The Vermont Cynic Issue 23 2012

SULLIVAN CONCERNED WITH RACIAL PROFILING

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STUDENTS SHOWN EVERYDAY ELEGANCE

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SNOWMONT S’NO MORE

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C YNIC THE VERMONT

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

UVM COMMITS TO “REAL FOOD”

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T h u r s d a y , M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 2 – Vo l u m e 1 2 8 I s s u e 2 3 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t

Daley, Holland win 1,492 voted in SGA elections

By Taylor Jones Staff Writer

ALEX EDELMAN The Vermont Cynic

Students voted and the results are in — Connor Daley and Samantha Holland are UVM’s SGA president and vice president elects. “[The voters have] given me a huge opportunity to do so much for them,” Daley said. “I was already working for them on SGA, trying to make their UVM time a little more awesome, and I am excited to continue this.”

Next year Daley said he hopes to take a very democratic approach to running SGA, in which he will make decisions

based heavily on what the students want.

“I kind of don’t want to be president — I want to be like a prime minister,” he said.

“The prime minister is just one member of a cabinet and he doesn’t do anything without the consent or advice of everyone on that cabinet.”

Daley said he is glad to be working alongside Vice President elect Samantha Holland this coming school year and believes that the two will make a great pairing.

“We just became friends and I tried to be unbiased durSee SGA on page 3

Students protest the University’s decision to maintain a contract with WVMT radio on the steps of the Waterman Building March 28. They continued into the building to find Bramley’s office locked.

Bramley locks his door

Controversy surrounds president’s pro-radio decision

By Devin Karambelas Assistant News Editor Protestors condemning the University’s decision to maintain a contract with WVMT radio station planned to confront President Bramley in his office.

But they weren’t expecting his door to be locked.

Formerly known as the “Voice of the Catamounts,” WVMT came under fire from the student group Gender Equity Now Coalition and the Faculty Women’s Caucus because it also airs Rush Limbaugh’s nationally syndicated radio show.

Limbaugh made derogatory

comments about Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke Feb. 29, saying that testifying in Congress for free, mandated contraceptives made her a “slut” and a “prostitute.”

Limbaugh has since apologized for his remarks, but some students and faculty members did not think that was enough.

Nearly two-dozen students and community members gathered outside Waterman Building March 28 to voice their opposition to Bramley’s move, which they see as condoning hate speech.

“This is not an issue about

free speech, this is an issue about hate speech,” said firstyear Melissa Amaya, eliciting jeers from the crowd.

The students congregated to call upon the University to issue an ultimatum to WVMT that they drop Limbaugh, or UVM will drop them.

A letter addressed to Bramley outlining this sentiment was prepared and read aloud to the crowd by sophomore Annika Nillson.

“If UVM wants to call itself a university with a commitment See WMVT on page 5

ALEXA ALGIOS and MATTHEW KUPERMAN The Vermont Cynic

Vice President elect Samantha Holland (left) and President elect Connor Daley in the SGA offices, March 26 and 28 respectively.

High cost to see Obama Community rallies for Trayvon Student tickets $44, event still sold out

By Lauren Drasler Staff Writer The price tag on President Barack Obama’s campaign event this Friday has deterred more than a few students from attending.

“The main reason I’m not going to see the president is because of price,” sophomore Rebecca Nelson said. “Even though it’s very expensive, I think that it’s good all the money will be going to the president’s campaign.”

Nelson said that although the cost might prevent the majority of students from attending, she believes the president will face a largely supportive audience.

“Based on the type of people that go to school here, I would

NEWS 1-5 Golfarini will meet Obama

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say that they will be very accepting and open to the president,” she said. “Vermont, in general, has a lot of his voters.”

In fact, the Burlington Free Press recently reported that Vermont has contributed the most to Obama’s reelection campaign per capita, according to Federal Election Commission finance reports.

Vermont contributed $730,805 to the president’s campaign through Feb. 29, which comes to more than $1 per state resident, the article stated.

Although some students said they were disappointed by the $44 cost, others decided to purchase tickets anyway.

See OBAMA on page 3

LIFE 6-7 Meatout cuts the beef

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More than 200 gather to support conviction of his killer

By Kevin Santamaria Staff Writer Old and young, male and female, white and black — all were present in the Burlington community’s remembrance for the death of a 17-year-old boy.

More than 200 people gathered at City Hall March 27 to rally for Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in Florida last month.

Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watch captain, said the act was in self-defense and has not been formally charged for any crime, according to ABC News.

More than a dozen protestors, leaders of the community

ARTS 8-9 — The Hunger Games stays true to novel

OPINION 10-11 America needs a wakeup call

and appointed officials spoke at the “We are Trayvon Martin” rally in Burlington.

Burlington High School graduate Dante Seguino said he, Trayvon Martin and all black youths leave the house every day with a set of judgments cast upon them.

“When I walk down the street with headphones on, I know people are not going to assume I am listening to folk music,” Seguino said.“Race amplifies the significance of the smallest decisions.”

Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling addressed his commitment to protect local communities and maintain public trust.

“My vision for law enforce-

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DISTRACTIONS Camp Morning Wood

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ment in Burlington is simple: continue to build partnerships, foster dialogue and trust, and help law enforcement be seen as a leader in protecting our communities from bias,” Schirling said.

Assistant professor of geography Rashad Shabazz spoke about how Martin’s death illustrates the danger black men face in public spaces.

“Trayvon was hunted by a man who did not see him as a person, but as threat,” Shabazz said. “Not as a kid getting candy and tea, but as a suspicious person up to no good.”

Mayor elect Miro Weinberger reminded the public about See TRAYVON on page 3

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SPORTS 13-16 Questioning my faith after the Jets sign Tim Tebow

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

Cause for concern: Rise in number of student detoxes

UVM police report 155 high risk drinking cases

By Becky Hayes News Editor

Partying hard on a Friday or Saturday night has landed more than a few students in the infamous “drunk tank.”

With the number of detoxes steadily rising over the years, officers, educators and program coordinators have been trying to decrease the number of students who engage in high risk drinking.

A total of 155 students were sent to detox in the fiscal year 2011, according to UVM Police Services.

This is a significant increase from the 83 students detoxed in 2007 and the 128 students in 2009, according to the UVM Police Services annual report.

Lieutenant Larry Magnant said this number only accounts for detoxes made by UVM police officers, and the number could be higher by counting the number of detoxes made by Burlington Police and other law enforcement officials.

The statistics suggest there are two to three detoxes a night, Thursday through Saturday, Capt. Tim Bilodeau of the UVM police said. “[This happens] even though there’s a good deal of prevention and holding folks accountable for possession of alcohol and that kind of thing,” Bilodeau said.

The bigger issue is all the people falling down that cannot care for themselves and are putting themselves in danger, he said.

“That’s part of our being out there,” Bilodeau said.

Liquor law violations have doubled in the last year from 134 citations between July 2010 and February 2011 to 259 since July of last year.

“It’s absolutely something to address,” said Diana Gonzalez, alcohol education director at UVM. “Alcohol is the number one public health concern for college students, and UVM students fit right in there.”

Harms associated with alcohol consumption on campus include sexual violence, nonsexual violence and vandalism, Gonzalez said.

Although this problem is serious and significant, 20 to 30 percent of UVM students don’t drink, and the majority that do take the precautions they need to stay safe, she said.

“There’s a big chunk of folks that don’t drink and there’s a big chunk of folks that don’t drink all the time,” Gonzalez said.

Sgt. Allen Fortin of the Shelburne Police Department attempts to combat underage drinking through the local Stop Teen Alcohol Risk Team (S.T.A.R.T.) program.

The S.T.A.R.T. program has 13 local departments including the sheriff’s department, state police, liqueur patrol and Department of Motor Vehicles all involved, Fortin said.

“The more education we put out there, then the better.”

Allen Fortin Sgt. of Shelburne Polica Department

Fortin and his team are asked to come to Burlington’s student-populated “hill section” every other month to help with noise complaints and enforce any underage drinking, he said.

The S.T.A.R.T. officers often wear plain civilian clothes so that they do not stand out to students.

“If you are going to catch somebody, you got to go undercover,” Fortin said. “You know they’re not going to drink in front of you if you are standing there in a uniform.”

Gonzalez said that when S.T.A.R.T. patrol folks are in plain clothes and not in uniform, it can be off-putting for people; however, the program is still successful.

“Nationally the research that’s been done on programs like S.T.A.R.T. patrol really are effective in reducing high risk drinking and the harm associ-

ated with it, primarily because it makes parties smaller,” she said.

In some cases, the S.T.A.R.T. team will seal a house that they know is having a party, ask for a search warrant and enter the residence to give out citations to more people than just those on the lease.

In this way, the officers have had weekends in which they have given out as many as 123 citations in one night, Fortin said.

Junior Francesca Bennett said she thinks that high risk drinking has been kind of an obsession for people, but when S.T.A.R.T. officers enter a residence, it doesn’t always help.

“I think it sometimes makes people more mad about the situation, but if the police have probable cause then they have the right to,” Bennett said.

During the Feb. 18 S.T.A.R.T. raid, 14 tickets for underage consumption/possession were issued and one fake ID was confiscated, a press release stated.

“We hope through the enforcement … that people are getting smarter and not drinking underage,” Fortin said. “We’d be glad to go out and write no tickets.”

Fortin said he believes the S.T.A.R.T. program is absolutely a success.

“If we deter any issue, whether it be loss of injury or loss of life then as far as I’m concerned, it’s a success,” he said. “The more education that we put out there, then the better.”

Many students said they think high risk drinking is a problem on campus.

“People just drink too much,” sophomore Kelsey Callahan said. “I’ve seen someone puking, I’ve seen someone passed out in a snowbank before; it’s really dangerous.”

Callahan said she did not think the University or anyone would be able to help mitigate the issues resulting from over consumption of alcohol.

“Students have to do it on their own,” she said.

Year 2011

Year 2010

Total 155 177 students Year 2008 detoxed Year 2009 128 through 111 the Year 2007 years: 83

NATALIE WILLIAMS The Vermont Cynic

New president E. Thomas Sullivan speaks to reporters about his plans for the University in the Chittenden Bank Room Feb. 22.

Sullivan concerned with racial profiling Hopes for affirmative action in future

By Keegan Fairfield Senior Staff Writer The United States Supreme Court has agreed to reconsider whether public colleges and universities may use race-conscious admissions processes.

Commonly referred to as affirmative action, the practice allows for racial classification in college admissions to benefit minorities historically subjected to discrimination.

It is intended to increase diversity among students in order to enhance the educational experience for all.

Without affirmative action in the admissions process, achieving UVM’s dedication to diversity could become difficult, President-elect Thomas Sullivan said.

“I firmly believe that the national policy is promoting the public good and if it is to go away, shame on America,” Sullivan told Vermont Public Radio last month.

The court last considered the issue in 2003 in Grutter v.

Bollinger, holding that public colleges and universities could use race as a qualitative factor in the admissions process.

“It would be a test case to challenge Grutter v. Bollinger, which is the current U.S. Supreme Court case approving of affirmative action as a discretionary opportunity on college campuses,” Sullivan said.

Scholars in the field have speculated that the court’s five more conservative justices are likely to do away with — or severely weaken — the convention.

“There’s a majority on the current court that dislikes raceconscious policies that sort us, or classify us, or that allocate benefits and burdens on a basis of race,” said Alec Ewald, UVM assistant professor of political science and a civil rights scholar.

Ewald said this aversion of the majority could result in their dismantling of the decades-old policy used to increase diversity among students.

Sullivan, who is an attorney and constitutional law scholar by trade, promised to further racial diversity at UVM as president during his community reception Feb. 22.

“As your strategic plan urges, we will embrace the diversity and internationalization of the University,” he said.

This University-wide commitment has been vigorously pursued in recent years.

Under the direction of former President Daniel Mark Fogel, several presidential commissions were established to increase diversity and create an inviting atmosphere for minority students.

These measures yielded significant growth of minority enrollment: In the fall of 2009, the rate of entering undergraduate American students of color was 11.9 percent, representing an increase of four times that of a decade prior, according to the president’s website.

The Board of Trustees named diversity as a University-wide commitment in a 2004 statement following the Grutter decision.

The statement, “Why Diversity is an Academic and Institutional Strategic Priority for the University of Vermont,” cites the landmark case and pledges UVM’s allegiance to diversifying the University.

“We must recognize, however, that diversity goes well beyond curriculum,” the statement indicated, noting that “diversity of experiences, opinions and views” among students leads to an “enriched” education.

“A diverse UVM community is a compelling institutional interest that is indispensible to achieving our goal of academic excellence,” the statement continued.

The court’s disposition of Fisher v. University of Texas is likely to restrict race considerations in college admissions processes at public institutions.

The case calls into question the constitutionality of the University of Texas system.

In Texas, students that graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class receive automatic admission to the system’s colleges, and those that are below that threshold are then entered into a complicated system whereby race is considered a factor for admission.

Abigail Noel Fisher, a white student who fell just below the 10 percent threshold, claimed that Texas couldn’t have both a race neutral and race conscious system in their admissions process.

Oral arguments in the case are set to take place in September.

N EWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

Golfarini will meet Obama

By Taylor Jones Staff Writer

Though his days as SGA president are almost over, Julian Golfarini will still bear the official title when he visits Washington, D.C. for a conference.

Golfarini will represent UVM at the National Campus Leadership Council (NCLC) summit from April 14-15, almost a week after his term in office comes to a close.

In order to represent the student body and sign documents while at the conference, the SGA passed a bill March 20 granting Golfarini extended presidential powers for his time in Washington.

“This is the inaugural year of this,” he said. “If we sign a charter at the meeting in Washington that Obama signs, I want UVM’s name on it.”

The summit aims to bring together student body presidents from different schools across the nation, Golfarini said.

A student body president at another school came up with the idea for the conference after he had worked with a number of presidents to discuss important issues relevant to student government, he said.

“The Obama people caught wind of it and were like ‘that is a really great idea, why doesn’t

ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic

SGA President Julian Golfarini sits in the SGA offices March 26. something like this exist so the we can solicit feedback from them,’ and they created this organization,” Golfarini said.

The 2012 summit will feature sessions that address such

topics as financial aid, college accessibility, U.S. debt, youth unemployment and community building, according to the schedule posted on the NCLC’s website.

CAS announces dean finalists

By Keegan Fairfield Senior Staff Writer Four candidates have been named as finalists to take over as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, according to an email sent to the UVM community.

The finalists are: • Martin Schoonen, who is a professor of geochemistry and the director of the sustainability studies program at Stony Brook University.

• John Kiss, a university dis-

tinguished professor and botany department chair at Miami University.

• Daniel Press, a professor and department chair of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

• Antonio Cepeda-Bonito, a professor of psychology and dean of faculties and associate provost at Texas A&M University.

Each of the candidates will participate in a comprehensive interview process on campus

OBAMA

TRAYVON

“I got tickets as soon as I found out the price went down,” sophomore Addie Halligan said.

“The tickets could still be cheaper, but I think it’s thrilling that President Obama will be here.”

Sophomore Ellie Liota agreed, saying that she was really looking forward to the event, but money was the biggest obstacle for most students she knew.

“Since we’re students and the event is on our campus, I thought the price could be lowered still,” Liota said.

Other students said they are indifferent about the president’s presence on campus.

“I don’t really care about it,” sophomore Kemar Bell said.

“It’s not affecting me in any way.

“Everyone keeps saying how excited they are that the president is coming to UVM, but I’m not going to waste my money when I can just see him on TV,” he said.

Tickets for the March 30 event went on sale in February, and all $44 and $100 tickets are sold out, according to the Obama for America website.

the continuing presence and danger of racism in America.

“As a community here in Burlington that is becoming increasingly diverse, it is crucial for us to acknowledge the existence of racism and work against it in all its forms,” Weinberger said.

The Burlington community will move these conversations about racism forward and take the necessary steps to embrace diversity and minimize bias, he said. “[We] will succeed in becoming a community that is strengthened by its growing diversity, not divided by it,” Weinberger said.

First-year Melissa Amaya said she believed that if Trayvon Martin had been white, something like this never would have happened.

“And if it did, the person [who killed him] would have been incarcerated immediately,” Amaya said.

Mayor Bob Kiss asked for a moment of silence for Martin, and a commitment to improve the community and the world.

...continued from page 1

over the next couple of weeks.

An open forum will also be held for each candidate, which the community is encouraged to attend, the email stated.

Information regarding dates, times and locations of the forums can be found on the dean’s website at http://www. uvm.edu/provost/casdeansearch/.

Joel Goldberg has served as interim dean of the college since Eleanor Miller resigned from the post in January 2011.

Ralliers hold moment of silence

...continued from page 1

“It is very clear that we have an objective and a purpose to fight racism,” Kiss said. “I am convinced that here in Vermont we can make a better world.”

Sophomore Kristin Nelson said she looks forward to a time when all races will be treated equally.

“Race amplifies the significance of the smallest decisions.”

Dante Seguino Burlington High School graduate “I hope one day the conversation will end, when it will get to a point when this conversation doesn’t even exist,” Nelson said.

Students can sign a petition in support of the prosecution of Zimmerman at the following website: http://www.change. org/petitions/prosecute-thekiller-of-our-son-17-year-oldtrayvon-martin

SGA

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Old executives happy with outcome

...continued from page 1 ing the election ... but I’m really happy because not only is she female, which is really important at a school that’s 60 percent female, but because she’s a hard worker,” he said.

Holland is also optimistic about the duo.

“I am very excited to work with Connor — he has some great ideas and I am looking forward to seeing them in action,” she said. “He is very passionate about what he does with SGA and UVM.” As for next year, Holland admits that the bar has been set high when it comes to her performance because of the fantastic work current Vice President Will Vitagliano has done.

“Will does a great job as V.P. – he is so on top of his game it is ridiculous,” Holland said. “I will definitely have big shoes to fill.”

Vitagliano said he is confident that Holland will live up to all expectations.

“I’m very, very happy that Sam Holland is the next vice president,” he said. “Any of the other candidates would have been fine, but I’m very happy with this outcome specifically.”

Vitagliano said he is also

Crime log

very certain that Daley will continue the great work that current President Julian Golfarini has started.

“I commend the student body on choosing the best decision for a president,” said Vitagliano. “I think it was very important that we were lucky enough to get the next president who is going to continue to go above and beyond.”

Golfarini said he is working hard to ensure that the transition will be smooth for Daley, especially seeing as he had little help during his transition to president.

“No one took me to meet the provost, the president, the dean of students, which are all really important to my job,” Golfarini said. “I thought it would have been really helpful to begin those relationships as soon as possible.”

As for the future of SGA in general, Golfarini said he is convinced the fate of the organization has been placed in capable hands.

“I’m leaving the office with full confidence that everything that we’ve worked on this year is not going to waste,” he said.

“In that sense, I’m leaving in a tranquil way.”

March 20 11:33 p.m.

By Lauren Drasler Staff Writer

March 18 12:30 a.m.

One beer and one bottle of vodka were taken from a student in Living/Learning Center Marche. The student was written up by Police Services and was reported to the Center for Student Ethics and Standards (CSES).

March 18 8:30 a.m.

There was a series of vandalism incidents reported on the first and third floors of Christie Hall. Among the items broken or damaged were a light fixture, a card reader and a CO2 detector.

There was graffiti and a hole that was punched in the wall.

March 20 Ongoing

A man that is not associated with UVM was reported repeatedly using the pool at the gym. Female employees at the gym reported that the man would make them feel uncomfortable because he would stand extremely close to women while he spoke with them. Police were called in and the officers spoke with the stranger about his mannerisms and how he was making employees uncomfortable.

A marijuana pipe and .11 grams of marijuana were taken from students on the west side of Coolidge Hall.

An officer was walking by, saw the students and smelled an odor of marijuana. The students were written up and reported to CSES.

March 21 10:48 a.m.

Early last Wednesday morning a student was taken to the hospital for alcohol intoxication. The student was transported from University Heights North Two and was treated in the Emergency Room.

March 21 2:31 p.m.

Graffiti made with a black marker was found on the porch of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Building. The graffiti was best described as a squiggle and was 18 inches long.

March 21 2:33 p.m.

Credit cards were reported stolen from a purse in an office in the Waterman Building. The credit cards were thought to have been stolen between March 14 and 16. The time of theft is still unknown. The employee who had her items stolen reported the event and no one has been identified as the thief.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

Sanders bill passes in state Dalai Lama to

visit Vermont

By Devin Karambelas Assistant News Editor With the charge led by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vermonters have launched a crusade against big business.

Voters took on the national issue at Town Meeting Day on March 6, with 64 towns passing a resolution that would overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling that corporations are protected by the First Amendment, according to The Nation.

Last week, The Vermont Cynic reported that a discussion panel including Vermont state Sen. Ginny Lyons, presidential candidate David Cobb and Ben and Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield sought to address the issue March 15.

The 2010 case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was an attempt by Citizens United to use its own funds to air a critical documentary against Hilary Clinton in 2008.

In response, Sanders proposed the Saving American Democracy Amendment last December that would overturn this decision by giving Congress the power to enact campaign spending limits. The legislation can be found at http://www. sanders.senate.gov.

But with nearly 30 Super PACS between businesses and politicians totaling almost $300 million each, the debate about whether or not corporations can be considered people is a polarizing issue.

Sanders told The Nation

Middlebury to host in Oct.

JAMIE LENTThe Vermont Cynic

Senator Bernie Sanders speaks to students in the Grand Maple Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Davis Center last semester. that he hopes the response from Town Meeting Day will spark a grassroots movement to overturn the federal ruling.

“The resounding results

will send a strong message that corporations and billionaires should not be allowed to buy candidates and elections,” he said.

By Mat Degan Staff Writer His Holiness the Dalai Lama will journey far from home next fall.

Known as the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama will address students and the public at Middlebury College Oct. 12 in a rare opportunity for local Vermonters across the state.

The upcoming visit will mark the third time that Middlebury has hosted this global figure, who traveled to the school to attend symposiums concerning topics of religion in 1984 and 1990.

Having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his work in moving Tibet toward liberation through nonviolent means, he has since gained global notoriety. In addition, he was the first Nobel Laureate to be cited for his environmental concerns.

The new lecture series will address challenging philosophical and religious topics, including whether spiritual and religious traditions can provide a framework for inspiring action and effectuating change, according to a press release.

The content of his lectures will draw on the overarching theme of “Cultivating Hope, Wisdom and Compassion,” the press release stated.

“The problems that face humankind today, and that this generation of students will be called upon to address, will necessitate not only knowledge and technological ingenuity, but also compassion, determination and sacrifice,” Middlebury College President Rob Liebowitz stated in the press release.

Ellen McKay is an administrative program coordinator in the Chaplain’s Office at Middlebury and was heavily involved in the effort to get the Dalai Lama to the campus.

The Dalai Lama’s personal peace emissary, the Venerable Lama Tenzin Dhonden, gave lectures on meditation at Middlebury and the school reached out to the Dalai Lama through him, formally inviting him in 2010, McKay said.

“I think a lot of people invite him,” she said. “Of course, he’s older. He picks and chooses very carefully his engagements.

It was serendipity to have the honor of hosting him.”

Though many of the details surrounding the Dalai Lama’s visit are confidential and only a “broad outline” of his trip has been planned so far, McKay said that whenever someone of the Dalai Lama’s stature can fit a visit to a college campus into his or her schedule, the opportunity to host the event outweighs any of the pressures of coordinating it.

“People are obviously very excited about it, from the president on down,” McKay said.

“Students talk about camping out for tickets.”

Sherwood Smith, director of the Center for Cultural Pluralism at UVM, a group striving for multicultural education and focusing on issues of culture and social justice, described the opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama speak as “once-in-a-lifetime”.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for people to learn about other cultures and get a better understanding of issues in the world,” Smith said. “It’s exciting to have a person of his scale to our area.”

Though the event is being held in Middlebury, many UVM students were excited by the mere fact that the Dalai Lama would be so close to home, and some are even considering attending.

“I think it’s awesome and would absolutely consider going,” said Colby Taylor, a sophomore studying human development and family studies. “He would probably choose Vermont over a place like Texas.”

Though Taylor doesn’t consider herself particularly religious, she thought that she identified more with Buddhism than Christianity.

“I think Buddhists are pretty cool people, peaceful, minimalist, don’t seem to be judgmental, don’t try to control people’s lives,” Taylor said.

The Dalai Lama will present a lecture titled “Finding Common Ground: Ethics for a Whole World,” which will be open to the public and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 12.

The event will be held in Nelson Arena and those interested in attending or seeking more information should contact the Middlebury Box Office, where tickets may be purchased on a first come, first serve basis.

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N EWS

WMVT

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

5

Students, faculty against radio

...continued from page 1 to social justice, it’s time to start acting like one,” the letter stated.

Following a reading of the letter, the students proceeding inside Waterman to hand-deliver it to Bramley.

However, upon encountering a locked executive office, the letter was slipped under the door and the students bellowed a few call-and-response chants before disbanding.

“Hey, hey, mister, mister — get your hate speech off my sister!” the crowd chanted.

The Faculty Women’s Caucus proposed that the University sever its ties with WVMT at a Faculty Senate meeting that took place March 12.

“The Faculty Senate requests that the administration explore severing its relationship with WVMT and by so doing, send a clear message that Rush Limbaugh is not the ‘Voice of the Catamounts’ and that UVM holds itself to higher standards of acceptable language,” a motion stated.

In his email, Bramley stated that ending UVM’s contract with WVMT was not a “sound response” for three reasons: • Listeners contacting WVMT directly would have a larger impact.

• The University holds the responsibility to protect freedom of speech.

• The University is obligated to broadcast its games locally as a participant in the America East and Hockey East conferences.

Professor Charlotte Mehrtens, who proposed the motion, said in an email that there is a clear association between the University and a station that markets itself as “the Voice” of UVM. “UVM has a choice of which companies to do business with,” her email stated. “We can elect to sever relationships with companies that do not represent our values.”

WVMT owner and manager Paul S. Goldman disputed that there was any affiliation between Rush Limbaugh’s program and the University.

“In no way does what Rush say represent us or the station, let alone UVM,” he said. “The reality is that he has the most listened to talk show in the country; if people want to affect change they should convince people not to listen to him.”

He said that WVMT received zero complaints the day that Limbaugh’s comments were made. “[Which] leads me to believe that not one of the people who want us sanctioned ever listens to our show,” he said.

Both Goldman and Vice President of University Relations Tom Gustafson specified that WVMT is not considered the “Voice” of UVM, but the voice of the two athletic teams whose games WVMT broadcasts.

Gustafson said that given UVM’s membership in the athletic conferences, he believes the University has an obligation to have relationships with local media venues to broadcast UVM sporting events.

And because there are already scheduling conflicts with the other local station 101.3

ESPN, which broadcasts men’s basketball, Gustafson said there wasn’t really another option.

“Frankly, there aren’t a lot of stations clamoring to air our games,” he said.

For its part, WVMT has aired UVM sports for over 40 years and is contractually obligated to pay UVM approximately $80,000 over the next four years for broadcasting rights, a Burlington Free Press article stated.

Beth Mintz, a leader in the Faculty Women’s Caucus and professor, said she believed free speech was a “crucial component,” but Limbaugh’s comments deeply conflicted with UVM’s values.

“His remarks about women perpetuate gender stereotypes of the worst kind and contribute to an environment that denigrates women in an assortment of ways,” she stated in an email.

WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic

Professor Lori Stevens (left) and co-authors (middle, right) in a Marsh Life Sciences lab March 26.

‘Kissing bug’ not so loving Professor researches deadly insect disease

“If UVM wants to call itself a university with a commitment to social justice, it’s time to start acting like one.”

As stated in a letter from the protestors to President Bramley

In response, the University will address these concerns in two ways, Bramley said.

“WVMT will not be permitted to use the term ‘Voice of the Catamounts’ or in any way imply that UVM explicitly or implicitly endorses the station’s programming … beyond sports broadcasts,” he said.

UVM is considering the insertion of a brief statement before each game’s broadcast with that particular message, Bramley said.

In addition, he said UVM will continue its efforts to “encourage dialogue” on campus and to raise awareness of issues like gender-based violence and discrimination.

Professor Robert H. Rodgers agreed with the University’s decision, saying that free speech should be “defended at every turn,” and noted that some good came out of the Limbaugh debacle.

“We all may be more alert to how we speak and potentially to whom,” he said.

But Mehrtens said she still believes the rationale for the decision is flawed.

She countered that UVM has standards that must be abided by, pointing out that UVM had shut down the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity this year because it had violated these very values. “[These are] values that as a community we abide by,” she said. “The same is true here. I believe we can apply the same values to our business relationships.”

By Amanda Wassel Staff Writer Professor Lori Stevens of the biology department and her colleagues are at the forefront of groundbreaking new research on blood feeding insects that transmit a deadly disease.

Along with colleagues and students from the University, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Guatemala and Bolivia, Stevens said she has been concerned about the spread of the Chagas disease into the southern United States, a possible consequence of climate change.

There are only seven documented cases of insect transmission of this disease to humans in the U.S., while more than 20 wild animal species have been infected, Stevens said.

Stevens and her colleagues said they were surprised to find that 40 percent of the insects had fed on human blood. “[This discovery] suggests there may be more vector transmission of the parasite and Chagas disease in the U.S. than previously thought,” she said.

The insects are more active at night and tend to bite their

sleeping human prey around the mouth, resulting in the nickname “kissing bugs,” Stevens said.

Chagas disease is common in Central and South America, with between 8 and 10 million people infected, the UVM website stated. However, since the rural poor are the most infected, there has not been much research on Chagas.

“People do not always show symptoms when first infected with the parasite, and sometimes it is 10 to 20 years before symptoms appear,” Stevens said.

Warming climates may allow the insects that are more efficient transmitters of the Chagas parasite to spread north into the southern states, although Stevens said Chagas was unlikely to reach Vermont in the near future.

Still, more centrally located states might soon be at risk of becoming the new home of kissing bugs with the Chagas parasite, she said.

There are few useful medicines to combat the disease and those that do exist have negative side effects, she said.

“Prevention is the best option,” Stevens said.

People with homes in warm climates like the South and Southwest can prevent contraction of Chagas by bug-proofing their houses, she said.

Countries affected by Chagas in Central and South America have tried to control the parasite-spreading insects by spraying insecticides or taking an “EcoHealth” approach, such as plastering walls and cementing floors to eliminate the insects’ habitats, Stevens said.

While people who reside primarily in the Northeast are safe for now, students and others who are residents of southern states or travelling south may need to be cautious.

When sophomore Anna Lidofsky worked in mobile clinics in Ecuador over spring break, Chagas did not seem to be a major problem among the residents.

“However, because of the asymptomatic stage, the disease could have been prevalent but we would have no way of knowing it, which is really alarming,” Lidofsky said.

Students love fun, website says InsideCollege.com ranks UVM one of 19 jolly schools

By Katy Cardin Staff Writer Whether it’s staying in, going out or anything in between — recent rankings say UVM has it all.

The University was named one of the top 19 most fun-loving schools in the country by the college ranking website InsideCollege.com.

Other schools that made the cut were a mix of West Coast, southern and eastern schools such as University of Southern California, Boston University and University of Florida.

To first-year Gen Bradley, fun at the University revolves around her membership in Greek life.

“Even though Greek life isn’t that big of a thing here, I think it’s really fun,” Bradley said. “The close friendships you make is the best part.”

KELSEY CALLAHAN The Vermont Cynic

Students play foosball in the Davis Center, Feb. 24.

Junior Brendan Bald said the best times at UVM occur after dark.

“Getting to live near downtown with all of the fun

nightlife is great,” Bald said.

“There are a lot of bars to go to and stuff like that with all of your friends. It’s a good social scene. ”

6

LIFE

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

KELSEY WOOLEY The Vermont Cynic

Green Mountain Animal Defender (GMAD) volunteer Christina Clarke (left) serves senior Gillian Stewart vegan food in order to promote the Meatout event in the Davis Center Atrium March 19.

Meatout cuts the beef

Organization recommends vegan diet

By Melina Tej Chaouch Contributor The Green Mountain Animal Defenders (GMAD) tabled in the Davis Center to promote Meatout on March 20.

“Today is Meatout, and we’re here to promote a meat-free diet as it relates to the environment and from a health perspective,” volunteer coordinator for GMAD Brenna Galdenzi said.

“I just love meat, I love steak, hamburgers, ribs ­— you name it, and I just could never give it up.”

Hilary Hilmer Sophomore Volunteers at the Meatout table offered suggestions for following a vegan diet that aimed to make it seem fun and simple.

“A lot of vegan-friendly foods can be found at places like Shaw’s

and Price Chopper, and can be incorporated into your diet really easily,” Galdenzi said.

The Meatout also appealed to the environmentally friendly students of UVM. “It’s really hard to be an environmentalist if you’re a meat eater — a lot of times those things are contradictory,” she said. “I think it’s important for students to see how wonderful vegan food can be and how easily it translates into their diets.”

For students who live on campus, Galdenzi said she suggests thinking outside the box and exploring all the vegetarian options that are available on campus.

“Once [students] realize where the meat comes from, I think they will be more inclined to avoid it,” she said. “We’re really out here to raise awareness for students.”

While being a vegetarian is a step in the right direction, the volunteers at Meatout were very clear that going vegan should be the end result.

“To be a vegetarian and not a vegan, you are really contributing to the meat industry,” Galdenzi said.

“It’s a great starting point, but to really live by the principles and ethics, being vegan really embodies everything.”

She suggested checking out some vegan literature and websites to get inspired.

“A really great website is the Post Punk Kitchen,” Galdenzi said.

“It’s a fun and entertaining blog about going from being an avid meat lover to becoming a vegan and the process of changing a diet so much.”

Erin Maurer, a first-year who follows a vegetarian diet, said she could never follow a vegan diet.

“I really like milk and stuff,” Maurer said. “Getting protein in my diet would be so much harder as a vegan. I also really enjoy baked goods.”

Sophomore Hilary Hilmer said that she believes getting necessary nutrients for the body should be done naturally and not through taking supplements.

“I just love meat,” Hilmer said.

“I love steak, hamburgers, ribs — you name it, and I just could never give it up. I also suffer from anemia, so cutting meat out of my diet would be really severe.”

Sophomore Taylor Morgan agreed.

“The reason I could never be a vegetarian or a vegan would probably be Five Guys,” MacDonald said.

“I couldn’t possibly live without it.”

JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic

Head chef Jonathan Turner in the Brennan’s walk-in freezer at the Real Food Campus Commitment event at Brennan’s Pub March 22.

UVM commits to more “real food”

Goal to be complete by 2020

By Molly Philbin Assistant Arts Editor UVM signed the Real Food Campus Commitment March 22, which was issued by the Real Food Challenge (RFC). The agreement commits UVM to serving 20 percent “real food” throughout the campus by 2020.

The ceremony held at Brennan’s Pub included speakers UVM interim President John Bramley, Melissa Zelazny, general manager of UVM’s University Dining Services and junior Katie Bekel, president of Slow Food UVM. Slow Food UVM is a student group dedicated to increasing student and community awareness about issues of food systems and food justice, along with encouraging a shift in University food purchases toward more sustainable and locally supportive options, according to the group’s Facebook page.

The University chapter is affiliated with Slow Food Vermont, the state chapter of the international organization that advocates clean and fair food, and RFC, which promotes “real food,” according to www.realfoodchallenge.org.

At the ceremony, Bramley stated that he is proud of how University Dining Services has changed due to the student involvement.

“One of the wonderful and healthy parts of this institution is that we have students who care about the world … and a university that listens to [the students’ ideas],” he said.

UVM is the fifth school in the nation and the first large school to take on this challenge.

Currently, 12 percent of UVM’s menu is confirmed as “real food.”

“Real food” is determined by four categories — that it is lo-

cal/community-based, fair, ecologically sound, and humane — and is calculated by the program’s Real Food Calculator, which can be accessed on their website.

Brennan’s Pub, where the ceremony was held, is currently serving 54 percent “real food,” which is tracked and recorded by students on a semi-annual basis, Zelazny said. The percentage is even higher during spring.

“Having a restaurant on campus that is committed to locally produced food … is unique,” she said.

The restaurant’s walk-in fridge contains a variety of fresh food from Vermont farms and other local venders, including short ribs, beef shoulders, sirloin tips, fresh produce, several Vermont cheese bins, maple syrup and a large amount of bacon from the North Country Smokehouse in New Hampshire.

The Real Food Campus Commitment creates a huge market for fresh Vermont food and family-owned Vermont farms, Turner said. However, food from outside of Vermont can also be considered “real food.”

“Bananas and coffee are never going to be local, but they can be fair trade,” Bekel said.

She said she believes that the University can be a leader for other Vermont state colleges when it comes to providing campuses with locally grown, fair trade, of low environmental impact and humanely produced foods.

According to Bramley, the University looks forward to the challenge.

LI F E

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

7

Students shown everyday elegance Emily Post descendant sharpens etiquette, polishes people skills

By Hannah Ullman Life/Features Editor Students and alumni dressed in suit jackets and cocktail dresses joined together for a five course meal and a lesson on etiquette March 25.

“An Evening of Elegance” took place in the Livak Ballroom and was sponsored by Class Council, the UVM Alumni Association, Career Services and the Emily Post Institute.

Anna Post, a class of 2001 alumna and the great-greatgranddaughter of Emily Post, talked during four of the five courses and lectured on everything from which fork to use to how to act at a business lunch.

Post said that etiquette is about having an awareness of other people. To her, that means etiquette should be used everywhere and not just on special occasions.

“Etiquette is a little bit like dress,” Post said. “If you take the time, it shows that you care, that you are making the effort.”

She suggested that etiquette is not a rigid code of manners but can be very practical. It does not only include manners, but also codes of behavior and social norms.

Post then began the instruction by saying that eating is inherently a “gross” activity.

“Table manners help us to keep from grossing out people we are with,” she said.

Post said the rule she found most important to follow was

SARA PFEFER The Vermont Cynic

Class of 2001 alumna Anna Post teaches students and alumni about proper etiquette at “An Evening of Elegance” five course dinner in the Livak Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Davis Center, March 25. chewing with the mouth closed, because other people should be able to have a pleasant social experience as well.

Etiquette gives a person confidence by providing a way to know what to do at a meal with others. “[Manners] can be the critical differentiator between you and your competition,” she said.

Post then decoded the table when there are three spoons, two forks, a knife and two glasses set out for each person.

The mnemonic device “BMW” can remind a person that bread is on the left above the forks, the meal plate is in the center and the water glass is above the knife on the right.

Post said that contrary to popular belief, it is not OK to be fashionably late and that being on time shows courtesy.

After a person has arrived at their destination, they should wait to be seated. Once they are shown to their table, the first

thing they should do is put the napkin in their lap.

Next, the person closest to the bread should start passing it, first offering it to the person to the left, then continuing to pass it to the right.

As with any course, it is courteous to wait until everyone has received their meal before starting. If the food is hot, it is acceptable to start eating if your host insists that you eat while it is still hot.

One thing Post was adamant about was having no elbows on the table while eating.

“I’m not levering my food to my face like a steam shovel,” she said.

Post also talked about cellphone etiquette.

“It is never OK to put your phone on the table at a meal — you should not be available to anyone but that person,” she said. “[A cellphone] is just a ticking time bomb waiting to interrupt.”

If someone is a chronic cellphone user, Post said it is perfectly acceptable to ask them to put it away.

Saying, ‘Hey, would you mind putting away the phone so I can focus on our conversation and get the most out of our time,’ would be a good way to politely ask your guest for their attention, Post said.

In the end, she said that etiquette is not about being formal but about being appropriate.

“I think it’s really important when you’re impressing people, especially someone important,” sophomore Haley Leavitt said.

Another attendee had a different reason.

“I went because I have a lot of pet peeves,” senior Michael Gibson said.

Whatever the reason, attendees seemed to find the information useful.

“It gives me more confidence just being able to communicate with people and in social situations,” senior Shayna Camp said.

The art of dining: deciphering your place setting

B

The mnemonic device “BMW” can remind a person that bread is on the left above the forks, the meal plate is in the center and the water glass is above the knife on the right.

M

W

“It is never OK to put your phone on the table at a meal – you should not be available to anyone but that person.”

Anna Post Etiquette instructor

8

ARTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

Music preview

Strangefolk reunites in Burlington

By Molly Philbin Assistant Arts Editor

Strangefolk will be performing back in their hometown at Higher Ground March 29 and 30.

This rock-oriented jam band sold out the venue just days after tickets went on sale, leading them to add the second night, which also sold-out quickly.

Strangefolk started out as the acoustic duo of Jon Trafton and Reid Genauer, both UVM students at the time. Within a year the duo had added bassist Erik Glockler and drummer Luke Smith and had begun developing their sound in bars downtown. They also performed annually at their self-started Garden of Eden Festival and toured regionally.

Since 1991, the band has released five studio albums, two live albums and one live concert DVD. They have not, however, released new material in more than nine years.

Several members have left and joined the band over the years.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STRANGEFOLK In early 2005, Trafton Burlington jam-band, Strangefolk poses near a lake. They will be performing at Higher Ground in Burlington, March 29 and 30. was diagnosed with cancer.

While he was undergoing Zeppelin and The White and a cancer-free Trafton, together onstage since This evening should be treatment, band members Stripes. announced a pair of reunion their farewell Garden of an insight into the music formed the side bands The Just recently the shows — Higher Ground Eden Festival 2000, before of Burlington-past for Windfalls, The Boneheads original band, with being one of the two venues. Genauer left the band to those who managed to snag and The Tells and covered founding members This will be the first time pursue a graduate degree at tickets to the reunion. large title bands such as Led Genauer, Glockler, Smith this lineup has played Cornell University.

Trevor Hall to stop in Btown

By Molly Philbin Assistant Arts Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN DUKOFF

Singer, lyricist and guitarist, Trevor Hall poses. He will be playing at Higher Ground, April 1.

Trevor Hall, alternative rock-reggae American singer, lyricist and guitarist, will be headlining at Higher Ground April 1. He will be supported by “America’s Got Talent” runner-up singer/guitarist Cas Haley.

Hall is still touring with his new album, “Everything Everytime Everywhere” which was released on Aug. 23, and continues to perform live across the United States.

This album is a follow-up to Hall’s self-titled album, released in 2009, and will be his sixth label-released album. He has also released two live albums and one album that was canceled, but then anonymously leaked on the Internet.

Hall is influenced

by Bob Marley and Ben Harper (who is performing at Higher Ground Oct. 2) — referring to them as his “musical heroes,” according

to a BC Music review — and writes songs about life, love and community set to pop/ rock/reggae beats.

Hall’s lyrics leave a musical messages; his most recent single “Brand New Day” tells the listener to “live your life, come rise up, come give love.”

Hall’s lyrics leave musical messages; his most recent single “Brand New Day” tells the listener to “live your life, come rise up, come give love.” The poprock anthemic tune speaks of letting go and embracing the present.

Tickets are being sold on Higher Ground’s website.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

ARTS

SnowMont s’no more

By Jessica Schwartz Staff Writer

For those of you who don’t know — and have not already cried your eyes out — the SnowMont festival in Killington, Vt. has officially been canceled.

Just a few weeks ago, some students were eager with excitement over the too-good-to-be-true, fully packed line up of the threeday music festival.

On March 14, the SnowMont Facebook team updated its status with news of the event’s cancelation.

“It is with heavy regret we announced today that the SnowMont Music Festival has been canceled indefinitely due to the event’s lack of demand,” the status stated. “As the visionaries of this event, we can assure you that we are just as disappointed to tell you this news as you are to hear it, and we thoroughly sympathize with your disappointment.”

Although full refunds are being provided for those

who had already purchased tickets, fans are losing the chance to see acts such as Kaskade, Snoop Dog, Slightly Stoopid, Lotus, Chromeo and Grammatik.

“I was just so excited to see so many of my favorite artists in my absolute favorite state with all of my best friends, and now I’m just heartbroken.”

Alanna Brahms UVM sophomore “I was just so excited to see so many of my favorite artists in my absolute favorite state with all of my best friends, and now I’m just heartbroken,” sophomore

Alanna Brahms said.

Fortunately, there are other options for the same weekend that may not leave fans disappointed.

On March 31 in New London, Conn., DRK Productions will be hosting April Ghouls 2.

April Ghouls 2 will be held at the Polish Club of Connecticut to celebrate the anniversary of April Ghouls 1, which was the first DRK show held in Burlington just one year ago.

Burlington DJs Insight and Palmtrixx, as well as other DRK DJs, will be playing an assortment of EDM genres like Trace, UK Hardcore, Electro House, Drum and Bass, Dupstep and Moomba to keep the crowd dancing until they forget that SnowMont was ever a possibility.

Students are encouraged to take their SnowMont refunds and buy their $9 tickets to April Ghouls 2.

For more information, check out the DRK Productions Facebook page.

Joan Rivers looks for opener

By Madeleine Gibson Senior Staff Writer Ten comedians competed to be Joan River’s opening act at the Flynn Space on March 22. Though there was only one winner, three cash prizes were also awarded.

Winner Jason Lorber excitedly opened the night’s comedy act and was followed by routines from the nine remaining comics, battling for spots in future Flynn performances.

Though Joan Rivers was not present, vulgarity and outlandishness was heavy in the air, with laughter all around. Lorber confidently cracked organic and vegetarian jokes in a red cow shirt, recalling his devotion to “tofu flavored meat.”

“You were right on Jason,” applauded judge Amber LeMay from the drag queen House of LeMay. “That was the funniest material you had

since you ran for mayor.”

The audience responded positively to Lorber’s enthusiasm.

His humor developed in later jokes when he touched on the TV ‘performances’ from Republican canidates and Jersey Shore’s Snooki.

Many of the early comedians’ performances were inconsistent, but they gained focus and maturity during the second act.

Kevin Anglin — one of the three to win a cash prize — drew hysterical laughter from the audience. The selfdescribed “Harry Potter, but with a GED,” had no jokes rejected.

In one skit, he changed the show “Hoarders” to “Hoarders: Third World Edition.” It was not only hilarious but full of witty social commentary.

In a country where citizens feel compelled to buy more and more, Anglin

argued that a hoarding situation in a developing nation would consist of “a squirrel, a hubcap and a baby,” nowhere near as materialistic as in America.

The second winner of the competition was Kyle Gagnon, who was unable to steer away from sex jokes.

His jokes were very raw and honest, though often on the fence of profane and tasteless for a venue filled with young families.

Vermont native Justin Rowe impressed both the audience and judges for a third-place win with his spot-on Garrison Keillor impressions and a babyon-board skit. Refreshing and bright, Rowe appeared relaxed in the dimmed spot light.

Be sure to check out Joan Rivers and Jason Lorber on April 26, and future comedy shows at the Flynn for more local laughs.

Arts Calendar

Fri. March 30 Friday Stangefolk

3.30

Higher Ground

Kadie Salfi Opening Reception BCA Center, Second Floor Battle of the Bands: Rewind Brennan’s, Davis Center Lane Series: Peter Mulvey Recital Hall, Redstone Campus

Saturday

3.31

Vermont Joy Parade BCA, Second Floor

Sunday

Trevor Hall Higher Ground

4.1

Maccabeats Concert with the Top Cats Ira Allen Chapel

Wednesday 4.4

The 21st Century American Novel Billings, Marsh Lounge

Music and Literature Series Concert Recital Hall, Redstone Campus

Movie review

The Hunger Games stays true to novel EMILY BARTRAN

“The Hunger Games” film adaptation faced several major challenges including casting, visual creation of the districts and the Capitol, and properly depicting the Hunger Games themselves. It is safe to say that the movie pretty much nailed it.

Jennifer Lawrence was cast as Katniss Everdeen, the strong-willed, fierce and beautiful main

character who courageously volunteers to enter the Games in place of her younger sister, Prim.

Josh Hutcherson plays her companion in the Games, Peeta Mellark. The two were able to capture the fear and excitement of the games and the compassion for each other that dominated the book.

The Capitol, where the Games take place, is futuristic, luxurious and questionably fashionable.

The residents of the district have wild hair colors with makeup and clothing to match. Their technology put

Apple products to shame.

The way both the people and setting were rendered in the movie was perfect.

Buy a ticket, prepare for a tear or two and “may the odds be ever in your favor.”

Then came the Games.

In a virtual landscape controlled by a panel of

9

designers, the 24 adolescent tributes, two from each of the post-apocalyptic twelve North American districts, fight until only one remains victorious.

The forested landscape of the Games was not that hard to reproduce; the real magic was in the control room.

The controllers were able to change the time of day, temperature and elements, and created virtually anything to make for a more desirable battle display.

Of course, there were some minor differences between the book and the

movie, but nothing of any real importance.

The only disappointment was in Katniss’ makeover by her stylist, Cinna. Her costumes and overall transformation did not seem as dramatic as they could have been.

Whether you’ve read all three books cover to cover, or have never heard of “The Hunger Games” until this release, you will not be let down by this film.

Buy a ticket, prepare for a tear or two and “may the odds be ever in your favor.”

10

Opinion

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

What season is it, anyway?

THE VERMONT

C YNIC

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Brent Summers cynic@uvm.edu

802-656-0337

Managing Editor Corrie Roe

cynicnewsroom@gmail.com

News

Becky Hayes

cynicnews@gmail.com

Opinion

Peyton Rosenthal

cynicopinion@gmail.com

Sports

Mike Eaton

cynicsportseditor@gmail.com

Life/Feature Hannah Ullman

cyniclifeeditor@gmail.com

Arts

Natalie Slack

cynicartseditor@gmail.com

Layout

Devon Meadowcroft

cyniclayouteditor@gmail.com

Web

Colleen McClintock

vermontcynicweb@gmail.com

Photography Natalie Williams

cynicphoto@gmail.com

Copy Chief

Jasmine Hughes

cyniccopyedit@gmail.com

Illustration Dana Ortiz

cynicsketches@gmail.com

Video

Jon Polson

cynicvideo@gmail.com

STAFF Assistant Editors

Devin Karambelas (News), Lauren Drasler (News), Mackenzie Jones (Photo), Homer Johnsen (Photo), Julia Dwyer (Sports), Ann Cromley (Life), Grace Buckles (Layout)

Page Designers

Danielle Bilotta, Lilly Xian, Grace Buckles, Meg Ziegler, Alana Luttinger

Copy Editors

Jason Scott, Amanda Santillan, Stephanie Nistico, Kate Piniewski, Jenny Baldwin, Emily Bartran, Jess Schwartz, Kaitlyn Green, Abbey Dunn, Shelbie Ladue, Allie Sullivan, Molly Philbin, Katie Murray, Stephen Hudecek

OPERATIONS Operations Manager Victor Hartmann

cynicoperations@gmail.com

Distribution Manager Kyle DeVivo kdevivo@uvm.edu

Advertising Manager Victor Troiano cynicalads@gmail.com

ADVISER Faculty Adviser Chris Evans

crevans@uvm.edu

When the glacier was asked his opinions on global warming, he replied, “I dunno, I’ve never really thawed about it.”

Well, considering the crazy temperatures last week, UVM might be thinking about it now. You might have noticed – the week following Saint Patty’s day was a once in a millennium heat wave.

Though not necessarily classified as disastrous considering the amount of students sunbathing and wallowing in the heat, the extreme change in temperature may or may not be the manifestation of our climate meddling.

This year’s extremes cannot solely be attributed to the greenhouse effect, but they certainly remind us of all the harm our beloved 18 wheelers and sweat shop factories are causing.

However, the anger does not lie within the controversy of global warming but amongst befuddled ski pass holders and snow enthusiasts alike.

Skiers in bikinis and shorts have been spotted across a variety of snowless Green Mountain peaks, attempting to shred that last bit of snow — or should we say sludge.

Not only was this past winter an immense letdown, it inevitably failed to live up to standard Vermont expectations. There are a few issues with this.

First, to those first-year students, who are now in no way prepared for the upcoming winters, let us let you know: you’re going to want to bring back those snow boots and ankle length parkas.

Second, faith in weathercasters, who unflinchingly promised an enormous amount of snowstorms, has plummeted to an unforeseeable low. You might as well rely on your cat for accurate weather reports – they’ll be prepared cowering in the corner nestling in your favorite sweater, which you probably won’t be wearing.

So Vermonters, what do you think? Is “The Day after Tomorrow” coming true?

Now that our maple-sugaring season has been annihilated, and our current apple crops are in danger of freezing to death, we are, surprisingly enough, back to winter weather already!

This past week marked some light snow, and we at the Cynic are getting a little worried, or — to put it another way — itching for the true summer weather to arrive.

We’ve already rolled out the red carpet for summer — or was it spring? Flip flops, short-shorts and those undeniably persistent man-tanks have made their grand appearances, but for now Mother Nature has forced them back in the closet.

DISTURBING QUOTE OF THE WEEK

COLUMNISTS

The horrors of email and spelling

BIANCA MOHN

It is a beautiful March day - 78 degrees and sunny. I’m sitting outside, checking my email and admiring the crystal blue sky. All is well.

Suddenly, a new email pops up in my inbox. “What’s this?”

I think, opening the message.

My eyes widen as I scan the text, a low hiss escapes from my mouth.

I have reproduced the horror below. While the name and message have been altered, the essence of the email is the same.

Quoting Tristian Failsauce <tfailsauce@uvm.edu>: Yo Sry i missed yur meeting.

Sucks. did we like talk about anything importnant?

Oh technology, the wrath it has brought upon the written word. Who in their right state of mind sends an email like this? It’s positively cringe worthy. From the greeting of “yo” to the misspelling of your, the message is simply a

disaster.

I must admit, the text is vaguely amusing. I almost feel sorry for the person’s inability to spell – he must have dreaded Spelling Bee’s as a child – but at the end of the day, every college student should know how to spell “sorry”. No excuses.

On the first day of classes, it is typical for professors to outline a code of conduct, including how they would like to be addressed in an email format. I have always daydreamed during these sermons on email etiquette, thinking to myself, who would actually write to a professor with the introduction “yo prof.”?

I stand corrected. This use of spelling is monstrous and a growing epidemic. It is a trend so insidious that it is seeping into life beyond college – the workforce. There are entire websites dedicated to email etiquette, including http:// www.businessemailetiquette. com.

The website encourages readers to be professional in email exchanges, stating, such as “Your email reflects your level of professionalism, education, ability to pay attention to detail as well as what is important to you.”

Let’s do a case study on the email I received from Mr. Tristian. Level of professionalism? Lacking.

Education? Possibly first grade.

Conclusion: this person does not want to be taken seriously.

Most students do want to be taken seriously by peers and professors. So, why is there such a divide between what we say and what we write in emails? Before clicking the send button, take a moment to reread and question how your words will be interpreted.

If you have been sent an email like Tristian’s, it is humorous but at the same time disappointing. On a personal level, inadequate emails indicate that the individual does not care about putting two seconds worth of his or her precious time into constructing a coherent email.

I am considering responding to Tristian’s email with the following: Quoting Bianca Mohn <bmohn@uvm.edu>: Tristian, Yes, we discussed a great deal in the meeting. Please note that “sry” is not a word.

Just kidding. But honestly, don’t be the student who professors overlook because you send emails with “hey professor” and title the email “what’s up”. Be respectful, formal even, and the world will be at your tech-savvy fingertips.

Bianca Mohn is a first-year business administration major.

She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2011.

“I WAS PUMPED ABOUT THE HUNGER GAMES. UNTIL I LEARNED THAT A BLACK GIRL WAS PLAYING RUE.”

@johnnyknoxIV, Twitter user John Knox IV, complaining about the fact that a Hunger Games character was black rather than white.

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, MARCH 29, 2012

11

COLUMNISTS

Illegitimate no more America needs a wakeup call

KATIE IDA

As the AP Stylebook challenges journalists to stop using the term “illegitimate child,” some news sources have looked to convince readers of the term’s legitimacy.

On Feb. 13, the AP Stylebook advised against using the term and suggested substituting the term with phrases such as “child whose parents were not married.”

So, what is the definition of “illegitimate child?” Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines the term as: “not recognized as lawful offspring; specifically, born of parents not married to each other.”

While The New York Times and Washington Post have already adopted the practice of using other terms and phrases to describe children from unwed parents, a Daily Caller article, republished by Fox Nation, used this occasion to convince readers that America is, in fact, a country of illegitimate children.

Daily Caller writer Caroline May uses the term “illegitimate” six times in a six paragraph article, including using

the term in the title.

The article underlines why the term was dropped from AP style in the first place, which, AP deputy standards editor states, is because “it’s a term that’s stigmatizing, and unfairly so.”

May cites New York Times data stating that “unmarriageable men” and a “promiscuous society” are at fault for the rise in births to unmarried women.

The New York Times article actually stated that the rise is linked to “broader changes in family structure.”

The pejorative term “illegitimate” gives rise to other negative stigmas — not only to the completely legitimate children it describes, but also stigmas about poverty, sex and single-family households.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, 41 percent of children are born to unmarried mothers in the United States; the institution does not recognize a single one of these children as “illegitimately” a citizen or “illegitimately” a child, and neither should we.

The AP Stylebook made a long overdue change to its stylebooks. Journalists should follow suit to adopt this change that discourages prejudicial and pejorative language in objective journalism.

Katie Ida is a double major in English and Community and International Development. She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2008.

Grads going extinct

JOSEPHINE MILLER

As a graduating senior, I have become a Stage 4 nervous wreck when I think too hard about my future. Like many of my colleagues, I am seriously considering going to graduate school in the next couple of years. For the first time since I’ve been attending UVM, I feel like my professors are failing me because of the grad school advice they have given me.

I spoke to a counselor at the Career Center hoping she would be able to advise me about the degree I should be going for and what schools I should be looking at — given my professional goals. She sent me to my professors because they are more familiar with the programs and schools available.

I have spoken to several professors, hoping to get some idea about which schools are strongest in each area.

They all gave me some variation of the same advice: “Don’t go to grad school.” “It’s too expensive.” “The job market is terrible.” “You’ll never be as lucky as I was to land an awesome teaching job that isn’t in located in an ugly town in the armpit of America.”

Professors get so caught up in trying to scare us away from going to graduate school that they won’t give us the information we need to make the right choices, should we decide we still want to go.

I remain curious about the opportunities grad school will offer, and I really wish my professors would spend at least a portion of their time offering the information that will help me choose the right grad school. I know I’m not wasting my time, but they are the only people on campus who can help me with this.

I really wish my professors would spend their time giving me the information that will help me choose the right grad school.

My professors are probably correct in recommending that most of us should think long and hard about not going to grad school, but for many it’s not a bad choice at all.

For those of us who are thinking about attending grad school, it would be nice if to receive useful advice, even if it comes with a big disclaimer, to help us decide for ourselves if it’s something we still want.

Professors don’t get to make that choice for us.

Josephine Miller is a sophmore global studies major. She has been writing for The Cynic since fall 2010.

JULIA WEJCHERT

The recent death of teenager Trayvon Martin seems unreal.

As if the nature of the crime wasn’t troubling enough, Zimmerman, the man who took Martin’s life, who claimed his response was the result of selfdefense, has not been arrested or charged with a crime.

In such a clear-cut situation, people’s responses should be outrage across the board.

While much of the public and the media have had this reaction, this has not been the case everywhere.

Some news stories have framed the story as one about gun-related issues. For instance, many news outlets have discussed Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” Law, which permits people to use deadly force against others if the so-called “victim” fears for their lives.

While gun control speculation is always relevant to regrettable shootings, this is not a situation about the failures of gun regulation. To turn the death of an innocent teenager into a discussion of partisan issues evades the real, important issues at hand.

Another number of news outlets have also focused on the hooded sweatshirt Martin was

wearing when he was killed.

Fox News commentator, Geraldo Rivera, said that the hoodie Martin was wearing when he was killed was as responsible for Martin’s death as Zimmerman was, which sparked a great deal of backlash.

While the backlash relates to the fact that Martin’s death was not about a hoodie, the comment and the backlash heavily distracts people from the real reason why Martin was killed.

Even with all of these different angles creating distracting noise, the undeniable elephant in the room is the racial aspect of the killing.

Trayvon Martin was an African-American teenager minding his own business, whom a white man found “suspicious,” and subsequently shot to death. To deny that this is a case of racism is absurd.

It is an immense understatement to say that the discussion surrounding Martin’s death has showcased the difficulty Americans have talking about race, and racially-charged conflicts in particular.

In my small, racially homogenous, suburban hometown I have heard people — including African American people — earnestly say that they don’t think racism is a big issue in America anymore.

Yet, anytime someone talks about privilege of a particular group, people become uncomfortable. Those being told they are privileged often become defensive and angry; probably because they recognize the claim as an accusation. White privilege is no exception.

Martin’s death should be a

wake-up call for both those who believe that racism is not a major issue today, and for white people who don’t believe they are privileged because of race.

White privilege means not worrying about your children, or yourself, being shot to death because of racism — whether the racism is a direct cause, such as in the Martin case, or more institutionalized.

It is important to understand that for many people, this is a justified, ever-present fear; Trayvon Martin’s death shows just how real such threats are.

While many aspects of Martin’s death are worth considering and discussing, we must not turn our backs on the racially-related reasons why Martin died.

Instead, let us, as a society, allow his tragic death to spark a deep look at race in America, and the many ways in which it is still a major issue we must reckon with.

While it is true that Martin’s death is not unique in the sense that many people are killed, or victimized due to racism, this particular case has gotten America’s attention. It would only add to the amount of failures surrounding deaths like these if we let Martin’s death fade from the spotlight without a meaningful impact.

Julia Wejchert is a double major in Political science and English. She has been writing for the Cynic since Fall 2008.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Rush Limbaugh does it again Dear Editor, Well Mr. Limbaugh, you have certainly done it again.

Although this is not the first time your mouth has spewed such hateful language perhaps it should be the last time you say anything more on your corporate sponsored program.

Yes, that’s right: it is time for you to resign or be put out to pasture.

You didn’t “apologize” for your remarks about Ms. Fluke until after it became apparent that your political torpedo missed its target completely and headed back to where it came from.

Once you realized that your paycheck might be affected

— as if you don’t have enough money — you conveniently switched on the damage control to avoid further embarrassment and save your own miserable ass.

This time, however it has failed miserably and people from all sides of the aisle demand you leave before making more despicable comments.

Some could argue that the words “slut” and “prostitute” could just as easily be leveled at you. After all, don’t you “earn” money by performing a certain “service?”

It never fails to amaze me that our capitalist system has allowed a scumbag like yourself to become very wealthy by just ranting all day against any-

thing contrary to your personal views.

I write this because it is evident you do not represent the views of Republicans, Conservatives, and Evangelicals, nor do you really believe in the venom you spit out at Democrats, Liberals and Reformers.

Your show is all about you and to hell with everybody else.

Mr. Limbaugh, you obviously don’t understand any of this, nor do you care to do so long as the money keeps pouring in.

Do us all a favor and resign, and then go out and try to find your true life’s work. Good day sir!

Joe Bialek Cleveland, Ohio

Quick Peyton Rosenthal impossible to walk down the Opinions “It’s Davis Center steps without staring at your feet the entire time.”

Bianca Mohn

“The third floor of Bailey-Howe is not an ideal place to be when you have the hiccups.”

Illustration by Andrew Becker

D I S T RAC T I O N S

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

12

Camp Morning Wood by Scott Womer

Want more Cynical comics?

Visit our website: www.vermontcynic.com

College Life by Rodney Rhea

Cat Tales by Emma Cipriani

Crossword

ACROSS 1- ___ well...

5- Muscat native 10- Bed support 14- Falsehoods 15- Aired again 16- Gap 17- Bard’s river 18- Cadge 19- Fit to ___

20- Equinox mo.

21- Dejected 23- Journey 25- Toward the mouth 26- Vigorous 29- Artificial 33- ___ Ababa 35- Large wading bird 37- Bikini part 38- Hollow grass

brought to you by bestcrosswords.com

39- Belt site 40- Uncle Remus title 41- Young ___ 42- Trio; 43- Precipice 44- Exam taker 46- Climbed 48- Bailiwick 50- Lives in rented rooms 53- French national

#uvmproblems

holiday 58- Floor covering 59- Assist, often in a criminal act 60- Breakfast fruit 61- Cancun coin 62- Carbonized fuel 63- Maker of Pong 64- “Only Time” singer 65- Household

66- Grannies 67- Rat-___

Brought all my winter jackets home last weekend so today has been fun #freezing #uvmproblems

DOWN 1- As ___ resort 2- Alcohol processor 3- Female spotted cat 4- Nine-digit ID 5- Alloy of copper and zinc 6- Cat call 7- “East of Eden” brother 8- Tortilla topped with cheese 9- Innate 10- Broken fragments 11- Trent of the Senate 12- “Hard ___!” (sailor’s yell) 13- Ticked (off ) 21- Ball belles 22- Bern’s river 24- Empty 27- Sign of injury 28- Attempts 30- Curtailment 31- Not kosher 32- Middle Eastern coffee holder 33- Stuck in ___ 34- Sand hill by the sea 36- Just ___!

39- Helmsman 40- Ran, as colors 42- Actress Garr 43- Satiate 45- Gossip 47- Singer Morissette 49- Prince Valiant’s wife 51- Gut cours 52- Brown ermine 53- “Goldberg Variations” composer 54- Peek follower 55- Thin stratum 56- Brio 57- “David Copperfield” wife 61- Green shade

@ccmanahan I’m much more morally conflicted about giving the Midd Kid video 5 views than I am about not writing my essay #uvmproblems

@sstreletsky My chemistry professor admitted to liking using an #abacus instead of a graphing calculator. John Sharp, is so old #uvmproblems

@drjotengii When water bottle refill stations have better water pressure than your sinks and showers #uvmproblems

@molladolla This week is hell. 3 redbulls in the last 24 hours, and counting. Should I start paying rent to the library? #bhoweliving #uvmproblems

@martabean21 Eating Brennans popcorn because i don’t have ten dollars to buy a sandwich. #uvmproblems

@Karo1yn Who do I speak to about banning country music in the Marketplace? #uvmproblems

@marykatescanlon VT has officially gone through all 4 seasons in about 2 weeks #uvmproblems

@charlottepaul16

Sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

13

Cats fall in AE contest Shumlin signs in

By Julia Dwyer Assistant Sports Editor Women’s lacrosse lost to Boston University with a final score of 16-15 in the America East opener on Sat. March 25. BU defeated the Catamounts with a final score of 16-15.

Before this opening conference game loss, the Catamounts have had a successful opening season having gone 6-2.

“We look at every conference game being of equal importance.

Overall I feel that our team has

been progressing very well this season,” said women’s lacrosse coach Jennifer Johnson. “We have used our non-conference games to build a solid foundation for conference play. This was a great first conference game and we look forward to our games ahead.”

At halftime, the Terriers had earned a lead of one, 9-8. Two minutes coming out of the half, the Catamounts leveled the score with a goal from senior Adison Rounds. BU’s Danielle Etrasco, the former America East Player

WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic

Senior Adison Rounds eyes the net in a game against Siena, Feb. 29.

Vermont was off to their best start since 1994 after going 6-2.

of the Year, scored the Terriers’ next three goals, earning a 12-11 lead.

Sophomore Marcie Marino scored with 22:42 left to play.

Marino’s goal — her third of the game — tied Vermont and BU for the sixth time at 12-12.

With 10 minutes left to play, BU extended their lead off three straight goals to 15-12. Vermont once again managed to cut the lead to one with 6:04 to play with Marino’s fourth goal of the game to 15-14.

Coming up to the final minute of the game, Marino scored her final goal to make the score 16-15. BU ran out the clock after Marino’s goal and earned the win for the first America East game of the season.

“This was a very close game and one that we feel that we could have won. We learned that taking care of the little things and winning 50/50 balls are crucial in a tight game like this,” Johnson said. “If we had of won some of the draw controls towards the end of the game, this would have given us more possession time and opportunities to score.”

Three separate Catamounts earned points during the game.

Marino scored five times.

Sophomore Sydney Mas and Rounds also added five points for UVM. Vermont’s goalie senior Laura Barber was credited with 14 stops.

Women’s lacrosse will return to action March 29 to host UC Davis at 3 p.m. at Virtue Field.

new state sports

By Mike Eaton Sports Editor With the support of Vermont schoolchildren, Gov. Peter Shumlin signed a bill into law on March 8 recognizing skiing and snowboarding as Vermont’s state sports.

Four years ago, Kristen Belrose led her class in research into possible state sports in her fifth grade class at Swanson Elementary School, as Vermont lacked an official one.

“This is an example of what’s so great about democracy in Vermont. We get our kids involved early.”

Peter Shumlin Governor of Vermont The students decided that because snowboarding originated in Vermont and still maintains a rich culture in the state — especially due to the work of Burton Snowboards — riding should be made official. Skiing was added later to the proposed bill because

of its large role in current Vermont culture.

The students proposed the bill in their sixth grade year and it was first passed by the Vermont Senate in 2008. After a failure to make it through the House, the bill was reintroduced by Rep. Michel Consejo and the Swanson school and passed through both houses of Congress this year.

The signing of the bill was done at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in Stowe, as Gov. Shumlin and several others spoke about the new law.

“This is an example of what’s so great about democracy in Vermont,” Shumlin said. “We get our kids involved early.”

The students in the class, now sophomores in high school, said they gained invaluable knowledge about the legislative process works.

“We learned how the legislature works and how to get things done,” said one of the students, Alex Banker.

Burton expressed its satisfaction and pride in the state and students in the official recognition of the snowboarding as one of Vermont’s state sports, according to the Burlington Free Press.

Vermont joins Colorado as one of at least two states that recognize skiing and snowboarding as official sports.

Questioning my faith after the Jets sign Tim Tebow

WILL ANDREYCAK

Very few things happen in professional or collegiate sports that truly surprise me.

I am not referring to the kind of surprise that one feels after noticing the bottom line on SportsCenter telling you that the Bobcats beat the Heat.

Instead, I refer to the type of surprise that literally kicks you in the teeth, the type of surprise that makes your hands sweat and your mouth dry, the type of surprise that resonates to the very core of your fandom.

The New York Jets trading for Tim Tebow? That is what surprise feels like.

Ever since Tebow emerged at Florida I have been against the mass movement of Tebowmania. I have condemned professional commentators, my family and friends who grovel at the feet of a quarterback

who at best is below average and at worst is downright mediocre.

This is a quarterback who ranked last in completion percentage and who failed to beat a team over the .500 mark last season. A quarterback who was inept against the Patriots’ lastranked defense in the divisional round of last year’s playoffs — he threw for 126 yards, took five sacks and completed 34 percent of his 22 pass attempts. Despite this, Tebow was the biggest story of the 2011 NFL season.

But Tebowmania quieted down after their postseason loss at New England. That is, until the Colts released Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos were the team that won the sweepstakes to sign him.

As soon as the

Illustration by Stephanie Feinberg

Broncos signed Manning, they began shopping Tebow and effectively ended Tebowmania in Denver. All of the number 15 jerseys, all of the “Tebowing,” all of the support and love that was showered on the guy vanished.

Needless to say, this all made me very, very pleased. I had won the argument: Tebowmania in Denver was finished, as was Tebow’s chance of serving as a starting quarterback for an NFL franchise for the time being.

All was right with the world.

But then the unthinkable happened. The New York Jets, the team I have loved for as long as I have held a conscious fandom, traded for Tebow.

The written word cannot describe the type of crippling dread I felt when I heard the news. I thought it was a sick joke when my friends brought the trade to my attention, thought that it was some elaborate scheme to get a rise out of me. But when I turned on ESPN and saw that Tim Tebow indeed was a New York Jet, I damn near vomited on my bedroom floor.

For a moment, let’s put aside the fact that I have a deep-seated resentment toward Tebow and look at the trade itself through the lens of an unbiased fan. The Jets gave up a fourth and a sixth round pick in return for Tebow and a seventh round pick — it really says a lot about how Denver valued the guy.

The Jets get a backup quarterback

who can’t throw, but they also get a versatile back that can be used in a multitude of ways. He can complete the big play, provide a spark to a stalling offense and be a valuable asset in short-yardage situations. For these reasons, the trade does help a Jets offense that struggled in short-yardage situations a season ago and lacked the big play capability.

More than getting a versatile offensive player, the Jets traded for a media circus and a locker room distraction.

Mark Sanchez was given a questionable extension less than a month ago in order to ensure stability in his position as the franchise quarterback.

Trading for Tebow completely undermines the legitimacy of that extension and immediately starts a quarterback controversy created by the media and New York fans.

The Jets can say that Mark Sanchez is their guy until they are blue in the face, but if he struggles early in 2012, the chants for Tebow will rain down from MetLife Stadium.

Personally, I am hoping that the Jets’ trade for Tebow lights a fire under Sanchez and that he takes the next step in his development as an NFL quarterback. Even more than that, I am hoping that Jets fans can show a reasonable restraint in assessing our quarterback situation. If Mark Sanchez throws two interceptions in week one of next season, let’s refrain from chanting the name of a quarterback who would lead us to the edge of

annual ineptitude and mediocrity.

This is our chance to show the rest of the country that fans here in New York only value one thing… winning.

For the last week I have been trying to stomach the fact that Tim Tebow was going to be a New York Jet. I adopted the mindset of openness and tolerance as I sat down to watch his first press conference, hoping that some measure of admiration would be discernable within me.

And as I watched, I couldn’t help an uncontrollable wave of nausea that came over me. My eyes burned with a confused anger and my hands became clammy. I can’t help it, Tim Tebow will have to do far more than wear a green tie and use the words “blessed”, “excited” and “grateful” 216 times before my brain can react positively to him.

I am scared about what the future holds for the Jets. I honestly hope that Tim Tebow can change my mind and that I can come to support him as one of New York’s own.

I would love to be proven wrong, I would love for Tim Tebow to pound in the gamewinning touchdown against the Patriots in Foxboro and for me to have untainted feelings of joy as he does so.

But I am skeptical, no, cynical about this prospect.

Tebowmania is coming to New York, and Jesus, I’m just not ready for it.

14

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

The weekly recap

Goat of the week:

By Mike Eaton Sports Editor

Boss of the week:

North Carolina Tar Heels

Tiger Woods

Let’s give him his moment — he won his first PGA Tour since the sex scandal in 2009.

It was the Arnold Palmer Invitational and although the host himself was hospitalized with a high blood pressure, Tiger still pounded home the win.

Hopefully for his sake, and the sake of professional golf, he’ll be able to get a few more. I’ll crack an Arnie Palmer to that.

“

It’s been a tough run for the Tar Heels. Although they ruined Vermont in the second round, they were faced with a closer game against Creighton and then nearly lost to the No. 13 seed Ohio, who took them to a dramatic overtime without the injured Kendall Marshall. Then, of course, they lost to the other Ohio team and, like the Fab-less ‘Cuse, failed to reach the Final Four.

Maybe I’m just pissed because, along with Obama and a lot of people, I had UNC taking the tournament, but still, come on, that just blows.

Quote of the week

So Peyton Manning was a tremendous MVP quarterback, but he’s been injured. If that injury comes back, Denver will find itself without a quarterback. And in my opinion, it would serve them right.

”

-“The 700 Club” host Pat Robertson on the Broncos’ ditching of outwardly religious Tim Tebow as their starting quarterback.

Mattress classified is as follows: Brand New Queen Pillowtop Mattress with Box Spring.

Still in Plastic, no room must go! $150 Call 802-557-0675.

JAKE BIELECKI

Jake’s take on the MLB Breakout candidates: Jason Heyward (Atlanta Braves)– The two most important things you need to know about the J-Hey Kid is that Baseball America slotted him above Stephen Strasburg in their 2010 prospect rankings and before his first legal drink, Heyward posted a triple slash of .277/.393/.456 with 18 home runs as a 20-year-old.

Heyward struggled in 2011 and it can largely be attributed to a shoulder injury that caused him to alter his swing mechanics in an attempt to stay on the field. He claims he’s healthy entering the 2012 campaign, and the 6 foot 5 inch bohemian dropped 20 pounds this off season. Always nice when a young guy stays committed in the off season. Stats in the range of a .285 average, 25 home runs, and 90 RBI’s are likely for the young stud.

Addison Reed (Chicago White Sox) – With former closer Sergio Santos slamming the door in Toronto, the gig is up for grabs in Chicago. Reed, along with lefty Matt Thornton, are the clear frontrunners.

Sporting a lethal fastball slider combo, Reed blew away hitters at every level in the minor leagues the past two years.

Over five minor league stops in 2010 and 2011, Reed never posted an ERA above 1.80, a K/9 below 11.81, or a BB/9 above 2.61.

It’s no surprise that he was named the Minor League Reliever of the Year in 2011.

Matt Moore (Tampa Bay Rays) – Another gem to come out of the Rays’ farm system.

Moore is ranked No. 1 on Baseball America’s top 100 list for 2012 after the 22-year-old posted a 1.92 ERA over 155 minor league innings last year. He also struck out 210 batters while only walking 46 – a ratio many of the games best pitchers can’t match.

Manager Joe Maddon said about the youngster’s changeup that, “David relies on other offspeed pitches, but I don’t know if he has one as devastating as Matt does.”

The lefty also throws a curveball and a fastball averaging just under 96 mph in his brief stint on the Rays last September.

Lorenzo Cain (Kansas City Royals)– The key piece that sent Zack Greinke to Milwaukee, Lorenzo Cain finally gets a shot at every-day playing time in 2012.

At 26-years-old he is a little older than most minor league players with his type of track record, and, as a result, should hit the ground running on an up-and-coming Royals squad.

He’s always possessed speed and during his 2010 and 2011 campaigns, Cain kept his average above .310. He also displayed developing power last year, hitting 16 home runs and 28 doubles in 487 at-bats.

Andrew Cashner (San Diego Padres)– once one of the most dominant closers in college baseball at TCU, Cashner fell victim to a Cubs organization in desperate need of a starting pitching for the 2011 campaign.

Early in the season, the Cashner strained his rotator cuff and subsequently missed most of the year. Now in San Diego, Cashner transitions back to the bullpen where he can pitch in the role best suited for his skill-set and arm’s well-being.

So far, so good this spring.

In his eight innings of spring training, Cashner posted a 1.13 ERA with 11 strikeouts. Against the Mariners he averaged more than 102 miles per hour on his fastball.

John Mayberry (Philadelphia Phillies) – The former nineteenth overall pick received his first chance at the MLB level last year and did not disappoint.

Posting a .273/.341/.513 line with 15 home runs in 267 at-bats, Mayberry likely earned himself an every day job in 2012, at least until Ryan Howard returns. At 6 feet 6 inches and 230 pounds with speed, the sky is the limit for this late-bloomer.

Former Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams referred to Mayberry as “the next Jayson Werth waiting to happen.” The similarities are certainly there, both Werth and Mayberry were blessed with exciting raw power and speed but took longer to develop than expected.

We’ll see if Mayberry enjoys the same type of success Werth did when he first earned regular playing time.

Award Predictions: AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez – Came into his own as a hitter in 2011. If he can duplicate the power he showed in the pitcher friendly Petco Park in 2012 he could run away with the award.

NL MVP: Troy Tulowitzki – Just entering his prime at 27-years-old the Rockies shortstop has already averaged 30 homers and a .300 average the last three seasons. Has a cannon that would make Jack Sparrow envious.

AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez – When a 3.47 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in the American League are disappointments you know you’re good. He has already thrown 200 innings in each of the past four seasons and he is still only 25.

NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw – The stats he put up as a 23-year-old were outstanding.

21 wins, 248 strikeouts, a 2.28 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP are hard to argue against.

AL Champions: New York Yankees – Pains me to say it but they’re just too good. Offense is deeper than any other and they added Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda to bolster their rotation. Best bullpen in baseball.

NL champion: Atlanta Braves – In a now overrated NL East the Braves are shoo-ins to make the playoffs and boast one of the best rotations and bullpens in the game.

World Series Champions: New York Yankees – There simply aren’t any holes on this team and they have the prospects and money to bring in a masher to fill their DH spot at the deadline if need be.

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

15

Cats lacrosse drops another at home

By Taylor Feuss Staff Writer On March 24, the men’s lacrosse team braved cold weather and hosted the Brown University Bears at Virtue Field. Unfortunately for the Catamounts, they were outmatched by Brown’s offense and added another loss to their record, ending the game at 14-5 in Brown’s favor.

Vermont’s Andrew Muscara won the face-off against Brown’s Tommy Capone to start the period.

During these first few minutes of play, Vermont was strong and confident, working their passes and making shots.

Three minutes into the period, a timeout was called. By then, UVM had already made two unsuccessful shot attempts and Brown just one.

“I think we just got to stay positive and keep rolling.”

Connor McNamara Sophomore attack for UVM men’s lacrosse Out of the timeout the Catamounts were still in control of the ball, yet unable to sink a shot. Four minutes in, Vermont’s Geoff Worley scored the first goal of the game.

For the duration of the next few minutes, Vermont ran a tight defense, keeping control of the ball and holding control of their passes. Yet, upon the

Bears’ possession, first-year Nick Piroli did not hesitate and scored Brown’s first goal just minutes later.

Possession continued to switch back and forth between the teams as each looked to score their next goals. With less than five minutes remaining in the period, Brown scored once again.

With just two minutes remaining, UVM regained possession and tried to end the period in a tie. Due to a dropped pass, Brown was able to steal back the ball, charging Vermont’s goal and scoring yet again.

The period ended as the Catamounts made one last attempt at Brown’s goal, only to come up short, ending the period 3-1.

Vermont started the second period in control, circling around the goal, passing and attempting shots.

However, Brown’s defense was too tight and kept the Catamounts at bay.

Quickly into the second, Brown’s Sam Hurster and Piroli racked up back-to-back goals, giving the Bears a comfortable 5-1 lead. The Bears again continued to charge past Vermont’s defense and made another shot attempt, only to come up short thanks to a good save from goalie David Barton.

The rest of the period was filled with multiple shot attempts on Barton and a lack of action for Brown’s goalie.

In the last three minutes of play, junior Drew Philie helped Vermont get back on their feet, scoring for the Catamounts.

Vermont earned possession right out of the next face-off and charged Brown’s goal. In control of the ball, Worley shot and sank

ALEX EDELMAN The Vermont Cynic

Junior attack Drew Philie storms past a Brown defender in UVM’s loss to the Bears, March 24. Going into conference play, the Catamounts sit in fifth place in America East with a 1-7 record on the season. it into the back of the Bears’ net, bringing the score to 5-3.

The Catamounts continued to win possessions and were able to keep it. For the next few minutes UVM fought fiercely to keep control of the ball and to make their plays.

As the last few seconds ticked down, it looked as though the score would be left with the Catamounts trailing by two points. However, with one second left in the half, Piroli scored on Barton, ending the period with the Cats down by three.

Coming out in the third period, with an assist from Worley, Philie earned another goal

Featured club sports team of the week

Hoop Troop Dancing

By Julia Dwyer Assistant Sports Editor

So long to the days that a Hula-Hoop is simply thought of for childish entertainment.

The UVM Hoop Dancing club changes the accessory of our past into a tool to produce an entertaining and athletic performance.

“The club was started five years ago by a student Mona Qa,” said coach Sam Resnicow.

“She was a studio art major and incorporates homemade wardrobe and custom hoops, which makes for a

really impressive performance paired with the Shpongletron Experience on stage.”

Practices for the club team last 90 minutes and offer a full body workout. Hoop dancers use Hula-Hoops to produce a fast-paced dynamic that in addition to offering a healthy work out is also visually stimulating.

The fusion between dancing and hula hooping creates a unique dynamic that is rarely seen in dance performances.

With distinct precision, hoop dancers become alive as they twirl and move almost as a single entity with their hoop. This unique precision creates a vivid performance.

The hoop team does not participate in any formal performances and c o m p e t i t i o n s for

their own division of dance, but the UVM Hoop Troop does participate in after-school programs with King Street Youth Program, performs in the Orchesis Showcase and participates with the Catamount Dance Crew.

Beyond this, the UVM hoop

troop also finds a means to showcase their skills in specialized competitions.

“There is a competition called Hooping Idol…It is international and completely online, based on weekly video submissions that are themed,” said Resnicow. “I participated in that competition last year and placed second in the world.”

Students who participate in this club also reach out to the community. The UVM hoop troop participates in Hoopapalooza, an event for kids and adults run by the Rotary Club.

The combination of athleticism and entertainment that comes about through hoop dancing creates an environment that is conducive to all types of people.

“We’re an incredibly nice group who like to jam out with hoops and incorporate new tricks that are much more than just spinning a hoop around your waist,” Resnicow said.

“Knee-hooping, elbow-hooping, head-hooping, multi-hooping, we do it all.”

“We encourage anyone who is interested or would just like to see what hoop dancing looks like to come to a practice, Tuesday 8:45- 9:45 or Sunday 2-4 in the dance studio,” she said. “There are no tryouts and we are always looking for new members.”

for Vermont. Possession continued to switch back and forth as neither team was able to hold control.

With two minutes left, Worley made what would be the last goal for the Catamounts. By the end of the third period, Brown had secured a comfortable lead, outscoring the Catamounts 9-5.

Throughout the fourth period UVM was unable to hold possession of the ball as both their offense and defense began to fall apart.

“I think we just got to stay positive and keep rolling. We have one win; if we get a couple more we’ll be real positive,”

sophomore Connor McNamara said.

Before the end of the game, Brown scored yet another five points, advancing their lead to a solid 14-5, leaving the Catamounts trailing far behind.

“Our guys understand that [conference games] are still what we’re fighting for,” head coach Ryan Curtis said. “If we were 6-1 right now that wouldn’t change what we do going into the conference.”

The Catamounts will go on to play their first conference game against the fourth seeded Stony Brook next Saturday, March 31 at 1 p.m.

Sports Briefs

By Mike Eaton Sports Editor

Lalonde leaves women’s basketball program Junior guard Kristine Lalonde has announced that she will be leaving the Catamounts’ women’s basketball team and will not be returning next season.

Head coach Lori Gear McBride stated in a UVM Athletics release that Lalonde’s interest in leaving lies in her desire to be closer to her hometown in Canada. Returning to Canada to play will also give her two more seasons of eligibility, as opposed to one more if she were to stay in Vermont.

Lalonde has been a key component to the Cats’ success in recent years, as she helped her team to an America East Championship, an NCAA tournament bid and the program’s first NCAA tournament game win in the 2009-2010 season.

UVM championship parade set for April 15 The Vermont ski team and men’s basketball teams will be honored April 15 with a championship parade down Church Street.

The ski team took the top spot in the country on March 10, winning the NCAA tournament by a record-breaking margin over second place Utah.

The men’s basketball team was named America East Champions on March 10, and went on to win their second NCAA tournament game in program history.

The parade will start at 12 p.m. and make its way down Church Street.

Women’s world hockey championships to be held at UVM The 2012 Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships will be held in the UVM sports complex.

The tournament will feature teams from many countries, from Canada and the United States to Germany, Slovakia and Russia.

Last year’s winner was the United States and they will look to defend their title, while second-place Canada will hope to add to their all-time lead of nine world championships to the United States’ four.

The event will take place from April 7 to 14, featuring four matchups each day and a playoff series that will begin on April 11, primarily in Gutterson Fieldhouse.

16

S P O RT S

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012

Outdoor season starts

By Jeremy Karpf Staff Writer

B er t A b b e y 1869-1 9 6 2

Graduation Year 1891

Induction Year

Sport

1969

Position Pitcher

Baseball

Quote

“Baseball’s okay in college, but no place for a man with a brain!”

Biography Bert Abbey was a member of the original Hall of Fame inductees, the oldest member in the Hall of Fame with a graduation year of 1891. Abbey was a member of the “Wonder Team,” UVM’s first legitimate varsity squad that played National League professional teams and nearly won what is known as the precursor to the NCAA tournament.

Abbey reshaped the UVM team, becoming their coach, captain and star pitcher. After graduating from Vermont, he signed with the Washington Senators in 1891. He then went on to play for the Pirates, White Sox and Brooklyn Dodgers before ending his professional career in 1896.

As temperatures begin to rise, the Vermont men and women’s outdoor track and field season has started. On Saturday March 24, the team competed in their first competition of the season, a non-scoring Northeast Spring Open at Solomon Outdoor Track in Dedham, Mass.

Graduate student Kate Leugers came in second in the 10,000-meter run, leading the performance by the women’s outdoor distance team with junior Kathryn Martin and sophomore Kori Krichko finishing in eighth and ninth respectively. Junior Sara Campbell also came in 13th in the 1,500-meter run in a time of 5:05.53.

In the field events, Vermont looked strong as well. Reigning America East Outstanding Rookie first-year Nika Ouellette came in second in the javelin, tossing it 44.56 meters, more than four meters further than the third place throw. Teammate senior Elyse Ogletree placed eighth in the same event.

Senior Jocelyn Ferland placed third in the discus, while fellow senior Lisa Bunn placed seventh.

To round out the women’s field team, first-year Kelsie Benjamin finished in a tie for sixth in shot put with a mark of 10.30 meters in her first collegiate outdoor competition.

On the men’s side, seniors Sam Hoardley and Mike Grubert both finished in the top five in javelin, placing third and fifth respectively. Sophomore Tyler Par-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALASTAIR INGRAM

Senior Mike Grubert tosses a javelin in an event, March 24. The men are projected to finish eigth in AE and the women fifth. ent placed seventh in discus and senior Peter Foley placed eighth in shot put and 15th in hammer throw.

Vermont track and field saw the women’s team finish a strong fourth at the America East Indoor Championships last indoor season. The team set a school and meet record in the 4x800-meter relay and sophomore Yolanda

Ngarambe won the 800-meter run.

The Catamounts return to action as select members of each team head to North Carolina for the Duke Invitational on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7.

Other Vermont athletes will compete at the UMass Invitational in Amherst, Mass. on April 7 beginning at 11 a.m.

athletetweets Nothing better than grilling out and relaxing with the whole team. #countrymusic #teambonding

Nick Bruneteau

Sophomore defenseman for UVM men’s hockey @BruneteauDrags

Just thinking when I was in BOSTON/ paul use 2 tell me: either he’s going 2 score, get fouled or get an a assist! LOL the Truth/ competitor

Tony Allen

Shooting guard/small forward for the Memphis Grizzlies @aa000G9

Bak Bak beat me in a landslide in the NCAA coolest name contest with 81% of the vote. Is that comparable to losing by 40 or 50? #waytoocool

Clancy Rugg

Sophomore forward for UVM men’s baskebtall @ClancyRugg