Vermont Cynic Issue 18

#UVMPROBLEMS

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TWO CITIES, GREAT RIVALRIES Boston and NY teams square off

THOUGHT CATALOG’S RYAN O’CONNELL

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C YNIC THE VERMONT

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The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883

w w w . v e r m o n t c y n i c . c o m | T h u r s d a y , F e b r u a r y 9 , 2 0 1 2 – Vo l u m e 1 2 8 I s s u e 1 8 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t

Protest blames trustee

Dozens rally at board meeting contesting CEO of Sotheby’s for lockout on New York laborers

By Katy Cardin Staff Writer, Amanda Sherwood Staff Writer

ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic

Sophomore Madison Olson protests against the actions of Bill Ruprecht in the Livak Ballroom of the Davis Center, Feb. 3.

Dozens of students, faculty and community members gathered in the Davis Center Feb. 3 to protest the actions of Bill Ruprecht, a member of the Board of Trustees blamed for a lockout on New York laborers.

Ruprecht, CEO of Sotheby’s, was the target of the rally because 42 of his company’s art dealers have been out of work after their union contract expired and contract negotiations failed to meet a resolution, according to the Burlington Free Press.

Ralliers filed into the Livak Ballroom holding up signs in front of the Board of Trustees, while one protester spoke to the board about the wrongs he felt Ruprecht had committed.

The board waited a few minutes before calling for a motion to go into executive session, forcing the group to leave the room.

President of the Board of Trustees Robert Cioffi said in a statement that members of the

board come from various backgrounds and positions of leadership, but when they are participating in board business, they are dedicated to the University.

“I recognize that there are strongly held views with respect to the labor dispute at Sotheby’s, which is in proper channels for resolution with a federal mediator,” he said. “That matter is in no way related to the functions and responsibilities of the UVM Board of Trustees.”

After the protesters exited the meeting, they re-collected on the first floor of the Davis Center and took turns addressing the crowd through a call and response “mic check.”

“The board knows how to answer what we’re asking, but they choose not to,” said James Leas, a South Burlington lawyer.

For English professor Helen Scott, the protest is fundamentally about justice.

“This movement embodies injustices and inequalities that people are fighting with across the world,” she said. “We are fighting for good jobs for you, the

students. We won’t accept this; it’s just wrong.”

When asked if Ruprecht’s absence affected the protesters, community member Brad Hartley said it did not matter, because the message was still delivered.

“He knew about the rally and, being the political animal he is, didn’t show up,” Hartley said.

Julian Tysh, one of the art handlers who has been unemployed since June, contacted UVM’s Students for University Democracy, requesting a student movement against Ruprecht as a member of the board, graduate student Nolan Rampy said.

The Students for University Democracy organized the rally because they think Ruprecht is taking advantage of his workers, Rampy said.

“Ruprecht has raised his own salary 3 million dollars to a total of 6 million dollars,” he said, “and this is all while asking art handlers who are making barely over $40,000 a year to take a pay cut.”

Sotheby’s spent $2.4 million See RALLY on page 4

‘Ticked off’ with lack of privacy Author educates SGA discusses anonymous submissions at a public meeting

By Taylor Jones Staff Writer Student privacy does not seem to be on the top of SGA’s agenda this week.

At the SGA meeting Jan. 31, Chair of the Student Action Committee Ian Goodnow used a student’s name when he summarized one of the Tix-Me-Off student complaints.

Tix-Me-Off is a service that allows students to submit comments or complaints to the SGA through their website.

The submission that was read at the meeting was one written by former senator Jonathan Lott.

“I sent them a Tix-Me-Off telling them that if they want truly informed student opinions, then they should provide students with the legislation itself,” Lott said.

In an email correspondence with the Cynic, Goodnow said that the submissions were not public; however, Lott’s submission was read out loud and his

NEWS 1-4 — Medical marijuana to hit state dispensaries

By Keegan Fairfield Staff Writer Author and environmentalist Bill McKibben visited campus Feb. 2 to deliver two talks that focused on the political and educational constraints on environmental advocacy.

MACKENZIE JONES The Vermont Cynic

SGA senators vote at their meeting in the Livak Ballroom, Feb. 7. name was included in the discussion during a public SGA Senate meeting.

“They aren’t anonymous,” Goodnow said to the Senate.

The wording on the SGA website might lead individuals to think otherwise.

“Should the chair forward

LIFE 5-6 — Penguins plunge into Champlain deep

ARTS

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Rusko takes on Higher Ground

Want to work for The Cynic? We will train you. Contact cynic@uvm.edu

your comments on to administrators or other students, your name will not be included,” the website stated.

The SGA constitution does not specify whether or not submissions will be anonymous.

“[We were] determined to show people we’re serious and that, in fact, we’re the opposite of radicals. Radicals work for Exxon.”

Bill McKibben Educator and environmentalist

See SGA on page 3

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OPINION 10-11 Gingrich belittles Romney’s French connection

A student-dominated crowd of about 200 people packed a lecture hall in the newly renovated George D. Aiken Center for the first event, “Educational Priorities of the 21st Century.”

The complexity, scale and high stakes of global warming necessitate a change in the way we approach higher education to foster a strong grounding in the practical world, McKibben said.

Addressing the issue also demands a high level of engagement in political and social life, which he said has waned dramatically in recent decades.

McKibben said leadership in these realms must come from young people, as conditions are only bound to get worse over time and will thus have the greatest impact on youth and future generations.

“It is in your interest to figure out how to keep things from going to hell,” he said.

The audience filled every seat and even stood in the aisles of See MCKIBBEN on page 3

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DISTRACTIONS Camp Morning Wood

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SPORTS 13-16 The battle for L.A. supremacy

WE’RE ONLINE TOO! www.vermontcynic.com

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NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Business leaders born Water bottle ban Students problem-solve in weeklong contest

By Amanda Sherwood Staff Writer For some business students, obtaining first-hand corporate experience is well under way.

Students in the School of Business Administration will be competing with other universities at the John Molson Undergraduate Case Competition (JMUCC) on Feb. 19.

JMUCC is an annual event organized by a team of undergraduate students from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University.

During the weeklong competition, students will analyze reallife business situations, according to JMUCC’s website.

The first three days, students will work on three separate cases, with three hours for team preparation and a one-hour presentation.

For the final and fourth case, students will be allotted 24 hours of preparation time with unlimited resources, the website stated.

The mission of the JMUCC is to prepare undergraduate business students to become leaders through strategic thinking, innovative problem-solving and sound decision-making, said Thomas Chittenden, the adviser of UVM’s competing team.

Chittenden said he sees the value of presentation skills and attributes this opportunity to Sanjay Sharma, the dean of the business school.

“We really thank Dean Sharma – it was his drive and leadership that made this possible,” Chittenden said. “We are looking to get more students involved next year.”

This year’s competitors on the team are seniors Brad Opsahl, Joseph Nerone, Alyssa Hoyt and junior Seth Gilbert with fellow junior Tommy Barkovic serving as an alternate.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of students,” Chittenden said. “They’re all very committed.”

Students involved in JMUCC will get to see and explore Montreal, one of North America’s largest and most cosmopolitan business centers, according to the JMUCC website.

“They will also be given the chance to interact with industry professionals and sponsoring organizations during event lunches, cocktails and banquets,” the website stated.

In addition to expanding their knowledge of business, the participants will also have the opportunity to interact with students from other universities, team

Opposers claim rule fails students

By Devin Karambelas Assistant News Editor UVM’s war on water — bottled, that is — has caught the attention of the International Bottled Water Association, which has decided to respond with an argument of its own.

One day after the University announced its decision to ban the sale of bottled water on campus, effective January 2013, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) released a statement saying that the ban fails students, a BevNET article stated.

The IBWA is particularly critical of the University’s mandate that vending machines contain one-third healthy beverages, calling the ban “contradictory and confusing.”

IBWA Vice President of Communications Chris Hogan said he believes that the ban will just prompt students to seek out beverages with higher contents of sugar, caffeine and other additives when they use a vending machine.

“It’s a misguided attempt to deal with a waste issue that would be better addressed through imCOURTESY OF DEAN SANJAY SHARMA

Dean Sanjay Sharma of the Business School poses in his office. member Joe Nerone said.

“The networking aspect is great, and I really think this experience has improved my ability to tackle problems,” he said.

A wide range of universities and colleges are competing this year, with a total of 24 schools, team member Tommy Barkovic said.

“It’s a little scary competing against teams from all over the world.”

Tommy Barkovic Junior These schools include the Dublin Institute of Technology, Purdue University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and 2010’s first place

winner, the University of Alberta.

“It’s a little scary competing against teams from all over the world,” Barkovic said. “We really have no scope for how we’ll do in the competition; all we can do is our best and try to impress the judges.”

Dressed in ties and skirts, the team practiced presenting to business school faculty on Feb. 2 and said they hope to bring home the JMUCC title for the University of Vermont.

Team members said they feel this type of competition is important because of its real-world experience.

“I feel the skills I’m learning can be applied to any job,” team member Alyssa Hoyt said.

At the competition students will report to a panel of judges who will observe all four presentations, according to the JMUCC website.

Senior or middle-level managers who posses the ability to analyze detail are invited to apply to judge the event. Applications are accessible through the JMUCC website.

Showcasing student research

By Amanda Wassel Cynic Correspondent For the sixth consecutive year, UVM will celebrate undergraduate, graduate and medical student achievement through the Student Research Conference (SRC) on April 19.

The conference is a way to showcase student research in a low-pressure environment that intends to prepare students for real-world professional research conferences, SRC Coordinator Andi Elledge said.

called ‘confusing’

Students of all disciplines with a research or creative project under a faculty mentor are welcomed to participate in the conference, she said.

All students and faculty not involved in the conference are encouraged to attend in order to hear from the students about their research, enjoy complimentary snacks and have the opportunity to enter a free iPad raffle, Elledge said.

Last year, more than 250 students participated in the SRC,

presenting topics as diverse as wireless sensors, dairy farming, television and feminism, she said.

The SRC is sponsored by the Graduate College, the Honors College and the Office of the Vice President for Research, according to the UVM website.

Online applications to present research or creative projects at the conference must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Feb. 24 at uvm.edu/~uvmsrc.

proved recycling rates of all packaged drinks,” he said, according to the BevNET article.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has calculated that bottled water containers make up just .03 percent of waste in the U.S., Hogan said.

“Getting rid of bottled water will not make a significant improvement to waste issues,” he said.

Hogan also said that the ban puts a student’s freedom to choose at stake and called the decision a step backward given the growing rates of obesity and diabetes in the U.S., according to the IBWA statement.

Gioia Thompson, director of the UVM Office of Sustainability, said the ban does not fail UVM students and most of the feedback has been supportive.

“You would expect the bottled water association to come out against an action that reduces their sales,” she said. “We’re going to make sure that there are other healthy things to drink in our vending machines.”

Englesby repairs a go

By Becky Hayes News Editor The Englesby House may not be getting its $2 million upgrade, but enough renovations will occur to make the building habitable again.

The Board of Trustees approved the repairs of the mansion Feb. 3 at their spring meeting.

The primary reason the trustees decided to proceed with the repairs is because the new president will be required to live on

campus, Vice President for Finance Richard Cate said.

The total project cost will be $850,000, in order to renovate three bathrooms, replace the heating system and roof, refurbish the third floor and landscape, according to a document released by the Board of Trustees.

The goal will be to complete this work by Sept. 30, the document stated.

‘Campus Climate’ cold

By Keegan Fairfield Staff Writer Chief Diversity Officer Wanda Heading-Grant delivered the results of the Campus Climate Survey (CCS) to the Board of Trustees Feb. 3 and made recommendations to address some of the results.

The CCS was conducted in April 2011 and garnered responses from 25 and 50 percent of students and faculty, respectively.

The results indicate a high level of satisfaction with the UVM experience and mutual respect among faculty, staff and students. These groups, however, felt significantly less respected by senior administrators and advisers — a result that was worrisome to some trustees.

“That’s a finding that jumped out at many of us,” Provost Jane Knodell said.

Although few faculty, staff and students reported having been sexually harassed in the past year, a minority group claimed to have experienced bias and/or discrimination, and those

numbers are higher among faculty and staff of color or LGBTQA. The results indicate a general lack of civility.

Heading-Grant made three recommendations to the board for creating a more inclusive community: • Focus groups should be conducted to identify and understand areas of concern.

• Professional development and training should be expanded and improved for all members of the community.

• UVM should be benchmarked against other institutions to identify areas of strength, as well as those that need improvement.

Heading-Grant said that the survey results will allow UVM to improve upon the already impressive campus climate.

“I am confident that given the strong foundation of support that exists for so many members of our community, this survey will serve as an excellent starting point,” she said.

N EWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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MCKIBBEN Advocates for environment ...continued from page 1 the Billings Lecture Hall to listen to McKibben’s second talk, “Report from the Front Lines of the Climate Fight: Some Jailhouse Notes on the Moral Fight of Our Time.”

The name of the event — derived from the famed “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” that Martin Luther King Jr. wrote while incarcerated for his participation in a nonviolent protest — refers to McKibben’s recent arrest for protesting the Keystone XL Pipeline outside of the White House in Washington, D.C. The protest, organized by McKibben, lasted two weeks and ultimately resulted in President Obama’s decision to delay construction on the pipeline pending further investigation.

In all, 1,253 people were arrested in what was the largest action of civil disobedience in the United States in 30 years, he said.

McKibben said that protestors were encouraged to dress in neckties and dresses in an attempt to reform the negative social stigma toward environmentalists. “[We were] determined to show people we’re serious and that, in fact, we’re the opposite of radicals,” he said. “Radicals work for Exxon.”

McKibben, though admittedly not an activist, has been at the forefront of environmental activism in the United States.

He coordinated a five-day march across Vermont in 2006 that was the largest demonstration on global warming in the United States to date, accumu-

SGA

lating about 1,000 people upon reaching Burlington, he said.

Despite the success of the event, McKibben said he became inspired to take the message global.

In 2008, he and seven students at Middlebury College founded 350.org, a grassroots environmental movement, with the hope of calling to action the entire planet.

“We were willing to think on the scale we needed to,” he said.

“Almost on a ludicrous scale.”

McKibben scrolled through photos taken on 350.org’s first planned day of global activism, which CNN deemed as the largest climate action day ever. Participants from 192 countries submitted images that incorporated the website’s message in one way or another.

One slide that evoked gasps from the crowd came from the politically volatile Middle East.

People from Jordan, Palestine and Israel had arranged themselves to represent the numbers three, five and zero, respectively, representing McKibben’s fundamental message that the fight for climate justice must be superior to political and cultural hostility.

Crossing these lines requires that we replace the dominant monetary currency with one of passion, spirit and creativity, he said.

Although a self-proclaimed “professional bummer-outer,” McKibben urged attendees to lead not by addition, but by multiplication, which he suggested can be done using three steps: organize, organize and organize.

Web states ‘Tix-Me-Off’ are private

...continued from page 1 Lott said he was not bothered by the fact that his submission

“If the SGA is disregarding a valid and practical idea because they believe it was worded rudely, then no progress will ever be made.”

Jonathan Lott Former SGA senator

was discussed publicly, and has instead taken issue with how the website may make submissions seem private.

“It’s not even that big of a deal to me that they exposed my name, seriously,” Lott said. “It’s just a problem that they have on the website that your name is going to be kept anonymous, and they didn’t do that.”

Although Lott’s submission was not a private one, he sympathizes with others who might have more delicate issues to discuss.

“It might be [a problem] if the complaints are sensitive,” he said.

Greek Life gives back to Vt. farms

Alpha Gamma Rho donates $2,500

By Keegan Fairfield Staff Writer

UVM’s chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity recently donated $2,500 to Vermont farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Irene.

The money was given to the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund, an organization established in the wake of Irene to provide assistance to individual farmers whose crops and livestock were damaged or destroyed by the storm, according to their

website.

“We were hoping to give this money to the farmers who need to rebuild and regrow and get ready for the next season,” AGR member Alex Bailey told WCAXTV of the donation.

AGR has its roots in farming, and their philanthropic pursuits are tailored as such. The fraternity seeks to prepare its members for any agriculture or foodrelated career, according to their website.

COURTESY OF ERIN FLYNN

Graduate Erin Flynn volunteers as an English Educator with the Peace Corps in Moldova, where she spent the past two years. UVM currently has 42 former students working for the Peace Corps.

Alumni serve in Peace Corps, UVM recognized

University ranks fifth for volunteers overseas

By Kevin Santamaria Staff Writer

Graduate student Erin Flynn just returned home after spending a “life-defining” two years in Moldova, a former territory of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe.

Flynn volunteered as an English educator with Peace Corps, a national organization that aims to promote world peace through service opportunities.

“It has definitely given me the courage to go further in the realm of global services,” she said.

The Peace Corps recently ranked UVM as fifth in the country among medium-size universities in the number of alumni serving overseas.

The University has 42 former students currently working with the Peace Corps, an increase from 34 the previous year.

Flynn said she has travelled abroad a lot, but never felt connected with the community the way she did with the Peace Corps.

“You are placed within a family, within an organization, within a community,” she said. “It is almost impossible not to become one of them.”

Volunteers work on a number of programs that include education, youth and community development, health and HIV/ AIDS, and the environment, the Peace Corps website stated.

As an English teacher, Flynn saw improvements in her students’ English abilities and watched her fellow teachers become more excited about different education possibilities.

Crime log

“I was teaching with four English teachers, and we would team-teach all of our lessons,” said Flynn. “It was really important for us to focus on group work and critical thinking situations.”

“You are placed within a family, within an organization, within a community. It is almost impossible not to become one of them.”

Erin Flynn Graduate student

Since 1961, UVM has had 801 alumni serve in the Peace Corps, according to University Communications.

“Volunteers spend two years of their life living and working in a community,” said Kelly Dolan, Peace Corps campus representative. “It is an amazing opportunity for cultural exchange — in sharing U.S. culture, but also learning about the culture you are being a part of.”

UVM has been really receptive about having Peace Corps on campus because it reflects Vermont’s strong tradition of service work involvement, said Dolan.

Flynn said she enjoyed serving in Moldova because she was assisting a community that really wanted her help.

When the Moldovan citizens gained independence from the Soviet Union, they wanted their children to learn English in order to become part of the global economy, Flynn said Most of the books that stocked the children’s library were uninteresting encyclopedias and high school textbooks, she said.

Flynn said she was able to get friends, family and charitable organizations from home to donate elementary level English books.

“I was able to get my little cousins to donate books with princesses, and the kids just loved it,” Flynn said.

Students interested in learning more about the Peace Corps from recently returned volunteers are welcome to attend an information session 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the Fletcher Free Library.

Flynn is now working toward her master’s in public administration and hopes to work within the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Services officer or work directly with one of the agencies that distribute and implement aid.

“You’ll never look at the world the same way again after having that perspective,” Flynn said. “I feel like I am from two places and that feeling is never going to go away.”

By Lauren Drasler Assistant News Editor

Suspicious Persons

A man was reported to be sleeping in a car Jan. 30 in the Gutterson parking lot.

Nothing was needed from Police Services.

Theft

Food items were stolen Jan. 30 from Old Mill.

An iPod and other items were stolen from a student Jan. 31 in the Harris/Millis Dining Hall.

Drugs/alcohol

There was a report of marijuana in a dorm room Jan. 31 in Mercy Hall. The cause was not found.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Medical marijuana to hit state dispensaries

Operations to begin as early as this summer

By Ted Levin Staff Writer The wait’s not over yet, and the demand is high.

For medical marijuana, that is.

A law passed last year will allow up to four privately operated medical marijuana dispensaries to open in Vermont as early as this summer.

Although the program is designed to be non-profit, it costs $2,500 just to apply for a medical marijuana certificate that allows citizens to own a dispensary, according to an article on WCAX. com. Additionally, $150,000 is needed to offset the cost of running the dispensary.

Burlington resident Shayne Lynn told WCAX he still plans to be an applicant as soon as technicalities in the legislation are settled.

“We’re going to have to balance offering affordable cannabis with running a nonprofit business,” he said.

According to the most recent legislation, patients are only allowed in the dispensaries one at a time, by appointment and after they present a state-issued card, according to the Marijuana Policy

Project’s website.

Vermont law prohibits dispensaries from opening within 1,000 feet of schools or daycare centers, and requires stringent background checks on all employees, the law stated.

State representative Jim Masland introduced a new bill that would add post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of qualifications for patients seeking medical marijuana.

Masland said he hopes his revisions to the current legislation can aid those suffering from PTSD. “There are some people who are helped from medical marijuana,” he said. “But some people get their marijuana from back channels and I think we should add PTSD to the list of things people can get it for.”

Masland told the Associated Press he introduced the bill after many marijuana users suggested that their stress was brought on after serving in the military.

If the bill is passed, it would not only apply to veterans, but to anyone who suffers from PTSD, he said in the WCAX article.

Vermont’s current guidelines concerning medical cannabis are

comparatively stricter than other states where medical marijuana is legal in that they limit eligible patients to those with debilitating diseases or conditions, the 2004 law stated.

For example, states such as California, Colorado and Hawaii have a wider variety of approved conditions that include glaucoma, severe nausea and chronic pain, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

Sophomore Becca Domingue said that because Vermont is so liberal, people in this state are more accepting of marijuana usage.

According to a list recently released by the Princeton Review, UVM ranks among the 10 most marijuana friendly colleges in the country.

“We definitely deserve it,” Domingue said. “Unfortunately, being a marijuana friendly school is why a lot of people come to UVM.” Sophomore Christina Bednarek said she agrees with Domingue that the ranking was well-earned.

“We’re hippies here,” she said.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JONATHAN POLSON

A man holds a marijuana cigarette. Marijuana dispensaries will open in Vt. as early as summer.

BOT RALLY ...continued from page 1 to hire temporary workers during the lockout, which is about equal to the total annual paychecks of 42 employees, Rampy said.

“If that’s not evidence that this isn’t about money or finances, I don’t know what is,” he said.

The Students for UniversityDemocracy said this issue should be important to students because Ruprecht does not align with the University’s values.

“Our argument is that what he’s doing right now, the shameless attack on the working class people, is out of line of what UVM claims to aspire to,” Rampy said.

The Cynic Time Machine May 15, 1926 The entire body of male students chose the catamount as a mascot over the lynx in a vote 138-126. Other suggestions were the tomcat, the cow, or the camel.

Other news from the meeting included installing Student Senate as a body of government and making the Cynic a semi-weekly paper.

CULLEN SCHILL The Vermont Cynic

Senior Marketing Specialist Amanda Chaulk in her office, Feb. 7.

UVM fosters first online certificate Program teaches sustainability

By Mat Degan Staff Writer A UVM sustainability program certificate may be just a click away.

Through a new educational initiative, University officials recently launched a certificate program in sustainability that exists completely online.

“They are designed for a professional audience,” said Amanda Chaulk, a marketing specialist in the Continuing Education office.

Chaulk said she believes that by integrating alternative learning into the curriculum, the University can expand its programs without having to invest in new infrastructure, such as dorms and academic buildings.

The online sustainability certificate program was sparked by high demand, and the administration hopes it will encourage the “nontraditional” student to feel like a welcome member of the community, she said “Diversifying the type of student is always important,” Chaulk said. “This falls in with our mission.”

With more and more people finding the conveniences of online learning hard to resist, universities must adapt their education models to accommodate the changing times, she said.

The training program, which does not offer credit, seeks to empower students hoping to transform various institutions into models of sustainability by evaluating dining services, water and waste treatment, transportation, and energy efficiency, according to the program’s webpage.

It is the first online professional certificate offering of its kind through the Continuing Education department, a Sacramento Bee article stated.

Though critics argue that extending the world of academia online diminishes the quality of education, recent research sug-

gests that online learning may actually be just as effective.

According to a 2009 evaluation from the U.S. Department of Education, the majority of faculty who have taught or helped develop an online course have found that learning outcomes are as good or better than traditional, face-to-face learning.

Additionally, the evaluation stated that over 70 percent of public universities reported that online learning was critical to the long-term interests of the school.

Some statistics seem to indicate that more and more students may be jumping on the online learning bandwagon.

According to research by the Sloan Consortium, an organization trying to elevate the status of online learning, the total online student enrollment jumped to 18.1 million in 2008, a 1.5 million increase from 2002 data.

In a 2008 survey sampled at 69 universities scattered across the country, one-third of the faculty indicated that they had taught an online course.

Chaulk said that the certificate program is an entirely different educational model, and students investing in on-campus education should not feel cheated.

“It’s apples and oranges,” she said, adding that on-campus students are enjoying the whole “college experience,” which is something cyberspace has yet to provide.

Matt Sayre, who works in program development in the Continuing Education office, said he thought the major misconception surrounding online learning is that students cannot engage in a highly interactive way.

“It’s hard to say that the platform itself is a limiting factor,” he said. “I think that the online platform might enable a higher level of interaction than on-campus options.”

LIFE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 2011

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Penguins plunge into Champlain deep Special Olympics hosts fundraising event, surpasses previous goal

By Margaret Gerowe Contributor The winter air did not discourage the hundreds of Vermont residents that leapt into the icy water of Lake Champlain for the Penguin Plunge on Feb. 4.

Special Olympics Vermont’s annual fundraiser raises money to support the 1,005 athletes that they serve in the state, according to its website www.vtso.org.

Teams consisted of groups from local businesses in town, high schools, middle schools, surrounding universities and other groups such as the Burlington Fire Department.

At 11 a.m., the announcers began calling out different waves of plungers. Teams and individuals proceeded to charge out of the tent, down the path, past the cheering spectators and into the freezing water.

When participants came shivering out of the water, each received a complementary penguin plunge towel and rushed into the tent to change into warm clothes.

“It was really cold,” senior Daragh Kneeshaw said.

Kneeshaw was part of a team from Ake’s Place, and together the 15 plungers raised close to $4,000. The team stated that even though jumping into the water is the worst feeling in the world, it is for a good cause and everyone should do it.

“You have got to do it — it’s

MACKENZIE JONES The Vermont Cynic

Burlington residents splash into Lake Champlain as part of the Penguin Plunge to raise money in support of the Special Olympics, Feb. 4. a great experience,” senior Yuri Hudak said.

Hudak’s team, Team Shrivel, all expressed their opinions on how the Penguin Plunge is a great event that brings the community together for a greater purpose, even though the water is cold.

With 74 teammates, Lake Champlain Elementary School was the largest school team and the winner of the Cool School Challenge – Grade School Division said Kim Bookless, fundraising events manager for the Special Olympics.

Beekeeper links coffee and honey Plan helps fight ‘thin months’

By Ann Cromley Assistant Life Editor Bees, Trees and Coffee Beans was a seminar organized at the Main Street Landing Film House on Feb. 5.

The seminar was sponsored by the local tree enthusiast club Branch Out Burlington, and featured an appearance by Vt. beekeeper Bill Mares, who offered his ideas on utilizing both coffee farming and beekeeping to fight hunger.

Mares’ interest in honey bees and coffee beans began about six or seven years ago, when he began traveling to Central America with a friend who worked for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. “[The friend] would introduce me to some of these coffee farmers,” he said. “Because I had been a beekeeper, I got very interested in the bridge between coffee farming and beekeeping.”

While in Central America he learned a thing or two about the Latin American culture and way of life, Mares said.

Coffee farming is often the only source of income for many families in Mexico and Central America, he said. These families are paid once for their labor and often find themselves low on money for many months.

“There is a term for this in Latin America — mesos flacos — the thin months,” Mares said.

“Those are the months when they run out of the money from their coffee payments.”

In response to this reality, the website Food4Farmers.org has partnered with numerous farms and cooperatives in Mexico and Central America.

Each cooperative that the organization works with helps about 200 to 300 people balance the production of honey and coffee, he said. By learning how to harness bees as a second source of income, families will suffer less hardship from hunger.

The database is full of information and techniques for coffee farmers that can help these families create an extra source of income, Mares, a staff member at the site, said.

Some keepers simply sell on the streets and some are well into the business side of sales, he said.

The highest market is for organic honey exports to the European Union. Mexico exports half of its honey to Germany, Mares said.

The growing database will continue to help farmers in Central America and Mexico tend to bees and coffee trees, and provide twice as much income for the families, he said.

To learn more about the initiative, visit Food4Farmers.org.

Bookless said that the winner of the Cool School Challenge – University Division, the largest group to plunge from a university, was Saint Michael’s College.

The winner of the Pack of Plungers award for the largest non-school team went to the Burlington Rugby Club, she said.

The Vermont Special Olympics’ goal for the 2012 Penguin Plunge Series is $425,000, which they have already surpassed with the donations from the Burlington and North Bennington events.

The Burlington plunge alone has raised $403,823 so far, beating their goal of $400,000 Bookless said.

With one plunge left to go at Lake Memphremagog in Newtown, Bookless said they believe the total donations for the 2012 Penguin Plunge series will top $430,000.

This event is the biggest fundraiser for the Special Olympics, and helps to provide money for uniforms, training facilities, competitions and transportation, according to the website.

Volunteering at the event is another way to participate besides taking an icy dip, according to the website. Volunteers at the Penguin Plunge participate in site setup, pre-plunge party assistance, souvenir sales and registration.

Tim Brahmstedt, a Burlington resident, volunteered for the first time this year at the Penguin Plunge. When asked if he could sum up the event in one word, he simply said, “epic.”

6

LI FE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Thought Catalog editor, writer tells all Chat with Ryan O’Connell reveals details on life in the blogosphere

By Julia Wejchert Senior Staff Writer Ryan O’Connell, a writer and editor on the website Thought Catalog, came to UVM Feb. 8.

The week before, The Vermont Cynic got a chance to chat with him about writing, being a twentysomething and shame.

The Vermont Cynic: Can you tell me a bit about how you became involved with writing for Thought Catalog?

Ryan O’Connell: Sure. I first became involved about a year and a half ago. I just stumbled upon it because a writer I really liked was writing for it. I clicked on the website … and it really piqued my interest. I just submitted pieces from there on out. Luckily the stuff I submitted, people liked.

After a few months they asked me to be an editor. It happened really organically; it was really serendipitous.

VC: I know you write and edit for Thought Catalog – what exactly does being an editor entail?

RO: Being an editor entails going over all the submissions — we have to format and edit articles every single day. It’s really just me, Stephanie, Brandon and the publisher Chris [who format and edit]; it’s a lot of work for just a four person company.

VC: How do you decide which of the submissions to publish — what do you look for?

RO: We get a lot. A lot of people just replicate what they see on the site. We want things that are different. We just pick whatever we find interesting. We don’t want to just be known for doing the same thing over and over again.

VC: What’s your favorite piece that you have ever posted on Thought Catalog?

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

Thought Catalog’s Ryan O’Connell speaks to students as part of the “Your Fourth Cup of Coffee with Ryan O’Connell” event held in the Livak Ballroom on the Fourth Floor of the Davis Center, Feb. 8.

RO: I have a very fond place in my heart for “How to be a 20-Something,” but the pieces I really like are usually the pieces that don’t do well. They’re really personal and dark, and a lot of things I do are trying to relate to an audience — trying to articulate peoples’ feelings into words.

I love that, but the pieces like “Here’s To Getting Older,” “Don’t Wake Up Alone On A Saturday Morning,” “The Three Worst Hangovers Of My Life With Pictures” — anything that’s kind of just more for me, that’s not just catering to the audience — are really the ones I love most.

VC: Is there anything that’s off limits — that you won’t ever

write about for Thought Catalog?

RO: I won’t really talk about my relationships now. A lot of stuff I write about for Thought Catalog was stuff that happened to me in high school and college.

If I’m dating someone or sleeping with someone, I won’t really write about that. I don’t think I’ve ever — well, maybe like one time… most of it’s stuff from 20, 21 … I’m 25 now. I have respect for whomever I’m dating; I don’t write about them — it’s not fair.

And then if I’m going through something really personal, [I won’t write about it]. A lot of what I write isn’t personal, it’s universal. … I don’t really write about my life now.

VC: A lot of what you write on Thought Catalog is about twentysomethings — many college students are just on the cusp of that age group. Do you have any advice for those of us who are just entering our twentysomething stage of life, anything you wish you could tell yourself a few years back?

RO: I’m still telling myself today. I don’t have it all figured out. You know that person that gives really good advice that can’t take their own advice? That’s me.

Well, sort of. Not really. Sort of.

I’m partially writing that stuff to remind myself.

What I have learned in the last few years is not to beat your-

self up for everything. We are such a shame-based culture — pleasure has such a connotation of shame to it.

Your life isn’t going to end if you accidentally get wasted on a Tuesday. It’s so inconsequential.

Not if you do it every day, obviously, [but once in a while isn’t a big deal.] If you beat yourself up over something where you slept with a boy you shouldn’t have or something, it allows you to do it again. If you say “[I did that but it’s] okay,” you move on.

VC: What do you want to do in the future?

RO: My roots are in TV writing. I grew up writing script … I’d like to write a book and get this twentysomething thing purged from me and give birth to it, and then I’d like to write for television.

I’m very dialogue-based; I like how people talk, and writing that down. I think [I’d like to do] TV, maybe sitcom. You definitely can’t be a blogger, like at 40, doing this kind of stuff. I don’t think I have it in me.

VC: Have you been to Vermont before? What are you excited about for your trip to UVM? RO: It’s my first time — I’m so excited. How cold is it there right now?

VC: Today it was around 25 degrees.

RO: Oh Jesus Christ. New York is literally 50 degrees. I’m dreading the cold. I’m excited because I hear it’s gorgeous. I’m [also] ready to have my townie bar moment.

It’s like, listen, I love it because every bar I go to [in New York] is a shit show. You have to really worry what you look like.

I’m excited to go where no one knows me… it’s very liberating.

Vegan dishes turn up heat

Healthy Living class demos alternative dining

By Ann Cromley Assistant Life Editor EMMA HANSEN

Duff hour a must Emma Hansen presents: BTV Beats

It’s Thursday afternoon, you’re convinced this balmy 17-degree weather will never end and you’ve only got $5 in your pocket. So, what do you do to cheer up? You put on your parka, call your best friend and head to Three Needs.

For years, Three Needs was located on College Street, right next to Finnigan’s. But after losing their lease, they moved their microbrewery and taproom to Pearl Street, into the old Parima restaurant.

They offer the most popular and fun happy hour in Burlington: duff hour. Simpons’ fans will want to check this out because between 4 p.m. and whenever the keg runs out, every day of the week, the Three Needs offers $1 draughts to sip on while you watch — you guessed it — the Simpsons. It’s packed almost every week, so get there early before the keg is tapped.

Tweet us your three needs: @cynicvideoteam

http://www.vermontcynic.com/life

Vegans and non-vegans alike gathered at the cooking demonstration “Go Vegan!” held at Healthy Living Market Jan. 31.

The class demonstrated that vegan meals could be successfully prepared for any meal of the day, including snacks.

A variety of vegan meals and snacks were prepared by Healthy Living Market demo coordinator Gerda Lederer who helped to uncover hearty recipes suitable for the vegan lifestyle. A vegan is a person who does not consume animal by-products, including milk and eggs.

Starting off the demo was a dish that could also jumpstart a morning: A soy sausage breakfast casserole was prepared based on a recipe found in the cookbook Vegan Planet.

“The original recipe did not call for veggies,” Lederer said.

“We decided to kick it up a notch.”

Soy meat, tofu and veggies were combined with crisp bread that was soaked in almond milk and then baked in the oven until golden brown on top.

Accompanying breakfast was a maple, raisin and walnut tofu spread atop a toasted bagel.

The cream cheese substitute was made with almond butter and tofu, and was infused with cinnamon and vanilla. It was also high in protein, Lederer said.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard to eat the rainbow. I think there is so much truth to that.”

Gerda Lederer Healthy Living Market demo coordinator The spread is not limited to just bagels, either. “Put it on crackers, apple slices or celery,” she said.

After breakfast, of course, comes lunch. A twist on a classic lunchtime sandwich, tofu “egg” salad was served. Firm tofu was blended with tahini — a sesame seed paste — rather than mayonnaise. Onion, green pepper, celery and parsley were then added. The mixture was placed in a toasted wrap along with shredded vegetables and sprouts.

“This would make a good party food,” Lederer said. “Have it with veggies or crackers.”

For dinner, the class had a vegetable curry. Packed with vegetables of all colors, the curry, which was served with rice, was chosen for vegans who said the biggest challenge of being a vegan is the texture of foods, she said.

Red, green, yellow and orange painted students’ plates as dinner was served.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard to eat the rainbow,” Lederer said.

“I think there is so much truth to that.”

You can add any vegetable you want to a curry and adjust the heat of the dish depending on what spices are used and in what proportions, she said.

A tropical dessert marked the end of the vegan food journey.

Black rice pudding topped with banana and toasted coconut was served warm.

Prepared with coconut milk rather than dairy milk, the dessert topped off the 100 percent vegan meal plan.

Numerous diet specific cooking classes will be held at Healthy Living throughout February. For more information, go to www. healthylivingmarket.com.

ADVERT ISEMENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011

7

8

ARTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Musicians step back a century

Concert series highlights music from Paris in the ’20s

By Theodora Ziolkowski Cynic Correspondent Four musicians, four instruments and the work of four composers united on Feb. 1 in the Recital Hall for an event titled Music from Paris of the ’20s.

Sponsored by the Department of English Music and Literature Series, the concert was a collaboration between English professor Tom Simone and concert musicians.

The program produced a musical atmosphere that evoked the inventive and artistic world of 1920s Paris.

“Music is parallel to the multiplicity of language.”

Tom Simone

English professor In an effort to highlight the shared influences between artistic worlds, Simone encourages his students to listen to the music of the periods from which they are reading.

Prior to the concert, Simone emphasized having an awareness of many voices, styles and impulses paralleled to the influence of the art.”

Simone compared the creative environment of Paris to a “mosaic” in which the workings of various musical styles catalyzed dialogue among the varying art forms.

“Music is parallel to the

SARAH STICKLE

Ingrid Michaelson releases impressive fifth album Ingrid Michaelson is a genius.

Plain and simple, the girl has it all: the voice, the writing, the musicianship and the incredible arrangement abilities.

When a listener expects a quality level equal or greater to that of her 2007 release

multiplicity of language,” he said. “[It is] a vital part of culture, versatility and discussion.”

Concert pianist and UVM piano teacher Paul Orgel was an integral part of the program.

“I wouldn’t try too hard to impose a unifying theme on the program as a whole, but would hope that the audience enjoys the different instrumental combinations – flute/ piano, cello/piano, solo flute, violin/cello – and diversity of the approaches of the four composers,” Orgel said.

Orgel and flutist Laurel Ann Maurer opened the concert with Prokofiev’s Flute Sonata. The piece triumphantly blended the two instruments to create a fantastical and dreamy atmosphere.

Orgel and cellist John Dunlop closed the first half of the program with Bohuslav Martinu’s Sonata for cello and piano No. 2. The piece features three richly romantic movements.

The piece is rarely performed, Orgel said.

Composed in the U.S. in 1941 after Ravel lived in Paris for over a decade, the piece is a powerful, emotional work, perhaps influenced by world events, he said.

Flutist Maurer opened the second half of the program with Debussy’s Syrinx for flute, a work that Maurer told the audience put the flute on the map as a serious solo instrument.

Highlighting the gorgeous pitches of the flute, the piece hauntingly illuminates the tragic myth of the satyr, Pan,

“Girls and Boys,” it is a disappointment when the album’s hook song is as lyrically mediocre as “Fire.” Surprisingly, “Fire” has already climbed to second in the iTunes sales of her music.

Though Michaelson retains her impressive performance and arrangement, the lyrics to the opening track of her album sound forced. Luckily, the upbeat tempo, intriguing instrumentation and catchy vocal melody save the song.

Not to worry faithful Ingrid fans: the whole album is not like the first track. Further listening proves that Michaelson has produced yet another mind-blowing work of art.

The second song, “This Is War,” is more stripped-down than the opening track, with just a ukulele opening joined by a bass drum.

The profound lyrics “It’s a wonder at all that I survived the war between your heart and mine,” are unexpected following her opening words.

Michaelson’s ability to go from the concrete to the more abstract concepts in her writing is incredible.

The use of classically or-

CULLEN SCHILL The Vermont Cynic Cellist John Dunlop and pianist Paul Orgel play as part of the “Music from Paris of the ’2os” event in the Recital Hall Feb. 1. This event is part of the continuing Music and Literature concert series on campus.

and the beautiful nymph, Syrinx.

The evening closed with Ravel’s “Duo for violin and cello,” a piece dedicated to Debussy. Performed by Dunlop and violinist Colleen Jennings, the piece produced a dramatic counter to the melancholic beauty of Debussy’s “Syrinx.”

“It’s quite a serious, intense piece, perhaps a reaction to what was called the ‘War to end all wars’ – WWI,” Orgel said of Ravel’s “Duo.” The second Music and Literature Series concert of this semester, “Winds from the East,” will take place April 4.

chestral string instruments in this album is also brilliant.

Though strings are most often used to slow down songs and give them a sad tone, Michaelson uses them more frequently as a rhythm section, adding to the driving drum lines and emphasizing her already impressive melodies and harmonies.

The third track on the album, “Do It Now,” kicks off with just a drum beat. As the strings come in, the listener can feel the drive building up toward her opening lyrics: “Sitting on the back of the bus, talking about nothing, but we’re talkin’ ‘bout us.”

These profound and relatable lyrics lead up to, “No one’s gonna wait for you to do it right now.” For a happily married woman, Michaelson conveys the feelings of a dying relationship and heartbreak abnormally well.

Michaelson’s use of strings is delightfully variable.

Following “Do It Now,” slow strings and beautiful piano accompany a contemplative set of lyrics and a fragile vocal in “I’m Through.”

Though the track is

CULLEN SCHILL The Vermont Cynic Flutist Laurel Ann Maurer plays ’20s music in the Recital Hall, Feb. 1.

numbingly beautiful in its affirmation of pain and heartbreak, it also holds a glimmer of hope. “I know there’ll come a time again when everything will fit right in, and I won’t have to see your face in strangers on the street.”

Michaelson can say it all with so few words.

“Black and Blue” is the track that the album is built around. In a flawless combination of computer-produced electronic beats and “real” instrumentation, Michaelson wrote what may just be her catchiest song yet.

That is quite an accomplishment, considering that she also wrote her 2007 album “Girls and Boys.”

“Black and Blue” takes her wording in her 2010 single “Parachute” from “You’re gonna catch me if I fall” in Parachute to “Black and blue and in love with you, you said you never would let me fall, you never would let me fall, but I’m falling.”

This lyrically intricate track utilizes background vocals in a way that reels the listener into Michaelson’s bopping beat.

Music review

“How We Love” is a song for taking a step back. It is fragile, beautiful and hopeful while still a little humorous.

This is the most strippeddown track, and arguably the best song on the album.

Michaelson’s energy is infectious in the driving song “Palm of Your Hand,” with an opening guitar riff reminiscent of The Proclaimer’s “I’m Gonna Be.” “Ghost,” which was originally released as a single late last year, is hauntingly beautiful and powerful, with the lyrics “I’m a ghost haunting these halls, climbing up the walls that I never knew were there. And I’m lost, broken down the middle of my heart.”

Following “Ghost” is the evocative song “In The Sea.” “I feel it in my skin, I feel it through my bones. Your finger tips are falling far from where I know.”

With this very haunting and sexy song, moving on to a more classic-feeling track, “Keep Warm,” and finally, “The End of The World,” an image-provoking finale that conveys warmth and hope.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

ARTS

Rusko takes on Higher Ground

Music review

Dubstep artist tours with his new album ‘SONGS’

By Jess Schwartz Staff Writer

Rusko will be performing at Higher Ground’s Memorial Auditorium on Feb. 12.

Rusko, the stage name of Christopher Mercer, is a widely known English dubstep record producer and DJ. Rusko stepped onto the dubstep scene through an event called “Sub Dub” in Leeds, England.

He moved to London soon after and began growing in popularity.

It is safe to say that Rusko has his own subgenre. His music is a wave of energy that is fun, infectious and unique.

With singles such as “Everyday,” “Hold On” and “Woo Boost,” fans can expect only the best from Rusko’s upcoming album “SONGS.”

It is safe to say that Rusko has his own subgenre.

His music is a wave of energy that is fun, infectious and unique.

The Vermont Cynic had the chance to speak with Rusko regarding his music career.

Vermont Cynic: Music has always been a big part of your life. What are some of your major influences?

Rusko: I’m influenced by everybody from Squarepusher — he is an absolute GENIUS — to Roger Troutman to Kraftwerk.

VC: Why do you think people gravitate toward your music? What makes you stand out in the dubstep genre?

Rusko: I’d like to say it’s

SEAN HOOD

Old ideas, new energy As far as I know, Leonard Cohen hasn’t released anything remotely like a folk album since 1979’s “Recent Songs.”

This year’s “Old Ideas” is not so much a return to form as the title suggests, but rather a substantial improvement upon Cohen’s keyboard-centric sound of the past 30 years.

More or less forced back into the business by a crooked manager and the resulting bankruptcy, Cohen has been steadily touring for the last four years. These tours have been highly praised and extremely well documented on multiple DVD and CD releases.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL GOMEZ English dupstep artist Rusko leaps in the air. He will be performing at Higher Ground’s Memorial Auditorium in Burlington, Feb. 12.

because they know it’ll be chock-full of energy.

VC: What is it like touring all over the world?

Rusko: Really wicked, but it can get exhausting at times.

I can’t complain though.

VC: Do you have any new projects you are particularly excited about?

Rusko: [I’m] very excited about my upcoming album “SONGS,” which will be coming out March 27.

We just put out the first single, “Somebody To Love,” as well its music video, in January.

I’ll also be putting out an

EP with Cypress Hill in April.

As a Rusko fan, I highly suggest listening to his new single “Somebody To Love” and watching the music video.

Listeners will instantly be persuaded to buy a ticket to the upcoming Burlington show for their own chance to experience Rusko’s brilliance.

Visit Higher Ground’s website to purchase tickets and find out more about the show.

9

I wouldn’t attempt to place “Old Ideas” within the confines of any one genre.

Despite, or perhaps as a result of, this sudden and forceful return to the public eye and ear, “Old Ideas” is Cohen’s first proper studio album since 2004’s somewhat stagnant “Dear Heather.”

Enough build-up — I like “Old Ideas,” though I can’t get over the maybe-tasteless-maybe-tongue-in-cheek cover art.

Where to begin?

The rate at which Cohen’s voice grows deeper

and deeper with each passing year never fails to surprise me. I should think it would be little more than a low rumble by now.

From the very first to the very last words sung or spoken on “Old Ideas,” Cohen’s voice sounds as suggestive and emotive as it has ever been.

Cohen, both as a musician and poet, occupies the spotlight throughout the entirety of “Old Ideas.” It is impossible not to hear the improvements that constant touring has made to the man’s confidence and imagination.

The ideas may be old — though I’m almost certain that they’re not — but the sound is something new, something contemplated and coherent.

Without being limited by monotonous structure, each of the album’s 10 tracks run their course naturally, perhaps even effortlessly.

If Cohen had not started his career with such a poetically morbid and regret-fueled outlook on life and love, one might assume that his mental health is suffering from old age and its implications.

On the contrary, I view Cohen’s persistent longing as a sign of his liveliness.

Perhaps longing is as close to living as some of us can get. That is almost morbid, but may be full of truth.

What I find beautiful about Cohen’s words and delivery is that he does not sound hopeless — he just sounds sad as all Hell.

I wouldn’t attempt to place “Old Ideas” within the confines of any one genre.

At this point in the game, Cohen is his own beast. Slap a genre-tag on any one of his 11 studio albums and Cohen’s music remains poet-music. The form that the music takes is almost irrelevant. It is all movement — movement music?

I don’t think Cohen would care much for this review.

‘The Art on Burton’ displays reformation of snowboarding

Exhibit in Stowe hightlights various talents of artists and designers who create unique snowboarding gear, apparel

By Madeleine Gibson Senior Staff Writer Creative contributions from Burton artists and designers are on display at the Helen Day Art Center in Stowe until April 15.

“The Art on Burton” highlights the ability of the Vermont-based company’s gear, designers and riders to constantly reinvent the image of snowboarding.

A large portion of the Art Center resembles an expensive gallery, with boards from Burton on loan and original prints from contributing artists at eye level.

One room is so cluttered with notes, drafts, business memos and doodles that the observer is left to wonder if it is an actual office at Burton headquarters.

Lance Violette, the designer behind the Jeremy Jones graphics used on Burton prod-

ucts, assembled the office-like space where the 1998 - 2010 offices at Burton are brought to life in horribly misspelled letters from artists apologizing for “Fucking up and being lame,” tracing paper drafts of

“The lines between designer, illustrator and snowboarder are severely blurred.”

Lance Violette

Designer

cuddly kittens and homicidal pigs.

Model snowboards have their fiberglass and micro-thin veneer layers of cherry and walnut peeled away for all to

see. Carefully detailed notes accompany them — what is a board to its rider if it does not ride well underneath its impressive graphics?

“The lines between designer, illustrator and snowboarder are severely blurred,” Violette said. Many contributing designers at Burton are snowboarders themselves.

Jari Salo’s design for both the 2008 and 2009 Burton Malolo was driven by a desire to create a board that surfed on the snow.

In a case where “ocean meets mountain,” hieroglyphic ocean symbols of Hawaiian origin found their way onto the board in long, black ink brushstrokes.

Other pieces are more recent. A black and red whale emboldened with intricate designs is the focal point of the 2012 Barracuda board’s bottom. Large canvases of family

MADELEINE GIBSON The Vermont Cynic Work from Burton artists and designers on display at the Helen Day Art Center in Stowe, Feb. 4. The show will continue until April 15.

and utility vans painted in oil and covered with graffiti serve as the premise of Kevin Cyr’s 2011 Bullet board.

The Art on Burton exhibit

is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment.

10

Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

Dr. Thomas Apple is our candidate THE VERMONT

C YNIC

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After weeks of open forums, interviews and our own thorough research, The Cynic has reached its decision regarding UVM’s 26th president.

We support and advocate the selection of Dr. Thomas Apple, the candidate whom we feel is best suited for the position and whom the student body prefers.

Apple is currently the provost at the University of Delaware, a school quite similar to UVM in size, budget and focus.

This resemblance enhances his other qualifying characteristics and values and makes him an overall appealing candidate.

In a variety of interviews, Apple has stressed the importance of the student state-of-mind, and how guiding us through our years of college or graduate school is a very important aspect of success.

As students, we appreciate this and find it to be accurate: UVM students need to feel close to our administrators and have our voices heard.

The recent results of the campus survey shows a serious disconnect between the decision makers and the tuition payers at this University; we believe Dr. Apple is the candidate to bridge that gap.

Apple is also well attuned to the foundational values of our community and university.

He understands UVM’s objective as a small research university while recognizing the importance of quality educational opportunities – a balance that was not as clearly articulated by the other candidates.

As president, he would be effective at furthering the objectives of the community and would do so using shared, transparent and receptive governance.

The feedback we have gotten shows that Apple is by far is the most popular among UVMers, even placing number one on the “Popular” list on our website, www. vermontcynic.com.

We at The Cynic also spoke with the SGA President of the University of Delaware and got her feedback as well - she had nothing but great things to say about Dr. Apple.

We believe that Thomas Apple is the best fit for our campus. Hopefully the Board of Trustees have made a similarly informed decision.

Correction In issue 16, published on Jan. 25, the Cynic incorrectly identified Jarrett G. Van Meter as Steven Menken in the cutline of “Bookstore buys back own textbooks in hoax.”

COLUMNISTS

Campaigning with fresh beats

ZACH DESPART

Republicans have a hard time finding a campaign theme song, notably because you’d be hard-pressed to find a musician who’s not a lefty.

The New York Times published an article Friday discussing how both the Romney and Gingrich campaigns had to stop using songs after artists complained.

Jackson Browne successfully sued the McCain campaign in 2008 for using his hit “Running On Empty” without his permission. Tom Petty wrote a letter to Michele Bachmann last year asking her to stop using “American Girl” at campaign events.

So what are Republicans to do? Sure, there are a few exceptions to the musicians-are-liberals rule — the Romney campaign got permission from Kid Rock to use “Born Free.” George W. Bush used “Only In America”

by Brooks and Dunn for his reelection campaign.

Republicans could go the public domain route — recorded

music, once the copyrights expire, can be used for free.

Using “This Land Is Your Land” may not get the crowd revved up but at least you can’t get sued for it — though Woody Guthrie would surely be rolling over in his grave.

Country musicians have been much more supportive of Republican candidates. Lee Greenwood has consented to the use of “God Bless The U.S.A.” for campaign events.

Thousands of Americans violate copyright laws every day — from elementary school lip syncs to YouTube lyric videos to warm-up music at athletic events. But it’s different when copyrighted music is played at public events in front of hundreds or thousands of people, or used in campaign videos.

The New York Times noted that the rock group Survivor sued the Gingrich campaign for using their only hit “Eye of the Tiger,” alleging that Gingrich, who himself owns over 40 copyrighted works, knew it was unlawful.

You can’t blame artists for not wanting to conflate their music with politics, especially artists whose work is apolitical. When music is played for campaign events, many assume that the artist is supportive of the candidate — Bruce Springsteen shot back at Ronald Reagan for using “Born in the U.S.A.” in 1984.

Ideally, you want a theme song that’s upbeat and gets the

crowd going. But with Republicans’ choices scarce, the candidates this primary season have adopted some odd choices.

Rick Perry used Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” — upbeat, yes: but with lyrics like “we’re going off the rails on a crazy train,” it may not have been the most inspiring.

Maybe Republicans should look back to when candidates had their own original songs for their campaigns. Franklin Roosevelt had “Row, Row, Row With Roosevelt.” Dwight Eisenhower had “I Like Ike.” The Kennedy camp was able to convince Frank Sinatra to change the lyrics to “High Hopes” to support the candidate.

These songs may not get the crowd going like “Born In The U.S.A.” or “How Do You Like Me Now?,” but candidates will avoid having to pay big bucks — the McCain camp settled out of court with Jackson Browne — or making an embarrassing public apology — like former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist via YouTube to David Byrne for using the Talking Heads’ “Road To Nowhere” in a commercial without permission.

Or, you know, the GOP candidates could be a little cooler and they wouldn’t have this problem in the first place.

Zach Despart is a senior political science major. He has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2009.

DISTURBING QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“[PLANNED PARENTHOOD] IS TEACHING KIDS TO FORNICATE, TEACHING PEOPLE TO HAVE ADULTERY, EVERY KIND OF BESTIALITY, HOMOSEXUALITY, LESBIANISM — EVERYTHING THAT THE BIBLE CONDEMNS.” Pat Robertson, media mogul, television evangelist, ex-Baptist minister, on his website Patrobertson.com

Unsigned editorials officially reflect the views of The Cynic and its staff. All signed opinion pieces and columns do not necessarily do so. The Cynic accepts letters in response to anything you see printed as well as any issues of interest in the community. Please limit letters to 350 words. Send letters to cynicopinion@gmail.com

THE VERMONT CYNIC 116 Dudley H. Davis Center, www.vermontcynic.com 590 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05405 ADVERTISING cynicalads@gmail.com — 802.656.4412

OPINION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

11

COLUMNISTS

Gingrich belittles Romney’s ‘French Connection’

BIANCA MOHN

Have you ever seen a stellar TV campaign ad? I didn’t think so. On Jan. 12, Newt Gingrich released an attack ad called “The French Connection.” In the roughly one minute of footage, which resembles a shoddy fifth grade project, the narrator accuses Mitt Romney of scores of crimes, one of them being that he speaks French.

My god, or like they say in French — “Mon dieu.” In any other profession, knowing French would be an asset.

Proficiency in any language indicates intelligence, curiosity

and worldliness. But in politics, having French connections has historically been detrimental.

Gingrich’s ad claims Romney will, “say anything to win — anything. And just like John Kerry, he speaks French, too.”

Kerry, a democratic candidate in the 2004 election, has also been criticized for speaking French and having relatives in France.

While campaigning, George W. Bush said Kerry, “looks French.” It appears as though Gingrich’s team has taken a page out of the old conservative playbook.

Of all Romney’s qualities, being familiar with French is definitely a plus. An article featured on CNN titled “Business Benefits of a Second Language” explains, “In a global corporate environment, speaking the language of both your competition and your colleagues will translate into significant business and career advantages.”

Applying this to the presidency, Romney has an edge

Quick Opinions

that the other candidates do not possess. For important negotiations or alliances, he has experienced a different culture and has a background in communication. He is already miles ahead of the other candidates in having international exposure due to his past experience of living outside the U.S.

Gingrich’s team has taken a page out of the old conservative playbook.

But there is a greater issue looming in the background. In the campaigns thus far, there have been undercurrents of anti-European sentiments and sweeping statements that involve socialism. Unfortunately, many of these preposterous statements have captured the attention of Americans who are fed up with the government and

the economy.

Americans are often accused of being narrow-minded and insular. Look at passport statistics: about 30 percent of Americans have passports, compared to 60 percent of Canadians and 80 percent of the UK population. Of course there are arguments about the cost and convenience of traveling, but the fact is that Americans do not travel the world as other cultures do.

Romney’s language ability should be a topic in the campaign, but not in a negative way. There is no advantage in being monolingual — it is bilingual people who have the advantages and the opportunities. And where are most of these bilingual people? Not in the U.S. Author Françoise Grosjean offers the statistics in his book “Bilingual: Life and Reality” that 17 percent of the U.S. population is bilingual, compared to 35 percent of Canadians and 56 percent of Europeans. Inter-

Arielle Boutwell “I swear living on Trinity isn’t that bad.”

estingly, of second-generation immigrants in the U.S., 85 percent of Latinos and 61 percent of Asians are bilingual.

So, given that the majority of Americans are monolingual, where does that leave us on the world stage? How is our economy going to excel if we cannot communicate and conduct basic business transactions?

As Fareed Zakaria writes in “The Post-American World,” “We have not had to reciprocate by learning foreign languages, cultures and markets.”

Shame on you, Newt Gingrich, and to all of the Americans who condemn Romney for knowing French. We need to realize that our role in the world will become obsolete unless we start preparing ourselves for the next chapter of U.S. history, which will require us to be culturally informed. It’s time to go global.

Bianca Mohn is a first-year business administration major.

She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2011.

“I do enjoy walking outside with no jacket on, but this shouldn’t be happening in February.”

Peyton Rosenthal

Illustration by Andrew Becker

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Vermont Yankee - not worthy? The Apple of his eye Dear Editor, The three members of the Vermont Public Service Board (PBS) are about to get more free advice than all the Boston Red Sox managers combined. That’s because the best case the opponents of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant have to shut the plant down is to convince the PSB that it is no longer worthy of a Certificate of Public Good.

As state auditor, it is my duty to evaluate the performance of state government. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that state government has wasted a lot of taxpayer money trying to destroy a flawed but valuable asset.

Vermont’s legislation to close the plant in 2010 was carefully worded to forbid the PSB from considering the plant’s application for a Certificate of Public Good.

Why? The PSB’s mission is, in part, “to ensure the provision of high quality public utility services in Vermont at minimum reasonable costs, consistent with the long-term public good of the state.” Then Sen. Peter Shumlin and his allies were afraid the Public Service Board would make a decision based on its mission.

Vermont Yankee produces base load electricity at about four cents per kilowatt hour and has offered to renew contracts at about six cents. Wind turbines produce it intermittently at closer to twenty cents/kwh as mandated by the legislature.

Despite some serious

transgressions over the years by Entergy, the company that owns the Vermont Yankee, the PSB could not ignore the cost factor, the near zero greenhouse gas emissions, taxes paid to the state and the impact of more than 1,000 jobs.

This is the opening for our state’s majority of pragmatic Vermonters to insist on a practical plan for our energy future.

When the cost of electricity is factored into the current economic climate for other Vermont businesses, it is easy to see why Vermont Yankee’s opponents would be worried. Now that Vermont’s defense of the law has been rejected in federal court at great expense to taxpayers, we’re back to square one at the Public Service Board.

The other portion of the PSB’s mission statement says, “The board strives to achieve this mission by providing an independent, fair and efficient means of resolving public utility disputes; and by guiding the development of state utility policies and rules for public services to best serve the long-term interest of Vermont and its residents.”

When it comes to independence and fairness, the PSB is under the microscope in a big way. The Green Mountain Care Board, GMCB, was supposed to

be independent, too, but Gov. Peter Shumlin torched this facade when he demanded that members of the GMCB cancel plans to hire some communication help and they actually did.

PSB Chairman Jim Volz and members David Coen and John Burke have the duty to remain objective in the face of shrill, arrogant anti-nuclear zealots who could care less about the practical issues involving energy policy. Just as importantly there is a great opportunity.

This is the opening for our state’s majority of pragmatic, reasonable Vermonters to insist on a practical, affordable plan for our energy future. Realistic Vermonters understand that the threat of global warming far outweighs any perceived threat to safety from nuclear power.

Vermonters can demand that this source of inexpensive, virtually carbon-free base load electricity be kept on-line to serve us rather than out-of-state utilities. They can also demand that Entergy clean up its act and run the plant properly or sell it to a firm that can.

Gov. Shumlin’s plan to power the state with 90 percent renewable electricity by 2050 ignores the mission of “minimum reasonable cost” and the fact that renewables only produce power intermittently. Vermonters who understand this should say so before they are priced out of existence.

Sincerely, Thomas M. Salmon Vermont State Auditor

Dear Editor, In last week’s issue, your staff editorial briefed the candidates for the next president of the University of Vermont, yet withheld your official endorsement until next week’s issue.

Having attended several of the open forums and noticing I was one of maybe three students in the 150-strong audience, I wanted to applaud The Cynic’s focus on the candidates.

In a year when our national leadership is being contested, the world is being brought together for the London Olympics and the universe may be destroyed in December, we as students shouldn’t forget how important the next leader of our University is.

The salary is large and the office cozy, perhaps, but the role of a university president truly is to provide direction, to decide and to lead.

However former President Fogel is viewed currently, the vision he authored shortly after arriving at UVM stressed expanding services and facilities.

This vision ultimately led to the construction of the Davis Center, both U Heights North and South and the Jeffords building, as well as the greening of Aiken.

This vision is now being translated into the “programs and people” realms of UVM and, as before, we need leadership.

Although students may not be fluent in University topics such as the “Strategic Initiatives

Project” or the contention over the “Transdisciplinary Research Initiative,” someone is needed to both tackle those projects AND reconnect them to students. That is going to take a lot of work.

And, to me, Thomas Apple is by far the top candidate.

Although not as energetic as Palazzo or business-like as Hay, Apple was the first candidate whose love of learning was the easiest to see.

In his open forum, he stressed the importance of the undergraduate experience and the discovery of student passions, while emphasizing how crippling student debt has become.

Apple’s responses to questions about diversity, union relations and his philosophy on university alumni all were very different from the other candidates: they were concise, honest answers.

Now, I’m not implying that the other candidates were not sincere in their own responses, but Apple’s thoughtful, pragmatic and easily understood answers indicate to me that he is someone who is diligent and grounded.

In a time where the direction of UVM is being contemplated at every level of governance, the one at the top needs to be able to make it all comprehensive – and comprehensible – for us students. To me, that ability lies in Dr. Thomas Apple.

Sincerely, Connor Daley Class of 2014

12

DIST RACT IONS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Crossword

brought to you by bestcrosswords.com

#uvmproblems someone broke a mason jar in class #uvmproblems

@coxmyles It’s so weird having a class with 10 people when every other class has at least 100 people #uvmproblems

@shivaunkadonk

Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer

Res halls smell like weed at 10 am #uvmproblems

@molladolla Wearing sunglasses for the wind not the sun #uvmproblems

@marlee_walker My art instructor asked me if I knew what rolling papers are #uvmproblems ACROSS 1- Word with panel or energy 6- Alcoholic drink of fermented honey 10- Cross with a loop 14- Miss by ___ 15- ABA member 16- Emperor of Rome 54-68 17- Charged 18- Burmese, Manx, and Scottish Fold 19- Stravinsky ballet 20- Female sweetheart 22- Pad user 23- Algerian port 24- Regain strength 26- DDE opponent 29- Very, in Versailles 31- May honoree 32- Deli order

33- Scarf 34- Stain 38- High-pitched tone 40- Aurora’s counterpart 42- Later!

43- Open shelter 46- Young male horse 49- Bordeaux, e.g.

50- DC bigwig 51- Perceive as fact 52- Chemical ending 53- Litigation 57- Clench 59- Met highlights 60- Home 65- Pealed 66- Light air 67- Salivate 68- Bad habit 69- Let ___ 70- Queues 71- Draft picks 72- Costly 73- Actress Verdugo

DOWN 1- Delhi wrap 2- Arab League member 3- Director Wertmuller 4- 1836 siege site 5- Snappy comebacks 6- Resident of a Sino-Portuguese region 7- Coup d’___ 8- Essential oil 9- Bad start?

10- Pertaining to bodily structure 11- Israeli desert 12- Basic monetary unit of Denmark 13- High public esteem 21- ___ avis 22- Nae sayer?

25- Dash lengths 26- E.g., e.g.

27- Zeno’s home

28- Flower part 30- Sudden impact 35- Bestow 36- Common street name 37- Bang-up 39Communicating corridors 41- Singer 44- ___ ex machine 45- Black bird 47- Actress Petty 48- Twirl 53- Insect stage 54- Thin as ___ 55- Flinch 56- Hackneyed 58- Danger 61- Exile isle 62- Nada 63- “Barton Fink” director 64- Designer Schiaparelli 66- Cover

@danaastern Someone sitting near me needs to shower because I can smell their body odor. You can be a hippie and still bathe. #uvmproblems

@abigail9274 Brb I have to go compost my food #uvmproblems

@lizzy_healy #uvmproblems of course my biology professor is a gypsy and talks about hemp foot cream

@iliketoalessa Have a #uvmproblem?

Tweet @VermontCynic.

Sports Mario secures the Peach with both feet inbounds

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Two cities, great rivalries Boston and NY teams square off

By Jake Bielecki Staff Writer

John when Aaron Hernandez broke out a simple stutNom, nom, nom, nom. ter step earlier in the game.

That would be the sound of In that situation, Brady me eating my words. had one-on-one coverage Just before Mario Man- with his best receiver against ningham’s insane catch a Giants’ linebacker better down the sideline, I pro- suited to stop the run than claimed that he wasn’t tal- chase down Gronkowski. ented enough to make a simAnother aspect to considilar catch on a previous er is that the Patriots were drive. The catch would on their own 43 yard have been impressive line and an interception itself, considering a in that situation pins receiver who is lookthe Giants inside their ing directly over his own 10, and essenhead for the ball tially becomes a can’t actually very good punt. see the ball You never hit his hands. want to lose W h a t possession of made it even the ball, but more impressometimes you sive was his just have to ability to throw it up secure the there and ball from the hope your moment the ball receiver Illustration by Dana Ortiz hit his hands and makes a maintain possession play. Nine throughout the process – a times out of 10 that ball falls necessity considering his feet incomplete or is caught by dragged inbounds for only a Gronkowki.

Ninety-nine split second. times out of 100 that ball is Manningham caught 5 incomplete or caught by a balls for 73 yards all in the healthier Gronkowski. second half, and Hakeem In light of Tom Brady’s Nicks contributed 10 catches great play, it’s easy to blame for 109 yards. Victor Cruz his receivers for the later had a relatively quiet game, dropped balls. targeted just four times While this is valid with but catching all of those at- regard to the deep pass that tempts, netting 25 yards and hit Wes Welker in the hands, the game’s first touchdown. it was the only drop that reI couldn’t stop laughing ally affected the game. Aaron at Jerod Mayo’s pirouette Hernandez’s drop on the past the ball on Cruz’s touch- second play of the final drive down. would have gone 10 yards The Giants’ game plan on and he couldn’t have gotten offense was a product of what out of bounds. the Patriots offered them on With one timeout and defense. The Patriots keyed 50 seconds left, the Patrion Victor Cruz and the deep ots would’ve had to sacripass, opening opportunities ficed their only timeout or for Nicks and Manningham 10 seconds to spike the ball against isolated coverage. if he made the catch. NeiEli Manning is too good ther would be worth a 10 at deciphering defenses’ yard gain bringing the team pre-snap and understanding 70 yards away from the end where the single coverage zone as compared to 80. lies for a defense to play that The ball that hit Deion vanilla style as often as the Branch’s hands on the first Patriots did. play of the final drive was In committing those as- tipped at the last second sets to the pass, they allowed and therefore not a play he the Giants’ offense to remain should be expected to make. on the field with short passes The game itself was one and a running game. Time of the best Super Bowls I’ve of possession was hugely in seen and offered a great finNew York’s favor with 37 ish to what has been my faminutes to the Patriots’ 23. vorite NFL season.

I’ve heard rumblings of To think the game could Tom Brady being overhyped, have ended with the Giants overrated and perhaps lucky falling at the one yard line to have won three Super and kicking a field goal, or Bowls. To that I respond perhaps with the Giants takthat for a player to win three ing a knee after it looked like Super Bowls in a span of six the Patriots were dead in years, you’re going to need the water at 4th and 16. The a little help, no matter how game truly could have gone good you are. to either team and I hope evBrady played an excellent eryone enjoyed the game as game and his only “mistake” much as I did. was a deep pass intended To mourning Pats’ fans, for Gronkowski, which was I offer you the wise words a intercepted by linebacker friend: at least you’re not a Chase Blackburn. This is the Cowboys’ fan. same guy who looked like a less athletic version of Elton

13

By Will Andreycak Senior Staff Writer

The Giants’ victory over the Patriots in last weekend’s Super Bowl added another classic chapter to the story of the New York Boston rivalry. This got me thinking about how the multitude of Boston v. New York sports rivalries stack up after the Giants’ latest conquest over the Pats.

5. Boston Celtics v.

New York Knicks The Celtics have been one of the NBA’s most consistent teams in the NBA ever since the beginning of the “Big 3” era. They completed the biggest single season turnaround in the 2007-2008 campaign and won an NBA title over the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the Celtics’ return to the Finals in 2010, they suffered a crushing defeat to the Lakers.

The prevailing thought is that this is their last season to compete for a title with the current cast of veterans.

In contrast to the Celtics, the Knicks have been one of the NBA’s most mediocre franchis-

es in the last decade.

Last season was the first time the Knicks made the playoffs since 2004, where they were swept in the first round by none other than the Boston Celtics.

The current state of this rivalry is an interesting one.

The Celtics are thought to be moving toward a period of rebuilding after this season, while the Knicks are widely believed to be nearing a period of being an Eastern Conference power.

Even if the Celtics are “in decline,” the Knicks have to beat Boston in a playoff series for this potentially explosive rivalry to take off.

4. Boston Bruins v.

New York Rangers This ranking is based more on what will happen in the future than what has already transpired. If anyone watched the Rangers’ 3-2 overtime victory over Boston last month, you understand what I mean.

The Rangers and Bruins are the best two teams in the Eastern Conference and maybe even in the NHL. No one is surprised at Boston’s success thus far after they won the Stanley Cup last summer. But the Rangers’ young club wasn’t expected to put up their kind of point numbers at such a consistent rate.

That being said, all signs point to a Rangers v. Bruins Eastern Conference Final where two cities that love their hockey will clash in a classic.

3. New York Jets v.

New England Patriots There is no question that the Pats have commanded this ri-

VS

valry over the last decade, even in the Rex Ryan era.

The one exception was in last year’s playoffs, where the Jets went into Foxboro and knocked off the No. 1 Pats.

The Jets took a step back this season, losing twice to the Pats; but as long as Ryan’s passion is behind the Jets’ organization, this rivalry will continue to be sustained as one of sports’ bests.

2. New York Giants v.

New England Patriots It is extremely rare when teams who do not share a conference can be considered rivals. But after a second classic Giants’ victory over the Pats in the Super Bowl, there is a lot of bad blood between these two teams and their fan bases.

While the Giants are clearly the best NFL team in New York, the Giants and Jets together have knocked the Patriots out of the postseason in three out of the last four of New England’s last postseason appearances — the Giants in 2008 and 2012 and the Jets in 2010.

1. New York Yankees v.

Boston Red Sox Sure, the Yankees and Red Sox rivalry has lacked the intensity seen in New England v.

New York football rivalries the last four years, but the baseball teams’ competition is the most charged historically.

Both cities are more passionate about baseball than any other cities in the country and both have had overwhelming success since the turn of the millennia.

When have two teams had a better back-to-back postseason series than in 2003 and 2004? Which two teams have dominated baseball’s best division since the year 2000? And who throws more money at free agents than these two?

The teams have met over 2,000 times in their histories with an all-time series standing at 1,132-954 Yankees. This rivalry is what you think of when you think Boston v. New York.

Illustrations by Stephanie Feinberg

Sports Shorts UVM finishes second its Carnival Five Vermont skiers finished in the top seven of the women’s 10K race, with senior Caitlin Patterson claiming first on the final day of the UVM Carnival. These finishes, along with a third place podium visit by senior Franz Bernstein on the men’s side, were enough to boost UVM from fourth to second in the Carnival — behind only Dartmouth.

By Mike Eaton Sports Editor

Women’s basketball Women’s hockey drops two to Maine falls to Hartford Despite two double-doubles by Vermont first-year Niki Taylor and junior Shanai Heber, the Lady Cats were defeated 63-52 before a crowd of over 2,000 — the largest since last season’s senior day. Vermont falls to 9-15 on the loss, 3-8 in America East.

Scoring only one goal in the weekend series, Vermont allowed seven, enough to warrant two losses at the hands of the Black Bears. Junior Emily Walsh scored her fourth goal of the season, the only one for the Cats during the series.

Despite the losses, Vermont is still in contention for the final playoff spot, trailing New Hampshire by only two points.

14

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

The battle for L.A. supremacy With one meet left,

By Julia Dwyer Assistant Sports Editor

The 2012 NBA season got off to a slow start…if you could even call it that. I must admit, my fan level waned a bit — especially in the beginning with my Celtics’ rough start. Among all of the confusion surrounding the lockout and the disappointments that arose when the Knicks weren’t as brilliant as we thought they would be with Carmelo Anthony, one team has risen to put some excitement into the NBA season — the Los Angeles Clippers.

One thing you learn pretty fast living in Los Angeles is that it is Lakers town. And for good reason — the Lakers win and they look pretty damn good doing it. The Clippers, on the other hand, really haven’t and so for many years that ‘other’ L.A. team happened to be just an afterthought, the less attractive and gangly younger brother to Kobe Bryant.

Choosing to root for the Clippers in past seasons meant rooting for a team that has been to the playoffs only four times in 27 years of play. That

embodies frustration. And so when the legendary team around the corner is winning championship rings left and right, it is hard to want to root for the losers.

With the ball already rolling in the 2012 season, it has become quite apparent that the Clippers are playing a whole new game than in previous years. Despite the close 96-91 loss to the Lakers on Jan. 25 in a game for L.A. dominance, the Clippers are still at the top of the Pacific Western Conference standings.

Mounting wins against the Miami Heat, the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets means that the Clippers finally seem as if they can hang with the big guys. While the Eastern Division is laden with heavy competition, the Western Conference is less so — giving the Clippers a real chance of battling to win the conference.

The Clippers starting lineup consists of Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, who have collectively scored 114.9 points per 100 possessions in the season. Paul and Griffin have boosted the offense to ignite the court — take Griffin’s dunk over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins as an example. That one will most certainly be added to Griffin’s extensive highlight dunk reel, and even prompted Perkins to delete his Twitter account.

With this respectable starting unit, the Clippers are posting an average score of 108-91 against their opponents. The

area of improvement needed for the team is on the defensive end. With a defensive efficiency rank of 25, the Clippers need to smarten up if they want to seriously advance.

The emergence of the Clippers as a dominant force in the western division is altering the landscape of a once Laker-dominated area.

The emergence of the Clippers as a dominant force in the western division is altering the landscape of a once Lakerdominated area. Following the debacle of the Dodgers and the mediocrity of the L.A. Kings hockey team, dedicated sport fans truly only have basketball as a venue for fandom. Now that two basketball teams that play on the same court and practice in facilities 10 minutes from one another are competing for top rites in L.A., an interesting rivalry that may change the dynamic of the western sporting world is rising up. Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, the Lakers and the Clippers, find themselves in Battle: Los Angeles.

Vt. track and field still running strong

By Mike Eaton Sports Editor

Vermont track and field has displayed success so far during this year’s indoor season, as they will participate in the final regular season meet on Feb. 11 against New Hampshire.

The women’s team has looked especially impressive; earning two first place and two third place finishes in the first four meets of the season.

The men have secured a first, third and 12th place finish, while tying Middlebury in their duel meet.

Junior Julie McGilpin has led the women’s squad, setting a new record in the 500-meter run at 1:16.55 on Jan. 20, and has run to first place finishes in every meet so far this season. McGilpin sits in second place on the America East season leaderboards in the 500-meter and 800-meter races and sixth overall in the 1,000-meter race.

In an impressive showing at the quad meet in Dartmouth, McGilpin met ECAC’s qualifying standards for her performance in the 1,000-meter run with a time of 2:54.47.

This gives her the opportunity to compete in the ECAC Championships on March 3 and 4. Also meeting standards was the women’s 4x800 relay team.

On the men’s side, senior captain Chris Lemieux is looking strong, marking his best jump of the season at 2.01 meters during the Dartmouth quad meet — a jump good enough for third place on America East’s season record board.

The Cats have an important meet against New Hampshire, as they look to gain more prominence for the upcoming America East Championships on Feb. 17 and 18. They will then hope to advance to the New England Championships, all while making attempts at personal advancement into the ECAC Championships in March.

Any remaining elite contenders will then get the chance to compete in the NCAA Championships on March 9 and 10.

The slightly longer outdoor season is set to start on March 24 with a meet at Northeastern. The season comes also with the highly anticipated use of the new outdoor track complex.

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

15

Featured Club Sports Team of the Week

Quidditch

By Taylor Feuss Staff Writer

JAMIE LENT The Vermont Cynic

First-year Colin Markison races a Northeastern opponent to the puck in a Jan. 27 matchup. UVM is in last place of Hockey East.

Hockey struggles in UMass matches

By Diana Giunta Senior Staff Writer

Vermont dropped two games Feb. 3 and 4, on the road against UMass-Lowell.

The River Hawks won the first game of the weekend series 3-1 and, despite a late Vermont comeback, captured the second 6-4.

Vermont’s record falls to 5-21-1 (2-17-1) after the weekend.

Though Vermont got the first goal and played a promising first period Feb. 3, the River Hawks battled back in the second with two quick goals, never giving up the lead.

“I was really pleased with our effort coming out of the gate tonight,” Vermont head coach Kevin Sneddon said. “It’s a game of momentum; you’re never going to be perfect from start to finish, but we certainly want to finish more scoring chances than we did tonight. I was pleased with our effort, our intensity, our physical play – all those things were a real positive tonight.”

Sophomore Nick Bruneteau scored the only Vermont goal of the evening at 6:37. Bruneteau scored after picking up a pass from senior Drew MacKenzie.

The Catamounts carried their one-goal lead into the second period, but Lowell’s Joseph Pendeza and Riley Wetmore scored at 9:51 and 14:52, respectively, to take over the lead 2-1.

Scott Wilson became the third Lowell player to record a goal at 3:34 of the third period.

Bruneteau made a last-hope shot for the Cats, but the puck hit the post and didn’t make it past the goal line.

The Catamounts fought back fiercely the following night’s game after being down 5-2 with less than two minutes in regulation.

The River Hawks held their ground, knocking in an emptynetter to seal their second victory of the weekend.

“Playing from behind against a good team that knows how to win is a difficult task, but I give our guys a lot of credit for sticking with it, trying to play physical and competing hard for each other right to the final buzzer,” Sneddon said.

UMass-Lowell’s Chad Ruhwedel and Terrence Wallin both scored unassisted goals within a minute of each other to start the game off in the first period.

Junior Sebastian Stalberg put Vermont on the board at 12:39 of the first.

After Scott Wilson buried the puck for Lowell with a one-timer at 13:51, first-year Kyle Reynolds fired back for Vermont, bringing the score to 3-2 Lowell. Reynolds scored by sending a low wrist shot into the net.

The game’s second period belonged entirely to the River Hawks, as the only two goals of the period were from UMass.

In the third period, UVM faced a three-goal deficit.

Stalberg was the first to chip away at the Lowell lead, maximizing a two-man advantage that the Catamounts secured when two Lowell skaters were sent to the box for high sticking and charging penalties After Vermont took a time out, Stalberg scored at 18:21, bringing the score to 5-3 Sophomore Matt White scored less than a minute later, bringing the Catamounts within a goal at 5-4 with 49 seconds to work with.

Time ran out for the Cats though, as Lowell’s John Holmstrom scored an empty-net goal, leaving the score at 6-4.

Vermont will face Boston College at Gutterson Fieldhouse on Feb. 10.

The winningest coach Coach Becker earns coaching record

Coach John Becker set the Vermont record for most wins as a first year coach with Vermont men’s basketball’s 73-63 victory over the University of Maine at Orono on Feb. 6.

He broke the record previously held by Thomas Keady, who went 15-4 in his first year as coach in 1920-21 with a total of 16 wins. No other current coach in the America East has posted 16 wins in their first season as coach.

Another win will guarantee a winning record, making him one of only six coaches in UVM history to post such a mark.

Becker is the 16th coach of the Vermont team in the 98th season of its program’s history. - Writer

Mount your broomsticks and dust up on your Harry Potter lingo because this week’s featured club sports team of the week comes straight from the wizarding world itself. The chosen team is none other than Quidditch. No, unfortunately there is no flying involved; however, games do tend to get a little crazy at times.

The sport, originally from our home state of Vermont, was started at Middlebury College in 2005 and has spread across the country in the years since.

Over the past few years UVM has joined the club and opened its gates to anyone who is interested in participating.

Practices can get a little goofy, but don’t be fooled because these players take their sport pretty seriously.

“For us, it’s much more about the fun and goofiness of the sport than the competition.

There are way too many teams out there who are stupidly intense and all about winning — we aren’t like that,” said junior Jake Seymour.

Now, for those of you who are familiar with the game, you may be wondering how the teams get around the obstacle of the flying snitch. The snitch is played by a third party player, a free-spirited runner who will entertain the crowd. “They are allowed to leave the field and may be seen doing crazy things on vans, riding bikes, and in trees,” said Seymour.

CORRIE ROE The Vermont Cynic

Junior Jake Seymour goes broom-to-broom with a Hofstra University opponent in a Quidditch World Cup matchup on Nov. 13.

Quidditch is a fun way to let out your goofy side and get in some daily exercise all at the same time. Riding your broom-

sticks around Redstone Green is a great way to meet new people and bond over the magical game you love.

16

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Cats take two and prepare for Stony Brook ByJeremy Karpf Staff Writer

Despite offensive struggles early in the game, Vermont stormed back to an 82-56 victory over Hartford on Feb. 4.

Sophomore point guard Sandro Carissimo had a career day, leading the team with eight rebounds, 16 points, two steals and an assist.

The win is the team’s sixth in a row and pushes their record to 15-10 and 9-2 in America East play, good for second in the conference behind Stony Brook.

After the team missed their first four shots, Carissimo hit a jumper, getting the offense in rhythm, and Vermont never looked back.

With 9:46 to go in the first half, the Cats went on a 35-0 run, pushing their lead to 408. Before the half, Hartford hit back-to-back three pointers, cutting the lead to 25 and sending the Cats to the locker room with a 43-18 lead.

Despite a more determined effort by Hartford in the second half, they were only able to cut the Vermont lead to 20.

Vermont’s defense forced 18 total turnovers and continued to feed the offense opportunities as they scored 20 points off turnovers.

“Another big home win today against a feisty Hartford team,” said head coach John Becker. “Defense and rebounding is the staple of what we do.

We are getting better at the defensive end as this year goes on.”

First-year Four McGylnn was the only other Catamount to score in double figures with 14, and sophomore Brian Voelkel contributed across the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

Coming into this game, Vermont had barely escaped Boston University with a 68-67 win on Feb. 1. Vermont held a 59-43 lead with 3:20 left in the second half, but the Terriers finished the game on a 24-9 run with Mike Terry Jr. scoring on a putback with 0.1 seconds on the clock.

The narrow victory taught the team a lesson, Becker said.

“We have a young team,” he said, “We’re still learning. We have to learn how to win close ones, but we also need to learn how to close games out.”

Vermont made it seven wins in a row on Feb. 6 with a 73-63 victory over the University of Maine at Orono. Senior Matt Glass had 17 points while junior Brendan Bald and sophomore Luke Apfeld each had 13.

Voelkel added nine points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

“Huge road win tonight up here in Maine,” said Becker. “I thought our defense carried us throughout the game and we struggled a little bit offensively.”

He credited the competitive America East power in the Maine team.

“To their credit, they played hard for 40 minutes and they have some talented players,” Becker said. “We came up with stops when we needed them and anytime we can win on the road, in league, especially up here in Orono, we are very excited about that.”

The victory sets up a showdown this weekend for first place in America East when Stony Brook visits Burlington on Feb. 12. The game is at 12 p.m. in Patrick Gym and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

MEGHAN PRIOR The Vermont Cynic

Sophomore point guard Josh Elbaum schools a Hartford defender in UVM’s pummeling of the Hawks Feb. 4. This win, along with their Feb. 6 win over Maine sets the Cats up for a shot at first place.

SCOREBOARD

athletetweets Turbulence gets me scared like accidently tweeting out a DM

Kevin Durant @KDTrey5

THIS WEEK 2/10

Friday

Men’s hockey vs.

Boston College Gutterson Fieldhouse @ 7:30 p.m.

Sunday

Women’s basketball vs. New Hampshire Durham, NH @ 3 p.m.

Women’s hockeyl vs.

Boston University Gutterson Fieldhouse @ 2 p.m.

SNOW REPORT

Stay in school or hit the slopes?

2 yrs ago I was told I’d never walk again, just WALKED off plane to #Indy to play in #SuperBowl #TakeThatCancer

Mark Herzlich @MarkHerzlich

Friday (2/10)

Chance of rain 5°/37°

Saturday (2/11)

Chance of snow 4°/11°

Sunday (2/12)

Partly cloudy 1°/17°

Monday (2/13)

Partly cloudly 12°/29°

Tuesday (2/14)

Eating at Brennan’s alone to find some friends #loser #getatme

Brendan Bald @bbald20

Partly sunny 17°/35°

Wednesday (2/15)

Mostly cloudy 28°/35°

Thursday (2/16)

2/12

Saturday 2/11

C AB+ B+ C C C

Cloudy 29°/37° A+ = don’t miss out, B = why not?, C = stay in school

LAST WEEK

Men’s basketball vs. Hartford (2/4) W (82-56) Women’s basketball vs. Hartford (2/5) L (63-52)

Men’s hockey vs. UMass Lowell (2/3) L (3-1) vs. UMass Lowell (2/4) L (6-4) Women’s hockey vs. Maine (2/4) L (4-1) Skiing UVM Carnival (2/3) Fourth Place (148)

CONFERENCE STANDINGS A - East men’s basketball 1) Stony Brook 15-7 (10-1) 2) Vermont 15-10 (9-2) 3) Boston University 12-13 (8-3) 4) Albany 15-10 (7-4) A - East women’s basketball 1) Boston University 17-6 (10-0) 2) Albany 15-9 (9-2) 3) Hartford 15-10 (6-5) 4) UMBC 12-12 (6-5) ...

8) Vermont 9-15 (3-8) A - East men’s hockey 1) Boston University 16-8-1 (13-6-1) 2) UMass Lowell 18-17-0 (13-6-0) 3) Merrimack 15-6-5 (11-5-3) 4) Boston College 16-10-1 (12-7-1) ...

10) Vermont 5-21-1 (2-17-1) A - East women’s hockey 1) Northeastern 18-6-3 (12-3-2) 2) Boston College 16-5-2 (11-4-2) 3) Boston University 12-15-3 (10-7-0) 4) Providence 14-8-6 (9-7-1) ...

8) Vermont 4-17-6 (3-11-2)