Th u r s day, F e b rua ry 2 8 , 2 0 1 3

Student Newspaper of Massachusetts College

of Liberal Arts

North Adams, Mass.

For more content,visit online at:

beacon.mcla.edu

Volume 77 ◆ Issue 5

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Student reflects on recent China trip

Junior Mimi Henault shares her experiences

News, page 4 Arts & Entertainment, page 7

Allegrettos’ Gospel Concert brings energy

Men’s Basketball doesn’t make final cut

The concert held last Friday and Saturday went “Back to Basics”

The team attempted to make history last Saturday

Sports, page 8

News 2-5Arts & Entertainment 6-7Sports 8-9Campus Comment 10Fun & Games 11Photo Essay 12

One of the most important skills in the professional world is networking.

For women, the world of busi-ness networking can seem like an “Old Boy’s” club. On Monday the Women’s Center will host a Savvy Socializing Workshop, facilitated by Nancy Harvin, Chief Advance-ment Officer from The Clark. The event is part of the Campus Ac-tion Project’s (CAP) Susan B. An-thony Women’s Leadership Series.

“Women are less likely than men to network due to a number of factors, including lack of con-fidence in the networking envi-ronment, limited experience and knowledge of effective network-ing, and the absence of role mod-

els and mentors with expertise in this area,” Ojae Michal Beale, Ed.D., independent consultant for the Center for Student Engage-ment and Success said.

The event will deal with all of these issues by providing a men-tor to run the event and an envi-ronment for students to dialogue about networking. The culmina-tion is the interactive portion where female students will prac-tice networking among them-selves.

According to Beale, the goal of the workshop is to increase female students’ confidence and their knowledge of effective network-ing. It will also focus on helping participants feel comfortable in the professional environment.

By Nick ArenaManaging Editor

Denise Richardello elected to College Board Council NERO member held council session focusing on college recruitment programs

Denise Richardello, vice presi-dent of enrollment and external relations, earned her election in January to the New England Re-gional Office (NERO) of the Col-lege Board Council.

The three-year term, her sec-ond appointment, will be Rich-ardello’s first full-length term as a council member, in which she will serve alongside faculty and administration from schools all over New England. Last year she was appointed to the position by the president of the NERO.

“What they do is, annually, they look for representation on this board from secondary schools, colleges, financial aid, and ad-missions and enrollment, so they have a bit of variety,” Richardello said.

The representation varies among private and public institu-tions, and among positions in the institutions; totaling to about 25 members, according to Richard-ello.

Her current position is “mem-ber at large,” a traditional board member. However, she said that her position could change over the span of her three-year term.

“I’m very excited about being voted in for a three-year term for

two reasons: I think, personally, it’s going to help me profession-ally as well as the institution, it’s great to have MCLA sitting on the College Board and being able to offer insight as to how we man-age the things we do so very well,” she said. “It’s really all about folks learning more about MCLA.”

So far, she has helped with ses-sion and forum planning, as well as helping to facilitate and coordi-nate a session from this January’s forum, “Collaborate!: A Blueprint for Student Success.”

“I was responsible for finding other folks to sit on the panel, for doing some research as to what we were going to talk about, go-ing through and organizing it, and then, at the conference itself, I was responsible for facilitating that session,” she said.

According to Richardello, the forum revolved around using technology in college counseling. The forum’s keynote speaker was the College’s own President Mary Grant, who touched upon sub-jects such as counseling in high school, using the Internet to keep students engaged, and early col-lege recruitment programs.

Her session also focused on college recruitment programs, which ties into her position here at the College, especially external

relations. The Berkshire Compact is a part of these programs.

“The Berkshire Compact has more than 80 members that meet as a group on a regular basis and participate on subcommittees fo-cused on raising student aspira-tions to attend college and making connections between workforce needs and the education system,” reads the College’s website.

Richardello’s session was titled “Starting College Recruitment Early: Engaging Younger Students on Campus, and it tied neatly into the Compact’s goals.

“This session will discuss some of the ways in which college cam-puses are working with younger students (early high school age, middle school age and even younger) who are not yet at the ‘recruitment stage’, and how insti-tutions are coping with increasing resource requirements to success-fully execute these programs,” ac-cording to NERO’s forum session outline.

Richardello is looking forward to working with the other mem-bers of NERO and bringing new ideas back to the College.

“Being able to be working with other professionals in similar po-sitions to gain some insight on those best practices: it’s a perfect fit,” she said.

By Andrew HodgsonStaff Writer

Photo Courtesy of Bernadette LupoDenise Richardello, vice president of enrollment and external relations.

Photo by Kacie Clark/Beacon StaffHoward Robot of My Robot Friend, in his full body, light-up suit, talking to an audience member.

See full story, page 7

SAVVY, continued on page 5

Women’s Center to hold workshop

Thursday, February 21, 2013 News beacon.mcla.edu2

Weekend Weather 2/28 - 3/3Thursday,

February 28Friday,

March 1Saturday, March 2

Sunday, March 3

ShowersHigh: 40°Low: 27°

Precip. Chance: 60%

Rain / SnowHigh: 37°Low: 21°

Precip. Chance: 20%

Mostly CloudyHigh: 36°Low: 15°

Precip. Chance: 0%

Mostly Cloudy High: 31°Low: 15°

Precip. Chance: 0%local.msn.com/weather

Public Safety Logs

Eat to Total Health is a new business that sells and ships all-natural and allergy-free food products, but there’s much more to the café.

Since launching her business in August and opening shop in December, owner Renee Tassone has been offering three-week to three-month nutritional cleanses, helping people become healthier and overcome both food and non-food related illnesses.

In fact, out of the 700 people who have undergone the cleanse program, 10 of them have been MCLA students. Participants have taken part in the cleanse to help with a variety of illnesses that including diabetes, joint pain, and depression, she said.

“The customers have been great,” she said. “Some were very ill and the doctors weren’t sure what

was going on.”While a cleanse may seem

expensive, Tassone’s are only $30, as she says she wants to keep it as affordable as possible.

“I keep it very low so [people are] not deterred by the price,” she said.

So far, Tassone noted that people from various states such as Virginia, Connecticut, Vermont and Florida have undergone her cleanse program. People from ages 6 to 81 have undergone the cleanse as well.

“It’s been all over the place,” she said. “It’s been great.”

Tassone noted that she was inspired to open Eat to Total Health due to her own health problems.

“I myself have a food allergy: celiac disease,” she said. “That’s why I started this.”

As far as the restaurant goes, Tassone offers all-natural smoothies and food is strictly

vegan.“There are no animal proteins

and no allergens,” she said.While students have frequently

stopped by her café, Tassone said she’s hoping to be added to the Blazer Bucks program for the upcoming semester.

“I am looking into getting hooked up with it, and I’m hoping to do so by the end of the month,” she said.

She offers specialized catering for parties and events, and recently hosted a seminar Saturday Feb. 23 at Frog Lotus Yoga Studio located on 189 Beaver St. The event also included a detoxifying yoga class. The total cost for the seminar was $20, but only $15 for students.

She also said she is open to offering a discount to students and would like to host a seminar at the school in the future. In addition, she said she would even consider giving students a discount on the nutritional cleanse.

“I do have to work out the details, but I would consider offering a cleanse discount or offering a talk at the school,” she said.

Tassone has hosted seminars at gyms, schools, and businesses and has even hosted cooking demos.

“If one or more guests have a food allergy, then I’ll provide them with a dish,” she said.

Tassone noted that with students, the smoothies have been her most popular product, especially the “green smoothie.” She added that she is on a first name basis with many student customers.

For students interested in eating at Eat to Total Health or participating in the cleanse program, go to eattototalhealth.com or visit the shop, located at 14 Ashland St. and open from Monday through Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

By Ryan FlynnStaff Writer

By Chris GoodellStaff Writer

Cafe offers healthier optionsSunday, February 17

9:34 a.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call from the North Adams Hospital.

1:31 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call. Subject was transported to the North Adams Hospital.

10:59 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call. A Flagg Townhouse resident was transported to the North Adams Hospital.

Monday, February 18

8:39 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a fire emergency in the Flagg Townhouses. The fire was extinguished.

Tuesday, February 19

3:19 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call. A Hoosac Hall resident was transported to the North Adams Hospital.

11:57 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call. A Hoosac Hall resident was transported to the North Adams Hospital.

Wednesday, February 20

4:26 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a medical call. A Hoosac Hall resident was transported to the North Adams Hospital.

Thursday, February 21

3:04 p.m. - Public Safety issued a warning or citation to a vehicle parked in the resident Hoosac Hall parking lot.

Friday, February 22

2:36 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a vehicle jumpstart on Ashland St.

Saturday, February 23

7:31 p.m. - Public Safety responded to a sounding alarm in the Flagg Townhouses. It was determined to be an accident.

The three winners from last week’s Student Government Association (SGA) special election were officially sworn in Monday night.

Sophomores Danielle Bloh and Taylor Krowitz were elected as Class of 2015 Senate representative and Senator at Large, respectively. SGA President Jason Brown administered the oaths of office. Brown also swore in current Senator Evan Pirnie to his new position as Class of 2015 Treasurer.

“I’m very pleased to see the new additions to the student senate and class offices,” Brown said. “I’m excited to work with everyone as we move forward in the semester.”

A total of 84 students voted in the Feb. 20 election. Krowitz garnered 75 votes, Bloh received 26, and Pirnie received 21.

Supplemental budget request

Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) has submitted a supplemental budget request to the SGA in the amount of $2,300 for Relay for Life, according to SGA Treasurer James Wetzel.

The MCLA campus did not host Relay for Life in 2012, but Wetzel pointed out that the event

raised approximately $27,000 for cancer research in 2011.

Senator Stephan Rochefort questioned whether this event was included in CAC’s initial budget request submitted last year. Brown pointed out that the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) originally cut the event from CAC’s budget because it was unclear if it would happen, but that the SGA has provided funding for Relay for Life in the past.

In previous years, the College has partnered with Berkshire Community College and Williams College to bring Relay for Life to the MCLA campus.

Budget process update

According to Brown, the SGA received over $500,000 in club budget requests.

Wetzel stated that he hopes to have the BFC’s full budget recommendations ready to present to the SGA by the March 18 meeting.

Wetzel provided the SGA with a graph outlining the amounts requested from clubs and the amounts provided to clubs since 2007. There has been a steady upward trend in both categories over that time, due in part to the increased number of clubs on campus. Wetzel urged the senate to review the data and return next

week with any questions on the budget process.

“Take notice of the difference between the amount requested and the revenue,” Wetzel said.

In 2012 the amount of money approved for club budgets exceeded the amount of revenue, determined by the student activity fee. Wetzel stated that the extra money came from a reserve fun.

ARAMARK update

Senate Chair Brendan Peltier announced that ARAMARK went through 13 cases, or approximately 350 pounds, of the ever-popular chicken tenders on

Feb. 14.Several campus locations

are also now offering the use of reusable coffee cups at a 10 cent discount.

“I would like to thank ARAMARK for their reusable cup initiative,” Senator Catt Chaput said, noting the idea had been several years in the making.

According to Peltier, the Centennial Room will be serving fish for lunch and dinner every Friday during Lent.

The C-store will no longer carry Ben & Jerry’s brand ice cream, Peltier said, opting for a rotation of Hershey’s brand flavors instead.

SGA senators are sworn into office

Photo by Dennise Carranza/ Beacon StaffSophomores Danielle Bloh and Taylor Krowitz sworn in by President Jason Brown on Monday.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 News 3Beacon.mcla.edu

The faculty panel explained the importance of a five-year plan and asked students to focus on where they want to be in that time.

The panel members spoke to students about their own experiences entering the job market, and choosing graduate programs.

“It doesn’t even have to be written in stone because it’s subject to change, but if you can mentally envision yourself, what you do in the interim will be those stepping stones that will lead to where you want to be,” Web Communications Manager McCulloch-Dews said. “Everything you do from this point on will be tailored towards the end result.”

Ojae Michal Beale, consultant of the Susan B. Anthony Women’s Center added that students, while focusing on a specific plan, should also keep an open mind.

“Make your career goals broad but specific because if you make them specific and not broad you can miss some opportunities that will take you in different directions that are equally as exciting,” Beale said.

Start planning now

McCulloch-Dews stressed the urgency of creating a plan for after graduation.

“If you’re a senior or if you are a junior, the time to think about what you are going to do is not when you take that [graduation] robe off and you’re at home, that question should be asked right now,” she said.

Himes added to this and

advised students to start developing the skill sets needed in their plan for their specific job interest.

“Look for internships, look for ways to interact with employers, start looking early on what credentials you will need for a job,” Himes said.

Not only did the panel focus on the career aspect of a five-year plan, but also addressed the social aspects of it. Speakers urged student’s to take into account what they want their lives to be like in the future.

“For myself it took some self-reflection, I had to start broad and think about what is the job I’d like to be doing and the lifestyle I’d want to live,” Himes said. “They aren’t totally separate categories.”

The panel also asked students to take into account their target career when creating their plan.

“If your field is not one where you need a degree right away, then get the experience instead,” McCulloch-Dews said. “Get into a job where you can get hands on experience and learn as much as you can.”

Do not rush into degrees

Himes also discussed the importance of not rushing into expensive and unneeded degrees.

“I knew a lot of people who went into a PhD program because they didn’t know what else to do,” Himes said. “It’s not a naturally fun thing necessarily, and career development wise, it’s not great to invest six years into a degree past your undergraduate and not be sure how you are going to use it or even if you want to use it.”

The Panel also discussed and answered questions about the importance of finding and using

effective mentors. “I don’t think I would have

made it through my PhD if I didn’t have a mentor,” Himes said. “At different stages you have mentors that do different things for you, and I think it’s real important to keep your eyes out for those people.”

Beale explained the importance of properly finding a mentor that works for the student.

“You want someone who is able to give you objective feedback and able to tell you things you don’t want to hear, but that are in your best interest,” Beale said. “You need someone who has experience in the direction you want to go.”

McCulloch-Dews explained how she searched for a mentor who she looked up to in the field of journalism.

“I looked for people I wanted

to model after,” McCulloch-Dews said. “There should be aspirational qualities in that person, you should be able to glean from them, and they should be in the same field as you.”

Himes explained that having a mentor is not a one way street and that students should not feel selfish utilizing them.

“It’s not like you are just going to them for advice, they’re going to get something out of it, too,” he said.

The panel stressed the importance of versatility and being able to adapt to different situations. Along with this, they encouraged developing a large collection of skills that could be applied to multiple situations.

“You want to be able to have a nice arsenal of skills that you can take wherever,” McCulloch-Dews said. “Wherever you go, learn as much as you can and make sure your skill set is broad so you can apply it to any job you go to.”

Beale reflected on her professional careers and the many skills she learned on the path to her main career goals.

“Learn how to leverage the experiences you have on the college campus and learn how to use those to speak to the skills the job requires,” Beale said. “It’s like being a mechanic that can work on any kind of car.”

McCulloch-Dews concluded by telling students to take control of their future.

“Really, at the end of the day, it’s how do you get where you want to go and it’s almost like planning a trip,” she said. “You want to make sure all the logistics are covered, make sure the road map of your life covers all the basics.”

By Jack GuerinoStaff Writer

Faculty gives insight on post-grad life

Photo by Jack Guerino/Beacon StaffFrom left to right: Christopher Himes, OjaeMichal Beale, and Roberta McCulloch-Dews speaking to students on their post-graduation experience.

Career Fair at Westfield State University

Wednesday, March 6, 20131:30-4:00 PM

Departure Time from Campus @ 12:00 PMLocation: Montana Street

The Career Center at Westfield State University cordiallyinvites MCLA students to partake in the 5th Annual Career,Internship, & Graduate School Fair. MCLA Career Serviceswill provide transportation to this event. Space is limited.

Professional attire and MANY copies of an updated resumeare required.

Visit Career Services, 2nd Floor Eldridge, to pre-register forthis event. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Career Servicesreserves the right to cancel this trip prior to the date of

departure if registration numbers are not adequate.

FFiinnaanncciiaall AAiidd AAnnnnoouunncceemmeenntt

IT’S TIME TO REAPPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR 2013-2014!

MARCH 1st PRIORITY DEADLINE

REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR FIRSTCLASS EMAIL FOR ANY REQUESTED INFORMATION NEEDED TO COMPLETE YOUR FILE.

Scholarship Opportunity

The Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc. Founders Fun Scholarship $3500 awarded to an undergraduate student who will have senior status as of Fall 2013 or a graduate student. Must be enrolled in an environmental field of study. Applicant must demonstrate merit with a current 3.5 GPA in the environmental

concentration courses and an overall minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Applications available in the Financial Aid Office.

Due by April 1st, 2013.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 News Beacon.mcla.edu4

Follow us on Twitter @BeaconMCLA_EIC

or @BeaconMCLA_AE

A house adorned with Chinese memorabilia, watercolor paintings, Russian dolls, and a heavy Middle Eastern and Jewish influence, is home to a man with even more. A man of no larger than 5-feet tall who has made a tremendous impact on the world.

Impeccably dressed, he has a way of presenting himself as a man who means business. If someone took the time to talk to him however, you can notice the lines set in his face from a long life and a lot of laughs, showing both his age and wisdom. Things have not always been easy for Ben Kahn, but his cheerful demeanor and passion for life make him very easy to talk to.

As a professor of business and economics and is a also a very knowledgeable world traveler. Traveling has taught him a lot and opened his eyes to the world, something he is very passionate about passing down to students. Every spring, he teaches a travel course to China and takes students from MCLA for 10 days to explore and learn the Chinese culture.

“You discover yourself by evaluating yourself,” Kahn said passionately. “As long as you are at home you have a false sense of security. Education means to make you think about who you are so you can take command and leadership and improve life.”

He said he believes that

education is more than just completing curriculum needed for a degree, but to step away from yourself and discover who you are and the impact you can make on the world. This concept can only truly happen by traveling outside of one’s comfort zone.

“I like to think that traveling will have a lifelong impact. Students are not the same when they come back from abroad,” Kahn said about his China trip and other studying abroad programs in China.

Along with teaching and his spring China trip, he initiated the exchange program between MCLA and two universities in China. This program has brought “sensitivity and cultural diversity” to the college for students who couldn’t go overseas by bringing them here.

“Ben Kahn is a very inspiring person and is very convincing. He convinced me to go to China and always helps me with my academic choices,” said senior Deyana

Walker, who took classes with Kahn and also studied abroad. “Studying in Shanghai China made me appreciate America and our system of organization and good quality of customer service. It also gave me a better perspective on governments,

rules and regulations, and businesses. There are many drastic differences between the US and China, such as in a human resource perspective, company organizations, and services in general. Although China is more perceptive in bargaining, we as Americans are more structured in our businesses and retail systems.”

A Man of Many Nations

Born in Tehran, a part of Persia now known as Iran, Kahn is a man of many nations. He studied economics and management and minored in mathematics in his undergraduate years and tutored throughout them as well, sparking his love of teaching. In 1967 uprisings began in Iran and there was a lot of turmoil in the country during the

time of King Phalavia and Shaw's government. As a Jewish student in a Muslim dominated country, he knew he had to leave.

Kahn moved to the United States in 1975 after being accepted

to an MBA program at Texas A&I. He spent a lot of time with a cousin in Albany, N.Y. and had hopes of attending school in California. This dream was short lived when his cousin had to leave the country due to technical issues, Kahn decided he didn't want to go to California alone. He chose to stay in Albany, where he met his wife Libby, and finish his education at Sage University. After school, he gained his first teaching job at Saint Laurence University in N.Y.

At this school, he taught scholarly students, with wealthy backgrounds and their futures seemingly mapped out, he said. He taught students like Eleanor Mondale, daughter of the vice president of the United States in 1979 during the presidency of Jimmy Carter. When a job at MCLA opened up he evaluated his job at St. Laurence and asked himself, “How am I really helping these kids?” He was inspired to work at MCLA because of the diversity of backgrounds of the students and his ability to really make a difference in their lives.

“He's made me realize it’s a big world,” said freshman Jared Kahn, Ben Kahn’s nephew. “He's inspired me to open my eyes to different cultures and ways of life and see how other countries view America.”

Jared has plans to study abroad in China in fall 2013, describing his uncle as “very influential and open-minded to everything.”

Ben Kahn: A man of many nationsBy Mimi Henault

Special to the Beacon

In the late fall of last semester, I was able to take my own journey to China to experience the other side of the world for myself. While I was there I experienced a multitude of things that I feel have made a tremendous impact on my life. I had never traveled before, and by never I mean it was my first time on a plane, so I was nervous to say the least. After a smooth but anxiety-filled 16 hours, I had landed in Shanghai, China, the business capital of the world.

The first thing I found so remarkable was the amount of pollution in the air after I stepped through the airport and into the city. Not only was the air heavy with cigarette smoke, but it also looked as if it were a cloudy day when I looked around. I learned that this is to be expected in China, and as I traveled around I found a lot of local Chinese wore surgical masks over their faces to protect their lungs from pollution.

Another thing I found fascinating was the tremendous gap between the rich and the poor. There seemed to be no real middle-class. The rich were filthy rich and the poor were dirt poor. On the busy streets, the majority of cars were either brand-new Rolls Royces, BMWs or very old, barley-running, standard Volkswagens.

I found myself amazed by the beauty of the land in China,

despite the pollution and dirty city streets. I travelled outside of Shanghai to the ancient city of Hong Zhou, a city filled with ancient Buddhist temples, lush green land and a huge, beautiful lake that is centered in the middle of the city.

Traveling to China opened my eyes to the world and how differently it is viewed by other people. I have a deeper understanding of the importance of traveling. Despite my initial fear of flying, I have caught the travel bug and cannot wait to explore the world further.

Photo Courtesy of Mimi HenaultThe Lin Ying Temple, one of the oldest ancient Buddhist monk temples in China.

Photo Courtesy of Mimi HenaultHenault stands in front of the jelly fish tank at the Shanghai Aquarium.

By Mimi HenaultSpecial to the Beacon

Henault’s personal journey to China

Photo Courtesy of Mimi HenaultHenault walks across walking across a stone waterfall bridge in an ancient Buddhist monk park in Hong Zhou.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 News Beacon.mcla.edu 5

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Students will hear from Har-vin about her experiences and get advice about networking tech-niques. After, there will be a live networking session. Splitting up the event makes sure the students get an opportunity to put net-working skills to use.

Beale worked alongside Char-lotte Degen, Vice President of Student Affairs, to bring a local female professional to run the workshop and share her insights

with students. “My role was to meet with her and discuss a pos-sible collaboration,” Beale said.

After meeting with Degen and Beale, Harvin agreed to emcee the event.

“Ms. Harvin is donating her time and expertise for this event,” Beale said, to show how important it is for local female professionals to pass on their knowledge.

The other costs for the event are provided by the American As-sociation of University Women (AAUW).

“Charlotte and I met with Ms. Harvin at The Clark where we be-gin the process of developing this workshop,” Beale said.

The collaboration is yet anoth-er facet of the campus administra-tion bringing education outside of the classroom to compliment the academic curriculum.

The Savvy Socializing Work-shop will begin at 7 p.m. Pre-reg-istration is required, as the event is limited to 50 participants. Reg-istration forms can be found in the Women’s Center.

SAVVY, continued from page 1

Savvy Socializing workshop to help networking techniques and skills

WASHINGTON - The Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Chuck Hagel, a Vietnam War veteran and former Republican senator from Nebraska, as the 24th secretary of defense after a brutal confirmation process that saw members of his own party question his capacity to lead the Pentagon.

Just hours after a vote to end the first-ever filibuster of a defense nominee, Hagel was approved 58-41, by far the narrowest margin for a successful appointment going back to the Carter administration. Hagel could get to work at the Pentagon as soon as Wednesday.

President Barack Obama announced his choice of Hagel to lead the Pentagon on Jan. 7, calling him “the leader that our troops deserve.” A sergeant in Vietnam and two-time Purple Heart recipient, Hagel becomes the first veteran of that war and the first former enlisted man to become defense secretary.

Hagel’s 2008 trip to Iraq and Afghanistan with Obama, then the Democratic presidential nominee, in part drove Republican opposition to installing one of their own former colleagues in the Pentagon. In the weeks that followed, critics also pored over his past speeches and other public statements to question his views on Israel, Iran and other international hot spots.

Democrats also had concerns, including Hagel’s objection to the appointment of an openly gay man as ambassador to Luxembourg during the Clinton administration. The former senator apologized for his comments even before

Obama officially nominated him.

Opposition grew to Hagel’s appointment after a dismal performance at his confirmation hearing. Two days after the Senate Armed Service Committee moved his nomination on a party-line vote, Senate Republicans mounted a filibuster to delay a final confirmation vote, saying they needed additional time to review his record and get answers to questions.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also used Hagel’s nomination as leverage to press the Obama administration to answer his questions about the terrorist raid on a U.S. diplomatic facility in Libya that led to four American fatalities, including the ambassador. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, a freshman and outspoken conservative, went so far as to suggest that Hagel may have received income from enemy states like North Korea.

No new bombshells emerged during a 10-day Presidents Day week recess, however, and 14 Republicans switched their votes to end the filibuster. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said the “over-the-top” opposition from some Republicans ultimately paved the way for confirmation.

Among Hagel’s most immediate challenges could be guiding the military through looming cuts to the defense budget - 13 percent in the current fiscal year, according to the Office of Management and Budget - because of the automatic budget cuts scheduled to take effect Friday.

WASHINGTON — Immigration and Customs Enforcement offi-cials have released “several hun-dred” immigrants from deporta-tion centers across the country, saying the move is an effort to trim costs ahead of budget cuts due to hit later this week.

Announcing the news on Tues-day, ICE officials said that the immigrants were released under supervision and continue to face deportation. After reviewing hun-dreds of cases, those released were considered low-risk and “non-criminal,” officials said.

The releases took place over the past week and were an effort “to ensure detention levels stay with-in ICE’s current budget,” said ICE spokeswoman Gillian Christian-sen, citing uncertainty caused by a budget standoff in Washington.

“All of these individuals remain in removal proceedings. Priority for detention remains on serious criminal offenders and other in-dividuals who pose a significant threat to public safety,” she said.

Much of the federal govern-ment is braced to feel the pinch from $85 billion in across-the-board budget cuts due to start

on Friday. Both Republicans and Democrats have said they oppose the cuts, but the two parties can-not agree on a budget deal that would avert them.

ICE’s decision was praised by some who have long criticized the rise in detentions and deporta-tions under the Obama admin-istration. Human rights and im-migration advocates have accused the administration of ramping up arrests in response to political pressure.

“We have long advocated for expanded use of alternatives to detention, a step we knew would save taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Ruthie Epstein of Human Rights First. “It is a shame that it took the threat of serious budget cuts to prompt this move. Even so, ICE’s decision makes clear that the government can save money by reforming its approach to im-migration detention.”

Officials say the released de-tainees are under other forms of supervision, including electronic and telephonic monitoring. Their cases continue to proceed in court.

Still, some Republicans blasted the announcement as part of the White House’s attempt to gin up

public outcry about the looming spending cuts. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Good-latte said the decision was a po-litical ploy that put the public in danger.

“It’s abhorrent that President Obama is releasing criminals into our communities to promote his political agenda on sequestration,” the Virginia Republican said in a statement. “By releasing criminal immigrants onto the streets, the administration is needlessly en-dangering American lives.”

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano hinted at the coming news on Monday, when she outlined the impact the bud-get cuts would have on her agen-cies. Napolitano said ICE would not be able to maintain its inven-tory of detention beds if the de-partment is forced to cut roughly 5 percent of its budget this year.

“Look, we’re doing our very best to minimize the impacts of sequester. But there’s only so much I can do,” Napolitano said. “I’m supposed to have 34,000 detention beds for immigration. How do I pay for those? We want to maintain 22,000-some odd Border Patrol agents. I got to be able to pay their salaries.”

Immigration agency releases detained immigrants citing sequester

MCT Campus

Senate confirms Chuck Hagel as new defense secretary

MCT Campus

Thursday, February 28, 2012 Arts & Entertainment Beacon.mcla.edu6

I’m not a professional. I’m just a student with a lot of opinions. One of the first, most funda-mental things about reporting is remaining unbiased. Coverage is one thing. A report-er can’t go to an event and start listing off every single thing en-joyed or hated; that would entail an unfair bias. In this case, it’s a good idea to report on exactly what happened while getting commentary from other sources so both positive and negative views are acknowledged. Critiquing, however, is differ-ent. Reviews are opinionated and don’t need to be “fair.” The arts are subjective, after all. Not ev-eryone is going to like every-thing, and reporters do in fact have the right to voice their opinion in this circumstance. But a critique needs to be jus-tified. Why was something en-joyable? Why wasn’t it? What specific thing did the artist, ac-tor, musician, or dancer do that enthralled or deterred the audi-ence from returning? Balance must also be achieved. For each thing enjoyed, find something not, and vice versa. Ask people for their opinions so their statements can further sup-port or disagree, for the sake of representing multiple positions. Keep in mind other factors which might impact the overall quality. Perhaps an actor is re-covering from the flu, a singer has laryngitis, or the artist was asked at the last minute to do an exhibition.People working in creative industries try their best to achieve perfection, even with sickness or a lack of resources. Don’t even get me started on columns. Those are a completely separate entity. They’re essen-tially a free-for-all: a much more casual approach to addressing an issue. As long as these are gram-matically correct and aren’t bla-tantly offensive, anything goes. When it comes to receiving criticism, it’s important to note writers are not offering advice or direction, per say, but sim-ply stating and commenting on what they see. Criticism from a writer is by no means less im-portant than itcoming from a director or professor. Think of it as an outsider trying to become acquainted with the creative world. They’re trying their best to understand it, but don’t be completely offended if they sim-ply can’t. To make a long story short, critique is absolutely necessary to report. It not only gives the reader a personalized perspec-tive of an event, but also, when read with an open mind, can be taken as a way to improve future creative endeavors.

Fair and balanced: The art of critiqueBy Shannen Adamites

A&E Editor

Gospelfest to return The Campbell Brothers will bring their signature “sacred steel” guitars to the College as they headline this year’s return of the GospelFest on Saturday, March 2, at the Church Street Center auditorium at 7 p.m., for the annual Margaret A. Hart ’35 Scholarship concert. The GospelFest is a presentation of the MCLA Presents! performance series. In addition to the Campbell Brothers, who will perform with vocalist Katie Jackson, Harold “Zion” Edwards and the College’s awarding-winning Allegrettos will open the concert. “It is great to have GospelFest back after a few years’ hiatus,” said Jonathan Secor, director of special programs at the College “We have had some great artists over the past three years for this annual fundraiser concert for the Margaret A. Hart ’35 Scholarship, but there is a certain high-octane energy that only comes with a GospelFest.” “I can’t imagine people will be able to stay in their seats for more than five minutes when the Campbell Brothers take the stage,” Secor continued. “Their style of electric lap steel guitar gospel, with amazing vocals floating on top, is in a class and genre all to itself. I first saw them five years ago in New Orleans where they were the toast of the gospel tent at the Jazz and Heritage Festival. They had thousands on their feet.”The Campbell Brothers, who have performed together for nearly two decades, create a unique, steel-guitar-driven gospel music called “sacred steel” that National Public Radio (NPR) called “earth-shattering.” “It’s a soul-stirring blend of gospel and the power and volume of electric blues and rock, a sound

as hot as brimstone that kicks holy butt. It also shreds perceptions of country’s signature instrument, and the limitations of church music,” according to NPR. According to Jim DeKoster of Living Blues, the Campbell Brothers’ music is “different from anything you’ve ever heard” and “essential listening for anyone interested in blues guitar.” Opening for the Campbell Brothers will be Harold “Zion” Edwards, a minister and gospel rap artist. Edwards, the founder of Christ Centered Music Ministries, travels nationally, teaching and ministering, and was twice named the Holy Hip Hop Artist – in 2004 and ’07 – by WSOK Gospel Music Awards.According to Nikab Productions, “There are very few who can rip a mic” like Edwards. “The CD is a complete package of ministry,

tight beats, tight lyrics that really grab your mind and heart.” The Allegrettos, who were the first-place winners of the recent Lenox Caroling Festival, also will perform at GospelFest. According to Allegrettos Co-Director Juwonni Cottle ’13, the Allegrettos aim to capture the heart and soul of what gospel music is all about, which is to inspire. “I can’t wait to see what the Allegrettos are going to do. For the past year they have had a gospel ‘branch,’ rehearsing gospel music,” Secor said. “Zion is new to us, and brings an urban sensibility, with the message flowing through rap and hip hop.” Each year, MCLA Presents! raises money for the scholarship that has been established to honor the college’s first African American graduate, Margaret A. Hart, who

is a member of the North Adams State Teachers College Class of 1935. A teacher and civil rights activist, Hart had a distinguished career in education that spanned more than five decades. The scholarship is awarded to a Berkshire County Student who demonstrates academic excellence and service to the community. Tickets are $10 general

admission, $5 for MCLA faculty and staff and non-MCLA students with valid id, and free for MCLA students. All proceeds from this concert will benefit the Margaret A. Hart ’35 Scholarship. For reservations to GospelFest, call the box office at 662-5204. For additional information and a complete listing of the MCLA Presents! season, go to www.mcla.edu/presents or call 664-8718.

The Campbell Brothers headline annual MCLA Presents! scholarship concert

Photo courtesy of MCLA Presents!Gospelfest headliner, The Campbell Brothers, are famous for their signature “sacred steel sound.”

Best Picture: ArgoActor: Daniel Day-Lewis

Actress: Jennifer LawrenceSupporting Actor: Christoph Waltz

Supporting Actress: Anne HathawayDirecting: Ang Lee

Foreign Film: AmourAdapted Screenplay: Argo

Original Screenplay: Django UnchainedAnimated Film: Brave

Production Design: LincolnCinematography: Life of Pi

Sound Mixing: Les MiserablesSound Editing: Skyfall, Zero Dark Thirty (tied)

Original Score: Life of PiOriginal Song: “Skyfall’’ from Skyfall by Adele

Costume: Anna KareninaDocumentary: Searching for Sugar Man

Documentary (short): InocenteFilm Editing: Argo

Makeup and Hair: Les MiserablesAnimated Short Film: PapermanLive Action Short Film: Curfew

Visual Effects: Life of Pi

85thAcademy Awards recapAssociated Press

‘Argo’ takes home three Oscars

Photo by MCT CampusProduction team and Ben Affleck for ‘Argo’ celebrates their multiple victories.

Photo by MCT CampusFrom left: Daniel Day-Lewis, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway and Christopher Waltz.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 Arts & Entertainment Beacon.mcla.edu 7‘Grettos go “Back to Basics”The Allegrettos demonstrated how gospel can be for everyone in two performances last weekend

“We’re not going to tell you how to feel; We want you to feel it for yourselves,” said J. Cottle, Director and founding member of the Allegrettos, before the start of the “Back to Basics” gospel concert in Church Street Center on Saturday.

The concert, which was also performed last Friday, was composed primarily of praise and worship songs, but Cottle expressed his belief, both onstage and in the concert program, that gospel does not have to be a religious experience. However, while the audience didn’t necessarily need to love Jesus, they did need to look alive.

“The audience will participate,” freshman Jamiece Shepard, one of the four MCs of the concert, assured the crowd of about 60 people.

With the exception of a few stragglers, the audience was brought to their feet, clapping, dancing and singing along to praise songs like “Sit At The Welcome Table,” “I Looked Down the Road,” and “Say the Word.”

Still reeling from a second place win at the quarter finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) in Boston, the a capella section of the

group did a special performance of “Happy Ending” by Brit-pop singer Mika, which they had performed in the competition. Senior Jackie Coughlin and Cottle’s solos called for many yells of praise, and left most of the room standing by the end of the song.

“It was amazing,” senior Allegrettos member Jonathan Kinney said of performing at the ICCA. “It was everything we thought it would be and more. I’ve never felt something like that ever.”

“It was intimidating because it was the first big stage we’d ever been on, but it was exhilarating,” said junior and Allegrettos Co-president, Jenny Beers, along with junior Melody Rolph. Beers added that it was useful to see other groups perform and have the opportunity to learn from them.

After a ten-minute intermission and a warm welcome from Cottle and the audience, the Williams College Gospel Choir took the stage. Cottle explained that after being invited to the Williams College Gospel Choir’s winter concert, the Allegrettos wanted to return the favor and invited them to the College.

Though their numbers were significantly less than the

Allegrettos, who boasted over 30 singers onstage, the Williams College Gospel Choir quickly had both the Allegrettos and the audience clapping and singing along to its own soulful gospel renditions.

The Allegrettos completed their “Back to Basics” concert with a section of worship songs. They performed the Haiti tribute “Are You Listening,” “Because He

Lives,” which was a duet between Cottle and Shepard; and “Moving Forward,” featuring the Williams College Gospel Choir.

The group took a brief break to present Cottle with flowers and a card in honor of it being his last time directing the Allegrettos for a gospel concert. Beers, along with junior Britney Gerber, sophomore Micky Oliver, sophomore Ben Balon, and senior Jorden Cohen

spoke about the different ways in which the graduating senior had pushed them and inspired them.

The show ended with a powerful performance of “Genesis” with a solo by Tiniqua Patrick, which earned loud applause from the attendees and the Williams College Gospel Choir.

By Haley CostenA&E Writer

Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon StaffJasmine Garcia, freshman, and Shavon Brown, senior, share a powerful and emotional duet .

Review: sexy Robots at MoCA“My Robot Friend” lit up Mass

MoCA Saturday night with a frenzy of lights, electronic beats, ‘robot love, and confusion. Unless people knew of Howard Robot and had followed his career, they probably left Mass MoCA this past Saturday confused.

When entering club B-10, a bar on the left sat dolling out wine, beer, and the occasional gin and tonic. Tables were set up with flameless electronic candles glowing in their centers. Every table in the house had someone sitting at it and everyone was anxiously waiting to see their ‘robot friend’. The club was set up like a cabaret and the ambiance worked well until Robot took the stage.

Before Robot came out, a Mass MoCA event organizer took the stage and told audience members how happy she was to have robots in the house. The show began with a short film from the 1950 World’s Fair about robots. The film showed a woman in her home getting her robot fixed and all of the things it can do. The film showed that all around us are robots such as toasters, ovens, cars, etc. The film’s message was that we all need to appreciate the robots around us that help us in our daily lives.

There was a short pause after the film ended and various audience members shouted out in anticipation of the ‘robot friend’ that was about to take the stage.

Behind Robot the screen was bright and glowing, reading “My Robot Friend Loves You.” He opened the show with his song “The Cut” with his fingers lit up, flashing blue. As the performance went on, his robotic fingers grew longer.

At the very beginning of this performance, a woman left with her child, who had her ears and eyes shut tightly. Clearly, this performance was not suitable for children. The lights were brilliant and visually stimulating but the message was lacking, as if something was missing. The performance felt like a joke where everyone else knew the punch line leaving the unaware hanging.

After a few performances, the show took a turn sending the crowd into an uproar. Robot claimed to have a PhD in love and wanted to show the audience just how much he loved them. He donned a robotic penis between his legs that lit up. Out of his robotic genitals, tennis balls soared into the audience, followed by a loud pop; streamers flew out and covered the audience.

This robotic sexual act was the most confusing part of the performance. Again, unless people knew Robot, and were aware of his performance style, as well as a part of his electronic scene, this probably left them a bit horrified.

Robot ended the show by performing one of his pieces in the audience. He brought a camera in the audience, the screen showed him and various audience

members. He touched their heads in a sort of robotic frenzy, mimicking a malfunctioning. He walked out of the performance with no lights, only a monotonous deep tone was left behind.

Junior Caleb Hiliadis remembered when Robot came out with his first album. “I have been waiting six years for that!” he said.

Kaylie Sweet had never heard of Robot before and was surprised by the performance.

“It was amazing,” she began. “I think I’m dead.”

Two local friends, Danielle Ralys, and Rachel Heisler, always try to see shows at Mass MoCA. They both agreed the show was interesting and bizarre.

“It was a lot to take in but even if you didn’t understand what was going on you still couldn’t help but laugh or smile at the performance,” Ralys said.

The performance presented a flashy brilliance of light, electronic sounds, and unique usage of props that could not keep some people in club B-10 still. However, Robot himself lacked personality as a human and was simply, a robot. This unclear message left many distraught and confused.

Senior Katie Russell was more confused than others about the performance.

“I went in open minded and at first it was interesting, but now I am kind of frightened. I do not know what to think of it all,” she said.

By Kaylie WarnerA&E Writer

Photos by Kacie Clark/Beacon StaffHoward Robot, dressed in lights, gave MoCA a unique show.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 Sports Beacon.mcla.edu8

Sit-out BradyBy Ariana Tourangeau

Sports Editor

Maurice: Rookie of the Year

Photo by Dennise Carranza/Beacon StaffFreshman guard Paul Maruice had strong support from his teammates and coach all season.

The other day I was scrolling through sports websites, reading up on “big news” in sports when I came across some news on Tom Brady.

Like I’ve said previously, I am a Green Bay Packers fan and even though I’m from New England, I cannot stand the Patriots, especially Tom Brady. You can consider me a member of the “I think Tom Brady is overrated” club.

On that note, I read an article that says he signed with the patriots for another three years. Hooray for all you patriot’s fans, and a big yawn for me. Don’t get me wrong, Tom Brady is a very talented football player, but for some reason I’m not a fan.

An article on CBS Sports written by Will Brinson says, “Brady signed a three-year, $27 million extension with the Patriots that will carry him through the 2017 season.” According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, “Brady will receive a $3 million signing bonus immediately, and he will receive $7 million in 2015, $8 million in 2016 and $9 million in 2017.” The fact that he is insanely rich and will continue to be rich just makes me dislike him even more.

Brady might have signed for three more years, but he chose to reduce his cap numbers for the next five years. This will benefit the team as they seek to keep their free agents according to CBS Sports.

To those that are unfamiliar, a salary cap in football means it is an agreement that places a limit of money a team can spend on player salaries. Normally quarterbacks carry the largest cap numbers, but according to the National Football Post, a handful of players “lowered their cap numbers in contract restructurings to create cap room for their respective teams.”

Looks like Brady doesn’t just have him in mind, he’s considering the rest of the team. CBS Sports said, “Brady was scheduled to count $43.6 million against the cap in 2013 and 2014 and now will count just $28.6 million against the Patriots cap.”

I guess Brady isn’t that bad after all. His cap reduction will give the Patriots space to re-sign their free agents and to try and bring in new talent. This is quite that sacrifice for Brady, but it is all so his team will come out on top in the long run and I guess if it were my teams quarterback, I’d be proud.

The Men’s Basketball team went into the finals of the annual MASCAC tournament on Saturday as the higher seed only to fall to Fitchburg State. After 40 minutes of poor 3-point shooting and a series of missed free-throws the Trailblazers lost 80-72.

Before the MASCAC finals the Trailblazers had defeated the Salem State Vikings in the semi-finals, 77-59. It was a big victory to knock the Vikings out of the tournament; Salem State has won 16 of 23 MASCAC championships.

John Jones was a large part of this victory, scoring 23 points and 7 rebounds. He was 7-for-7 on free throws. Paul Maurice stood out in the Salem game as well; scoring 11 points and recovering 6 rebounds.

Bench point guard Anthony Barbosa had a heroic 4 point play in the second half, nailing a basket from downtown while being knocked over, and then getting the extra basket at the foul line before stepping off the court to let

Bilal Shabazz back on.Shabazz contributed 9 points

for the Trailblazers against Salem, the third most points for the Trailblazers. Collectively, the Trailblazers were 45 percent on field goals and 85 percent on free-throws for the win.

The first half in the MASCAC finals was looking good for the Trailblazers. The Falcons never had a lead, and the half ended 35-27, Trailblazers.

It wasn’t until halfway through the second half when the Falcons caught up standing 50-46 over the Trailblazers at the 11 minute mark.

“We had a defensive breakdown,” Coach Jamie Morrison said. “We did a bad job defending 3s and we gave up too many opportunities.”

During the second half MCLA began their big mistakes. Fitchburg dominated in rebounds taking 17 defensive rebounds in total, while the Trailblazers only had 11 offensive rebounds.

The Trailblazers couldn’t seem to find the net from downtown. Vernon Cross hit the only one for MCLA in the first half. Barbosa

and Ramon Viches each got one in the second. This made the Trailblazers finish with 18 percent from the 3-point line.

The Trailblazers also had a difficult time sinking shots at the foul line.

“Our foul shots were off in the second half,” Morrison said. “There was a stint of 8 foul opportunities and we only made 3 of them, so that brought us down.”

Although the Trailblazers didn’t come out on top, they still put in their consistent effort. Richard Johnson scored 12 points with 6 rebounds, and Kenny Suggs netted 13 with 8 rebounds.

It was also hard for the Trailblazers to fight back with Fitchburg’s Mike Ingram-Rubin scoring 25 points for the Falcons, with teammates Zach Valliere and Tom Henneberry scoring 15 and 16 points.

Morrison was awarded Coach of the Year, a distinction alongside freshmen player Paul Maurice who was awarded Rookie of the Year.

Jones, this year’s star player for MCLA, was one of two juniors in the MASCAC conference to make

the first all-conference team.“People should keep an eye on

John Jones,” Morrison said. “Great player, made the first team all-conference. People also should be looking at Ramon Viches.”

The Trailblazers finished their season with a 14-13 record (9-4 in the conference), ending with a winning season. Seniors Shabazz, Cross, and Richard Johnson will now have to hand in their collegiate jerseys.

Blazers fall short of MASCAC titleBy Chris Oxholm

Sports Writer

Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon StaffJunior forward John Jones attempts to make a shot.

After a long and vigorous season, Paul Maurice, freshman guard for the trailblazers, was named 2012-13 MASCAC Rookie of the year.

Since the beginning of the season, rookie of the year has been a goal that Maurice had set for himself, which he accomplished with a little extra push from his coaches and teammates.

“At practice my teammates would say, ‘you need to win rookie of the year’ , and push me to work harder because they knew it was a lifetime achievement for me,” Maurice said.

Not only did Maurice’s teammates and coach help push him to achieve this goal, but a Worcester state competitor made him want it that much more. Worcester States Freshman Guard, Alex Lopez, was a top pick for rookie of the year as well as Maurice.

“He was doing better than me and I felt like I wasn’t going to get it,” Maurice said.

The constant support and push from the team helped Maurice to get his goal.

The team’s record was a push

in the right direction for Paul and helped him to get closer to his goal when he thought it wasn’t attainable anymore.

“When our record started to be 9-3 and we were winning more it helped me build my confidence,” Maurice said.

After a boost of confidence from the wins, everything started getting better for Maurice.

Players started pushing him during practices, reminding him of his goal, and helping him to work harder because they knew how badly he wanted it.

“If I wasn’t working hard enough my coach would say slick comments to me like, ‘I don’t think you’re going to get it’ , but he was only pushing me to work harder,” Maurice said.

As the season progressed and the Trailblazers won more games, Maurice worked harder to earn the recognition.

According to the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball All-Conference Team, Maurice averaged 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and two steals per game giving him the honor of Rookie of the year for his first season of College basketball with the Trailblazers.

GamesGames startedMinutesMin. per gameFGFG Pct3PT3PT PctFT

2717

65124.1

80-22835.1

46-14332.2

37-35

Stats1211

35129.2

42-11735.9

24-7432.4

27-36

Overall ConfigFT PctOff reboundsDef reboundsTotal reboundsRebounds per gamePersonal foulsDisqualificationsAssists

69.8336699

3.763

232

75.0214465

5.423

119

Overall ConfigTurn oversAssist to turn over ratioStealsBlocksPointsPoints per gamePoints per 40 min

480.752

62439.0

14.9

191.026

1135

11.215.4

Overall ConfigCategoryCategoryCategory

By Ariana TourangeauSports Editor

Thursday, February 28, 2013 Sports Beacon.mcla.edu 9

In preparation for the upcoming championship game, coach Jamie Morrison sits tranquil in his office wearing jeans and a T-shirt surrounded by basketball memorabilia, observing the team’s opponents from online videos.

At a game Morrison stands in a suit on the courtside with the same mindset, but representing the Trailblazers as the 2012-13 MASCAC Coach of the Year. He was recognized for his positive contributions to the Men’s Basketball team this past season.

“We have been awarded this year but this only happens when we work hard as a team, not to

sound cliché but the team that does well gets the recognition and understanding this really brings good knowledge that we are doing better,” said Morrison.

Also being honored on the team was junior John Jones, who was given the first team All MASCAC award. Freshman guard Paul Maurice was selected as the Rookie of the Year for the conference.

Morrison explains that when the team progresses together and fixes whatever is wrong, great things like obtaining these awards can happen.

“When we are struggling during gameplay, he is so intuitive that it helps us and the emotion that he puts forth is enough to

give us the extra energy we need to play better,” said junior guard James Hunter.

“Being equal is everything and since I have been in that same type of life with that mindset it is easy for me to communicate with them all because I have been at that same level,” said Morrison.

Morrison has dedicated a lot of his time and life to basketball. During his own college years in the early 90s he was a starter basketball player for UMASS Boston.

The Men’s Basketball team has been improving throughout the years Morrison has been coach. The Trailblazers have come in second during the conference in the past three seasons.

“In the past the guys may have had a rough patch in which we changed tempo and re-grouped. Our philosophy also got extended and improved, we fined tuned

our methods to imputing more discipline followed by tough scheduling that helped us control the way we play the game,” said Morrison.

The last coach from the College to receive this award was Robert Hamilton in the 1998-199 season.

“Personally he is a real person to us and not just our coach, I played basketball with him before he was given the position so it was easy for me to communicate with him and pass his strategies to my other teammates,” said senior forward Vernon Cross.

By Nick SwansonSports Writer

Morrison: MASCAC Coach of the Year

Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon StaffJamie Morrison, head coach of the Men‘s Basketball team, was selected as MASCAC Coach of the Year.

Intramurals (IMs) started in the 1970’s by Nacey Glanger with mostly varsity sports appealing to the students that wanted to play varsity sports but weren’t members of the team. But student wants are changing, and with that comes changes to the intramural program as a whole.

“The students are changing,” MCLA Intramurals Director Adam Hildabrand explained. “So the sports need to change to meet the needs of the students and staff.” Hildabrand came into the position proceeding George Galli, Tom Loricco, and Jeff Puleri.

Information is collected though surveys to get feedback as to what the players want. The Student Supervisors collect the

information and put together the schedules and plan game times, essentially making the program run by the players themselves.

“Intramurals brings the opportunity for the College community to come together and get involved in a common interest,” Student Supervisor

Drew Webster said. “It’s not just for athletes, it’s for everyone to enjoy.”

IMs bring nontraditional games to the courts for all to enjoy. Kanjam, frisbee golf, and corn hole are just a few of the games that are offered. With these options comes the opportunity for sports lovers of all kinds to come together and play.

“I like IM’s because it’s a chance for my friends and I to take a break during the week to have some fun,” Intramural participant and volleyball player Amanda Flemming explained. “It’s important to have a program like this on campus because it’s a fun activity for players that don’t play college sports to get involved and play the sport they love.”

All are welcome to create a team and participate in

intramural games. According to the MCLA webpage, intramurals are available to everyone, staff or student, regardless of age, sex, handicap, or past experience.

Currently co-ed indoor soccer, giant ball volleyball, elite league men’s soccer is in effect, and equestrian is available year-round. Soon, 3v3 basketball tournaments will be hosted in the Campus Center gym with prizes being offered to the winner.

A new session will be starting after spring break. A flag football tournament will be offered and a white water rafting trip will be available to all interested.

To see more sports that are offered or to make a team for this session, go to:www.imleagues.com/mcla.

Intramurals breaks game traditionsBy Justine Cozza

Sports Writer

“Intramurals brings the opportunity for the College community to come together and get involved in a common

interest.”

-Drew Webster

Scores Men’s Basketball2/16 Fitchburg St. @ MCLA L, 80-72MASCAC Championship

Women’s Softball2/25MCLA vs. Lyndon St.W, 12-11, W, 6-1

StandingsMen’s Basketball CONF OVERALL

Westfield St. 10-2 21-5MCLA 9-3 14-13Salem St. 7-5 16-11Bridgewater 5-7 11-14Fitchburg St. 5-7 16-10Worcester St. 5-7 12-14Framingham 1-11 8-17

Morrison served as Head Coash for Haskeel Indian

Nations University for four years, before

coming to MCLA.

Photo by Kayla Degnan/Beacon StaffMorrison strategizes with his team during a game.

TAMPA -- In case you hadn't heard, Kevin Youkilis plays third base for the Yankees now.

As you'll read in tomorrow's Herald, Youkilis had a lot to say about how the drama quotient in Yankees-land is a lot different than how it plays out in Boston.

Until then, know that Youkilis, who was a scratch for this afternoon's game against the Phillies because of a tight lower left side -- he's fine, he said repeatedly -- is content in

Yankees camp.You can't take away his Red

Sox past, he said, and he'll always love them but if anyone thinks he hasn't turned the corner on his new reality, fuhgeddabout it.

"Now they've cleared house kind of, got new players and you never know what's going to happen this year for them but I'm not rooting for them, in the sense of those 19 games we play against them -- the guys that I'm friends with, I want them to have healthy and good years but finish behind the Yankees," he said.

MTC Campus

Youkilis all in with YankeesJohn Jones receives All-MASCAC

Junior forward John Jones was named on the 2012-13 MASCAC first team All -conference squad. Along with Jones on the team was, Westfield States Lee Vazquez and Matt Devine, Worcester States Robert Hunter and Fitch-burg States Zach Valliere. He saved his best stretch of the season for last as he had a stretch of six straight double doubles, ac-cording to MCLA Athletics web-

site. The aggresive Jones was often seen all over the floor diving for loose balls and driving to the hoop. He created havoc for op-posing offensive players as well with his tenacious defense. According to the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Con-ference website, Jones averaged 14.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

Photo Courtesy of mcla.eduJunior forward John Jones.

Thursday, February 28, 2013 Fun & Games Beacon.mcla.edu 11

Weekly HoroscopesAries: March 21-April 19Your social energy is fun and flirty – and you may surprise someone who thought they had you pegged! Now is a great time to hang out with your crush or a new romantic partner.

Taurus: April 20-May 20You find yourself slipping into some odd behavior today – but it’s not so bad that you have to keep restraints on. You’re just a little less cautious than usual, and it could lead some-where fun!

Gemini: May 21-June 21Your social energy is abuzz with all the new people coming into your life – even if many of them are online! You don’t really care, as long as you get to keep chattering and showing off.

Cancer: June 22-July22Your to-do list seems to have doubled in length overnight – what can you do? Try to get some help from friends or family, or see if you can delegate anything to an intern (or teenager) in your life.

Leo: July 23-Aug. 22You need help – but there’s no shame in that! Just make sure that you ask the right people, or that you are surrounded by teammates you know you can count on. Things are looking up!

Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 22Everyone seems to be speaking at once today, so make sure that you are as clear as can be. If someone only gets to hear part of what you have to say, aren’t they likely to get the wrong idea?

Libra: Sept. 23-Oct. 22Try to speak up today – you’ve got some deep issues that need resolution, and they aren’t going anywhere without some serious communication. It may be a family thing or it could be work-related, but it’s vital.

Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 21You see something that seems too good to be true – so do what you can to avoid buying it or taking the risk. It’s likely a scam or something with hidden costs, and you have to play it safe now.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21You may have a full schedule today – and if not, watch out for interruptions and sudden invitations! At least some of them are sure to be fun, but you may have to say no now and then.

Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19Too much chatter is sure to keep anything useful from get-ting done today – so make sure you turn off your ringer when appropriate and find other ways to keep your mind focused.

Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18You meet someone today who shares many of your interests – and possibly more! If you’re looking for love, this could be a good match, so ask all the right questions and remember to be yourself.

Some Stimulating SudokuCartoon by Jackie Coughlin

“Maturing”

Thursday, February 28, 2013 Photo Essay Beacon.mcla.edu12

Mens Basketball Semi-finals andChampionship

Photos by Kayla DegnanThe crowd cheers on the team during the championship game.

Senior Vernon Cross struggles for a jumper against Fitchburg State in the championship

Sophomore Dominique Bostick looks to pass to a teammate.

Junior Kenny Suggs gets past the Fitchburg defense for a lay-up.

Junior John Jones attempts to get the ball up in the semi-final game against Salem State Thursday, Feb. 23.