or guardian.

For more information, please contact Emily Schiavoni at the Residential Programs & Services Office at 413-662-5249.

Correction: In the article “Students seek sexual assault policy reform,” Alyssa Labonte was misquoted.

MCLA does NOT have an Amnesty Policy regarding alcohol.

Attention: Course listings for the Spring semester are now available at Freel Library

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Professor Ben Kahn speaks at the OccupyMCLA meeting on Saturday.

OccupyMCLA makes strides Students discuss plans to mobilize and reach the community about the movement

By John Durkan Editor-in-Chief

At times the discussion regarding Wall Street became heated in CC324 Saturday. But everyone could agree on many of the key issues this nation faces – the uneven distribution of wealth and a system that, as sophomore Tim Shiebler said, makes social mobility increasingly difficult.

“One thing that really has, over the last forty years, disturbed me is that the top ten percent of the United States own 90 percent of all wealth and means of production, and 90 percent of us owns only ten percent of development,” said professor Ben Kahn. “That’s the most inequitable distribution of wealth and opportunity I’ve seen in the United States.”

In addition, Kahn spoke extensively about how the nation needs to ween itself off its addiction to oil and the overseas competition with outsourcing that Americans will never be able to compete with.

About 30 people attended the first OccupyMCLA general assembly to discuss and further understand the nation’s problems and why the Occupy Wall Street movement is happening all across the world. Furthermore, the group decided to take more action.

Russell Freedman, the Massachusetts State Coordinator of the Progressive Democrats of America, said the movement needs to be active both on the streets and in the ballot box.

Junior Catt Chaput said that

politicians act on voter’s demands. She related her own experiences thus far with running for North Adams City Council and said she has a list of voters and specifically target their support.

Freedman said the demonstrations are “giving backbone to the people in Congress.”

“When they start looking again at their demographics, as to who’s out there and where the energy is, it gives them a little strength to stand up and vote for things like work bills, job bills and things like that,” Freedman said.

Dr. Peter May, a North Adams resident and activist, encouraged students to demand public statements from their representatives about the Occupy Wall Street

movement. He said every member of Congress needs to make it clear that he or she is either on the movement’s side or against it.

“Make demands, don’t ask,” May said.

“Ultimately, what we’re talking about is taking back out government,” Freedman said.

Furthermore, May told students to demand that representatives join them in future meetings.

The organizer of the meeting, senior Walter Bouchard, identified four future goals of the movement for MCLA students.

First, Bouchard suggested the students arrange a trip to either New York City or Boston to join the rally. Shiebler, who has been to both cities, encouraged everyone to go along. Bouchard hopes the College will facilitate the trip. No progress has yet been made on this goal.

Second, OccupyMCLA hopes to reach out to the community and inform them about the movement – it’s goals, how people can contribute, and how this affects them.

Third, the group seeks to contact officials, alert them about the movement and their concerns, and to encourage them to take their side in the movement.

Lastly, Bouchard said they need to organize more assemblies. Currently, the next meeting is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Quad.

The group encourages everyone to join them at the next assembly and to follow the Facebook page OccupyMCLA for more updates.

News

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Where have all the women gone?

Professor Petra Hejnova will discuss the declining role of women in post-communism Czech Republic politics on Friday

By Skyla Seamans Senior News Editor

Petra Hejnova, history and political science professor, will speak on Friday, Oct. 21, at the second Brown Bag Lecture of the semester.

All students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to join her for her lecture, “Disappearing Dissidents: Women and Politics in Post-communist Czech Republic,” which will begin at 3 p.m. in the Smith House.

Hejnova’s lecture is based on a paper she composed which focuses on 24 in-depth interviews with Czechoslovakian dissidents, who answer the question of why men dominate mainstream politics and why women, who were once involved, are no longer prominent figures in the political field.

“This paper is important because it is the only study of Czechoslovak female dissidents conducted after the fall of communism,” she said.

Her paper also adds to literature created on the general topic

of women’s participation in politics, Hejnova said.

“The fall of communism in former Czechoslovakia was accompanied by the retreat of women from mainstream politics,” she said. “Unlike in the case of other communist countries, Czech and Slovak women played an important role in the country’s opposition movement.”

Hejnova’s lecture will bring main themes of her paper and work on this topic to the community and will encourage discussion regarding women and politics, specifically in the Czech Republic.

Brown Bag Lecture Petra Hejnova presents: “Disappearing Dissidents: Women and Politics in Post-communist Czech Republic” Friday, 3 p.m.

Smith House All are welcome

Photo by John Durkan/Beacon Staff

President Mary Grant, State Representative Gail Cariddi and Governor Deval Patrick fielded questions from the media following the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday.

Ground broken on Center for Science and Innovation CENTER, continueed from page 1

“It’s our past and our present that lays the foundation for the future,” he said.

“It will serve students who become future community leaders,” agreed Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto.

Of the $56.2 million to fund this project, which also includes renovations to Bowman Hall, $54.5 million comes from the state’s 2008 higher education bond bill.

“This bond bill is the greatest investment in higher education in the last four decades,” said Richard Freeland, commissioner of the Department of Higher

Education.

According to Jay Gonzalez, secretary of the Executive Office of Administration & Finance, the percentage of the state’s capital budget being invested in higher education has increased from 3 percent to 13 percent since Governor Patrick took office.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Stephen Crowe, chair of the Board of Trustees; North Adams Mayor Dick Alcombright; State Senator Benjamin Downing; State Representative Smitty Pignatelli; and Biology majors Jennifer Jean Baptiste and Jerry Kiahon.

theonlinebeacon.com

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Scully updates SGA SGA also discussed moving common time to the middle of the week

By Nicole Knapp Staff Writer

At Monday’s SGA meeting, members gathered to swear in new senators, hear updates on the Green Team, and discuss other concerns.

One issue discussed at length by the SGA members was the idea of shifting common time, a block of time where there are no classes scheduled. Members spoke of how the benefits would include a lunch period or a time when students would have time to get something to eat. Senator Jason Brown added that with the shift of common time, students would be able to attend college events. Senator Hawa Umarova thought it should be moved to the middle of the week. As of right now, common time is on Fridays after 3 p.m.

“Common time is like the third rail of scheduling,” said SGA President Todd Foy. “Essentially, no one wants to touch it.”

Caroline Scully, sustainability coordinator and chair of the Green Team, gave updates on the Sustainability Committee.

She spoke about the Association of Colleges and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which works to reduce the College’s carbon output. In an upcoming Greenhouse Gas

“Common time is like the third rail of scheduling.

Essentially, no one wants to touch it.”

- Todd Foy, SGA president Report for January 15, 2012, the College will plan to become carbon neutral by a chosen date.

Also, fallen leaves from campus will now be delivered to Square Roots Farm in Clarksburg to be made into compost.

Previously, the leaves had been delivered to the Transfer Station, North Adams Cemetery, the Athletic Complex, and the

Houghton Community Garden.

By being delivered to the farm, the carbon of the leaves will be incorporated into the soil to enrich it and to avoid being released into the atmosphere.

Scully said that hopefully within the next week or two, there will be recycling at the Athletic Complex, a success because it has been a long time coming.

Another electronic waste pickup will be held by the end of the semester. Scully also said the implementation of the Bike Share is something the Green Team will support in any way they can.

Scully also addressed a question on how green changes, such as recycling, can be made to go faster.

“I think that one of the problems is there’s no budget for sustainability,” she said, adding that additional problems include no one person being in charge and not enough awareness.

Other issues brought up included the problem of to-go dining and its options, and the wish to extend library hours.

The Ski Club budget and Good Vibes budget were also passed.

Freak... in the SAC

Freak Week 2011

Sunday Oct. 23: Humans vs. Zombies Monday Oct. 24: We want your blood: Blood Drive Tuesday Oct. 25: Comedy Stop: Hypnotist Dr. Steve Taubman - 9pm, Venable Theater Friday Oct. 28: SNS Murder Mystery Saturday Oct. 29: Spooky World - Sign-ups 3rd floor campus center room 318 Monday Oct. 31: Spooky Sundaes

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

National/World News

Obama continues to sell job bill Obama visits North Carolina and Virginia to campaign and promote bill.

By Julie Pace Associated Press JAMESTOWN, N.C. — President Barack Obama sought Tuesday to recapture some of the bipartisan appeal that helped get him elected, while using the opportunity to assail GOP lawmakers for blocking his jobs bill.

Appearing in politically important North Carolina to promote his economic measures and his re-election, Obama promised he would work with GOP lawmakers on any serious plan they put forward to help get Americans back to work.

“I’m not the Democratic president or the Republican president. I’m the president,’’ Obama said as the supportive crowd at a community college near Greensboro rose to its feet. The comment echoed Obama’s 2008 campaign trail refrain about America being the “United States” and not simply a collection of red states and blue states.

Bipartisan rhetoric aside, Obama has had few discussions with any Republicans about the $447 billion jobs bill that Senate Republicans blocked last week.

The bill is being broken into pieces so Congress can vote on its individual components.

“We got 100 percent ‘no’ from Republicans in the Senate,” Obama said. “Now that doesn’t make any sense.”

He said the GOP jobs plan amounts to gutting environmental regulations, increasing domestic oil production, rolling back Obama-era reforms of the financial system and repealing the health care law enacted last year.

“Now that’s a plan,’’ Obama said, “but it’s not a jobs plan.”

The White House denies Obama is on a campaign trip. But immediately after his remarks, the president climbed aboard his sleek, million-dollar, Secret Service-approved black bus for a fivehour ride to Emporia, Va. The bus rolled to a stop a short time later at Reid’s House, in Reidsville, N.C., and the diverse crowd cheered loudly as Obama entered the restaurant for lunch.

The president worked the room, stopping to chat with one local couple who said they’d been married 59 years and joking that he and his wife, Michelle, had 40

years to go to catch up. He even complimented a local resident who said he worked in the funeral business, exclaiming, “Fantastic, that’s important work!”

Afterward, Obama encountered Laketta Hussain, who was among a group waiting outside and was using a very old cell phone or a cordless phone to talk to her grandmother. Obama took the phone and spoke for a few minutes. “I’m doing good,’’ he said, “except your granddaughter needs a new cell phone.”

Obama is on the last day of a three-day tour through North Carolina and Virginia that is giving him a chance to sit back, admire the colorful fall foliage and bask in some small-town Southern hospitality.

The stated purpose of the trip was to continue selling the jobs bill. But Obama is also selling himself, trying to pump up voters whose enthusiasm may have waned. That’s particularly important in North Carolina, a state he wrested from Republicans in 2008 but that could slip from his grasp next November.

Mass rallies rejoice freed Palestinians Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released Tuesday, striking celebrations.

By Diaa Hadid and Mohammed Daraghmeh Associated Press GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Tens of thousands of flag-waving Palestinians celebrated the homecoming Tuesday of hundreds of prisoners swapped for an Israeli soldier, as political leaders jockeyed for credit for the most significant prisoner release by Israel in nearly three decades.

In downtown Gaza City, Hamas organized a homecoming celebration that turned into a show of strength by the Islamic militant group, which seized control of Gaza from its rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, more than four years ago. Tens of thousands crammed into a sandy lot, where a huge stage was set up, decorated with a mural depicting Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit’s capture in a June 2006 at an army base near the Gaza border. Thousands hoisted green Hamas flags.

A majority of the 477 prisoners freed Tuesday, in exchange for Schalit, had been serving life terms for killing Israelis, and their release violated a long-standing Israeli pledge not to free those with “blood on their hands.” Schalit was captured more than five years ago by Hamas-allied militants, and Gaza’s Hamas rulers negotiated the swap, with Egyptian mediation.

More than 300 of the prisoners arrived in Gaza, the rest in the West Bank. Mass celebration rallies were under way in both of the Palestinian territories.

One of the released Hamas leaders, Yehiye Sinwar, called on the group’s military wing to kidnap more Israeli soldiers in order to free the remaining prisoners in Israeli jails. Several thousand are still held by Israel on a range of security offenses.

“We shall spare no efforts to liberate the rest of our brothers and sisters,” Sinwar told Hamas’ al-Aqsa TV. “We urge the Al Qassam Brigades (the Hamas military wing) to kidnap more soldiers to exchange them for the freedom of our loved ones who are still behind bars,” said Sinwar, one of the founders of the Hamas military wing. He had had been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the kidnapping and killing of two Israeli soldiers.

Many in the crowd were overcome with joy.

Azhar Abu Jawad, 30, celebrated the return of a brother who had been sentenced to life for killing an Israeli in 1992. She said she last saw him eight years ago, before Israel banned visits by Gazans.

“My happiness is indescribable,” she said. “We’ll get him a bride and everything. I just spoke to him.

He’s so happy. This is a reminder, God doesn’t forget anyone.”

In Ramallah, Abbas addressed a crowd of thousands, included released prisoners and their relatives. In an attempt at unity, he shared a stage with three Hamas leaders in the West Bank. At one point, the four men even raised clasped hands in a show of victory.

Still, Abbas is likely to suffer politically as a result of the swap.

Over years of negotiating with Israel, he has only been able to bring about the release of those who had little time left on their sentences.

Tuesday’s swap, with many “lifers” among the released prisoners, is the most significant since Israel released hundreds of Palestinians in 1985.

In his speech, Abbas praised the released prisoners as “freedom fighters” and suggested that his method of negotiations was also bearing fruit.

“I am revealing to you... that there is an agreement between us and the Israeli government on another batch (of releases) similar to this batch after it finishes,’’ Abbas said.

His comments marked the first time he referred to an additional prisoner release, and there was no immediate Israeli comment.

Earlier Tuesday, hundreds of relatives of prisoners had waited at a West Bank checkpoint for a first glimpse at their loved ones.

However, the buses carrying the prisoners were instead driven directly to Abbas’ headquarters in the West Bank.

Clashes erupted between about 200 young Palestinians at the checkpoint and Israeli soldiers several hundred yards (meters) away, after the families were told they had waited in the wrong place. Israeli troops fired tear gas and Palestinians threw stones for about half an hour. Some of the young men climbed atop a separation fence near the checkpoint and draped it with flags of Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah movement.

theonlinebeacon.com

Have you seen me?

Last seen: Saturday, Oct. 15.

Black long-hair kitten, about 10 weeks old. Very vocal.

If found, please call: 413-813-5449

Occupy Wall Street celebrates one month Associated Press NEW YORK — The month-old Occupy Wall Street movement enjoyed its new momentum Monday, with nearly $300,000 in the bank and the satisfaction of drawing global attention to what it sees as major economic inequalities.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon expressed sympathy with the protesters, and even protestaverse China said some issues raised are worth considering.

From a few dozen people camping out in a small Manhattan park near the rising World Trade Center complex, the movement swelled to hundreds of thousands of people rallying around the world this weekend and numerous encampments springing up in cities large and small.

Hundreds of protesters on Monday mingled with bemused bank workers in a new tent camp outside London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.

But in Seattle, police arrested people who wouldn’t move their tents from a park.

The U.N. leader said the finance

chiefs from the Group of 20 rich and developing nations, now meeting in Paris, should listen to the demonstrators. ``Business as usual, or just looking at their own internal economic issues, will not give any answers to a very serious international economic crisis,’’ Ban said.

“That is what you are seeing all around the world, starting from Wall Street, people are showing their frustrations, are trying to send a very clear and unambiguous message around the world.’’

The Wall Street protesters still haven’t settled on a specific demand but are intent on building on momentum gained from Saturday’s worldwide demonstrations, which drew hundreds of thousands of people, mostly in the U.S. and Europe.

President Barack Obama referred to the protests during Sunday’s dedication of a monument for Martin Luther King Jr., saying the civil rights leader “would want us to challenge the excesses of Wall Street without demonizing those who work there.”

Thousands honor MLK at memorial dedication in DC Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Thousands of people spanning all ages and races honored the legacy of the nation’s foremost civil rights leader during Sunday’s formal dedication of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington.

Aretha Franklin, poet Nikki Giovanni and President Barack Obama were among those who attended the more than four-hour ceremony. King’s children and other leaders spoke before the president, invoking his “I Have a

Dream” speech and calling upon a new generation to help fully realize that dream.

The president arrived late morning with his wife and two daughters, which drew loud cheers from those watching his entrance on large screens.

A stage for speakers and thousands of folding chairs were set up on a field near the memorial along with large TV screens. Most of the 10,000 chairs set out appeared to be full. Many other people were standing.

Features

Thursday, October 20, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

A busy month for the Occupy Wall Street movement

By Mary Redstone Features Editor

The first whispers of an Occupy movement began on June 9, 2011, when a Canadian anti-consumerist magazine called Adbusters purchased the domain name occupywallstreet.org.

Four days later, on June 13, a post was made with the opening, “Are you ready for a Tahrir moment?” The group asked its readers, “On September 17, we want to see 20,000 people flood into lower Manhattan, set up tents, kitchens, peaceful barricades and occupy Wall Street for a few months.

Once there, we shall incessantly repeat one simple demand in a plurality of voices.” That demand was explained as, “… that Barack Obama ordain a Presidential Commission tasked with ending the influence money has over our representatives in Washington.”

On Sept. 17, the first day of the protests, an estimated 1,000 people set up on Wall Street to protest. The New York Police Department forbade the protestors from setting up tents and camping on the sidewalk, citing a law on loitering.

Regardless, the protesters remained peaceful and instead decided to walk up and down the sidewalk with signs. But it was three days later, on Sept 20, when NYPD actually made a series of arrests based on these loitering laws. They arrested a group of protesters wearing masks, referring to the part of the New York Penal Law on loitering that states masked loitering must be connected to a pre-approved masquerade party or general entertainment.

Despite being unable to camp on the sidewalk, protesters found an alternate location on Zucotti Park, renamed Liberty Plaza by the protesters. Tents of fresh food were set up amongs the sleeping tents, as well as a makeshift library.

Keith Olbermann became the first news correspondent to cover the protests on Sept. 19 through the alternative news outlet CurrentTV. Ever since, Olbermann has dedicated every one of his

episodes of Countdown to the protests, criticizing mainstream media for its lack of coverage.

More arrests were made in the subsequent days for varying reasons. On Sept 24, approximately 80 people were arrested during a march up-town for not having a permit and rendering a handful of roads impassable due to the large numbers of protesters involved.

Videos immediately surfaced online, mostly involving a group of peaceful female protestors being forcefully handcuffed and pepper sprayed at a close range, in the area of their faces.

The protests continued in a similar fashion throughout the rest of September: peaceful and unyielding. Still, on Oct. 1, another mass protester arrest was made, this time on the Brooklyn Bridge. Approximately 5,000 protestors began to march over the bridge, eventually spilling over onto the car lanes from the sidewalks, stopping traffic for around two hours. Over 700 arrests were made on the bridge, including one New York Times reporter, Natasha Lennard.

The next day, a YouTube video surfaced of these arrests. The uploader said, “Protesters started marching up the pedestrian walkway over the bridge while others tried to take the traffic lane. For a few minutes officers held the line and then they turned around and led the way up the traffic lane on the Brooklyn Bridge… they created a barricade in front of the march about halfway through the bridge. They then pulled vans and buses up to the back of the group and started arresting everyone.”

On Oct. 5, Union members joined the protestors and marched to Zuccotti Park, bringing the total number of protestors to somewhere around 15,000.

That night, the formerly peaceful protests shifted and some protestors stormed police barricades.

About 200 protestors tried to push through and were met with pepper spray and orange netting.

Oct. 10 brought support to the protestors from Mayor Bloom-

berg. He said, “The bottom line is, people want to express themselves, and as long as they obey the laws, we’ll allow them to.”

However, three days later he explained to the protestors that they would need to clear Liberty Plaza because it needed to be cleaned.

The protestors expressed interest to clean the park themselves, and they did to the best of their abilities. The city decided the next day to postpone the clean-up.

Where is the Occupy movement heading? On Wall Street, the protestors don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

And with the constant addition of new Occupy locations, the movement is spreading as fast as word of mouth and the internet will take it.

The Occupy Wall Street movement has inspired other Occupy movements throughout the country. As of its last update on Oct 15, independent news magazine Mother Jones calculates over 215 protest sites in the United States alone since Sept. 17. Some of the larger protests include Boston, Washington D.C., Portland, Ore. and Los Angeles, CA. College campuses have also begun to organize their own Occupy protests, trips, and clubs.

On MCLA campus, the first meeting for Occupy MCLA was held last Saturday in the Campus Center. The group can be contacted and followed through their FaceBook page titled OccupyMCLA. Tonight at 5 p.m. Occupy Berkshires will take place on Park Square in Pittsfield. More information can be found at occupyberkshires.com.

Occupy Wall Street’s Twitter page is constantly updating from the middle of the protests with up-to-the-second information.

The protestors have also produced their own news publication, The Occupied Wall Street Journal, which can also be read online at breakingcopy.com.

The official Web site for the protests can be found at occupywallstreet.org

Photo Courtesy of Google Maps/Mother Jones

There is at least one Occupy protest in all fifty states, including Hawaii and Alaska, not shown.

There are also three in Canada, including Calgary and Winnipeg, not shown.

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Photo Courtesy of Tano Holmes

Tano (upper left) and friends on their way to a club in Germany.

German Clubs are a big part of youth culture Tano Holmes writes weekly for The Beacon from Heidelberg, Germany, where he is studying abroad.

By Tano Holmes

Foreign Correspondent As a dazzling array of multicolored lights shine across a sea of bobbing heads, the beat suddenly drops behind an ethereal voice, and the House music literally makes the house come alive.

Clubbing in Germany is a definitive part of the youth culture, and Germany happens to hosts some of the best night-clubs in the world. So if you’re in Germany and you like to dance, or even just appreciate a good DJ spinning his magic, I would highly recommend checking out a club or two. Here are some tips for getting in, staying in, and having a great time!

First, know what kind of music you want and where it is playing. Essentially every club has an individual website where they post their specials and programs.

Some clubs will alternate music styles depending on the night and some clubs are strictly one genre.

It is important to know, because the music often dictates the kind of crowd that will show up, and to a certain extent how you are going to dance that evening.

Once you know where you want to go, dress the part. If you feel like hearing house and techno, do not roll up to the club in a fitted hat and a basketball jersey. And if you hitting up the hip hop club, you might not want your tightest jeans on and your hair in gelled up spikes.

This leads to my next, and probably most important, point: Bouncers like to say no to people in Germany. The majority of young people are out and about every weekend, and clubs are always full, so you want to look like you should be in the club, otherwise you will receive a quick “Nein” (no) and will be directed to walk down the rejection aisle away from the door. The Bouncers will say no to you for a vari-

ety of reasons. Probably the most common is if you appear too drunk. Secondly if you are not dressed according to that club’s dress code, third if they don’t like the ratio of boys to girls (one should aim for at least a 1:1 ratio) and finally if there are too many people in your group (anything over 6 is risky.) If you are told no, take it politely, and do not argue.

Here, bouncers are kings in their castles, and the last thing you want is a 300-pound muscular man angry at you, especially when he has three more friends that look like him right inside the door.

Furthermore, if you are polite, he might let you in next weekend but if you are rude he will remember, and you can say goodbye to your chances of ever getting in that particular club.

Once you are in, relax! Check your coat (generally 1 Euro,) and then let the music wash over you.

If you are smart, you can put one coat in another and check two people’s coats at the same time, saving time in the line and a bit of money. Just remember to leave with your friend whose coat is with yours, and don’t lose your coat number!

If you’re thirsty, head over to the bar, but beware, the prices in a club can be quite high. Therefore, I recommend taking it slow, asking about specials of the evening, and not ordering cocktails unless you have a “ballin’” budget.

Personally, I like to order beer if anything, because it is always the cheapest drink on the menu, takes the most volume to make you drunk, and in Germany it really is the best in the world. We aren’t talking Bud Lite here.

Just remember it is harder to dance with a glass or bottle in your hand so know when to skip the bar and head for the dance floor!

When you’re on the dance floor, try to dance to the music that’s playing. If its house, throw your hands up and do your thing, and if its Hip Hop grind like we do in the USA. If its rock, head bang and if it’s Spanish music, move those hips! Viel Spaß!

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

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Minerva Arts Center resurrects ‘Night of the Living Dead’ MCLA student headlines cast in spooky rendition of the classic horror film

By Nora Weiss Staff Writer

Take a close look at North Adams in the fall. Between the bundles of pink, red, and orange leaves dotting the mountains, it’s a beautiful place. Add in the multiple cemeteries, the Hoosac Tunnel, and the sharp winds and the city can get pretty spooky come October. The Minerva Arts Center in North Adams has utilized this scenery to emphasize its next spooky production: “The Night of the Living Dead.”

Adapted from the original horror screenplay by George Romero and John Russo, the Minerva team will be taking the zombies to stage from now to Oct. 31.

Junior Aya Lanzoni, liaison between MCLA and the Minerva Arts Center, said this production has been in the works for a while. Lanzoni has roles both on and off the stage.

Photo courtesy of Minervastage.com

Night of the Living Dead opened last night and runs through Oct. 31.

“I play Karen,” Lanzoni said.

“She’s the little girl who was attacked by zombies and lays dying for most of the production.

There are also three other current MCLA students involved

Whats Crackin’ MCLA PRESENTS!

Stew and the Negro Problem Oct. 22nd 8 p.m.

Church Street Center

Oct. 31 8 p.m.

The Calvin Theatre

Northampton, MA

with this production, along with MCLA alum.”

“The Night of the Living Dead” was a groundbreaking horror film for its many elements that changed the movie industry

forever. First there was Duane Jones, who was the first AfricanAmerican actor to play a hero in an American movie that showcased mostly white actors. Then there was the gore. Before “Living Dead,” no American movie had portrayed cannibalism so graphically, nor had there been so much fake blood. Such characteristics have helped this film stay popular and memorable over the last 40 years.

With more than a handful of MCLA students having a role in “The Night of the Living Dead,” there is a heavy incentive to see this production. Under the creative directing mind of Vivian Reed, an alum of the College, the zombie show looks to be a horrifyingly fun night.

The show runs every night at 7:30 p.m. until October 30, with a special showing on Halloween at 10 p.m. For an extra $2, patrons can purchase a “Zombie Token” to see this performance as many times as they wish.

Beyond that, tickets are $5 for MCLA students and seniors, while general admission is $10.

The Saturday, Oct. 22 show will feature a musical performance at 10 p.m: “After the Apocalypse” featuring Heather Maloney and Mike Quinones. “[The Minerva Arts Center]

has helped me gain experience in performing and community theatre,” Lanzoni said. “There are classes offered too, like creative writing and experimental dance.”

“We hope that a lot of students will come and support community theater.”

The Minerva Arts Center, which is located at 1288 Massachusetts Ave. in North Adams, is a place of live performance that used to be an empty church in the city. In 1996, the building adapted its new life as a hub of arts and has grown since then.

“We hope that a lot of students will come and support community theater,” Lanzoni said, and encouraged others to recognize the enjoyment in theater, specifically with this adaption on the 1960’s classic.

The Minerva Arts Center has the show times for all the “The Night of the Living Dead” performances posted at minervast-

Local comedian rising in scene

By Andrew Hodgson Staff Writer

Friday night the Red Herring in Williamstown hosted a stand-up comedy night. Three local comedians entertained for over an hour and the laughs were plentiful. One of the comics delivering line-after-line of dry knee-slappers was MCLA’s own Colby Durand.

Many people are deathly afraid of talking in front of groups of people, yet these comics not only get up in front of an audience, they try to make them laugh.

It seems easy enough until you see the energy of the show, and watch the comics recover with great jokes after a newly-created one flops.

Durand is a rising star in the local comedy scene. A senior and an accounting major, he has been working on his comedy for over two years. He entered a stand-up comedy contest at MCLA and won. Then he began to do open mic events.

“Comedy is about freedom, the freedom to say whatever you want, to make fun of anything at all,” Durand said, explaining where his passion for comedy comes from.

A native of Boston, Durand first tried his luck at a venue close to home.

“My first three jokes went over well and every other one bombed,” he recalled. But the

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff

Colby Durand performs Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 at Public: Eat & Drink.

other comics at the event gave him encouragement, and he never looked back.

“I used to try to be Mitch Hedberg, now I try to be me.”

Durand began performing at every open mic he could find and worked on creating his own style. Durand modeled his delivery on comedians (such as Mitch Hedberg and Steve Wright) who possess a dry sense of humor, and make jokes of common phrases or customs.

“I used to try to be Mitch Hedberg, now I try to be me,” he

admitted when asked about his growth as a comedian over the last two years. His focus is more on the delivery of the joke and the joke itself rather than the kind of over-the-top stage performance that comedian Dane Cook has made his trademark.

For some, comedy is a spontaneous energy. They go up on stage with an outline of what they want to do, but they also improvise. Durand doesn’t improvise, he practices the jokes he wants to use multiple times, and orders them for the show. Each show is about half old material and half new jokes he is trying out or old jokes that have been re-worked.

Durand will be hosting two open mic events at Public: Eat & Drink on Holden St. in North Adams on November 4 and 18.

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

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7

Patterns Used to Communicate on Holden Street James Brown The Artery Gallery’s latest exhibit explores Victorian era styles through full wall patterns

By Nora Weiss Staff Writer

Classic. Vintage. Retro. Those are just a few words to describe the feeling inside “Pattern as a Language,” the Artery Gallery’s latest exhibit under DownStreet Art. From stenciled floral wall coverings to blue stylings on china, any patron is sure to be whisked away to an upscale moment of interior design. A collaboration between Sean Capone, Molly Hatch and Giselle Hicks, these three artists created a stylish room on Holden Street that speaks of calm, refinement and beauty.

“The show focuses on people using patterns to communicate with each other,” said gallery attendant and MCLA sophomore Thamar Jean-Fedestin. “People have really liked the wall piece

by Molly Hatch in particular.”

Hatch stenciled a vintage black floral pattern against the entire left wall of Artery Gallery, giving the illusion of a classic hallway from the Victorian era.

According to Jean-Fedestin, Hatch’s goal was to create a 3-D wallpaper. Any gallery visitor

walls and the tea sets screaming in true royal blue take gallery visitors into a wistful era of delicate patterns.

Capone’s piece is a video that beautifully combines the floral wall and tea sets into a montage of flowing colors and designs.

As a media designer, Capone highlights the beauty in moving patterns and the adaption of work around him. Meshing the complexity and delicate strokes of Hicks’ cushions and Hatch’s 3-D wallpaper, Capone creates a masterpiece that artfully describes the comfort many of us feel in patterns and design.

While these peaceful works of art are leaving the Artery Gallery, the work of all three of these artists can be found Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff at the Ferrin Gallery at 437 Giselle Hicks talks to a guest at the reception of “Pattern as a Language.”

North St in Pittsfield through can see this through Hatch’s in blue-style china should also Oct. 30. Specific information work with pairing up ceramic catch a glimpse of work done can be found through the Fercopies of specific parts of the by both Hatch and Hicks. Hicks rin Gallery Web site, Ferringalwall pattern. Classic vintage also delves into ceramics by lery.com. floral jets off the wall, reflecting molding ‘cushions’ with a similight from the street outside, lar floral pattern taken straight giving Hatch’s work a meaning out of wallpaper samplings of nostalgia and rustic beauty. book from the 1920s. Both the Anyone who finds enjoyment cushions pressed against the

inducted into Georgia Radio Hall of Fame

ATLANTA (AP) – The late soul legend James Brown has been inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.

The Augusta Chronicle reports that Brown’s daughter, Deanna Brown Thomas, accepted the honor for him at an awards ceremony on Saturday in Atlanta.

Brown died in December 2006 at age 73. He purchased WRDW-AM in Augusta, Ga., in the late 1960s, where he had shined shoes as a boy. He also operated or owned radio stations in Atlanta, Baltimore and Knoxville, Tenn.

The “Godfather of Soul’’ was among several honorees to receive their award posthumously. Other awardees include Ernie Harwell, the legendary voice of the Detroit Tigers, who died last year and Ben Porter, a Macon radio station owner who got his radio start in south Georgia as “Jack the Bellboy.’’

Porter also died in 2010.

The Georgia Hall of Fame was established in 2007.

Stew and the Negro Problem FINANCIAL AID ANNOUNCEMENT SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS TIPS: A scammer:

* Indicates you’ve won an award that you didn’t apply for * Doesn’t supply valid contact information * Guarantees you will win an award

* Requires personal information to verify or hold a scholarship DON’T BE SCAMMED!! *************** Scholarship opportunity: Mass Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Educational Scholarship. Applications in the Financial Aid Office in Eldridge Hall. Deadline Nov. 8th.

Oct. 22 8 p.m.

Church Street Center Tony Award-winning musical writer of the contemporary jazz-rock-musical “Passing Strange,” Stew and his partner Heidi Rodewald, of Stew & The Negro Problem, will be headlining the annual Margaret A. Hart ‘35 Scholarship Concert.

Stew & The Negro Problem are to hit the stage performing new work, musical numbers

from Passing Strange which combines the cultural lifestyles of jazz, rock, and rap in the coming of age tale of a young African-American man, as well as the work of Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht. Clearly, an evening not to be missed; Stew & The Negro Problem take the stage for one night only in North Adams, MA.

8

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

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Paul Simon releasing an intimate collection ‘Songwriter’ features gems like ‘American Tune,’ ‘Hearts and Bones,’ and ‘Graceland’

By John Deming A&E Editor

John Deming A&E Editor

Jungle Work A celebrity auction is something I can get behind. If I had the money I could consider bidding on a guitar signed by the members of Pink Floyd, or perhaps a Steve Young jersey. But when a piece of a famous person is on the block, I think I might keep my paddle under my chair.

According to BBC News, an English auction company is expected to collect over $10,000 for one of John Lennon’s teeth. Now there have been some bizarre purchases in the history of auctioning, but a piece of the human body? It comes off as Antiques Roadshow meets Fear Factor.

Perhaps this isn’t so strange; in 2006 Justin Timberlake’s unfinished French toast was auctioned by a radio station for $3,154 (we’re getting close.) In 2004 Brittany Spears’ chewing gum was listed on eBay for $14,000 (getting warmer.) Perhaps the closest abnormal item to Lennon’s chomper is a lock of Justin Bieber’s hair, sold

by Ellen DeGeneres for charity on eBay for a whopping $40,668 (some speculate Tom Brady was the top bidder.)

While it is more amazing that these three folks have careers in the entertainment industry than that their junk is sold on eBay, it also strangely normalizes the sale of a dead rock legend’s bone.

When you first hear that Lennon’s interchangeable part is being sold, at first glance it doesn’t even sound disrespectful, maybe just trivial or strange. And while fanatic Beatles fans with money have spent enormous amounts of it on un-opened records and signed collectables, perhaps this situation can serve as a reminder of an extreme we take our culture of idolizing to.

I suppose though that it can’t be helped with some of history’s most polarizing figures of creativity. Watch any scene from The Beatles’ “Hard Day’s Night” movie and the purchase of Lennon’s tooth becomes fairly tame compared to the crowds outside their limo.

At the age of 70, any artist could theoretically release a collection of his best work. Fans and critics alike can spend time pouring over the song selection, and everyone can judge based upon what is included and left out. With a vast catalog of American music like Paul Simon’s, this proves to be a complicated task; but little do you see a compilation that, to quote Mr. Simon, is “Something So Right”.

Paul Simon has been writing music for over half a century, reinventing his sound numerous times from folk-rock to African township mixed with American rock. Now the finest compilation of his most personal tunes is being released in a two-disc set, perfectly titled “Songwriter”. This new release will be a musical journey through Simon’s most personal tunes, beginning with live versions of “The Sound of Silence” and “The Boxer”, examples of his epic, early triumph with folk-duo counterpart Art Garfunkel. From there, the collection turns the focus on Simon’s three decade solo career.

Beginning with his self-titled album, we hear the continuing progression of Simon’s lyricism and musical experimentation within songs like “Mother and Child Reunion”, which from the first popping drum roll, breaks into a reggae groove rarely heard in mainstream American music at the time.

Photo courtesy of theseconddisc.files.wordpress.com

Legendary American songwriter Paul Simon releases compilation album ‘Songwriter’ on Oct. 24.

These early songs capture his transformation into solo success, including the smooth piano ballad “Tenderness” and rounded off with the humbly patriotic “American Tune,” a song with meanings that have proudly stayed concrete in an ever-changing America, and whose words are so haunting as Simon honestly declares, “and I dreamed I was dying”.

“Late in the Evening” is the lone “One Trick Pony” selection (perhaps this collection’s sole flaw; a gem that must be listened to in this context so it doesn’t become a casualty of its overplayed radio status,) while the tunes “Hearts and Bones” and “Rene and Georgette Magritte

with Their Dog After the War” represent two of his finest early 80’s efforts. As the late 1980’s roll around, we see the peak of Simon’s popular success and musical expansion.

With the timeless beauty and heart melting sax solo of “Still Crazy After All These Years”, we are lead into “Graceland”. “Graceland” was, in some ways, a revolution for mainstream music, as a capella, zydeco, and mbaqanga are just a few of the genres Simon tapped into.

The famous “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”, the accordion fueled “The Boy in the Bubble” and Simon’s echoed homage to Elvis: “Graceland”, in which he declares the “Mississippi delta was shining

Editors Pick

Rush to release CD/DVD of Time Machine Tour

New release features complete performance of ‘Moving Pictures’

By John Deming A&E Editor

Back in 1974 Geddy Lee proclaimed: “They call me the working man, I guess that’s what I am.”

After 37 years, Canadian rock trio Rush is still in a working capacity, and show no signs of stopping, much to the delight of an intensely dedicated fan base worldwide. Alex Lifeson (guitar) Geddy Lee (bass and vocals) and Neil Pert (drums), are releasing Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland on Nov. 8th a DVD/CD set that chronicles their April 2011 show at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

Known for their intrinsic musicianship, powerful lyrics that range from fantasy to philosophy, and their ability to stay consistent throughout changing eras of music, Rush ranks behind only the Beatles and the Rolling Stones worldwide for the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band. Rush has sold over 40 million records worldwide, and are known for their legions of intensely dedicated fans.

Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland is Rush’s ninth live album in their 43 years of work, featuring a killer set list of favorites like “The Spirit of Radio,” and “Subdivisions.” Also included is a complete performance of their

In an interview with Classic Rock’s Prog Magazine, main lyricist and drummer Neil Pert explains the work going into Clo ckwork Angels: “It was hard for me to set the album aside Photo courtesy of Sweetslyrics.com to tour, this really means Canadian rock trio Rush are releasing a live CD/DVD a lot to me, set.

I intend it to be my 1981 album “Moving Pictures” featuring a plethora of gems including highest achievement lyrically and “Tom Sawyer,” “Red Barchetta,” drumming wise, so I really want to get it done while we still can.” and “YYZ.” No release date has been set yet As well as the CD/DVD combo, Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleve- for Clockwork Angels.

Rush has been inducted into the land will be released in digital, vinyl, and Blu-ray formats, for all to Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of enjoy Those awaiting another stu- Fame, and each member of Rush dio album can also rejoice. Over is considered among the most prothe course of the past two years, ficient and unique players of their Geddy, Alex, and Neil have been respected instruments, individurecording Clockwork Angels, their ally achieving honors in their own 20th studio album. Production of musical fields.

Time Machine 2011: Live in the new release has been delayed here and there by the Time Ma- Cleveland will be released Nov. 8. chine Tour.

like a national guitar” and maps out his road trip filled emotional roadblocks as a rite of passage to find a piece of himself in the South, represent this album which has sold over 14 million.

“The Obvious Child” continues Simon’s use of world music, and offers a reflective lyricism that Simon often employed through a character such as “Sonny”, who by the end of the song finds himself “running his hands through his thinning brown hair”.

As the music shifts to the Latin influence on Obvious Child, “Spirit Voices” provides a mellow Latin guitar progression shuffle lead in to “I Was Born in Puerto Rico” from his defunct musical “Songs from the Capeman” is a standout of his later work, along with the while the overproduced nature of “Seniorita with a Necklace of Tears” and unpredictable “Rewrite” show the dwindling strength of some of his later work.

From his most recent album “So Beautiful or So What”, “Love and Hard Times” seems to redeem him with its back-to-basics classic Simon piano and acoustic guitar combination.

Simon shows no signs of stopping, having just ended a world tour and reportedly planning another tour that will reunite him with many of the artists he worked with on Graceland for the 25th anniversary of the year of its release.

“Songwriter” will be released on Oct. 24.

Mid-Week Music at Williams Press Release

This week brings two special events in Thompson Memorial Chapel on Friday. The Anonymous 4, a vocal quartet of world renown treats us to a concert of music from Spain, ca. 1300. (This is not a ticketed event! Only ‘62 Center events are ticketed!) Regardless of one’s personal musical leaning, it would be hard to come away from an Anonymous 4 concert unmoved or unchanged.

10/21 @ 4:15 Anonymous 4 Workshop 10/21 @ 8pm Anonymous 4 10/24 @ 4:15pm Class of 1960 Lecture with Prof. Louise Meintjes

10/26 @ 12:15pm MIDWEEKMUSIC 10/28 @ 8pm Williams Chamber Players 10/29 @ 8pm Williams Jazz Ensemble

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

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9

Men’s soccer triumphs over Fitchburg Double-overtime victory gives Men’s Trailblazers newfound hope in conference season dreams

By Kayla Koumjian Sports Writer

The Men’s Soccer team broke their conference game losing streak this past Saturday by defeating Fitchburg State 2-1 in double overtime.

After Fitchburg State took the lead in the second half, junior Jake McCall scored on a miraculous shot to tie the game. Both teams had their chances to gain the lead before regulation time ended, but neither scored. This sent the game into overtime.

Junior Joe Mecca came up big for the Trailblazers in the second overtime and scored the winning goal to end the game. The team is now 5-8-1 overall and 1-3-1 in the conference after Saturday’s victory.

With three games left, the Blazers have high hopes to stay undefeated. “Our goal for the rest of the season is to finish 8-8-1,” said senior captain Gary D’Annunzio.

Although they are confident, it will be a tough road ahead. They have one home game left against Sage College and then two away

games against Bridgewater State and Westfield State.

Junior Ryan Shewchuk believes the team can reach their goal, saying, “As long as we work as a team, we could stay undefeated for the rest of the season.”

Men’s soccer has a chance to still make the MASCAC tournament if Bridgewater loses to Mass. Maritime, and MCLA wins their last two conference games.

Bridgewater State is 2-1-2 while Westfield State is 2-3-1 in conference games. Both teams only have two conference games remaining.

Both D’Annunzio and Shewchuk are determined to keep their season alive.

“I want to go to playoffs and I know the rest of the team wants to. We can do it if we work hard enough,” Shewchuk said.

To make it to tournament, D’Annunzio feels the team needs to start scoring more: “We have a lot of talent on our team, now we need to produce with goals.”

Shewchuk agreed. “In the game against Fitchburg we came together as a team and played well,

which allowed us to score,” he said.

They also had many positive things to say about the team this year.

“We have great team chemistry,” Shewchuk said. “We’ve had rough patches like every team does, but we overcome it when we need to.”

“We have a lot of talent on our team, now we need to produce goals,” D’Annunzio said.

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff

Men’s soccer came up big in their victory over Fitchburg State.

D’Annunzio also believes their team chemistry is what keeps them strong and positive.

“We work well with each other on and off the field. We’re all very close,” he said.

As a senior, D’Annunzio wants to keep his last season going for as long as it possibly can. “It’s my senior year and I just don’t want it to end,” he said.

SOCCER, continued on page 11

Jen Wehner thrives on pressure

Senior goaltender talks her beginnings, MCLA career and what it takes to get through the day

By Kaitland Hager

and a chance to bring her game to a new level.

“I was playing at a whole new level,” Wehner said. “I was playing with better teammates and against quality players.”

Sports Writer

Senior Jen Wehner, an athlete living right outside of Cooperstown, N.Y., the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, is more comfortable on a soccer field than a baseball diamond.

“It was the thing to do,” Wehner said of soccer. “There’s a huge club in town and I joined.”

At age six, Wehner started playing soccer. Eventually thrown into the goal, she quickly adapted to the challenge and pressure of the position.

“I was playing at a whole new level,” Wehner said. “I was playing with better teammates and against quality players.”

Every shot on goal, every corner kick, every breakaway is pressure that builds on Wehner’s shoulders.

“I love the thrill of it,” Wehner said.

Every move in the game is pressure on Wehner’s shoulders. Yet instead of dragging her down, that pressure grounds her in her position.

She learned early on how to use this to her advantage. In her junior year at Cooperstown High School, her team advanced to Sectionals. When the game went into overtime, it progressed to penalty kicks.

“Penalty kicks are a lot of pressure,” Wehner said. “A goalie is able to save their team in penalty

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Wehner

Jennifer Wehner takes the field and prepares her next move. kicks.”

Wehner’s team went 3 for 3 against the opposing goalie. She made two saves and the third attempt missed the goal by a mile.

The two saves were enough to give her team the victory. The pressure, instead of getting to her, gave her

the strength to stand above the rest of the competition.

That strength and grounding helped when, in her rookie season as MCLA’s starting goalie, Wehner blew her knee out two games into the season. It gave her a new perspective on the game

At the same time, it led to Wehner being named First Team All MASCAC goalkeeper as a sophomore and again as a junior with over a dozen MASCAC women’s soccer Players of the Week. In her senior year, she already has three shutouts under her belt.

To Wehner, it’s just another part of being a force on the field.

A self-described “vocal-leader,” Wehner likes to lead by example by being upbeat and letting her team know she’s behind them 100 percent.

“What I do dictates everyone else on the field,” she said. “I’m the last line of defense, a support for the team.”

In her fourth season as the Women’s Soccer goalie, Wehner is a force and voice in the net. This winter, she’ll be going into her fourth season as one of the leading scorers on the Women’s Basketball team.

WEHNER, continued on page 11

Gameday with Jen Wehner

Jennifer Wehner was the subject of this week’s Senior Profile.

Now, she takes us inside the life of the Women’s Soccer team’s goaltender, in her very own words in this week’s GAMEDAY: A typical gameday begins with some kind of sandwich, usually chicken salad or a PBJ depending on where we’re playing. I’m usually really superstitious so I’ll wear the same stuff on gameday in class or to the game.

I have a special music mix that consists of a little bit of everything that I listen too. It usually is only like 8-10 songs that I listen to on repeat.

About an hour before warm-up I like to have a little snack of either some fruit, or a few chips or crackers or something like that.

To get my mind in the game I like to have some alone time by myself to think about what I’m going to have to do for the game and think about who I’m up against and stuff like that.

10

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Sports

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Kayla Bromback smashes school record This week brought another two victories for Volleyball team’s midseason upswing

snips from scissors, the ribbon finally gave way.

The game got under way, but the excitement of the crowd had one distinct direction: Number 8, Kayla Bromback.

By Brendan Foley Sports Editor There is no such thing as a quiet volleyball game. Between the ball being smacked back and forth, the roars of the crowd at every volley and the cries and claps of the teams themselves, there is never a silent moment. How could there be when both MCLA and the visiting Elms College have special team claps for every return, whether it is successful or unsuccessful?

But Thursday night’s game was something special. Anyone who entered the Campus Center gym was greeted not just audibly as the crowd roared it’s approval as senior Kayla Bromback broke the school’s record for career kills, but also visually, as every surface of the gym was festooned with bright ribbons of pink. Yes, pink, Thursday, Oct. 13, was DIG PINK night for the volleyball team, designed to raise awareness for breast cancer. At one point in the day the team had brought the entire Centennial Hall to a halt to announce that the event was tak-

“I was more focused on the game.

It was easier to think about the game rather than to think about the record.”

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

Kayla Bromback watches the volley with teammates and foes alike on her record breaking night. ing place. The Trailblazers wore special pink uniforms throughout the game, vendors wore pink shirts and offered pink frosted cupcakes to hungry fans, pink

balloons dangled from chairs and pink ribbons lined the bleachers.

Before the game began, members of various other sports programs at the College, ranging

from soccer to basketball, joined Athletic Director Scott Nichols and President Mary Grant on the volleyball court to ceremonially cut a pink ribbon. After several

Bromback said, “I was more focused on the game. It was easier to think about the game rather than to think about the record because I only needed the one kill.”

The previous record was for 684 kills by Christina Kidd. Bromback broke the record early into the game.

The second Bromback’s feet left the ground to hit back an Elm’s volley, the entire crowd held its breath. Sure enough, Bromback knocked the ball back into the Elms’ territory.

RECORD, continued on page 11

The hunt is on for new Women’s Soccer wins at Fitchburg Trailblazers mascot

By Bobby Beauchesne Sports Writer

Any student or faculty member who attends a basketball or soccer game at the College probably notices that something is absent. MCLA is devoid of a mascot.

All of this is about to change within the year. The College has assembled a diverse committee whose goal is to find a mascot that can successfully unite the students, faculty, and alumni.

When the school was still North Adams State College, the mascot was the Mohawk. There was a great pride in Mohawks athletics, and several teams had great winning traditions over the years. However, in the 90’s the NCAA announced a rule banning nicknames referring to specific Native American tribes.

This meant that the Mohawk name and likeness would have to be retired. Thus, the Trailblazers came about. Since the name change, there has yet to be a recognizable symbol to go along with it.

Adam Hildabrand, coach of the Men’s Soccer team, is on the committee for a new mascot. The naming committee will accept ideas from both students and faculty as part of the process.

“We will not be changing the Trailblazer logo or the blue and yellow color,” Hildabrand said.

“We want to create a mascot which can be seen at sporting events and connect with the students.”

Members from all facets of the College are represented as well. The panel is also comprised of Anthony Daly of the History Department; Jocelyn Merrick, director of Alumni Relations; athletic trainer Matt Boillat; Celia Norcross from the department of Student Affairs; Jake Powers from SGA; alum Chris Fries; Bernadette Lupo, coordinator of Marketing and Communications; and student representatives Dan Saunders and Jackie Nash. Hildabrand said he enjoys the different perspectives.

“Representatives from every department are going to be working together, the way it should be,” Hildabrand said.

There is a timetable for the selection process. Beginning in November, there will be a link on the athletics Web site which will allow students and faculty to submit their own ideas for a new mascot. At the beginning of the New Year, the committee will review all submissions and select a list of five finalists.

These finalists will be reviewed by the President, the Cabinet, and the President’s Athletics Advisory Committee.

The ideas will then be posted on the athletics Web site and students will get a chance to vote and comment on them.

By the end of spring semester,

options will be narrowed to two or three. Prior to the 2012 Midnight Madness, there will be campus wide promotions throughout campus. At the event, the new mascot will be unveiled.

“Representatives from every department are going to be working together, the way it should be,” Hildabrand said.

Hildabrand also said there are a few criteria the new mascot must have.

“We’re looking for a mascot that can reflect the history of the Berkshires, as well as unite the MCLA community of students, alumni, and faculty,” he said.

The mascot needs to be acceptable at both athletic and non-athletic venues.

“We want the mascot to be able to attend events in the community, like the fall parade in downtown North Adams.”

Hildabrand noted.

Hildabrand also enjoys that students will have a voice in the voting process.

“We really want to encompass the whole community, and student opinions will be very important in our decision,” he said.

By Brendan Foley Sports Editor

The Women’s Soccer team traveled to Fitchburg State on Saturday and after a hard-played game managed to come out ahead, 1-0.

The victory puts the Trailblazers with an overall record 6-7-1, and a conference record of 2-2-1.

The victory may prove most crucial to the team’s MASCAC conference standings, where the team is currently tied for third. Fitchburg had lost only one game prior in the season and is the number one team in the MASCAC conference. Fitchburg had been undefeated in conference games until MCLA’s upset.

In fact, going into Saturday’s game, the Fitchburg Falcons were on an eleven-game unbeaten

streak, and for the first 85 minutes of play, it seemed as though that streak would extend to include MCLA. But as the clock ticked down on the second half, Trailblazer Janelle Stannard came through with her second goal of the year. Stannard’s goal was not only her second of the year, but the second of this past week. And not even that, it was her second game-winning goal of the season. Just this past Wednesday, the 12th, Stannard had knocked the ball past a Sage goaltender with five seconds left in double-overtime to give the Trailblazers a victory.

Stannard was named the MASCAC Player of the Week.

The women’s Trailblazers will next play at home against Westfield State this Saturday, at 1 p.m.

Photo by Ian Grey/Courtesy of MCLA.edu

The Trailblazers toppled first place Fitchburg in a 1-0 victory.

Sports

Thursday, October 20, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

Men’s soccer pulls off double-overtime win SOCCER, continued from page 9

Brendan Foley Sports Editor

The Red Sox have imploded.

Again.

You can already hear the old songs starting to get tuned up yet again. It’s time that the entire Red Sox nation sat down, looked in the mirror...and found someone really juicy to blame.

Yes, that’s the Red Sox way.

When the team hadn’t been able to win a pennant in 80 years, the fandom overcame the odds and managed to overlook the dozens of different reasons that existed for why that was the case (awful management, poor trades, greed and long-standing institutional racism being the most fun) and pin all the blame on a fat dead guy.

So who’s next? Who’s cursed the club this time? Let’s get right to business and start passing this buck: The Curse of the 99%: Enraged at the flagrant overspending the Red Sox and Yankees have committed in importing international talent that failed to live up to the hype, the 99 percent that owns the nation’s wealth got together and unleashed a curse to ensure that until the clubs have controlled spending, neither team will ever have another pennant.

The Curse of the Idiot: It’s almost too perfect: The Sox traded Ruth to the Yankees, so why not Damon? His departure was ugly and public and driven entirely by the notion of two-sided disrespect and greed that has characterized so many of the trades and departures in the modern era of baseball. He even comes with a neat-o origin story where we can say that every strand of hair they cut off represented a year before the Sox could win another pennant. It’d be like that one Japanese movie where someone got hair extensions that then killed everybody (Note: This is a real movie that real people made that you can really watch. Really.)

The Curse of Manny Ramirez: The embodiment of an era of ego’s run amok even when talent has gone dry, of image surpassing ability and the the sheer volume of mouth overcoming how little is actually being said. Also, if it turned out tomorrow that Manny Ramirez has a hut somewhere where he practices dark Satanic magic, there’s not a single person who would be surprised.

Not one.

The Curse of the Monster Mascot Guy: Because I hate him and would like any excuse to see the mascot costume burned at the stake. Literally, any excuse.

Both Shewchuk and D’Annunzio agree the team is willing to do their best in order to make the tournament.

“Our next game is against Westfield, so all week our focus will be on winning that conference game,” Shewchuk said.

The team also knows they need to concentrate on the game at hand. “We need to take it one game at a time. First Westfield, then Sage, and then Bridgewater.” D’Annunzio said, “We can’t get ahead of ourselves and worry about Bridgewater before we play Westfield.”

Both players also said they were grateful for all the support from fans this year. “They helped us stay positive and cheered us on no matter what the score was,” said Shewchuk.

D’Annunzio also wants the best

“I’m the big tree in the paint,” Wehner joked. “I try to make everyone better.”

Wehner hopes to use that effort to increase her contribution on the court. Not just point-wise, but overall.

“I want to be a play-maker this season,” she said. “I want to step on the court and make something happen.”

Just like her soccer career, Wehner came off the bench in an explosion of record-breaking performances. Named to the second All MASCAC team her freshman year, Wehner’s level of play increased. Sophomore year, Wehner was the leading scorer in 15 out of the 28 games, as well as being named the MASCAC Tournament MVP. Her junior year, Wehner joined a select group of women who have scored 1,000 career points as a Trailblazer.

To Wehner, that’s still not her biggest accomplishment on the court.

framingham worcester salem bridgewater westfield MCLA fitchburg mass. maritime

All

Conf

5-6-3 6-6-2 8-6-0 5-5-2 8-5-1 5-8-1 3-10-1 1-10-0

4-0-1 3-1-1 3-2-0 2-1-2 2-2-1 1-3-1 1-4-0 1-4-0

Women’s Soccer

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff

Ryan Shewchuk pulls the ball away from Fitchburg. for the team saying, “We want to win, but if we aren’t having fun doing it, then it’s not really worth it.”

The Men’s Soccer team’s next

game is against Bridgewater on Saturday, Oct. 22. Their next home game is on Tuesday, Oct. 25 against Sage College.

“My senior year of high school was really memorable,” Wehner said. “My team finished third in New York and we won Sectionals for the first time in 25 years. It was something everyone on the team wanted and we played really well. I hated when the season ended.”

“I’m the big tree in the paint,” Wehner joked. “I try to make everyone better.”

Approaching her senior season, Wehner is faced with that same problem now. Wehner balances soccer, basketball and keeping above a 3.0 GPA. “It takes a lot of planning,” Wehner said. “Between classes and athletic training hours and practices, sacrifices have to be

made. Sometimes I want to sit and rest but I can’t. I have to keep moving forward to succeed.”

Wehner plans on moving forward regardless, following similar paths of her role models.

“Both my coaches are my role models,” Wehner said. “They’ve both been through what I’m going through. Deb Raber was a goalie and Holly McGovern played for a rival Division III school. They know what it takes.

I really look up to them.”

After college, she hopes to go to graduate school and get her master’s in athletic training.

Following that, she hopes to get a job coaching in a high-level high school or a lower division college, heading up the Athletic Training Department as well.

Though that seems like a pressure-filled life, Wehner looks at her future the same way she handles the pressure of school and sports.

“You just have to laugh sometimes,” Wehner said.

Bromback breaks record Thursday night RECORD, continued from page 10

The entire crowd, along with every member of the volleyball team exploded into applause, only to have the moment immediately called back by the referee. The crowd quieted, eager for Bromback to be given another chance at the kill.

They would not have long to wait as Bromback was soon lined up for another shot and this time, there were no interfering whistles or penalties. Bromback went up, the ball went down, and the crowd went wild.

The game was put on hold for a moment for the announcers to mark the occasion and Bromback’s teammates came onto the court to reward her with flowers and balloons.

Kayla was shocked, saying, “I had no idea before the game that they had gotten them for me or that the game was going to stop after it happened.”

(As of Press Time)

Men’s Soccer

Wehner leads soccer and basketball teams WEHNER, continued from page 9

Standings

11

fitchburg worcester westfield bridgewater framingham MCLA salem mass. maritime

All

Conf

10-2-1 10-311-3-1 9-6-1 7-6-1 6-7-1 5-6-3 2-11-0

4-1-0 4-1-0 3-2-1 3-2-0 2-2-1 2-2-1 0-3-2 0-5-0

Volleyball All westfield framingham bridgewater worcester MCLA salem mass. maritime

Conf 4-0 4-1 3-2 3-2 2-4 1-4 0-4

10-17 16-8 11-14 8-16 10-16 3-14 0-23

Men’s Soccer 10/22 @Westfield 12 p.m.

10/25 Sage 3:30 p.m.

10/29 @Bridgewater 2 p.m.

Women’s Soccer 10/22 Westfield 1 p.m.

10/26 @Mount Holyoke

4:30 p.m.

10/29 Bridgewater 2 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball 10/21 vs. Keuka 4:30 p.m.

10/21 vs. SUNY Cobleskill

6:30 p.m.

10/22 vs. Trinity 12:30 p.m.

Men/Women’s X-Country 10/29 @UMASS Darmouth Women’s Basketball 11/16 @St. Joseph 11/22 @Becker 11/27 Williams

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

4 p.m.

Men’s Basketball 11/15 Sage 11/18 vs. Suffolk Both sides line up in anticipation of the next volley. @Endicott Bromback’s record breaking was well as beating Salem State 3-1. 11/19 TBD the icing on the cake of what has While the team would later lose @Endicott been a largely successful week for against Mount Saint Mary’s ColPhoto by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Staff

the Trailblazers. The team went on to win that Thursday game, as

lege on the same day, the team has won six out of its last seven games.

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

4 p.m.

12

Science

Thursday, October 20, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

Chemistry major Black Death still relevant returns to MCLA This Week in Science

By Ryan Barley

Special to The Beacon

This week in science, Verena Schuenemann of Tubingen University and Kirsten Bos of McMaster University have finished a five-year project reconstructing the genome of Yersinia pestis—commonly considered to be the Black Death that ravaged Europe in the 14th century.

The Black Death is thought to be the second of three plague pandemics that have affected humanity, from the Justinian Plague in the sixth to eighth century, to the present-day Third Pandemic, which infects roughly 2,000 people a year.

Though most recent reported cases of Black Death are in developing countries like India— where a 1994 outbreak infected 700 people and killed 52—there have been cases reported in Oregon as recently as 2010.

There has been controversy about what pathogen was really the cause of the Plague. Some historians, like Samuel Cohn, Jr., have claimed that Y.pestis kills too quickly, spreads too rapidly, and causes symptoms in drastically different parts of the body. Cohn argues that the Black Death of antiquity and our modern plague are completely different strains and that the could not have survived back then. Others have suggested that the Black Death was actually caused by an Ebola-like virus, or something similar to anthrax.

In 2000, Didier Raoult and

his team of French archaeologists extracted a sample of Y.pestis from the tooth pulp of 14th century skeletons found in a “Plague pit”—a large massgrave identified as a place where towns would bury Plague victims—in Montpelier, France.

However, critics argued that Raoult’s study was flawed and that there was still no reason to assume that there was any molecular evidence to show that either Y.pestis or the skeletons were involved in the Black Death.

Until now. Bos, Scheunemann, and their team have used Y.pestis samples from a Plague pit in East Smithfield, England to sequence the genome to identify what nucleic acids made up the DNA of the bacteria. They found that the modern strain differed from the ancient one by only 97 letters out of 4.6 million.

The researchers were able to construct an evolutionary tree to show how 17 of the modern strains of Y.pestis could be born from one ancient strain that existed between 1282 and 1343.

From there, it spread across Europe, adapting and diversifying as it went.

Sequencing the bacteria’s genome will not be able to reveal why the pathogen is so deadly, but it will allow scientists to track its evolution through the centuries. Researchers can look at how Y.pestis went from infecting rat fleas to humans, and how doctors can treat, prevent, and even eradicate the Plague in the future.

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The Board of Academic Affairs approved the return of the chemistry major, which was eliminated in 1998

By Jess Gamari Staff Writer

This past Tuesday, the full Board of Academic Affairs met and decided to reinstate the chemistry major program, according to Dean of Academic Affairs Monica Joslin.

“The proposal for a chemistry major, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, has been approved by the Board of Higher Education,” Joslin said on Tuesday. “Over the last several years, there has been an increase in STEM majors including more students electing the chemistry minor and expressing interest in a chemistry major.”

Chemistry professor Robert Harris created the proposal for the reinstatement of the major that was submitted to Board of Higher Education, and is pleased with the results.

“The return of the chemistry major has made us look at our courses and look for ways to improve them and create new electives,” Harris said. “This obviously helps the chemistry major, but it also helps any major that requires chemistry courses as part of the major as well. [For example,] biology, physics, environmental studies and, athletic training.”

David Levine, a chemistry professor, said the new science building and chemistry major will help to support and strengthen each other.

The transition of chemistry

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Staff

Professor David Levine is excited to see a the Chemistry major return. from a minor to a major will require no additional space, he said.

“It’s not economically different.

Having a major strengthens the [science] program,” Levine said.

According to Levine, the chemistry major was eliminated in 1998 because statistics didn’t meet the Board of Higher Education standards, which compare the majors of graduating classes in all state colleges. For a major to remain in good standing, 15 students must complete the program over a three year span, otherwise the degree program is cut. However, this was ruled illegal because the size of the MCLA student body was not taken into account.

Levine and Harris agree that the sciences are interrelated.

“The biology major requires two years of chemistry and the new chemistry major requires Introduction to Biology as well Biochemistry…the two majors already have overlap,” said Harris. “If you look at how science is progressing today, you will see that the traditional lines of disciplines are being blurred....there

are some things that are straight chemistry and straight biology, but more and more research is being done at the interface of the two. Think about drug design and research, natural product isolation and characterization or even enzyme research; all of these have both biology and chemistry components.”

Basic course requirements are similar to the course requirements in the past. The senior year of a major curriculum is made up of electives. Students who plan to go on to grad school or industry will focus on upper-level electives, while those looking to become high school teachers should take education courses.

“The courses depend on what blends with the student’s background, as well as the faculty and what they enjoy teaching,” Levine said. “Intro courses change over a period of time based on what’s taught in advance classes. By offering major, we strengthen the minor in undergrad courses.”

Students may declare a Bachelor of Science major in chemistry starting in the spring of 2012.

Stem cell technique banned in Europe

By Maria Cheng Associated Press

LONDON — The European Union’s top court ruled Tuesday that scientists cannot patent stem cell techniques that use human embryos for research purposes, a ruling some scientists said threatens important research since no one could profit from it.

The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg said the law protects human embryos from any use that could undermine human dignity.

Embryonic stem cells can develop into any type of cell in the body, which one day might be used to replace damaged tissue

from ailments such as heart disease, Parkinson’s and stroke. But using stem cells from embryos has been controversial —opposed by some groups for religious and moral reasons.

Despite such concerns, there are no such restrictions on obtaining patents on stem cell techniques in the U.S. and many other countries.

The European ruling centered on the case of Oliver Bruestle at the University of Bonn, who filed a patent on a technique to turn embryonic stem cells into nerve cells in 1997. Greenpeace filed a challenge to Bruestle’s patent, arguing that it allows human embryos to be exploited.

The court said patents would be allowed if they involved therapeutic or diagnostic techniques that are useful to the embryo itself, like correcting defects.

But the court objected to any stem cell techniques used exclusively to further research, and wrote that using embryos “for purposes of scientific research is not patentable.”

Scientists worried the decision could further restrict stem cell research. Many denounced the decision and said researchers and companies would be less interested in pursuing costly stem cell research because they would be unable to protect their inventions.

Campus Comment

Thursday, October 20, 2011

theonlinebeacon.com

The Beacon

What is your favorite thing about campus and why?

The Beacon is published Thursdays during the academic year and is distributed free to the College community. The Beacon is funded by the Student Government Association, the English/Communications department and from ad revenues.

“The library – it has books and coffee.”

“I like the fact it was super easy to transfer and they took all my credits. The admissions office is awesome.”

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- Jason Peabody, 2012

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13

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Editorial Board

Compiled by Cara Sheedy

Letter to the Editor

Cell phone service improvements needed As a senior at MCLA, I’m privileged to see some of the major transformations on our campus.

The Centennial Room has undergone a significant face lift; a new Ashland Street parking lot has been paved; Hoosac Hall has updated their bathrooms; the Marketplace is being completely redone to include a Subway; and Public Safety moved to a new location. While our campus was

past-due for a lot of these changes, one important service remains to be improved: cell phone service.

I’m unsure whether any measurements have been taken to initiate a movement toward the improvement of cellular signal, but if not, I would highly suggest that one be initiated soon.

Perhaps a tower could be placed in the same area as the new sci-

ence center? Or in one of the lots along Ashland Street?

As education continues to become more digital and more wireless, so, too does our learning. If our campus doesn’t have adequate cell reception, this hinders our ability to communicate and connect the classroom with the real world.

It’s truly impressive that MCLA is finally receiving some physi-

cal TLC, creating a more modern appeal that matches with the times. However, until MCLA takes action to improve cell service, we will remain in the “dark ages,” despite our recent physical renovations.

Sincerely, Vanessa Leikvoll Class of 2012

Submit a Letter to the Editor to MCLA Beacon Mailbox on FirstClass or to beacon@mcla.edu.

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Opinions

Commentary

theonlinebeacon.com

Editorial

Get ready for another Meal plan requirements disappointing election too strict, unnecessary

John Durkan Editor-in-Chief

Yet again, we’re looking at another presidential race where the mainstream media will work its best at following less-than-stellar candidates on the right, none worthy of the position in such a time of crisis and a great need for legitimate, major change to our domestic and foreign policies.

On the left, Obama’s administration was a failure. Just three years into what can easily turn into an eight-year run, the national debt is nearing $15 trillion. Obama failed to lead the government into slowing the bleeding from the Bush administration. If he doesn’t get re-elected, he’ll be remembered for the lengthy, over-compromised health care bill, the trillions in bailouts (Forbes.com reports up to $16 trillion since 2008) and not ending the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

So what about the GOP? Rick Perry? Herman Cain? Mitt Romney? Michelle Bachman? Yeah,

sure, we just need another run-ofthe-mill mainstream Republican to keep that deficit soaring for four years.

(Or we could use a Ron Paul or Gary Johnson. Wait, Gary who?)

At this rate, by this time next year, we’ll be making our “lesser-of-thetwo-evils” vote or a throwaway vote to a candidate that would actually ignite some change. Unfortunately, the latter choice will be ignored by the mainstream media that he won’t have any shot to win.

But does this have to be the case?

Do these elections need to be the choices between the incumbent and the winner of a year-long tournament (debates) loosely related to the issues?

The Republican debates thus far are merely a show packed with hopefuls who bicker and trash each other, and the winner of the end-of-debate poll concludes “you argue better” rather than “you have the potential to solve the nation’s problems.”

So far, the four main contenders offer little in substantial change our country needs. Cain’s platform 9-99 tax model won’t solve the nation’s debt. Rick Perry’s immigration stance isn’t going to solve the nation’s debt. Et cetera.

And unfortunately, the widely ignored and unheard of candidates at least have plans to make great

changes. And if either made it to be the big stage, perhaps they could lead the government into following through.

For years, Texas congressman Ron Paul opposed the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and wants to withdraw immediately (actually, he wanted to do that years ago).

He wants to cut spending in many avenues, dropping five cabinets and ending foreign aid. His stance on social issues aren’t great – but he sets his values aside and decides it’s up to the states for issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and legalization of marijuana.

Unfortunately, he isn’t environmentally conscious. Not a perfect choice, but the better choice than the hopefuls with the headlines.

And then there’s Gary Johnson.

Another candidate that wants to end the wars and lessen America’s involvement throughout the world.

He wants to stop the bailouts. He believes that civil liberties need to be restored. Johnson wants the government to stay out of regulating the Internet.

Not all the choices are bad, but the ones most recognizable on TV are not the answers. Unfortunately, odds are against Paul or Johnson to get the recognition they deserve and we’ll be facing another lackluster election and an even worse four years to follow.

‘Protect Life Act’ fails to protect women’s health This new act, if approved by the Senate and president, would elimanite federal money from health care plans that include abortions, even if the abortion coverage is paid for privately Skyla Seamans

Senior News Editor Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would be detrimental to women’s health if approved by the Senate and President Obama.

This new healthcare law, called “H.R. 358” or the “Protect Life Act,” would cease federal money from being included in health insurance plans that cover abortions, even if the abortion coverage is paid for exclusively with private funds.

This bill, created by Congressman Joe Pitts, is meant to further restrict the already strict limitations on abortion coverage and should be labeled the “Let Women Die Act” instead, as many women’s rights groups are calling it.

Current law requires hospitals to give patients in life-threatening situations any care they need, regardless of the patient’s financial situation.

However, the “Protect Life Act” takes away abortion coverage

from women who already have it, prevents others from being able to obtain it, and gives states and health care officials the power to make private medical decisions for women who want or need an abortion.

Medical emergencies and a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion have become secondary to the hospital’s refusal to provide an abortion for any reason.

Abortion coverage for millions of women across the country would end and health care providers would be given the right to refuse a woman emergency abortion services even if it meant she would die without it.

Hospital employees, even those who are blatantly pro-life or have no medical training, get to make the decision to refuse to process bills, handle medical records, or even provide an examination room for a patient seeking abortion care, if they so desire.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau of Abortion Statistics, nearly one-third of American women will have an abortion within their lifetime. The aver-

age cost of an abortion with anesthesia at 10 weeks gestation is $468, and the cost increases by hundreds of dollars as the weeks continue.

If a woman cannot pay this amount upfront, she could be refused services, even in cases where she is miscarrying or bleeding to death and an abortion is the only life saving option.

This bill, passed by 14 Democrats and every Republican in the House, was greatly opposed by Representative Nancy Pelosi and other members of the Democratic Party. Although it is unlikely to be approved in the senate, this bill is still a sign that women’s rights are not as protected as they should be.

This bill is demoralizing. Politicians should not have the ability to pry into the private medical lives of women and their families.

Instead of focusing on serious issues Americans face every day like unemployment, politicians are wasting time debating over women’s health rights.

Making healthcare more costly for women does nothing to improve the state of our country.

With the new renovations to the Centennial Room, much has been made of the fact that only students and faculy with meal plans can enter the dining area. However, an equally important matter is the meal plans themselves.

If you enter the College as a freshman, you are required to not only live on campus for at least three years, but also have a meal plan for those three years.

This idea makes some sense for freshmen, since Hoosac Hall and Berkshire Towers only have a small kitchen space for the entire building to share. However, a student living in a townhouse has access to a full kitchen, and can cook all of their own meals if they so choose. If a student wishes to buy all of their own groceries and cook all of their own meals, then why should they be forced to have a meal plan?

Exceptions can be made in certain cases, such as for students with food allergies, but the pro-

cess to get out of the meal plan can be drawn out and tedious.

Some students who are required to purchase a meal plan rarely use it, and thus waste a great deal of money.

With the new meal plans available this semester, the Full Meal Plan gives students 270 meals, yet only $75 in Declining Balance points. Considering that students are only on campus for roughly one hundred days per semester, they would need to eat almost three meals per day in the Centennial Room to get their money’s worth. This is unlikely for most students, yet this is the standard plan for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

If the College wanted to meet students’ needs concerning meal plans, they might consider relaxing their requirements. Students pay to go here and they pay to live here; they shouldn’t have to pay to eat here if they’d rather eat their own food.

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For Fun

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15

Horoscopes

Aries: March 21-April 19 You need to let people see how you feel today – don’t be shy about reacting however you want.

If it turns into an emotional situation, that might actually be for the best, so make sure that you’re honest.

Taurus: April 20-May 20 Try your best to boost your feelings of security today, no matter how down you may be this morning. The good news is that you can feel better about money, love or almost anything else with just a little effort!

Gemini: May 21-June 21 Do you have a budget? Can you stick to it? Now is the time to find out – you’ve got to stretch every dollar, even if you feel rich.

Money is tighter than you think, so find a way to hold onto it.

Cancer: June 22-July22 Your energy levels are through the roof today, so get out there and tackle some new projects.

You ought to be able to take care of almost anything you put your mind to. Enjoy the boost!

Leo: July 23-August 22 You are feeling a strong urge to do something new – but you can’t figure out why. It’s a good time to let your subconscious mind take over and guide you the rest of the way to your goal.

By Aurora Cooper

Animal Word Search

AARDVARK ALLIGATOR BABOON BARRACUDA BEAR BISON CAMEL CHIMPANZEE CHINCHILLA COBRA COUGAR CROW DONKEY DOVE EAGLE ELK FERRET FOX GECKO GOAT GOPHER HAMSTER HAWK HERON HIPPOPOTAMUS JACKAL JELLYFISH KIWI LEOPARD LION

LLAMA MACAW MEADOWLARK MINK MOOSE NIGHTINGALE OTTER PANTHER PARROT PEACOCK PELICAN PIG PORCUPINE QUAIL RACCOON RAVEN REINDEER ROADRUNNER SALMON SLOTH SWAN SWORDFISH TIGER TORTOISE TROUT TURKEY VULTURE WOLVERINE WOODPECKER WREN

Word Search courtesy of puzzles.ca

Virgo: August 23-Sept. 22 You need to exercise your social energy today – which could mean anything from hitting a party to finding a new friend at the train station. You feel more connected to others, that’s for sure.

Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Try not to worry too much if things don’t go the way you want them to – you’re just in a weird stage right now, but you should be able to get past it as long as you can find a way to keep your cool.

Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 You may find yourself even more driven than usual – which is really saying something! It’s a great time for you to step up and make sure that your people are all on your side and doing their part.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You need to get in deeper with your friends or loved ones today – your energy doesn’t let you tolerate superficial nonsense. Try to get your people to engage with you on a more intense level.

Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your home needs some better stuff – or maybe just some TLC. Your energy is just right for making your living space into something sweeter, so spend the time and money to make it so.

Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Get over the latest round of problems – it’s all just details, really – and move on to something bigger and better. Just because today isn’t all that great, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer tomorrow!

Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 You’re feeling the urge to put on a show or host a party – so get to it! Your emotional energy is perfect for getting people together and making them see how great life can be.

Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com

16

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Photo Essay

theonlinebeacon.com

Tune in to WJJW

By Brian McGrath Ashley Lewis, class of 2012, DJs her show “The Musicverse.”

91.1 - WJJW Massachusetts College Radio

The entrance to the WJJW studio in the Amsler Campus Center.

The current WJJW program schedule hangs on the wall above more CDs.

The studio has an extensive collection of CDs.