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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Opinion

Emerson ought to smoke out the competition

Emerson ought to smoke out the competition

November 5, 2014

With the recent legalization of marijuana in of Washington and Colorado, and the decriminalization of the drug in several other states, it’s clear...

Execution procedures need injection of transparency

Execution procedures need injection of transparency

November 5, 2014

Clayton Lockett was scheduled for execution on the night of April 29, 2014. Fourteen years earlier, Lockett was sentenced to death for a first-degree murder...

Animal House-style parties created by gender stereotypes

November 4, 2014

The smell of sweat filling a musky basement, warm beer sloshing out of solo cups, cheers erupting from the nearest beer pong table. Welcome to the classic...

Lack of communication lands dining reform in a pickle

November 4, 2014

At issue: SGA submits dining proposals; Emerson says many are already addressed.Our take: Consider the debate with a grain of salt. The Student...

Game recognizes game: virtual spectator sports on the rise

Game recognizes game: virtual spectator sports on the rise

November 4, 2014

Despite what your mother said when you were young, there is now a way to make money by playing video games all day—but you have to be really good. If...

American media infected by sensationalist ebola coverage

American media infected by sensationalist ebola coverage

November 4, 2014

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently declared the 2014 Ebola epidemic the largest outbreak of the disease in history. 24/7 news...

Editor’s note

November 4, 2014

The loss of Jocelyn Amelia Straus, a freshman political communication major, was a devastating shock to our community. The thoughts of the Beacon staff...

After tragedy, a time to remember and reflect

November 4, 2014

On Wednesday, our hearts collectively sank when we learned our community lost one of its youngest members. Jocelyn Amelia Straus, a freshman political...

Reductive stereotypes stifle middle aged women

November 4, 2014

When former first daughter Chelsea Clinton gave birth to her first child in September, headlines circulated about everything from the significance of the...

Needy students deserve more from financial aid

November 4, 2014

At issue: Students raise money for their tuition. Our take: They shouldn’t need to. It’s no secret that Emerson is an expensive place to...

Legal intoxicants demonstrate necessity of drug reform

Legal intoxicants demonstrate necessity of drug reform

November 4, 2014

I was sitting on my friend’s couch with a huge bong between my legs. A Beatles instrumental hummed from his Jambox speaker as I burned the herbs...

Meme Supreme: Justice Ginsburg’s internet fame

November 4, 2014

Ruth Bader Ginsburg hasn’t been on the cover of Vanity Fair. There haven’t been Saturday Night Live skits poking fun at her pantsuits or the...

Dedicate library space to student desires

November 4, 2014

At issue: Underused library space undergoes yet another rebranding project. Our take: Really? Just over a year after the Will & Grace set was announced...

Emerson bites off less than it can chew

Emerson bites off less than it can chew

September 25, 2014

While some college students live exclusively on ramen noodles and Capri Suns, many others rely on Sodexo, Emerson’s food provider, for their daily...

Social media presents emotional outlet for users

September 25, 2014

Wake up. Tweet about how tired you are. Make a green juice smoothie for breakfast. Post a picture of it on Instagram. Check the news. Share an article...

Props for profs fly under students’ radar

September 25, 2014

At issue: Professors recognized for an array of achievements. Our take: Let’s not waste this opportunity. Emerson students are busy—walking...

The privilege pill

April 24, 2014

The light from a lamp glints off the aluminum surface of the Red Bull cans lined up along the back of the desk. Fingers are poised over the keyboard, tense...

Political convictions, not correctness

Political convictions, not correctness

April 24, 2014

A certain reaction comes to all of us each April — successive disbelief at having finished your freshman year of college, suddenly...

Learning to play fair

Learning to play fair

April 20, 2014

Growing up, I aspired to be a professional athlete. When I realized that dream would never come true, I combined my passion for sports and storytelling...

The global effects of Afghan elections

April 17, 2014

Last week, Afghanistan witnessed an estimated 60 percent of its 12 million eligible voters participate in elections to select a new president, amid threats...