March 1, 2012 - Issue 5 Spring '12

Chik-Fil-A and the “Eat Public Policy Lecture to Winterfest is another reason to Lady Trailblazers fall in MASCAC finals More Kale” campaign feature Iranian humanitarian love winter in the Berkshires Columnist Jessie Wright weighs in on franchise’s copyright claims

Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, will speak Tuesday.

OPINION, page 13

NEWS, page 3

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

Team loses MASCAC bid but still carry hope for a shot at ECAC title.

North Adams held its annual Winterfest last Saturday.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, page 8 SPORTS, page 9

The Beacon

Volume 75 Issue 5 Thursday march 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Student to compete in national pageant

Proposed SGA club budgets show overall cuts from last year

By Ed Damon Staff Writer

Photo by Aaron Crawford/Beacon staff

Katrina Kovalski, this year’s Miss Massachusetts Collegiate America, will compete in a national pageant next week in San Antonio, Texas.

By Holly Johnston Staff Writer

Sophomore Katrina Kovalski is this year’s Miss Massachusetts Collegiate America in the Miss Collegiate America/Miss High School America Pageant System. She competes next week in San Antonio, TX. The platform of the pageant is “The Crown C.A.R.E.S”, which stands for Creating A Respectful Environment in Schools.

Kovalski explained it is based off of collegiate experiences and extra-curricular activities.

“Our pageant system emphasizes the importance of education regarding bullying and the prevention of bullying,” she said. “I plan on speaking to local schools about bullying when I return from nationals.”

Kovalski began competing in pageants when she was a sophomore in high school, but it had been her passion at a much younger age.

“When I was little, I used to always watch pageants with my mom. I had a ‘My Size Barbie’, and I would wear her dress and walk around pretending to be a beauty queen,” she said.

“Besides a $10,000 scholarship, amazing memories, and opportunities of a lifetime, for me, competing in this pageant is showing the world that nothing can prevent you from achieving your dreams,” she continued. “I have been on my own for several years now, and I have consistently set goals for myself, this being one of them.” she said.

Living on her own has been quite an obstacle when competing in pageants, Kovalski explained.

“Pageants can be expensive, and not having financial aid can be a burden,” she said.

Kovalski said she learned to ask for help.

“After being crowned, I knew I couldn’t do it alone, and I reached out for [support],” she said.

“For instance, Becky Miner, owner of Zumba in the Berkshires, helped me hold a fundraiser, ‘Zumba for the Crown’ a few weeks ago, and the community was so supportive,” Kovalski said. “We raised over $500 to help alleviate travel expenses and national fees. I would not be able to compete next week if it wasn’t for the help of the community.”

The forming of 10 new clubs since last year, along with less money in general, means clubs could be facing cuts next semester.

At Monday’s Student Government Association meeting, the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) presented recommended budgets for fiscal year 2013, which starts in September.

Clubs that were recommended less this year include Student Activities Council (SAC), Dance Company, Harlequin, Rugby Club and Yorick.

SGA Treasurer Peter Swain said the total amount requested this year was $200,000 more than what they could allocate.

Two reasons for this, Swain said,

were SGA having $100,000 less and 10 more clubs requesting budgets compared to last year.

Swain said SGA had less money because of lower student enrollment, meaning less was collected from the student activities fee. Supplemental budget requests also took away funds that were rolled over every year.

“There were a lot of things we didn’t want to get rid of,” Swain said about the events clubs were planning. “But at this current moment in time, we lack sufficient funds.”

After going through budgets three times, the BFC still had a deficit.

“We did not feel it was appropriate to go back through and CLUB BUDGETS continued on page 5

“To be able to say that I stand out and can represent thousands of college students in our state is such an honor, and it’s wonderful to be able to prove to myself and the world that I can do this.

There are no limitations for me,” she said.

“Being involved in pageants teaches you how to be a role model and public speaker,” she said. “It helps girls become confident in themselves, in front of thousands. Having a crown is having a microphone that you can use to teach your cause and platform to the public.”

Kovalski offered advice to those who want to get involved in pageantry.

KOVALSKI continued on page 2

IN THIS ISSUE News

2-5

Op-Ed

12-13

A&E

6-8

Science & World

14

Sports

9-11

Comic & Games

15

Photo Essay

16

Campus Comment 12

For updates, friend us at: facebook.com/ MCLABeacon For breaking news, follow us on Twitter: @BEACONMCLA

2

News

Thursday, March 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Humanitarian to speak at Public Policy Lecture SGA in Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, has helped thousands through work.

Brief

- Newly-elected senators were sworn in – Taylor Krowitz Senator, Paul McLatchy, and Keehan Saxton. Senator Daniel Celentano wasn’t present and will be sworn in next week.

-Foy announced Heidi Riello, director of Counseling Services, is organizing a poster campaign entitled, “MCLA Steps Up”. Foy said Riello wanted to take a group picture of SGA at next week’s meeting, which will be featured in the campaign. Senators had no objections over having the photo taken after the meeting.

-Foy told the Senate he and Student Trustee Jaynelle Bellemore have been working to bring the Trustees closer to students. Foy said SGA members would be invited to an informal luncheon sometime next week.

-Emily Borden, MASSPIRG Campus Coordinator, gave a presentation to the Senate on the organization’s plans for the semester. The organization is spearheading an initiative to ban plastic bags in the city of North Adams and promote reusable bags. Transportation is another important campaign, Borden said, as many people in the Berkshires want more efficient public transport.

-Senate Chair Korinna Dennehey updated the Senate about the Food Committee.

The C-Store and Subway construction is well underway, she said, and will be open sometime this month. After spring break, the Starbucks will begin operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The earlier closing time, she said, is because the C-Store will be open to sell coffee later in the night. Bowman’s Grab and Go, which temporarily took the place of the C-Store during Campus Center construction, will begin closing at 2 p.m.

-Class of 2013 Vice President Brycen Waters told the Senate of a coffeehouse open-mic night on March 8. The event will feature performances by students and refreshments will be served.

-Treasurer Peter Swain presented the Budget and Finance Committee’s (BFC) recommendations for club budgets. (For the full article, see page one. To see what each club requested and what the BFC recommended, see page five.)

women survive on incomes under one dollar per day.”

“Zainab Salbi overcame serious obstacles in her life and later managed to use these experiences to help victims of war in other parts of the world,” said Assistant Professor of Political Science Petra Hejnova. “I hope that MCLA students and the wider community can draw inspiration from her personal experience as well as from her work.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1970, Salbi was deeply impacted by her father’s position as personal pilot to Saddam Hussein. Zainab chose to dedicate her life to the women around the world who are trapped in countries embroiled in war.

She earned a master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, in 2001.

Photo Courtesy of MCLA She earned a bachelor’s degree Zainab Salbi will speak at MCLA’s Public Policy Lecture Tues- in sociology and women’s studies day, March 6. from George Mason University, in 1996.

Salbi founded Women for Womwork is an inspiration for us all en International in 1993, as an

By Ed Damon and an example of what one per- humanitarian and development Editor-in-Chief son can accomplish,” said Dean of organization helping women surZainab Salbi, founder and CEO Academic Affairs Monica Joslin. vivors of wars rebuild their lives.

Professor Susan Birns said she The organization has since helped of Women for Women International, will be featured as this hopes students will take advan- 316,000 women access social and year’s Public Policy Lecture. Salbi tage of Salbi’s lecutre, calling her economic opportunities by teachwill visit campus Tuesday, March an inspiration to activists every- ing them rights awareness train6 at 7 p.m. in the Church Street where. ing, vocational skills education, “Women make up a dispropor- and access to income-generating Center. The event is free and open tionate share of the world’s poor,” opportunities. Women for Womto the public.

“Zainab Salbi’s humanitarian Birns said. “Almost one billion en International has distributed

more than $103 million in direct aid and micro credit loans, and has impacted more than 1.7 million family members. For its work “alleviating human suffering”, Women for Women International was awarded the 2006 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, becoming the first women’s organization to receive this honor.

Salbi has written two books.

“Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up In the Shadow of Saddam” (with Laurie Becklund) documents her life under Saddam Hussein’s rule.

In “The Other Side of War: Women’s Stories of Survival and Hope,” Salbi tells the stories of women rebuilding their lives after war.

Salbi has appeared on major media outlets, including CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. She’s also appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” seven times.

The Public Policy Lecture Series is funded through the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust. Past speakers include former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, environmental activist Vandana Shiva, Rwandan humanitarian Paul Rusesabagina, and journalist Bob Woodword.

For more information, go to www.mcla.edu/publicpolicy or call (413) 662-5185.

Campus police investigate robberies in Townhouses Excerpts from Campus Police logs Feb. 19 – 25

Monday 2/20 12:37 a.m. – Public Safety transported a person to the hospital from the Brewer-Perkins building.

Tuesday 2/21 9:27 p.m. – Public Safety transported a person to the hospital from Hoosac Hall.

5:17 p.m. – Public Safety responded to a report of a gas leak in the Murdock Hall parking lot.

11:53 p.m. – Public Safety transported a person to the hospital from the skating rink.

Thursday 2/23 1:45 p.m. – Public Safety investigated suspicious activity at Athletic Complex. Subject was warned.

6:26 p.m. – Public Safety investigated a fire alarm in a Townhouse and deemed it accidental.

Wednesday 2/22 10:53 a.m. – Public Safety investigated a report of vandalism in the Facilities Building.

8:40 p.m. – Public Safety investigated a report of vandalism in the Hoosac Hall parking lot.

1:43 p.m. – Public Safety investigated a report of tresspassing in the athletic complex.

Contact us Email: Beacon@mcla.edu News desk: 413-662-5535 Business line: 413-662-5404 www.theonlinebeacon.com Editor-in-Chief Edward Damon

Copy Chief Jessica Wright

Managing Editor Andrew Roiter

Business Manager Jennifer Smaltz

Senior News Editor Jessica Gamari Sports Editor Brendan Foley A&E Editor Mary Redstone Advisers

Jenifer Augur Gillian Jones Peter Seward

Ad Manager Dylan Glaser

Location: Mark Hopkins Hall, room 111

Staff Writers

Photographers

Amy Cubello Jessica Gamari Andrew Hodgson Tano Holmes Holly Johnston Kayla Koumjian Skyla Seamans Nora Weiss

Will Casey Aaron Crawford Takeya Lee Carly Samach Serina Stimpson Marissa Zelazo Videographers Ken Rodriguez Kyle Serino Ariana Tourangeau

Web Editor Caleb Hiliadis

Design Editors Chris Goodell Stephen Kilduff

Copy Editors Megan Cooney Kristen Rubano Emma Farley

Aurora Cooper Brian Comeau James Courchaine Aaron Crawford Roz Cummings Michael Feloni Jessica Fratus

Ad Reps

Cartoonist

8:40 p.m. – Public Safety transported a person to the hospital from the Brewer-Perkins building.

Friday 2/24

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.

Mission Statement The Beacon strives to provide timely and accurate news of campus and local events.

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

Signed columns and commentaries that appear on these pages reflect the views of the writers.

Letters Policy The Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor. Deadline is noon on Mondays for that week’s newspaper.

1:45 p.m. – Public Safety investigated a fire alarm in a Townhouse.

The cause could not be determine Saturday 2/25 1:40 p.m. – Public Safety investigated a disturbance in a Townhouse. The suspect was gone before they arrived.

10:19 a.m. – Public Safety investigated a report of vandalism on the tarp surrounding the science center building.

5:57 p.m. – Public Safety investigated a fire alarm in a Townhouse and deemed it accidental.

Letters should be kept to 500 words or less and are subject to editing for grammar and content. The Beacon will not publish anonymous or libelous letters.

Letters must be signed by the writer and include a phone number. Letters may be dropped off at the office or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu.

Contributions Policy The Beacon accepts stories, photos and opinion pieces for publication.

Submissions should be dropped off at the office by Monday at noon or e-mailed to Beacon@mcla.edu.

Advertising Policy The Beacon reserves the right not to publish any advertisement it deems to be libelous, false or in bad taste. For questions regarding ads, call the business line or email us.

News

Thursday, March 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

3

Play brings life to Underground Railroad conductor Karen Jones Meadows portrayed Harriet Tubman in celebration of black history and women’s history.

By Skyla Seamans Staff Writer

Photo by Marissa ZelazoBeacon Staff

Karen Jones Meadows presented “Harriet’s Return: Based Upon the Legendary Life of Harriet Tubman” in the Church Street Center on Feb. 22. Tubman freed over 300 people from slavery through the Underground Railroad.

Cooking Corner

by Marissa Zelazo

Simple vegetable ‘mix’ for any student

I have heard more than enough complaints from college students and adults about how hard it is to eat good food while keeping up with their busy lives.

I will always sympathize and crave fast food on occasion, but believe some people just haven’t tried cooking a

healthy homemade meal.

To spread the word, there’ll be a Cooking Corner in each issue of The Beacon. Recipies can be submitted to me via FirstClass and I will test them out to make sure they are tasty and almost as easy as your favorite ramen noodle dinner...

On Feb. 22, in celebration of black history and women’s history, Karen Jones Meadows presented a play about finding purpose and overcoming obstacles through “Harriet’s Return: Based Upon the Legendary Life of Harriet Tubman”.

Meadows, an award-winning author, actress, and producer addressed the audience with her rendition of Tubman’s life, in Church Street Center. Through public and private narrations, the essence of the renowned Underground Railroad conductor and spiritual icon was unveiled to the College.

History Professor Frances Jones-Sneed saw part of the performance at a conference and recommended her to the College.

“It was a strong performance by a very talented actor who has researched the story of Harriet Tubman thoroughly,” JonesSneed said.

She said she believes the audience walked away with a more complete understanding of who Tubman was beyond her leadership in the Underground Railroad.

“I was very moved by the final piece about Tubman‘s later life and how she really followed her heart and found love in her work, the people she served, and had another chance at personal love,” Jones-Sneed said. “What

Ingredients: 1 green pepper 1 tomato 1 red onion Directions: Chop up 1 green pepper, 1 tomato, and 1/2 a red onion.

This simple veggie mix can be kept in the refrigerator for days if kept cold and covered, and can add nutrition and flavor to many easy recipies.

Here’s how you can use this easy mix: Omelette– Add veggie mix to eggs with a bit of your favorite cheese.

will stick with me is Tubman’s analogy about heart, head, and body. Listen to your heart because it will never lead you down the wrong path.”

“Instead of Meadows playing Harriet Tubman, Tubman is the one on the stage showing the audience her struggles, her thoughts, and her greatest accomplishments.”

-Brianna Vear, “Harriet’s Return” is an official event of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program and Meadows informed the audience that Tubman freed over 300 people from slavery through the Underground Railroad.

Susan Birns, sociology professor and director of the Women’s Center, said the performance reinforced her admiration for Tubman’s dedication and the influence women have in American history.

“I found the entire performance engaging—both mind

Baked fish or chicken– Top fish or chicken with oil or butter and a handful of veggie mix.

Bake in a baking dish.

Pasta– Add veggie mix to any pasta with your choice of tomato or alfredo sauce.

Stir fry– Fry veggie mix in a pan with oil or butter and add your choice of any meat or tofu, soy sauce, and rice.

Wraps– Add veggie mix to a wrap filled with any meat and/or cheese.

and soul,” Birns said. “What may stick most in the long run is the overall power of the combination of performance art and history, as opposed to any one particular moment in the performance. Harriet Tubman has always been one of my sheroes!”

Junior Brianna Vear joined Meadows for lunch in the Placement Office before her performance, along with other members of the College.

“Something that struck me is how dedicated Meadows is to portraying her character to the fullest,” Vear said. “She embodies and becomes Harriet Tubman. Instead of Meadows playing Harriet Tubman, Tubman is the one on the stage showing the audience her struggles, her thoughts, and her greatest accomplishments.”

Vear also said Meadows’ admiration of children is something that impacted her. Meadows told stories about working with children no matter where she travels. She said they are what make everything worth it.

Meadows also conducts collaborative seminars and group and private workshops to explore the dramatic impact of any innovative form as a way to heal the spirit, mind, emotions, and physical expression of the creator and the audience. She also has many more performances scheduled for the year in order to bring Tubman’s inspirational life to stages around the world.

Do you have an idea for something that should be in The Beacon?

Let us know! The Beacon is always looking for contributions.

Send us an email at MCLA Beacon Mailbox, or Beacon@MCLA. edu

4

News

Thursday, march 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Conference to feature talent of MCLA students

By Jess Gamari Staff Writer

For ten years, undergraduates have been showcasing their hard work at the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC). This year’s URC will be held on April 19.

“The fact that this is our tenth year is a big deal,” said psychology professor Maria Bartini, director of the Undergraduate Research Program. “It’s exciting.”

Anthony Daly has been involved with the Advisory Board of the URC since he began at the College in 2006.

“The URC showcases the best of MCLA: the opportunities that result from close-working relationships between faculty and students,” Daly said. “Our students can work with their professors to create scholarship that is truly impressive.”

There are 15 members on the advisory board, with the addition of three faculty-nominated students this year. Each student represents one of three categories: arts and humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. Bartini said having student representatives will give the event more visibility.

“The advisory board seems to really appreciate the opinions and contributions of the student advocates,” Max Dilthey, the natural sciences representative, said. “I’m really looking forward to more meetings with them, and I foresee real results from involving the student body. This year will be my first year presenting in the conference, and I’m looking forward to

taking my project to other conferences as well.”

Alexandra Nichipor and Shelby Giaccarini represent the social sciences and arts and humanities groups, respectively.

The URC also serves as a first step for students who will continue to deepen, refine and polish their work for other undergraduate research conferences on regional and national levels, according to English/Communications Professor Rosanne Denhard.

“One of the strengths of the multi-phased projects is that we, as faculty, are able to share a professional model for scholarly research engagement and collaboration as we bring this work to a larger audience,” Denhard said. “Students learn how to take a major project from the proposal stage to completion. Along the way, they practice problem-solving at various stages and learn how to work both independently and collaboratively, both with peers and with faculty.”

Last year, about 150 to 250 students presented and even more attended, Bartini said. This year’s schedule will be virtually the same as last year, beginning with the poster session at 8:30 a.m. in Venable Gym, followed by a luncheon and address from the key note speaker in the Campus Center Gym, as well as oral presentations and special sessions until 5 p.m. in Murdock.

The Philosophy Mini-Conference will take place toward the end of the day. This mini- conference is a 20-year tradition, Philosophy Professor Matthew Silliman said.

“Each fall the URC committee meets to discuss the keynote speaker, looking for a relatively recent graduate of the college who has gone on to do something interesting,” Silliman said. The keynote speaker this year is alumnus Jarrod Abbott-Washburn, Professor Donald Washburn’s son. He will give a talk about his experience with graduate school, Bartini said. Abbott-Washburn earned his degree in philosophy and political science and has since completed a master’s program in ethics and public policy. He will be starting doctoral work in the fall, according to Silliman.

Students doing independent work in any academic disciplines are allowed to present at the conference. Although class is not held on this day, many advisors agree that this event benefits the entire campus.

“Younger students new to the challenges of rigorous, upper-level work have the opportunity to attend paper presentations, poster sessions, and performance events that model the active learning and engagement that characterize strong undergraduate work in all disciplines,” Denhard said.

Those wishing to present at the conference can choose to do so with a visual poster, an oral presentation with visual aids such as PowerPoint, or participate in a special session. A special session is the collaboration of faculty members and students working on a particularly interesting topic within their discipline. Deadline for submission is March 26. Submission guidelines can be found at www.mcla.edu/urc.

What: Tenth Annual MCLA Undergraduate Research Conference When: Thursday, April 19 Where: Location and time for each session will be announced at a later date.

What: Campus-wide event featuring academic talent of MCLA students.The conference holds a broad definition of “research” and welcomes projects and performances in all fields of study. Papers will be presented in 15 minute talks, posters will be displayed, and students will perform their work. Faculty will present special sessions and there will be a keynote speaker. In light of the URC, classes will not be held allowing everyone to attend.

Submission deadline: Monday, March 26. One hundred word abstracts (including title, author(s), and the faculty sponsor are due.

To view full submission guidlines and to submit an abstract, visit MCLA.edu/URC

TOWNHOUSE -No Summer Storage - Displaced During Winter Break (or Pay Extra For Break) - Move within hours of graduation

Community Service Spotlight

Nashua Rosa

what the community and school has to offer. I believe I have taken advantage of a good amount of I work with Meghan opportunities this school Davidson as coordinator has to offer. of the Building Bridges with Youth program in How did you get inthe Center for Service. volved with your We have five sites under project(s): our program which are I have always been inFriends of Foster Fami- terested in helping chillies, Adams Youth Center, dren in the Foster Care Community Transition system because I was part Program, BART Char- of it for about four years. ter School, and Horizons When I heard about the for Homeless Children. opportunity to coordiAll of our programs are nate the Friends of Fosmentoring and/or tutor- ter Families program, ing programs. through Spencer Moser, I was extremely excited.

What inspires you to get Our program has since involved?: changed names to BuildI have been volunteer- ing Bridges with Youth, ing since I was 13 years but it still has the same old and all I have wanted goal: to help children to do is help others, like through mentoring or me,who need or want tutoring. someone to look up to. I am not sure what exactly Do you know someone inspired me to continue that should be featured in doing community serthe Community Service vice but I attended LEAD Spotlight?

Academy, which taught Then contact us at: me to take advantage of Beacon@mcla.edu

BOARDMAN

664-9400

- Summer Storage Available for Fall Renters - Low Cost Summer Rental Available for Fall Renters - Move in 1 to 2 weeks before Fall Semester - Have a few extra days to leave after graduation

News

Thursday, march 1, 2012

Budget and Finance Committee’s Club Budget Recommendations Fiscal Year 2013 Accounting Society Requested: $1,000 Recommended: $279 FY 2012: Did not exist

Black Student Union (BSU) Requested: $17,075 Recommended: $7,800 FY 2012: $9,050

Aikido Club Requested: $2,022 Recommended: $510 FY 2012: Did not exist

Boxing Club Requested: $7,661 TABLED FY 2012: Did not exist

Allegrettos Requested: $4,045 Recommended: 2,509 FY 2012: $2,449

Cheerleading Club Requested: $11,774 Recommended: $7,230 FY 2012: $9,100 Christian Fellowship Requested: $2,681 Recommended: $1,186 FY 2012: $500

Asian Club Requested: $3,158 Recommended: $1,195 FY 2012: $2,600 Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians, and Allies Making a Difference (B-GLAD) Requested: $4,440 Recommended: $2,136 FY 2012: $2,350

Enrepreneurial Club Requested: $8,939 Recommended: $2,315 FY 2012: $2,375 Environuts Requested: $6,293 Recommended: $3,534 FY 2012: $2,960 Gaming Alliance Requested: $1,162 Recommended: $441 FY 2012: Did not exist

Chamber Ensemble Society Requested: $622 Recommended: $357 FY 2012: Did not exist

Anime Club Requested: $6,776 Recommended: $3,977 FY 2012: $4,070

Education Club Requested: $900 Recommended: $628 FY 2012: Did not exist

Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) Requested: $4,415 Recommended: $1,762 FY 2012: $3,150

The Beacon Requested: $25,923 Recommended: $19,150 FY 2012: $24,500

Computer Society Requested: $940 Recommended: TABLED FY 2012: $700

Biology Club Requested: $7,290 Recommended: $2,098 FY 2012: $2,350

Dance Company Requested: $18,855 Recommended: $13,495 FY 2012: $18,880

Good Vibes Requested: $2,065 Recommended: $992 FY 2012: $800

theonlinebeacon.com

5

National Broadcasting Society (NBS) Requested: $3,970 Recommended: TABLED FY 2012: $6,013

Society of Music Requested: $13,690 Recommended: $567 FY 2012: Did not exist

NEXXUS Requested: $6,954 Recommended: $1,875 FY 2012: $2,550

Society of Physics Students Requested: $3,813 Recommended: $756 FY 2012: $1,730

Outing Club Requested: $17,502 Recommended: $3,043 FY 2012: $5,925

Students Taking Action for Gender Equality (STAGE) Requested: $2,950 Recommended: $1,947 FY 2012: $2,100

Photography Club Requested: $3,400 Recommended: $1,181 FY 2012: $2,150

Harlequin Requested: $22,050 Recommended: $14,577 FY 2012: $20,250

PILLARS (Peers Instituting Life Lessons Around Responsible Service) Requested: $650 Recommended: $615 FY 2012: $1,400

History Society Requested: $380 Recommended: $109 FY 2012: $225

Poetry Slam Club Requested: $24,270 Recommended: $1,465 FY 2012: Did not exist

Latin American Society Requested: $16,745 Recommended: $5,561 FY 2012: $7,500

Political Science Club Requested: $968 Recommended: $348 FY 2012: $0

Mathematical Society Requested: $1,900 Recommended: $803 FY 2012: Did not exist

Rugby Football Club Requested:$8,425 Recommended: $7,456 FY 2012: $8,771

Multicultural Student Society (MCSS) Requested: $13,600 Recommended: $4,045 FY 2012: $10,200

Ski Club Requested: $8,695 Recommended: $5,618 FY 2012: $7,085

Student Activities Council (SAC) Requested: $154,400 Recommended: $110,282 FY 2012: $142,700 Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Requested:$3,240 Recommended: $1,129 FY 2012: Did not exist WJJW Requested: $22,988 Recommended: $12,888 FY 2012: $14,603 Writers’ Guild Requested: $255 Recommended: $170 FY 2012: $130 Yorick Requested: $14,530 Recommended: $9,852 FY 2012: $10,205

The Budget and Finance Committee recommended budgets for Student Government’s 43 clubs. All clubs have the requested amounts, the BFC’s recommended amount, and what they received for fiscal year 2012, which covers the fall semester and this semester.

Proposed club budgets show reflect lower enrollment, more clubs CLUB BUDGETS continued from page 1

try and find more funds to take out from certain clubs,” Swain said. The committee decided to take a blanket percentage from every club budget – five and a half percent – to get rid of the deficit. In total, 43 clubs requested $601,638 from SGA, much more than the $390,000 SGA had. The total budget runs $370,000, with $20,000 in reserves for emergency and supplemental budget requests.

Money was so tight this year, Swain said, the BFC recommended cutting SGA’s operating budget for the first time in SGA history. The operating bud-

get of $115,200 includes office needs, equipment, the Collegiate Readership Program, and the annual Sam Gomez Race.

Ten new clubs have formed since last year’s budget process. The new clubs are: Accounting Society, Aikido Club, Boxing Club, Chamber Ensemble Club, Education Club, Gaming Alliance, Mathematical Society, Poetry Slam Club, Society of Music, and Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP).

New clubs received much less than what they requested. Accounting Society, for example, requested $1,000 and was recommended $279. “Typically we like to see a club get off the ground and on their feet before we allocate a

TOWNHOUSE BEDROOM Single Bed Desk Bureau Basic Cable

rather large amount of funds,” Swain said.

National Broadcasting Society’s budget was tabled as committee members concerned about the “Money was so were e-board being all graduattight this year, ing seniors, and suggested for replacements.

Swain said, the looking Swain said all three clubs [committee] can submit supplemental recommended budgets in the fall.

The most notable cut was cutting SGA’s in Student Activities Counoperating budget cil (SAC), whose recombudget is 23 perfor the first time in mended cent less than last year’s.

SGA history.”

The club, which organizes entertainment on campus, received $142,700 last year, Three clubs had their but the BFC is recommendbudgets tabled. Boxing ing $110,282.

Club must secure a coach Swain urged senators in order to be a club, and to pass the budget as one the Computer Society “package,” as any change in could not attend their one club’s budget will affect scheduled meeting with another. Swain said senathe committee. tors should come back next

BOARDMAN BEDROOM DOUBLE Bed 32” HDTV Mini-fridge Premium Cable

week with the calculations and the reasoning for the change.

“If you feel you need to change the amount we’re recommending for a certain club, we’re going to have to figure out a way to take it from another club,” Swain said.

Based on the fact they don’t have any excess funds to do that with, Swain said senators should come back next week with the calculations and the reason they feel it’s necessary to do so.

The next SGA meeting is Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in Murdock 218. Senators and e-board members will have the chance to ask questions about each individual club’s budget.

(much larger)

Desk with 3 Shelves Nightstand Executive Swivel Chair Fast Wi-fi Large Bureau Reserve Soon 664-9400 Mirror

6

A&E

Thursday, March 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Winterfest is another reason to love winter in the Berkshires

North Adams held its annual Winterfest last Saturday, filling the streets with ice sculptors in competition, discounts on local businesses, girl scout cookies, and warm bowls of chowder and ending with ice skating.

By Nora Weiss A&E Writer North Adams Tourism brought seasonal festivities once again with its 15th annual Winterfest, pushing out the cold and bringing in pure old-fashioned enjoyment. With local businesses participating in the grandeur, Main Street lit up this past Saturday with art, shopping deals, and much more.

Even though last weekend was the first time in a while that reminded us what the cold in the Berkshires really feels like, many townspeople and students trotted through town with smiles on their faces. Trailing the store fronts from one end of the street to the other, local artists portrayed ice sculptures for the annual Ice Sculpture Contest. While the winner was the graceful winged bird sculpture created by Suzy Helme, many exquisite sculptures lined the streets, including an iced pair of pants created by MCLA’s own Jason Peabody, a senior.

“The sculptors are very talented,” junior Aya Lanzoni, who stumbled upon Winterfest during a walk last weekend, said. “There were a variety of sculptures. My own favorite was a bird resting on tree branches.”

There was more than just visuals; the human pallet was put to work at Winterfest 2012. Homemade chocolate store I Got Goodies was offering 10% off all chocolates and Girl Scout Cookies were being sold amidst the chilly wind. The weather was no match, especially during the Chowder Cook Off, a chowder contest between local eateries. According to the official judges, Hops and Vines of Williamstown had it right, but the official people’s choice stayed North Adams local with Bounti Fare Restaurant.

North Adams kept it coming all day and into the night, ending Winterfest with ice skating at the North Adams Skating Rink.

With hundreds of participants and onlookPhoto by Carly Samach/Beacon Staff ers throughout the day, North Adams Tour- Jospeh Tracy of Stamford VT was one of the contestants in the ice sculpture contest ism gave the area just one more reason to at the Winterfest on Saturday. He worked on his ice sculpture using his own chainsaw outside of Press Gallery on Main St. love winter in the Berkshires.

Apple expected to unveil iPad 3 at event next week Event to take place on Wednesday in San Francisco to discuss new iPad features

NEW YORK (AP) _ Apple is expected to unveil a new version of the iPad at an event in San Francisco next week.

Apple sent out invitations to news media on Tuesday with an image showing part of an iPad screen. The company had been widely expected to reveal the third version of its popular tablet computer soon, close to the anniversary of the launch of the iPad 2.

The event will take place next Wednesday at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, where Apple holds larger launch events.

Since the first iPad came out in 2010, sales of traditional computers have slowed in the U.S. and other wealthy countries. Rival PC and phone makers have been unable to mirror Apple’s success with their own tablet computers. Apple has sold 55 million iPads so far, about the same as the estimated number of Mac computers in use.

Apple Inc. didn’t provide any details on the new device. Various unconfirmed reports speak of a sharper screen and faster cellular broadband options.

It’s not known when such a new device would be available for sale.

Last year, sales of the iPad 2 began in the U.S. nine days after the announcement.

Oscar Wrap-Ups The Artist

Best Supporting Actor

Best Director

Christopher Plummer (Beginners)

Best Picture

Michael Hazanavicius (The Artist)

Best Lead Actor Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Best Lead Actress Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer (The Help)

Cinematography Hugo

Best Animated Feature Film Rango

Best Costume Design Mark Bridges (The Artist)

Best Foreign Language Film

Best Adapted Screenplay

A Separation (Iran)

Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash (The Descendants)

Best Original Score Ludovic Bource (The Artist)

Best Documentary Best Original Song “Man or Muppet” Feature Undefeated

Bret McKenzie (The Muppets)

Best Original Screenplay Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris)

A&E

Thursday, March 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

AntonShufordmakeslaughsat ComedyStopThursdaynight

By Tano Holmes

A&E Writer The Student Activities Council came through again, providing an extremely funny program of comedians last Thursday in Sullivan lounge as part of their Winter Week.

After a brief introduction by Nora Weiss, Sidney Gantt took the stage making a slew of sexual and politically-oriented jokes.

He kept the crowd of about 30 people laughing with his energetic performance. He also informed the audience that he is a “worse person,” (not to be confused with a bad or evil person).

He admitted to having a cakeeating problem, according to his baker, which was one of the funniest sets. Gantt warmed up the

audience, getting a loud applause as he brought on the headliner and finalist in the Great American Comedy Festival in Nebraska: Anton Shuford.

Anton Shuford started off his set by asking the audience who was studying to be a teacher, and then proceeded to go into a funny story about a kid who spilled juice all over him. He also relayed stories of his time as a teacher before he pursued a career in comedy.

Shuford went into a skit about the touchy subject of domestic violence, which was handled with class. He made references to Rihanna and how she is setting a bad example for women everywhere by collaborating with Chris Brown after he hit her mul-

tiple times.

Shuford got the crowd involved by asking if anyone had ever been fired and then improvised a bit about Wal-Mart and how to leave properly in a “huff and a scene.”

He then explained how to properly avoid college loans in a witty way, describing his long conversations with loan companies.

“It was really funny,” said junior Alex Stasio. “ I really like how he picked on different people, it kept the crowd engaged.”

He then told the ladies in the room how difficult it is to be a boy. He described the problems of getting up the courage to ask a girl out and the financial drain on a boy’s wallet. He gently harassed a few couples in the audi-

ence, asked about their relationships, and encouraged the girls to pay for their dates more often.

Shuford’s style was reminiscent of a young Dave Chappelle: Charismatic, happy and inappropriately hilarious. He drew from awkward and not very ‘politically correct’ situations to tell stories which kept the audience in stiches.

“I get my material from my life experiences ,” Shuford said.

“Sometimes I just try to capture the mindset I was in. I am currently doing a tour of 27 colleges in four months. But I had a good time here, the crowd was good, and it was a well set up.”

Check out Shuford on Twitter @comicanton

7

What’s Happenin’ Tonight:

Sing Your Song: A Documentary on Harry Bellafonte 7:30 p.m. Mass MoCA $9 General/$5 Student

Friday: Asco Exhibition Opening Celebration 4:30 p.m. walk through with the curators 5:30 - 7 p.m. reception Wiliams College Museum of Art

Saturday: Asco Exhibit A Symposium 1 - 5:30 p.m.

Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, Williams College For reservations email wcmareservations@ gmail.com or call (413) 597-4545 Mass MoCA Alt Cabaret Presents: Delicate Steve 8 p.m.

Club B10 $12 Advance/$16 Door/$10 Students

Photos by Takeya Lee/Beacon Staff

Sidney Grant, left, opened up for Anton Shuford, right, at SAC’s Comedy Stop last Thursday night in Sullivan Lounge.

NEXXUS travels to Williams for competition

By Andrew Hodgson

Staff Writer On Feb. 25, seven dance teams, including the College’s own NEXXUS, competed in front of a sold-out crowd at the ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance at Williams College.

The seventh annual “Steady Steppin’ Forward” step competition saw seven teams from colleges around the region compete for bragging rights. Before the show, the ticket line stretched around the front of the building while cashiers furiously doled out tickets until there was no more room in the building.

SUNY New Paltz’s Shades, an all-female team, began the night with a routine that mixed rigid, body-controlled movement with the beat of heavy snare drums to

show off their dancers’ talents.

Next was SUNY Albany’s Organized C.H.A.O.S. group. Instead of a rigid routine, the contingent from Albany flew around the stage in a precise step while chanting and poking fun at the audience and other step teams alike.

At one point in the performance they jeered “we make other steppers sweat”.

Siena’s S.O.L.I.D. all-female team marched onto stage in combat boots and tutus. Then the ironically-dressed group began an aggressive homage to Nicki Minaj as her song “Super Bass” blasted inside the crowded theater.

The returning champions of the competition were next. Tufts’ BlackOut made their presence known as they sauntered on stage wearing suits and suspenders.

Their routine had a high rate of difficulty with dancers contorting and stepping seamlessly to the delight of the audience. They also incorporated short skits in between sections of their routine, a nice change of pace from all the intense dancing going on.

Stony Brook’s Cadence led with a Law & Order-based routine about students who had unfortunately been stomped to death.

Their incorporation of a story into their routine was a great addition to a team with skilled dancers throughout.

NEXXUS hoped to take home the win with an aggressive routine that incorporated stepping along with another dance type called a “stroll.” The stroll originated in the 1950’s on the hit television program “American Bandstand”.

Combining their signature stepping style with the nostalgic dance NEXXUS showed off their hard work and the crowd, laden with a huge group of MCLA students, responded.

The NEXXUS routine began with two groups dance-battling to be the “real” NEXXUS. OF course, at the end the two groups combined into the entire team and gave their fellow students and the crowd a high-energy ending to a solid routine.

“It is nerve-racking to stand in front of an auditorium full of people, but we practice the routine so much it’s automatic,” NEXXUS member Ashley Lewis said in an interview after the competition.

STEP continued on page 8

Monday:

Circus Amok Featuring Jennifer Miller 7 p.m.

Sullivan Lounge

Look for reviews of events in next week’s paper, and online at theonlinebeacon. com

8

A&E

Thursday, February 23, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

Are you a musician?

Do you want to spread the word about your music?

The Beacon’s A&E Department wants to give you the chance to get yourself noticed on campus!

Fill out the list below and send an email to either the Beacon Mailbox or Mary Redstone on FirstClass Name:

(Or name of Band)

Genre: Sounds Like: Years Active: Recorded Music Available:

(Such as EPs or full albums)

Where Your Music Can be Obtained: Upcoming Gigs:

You may also submit up to 150 words of additional info on you or your band as well as one or two color photos each no bigger than 2x3 inches.

Mary Redstone A&E Editor

Bullied by Ratings

Photo by Carly Samach/Beacon Staff

Krystal Steinik performed a monologue in STAGE’s production of the Vagina Monologues last Thursday and Friday nights in the Church St Center.

Vagina Monologues mixes humor and heartbreak

By Mary Redstone

A&E Editor Last Thursday and Friday, STAGE put on their fourth production of “The Vagina Monologues.” The entry fee, as well as the selling of buttons and small pocket mirrors, was put towards Girls Inc. and The Women of Haiti.

There were 19 monologues, but ten of them were small bits in between monologues that included “The Wear and Say Lists” and “Vagina Happy Facts.”

The “Wear and Say Lists” was a list of responses to the questions “What would your vagina wear,” which included answers such as a top hat, sequins, and a silk kimono, and “What would your vagina say,” yielding outcries of “Feed me,” “Don’t stop,” “Bonjour,” and “Where’s Brian?”

The “Happy Vagina Facts,” segment contained medical tidbits about just how many nerve fibers are in the female genitals and was bookended by “Not-So-Happy Fact,” startling figures concerning female genital mutilation.

The monologues ranged in subject matter as varied as these two sets of facts did; there were very humorous ones and there were very serious and disturbing ones.

“My Angry Vagina” featured

Briana Vear and Emily Follin verbalizing the female distaste for things such as tampons and the uncomfortable procedure of a gynecologist appointment.

“Stop shoving things up me,” cried Vear.

The Vagina Monologues is something that needs to be seen in order to truly understand its message and its impact. One reason is because simply reading about the monologues does not convey the same kind of emotion as hearing it acted out, but the other reason is that there are so many words and situations that can’t be printed in the newspaper.

Two of the skits, “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” and “Reclaiming Cunt”, were definitely monologues that needed to be seen to believe.

In the former, Catie Nickerson played a woman sex worker who worked exclusively with women, describing the different kinds of (frequently humorous) moans she encountered. In the latter, Catt Chaput verbalized the desire for women to reclaim the word “cunt,” dragging out each letter and urging the audience to join in.

The monologues were not just comprised of MCLA students; Professor Maria Bartini took

the stage for “I Was There in the Room,” a tale of being present for the birth of a granddaughter.

Some of the sadder monologues were equally well-acted and impressive. “They Beat The Boy Out of My Girl” featured Courtney Wilis, Alexandra Elwell, Kelly “Zero” Ward, Krystal Steinik, and Catie Nickerson telling five stories of violence against transgender people.

The final monologue, “I’m Over It,” began with some of the participants standing up from the seats and coming up the aisles. They took turns declaring different things in culture that they were over, including rape jokes, rape culture, taking away the right to an abortion, victim-blaming, being silent about rape, “the passivity of good men,” and “years and years of being over rape.”

They asked that those who had cell phones to turn them on and text BILLION to 50555. This generated a reminder for the next year’s One Billion Rising, “a global day of action for women and men across the planet to gather and dance to end violence against women and girls,” according to a paper included in the program.

Anyone who still wants a reminder can text this number or sign up at vday.org/billion.

STEP continued from page 7

Dance Company & SAC presents

Dance Festival Weekend Saturday Through Sunday

A variety of dance workshops and events for you to choose from! There is no charge and all students are invited!

Check out our Facebook page for information and timing about the events & workshops

The host team, William’s Sankofa, performed last and made it count using aggressive steps that echoed through the theater to make their mark on the competition. The crowd applauded the group thunderously as the competition ended and the deliberating began.

Fortunately the crowd was not left in suspense for very long. After a few short minutes, it was announced that SUNY Albany’s Organized C.H.A.O.S. was the winner. Cue another thunderous ovation. Then as everyone filed out of the amphitheater, a buzz throughout the crowd ensued, with audience members discussing the impressive dances they had just seen and arguing over the truly best routine.

I don’t like, nor do I trust the MPAA. My reasons are extensive and probably wouldn’t fit in this little column.

Most recently, they have stood firm in their decision to rate the public-service documentary “Bully” at R. The film is aimed at high school and middle school students in order to try and end bullying in schools. It focuses on five students, all under the age of 16, with harrowing stories of bullying. It went up for review by the MPAA a few weeks ago and left with an R-rating.

The MPAA cited their reasoning for the R-rating was due to its harsh language, language that is heard being hurtled at 14 to 16 year-old students by bullies.

Since the MPAA likes to give the impression that they are benevolent, they allow filmmakers to appeal their initial rating, explain why they should be given something else, or make compromises.

Last Thursday, the filmmakers attended the appeal to try and get “Bully” down to a PG-13 rating.

To add to their case, one of the five students, 14-year-old Alex Libby, illustrated in the documentary, went with them.

However, the MPAA stuck with their original decision, and the student left the room in tears.

Of all the reprocussions of this film being rated R, including teachers not being able to show this in their classrooms without receiving permission slips from parents, the strangest of all is that the students in the documentary can’t even go to a theater to see themselves on screen.

Schools that had previously welcomed the showing of this film with open arms have had to change their plans; the Cincinati school district had to cancel bussing 40,000 students to the theater to see the film. However, Farfax High School in Los Angeles said they will continue to show the film regardless of its rating.

As of this writing, there are over 130,000 signatures on a petition on Change.org to get the rating changed, most of which come from teens and college-aged people. The Weinstein Company, the distributors of “Bully,” have even openly considered pulling their backing of the MPAA and ceasing the submission of films to the group for rating.

I personally am appalled that the MPAA won’t budge. Without getting into a battle of morals (ie: the language in this film is less harmful than the violence or sexuality in another), I believe that the benefits of teens viewing this film can greatly outweigh any potential adverse effects from hearing a swear word or two. This is an issue I’ll be following closely, and when it is released on March 30, I hope to see the theaters full of high schoolers.

Sports

Thursday, March 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

9

Lady Trailblazers fall in MASCAC final Lose MASCAC bid but still carry hope for a shot at ECAC title

By Brendan Foley Sports Editor

The Lady Trailblazers managed to fight their way to the final game of the MASCAC conference tournament, only to be defeated by first-seeded Bridgewater State.

MCLA had entered the tournament ranked as the number three team. Their first opponent was Fitchburg State. The Trailblazers came out ahead with a final score of 83-76, following the commanding performance by Lucy Tremblay who knocked down 23 points for her team for the night.

The team then moved to the semi-finals, where they went head-to-head with Salem State, the second-seeded team in the conference. The game was held on Feb. 24.

Going into the game, MCLA had a 1-1 record against Salem State. Salem had come out ahead in an early-season contest, while MCLA had smoked them in the most recent game, smashing Salem into submission with a score of 72-51.

Recent history would repeat itself, as the Lady Trailblazers smited Salem with a commanding score of 95-79.

Lucy Tremblay once again ran out in front of her team, singlehandedly recording 21 points for the evening. Senior Jen Wehner led the entire game in rebouds

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Archive

The Lady Trailblazers made it to the final game of the MASCAC tournament before being defeated by Bridgewater. reclaiming 16 stray shots for the MCLA effort.

MCLA then headed into the final game of the tournament

against Bridgewater, a game held on Feb. 25 at Bridgewater.

MASCAC, continued pg. 10

Men’s basketball fall in quarterfinals End season with loss to Salem State in the closing legs of the MASCAC tournament

By Brendan Foley Sports Editor The Men’s Basketball season has come to an end.

The team, which had overcome numerous odds to make it to the semi-finals of the MASCAC conference tournament, was soundly defeated by top-seeded Salem State, 96-75.

MCLA had struggled against Salem State in all of their regular season games, being defeated 101-76 in their first game, and 8778 in the second.

MCLA entered the tournament as the fifth ranked team. They surprised many in the conference when they beat out the higherranked Worcester State in the quarterfinals, final score 73-65.

The match was close in the first half, but in the second half Salem pulled away to take a lead of 13-points that would be maintained for the rest of the game.

Senior Jamal Brown led the Trailblazers with 23 points for the night. Brown also led in rebounds, snatching eight recoveries in support of the Trailblazer effort.

The men’s Trailblazers conclude their season with an overall record of 8-19. For the conference,

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Archive

Senior Jamal Brown ends his senior year with 308 points, leading the Trailblazers in both scoring and rebounding. the team went 4-8.

These statistics are especially tough in the face of the 2010-2011 season which saw the Trailblazers

go 17-10 overall, with a MASCAC record of 7-5.

Even with the disappointing record and outcome, this season has

stood head-and-shoulders above the 2008-2009 season, which saw the team wind up with a final record of 1-24. The Trailblazers

have made great strides in the years since.

BASKETBALL, continued pg. 11

10

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Sports

theonlinebeacon.com

Men’s baseball gears up for 2012 seaBy Kayla Koumjian Sports Writer The baseball team is already four weeks into practice for their upcoming spring season.

There are 20 players on the team this year, and ten of those players are new to the baseball program.

“We have a very young team this year,” explained head coach, Jeff Puleri. “There’s a lot of talent.”

Senior pitcher, Dan Gaines, agreed with his coach about the young team. He said, “We are a very young team that can do big things” Gaines is also very optimistic about the upcoming season.

“It’s great. We haven’t had much success in the past couple of years so it’s good,” he said.

Last season, the baseball team had a record of 8-22. They are striving to improve on that record, and having a young team could be the fresh start they are looking for.

“We are all looking to improve ourselves every day,” explained Gaines. “All of our coaches stress how important it is to come to practice every day and improve ourselves, not just go through the motions.”

With the team divided evenly between returners and rookies, there are lots of chances for players to fight for positions.

“Every single spot on the lineup card is open right now, which

makes for good competition between us,” Gaines said.

The baseball team is gearing up to leave for Davenport, Fla. on March 7. While there, they will compete in ten games, against five teams.

During their time in Florida, many players will have a chance to prove their playing abilities and fight for a spot.

“It’s good to have a lot of competition at every single position so that everyone is playing hard every day,” Gaines said about players trying their best while in Florida.

“It’s good to have a lot of competition at every single position so that everyone is playing hard every day,” said Gaines.

However, Florida is not only about the competition within the team. It is also about the players getting to know each other better, both on and off the field.

“I am very excited to get down in the warm weather and play some ball,” Gaines said. “It is always a fun time down there.”

When discussing the Florida

Photo by Cara Sheedy/Beacon Archive

The baseball team diligently prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season. trip, Gaines expressed confidence in the team. He said, “It is a good chance for us to get the season started with some wins.”

Coach Puleri also spoke confidently about his players and the upcoming season.

“We have a fun group to work with and it will transition into a better season,” he said.

The team’s ultimate goal is to be ready for the tough competition within the MASCAC conference.

The two teams to beat in the conference this year are Westfield and Bridgewater.

The Trailblazers will face most of the conference teams in April, leaving them with more time to prepare and know what needs to be improved on.

One strategy the baseball team will utilize is the speed of their players.

“We have a lot of speed which we are going to use to our advan-

tage,” Gaines said.

The team so far has been lucky enough to be able to play outside, instead of having to stay inside the gym for every practice.

Once the baseball team gets back from Florida, their season will be in full motion and they will start playing games regularly.

The 2012 season will kick off on March 9, when the Florida tournament begins. The team’s regular season will begin on March 20.

Women’s basketball falls to Bridgewater MASCAC, continued from pg. 9

Bridgewater came out ahead, with a final score of 76-66.

Bridgewater had proven to be a particular problem for the Trailblazers during the regular season, defeating them in both their previous match-ups. The final regular season game against Bridgewater proved to be one of the season’s low-points, with MCLA

Tashari Rainwater said, “We will just work harder and try our best next time.” getting blown-out, 78-46.

The MASCAC final game was hotly contested, with the lead changing hands back-and-forth over the course of the evening.

But the tide permanently turned when both Tremblay and Wehner got into foul trouble, and were restricted to the bench to watch as Bridgewater took the lead.

Despite being restricted to the sidelines, Tremblay still managed to lead MCLA in points, putting 16 points on the board for the effort. Wehner once again led the game in rebounds, snatching up 12.

The Trailblazers will be losing Wehner to graduation, as well as

forward Olivia McMullen and guard Alie Dobrovolc, a lost that could prove devastating, Wehner and Dobrovolc alone accounted for over 2,000 combined points in their careers at the College.

However, freshman Tashari Rainwater expressed the belief that the team could overcome such problems.

“I dont think it will change much, besides the seniors’ special qualities all three of them had,” Rainwater said. “We will just work harder to try our best next time.”

Wehner and Dobrovolc were in hot competition for the title of number one scorer for the season, with Dobrovolc ending up on top with 441 points to Wehner’s 440 points. However, because Dobrovolc played one more game than Wehner, Wehner actually averages out to more points per game, 16.3 to 15.8.

In third was Tremblay, who boasted 365 points for the season.

Also breaking into triple digits were Danielle Scolpino, Kaitlyn Chenevert and McMullen.

Combined, the women’s basketball amassed 1,963 points over the season, to their opponents combined 1,873. On average, the Trailblazers score 70.1 points a game, while their opponents were limited to 66.9 points per game.

Overall, the final record of the 2011-2012 Lady Trailblazers was 15-13, going 6-6 in conference play.

Photo by Will Casey/Beacon Archive

Alie Dobrovolc scored over 1,000 points for the Trailblazers in her final year with the team.

Sports

Thursday, March 1, 2012

theonlinebeacon.com

11

Softball prepares for challenges of new season The young team with unproven freshmen will face challenges right from the start

By Ariana Tourangeau Staff Writer

Brendan Foley Sports Editor

Let’s settle this once and for all: The greatest sports movie ever made is Slap Shot. You are allowed to have a different opinion so long as you go in knowing that you are wrong. You just are.

Now, I came from a hockey-playing household, so I am naturally pre-disposed to be driven to hysterics by the sight of the long-haired human wrecking balls the Hanson Brothers, cross-checking anyone who crosses their path, storming the bleachers like they’re Terry O’Reilly, or starting a bench-clearing bloody brawl before the National Anthem can even be played.

But even without my history as a hockey lover, I think Slap Shot would stand head and shoulders above the competition.

Number one: it stars Paul Newman. Now, Paul Newman was a generally-excellent actor with any number of skills and abilities that he displayed over the many decades of his career. But perhaps his greatest ability was his knack for making even the most selfish, villainous, disaster-areas of human beings oddly sympathetic. And nowhere was that on better display than in Reggie Dunlop, the pathologically dishonest, foul-mouthed loser at the head of the Chiefs. Reggie is a bottom-feeding low-life, but Newman is so excellent he makes you love that bottom-feeding low-life and root for him to come out ahead.

Now, one of the major things that detracts from even a great film is the aging process. Fantastic films like Rocky or The Longest Yard have had quite a bit of their impact taken away thanks to rip-offs, largely mocked sequels, remakes, and the walking punch line that Mr. Stallone and Reynolds have become in their later careers.

On that count, Slap Shot is unimpeachable. Newman never submitted to late-career self-destruction.

The sequels were Direct to Video and nobody noticed or cared, and most importantly, you simply couldn’t set Slap Shot in any other time period but the era it was made in.

Slap Shot was set and made in the 70’s with wild hair, no helmets, and a penchant for grimy, foul-mouthed working class men and women.

Most of the wilder moments in the hockey games presented in the film have been completely and irrevocably outlawed (largely thanks to the movie itself) and the sort of league and players that were contemporary when Slap Shot was made have gone the way of the dodo. Slap Shot is art from another era that is utterly of a piece with that era, making it truly unique.

For the past couple of weeks the Trailblazers have eagerly prepared for their upcoming softball season.

On March 8, the team will be venturing to Florida for spring break where they will compete in a tournament consisting of 12 games.

Each game will be double headers.

The head coach of the team is Mike Ameen and the assistant coach is Kate Galli. Ameen served as the teams’ assistant coach in 2010 before taking over as head coach last season. Galli graduated from the College in 2000 as a three-sport athlete in tennis, basketball and softball.

The team finished the spring 2011 season with a record of 1121 overall. More specifically; 5-8 home, 4-10 away and 3-11 in conference. They ended the season with a ten game losing streak.

Using the last season as motiva-

MacDonald said, “The freshmen have been working so hard this preseason, they have really impressed me with their commitment to the team.” tion for a better season this spring, the Trailblazers have been working hard in preseason.

Junior and pitcher Ainsley MacDonald said, “Everyone on the team has been working so hard this preseason which is hard to do being in the gym for so long.”

Photo by Tyson Luneau/Beacon Archive

The softball team’s season will kick-off on March 9, in the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic.

The team has a tough line-up this season with back-to-back games and tournaments from March 8 to April 30, but it will only increase their drive to win.

Macdonald stated that this season will be different from the last.

“My teammates are very competitive, so even though we have a tough schedule I think we will have enough drive to make this season successful,” Macdonald said.

“We have to focus on our spring break games, and what we need to improve on for our regular season,” MacDonald continued. “We have to take one game at a time, and only think about the next game. If we think about things that are too far in the future we

will lose focus.”

With two experienced seniors leaving at the end of the season, the skill and talent of the five new freshmen will help keep the balance of the team in the next few years.

“They bring a new attitude to the team, and it is like a fresh start.

The freshmen have been working so hard this preseason. They have really impressed me with their commitment to the team,” Macdonald said.

As the excitement of a spring break trip continues to build for the Trailblazers, they will have to remain focused towards their actual games. Not only is the trip a chance for the team to get game practice before their season, but

it also will give them a chance to bond in a different environment.

MacDonald explained, “We have been working hard, and we are all excited for our spring break trip and our regular season.”

Staying positive throughout preseason will only help the team to stay positive during season games.

MacDonald confirmed this, saying, “I hope that we can all stay positive throughout the season.”

With a total of two seniors, three juniors, one sophomore, and five freshmen the team will play their first game at Bay Path College on March 25. Their first home game is against Skidmore on March 29, and their first conference game is March 31, at home, against Mass Maritime.

Men’s basketball loses to Salem State in semi-finals BASKETBALL, continued from pg. 9

The 2011-2012 season was the final one for seniors Jamal Brown, Michael Young, Tim Fish, Tyrell Mosley, Connell Brown, Pedro Ferrer, Michael Robinson and Chris Harris.

Jamal Brown led the team in scoring, wrapping up his final year with 308 points accumulated over 24 games, averaging 12.8 points per game. Brown also towered atop the rebound statistics, racking up 102 rebounds over the course of his senior year.

For the season, he was trailed in points by Harris, who put up 285, or 10.6 per game.

Also breaking the 200-point barrier were Connell Brown with 207 points, and underclassmen Tyriq Rochester and Vernon Cross, who notched 237 and 228 points, respectively.

For the season, the Trailblazers managed 1,949 total points, or 72.2 points per game. However, their opponents squeaked ahead with 2,093 combined points, or 77.5 per game. Meaning that, on average, the Trailblazers only lost

Standings

(As of Press Time)

Men’s Basketball salem bridgewater westfield worcester MCLA fitchburg framingham

All

Conf

20-7 15-11 16-11 8-18 8-19 13-12 9-16

10-2 9-3 7-5 5-7 4-8 4-8 3-9

Women’s Basketball bridgewater salem MCLA westfield worcester fitchburg framingham Photo by Marissa Zelazo/Beacon Archive

The Trailblazers finished their season with a record of 8-19. by a matter of 5.2 points.

The Trailblazers will return nine

players next year, when the hunt for a title will begin again.

All

Conf

19-7 11-15 15-13 13-13 13-14 16-9 13-12

10-2 7-5 6-6 6-6 6-6 4-8 3-9

Baseball and Softball begin on March 9th

12

Thursday, march 1, 2012

Opinion

theonlinebeacon.com

Campus Comment compiled by Serina Stimpson

What has been your favorite on campus activity this semester?

Ed Damon

Editor in Chief

It’s that time of year again.

The time when Student Government Association’s clubs go through the budget process for next semester.

It’s a long process, both for clubs and the Budget and Finance Committee, which spent over 40 hours creating this budget.

This year, the process was made more difficult because there’s simply less money and more clubs.

The proposed budget has cuts across the board – many clubs that have been active for years could receive less than they did last year. The Budget and Finance Committee even went as far as cutting three grand from SGA’s operating budget, which is bare-bones as it is.

That there are 10 more clubs than last year, as well as fewer students enrolled, shows something must be done. Currently, the Student Activity Fee is holding steady at $125. Could a fee increase be the answer?

On one hand, a fee increase means more money for clubs. Performance clubs such as Dance Company wouldn’t lose out on money to put out the best shows possible. Student Activities Council would have more money to organize campus events and bring bigger names to campus.

On the other hand, students would have to pay more. Other fees have already gone up in recent years. And one of the things that makes MCLA an attractive college is it’s affordibility and quality experience at a fraction of the cost of more expensive, supposedly “prestigious” private liberal arts colleges.

The BFC should be applauded for putting together this budget during this difficult time. Let your senators know how you feel about the club budget process – or anything for that matter.

There’s not enough room to list them here, so visit the Student Life section of the MCLA web site to look up their names. They are there to represent you.

“The glow in the dark mini golf was my favorite. I walked through it a couple times it seemed really fun”

“I really liked the winter hat making because you got free hats and it was cool to do.”

-Brenda Paulino

-Brittany Johnson

“Well I went to Blitz the Ambassador recently. It was pretty awesome.”

-Jeff Gagnon

“I’ve always been a fan of Jazz music, the blues festival brought me back to high school.”

“My favorite overall is the welcome back fest and winter week because there are a lot of free things and you get to see everyone outside.”

-Jenn Nault

-Shaniqua Choice

MCLA

Public Policy Lecture

“The Other side of war”

ZAINAB SALBI Founder and CEO of Women for Women International

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 7:00 PM MCLA Church Street Center, Eleanor Furst Roberts Auditorium Ms. Salbi has raised her voice, and thousands of women have responded to the call, to help women survivors of war rebuild their lives through her organization, Women for Women International.

Free and open to the public.

For more information, call (413) 662-5185 or visit www.mcla.edu/publicpolicy The Public Policy Lecture is made possible through the generosity of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust.

MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

375 Church Street, North Adams, MA

The Commonwealth’s Public Liberal Arts College

413-662-5185 www.mcla.edu

Opinion

Thursday, march 1, 2012 Dearest Phone Maestro, Playing your music from your phone is fine… except for the fact that, for some reason, you just don’t believe in head phones. Are you scared of them? Yes, there are statistics on young people playing headphones too loud, but I’m sure there are numbers on people giving you the angry eye for your actions. Don’t give the angry eye back. The world is not your private concert and I’m certainly not a paying patron. Turn…it…off !

Nora Weiss Columnist

Dear Indecisive at the Salad Bar, Seriously? How long does it take to pick out a cucumber? They’re all green and have been sitting there for a while; get over it. Some of us are actually here for food, not to stare it like it’s some foreign object.

To the “Must-Relate-All-SubjectMatter-to-My-Life” Chump, We all know you like to hear yourself talk and that you’ve got a thing for relating to things we talk about in class. But seriously, what does the nature of radiation on domestic plant life have to do with your aunts and the trees around their house? You probably think Taylor Swift songs are all about you, too.

Dear Basic Scumbag in the Library, I couldn’t think of a clever name for you because you are just… so relevant and a rabid animal that refuses to die. The library is not your local venue where you’ve got to scream simple messages in your friends’ ears; there are people here trying to sculpt their futures.

For reals though, the upper level of the library is called the “Quiet Zone.” What jumped in your brain and turned on the “Opposite Day” switch? Your loud words in the library are fighting words.

Cease and desist your antics.

Any of these letters sound familiar? I may use different diction than you would, but the point here is that we all have those secret temporary eyes of hate and frustration for our peers. Whether it’s because they view the salad bar as

a process that is outpaced by paint drying, or it’s because their mouth is incapable of shutting in class; there’s always something. We’ve all got places to be, things to do, and schoolwork to complete.

However, look at these letters one more time. Now for the unthinkable: think of how many people are reading these letters and actually thinking of you because you’re the slowpoke in the cafe, or the jerk with the loud music? Yes, we’re all guilty here. Just like we have different standards of clean versus our roommates, we all see our qualities as quirks, while others may see them as flaws and annoyances.

While we should all know we’re in good company as people annoyed with random humanoids in our lives, we should also be aware we can be those people plenty of times ourselves. In our frustration we may imagine that jerk in library tripping down the stairs and breaking their jaw (try and talk some more, ya’ jerk!), but later on we should really try and reflect. I’m sure we’ve all had some moment of zealousness in the library that had to be shared at the time. We don’t notice our own volume because, well, we’re all a little selfish and forget others exist. I mean, there are those perfect cucumbers and some of us are on a mission to find each and every one of them.

www.theonlinebeacon.com On Twitter

@BeaconMCLA @Andrew_Roiter

@MCLA_AE @MCLA_EIC

Or check us out on Facebook at

The MCLA Beacon

Attention MCLA Clubs!

Want to gather interest and bring in more members?

Looking to spread the word for an upcoming event?

Did you know that The Beacon offers you a

Free Ad!

That’s right! Each semester, your club or organization is eligible to run one free advertisement in The Beacon newspaper!

For more information, contact Dylan Glaser on FirstClass

theonlinebeacon.com

“The Wright Way”

13

Eat More Controversy Eat More Kale.

A pretty innocent directive; kale is a delicious, nutritious, and hardy vegetable, one that everyone should really eat more of.

But those three words have caused a whole heap of trouble for Bo Muller-Moore, a Vermont native who started his t-shirt business Eat More Kale in 2000.

Each locally-dyed shirt is handscreened one at a time with a squeegee, a stencil, and black ink. Designs include phrases like “Compost”, “Organic” and, of course, “Eat More Kale”. Bo started making enough money on the shirts to support himself, and decided it might be a wise idea to apply for a trademark on his company’s name.

Last November, Bo received a cease and desist letter from the fast food company Chik-fil-A, who declared that Bo’s slogan infringed on their copyright of the phrase “Eat Mor Chikin”.

Chik-fil-A, in the letter, claimed that the similarity of the two slogans “is likely to cause confusion of the public and dilutes the distinctiveness of Chick-fil-A’s intellectual property”.

Now, hold up. Hold the goshdarned-mother-fruitin’-heck up. This claim is ludicrous. One phrase is used in advertisements of cows painting the expression on road signs (and is under the assumption that spelling mistakes equal instant comedy gold). The other phrase is a brand that supports organic food, sustainability, small businesses, and, of course, eating more kale.

I would love to meet the person who confuses these two phrases, so I could give them a swift whack in the head. Though both slogans contain the words “eat” and “mor/ more”, there is nothing even remotely similar about the sentiments they contain.

Also, if one does a Google search for “Eat More” advertisements, they come up with a slew of ads, with most of them dating back before the “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign. So, if Chik-fil-A borrowed their idea from previous ads from other organizations, it begs the question: why do they think they actually have a claim to the words

Jessie Wright Columnist

“eat” and “more”?

Bo is the cousin of some cousins of mine. I met him, once, years ago at a wedding of one of said cousins. He is a pretty cool, laidback guy, who cares a lot about the business he’s built from the ground up, and you know what?

Bo doesn’t deserve the heap of legal baloney Chik-fil-A has been flinging at him these past four months. No one does.

That’s called corporate bullying, kids. And if there’s one thing you were taught in grade school, it’s that bullying is wrong. Apparently the Chik-fil-A executives never got that memo.

Bo’s battle with Chik-fil-A continues, with no end in sight. The New York Times ran an article on him last December, and since then, support for him has grown.

A few days ago, a Kickstarter project started up online to film a documentary about Bo, his business, and all this legal nonsense.

He and the director are looking to raise $75,000. I’m not going to demand that you donate all of the money you have, but the $60 donation reward includes an “Eat More Kale” shirt. I can tell you from experience; these shirts are ridiculously comfortable and good-looking.

Eat More Kale and Chik-fil-A, admittedly, have nothing to do with MCLA. Yet, as college students, we are on the cusp of diving into that vast and murky ocean called “the Real World”. In that world, those power are notorious for crushing normal everyday people. Opposition seems futile.

But there is hope. You don’t have to sit there and take abuse, whether it is from corporations, individuals, college administrations, or whatever.

Be like Bo. Get mad, make noise, fight back, and eat more kale.

Purple Valley

Automotive Service 391 Main Street Williamstown, MA 01267

413-884-6025 purplevalleyautomotive.com

14

Thursday, march 1, 2012

World and Science

Clinton defends US mission in Afghanistan Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday defended the U.S. mission in Afghanistan as a week of deadly antiAmerican protests and the killing of two U.S. service members pushed Democrats to challenge President Barack Obama’s policy.

Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski gave voice to the increasing exasperation in Congress more than a decade after the war began.

She held up a copy of a newspaper with a report on the death of Army Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II of Baltimore, one of the two highranking officers shot point blank while they say at their desks in a heavily secured ministry building.

Air Force Lt. Col. John D. Loftis, of Paducah, Ky., was also killed.

“What do I tell his family today? Was it worth it? Because they’re angry. People in Maryland are angry,’’ Mikulski told Clinton at a Senate hearing.

“We went there with the best of intentions and out of need, after we were attacked. You were the New York senator. We remember the harsh reality of that brutal 9/11. ... And now because of an inadvertent act, the relationship is so fragile, there’s this tumultuous thing,’’ she added.

Clinton said the United States went to Afghanistan with a clear purpose after the Sept. 11 attacks and that Obama has set the country on a path to leave.

“This is not an endless commit-

ment that will take lives far into the future,’’ Clinton told the Appropriations subcommittee on foreign operations. “But we have both made progress on the principle reason we were there _ security. Because of our platform and our presence in Afghanistan, we’ve been able to target terrorists, particularly top al-Qaida operatives including (Osama) bin Laden in their safe havens.

And we have made progress in helping the Afghan people.’’

Clinton said she could never justify the death of an individual, but insisted that the military mission has made the United States safer and created the possibility of a better future for Afghanistan.

More than 30 people have died in clashes since it became known last week that copies of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, and other religious materials were thrown into a fire pit used to burn garbage at a U.S. base near Kabul.

Obama has apologized for what he said was a mistake.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., also pressed Clinton on the U.S. mission and the events in Afghanistan.

Separately, NATO SecretaryGeneral Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark praised U.S. and allied troops in Afghanistan for showing ``remarkable restraint’’ in the face of anti-coalition violence following the burning of the Quran.

Fogh Rasmussen told a NATO seminar at a Washington hotel that Gen. John Allen, the top allied commander in Afghanistan, was right to with-

draw all allied advisers from Afghan government ministries after two U.S. officers were killed in their offices on Saturday.

Troops from the U.S.-led international military coalition “are showing remarkable restraint and professionalism under very difficult circumstances,’’FoghRasmussensaid.

“Despite the challenges of this incident and the challenges we face, we must not lose sight of our goal: a stable Afghanistan,’’ he said.

The NATO chief echoed the Obama administration’s stay-thecourse theme on Afghanistan, insisting that the breakdown in trust between the allies and the Afghans, as evidenced by Saturday’s shooting in the Interior Ministry, would be overcome.

“We will not allow the extremists to weaken our resolve,’’ he said. “We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Afghan partners, and we will not lose sight of our shared goal. We are in Afghanistan to build stability and security for the Afghan people, which is in the interest of our own security.’’

He said Saturday’s shooting, following a series of incidents in which other allied troops have been shot by their supposed Afghan partners, “does not represent the daily picture’’ of cooperation on security and other issues.

The withdrawal of advisers is temporary and “will not in any way affect the timeline’’ for giving the Afghan government full responsibility for security across the country by the end of 2014, he said.

Scientists find evidence of bat flu Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) – For the first time, scientists have found evidence of flu in bats, reporting a never-before-seen virus whose risk to humans is unclear.

The surprising discovery of genetic fragments of a flu virus is the first well-documented report of it in the winged mammals. So far, scientists haven’t been able to grow it, and it’s not clear if _ or how well _ it spreads.

Flu bugs are common in humans, birds and pigs and have even been seen in dogs, horses, seals and whales, among others. About five years ago, Russian virologists claimed finding flu in bats, but they never offered evidence.

“Most people are fairly convinced we had already discovered flu in all the possible’’ animals, said Ruben Donis, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientist who co-authored the new study.

Scientists suspect that some bats caught flu centuries ago and that the virus mutated within the bat population into this new variety. Scientists haven’t even been able to grow the new vi-

rus in chicken eggs or in human cell culture, as they do with more conventional flu strains.

But it still could pose a threat to humans. For example, if it mingled with more common forms of influenza, it could swap genes and mutate into something more dangerous, a scenario at the heart of the global flu epidemic movie “Contagion.’’

The research was posted online Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The CDC has an international outpost in Guatemala, and that’s where researchers collected more than 300 bats in 2009 and 2010.

The research was mainly focused on rabies, but the scientists also checked specimens for other germs and stumbled upon the new virus. It was in the intestines of little yellow-shouldered bats, said Donis, a veterinarian by training.

These bats eat fruit and insects but don’t bite people. Yet it’s possible they could leave the virus on produce and a human could get infected by taking a bite.

It’s conceivable some people were infected with the virus in the past. Now that scientists

know what it looks like, they are looking for it in other bats as well as humans and other animals, said Donis, who heads the Molecular Virology and Vaccines Branch in the CDC’s flu division.

At least one expert said CDC researchers need to do more to establish they’ve actually found a flu virus.

Technically, what the CDC officials found was genetic material of a flu virus. They used a lab technique to find genes for the virus and amplify it.

All they found was a segment of genetic material, said Richard “Mick’’ Fulton, a bird disease researcher at Michigan State University.

What they should do is draw blood from more bats, try to infect other bats and take other steps to establish that the virus is spreading among the animals, he continued. “In my mind, if you can’t grow the virus, how do you know that the virus is there?’’

Donis said work is going on to try to infect healthy bats, but noted there are other viruses that were discovered by genetic sequencing but are hard to grow in a lab, including hepatitis C.

theonlinebeacon.com

Apple to Utah passes unveil iPad 3 bill requiring next week Pledge of Associated Press Allegiance in school NEW YORK (AP) – Apple is expected to unveil a new version of the iPad at an event in San Francisco next week.

Apple sent out invitations to news media on Tuesday with an image showing part of an iPad screen. The company had been widely expected to reveal the third version of its popular tablet computer soon, close to the anniversary of the launch of the iPad 2.

The event will take place next Wednesday at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, where Apple holds larger launch events.

Since the first iPad came out in 2010, sales of traditional computers have slowed in the U.S. and other wealthy countries. Rival PC and phone makers have been unable to mirror Apple’s success with their own tablet computers. Apple has sold 55 million iPads so far, about the same as the estimated number of Mac computers in use.

Apple Inc. didn’t provide any details on the new device. Various unconfirmed reports speak of a sharper screen and faster cellular broadband options.

It’s not known when such a new device would be available for sale. Last year, sales of the iPad 2 began in the U.S. nine days after the announcement.

Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) –Utah junior high and high school students may be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily.

Republican Sen. Aaron Osmond of South Jordan says students are becoming apathetic about the patriotic values emphasized by the pledge.

Osmond says Senate Bill 223 would require all students to recite the pledge every day instead of the once a week mandate for students outside of elementary school. Additionally, students would take turns leading the pledge in their classrooms.

Republican Sen. Howard Stephenson of Draper says students should be reminded once per year that reciting the pledge is voluntary and leading it is an honor. Students could refuse to say the pledge for religious or personal reasons.

The bill has passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday and now moves to the House.

Chicken slaughter art project ruffles feathers Associated Press LAWRENCE, Kansas (AP) – Officials have banned an artist from publicly slaughtering chickens, saying the proposed art installation would amount to animal cruelty.

Assistant City Attorney Chad Sublet said Tuesday that artist Amber Hansen told him she intended to abide by the city’s animal cruelty ordinance. Violating it could lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Even keeping the chickens on private land would require her to meet other city codes on animal care.

Sublet said Hansen, an artist in residence at the University of Kansas, is considering alternatives to draw attention to the process of slaughtering animals, including a public sculpture.

Through the project, called “The Story of Chickens: A Revolution,’’ Hansen originally planned to display coops of chickens at locations across Lawrence, where they would be cared for by volunteers. The birds would later be publicly slaughtered by a local farmer and served as a meal.

“By building a relationship with the birds, the project will transform the contemporary view of chickens as merely ‘livestock’ to the beautiful and unique creatures they are, while promoting alternative and healthy processes

of caring for them,’’ she wrote on her project’s website.

Hansen received funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts’ Rocket Grants program in collaboration with the Charlotte Street Foundation and the University of Kansas’ Spencer Museum of Art. Hansen spoke to the LawrenceJournal World newspaper but did not immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press left for her through a relative. She has said she grew up on a farm where some animals were raised for food. She said she began to feel disconnected from her food after she left and went to art school.

“If people choose to eat meat, it is an important process to witness and be mindful of,’’ Hansen told the Lawrence newspaper. ``It is a process that takes place on a mass scale every day, and we aren’t really allowed to see it.’’

But several animal rights activists, including Lawrence’s Compassion for All Animals group and United Poultry Concerns, had expressed concerns, including that the public display would be stressful for the animals. Hansen acknowledged there had been concerns.

“The project will move forward to accommodate that discussion, but it will abide by the city’s codes,’’ she told the Lawrence newspaper.

Thursday, march 1, 2012

This Week in MCLA History March 4, 1993 The Beacon printed a commentary written by the Senior News Editor Jill M. Herbert entitled, “Moral America threatened by homosexuals and liberals.” According to Herbert, “By shoving homosexuality in the faces of moral America, they are less likely to get the respect they expect. I have much more respect for those who keep their sexuality to themselves just as I would with heterosexuals.”

For Fun

theonlinebeacon.com

Sudoku Fill in the empty cells, one number in each, so that each column, row, and region contains the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once.

March 6, 1997 Three members of the fraternity Kappa Delta Phi were arrested on hazing charges. Police raided the fraternity house on Blackinton St. and broke down the door with a battering ram. The investigation began after a Kappa Delta Phi pledge complained to school officials of abusive treatment. Channel 13 in Albany reported that this treatment included forced exercise and consumption of food and drink.

February 27, 2003 The Beacon reported that an unauthorized man entered Hoosac Hall on Feb. 21. The man presumably entered with a group of students, and then entered an unlocked room on the third floor. When a female discovered the intruder in her room, he inquired about the whereabouts of another student. He left peacefully when she asked him to. Director of Public Safety, Doug McNeil, said protocol wasn’t followed when the desk worker didn’t notify campus police.

The Beacon also reminded students the band Flogging Molly would be performing at MCLA the following day, February 28.

Comic by Aurora Cooper

15

Horoscopes

Aries: March 21-April 19 Something new takes over your mental space today, and it could mean that you’ve got someone new in your life as well. You feel totally up to any new challenge, so embrace the novelty!

Taurus: April 20-May 20 Avoid snap decisions today – in fact, it’s best if you avoid making decisions at all. It’s not that you’re confused, just that you won’t get all the info you need for another few days.

Gemini: May 21-June 21 Listen carefully when people start telling you what’s what – they know things you couldn’t yet have learned. Things should be pretty great, but only if you’re willing to listen and adapt.

Cancer: June 22-July22 You are in a big hurry, but try to do things right. If you go too quickly, you are sure to mess up the crucial detail that sends everything into a tailspin. Slow and steady wins the race.

Courtesy of sudoku.au.com

To view this and other comics online, visit us at theonlinebeacon.com

Leo: July 23-August 22 Try to enjoy yourself today – though it isn’t hard! If you can slack off at work or skip out entirely, so much the better.

Your people are sure to find your energy exhilarating!

Virgo: August 23-Sept. 22 Your colleagues are getting on your nerves – even more than usual! It’s a good time for you to step up and make sure that they’re at least listening to you.

That does go both ways, of course!

Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Business matters are much easier to attend to now – as long as you are focusing on the right people.

Fortunately for you (and them), your ability to discern important relationships is strong now.

Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 A simple disagreement could get really ugly today – so try to recognize it while it’s happening and then pull back as soon as you can. Things should be smoother in a few days.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You’re playing games – but you’re not trying to play anyone. You’re just having fun and getting things done, so if anyone asks why you’re smiling so broadly, just tell them it’s all good.

Online at: theonlinebeacon.com facebook.com/MCLABeacon twitter.com/BeaconMCLA

Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Take responsibility for whatever went down recently – even if it wasn’t all your fault. You should impress the right people with your willingness to take a hit for the team, and that’s all you need.

Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18 You can see patterns where others just see random noise – and on a day like today, there are hidden patterns everywhere! It’s a good day for you to make predictions or to fill in the gaps.

Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20 You need to get your head out of the clouds, at least a little.

Things are getting even weirder for your people, and they need to hear from you. Make sure you’re speaking their language!

Horoscopes courtesy of Yahoo.com

16

Photo Essay

Thursday, march 1, 2012

Left: Sophomore guard Kaitlyn Chenevert goes up for a layup.

Above: Senior forward Jen Wehner gets triple-teamed by the Fitchburg defenders.

Right: Senior guard Alie Dobrovolc calls out a play.

The women’s basketball team defeats Fitchburg St. 83-76 on February 21 to advance to the MASCAC Semi-Finals Photos By Will Casey

Freshman Sara hamilton lines up a free throw.

Junior Lucy Tremblay dribbles past a Fitchburg defender.

theonlinebeacon.com